An Update on Miss Olivia

For some crazy reason, I thought that once I wasn't working (and once the kids were back in school) I would become a super blogger...pretty sure that hasn't happened.  Anyways, I've been feeling rather nostalgic lately with Grady's second birthday (what!) coming up so have decided to make it a goal to write an update on Olivia and Grace before his birthday post - which will be on time!  I'll make other blogging goals after these, and be bought up by the new year!  Oh, the best laid plans...

Olivia deserves attention first because the poor girl never even got a birthday post - plus she's the oldest!

What can I tell you about Miss Olivia:  Well, to start, she's got a super personality.  Olivia is, for the most part, extremely helpful and very sweet.  She's generally pretty upbeat, but she can be really hard on herself too when it comes to making mistakes - we're working on this bad habit a lot!  Every once in awhile, Liv likes to try on some sassiness, but most of the time, she's a good listener, does what we ask, and is kind.  Olivia can be pretty adventurous which never ceases to amaze me - you should have seen her at the fair this year!  Olivia, like most seven year olds I think, likes to see what is socially appropriate and what drives her parents nuts - for example, she'll sing in an obnoxious voice as loudly as possible on purpose while following me around the house.  Testing?  Yes!

It's been fun being in her classroom as a volunteer - I get to see both the shy and the social side of her.  I hope she continues to grow in self-confidence...we've seen tons of this over the past couple of years.   Based on my observations, Olivia is really helpful at school, loves her teacher, is a good friend who is friends with everyone, is proud of her work, listens to directions, and is hesitant to participate - although she was super excited to show her American Girl Doll as show-and-tell last week (a privilege she earned through their behavior system at school).  She spent a solid 45 minutes dressing and getting her doll all fancy - pretty cute.  She said she let everyone hold her doll and told them they had to be gentle so that it didn't break.   :)  Overall, it seems like Olivia is starting to enjoy reading a lot more (though I definitely cannot put this in her "favorites" list).  She loves writing her "Weekend News," doesn't complain too badly about practicing math (though she insists that she's terrible at this), and likes doing her spelling homework or whatever else. I look forward to talking with her teacher more at conferences next week.

If I had to pick Olivia's favorite things to do they would be:  playing with Grady and Grace, watching TV (boo), creating / crafting of any kind, and playing sports (specifically basketball and baseball with Brian).  She's also pretty interested in helping with projects around the house - the other day she helped me wash all the floors, and she's been all about yard work this fall, helping pick up hundreds of walnuts, cut down plants, and rake leaves.  Olivia enjoys her jazz class a lot, likes her piano lessons and is getting much better at reading music, loves to have friends over, and likes to have activities scheduled!

Something I have really learned to embrace these last few years with Olivia is that she will do something when she is ready.  Reading...struggled, now is doing better.  Riding her bike without training wheels....refused, only to, six months later, master it in one day.  Talk to people...insanely quiet, now is much more social.  Math...we're getting there.  Clothes...when she gets cold, she'll transition over to pants and eventually snow pants too by herself.  I used to battle her to do what I wanted, but I've realized now, it'll happen in due time.  Better to not create stress for either of us - I can encourage and encourage but not force.  When Olivia's ready, she'll do it.

A few random facts:  At her well-child check this summer, Olivia weighed 49 pounds (39th percentile) and was 47 1/2 inches tall (41st percentile).  She wears size 7-8 shirts, size 6-7 pants (pants are a major struggle right now as she's so in-between sizes and so incredibly picky), and size 12-13 shoes.  She has yet to wear pants to school but did finally give in to wearing tennis shoes as its getting colder.  She's still obsessed with her blanket and thumb (despite our encouragement to stop that already!), doesn't have a very good voice but likes to sing, is really looking forward to seeing her cousins over Christmas, is Grady's second mom, is very nervous about her First Reconciliation but is excited about her First Communion, has a major sweet tooth, is extremely honest, and is very loving.

