remembering

Meet my Grandma

Lois Elsie Clemmons Butler

Today would have been her 89th birthday. I miss her today. Well, let's be honest, I miss her every day. For almost thirty years, she was always there. She hosted tea parties for me and my friends when I was young. She attended all of my school programs and athletic events no matter the weather or time. I think that's what I miss most. Her presence. I wanted her to be there when my sweet Miriam was born. I wanted her to be at my house this Christmas when all of us were together for the first time in over a year. Selfishly, I wanted her to always be there just like she always had been. 

She was more than a Grandma. She taught me so much. She spent many hours in her basement showing me how to use the sewing machine, how to cut patterns, and how to sew. I know it had to be frustrating, but she never showed it. I remember sitting on her couch upstairs while she taught me how to crochet. That took even more patience on her part, but she enjoyed passing on her skills to me. My favorite recipes belong to her, and I loved watching her cook. It was hard to get the recipe out of her because she wasn't quite sure how much went into those famous dishes. I guess that's why my dishes don't turn out just like hers. She taught me how to be a big sister, not through words, but through her actions. Actually, her life taught me so much. Her simple, quiet way of living spoke volumes. 

Thanks Grandma for teaching me so much. Thanks for always being there. More than anything, thank you for being more than a Grandma and for playing such an important role in shaping me into the person I am today. I love you!

Her family was everything to her.

She was always ready for an adventure and loved going anywhere we would take her. This is from our family trip to Destin. Yes, six of us crammed into Luke's car. Fun times!

"Her children rise up and call her blessed."

Proverbs 31:28

three

Three Months Old

You experienced three specials "firsts" this month

1. Your first trip to a restaurant. We met some special friends (James, Elizabeth, Andrew, Brandon, Meaghan, Madelyn, Heather, and Maddie) for dinner at Satco for your first official restaurant outing. It was only fitting that we went to Satco. Mommy and Daddy love Satco, and it was the meal we had on the night you were born. You were a perfect angel and slept the majority of the time. 

2. Your first trip to church. We are blessed to be part of the family at Ethos, and we were so excited to take you for your first Sunday. Once again, you were an angel baby in a large group setting. We look forward to you growing up with this special church family.

3. Your first trip to Florence. We met Gran and Granddaddy one Wednesday afternoon in Columbia and spent a few days with them before Daddy joined us on the weekend. You met some of our extended family, some of Mommy's best friends (Melissa, Molly, Elizabeth, Codi, & Libby), and lots of friends at Stony Point who oohed and awed over you. 

  

At three months, you...

weigh 13 pounds

measure 24 inches

love bright lights

like sucking on your hands

kick & grab the toys on your play mat

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21

two

Two Months Old

Two beautiful, big eyes that watch us closely. Two active feet that are constantly moving. Two small hands learning to grip toys and mommy's hair. Two months that have changed our lives for the better. Two parents who couldn't be more thankful for this precious blessing. 

At two months, you...

weigh 11 pounds & 10 ounces

measure 22 7/8 inches long

smile & giggle at mommy & daddy

love time on your play mat

lift your head with great control

sleep 6-7 hours at night 

"for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is His name."

Luke 1:49

welcome

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3

Welcome to the world, Carter Truman! On February 3, we became aunt & uncle for the fourth time, and we couldn't be more excited. Once again Charlie and Ashley decided to be surprised so we did not know what this little blessing would be. Craig and I were convinced it would be a little girl, but now Miriam has a girl cousin 4 months older than her and a boy cousin 7 weeks younger. (She's thrilled, by the way!) Gentry told us the news when we arrived at the hospital. As you can tell by the pictures, he is on cloud nine! He has been so sweet with Miriam. He always wants to hold her and gives her lots of sweet kisses. He talks to her and pats her when she's upset. I know he will be a great big brother, too! Carter, you are a precious gift, and we love you so much!!

My BFF with his new baby brother

Gentry was so proud to hold both of them.

celebrate

"Celebrate all the good things God has given to you!"

Deuteronomy 26:11

When Craig and I first started dating, my sister and cousin teased us for going on 6 dates in 7 days (something like that...I'm sure Bethany or Cody could tell you the exact details). Needless to say, since Miriam's arrival we have not been out on a date. Gran and Granddaddy came to visit this past weekend, which provided our first opportunity. We decided to try a new restaurant, Mack and Kate's. (I have a goal of trying a new restaurant each month this year.) It was a cute place with delicious food. We started with the bacon deviled eggs, which were incredible. Then they bring you these small biscuits that melt in your mouth. I had the steak and biscuits, and Craig had the pork. We were both pleased and would go back on another special occasion. After dinner, we went to the mall to return something and then rushed home to see our sweet baby girl. She did great while we were gone! She loved snuggling and being spoiled by her grandparents. That night she even slept for 6 hours!! Maybe Gran and Granddaddy should babysit more often. Thanks Gran and Granddaddy for visiting and for giving us a night out!

In the picture above, Miriam is wearing Pamela Sue's dress. Pamela Sue was my dad's name had he been a girl. This was a dress his mom bought while she was pregnant. When my dad was not a girl, my grandmother put the dress away. She later had two daughters, but they didn't get the dress or wear it. My grandmother gave this dress to my mom. Now it belongs to Miriam. I wanted to get a picture of her in the dress with my dad holding her. The dress is pretty small so we took advantage of the time this weekend. Sweet memories! 

one

One. Month. Old.

One wonderful month. One amazing miracle. One incredible daddy. One happy mommy. One breath that changed our world. One look that melted our hearts. One blessing that will never be taken for granted. One little girl that already has us wrapped around her little finger. One exhausting yet rewarding, frustrating yet humbling, tearful yet joyful, fastest months of our lives that we can't thank God enough for. Here's to many more wonderful months ahead!

At one month, you...

weigh 8 pounds & 4 ounces

measure 21 1/2 inches long

enjoy napping with mommy

love daddy's singing & stories

make lots of noises when you sleep

like bath time & tummy time

Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." 

Believe

"With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Our hearts are full of joy as we welcome the arrival of our precious miracle, Miriam Lynn. She weighed 7 pounds and 11 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches long. We praise God for a healthy baby girl! As many of you know, our journey to our baby girl was difficult. I want to share the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, "Never Once" by Matt Redman. May these words encourage us to trust God in all circumstances because He is faithful.

Standing on this mountaintop. 

Looking just how far we've come.

Knowing that for every step. 

You were with us.

Kneeling on this battleground. 

Seeing just how much you've done.

Knowing every victory. 

Is your power in us. 

Scars and struggles on the way.

But with joy our hearts can say

Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did you leave us on our own

You are faithful, God, you are faithful.

Aunt Bethany & Gran stayed with us for two weeks.

Miriam arrived the day Aunt Bethany made it back to Nashville.

She was very excited to meet her and didn't want to miss one minute!

The Copeland family celebrated Christmas in Nashville at our house. 

Papa & Meme are thrilled to have a granddaughter!

Cousin Gentry adores baby Miriam. It's precious! 

We can't wait to meet his little brother or sister in February!

"For this child we prayed."