Lilah in 2010

I'm always amazed by a child's first year of life. They start as this little being that is helpless, needs everything given to him/her, and can't do anything for themselves. And then they grow, and they grow, and they grow. All of the sudden they are 15 months old, and you wonder how that little bundle of joy that just wanted milk, a clean diaper, and lots of sleep turns into a little girl who communicates, shows her own strong personality, and can do more and more things on her own daily. In a year, she did this:

• at almost 4 weeks, she smiled at us.
• at 9 weeks, she let her mommy sleep all night long.
• between 8 & 9 weeks, she laughed.
• at 16 weeks, she rolled over.
• at 16 1/2 weeks, she sat unsupported.
• at 4 months, she started eating baby food.
• at 4 1/2 months, she held her bottle by herself.
• at 6 1/2 months, she started crawling (and any peace I had was gone).
• at 7 months, she stood with the help of furniture.
• at 8 months, she started eating real food.
• at 8 1/2 months, she waved bye-bye and said "dada" and "mama".
• at almost 10 months, she took her first step.
• at 10 1/2 months, she started walking.
• Then, she started talking.

After reading that, tell me how you couldn't be amazed by a child's first year of life. It's truly miraculous, isn't it? So, that's what Lilah has done over the past year. She keeps astounding us with her accomplishments, her growth, and her intelligence.

She is a girl full of attitude but sweet as can be. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to get it. She plays more and more with her brothers, and she loves to mimic her mommy. She plays with her baby dolls daily, but the obsession she once possessed with them has subsided. She loves, loves, loves to sit in chairs, climb on chairs, and move chairs. She loves animals and seems to share her mother's love of dogs in particular. We were in PetSmart today, and she squealed in delight when she saw a puppy.

Fortunately, she gives that same squeal when we pick her up from the playroom at the gym. If she could have it her way, I would be carrying her most of the day. Not Jason or Grandma or Papa or even Aunt Sally. Me. If you know me at all, you realize this doesn't work well for me. I get irritated, and she cries. I often tell Jason that he needs to remind me of this when she is a 'tween', and she wants absolutely nothing to do with me. I'm sure I'll think that I should have enjoyed the time she wanted me so close. Instead I'll remind her that she followed me and worshiped me (okay, so I'll exaggerated some) and thought there was nothing better in the world than being with me. ;) Don't worry--I spend a lot of time with my little girl. How can I not? She's great. She makes me happy. She makes me smile. She confirms that we were right when we went for #3. As I've said a million times, she completes this family. I feel a different responsibility to her than I do for the boys. I guess because I'm the one who has to teach her 'girl' stuff. I'm the one who has to ensure she's a strong woman who can take care of herself. I'm the one who will understand what she is going through, and I'm the one to help her through those times. I'm the one who has to teach her how to be a mom. I'm the one that will stand by her as she discovers who Lilah truly is.

Sadly, I can see my baby slipping away. For the boys, I tried to rush that stage, knowing that it would be a little easier on me the older they got. But with Lilah, I've tried to slow her down. Unfortunately, she won't have anything to do with that. There is not a question that the girl has a mind of her own. She helps me pick out her clothes, she cleans up, she gets her shoes for us, she'll take her plate from the table to the sink, she feeds Kasey, she brushes her teeth, and she climbs out of her booster seat. She'll say "Lilah" if you ask her her name. She's mastered saying "Noah", calls out "Dad!" often, and says "dadon" for Landon. If Kasey starts barking, she repeats "Kasey" until we go and see her. The other day we handed her something, and she said "cool". She's turning into a little girl-no longer a baby. I have to admit, it's a little harder on a mommy who isn't having any more babies.

So, I think I'll take time to hug on my cuddly pumpkin, and enjoy her while she still thinks I hung the moon--because a small part of me thinks that she's actually the one who got that moon in the sky. Don't tell her, though. I've got to make her think I'm tough. ;)

Sometimes It Snows in Georgia

Last week, we got about 3-4 inches of snow here. That's a good bit for Georgia and my Southern children. They enjoyed their play time, their snowmen, and their snowball fights. I should have taken more pictures, but I decided to just watch this time.

Lilah's first time in the snow. She had no idea what to think. She stood like this for a while.

But then she got used to it, and started walking around and playing.

My Noah

Snow doesn't stop Landon from riding his scooter.

My sweet snow girl.

What it looked like the next morning (already melting as I took the photo).

