4 years old!

My 4 year old Boo,

This year Mommy is digging in her heels. There is no way you are 4! That seems like such a big girl. But as I watch you laugh and talk and pretend play and roller skate and ride your bike, I am reminded that you getting to be a big girl. I will give you that.

This year has been a full one! Since your last birthday, we have moved, you started preschool, and then switched to another preschool! You have remained absolutely constant! With only a few small hiccups, you transitioned like a champ. As much as you love your routine, you also enjoy new adventures and new friends.

This year for your birthday you had your first "friend" party. You were gracious and inviting to each of your friends and I was so proud. And then at your family party, you were joyful and gracious again! I LOVE the way you open presents, enjoying each one! 

This coming year will be 4K, 3 days a week. I am truly excited to see what you will learn because you love to learn. Your teachers always say what an engaged and intelligent little girl you are. And all I can think is that you have always been that way. On your first day of life, you had your eyes open and you were checking everyone out. People noticed right away.

I love you, baby girl. Being your mom is such a gift from God. I know He put us together to grow and love. And then he gave us your sister to take care of and enjoy! Your dad and I wouldn't have it any other way. What a wonderful family we have!

Your Mama

A toast to my only sister

I could not be more humbled to be standing here today, as the matron of honor and Carrie’s older sister, Katie, to honor Carrie and Kevin and stand next to them as they begin this journey of marriage together. Thank you all for coming!

Kevin, as I thought about what to share with you I settled on this…thoughts on marrying a Lullo woman. I polled the men in our family and got a few thoughts. Though we are each uniquely different, there are a few things that we hold in common.

1)      We are not shy about our opinions.

a.       Pro: You will always know what is on our minds.

b.      Con: You will always know what is on our minds.

2)      We remember everything.

a.       Pro: You will never forget a commitment, birthday or special memory.

b.      Con: We don’t forget anything. And I mean anything.

3)      We are fiercely loyal.

a.       Pro: You will always know that you have someone on your side.

b.      Con: Don’t even think of breathing a bad word about our family, even if you are just repeating something we just said.

4)      We love with everything we have.

a.       Pro: You will never be without our utmost devotion.

b.      Con: I’m pretty sure there is not one.

And Jerry wanted to be sure to add this: Don’t mess with the brother!

Kevin, as Carrie’s big sister, I have been amazed at your ability to put Carrie’s needs and dreams before your own. You are humble and gentle in spirit and I couldn’t be happier to have you as my brother-in-law.

Carrie. You look stunning and radiate true joy. I am so proud of you for waiting until the right man made his appearance in your life.

Thank you for inviting me into this day to stand beside you. It really is an honor and a privilege. This stage of our lives is so sweet to walk together as sisters, but more importantly, friends.  God chose to put us together in this family, and only time has revealed why.

My all time favorite memories with you and our whole family is when we would get just a bit overtired, and the laughing would start. We would try to stop the giggles but sometimes they would go on and on until someone would let out just the smallest toot and then we would lose it all together.

Between the two of us, we were the keepers of the rules. When we shared a room in California, there was always a clear definition of where your half stopped and started. Unfortunately for me, you had the half with the door and somehow I believed that when you drew the line down the center of the room, I could no longer leave.

But even through all of our pushing and prodding and let’s face it, fighting, we loved each other deeply. The pride I felt when you stepped on the ice was exhilarating. And when you were hooded for your PhD, I cried like a baby.

And today we stand together as wives. We are so blessed to have incredible examples of what a wife is to go before us. Not one would claim to have it right, but I’d say they are pretty darn close.

As I think about what you and Kevin will face in the years to come, I will share with you what Grandma Carpenter shared with me. She told me that the love she felt for Grandpa was stronger and sweeter the older she got. I may have only 6 years into this marriage business, but I would already agree. Know that the love you feel right now will go through its fair share of hard times, some desperately hard. But know this, the love you feel will only grow more true and real with time.

Please raise your glass: To Kevin and Carolyn: may your love age into a love that grows sweeter and truer with time.

On your second birthday, Nora!

My sweetheart,

I love you more than my tongue can tell. And that is an understatement. My heart nearly bursts with love for you.