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Back in July, Olivia had a birthday party with all the girls in her class (minus one) and our neighbor pal Maggie.  We made a cool craft using old crayons, which we melted onto canvases that said their name in funky writing, played yard games, and enjoyed some tasty cupcakes that were specially decorated by Aunt Tara and me!  On her actual birthday, we celebrated by having pizza with Grandma and Grandpa Huinker and then heading to the fair.  I think it's safe to say that Olivia had a totally awesome time!  She was a wild woman on the rides (especially one called the Genesis that eventually made me sick) and had a blast racing around like she owned the place!  Here are some pictures from her party and the fair.

One Month In...

Last week I had one sister-in-law request a blog post "asap" and the other request that I write about myself...who am I to disappoint - so, here ya go sisters...

Today marks me being officially one-month and one day as a "stay-at-home mom."  Well, technically, if you include when teacher inservice started, I suppose it's been even a little longer, but whatever.  The most important thing is that - I love it.

This month has taught me both a greater appreciation for working and stay-at-home moms.  As a working mom, I used to give myself such a hard time for not being able to do it all.  But now I realize there was good reason for that; I was busy and trying to cram a lot of home and school stuff in during the evening hours when I was already pretty whipped from the day - why did I always give myself such a hard time?

However, at the same time, I also realize that there is still not time to do it all even being home.  Grady keeps me busy, and my/our time has gotten quickly filled with play dates, taking walks/runs, volunteering at school, playing with the little guy, doing a bit more of our finances, keeping the house clean while someone follows me around, making meals, starting to sub, and doing other volunteering for church/school/other committees.  The difference is, that for the most part, I've stopped giving myself such a hard time.  Sure, I still wish the house was perfectly clean and organized all the time, but when it isn't, I don't stress so much because I just feel like I have time tomorrow to get it done...I don't have to stay up late (unless I choose too), I don't have to choose between school and family, I don't have to not read my book or not get some exercise, and I can sit down, relax, and talk with Brian in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed.

Busy is a word that describes everyone's life - no matter who you are or what you're doing...everyone feels busy.  But stressed doesn't describe everyone's life, and I'm so thankful that it doesn't describe mine any longer.  I still feel it every now and again, but it's a totally different feeling than it used to be.

This is getting a bit too philosophical...back to some day-to-day details:  Today marks my fourth day subbing.  I subbed one day for 8th grade science and now three days for a special education teacher at the high school.  I've enjoyed subbing a lot.  It's a nice taste of what I now can confirm is the right career for me, but it's so great to walk away at the end of the day - I feel rejuvenated by my work with the kids and excited that I can go home and just be with mine.  I've loved working with the new English teacher (the special ed teacher is in her room for one hour of the day), and it's been awesome to have former students smile at, hug, and stop to talk to me.  Maybe teaching will be in my future again, but I'm also totally content with the fact that it's on hold right now, and this feeling is another one I'm thankful for - it makes me feel like I made the right decision.

I would say that Brian and the kids agree that having me home is ideal too.  Brian and I talked the other day about it, and he said that me being home has made his job not seem as stressful.  It's not really that his job is truly less stressful but that it doesn't seem that way because the entire atmosphere of home-life is not so crazy.  I'm glad for this.  It's healthy for all of us.  Last year, Olivia was telling people that "Mom, didn't sign up for school next year."  I've asked her if she's glad that I'm home, and she's always said yes.  I know from her shy, sideways smile that she loves it when I come into her classroom, and the girls love riding the bus home from school.  Grady has become a pretty solid momma's boy, so I'm going to assume he likes having me home.  He's doing great, and we've come to a nice balance of play time and "work" time for mom where he entertains himself for a bit.  Overall, it's been really good.

I'm a bit nervous about when winter hits...I hope I don't start to feel cooped up.  I have noticed that I've done more dates out at night with my friends and on the weekends with friends/couples.  I think this is both because I have time and am not so tired and because I feel a need to get dressed up a bit and have some time away from the house more too.

Mostly, I just don't ever want to stop appreciating this opportunity...I never knew if I really wanted to be a stay-at-home mom or not, but now I know I do want that, at least for this point in our lives, and I am so glad for it all.

