I love how there are times when God just knows when we need a laugh. A moment to just lighten things up.
Anyone that really knows our Johnson family knows that we are all HUGE fans of the movie Christmas Vacation. Like watch it every Christmas, quote random parts of the movie all the time. A favorite of mine is:
Clark: Since it is Aunt Bethany's 80th Christmas, I think she should lead us in the saying of grace.
Aunt Bethany: What dear?
Nora: Grace!
Aunt Bethany: Grace? She passed away 30 years ago.
Uncle Lewis: They want you to say grace
(Aunt Bethany shakes her head in confusion.)
Uncle Lewis: The BLESSING!!!
(Everyone bows their heads.)
Aunt Bethany: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Everyone in unison: Amen.
~~
Marleigh always says our prayers before we eat. She loves to do it. We all hold hands and she prays (while Kade just cheeses the whole time because he is holding his Sissy's hand). She really does a great job. Usually, she thanks God for everything she has, for our food, etc.
On the night of Natalie's heaven anniversary, Marc and I understandably had heavy hearts. We had been out to see Natalie's grave before dinner, so it was just a very sober evening. We got dinner around and sat down to eat. Marc asked Marleigh to go ahead and say the blessing. Marleigh out of the blue pipes up, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Marc and I exchanged looks as soon as she started, and we both barely held it together for the entire heart felt prayer.
That was the only time Marleigh has ever not said a traditional prayer. She has been saying the blessing before meals for many months. I love how God knew just what we needed and that He chose to use our sweet girl to do it. Unexpected blessings are always the best!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
4 Years
4 years. Wow. That seems like such a long time, but then again, it seems like only yesterday that we still had our sweet Natalie here on Earth with us.
4 years. A lot happens in the span of 4 years. 4 years can bring about so much change in the life of an adult, let alone a child. Thinking about the first 4 years of life for a baby, and how much they learn and change, I can't help but wonder what Natalie would be doing now, what she would look like, and what kind of personality she would have.
4 years. There is a lot of healing and comforting that can take place in 4 years. Whenever you feel such sudden devastation, the initial shock sets a roller coaster of emotions into motion. While I would love to say that I reacted with pure grace and as a faithful child of God, that just wasn't the case. There was a lot of anger, resentment, and jealousy. But, time has helped me to work through some of those ugly feelings.
4 years. 4 years of waking up each morning with a part of myself missing. Longing everyday to be able to hold my precious girl. While time has helped me move past the anger, it will never fill the void in my heart. That is one thing that has not changed in 4 years, and I know never will.
4 years. 4 years spent praying, seeking God's comfort. It truly is miraculous, to feel a sense of peace and calm after losing a child. Going through life's darkest valley makes you cling to God when you don't feel you have the strength to make it. It facilitates such a deep, raw, intimate relationship with God.
4 years. 4 years of surviving, and realizing that I will be okay. The morning after we lost Natalie, I so clearly remember thinking, "How am I going to get up and walk right back into the very same NICU, and sit right next to the spot that I held my daughter when she became an angel?" But, sometimes, there are miracles and blessings that make you stop focusing on the hurt and anger. Sometimes, there are things that push us out of the depths of despair. That first day, it was knowing that Marleigh needed me. She was my saving grace. And now, there are 2 little miracles that God has given me. There are times when the ache deep in my heart still seems to engulf me. When it seems so easy to wallow in self pity and sadness, but I usually don't linger too long in the darkness. I have comfort from our redeemer, and joy in the form of 2 very special children.
4 years. A lot happens in the span of 4 years. 4 years can bring about so much change in the life of an adult, let alone a child. Thinking about the first 4 years of life for a baby, and how much they learn and change, I can't help but wonder what Natalie would be doing now, what she would look like, and what kind of personality she would have.
4 years. There is a lot of healing and comforting that can take place in 4 years. Whenever you feel such sudden devastation, the initial shock sets a roller coaster of emotions into motion. While I would love to say that I reacted with pure grace and as a faithful child of God, that just wasn't the case. There was a lot of anger, resentment, and jealousy. But, time has helped me to work through some of those ugly feelings.
