We
celebrated Isaac yesterday. He is 16. I cannot even begin to tell you
how strange this is. SIXTEEN?! Where do the years go?
Isaac
was my cuddly, sweet, little chubby-cheeked boy. I used to call him my
"budders". He would climb up into my lap or beside me and chat with me. He
used to wear this old denim jacket and a red cowboy hat and cowboy boots, wherever we went, like it was his uniform. He used to sit in the living room and build something (a puzzle or Legos or blocks), and sing at the top of his lungs. He laughed a lot. He was
always imagining something.
Now he stands several inches taller than me. He stands beside me and I look up to him. He reminds me so much of Mark. He has the same kindness, the same thoughtfulness, the same sensitivity. He is gentle in spirit. He's also hard on himself. He is hesitant to try things unless he knows he'll succeed at them.
I see traces of that little-boy-Isaac in him still-- he likes to talk--- but especially when it's just one-on-one. He still has an incredible imagination. He pours it into a story he's writing- just one- that he's been working on for years, complete with maps and timelines and character sketches and drawings. He draws well. He has a great sense of humor. He is so smart. He likes to listen to political podcasts. He still builds Lego creations. He loves to listen to music. He is kind. He feels and thinks deeply. He is compassionate toward others.
I love him so much. He is truly one of my favorite people. We try to hang out together, just the two of us-- heading for coffee and the park or a walk-- every week or so, and I love hearing him talk about the things he's interested in; about the things he's reading and listening to, about the things that affect him. He is my friend. I know him so well, and yet I'm still studying him and learning who he is, too.
This is what I think every single day: it is a worthwhile investment to invest in your children. I have loved these years of parenting. I always wanted to be a wife and mommy and it is a wonderful, fulfilling job. I am so grateful for the years I have spent here, in our home, caring for our children. They grow up to be pretty amazing people.
Happy Birthday to my budders.
(Photo taken yesterday, on his birthday. We'd just finished playing a game of Settlers and they were sitting beside me.)
I used to be really faithful about writing birthday letters to my kids. And then I stopped. I am trying to get back into the habit mostly because my kids treasure the letters I have written. I have them all in a book and they will pull them out and read them and are so delighted to read of the younger versions of themselves and their siblings. So I begin again.
My dearest Adelia,
The story of you coming into our lives is one I treasure, because it almost didn't happen. I was so afraid of all the what-ifs, and I had to take time to allow the truths of God's word to sink into my soul and chase away all my fears. And He did, and we said yes. And we brought home a failure-to-thrive baby that was you. It would be another six months before you were officially adopted, but from the moment you were here, in our home and in our arms, you were ours. Our hearts pretty nearly ached for all the love we had for you.
You were so tiny. (We used to give you your baths in the bathroom sink; that's how tiny you were!) The label failure-to-thrive that was given you at birth now astounds me when I think of it. Because, my girl: you positivelythrive. You are full of life and passion and will and sass and oh, you are funny. You have so much to say and so.many.questions. You ask questions every two minutes. You are noisy. There is nothing quiet about you. You do everything fully and loudly and with zeal. You are generous. You are friendly with every single person you meet. You are the socialite of our whole family. You are impulsive and you are strong and you are brave. I see all of that in you, every single day, and I think of the grace of God who has fashioned you so; who took the tiny little you and flourished her into your eight-year-old self and all that you are. He is so good.
(And this is the part you may want to skip over for the next few years, at least. You'll think it's b-o-r-i-n-g. ;) But it belongs here.) I have learned so much about being your mama. I have learned that behind your tough exterior you hide your insecurities. And behind your stubbornness is a need for grace and kindness. God has patiently instructed me over and over in regard to you that kindness leads to repentance. You respond well to silliness; to tickles and a gentle chiding of humor to smooth your furrowed brow. You won't often initiate affection, but you need it and you want it. You like your back scratched and me to pull you onto my lap and hug you and pull you beside me on the couch and read to you. (You will grab my arm and try to tuck it around you-- which sometimes makes the turning of the pages difficult, but we work it out-- and you want the blanket over us, no matter what the season.) I have also learned more practical ways of being your mama. I have researched and learned (thank you, internet) how to take care of your curls and your beautiful brown skin. There is so much I don't know and it is often a challenge but it is a part of the story of us, isn't it?
Eight. These are the things you love at eight years old: Tiger. (Our cat.) More often called Buddy from your mouth. I often tease you that you're more excited to see the cat than you are me-- or anyone else, for that matter-- in the mornings. ;)
You love being read to. I will agree to read to you-- one book, I'll say-- and you find the longest story on the shelf. And about twelve others. You are active, and like to do anything the boys do.
You have learned this year to sit and play independently, but never quietly. You are generally singing at the top of your lungs or yelling loudly as you play throughout quiet times.
You like playing Barbies, jumping on the trampoline, and pestering your siblings. (Ahem. The last of which we're working on, constantly.) You love drama and sometimes when things are mellow I think you like to go stir something up just to create some action. ;)
You love to swim, and when the sun is out, you will talk incessantly about swimming. (Nevermind that you don't actually know how to swim. Yet. No matter. You will learn because you love the water.)
You love to ride your bike but you'll groan if we're going for a walk or a hike because that's just not moving fast enough for you, I think. ;)
You always wish you are about ten years older than you are, because you think that with age comes a phone, a tablet, a computer, and keys to a car. (One of your favorite questions is, "When I'm ____ (fill in the blank with any age), will I get a phone?" You haven't yet figured out that the answer is always no. ;) Along all the gadgets you want at that magic age, you will also want all the trips to McDonalds you can squish in (ew!) and any movies you want to see, and swimming whenever you want. ;)
You LOVE sour cream. Sheesh, girl. We always have to watch you when there's sour cream on the table because you would pile it on and eat it all up! Sour cream is your love language. Well, that and jam. And burritos. Casa. And breads of any kind.
You are really good with numbers but have struggled to learn to read, and I know this is frustrating for you. I keep telling you that you will learn in your own time, and some things have come easily to you (learning to ride a bike, for instance, or chatting with anyone you meet) have been more challenging for your brothers and sisters. In the meantime, we'll keep reading to you and eventually you'll get there and will forget there was a day when you didn't know how. :) You like school because you want to do what "the big kids" are doing, but you like short lessons and need lots of assistance to keep you on task, because you're easily distracted and will often get up and go do something else.
You love to be "in the know" and want to be the first one to know what we're having for dinner (so that you can announce it to everyone else), or where we're going (so that you can inform everyone).
You revere your older brother Isaac and you love trying to make all the other kids laugh. You also know how to laugh at yourself, which is a gift in itself.
My prayers for you are for a tender heart; one that is responsive to our instruction and to the ways of God, and for kindness. I also pray that God will hone your passion, your strength and will to be used mightily for His purposes.
You are a delight, my girl. Beautiful and abounding with life.
I can’t even believe you’re four years old. You’re our youngest! And you’re four already? What am I going to with such a so-big girl?!
You delight me, Audra Joy. You truly bring so much joy into my life, and I am so very thankful for you.
You are such a sweet girl, and you could spend the whole day sitting beside me (or on my lap, more like, or in my arms) chatting with me about everything under the sun.
You have such an active imagination, and on a weekly basis, your daddy and I comment on how very much like your big brother Isaac you are- creative, imaginative, in your own world sometimes- chatting and making up stories. We often have to repeat things several times to you because you don’t really pay attention since you get so involved in whatever you’re playing. (Thankfully we have lots of practice with this with your big brother, so we’re much more patient with you than we were with him!)
