Double Digits for Lilly Scott Allen

 Lilly Scott,

You are 10. How has this happened. Double digits. Sensitive. Growing. Changing. Kind. Loving. Eager to please. Accepting. You're a special girl, and I know exactly how lucky we are to call you ours. All the incredible traits you possess, and I see each of them in you daily.

This year we forfeited a traditional birthday party and went on a trip. You and me. It was fantastic.

I picked you up from school, and we came home to finish packing. We drove to Atlanta for the weekend of you and me. We both needed the getaway and quality time together.

We went to dinner and ate multiple desserts, ice skating, dolphin shows, jewelry shopping, American Girl shopping, giggles, movies, room service, and so much more! This was one of my favorite trips, and I loved having this special memory with you :) 

Georgia Aquarium

Ice skating in Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta

American Girl store

On your actual birthday I surprised you with cookie cake and siblings ;) and Paw Paw. 

(They misspelled your name, but it was too late to change it when I picked it up 😳)

Another great year in the books, my growing girl. I love you forever. 

-Mom

Wells Is TWO!

Man, oh man. Little (big) man is TWO. Let's not talk about how long he's been two. I've mentally prepared this post since Wells was 18 months old, but it's just now coming to fruition because I've let go of having all the pictures I wanted to post in order. They'll come. More importantly, let's celebrate Wells' first two years and share what he's like at this age.

Wells,

You may have just turned 2, but you're more like a triplet to Mac and Paisley. Where they go and what they do, you're right there with them. There are no obstacles for your mind and heart are set on whatever your eyes see. We've been told you literally bounce off walls to get from one thing to another. You're care free and so spirited. The things you do are quite hilarious, and you know it.

Counting is something you've gotten really good at, and you can get all the way to thirteen. Then we start back with your favorite trio: 8, 9, 10… The other day you brought had something in each hand. You held up the one in your left and said 'geen' and held up the right hand and said 'yeyyow'. Yes! You know your colors?! These older siblings are making me shine, kiddo! Thanks, M and P! Because let's be honest, I don't practice counting or colors. I'll encourage if you start, but I don't initiate it. Good thing siblings pick up where I slack, right?

We've gotten used to the missing front tooth, and just like they said at the dentist office, it's become who you are. The missing tooth actually fits your personality perfectly. Fun, daring, and cute as a button.

On your second birthday you weighed about the same as Paisley on her fourth birthday. You're in a solid 2T and quickly into 3T. (You're officially in a 3T now that I'm writing this.) You've surpassed the size Mac was in at this point in the season so dressing you for church has been interesting. I can stretch every day wear, but when we put you in those precious longalls with peter pan collar shirts, my heart skips a beat, and they barely fit. Shoe wise you've quickly gone into a size 8, which is only 1 size behind Paisley. People say you're a linebacker. Too bad (for you) you're also my baby and losing the one tooth was hard enough. I won't be signing you up for contact sports.

 This year we did your first hair cut. We basically took away the baby mullet. Dad had had enough of it.

You run and play so hard. When you're out, you're out for real. I will always cherish your chunky baby legs and round face. My baby you'll always be.

 The front door of our (old) house in October. 

We love and adore you, little Wellsy. You make us laugh and enjoy the little things. Your love for Mickey is unwavering, and we will snuggle you and watch 'Kiki' for as long as you'll let us. As for family names, you say 'Ma', 'Titi', and 'Coccy' for each sibling. Cutie pie, we think you're pretty special.

-Mommy and Daddy

M + P are FOUR!

Little bits, you keep growing. Every.single.day. You're taller, smarter, funnier, and more independent. This turning 4 is surreal to me. This year you've started your second to last year of preschool. Time refuses to slow down, and I continue to pray that I can savor every minute of goodness in our time before your entire day is spent with a school teacher. Since quality time is my love language, this is important to me. It is so incredibly important that we can share special memories of joy, laughter, and lesson learning as your independence in the world grows.

This year we had a Pirates and Mermaid party. Boys decorated treasure chests, and the girls decorated tiaras. We had a dress up corner for photo props, and a pirate ring toss with a chest of treasures.

I know the days of sharing a birthday are limited, but perhaps they'll last longer than most. You two are the best of friends, and your love and consideration of one another makes my heart beam with joy and pride.

Mac,

You asked for 'a monster truck with a remote control like at Mimi and Geep's house' to everyone who showed curiosity. I was fearful of 28 monster trucks, I'll be honest. We're learning about money management (give, save, spend) as well as super heroes. That gave more options for your birthday.

On the big day we went to the jump park. You love playing dodgeball with the 'blueberries'.

We met Dad and Mr. Matt for lunch, and you got sprite and dessert. Only on your birthday. ;-)

This isn't a birthday picture, but we went to the dentist the week you turned 4. Your second visit to see Dr. Jason, and you did great!

