A Laughin' Day

Talia was extra funny today. Here are a couple of great stories:

Several months ago Seth had the kids memorize Ecclesiastes 3:11. Often we will have them quote this snippet of wisdom when they want to do something other than the appointed task at any given time. This morning we were preparing to go to the store and I asked Talia to go tell Benjamin, "Mama says please get some socks & shoes on." While she ran from the kitchen to the bedroom I turned up the baby monitor so I could hear the result of my instruction. In perfect obedience Talia repeated, "Benj, Mama says please get some socks & shoes." Then she added, "There is a right time for everything, Benj. And right now is the time to get socks & shoes."

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This afternoon we were figuring out the logistics of our various Halloween costumes. As a result Talia was dressed in a princess dress, white long-sleeved onesie, and tights this afternoon. When it was time for dinner I told her we needed to take off her costume so she wouldn't get it dirty. I took off the dress and prepared to remove the onesie so I could put her regular shirt back on. Pulling away, she protested. "Hey, but I'll be naked!"

Sweetness :)

Bedtime conversation with Talia:

Talia: Mama, are you going to sleep with me?
Me: No, sweetie, I'm sorry. I have to sleep in my bed with Daddy.
Talia: Well, that's not fair.
Me: Well, when you grow up you will have a husband and then you will have someone to sleep with you.
Talia: OK, and then I can sleep with Daddy?
Me: Nope, sorry. Daddy's my husband. You'll have to marry someone else.
Talia: Well, when I am a mommy I will have a husband and his name will be Daddy.

Well, at least she knows ...

Tonight at dinner Talia was being a bit stubborn about eating her chicken, even though she claimed to like it. (This is not unusual.) True to our family policy I told her it was fine if she chose to be done, but that in so choosing she was deciding she did NOT want a piece of birthday cake for desert and also that she wanted to eat chicken for breakfast. She affirmed that this is, indeed, what she was choosing. A few minutes later, trying to be merciful, I gave her the opportunity to repent of her unfortunate decision. "Talia, are you sure you want chicken for breakfast? Would you like to make a better decision?" "No," she replied, "I just want to make a bad choice."

The Birthday Boy

Benjamin's biggest news, of course, is that he turned 4 years old yesterday. This was the first year that he was really old enough to remember what a birthday is enough to anticipate and be excited about it. He really enjoyed the "royal treatment" as opposed to some past years in which he has been pretty overwhelmed by the whole thing.

At church they sang to him in the "big room" (a children's church time for preschoolers) and then he got to be the helper and pass around the green cup for the offering. (He was pretty pleased with all of this. :) ) After church we got to go to McDonalds (the one with the slides) for lunch. While he was playing he ran over to me several times to tell me breathlessly, "I am having SO much FUN!" When we arrived back home we revealed the Lightning McQueen (from the Pixar movie "Cars") cake I had made him. He loved it! He speared the entire slice with his fork and devoured it in a few big bites!

By the way--to any readers who deal with allergies & gluten free diets--did you know Betty Crocker has a new gluten free line? They have yellow & devils food cake mixes as well as chocolate chip cookie & brownie mixes. The yellow cake was good. It wasn't crumbly like some other brands I've tried. I used powdered egg replacer for the 3 eggs and it worked fine. Just thought I'd share for those of you who might be interested.

Anyway ... after cake he had a great time opening his gifts. Other years this has been a very slow process, sometimes taking some coaxing and prompting. Not this year. He tore into each bag & package with great enthusiasm. He was thrilled to receive many of the Cars characters he didn't have, along with a large play mat with streets & buildings on it (he calls it his "carpet.") He spent the rest of the afternoon happily acting out scenes from the movie and zooming his cars up and down streets. He has also been excited about some new books and puzzles.

At dinner we took turns telling Benjamin how he is a blessing to each of us and what we like about him. It was a sweet time of expressing what Benjamin means to us.

