The Little People

Ryder, at 6 months old, we named you the smash, and at 19 mo. you are still living up to that nickname. Your favorite thing to do is push me down on the ground and sit on my face. It's funny at 22 lbs, but I'm hoping you will outgrow this soon. Your love language is definitely touch. You could spend all day wrestling with me on the floor. I don't really mind it because I enjoy squeezing you too. Your skin is so soft, like a cashmere sweater. I'm especially drawn to your chunky toes and your bubble tummy. I never really understood the expression, "they're so cute, I could eat them," until I held your monster feet. I also love to hear you giggle. If I could record your laugh and play it on a loud speaker, the world would be a much better place.

You have this unbelievable smile. Your eyes light up, your four front teeth peek out, and your dimples appear. You often smile when you are up to something, and you are always up to something. You must know that I find it hard to get mad at you with that smile on your face.

I love our little tradition at night, to turn on Jackson Five and dance in nothing but your alligator towel. As soon as you hear the music, you transform into a dancing machine with your knees slightly bent and your fists rotating around the other. You seem to be very compelled to dance, as if the music demands it of you. Last time we were at the neighborhood pool, you camped out by the speakers and put on a show for those sitting near. When the music calls, you just can't resist. Lately, you've been ditching your towel at night and reaching for the backpack, that you call "bag bag." You seem so proud when you strap it on, like it is your magic dancing cape.

My very favorite thing about you is that you are a lover. If I ask you to give out a hug, you are immediately in action. You love to hug, and you will sit in a hug for over ten minutes. This can be a little awkward with kids who like their personal space, but I will never get tired of it. I especially enjoy watching you hug on sissy after a big disagreement. You seem to forgive easily, and I think you have a special spot for her. Finney, I am so thankful for how well you have adjusted to this move. You seem to find something exciting about everything we experience. We have bounced around from church to church, park to park, house to house, and you continue to stay excited. Even going to the hospital is enjoyable with you because you brag to the nurses about your purple tutu, and you fly through the hallways as if it's a maze. When I tell you our plans for the day, you almost always respond, "Yey! I want to, I want to!" You even have a little song that you sing, "we're going to the pa-ark, we're gonna have so much fu-un!!" You are a bundle of joy, and I LOVE this about you.

You are a sweet big sister to Ryder, with a heart to teach him about life. The other day, I caught you saying, "Ryder, we need to respect each other just the way we are." You love to play doctor because it gives you a chance to take care of us. Last night, you gave me a pretend shot of "oil" to "keep the cars from hitting me." You are also a great care giver to your lambie. I find her wrapped in blankets taking naps in your room, buckled up in car seats, and sitting at the high chair with a wooden cake on the trey. I love observing your imagination. I watched you play with your vegetable straws yesterday, and the conversation they were having was fairly intense for food products. Your creativity, joy, and tenderness are a daily gift to me. God is making you into a special little girl, and I'm so proud to be your mama!