sweet little boy

This little guy has got me by the heartstrings. He is all sweetness!

Rockin' the faux hawk

Eyelashes a mile long

A smile that just melts my heart

swinging away

With the warm weather, we decided to pull out the hammock for its 2009 Inaugural Swing:

ahh...sleep

Somebody slept a six-hour and then a four-hour stretch last night! Praise the Lord for uninterrupted sleep!

Off on some adventure this glorious Spring day...

sibs

Maddie Sam



Maddie Sam

27 months

Dear Miss Maddie,

As I type these words tonight, you are upstairs, freshly bathed and fast asleep, after what was a long day for both of us. It seems you've caught another cold, and with the 2-year molars cutting through in the back, well, it makes sense that you're not your usual self. Still spunky but with a bit of sassy and a whole lot o' stinker mixed in. 

For the most part, you continue to be one of the most agreeable, delightful and hilarious people I know. One of your key phrases from the past month is, "That's funny, Mom?," as you are constantly looking to amuse me. When you enter a room, it lights up with the joy, laughter and enthusiasm you bring. You are contagious, in the best way possible. Your Daddy told me just the other day that no matter how long he's been away, his heart still leaps in his chest whenever you call his name and run to him. 

We've dubbed you "The Director," as you have entered the stage of telling those around you what to do and how to do it. Not bossy, per se, but lovingly directive. You like to be in control, know what you want, and have your ways of making it known. You do NOT like to be told "No," and have many rebuttal responses to my disciplinary measures. It is exhausting, to tell you the truth. You have the potential to be a very powerful debater or world leader, or perhaps the recipient of 2nd grade "bossy cards," like your mother.

You are physically capable in every way. At the playground, you are a sight to behold as you scale ladders, swing from bars, spin around, swing, run, jump and twirl. You can practically dress yourself, from head to toe, hats to shoes. You love to pick out your own outfits and most days can be found decked out in princess regalia, twirling around as your cousins taught you. 

And you are fast. Your little legs can really move now, taking you in any direction in a hurry. This has been somewhat of a struggle as you've learned to run away. At home, when it's time to wash your face--not such a big deal. At the park, in the opposite direction, when I'm holding the baby--big deal. So far none of my disciplinary measures have worked. Not even the threat of taking away your princess dresses. 

You are still my girly girl, always asking for necklaces, bracelets, dresses, and never without your trusty lip gloss. A girl just can never have too much lip gloss. This month we painted your toenails for the first time, and you amazed me as you sat perfectly still not only for the painting, but for minutes afterward as you let them dry. You have your own unique style, not afraid to pair tutus with rain boots, sweatpants with sparkles

Another first this month: gum. You swallowed your first piece but after an explanation as to why you couldn't chew gum until you proved you could handle it without swallowing. The next day you informed me you were "ready to chew gum like a big girl." You've yet to swallow another piece! That's the thing about you, sweetheart, you can really do something when you put your mind to it.

The recent news has given us pause, as we will never be able to read another story of abuse or abduction without tearing up, without saying a silent prayer of protection over you, our treasured child. By nature you are sweet and inviting and affectionate and outgoing, greeting everyone with a "hello" and quick to learn names and make friends. At some point we will have to teach you about danger and strangers and it makes me sad to think about squelching your loving personality. I pray that you will always be quick to befriend, looking for people who need love and care, reaching out in the way only you can, with a measure of caution.

I'm so proud to be your mama, both on the good and bad days. You continue to keep me on my toes with your jokes, out-of-this-world reasoning capabilities, quick feet and never-ending curiosity. Thank you for teaching me such great joy and endless patience.

Love,

Mama

Happy Easter!

Maddie was very excited about the eggs with chocolate inside

(more m&ms for the potty training incentive program)

my handsome little man, fast asleep

wearing monogrammed polo, corduroy vest, jeans and brown wingtips

oh my goodness, the absolute cuteness

Maddie spots her Easter presents hiding way up high

Maddie is now fully prepared for summer!

Swimsuit, sun hat, goggles, flip flops, sand toys and lip gloss...

Thank you Target!

one month

Little Buddy, 

How can it be that you are already one month old? I feel as though time has flown by, even though the wee hours seem to creep by. You just arrived, but you have completely taken over my heart. Just this week you smiled at me for the first time, an intentional smile, eyes locked with mine, as the grin started with raised eyebrows and worked its way from the left corner of your mouth to the right, lighting up your whole face. When the moment was over I realized I had been holding my breath in sheer delight.

Speaking of delight, your big sister is totally enamored with you. She loves you with great big loves, and any time your face is in range she covers it with kisses. As a matter of fact, I've noticed your little head smelling more and more like saliva as none of us can stop kissing you! Maddie is always looking for ways to make you happy, talking to you in a sweet voice as your eyes scan the room for her face. Next to Mama, I think you are most interested in that sing-songy voice that is always going and never far away.

You continue to have a sweet and mellow disposition, crying only when hungry or uncomfortable. Like your sister was as a newborn, you too are incredibly noisy. Every night since you've been born, you've spent the wee hours grunting, groaning, and "singing," keeping a tired Mama entertained but awake. It's just your way, to be a noisy little guy, and even when we moved you far down the hall to your own bed, I could hear you loud and clear. At least this way I don't ever worry that you've stopped breathing. And before I know it, the grunting will be gone and I'll miss it, crazy as that is.

Our lives have been enriched by your presence, a constant reminder of the miraculous power of God, who listens to the prayers of his people. There was a time when we worried about you, when a routine ultrasound showed some concerning findings. But our God is good, so good to not only give us peace and discernment in the moment, but to completely remove all problems and restore you to perfect health. And this day each breath you take, each movement you make--they are all miracles. As the worship song says, "we are breathing the breath that you gave us to breathe, to worship you." With each little inhale and exhale we declare the God of creation who reached down to bless us with you, Samuel Benjamin.

We love you,

Mama, Daddy & big sister Maddie

Happy Spring!

Some (might I say) darling pictures I took after church today:

Maddie is all smiles

She adores her little brother

and we even got one with Samuel's eyes open! 

I am in absolute love with these two. Maddie is loving, gentle and sweet with her baby brother. Even in moments where she is craving Mama's attention, she will say "Put Samuel over there and read me this book, please, Mama." Sweet little Samuel has started tracking her as she moves around him, and following her voice around the room.

In just four weeks, our lives have been turned upside down with the arrival of our little buddy. But he is mellow and one hundred percent lovable. Maddie has handled his constant needs for attention with ease. I can't wait to see how they develop a little friendship and start to interact more and more. 

Easter pictures to come...