28 September 2007

Celebrating your 4th year!

 
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Already a big four year old and already asking me when you're going to have your "five year old birthday"...I'm having a harder time with you growing up than I thought I would. We had quite a year together watching you transition and grow in outstanding ways.

You started off the year celebrating your third birthday on your very first trip to Disneyland. You dressed up in your Sleeping Beauty dress and took in the sights with awe and wonder, especially as we watched the princess parade. You weren't too sure about the Lion King rhino and almost had a panic attack as it approached us. Thankfully, we all survived. You absolutely LOVED riding Small World and Dumbo. This day would begin our year of many adventures at Disneyland and California Adventure together.

You also began attending preschool just weeks before your third birthday. Your teachers were Miss Maria and Miss Jenny. You weren't thrilled to be there when I dropped you off, but the teachers and director assured me that you played and relaxed the minute I left the room. You always greeted me with a great big smile and a big shout of "Mommy!!" every time I picked you up. As the weeks went on, you became more comfortable in this foreign but fun environment. I was always anxious to hear about your adventures. One thing Miss Kim (the director) shared with me was "Madeline will never be bullied by anyone" explaining how you so eloquently expressed yourself to the teachers any time another child invaded your personal space. This was very reassuring to hear because I always want you to have the courage to speak up - which you do...frequently!

In October, Nana drove out and we went on an adventure to the pumpkin patch with your preschool. Even Daddy was able to come that morning. Thinking back to that time, I realize how difficult it was for you because you enjoyed the interaction with the other children yet you struggled to separate from us (especially mommy) during that time. What a time of change for you.

In November, we did the Christmas walk downtown and you were mesmerized by the singing and dancing group of girls that performed that night. I then realized how much you enjoy the entertaining arts and began to wonder what direction you might pursue for yourself. Singing? Dancing? Acting? Hard to say, but you have quite an imagination and a very beautiful voice.

In December, after celebrating the holidays, we took a 2 week trip to Hawaii with Oma and Pops. You really enjoyed the flight, being on a big airplane and all the adventures you experienced on the trip. We visited your great Grandma and Grandpa Kirk while we were there. Grandpa hardly interacts anymore because of his illness. You couldn't understand why he wouldn't speak to you. You kept trying to draw him out by talking to him and carefully placing stuffed animals on his lap. He finally made an attempt to speak to you and you were so thrilled and you exclaimed, "Grandpa's not shy anymore!"

We also got matching outfits while there, which thrilled you to no end because you and mommy had the exact same "girly" clothes. You have been very concerned about my wardrobe, asking me why I wear pants more than dresses. You ask me why I want to look "handsome" and not "beautiful." Interesting question...I just feel more comfortable in pants, while you would live in dresses and skirts if I let you!

In January we returned home, back to our little reality. We began going to Our Time on Fridays, where we get to play and do wonderful crafts together. It was special because Grant went into the nursery while I was able to give you my full attention. You really thrived on the one-on-one time and I realized how much your little life had been affected by adding a little brother to our family. You have always loved him, but with reservation...very normal indeed after being the center of attention and then being forced to share attention and affection from mom and dad. One of the most memorable experiences we had during this month was going to the El Capitan theatre in Hollywood and watching Mary Poppins on the big screen with Nana. You were in complete awe. Although you'd seen the movie several times before, you'd never experienced it at this level, with "Mary Poppins" there to greet us at the beginning of the movie, eating popcorn and singing along with all the songs in the movie - what a memorable day for us! Especially because that is one of my favorite childhood movies, as it reminds me of Grandma Ruby, someone you only knew for the first 12 months of your life (but whom you will meet again someday).

In March, we were happily surprised to find that you would be a big sister again. You were so cute in telling everyone that "Jesus put a baby in my mommy's tummy." It was even more hilarious to have friends come up to me and say almost completely doubtful, "Madeline said that you have a baby in your tummy...is that true?" Yes, of course it was true because my little Madeline never lies...well, we'll talk more about that later. You have grown so much in your intellectual capacity and ability to express yourself. You've always been eloquent, but your gift of words and expression continues to be self-evident in everyday life. You're not trying to impress anyone; you're simply stating facts and life as you see it. Bravo, sweet Madeline!