This last year has been an incredibly tumultuous one for our family. I am so grateful I have had your face to wake up to every morning. With your big sister in school, we have had more time to just be together. Tumbling class, library, wiggle room...what a blast with you!

Your personality is incredible! You are fun, maybe a bit mischievous, but always a joy to have around. At the age of 2, you are already making people laugh, and you are doing it on purpose. That is a gift, sweet child. We didn't know how much we needed you in our house.

It is my absolute joy to be your mother. I love to show you off. You are smart and chatty. At your doctor's appointment yesterday, the doctor said you are advanced in your talking skills. You don't have to tell us that!

We pray for you constantly. For your safety. For your sleep patterns. For your development. For your friendships.

My prayer for you always will be to know your Abba. I want you to know Him intimately as your Heavenly Father. I want you to desire Him above all else. I want you to always see yourself and the world through His eyes.

And somehow, in my heart, I think you already do. May you never lose that. Ever.

I love you up to the sky, to the moon, and the stars...and all the way back.

Love,
Mama

summer going-ons

 

ccoloring...check

one of my bff"s getting engaged...check!

children's museum...check!

clean-up your sis...check!

 

major nose bonk...check!

 

purple cowboy boots...check!

walks...check!

up north...check!

family reunion...check!

 

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On her way

It was a big summer for little Miss Annabelle. She took swim class, went to VBS, and played to her heart's content. But fall is fast approaching. And when you turn 3, that means preschool! Annabelle is going to a simple, 2-day a week, park and rec, preschool. She will love it!

It also means that I get to continue a long-standing Lullo tradition. Pre-school shopping date with Mom. My memories of these dates with my own mom are etched in my memory and the time along with her still makes me feel special. I have been waiting for this day for awhile now and couldn't wait to give her some one-on-one attention. And I had a fun surprise lunch planned for her at the end.

Annabelle picked out as much pink and purple and Hello Kitty as she could for her first day. And, with a little encouragement from her mom, an adorable headband.

On our way in to Macy's!

She insisted on sitting with Abe outside of the mall. (which only begs the question...what is Abe doing outide the mall?)

Getting silly before our special lunch...

I took my big girl out for hibachi (thank you, Groupon). She was not a huge fan of the fire, but loved watching him cook our food. It was such a sweet memory for me because we were the only ones at our table!

Miso Soup!

Fire...

Hiding out (reminding me that she's still a little girl)

In the end, it was a huge success. I love this girl more than chocolate ice cream with cherries on top. And sometimes it takes days like this for me to step back and truly cherish her. She is so smart and definitely beautiful. She notices everything! She is aware of all that is going on around her and loves to process it all externally (no idea where she gets that from!).

I held back tears several times this morning. I love that she's growing up. And I'm so proud of who she is becoming.

 

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Happy 3rd.

Annabella-boo,

Another birthday. 3. For weeks you have been saying, "I turn 3 in June!" And today, when people asked, you said, confidently, "3"!

I love to sit down and reflect on you on your birthday. 3 is a big year! You are signed up for classes without mommy this summer... and preschool begins in the fall. You are so ready. You have incredible social skills, though at random moments, your shy side comes out. As we approach these new steps of independence, ones that I am ready to send you on, I realize just how much we have been together. And I am so grateful. I have been able to watch you through all of your "firsts" and I have been able to watch you develop every step of the way. You are my constant companion. As you have gotten older, I have so appreciated our little "chats".

You are developing into a "big sister"...all the good and sassy. You are starting to include Nora in your activities, asking her to come with you...at times, demanding she come with you. She loves to play by your side..at times, irritating the snot out of you. I am so happy you have her to grow up with, though I know it won't always be easy.

You love to read and read and read. To yourself, to others, to me. And your reading skills are developing. You are recognizing more and more letters...you impress me.

Mostly, I just love you. Though our alone time together is infrequent, it is some of my sweetest memories of the last 6 months.

Little girl, 3 years ago we welcomed you into our family. You have made me better, even at your sassiest. I look ahead to the next year with excitement and anticipation. I look back at the year behind with amazement and pride. These toddler/preschool years are tough, but worth all the pain.

I still pray often and fervently that you will grow into a loving and giving child of God. Grace on you my girl. Grace and peace.

Love you more than my tongue can tell,
Mama

In between baby and toddler

Today she held my hand. This may not seem like much to some moms, but to this mom, it's everything. 

