independent

Avett,

You have changed so much so fast this year.  I feel like with each passing week something in you matures just a little bit more.  I think you have found a new independence since Evie has gone to school.  I am so proud of how you can find one small thing and it can occupy you for hours!  When ever we go to Momomee's house you fill up cups with water and carry them to a bucket back and forth until you've filled the entire thing.  Some afternoons I'll send you and your sister outside to play so I can I finish the dishes or what ever house chore may be ailing me.  You find your spot right in the sand box and you talk to your self and play until you either have to pee or I call you back inside for a bath.  

You still love me so much.  I've grown accustomed to your clockwork smooches and hugs and snuggles.  You need them as much as I need them now.  Thank you for loving me like you do despite my flaws and shortcomings, I want to be more like you.   

Such a mess

Avett Murphy, I put you to bed two hours ago and I still hear you chattering away in your room with your sister about something.  You must be on Colorado time still.  

You are such a cute little punk! A couple of weeks ago you stuck gum in your hair. GUM! I suppose it's a rite of passage in childhood for some kids.  You are such a mess.  Luckily your Auntie Kayla was here to give you a nice haircut to remedy this situation, a much better job than your mom could do for sure, sorry buddy! 

I just love you so much, and you love me so much.  You are 'handsome like daddy' and you are so sweet. You say the best things these days and you know all the words and the tune to I am a child of God by heart. It melts me to hear you sing it. We will start potty training soon, wish me luck! Thanks for making me laugh with the funniest faces I've ever seen. 

our 2 year old boy

Yesterday our boy turned two! We had such a sweet day with him. We started out the day by going up to his room and throwing yellow balloons in his crib while he had his morning "cha-nuk".

He came downstairs and opened his presents: a truck, Halloween socks, spiky balls, a Nutella and breadsticks snack, new boots, and a pair of pants.  He played with the truck all day! 

We went to church and I made brownies to share with his little friends in nursery and they gave him a blue balloon with his name and age on it.

We we got home John's parents came over and we had lunch together and they gave him a gift and then we spent the rest of the day outside while Pops and John played disc golf in the yard. They were practicing throwing and sharing tips. Shelley and I ate persimmons and chased the kids around.  Avett must have run at least 3 miles pushing his $1 big red truck all over the yard.

Avett is such a sweet little boy. He loves me so much and never hesitates to show it.  He loves kissing me and giving me hugs at any opportunity.  He is a naturally very affectionate child.  He loves his momma.  He wants to be touching me, in my arms, or snuggling.  He is also very active.  He loves anything but with wheels on it.

Some of his favorite things to say right now are: I changed my mind, cool huh?, and I strong. 

First thing in the morning while drinking his chocolate milk he will put his arm around the back of my neck like he is my boyfriend trying to make a move on me. I love it.

His answer to almost anything we say to him is "What?" or "Why?" 

He loves to pray and will interrupt almost anyone because he wants to pray too, he's even tried to do that at church during sacrament. He says, "Anem." at the end of prayers.

We love him so much and can't imagine life without our boy. 

We love you Avett!!