Spring Photos

I had this crazy idea that I would try and get some photos of Ez and Declan together. Maybe even both of them smiling at the camera at the same time. But between Declan's need to chew on everything he can get his hands on, Ez's bipolar threenager antics, and my lack of the five sets of hands I actually need, no amount of bribery was going to make that happen. 

Even though I didn't get that magical perfect shot I think these photos do a good job of showing Ez's new emerging personality, which changes on the daily. While we were taking these photos he switched back and forth between total ham and flat out rebellion. I'm constantly surprised by how little boy he seems lately. Like when he says long complete sentences and even uses a little bit of slang. Hearing "hey mommy, want to play monster trucks with me?" in his sweet little voice never fails to melt my heart. 

Also, on the topic of monster trucks, I'm constantly surprised by how much I currently know about every type of vehicle ever made. This is crazy to say but I actually watched the Daytona 500 and found out that I liked it just a teensy tiny bit. Mainly just the crashes and the last four laps, but that's a huge step for me as a boy mom. Clearly these kids are molding me as much as I'm molding them. Probably more.

Not to be outdone, Declan is just as much a force to be reckoned with. He loves a raucous good time and he thinks all of Ez's tantrums are actually just a great big celebration that he immediately wants to join, happily screaming his head off with the best of em. Having a three year old for a brother, you can't really blame him for thinking yelling and screaming is just the normal way to communicate.

Joe asked the other day if I still feel like one of them is constantly getting jipped, something I struggled with right after Declan was born, and while it's true that they each get less of my attention than they would as an only child I honestly think they're both so lucky to have each other. Now that I see them wrestling and chasing each other and playing side by side while having little jibberish conversations I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Ez has definitely become more assertive than he was pre-Declan. You're probably thinking that's just a nice way of saying he bullies his little brother, and it is, but I notice it in other areas of his life too and it's nice to see him come out of shell. 

And I doubt Declan will ever take any crap from anyone because he can already hold his own against Ez. He knows if Ez is hogging all the good toys and he's not scared to give Ez's curls a little yank to let him know what's up.  

Just like all our other "failed" photo shoots, I think these pictures pretty much sum up our current season of life refereeing two curious, strong-willed, goofy little boys. At the end of the day we're just happy if nobody broke any bones or major household appliances. To say they keep us on our toes is an understatement, but then they go to sleep and here I am staring at their sweet little smiles and thinking back on all the funny things Ez said and the cute things Declan did and thinking how I kinda want to snuggle my little bunnies one more time. Ha! Fooled ya. I actually just want sleep ;)