Dear Amy,
You are now a year old! On the morning of your first birthday, you woke up early and wanted to cuddle. While I didn't need the 6:30 wake up call, I loved that I could sit in your room and rock you as tucked your head in the round of my neck. It soon became a game, and you would pop your head up and laugh at me, playing a game of cuddle-peek-a-boo. A little later in the morning, you and I sat in a chair while you echoed my "oew" sound and laughed from your head to your toes. It was bliss.
You are such a happy baby. And by happy, I mean ornery. You are now crawling all the time - still on your belly, but sometimes on your knees as well. However, you prefer to stand and cruise around furniture and tall toys. Today, I found you cruising along the wall as we were heading out the door. You are desperate to walk. I know I will regret it, but I am excited for you to walk as well. I know that you will love to keep up with your sister and play outside with her. You are standing on your own for about two seconds consecutively before you remember how fun it is to fall on the ground. You love activity; I saw you diving onto our beanbag and then scooting back down so you could do it again, laughing after each fall. You clearly understand "no" and start to cry when you want to do something, but know you aren't allowed to. Then sometimes, you still do it when you think I'm not looking.
You pick up things so quickly, and I am already wondering where you learned them. I thought you were dancing the other day, but realized you were doing the sign for bath and saying "bah bah" over and over. Later, you crawled to the door of the bathroom and did it again ... subtlety is not your strong suit. When you want more food and we miss you signing for more, you just scream - it gets the point across, but maybe you could work on a different tactic soon. You say "mommy" (ADORABLE!!), "dada", "d-dd-" (for dog) swiftly followed by "fffhh" for 'woof' (which you taught yourself, child genius). You love Tressel, but he isn't too impressed by you yet. Sometimes when you are frustrated, you have started to crinkle your nose and blow air out of it.
This week, you have tamed your love for bananas and don't request them daily. I often run out of ideas for feeding you because you clear your plate all the time. You still do the sign for "milk" when you want to nurse, but also do it when you want milk from a sippy cup, which you enjoy but refuse to hold on your own. You have started to want specific foods, as evidenced by all the blueberries you tossed on the floor in pursuit of watermelon and all the cheerios you scattered around Starbucks while reaching for puffs instead.
You are a joy! Your facial expressions are starting to really show what is going on in your mind, and I love seeing how you are developing as a unique and beautiful little girl. It is so much fun to be your mom, and I love all of your little one-year-old self!
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Emmalyn-isms
E: Mommy, I wanna call you on the phone.
Kathy: Okay, Emmalyn.
E: I call you on the phone, but first, I call Aisy.
Kathy: Jacey?
E: No, Aisy.
Kathy: Desi?
E: No. Daisy. Daisy Duck. I wanna call Daisy.
Mommy, I have pockets! Does Tressel have pockets? Hmmm. (as she begins to examine his fur and look for them)
Kathy: Here, put your underwear on.
Em: Jesus give it to me? Jesus give me underwear?
Kathy: Well, Daddy and I gave it to you. But Jesus gives us everything, so I guess he gave you that underwear.
Em: Thank you Mommy!
Princerella (Cinderella)
Pony nails (finger nails and pony tails confused)
Kathy: Okay, Emmalyn.
E: I call you on the phone, but first, I call Aisy.
Kathy: Jacey?
E: No, Aisy.
Kathy: Desi?
E: No. Daisy. Daisy Duck. I wanna call Daisy.
Mommy, I have pockets! Does Tressel have pockets? Hmmm. (as she begins to examine his fur and look for them)
Kathy: Here, put your underwear on.
Em: Jesus give it to me? Jesus give me underwear?
Kathy: Well, Daddy and I gave it to you. But Jesus gives us everything, so I guess he gave you that underwear.
Em: Thank you Mommy!
Princerella (Cinderella)
Pony nails (finger nails and pony tails confused)
Dear Amy: Ten Months
Dear Amy,
You are ten months old! You are such a happy and bubbly baby; we love spending time with you. You love to EAT - nursing, table food, sips of water ... you love it all. Except formula. For the past two months, you have refused it like a little milk snob. Gratefully, you make up for it in watermelon consumption. That evens out, right? You love bananas, yogurt, cheerios, beans, peas ... really, everything! You eat almost everything with your hands, but sometimes we spoon feed you since your excitement causes you to rush through shoving food in your mouth at times. You do have a funny reaction to cold food as it surprises you with every bite.
You love to babble. I am pretty sure that you have said "mama", "dada", "bana" (for banana - every morning!), "mo" (for more), "hi", "bye", and "uh-eh" (for uh-oh; Emmalyn taught you this whenever you drop something). You can sign for milk, more, and all done (which you rarely use). You love to wave hello and goodbye, and do so at all the right times. (You never cry when we drop you off at Linda's, but one day, you waved goodbye to her when I dropped you off - implying you wanted to come with me. It melted my heart!). You definitely know what "no" means, which is usually what I have to tell you when your curiosity takes you too far.
You still take two naps during the day, but your afternoon nap is becoming longer. You love to cuddle for a minute, but then fall asleep awake in your crib.
You have spent a long time rolling to get to your intended destination, but last week you started to crawl(ish). You don't lift your legs off the ground, but you army crawl like your life depends on it. I came home from work, and you quickly trudged across the room to me. You are so delighted with yourself! You also love bath time now that you get to sit up with your sister in the tub.
We love you!
You are ten months old! You are such a happy and bubbly baby; we love spending time with you. You love to EAT - nursing, table food, sips of water ... you love it all. Except formula. For the past two months, you have refused it like a little milk snob. Gratefully, you make up for it in watermelon consumption. That evens out, right? You love bananas, yogurt, cheerios, beans, peas ... really, everything! You eat almost everything with your hands, but sometimes we spoon feed you since your excitement causes you to rush through shoving food in your mouth at times. You do have a funny reaction to cold food as it surprises you with every bite.
You love to babble. I am pretty sure that you have said "mama", "dada", "bana" (for banana - every morning!), "mo" (for more), "hi", "bye", and "uh-eh" (for uh-oh; Emmalyn taught you this whenever you drop something). You can sign for milk, more, and all done (which you rarely use). You love to wave hello and goodbye, and do so at all the right times. (You never cry when we drop you off at Linda's, but one day, you waved goodbye to her when I dropped you off - implying you wanted to come with me. It melted my heart!). You definitely know what "no" means, which is usually what I have to tell you when your curiosity takes you too far.
You still take two naps during the day, but your afternoon nap is becoming longer. You love to cuddle for a minute, but then fall asleep awake in your crib.
You have spent a long time rolling to get to your intended destination, but last week you started to crawl(ish). You don't lift your legs off the ground, but you army crawl like your life depends on it. I came home from work, and you quickly trudged across the room to me. You are so delighted with yourself! You also love bath time now that you get to sit up with your sister in the tub.
We love you!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Tell Me If I'm Bossy
If you were going to pick five words to describe me, at different points in my life, I would not be shocked if you used "bossy" as one of those five words. A few years ago, a student thought he was sending his friend a text about me. Instead, he sent me that text, and it read "she's so bossy." I remember a boy who picked on me regularly in elementary school and told me I was bossy. I wasn't surprised in either case. Because they were right. But over the past few years, God has been working on my heart and showing me what a not-good thing this is. I was never taught that it was good, but I guess I'm a slower learner and am just getting it now.
Because of a new campaign that lots of people have been promoting, I have been thinking about this more often. If you go to www.banbossy.com, you'll learn that people think girls are called bossy more often than boys (which may be true, and is unfair), and this causes them to shirk back from their leadership abilities and allow boys to take their places. I get it. I have been called bossy more than once, I have felt like boys interrupted me when I was trying to speak, I have been around people who didn't think I should be in leadership because I'm a woman. But here's the thing. Just because other people have offended me, it doesn't make bossiness okay. Leadership and bossiness are two different things; we should celebrate leadership, but not bossiness.
In me, bossiness is sin. Bossiness is about getting my way, making my voice heard, getting others to do what I want. It tramples over others and paves a way for me. There is nothing about a bossy temperament that echoes the life God has called me to. These words from Ephesians 4:2 have been imprinted on my mind for two years now:
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Humility. Gentleness. Love. These are the words that speak to me about who I am to be. Over and over, Scripture points us to others instead of ourselves. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; in humility consider others more highly than yourself." (Phil 2:3) The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. I am trying to teach and live these concepts (teaching is so much easier than living them!) as the primary descriptors of a Christ-centered life.
I understand that we need to lift girls up for leadership, and not stifle them. I also notice regularly that we need to lift up boys in leadership too. We have many more girls who lead in our youth group than boys. And if any of them - boy or girl - are bossy, I'm not going to ignore it. I don't want to ban bossy; I want to ban bossiness. From my heart, most of all. We are given power, but not the power to domineer over others (as the definition of "bossy" states). Paul reminds Timothy how to use the gifts he has been given. "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Power, love, and self-discipline together enable us with what we need to step into the gifts God has given to us.
