Dear Luke,
Christmas has been really fun with you this year because you, of course, are more into it than ever before. You love our Christmas tree and your book about "bread men" (gingerbread men). Last night we had a special family night complete with pizza and driving around to see Christmas lights. At dinner I asked you, "Who do we celebrate at Christmas?" I have asked you many times and you usually excitedly say "Christmas tree." But last night you smiled and said, "Jesus." It was so sweet! You LOVED going to see the Christmas lights and would repeat whatever you saw out the window, "Snowman, train, Rudolph, Santa, all the Christmas lights." I imagined you going to bed with visions of Christmas lights in your head. I love you so much and am enjoying getting to celebrate with you this year!
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Truck PJ's
Luke,
I had an emotional day recently that I thought I would share with you. Every night I go through your bedtime routine with you. I don't get to see you for most of the day, so I really treasure this time with you in the evening (though sometimes it's a challenge if you're not feeling well or in a foul mood). I clean you up after dinner. We go upstairs and you play while I get your bath ready. Then I give you your bath, dry you off, put on your lotion and a clean diaper. Then you play for a few minutes, and we brush your teeth. You have a love/hate relationship with getting your teeth brushed - at the moment it's mostly hate.
After that, we clean up your toys and put them in the large plastic bin. You love to help me close the lid and latch the purple handles. Then we go to your room and put on your PJ's. For most of the last year your favorite PJ's were your truck PJ's (or as you say, trutt p-days). Almost every night you would request them, and would seem disappointed if they weren't clean. Recently I let you start choosing your own PJ's out of the bottom left drawer in your dresser. When you had finished cleaning up your toys, you would often run to your room and excitedly shout "trutt p-days!"
Over the last several months I noticed your truck PJ's getting tighter, and there were some holes in the toes from all the wear and tear. A couple weeks ago I went to put them on you and they ripped because you're too big for them now. You looked at me with this confused, concerned look on your face and said "trutt p-days?" I had to take them off and put on another set of pajamas. You were not happy about it.
I read you a couple books as I always do (Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a favorite right now), and then we sang Jesus Loves Me, prayed, and you went to bed.
After you did, I took your truck PJ's to our room, folded them up, and put them in my bedside table drawer. I had decided months earlier that when you outgrew them I wanted to keep them. For me, they represent you as a two year old because you wear them all the time. As soon as I laid them down in my bedside drawer I burst into tears - which took me by complete surprise. I was overcome with both joy and sadness - joy because I love you so much, and sadness at the realization that you're growing up so quickly. Even as I write this I have a lump in my throat and I feel my eyes starting to tear up.
The sound of those PJ's ripping was the audible sound of you growing up. There will come a day when you won't need me to put you in your high chair, or give you a bath, or put your PJ's on you, or read you a story. There will be other incredible aspects to being your Dad when you get older, but I am going to really miss being a Dad to you as a toddler. There will come a day when I am much older and I look at that old set of ripped truck PJ's, and I will wish with all my heart that I could go back for just one minute and hold you again at this age - give you one more bath, read you one more story, name the animals in your books with you, see your eyes light up when you turn the page and see an elephant (or as you say, Edephant).
Son, I love being your Dad. I'm so thankful the Lord in his great grace allowed me and Mommy to be your parents. It's truly staggering to think that He loves you so much more than we do. I can't even imagine that. I look forward to all the other phases that are coming - helping you with schoolwork, playing sports with you (or participating in whatever you're interested in), having talks with you about life. But nothing will ever replace this precious time. I guess I'm just not ready for you to grow up yet.
I love you,
Daddy
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Cute Things
Dear Luke,
You have been saying all sorts of cute things lately that we just don't want to forget!
You are really into spelling words. In the car when we were in Dallas before Halloween, you piped up from the backseat, "S-T-O-P," after noticing a stop sign. So, now when we read books, I'll spell vocabulary words for you. You love to spell your name and will proudly announce, "L-U-K-E, it spells Lute!" Speaking of "Lute," everything is "Lute's". We were laughing over Thanksgiving about how everything was yours, especially in the presence of Caroline and Wesley. "Lute's room, Lute's drey tar (grey car), Lute's blue shirt, etc." You also love to point out the color of your shirt and anyone else's shirt for that matter.
You have taken a real interest in things that are big vs. little. You are always asking for little blue cheese (baby bel) and will say, "that's a BID truck." But sometimes you get it backwards or are telling a joke and say something's big that isn't. Yesterday when you came downstairs to see the Christmas tree, your response was a little underwhelming when you said, "little Christmas tree." Daddy pointed out it is smaller than most of the trees you see outside, so I guess it makes sense.
You have also started saying what you want and following it with "otay", which is apparently your desired response from us. So when you want to watch a video you might say, "watch video? otay." Last week you and Nora were both getting over colds and I was sick of being home. We ventured out to Target and I picked up a frozen pizza for you and me to have for lunch, since it's your favorite. Well, and I also wanted pizza for myself... Anyway, I told you we were going to have a special lunch and you were delighted when I said it was pizza. But then you immediately followed that with, "french fries? otay." I don't know when you have had french fries with pizza, but apparently you love french fries, too. We barely ever eat fries, but I guess you haven't forgotten the few times you've had them!
Thanks for keeping us entertained, little Lutey.
Love,
Mommy
You have been saying all sorts of cute things lately that we just don't want to forget!
