nine

Nine Months Old

When we started taking these monthly pictures, it took forever. Now, with our mobile baby and our improved skills, it takes half the time, but we are lucky to get a handful that will work. Oh, sweet little one, you are growing so fast and becoming so quick. Slow. Down. Please. 

These are a few (nine) of her favorite things...

Petting my puppy, he loves to give kisses

Eating any kind of food is always delicious

Toys that make music or anyone who sings

These are a few of my favorite things.

Going for stroller rides or crawling on the floor

My awesome family, the ones I adore

They make me happy. I'm flying with wings.

These are a few of my favorite things.

Waving at strangers or anyone I see

Looking in mirrors, I giggle with glee

I can't contain it. A smile, they will bring.

These are a few of my favorite things. 

At nine months old,  you...

weigh 19 pounds

measure 27 1/2 inches

give high fives

pull up on things

crawl & get into everything

"I know there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." Ecclesiastes 3:12

vacation

Little M took her second ride on an airplane and her second trip to the beach. It was a relaxing week with beautiful weather. Our little girl loved splashing in the pool, eating the sand, playing with toys on the beach, and dipping in the ocean. Other highlights included: kayaking, deep sea fishing, eating lots of yummy food, and date night with dinner and a movie. We look forward to another trip soon.

"Now our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 

I Chronicles 29:13

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