Ryan Kaley

She turned 6 in July and started 1st grade in Aug!  Hard to believe for sure!  It makes me so sad to think of her being 18 mos-3 (my favorite age).  I cant believe we are so far past that.  I think it is so evident because she acts so much older these days. She changed so much over the summer. I thought it was from being around another girl (I babysat) her age all summer, but after she left she didnt go back to the old Ryan.  I realized she is getting older.  She talks differently toward us (good and bad).  She has learned "I dont love you anymore! and "I dont like that" and "Im bored!" But she always some pretty good "I love you's too!"  She can sit and have a conversation and wants to understand everything not just do it because she is told to.  She is extremely sentsitive to others feelings.  The other day we had a talk about how to make others feel loved because she didnt feel loved when in trouble and I told her I didnt feel loved either when she was in trouble.  That made her feel pretty badly.  The next day she orchestrated a big breakfast for me with Bekah and Caleb.  It was so sweet!  She made me thick pasty oatmeal, crackerjacks, banana, cold water, piece of chocolate and a bowl of ice cream.  After she served it to me she asked, "Now do you feel loved Mommy? You told me you didnt yesterday so I wanted you to feel loved again."  When Caleb or Bekah are in trouble she gets so upset and sometimes scared.  She doesnt tattle a whole lot but we often hear her in another room warning siblings that if they dont stop they will get in big trouble with Mommy and Daddy.  Ryan would give you anything you want even if it is her favorite item in the whole world.  Her giving and compassionate heart make me one proud Momma!! Not because I think I molded her to be that way, but because I wish I were that way!  I pray that she always gives everything for the Lord and not to please others!  Ryan loves riding her bike, she loves ballet (and is taking ballet and tap this year), loves to color, and do crafts,  play pretend Mommy while Bekah is the baby, help me with laundry, mopping, dusting, and dishes, loves Mommy the most right now, loves back scratches, cooking, beans and rice, and one on one time with anyone but escpecially Mommy and Daddy, she loves going to church and has such a love for Jesus, her favorite friends are Callie Davis, and Mandy Hale (wishes she could play with them more often!), her favorite outings are monkey joes, the childrens museum, Perry Pool, Incredible Pizza, and visiting Daddy at work.  1st grade started off as a struggle, but after switching curriculum she is doing great and building her confidence.  She is keeping up and learing that tests are really just review!  Although, every year before Ryan's birthday she has anxiety about turning older and doesnt want to be the oldest she is loving trying to become a little more independent.  I wish she would just slow down!! Im so proud of our biggest girl!!