For the past 2 days, Mia and I have battled through her afternoon nap. Yesterday she never got that nap. Today she finally fell asleep. I know at some point she will transition from 2 naps to 1 nap, but now is not that time. For a variety of reason, she still requires the extra rest time. In the big picture, getting Mia to nap has no eternal value. But being a good Mom, knowing what is best for your child, and how you respond to situations like this DOES have eternal value. As I begged the Lord to show us mercy and to "just let her fall asleep; please whisper in her ear", I also expressed how silly I felt to be praying so desperately for a minor issue. My God is a God of the big AND the small things!! But it made me reflect on my heart and my life - and what battles will come with Mia that will have a much bigger impact on her life. And the same questions will run through my mind and make me question my response - how long do I battle this out with her, do I respond with firm demands or sweet encouragement, will she understand that being firm with her is only because it is was is best for her, will she remember the results and follow my encouragement next time??? And then there is the question of my heart! Why do I get so upset? Why do impatience and anger always get the best of me? Will Mia see right through my attempt to remain calm and see a clear view of my sin - potentially teaching her to react the same way? If these little things in life put me in such a bad mood, how am I going to respond when we have a "real" battle of the wills. And so, I continue to pray. For the refining of my heart (which may prove to be painful) and for Mia's heart - to know God and follow hard after Him!!
And further I prayed...for particular friends to experience the joy of having a child, for Chris and I to know and experience God's wisdom, for God to protect Mia from the evil of this world - Oh how this prayer stirs my heart toward the uncertainty of the future. If ever there is a test of faith, it is whole-heartily trusting God with your child!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
A Friend and a Mom
It never ceases to amaze me how your view on life can change when your circumstances change. Of course, Mia has changed our lives completely! I never knew my heart could love so much. I never really understood the miracle of children until God gave us Mia. Some days I just watch her play as she discovers new things or reads a book to herself - and I am amazed at how smart she is. And then there are the little things in life that you didn't understand before having a kid of your own. Like why someone never left their kid in nursery at church - I completely understand and I am so sorry if I ever judged anyone for that. And with all the conveniences of using disposable diapers, why would you want to use cloth diapers? Doesn't it just add more work? Are you trying to prove you are indeed super mom? I just laugh at how naive I was - as I now use cloth diapers and LOVE it!! But there is one situation I think I still do not understand. Why do friends who have walked life with you and stood by you all these years, suddenly disappear from your life when you have a baby? Do they think you don't have time for them? Do they think it will bother you to pick up the phone and see how you are doing? Or are they afraid to ask because your answer will always involve something about your kid? I hope I was never that friend who let you disappear after you had a kid.
I am thankful for the few "old" friends who still walk life with us and for the new friends we have made in the last year. While parenting is the most amazing and rewarding gift, it can also be a lonely place if you are not careful. We need to be intentional with each other and encourage one another to be women of God. Sure, it is nice to have someone listen and understand the hardship and sacrifices you make to be the best mom you can be (which really isn't a sacrifice when it comes down to it), but let's not forget we are God's children as well. Being a mom doesn't mean you become no one - you need to be an even bigger someone than you were before. Show your kids what it means to be a child of God. Teach them by example what it means to be a good friend. Let's not let each other get lost in our children. I finally understand how easily that can happen - Mia is such a blessing and I want her to feel how loved she is every minute! I know what a precious gift she is and I don't want to waste a moment with her. However, she will mimic my character and she needs to see me "do" more than just be her mom.
And so, may I reflect God's character! May I not judge other moms for doing something different than I would (or think I would). May I pursue my friends and be an encouragement to them!
I am thankful for the few "old" friends who still walk life with us and for the new friends we have made in the last year. While parenting is the most amazing and rewarding gift, it can also be a lonely place if you are not careful. We need to be intentional with each other and encourage one another to be women of God. Sure, it is nice to have someone listen and understand the hardship and sacrifices you make to be the best mom you can be (which really isn't a sacrifice when it comes down to it), but let's not forget we are God's children as well. Being a mom doesn't mean you become no one - you need to be an even bigger someone than you were before. Show your kids what it means to be a child of God. Teach them by example what it means to be a good friend. Let's not let each other get lost in our children. I finally understand how easily that can happen - Mia is such a blessing and I want her to feel how loved she is every minute! I know what a precious gift she is and I don't want to waste a moment with her. However, she will mimic my character and she needs to see me "do" more than just be her mom.