One thing that became evident as we talked about having a new baby in the house was some anxiety you were having. You asked me, "When the baby comes, do I have to leave?" I couldn't understand why you would ask me this, but then remembered that I had been on bed rest with Grant for the last several weeks of my pregnancy and you had to stay with family. I hadn't realized what an impact that had had on you, and that you had remembered our separation so vividly. I have prayed that the Lord would not allow me to go on bed rest again; I don't think I could deal with it either. That was one of the hardest times in my life - being away from you day after day, counting down the minutes until we would be reunited again.

In April, we went to a local pet store and played with a little toy poodle puppy with white fluffy hair, which you quickly grew attached to and named "Puppy Jack." You carried him around the store and told everyone he was your new puppy. Although Daddy wasn't thrilled with the cost and responsibility of having a dog in our house (again), seeing you love on that little puppy warmed us both up to the idea. You sat with him, played with him, cuddled him, picked him up (and practically choked him with your hugs), read to him and pet him with so much love. And that was only after 5 days. On the sixth day he became very ill and we had to take him to the animal hospital, and he passed away from parvo only 10 days after we brought him home. You and I both cried because we had grown so attached to him. Even now, several months later, you tell me that you're sad because "I miss my puppy Jack." We've tried to explain that he lives in heaven with Jesus, and that he's not sick anymore, that Jesus is taking care of him until it's time for us to live in heaven too. You've accepted this, but still your heart longs for him at different times. This was a big loss for you this year.

During the summer we enrolled you in ballet class. You loved the clothes more than anything: the black leotard, white tights, black shoes and especially the sparkly black ballet skirt. You really had no interest in listening to the teacher. You just studied the other girls and reveled in your beautiful clothes.

Something that really turned your world upside down was having your new baby brother this year. He didn't really begin to annoy you until he began walking around, touching (and sometimes destroying) all of your toys. You sometimes get frantic and start picking up every toy in his path and quickly run them to your room and shut the door. I was beginning to worry about your dislike toward him until we went away for a month long vacation this summer in Hawaii, where he was the only person your age to play with. You began to change your view of him, and I've watched you look at him with anticipation and excitement, waiting for him to do something naughty which makes you giggle with delight. I think you sometimes live through him, knowing that since he's still somewhat a baby, he gets away with certain behaviors you would be held accountable for because you're older. You're constantly encouraging him to live the wild life, giggling by his side and waiting to see how mommy's going to react. I love watching this interaction between the two of you. Something that you won't see for a long time is how much he adores you. He mimicks and copies many of your actions, and follows you around. He knows that you are very protective of certain toys and items in your room and he waits for you to go to preschool and then searches through your room, touching all the forbidden items while you're not around. I just watch him, making sure that nothing gets broken in the process.

Something that you have enjoyed this year is getting acquainted with Shirley Temple movies. Since we don't watch regular television, this has been a source of pure pleasure for you, watching a little girl sing and dance her little heart out.

This fall you re-entered preschool, but this time as a big four year old in Ms. Rachel and Ms. Roberta's class. The question is whether or not to gear you toward kindergarten next fall or allow you one more year of preschool.

All in all, I look back at the last year and see just how much you've grown up...amazingly. I'm constantly learning from you and realizing just how much you learn from me; not so much what I say, but how I act. You are not afraid to hold me accountable to the standard I hold for you. You remind me when I'm being "grouchy" or using a "yelling voice" and you wait to get my full attention, making sure that my eyes are focused right on yours. Last night you said, "I see myself in your eyes" and you smiled at your reflection. That phrase goes so much deeper, and it's something that I can say about you too. You've really become more independent of me this year, while still holding me close within arm's reach. Something I wish to do more of is just to sit and be with you, no expectations, no plans, no worries of things I "must" get done. That is my goal for the next year with you.

I love being your mommy.

26 September 2007

your princess day

What better way to spend the beginning of your four-year-old birthday celebration at Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure with your adorable cousin Dawn, all dressed up as beautiful princesses!
 
