Fun With Aunt JuJu

My sister, Julie (aka Aunt JuJu), is the designated family photographer. Therefore, she rarely makes it into any of the pictures herself. She and Kendall sure had a fun little photo shoot one afternoon. Here are some of the cutest...




(We have a picture of Aunt JuJu when she was about four years old showing off her ant bite on her middle finger. Not sure of Kendall's excuse here!)

Christmas Morning

Kendall had a blast Christmas morning. So did her parents! She wasn't really sure what to think of the mounds of gifts and growing piles of wadded up wrapping paper, but she sure had fun watching it all. Santa hooked her up with all sorts of toys and clothes. So did Nana and Gigi! And Mommy got what she asked for - a storage unit for all Kendall's loot. Gee, loads of fun for Mommy! (Though Mommy did get a few nice presents all her own.) Oh well, guess it'll be that way from here on out. Here are some pics from the morning...

A Visit to the Manger

A message our pastor preached a few weeks ago has stuck with me and really left me thinking. Ever read a passage and pulled something new from it you've never before noticed? Or even noticed a verse that you never remember reading?

We've all heard the Christmas story. We can retell it, possibly even quote parts or most of it. Nestled in the second chapter of Matthew is a few verses I've always skipped over. The Magi had just come to King Herod and inquired about where the Baby Jesus was. "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written: "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel'".

Okay. I know what you're thinking. Yes, all scripture is inspired by God. But, really, what's your point? Well, here IS my point.

King Herod questioned the religious elect. And who better to ask? They knew the answers. They could even spoout off scripture. The right scripture at that. But despite all they knew, all the knowledge they had acquired throughout their years of church attendance, Bible drill, VBS, Bible studies (okay so maybe I'm adding a little here - but you get my point) they didn't act on it. It didn't seem to impact their life any. They never went to the manger to see this Christ Child they apparently knew all about. Their lives were not changed. They flat out didn't get it. Why?? The God of all creation had come to earth in human form. He humbled Himself to the highest degree.

For all mankind. For them.

They were so full of knowledge that they couldn't even see the life-changing truth in front of them. The fulfilled promise from a loving God, who, in despite of our sin and because of our helpless state, gave His life to reconcile us to Himself. Were they busy with life? Too many responsibilities? Too little time? Would it be inconvenient? Was it not scheduled on the calendar? Would it be too hard a journey? Too risky? Too boring? Too long? Too demanding?

Now, before I become accusatory of these guys, here's my REAL point. How often have I done the same? I know all the answers. I've memorized all the the "required" scripture that all good Christians should know. I've heard the Christmas story a million times and could retell it all to you.

But have I actually been to His manger? Have I stopped in the midst of all the gift buying, present wrapping and bow tying, carol singing, pageant presenting busyness and reflected on what Christ did for me? Have I left it all in pursuit of Him? Has He changed my life? Have I given Him all? We all know John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him..." The accurate translation would be "whoever believes INTO Him." It's more than just saying that, yes, I believe He exists. I believe He came to Earth as a baby. I believe that He died in my place to forgive my sins. It's accepting His truth and letting it transform my life. It's giving Him my life in return of all He gave for me. It's having no other priority in my life that exceeds my desire to serve Him. It's running to Him and allowing Him to change me into His image a little more every day.

Have you been to His manger? Have you worshiped Him for all He is? Have you truly met the King of Kings? What a strange way to save the world. Not in the religious elect. Not in the church. Not in Sunday School or even Vacation Bible School. But in a baby. In a manger. In a no-name little town. In a stable. Born to two unknown and very unlikely young parents.

This Christmas, may you truly seek Him. He is the King of Kings. The Lord of Lords. The true hope of Christmas. Our only hope. Wonderful. Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince Of Peace. The Savior of the World.

Baby's First Christmas

Happy 100th Day!

