A Different Perspective

I'm pretty sure my parents LOVE being grandparents.  My father, I think, especially enjoys the payback I get as a mother after all the antics I pulled as a child : clearing out his calculator in the midst of the twenty step problem for his thermodynamics class in college, sitting on the books during family story time, redesigning pants with some scissors I happened to find,  ripping the clothes off of Barbie dolls that Tess spent hours preparing, throwing rubber duckies in the toilet, or tormenting Tess with rubber donuts while she was held captive in the jumper/stroller.

Well....

Payback's a ah-hem...

AUGUSTINE!!!

 

Today alone, just over a month shy of the two year mark, our beloved second born scaled the fully upright sides of the crib to make his glorious escape from naptime, shoved lettuce up his nose and tortilla chips in his ears, and ran around the house screaming "NATE-ted Butt!!" after shedding his soccer ball shirt, sweats, and skivvies.  And at story time...he gave us a break by only rubbing his hands over the pages I was trying to read or pushing the book a little further away with his feet.

Second child syndrome?

 

 

 Following in the footsteps of the wild and crazy St. Augustine of Hippo prior to his conversion?

 Lord, let's hope not!
Surely Augustine John is an innocent, sweet, child that spends his time in company with angels.

Or on the run after knocking down Luke's duplo block empire,  stomping through the carefully assembled village along the train track like Godzilla, or speeding through the living room with his face adorned with a mischievous grin and Luke's blankies in tow. The onlooker can't help but laugh as he scampers past with the one arm tucked up a little higher than the other pumping vigorously to aid in locomotion.


A few months ago, before Clement's birth,  Pete and I were comparing our children.  Although Luke may don more of my physical characteristics he seems to have adopted more of Pete's personality.  Augustine, however, a spitting image of his father (thanks Grandma Schafer for sharing these gems) seems to have been blessed with an ounce, or two, of my orneriness;-)

He has seemed to show mercy on Clement, to this point, but I'm sure Clement will "suffer" a bit after reaching a reasonable age.  Augustine is ornery.  Not mean.  What is especially frustrating is that the little punk knows darn well what he is doing and takes pure delight in causing a bit of an uproar.  He has, within the passed month, started using "Why?" extensively.  He is very verbal...more than Luke at this age I think and full of energy.  He stays put in a timeout when issued- a striking contrast to Luke who we would have to practically hold in place, but won't sit still for the duration of a 15-30 minute television program/DVD or a series of books.  Similarly, he slides off the toilet as soon as he's finished with his business to continue with his daily duties whether he's wiped or not. 

We've recently started transitioning him to the "big boy" bed which comes in the form of the trundle under Luke's bed. One night Pete heard Augustine crying and went to go help him out since usually crying while in bed means he has to go potty.  Upon entering the room however, Augustine was no where to be seen.  Somewhat puzzled, Pete continued to search the room still hearing the whimpers.  Turns out Augustine decided to crawl under Luke's bed and couldn't find his way back out since the trundle was in the way.  Pete helped him out and Augustine just laid down on his bed and went to sleep. 

On another occasion,  Pete arose to find Augustine taking over the house.   Augustine, ready to start his day, went directly to the refrigerator and got out the gallon jug of milk along with his milk cup.  Both were setting on the table with the lid off the milk jug.  He had also brought his step stool into the kitchen and took out a package of crackers to eat.  This was a somewhat surprising scene having been fooled by a Luke that, whenever he wakes up, walks right into our room to fetch dad or mom, if we aren't already up and moving around for some reason.  Augustine seems to have a bit more confidence and independence in his blood.

He jumps on the bed/couches and sits/stands on the windowsill earning an enthusiastic response from his brother wrought with giggles who delivers the exciting events to mommy, thus increasing the audience which obviously motivates the culprit to jump higher, scream louder, or run faster.

Augustine is a character.  A wonderful child of God that continuously challenges me not to become a lazy parent.

I love the little booger! 

I love the way he says "byooon" for balloon.  I love the "tainnts" or "taint you" matter-of-factly offered at the appropriate times without reminder.  I love the, "I tarry Yute-ey" as he wraps his arms around Luke's waist in search of forgiveness for the most recent swat.  I love the little shoulder shrug and open hand that accompanies the "mooo-mom" for 'come on' as he summons George or myself to follow along on his next big adventure.  I love the way he smiles, gives Clement kisses,  and folds his hands or offers to hold ours while praying.  I love his proud "ME" response when we ask 'who did that?' or Who has gassers?.  I love his, "NO! ME Do It!" when we attempt to help buckle him in, ascend the throne, or pour his juice or milk.  I tear up during his not so graceful rendition of the Alleluia he sings at Mass or the "Happy to you" he bellows lovingly at birthday celebrations.  He was particularly excited once he realized we were singing to him on his feast day that we celebrated on Thursday August 28th with strawberry shortcake and a gathering of family and friends.

Happy feast day to you!

 Apparently birthdays and feast days don't get in enough practice in blowing out candles.  We've yet to do an ice cream cake to prevent the treat from collapsing into a puddle while we all wait patiently for Augustine to make the flame disappear.  Hopefully advent will help prepare Augustine better for upcoming celebrations.

 Besides running, baseball, trips to the "day-down!", knock-knock jokes, and playing with squirters, one  of Augustine's favorite pastimes has become taking pictures.  He aims with the camera smashed against his face and encourages, "MY- Il!!"  Perhaps photography is in his future or maybe he was just helping out since Grandma Schafer couldn't make it to the feast day party this time.  He may be an impressionist.

not quite to the top of Grandpa Steve and Uncle Adam

Trashy neighborhood

Dad-DEEE-OH!

Peek over George's shoulder

Selfie!!!!!

From thy bounty

Taking a look

While the somewhat more centered and focused photos were from an 18 month photo shoot with the Maione family and give us different views of Augustine, it's interesting to see what the world looks like through the eyes of Augustine as well.  He's bound to keep charming us with his personality and I'm sure we'll hear plenty more "Nang Knab-BIT"s when he's frustrated and continue to work on those counting skills which currently go as follows "one, two, tee, five, tix, eight, NINE!"  We look forward to what each new day brings- the challenges and joys of having Augustine around.

Oh Lord, we adore you and praise you.  We stand in awe of your creation and delight in the opportunity to share in its beauty.  We thank you especially for Augustine John and pray that we may be guided by your light and compassion  in all that we say or do.  Help Augustine realize that as much as we love him, your love is ever greater. Protect him from harm as he continues to grow and explore and give him the knowledge and courage to fulfill his call to bring others closer to you.  Amen. Alleluia!