6. {Nash Baylor Poe}

Nasher Noo,
Silly. Charming. Fun. Busy. Sensitive. There's no way to sum you up! It's amazing to me that God can give me two boys that are SO different...but, I'm so glad He did.

You are full of life and always moving. After a full day at Kindergarten, you come home to immediately start some game that includes a ball! You either create your own game or want to shoot hoops or kick the soccer ball into the goal. You've played soccer and basketball since Kinder has begun and are about to try flag football. You're also in Running Club with you Bubba. I'm afraid you're going to want to play them all...there just aren't enough hours in the day!

I'm not surprised but am so thankful that you LOVE Kindergarten. It's so fun having you and Quinn at the same school this year...it does something good for my Momma heart to know you're both under the same roof. You're growing and learning so much...and are really reading now! Your teacher sings your praises about your writing and even awarded you with the Cool Cougar award during the 2nd 9 weeks of school. She said that you are loving and kind to everyone and have a good attitude every day. That makes us more proud that you can imagine. 

 

 Anywhere you go, you're the life of the party. Your personality is magnetic and people seem to flock to you. You're kind and fun and clearly very loved. I thought it would end with Preschool, but the "I'm going to marry Nash" talks from little girls have continued. It cracks us up! 

At home, you can be quite the handful...pestering and loud and busy, like I said before. But, in the next breath, you're the most helpful of the bunch!...Always willing to do anything to help Bliss or me. If I make it a game or am a part of it with you, you're almost always on board...even if it means cleaning the banisters or unloading the dishwasher. You're the official "bug getter" in our house. You have no fear and are so proud when you get the job done. 

Sometimes I have to remind myself that you're only 6. Because you're so big and so responsible, I often forget. Your sensitive self comes out at times and you'd cuddle all day long. You want to hold my hand ALL of the time when we're out and about. You don't like getting in trouble...it usually brings you to tears. You are already eating us out of house and home...I'm amazed at your appetite. You for sure eat more than I do! You truly are a bottomless pit.

 

 I love watching your relationship with the Lord grow! You're asking some BIG questions and have prayed to ask Jesus to live in your heart! We're reading a book with you now, but I'm certain you'll be ready to be baptized soon. May you always love Him and never, ever doubt!!! That's my prayer for you! 

You love orange and all things BB-8. Sports are your love...right next to stuffed animals. You sleep with too many to count. (But, Tigey...your tiger, is your very favorite!) Clothes matter to you. You change multiple times a day and have to look just right. You look in the mirror a lot. ;) You love McDonald's and candy and root beer and your family! 

For years, I've told you that you make things more fun! And, I have a feeling it will forever be the truth. I can't imagine life without you, Nasher Noo. Thank you for all you do to make me laugh, truly help me and remind me how much you love me! You are a joy...a hoot...and you (and your dimples) have my heart! 

I love you...so, so much!!!
Momma

30 seconds of Nasher: 4 1/2 years old

what a mess.
silly.
loves soccer.
and shiny things.
loves big.
shares.
cares.
a stinker.
somersaults into a room.
can cry at a moment’s notice.
adores his sister.
goes from hot to cold in seconds.
knows what he likes.
loves being with his family.
goes from hot to cold in seconds.
helper.
makes things more fun.

{pics taken December 2014}

Nash Baylor Poe: Three. {and 3/4}

My Sweet Nasher Noo,

I couldn’t let your 3rd birthday letter escape us…and the fact that you’re still the baby of our family for a few more weeks…without sitting down and letting you know everything you are to me!  In so many ways, I think you’ve grown up too fast…but, when you have a Big Brother that you idolize, I guess it’s bound to happen! You’re so much fun…and such a mess…and the life of the party! You make us laugh EVERY day and you have a sweet, tender heart that easily shows itself to us and your friends. Your laugh is contagious…your “big boy swagger” when you’re playing sports is hilarious…and your opinion is loud and clear about most things! So…to capture just who you are at this age, I wanted to do the little 3 year old interview that I did with Quinn (click here to see Q’s) …and, I’ll be sure to add in my own commentary after your answer!

Here goes…

Do you like to sleep?
Yes, because I cuddle with all of my loveys and because I get to cuddle with Quinn.