My children are not hand holders or cuddlers. My husband and I aren't really that way, and our kids, even when they were babies, weren't much for cuddling. 

So when they do, time stands still.

We went for a walk. Not far. Just toward the trains. We could hear them clickety-clacking down the tracks at the end of our road, so Annabelle felt that a walk was in order. She's so independent that she walks at least 3 driveways ahead of you.

But Nora is slow. No matter how quickly she shuffles those legs or how hard she pushes out her belly, she is behind. And as her mama, I lag behind with her. 

I reached out my hand to her, and slowly, she wrapped her pudgy fingers around my index finger. I dared not look at her or the moment might just be stolen from me. 

With the sun setting behind us, I could see our shadows. The stark difference in height just made my heart brim over with joy at the thought of the determined look on her face as she was careful over each crack in the sidewalk. 

Today she stayed mostly on course, trying desperately to keep up with "sissy". Usually bending down to dig her finger into an ant hill or curving off into the grass, today we walked together in a straight line. 

The moment didn't last long as Annabelle got impatient and came back looking for us. For a split second, she grabbed my open hand and we walked three across. I literally held my breath. All the thoughts of the lack of sleep, navigating discipline issues, budgets, cleaning, and the crying...all of that faded. I only thought of their hands - Nora holding on to just one of my fingers, Annabelle able to hold my hand now. Straight hair, curly hair. Brunette, blonde. Blue eyes. Both just babies, still. 

And before it started, it was over. Annabelle wanted to hold Nora's hand, which Nora wanted nothing to do with. Annabelle exerted her superiority with a good squeeze and pull. Nora turned around and headed for home while Annabelle darted the other way. All ending in tears as I directed them both the direction we needed to go. 

But no one and nothing can take those brief moments away. My babies are growing up, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But I am trying my hardest to not let moments like those get away without at least a second to reflect on them. 

Recent goings-on

 

Finally playing in the sun!

Soaking each other.

Annabelle's new chore chart...helps mommy as much as it helps Annabelle!

Playing "dress-up"

Eating lunch in the house before all our stuff came over.

The "trailer" that arrived with all of our stuff!

Annabelle helping Nora take her shoes off

My beautiful birthday card and mug from my girls.

Just being beautiful

Watching the trains at the end of the street. Annabelle doesn't like when they stop!

 

Got my hair chopped!

 

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Life in the fast lane

My dad has been singing this song to me since I was very little. And the lyrics couldn't be more fitting as they have been the last 3 weeks.

Joel lost his job. And it hit us, as I'm sure it does anyone, like a ton of bricks. We were reeling. What direction should we go? Where should we live? What should we do? Should I look for work? Should we move in with my parents in Chicago?

Joel began to question his career path, considering sales, insurance, custom furniture.

Along the way, we had glimpses of promise. Within days, Joel had a job offer from his old company. But it would have been another move far from anyone we know, and we made a choice to stay put for the time being.

Then we would get blind-sided. The owners of the home we were meant to purchase wanted to take us to court. Thankfully, after weeks of wrangling, all has settled down.

And then, life began to move at lightning speed! Joel received a job offer from a local company. We accepted joyfully and began to look on Craigslist for a place to rent. Within 24 hours, we had keys in hand to a cute little ranch, with a 4 month minimum lease! We couldn't have planned it better ourselves. Within days, we were moved in, and mostly, unpacked. It is amazing how quickly things can change.

The hardest part of the journey: our wrestling with God. Joel felt called to West Bend and it was a hard blow when we realized that some of the doors we saw closing on houses became clear with him losing his job. So, we questioned, why?

I am not sure we will ever know. We lost sanity and a few dollars in all the transactions. Joel travelled and missed time with us. We sold our home. But I can't tell you how grateful we are feeling now. West Bend never charmed us and we were not sad to be able to stay with our friends and family in the Fox Valley.

This scripture gave me comfort as we wrestled through those days.

Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better? -Matthew 7:7-11 (Message)

He is even better. We just don't always see His plan. Grateful, only now as we look back, for all that we have learned in this process. It was painful and gut-wrenching and I never want to go through it again. But grateful for the understanding we gained in the process.