You are really into spelling words. In the car when we were in Dallas before Halloween, you piped up from the backseat, "S-T-O-P," after noticing a stop sign. So, now when we read books, I'll spell vocabulary words for you. You love to spell your name and will proudly announce, "L-U-K-E, it spells Lute!" Speaking of "Lute," everything is "Lute's". We were laughing over Thanksgiving about how everything was yours, especially in the presence of Caroline and Wesley. "Lute's room, Lute's drey tar (grey car), Lute's blue shirt, etc." You also love to point out the color of your shirt and anyone else's shirt for that matter.
You have taken a real interest in things that are big vs. little. You are always asking for little blue cheese (baby bel) and will say, "that's a BID truck." But sometimes you get it backwards or are telling a joke and say something's big that isn't. Yesterday when you came downstairs to see the Christmas tree, your response was a little underwhelming when you said, "little Christmas tree." Daddy pointed out it is smaller than most of the trees you see outside, so I guess it makes sense.
You have also started saying what you want and following it with "otay", which is apparently your desired response from us. So when you want to watch a video you might say, "watch video? otay." Last week you and Nora were both getting over colds and I was sick of being home. We ventured out to Target and I picked up a frozen pizza for you and me to have for lunch, since it's your favorite. Well, and I also wanted pizza for myself... Anyway, I told you we were going to have a special lunch and you were delighted when I said it was pizza. But then you immediately followed that with, "french fries? otay." I don't know when you have had french fries with pizza, but apparently you love french fries, too. We barely ever eat fries, but I guess you haven't forgotten the few times you've had them!
Thanks for keeping us entertained, little Lutey.
Love,
Mommy
Monday, November 16, 2015
Ibloom
Dear Luke,
This morning when I picked you up at Ibloom your teacher told me you were talking a lot more. When they got out your diaper you were proudly saying, "Lute's diaper." Then when some of the other boys were being loud, you kept saying, "sh, baby's sleeping." I'm glad you are feeling comfortable and using your voice. :)
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Growing Up
Dear Luke,
Amidst our amazement at how fast Nora seems to be growing, I realize you are growing up, too. You are getting bigger and learning to do and say new things constantly. Every time we see family, they seem to comment on how much more you are talking. When we read your animal books, you can name every animal: tamel, edephant, dutty, doggie, tat, etc. You have learned your first memory verse (Philippians 2:14) and say it with pride. Loving numbers the way you do, the reference was the easiest part for you. "Do ed-ee-ting wif-out, tum-paning ah-yuing." Now you have tacked onto the end, "yay yu-tey" since we often say, "yay, Lukey!"
You have also become more affectionate. You've started this thing where you run up out of nowhere and just grab onto my legs to give me a big bear hug. When I ask you for a hug, you say "ahms" (since I taught you to use your arms), and then stretch your arms out to put around me. You frequently come up and say "mommy tish" (kiss) or "mommy sit" (although it sounds more like a bad word). I'm usually in the middle of something, but I often try to stop even for a few minutes to sit and build a tower or read a book. The other day you were naming family in pairs (Nina, Papa.... Weshee, Tryin....) and then I said "Luke," expecting you to say, "Nora," but instead you happily proclaimed, "Mommy." I love that you chose me to go with you.
You have taken a real interest in friends over the past couple of months. You most frequently ask to play with Pee-ton (Peyton) and also love to talk about Adele, My-tel (Michael), Teo (Mateo), Mason, etc. We have started going to Toddler Time at the library on some Tuesdays and you love to see your friends and dance around to the music. It's a good opportunity for you to practice following instructions in a group setting. You do pretty well, but I have to give frequent reminders to sit and stand at the right times and not cross the yellow line at the front. When we get home, you'll say, "I had fun paying (fill in the name of whatever friend)." We were at Chick-fil-A once and you were playing with whatever kids happened to be in the play area, who we didn't know. When they left you said, "friends." So sweet.
We have been using timeouts for your discipline and you seem to really dislike them. It seems more effective for you than spanking right now. You have even started to put yourself in timeout when you do something and I tell you to stop. Sometimes I'll think, "well, I wasn't going to put you in timeout, but I guess I should."
You have started to say "baby sister" for Nora. Yesterday after your nap, without any prompting from me, you set up some books in front of Nora for her to look at during tummy time. You had never done that before, but have seen me do it many times. I have asked you to do it before and you haven't, so it was really sweet to see you come up with the idea on your own.
You absolutely love to help me with any number of things, from pushing the stroller, to doing the laundry, to doing the dishes. I actually save unloading the clean dishes for when it can be an activity for you. You say "hep dishes," "wash hands," "be tareful" and "one a time" (one at a time) while we do it. I have also started asking you to take Daddy's clothes or shoes from the bathroom or the side of the bed and take them to the closet.
You love going to church and ibloom and will run happily to your room, straight through the door. What a blessing that you don't mind being separated from me and that you have such a good time in those environments.
What can I say, Luke, but that you are such a sweet boy. I love you so much and am so thankful for the gift of being your Mommy.
Love,
Mommy
Amidst our amazement at how fast Nora seems to be growing, I realize you are growing up, too. You are getting bigger and learning to do and say new things constantly. Every time we see family, they seem to comment on how much more you are talking. When we read your animal books, you can name every animal: tamel, edephant, dutty, doggie, tat, etc. You have learned your first memory verse (Philippians 2:14) and say it with pride. Loving numbers the way you do, the reference was the easiest part for you. "Do ed-ee-ting wif-out, tum-paning ah-yuing." Now you have tacked onto the end, "yay yu-tey" since we often say, "yay, Lukey!"
