Happy Birthday and Happy Christening my sweet baby!
Showing posts with label birthdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthdays. Show all posts
Friday, July 24, 2015
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
You are ONE!
Dear Hugh,
My brown eyed boy, how did we ever get along without you? It seems like just yesterday that I was snuggling you in the relative peace and quiet of our hospital room. I was missing the bigs, but to be honest I was in my own personal heaven with you sleeping peacefully on my chest. One year later we still make time for those quiet snuggles where we can just be...blissfully content. I have enjoyed your first year so immensely that it is hard to imagine that it gets any better than this. And just when I start to feel a little emotionally overwhelmed by the cruelty of time you flash me a smile or squeak out a giggle that reminds me that no matter how old you are, I will always be your mom. My life's greatest privilege can be measured in kisses and hugs.
I can't say for certain whether it is out of nature or necessity but you are the most content little boy that I (or anyone else) has ever known. You have been known to sit on my lap for hours while we watch the big kids run and jump at the park, you regularly spend long periods of time playing happily in the "baby trap", and you tolerate hour long stints in the high chair while I beg Ben to finish his lunch. It really doesn't matter to you what we are doing, as long as you can sit back and take it all in. We have said since the day you were born that you are a very serious guy, and that remains true, but as you grow into a tiny person I see more and more personality every day. There's nothing wrong with making people work for that precious smile!
Lately you have found your giggle and will crack yourself up much to the delight of the rest of us. Your brother and sister have enjoyed your babyhood but I think they are each starting to get excited about the prospect of a new playmate. Lily is a very doting big sister and always wants you to "be careful". Ben often forgets that you are still little and before I know it he is tackling you to the ground or rolling over you with a train. For the most part you take their overzealous attention in stride. I will say you get very frustrated when the bigs race off without you. It will only be a matter of time until you can tag right along behind them.
Your laid back ways have meant that you are in no rush to hit any major milestones. You are a man of few words but you clearly understand a lot of what we say to you. Plus, you say "mama", and really what else do you need?!? You have finally ditched the wounded soldier in favor of a (speedy) crawl but you have very little interest in walking. You can push the walker but despite our enthusiastic cheers you will only do it for a few steps. You can wave but will usually only do it for a split second. You will not clap, point, or blow kisses...but like I said you just aren't that interested. To be honest, my littlest love, I'm in no rush either. One of your favorite things to do is lay with your head on the floor and push a car around in front of you. It is absolutely adorable and is almost more than my little heart can take. You are a paci man and love your wubbanubs, I am still pushing a blankie but we'll see if it sticks!
I really could sing your praises all day. You are a great eater, sleeper, and did I mention snuggler?? You bring me so much joy and as predicted I do not regret all of those hours of holding you when you were a tiny baby. As I watch you smile and dance to some little toy I just can not get over how sweet you are. Also, are you kidding me with those big brown eyes? Seriously, just stop. I am not one of those moms who thinks that all of their children are perfect, but you are pretty darn close! (I could live without the biting!)
I love you more than I ever thought possible. More than once I have been out in public with you and the bigs and a kind stranger has commented that I "really have my hands full." And every time it gets said all I can think is "you should see my heart."
I love you Hughtiepie.
Love,
Mama
My brown eyed boy, how did we ever get along without you? It seems like just yesterday that I was snuggling you in the relative peace and quiet of our hospital room. I was missing the bigs, but to be honest I was in my own personal heaven with you sleeping peacefully on my chest. One year later we still make time for those quiet snuggles where we can just be...blissfully content. I have enjoyed your first year so immensely that it is hard to imagine that it gets any better than this. And just when I start to feel a little emotionally overwhelmed by the cruelty of time you flash me a smile or squeak out a giggle that reminds me that no matter how old you are, I will always be your mom. My life's greatest privilege can be measured in kisses and hugs.
I can't say for certain whether it is out of nature or necessity but you are the most content little boy that I (or anyone else) has ever known. You have been known to sit on my lap for hours while we watch the big kids run and jump at the park, you regularly spend long periods of time playing happily in the "baby trap", and you tolerate hour long stints in the high chair while I beg Ben to finish his lunch. It really doesn't matter to you what we are doing, as long as you can sit back and take it all in. We have said since the day you were born that you are a very serious guy, and that remains true, but as you grow into a tiny person I see more and more personality every day. There's nothing wrong with making people work for that precious smile!
Lately you have found your giggle and will crack yourself up much to the delight of the rest of us. Your brother and sister have enjoyed your babyhood but I think they are each starting to get excited about the prospect of a new playmate. Lily is a very doting big sister and always wants you to "be careful". Ben often forgets that you are still little and before I know it he is tackling you to the ground or rolling over you with a train. For the most part you take their overzealous attention in stride. I will say you get very frustrated when the bigs race off without you. It will only be a matter of time until you can tag right along behind them.
Your laid back ways have meant that you are in no rush to hit any major milestones. You are a man of few words but you clearly understand a lot of what we say to you. Plus, you say "mama", and really what else do you need?!? You have finally ditched the wounded soldier in favor of a (speedy) crawl but you have very little interest in walking. You can push the walker but despite our enthusiastic cheers you will only do it for a few steps. You can wave but will usually only do it for a split second. You will not clap, point, or blow kisses...but like I said you just aren't that interested. To be honest, my littlest love, I'm in no rush either. One of your favorite things to do is lay with your head on the floor and push a car around in front of you. It is absolutely adorable and is almost more than my little heart can take. You are a paci man and love your wubbanubs, I am still pushing a blankie but we'll see if it sticks!
I really could sing your praises all day. You are a great eater, sleeper, and did I mention snuggler?? You bring me so much joy and as predicted I do not regret all of those hours of holding you when you were a tiny baby. As I watch you smile and dance to some little toy I just can not get over how sweet you are. Also, are you kidding me with those big brown eyes? Seriously, just stop. I am not one of those moms who thinks that all of their children are perfect, but you are pretty darn close! (I could live without the biting!)
I love you more than I ever thought possible. More than once I have been out in public with you and the bigs and a kind stranger has commented that I "really have my hands full." And every time it gets said all I can think is "you should see my heart."
I love you Hughtiepie.
Love,
Mama
Saturday, May 30, 2015
You are THREE!
Dear Benjamin,
I will start out this letter the way I always have, and always will, by telling you just how much I love you. Lily might get all the credit for making me a mommy but it is you, my darling, who will always get credit for showing me just how much more love my heart is capable of. From the moment you were born I have had to work hard to figure out how to give you what you need, but every single second of that work is worth it to me. Getting to know you, supporting and nurturing you, is one of my life's greatest joys.
My sweet boy, this has been a BIG year. This has been the year that you have gone from being my baby to my middle child. Your reaction to meeting your new tiny brother will stay in my heart forever. For you, it was love at first sight. I will never forget the way you looked in pure amazement at your tiny new brother. Despite the fact that we were all a little worried that you would be less than thrilled by having a baby join our family, you blew our minds with that big heart of yours. From the very first time you held Hugh (you were the first person other than Daddy and I to do so) you were so gentle and adoring. That adoration quickly turned to pride and you made sure to tell all of the nurses in the hospital that he was YOUR baby. Over the past year I have seen you struggle with jealous feelings from time to time, but way more often than not you are so incredibly generous and sweet with your brother. I don't want to rush things, believe me, but I also cannot wait to see what kind of trouble you two will stir up together!
Speaking of your siblings, there is another relationship that bears mentioning. Dude, you are such a little brother! Lily is so amazingly lucky that 90% of the time you are more than willing to let her boss you around. She is pretty fair, for a five year old, but that does not mean she doesn't take advantage of the fact that you are still a little smaller, a little slower, and a little less clever than she is. For the most part Daddy and I do not intervene, and the two of you do a great job sorting out your minor squabbles. You adore her, you miss her when she is at school, and even if it means giving in to her bossy ways you would rather play with her than without any day. She is your best friend and you are hers.