4 years. 4 years of waking up each morning with a part of myself missing. Longing everyday to be able to hold my precious girl. While time has helped me move past the anger, it will never fill the void in my heart. That is one thing that has not changed in 4 years, and I know never will.
4 years. 4 years spent praying, seeking God's comfort. It truly is miraculous, to feel a sense of peace and calm after losing a child. Going through life's darkest valley makes you cling to God when you don't feel you have the strength to make it. It facilitates such a deep, raw, intimate relationship with God.
4 years. 4 years of surviving, and realizing that I will be okay. The morning after we lost Natalie, I so clearly remember thinking, "How am I going to get up and walk right back into the very same NICU, and sit right next to the spot that I held my daughter when she became an angel?" But, sometimes, there are miracles and blessings that make you stop focusing on the hurt and anger. Sometimes, there are things that push us out of the depths of despair. That first day, it was knowing that Marleigh needed me. She was my saving grace. And now, there are 2 little miracles that God has given me. There are times when the ache deep in my heart still seems to engulf me. When it seems so easy to wallow in self pity and sadness, but I usually don't linger too long in the darkness. I have comfort from our redeemer, and joy in the form of 2 very special children.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Crazy Kids!
The other night, we were eating dinner. Marleigh had ate all her bread first. Her veggies remained pretty much untouched. Here's the conversation Marc had with her.
Marc: Marleigh, do you want more bread?
Marleigh: Oh!!!! YES, PLEASE!!!
Marc: Okay then, you must eat your veggies first, then you may have some more.
Marleigh: Hey.... why do you always have to trick me like that?!?
~~
On the way home yesterday, Marleigh and Kade were talking in the back seat (Marleigh does most of the talking, and Kade just beams because his big sister is paying attention to him).
Marleigh: Oh, Bubba. You're just so cute. I love you.
Kade: *Giggle, giggle, squeaaaaaal with excitement.*
Me: Marleigh, that was a nice thing to say.
Marleigh: Well, he is cute. But he is getting big. I think we need another baby brother.
Me: Woah. Mommy isn't going to be having any more babies. One baby brother is perfect.
Marleigh: But Mo-om..... Kade isn't a BABY anymore. I want a BABY brother. And you don't have to have another baby, I've got an idea! Maybe one of the neighbors have one that we can take.
(Go figure. When Kade was a baby, she wanted nothing to do with him. Now she wants another baby. And apparently, we're just going to be creepers and cruise the streets of our neighborhood until we find a house with a baby, then stop and take it home.)
~~
And I can't leave out our silly boy. Spraying him in the face with water is just HILARIOUS!!! ;)
Marc: Marleigh, do you want more bread?
Marleigh: Oh!!!! YES, PLEASE!!!
Marc: Okay then, you must eat your veggies first, then you may have some more.
Marleigh: Hey.... why do you always have to trick me like that?!?
~~
On the way home yesterday, Marleigh and Kade were talking in the back seat (Marleigh does most of the talking, and Kade just beams because his big sister is paying attention to him).
Marleigh: Oh, Bubba. You're just so cute. I love you.
Kade: *Giggle, giggle, squeaaaaaal with excitement.*
Me: Marleigh, that was a nice thing to say.
Marleigh: Well, he is cute. But he is getting big. I think we need another baby brother.
Me: Woah. Mommy isn't going to be having any more babies. One baby brother is perfect.
Marleigh: But Mo-om..... Kade isn't a BABY anymore. I want a BABY brother. And you don't have to have another baby, I've got an idea! Maybe one of the neighbors have one that we can take.
(Go figure. When Kade was a baby, she wanted nothing to do with him. Now she wants another baby. And apparently, we're just going to be creepers and cruise the streets of our neighborhood until we find a house with a baby, then stop and take it home.)
