Dear Luke,
We're nearing the end of your 8th week of kindergarten! You have loved it, but I feel like in many ways we are still adjusting to the schedule, routine, and challenge of being so tired. We had a hard night earlier this week, but then, somehow your attitude changed all of a sudden. I was working on some ink-stained laundry and cleaning out the dryer when out of the blue, unprompted, you said, "Mommy, thank you for all your good work you do every day. And thank you for taking care of us." You sure know how to warm my heart! I love you so much.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Kindergarten
Dear Luke,
We have finished one full week of kindergarten! You have done so well and I am so thankful. When we walked you to your class the first day, you seemed happy, but a little nervous, too. Hours later when I came to get you at 2:40, you looked a little like a deer in the headlights and didn't have too much to say except that you didn't have play time or read books. But you woke up the next day eager to go back and just seem happier and more comfortable with each day. Friday you told us you played and talked a lot with River, the little boy who sits next to you. Mrs. Moyer has posted pictures and a few videos for us to see on the class app, and it is so fun to see you interacting during the day. Every morning you do so well going through the checklist of jobs we made together: make bed, get dressed, brush teeth... You are learning and growing and I am just so proud! On the other hand, all this learning makes you pretty tired in the evenings, which can be a challenge. In addition to that, I miss you and really enjoyed having you home for a 3 day weekend. We went to the pool, watched shows, stayed in pj's, picked up a pizza, went out for popsicles with your friend Autumn. I love you and I love the time I have with you!
Love,
Mommy
We have finished one full week of kindergarten! You have done so well and I am so thankful. When we walked you to your class the first day, you seemed happy, but a little nervous, too. Hours later when I came to get you at 2:40, you looked a little like a deer in the headlights and didn't have too much to say except that you didn't have play time or read books. But you woke up the next day eager to go back and just seem happier and more comfortable with each day. Friday you told us you played and talked a lot with River, the little boy who sits next to you. Mrs. Moyer has posted pictures and a few videos for us to see on the class app, and it is so fun to see you interacting during the day. Every morning you do so well going through the checklist of jobs we made together: make bed, get dressed, brush teeth... You are learning and growing and I am just so proud! On the other hand, all this learning makes you pretty tired in the evenings, which can be a challenge. In addition to that, I miss you and really enjoyed having you home for a 3 day weekend. We went to the pool, watched shows, stayed in pj's, picked up a pizza, went out for popsicles with your friend Autumn. I love you and I love the time I have with you!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
At the Beach
Dear Luke,
It has been a full and busy summer with lots of activity! Last spring I made a "bucket list" with activity ideas on popsicle sticks... picnic by the pool, children's museum, cousins visit, etc. One of the special ones was "Galveston." I went back and forth about whether to bring Nora, but opted not to because of her reluctance to use the potty. It would just be too long of a day for her to be in Galveston. She also is scared of the water and just wants to play in the sand while you want to be deep in the waves. So, she went to spend the day with Nana and Papa while we drove to the beach with several of our friends. It was such a special play date. These friends have been in our lives since you were just 6 months old, when we started ibloom. While we were having lunch in the sand you told me, "I bet Nora's having fun at Nana and Papa's." It was so sweet that while we were enjoying one of your favorite activities, playing at the beach with so many friends, that you were thinking of her and missed her. Then you told Daddy a few days ago that you had mixed feelings at the beach because you loved being there, but missed Nora. It's so nice to see that your relationship is growing, even amidst the arguing that can hinder our long summer days... I've realized you are both going to miss each other once school starts!
