Aleeya Lily, my sister's daughter. Born February 23rd 2009.
She is incredible. Full of life, silliness, stubborness, and resilience. She laughs at her self, makes my sister and I laugh with her sayings, and is so completely bursting with personality. She loves to be outside, and is my running and hiking partner, and will go swimming at any moment. Her words are so funny because they are a mix of spanish and english, and she can't say her "s's" and her "d's" are usually replaced with a "y" sound. (She calls me "Hi-yee") When she sees me, she comes running, and gives me a big hug around the neck. She lets me braid her hair and give her big smooches all over her face. She mimics those around her, so her expressions are hilarious. She is beautiful and my heart bursts with joy for her. Often when I come to see her she screams and yells out of excitment. That is what Im doing on the inside!
Lucia Susan, my friend Stefanie's daughter. Born July 26th, 2007.
Lucie is my twin. We have the same personality-she is so excited about life, jumps from one thing to the next, is very much a lover and cuddler, and is beyond hyper at times. Whenever I come to see her the love she gives me is beyond words-always a bounding hug that is with her whole and doesn't let go until she's kissed at least 3 times. She is becoming a beautiful little lady and it is been amazing to watch her grow. She is headstrong and passionate, and will do anything with me. From adventures, to dress up, to dancing, to princesses, to just making silly faces and taking picture after picture. She knows just what I need to feel completely loved by her, and she doesn't even know it yet!
Sofia Marie, Stefanie's second daughter. Born January 17th, 2009.
Sofia is a gentle spirit full of love. She is incredible smart and her voice is the sweetest. She learned to talk and to sing and never fails to make me giggle with her pronounciation of words like a little proper lady. She will patiently sit in my lap, snuggle in, and just be. She loves books and has the attention span to actually learn and memorize all her favorites. She has a quiet way about her, and I love to watch her learn, explore her world, and follow her big sister around. She lets me shower her with affection and gives it right back.
Elisa Vianne, Stefanie's third. Born December 6th, 2010.
Elsie is the newest, and we still can't figure out if she will look like a Sofie or a Lucie. I experienced her giggle for the first time yesterday, as we looked in the mirror and made faces at eachother. Her soft cheek next to mine was so sweet, and I am so excited to watch her grow.
Priest Braxton, Tryenyse and Stacey's son. Born September 9th, 2006.
Priest is the only one I haven't known since birth. I met him, I think, when he was around 6-9 months-I can't remember if I met him spring or summer of 2007. Either way he was a cute little baby. I really started spending time with him when he was around 2 and a half. He is the most articulate, self aware 4 year old you'll ever meet. We have such wonderful times, going go the beach, the park, the library, sledding, all sorts of adventures! I have the luxury of living a few blocks away, so we spend lots of time playing trains, running errands, baking, going to coffee shops-whatever it may be! He is so lovely, and my favorite moments with him are bedtime. He loves to read, quote scripture, and sing before he falls asleep. His favorite for me to sing is "Somewhere over the rainbow" and I love singing it to him! Sometimes he tells me that he thinks my heart is beautiful, and man that is the best. I say that he is my best date yet.
These are my children, whom I love, and bring my great joy. I am so thankful that God knows the desires of our hearts, and He will satisfy them in ways we could not have imagined!