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Facebook perfect family

On paper, or Facebook, it can appear that I have the perfect family, perfect children. And I want to clear that up right away.

Nope, no way. Not a freaking chance.

Right before all the food went on the floor

I post pictures and stories of my children because they bring me joy and I know I have family and friends that love watching my girls grow up. I tend to neglect the stories of temper tantrums, sibling rivalry, thrown food, missed milestones, and tears that go on forever. From the girls and me. I refuse to drag my Facebook community through that. I'm sure they have plenty of that in their own lives.

 

My kids both suck their thumbs

But I also don't want anyone to think things here are easy. It has been an incredibly difficult few months. I have yelled at my girls more than I like to admit. My girls have struggled to understand all the change around them. It is so hard when we don't know when, or if, the girls will see daddy every night. Joel spends 2.5 hours in the car every day. We have snapped at each other. We have snapped at the girls.

Some days we are barely holding it together.

The moments that get posted to Facebook make the other moments manageable.

Nora doesn't like when she gets hugs from Annabelle, which doesn't happen that often anyway

My children are about as normal as they come. One step forward, one step back. Huge accomplishments, big setbacks.

My parenting is about as normal as it comes. I don't read parenting books. I don't always remember to pray for them, with them, or before meals. My discipline can be inconsistent. Right now, the girls are watching Netflix.

The bright light they're staring at was playing princess movies

I have always promised to be honest with my parenting. That is what my mom taught me. It is okay to say sorry. I have a feeling I will be saying that to my girls for the rest of their lives. And that is good news. I want to be the perfect parent, the perfect family. But the reality is I am not, and we are not, and that is a heavy burden that I don't want to bear.

Instead, my girls will learn that perfection isn't possible or necessary.

So, Facebook friends and family, please don't ever assume that we have anything figured out. We love our girls to the best of our ability in the moment we are in. And we pray for grace upon grace.

 

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Potty Training

Let's be clear about 2 things from the beginning. I do not claim to be an expert on potty training, and my daughter has always proven to transition well. I can not take credit for that.

With those things out of the way, here's my story.

I had a baby. Well, 2, but that's beside the point. When my oldest was 19 months, my youngest was born. At that time it seemed like all of my oldest's friends' moms were beginning to talk about potty training...at 19 months! I stated firmly and repeatedly, "I'm just not ready for that and neither is she". Okay, mostly I wasn't ready to take her to the bathroom every 30 minutes while trying to feed the other one every 2 hours.

So, the extent of our potty training came down to buying her a potty (around 18 months) and putting it where she could see it in the bathroom. (I did stash some Elmo underpants away, just in case). Over the next year, she peed in it a couple times and pooped once...all mostly by accident. We were determined not to potty train until we felt like she was truly ready (helpful advice from a very wise lady I like to call "mom").

About the time the baby was 9 months old, my husband took a new job about an hour and 15 minutes away and began commuting while we attempted to sell our house.

Our house sold (thank God) and with no house on the horizon, we began to pack up for a move to my father-in-law's house. That is conversation for another day.

One evening, my daughter was asking a lot of questions about the potty. She clearly knew what it was for, but was unsure about it's exact place in her life. The next morning I woke up with a vague thought to potty train her. And so it happened, as it often does in my life, that the day had arrived.

I had heard stories of friends potty training their kids and was not looking forward to it. I had also heard of just putting them in underpants and letting her guide the process. Seeing as how I don't like charts and anything very difficult, and I only had 3 days before our house was to be overcome by boxes, I determined to do it.

When she woke up, I surprised her with her new underpants and off we went. We had wood floors, a bucket full of towels, and blind-stupidity. And somehow, it worked! I spent the first day and a half following her around with a stopwatch and the potty. After only a few accidents, I realized she got it. The stopwatch became a source of contention, so I let it go. After that, I did remind her often, but didn't force her to sit down unless we needed to go somewhere (which we didn't do for 3 days) or she was walking around on tiptoes (her tell-tale sign she needed to go).

Yes, we had pee on the floor. Yes, we had poop in the underwear. But since we started, I can count the number of times this happened on my hands.

She was ready, even though she never said so. I just knew my kid well enough to know that she was smart enough to get it.

