Ainsley learned how to say kangaroo. She also learned the phrase "stinky buns" and loves to say said phrase whenever she wants her diaper changed. And also, I failed at potty training.
Joel left for the bus tour. He will be gone for 15 days. Over the last two months, we will be apart for a total of 34 days. God is so good, though. I feel so thankful for His sustaining grace and the way He consistently blesses me in ways I could not even imagine, through His word, providing truly wonderful friends and family, quick conversations with Joel, answered prayers, and daughters whose cuteness just won't quit.
I went to Trader Joe's and rediscovered their vanilla wafers. Oh.My.Goodness.
Renegade Craft Show!!!!!!!! On Saturday, my lovely friend Joanna (whose birthday is today) called to tell me about this fabulous craft show (really, more of a flea market of a bunch of etsy sellers) that was happening on Sunday. Our husbands once again proved how wonderful they are and each took our respective children for the day so that Jo and I could shop sans kids. I bought a ring and a print for the kitchen. I also could not stop telling Joanna that I was having SO much fun. This needs to be an annual event, I feel.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
This week...
I am starting a new trend on my blog that I'm sure very few of my tiny readership will care about, but I know that I will enjoy looking at over the next few years and reminiscing of the way things once were in the Smith family. I've decided that every Friday, I will write a recap of the highs and lows, for posterity's sake.
SO, this week...
Joel and I went on a lovely date to this sushi place that I've been nagging him to try. Four (yes, four!) delicious rolls later, we left feeling giddy from the conversation and good eats. I am convinced that dates are even better the longer you're married. I never remember having this much satisfying, soul-stirring conversation when we were dating. Not to sound trite, but I truly love being married to that man.
Ainsley and Emery both had doctor's appointments. Ugh. Ainsley is in the 90th percentile for everything (weight, head-size, height) and Emery is in the 50th for weight but 90th for height! My tall girlies. Ainsley was so impressed with the bird sounds her doctor made...I was unsure of what to think.
I caught up with the Suits episodes that I had missed in our interim of no television. Turns out Suits and vanilla wafers are a winning combination.
My parents, Aunt & Uncle and Grandma came to town and installed all of our hardwood floors!!!!! Our house is starting to look like a house. We had a wonderful time with them. My uncle was incredible- giving everyone jobs and solving so many home-related conundrums. My dad, mom, and aunt worked so furiously that you would not believe how much they completed. My grandma provided sweet conversation that made the whole weekend even more enjoyable. AND, my hardworking husband cut and nailed every corner round, ran to Home Depot about 20 times, moved many a box and various pieces of furniture and looked good doing it all.
Ainsley used her big girl potty for the first time. Sweet victory.
Tomorrow is official potty training day. Fingers crossed, hopes high!
SO, this week...
Joel and I went on a lovely date to this sushi place that I've been nagging him to try. Four (yes, four!) delicious rolls later, we left feeling giddy from the conversation and good eats. I am convinced that dates are even better the longer you're married. I never remember having this much satisfying, soul-stirring conversation when we were dating. Not to sound trite, but I truly love being married to that man.
Ainsley and Emery both had doctor's appointments. Ugh. Ainsley is in the 90th percentile for everything (weight, head-size, height) and Emery is in the 50th for weight but 90th for height! My tall girlies. Ainsley was so impressed with the bird sounds her doctor made...I was unsure of what to think.
I caught up with the Suits episodes that I had missed in our interim of no television. Turns out Suits and vanilla wafers are a winning combination.
My parents, Aunt & Uncle and Grandma came to town and installed all of our hardwood floors!!!!! Our house is starting to look like a house. We had a wonderful time with them. My uncle was incredible- giving everyone jobs and solving so many home-related conundrums. My dad, mom, and aunt worked so furiously that you would not believe how much they completed. My grandma provided sweet conversation that made the whole weekend even more enjoyable. AND, my hardworking husband cut and nailed every corner round, ran to Home Depot about 20 times, moved many a box and various pieces of furniture and looked good doing it all.
Ainsley used her big girl potty for the first time. Sweet victory.
