Lincoln is NINE

 My Sweet baby boy is a whole NINE years old. Its really crazy to me to think of him being that old. I swear it feels like I just had him but at the same time it feels like a whole lifetime has happened. Its hard to fathom and really put into words. I will forever remember him as my itty bitty little boy, its harder for me to remember how we got here and remember him at each age. But I'm going to try my best to write him a letter via this blog each year for his birthdays. I may try to go back and write them for the previous years but I don't know if I will be able to complete it so I don't want to commit to it ;)

Lincoln,

My dear sweet boy. What would I do without you? You gave me the best gift ever of being not only a mom for the first time but YOUR mom. Being your mom is the best, you are the best and I couldn't ask for a better son. This year has been a roller coaster. From your struggles with school and all the testing we have done to finally come to a diagnosis of ADD and putting you on the right medication that finally seems to help, to this global pandemic, you truly have taken it all in stride. 

During this pandemic you have really grown in your role as big brother, always helping where ever I need you, from helping clean up the house to just entertaining your sisters, you would even occasionally play dolls with them. 

But most of all this year you have just really matured and you are so fun! You are no longer this little child, you've really grown into a small human with his own thoughts on life. You still love all things sports, especially football and although you aren't the most aggressive you are really getting better and I am so proud of you. You've also learned to tolerate reading. Its still not your favorite thing but we've found a graphic novel that you will actually sit and read without being prompted. Thank you Dog Man!! You still love cub scouts and I love watching you grow in your confidence in the things you accomplish. 

Lincoln being your mom is such a blessing and I love every second of it. I'm truly so proud of you!! While I'm in no hurry for you to get older, I really do love watching you grow!!

Ok now That I've looked through these pictures, I'm an emotional wreck. You really are an amazing little person and I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. But in the same breath I feel like you have grown up right before my eyes. I swear I don't know how we got here! I barely remember you as a small toddler or child and especially not a baby!!! But I know it happened, and I'm so grateful I got to witness it. Continue to shine that bright light of yours my love!!! You are amazing and we all love you so much!!!

Love, MOM 

Lynlie is THREE

 Lynlie, Lynlie Lynlie, where do I even start?? You're 3!!! You're my baby. Likely my last baby...how is it possible for you to be 3??? I swear time is going at supersonic speed!! It's so hard to believe that you're three.

This has been an interesting year to say the least. Something I never thought would happen in my lifetime. We are living through a global pandemic. Covid is no joke and the repercussions of it are heart breaking!!! To say that you've made things more challenging might be an understatement. But you've taken it all in stride and have been a bright spot in a very confusing time.  You are a wonderful little human but girl you're a challenge and thats likely because you are my clone. 100% personality, looks the whole thing!!! 

Lynlie,

You really are a gem. You really can be absolutely hilarious at times. In a time when the state of the world is so heartbreaking you come in with you strong will, punch drunk personality and just lighten the mood. However in the same breath you COMMAND all my attention be on you AT ALL TIMES! (Hence why living through a pandemic where Daddy and I are still working, and mommy now has to be full time teacher is a bit of a challenge). But when all our attention can be on you, you relish it.

You are constantly into everything, I really have to keep an eye on you, Especially when it comes to you wearing CLOTHES!!! you will change your outfit 5x a day if I let you, OR you'll just run around in your underwear (thank you for being potty trained early!! {2.5 yrs old}). You love to stay up late with me and I love our one on one time. I love that you finally sleep and sleep in!!! I love staying up late, talking, and watching movies with you, but most of all I love that you sleep like your siblings used to before they started school, and will sleep until 9:30 or later!!  

I have never had a child as fiercely independent as you. I could always talk your siblings into doing things my way instead of theirs. Oh NOT YOU. NO MA'AM. You get it in your head that you want something done your way and there is no changing that mind of yours. You often have be the one who gets anything I ask for, and will throw a fit if someone else does it. But I try to relish your strong personality because I know it will take you so far in this world. I hope you never lose you drive, your independence and your loyalty. I can see you doing such HUGE things in this world and I'm excited to watch you grow. 

As you can tell, Lynlie you have a big personality. A personality that challenges me daily but one that I'm so forever grateful for. You teach me patience and grace every day and most of all you really do teach me to be a better mom. Your smile and love for me is unconditional and I just love it. You are so precious and I'm so grateful to be your mom!!! LOVE YOU SO MUCH baby girl!!! 

love, MOM