It's Big Brother Time!

Dear Jordan,

Last Sunday was a big day for you.  You are now a big brother!  You are doing such a great job with your Baby Marcus.  You love him.  You give him kisses and are as gentle as a two year old can be with him.  We've had our challenges as well.  You've been a little jealous, especially when I sit down to feed him.  But, you were throwing fits before.  You've had a blast with your Grammy and Pappa.  Pappa has been so sweet to take you to the park and the library just about every day.  You need your time out of the house and he has been good to give that to you.

I was so happy to get home from the hospital and spend time with you.  And you were happy to see me!  You were scared of the hospital bed so you didn't see me a whole lot for a couple of days.  But the night I came home, you were so happy to sit in my lap and snuggle and we're right back to where we were. 

You have a book called "Baby Knows Best" about a silly baby who wants different things than what she is given.  The last part of the book is about where the baby wants to be, and the last line is "And where does the baby want to be? Snuggled up with us."  We read this book every nap time and every nap time and night night time, you crawl in my lap and say "Snuggle us".  This means that you want me to hold you and sing you a song.  Then you lay down and I scratch your back for a second..."Mama back second" is what you say.

Speaking of songs, you are obsessed with "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective.  We started listening to it in the car and now we watch the music video multiple times a day.  I love watching it with you and I'm thinking that is the perfect song for our family!  We want to follow God wherever he takes us, knowing that he knows best and is looking out for us.

You are a smart little boy and nothing gets past you.  You remember things that I forget and you surprise us all of the time.  The other day at dinner, you held up a tortilla chip and said "Triangle!".  That one shocked me.  You are a great kid!  You make us laugh all of the time!  Today we were driving to eat at Ozzie's and you saw a bird perched on a light post.  You said "Bird!  Don't fall!".  I wish I had a Jordan-cam to catch everything that you say!

I love you, Big Brother!

Mom

The Dog Days!

Dear Jordan,

We are in the dog days of summer!  It's been pretty mild up until a couple of weeks ago, but now it has heated up quite a bit.  I'm also really, really pregnant, so it feels even worse!  But, it's easier to deal with the hot weather when you know a change is coming.  And our neighborhood has changed quite a bit in the past couple of weeks!  OU started this week, which means all of the students moved in last week.  It's been fun to watch them come in and take over the town again.  One of our favorite things that happens is the marching band starts practicing and we can hear them from our house!  Some day, your Daddy will walk you over there to watch them play.  You will enjoy that!

One big thing that has happened is you got a fish!  You call it your "pishy".  We got him a couple of weeks ago.  Actually, we got a goldfish and he died after about two hours.  We didn't realize that you had to give him special water.  Since you kept asking about the fish, I went back and got you a beta fish.  It's a pretty blue one and we named him Stanley.  You like to climb up the step ladder (you ask me to "opy lars") and tap on the glass.  And you like to help change the water, but you don't like feeding him for some reason.  It is pretty funny though, because after we put the food in, you start yelling "Pishy! Eat your food!".

Your sense of humor is fantastic.  You are always coming up with stuff that makes us laugh.  Last night, we were sitting on the back porch with some friends and you asked about the stars.  It was still too light to see stars, but you still just laid down, crossed your arms behind your head and pretended to look at them.  I don't know where you get this stuff, but we love it!

One thing that we have been trying to work with you on is the fact that you are a bit of a bully! :)  You got left behind when the Sunday school class moved up, so now you are the oldest and the biggest kid.  No one stands up to you, and you've gotten in the habit of just doing whatever you want.  And the other issue is that you are a rough-houser.  Now, that part I don't mind.  I love watching you and your Daddy play together.  The problem is that when we take you to play in public, you forget that there are other kids who don't like to play rough.  I don't mind you messing with boys, but I'm really trying to work with you on how you treat little girls.  You don't mean anything by it, it's just something that you will learn over time.  I don't ever want you to stop being the great and wild little boy you are!

Today is a Saturday and we have had nothing to do.  We tried to keep it that way because since we are so close to Marcus' arrival, this will probably be our last weekend as a family of three.  Your Pappa and Grammy are coming tomorrow and will be with us for a while, so more than likely Marcus will get here before they leave.  So, we are trying to make the most of it.  We went to Gourmet donut (where you licked the chocolate icing off your donut but left the sprinkles!) and then to the park.  We didn't stay long since it is so hot, but you've spent some good time playing with your dad while I tried to get stuff done around the house!

Well, little man, we love you so much.  I am excited to see how you will be as a big brother!  I think once the shock wears off, you will love it!

I love you, Buddy.

Mom

Always Growing

Dear Jordan,

I feel like it's about daily that you shock me with some way you've grown.  This week, we noticed that quite a few of your pants are too short now.  And you keep learning more words.  I love this stage.  I love hearing your comments about things.  And I love your mis-prounouncing words.  For example, rainbow is "bee-bow" and catch is "chatch".  And I got a great video of you this week saying "Here he ares" instead of "there it is".