It was definitely not easy. She is still in pull-ups at nap and bedtime (and I have no thoughts as to when we will begin to phase that out, but I'm hoping to live in my own house by then). Both mom and daughter have had good cries and a few meltodowns (yes, both of us). But, it is done.

And, as often her around our house, "Annabelle, do you need to go potty?".

Her favorite response, "Nope, not quite yet."

To Nora, on your 1st birthday

To my baby girl,

As you turn one year old, all I can think is, thank God.

Thank God you are here. You were a gift from the start and your first year has brought so much joy. Sometimes I even call you my joy-bucket. You just overflow with sweetness.

When you wake up from sleep, and I go in your room, I am met with a smile and your arms waving wildly. That is how you approach life. Joyful and excited.

And yet when I pick you up, you tuck your arms in and lay your head on my shoulder.

That doesn't last long. You let nothing stop you and have already figured out how to climb the stairs, drink from your sister's cups, and have taken a few steps. But it is your "zombie" crawl that lights up everyone's faces.

Thank God for you, my little sweetness. You crawl over to me and snuggle your head into my lap. You hold on tight to my arm in unfamiliar circumstances. You giggle with delight when Annabelle wakes up from a long nap. You march. You tickle your own belly. You clink glasses and love when we yell "cheers". You love life and people.

You make people happy.

And I love you. You are hysterical, joyful, energetic, sweet, sassy, smart, and loving. You love your sister with an unwavering heart no matter what. You make your way into the middle of her space and demand her attention, and her love. You are also over the moon about your daddy. There is nothing sweeter in the world than your smile for him.

Little lady, I am so blessed to have you as my baby. I will hold you as tightly as you'll let me for as long as you'll allow.

My prayer for you as that you will fall passionately in love with your Father and serve Him with all your joy and energy. He loves you more than I do. And I'm not sure it's possible to fathom how much that could be.

Happy 1 year, Nora! I love you. Mama.

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Perspective

With the decision for Joel to take a job in West Bend came a whirlwind week of getting the house ready and loads of differing emotions. He quit one job, we skipped a Christmas party to attend his new work Christmas party, we baked Christmas cookies with Grammy, painted the basement, cleaned the house from top to bottom, had 2 showings for the house, and visited Santa. Between all these things, I had a couple good cries, and to be totally honest, a bad attitude. Though we believe God has lead us to this decision, since then, I have been a baby. Appleton has become my home. I will try to blog sometime in the future about that.

Thankfully, God is faithful, even when you are acting like a baby. Here are the 2 messages He has given to me in the last 24 hours.

1) He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whether in Appleton or West Bend. No matter what kinds of churches they have or don't have. With or without our amazing small group community. He doesn't change.

2) While making waffles with an excited toddler this morning, I realized there will always be this. Warm waffles, coffee, apple slices. And for a little while longer, baby toes, sippy cups, and a few meltdowns to go with it. Nora is crossing milestones off her list as quickly as I can cross them off in the baby book. Annabelle can hold a conversation with you. I don't want to miss these years with worry about a future I can't control.

So, here's to memories in the midst of the seemingly endless chaos. And here's to His strength before I have taken too much time trying to use all of mine.

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60 years

To anyone who knows my dad, please don't share this with him. I will share it with him at his party next weekend.

 

Dear Dad,

As part of the festivities in celebration of your 60th, we were supposed to think about memories. And, as your oldest daughter, I have too many to count.

But as I was reminiscing today, I kept being drawn to the same idea. I have always known that I was Daddy's little girl, but I never once thought I was daddy's little princess.

Don't get me wrong. I was spoiled. Before the cabbage patch doll even made it to America, I had one. Every Christmas, the tree was overwhelmed by a stack of gifts for each of us. I have been to Italy, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, cruises, Disney, and so much more.

And I always knew I was loved by my daddy-boy. I knew he was the man that would take care of me and be by my side for each new stage of my life.

But thank God, I never considered that I would be daddy's princess. Princesses are waited on hand and foot and never learn to care for themselves. You taught me hard work and risks. You taught me about how to correctly handle money. You taught me how to stand up for myself in a work environment that you probably could have fixed for me. Because of you, I have never been in debt to anyone except you. Though, as a younger girl this may not have been true, I have never felt entitled to anything. You helped me navigate my way through buying my first home, always keeping me focused on what I could afford, not what I wanted to afford. I am a strong, confident woman. And without the love and guidance of my daddy, that would not have been possible.