You have also become more affectionate. You've started this thing where you run up out of nowhere and just grab onto my legs to give me a big bear hug. When I ask you for a hug, you say "ahms" (since I taught you to use your arms), and then stretch your arms out to put around me. You frequently come up and say "mommy tish" (kiss) or "mommy sit" (although it sounds more like a bad word). I'm usually in the middle of something, but I often try to stop even for a few minutes to sit and build a tower or read a book. The other day you were naming family in pairs (Nina, Papa.... Weshee, Tryin....) and then I said "Luke," expecting you to say, "Nora," but instead you happily proclaimed, "Mommy." I love that you chose me to go with you.
You have taken a real interest in friends over the past couple of months. You most frequently ask to play with Pee-ton (Peyton) and also love to talk about Adele, My-tel (Michael), Teo (Mateo), Mason, etc. We have started going to Toddler Time at the library on some Tuesdays and you love to see your friends and dance around to the music. It's a good opportunity for you to practice following instructions in a group setting. You do pretty well, but I have to give frequent reminders to sit and stand at the right times and not cross the yellow line at the front. When we get home, you'll say, "I had fun paying (fill in the name of whatever friend)." We were at Chick-fil-A once and you were playing with whatever kids happened to be in the play area, who we didn't know. When they left you said, "friends." So sweet.
We have been using timeouts for your discipline and you seem to really dislike them. It seems more effective for you than spanking right now. You have even started to put yourself in timeout when you do something and I tell you to stop. Sometimes I'll think, "well, I wasn't going to put you in timeout, but I guess I should."
You have started to say "baby sister" for Nora. Yesterday after your nap, without any prompting from me, you set up some books in front of Nora for her to look at during tummy time. You had never done that before, but have seen me do it many times. I have asked you to do it before and you haven't, so it was really sweet to see you come up with the idea on your own.
You absolutely love to help me with any number of things, from pushing the stroller, to doing the laundry, to doing the dishes. I actually save unloading the clean dishes for when it can be an activity for you. You say "hep dishes," "wash hands," "be tareful" and "one a time" (one at a time) while we do it. I have also started asking you to take Daddy's clothes or shoes from the bathroom or the side of the bed and take them to the closet.
You love going to church and ibloom and will run happily to your room, straight through the door. What a blessing that you don't mind being separated from me and that you have such a good time in those environments.
What can I say, Luke, but that you are such a sweet boy. I love you so much and am so thankful for the gift of being your Mommy.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Many Firsts
Dear Luke,
You experienced many firsts last week, as we flew to Denver for Daddy's graduation. This was your first time on an airplane and your first time out of the state of Texas. You handled it all incredibly well, with only a handful of airport meltdowns along the way. You have been very interested in airplanes, buses, and trains lately, so we were excited to see what you would think of everything. Daddy even bought you a little Southwest plane a few weeks ago so you could get used to the idea.
I asked for tips from friends on facebook about flying with a toddler and got some great ideas. I bought a bunch of little toys at the dollar store for you to play with, but once I gave you my old iphone, with several toddler apps on it, I didn't even break out one thing from the dollar store. You were mesmerized with the phone and weren't really even that interested in the airplane. Airport security was a bit of a nightmare, especially on the way home, but that was to be expected since you were exhausted and missing a nap.
You loved the hotel, opening and closing the 2 doors to the bathroom, putting your toys in the safe and opening and closing it, running back and forth touching the buttons on your and Nora's sound machines. You loved riding the elevator and looking down at the hotel lobby from up high. They had a great free breakfast every morning, so you started the day off right with eggs, cheese, fruit, milk...
The dollar store toys came in handy during Daddy's graduation ceremony, along with a handful of snacks, including a granola bar from Honey's purse.
All in all, you adapted very well to all the changes and loved the time with Honey and Grandpa, Nana and Papa, Gramps, and Uncle Sean. And with Baby, Daddy, and me, too. :)
Love,
Mommy
You experienced many firsts last week, as we flew to Denver for Daddy's graduation. This was your first time on an airplane and your first time out of the state of Texas. You handled it all incredibly well, with only a handful of airport meltdowns along the way. You have been very interested in airplanes, buses, and trains lately, so we were excited to see what you would think of everything. Daddy even bought you a little Southwest plane a few weeks ago so you could get used to the idea.
I asked for tips from friends on facebook about flying with a toddler and got some great ideas. I bought a bunch of little toys at the dollar store for you to play with, but once I gave you my old iphone, with several toddler apps on it, I didn't even break out one thing from the dollar store. You were mesmerized with the phone and weren't really even that interested in the airplane. Airport security was a bit of a nightmare, especially on the way home, but that was to be expected since you were exhausted and missing a nap.
You loved the hotel, opening and closing the 2 doors to the bathroom, putting your toys in the safe and opening and closing it, running back and forth touching the buttons on your and Nora's sound machines. You loved riding the elevator and looking down at the hotel lobby from up high. They had a great free breakfast every morning, so you started the day off right with eggs, cheese, fruit, milk...
The dollar store toys came in handy during Daddy's graduation ceremony, along with a handful of snacks, including a granola bar from Honey's purse.
All in all, you adapted very well to all the changes and loved the time with Honey and Grandpa, Nana and Papa, Gramps, and Uncle Sean. And with Baby, Daddy, and me, too. :)
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Two and Five Months
Dear Luke,
In one month, you will be two and a half! Hard to believe. You seem to be learning and communicating new things on a daily basis. Here are some of my favorite words and phrases you've been saying...
play toys (I hear this one a lot!)
play church (you have been saying this so frequently, so you must really like church! That and going up to the church to run around with Daddy :)
beat (book)
dreen (green)
dreent (drink)
ice (sh) wah-wah (ice water)
feesh bum (fist bump)
I've been teaching you for months to say "yes mama" when you have gotten in trouble and I've explained what you're not supposed to do, and you just started saying it recently to both Daddy and me. So, I'll explain after timeout that you aren't supposed to throw your milk on the floor and when I ask, "do you understand?" you say, "yesh, mama." It is THE cutest! You will also say "i luh, mama" (i love you, mama) when prompted.