You LOVE to color. And you’re very good at it, too. I love seeing your precious drawings and hearing all about the people or animals you’ve drawn and your stories to go with them. You’re so creative.
You also recently learned to write your name. You had been practicing your A’s and we thought that was good. And then one night you were drawing and I looked over and noticed that to your A you’d added a U... and then a D... and then another A. You missed the R but as soon as we showed you how, you’ve been happily writing your name-- everywhere, on every single piece of paper-- since. I love it.
You have daddy’s sweet tooth- which means that dessert is *always* a good motivator for you to finish your dinner, which you often would rather not do.
You love to play dollhouse and to have buddy time with your older siblings. Ella, because she’ll always play house or babies or dollhouse with you; Isaac, because he’s a good builder and will build fun Duplo creations with you; and Isaias, because he builds the best forts.
You are such an affectionate girl: always hugging and snuggling and cuddling. I love it. :)
You love to sing, and I love to hear you singing. You often listen to praise music on your quiet times. And you love Christmas music. It’s February, and you’re still singing Christmas songs. :) I love holding you in church during worship. Often I’ll whisper, “Do you want to sing, Audra?” and you’ll nod. So I’ll whisper the line of the song in your ear right before we sing it, and then you’ll know the words and sing along with everyone else. I love hearing your sweet little voice singing to God in worship!
You have a sensitive spirit and feel very sad when others are sad, or when you've hurt others. You can be corrected with just a serious look or a frown- you often dissolve into sorry tears just knowing you've done something wrong. If you've been disobedient to mama and I point it out, you will sometimes stalk into your room in tears, and then when I go in to talk with you, you will right away tell me you're sorry and crawl into my lap, tearfully confessing and making sure things are right between us. I'm so thankful for that in you.
You like kitties and babies and playing dollhouse, going for walks and being outside: exploring and crouching down to examine things. You like going to grandma's house, wearing dresses, and all sorts of pretty shoes. You went through this layering phase this year when you dressed yourself: you would start with shorts and a tank top, and then add a skirt ("tutu", as you call them), and then put on a couple of dresses on over top of that. We would laugh because you were so puffy!
You are so articulate, and you have a great vocabulary-- you’re always surprising us with the words you know and the things you say. But I *especially* love it when I hear you say things incorrectly--because it reminds me that you’re still little, I suppose- and I want to hold onto those moments. For example, you always say “th” in place of the “f” sound, so when you say family it actually sounds like “thamily”, and when you say flower you say “thlower”. You also say "pocka does" instead of "polka dots", and I love that. I ADORE listening to your little self mispronounce things, and I don’t dare let the older kids correct you because I treasure the little girl still in you.
You are so precious to me, Audra Joy!
I am so thankful God gave you to us. Thank you for being my sweet and cuddly girl. I pray that you will grow up to love Jesus and that your character will reflect His character more with each year He gives you.
Five years ago today you were born: a tiny, “failure-to-thrive” girl. I am tearful today as I think of you then: so fragile and alone and vulnerable and yet: held by God. He had plans for you. Plans to prosper you and to give you hope and a future. Somehow He saw fit to add your daddy and me into His plans for your life, and for that we are so grateful. We see you today, proudly five- and oh-so thriving, and we cannot help but give thanks to God for your life, and for God’s great love for you and His generosity to let us witness how He’ll grow you and unfold His plan for you.
Happy day, our Adelia Hope. You are such a blessing to us. You are SO MUCH FUN. You are exuberant and expressive and active and noisy and curious and funny and tenacious and smart and busy and stubborn and talkative and playful and fearless and outgoing and generous.
You love helping mommy in the kitchen- especially washing dishes and using the hand mixer. You crack me up with that mixer in hand-- zipping it around the bowl furiously and completely capable. :)
You still like to be snuggly in the mornings when you get up: especially if you can curl up with daddy and have him all to yourself.
You love books. You love to be read to and you love to pull a stack of books onto the couch with you and read yourself.
You love to ride your bike. You are our earliest bike-rider. You wanted to ride bikes like the “big kids”, so- at age four- you got on your bike every.single.day and tried. You’d fall down and get right back on your bike and try again. Daddy and mommy helped a bit, initially: pushing you through the yard and trying to help you not wobble so much. And then Isaac took over. He patiently assisted you and encouraged you and before we knew it, you were proudly riding around all by yourself.
You love music. Often you’ll go into your room, put on a CD at a VERY high volume, and sing and dance. And often, on your quiet time: you’ll stand on the bed and sing at the top of your lungs. (Which isn’t really so quiet and sometimes it isn’t so delightful but I love that part of you that is happy and boisterous.)
You love watching videos. It’s one of your favorite things.
You want to be big and grown up and you correct me every time I refer to you and Audra as the "little girls", because you are NOT little, you are BIG.
You love to play games and it’s so much fun that you’re able to play more games now. :) You like Old Maid, Sequence, Apples to Apples and UNO.
You love to make us laugh. You are so happy when you say something funny and your siblings giggle. :)
You love swimming, and talk often about when it’s going to be summer so that you can swim. You’d wear your swimsuit every day if I let you. (And you did wear it every single day until mommy hid it in my closet because it is winter and it’s not really cold-weather apparel.)
You love “cappuccinos”- and by that you actually mean “Cheetos”. You love most chips and crackers and chex mix and popcorn. You love bacon. You like donuts and “panpakes” and fruit snacks and spaghetti and pizza.
You are generous-- even with your favorite things. You’ll get some candy or chips and immediately offer some to everyone else in the family. You’ll start telling us something and then Audra will want to talk at the same time and we’ll tell her that it’s Adelia's turn right now and she can wait, and you’ll say, “Go ahead, Audra. You can talk now.”
No one is a stranger to you. You will say hi to anyone and introduce yourself and start talking about whatever is on your mind (sometimes embarrassingly so- like the time we were in the theater watching a dance performance and you announced loudly to the older couple sitting near us that you were wearing your big-girl panties. And then you promptly asked them if they were wearing their big-girl panties, too!) You’re the little girl at the park who will walk up to another child you’ve never met and say hi and start playing. Your brothers and sisters aren’t like this at all, so this is new to me and it blesses me. You are a friend to everyone, and it’s a sweet thing to see.
You have a great memory. You remember conversations and events and promises and you remind us often. Grandpa and Grandma were going to take us all to a baseball game one time and the morning we were going to go, you got sick and you and I had to stay home. Grandma told you then that they’d take you again sometime, and you reminded her every.single.time you saw her, until they took you! You love to talk about what we’ve done and where we’ve gone and what you’ve seen and heard.
You are game for everything. You want to try everything, and you aren’t afraid. If the uncles are playing a game of football, you’re right in there, ready to play. No matter that everyone is bigger than you and you don’t know exactly what you’re doing: you’re IN. (This is something else your siblings aren’t, and I love to see this in you!)
God has taught me two practical things in parenting you, my girl. The first thing is that silliness goes a long way with you. You can be grumpy or out of sorts and I’ll just be silly: like climbing into your bed with you and pretending that your tummy is my nice, soft pillow. Or tickling you, or hiding from you, or making silly faces at you-- and your grumpiness is instantly forgotten and you are giggling and reveling in the silliness. The second thing I’ve learned is this: a gentle answer does turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). You can be very stubborn and angry with me at times, and I have learned (well, am learning) to return your anger with gentle words and expressions of my love for you, and that goes a long way in softening your heart.
I love you so much, Adelia Hope. You are a gift, and I am so very thankful for you.
