Changes...

In December, I always like to reflect on the changes in my children over the past year. I've been thinking a lot about who these little people have become over the year, and I want to make sure and document how they've changed, for fear that I'll forget.

Andrew:

I can barely even grasp how Andrew has grown and changed over the year. Physically, he's still the same skinny kid who never gains weight, despite how much he eats (and let me tell you, the kid can eat!) I'm really amazed at how his little personality is developing. He's always been a demanding child and doesn't take "NO" for an answer. I think this trait will serve him well in the future, because he definitely knows how to get what he wants!

Over the past year, Andrew's reading and writing has just taken off, and in the past month or so, his reading has really improved. It's so fun to watch him enjoying books and writing, because this is a way that he and I can relate. Almost daily now, he writes (and illustrates) a new book. Some of his most recent titles are: "Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Clones in Action," "The Lego Cookie," The Three Gingerbread Men," "Cheese, Cherries, and Chili," "My Snow Fun," and "Turkey Trouble." I'm so proud of our little author!

Just yesterday, I went to Andrew's school for a speech evaluation, and the therapist showed me Andrew's testing and told me that he has met all his goals and no longer qualifies for speech therapy or special education services. Like the emotional wreck that I am, I started crying right there in the office, because we have come such a long way! When Andrew was born, we knew we would face some challenges. I never anticipated they would be so few and that Andrew would easily overcome them. He's such a strong, determined kid, and we're so thankful to have him and that he's healthy, happy, and thriving!

Noah:

Noah is our happy kid and really hasn't changed much in that respect. He's really compliant and is a people pleaser. Throughout the year, I've seen him become a little more assertive, which is a good thing. He's still a cut-up and says hilarious things daily. There are too many to remember them all, but some all-time classics are: "Darth Vader's mask is sexy," "I need to be in a family where the kids can do whatever they want," and, "I don't want to wear these idiot pajamas." Noah has recently decided he REALLY likes the Playstation, and I really have to limit how much he plays it, or he would play it all day. He has serious middle-child syndrome and is always saying that he's never first or that he never gets what he wants. Maybe this is why I relate to him so well...he's so much like I was as a child.

Noah loves his preschool and is doing great! His teachers tell me he is so kind to all the children and that he does whatever he is told. This is no surprise to me, as he has always been so loving and accepting of everyone. Noah has always loved a great hug and would hug Brian and me forever, if he could. He recently told Brian, "I could love on you forever!" What a sweetheart! We wouldn't be the same without his presence in our family.

Ella:

Here's to the spunkiest lady around! Ella has probably become even more spunky and firy over the year. Like Andrew, she doesn't take NO for an answer and is bound and determined to get her way. Hopefully we can put this trait to good use and not have it dominate the teenage years. Ella has now passed the "My Little Pony" phase and is now really into "Disney Princesses," and "Barbies." She LOVES to dress-up, and must strip off all her clothing before putting on one of her dress-ups. She has become the girliest of girls and loves to wear my make-up and really wants to get her ears pierced. I don't know if I'm ready for that, but maybe in a year or so.

Ella has been in a funny stage lately, where she ONLY wants Mom to help her with things and doesn't want to leave my side. She won't let Brian (or anyone else for that matter) help her with anything and gets REALLY upset if I have to leave the house (without her) for any reason. She's become my little side-kick, and although at times it drives me insane, I love spending time with my little girl and love to do "girly things" with her. Even though she is only three, it amazes me how much she loves "older" things. This may be scary in the future, but right now, it's really funny to watch. Ella keeps our family energetic and laughing, and we love her!

Ava:
Boy, Ava has it all figured out! From that mop of a hair-do to her huge blue eyes, Ava can melt everyone in any room. She's figured out that if she gives me several good hugs a day, she can pretty much get whatever she wants. Like Noah, Ava is really sweet and content. She doesn't get too upset or ornery and is a REALLY happy kid.

I've watched over this past year as Ava has left baby-hood and entered toddler-hood. It's been fun to watch, although I definitely miss those baby days. Ava has become really busy and curious and is into pretty much everything. She keeps taking all the ornaments off the Christmas tree, so I've had to move them all up higher on the tree. It looks really funny now. Ava loves her siblings and is constantly saying their names "Andoo, Nono, and Ella" (she can say Ella correctly). She is really into making faces right now and makes Brian and I laugh because she knows she's being funny. She has also gone from hating the bathtub to loving the bathtub. As soon as I turn the water on, she is trying to climb in, clothing and all.

Ava has started saying "I love you," which melts my heart. I can't get enough of it. Even though she is 19 months old, a good game of peek-a-boo is still her favorite. She has made our family complete, and we couldn't imagine life without her smiles and laughter!

These four kids are everything to Brian and me. Life without them wouldn't be living! We love our kids so much and are so grateful to our Father in Heaven for blessing us with them. They definitely make our lives worthwhile!