You surprised me by singing your ABC's on your own for the first time a few weeks ago. I didn't really feel like we'd even been working on it. Now you sing along to Jesus Loves Me, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Three Little Fishies, Wheels on the Bus.... You really are such a sponge and have been absorbing so much without me knowing! When we pray for meals, I've started praying more slowly and using words you will recognize. You like to pray along out loud, so you will say some gibberish, then join in with words you know. So, I will thank God for your banana, your waffle, for Daddy, baby, etc.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
In one month, you will be two and a half! Hard to believe. You seem to be learning and communicating new things on a daily basis. Here are some of my favorite words and phrases you've been saying...
play toys (I hear this one a lot!)
play church (you have been saying this so frequently, so you must really like church! That and going up to the church to run around with Daddy :)
beat (book)
dreen (green)
dreent (drink)
ice (sh) wah-wah (ice water)
feesh bum (fist bump)
I've been teaching you for months to say "yes mama" when you have gotten in trouble and I've explained what you're not supposed to do, and you just started saying it recently to both Daddy and me. So, I'll explain after timeout that you aren't supposed to throw your milk on the floor and when I ask, "do you understand?" you say, "yesh, mama." It is THE cutest! You will also say "i luh, mama" (i love you, mama) when prompted.
You surprised me by singing your ABC's on your own for the first time a few weeks ago. I didn't really feel like we'd even been working on it. Now you sing along to Jesus Loves Me, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Three Little Fishies, Wheels on the Bus.... You really are such a sponge and have been absorbing so much without me knowing! When we pray for meals, I've started praying more slowly and using words you will recognize. You like to pray along out loud, so you will say some gibberish, then join in with words you know. So, I will thank God for your banana, your waffle, for Daddy, baby, etc.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Sweet Things
Dear Luke,
You are passed out in your crib right now after working out lots of energy at Jump Street this morning, an indoor trampoline park. You fell asleep in about 5 minutes once I put you down! You have been such a sweet little boy lately and adjusted so well to being a big brother. It was fun to take you there today.
Yesterday after dinner I walked passed the study to see this.
I knew you had been in there. You will often pick a Bible off the shelf, pull out a chair and sit down at the table to flip through it. You also love to pray. Every time we sit down for a meal you say, "pray, pray." If I get up to get you more food (which I often do), when I sit back down, you say again, "pray, pray." Sometimes you just continue eating, waiting to say "amen" at the end, but recently you have also started folding your hands, closing your eyes, and speaking your own gibberish while we pray. It is so, so cute and I really want to get it on video! I tried last night, but you didn't perform like I hoped because of course you were distracted by my phone. I pray that you develop your own love for prayer and the Bible and let them shape your life!
Other cute things...
you say "otay"
you have your potty book memorized and when you want to read it, say "pah-ee beat, pah-ee beat"
you say "besh-oo" when someone coughs or sneezes
you say "see ya"
And today you looked over at Nora in the car and said "Nora" the clearest I've ever heard. :)
I love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
You are passed out in your crib right now after working out lots of energy at Jump Street this morning, an indoor trampoline park. You fell asleep in about 5 minutes once I put you down! You have been such a sweet little boy lately and adjusted so well to being a big brother. It was fun to take you there today.
Yesterday after dinner I walked passed the study to see this.
I knew you had been in there. You will often pick a Bible off the shelf, pull out a chair and sit down at the table to flip through it. You also love to pray. Every time we sit down for a meal you say, "pray, pray." If I get up to get you more food (which I often do), when I sit back down, you say again, "pray, pray." Sometimes you just continue eating, waiting to say "amen" at the end, but recently you have also started folding your hands, closing your eyes, and speaking your own gibberish while we pray. It is so, so cute and I really want to get it on video! I tried last night, but you didn't perform like I hoped because of course you were distracted by my phone. I pray that you develop your own love for prayer and the Bible and let them shape your life!
Other cute things...
you say "otay"
you have your potty book memorized and when you want to read it, say "pah-ee beat, pah-ee beat"
you say "besh-oo" when someone coughs or sneezes
you say "see ya"
And today you looked over at Nora in the car and said "Nora" the clearest I've ever heard. :)
I love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Words
Dear Luke,
There are a handful of words you say frequently that are really cute and I don't want to forget...
yacht - snack
wah wah - water
mihk - milk
hahtch - truck
dao - car
GEE-tah - guitar
hummy - tummy
EE-oh - video
I love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
There are a handful of words you say frequently that are really cute and I don't want to forget...
yacht - snack
wah wah - water
mihk - milk
hahtch - truck
dao - car
GEE-tah - guitar
hummy - tummy
EE-oh - video
I love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Big Brother
Dear Luke,
You have been a big brother now for 5 days and you are handling it so very well! In the week or so before Nora was born, I was hoping to do some special things with you, but that didn't work out like I had planned since I got shingles and had to take it easy. We did go to the Bagel Cafe with Nana for a special date in the morning on the Sunday I went into labor, which was fun. You were delighted with your harvest whole wheat bagel.
