When our little man held his younger sister for the first time four years ago it was love at first sight. Each picture that we took of the two of them captured his strong affection for her: her tiny features, full cheeks and baby blue eyes that resembled his. He has always known what a treasure she is, and she is learning what a treasure he is as an older brother, protector and encourager. She makes him laugh, and makes him sigh. He brings out her playful side, and exasperates her like no other. They are the perfect compliment to one another, our little ones separated by three years and one week.
This year we gathered as a family to celebrate this dynamic duo with a taco party, chocolate Oreo cake, and gifts celebrating their current interests and loves.
For our littlest lady, it was the year of shoes. She marveled over each pair that she received, smitten and delighted. From blue sparkly high heels to pink cowboy boots, each pair represented a different side of our gal who had been counting down the days until she turned four. Over the past year, her imagination has taken off and she can be found throughout the day chatting with "friends," creating pretend YouTube videos, and being "hard at work." She particularly enjoys the opportunity to wander off into her sibling's bedroom while they are at school, and can easily occupy herself quietly playing with their treasures. She is quick to speak, and often slow to listen, having many thoughts and opinions on life. She is affectionate, often planting surprise kisses on her daddy's cheek or asking to kiss my arm. She is amusing, endearing, and so very clever. I've come to appreciate our afternoons filled with creative play, chatter, meal prep, music and podcasts. She has quickly become the entertainer of the family, and our days are more lively because of her. The day after her party, she announced that she couldn't wait to turn five and... twenty-one.
For our little man, who is quickly outgrowing this term of endearment, it was the year of markers and sketch pads, science experiments, nature books and binoculars, safety boxes, and LEGOs. He continues to be observant of the world around him, pausing to admire or question. He spends his free time constructing LEGOs, creating, tinkering, and has found great pleasure in drawing, often leaving one room quickly to put on paper what he's seen on television or a scene he's created in his imagination. He is tender and thoughtful, and learning how to express himself. He is content to sit back and watch his sisters fill the dinner hour with chatter, but more often than not has something interesting going on in his head. He's expressive and animated, serious and shy. He is loyal and appreciates friendships, often greeting buds with a bear hug that lifts them off their feet. He makes his top bunk in the dark before coming downstairs, but needs several reminders to put on socks for the day. He appreciates people taking the time to explain things to him, and I'm learning how to be patient for him.
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