~~
And I can't leave out our silly boy. Spraying him in the face with water is just HILARIOUS!!! ;)
Monday, February 11, 2013
Inadequate
With everything that has been going on lately, I have just been feeling.... hmmmm... well... inadequate. Inadequate is the word that just keeps coming to mind. Inadequate in pretty much every facet of my life.
As a parent, I always want to protect and take care of my children. Just the minor day to day aspects of life, like saying prayers and tucking them in at night. It is my privilege and responsibility. And when they get sick, that need to comfort and care for them kicks into overdrive. But then I got sick. I mean really sick. As in, I couldn't take care of myself, let alone Marleigh and Kade. In creeps the feeling of inadequacy. My job as their mother is to take care of them, but I couldn't. Fail #1.
I am also a wife. While we don't live in the dark ages where I do all the housework, I tend to do most of the laundry and cleaning. Let's just say that between work, kids, and being sick, those things have been a bit neglected. The other day, Marc had to dig through the dirty clothes to find a pair of jeans to wear because I hadn't gotten around to do the laundry. Your husband having to wear dirty clothes makes you feel incredibly inadequate. Fail #2.
With work being busy, kids, husband, being sick twice in three weeks, I haven't really been able to catch up with friends. I recently tried to reach out to a friend I hadn't really spoken to in a few months, only to find out she is going through a major life event. It has been going on for well over a month. Wow, I have been so consumed with what is going on in my life, that I have totally neglected friendships, leading me to feel like the most inadequate friend. EVER. Fail #3.
Then there is work. While my number one priority will always be my family, I want to work hard, pull my own weight, and not let my boss down. He is actually a great guy that is very understanding and supportive. However, I have missed quite a bit of work in the last few weeks, which makes me feel guilty and inadequate at work, as well. Fail #4.
My spiritual life has been a little lackluster, too. We missed church for several weeks in a row, due to being sick, having out of town guests, being sick again. That in itself is no excuse. I could have made more time, special time to spend with God, but I didn't. Everything was so hectic and crazy, but instead of seeing that as a need to make my relationship with God my priority, I let it slide as well. Which makes me feel like an inadequate Christian. Fail #5.
So I am now trying a little harder in all aspects of my life. I am just so blessed that there will always be one thing that is adequate. It is much more than adequate, it is abundant. And that is God's mercy and love for me. Even when I fail in so many ways, and have numerous inadequacies, His love remains.
As a parent, I always want to protect and take care of my children. Just the minor day to day aspects of life, like saying prayers and tucking them in at night. It is my privilege and responsibility. And when they get sick, that need to comfort and care for them kicks into overdrive. But then I got sick. I mean really sick. As in, I couldn't take care of myself, let alone Marleigh and Kade. In creeps the feeling of inadequacy. My job as their mother is to take care of them, but I couldn't. Fail #1.
I am also a wife. While we don't live in the dark ages where I do all the housework, I tend to do most of the laundry and cleaning. Let's just say that between work, kids, and being sick, those things have been a bit neglected. The other day, Marc had to dig through the dirty clothes to find a pair of jeans to wear because I hadn't gotten around to do the laundry. Your husband having to wear dirty clothes makes you feel incredibly inadequate. Fail #2.
With work being busy, kids, husband, being sick twice in three weeks, I haven't really been able to catch up with friends. I recently tried to reach out to a friend I hadn't really spoken to in a few months, only to find out she is going through a major life event. It has been going on for well over a month. Wow, I have been so consumed with what is going on in my life, that I have totally neglected friendships, leading me to feel like the most inadequate friend. EVER. Fail #3.
Then there is work. While my number one priority will always be my family, I want to work hard, pull my own weight, and not let my boss down. He is actually a great guy that is very understanding and supportive. However, I have missed quite a bit of work in the last few weeks, which makes me feel guilty and inadequate at work, as well. Fail #4.
