There hasn't been anything blog worthy over the past week or so, but I promise some exciting material is on its way with our upcoming adventures over the next several weeks. July has consisted of a lot of swimming, enjoying summer, and spending time with family and friends. We haven't been making it to the park to play as often, it's fifteen minutes at best before we are all melting. I think I only mention this because I miss our park time and it makes me feel like we are lacking in the active play department, but swimming is good too. Anything to burn off some energy and get these kiddos begging for their beds when night falls. Just kidding. That never happens. The sun does do its job at wearing them out though. Thanks for that, sun.
Max has decided to be an exceptionally early riser lately. I'm exaggerating. It's actually only been about a half hour earlier than normal, but 30 minutes seems like a long time when I'm in the midst of my slumber. What happened to all of us waking at the same time? I've tried to let my ears do the work while my eyes rest a little longer, but that always turns into a parenting fail. That's when bad things happen --- like when Max approached my side of the bed with an entire can of hair paste in his hair. That was lovely. My ears really let me down on that one.
I didn't even know Max escaped this morning when he approached my side of the bed holding an unopened ice cold popsicle. I was at least coherent enough to tell him no, but he quickly returned with a frozen yogurt stick instead. I giggled at his cleverness and agreed to let him open that one. I've learned it's best to peel my eyelids off my eyeballs when Max refuses to stay in bed. We snuggled on the couch while big sister slept in a little longer. I wish she could convince Max to operate on that same schedule. Oh well. This life really isn't that rough.
Max is at his most pleasant self first thing in the morning anyway, so I'm trying to enjoy that time we have together. He's really been giving me a run for my money the rest of the day. He is incredibly naughty. I keep wondering/hoping if he has peeked his naughty point yet, but he continues to astonish me with his mischievous ways. I honestly feel like I'm speaking to a bag of bricks when I ask him to do something. He no longer responds to me and laughs at any glimpse of authority. He literally laughs at everything. He throws food at the dinner table --- laughing. He goes wild in the playroom, throwing toys everywhere. It finally comes to a halt after he tries to pick up the couch and fails. ---- all while laughing. He pulls Lyla's hair --- more laughing. He sneaks out of his bedroom long after bedtime has concluded ---- oh man, this is hysterical. He even laughs in timeout. Nothing phases him. It makes it difficult to discipline because both me and Kirk are constantly covering our faces or hiding behind walls to cover our own laughter. Trying to speak to him with a straight face is nearly impossible.
There is a dash of anger mixed in with Maxwell's amusement in being disobedient. If he is angry he will fold his arms really tight and pout his lip out. And if he is super pissed he pulls out the high pitched scream. It's all so hilarious to me. Oh, except the screaming. That's been known to blow a fuse. Anyway, it's all very silly because I remember feeling so much more emotional during Lyla's stage of two-berty. I would replay every breakdown and feel like I was failing her. It's sorta funny to think about it now, especially since she has mostly grown out of that irrational behavior. It could be because she is the first child and I dwell on everything when it first happens or perhaps it's just the female energy that creates a more tension. And the fact that she never laughed about being naughty, she took the dramatic route and sobbed about everything.
On the bright side, Lyla has been enjoying little brother's naughty streak. Max will be doing his thing and this phrase never fails to come from her mouth, "I'm being good, right mom?" We also had to have a little talk about her not being allowed to put Max in timeout. I admire her for taking action, but she is such a dork. I keep thinking about how much I would enjoy a little Max break --- but now that I think of it, Lyla would probably enjoy that just as much. I think I will be arranging some girl time soon.
They are two very different human beings and I love them both so very dearly. Enjoy the photos!