You’ve always been a pretty good sleeper, and we’re so thankful for that! You are SUPER high maintenance at bedtime though. You need 800 things around you…loveys galore, pillows, blankets, books, toys…our little hoarder! We have to tickle your back…and your tummy…and your arms…and your face…and…and! You like to stall. You have to have your water close by. But, once you’re asleep, you’re good! … You have also learned of the beauty of cuddling with Quinn. You LOVE to fall asleep in bed with him. He tolerates it and lets you sometimes…but you would every night. When you do, Daddy always comes in and easily transfers you to your own bed. And, sometimes, (if Q doesn’t wake you) you’ll sleep in a little longer. …As far as naps go, they’re pretty obsolete at home. You will randomly fall asleep while watching a show or snuggling with Daddy on the couch…or while you’re playing in the Bear Pit…but not super often. Your teachers at school say you are the BEST napper. The first to fall asleep every day! We may bring nap time back at home once Bliss is born!

What do you love to eat/drink?
Mickey sandwiches and chicken and candy. Orange juice and caffeine.

You would seriously snack ALL. DAY. LONG. if I’d let you.  I worry about our grocery bill when you’re a teenager. I’m surprised you haven’t turned into a goldfish cracker by now and you would usually want something salty (like crackers or pretzels) before a sweet snack. If we ask you what you want for dinner, you’ll almost always say, “a burrito!” You miss Taco Bueno and Taco Casa as much as Mommy! Thankfully, just like your Big Brother, you’ll try anything…and often like it. I’m thankful that meal time battles haven’t been too bad for us.
Tell me about your favorite toys:
Trucks and Hot Wheels. And Legos and my new toys.

You’re way less maintenance with toys than Q was. You don’t have to have the latest and the greatest character toy to go with the show you’re currently obsessing over. When you get to pick a “sussy” at the store, you’ll almost always pick a ball or a Hot Wheel car. Easy!!! You do love playing whatever Quinn plays and are a great Lego builder for your little age. You really enjoy coloring and playing with play-doh. And, you’ll play for a good hour in the bath tub with cars or Imaginext guys. You also love being outside…riding your scooter and you love to swim! We’re excited for summer in our new pool! 

What are your favorite shows/movies?
Mickey Mouse and Wallykazam and Chima. 

Just like your brother, you love shows! And you could watch the same one OVER and OVER again!!! Some days, we watch lots of shows to survive…and sometimes you don’t watch any! If I’d play with you all day, you’d probably never request one.

Do you have any favorite songs?
Lightning McQueen songs and your radio.

You’re quite the singer and the dancer. You have a sweet little singing voice! You’re content with listening to songs in the car…especially the Frozen soundtrack. And, you can sing every word. You’re in choir at church and I can’t wait until you perform. I overhear you singing songs from school and church as you play…pretty precious.

What makes you sad/frustrated?
When you have to take away my toys if I’m not being good.

Honestly, I’m not sure if that’s ever happened, but maybe it has. It’s safe to say you get sad and frustrated more than I’d like. You can turn on the tears at a moment’s notice and are a bit of a drama king. As tough as you seem, you scream and scream when you barely bump your head. I’m afraid you’re a bit like the boy who cried wolf and we’re not going to believe it when you’re REALLY hurt one day. You’re learning that crying doesn’t get you what you want…and whining doesn’t either. Oh, second born!

What makes you the most happy?
You guys picking me up from school…all of you! Playing with Bubba.

You do ADORE spending time with your whole family. You miss Quinn so much when he’s at school and you’re not. You ask all day long if it’s time to go and get him yet. On Quinn’s birthday, we all got to come to your school and pick you up…and it meant so much to you! We’ve always said that you’re “extreme!” You”re either the happiest, most joyful kid we’ve ever seen…or you’re a mess! Not much in between. But, when you’re great, you’re great! So fun! So happy! So loving! And so very funny!

What makes you laugh?
Quinn doing silly faces, You doing silly faces and Daddy doing silly faces.

About that laugh of yours…there’s seriously not a better laugh on the planet! It’s so genuine and deep. We love it…I wish I could bottle it up!
Who do you love to be with?
Family and Taylor and I love to kiss Bliss in your tummy.

Like I said before, you do love us! And, I’m so thankful!!! Taylor is your best little girl friend at school. Y’all are absolutely hilarious together. And, goodness me, you’re excited to be a Big Brother to Bliss. You’ve been so proud from the moment we told you about a baby in my tummy. You kiss my belly every time I drop you off at school or church…and often throughout the day. You talk to her, and sing to her, and tell her you love her. You talk about all of the things you’re going to do with her once she arrives. I can’t wait to watch you in action. I have a feeling it’s going to be pretty priceless.

