Chivalry at Four..

Hayden is such a sweet little boy. Almost every time we go outside he picks one of the purple petunias from our front flower bed to give to me. "I picked a flower for you, Mom," I sweetly hear. He remembered after so long ago his Daddy taught him to pick a flower for his Mommy. It always stuck with him. I think he always longs for the smile it brings even after sometimes difficult days. I kept meaning to post about this long ago but this was the first night I was able to get a picture with him holding the flower. He likes to see me tuck in my hair behind my ear. Little E is even starting to catch on but I think he just appreciates ripping a flower out of the flower bed without being told no - he he. I am so thankful they have such a wonderful Daddy who is setting a good example and teaching them how to someday treat their own wives.

Oh, Brother!!!

As with all siblings, we love one another but drive each other crazy sometimes. As little E gets older and is more able to play with his brother and his treasured belongings, the frustration on both sides is emerging more and more. One minute they are chasing each other laughing, the next minute and I am hearing screaming and crying as one of them flees to Mommy for resolution.
Unfortunately my little E without proper verbal skills at this age has picked up biting as a way to communicate anger towards his brother. I understand this is common in toddlers of this age but I have not dealt with this before - Of course Hayden did not have an older brother to antagonize and take away toys he wants to play with so badly. I am working hard with my boys to teach Evan to not bite but also teach Hayden not to tease or run after things he sees Evan going for. It is definitely challenging but I am confident we will get through this stage hopefully very soon.
Getting to the point of my post -Hayden was at least able to provide me some unintentional comic relief today during one of their "encounters". They were building together sweetly a fun little tower with their "Pop'ems" (kind of a baby version of legos) when all of a sudden things went suddenly downhill. Evan decided it would be fun to knock over the beautiful tower they had just built together. I saw rage come over Hayden's face as he yelled,"Mommy, WE PICKED OUT THE WRONG BABY!" It took everything I had not to laugh. I started to explain again that we did not just pick Evan out at the hospital and that God had given him a very special brother to love forever. He stills just thinks we got him from the doctor's office. (I think Hayden totally forgot about me ever being pregnant.) Before I could even finish Hayden tells me, "Mommy, we picked out the baddest baby!" This is as he sees Evan going back for round 2 of knocking down their great little tower. This of course led to a whole other heart to heart discussion between Hayden and I but I had to get this little blurb out there....It cracks me up some of the things he comes up with.
With all that being said, I can see their love growing for each other each and everyday.

These beautiful photos were taken by my friend, Tammy.
I will treasure them forever!