Benj has also been learning and developing new skills. He is in our church AWANA program this year as a "Cubbie." He is learning Bible verses like a pro. It is such a joy to see him hiding God's Word in his heart. He is also becoming such a great helper and big brother. This afternoon I came into the living room from tucking Talia in for her nap and he was sitting next to Leila, who had previously been crying. He was holding a teething toy for her, which she was happily chewing on while gazing lovingly at her brother. Surrounding her were several other toys which Benjamin had brought to her. I was so amazed at his compassion (he didn't let her cry or call for me to make it stop, he helped her himself) and insight (he knew what to give her). What a mature little man!

Talia: All Grown Up

Lately, Talia's days have been full of letting go of the final vestiges of babyhood. She is transforming into a full-fledged "big girl" in front of our eyes.

Two weeks ago we moved her into a toddler- sized "big girl bed." Using a large trunk that was serving as our coffee table for a base, Seth fashioned a bed for her which is similar in size to the one he built for Benjamin about a year ago. She has done very well with the transition, taking the privilege of freedom with a sense of dignified responsibility. (So cute! :) ) When Seth finished construction and brought her new bed in from the porch she said to him, without prompting, "Thank you, Daddy, for my new bed."

Once she got situated in her new bed we could finally begin something she has been talking about for a couple of months now: potty training. This past Thursday she and I said bye-bye to her diapers and broke out the princess panties! After only 3 accidents she had her first "success" and had no more accidents for the rest of the day! She is still working on a few of the finer details (like telling us she needs to go), but she is definitely experiencing consistent success and is so proud. Each time she exclaims (with a huge smile), "I WENT!" I still affectionately call her "Baby" on occasion, but lately she has been correcting me, "No, I'm a BIG GIRL." I am so proud of her positive attitude and perseverance. We've been doing lots of celebrating for her accomplishments!

My favorite recent Talia story has to do with the subject of secret-keeping about a certain brother's birthday present. Talia had gone with Seth and they bought a character named "Chick" from the Pixar movie "Cars." One morning I was telling Benjamin, "Only five more days until your birthday!" Talia cocked her little hip and piped in. "Yeah, and I got Chick!" Knowing that Seth had talked with her about this *surprise* I reminded her, "Talia! Shhh!" Raising her eyebrows and craning her neck she repeated in an exaggerated whisper, "I got CHICK."

Talia and I had a fun girl day one recent Saturday. It began with Seth offering to take Benjamin with him to the seminary to give me a bit of a break since he was planning to be gone all day. Benj is typically able to read and play quietly so Seth planned to use a group study room in the library. Knowing Talia could easily become jealous of Benj's special day with Daddy (especially since she, lacking Benj's ability to play *quietly*, will not be enjoying the same privilege anytime soon) I decided to make a big deal out of having a special Girl's Day. We decided to make cookies, something we can't do with Benj because of his wheat allergy. While they were baking I got out a special book we have based on Proverbs 31, "God's Wisdom for Little Girls." We found a picture of a little girl baking and talked about the accompanying virtue, helpfulness, from Prov. 31:14. Along that theme she later helped me make dinner for the boys and pick up the house in preparation for their return. It was so much fun to begin to instill biblical truths about the unique and beautiful role of women into my little girl.

Leila at 4 months

Leila has been busy of late charming the whole family with her sweet personality and adorable laugh. We all, especially her brother and sister, continue to adore her.

She is growing so fast and is now in what I think of as the "classic baby stage." She loves to smile, laugh, "talk" to her toys, grab her toes, examine her hands, and mouth pretty much anything. No one has seen her roll over yet, but we've certainly found the evidence. One day I laid her on her play mat on the floor and came back to find her on the other side, and turned 180 degrees! She is also working on some teeth, which have not yet become visible but, if her increased fussiness is any indication, are severely paining her. Even still, she is such a sweet and content little Sunshine. She's still sleeping wonderfully at night, for which we are thankful. In fact, we recently moved her into her "real" crib and she has started sleeping in the kids' room. I am amazed at how well it is going.

I am excited to see how her personality develops. She has such a sweet spirit. I can see her becoming the family peacemaker. She might also be the family giant. At her last checkup she maintained her distinction as the only child to measure in above the 40th percentile for height. She is maintaining a whopping 75th percentile! (OUR child?)

Finally, here is a cute video of her laughing. The picture is too dark, but there's nothing wrong with the sound!

Fun at "Daddy's School"

Just some fun pictures. :)