Nothing New

So not a whole lot of interesting has been happening in our house lately. Just the usual.

Wanted to eat her lunch at her big girl table.

So proud!

"Mom, sit and eat with me"

Organizing the ziplock bags.

Yes she is wearing her church shoes over her pajamas. She asked me to put them on.

Loves her teddy bear from Uncle David and her cell phone! Two important things in life.

Won't sleep without it.

Wearing Aunt Sarah's purse.

She did this all by herself while Sarah and I were talking in the kitchen.

Loves her Aunt Sarah.

Sad she had to leave. We can't wait to see her again soon!

"Look at what is in my purse, Aunt Sarah"

Helping mom do laundry. She loves to help sort, put the clothes in the dryer, and push the basket around. Getting in the basket is a recent discovery!

Can't quite get out by herself yet. 

So fun!

Happy Friday!!

The Joys of the Unexpected in Pregnancy

This post has taken me a long time to sit down and actually write. I am not sure exactly why, maybe when I read my sister-in-law's posts, her words are just so beautiful and well written, I am not worthy to write about it. Or maybe it is just too hard to be that vulnerable.  I will be the first to admit, I am not a writer. I would love to be an amazing writer. Paint poetic pictures for those reading to get lost in my words. Sadly, that is not my gift. I love to read other peoples blogs. I could spend hours doing it (but with a one year old my time often gets cut short). Most of the time I find myself reading people's blogs that I do not even know and find myself wishing I could write as well as those I read. I just love hearing people's stories. I guess its a way of being nosey, without people knowing (but they are putting it out there, right?).

My sister-in-law paints a beautiful picture of exactly where God has her and her husband walking right now. She is vulnerable, transparent, and her words are beautiful. To read her full story, check out her blog, devotionstodalton. Ever since I met Kara (four weeks after her and my brother-in-law started dating) she has wanted children....lots of children! She LOVES kids. She has loved Lyla well and is an amazing Aunt. So needless to say, we were not surprised in the least to find out that her and Jonathan were pregnant before they were even able to celebrate their first year wedding anniversary. She was beside herself (and so was Jonathan), and selfishly I was excited that Lyla would have a cousin so close in age. I mean how fun will that be? They will be exactly 15mo apart. I did not have that growing up....a cousin close in age, who lived in the same city. After she told me, of course we started dreaming and planning all the exciting things in store for them (and us)!

At 20 weeks, Kara and Jonathan found out not only that they would be having a precious baby boy, but also that there were some potential "problems". Tests have confirmed that their baby Dalton is diagnosed with severe partial Trisomy 13. There are no true answers and nothing will be confirmed (as far as what is ahead for him) until he is born. Talk about ripping your heart out, and the fact that there is nothing you can do, for them or for Dalton. While I feel selfish saying that in the short of it my emotions have been a roller coaster, because after all it is in NO way about me at all, this has shook me to my inner core.

Kara and Jonathan have been nothing but humble, poised, and gracious. Yes, the tears have flowed and I cannot even being to imagine the emotions they experience on a minute by minute basis. But the Lord is SHINING full in HIS glory during this time. I know the Lord does not give each person more than they can handle, and boy does He trust and know that Jonathan and Kara can handle more than most. They would be the first to admit that they are in NO way relying on their own strength, because quite frankly they have no strength. They are relying on the Lord and His plans for them....no matter what those plans are. Let me just stop here and say that I would die. Literally I am pretty sure I would die.

As their due date approaches, I find that the Lord is laying Dalton heavier and heavier on my heart and my thoughts. He is due February 6th, just three short weeks away. Being a mom myself, and still having the memory of my pregnancy, labor, and delivery of Lyla still close, thinking of Kara brings tears to my eyes. They are not necessarily always sad tears, but they are full of emotion. For the most part, I SO enjoyed my pregnancy, minus the all-day sickness the first trimester, and the awful reflux starting at 26wks that just progressed, and the constant worrying of delivering a preemie (being a NICU nurse). The labor was non eventful and the delivery was just as I had wanted it to go (as much as you can imagine and think it will). Adam has a different of opinion in parts of my story (as far as me saying it was enjoyable) but I think that is God's gift to women. The gift of forgetfulness. Even though because of sin, we must suffer painful childbirth, He in is great goodness, let's us only relish in the enjoyment of our precious newborn. Otherwise, would any women go through it again?!