When you came to the hospital to meet Nora, it went just like I expected. You were excited to see Mama and Dada and busily went around the room flipping light switches, opening drawers, pushing buttons and generally investigating everything new around you. You saw Nora in her crib and said, "baby." When we got home from the hospital, we gave you a new train set for your big brother gift. You are very happy with it. In the days since we got home, you have given Nora kisses and high fives, counted her toes, tried to stick her pacifier in her mouth, handed Daddy wipes for a diaper change, swung her in her swing, and enjoyed pushing the buttons on her sound machine and baby bouncer. You loved looking at pictures of "baby" on Honey's phone and excitedly exclaim "baby" while pointing to Nora every time you see her. This morning when you got up with Honey, you eagerly ran into our room wanting to see "baby" first thing. It is so sweet to see you with her. You are already a wonderful big brother. I love you so much and am very proud of you!
Love,
Mommy
You have been a big brother now for 5 days and you are handling it so very well! In the week or so before Nora was born, I was hoping to do some special things with you, but that didn't work out like I had planned since I got shingles and had to take it easy. We did go to the Bagel Cafe with Nana for a special date in the morning on the Sunday I went into labor, which was fun. You were delighted with your harvest whole wheat bagel.
When you came to the hospital to meet Nora, it went just like I expected. You were excited to see Mama and Dada and busily went around the room flipping light switches, opening drawers, pushing buttons and generally investigating everything new around you. You saw Nora in her crib and said, "baby." When we got home from the hospital, we gave you a new train set for your big brother gift. You are very happy with it. In the days since we got home, you have given Nora kisses and high fives, counted her toes, tried to stick her pacifier in her mouth, handed Daddy wipes for a diaper change, swung her in her swing, and enjoyed pushing the buttons on her sound machine and baby bouncer. You loved looking at pictures of "baby" on Honey's phone and excitedly exclaim "baby" while pointing to Nora every time you see her. This morning when you got up with Honey, you eagerly ran into our room wanting to see "baby" first thing. It is so sweet to see you with her. You are already a wonderful big brother. I love you so much and am very proud of you!
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Choo Choo Museum
Hey Luke,
Today was a special day. Recently you've been really interested in trains (or "choo choos" as you call them). Mommy wasn't feeling too well, so I took you to the Railroad Museum in Rosenberg - about 15 minutes away from our house. It was so much fun! You got to climb all over these old train cars, and see 3 real trains go by. You were so excited, and fascinated by the whole thing. And (like a cherry on top from God), there was a random chicken running around the property that you got to chase through the train cars. You were saying "ba ba ba" as you chased it.
I attached a couple pictures I took while we were out there. I also included pics of the stickers we wore and the little toy train I bought you.
I felt pretty emotional about it all. It just hit me pretty hard today that our days with only you are coming to a close. I felt something similar before you were born because I realized the 7 years I spent with just Mommy were coming to an end. Luke, the last 2 years and 3 months have been so filled with joy, and I've loved being your Dad. I remember when all you could do is lay there and stare up at the ceiling fan. Now you're reciting the alphabet, counting to 15, identifying animals, cars, trucks, colors etc. You're so smart and sweet. I'm so proud of you!
But, I know that the same joy will fill me when I get to meet your sister, Nora. God will allow me to love her in the same way, without taking away any of the love I have for you. And we will have the additional joy of seeing you be a big brother to Nora. Mommy and I can't wait to see that.
I love you so much, Luke. You truly have brought light into our lives, and I'm so thankful that God saw fit to make me your Dad.
love,
Daddy
Friday, May 1, 2015
Bright Spots in Difficult Days
Dear Luke,
As I type, you are in your crib screaming, fighting sleep, and have attempted climbing out multiple times to retrieve your lovey which you threw on the floor in anger when I said goodnight and left the room. It's been a long day! You are in the throes of testing, hitting, and kicking me. You fight me with just about every diaper change and it's not uncommon for you to fight me with meals, getting in your carseat, going upstairs or downstairs. Honey has told me she cried almost every day for a period when I was 3 and fought her on everything. I guess now I'm seeing what it's like! To be fair, you've had a cold for 3 days, are working on your 2nd year molars, and today was day 4 of Daddy being out of town. We've had to cancel lots of fun plans because you've been sick, so it's been tough to fill the time. The fact that I'm 36 weeks pregnant hasn't helped either! This morning you were playing with the toilet brush and when I told you no, you hit me and screamed "No!", so I spanked you and put you in your crib for timeout. A few minutes later, you had stopped crying and were saying "uh oh". I walked toward your room and imagine my shock to see you walking toward me! So, now in addition to being able to unlock all the doors in and out of the house, you can climb out of your crib. Great!
But there are bright spots, even in days like today. The brightest spot for me is hearing you sweetly say "Mama." When we are at the park or you're playing on your own at home, you'll lose track of me (even though I haven't lost track of you!) and I'll see you start to look around. When you spot me, you smile great big and say "Mama." I think I frustrate you more than anyone else, but I also think I must be very special to you. It's like I'm your home base. You want to test your independence, but you also want to know I'm right there whenever you need me. I know God will get us through these trying toddler days and pray that He shows me how to direct you through them, to become the boy and man that He has in mind. I love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
As I type, you are in your crib screaming, fighting sleep, and have attempted climbing out multiple times to retrieve your lovey which you threw on the floor in anger when I said goodnight and left the room. It's been a long day! You are in the throes of testing, hitting, and kicking me. You fight me with just about every diaper change and it's not uncommon for you to fight me with meals, getting in your carseat, going upstairs or downstairs. Honey has told me she cried almost every day for a period when I was 3 and fought her on everything. I guess now I'm seeing what it's like! To be fair, you've had a cold for 3 days, are working on your 2nd year molars, and today was day 4 of Daddy being out of town. We've had to cancel lots of fun plans because you've been sick, so it's been tough to fill the time. The fact that I'm 36 weeks pregnant hasn't helped either! This morning you were playing with the toilet brush and when I told you no, you hit me and screamed "No!", so I spanked you and put you in your crib for timeout. A few minutes later, you had stopped crying and were saying "uh oh". I walked toward your room and imagine my shock to see you walking toward me! So, now in addition to being able to unlock all the doors in and out of the house, you can climb out of your crib. Great!
