Giving

Like any parent, I have many hopes for my children's lives and how they grow into adults.  I want for them to be patient, kind, and respectful of others.  I hope they feel free to express themselves creatively and explore their curiosity of the world around them.  I hope they are happy and love often.  I hope they are gracious and polite.  I hope they become worldclass atheletes and support Jason and I in our old age (kidding :)  More than anything I just pray they know how loved they are and believe that they can accomplish anything with hard work.  Figuring out how to teach them these things is my challenge and I am embracing it.  I want for my kids to be givers and do so joyfully, so this year for Jason's birthday I had Reegan pick out what she wanted to give him and the plan was to give no guidance and offer no input from myself.  We went to the dollar store so she really could pick whatever it was she wanted to give him and pick out a few things.  She loved it, she walked through the store with her head high, saying "follow me guys".  We walked around the entire store a few times and I only guided her choices one time when she was wanting to buy Jason tampons. 

The next day we wrapped the present together and when Jason came home from work he opened it up.  Or kinda opened it up.  I think Reegan opened most of it and told him exactly what it was before he could even see it.  She was excited. 

At the end of the day, Reegan picked out chapstick, 3 coffee mugs, dishwasher soap, kitchen spongues, and 2 little cars.  I am excited for more opportunities for her to give, not only gifts but time as well.  I'm already starting to think about operation christmas child.  I think I will have her give boxes to little girls her own age and have her help with what items to include.  We are so blessed that we can provide not only her needs but many wants as well and I hope one day she learns that this is not the case in most parts of the world.   

A Lot of Nothing

We've been doing a lot of nothing around here lately and yet the days are flying by and we seem to be busy.  We've been hibernating and doing lots of potty training.  I think (fingers crossed) we're there and just about done.  More on this later but we haven't had an accident in 10 days and have made it through a day of daycare and a few short outings.  The weather has been kinda crazy but we're enjoying the cooler weather.  We've made it to the zoo once, the pool, and otherwise its our front yard.  

We've had a few playdates as well.  Here is Nona, she is 6 weeks older than Gavin and it barely shows.  They are almost the same size. 

 2 month appointment brought on some shots and tears. 

I started work this week so our evenings together are limited and they are busy.  Dinner, baths, and bed are about all we have time for most days.  Reegan likes to watch/help bathe Gavin, and on this night she wanted to take over.  (I told you we are potty training, so someone is pantless in all our pictures lately). 

 Gavin is not sure if this is a good idea :)

 Last weekend Reegan got her haircut and it was quite tramatic... for all of us.  With all the crying going on we decided to be done quickly and just have the ends trimmed up. 

 Gavin reached 10 weeks old, so we decided to bring out the bumbo chair. 

I'm working on adjusting to being away from the house 3 long nights a week.  I really enjoy my job and coworkers, but its been tough on me.  Summer has been rough and I am welcoming fall with open arms!