Where do you love to go?
The park to play.

You’re not a home body quite as much as Quinn. You like to be out and about like your Daddy. You do love going to the park…or meeting friends to play! And, when it’s just you and me, you’re a pretty great errand runner. When you and Q are together on errands, it gets a little crazy…but we manage!

What do you love to do?
Play games with Bubba, Play with new cars, Ride my scooter, Play soccer. 

Not to put you in a box, but I think you’re going to be our little athlete. You LOVE everything sports. Watching it, going to games and, of course, playing! Since we signed you up for Soccer, you’ve been obsessed. Wanting to play…wanting to wear your shoes EVERYWHERE…wanting to watch real soccer on TV over shows. You love it! We’re excited for your season to start and hope it lives up to all of your expectations!

Is three a fun age to be?
Yes because you get to do flips.

And, you do! Flips on trampolines…on the couch…summersaults on the floor…everywhere you go! You’re full of life!

We adore you, Nash Baylor Poe. There are days you give me a run for my money, but, in the end, you’re my sweet, tenderhearted, flower picking, sparkle finding, lovey little mister. I’m so thankful that God blessed us with you…so different from your Big Brother…It’s amazing to me how that happens! I really think you’re going to be the perfect Big & Little Brother! (And you love that you’re the only one in our family that gets to be BOTH!) Never forget that you are so loved and that I’m so very proud to call you my Nasher!

I love you more…yes sir,
Mommy

Nash: Two Years Old

Oh My Nash Baylor Poe,
Where do I begin? How do I describe your sweet personality and how much I love you in a letter? It’s going to be hard…but, I’m sure going to try!

If I had to describe you in a word, I think it would be “mess!” You are SUCH a mess on SO many levels! You give us such a run for our money and make us laugh in the same breath! You test our patience and melt our hearts in the same moment. You make us want to pull our hair out and want to kiss you all over at the exact same time. I don’t know how it’s possible. People everywhere stop to comment on your adorableness! You’re a charmer, for sure!

I’d say your most proud title is “little brother!” You ADORE your big brother so much and want to do what he’s doing most of the time. Recently, you’ve started asking him for help before asking me when you need a drink, can’t reach something in your bed, etc. It’s so precious to me. You’ll sit with him and play Legos, play ball, or fight with swords. You have full conversations with him and miss him so when he’s not around! You are so proud to watch him play soccer and say “Go Bubba” over and over again! I pray that you will always be close…and trust that you will be.
Even though you’re still a big guy and will always be my “Chubber,” you’re really not that chubby any more…you’re SO solid! Sadly, you’re not the greatest eater when it comes to meals, but you love, Love, LOVE to snack! I’d say your “nack cup” is your lovey. You want to take it to bed, but I don’t let you…but that doesn’t keep you from asking EVERY day! Your favorite snacks are still “shishies” (gold fish), Honey Kicks and any type of crackers. You also LOVE your sweets and would eat a sucker or gum all day long. Unfortunately you don’t love milk or water…but, you’ll drink water. You prefer to have it mixed with juice…and the tiny bit I put appeases you. Embarrassingly enough, you LOVE diet coke and is what you request at most meals! You’ll fuss until Mommy’s coke can be RIGHT next to you. See!?!…MESS!
   
