Quirks

We all have quirks. Like most mothers, I think my own children's quirks are just so funny. A lot of other parents I know think their kids (or my kids) are OCD, but I think they are just kids learning how to cope in this world and that's a healthy thing... most of the time. Logan is going through a stage where he just has to lick stuff. It drives me batty, to be perfectly honest, but I can see it in his face that he really truly just can't help himself. He just has to lick that armchair (or table, or toy, or book). A couple of nights ago at dinner I told him he was handsome. He about fell out of his chair with bulging eyes and said, "NO! I CAN'T BE HANDSOME!" I insisted and this argument went on for sometime, so I finally asked, "What does it mean to be handsome?" Logan's response was, "When a boy looks like he's going to get married!"

Porter really needs to have a plan each day, and doesn't like unexpected events (even if it's a surprise visit to Chuck E. Cheese for goodness sake!) He had a lot of fun once we got there, but he just didn't like that we hadn't scheduled it into our day. I suspect he will grow out of this. He used to gag every time I had to change a diaper and Toy Story 3 made him feel physically ill with all of those kids sticking stuff in their mouths and noses... but he's starting to grow out of that. I always call him my little old man, and that is definitely one of his quirks. He has always been very picky about his clothing. When he was little he just wanted everything to be "soft." Now, not only does it have to be comfortable, but it can't be wrinkly and it can't be a busy print. In fact, he prefers solid colors. He likes a few character shirts, but not graphics unless it's a simple holiday silhouette. He likes stripes as long as there are just two colors - any more than that is too much for him. And most plaid literally gives him a headache. Whenever I ask his opinion about bedding, curtains, pajamas, etc. he chooses the most basic and simple option or will suggest something entirely different. Whether or not he grows out of this one, I am glad he is forming his own opinions about everything!

Noah just has to put his belly on stuff if he has a binky. The binky makes him feel tired and he will lift up his shirt and go press his bare belly onto just about anything: the wall, a stool, a stuffed animal, but most preferably another person. Speaking of binkies, the "Binky Fairy" came to Jessie a few months ago. Jessie was FINALLY ready to gather up her binkies, put them under her pillow, and in the morning she found a new Barbie and the binkies were gone. She's done well without them, but every now and then she'll look at one of Noah's fondly and say, "When I'm two years old I can have a binky." To this, Porter always says something like, "You won't be two again. You can't have binkies! You are too old." And Jessie's response is always, "WELL... binkies make me feel good. That's all." She says it so sweet and it kinda makes me feel sad, to be honest. However, I'm glad she can articulate her feelings and our family physician can now sleep at night knowing she doesn't use one anymore.  So I ask, "What else makes you feel good, Jessie?" Every time she says, "Butterflies!" A few other answers: Sunshine, hugs, ice cream, lip gloss, nail polish, bubble baths. Spoken like a true girl.