Tomorrow is official potty training day. Fingers crossed, hopes high!
Friday, August 31, 2012
TWO!
To Ainsley, on your birthday:
Today you are two, my sweet baby girl.
You frequently give kisses and hugs to your daddy, sister, and me...as well as anything resembling a stuffed animal.
You are fiery, passionate, dramatic, and sweet.
Your favorite foods are spaghetti, french fries, strawberries ("goberries"), and peas. Apparently, chicken is "scary" and green beans hurt you. Your words, not mine.
You talk incessantly. Your daddy and I LOVE this about you. You tell us vivid stories, sing songs, recall your favorite Dora episode, and imitate us in silly voices. You are already quite the showman. My favorite moments in our day are when you catch my eye from across the room, smile mischievously, and say "I love you BIG TIME!"
Daddy can make you laugh like none other. Much to my dismay, you are a "daddy's girl" through and through.
You are a Dora enthusiast.
You sleep in a big girl bed, cuddled up next to Bunny, which is actually a dog.
You always want to wear your purple shoes. Purple is the only color you never mistake.
Coloring is a major hobby for you, sweets. Your favorite is when I let you color with pens. One time I picked you up from Aunt Joanna and Uncle Andi's house and you had drawn all over your tummy with a pen. This has now happened 5 times. Quite the artist, you are.
You LOVE the pool, the park, playing with Paige, Emery Rae, the blanket Grandma made for you, your puppy car, running from Jackson, Charlotte's Web, any Olivia book, your grandparents, shouting, waffles, early morning cuddles, Mommy and Daddy, going to the zoo with your cousins, your playhouse, ringing the doorbell, dancing, and singing The B-I-B-L-E.
You have already lived in three different places. Our apartment, the Tatums, and our new house.
You are loved by SO many people. Most importantly, you are loved by the King. It is my continual prayer that you will come to know Him, whom to know is life eternal.
Happy birthday, my sweet daughter. Let's eat some cake!!!!
Love,
Mommy
Today you are two, my sweet baby girl.
You frequently give kisses and hugs to your daddy, sister, and me...as well as anything resembling a stuffed animal.
You are fiery, passionate, dramatic, and sweet.
Your favorite foods are spaghetti, french fries, strawberries ("goberries"), and peas. Apparently, chicken is "scary" and green beans hurt you. Your words, not mine.
You talk incessantly. Your daddy and I LOVE this about you. You tell us vivid stories, sing songs, recall your favorite Dora episode, and imitate us in silly voices. You are already quite the showman. My favorite moments in our day are when you catch my eye from across the room, smile mischievously, and say "I love you BIG TIME!"
Daddy can make you laugh like none other. Much to my dismay, you are a "daddy's girl" through and through.
You are a Dora enthusiast.
You sleep in a big girl bed, cuddled up next to Bunny, which is actually a dog.
You always want to wear your purple shoes. Purple is the only color you never mistake.
Coloring is a major hobby for you, sweets. Your favorite is when I let you color with pens. One time I picked you up from Aunt Joanna and Uncle Andi's house and you had drawn all over your tummy with a pen. This has now happened 5 times. Quite the artist, you are.
You LOVE the pool, the park, playing with Paige, Emery Rae, the blanket Grandma made for you, your puppy car, running from Jackson, Charlotte's Web, any Olivia book, your grandparents, shouting, waffles, early morning cuddles, Mommy and Daddy, going to the zoo with your cousins, your playhouse, ringing the doorbell, dancing, and singing The B-I-B-L-E.
You have already lived in three different places. Our apartment, the Tatums, and our new house.
You are loved by SO many people. Most importantly, you are loved by the King. It is my continual prayer that you will come to know Him, whom to know is life eternal.
Happy birthday, my sweet daughter. Let's eat some cake!!!!
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Feeling thankful this Mother's Day
I'm not sure how many times I hear this word a day.
Mommy, I want juice!
Mommy, watch me!
Mommy, look!
Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy...HI!
