Rayna has always been my quiet, deep-thinking, people-pleasing child.

So when I found out we were going to have another baby (although it seems completely irrational now), I was somewhat worried about how a new baby would affect a child who, just based on her shy disposition and soft-spoken personality, already had the tendency to be over-looked by others around her.

But, something happened when we introduced Rayna to her new little sister…

Rayna gently climbed into the hospital bed beside me, held her little arms out and easily pulled her new baby sister close to her body.
Ross left with grandparents, but Rayna stayed.
Nurses came in and out, but Ruthie remained in Rayna’s arms the majority of the day.
Ruthie would occasionally squirm and fuss, but Rayna sat still and stayed as calm as a seasoned mother.

From that time, Ruthie has ADORED Rayna.
When I get Ruthie out of her crib before the sun comes up and we walk down the hall to climb back into my bed, she’ll hold her arms out towards Rayna’s room and yell, “Sissy!  Bed!  Sissy!”

But, I’m pretty sure Rayna feels the same way about Ruthie.
At least once a week, Rayna will look-up at my with those big blue eyes and softly say, “Mom… I’m SO glad we had Ruthie.”

Their relationship and love is so wonderful.

Not only did Ruthie fill Rayna’s heart with even MORE love and tenderness than she had before, a bond was formed that they will both cherish the rest of their lives.

To most people, Ross is just a normal 8-year old boy.
He gets really dirty, picks-over most any food on his plate and gives me grief every time I mention ‘homework,’ ‘reading,’ or hand-washing.

But, to the few people who truly KNOW Ross, he’s a GEM.  (Or, as Matthew’s parents say, “One in a million!”)

As I think of memories and look at candid photos of Ross all around our house (I posted a few at the end), I’m reminded of one of my (MANY) favorite things about him… his HAPPY & CAREFREE attitude! 

Last night as the sun was about to set in our front yard, Ross stuck his dirty hands into the community water cup and pulled out some ice.  I assumed I would be chased-down until the cold ice was slide into my shirt or down my pants, but I was surprisingly wrong.

Last night, RUTHIE was his target and giving her a fancy new hairstyle was his objective…

Clearly, Ruthie didn’t mind.  As a matter of fact, I think she’s going to be a LOT like her big brother!  She seemed to think it all was pretty funny too…

These are a few pictures of my favorite candid photos hung in our playroom:

• The laughs continued in Arizona as 4-year old Ross got carried-away on the playground equipment.  It was like he KNEW his 2-year old sister’s face was filled with fear…
• At 4… jumping from a cliff in Arkansas with his, much-older, cousins…
• As you can see, even when he was a BABY and our dog knocked him over, he just laughed…
• And, of course, running around in just his under-ware.  Classic Ross.