Rosie's Cape

It just so happens that, besides Samuel, I have sewn each child a cape around their 18 month birthday. Rosie had earned this rite of passage and she is quite thrilled to join her siblings with this honor.

Rosie Turns 18 Months

Puddle Jumping

Poor pathetic duo stuck inside to watch everyone else having fun in the rain.

Sam has a pretty loose top tooth. He's going to look so cute once it falls out.

Rosie's cuteness finally won out and she joined the big kids outside. Her first puddle experience I believe.

Quite thrilled!

And She's Off!

Rosie has decided it's finally time to enter the world of walking!

Greensboro Science Center

Nana and Poppy met us in Greensboro, NC for one of Samuel's gymnastics meets. It wasn't until the evening, so we spent the day at the Greensboro Science Center. It was fantastic! A zoo, aquarium and science center all in one!

Annabelle giving us her best penguin pose.

This was the strangest thing. This fish was completely smitten with Rosie. He would swim right up to her and just sit there watching her. She would put her hand up to the glass and he would put his nose on the glass. We would walk away and the fish would swim away. There were so many people standing and looking into the tank, but this fish showed no interest in anyone but her. Very cool.

7,5,3,1

Rosie and Food

It's clear this chubby likes her food. She especially likes that some of the food is even at her level. She is sure to let us know when she's hungry for a snack now.

Rose Owl

Aunt Juju got Rosie this owl hat for Christmas. Best. Hat. Ever.

There Are No Words...

Rosemary Turns One!

Time is a strange thing... days seem to often drag while the years fly. The more the Lord adds to our nest, the quicker the hands on the clock seem to move.

Watching this bundle emerge from the womb and develop into this vibrant, enthusiastic and sweetest little one year old has been a gift.

Joseph put it so well when he said that Christmas comes everyday in our house. I couldn't agree more. Because we have "Posie" as he so affectionately calls her. His love for her is contagious. All of them do. They love her more than themselves. There is nothing more I desire than to have my children know who made and sustains life and to understand it's a gift.

I do a lot of things wrong. A LOT. I am on my knees staring into some baby blues or greens more times than I wish to admit. But, I find grace. Every. Single. Time. They understand grace. And for that I rejoice that I feel like I have already earned my reward.

This parenting thing is getting easier. And harder. I'm learning. I'm growing. They are learning. They are growing. But, we also enter new challenges with every rising of the sun. Each day brings with it it's own opportunities. Opportunities to love deeper, to slow down and truly learn to fully embrace these souls around us, and to learn more about this world we've been placed in.

As I was debating whether or not to make a big deal about Rosie's birthday a friend that has one child that has never been able to conceive again commented... "you never know... this could be your last first birthday celebration".

Those words sunk deep.

NO! Please no, Lord. If it your will, I hope to have many more of those.

But, what if she's right. What if this is my last opportunity to celebrate a fresh and new life?

And with that thought in mind, I decided that no matter where their birthday's fall on the calendar, I would not let a birthday pass without a to-do. Not like I ever have, but the temptation was there being so close to Christmas. Even if it's just our family, we will celebrate BIG. We are to celebrate life as a gift. Not let an opportunity pass us by where we don't rejoice in Him. And that we did.

First Half of December Photos

I could watch a sleeping baby all day.

Samuel has been saving up for a long time for his first knife and he finally had enough money. Can't believe a child of mine is old enough to have his own knife.

Younger brother anxiously awaits his turn to have a knife.

Sam's first competition! He did so well. Placed 9th for rings. It was a huge venue and so intimidating. He wasn't nervous at all. In fact here is a conversation we had the day after.

Me: I'm really proud of you Sam for competing yesterday in that huge arena.
Samuel: Really? Why?
Me: Because it was so huge and there were so many people. I don't like doing things in front of a bunch of people.
Samuel: Really? I love it. It makes me feel like everyone in the world loves me.

He never stopped smiling.

Many days before Christmas Joseph had already made, wrapped and had Annabelle's present under the tree. Melts my heart to see them loving on each other on their own initiative.

Joseph dressed Annabelle up in her fanciest dress, put on some music and told her he was going to take her dancing. Oh my is he going to be a fantastic husband someday!

Sam had a holiday show at his gym.

Her last night being zero.

End of November

 

One Saturday morning I took the girls to a friends home for a Tea Party. A friend snapped this phone without me looking and sent it to me after the party. I am so happy that she captured this moment between the two of us. 

 

Nana and Poppy came for Thanksgiving. A lot of time was had in the hotel pool. It's always a highlight of their visits.

I've never seen Poppy happier.