Lincoln is DOUBLE DIGITS

Man oh man do I feel old!! I officially have a kid that is in double digits. This means I've been doing this parenting thing for a decade! WHAT!!!! its so hard to believe that Lincoln is 10. I don't know where the last decade went but somehow we have made it here. I have and continue to cherish everyday being this kids mama. 

Everywhere we go I am complimented on how amazing Lincoln is. It's one thing to think as mom that your kid is wonderful (which I obviously do, and all of his siblings) but it's a whole other thing when others see your kid the way you do. Lincoln is kind, sweet and just overall genuinely good. His goodness is so pure and he is a true joy to be around. He wants to do well and be helpful in all he does. He continues to be my right hand man and helps me whenever and wherever I need. I pinch myself everyday when I think about how lucky I am to be this kids mama.

Lincoln,

You are just a gem. I feel so lucky to say that you're my kid. How did I get so lucky to call you my kid? You have a heart that is just so kind and so sweet. You are loving, sweet and kind.  You have a determination to be good that I love to just watch. You are my right hand kid and it has never been more apparent than this year as you have helped me so much with your siblings while I have had to tend to Levi. 

You have a true love of sports. You love to watch and play them. You are getting better and better at them too. Its truly been so fun to watch you grow in your confidence with each sport you play, your favorites currently being football, basketball and lacrosse. 

You love to help out in the kitchen, helping me out almost nightly with everything from peeling potatoes, browning meat, or even frying chicken. You have even made spaghetti while I tended to your siblings with little help other than to drain the noodles. 

You are so wonderful and although there is starting to be a little preteenage angst and I'm not looking forward to what comes ahead, I will cherish all the extra snuggles and love you give me now. I'm truly so lucky your'e mine!! 

4th Grade...what???

DOUBLE DIGITS!

Your humor is just like mine. We recreated one of our favorite pictures of you from when you were a baby. 

THE BEST big brother ever. 

Lincoln if there is one way to describe you and it truly is that you are just good. You have a goodness about you that is just absolutely wonderful. I would give anything to go back in time and relive the last 10 years, not because I want to change anything, I just want to experience it again. These last 10 years with you have been everything I could have ever dreamed of and more. Please always remember how much I love you and you love me and continue to love us and be such an active part of our family. We love you so much bub!

Love Mom

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 

Lincoln is 6

my baby boy is 6. Wow, just wow. Sometimes its really hard to believe that my baby is 6. I remember finding out I was pregnant with him, being pregnant and having him like it was yesterday. When they say that time goes by so fast, man it really does!





Lincoln my sweet boy, you are the light of your Dad and my life. You gave us a gift that we both yearned for, for so many years. Being your parents is the best job we have ever gotten. You have grown so much and you make us so proud!



This year you have really grown into a very special boy.


This year you finished preschool and started KINDERGARTEN!!! WHAT??? How are you old enough for that already? That was the quickest 5 years and 10 months of my life. But I've seen you blossom and you love for learning really grow. I know you will go far and do so many good things in this life.




You are quite honestly the BEST big brother. This is a role that was made for you. You care so much for all of your siblings. Your relationship with Landon is so fun to watch, you boys share so many interests and play so well together. You are constantly looking out for and caring for you baby sisters. You were so excited to be a big brother again when we had Lynlie. You are constantly wanting to hold her and help us with her. You are still Lorelai's biggest champion. You love to play with her and help teach her different things.


Lincoln you are just an amazing little boy whose constant need and desire to help is beautiful. You are always wanting to help me clean and do "work" as you call it. You love to help me and your dad cook dinner, and help out around the house, except when it comes to cleaning up your toys. You've developed a love of fire fighters and fireman, you still love construction and trucks.


You've nearly mastered all your letters, numbers and writing your name. You are beginning to learn your sight words and I'm sure will be learning to read in no time.


You've also continue to grow like a weed!

• You've grown 3.75 inches and are now 48.25" and are now in the 90th percentile.
• You gained 5.5 pounds and are now 50.5 pounds and are in the 75th percentile.

Lincoln I love you more than you'll ever know and I'm so happy you're my son. You've given me the greatest gift of being your mom. I hope you and I continue to have a positive relationship that only grows as you get older. I'm so lucky you're mine.

.

annual birthday pumpkin patch

one of first family pics

my birthday boys

SIX!

Kindergarten school picture....Chandler smile

celebrating with family!

firetruck cake

I had to get a picture in the same spot as every previous year.

cutest kid ever!

my loves

Lincoln is 5

OH my sweet Lincoln Robert Knox Chafin. How are you 5 (well closer to 5 1/2 now as I write this). You're a light and I love you so very much. You have blossomed into one of the most precious tiny humans.

