the Update

I have not done an update in way too long. I feel like I owe it to these kids to brag about them a little bit.

This is Paxton. One day he is GI Joe, the next he is Batman. The next day he is Spider man and sometime later that day he is the Black Spider man. He has an imagination like no one I have ever met.
But that is just a tiny bit about this kid's cool personality. He takes being the oldest child very seriously. He dotes on his little brother and little sister. He is trying to help us potty train Gauge. All day long I hear Paxton telling Gauge, "No Gauge, that will hurt you" He is always trying to keep them safe and keep them smiling.
This kid just missed the deadline for starting school this year. I think it is going to kill him, and kill us. He is ready to go to school and he is going crazy being home still. Due to this we have been trying to keep him in some sort of classes to keep him occupied. He had swimming lessons this past summer and he started Soccer yesterday.
One thing about Paxton is that he does everything the BEST that he possibly can.
When we tell him to listen to the teacher (or the coach) and do what they say, he doesn't miss a word. He runs as fast as he can, he swims as best he can and he tries his absolute hardest to do well.
Because of this fact, he has a hard time losing. If there is something out of his control, like the game of Candyland and Gauge wins--he doesn't get it. It is very hard for him to understand that there was nothing he could do, he just didn't win. Doesn't make sense.

Paxton just learned to tie his shoes. This was a big deal to him and when I told him how proud I was of him I think time stopped for a second.

He helps Dad and Mom with Chores. His biggest chore is to pick up poop which he is getting better at, complaining less and going faster. He tries to help sweep, vacuum and he makes his bed.

Paxton still knows the alphabet and sings his ABCs every time he washes his hands. He counts to 100 at least one hundred times every day. He sings to Shelby every time she fusses at all. He will talk your ear off-he has a lot to say. In fact sometimes I will realize that he is explaining an info-mercial to me. Ever heard of "your baby can read?" At dinner he started explaining to me that I should get it and exactly how it works. He really doesn't watch THAT much TV!
Right now Paxton is really getting into soccer. He practices every day. He loves putting on his shin guards and shoes and then he just runs back and forth making goals on both sides of the "field" When he first started playing he was really concerned about sweating so much. We explained to him that sweating is a good thing and that it is part of the experience so now he gets really proud when he works up a good sweat when he is playing. He comes and tells us to check out his good sweat.
In the picture below you might notice the cape under his clothes. That's because he is also SuperMan. The thing about that is it's true. This kid is going to be great, I don't think he will allow anything less!
Paxton, you are such a wonderful boy. We are so lucky to have you and to have you as the oldest, helping us and teaching us along the way.
I absolutely love your smile and your sweet attitude!

We love you so much!

Oh Gauger.
This boy is so fun. He is ALWAYS playing jokes and trying to get us to laugh.
Right now we are working on potty training. We have been really serious about it for about 4 days now and he has number 1 down packed. Number 2 is going to take a bit. He is trying really hard though and I think its going to happen soon!
Gauge loves Spider Man. Something that he got from his brother and he takes it very seriously. Back in the day he carried rocket everywhere is you will remember. Now, it's Spider man and he rarely goes anywhere without this action figure.
Gauge wants to be like his big brother. He does what Paxton does. He wants to be as big as him and it has been hard for him to watch Paxton play soccer and not be able to play with him.

Gauge hates water on his head. Since he was little boy, its been almost impossible to wash his hair. He will play in the tub or a pool all day long, just don't get his head (especially hair) wet.
This kid is a cuddler. I love this about him. He will frequently play with my hair, put his hands on my face and give us hugs. If you sit on the couch you will always find him sitting on top of you or smashing himself next to you so that he can be close. Now if you want kisses, you are going to have to chase him down. The minute you ask him for one he gets a big smile and runs the other way.

He is not a big fan of the dog yet, I think its because Porter is a little bigger than him and loves to give him kisses. He is talking now and has been for a few months. His speech is getting better everyday and he is getting really good at expressing himself. Something he loves to say while trying not to smile is "I'm MAD" We laugh every time. He buries all of his super heroes. He could do that all day long and he is beginning to try to help Daddy work in the yard and in the garage.
Gauge absolutely loves Shelby and I love to wake up and find Gauge playing with Shelby (and her toys). He kisses her and talks to her in an even higher falceto voice then he already uses.

Gauge is the most energetic kid I have ever met. He is like the energizer bunny and doesn't stop. If he does stop however, he zonks on you...literally!
We love this kid so much and are so proud of how good he is. He is such a lover and he keeps this family laughing!

Gauge, thank you for being part of this family. We love you so much kid!

My Sweet Shelby.
Sometimes I wonder if I knew what love was before I met this little angel. Of course I did, but I find myself totally smitten with her. She is so sweet and so loving. She NEVER cries unless absolutely pushed to the limit. Even if she does cry while in her crib, the minute she sees you look over the edge at her she smiles. EVERY TIME!

She is eating number 3 foods and we are experimenting with everything else. She tries everything and even if she hates it, she still eats it for you.
She rolls everywhere. She is almost crawling. We have been watching her scoot forward to get somewhere and a few times have caught her getting up on her knees too.

Shelby loves to hear herself talk and sing. She makes sure to make noise every time we go over bumpy roads. She talks her head off at about six o'clock every morning when she wakes up which (because I had just gotten home from work) Ryan and I are up to hear. We laugh our heads up-it's too cute.

Shelbs (so nicknamed by Paxton) loves her brothers. She watches them like crazy and smiles when they come anywhere near her. She loves to jump whether or not she is in her jumper which makes it difficult to hold her sometimes.
She is THICK. Just like her brothers got at this age. She flaunts it, she has every reason to.
She is so much fun and I am absolutely in love with her!!

We love you Shelby!! Thank you for being in our family!