eight

Eight Months Old

Sweet angel of mine, you are growing so fast. Another month has flown by, and I can't wrap my head around it. Each day I'm reminded how short life really is and how tomorrow is not promised. I've come up with a list of 8 simple rules I pray you live by as you grow up. (Yes, there are so many more rules I'm sure I will give you as you get older, but these are simple truths I want you to live by.)Your daddy and I will do our best to be living examples of these rules to you so that our words are followed by actions. However, I am certain we will make mistakes along the way. May your life declare the praises of our amazing Father who called us out of darkness and into light.

8 Simple Rules for my Baby Daughter...

1. Love God. (Matthew 22:36-37)
You are His special possession. So precious to Him, that He was willing to put all our sins on His only Son. He desires a deep relationship with you. I pray that you will give Him more every day (more time, more energy, more of everything). Don't settle for anything less. 

2. Love Others. (Matthew 22:38-39)
I pray that you will have a deep passion for others, and that you will seek their needs above your own. I'm sure this will come back to haunt me one day, but I trust His will for your life. May your love for others be evident in all you do and turn the world to Him.

3. Be Joyful & Savor Every Moment. (I Thessalonians 5:16)
Your big smile has brought so much joy to our lives and to the lives of strangers you meet. May you always radiate joy and make the most of every opportunity given to you. Find the positive in what appears negative and let that smile shine from the inside out.

4. Be Kind. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
There will be times when it's easier to say a hurtful word, treat someone unkind, or do nothing just to fit in. Be different. Don't be afraid to stand up and be kind. Your actions speak louder than words. May you always show kindness to everyone you meet.

5. Be Respectful. (Philippians 2:3-4)
This doesn't just apply to your parents and adults. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Remember to use your manners and to think about how your actions & words will impact others. If you want people to respect you, you must first show respect.

6. Always Give Thanks. (I Thessalonians 5:18)
Be appreciative of all the blessings you've been given and be sure to verbalize your gratefulness to others. Say thank you for the big things, small things, hard things, and good things. Start each day by thanking God for waking you up and continue your praises to Him throughout the day.

7. Never Give Up. (Philippians 4:12-13)
Fact: You won't be good at everything. Some things will be hard and you will try and fail. That's okay. Pick yourself up and try again. It may take multiple times, but keep trying. Don't ever think you can't do it or that you aren't good enough.

8. Pray Without Ceasing. (Philippians 4:6)
Remember God desires a deep, intimate relationship with you. You can tell Him anything (he already knows)! He wants to hear about your accomplishments, your fears, your struggles, your friends, and everything else in between. Talk to Him like you would your best friend.

At eight months old, you...

weigh 16 pounds & 8 ounces

measure 27 1/2 inches

wave to everyone

love to pet Tucker Bear

roll around or scoot to get places

eat three meals a day & still nurse

baseball

Growing up with two older brothers, I attended hundreds of baseball games during the summer. When we were at home, if the Braves were on tv, you can bet that's what we were watching. Baseball. Baseball. Baseball. It's not my favorite sport. It's too slow. There are soooo many games in a season. However, this past weekend I indulged my husband and my parents by taking a trip with them to Cooperstown, NY, the birth place of baseball. Along with 48,000 fans, we watched the induction of six members into the Baseball Hall of Fame, toured the museum, watched a parade, and sought autographs and pictures. The whole weekend was focused on baseball, the sport I dislike. The funny thing is the weekend was perfect. I enjoyed touring the museum and trying to find random facts to stump my baseball loving family. I spent 4 1/2 hours in the hot sun listening to speeches and didn't look at my phone once for the time. I woke up early, went to bed late, and walked miles so we wouldn't miss a single person or activity. Want to know what's crazy?? I would do it again. Watching the people you love soak in the history, the people, the town, the sport they love so much is worth it.

Yes, it was only a weekend trip even though our bags make it look like we were staying longer. 

Our lunch spot for the trip. 

The picture makes it look like no one else was there. 

Believe me, that was not the case.

Kids area of the museum

This little angel was an all star.

Even though she was off schedule, she just went with the flow and had so much fun smiling and waving at everyone she saw. 

Dad struck up conversation with this man in the plaque gallery of the museum. He said that he was taking pictures of people he played with. Dad recognized his name and was so excited to meet someone "famous." Later we found out, he was Rookie of the Year and pitched a no hitter. 

Induction Ceremony

We were glad Papa & Uncle Charlie came too

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity."

Psalm 133:1

seven

Seven Months Old

What a blessing this sweet angel is! As you can imagine that precious face has mommy and daddy, as well as many others, wrapped around her little finger. This month we want to introduce you to seven special people that spoil her, love her, pray for her, and encourage us as parents. The best news is, as of this week, five of these people live in Nashville too. (We're working on getting the other two here. You can join us in that selfish prayer.) We look forward to watching little M develop close relationships with our first (and best) friends. Meet the best aunts and uncles a girl could ever have...

Aunt Ashley & Uncle Charlie

Aunt Cathy & Uncle Adam

Aunt Laura & Uncle Luke

Aunt Bethany

At seven months old, you...

weigh 16 pounds & 8 ounces

measure 27 inches
enjoy playing peekaboo

had your first fever & cold

love eating in your highchair 

sleep (without your sleep sack) for 10+ hours

"Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Ephesians 5:2

six

Six Months Old

Most months I have an idea for the blog update on our sweet baby girl weeks in advance. However, this time, I'm at a loss for words. How can it be that half of the year has already flown by? Slow down  sweet angel. I want to savor every minute! I never want to forget those sweet giggles the past few nights as we've put you to bed or the way your face lights up when daddy walks through the door after work. There are some things that you just can't capture on camera, no matter how hard you try. 

A few weeks ago, we attended the wedding of my sweet friend who I had the privilege of teaching with for three years. Her dad said something as he gave her away that stuck with me. In summary, he said that she was never his to give away. She belonged to the Lord and had been on loan these past few years. The next day at church the same concept was taught. Our children are not our own. The Lord has loaned them to us, and our job is to lead them back to Him. Obviously, the Lord thought I needed to learn that lesson. I had been focusing too much on my baby. Sweet Miriam, you are more precious to us than you will ever know, but you are not mine to keep. 

Six words I want you to always remember...

You're the daughter of the King.

At six months old, you...

weigh 16 pounds 

measure 26 1/4 inches

sit up on your own

don't like to be still

discovered your toes

have 2 bottom teeth coming in

This blanket is very special. Grandma made it for me when I was born. I'm very thankful Gran kept it so you could have something made by Grandma.

Now you can sit up in the basket, and that is what you preferred during this photo shoot. 

Everyone talks about what a beautiful baby you are, and we couldn't agree more. May you grow to be as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside.

"and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." II Corinthians 6:18

supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

something to say when you have nothing to say

I don't know what to say. I'm at a loss for words. Where has the time gone? What happened to my little baby? Well, she is six months old, and I have a feeling that time will only go faster as she continues to grow. These are some of our favorite pictures from the park. Enjoy this bonus blog entry with lots of pictures. I will post the typical monthly update soon. (Pardon the delay. We have been without cable & internet for almost 2 weeks.)

"You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you."

Song of Solomon 4:7

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