I am sad to admit, there are some days where Mommy is not my favorite word and I silently wish that we could replace it with Daddy. Last night was one of those nights. My daughter woke up nearly every hour, screaming MOMMY and awaiting my presence. Each time, I would stumble to her room and open the door to find the distressed face of my sweetheart. The weight of her warm body in my arms and the smell of sleep rising from her breath was the one redeeming element of the whole night. I just kept thinking, the Lord entrusted this one with me. In His sovereign will, this precious child of His was planned for me. I get to be her mother.
I have never claimed to be a natural mother. I know that my instincts are not maternal or even right majority of the time. But I also know that when I look at this little girl who so much resembles my husband and displays all of my stubbornness and fire, I feel blessed. Even when it's three in the morning.
Mommy, I want juice!
Mommy, watch me!
Mommy, look!
Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy...HI!
I am sad to admit, there are some days where Mommy is not my favorite word and I silently wish that we could replace it with Daddy. Last night was one of those nights. My daughter woke up nearly every hour, screaming MOMMY and awaiting my presence. Each time, I would stumble to her room and open the door to find the distressed face of my sweetheart. The weight of her warm body in my arms and the smell of sleep rising from her breath was the one redeeming element of the whole night. I just kept thinking, the Lord entrusted this one with me. In His sovereign will, this precious child of His was planned for me. I get to be her mother.
I have never claimed to be a natural mother. I know that my instincts are not maternal or even right majority of the time. But I also know that when I look at this little girl who so much resembles my husband and displays all of my stubbornness and fire, I feel blessed. Even when it's three in the morning.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Cousins!
A few weeks ago, Ainsley and I spent the day with my sister and her girls (sadly, my nephew Eli was at school). We snapped a few pictures in between all the silliness.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Grown up stuff.
I will be thirty in mere months, but there are moments when I catch myself believing that I'm still twenty. Surely I'm still that carefree woman with plans every night, wearing my new boots that I blew my whole pay check on. I still look like her...sorta. But then there are conversations and circumstances that plunge me into reality that I am now very much a grown-up and very very much nearly thirty.
Case in point- buying a home. I had no idea how complicated the process of buying a home can be. The ultimate "hurry up and wait," I'm starting to learn. We have found this adorable little house in a nearby town. Yes, the house needs quite a bit of work and yes, it is a short sale which I've heard can be brutal, but the potential in this place is palpable. We put in an offer and are now in our third week of waiting to hear from the bank. Argh.
Case in point two- disciplining a toddler. Our little one is happy and so very sweet. She loves mimicking everything we say. She's also learned to sing this week...really loudly. But what she also seems to adore is to say no to absolutely everything. Would you like some juice? NO! Would you like to go outside? NO! Did you miss Mommy while she was at work? NO! I know deep in my heart that she doesn't mean NO for everything, especially the part about missing me. She misses me, I just know it. But she LOVES to say no. Living/caring for/disciplining a toddler has taken me to the end of myself more than once and has most definitely reminded me that I am a grown-up.
Case in point three- pregnancy. I went to bed at nine tonight. And now it's midnight and I can't sleep. Goodbye slightly cool girl I once was! You've been replaced with an old, tired, big-bellied woman. A grown-up one.
Case in point- buying a home. I had no idea how complicated the process of buying a home can be. The ultimate "hurry up and wait," I'm starting to learn. We have found this adorable little house in a nearby town. Yes, the house needs quite a bit of work and yes, it is a short sale which I've heard can be brutal, but the potential in this place is palpable. We put in an offer and are now in our third week of waiting to hear from the bank. Argh.
Case in point two- disciplining a toddler. Our little one is happy and so very sweet. She loves mimicking everything we say. She's also learned to sing this week...really loudly. But what she also seems to adore is to say no to absolutely everything. Would you like some juice? NO! Would you like to go outside? NO! Did you miss Mommy while she was at work? NO! I know deep in my heart that she doesn't mean NO for everything, especially the part about missing me. She misses me, I just know it. But she LOVES to say no. Living/caring for/disciplining a toddler has taken me to the end of myself more than once and has most definitely reminded me that I am a grown-up.
