Exes and Ohs...

Someone lost at human tic-tac-toe during naps. And someone else got in trouble for sneaking a marker into bed...

To Dixie on your first birthday

To my little Dixie,

Today you are one. One whole year. For three hundred and sixty five glorious days, I've been your mom. I still get giddy when I tell people about "my daughter." The word still sounds surreal. You, my dear, are a longtime desire of my heart. My daughter. 

Just in this last month, your spirit has blossomed. Your laughter is contagious. No one is able to let you laugh alone, so we all join in! You are changing too much every day! Slow down! Although you're tiny, and you still wear clothes fitted for a 3 month old, your humor is beyond your age. Do I sense a leaning towards daddy's dry humor? Perhaps. I'm ok with that!

Oh my goodness, you are so girly! Dressing up in frilly skirts makes you squeal. And you are dramatic...your feelings get hurt, and you break out that lip quiver thing? I mean, come on! Who can keep from scooping you up when you combine that with those big, brown, eyes?

Sweet Dixie. You are both desired and adored. You will be forever cherished by us, someday by your husband, but most importantly, by Jesus. The strongest desire your dad and I share, is that you seek your praise and affirmation from Him. I hate to tell you this, little one, but people will hurt you. I wish I could protect your tender heart forever.  

In the hustle and busyness of this day, I promise to stop and be still with you. I admit, I am kind of obsessed with you. I'm sorry if the staring bugs you, but I can't promise it will stop anytime soon.

Hey, so let's put on your pink party dress and celebrate the color and joy you have brought to our family! It's your day, little one!!!! You are the cherry on our Gillespie sundae! 

Happy Birthday!

Mommy

Date night!

The face is saying "MOM IS LETTING ME HAVE ICE CREAM????" Tonight was date night with the first born so he got to pick out what we did. My heart melted faster than his unhealthy, sugary, dairy treat!  He told me, "[A girl] gave me her number so I can call her. I think it's just because she likes me." However, he did also tell me that this was the best date EVER! That's right, you forward little girls at school. I'm still his number 1!

Discovering your children's love language.

This weekend, I was talking to a dear friend about how some of my kids love languages are much easier to recognize than the others. She asked me about Lincoln's and I really had to think about it. First born, first year in school. At lot of changes have affected him this year. It's been a bit harder for us to connect. We used to have regular dates, but with each sibling we add to the mix, our special one on one time has been rare. Not cool.

This afternoon, he was playing quietly outside while the others were napping. I finally had a 2 hour window, perfect to finish laundry, prep for dinner, and cross out several chores that have been piling up. As I looked out the window, I saw him sitting quietly on trampoline, enjoying his snack in the sunshine. My heart filled with joy and jealousy. Without hesitation, I sprinted out to him. He bounced me on the trampoline, we cuddled, giggled and he filled me in about his day. I love hearing his stories about kindergarten...I hope this becomes a regular after school date.

Quality time. This is his language.

View from the trampoline, little boy in my arms.