Thankful.

That's how I'm feeling this morning. I'm thankful for God's blessing to me in the form of this handsome guy:

...this sweet girl:

...and this darling baby, arriving in May '10:

10 Months Old!

I can still hardly believe it's October, let alone my baby's 10 month birthday! I am really having the time of my life with her these days as I watch her new funny faces, see her goofy antics in her highchair, hear her crazy noises that come from who-knows-where...? It's almost a laugh a minute around here. We have no new "mobility" milestones to report, but I'm sure those days will come... right? :) Her vocab consists of "da-da," "dee-dee," "ya-ya," "ma-ma," "ba-ba," "ta-ta," "ga-ga" (rarely), and lots of uninterpreted jibberish. Her favorite foods are cottage cheese, pasta, cheddar cheese, graham crackers, pears, and carrots. She will eat her foods on her tray in order of preference. Graham crackers or bread always come first, then any cheese or fruit, followed by those disgusting vegetables. Elyse does not enjoy meat, yet, but I think she'll develop a taste for it. She loves to drink from a real cup, and she's beginning to get the hang of her sippy cup. Lately, her sign of "please" is confused with clapping, so I'm not sure if we'll master that one again for a while. The evening nap is officially GONE (unless we're having a rough afternoon) but she still can't stay awake past 6 or 6:30pm. Her hair is getting longer and thicker, and the back is full of little curls. She's into pinching everything with her thumb and index finger & that includes our noses & ears :) Here are some of my current fun's and not-so-fun's for this month:

fun's:

* I love the random bursts of clapping. She'll clap when she coughs or when she likes her food, and it never ceases to make me laugh.
* A scrunched up little happy face always accompanies the claps :)
* She claps her feet together very often, especially when she's on her changing table, which makes for some interesting diaper changes!
* She's getting more interactive with our games. From tickling to peek-a-boo, I actually am starting to think she's playing!
* I could be wrong, but I swear she's saying "da-da" to Jordan more and more! Yes, I'm "da-da," too sometimes.
* Story-time at night is still quite funny. She has her favorite books and favorite parts in each book that always yield a smile! She has also learned to close the book when she's bored. Um, I don't think so!
* Kids and animals make her laugh, HARD. She also loves her teddy bear from Dad. In the grumpiest of moods, that bear will get a belly laugh out of her!
* One of the songs I sing over and over to her at night as we rock is Karen Carpenter's "Close To You." I've been singing that song to her since I was pregnant with her, and she always gives me a huge smile when she hears the opening line. If that doesn't melt your heart...?

not-so-fun's:

* Elyse is definitely experiencing some frustration at her lack of mobility. Hmm... I can think of a solution!
* Thankfully, most of the whining has disappeared (for now, right?), but it has been replaced by a strange fake cry that can often mimic a tiny, pathetic puppy.
* She is into yanking on any jewelry with all her might. NOT okay with Mom.
* She is also into yanking on hair with all her might. NOT okay with Mom. (Who really believes that short hair prevents that problem?) :)
* She is SO nosey when it comes to computers or remotes or cell phones. She is not allowed to play with any of these so as not to create future problems when she's a toddler, but she doesn't quite get that yet :) What is it about buttons?
* And the BIGGEST not-so-fun is watching my baby grow up. Shouldn't I always be able to cradle her in my arms? Don't worry, I'm not giving that up yet :)

Job Security

As my last post indicated, we made a long trip home from Indiana Monday night, pulling in our driveway at 6:45am. My incredible husband drove 100% of the trip both ways, while I dozed contentedly (if that's possible in a seat that can't recline) for at least 7 of those hours in the passenger seat. I came home to an empty fridge, LOADS of diapers to fold, 4 new loads of laundry (2 items included "bonus" stains from my pumpkin), bills to pay, a budget to "recalculate," way too much to unpack, and a kiddo with a cold to boot.