There are going to be a million times in your life when someone will refer to your "middle child status". I am certain that I could write a whole book about it myself. While some of the things said about those characteristically middle children are true for you (you hate to be alone, you pick up naughty habits from Lily and will pass them along to Hugh, and I never did blog about your first birthday party) there are plenty of things I can say about you that have nothing to do with your birth order. For example, you are generous to a fault, always have been. You will give away the last cracker in your cup without batting an eyelash. I have noticed lately that you often expect the same level of generosity in return but it is so hard to say no to you when you are being so sweet!
Unfortunately, you do have a few traits that are less than pleasant. You have a temper, and like me and your sister you yell when you get angry or frustrated. You are quick to get over things but your total lack of patience (combined with that temper) results in no less than 20 full blown tantrums a day. This past year you have logged more time in timeout than I care to admit to! While I have never had to drag you out of a store kicking and screaming I have turned my back to you while you flailed around on the ground in public (the National Zoo springs to mind) on more than one occasion. One of these days you will figure out that you NEVER get your way when you act like that...right!?! We affectionately call it Jekyll and Hyde of course because we never know which little boy we are going to get any given minute. Patience, this year we will work on patience.
When you are happy, my God are you a charmer. You have a way of reading people and your comedic timing is impeccable for a three year old! Of course the funniest word in the world is "butt"...such a little boy you are! The moment that you realize that you can get your way with a joke and a well timed smile is the moment the rest of us are all in some serious trouble. Your eyes are just beautiful and your eyelashes are to die for. The girls had better watch out if you ever figure out how to wink and smile at the same time! Your hair is the color of sun-kissed straw and your skin is soft and flawless. I am a little sorry to report that chances are you are not going to inherit your Daddy's height but if you ask him, Daddy will say that's ok...it's hard to find clothes that fit when you are 6'4" anyway.
This past year your speech has exploded, just like the pediatrician predicted it would, and it is hard to remember a time when their wasn't an endless string of sentences pouring out of your mouth all day long. Your motor skills have also improved and you can hit a ball off the the tee, pedal a trike, and kick a soccer ball with the best of them. For Christmas Santa brought you and Lily a motorized dune buggy for the yard. Kid, you drive that thing with such precision and ease! I'm pretty sure you are a better driver than most 15 year olds with a learners permit. You are obsessed with trucks and trains and your all time favorite activity is constructing elaborate railways in the playroom that would put some civil engineers to shame. You still have a love of books and an endless attention span for being read to. "Dragons Love Tacos" and "Little Blue Truck" are two of your current favorites.
I've always said it, with nothing but love, but when I survive your baby and toddler years it will have been the greatest accomplishment of my life. You challenge me every single day to be the best mother I can be. You also reward me every single day with a love so great that sometimes I feel like my heart can't possible keep it all in. Today when you threw your arms around my neck and said, "I love you, best Mommy" I know that you meant every word.
To the moon buddy, to the moon.
Love,
Mommy
I will start out this letter the way I always have, and always will, by telling you just how much I love you. Lily might get all the credit for making me a mommy but it is you, my darling, who will always get credit for showing me just how much more love my heart is capable of. From the moment you were born I have had to work hard to figure out how to give you what you need, but every single second of that work is worth it to me. Getting to know you, supporting and nurturing you, is one of my life's greatest joys.
My sweet boy, this has been a BIG year. This has been the year that you have gone from being my baby to my middle child. Your reaction to meeting your new tiny brother will stay in my heart forever. For you, it was love at first sight. I will never forget the way you looked in pure amazement at your tiny new brother. Despite the fact that we were all a little worried that you would be less than thrilled by having a baby join our family, you blew our minds with that big heart of yours. From the very first time you held Hugh (you were the first person other than Daddy and I to do so) you were so gentle and adoring. That adoration quickly turned to pride and you made sure to tell all of the nurses in the hospital that he was YOUR baby. Over the past year I have seen you struggle with jealous feelings from time to time, but way more often than not you are so incredibly generous and sweet with your brother. I don't want to rush things, believe me, but I also cannot wait to see what kind of trouble you two will stir up together!
Speaking of your siblings, there is another relationship that bears mentioning. Dude, you are such a little brother! Lily is so amazingly lucky that 90% of the time you are more than willing to let her boss you around. She is pretty fair, for a five year old, but that does not mean she doesn't take advantage of the fact that you are still a little smaller, a little slower, and a little less clever than she is. For the most part Daddy and I do not intervene, and the two of you do a great job sorting out your minor squabbles. You adore her, you miss her when she is at school, and even if it means giving in to her bossy ways you would rather play with her than without any day. She is your best friend and you are hers.
There are going to be a million times in your life when someone will refer to your "middle child status". I am certain that I could write a whole book about it myself. While some of the things said about those characteristically middle children are true for you (you hate to be alone, you pick up naughty habits from Lily and will pass them along to Hugh, and I never did blog about your first birthday party) there are plenty of things I can say about you that have nothing to do with your birth order. For example, you are generous to a fault, always have been. You will give away the last cracker in your cup without batting an eyelash. I have noticed lately that you often expect the same level of generosity in return but it is so hard to say no to you when you are being so sweet!
Unfortunately, you do have a few traits that are less than pleasant. You have a temper, and like me and your sister you yell when you get angry or frustrated. You are quick to get over things but your total lack of patience (combined with that temper) results in no less than 20 full blown tantrums a day. This past year you have logged more time in timeout than I care to admit to! While I have never had to drag you out of a store kicking and screaming I have turned my back to you while you flailed around on the ground in public (the National Zoo springs to mind) on more than one occasion. One of these days you will figure out that you NEVER get your way when you act like that...right!?! We affectionately call it Jekyll and Hyde of course because we never know which little boy we are going to get any given minute. Patience, this year we will work on patience.
When you are happy, my God are you a charmer. You have a way of reading people and your comedic timing is impeccable for a three year old! Of course the funniest word in the world is "butt"...such a little boy you are! The moment that you realize that you can get your way with a joke and a well timed smile is the moment the rest of us are all in some serious trouble. Your eyes are just beautiful and your eyelashes are to die for. The girls had better watch out if you ever figure out how to wink and smile at the same time! Your hair is the color of sun-kissed straw and your skin is soft and flawless. I am a little sorry to report that chances are you are not going to inherit your Daddy's height but if you ask him, Daddy will say that's ok...it's hard to find clothes that fit when you are 6'4" anyway.
This past year your speech has exploded, just like the pediatrician predicted it would, and it is hard to remember a time when their wasn't an endless string of sentences pouring out of your mouth all day long. Your motor skills have also improved and you can hit a ball off the the tee, pedal a trike, and kick a soccer ball with the best of them. For Christmas Santa brought you and Lily a motorized dune buggy for the yard. Kid, you drive that thing with such precision and ease! I'm pretty sure you are a better driver than most 15 year olds with a learners permit. You are obsessed with trucks and trains and your all time favorite activity is constructing elaborate railways in the playroom that would put some civil engineers to shame. You still have a love of books and an endless attention span for being read to. "Dragons Love Tacos" and "Little Blue Truck" are two of your current favorites.
I've always said it, with nothing but love, but when I survive your baby and toddler years it will have been the greatest accomplishment of my life. You challenge me every single day to be the best mother I can be. You also reward me every single day with a love so great that sometimes I feel like my heart can't possible keep it all in. Today when you threw your arms around my neck and said, "I love you, best Mommy" I know that you meant every word.