So if I am bossy, please let me know (or accidentally send me a text about it). I don't want my daughters to be bossy; I want them to be humble and kind. I don't believe we need more bossy people; we need more humble ones. We need to bear with one another in love, consider others, and allow God to form us who he has already called us to be.
Because of a new campaign that lots of people have been promoting, I have been thinking about this more often. If you go to www.banbossy.com, you'll learn that people think girls are called bossy more often than boys (which may be true, and is unfair), and this causes them to shirk back from their leadership abilities and allow boys to take their places. I get it. I have been called bossy more than once, I have felt like boys interrupted me when I was trying to speak, I have been around people who didn't think I should be in leadership because I'm a woman. But here's the thing. Just because other people have offended me, it doesn't make bossiness okay. Leadership and bossiness are two different things; we should celebrate leadership, but not bossiness.
In me, bossiness is sin. Bossiness is about getting my way, making my voice heard, getting others to do what I want. It tramples over others and paves a way for me. There is nothing about a bossy temperament that echoes the life God has called me to. These words from Ephesians 4:2 have been imprinted on my mind for two years now:
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Humility. Gentleness. Love. These are the words that speak to me about who I am to be. Over and over, Scripture points us to others instead of ourselves. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; in humility consider others more highly than yourself." (Phil 2:3) The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. I am trying to teach and live these concepts (teaching is so much easier than living them!) as the primary descriptors of a Christ-centered life.
I understand that we need to lift girls up for leadership, and not stifle them. I also notice regularly that we need to lift up boys in leadership too. We have many more girls who lead in our youth group than boys. And if any of them - boy or girl - are bossy, I'm not going to ignore it. I don't want to ban bossy; I want to ban bossiness. From my heart, most of all. We are given power, but not the power to domineer over others (as the definition of "bossy" states). Paul reminds Timothy how to use the gifts he has been given. "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Power, love, and self-discipline together enable us with what we need to step into the gifts God has given to us.
So if I am bossy, please let me know (or accidentally send me a text about it). I don't want my daughters to be bossy; I want them to be humble and kind. I don't believe we need more bossy people; we need more humble ones. We need to bear with one another in love, consider others, and allow God to form us who he has already called us to be.
Friday, February 21, 2014
High 5 for Friday
1. This weather. For real. I was convinced that it was going to stay cold every single day until April or May. For this reason, I was not so excited for February to make his appearance. But, the shortest month of the year is not short in surprises this year. The sun is shining and the weather is warmish! I know it will get cold again, but it's nice to have a little break to catch our breath and get ready to plan the next week of layering clothes.
2. I had lunch with some awesome girls this last week - we had delicious bagel sandwiches and then we ate huge cupcakes. I'm all for days off of school that end up being sunny and 45 degrees so we can enjoy them and eat too much food.
3. We are working through the book of Philippians at high school Bible study, and I am really enjoying it. My favorite part is that our students care and are taking the time to ask good questions and really dig in. Three of them even memorized Philippians 2:5-11, which is a great piece of scripture for us all to know. Plus, these kids love our girls (and dog, apparently) and that delights me.
5. Emmalyn is making me laugh so hard every day. We can now carry on conversation and I am amazed and puzzled by her little mind. Today, I told her it was time to go upstairs and get dressed and she started into a monologue "Amy get dressed too? Can I get her dressed? Can I rub her back? Can Amy come in my room? can I play with Amy's hair?" These are questions that I am confident my brothers never asked about me, and it just makes me excited to continue what it is like to have a house of little girls!
Have a great weekend!
Monday, February 17, 2014
Dear Amy: 6 months
Dear Amy,
The transition from 5 to 6 months is such a fun one and full of big milestones! You are discovering there is a big ole world around you, and you don't want to miss soaking in any bit of it. You can slow down, baby girl. You've got time. You are now rolling over for fun, from your back to belly and belly to back. Your barrel rolling allows you to move all over the room, and I find you stuck in corners or wrapped around furniture from time to time. You love to grab blankets and toys, and are just starting to use them for fun instead of staring for them. One day you were sitting in your car seat and I heard your hanging-bird toy buzz. You had learned to pull it all on your own and were fascinated.Good work, girl! We went to a cabin in KY with mommy's college friends for new years eve, and you did a great job - handling lots of new situations like a travel pro. Get used to those girls, because they will be around for awhile.
You love to laugh at everything around you. I read Sandra Boytown books to you one day, and you just sat and belly laughed as I dipped and dove over the words in her stories. Apparently, the belly buttons of hippos are pretty funny stuff. Last week you were sitting on my lap,and your laughter came so suddenly that I was a little worried about you. When I followed your gaze, I realized you were laughing at some of Emmalyn's antics. You love her. She smothers you and tickles you to the point of minor suffocation, I'm sure, but you take it like a champ. Even though two years separate you, there are only seven pounds between you so I think you can handle it. And you love it. Emmalyn makes you laugh more easily than any of us can.
You are officially out of your rock 'n play and the swaddle for the sleep. Three cheers for this big accomplishment! In January, I left you for five days (!!! thank you for forgiving me so easily) and when I came home, we started working on better sleep for you. You know sleep from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. but have decided that you need to wake up TWICE a night to eat. Daddy and I are hoping that this changes before your seven-month letter. (Here's a hint - you're making your mama a little bit tired). You go to bed very easily and now roll from your back to your side to your belly and then usually to your side again. We love having little side sleepers! We started you on cereal this weekend to hopefully help you (and me) sleep better. Since you grab our plates and make a ruckus during meals, we know you are ready for real food. This should be an exciting month for you!!
This weekend, we went to an indoor water park with Grandma and Grandpa Rohrs and you got in the pool for the first time. You liked it. You didn't love it, and you didn't cry; you just tolerated the idea of a super large and loud bathtub that you have to wear clothes in. And then you took naps in the wagon. It has been a very cold winter, so at least the warmth of the water park was a perk for you!
You are sitting up unassisted for short period of time. This is one of my favorite baby phases, so I am very excited for you to be able to reach your toys and maybe get rid of that bald spot on the back of your head ;)
People regularly stop me to tell me how beautiful your eyes are, and that you look just like your daddy. When I see you next to each other, I see his smile and happiness fill your face as well. You are a true joy, little girl. Our sweet little sister.
The transition from 5 to 6 months is such a fun one and full of big milestones! You are discovering there is a big ole world around you, and you don't want to miss soaking in any bit of it. You can slow down, baby girl. You've got time. You are now rolling over for fun, from your back to belly and belly to back. Your barrel rolling allows you to move all over the room, and I find you stuck in corners or wrapped around furniture from time to time. You love to grab blankets and toys, and are just starting to use them for fun instead of staring for them. One day you were sitting in your car seat and I heard your hanging-bird toy buzz. You had learned to pull it all on your own and were fascinated.Good work, girl! We went to a cabin in KY with mommy's college friends for new years eve, and you did a great job - handling lots of new situations like a travel pro. Get used to those girls, because they will be around for awhile.
You love to laugh at everything around you. I read Sandra Boytown books to you one day, and you just sat and belly laughed as I dipped and dove over the words in her stories. Apparently, the belly buttons of hippos are pretty funny stuff. Last week you were sitting on my lap,and your laughter came so suddenly that I was a little worried about you. When I followed your gaze, I realized you were laughing at some of Emmalyn's antics. You love her. She smothers you and tickles you to the point of minor suffocation, I'm sure, but you take it like a champ. Even though two years separate you, there are only seven pounds between you so I think you can handle it. And you love it. Emmalyn makes you laugh more easily than any of us can.
You are officially out of your rock 'n play and the swaddle for the sleep. Three cheers for this big accomplishment! In January, I left you for five days (!!! thank you for forgiving me so easily) and when I came home, we started working on better sleep for you. You know sleep from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. but have decided that you need to wake up TWICE a night to eat. Daddy and I are hoping that this changes before your seven-month letter. (Here's a hint - you're making your mama a little bit tired). You go to bed very easily and now roll from your back to your side to your belly and then usually to your side again. We love having little side sleepers! We started you on cereal this weekend to hopefully help you (and me) sleep better. Since you grab our plates and make a ruckus during meals, we know you are ready for real food. This should be an exciting month for you!!
This weekend, we went to an indoor water park with Grandma and Grandpa Rohrs and you got in the pool for the first time. You liked it. You didn't love it, and you didn't cry; you just tolerated the idea of a super large and loud bathtub that you have to wear clothes in. And then you took naps in the wagon. It has been a very cold winter, so at least the warmth of the water park was a perk for you!