Happy five years, sweet and beautiful girl! ~Your mommy
Early yesterday morning you bounced into our room and said, "I'm eight years old!" Never have I seen anyone so happy about a birthday. All day long you were positively wiggly with excitement over turning eight. :)
You opened presents shortly after that trip to our room-- some LEGO mini figures, a model, a LEGO set, a game, a book, some treats chosen by your sisters~ and then you were off to play with it all.
You chose homemade doughnuts* for breakfast. You had seen a picture on the cover of a magazine I had lying around and decided- months ago- that that's what you wanted for your birthday meal. (Later, I baked your other request: chocolate cake with lime frosting. ;))
You stood next to the back door so that we could mark your height, and you were so smiley about the fact that you are taller than Ella was at the same age.
You are growing, my boy. So often when I look at you now I am struck by how tall you are, and how my little boy just isn't so little anymore.
You still like building LEGO creations- and you're a really inventive builder, daddy says- but many days the LEGO bins stand untouched because you're on the couch with a book in hand. Your favorite books are The Narnia series. Daddy read those aloud a couple of years ago, but you read them on your own in just a few weeks. You love to ride your bike, too. It's one of your favorite things. You like to climb (trees! on top of the swingset!) and find bugs (not spiders) and explore. You love the woods: there's so much to see and find and so many things to climb. :)
You are silly and imaginative and are always ready with a "What if...?" question. You smile often. You laugh just as often. You are a kind older brother. Audra has learned to ask you if she needs help making something or finding something: you are always happy to drop what you're doing and help. You are thoughtful and willing to play things the little girls might like to play, even if you're not very interested in it yourself.
You ask me- several times a day, always in the kitchen- "Mommy, what can I do to be your helper?" You know that mealtimes can be a busy time for me- getting everything ready and on the table- and you are always there, waiting for me to tell you what you can do. You offer to take groceries in for me all the time and you *always* take the biggest load- even when I try to talk you out of it. ;)
You love Bible time- and especially the Old Testament stories. You are truly captivated by what God can do and how big He is and how He chooses to work. I love how much you love that. As I prayed for you today, I asked God that with each new year, you would love Him ever more than you did the previous year. That is my heart's desire. You think eight is good? I can't wait to see what God has for you in the years to come!
You are so loved, my sweetest budders. You are truly a gift, and I am so thankful God made you!
Happy two years old to you! You are pure delight, my dear girl.
Let's see... what do you love right now?
You love your baby and make-believe and chocolate and cuddles and your sisters and your brothers and playing silly games with your daddy (like his finger being a worm that peeks up around the blankets) and dancing and dresses and books ("You read *this one*, mommy?").
You love singing and dollhouse and forts Isaias has made for you and pulling daddy's CDs off the shelf and outside and "Dee-ya" (Adelia) and playing with your food like Isaac always has and the chickens and birdies and KITTIES (oh, you love kitties!) and doggies and basically, anything that moves outside, and mama's bed and "Baa-ma's house" (Grandma) and Jesus Loves Me and Amazing Grace and Who's My Pretty Baby? and every.other.song: "Songs, Ella, more songs!" (at bedtime when you'd like your big sister to sing you to sleep).
You love Isaac being your buddy and swinging and Elmo and Maisy and nursing and coloring and helping mommy in the kitchen by using the mixer and getting all wet washing dishes and being tickled under your chin and your friend 'Gitu and- did I mention dresses?- and treats and getting all ready to go somewhere, anywhere~ shoes, coat: "I'm ready!"
You are such a good talker, Audra. You say so many things and say them so well. And you have the cutest little voice and expression. :)
You are full of snuggles and affection and tell everyone in this house, every single day: "I yuv you so much!" with your arms tightly squeezed around us.
You stand at the top of the stairs and boss your brothers around, and love it: "Boys! Come u--uup. Time to e--eaaat!"
I love it that when I'm cleaning you up after meals with a wet washcloth~ your fingers and then your face~ you frequently say: "My feets! My feets!" because you want me to wipe your feet, too- just for the pure delight of being tickled. (And sometimes, too~ "My yegs! My yegs!")
You are just adorable and delightful and your middle name "Joy" suits you so well. You bring so much of that into our home.
Yesterday you walked through my bedroom and stopped to look at yourself in our full-length mirror. Then you headed out the door into the hallway. I called, "Hey! What were you looking at in mama's mirror?" and you returned to say, very matter-of-factly, and with a slight *you-caught-me* grin: "My pretty hair." (Which was in it's full glory~ no beads or braids.) That's my girl.
I just love you so much, Adelia. You are the most spirited, lively, confident, sassy, stubborn, exuberant, busy, loud, expressive, vibrant, mischievous little girl I've ever known. I want to remember you, right now-- who you are right now~ just days away from being three years old.
You are a girl who knows what she wants, and you are not afraid to express it-- and loudly.
You like books (Owl Babies, anything Maisy, and that naughty little monkey Curious George). And when you read books, you'll often pop your finger into your mouth repeatedly, then pull it out noisily and slurpily~ all so that you can have a wet finger to turn the next page.
You like food- (mmm hmmm is still something we hear, constantly, from you when you're eating a meal). You like to be loud and boisterous-- running and chasing and shrieking and laughing through the rooms of this old house. You love to sing, and do so constantly (lately we hear a lot of the ABC song and various worship songs, as well as a hearty rendition of Go Tell it On the Mountain.) You love to watch movies. Your favorites are Miss Pattycake, Signing Time, and Maisy. But you'll watch anything, and happily.
When you sleep, you still chew on the hands of your baby and pull the blankets over your head. And you snore. Recently, Mark and I have been startled awake by Audra hollering in the middle of the night: "Don't DO THAT!" At first we were puzzled, then we figured out that she must be getting awakened by your snoring. ;)
You won't sit still for longer than 3 seconds. I am so not exaggerating that fact. Unlike your siblings, you do not sit and play anything. You will sit for a book, but you are constantly moving and talking and turning the pages back to talk about something you just saw or to ask me a question.
You like to make silly faces at me when daddy reads at bedtime. I indulge, because it keeps you quiet(ish). You make a face, then I make that face back, and we copy each others' silly faces.
You are affectionate-- when you feel like it ;), but I can always get silly about it or make it a game and get a hug or kiss out of you.
You are a sweet big sister to Audra. Oh, how you adore that girl! :) You are so sweet with her~ your words to her are gentle and kind, and you share so well with her. I love your friendship with your sister. (And I love how you've recently taken to calling her "sweetie"!)
You want to be in on everything the big kids are doing-- helping with chores, doing school and memorizing verses. I love that.
You are a trouble-maker, you. You move from one spot to another, all day long, doing whatever you should NOT do in that particular area of the house. If you happen to walk into the boys' room and you see that Isaac has carefully ordered some baseball cards, all in neat stacks across the floor, you will make it your personal mission to run through the middle of the piles and kick your feet wildly so as to make the most of your mess. If anyone has built any sort of creation (Legos or otherwise), you take it upon yourself to destruct it, and quickly- before anyone should stop you. If someone has colored a pretty picture, you must color on top of it, or rip it up, and quickly- so that you can get the deed done before you get found out. If you are left alone for longer than a minute, I know I can find you hiding somewhere with food, or getting into Ella's chapstick or filling up the bathroom sink to overflowing with water, or pushing Isaias' buttons, or- destructing or disassembling something, somewhere.
So you keep me busy, keeping up with all your messes and correcting you. We talk a lot about kindness and gentleness and love.
