Why We Needed Spencer

I know the Lord has a GREAT sense of what we need in our lives. While the addition of Spencer was not completely planned by Dan and I, he was welcomed with LOTS of love. As time progresses and I see my two beautiful children interact together I realize a little of God's plan for us. Marissa is a great child and could play by herself for long periods of time, however, she has been soooo in love with her little brother. The Lord knew just what she needed too (it wasn't all about me). While we were out at the beach I came to a small realization.

Marissa doesn't do so well sleeping anywhere else but in her bed. From the begining I did everything "they say" you are supposed to do (put them in the playpen, not just their beds, make sure they are around noise when they sleep, etc.), however, she just doesn't like anything but her bed. Well, when we were out at the beach I realized it was going to be a "fun" time listening to her cry herself to sleep. The first night we didn't put Spencer in the room with her because we thought that might make the process longer. The usual crying, screaming, throwing her pacifier out, going in to console her once or twice, etc. went on. The next night I just decided to put Spencer down at the same time, because it was time for him to go to bed too. It was AMAZING the difference in Marissa's demenor. She didn't even cry and went to sleep right away. Then next night I put Spencer down again with Marissa...same thing. Oh, she just needed someone to be there with her. I can't wait till they get a little older and appreciate eachother's company even more. These days, Marissa chooses to eat her snack (she can only sit in one place to eat snack) next to her brother, chooses to play with her brother and his toys, helps him "roll over", and LOVES to give him kisses. Here are some pictures of the two of them together.

Eating snack next to baby Spencer.

Playing with Spencer and his toys.