Ethan: 7 months

Since Ethan's been sick for the last month, he didn't get his checkup until this week. He's almost 24 pounds and he's 28" long. He got four shots and was so brave! He didn't cry at all for the first two. With the second two he fussed, but kept his mouth closed so it was just a muffled "mmmm". It was funny because it sounded like he wanted to cry but was trying to fight it back by keeping his mouth closed. I know that's not what he was really what he was doing but I was able to tease Brayden about Ethan being braver than him. Maybe that will help Brayden not cry the next time he gets shots, but I highly doubt it.

There are so many thing I love about Ethan and so many moments I never want to forget:

• When he's tired and I rub his head behind his ear, he'll fall asleep instantly
• He wakes up at 5:00 to eat every morning and doesn't go right back to sleep, but isn't fully awake either. The house is completely quite with no distractions and I get to hold and cuddle him. It's just me and him. It is hands down my favorite part of every day.
• There is no end to the things that make him smile and laugh. Dogs, people, loud sounds, silly faces, toys, food. Pretty much everything and anything.
• His hair. Oh, his hair. It sticks up in every direction and there is nothing I can do to get it to stay down.
• He babbles and "talks" incessantly. Of course his favorite sound combination is "ma-ma-ma". Does he know what it means yet? Probably not. But that doesn't mean I don't light up every time he says it.
• He's starting to understand certain words. If I say the word "eat" he gets so excited. Greg didn't believe me so the other day I said it in the car. Ethan was in the back all by himself and as soon as I said it, he started kicking and talking and got so excited.
• He never wakes up crying. Just imagine hearing him babble over the monitor instead of crying. It's the most wonderful sound.

This Week

This week, as always was a busy one. Tawny participated in her first dance competition. She was so excited and had so much fun. The students choreograph and perform their own dance. Since Tawny is only three I helped her a little with the choreography, but I tried really hard to let her have as much input as possible. She did so awesome and was insistent that she was going to win. I tried to explain that she was the very youngest girl competing and might not win, but she was so sure she would win. She ended up being the trophy winner for her age group (Ages 3-5)! That means she gets to perform her dance at the county fair and the year end dance recital. I sure hope she doesn't get stage fright when 200+ people are watching her. I'm guessing she won't. She's a natural born performer. We're so proud of her! Brayden has been playing t-ball for a few weeks now and is really loving it. His coaches are great and try to make sure that everyone get a chance to play every position. Since it's first year t-ball the rules are very basic. Each inning everyone gets a chance to bat, and everyone gets to run all the way to home, ever if they are thrown out (which doesn't have very often). They focus on learning the game, and having good sportsmanship, which I really appreciate.

Brayden really loves being a big brother. I can always count on him to step up and help when it's needed. Today I was super late getting ready for church. Greg as at early meetings, I had forgotten about the time change and found out I had to do singing time about 45 minutes before church started. Fun times. Brayden was so helpful. He fed Ethan his breakfast, got himself dressed, helped Tawny get dressed and packed the diaper bag books, crayons, paper, diapers, extra clothes...everything! (the clothes may not have matched, but oh-well) Then he played with Ethan until it was time to go. What an awesome little boy.

Greg got a new church calling this week. He is the Spanish Group Leader, which is like a branch president with a few less responsibilities. He nervous but very excited about his new calling. I know that he'll do great. He loves the people and I know he'll do everything he can to help the grow in the gospel. I'll get participate some too, which I'm excited about. I'll be the pianist for their sacrament. I guess I need to brush up on my Spanish!

Love in Her Heart

I had the cutest conversation with Tawny today as we were driving to pick up Brayden from school. I looked in the rear view mirror and noticed that she looked a little sad. Here is the conversation that followed

M: Tawny, is everything okay?
T: I feel a little sad in my heart. Right here. (pointing to her heart)
M: Why?
T: My heart is all empty of Daddy Love. I need to see him so I can fill it up with Daddy Love.
M: Should we see if you can visit him at work right now?
T: YES mommy YES! Can I stay with him a long long time so my heart can fill all the way to the top with Daddy Love?

Needless to say she got to spend the rest of the day at work with her Daddy. And when she got home her eyes were shining as she told me that her heart was full "all the way to the tippy-tippy top". Priceless.