Forty Four!

My little love at 44 weeks:

This picture describes her life very well.  She is walking and moving too much for clear photos!

We both wore blue Thursday morning, but had to change later when we realized this dress was still too big for her.

Noteworthy Grey moments at 44 weeks:

• She ate her first bug on Thursday (we ended up not swallowing it, but we had a good attempt).  GAG!
• She is getting out of the "mommy only" stage, and liking more time with others again!
• She is finally mimicking some hand motions!  She can sign "finished" and almost claps and almost waves bye bye.  
• She is still tasting everything!  
• She is full throttle teething!  Two top teeth are starting to poke through. :)

This verse was on a well I posted today...one of my very favorites, and such an important reminder:

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" Acts 20:35

10 MONTHS!!

 If I don't get a shot in RIGHT when I set her down with grey bear and the dry erase board, I might as well kiss my plans goodbye.  I'm glad she was looking at me when I set her down because you can see what ensued after that... :)

Our happy girl is 10 months old today.  I have been in denial all week.  Last night someone asked me how old she was and I said "9 1/2 months."  Chet shot me the look that said, "Isn't that a LIE?!", so I stammered, "Oh um. Well.  She will be 10 months tomorrow."  We have also received a lot of, "wow her head has grown!", comments.  I am still a bit unsure about how to take them, but it is definitely because her smart BRAIN needs room! :)

I don't know how it is possible that she is 10 months today.  I found this photo from last year on the 28th of January:

Such a time of trusting God... and if I could've only told myself how worth the wait she was. :)

It's almost impossible for my mind to even remember how difficult that time in my life was.  Joy has really taken over my heart...overflowing...it doesn't have much room for anything else.

Of course, when I found that, I also found this one from the 28th of April:

Oh my stars.

And while we are reminiscing, how about this?  She moved from her infant car seat to her "big girl" seat this week.  I held back the waterworks when she sat in it for the first time:

Taking a family walk when we were wittle bitty Boppy this spring in her infant seat.

First time in her big girl seat.  Sigh.

I am so glad her infant seat now belongs to precious friends of ours, for their upcoming third blessing! :)  That made it a lot easier to part with.  And I have only cried about 5 times.  It could be way worse.

At 10 months old, you, my precious baby princess, are:

• Walking!!  You are still pretty cautious, and prefer to crawl to get to something 'far' away, but you are definitely walking!  
• Weigh nearly 18 pounds!  I do not know how accurate this is, but at next week's doctor appointment we will see if that is so.  You feel heavier lately, so I think it's pretty close.
• Babble all day.  You are putting together "babble sentences" with lots of different sounds.  You also get frustrated when I don't understand what you are trying to tell me.  You are so funny! :)
• Eat 3 solid food meals a day.  You wake up around 5am for a bottle, and sometimes will lay back down until 6:30 or 7:00am.  At 7:00, you have "breakfast".  Usually breakfast includes one or two of the following: bananas, raspberries, oranges, apples, real oatmeal (no instant nasty kind), cheerios, wheat Eggos (I know, I know) :/, scrambled eggs, etc.  At about 9:30 you have another bottle and then take a short nap; key word: short.  At 11:00 you have "lunch".  Lunch usually includes at least one green veggie like broccoli (your favorite), peas, green beans, asparagus, artichokes, spinach, brussels sprouts, etc. and one fruit or "orange/yellow/red" veggie like carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, etc.  At about 1:30 or 2:00 you have a bottle and take the best nap of your day; 'best' may mean one hour, but I take it!  Sometimes you even sleep up to two hours, though that is rare!  At 4:30 or 5:00 you have "dinner".  Dinner usually includes a wide variety of whatever produce we have already steamed or have on hand in the fridge.  Sometimes you get to try what I am cooking for dinner if it's "healthy enough".  We have learned not to feed you a solid food dinner past 5:00, just in case it upsets your little tummy.  You will not sleep until after midnight if you eat solid foods late.  At 5:30 you have a bottle, but usually don't drink all of it.  You have a bath around 7:00 (if your dinner didn't cause you to get messy enough to land in the bath right after) and your last bottle around 7:45-ish.  You are usually asleep halfway through this bottle and sleep through the night, most nights!  :)  It is crazy how "scheduled" you are now.  I remember wasting too many moments stressing over this.  Mommyhood sure does teach us lessons! 
• Surprise us with what you are able to do and get in to!  You love things that have an "effect" (i.e. you love to pull the cords on our fans and lights and watch them turn on).  You can figure out so much!  There is hardly a lock that you haven't figured out yet.  
• Have sass.  I do not need to say more. ;)

We love you so very much Grey Danelle, our Boppy.  You wake up with zest for life, and I have been working on encouraging all your strengths, even if they wear me out.  I never want to quench your little happy spirit.  You are inquisitive, BUSY, strong, naturally excited and loud.  I know God's plans for you are AMAZING!

