Growing Boys

Levi and Micah both had birthdays several weeks ago! I already shared the birthday pictures, but also wanted to share a little snapshot into each of their lives.

MICAH

First, the one year old! Micah Charles, it is hard to believe your first year is already past! Though I'm not sure I would want to go back and relive it all, it sure is fun to watch you grow into your own little personality! We love all your giggles, that sweet dimple, and all of your orneriness. You get around very well on those two little feet-almost too well, but it makes you look so grown up!

Ever the adventurous and daring one, we never know if it is you who is trying to keep up with your big brother, or your big brother who needs you to pave the road for some of the more daunting tasks in life - going down to the basement by yourself, running into unfamiliar rooms, playing with snow. He is glad you are there to try it first to make sure he won't get hurt.

You are starting to learn how to help me out a bit and are quite proud of yourself for each small accomplishment, like throwing your diapers away, picking up your toys, or putting the plates on the table for dinner. Yay! You clap your hands and cheer with a proud grin.

A few words are starting to become recognizable to us: Num-num, Da-da, Ma-ma...and I may have even heard the beginnings of Micah the other day when you pointed at yourself in the mirror and said, "Ca-ca!"

Your hearty appetite keeps us busy at mealtime, as you won't let us rest until your tummy is full! You are now done nursing, sleeping consistently through the night, and taking at least one nap a day that we usually try to line up with big brother's so Mommy can have a break. Though you typically have a cheerful and laid back countenance, you have also been working hard at popping out teeth and that sometimes has you in a rough mood.

You and your brother are starting to learn to play together, though hopefully we will keep seeing more progress in this department! He likes to be the one in charge, and you usually take it quite nicely. Bath time is the time you get along the best. It is nice that you are close together in age, because you both tend to find amusement and entertainment in the same things.You are both so blessed to have one another!

LEVI

Photos courtesy of Uncle Zach Schulz

Next, we have the big brother who is two years old now! Levi Matthew, you are growing up too fast. If Micah is our daredevil, you are our intellect. Those glasses couldn't have fit a better personality! Ever the early talker, you are always wanting to make sense of things and are very quick to pick up on anything we teach you. I don't think very many new two-year-olds have mastered their ABCs and numbers quite like you! Mommy has lots of fun teaching you new things.

Your love for music is so precious to us, too! We love hearing you sing along with all of your favorite songs, and I often find you singing to yourself throughout the day. What a joy to always have a song on your heart!

Some of your favorite things are your blankie, books, tools, cheese, and Daddy. You aren't always a very big eater, but also are not very picky as long as we don't try to feed you too many veggies! You sleep great during the night and usually take a nice afternoon nap for Mommy!

You like to be involved in whatever Mommy or Daddy is doing, and love to feel useful if there is any way you can help us out! You are also quite particular and don't like to see anything out of order. At suppertime, I can count on you to have all of the cups and silverware right in their proper places when you set the table. After we finish eating, you make sure every chair gets pushed back into its rightful spot. It drives you quite bonkers when Micah helps you out and doesn't put things where they belong! It's a good thing we have you around to keep everything in line.

We can't wait to see the wonderful plans God has for your lives and are praying that we can do our part as parents to raise you up for His work. He has been so good to us in giving us you boys!