You are sitting up unassisted for short period of time. This is one of my favorite baby phases, so I am very excited for you to be able to reach your toys and maybe get rid of that bald spot on the back of your head ;)
People regularly stop me to tell me how beautiful your eyes are, and that you look just like your daddy. When I see you next to each other, I see his smile and happiness fill your face as well. You are a true joy, little girl. Our sweet little sister.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
PF Rohrs
PF Chang's really has no hold on Eric and me. If you invite us, don't worry - we will go. And we will gladly enjoy our meal. But we'd just as well prefer visit their little brother, Pei Wei. I love him. Even better than driving 40 minutes for food, making something better at home. Meet these lettuce wraps.
Don't drag your feet to try these because they are "gluten free". Pssh. They are amazing, and happen to use a sauce without wheat products. A sauce that K-Roger sells. Get. In. My. Belly. Yum. But when I made them, we inhaled them all and were still a little hungry later. Lettuce and a tad bit of chicken can only go so far for carnivores like us. So today, when I saw this recipe on The Tiny Twig, I was thrilled. We are going authentic (so I think) and having chicken lettuce wraps with miso soup in the very near future. I just need to convince Em to put pants on so we can leave the house to go to the store.
If I would have posted this a week ago, you could have had it for Chinese New Year and been all cool and stuff. Maybe next year.
Don't drag your feet to try these because they are "gluten free". Pssh. They are amazing, and happen to use a sauce without wheat products. A sauce that K-Roger sells. Get. In. My. Belly. Yum. But when I made them, we inhaled them all and were still a little hungry later. Lettuce and a tad bit of chicken can only go so far for carnivores like us. So today, when I saw this recipe on The Tiny Twig, I was thrilled. We are going authentic (so I think) and having chicken lettuce wraps with miso soup in the very near future. I just need to convince Em to put pants on so we can leave the house to go to the store.
If I would have posted this a week ago, you could have had it for Chinese New Year and been all cool and stuff. Maybe next year.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas, Emmalyn!
Emmalyn,
You are still asleep in bed right now and I am wide awake. It's Christmas morning! I am treasuring this (most likely) last Christmas where everyone sleeps in but I'm about ready for the fun to start. You are amazing. I love spending time talking with you about Jesus' birthday, but I'll be honest. I feel so inadequate in helping you understand the magnificence of this day, of this truth. Sweet girl, how can I explain to you that God came to earth as a tiny baby who relied on his mother to change his diapers and nourish him. God, who created everything, depended on a woman to nurse him when he cried. God did that. And more, he gave his life for us. Darling, I pray that you understand this truth from the tips of your staticky hair to the bottom of your little toes. Jesus came for you.
You have been making us laugh so hard lately. You love to dance around the family room with your hands over your head, and love to entertain our family. You are learning about pronouns right now. The other night, as our car turned the corner to our street, you said "My house". I said, "Yes, it's our house Emmalyn." "No, my house. I share it with you, Mommy. I share with Mommy and Daddy. " What a generous girl you are to share your house with us Emmalyn! When you want to do something on your own, you said, "I help you, Mommy". So say, you're climbing down the stairs, and I ask "Can I carry you?" You reply, "No, Mommy. I help you!" Or you want to do something on your own. "Help you, Mommy! Help you!"
The other day, we were shopping and an older woman called you a cutie-pie. What trouble - the rest of the day you kept saying, "I cutie pie". Yes, girl, you are my cutie pie. I can't wait for you to come downstairs and make us some pie with your new kitchen - so hurry up! Merry Christmas; I love you.
You are still asleep in bed right now and I am wide awake. It's Christmas morning! I am treasuring this (most likely) last Christmas where everyone sleeps in but I'm about ready for the fun to start. You are amazing. I love spending time talking with you about Jesus' birthday, but I'll be honest. I feel so inadequate in helping you understand the magnificence of this day, of this truth. Sweet girl, how can I explain to you that God came to earth as a tiny baby who relied on his mother to change his diapers and nourish him. God, who created everything, depended on a woman to nurse him when he cried. God did that. And more, he gave his life for us. Darling, I pray that you understand this truth from the tips of your staticky hair to the bottom of your little toes. Jesus came for you.
You have been making us laugh so hard lately. You love to dance around the family room with your hands over your head, and love to entertain our family. You are learning about pronouns right now. The other night, as our car turned the corner to our street, you said "My house". I said, "Yes, it's our house Emmalyn." "No, my house. I share it with you, Mommy. I share with Mommy and Daddy. " What a generous girl you are to share your house with us Emmalyn! When you want to do something on your own, you said, "I help you, Mommy". So say, you're climbing down the stairs, and I ask "Can I carry you?" You reply, "No, Mommy. I help you!" Or you want to do something on your own. "Help you, Mommy! Help you!"
The other day, we were shopping and an older woman called you a cutie-pie. What trouble - the rest of the day you kept saying, "I cutie pie". Yes, girl, you are my cutie pie. I can't wait for you to come downstairs and make us some pie with your new kitchen - so hurry up! Merry Christmas; I love you.
Dear Amy: Merry Christmas
Dear Amy,
You are a 4.5 months old now and such a joy. Just a few days after you turned three months (on November 10), you rolled over! You've done it once since, but really don't like to be on your belly at all. This makes practice hard. Somehow you still manage to squirm all over your crib, which has created a cute little bald spot on the back of your head. Speaking of cribs, you are sleeping in yours every night instead of in that rock 'n play that we love so much. After you transitioned to your crib, you did great. And then, you decided to fight sleep for a while. Every time I laid you down, you would wail as though I was laying you in a bed of needles. As soon as I picked you up, you would hush. I'm not going to lie - I like being able to soothe you so easily, but I'm glad you gave up that little gig. Three hours of that every evening was a little much for me (but thanks for only making it last a week - you're amazing).
More than anything, you are SO smiley. You respond to every voice you hear and flash the brightest grins to even strangers. I. love. it. You are amazing. Along with those smiles, we are blessed with lots of baby talk. Like me, you clearly love the sound of your own voice. You are such a happy baby! When I walk in your room after a whole night of sleep, you melt me with the biggest gum-bearing grins. It makes it such a joy to take care of you. You are starting to take quite an interest in your big sister, too! She loves to cuddle and kiss you and you love to smile at her and often follow her around the room with your eyes. I can't wait to see what happens when you're mobile!
Today is Christmas morning, and everyone is still asleep but me. For Christmas, we got you an awesome gift: your toes. You just discovered them and seem to think they are the greatest thing ever. You're welcome. Everyone in the house is still asleep, and I am so excited it's Christmas. There are so many more of these to come for us, and I can't wait to enjoy every one of them with our family. More than anything, I hope that we can be the best stewards of the gift God has given us in you, in showing you Emmanual, the God who is with us and came to be with us just like you as a tiny baby. We love you, sweet girl.
You are a 4.5 months old now and such a joy. Just a few days after you turned three months (on November 10), you rolled over! You've done it once since, but really don't like to be on your belly at all. This makes practice hard. Somehow you still manage to squirm all over your crib, which has created a cute little bald spot on the back of your head. Speaking of cribs, you are sleeping in yours every night instead of in that rock 'n play that we love so much. After you transitioned to your crib, you did great. And then, you decided to fight sleep for a while. Every time I laid you down, you would wail as though I was laying you in a bed of needles. As soon as I picked you up, you would hush. I'm not going to lie - I like being able to soothe you so easily, but I'm glad you gave up that little gig. Three hours of that every evening was a little much for me (but thanks for only making it last a week - you're amazing).
More than anything, you are SO smiley. You respond to every voice you hear and flash the brightest grins to even strangers. I. love. it. You are amazing. Along with those smiles, we are blessed with lots of baby talk. Like me, you clearly love the sound of your own voice. You are such a happy baby! When I walk in your room after a whole night of sleep, you melt me with the biggest gum-bearing grins. It makes it such a joy to take care of you. You are starting to take quite an interest in your big sister, too! She loves to cuddle and kiss you and you love to smile at her and often follow her around the room with your eyes. I can't wait to see what happens when you're mobile!
Today is Christmas morning, and everyone is still asleep but me. For Christmas, we got you an awesome gift: your toes. You just discovered them and seem to think they are the greatest thing ever. You're welcome. Everyone in the house is still asleep, and I am so excited it's Christmas. There are so many more of these to come for us, and I can't wait to enjoy every one of them with our family. More than anything, I hope that we can be the best stewards of the gift God has given us in you, in showing you Emmanual, the God who is with us and came to be with us just like you as a tiny baby. We love you, sweet girl.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
paci
I'm not going to lie; I love the paci. Emmalyn took to it instantly. It was her first day home from the hospital and she was suckling constantly - even in her sleep. My mom said, "Here, try this." And the rest is history. We have lost so many pacis with her. I can tell you what stores carry her brand and what aisle they're in. She never had a security item other than her paci. This summer, we knew it was time to take it away from Emmalyn during awake hours, so we tried. Twice. The first time resulted in a broken cell phone and the second in a horrendous play date. Both involved an exhausted and defeated mama. Good times, people. I was scared to try again. But third time's a charm apparently. Because after we talked about it, I put it away in her nightstand drawer and we agreed it would only be for naps and bedtime. And it clicked. There were times she begged for it. Times I begged Eric that I could give it to her. But mostly, she did great. At the same time we were weaning Emmalyn off her paci, I was forcing one on Amy. Praying she would take it. And for now - she does. I love the paci.