It's moments like these that I like to mentally "rewind" to last year at this time. If I would have returned from a 5 day vacation, I would have entered my office to find approximately 25 new files to work, a stack of phone calls to return, fixing computer problems, fixing thermostat problems, spending 90 non-consecutive minutes on hold for the people I'm calling, 8 self-absorbed clients specializing in time-wasting, ... the list truly could go on and on.

Now comes the big smile.

Have I mentioned how much I love my job? I love that I can spend an entire evening washing, drying, and folding laundry, only to have it all reappear in 72 hours. I love that I can sweep the floor today, only to have it return to "crumb-ville" in 24 hours. I love that I can spend an hour on a shopping list & coupons that will get us food to last us 7 days. I love that I can wash 4 loads of dishes daily. I love love love it. AND, every time some selfish part of me creeps up to remind me that my life somewhat resembles a hamster on a wheel right now, I remember that I have job security. I also remember that even in my old office days, I could love doing what I did because God gave meaning to the daily grind. I just happen to be doing now as a SAHM what I knew would be my dream job a year ago. And, this little face confirms with every chore I do that I AM doing my dream job.

Road Trip!

We spent a long weekend up in Indiana celebrating my brother's wedding, and we enjoyed our time immensely! We drove through the night both trips to minimize stops, and overall, Elyse did so well. Twelve hours in a car seat backwards would make me a bit dizzy! This was the first wedding I'd been to in a while, and it was so neat to see my brother marry the girl of his dreams. We have a very small family, but it was also great to see my three great grandparents and my two aunts. I am always astounded at how fun and peaceful our family gatherings are, and the credit goes to God's grace in each of their lives. My brother has married a beautiful girl, both inside and out. It was neat to see my husband stand up for him, just as Philip stood up for him in our wedding. Each wedding I've attended since ours has never failed to make me a bit "misty-eyed" as I reflect on what an astounding picture marriage is. Even in the 6 years of marriage we have shared, we are only beginning to glimpse the great love Christ has for his Bride. I love all the pomp and tradition that surrounds a wedding, as I think it truly is one of the most picturesque celebrations for a believer. Yes, my favorite part is watching the bride come down the aisle to her groom... that is a moment I will never forget from my own wedding. Well, enough of the sentimental stuff :) Here are some pictures from our time with family, and as you can see, Elyse did not lack for attention.

Finally!

Yes, I know some of you are wondering if I will post that Elyse can now crawl or even walk. No. BUT, I am posting a communication milestone. Okay, there's really no way to post anything that your kid is doing without sounding like bragging, is there? So, lest you think this milestone has puffed me up in any way, I fully realize that I have the going-on-10-month-old that has no interest in standing for more than a few seconds or crawling :) Today she finally learned how to sign "please!" I think this small success meant more to me than just about anything she's done to this point. There's something so fun about seeing her little hand sign something that can be used to communicate! {As I type that, I can't help but think of Brian Regan's Little League routine...} I started the whole signing process back in August, and some of the expressions she would make as I tried to teach her "please" would have me rolling with laughter. She had this blank little expression that really made us feel STUPID as we slapped our hands against our chests in hopes she would mimic us. Hilarious, really. I had just about given up on the whole mess. Anyway, today, she was on her changing table, and she randomly started signing "please." As I reinforced what she was "saying," she got more and more excited. As we ate lunch, we peeked in the living room where she was playing, just slappin' her tummy over and over again :) It was quite amusing. Although it's a simple illustration, it did get me thinking about the process that parenting really is. Each day is full of opportunities to make deliberate and intentional decisions about how to raise our child. Sign language is hardly a fair illustration, but I know as we focus on things we want Elyse to develop as she grows, it will be easy to desire instant results. I can only imagine how tempting it will be to get discouraged at times. I'm so thankful we have God's Word and are surrounded by a multitude of "counselors" that are striving to raise (or have raised) their children to know and love the Lord. I guess patience is one of those virtues I must keep striving to develop, because my battles will soon be a little greater than how to say "please."

