23 November 2007

Words of Love

At Thanksgiving yesterday, Madeline spent some time talking and playing with various family members. She has hardly ever talked to our Uncle Bill, mainly because he's a grown up that she doesn't spend much time around except for the holidays. Without knowing that he will be undergoing an angiogram next week and that his life could be in danger, she gave him a hug goodbye last night and said, "Good-bye, Uncle Bill. I hope you don't get dead." He cracked up and pulled me aside to tell me. When I asked her about it today, as far as why she wanted to tell him that she answered, "Because I just love him so much."

21 November 2007

from your little point of view

Maddie to mommy: "Mommy, your belly is SO BIG...I think you have 10 babies in there!"

18 November 2007

the waiting game




37 weeks
1 cm dilated
50-60% effaced

I think we're almost there!

17 November 2007

Cute Crazy Cousins


We just had baby Isabella's shower yesterday and you really enjoyed it. In fact, all day today you kept saying, "Mom, you can't say Isabella or cute or you have to give me your necklace!" Even though I wasn't wearing a necklace, I understood that this was your favorite game from the party. But even more than the food and games, I think you loved playing with cousin Jen the most!! Who else lets you wear her high heels, lick her toes and put frosting lipstick on?








Only the best cousin ever!

16 November 2007

Christmas already??

We had our annual Christmas walk downtown and it's something we look forward to every year (even though it's always the Friday before Thanksgiving - way too early for me but fun, nonetheless!). Madeline really wanted to see Santa this year, but Grant was not interested in the least. I tried to get a quick picture and this was the result:Get me out of here was what you said in Grant language (ie, crying and screaming as loud as you could)!


When asked what you wanted for Christmas, Maddie, you told Santa that you wanted a pink, princess computer. Santa then sweetly replied, "Well, you have a very Merry Christmas." Thank you, Santa, because this was news to me too!


The rest of the night was spent looking at all the Christmas decorations and just enjoying the festive atmosphere, watching the two of you frolick around together having the time of your lives. One of the funniest moments was when Grant saw the horse drawn carriage and we pointed to the horses saying, "Look, Grant...horsies!" And you replied, "Woof, woof!" And then later as the horses passed us again, Maddie said, "I think I smell horse manure." I don't know any other 4 year old that uses the word manure, but I don't know any other children that crack me up as much as you do!

15 November 2007

A full day!

Madeline, you were so excited to have brother and me join you for your model train field trip AND your Thanksgiving feast all in the same day at preschool! I was just a couple of minutes late and I watched your class walk in a line and saw you stop and look back, hoping to see me. My heart warmed up to see your smiling face, because I knew that you were relieved to see that I had made it, even barely.




And you were so proud to have us at your Thanksgiving feast, because you had helped to prepare the pumpkin muffins that looked absolutely delicious!



Brother liked the fishie crackers and lemonade and I couldn't keep my hands off those chicken nuggets. We had a wonderful time spending the day with you at preschool!

07 November 2007

new baby excitement and anxiety

Well Madeline, you've already been through this once before and know what to somewhat expect when a new little baby arrives into the family. I just figured out why you've been so much more sensitive and attached to me these past two weeks, just about the same time we took the crib out to be set up in your room. You are so thrilled that this baby is coming and when people ask what the sex is you politely say, "We'll love it if it's a girl or a boy." And you were so sweet yesterday morning to tell Grant, "When the baby comes, I'll still love you AND I'll love the baby." How reassuring your words were, probably more comforting for you than anyone else. It makes me smile to know that you have been listening to our repetitive words and that although they may not make complete sense in your heart you are allowing them to penetrate your mind. You're quite uncertain about what your new position will be in the family once this little baby arrives. You asked me, "You're going to love the baby more than you love Grant and me?" I tried my best to explain that Jesus makes mommies' hearts to love all of their children, even though they are loved for their uniqueness. Daddy suggested that I set aside "special time" to spend with you at different times during the week, so that you would have my full attention and be assured of your place in my heart. I took his advice and boy was he right! Today we had "special time" together, coloring and crafting a Love Money Jar for Christmas, to pick whatever charity we want to donate to. You loved the idea that our money was going to go to other children who don't have the toys, clothes and warmth that we have. And then when we finished you drew me a picture with several lines on it to look like handwriting, explaining how much you love me because of our special time together. I only hope that you will never doubt throughout your life how much you truly mean to me. I keep thinking about how quickly the time has gone and yet, I can't even imagine you being a teenager or adult. No matter what changes may come in both of our lives, my love for you will only grow deeper and stronger; even when we don't agree and you decide to go your own way, I will always love you.

You are only 4 years old now, and this is a major life change for you. You don't realize how strong you are and how supportive you lend yourself to your brother in spite of your own doubts and uncertainties. I'm so proud of you and hope that my daily actions will convey just that.

Grant's favorite books!


We recently began reading to you just before nap and bed time. It's amazing that you never showed much interest in books until we actually sat down with you and walked through each picture filled page with you. Your favorite book with me (mommy) is Blue Hat, Green Hat and when we get to the "Oops" part you make your voice go up too! I know that you're enjoying this new activity together because you even want me to read to you while changing your diaper - something I'm not sure I'll ever master, but it's worth trying to be creative with it.

02 November 2007

your new phrase

"I just have to get the cries out, Mom!"

After I hear this sentence, I anticipate a flood of tears and the need for lovies. I think it's wonderful that you are able to say what you need. I hope that I will be able to meet those needs for you, not just now but when you're an independent adult woman with a family of your own and you need to "get the cries out."

recent book favorites

Oh, Madeline! Do you love your books or what? Here are the two latest books that you can't get enough reading time for.

Mrs. Wow Never Wanted A Cow

and

Not Afraid of Dogs






I believe you enjoy the rhythm and rhyme of the Mrs. Wow book, and I definitely understand your ability to relate to the dog book. You think animals are cute--at a distance. This book really seems to validate your feelings about dogs, that it's okay to be afraid of them and when you're ready you'll decide if you want to be around them.

first halloween together

 
Beauty and the Beast

Remembering back to last year, Grant was too little to make the trick-or-treat rounds with us. But this year, Daddy pulled you both along in the radio flyer wagon and you both got out at each house, rapped on the door and patiently waited for the loads of candy. Grant even tried to go inside one of the houses and was very much attempting to say "trick or treat" and "thank you" as he followed closely behind Madeline and her cues. He did say "DIE" which means "bye" in Grant language. Very fun and memorable...always goes by too quickly!
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