And now, every morning, I know she's awake because I hear her nightstand drawer open and shut as she puts her paci away. "Paci drawer, mommy". Good job, baby girl.
(Last night, we heard the paci drawer close in the middle of the night and figured she thought it was time to get up. Eric went in to negotiate with her and she was crawling on the bedroom floor looking for paci and had just checked her nightstand. "Where's paci, Daddy?" Don't worry; it was discovered tucked in her bedsheets)
And now, every morning, I know she's awake because I hear her nightstand drawer open and shut as she puts her paci away. "Paci drawer, mommy". Good job, baby girl.
(Last night, we heard the paci drawer close in the middle of the night and figured she thought it was time to get up. Eric went in to negotiate with her and she was crawling on the bedroom floor looking for paci and had just checked her nightstand. "Where's paci, Daddy?" Don't worry; it was discovered tucked in her bedsheets)
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Dear Amy: 2 Months
Dear Amy,
You are two months old! At about 6 weeks old, you gave me your first smile when I went "la la la" as you were looking at me. You love to sit laying on our legs with our knees bent so you can see us right in the face. After you started to smile, you began to starting cooing occasionally. Between one and two months, little sounds started to come out of your mouth and I think you were just as surprised by them as we were!
I thought that you might have a little bit of colic because between 7-10 p.m. every night you only wanted to nurse or cry. We have spent a lot of evenings on the couch watching Netflix while you nurse. But it must be okay, because you are in the 70th percentile for weight and the 80th for height! We're not used to having such a growing baby! After six weeks, you started to calm down in the evenings and spend a lot of time awake and looking at Daddy and me.
You give smiles easily. Whenever someone talks to you in a cheerful tone, you smile for them. It is so precious. This month, you also discovered your playmat and you love it. Mainly, you like to look at yourself in the mirror. Emmalyn loves to lay with you and sometimes requests for you to lay on the mat so that you two can be close to one another. I'm sorry for all the times she has already steamrolled over you. Good news: you still have all your limbs though!
In the past month, you have started to sleep almost through the night. We swaddle you up around ten p.m. and you sleep until three or four a.m. Thanks girl! You're making this thing easy! ;) When Emmalyn would wake up crying as a baby, your daddy and I would often try to fix the problem or get into arguments trying to diagnose her. With you, Daddy generally changes your diaper and I then nurse you. We're a bit more calm this time, and we don't argue about how to care for you. I know that your dad is a much better swaddler than me, and he knows that it's okay for him to fall back asleep while I'm feeding you. The only time we really get worried about you is when you spit up a lot. You sure surprise us with that sometimes, but it's okay - nothing a good wash won't fix!
Thank you for the past two months - for the new smiles and good sleep, for the beginning coos, and the open eyes. We love you!
You are two months old! At about 6 weeks old, you gave me your first smile when I went "la la la" as you were looking at me. You love to sit laying on our legs with our knees bent so you can see us right in the face. After you started to smile, you began to starting cooing occasionally. Between one and two months, little sounds started to come out of your mouth and I think you were just as surprised by them as we were!
I thought that you might have a little bit of colic because between 7-10 p.m. every night you only wanted to nurse or cry. We have spent a lot of evenings on the couch watching Netflix while you nurse. But it must be okay, because you are in the 70th percentile for weight and the 80th for height! We're not used to having such a growing baby! After six weeks, you started to calm down in the evenings and spend a lot of time awake and looking at Daddy and me.
You give smiles easily. Whenever someone talks to you in a cheerful tone, you smile for them. It is so precious. This month, you also discovered your playmat and you love it. Mainly, you like to look at yourself in the mirror. Emmalyn loves to lay with you and sometimes requests for you to lay on the mat so that you two can be close to one another. I'm sorry for all the times she has already steamrolled over you. Good news: you still have all your limbs though!
In the past month, you have started to sleep almost through the night. We swaddle you up around ten p.m. and you sleep until three or four a.m. Thanks girl! You're making this thing easy! ;) When Emmalyn would wake up crying as a baby, your daddy and I would often try to fix the problem or get into arguments trying to diagnose her. With you, Daddy generally changes your diaper and I then nurse you. We're a bit more calm this time, and we don't argue about how to care for you. I know that your dad is a much better swaddler than me, and he knows that it's okay for him to fall back asleep while I'm feeding you. The only time we really get worried about you is when you spit up a lot. You sure surprise us with that sometimes, but it's okay - nothing a good wash won't fix!
Thank you for the past two months - for the new smiles and good sleep, for the beginning coos, and the open eyes. We love you!
Friday, September 6, 2013
One month of joy
Dear Amy,
You are one month old this week!
Last night, I remembered your birth (which is a bit of a comical story), and how I saw you being born. They announced you were a girl, the doctor laid you on my belly and then I just held you on my chest. Another baby girl. I was so thrilled. There was never a moment of wishing you were a boy or a hint of disappointment. It was sheer joy. With your sister, labor had me shaking too fiercely to feel comfortable holding her immediately. But with you, I got to hold you tight and secure - loving the fact that you had made your entrance so perfectly (right on time, too!).
You love to nurse, and after that really rough first three weeks (um, ouch!), it's a joy for both of us. You eat every 2-3 hours during the day, but let me sleep for 3-4 hours at night. Thanks for that - you rock. After your middle of the night feeding, you often like to look around and those are some of the moments where I see your face and personality come out. I hate putting you back to sleep after that, but well, I love sleep and can't nap all day like you. You don't take to your pacifier as easily as Emmalyn did, but you fall asleep without it easily. I'm not going to sugarcoat it: you've got some gas issues. But I know you're working on it, and we'll just keep giving you gas drops and holding you real tight until you get things straightened out. Anytime would be great though.
Emmalyn loves to look at you and tickle you, lay on top of you, and be burped beside you. I'm sorry if you're claustrophobic - she just likes to be close. When you first came home, every time we left the house she would say, "Amy come?" as though we were going to forget you and she had to remind us. As she got up from naps, she would have to locate you immediately to check on you. And when you cry, she goes "Amy, you okay. Amy, you okay" to soothe you. She likes to touch your face and insists on kissing you goodnight. It's not all roses and sunshine, but she is pretty proud to be your sister.
You, Daddy, and me have watched a lot of Netflix together. It's kind of our evening ritual since you like to be held all evening long, and eat most of the time between 8-10 p.m. You have been to church three weeks, and other people have held you during the service for two of those weeks! You are loved, darling! We have gone to the zoo twice, the bunny park with fountains twice, the mall, lots of dinners out, and many, many walks. You sleep in your carseat so peacefully and love to be in motion. We celebrated Grandpa's 60th birthday at a big party, and Aunt Emily came to visit from Louisville just so she could meet you! It's been a busy month!
Looking at you right now, it's clear our little newborn is growing up already! But I'm so excited - the four of us are going to have a blast together, and I am already thrilled at what's ahead for us. You weight 10.5 pounds right now, and I love every bit of it! They say you're tall too - but don't get used to it; the genes aren't really working in your favor there. Know, sweet Amy, that we love you so much and pray you'll know Jesus' love more and more every day of your life.
You are one month old this week!
Last night, I remembered your birth (which is a bit of a comical story), and how I saw you being born. They announced you were a girl, the doctor laid you on my belly and then I just held you on my chest. Another baby girl. I was so thrilled. There was never a moment of wishing you were a boy or a hint of disappointment. It was sheer joy. With your sister, labor had me shaking too fiercely to feel comfortable holding her immediately. But with you, I got to hold you tight and secure - loving the fact that you had made your entrance so perfectly (right on time, too!).
You love to nurse, and after that really rough first three weeks (um, ouch!), it's a joy for both of us. You eat every 2-3 hours during the day, but let me sleep for 3-4 hours at night. Thanks for that - you rock. After your middle of the night feeding, you often like to look around and those are some of the moments where I see your face and personality come out. I hate putting you back to sleep after that, but well, I love sleep and can't nap all day like you. You don't take to your pacifier as easily as Emmalyn did, but you fall asleep without it easily. I'm not going to sugarcoat it: you've got some gas issues. But I know you're working on it, and we'll just keep giving you gas drops and holding you real tight until you get things straightened out. Anytime would be great though.
Emmalyn loves to look at you and tickle you, lay on top of you, and be burped beside you. I'm sorry if you're claustrophobic - she just likes to be close. When you first came home, every time we left the house she would say, "Amy come?" as though we were going to forget you and she had to remind us. As she got up from naps, she would have to locate you immediately to check on you. And when you cry, she goes "Amy, you okay. Amy, you okay" to soothe you. She likes to touch your face and insists on kissing you goodnight. It's not all roses and sunshine, but she is pretty proud to be your sister.
You, Daddy, and me have watched a lot of Netflix together. It's kind of our evening ritual since you like to be held all evening long, and eat most of the time between 8-10 p.m. You have been to church three weeks, and other people have held you during the service for two of those weeks! You are loved, darling! We have gone to the zoo twice, the bunny park with fountains twice, the mall, lots of dinners out, and many, many walks. You sleep in your carseat so peacefully and love to be in motion. We celebrated Grandpa's 60th birthday at a big party, and Aunt Emily came to visit from Louisville just so she could meet you! It's been a busy month!
Looking at you right now, it's clear our little newborn is growing up already! But I'm so excited - the four of us are going to have a blast together, and I am already thrilled at what's ahead for us. You weight 10.5 pounds right now, and I love every bit of it! They say you're tall too - but don't get used to it; the genes aren't really working in your favor there. Know, sweet Amy, that we love you so much and pray you'll know Jesus' love more and more every day of your life.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
delight
during the first three weeks of maternity leave, i watched a lot of tv and movies. netflix and hulu were my jam. and it was good to rest and not have to think about anything as i was nursing a baby in my lap or bouncing her to stop the fussing. but i decided that i probably needed to engage my brain a little bit before it turned to complete mush. and i think i also found the end of facebook and pinterest. twice. so i've turned to reading; the kindle app is my new best friend. a few days ago, i finally finished "one thousand gifts" by ann voskamp. while i didn't love every page of it, there were some great thoughts that are continually to stir in me. and today, i just finished a book about sabbath. and aside from having me think a lot about how much i need to create space for a true sabbath in my family's life, i was reminded of something that i truly believe. stopping and looking for God's presence allows us to see Him and His work.
We must listen for God in the narrative of life ... God speaks through his Scriptures and the lives contained in them, but he also speaks through our lives, wives [husbands :)], children, parents, friends, nature, music, food, trials, and triumphs. (24/6 by Matthew Sleeth)writing has always served as a release for me. and while i care a lot about punctuation and spelling, i don't care much for capital letters. sorry if that bothers you. :) or if smiley faces bother you. sorry about that too. ;) i don't want to write about ME all the time, but about what makes my days delightful. even when they're not filled with pure happiness and only good things, there is delight to be found in every day. i need to treasure those things and moments, snapshots of His goodness.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
The Bible Book
We often read to Emmalyn before bed, and tonight Eric told me the most precious story. As he was putting her to bed, she kept asking for the "Bible book" over and over. He gladly brought over our Jesus Storybook Bible (the best kid's Bible ever), and asked her what story she wanted to read. Her only response? "Jesus". Way to make your parents proud at 26 months, kid. We love you!
Monday, July 22, 2013
9 Reasons to Love the 9th Month of Pregnancy
I realize lots of women don't love pregnancy. And I also realize that lots of women abhor the end of pregnancy. There are lots of reasons to dislike this stage (I mean, do I have to wake up every morning feeling like I just got beat up by a thug through the night?!, Am I the sweatiest human being that has ever lived?, Why is the bathroom always so far away from where I'm sitting?) and I know lots of you are truly miserable - but I want to savor the last bits of this comedic ride that just gets funnier every day. These are the nine reasons I think we should love the ninth month of pregnancy (many also apply to the other months as well!)
1. You can exercise your right to be crazy.
I try to use this one sparingly, but there are instances where it comes in handy to be far beyond super-pregnant. For instance, dear McDonalds worker, do not even THINK about making me pay for that large water. Do you see me?! Does it look like you should charge me fifty cents for water right now?! I don't think so. In general, you don't have to say anything - there's a general vibe that you're a little crazy and people want to appease you. So, that's nice.
2. You get to have conversations with every single random person you see.
I realize this one could be hard for introverts. But seriously, when you're 9 months pregnant, everyone in the world is your new best friend. Eric and I were at Bob Evans last week, and after a conversation with a woman, he said, "Did you know her? I honestly thought she was going to kiss you." She was a close talker and incredibly interested in my pregnancy, and no, I had never met her before in my life. When you go in public, people will randomly smile at you and feel sorry for you, and they seem to clear an extra large path as you walk down the aisle in a store.
3. Go ahead, touch your belly. This is the last time it will be rock hard in a LONG time.
Pregnancy encapsulates the entirety of my life with rock hard abs. I know that technically, my abs are below my baby and still are weak. But leave me alone. When I think about how big my belly is, then I think, "well, at least it's hard". In a few weeks, that will not be true. At all. B And when those Braxton Hicks kick in - I might as a well be a super hero. I am considering trying to demo something with my belly during a Braxton Hicks contraction. (As a side note, this is why it never bothers me when people touch my pregnant belly. I mean, if people did that to me normally, I would tell them to BACK AWAY from the flab. But there is a human in there ... who wouldn't want to get a chance to feel that thing kick? It's craziness!)
4. You get compliments for being huge.
"You look great! You are so big!" ... "Are you sure there aren't twins in there?!" My dad started a rumor that I'm having triplets but didn't want people to know. Everyone knew he was joking ... I think. This is funny stuff! Take it in stride. Outside of pregnancy, these comments merit a punch in the face. But when pregnant, don't get annoyed - chuckle at it. When else do people get to tell you that and when else do you get to be okay with it? It's like a Weight Watchers meeting, but opposite. People love it when you get bigger. Big = healthy to a lot of people, and they're trying to be nice. Big = lots of ice cream in my case, but that's our little secret. This leads to point 5.
5. Feel free to eat without judgment.
I was driving to an appointment last week and thought, "Oh man, I could really go for a DQ twisty cone with crunch coat right now". As I considered the thought, I realized it was 8:30 a.m. and they were closed. Darn DQ with their ridiculous non-morning hours. This is totally normal 9th month thinking. Also, this is the only period of your life when you can sit down with a sleeve of Oreos and a glass of milk without feeling like you need to count how many you've had. Dunk away, my friend. You want ice cream for lunch? Go for it. You need an afternoon snack of a milkshake? By all means. Even better, send someone to get it for you.
6. You never pick anything up off the ground.
You may be extra clumsy during pregnancy. Or like me, you may be clumsy all the time. But those things that you drop, they're gone. Just let them be. Maybe someone will be close enough to bend over and pick things up for you, maybe not. But seriously, you cannot be expected to pick up anything that falls down there. Don't people realize how far away the ground is?! On this note, I'm grateful for summer babies. I tried to lace up a pair of tennis shoes and it took about ten minutes and three breaks. Per shoe. Please ladies - slip ons, only this month.
7. People treat you like a ticking time bomb.
People are a little on edge when you're super pregnant. I've been on two trips this summer where people (generally men) have pulled me aside and asked, "No, seriously, what am I supposed to do if you go into labor?" Fair enough question. I appreciate their concern. I left the church service because I forgot something in the hallway last week, and multiple people asked if I was okay, clutching their car keys and cell phones to be prepared for an emergency. Every time I make a call to a loved one, my first words are "I'm not in labor" (this especially applies before 9 a.m. and after 8 p.m.) But still, why not have some fun? Every once in a while, just grab your belly and start to get really tense. Fix your eyes on the clock and look like you're timing something. For the ultra-brave, pour your bottle of water on the ground (when Pam tried that on The Office, it didn't work so well, but hey, it may for you!). Have a little fun. Just not too much. Nobody wants to be the girl-who-cried-labor.
8. Enjoy your free time.
You probably have pared down your schedule for the last four weeks of your pregnancy. Isn't that nice? Enjoy it. Take a nap. Bake some cookies. Take a nap. Watch some Hulu. Take a nap. Paint your fingernails. Take a nap. Talk someone into painting your toenails. Go to work if you must. Take a nap. Go to a park. Take another nap because you know you're going to be up for at least four pee breaks in the night. Watch a movie - but not one that will make you laugh too hard or cry too hard: both of those are very dangerous in the 9th month. If you haven't lightened your schedule, that stinks for you. I recommend trying it now (yes, Mom, I'm listening)! But really, this is a great time to enjoy the last days of your current life stage - so do it!
9. Savor the last moments of having a life inside of you.
This is partly practical - it is much easier to feed, entertain, and not forget your baby when they are inside of you attached via umbilical cord. Seriously. So enjoy that. But also, this is an experience that happens so very rarely in life. Even if you're feeling horrible, try to focus on the miracle that is a living being growing and being nourished by your body! Soon enough, you will get to hold that baby, feed him or her, and cuddle through the day and night. I am so excited for that day! But today, I try to focus on loving every kick, every move, every toe in my rib or roll over my bladder - because I don't know how many times I will ever get to experience that miracle again.