...worth a thousand words :)

See Ya, September!

It's always at this time every year that I begin to bemoan the fact that we didn't make the most of summer. We are seeing some cool days crowd in here and there, and it reminds me that I need to make the most of these days! We spent some time at the park on Monday, which is much more fun now that Elyse can swing :) I LOVE Septembers in Virginia. The days still have some heat without most of the humidity, and the nights are almost cool enough to want a sweatshirt. I'm not quite in the "fall" mood, yet, but I'll get there. Until then, I'm going to enjoy these lovely days that don't come around yearly: the days we have with Elyse as a 9-month old :)

Savin' for a rainy day, or a doll...

Last week, we enjoyed a visit from Jordan's parents. They were en route to the great NORTH, but we were happy to distract them for a few days! Elyse enjoyed the extra attention immensely. Having an audience other than Mom and Dad is quite fun. Mom and Dad brought each of the grandkids a bank, and Elyse's cousin Shiloh was just enthralled by these banks! As you can see from the pictures, Eli and Elyse were only along for the ride :) Mom and Dad hand-painted them, and they are simply adorable. These pictures were just too irresistible to post, mostly because it is so fun to watch kids enjoy the simple things of life. I remember my first "piggy" bank (which was actually a plastic bunny), and each penny I added made me feel so rich. Though Elyse doesn't enjoy putting coins in this adorable little elephant yet, I hope she finds GREAT enjoyment someday in saving for the future! I'm already curious as to what she will want to spend her savings on in a few years. Hmm...

9 Months Old!

My little pumpkin is 9 months old today! I am spending a lot of time laughing at Miss Elyse lately. She is revealing some very interesting parts of her personality, and I'm starting to wonder what these next months will be like! We definitely have a little chatter-box on our hands. She still gets kind of intimidated when "strangers" are around, but when it's quiet, you should hear her go! She is saying "da-da" and "ya-ya" very often, and she peppers lots of her noises with squeals that make her face all red. She is now "growling" some, which is kind of frightening, but thankfully, she's usually happy when she's making that noise. She is becoming more interested in her toys, and even has a few favorites. She's still addicted to the "Three Little Kittens" story, but she is broadening her horizons and tolerating some other fun books. If it was possible, she is an even bigger fan of Daddy these days, and she likes to seek him out in every room. If that doesn't melt my heart...! It took almost a week of practice, but she is now officially eating finger foods. Welcome to the world of Cheerios! She's rolling over, and scoots all over her crib, but seems to reserve her movement for the crib. She's pulled herself up on her knees a couple of times, but looks a little overwhelmed once she gets there! :) As she grows, it's sad to watch the baby-ness slip away, but she'll always be my little girlie. Here are some of my traditional fun's and not-so-fun's for this month:

fun's:

* Elyse loves to clap these days - I LOVE it!
* I love watching her chew with her two teeth :) A true talent...
* She passes food from her right hand to her left before placing it in her mouth...?
* She giggles whenever we whistle.
* Sitting in the front of a shopping cart is SO fun.
* CHUBBY, CHUBBY arms and legs!
* I think she's discovered 200 new facial expressions this month, each of which cracks me up!
* I love discovering what corner of the crib she'll be hiding in when I get her up from a nap :)
* She really enjoys dancing to music. Sometimes she bops so hard, she looks a little dizzy.
* For some reason, other babies really make her laugh.
* She now waits for me to blow her a kiss when I put her down for a nap...
* Baby food is much easier to make these days.

not-so-fun's:

* She is having a rough time learning the sign for "please," and the whining is my least favorite noise these days.
* More food = more _____.
* She is definitely getting more frustrated that she's not moving much, but she obviously doesn't really care :)
* I've officially entered the stage of the "food-littered-floor." I'm already sick of my broom!
* She is really abusing the whole poochy-lip thing.
* It's hitting me that she's only 3 months away from turning 1!