To the moon buddy, to the moon.
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
You are FIVE!
Dear Lily,
It doesn't seem possible that we have lived in the "dream house" for a whole year, but here we are celebrating your 5th birthday! This year we really did it up for birthday week extravaganza and trust me, you deserved every single second of the celebrating! I know I say this every year but Lil, you are seriously the bees knees. Hands down the coolest chick I have ever known, and I can't believe that you are mine!
We had another big year around here, full of changes, most notably you became a big sister for the second time. We knew that you would love your new brother and I wasn't worried at all that you would be upset upon his arrival. Just as expected you greeted your tiny brother with a kiss and a pat on the head as if he had always been a part of your life. In those early days you were helpful and kind and as time has gone by you have continued to show an almost infinite amount of patience when it comes to the baby. I can literally count on one hand the number of times you have lost your temper "waiting your turn" when I have been too busy with your brothers. It certainly doesn't hurt that you are so independent and a lot of time you will figure out how to get what you want/need all on your own. (Plus, Daddy is almost always willing to hook a sister up!)
The things you can do all on your own, you amaze me. Most of the time you are happy to let Daddy or me do things for you (because we are already doing them for Ben), but you are more than capable of getting yourself a cup of water, buckling your own car seat, brushing your teeth, and helping with chores like laundry and clearing the table. You love to pick out your own clothes and get yourself dressed. Most of the time your outfits are reasonable, but sometimes you need a little coaching. Specifically you currently insist that socks with summer dresses and sneakers "looks perfect", I beg to differ. I get it though, you are conflicted. It's tough to climb a tree in a dress but impossible to do it without sneakers! Your standard uniform is a tshirt, skort/skirt, with leggings underneath. I imagine you will wear a sundress every single day this summer just like you did last year. You are still a total girlie girl and although you say you like "all the colors in the rainbow", pink and purple are still your actual favorites. Since we are talking clothes here let me take a second to tell you just how beautiful you are.
Your hair is so soft and fine with stunning highlights. I have learned to tame the perfect storm of cowlicks into a sweet little "side pony" that you wear almost every day (with a bow of course). Your nose and cheeks have become slightly more freckled and your eye color seems to change with your mood, or the lighting...one of those two. At least once per day you take my breath away with a bashful smile or an innocent giggle. A few weeks ago you had a nasty fall that left your front teeth bruised and gray. I will admit that Daddy and I were both a little vain about the situation at first. The important thing is that the teeth are not going to fall out before they are ready, and they are not hurting. No matter what, I will always think you are the most beautiful girl in the world. You can always just learn to smile with your mouth closed...I'm joking! You have taken the whole thing in stride, including the trip to the dentist. Like I said, coolest chick I know.
Most of the time your maturity and independence are great assets to you, but of course they come with their share of downfalls. You like to have things a certain way. Details matter to you, sometimes too much. You tend to get very upset if you request something (like a pink plate) and all we have clean are green ones. You like to get your own way when it comes to where we all sit at the dinner table and which "pets" we get to play with. I, in particular, take some responsibility for this and try very hard not to diminish these feeling but it is also my job to teach you a little perspective...something we can work on together for the next fifty years, ok?
Despite your tendency to be a micromanager your little brothers adore you, most of the time. I know that sometimes you just want all of the crayons to yourself, but most of the time you are pretty grateful to have Ben hanging off your arm. Together you build elaborate forts and train track systems, you play pets and act out all sorts of dolly drama. This past winter one of your favorite games to play was "beach" and you and Ben would run around for hours upstairs in your bathing suits! Every night for the past year you have slept in the "boys' room" and for the past several months you and Ben have chosen to sleep together in the top bunk. There is hardly enough room for one kid up there, let alone two, with all of the stuffies you insist on sleeping with, but you both find a way to snuggle in every night. This has been the year of the "beanie boo" and you have added at least 10 new members to our family since Christmas. For the record good old Heartly is still top dog! You also still have your blankie, but you are much less attached to it than you used to be and most days it stays in the bed all day.
You really are a saint for spending as much time with Ben as you do, he can be a bit much. On the contrary your little Hugh is "the best baby ever" and you make sure he knows it. Never, not even one time have you ever said something unkind about him. It is ironic that the worst thing you have ever done (literally the meanest thing you have ever done) was to hit Hugh in the car one day after losing your temper with me. You were devastated and so ashamed. After a lengthy time out (for both of us) you were so apologetic and to this day you have never directed your temper at the baby for any reason. You have always been so willing to give both of your brothers your unconditional love and attention. They will be better men because they have a sister like you.
This next year will be another year of big changes as you start kindergarten in the fall. Girl, you are so brilliant. I pray every day that you are always surrounded by people who will help you grow and nurture your love of learning. Daddy and I are already feeling such trepidation that school will somehow change your sweet spirit. You will inevitably be faced with social situations that will leave you questioning your kind tendencies. Just the other day you were introduced to the idea that if someone says something to you with "fingers crossed" that means they can go back on their word or were "just joking". That was a tough one for Daddy and me to explain, why you shouldn't do it, when it was ok, and why you shouldn't take it to heart when someone does it to you. Needless to say we are not looking forward to many many more of those conversations as we thrust you out of the nest. YOU will be great and are so ready for kindergarten, Mommy and Daddy could just use twenty more years or so to warm up to the idea.
Lily, you always rise to meet our high expectations and make us so proud. (Listen to me, you can ride a bike without training wheels, I promise!)
I can't imagine a single day without you. Just when I think I couldn't possibly love you any more you throw me a perfectly timed wink and I fall even deeper. I'll go ahead and say it again, coolest chick I know. You seem so grown up and at the same time so little. I wish more than ever that I could freeze time and just stay here with you for a little longer. Tonight when you wrap your arms around me for my "kiss, hug, big squeeze, snuggle and a cuddle" I will thank God for the millionth time that you are mine.
I love you coo coo girl.
Love,
Mommy
It doesn't seem possible that we have lived in the "dream house" for a whole year, but here we are celebrating your 5th birthday! This year we really did it up for birthday week extravaganza and trust me, you deserved every single second of the celebrating! I know I say this every year but Lil, you are seriously the bees knees. Hands down the coolest chick I have ever known, and I can't believe that you are mine!
We had another big year around here, full of changes, most notably you became a big sister for the second time. We knew that you would love your new brother and I wasn't worried at all that you would be upset upon his arrival. Just as expected you greeted your tiny brother with a kiss and a pat on the head as if he had always been a part of your life. In those early days you were helpful and kind and as time has gone by you have continued to show an almost infinite amount of patience when it comes to the baby. I can literally count on one hand the number of times you have lost your temper "waiting your turn" when I have been too busy with your brothers. It certainly doesn't hurt that you are so independent and a lot of time you will figure out how to get what you want/need all on your own. (Plus, Daddy is almost always willing to hook a sister up!)
The things you can do all on your own, you amaze me. Most of the time you are happy to let Daddy or me do things for you (because we are already doing them for Ben), but you are more than capable of getting yourself a cup of water, buckling your own car seat, brushing your teeth, and helping with chores like laundry and clearing the table. You love to pick out your own clothes and get yourself dressed. Most of the time your outfits are reasonable, but sometimes you need a little coaching. Specifically you currently insist that socks with summer dresses and sneakers "looks perfect", I beg to differ. I get it though, you are conflicted. It's tough to climb a tree in a dress but impossible to do it without sneakers! Your standard uniform is a tshirt, skort/skirt, with leggings underneath. I imagine you will wear a sundress every single day this summer just like you did last year. You are still a total girlie girl and although you say you like "all the colors in the rainbow", pink and purple are still your actual favorites. Since we are talking clothes here let me take a second to tell you just how beautiful you are.
