An Update

So, I decided it has been a while that I have posted "stats" on the boys.  I've noticed myself going back and checking out what Braxton was doing when he was Kyler's age and how it strikes such fun, random memories.  So, here's the latest:

Mr. Braxton James - is three years five months old.  He is going on about 2 months in preschool.  Since there, he has learned how to write his name (almost), say the Pledge of Allegiance, learned some signing letters, cut with scissors, the list goes on.  His highlight of the week is daily show and tell, where he brings, well, anything that happens to be laying around.  He knows a ton of colors and shapes.  He is in class with his best bud Jackson and second cousin Jacoby. 

These days, he is all about taking in new experiences.  We have been working hard to get him to football games, the Bull-o-rama, a wedding dance, the park, even Walmart is an "event".  And everything we do, must then be played out for days at a time.  Last weekend, his dad took him to the rodeo, so we now spend hours and hours playing an intricate game of "bull riding". 

He still LOVES to read.  We go to the library every few weeks to check out books.  He is so in love with reading that he usually has to get reminded several times "Braxton, shut off the light.  You NEED to go to sleep!".  Every chance he gets to read or have someone read to him, he's on it.  He even had Grandma reading him a hymnal the other day!

Braxton remains a sensitive soul.  He spends a lot of time watching other people, analyzing situations, etc, before jumping in.  He loves his little brother more than anything (though they do fight like animals!), always making sure to speak for him and let us know when Kyler needs something. 

And Mr. Kyler Paul.  Currently clocking in at 15 months old.  He's been walking now for about 4 months.  He's started running.  Which is really just a "put your head forward and go as fast as you can til you wipe out" approach.  About three weeks ago, Kyler had tubes put in his ears due to ear infection after ear infection.  I think it has opened up a whole new world for him.  Before, he was speaking very little.  He is still catching on, but doing it quickly.  He now has "ma ma" "da da" "more (mo')" "no" "bye bye (buh buh)".  He is able to nod yes or no, usually with purpose.  And can listen to direction (when he wants to - see below).

If you remember, I spent a lot of the beginning of Kyler's life bragging about what a nice, laid back, calm little baby he was.  Well, ever since Kyler became mobile, that has changed.  For better or worse, well, that's up for debate.  Let's just say, if things continue the way they are, he will be officially titled a "hell raiser" by the time he is two years old.  He now refuses to put on his coat (handy, being that we are in the middle of a blizzard!), or change his diaper, or sit in a high chair, or, well, just about anything that isn't his idea, he won't do it.  I think this is what they mean when they say "asserting his Independence". It is pretty awesome to see him tackling all of these new things, though, I must say.  He gives his brother a run for his money, that is true. 

Pictures of the boys dancing.

It will be so great to see how their personalities and abilities continue to grow and change.  And how their relationship continues to grow.  Who would have ever guessed that two little men could do this to a mom?  Well, I guess any other mom could have told me... :)