Stats

Here we are another year down.  I am still trying to keep all this info in the same place.  Here are the 2016 Paige and Alaina stats.  The physical gap is closing as they get older.  There is now only 5 inches and 5 pounds separating them.  The personality gap, however, is still as wide as the Grand Canyon.  But they are becoming the best of friends which warms this momma's heart.  They insist on sleeping together in Paige's twin bed every night and my favorite sight each day is looking in on them sleeping inches from one another so peacefully.  My greatest blessings definitely do call me Mom.

Paige stats:
Age - 10
Height - 144.2 cm/56.75 in/4ft 8 and 3/4in = 80%
Weight - 29.5kg/65.1lb = 25%
BP - 112/64

Alaina stats:
Age - 8
Height - 131.5cm/51.75in/4ft 3 and 3/4in = 65%
Weight - 27.55kg/60.7lb = 60%
BP = 112/58

Sleepovers

One thing I would go back and do different, is to never start letting my girls attend sleepovers.  It isn't something I thought too much about, to be frank.  I had fun at them as a kid.  It started out harmless with families that we know well and trust, but then, there are girls at those sleepovers who ask, and pretty soon, I wish I had never said yes to any of them.  So far it has been fine We are learning as we go and talking about what to do if certain situations would ever come up.  So if you have littles and sleepovers haven't started yet, think it through.  Here's what I would change.  I would let them go, but pick them up at 10pm instead of having them stay all night.  They would get to be there for all the fun, but then come home for a good nights sleep.  I would do this across the board, no matter who it is.  Yes, I am the parent, and I won't always say yes to sleepovers if I'm uncomfortable.  I just wanted to put it out there, that I would do it different from the start next time.

It's morning...Right?!

So last night Mark and I rented a movie to watch after the girls went to bed.  They'd had a few late nights and busy days so it was an early to bed night...7:30 (gasp).  We got them all tucked in and started our movie in the basement.  Around 8:30 we heard little footsteps on the main floor.  I yelled up to see who was up.  No answer and we heard footsteps run back upstairs to the bedroom.  I thought whoever it was just needed a drink.  Which is nothing new.  Next thing we know, we hear footsteps again and this time Alaina appears on the steps coming down the basement.  She is completely dressed and asked what we were doing and why Daddy wasn't at work.  Little Miss thought she had slept all night, came down and opened the shades (the sun hadn't set yet, so there was still light), got dressed for the day, and was wearing a big smile.  She had NO IDEA it was still evening. We sure got a good chuckle.

Alaina doesn't really care to be laughed with, so she is not super fond of this story yet.  We keep telling her she needs to learn to laugh at herself.  Someday we will read this and all laugh together.

The Stats

How are my girls 7 and 9 already?  Here are their stats for this year.

Paige age 9 -

Height: 138cm/4'6 and 3/4" (75%)

Weight: 26.6kg/58.75lbs (25%)

BP: 104/74

Alaina age 7 -

Height:  124cm/4'3/4" (50%)

Weight:  22.7kg/50lbs (50%)

BP: 106/72

Little look a-likes!

This is Alaina and her cousin, Isabelle, at roughly the same age.  Crazy similar.  I could claim Isabelle as my own (and I totally would, except I don't think her parents would let me).  Love it!

All about Alaina

So there are still a few words that Alaina hasn't quite grasped the pronunciation of.  I love it and am having a hard time correcting her.  Here they are:

rockamole = guacamole
ricorice = licorice
alligator = escalator (Paige tries to correct her on this all the time.)

and she does know now that kiwi is kiwi, but still chooses to call it pooey (and so do the rest of us)!

She adores helping in the kitchen and seems to have a radar for when I am starting to make anything.  I keep telling myself that these "lessons" will pay off someday and I really need to cherish this time with her.

This may be a little too much information, but I want to remember, so here it is....she takes FOREVER to do her business in the bathroom.  It's not so bad when we are at home, but let me tell you, waiting with her in a stall at a restaurant or store for 25 minutes or longer is painful.  She is clockwork, and goes almost everyday right after lunch.  I don't think she goes at school because she is afraid of how long it will take.  So there you have it!  Sorry, future Alaina, for putting this out there, it's who you are are.

Things she loves:  BATHS (would take 2 or 3 a day if we let her), her friends, playing outside, animals and bugs, singing and making a joyful noise, crafts of all kinds, and getting the mail!

She will be the first to tell you that she plans to marry her friend Zachary.  It's a mutual decision so far (and perfectly okay with the parents, too).  They are so cute and non-chalant about it.   I love it!  But watch out Zac.......

Alaina is extremely stubborn and we are often finding ourselves clashing a bit.  I truly think she intends to obey, just after she finishes her agenda.  So we are learning how to communicate with each other so we aren't both always frustrated.  She hates jeans, tie shoes, and having to do things she doesn't deem important.  I pray her tenacity serves her well in life and in her walk with Jesus.

And as much as she sometimes frustrates me, she is also so full of love and hugs and smiles.  She loves life and finds so much joy in the little things.  Her enthusiasm for new things is contagious.  She adores her big sis and brings so much laughter to our home.  Love this girl!

Fun in the snow!

The girls have been dying to make an igloo in the snow.  They couldn't quite figure out how to get a roof on it, but are still thrilled!  Thanks to Daddy for braving the cold and helping them have a great time!