End of summer post and Stella's first birthday

Oh man. I’ve done it again. So much time has passed since I’ve updated this thing. I keep thinking I need to update you all and yet I’m so caught up in the snuggles, the giggles, the poopy diapers, the discussions about poop, and trying to enjoy and soak in each moment that I’ve neglected to update the blog.

Silas is all boy all the time. I feel like I’ve finally gotten my boy back. There was quite a while after Stella was born where I felt like there was constant tension and frustration between us, probably because I was low on sleep and patience and he was pushing buttons and limits. He was Daddy’s boy and quite frankly, wanted nothing to do with me. My heart was broken. He and Jake were spending all their time together while I was with Stella all the time and finally around my birthday, something began to change. Maybe it was me, maybe it was him but I finally feel like our relationship is mended and I’m finally getting affection from him without having to ask.

He is an absolute joy to be around – his sense of humor is so Jake and instead of resenting their closeness, I’m embracing it. It’s healthy, I know this. Silas has really developed a heart for others and I could not be more proud of the compassion he shows.  We did a box for Operation Christmas Child and he was so excited to give his toys and buy things for children that didn’t have anything. He had a friend over recently too and Jake gave them the option of packing more boxes at our church for Operation Christmas Child or going to a play place.  Silas’ friend wanted to go play and after being silent for quite a while, Silas piped up in the backseat and said he’d rather go pack boxes for needy children…(heart melting!!!!) so that’s what they did. His manners are stellar and he is sometimes so helpful without even being asked. His love for Stella is unconditional and sometimes a little smothering. There is nothing sweeter than watching my two babies together while they play and giggle.

Miss Stella is all sass, attitude and drama. She is 14 months today and still (thankfully!) a Mama’s girl through and through. She is happiest in my arms but is quickly gaining independence. She took her first steps at 13 months but kept crawling because she could get around more quickly! She still will crawl when she wants to get somewhere quickly but each night we’re practicing her walking back and forth between us….except she doesn’t walk, she tries running. J  I am amazing at what she understands – she understands when I tell her to give kisses, lay down, walk and a few other things. She signs “more”, “eat” and “milk” regularly and reaches and makes the “milk” symbol at anything she wants – often me.  J She is such a delightful little girl but is not afraid to speak her mind and throws a pretty good tantrum when she isn’t getting her way. It’s hilarious, but Jake and I are a little worried about what the teenage years will bring. ;)

We’re anxiously anticipating the holidays in our house; Silas is excited for “Buddy” our Elf on the Shelf to arrive and he can’t wait to go sledding and celebrate Christmas. We’re going to Disney World in Florida the first of January and I can’t hardly stand it! I can’t wait to get away, be together, and see Silas’ face as he experiences Disney for the first time. I’ll keep you posted!

I’m going to end with a birthday note for Stella that I’m obviously late on….oops!!

My sweet Stella,

You have brought more joy to our little family in the past year than any of us could have ever imagined!! You are silly, sometimes so serious with strangers and so observant. You sense of humor has us in stitches every day. You are full of life and easily the most beautiful baby girl I’ve ever seen. I love buying you girlie clothes and dressing you in the latest trends. You have developed quite the chubb and squeezing your dimply thighs and butt into jeggings have proven to be difficult at times, but you are simply adorable.

I pray that Daddy and I will help you develop your strengths use them to honor Jesus. I pray for your future husband…that he will love you and love Jesus and be able to keep you under control!