Birthdays!!!

PATRICK TURNED 7!!!
(Let's all pretend I can go back in time and insert this on Nov. 15th.)

Patrick has been through more than was necessary in his life. He's a tough kid and very compassionate. He was 3 years old when Matthew and I were split up for 6 months. That six months was rough on me, but I'm sure even harder on them. Patrick recalls memories from that time frame a LOT - he has such a good memory! He was very patient with me functioning on 3 hours of sleep for that period of time and good helping watch over Stephen. This experience definitely confirmed to me we are born at the time in our lives into the family we're meant for for a reason. He is meant to be the oldest in our family and I will always love him and be grateful for him enduring that phase so well.

He is really into Star Wars right now because of the Star Wars Lego game on our PS3. He LOVES to color and draw. Both his kindergarten and first grade teachers recognized that's an area he really shines. He also is doing well at hockey, I'll see if I can find the picture of his little team I took from my phone, they're so cute! He scores goals just about every week and is a good team player. Patrick is excited to be baptized next year, I can't believe he's going to be eight!

WILLIAM TURNED 2!!!
I can't believe my baby is 2 years old now. I loved the name William even more when I found out he was going to be born early. I just loved the thought of, "where there's a Will, there's a way." And seriously, this child does have an extremely strong will. Not only did he pull through a couple physical setbacks in his first few months of life, he is SO determined to do things his way and do them right now. Among his first words were, "I want that," and "mine." He wants foods a certain way, he wants to wear specific clothes a certain way, he wants to sit on the couch a certain way and he's definitely my child because I put milk in his sippy cup as usual and he held it back up to me and said, "Cocoa?" While this sounds very demanding, really, every parent is dying to know what the heck their kid wants so they can communicate. Just because he can say what he wants all the time, doesn't mean he gets it every time. ;)

Even though Stephen didn't have a birthday, I wanted to give a little update for him too. He's been very nice not acting slighted during Patrick and William's birthdays. Usually siblings want everything the birthday kid gets, but Stephen's been very understanding. He has been such a good helper with me, especially Mon-Thurs when I've been watching another boy. He's maturing right before my eyes and he is going to bring a lot of happiness into other's lives! We really hoped he would be a people-person and charismatic in a way like Steve Irwin - and he is. When he was just 2, he kept announcing to us and random people, "my name is Stephen!" Now when we watch shows or get pizza, he asks, "what's their name?!" He cares to know about people he may never see again and I think that's something we should all try to do. :)

We just got our Christmas tree, I'm super excited! And only 58 days left until Sariah's due date arrives - we are all so excited! ...definitely not prepared, though!

Love you all!