But there are bright spots, even in days like today. The brightest spot for me is hearing you sweetly say "Mama." When we are at the park or you're playing on your own at home, you'll lose track of me (even though I haven't lost track of you!) and I'll see you start to look around. When you spot me, you smile great big and say "Mama." I think I frustrate you more than anyone else, but I also think I must be very special to you. It's like I'm your home base. You want to test your independence, but you also want to know I'm right there whenever you need me. I know God will get us through these trying toddler days and pray that He shows me how to direct you through them, to become the boy and man that He has in mind. I love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Life Lately
Dear Luke,
The last month has been so full and there is so much I have wanted to remember to tell you! Your language has been exploding since you turned 2. It's so fun to hear you say new things every day. Like when we pull into the garage after being out and you say "home." Or when you're sitting in your highchair and say "dada work" because I usually say "Dada is at work" when you ask about him. You have started to say "thank you" and "i love" which I do love! When we sit down to eat, you say "pray" and when we got to the park the other day you said "play" because I had been telling you we were going to the park to play. The other day you pulled down the hand towel in the guest bathroom and brought it to me, saying "no no," because you thought that's probably what I would tell you. Smart boy.
You walk most everywhere now. From the car into church and into your classroom, into your class at ibloom, up and down the stairs. It was getting harder to carry you as you (and I) both get bigger and you love the independence of getting to walk while holding my hand. You slow down quite a bit to savor any opportunity to go up or jump off a curb. It takes patience and sometimes I really have to urge you along to get where we're going. You still lean over for me to take you from Daddy right before bed to lay you in your crib every night. I can't resist!
You are obsessed with letters and numbers. You know the whole alphabet and can easily count all the way to 10 by yourself. Last night at dinner, Daddy and I were talking and when he said "debate," you piped in with "nine." When I said "for" in a sentence, you followed with "five." We've started working on colors and you definitely know the color red. You are a sponge and soaking up so much knowledge every day.
We got out your little blue baby doll that Bama gave you when you were a baby, to start practicing being gentle with a baby. You know how to swing the baby (rather fast) in the baby swing, and to hold the baby. You've also sat in the rocking chair with your baby. I put a little baby bottle in your Easter basket so you can also learn to feed the baby.
Daddy and I took you to Stomping Grounds yesterday morning for a special playtime. I've taken you to the childrens museum and Giggles & Fun over the past few weeks to try and spend special time with you before Nora arrives. You are so focused when you play at these places and content to stay for at least an hour and a half. I'm the one who usually decides it's time to go.
I love you so much and am so proud of you, little man!
Love,
Mommy
P.S. I was keeping a list of the words you've said, mostly in order, but now you're saying so many new things that I really can't keep up anymore!
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The last month has been so full and there is so much I have wanted to remember to tell you! Your language has been exploding since you turned 2. It's so fun to hear you say new things every day. Like when we pull into the garage after being out and you say "home." Or when you're sitting in your highchair and say "dada work" because I usually say "Dada is at work" when you ask about him. You have started to say "thank you" and "i love" which I do love! When we sit down to eat, you say "pray" and when we got to the park the other day you said "play" because I had been telling you we were going to the park to play. The other day you pulled down the hand towel in the guest bathroom and brought it to me, saying "no no," because you thought that's probably what I would tell you. Smart boy.
You walk most everywhere now. From the car into church and into your classroom, into your class at ibloom, up and down the stairs. It was getting harder to carry you as you (and I) both get bigger and you love the independence of getting to walk while holding my hand. You slow down quite a bit to savor any opportunity to go up or jump off a curb. It takes patience and sometimes I really have to urge you along to get where we're going. You still lean over for me to take you from Daddy right before bed to lay you in your crib every night. I can't resist!
You are obsessed with letters and numbers. You know the whole alphabet and can easily count all the way to 10 by yourself. Last night at dinner, Daddy and I were talking and when he said "debate," you piped in with "nine." When I said "for" in a sentence, you followed with "five." We've started working on colors and you definitely know the color red. You are a sponge and soaking up so much knowledge every day.
We got out your little blue baby doll that Bama gave you when you were a baby, to start practicing being gentle with a baby. You know how to swing the baby (rather fast) in the baby swing, and to hold the baby. You've also sat in the rocking chair with your baby. I put a little baby bottle in your Easter basket so you can also learn to feed the baby.
Daddy and I took you to Stomping Grounds yesterday morning for a special playtime. I've taken you to the childrens museum and Giggles & Fun over the past few weeks to try and spend special time with you before Nora arrives. You are so focused when you play at these places and content to stay for at least an hour and a half. I'm the one who usually decides it's time to go.
I love you so much and am so proud of you, little man!
Love,
Mommy
P.S. I was keeping a list of the words you've said, mostly in order, but now you're saying so many new things that I really can't keep up anymore!
Thursday, March 12, 2015
TWO!!
