June and Hazel

Hair of tarnished gold and eyes the shape of a newly crescent moon, grey and blue. She feels her emotions like a deep sea diver feels the salty water envelop, while others merely snorkel on by. She is adventure and Disney songs. She is a baker and a sister. Wild and increasingly brave, while she is mine, she is the earth's and the heaven's. And forever she will be an Ivory colored June.

While I feel like I've made so many mistakes in mothering June, as she is my first and I have no idea what I am doing, I also find each day to feel so new and exciting with her.  It's the first time I've ever had a 4 year, 9 month, 2 week and 5 days old child before.

And it's been a wild ride!

One huge thing that I am beaming with pride over is how June has grown recently in her swimming skills. She's always loved to play in the water, but only on her terms and if she felt safe and held tight. She wouldn't even try to touch the bottom of the shallow end and heaven forbid she got splashed or went under the water!

But she's been taking swimming lessons since September and she's a totally different girl now! It's been a scary process for her but she's been so brave and tried new things and found that she loved it and is good at it!

Now she not only jumps in, goes under the water, dives down, and swims on her own, she is also filled with a new confidence and it's a beautiful thing to see! She's really accomplished something huge and we are so so proud of our June bug, our little mermaid!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rusty tousled hair, sky blue eyes, and the roundest little face. She would unravel without constant nuzzles and hugs. Easily persuaded with chocolate and observant; she will simply watch and then do. She's a gracious and polite little thing who relies on her big sister for sneaking snacks and cuddles. She is goofy and a rascal. But a fire is within her and her trust is a gift she gives out carefully. Her love is pure, whole, and completing.

I can't believe that I was ever afraid to add another child into our family because it has been the best idea. These past two years have been so peaceful with her, even though there have been challenges, I hardly remember them.

Lately we have been overwhelmed with gratitude and pride for how well Hazel has taken to potty training. Sure, she still has some accidents but over all she stays dry for hours and through naps and night time, she tells us when she needs to go and then does it!

Maybe it seems funny to write about potty training but this has been a bonding experience for us and even a positive one! There have been lots of hugs and "I'm proud of you's." Hazel has been beaming with pride and confidence for her new found "big girl" skill. I know there will still be ups and downs but she did it and we are so so proud!