My Fireball

My dear Callie,

The past few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about you.  All day long, I think about you.  I wonder how to be the best mom for your personality.  You are tender and gentle, sensitive and kind, and also so full of fire!  You are pure energy...and I love that.  I love that you are so curious.  I love that no matter where you go, you make new friends.  I love that you notice others and think of their feelings often.  I love that even though you sometimes make choices that aren't always "good," you seem to be learning from them.  I love seeing you develop into yourself.

We've just had Thanksgiving.  It was really nice.  And though there are millions of things that I'm thankful for, you are on my mind, once again.  You, sweetheart, make my heart happy.  I am so thankful for you.  Tonight we were able to spend some time together.  Sammy and Micah were occupied and so, before Sammy went to bed, we played in your room with your La La Loopsies.  I'm not sure what was so funny, but you were laughing so hard, and I just joined in.  Your laugh, that hearty one you do...when your eyebrows go up and your entire face totally and completely lights up...is so contagious.  We had such a great time.

Tonight we read books in my bed.  I love reading books in my bed with you.  I remember the day when I first discovered that I could read on my own.  I was in Grandma and Grandpa's bed back in Michigan.  I remember feeling so proud of myself.  Anyway, as we read, you thought things were so funny...things we have read over and over all of a sudden took on new life for you, and you were cracking up.  I love that about you.  You can see the old and make it new.

And tonight, when I tucked you in...like I always do, I laid down beside you, scratched your back, and kissed you goodnight.  But this time, you asked me not to leave.  "Callie, I have to get up."  You didn't say a word, and I decided to stay with you longer.  We held hands as you dozed off, and I laid next to you.

Callie, I hope you understand how much I love you and how much joy you bring to my life.  I'm not sure what life would be like without you.  Today, and everyday, I'm thankful for your smile, spirit, and strength.  I'm so grateful to be your mommy.

I love you Sweetie.

Mommy

Now I Can video

Now I Can sent me this video of Sammy at her last session and I keep forgetting to post it.  Go to the LINK to see her in all her therapeutic glory!

Lost Tooth

Only days later, Sammy loses her first tooth!  This picture, to me, is actually kind of gross because it's right after the tooth came out.  Now it's just a gap and it doesn't look so red and -- gross.

That morning, my friend Amy did a mini photo shoot with Samantha.  She's a hard one to photograph, so I was grateful for Amy's patience, and we actually got a few super cute ones (those will be coming).  During the photo shoot, I saw her playing with the loose tooth with her finger.  By the time we got home, there was blood, which was to be expected.  When I looked at her mouth, the tooth was gone!  What?!  "Marcus!  Sammy lost her tooth!"  And then, horror.  Did Sammy just swallow her tooth?  Not that it really matters, but I wanted to see it.  Luckily, it was sitting there, under her arm, on the tray of the high chair.  Listen, I know this picture looks gross, but I have never seen a cuter toothless little girl.

Two Months

Our little man.  He's just so handsome.  Here's to 2 months.

Growing Up

Ok.  I admit, it's hard to tell in this picture.  Well, do you see some swollen gums and a crocked tooth?  Sammy doesn't really have crooked teeth, but now she does.  Yes, Sammy has her first loose tooth!  I'm excited because that's a big girl thing.  But something about it makes me want to cry too.  She's growing up.  Her first loose tooth!  And, she'll probably just swallow it during the middle of the night or something.  I want that tooth...I mean, the Tooth Fairy wants it.  Anyway.  Here's to our big girl.

Bath Time Fun

Someone (Micah) is starting to really enjoy baths.  It only took him 7 weeks...sheesh.  But now he's officially a fan of bath time.

And after the bath, there's no shame in wrapping up in a pink fleece blanket.  

That's right Micah.  No shame.

Movie Star

Tonight we had a little Family Movie Night.

Ice Age

And, we've said it since he was a wee newborn, but Micah sure looks like that little baby on Ice Age.  Tonight we kept referring to the no-named baby on the movie as "Micah."  It works.  The pictures below aren't the best comparisons, but if you've seen the movie, you got to admit Micah looks like a little Ice Aged kid.

Shoot!  That's what he should have been for Halloween.  Missed opportunities already.  Not off to a great start here kiddo.  Oh well.  He sure was a cute pilot.

Make You Melt

Halloween

Starring...

Sammy as Merida.

Callie, as a La La Loopsy doll.

And Micah as the our local fighter pilot.

And I'm sorry, I just have to put all these pictures in because they make me laugh.  If there was ONE good picture, maybe I'd just put that in.  But seeing the whole series is much more satisfying.

Happy Halloween!