Your hair is so soft and fine with stunning highlights. I have learned to tame the perfect storm of cowlicks into a sweet little "side pony" that you wear almost every day (with a bow of course). Your nose and cheeks have become slightly more freckled and your eye color seems to change with your mood, or the lighting...one of those two. At least once per day you take my breath away with a bashful smile or an innocent giggle. A few weeks ago you had a nasty fall that left your front teeth bruised and gray. I will admit that Daddy and I were both a little vain about the situation at first. The important thing is that the teeth are not going to fall out before they are ready, and they are not hurting. No matter what, I will always think you are the most beautiful girl in the world. You can always just learn to smile with your mouth closed...I'm joking! You have taken the whole thing in stride, including the trip to the dentist. Like I said, coolest chick I know.
Most of the time your maturity and independence are great assets to you, but of course they come with their share of downfalls. You like to have things a certain way. Details matter to you, sometimes too much. You tend to get very upset if you request something (like a pink plate) and all we have clean are green ones. You like to get your own way when it comes to where we all sit at the dinner table and which "pets" we get to play with. I, in particular, take some responsibility for this and try very hard not to diminish these feeling but it is also my job to teach you a little perspective...something we can work on together for the next fifty years, ok?
Despite your tendency to be a micromanager your little brothers adore you, most of the time. I know that sometimes you just want all of the crayons to yourself, but most of the time you are pretty grateful to have Ben hanging off your arm. Together you build elaborate forts and train track systems, you play pets and act out all sorts of dolly drama. This past winter one of your favorite games to play was "beach" and you and Ben would run around for hours upstairs in your bathing suits! Every night for the past year you have slept in the "boys' room" and for the past several months you and Ben have chosen to sleep together in the top bunk. There is hardly enough room for one kid up there, let alone two, with all of the stuffies you insist on sleeping with, but you both find a way to snuggle in every night. This has been the year of the "beanie boo" and you have added at least 10 new members to our family since Christmas. For the record good old Heartly is still top dog! You also still have your blankie, but you are much less attached to it than you used to be and most days it stays in the bed all day.
You really are a saint for spending as much time with Ben as you do, he can be a bit much. On the contrary your little Hugh is "the best baby ever" and you make sure he knows it. Never, not even one time have you ever said something unkind about him. It is ironic that the worst thing you have ever done (literally the meanest thing you have ever done) was to hit Hugh in the car one day after losing your temper with me. You were devastated and so ashamed. After a lengthy time out (for both of us) you were so apologetic and to this day you have never directed your temper at the baby for any reason. You have always been so willing to give both of your brothers your unconditional love and attention. They will be better men because they have a sister like you.
This next year will be another year of big changes as you start kindergarten in the fall. Girl, you are so brilliant. I pray every day that you are always surrounded by people who will help you grow and nurture your love of learning. Daddy and I are already feeling such trepidation that school will somehow change your sweet spirit. You will inevitably be faced with social situations that will leave you questioning your kind tendencies. Just the other day you were introduced to the idea that if someone says something to you with "fingers crossed" that means they can go back on their word or were "just joking". That was a tough one for Daddy and me to explain, why you shouldn't do it, when it was ok, and why you shouldn't take it to heart when someone does it to you. Needless to say we are not looking forward to many many more of those conversations as we thrust you out of the nest. YOU will be great and are so ready for kindergarten, Mommy and Daddy could just use twenty more years or so to warm up to the idea.
Lily, you always rise to meet our high expectations and make us so proud. (Listen to me, you can ride a bike without training wheels, I promise!)
I can't imagine a single day without you. Just when I think I couldn't possibly love you any more you throw me a perfectly timed wink and I fall even deeper. I'll go ahead and say it again, coolest chick I know. You seem so grown up and at the same time so little. I wish more than ever that I could freeze time and just stay here with you for a little longer. Tonight when you wrap your arms around me for my "kiss, hug, big squeeze, snuggle and a cuddle" I will thank God for the millionth time that you are mine.
I love you coo coo girl.
Love,
Mommy
Monday, May 25, 2015
Happy 3rd Birthday Ben!!
Let the month of celebrating go out with a bang! In celebration of Ben's big day Matt and I blew up forty green balloons at 11pm! We hung streamers and filled the playroom with the balloons knowing that Ben would be the first one up in the morning. As expected at 5:55 am on April 30th a small boy filled the whole house with cheers and joy ,"today IS my birthday?!?!"
After breakfast and a few gifts from family that were not going to be able to make it to his party we set out for a day all about B-E-N! We dropped off Lily and Hugh (thanks AGAIN, Mimi!) and went out to lunch at...you guessed it, Red Robin! Unlike Lily, Ben did not think that having the staff sing was all that exciting. That didn't stop him from chowing down on his very own ice cream sunday. After lunch we headed across the street where they are currently building a new strip mall. This is seriously the coolest construction site I have ever seen. They have every kind of truck at work that you could imagine. Ben and I had actually already stopped there earlier in the week to watch the trucks but he was excited to do it again. While I ran into Walmart for a few last minute party supplies the boys marveled over the bulldozers and steamrollers. I came out of the store to find that Ben had been given an amazing gift! His very own hardhat. The crew was so amazing and really made his day.
After breakfast and a few gifts from family that were not going to be able to make it to his party we set out for a day all about B-E-N! We dropped off Lily and Hugh (thanks AGAIN, Mimi!) and went out to lunch at...you guessed it, Red Robin! Unlike Lily, Ben did not think that having the staff sing was all that exciting. That didn't stop him from chowing down on his very own ice cream sunday. After lunch we headed across the street where they are currently building a new strip mall. This is seriously the coolest construction site I have ever seen. They have every kind of truck at work that you could imagine. Ben and I had actually already stopped there earlier in the week to watch the trucks but he was excited to do it again. While I ran into Walmart for a few last minute party supplies the boys marveled over the bulldozers and steamrollers. I came out of the store to find that Ben had been given an amazing gift! His very own hardhat. The crew was so amazing and really made his day.
After the excitement of the construction trucks we again visited the mall for a spin on the carousel. We picked up Lily and Hugh from Mimi's and made it home just in time for naps! After dinner we had birthday brownies and spent the rest of the night playing with balloons.
On Friday morning Matt took Lily to school and then we gave Ben his birthday gift from us...50 new pieces of train track, o-m-g! The three of us spent over an hour setting up and playing trains.
On Sunday afternoon we had a family birthday party complete with cake, presents, and a perfect day for the bounce house!
Happy 3rd Birthday Bengi, to the moon buddy. To the moon!
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Happy 5th Birthday Lily!
When it comes to birthdays, I like to go big! That is not to say I spend a lot of money on an elaborate party or expensive gifts. As a matter of fact we like for the kids to think of their party as their "big gift" and then get them a few small things that they have had their eye on. Going big around here means lots of small treats, surprises, and special privileges.
For her birthday this year my eldest requested a "princess party" and that is exactly what she got (thank you pinterest for making my daughter's dreams come true...I took full credit for each and every detail!)
This year was particularly crazy because Lily's birthday fell on a Friday (Aunt Kate flew in from DC that day), her "kid" party was Saturday, and Easter was Sunday. There was a LOT of cake!
