I remember when the doctor told me Rylee's due date. August 28th.
"How funny!" I thought. She's due on Ryder's birthday! Well...at least the chances of her coming then are slim...what are the chances she's born on her due date, AND her brother's birthday?!
We all expected her to come early...the 4th baby in 5 years. :)
But now that we know her sweet temperament, it is JUST like Rylee to arrive right on time.
And that, she did.
The morning of her oldest brother's 5th birthday, our sweet Rylee Joy joined our family.
And when he came to say "Hello," with Gramma, Cole and Cora later that day, my 5 year old birthday boy held his new sister in his arms and said, "This is the best birthday present EVER!"
I have to say, two years later, we all feel the same way...what a gift you are, Miss Rylee Joy!
Sweet little temperament and all, our littlest Miss has definitely just turned TWO! While up to this point, she's been the most agreeable, flexible, go-with-the-flow little thing, she's now showing us that she has an opinion and wants it to be known! It may have something to do with the older sister she soaks every word and attitude up from lately, but uniquely made, we know she has big ideas of her OWN these days too and she's starting to let them show :)
We're glad. With each passing stage, it's good to see each little being in or family learn how they are made uniquely and to stand confidently in that identity. We love to hear her talking up a storm now, laugh when we all laugh, and raise her hand and say, "Me too!" when she wants something someone else has!
We love you, sweet Rylee Joy! Happy Birthday, little love :)
***
I remember when I found out I was going to have my first baby boy...
John and I both prayed that he would have a strong sense of identity in Christ.
And now...7 years later I sit here thanking God for a son who is so many things, but above all, he has a love and respect for God that runs deep.
Ryder loves...playing soccer and tennis,
board games and card games.
Drawing and creating his own props for imaginary adventures...
(just today, he was a sheriff and made himself a badge, complete with double-sided tape so it would stick to his shirt)
Cooking with me,
asking questions about EVERYTHING he's wondering about :)
Riding bikes
(he'll often come with me on my morning runs...he's a great motivator to keep going!)
Wrestling with Cole and Dad
MATH!
Reading (we can't keep enough books in the house!)
Science, Geography and History
The Bible!
(he highlights new verses he finds like crazy these days, encouraging me daily to be hungry for the Word...)
His family, his brother and sisters
...and one of my favorite things about my Ryder at 7 years old is the way he lives life with a genuine hunger and passion, doing everything FULLY with enthusiasm and JOY.
I'm not sure who is more blessed by this homeschooling adventure we've begun this year...
Him, or ME! The truth is, we BOTH are blessed and I am daily reminded and THANKFUL for the incredible life God has called John and I to raise.
We love you, Ryder D.
God is moving in and through your life already, and we're honored to have front row seats.
Thank you JESUS.
Him, or ME! The truth is, we BOTH are blessed and I am daily reminded and THANKFUL for the incredible life God has called John and I to raise.
We love you, Ryder D.
God is moving in and through your life already, and we're honored to have front row seats.
Thank you JESUS.
What a beautiful post! I love it as I also had 4 in 5 years. Though it was 2 weeks after my oldest turned 5. :) I am just a couple months ahead of you as my oldest is Feb 2005 and youngest March 2010. Thank you for some great posts. I found your blog through your Child Training Bible giveaway. Really enjoying reading all your old posts :) Darcy Shetler
Thank you Darcy! I'm so glad you're here and resonating with life with 4 so close together! God is so good, isn't He? It is fun to look back and see where we've been and feel like it's gone by in a flash...gives me good perspective as we move forward! So nice to "meet" you :)