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

****A WALKING Princess****, Women's Retreat & a late 43 week post!!

I am a few days late posting Grey's 43 week blog since Tisha came to town Thursday through yesterday, and we had more fun than blogging. :)
This was a photo I snapped of Grey before Tisha arrived Thursday:

Chet bought me a spa day at the Woodhouse Day Spa for Christmas, and Jimmy Jim bought Tisha one, so we "cashed it in" on Friday together.  It was ahhhmazing! :)  Then we went to the Keep Calm and Shine On Women's Conference at our church together Friday night and Saturday (Daddy had lots of Grey time).  Jenny Broughton gave a wonderful message about being the daughters of the King of Kings, defining the crowns we will receive in heaven, and being adopted into the Lord's family.  I was thoroughly moved by her testimony and message.  It was a very refreshing, needed weekend!

We decided Grey could wear the crowns we received at the conference:

Our little princess Grey Danelle, daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords...and daughter of Momma's Prince Charming. :)

Not many people in this world get a second chance at having a Mom.  Growing up I definitely had no idea what a real parent was like.  I am forever grateful for Tisha teaching me what parental love looks like in the Word.  I could not have chosen a better mom if that was a choice I had.

More important than posting Grey's "43 Week Notes", she is OFFICIALLY WALKING!!  For a week she has been getting braver with a few steps here and there, but today it looks REAL.  One day when I fill out her baby book I'll be glad I was late posting her 43 week blog, so that I could write Sunday, January 20th, as the day she learned to walk!!  2 days before turning 10 months old!

My baby is growing up.  My heart is loving it, and yet it's so bittersweet.  I just simply cannot believe the graciousness of my Savior.  How do I get to live this life each day?  Simply blessed.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.  Psalm 89:15

42

We are 10 weeks away from a BIG birthday party! :)

I may or may not be already buying birthday party stuff. ;)

Then I ask myself HOW it is possible that I can be planning a 1st birthday?!

At 42 Weeks Grey is:

• Giving the SWEETEST bear hugs!  She wants to be scooped up and will envelope us in the hugest, sweetest hugs on earth!
• Adding tons of word sounds to her vocabulary!  She says, "lala, nana, yaya, dada, mama (sometimes), uh oh! (all the time), whoa!, wa and ba."  We think we even heard "puppy" a few times when she was talking to Luke and Rusty through the window, but that of course is debatable.  ;)  Her favorite word is "UH OH!" before and after she makes a mess.  
• She is super attached to me (Momma)!  I can't even leave the room for 10 seconds without a breakdown most of the time.  This is usually okay, but I have realized how luxurious 10 minutes of bath time sans kid feels. ;)
• She loves playing peekaboo still, and especially laughs hard when she crawls up behind us and we turn around quick and say, "BOO!"  She knows how to play games now and initiates them all the time.
• Refusing purees and baby foods.  Okay, maybe she has been refusing them for a few weeks, but we have come to the point that we can no longer offer even one bite.  She must feed herself, and wants little chunks of foods.  Her favorites are broccoli and blueberries, but she loves sweet potatoes, apples, bananas (finally!), kiwis, peas, carrots, avocados, green beans, peaches, cheerios...pretty much nearly anything.  The one food she refuses on most occasions is pears of all things. ?  
• Following many instructions, like, "let's put your arm in this sleeve" and "let's go in the room".

This is SO my favorite age.  She's amazing.

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; Lamentations 3:25

41 week babbler!

This week has been full of new "words" around here!  Grey's vocabulary has taken off with "yaya", "nana", "dada" and "no" ...and some other sounds she is coming up with.  I have loved listening to her babble all day.

At 41 weeks old:

• You are talking more than you ever have!  I am sad to say you still don't say "mama" anymore (she did a long time ago...but won't say it these past couple months), but you have added quite a few words to your vocabulary this week.  I was beginning to think you would be a very late talker, but maybe I was wrong? :)  
• You are cracking us up with this "tired old racehorse" sound.  You blow air out of your lips like you are exhausted.  It is so funny and sounds like you've ran ten miles...but you do it all the time.  
• You had to go to the doctor yesterday for a viral infection.  You have run a fever and been grumpy (understandably), but we were told it should be gone within 72 hours!  Yay! :)  (Pictures above taken today, when you didn't feel so good.)  
• You celebrated your first New Year's by sleeping through the year change!  ;)
• You LOVE your "johnny jump up"!  I can't believe we never got you one of these before now.  It's hands-down your favorite baby "gimmick" in the house.  Finally one of the things that clutters our house, you really like!  One of its warnings reads, "Do not use with a baby who can stand unassisted or flat on his/her feet!"  You can stand by yourself, but we are still letting you jump.  You love it!  (And are still standing!)  

