Things that make me smile....

Each year I fully intend to recap the events that took place. The milestones, heartaches, triumphs, the things that make me smile... I don't think I ever got around to it last year, so this year I am starting early. "Getting out in front of it." For any of you out there that might know what I am talking about...you also must know it backfires in every case. You are either an "in front of it" person or you are not. I always fear I am the latter, but I guess the birthdays have me feeling like time is slipping by.

In any case, the things that make me smile....

The kids. They have had a big year in the milestone department. Billy and Emi both learned how to ride a 2-wheel bike and there is a post out there to prove it. They also both learned how to swim which I don't think I documented and certainly should have. We have/had some great neighbors that moved away and asked us to look after their house they left behind. In return they gave us an all access pass to use their pool. It was the clincher in the learning to swim game. Auntie Erin gave each one of them personal lessons and it definitely paid off. Such a relief, she saved us 100's in lessons!

Abi learned how to pedal her trike and scooter. She also is technically speaking potty-trained. She knows the drill, she just doesn't care too. Ugh. Let's see what else.... Favorite sayings: Abi - "Noting can sthep-er-ate God's loves," "Ahh, nuts!" and the ABC's. There is no way to put it into her words, but it is the cutest thing ever and then she bows with the talent of a theater star.

Billy is the sweetest most thoughtful kid ever. It must be the age, but I am holding out hope that it sticks. He is just so very kind for being undeniably all boy. Whenever he has a treat he ALWAYS splits it up and saves it to share when Emi gets home, always. He is also still quite small.

Travis and I recently decided again to "get out in front of it" and scheduled all 3 kiddos for well-overdue well-checks with Dr. Sara. Going into it for the record my concerns were: Billy's size and Abi's speech. Emi went first. She of course is perfectly on schedule, current on all her shots and looking to be a rather tall girl. 52lbs. and 50" tall. Billy went next. He needed 4 shots plus a flu vaccine. He is short to say the least. Dr. Sara's medical advice is to make him drink milk (gross). He also has a blown ear drum. 34lbs. and 39" tall. Can you detect the first, second, third child pattern developing? For the record I must say Travis told Billy to be brave and he held on to him like they make you do when their about completely traumatize your baby by sticking them full of needles...And can you believe that boy didn't even flinch. I could see him hold his breath, I knew he was scared, but he sucked it up like a soldier and did it. So proud of him! So poor little Squish goes last and that was somethin'. Let's see...she needed 5 shots plus a flu vaccine (the max Dr. Sara would do), she has no reflexes, a lazy eye and she needs speech therapy. This also does nothing to help Billy in the size department. Everywhere we go at least one person always asks if Billy and Abi are twins, seriously always. Her stats: 36lbs. and 38" tall. So he has her by 1 inch, but she has 2 pounds on him. Squish!
At any rate, they are getting big. It makes me sad. Sigh.....