July 1st

I just love how much the kids love this kitchen and all the use we get out of it. I have pretty much given up on getting a nap out of Hunter, so while Brayden naps we play in the family room. On this day he was making me food and was explaining to me how he was cleaning it, cutting it and cooking it. I am sad that he has given up his naps. Sad because that means he's given up another baby thing pretty much the last baby thing other than the night time diaper. He dresses himself, goes to the bathroom, washes his hands, picks up his dishes, picks up his room, wipes the table of his mess and puts his laundry in the hamper all by himself. I know that he will be starting preschool in just a couple months and that will be another transition into being a big kid. It happens so fast and it just blows my mind that he was just a little baby not long ago. I am reminded of all the things he used to do as Brayden is doing them. It surprises me the things that I had forgotten that Hunter used to do as a baby until I see Brayden doing them and then I remember and smile because Hunter did them too.

Brayden is growing each day and has become a funny little guy. He loves to laugh and smile. His favorite thing to do right now is dance when he hears any kind of beat. He is wanting to be like his big brother and big sister and is constantly striving to do the things that they are doing. He has given up all his bottles except for his bed time one but I know that he will soon give that one up too. He has started talking and can tell us when he wants something to drink or when he wants something to eat. I have seen such a huge change in him in the last month. He is really coming into his personality.

Lotus' teacher responded to an email of mine just the other day and she said, "You have raised a smart, kind, cooperative, bright young girl. She is a joy!" Lotus' report card was really wonderful. She got a lot of 4's in the last semester and the best part was how proud she was of herself. The only downfall was the 33 tardies but we have seen such a pattern of that over the last five years that it didn't shock me as much as it has in the past. The only thing that I can hope is that she learns to follow the example that Sean and I set for being early so that you are on time. I enjoy all the compliments that other friends give me about how well she plays with the little kids. She is a huge help with her brothers and she told me that when she grows up she wants to have 4 kids and I know that she will make a great mom someday, but in the far future.

I just love having 3 great kids! At the end of each day when I get to clear my mind I love thinking about all the things that they did that day and I smile all over again. Even on the hard days there are always things to smile about. They are such blessings in my life!