These three have been so much fun recently. Yes, we still have our moments, but in general they are in a really enjoyable stage and I am soaking it up! I don't take this lightly since we're border-line cabin fever around here. We've managed to get out in the fresh air at least a bit each day, snowshoeing over to Whitworth in the 12 degree weather last week (maybe not my best parental judgement) and going out for a night walk with flashlights in hand last night, among other adventures. Come on spring, I'm running out of ideas!!!
As you can see above, Grace, Isaac & Eli are finally having a lot of fun playing together. There are afternoons when I pause to just take in the fact that they are in the other room playing together without me, for more than five minutes. Can I get an AMEN?! Dress-up, coloring, painting, racing cars, and playing preschool have been their favorite activities as of late.
I know I've mentioned before, but I find it fascinating to watch each of them grow & develop their own personalities. I really think the boy/girl twin bit is especially interesting - same age, same upbringing, same environment, circumstances, etc, but different gender, statures, features, and and VERY different personalities. It has also been fun to watch Eli become his own little person these past few months and begin to enter more fully into the world of play with his brother & sister.
A few things that stand out to me about each of them these days:
Isaac is still very energetic, strong & intense, as I think he always will be, yet he has grown tremendously in his ability to manage his emotions, and in his consideration others. His sharp mind continues to amaze me - he seems to be on the verge of reading and is really interested in letters, sounds, numbers, and patterns right now. He is so busy and on-the-go that I am often surprised with how much he is thinking about and taking in while expending all that energy! And boy, he gives the BEST bear hugs.
Grace is just so dang sweet and a little mother-hen to Eli already. She can definitely put up a fight when she knows what she wants, but she melts my heart with her thoughtful, gentle ways. This girl can sing and she makes up multiple songs each day (think Phoebe from Friends, but Sunday School style and a much sweeter voice). Her recent interests have been particularly girly - clothes, accessories, and more clothes. I credit Coco and Aunt Lindsey for this, but so long as they teach her where I lack, I won't "blame" them to much for adding to her girly-girl flare! ;)
Eli is becoming the comedian of the family. This kid cracks us up daily! Even Grace & Isaac comment on how funny and happy Eli is. And, he is all boy, really into trucks, growling, blocks, and getting dirty. One unique thing about Eli is how aware he is of his feelings at such a young age. He'll often tell me that he's sad or scared, or he'll just start listing off the people he loves. It is adorable to hear him talking about who he loves and helpful for him to be able to tell me how he's feeling. Now if only he would start eating & sleeping better.
I love these three and often still can't believe I get to be their mother. There have been days when I've wanted toss the three of them in the backyard for awhile, but as most any mother knows, they are my deepest joy.
Their big question right now is "how many days left until we get to live with Eric, Mama?!" I know, little buddies, I know...we just might have to make a paper-chain countdown for this one.