All that to say, I so desire for every woman to enjoy it as much as I did. That is what I have wanted for Kara this entire 40 weeks. I cannot go emotionally where Jonathan is, because quite frankly, I am not a guy or a dad. But for Kara, oh the joy of feeling that tiny baby flip and flop and kick and punch the inner most part of your being. No person will even know these emotions until they are pregnant themselves. I love this quote and really feel like it captures a mother's love and connection with her child "and nobody will understand the strength of my love for you, because after all, you are the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside". While the road has been hard emotionally for Kara, I truly believe she has so enjoyed being pregnant. That little sweetie inside of her has not for a second allowed his momma doubt that he is totally FULL of life.

Next week (Jan 30th) seems to be the big week for their family. We understand that God is totally in control of when Dalton makes his appearance and will be the sustainer of each and every breath he breathes (as He is with all of us). We are praying over the labor and delivery, the doctors hands and wisdom for them, as well as the nurses and all of the specialties that will be taking care of sweet Dalton. We are also praying for Jonathan and Kara as their new roles as parents begin (and the "lack of control" they will feel in the beginning). That their emotions and wishes would remain clear and well-receieved by all. That there would be little family drama and that we all would be supportive (exactly how Jonathan and Kara need us to be), listen well, and talk less. That they would feel the love and support of all and know that they are being lifted up in prayer. That Dalton's stay in the NICU would be short and he would be able to be home as quickly as possible. Of course we are asking for complete healing. I know God desires us to be expectant. So that is our prayer. We also are praying that if that is not His will, that Dalton's complications would be minimal and easily managed. That he would be strong and have no breathing issues. That the delivery would be easy on him. And that the doctors and nurses, in God's goodness, would know exactly what he needs before he even expresses it or shows symptoms of it. That he would not be in pain.

Please join me in praying for them.

14 Months

I cannot believe Lyla is transitioning out of being a baby and becoming a little person SO quickly!! She is such a joy and I just cannot get enough of her. What's new a 14 months?