A Day of Firsts...

Today was a day of firsts for four of us in the family...

1) Olivia's first day of 2nd Grade!!!  Highlights:  Being old enough to be the designated "bus buddy" of her sister and their great friend from down the street, Maggie; getting two new people in the class (14 total - 7 boys, 7 girls); chicken tacos at lunch; and, her 2nd grade binder and planner!

2) Grace's first day of Kindergarten!!!  Highlights:  Riding the bus; wearing a uniform; and, I quote, "My favorite part of the day was all of it!"

3) Grady's first day with me as an official stay-at-home-mom.  Highlights:  Wrestling in the basement; watching the neighbors new driveway get done; eating way too many snacks; taking a three-hour nap; and, welcoming his sisters home!

This was his reaction when he realized he didn't get to go on the bus.

4) My first day (sort of) as a stay-at-home-mom.  Highlights:  The most relaxed school morning we've ever had; going to Walmart and having the place basically to ourselves; playing a lot with Grady one-on-one; having my house stay clean for more than 15 minutes; making dinner in advance; watching the kids run to each other as they got off the bus; and, sitting and typing this entry without worrying about tomorrow.

A few more pictures of the girls and their best buds Maggie (in kindergarten with Grace) and Elsey (Maggie's younger sister).

I don't have a picture of the entire neighborhood crew, but I think there were 12 kids getting on the bus this morning, and it would have been more if they let kids older than 6th grade ride the bus too.  We live in such a great neighborhood for kids!

Grace (mid-step) followed by Maggie (red sweater), and Olivia (pink folder because she chose to leave her backpack at school on "back to school night").

 

The girls (which includes Maggie) running to greet Grady when they got home...so, so, so incredibly sweet.

Mr. Grady - 21 Months

Wow...needless to say, I have been pretty delinquent in my blogging since, well, January.  I fully admit that being so behind has made it harder to get going again; but, enough procrastination.

As today marks Grady's 21st month, I thought an update on him would be a good place to start.  So, here are a few facts about our little guy:

Height and Weight
At 15 months, Grady weighed 22 pounds (25%) and his height was 30 1/4 inches (25%).  Learning to walk and run prevented any weight gain I guess because his wight at 12 months was 22 pounds as well.  At 18 months, Grady weighed 25 pounds (39%) and his height was 21 inches (14%).

Sleeping
At about 18-19 months, Grady transitioned from two naps a day to just one.  This was a decent transition...we eased him into it.  Shannon, our daycare provider, started shortening his morning naps first to under and hour and then down even more until it was pretty simple to just quit the nap.  Grady gave his morning nap up earlier for us on the weekends which worked out well too.  Sometimes he'll still snooze if he's in the stroller or carseat, but one nap is great.  I love that it gives us more time to do activities in the morning too.  Grady usually sleeps for 1 1/2 to 3 hours in the afternoon and then heads to bed between 7-8:30 depending on his earlier nap and/or what's going in the evening.  He's up in the morning between 6:30-7:30.  Our bedtime routine is bath, paci (he calls this his "wabi"), blanket, books, a sippy of milk, and then a good cuddle.  There is no singing allowed though...if I start to sing or hum, Grady looks at me, puts his hand over my mouth, and says no.  Ha!

Talking
Grady has an amazing vocabulary.  It's been so fun to see his understanding develop and to hear new words pop out of his mouth daily.  It's pretty impressive what he says these days.  We have a number of 2-3 word phrases going on, and he definitely understands sentences from us.  He's pretty good at following instructions as long as not too many are given at once (and assuming he wants to follow them).  Some of my favorite words/phrases are:  "I hold you" (for hold me), "shoes on," "shot" (for tennis racquet because he's heard us say 'Nice shot' so much), and "cheese" (when he gets his picture taken).  Usually Grady calls me "Mommy," but if he is really wanting to show me something he thinks is cool, he shortens it up to "Mom" followed by "Mom...whoa."  It's pretty cute.  Grady will spit out two and three syllable words without problem, but interestingly enough there's a few words he won't say - specifically " please" and "thank you."  There is no doubt in my mind that he can say these words, he just won't.  It's kind of like when Olivia refused to say Grace's name and only called her "Baby" for the longest time!

