gentleness intelligence?

what kind of intelligence is it? even as a baby, Moses never pulled on my hair or earrings. and now, as a three-year old, he knows how to handle his baby sister. i've never really had to teach him to be gentle with her; he acts like a kid who's been around babies a lot in his life (but he actually hasn't). he pets her hair, kisses her forehead, and puts his hands on her belly. he even talks to her in third person ("Moses is taking a shower, Baby Girl."), it's the sweetest thing. he knows that the baby doesn't know any better, and if she kicks him or something, he knows that she didn't mean it. how does he know all these things??

the other day, he was lying on my lap/chest, and he realized that my boobs hurt because of nursing (i didn't remind him, he just realized it on his own), so he got up, and put his pillow on my chest so he could lie on that. he knew it would feel more comfortable for me. how?? this child is a genius.

also, yesterday, he was watching the movie Cars (again), and he actually got up from the couch, on his own volition, picked up the remote control and said, "i shouldn't watch too much cars," and turned the TV off.

this is the kind of stuff that makes me feel bad for complaining about being home with him. but i do. because even though he's generally a super remarkable, wonderful kid, he also says, "Mommy, watch this! Mommy, look at me!" about a million times a day, pushes boundaries all day (and all evening!) long, randomly acts totally brainless and helpless, and has major meltdowns over seemingly minor things. i guess he is just three years old, and has a relatively new baby sister, and is home instead of at daycare. three big reasons to have some behavioral hiccups.

i am overall very thankful that he's not a jealous type of kid. he knows baby girl needs me, and he has only ever had positive things to say about Eden. he suggests things she might need/want, and he is mindful of her. he is insatiably asking for snuggle time with me, but i think it's just because he misses time with me. i miss you too, mosey.

help and memory

so, this whole transition to two kids has been tough on my memory. the first time i went out by myself, i left the keys in the ignition, got out of the car, shut the door, and got all the way around the car, while looking for my keys so that i could lock the doors. 

last week, we all got in the car and were about to pull out when moses spoke up and said, "i'm not buckled in! you were going to race off!" i forgot to buckle him in his car seat. this was only the second out of 3 times i did this. and he reminded me each time. so thankful for a conscientious child. 

we also played memory today, and moses totally smoked me our first round! i'm so glad i have the little guy around to help me. 

Talking about race

"Daddy is white, and mommy is Asian, and..." I started. 

Moses jumps in, "And I'm a superhero!!"

"Yes, you sure are."  :) 

Pantstry (like pantry, but different)

It's where we keep all our dry and canned goods. Haha. :)

Candy radar

I ate one of Moses's Halloween candies, and it was like he sensed it. He woke up out of a sound nap and came to see me within a minute of me popping it in my mouth. He came out, hugged me, and said, "Mommy, what are you eating? My candy? Oh, that's okay... Can I have one too?" 

Of course you can, sweet buddy. :) 

Comforting

I may have said this before, but I believe that Moses was born to be a healer/comforter. He comforts me when I'm sad and now baby sister too. He's often the first to comfort Eden when she's crying. 

Yesterday, he even comforted her while he was scared himself! There was some *very* loud construction going on at our apartment, and Moses was pretty scared, but he leaned over to Eden and said, "Don't worry Baby Girl, those men are fixing our windows!" 

Her crying doesn't really fluster him, he just tries to guess what she needs and lets me know, "Mommy, she needs to snuggle you," for example. It really warms my heart. It also makes me realize he is sometimes naturally better at taking care of babies than I am. :) Eden and Moses are going to grow up to be good friends. 

you gotta dress the part

we called E a princess the other day, and Mo interjected, "she's not a princess!!"

"oh? why isn't she a princess?"

"she's wearing pajamas! she's not wearing a princess dress!!"

he was shouting these comments, as if totally flabbergasted at the thought of someone being a princess while wearing pajamas.