Monday, July 16, 2012

Growing Kiddos!

My kiddos are growing so fast, I feel like it's all I can do to snap a quick photo of them from time to time. They are so on-the-move, so full of life, and keep me so busy... I love them so much! I'm trying to get back in the habit of writing regular entries of what they're up to, but for now I wanted to share a picture of each of them from this week- they both just look so big!
This is Kenna wearing her favorite "stripes shirt" out of a $5 bag of clothes I got her this weekend at a yard sale. I picked out a "mermaid" (Ariel) shirt for her thinking she would love it, but she latched on to this one. She keeps calling it a dress and gets mad when we tell her she has to wear shorts with it! She asks for it by name, got upset when I took it away from her to wash it, and literally wants to wear it day and night (long sleeves in 90 degree July weather no less!). Such a sassy little thing. I can't believe this fall she'll turn 4! I'm just not ready to be thinking about kindergarten and such for her yet.
This is Finn looking like such a grown little thing- I love a guy in baseball sleeves! Because our sweet buddy cousin Evan was also born in March, we've gotten tons of hand-me-downs (by the bagful!) and have literally barely bought a stitch of clothing for Finn! Such a huge blessing to us. Finn has such a masculine way of toddling around and now that he's walking he stomps around like a tiny gorilla. He is still so fast and loves to run away from us. He just looked like such a big boy in particular in this outfit. I think I have to admit he's not a baby anymore!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Finn at 15 Months!

My precious boy! You are so strong. Not just physically, but with a strength of character we see already. You are determined and brave, happy and logical. You love to explore, and to terrorize your sister. You are always getting into things, but also quick to come and show us your discoveries.
You just started walking about a month ago, and already trying to run... usually away from us when you know you have gotten a hold of something we might try to take away from you. With a sassy grin, you turn and run. You have also discovered the power of saying "no, mama" and "no, dada" or will answer a question with a simple "yeah."
 You're super ticklish and have the sweetest little fat thighs and chin rolls that especially get you giggling. I can't imagine anyone being able to keep from laughing when hearing that great belly chuckle of yours. You occasionally like to make super loud noises. You have known how to "vroom" your cars for months now and no one had to teach you how. 
You take your job as little brother very seriously. If there is a door open, you feel it is your job to close it. You are always exploring and logically testing out the things you see us doing... brushing your hair with a hairbrush, plugging things in and putting things where they're supposed to go. If something has a button, no matter what it is, you will push it just to see what happens.
 You're a pickier eater and a lighter sleeper than your sister. Though you prefer not to be snuggled much at bedtime, you are generous with your tight-around-the-neck hugs and big open-mouthed "muwah" kisses on our cheeks. You like to have everyone's attention and hate it when your sister takes a toy away from you!
You just could not be any sweeter. We love you monkey man, monkey moo, buddy, and little mister sir.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Kenna at Almost 4!

My sweet, beautiful, emotional girl. You wear your heart on your sleeve like none other. When you are happy, your joy is obvious with big grins and silly giggles. You're starting to learn to communicate frustrations, disappointments, and already look like a teenager when you roll your eyes. When you are sad, your tears are immediate, and big. You're so expressive there's no hiding what you feel.
Today you asked me for forgiveness for something you did wrong and I asked your forgiveness for my harsh tone in disciplining you. Teaching you and learning these important things with you are the deep joys of my life! I see the Holy Spirit working in your heart and it's beautiful, and amazing to me. You have a desire to tell others about Jesus. You want to know about God and sing his praise. Your favorite books are ones with bible stories and scriptures.
You are always singing, everywhere you go. Sometimes we recognize the songs, sometimes they are little made-up tunes while you play. You love to dress up (ballerinas and princesses are your favorites), you ask everyday to paint or color, and you are learning to swim. You take credit for teaching Finn that "he can walk," and love to help me cook. You like to watch the popcorn popping in the microwave on movie nights with Daddy.
 
You are everything a little girl should be: princess band-aids, tinkerbell costumes, and pink glitter "glamicures," but also bugs and dirt and running as fast and as hard as you can. You are surprisingly good at puzzles.
You and I are so, so much alike, but seeing your personality bloom and blossom constantly surprises me! You are at an age where I want to write down everything you say because it's all so random and hilarious and emphatic. You already overhear things and understand them when I would have thought they'd be over your head.
You are smart and happy and sweet. You love to pretend and to laugh, and you are so encouraging! You are always quick to encourage others and so empathetic when something is wrong. You have started asking "why?" over. And over and over.

You love animals, especially "baby frogs" (although you do not want to touch them). Your hair is wild and curly and mostly uncontrollable, most days. Just like mine.