My spiritual life has been a little lackluster, too. We missed church for several weeks in a row, due to being sick, having out of town guests, being sick again. That in itself is no excuse. I could have made more time, special time to spend with God, but I didn't. Everything was so hectic and crazy, but instead of seeing that as a need to make my relationship with God my priority, I let it slide as well. Which makes me feel like an inadequate Christian. Fail #5.
So I am now trying a little harder in all aspects of my life. I am just so blessed that there will always be one thing that is adequate. It is much more than adequate, it is abundant. And that is God's mercy and love for me. Even when I fail in so many ways, and have numerous inadequacies, His love remains.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Things I've learned this week. (Round 2)
#1. Whatever stomach bug hit our house this past week was nasty! All four of us wound up with it to some degree. Aunt Myra, who had come to visit over the weekend, also got sick. She was kind enough to help clean up some of the "messes", and poor thing got sick, too. :(
#2. My son is a trooper. Kade was the first one to come down with it. He got sick twice and had diarrhea a few times. But other than that, you would have never known he was sick. Marc's parents were here over the weekend as well, and I think it was Grandpa that commented, "that isn't a sick baby." And I didn't think so either. He is such a happy little soul. Nothing seems to bother him. Very glad he didn't get really sick.
#3. This stomach flu is nothing to mess around with. Within 4 hours of first getting sick, I was headed to the ER. Dehydrated, disoriented, and just not well at all. Extremely grateful neither of the kids got that sick.
#4. (Something I already knew) It is so awesome to have family so close. When we decided I needed to go to the ER, I was in no condition to walk, let alone drive. Marc really wasn't feeling the best, plus someone needed to stay with the kids. I absolutely hated exposing them, but we really didn't have too many other options, so we called my parents. They came in and took me to the ER.
#5. Little Miss Marleigh is just as sweet even when she is a very sick girl. While I was at the ER, Marc called to say that Marleigh started vomiting. Mom went back to the house to help him. Within a short period of time, it was obvious she wasn't going to stop, so Mom brought her to the ER as a precaution, to try to stop it before she got dehydrated. They gave her some zofran, and thankfully, that was all it took. As we were finally all headed back to the house, my feeble girl looked up at Gigi and said, "Thank you for helping me, Gigi." Then the next day, Marleigh and I just stayed in Marc and I's bed all day. At least three different times she asked me, "Mama, are you feeling any better?" Such a sweet spirit in that girl. :)
#6. I am very glad that we still have a hospital in Larned. Here a few years ago, we were in jeopardy of losing our hospital. The community banded together, and thankfully, we still have a hospital. They took such great care of us. There were three nurses and a doctor that were working on me right away. Thanks to all the staff at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital!
#7. I could not ever, EVER be a nurse/nurses aid, etc. Holy bodily fluids!!! I honestly do not know how people do that day in, day out, for people that they don't even know. I mean, the people I was cleaning up after mean everything in the world to me, and it was flat out repulsive! Kudos to all of you out there! Thank you for what you do!
#8. We are now ready to be healthy for a while! Within 3 weeks, we had the respiratory flu, and then the stomach flu. So, now it is full speed ahead to a healthy spring and summer! :)
#2. My son is a trooper. Kade was the first one to come down with it. He got sick twice and had diarrhea a few times. But other than that, you would have never known he was sick. Marc's parents were here over the weekend as well, and I think it was Grandpa that commented, "that isn't a sick baby." And I didn't think so either. He is such a happy little soul. Nothing seems to bother him. Very glad he didn't get really sick.
#3. This stomach flu is nothing to mess around with. Within 4 hours of first getting sick, I was headed to the ER. Dehydrated, disoriented, and just not well at all. Extremely grateful neither of the kids got that sick.
#4. (Something I already knew) It is so awesome to have family so close. When we decided I needed to go to the ER, I was in no condition to walk, let alone drive. Marc really wasn't feeling the best, plus someone needed to stay with the kids. I absolutely hated exposing them, but we really didn't have too many other options, so we called my parents. They came in and took me to the ER.
