She's 3!!!!

I am not ready for our sweet Zoe Jane to be one day older so forget another year older.  She brings so much joy, laughter, sass, and pink to our lives.  She is stubborn like her mommy and determined like her daddy.  

Like her brother, she is quite the conversationalist.  She wakes up talking and goes to bed talking.  Sometimes I think she must talk in her sleep :)  She enjoys talking to her Koo Koo on the phone.  At the the end of the day she is the first to greet Sam at the door.  Most days she has spoken 3-4 sentences before he has had time to close the door is closed.  

Some funny things she says:

• Adults are "Badults"
• I love you berry, berry much.
• Her favorite dessert location is Yogurtology which she refers to as, "Yogurtogoly."  Of all the funny things she says this is my favorite.  
• She loves to be chased and often says, "You can't catch me!" 
• "Mommy/daddy, come in the bathroom with me.  Close the door so we can have pwivacy.  Make this face (which is a grunting face we have to make while she goes #2)."
• She often speaks about her brothers and sisters (imaginary, of course).  For example, today she said, "My brothers and sisters went fishing, but they didn't catch a hippopotamus."  
• Her imaginary brothers and sisters have silly names like "Boppee, Boopee,  and Pawpee."
• "God loves you and so do I," at bedtime.  
• "I have one more thing on my mind," delaying bedtime.

Her physical coordination and agility blow us away.  She loves to jump from the 3rd or 4th step down to the ground.  She climbs up the rock walls at the playground and has been doing it since she was barely 2 years old.  She practices standing on one foot, hopping, burpees, running in circles partially because she watches Sam work out and partially because she enjoys the challenges and wants to prove she can do it.  Watching her jump on the trampoline with the bigs kids and with daddy is more like watching a 5 year old instead of a 3 year old.  Honestly, it is hard for me to explain in words how coordinated she is for her age.  The Physical Therapist in me would give her an A+ for proprioception, core control, and balance.  

She is extremely social asking every day, "Where are we going today?"  She always wants to go swimming or to the park or to the Children's Museum or to the library or to anywhere but home.  Part of that is my fault, because we are on the go a lot and part of it is the way God has wired her.  She enjoys the change and the interaction different environments provide.  She enjoys going to Sunday school, BSF, preschool, and to Mrs. Betsy's house where she will get to play with her friends.  The opposite is true for her brother who prefers to stay home.

She likes to pretend she is taking her "friends" to school.  Pretend school is located under the love seat in our family room or on the first step of our staircase.  She lines up her Duplo people or her stuffed animals/baby dolls.  She packs them a lunch using pretend food from her kitchen and stuffs it under the couch.  She then gives them directions regarding lunch, potty time, etc. before beginning to sing songs or read to them.

She is very independent and becomes frustrated quickly when we try to help her put on her clothes or shoes. 

She loves lip gloss and princess shoes.  As a matter of fact, she just gave up her boppy (pacifier) two nights ago, so she could get princess shoes for her birthday.

She gives the best hugs in the world!!

She loves to sing songs and dance around the house.  She typically mixes the words of various songs together.  Her current favorites:

• He came from Heaven to Earth (with hand motions)
• Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• Trust and Obey
• Wheels on the Bus
• Jingle Bells

Favorite TV shows/movies (throughout the year):

• Nemo
• Doc McStuffins
• Paw Patrol
• Curious George
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Petite Feet (children's instructional ballet DVD)
• Letter Factory

Favorite Books (throughout the year):

• Ladybug Girl
• Puff the Magic Dragon
• Curious George
• Karen Katz lift-the-flap books
• Brownie and Pearl Step Out
• Winners Never Quit
• Ducks Don't Wear Socks
• Olivia Ballerina, Dinner at Olivia's
• What Makes A Rainbow?
• Sandra Boynton books
• Dora's New Adventures: 4 mini books

Favorite Toys:  

• Doc McStuffins Doctor Kit
• Baby Stella
• Friend's Lego Set with Mia
• Melissa and Doug Birthday Cake and Cupcake Set
• Purse stuffed with plastic jewelry or plastic food
• Duplo people
• Minnie Mouse Figurine (she can change her dress, shoes, and head piece)
• Bedtime friends:  Ariel, Pooh Bear, Baby Emma, Praying Baby, Minnie Mouse and a Pink Lovie

Favorite Foods:

• Eggs
• Yogurt
• Juice
• Veggie Straws
• Turkey
• Lollipops
• Applesauce

She currently wears 3/4t.  She is potty trained, but still wears pull ups for nap and bedtime.  She wakes up between 6:30 and 7 a.m.  Thank God she still naps for 1-2 hours each day with bedtime between 7:30 and 8 p.m.  She and Bennett are sharing a room now, so she does well with staying in their room until their clock turns green at 7 a.m.  We went through a season where she was waking up very early ready to start the day, but we trained her to stay in her room until 7 looking at books or playing with her stuffed animals.

