two.

My big boy turned 2 yesterday..

 I would have never referred to him as a big boy until a new little guy recently entered our family (more on that later)..but now I realize that Levi is in fact my big boy.

In some ways it feels like it was just a couple months ago that we brought him home from the hospital, but in other ways, two years feels about right. It's hard to only think about his first two years in relation to his growth - Levi has helped me grow so much that I think two years seems about right!









He is such a sweet little guy who is quite charming at times.  I love getting to hear little snippets of what is going on in his brain now that he is starting to talk more and more (which, if anyone is wondering, is generally along the topics of mommy, daddy, or tractors).  He is learning more and more things like colors, shapes, noises, and opinions.  He can follow simple directions and has recently learned cause and effect - "if you eat your chicken and carrots, then you may have cheese."  He has started playing more independently (bittersweet) and is also playing more pretend or imaginative play.  He is rather obsessed with his tractor, Noah (Little People Noah and the Ark set), and Motorcycle Man, or "meme" for short.  These seem to be the three toys that he consistently comes back to over and over.


He is so good at giving hugs and kisses and loves to tell not only people bye when he or they are leaving, but also tells various toys or objects bye when leaving them or going to bed.  I find it adorable and know that it is a phase. but one that I am enjoying; I find that it reminds me he is still little and not too big yet.  He knows how to say hi as well, but bye is definitely favored.








We had a very low-key celebration for his birthday - I struggled with feeling like we should have done more or at least had some Pinterest-inspired decorations, but our day(s) of celebrating fit where we're at right now as a family.  Earlier in the week, we took him to Billy Beez and I had so much fun watching him play and just experience simple joy in all the fun things offered.  On his birthday, we all had waffles together ("watkles" in Levi language) before heading to the photo booth at the mall.  While at the mall, we asked in Sears for a big box and Levi became the proud new owner of a fort.  We then took him to Toys R Us where we picked up some finger paints.

My dear sweet affectionate Levi - I love you so much.  You gave me the gift of being a mommy and for that I will always be thankful.  You bring me so much joy - and you bring others so much joy as well.  Don't ever stop loving people the way you do even at your very young age.  You are friendly and love making people talk with you..rarely do we see your shy side.  We pray that you will use these traits to be a voice for those who don't have a voice and that you will speak Truth even when its difficult.  You are kind and charming (just like Daddy) and we pray that you will use this to point people to Christ.  Know that we will never stop loving you and that we have had the best two years since you were born.

Summer Recap

I'm not sure how its already the end of October, but here is our summer recap in pictures..

So there's a baby on the way..here is about 20 weeks..

23 weeks..

and just like that..31 weeks!

38 weeks (Halloween)!

Levi and our allium..

Levi and Grandma walking their brooms on Grandma and Grandpa's visit.. 

He is turning into such a big boy!!  Sometimes I get excited for this and sometimes I just want to cry.  This was one of his first times using a big-kid swing instead of the baby swing.  He could often be found wearing his orange hat this summer to keep his sweet little blonde head covered..

Over Memorial Day weekend, we headed down to Delaware to visit Nana and PopPop.  One evening we went to Funland and although I was a bit nervous at first about Levi riding the rides, he had a blast.  He had a huge excited smile almost the whole time on every ride he rode.  This fire truck ride was his favorite..  

Mom and Levi riding the carousel..

Nana riding the hot air balloon ride with Levi and Cousin Addie..Levi is pointing at his favorite fire truck ride that he spotted..

My boys in their stripes..

Dad getting some birthday morning snuggles..

One of our few family pictures of the summer..just about to go out to eat for Clay's birthday while Levi stayed behind..  This picture was supposed to be just me and Clay but Levi backed right up to us and wanted to be in it too :)

How we would often find Levi's toy cars..he is rather particular about certain things concerning his toys. 

We went to the library one morning for a normal visit and found out upon entering that it was a craft day..this is Levi and his fish that we made.  The fish had a googly eye that was probably most entertaining to him.  I would find that eye all over the house until one day I decided the eye had lived long enough..

His old man pose..just hanging in his diaper, legs crossed, eating a snack..

One day I had to go into work for most of the day so Clay took Levi to Billy Beez..a big indoor kids playground.  Unfortunately, they were so eager to get there that they arrived before it opened..so Levi got a carousel ride while they waited..

When the button gets pushed, the balls that have been thrown into the pit get flung out the top..Clay told me that Levi and another little girl were playing with it and the girl wanted to nicely collect all the balls and put them in the pit but Levi wanted to keep pushing the button..

On a side note, check out those curls..  I know they're too long but I miss them when they're gone.  He got a haircut shortly after these pictures were taken..

My big boy!

Levi and Grandpa discussing whatever farmers talk about on their tractors..

We flew to Illinois for a week in August and got to attend a tractor show where Grandpa takes some of his tractors.  Levi loved getting the chance to actually ride the tractors rather than just point at them like usual..

Sweet boy..

Inside the barn at the tractor show..Levi was very intent on holding Case's hand, but Case only tolerated it for so long..

..similar to Addie only tolerating Levi's hugs for so long.

We have a very affectionate little boy :)

 

I did just a little bit of sewing by making all new pillow covers for our throw pillows.  I tend to gain confidence in these little projects so we'll see what's next.

How many warm summer days were spent..Dad and Levi playing in the water!  So thankful Levi has a dad who plays with him and loves on him..

What a great summer we had with just one little one..our final months of being a family of three!