Logan’s 8!

Logan-

You are eight years old today! Watching you grow up this past year has been so much fun; somehow you suddenly turned into a big kid. As your mom, this change is a little bittersweet and I now treasure your rare “little kid” moments. 

The other night, we had a small birthday celebration with a few of your school buddies. When we got home, it was late and I had a huge list of things to do before work the following day. After you finished showering and brushing your teeth, you came to me and said, “You know what would make my birthday celebration even better, mommy? If you read a Moonlight book with me, it will be the start to the best birthday ever!” How could I say no? 

When I think about one word to describe you, sweet boy, “passionate” is the first word that comes to mind. Every day is either your “best day ever” or your “worst day ever”. You fight hard and love even harder. Parenting you is often a challenge, but the reward is always worth it. 

You are sweet, kind and thoughtful. When we sit down for dinner, you are usually the first one to ask about everyone’s day. You show sincere interest in the people around you and show genuine excitement when someone has a great day. 

Seven was a pretty great year for you, Logan. You began the year playing Tiny Tim in The Lyceum Theater’s production of The Christmas Carol. For six straight weeks, you spent your afternoons, evenings and weekends in Arrow Rock, MO preparing for the 13 performances. I might be slightly biased, but I felt like you stole the show. Seven also brought the end of first grade and the beginning of second, playing on basketball and soccer teams and finally becoming more comfortable in the water!

Mommy and daddy are so happy to be your parents and we can’t wait to see what the next year has in store!

Love,

Mommy

18 Months

Miles-

How is it possible that you are 18 months old, crazy boy? It feels like you were just born and have been with us forever at the same time. I can’t imagine our family without you. 

I have loved every stage with you, but I think this one might be my favorite. It is so much fun to watch you change and grow. You learn new words and commands everyday. Just yesterday you learned how to do a somersault and were so proud of yourself. 

You love making animal sounds and talking to Scout (cat). You really think you can talk to her and get right in her face to “talk”. Fortunately, she’s pretty tolerant of you and your shenanigans. 

You love being outside and ask to go out constantly. Once you are outside, you make sure the big kids know that you are one of them. You have to be in the middle of whatever game they are playing. 

You are sweet and sassy. You love giving hugs and snuggles, but know exactly what you want at any given time. You have changed and grown so much since you turned one and I can’t wait to see what the next six months holds. 

Avery Is Nine!

Avery-

How is it possible that you are nine today? Lately, I have been spending a lot of time looking through pictures and videos of you over the years. I love seeing you as a cute, sweet and chubby baby, a smiley, precocious and silly toddler and now a kind, smart and beautiful little girl. As I always say, you are my favorite girl. 

You truly are a perfect mix of mommy and daddy. You have daddy’s lackadaisical side when it comes to life. You also have his sense of adventure and fun. From me, you get order and consistency as well as a listening ear and the ability to remember every word to every song.  From both of us, you get lots of love and support in anything you decide to to. 

I love our girls’ trips, watching Hallmark movies together, baking and simply talking with you. Your adventurous spirit is one of my favorite things about you, sweet girl. You love trying new activities and foods and would rather run around outside than just about anything else.

When asked to describe you, Avery, the first word that always comes to mind is "happy".  You always have a smile on your face and are the ultimate optimist.  The world could use a lot more people like you.

Love, mommy

As always, I asked you the same questions on your birthday.

1. What is your favorite color? I like all colors.
2. What is your favorite toy? My Rip Stick
3. What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon
4. What is your favorite TV show? Ravens Home
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Donuts
6. What is your favorite outfit? Workout Clothes
7. What is your favorite game? Mario Cart
8. What is your favorite snack? Ice Cream
9. What is your favorite animal? Dog
10. What is your favorite song? Ed Sheeran Music
11. What is your favorite book? Smile
12. Who is your best friend? Addi 
13. What is your favorite food? Ice cream
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play with friends
15. What is your favorite drink? Soda
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Owl, Brownie and “b”
18. What do you like to do with daddy? Go on bike rides
19. What do you like to do with mommy? Watch Hallmark Movies
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A dog watcher
21. What do you like to do with Logan? Play Spies
22. What do you like to do with Miles? Chase each other

Happy 1st Birthday, Miles!

Miles-

You completed your first trip around the sun, baby boy, and what a trip it was!  To say this past year flew by is an understatement; your first year has been one of the most magical years of my life.  Giving birth to you seven and six years after Avery and Logan made me really stop and enjoy all the moments with you.  The late night feedings, miles of stroller walks, endless giggles and numerous firsts, I truly enjoyed it all.

When we decided to name you Miles, I joked with daddy that you "can't spell smile without Miles".  I can't think of a better phrase to describe you, sweet boy.  You have brought so much more love, joy and smiles to our family than either of us ever could have imagined.  You truly complete our little family.

Before you were born, everyone told daddy and me that "third kids" are so easy and go with the flow.  I am writing this a little after 10 pm the night before your birthday and am reminded that exactly a year ago today, daddy and I were getting into bed when my water broke and we had to head to the hospital instead.  From the moment you were born, you have been in charge.  For the first few months of your life, the only way I could get you to nap was by taking you on long walks.  I spent hours every day listening to podcasts and walking around the neighborhood.  At around six months of age, you found your voice and you love to use it.  Whether it is your need to eat every 17 minutes or your constant yelling for attention, every person who visits or sees our family knows that you run the house.

At one, you are getting really close to walking.  You get so proud when you stand up by yourself or walk run behind your walker.  You can climb an entire flight of stairs and think you are pretty sneaky when you do it.  You love clapping and giving high fives and Avery is your favorite person in the entire world.  I love seeing how excited you get when you see her.  Logan is a close second, but there is something special, something indescribable about the bond you and Avery have.  You also love almost all foods.  When you eat, you giggle and bounce up and down the entire time; it is adorable.

Miles, thank you for such an amazing first year!  I can't wait to see what year two will bring.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy