Monday, July 30, 2012

Liebster Blog Award

Okay, I think I am a tad confused about what the Liebster Award is, but a huge thanks to my sweet friend Allison for nominating me for it.  I think it sounds fun - and Grey is napping at the moment, so why not give it a shot.  Definitely beats dusting!  (Though I am pretty positive whoever judges the Liebster Award might think I need counseling with as much as I blog about our baby(ies)!  Whoever you are: I just like them.  A LOT.)

Allison, I am copying the rules from your blog:
  • Post 5 random facts about yourself
  • Choose 5 other deserving blogs with less than 200 subscribers to nominate and link their blogs in your post.
  • Tell your nominees you have chosen them for this award by leaving a comment on their blogs.
  • Answer the 5 questions the tagger has asked you and ask your own 5 questions to the people you nominate.
  • No tag backs.
For the rule following (I hope I am doing this right?):

5 Random Facts About Me:
1.  I was home schooled all 12 years of primary and high school.  The old-school fanny pack wearing, huge thick glasses, jumpers with socks and tennis shoes, home school girl... yep... that was me.
2.  I have traveled to all 50 US states.
3.  I have been told by many people that I am "shy", "private" and/or "introverted".  This really is so strange to me since I feel like I am very outgoing and not shy.  Yet for a few years I continue to get people telling me this.  Wouldn't the fact that I blog publicly say a little about me not being private? ;)
4.  If coffee didn't have some [possible] health risk at 30 cups a day, I would probably drink 30 cups a day.
5.  I swore I would never, ever date seriously in college.  I met Chet in the second semester of my freshman year.  Never say never, right?

My 5 6 Nominations (I hope this doesn't disqualify me, but I really enjoy these 6 blogs and could've easily picked 10):



(Most talented writer I have ever known, as well as a super mom!)




The Englert Family News

Ladies, I know you are all SUPER busy moms, who dust instead of blog, so I understand if you cannot do this.  But you certainly DESERVE the award!

Questions from Allison to me:
1.
Q. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
A.  Chet and I would LOVE to go to Europe one day.  We are planning this for our 10th anniversary, and would like to travel to as many countries as possible in Europe.  We both love history and other cultures, so it would be a dream to see history "in person"!
[I would have answered "Uganda", but since that WILL happen soon (not just a dream), I will leave Europe as my answer. :)]
2.
Q.  What is your perfect meal?
A.  Laughable maybe, but I am serious when I say a grilled cheese sandwich, pickle, chips and fruit.  Yes, this is what I enjoyed on my birthday for dinner.  I am a simple girl, and enjoy no-fuss comfort good.  More than I should.
3.
Q.  What is your biggest pet peeve?
A.  Oh shoot.  I thought about this the other day when I was contemplating the fact that I get frustrated by people too easily.  Especially since my Savior forgives me a 1000 times a day.  I have a lot of pet peeves, sadly, though the one that gets my riled up a lot lately are bad drivers.  I have PRECIOUS CARGO people!  PLEASE stay in your lane, look at the road and not your phone, etc.  Since having Grey I have been run off the road twice by texting teens...I used to not care near as much, but now I would like to give those kiddos a talking to since I have my little gift riding with me.
4.
Q.  Would you consider yourself messy or clean?  Why?
A.  In my mind, I am a clean and orderly person.  One of my favorite smells is a freshly bleached home, and I would rather spend money replacing our old windows in our house to fend off the annoying West Texas dust than go on a dream shopping trip...but my new life with a baby means my home isn't nearly as clean as it used to be.  I still manage the laundry daily though, since more than one or two loads stacked up literally physically makes me cringe. ;)
Ohhh...and if anyone of my pregnant friends reads my blog: I would MUCH rather come clean for you after your baby is born than cook for you.  I get intimidated by your chef skills. ;)
5.
Q.  What is something you couldn't live without?
A.  Other than people (I won't even think about losing anyone else I hold dear), I would profess that I am a high-maintenace person since there are many things I would not like to live without:  a toothbrush, coffee, soap and clean water, my phone...my list could go on and on.  I am spoiled and trying to adjust my attitude about possessions.

5 Questions for my blog nominees:
1.  If given an extra $1,000, how would you spend it?
2.  If given 5 hours of [kid-free] time to spend, what would you do?
3.  What is your favorite Bible verse/passage and why?
4.  What inspires you to blog?
5.  What is your favorite thing about each of your children?

Let's have fun!!  Thanks again Allison!

To make everyone feel better about their houses (see question #4), I'll include a current photo of the mess I call our office/guest bedroom.  This is my Monday project. (The trash bag in the picture is not trash; it's full of HUF bracelets)

Look who woke up to help me finish this blog:

POST EDIT:
After thinking about it, I was like, "OH oh!  I need to nominate her!  And her!  And her!" Needless to say, I have a lot of friends with the ability to write creative and fun blogs.  I wish I could nominate them all for "Liebster" (dear, beloved) awards!  

You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

Friday, July 27, 2012

A day after 18 weeks!

We are a day late, because when I hopped in bed last night I couldn't bring myself to get out and blog. ;)   Grey spent her 18 week birthday at the city pool with lots of friends (although she slept most of the time) and then watched some more friends at her first theatre production to attend, The Little Mermaid.  It was a great fun-filled day, and we were all exhausted when we finally went to sleep at 11.

I really wish I would've snapped a few photos of Grey in her swimsuit and sunglasses (um way CUTE), but oh well!  :)  I took some photos of her in the afternoon, when she wasn't exactly in a mood for pictures.  We did get a couple though:

 Her daddy's grin...the thing that can melt my heart no matter what.  I keep saying there is NO way she could possibly look more like Chet, and then she does. ;)  Daddy's little girl.
 Laughs.  We were okay for the first part of Momma trying to get our 18 week pics.
This cracked me up.  She was laughing at me.  Then yawning.  And the next moment - we were not a happy camper.  

Gorgeous girl, at 18 weeks, you:

  • Are impressing us with how big you are!  You have established a much better [personal] schedule, evening without us forcing it on you. ;)  You are nearly making it 3 hours between meals and going right to bed at night.  It's funny that you established your own routine after all.
  • Although you're going to sleep easier, you are waking up a lot lately, and we don't know exactly why.  Your naps are about 5 minutes sleep/fuss/5 minutes sleep/fuss and repeat.  I am hoping this is a passing stage!  You really don't like your paci falling out, so I think that is what's going on.  Even though you can reach for your paci and hold it when you're not sleeping, you haven't mastered that skill yet in your crib.  You have become very picky on which paci you like too, so we can no longer use your "wubanub".  (You prefer the Gummies light pink ones, found at amazon.com.  You won't take Gummies from any other store, and the only tiny difference is their texture and thickness.  You are very particular about what you like.)  The second thing it could be is your reflux.  You prefer sleeping in your crib now, so you are no longer elevated like you have been sleeping since birth.  Sometimes when your fussing turns to screaming, I will pick you up and you spit up all over.  I think it may be aggravating your throat. :(  
  • You are squealing and screaming for fun!  This is hilarious and I love it!  You have the cutest voice on the planet.  Really.  You do.
  • You love glasses.  When Daddy (or whoever) wears their glasses, you reach up for them and seem to know you shouldn't grab them, because you giggle and turn your head.  :)  
  • You are talking, clicking, standing, rocking, scooting, bouncing and laughing all day.  In other words, you are SUPER BUSY!  You can't stand to be in one position or place for more than a few minutes.  I claim I'm burning calories keeping up with you lately!
  • You are returning "Eskimo kisses".  Oh my word.  Can I just say I am in love?
  • Have the most precious hug/snuggle.  Your whole body "fits" against mine and I wish I could make time slow down.  
I love you sweet girl.  I can't imagine this world without you in it.

I don't have time today to add photos from each day this past week, but here are a few that I should add:

 Baby sunglasses. My new favorite accessory.
 I haven't run this week (my running partner is out of town and my knees need a break...and really I am just being lazy), so I have had a chance to get some fabulous morning snuggles instead.  It's going to be tough to make myself run next week. ;)
 Our second little Red Raider.  We make cute Raiders. ;)

Psalm 18 - one of the Psalms I read over and over after saying goodbye to your brother.  I read it again on your 18 week birthday, and decided to copy and paste it from Bible Gateway.  I hope you read these words when you need to know how POWERFUL the Lord is to rescue you from pain.

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

I love you, Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and I have been saved from my enemies.
The cords of death entangled me;
    the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;
    the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called to the Lord;
    I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
    my cry came before him, into his ears.
The earth trembled and quaked,
    and the foundations of the mountains shook;
    they trembled because he was angry.
Smoke rose from his nostrils;
    consuming fire came from his mouth,
    burning coals blazed out of it.
He parted the heavens and came down;
    dark clouds were under his feet.
10 He mounted the cherubim and flew;
    he soared on the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
    the dark rain clouds of the sky.
12 Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
    with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
13 The Lord thundered from heaven;
    the voice of the Most High resounded.
14 He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy,
    with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
    and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, Lord,
    at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
    he drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
    from my foes, who were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
    but the Lord was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
    he rescued me because he delighted in me.
20 The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
    according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord;
    I am not guilty of turning from my God.
22 All his laws are before me;
    I have not turned away from his decrees.
23 I have been blameless before him
    and have kept myself from sin.
24 The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness,
    according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
    to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
26 to the pure you show yourself pure,
    but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.
27 You save the humble
    but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;
    my God turns my darkness into light.
29 With your help I can advance against a troop;
    with my God I can scale a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains me;
    your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.
37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
    I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
38 I crushed them so that they could not rise;
    they fell beneath my feet.
39 You armed me with strength for battle;
    you humbled my adversaries before me.
40 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,
    and I destroyed my foes.
41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
    to the Lord, but he did not answer.
42 I beat them as fine as windblown dust;
    I trampled them like mud in the streets.
43 You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;
    you have made me the head of nations.
People I did not know now serve me,
44     foreigners cower before me;
    as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.
45 They all lose heart;
    they come trembling from their strongholds.
46 The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!
    Exalted be God my Savior!
47 He is the God who avenges me,
    who subdues nations under me,
48     who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
    from a violent man you rescued me.
49 Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing the praises of your name.
50 He gives his king great victories;
    he shows unfailing love to his anointed,
    to David and to his descendants forever.


Sunday, July 22, 2012

My Cutie Patootie at 4 MONTHS

Comparing Grey's photos to last month's photos was a bit more than I was able to handle this evening!  She has changed a LOT and looks so grown up compared to just one month ago.

She was hilariously active during her monthly iPhone shoot with "grey bear" this afternoon.  I didn't have time to try again, since we had an impromptu garage sale at our house, so we will just "go" with the ones I got.  I couldn't help but rapidly snap a whole bunch of her cuteness fighting my efforts. ;)



 Seriously.  You try saying no to that face.

 Needless to say, we LOVE standing!
(And speaking of "love", I love those CHEEKS!) =)
And when we aren't standing, we are laying down and dancing.
You laugh, but this was our best one! :)  Hand in mouth, and about to pop up to a stand.  ;)  

Grey has given us so much to laugh and smile about this month.  It's amazing that a little person can take over everything.  She has us so wrapped up in her every little move, "word" and learned trick.  She's adored.

Grey, at 4 months old, you:
  • Love the water!  You splash and kick and giggle in your baths, and love pools!
  • Scoot on your tummy!  You have to really want whatever you're scooting to, but you can definitely move!
  • Wear size 2 diapers!  Yes, you've moved on up since last month!
  • Wear clothes ranging from 0-3 months to 12 months.  No joke.  Sizing is so random and I have to ignore the tags and just go with what fits you.  You have your momma's long torso, and both of your parents' short legs, so you fit uniquely into clothes.  You are FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY CREATED...your long torso and short legs are exactly how God perfectly designed you!  
  • Have started eating rice cereal from a spoon!  I can't believe we are already at this point in your life.  I feel like we were just cheering you on during your first bottle feeding in the NICU.  So far you are not a fan of eating from a spoon, but we are going to work on it a little each day.  Soon you'll be enjoying all kinds of "big" foods!
  • Weigh about 11 lbs. 10 ounces!  Your 4 month check up isn't for another couple of weeks, so we won't know your exact stats until then.  
  • Can hold all of your toys.  You are very interested in tasting everything and anything, so I am constantly trying to keep your toys [decently] clean.  
  • Are still teething with no teeth poking through yet.  
  • Babble all day!  You have the most exciting stories and I love to hear all of them!
  • Usually sleep from around 8:00 or 8:30pm until 6:00am with a little fussing around 4:00am.  When you fuss I just pat your back, give your paci to you and you fall back asleep.  However you are in my arms as I type this, and have fought sleep terribly the last three nights.  Other than the occasional deviation from your schedule (like tonight), you sleep great!  I do not believe the cry it out theory is for our family, and I may pay for spoiling you one day, but for our family it works to snuggle you when you are sad.  :) 
  • You still don't nap like a lot of other babies.  We are happy if you get a long morning nap in, and whatever short nap(s) you may take in the afternoon.  You take after your momma and apparently do not need as much sleep as others.
  • You eat close to 4 ounces per bottle, every 2.5-3 hours!  This is huge, since we have been able to up your bottle by one ounce and you go longer between meals.  All this of course depends on how your reflux is on any particular day or week.
Grey, thank you for giving me a glimpse of what unconditional love looks like.  You are my little sunshine.



Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  Romans 6:4

Thursday, July 19, 2012

17 Weeks and Birthdays!

I don't even know where to begin on Grey's 17 week blog!  She has learned so much each day, I will attempt to recap some of her big moments!  We've also been "partying" all week with friends' birthdays and my 29th birthday, so it's been a big week for us.



I snapped these two pictures before I laid her down for her nap this afternoon.  Although not the greatest photos, they pretty much sum up this week so they are perfect for this blog.  We are chewing our hands almost non-stop, and laughing all the time!

Grey's two BIG achievements this week are:

PICKING UP TOYS and developing "object permanence" (early childhood definition) - dropping them and picking them back up!  She can do this with her pacifiers too, which is nice - if she remembers she can do it.  She is now obsessed with her toys, and always wants to hold her favorite Sophie, cow or pig.

and....

ARMY SCOOTING across the floor!  [This photo cannot go without noting her fabulous hairdo and daddy's chin. ;))  It also should be said that this was taken right after she yelled, "MOMMA" on my birthday yesterday.  Yeah, I am kind of in love.]  The first time she did her "Army scoot" was on Saturday morning.  I was in the back of the house and Chet shouted, "She's crawling!"  Of course, at that instant my heart stopped beating and I made it to the living room in .01 seconds.  She was not crawling, although she was scooting herself across the blanket.  Daddy still calls claims it crawling.  lol  We were proud parents, and may, or may not have, spent the next 4 hours making her scoot all over. ;)  

Grey's friends Cale and Keegan both had birthday parties this week, and we have learned that our little miss is quite a cute party pooper.  ;)  She can't be blamed for all of it though, since both parties were during nap time.  However, she did LOVE watching the kids, colors, balloons and excitement going on around her.

Cale had a fun John Deere tractor party.  Grey was spoiled by most of the adults there, but especially Mrs. Margaret!  She was so happy in Margaret's arms!

At Cale's party, gazing at all the fun going on.  
 We love our friends Trevor and Mrs. Rebecca!  I "jokingly" say that Grey is engaged to Trevor, although it would be wonderful to me if they really did get married.  I will save this photo for that day. ;)  Grey's face is epic.  She was all partied out by this point.  

Keegan's party was a cool circus party!  Lacey worked hard to create an outstanding celebration...I took notes.  I need to start Grey's "First Birthday Board" on Pinterest now!
The adorable "outtakes" of forcing a baby to dress like a clown. 

 Oh dear.

 (Three photos above courtesy of Stephanie A.)
Grey was the youngest party-goer, and certainly didn't grasp the greatness of the photo booth.  Clearly, we didn't let that hinder us from dressing her up though.

Yesterday we celebrated my 29th birthday by tagging along with Chet to Midland.  It was a fun, simple family day, plus I was able to hold my friend Paige's new little precious baby girl, Campbell.  She gave me "newborn fever" in a fierce way.  No, I'm not kidding. =)
  
Grey eating her "beef" at Abuelo's.  :)

A couple more photos from this week; I am guessing Bop's nap isn't going to last long, so I don't have time to post all the ones I had planned on.
It takes me 20 minutes to make our bed in the morning.  She loves to lay on the soft sheets and roll and play.  I have no objection to this.  And if I did, I would take one look at that face and say, "You win" any ways. ;)

Drool and spit up?  Yes, please! ;)  You are ADORABLE no matter what is on your face, my sweet girl!

Like I said, Grey has learned so much this week.  Every day she did something new!  

"Big Girl", at 17 weeks you:
  • Are still teething with no tooth yet.  Sorry baby! :(  All the hard work will pay off when you sink your teeth into delicious meals one day.  I promise.
  • Are scooting on your tummy.  This means you actually like tummy time!
  • Are loving toys!  Now that you can hold your books and toys, you want to have a toy in your hand at all times.  I think I am going to take you to Babys R Us and let you pick out a toy or two next time we are in Lubbock.  (Shhh...don't tell Daddy!)
  • Are tasting everything.  I am kind of panicking at how many germs you are ingesting every day.  :(  Yuck.  It's an uphill battle to wash your toys when you drop them 100 times per hour.
  • Are a kissing queen!  You kiss my mouth when I get my face close enough to yours.  I would give up everything I own for these kisses.  They are pretty much the best thing, ever.
  • Weigh 11 pounds 9 ounces.  We made an unplanned trip to your doctor on Friday because of tummy issues (again).  You are knocking on the 12 pound door. :)  So glad you are growing just right!  You are fearfully and wonderfully made!
  • Have started a higher dose of your reflux medicine, which seems to be working.  Kind of.   
  • Prefer Momma's arms over anyone else's.  This is new lately. and although it's sweet to me, we are trying to gently break this habit by allowing a lot of people to hold you.  
  • Are {{gulp}} almost 4 months old.  I've already cried over this.
  • ARE SO CUTE I CAN'T HELP BUT KISS YOU ALL DAY EVERY DAY.

I woke up yesterday so grateful and overwhelmed that God would allow me to have a baby in my arms this year.  The perfect birthday GIFT.  Last year I wouldn't even let my mind or heart accept that this could be possible.  During my run yesterday morning, I reflected on how God has used each of my children to change me over the past two years.  My 28th year of life was certainly the most challenging of all, yet I grew closer to the Lord and learned how to trust Him in a deep way.  I do not like to admit this, but it took Holden's death for me to fall in love with my Savior.  Last year, my relationship with Chet also grew deeper and stronger in a beautiful way.  Grey's life is a continuance of learning to trust His divine plans and greatness.  Parenting has not been a piece of cake, and I am learning that motherhood has its own challenges to bring to the Lord on a daily basis.  Grey has also given me a greater understanding of how much God loves us.  My love can never mirror the love my Heavenly Father has for His children, yet it feels like it would be impossible to love Grey any more than I do.   This was the best birthday I have ever had, and I look forward to all this year has to offer!   

I am blessed with the best of friends and family, and once again was spoiled rotten on my birthday.


Listen to Me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  Isaiah 46:3-4

Thursday, July 12, 2012

16 Weeks of love!

Our little 16 week old is down for a nap, so I better get this blog out before we are back up!  Our naps have been exceptionally short due to our bothersome [teething] gums this week...so I'm crossing my fingers!  I am reminded why I choose not to add a ton of photos from the week on many of these weekly blogs!  They take longer than her average nap to email and download, etc., but I have certainly enjoyed being able to go back and see how much she's grown at any specific week.

We haven't had a chance to have our weekly "iPhone photo shoot" today, since we had a great lunch playdate with Jozee, and have been busy all morning and afternoon, but here are a couple we snapped today:

My bright-eyed beauty.  Inside and out.

You can see how BIG my little girl has gotten!  She is giving my arms a workout now!  I saw her in the full-length mirror this morning, and couldn't get over how my tiny little peanut has grown into such a big, healthy baby!

From this week--

Friday:
Contagious smiles!  She loves to grab her blankies and pull them over her face when she's laughing at us.  

Saturday:
=) 
Sunday:
Grey spent her first time in the church nursery on Sunday, and did great!  She was happy -all of the times we checked on her- and even fell asleep in her Aunt Queena's arms, burped for Mrs. Kacie *without spitting up* and cuddled with Mrs. Rebecca!  If we didn't have the sweetest friends for nursery caregivers, I certainly would not be able to take Grey there!  I am glad to say I think we will be able to pay attention to the sermon once again.  ;)

Monday:
One of my favorite photos of Grey, ever.  It's not posed, and was taken in her car seat in Wal-Mart.  But boy oh boy is it special to my heart.  First off, she is wearing her special "Holden Uganda" bow; enough to make my heart melt.  Secondly, it was taken during a time I was not being a pleasant person.  I was impatient and frustrated with our Wal-Mart pharmacy, waiting on them to fill a prescription that was called in four days prior, in sweats and little makeup, NOT in the mood to see everyone in Snyder, exhausted from very little sleep... and there was my girl sitting in her hot, sweaty car seat, hungry and in pain from teething, smiling away through bouts of tears.  I love how God chooses to use our children to teach us lessons.  I wasn't even smiling at her or talking to her when she smiled up at me.  Ouch.  Precious.

Tuesday:
I just think she looks so grown up in this photo.  It's her new "serious face" she gives me all the time, and it makes my heart overwhelmed.

Look at my wittle chubby wubby.  Is there anything cuter than baby chub?

Wednesday:
Happy Girl likes to chew on her fingers all day!

Happy Grey, this week you:

  • Have had lots of playdates!  Momma feels more organized and capable of taking you out, and we have loved our playdates nearly every day!  I am so glad we have lots of friends with babies born this year.  You are going to grow up with such SWEET, precious lifelong buddies!  I think you, Henry and Jonas are going to be the Three Amigos! ;) (Or two amigos and one amiga)
  • Have grown very strong physically.  You are trying to pull yourself up to sit and stand constantly.  
  • Weigh 11.7-ish lbs, and I think that is about to increase!  We have hit another growth spurt.  You are almost able to keep down 4 oz. of your bottle at a time.
  • Laugh at the many hilarious things around you.  Tuesday night you were laughing hysterically at Henri.    Henri was rolling on the floor and clearly that is the funniest thing ever. ;)
  • Have shown us your tender side daily.  You love peaceful atmospheres more and more, especially when you don't feel well.
  • Are the best thing to wake up to!  It doesn't matter if you nap for 1 minute or sleep for 10 hours during the night, you wake up THRILLED to be alive!  THANK YOU JESUS FOR LIFE!
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God.  Ephesians 3:17-19

Thursday, July 5, 2012

15 Weeks & Summer Fun

Our big girl is 15 weeks!  Grey has had a VERY busy and fun week, full of summer fun!

Monday she swam (or napped poolside) at our friend's pool.  She didn't make it in the water since it was perfect napping weather!
Monday night she went to her first carnival!  For the first 30 minutes she was enthralled with the sights and sounds, then we just passed out in a comfy "heat coma". :)  (She has had lots of fun playdates with her friend Henry, who is 1.5 months old, lately!)


Tuesday she attended the Upward Bound end-of-year banquet, where Momma and her were matchy matchy.  (Sorry Grey...but by the time you read this, you'll likely have won the battle of no more dressing alike...so I am taking advantage of it while I can!) ;)
 ANDDDD yesterday (Wednesday), Grey experienced her first 4th of July!!  The 4th has ALWAYS been my favorite holiday, and I ADORED spending it as a family this year!  Grey's morning started out wonderfully, and she was so excited during the entire 4th of July parade!  She was mesmerized by the cool things to see, and laughed through the whole thing.  The loud trucks, horns and people didn't even scare her!
 Henry and Grey hung out in their "Republican" patriotic outfits. :)  lol
 Our sweet neighbors always have an amazing 4th of July get-together, so we stopped by and said hi for a little bit.  Then we joined a wonderful BBQ hosted by the Jones family in the evening.  By that time Grey was over the 4th's craziness (on top of having a rough reflux day), and ended up being quite a little fussy miss, understandably.  We decided it was in everyone's best interests to leave after the first firework exploded.  Enduring an extremely exhausting day, Grey was not a fan of the "bombs bursting in air"!  There's always next year...or the next...to learn to appreciate the beauty in fireworks. :)  However, after a calming bath, bottle and cuddles, Grey fell asleep for a long 8 hour night! 
This year was my favorite 4th of July!  It may not have included watching fireworks, but it included our own spunky "firework"!  I'd take that a million trillion times over any firework show. :)

Grey woke up for her 15 week birthday in the best cuddly mood.  I love this girl to pieces! 
 My favorite sound on earth are these giggles...
Speaking of giggles, Grey, you are laughing so often, and even laugh for people other than Momma and Daddy now!  Some other things are you doing this week:
  • TODAY you started wearing size 2 diapers.  I am fighting back tears (literally) typing this.
  • Continuing to teeth.  Your drooly kisses are the best though, so I am going to relish those while I can.
  • Pulling your legs under you during tummy time.  It looks like you are about to get in the "rocking back and forth" position.  You'll be crawling before we know it!
  • Strengthening your arms!  You are wanting to grab onto everything and pull yourself up.  
  • Asserting your desires through 'words'.  Instead of screaming and crying to get our attention, you are starting to coo, 'na-na/ma-ma/da' and squeak at us.  :)
  • Reaching for your feet.  You are not holding onto them yet, but you are trying.  I think this may be due to the fact that you are not very flexible (thank your Daddy for that)! ;)
Our love grows every minute for you.  You are SO fun to get to know!!  You make everything worth it.  Kissing your neck rolls and hearing you laugh [with your entire body] is medicine to my soul.  xo xo xo xo xo xo xo xo

A joyful heart is good medicine, Proverbs 17:22a

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. Job 8:21