4 and 2 and 12.

4 years, 2 years, 12 weeks, that is, the ages of my children.  There are moments, like yesterday when I was hoisting my two very heavy boys into the gargantuan race car buggy at Publix all while "wearing" Georgia Grace in the carrier on my chest, where I am very much reminded of the exhaustion that is inevitable with three preschoolers.  But, really, more moments are reminders of how children are a blessing from the Lord.  We do have our hands full, no doubt.  So, for your sake, since I disappeared from the blogosphere for quite a while, here's an update on all three.

Oliver:

Well, he's not 2 anymore, thank God.  He's a big 4 year old boy, about to start K-4 this fall.  This child is such a joy.  Much like his daddy, he's smart, analytical, observant and loves to learn.  He likes schedule and structure.  A true firstborn.  He's a people person for sure, and every day when he wakes up he wants to know what we're doing, where we're going, and who we're going to see.  Needless to say, a day spent at the house doing laundry really isn't his cup of tea.  He's a learner, and wants to know why things work the way they do.  Another budding engineer?  Who knows.  So fortunately also like his daddy, underneath all that quizzical nature, is a real sweetheart.  He has a very tender side, which I pray daily God will nurture and sustain.  For most of his life, daddy has been the only one for him, but he's starting to think mom is pretty cool too.  I'll take it!

Stetson:

Well, he is still 2, and likes to remind us.  But, temper tantrums and budding independence aside, he is our free spirited child.  He doesn't have a care in the world, wears sunglasses most of the time, refuses to wear a shirt, laughs without regard, and is pretty funny to boot.  Unlike his brother, he doesn't really care where we're going or who we're going to see as long as he can be along for the ride.  He does like to stay busy, but is flexible with changing schedules.  For the entirety of his life, he's been a true momma's boy.  He still begs me to "hold you?" numerous times throughout the day, and although it's exhausting having a 2 year old on my hip, I love the bond we share.  I call him "leech" because he's always attached to me.

Georgia Grace:

Since you've only recently been introduced to Miss Georgia, I know she deserves a whole post to herself, but, what can I say?  She's the 3rd child, and they don't always get their "own post" if you know what I mean.  It's a good thing though, because she is LAID back.  Nothing much at all ruffles her panties diaper, and being the third born suits her well!  She's always been quite the sleepy head, but now that she's reached 12 weeks, she is starting to have more awake time.  She's been sleeping through the night for 8 or more hours since she was 4 weeks old!  She's very tolerant of her crazy brothers whom she adores and the feeling is quite mutual between them.  She loves to smile which lights up her whole face and she'll do it often and willingly.  She is such a blessing to our family.  One of these days, I will sit down and write out our whole adoption story including how she became a part of our family.  For now, here's that smile I was telling you about: