Day 10 - Happy Birthday Russell!

Russell turned two today. It has been the hardest turning-two for me yet. I don't really know why. I have a baby who will also be turning two, so it's not like it's my youngest. Yesterday the girls and I played a game of "the-last-time-Russell-will-________-as-a-one-year-old". Ie: The last breakfast as a one-year old, the last nap as a one-year old, etc. He was a sport as always.

Russell is a super fun kid. He has his own sense of humor, and while he doesn't string words together quite yet, he will yak your ear right off. He has spear headed his potty training over the last week and his preference is to be naked. He always keeps just a bit back so he goes 10 times in a row. But he is doing really well and I am really glad that it is not a fight.

He would also like to spend most of his time outside and is constantly bringing me his shoes and coat and saying, "Out! Go! Out!" He also gets quite upset when sisters get to play outside or go places and he is stuck watching from the picture window of life. It would help a lot if he would stay in the yard or close to it. Nope. Not this kid. He rode his trike down the block one day and right off into the street at the other end. It is a lot of time on task for me to be outside with him. But we will be spending time out this summer when he is (hopefully) fully potty trained and we can utilize pants!

He loves cars and Duplos. Little People. His "baby" (stuffed animal). Ethan. Giving kisses. On the lips. To whomever is willing to allow that to happen. Yesterday, for the first time ever, he came to me, wrapped his arms around my legs and said, "Up mommy!" Snuggling is one of his favorite things to do. He also likes to "read" books and have books read to him. He is quick to smile and has a gut rolling laugh that is not to be missed. [But don't let me fool you. He is also learning about expressing his feelings in other ways. Throwing toys, throwing tantrums and throwing punches or kicks. And yesterday when Mae did "something" to him he turned to her, grabbed two big handfuls of hair and yanked. Hard. He seems to be all sunshine and roses, but there is an ornery kid in there.]

We love our Russell the Muscle and are excited to see what the next year brings!

The children enjoying some Dick and Jane as read by Etta.
While mommy and daddy cleaned up a "present" that Russell had released on the floor.

For Russell's birthday party Etta & Mae wanted to hire our friend
Pete to put on a magic show. Pete is amazing. His magic is amazing.
I totally recommend that you hire him for your next party!

Getting the show started. 

Staring intently at one of the tricks.

Waiting for cake. Enjoying his new hammer from Grandma Cynthia.

Funfetti cake with funfetti frosting.

Russell wasn't sure about what to do with the candles. Good thing Mae is a professional.

Enjoying the spoils of his day.