As we start 2012 I'd like to take a moment to address our three kids directly. They are growing so fast and there are so many things I want to remember and want them to know...hopefully I haven't already forgotten too much.
Dear Ava, I can't believe you are almost 5 years old. Since the day you were born you have stolen our hearts and kept us on our toes. You are like me in so many ways, a bit of a home body, shy, cautious and very sensitive. You like school, but it takes a lot of convincing to get you to go each morning. You learn so quickly and have an amazing memory. It's great that you can learn something at school or in a book and then bring it up months later. However it's not so great when you remember something I may have promised long ago. You take and seem to enjoy dance class, although I think you like the attire more than the actual dancing. You are a good listener, most of the time. And while I hear the words "I want a new mommy" more than I care to, it's quickly followed with "I don't ever want a new mommy." And as annoyed as you get with Ella sometimes, you are a great big sister and the two of you play together constantly. You mostly play house. You insist that Ella be the mom and you are the baby. As frustrated as I get when you are whining like a baby and crawling around, I am grateful you two are playing together, so I usually bite my tongue. You are a beautiful little girl, we love watching you grow and can't wait to see what you become.
Dear Ella, we were so lucky in 2009 to be blessed with a second beautiful little girl. At two and a half you have more personality than your little body can hold. You love your big sister and spend most of every day following her around and copying everything she does. Even when you're mad you say "I'm getting a new mommy and little sister" since that's what Ava says. I try to explain you don't have a little sister, but you insist. You have a huge heart and you try help if you think someone is upset. You are also stubborn. You want to do everything yourself and usually refuse help, even if it takes twice as long. You've gone as far as insisting to put on your own diaper at night, and that definitely takes twice as long. And while you don't want people to get upset, you do like pushing buttons. The picture above is the perfect example...this is what I got when I asked you to smile. The picture below is what I got after asking 5 times. Just the other day, after hearing Ava get in trouble for opening the basement door, you went downstairs and opened the door, even with the 15 degree temperature outside, and when asked why you would do that you said "I need fresh air". You love to perform but continue to say you're not ready for dance or gym class. We have tried gym class anyway, but every class was a struggle, so I think we'll wait till you're ready. My favorite thing right now is your laugh, which is totally infectious. You are brave and outgoing and a thrill for us to have in our lives.
Dear little Gavin, where do I begin...you are a handful. I still can't believe we have a little boy! At just four months old you keep me busy all day everyday, not to mention the nights too. We have tried every formula on the market along with every reflux medicine, Mylanta and Carafate and still no success. Your poor little body has been through so much and still seems to be in pain. While sleeping isn't something you enjoy, luckily smiling is. Your smile is what keeps me sane right now. Along with a few other expressions...
You love to be talked to and you love the song "wheels on the bus". You are very ticklish...so far your neck, armpits, sides, and feet seem to be sensitive spots. However, you do not like your car seat or the swing or really anything other than being held and a few minutes of playtime on your mat. You chew on your hands constantly, which I hope doesn't turn into thumb sucking. And in addition to everything else going on you have two teeth poking through your gums, only adding to your discomfort. Your sisters love you so much and although they don't show it very often, they can't wait for you to grow up and start playing with them...they need a prince, dad, husband, etc...for their pretend play. You will always be our baby and we look forward to all the things that come with having a little boy.
We love you guys more than words can express and we look forward to a lifetime of these little memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment