TOP TEN!

Here I finally am, getting around to listing my Top 10 things I love most about my big boy, Austin.  (And not necessarily in any particular order.)  I know I'm a day late from his birthday, but cut me some slack!

10. You're such a Momma's Boy, and I love it! Yeah, sometimes it's a little frustrating when I need to tend to something else and let your Daddy handle you, but you're not having it. I hate to say it, but I like it when you’re not feeling well or sleepy, and you like to cuddle with me.  A few times when you’ve snuck into our bed in the middle of the night, I have awoken to you practically spooning me.  And lastly, when I ask you how much you love Mommy, you widen your arms as far as you can and in a deep voice shout, ‘This much!’

9. I call you Jordan Jr. all the time, because you are indeed your father's mini-me.  From your personality to your looks, you're definitely just like your Daddy. He’s even got you dropping your drawers and peeing in the backyard, which is hilarious to see both of you side-by-side out there.  You definitely have his personality, very outgoing and life of the party.  You’re rebellious at times and know how to turn on the charm to get Mommy to give in.

8.  You always insist on being my little helper.  Whether I’m fixing Chase’s bottle, cooking dinner, baking cookies, vacuuming, or paying at the grocery store, you always insist that certain tasks ‘are your part’.  Most times it’s great to have an extra set of hands and you willing to help so much.  I’ve definitely had to learn more patience on the other times. J 

7.  Before your brother was born, I was worried about how you would adapt having to share the attention.  But you had adapted incredibly well and are truly the best big brother.  You’re so caring to Chase; if he’s crying, all you have to do is walk in the room and tell him you’re there and it’s okay.  He beams from ear to ear.  One of his favorite activities is when you play peek-a-boo with him and he giggles hysterically.  I love it when you give him hugs and kisses before he goes to bed most nights and tell him to sleep tight.  And on the weekends when it’s time for him to wake up from his nap, you tell me to wait and that you’ll get him.  I then find that you’ve climbed into his crib. J

6.  You and your dog (formerly my dog!), Brady are attached at the hip.  You insist on giving him hugs and kisses each and every night before you will lie down to go to bed.  And usually on the weekends, I can find him curled up by your side as you nap; it’s so sweet!

5.  Your memory is incredible.  I’m pretty sure you get this from me, because your Daddy can’t even remember what I told him I wanted for Christmas last week!  All I have to do is say a phrase one time and it’s in that little brain of yours.  For this very reason, we have to watch what we say around you, for fear that you could possibly repeat it.  I’ve gotten really good at just spelling things out to keep you in the dark.  Whether you’re repeating phrases you hear around the house, or repeating songs/naming characters from a movie you watched for the first time (Lion King, lately), you’re memory is spot on.  I’m hoping this is a good sign that you’ll be good in school like Mommy.

4.  This summer, when your teachers suggested that we go full-throttle potty training and put you in undies one day, I’ll admit I was skeptical.  Your pottying was hit-or-miss up to that point and I was certain this would be a very messy lesson to learn.  But once again, you didn’t disappoint and picked up very quickly, within a day! And Mommy definitely loves not having to buy diapers for you anymore!

3.  You’re so sweet!  Whether it’s sharing your toys with friends that come over to play, asking so sweetly if you can have one drink of Mommy’s Sonic drink, or putting some of your dinner on Chase’s dinner tray, you always (well, most times) are thinking of others.  I can only hope that you continue to possess this characteristic later on into life.  In the meantime, I’m going to soak up every minute of it!

2.  You’re 100% boy and very athletic.  I’m so glad that our $44 a month for the Amazing Athletes program at school is paying off so well.  You’ve got quite the arm on you, throwing a baseball hard and fast.  And you don’t have a problem at all hitting a line drive off the t-ball set.  I envision my next 15 years following you around as your #1 fan at all of your sporting events.  I love how you like to play outside, either going down the slide out back, pulling the wagon around the neighborhood, or playing in the dirt!

1.  I love you most because you’re you.  And that country twang you have is just plain adorable.  You say some of the funniest things, like: telling me you need to check your email, asking to stop at Sonic everyday on the way home for a Sonic orange slush, or fake calling one of your favorite friends from school on the phone at home.  I can always count on you to make me laugh, no matter what kind of day I had.  And the fact that I never know what is going to come out of your mouth next, makes it even better.

I love you so much Austin Jordan!  These past three years have been incredible and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.  Can’t wait to see what the upcoming year brings!