Regarding words she's saying: Mommy, Daddy, Papa, Puppy, Kee-Kee (kitty), Go-Go, Nigh-nigh, Re-Rock (for rocking in the rocking chair; interestingly, the same thing I used to say as a baby), Up, Way (as in "this way"),Weee (for swinging, sliding etc), Off, Hi, Bye-Bye, Nummies, Beep-Beep, Ne-Ne (for Nathan), Mi-Mi (for Megan), and animal noises including Neigh-Neigh (horse), Woof (dog), Baa( for sheep or cow), and Quack-Quack (ducks, but also any bird).
And her made up words include: Dabee (seems to be a word with a wide definition- often something to put on/off), Oiee (water/milk, liquid of some sort), Bee (movie), and Mee (binky).
She does continue to sign, but generally just all done, more, please and thank you.
We hope to start working on potty training this spring, as she does show some interest in it mostly because she sees her big brother on the potty. And she has been successful several times. :)
As far as Braden, no too much new to report on him. He's doing well in preschool having just had parent/teacher conferences. Academically he seems quite bright, but sometimes struggles with obeying his teachers, taking responsibility for himself (ie. cleaning up after lunch and putting away toys), and just emotional maturity when things don't go his way including struggling with losing a game etc. But, he seems to be doing better and better in all of these areas. Overall, he really is becoming much easier and a joy to be with. We continue to struggle at times with first time obedience and doing what he's asked in a timely fashion, but something we're all working on. ;)
He did have his 4th birthday party January 27th. Of course it was a Batman party which he has been asking for since last year! It was big fun, but just a family party. Maybe we'll brave doing a friend party next year. The same weekend, the boys in the family also went to Monster Jam which was also a rip-roaring good time.
Recently we've known about a family who lost their middle son (age 7) to brain cancer. Although we didn't know this family well (friend of a friend), their tragedy has made us much more grateful for the many blessings we have, especially our children. And to remind us that our children belong to Him. He has just given us the amazing opportunity to raise and nurture them. And it's made us realize all the more that nothing is guaranteed in this life and we have to rely on God at every step knowing he knows the big picture. We are all here to glorify Him in whatever capacity that is. We know that being Christians does not shelter us from tragedy and sorrow, but that God is the ultimate comforter to hold us during dark times. The Bible tells us those dark times will come and without experiencing a tragedy for ourselves, it's helped us to mentally prepare for what will ultimately come in this life. Now, all that said, we pray against anything of the sort happening to our children or anyone we love, but we also know that we are not meant for this world and it's good to remind our hearts of that.
We are looking forward to Easter next week including dressing up on Easter Sunday, being with family, eating good food, Easter egg hunts, and candy, but most of all to celebrate our risen Lord.
Have a blessed week!
Braden's 4th Birthday party!
Such a big boy he is becoming!
Sibling love :)
Eliana 18 months
