I don't think you believe me

Kyle, I don't think you believe me when I tell you that you were my easiest baby. Even in birth you seemed to be unwilling to trouble. In that sunny hospital room, on a morning in March, I listened to the swoosh of your heart beat, noticing it get more and more faint, as it seemed to travel downward, and I could actually see you wiggling yourself away from the device, and underneath the monitor belt. You were working your own way into this world.  The doctor recorded minutes pushing: zero.

In your Father's Blessing you were gifted with a light that would be a joy to your brothers. And you were the first thing to stir them from their two and three-year old worlds of egocentricity.

  When we brought you home they surrounded you and brought forth offerings of Hot Wheels and Thomas the Trains.  They couldn't wait to include you.

  

You were an easy tempered, sweet natured infant, and remained surprisingly so as you grew. A natural third child, you were the one to endear and entertain with your whimsical humor,

  and your affectionate spirit.

 You have grown in so many ways since we left China, two years ago.

Even though you never loved transitions, you have risen to the occasion and become the strong arms that your little sister reaches for, and I am so proud of you.

I hope you had a fun birthday.

nickle city

Saturday, August 27,  Olivia took a few friends and the siblings to Nickle City for her birthday party.

One if the first pictures I've taken of Sophie walking.

eleven

Friday March 11, we celebrated Kyle's birthday at Nickle City.

Kyle geared up for laser tag.

That's Caitlin.

Laser Sophie.

Nickle City has suprisingly good pizza. Yummy crust.

Kyle's Friday cake, one of three.  Friday evening the weather was beautiful. Kyle and his friends and siblings played out at the park, a violent kind of  knock each other down the hill game.  A good time was had by all. I guess.

 I think Kyle had a pretty decent weekend of celebration. Saturday morning I sent the kids off to a movie, forgot which one.  In the evening, per Kyle's request, we went to Golden Corral.  Remember not to go there on a Saturday after six again too packed. We loved that it was seafood night. The coconut shrimp was yummy.

After dinner we went to Pet-co to bring home Kyle's new pets.  I had promised him a bright green frog.  I didn't know how expensive the start up would be.  We decided on the more interactive parakeets.  The kids named them Pablo and Pauli.  I said isn't that the same name?  They weren't concerned.

 Sunday morning church.  In the afternoon our home teachers invited us over for a barbecue in honor of Kyle.  Salmon and steak. So delicious. Then home for presents.

This is the banjo that Rob sent for Kyle.  It's a beautiful instrument.

I  love the detail.

Happy Birthday Kyle. I love you.