Playing
This is an easy topic!  Grady's favorite activities are anything that has to do with hitting or throwing, swimming, jumping, playing with the hose, watering flowers, dancing, running after his sisters, playing hide-and-seek, swinging, hanging from any type of bar (this can be scary for me!), and anything else that involves some rough-housing!  Grady is, by far, our most active kid - he rarely sits still, although he does watch at least 1/2 of a show which comes in handy sometimes.  If I'm sitting on the floor, he'll sit for a bit but then either find something to throw at me for catch or start jumping on my back for some wrestling/pretending that I'm a jungle gym.  Other actives that he generally enjoys are playing cars/trucks, coloring, and reading...which we mostly do before nap and bedtime (his favorites are word books, animal books, and truck books).  To sum it up, Grady would like nothing more than to be 4 or 5 and get to do everything he sees older kids doing!

Family
Grady continues to love his sisters - he calls them both Sissy and Bivy, but lately he has started separating to Bivy and Gace.  He also often calls them by their nicknames Goose and Monkey if he hears someone else do it first.  We had lots of fun with the cousins this summer (more on that in another post), and it was awesome to see Grady forming relationships with them all.  I'm Grady's favorite at night, but Brian's his favorite when we're outside because he's all about sports.  A favorite part of my day is watching Grady run to greet Brian when he gets home.  He continues to love his gammas and bapas (grandpas), and I love that he can now identify all our family and good friends by names...so sweet how excited he gets to see everyone.

Personality
Overall, Grady is an easy kid.  That said, he's also getting close to two which clearly comes with challenges regarding communication, following directions (is it really that bad of a deal to get dressed or have a dirty diaper changed?), and understanding restrictions.  However, distraction/redirection has been effective.  Grady is loving and playful.  Many people have commented that he's a combination of Olivia's and Grace's personalities, and I agree.  One thing I know for sure, he's a keeper.  :)

Happy 5th Birthday Grace Elizabeth!

Dear Gracie,

My goodness...it's already March, and I'm just getting to a post about you!  Times have been busy, my dear, and there never are enough hours in the day.  You, of course, are one of the reasons we stay so busy, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

You had a fantastic birthday and birthday party.  As you're dad said the other night...you love yourself quite a bit (seriously, you like to look at yourself in the mirror A LOT), so having a few days focused on you was right up your alley!  You felt pretty special being recognized at school and sharing your birthday bag...not so much shyness in you these days!  You liked getting to bring cupcakes to school as well.  Grandma and Grandpa Huinker came over in the evening for spaghetti, and you were absolutely thrilled to open presents.  You had lots of fun blowing out your trick candles numerous times, too.  Grady loved this as well and was a giggling machine watching you - it was pretty cute.  Here are a few pictures of your birthday...the last one shoes how much Grady liked those candles! 

Your birthday party the next weekend was very fun for both adults and kids alike...we did a joint celebration for you and your best buddy Maggie who turns 5 just two weeks after you (she was actually born on your due date).  We headed, per tradition, to Cresco for swimming and a poolside lunch.  You especially enjoyed hanging in the hot tub and playing with your best bud Maggie.

Back to some basics about you...  At your 5-year well-child check, you weighed in at 37 pounds (30%) and were 3 feet 5 3/4 inches tall (34%).  You are a bit of a peanut - skin and bones but crazily strong, too!  You were a little stink at your appointment; you acted like the nurse was going to hurt when she wanted to take your blood pressure, refused to answer any of the doctor's questions seriously, and screamed when it was time for your shots.  Whew - I was glad it was just the two of us because I don't think I could have handled another kid at that point!

