Almost 6

Madeline will turn six in less than one month. A few short days before her 6th birthday, she will begin first grade. I'm not sure how to express how dearly she touches my heart each day. She is, simply stated, a good kid. She is thoughtful, family-oriented, kind, safety-minded and smart. I am so proud of how she gets along with other children, of how fun she is to spend time with and of how many interests she has. I am proud of how intelligent and articulate she is. I am proud of how, at the age of 5 years, 11 months, she is very purposeful in many of the decisions she makes. She chooses to turn off the TV and engage in constructive activities. She chooses to read, write, draw and color. She chooses to play outside. She is the most grown up 5 year, 11 month old I have ever known. It seems like she has been older than her chronological age since the beginning. This ability to seem older than her stated age is certainly to the detriment of her brother and sister, as they are expected to behave as Madeline did at their ages. Jason and I are constantly trying to reframe the expectations we set forth for Sawyer and Eamon, as they are unfair. Madeline is an old soul.

When Madeline was just days past her 3rd birthday, she had heart surgery to correct a narrowing in the aorta that pumps blood to the bottom half of her body. It was so heart-wrenching for Jason and I. After her surgery, we were able to go see her in the pediatric ICU. She lay in her hospital bed, connected to more cords and machines than I care to recall, her long blond hair strewn around her. Despite the surroundings, she looked so angelic. Of course, she was heavily sedated but woke up slightly and recognized that we were standing by her bedside. Immediately, she spoke to us, "I'm not brave. Big sisters don't cry." She was referring to the fact that her baby sister was due to be born in two short weeks. We were unable to fight back tears and reassured her that she was certainly the bravest 3-year old on the planet. Much more brave than her Mom or Dad. Two days later, she was walking around the ICU. Five days after surgery, she came home. Every time I see her scar, I am so thankful to our Pediatrician for further exploring the murmur in my daughter's heart and my stomach becomes sick at the thought of children with undetected heart disease. We are so lucky to have our strong, healthy almost 6 year old girl; she is a gift and a joy. My heart truly swells when I think of how proud she makes me. It is such a privilege to be her mom. I am one proud Mama.

Family Hangover

We have a had a summer full of family. Family has come to stay here. We have gone to stay with family. It has been really nice. I love to see my neices on both sides of the family. I love my sister-in-law and her husband. I was able to see my brother, his wife and their son over the fourth when they so willingly drove to West Lafayette. My sister flew in from Colorado and stayed with us for several days. We have been to Ohio and my mom and step-dad have been to visit us. Our next endeavor is to throw my 65-year old retired father into our new mini-van and drive to Minnesota to return the favor of a visit to my brother. That should be interesting.

Jason and I are lucky that we each find it enjoyable to spend time with our own families as well as our in-laws. Nothing is perfect but, we are in a pretty good place as far as loving and accepting each other's families. Nonetheless, I predict a family hangover that may not resolve itself until around Christmas time once the summer comes to an end.

New Defense Strategy

Sometimes a team will repeatedly try a certain play to make a goal/basket/touchdown, etc. Team DeWitt has tried various defensive strategies to attain the goal of kids acting like they have some sense. Sometimes the zone defense works. Sometimes it's man-on-man. Generally, these defense strategies work well when used on Eamon and Madeline. They seem to fall for our secret plays on a regular basis with only minimal points for their side. As many of you know, Sawyer is a different story. We are having a very difficult time finding a defense that works for that kid. Honestly, she needs two parents to manage her at a time; one for her mental game and one for her physical game. She is a strong opponent and we struggle to keep up the pace, despite extensive training and watching the replays.

Dear Sawyer,
Our new defense, having tried the shades of gray-is black and white. If you are naughty, you go to your room. If you cry and whine for no reason- you go to your room. If you irritate people on purpose, in an attempt to gain negative attention- you go to your room. If you hurt your brother in any way -you go to your room. If you don't listen to directions within a reasonable period of time or come out of your time out area downstairs- you go to your room. If you come out of your room when put down for nap or bedtime, your bedroom door is locked with you on the inside. Oh, and by the way Sawyer, you are now going to bed at 8 pm, with only minimal exceptions on special occasions.

Try and bust this defense. Oh, and Daddy and I are really on the same team this time because Mommy has finally convinced him that you are not going to "grow out" of your naughty behavior without help from your parents. Go Team DeWitt.

We are doing this because we love you honey,
Mommy and Daddy