I love it that when people ask you what your name is, you tell them "Adelia Hope." No first-name-only basis for you.
You have a confidence that I love. Your brothers and sisters are shy around new people or situations, and you are just... not. You jump into any conversation, boldly telling about everyone and everything. You are willing to try new things, and you do so with remarkable determination.
You say the funniest things- and you love to make your older siblings laugh. If you say something funny (accidentally), and find that it amused everyone, you work hard to keep them laughing at you.
I just love you so much, my Adelia Hope. I cannot wait to see how God develops these lively characteristics in you for His glory!
Happy Birthday to my beautiful three-year old girl.
{Adelia's birthday was in February, so I'm catching up, here. Isaias' was in March, so that one is still on the docket.}
My beautiful Adelia,
One year ago today you were born. A tiny, struggling baby born to a mother who couldn't care for you.
God knew-- so long before that day, even-- that your home would be here with us, that you would be a part of our family, and that I would get the indescribable joy of being your mama. There are tears in my eyes as I type this, my sweet girl. I want you to know that every.single.day I am overwhelmingly grateful for the privilege, the honor, the pure joy of being your mama. Oh, how I love you, daughter of mine. I am so thankful to God for allowing us to get to be your family. You are pure delight, Adelia. I love you so much!
Quite seriously, I think you are the cutest little girl in the entire world. I say to your daddy probably daily: “Seriously. Just look at her. Isn’t she just the cutest thing you’ve EVER seen in your whole life?” And you are. Your smile lights up a room. You are expressive, affectionate, silly, charming, endearing and sweet.
Let’s see... how do I even begin to tell you about yourself this past year?
Here are some notes I made about you, at seven months:
*you say mama *you say dada *you say "hi" *you say "ugh!" (kind of a gutteral grunt) when we ask, "What's a doggy say?" *you wave in the cutest fashion: your right hand clasped in a little fist, your thumb still poking out, and you wave from side to side. so cute. *clapping. you keep one of your hands (the left?) relatively still, and clap the other one against it. *you dance by rocking and usually sing while you're doing so.
At eight months:
*you're crawling (by using one knee and then sliding your bum OR using one knee and bear-crawling with one leg). Mama affectionately refers to this as your ‘booty scoot’. *first tooth *you're learning signs (more please, all done, thank you) *lifting your hands to "praise the Lord!" or "praise Jesus!"
And now, at one year:
You learned to walk this past month, and you are happily cruising around the house, getting into everything and making good progress in keeping our house a constant mess. :) But you’re so cute you’re easily forgiven. And when mama asks you to clean up, you happily oblige, saying in a sing-song voice, “Kee- UH!” and helping.
What else are you saying?
uh-oh (mostly used before you purposefully drop something onto the floor) mama daddy bob-bull (bottle; spoken to mama whenever you want one- but most imploringly in the mornings.) bi-pull (diaper) tee-too (thank you) eye (as she pokes you in the eyeball) hi! (to anyone and everyone- including strangers we pass in the grocery store, other kids or moms at the library- (you'll head over to them, touch their legs, faces, and give a cheerful "hi!" you are so social!)
What you LOVE
... giving kisses (you make the rounds, every time. before naptime, before nighttime- everyone gets a kiss. and you love this so much. as soon as you’ve finished your bottle you sit up, grin, and reach for the first available recipient of your kisses!) ... your baby ... cheese and cheerios ... your bottle ... mama & daddy ... ella, isaac and isaias ... getting into isaac's legos or isaias' cars all lined up on the ottoman ... being snuggled after you get hurt or reprimanded ... snuggling with daddy in the wee hours of the morning (mama is convinced that any early-morning wake-ups on your part are for the sole purpose of getting some one-on-one time in with your daddy!) ... touching the computer (though it's a no-no) ... when mommy's in the shower, so that you can pull the curtain open and knock things into the tub, while getting very wet. ... music and dancing to it.
Things I don’t want to forget:
*the way you used to pucker up for a kiss, your lips pursed together like fish lips
*the way you say your happy "hi!" all day long, crawling around from room to room, greeting each of us
*the way you snuggle up in my arms to drink your bottle, peering up at me with your dark eyes, playing with my fingers, making little hmm-ing noises, occasionally sitting up to see what's up with the older kids. (precious times, these. i'm feeling tearfully nostalgic, knowing that these times are nearing an end with you, dear girl.)
*the way you do little tummy crunches to get herself to a sitting position. you rarely roll over: you just pull yourself up.
*the way you practiced standing: legs spread, waving your little hands to keep your balance, and then happily plunging forward into our waiting arms.
*sitting at the front window with you at noon- waiting for daddy to come home for lunch each day. banging on the window, saying "da-dada" and looking, looking. singing our daddy songs until he comes: ("Oh where is our daddy?" and "Oh, Daddy daddy") so serious when he comes, and then, "hi!"
*your happy chatter each morning, and your "hi!" when we come in to get you. and then your snuggles- head snuggled up against me as i carry you out of your room.
*your expression over food. you are constantly talking, humming, making little noises over each and every bite. you are NEVER silent when you’re eating, not even for a moment.
*standing up near the two tall toy bins (your "gate"), in the kitchen doorway, watching the rest of us scurry about.
*the way you chew on your baby doll's soft hands when you’re sleepy.
*your delight at finding your baby before bedtime.
*your dear snuggles and loves for all of us before bedtime.
*the little "oof-oof" sounds you make for doggies [and every other animal].
You have been such a gift to our family. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you in the years to come!
Happy seventh birthday to you! What a treasure you are to your daddy and I, Ella Kate.
You have had a full year- one of many firsts.
This year you learned how to ride a bike without training wheels. It was something you wanted to do, and you basically taught yourself. You practiced by riding around and around the patio, in circles, and when daddy took you out one day to a larger spot to “learn”, he came home saying you had just taken off and he didn’t need to do a thing!
This was your first year to take swimming lessons, and what a joy it was for me to see you learning how to swim! At the beginning of the week you were a little fearful of water in your face and eyes, but you were so determined to learn, so attentive to your teacher Alex, so eager to practice and get better, and by the end of lessons you were really swimming on your own! You loved it so much you were sad to be done with lessons.
You have learned to read this year, and mama has learned to have a stack of books at the ready for you to delve into! Your favorites this year? The Little House books (Mama read them aloud to you, but you’ve read them on your own twice since then, too.), The Wheel on the School, Prairie Winter, All-of-a-Kind Family, and Understood Betsy. Favorite read-alouds: Heidi, Charlotte’s Web, Toliver’s Secret, and Huguenot Garden.
For most of this year, Adelia was still napping in mama’s room, and you spent your quiet times in your room, on your bed, lying on your tummy, reading away the hours of nap/quiet time. Even when I’d tell you that quiet time was over, you’d want to read “just one more chapter”, “just this one page”.... Rarely can you be found, now- without a book close by. (Usually in your hands, with your head bent over your book.) And how fun it is for me to find you with the boys cuddled around you on the couch, while you read aloud to them, or to Adelia (for as long as she’ll sit still for you!)
One of my favorite things about read-alouds is how often you act out, with the boys, what we’ve read. You’ve been Laura Ingalls nearly as much as you’ve been Ella this year, along with Heidi and a plethora of other characters you’ve read about. You want to dress the part, too. This year for your birthday we got you a bonnet and a nightgown (just like Laura), and grandma got you a little apron to wear over your dresses. You were delighted.
