I have to post this a little early due to the Chicago event, which caused a little stress a while back when Laina realized I wasn't going to be home for her birthday (and, by the way, neither is her Dad who is away on business this week). Actually, it's turning out quite well for Laina because a one day birthday is turning into a 4-day event.
"L" for Laina
Eleven years ago, after 2 1/2 hours of labor, our third daughter and fifth child was born on October 9, 1997, at 12:03 pm- Laina Mae Yost (we liked the feminine sound of Laina & Mae is her grandma's middle name). It was a very bittersweet time for me because I was pretty certain this would be the last baby I would ever have and I loved my babies!
I've kept baby books on all the children (some have more info than others)and I found a prayer I wrote shortly after she was born:
"Oh Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my child, to listen patiently to what she has to say, and to answer all her questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting her or contradicting her. Make me as courteous to Laina as I would have her be to me. Forbid that I should ever laugh at her mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule when she displeases me. May I never punish her for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power. Guide me hour-by-hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces joy. Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me, and when I am out-of-sorts help me to hold my tongue. May I ever be mindful that Laina is a child and that I should not expect of her the judgement of an adult. Make me fair and just and kind. Fit me, Oh Lord, to be loved, respected and imitated by Laina."
How interesting that God already knew when I prayed that prayer that she was going to be the most talkative and questioning child we would ever have! :)
Another excerpt from the baby book:
"We aren't sure where the phrase 'terrible twos' came from, but that certainly does not describe you. We are loving every minute of you. Mommy calls you her 'bright spot'".
skipping ahead to age 7- we've shed many tears over lost or killed kitties- she truly loves them
Laina never got into the traditional little girl (so much for the feminine-sounding name) role of playing house and babies. She wants to be outside and busy with her pets or riding bike or jumping on the trampoline or rollerblading. The interesting thing, though, is that she also has this side of her that likes to study and write what she thinks and feels.
age 8- now this is when she started getting spunky- if you look close you can see it in her eyes
9 years old- never far from her pets
dance praise- Christmas 2006
sneaking kitties in the house
very funny- 9 1/2 yrs
you go, girl- 10 yrs.
birthday #10
she hated to see those puppies sell- jan. 08
my hamming munchkin
learning to drive the 4-wheeler with dad- 10 1/2 yrs.
that position lasted about 2 seconds- sunbathing is not her cuppa tea
we did a mother/daughter lunch at Olive Garden today and she got a small part of her gift
my sunshine turning 11 in a few hours
There is no one word that sums up who Laina is, but several come to mind:
*
intelligent (the easiest student I've had)she can out-math and out-spell most of her older siblings, which doesn't make for smooth relationships.
*
incredible grasp of God's Word (sometimes leaving me slightly bewildered)
*
outgoing*
peacemaker (to the point of giving in just to keep everyone happy)Is it wrong for me to encourage her a little more towards being OK with having an opinion that's different from others?
*
adamant*
considerate*
affectionate*
enjoys adult conversations*
gives as good as she getsHer favorite pastimes are:
*one dog- Mandy
*two cats- Butterfinger & Scotch (and at the moment 6 kitties- anyone need a kitty?)
*riding her bike
*being outside
*reading
*studying & writing
*writing notes to her mom & dad (I'm saving them- they are precious!)Here's a part of her most recent paper handed to me:
Some struggles she has:
*keeping her room clean- we're talking BAD (I'm not sure whose is worse- Nicole or Laina)
*sassiness
*insisting she's right- even when it's dead obvious she's wrong (hmmm...wonder where that comes from?)
*being overly sensitive
Laina, you are loved and enjoyed in our family more than you will ever know. You have brought laughter, life and joy to all of us. We love your extremely distinct personality. Happy Birthday my very sweet 11 year old daughter- my baby.
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