Double Digits September 13, 2008

photo by my friend Lauren

It’s official. I am the mom of two kids in the double digits. Just yesterday I had 3 under 4, and now it’s 2 over 10. Wow! So here’s my biggest boy. He is such a delight to me-I love the lego loving boy he is, and I love the kind, God loving man he is becoming.

Right now, Caleb’s grand passion is Star Wars. He may have trouble trapping math facts in his head, but he knows copious amounts of Star Wars trivia. He is forever creating different lego ships and battles with his legos. He only has a few Star Wars lego sets, so many of his ships and characters are those created with a mishmash of creativity, legos, and k’nex. I love seeing all the detail and thoughtfulness he puts into his creations.

My biggest boy revels in his occasional stinkiness, his scruffy hair, and his general grubbiness, but he is starting to attend to grown up details, such as wearing deodorant (he likes the smell!). He is also showing wonderful growth and maturity in his character. He is becoming increasingly dependable, helpful, and thoughtful. He frequently carries Noah’s diaper bag for me without a reminder- he just does it. He is fun and funny and not self-conscious. He loves the Lord and wants to please Him, and it shows.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Double Digits!

Miss Eight August 29, 2008

Caitey (photo by my friend Lauren)

We are in the throes of birthday celebrations these days. Our littlest miss, Caitey, has turned eight. It’s hard to believe, but she has stepped into the realm of being “one of the big kids.” She has bumped up groups in Awana, changed leotard colors at ballet, and helps out with the tiny kids in Sunday school.

Not only is she one of those big kids, but she is one of those delightful big kids. Yes, she has those moments that are challenges, but we see some great things in her as well. She has the gift of mercy…she is the first to offer help to someone hurting, she wants to give a drink to our guests as they walk in the door, she feels the pain of someone who is suffering. It is going to be fun to see how the Lord will grow this wonderful quality in her over the coming years.

I love you, you sweet little darlin’!

Celebration Part III August 27, 2008

So our littlest man is one. ONE! Time has truly flown by…it seems like yesterday (or at least only last week) that I suspected I was pregnant. Noah has been such a gift to me (to his papa, too, but I’m the one writing this! ). It has filled my heart with joy to hold a little body in my arms again, to smell his milky breath, to feel his wee hands pat my arm, to listen to his strong voice add to the din in our home.

A BABY lying on his mother’s breast

Draws life from that sweet fount;

He takes his rest

And heaves deep sighs;

With brooding eyes

Of soft content

She shelters him within that fragrant nest,

And scarce refrains from crushing him

With tender violence,

His rosebud mouth, each rosy limb

Excite such joy intense;

Rocked on that gentle billow,

She sings into his ear

A song that angels stoop to hear.

Blest child and mother doubly blest!

Such his first pillow.

Sweet little man, I am so glad you are a part of our family. Your sweet smiles, silly growls and baby kisses delight us all. Mama loves you!