The snow came, and now it's gone. Spring, please come and take Winter's place. I'm done with this cold weather. ;)

Noah in 2010

Let's just say our Noah is still a lot of work. Full of personality, but he's still adding plenty of color to our black and white world. He makes me laugh often, yell too much, and wonder if we're getting the worst of it now versus his teenage years. Luckily, he seems to save this extra work for us and is very good at school. He actually isn't that bad--he's just full of surprises. For example, a couple of weeks ago, he took the tub of butter downstairs before we were even out of bed and proceeded to eat this butter with a knife--no bread, no biscuit, just butter. Last weekend, as we were leaving a restaurant, he tried to open the side door which immediately set off an alarm that could only be turned off by the manager. I'm pretty sure most of the restaurant knew when we were leaving. He is one of the loudest kids that I know--which he gets honestly, so I can't blame him for that one (uh-have you met Jason??? I don't think he will be working in a library any time soon). He's rough and tough and doesn't realize how big he is compared to his little sister. He still wants to do whatever Landon is doing and amazes us with the things he can do. He repeats everyone with the best of them and can remember a song after only hearing it a time or two. He still dresses up in his costumes and will stay that way all day. He still is our Noah.

What has changed this year is that my baby boy cuddles. He loves to cuddle with us, snuggle up like the little boy that he is. Finally! I had to wait almost three years, but it was worth it. He's good at it. I don't know what took him so long. Noah has also taken to learning so much more than he did last year. He can spell his name, knows more and more letters every day, can count higher and higher as time passes by, has got his colors down, and enjoys books like his brother. He loves school and seems to be doing well there. Each day he says something new that makes me realize how much he is truly learning.

He's growing so quickly. I feel like time is flying by, and Noah is the pilot. More than my other two, I feel like I'm going to miss something in his life. I can't seem to catch up to him. He is definitely a three year old with a desire for independence. He can shoot the dirtest of looks and hasn't quite learned the art of keeping his mouth shut when he should. Sometimes he tries to master temper-tantrum-throwing and doesn't always get "Noah, leave her alone". But that kid--he makes me feel full of life. I'm still drawn to him--his energy, his love, his boldness. I'm not sure we have always given him a fair shake as we've treated him the way he looks versus his actual age. But he doesn't seem to mind. He just takes us the way we are.

I love that kid. I love, love, love him. Thank God for his color in my world. It makes it go round.

Landon in 2010

I hesitated to start with Landon this year because I'm a little worried how it will come out. I can't say much about him right now that doesn't sound like a love-struck mother who is beyond proud of her first born. Our Landon started kindergarten this year--you know, real school. From 8am until 3:45pm, I have so little to do with his life. It was hard for me to adjust to at first, but I'm doing better--learning to let go a little bit at a time. He has thrived in elementary school. His reading development has floored me at times--reading at least a grade level ahead. I expected him to excel in math, but reading??? This Friday he took his second "timed" test. The kids are asked to read as many sight words as they can in one minute. Our kid read 87 words in one minute (the first time he read 70)! His mind blows me away. He's one of those kids who only needs to hear it once or twice, and he seems to know it. He has completely screwed it up for his brother and sister because he has spoiled Jason and me-we don't have to do much with him in regards to homework. We're thankful every day for his intelligence and natural ability to handle the school work that is presented to him.

My sweet boy has quite the fascination with girls this year. Much too early for my taste. I've realized that he is only getting the notion from the shows that he watches after school (Hannah Montana, iCarly, etc.), but it's very interesting to listen to him talk about these girls. He has had many girlfriends this year and will fake being sad about breaking up with said girls. Breaking up--really??? Quite the drama king. Like his father, he already has an appreciation for a pretty girl whether it's in "real life" or on TV. There was one night when he was watching TV with us, and he whispered in his daddy's ear "she's hot, right Dad?" when he saw Christina Aguilera. Let's just say Jason beamed. Tonight as we watched "Hope for Haiti", he commented that he thought Madonna "kinda looked good". He was in shock when I told him that she was in her 50s. Girl crazy at 6 years old?!?!? I think I'm in trouble.

My boy has grown up so much in the past year. He's gone from a little boy to a kid. I carry on conversations with him like I do a friend. He says 'dude' a lot and wants his hair long like his cousin Josh's. He responds with "yes sir " or "yes ma'am" without being reminded (well, without being reminded as much). We've lost him a few times to his DS (video game), but we really enjoy our game nights with him. That kid can play a mean game of UNO, Trouble, or Connect Four. He can work my iPod Touch like he was born with it in his hand, and he definitely doesn't need me when it comes to the computer. He plays well with his little brother, but they can also fight well together. His little sister is taken with him, and he still proves to be good to her. He is the big brother--taking time to teach his siblings a little something here and there. Tonight I sat in the background and listened to him work with Noah on his 'L's. Noah says "Wiwah" for Lilah, "Wandon" for Landon, etc. Landon patiently repeated his name, emphasized the "L", and cheered when Noah said it correctly. He's good to our little ones. He's really good.

