year three.

happy birthday to our fiercely independant, verbally delightful, very thoughtful, crazy imaginative, and unbelievably loveable three year old.

your keen awareness of the world around you keeps us laughing with your constant commentary on daily life. I don't write down nearly enough, but not a day goes by that you don't surprise us, delight us, or make us laugh. we love that you "blose" your nose and have "prinkley" hands when you get out of the bathtub. 

your memory is good. like scary good. like still telling us the color of everyones' balls when we went mini-golfing in july...and song lyrics? you know them all.

we continue to pray that your little heart grows in love and knowledge of our great God. you ask lots of questions, love night time bible reading, are so sweet with your bowed head and folded hands, and will often say things like, "God and Jesus are the same, did you know that, Dad?"

as a continual reminder of how important order is for you (dad trait.) you refuse to read the 'countdown' book any way but in reverse. because everyone knows you count to ten '1.2.3.4......'

you love your brother. and though sometimes, as of late, that love is a little too...physical...he loves you too. lots and lots.

some favorites: mickey mouse, books, oreos, dancing, sweet potato fries, cars, puzzles, football, swimming, beaches, movies, fruit snacks, orange pop, parks (especially when you have them all to yourself. sharing is not one of your current favorites), helping in the kitchen, and pretending (that you're a doctor, or shopping at "J. Maxx" [tj maxx], or that you're driving Hootie on your "'tend street").

we're so thankful that on this day, three years ago, you made your grand entrance...and made us parents. we. are. so. blessed.

happy birthday, little man.

snapshots

:: horse ride at church
:: who needs a dog when you have a thatcher? he plants himself right under his brother whenever possible.
:: potty training when you're super independent = pants problems.
:: family nap
:: neighbor's new driveway
:: swing lovin'
:: someone may have a better memory than his dad
:: melt.my.heart.

the great debate

11 months

sorry about being mia. life just happened--and blogging didn't.
but to bring everyone back up to speed, here's the one that has crept to the very edge of one year.

favorites: balls, books, doors, the dishwasher, and toilets (have I mentioned that we've been potty training? we're all kind of "in to" toilets lately...).

words: wow, mama, dada, ball, book, what's that (with the finger point--i love this one), all done, Jonah, no, car/truck/train sound (you kind of have to strap your mom ears on for some of these, but you get the idea...).

two new molars.
crawling like a mad man....pulling up on everything.
dancing machine.
oh yeah, and emptying the toy box....always emptying the toy box.

summer recap

amidst a summer that often felt like a blur, there were a couple moments that never made the blog but I still wanted to remember. 

and we've been potty training this week (and trust me, you do not want a play by play of that. and I don't want to give one to you. no need to relive some of these moments) so in lieu/loo (for those of you who like puns) of a potty post--here you go:

:: seeing/meeting longtime friends...whose wedding we had to miss because of Tman's BIRTHday.

:: I played on a coed softball team this summer. and now fall. so fun. and a reminder: I'm a hasbeen.

:: one of many softball injuries. 'hasbeen'--see also 'old, washed up, and very sore the next day'.

:: oldie but goodie. boots.

:: john deeres

:: freezing corn

:: the endless birthday

:: clemens' traditional cake (a little short on frosting...)

:: a joyride in grandpa's birthday present
:: touchdowwwwwn Michigan!

10 months

count 'em. TEN. that's just two months away from a year---oh my.

first haircut (after these photos--really just remedying the puff on top).

 starting to really know what you want (or don't want...in the case of bananas. yes, uncle dan, be proud.)

flirting with the idea of crawling on all fours and pulling up on things, but then deciding that you'd rather stick with the scoot.

which, is pretty efficient. and every time I watch you do it (especially on the wood floor) it reminds me of learning the breaststroke.

pull, (minus the breathe), kick, glide. you've really perfected the glide.

walking? you're really not all that interested. I don't think you're going to be on the 'walk by eleven months jonah plan'. but you've already established that you beat to your own drum--so we're not too surprised.

waving bye-bye, doing 'so big!', still clapping--alot. 

words: mama, dada, a strange sound that means 'jonah' (it's consistent and always excited and with a smile), wow, and ball. speaking of ball, it's really a favorite these days...

pure michigan

and just like that vacation, and seemingly summer, is gone.
but? we surely went out with a bang.
sleeping bears dunes/glen arbor/traverse--yes please.
a steady bike/beach/sunset/park/hike/run/shop/sleep/read/eat/repeat--absolutely.

up north vacation 2012-Large from Rachel Cuthbert on Vimeo.

and so, we pulled in about midnight last night... in time to watch the string of state fans leave spartan stadium elated and wake up to watch gameday with my own pack of wolverines (and hawkeyes!)

goodbye sweet summer--hello fall.