Talkin'

Dear Jordan,

We finally understand each other!  You ask questions, I answer, and for the most part we know what each other is saying!  Of course, it's up to you if you accept my answer.  You don't always like it when I say "not right now" or "maybe later".  You like quick "yes"es to all of your requests.  I've been trying to cut back on your addiction to the sippy cup, and this is not your favorite thing.  Here in the next month we are going to (hopefully) try potty training and moving you into a big kid bed.  It would be nice if you could conquer those two milestones before your brother gets here.

Speaking of Baby Marcus, you came with me to my appointment this week.  And it is the last appointment you will come to!  Your irrational fear of doctors apparently extends to doctors for Mommy.  You cried and screamed pretty much the whole appointment.  You were only quiet twice.  When I laid back and she put the dobbler on my belly to hear the heartbeat, you quieted enough to hear Marcus' heart.  And when she tried to measure my belly, you took the tape measure right out of her hands and got to work.  Together you discovered that everything is measuring just right!  And, later, you could not stop talking about Marcus, doctor, heart, mommy...

You seem to understand (a little) about Baby Marcus.  When I ask you where he is, you say "Here he is!" and point at my belly.  And the other night, you would trying to push him out and said "He's stuck!".  You and I both are very ready to get this brother here!  But you may not be as ready when you realize how much time he is going to take away from you.  It will be worth it though!  I think you will just love your brother!

Your cousins from Seattle came to visit this past week.  We spent two days with Mimi and Charlie and Maggie and you really enjoyed it.  It will be fun to see you grow up with them and how close you are!

Well, little man.  That's all for now.  We've got a nice, relaxing day ahead.  We were going to go to the Splash Pad, but it might be a little cool.

I love you, buddy!!

Mom

Your Daddy

Dear Jordan,

Today is your Dad's third Father's Day.  It's hard to believe we've had you for that long.  I wanted to tell you about how great your Dad is.  Soon, you will be able to tell him yourself about all of the things that you love about him.  But let me help you out this year.

Your Dad is extremely special.  He loves Jesus.  He loves to serve and to read God's Word.  He loves to spend time in prayer.  When he is asked by anybody to do anything, he jumps at the chance to do it.  He gives up his Monday nights to lead a Bible Study in a prison.  He meets with guys every couple of weeks to pray and stay accountable to each other.  He goes to Bible Studies at church so he can learn and he spends time reading the Bible every day.  He teaches Sunday School.  He meets with Mr. Larry every Thursday so he can learn from an older, wiser man.  He takes every opportunity he can to learn and grow.  

I would also like you to know how much he loves his family.  He takes care of us by working extremely hard.  He gets up at 4:30 every morning and works fifty hours a week.  He doesn't have to get up so early, but he wants to put his hours in so that he can be home in time spend lots of time with us.  He trusts God to provide through his job and works hard to give God the glory at his job.  He shares his testimony and looks for ways to share deeply about God's Word.  He always stands up for what is true in conversations he has.

At home, he is quick to do the dishes or take out the trash.  He fixes things around the house and enjoys teaching you how to use tools. 

Your Dad loves you, Buddy.  He is always willing for a good wrestling session or to ride your little cars all around the house.  He loves to take you to the zoo and play outside with you.  You are wild and he loves it.  He loves reading to you and watching Curious George with you.  He prays and sings with us every night.  He disciplines you when you need it because he wants you to grow up to know Jesus and to follow him. Your Dad doesn't care as much about you being happy and having whatever you want.  He leads by example what it means to be joyful and content with what we have.  And God has given us so much!

I could go on and on about your Dad.  He's pretty great and I love him very much.  I hope you always know that he loves you more than his own life.

Love,
Mom

Catching Up!

Dear Jordan,

I can't believe I've let so much time go by since I've written you!  In my defense, your grandparents were here for three weeks of that time and well, we were pretty busy having a lot of fun...fishing, the zoo, playgrounds, watching Bugs Bunny with your Pappa.  So much fun and I'm sad because I wish I could remember and write up every second for you.  I can tell you this...you LOVE your grandparents and they LOVE you!  You guys made the most of every second together.  You are such a sweet and loving little boy and it was so hard for them to leave you behind.  I hope you know that even though they are not around very much, that they are wonderful grandparents.  Sometimes I wish that they lived closer (well, often I wish this!), but I am so proud of them for giving up so much to follow Jesus wherever He leads.  I pray that this will be the legacy they give you.  Little man, you have so much potential and when Jesus gets your heart...well, watch out world!

I think the biggest news since I wrote you is that we found out that you are having a baby brother!  His name is Marcus and we are so excited to see you and your brother become best buddies.  I know you will probably have a hard time adjusting to not being my "one and only", but once you get used to Marcus being around, you will love having a brother.  Daddy is super excited to have another rough & tumble boy around and I'm so excited to watch you boys be best friends.

Last week was Vacation Bible School.  You did a great job all week!  We were at church from 8:30 until noon and you loved your class.  You were pretty tired by the end of the week, but you being such a trooper made it so much easier for me to be able to serve and work.

Your language skills have really taken off!  You say full sentences like "It's not working"...and are constantly surprising me with the new words you know.  And of course, you are as hilarious as we thought you would be!  I have been so ready for you to start talking to see what was in that little head of yours, and you have not disappointed at all!  The other day, you were sitting on the potty singing "Let it Go!"

Speaking of the potty...you are forcing my hand.  I might have to potty train you pretty soon.  You keep taking off your diaper and any time you disappear, the first place I look is in the bathroom.  I was hoping to wait later, but you are ready to be a big boy.  I guess I'll let you grow up!

Well, I'm sure I missed so much, but I'll try to get in the habit of writing you so I don't miss all the little things that I probably forget.

I love you, buddy.

Mom

You were more excited to eat the cake than to see if you were having a brother or a sister!