Love,
Mommy
It has been a full and busy summer with lots of activity! Last spring I made a "bucket list" with activity ideas on popsicle sticks... picnic by the pool, children's museum, cousins visit, etc. One of the special ones was "Galveston." I went back and forth about whether to bring Nora, but opted not to because of her reluctance to use the potty. It would just be too long of a day for her to be in Galveston. She also is scared of the water and just wants to play in the sand while you want to be deep in the waves. So, she went to spend the day with Nana and Papa while we drove to the beach with several of our friends. It was such a special play date. These friends have been in our lives since you were just 6 months old, when we started ibloom. While we were having lunch in the sand you told me, "I bet Nora's having fun at Nana and Papa's." It was so sweet that while we were enjoying one of your favorite activities, playing at the beach with so many friends, that you were thinking of her and missed her. Then you told Daddy a few days ago that you had mixed feelings at the beach because you loved being there, but missed Nora. It's so nice to see that your relationship is growing, even amidst the arguing that can hinder our long summer days... I've realized you are both going to miss each other once school starts!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, July 20, 2018
A Momentous Day in Your Life
Dear Luke,
Today was a very special day, Luke; Daddy and I got to pray with you that Jesus would save you from your sins so that you can have a relationship with God! Daddy and I had each been independently feeling for the past couple months that the time was probably coming. At breakfast I would ask you and Nora what you want to pray for and you've been saying things like, "I want to thank God that He's here with us and that He loves us" and telling Nora "I have Jesus in my heart." We just wanted to be sure that you understood the gospel message and Daddy suggested the bridge illustration would be a good way to do it. So, while Nora was napping, we talked with you in the study. We knew you were tracking with us because of your comments. When Daddy described sin as us thinking we don't need God, you said that's what the people said when Noah's ark was built. Then after drawing the stick figure with a smiley face, you said the one on the side a part from God should have had a sad face. After praying you said something about how you had asked Jesus to rescue you from all your problems. We face timed with Honey and Grandpa, then Nana and Papa afterward so you could share the good news. We are so excited that you believe in Him and trust that He loves you!
Love,
Mommy
Today was a very special day, Luke; Daddy and I got to pray with you that Jesus would save you from your sins so that you can have a relationship with God! Daddy and I had each been independently feeling for the past couple months that the time was probably coming. At breakfast I would ask you and Nora what you want to pray for and you've been saying things like, "I want to thank God that He's here with us and that He loves us" and telling Nora "I have Jesus in my heart." We just wanted to be sure that you understood the gospel message and Daddy suggested the bridge illustration would be a good way to do it. So, while Nora was napping, we talked with you in the study. We knew you were tracking with us because of your comments. When Daddy described sin as us thinking we don't need God, you said that's what the people said when Noah's ark was built. Then after drawing the stick figure with a smiley face, you said the one on the side a part from God should have had a sad face. After praying you said something about how you had asked Jesus to rescue you from all your problems. We face timed with Honey and Grandpa, then Nana and Papa afterward so you could share the good news. We are so excited that you believe in Him and trust that He loves you!
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Preschool Graduation
Dear Luke,
A few weeks ago we celebrated your preschool graduation! You were a darling graduate and so excited to perform your songs. I have felt so proud of you, thankful for these years, and really sad that they are now over. The preschool years have been good years, not easy by any means, but really good. You have learned so much, grown in confidence and experienced real friendship with your peers. You've had enough structure to stay active and engaged, but also enough downtime to play and be a kid. When I was talking with my friend Joy recently about the upcoming transition to kindergarten and the accompanying emotions, she asked if I felt good about how I had spent the "at home" years with you, knowing they were short. Did I make the most of it? I have to say, my answer to that is an overwhelming yes. I have been far from a perfect mother, for sure, and some days have had me showing my worst side, completely pressed and exhausted from the challenges, and simply failing at being the mom I should be. But when I consider the big picture, I am immensely grateful for the years I have been able to make being your mom my full-time job. I have attempted to savor the time with you, to invest myself in you, and to point you to Jesus most of all. I am just so thankful and will always carry these "at home" years with you in my heart, as some of the very best. Love you, little buddy!
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Happy 5th Birthday, Luke!
