Expressions

I'm not sure what emotion I'd put with each expression, but they sure do make me smile! (Click to enlarge, it's worth it!)

Silly Sisters

5 Years

Happy Birthday, Julie! Somehow, some way, the last 3 1/2 years have flown by and you are no longer the little 17 month old girl that you were when we met. You were so very tiny (15 pounds!), yet you were full of personality. Nothing daunted you then and it is the same today. You love to be silly and you love adventure. You can read, write, dance and sing (in tune, nonetheless!). I cannot believe how much you have changed and how many obstacles you have overcome. We have all worked very hard, you most of all. There have been times when I didn't know if you would be able to do something and you have proven me wrong over and over. I watched you tuck your stuffed animals into bed tonight and my heart swelled. You said good night to each of them by name and gave them each two kisses on the nose. There is barely any room left for you in the bed! This may seem like a very ordinary bedtime scene to many, but it represents so much more for us. You are amazing! You are also the little girl who made me "Mommy" for the first time. You are my "number 1 baby," as you like to say. You changed my life completely and forever, and we will always share a special bond. I love you, Julie Lu Lu :).


(Julie in her new tent. She opened gifts in the dark since we lost power first thing in the morning!)

Hard to Believe

It is, indeed, hard to believe that Julie is going to be in Kindergarten next fall. She finished her second year of preschool on June 4th, having come so very far from where she began. I could fill pages on this topic, but for now let me just post some "then and now" photos. They speak for themselves.

August 22, 2007 - first day of preschool




June 4, 2009 - last day of preschool (same backpack)



With her teacher:

Julie, you are one amazing person and we are very lucky to be your parents! We know you will do so well next year and we look forward to sharing the experience with you :).

Six Months

My sweet little Joseph, you are six months old today. How can this be? A mere breath ago you were a teeny, tiny baby with a wobbly head and that unmistakable newborn cry. Two breaths ago you were inside me, sharing my very existence in a way that cannot be replicated. Somehow, though, you are now a full half-year old. So much has changed in that time. You have enriched my life more than I thought possible. You have shown me parts of myself that I didn't know existed, and you have taught me things about God that I only understood partially before. His miraculous power of creation. His complex design of life. His blessing. His plan. For these past six months, and the nine before that, my body has sustained yours. Amazing. True joy. My feelings for you run so deep. I cry when I think of these precious days slipping away so fast. Last night I kept repeating "my five month old baby," because I knew it was the last time I would ever be able to say that about you. Mixed with my tears is the thrill of watching you grow and develop. You have just started playing little games with me, holding your leg up in the bath until I meet your eye, then splashing it in to get a reaction out of me. Kissing/mouthing my cheek at nap time to make me laugh and then tipping your head back so that I will kiss your neck and make you laugh. I am still surprised every time you do these things, and they make my heart swell. You have also figured out the art of forward locomotion. You aren't exactly crawling, but you are moving. Daddy says you look like a baby elephant seal as you lunge your body forward and then rock on your belly to recover. Your hands have become so useful to you now. You can turn objects over in your fingers and even pick up little things. When I walk through the house with you in my arms I often find myself tethered to whatever is within your reach. You are so good natured and you love to smile. You have extra special smiles for your sisters, who adore you too (although they are not as thrilled as I am about your ability to grab things - like their toys!). We are all so very blessed to have you in our family. I can't wait to see what the next six months hold, but please don't rush through them too quickly. Stay my baby a little longer, okay? I love you, my little man. More than words can say.

Six Months Ago:



Today:

Joseph's First Swim

Getting ready was fun enough...


But actually getting in the pool didn't go over so well, poor little guy! I am pretty sure he'll like it more once the water warms up a bit.

Melody's Success

My little big girl has officially learned to use the potty. In typical Melody fashion, once she put her mind to it there was no turning back. She is even wearing undies overnight. Way to go, Meddy!

Ballerina Julie

Julie had her very first ballet performance last month. She took classes all winter in preparation, and the big day did not disappoint. She loved wearing make-up and a fancy costume, and she did an amazing job on stage.

Waiting with her class on rehearsal night:

Group Picture after the rehearsal:

Getting ready on the day of the performance:


Posing before the show:


Flowers after the show:

We are so proud of you, Julie!

Ack!

How does time get away from me? Here's another super cute photo as a show of good faith that I will return with more soon!