She has 8 teeth now. For the longest time she just had four, and then four teeth broke through all at the same time. Ouch!
Transitioning to one nap a day. Every three days or so she needs an extra nap.
She still sleep with her blankie (CANNOT sleep without it), her musical seahorse, and now a new teddy bear that she got from her Uncle David for Christmas.
Still wears 12mo clothes.
Loves to read books and do puzzles.
Loves Almond Milk (she gets this in the morning and at night before bed)
Sleeps 12-14hrs at night.
Goes to bed around 7:30pm
Loves bath time...still! She no longer sits in the bath ring, she just swims around and loves to lay on her stomach and splash the water with her feet.
She loves taking things out of places (like baskets, bags, drawers, cabinets) Sometimes she will put the things she has pulled out back and sometimes she just moves on to the next thing. She loves to organize...hopefully she won't end up with my OCD.
Still being a picky eater. Only wants to eat what she wants when she wants to. LOVES fruit (any and every kind) if we would let her live on fruit, she would, and will eat cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, greenbeans, peas, carrots, fish sticks, cheerios, goldfish, yogurt, yogurt covered raisins, waffles, eggs, toast with jelly, bagel with cream cheese, chicken nuggets, ham, grilled cheese, cheese quesodilla, sweet potato fries and anything mommy and daddy are eating.
She would snack all day if we let her, so we are trying to figure out what feeding routines work best for her.
She LOVES to drink juice and would drink it all day if we let her. She goes through probably 5-6 sippy cups of it per day in addition to her milk. Each sippy cup is 9oz. I do 3/4 water and 1/4 juice. Needless to say we go through several outfits a day because let's be honest, her diapers just cannot keep up with all that hydration.
She is so sweet. Loves to give kisses and hugs. Waves bye-bye only.
Loves playing wit her friends.
Loves cars and trucks and will point out each on when we are outside or if she see one through the window.
Loves to be outside playing.
She is VERY dramatic. Knows how to turn on the water-works. Does not like not getting her way and definitely does not like being told "no". We are trying to work on this.
She is actually pretty obedient. She can follow instructions very well and knows what we are saying to her.
She is dramatic in the cute way as well....she hams it up when she knows people are watching her. It is so funny when she does this.
Has not really added any new words to her vocabulary. She can say now say go (and points where she wants to go), she is trying to say "truck", and she can say Ellie (our cat's name), but it sounds more like yay-yee when she says it.
She loves our cat! She hugs her, kisses her and pets her.
Is great at independent play, but would rather be doing what ever we are doing.
Only walks now and has even started trying to run. No more crawling. She does however still love to be carried....when she decides she needs to be.
She loves to play with her kitchen and little table and sit in the big rocking chair in her room.
She loves to brush her teeth (by herself and it's more like walking around biting and sucking on her toothbrush)
She wore pig-tails for the first time the other day.
She loves to wear bracelets and necklaces.
Likes to brush her hair and mommy's hair.
She loves for us to chase her and pretend like we are "getting" her.
Not really interested in tv or movies (which is a good thing I guess) but loves the remote.
Loves anyone's cell phone and will pretend to talk on it, only when no one is on it. When I try to get her to talk on it when someone is really there, she won't.
Hates being in her stroller and will no longer fall asleep in the car unless she is SUPER tired.
She loves to shuts doors and turn the lights off (has not mastered switching the lights back on)
Can climb up stairs, we are still working on the going down part. Can climb on and off the couch.
Still shy around strangers and has started crying when we drop her off at nursery. But the teachers say she is fine as soon as we leave.
Likes to grab our hands and hold them in order to take us where she wants to go. I love it when she holds my hand voluntarily.

Lyla,
You are so precious to your daddy and I. We love you so much and we love getting to know you more and more everyday. You love your daddy so much and love being his buddy when he is home on the weekend. You are such a big helper and love doing exactly what mommy is doing. Some days I still cannot believe I am a mommy and what is even more of a blessing is that I am your mommy. Boy am I lucky! You are the best little girl and I love watching your personality blossom. Your sweet hugs, kisses and snuggles are the BEST and I just melt every time you need to give me some love. This time is going by too fast, but in a sweet way I am so enjoying every moment, even though one day I know you will be a smart, independent young lady. I love you so much!

Christmas in Pictures

So here is the rest of our Christmas, yes let's just admit that it is a bit over due. Our Christmas was wonderful and I am so thankful for what this New Year has to bring.

Christmas morning. Loves her puzzle that makes animal sounds.

Checking out what is in her stocking. She pulled everything out herself.

Her new  magnets. Mostly she likes to knock them off the fridge. 

Yes she got three headbands, and yes she wanted to wear them all at the same time.

Had to add the bracelets to complete the look.

She wanted daddy to wear her boa...I am sure there will be lots of "girlie" moments for Adam.

Traditional picture on the stairs once we got to my parents house.

Allison and Dan.

Sarah checking out her stocking.

Lyla's present from mommy and daddy. She loves this. She wanted to be pushed around in it all morning. I was sad it was so yucky outside and we could not take it out.

Helping dad put it together.

Sarah.

My mom and dad.

Lyla trying out her new teddy bear backpack, which is really one of those child leashes. Yes we have used it and yes she has loved it. She no longer likes her stroller....we had to do something.

Riding in style.

At one point she was drinking her juice, eating her cheerios, and talking on her cell phone while driving....wonder who she has been watching....??

"talking" and eating after a long morning of opening presents.