On Friday Matt and I asked Mimi to watch the boys so that we could spend the afternoon with the birthday girl. I made Hello Kitty frosted sugar cookies for her class and they gave her a small gift so she was already having the best day of her life when we arrived at school to pick her up. We then headed to Red Robin for lunch. She got a kick out of being sung to by the staff but the highlight (possibly of the whole weekend) was when I gave her two quarters for the crane game that they have in the lobby. Like all kids, she is totally enamored of this giant flashingwaste of money game that is bound to leave her brokenhearted. Even though I knew the risk was high, for the first time ever we said "yes" to giving it a try. Wouldn't you know it, Matt managed to hook not one (incredibly cheap and terribly ugly) toy from the bin but TWO! Somebody get that guy a Klondike! It gets even more amazing, one was pink and one was blue. Lily was THRILLED and immediately wanted to give one to Ben. It was amazing! We had planned to go to a movie but at the last minute Lily said she didn't really want to go. What she did want to do...go to the mall to ride the carousel and then hit up the craft store. You got it babe. After our afternoon of randomness we went back to Mimi's for pizza, cake, and presents.
Mimi made Lily a beautiful dollhouse for her Barbies! She also received a few other gifts that she had specifically said she wanted (Puppy surprise and a Disney palace pet).
On Saturday I hosted a "Princess Party" for Lily and five of her friends. It was a "drop off" party and in my opinion a total success. My sister and I made all of the decorations, Matt made the table and chairs, and the girls had a great time painting suncatchers and decorating their own cupcakes. We did face paint and party games. The highlight of the party was making "princess putty" (slime made with borax and elmers glue). So much fun!!
For her birthday this year my eldest requested a "princess party" and that is exactly what she got (thank you pinterest for making my daughter's dreams come true...I took full credit for each and every detail!)
This year was particularly crazy because Lily's birthday fell on a Friday (Aunt Kate flew in from DC that day), her "kid" party was Saturday, and Easter was Sunday. There was a LOT of cake!
On Friday Matt and I asked Mimi to watch the boys so that we could spend the afternoon with the birthday girl. I made Hello Kitty frosted sugar cookies for her class and they gave her a small gift so she was already having the best day of her life when we arrived at school to pick her up. We then headed to Red Robin for lunch. She got a kick out of being sung to by the staff but the highlight (possibly of the whole weekend) was when I gave her two quarters for the crane game that they have in the lobby. Like all kids, she is totally enamored of this giant flashing
Mimi made Lily a beautiful dollhouse for her Barbies! She also received a few other gifts that she had specifically said she wanted (Puppy surprise and a Disney palace pet).
On Saturday I hosted a "Princess Party" for Lily and five of her friends. It was a "drop off" party and in my opinion a total success. My sister and I made all of the decorations, Matt made the table and chairs, and the girls had a great time painting suncatchers and decorating their own cupcakes. We did face paint and party games. The highlight of the party was making "princess putty" (slime made with borax and elmers glue). So much fun!!
Say YAY for birthdays! I love you coo coo girl.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
You're Four!
Dear Lily,
I love you.
Today you are four and although it is the anniversary of the happiest day of my life I have to admit that this day is bittersweet. There will always be a part of me that remembers holding you and seeing your sweet face for the first time and wishes that I could go back to that day and stay there with you forever. You will understand some day when you are a mommy. Even if I could go back, I never would if it meant missing even one second with you now. Lily, you are seriously the most fantastic person I have ever known.
This has been a year full of big milestones and even bigger changes for our family. You amaze me every day with your ability to tackle some pretty big transitions without blinking an eye. That being said, Daddy and I still do the 'secret handshake' every night because heaven forbid we tamper with your routine. This past September you started preschool and girl, you rocked it. From day one you took to your new surroundings and made me so proud. Your teachers (and even a few other parents) commented to me that you were so gentle and polite with the other children. As I told you in last year's letter, you are a very nurturing soul. In October our house sold somewhat unexpectedly and again you took the whole transition in stride. For almost four months we lived with Mimi and Doe while we looked for our 'forever' house in Maine. During those months you were faced with a million changes, a new room, a new school, new rules, a new baby on the way, and most significantly a new work schedule for Daddy. It wasn't always easy, but at the end of every day we wrapped each other up in unwavering love and forgiveness. Every single night I go to bed knowing that I am so loved. I have you to thank for that.
It has been said that three is SO MUCH WORSE than two, and I have to admit I wholeheartedly agree. You have certainly had your share of timeouts this past year. There are times when you yell and stomp your feet. There are days when Mommy can do no right. It isn't always easy to be a big sister or a good listener. Some days you are fiercely independent and other days you beg for me to hold your hand and help you with every task. Very rarely do you actually need my help, but you do like it when I get your toilet paper for you. You do a great job brushing your teeth, getting yourself dressed, and packing up your backpack for school. Some days you even help Ben by picking out his clothes or feeding him the last few bites of his cereal, those bites are 'tricky' after all.
You are learning what it means to be a friend and at your new school you have adjusted perfectly. Your teacher, who at one time was also Unlce Josh's and Aunt Kate's teacher, told me that you are the most joyful child in your class. That is quite the compliment little lady. You are always willing and excited to participate no matter what activity they have planned and she mentioned that you are very concerned with making sure that the other children are happy too. In fact the class had to stop playing musical chairs because you insisted that everyone needed a seat. We can tackle sportsmanship and competition later, for now you are happy when everybody wins. The exception to that being you do love to race and turn just about everything into a race. When the task is complete you will shout, "I tricked you!". We have corrected you a million times, which you couldn't care less about, it is one of your few remaining toddlerisms.
We are still working on coordination and I am sorry to tell you that you are very clumsy. There are some basic skills, like landing on your feet after you jump and catching a ball, that you are still working on. For your birthday you asked for a scooter and roller skates, neither of which Mommy really thought you were ready for. Just like always however, you blew me away by racing around the driveway on your new scooter like a pro. The skates are still a work in progress but I will give you credit for being determined. Really the only drawback of your clumsiness is that your are covered in bruises! For the sake of your poor legs I am constantly reminding you (more like begging you) to be more careful.
The bond that you share with your brother is so special to you. While you still tell me that I am your best friend you have recently started to say that I am your best grownup friend and that Ben is your best friend. It is true, most of the time. I think that you love having someone who looks up to you the way he does. While you certainly use your big sister status to manipulate your little brother (mostly in the form of making trades that are not at all fair) at the end of the day you live to make him laugh. Daddy and I love to listen to you chatter and laugh together in the back seat of the car and when you are in your room pretending to settle down for the night. Despite the fact that he can be quite stubborn and is much more likely to throw toys or hit you, only very rarely do you retaliate. We are all certain that you will love and adore the new baby just as much. Admittedly you were a little disappointed to learn that the new baby is 'another brother' but as the days go by the idea seems to be growing on you. We are in this together my darling, just us girls, in a house with all these crazy boys!
I am sorry to say that you have my temper and strong will. I had hoped that you would get a little more of your Daddy's laid back attitude but you my darling, are a fighter. That isn't necessarily a bad thing BUT you are going to have to learn to harness those powerful feelings and use them to your advantage. It took Mommy a long time to learn that (and I am still working it now!) and I promise that I will always be here to help and guide you as grow and inevitably step on a few toes.
One thing that has not changed over the past year is your addiction to all things stuffed. You have a problem. You have literally never met a stuffed animal that you didn't immediately fall desperately in love with. Our house, specifically your room, is overrun with over fifty of your closest friends. To say that it is out of control is an understatement...and I fear you have passed your sickness on to your brother! You give them all clever names like "bunny", "puppy", and "turtle". I don't actually mind that last part because I am not confident that I could ever keep them straight otherwise. You are also a TV junkie and Daddy and I have to really lay down the law and limit your screen time. You love Doc McStuffins, Peg Plus Cat, and Octonauts. When the TV goes off the CD player comes on, you love music of all types and we have at least one dance party a day.