Case in point three- pregnancy. I went to bed at nine tonight. And now it's midnight and I can't sleep. Goodbye slightly cool girl I once was! You've been replaced with an old, tired, big-bellied woman. A grown-up one.
Friday, March 9, 2012
The search for rhubarb
I blame Chicago's inconsistent, unpredictable weather. Tuesday's sixty degree loveliness ruined me for any more winter. I somehow found myself believing that spring officially had made its appearance. For me, spring's arrival inspires a whole new array of baking options, including strawberry rhubarb pie. I stepped out of my apartment Tuesday morning, felt the warm wind on my face, and instantly dreamed of baking my husband's favorite strawberry rhubarb pie. I had the recipe, thanks to my mother-in-law, and seemingly had the spring needed for rhubarb to be in season. Tuesday was a wonderful day for so many reasons, but in part to the promise of a homemade pie.
The search began yesterday after naptime. Ainsley and I put on our spring jackets (which brought many a painful squeal from the lady when she realized how cold the air outside was) and prepared for the great rhubarb hunt. We went to three grocery stores with no success. We were dumbfounded. It's SPRING! "Where's the rhubarb?" I foolishly asked several produce workers only to be met with confused looks and snickers. With much disappointment and very hungry bellies, Ainsley and I walked back into our apartment rhubarb-less.
Today brought a renewed determination. I finished teaching, picked up my sweet baby girl, and drove us over to Woodmans, completely confident that I would be exiting with rhubarb. After checking both the produce and frozen fruit sections, I gave up on the rhubarb hunt and decided that an apple pie would have to do- all I needed was brown sugar, which is always in season. I found the ingredient, got in line to pay, and then realized that I only had my credit card with me, which Woodman's does not accept. Braving my embarrassment, I apologized to the cashier, returned my brown sugar, and took my daughter back to the car, all the while realizing that I was a complete dummy...void of rhubarb and brown sugar.
SO, I am putting aside my strawberry rhubarb pie aspirations to be picked up sometime in April...hopefully, spring will join me.
The search began yesterday after naptime. Ainsley and I put on our spring jackets (which brought many a painful squeal from the lady when she realized how cold the air outside was) and prepared for the great rhubarb hunt. We went to three grocery stores with no success. We were dumbfounded. It's SPRING! "Where's the rhubarb?" I foolishly asked several produce workers only to be met with confused looks and snickers. With much disappointment and very hungry bellies, Ainsley and I walked back into our apartment rhubarb-less.
Today brought a renewed determination. I finished teaching, picked up my sweet baby girl, and drove us over to Woodmans, completely confident that I would be exiting with rhubarb. After checking both the produce and frozen fruit sections, I gave up on the rhubarb hunt and decided that an apple pie would have to do- all I needed was brown sugar, which is always in season. I found the ingredient, got in line to pay, and then realized that I only had my credit card with me, which Woodman's does not accept. Braving my embarrassment, I apologized to the cashier, returned my brown sugar, and took my daughter back to the car, all the while realizing that I was a complete dummy...void of rhubarb and brown sugar.
SO, I am putting aside my strawberry rhubarb pie aspirations to be picked up sometime in April...hopefully, spring will join me.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
This week...
-Ainsley said "sister" for the first time.
-I made a delicious batch of asparagus risotto. The man in my life had two helpings. Success.
-I have read thirty-two research papers from my eighth grade class. If you want to know anything about childhood obesity or endangered animals, I'm your gal.
-Along with my friend Joanna, I lost miserably to cards this week to two gloating husbands.
-Joel explained to me the importance of getting your car washed in the winter. I stand corrected :)
-This girl rode on her little car all around our apartment.
-Thanks to my handsome husband, a thermos of Intelligentsia coffee has accompanied me to work each day this week.
-We've looked at a house nearby and are considering putting down an offer! SO exciting.
-I used the phrase "bee in your bonnet" in a greenroom full of men, much to their amusement.
-I've only blogged once. Yikes!
-I made a delicious batch of asparagus risotto. The man in my life had two helpings. Success.
