Daddy Day

Gabe had the day off today - Confederate Memorial Day - who knew?? All we cared about was that he and Kendall would have a "Daddy Day". And, no, I didn't leave a to-do list such as laundry, bathroom cleaning or vacuuming (all of which need to be done by the way). Instead the list included: going to the park; buying Sophie some dog food (OK, that would be considered an errand, but poodles have to eat, too, right?); returning the baby tent to Babies R Us that I decided was not a necessity for our upcoming beach trip (OK, that also would be an errand, but Daddy Gabe is always excited about saving money so he jumped at the chance.); and coming to have lunch with Mommy.

I wanted Gabe to have quality time with his little girl. After all, it's not often that he gets her all to himself for the entire day. And since Kendall is becoming quite the Daddy's Girl these days, I figured they would both have a great time together.

A few weeks ago we had tried to take her to a park that I knew had baby swings. Correction: A BABY SWING. We arrived to this nice sized park to find about thirteen birthday parties coinciding simultaneously which accounted for the five hundred kids/parents all swarming the swings. We tried to hang around to "catch" a chance on the one coveted swing, but there was always some other daddy just a second faster than us, so we eventually gave up and left without a turn. Gabe and I were the only two upset; Kendall just seemed content in her stroller. So Gabe thought this would be the opportune time to venture back out. There was hardly anyone there so Kendall got the swing all to herself. And she and Daddy texted this picture to me.

OK, I preface this next part with a disclaimer. I HATE all those chain emails that warn of horrible things if it is not passed on to twenty-five people in the next sixty seconds, or promise instant wealth in the mail if the chain is unbroken. You will never find me forwarding them on. This one, though, came across my inbox yesterday, and I thought about it in light of Gabe and Kendall's day together. Gabe is an awesome daddy, and already does the things mentioned below, but it reminds us parents to keep all thing in perspective. Our children are truly our greatest blessing...

"Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more
day."

To my two sweethearts - I hope you had a wonderful day. I love you both immensely.

Sweet Baby

We had Kendall's first professional pictures taken at Easter. My sister's friend, Tina, took these for us. We had so much fun, and Kendall really showed off for the camera.

Check out Tina's work here. She did a great job!

New Orleans Lady

We headed to the Big Easy at Easter for Kendall's first trip to see Nana, Grandpa, JuJu and D. We had a great weekend. Kendall was quite the trooper despite a little nasty sinus infection that kept her feeling a somewhat yucky at times. She definitely doesn't whine and complain when she's sick like her mommy does!

We had a slam packed weekend and Kendall was content to go with the flow through it all. One of the highlights (despite all the delicious seafood that Mommy and Daddy load up on) was seeing my parents' new church building that was finally completed a mere three years after Katrina destroyed the old building. This picture was taken in the foyer after church Sunday morning. It's awesome to hear all the testimonies of how God worked good out of the devastating storm and now they have an awesome new building that is unique and perfect for them. God is using this church to reach a region still trying to rebuild lives as well as homes and buildings.

This Easter holiday was a special time that I'm glad we were able to share with family. I know this trip was one of many we will make to see Kendall's grandparents and aunt. And I endearingly refer to them as such because even though I know they enjoyed seeing Gabe and me, we all really know who was the star attraction of the show. Yes, my friends, Gabe and I are aware of the displacement we have ensued in the family rank. And ya know what? We don't mind (too much).

Happy Easter my friends and fellow bloggers. May Jesus' finished work on the cross and resurrection live through you as we celebrate the eternal life that is ours through Him.

Mama Thoughts

This entry is for Kendall. I know one day she will read all the things I wrote about her when she was little. I'm realizing how quickly the days are passing and the break neck speed at which my little baby is growing so I figured I had better write down all the little things I love about Kendall before she outgrows them and I don't remember them any more. So bear with me as I share them with her.

Kendall, you are such a precious baby. Sometimes Mommy and Daddy wonder how in the world we were blessed with such a sweet, sweet baby. You fill our days with sunshine. We both look forward to spending every moment we can with you as we watch you grow and discover new things daily. We love you more and more each day. I love you for who you are, but I also love a few little quirky, YOU-nique things about you as well.


You are fascinated with the camera. So much so that you quit doing whatever cute thing it was you were doing and stare at me. Actually, at the camera which I know you are dying to get a hold of. I find myself turning it on in the other room as to try to distract you. And then I proceed to spend the next ten minutes coercing you to continue what you were doing so I can capture it in action. After a few minutes and several dozen deleted pictures, I usually give up. But sometimes I am lucky enough to snap the button just in time.


Ah, yes, as I was saying, you stop at a screeching halt and stare at the camera. Like in this picture for instance. You were giving me your wonderful open mouthed slobbery kisses which I happen to love, when you noticed the camera once again. Oh well, at least Mommy was able to sneak a little sugar!


You have a very serious mood also. Not a bad mood, but deep-thinking serious all business mood. I often wonder what is going on in you head at the moment. You just seem to be soaking it all in. You have always been alert and curious, from - literally - the day you were born. You never would let me put you in a sling. Nope, if you couldn't see the world you were not happy. So I always wonder what it is you are thinking about.


You love to squeal and make lots of ooooh sounds. You already have a lot to say. I think in this picture you were talking to Sophie!


Speaking of Sophie! You LOVE your puppy dog. And I think she kinda likes you, too! Unfortunately, Sophie's favorite way of sharing the love is to lick. And lick. And lick. You love it! You are so curious of her, and get tickled when she starts barking and playing and acting crazy.


You are beginning to reach. For everything! Toys. Mommy's glasses (which are a little bent by the way). Mommy's necklaces and earrings which is why she hardly wears jewelry right now. (Last week you grabbed both of her hoop earrings and pulled them both out simultaneoulsy! Good thing they had a hinge back and slipped right out and onto the floor. Pretty quick at the draw there, chicka!


Oh, you want to crawl so badly! Especially if one of Sophie's toys is laying around just out of reach. But so far you've only accomplished to go backwards, which usually leads to frustrated cries and a few little fits. But it won't be long before you are mobile!


You do the cutest moves with your hands. Right now you like to flick your wrists. It's so cute when you hold out a toy and just twirl it all around. You've also starting banging both hands on things all the time.


And Mommy especially loves holding you. Often in the afternoons (especially on days when you didn't nap very long or well) I hold you and we cuddle on the couch until Daddy gets home from work. Usually you fall asleep. You wake up refreshed and ready to face the evening as we all play together in your room until bath time. Yes, there are many things that need to be done; and yes, Mommy can think of plenty to do! But nothing compares to holding you because I know one day all too soon you'd rather be crawling and running around, and then you'll be too big to fit in my lap the way you do now. So Mommy forgets everything else and just enjoys the moment.

My precious Kendall, these are just a few little memories of you that I will remember and cherish the rest of my life. I love you and am so excited to watch you grow and learn. You are growing the way God intended so I won't get upset (at least I'll try not to!) when you aren't "as little as you used to be". God created every part of you, has numbered your days, and has predestined great plans for you. I can't wait to see them unfold.