What else can I say that will even begin to do you justice. You are beautiful and still a total girlie girl. Pink and purple are your favorite colors and if given the choice you would wear a dress, skirt, or tutu every single day. You like to have your nails painted and your hair done with bows and headbands. That being said you aren't afraid to get dirty. You have a few new freckles and I am curious to see whether you will have Mommy's complexion once you are sunkissed by the summer sun. We haven't had your four year wellness checkup yet but I suspect that you are very average for height and weight, no longer my tiny peanut.
Now that we are settling in to our new house in Maine I am so excited to see what the future has in store for our family. I am so blessed to spend my days with you and your brother. We are really going to make the most of these next few months before the new baby comes. Just like when Ben was born it is important to me that you know that a new baby means more love for all of us. I will always be your Mommy and I promise to dedicate my time to making sure you know you are loved and cared for. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God that you are mine.
I love you coo coo girl.
I love you.
Today you are four and although it is the anniversary of the happiest day of my life I have to admit that this day is bittersweet. There will always be a part of me that remembers holding you and seeing your sweet face for the first time and wishes that I could go back to that day and stay there with you forever. You will understand some day when you are a mommy. Even if I could go back, I never would if it meant missing even one second with you now. Lily, you are seriously the most fantastic person I have ever known.
This has been a year full of big milestones and even bigger changes for our family. You amaze me every day with your ability to tackle some pretty big transitions without blinking an eye. That being said, Daddy and I still do the 'secret handshake' every night because heaven forbid we tamper with your routine. This past September you started preschool and girl, you rocked it. From day one you took to your new surroundings and made me so proud. Your teachers (and even a few other parents) commented to me that you were so gentle and polite with the other children. As I told you in last year's letter, you are a very nurturing soul. In October our house sold somewhat unexpectedly and again you took the whole transition in stride. For almost four months we lived with Mimi and Doe while we looked for our 'forever' house in Maine. During those months you were faced with a million changes, a new room, a new school, new rules, a new baby on the way, and most significantly a new work schedule for Daddy. It wasn't always easy, but at the end of every day we wrapped each other up in unwavering love and forgiveness. Every single night I go to bed knowing that I am so loved. I have you to thank for that.
It has been said that three is SO MUCH WORSE than two, and I have to admit I wholeheartedly agree. You have certainly had your share of timeouts this past year. There are times when you yell and stomp your feet. There are days when Mommy can do no right. It isn't always easy to be a big sister or a good listener. Some days you are fiercely independent and other days you beg for me to hold your hand and help you with every task. Very rarely do you actually need my help, but you do like it when I get your toilet paper for you. You do a great job brushing your teeth, getting yourself dressed, and packing up your backpack for school. Some days you even help Ben by picking out his clothes or feeding him the last few bites of his cereal, those bites are 'tricky' after all.
You are learning what it means to be a friend and at your new school you have adjusted perfectly. Your teacher, who at one time was also Unlce Josh's and Aunt Kate's teacher, told me that you are the most joyful child in your class. That is quite the compliment little lady. You are always willing and excited to participate no matter what activity they have planned and she mentioned that you are very concerned with making sure that the other children are happy too. In fact the class had to stop playing musical chairs because you insisted that everyone needed a seat. We can tackle sportsmanship and competition later, for now you are happy when everybody wins. The exception to that being you do love to race and turn just about everything into a race. When the task is complete you will shout, "I tricked you!". We have corrected you a million times, which you couldn't care less about, it is one of your few remaining toddlerisms.
We are still working on coordination and I am sorry to tell you that you are very clumsy. There are some basic skills, like landing on your feet after you jump and catching a ball, that you are still working on. For your birthday you asked for a scooter and roller skates, neither of which Mommy really thought you were ready for. Just like always however, you blew me away by racing around the driveway on your new scooter like a pro. The skates are still a work in progress but I will give you credit for being determined. Really the only drawback of your clumsiness is that your are covered in bruises! For the sake of your poor legs I am constantly reminding you (more like begging you) to be more careful.
The bond that you share with your brother is so special to you. While you still tell me that I am your best friend you have recently started to say that I am your best grownup friend and that Ben is your best friend. It is true, most of the time. I think that you love having someone who looks up to you the way he does. While you certainly use your big sister status to manipulate your little brother (mostly in the form of making trades that are not at all fair) at the end of the day you live to make him laugh. Daddy and I love to listen to you chatter and laugh together in the back seat of the car and when you are in your room pretending to settle down for the night. Despite the fact that he can be quite stubborn and is much more likely to throw toys or hit you, only very rarely do you retaliate. We are all certain that you will love and adore the new baby just as much. Admittedly you were a little disappointed to learn that the new baby is 'another brother' but as the days go by the idea seems to be growing on you. We are in this together my darling, just us girls, in a house with all these crazy boys!
I am sorry to say that you have my temper and strong will. I had hoped that you would get a little more of your Daddy's laid back attitude but you my darling, are a fighter. That isn't necessarily a bad thing BUT you are going to have to learn to harness those powerful feelings and use them to your advantage. It took Mommy a long time to learn that (and I am still working it now!) and I promise that I will always be here to help and guide you as grow and inevitably step on a few toes.
One thing that has not changed over the past year is your addiction to all things stuffed. You have a problem. You have literally never met a stuffed animal that you didn't immediately fall desperately in love with. Our house, specifically your room, is overrun with over fifty of your closest friends. To say that it is out of control is an understatement...and I fear you have passed your sickness on to your brother! You give them all clever names like "bunny", "puppy", and "turtle". I don't actually mind that last part because I am not confident that I could ever keep them straight otherwise. You are also a TV junkie and Daddy and I have to really lay down the law and limit your screen time. You love Doc McStuffins, Peg Plus Cat, and Octonauts. When the TV goes off the CD player comes on, you love music of all types and we have at least one dance party a day.
What else can I say that will even begin to do you justice. You are beautiful and still a total girlie girl. Pink and purple are your favorite colors and if given the choice you would wear a dress, skirt, or tutu every single day. You like to have your nails painted and your hair done with bows and headbands. That being said you aren't afraid to get dirty. You have a few new freckles and I am curious to see whether you will have Mommy's complexion once you are sunkissed by the summer sun. We haven't had your four year wellness checkup yet but I suspect that you are very average for height and weight, no longer my tiny peanut.
Now that we are settling in to our new house in Maine I am so excited to see what the future has in store for our family. I am so blessed to spend my days with you and your brother. We are really going to make the most of these next few months before the new baby comes. Just like when Ben was born it is important to me that you know that a new baby means more love for all of us. I will always be your Mommy and I promise to dedicate my time to making sure you know you are loved and cared for. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God that you are mine.
I love you coo coo girl.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
You are O-N-E!
Dear Ben,
You are one! I am afraid I may have given you reason to think that this is a sad milestone for me, but I want to assure you that I am not sad. I just love you so much, that sometimes it is hard for me to keep from thinking about the days when you will no longer want to be snuggled every minute of every day. I just have to remind myself that by then you will have other ways to show me how much you love me...and that no matter how much time goes by you will always be my son. You and I, little man, have a strong bond. I don't always know what you need or want, but I do know that you always look to me when you need something. Over the past year we have logged a lot of late night hours together rocking and dancing in the moonlight. Even though there were days I was so tired I seriously don't know how I took care of you and your sister, I am grateful for all of that time together. That being said, you are one, and it is time for you to start sleeping through the night, okay?!
When you were born we told Lily that no matter what changes might take place, bringing you home meant more love for all of us. At the time we had no idea just how much you would change our lives but we were certainly right about the love. It may be that sleep deprivation has caused me permanent memory loss but I definitely struggle to remember what life was like without you. After a long talk with your sister a few days ago about how much we love you, it became evident to me that she literally doesn't remember a time when you weren't here. I know there are going to be times when you two do not get along but my wish for each of you is that the bond you share now only strengthens as you grow. After all, there is no one else who will understand better what it was like to have me as your crazy mother. A word of advice, your smile gets you a long way with her...use it to your advantage!
