Three AM

3 am is a happening time at our house lately, and not just because of my growing belly making me uncomfortable. And not just because for some reason one of the apps on Nathaniel's phone updates and notifies us at precisely 4 am each day either. There is also a sweet little girl who is teething - very slowly. And then there is this boy of mine. For some reason he gets up at almost exactly 3 am every night, EVERY NIGHT for the last month. I hear him toddle into my room and say things like:

"Mommy is it wake up time yet?"
"Mommy I got my day clothes on, is it light outside now?"
"Mommy I had an accident"
"Mommy where is my army guy costume?"
"Mommy, where is Kinley? Oh I will wake her up"

So around 2:30 am I woke up this morning. My sleeping body forgot it is carrying a big baby boy in it and tried to switch sides too quickly. OUCH. I was almost drifting off when I heard the little pitter patter of his feet followed by, "Hey Mommy...." and I replied, "What is it Easton? Seriously it is 3 in the morning again!" I immediately felt bad when he said in a very scared and little voice, "Mommy I scared...."

My poor boy. Broke my heart. So I scooted over and tucked him (and his best buddy Horton) in with us and he cuddled right in and told me about his fears. He was convinced he heard something down in the basement and had a bad dream. We talked about it and he slowly drifted off to sleep.

FYI this is Horton:

When Easton was around 8 months old we came across him at the grocery store on their promo aisle. His big brown eyes lit up. I held two different stuffed animals close to him and he immediately grabbed the elephant. He has almost literally not let go of him since. I am really hoping Horton holds out. I have already reattached all his legs and tail. And I can't find a replacement either. Hang in there buddy.

Anyway back to my story. So as Easton drifts off I have to laugh at the mental image of all of us squished in our queen sized bed. My big strong hubby, my rapidly growing preschooler and his elephant, and me with my ever expanding waist line. I literally have knees in my belly and toes in my knees.

I couldn't get back to sleep. Finally in frustration I said to Nathaniel, "OH I am SO uncomfortable, it hurts every time I move. UGH". I hear a tiny voice between us say, "Mama you not feel good?" I told him my tummy just hurt. Then he slipped his little hand OUT of mine. I was sad then I realized what he was doing when he slipped Horton's paw (do they call elephant feet paws?) into my hand. "Don't worry Mama, Horton make you feel better. He always makes me feel better".

Oh this sweet boy of mine. He is the most determined and strong-willed person and/or child I have EVER met. He is the picture of persistence. He has big ideas and is determined at all costs to accomplish them. And he is incredibly intelligent, so he usually does accomplish whatever follows, "Mama, I have an idea!" Sometimes it's hard, having an extremely strong-willed mind in the body of a three year old. It can be very challenging for both me and Easton. I am SO grateful his strong will and determination. He is going to do such big things one day! He will be an extraordinary leader. He will have creative ideas and problem solving skills (he already does). He will know how to jump any obstacle that gets in the way.

But perhaps the most important part of his personality and of him that will really help him to succeed is his big heart. He shocks me with his empathy and love for others. When we pass an ambulance he gets genuinely concerned and asks to pray for the people hurt. He LOVES. He has a great capacity to LOVE. 

OH!

THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on your way up!

You'll be seeing great sights!

You'll join the high fliers

who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.

You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.

Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.

Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

Kid, you'll move mountains!

Words cannot begin to describe how incredibly blessed we are to have him as part of our eternal family, and not only that but I am so grateful he is our oldest. How lucky Kinley & yet-to-be-named unborn baby boy are to have him as their protector and big brother.