I am so thankful for wonderful memories and wonderful family and friends. I am so thankful that we are able to celebrate Christ together and enjoy time with each other.

Is it REALLY over?

I feel like by sitting down to actually catch up on all my blogging, the holidays will truly have come to an end. I always have this sadness after the lights come down, the stores stop playing the holiday music, and the Valentine's Day apparel is put out. It seems my blogging has been put on the back burner these last few weeks. And in those last few weeks we have been quite busy! Around here, things are getting back to our normal routine, and for Lyla and me that is always a good thing. Several weeks in a row of little to no naps for her is so hard on not only her, but me as well. It just seems like we have been go. go. go. Normal is good.
As I enter the New Year, I have felt really convicted to redefine my normal. I want what I do, say, and think to really matter. I have never been a New Year's resolution type of girl, but this year have really had somethings put on my heart. I want to actually come back to this, but feel like first I need to catch up on Christmas and Lyla turning 14 months!!

Christmas was so great this year. Focusing our eyes on the gift that God gave us is so sweet. Last year, I was still in that delusional state of trying to figure out a six week old's requests, routine, and I was still healing myself, so I felt like I was in the clouds. This year, reflecting on Mary actually giving birth to the King, knowing what was being asked of her and knowing that this sweet infant, would be the one to save not only her but the World, really brought me to me knees. Remembering giving birth to Lyla, with all the comforts of a hospital and my family, and then thinking of Mary giving birth in a stable, surrounded by stinky animals and no comforts at all, not even a bed! I cannot imagine. One of my many prayers this year is that our family would keep our eyes focused on Christ all year, not just during the holiday season.

The holiday season is definitely even more magical with a child. Surprisingly, Lyla left the tree and the ornaments alone the entire time that it was up...which it just came down today by the way and today was the day that she seemed to notice it actually existed. She did great with all things Christmas. We did not take her to see Santa, but she did enjoy looking at him at the mall from afar. Adam's parents came on Friday (the day before Christmas Eve) on their way to Savannah to spend Christmas with Adam's brother David. It was great that we were able to spend time with them for Christmas. Donna joined us for our annual Girl's Lunch and this was Lyla's first year partaking in this sweet tradition. Adam and Steve were able to spend some quality time together...I think they went shopping so Adam could get me a Christmas present. We opened presents later on that afternoon with them and went out to dinner. The rest of the weekend was spent with my family and it was so nice to have us all together. Adam and I have had lots of conversations about what we want our family traditions to look like and while I feel like a lot of traditions just happen naturally, there are some that our important that we include. One of those being that Lyla waking up in her own bed on Christmas morning and be able to open her presents from us and stocking here at home. So, this was the first year we were able to do that and it was so great. We really felt like a family and like we had started the Christmas that Lyla will remember growing up.

After we did presents here, we headed to my parents house to continue celebrating. We spent the night at their house Christmas night. I think Lyla got tired of opening presents, so we decided to space them out the rest of Christmas Day. Depending on how she is next year, I might have to remember that, so she does not get so overwhelmed. She liked opening a gift and then getting the chance to actually play with it for awhile. She did really well participating in the actual opening of the gifts. She liked ripping the paper and taking the tissue paper out of the bags and boxes. Next year should be really fun!! She got a lot of fun new toys! Here are the pictures of Friday and Saturday. I have yet to upload Christmas Day to the computer.

Opening a gift with daddy.

So amazed with what's inside.

New puzzles!

It's hard to tell, but that is a bruise on the left side of her cheek. She frequents those these days. 

What's inside?

She loves it! She was this enthusiastic with each gift.

New chair with her name on it.

Pawpaw and Honey. So glad they could come. Lyla is actually happy, just could not catch a smile.

Christmas Eve at my parents.

Everyone.

Their first Christmas married. 

Sisters with Nana.

Getting to open her one present on Christmas Eve. Pajamas! A Christmas tradition.

One last gift for the day, from my parent's neighbor.

A baby doll! Which clearly she is excited about.