Let me tell you some things I know about you.
1. You smile with your whole body
2. You love your blankie
3. You like to be read to and have a long attention span for books
4. You do not like to be alone and always sleep better at night in the same room as Lily
5. You will eat almost anything
6. You love to splash in water, specifically the dog bowl
7. You like to play outside but are suspicious of grass
8. You are very ticklish
9. You seek out balls, trucks, and any toy small enough to be a choking hazard
10.You are a climber
You really are a sweet, laid back guy. You seem content to hang out in the background and take it all in...while Lily twirls in the center spotlight. You are a little unsure about new people and situations but as long as we give you time you usually warm up. Only time will tell if you are going to be shy like Daddy or if this is just a phase. In any case I can't wait to see your little personality develop over the next few months and years.
Being your mom brings me so much joy. A year ago God sent us the perfect addition to our little family and we are all so grateful. You are a giggly, snugly, laid back dude...with a devilish glint in your eyes. So here we are, you are one, and I want you to know that I love you more than anything. Thank you for all of the love that you bring to each of us every day.
We love you so very much tater tot!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, April 12, 2013
Happy Birthday to me - a post about toddler puke!
You all know how much I love my daughter, and if you know me (either in real life or through my blog) you probably also know that I love my birthday.
This year the little girl that I love so much gave me the gift of midnight toddler vomit for my birthday. Lots and lots of toddler vomit.
If you have never had the pleasure of taking care of a toddler with the pukes let me tell you, it is a scaring experience. A few weeks ago when she was sick I thought it was pretty rough and coined the phrase "panic puker". In hindsight that day had NOTHING on the 18 hours of pure misery that Lily put me through on my birthday this year. It is safe to say that I would relive the hangover of '03, during which I had to pull over on I90 in Boston to get sick on the side of the road. Not exactly my proudest moment, but at least that night I had some fun before I had to spend the night on the bathroom floor.
It started when I heard "the cry" around 11, coincidentally about 30 seconds after falling into a deep sleep. I shot out of bed and ran to the guest room (Ben's non-sleeping had been taking a toll on Lily so I had separated them once again) to find Lily sitting bolt upright in bed drenched in sweat, covered in puke, and screaming like a pissed off banshee. I'm serious, she was livid...and the instant our eyes met I knew she had found just the person she was looking for. Not to comfort and protect her, no no. Surely someone must be to blame for this disgusting injustice, that person must pay. That person was going to be me.
I put her in the tub, washed her hair, put her in clean jammies, stripped the bed, started a load of laundry, rinsed out the tub, changed her jammies again, spot cleaned the living room rug, and made a "special bed" on the sun room floor all while being verbally abused and berated. Just as I was about to close my eyes on the couch she threw up with no warning all over her "special bed", I glanced at the clock 12:02...happy birthday to me!
The night was looong, neither of us slept. At one point she looked me square in the face and said, "Stop making me throw up." Poor baby, I had no idea so much horribleness could come out of one little body.
Matt got up and went to work and I did my best not to cry at the thought of more puke. I prayed more than once that Ben would not wake up with whatever was raging inside Lily's tummy. (My prayers would not be answered, however there was a 24 hour break between illnesses.) Ben spent most of the day in isolation in the playroom and Lily spent the entire day watching TV between demands for something to eat or drink. When it had finally been a few hours since her last upchuck I allowed her some crackers and water. By the end of the afternoon she was finally looking a little better and had stopped cursing me under her breath.
When Dingle came home from work we both agreed that eating cake in front of Lily would just add insult to injury and so we postponed my birthday festivities until the following day. I was so grateful to sleep in my own bed that night, aside from Lily feeling better, it was the best gift I could have gotten.
The following day everyone was feeling better, I went for a massage, and we all had some chocolate cake. It was certainly a birthday that I won't forget any time soon. Motherhood comes with highs and lows and in the end I am certainly grateful that this was just a stomach bug and not something more serious.
That doesn't mean I have to like toddler puke.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
You're Three!
Dear Lily,
You are three! My sweet sweet girl you take my breath away. As a matter of fact it has taken me over a week to write this letter because every time I sat down to do it I felt like I could not possibly do you justice. You are that fantastic.
This past year has been the best of my life. You became the sister I knew you would be. You were so gentle and doting with Ben when we first brought him home from the hospital. Now that he is bigger, you are patient and so very proud. Making Ben laugh is a special skill of yours. I am not going to sugar coat things, some days being a big sister is hard. There are times when you don't want to share, when Ben destroys something you have been playing with, when you are tempted to yell or hit (only rarely do you give in to those temptations). But I want to point something out, you never let that little boy forget how much you love him...and that will be your job for the rest of your life. A job I am confident that you will cherish as much as I do. Even when you are having a tough time navigating this new relationship, you always have a kiss and a kind word for your brother. You are nurturing and have shown such selflessness this past year. I would be lying if I said I don't feel guilty sometimes when I realize that all you really want is to have me to yourself again but I promise I will always have time for just you and me.
This past year you celebrated so many milestones. You are less and less like a toddler every day and at some point I am going to have to admit that you are a "big girl". Daddy turned your car seat around this past weekend and you love your new view! I especially like that now I can actually hear you talking to me, even when you intentionally use your "quiet voice". You are still sort of clumsy and I have always joked that anyone who has spent five minutes with you has seen you fall down. But you are showing more and more coordination every day. You can hop, skip, run, and pedal a bike (almost). Above all else you love to dance, specifically twirl. In October you surprised us all by slipping on a pair of water wings and swimming unassisted in water well over your head. I really don't know if I should be proud of your foolish bravery but it is endearing. You really are fearless...and just a little clumsy. You have mastered the potty during the day and if I am patient enough you can dress and undress yourself. You love to pick out your own clothes.
We can work on humility later, for now let me tell you, you are brilliant. Your vocabulary is impressive but your ability to use words in context, conjugate, and express your ideas, literally blows my mind. You are such a thoughtful listener and are always ready to draw conclusions from your curiosity. Don't even get me started on your memory and how yesterday you reminded me that we stacked creamers while we waited for our dinner at Cracker Barrel...in October of 2011. While your command of the English language really is impressive you do have several toddlerisms that crack me up. Instead of saying "by myself" you say "with myself". You call your bathing suit your "babing suit". Instead of "I'm thirsty for water", it's "I'm thirsty of water". Recently you're also very aware of my tone and will often request "Mommy, can you say it nice?"
Today while watching TV, which we do let you do while Ben takes his morning nap, you correctly determined that one less than three is two. Like I said, you listen and you are brilliant. Your favorite shows to watch are Curious George, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Octonauts, and Doc McStuffins. I personally love them all and usually watch right along with you. What is the biggest drawback to your brilliance you ask? Girl, we have our days. Days when Mommy can do no right and you are so frustrated that all you can do is yell and cry. You are not mischievous and very rarely do you use your intelligence for evil but you do have a temper and you do not like to be told no.
This September you will be starting preschool. I searched high and low to find just the right school for you. I chose a very small school where you will be loved and (I pray) feel safe. The world is a scary place and there is a big part of Mommy and Daddy that wishes we could keep you at home forever. That being said I am SO excited for you! You are going to love school! I can't wait to see how much you learn and grow. This is it lady, the world belongs to you.