M, you really don't have a preference with material things. You love what others love. You celebrate others. Your heart is kind, so very kind. You say the sweetest, most sincere prayers. You thank Jesus for everything and everyone on a daily basis. I can't begin to explain the swelling in my chest when I hear your words to the Creator. It reminds me of what He must feel when we praise Him. Thank you for showing me this glimpse of pure joy and pride.

Blue is your favorite color. Every night you love to play Hulk smash with Dad. Your favorite food is yogurt, chicken, McAlister's baked potato, rice, Chick Fil A polynesian sauce, and anything sweet. You are obedient and a pleaser. You also whine, which is not my favorite, but whiny wash helps. TV and blowing bubbles are favorites to pass time. You're also a champ at Temple Run, which you call 'Scary'. The high score I can remember is 99,300. I can't get beyond 1000, and I'm pretty sure that's a pity points collection. Your favorite song is Jesus Loves the Little Children, and it is requested every night during bedtime snuggles.

This was your first all boys trip with Dad, Uncle Kyle, Paxton, and Blake. You got to ride on a plane, subway, and Uber cab. You went to Chicago for a Cubs game at Wrigley. Daddy set the bar pretty high ;-)

Putting into words how we feel about you is impossible. I can't begin to do that for any of my kids, but I hope that you always know we love you unconditionally, pray for your hearts daily, and open ourselves as a safe place for you always.

-Mom and Dad

Paisley Grace,

Darling. You are the life of so many environments. Rarely do you have a still moment. You're the mother of all those younger than you, and others older love to mother you. This doesn't seem to be an issue because you adore older girls. Thankfully you have a big sister who loves time with you more often than not.

When finally still and buckled down, this is what happens:

You make us laugh. Your smile is infectious, and you are so fun. And daring. So daring, my sweet, stubborn mini. There is no denying you're my little miss: matters are taken into your own hands, a strong front doesn't mean the inside isn't shaken, and you're a care taker. Here's proof of the 'do it yourself' little that you are. I didn't have the heart to 'fix' you for a bit.

During your birthday week we went to the dentist. You did great! 

The letter P is your favorite to write, and we celebrate each small victory as you prefer us to do. Attention is a motivator for correction and an encourager for being obedient. You enjoy picking out your clothes and declining mostly what I choose. So it has begun.

The healthy eater award goes to you: salad, cucumber, carrots, chicken, pickles, apples. You LOVE cheese in any form and ask for it constantly. Thankfully you enjoy salad to counter all that cheese. Climbing is also a favorite to pass time. We need a rock wall.

The newest loves of your life are your Bitty Baby twins, Caitlin and David. Next in line is your bicycle. You are so active, and I love it... mostly. Hey, it's who you are, and that is a precious thing.

We love you, P, and we love watching your growth and compassion for others. Thank you for being such a lively spirit in our home, and thank you for adoring something about every person you meet. You see value in every little thing, and that is such an amazing example of how Jesus loves His children {which is also a favorite song}. Before I close, I want to share your first favorite song at bedtime, which is He's Got the Whole World In His Hands. Then we take turns putting people in the song like 'Nana and Paw Paw' 'Mimi and Geep' 'Uncle Jeff and Aunt Amy' and Nash is always thrown somewhere in there.

My darling Paisley, you are joy-filled and a daughter of the King. Never forget the traits given to you, and continue to use them for His glory.

-Mom and Dad

Here are pictures of the big FOUR year old check up where Mac was stellar at the vision chart, and Paisley kept saying she could state what letter it was if she could get closer. :o) Which ended in Paisley labeled '20/30'. Haha.

 We love Dr. Jeanie!

Wells is 18 Months

Sweet, growing, cotton-blonde haired boy, you are halfway to 3, and less than 6 months to being a two year old. Every day you look more like both Mac and Paisley, and it's crazy the characteristics I'm learning that are inherited. Facial expressions, gestures, etc. Your vocabulary is growing like crazy, and you sing constantly. You love to sing 'ei ei o' from Old McDonald and the 'ohhhhh' from Needtobreathe's 'The Outsiders' song, which is also one of Mac's favorite. You're always up for a good karaoke session.

As every mom says, these days are flying by, but you still seem so little. I can handle that, I really don't mind keeping you little for as long as possible.

The missing tooth has become part of who you are, and I had no idea that incident would precede your carefree and wobbly nature. You are so stinking cute, and we absolutely adore you.

The recent thing you've mastered is holding up your hand to say 'me' when I ask a question. The first time we heard you do this was when we were a few days from leaving for Uncle Jeff's beach wedding, and I asked who was ready. Then I had to take a video, obviously. Because I'm the mama-razzi. 

And here is your photo album for this post :o)

You love dried strawberries. Not the fresh kind. Only the freeze-dried kind.

 When my hair is in dire need, Ms. Amy lets us come after hours to spare the others ;-)

 Your belly always does this because you eat SO much.

 Second beach trip, first time you played, next time you may remember that trip.

 Dollywood!

 I love to find these sweet selfie surprises on my phone. Smile.

 You LOVE to be outside, even in Sunday's best.

 Love, love, love you, sweet and crazy Wells.

-mom