Maddox Turns THREE!

No matter how much time you take to cherish every moment, the days fly by. Hard to believe Maddox is three! I want to just freeze time and enjoy this super fun age and get as much out of it as I can. And part of remembering it is telling all about this darling boy before he changes and I forget.

As you can tell from the first picture with all his "loves," Maddox is as sweet as he is "boyish." I never had a brother, so this is my first boy experience. Let me tell you, I love it. The same darling boy who grabs my face fiercely to kiss me in the morning is the same one slaying monsters before breakfast. The tender-hearted side of him makes us melt daily. He's as gentle as he is tough, funny as he is sensitive, and cautious as he is brave. I love the combinations. 

He enjoys sticks, and camping, and the outdoors. He doesn't need toys outside, just a stick or two will do. Oh, and the imaginary bad guys he's after. Instead of threatening his sister like he used to do, we've encouraged him to protect her, which makes him all the more fierce since he does adore her.

Fighting the daddy villain

What's amazing is that even with the absence of violent tv shows (we do allow Disney and other movies, and lately, old episodes of TMNT), he still plays so boyishly, slaying monsters, swinging swords, and wielding any weapon, usually one of his own making. I've seen him swing a banana peel like nun-chucks, use the spout of his water bottle like a gun, and when nothing else is available, his own hand works perfectly with sound effects to accompany. 

Maddox talks well beyond his age. Who knew with a second child and a boy that his verbal skills would try to keep up with his sister.  They are both chatterboxes, with one talking all the time...sometimes at the same time. Almost once a day I demand a little "quiet time" in the car or house.

Maddox is usually too smart for his own good, cracking jokes, saying "I'm just kidding," and doing all sorts of funny things to get a laugh. Yes, even passing gas. He's a boy, I tell ya. 

Stick in hand, ready to descend

He has not shown much parental favoritism, adoring both Davey and I most of the time. Though we have noticed the "coming to ask Mommy if Daddy says 'no'" thing lately. They all do it, don't they? Stinkers.

The picture below was around Easter time at the grocery store, and he wanted to hug this bunny. So I let him. And it was adorable. See the finger in his mouth? That means he was snuggling with it.

Just a boy and his bunny

Maddox really enjoys painting, but we don't do it too often because of the mess. And the time. He'd much rather paint than color, which keeps his attention for 30 seconds.

Chalk painting

He also loves Play-Doh, especially cutting it with plastic scissors. He and Lailey usually make "lollipops" with skewer sticks and announce "lollipops for sale!

Back at the beginning of summer, he and I went on a lunch date, and we goofed off taking pictures of ourselves. I think this is when the silly face phase started, because I didn't get one with him making a normal smile. Fine by me, since I think authentic kid expressions are much better than posed ones. I just gave in and played along.

One of his favorite things, like most boys, is water guns, and even better, the water hose. Unlimited supply of fun. 

 Maddox has never really slowed down on his eating. He loves most foods and will try a surprising amount of new things for his age. He loves typical stuff like fruit, cheese, spaghetti, and chicken, but then he'll totally dig different things like white bean salad, or barley salad, or spinach. He knows that the food in front of him is his only choice, so he usually partakes. Oh, and he loves bell peppers.

That's good ol' icing on his face. Nothing healthy!

I love this picture of my two sweet babies. He will occasionally decline affection from her (those unpredictable three-year-olds!), but usually he'll kiss her, hug her, and snuggle up to his "sissy." She often plays "mommy" with him, making him a little bed on the couch or floor, tucking him in, kissing his good night, and totally baby-ing him. He has to be in the mood, but if he is then he eats this up. 

First time fishing!

Still loves Baby Mickey after 2 years

Goofy face, waiting on Dumbo

Water guns!

More silly faces

Ice cream in Florida

Way too brave!

At the Bailey's barn 

Dirty, bruised face on an active boy

On the ferry to Bainbridge Island, WA

Not a day goes by that we're not thankful for this sweet, funny, and precious little life that God has given us. I hope he always keeps his love for life and that his sweetness never goes away.