John Paul-y Turns Four

On the 8th, John Paul turned four.  BUT, he told everyone who asked that he was still three...until he blew out the candles on the cake that evening.  

The candles on the monkey bread were just a trial run.  

And, he topped it off with his current favorite...hot chocolate.

Right alongside Miss Bedhead.

And, the one who may have dumped half a box of Rice Krispies on the floor.

John Paul was born on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, so we're always treated to Mass on his birthday.  After naps, we had a little party with a few things I thought were a bit John Paul-ish: fedoras, crazy teeth, funny glasses and mustaches.

Plus, he wanted the favorite around here...strawberry cake.

Rarely is this kiddo unhappy...or too serious.

In fact, when I wasn't looking, I saw him get a second (huge!) piece of cake right out of the middle like it was no big deal.  Yes, I let him eat it.

Then came the mug shots...

 John Paul was too busy, and this one was wasn't too happy.

But, he had a great birthday!  When you're four, that birthday can be made a little sour by a well-check with three shots.  Jeremy had to take him this time, and when I asked how it went, the conversation went something like this:

Me: Well, how did it go?

Jeremy: It's a little tough to take the pants off of a kid who is screaming and running in place.

John Paul: And, you have to watch out or you might get your finger bit!

Me: John Paul, did you bite Daddy?

John Paul: Nah, I just scratched him this time.

I died laughing.

John Paul is our firecracker.  He...

...loves to make others laugh.

...takes the best care of his little siblings, and claims this next one is all his.

...has a sensitive little soul.

...seems to never get tired.

...is in the 50th percentile for height and 75th for weight for his age.

...weighs 38 pounds.

...loves to help out.

...is rarely quiet.

...has the cutest little chuckle.

...loves the color blue, bubble gum, his giraffe blanket and "just one more piece" of candy.

...runs like the wind.

...brightens any room.

...and is sheer joy.

Happy birthday, sweet boy.

Siblings

I mentioned on Instagram last week that I never got photos of all the kids with Genevieve during her newborn photos.  And, I never got a great photo of them all in their Christmas pjs.  So, I decided to try to get something, and this is what we got...Valentine photos.  Win/win.

Be our Valentines!

Those Beans

Thanks so much for all of the comments and general sweetness yesterday.  I really wanted to see if there was anything you'd like me to do or any questions you'd like to ask.  And, instead...I just got so many compliments.  Thank you.  I wasn't seeking them, but I so appreciate them!  You are the best.

On to today...

So...maybe you shouldn't plant beans with people who don't understand how long they take to grow.  "Are the beans ready?" has been a question asked sometimes more than once/minute.  Maybe this is teaching them patience?  Maybe not.  I'm certain it is teaching me.  However, here's how it all went:

We got a little dirt in some solo cups, and Sophie helped me get everything set up.

I had some old pinto beans in the pantry.  I didn't read up on planting a bean, so if they're too old or if we should have done something to prep them, we didn't.  I guess we'll soon find out in there was any life left in them.

Someone thought they looked like they'd be fun to eat...

and quickly discovered she was wrong.

She went and got her brothers from the other room, and we got started.  We just added a touch of water.

Then, we used popsicle sticks to make a little hole.

And, we dropped the beans in!

Then, we thought we should name them.

They are: Rose, Hosse, Thunder and Papa.  Sorry for those people whose names didn't make the cut!

Now, we wait.  And wait.  And wait some more.