Abby's Journal

Oh, I'm so sad that I have let such a long time elapse since I last wrote. My goal is to write every month, but this fall was so hard because I was sick for several months. It was a good sickness though –we are having another baby in April! You are praying so hard for a sister, but “It's not like I would hate a boy, mom.” All I could do this fall was make sure you had clean clothes. I barely managed to feed you guys and I didn't do much schooling, cleaning or – ahem – journaling at all.

Abby, you'll be four on Sunday! Wow! You couldn't decide between a princess party, a dolly party or a tea party so we're combining all three. It is so fun that you have so many little girl friends to invite – you've made a lot of friends this year! You played a lot this summer and fall with the neighbor girl Veronikka. It was fun for you to have a girl around so much. You just love being a princess and hardly a day goes by that you don't dress up as a princess or ballet dancer or fairy. Such a girly girl – I think it is so funny that you have “beds” and birth order and names figured out for each of your six babies. Sometimes you'll dress them all in the morning and put them in their jammies at night. Alice, Aliyah, Judy, Dinah, Hope, and Lucy.

I was worried a year ago that you couldn't write your name yet, so I worked hard teaching you to shape each letter A-b-b . . . but you never quite got “y”. Until suddenly a couple of months ago you magically knew how to write all of your letter! I'm not sure how that happened, because I sure didn't “teach” you. You also started doing Alpha-Phonics about a month ago and can now read words like “ab” “sand” or “tax”. You had begged to start reading and now you definitely remind me every day that you want to practice reading!

You and Isaac were part of a homeschool coop this fall. Each Thursday afternoon, you were in a class with other homeschooled preschoolers where you did fun music, science and art activities. You loved it!We also go to Bible study each Wednesday morning, where you are learning about Isaiah in your class just like I do in mine. I always get such good reports from your teachers – that you are so smart and sweet! One time you were the only one in your class to know what “Veterans Day” was. Everyone always thinks you're considerably older than you are because you are just very well-spoken. Even I am amazed at the way you remember things you've only heard once! (Who was Jesse in the Bible, Abby?)

In October we went to Denver for a wedding. One of the days I got to take you kids to the children's museum AND the aquarium – two things I've been wanting to do with you for a while. You loved them both! It was so fun to see your awe of all the sea creatures and your joy at touching a sting ray! Then just a week ago we went to Minnesota for Thanksgiving. You really got into charming the relatives this time, “I just want to sit by my grandpa”. Or “Will you play Barbies with me, Aunt Mo?” How could anyone say no?

Several times lately you've come up to me and given me a back rub – just because. You'll snuggle in for a hug and whisper, “You're my best mama. I just love you soon much.” I LOVE having you so sweet and affectionate. Your fiery side comes out though, especially with Isaac. You've been holding your ground more with him, which has meant some crazy hitting, pinching, spitting, etc behavior. When I confront you, you usually start crying and tell me “I forgot to ask Jesus to help me!” I am so glad you are thinking to turn to Him, even if it is a little late.