Another thing is when the big kids do things that seem grown-up. This is more of a bitter-sweet type of moment because at the same time I realize they're growing up and will some day leave me. See, bitter-sweet, because I really hope they will some day leave us and go to college, get married, and have families of their own...that sort of thing. Okay, not just hope. Scott and I are determined that when they graduate from high school they need to start paying rent or move out! We're nice parents like that :). No, but truly, I know it'll be good for them, and for us. Anyway, the other day I had just gotten out of the shower when I heard the front door open and close. I quickly peaked out of my blinds and saw the back of Charlie, as he walked to a neighbors house. He was all dressed, his red baseball cap was on, he had a bag of multigrain chips in one hand, a sword in the other, and he even remembered his shoes--something I'd been having to continuously nag him about. He picked clothes that matched and his hat even matched his clothes. He looked so grown-up, and young, all at the same time. I loved that he was carrying his sword. I smiled and thought to myself, 'I hope I never forget this mental image of our little Charlie.'
A few more things I can't get enough of right now:
1. Listening to Annabelle talk to Jane. She's uses that high-pitched 'motherese' voice and it is so cute. Here is a 5 second video clip of it. Watch it. You'll laugh:
2. Watching the girls dance. They are so sweet, and they try so hard. I think they're amazing already. Here is a one minute video clip of Annabelle dancing to a ballet dvd.
3. And last, Jane. I just can't get enough of her. I know I should say that about each of my kids, and I do think it sometimes, but with Jane, it's always. And I know it's because of her age. I know I felt this way about all of them at this age. They are just absolutely perfect at this age! They don't talk back, they don't throw tantrums, they don't beg incessantly for things, they are completely happy just to be with you, and I could go on and on.
I think I love just about everything that comes with this age. I don't mind changing diapers or that she's attached to my hip. And look at her in these pictures. She's so sweet. I absolutely cannot deny her anything when she puts her hands out to me in this way. Ever. Scott and the kids all love and adore her as well. How could you not?
And a couple other pictures I needed to put in a post somewhere:
Annabelle eating peanut butter and apples(one of her favorite snacks)
Annabelle drawing a picture of me.
