This Cup Overflows: The Whole Hand Birthday

Five. FIVE YEARS. The precious little ones we learned would be our first boy and girl are five.years.old. Yes, cliche, but they were just born yesterday, right?

I mourn the yesterdays, but boy have I enjoyed their growth and developments and personality traits that have surfaced with each passing day. I would't trade them for starting over again because in reality, I savor all our days and time together. I'm not great at keeping up with the world outside our walls, but this part of my story is raising kiddos. The kiddos I prayed and longed for.. the kiddos that we've been able to borrow for our short time on earth. And I have 4 of them. Blessing after blessing times two.

Mac is Baby A so I'll start with him....

Our Mac Man,

Buddy. You are sensitive with a capital 'S'. I probably have said this before, but it still reigns true. You are kind, loving, and sometimes whiny. More than sensitive, you're aware of others and their feelings. Treading lightly not to hurt any feelings, sometimes when Dad and I tease you get protective. You love snuggles, the story of 'Nosus' (Moses), tickles, books, superheroes, your family, routine, watching sports with dad, showing us that you can swing yourself, your friends, tv, Jesus, Mr. Dots, George, flat (fried) eggs, sweets, turkey meat, familiarity, jumping into the pool, playing at 'the big Y', and being home.

Every night we read a story, say prayers, and sing a song. Often it's Silent Night, then you made up a song called 'my mom', and now you sing VBS songs. Oh, hearing you sing melts.my.heart. Your words don't always make sense, but your heart is so pure.

You and Scotty have a special bond where she always chooses your company over anyone else. Probably because you don't get into her things, use manners, or ask too many questions. You're protective of Wells, and you keep Paisley grounded as well as anyone can.

Recently we've discovered you're lactose intolerant after a couple bouts with ice cream that left you in tears from stomach cramps and in the bathroom. You've never been a fan of cheese except on pizza, and so far processed dairy doesn't seem to bother you. We don't really do cow milk anymore, and you prefer almond or cashew milk anyway. Ice cream seems to be the biggest upset, but you're patient in understanding there are alternatives-- and we don't want that tummy pain.

You love to sing and tell stories. You've done puppet shows for your classmates at preschool, and you're always up for imaginary play.

Yesterday I asked you a few questions, and here are your answers...

Favorite color: dark blue
Favorite food: pepperoni pizza
Favorite place to be: with Mommy and Daddy
Favorite place to go: Rock City
Favorite place to eat: Jackson Belly (Jason's Deli)-- random
Favorite song: 'Say Tomorrow' (Geronimo)

When you grow up, what do you want to be? Police officer and fireman... can I be both, Mom? Buddy, you can be whatever you want.

You prefer the whale side up on your quilt. George is your monkey lovey you still sleep with every night- you rub the tag on your ear. When I check on you in the middle of the night you're sprawled out every which way. Often I'll adjust you so you won't fall off the bed. You love cereal for breakfast in the morning-- often 2 bowls. When I sing to you at night it's no time before your eyes are closed. I love the special night time song routine where my voice soothes your soul.

We love you so very much! Happy 5th birthday!
-Mom and Dad

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Paisley Grace, Sweet P, P, Pai-Pai, Sweet Girl, PGA, Peezy,

You have changed so much in these five years, yet so much of your character still remains the same. I can look back and little things you did as an infant and laugh because that was just a small window into the person you're becoming. It's enlightening and so incredible to see this loving, care taking, girl you are. You are such the little mama, fixer, questioner, persistent little thing. I often remind you to worry about yourself as you're always curious the whys about someone's actions, clothing, piercing, hair color, you name it. If it's off your grid, there will be 384932 questions about it. We are still working on tact. To those who hear her purely innocent questions about any of the above, I'm so thankful I haven't seen the reactions on your face when I stutter over words.

When anyone is going anywhere, you're on board. Whether it's Dad running things to the dump or me leaving for Target, there you are. You never want to miss a beat or a bit of excitement. Even if dad and I are discussing something, you're actively listening.

The care taking nature you have is ever-present. You have attention to detail about people and circumstance. You love helping others from little tots not much smaller than you to Paw Paw trying to find a Chattanooga destination. I rely on your little self when introducing the family to anyone new. You always step up to the plate and help. Oh, my sweet girl. I'm so proud of your heart.

You still sleep with Mac's zebra (even monogrammed 'Mac'). This started last year when Mac and Dad went on a boy's trip to Chicago. You missed him so much you started sleeping with his lovey. That lovey then became your's. The zebra is held a certain way up to your nose while the same hand's thumb goes into your mouth.

Mosquitos love you. You love little ones. You adore your big sister though sometimes you aggravate her just for attention. You laugh so hard sometimes you get hiccups.

Here are your questions and answers...

Favorite color: toy-quoise (turquoise)
Favorite food: muttermelon (watermelon) and oranges
Favorite thing to do: play with the baby Emery

Favorite place to go: Superfly
Favorite place to eat: Chick-il-a (Chick-fil-a)
Favorite song: Let It Go and Shake It Off
When you grow up, what do you want to be? Hair stylist and doctor

You prefer 1 pillow instead of two. You love to snuggle and ask for extra cuddles and hugs every night. When we paint your fingernails we have to skip your thumbs so the polish won't be yucky for sucking your thumb at bedtime. The songs we sing at night are VBS tunes or He's Got the Whole World in His Hands.

This month you cut yourself some bangs and layers while I was at work. I was thankful it wasn't a bob cut, but you were so remorseful by bedtime. It's just hair, thank goodness.

Every morning you want 2 packets of plain oatmeal. You like cinnamon, brown sugar, and milk on top. Not stirred and enough for you to see it. If not said before, you know exactly what you want.

2012

May 2012

2012-- Penicillin/Cephalosporin allergy discovered

April 2012

August 2013

May 2013

September 2014

2014

July 2016

May 2016

You two are quite the pair. There are so many differences between you, but the bond of twin-ship is always apparent. Paisley encourages and cares for Mac while Mac just lets Paisley do those things, ha. Mac, you are so patient with Paisley's care taking ways. Sometimes you get tired of marrying her at preschool, though. Then Paisley decides she doesn't care for whomever you choose over her.