They continue to crack us up on a regular basis. For whatever reason, Ben has always loved to rub my arms to comfort himself before sleeping. Starting around 1 year old, he would fuss until I took my arms out of long sleeves so he could get to the skin. The last couple weeks, he's been touching my elbows and saying "Ow." I don't really know why. Maybe because they're rough, he thinks it's an "owie." Everytime I say, "No Ben, it doesn't hurt; that's just my elbow." Now "elbow" is his new favorite word. Last night when he was supposed to be going to sleep, he was standing in his crib calling for "Mom elbow." Hahaha.
Luke also had us laughing last night. Ben choked on his water and as soon as Luke heard him coughing he said, "You ok Ben?" Such a caring older brother! ;)
Since he came home, Luke often says what sounds like "Abwash." We assume it's an Amharic word, but don't know what it means. This weekend Ben starting saying "Abwash" too. Maybe he can translate it into English for us...
Last night I was telling Dave how rewarding it has been to see progress in the closeness of my relationship with Luke. I've loved him from the beginning but each day my love grows as we get to know each other better. It feels similar to when Ben was a newborn and we were getting to know each other, but obviously different because Luke is almost 3 years old and a lot of his personality is already established.
I read a devotional a couple days ago that shared this thought that has encouraged me. The devotional was inspired by the hymn "How Great Thou Art" and based on a few verses from Psalm 145:
One generation shall praise Your works to another,
and shall declare Your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
The thought that stuck with me was this: "This hymn helps me to remember the wonderful works He has done and to meditate on those, rather than circling around and around all the things I've left undone." A very helpful encouragement while I'm in the middle of an unpacked, disorganized disaster of a house! My mess doesn't matter. I've enjoyed thinking more about all God has done instead of the many things I need to get done eventually. He is so good and His works are wonderful!