At every major milestone, you were there, proud of me. The day you dropped me off at college, I will never forget the tears in your eyes as you kissed me goodbye.

And the big one, my wedding day. You made all my dreams come true. And on that day, I knew I could relax and enjoy because you would handle everything. You honored the people who were important to me, you made everyone feel welcome, and most importantly, you made me feel beautiful. I remember standing with you outside those church doors. Anxious as the music played. I took your arm as you led me toward my husband. I didn't dare look too closely at you.

The sweetest moment of all came when you picked out our dance music. Butterfly kisses. You made me feel so special by keeping it a surprise. I tear up now just thinking about it.

Daddy's little girl. And now, Papa's princesses. Annabelle and Nora will always know they are Papa's princesses. And as it should be. Spoil them. Overdue everything. Let loose and dance. Watching you with my daughters is a gift. They adore you and I know the feeling is mutual.

Of course there are the funny stories that we tell over and over again. Our flight to Prague. The first time you met Joel. The music-guessing game I always failed. How about the time I replaced the cord on my dryer and had to hang up on you?! I'm pretty sure you thought I was dead.

You have navigated some tough times recently, and I have had the chance to see your heart. You are loyal and true. You work hard to ensure that everyone has a voice in our family. Thank you.

But one of the most important lessons I have learned from you, and from mom, is commitment. Your marriage may not always be perfect, but I have never doubted your commitment. As the years have turned into decades, you are still there, navigating life together. Thank you isn't enough for the example you have been to me. In a culture that doesn't honor commitment, I have a solid foundation to build my marriage on. I can't express how much worth this has to me.

The best part? The journey continues. More celebrations are to come. Christmases and birthdays. Vacations and trips to the zoo. Swinging. Eating ice cream and pancakes.

My Dad.

My girls' Papa.

Happy 60th birthday! I love you more than words can express.

Forever Daddy's little brown-eyed girl, Your Kate-Lynn

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Sitting

For the first time in a week, I sat down. I truly sat down.

I leaned my head back, grasped my lukewarm coffee cup in both hands and listened. The sound of pages flipping, the hum of the monitor, and Pandora. I gave myself a short rest. No thoughts of discipline, runny noses, laundry, poopy diapers, or prepping for our next adventure.

I closed my eyes. My daughter, my beloved 2 year old, was quiet. She was mumbling the words to her favorite books, but she was quiet.  No "help me, Mom". No "No, Mama". No tears. No direct defiance. She was doing the activity that had sustained us since the baby was born, but the activity she had neglected in recent weeks.

With her brown bucket to her right, the pile of books on her left kept growing as she paged through each one.

I knew there was snot running down her face, and I knew that pile of books was a battle of wills about to happen, but I sat in the quietness for as long as I could.

Moments later, she emerged, face as I assumed it would be, smelling a little rank, carrying a fly swatter. But I did my best to focus on her eyes. They are beautiful. She is beautiful.

As a friend of mine reminded me recently, "This is all developmentally appropriate. We are helping them to become secure, independent little people."

And on days that I have hard time remembering that, God's grace is sufficient. Even for me.

Favorite stories of late - Big sister

It's definitely been awhile, but at the end of July, we went on vacation with the Lullo family. And it was everything we hoped it would be. Restful, beachy, family time, and lots of kid time. Days were spent back and forth to the beach and nights were spent around the dinner table and at the local ice cream shop, Oinks.

And a week with Annabelle in a different environment, brought with it many stories.

We found out, though we may have known before, that Annabelle loves to swim. And I mean LOVES to swim. We eventually made her wear a life jacket because she has no fear in the water. She wanted to go out in the water as far as humanly possible without drowning. She quickly learned the phrase "too deep!" And the thing most likely heard out of Annabelle's mouth, "Lemme go!"

Leaving the beach was always a challenge. Between all our stuff and the fact that Annabelle couldn't really walk through the sand too far, it was always a little trying. Auntie Carrie was carrying Annabelle and suddenly, Auntie Carrie was laughing. Annabelle had said something funny, but my sister refused to tell me what she had said. Turns out Auntie Carrie taught Annabelle her first swear word. The little girl had some gas and Auntie Carrie knew that the diaper Annabelle was wearing didn't offer much protection. So she exclaimed "oh crap, kid!" To which Annabelle replied with, "oh crap, kid".

