Reese - Two

 Our baby is 2 and we can't even believe it. 

Reese has definitely had a much healthier and happier 2nd year of life. She has taught us so much about celebrating each small gain and cheering her on along the way.  Reese is conquering her milestones in her own time, but it sure is a joy to watch her master every single one.

-She got her SMO's (orthotics) in February.  Just that little support is exactly what she needed to start walking.  Even her physical therapist and SLP were amazed at how quickly she started walking independently with them. 

-She is going to PT and Speech once a month in Springfield.  We're hoping to go more often once the school year is over. She also has video speech once a month through Early Intervention. 

-She is a Mama's girl through and through.  She does like Daddy now, but she would choose Mom anytime.  She has mastered the words "Mommy" and "Daddy".

-Her speech has developed so much just since February.  She is saying about 60 words but now we're working on getting her to use two word phrases. Just this week, she started saying "Ray", "Kin", and "Ree" for Reagan, Kinley and Reese. She leaves the ending sound off of most words she say. 

-She loves her sisters but I think Reagan may be her favorite. I think it's because she spends all day with Kinley at daycare but Reagan goes to school.  Her excitement to watch Reagan get off the bus at the end of the day just melts my heart.

-She loves Mirabel from Encanto and JJ from Cocomelon.  This girl would watch Cocomelon all day every day if we let her.  She also likes Peppa Pig.

-She loves to be outside.  She loves to swing, slide, get on the trampoline, and draw with chalk.

-She's a good eater but lives for dessert.  You can't mention "cookie" or "cake" while she is eating dinner or she won't eat anything until she gets her cookie or cake. 

-She can count to 10 if you repeat the numbers after she says them.  We've heard her count to 6 on her own.

-She loves music.  We listen to Cocomelon songs on Alexa often.  She knows most of the dances and it's so cute to watch.

-She has major "stranger danger' and really just people danger.  She refuses to go see any adult that is not her Mom, Dad, Grandma Kathy or Debbie (her babysitter). The neighbors (who we see all of the time) try so hard with her but she just says "no" and turns her head.  If there are a lot of people around that she doesn't know, she will cling to us and sometimes just cry. 

-She is strong willed and stubborn.  If she doesn't want to do something, you're probably not going to find a way to get her to do it, and if she wants to do something ... watch out because she's going to find a way to do it. 

Reese Monroe - we love you so much!  You have developed SOO much this year and we can't wait to see what's to come. 

Kinley - Four

Kinley Kate is FOUR!

-You always, always find a way to make us laugh! You are quick-witted and always have a comeback.  Many times we have to turn our heads and laugh before correcting you.

-You're still a Daddy's girl most of the time.  You've really missed Daddy being able to take you to daycare this year and look forward to the days you can ride with him daily. 

-You are always singing! 

-You want to be so independent. You are determined to do anything you can put your mind to. 

-You've played a season and a half of volleyball, had swimming lessons, been in tumbling and you just started Tball. I think sports may be your thing ... we'll see what life brings.

-You still love your blankets.  You can be found each night going to bed with one (or 2 or 3) and a bed full of stuffys.  You can't sleep without  ALL of your favorite stuffed animals in your bed. 

-You still don't sleep in your bed all night every night but your nights of getting up are getting less and less.  I have a standoff with you each night that you're up to get you to sleep on the cot in our bedroom. 

-You love Pigeon books by Mo Willems.  You get so upset when we have to return them to the library. 

-You were a flower girl for the first time and you loved it!

-You want to go to school SO bad!  The good news is that you will start PreK in August!  

-You love to wear dresses but also love to dig in the dirt.  If it's nice outside, we can find you under the swingset digging. 

-You are our little helper.  You always want to help cook, bake, clean, and fold laundry. 

-You love Mario.  You always want to play "the new Mario game".  You have discovered Mario walkthroughs on Kids YouTube and ask to watch them.  I may have found my match in competitiveness in Mario.

-You're our snuggler.  When someone is under a blanket, you are always right there to snuggle in. 

-You love your sisters fiercely but most often, you prefer to play all by yourself. 

You're growing up too fast!

Kinley, 

We love you more than words can say and we look forward to seeing the life God has created just for you.