You prayed for a baby sister, and God gave you one in Adelia this year. It has been a delight for me to see you nurturing and caring for her. I remember the first time you asked me if you could carry her, all by yourself, and I hesitantly agreed. You were true to your responsible, careful self, and have done an excellent job ever since. Even now, with Adelia a big ten-month girl, you will pick her up, swing her up over your hip, and carry her around. I love that. I wanted so much for you to have that experience as a little girl, that opportunity to nurture and learn how to care for a baby, and am so thankful you’ve been able to have that.
You moved from your shared room with the boys this year into the “girls’ room”, which you now happily share with Adelia. Pale pink walls, pretty valances, your bed with mama’s old Holly Hobbie bedspread on it, two dressers, Addie’s changing table, and a little bookshelf near your bed, full of your books and other treasures. A couple of thoughts about your room: You take such pride in your little space. You keep your area so neat and tidy: your bed made, your books organized, your few things so neatly organized. On Saturdays, when it’s time to clean your rooms, the boys scurry downstairs, and you happily order everything in your room. Those days, too, I am pleased to see that you take care to order Adelia’s bed and changing table area, too. The other thing I love, Ella, is that you have very few things that are yours- really, just your collection of books, treasures, the armful of dolls and stuffed animals on your bed and the dollhouse you rarely play with anymore. When we are in other little girls’ homes, I sometimes wonder if you notice how full their rooms are of things, and how little you actually have to claim as yours. But you have the most grateful spirit, and never ask for things. And the few things you do have you take such care for. I am so thankful to see that quality in you, my sweet girl.
You are my best helper, Ella. Not only with your little sister- holding her for a few minutes, sitting to feed her a bottle, getting her dressed, watching her while mama takes a shower, etc... but with chores, too. Your after-meal chore is to empty the dishwasher, and never has my silverware drawer been so neat! Several times this last year you have completely taken everything out of a drawer or cupboard and re-organized it, all of your own accord. You take such care in the things you do, Ella. What a wonderful way to be.
You have a sweet and tender spirit, Ella. I remember how you cried when you read your Helen Keller book and discovered that her teacher had died. You were devastated for Helen’s loss. This year your pet chicken Missy died, too, and that was difficult for you. You are also sorrowful when you realize that you’ve hurt anyone- and most often that hurt was unintentional on your part. You feel and love so deeply, my girl.
You told me recently, “I know what I’m going to be now when I grow up. And I’m not changing it this time.” You would like to be a nurse. When you told me that, I told you I thought that’d about be the perfect job for you. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you did become a nurse, travel to some third-world country, and nurse the poor. Your heart of compassion and your natural ability to give care- even at such a young age- are so dear, Ella. I am so pleased to see how often you put others above yourself.
There are so many other things I could write, Ella girl. You are a joy to your daddy and I. We are so incredibly thankful for the gift God gave us in you!
May you grow to love Him even more deeply in the year to come.
I’m sitting on the couch, typing away while Adelia plays at my feet. Isaias is taking a nap, and Ella is still having a quiet time in her room. You, my new five-year-old, have barricaded yourself into a corner of the living room~ behind three folding chairs left out from our party yesterday~ so that you can play Legos without Adelia trying to play with you. You’re wearing your Bettis jersey- your shirt of choice, even though you outgrew it over a year ago. Also those black shorts which mama would love to lose. :)
You are doing a variation of humming and singing- a few songs I’ve recognized [Rise & Shine, The British Isles (from our Geography Songs CD), and Get Rhythm], along with a whole bunch of made up songs and lyrics. You always have a song on your lips.
You’re in the process of building your Lego City set for the second time since you opened that gift yesterday afternoon. When I first walked into the living room after my nap with Adelia, you were in tears because you thought you’d lost a piece. “It was right here in this pile. But now it’s not here, and I can't find it anywhere.” I picked up your little Lego instruction booklet and there it was, the little orange piece you were missing. You promptly told me, “I think that was a miracle! Because I had already picked up that booklet and it wasn’t there. It wasn’t. Don’t you think that was a miracle? I’ll bet it was in some spot that God knew I wasn’t going to ever find it and so he just slipped it right under there for me.”
How I love you, my son. You are such a delight. You bring such joy and laughter into our family! [God sure knew what He was doing when He put the name Isaac onto our hearts when I was pregnant with you!]
You are an affectionate boy, budders, and this mama loves that quality in you. You love to be in my lap, or snuggled up right beside me. You are quick to give hugs and kisses, to reach for my hand when we're walking, and to say “I love you.” You are also tender and comforting when I’m sad- or when anyone else is hurt or sad. Thank you, my sweet boy. I am so grateful for your sweet spirit.
This was the year of your “What if...?” questions. Goodness, son! You want to know every possible outcome of everything on earth. Your daddy and I have to laugh at the amount of times you will ask it. And then, when we respond, you tackle another angle: “But what if...?”
You love Legos, football, puzzles, books, mazes, and constructing just about anything. You love to be outside, riding your bike or digging in the dirt. You love it when we go to the beach so you can play in the water. You love to catch bugs or worms in the yard, which then you want me to find a container for, to house your new little friend in. I remember once this summer you came in, asking for a tupperware for your newest find- a big black beetle- and I pulled out one of our cheap plastic cups with lids, and on top of the lid I had previously written “Lemon Glaze”, to label it’s contents for the fridge. I gave it to you, offering you an explanation for the writing on top, and assuming you’d ask for another lid. Instead, your eyes lit up, and you happily said, “Yeah! Because his name is Lemon Glaze! That’s his name!” [I’m still not sure if you thought I’d named your beetle for you and had already written the name on the lid, or if you just happened to think Lemon Glaze was the perfect name for your pet beetle, but you were beyond thrilled, and for the rest of that beetle’s life, his name was Lemon Glaze.] You make me laugh, sweet boy.
You love being daddy’s helper. Last week daddy asked you to take out the garbage for him while he was at work. You grew a full three inches at that request, and you happily went to every garbage in the house, emptying them. I offered my help, as did Ella- we thought you might need help upending the garbages into the big trash bag. But you wanted to do it all by yourself. [Nevermind that I discovered you leaning over the garbage, picking out each item by hand in order to get the job done.] You happily hauled that huge (and heavy!) trash bag all throughout the house, standing so tall and proud when you told me you’d emptied every garbage. I asked you to set it on the back porch like daddy had asked, so that he could take it out right when he got home. But you wanted to carry it all the way out, all by yourself (which took a full twenty minutes with a rest needed every two to three shuffling steps, and a little help from mama and Ella in heaving it into the big garbage can) but you did it. And oh, was daddy proud when he got home!
You love to play. Your play follows you wherever you go- at the table, in the van- wherever you happen to be- because you have such an imagination! It’s why it takes you so long to do things, because you make up a story or a scene while you go and play it out or talk it through, burying yourself in your own little world. This past year you have been a Knight, a Cowboy, a Viking, a Pirate, a football player, a basketball player, a Revolutionary War soldier. You’ve also been Jack (Laura’s dog), Almanzo, and Pa. I love to listen to you play, Isaac. You have so much fun.
You have sure grown in knowledge this year. You take in so much of what we read and incorporate that into your play. We hear a lot of talk about the colonists and the British and Abraham Lincoln, and specific battles fought. You have your facts absolutely straight, and I am often amazed at what you’ve retained through our library reads.
You are a talker, my boy. There is always a story to tell, a memory to relate, a question to ask, a hypothesis to share.
You are a fine gentleman, Isaac- remembering to let “ladies go first”, running to pick something up that Ella dropped or that mommy dropped (usually in the kitchen), even being the first at the scene to clean up if something has been spilled.
