Posts
My sweet little girl,
What a wonderful year this has been. You’ve grown by leaps and bounds. Your daddy and I surprised almost daily by the new words and skills you’ve learned. Your two and three word phrases were quickly replaced with complete sentences shortly after you turned two. It has been so fun for us to engage in “real conversations” with you. We were always having conversations with you but they are much more in depth now and there is a lot more sharing going on.
Over the course of the summer you got rid of your pacifier, your diapers, and your crib. Talk about quick changes! Those last few baby aspects of your life are now a distant memory. You are definitely a full-fledged little girl. The time passed much too quickly for your sentimental mommy.
A few months ago, you learned to recognize all the letters of the alphabet. You showed initiative to learn all on your own and completely caught me off guard. I wasn’t even beginning to worry about letter recognition and phonics yet. For goodness sakes you weren’t even three years old yet! It did work out very well though because you just absorbed the letters at your own pace and there was no pressure. You’re even starting to learn letter sounds. How cool is that? At this rate, you’ll be reading before I even have time to blink!
You have a huge love for anything related to the arts. You love visual arts such as painting, coloring, and creating with play dough. Our home is covered in your creative artwork and we smile every time we see another one of your masterpieces.
You also love the performing arts. As I said before, you learned to sing at 18 months and you haven’t stopped since. You love to sing all types of songs. Everything from traditional children’s songs to praise and worship music to Broadway show tunes. Recently, you started writing your own songs about every day events. Songs about how you are playing with your baby doll, or jumping, or shopping at Target with Mommy. We love the creative spirit the Lord has instilled in you. We’re anxious to see how the Lord will help you use your gift.
You are a wonderful big sister and Simon adores you. It’s clear how much you love him and it warms our hearts to see your sibling relationship grow and develop. You love to help Simon by doing such things as getting him his juice cup for breakfast and his blanket for bedtime. The Lord has given you a servant’s heart; that much is clear.
One of your favorite things to do is ask which letter words begin with. You ask “Which letter elephant?” Translated: “Which letter does elephant begin with?” You can do this all day long. “Which letter sleep?” “Which letter noodles?” I love your curiosity and desire to learn. The other day you did a slight variation on your game. You said, “It’s a letter Ll. Just like love!” I was stunned, and surprised, by your comment. Not surprised that you knew letter Ll but surprised that you realized the world “love” also started with letter Ll.
And love is the perfect way to end this birthday letter to you. Our love for you grows every day. We love you not for the things you do, or do not do, but simply because you are our daughter. Your Heavenly Father feels the same way. It is our prayer that as you begin your third year of life that you would seek to know even more about God and His unconditional love for you. That you may one day make your own decision to follow Christ for all of your days.
You are a precious treasure and the most amazing gift to our family. May the Lord richly bless you this coming year. Your daddy and I look forward to all of our adventures together.
All our love,
always and forever,
Mommy and Daddy
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Only Wealthy Families Can Afford To Have More Than Two Children?
I came across the following article in USA Weekend April 4-6, 2008.
More money, more kids
Stats show that wealthier families are having more children.
The gap between the rich and the poor is getting smaller-at least when it comes to family size.
Since the 19th century, the nation's poorest families have traditionally had more children than those with large incomes. But within the past 15 years, that gap appears to be shrinking, Census data shows.
Fewer families whose incomes fall in the bottom 10% of the population are having three or more children: 33.7% of such families had at least three kids in 2006, down from 39.8% in 1990, according to Census surveys.
By contrast, the wealthiest families are having more children: In 2004, an estimated 41.3% of the wealthiest families had at least three children, much higher than in 1996, when an estimated 29.3% of families earning in the highest income bracket (that year, $3000,000-plus) had three or more kids.
“Having more than two children is a luxury,” says Paul Demeny of the Population Council, a non-profit research group. “Three or four is getting to be a size that only the affluent can afford.”
You can read the full article here.
This article has had me thinking since I read it last week. I think the issue that strikes me most is that having children is all about having money. That a substantial amount of money is required to transform a child into a successful, well-adjusted, happy adult.
I completely agree that it does take money to raise a child. Money is required to provide shelter, running water, food, clothing, and the other necessities of life. But I think the key word is necessities. In my book, iPods, PlayStations, and Prada handbags are not necessities.
My mother worked very hard to provide for my sister and I. We always had the things we needed and, at times, we were blessed with some of the things we wanted. But we never received everything our little hearts desired. True, we may have whined and pouted from time to time but I can assure you being denied a want didn't ruin our lives in any way.
