I don't even know where to start! There have been so many new and exciting things happening here. However, the title says it all -- they are bittersweet at times. I'll start with our most recent news. (And no, I'm not pregnant!)
For the last year, Gabriella has been working with a therapist for her speech delay. I've mentioned before that her delay was nothing really major, but "delayed" enough to necessitate therapy. Gretchen came to our house for an hour, every week and worked her magic on Gabrie. Of course, Gabrie grew very attached to her, and always looked forward to their "playtime" together. With Justin's busy work schedule, there were some days that Gretchen was the only adult interaction I got. Nathaniel couldn't wait to tell her all about any new facts he had acquired from the week before, and Lillie loved the extra attention as well. I guess we all grew a little attached to her! Well, three weeks ago was Gabrie's last session with Gretchen. Her speech has improved so much since their first session together -- she may even be slightly above average now! We are so pleased with her progress!!! It's hard to imagine a time when we had no clue what she was saying. Now for the bittersweet part...we miss our Gretchen!
Next is what a big boy my Nathaniel has become. Second grade this year! I've seen him change into such an intelligent young man recently. One thing that has impressed me the most has been the little bookworm coming out in him. Every time we go shopping at one of my thrift stores, he looks in the book section for "chapter books". The Magic Treehouse series is his favorite. He can finish one of those in just a couple of hours! I just can't believe my ears sometimes when I hear him read. The bittersweet: he's even closer to being a teenager, and already has the attitude to go with it.
And last, my sweet Lillie. She's talking quite a bit now-- mocking different things we say. She's becoming more and more coordinated. Recently she has started using silverware consistently, and quite well too. She used to crawl up the stairs to get to the second floor of the house; now she holds on to the wall with one hand and walks up, one huge step at a time. She loves playing with her big sister. They build towers together and have tea parties while Nathaniel and I do school together. It blesses my heart so much to see the love on her face when she watches her brother and sister. And I love seeing her reach so many milestones. The bittersweet: she is no longer a baby. No matter how many times she finds that pacifier in the toy box and sticks it in her mouth, I can't pretend she's a baby. (And I do try!). It occurred to me a couple weeks ago that she is almost the same age as Gabrie was when she was born!
Oh my, and how could I forget... Gabriella is officially potty trained now, Lillie is sleeping [basically] through the night, and all three kids [start out] sleeping in their own beds! Who knew a king-sized bed can actually be so spacious?! (Until 3 am, that is.)
Ok, and for sure last this time is the awesome progress Justin is making at work. I have to brag on him a little! In the last 18 months that he's been with Drilco, he has received three promotions. I am so proud of him! Not a bit surprised, but very proud. The bittersweet: a lot more responsibility and stress. At this very moment (which is midnight right now, and no telling when he'll be done) he is out "cleaning up" after one of his employees! He gets constant phone calls from his guys and bosses, and has to figure out who to send where and when, etc. The oil field never sleeps, I know that much. However, the plus side to all the phone calls is hearing him talk to those guys like a boss. It can be quite entertaining sometimes!
(And by the way, Justin didn't get home until 2 am that "night". And was back at work at 6 am!)
