Our Little Tiger is 3!

Our little tiger is officially three!!  I can't believe that three years have gone by since we welcomed our third child into the world!  We have truly been blessed to have her in our family.  She brings so much laughter into our lives.  She definitely keeps us on our toes...we never know what she may do or say.  Often times it comes out when we are disciplining her which requires A LOT of strength not to laugh at her.  Many times we keep a straight face, but there are times when the laughter rolls out of us.  The world needs people like Kyrie.  She will be the one to keep things changing...will encourage people to be think out of the box...she will bring laughter to "tense" situations.    She also has the personality of doing things in her own time.  I must admit, I often get frustrated repeating the same expectations day in and day out.  But when she decides in her own time that the expectation is worth following, there is no turning back.  Some might be worried about this personality trait, but I find comfort in knowing that when she gives her life to Jesus, then there will be NO ONE who will change her mind and she will be COMPLETELY sold out to Him...it is just praying her to that point of giving her life to Jesus.  She continues to be very maternal...she LOVES her some babies...doll or human form...it does not matter. She is the one that wants to help in the kitchen, help with chores...she just wants to help.  I love this characteristic about her and know that the Lord will continue to grow this in her and use it for His glory. 

Kyrie has been doing so well in school this year.   She has started writing her name; is coloring in the lines; is reading simple, repetitive books. I am so proud of all that she is able to do and often times, she is keeping up with her sister and brother in our school routine.  I often times forget that she was just two when we started school this year!  She will be starting AWANA in a couple of weeks.  She went to watch Josiah and Sophie do their group time a couple of weeks ago and REALLY wanted to stay for the class time.  The club director said that she could start coming since she was turning three, so I think we are going to give it a try and see how she does. 

We had a little get-together on her birthday at the Chick-fil-a  in town.  It was nice to celebrate Kyrie with some old/new friends and family.  Here are a few pictures from her party.  I hope to go take her three-year-old pictures sometime next week...we have had some sick Hootie Hoos, so we just didn't have time to go take them.  And let's be honest...pictures with a boogie nose...well, I don't think she would want to look back and know that I had a picture like that hanging on our family picture wall! 

Tiger Tails for our party favors

A special birthday breakfast

Daniel Tiger birthday banner

Birthday cinnamon rolls...this has become a family tradition

Breakfast of champions..cinnamon roll, eggs, sausage and fruit

Coloring at her birthday party at Chick-fil-a

Getting some help from Daddy

Singing "Happy Birthday!"

Blowing out her candles

She got them all

Auntie Coco helping Kyrie open her presents

Getting some birthday love from Auntie Coco

 

Getting some birthday love from Diana

Getting some birthday love from Maddie

The war has been won

Well, I think it is safe to say that you are FINALLY potty trained!!  This has been such a LONG process, but we have persevered and stayed consistent.  When we went on trip at the end of April and you stayed dry the whole time we were gone.  The craziest thing is you started asking to go potty, too. It was a little difficult being in the van and you asking to go, but we definitely took advantage of your requests and would stop.  When we got back, you had a few accidents and stopped asking to go potty.  Then one day, we decided to put you in panties and made such a big deal about it...which you loved...that I think you were convinced that you just needed to stay dry and to tell us when you needed to go.  So besides the one random day you had an accident, you haven't had any accidents for over a month.  You are even staying dry at night.  You even go into the bathroom all by yourself and do your own thing. It is really cute watching you maneuver the stool and the potty seat, but you are determined to do it all by yourself! :) 

So needless to say, we are very proud of this accomplishment.  We all have worked really hard to get you to this point.  Keep up the great work, Ky!!

Our Little Busy Bee is 2

Well, you are 2 years old!!!  The last two years have gone by so fast.  It seems just like yesterday that we were heading to the hospital to have you turned, so we could deliver you naturally.  Even though the turning wasn't successful and you arrived via C-section, you arrived just how God wanted you to. 

Kyrie, you bring so many smiles and even more laughter to our lives.  You have figured out how to use your cuteness...especially on your daddy!   You are truly a joyful baby...I mean toddler.  Nothing gets you down.  You continue to be cuddly, which Mommy loves!  Often times, you find your way into someone's lap, want a pillow and blanket to snuggle with, or just want to give BIG hugs.  You are truly a free spirit...you love life, love trying new things and often times you lack a fear...which keeps me on my toes! 

