Christian is 3 1/2

Wow! Another 6 months has gone by, and Christian is now 3 1/2! We love, love, love our sweet, silly, and yes, stubborn little boy. These past months have been so fun.

It is so special as a parent to experience a child's development at any age, but we are especially enjoying Christian now as his language, mannerisms, and reasoning have expanded. He understands so much more than we are aware of, is incredibly observant, picks up on everything we say, and asks insightful questions. He continues to love to build, draw, and create, and his art is beginning to take form as he is more intentional in his drawings.

Christian still loves his stuffed animals, and it seriously seems like they multiply on their own. Each night before bed, Christian creates something called, "his machine" where he lines up his animals in a particular way, the same. exact. way. each time. Now of course, the setup is completely different for nap time. He will not go to bed until they are just so. In addition, the stuffed animals usually each need a toy...so you can imagine the chaos that he sleeps with. I am just thankful that half his stuffed animals are bagged away in his closet and he has forgotten them temporarily. This is a perfect example of how Christian is extremely "strong-willed" in that his little world needs to be a certain way. Morning rituals need to be the same, etc. Christian has never really been what I would call an "easy going" child, but we love his spirit, and the fact that he loves and cares for others so deeply.

This is the bedtime "machine"

Christian seems to enjoy and appreciate Lucas more and more. Lucas is becoming more vocal and Christian enjoys "having conversations" with him, where C acts like he actually knows what L is saying. :o) Christian often asks if Lucas can come and play in his room, where they play Duplos, LEGOS, blocks, and puzzles. He is very helpful in giving Lucas snacks, and is eager to share his leftovers from meals (of course, Lucas is always willing to eat them.) I love to see their brotherly love. :o)

Mommy spying through the bedroom window- Christian was sharing his cereal with Lucas.

Christian has also developed a really strong bond to Daddy in these past few months. I am not sure if it is because Steve has been TDY so often, but Christian always tells Daddy how much he loves him, and that, "You are my best friend." C also becomes quite upset when Steve has an early morning and he doesn't get a chance to see him before he leaves for work. He cries, "I want to give Daddy kisses and love."
We have lots of changes coming up this Summer and it will be fun to see what the next 6 months have in store and before we know it, we will have a 4 year old!