Dear Luke,
You are TWO, my little boy! Such a big boy you are. It was so special to celebrate your big day with Honey and Grandpa. We just had a simple dinner at home and Honey made you oreo brownies for your birthday dessert. You were delighted when we all began to sing and you saw the sparkling candle on your brownie. You also had a good time opening your presents once you got the hang of it. :) We had a birthday party with your toddler friends the week after your birthday at La Centerra's Central Green and you had a ball running around. I was so glad you were happy at your party this year. So, what stands out about you at age 2?
You love exercising your independence. You buckle yourself into your highchair and stroller now. We just recently let you start walking up and down the stairs, as long as you are holding a hand. This makes you just giddy. This week I needed to run into Walgreens to pick up some pictures and decided to experiment with letting you walk. I told you while you were still in your carseat that I would let you walk, but you needed to hold my hand. You got a big smile on your face and did great. I even had to let go of your hand to pay for the pictures, and told you to stay where you were, which you did! I was so proud.
Your language is exploding. The other day when we drove into the garage, you said "home". It caught me off guard, but then I asked you if you said "home" and you repeated it a few more times. I realized I often tell you "we're home" when we pull into the garage. Yesterday you pointed to a heart in your book and told Daddy, "heart." You are obsessed with numbers and letters and can count and say 1, 2, and 5. I think 5 is your favorite, but hearing you say 2 is my favorite. It's the French two as Daddy says. You will often surprise me by pointing at my shirt or coffee mug and say "I" or "E" and sure enough, I look to see whatever letter you just spouted out. You notice letters everywhere and Honey thinks you're going to be an early reader.
You take pride in a job well done. This morning you were playing in your crib with your new stackadoos while I vacuumed. When I went to get you I asked you to clean up and left for a few minutes to finish getting ready in my room. When I came back you had put every single stackadoo back in the bucket with the lid on. I went overboard praising you and clapping my hands. You clapped, too, and said "yea!" Now that you can open doors, you sometimes go into the storage closet upstairs to pull out a toy. When I say it's time to go downstairs or onto the next activity, you first take the toy, put it back in the closet, and shut the door. You make me proud!
You are happy to play at church, ibloom, and Peyton's house. In fact, last time I went to pick you up from Devyn's, you didn't want to go and cried when I picked you up and carried you out of the house! It is so nice to be able to leave now and not worry about you having a hard time. The exception is when we leave you with a babysitter. When Daddy and I both leave, you cry hard, but apparently it doesn't last long. I'm glad.
Today at lunch Daddy sat down to join us and you looked at us and started to fold your little hands together, like, "Are we forgetting something?" So, we prayed and you said "Amen." I pray that your little heart grows closer and closer to the Lord who loves you more than we even do!
I think you know this, but I am so proud of you, little Luke. I know we have big changes coming soon with the addition of Nora to our family. I am so excited about her and to see you come into your role as big brother. I know it will be an adjustment, but I also know you will adjust. You will always be my special little boy!
Love,
Mommy
You are TWO, my little boy! Such a big boy you are. It was so special to celebrate your big day with Honey and Grandpa. We just had a simple dinner at home and Honey made you oreo brownies for your birthday dessert. You were delighted when we all began to sing and you saw the sparkling candle on your brownie. You also had a good time opening your presents once you got the hang of it. :) We had a birthday party with your toddler friends the week after your birthday at La Centerra's Central Green and you had a ball running around. I was so glad you were happy at your party this year. So, what stands out about you at age 2?
You love exercising your independence. You buckle yourself into your highchair and stroller now. We just recently let you start walking up and down the stairs, as long as you are holding a hand. This makes you just giddy. This week I needed to run into Walgreens to pick up some pictures and decided to experiment with letting you walk. I told you while you were still in your carseat that I would let you walk, but you needed to hold my hand. You got a big smile on your face and did great. I even had to let go of your hand to pay for the pictures, and told you to stay where you were, which you did! I was so proud.
Your language is exploding. The other day when we drove into the garage, you said "home". It caught me off guard, but then I asked you if you said "home" and you repeated it a few more times. I realized I often tell you "we're home" when we pull into the garage. Yesterday you pointed to a heart in your book and told Daddy, "heart." You are obsessed with numbers and letters and can count and say 1, 2, and 5. I think 5 is your favorite, but hearing you say 2 is my favorite. It's the French two as Daddy says. You will often surprise me by pointing at my shirt or coffee mug and say "I" or "E" and sure enough, I look to see whatever letter you just spouted out. You notice letters everywhere and Honey thinks you're going to be an early reader.
You take pride in a job well done. This morning you were playing in your crib with your new stackadoos while I vacuumed. When I went to get you I asked you to clean up and left for a few minutes to finish getting ready in my room. When I came back you had put every single stackadoo back in the bucket with the lid on. I went overboard praising you and clapping my hands. You clapped, too, and said "yea!" Now that you can open doors, you sometimes go into the storage closet upstairs to pull out a toy. When I say it's time to go downstairs or onto the next activity, you first take the toy, put it back in the closet, and shut the door. You make me proud!
You are happy to play at church, ibloom, and Peyton's house. In fact, last time I went to pick you up from Devyn's, you didn't want to go and cried when I picked you up and carried you out of the house! It is so nice to be able to leave now and not worry about you having a hard time. The exception is when we leave you with a babysitter. When Daddy and I both leave, you cry hard, but apparently it doesn't last long. I'm glad.
Today at lunch Daddy sat down to join us and you looked at us and started to fold your little hands together, like, "Are we forgetting something?" So, we prayed and you said "Amen." I pray that your little heart grows closer and closer to the Lord who loves you more than we even do!
