Cody...

In just two days our two baby boys will be turning two. It's been kinda crazy, these past two years. Deliciously, exhaustingly, chaotically, hilariously crazy. We're still all growing and stretching over here. The growth pains have still persisted long after the labor pains were finished. But I'm pretty sure that's a from-here-on-out kind of process. It's all good.
In honor of our two turning two, I vowed to myself to take some time out of this so called (dys)functional life to put down in blog memory each boy and celebrate each as a unique individual.
Since he was our firstborn son, I'll focus today on Cody.

 Our serious, playful, passive, deep boy. He truly does live up to his birth order, in relation to the two. Only a minute older, but seemingly just a few years more. It's amazing to watch this little guy process. To study intricate details of a matchbox car, or attempt to "fix" a bicycle with Daddy's tools....he's all about the details. His communication is amazing; and just when you think he's not paying attention, he will fully repeat a phrase which you spoke, even if not in reference to himself. Cody comes across independent in many ways, except of course when he's woken in fear in the dark of the night. To which he looks me in the eye, points to the rocking chair in his room and demands, "Sit. Snuggle." We all have a soft spot in our hearts for this fella, and he knows it. He has learned he can easily manipulate any situation simply by saying, "I take you","Kissy", or "Hug."

This sweet boy may be little, but his heart is giant. Always concerned when someone "cry-cries"; and is more often than not the first to give up any toy for his less than patient brother. (To which he is sure to proclaim to everyone in the room "Nicey!" whom may have happened to see his good deed.) He is quick to blame everyone else when he passes gas, and we're not sure if he's genuinely embarrassed about it, or if he just finds passing blame entirely amusing. But indeed, he does have a quick wit about him already.
Although he's still frightened of loud noises (Daddy's "cycles", loud machinery, etc.); he's often the first to (somewhat) bravely explore new things. He's hopelessly addicted to all things clocks, mud puddles, wheels, pens and motorcycles. He adores soft, fluffy animals; even if his loving on them turns into a bit of unnecessary roughness. 

He tends to be outgoing, but with hesitant caution. If you've received unprompted affection from him, he has for certain welcomed you into his circle of friends. He doesn't hand it out for free and for just anyone. He adores his big sisters, and is rather fond of his womb-mate brother. But if the truth be told, he has wormed his way into Kaytlin's heart the most. There's just a special bond there that seems to have begun from the very beginning. Perhaps he just knows she's the weakest target to hit up when he wants to be held or needs some attention.
As I type he has awoken from his nap before Brother, and sits quietly by my side. Intently studying his cookies and the words flying on my computer screen. As he leans his head toward me as an offering of his affection, I'm reminded of how blessed we are.  He is a joy. A blessing. Part of a beautiful, chaotic packaged deal. Life would be incomplete without this wide-eyed, firstborn, wonder-filled boy joy.