You have been getting so much better at controlling your emotions.  There were a couple of days last week that we had some fits thrown, but for the most part, you are staying in control, even when I tell you no!  We haven't been able to get out as much this week because I'm getting a lot more slow and uncomfortable.  We went for a ten minute walk today and my ankles were swollen before we got home.  Sigh.  But Baby Marcus will be here soon enough!

You talk about Baby Marcus all of the time.  You are already a great big brother!

Your new thing you like to do is bed time is "snuggle".  There is a line at the end of a book about a baby that says she likes to "snuggle up with us".  Yesterday, after your nap you said, "Mama, snuggle up with us?"  So I rocked you and sang to you for a while and you enjoyed it.  Then last night, we snuggled for a while.  I didn't want to get up, but you won't go to sleep if someone is in there to distract you.  Your dad learned that the hard way on Sunday when he wanted to take a nap with you.  You kept squealing and giggling so he had to go his separate way so you would go to sleep!

One of things you always ask is "What are you doing?"  All of the time, you will just walk into a room and say "Mama, what are you doing?"  Well, I was down on the floor stretching my back.  I was on my hands and needs you and were sitting in the recliner.  You said, "Mama?"  I said "yes?"  And then you said, "Mama, are you a horse?"  I'm glad you asked before you just jumped on.  Not when I'm this pregnant!!

This weekend was your brother's baby shower.  Your Mimi and Aunt Megan and cousin Nora (who you looooooove!) came and then spent some time with us.  You love spending time with your family.  And you got to see Aunt Abby on Sunday.  Quite a weekend!!

Well, little man.  It won't be long until your brother gets here.  I hope you are as excited and ready as I am!

I love you, buddy.

Mom

Everything Changes

Dear Jordan,

It's been quite a week!  Hard to believe you are almost two and a half.  You are getting so tall and so talkative.  And every once in a while, you follow directions and it gives me up that this obedience thing will catch on sooner or later. :)  You are a one-track mind.  You go hard and it's hard for you to change directions once you start heading one way.  But, you are learning to obey us, which is good, because more than just making our lives easier, we want you to learn to obey God wherever he calls you!

We had a little bit of a family shake-up this week.  Your Pappa has some lumps on his throat that he went to get checked out.  On Wednesday, we found out that they might be cancer, so they are coming back to the States to have his thyroid removed.  It's kind of scary news, even though this type of cancer is easy to take care of.  You never want to have to worry about this and it will change Pappa's life because he will have to take medication the rest of his life.  He has always been really healthy.  It's interesting how my emotional state affects you.  All day Wednesday, I was having a hard time.  I was really worried and kind of taking it out on you...either by not being patient or by neglecting you.  You were so sad by the end of the day!  It just showed me how I need to trust God and not let my circumstances affect our family.

Pappa and Mammy will be here in a few weeks to spend time with us.  While it is not great circumstances for us to see them, because they will be here for the surgery and Pappa's recovery, it is exciting that they will get to be here for Marcus' arrival.  They will be a great blessing for you because while Mommy is busy trying to take care of a baby, you will have someone to play with and someone to take you out of the house!  If you don't get out of the house, you start to get cranky!

On Tuesday, we went to Catfish Round-up in Seminole to celebrate your great-grandparent's 59th wedding anniversary.  You ate mostly apple fritters and really enjoyed saying "hi" to the fishies (there is a big tank full of catfish!).  Your cousin Sampson was there too.  He's a big boy and ate more than you even though you are two years older!

Today was a beautiful Saturday.  We went out to eat at a place called Syrup and then went to the park.  The weather has been so nice this summer.  We usually have multiple hundred degree days but this summer we have only had one.  I will take it, especially since I am REALLY pregnant!

Well, we have friends coming over soon, so I need to go pick up our house.  We cleaned out your toys today to give some away and save some for Baby Marcus to play with when he gets old enough.  Hopefully, you enjoy purging and organizing as much as your dad and I do!  :)

I love you!

Mom

Big Kid Bed!

Dear Jordan,

I can't believe how big you are getting.  You talk so much now and ask so many questions.  And you've probably figured out that the big event is that we moved you into a big bed.  I was really nervous about it, because I was really afraid that it would mess you up, but except for a bad first nap, you have done a great job!  You really like having so much room for all of your animals. And every morning and after every nap, we have to carry all of them into the living room so we can all snuggle together.  Your motto is "never leave a guy behind!".  I'm not sure how you're going to do when Marcus gets here...he might interfere a little with our normal morning snuggles.  But we can work him in!

My favorite word that you say this week is rainbow...except you pronounce is "bee-bow".  And your dad and I were just talking about how much you seem to have grown up these past few weeks.  You are a lot better at hearing us say "no" when you ask to watch to tv or for something to drink.  We used to could bank on a massive fit every time, but now those are few and far between.  For the most part, you have learned to obey simple commands, although sometimes it takes a few tries and threats to get you to do it! 