Sometimes I think you have multiple personalities...and these personalities can change by the second!  You can be giggling like mad and cranky as can be two seconds later.  You can be loving and...not so loving.  You can be such a big girl and then act like you don't know how to put your clothes on.  You can be so kind to your brother and sister and then mad at them for something small.  You get the idea.  But, as much as I admit I find you exasperating, I sure to love your spunk.  You are probably one of the most persistent people I know.  This stubbornness can get you in trouble (although you're getting the hang of consequences), but I know it has the potential to take you great places one day.  You have so much energy, are so silly and entertaining, and have the best smile and laugh in the world.

I'm pretty sure you are more excited than anyone else about kindergarten next year.  You actually thought that you got to start kindergarten when you turned five.  Needless to say, you were a bit disappointed when they didn't turn out to be the case.  You also thought kindergarten started right after the "Come and See Day" at St. Ben's.  Once again, it was tough on you to learn you had to wait until next August!  But, I sure am glad you are excited about school and loving preschool.  You've really started to do a lot of writing lately and talk a lot about learning to read next year.  I'm anxious to hear what your teachers have to say about you at conferences!

You have lots of favorite activities right now.  You are pretty obsessed with the iPad - both games and watching shows.  However, you're also really pretty decent about stopping that when I tell you.  I'm very ready for some nice weather so that we can get outside.  You've been practicing on the sun porch with your roller blades, so I know you'll be anxious to get out on the street with those and your bike.  Otherwise, you really like coloring and writing, reading books, playing in your doll house and with your stuffed animals, dancing, jumping on the trampoline, playing kitchen, and generally being silly.   I anticipate many trips to the park this spring too so you can renew your obsession with the monkey bars.

You are really into doing whatever Olivia is doing lately.  This has been challenging because that means you're bummed when you can't do jazz, piano (first grade rule at our house), and Soda Club (music and dancing) and get sad because you can't ride the bus.  However, you are very excited about doing some of these things next year and more after that.  You are also very obsessed with sleeping with Olivia, and this has been going on for the last couple of months.  You two go back and forth between her room and your room.  I don't mind...it's pretty sweet actually.  You're pretty sweet with Grady too and do a good job of playing with him for the most part.  Sometimes you get mad because you just can't understand why he's so up in your business!

Overall, you're a pretty sweet girl!  I love your random acts of love and kindness, your obsession with being tickled, your preference to walk around in your panties, and your imaginative nature.  I tease you about still sucking your fingers, but I remind myself that those days won't be much longer, so it's okay to still be "little" too.

Gracie-girl, monkey, toot-machine, we love you sooooo much!

Mommy

Olivia Ann - 6 and a HALF!

The other day, okay, okay, at the beginning of the month, January 9th to be exact, I had one of my "not so stellar mom" moments.  The day started and progressed as normal.  For some reason, unlike normal where I pick them up, I was home when the girls got home...Olivia walked in and said - "Hey Mom, today's my half birthday!"  She was pumped!  I guess she got to wear the birthday vest at school, she got a special note and sign from her teacher and from the school office, her class sang Happy "Half" Birthday to her...and, why hadn't I sent cupcakes to school?  Whoops.  Oh well, she had a great day which is what matters most!

So - to celebrate this half-birthday, here are 6 and a 1/2 facts about Miss Liv.

Olivia...

1) Weighs approximately 43 pounds...she's really stretching out and is 44-45 inches tall.  She wears six 6 regular pants, 6-7/8 tops (though the 7/8 are definitely too big), and size 11 shoes.

2) Has taken full ownership of her clothes.  Olivia's definitely still quite picky about how things feel, but mostly this applies only to pants.  She hates wearing a uniform and says it makes her "hate" school, but as she's mostly pretty positive about school and always anxious to show me what's in her folder, I'm pretty confident she's not serious about this.  In fact, this morning she asked me if "hate" was a "strong" word.  I thought this was a pretty interesting questions, and we had a nice discussion about it.  Back to the clothes - Olivia likes red and white shirts for her uniforms but won't wear the blue ones often because "that's a boy color."  She mostly likes "comfy" clothes, but she's experimenting with jeans and some "fancy" outfits too.  Olivia's pretty good at matching, favors her fleece sweatshirts, and wears socks to bed every night...very ironic because she used to scream in agony at the very thought of even wearing socks.  She LOVES her new, sylish boots from Grandma Huinker, and can't wait for her blue flats with the puff on them to fit!

