The Andelins: Hayes - 2 1/2 Years Old

With a new baby making his arrival in a couple of weeks, life is going to get busy and I’m going to be tired, so I thought I’d take some time to write down a few things about Hayes and his 2 ½ year old little self.

Hayes is a 2 year old… I feel like that says a lot by itself. Some days are awesome and some are exhausting. He is taking in and learning so much about the world around him right now. He likes to test his limits, he likes to throw ridiculous tantrums, he likes to push my buttons just to see how I’ll react. I’m often reminding myself that this is normal and it’s just a stage in life; that he is always learning from what I do and is already being shaped into the kind of person he will grow up to be. Some days are hard to be patient and keep from getting frustrated. Sometimes I have to stop, take a deep breath and decide to change my attitude on the spot. I often pray for patience with my energy filled 2-year old, because it’s not something that always comes easily to me.

Hayes often likes to be Mr. Independent. He doesn’t want help with this or that and is certain he can do most anything by himself. On the flipside of that, he likes to be entertained. He wants Mom, or someone to play with him all the time. We are trying to teach him he can play by himself sometimes too. Although, it’s hard to resist his sweet requests, “Mom, do you want to play cars with me?” “It will be fun!” “Is that a good idea?” “Okay, let’s do it!” He is always by my side and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m fully aware that I need this little boy just as much as he needs me.

Hayes is ALL BOY. He loves trucks, tractors, guns, sports, outdoors, and especially loves wrestling with Dad.

I realize more all the time how much I can to learn from him. He can be so sweet and so polite; it melts me. Hayes is a loving little guy and engulfs us with hugs and kisses multiple times a day. He is also quick to apologize. “I’m sorry I did that, Mom. I didn’t mean to.” He really does want to please his parents. We love to shower him with praise when he makes “good choices.”

He finds joy in simple things and his excitement shows all over his body. His enthusiasm for life is contagious.

He is hilarious. The things that come out of his mouth are constantly making us smile. He is such a little man. People always think he is a lot older than he really is because he talks so well and is so tall!

A few Hayes quotes to remember:

(While taking him out to the hall during church) “But, I wanna learn about Jesus!”

“Dad, I think I love Trey and Carter.” (His cousins)

“Oh!! That’s so nice of you!”

(While studying Joe’s adam’s apple…) “Dad, are these your batteries?”

“Uhhh… I think so!” and “That would be a good idea!”
(He says both of these all the time:))

I’ve had mixed emotions about this baby coming so soon! It has just been Hayes and I for quite a while now and we are just best buds. I try to take advantage of our one-on-one time together as I know it will be limited here soon. It will be new for both of us, but we’re excited to add a new pal to our club :) I’m excited to watch Hayes be a big brother!

We just love this little boy and we are so glad he is ours!

Playing dress up! Police man Hayes!

One Sunday, I decided to dress Hayes just like Joe.
Such cuties.

Hayes helping us teach our primary class.
He actually got up on the table and started asking the class what each letter was. Haha.
They are 4 and 5 year olds, so they totally just went with it and answered enthusiastically.