I can't wait to celebrate YOU... when you wake up in a few hours. =)
........................
Dear Everett,
You are such HAPPY boy. You smile all the time, and you are quite the waver as well...Giant, boisterous waves that I'm always convinced will result in a dislocated shoulder. You love to shout "BYE!" to people as they depart, and will continue shouting it until they are completely gone from sight. This is especially cute when you shout at neighbors walking down the sidewalk, or when you stand with Daddy in the driveway and shout to me until I turn the corner and head down the hill. I love to roll the window down and shout GOODBYE to you as well. =)
Your favorite food is... well, lots of foods. You have, however, stopped eating meat. This causes your father and granddad a great deal of distress, but we're sure you'll pull through and start eating brisket again soon. :) You're a little fruit monster - that's for sure! You love your morning routine of cheerios and banana. If either of those don't make there way to the table by 9am, you get a bit angsty. This week most of the fruits are in season, so we bought 5 bags of fruit - peaches, nectarines, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Even still, you wander around each afternoon looking for your banana. b
We've always tried to keep your morning and evening routines dependable, so you have a bath every evening at 7. Recently you started crying when Daddy washes your hair so baths are abit shorter, but last week I was giving you a bath and let you put a little shampoo on your hand to wash your own hair and you stayed in the bathtub for 30 minutes washing your hair body parts. You are SUCH a do-it-myselfer.
I've heard people describe this as "independent", but that doesn't seem to be the best descriptor for you. While you strive to do almost everything yourself, you do not enjoy playing, eating, or sleeping by yourself. You still love to be held, and would stay in my arms or lap 24 hours a day if you could. I know these moments are fleeting, so I oblige as often as possible. =)
You've been staying home with Daddy 3 days each week all year, and I can see the love and admiration between you two growing each day. It's something special to see and watch, and I look forward to the adventures you'll have together, and all you'll learn from each other. I see both of your hearts growing each day, and I believe this time you've had together is one of life's greatest gifts. You have a very, very speciall Daddy, and I know he will love you and teach you in a way that encourages your walk with Jesus.
We weren't sure you'd ever have name for your best friend, Caroline. You've been saying more words each day, but when we asked you to name Caroline in a photo or in person, you just shrug your shoulders, smile coyly, and blush a little. As sweet as that reaction always is, it was a joyous to hear you finally say "Line?" as you walked up and down the halls looking for your sister while she was at summer camp. She's been trying to coach you to say "LaLine" as she called herself at your age, but I suppose we'll have to wait and see if it catches.
You're still wearing your hair long, with beautiful blond curls at the end. It's really starting to grow in quickly now, so I"m not sure how long we'll be able to keep the baby curls. Daddy will resist to the end, and I will probably be right there with him. Someone will have to be reasonable! (Caroline?)
I especially love to look at your hair and play with your curls when we're reading books at night. It's my favorite time of the day, and I love to hold you in my lap and read your books. You love LoveyDovey, Trucks, Catch the Ball, Goodnight Mood, Big Red Barn, Hand Hand Fingers Thumb, all of the DK Kids picture books, and... Away in a Manger. (big grin) You found this Christmas book in the bottom shelf a few weeks ago, and now you ask me to read/sing it over and over each night. It's precious you see you look up at me and say "again?" and I always oblige until my throat is sore.
If I have any voice left from Away in a Manger, you love it when I turn off the lights and sing "Lord Prepare Me" or "As the Deer". These are my favorite songs, so you and I often cuddle up together have some great worship time together in the rocking chair.
Each morning we start again - with your bright white smile, fluffly blond hair, and tacklehugs.
I'm so thankful that God placed you in our family - you bring out the best in each of us, and you have helped our family pursue God's will for our lives in a new way. Thank you sweet boy!
Love,
Mama
 |
| Greenbriar 4th of July Parade |
 |
| Waving to Neighbors |
 |
| First Fireworks Show - CarmelFest |
