Dear Noelle, Ty, and Alexis,
Where to even start? As 2012 comes to a close, I want to hold onto every little moment with you guys. I am acutely aware of how fast time is speeding by and want to take a minute to jot down some of the sweet, adorable, and funny things that make me so proud to be your mommy.
Alexis, my sweet 20 month old. Your personality warms my heart. I love to listen to you chatter to your new baby doll, which by the way, has not left your side since you opened him up on Christmas. Always the concerned little mommy, your baby always need his blanket, his stroller, and his bottle. When you're eating lunch, baby has to be sitting next to you in the high chair. When you take a sip of milk, you are always sure to give baby a sip from his bottle too. If something isn't right you call out "OH NO! Baby help!" I try to get all the cute stuff on video, but you get all shy and sassy telling me "NO".
You like to tell me how "dalishush" my food is. How "awesummmm" this or that is. When we are trying to find an item we have lost (usually a boot or paci), carefully and cautiously lift up toys, blankets, etc., survey the scene and tell me "Nope." Just quick and to the point. You are so diligent and mindful of directions. No matter what I ask you to do, you respond with a sweet little "oooookaay" and get the job done, whether it's getting your shoes, laying down for a diaper change, or brushing your teeth. I love it and love you!
Ty, my child with the gentle soul. You are growing up to be such a wonderful little boy. You are always concerned that we do things "as a whole family", even if this means all 7 of us, yes the dogs too, are piled up on the couch or bed for story time. You take after your Daddy in so many ways. You have become quite the little firefighter and will play with your trucks and rescue guys for hours on end. You love soccer and will be starting swimming soon. You are always getting good reports from school for being such a great helper and that makes me so proud. You love to read books and are always trying to bribe me with "just one more book" before bed. It's so hard to say no to your cute little face, but we had to put a book limit or you'd stay up all night!
You love to laugh at all things silly, especially if anyone says poop. You were at the firehouse the other night and one of the guys let you put the radio gear on. I guess there was a lot of poop talk going on because you were laughing so hard I thought you were going to fall right out of the firetruck!
Noelle, my beautiful and passionate child. You are growing up in so many ways and I am enjoying the journey. You just finished up the Nutcracker, and I can't even describe how proud I was to see you dance in the production. I sat on the edge of my seat, tears in my eyes, feeling so many things, but mostly wonder and awe at the spectacular job you did. It was nothing short of incredible and I know this is only the beginning of the many great things ahead of you.
You are excelling at Kindergarten and I am so thankful that you wear a uniform! You have a love of skinny jeans, fancy shoes, and all things sparkley. You often complain that you have nothing "pretty or beautiful" to wear, but you shine so bright that you could be wearing rags and still shine like a star. You are beautiful on the outside, but more importantly, on the inside too. You care deeply for your family and even though you fight with your brother, I know you love him too :-) Doing things like sharing your last piece of candy, reading him a book, or bringing him a treat from the store, shows what a great daughter you are.
You love your Daddy to bits and it is so cute to watch you talk to him on the phone. Your facial expressions and tone of voice are fun to watch when you tell stories. Often times, there is head bobbing, eye rolling, and fully bellied laughs. I love the little attitude you get when your stubbornness shows. While it can be a tad crazy to deal with, I know that your strong will is going to be an asset to you as you go through life. You are also fiercely competitive...you have to be the first in line before school, which often creates quite the frantic morning. Because, while you love to be first, you also love to sleep in and the 6:30 start your days just doesn't cut it. Other things you love: reading, doing math, making lists, crafts, dressing up, chutes & ladders, sleeping in, doing homework, writing in your journal, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and creeping me out with your wiggly teeth. Things you don't quite love: Chomper's snoring, Ty's "snuffling" and losing.
I love you guys and can't wait to see what is in store for the Hunt house!
Love,
Mom