I think you know this, but I am so proud of you, little Luke. I know we have big changes coming soon with the addition of Nora to our family. I am so excited about her and to see you come into your role as big brother. I know it will be an adjustment, but I also know you will adjust. You will always be my special little boy!
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Bad Dreams
Dear Luke,
Over the last several weeks you have been having nightmares. Often the only thing we can do to get you to go back to sleep is to sleep on the floor in your room, or at least lay there until you fall back asleep. I don't think this is a good long term solution, so have been talking to friends and asking our small group for prayer. I thought perhaps the puppets in your Baby Einstein videos were scaring you, so we did cut out TV for a couple weeks and that stopped things temporarily. But then last week the bad dreams started up again. A friend told me she used to have night terrors herself and recommended reading psalm 91 with you. We did this before you went to bed the other night and you slept well. Last night you had bad dreams and whimpered on and off for an hour and a half. Daddy went in to check on you and sing to you, but you still couldn't go back to sleep fully. I was praying for you and read the psalm from my bed, but after an hour and a half, went in your room and whispered the psalm out loud. You went right to sleep when I left and I barely heard from you the rest of the night. Scripture is so powerful and I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach you even now that God is always with you and more powerful than anything you fear. I love you, Luke!
Love,
Mommy
Over the last several weeks you have been having nightmares. Often the only thing we can do to get you to go back to sleep is to sleep on the floor in your room, or at least lay there until you fall back asleep. I don't think this is a good long term solution, so have been talking to friends and asking our small group for prayer. I thought perhaps the puppets in your Baby Einstein videos were scaring you, so we did cut out TV for a couple weeks and that stopped things temporarily. But then last week the bad dreams started up again. A friend told me she used to have night terrors herself and recommended reading psalm 91 with you. We did this before you went to bed the other night and you slept well. Last night you had bad dreams and whimpered on and off for an hour and a half. Daddy went in to check on you and sing to you, but you still couldn't go back to sleep fully. I was praying for you and read the psalm from my bed, but after an hour and a half, went in your room and whispered the psalm out loud. You went right to sleep when I left and I barely heard from you the rest of the night. Scripture is so powerful and I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach you even now that God is always with you and more powerful than anything you fear. I love you, Luke!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Where's Nora?
Dear Luke,
A couple days ago, I asked you, "where's Nora?" You thought for a minute, then pointed at my belly and smiled. It was so sweet. :)
Love,
Mommy
A couple days ago, I asked you, "where's Nora?" You thought for a minute, then pointed at my belly and smiled. It was so sweet. :)
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
New Skills
Dear Luke,
The other day you opened the door to the storage closet by yourself and also climbed into your high chair. Yesterday you opened the doors to the fridge and freezer. We're in trouble!
Love,
Mommy
The other day you opened the door to the storage closet by yourself and also climbed into your high chair. Yesterday you opened the doors to the fridge and freezer. We're in trouble!
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Language
Dear Luke,
Your pediatrician said you should have about 50 words at age 2. I've wondered if that will happen because up until a couple weeks ago, you really weren't saying very much. It seems like your vocabulary has started to expand recently though and you are eager to try new words. Before you are speaking all sorts of words, I wanted to write down your first words, in order, to the best of my memory.
Dada
Mama
Fish
Uh-oh
Nana (banana)
Elbow
Hi
Yeah
Nana (daddy's mommy)
Honey
Papa
Bampa
Animal noises:
Bear
Lion
Monkey
Dog
Cat
Cow
Lamb
Horse
Today I asked you if you could say Luke. I said it slowly with my mouth open so you could see my tongue on the roof of my mouth when I made the "L" sound. You didn't say anything, but were really studying my mouth and putting your own tongue on the roof of your mouth, then just burst out laughing. It will be so fun to continue to hear you speak more and more!
Love,
Mommy
Your pediatrician said you should have about 50 words at age 2. I've wondered if that will happen because up until a couple weeks ago, you really weren't saying very much. It seems like your vocabulary has started to expand recently though and you are eager to try new words. Before you are speaking all sorts of words, I wanted to write down your first words, in order, to the best of my memory.
Dada
Mama
Fish
Uh-oh
Nana (banana)
Elbow
Hi
Yeah
Nana (daddy's mommy)
Honey
Papa
Bampa
Animal noises:
Bear
Lion
Monkey
Dog
Cat
Cow
Lamb
Horse
Today I asked you if you could say Luke. I said it slowly with my mouth open so you could see my tongue on the roof of my mouth when I made the "L" sound. You didn't say anything, but were really studying my mouth and putting your own tongue on the roof of your mouth, then just burst out laughing. It will be so fun to continue to hear you speak more and more!
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Good Report
Dear Luke,
Today when I dropped you off in the kids ministry, you didn't cry at all, which is a big first! The last few times, you've barely protested, but still made sure I knew you weren't happy. This time, you just went in with no argument. When I picked you up, a few kids were crying right by the door. When I got you, the teacher said, "Luke's always good. He likes to climb things." :) I put you down to put my papers in your bag and you were happy to walk around on your own for a minute. You used to cry until I would pick you up. Such a big boy!
Love,
Mommy
Today when I dropped you off in the kids ministry, you didn't cry at all, which is a big first! The last few times, you've barely protested, but still made sure I knew you weren't happy. This time, you just went in with no argument. When I picked you up, a few kids were crying right by the door. When I got you, the teacher said, "Luke's always good. He likes to climb things." :) I put you down to put my papers in your bag and you were happy to walk around on your own for a minute. You used to cry until I would pick you up. Such a big boy!
Love,
Mommy
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