Thankfully, you’re still a good sleeper. You went through a no rocking phase…went back to it…and are now not wanting to be rocked again. Now, you want me to lay you in your bed, tickle your back, tummy, arms, face, hands, feet (you’ll command each one) and sing the ABC song OVER AND OVER! After 10 or so minutes, we leave you and you fall asleep quickly. You still sleep with your “rain” and just started sleeping with music too. You seem to love it. You want to make sure all of the doors are closed in your room and like it completely dark! Your bed is still FULL of SO many stuffed animals and now other things as well. You always want this little glitter wand, a green Hot Wheels car, your plastic Elmo and Count and your little magnadoodle. (among other things on any given day) You also want a sippy cup of water in your bed. Gracious. Most days you wake up happy between 7 and 8. You’ll sometimes sing and “color” (on your little magnadoodle) before you start calling for us. I’m so thankful for that! … You still take a great 2 to 3 hour nap on most days too!
As far as entertainment, your FAVORITE thing (BY A MILE) is playing with balls. You’ll shoot, throw, kick, roll and bounce with people or all by yourself. There is NO DOUBT in our minds that you’re going to be a little athlete. Your accuracy is already so impressive. Daddy and I will often look at each other in awe of the spiral you threw or the hoop that you made. Second to
playing with balls is coloring! You LOVE it…either on your  magnadoodle or on paper…you love your coloring books and your Color Wonder paper and markers. Since Quinn didn't (and still doesn’t) love to color that much, it’s fun for me! I could sit with you and color for hours. Like I already said, you LOVE to do what your brother is doing and are also too brave for your own good! You tumble and jump on EVEYTHING and pretend that every bed, couch or chair is a trampoline. You have no fear. Sadly, you “bonk” your head multiple times a day…but, you’re tough and are quickly ready to play! I’m worried for what the future may hold as far as injuries. You enjoy watching shows for a little while but not like your brother did/does. Your shows of choice are Elmo (Sesame Street), Mickey Mouse and Jack’s Big Music Show. You also LOVE the Curious George Movie and your Hillsong Kids DVD! You are STRONG willed…and I have NO idea where you get that!!? (wink. wink.) You have to open your own bar, buckle your own seatbelt, and NEVER ride in a buggy or stroller. If you want to be held, you HAVE to be held, and if you want a “nack,” you won’t let up until you get it. I must admit that it makes this Momma VERY tired…but, I pray that God will use it for good!
 
You are SO polite…you say “please” and “thank you” almost always without being reminded. If Quinn gives you something, you promptly say “thank you, Bubba!” You even thank me and apologize when I change your stinky diapers. What a love.
Speaking of diapers, you are starting to potty train…and I DREAD it. You ask to go potty and get SO proud of yourself with you teetee and poopoo on the potty! I’d say you go a little in the potty everyday, but I’m just not ready to be consistent. Maybe we will when Bubba starts school!? Ugh. You love to talk…Here are some things that we often hear…
“I really better, Momma!”
“Go Nigh-night ground!”
“Help-a you!”
“I wanna wachha-show, Daddy!”
“Hode-ju!” (Hold you)
“Nasher do it!”
“Nack pu-lease!” (Snack please)
“Play bas-keet-ball. I shoot it."
“I be cozy!”
“That Daddy’s. That Mommy’s. That Nashers. That Bubba’s!”
“I put it back!”
“Pook a hand!” (Pick a hand…when playing a “finding” game!)
Oh, I adore you. You LOVE to dance. You love it when I “shoo-ee” when I smell your stinky feet. You can turn on the tears at the drop of a hat. You know how to use my Iphone. You love to help me clean! You are fast. You adore your puppies. Your favorite color is green. (or so you say) You have the MOST contagious laugh. Your HUGE dimple on your right cheek melts me. You ADORE your Daddy! You don’t mind having your nails clipped. You already have opinions about your clothes. You love to “get cozy!” You can stick your bottom lip our further than should be possible. You can gurgle. You are strong. You pray before every meal. You are a sweet friend. And, did I mention that I adore you!
Nash Baylor Poe, I can’t imagine our family without you in it. It’s no doubt that you make it more difficult…but you make it lots more fun too! I pray for you every single day and am so thankful that God chose YOU to be my sweet second born little love. Thank you for so obviously loving your Momma and for making me so thankful to be a Mommy! I love you…
Hugs and LOTS of Kisses,
Your Momma

Nash: One Year Old

Oh my sweet, sweet Chubber Bubs,
You are ONE! Well, actually you turned one about 2 1/2 months ago…but, you’re still ONE, none the less! Our crazy life has kept me from being as devoted to these letters as I would have hoped to be…but, better late than never! :) 
  
As a BIG one year old, you are SUCH a hoot! You are constantly making silly noises or faces that you KNOW makes us laugh. We’re already sure that you’re going to spend your whole life making others laugh! You also think your brother is hilarious! You’ll laugh and laugh at him…especially when he does something EXTRA boyish…like a toot noise or spitting water out in the tub.

