Lane and Ava love each other very much! In fact, they adore each other! They really are best friends. I can't begin to recount the number of times I have been surprised by the depth of their affection for one another. So, here are a few of their "sweet moments" from this past week...
Tonight: Lane was rewarded with a very small box of nerds. I mentioned to him that it would be very kind if he would share some with Ava. Without hesitation he said he would. I was thinking he would give her a few and that would be that. I was wrong. A few minutes went by and I went to find them. They were sitting on the couch in the living room passing the box back and forth taking turns. I told Lane how much his kindness honored God and he just smiled and said, "Uh, huh... Mom, it goes Lane, Ava, Lane, Ava... We are doing a pattern!" How cute is that?! A little while later they were delighted to play in the tub together. (As pictured above.)
Yesterday: Lane was headed to ask for the forgiveness of the Parmer children and Ava. He said, "I am going to talk to Ava first because she is my favorite." Fast forward... After they had waved goodbye to their friends they instantly disappeared into Ava's room. I kept waiting for the giggles to turn to angry screams and it never happened. They played in there together for something like an hour throwing things out of her bed and playing doctor. I think they set a new record for themselves! Most days after lunch and before nap does seems to be their best play time together.
Thursday: Ava and I went to pick Lane up from school. Ava's patience was tried to it's limit while we stood there waiting for Lane to be dismissed. She started bellowing, "LANE...LANE...LANE!" Finally, he came running out, straight into his sisters arms. They usually hug so big that they start falling over and they are giggling and tickling all the while. This has been happening since the beginning of school last year and I still look forward to it every school day! It is not the norm and it seems to bring joy to others as well.
What sweet and wonderful grace! I pray that this deep friendship lasts their whole life long! These two little sinners are enjoying so many moments of love, peace, and joy in their relationship. They also have plenty moments that are the complete opposite of love, peace and joy as well. Some days it seems that I all have time to do is break up their fights. But, isn't that to be expected with two sinners?!
What a wonderful gift Jeremy and I have been given in Lane and Ava. It was no accident, no luck, no bit of chance that they are the two of our six children who were born alive. It was and is a miracle from God's kind hand that Ava was born nineteen months to the day after Lane. There are no words that could ever describe the joy that they bring to our hearts. Since we taste the bitterness of sorrow every day, the every day joys just taste that much sweeter.
Recently Lane surprised me with learning how to tell time on an analog clock. I didn't realize that he was figuring it out. The other day, out of the blue, he said, "Hey, Mom, it's 10 o'clock." I looked at the clock to find that it was 10:15. A few days later I heard him in the kitchen saying, "It's 9 o'clock". So, again I checked to see if he was right. It was a few minutes before 9. Clearly, he is understanding the hour hand. Smart little guy we have here!
Ava turned 3 this past Sunday, Febrauary 1st... Superbowl Sunday. I wonder how often that will happen in her life time?! We were not planning to have a party because we are planning a trip to the Baltimore Aquarium to celebrate. But, she winded up having a small party anyway. My mom is trying to get us all together on the first Sunday of the month, so we just decided to have people here to do a birthday and Superbowl party combo. Fun!
Today after dipping celery for me Ava decided to try a bite for herself. She ate one big bite of celery and went on to eat an entire large baby carrot. I have noticed that as we have allowed her to help cook, etc. she is learning to be quite brave with trying new or previously rejected food. Ava has come a LONG way considering that about 2 years ago she had an occupational therapist for 6 months to help teach her to eat. (We miss you Miss Marcia!) Thank you, God, for bringing us through that scary season! You go, Ava! We are so proud of you!
