Here's Thad's response when asked "What do you want for Christmas?"

"I want what Josiah do.
Captain Underpants and Star Wars books, cars that watch and race track.
I want Santa, 2 Santas.
I want cake and hot chocolate.
I need more tennis shoes.
I want what Eila do.
I don't need a toilet."

Thaddeus has been wanting to wear shorts. All. the. time. It's not really the best time of year to want to wear shorts all the time.

So, when getting dressed this morning he asked for shorts and I went downstairs to find him a pair. When I came back with a pair of pants he balked:

"That's not funny, Daddy! No! I wear shorts. No pants. I no laugh."

Recent conversation with the boy:

Dad: "I love you, Thaddy"
Thaddeus: "No, I love Mommy!"

It must be hard being the baby in the family. The website updates are minimal and the blame for all the mishaps in the house are maximum. Thaddeus, though, seems to relish his position.

He talks very loudly all the time. ALL THE TIME. We checked out some books about quiet and loud and while he gets the idea, he can't seem to commit as fully to quiet like he does to loud. Thaddeus is pretty stubborn though whenever we remind him that he is too loud for inside or that he is screaming, which should be only for outside. He very consistently responds with the simple explanation of "That's my sound!"

Thaddeus tells lots of jokes. He loves to make everyone laugh. Josiah and Thad will run around crashing into things, pushing each other, and anything else for a good laugh. There is nothing better for an eruption of giggles than potty talk. I swear this was a more advanced skill with his siblings.

While lots of little boys like balls and trucks, and pretending, Thad seems to really enjoy sports that involve balls, like baseball, basketball, soccer, football, golf, and even hockey, he tells me, uses a ball and deserves his attention. In the house though, we only play pretend sports, so TJ will often instruct others where and how to stand and what to do then launch his imaginary ball and rejoice or show extreme irritation at the uncooperative other player. It's just like the real thing.

TJ is also potty trained and recognizes that diapers are for babies, but he is a big boy. He still wears a diaper to bed and often fights it because he is a big boy. When we try to remind his that big boys go to bed without whining or Mama's milk, he says: "I big boy baby." Not quite ready to do everything on his own just yet, but getting there.