1. You can exercise your right to be crazy.
I try to use this one sparingly, but there are instances where it comes in handy to be far beyond super-pregnant. For instance, dear McDonalds worker, do not even THINK about making me pay for that large water. Do you see me?! Does it look like you should charge me fifty cents for water right now?! I don't think so. In general, you don't have to say anything - there's a general vibe that you're a little crazy and people want to appease you. So, that's nice.
2. You get to have conversations with every single random person you see.
I realize this one could be hard for introverts. But seriously, when you're 9 months pregnant, everyone in the world is your new best friend. Eric and I were at Bob Evans last week, and after a conversation with a woman, he said, "Did you know her? I honestly thought she was going to kiss you." She was a close talker and incredibly interested in my pregnancy, and no, I had never met her before in my life. When you go in public, people will randomly smile at you and feel sorry for you, and they seem to clear an extra large path as you walk down the aisle in a store.
3. Go ahead, touch your belly. This is the last time it will be rock hard in a LONG time.
Pregnancy encapsulates the entirety of my life with rock hard abs. I know that technically, my abs are below my baby and still are weak. But leave me alone. When I think about how big my belly is, then I think, "well, at least it's hard". In a few weeks, that will not be true. At all. B And when those Braxton Hicks kick in - I might as a well be a super hero. I am considering trying to demo something with my belly during a Braxton Hicks contraction. (As a side note, this is why it never bothers me when people touch my pregnant belly. I mean, if people did that to me normally, I would tell them to BACK AWAY from the flab. But there is a human in there ... who wouldn't want to get a chance to feel that thing kick? It's craziness!)
4. You get compliments for being huge.
"You look great! You are so big!" ... "Are you sure there aren't twins in there?!" My dad started a rumor that I'm having triplets but didn't want people to know. Everyone knew he was joking ... I think. This is funny stuff! Take it in stride. Outside of pregnancy, these comments merit a punch in the face. But when pregnant, don't get annoyed - chuckle at it. When else do people get to tell you that and when else do you get to be okay with it? It's like a Weight Watchers meeting, but opposite. People love it when you get bigger. Big = healthy to a lot of people, and they're trying to be nice. Big = lots of ice cream in my case, but that's our little secret. This leads to point 5.
5. Feel free to eat without judgment.
I was driving to an appointment last week and thought, "Oh man, I could really go for a DQ twisty cone with crunch coat right now". As I considered the thought, I realized it was 8:30 a.m. and they were closed. Darn DQ with their ridiculous non-morning hours. This is totally normal 9th month thinking. Also, this is the only period of your life when you can sit down with a sleeve of Oreos and a glass of milk without feeling like you need to count how many you've had. Dunk away, my friend. You want ice cream for lunch? Go for it. You need an afternoon snack of a milkshake? By all means. Even better, send someone to get it for you.
6. You never pick anything up off the ground.
You may be extra clumsy during pregnancy. Or like me, you may be clumsy all the time. But those things that you drop, they're gone. Just let them be. Maybe someone will be close enough to bend over and pick things up for you, maybe not. But seriously, you cannot be expected to pick up anything that falls down there. Don't people realize how far away the ground is?! On this note, I'm grateful for summer babies. I tried to lace up a pair of tennis shoes and it took about ten minutes and three breaks. Per shoe. Please ladies - slip ons, only this month.
7. People treat you like a ticking time bomb.
People are a little on edge when you're super pregnant. I've been on two trips this summer where people (generally men) have pulled me aside and asked, "No, seriously, what am I supposed to do if you go into labor?" Fair enough question. I appreciate their concern. I left the church service because I forgot something in the hallway last week, and multiple people asked if I was okay, clutching their car keys and cell phones to be prepared for an emergency. Every time I make a call to a loved one, my first words are "I'm not in labor" (this especially applies before 9 a.m. and after 8 p.m.) But still, why not have some fun? Every once in a while, just grab your belly and start to get really tense. Fix your eyes on the clock and look like you're timing something. For the ultra-brave, pour your bottle of water on the ground (when Pam tried that on The Office, it didn't work so well, but hey, it may for you!). Have a little fun. Just not too much. Nobody wants to be the girl-who-cried-labor.
8. Enjoy your free time.
You probably have pared down your schedule for the last four weeks of your pregnancy. Isn't that nice? Enjoy it. Take a nap. Bake some cookies. Take a nap. Watch some Hulu. Take a nap. Paint your fingernails. Take a nap. Talk someone into painting your toenails. Go to work if you must. Take a nap. Go to a park. Take another nap because you know you're going to be up for at least four pee breaks in the night. Watch a movie - but not one that will make you laugh too hard or cry too hard: both of those are very dangerous in the 9th month. If you haven't lightened your schedule, that stinks for you. I recommend trying it now (yes, Mom, I'm listening)! But really, this is a great time to enjoy the last days of your current life stage - so do it!
9. Savor the last moments of having a life inside of you.
This is partly practical - it is much easier to feed, entertain, and not forget your baby when they are inside of you attached via umbilical cord. Seriously. So enjoy that. But also, this is an experience that happens so very rarely in life. Even if you're feeling horrible, try to focus on the miracle that is a living being growing and being nourished by your body! Soon enough, you will get to hold that baby, feed him or her, and cuddle through the day and night. I am so excited for that day! But today, I try to focus on loving every kick, every move, every toe in my rib or roll over my bladder - because I don't know how many times I will ever get to experience that miracle again.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Sowing Seeds in My Life {Ephesians 4:2}
A couple of years ago, I was convicted about some sin that hit me hard. It hurt bad. Not surprisingly, it had to do with the words I say and the way I say them. Thankfully, the people around me showed me gallons of grace and walked with me to start new. At that point, I wrote out this verse and hung it in my office to see daily.
Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient; bearing with one another in love. - Ephesians 4:2
I need reminded of this verse so often. I have found myself slipping into oldhabits sins lately, and I don't like it at all. I know our Father has been trying to nudge me on this issue, and move me into correction rather than good thoughts about changing. I am doing Beth Moore's Stepping Up with some other young women right now, and today we all agreed about the impact of these words.
"Why have many of us read books on forgiving people, knowing the teachings were true and right, cried over them, marked them up with our highlights, yet remain in our bitterness? Because we ate the seed instead of sowing it ... the Word of God can fill our stomachs and give us immediate satisfaction and still not produce a harvest - that's when we eat it but don't sow it" {Stepping Up, pg. 81}
Instead of just saying, "Yes Lord! I want to change!", I want to sow the seed of change in my life and do something. My instinct in interactions with others is often judgment instead of grace. I respond out of emotion instead of deliberate love. I get annoyed instead of being patient. I overlook my failings while seeing others so quickly. As I've considered this, the verse from Ephesians came back to mind. I removed that sign a while ago, but I knew I should do something to keep it in front of me - to remind myself to sow seeds of the change instead of just talking about it. I made a lock screen for my phone so I can see these words over and over each day - when I'm sending emails, when I want to tweet something snarky, when I am annoyed by someone on Instagram. Sow the seeds, don't eat them.
Maybe I'm the only one that struggles with this. But if not, here's a little reminder for you too:
Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient; bearing with one another in love. - Ephesians 4:2
I need reminded of this verse so often. I have found myself slipping into old
"Why have many of us read books on forgiving people, knowing the teachings were true and right, cried over them, marked them up with our highlights, yet remain in our bitterness? Because we ate the seed instead of sowing it ... the Word of God can fill our stomachs and give us immediate satisfaction and still not produce a harvest - that's when we eat it but don't sow it" {Stepping Up, pg. 81}
Instead of just saying, "Yes Lord! I want to change!", I want to sow the seed of change in my life and do something. My instinct in interactions with others is often judgment instead of grace. I respond out of emotion instead of deliberate love. I get annoyed instead of being patient. I overlook my failings while seeing others so quickly. As I've considered this, the verse from Ephesians came back to mind. I removed that sign a while ago, but I knew I should do something to keep it in front of me - to remind myself to sow seeds of the change instead of just talking about it. I made a lock screen for my phone so I can see these words over and over each day - when I'm sending emails, when I want to tweet something snarky, when I am annoyed by someone on Instagram. Sow the seeds, don't eat them.
Maybe I'm the only one that struggles with this. But if not, here's a little reminder for you too:
Monday, April 8, 2013
On Style
Note: I write this as I wear dirty capris, a hoodie, and a t-shirt with a stain on my belly (it's starting to get in the way these days!). So clearly, I'm an authority on fashion.