This year you completed your first year of preschool and began your second year. I can't believe I've already registered you for Kindergarten! My heart is definitely going to hurt when you leave me EVERYDAY.

This year you have really grown into your role as BIG brother. You care so deeply at such a young age for your brother and your sisters. While you have your moments of being 5, mostly with your brother, you're quick to apologize and realize what you did was wrong. You're so good at sharing most of your toys with Landon, and you're an amazing big brother to Lorelai.  You are most definitely her fiercest protector and are always looking out for her and finding ways to help her if she needs you.

The bond you share with Landon is something I truly feel blessed to witness, you two are kindred souls with your love of all things trains, trucks and construction equipment. You two play so nicely together and most of the time are two peas in a pod.

The bond you share with Lorelai is something that brings tears to my eyes. To be able to witness what unconditional love is through the eyes of a 5 year old is magical. You're love for her is beautiful and I appreciate all you do for her and I hope that the two of you will always have this bond.

Your love for your sister Laynie is beautiful. You always want to include her in everything we do. I know you understand that she is gone, but you're helping your dad and I realize that we are doing a beautiful thing in raising you boys to never forget her.

Lincoln you have a variety of interests but most of all you just want to help. You LOVE to help in the kitchen with preparing meals, and most especially helping me bake. You also always love to jump in and help your dad with whatever he is making in the kitchen or on the grill. You are much like your mother when it comes to helping papa and have quickly become his little shadow when it comes to home improvements.

You have done a great job in learning your letters and writing your name. You are always eager to learn and to try new things.

You have grown quite a bit this year too.

• you grew 2 inches and are 44.5 inches or in the 75th percentile
• you gained 5 lbs and are 45lbs with is also around the 78th percentile. 

you truly are a blessing to your dad and I and we love you so much! Happy 5th Birthday. Thank you for being our beautiful Baby boy, always. 

TWO!!!

I Know I'm a little late on this one, but I wanted to wait until after his doctor appointment to see how big he was...and being that I was in the hospital when I originally had it scheduled, they let me wait until Landon's 1 month checkup so I could bring both boys at once :)

How is it even possible that Lincoln is two? How is it possible that I've had the pleasure of being this little angel's mom for 2 whole years? I can't believe it!

Our lives have been so enriched because of him and Adam and I thank God everyday that we were chosen to be this little one's parents.

Well his birthday was quite the adventure...he got the greatest gift he will ever get...a BABY BROTHER! HAHA :) I know right now he doesn't know what that means, and I'm sure one day he will hate having to share his birthday (I really wish they had separate birthdays) but for now it was a pretty special day.

On Monday night (the night before his birthday) I was having contractions every 6 minutes or so, but then they stopped around 8pm. But to be safe we had Lincoln stay with my parents incase we had to rush to the hospital in the middle of the night. My contractions started up again about 10pm but were only every 20 min or so.

By 11am my dad convinced me to go to the doctor, I was having a mental breakdown that I hadn't seen Lincoln yet and it was his birthday...its a mom thing what can I say...So I went to my doctor and later was admitted and then 2 hrs later Landon made his appearance. You can read about it here

As a mom, it was truly breaking my heart that I was in labor and not able to spend the day with him. I know that in the grand scheme of things its minor and he will NEVER remember but in the moment it was breaking my heart. Once Landon was born, I was relieved to have him here and healthy but as soon as I was holding my new baby I was wanting Lincoln (who incidentally was still napping, we were joking that Lincoln slept through the birth of his brother..haha aren't we cool) but as soon as he woke up my dad brought him to the hospital. I remember the moment he walked in the room (I was talking to my nurse and in hindsight I feel bad because I just started to ignore her, I feel like I need to apologize to her)  and as soon as I saw him I started crying! it was quite the emotional day...My baby turned 2 and I gained a beautifully healthy baby boy (all you moms out there can atest to how emotional that was)...

Being a mom and being due with a new baby so close to Lincoln's birthday I wanted to make sure that wherever I was on his birthday he had cake. So on the Sunday before I decided to make cupcakes. I had just come off working 3 nights in a row but that evening Lincoln and I hung out in the kitchen and made his cupcakes. I let him eat the batter and everything :) My plan had been to ice them the next day, which I did amongst my contractions :)

When dad brought Lincoln to the hospital he also brought these cupcakes. So we all sung Happy Birthday to Lincoln (and Landon too) and ate them. It was so nice for me to be able to eat these cupcakes and NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT!! NO more diabetes for this mama!! :)

Singing Happy Birthday...such a happy boy!

We are blessed that all of our friends that came to meet
Landon ALSO brought Lincoln Birthday gifts...best friends EVER

Over all the day was perfect.