Dad and I are very proud of you.  It's hard to imagine life without you.  You are funny and sweet.  Today we were talking about how we need to take you to nursing homes because you are just such a joy-bringer.  The residents would get such a kick out of you, especially because you freely give out hugs...and not just any hugs.  You give the BEST hugs!  You hug hard and long. :)

We are getting closer to the end of summer which means that your little brother will be here soon.  We are all getting excited to meet Baby Marcus, although I don't think you have any clue what a Marcus is. :)  So far, you have called a baby rhino, a crescent roll, and one of the characters from Where the Wild Things Are "baby Marcus".  It's so funny!

Well, little man, we love you so much and can't wait to see how great of a big brother you are!

Love,

Mom

Freedom

Dear Jordan,

We had quite a week, little man.  It's been so busy and hard in some ways and wonderful in other ways.  Through it all, you have been a rock star!  It helped to have Aunt Katie here and Aunt Abby had several days off of work.  Let's just say that Mommy is ready to have her life back. :)

Last Friday was Independence Day!  All through my childhood, we spend the Fourth at Granny and Papa Bill's house, but since she's been struggling with her memory, we've had to quit doing that.  This was our third year to do something on our own.  We have really enjoyed spending time as a family on this holiday.  We went to McDonald's, where you played and we ate breakfast (funny story in a second on that!) and then we spent the afternoon at home and then in the evening, our friends the Cunninghams came over.  We ate watermelon and you played with Jocelyn, Elaina, and Johnathan.  Then we loaded up two strollers and a wagon and walked to the park.  You kiddos played with frisbees, balls, and bubbles for a couple of hours.  We ran into two other families from Trinity so we had quite the crew!  Then, at 9:45, the fireworks started.  At first you were scared, but by the end you really enjoyed them.  You kept saying "Fire works!  Boom boom boom!".  It was a really fun time but you were exhausted!

So, when we were at McDonald's, you were pretty much the only kid in the playground for most of the time.  Another little boy showed up ready to play and as soon as you saw him, you threw your arms up in the air and ran to him yelling "Come on! Come on!".  You got as close to him as you could and basically started dragging him into the playground.  I think you came on a little strong, because he turned around and ran back to his parents!

The reason this week was hard was because my dear friend Kelsey died from her cancer on Saturday.  The way her husband and family chose to look at it is that she is finally free from cancer.  Buddy, I pray for the day when you will find freedom in Christ.  It is better than the freedoms we celebrate on Independence Day.  It is freedom from sin and death.  It doesn't mean that our lives are just easier all of the sudden.  Most of the time, it seems to be the opposite for people who believe in Jesus.  But when bad things happen, God gives us the grace to handle them.  And ultimately, Kelsey was completely healed the moment she died and went to be with Jesus.  That is our future and that is why we can walk the hard roads of life.

It was a hard week even though I was happy for her.  I miss my friend and I hurt for her family, especially her four year old daughter Alexa.  The funeral was yesterday and it was hard to realize that I will never see her again in this life.  But, God is still good even when things don't go the way we want.  I hope that we can teach you God's Word so that when you see bad things happening in this world, you can always remember that God is faithful and kind.

Buddy, I love you so much!!

Mom

Big Brother

Dear Jordan,

You are such a great big brother already!  I wonder how much you really understand, but you seem to love Marcus already.  This will probably embarrass you, but it's so cute.  You like to lift up my shirt to say hi to Marcus.  You lay your head on my tummy and say "Oh, sweet".  The sweetness doesn't usually last too long and you start beating up on him.  I saw his ultrasound last week and it looked like he was in fighting position.  He's ready for you!

Your Aunt Katie is here in town this week.  It's been fun for you two to bond since she lives so far away.  Yesterday, you wanted her to come with us to read books before your nap and you asked for her.  You couldn't remember her name.  You started with "Mimi" and then tried "that one" and then "he" before I understood what you were trying to say.  And today you have Aunt Katie, Aunt Abby, Uncle Adam all here!  You are too spoiled!

You keep growing your vocabulary, too.  You say things like "He's walking" and "It's funny". This morning we went to Ozzie's to eat breakfast and watch the planes.  Every plane that took off scared you because they were so noisy, but as soon as they got up in the air, you kept saying "down" because you wanted them to come down so you could see it again.

It's been kind of a tough week for Mommy and your Daddy has been a huge blessing to me.  My dear friend Kelsey is dying of cancer and your Dad has been so gracious to let me go three times in one week to spend time with her.  It's painful to watch her suffer and to imagine life without her, but it is always good for me to witness her faith in the Lord as she nears the end of her life.  She is so young.  She has a four year old daughter and every time I go home, I want to do nothing but snuggle with you.  I love being your Mommy and cannot imagine that I would ever be gone.  But God is in control and loves you so much.  If something ever happened to me, He would meet all of your needs. 

Last night you were a little sick and having hard time sleeping.  I slept with you for 3 hours in the recliner and loved every second.  I miss my snuggles that we used to have when you were a baby.  I think God was being gracious to let me have that with you last night.  I love you, little man.

Tomorrow is the fourth of July so I'm sure I'll have some good stories for you.  I haven't decided if we're going to go see the fireworks because you get scared with loud noises.  The good thing is, we can see them from our house so we might just go in the backyard and watch!

I love you, Buddy.

Mom