Little singer...

Gracie has become quite a singer recently. She sings in the car, in the bath, in her bed, while she plays. She makes up her songs and sings others over and over. Here are a few. ENJOY!

Samuel

Six years ago was one of the most exciting yet frightening days of my life. It's the day that I gave birth to my sweet Samuel. He came six weeks ahead of schedule. After two previous trips to the hospital for the doctors to stop my labor, they finally decided that it was best to let God intervene and bring Samuel into the world slightly early. Obviously he had already prepared for this to happen. Samuel weighed a whopping 5 pounds/13 ounces. That's a big baby to come that early! He was perfect except for being premature and had to spend the first 11 days of his life in the NICU. Although I knew that he would most likely be fine...those were some hard days. I had to leave a baby at the hospital and come home to an empty nursery. I had to somehow balance my time between a two year old who really wanted his mama to a baby at the hospital who needed me in different ways. So...the juggle to meet two children's needs began!

Samuel was indeed an answer to my prayers. (That's how he got his name...I Samuel 1:27..."For this child I have prayed...") After Benjamin we became pregnant in December before Benjamin's first birthday. I miscarried that baby at 10 weeks! We were so devastated by this we were ready to get pregnant immediately. We had Samuel 12 days after Benjamin's 2nd birthday. That made them really close and for most of their first 3 years of life almost like twins. But...Samuel was the best thing that ever could have to us...and Benjamin. Benjamin has always tried to be just like Samuel. (and although he wouldn't admit it now..he tried like crazy to be just like Benjamin!) If I had a dollar for everytime I was asked if they were twins I would be one rich lady.

Now, Samuel is amazing. Don't get me wrong...we absolutely adore Benjamin and anyone who knows us will tell you that! But...I think it's incredible to have a typical son! Samuel just amazes me with just how quickly he picks things up. He is so smart and intuitive. He ALWAYS knows what I am thinking! His sweet heart is easily broken and he NEVERS wants to see anyone cry or get hurt. I think it makes him feel like crying.

He's always been shy. He doesn't really like new situations and you REALLY have to talk about it for a long time before he feels comfortable. BUT...he has surprised us lately. He's been really concerned with making new friends and going on playdates. He would rather eat lunch with his friends at school than with his mom...and really would prefer I not kiss him in public! :)

He's becoming quite the "gamer" lately. We joke that one day he's going to create his own video game. (I wouldn't be surprised, actually!) He loves his Wii he got for Christmas and has mastered levels on most of the games by himself. I sure don't know how all those games work.

He loves sports. Right now...football. His dad is so excited that Samuel is really learning the game. At least there will always be one that will watch the games with Dad!

Everyday I look at Samuel and think he's gotten bigger and looks just a little bit older. Part of me yearns to get that baby back. (Although he was NOT an easy baby by any stretch of the imagination! :) ) The other part is so thankful that I have every moment to get to know him and to be a part of his life. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for his life. He's an incredible kid...and I am lucky he's mine!

SNOW SNOW AND MORE SNOW!

Over the past few weeks this southern family has seen more snow than any of us have ever seen before. It's crazy! In the past two weeks we have had 17+ inches total. The kids have been out of school for 5 days and counting and the snow "gear" that has multiplied in my dining room is driving me insane! It's amazing what you need to "play" in the snow. How long it takes to put on this "gear" to have fun in the snow is almost as amazing. Helping three kids put on snow wear to stay dry and warm while playing in a foot of snow requires a level of patience. Needless to say it has been fun for some of us. Samuel and Brian LOVE it. The have definately had there fill of sledding and snowboarding. Benjamin isn't as fond of the cold or the snow but has recently required a liking of the snow slide that Brian made in the side yard. Gracie still hasn't seen a reason to go outside but will go out and walk on the driveway as long as Brian has it shoveled and clean for her!

Here are some pictures and a video of the most recent snow!