This is Momma Em….you know, I used to have time to sit down and write a little something about the kids on the blog, but HELLO?! We’ve had a lot going on at the Fun House. I’m struggling to know where to start, so here goes nothing!
Make-shift kiddie pool
Kyle: The boy in my dreams. Top of mind is this growing baby boy inside my belly that stretches from my ribs to my bladder, and what feels like wraps all the way around to each kidney. The size of my tummy is amazing to me! I continue to raise my shirt up to show Joel and then say, “Feel sorry for me!” With just 5 weeks to go to my due date of October 19th, horizontal is about the only position that I feel comfortable in, and even that is short-lived….never mind that I’ve just endured August and September in one of the hottest parts of Texas!
Joking aside, I’m thrilled, excited and blessed to be carrying another little gift from God to Joel and me. Ella and I were just talking this morning at breakfast about how children are a gift from the Lord and it struck my heart in such a new and fresh way. Really, I don’t know how I can love another child as much as I love my Ella and Seth, but I believe that it must be supernatural….just like I couldn’t fathom making room in my heart from baby #1 to baby #2. Of course, Joel and I think Ella and Seth are the best things going, so I guess pretty soon, we’ll have three best things going on around here!
I’ve been blessed this time around to have such a smooth, peaceful pregnancy. Truly, it has been a textbook pregnancy. Back pain, heartburn, Braxton Hicks contractions, naps, cravings….everything has been right on par with “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” Even Kyle’s size! Each appointment, I’ve measured exactly to date and everything has been routine. I love “routine.” Considering the emotional roller coaster we endured during my pregnancy with Seth, I’m just praising the Lord for the ease of this one. So many people have asked, and if you haven’t asked, I bet you’d like to: Aren’t you nervous about this baby having Down Syndrome too? The answer is simply no. We’re not at all. It’s hardly crossed my mind over the past 9 months and that’s no exaggeration. I’m at great peace knowing that the Lord will give us what we need. He has done it over and over- He is faithful- He will do it again.
Seth: My little joy. You may know by now that Seth started walking in August. Yes! At 27 months, Seth made up his mind to walk everywhere! Immediately, he was pretty good at it too- after all, we’ve known he was capable of it for about 9 months….we were just waiting on him to decide it would be his best option. Now he’s trying to run and I still get so tickled to see those little legs get in gear whether it’s snatching a toy from his sister, chasing her, spinning in circles while playing the harmonica or running into his daddy’s arms. He loves to blow kisses, wave and say “Bye” as he leaves the room…oh and he ALWAYS shuts the door. What is it about doors and toddlers that is so fascinating?
Seth is starting to talk more and imitate sounds we are making. He loves to fold his arms across his chest, throw his head back, scrunch his eyes and laugh when I say, “Seth you’re pullin’ a joke on me!” He’s a book worm and I think is most satisfied in a big pile of books or snuggled in someone’s lap with a good read. Seth loves music and is still quite the little drummer and pianist…also pretty good with the shakers. Truly, I’m pretty impressed with his ability to keep a beat…there may be a hidden talent there! He loves to sing along with me…..on HIS terms….as he’s started to turn around and quickly “SHHHH!” me if it’s not something he wants to hear. (I love it!) ”Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Twinkle Twinkle” are his favorites because he loves to do the hand motions.
He does great at following directions and according to his Sunday school teacher, he’s the most obedient one of the bunch! Joel and I aren’t surprised…he really is a good little fella. My how he loves his daddy! Truly, his worst moment can be turned off in an instant at the sight or sound of Joel. (And I think the same could be said of his daddy…) When Joel walks in the door, I’ve lost Seth for the evening. He is immediately scooped up and whisked away to help Joel unload his work stuff and change clothes. He loves to grab daddy by the cheeks and just plant a big long tight-lipped kiss with a “Mmmmmmmm!” Wrestling, basketball, “super hero” and puppy dog are just a few of their favorite games together. I can’t emphasize it enough. Seth loves his daddy. And his daddy loves Seth.
Ella: My lady bug. I love this four-year-old! What fun we have together and such lively conversations we share. I’m amazed at how much she picks up on and how she never seems to forget anything! She’s started back to preschool this year and walked confidently into that classroom without even looking back at me. I practically had to stand on my head to get her attention to wave and blow me a kiss goodbye, but the art table had a strong pull for her attention.
Joel tells me all the time that Ella is just like me. For the most part, I’d have to agree (and I secretly LOVE it). She is a performer for sure, wants to be the center of attention and is confident with a capital “C.” I’m not sure that I was completely like this as a little girl, but I’m interested to see where she’s headed. As Dr. James Dobson describes disciplining the strong-willed child, we’re doing the best we can to “steer the ship.” At the same time, Ella is a good friend to others, very loving with Seth, tender-hearted, a people-pleaser and has a great sense of humor. Her greatest fear right now is having to grow up one day and leave her momma. I haven’t told her yet, but I feel the same way. I think my mom did a great job of modeling to me what it is to first be the parent and second to be the best friend. I think Ella and I are on that same path and my relationship with her is one of the most special things I’ve ever known.
She’s excited about meeting baby Kyle, but not thrilled about being away from me while I’m in the hospital. We’ve talked about it enough and I think praying about it is all I can do now! Grandmothers, please bring her some gifts!!!!! Ella loves to talk about how she and I get to do things as “just the girls.” And she LOVES to imagine scenarios where she and I take off on an adventure to leave Daddy, Seth and Kyle at home….because they can’t do girl stuff with us! We love to paint pictures together, work puzzles, paint our toes, play baby dolls, dress up and spray ourselves down with “smell goods.” We love to sing together and I applaud/encourage every little song she makes up. She tells me that she’s practicing so that one day she can be ready to stand on the stage and worship God like I do. Be still my heart- I have nothing more to say!
Joel: My main man. What to say? I’m not one for mushy, romantic stuff…and Joel and I still joke with one another about why I’ve yet to pour my heart out about how fantastic he is in some sort of creative acrostic for the world to read. (So honey, let the pregnancy hormones speak for me at this point to tell you how much I love you, because I’ll probably never declare it so plainly for all the world to read again!) I don’t think I’ve ever loved him more than today…and tomorrow, I’ll say the same thing. I’m thrilled to get to love these little blessings with him. I’m proud of him for all that he does for our family, but I’m most proud of his character. He is a servant-leader in our home. He knows how to love me and does a fine job of it. Joel is my best friend….he has been for almost 13 years now. He is irreplaceable. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather sit in a quiet room with- just being near him puts me at peace. So in a few short weeks as we welcome another little fella into our home, I’m so, so thankful that Joel is his daddy.
He’s rolling over, playing well on his tummy and smiling like crazy. He constantly has his eyebrows up with a look of surprise on his face. He seems laid back and doesn’t laugh easily, though he is quick to smile and tuck his head down like he’s being shy. Mimi says his daddy was a lot like that as a little fella. It would be okay with me if he was like his daddy. He looks soooo much like Ella as a baby.