You are the first one to compliment me or your sisters on looks or clothes. “Mommy! That is the prettiest shirt I ever saw!”, or “Adelia looks so adorable today!” You are also ready with a compliment every single time a meal is in front of you. “Mommy! This is my favorite meal EVER!” Or, “This is just scrumptious! And gorgeous!” You will make your wife feel very loved and appreciated some day, my little man.
And so, another year has passed. It’s been five whole years since God gave us our second miracle in the gift of you, our son. And it has truly been five years of joy. I can’t wait to see what this next year will bring.
You are six. Six. How do I have a six-year old already?
I treasure the way you are becoming more and more like Jesus, sweet girl.
I see it in the way you serve those around you. I saw it when, after a cranky ride home from small group when you said you were hungry, I snapped back: “I’m the one who is hungry! I haven’t eaten all day long. Quit your whining.” [Or something to that awful effect.] When we got home, you went into the kitchen all by yourself, dished up some leftovers, reheated them, and delivered them with a smile. (To a contrite and grateful mama.) Or the time a few weeks back when I got home from the dentist and went into the kitchen to get myself a snack. You asked what I was doing and I mentioned that I had missed lunch; I was getting a snack. I then headed went into my room to have a quiet time. About twenty minutes later, into my bedroom you came, plate in hand, with a sandwich. Two slices of bread (one heel; that I’d usually snub my nose at but not this time!), one piece of deli meat, and two hunks of cheese that you’d sliced by yourself. And a glass of water. (Which sort of resembled milk. I think it had a bit of both!) All because I hadn’t eaten lunch. Best sandwich I’d ever had, heel and all. And then you wrote up on the dry erase board: “Daddy i mayd a sanihc im iksiydid” [I made a sandwich. I’m excited.] Or- a few nights ago I sat down on the couch as daddy prepared to do your bedtime Bible reading nearby and sighed, “This living room never really got cleaned today.” Before I knew it, you had risen and were scurrying around the living room, cleaning up as daddy read. You seek to bless and serve, Ella. You see a need and you rise to do it. Cheerfully. May you continue to serve others in the same way Jesus did.
I see it in the way you love. You are so full of affection-- hugs and kisses and always, morning snuggles. You crawl into bed with me or onto my lap and are so cuddly in the mornings. I love that! Your arms and legs are getting so lanky nowadays, but I hope you’ll continue to be mama’s snuggly girl. (Although you did tell me the other day that you might not crawl into my lap when you’re 25!) You love so fully, dear Ella. May you continue to pour out your love for others in visible, expressive ways.
I see it in the way you obey your daddy and I. You are quick to obey. You truly want to honor us through your obedience. (And when you don’t, you have such a sweet spirit that you are immediately tearful and repentant.) May you continue to have an obedient spirit: with your daddy and I in the years to come, but most importantly, with God.
I see it in the way you can turn from a crabby or slothful spirit to the opposite, with a simple question of, “How would God want you to respond right now?” You want so much to do the right thing, and you are able to flip your attitude in order to do so. May you always be so pliable!
I see it in the way you give. You have such a generous spirit. The $10 bill: nearly all of your earthly savings, tucked lovingly into my stocking. My sweet Ella, I will always keep that $10 to remember your love for me and your generosity. I see it in your zeal to give money to Samaritan’s Purse or any other person in need. I see it in the way you talk: “Someday let’s go someplace where they don’t have mommy’s or daddy’s and we can give them food and money and help them.” May you always have such a generous spirit, my dear daughter. May you always be a cheerful giver, and desire to give ever so much more than you desire to receive.
I see it in your heart for adoption. You faithfully tell us all about your plans to adopt. (The most recent figures for your future family, I think, are ten girls: two from your tummy, the rest adopted. I do think you tossed a couple of boys in there, too. :) And you always speak of adopting at least one child from Guatemala, because that’s where your brother is from.) While I hope and pray that God will open your womb and let you experience the joys of pregnancy and breasfeeding, I also hope and pray that you will indeed adopt. May you continue to have a heart for the orphan, my sweet Ella.
I see it in your kindness. In the cards you make, in the thanks and praise you give over every meal I serve. (Even when it’s not exactly your favorite meal!) I see it in the way you love your brothers: choosing to be the peacemaker, choosing to share, or just seeking the one thing they love to play with at the time and delivering it to them. May you continue to grow in this quality of kindness, Ella Kate.
There are so many more, but these are the things that come to mind as I sit to write this year.
You are purely a delight, my Ella girl.
It is such a treat for me to watch you grow. It is my fervent prayer that you will continue to grow in the way of righteousness; that you will love God passionately and fully.
Happy Birthday to you! I can't believe you are four years old today! (Where did those four years go?)
What a *delight* it is to be your mama! I love you so very much, Isaac.
When I think of you I think of your singing. You love to sing and lead all of us in song. Your favorite songs are: In My Heart There Rings a Melody, Set Me Free (Casting Crowns), and (still)... God of Wonders. Most days I can find you standing on the couch, with a pretend microphone in hand, a book open, calling out songs and leading your sister and brother in worship. My prayer is that your love for singing will grow in you a heart of worship, and a fervant desire to praise your Maker.
I think of your chatter. All the stories you want to tell us, all the events you want to recount (and heaven forbid we interrupt you! You will set us in our place with a stern reprimand for interrupting!)
You are so endearing with your hugs and kisses. I have this moment tucked away in my mind: me, heading out to the van, turning back to wave to you kids at the window. As is customary, we all blow kisses. But that day when I looked I saw you blow a kiss and then wrap your arms tightly around yourself, to send mama a hug, too. That picture is sweet, Isaac. You are *so* dear to me.
You love to snuggle and you miss affection when you don't get it. One morning, recently, we got a late start and our morning cuddles were missed-- not much time for mama holding you. Our day was full and busy. After dinner you wanted me to hold you. At bedtime you said, "When I wake up I wanna hold you for a long time." Music to this mama's ears!
Every single time you are outside you pick a flower for me. You follow up to make sure I've cared for it, too. I do so need a stash of tiny vases for your offerings of flowers!
As I sat on the couch last week after church, you came over to me, touched my skirt, and whispered, "You look pretty today, mommy."
We have this thing, you and I... whenever we talk about how grown up you are, what a big boy you're becoming, how tall you'll be someday (daddy will hold you up higher than himself and say, "You think you'll be this big?"), and mama will pretend to be so sad: "I don't want you to be so big!" And you reassure me with this, every time: "But I'll still hold you, mama. I'll still sit on your lap." (And don't think for a second I won't hold you to your word, my son.)
You're quick to comfort me, especially when I'm sad. A couple of weeks ago I lost it, and promptly slid to the kitchen floor, weeping. You were there immediately, your hand on me, soothing me with these words: "I love you, mommy. It's okay." And then a day last week, when I had hollered at you kids in exasperation, and then sat down on the couch to say sorry... you came to me, wrapped your arms tightly around my neck, and said, "I still love you even when you're crabby." Such sweet grace. And you do, sweet boy. You love me well. Thank you. You fill this mama's heart with your sweet expressions of love.
You have a tender heart, Isaac. You are always remorseful for your sins; always quick to say you're sorry, to hug, say "I love you" and make things right. The things you get disciplined for most often are hitting and not obeying.
You are quick to pray. When we pray in the car on the way to church, you're always the first volunteer. When one of us is sick it is you who will go to them, lay hands on them, and pray for healing. I love that about you. When I need a prayer, I know I can ask you and you will pray. Right then. Oh how I hope this carries on into your life with Jesus, Isaac! May you be quick to turn to Him throughout your life, and have that easy conversation with Him that you do now.
