Deacon Matthew- 21 months!

Weight/Length- 28 pounds- 33ish inches

Eating- This boy likes to eat what he likes to eat. Deacon would go on a fruit bite and milk diet if we allowed it.  Sadly for him, we won’t agree to it. (He’ll thank us some day or at least his teeth will). Favorites in no order- grilled chicken, oranges, hotdogs, noodles, raisins, cooked carrots, certain salads, grapes, shredded cheese, lunch meat, bananas, peas, and corn.  Dislikes- broccoli and any type of nuts- too hard to chew I think. He usually will try anything, but it doesn’t always stay in his mouth.

Bedtime/Awake- Deacon sleeps from 8/8:30pm-7/8am. There is usually a 2/3 hour nap in the afternoon. The boys share a room so bedtime has been later over the summer. With light nights, they can see and just rile each other up. To make up for it, he will usually sleep until 7:45/8. There also are the days where Noah wakes Deacon up while getting out of bed- not my favorite.

Diapers- 4’s

 Clothes- Deacon is in 2T for clothes. He had 3T shorts on accident last week- so hilarious. He’s got awhile until we move up to the next size.

Dislikes- Deacon has a LARGE dislike for being told no or not having it his way. He is strong willed and sees things very black and white. (AKA MATT MINI ME) We are working on using our words and have seen a lot of timeout over the past month. It’s a process- I think once communication improves we will see great strides in this area of conflict. What toddler understands delayed gratification? Oh yes- that’s right-none.

He doesn’t like to have his hair rinsed out in the bathtub. He has a big fear of soapy water in his eyes. We have to have a towel right by the bathtub so he can instantly wipe his face off.

Likes- Homeboy adores all things with motors. His favorite books involve excavators, tractors, trucks, and trains. If he requests a show, it is all about trains- Thomas or Chuggington. His favorite song is “Wheels on the bus”.  I’m biased but I will say this, Mr. Deacon has perfected the “mamas on the bus go shhh shh shh.” It’s probably the cutest thing ever.  His asks to “drive” in Matt’s car on the daily. He knows how to make the windshield wipers wipe and the lights flash. He could look at pictures of trucks with Matt for hours and loves to point out different vehicles as we drive.

 His favorite animals are turtles and kitties. He pretends to be a turtle- it’s awesome.  We die laughing as he roars like a tiger (because that’s the noise turtles make) and he slides around on his belly.

Deacon loves to swim, play, climb, rough house, and snuggle. He’s all boy.

Favorite memories- I have two “Deacon Says” moments….

Noah was whining one day about Deacon taking his toy.

Deacon turns around and yells- “hush”.

We were in a parking lot and somebody was playing loud music. He says DANCE and starts twirling in circles.

Also some of my favorite mannerisms-

We will ask Deacon questions- he will say “idunno” just like his brother. It’s so cute.

He still has the proud strut where he walks with his head high in the air and arms swinging.

Any time he gets hurt he will say “OUCH” and bring over the ouch for a kiss.

We will tell him to go to sleep and he pretend snores.

He requests the “Jesus” song all the time.

So this happened…..Pre-K

I can hardly believe it.

I love the Lord’s timing. Noah’s new preschool is exactly what he needs- this boy is ready to explore and learn.  Praise God for His faithfulness and BIG plans that I sometimes (quite often actually) question.  I could not be more thrilled with where Noah has been placed. Matt and I decided to go the Montessori route for Noah, and I think it fits his personality spot on. We love his teacher.  The kids and parents have been so welcoming and kind.

It all feels surreal- didn’t we just announce on the blog that we were having a boy?

 I am so thankful to be his mom. God knew I needed a kind hearted, sensitive spirited, question filled, energy pumped, early morning orientated boy.  

My brother is moving to Dallas in a couple weeks and was up visiting last weekend. While walking home from the park all together, I commented on how many questions Noah asks- I swear we had heard the 100^th why by 9 am. Daniel said “Did you expect anything different? He’s your kid.”  

Daddy got to drive him today. These two are the best (plus little brother of course).

Noah Walker Clem- happy first day of pre-school! 

PS- Don't ask what happened to the pic of Noah and me. Let's just say I had a make-up mishap and once I looked closely at the picture- the powder streaks were too much for me to handle. Ninja Warrior. 

