.: 3 Years and 9 Months

We've been falling deeper in love with these boys lately. When no one is teething, throwing tantrums, or potty training, I find myself feeling we've won the kid jackpot. Then Asher exposes himself on the playground to the bishop's wife, and those thoughts vanish. But then return when he says "Guess what, mom? I love you. You're the best friend I ever had."

Aw. I love you too, son. And you'd probably make better friends if you kept your pants on in public.

Anyway, this post isn't about Asher's indiscretions. Just thought it was time for an update on the ole' offspring, seeing as they insist on changing so rapidly. We'll splice in random pictures to keep it fun.

First, our Asher. He turned three in January, but he communicates at a sometimes shockingly adult level.

Here's an example:

Asher: "First Mickey, then nap."

Me: "No, first nap, then Mickey."

Asher: "That's not accurate."

Me: "What did you say?"

Asher: "That's not accurate."

I am going to have to devote an entire post to recent Asher quotes, because he has been saying the funniest things! He loves his t-ball set, and wants to play outside all day. He enjoys his cozy coupe too, but mainly uses it to travel to and from "work" now, so it's more for business than pleasure these days.

We planted a little garden together, and he's loved watering the plants and watching them grow. His favorite foods right now are grapefruit, wheat thins, turkey pepperoni, red pepper "treats", and peas.

Our friends let us borrow their ultra-deluxe double stroller that allows Asher to face me, and since the weather's been warm, we've made the sweetest memories just taking walks together and talking. Preston enjoys looking around or sleeping in the front, and I usually let Asher have a popsickle while we chat. I just adore that sweet, smart, hilarious, affectionate and playful boy.

Asher with his main ladies, Shailey and Azelynn. I'm fairly certain he has real feelings for both.

Having a great time with Gramps at the ball game

And now young Preston. Let me tell you something - I have never met a child so full of sweetness and love. Never. This boy is so cuddly, so adorable, so mild-mannered and relaxed, we have to stop ourselves from kissing his face off. When he's not saying "mama" or "dada", he's flashing huge smiles with his four new, gappy teeth. He clings to my side like a baby primate, and at the end of the day, my left shoulder is usually covered with his slobber, mucus and old food. I know how to work it.

Preston's still in that magical stage where he'll stay in one spot and play with toys, but if he is put on his belly, manages to scoot around. He is a really good eater, and is showing a preference for table food. If I'm holding him and eating something that looks good, he opens his mouth, raises his eyebrows and pants until he gets a bite. Or if I'm not paying attention, he'll grab things from my hand and have them in his mouth before I know what happened. I've lost a lot of good graham crackers that way.