An acquaintance of mine was expecting her second child at the same time I was expecting my second child. She, and her husband, had decided that this child would be there last. I had bite my lower lip when she commented, “We'd maybe have more children but it gets expensive.” It seems heartbreaking, to me, to reject the blessing of a child because “it's expensive.”
Again, what is expensive? Are we talking about food and clothing or dance classes and trips to Disney World? I read on a message board that children aren't expensive, lifestyles are. The longer I'm a parent the more I find that to be true.
We have a simple three bedroom home which is more than adequate. We have two cars that are ten years old but still running well. We gladly accept clothing given to us from family and friends rather than always buying new (and yes, we do buy new clothing as needed-as needed, not as wanted). Our family participates in a variety of activities that are free of charge or nearly free of charge. Such as story time at the local library and community celebrations for New Year's Eve and other special occasions.
My husband and I do hope to have more than two children. We don't believe that having more than two children is a luxury as Paul Demeny stated above. We firmly believe that the majority of families could support three, four, or even more children if they desired to do so (I understand that some families have varying circumstances that do make this impossible). I think the part that is difficult for many, is that it does require work and careful planning of your family's resources.
Each of your children may not have their own laptop computer and iPod. Your children may have to wait to purchase the latest DVD that they “just have to have.” They may even have to earn their own money to do so-gasp! But consider the life lessons they learn along the way. They learn that money doesn't flow freely out of the ATM. And that you really do have to work to earn the money that goes in your bank account. When we were old enough, my mother did require that we work to earn money for some of the special things we wanted. Oftentimes, I decided that I didn't want to make the purchase after all. It's much harder to lay down your own hard earned cash than to watch someone else do it on your behalf.
Paul Demeny states “Three or four is getting to be a size that only the affluent can afford.” I completely disagree. We are eagerly awaiting God's next blessing to our family and, I can assure you, we are not among the wealthiest families that this article speaks of. We are, however, committed to working diligently to raise the children God blesses us within the means He has provided for us.
More money, more kids
Stats show that wealthier families are having more children.
The gap between the rich and the poor is getting smaller-at least when it comes to family size.
Since the 19th century, the nation's poorest families have traditionally had more children than those with large incomes. But within the past 15 years, that gap appears to be shrinking, Census data shows.
Fewer families whose incomes fall in the bottom 10% of the population are having three or more children: 33.7% of such families had at least three kids in 2006, down from 39.8% in 1990, according to Census surveys.
By contrast, the wealthiest families are having more children: In 2004, an estimated 41.3% of the wealthiest families had at least three children, much higher than in 1996, when an estimated 29.3% of families earning in the highest income bracket (that year, $3000,000-plus) had three or more kids.
“Having more than two children is a luxury,” says Paul Demeny of the Population Council, a non-profit research group. “Three or four is getting to be a size that only the affluent can afford.”
You can read the full article here.
This article has had me thinking since I read it last week. I think the issue that strikes me most is that having children is all about having money. That a substantial amount of money is required to transform a child into a successful, well-adjusted, happy adult.
I completely agree that it does take money to raise a child. Money is required to provide shelter, running water, food, clothing, and the other necessities of life. But I think the key word is necessities. In my book, iPods, PlayStations, and Prada handbags are not necessities.
My mother worked very hard to provide for my sister and I. We always had the things we needed and, at times, we were blessed with some of the things we wanted. But we never received everything our little hearts desired. True, we may have whined and pouted from time to time but I can assure you being denied a want didn't ruin our lives in any way.
An acquaintance of mine was expecting her second child at the same time I was expecting my second child. She, and her husband, had decided that this child would be there last. I had bite my lower lip when she commented, “We'd maybe have more children but it gets expensive.” It seems heartbreaking, to me, to reject the blessing of a child because “it's expensive.”
Again, what is expensive? Are we talking about food and clothing or dance classes and trips to Disney World? I read on a message board that children aren't expensive, lifestyles are. The longer I'm a parent the more I find that to be true.
We have a simple three bedroom home which is more than adequate. We have two cars that are ten years old but still running well. We gladly accept clothing given to us from family and friends rather than always buying new (and yes, we do buy new clothing as needed-as needed, not as wanted). Our family participates in a variety of activities that are free of charge or nearly free of charge. Such as story time at the local library and community celebrations for New Year's Eve and other special occasions.
My husband and I do hope to have more than two children. We don't believe that having more than two children is a luxury as Paul Demeny stated above. We firmly believe that the majority of families could support three, four, or even more children if they desired to do so (I understand that some families have varying circumstances that do make this impossible). I think the part that is difficult for many, is that it does require work and careful planning of your family's resources.