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other:  for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.  Acts 4:10-12

2012

I usually don't set a lot of goals for the New Year (I know, that is not really American.  Or not really anything for that matter)... but I did set a goal of trusting Jesus more this past year.  I wanted to lean on Him and His plans more than anyone else(s).  I found my life to be much more fulfilling and calming when I did so.
I have a goal to be the Mom and Wife I want Grey to be one day for 2013.  Humbling - and yikes.

January
Chet started his job at Weaver Construction/WSI.  Huge blessing to our family, that even allows me to be a stay-at-home mom!  The blessings of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.  Proverbs 10:22  We might not be "worldly" rich, but staying home with Grey makes me feel like the wealthiest girl alive!  One of the greatest gifts in my life is having a hard-working, diligent husband, who wants the best for his family.

February
Bed rest gave us time to rest in His promises and strengthen our faith.  I missed the Hope Mommies 2012 Winter Retreat and my nephew Cohen's birthday, but I did not miss out on being Grey's caregiver as she grew strong in my womb.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

March
Last day of work before Spring Break, and hospitalized for the rest of the month, waiting on Grey.  Welcomed 5 pound 2 ounce, beautiful Grey Danelle into our family on the 22nd, the best day of my life.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly gifts, who does not change like shifting.  James 1:17

April
Learned how to manage our lives with a precious newborn who had colic and reflux.  Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have the great endurance and patience. Colossians 1:11 
Celebrated Easter as a family.  Grey was still too little to bring to church, so we had an Easter service of our own at home, thanking Him for dying an unthinkable death for our sins.  He is not here; for He has risen. Matthew 28:6a  
Celebrated other new babies with several baby showers!  Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Psalm 127:3

May
I resigned from my position at Upward Bound.  Bittersweet to leave an amazing job, but so wonderful to be a full-time Momma to Grey.  She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Proverbs 31:27.
We had the honor of dedicating Grey to the Lord on Mother's Day at church!  Truly one of the happiest moments in my life.  For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him.  Therefore I have lent him to the LORD.  As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.  1 Samuel 1:27-28

June
Chet and I celebrated 4 years of marriage with a little getaway to Fredericksburg.  It was our first night away from Grey, although we enjoyed our needed couple time, and Grey loved being with the Shuffields.  Love never fails.  1 Corinthians 13:8a  

July
First 4th of July with Grey was a fun success...until the fireworks.  :)
Celebrated my 29th birthday.
Spent many days outdoors in the early mornings and late evenings.  Loved learning about God's nature with a 4 month old in the Texas warmth.  When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?  Psalm 8:2-4

August
Celebrated Holden's second Glory birthday!  What a gift to have his sister celebrate the day with us.  You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11

September
Met our niece Hannah Grace for the first time, and celebrated her first birthday (a touch late) here in Texas!  Joel, Charity and Hannah flew in from Cali to spend a week with us.  It was wonderful to have all the cousins together in Brady, and of course Hannah is the most beautiful little girl!  But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children.  Psalm 103:17
Joined the Snyder MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group.  It has been a huge blessing and encouragement in my life to fellowship with other mommies and their children!  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11


October
Celebrated Chet's 30th birthday.  Traveled to Brady for nephew Kayson's birthday.
I started working for Holden Uganda on Tuesdays and Thursdays, meaning Grey was enrolled in daycare.  (This only lasted a few months, as Grey's little immune system was premature for daycare.)
Our family was a little down and out with sicknesses throughout the whole month of October, although we enjoyed the most gorgeous month in West Texas nonetheless.  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.  Proverbs 17:22
Grey's first Halloween was so cute!  She was the most adorable grey bunny.  Ever. :)

November
First time to really love the holiday craziness.  Having a baby makes things a thousand times more fun! :)
I flew to Houston for a friend's wedding dress/bridesmaid dress shopping for a weekend.  Enjoyed the girl time, however I did miss my little miss and her daddy quite a bit.  I also did not feel well most of the first part of November - never got sick until I had kids?!
Spent Grey's first Thanksgiving with both of our families.  Precious memories.  Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.  1 Chronicles 16:8

December
Holden Uganda celebrated it's second year with 100 water projects completed!  Thanks be until God for his unspeakable gift.  2 Corinthians 9:15
Grey's first Christmas was perfect.  Absolutely perfect!  We spent time with both of our extended families before and after Christmas, but Christmas Eve and Day were just us...priceless family time.  Grey was full of excitement (probably reflecting ours') opening each gift on Christmas morning.  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

Full arms.  Full hearts.  Thank you Jesus for JOY in 2012.