Bragolicious

I HAVE to brag on my two babies (Yes, our children will always be called my babies. I feel like I've earned that right given how many hours I've spent changing diapers and holding them!)



I'll start with Mary Ella. I know I write about her strong-willed personality often and we all laugh about the "sassy juice", but I truly get more compliments on her behavior outside of my presence than I give her credit for. For instance, picking her up from school, church or Vacation Bible School, these are the things I hear:



"Mary Ella is so empathetic with the other children"

"Mary Ella is such a polite child"

"She is very cooperative and such a good friend"

"She is so eager to please"



I'm documenting these things because naturally she tests me more than anybody because, well, I'm mom. As "mom", I see these things in her and would like her to always be this way; however, rationally I know it would be a problem if she was always cooperative and did what I said like a robot. So in a way I am proud that she is an assertive child and tests me rather than feeling like she has to test the outside world, am I crazy???? Ok, don't really answer that! However, this week I got to observe her as she tried out a gymnastics class. Let me get off the subject for just a second and tell you how precious she was in a leotard. She was so well-behaved (no impulsivity that I sometimes brand her with), brave, adventurous, and GOOD! I was so proud of her and, more importantly, she was proud of herself. She would cut her eyes over at me every once in a while to make sure I saw her success. WOW, what I think means that much to her. Later, I got the ultimate compliment from her when she said, "goodnight ballerina mommy", then she turned to Scott and said, "good night superman daddy." Now those are pretty big compliments coming from a four year old!



Now on to Addy Scott. She has become our little adventurous, OPPORTUNISTIC, yet incredibly loving child. She is strong-willed in her own way spending her time organizing, sorting and demanding cookies that are whole and NOT broken (Heaven forbid!). Bragging rights? She is quick on the uptake noticing immediately when a door has been left open or going to check chairs that may have been left pushed out (prime climbing opportunities). She is continually coming to me, Scott, or Mary Ella for a sponanous "snuggle" moment sometimes having an alternative motive like keep Mary Ella out of my lap. However, most of the time she just wants to give and receive a little "love". Many who see her remark on how engaging her big brown (almost black) eyes are and then when she smiles, it will melt your heart.



It amazes me how Scott and I can produce two completely different children who love each other SO much despite the differences. We often think about how Molly Kate will fit into this picture. However, we know God has picked a personality to make this the perfect threesome. I can't wait to see this plan unfold in all His Glory.