We had a birthday party for him with only our closest family. I had planned it this way a few weeks before Landon's arrival because I just wasn't sure how I'd feel or how we would be adjusting to a family for 6 (remember we have 2 dogs:)) This too was a great day and I feel so blessed to have such an amazing family who love and support us through everything. (Adam's mom even drove up from Vincennes with her parents just to spend a few hours with us...thats almost 7 hrs of driving in just one day!) I love that Lincoln was able to feel so special and loved on his birthday even if our focus had to shift to the new baby.

The Cards were in the world Series so we had to "represent"
(even if daddy is a Reds fan)

scared of the candle

opening gifts with Daddy

Such a blessed little boy

So at two years old here are a few things about him

• He is a VERY happy kid, he laughs and smiles all the time!
• He is quite affectionate. He will come up to me and just say "hug" and put his arms out reaching for me. (best kid EVER)
• He loves books. Being as I am was not very good at reading him bedtime stories this is a relief!
• He is getting better at identifying objects in books, his favorites are apple, bear, doggie, and baby
• He loves to talk on the fake phone, put a real phone up to him and he's silent, but almost all things go to his ear and he pretends to "talk" on it
• at about 18 months with Adam out of town all the time, he would call my phone daddy...so sad! Happy to have Adam home all the time now!
• He sleeps about 12 hrs a night. Usually going to bed around 10/11 and sleeping until 9/10 the next day. 
• He still takes a nap. I try to lay him down around 2. and he will sleep for about 2-3 hours...while still pregnant and working this was a dream for me:)
• He LOVES his baths. We still shower with him on occasion which he loves too. He just loves the water period. 
• He LOVED the pool this summer and started to gain a little more confidence when it came to jumping in off the side, but he was still a bit timid with it. He loved the baby pool and when in the big pool he REFUSED to use the water ring and just wanted me to hold him all the time. He does however HATE to be on his back in the water (pool or tub)
• He LOVES peanut butter, strawberries, bananas, yogurt, ice cream, chicken and really anything sweet
• Suckers are his favorite candy ever. He loved going to the doctor with me because they have the dum dum suckers and I would always let him have several just to keep him occupied while I was with the doctor, she even made a comment of how good he was by throwing the wrappers and sticks in the trash :)
• Disney Pixar movies are his favorite things. He started out loving Finding Nemo, but we have moved on to Toy Story and Cars... Adam and I have seen Finding Nemo at least 200 times!
• Mickey Mouse Club House, Doc McStuffins, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates are his favorite tv shows which I try to keep to a minimum, usually when I'm exhausted from work and just want a little bit of extra "sleep" time on the couch. 
• He loves trucks and all things boy. 
• He is climber through and through. He climbs on EVERYTHING! and I mean Everything, nothing is safe!
• He is a cute little runner, not very fast but cute none the less
• He also is a jumper, He loves to jump around, fall down and just be silly. He will put a pillow on the ground and just fall onto it. 
• He loves when things are thrown at him, we will jokingly throw pillows, and clothes at him and he thinks its hilarious...aren't we great parents :)
• Lights are a must. Every light in my house must be on at all times!
• He has been in Speech Therapy for about a month and has gone from only 10 or so words to over 50 and using 2 word combos!! YAY
• He loves the dogs, he loves to torment them and play with them, by laying on them and really just torturing them
• Everything needs to be thrown at some point, down the slide, off the counter...you get the idea
• He is more of a tornado than a toddler, but a cute one at that. 
• He's quite mischievous at times, just testing my patience, he loves to do things I ask him not to and then looking at me with this HUGE grin on his face. 
• He is starting to show interest in the "potty" but nothing regular
• He is wearing a size 8 shoe (I did buy 9s because I didn't want to have to buy new ones in just a few months, kids shoes are expensive when they go through them so quickly
• He wears a size 3T pants and primarily a 3T/4T shirt. He's a big boy!!

From his doctor appointment last Thursday here are his stats

• He is 36 inches
• 90% for height
• He is 32 lbs
• 75% for weight

Over all he is a healthy happy 2 year old and just perfect in every way. I grow more and more in love with him on a daily basis and my life would be lost without him. I can't believe he is two!!!

I love you so much my beautiful baby boy, more than you'll ever know! thank you for bringing such a light to my life and being such a wonderful little boy!!!

Here are a few pictures from his 2 year Photos...I LOVE OUR PHOTOGRAPHER! she does AMAZING work with capturing his little personality!

LOVE HIM

BIG BOY

of course eating cake

My 3 BOYS!!!

 It's been quite a second year my boy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Mommy and Daddy LOVE you more than you will ever possibly know! (well until you have kids of your own someday)