Ella is officially eight-years-old and she has blossomed into a beautiful, creative and responsible individual. For instance, she was assigned the lesson for FHE recently. Instead of asking for any help, she prepared her very own lesson plan and even had props and an activity included (three "bears"). I can completely understand why eight is such a great age for baptism. Ella really seems to understand the commitment she is making and the reasons behind it. I love seeing her in this white dress—it seems to foreshadow a future time that is looming closer and closer each year. We love her so much! She is so reliable and a wonderful example for each of her younger siblings. We are counting down the days until her baptism!
Kayla is now six and a half and truly a sweet spirit. Her kindergarten teacher is always raving about how kind and sweet Kayla is at school. It doesn’t surprise me a bit! While we are dealing with a tendency to be distracted, her strengths include imagination, creativity and an affinity for art (and she would include, an ability to eat ice-cream faster than anyone in the family). We put piano lessons on hold for the time being until we reach a higher level of maturity, She is working very hard on learning to read and write and is progressing very well in dance. She even shows an awareness that she is easily distracted and we’ve taken measures to simplify some things in our family. For instance, Kayla always wears her clothes for the next day to bed (unless it is a weekend). She asks me nearly every night if she is allowed to wear pajamas. (I realize that this is a little bit “white trash.”) We also keep all of Kayla’s shoes, coats and backpacks in the same place so they can be easily retrieved. Plus, she is finally doing the chore of putting away her silverware without being asked (or perhaps she is being bossed around by Ella who is always anxious to get to school earlier). She is a great middle child because she is so anxious to appease those around her and is more likely to share than provoke. We love our Kayla. She is a gem!
Dessie is just two weeks away from turning four years old and she is always a kick in the pants. Her little dimpled smile is not the only thing that lights up a room—often we compare her personality to the sun! She has such a bright spirit—both loud and vivacious! She is always making us laugh. Whether she winks to get out of trouble or gives a disarming hug and claims: “You are the best mom ever!” we are smitten with Dessie. We’ve noticed that she ranks as number two in command in the family order. When the girls ride scooters, Ella rides first, then Dessie and then Kayla. When they sit in the tub, Ella sits closest to the faucet, then Dessie and then Kayla. The order may reflect temperament and personality rather than age. Dessie is a girl who seems to see what she wants and then go and get it. She and Kayla have a very special bond. We rarely need an extra friend around because those two have each other. They stick together! We love our Dessie around here. Her brightness is infectious and lights up our whole home.
We have only been in possession of little Olena for two weeks now, but already she is making waves in our family. We are all enamored with her beautiful dark hair, wise looking eyes, sweet dimpled chin and cheeks. The girls clamor to have a turn holding her and she seems willing to submit to anyone’s open arms. While we are still establishing a routine, she has already made herself our best baby yet! She sleeps better, eats better and is generally more content than any other infant in our family. I think this bodes well. We are beginning to call her: Olena Beana. I’m not sure where it started, but it is catching on. Dessie uses the full nickname each time she addresses the baby! I love it!
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