Nature vs Nurture

This debate has been for years. Dane's big brown eyes and Baby's fair skin are from nature. The waters get a bit murky when it comes to behavior, intelligence, and personality. I've been thinking about this because my second baby was born a kind, gentle, old soul and my first baby was the complete opposite, hard to please, loud, and ready for war. Now that Dane is 2.5 years old, he is still a wild mustang, but AT TIMES is a great listener, optimistic, caring, rational, and very smart. So are these characteristics starting to shine through because of nurture? I'd like to think that all the hard work is paying off. But it wasn't until I had baby #2 that I realized how much I could instantly love someone. Baby will stare endlessly into your eyes for as long as you'll allow. He'll chuckle out loud if talk to him. He absolutely loves being in our arms and part of our family. I can comfortably say he is appreciative of his family and surroundings... and he's only 3 months old. With Dane, I constantly felt like a failure. No matter what I did, he screamed at the top of his lungs in my face as if he were saying, you are getting me/ it all wrong. And maybe I was. With it being my first baby, I'll admit I wasn't emotionally prepared for constant maintenance of caring for another person. Maybe my timing was off with him and it was my poor nurturing vs. his nature? Honestly I don't think so. I'm an overachiever so I tried and tried and tried to get it right. I'm glad Dane came first because I was more prepared for baby #2. I knew my children would be different, but I never comprehended that they could be total opposites. The question is..... will baby #2 become a terror at 2 years old? I just can't see it happening, but only time will tell. I hope I can nurture both my children into loving, caring, HAPPY adults because I love them both so very much. :) I would post more current photos but don't have time to download them right now. We're going to get Dane's haircut in a few.

Social Stigmas

I asked my son if he wanted to paint an old rocking chair that I got from my mother's barn. Of course he said yes. Then I asked him what color. He said, "pink". Well we haven't painted the rocker yet but will before the summer is over. Why do I hope he changes his mind and wants to paint it blue or green? So my neighbors won't mistakenly think I have a girl? Dumb. I don't want to teach my boys that they have to be a certain way. In fact, I want them to be able to cook, clean, and everything else society assumes is the "woman's role". If I succeed, they will become better adults and better mates.

Yeah I know, easier said than done. Well, at least he'll be able to make a calzone.

AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR!!!!!!!!!

He is sooooo very sweet. Too busy to write anything else. :-)

Pottery Class

This is one of my favorite adventures I've done with Dane so far. I love doing freestyle ceramics. I took 2 classes in college and must say they were 2 of my favorite and most memorable classes. It's like therapy; my mind is lost in the fun and totally in the moment. We have our second class today and it's still so icy outside. I'm worried about falling seeing how I'm already off balance with my big belly, but I don't want to miss the class. The plan is to be extra careful, leave early, and have patience. :)

Today

If someone would have asked me 10 years ago where I want to be in 10 years... I would have said exactly where I am today. Feeling blessed.

Staying cool

Wowzer, this has been a hot summer!! We haven't let the heat and humidity stop us from enjoying the outdoors. We get outside everyday. Usually in the mornings, we go to some sort of mom's group function or hit a local playground. Then in the evenings, we take a long walk or bike ride with Daddy followed by some sprinkler time. Dane eats, sleeps and all around has a better attitude if he does something physical. He's not too much into doing crafts, coloring, painting, etc yet, but I'm sure that day will come. This morning he found a friend that wanted to play follow the leader. Everything Dane did, this boy did after him. Dane loved it. He's a natural leader and I believe he might be the President of United States one day. :D

Ballgame

He went to his first ballgame. It was to see the minor league baseball team, the Columbus Clippers. Uncle Bruce gave us tickets to sit in his suite. Dane really didn't know what was going on with the game, but he had a blast hanging out with Daddy and his grandparents. He even lasted until about 8:30pm which is late for him. This marks the beginning of many I'm sure. His dad is a sports freak. As soon as Dane is potty trained, they'll be off on their own going to football games, basketball games, etc. etc. etc.

Starting the night off with some fries = yummy to my tummy!

Spidey came along.

I can't decide who is more handsome.

HAPPY!

Until this guy showed up!