So considerate!

My mom told me that when I was 2 or 3 that I had a very big problem with sharing.  It did not matter if it was mine or not, I would proclaim that everything I touch was mine.  Apparently, we went to one of my parents' friends house one day and as I was playing with their kids who were much older than I, my parents had to drag me out of the room as I kicked and scream, it's mine, all mine.  So naturally, I had a fear that EV would have this genetic disorder.  And to affirm this fear, as EV started talking more and more, she started saying "Mine" with such emphsis and clarity.  And to our surprise, when we went to go visit sweet baby Naomi, EV said, "No! Mine!" when we told her to give back Naomi her stuffed animals.  I also noticed that sometimes she would test me, she would come over to me, and take whatever I had in my hand and ever so slying take it and say in a very smooth way, "mine".  As if to say, "what are you going to do about it, momma?" 

So naturally, I started putting heavy emphasis on sharing and importantly, I made sure that I never said the word "mine".  When EV comes over and takes something from me, I just say, "EV that wasn't very nice, momma was using that" or "EV, you have to ask first."  When she challenges me with her sly, "mine."  I say to her, "can you share?"  When she claims that someone elses toy is hers I tell her that it is not hers and that she has to give it back.  So what's the result?  EV is now overly considerate.  I am not complaining but now if she gives a kiss to momma, she has to give a kiss to papa.  If she shares a melon with momma, then papa must have a melon as well.  If momma wants a bite of EV's food, I can't just go in there and take a bite or she gets very upset, I have to ask her first.  Not only is she super considerate but she is an equal opportunist. 

It's pretty amazing how much these little ones are like a sponge.  It makes me realize how important it is that I am careful with my words and even more careful with my actions.  They watch us and imitate us.  What a huge responsibility!  But I am so grateful that I have the opportunity for this responsibility.  How humbling and privileged that we have such an opportnity to shape someones life so closely.  Thank you, Lord!

Outdoor fun

I know I keep saying this, but it's absolutely amazing how quickly time goes by.  I cannot believe Evangeline is already 19 months old and these last couple of months have been so much fun!  I feel like we all have gotten into a really nice groove--it's as if we finally understand each other and that makes everything so much easier.  EV has not been throwing her temper tantrums (with the exception of the weekend papa bear was gone) and in general communication has gotten better (meaning I get what EV is saying and she is much clearer with her words).

EV loves being outdoors.  If she could, she would play outside all day and these days I am really grateful for our big backyard and the playground we have back there.  EV will play on the swing, go up and down the slide, and just hang out all day.  We try to make it out to a park every chance we get so that she can explore new playgrounds, see birds and ducks, and watch people and their pets.  EV has grown so fond of dogs, quickly getting over her fear and exploring her curiosity, I have a feeling that I have to get over my fear of dogs sooner than later.

A couple weeks ago we took EV to the aquarium and it was so much fun!  I have been to the GA aquarium several times, but this was the most fun I had (much better than even the first time I went).  EV was just so amazed and fascinated with all the fish.  She was scared but so curious.  It was fun watching her explore and just take it all in.  She was so confused by the sea otters.  She kept saying, "mong mong [which means dog]" and "mul? [which means water]" as if she was asking why is the dog in the water.  Or how she was trying to remember the word for penguin and all she could come up with was "duck, duck!" and we would say, "no EV, those are penguins, remember from your books?" and she would just stare at them with wonder.  We could have been there for hours but thankfully we decided to buy a season pass, since EV is free until she's three, so I guess we'll be heading to the aquarium on those rainy/indoor days.

As the holiday season approaches, I am wanting to create traditions.  Last year we didn't do anything because I was just so tired and it was just hard enough taking care of EV (we didn't even put the tree up!), but now that we are in a good routine, and now that EV can appreciate it more, I am more motivated.  I hope to share more about the traditions we are starting as we start them.  So, what are some traditions you remember from growing up or you have with your family?