Pushing past my laziness or rushed mornings from sleeping in, I want to look nice when I go out. I feel so much more ready to tackle the day when I'm showered, my hair is done, and my clothes fit and even match. Lots of times, I have felt like this is a character flaw of mine - wanting to look nice and putting effort into what I wear. Those moments when I tear through the closet and start crying because "I have nothing to wear" (this scene may mark the first time Eric knew I was crazy after we got married) aren't ever going to play in my highlight reel. I've noticed that I set myself up for a good day when I feel put together and confident: wearing clothes that actually fit - regardless of label size - and maybe even put a little makeup on. Even if it requires a little effort. Today wasn't one of those days. I felt fine in the morning, okay through afternoon, and lousy tonight. Dumpy. I've learned I'm not the only one that feels this way.
Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy is the first blogger I knew to feel the same way. She realized that she was wearing yoga pants and her hair up every single day and decided to change that. To hold herself accountable, she decided to take her picture daily and share it through What I Wore Wednesday each week. Now, hundreds of ladies join in and show their outfits for the week. I've never been brave enough to actually photograph and post my outfits, but it has made me think intentionally about putting myself together to start each day. Am I expecting to have a lazy day or am I expecting to actually accomplish something? How I dress affects what I do.
I have always been a bargain shopper. I think that working at Gap during college caused my brain to forever do funky math. We got a great discount when I worked there, so I was always looking at price tags and immediately taking a large percentage off the ticket price. Now, I feel like I should still get to do that in stores. An extra 30% or a clearance sticker entices me. Even better, an extra 30% off the clearance sticker - those are the best! However, I'm also learning that just because something is a good deal, doesn't mean it is actually a good deal. Will I wear the piece? Is it quality? What purpose does it serve? These are questions I'm forcing myself to ask (and clearly they've been on my mind for a while, as mentioned here).
Blair from Wild and Precious has amazing style, and through her blog, I learned about a service called Stitch Fix. It's a subscription program where you receive five items of clothing every time you request them. You fill out a styling profile, customize your preferences (even requesting something specific), and ask for a box to be sent to you. It's $20 for each box, but if you keep anything, that cost comes off the piece's price. I love following them on Instagram to see the adorable stuff they have.
I've only received two fixes, but both of them have been amazing, and I know I'll be requesting more boxes when I'm looking for good transitional post-baby belly clothes this fall. Each piece comes with a card that shows you different ways to wear it. I love the ideas and the permission to wear something differently than I traditionally would. I follow them on Instagram, and love to see the fun pieces they are sending out! This has been a great way for me to add quality pieces to my wardrobe, and I've really enjoyed having someone else pick out clothes for me! If you're interested, you can sign up here. You can cancel at anytime, so if you hate it, you're out $20! To the left is a picture of me wearing a sweater I received from them. I absolutely love it, and Eric does too, because he knows that I'm looking at clothes that will actually add something to my closet rather than cheap deals that will probably not hold up by next year.
Finally, the last thing that boosting my style is The Small Things Blog. I love this blog. You may have seen Kate all over Pinterest, and for good reason. I cut my hair in November, and while I don't majorly regret it, I'm growing it back out. The main reason? So I can do more of Kate's tutorials on her blog. Most of the hair/beauty tutorials on Youtube are hilarious, and worthless, and a little bit sketchy. Kate is super professional but also keeps it real. I've started painting my nails, wearing foundation, and wearing more than just a ponytail thanks to her blog. Go check it out. And then do something awesome to your hair.
All three of these websites have helped me to kick my boot-ay in gear and put effort into the way I look. All three of the ladies I mentioned are Christians, and I love their balance of caring about style and fashion without becoming obsessed. I'm completely fine going out without make-up or done hair, but I know I don't feel my best when I do. I usually can't remember if I put make up on or not in the morning unless I start crying during the day - so I don't remember what other people are seeing. Sure, there have absolutely been times when wanting to look nice has been about wanting to look nicer than others - and that's a problem. But wanting to put my best me out there? I think I could use an extra reminder to do that daily! So go ahead, curl your hair tomorrow. :)
Pushing past my laziness or rushed mornings from sleeping in, I want to look nice when I go out. I feel so much more ready to tackle the day when I'm showered, my hair is done, and my clothes fit and even match. Lots of times, I have felt like this is a character flaw of mine - wanting to look nice and putting effort into what I wear. Those moments when I tear through the closet and start crying because "I have nothing to wear" (this scene may mark the first time Eric knew I was crazy after we got married) aren't ever going to play in my highlight reel. I've noticed that I set myself up for a good day when I feel put together and confident: wearing clothes that actually fit - regardless of label size - and maybe even put a little makeup on. Even if it requires a little effort. Today wasn't one of those days. I felt fine in the morning, okay through afternoon, and lousy tonight. Dumpy. I've learned I'm not the only one that feels this way.
Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy is the first blogger I knew to feel the same way. She realized that she was wearing yoga pants and her hair up every single day and decided to change that. To hold herself accountable, she decided to take her picture daily and share it through What I Wore Wednesday each week. Now, hundreds of ladies join in and show their outfits for the week. I've never been brave enough to actually photograph and post my outfits, but it has made me think intentionally about putting myself together to start each day. Am I expecting to have a lazy day or am I expecting to actually accomplish something? How I dress affects what I do.
I have always been a bargain shopper. I think that working at Gap during college caused my brain to forever do funky math. We got a great discount when I worked there, so I was always looking at price tags and immediately taking a large percentage off the ticket price. Now, I feel like I should still get to do that in stores. An extra 30% or a clearance sticker entices me. Even better, an extra 30% off the clearance sticker - those are the best! However, I'm also learning that just because something is a good deal, doesn't mean it is actually a good deal. Will I wear the piece? Is it quality? What purpose does it serve? These are questions I'm forcing myself to ask (and clearly they've been on my mind for a while, as mentioned here).
Blair from Wild and Precious has amazing style, and through her blog, I learned about a service called Stitch Fix. It's a subscription program where you receive five items of clothing every time you request them. You fill out a styling profile, customize your preferences (even requesting something specific), and ask for a box to be sent to you. It's $20 for each box, but if you keep anything, that cost comes off the piece's price. I love following them on Instagram to see the adorable stuff they have. 
Finally, the last thing that boosting my style is The Small Things Blog. I love this blog. You may have seen Kate all over Pinterest, and for good reason. I cut my hair in November, and while I don't majorly regret it, I'm growing it back out. The main reason? So I can do more of Kate's tutorials on her blog. Most of the hair/beauty tutorials on Youtube are hilarious, and worthless, and a little bit sketchy. Kate is super professional but also keeps it real. I've started painting my nails, wearing foundation, and wearing more than just a ponytail thanks to her blog. Go check it out. And then do something awesome to your hair.
All three of these websites have helped me to kick my boot-ay in gear and put effort into the way I look. All three of the ladies I mentioned are Christians, and I love their balance of caring about style and fashion without becoming obsessed. I'm completely fine going out without make-up or done hair, but I know I don't feel my best when I do. I usually can't remember if I put make up on or not in the morning unless I start crying during the day - so I don't remember what other people are seeing. Sure, there have absolutely been times when wanting to look nice has been about wanting to look nicer than others - and that's a problem. But wanting to put my best me out there? I think I could use an extra reminder to do that daily! So go ahead, curl your hair tomorrow. :)
Monday, April 1, 2013
Easter 2013
We had the joy of hosting Easter for Eric's side of the family this year, and it kicked me in gear to get our home ready. We have red Christmas dishes, and well, those dishes have been in regular use since November of 2011. It was time to sort through some things. Eric is the major cleaner in our house, and made everything shine so I could put knick knacks all over it. The day before Easter he started to count the number of fake/real flower arrangements throughout our house, but eventually gave up. I would love an unlimited supply of beautiful flowers because I love the brightness they bring to our home. (I've heard that people get those from things called gardens, but I don't see that happening anytime in my near future). Here's what our house looks like ready for spring.
Of course, I attempted the now-famous Pinterest Easter bouquet. My mom did one and it's even cuter. I'm pretty sure the candy cost more than the flowers - oh well, it's still cute! Eric's waiting for the flowers to die so he can get to the Peeps.
Here is a view from our kitchen to family room. We love the way this house fits a lot of people in one area so it was great to be able to use that!
Our new artwork! We worked on it this winter, and absolutely LOVE having it above our mantel. It only weighs about three thousand pounds.
We had a great time with Eric's family and then hopped to my parents to spend the rest of the afternoon eating their leftovers, napping, and playing with cousins. We are so blessed to have an incredible family to share the resurrection of Christ with! I truly felt the joy of Easter and the hope we have this Sunday!
Of course, I attempted the now-famous Pinterest Easter bouquet. My mom did one and it's even cuter. I'm pretty sure the candy cost more than the flowers - oh well, it's still cute! Eric's waiting for the flowers to die so he can get to the Peeps.
Here is a view from our kitchen to family room. We love the way this house fits a lot of people in one area so it was great to be able to use that!