It's hard to believe you're already 5 years old! It seems like such a short time ago that Mommy and I were eagerly anticipating your arrival. I would go to Mommy's Dr. appointments with her and listen to the magical sound of your little heart beating. We picked out clothes and toys for you. I talked and sang to you through Mommy's tummy and felt you kick. I assembled your crib. We bought a car that would be safe and practical (the Pilot). We thought about you constantly and prayed for you often. And then all of a sudden - you were here!
On the evening of February 26, 2013, Mommy and I went to check in to Memorial Hermann, Katy. I remember sleeping on the couch in Mommy's room and being woken up occasionally by nurses and doctors checking on her throughout the night. The next day - your birthday - family started to arrive. Nana and Papa drove down from Carrollton (where they lived at the time), as did Honey and Grandpa. Uncle Sean came too! They were so excited to meet you.
Your birth is a little bit of a blur in my memory - I'm sure Mommy remembers more of the details. What I remember most is seeing your tiny body for the first time. You were kind of purple, but I could see your bright blonde hair! I remember hearing you cry for the first time as they weighed you on the scale. Then the nurses were cleaning you up and I said, 'It's OK, Luke.' You stopped crying right away, probably because you recognized my voice. After they cleaned you up they handed you back to Mommy and she held you close and sang 'Jesus Loves Me.' It was such a beautiful moment.
After that, Mommy needed some attention because there were some complications. The nurses took you to the nursery, and I stayed with Mommy as the Dr. came back and attended to her post-partum hemorrhage. It was kind of scary for a minute there but God protected Mommy and gave her a wonderful Dr. who took good care of her. After I knew Mommy was OK, I left to go find you. I kept ringing the bell at the nursery but they weren't answering, and when they finally did, they were taking FOREVER to go get you. Emotionally exhausted, I finally told the nurses to bring you out RIGHT NOW. They rolled you out to me and I pushed you in your little bed back into Mommy's room. Then family came in and saw you for the first time. Everyone was so happy to meet you, Luke!
Son, you have been loved since before you were born. God loved you first, and he still loves you more than all of us! You bring such joy to our life, and I learn so much about life and myself through the experience of being your Daddy. I'm so glad God chose me to be your Dad. I'm so proud of you! Here are some things I notice about you at age 5:
- You love trains, especially Thomas.
- You can read!
- You like animals (dolphins and elephants seem to be your favorite).
- You are getting interested in science, especially space and rockets.
- You are a sweet big brother to Nora and enjoy playing with her (though we're still working on sharing and being gentle!).
- You can write your name.
- Your pre-school teachers love you, and you have lots of friends.
- You laugh a lot, and enjoy knock-knock jokes.
- You like to build things: train tracks, houses, train stations, etc.
- You enjoy music and will spontaneously dance when a fun song comes on.
- You love numbers, patterns, and counting.
I love you so much, Luke, and that will never change! I can't wait for the next 5 years.
Love,
Daddy
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Glimpses of Your Heart
Dear Luke,
A few really encouraging and sweet things have happened this week in the context of some disobedience and discipline. I have been encouraged as God has shown me glimpses of His work in your heart.
On Valentines Day this week, you were making some poor choices throughout the afternoon and I was, perhaps more importantly, exhausted and not in a good mood. I felt ready to snap at all sorts of small things. When Daddy came home I went to pick up pizza and when I returned, I told you I was sorry I hadn't been more patient with you. You said that made you sad and when I asked why, you said, "because I was disobeying you and I didn't like that." I was so glad I had apologized to you because it opened the door for you to tell me how you were feeling and I was able to reassure you about how completely you were forgiven and loved.
