One Thing Remains

It’s starting – the sibling rivalry. Ok, it started a few weeks ago, but it’s becoming more evident and frequent. It’s what we asked for though. Not necessarily the rivalry, but the sibling part…yes. We got what we asked for and it’s great (perspective, right?) And so there are many more opportunities for teaching (and learning) patience, grace, sharing, and forgiveness. It’s good. For all of us. As an only-child, this is all new to me. The same question to Russ continues…”is this normal?” And he gives the same resounding “yes”! Not only are the boys learning about having a sibling, I’m learning how to parent siblings. Gee, maybe this is why I’m so tired at the end of the day. Talk about weakness and the need for God's grace! 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, 

so that Christ's power may rest on me. 

2 Corinthians 12:9

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his 

compassions never fail. They are new every morning;


great is your faithfulness.” 
Lamentations 3:22-23 

Our family trip to the zoo

The fact that Samuel was somewhat interested in the 

birds is hilarious given that he tried to stomp on a few 

when we first walked in the exhibit.

Joey is still very interested in seeing how many 

birds he can feed and hold on his finger.

Samuel is still rather quiet around the house. Of course, that is compared to Joey who talks ALL. THE. TIME. Joey yells. Samuel yells. Monkey see, Monkey do. And then, Joey gets upset when Samuel yells or makes any loud sound in the car. Our pot does call out our little kettle! 

In the quiet moments, this little guy can 

most likely be found in the "diner room"

Quite the cyclist 

He was on a mission here to find the end of 

the trail he saw on a "treasure map" at the park.

Samuel can be pretty laid back and easily calmed for the most part. Since he shared every single toy with his friends in China, I don’t think he quite grasps that all the things he sees in his room are essentially his toys. For this transition time, it’s probably a good thing. He’s not possessive. He has not yet mumbled the word “mine”. It will come. And when he gets upset, he might swing at me (which feels like a firm pat on the arm) or stomp his cute little feet. Within a few moments, all has blown over. Life is good again. He bounces back quickly. He does not like to be reminded that we don’t hit and that we touch gently, but he knows it. He has heard us say that a million times and he gets it. 

The boys are still trying to figure out their roles in the family. After being an only child for 5+ years, Joey is now forced to share everything with a little guy who curiously explores every inch of the house. While the adjustment to a newborn would bring its own set of challenges, this is different from a newborn who is rather stationary. This new brother walks into the house and touches everything. 

First haircut in Texas

Handsome fella with a spikey rock star do

Joey has asked if Samuel can move to a different house. Ouch! So, one minute he wants his brother to move, but the next they are giggling and glad to have each other. 

Samuel can’t open doors yet, but he can empty a book shelf in 3 seconds. He can grunt (or “honk”) until you want to pull your ears off. He can tear up a mind-boggling Lego creation without much effort. Joey loves this little guy though. He is still very intentionally and helpful when it comes to helping Samuel into the booster seat or putting on his bib. Joey is quick to share when Samuel first signs “please”. Joey is focused on preventing Samuel from putting any small toy parts in his mouth. He has recently taken on the responsibility of singing Samuel a lullaby each night and some naptimes too. He sings it to the tune of “Lullaby and Goodnight”, but the words change continuously. The song always concludes with a phrase about “whether I’m sad or I’m mad” and he goes on to close it out with “I will always loves you.” It’s so sweet! Maybe the stuffy-nosed voice makes it even cuter. Much like our frustrating moments throughout the day, when it’s all said and done, we look back on our day and realize one thing still remains…love.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.” 

1 Corinthians 13:13