Noah's Thoughts on God, Dream Cars, and His Brother

Noah” Maybe God is made of nails”

Nanny- “What makes you think that?”

Noah- “Well I heard a bible story about that. God got all these nails in him-in His head. Some bad people put them there and stuff. I heard it at church."

…proceeds to completely and instantly change topic

“I didn’t get any shots at church though”

Noah- “Dad when I get older I’m going to get a minivan. It’s going to be SOOO cute. So fancy. So cool. And so cute.”

A couple days later…

Matt- “I can’t wait to get my dream truck.”

Noah- “No dad, you want a minivan.”

Noah- “Dear God, I love you so much. This is a peach. Amen.” (praying at 

dinner)

Noah- “Mom, you are in charge of me and I’m in charge of Deacon.”

Me- “No, I’m in charge of Deacon.”

Noah- “Well, can I be in charge of Bruiser?”

Me- "Noah, do you love having a brother?"

Noah- "Yes mom. Can I keep him forever?"

Me- “Where is Deacon?”

Noah- “Oh, he’s about to have a meltdown.”

Summer Shenanigans

Picture Noah rolling out of bed- chipper as ever with the biggest smile on his face and a hundred questions ready. ( Let's be honest-this is every morning).

Mom, what are we going to this summer?

(In all reality, I didn't have this answer ready at the time, but I am proud to say I think our list of adventures is pretty impressive/aswesome) 

So here we go...

We will explore parks - no shirts needed

Swim until our toes are wrinkled and our hair looks a little green while sporting a little crack. (cutest bum bum ever).

Nap.....but really guys, when is the last time you were this tired? 

Cuddle

Hold on for our dear lives as mom drives.....

Eat Macaroni n Cheese like champions and need baths immediately afterwards

Drive tractors and pull sweet brothers

Wash Cars on our tippy-toes

And look like studs while doing so! 

The End.

P.S.-I can't believe it's almost August. How can summer be almost over?

Noah's Thoughts on Wedding Pics, Soup, and Other Things

First time Babysitter-Noah really has a lot to say. He was showing me your wedding pictures. He told me that he wasn’t in them because he was a twinkle in your eye.

Me- Oh wow. I didn’t know he was really listening when he asked a couple months ago.

Noah- But Mom- I was a twinkle in your eye. Remember? I remember when I was.

Noah- When will Bruiser be an adult?

Matt- Soon, we will consider him adult in a couple months

Noah- When will I be an adult?

Me- 16 or 18 or never (tear- he will always be my baby)

Noah- Maybe 16. That’s’ right- then I’ll have brown eyes like you mom.

Please note his shorts- his clothes right now are 89% of the time backwards, inside out or Deacon's. We always talk about the tie going in the front. Hard concept- I know. When asked if we can help or fix it, Mr. Independent responds...I like it this way.

Noah- Mom, I had a dream about a naughty witch with a grumpy attitude.

Noah- I’ve made you some grass soup.

(I’m outside with him and brother- looking at water and grass in a bowl)

Me- That looks delicious. What’s in it?

Noah- I put small cheerios but now I need to make them bigger.

Noah- If I build a door for the pumpkin house (we tell lots of stories right now), I will have to go get some knobbins.

Me- you mean door knobs?

Noah- Yeah and white paint too.

Deacon Matthew - 20 Months!

Weight/Length- 28 pounds- not sure about height- he’s right around the 30/35 percentile for both weight and height.

Eating- Noodle and Juice/Smoothie machine. We started doing smoothies and keeping juice around the house this summer (oh so good with our 100 degree weather). Deacon is now obsessed. We put the good stuff in it like chia and flax seeds. It’s a great way to add things like nutrients and vitamins to his diet without him fully recognizing what he’s digesting- spinach is a must in each smoothie. We call him Deak-a-roni and the name fits his other obsession perfectly. Homeboy loves mac n’ cheese, meat spaghetti, and anything out there that contains noodles. It’s a messy obsession- we have found macaroni in his hair many of times- not my favorite but hey!

Deacon is picky about certain foods, but if I offer variety- I have found he does a lot better. The key is having time to offer variety- causes for a lot more planning on my side.  Other favorite foods- berries, corn, carrots, peas, fruit bites, raisins, yogurt covered pretzels, hot dogs, certain salads and chocolate milk.