-I have read thirty-two research papers from my eighth grade class. If you want to know anything about childhood obesity or endangered animals, I'm your gal.
-Along with my friend Joanna, I lost miserably to cards this week to two gloating husbands.
-Joel explained to me the importance of getting your car washed in the winter. I stand corrected :)
-This girl rode on her little car all around our apartment.
-We've looked at a house nearby and are considering putting down an offer! SO exciting.
-I used the phrase "bee in your bonnet" in a greenroom full of men, much to their amusement.
-I've only blogged once. Yikes!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Blue or Pink?
Yesterday did not go as I had planned. I'm a planner at heart, much to my detriment most of the time. I find strange delight when events go exactly as I had imagined they would and when they do not I feel uneasy and tense. The Lord is working on me in this area, giving me plenty of opportunities to be reminded that His timing is always best. His ways are always good.
Last night we had a wonderful party planned with our small group to reveal the gender of the baby we're having this summer. The ultrasound was Monday and the plan was to have the ultrasound tech write down the gender and seal it up in an envelope. We would take the envelope to a cake baker and ask for the cake to have either a blue or pink center, depending on the gender of the babe. And finally, at said party, we would slice the cake to find out what we're having and enjoy the surprise surrounded by dear friends. But things didn't go as planned.
All seemed ideal on Monday during the ultrasound. She told us right away that she knew the gender and would keep it a secret from us. She said the baby was looking healthy and was measuring 11 ounces. Then my planning train slowly began to derail. Joel made a joke about how the baby was probably going be born on his birthday (my due date is one day after his special day). The tech switched to a new screen to show us that the baby's due date was now looking earlier than my actual due date. On the computer screen, right below the due date box was the "gender" box. In plain sight. As soon as I saw it, my eyes started to well up and I knew the tears would come quick. I was so sad to find out that way. The tech finished up and left and I burst into tears...and told Joel.
The good news was that we had our own little secret for one whole day. The bad news was that we decided to make the cake ourselves (I'm not an accomplished baker at all). My husband went out and bought the baby a new outfit and tried his best to console a very emotional, pregnant wife. It was a day, let me tell you.
Last night we went to our small group party. Our leaders had put up pink & blue decorations and had a girl & boy gift waiting for us as soon as the cake was sliced. Our friends gathered around the cake and waited for the big reveal. Watching so many of our closest friends crowd around a very poorly made cake just to support our family was such a special moment for me. We truly have community here in Elgin. Joel sliced the cake as slowly as he could to draw out the suspense. Inside the cake was...PINK! We are having another girl. Everyone cheered and enjoyed the snacks and a slice of strawberry cake. Even Ainsley joined in the fun and had a few bites in between playing with our leader's dog, Jackson.
Another girl. Can't wait to meet her.
Last night we had a wonderful party planned with our small group to reveal the gender of the baby we're having this summer. The ultrasound was Monday and the plan was to have the ultrasound tech write down the gender and seal it up in an envelope. We would take the envelope to a cake baker and ask for the cake to have either a blue or pink center, depending on the gender of the babe. And finally, at said party, we would slice the cake to find out what we're having and enjoy the surprise surrounded by dear friends. But things didn't go as planned.
All seemed ideal on Monday during the ultrasound. She told us right away that she knew the gender and would keep it a secret from us. She said the baby was looking healthy and was measuring 11 ounces. Then my planning train slowly began to derail. Joel made a joke about how the baby was probably going be born on his birthday (my due date is one day after his special day). The tech switched to a new screen to show us that the baby's due date was now looking earlier than my actual due date. On the computer screen, right below the due date box was the "gender" box. In plain sight. As soon as I saw it, my eyes started to well up and I knew the tears would come quick. I was so sad to find out that way. The tech finished up and left and I burst into tears...and told Joel.
The good news was that we had our own little secret for one whole day. The bad news was that we decided to make the cake ourselves (I'm not an accomplished baker at all). My husband went out and bought the baby a new outfit and tried his best to console a very emotional, pregnant wife. It was a day, let me tell you.
