Kids these days

My mom always says that I should write down all the cute things that Annaliese says and that Titus does, but I never have - ahem - make the time. But I'm going to now.

Before I launch into the kiddo update, I thought I should also tell the world that Andy got a 95% on his dermatology test in January! Congrats, Honey, I am so proud of your intelligence and diligence! You're the whole package - brainy and sexy! I love you!

Time is flying - Annaliese is 2 years and 2 months; Titus is 4 1/2 months old. We're half way done with our first year of medical school. Whew!!! Craziness!

A few of Annaliese's frequently repeated sayings as of late:

• "Maybe sometimes." In a sing-songy voice often in response to questions to which it isn't applicable and other times about nothing at all. Her BFF Ellyann back in the valley picked up on this one, her mom Virginia told me.
• "Hmmm, let's think." Then purses her lips and touches her index finger up to her top lip. She typically looks at me and if I don't quickly follow suit, she says, "Come ON! Let's think, Mommy!"
• "I have an idea!" Just like she had an epiphany, but when asked what is her idea, she often appears to be making something up right then.
• "I'm not scared!" She says this in a know-it-all voice when we visit my parents house and my dad (Opa) teasingly stomps his feet to try to get rise out of her. She used to laugh and run away, but started making this announcement a few months ago.
• "It's my celebrations!" She loves to build towers or hold up little things she finds and tells me that it is a celebration, since we tried to tell her the reason that we did certain things throughout the recent holiday season obviously frequently using the word celebration.

A few funny incidents recently:

• We were at a candy shop to have a little sweet treat. Annaliese said, "I want dark chocolate! I did pee-pee on the potty!" and threw her head back in excited laughter. We cracked up that she said dark chocolate.
• "Mommy, you have boogers (buddahs) in your nose and I'll help you in 5 minutes," holding up 5 fingers. I laughed, but quickly had to check out the situation in the mirror!
• She came running in from playing outside and said, "Mommy, you so pretty (pitty)!" I had to check to see if Andy had come home early and set her up. He hadn't, but he had obviously prepped her previously! Still sweet though!
• "Titus is my best friend!" So adorable, especially since we definitely didn't teach her to say that.

Titus is such a good natured, easy going, lovable little chunker! He is a total thumb-sucker (as was his sister) and is sleeping through the night like a champ. Pulling up to standing and looking out at the world around him are his favorite pastimes. He gets toted around quite a bit and rarely makes a scene. He is so low drama, unlike his sister, as shown at Titus' 2-month and Annaliese's 2-year simultaneous appointment. They both had vaccine shots and Titus let out a yell, but hardly cried. Annaliese was wide-eyed, bewildered, shocked and screamed in pain for the remainder of the office visit, even though we had talked extensively about the shot and how it would hurt a little bit. She is really good with her brother. She loves to have me read stories to both of them, sit or lay next to him and hold his hand. She talks about him all the time, "Titus is so cute (toot)!" and "Titus is getting big already!" When he cries some of her various responses are, "I'll get it!" meaning she will pick him up - to which I quickly respond, No - I'LL get him, "Don't cry, Titus!" and "That's enough!" She is a little riot and keeps me entertained throughout the day.

Yesterday at the grocery store, an elderly lady stopped me and said cooed a bit at Titus. He was hamming it up with her, smiling and laughing and she said that he should grow up to be a lawyer or something that would utilize his good looks and "winsome personality!" What a crack up! She also encouraged me to be kind and gentle to them, particularly to him as he understands a lot but can't communicate yet, as I am shaping his early view of women and what he will eventually value and look for in a future wife. I hadn't really thought of it that way with regard to my son and so I thanked her for the chat.

On a personal note, I had tough week last week, but this week has been better. It always helps to count my many blessings and remember that is a joy to serve my loved ones and make them happy. Thank you to those who prayed for me and for the encouragement from my BFF Nikki by phone and by blog. Thanks, God, for always being faithful to me.