You want to know what else you are? A total princess. Where did you come from? Mommy is not necessarily known for her femininity, yet here you are decked out in (not one but two) tutus, three headbands, a necklace and half a dozen bracelets...and that is just a Monday morning. Your favorite colors are pink, pink and pink. You tolerate purple, green and blue. For your birthday you were lavished with princess themed gifts much to your delight. You are now the proud owner of a different tutu for every day of the week. Over the past year, your love affair with all things stuffed has only deepened. Your entourage is officially out of control. Not only is it more than I can carry, but there are so many "friends" that even you lose track of who's in the bed with you. Lately you have been biting your nails, which I remind you not to do 100 times an hour. Today the pediatrician recommended that I offer to paint your nails as incentive to stop. HA. I believe that is called opening Pandora's box.
I spend my days revolving around you and your brother. There is nowhere else I would rather be. Today we went for a walk and watching you pick up every rock on the street, with the sunshine in your hair, I thanked God that you are mine. I listened to your story about how the nurse at the doctor's office gave you a "sparkle" band-aid and when you asked me to hold your hand I gladly fulfilled your request. I say it all the time but it bears repeating, these are the best days of my life. I was born to be your mommy.
I love you coo coo girl.
You are three! My sweet sweet girl you take my breath away. As a matter of fact it has taken me over a week to write this letter because every time I sat down to do it I felt like I could not possibly do you justice. You are that fantastic.
This past year has been the best of my life. You became the sister I knew you would be. You were so gentle and doting with Ben when we first brought him home from the hospital. Now that he is bigger, you are patient and so very proud. Making Ben laugh is a special skill of yours. I am not going to sugar coat things, some days being a big sister is hard. There are times when you don't want to share, when Ben destroys something you have been playing with, when you are tempted to yell or hit (only rarely do you give in to those temptations). But I want to point something out, you never let that little boy forget how much you love him...and that will be your job for the rest of your life. A job I am confident that you will cherish as much as I do. Even when you are having a tough time navigating this new relationship, you always have a kiss and a kind word for your brother. You are nurturing and have shown such selflessness this past year. I would be lying if I said I don't feel guilty sometimes when I realize that all you really want is to have me to yourself again but I promise I will always have time for just you and me.
This past year you celebrated so many milestones. You are less and less like a toddler every day and at some point I am going to have to admit that you are a "big girl". Daddy turned your car seat around this past weekend and you love your new view! I especially like that now I can actually hear you talking to me, even when you intentionally use your "quiet voice". You are still sort of clumsy and I have always joked that anyone who has spent five minutes with you has seen you fall down. But you are showing more and more coordination every day. You can hop, skip, run, and pedal a bike (almost). Above all else you love to dance, specifically twirl. In October you surprised us all by slipping on a pair of water wings and swimming unassisted in water well over your head. I really don't know if I should be proud of your foolish bravery but it is endearing. You really are fearless...and just a little clumsy. You have mastered the potty during the day and if I am patient enough you can dress and undress yourself. You love to pick out your own clothes.
We can work on humility later, for now let me tell you, you are brilliant. Your vocabulary is impressive but your ability to use words in context, conjugate, and express your ideas, literally blows my mind. You are such a thoughtful listener and are always ready to draw conclusions from your curiosity. Don't even get me started on your memory and how yesterday you reminded me that we stacked creamers while we waited for our dinner at Cracker Barrel...in October of 2011. While your command of the English language really is impressive you do have several toddlerisms that crack me up. Instead of saying "by myself" you say "with myself". You call your bathing suit your "babing suit". Instead of "I'm thirsty for water", it's "I'm thirsty of water". Recently you're also very aware of my tone and will often request "Mommy, can you say it nice?"
Today while watching TV, which we do let you do while Ben takes his morning nap, you correctly determined that one less than three is two. Like I said, you listen and you are brilliant. Your favorite shows to watch are Curious George, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Octonauts, and Doc McStuffins. I personally love them all and usually watch right along with you. What is the biggest drawback to your brilliance you ask? Girl, we have our days. Days when Mommy can do no right and you are so frustrated that all you can do is yell and cry. You are not mischievous and very rarely do you use your intelligence for evil but you do have a temper and you do not like to be told no.
This September you will be starting preschool. I searched high and low to find just the right school for you. I chose a very small school where you will be loved and (I pray) feel safe. The world is a scary place and there is a big part of Mommy and Daddy that wishes we could keep you at home forever. That being said I am SO excited for you! You are going to love school! I can't wait to see how much you learn and grow. This is it lady, the world belongs to you.
You want to know what else you are? A total princess. Where did you come from? Mommy is not necessarily known for her femininity, yet here you are decked out in (not one but two) tutus, three headbands, a necklace and half a dozen bracelets...and that is just a Monday morning. Your favorite colors are pink, pink and pink. You tolerate purple, green and blue. For your birthday you were lavished with princess themed gifts much to your delight. You are now the proud owner of a different tutu for every day of the week. Over the past year, your love affair with all things stuffed has only deepened. Your entourage is officially out of control. Not only is it more than I can carry, but there are so many "friends" that even you lose track of who's in the bed with you. Lately you have been biting your nails, which I remind you not to do 100 times an hour. Today the pediatrician recommended that I offer to paint your nails as incentive to stop. HA. I believe that is called opening Pandora's box.
I spend my days revolving around you and your brother. There is nowhere else I would rather be. Today we went for a walk and watching you pick up every rock on the street, with the sunshine in your hair, I thanked God that you are mine. I listened to your story about how the nurse at the doctor's office gave you a "sparkle" band-aid and when you asked me to hold your hand I gladly fulfilled your request. I say it all the time but it bears repeating, these are the best days of my life. I was born to be your mommy.
I love you coo coo girl.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
A birthday fit for a princess.
Lily had to share her birthday with Easter this year. I mean I supposed there are worse things than sharing a party with the Easter bunny and the resurrection of Jesus, but I still felt a little lame doubling down on the holiday weekend. It is the curse of having an April birthday, and with so many April birthdays under one roof it is inevitable that one of us will have to share the spotlight on our special day.As I mentioned in a previous post Lily received no less than 6 princess themed gifts for her birthday. For several days she wore them all at once. My only rule on the subject is that she may not wear more than one tutu out of the house at once. I also had to have a very difficult talk with her about the risks of eating while princessing...a hard lesson learned after I was unable to get a tomato sauce stain out of her purple fairy dress.
Her birthday week extravaganza kicked off with a trip to her favorite playground. It was downright cold so I wore Ben in the pack and did my best not to look completely miserable. I think she was cold too but knowing better than to admit it, repeatedly told me she was having fun...even when I hadn't asked. Friday through Sunday were spent in Maine. The weather was nice and she was thoroughly spoiled by both sets of grandparents. On Monday I took her out to lunch at Panera and she had her favorite mac n' cheese. Tuesday was a quiet day at home, I had intended to take her on some sort of outing but it was literally 20 degrees out and I just couldn't muster the necessary enthusiasm. In lieu of an outing I let her watch the Tigger Movie while Ben took his afternoon nap and we made cupcakes to take to her playdate the following day.
On Wednesday Matt went to work early so that he could be home in time for dinner. It was a great idea in theory but I think we were all a little sad that Daddy wasn't there to say happy birthday first thing in the morning. I took some pretty hilarious pictures and made her pancakes for breakfast. In the afternoon Daddy arrived with balloons and her new carebear (only after locking the keys to his car in his own trunk at the grocery store and literally running home, excellent). I had a pink cheer bear when I was a little girl. It is neat to see them side by side.A friend of mine was kind enough to offer up her amazing playroom for a very small party with a few of Lily's fiends from music class. The kids all played and ate cupcakes. It was very low key and exactly what Lily had requested.
Consider this three year old officially one happy little girl. Birthday week extravaganza, nailed it!
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