You have been learning so much in school.  You know your letters, how to spell your name,  count to 12, your shapes, your colors, words from "Your Baby Can Read" and many other things.  Right now, you really enjoy playing with your babies, doing puzzles, reading (your favorite book is "Little Blue Truck"), drawing and helping Mommy cook. 

Kyrie, we are so thankful for you and the fact that God chose us to be your parents.  We look forward to seeing how God is going to use you to further His kingdom. 

We love you, Kyrie Eleison!!

Here are a few pictures from her photo-shoot in Downtown Herndon:

Peek-a-boo, I see you

This girl melts my heart

Love those blue eyes

Our little busy bee

Absolutely gorgeous!

 

Run for my money

Well, I decided to take a minute...or two to write about you.

My how you have grown in just the past few weeks.  Your are able to communicate so much better...putting simple sentences together to let us know what you want...or don't want! :) 

We have had some good laughs lately.  The other morning, I was getting ready for the day.  I was getting my dirty laundry, and I couldn't find my milk pads.  I looked all around the bathroom and bedroom thinking I might have dropped them somewhere along the way.  I couldn't find them, but figured they would show up at some point, so I carried on with getting ready.  A bit later, Tobias was crying and you came to me and said, "Feed, Baby?"  I told you, "Yes, I need to feed, Tobias." Then you proceeded to lift up your shirt and say, "Feed, Baby!" as you removed my lost milk pads.  I just started laughing because that is one place I didn't think to look!

The other night, you came to me with a library book and said, "Read you."  So we sat on the couch to read our book.  Part way through, you decided you wanted to read your favorite book, "Little Blue Truck."  I told you that we needed to finish our library book first before we read "Blue."  Well, you didn't like my answer, so you asked again, "Read you."  Again, I told you we needed to finish our other book first.  Again, you said, "Read you."  Again, I told you after.  Daddy was in the kitchen listening to all this and shaking his head.  I told him it was an illustration of what his going on with our government right now. (Currently our government is shut down because they can't agree or compromise on healthcare/budget/and everything else in between).  That made your daddy chuckle.  Again, you asked and again, I told you afterwards.  Then in a firm voice you said, "Read you, right now!!"  I saw your daddy put his head down and his body shake a bit from laughter.  I was just so shocked that I didn't even know what to say.  The night ended with us not finishing the library book or reading "Blue." 

The last thing is from the other day and potty training.  Let's just say this time around hasn't been as easy as it has been with your brother and sister.  :)  You went the entire night with a dry diaper, so I decided to put you on the potty even though you were politely saying, "No, thank you."  I put on a TV show for you to watch and let you sit on the potty.  After 30 minutes...still no pee-pee.  So I sat down next to you to read a couple of stories.  Got done reading...still no  pee-pee.  So I sang a few songs...still no pee-pee.  I leaned over to give you a kiss to encourage you..."Back Away, Momma" came from your lips as your hand went up.  Again, you left this momma speechless...and laughing inside.  And after almost an hour...still no pee-pee. 

So as you can see, you have quite the personality.  I love your strong-will...even though it leaves me speechless at times and frustrated at others, but this is who God has designed you to be.  I pray that you use this strong-will to stand firm in Jesus.  That you won't be swayed by what the world has to offer.  I love you, Kyrie Eleison, and I am so proud to be your momma...even when you give me a run for my money!! :)

Happy 1st Birthday!

Well, it is hard to believe that you are year old.  The last 12 months have gone by super fast!! It is hard to imagine what our family was like before you. 

Your first birthday wasn't quite what Mommy had planned it to be, but it turned out just like it was supposed to be.  You and Sophie were both sick, so we decided to cancel your party because we didn't want anyone else to get your germs.  So, we had a nice family day at home with Mimi, Bup-Bup, John and Jen.  We ate grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and had a birthday cake.  You REALLY liked the cake...you are the only Greenwood child that actually got all messy.  That night we went out to dinner at Red Robin and you enjoyed your mac and cheese. 

