Double Digits, what?

Wait, what? How are you almost TEN years old? Watching you grow up so quickly is both a joy and a little bittersweet because I'm afraid if I blink you will be grown up.

Huston, being a mom to you and Nolan is my favorite thing. I feel so lucky to be your mom and I can't even explain the way my heart swells every time I see you do something kind, learn something new, say something with your quick wit or crawl into my lap. Whenever you get frustrated with something I'm trying to teach you, I ask you the same question. What is my number one job as your mom other than keeping you safe? You roll your eyes and smile because you've had to say it back to me so many times, "To raise two kind, responsible gentlemen." Now, how I do that may change as you grow up and may different between you and your brother. I wasn't born knowing how to be a mom and you weren't born knowing how to be a kind and responsible gentleman. But as long as we both are always trying to be our best things will turn out like they are supposed to.

This past year I have watched you mature so much. You put so much thought into things that it sometimes takes me by surprise. You are branching out and making new friends, and notice when they are or aren't they type of kid you want to be around. You are opening up and telling so many stories, sharing your thoughts on why you think things happen and are so full of questions. You have a desire to learn and figure things out and that makes me so happy because that is something that will make you so successful in life. Although it worries me that you take on too much responsibility for your brother, I also enjoy watching you trying to teach him things and explain things to him. And, you two are genuinely starting to enjoy time together. I mean, don't get me wrong, you do still fight, you are brothers right?

You are about to start fourth grade and you do so well in school. You have an interest in math which is so amazing, because you did not get that from me at all. I hear from your teachers that you are helpful and kind and you love spending time with your friends.

We often have a houseful of your friends. Right now tag, legos, forts and hide and seek can last for hours. I'll admit initially I wanted to be the house where the kids hang out to get to know your friends and be aware of who you spend time with, but I have so much fun listening to your conversations and watching you all play.

Baby boy, I love you so much and am so proud of you every day. You are kind and smart and when you start turning into a hormonal teenager I want you to remember this. Even when things get rough, my love will never change. xoxox

Nolan - January 2019

So very handsome

Nolan Michael Jones, you have grown a bit since my last post to you, I was locked out of my account for almost a year, but I'm back! There is no possible way to catch you up on everything that has happened because you are growing up so fast and learning so much.

You are still as silly and sweet at six years old as you were before. You love cuddles, animals, box forts, games, friends, "shushi", pasketti with meatballs, YouTube videos and your brother. Reading just clicked one day and now you read every word you come across out loud and can spell pretty great too! I love how smart you are but even more so, I love your sweet side. You think about other people's feelings a lot and express your love so freely. Now, that's not to say there isn't a little stinker in you, but the good definitely outweighs the bad.

I absolutely adore that you still have your baby voice, but I can tell that it is slowly slipping away. There are only a few words that still come out in your sweet little way and you get really frustrated that you can't say "girl" right, it comes out more like "glurl". I know you can't be my baby forever but your tiny voice is about the only baby left so I'm loving it while I can.

Shushi date

Mrs. Fuzzypants sleeps on you every night

Barnaby giving you love

I also found out you are a little daredevil. We got season tickets to Frontier City and you wanted to ride ALL the rides. The upside down ones were your favorites! We went as a group one day and I had to take you back by yourself so you could ride them again.

Silver Bullet was two thumbs up

We are still working on getting you to sleep all night in your bed, you usually slip in mine in the middle of the night for cuddles. Our goal is 30 nights in yours in a row and I will buy you a big boy, full-size bed.

This year you have joined Cub Scouts and are a "Lion". So far you haven't done any sports this year, but are talking about t-ball again. I keep trying to get one of y'all to play basketball and it just isn't happening.

I love you sweet boy and am thankful every day that I get to be your mommy!