Love

Zach (putting Briggs to bed tonight):  "I love you, buddy."
Briggs:  "I love cars and trucks...(long pause)...and snow plows...(long pause)... and tractors."

Maybe if he had kept going, we would have eventually made the list.

I sure do love this boy!

And he sure does love his vehicles.

Briggy-isms

Instead of "my", Briggs always says "mine."  As in "I playing with mine Paw Patrol characters."  or "Where mine yellow train?"

Briggs doesn't ask us to hold his hand.  He always says, "Bring mine hand." 

Instead of saying "I don't like it", Briggs says "I can't like it."  If he tries something at a meal that he doesn't care for, he'll hold it out to me and tell me, "I can't like this."  It does sound better, as if he's really, really tried but just can't seem to like it.

When Briggs wants us to pick him up, he'll often say "I want carry me."  (Sort of like a shortened version of "I want (you to) carry me.")  Or he'll just say "Carry Momma" or "Carry Uma" or whoever it is he wants to pick him up.

Briggs calls pizza "Pizza Hut."  If we are having pizza, whether it's at a restaurant or just at home, he'll always say, "I want more pizza hut."  or  "I'm all done this pizza hut."

I think Briggs is confused by "other" and "another."  He will often say, "Where's my nother Squinky?"  or "I want my nother blue car."

"Maybe later" must be an answer I often give Briggs.  Now if we tell Briggs he can't do something or can't have something, he'll often knowingly answer, "maybe later." 

In the same way that I always smile when Adelie asks if it's "bed-night", I love these little Briggy-isms that are a part of our day.  When my kids stop using their cute little sayings or mispronunciations, that is just one more sign that they are growing up.  And I can't like it!

"Carry Uma.  I holding mine digger and mine nother red truck."

Really?!?!

This is what we did this morning...

Oh, and next week is Spring Break.

Really, Illinois?  You've been around a long time.  Don't you think it's about time you figured this out?

Birthday Celebration

This past week-end was Briggs's birthday.  We had a full and fun week-end celebrating our baby boy turning 2.

The birthday boy

On Saturday, our families joined us for a digger-themed birthday party.  It's such a blessing to have amazing, loving family and friends who join us for the chaos of our children's birthday parties time and again.  Briggs's party followed a similar pattern to all the parties that have come before.

There were decorations.

There were games.  The grown-ups had to try to match construction vehicle names to their pictures...

...while the kids threw "rocks" (aka brown socks) into a dump truck.

There were presents.

And, of course, birthday treats.

It was such a fun day!

Sunday was Briggs's actual birthday.  Briggs enjoyed cinnamon rolls for breakfast before church.  He took a 3.5 hour nap after lunch before enjoying some more play time with his new toys.  Briggs enjoyed his birthday dinner of macaroni and cheese (his request), meatballs, cheesy carrots, fruit, and rolls.  It was extra special because Grammie, Grandpa, and Uncle Ethan joined us.  There were a few more presents to open before bath time and bed time.

Showing off his new helmet, dump truck, and rubber ducks.

Although Briggs got so many cool new toys, his new rubber ducks might have just been his favorite.

My baby turned 2...and we had a great time celebrating!

(I love the little photo bomber in the background.  :))

Interview with a 2 year old

*Disclaimer:  Briggs is 2.  If I asked him these same questions in another 10 minutes, he'd probably have different answers.  But these were his answers at the time I asked.  Sometimes I'd have to reword them or ask in a different way so he understood what I was asking.  But all things considered, it seemed pretty accurate.

What's your favorite color?  Yellow
What's your favorite toy?  Paw Patrol toys
What's your favorite show?  Paw Patrol
What's your favorite food?  macaroni and cheese
What's your favorite dessert?  M&M's
Who's your favorite Paw Patrol character? Ryder and Rubble
Who's your favorite train?  Thomas
Who's your favorite princess?  Belle
What do you like to do with Adelie?  Play figurines
What do you like to do with Staley?  Hug Staley
What do you like to do with Mommy?  Snuggle Mommy
What do you like to do with Daddy?  Read Daddy
What do you like to do in the nursery (at church)?  Play Mr. Jason
What is your favorite book?  Peanut Butter and Cupcake
What is your favorite song?  Wheels bus song
What is your favorite thing to play with in the bathtub?  Duckies
What stuffed animal do you like to sleep with?  Spot It  (It's a stuffed dog named "Spot" that Briggs always calls "Spot It", like the game we play.)
What's your favorite shirt?  Train shirt
What are your favorite pajamas?  Trucks

And who's my favorite 2 year old?

BRIGGS!!

Happy Birthday, Briggs!

Two years ago today, our family became complete.  Briggs came into the world and filled our hearts and our home with joy.  He was our sweet, snuggly, easy-going baby boy who was adored by his sisters, cherished by his parents, and loved by all who met him.

In the blink of an eye, Briggs grew up into a sweet, snuggly, easy-going 2 year old.  He is still adored by his sisters, cherished by his parents, and loved by all who meet him.  And he continues to fill our hearts and our home with joy.

Happy Birthday, Briggs!

You couldn't be more loved!!

Proud Moments

Staley told me that they are going to get a new girl in her class at school tomorrow.  She asked, "Can I make her a welcome card to give to her tomorrow when she comes to school?"

"YES!!"  I said.

"YES!!"  said my heart.

"YES!!" said that piece of me that always questions if I'm doing things right.

"YES!!"