Nathan says (3.5 - Almost)

Some of my favorite quotes from Nathan lately:

Me: "Ugh, I just don't have the energy for this, right now!" (probably something to do with him stalling) 

Nathan: "Oh, Mom! I can give you some of my energy!" 

(Oh, if only you could, Nathan. If only you could.) 

"Mama, don't itch yourself. It'll make you red." (This is true, but I had no idea he had realized this.)

"I like eating my burps. I like how the taste." 

"I like the way the bumps feel on my bum." (When going over the wake in the boat)

Nathan: "Dad, don't be such a slow poke."

Brian: "You're a slow poke!" 

Nathan: "I'm not a slow poke! I'm a fast poke!"

I keep meaning to write a post about Nathan at almost 3.5 so maybe now is the time. Let me just say that 3 can be a challenging age to raise a polite, calm, and well-behaved boy, (for us anyway) but it is also an age that is fascinating and thrilling to watch. Nathan can go from being the best company in the world (it happens at home, but he really shines when he's 1:1 with one of us out and about without Vivian to detract attention) to acting like a mental patient with no self-control or emotional regulation (often when he's tired, hungry, and competing for attention). It's almost like he's 3! 

He loves Vivian most of the time, except for when he doesn't. He often shares his toys nicely, and bringing her things she might like, teaching her things, encouraging her (often to misbehave "Run, Vivi! Mom's got a diaper for you!"), and saying things like, "Vivi's my best friend. I love her so much." He also has moments where "This is too sharp for Vivi" and "No, that's my toy." Sharing can be hard. I think this is also compounded by the fact that Vivian does get a lot of attention for her cheerful and goofy manner. She's little, has curly hair, and generally appealing, so he fights for every scrap of attention available. I see so many mom-posts of children similar ages playing so nicely together and seemingly never getting into it. I'm here, owning the fact that sibling rivalry is a very real thing up in here, and we're still working on it. 

He has been particularly "Mom" focused the last few months which is a welcome change from the "Dad" year from 2-3. He loooooooooves me and is not afraid to tell me. :) That said, I also seem to be the one he feels most comfortable to be truly insane with. I'll take it as a compliment. I am sure that there are some 3 year olds out there that never pinch, hit, bite, yell, etc. but I have one of the normal ones. Thankfully, the sweet hugs, kisses, and generally lovey-ness FAR outweighs the nasty and watching his mind develop has been a sight to see.

He still loves cars and trucks, and he's periodically willing to extend that love to things train and plane related. He's starting to show a little more interest in drawing (I think because Vivian likes doing it so much and he has company now), though his idea of a picture is mostly just scribbles with no real representational value. Let's just say, he would fail the draw a person test with flying colors. I have decided to not concern myself with this one bit until he's at least 4. 

He's great at building extensive structures (maybe I should have him build a person?) and blocks still hold his attention when we get them out. His imagination continues to be one of my favorite things about him, and I love overhearing the dialogues he creates when he's playing independently. There is a LOT of rescuing going on. His trucks find themselves in the worst situations these days. 

He still has an amazing sense of humor and can make me laugh when I least expect it. His giggle is one of my favorite sounds on Earth. 

I do adore this boy.