A Girl & Her Pony

Madison has always adored her Pony. But in the last month, her friendship with Pony has been taken to the next level. It really is the sweetest thing, and almost makes me want to cry. I think in the craziness that is our life right now, with so much change and transition, Pony is Madi's safe place. Her constant friend that is always there with her. Pony gets dressed every morning and wears pajamas every night. I mean, look...she even has a sleep mask! She gets her teeth brushed and is fed with a bottle or "real" food. She either goes to school with G-Ma or stays at home with me, while Madi is at school. Madison gives us instructions, like "Today is Art class, I want to see Pony's work," or "Make sure and do her piano lesson!" Hahaha! G-Ma is better than I am, and has actually made some artwork "by Pony" for Madison! 

A few times, when Madison has left Pony in the van or doesn't know where she is at bedtime, she has said, "Mommy, I just HAVE to find her...I gag when I don't have her at bedtime." Hahaha! Well, of course we don't want any gagging, so the search is always on for Pony and we are all VERY relieved and happy when we find her! 

Pony is a faithful friend to our sweet, Madi...I have given up on her hair, her head is a little wobbly, and she doesn't talk when you push her tummy anymore...but she hasn't lost her ability to give comfort, love and make Madison feel happy. We all pretty much think Pony is the greatest toy of all time! We love you, Pony!

Here is a picture of Pony helping G-Ma check out books in the library one day!

Pony has had her portrait done many, many times!

Madison LOVES outfits where she and Pony match. Grandma Baldwin is always good about finding these for her!

And of course she has to ride in a carseat, so she stays safe!

Jonah's 4th Birthday Letter

Jonah Mark,

You can't REALLY be 4 years old, can you?! You are so full of life and so much fun! You constantly make us laugh! You love Paw Patrol, playing with trains and Hot Wheels, pestering your sisters (especially Madi), eating Lunchables and pancakes, playing in the dirt, cuddling with Mommy, watching Minions (over and over and over)...You love "fixing things" with your tools and hanging with Daddy. Your smile and laughter are contagious! And for sure & certain, in a few years time, girls are going to be crushing on you...it just doesn't get any cuter than this face! 

You are definitely a strong-willed little guy...when we tell you to do something you don't want to do, you sometimes say, "But that's not my choice!" It's really hard not to laugh & I sometimes wonder if you will remember when you are older, how many spankin's you got when you were 3 and 4! I'm still not convinced we are ever going to reach the end of potty training, but you are doing so much better & we are so proud of you! We will get there...eventually! =0//

Jonah, we have many dreams for your life, but the most important is just that you would grown into a man who knows and loves Jesus with all your heart. You can do anything you set your mind to & we will be here to love and support you! The other day you asked me if I told God that I wanted a little boy...I said, "I sure did! And he gave me you...Jonah Mark Baldwin!" One of the three greatest gifts of my whole life. I know the day will come when you don't grab my face and give me 20 kisses on the cheeks...when you don't climb into bed with me every morning and hike your little leg over me...when you don't say "I yuv you, Mommy!" in that sweet little boy voice...but one thing that will never ever change...you will always and forever be my Son. My beautiful baby boy.

I love you, Jonah.

More than all the sand on the seashore. More than all the stars in the sky. To the moon and back...and back again...and again. More than words could ever say. It's true, you know...there is something very special between Momma's and their little boys...I am so thankful that God gave you to me so that we could experience it together. You have my whole heart. 

I am your biggest fan!

Happy 4th Birthday, sweet boy! 

I pray that this is going to be a great year for you!

Love,

Momma

Jonah's 4th Birthday Party

We got to celebrate Jonah's 4th Birthday party at G-Ma's house this year. He couldn't decide between Batman & Spiderman, so we just did both! Given that we just moved and started at new schools, and we were dealing with Daddy being sick, this party was completely thrown together at the last minute. Regardless of life circumstances, though, I am determined to always make sure my kids feel special and have fun birthday parties. I know people have different thoughts about this, but that's just how I feel about it! Jonah's party was so fun...we had hamburgers & hot dogs, and of course cake & cookies, and then the kids played outside in the treehouse, went fishing and got in the paddle boat. We were very thankful for all of the family and friends who were able to come. I was especially excited that our OCS friends, the Matthiesen's, were able to come! Since this was our first party away from Tulsa, there was definitely a little sadness for me, missing our friends and family that weren't able to be there. But it was fun to have our Newcastle area family there too! I had fun decorating and baking for this superhero party. It all came together, and you'd never know how chaotic and last minute it was. I went to a bakery, thinking I would just have the cake made, and they quoted me around $250...uhhhh, I don't think so! So I made it myself! It was far from perfect, but I was happy with it and Jonah loved it. Here are (A LOT) of pictures from the party. Every time I try to give myself a pep talk about taking less pictures, I just can't do it! 

Happy 4th Birthday, to our little Superhero! 

Silly boy! This face in the middle is his "normal" smile these days! 

I found these letters at Hobby Lobby and had to have them! Then I just tied them onto Superhero fabric and made a banner with them. 

Of course we all needed superhero shirts! 

Yep, here it is! The smile!

That's better!

Love this! 

The Matthiesen's got him this huge Batman bank! It is the coolest! And a little scary! Ha! 

It was a super hot day, but everyone had fun down at the pond and thankfully, no one fell in the water!

Jonah & Olivia are best buddies!

Sweet Lola! 

So thankful for this re-connected friendship with Lori! She has been a God-send, for sure. We had quite an exciting time in the paddle boat...she didn't want to get in to start with, but I made her, and then what do we see in the water? A SNAKE!

Hudson and Ty both caught their first fish ever!

It was very bright!

Jonah liked fishing...until he caught a fish!

Later that night, I was sitting on the couch and felt like someone was watching me...looked over...yep, creepy! Hahaha! 

I was completely impressed with Mackenzie's card and drawings for Jonah!