Saturday was Kendall's 100th day birthday. (Can you tell I was a kindergarten teacher??) And what a 100 days it has been! I had a clue that this baby would change our lives, but I have now experienced the life altering, wonderful change that I had always heard about. I have compiled a list of 100 tips and lessons I've learned for new mothers. Hopefully what I have learned can help you out if that's you! (Some of these tips were learned the hard way.)

1. Forget the advice: Nap when your baby naps. Yeah, right! Not if you need to eat, bathe or maintain any other basics of life.

2. 4 hours sleep is enough to manage.

3. 5 hours is refreshing!

4. One coat of mascara works just as well.

5. Prioritize while baby is sleeping. (ie: eat first)

6. Formula can be measured and water poured into bottles with one hand.

7. Accept all help offered.

8. No need to sweep floors - just wear socks.

9. Keep a journal. It's amazing what you'll forget and then cherish later.

10. Read BabyWise

11. Read The Baby Whisperer.

12. Read The Happiest Baby on the Block.

13. Read The Happiest Baby on the Block.

14. Did I mention The Happiest Baby on the Block???

15. Read all you can get your hands on.

16. Remember: Baby books are a guide, not a manual.

17. Not all babies are textbook babies.

18. Mylacon can be added straight into bottles.

19. Swaddle. Swaddle. Swaddle

20. Formula and spit up can double as perfume.

21. Never get dressed until AFTER feeding and changing baby. (Tip from Gabe)

22. Ignore thoughtless comments from others.

23. One can never have too many bouncy seats (one for each room).

24. Think YOUR socks get eaten by the dryer monster??

25. Stock up on laundry detergent.

26. Clip diaper coupons.

27. Take out a second mortgage to pay for formula.

28. Invest in Baby Einstein stock.

29. Be prepared to get nothing done. (Difficult for OCD busy bees like myself.)

30. If on maternity leave: take ALL 12 weeks. You'll never regret the money, and you'll always cherish the time.

31. Your pediatrician's nurse will answer ANY question you have. Don't hesitate to call.

32. Buy a COMFORTABLE rocker. one high enough to catch your nodding head at 2am.

33. Let a friend babysit and get out!

34. Hormones and emotions are real. This too shall pass.

35. You can never pack too many extra diapers.

36. Always carry a camera in your purse. You never know when something cute will happen.

37. Take a million pictures. Don't delete any. Even the bad ones.

38. Make sure to have a video camera at the hospital. Borrow one if need be.

39. Only the part of your legs that sticks out of capris needs to be shaven every day.

40. Be mindful of the overnight onslaught of crazy drivers on the road.

41. You CAN drive with the back light on so baby can see toys hanging on carrier handle at night.

42. Lift weights now. You'll need those arm muscles to carry the lead-filled carrier.

43. Buy those little toys that dangle from the carrier handle (mentioned above).

44. Not only can you make a bottle with one hand, you can also use the restroom with one hand also. (I'll spare the rest of the details. Just figure it out.)

45. Hold your baby. Alot.

46. Write a letter to your child.

47. Pray scripture over your child.

48. A trip to the mailbox constitutes an "outing".

49. Even if you pierce your little girl's ears, strangers will still ask, "Is it a boy or girl?" (Not first hand advice, but none the less.)

