Monday, July 14, 2014

The End of an Era

Owen turned 2 last Tuesday.  I never really got emotional about it while it was all happening.  But afterwards I've been thinking about the fact that we are really about done with the baby era.  He still sleeps in his crib for now and he's still in diapers, but other than that, the baby stuff is pretty much gone.  I don't have the heart to put away the boppy even though he hasn't nursed in 6 months and I don't rock him to sleep anymore.  Now I rock him and sing him one song before I lay him down awake in his crib.  He always goes to sleep just fine, no fuss or fight.  Owen is usually pretty easy going.  He has reached the terrible twos as far as tantrums go.  He will throw some pretty mammoth fits over some pretty minuscule issues.  But whatever it is, its a big deal to him.  He puts up with a big brother who enjoys antagonizing him.  Ultimately I know it will make him a stronger person.  He's a very affectionate kid, especially compared to his brother who is relatively independent.  I still think the difference there can be chalked up to the way they were both brought into this world.  Emmett, who was born by C-section and spent 5 days in the NICU, the first two without being held by anyone, was never very cuddly.  Owen, who was born naturally and spent only 4 hours in the NICU, after which I held and nursed him round the clock, is very snuggly and affectionate.  Coincidence?  I think not.

I love having boys.  I don't mind at all that I spent the majority of my day playing with cars, trucks, and other vehicles and building tracks to run them on.  It sure beats playing Barbies any day.  And I think its a myth that boys are dirty and love playing in the mud.  My boys don't like to get their hands dirty.  They don't like when their hands are sandy or sticky.  They want their hands and faces wiped periodically during meals.  They are already starting to fight with each other.  They antagonize each other just to get a reaction.  I laugh at them unless anyone is getting hurt or overly upset.  But I am truly loving every minute of raising them and being at home with them.  I wouldn't trade these years for any other years of my life to date.