Last night we went to our small group party. Our leaders had put up pink & blue decorations and had a girl & boy gift waiting for us as soon as the cake was sliced. Our friends gathered around the cake and waited for the big reveal. Watching so many of our closest friends crowd around a very poorly made cake just to support our family was such a special moment for me. We truly have community here in Elgin. Joel sliced the cake as slowly as he could to draw out the suspense. Inside the cake was...PINK! We are having another girl. Everyone cheered and enjoyed the snacks and a slice of strawberry cake. Even Ainsley joined in the fun and had a few bites in between playing with our leader's dog, Jackson.
Another girl. Can't wait to meet her.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
February 11
Exactly five years ago I enjoyed the first cup of coffee with my now husband. We had been told of each other by a mutual friend (still so thankful that he thought to match the two of us up) and were finally meeting. Joel and his wingmen plus myself and my wingwoman all sat at a 24-hour Starbucks chatting about music and ministry and movies we liked. I told him about the trip to Italy I was about to take with my wingwoman, Maja. He told me about working at a church and how much he loved the Cubs. Honestly, I only half listened as he talked, I was so busy taking him in- the smile lines on the corners of his eyes, his short dark hair, the sound of his voice. I remember he drank his coffee black, which I found incredibly foxy. He was intoxicating from the start. After coffee, I got in the car with Maja and headed home, wondering if I would see this man again. Thankfully, I did.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Writing...
Today I challenged my eighth grade students to read something to the class that they had written. Nerves filled the room. Suddenly, my teacher "coolness" had worn off and I was now the evil woman who makes them share their ideas. For shame. Once the first few people had gone, thus paving the way for others, the anxiety seemed to settle down a bit and some of them actually seemed to enjoy the experience.
I remember the first few times that I shared something that I wrote with someone else. I was petrified. What if they didn't like it? Or worse, what if they read my words and found them to be irrelevant. Unoriginal. Boring. Studying to get my degree in English forced many a "sharing" opportunity. I was taking writing classes with peers that were eloquent and concise. I remember so many days walking back to my dorm room defeated. I had nothing to write about; I had nothing to say. I graduated feeling excited to teach literature but very intimidated about having to teach writing. I knew the fundamentals- I lacked a shred of inspiration.
As odd as it might sound, the more that I learn about Jesus, the more I want to write. Spending time with the Lord awakens my mind. I have found the very source of inspiration. Writing feels so much more important- my words can be a form of worship to ultimate Poet and Storyteller.
Sadly, these months of pregnancy have made the idea of writing feel a bit tedious. In those precious moments when Ainsley's napping and my time is my own, a nap is much more inviting that my computer or journal. So instead, whenever a thought strikes I scribble little notes on pieces of paper all around our apartment . Perhaps someday I'll gather them up and see if there's anything there. Until then, I believe it's napping time.
I remember the first few times that I shared something that I wrote with someone else. I was petrified. What if they didn't like it? Or worse, what if they read my words and found them to be irrelevant. Unoriginal. Boring. Studying to get my degree in English forced many a "sharing" opportunity. I was taking writing classes with peers that were eloquent and concise. I remember so many days walking back to my dorm room defeated. I had nothing to write about; I had nothing to say. I graduated feeling excited to teach literature but very intimidated about having to teach writing. I knew the fundamentals- I lacked a shred of inspiration.
As odd as it might sound, the more that I learn about Jesus, the more I want to write. Spending time with the Lord awakens my mind. I have found the very source of inspiration. Writing feels so much more important- my words can be a form of worship to ultimate Poet and Storyteller.
Sadly, these months of pregnancy have made the idea of writing feel a bit tedious. In those precious moments when Ainsley's napping and my time is my own, a nap is much more inviting that my computer or journal. So instead, whenever a thought strikes I scribble little notes on pieces of paper all around our apartment . Perhaps someday I'll gather them up and see if there's anything there. Until then, I believe it's napping time.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thankful Thursday- 2.3.12
A few blessings I'm thankful for today-
-Dinner out with a sweet friend followed by a crazy Sam's Club trip. Who knew grocery shopping could be so enjoyable?