Yesterday, you had a timeout in your room for jumping on the bed and encouraging Nora to do the same. The plan was to go outside in the backyard afterward and let you both play with your new bubble toys Daddy got you for Valentines Day. When the timer went off and timeout was done, you apologized and said you wanted to draw me a picture. You told me exactly what color markers you needed and had a detailed plan. You sat at the island coloring for quite awhile while Nora and I played outside with the bubbles. When you finished, you proudly showed me what you drew: a picture of me and a picture of you with numbers in all different colors. It's the first time you've drawn pictures of specific people (I'm the orange one and you're the blue one :). When I asked what gave you the idea, you said you were thinking about it during your timeout. It meant so much to me that after your disobedience and frustration passed, you wanted to draw a picture of us, instead of playing with your new bubbles, to show me that you love me. It's a keepsake for sure.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
A few really encouraging and sweet things have happened this week in the context of some disobedience and discipline. I have been encouraged as God has shown me glimpses of His work in your heart.
On Valentines Day this week, you were making some poor choices throughout the afternoon and I was, perhaps more importantly, exhausted and not in a good mood. I felt ready to snap at all sorts of small things. When Daddy came home I went to pick up pizza and when I returned, I told you I was sorry I hadn't been more patient with you. You said that made you sad and when I asked why, you said, "because I was disobeying you and I didn't like that." I was so glad I had apologized to you because it opened the door for you to tell me how you were feeling and I was able to reassure you about how completely you were forgiven and loved.
Yesterday, you had a timeout in your room for jumping on the bed and encouraging Nora to do the same. The plan was to go outside in the backyard afterward and let you both play with your new bubble toys Daddy got you for Valentines Day. When the timer went off and timeout was done, you apologized and said you wanted to draw me a picture. You told me exactly what color markers you needed and had a detailed plan. You sat at the island coloring for quite awhile while Nora and I played outside with the bubbles. When you finished, you proudly showed me what you drew: a picture of me and a picture of you with numbers in all different colors. It's the first time you've drawn pictures of specific people (I'm the orange one and you're the blue one :). When I asked what gave you the idea, you said you were thinking about it during your timeout. It meant so much to me that after your disobedience and frustration passed, you wanted to draw a picture of us, instead of playing with your new bubbles, to show me that you love me. It's a keepsake for sure.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Knock Knock, Who's There?
Dear Luke,
You are really into telling jokes lately. Sometimes you make up jokes that make absolutely no sense, but you do have a few good ones you like to play on repeat.
Knock knock, who's there, Goliath, Goliath who? Goliath down, you're tired!
Knock knock, who's there, Nana, Nana who? Nana your business!
And one I made up that you love...
Knock knock, who's there, window, window who? Window you wanna go to preschool?
You love to be silly and to laugh and it's not hard to make you laugh when you're in the right mood!
Love,
Mommy
You are really into telling jokes lately. Sometimes you make up jokes that make absolutely no sense, but you do have a few good ones you like to play on repeat.
Knock knock, who's there, Goliath, Goliath who? Goliath down, you're tired!
Knock knock, who's there, Nana, Nana who? Nana your business!
And one I made up that you love...
Knock knock, who's there, window, window who? Window you wanna go to preschool?
You love to be silly and to laugh and it's not hard to make you laugh when you're in the right mood!
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Heaven
Dear Luke,
You are asking lots of questions about heaven these days: how old will you be when you go there? How will we get there? Where will we sleep? Will we have birthday parties there? When we told you it will be better than Christmas that blew your mind and you have been talking about that fact with Nora. Over Christmas you were asking where Honey’s daddy and Grandpa’s daddy are and asking Bama how old she will be when you are 85. These conversations must have sparked your curiosity. I love seeing how your brain works and hearing the questions you have and seeing how God is at work in your life, revealing Himself and His truth to you.
Love,
Mommy
You are asking lots of questions about heaven these days: how old will you be when you go there? How will we get there? Where will we sleep? Will we have birthday parties there? When we told you it will be better than Christmas that blew your mind and you have been talking about that fact with Nora. Over Christmas you were asking where Honey’s daddy and Grandpa’s daddy are and asking Bama how old she will be when you are 85. These conversations must have sparked your curiosity. I love seeing how your brain works and hearing the questions you have and seeing how God is at work in your life, revealing Himself and His truth to you.
Love,
Mommy
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