the boys.

it's late.  and i need to be in the bed so that when my phone rings at 4:35 am, i can actually get up and get to yoga.

but there are so many things running through my head.

one.  pratt is really old.  i got his preschool pictures today.  and he's sitting there.  at an old desk.  with an apple on it.  and he's smiling.  and he looks so much like my dad.  and then there is the group picture.  he's opened his vest up and is smiling the biggest smile i've ever seen.

it's just too much for me to take.  because it makes me realize that life really does move too fast.  and that before long, i'll be sitting here with him in real school.  and max in preschool.  then i'll be 60.  and they will be having babies of their own.

i haven't updated much on the boys lately.

i'll start with max.

at eighteen months, he's finally walking.  like as in, he started yesterday.  he's been taking steps here and there.  but hasn't been in a hurry.  and is really so laid back and so chill that he could care less.  he's walking now and it's hysterical to watch.  we all still clap when he does it.  because it's finally happening.

he says dad.  and that's it.  i didn't even say dad at 18 months.  when i was 3, on my third birthday, there is a video of me.  i'm swinging.  and my parents ask me a question.  "hey hannah.  what are you holding?"

my response: "a a e".

as in "a baby".  einstein didn't talk until he was like old.  and my uncle ryp was like 5.  so max is cool.  totally cool.  i mean, he throws A LOT of fits.  because we don't understand his ET language...but whatever.

he hates the carseat.  bucks when i put him in it.  he loves food.  and straws.  sonic drinks through straws.  he loves pratt.  and dogs.  and cats.  and pretty much any animal he sees.  he flirts.  and laughs. and has dimples like his daddy.  he often gets behind me and rubs his chubby hands up and down on my back.  he sticks his bottom lip out when he thinks that he can manipulate the situation by acting upset.  when you start laughing, he does too.  he's scared of liza because she moves much faster than him.  she loves him.  and wants to rub on him.  one day he will learn to do what she says and they will get into lots and lots of trouble because of it.

he is so sweet. and loves to hug when he first wakes from his nap.  he rarely wakes happy though.  always hacked to be awake.  and sleeping must be his idea.  if it's not his idea, he will scream.  for hours.  with no end.

he's gonna be the musician.  i can just tell.  feel it.  i see it when a song comes on and he sways.  without anyone seeing it.  he's got that in him.  genetics.

oh, and he's a tough crowd.  doesn't smile for anyone.  you must be special.  it's been that way from day one.  but once you have him, you fully have him.  and he's loyal.

on to big brother.

pratt.  where to begin?

he talks nonstop.  asking questions nonstop.  about everyone.  he loves to rhyme.  he loves to play boardgames.  he loves to go to the dollar tree.

he's probably the smartest person i know.

honestly.  like for real.  smarter than clint.  smarter than my daddy.  maybe as smart as ryp.  he has a memory that is unlike anything i have ever seen.  he NEVER forgets anything.  big or small.  he remembers.

when he asks questions it's not just to talk...it's so he can understand something more fully.  he can do lots of stuff that is impressive.  you know, the alphabet.  count numbers.  add numbers. subtract numbers.  rhyme.  do opposites.

but it's more than that.  it's this really deep, intelligent, quiet vibe i get from him.

he is incredibly sensitive.  when i discipline him, i must remember that.  because he can and will crumble if i don't do it the right way.  he is like talking to a 20 year old.  maybe a  33 year old.  yes.  i'm serious.

he loves to roll coins.  and find old toys at my parents house.  he loves to be outside.  and go on nature walks.  he loves to hear stories about me and clint from when we were little.  he loves his grandparents and great grandparents more than they could possibly know.  not a day goes by that he doesn't mention one of them and say that he misses them.

i can't imagine my life without these two guys.  i don't know what i did before them.  i realize that everything that happened to me prior to them....it was all so that i could be their mommy.  all so that i knew answers to tough questions that pratt would ask.  so that i could name every tree in the forest.  so that we could talk about the difference between monkeys and gorillas.

i love them.  and i love my simple life with them.  i am blessed beyond measure.

dear boys.

dear boys.

tomorrow a new president will be chosen.  not really by me.  because our vote doesn't really count.  well, it does.  but not really.  i can't explain it.  ask your dad.  or pop pop.  they will both be able to explain it.  this HISTORY minor can't explain it.

i don't want to get into political parties here.  because that's just too confusing for you little guys.

i'll just say this.  first things first: be kind.

and being kind goes for everyone.  even if they don't feel the same way you do about healthcare reform or social security or welfare.

the world is full of people who look different.  act different.  talk different.  and behave differently than me and you and daddy.

it's what makes it such a great place.  it should be appreciated.  so let's do just that.

and let's agree that we will pray for whomever wins tomorrow night.

i'll also agree to delete anyone who puts up anything ignorant or racist in the days to come.  because we have no place, no room for any of that mess.

i love you both.

ps. you are never allowed to enter the world of politics.  either one of you.

xoxo,
mom.