Rose - almost 4

Rose,

I can’t believe you’re turning four tomorrow.  I have such mixed emotions about this.  It seems like just yesterday that we brought you  home from the hospital.  Sometimes you can be so trying.  Perhaps it is because we are both so similar, so sensitive to slights.  I hope that you can overcome this.  It’s not good to be as easily bruised emotionally as I have been in life. 

You are such a precious sweet girl.  You never hit Ethan, even when he hits you and pulls your hair.  In fact, sometimes I wish you would defend yourself a bit more.  I worry that others will take advantage of your sweet nature.  I worry in general that this world is so dark and dangerous.  I pray so often that no one hurts you, your soul, or your person. 

You are becoming a bit more picky in your eating.  I am also this way, but it is frustrating that when I do cook that you often reject it.   You love TV.  You could literally spend days focused on the TV if we let you.  You also love the Children’s Museum and the Zoo.  We have had passes this year, and have gone often.

You are so curious and ask many questions.  You challenge us with things that we say, about being careful.

I worry that I have been too stressed and hard on you as you have grown up.  I hope you remember the times that we played and had dance parties, and not just the times that I rushed you to get ready for bed or up in the morning.

You are so precious to me little one.

Love you,

Mama

3 years and 16 months

Rose,

You told me today that I was your best friend.  That was so sweet.  I have been able to use that to get you to behave a bit lately :).  I will have to remember this when you don't appreciate me so much.  You are loving Peppa Pig.  We try to keep it to only watching on the weekends.  You started at St. James a few weeks ago when we moved into our new house.  Johnna the director, and other teachers, are so kind there.  You seem to like it.  You are so smart.  I complained that I could not find a hammer the other night to put up a nail, and you told me to use a screw instead so I could use papa's screw driver.  You are still a bit sensitive, and independent.  You like to have things done just the right way.  We try to give you choices so you feel like you have control when possible.  Your teachers always tell me how great you are, and that they never have problems with you.

Ethan,

You are a sweet boy most of the time.  You give great hugs.  You know how to say a few things like hi, bye, mama, dada, wow, mine, and no.  You have been quite healthy this winter so far.  You have only had antibiotics once after staying with Ummichi.  Your Qvar is working well to keep your lungs clear.  We had tried going down to the 40 mcg, but then you got some congestion.  You are about to start at St. James on Monday Feb 13th.  I'm so excited for you and Rose to be at the same place.  You have not ever been together at a care facility.  You have about eight teeth, four on top and four on bottom.  You like to eat meat, and whatever we are eating.  You still love Cheerios.

Family

We are excited for Aunt Daisy to have her baby in March or April.  We are praying the baby grows well.  We have appreciated Ummichi being retired.  She often stays with us for a couple weeks at a time, especially when Papa is out of town.