To my dearest Zoe,

You are simply delightful!  God truly blessed our family with a sweet gift when He knitted you together in my womb.  I love your determination, your independence and even your stubbornness because I know God is going to use your full personality to serve Him all of your life.  Your hugs, your hug smile, and your LAUGH is something I will always cherish.  I pray God continues to gives you godly wisdom and confidence to know He is where beauty, strength, love, joy and contentment abide.  I pray you give your life to Him at a young age and never turn back.  I pray you always know God loves you and so do I.

Love,

Your momma

A 3 Year Old Interview: Zoe

When B turned 3 a few years ago I began asking him the series of questions below.  It has been a joy to read through his answers each year, so I am continuing the trend completing Zoe's first birthday interview.

1. Favorite Color: Pink and Purple
2. Favorite Toy:  My "Doc" doctor stuff
3. Favorite Fruit:  Peach
4. Favorite TV Show or Movie:  Paw Patrol
5. Favorite thing to eat for lunch:  Turkey
6. Favorite Game: Spot It (she watches her brother play)
7. Favorite Snack:  Rabbit Crackers (like Goldfish)
8. Favorite Animal:  Cat
9. Favorite song:  Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
10. Favorite book: What Makes A Rainbow?
11. Who is your best friend: Amelia
12. Favorite thing to do outside: Play with bubbles
13. Favorite Drink: Milk
14. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Pooh Bear
15. Favorite thing to eat for breakfast:  Cereal 
16. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  Mac n' Cheese
17. What do you want to be when you grow up?  Halloween (???)
18. Imagine you can become invisible, what would you do?  Hide
19. I am very proud because boo boo.
20. I am afraid to fly, because I can't fly like this (said while flapping her arms).
21. Name one thing you do really well?  Jump
22. Describe what it means to be a good friend?  Kyrie (her cousin)
23. Favorite time of day?  When we eat dinner
24. Describe your best day ever? Eating dinner (???)
25. Describe your favorite hobby: play with Minnie
26. Climbing is up the stairs.
27. I wish there were a law that said boo.
28. What makes you feel sad?  Somebody making me sad
29. What makes you feel happy?  Somebody making me feel happy
30. Pretend you can fly.  Where would you go?  Outside
31. Where do you want to go on vacation?  Ntucky (aka. Kentucky)
32. If you could choose a different name what would you choose?  Boobah
33. What is your favorite thing to do with mom and dad?  Build Legos
34. What would you say about Jesus?  Him made me.

A 5 Year Old Interview: Bennett

I have asked Bennett the same series of questions a few days prior to his 3rd, 4th, and 5th birthdays.  I forgot to post his 5th birthday interview in March, because I was behind on editing his photos.  So better late than never.  

1. Favorite Color: Red
2. Favorite Toy:  Legos
3. Favorite Fruit:  Apple
4. Favorite TV Show or Movie:  Inspector Gadget, Turbo
5. Favorite thing to eat for lunch:  Cucumbers and Hummus or Pretzels and Hummus
6. Favorite Game: Sequence
7. Favorite Snack:  Trail Mix
8. Favorite Animal:  Lizard
9. Favorite song:  Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
10. Favorite book: The Day the Crayons Quit
11. Who is your best friend: I don't have one.  I like all my friends the same amount.
12. Favorite thing to do outside: Jump on the trampoline
13. Favorite Drink: Chocolate Milk
14. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Stuffed Gorilla
15. Favorite thing to eat for breakfast:  Dino Oatmeal
16. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  Broccoli, Carrots, Cucumbers and Hummus (this momma says what??????)
17. What do you want to be when you grow up?  A Taxi Driver
18. Imagine you can become invisible, what would you do?  Climb around sneaky and take stuff
19. I am very proud because I did something that was very hard.
20. I am afraid to sleep in the night by myself.
21. Name one thing you do really well?  make sand castles
22. Describe what it means to be a good friend?  Don't hurt them and play with them.
23. Favorite time of day?  School time
24. Describe your best day ever?  Saturday when I get to play soccer, when it is my birthday, and it is a rest day.
25. Describe your favorite hobby: playing any type of Angry Birds
26. Climbing is teaching me how to climb high trees.
27. I wish there were a law that said I can play Angry Birds any time, all the time.
28. What makes you feel sad?  When mommy yells
29. What makes you feel happy?  Eating pepperoni pizza
30. Pretend you can fly.  Where would you go?  Angry birds space land
31. Where do you want to go on vacation?  Montana and California
32. If you could choose a different name what would you choose? Under Pants Blah
33. What is your favorite thing to do with mom and dad?  Wrestle
34. What would you say about Jesus?  He is so nice and He takes away your sins.