But my favorite Annabelle moment was not one a mom should be proud of. And proud is probably not the way I would say it. But I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. See, I was putting Annabelle to bed. We have quite the routine and it is virtually the same every night. Stories, devotion, prayers, then I get up, kiss her, and leave. As I was getting to the kiss her part, I said "I am so proud of you. You were such a good girl today." And I meant it. Her reply? With her thumb never leaving her mouth, she smacked me. Square in the nose. In shock and for fear of laughing in her face, I told her we don't hit and immediately left the room. I will never, ever forget that moment. It was hysterical.

A few other things I never want to forget:
- She calls a computer a "pacutor".
- Blimp is "ba-limp"
- If you ask her to count, her first response will be "1,7,11"
- She is starting to show some sweet love to her sister. She loves to get teething toys for her. And there have been a few times that I have caught her playing near her, and a few more times that she has read her stories.
- On the flip side, we are already hearing "No Nora" because Nora REALLY wants to touch her. And Nora's funny story, when Annabelle cries or whines, Nora laughs :)

Nora's growing up

Yesterday, Nora and I made this video to show off some of her new skills to our family that is at a distance.

http://youtu.be/Eju7wAINnds


She has been laughing like this for a couple of days and it cracks us all up. Also, in the last week and a half, her two bottom teeth have emerged.

As you can see from the video, she is sitting up all by herself. And yesterday, when she was laying on her belly, she got up on all fours by herself! Yikes! Time to start re-baby proofing the house. She is eating more solids (went through a phase where she was terrible at it and uninterested).

Mostly, she is just the sweetest little honey. I am proud of the little person she is becoming. She loves people and isn't afraid of anyone. Good thing, too, because the fall is coming and she will be going to childcare on Wednesday mornings while this mom is at Bible study.

I will try to post more on the big sister later. She is a trip lately. Some good, some bad. As a teaser...two nights ago we were at a friends house for dinner. When we sat her at the table, she looked at me and said "give me some food." oh boy!

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The neighborhood

Children attract children. And in our neighborhood, that is especially true.

I purchased our home when I was still single, almost 8 years ago. Marrying Joel did this house a world of good! If you haven't been here since he took over, you would be amazed. 

And with the addition of children came the addition of children's toys. As Annabelle got older and Nora came, we realized we needed some outdoor things for Annabelle to enjoy. So this spring, Joel built a swing set. Two kids swings and a toddler swing. Nothing fancy but still beautifully built. 

(right after the swing set was built)

And they started to come. Maybe it's that we were spending more time outside, but within days of Joel putting the swing set up, we had a backyard full of kids. One day, it was me, the girls, 2 3rd graders, a 2nd grader, a kindergartner, and another 2 year old.  

Now, keep in mind, our backyard is what some would refer to as a "postage stamp". And that is being generous. 

But God is teaching me a lot through this. First of all, it has really been great getting to know my neighbors. We have a family behind us that is really sweet and has a 2 year old that plays very well with Annabelle. Two days ago, after dinner, Parker and Annabelle ended up in the baby pool before Wendy (Parker's mom) and I could stop them. They were fully clothed.

(Parker and Annabelle - appropriately dressed in their bathing suits)

But the hard lessons are coming with a few children who live across the street. In the 8 years I've been here, I have had little to no interaction with their parents. And even though 2 of their children spend a significant time in our yard, they still have spoken little more than a few sentences to us. They are very nice kids, but with very little guidance. 

No boundaries and no supervision means that we have had to draw some boundaries over here. The kids know they have to ask before they can play in our yard (though it's really a formality). But more than once, KS (who is 8) and KR (who is 9) have asked to have dinner at our house. And one afternoon, KS rang our doorbell twice in 2 hours to see if Annabelle could play. She is 2. 

Every day my heart breaks a little bit more. And I am reminded of how much God loves these children. And, the harder part, their moms. 

God's Word says to "Love your neighbor as yourself". For some of our neighbors, that is easy. And for others, it is the true test of our faith. Are we really willing to love those who are so different than us in such a significant way?