2 Years Old

You are two!  How is it possible that you're already two?  You're growing up so fast, but we're having a ton of fun along the way!  You are generally a really happy boy.   When you are happy, you like to be loud.  You squeal and yell and sing at the top of your lungs just out of pure joy.  While it is wonderful to see you express your joy so freely, I must admit that I often wish you'd learn to express your joy a little more quietly.

You have your moments, like when someone tells you "No," but you're learning how to move past the tears more quickly each time it happens.  It is still funny to watch your face creep into the pout position, and then you sort of erupt with big alligator tears and a loud "Wahhhh."  It is both frustrating and completely adorable at the same time. 

You absolutely adore your siblings...most of the time.  You imitate everything they do and seem to have the most fun when they're playing with you and giving you attention.  You also seem to catch on to things so much more quickly because you watch them.  You refuse to sit in a high chair or booster now because you don't see them doing it.  Without prompting, you started taking your dishes to the counter by the sink after meals because you see them doing it.  You love brushing your teeth and combing your hair before bedtime because you see them do it. You have been playing well with regular sized Legos for over 6 months now because you just play with them the way they do and never try putting them in your mouth.  It is much easier to get you to cooperate when we're going somewhere, because if you see your siblings do it, you just go along with it.  

Maybe it's because you've always been surrounded by so many people that you play really well by yourself.  You love playing with your tools, kitchen toys, or even Audrey's doll house.  I can work quietly in the office while you play in Tripper's dog crate and turn it into a workshop, garage for your cars, or a chef's kitchen by taking your toys in there. 

You are also really into playing with baby dolls.  Andi has done a great job of teaching you to be gentle with Maverick, and because of that you are really great with baby dolls and babies in general. You are always stealing Audrey's Bitty Baby and doll carrier, because you want to play with the dolls.  You sometimes get your baby doll, pull a chair up to the side of the pack n play, and then climb into the pack in play with your doll to put him to bed.  When you were with your cousin Macie this past weekend, you did sometimes take her toy away, but always tried to comfort her by giving her a hug.  She was a little leery at first, but I think she'll be giving you hugs soon enough.

One of your most annoying traits is your tendency to stick your hand in your pants.  You do it most when you're tired.  I think it's a comfort thing.  When you were little and nursing, you'd always put your hand in my armpit or inside my shirt.  So, I think this is just the most secure place you've found to put your hand.  We try to keep you in onesies as much as possible, but it's hard to find 2T onsies!

I almost forgot to mention your love of FOOD!  I have never seen a child that likes eating as much as you do.  When the timer for the oven goes off, you cheer.  Seriously.  You clap your hands and exclaim "yay!"  When we're cooking a meal, you go get your plate and fork out of the cabinet, put them on the table, climb up on the chair, and sit there waiting for the food to be done.  It could be another 20 minutes before it's ready, but you don't care.  You just want to eat.

Your personality is still developing, but my guess is that you'll be pretty laid back with a strong mind of your own.  I adore watching you learn and grow, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead for you.  I pray that you'll always know and grow strong in Christ. Your name comes from the surname for an arrow smith, and Psalm 127:3 is so fitting for you and the joy you've brought to our family.  I thank God every day for you.  I love you Fletchy Fletch.  You'll always be a blessing to me.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.  Behold, children are a gift of the LORD.  ~Psalm 127:3

Opening Day

We were fortunate enough this year to get to go to the Cardinal's opening day.  It is a really cool experience, because it is an unofficial holiday in St. Louis.  The weather wasn't the best, but it was sunny and not raining!

Audrey and Barrett were both more entertained by the game as well as the sights and sounds.  Audrey especially is really starting to understand the game and the players, so it's fun to watch with her and help her understand the little details of what is going on.

Barrett is more entertained by the action, which is usually very subtle in baseball.  So, he wasn't as into the game as his sister.  I did get some good cuddle time with him sitting on my lap though, since the weather was so chilly and he was having a hard time seeing.  I am not going to lie....I really enjoyed that because I know it won't happen for much longer.

Fletcher was extremely entertaining the entire time.  Every time he heard the organ, he's start yelling "Go, go Blues!"  You can tell that he's been to a few hockey games this winter!  He was also making a lot of friends.  He kept doing this thing where he'd scrunch up his eyes and close them while grinning widely.  Every time a stranger said something to him, that's what he did, and they all thought it was the cutest thing they'd ever seen.  I think he was showing off!

We didn't make it through the entire game.  It was actually a really slow game, and once we hit 8 pm, it was past the kids bedtime and getting quite a bit colder.  It was a fun experience nonetheless.  I can't wait to take them again when the weather is a bit warmer!

9 Years Old

Just typing that title makes me realize that half of the time you'll be living at home with your dad and I has now passed.  It is hard to believe, because it has all gone by so fast.  When I was pregnant with you, everyone told me it would.  I never questioned them, but now I understand.  You've grown so much from the tiny baby, to the independence-seeking toddler, to the strong-willed little girl, and now a compassionate girl.  

You've always had an artistic flair, and it has only continued to grow as you've gotten older.  I've started taking photos of your artwork when I really love it so I can just pull up the electronic copy to look at it instead of digging back through a bunch of old papers.  The way you use color and different shapes to create the images you do always seems to me to be far beyond your years. I can learn so much from the fearless way you play with your art; I was also too much of a perfectionist to really enjoy it.  I hope you never lose that ease with which you create. 

You've started to get excited about some of the more "nerdy" things that your dad in particular is extremely fond of.  You love Star Wars.  You love Legos.  You love space. All of those have clearly been encouraged by your father.  But, you've also found on your own Harry Potter and coding (i.e. computer programming) through other experiences you've had.  I love that you're starting to form your own interests, likes and dislikes.  I still hope you always appreciate my taste in music though!

Despite all of the growth, you still love to be goofy and silly.  I hope you never cease to enjoy the after dinner dance parties we have in our living room or the games of hide-and-seek that become more of a chance to jump out and scare your brothers.  Being silly and laughing at yourself will keep you young as long as you live.

 This year you've also really come into your own at school.  You're doing a great job with your schoolwork (Math continues to be your favorite), and you're being a good citizen to your classmates and school.  You're also starting to read more, which makes me extremely happy.  I love sharing the joy of a good book with you! 

You're still quite the mother-hen to Fletcher, but you and Barrett have the stereotypical love-hate relationship that many siblings do.  Fletcher can be screaming his head off, and you'll run to rescue him from whatever ails him (which at this point is usually being told no).  Barrett falls down and hurts himself, and when he cries, you tell him to stop whining and making so much noise.  At the same time, you and Barrett can be fantastic playmates.  On Easter at my parent's house, the two of you played together for 2 solid hours without fighting once.  I just hope that's some indication of things to come!

I am so thankful for these 9 years that you've been a part of our family.  I know I don't tell you enough how intelligent, caring, and creative you are.  I sometimes focus too much on where you have room to improve, but you're already amazing just the way God made you.  My baby girl.  My big girl.  My beautiful daughter.  Since that day 9 years ago when I first held you in my arms and peered into your little face, I have loved you more than I thought possible.  I promise to never stop loving you, no matter what.  I am praying Psalm 86:11 over you this day and always.   

“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”