Andrew: 10 months

You are crawling like a maniac! Cruising along furniture and occasionally letting go. Instead of plopping down to the ground you slowly squat down and place yourself on the ground. As you crawl you've begun a slight bear crawl to get your feet on the ground. With two big siblings you've got your work cut out for you! They constantly pull at your arms, shove you, and test your balance. It's clear you're noticing the pattern because your squawks of dismay sound faster than ever before. Occasionally you allow Vince to carry you around, but you, Mr. Andrew, are an independent little boy.

When you see the bathroom/laundry door open you BOOK it and try to explore the unchartered territory. As you crawl toward those rooms I can see a look of pure excitement spread across your face. The sweet face is accompanied by an excited panting as you push yourself a fast as you can muster.

We're letting you explore more food and it's obvious that you're loving it. PB&J, pasta salad, spaghetti, pancakes... oh how fun it is to see you slurp up a mango smoothie through a straw with hands clenched tightly on the cup.

I can't get enough of your social personality. During scripture study and prayer you laugh hysterically at Kate and Vince. It doesn't make for a reverent evening... but certainly a joyous one.

Dad is teaching you about your tongue. You stick it out and bunch it up to make the silliest of faces. Daddy can't get enough of smacking his lips at you either. You look at each other and talk back in forth through lip smacking.

My favorite trick you've learned is giving hugs. You lean your little head in and rest it on my chest. It only lasts but a few moments, but it is as sweet as can be.

When I thought about having a third child I was beyond scared of how hard it would be. You have put that fear to rest, Andrew. Instead of making life harder you have been a beacon of light. You are the peacemaker in our family. Everyone comes together to love you and the worries and troubles of the day fade away. You make our home a better place. I am so thankful you chose to come to our family.