Why I Love You . . .

I have been thinking lately about all the reasons I am absolutely crazy about my kids these days. I want them to know, when they grow up, how mommy felt about them as babies - and, of course, I never want to forget either! Here's a brief list of things that come to mind when I think of the million reasons why I love my kiddos . . .
Macie

• I LOVE rocking you to sleep at night. You snuggle with your pink blankey, listen to music, let mama feed you your bottle, and then snuggle on my shoulder before dozing off. Such a sweetheart.
• I LOVE watching you explore. Now that you are on the move, you want to see, touch, and taste everything possible! You are curious, adventurous, and so much fun!
• I LOVE hearing you laugh. You have the most adorable little belly laugh, and you are such a happy girl. The best is when Ethan makes you laugh and the two of you are both belly laughing. I think you're sharing a joke that only brother and sister can understand.
• I LOVE reading to you. You laugh at the pictures in the book, and want to touch every page. You especially enjoy touch-and-feel and lift-the-flap books. It's amazing watching you learn.

Ethan

• I LOVE how sweet you are to your sister. You can't wait to see her in the morning. You wake up and say, "Go see Macie!" You go to her room, climb up on the ottoman to see her in her crib, and give her a good morning kiss. I know you will always love and protect her.
• I LOVE reading with you. You have your favorite books that you have memorized and can almost "read" by yourself. You can recite the entire alphabet/animal book from memory. Every night the last book we read together before you go to sleep is Good Night Moon. If I get the words wrong, you are quick to correct me.
• I LOVE playing with you. When you want to play with me you will say, "Mama play cars!" It's fun to sit on the floor with you and have fun!
• I LOVE hearing you chatter. We were so worried about your language and now you are talking up a storm! You say the cutest and funniest things. The other day you said, "I would like a big, beautiful apple, please!" You love to count by 10's and 5's all the way to 100. It's so fun to be able to have a conversation with you and know what you are thinking about.

At every stage of the children's lives, I want to stop time and keep them right where they are (well, except when Ethan is screaming and tantruming and Macie is crying in the middle of the night!). Although I love and enjoy them so much right now, I can't wait to see the people they will become.