You have a FULL mouth of teeth. Your top and bottom molars are coming in. And, with those teeth, you LOVE to eat. You’ll eat just about anything and everything we put in your way. You love your “nacks” and feel better when you have your snack cup in your hand. I’m afraid we’re creating a bad habit! One thing you don’t like is milk. You eat plenty of yogurt and cheese, but you will spit milk out…even if I try to hide it in your smoothies. And, funny enough, you still can’t drink out of a sippy cup. You don’t know how to tilt it up. You prefer drinking out of big boy straw cups! Hopefully it’s not a lazy thing. And, speaking of lazy, your silly little self WILL NOT WALK! You’ll cruise around furniture and will take one, two, three, four and sometimes FIVE steps, but NO more. You prefer to crawl SUPER fast or to walk around on your knees. Dr. Guetersloh did not seem at all concerned, but I will be thankful when your 27 pound self decides it’s ok to get movin’ on those feet! But, you can CLIMB! You LOVE to climb stairs or up on furniture. And, thankfully, you already know the safe way to get down. You’ll back up and carefully slide yourself down. It cracks us up that you’re already so good at it.

Another thing you LOVE to do is play ball. You spot them from a MILE away and say, ‘bahh” in your preciously deep little voice. And, when it gets in your hand, you can’t wait to throw it! You have SUCH good aim. You’ll play catch for LONG amounts of time and always make it right to our hands. Your daddy already has super big dreams for you when he watches how much you love to play ball!

When it comes to other things you like to play, it really depends on what your brother is doing. You want to be right where Quinn is…playing with all of his big boys toys. Sometimes he’ll play with your toys with you…and that makes them EXTRA fun to you. You love your ball popper and you LOVE your stuffed animals. It’s cute to watch you hug on them and love them…no matter how big they are!

Since your brother is in school, you have much more of a routine than he ever did. Usually, after dinner comes some play time and then off to bath! You LOVE playing in the bath and are so content to play for as long as we’ll allow. You and Quinn crack us up as you interact together in the tub. After bath, we wrap you up in your towel and get your jammies on you. Then, it’s usually straight to bed. You motion for your stuffed animals and usually hold 2, 3 or 4 of them while we rock you. Daddy rocks you in your rocking chair when he puts you to sleep…and I rock you standing up! You cuddle with us and with Mickey (1 of 3), Tigger, Pooh (1 of 2) or Donald. It’s so sweet how much you love them and how they’re your little friends as you sleep. When we lay you down, you have one under each arm…and will usually kick your foot as you fall asleep! …And, you always have your “rain” on to fill the room with noise. You rarely cry for long…and, thankfully, sleep the whole night through.



When it comes to napping, you would still prefer two (one around 9:30 and one around 2:00), but, due to being the sweet tag-a-long second born, you sometimes only get one. When you’re tired or hungry is when your EXTREME side comes out! I have a feeling you’re never going to have a problem sharing your feeling or opinions! Quinn likes to call you a “stinker pot” …and, I must admit that I agree! :)

Speaking of your sweet Big Brother…you think he hung the moon! You get so excited to see him and already love to “wrestle!” And, he’ll do ANYTHING for you! He’ll give you the toy he’s playing with if it makes you happy…he’ll give you bites of his food and drinks of his drink…he’ll hold your hand in the car! He’s pretty priceless…and and I think you’re starting to know that!
Your little vocabulary has started to form as well! I love to hear you talk! Words you know are…
Momma, Dada, ball, book (minus the K sound), buh (for bubbles), boo (for balloon), mo (more),  pa pa (pat pat), nack (snack), Pooh (Winnie the Pooh), bow (for bounce), MatMan (BatMan), Bayou (when we sing Bayou Baby), uh oh, and bye bye.

You also know some animal sounds…
Your quack quack for the duck is your best. But, you can also do a puppy sound, a monkey and a fishy. They usually get a good “quack quack” first, but you’ll usually correct yourself.

And, you can find your nose, hair, ears and shoes.

Other things that amaze us are how you can slide pages on our iPhones and the way you can take things in and out of boxes, baggies, etc. You’ll spend LOTS of time taking things out (fruit snacks in the pantry, my makeup, cards in a baggie) and carefully putting them back in. Such a smart little guy!

Overall, I can say that I’m madly in love with you. Despite your little tantrums and strong will, there is NO way I could love you more! Your dimple absolutely melts me…your big brown eyes and mile long eyelashes are surely the most precious thing in the world…and your “pat pats” always fill my heart. You are such a ball full of jolly-ness in our home and we are so blessed and thankful that you are ours.

Happy Birthday, Nash Baylor Poe! I love you a bushel and a peck!
Your Mommy

	Nash Baylor Poe	Quinn Davis Poe
Weight:	27 lbs. 1 oz. (75-90%)	It’s all packed away!
Height:	31 inches (50-75%)	I’ll fill it in when we finally move!
Head:	19.3 inches (97%)
Walking	not quite	12 months, 3 weeks