3) Is trying pretty hard to stop sucking her thumb.  Olivia never sucks her thumb outside of the house, but I see her doing it too often still at home, especially if she's watching TV or is tired.  The challenging thing about this is that the thumb sucking is connected to a blanket, and Olivia is a cuddler which pretty much means she always want to cozy up with a blanket.  She thinks she should have a paci now as a way to stop sucking her thumb...Brian supports this idea because he thinks it won't last for long, but I do not agree.  I think I won out on this little discussion...and, Olivia's new tactic is to wrap her hand up in her blanket and just have her hand by her face.  I'm impressed with her drive...I think she's been motivated by Brian's "buck teeth" comments and the thought of braces.

4) Has a competitive side.  This side doesn't surface a lot, but it's definitely there - and Brian is thankful for the fact when it comes to sports.  :)  Olivia can get a touch cocky when she wins and can be a bit of a poor sport when she loses. She's starting to understand the point of practicing...this is especially great as she has started piano lessons!  She's been very proud of how her practicing has allowed her to get stickers and harder songs!  Hooray for piano!

5) Is an amazing big sister.  While there are times Olivia doesn't want to hang out with Grace and/or Grady, more often than not (basically all the time), she's very willing to do this and seems to genuinely enjoy it.  Grady will follow Olivia around and raise up his arms to be carried by her - little stinker.  Olivia is great at distracting Grady if I need to get something done and enjoys being a little mommy.  Olivia doesn't play with her dolls too much - she likes changing their clothes but not actually playing with them - and I think think this is because Grady is her real doll!  The girls have started sleeping together again in Olivia's bed, and I love this - it's so sweet to see them all cuddled up together.

6) Is still one of the sweetest girls I know.  Olivia has such a soft heart - and while this sometimes causes her to get her feelings hurt a little more than is maybe necessary, I'd rather it be this way than any other.  Olivia's still a cuddler who will cozy up in bed or on the couch with us in the morning so we can get a little extra sleep.  She loves to make people happy, is a good friend, and...  (hey, I said six and a half, didn't I?)  :)

Happy 14 Months!

 

Dear Grady,
 
Ahhhh...where to start on a blog post that is two months late...by celebrating a 14th month birthday, I guess!  Sorry Grady-bugs...life is busy these days, but, as you're part of the reason for that, I hope you won't be too hard on your mom.  After all, I'm pretty sure I'm your favorite person these days!

There is just so much to tell about you!  I'll start with the fact that at your one year check you weighed 21 pound 4 ounces (26%), were 30 inches long (55%), and had a head circumference of 18 1/4 inches (57%).  You transitioned into 12-18 month clothes around 13 months and wear size 4 shoes.  You've kept your blond hair (I love it), and it probably could be trimmed up in the back, but I can't bring myself to do it.  Lots of people comment on your blue eyes, and I just love watching your long eyelashes flutter closed at night.  While I just might be bias, I'm pretty sure you're gong to be a handsome young man one day!

You started walking literally on your birthday.  You'd been standing very steadily and taking a few lifts with your feet since about 11 months.  Beth got to see you take 7 steps while we were on FaceTime which was pretty special and great timing.  About two weeks after your birthday, I'd say you officially became a walker, and now, you're pretty close to being a runner.  I love watching you lead the way with your big belly.

