Thank heavens for "Papas"!

For my birthday a few weeks ago
(yep, sadly enough I can no longer say that I'm "30, flirty, and thriving")
my wonderful husband spoiled me with many fabulous gifts, and a weekend getaway to Branson, Missourri. My sweet in-laws drove up and joined us for the trip, treated us to some delightful dishes and a very exciting musical of Noah. It was a wonderful weekend and I'm so blessed to have such thoughtful and loving family and friends, REALLY... thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes and gifts, they were much appreciated.
While in Branson we decided to go swimming in the pool at the condo. I really enjoy swimming, getting in a swimsuit... not so much, but swimming has always been a delightful treat. However.... I happen to be the mother of two young boys who, to put it nicely, freak out every time a little bit of water touches their heads or faces. Yes, bath time is always filled with fun shrieks and thrashing. Ugh.
Needless to say, I was expecting much of the same bath time "enjoyment" while in the pool.
Sadly, my expectations were fulfilled.
Blayne did his signature whine and held on to whomever was holding him like he was trying to squeeze the life out of them. Xander really enjoys the water, but only if it stays a safe distance away from his head area.
Then a miracle named Papa Beck came into play. With some gentle and loving encouragement from Papa my little Xander began putting his face in the water to blow bubbles, practicing swimming strokes and kicks, and then (to my great surprise) ended up swimming from Papa all the way to the side of the pool all by himself! He would go underneath the water, kick his legs, move his arms, and then pull himself up onto the side of the pool. I was not only shocked but proud. This may seem insignificant to some but for me it was a BIG DEAL.
Blayne even got to the point where he was splashing the water with his hands and not whimpering every time a little got near his face (I think he was trying to impress a little girl playing near by, little flirt!).
Since our vacation, bath time has been significantly less horrifying and filled with much more smiles than tantrums. Blayne still hates getting his hair washed but the thrashing is down to a bare minimum while I wash it, and he is enjoying splashing more and more with each bath.
Xander is doing remarkably well. In fact, the day after we got home from our little vacation we were in the bath when Papa Kendell called to say hi. Xander got so excited and wanted to tell Papa all about his adventures in Branson, especially all about swimming with his other Papa. While telling my dad about his swimming fun... my wonderful, insightful dad answered with
"Xander, I am so proud of you for doing something that was so scary to you. How great of your Papa Beck to help you discover something so fun. You know, you can even do some of those things while taking your bath. You can lay on your back and let the water wet your head, and you can still blow bubbles from your mouth. Just make sure mommy or daddy is there to watch you." Upon hearing this Xander quickly decided to test Papa Kendells theory and laid on his back allowing the water to cover his hair. This was quickly followed with "Look Papa! Look! I do it!" To this day, laying down and relaxing in the tub is a must for my little man (much to Blaynes dismay, especially when Xanders legs and feet end up on top of him or in his 'space').
I am so grateful to have such wonderful, loving role models in our lives. As if my boys weren't lucky enough to have the best dad and friend in Zach, then we go and give them the best "Papas" anyone could ask for. I apologize to all for taking the two best "Papas" for ourselves, and that they chose to marry the two best "Nanas" around, call me selfish. I hope you all can make due with your semi-fabulous grandparents.




* "Mini-Zach" enjoying his bath time relaxation *

Partners in crime? Or every man for himself!!

There was once a special time of day,
when a certain mother used to say...
"It's time for your brother play time today!"
And upon those words, two sweet little boys,
would join each other for fun and joy.
They would sit and play, do puzzles, and read.
All while their mother took some time to breathe.

But Alas.... that time has come to an end. Yes, my brilliant plans have been THWARTED. THWARTED I tell you!
Why? Because a certain little nugget has learned to climb.
While walking down the hall I heard...
Blayne: "Up, up, up, up"
and then...
Xander: "Wow, Blayne. You a good climber."

After halting in my tracks and slowly turning around to process what I had just heard, I quickly ran into Xander's room to find Xander up on the top bunk, cheering his little brother on with great enthusiasm, while "mini me" excitedly took one step at a time saying "Up!" with each step. I nervously watched him reach the tip of his Mount Everest and took great joy in the sweet embrace that he and his brother shared to celebrate his great achievement. Then my heart sank a little as I realized that I could no longer allow them to simply play by themselves in Xander's room without supervision.
And for those of you saying...
"Just close the door so you won't be worried." You obviously don't realize how freakishly tall my little guys are, and how mechanically inclined they are. **Or in other words... He has learned to open doors.**

Enter sigh here, and realize how wonderful it is that I have two boys that are so loving, and supportive of one another. Don't I?
Which leads me to story number two....


The other morning while the boys were watching Sesame Street, I decided to go put away some laundry in my bedroom. As I came walking back to the front room the boys were no where to be seen, and I heard this coming from the kitchen...
"Hurry Blayne-ie, help clean up! Mommy be so mad when she sees this mess you make."
*Never, a good thing for a mom to hear.*
As I peaked around the wall my eyes focused on the large lake of water all over the kitchen floor, and poor little Xander on his hands and knees with a dish towel in each hand frantically trying to clean up the floor. The obvious culprit of the mess, Blayne, was standing to the side dancing to some music, with a water trail all along the side of his body- the result of inching on his tippy toes to reach the water button on the front of the fridge. Judging from the amount of water that was on the floor and on his head, I imagine he had held the button down for quite some time. As I stepped into view, Xander's eyes began to bulge and he quickly pointed towards Blayne and yelled "Blayne-ie do it!!"
Yes, that sweet little boy who was willing to get on his hands and knees to clean up a mess that he didn't make, gave up his little brother in a heart beat. Basically, those out there thinking Xander will be your scape goat... better find someone else to take your heat. He's so sweet however that he'd probably be more than willing to help you clean up your mess.

I got you.

For the last few days my knee has been in utter, and complete pain. I can barely even bend it without experiencing extreme pain (and no, I am not exaggerating or being a drama queen for added effect). While in the middle of a pain filled moment, crying on the couch, I suddenly felt two sweet little hands cupping my face, lifting it upwards. Then our eyes met. My tear filled eyes looking straight into the sweetest, brightest, compassion filled eyes of my little three year old.
"Mommy? You crying?"
"Yes, honey. Mommy crying."
"Mommy, you hurting?"
"Yes, honey. Mommy's knee hurts."
"Your knee hurt? Don't worry mommy. I got you. It be okay. I got you."
He then proceeded to put his arms around me and gently pat my back.
'I GOT YOU.' No sweeter words have ever been said. Especially when accompanied by the sweetest little three year old voice ever.
He moved my hair from my face, kissed my cheek, and gently whispered...
"Don't worry, it be okay. I got you. I be right back."
He came back a few seconds later with his Incredibles ice pack which he placed on my hurt knee, and after a few seconds of icy goodness informed me that I was "All better!"
It's always nice to know that someone has my back, or in this case.... knee.