Hope Still Flies

I can't believe it's basically been a whole years since I've written a blog post. It certainly doesn't seem that long, and this birthday snuck up on me real quick. At this point, it's crazy to think that when Thad turned 3, we brought Atti home from the hospital. I can't imagine having a newborn right now. Only partially because our two boys keep us verrrry busy, but also life in general has just been busy.

General updates... the big one is we moved to northern Louisiana last August so Michael could start his job as an assistant professor. It certainly is a different world down here. The people are the same, but different. A much slower pace of life - not that Kansas moved that fast. Me transitioning to working my job from home full-time, Thad starting kindergarten, Atti starting a Montessori school, buying a house, etc. etc... It's been a little crazy. We're getting adjusted, the boys keep growing. But we miss Kansas, and being closer to family. And it seems I still have to deal with a tornado season.

Atti started at his new school in August. The childcare options are fewer in this small town, and we decided on a Montessori school for him. It's basically perfect for him. There's lots of outside time for him to run, jump, and play safely, and then lots of "work" inside, learning to utilize that big brain of his, but also become more independent. He's now a pro at getting dressed, helping us with house work, cleaning (if he feels like it). We hadn't even considered potty training, but within a couple months of starting school he was well on his way. His teachers are amazing, and I really couldn't be happier with the school.

Our Kansas immune systems also kept us all pretty healthy. It was just this past week I had to take Atti to the doctor for the first time for being sick (Thad's a different story). Our late/early season flu last summer seems to have worked to our advantage. But the other day little dude was diagnosed with an ear infection, sinus infection, and tonsillitis. Go big or go home is basically Atti's motto, starting with his early entrance to the world.

   

He's still a spitfire. He plays well by himself, but he much prefers to be around someone/multiple people. I finish my work day after I pick up the boys from school. Thad prefers to unwind from his school day by watching TV... sometimes Atti does that, sometimes he'll bring his action figures/play-doh/coloring and sit next to me at the table and work while I work. He loves cuddling, action figures, sugar, and trying to keep up with Thad. And Thad in general. He still is not the best sleeper, is afraid of being left behind/left out, and has the BEST laugh. Were working on listening ears, and not saying no. Typical 3 year old stuff.

I was trying to find a different place to take our pictures this year from where we took Christmas pictures... but it's also rained more days than not the past three weeks. We went to a park in Monroe (about 40 minutes east) next to the river. Well, there were houseboats on the river. And most of the park was underwater. Thankfully I packed the rain boots. It's been nice that the lowest temperature we've seen this winter has been in the lower 20s. I know it'll be REAL hot and humid here in a matter of months. The mosquitoes are already out. I'll take what I can get, I suppose.

Atti vs Thad

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1 yearvs 3 year