Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Valor turns seven







Valor turns seven! Our bright, creative, and zealous boy is a gift to our family. He enjoys drawing superhero comics, playing hymns on the piano, progressing in swim, memorizing catechism questions, and exerting energy in ninjas class. Praying he’d grow in love for the Lord and those around him. We celebrated him with a Grogu Mandalorian birthday with cinnamon rolls and macarons today per his request. May the fourth be with you!

Friday, April 1, 2022

Candor turns one












Candor turns one on the first! Our littlest one’s first year was the swiftest, sweetest babyhood. We can’t believe he’s already one. We celebrated him with a golden birthday cake smash, complete with lots of gold balloons, a golden yellow knit crown, golden yellow striped shirt, and gold-accented cake. His curiosity led him to dunk his hands into his cake and taste frosting as we sang him rounds of "Happy Birthday" with the big kids accompanying on piano. The three big kids made cards yesterday to commemorate our boy-boy. We spent the day at the Huntington Library with friends, enjoying the spring weather and the gardens' creatures and flora. We didn't end up having a first birthday party for Candor's first birthday, but he was a happy babe regardless, being in the presence of his family, being cuddled all day, and snacking on his favorite foods. He tried fresh chicken dumplings and bok choy for the first time for his birthday dinner, which he loved. Alex captured some videos of his sweet and simple day. We adore our CanCan so. So thankful for the light he is to our family!

P.S. the other kids' first birthday cake smashes: VerityReverie, Valor, Serene.

Letters to Candor: 12 months


My dear Candor Sage,

I can't believe we are already here - you are one, my littlest baby. This has been the swiftest, sweetest year. You light up our lives. You have been such a sweet balm to the tumult of the world these past couple of years. God knew we needed you. I am so thankful He's allowed us to steward your life. May you grow to know Him and His kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and steadfast love to us through the glorious gospel. May we be faithful in teaching you to walk in His ways as we learn and know you.

Your favorites are your mama ("mama" is your only word so far), milky, Os oat cereal, bananas, strawberries, avocado toast, blueberries, broccoli, turkey meatball, spinach and egg omelette, brown rice cakes, being in your family's presence, your stuffie Marius, exploring/ripping books, playing with Lego Duplos and pretend kitchen toys, having a clean diaper, chewing on water bottles, and taking baths.

You are a happy, relaxed, attached baby, and are most giggly after a meal. You kick happily, scoot on your tummy as your primary mode of transportation, and enjoy transitioning from tummy to sitting. You side sit, which I think is adorable. You're the only one of our kids who naturally prefers to sit this way. You wear 6-9 month clothing, size 3 diapers, and size 1 shoes. You weigh 15 lbs and measure 26.75 inches long. You are the second smallest of our kids at this age, right after Verity.

We all tell you all the time not to grow up because we enjoy your littleness so. We love how you rub your face into your stuffie Marius, wrap your legs around him, and roll over to the side before napping or sleeping. You use a pacifier only before a nap/sleep. We love how you still take baths in the newborn Puj tub. You dole out wide grins often, and we see two bottom teeth sprouting, as well as your two upper teeth coming through your gums. We smile at you, and your whole face lights up in the sweetest, biggest grin accompanied with "Eh!" You're happiest in your mama's arms or sling, clinging tightly to my arm and waist with deep seated legs. We love your skinny legs, round head, and wispy hair. We love how you scoot on your tummy, using primarily your right leg to propel yourself forward. You enjoy rides in a laundry basket with your siblings. You don't nap when we're out and about, preferring to observe the world with wide eyes. When we are home, you take 3 naps a day. You whine "uhhhh" with a fake cry when you want to be held. You push people/objects away with waving hands. Your nicknames include: CanCan, Sagey, Boy-Boy, CanCan Sagey, and Can-duh.

We love you so much! We pray for many years of loving you well so that you would come to know the Lord who loves you beyond measure. It is a gift to be your mama.

Love you so,
Mommy

P.S. Candor at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 , 10, 11 months and his birth story.