Bedtime/Awake- Deacon sleeps from 8pm-7am. There is usually a 2/3 hour nap in the afternoon. We try to wear him out in the mornings so that he’s ready to go down around 1/1:30.  

Diapers- 4’s

 Clothes- Deacon is in 18/2T for clothes.

Dislikes- Sharing with kids his age has become a little more difficult this month. He has no problem if they are smaller or bigger- it’s just the kids Deacon thinks he can boss around. We are working through it. He’s a feisty little bulldog. I should say- he doesn’t always love sharing with his brother. Deacon wanted the baseball bat this past weekend to hit a ball off the tee- Noah let him have his turn and then wanted his own. Deacon was not OK with that- he proceeded to tackle him to the ground from a full on sprint and then bite him as hard as possible. It ended in a timeout and some tears from Noah, but we quickly found that they both forgot about it and played together nicely the rest of the day.  We were laughing in the background but won’t let them know that until they are a lot older.

We have had some stranger danger. He gets this look and death grip when meeting new people sometimes. I think he assumes I am going to head to work so he tries to cling and not make eye contact. Deak hopes this will keep them away.

Likes- This boy loves to play in water. We have been swimming in our baby pool a lot lately. He gets really excited when we pull out the hose. He is a big motor/vehicle/transportation person- anything that has wheels or engine gets him super excited. We realized it was a sad day when Deacon could say most vehicle names but couldn’t do all but two animals noises. #secondchildproblems Deacon loves to climb. He is fearless and crazy. He will jump off anything if homeboy thinks somebody will catch him. Bruises are a common war wound at our house.

Deacon loves to read books- his two favorites are the Little Engine that Could and Road Work. We have read them probably 1000 times. His favorite songs are the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Our God by Veggie Tales. Deacon loves to watch music videos and dance. Turn Up For What edited version might be his favorite to really boogie down to. It’s amazing.

One of his favorite daily activities is to put Matt’s shoes away. He loves shoes. Deacon pulls them out of our closets all day long and scampers around the house in them. It’s hilarious.  

Favorite memories- I tell people all the time that we needed a Deacon- we seriously didn’t know what our family was missing until he joined our crazy crew November 2, 2013.  Our family was not complete without the little snuggle bug daredevil. Deak is strong willed and courageous. He has made me have to restyle my parenting techniques and tested my patience beyond the limits but I’m so thankful. I could not imagine life without him. He does the best booty scoot to sit in my lap- which he could do all day. Deacon does the best squeal of excitement when I get home from a long day at work. Deacon offers so much love to our house- I’ve never seen a bear hug between brothers like the Clem boys do. My favorite memories over this past month are the ones where Matt and I steal some “one on one” time with him at night. Noah will be exhausted and Deacon will still be riled up come 8 pm. We will bring Deacon into our bed and just hang out. It’s so sweet but his love bucket just overflows with laughs and smiles. Second kids sometimes get lost in the midst of the chaos, so this time is great to just pour into him.

We have seen a lot of two word sentences lately which is awesome. When the dots start to connect and communication improves- everybody is happy. He’s learning and absorbing all day long. Can’t wait to see what next month brings! 

Noah Says Zoo Pictures Edition

Playing in the back yard…

Noah- Mom, I need water to help my breath. So I’m not sweaty-very cute and nice.

Me- blank stare

…… hand him the water

While putting on his blue jean shorts…

Noah- Look mom, my knees match the ocean.

Snacking on popcorn after long Saturday naps for both boys

Me- Deacon, careful with that popcorn. 

Noah- Yeah. Mom JUUUUSSTTTT vacuumed. (I guess he’s heard that enough times.)

I really try not to micromanage but popcorn kernels are the WORST. Amen?

Packing up to go swimming with friends and he has put his own swim trunks on - ready to leave ( swim trunks are not easy- those mesh underwear are tricky).

Noah- MOM COME SEE THIS QUICK!  We gotta go or we miss the show.   

Michael Jordan tongue anybody?

Very seriously….

Noah- Mom, I think your phone has a fever.

(He was playing a game while driving and it started to get hot from all the activity a.k.a. Lego junior game) 

Pictures provided by nanny who took them to the zoo on Wednesday! These brothers are the best PS!