50. All pink head to toe, bows on head, a sign that reads, "I'm a girl" will not solve the above problem either.

51. Sing to your baby.

52. Anything you want done, do before baby arrives.

53. Your "want to" will change. Or as said in MS, "your y'ant to".

54. Babies love buggy rides. Especially at night.

55. Stock up on gas now while the price is down. You'll drain your reserve quickly.

56. Simplify your life.

57. Start a blog.

58. Scrapbook.

59. Keep a sense of humor.

60. Find a friend with a baby. Talk alot.

61. Find a friend with a toddler. They're baby experts and still have a fresh memory.

62. Take only the advice that works for you.

63. Take time to adjust to your new role.

64. Pacifiers mysteriously disappear.

65. Buy a heater for bathtime. You'll love it too and wonder why you went all these years without one.

66. A car cannot have too many safety features.

67. When ordering off a menu (or cooking at home) be mindful of foods that are "easy to eat" with one free hand.

68. Poop happens.

69. If someone gives you an evil eye in public, they've never had a baby.

70. The only people who refer to "sleeping like a baby" are the ones who never had one. Or else forgot.

71. Only go to noisy restaurants. It'll drown out your baby.

72. The first time your baby sleeps through the night, you'll be too excited to sleep.

73. Say to yourself: This is normal.

74. Think of the millions of other parents doing the same thing as you at 2am.

75. Never brag about your child who NEVER cries and ALWAYS sleeps to a bleary eyed new mother.

76. The people mentioned above are liars.

77. Forget wearing necklaces for the next few years.

78. Only wear clothes that can go through the drier and don't need ironing.

79. You will become invisible once your baby arrives. Oh well. It's all about them anyway.

80. Schedule play dates with friends.

81. Football games can be watched on mute. So can everything else.

82. A radio on static in baby's room drowns out barking poodles.

83. Buy a bigger house. You'll need the storage.

84. Buy a bigger car for same reason.

85. Decorative pillows are a nuisanse.

86. Getting out of the house in the mornings takes an act of Congress. Start early.

87. Baby books is literature.

88. The baby industry makes a fortune. You'll become a contributor. Gladly.

89. Motherhood is the hardest job you'll ever do.

90. The pay might be lousy, but the benefits are beyond measure.

91. You'll find out how to love someone so much it hurts.

92. You might think you need to get away for a break (which is likely true) but within minutes you'll be ready to rush back.

93. Write down all you do for in your spare time now. After baby, you won't have any idea what you used to do.

94. Grab a box of kleenex when packing away newborn sized clothes.

95. Plan ahead for the mound of Christmas presents sure to come.

96. Make grocery shopping a family outing.

97. Buy lots of batteries. Every size.

98. Don't play "flying baby" over your head right after mealtime. (another tip from Gabe)

99. Savor every moment.

100. Thank God every day for this awesome blessing in your life. Ask for wisdom. Relax and enjoy the journey.

And Snow Some More...

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Kendall wore her snowman pajamas in anticipation of waking up to snow this morning. That's what the meteorologists had predicted at bed time last night. She even woke up thirty minutes early to check it out. And within an hour of waking up, it started snowing!


Kendall bundled up in her kitty cat hat and blanket and we rushed outside to snap a quick picture. Too bad Mommy turned down Aunt JuJu's snowsuit from when she was a baby. (And, yes, it snowed December 23, 1989 in New Orleans and Julie did get to wear it that winter!) But Mommy didn't think she would actually need it!


The best part of the day is that Daddy got to stay home, too!

Do you see the redbird in the tree? It was beautiful!

We have had a wonderful morning so far. Gabe and I enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate while sitting by the window watching the snow fall. And on top of all that, today is Kendall's three month birthday!! What better way to celebrate than to spend a day together. Days like this make me slow down and reflect on all the blessings in my life. I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season and all though out the year! And time is flying by so fast that I'm going to do my best today to let it slow down just a tad.

When Kendall gets up from her nap we'll post some more pictures since much more has fallen since we took these pictures.

Priceless

Fake Christmas tree. Pre-lit. $100

I Love Santa onesie. $15

Getting everyone (including a baby and a dog) to smile. PRICELESS

Some things money just can't buy.

Got Mistletoe?

Who needs mistletoe with a cute, adorable face like this???

Love Minnie!

Gigi and Papa just returned from Disney World. They brought Kendall a Minnie Mouse that is swaddled in a blanket. How appropriate! Kendall loves her Minnie. She had fun "lovin' Minnie"with hugs and kisses - and biting her nose.

Papa and Gigi are already planning a trip back in 2013. I'll do the math for you real quick. That would make Kendall 5 years old, the age Mommy and Daddy deemed appropriate for a first pilgrimage to the Happiest Place on Earth. We figured she needs to be old enough to remember such an event. I must say, though, that I am looking forward to taking her one day. And Gabe is as well, though I don't think he'd admit to looking forward to Disney World yet. What better place for a little Princess to go???

