Lord help us!

This was one of the first pictures when I knew your spunky personality was going to be a lot to handle! LOL! Another incident was yesterday and I want to document to laugh about it years later:

You have a plaid button down shirt that ties at the waist (but ties low so that no belly shows). However, yesterday morning you came into our room with it tied really high showing your entire belly. I gave you a look, but before I could say anything you said "I know I can't wear it like this to school. I'm just going to wear it like this now because that's how teenage girls wear their shirts and they have boyfriends" (and then you let out a huge giggle). Remember, you are six years old!!!!
Then, while waiting at brother's door while I go down to get his milk (our normal routine) you said "Mom, do you think brother's going to mistake me for a college girl this morning with my shirt like this?"

My knees are going to be worn out from praying when you are actually a teenager! Lord help us for sure! Ha!

We love your spunk and wouldn't have it any other way!

summer catch up

We've had a great summer home together and it's almost time for you to be a first grader! Where did the time go? Here's what we've been up to this summer:

6 years old!

How are you 6 already? We had so much fun celebrating you this year! We had family over for pizza and cake on Friday night and then you had a unicorn themed gymnastics party with your friends from school and church on Saturday.

At 6 you are:

extremely independent and helpful

inquisitive and bright

funny and creative

loving and tender-hearted

sensitive

not a fan of criticism/ punishment

a selective perfectionist

a liar- just kidding! But you did tell us your first fib as a six year old and you may find it funny looking back on this now. You had to sit out at play centers at school for being too loud, so we had you write a note of apology to your teacher. The next day I asked if you gave it to your teacher and what she said. You told me you gave it to her, but she said you could just keep it in your book bag! Ha! I knew right away but let you come clean on your own later. It was a bit of a melt down (look above for the part that says you're not a fan of criticism or punishment) but in the end you realize we don't think you're a "bad kid" and we don't "hate you." (all your go to words when you mess up). You are simply learning and growing and we are proud of the strides you are making! You bring us more joy than we could ever imagine!!

Winter Catch Up

Winter catch up:

You had the flu twice this Winter (both strands A and B). You were such a trooper and we made it as fun as possible. To try to keep the rest of us healthy (we were successful) we quarantined you to your bedroom. We had fun playing hotel room service and pretending your room was your own private pirate ship. You got a bit stir crazy as the days went on, but it really wasn't too bad. Both cases were mild, thank goodness, and you were up and at 'em in just a few short days.

You continued to be an excellent big sister this Winter and were the so excited about your brother's Bap-I-tism (how you pronounced it). It has been so fun watching you two grow together and how much you love him. Your favorite things to do right now are: make him laugh with funny noises, help bathe him, hold him facing you like "grown ups do," and helping to feed him solid foods.

You also had your first Daddy/Daughter dance in February. Daddy gave you a corsage and took you to the special occasion. You danced and danced and loved every minute of it. What special memories!!

Family Reunion:

For some reason, you have family reunions and funerals mixed up in your head. This is a video you insisted on making after we discussed the passing of Billy Graham. I pray your sweet heart stays focused on God's love and helping others for your entire lifetime. You have a true servant's heart!

Christmas 2017 in Pictures

As you can see in all the pictures, we had a fabulous Christmas this year. My favorite part that I just had to document was the new tradition that you came up with. In the car on the way home from church, you said that you wanted to start a new tradition of everyone standing around the christmas tree, holding hands and saying a prayer. Before bed time, you had us all gather around and you said the prayer. Man, do I wish I had recorded it as your sweet and sensitive heart came through big time! You said thank you for giving us all that we need and to help us give others what they need. You said thank you for the best gifts at Christmas time that is family. Be. Still. My. Heart! Love you so much!

The best 10 minutes of my day

While I'm out on maternity leave with your brother, the best ten minutes of my day have become when I get to pick you up from school and hear about your day on the ride home. You are so enthusiastic in everything you say and truly love the little things about life. It's so refreshing, especially on days when I'm exhausted! You have the best attitude about school and learning and I am so proud to be your mom.  Your voice is so precious to me and I love to hear what's important to you on a daily basis. Here is a sample of what makes me happy every single day:

Kindergarten and a big sister!

Well baby girl, you've had an exciting few weeks! You had your first day of Kindergarten and your baby brother arrived! You have been such a trooper with all of these changes. Since your brother is in the NICU, you've only been able to see him once, but have been super patient and have enjoyed Facetiming him.  You've gotten up with your alarm clock each day, dressed yourself, brushed your hair and teeth, and gone downstairs to eat breakfast. We are so proud of how "go with the flow" you've been!  Grandmommy and Grandaddy have been helping out as mommy and daddy have to spend a lot of time in the hospital, and we are so proud of how good you've been for them. 

You love school! The only complaint was since you started school on a Thursday after the weekend, Monday was hard. You were tired and upon waking up said, "It's not fair! I only get one weekend and then I have to go back to school?" It was absolutely precious!  You have received all positive notes from school so far and are really enjoying it. You were even excited to do your first homework assignment(hope that lasts through high school and beyond!) You continue to amaze us with your kind heart, positive attitude, and creative spirit. We can't wait to see where you go with your schooling and learning!

Your daddy is the best! He took you to your first day of school and loved it!

Mommy just had a c-section, so was sad to not take you to your first day of school.

Our future "famous singer!"

Excited to complete your first homework assignment at your desk!