five

 Five Months Old

Five (don't worry, there are a whole lot more) lessons I've learned so far on this wonderful, roller coaster ride of parenthood. 

1. God's timing is amazing! People say this all the time, but until you experience this truth you don't fully understand His power. In our plans, Miriam would have come along three years ago and would already have a sibling. However, our precious miracle taught us patience and endurance during some difficult years of waiting. But, oh, she has been worth every ounce of heartache! 

2. All babies are different. Don't let the "success" of another baby get you down, frustrated, or think you are doing it all wrong. God designed all of us to be different and unique, even babies. Thank Him daily for your precious gift and focus on doing what is best for your baby.

3. Patience is key. Just when you think you have it all figured out and start singing your own praises, something comes along and wrecks everything that was going so well. (I guess that's what we get for boasting.) Have patience. It's usually just a little something to throw your baby off for a few days, but your angel will return. 

4. Ask for help. Asking people to help or taking people up on offers does not equal weakness. You can't do it alone, nor should you try. It will only leave you feeling exhausted, mad at the world, and negative towards everyone. We were made for community. So, go ahead and say yes when someone offers to help in any way. One day you will have the chance to return the favor.

5. Enjoy every minute. The middle of the night feedings and cuddles. The blow out diapers that require laundry every 10 minutes. The cries that only you can calm. It all changes so fast, and in a blink of an eye, your little baby grows up over night. Take time to savor the moments God has blessed you with because you can never get them back. 

At five months, you...

weigh 15 pounds & 5 ounces

measure 26 inches

roll from your back to your tummy

reach for everything in sight

love to babble

"Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desires."

Psalm 37:4

mother

moth*er (noun): a female parent

Really, Webster?? That's all you can come up with for an amazing woman that means so much to so many people. Well, actually, I kind of understand. It's hard to define all the things that a mother is in a short description. Your first breath took hers away. Your every need/want/desire is put above anything she could ever need/want/desire for herself. You will always be her baby. These are just a few definitions that pop into my head. I think Solomon did a better job describing a mother/wife in Proverbs 31. Read verses 10-31. Maybe Webster should rethink his definition. Thank you to all the mothers who have shaped me into the woman I am today, especially my mom for her constant support and unconditional love. 

So glad Bethany could be home to celebrate with us

Last year on Mother's Day, we shared the exciting news of this precious miracle with our families. 

Blessed beyond words by these two

Thank you God for allowing me to be this girl's mother. May everything I do lead her to you and may you get the praise. 

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." 

Proverbs 31:31

beach

At the end of April, Miriam went on her first trip to the beach. She did great in the car, and we only had to stop twice on the way there and twice on the way home. (I call that a win!) Even though it rained the majority of the trip, we still had fun. Craig's entire family went, which provided lots of extra hands to love on, hold, and play with little M. She didn't mind all the attention! We look forward to more memories at the beach house. Thanks Meme & Papa for a wonderful trip!

M's first day at the beach

Flying just out of daddy's reach.

Relaxing in the tent with Carter was fun 

as well as playing in the pool in the hot sun.

Some nights we stayed in to eat.

Other times Gentry pushed me down the street.

We smiled and dressed pretty for pictures a ton.

Mommy's hair is crazy from the wind, but it's still a favorite one.

Daddy did great capturing my smile.

He always goes the extra mile.

You know me. I'm always talking Craig into another photo shoot of our precious, baby girl. One morning we got up early...oh wait, M just woke us up and off to the beach we went. Enjoy some of our favorites of our beach beauty.

But you promised me, "I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore-too many to count." Genesis 32:12