Here are some pictures of our family enjoying time together. My family maxes out at about 20, so it's still a little crazy to me that between 25-40 people will gather for holidays with Eric's family. I love that they all get together for holidays, even as a big family.
Our family of four! Emmalyn looks less than thrilled about Easter ... it was a little strange to wake up from nap time to a house of 30 people! Poor girl! She recovered as soon as they started reading books to her.
We had a great time with Eric's family and then hopped to my parents to spend the rest of the afternoon eating their leftovers, napping, and playing with cousins. We are so blessed to have an incredible family to share the resurrection of Christ with! I truly felt the joy of Easter and the hope we have this Sunday!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Advent for Normal People
When we talk about the liturgical seasons of the church, I think lots of people are immediately intimidated. I don't see Advent, Lent, and Pentecost (plus lots of others) as outdated, traditional responsibilities for the church. Rather, I see them as fresh opportunities to look on my relationship with God and walk with others as they do too. I can't tell you what colors the altar cloths are supposed to be, what the Biblical texts are for every week, or even how long some of the seasons are. In fact, this post is fully void of an accurate information or facts - and I'm okay with that.
So why observe them? Why Advent? People talk a lot about preparing their hearts for Christmas, but how do we do that?
Have you ever reach December 26 and realized you're surrounded by brown tree needles, broken ribbon, and a fridge full of leftovers? And that's it. Nothing has changed about you. Nothing about Christmas has effected your soul. The past month hasn't made you more like Jesus.
Advent, of all seasons, should be the time of year when we take advantage of the opportunity to to grow up in Jesus' love and be filled with his spiritual wisdom. If there is any season when we should sense the Holy Spirit at work, it should be Advent. Shouldn't our hearts be turned towards God during this time?
I love the story of Mary and Elizabeth. I tried to talk about it with our 5th and 6th graders on Wednesday, but they just giggled when I said the word "womb" and all comparisons were lost. But think about what happens when pregnant Elizabeth sees Mary (who is pregnant with Jesus, but nobody knows):
Our 5th and 6th graders thought it was hilarious that a baby could leap in someone's womb. So that's as far as we got. But when I think about Christmas: God coming to earth, God making himself like us, God revealing himself to us as fully as he could, God giving all of himself for us - shouldn't something within me leap with joy? No, not a baby. But something? My affections, my heart, my contenance? Shouldn't this season be about a perpetual leaping with joy because of the promise of God being fulfilled? Our redemption is here.
I am kind of a blog addict. I used to follow a lot of home decor blogs (and by used to, I mean I haven't checked one in ten minutes). They were like the gateway drug to other blogs: blogs about life, ministry, babies, crafts. And I was hooked. Recently, I have discovered bloggers who are challenging my faith. Crazy huh?
Jessi of The Naptime Diaries is part of something called #SheReadsTruth. Bloggers came together to do devotions and share their insights on Instagram and Twitter (which is totally optional). Starting Sunday, they will be doing a daily Advent reading. If you have a smartphone, you can download the Youversion app, look up the She Reads Truth plans, and start the Advent one Sunday. OR you can go to their website and sign up for a daily email with the Scripture and devotion in it. This year's reading has a beautiful set of daily Advent calendar cards to go with it, which you can buy in Jessi's shop here. Aren't they awesome?? I'm attributing 80% of their awesomeness to them being designed by someone whose last name is Connolly (even spelled the right way, Mom and Dad)!
I'm so excited to do the reading and have our family follow along with the Scripture cards.
ONE MORE THING ....
As part of Advent, lots of families are doing a different activity every day so that they will savor the season intentionally. I love this idea.
One of my big-sister-type heroes talk about putting more Jesus in Christmas and I love her ideas. Jessi talks about what her family is doing here, and it kinda makes me want to be her adopted child. Another blogger puts a unique spin on this concept. Laura makes a list of random acts of kindness that they will do every day of Advent. In the future, we hope to combine these two ideas into helping our little family focus on growing closer to God together, and sharing Jesus with others in practical ways.
Don't let Christmas pass you by without letting the greatest Gift of all change your heart. Over and over again. And leap with joy because you know the Savior is coming!
So why observe them? Why Advent? People talk a lot about preparing their hearts for Christmas, but how do we do that?
Have you ever reach December 26 and realized you're surrounded by brown tree needles, broken ribbon, and a fridge full of leftovers? And that's it. Nothing has changed about you. Nothing about Christmas has effected your soul. The past month hasn't made you more like Jesus.
Advent, of all seasons, should be the time of year when we take advantage of the opportunity to to grow up in Jesus' love and be filled with his spiritual wisdom. If there is any season when we should sense the Holy Spirit at work, it should be Advent. Shouldn't our hearts be turned towards God during this time?
I love the story of Mary and Elizabeth. I tried to talk about it with our 5th and 6th graders on Wednesday, but they just giggled when I said the word "womb" and all comparisons were lost. But think about what happens when pregnant Elizabeth sees Mary (who is pregnant with Jesus, but nobody knows):
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:41-45)
Our 5th and 6th graders thought it was hilarious that a baby could leap in someone's womb. So that's as far as we got. But when I think about Christmas: God coming to earth, God making himself like us, God revealing himself to us as fully as he could, God giving all of himself for us - shouldn't something within me leap with joy? No, not a baby. But something? My affections, my heart, my contenance? Shouldn't this season be about a perpetual leaping with joy because of the promise of God being fulfilled? Our redemption is here.
I am kind of a blog addict. I used to follow a lot of home decor blogs (and by used to, I mean I haven't checked one in ten minutes). They were like the gateway drug to other blogs: blogs about life, ministry, babies, crafts. And I was hooked. Recently, I have discovered bloggers who are challenging my faith. Crazy huh?
Jessi of The Naptime Diaries is part of something called #SheReadsTruth. Bloggers came together to do devotions and share their insights on Instagram and Twitter (which is totally optional). Starting Sunday, they will be doing a daily Advent reading. If you have a smartphone, you can download the Youversion app, look up the She Reads Truth plans, and start the Advent one Sunday. OR you can go to their website and sign up for a daily email with the Scripture and devotion in it. This year's reading has a beautiful set of daily Advent calendar cards to go with it, which you can buy in Jessi's shop here. Aren't they awesome?? I'm attributing 80% of their awesomeness to them being designed by someone whose last name is Connolly (even spelled the right way, Mom and Dad)!
 |
| www.naptimediariesshop.com |
I'm so excited to do the reading and have our family follow along with the Scripture cards.
ONE MORE THING ....
As part of Advent, lots of families are doing a different activity every day so that they will savor the season intentionally. I love this idea.
One of my big-sister-type heroes talk about putting more Jesus in Christmas and I love her ideas. Jessi talks about what her family is doing here, and it kinda makes me want to be her adopted child. Another blogger puts a unique spin on this concept. Laura makes a list of random acts of kindness that they will do every day of Advent. In the future, we hope to combine these two ideas into helping our little family focus on growing closer to God together, and sharing Jesus with others in practical ways.
Don't let Christmas pass you by without letting the greatest Gift of all change your heart. Over and over again. And leap with joy because you know the Savior is coming!
Friday, November 2, 2012
High Five for Friday!
I'm linking up with Lauren here. It's Friday, and I'm glad for it. Here's what's getting me excited this weekend:
1. It's November. I'm super pumped about that. I love a lot of things, but don't love October 31. The main reason? I'm the biggest pansy in the world. I don't like anything remotely scary, and I'm glad to be able to watch commercials again, and not think about creepy crawlers, zombies, or blood. Yuck. And November means Thanksgiving, heavy sweaters, scarves, and Not Your Mama's Craft Market!
2. I got my first Stitch Fix in the mail yesterday! I'll give you all an update on Monday, but it was definitely fun to see what items were hand-picked for me. I'm excited to update my profile and get the next box (it's definitely going to take some restraint to hold off on that ...)
3. A few nights ago at dinner, Emmalyn reached out both of her hands, and made Eric and I hold on for a good three-four minutes, long enough for Eric to snap this photo. We have no idea what caused her to do that, but it was definitely cute!
4. Tomorrow at church, we are having a youth area cleaning day. This shouldn't be so exciting, but I am so ready to have our stuff sorted out. It's a little late in the year to say, "we had a busy summer and things really piled up", but I'm still saying it. Get off my back. Here's a sneak peek of the "before". (In all fairness, an Eagle Scout is building storage for us and cleaned out our closets and put everything in one room. Still. It's a lot.) What's your favorite thing in the photo?
5. I finished a Beth Moore study this week! Okay, so I still have some book sessions to do, but we finished the videos. I did it with some women from church and it felt good to finally follow through on doing a Bible study with other women. We did her study on James and I loved it. She came make you laugh hysterically and go to tears in about a twelve-second turnaround, and then mull over the lesson all week long. Good stuff.
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