Each of your children may not have their own laptop computer and iPod. Your children may have to wait to purchase the latest DVD that they “just have to have.” They may even have to earn their own money to do so-gasp! But consider the life lessons they learn along the way. They learn that money doesn't flow freely out of the ATM. And that you really do have to work to earn the money that goes in your bank account. When we were old enough, my mother did require that we work to earn money for some of the special things we wanted. Oftentimes, I decided that I didn't want to make the purchase after all. It's much harder to lay down your own hard earned cash than to watch someone else do it on your behalf.
Paul Demeny states “Three or four is getting to be a size that only the affluent can afford.” I completely disagree. We are eagerly awaiting God's next blessing to our family and, I can assure you, we are not among the wealthiest families that this article speaks of. We are, however, committed to working diligently to raise the children God blesses us within the means He has provided for us.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
She's Home!
My sister arrived safe and sound late Tuesday evening. She left the East Coast behind for life here in the Midwest. Which means she's traded her flip flops and capris for snow boots and a parka. Because, despite the fact that it is April, we're gearing up for yet another snow storm. Remember, this is the winter that WILL NOT END.
She seems pretty happy to be reunited with us but she is clearly less than thrilled about our weather conditions. Sorry, about the weather Auntie Jo but we're so glad you're home!
She seems pretty happy to be reunited with us but she is clearly less than thrilled about our weather conditions. Sorry, about the weather Auntie Jo but we're so glad you're home!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Wisdom Requested: How To Sleep Like A Baby
My two children began sharing a bedroom a few months ago. Daisy (3 years) has slept peacefully though the night for years and Simon (just over a year) has finally figured out how to do the same. We settled them into the same bedroom and hoped for the best. All seemed to be going well until recently.Recently, one of the children has been waking up frequently during the night. We tried to problem solve and figure out what change could have occurred to start this new pattern. Eventually, we discovered that the wakeful child was being awoken by their sibling's SNORING.
YIKES!
We've separated the children for right now just so everyone can get some sleep while we try to figure out our next step. One of the children has been been moved to our room but we really don't want that to be the long term solution. We actually do have a third bedroom we may be able to use but my husband uses it for his music ministry work.
Is there any way to help the snorer and non-snorer sleep in the same room? The children have instrumental music playing while they sleep. Should I maybe add a fan or a white noise machine? Eliminating my husband's home office isn't entirely out of the question but I'd like to explore some other options before we take that step.
Thanks for any words of wisdom you may have to share!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A Very Unexpected Blessing
Maybe I need to rethink that title. It may imply that I’m expecting and that’s not the case. The unexpected blessing in this case happens to be the arrival of my sweet sister who is on the downhill side of 25 (and none-too-happy about it) and not a tiny babe.
I’m pretty sure I whined about it enough but I’ll quickly recap just to catch everyone up to speed. My sister, and brother-in-law, moved from our town in the Midwest to the East Coast last July. The plan was that they would live there until their move overseas (GASP!) in September of this year.
As it turns out, there has been an awesome turn of events and my sister will be moving back to our town until the overseas move in September. Her husband is in the Navy and will be on a six month cruise from April-September as he makes his way to their new base overseas. Rather than sit on the East Coast all be her lonesome, my sister has decided to come back and hang out with us. I couldn’t be more excited if I tried. I’m very tempted to imitate Daisy and shout “Hip-Hip Hooray!” here but I’ll spare you.
I’m looking forward to lots of quality sister time and lots of quality Auntie Jo time for her and my kids. We may even head back to the same springtime festival we did last year. We’ll just pray that the trip is a little less eventful this time-ahem.
I’m off to help the kids make some festive “Welcome Home” decorations. God is so good!
I’m pretty sure I whined about it enough but I’ll quickly recap just to catch everyone up to speed. My sister, and brother-in-law, moved from our town in the Midwest to the East Coast last July. The plan was that they would live there until their move overseas (GASP!) in September of this year.
As it turns out, there has been an awesome turn of events and my sister will be moving back to our town until the overseas move in September. Her husband is in the Navy and will be on a six month cruise from April-September as he makes his way to their new base overseas. Rather than sit on the East Coast all be her lonesome, my sister has decided to come back and hang out with us. I couldn’t be more excited if I tried. I’m very tempted to imitate Daisy and shout “Hip-Hip Hooray!” here but I’ll spare you.
I’m looking forward to lots of quality sister time and lots of quality Auntie Jo time for her and my kids. We may even head back to the same springtime festival we did last year. We’ll just pray that the trip is a little less eventful this time-ahem.
I’m off to help the kids make some festive “Welcome Home” decorations. God is so good!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)