Love Overflowing

Being a parent is such an amazing job, although, exhausting at times too. But I find that being a Mom is the most rewarding job there is. I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to be called "Mommy" by Jaret and Kirra (even though Kirra isn't saying it yet - just Dada). There are so many special moments that just make my heart sing and that fill my heart so that it is overflowing with love for these two beautiful children that God has blessed into our family.
Jaret continues to grow and become more independent all the time. He is so proud of himself when he does something on his own. In fact, he will often say something like, "When Daddy gets home I will have to tell him that I ____ (washed my hair myself in the shower today) and he will be so excited." It is indeed exciting to see him gaining such independence and yet at the same time, I miss him needing me sometimes. Jaret is enjoying preschool. Whenever he does something and Terry is impressed that he can do it, he tells Daddy that he learned it at preschool. He does learn lots at preschool and we also work together at home. He enjoys practicing his letters and numbers on a white board and he has gotten really good at printing his own name. All of these things just bring such a smile to my face. But nothing tugs at my heart more than when I see Jaret interacting with Kirra. He is so gentle with her and is always concerned that her needs are being met. He will go get her toys from the toybox and sit down and play with her or when he thinks she might want to walk around, he will walk her (as long as I am nearby so he doesn't just let go when he's too tired to walk her around). The sound of them playing and laughing together just melts my heart. Jaret is also quite the little commentator when it comes to his sister, even if Terry and I are right there witnessing first hand. "Dad, Kirra is waving at you and wants you to wave back. Mommy, Kirra is standing by the couch and let go; I think she is ready to walk soon. Look Dad, she is clapping all on her own and I didn't even tell her to." Kids say such cute things. I pray that the relationship that Jaret has with his little sister will continue to be such a blessing in the years ahead.
Kirra is our little chatterbox who always wants to be heard. She does enjoy playing on her own but doesn't like to sit in one spot for too long. She's fine to sit and play with her toys but then wants to stand in her exersaucer and then maybe walk around before another change of scenery is necessary. She might one day be a ball player as she is really good at throwing some of her little toys rather than playing with them. She is teething right now so most of her toys also end up in her mouth. She has had her two bottom teeth for a few months already. Her one top tooth cut through a couple of weeks back and now the second one is cutting through with the two eye teeth right there as well. The teething has affected her appetite a bit and she hasn't been sleeping great every night but she has improved tremendously since Christmas. Kirra is offically done breastfeeding which is a little sad but I am so grateful for how well it went this time around Kirra's little smile, the way she reaches her arms up to me to pick her up, the way she pats my shoulder when I hold her, the way she giggles - all just bring so much joy to my life and make me feel more blessed that Kirra completes our family. I was overfilled with joy yesterday when Kirra took her first couple of steps without me holding her. I just think she seems like such a little peanut to be walking yet. Oh, the moments of motherhood are such to be cherished! Praise God for his precious and amazing gift of children!