What else? Well, you may be quick to pray and say you're sorry, but you're not quick about much else, little fella. It takes you a very long time to eat anything; you are too easily distracted. There's simply too much to think about and talk about. We work very hard with you to teach you to obey right away when we ask you to come or to do something. Or to finish something and not get completely distracted halfway through. This is especially hard for you.
You are extremely sensitive to all things scary. Scary-to-you are skeletons, especially skulls, and eyeballs (some stuffed animals, even, with big eyes, unsettle you). You have become so adept at averting your eyes, like when we walk through a store with Oct. 31st decorations. You close your eyes, tuck your head down, and simply don't look. And yes, you tremble, too. I am so thankful you are being careful with your eyes like the song we sing. (And I hope, too, that this discipline now of averting your eyes will serve you in the future for purity issues) *but* I also don't want you to be fearful, either. We have nothing to fear under the care of such a big, strong, God!
You wake in an instant, sitting up to tell something. You're a good sleeper, sleeping deeply and falling asleep quickly (and any place: in the van, in our arms at church or hymn sing (which mama LOVES)) when you're tired.
You love your daddy, and want to be like him and do everything he does. Right now as I edit this you are in the bathroom, helping daddy sand our floor. A few weeks ago daddy took you out to breakfast on his day off-- the same place he goes weekly with some guys from church. You felt so important and loved that time with just you and your daddy.
You love all things that make you "grown up" or a "man". I remember once this year we were at Costco and you watched an older boy walk over to the vending machine, put some money in, and get himself a bottle of water. You were mesmerized. You asked right away if you could get a water, too. I said no (because I didn't want to spend the money), and said something like, "Maybe when you're bigger you can do that, budders." And you repeated, "When I'm a big boy I can do that?" And then I thought better of it. I knelt down next to you and said, "Do you know what? You *are* my big boy. Let's go over there and get you a water." You were positively beaming, as if you'd just been pronounced a man. :)
You love it when a responsibility falls to you when daddy isn't here to do it. You take your role very seriously as daddy's stand-in.
You love Ella. I know the two of you will always be close. You truly are the best of friends, and I love to see you interact. You are growing to love your little brother, too. It has been a joy for daddy and I to see you turning to Isaias as your playmate more and more.
You love dinosaurs (or so you tell me, though mama thinks you're a bit wary of them). You love the Steelers, or dressing in "football" or "baseball" clothes. Outfit of choice this year for you was your Steelers Bettis jersey and your black pants with a yellow stripe down the side. I must say, I'm thankful you're outgrowing it. *grin* You stopped wearing diapers this year, too, and graduated to big-boy underwear. (WOOO HOOO!)
You are quite the puzzle maker, my boy! You seem to have a knack for finding exactly the right piece for a spot. You love books, and magazines, and anything you can get your hands on to "read". You've even pulled out the phone book a few times.
You love to play with others but you definitely like your solitude, too. Even when we play with friends or cousins, everyone else will run outside to play or off to play something in a big pack, and you will linger, find a puzzle or a book, and sit quietly to play. You play so well independently or with others. You rarely have tantrums or meltdowns. (As in, I can count them on my hand). You are very easy-going, and just tend to be so content and cheerful.
I'm afraid you've picked up my (and Ella's) lingo, because I hear you say things like, "That's so cute!" or, "Mama, I just saw the cutest grandpa walking by!" You also say things like, "I very want to go there!" Or, "I very love you, mommy!" Which is very cute. And you say every night at dinner, "This looks belicious!"
You have the best smile and you love to laugh. You have the best giggle, and we hear it often around here. You also love to be tickled.
You have quite the imagination- you're always creating stories and characters and imaginary friends. (Most notably: Migi and Donto and Jonathan Trustee.) Where you came up with those names we'll never know, but those guys were your playmates or personas for most of this year.
And now you're four.
I love you, my Isaac. And my fervant prayer for you as you grow up is that you would love Jesus more and more with each passing day.
Happy Birthday!
Love, ~Your mama
...and this (if it works)... is a typical Isaac moment around our house...
You're TWO! (Or, as you would say, while sl o w l y and carefully poking one, then two fingers up (never the same two, mind you!): "One.... two!")
As your birthday has approached, I've been thinking of all the things I love about you, my youngest son. I love your little voice! You have recently begun really talking, and that has been so fun for us... to hear what you say and how you say things. This is always one of my favorite stages as a mama. When each of you begins talking, your personalities unfold just a bit more and it's a delight to see! Let me try to list all the words you are saying. You say mama, daddy, Lella, eek (Isaac), unk (milk), eat, huck (truck), deet, peas? (drink, please?), up, down, boots, shoes, ock (sock), urt (hurt), ong (song), pay (play), ball, gey (froggy), orse (horse), ay (neigh), ow (cow), moo, aink (oink), seep (sleep), ook (book), urk (work) oooh! (no, said very emphatically!), oof-oof (doggy), key-key (kitty), ee (sorry), bye, poo-poo, to name the ones I can think of right now. (Are you seeing the same pattern I'm seeing? Yeah... you often drop the first consonant! :)) And another thing that I'm realizing as I think of the things you say. I'm pretty sure that each word you speak ends in an exclamation point! You are very expressive, my little guy.
You have the cutest new habit. If I stub my toe or bang my hand or say "ouch!" or frown or anything of the sort... you, with a very concerned expression, ask, "Key, mama?" (meaning "Are you okay, mama?") You are very concerned about others' owies, always asking, "Key, eek?" (eek meaning Isaac), "Key, Lella?" "Key, daddy?" Yes, buddy, we're okay.
You are also very affectionate. You often run up to me, wrap your arms around my neck, and plant a kiss upon my lips. And when I hold you, you lie your head down on my shoulder for a sec to snuggle.
I love how you want to sit on my lap ("ap, mama?") when we read stories. I love it how you point out every.thing.on.the.page and say, "mama? huck!" (truck), or "mama? oof-oof!" (doggy) I love the way you take your little cars and drive them up my arms and legs if I'm sitting on the couch. I love watching you clean up, making frequent trips to the garbage and leaving daddy and I to wonder, sometimes: "What did he just throw away?!?" And then we'll check. Usually it's garbage, but sometimes you've just tossed a toy or book or something in there, too. :) I love how you wander around the house sometimes on your tiptoes. I love watching you want to be so grown up like your big brother and sister, always, always wanting to do what they're doing. I love it how you crawl around on the floor pretending to be a lion, growling at Ella and Isaac. But then if they or we join you, you get scared. I love it that you wake up each morning so happy, talking and laughing and squealing in your crib. I love watching you climb, be daddy's helper outside, how you love to get dirty! I love you! You are so much fun and such a joy!
My prayer for you, dear son of mine, is from 1 Chronicles 28:9 (spoken by David to his son Solomon). And you, my son, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind. I pray that more than any other thing. That you would serve God with wholehearted devotion. That you would know Him and love Him. And I pray, too, that God would give your daddy and I great wisdom as we raise you, so that your strong will, your passions and fierce emotions at times will be guided and controlled so that you might be used mightily some day for His kingdom.
One more thing...I can't help but think of your birthmother during this time of year, Isaias. I wonder what she is thinking as this date or season approaches. I'm sure she thinks of you often and wonders what you look like and who you have become. Oh, I wish she could see you now. She would be so delighted and proud of who you are. I wish I could give her a huge hug and say thank you... for giving you life and for allowing us the privilege of raising you. I've been praying for her this week, that God would bring her comfort, and that ultimately she would come to know Jesus. And I've also been praying that someday you would be able to see this woman who gave you life- your mother- and hug her yourself. Wouldn't that be wonderful? So now that the tears are running down my face, I'll close this letter.