Another Playdate!

My friend, Tierney, from public school teaching days was in town over the holiday weekend with her husband and little boy, Jaren. Kendall had been looking forward to meeting Jaren for a long time now (so had Mommy!). Tierney and I had always said we would have a baby at the same time, and Kendall and Jaren are two days apart. Plus, Kendall and Tierney share a birthday!

And - as expected - Kendall was two pounds heavier than Jaren! (Refer to "Playdate" from last week for all the details.) Holding Jaren was quiet a differnce from holding Kendall.

Jaren sure is a cutie! And what a full head of hair!

Little Turkey Lurkey!

Kendall's first Thanksgiving was not without MUCH picture taking. Aunt Julie, the official family photographer, easily snapped about 200 pics during her three day visit. I'll share just a few...

Playdate

Kendall had her first play date today. My sweet friend, Robin, and her precious little boy, Jay, came over for lunch and a nice visit today. Look how cute the two of them are together!

Now, I have been told all along that my baby is big. That's the word everyone uses to describe Kendall besides beautiful and sweet, of which I was already aware. But I always wondered: Is my baby big? Everyone says she is, though I don't have anything to compare her to. Until now... Can you believe that Jay is 4 weeks younger than Kendall? That's it! 28 days exactly. My child is HUGE. At her eight week checkup we were told she was 95 percentile on her weight (13 lb 2 oz at the time) and off the charts on her length (25 in). My mom said I was the same way so I'm really not worried. I just now realize what others have been noticing all along. Even our pediatrician friend at church (whose group Kendall goes to) said if he didn't know better he'd say she was four months instead of two and a half months. Anyway...

Back to Robin and Jay. We had such a wonderful time visiting and catching up while our babies "played" as we both rocked them in our arms. Robin, Jay and Daddy Nathan are moving out of state after the first of the year. We are all bumbed about it. Robin is a part of our women's Bible study and we've been praying they could stay here, but so far it doesn't look that way. God did extend their time here, though, to allow Jay to be born here and spend his first holiday season close to family. We will all miss them, but we know God will take care of them and hopefully bring them back soon.

But since I've been learning (and blogging) all about living in the moment, I am going to spend today reflecting on our visit, and thankful for Robin's friendship. She is such a blessing to have for a friend. Today has enough worries of its own, so I will spend the rest of the afternoon holding and loving on my baby - when she gets up from her nap that is - and thanking God for all the blessings (too many to count) in my life.

Sweet Anticipation - Expecting Kendall

Several of my out of town friends asked for pictures of my baby bump. Well, I never posted any at the time. But I figured I'd share some pics and some thoughts with you that I scrapbooked in Kendall's first album.

Expecting is...

... taking a fourth pregnancy test - just to make sure

... asking the doctor if everything is okay and letting out a sigh of relief when you're told that it is

... holding your breath at the first ultrasound until you hear the heartbeat

... the excitement on your parents' faces when they find out they will be grandparents

... imagining who the little person inside you will be. Will she look like me? What is her soul's purpose?

... crying over sappy commercials and endearing news stories

... touching your growing belly, thrilled by every hiccup and kick

... thanking God for such a miracle and learning the meaning of praying without ceasing

... picking out paint colors and nursery furniture

... nausea, swollen ankles, and back pain. As real and intense as they are, though, they're still no comparison to your joy and excitement

... enjoying all the lavished attention

... realizing that your life is not your own, your world will be turned upside down - and welcoming the thought

... the surrendering of your own will. It's letting go of how you think things should be and trusting God to fill in the blanks. When you surrender, you let God take control, realizing that He is the Creator and the Sustainer of life. He loves your child even more than you possibly could. He has a plan for your child and He will be faithful to lead and guide you both as it unfolds. In the moment of surrender your heart softens and trusts beyond all of your mental capability, you find freedom with no expectations as you become fully embraced by God's unconditional love.

