Abby's Journal

I can’t believe you’re almost two! It seems just yesterday that you were a tiny baby . . . yet you’re so obviously NOT a baby anymore! I’m so glad you still like to cuddle – you always choose to sit on my lap (instead of next to me) as we read stories and often you grab my hands and pull to wrap my arms around your little tummy. I have had to start making you walk more, just because you’re so heavy and you’d still like to be carried all of the time.

But a big girl – yes. You pick your own clothes every morning and had your first haircut (bangs trim). You’ve taken over putting away the clean silverware and anytime I’m cooking you are right there watching the action. Your concentration astounds me – I can set you up with your toy dishes or your “dollies” and you will stay busy for forty-five minutes or more. You also take very good care of Baby Hope – feeding her, putting her to bed, spanking her (and kissing her afterwards) and telling her how much you love her.

You’ve gotten in on Isaac’s preschool action too! One day we did some simple experiments with water, and I asked you kids to tell Daddy about it at suppertime. Isaac shared about how we painted water onto construction paper and then it dried and the water went into the air. You thought hard for a minute then blurted out, “It turned into water vapor!” Our mouths dropped and we had quite the chuckle. You sit very attentively while we read our poem and Bible reading for the day and then you usually lose interest as I start on phonics with Isaac. But you’re getting a head start for sure!

You have a very encouraging heart. Often you pay people compliments such as, “Isaac, you’re a good boy” or “Daddy, you’re a good man.” When Daddy was in Brazil for two weeks, you were my little comforter. One night I was actually crying with frustration that we’d been unable to connect via internet or phone with your Daddy. You just came and cuddled in my lap and told me, “It’s okay, Mama. Why you sad?” I just squeezed you for all you were worth and was so grateful for you in that moment.