Parenting stuff

So I've told you that the boys love Julia. In fact, the other day when Matt was wearing his "I love Holly" shirt, Joshua asked if he could have an "I love Baby Julia" shirt! Both boys tell me often how much they love their baby sister, yet I think Gray hasn't quite come to terms with her. As can be expected from a 2 year old, his confusion/anger at having a new baby in the house isn't coming out in words. It's coming out in...poop. Yep, what I thought we'd been through already is happening again. He'll go on the potty, but several times a week is going in his pants or his cloth diaper, which he's only supposed to need for peeing in his sleep. It's made for some nasty clean ups and I'm ready for this stage to pass! I've cleaned poop out of his diaper, his pants, the toilet seat, the bathroom cabinet, the wall, his pillow and the floor. I'm afraid to see what is next!

In other parenting news, I'm noticing something about 3 year olds. Joshua was a very grumpy 3 year old at times, yet I've told you that he's coming out of that and is much more agreeable. Someone is taking his place, though! Gray had his share of two year old tantrums, but for the most part, was a happy little boy. Joshua was the "no boy" and Gray was the "yes boy". Not so much now. Gray is now saying "No" or "I don't want.." or "I don't like.." about everything! And he is reluctant to give out hugs, which he never was before. So I'm thinking that 2 year olds express their feeling through tantrums and then 3 year olds learn to use their words, but haven't figured out how to reign in this new skill, so they just go with the negative for everything, and then at 4, they have some kind of epiphany about life and become more pleasant. That's just my observation so far...we'll see if it continues to be true for our family.

And a random note for those not in Durham...it's snowing like crazy right now! We still have snow in the back from last weekend and it just melted from our path and driveway yesterday and now it's getting covered again. It's been a crazy winter!