We love you very much, Kyrie Eleison, and are so thankful that God chose you to be a part of our family!!

Enjoy some pictures from Kyrie's photo-shoot: 

LOVE this smile!

Those eyes...they get me every time!

She does this special thing with her finger...she wants us to touch her finger with our finger

Love her birthday outfit

Growing up way to fast...pulling herself up

Happy Birthday, Kyrie!!

9 months

Well, you have been with us as long as you were in the womb.  The last few months since I did your 6 month entry has gone by so fast.  You continue to grow and learn more and more each day.  You are sitting up so much better.  Every once in awhile, you will fall backwards, but it is because you are so excited that you throw yourself back.  We keep some pillows behind you...just in case.   You are really moving around on your belly...you can pretty much scoots wherever you want.  The other day, you got yourself under Sophie's bed!!!  You are pulling your knees up under you, and you can straighten your arms  out...you just haven't figured out how to do them at the same time.  Once you do, it won't be long before you take off crawling!  You continue to be a SUPER good eater. We are still AMAZED at how you are eating things from the table...still doing baby food, but you are so over the Stage 2 baby food!!!  You only have your two bottom teeth, but you know how to use them!   You continue to be a super happy and easy baby...you just go with the flow.  Really the only time you fuss is when you are hungry.  You have started drinking from a sippy cup...bye-bye to the bottle...once a day.  The rest of the time is with Mommy.  You really like to laugh and have already figured out that when you do something funny, we laugh at you.  Usually, you like it when we laugh, so you do your trick again..and again...and again!!!   You have started sleeping through the night...usually from 7pm to 6am.  Every once in awhile, you may have an off night, but nothing too crazy.  You are still taking 2 naps a day.  We have continued watching your reading videos...you get so happy when we put them on.  At the end of the video they have some word games, and you have begun tracking your eyes to the word that is called.  We think you will be reading early just like your brother and sister. You LOVE your bath time...you have really figured out how to use your legs and kick water all over Daddy!  Maybe I should give him a rag and some cleaner and the two of you can clean the bathroom while you are at it!  We are looking into signing you up for a swim class...I think you will have LOTS of fun.

 Well, that is it for now.  Can't believe how quickly these 9 months have gone by.  Know that we LOVE you so much and thank God everyday for choosing us to be your parents. 

9 months

She melts my heart

Those eyes get me EVERY time

Half a year

Well, I can't believe half-year has come and gone.  It seems like so long ago that we were heading to the hospital to have you turned to find out that you didn't move your tiny little foot and we were headed to the OR for a c-section.  Seriously, where has the time gone?

You have definitely found your place in our family and in our hearts.  You are so laid back and just go with the flow.  Your smile and laugh are so contagious.  You have a brother and sister who truly adore you.  It is so sweet when they bring you a toy, but I think my favorite is when they  get on their belly to lay down beside you...to play with you or just talk with you...and sometimes your brother will sneak a kiss or two on your forehead. :)

You are really getting into a nice routine.  You still nurse quite a bit and are eating 3 meals of baby food a day.  We went to your 6 month check up and the doctor said to cut back on the baby food and try to nurse more.  So we decided to cut out lunch and just nurse.  After 3 days of you not sleeping very well...taking a short nap in the afternoon and getting up 2 to 3 times a night, we decided to put lunch back into your routine.  You are back to napping for 2 to 3 hours in the afternoon and only getting up once at night.  Usually, Mommy and Daddy follow doctor's orders, but not this time...we all need our sleep! :)

 You are doing really well with your readying video...you get big smiles on your face and screech when the video is on.  I think you really like them! :)  You are working on sitting up without help...you can do a few seconds before you get so excited that you tip yourself over.  You love to stand on my lap and make yourself jump/bounce.  You have started enjoying your toys and your favorite ones right now are your blue ball and your froggy chime.

 Well, I guess that is all for now...one of these days I will get around to taking your 6 month pictures...hopefully sooner than later. :)  Know that you are loved very much, Kyrie Eleison!  

Here are some of my favorite photos from our photo-shoot of Kyrie: