Wednesday, June 4, 2008

T is for Toddler

This week, I'm joining Mrs. Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday blog party.

I've been waxing nostalgic today, since Henry, my second born, had his "kindergarten celebration" today (I'm so glad they didn't call it graduation,) and I have been thinking about how quickly my kids are growing up. So I thought I'd indulge myself with a few photos of my kidlets as toddlers.


Bronwen is at this stage right now and we find that everything she does is adorable! There are so many things I love about having a one-year-old; that is, until I try to keep her quiet and still for a kindergarten celebration and then try to keep her out of the red punch and cookies afterwards.


I guess that technically, Ian is still a toddler at 3 1/2, but I don't think of him that way anymore. He is straddling the categories of little kid/big kid in our family--and perhaps he always will. Half the time, he gets to go with the big boys, half the time he's being put down for a nap like a baby. He has been such a hysterical toddler, with a funny little personality that keeps us laughing all the time. (These photos were taken last October, just before he turned 3, when he was most certainly a toddler.)


As I watched Henry today, celebrating the end of an era, I thought of the little one-year old that he was when we first moved here, away from Southern California. He followed me around constantly with picture books, begging me to read. Some things never change! He always has been (since Ian came along) and always will be an adoring big brother to his younger siblings. (These photos were taken in 2004, when Henry was 2 years old.)


Kimball, now 8, was a funny little professor as a toddler. His extensive vocabulary, exceptional diction, and adorable spectacles definitely contributed. He was the first grandbaby in my family and got plenty of attention for it. He loved phones, stereos, remotes, and other gadgets. (These photos were taken when he was 1 and 2 years old.)

I love these little creatures that have been given to me by God to care for, nurture, and teach. I pray every day that I will be equal to the task and that some day they will look back on these years as fondly as I do.

10 comments:

Prudy said...

Michal:
I loved little Kimball, just like that. That picture of him on the radio is so perfect. Your children are just precious and I'm so glad I get to see them next month.
OH, and I also want those brown stacked heel shoes from your other post. Where do I get them? I'm serious!

Anonymous said...

I too have been a reflective mode today ..Seeing Brycen who's my baby boy grow up so fast this year...I was told once they start school it goes even faster and I'm afraid it's true...
The kids are all so cute as toddlers but Kimball is one of the cutest I've seen...
Mandy

Nana said...

Thanks for the memories. I wish we could switch back and forth sometimes, because those darling toddlers are gone forever - and wouldn't it be fun to have them back for a day once in a while?...like those welcome rainy days in the middle of summer.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post! and such beautiful pictures of all of your kids. Toddlers are sometimes hard to be thankful for, but I am so enjoying my 3yo right now--he is just so fun these days!! I too am so grateful for the little spirits, or better yet, the big spirits in little bodies, sent to my home. It's overwhelming sometimes, but I'm so happy to be a mom.

Ice Cream said...

I love looking back at baby photos, but it always makes me miss my babies.

An Ordinary Mom said...

What a fun stroll down memory lane.

And I agree, 3 1/2 year olds kind of straddle the line of toddler/preschooler.

Erika said...

Kimball doesn't ever look different to me...he just gets taller :-)
I agree with Nana, I wish we could switch back & forth. Then I wouldn't be so sad every night when I put Scotty to bed and think I will never have that day with him again.

A mother heart said...

Such a sweet post! It is so fun to go back over pictures. And bittersweet, too. Why do they have to grow so quick?!

Allison said...

Your kids really are growing up. They aren't babies anymore, but they still are sweet and cute. Hopefully that will last into their teenage years.

Christine said...

One of my fabulous toddlers woke up my fabulous baby 20 minutes after he went to bed for the evening. With the power nap he is now ready for the long hall. After 3 failed attempts to put him back to bed, it is now 9:40 and he is still up! I NEED a few toddlerless babyless hours in the evening, and it looks like I will not be getting any. Oh, did I mention this happened LAST NIGHT too!!!! I need another day in San Francisco away from my toddlers!!! OK- maybe a week- not a day. Oh yeah- toddlers are greaT! I honelstly think I will prefer teenagers.