A calm January-early February

Breaking in new boots

With sunny days to enjoy, a meaningful baby shower thrown to welcome Grace, and the big blessing of having Grandma Ma already here to help us out, it’s been a great month+ counting down to the second child’s arrival in our family. It seems Timothy is more aware of a big impending change about to happen, so some days have been especially challenging with fragile moods and clingy tendencies. Unfortunately this also means Timothy experiencing more of his mama’s selfishness and impatience these days. However, we’re also having more sweet moments together and I’m cherishing the more frequent and affectionate snuggles, kisses, and “conversations”. Timothy’s language development has really taken off and it’s been fun to hear him communicate his thoughts and desires through strings of words. It certainly has kept me on my toes as I explain more situations and reasons behind rules and try to discipline consistently. He remembers a lot and shows understanding now so that’s been helpful, too!

Enjoying Redmond Toddler Group

I’m amazed at how much Timothy has grown since his little newborn days, and even since several months ago. While grateful for the technology we have to document some stages, I’m sad that once many cute phases are over, they’re truly gone and live only in our fallible memories. Spending more focused attention on Timothy has felt more precious, and I’m thankful I’ve gotten to enjoy this time with him. Although it’s hard to remember sometimes, I know I’ll miss that he sometimes begs for food all day long even after eating, doesn’t like being without me, requests lots of songs to be played and sung, flips through books to hunt for animals and food, and asks for hugs when he is older and outgrows needing us (especially me) so much.

We can’t wait to announce Grace Elizabeth’s arrival in our next post to this blog and appreciate you keeping up with our family!

October fun and photos

Here's another pine cone, Mama!
Here’s another pine cone, Mama!

October sure flew by for us! We are enjoying the beautiful autumn colors here and curious little Timothy is relishing all the pine cones and leaves he gets to pick up and examine. There are still enough dry breaks with all the drizzling around here that we’ve been able to take walks and explore outside, which is great for our busy little walking guy. Books, toys, indoor chores and yard work just isn’t getting Timothy’s energy spent enough at home sometimes so we’ve taken to roaming malls during rainy and cold days…some of you may be (understandably) surprised to learn I’ve become a bit of a mall rat lately.

A few highlights in Timothy’s development this month are his asking for many hugs each day, the loud smooches he gives to stuffed animals and (wants to for) dogs, and the snuggles he gives to his baby sister already while she’s growing inside of me. We’re pretty sure he probably doesn’t understand his big brother status, but it’s still very sweet that he likes to hug my growing belly and pet it affectionately… although, I probably won’t feel quite the same way if this continues after Baby Grace arrives. 😉 His little toddle looks like it’s going to develop into a run soon so we’re mentally gearing up for that, too. Timothypettingdog

Timothy’s languages are really coming along now and it’s so fun to hear him add “car”, “bus”, “truck”, “meat”, “bird”, “tiger”, “owl”, “bear”, “apple”, “pear”, “banana”, “avocado”, “hug”, “Bible”, “book”, “tree”, “eyes”, “pants”, “hat”, “shoe”, “socks”, “cat”, and the Chinese titles for all of his grandparents to his vocabulary as well as make lots of animal sounds. One of my favorites is the leaf-chewing sound he makes for giraffes – it’s so hilarious! I didn’t know what else to teach him for that animal but it cracks me to watch him remember that sound and repeat it when he sees a giraffe. He’s quite fixated on fruits and animals lately and it’s amazing to watch him absorb and learn so much through books, toys and interacting with us. 

Timothysmilingwithdog

We truly hope you enjoy celebrating with loved ones and giving thanks in these upcoming weeks and months – thank you for keeping up with our little growing family!