 
 
 
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24 September 2007

finding balance

The one thing that is always sitting at the back of my mind each day is, "Do I spend enough time playing with my kids?" There are so many different things that tug and pull for my time, including maintenance of the house and miscellaneous items that demand to be checked off of my "to do" list. One thing that I want to remind myself each day is to "Love Every Moment" even the harder ones, and another thing I want to keep reminding myself is to take the time to play! It takes so little effort, gives so much enjoyment and seems to frequently get pushed to the bottom of my list because of all the things I have to do.

I'm staying at home to be with my children. Yes, the house needs to be cleaned and errands need to be run but the bottom line is that I'm here to raise them and to be available when they want to play. To-do lists won't ever hug me back.

23 September 2007

ticka-ticka

Well, you are only going to be 19 months old when your new brother or sister is born, so it's understandable that you are fascinated with my growing belly. The cutest thing is that you come up to me and say "ticka-ticka" and smile, waiting for me to laugh at your tickling fingers. Yes, it is a very big belly and yes, it needs to be tickled!

madeline's book of the week

We've been picking out library books together since you were able to toddle around my feet. The library has become even more exciting to you as you're able to play on the computer and listen to fun stories. But what fascinates me is that we'll pick out a whole slew of books to bring home, and there are always a couple that you want read to you over and over again. This week, it's How I Became A Pirate by Melinda Long. You can't get enough of this book, and you're especially intrigued by the fact that pirates have no manners, never saying please or thank-you. We read this almost every night (and even before naps sometimes). We'll see what your new favorite book will be next week.

20 September 2007

thrilling thursdays

While big sister goes to preschool, you and I are hitting the town to see where the best play spots are. I'm really enjoying this time with you because it allows me to just focus on you individually without feeling pulled in several different directions at the same time. Today we visited Amy's Indoor Playground and you were so excited, going from one play station to the next. It was almost as though you couldn't decide where to go first and then wondered if the next set of toys were even better than the ones you had found. I love watching your face and the expressions you use as you study your environment, especially when you have mastered something. I love this time with you.

19 September 2007

brilliant!

A children's dental office that plays Disney movies on flat screens all over the building and a good friend who suggested cutting Grant's hair while he sat in a high chair watching a video...these are the brilliant ones!

18 September 2007

E-I-E-I-OHHHH!


When I picked you up from Gigi and Papa's today, Gigi was so proud to report that you sang this part over and over again, right on cue!!! AND when you heard a dog barking and Gigi said, "Bow-Wow" you proudly repeated "Bow-Wow!" You are growing up so quickly and I'm excited to hear of your new awareness of sounds and words around you. You have such an adventurous spirit - ready to jump into a pool without any reservation, jumping off the couch onto cushions and pillows on the floor, and running after your big sister completely unhindered! Grant Henry, my wonderfully fun-loving son.

consistency can be heartbreaking

 
You had a good morning until you made a "bad choice" (deliberately disobeyed) on a minor issue. My heart broke to enforce the consequence, but I thought to myself, "She needs to learn that when a limit that is established is crossed over, there are consequences." So many times I want to back off and not give you the consequence because I know you have such a tender and loving heart. But if I always give you the benefit of the doubt, what will I be teaching you about real life? You are a bright and beautiful girl, so full of life and excitement. I love you more than you could ever imagine, more than I have ever imagined myself. Little did I know how much you would turn my life around as I felt your little body move inside of mine. Please know that even though you may not understand all that I require of you, I do it because I love and want the very best for you.
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17 September 2007

day at the park

 
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16 September 2007

picking out my own clothes

 

what a fashionista!
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14 September 2007

fort time!

 


It's amazing to me what actually grabs my kids' attention and keeps it! Madeline and Nathan built a "castle fort" the other night and she was so excited to wake up the next morning and hide from Grant. She was less than thrilled when he found her and then knocked down her castle. But she bounced back rather quickly and they began finding ways to jump off, climb up and slide down our couch cushions and were entertained for the longest time. I love when they play together, especially when they enter into their own world as brother and sister, laughing and pretending without a care in the world.
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13 September 2007

a zoo day




Grant and I have Thursdays to spend together for special time, while big sister is in preschool. This week we met up with Nana to play at the zoo. This was the first time Grant noticed the animals, and by the expression on his face he was amazed! His eyes grew so wide as he watched the sea lions jump out of the water and make those loud grunting noises and when he stared out as giraffes walked right toward him. He wasn't quite sure about the monkeys, especially those loud screaming ones, but it was so neat to watch him gaze, point and then tell us things in his own little toddler tongue!



