I feel like over the past few weeks I’ve wrote about my oldest and youngest children, but I feel as though I should include one about my middle child. Typical right? Middle child gets written about last. Heh. Well Brady, my middle child, has been going through a phase recently. When he sees my camera, he will either throw his hands up and cry, “NO!” or he will run the other way. I guess he’s had his fill of my camera lately. I don’t blame him. So, that is the real reason for him being featured last in the series.

When I am talking about my children, my stories are typically about Brady. He is now three and having trouble understanding the rules of our home. He’s a good kid, he just marches to his own drum and that drum tends to over ride any decision we, the parents, make. He doesn’t get too out of hand, just typical three year old stuff.

I love this picture above. I feel like that is the way I see my boys. Brady in front leading the charge. He is fearless-absolutely fearless. My oldest is more reserved and cautious, but not Brady. There isn’t anything he can’t do. When he gets in a mood and starts to throw his temper around, I stop and look at him and think, “If he focuses all that towards something productive, he would be unstoppable.” I mean it. That child has more passion and fire in his body than most adults. He is smart, passionate and a true fighting Irishman. I truly admire that about him. This child has a smile that will melt any heart. He has a laugh that makes everyone laugh. He has a hug that can make you close your eyes and wish the moment would never end. I feel truly blessed to have each of my children.

I look forward to 2013 and watching each of them grow and blossom. I wish the same for you and your families! Happy New Year!

:: Mo

Here we are, almost Christmas. My oldest boy, Hayden, is five years old and greatly anticipating for Santa to come. As parents, you slowly ease into Christmas and all that is expected. You do not know how it will go on Christmas morning. Will their eyes sparkle when they see what Santa has left? Will they be disappointed? Hayden is our first born, so all we know, we have learned from him. I am excited for Christmas because of him.

Hayden is a very special child. All children are, but Hayden is extra special. He is sensitive, friendly and always puts everyone else first. He is just like his dad. He acts like an adult and is a pleasure to be around. He is now in Kindergarten and learning more than we ever imagined. He is getting quite the sense of humor.

I look at this boy and remember the many hours of rocking him in the nursery wishing he would just sleep. He loved to sleep in the evening and then be up from 1 AM to 4 AM. I’m not going to lie, it was extremely difficult. He didn’t sleep well for over a year. Once he started interacting more, talking and playing, I stopped focusing on sleeping and started wanting him to stay up so we could be with him. We saw the genuine beauty in his spirit. He is such a nice boy. He’s the oldest of three children and with each new child, he has welcomed them with a gentile rub and a soft, “hello, baby.”

I look so forward to spending the next twelve days of Christmas break just absorbing him. Just watching him wait for Santa and all that comes with it. For this year will be our first year with a five year old. I look forward to seeing his reaction and, just as always, learning more about him and growing myself because of him.

:: Mo