Russell Love

This kid.

This kid is going to turn two in a few weeks.

I love him so much.

He is so smiley, happy, helpful.

Most of the time.

He has recently decided that even though his birthday isn't for about five more weeks he would just go ahead and turn two.

But, for the most part, his cuteness and agreeability make up for the rest of it.

When Etta was born it would drive me absolutely crazy when people would say, "Oh, boys and girls are SO different!"

Seriously people, kids are kids, right?

I guess not.

Because Russell is different. So, so, so different than his sisters.

He does climb more than they ever did or still do. He likes to get really, really dirty. Not just play in the dirt as the girls do. But dig deep and just throw dirt around. Everywhere. And to jump in puddles. Any kind of puddles. To finger paint with his food. His favorite water activity is the dogs' water dish.

But he has a gentle side too. He plays more make believe with stuffed animals than either of the girls did/do. I caught him the other day lifting the shades in his room so his "Baby" (stuffed animal lovey, that he named himself) could see outside too. He loves Ethan to death (sometimes almost literally) and is cozy and cuddly.

All this to say that he is such a wonderful part of our family. We love him so much.

Well, maybe not mid tantrum, but those don't usually last for very long.