Stephens' Stories: Austin is 3

3 years old! I can't believe Austin has been with us for 3 years now. As far as stats go, he was 87% in weight and 99% in height. He is not lacking in size or personality. He is out going but also shy, sweet but also hard-headed, and mr. Independent but also just a 3,year old who can't do it all by himself. Here's a little summary:

Favorite foods: PASTA, avocado, yogurt, applesauce, cheese, milk, ice cream, raisin bran, apples, eggs, mac n cheese, queso and quesadillas

Least favorite foods: all meats - won't touch them usually, any veggies except broccoli and carrots, you like those, you don't really like juice which I am fine with but I think it's weird

Favorite books: currently it's curious George and your Jesus story book Bible. You also like where's Waldo and digger dozer, dumper

Favorite sayings: construction "struction", "good shot man!" For when a golfer on TV makes it in the hole, remote control "mote toll", restaurant "restronaut", "Campbell smile", "maybe see some golfers", ma-roni n cheese, Workman!

Favorite toys: plastic golf clubs are by far your favorite right now- you have played golf inside for hours every day this past summer. I think your dad has brainwashed you. You also like puzzles and your Thomas the train tracks and trains. You also like watching Thomas on TV as a special thing while mommy feeds Campbell or takes a quick shower. You still sleep with and carry Bear around the house. You still suck your thumb and that is okay for now ( even your dentist said so). You also like your rubber ball and kicking it in the driveway.

Favorite activities: you have really liked swimming this summer. You Love driving by the various construction sights near our house and your school. You think they are the coolest! You also like going to the mall to ride the carousel and watch the ice skaters. You love kicking the ball in the driveway and against the garage. We have gone through numerous balls this summer- good thing the were only $2 at target. You love making your little brother smile- and he loves watching you too! You like to help mommy make scrambled eggs, oatmeal and my coffee in the mornings before Campbell wakes up- this is our mommy/Austin time. You have now been to lakeside with daddy twice to putt- I am sure this will continue to be a favorite of yours. Florida Georgia line and hunter Hayes are your favorite singers- you are slightly obsessed. You love eating out at restaurants, esp with daddy.

Not so favorite things- transitioning from one thing to the next when mom and dad ask you to - man this is difficult. Staying in your chair at the dinner table- you are so easily distracted it is very hard to keep you sitting still. You don't really like riding your bike or scooter yet but hopefully when it gets cooler you will get into that.

At 3, Austin has been wearing big boy underwear for almost 5 months now. He still wears pull ups at night primarily because he is still sleeping in his crib. He loves his crib and shows no sign of climbing out. I think we are going to move him to a big boy bed very soon since Campbell is sleeping in the PAC n play and could use the crib space and comfort soon. He keeps his pull up dry almost every night and wakes us up to go tee-tee. He is in mainly size 3t shorts and 3t shirts but could use 4t shirts soon. He is in his 3rd year at zebra zone and in the owls class with Ms. Lottie as the lead teacher. He is in class with Liam, Casey, Claire, Cate, and Reagan. He misses Jackson, Ewan's, and Tomas but they are not 3 yet so they are in the lions class. Jackson is is crazy buddy and they still get to play on the playground together. We are working on minimizing the whining- in due time :)

Austin, you are full of energy and surprises. We love how sweet you are to your little brother. You are as stubborn as a mule at times but can also be so sweet. We are thankful that God blessed us with you and look forward to watching you grow!