Project 365 ~ Day 6 ~ Jo-jo

Joel started saying something new today! He figured out how to tell me he wants something. I will start off by telling you that Joel has many nicknames. The nicknames started when he was little with Joely, Joely-poly which turned into Roly-poly, which then turned into Joely-poly-oly. After that he earned the nickname Curly because his hair was so curly and Monkey Boy because he climbed everything. A few months ago my mom wanted to give him a name he could say, so she started calling him Jo-jo (Joel calls Jonny "Jon-jon", so we knew he could say Jo-jo). It is so cute when he calls himself Jo-jo! Today he figured out that if he wants more food all he has to do is hold out his plate and say "Jo-jo". He figured out this also applies to a lot more than just food. So he has been going around the house pointing at things he wants and saying "Jo-jo". It is fun to watch him figure out the world around him. I thought you should know, I can't resist a picture with all three boys in it. I love that they have each other and they are so close. Joel was so cute kissing Jonny. I find it interesting that the bond between Jonny and Joel (5-year age gap) is very different than the bond between Joel and Jason (2-year 2-month age gap), and again different from the bond between Jonny and Jason (2-year 9-month age gap). Jonny and Jason are best friends. Joel's bond with Jonny is very special. Jonny is the big brother, he takes care of Joel, he helps him and teaches him. Jonny sleeps next to Joel and the first thing Joel does in the morning is wake up Jonny with kisses and banging or sitting on his head, pulling on his ear, etc. Joel looks up to Jonny and thinks he is the greatest thing, showering him with kisses and hugs often. Joel's relationship with Jason is a little different. Joel loves playing with Jason, although he get jealous easily. Jason likes to try and be the big brother Jonny is, but because they are much closer in age, Joel won't have it. When Jason tries to take Joel somewhere, Joel squeals and sits down in protest. When Jason tries to love on him, Joel sometimes kisses and hugs him back, and other times pushes him away. Jason is such a sweet, affectionate boy and sometimes I feel bad for him because Joel doesn't always love him back the way he wishes. I believe Joel thinks a lot of what Jason does is bossy. The boys all have their occasional squabbles, but they get along the majority of the time and love each other deeply.

So sweet!

Project 365 ~ Day 5 ~ Zip Line and Bunny Love

So I don't know where this idea came from, but the boys wanted to make a zip line. They bought the zip thingy a few days ago and used one of Daddy's ropes. Of course, Daddy helped them. They had fun going down it several times each. After that it was Daddy's turn to go down the zip line, so he did. I am so sad I went inside and didn't get to witness it (or take pictures) because the story I heard later at dinner was that the rope broke and Isaac fell on his bum from several feet up. No more zip line. I guess they'll have to get a stronger rope.

And while they were doing this, what else would Joel be doing but playing with Snowball (or as Joel calls him "Dumball"). He is so in love with this bunny!

Project 365 ~ Day 4

Getting ready for my friend's wedding today, Jason said somewhat dismayed "Mommy, I look like a banana!" I have no idea where he came up with that...but it gave me a good laugh! He was adorable in his suit.

Project 365 ~ Day 3

I looked over at Joel today as he sat in his highchair, and he gave me a huge grin. He is so sweet, cute and beautiful. I admire him every day. He has these gorgeous dimples that I love to kiss just to the side of the left corner of his mouth. (Right side of his mouth in the picture.) The bigger he smiles, the more you can see these beautiful dimples. (And yes, I am a mama in love with her babies...and they will all be my babies as long as I live!)

When his big brothers overheard me telling Joel he was beautiful, they said "MOM...he's a BOY! Boys AREN'T beautiful!" I have to disagree with them, boys CAN be beautiful. :)

Project 365 ~ Day 2

Jonny has a bad cowlick on the back of his head. So we have been keeping his hair short to try and control it. When it starts to grow out, it is really hard for him to smooth it down. He got his hair cut yesterday, so today when he was trying to brush his hair he got frustrated that he couldn't get his cowlick to lay down. He looked at me with a little grin and said "Some cow licked my hair REALLY good when I was really young!" I just cracked up! :)