5th Birthday: Bennett

He's five!  I have heard it said time and time again, "There is something about 5..."  It's true.....in my mind I view it as the first of many milestone birthdays that will force me to begin processing the leaps he will take into independence.  It has also led me to assess God's work in his life, in my life, in our life as a family and how He desires us to continue on this journey of "family."

Bennett is:

• raw emotion
• contagious laughter 
• defiance when ignored
• responsible when given a specific task/role
• close talker
• information sponge
• driven to do things the correct way
• tree climber
• patient brother
• lover of technology
• fish in the water
• unbelievable reader
• processor 

You don't have to ponder what he is thinking or feeling, because he wears it on his sleeve (just like his momma).  The raw emotion of the moment pours forth when he is happy, sad, angry, determined, frustrated, etc.  He is a sensitive soul. 

His LAUGH is simply the best laugh I have ever heard.  It is loud and deep and simply contagious.  To know him is to know his laugh, to enjoy it, to appreciate it, to look forward to it.  

He likes to interact with adults.  He prefers it over interaction with peers.  Unfortunately, when adults want to talk amongst themselves B often becomes defiant.  It is an area we are constantly working on and have seen progress, but it can be very challenging.  These are the times I am reminded that we all have sinful hearts and are in need of God's salvation and His daily grace.  While the moments are challenging they have been the most fruitful in conversing about our need for a Savior.  

He thrives when given a task to complete or role to play.  He takes joy in being the door holder, the line leader, the caboose, Zoe's teacher, the assistant during reading class, the assistant while passing out items to friends/classmates.  He can be frustrated at one moment if someone is tearing up his "creation" or not playing the game the way he wants, but if shown how to include and guide his peers to join in he calms down and joyfully teaches them how to do it.  

Dude is hilarious!!!  Personal space does not exist in his world :)  More often than not he speaks about 2 inches from your face.  It can be a little overwhelming/intimidating (or A LOT) for some people, but if I am honest it makes me laugh.  I try to be careful in my correction, because it is not on purpose.  He is simply a close talker and I should mention an over talker ;)

I have never met another child like him when it comes to the amount of information he can retain. His memory, his retention, his attention to detail is amazing.  He simply loves to learn.  It is one of his qualities that astounds me.  The intent look I see on his face when he is learning something new or adding to a knowledge base he already has will be a look I will never forget.  It is a serious expression, yet one that displays his love of learning.  Currently, he is fully immersed in the book of Daniel and has enjoyed every detail of Nebuchadnezzar's life as king.

I wouldn't describe B as a rule follower, but if it is routine rules he certainly wants them followed and does not like it when they are changed.  He is driven to do things the correct way and will not cut corners or cheat in order to win or be the best.  I love that about him and his teachers have pointed it out multiple times.  For example, they have a race at lunch time.  B is not the fastest runner, but he does not cut in front of people or try to hold them back in order to be faster.  Instead, he follows the rules and works to be his best.  This is also displayed while he plays with Legos.  He wants instructions to follow.  He will occasionally free build, but if given a new Lego set he will sit for hours and build.  He follows each instruction rarely asking for help with the sets designed for 7-12 year olds.

He looks up to his cousins sooooo much and has wanted to climb trees since he first saw them climb the mango tree in our backyard.  He has worked very hard to learn to climb trees overcoming a slight fear of heights and a few other issues.  I feel pride when I watch him climbing trees, because it is something that has not come easy to him.  Several gross motor activities have been challenging for him to achieve and this was no different, but he really wanted to do it, so he has worked hard to succeed.  We'll get there with monkey bars and swinging ;)

He is so very patient with Zoe.  There have been times when she has yelled at him and hit him and he calmly says, "Mom, Zoe hit me."  If she breaks his Legos creations or throws his books he usually says, "Zoe, stop it" and tells me or moves on.  He grows impatient with her and argues with her as siblings argue, but for the most part he tries to teach her and play with her.

He would sit and play games on my phone or on Sam's tablet all day long if I would let him.  ALL DAY LONG!  His asking to play and constantly talking about Angry Birds got so bad that we placed restrictions that he can only play Friday-Sunday at our discretion.  Funny thing is he was not allowed to play it every day prior to our restrictions, but the daily asking was too much.  I do not see this getting better as he gets older, so we are trying to set boundaries now praying they will be held up later.

The water is his happy place.  He loves to swim in the pool and the ocean.  He is a little fish diving under the water, jumping out of the water, and crashing against the waves.

