Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Is This Seat Taken?

Is it just me, or is this rocking chair getting a little crowded? Michael's grandparents got him this beautiful chair for his first birthday. He loves to sit in it every day, particularly when we let him watch a Baby Signing Time video (which is really the only tv we allow him to watch). He has recently taken to sharing his chair with his buddies. There is a green frog that Elizabeth gave him and Scout the talking dog. He usually also has his sippy cup with him, too. He watches tv in style, that is for sure!

Friday, May 7, 2010

A Mother's Day Prayer

Mother's Day has been a bittersweet day for me over the last several years. Losing my mom, struggling to become a mom, having a child, and losing 2 children have made this day an emotional one for me. In praying about Mother's Day this year, I asked God to give me the strength to celebrate what is good and honor what is gone. He gave me this poem, so I wrote it. I am by no means a creative writer, so it's not exactly artistic, but it is from my heart and what God gave me to say. I feel a little vulnerable sharing this, but it occurred to me that God never wastes anything and maybe someone else needs to read this. So here it is...

Lord, Can You Be a Mother, Too?

Dear Lord, I know your Word says that you are our heavenly father,
And, I cling to that, I do, but today I need you to be more than my father,
Can you be a mother, too?

Lord, you knew my earthly mom so well, so I know it's not news to you. She was so sad, her heart forever broken. There were many happy times, that's true, but she hurt too much, to give praise to you. I wished, forever hopeful, that your love would break through, but I never saw it... so, now, I hold to hope that she's at peace with you. I miss her so much. I miss the promise of the bond I wished we could share. I feel so lonely in that spot where a mother's love should be.
Lord, can you be my mother, please?

Lord, I wanted so much to be a mommy, and I felt that's what you were calling me to be. I wanted so much to give my children the mother's love that never came to me. But, months went by, and no blessings.
And I asked Lord, can you make me a mother, too?

Lord, you answered, and I gave praise to the heavens for the gift you have given me. My son is the greatest joy I have ever known. Sometimes I doubt that I'm doing a good job.
Lord, can you show me how to be a mother, please?

Lord, I asked again for a child. You answered with twins, but then they were gone in the blink of an eye. I miss the feel of them inside of me. I am so broken.
Who will hold them and love them?
Lord, can you be their mother, too?

.

Monday, May 3, 2010

18 Month Checkup

Michael had his 18 month check up today with Dr. Evans. He was a champ and didn't fuss at all until it was time for his vaccination. He is continuing pretty much on his same growth track. He weighs 27 pounds, 10 ounces (75%); he is 32.5 inches tall (52% - really? He seems really tall to me), and of course his head circumference has continued to track above the curve (>95%). Our next frontier will be getting ready for potty training. I'm debating whether to get him his own potty or one of those little ring things you attach to the adult potty. His ears looked better (we've been battling an ear infection for a month!). :)

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Happy 18 Months, Michael!



In honor of Michael turning 18 months, I thought I'd put together this slide show with a picture from each month. I still look at him and I'm absolutely amazed by him.

-

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Eight Months Old Already!


Today Michael is eight months old! Where has the time gone? He is doing so many new things now. His latest trick is to sit himself up and to rock back and forth on all fours (so close to crawling!). He's also trying to pull up on everything and get into anything! We have now lowered his crib mattress so we don't have any unplanned exits! He is quite a talker and has lots to babble about! He is also eating a variety of solids now including rice cereal, squash, carrots (yuck), sweet potatoes (yum), peas (yuck), bananas, and pears. He is also very interested in drinking out of a big boy cup, so we are working with him on that, too. Michael now has 3 teeth (the two bottom and one on top) with two more looking ready to come in. He recently had a fun visit out to Oklahoma to see family. I'll have those pictures up soon. :)

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Catching up - Photos from Mother's Day


Here's our little guy all ready for his first Mother's Day.


Our church had a public baby dedication. Michael was teething, so we were nervous to bring him up on the stage.


He was a champ and even wanted to help Daddy with the mic!


Father and son - what a pair!


Mommy and son - the sweetest Mother's Day gift I could ask for!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Catching Up - Photos from 5/8


I have a spatula, and I've no idea what to do with it!


I've got you now, Dad!

I'll eat you!


With Mommy and Dangles the Monkey


I love my mommy!

Catching Up - Photos from 5/7




So far behind on posting pictures of my little guy! Here are a few from May 7th. Here he's just playing with Daddy. Notice the grip he has on Jason's hair! He (Michael) does that to me all the time and adds in a big, slobbery open-mouth kiss. He' so sweet!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

This Could Be the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship


Humm... what's that?


Daddy, I want it!


It's so pretty...


It's mine!!!


I shall eat it!

I see remote control wars in our future...

Michael Meets the High Chair

This was Michael's first day in his high chair. We wanted to let him get used to it before we tried to feed him in it. He thought it was quite interesting.

I think he got a little unsettled when we snapped the tray on. He was like, what are you people doing to me?

But, all was well once we put a few toys on it for him to play with.


Wrestlin' with Daddy


Michael loves to sit on Daddy's chest. He strains to touch Daddy's face and giggles hysterically.

Having Fun at Home




Here's our boy having a fun day at home. He loves to read books with mommy. He also loved when our good friend, Missy, came by for a visit. Missy just moved to Salt Lake City to do her residency in pediatrics. We'll miss having Missy in Cincy, but we know she's going to have a great time out West!

First Babysitter


Here is Michael with his first official babysitter, Elizabeth. We had a yard sale, so we decided to have Elizabeth come to watch him so we could focus on getting rid of some junk! Elizabeth did a great job and Michael had a very fun time playing!

Cute


This cute boy has something to say and he's determined to say it!



Busted! I'm not sure what they were up to, but they sure seem surprised to see me!

Sweet Dreams


Jason caught Michael and I napping. I just loved the way he melts into me with complete disregard to the outside world. There is nothing more peaceful and sweet than a baby's contented sighs.