Joy

Keyan has been my main squeeze the last three and a half years. But over the last few weeks I've been pretty absorbed in the newborn experience. While I love Keyan so much and try to give him the attention he needs and deserves, I lose my patience sometimes. It's so easy to start thinking of Keyan as the trying toddler, in comparison to Nolan, the lovable, innocent newborn. Sometimes, I have to consciously remember what an amazing child Keyan is; that he has incredible abilities and talents. So, this post is dedicated to you, Keyan, both to the joy you find in the world... as well as the joy I find in you.

I love the philosophies of the book Teaching Your Children Joy. So, this year, I started Joy School with Keyan. Okay, not the "official" Joy School... but our own home-brewed version. I knew our routine would be a little off both before and after the baby's birth, so instead of sending away for the curriculum this year, I decided to plan lesson topics based on Keyan's interests. It's been lots of fun and Keyan has really enjoyed it. One of the things we do after a lesson is draw a picture of what we've learned. Keyan has always had access to paper and markers, but this was the beginning of something different- a recognition that the markings on the paper represented something. He began drawing planets and apples and people. People. I am proudest of these drawings. Keyan even drew a family portrait, which I can't find anywhere, but it was similar to the person in this picture... except everyone in the family had arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes!


Along the lines of drawing...
I no longer I have to forge Keyan's signature on cards; he can write his name by himself.


And when he's not writing or drawing with markers and pencils, he's using them to make patterns and explore shapes.


But the most gratifying thing has got to be seeing Keyan find joy in the gospel. We purchased some "We Believe" flash cards that help kids visually learn the Articles of Faith. Just a week after introducing him to Article of Faith number two, I was sitting folding laundry when he went and got the cards, set them out, and recited it all on his own.

Way to go, little man. I am sure impressed by how much you are learning & growing. And I am definitely proud of what a good big brother you are and how much you love your baby brother. Küsse.