Luke.....

.....need I say more?

Taking the Time......

Toddlers are curious little critters.....and Luke is definitely no exception. Our home has a fireplace which we love to use....so warm and cozy sitting together enjoying it as a family.  But of course, fire can be dangerous, so we must give our lovies rules to follow. 

Jared is really good at quenching the curiosity of our lovies. He enjoys taking them aside and explaining things to them....he takes the time to do this. They want to learn, they want someone to take the time to show them how things work.  Having said that, of course Jared always exercises caution whether they are building a campfire or fixing the lawnmower.

I am thankful that their Daddy takes the time with them....even when sometimes it takes much longer when you are explaining something to curious little eyes.  Alot of our learning is by doing...by experiencing. Jared and I  try to include our lovies in as much of our daily duties and chores as possible...taking them along with us....talking, explaining, showing and most importantly letting them help in some way. 

And for me....there is just something super cute when Daddy has a little sidekick soaking up every word he says and willing to help with his eager, adorable chubby toddler hands.

Luke has something to say......

Just a little boy who wanted to thank his Pap Pap and Mi Mi for his new fire engine red rocking chair.

One of the cutest words Luke says is "rocking chair".....I smile every time I hear his sweet munchkin voice say it.

The Little Boy.....

 I have a little boy who is not a baby anymore.....even though I still call him my baby.

I am amazed at his imagination.....

I smile as I listen to his truck sound effects.....

His chubby little hands are a joy to watch as he maneuvers his machines.....

He is content and happy playing with his new toys.....

It's not often that I would describe a child as truly being content.....but in this moment Luke really was. It made me ask myself...am I content with all that God has blessed me with, or am I always wanting more?

My prayer is that God will work in me, and that I will be content in all things.....being thankful right where God has me. Whether that be at home on a good day with my lovies or up all night with a sick little one. Circumstances shouldn't rule my contentment....the Love of Christ in my heart should. 

It's amazing the thoughts that are provoked simply by watching an 18 month old little boy play with his toys. Yes....my lovies have a way of talking to my heart, even if they don't realize it. 

The Little Pencil Pusher....

Usually when I hear Noah say, "Mom, come look at your son!"....it isn't good. But a couple of days ago, I got a big kick out of Luke and his tiny pencil.  

All a set up by Noah.....it was so funny. He found a mini pencil for his baby brother and showed him how to hold it correctly. 

Luke thought he was cool stuff of course. I wish Noah would stop showing him how to do big boy things....I am trying to hold on to my baby for as long as I can!

This is Luke....

This is one of Luke's poses we see him do everyday....and every time it makes us laugh. He seriously thinks he is the coolest kid ever when he stands like this.....he's too much!

Luke....Never A Dull Moment.....

It was one of those days {smile}. 

Luke is 16 mos. old and of course at the age where I can not leave him for more than a minute unsupervised. However, if he is sitting down looking at his books, coloring with markers, or dumping out all of the wooden puzzles then I know I have a solid 3 min. to switch the laundry and put a new load in and get back to him in time....in time that he doesn't get into too much mischief.

Well...as you can see by the photos below....it was more than a minute....and Luke just happened to see Lauren's yogurt unattended, sitting lonely at the table just begging to be eaten.  

Noah is really great at keeping an eye on Luke when I am helping one of the other lovies with something.....but this day I just ran into the other room for a minute. Then I hear Noah's voice...."Mom, come look at your son!" (That's what Noah calls Luke when his baby brother is up to no good.)

Lauren was thankfully not upset at her brother for eating her yogurt....she was too busy giggling at his face.  

I'm not quite sure why he had to smear it all over the table...I guess it just makes eating more interesting or something. I cleaned him up after I took a couple of shots and got Lauren another yogurt.  

Note to self....never leave any food unattended that is within my toddlers reach....you'd think I'd have learned by now....sigh.  

Luke's First Haircut...

.....the before

.....and the after

I know, I know....you're thinking..."Who is this big boy?"  I am still getting used to Luke's new look. Why is it that the first haircut makes them look a whole year older? 

 He did a great job....it may have had something to do with the fact that I was feeding him M&M's while he sat on my lap....he barely noticed he was even getting his hair cut....the chocolate was way too much of a distraction. 

Noah, Nate and Lauren sat nearby and watched their baby brother get his first hair cut.....and yes I did keep a few locks of hair....if you know me, I'm sure that doesn't surprise you at all.

Brothers.....

This post needs little introduction.....I will say though that I am usually in a state of constant amusement.....they make me smile everyday.

Enjoy these photos of the boys....as I always enjoy capturing them!

Cute and Chubby...just the way I like em'.......

Luke thoroughly enjoys it when his big brother Nate lets him be a part in the demolition phase of his lego houses. Nate builds them....then lets Luke help to tear them down. 

Today however was different...at first Luke was enjoying destroying and tearing down the house, piece by piece.....but then he stopped and began to try to put the legos back together.

It was the sweetest thing watching those chubby little fingers grasp the tiny building blocks. He was really concentrating on getting the pieces on....I was just happy that he was sitting still for more than 5 seconds.

Hope you enjoy these photos of my chubby little man with the cool hair...yes, that' s my fault. Oh and the green stain you see on his chin is from the crayon that he just finished eating before I took these pictures....that's my Lukey!

This is Luke in a Nutshell....

Jared and I have come to learn that a sense of humor is absolutely essential while raising a busy and very curious toddler.  Luke has this tender quality about him that makes me want to laugh and pull my hair out all at the same time.  I do love my Lukey and would be lost without him....he keeps me on my toes!

I know you are laughing right now Mom....Luke was saving this escapade until after you were gone.  What's worse...him dumping out the salt shaker...or every crayon he could gets his hands on? (Thanks for cleaning up the salt by the way!)