Ginger Cookies...

Happy Fall to one and all! Okay, that was cheesy. I honestly haven't really gotten into fall yet, but all you blogging friends out there are inspiring me with your posts! Here is a recipe for ginger cookies some of you have asked me about. Maybe this will inspire me to get into the spirit! :)

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup shortening (I use butter-flavored)
1 egg
3 Tblspoons molasses

2 cups flour
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda

Cream the first four ingredients together. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Shape dough into small balls and roll in white sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. 1 batch yields almost 4 dozen. Enjoy!

Team Canada

Over the weekend, we headed to Corolla, NC, for a few days of bonding time with our very own Team Canada! I don't believe I've yet shared any of our future plans, but our goal is to get out to Vancouver, BC, and serve the Lord by working in a church-planting setting. Since we've dreamed of this for years (it's so strange typing that it's been years since our college days), it is so exciting to see how God is leading us along in this adventure. There are days when it seems we will never get there, but those days are getting fewer and fewer. We've watched "what-if's" turn into "somehow's," and now they're turning into "when's" before our eyes. It's so exciting to watch God open and shut doors for his glory as they pertain to our future (some parts of that are more exciting than others). Our team started as four friends and has now morphed into six friends and a few additional tag-a-long's (5 very cute ones, I might add). While we were there, the guys were able to spend lots of time planning, and we girls were able to spend lots of time talking as we cared for the kiddos. We even put up with each other through a nasty bout of flu that threatened to ruin our perfect weekend :) We beat it, though, and even had fun despite the major inconvenience. Yes, the flu inspires bonding at its best! There's nothing like a kick of reality to bring a new dimension to plans for ministry. Ha! SO, now we're home with lots of food for thought, work to do, plans to make and good memories. Here are some pictures of our fun time away. (No, I have no pictures of any major inconveniences...)

In the blink of an eye...

... my baby is becoming a big girl. Well, she's not exactly big, but she seems to be changing more and more each day. I think the most frequent piece of advice that I have received over the last 17 months (from pregnancy on) from other parents is to enjoy every minute, because those precious minutes are gone in a split-second. I remember holding Elyse in the hospital and specifically determining that I would enjoy every day with her. It sounds so simple, yet the days get so busy. I've learned that it is something I have to consciously do every day, or I'll fall into bed at night and forget the expressions on her face or the funny things she did. It often isn't easy to enjoy the new meal-time messes, but the sweet face she makes when she eats is worth every nasty pile of mush. I'm not a huge fan of this new "whining" stage she's in (YES, we're working on signing!) right now, yet her look of excitement when I finally leave the kitchen sink full of dishes to play with her for a while is worth it. That short nap that surprises me every so often (only ever when I'm trying to get a few hours of work in for my "paid" job) is a real pain, but seeing her happy little face when I surprise her by getting her UP is such a joy. I have enjoyed these months so much, perhaps more so since I have determined to enjoy every minute. Alas, I'll probably look back and wonder why I didn't enjoy it more... Honestly, much of the advice I received (and still receive) about parenting was worth about nothing, but that was one tip I am glad I took. One of my favorite pieces of advice was from a former coworker and goes something like this: the dishes, laundry and cleaning can all wait... take a nap. I keep reminding Jordan of that, but for some reason, he think's she's full of bologna?

~trying out the whole "finger food" thing

~Labor Day concert at the park

A bit irreverent, perhaps...

I'm not sure what she thought was so funny, but she could not contain herself yesterday morning! I hope this isn't a sign of what's to come in our future as we sit through sermons. It reminds me of all the times I tried so hard to contain my laughter during church (when I was a wee tike, mind you), usually as a result of one of my brother's ridiculously funny jokes. At those times, he could look at me sideways, and I would about fall off my seat. It truly is one of the best and worst feelings ever: trying to smother laughter. Elyse just hasn't learned the art, right?

Love that sparkle in her eyes...