Spring 2015: This Mr N

I used to do monthly updates on all the children, but haven't in AGES. 

I figure I probably won't do them again for awhile, I might as well get a snapshot of who these kids are, as we sit here on the cusp of change before baby #4 arrives!

Introducing...

4 1/2 year old 

N

This kid melts my heart.

He has been a cuddle bug since day ONE, and still, at four--requests cuddles daily. He watches for moments of calm and takes advantage of the opportunities to share one-on-one time. When one-on-one time isn't readily available he has either an older brother to adventure with or a little sister to play with--he's got it made.

I snapped this one earlier today:

04.23.15

Can you believe those green eyes? 

Those newly forming freckles? 

That make-you-want-to-smile-big GRIN of his?

Mr N has always been a charmer--this photo is additional proof.

Mr. N gets the benefit of learning from older brother J *and* sharing his knowledge with little sister Miss N...which is a pretty fun place to be.  

While the elusive "N" is hard to get front-wards sometimes, he's got his name down--and really enjoys practicing his letters, especially when big brother is working on his writing skills as well. He prefers marker over crayon or pencil--and the white board is always a hit!

N-A-T-H-A-N

We also had a "preschool co-op graduation" picnic/playdate celebration recently--and this is the best photo I have (WHAT?) because I was too tired to grab my real camera (thankfully, friend and fellow preschool Mama snapped some that we will get copies of, no doubt!). Mr. N is on the far left--this is the group plus siblings...in fact, the group is 4 wonderful 4 year olds who we've loved trading days & learning together.

This is the 2nd year we've done a preschool co-op for Mr. N & it's been fabulous. At the beginning of the year we made our basic curriculum outline and went from there to have 2 classes per week. It has been LOTS of fun, we are sad to say goodbye to the experience (as our friends head off to different schools!) but thrilled for the learning days ahead.

Mr N & his preschool co-op group + siblings

N loves to climb!

If there is something to climb on, N is ON IT. We don't have any great climbing trees in our yard, but there is always something to climb on: 

  ...and if we are at a park he is often scoping out the highest spot on which to climb. He is super brave and always willing to try something new, even things big brother is hesitant to try! 

He is riding his bike like a pro (still training wheels, but no needed assistance anymore on turns/up curbs/etc), can skillfully get buckled by himself (YAY!), dresses himself daily (and has his own "style"), and absolutely LOVES to SWING. The higher the better.

Mr. N's goal this morning was to teach little sis how to pump on her swing--she almost has it down! He is very patient in teaching and playing with her, it is very sweet to hear them talking together. They are only 18 months apart--their bond is unique and special in our family. Of course...they don't *always* get along...but their relationship is a beautiful thing to watch as it is unfolding with their age, abilities, and interests together.

The N's making plans to take over the world...

A few of Mr. N's 4 1/2 year old favorites:

-pasta
-strawberries
-eggs

N is my LEAST picky of all my eaters! There aren't many foods he won't eat or at *least* try.
-stuffed animal "LoveBear" (gift from his CTR5 teacher, Sister Shappell)
-preschool notebook for his stickers, drawings (the people are getting very good!), and letter practicing
-legos!!
-tent building...there is ALWAYS a tent being constructed by N!
-riding bikes (especially when Dad is home & comes with us!)

-playing with big bro outside

-being a helper for Mom during meal preparation, he loves to take on a "little chef" role!

-finding creative ways to make things work (like making his own "ice crusher" by crunching up ice chunks and spitting them out into a bottle, then shaking it around)

-Wild Krats (PBS kids show)
-Master Chef Junior (and taking turns being a helper in the kitchen!)

N is one of my favorite people in the whole world. Being his mother is such a gift, and learning with him is a treasure. We are a happier family because of his influence, tenderness, and observant spirit. We love our N!