#5. Little Miss Marleigh is just as sweet even when she is a very sick girl. While I was at the ER, Marc called to say that Marleigh started vomiting. Mom went back to the house to help him. Within a short period of time, it was obvious she wasn't going to stop, so Mom brought her to the ER as a precaution, to try to stop it before she got dehydrated. They gave her some zofran, and thankfully, that was all it took. As we were finally all headed back to the house, my feeble girl looked up at Gigi and said, "Thank you for helping me, Gigi." Then the next day, Marleigh and I just stayed in Marc and I's bed all day. At least three different times she asked me, "Mama, are you feeling any better?" Such a sweet spirit in that girl. :)
#6. I am very glad that we still have a hospital in Larned. Here a few years ago, we were in jeopardy of losing our hospital. The community banded together, and thankfully, we still have a hospital. They took such great care of us. There were three nurses and a doctor that were working on me right away. Thanks to all the staff at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital!
#7. I could not ever, EVER be a nurse/nurses aid, etc. Holy bodily fluids!!! I honestly do not know how people do that day in, day out, for people that they don't even know. I mean, the people I was cleaning up after mean everything in the world to me, and it was flat out repulsive! Kudos to all of you out there! Thank you for what you do!
#8. We are now ready to be healthy for a while! Within 3 weeks, we had the respiratory flu, and then the stomach flu. So, now it is full speed ahead to a healthy spring and summer! :)
Monday, January 28, 2013
Marleigh is 4!
Yet again, I am late, but at least I am consistent!
Marleigh Anne-
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Sometimes it seems just like yesterday that you were born, but I also can not remember life without you in it. It is crazy to think that you blessed us for four whole years!
Every day you seem to do or say something that completely blows us away. You are very much a thinker, and analyze things. A few days ago, while eating with Gigi and Daddy, you were told you needed to eat 5 bites. After the second one, you took a tiny bite, so Daddy said, "Marleigh, that was only half a bite, so that's two and a half." Then you took another bite and Gigi said, "that makes three." You were quick to correct her and say, "No, Gigi, that makes three and a half."
I cherish your compassionate heart. You have such a genuine concern for others. A few weeks ago, I wasn't feeling well. You and Daddy went to the grocery store. You told Daddy you had to buy some flowers for me, just to make me feel better. Back before Christmas, Gigi took you shopping to pick out something for Daddy and I. But you didn't stop there. You insisted on buying for your little brother, your babysitter, and all 3 of her kids. You knew what they individually liked and picked out the perfect present for each of them. We took Kade to get his shots last week. You got very upset when the nurse came in to give Kade his shots. You ended up crying more than he did. God has given you such a sweet soul, and I am so very thankful.
You love to sing and dance. You ask Daddy to put music on, and dance up a storm. Sometimes it is a slow, graceful ballet dance, other times it is a booty-shaking dance, and every once in a while, you throw in an "Aunt Michaela" dance. ;) We love to watch you dance, and clap when your performance is over.
You are very tolerant of your little brother. Kade is a bit on the ornery side, and does many things just to try to get under your skin. I am truly amazed at how understanding you are of him. Just the other night, we were building towers with blocks. Kade ran and destroyed your tower. I scolded Kade and then told you I was sorry that Kade wrecked your tower. You were incredibly grown up and told me, "It's okay, Mommy. I can always build it again. Plus, Kade really likes to knock things down."
Marleigh, you are such a big helper around the house. You help me gather up laundry and start the washing machine for me. You really enjoy helping us cook. Lately, you have even started making your own bed on occasion. But, your favorite by far, is to help your Daddy outside. You helped him put up our Christmas lights back in December. And over the weekend, you helped him work on the lawn mover, and clean out the shed.
You have mastered spelling your name and simple addition and subtraction. For some reason, though, you are not very interested in writing. If we make you, you will write your name, but you would much rather be coloring than practice writing. We may have to make some special time just to work on it.
Your imagination has really blossomed in the last few months. You are always playing different make believe games. Here recently, you love to make up stories of funny things that Mickey has done through out the day. We love hearing about what you and Mickey have been up to that day as we are eating dinner.