He began reading around his 4th birthday.  Initially, people were curious if he was reading from memory, but I knew he wasn't.  I knew, because he would read books to me that were new to him, books from the library.  He still enjoys picture books, but during the last few months he has been enjoying chapter books more and more.  He thoroughly enjoys reading to his friends.  This is an area that has greatly improved as he continues to work on it at school each week.  I have been asked several times, "What did you do with him?"  I am quick to reply, it is not us, but the way God made him.  He has always had an intense interest in letters and sounds and words and books and character studies.  One of my greatest joys is watching him read.  He is getting so fast I often wonder if he actually read the whole book.

He processes before he participates.  For example, he played soccer this winter and it took several games before he did more than slowly run and watch what was going on.  I always know when he is processing a situation, a game, a new environment, because of the intent look on his face and the way he looks lost in his own thoughts.  While, it can drive me crazy, it has become something I appreciate.  He is not quick to jump into things which can be very good.

Happy Birthday to my first born son!!!  You captivated us with your raw emotion and intelligence the first day you entered this world and have continued to do so.  God has given you a love for His Word and is working out the application of it in your life.  Your laughter, your hugs, the way you ask to place your hand on my chest while falling asleep are precious to me.   I treasure our reading and building time.  I enjoy watching you jump on the trampoline, dig in the sand, play in the mud, climb trees, and crash waves.  You challenge me in ways I never thought possible, but I would be lost without you.  Love you sweet boy forever and ever.

Happy 2nd Birthday Z-Bear

Two!  How is it here already?  Year two of our sweet Z-bear's life has flown by.  I do love ages 15 months to around 2.5 years old, so I am sure that contributes to the feeling of speeding time.  

I hope I always remember the way you come running as fast as your legs can carry you when you hear the door open at the end of the day yelling, "Daddee, Daddee, Daddee!"

I hope I always remember that you called your blanket 'Meme" and dragged it around the house by it's corner.

I hope I always remember the way you hold up your hand while saying, "Stop it!"

I hope I always remember how you learned to swim short distances (on your own) around 21 months.

I hope I always remember your petitions to your dad to take you for a ride or a walk around the block.  

I hope I always remember the first time you climbed out of your crib, walked down the stairs with shoes in your hand, looked at me and said, "Wake!"

I hope I always remember how you used to hug your babies and push them in the stroller.

I hope I always remember how you say, "Me-mouse" for Mickey Mouse.

I hope I always remember at 18 months you could climb up and down the stairs independently.

I hope I always remember the way you loved shoes from the time you began wearing them.  You always wanted to put them on by yourself and would let us know by yelling "Do it myself!"  One day you put on your Gap blue slip ons, walked into the kitchen, looked at me while pointing at your shoes and said, "CUTE."

I hope I always remember you asking to watch "Bible" (What's In the Bible) and "Me-mouse Cubhouse."

I hope I always remember the way you and Bennett sit in the back seat singing Agency D3.  Discover. Decide. Defend. (our 2014 VBS theme song)

I hope I always remember how you rarely wanted to be rocked to sleep, but instead reached for the crib.

I hope I always remember your gorgeous blonde hair and the little curly cue that hangs down in the back.

I hope I always remember your sweet smile, the gap between your teeth and the way you used to put your hands on your cheeks when I would ask you to take a pretty picture.

I hope I always remember the way you blow your dad away with your sweet personality and love for him.

I hope I always remember the way you pucker your lips when giving us a kiss and the way you say, "Nih, Nih, Uov You."  (Night, Night, Love You)

I hope I always remember the way you want to stand on the kitchen stool to eat your meals despite us  repetitively telling you to sit down.  Your respond with "Knees," as you proceed to kneel on the stool.

I hope I always remember your love of eggs and how you will eat any vegetable if your dad has included it in an omelet.

I hope I always remember how you used to love to go outside and sit on our back deck....alone.

I hope I always remember the days you fell asleep during BSF in the jump a roo, on the floor, or in someone's arms.  

I hope I always remember the feeling I get when you sit on my lap, hug my neck, and say, "Momma."

I hope I always remember the way your hair smells.

I hope I always remember the way you love to squat to the ground, then jump as high as you can.

I hope I always remember no matter where we were people commented on your cuteness and your sweet personality.  You are pure joy!

I hope I always remember the way you push your hair out of your eyes.

I hope I always remember the way you say, "Jesus" when we are rocking you.  That is how you ask us to sing Jesus Loves You again.

Zoe you are one of the best, most precious, gracious gifts God has given me in this life.  I thank Him for you.  Happy 2nd Birthday sweet baby girl!!!