So I'll Always Remember

It's hard for me to believe that in just a few short weeks, Riley will be in kindergarden. He's growing up so fast. A lot of the time, I'm caught up in the day-to day of our lives... cleaning, making meals, laundry, etc, that I don't always stop to take in all of my blessings. Before too much time goes by, I wanted to put these memories down in writing, so I'll always be able to look back and remember some of the best days of my life.

Riley is the best big brother ever. He has such a great love for Dylan. He is always wanting to hug and kiss on him, hold him, and make him laugh and smile. He is always willing to help me when I ask and is a great "temporary" babysitter when I have to use the restroom, shower or go downstairs for just a few minutes. Oftentimes, when Dylan is out of sorts, and my efforts are of no help, all it take to calm him down and cheer him up is for Riley to come over and make a funny face, do a silly dance or play with him. Even at such young ages, they are both the best of friends.

The other day, Riley and Dylan were on the couch watching TV. As I looked over at my two sweet boys, I saw Riley licking Dylan's head!! The top of Dylan's head and his beautiful, soft, blonde baby hair was matted with spit. Ick! I asked Riley why he was doing that and he said, "Because I love him sooooooo much!" He also told me that he loves his baby hair because it is so soft.

While riding in the car a few days ago, Riley caught me off guard and asked me, "How did you and daddy meet?" So I told him the sweet story of us meeting at Walgreens and how I knew I loved his daddy almost as soon as I met him.

Riley desperately wants a little sister and is completely convinced that God will put another baby in my tummy. He's so sure that he even told me the whole process... According to Riley, God will cut a hole in my tummy, put the baby in there, sew it back up, then the baby grows and grows. Then I have to go to the baby hospital and have Dr. B cut the baby out. Sounds simple enough, doesn't it ;)

I love how Riley's speech has evolved over the years. He has moved from shi-shi to shu me, to excuse me. From bodger to booger. From sho to showder to shower. From huner to hungry. However, Eric and I still say, shi-shi/shu me, bodger and huner :)

Before Dylan was born, Riley and I would have a "date" every 2 weeks on the mornings when Eric was working. I miss those special times with my special boy and hope that soon in the future, our mommy/son dates will resume.

Riley prefaces every conversation with "I need to tell you somping." This started several years ago when he would come up to me or Eric and say that he wanted to "hug you and kiss you and tell you somping."

Riley is now incorporating totally and seriously into his everyday conversations. Sometimes when he talks, he sounds like he's a teenager!

He came up with a new nickname for me the other night while we were sitting at the dinner table. He says that I'm the love monster. I asked him why he came up with that name and he said, "because you love me sooooooo much". I can't argue with that one :)

Riley is very in tune with Dylan. He knows when he's hungry, wants more to eat, is sleepy, or needs a diaper change. He also will get my attention when Dylan is doing something new, saying "Mommy, quick, look at Dylan." He's so proud of his little brother.

***I'm going to do my best to keep these little stories up to date and post these more often***