-So many good talks with my husband this week. We've had dinner together almost every night this week (this is sadly unusual). That man is hilarious and wise and so very handsome. An excellent meal companion.
-A few of my good friends are also pregnant. Pregnancy is more bearable with pals who know EXACTLY how you feel.
-My cousin, Erin, gave birth to a little girly named Madison Mae. So happy.
-In our small group, we've been studying Philippians. My heart has been wrecked by Paul's humility and the love he had for the Lord. God help me be as fervent and faithful.
Just a short list but a blessed one.
-Dinner out with a sweet friend followed by a crazy Sam's Club trip. Who knew grocery shopping could be so enjoyable?
-So many good talks with my husband this week. We've had dinner together almost every night this week (this is sadly unusual). That man is hilarious and wise and so very handsome. An excellent meal companion.
-A few of my good friends are also pregnant. Pregnancy is more bearable with pals who know EXACTLY how you feel.
-My cousin, Erin, gave birth to a little girly named Madison Mae. So happy.
-In our small group, we've been studying Philippians. My heart has been wrecked by Paul's humility and the love he had for the Lord. God help me be as fervent and faithful.
Just a short list but a blessed one.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Our performer
This peanut has been perfecting a few new skills and we had to make a video to show you. Prepare yourself for some serious genius.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Still wearing a food-induced grin...
We had a lovely weekend. Not only did my parents take Ainsley so that Joel and I could have a little getaway but then we met Roziers for a day in the city and one of the best meals of my life at Girl and the Goat. I don't know if I stopped smiling at any point in the weekend. Today I feel renewed and refreshed. SO thankful for a restful weekend before a very crazy couple of weeks.
Friday, January 13, 2012
My little learner
Today Ainsley learned a new word- bear. I have been a teacher for the past seven years and rarely have I felt as much excitement over one of my students grasping something in class as I have in watching my little girl learn. She is such an observer. Watching her take in every inch of her small little world is overwhelming and so very humbling.
Joel and I were laughing this week about how little you can actually prepare for parenthood. Before Ainsley was born, we read baby books and talked to friends about their experiences with kids and thought of ourselves as ready to be parents. But truly, there is so much that no one tells you because there are no words really to describe the best and most challenging parts of being someone's parent. No one tells you that at times you will feel you've come to the end of yourself and have no human way to continue. You cannot grasp the kind of joy that comes when your child says your name or voluntarily gives you a kiss. There are not words for that maddening feeling when you know that your daughter needs to take a nap but she refuses to lay down and sleep. No where in the baby books do they tell you that soon you will be able to sing the theme song of "Martha Speaks" with your spouse and have deep conversations about why one sippy cup is better than another. Parenthood feels rewarding and helpless all at the same time. And yet, next to being married to Joel, being Ainsley's Mama is the most fun part of my life.
I can only imagine how much more fun adding a second little one to the mix will be.
Joel and I were laughing this week about how little you can actually prepare for parenthood. Before Ainsley was born, we read baby books and talked to friends about their experiences with kids and thought of ourselves as ready to be parents. But truly, there is so much that no one tells you because there are no words really to describe the best and most challenging parts of being someone's parent. No one tells you that at times you will feel you've come to the end of yourself and have no human way to continue. You cannot grasp the kind of joy that comes when your child says your name or voluntarily gives you a kiss. There are not words for that maddening feeling when you know that your daughter needs to take a nap but she refuses to lay down and sleep. No where in the baby books do they tell you that soon you will be able to sing the theme song of "Martha Speaks" with your spouse and have deep conversations about why one sippy cup is better than another. Parenthood feels rewarding and helpless all at the same time. And yet, next to being married to Joel, being Ainsley's Mama is the most fun part of my life.
I can only imagine how much more fun adding a second little one to the mix will be.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
New Year, new news!
Ainsley has officially learned the word "baby" which will be very useful in early July when her brother or sister comes home. In the mean time, Joel and I are going to attempt to get our minds around two children.
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