Four Years Old!

Levi Olin, you are 4 years old today!

- You love to be outside! And even though it's gotten colder, I still get you out there most days. You like to use your imagination, using your rake as a sword and doing tricks. You run and run in our great backyard. You are getting better at playing with Marshall although he is still a puppy and likes to run and jump and nip and knock everyone over! You have so much energy, so I'm always thankful on the days you can get outside and run some of it off!

- You love "Meomi" so much! You like to give her bottles, hold her, and play with her, right in her face.

- We've recently begun to eliminate gluten from your diet. The chiropractor thinks you might have leaky gut syndrome, so in addition to dairy (which we were mostly doing anyway) we have gotten rid of most gluten and you do seem to be doing better - behaviorally, less tantrums and out of control behavior, and physically - you don't seem as bloated and uncomfortable. We are happy with the progress we've made!

Halloween 2017 

I love your sweet smile in this picture. You loved these bat ears we picked up for your Halloween outfit!

I hope you will be best friends!

- You love animals. Here, you were playing with a cat at Aunt Heather's house and trying to convince us to take him home with us. But we are pretty much at capacity here ;)

- You were so proud you used some of your piggy bank money to help us get supplies for Marshall before we brought him home with us in August.

Mother's Day 2017

- You had some cavities filled and covered in the spring. You did an awesome job! You followed the dentist's and nurse's directions so well they were impressed as well! They were actually able to get all the work done in 2 visits instead of 3 because you were so cooperative. This picture is from the second visit when you got so relaxed you actually fell asleep by the end :D

Easter 2017

- You have really begun to thrive when we take you on special time with either Daddy or I. You enjoy going out and about and meeting and talking to new people. Noodles and Co. became a favorite earlier in the year (before going gluten-free) because your love spaghetti! Whenever I ask you want you want to eat your response is *almost* always "Pasta!" I am excited to take you out with Daddy for special time to see your birthday movie "Ferdinand" and then we are going to Red Robin to eat afterward. I think we look forward to this yearly tradition almost as much as you do! You have a countdown in your room to keep track of the day until special time as well as your birthday. You've been talking about your birthday for months now! It is one of the things you say you are thankful for when we go around and ask everyone at supper each night.

February 13, 2017 

- You sing a lot! If we aren't listening to music, you are often singing a song, sometimes with made up words.

December 19, 2016

Birthday Interview: 12-16-17
What is your favorite food? Cupcakes!
What is your favorite movie? "How to train Your Dragon" and " ferdinand"
Favorite Drink: smoothies (pronounced smoovies)
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Song: Jingle Bells
Things to do: Help Daddy go window washing. and, i know, lights! that's everything I want. 
Favorite Outfit: Long sleeves. 
Favorite Outing: Go to church and sing and go to my class. 
What do you like about Zeke? I like sleeping with Zeke, and resting with Zekey, and making gingerbread houses and blankets. 
Zoë? I like Zoë not pinching me and... toys with Zoë, music with Zoë and playing guns and shooting with her. 
Naomi? Looking at me. Meomi, Mommy feeding Meomi.
Mommy? Feeding Meomi. 
Daddy? Daddy... sleeping with us and scratching {my back} and telling us stories. 
Summer or Winter? Winter and snow. 
Anything else? No, that's all my things. 

Happy Birthday Levi! You are a wonderful boy! You are outgoing and kind. You care deeply about your family and have a great sense of protectiveness. You like to enjoy life and laugh big. You have begun dressing yourself {so awesome!!} and help us set and clear the tables at meals. We often come up with "jobs" around the house to keep you out of trouble; you like to stay busy and keep moving! When we leave a place, or when Daddy leaves to work, and at night you have to give "a kiss and a hug!" sometimes more than once. You wake up in the morning ready to talk and do. Sometimes Daddy or I have to ask you to be quiet or go to a different room because you're ready to help and ask questions and we're suffering from sleep deprivation ;) I hope you keep your zest for life! I pray you will use your strength for good and together we will learn how to harness and embrace those big emotions. Have fun! Live big! Love well! I pray these things for your life now and in the future. Love, Mommy