Isla is going to walk for real any day now. She takes a few steps here and there and has just discovered the joy of climbing. She wouldn't be a Whipple baby if she didn't think climbing was more important than walking. She continues to smile constantly. Aunt Devon has commented that she likes to see how Isla can force a smile through anything, be it teething, sickness, just getting hit by a sibling, you name it.
Charlie just started attending preschool two weeks ago. He was a little unsure of the idea of preschool, but once he got on that bus with Nancy he was completely obsessed. The next day we took the big girls to school and he saw a bus and said "my bus." And then he thought for a mint and said, "Nancy's bus!" He loves taking his back pack and lunch. I have never met a kid who needed to be outside like Charlie. It can be freezing outside and he insists on playing in it.
Ruby is really enjoying writing letters and she writes her name beautifully, She is also a budding artist and loves to dance. While helping back stage during the Nutcracker rehearsals I heard her teacher say "Put Ruby first; she's fearless." Yep, that sums her up. She still loves "blank" her special blankie, And I love how affectionate she is. She is very sensitive and offered hugs to all family members when they are needed.
Jane is our early-riser. She wakes up around 6 and usually reads till more of us are ready to get up. Basically Jane reads, writes, and draws all day while she's not at school or ballet. She is very detail oriented and her writing and pictures are indicative of that. She is now in first grade and still loves to play with her bestie Delila. She even got Delila to begin ballet a few months ago and that fueled a new love of ballet for Jane.
Emma has matured a lot lately. She is in fourth grade and is in a spectrum class with 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. She is definitely being challenged which is great. Emma has been such a great helper especially with Isla and Charlie (who calls her "my Emma"). She is back in ballet and absolutely loves it. She plays the piano and is trying to practice regularly enough so that I will be willing to teach her to play the violin.
Derek changed jobs last January but still remains at the site. He still loves his calling working with the missionaries, and we love being so involved with the work. Derek's a great dad. On any given night he is dancing in the living room with our kids and recently bought a speaker/disco ball thing to enhance the craziness, The girls think it's fun to have dad do "ballet" lifts with them.
I am just doing my best to keep a good balance here...keeping kids clothed, fed, and a clean house takes a lot of work and I feel so blessed to be a mother and wife. I've recently found that I have some time to read while Isla naps and the other kids are at school. It is enjoyable to remember that I do have hobbies that I can pursue. And now I will add blogging back in as well!
