Your First Little Sister

Maximus,
  When daddy and I started the foster care process, our biggest concern was how this would affect you and Titus.  There were times throughout our classes and discussions about foster care that you seemed upset that we were going to bring in another child. At first I think you were confused because you seemed to think that bringing "a new brother or sister" into the home meant you would have to trade Titus for them and you didn't want to lose Titus :). Once we explained to you that that wasn't going to happen, you seemed a little better but still hesitant.
  Then Mariah came into our lives. She was 4 months old and had been living with our friends the Henderson's since she was born. They asked us to watch her for 5 days while they went to Disneyland and we agreed, excited to see how our family would handle having a third child in the home.  Well instantly we all fell in love with her. You and Titus just kept wanting to play with her and talk sweet to her. By the time the 5 days were up, we were all really sad to see her go. Fortunately, the Henderson's recognized that bond that we developed and talked with us about maybe one day moving Mariah into our home longterm.  Since then we have spent every weekend with her. She is an absolutely precious baby. She is so sweet and she doesn't cry much, but when she does, you are always right there to comfort her, without me having to ask.  In fact, this morning, I heard her start to fuss and by the time I got up and went in to get her, you were in her room, down on your knees with your arm reaching in the crib and rubbing her hair. You were singing "Hush Little Baby" to her. I could not believe how sweet that moment was. You have such a genuinely GOOD heart. You have so much love for others. That is my favorite thing about you.
   While we are speaking about things I love about you, how about the fact that you are four and have begun teaching yourself basic addition and subtraction! You have been reading for almost 2 years now, so I guess it made sense that you would move on to another subject! I just can't believe how smart and intuitive you are.
   You are also so funny. Today when I was telling you to taste your vegetables, you told me (as you have a couple times before) that "sometimes you just taste food with your heart," in order to get away from having to eat them! Haha, you just crack me up.
I recognize that it is tough to be the oldest because we have really high standards for you and we expect you to lead your brother(s and sisters) by example. I hate to admit that sometimes I am especially harsh with you when everything seems chaotic. I regret that and will try harder to keep my patience.  I love you sweet boy.

Maximus + Ashlynn

One of our favorite things to do together
is play games while Titus naps.

Oh Maximus you just keep adding to the list of things that make you uniquely wonderful! Some girl is going to be so blessed to have you for a husband some day, just like I am blessed to have you as a son. From a pretty young age you started showing your romantic side. You have given me flowers in the middle of the night, told me over and over that I am beautiful and made sweet statements like "mommy, you are my favorite channel" while gazing lovingly into my eyes. About 2 years ago I had cut my hair short (shoulder length) and you used to find pictures of me with long wavy hair and say, "mommy, I want your hair like that." Now that I have long hair anytime I have it up in a ponytail you scold me and tell me to take it down because you like it "long." Its so amusing to me the way you pay attention to those details and it feels special that you are in this phase of having a crush on your mommy, especially because I know eventually I will be sharing you with another girl.

You and some good neighbor friends

Well, turns out I am already having to share you with another girl. Ashlynn is a little cutie in your pre-school class that you have been hanging out with on the playground.  Grammy had told me that you told Ashlynn you liked her and she said, "he likes me because I am cute."  Ashlynn's mommy also told me that Ashlynn thinks you are cute.  This budding relationship became even more apparent as Valentine's Day approached. Everyone was given a list of all the kids in class to make Valentine's day cards. Colin's mommy told me that Colin wasn't making much progress on his list because he refused to do one for Ashlynn because he doesn't like her since you always sit by her and talk to her instead of him.  Then the other day I asked you if you were excited to give Ashlynn her Valentine's card and you said, with a sad look in your eyes, "No, Ashlynn is mad at me and doesn't like me anymore." You went on to explain that on the playground she wanted you to play with her but you were swinging with your friends and didn't want to leave them. You said that Ashlynn got mad and threw wood chips at you.  You seemed genuinely upset by having to "choose" between your girl and your buddies.

You and Ashlynn

Fortunately, Ashlynn must have forgiven you because when I took you to class the week of Valentine's Day, you brought a special Ninja Turtle heart Valentine box filled with chocolate for her. She was there with her daddy and you walked up to her and got shy. I encouraged you to ask her daddy if she could be your Valentine. You shyly asked him and he said yes. Ashlynn was beaming as you handed over the Valentine. She gave you a hug and her dad snapped a picture.

Riding bikes (without training wheels)
with your buddy Colin

Your first sleepover (campout in the backyard)
with daddy, Colin and Colin's daddy. 

Now I hear you, Ashlynn, Colin, Easton and Charlie all play together on the playground. I like that. I am glad your first girlfriend is fun and can hang out with the guys but is also sweet.  Colin is getting plenty of bro time too, so he doesn't have to be jealous of your relationship with Ashlynn.  In fact the other day he came and had a sleepover in the backyard with you, daddy and Chris!  You were so excited and you made it the whole night! I love these memories and this special time in your life. Some day you will make a wonderful husband/daddy but for now you are my little casanova!