Braden at the age of 3.4 is not only a big brother and a pre-schooler, but he is also a patient, kind, caring, fun, excited, active, adventurous, inquisitive and imaginative child. In the winter months, we spend more time indoors obviously, so Braden has really been into coloring and building different things with his Lego's like boats and dinosaurs. The past month or so was a little rough for Braden. He had a single-ear infection along with a terrible cold, which went right into a double-ear infection with a bad cough, congestion and a few days of a fever. He was not himself for a few weeks. It was hard for me to see him with mood swings and crying in pain some days. I am happy to report that he is back to normal and is active and happy as before!
At school, Braden continues to enjoy the art projects, games and reading time. The teacher says he is the kid that always asks for one more book, which he also does at home so that is no big surprise. We spend time each day looking at books and playing "I spy" where he will tell me to find something that he sees in the book and I have to find it and we take turns back-and-forth.
Braden is phasing out his naps these days, unless it's just a stage for now. At first I was a little bummed since Liam needs to take a nap anyway, so it's not like we can stay out and play during that time. But now that I have seen how well he sleeps on the "no nap" days I am OK with it. He will sleep 12 hours, which includes a little more quiet time for Mom at night and more time to sleep in for Mom too :) We call it "quiet time" now, so he still goes up to his room and reads books or plays with his blocks quietly until I come get him (usually 60 or 90 minutes later). On the really active mornings, he may fall asleep on his own but that only happens once or twice a week now. Braden sure is growing up fast too! Next year he will attend 2 days of preschool. He will be in preschool one more year after that though due to his fall birthday. It seems so far away, but yet I know that day will be here before I know it.
Braden is mama's little helper, always helping me when I need an extra hand. He is thoughtful by sharing snacks with friends or bring Liam his favorite toy. Yes, he also fights over toys with his brother. But overall, Braden is pretty patient, a good listener and willing to help. I am so thankful for him! With the boys being so young and physically demanding, it's a bit easier that I have Braden as my right hand. With my teaching schedule, on top of keeping the kids fed and house cleaned and laundry and groceries done (just to name a few), I am physically exhausted at the end of each day. With Braden around, it's a little less exhausting as he is learning to do more things on his own and he is so kind to help me out when I need it. He also makes me laugh with his silliness sometimes. I love way he gets so excited to do things like throw the football in the house with me or go on one of our adventures. Braden is turning into a little man and I hope and pray he stays sweet and kind. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment