The Rowans 4: December 2014

This year is almost over! How is that possible? It has been a wonderful, and very busy year! I wouldn't trade it! Well since my last post we have celebrated a special little girl's first birthday! Miss Hailey had a wonderful birthday celebration. Her Mimi came in town to help us celebrate her first year of life. We had a small party here at home and she loved it! She was a happy camper about her first cupcake! It was so much fun to watch her. At 12 months Hailey had 5 teeth, started taking her first steps, and started using more and more words. She loves to say Mama, Dada, uh oh, all done, no no no and da for dog. There are more but those are the ones that I can remember right now. She is really copying sounds and trying to make new words all the time. She loves to copy sneezing sounds and every now and then I hear her trying to say something that big sister said. At her 1 year well check up she was 20 lbs (24th %) and 29.5 inches (52nd %). She's growing well and appears to be slightly more petite than her sister was at this age. Hailey is changing so much right now and I'm not sure that I am ready for it! She really wants to be like a big kid! Her precious personality is really starting to shine. She loves to laugh and is a funny girl! She is also showing her demanding side! This girl knows what she wants and is NOT amused when things don't go her way. This should be fun! She loves to climb, climb, climb. She sees all the big kids doing things and she wants to do them too. I am constantly trying to save her from herself. She's gotten a few pretty good bumps and bruises... naturally. We sure do love our Hailey and are thankful to God that he picked us to be her family. She is a special girl and I know that God has great plans for her life. It will be fun to watch them unfold.

Callie is doing well! She recently started a two day a week pre-k program. She goes for half a day and really loves it. She is doing very well and is excited to go everyday. Tonight we just got back from her first Christmas program. Her class sang "Joy to the World" and "We Wish you a Merry Christmas". She was all into it! She loved singing and doing the hand motions. I was a proud Mommy watching her! She loves reading and is getting better and better everyday! It is fun to be able to write her notes that she can read! This girl is growing like a weed. I'm enjoying the moments where I am taller than her... they are numbered! Callie has a great group of friends here and cant wait for kindergarten. Time needs to slow down! Speaking of time, I seem to need more of it! This is just that stage of life that is a little messy. The laundry piles are endless, toys are everywhere and I pretty much run around like a crazy woman driving Callie to all of her beloved activities. On Monday Callie has gymnastics and usually a play date right after with a friend. Tuesday is preschool, Wednesday is learning group and swimming lessons, Thursday is preschool and AWANA. And Friday is our wonderful amazing free day. I cherish that because next year that will be gone.

Callie is very excited about Christmas and our upcoming Texas trip. She can't wait to see everyone. We started Elf on the Shelf this Christmas and Callie has loved it. It really is fun to watch her light up with Christmas spirit. As much fun as it is, we are really trying to focus on the real reason for Christmas. Our wonderful Savior's birth is the most special and amazing thing of the season. I hope you all are doing well. I pray that all of you feel the joy and peace that only comes with knowing Christ as Savior. Merry Christmas!
Erin