2011 has been a wonderful, miraculous, and challenging year for our family. We started the year knowing we will have a new baby boy added to our family. Wanting a different and more holistic birth experience, we researched our choices and initially chose to work with midwives through a hospital. But eventually, due to some issues with our midwives, we chose to give birth to A in our home with just the four of us. When I was not convinced that A will come that night/morning as a result of castor oil induction, J and W were convinced and excitedly decided to “camp” in our bedroom with their sleeping bags. Of course, they were right. At 12:29am of 6/6, they witnessed the water birth of their little brother. He came out with his water bubble still fully intact and eyes wide open. Daddy had to pry the amniotic sac open to get the little dude out. Oh, the little boy was so red, like Esau from the bible! And he had just as much hair as his sister J except for the first few months, his hair stood up like magic with long sideburns making him look like a “Chinese Elvis”.
Ever since the birth of A, our lives have changed dramatically. Let’s just say this boy is a real little character and is too much like the energizer bunny. W called him “red hot head” for the first few months. Even now at close to 7 months, putting him to nap is such a challenge and our lives revolve around it. He doesn’t fall sleep anywhere like J and W. Then there is still the frequent night waking and feeding. I have just read about all the baby sleep books and tried all the recommended methods with no lasting success. But we still all absolutely adore him. Balancing a new baby who sleeps little and homeschooling is really hard. As a result, I changed our homeschool curriculum so the kids can work more independently. They are such troopers and rose to the challenge with much grace.
As a result of visits to the midwives, J added MIDWIFE to her long list of future career choices. From the beginning, she is a natural little mommy and a great help. She lavishes love and attention on Alex while learning to care and diaper change him (even the poopy ones). For W, there has been a learning curve but he has come a long way and can now be counted to hold/entertain A w/o getting too excited or crazy. It’s truly a joy to see how much they love A.
This year has been an exciting and busy year for J. There were dance classes and rehearsals in preparation for dance competitions, raising sponsorship fees and competing in National American Miss (winning in talent for her dance) in the spring/summer, auditioning, rehearsing and dancing in the Broadway style show of CC Christmas Spectacular in fall/winter. The best part is she loves every minute of it and works very hard at her art. We are really seeing her blossoming in many areas including a knack for working with technology. Who Knew? Daddy calls her “little techie”. J also enjoys playing piano, drawing/designing beautiful clothes and writing/illustrating short stories. This year she also tried weaving through her homeschool class.
W is also discovering who he is. This year, he has narrowed his career choice from artist to COMIC ARTIST. There’s not a day that goes by without him working on some kind of comic drawing or reading some comic book. Some of his favorite comic includes Tin Tin and Stone Rabbit. He continues to participate in soccer and Boy Scout. He also participated in archery and tried his hand at clay this year and enjoys them very much.
Daddy's company got bought this year so he’s now working for a new company. We’re thankful for all that God has provided and just an amazing year.
Wishing you and your family the very best in 2012!!
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