Just Listen...

This sweet boy taught me a good lesson...not just a lesson on parenting but in life.

It was show and tell day at school. Everyone was to bring a photo of themselves dressed in a costume. I had Hagen take a photo of him dressed as a zebra for Halloween when he was 1 1/2...it was darling.

I was sitting at the table with the kids for dinner (Ryan was out of town) and we were talking about our days. I asked him how his friends liked his photo. He got a sad look on his face and said that people were laughing at him and calling him diaper boy...basically calling him a baby.

I said that he WAS a baby when that photo was taken but he is not anymore. I told him that I use to wear diapers and even Papa!! I explained that we all wore diapers at one point.

He said his feelings were really hurt and it made him feel like he wanted to cry. So I went on an on about how in life people are going to not always be nice...we are going to get our feelings hurt and disagree with someone. Even I get my feelings hurt sometimes and it makes me sad. I went on to say that sometimes we just have to walk away and be with people that are being nice and steer clear of the mean ones. I kept going ON and ON and ON seeing it as a moment to teach him something...little did I know he was about to teach me something BIG.

He said stop Mom...you never let me talk... (silence...crickets chirping...both kids staring at me) I felt like a toad...

He is so right...I need to LISTEN more and not just offer advice. Sometimes all he wants to do is to vent...just like I do sometimes!

Lesson learned my sweet son...lesson learned...

Love,

Mama

Hagen started Pre-K

Hagen started Pre-K last week. All new toys, new friends, new rules, and new classroom. He was so excited! It isn't anything different really...just a class next door to where he was. Whenever he moves up it is like no big deal for him.

I look at pictures of Hagen and am just in shock at how fast he is growing up. The other day I noticed that he has shoulder muscles! I received my first "drawing of Mommy" from him the other day and it was the cute bubble body with stick arms and legs and circle feet. It was the most beautiful picture of myself...I loved it!

He continues to love on Hazel every chance he can get. I feel so lucky that he genuinely likes her (for now). He shares his toys, plays with her, helps her try to walk, tells her no when she is in the water bowl or trash, and is always kissing and hugging her.

This Pre-K is going to focus on writing letters (not tracing anymore), writing his name better, better control of a pencil, etc. I have been so happy with the school I have the kids in.

He has recently become a fan of "Super Why"...it is a great show! Teaches spelling, etc. Very pleased.

I love you sweet Hagen James...I am so proud of the little man you are...you make Mama so proud!

Muah,

Mama

Hagen is 4!!

Hagen is 4! Where did the time go?
We had a joint birthday party for him and Noah at Pizza Planet that included a visit from Spiderman (a good friend of ours dressed up). He had some friends from school and had a great time!!

He went to the doctor and is projected to be 5 feet 5 inches when he grows up. Ryan wasn't even supposed to be 5 foot tall but he is almost 5 foot 8 inches, so we will wait and see if this holds true for Hagen.

His stats were: 30 pounds 4 ounces (5%) and 39 inches (20%) tall. He was a champ through the 4 shots he endured...I laid over his face and whispered to him like my Mom use to do for me.

We signed Hagen up to play t-ball this summer and we are SO excited to see if he likes it! I will for sure as I am dying to become "that" Mom at sporting events that is crazy!!

Hagen is really into Hazel. He likes to feed her, bring her toys, and just love on her. He is always remarking how beautiful she is and how pretty her dresses are. She loves him just as much unless he is loud and screech which is often.

Some of Hagen's favorite things:

1. Jake and the Neverland pirates

2. Superheros - Spiderman, Captain America, Hulk, and Thor

3. LOVES frozen meatballs and raw carrots

4. Drinks water and milk for the most part

5. CANDY...not much on cakes and cookies, but candy is his favorite

6. He loves his new 4 wheeler he got for his birthday from Papa and Pia

7. Hanging out in the yard with Daddy fixing things

8. The iPad...he is very smart with it and moves the icons around all the time.

9. Says "I love you" to us multiple times a day...very loveable

10. Goes to bed at 7 and sleeps for 12 - 13 hours...SO lucky

11. Likes to play his guitar...I see lessons in the future

12. When I am breastfeeding Hazel at night before bed, he likes to sit next to me and rock her with me.

We love you big guy...and we are so proud of the little man you have become!

Mama and Daddy