Randall-Bug-Mr.Man-My Son,
You are three and a half now and the memories of you as a tiny bitty baby are fading quickly. This breaks my heart into a million pieces. I don't remember what your favorite baby foods were. I don't remember the moment you said your first word. I am slowly forgetting your exact birth story as well. These things are all documented in your baby book but our life right now fills my brain and those things that happened 3 years ago are not as clear. I very much so wish I would have blogged when you were younger. I feel like I have forgotten so much now that there are three kids in our house now. I am starting to document things on this blog now so I will be able to share them with you later.
My son, you are a JOY to be around. 95% of the time you are a dream of a child. You hardly ever argue with us and you generally want to do good. Usually if you want something your way we get to teach you about debating and explaining why you want something. Most of the time mom and dad win but there are times that we decide that because you are passionate about it and told us why you want it, you deserve to have it.
You are in the "why" stage. I'm guessing you ask us "why" about 200 times a day. You went through a small phase like this a couple months ago and now you are back in it full force. I try to answer your genuine "why's" with good honesty insightful answers. But then there are some times that I just plain have to ignore you. Now, I don't mean to sound like I don't want to answer your questions but son, you are downright ridiculous with your "why's" sometimes. Here is an example.
Mom- Randall please get dressed, here are your clothes.
Randall- Why?
Mom- Because we are leaving in a few minutes to go to the doctor and you need clothes on.
Randall- Why are we going to the doctor?
Mom- Because you have to see the doctor.
Randall- Why?
Mom- Because you are three now and he wants to see that you are growing big and strong.
Randall- Is it the place with the fish?
Mom- Yes, it is.
Randall- Why do they have fish?
Mom- Because some people like to have fish and children like to look at them.
Randall- Why?
Mom- Because fish are interesting and pretty to look at.
Randall- Why?
Mom- Randall, get your clothes on!
Randall- Why?
You get it? This makes mom crazy sometimes! Most of the time though, you have great questions. Usually if it is a question I think you can answer yourself I ask you "well what do you think?" You almost always answer correctly. This is your problem solving skills at work and I love it!
You are starting to learn how to write letters. You are a dilegent student according to your teacher. Dad and I are so proud of you that you are doing so well in preschool.
You are a wonderful big brother to your sisters. Abigail and Lillian love you very much. Your kindness and thoughtfullness towards them amazes me. You have a warm heart and that makes my heart very happy. Just the other day we were driving down the road and I looked back to see you holding Abigail's hand while she slept in the carseat next to you. You had the warmest smile on your face and it made dad and I feel so blessed to have you.
Your favorite thing to do right now is be at the park or outside playing in the yard. We got you a swingset this summer and you love to swing on it. You don't much care for the slide because according to you it "breaks your muscles". I don't know what you mean by this but we think it's funny when you say it. You have been helping me in the garden lately. You are learning about how plants grow and what they need to survive. You are great at determining if things are ready to be picked yet. Although you do not like radishes, you sure like picking them! I am excited that you want to know about where your food comes from. We do not want you thinking that your food magically get to the store. We put a lot of effort into teaching you about food and making healthy choices. A funny story that shows your heart of gold but also your love for certain foods here:
We recently purchased a half of a cow and a half of a pig. I was explaining to you that we were going to go and pick up the meat from our pig and cow. You thought we were going to go and get the animals and keep them. I gently explained to you that when animals are big that sometimes we use them for food. You did NOT want to have anything to do with eating animals. I reminded you that you eat chicken and pork and beef all the time and that our meat comes from the animals. You informed me that you were only going to be eating salad, tomatoes and cheese from now on. I told you that it is your choice if you want to eat meat or not. I then reminded you that your all time favorite food, bacon, was meat from a pig. You sat in the back seat quiet for a while. Then you said "mom, I guess I will eat salad, tomatoes, cheese aaaaaand bacon". I had quite the laugh after you said that. These are your reasoning skills at work and I love it! You are such a thinker!
Here are some of my favorite qualities about you. You are gentle, kind, FUNNY, loving to animals, understanding, cautious, generous, empathetic, agreeable, energetic and CUTE AS CAN BE! You are a JOY to parent Randall. Everyone who knows you, loves you. You are an amazing son and I am blessed to call you mine.
Love,
Momma
