At first this post was going to be about how he went from this
to this.
About how he is no longer a sleep-all-day-and-night infant,
but a smiling, laughing, rolling-over, bubble-blowing baby.
Even though he has doubled his birth weight and discovered his toes, in many ways the biggest changes around here these past four and half months have been hers.
She has gone from being shared by her parents
to sharing her parents.
She has become his big sister.
She went from sounding out little readers to reading him “big” books.
She bid farewell to the birds on her wall and the only home she’s known. She learned to sleep far away from her parents and claims to no longer need Bubba.
She had her first dance recital,
learned to ride on two wheels, and blew out six candles on her cake.
And before I could blink, she waved goodbye to Kindergarten.
In the shadows of all these events I’ve sensed a maturity happening that I cannot capture in pictures and hardly even name. Over the past four and half months I have felt a shift, a deepening of understanding, a lessening of selfishness, and an eagerness to serve others. It’s as though I’ve been given glimpses of the young lady that is emerging
and she is lovely.
That was all very well put. Thanks for the glimpse into both of your cool kids.
Beautiful.
Both are absolutely adorable. My own big girl (much younger than Ava) has been battling her brother for the spotlight with “accidents” and temper tantrums, so it’s nice to see this glimpse of a better deal ahead!
Thank you for sharing that wonderful group of photos and beautiful thoughts to accurately memorialize the depth of love, the beauty of your children, their changes, and your joy as a grateful, God-fearing mother!!!
love this. your ava posts seem to always illicit tears from me. oh wait. your jude posts do, too!
That last picture of Ava took my breath away.
I loved this. Just loved it.
Mmmm….what a lovely post and what beautiful kids you have!
Rach, this is so beautiful and makes me realize how much i miss you and your family. i love you all.
Wow, I remember this happening with Grace so clearly when Moses came along… the little 6 year old became a Big Sister… you capture it so well. A very sweet and poignant change.
Wow, Rachel…are you ready for this?
I’m not (with mine). But somehow, these babes of ours don’t wait for us to be ready, and they go on growing up anyway.
BEAUTIFUL photos.
elisa
Wow…what a BEAUTIFUL post!
Awwww…..you made me cry. Beautiful, beautiful girl. We do love Ava! But those pictures didn’t even come close to showing how very BIG that boy has become. Sweet, happy, giant Jude!
Happy 4th!
love,
Kirsten
Rachel, I’ve kept this in my inbox and it brings tears and goose bumps each time I look at and read it. It’s so beautiful not only for what you share, but how you share it. You, too, are lovely.
i read it again today. and it made me cry again today.
she is lovely. and what’s even more touching, is what a reflection she is of her beautiful mama.
Thank you, Linda. You are such an encouragement to me. You just made me cry.