12 September 2007

sunshine day


Madeline picked plumeria from Gigi and Papa's house, and brought them to me one-by-one, watching my reactions to her thoughtfulness. I was wonderfully surprised to be greeted by this lovely bouquet on my dresser.

10 September 2007

my oatmeal boy

 
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"Yes Mommmy, I can feed myself, I really can!"

09 September 2007

mommy has the camera...

 


do we have to pose again??
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belly shot





6 months along and growing bigger by the minute!

04 September 2007

big preschool girl

I can't believe that you are almost four and already back at preschool. What a difference this year when I dropped you off as you smiled and gave me a kiss good-bye. Part of me missed the crying from last year. But it was good to see your confident little face as you placed your kitty lunch bag inside your cubby, and then walked around the room, picking out new friends and new places to explore.



You were especially proud to wear your new converse (that you picked out yourself. Such a big girl now.

03 September 2007

catching up

Several times during these past months I have thought about blogging again, but allowed myself to become too overwhelmed with the thought of having to maintain a website. But as I look back at the last eight months, I wish I had written down the moments that were my favorites, because many of them I'll never be able to recount on my own. So much happens in my day that I never want to forget, but I also get so tired that napping becomes a top priority, especially with this growing belly and life inside of me. So I think I'll rejoin the blogging world, just for the sake of remembering all that the Lord blesses me with each day, even on the days that I feel like a crazy woman. My husband and children are my beacons of light each day and I want them to always be able to come back to this place and remember with me.

Recap of events during the last several months:
January
took the kids to hte El Capitan theatre with mom on her birthday to sing-a-long Mary Poppins movie! Grant watched almost the entire movie, while eating veggie sticks.

February
We started attending "Our Time" on Fridays. The kids are able to play, hear stories and participate in really fun crafts while the moms get to eat goodies and chat. We love this time together.

March
We planted a vegetable garden in our backyard, and I started a book club (which was short lived). Just before Grant's 11 month birthday, he said "MaMa." He also holds out his hand when asked a question, as if to say, "Where did it go?" We celebrated Madeline's 1/2 birthday on the 28th and found out on the 29th that we are going to have another baby in December!

April
We went to the beach house during Nathan's Easter break, which we LOVE having as an annual tradition with the kids. We also bought a little puppy named Jack, a white and fluffy toy poodle. We were devastated that he contracted a horrible disease and passed away within 10 days. Maddie still talks about feeling sad about her loss saying, "I miss my puppy Jack." But we had a wonderful 1st birthday celebration for Grant - so hard to believe a year already passed us up so quickly!

May
Nathan celebrated his 31st birthday! I also took the kids to a local Nature Center to explore different canyon animals and insects...they loved it!

June
Grant took his first steps on Father's Day, so proud and excited! We celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary up at Hume Lake for a few days.

July
We went to the local concert in the park with my family and enjoyed a picnic dinner together, and Madeline began her first ballet and tap class with Miss Paula at the community center. She loved it (especially the adorable clothes - imagine that)!

We ventured out to Montana de Oro and camped with our good friends, Jonathan and Anna!



What an adventure as Grant screamed for almost 2 hours the first night and I cried as the second night approached, BEGGING Nathan to let me go to a hotel.

Anna and I took the kids and slept soundly and warmly, while our men and boys roughed it that last night. Very memorable and we will decidedly WAIT until all of our children are potty trained and verbal before making another attempt at tent camping.



I had my second ultrasound and saw the baby move around my womb, although we decided to wait and be surprised on the sex.


We stumbled upon a garage sale just around the block from our house and found princess costumes for $2 - what a steal. Madeline found them more appealing to wear than her regular clothes, of course.




We then left for Hawaii for a month with our families!









August



More Hawaii...








and then Nathan started back at school for his master's program (and full-time work)!



September
Madeline goes back to preschool, and life begins to take on a routine again.