Keaten,
I just don't know where to begin with you buddy. You've grown so much this past year and it excites me to see what attributes or characteristics you will continue to employ next year. From your loving affection, your orneriness, to your giggles and kisses. All of these were a pleasure this year.
Let's talk about your singing. We love it! Not only did you start off the year singing songs, you finished it that way too. As sister prepared for her Christmas Program, you decided to learn her songs as well. And you did. It was a surprise to Mommy and I, especially when you consider Brianne was practicing her songs at her school too! You know her songs by heart and when they popup on the radio or as we play the CD, you sing your heart out. We love it! We hope you continue to enjoy singing and find it to be an outlet, let it continue to be something you love.
Also this past year, you became Mr. Independent. I'm not really sure Mommy and I are ready for that yet, but you sure are. You like to show us what you can do on your own. I want you to keep pushing yourself. Continue to try new things on your own and when you fail, don't quit, keep trying till you succeed. Mommy and I will be there to remind you, that you can do it, if you just keep at it. And if you need us, we'll be there to help you.
Your smile is one that is hard to forget. When you smile the room just lights up in ways that are hard to describe. I want you to remember that your smile can completely change someones' day. Use it often, use it wisely, let us nurture this feature in you.
Your "helper" attitude fits right in with the #LoveColumbus initiative that our Church has started. You love to assist us. As I'm repairing the vehicles, performing routine maintenance around the house, cleaning, sweeping, doing laundry, you're right there. This coming year, I want to help you grow this characteristic, to really let it become a larger part of who you are.
Then there is your desire to sit and snuggle. You just love to be held, or to curl up on someones' lap. We love that about you. We cherish the moments we get to snuggle with you and to be close to you. Don't stop these moments yet.
Of course, I'd be remiss to not mention how excited you were when your cousins Olivia and Finten arrived. You have such a fascination/love for them. Your desire to hold them, to give them kisses, and to see photos of them daily. It just astounds us. We can't wait to see how these characteristics play out over the next year.
Ever since your sister started school, you've just grown astoundingly. You've started to talk a lot more (probably because you can get in more than a single word now), and you've really started to find your independence (which has let your character shine). From identifying your colors, to attempting to count, there isn't much that is outside your grasp. I pray daily that you'll be open to learning new things. That you'll start to express yourself in new ways that we haven't seen before and let the attributes/characteristics that God implanted in you blossom so that we can see what he may have in store for you.
We want you to be you. We want you to pursue what interests you. Be it giant machinery to public relations (that smile will open up doors like no other). We just want you, to be you.
I can't begin to tell you how excited I am for next year. The things I look forward to, that involve you. Next year, I really want to see how we can help your development of the attributes you have. We want to guide you and push you to expand them, let them grow. Show you how to nurture them so that they will remain with you as you grow older and even more independent.
We love you,
Mommy and Daddy