And so, may I reflect God's character! May I not judge other moms for doing something different than I would (or think I would). May I pursue my friends and be an encouragement to them!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Visit from Grandma
Grandma came to visit this weekend while Daddy went to the men's retreat. On Saturday, we took a trip to Marietta Square for lunch and walking around.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
July 31st - A Day to Celebrate
To My Precious Gift, Mia -
We prayed for your arrival for many years! What I didn't know in our time of waiting was that God had you in mind from the beginning...if I had known what an amazing little girl you would be, I think I would have found more joy in the waiting. When you arrived on the evening of July 31, 2012, I was immediately in awe of God's blessing. And when we picked your middle name to be Joy, I don't think we knew how fitting it would be. You are ALWAYS so full of joy! You make your momma smile in the middle of the night for early morning feedings - you will soon learn how significant that is for me:)
You have so much personality wrapped up in that itty bitty body of yours! You are smart and charming; you are a delight; you smile about 90% of the day; you love to play with your baby dolls; you LOVE to walk laps in the house; you like it when mommy chases you; you enjoy bathtime; you give kisses to those you love (and to the animals in your books); you wake up full of life - ready to start your day; you love to be around people; you like to look at the pictures in our hall and tells us about them; you absolutely love to be outside; you read books to yourself and crawl in mommy's lap to have them read to you; you are learning to share; you are beautiful and capture everyones attention with your gorgeous eyes! And here are some of the things you are not - you are not a good eater (which makes your mommy worry); you do not like your diaper to be changed; you do not like the word "no"; you do not like to stop playing; you are discovering a bit of an attitude when things do not go your way. All of these things (and much, much more), make you who you are today. After just one year of your beautiful little life, you have become a treasure to those around you - especially to your mommy and daddy!
Daddy and I pray for you every night! We pray you continue to grow and discover this world through the eyes of Christ. We ask God to protect you, especially when we cannot. We pray God prepares your heart for Christ and that your life with glorify Him in a mighty way! And Mommy continuously lifts up praise to our Heavenly Father for giving you to us!!! You could not be more beautiful, from the inside out, and getting to call you my baby girl brings such joy to my heart and to every moment of my life! We LOVE you Mia Joy!!!
We prayed for your arrival for many years! What I didn't know in our time of waiting was that God had you in mind from the beginning...if I had known what an amazing little girl you would be, I think I would have found more joy in the waiting. When you arrived on the evening of July 31, 2012, I was immediately in awe of God's blessing. And when we picked your middle name to be Joy, I don't think we knew how fitting it would be. You are ALWAYS so full of joy! You make your momma smile in the middle of the night for early morning feedings - you will soon learn how significant that is for me:)
You have so much personality wrapped up in that itty bitty body of yours! You are smart and charming; you are a delight; you smile about 90% of the day; you love to play with your baby dolls; you LOVE to walk laps in the house; you like it when mommy chases you; you enjoy bathtime; you give kisses to those you love (and to the animals in your books); you wake up full of life - ready to start your day; you love to be around people; you like to look at the pictures in our hall and tells us about them; you absolutely love to be outside; you read books to yourself and crawl in mommy's lap to have them read to you; you are learning to share; you are beautiful and capture everyones attention with your gorgeous eyes! And here are some of the things you are not - you are not a good eater (which makes your mommy worry); you do not like your diaper to be changed; you do not like the word "no"; you do not like to stop playing; you are discovering a bit of an attitude when things do not go your way. All of these things (and much, much more), make you who you are today. After just one year of your beautiful little life, you have become a treasure to those around you - especially to your mommy and daddy!
Daddy and I pray for you every night! We pray you continue to grow and discover this world through the eyes of Christ. We ask God to protect you, especially when we cannot. We pray God prepares your heart for Christ and that your life with glorify Him in a mighty way! And Mommy continuously lifts up praise to our Heavenly Father for giving you to us!!! You could not be more beautiful, from the inside out, and getting to call you my baby girl brings such joy to my heart and to every moment of my life! We LOVE you Mia Joy!!!
A Little Catching Up
Well July was a whirlwind of adventures - so I got a little behind on my blogging. Hopefully Mia naps long enough for me to catch ;) Arantxa came for a visit during the end of June/beginning of July. We a special treat to have her back for a short time. And since I was sick the last time she was here, this visit was extra special. We actually got to do fun stuff together and hang out at the house without me throwing up! But of course the highlight was seeing Arantxa and Mia start their life-long friendship!! Just last night we were able to let Mia "talk" to Ara over skype. She smiled and danced, gave kisses and told stories.
While Ara was here, we took our annual 4th of July trip to my parents' house in FL. Mia loves the water, doesn't mind the sand, and simply LOVES to be outside. She also did great in the car for the 9 hour drive! The cowgirl pictures were taken in their backyard - where we spend countless hours each day.
Shortly after we return from FL, we headed to Colorado for the Anderson family reunion. We stayed on a beautiful ranch and enjoyed time with extended family. Mia had an ear infection and stomach issues from the medicine she was taking for it - so there was a lot of sleepless nights. But we pushed through and had all kinds of adventures during the day. I think Mia's favorite was chasing her cousin Aaro around the lodge! There was also horseback riding, rock climbing, mini-golf, fishing, lots of eating, lots of stories and beautiful hiking.
While Ara was here, we took our annual 4th of July trip to my parents' house in FL. Mia loves the water, doesn't mind the sand, and simply LOVES to be outside. She also did great in the car for the 9 hour drive! The cowgirl pictures were taken in their backyard - where we spend countless hours each day.
Shortly after we return from FL, we headed to Colorado for the Anderson family reunion. We stayed on a beautiful ranch and enjoyed time with extended family. Mia had an ear infection and stomach issues from the medicine she was taking for it - so there was a lot of sleepless nights. But we pushed through and had all kinds of adventures during the day. I think Mia's favorite was chasing her cousin Aaro around the lodge! There was also horseback riding, rock climbing, mini-golf, fishing, lots of eating, lots of stories and beautiful hiking.
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