Some Stuff From This Year Part III - Eliana Edition
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 10:06PM Since Eliana gets so very little attention around here (ahahahahahaha!), I am dedicating this post to some of the things that she has done so far this year.
Eliana has obviously been working on writing her name at school, and she was able to practice (a lot) when we made her Valentine's cards for classmates. She signed her name on each one, all by herself!
We spelled it out each time: E-L-I-A-N-A. She was able to do it on her own (say the letters in order) by the time we were halfway through.
At school, the kids designed their "mail boxes" and then delivered the cards to their friends.
There was, of course, a snack. Look at all that fruit on her plate! Oh, don't think she ate it. She didn't.
We have also taken advantage of the weather on some very beautiful days. All of my kids love to swing around on these poles just outside of the doors that we use most frequently at the church. Eliana has discovered the joy that comes from flinging herself wildly around in circles while holding onto the pole.
She also discovered how delightful it is to slide down the pole at the playground. I can't believe she is big enough to do this!!
You can be sure that I had several heart attacks and almost wet my pants as she made this discovery.
Speaking of sliding down poles, Eliana's class went to visit the fire department. (Where did you think I was going with all of this pole business?!) It was a wonderful experience, and two fire fighters spent a good bit of time talking about the things they do, from how they handle meals to what engines/trucks go out for the different kinds of fires. Then they showed us the fire-fighting gear.
There is a suit, a mask, an oxygen tank, and boots.
They have about one minute to get this suit and the rest on...I have an unspeakable admiration for these men (women, too; I don't know if there are women in this particular department).
They explained to the kids that even though this gear looks kind of scary, if a fire fighter came to help you, this is what they would be wearing, and not to be afraid. I thought that was a great idea.
The suits can handle heat up to about 800o. They absorb the heat, but after that point they can't absorb more. Can you even imagine?!
The helmet pictured above is actually yellow. The fire fighter was crawling along (obviously in a fire) and a blast went over him and his fellow fire fighters and that hat shows what a helmet looks like after that happens. I had tears in my eyes. This particular fireman was okay (minor injuries) but had to get a new uniform (suit). These men go into these situations knowing that they might be giving up their lives for someone else. Again, I have no words for what I feel and think about them.
After seeing the gear and listening to the firemen, the kids had a chance to walk through one of the fire engines. Eliana went cautiously...Michaela was sweet and went with her.
How silly is she? Who wouldn't like to get carried out of a fire engine by a handsome fire fighter?! They were so kind with the kids. It was a really wonderful trip.
She also got to celebrate her half-birthday with her class. She wore a crown (which she kept on for about five minutes) and they sang "Happy Birthday" to her in chapel that week.
Um, do you see the number on that crown? It's a "4"!
A "4"!!
Does she look dubious? That's exactly how I feel. I'm pretty sure I just gave birth to this child, what, last week maybe?
No? Well. I have always had trouble with time.
One thing I do know. I love this girl. Even though she can make me want to pull my hair out one at a time. Like every single hair that I have on my whole body. I do love her so much that my heart could explode sometimes. She is funny, sweet, fiesty, girly, and yet not entirely dainty...complex and enchanting.
We named her Eliana, which means "My God has answered (me)". We knew that he had responded to our grief and our prayers following two miscarriages with this amazing, healthy pregnancy. And now, four years later, (yes, there I go admitting it!) I say with great gratitude, she is a gift, and a blessing. He did answer, indeed.
Reader Comments (4)
She's still only 3 1/2...four sounds way to old. I love the way she writes her name! I hope you have saved an example.
What a blessing indeed!
Hold your horses there! Eliana is FOUR??? When? How? Make her stop Christina! Doesn't she know that she's the baby????
Your little lady is sooo sweet and beautiful! I have a 4 year old too--I know, it's like a time warp. Aren't fire fighters amazing? What a great field trip. I love that they told the children not to be afraid of a fireman in full uniform.