Max the Dog

So yesterday Roman would not let me call him anything but Roman. Not the nicknames I've always used. Not even Buddy. Just Roman.

Today, however, he is NOT Roman. Please don't make the mistake of calling him that. Today, his name is Max. And he's a dog.

Roman at Three

My baby is three. I can't believe it. It seems like only yesterday...

Here are some of the things going on with Roman:

• Roman is still not potty trained. We thought he was going to be so easy when he started using the potty last summer, but I guess we pushed too hard and he decided to be stubborn. We're working on the potty issue now, but trying not to force it. We do, however, have plenty of candy in the potty treat bowl, yellow stickers for our yellow potty chart, and plenty of super-hero big boy undies just in case Roman decides he's ready.
• We finally moved Roman from his crib to his toddler bed. We tried this unsuccessfully months ago. He just wouldn't stay in his bed, especially for naps. This time though, we're going through with it. Even though he hasn't taken a single nap since we made the switch. I'm not sure I like it though.
• Roman is talking up a storm. He had a late start talking, but now he can say pretty much anything he wants. That doesn't mean everyone will understand him, but hey, we're not picky right? Talking is talking.
• Roman is a wild and crazy little man. If he's not running, jumping or climbing something, then he's probably ripping something, breaking something or otherwise making a mess of something he shouldn't be getting into. He is a total sweetheart though, when you can get him to sit still for a minute.
• Roman's favorite things are the color yellow, cars and trucks, pirates, any Baby Einstein movie, his stuffed dog "Baby", (who we were so happy to find stuffed behind a couch cushion,) guns and swords and anything else he can play "shoot and kill" with, and chocolate milk.

We love you Roman! We're so happy that you're part of our family.

Roman's 3rd Birthday

When I asked Roman what he wanted to do for his birthday this year, he responded that he wanted a yellow balloon and a yellow cake. Is this guy easy to please or what?

So Roman had three birthday parties this year. (Lucky boy, huh?) First, one with my family, complete with cousins, yellow balloons, yellow cake and yellow ice cream. Next, one with Steve's family with his other April birthday cousins on the Parke side. And then he had a yellow party at home with friends from church. The pictures above are from this third party. He had a great time at all three parties.

Easter

Easter morning at Bon's.

Coloring Easter eggs with Isaac. (Yes, with crayons.)

All gussied up in their Easter finery. (Check out Grace's short hair!)

At Grandma's, waiting for the egg hunt to begin.

The race is on.

Spring Break

This year Grace had a week off of school for spring break. Steve was in school, so Grace, Roman and I headed to St. George to spend time with family. We had a great time. I got to see my sister Colleen, who I hadn't seen for a long time, and the kids got to see their cousins Isaac and Charlie. The kids had a fantastic time. The pictures above are from a day we spent in Zion.

The Mormon Mom

My friend Sarah has started a website to help busy moms with parenting, date night ideas, family home evening, organization tips, couponing, and recipes. I know she'll have some great tips. Check out her blog for more info: http://sarahandcorysmithfam.blogspot.com/2009/04/mormon-mom-website-launch.html, or go to her website: http://themormonmom.com.