I love you, sweet Isaias. Precious boy of ours. You add so much to our family, and we are thankful God placed you into it!
He is first a lover of God. And he loves God's word.
He is a wonderful husband. He is attentive, tender, supportive, patient, encouraging, complimentary, romantic, faithful and pure. He is always willing to step in and give his weary wife some rest. He tells his wife she is beautiful-- many times a day. He's the best listener. He writes cards and leaves notes in the shower. He is selfless. He is tall, lean and handsome. He makes me laugh, and he holds me when I cry. He is my best friend. Yes, this is my husband.
He is crazy about his children. If you were to frequent our home on any given night, you would find him lying on the floor, wrestling with our boys. Or on all fours, chasing our children around the house. Or sitting beside our daughter, playing dollhouse. Or on the couch reading stories. Or playing the seventeenth game of hide-and-seek. Or with music spilling from the stereo, a child in his arms, dancing happily around our living room. Or he's making badger masks for the kids (because we were learning about badgers). Or, after expressed interest in dalmatians, he painted little faces, hands, and feet with white paint, and added black spots. And then he took pictures. When bedtime rolls around, he gathers our children around him for a Bible story. But he doesn't just read the story. If you peeked into the room, you would spy some earnest little actors. Daddy is the director and sometimes-actor, and our children get to act out the Bible stories. If a child calls out, fearful, in the middle of the night, it is his name that is called: "Daddy!" And he goes at once; reassuring and secure. He prays, sometimes sings, and the child is tucked back into bed.
He is one who loves others more than himself. He is continually looking for ways to serve others, and he serves without desire for recognition. He gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. He does not keep a record of wrongs. He is absolutely trustworthy. You can count on him for an honest answer, always. He has a great sense of humor. He is thoughtful and kind. He is generous. He is compassionate. He feels deeply, and is not afraid to let a tear slip down his face. He is full of integrity. He is one who others listen to. They trust his counsel and his opinions. I am so proud of him.
He is a good man, this man. And he is mine. Oh, I realize that Mark is His, but He has seen fit to give him to me for these years. And I am so thankful for my beloved husband. For this father of my children. For this godly man God has blessed me so richly with.
Birthdays in our family have ushered in some traditions. Traditions aside from the cake/candles/gifts/party ones (although we do those, too). One thing we do is let whoever's birthday it is choose what we're having for dinner. Another tradition of ours- begun when our daughter was one- is that for each birthday, Mark and I both write a birthday letter. Those letters go into a binder that will someday- in some form- be given to our children.
Today is my daughter's birthday. On the menu tonight was meatloaf and mashed potatoes- her choice. And here is that birthday letter.
Dearest sweet girl of mine,
You are five years old today! This morning you said to me, "Now that I'm five I'm probably too heavy for you to carry me." Nope, sweet girl... I am thankful there is strength in my arms to hold you-- even with you at the big age of five!
Why does five seem such a landmark? Five whole years. That's half a decade. I get a little teary on these occasions. It truly is going so fast.
As I prayed this afternoon over lunch, I thanked God for blessing us with your little self five years ago. Who knew then you would be such the little woman you are now? I see so many qualities God is forming in you, and my heart overflows with gratitude for how He is growing you up.
You are very responsible. You take instructions very seriously, and follow them to the letter (most of the time ;)).
You have such a nurturing spirit, tending to others' needs so well. You have this wonderful ability- even at five- to see a need and move to meet it. When I began going to prayer meetings during our lunch hour this year, all of a sudden once a week it was just you, daddy and the boys. Daddy told me later how you would walk straight to the fridge, begin pulling out leftovers, and telling him what you'd be eating. And then you would sit at the table with him, and so grown-up, say: "Daddy, how is work going? Who did you talk to at work today?" You were filling in my role. I love this.
You have the gift of service to others. You delight very much in helping- especially with your little brothers. Or with me in the kitchen. "Mommy, is there anything I can help you with?" is something I hear often. This summer you helped so much with the harvesting of our garden- snipping beans, husking corn, gathering apples, pulling carrots. And if I give you a task, or if it's time for your chore, you do it joyfully.
Your spirit is sweet and compassionate. When someone gets hurt- daddy, mommy, or your brothers, you often burst into tears right along with them. You are so empathetic.
You have an incredible memory. It really does astound your daddy and me... you remember things spoken long ago that we've since forgotten.
You are so social- always chatting. Even when it's quiet time, you are chatting with your baby or Flopsy or your dollhouse guys...
This year you have taken to answering the phone every time it rings (which I don't mind, except for when you're chattering all about what's going on at our house and I'm still wondering who it is, (and hoping it's not a stranger!)). You also love getting the mail, and you know good and well which mail is the fun mail and you tear those things open first. (This, I do mind!) And you've also taken to telling daddy all the important news of our day.
You began doing chores regularly this year, and am I ever thankful for your help! Right now you make your bed, get yourself dressed (and my oh my, you do come up with the most interesting outfits!), unload the clean silverware from the dishwasher, clean up the toys (you're my best cleaner-upper), clear the table, put your dirty clothes away, and recently: sort and fold all your own laundry! In addition to all those things, you are often running to and fro for mommy- retrieving a diaper, helping your brothers turn on a light, assisting in finding something, etc. What I am especially thankful for is your happy heart as you help. Thank you, my sweet girl. May your hands never tire in loving and serving others.
This past year we went through the ABC Bible Verses book, and you learned all those verses with such ease, we have tagged on many new verses. We continue to marvel at your ability to remember God's Word, and are so thankful you are hiding these words of life in your heart. Oh, how I pray that you will love God's Word. And that you will not be just a hearer, (and a knower) but a doer, too.
You joined me many times for my quiet times this year. There are days that I head off with my Bible and my journal, and you come in moments later with your Bible, and your "journal". You have joined me, laying on your tummy on my bed, praying with me for others. Your prayers are earnest, and full of faith. Your prayers are also consistent, and I have learned much from you in this. While I tire of bringing the same requests before God, you never do. You pray for the same thing, over and over and over again. Many times a day. More than any other thing, I pray that your love for Jesus and your trust in Him will grow.
Some days you will crawl into bed with me and take a nap. Oh, how I love this. It reminds me of when you were a little baby and you'd nurse and then fall asleep beside me. And I look upon your dear face and am so, so thankful. You are a joy, my girl.
This year you began sitting with us through our church service. This was instigated by you, (yet as I ponder this I wonder that it wasn't God's idea, surfacing through you wanting to be near us.) What a delight it has been to have you worshiping beside us. I have learned from you in this, too. You come to church, ready to worship. You take your coat or sweater off, climb atop your chair, and immediately raise your hands in praise to God. No matter the song. Or if you know the words or tune. :) You belt it out, delighting me and surely your Father in heaven who hears your voice. You listen to the sermon, too- and mark in your journal your own "notes". You- always my shy girl in groups- have grown in this, too. At church you are confident beside us, and shake hands and smile and give hugs and run across the church to greet Grandpa and Grandma and Gary and Diana.
I love you so much, my Ella girl. Happy birthday to you. I am thankful for a year full of precious memories with you.
Welcome to my blog!
My name is Stacy,
and I'm just a girl who loves Jesus,
my husband Mark, and the five children God has entrusted to us.
Thank you for visiting!