Marleigh, I love hearing you pray, or talking about God, or biblical characters. Most of the time, you say our prayers before meals, and make sure that all four of us are holding hands. It is something that is so special and I will always remember.
Little girl, you are such an awesome blessing! We love you so much!
Love-
Mommy
Marleigh Anne-
.JPG)
Sometimes it seems just like yesterday that you were born, but I also can not remember life without you in it. It is crazy to think that you blessed us for four whole years!
Every day you seem to do or say something that completely blows us away. You are very much a thinker, and analyze things. A few days ago, while eating with Gigi and Daddy, you were told you needed to eat 5 bites. After the second one, you took a tiny bite, so Daddy said, "Marleigh, that was only half a bite, so that's two and a half." Then you took another bite and Gigi said, "that makes three." You were quick to correct her and say, "No, Gigi, that makes three and a half."
I cherish your compassionate heart. You have such a genuine concern for others. A few weeks ago, I wasn't feeling well. You and Daddy went to the grocery store. You told Daddy you had to buy some flowers for me, just to make me feel better. Back before Christmas, Gigi took you shopping to pick out something for Daddy and I. But you didn't stop there. You insisted on buying for your little brother, your babysitter, and all 3 of her kids. You knew what they individually liked and picked out the perfect present for each of them. We took Kade to get his shots last week. You got very upset when the nurse came in to give Kade his shots. You ended up crying more than he did. God has given you such a sweet soul, and I am so very thankful.
You love to sing and dance. You ask Daddy to put music on, and dance up a storm. Sometimes it is a slow, graceful ballet dance, other times it is a booty-shaking dance, and every once in a while, you throw in an "Aunt Michaela" dance. ;) We love to watch you dance, and clap when your performance is over.
You are very tolerant of your little brother. Kade is a bit on the ornery side, and does many things just to try to get under your skin. I am truly amazed at how understanding you are of him. Just the other night, we were building towers with blocks. Kade ran and destroyed your tower. I scolded Kade and then told you I was sorry that Kade wrecked your tower. You were incredibly grown up and told me, "It's okay, Mommy. I can always build it again. Plus, Kade really likes to knock things down."
Marleigh, you are such a big helper around the house. You help me gather up laundry and start the washing machine for me. You really enjoy helping us cook. Lately, you have even started making your own bed on occasion. But, your favorite by far, is to help your Daddy outside. You helped him put up our Christmas lights back in December. And over the weekend, you helped him work on the lawn mover, and clean out the shed.
You have mastered spelling your name and simple addition and subtraction. For some reason, though, you are not very interested in writing. If we make you, you will write your name, but you would much rather be coloring than practice writing. We may have to make some special time just to work on it.
Your imagination has really blossomed in the last few months. You are always playing different make believe games. Here recently, you love to make up stories of funny things that Mickey has done through out the day. We love hearing about what you and Mickey have been up to that day as we are eating dinner.
Marleigh, I love hearing you pray, or talking about God, or biblical characters. Most of the time, you say our prayers before meals, and make sure that all four of us are holding hands. It is something that is so special and I will always remember.
Little girl, you are such an awesome blessing! We love you so much!
Love-
Mommy
Monday, January 21, 2013
Kade: 18 months
I'm a little late, but better late than never! ;)
Kade-
Already 18 months old! I know I keep saying it, but it just doesn't seem possible that you have been in our lives for a year and a half. What a special joy you have brought to our family!
You are still growing like crazy, although, your height and weight are now perfectly, proportionately off the chart. Your head is still very large, but that's just to house all that knowledge! You are getting to be more of a picky eater, and you do NOT want someone to feed you. Not. One. Bit. You want to do it yourself. You have gotten pretty good at using both a fork and spoon.
You're still the happiest little boy. You smile all the time and laugh so easily. I love the joy your have in your heart. However, you also have a temper. If we take something from you and you don't like it, watch out! You can throw quite an impressive fit. But, it usually doesn't last long.