With as much that has changed with him, an equal amount remains the same. He still loves football and sports and wants to know who you are cheering for. He is still a sensitive child who can get upset over a small thing. He continues to be quite competitive and wants to win. He's eager to learn but doesn't boast about his accomplishments. He remains our guinea pig and teaches us how to handle each new stage. He'll forever be paving a path for his younger siblings.

His eyelashes are still long. His smile still warms my heart. His hugs still give me chills. His sense of humor still shines bright. His forgiveness still makes me better. His affection, admiration, and trust still make me wonder if I'm worthy. And luckily, he still reminds me that I am.

Loving you always, LCS!

This is what you get on your birthday when you have a 6 year old. Notice the heart for the 'o'.

Sleeping Babies Always Make It Right

Last year I decided that I would write an entry for each of my children describing where they were and what changes had happened over the past year. Before we even rung in the New Year, I've been trying to wrap my brain around words that would not come. Last week I had it on my mental to do list to write down something that wasn't there yet. It was a week that I just didn't really want to be a mom. (Note: if you are someone that just gasped as you read that sentence, it's probably best you stop reading my blog altogether. I'm a realist for the most part, and I won't apologize for that.) I didn't want to pack a snack or make a lunch for school. I didn't feel like doing homework with my son or figure out what was for dinner. I was tired of laundry and cleaning up after a family. I had to force myself to worry about how many vegetables and fruits the kids ate, and believe me, I was DONE changing dirty diapers (Lilah's virus has over stayed its welcome). The kids were not bad. In fact, they have been pretty well behaved besides a tantrum here and there from a certain three year old (a repeat of his older brother's at that same age). It wasn't the kids who made me not want to be mommy last week. It just happens once and a while.

When that first child enters into the world, a woman takes on the most amazing role of her life; however, at that exact same moment, she loses a little piece of herself. Her identity. You become Landon's mom, Noah's mom, Lilah's mom. Almost every week of the year, that's the best role in the world. I have been asked "are you Landon's mom?" and I proudly answer "yes!" Really--I'm lucky enough to have that title?!?!? It's a treasured one--believe me, I can never write how much the word "mom" means to me. But, there are times when I think that maybe I wasn't made to do this. I day dream about the pre-child days and the freedom that I no longer have. I think of a quiet car ride and a house that stays clean for over an hour. I remember a time when it really didn't matter what was for dinner, and homework was something I had last worried about in college. I remember what it was like to just be responsible for me.

And then---it happens.

This time it worked like this. We stayed at my parents' this past weekend for a night, and when a very late bedtime was upon us, the feeling hit beyond belief. All three of my precious children were tucked in tight in one room. Our tall 6 year old was almost asleep in the twin bed by the window. Our forever growing three year old occupied the twin next to the wall. And our sweet but attitude-filled girl was curled up in the crib close to the door. I sang to them my two songs of love, and then it happened. The feeling. The overwhelming feeling that the only thing that mattered in this world was being a mother to the children of my best friend and husband. Today I enjoyed a car ride full of questions. Today I thought there was little better than sitting in a pew with kids to keep quiet during mass. Today I loved eating in a restaurant at a table set for five. Today I easily dealt with a child that just couldn't go to sleep. Today I remembered that the most important identity for me right now is motherhood. And I liked it. No, I loved it.

So, in the next week or two (as time allows), I will post the entries about my children because let's face it, sleeping babies always make it right.

Christmas 2009

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season again this year despite Lilah being sick Christmas Eve/Christmas from midnight until 4am. She's still not feeling that great, but luckily, we've been able to have fun anyway. Here are pictures from the past couple of weeks...

Rudy, our visiting elf, got Frosty and the holiday moose up in the middle of the night to play a game of Trouble. Crazy Rudy.

Noah talking with Santa who visited his school.
The Christmas program at Noah's school.

Jason looking through the calendar Landon made us. I had to take pictures because I started tearing up.

Noah helping Lilah opening her a present.

Noah playing with his remote motorcycle.

I would have been happy if she was my only gift.

Kasey opening her gift. She was all about it.

Ah, she finally got her teeth on it.

Lilah with our cousin Krystal

Pops and his grandchildren

Krystal, Carolyn, Brian, Josh, Kyle, Chris, Pops, Kenny, Jason

HO HO HO

You can barely hear her, but listen carefully and Lilah will tell you what Santa says...