Officially, a Two Year Old

In honor of the occassion, a poem:

The little baby we brought home
Has now become two years of age
A blessing and gift from the very start
Who has brought us much joy in each stage

I can’t believe you are two
It seems to have gone by so fast
Though I must say
There were many days
That simply seemed to last
So very loooooooooooong….
I think this is because your personality and will are so strong
I’m told it’s a good thing if I learn to cultivate it right
Which no doubt would be easier if you let me sleep at night

You are so much fun to watch each day
As you explore and learn in your own little way
Pointing out everything in the room that’s “BLUE!”
Trying to avoid me after you go poo poo

Tools, firetrucks, Papa’s garage, and guitars,
Seem to bring such joy to your soul
Wanting to know how everything is made and works
Inquiring often how Baby Owen came out of Auntie Tanya’s “hole”

Your made up words for people and things
Are always a challenge to translate
Going into the nursery at church
Seems to always be something you will HATE

Training and discipline seem now to be
The constant focus of our days
Lovingly teaching and correcting you
In our own imperfect state

Words can’t describe the depth of our love
That we have for you inside
And all that we have learned about ourselves
As we overcome selfishness, fear, and pride

For you we have prayed and God heard our prayer
And gave us you to raise
Thank you, Oh Lord, for this little boy
We offer You our thanks and praise

Happy Birthday Aaron! We love you!

Wicked

Earlier this week, Lee and I got to go see the musical Wicked with some of my extended family. This is not a usual thing for us to get to do, and we REALLY enjoyed having the time out and the musical itself. I think I enjoyed it more than any other show I have ever seen - it had a great element of humor that I was pleasantly surprised by.

Aaron got to stay back with his favorite babysiter, Papa Bob. They had a big project to work on that evening in the backyard.....

Doesn't Aaron look quite manly with his pink shovel? =) My parents were given this awesome jungle gym by some dear friends whose kids are grown up. It is about all together and has provided yet another reason for tantrums when we have to leave Papa Bob's and Grandma's house.

Two sides

We had one of those weeks that could be summed up as follows:

So in summary, lots of unhappiness as well as continuing to refuse to stay in the nursery at church (what kind of pastor's kid is he???), waking up and staying awake in the middle of the night, etc. This is just a stressful season in the life of our little family with our church plant and I also realize that someone is definitely about to turn two. But it was just one of those weeks where you wonder if you are going to make it and if you are doing anything right as a mom....

Fortunately, it is a new week and we've already squeezed in some happier moments....

If he becomes a Christian soon, maybe he will be a future worship pastor??? =) Anyway, SO grateful that God's mercies are new every morning, and for the gift that this little boy truly is. STILL. =) Though he could work on a few things.... =)

I took a quick somewhat last minute trip to meet up with some of my old Biola softball buddies, Krista and Jen, in Palm Springs. It was the first time I have ever left Lee and Aaron alone overnight, and though I missed them, it was very nice =) It was great to catch up with them face to face and have some girl time. I have been so grateful for their friendships over the years and love them dearly....Lee and Aaron had lots of fun together too.... I think leaving them alone together made them extra onery.... Aaron has a new trick now....


Or he is just being a typical almost two year old =)

Cousin Time

Aaron actually asked to hold Baby Owen for the first time =) It was hiliarous because as he was holding him he kept looking at him and waving saying "Hi" in this little high, soft voice.

And please, do your best to refrain from any comments about Aaron being ready for another sibling..... =)