Recently, you have been more interested in cuddling. You wrap your arms around my neck, put your head on my shoulder, and say, "awwww." Makes my heart melt. It is obvious to tell when you are getting tired, because you want to cuddle, and you play in my hair. It is a dead give away that you are needing to go to bed. We have finally reached the point where you will even sit still and read books. Yay!!!
You remain ornery. You have this little twinkle in your eye, and get a smirk on your face, when you know you are doing something you probably shouldn't. And it is adorable. But Mama is trying really hard not to let you get by with things just because you are so cute, but it is difficult at times.
Your Daddy swears you are part billy goat. You climb on EVERYTHING and try to get to the very highest point possible. This has already lead to way more boo-boos than your sister ever thought about having. You are so proud of yourself anytime you conquer climbing something and clap for yourself. We usually clap too, then tell you to get down!
Talking is kind of hit and miss with you. You have definite words for many objects, but sometimes you don't enunciate very well. We have started working on sounds of animals, and it is hilarious. You also sing along with Silly Songs from VeggieTales. I really need to get that one on tape!
You seem to be very coordinated. You are throwing things overhand now. A very common phrase right now is, "Kade, we don't throw....." You also like to hit off of Sissy's T-ball stand. You love to play any kind of ball. We practiced some football the other day in the back yard.
Kade-
Already 18 months old! I know I keep saying it, but it just doesn't seem possible that you have been in our lives for a year and a half. What a special joy you have brought to our family!
You are still growing like crazy, although, your height and weight are now perfectly, proportionately off the chart. Your head is still very large, but that's just to house all that knowledge! You are getting to be more of a picky eater, and you do NOT want someone to feed you. Not. One. Bit. You want to do it yourself. You have gotten pretty good at using both a fork and spoon.
You're still the happiest little boy. You smile all the time and laugh so easily. I love the joy your have in your heart. However, you also have a temper. If we take something from you and you don't like it, watch out! You can throw quite an impressive fit. But, it usually doesn't last long.
Recently, you have been more interested in cuddling. You wrap your arms around my neck, put your head on my shoulder, and say, "awwww." Makes my heart melt. It is obvious to tell when you are getting tired, because you want to cuddle, and you play in my hair. It is a dead give away that you are needing to go to bed. We have finally reached the point where you will even sit still and read books. Yay!!!
You remain ornery. You have this little twinkle in your eye, and get a smirk on your face, when you know you are doing something you probably shouldn't. And it is adorable. But Mama is trying really hard not to let you get by with things just because you are so cute, but it is difficult at times.
Your Daddy swears you are part billy goat. You climb on EVERYTHING and try to get to the very highest point possible. This has already lead to way more boo-boos than your sister ever thought about having. You are so proud of yourself anytime you conquer climbing something and clap for yourself. We usually clap too, then tell you to get down!
Talking is kind of hit and miss with you. You have definite words for many objects, but sometimes you don't enunciate very well. We have started working on sounds of animals, and it is hilarious. You also sing along with Silly Songs from VeggieTales. I really need to get that one on tape!
You seem to be very coordinated. You are throwing things overhand now. A very common phrase right now is, "Kade, we don't throw....." You also like to hit off of Sissy's T-ball stand. You love to play any kind of ball. We practiced some football the other day in the back yard.
 |
| Since there probably isn't a chance you will be a receiver or safety, we practiced playing center. ;) |
You still have your adorable chubby cheeks, but they too, have slimmed down. You had your first hair cut about a month ago, but are still sportin' some adorable curls!
You continue to just love your big sister. You love snuggling her, sitting on her, making her squeal, giving her kisses. Pretty much as long as she is somewhat paying attention to you, you are happy. You are already protective of her. It is pretty cute. You like to bring her her Mickey Mouse stuffed animal, and cover her up when she lays on the couch. And as much as you torment her, she is pretty protective of you as well.
Kade Robert, you are such a fun, lively, little boy with a sweet spirit. We love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
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