Valerie is growing up fast which has me excited and sad all at once.
She is passionate and feels things intensely- just like her mama who is really looking forward to when Valerie starts having boyfriends 4 years from now...
She is determined and does not give up if the stakes are high if she believes in something.
She is extremely unintimidated and much more confident of a girl than I ever was in all things- from standing up to herself (she called the police on a boy this summer for saying some really ugly things to her) to selling things for a fundraiser (anyone want frozen pizzas?) to trying to save animals (lately she is all about the lowland mountain gorilla and animals in shelters).
She wants everyone to be warm at night and have food in their belly and she is becoming more and more aware of people and less aware of herself.
Valerie is especially interested in in infants and toddlers and recently has been seeking out mothers (especially at church) to help them with their babies during church meetings, ESPECIALLY if they have a baby boy. Yesterday she got to babysit (to her heart's JOY!) little Henry while his mom helped the little ones practice for primary. She is very much anticipating her little brother. She has such a kind soul for her cousins, friend's and family and really wishes we were closer to those we are related to.
She loves chocolate with drizzles of chocolate and while we're at it, let's add some more chocolate. She loves subway (as of this summer), sprite, salt and vinegar chips, sugarfree gum, texting, e-mailing, and watching movies with Matt, and being pampered.
LOOK AT THOSE CHEEKS!! 7 pounds last week with 4.5 more to go!!
Asher is quite a personality too! I never realized so much with Valerie- she just kinda hung out till she was born. Asher is all personality in utero.
He LOVES church, he gets all excited and wont sit still (that will be fun for Matt!), he loves Mexican food and bathtime and responds to each every time. He loves his daddy and calms right down when Matt talks to him and puts his hand on my belly. He sleeps very well when (rarely) I get to sleep in the morning with Matt when Matt gets home, or on Sundays.
He HATES the straps of the non-stress test and moves all around to avoid them- responding both to the pressure and to the sound of his heartbeat and movements. He LOVES being patted by my students and is very fond of one of them- LaKia- he always moves for her.
He responds to mommy being sad every time so I have to make sure I stay happy. He wakes up for my shots and goes to sleep when I do and has been staying asleep when I have to get up during the night. He prefers me on my left side and wakes up and struggles the moment I move to my right side or my back- he definitely likes to cuddle but not to be to constrained.
He likes talking about science and generally is awake the entire time I lecture- especially in my Biology of Women class. That makes me laugh, we are talking about menstruation this week.
His favorite times are meal time and when daddy gets home and he sleeps in the car.
We can not wait to meet him, but wow, do we love him so much already.
8 comments:
Looks like you'll have a built-in baby sitter for little brother any time you want one. You're going to love that, as we did with Leslie.
And as for Asher, typical guy - those menstruation discussions will get him every time.
David
i am so amazed at these two remarkable children. first, that valerie is looking outside herself to give service. wow! she really is a kind hearted, loving girl. and i am amazed at how well you know asher. i don't think i knew any of my children the way you know him. very impressive. can't wait to meet him either, and to see valerie again. love, grandma
I was thinking the same thing, mom!! I have never paid that much attention when I'm pregnant. I always noticed when I was in the temple Lilia & Eva got really active. I'm going to try to do that the next time around.
I loved reading this! Thanks Crystal!
^^ from Dana
I think, actually most people (especially my Drs) are surprised that I know so much about his temperment and even more so, that I am generally right. I think there are a couple reasons- one, he really is a particular little guy (no surprise there with his parents) and two- he is absolutely more expressive than Valerie was for sure. She was not nearly so adamant about all things. Asher really is. The biggest reason, is that I bet this will be our last pregnancy and in addition, it has always (and still is) been very scary. First the every week spotting, then finding the blood clotting disorder, and that... really changed me. If I don't feel him move, I am paranoid so two things are happening. I take mental note every time I feel him move, which has made me very aware of his patterns and 2, I stop and touch him and tell him I love him because... it is important. My friends lost 2 babies at 7 months from this disease and I am terrified of that. I also have learned things to induce movement just in case I get too paranoid. The best is how he responds to Matt though. I keep joking (halfway) that he likes Matt more... we will see, but he definitely responds to his daddy... I forgot to mention above, he also responds to Valerie and her flute O-o which is fun for everybody at this stage ;-)
Thanks for the comments, guys, he can hardly wait to meet you all... after he is born on the 17th of October or before...
This is fascinating. It makes me want to pay extra-close attention...next time I'm pregnant, that is. Thank you for sharing! I can't wait to come down and meet him!
Being Valerie's step-dad has made me pretty good at painting toes. Even though I know Colin would probably tease me mercilessly about this one I don't have a problem admitting to this one. Valerie is a great kid and I really want her to want me as a part of her life. By no means do I want to replace her dad but I hope she will consider me a good friend.
Movies are one of the other areas we can have bonding time. Don't worry everyone I'm learning to avoid quoting movie lines.
I look forward to meeting Asher very soon. As I've said before I really hope he has his mother's eyes and her scholastic ability. She really is an amazing woman partly because of her metal capacity.
I'm very grateful for my family and how each of them strengthens me.
By the way, it's worth anyone's time to ask Valerie why she's Digit the Silverback's biggest fan.
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