These last few months have illustrated to me the many differences between raising boys and girls.  You are into everything - and I truly mean that.  I've caught you playing in the toilet water, crawling into the shower, and climbing on the dishwasher.  Shannon says you're always after the dog's dish and the dog and cats at daycare.  (I'm just happy you love dogs!)  You love stopping the dryer and washer by pressing the buttons, jumping on the trampoline, playing in the "kid stuff" drawer/cabinets in the kitchen, climbing up (and just this week) down stairs, throwing anything and everything (seriously, I have an amazing "block" reflex because of you), playing chase with Olivia and Grace, and dancing.  You're quite the entertainer when it comes to the dancing bit - you twist and wiggle your arms, and lately you've started stamping your feet too.  Honestly, you've got beat, kid!  :)  Favorite toys you're allowed to play with include cars, balls, trucks, balls, music toys, balls (did I say that already), and blocks.  Favorite toys I try to keep you away from are Legos, Trouble, and piles of nicely folded laundry.  You also love the iPad, iPhone, and any remote.  You're getting better at not putting everything in your mouth, but as you still frequently do this, we always have to be watching you.  Overall, you're into pretty "big kid" things for your age.  I'm assuming this is because you're always watching Olivia and Grace.  You like to sit on the counter when they're brushing their hair and teeth in the morning and try to brush your teeth too.  You insist on the water being turned on so you can get your brush wet just like they do.  You like to play in their "kitchen," pretend eat the food, and try to feed your dad and I too.

What else do you like to do - you like to pull hair, bite on ocassion (although thankfully this is getting better now that your 4, yes, 4 molars have come in - in total you have 12 teeth), and hit.  Good thing you also like to cuddle and give kisses!  Tonight you threw your first full-blown tantrum.  It was pretty impressive and included you rolling on the ground, kicking, hitting yourself with your hands, and crying.  Thankfully, as your the third, this didn't scare me...but please, please don't ever do that when we're in public!

As for words - you say puppy, ball, hot, mama, mommy, dada, daddy, ahh-me (which means you want something); what's neat to see is how much you understand.  You know what it means when I ask if you want to take a bath, want a bottle (yes, you still get a bottle at night time), or want to go "ni-ni."  You follow basic directions, like go get your ball or bring this to sissy.  Speaking of "sissy" - you don't call Olivia or Grace anything yet, but you do know who is who!  :)  I'm curious as to what you'll call them when the time comes.  I don't think you  necessarily favor one sister over the other either - sometimes you like Olivia more, and sometimes Grace.  It mostly depends on who's playing something you like and who's not invading your personal space.   Shannon says that the few days Olivia has been at daycare with you, you've been pretty attached to her, but I also think that's because having her there is a novelty whereas you're used to Grace being there a couple times a week.

You are a pretty good eater overall.  If you don't like something, you'll let us know by throwing it on the ground - feel free to stop this anytime.  You try more than your sisters did, that's for sure.  You'll eat basically everything we do at meals.  You mastered the sippy cup a long while ago and love your milk.  You've been showing a lot of interest in silverware but haven't had any great success in actually using it.  As long as you're not sick or getting teeth, you're a great sleeper, and sleep from 7-7 approximately.  I put you to bed the most because I'm selfish and want the cuddle-time to myself.  You'll let Dad put you to bed, but if you get up at night, you mostly want me.  While this makes me sigh, it also makes me smile.  We haven't really done much reading at night with you yet because reading does not make you relax. Quite the opposite, in fact.  You get all hyped up and want to turn pages, throw the books, etc.  We'll get there some time, I imagine.

 

One last fact that can't go without recording...you have an obsession with men.  While you love your mom, sisters, aunts, and grandmas, it's pretty crazy how much you love the guys.  Must be because you know they won't get all up in your face like Olivia and Grace.  Over Christmas, you were all about Uncle Chris and (Great-Uncle) Geoff even though you hadn't spent much time with either of them before.  You, of course, love your grandpas.  And, you like the dads of all our friends - especially Joe Gavle.  Seriously, you'll go to and cuddle up with nearly any guy - and if they have a beard, you like them even more.  Aren't most kids afraid of beards?  You love Brandon (our daycare provider's husband) at daycare, Clint (or daycare provider's brother), and even one of my past students who sat behind us at a basketball game whom you'd never before even seen.  Whatever...  :)

Grady-bugs, you have been the source of much laughter this last year (plus a couple months).  It's amazing how quickly I've forgetten what life was like without you in the mix!  We are thankful for you every day, Little Man.  Don't grow up too fast, okay.

Love,
Mommy