Hmmm, I'm getting an idea for another post: "Motherhood..."

Princess Kendall

Once upon a time in a far away crib lived Princess Kendall. She had just moved to this far away land located across the house and all the way at the end of the hall from her old kingdom, Kingdom Pack-n-Play, which was nestled in the corner of a land called Mommy-and-Daddy's Bedroom.


Kendall had a royal Palace Guard, Sophie. (Sophie also doubled as the Court Jester.) Princess Kendall loved Sophie and received daily "head lickings" from her. Sophie guarded Princess Kendall and her land by vading off any and all possible intruders that attempted to come within view of Princess Kendall's kingdom.


But Princess Kendall had a problem. She had something wrapped around her little finger and it wouldn't come off. "Hmmm," Princess Kendall thought, "What can I do about this problem?".

She noticed that this "something" gave her much attention and delight. With one simple cry and the wave of her scepter, her royal subjects, Mommy and Daddy, would come to her rescue. With one lift of her royal finger and a simple royal beckon, her royal "paci subjects" would rush in and save her fallen pacifier. Hungry? Tired? Bored? No problem, her royal subjects tended to these fancies as well. After pondering the situation further she thought, "Do I really want to fix this problem? Is it even really a problem at all?"


Princess Kendall sought the advice of Palace Guard Sophie since she as well had royal powers of persuasion (and the benefit of years of experience) in this kingdom. After receiving much wise counsel, Princess Kendall concluded that she should take full advantage of this royal treatment. And as for her finger? What a small price to pay for lavished love and attention! The thought of casting off this so-called hindrance brought a smile to her face. "Yeah, right!" she cried.


And Princess Kendall, to this day and to come, lives happily ever after in her kingdom. And what about Palace Guard Sophie and Subject Mommy and Subject Daddy? Yeah, they're happy, too!

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

I've been tagged by my friend, Danielle. She found this on a blog, copied it onto hers and played along.

ANYWAY, here's what you do:
You go to your picture folder, open the fourth folder, and then choose the fourth picture, post it, and then explain why it's significant.

Well, do I even need to explain the significance of this priceless picture?? Well, Danielle, you asked! I will attempt to put words to the most precious moment of my life which left me speechless.

Kendall is such an answer to much, much prayer. She is our miracle, our precious gift from God, who has shown Himself to me in many ways this past few years. As much as none of us like trials or waiting (yuck!), it is during these seasons of life that we grow and experience God's love and faithfulness in ways we couldn't otherwise. In James' words, "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " (James 1:2) Kendall is tangible evidence to me of God's tremendous love and sovereignty. He is the Author and Creator of life. He sustains and upholds all things. And by Him and through Him are all things made.

As I held my precious daughter for the first time - a moment that at times I wondered would ever come to pass - I held God's fulfilled promise. Yes, there were times of doubt and uncertainty. Yes, there were times of heartache and longing. But having walked through the journey I am met once again by God's exceeding riches, abundant love and amazing grace.

If anyone is holding on to a yet-to-be-fulfilled longing, trust God's heart. We may not know the reason. We surely won't like the dry season in which we find ourselves, but God works all things for the good of those who love Him. His ways are not our ways, His thoughts not our thoughts. But oh how He longs to lavish His love on those who trust in Him. Just as I know more than Kendall, love her beyond measure and occasionally will have to do things in her best interest that she may not like or understand, how much more so does our perfect heavenly Father do the same for us? I am glad He is in control. And I am thankful even more so for His love.

Besides, sometimes God's "no" is for a "greater yes". Just maybe God has even more blessings in store for you than you have yet imagined.

And ANOTHER 4 Gen Pic

Kendall is so blessed to have lots of great-grandparents. This week Kendall was able to meet Grandma who was in town visiting from out of state. Here's a picture of Kendall, Mommy, D (my dad), and Grandma. My dad decided to be called D because when I was little I called him "D" before I could say Daddy.