Back to school!

School is back in session and the kids are both loving their new teachers, classrooms and friends. They are still at First Baptist, which has been such a blessing over the last year, and Gray began 3k (or "old 3's as they call it) while Hayes began 2k. Gray is really taking his new responsibility as one of the oldest in the class seriously, resulting in MUCH-improved behavior and consistently good reports from his teachers. They too have learned that behavior charts and positive reinforcement are truly the way to go with him...that boy LOVES an "atta boy!". I'm not sure whether it's the recent haircut or a true growthspurt, but I feel like I am watching him grow into a "big boy" right in front of my eyes. While he is crazy as all get out, mischevious in every way, tempermental, neurotic/obsessive compulsive, and a TERRIBLE eater, he is also so many wonderful things that Adam and I cherish.....he is dangerously smart, wildly creative, wickedly funny, inquisitive, and so, so loving. I fall more and more in love with every age and stage he enters and am so excited for all that the future holds.

The minute Hayes turned two, I'm convinced that she decided to run through the checklist of "terrible twos" behavior and make sure she demonstrated each of them with all her might. She is throwing tantrums, biting (or attempting to bite) when she gets mad, asking "why" every opportunity she gets, getting picky about clothes and food, and showing signs of separation anxiety for the first time. But I melt when I watch her "mother" her baby dolls, mimic Gray's every move and sound, and fill with giddy excitement when we go somewhere fun or she sees someone she loves. She is already way too big for her britches, begging to put Mommy's make-up on in the morning, insisting that her "bopper" get changed the minute she tinkles, and literally outgrowing her crib. She has already christened the operating room table, getting her first (and hopefully last) set of stitches in her head last week after slipping in her socks, resulting in a dent in her forehead. She is learning to do so much on her own like getting into her car seat and chair by herself, putting her shoes on her own feet, and following simple commands. She knows most of her colors, can count to 5, and is speaking in 2 or 3 word sentences. Where has my baby gone? Sigh....

My "Adoorables" etsy shop has started to take off, with 18 orders during my first month as well as three requests to wholesale at retail boutiques. I am still having a lot of fun designing new items, fulfilling people's requests, and learning the ins and outs of a small business. The new blog, Facebook page, and etsy shop is a lot to juggle but I feel blessed to take on this new challenge. Check me out at the links below:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/eop1015?ref=si_shop
http://adoorablesdoorhangers.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adoorables-Door-Hangers/164464123620942


That's all for now so until next time...
The Pattersons