tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70571193413066422132024-03-05T20:20:21.542-06:00My MusingsJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-83474481827868268142018-03-11T21:30:00.001-05:002018-03-11T21:30:24.907-05:0010 Years in the MakingI spent this weekend driving 13+ hours with my eight-month-old to a camp in the middle of nowhere Arkansas where there was no cell service or WiFi. And I LOVED it. Why? Because some of my favorite people gathered there to share life.<br />
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Ten years ago, I was a naive college student who made a few good choices and had a lot of providential blessings. One of my good choices/blessings was a spring semester spent just outside Florence, Italy. We lived in a villa, we backpacked across Europe, and our emerging adult-selves formed intangible bonds that continue to this day. And yet...a lot life has been happening in the last ten years. We have been busy living good lives and having other awesome adventures, and some of these women, who I think about frequently, I have not seen since graduating from college. Which is pretty normal and status quo since we are scattered across the country. And then I remembered that we are not normal (in the best possible way), and having face-to-face time with intelligent, beautiful people who love Jesus and the art of story is life-affirming. So we made that happen this weekend, and I soaked it up. There was so much laughter and delicious food (the lasagna! the cinnamon rolls!) But mostly there were people who shared a formative experience ten years ago who lived together once upon a time (in a villa in Italy!) and made the effort to be together again to remember and catch-up and share life. These people are my people, and I love them. And reinforcing some of those intangible connections is worth any amount of car time with a fussy baby. I took zero pictures, and I am contentedly exhausted, which are proof of a great weekend. Until next year, friends, live life well and continue adventuring. I want to hear all about it soon.</div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-36163986697386108642018-03-06T10:17:00.000-06:002018-03-06T10:17:19.125-06:00Snapshot of a MomI studied Henry James’s <i>Portrait of a Lady </i>in undergrad and grad school. This is how I think someone (without the literary merit of James) might capture a momentary image of me today. I don’t have time to sit for a portrait, so a selfie will have to do.<br />
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Here’s the preschool-bound mother in her natural habitat: the car. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_5a19_911b_7ac3_db8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSPzi7gFB8nmHJJPQPQ1mZfKT_QDHoFeWknQXIlAmpGudprHN1Jg-q0AffMA_0ebRP9E3YvOLKa-hz-733pIVI_FbuMkkm3x3fWkVC32bJBTri0TbTWl6tfgD4WXOew1So1w24BCB7Vo/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 298px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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Notice the mirror strap attached to her headrest because the back seat is filled with car seats and children who need to look at themselves while being transported. Her flannel shirt covers a T-shirt only minimally stained with spit-up. (She used a wipe to remove most of the mess.) And, yes, she did sleep in that T-shirt last night and merely add the flannel to protect against the slight chill in the air. Give her some credit for applying deodorant. She hasn’t completely lost her sense of social decency. </div>
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She also took a minute to apply mascara, although the rest of her minimal makeup routine didn’t make the cut this particular morning. And who really needs mascara when you have sunglasses to protect from glare and cover the bags under your eyes from yet another sleepless night?</div>
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Her ponytail corrals semi-clean hair that was washed somewhat recently, so she feels a certain amount of ok about that situation. Also, her jeans are clean, so she’s basically winning at life.</div>
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Not pictured is the cup of coffee and protein bar that compose her breakfast because the children have been fed at the kitchen table, but alas, her mug of coffee almost never gets consumed before ensconcing herself and her offspring in their vehicle.</div>
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The coffee is tepid at best, and yet savoring it one sip at a time provides a bastion of peace amidst the traffic and the ticking clock that accompany the twice-weekly drive to preschool. Never mind the fact that she will yet again have coffee breath when delivering her daughter into the capable hands of her teachers. You can’t have it all, and she considers perfect breath an equitable sacrifice for caffeine. </div>
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And there you have it: my pre-child self would have changed her shirt and chewed some gum, but I’m pretty happy with this version of myself. ‘Cause pre-child me has no clue how much she will love the little people who fill up her car’s back seat. And some days I manage to wrangle two kids into the car AND look put-together. So, I pretty much have it all, right? 😉</div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-59505950227864152022018-03-03T10:19:00.000-06:002018-03-03T10:34:38.794-06:00To My Son<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 month picture, courtesy of Aunt Marla</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear baby boy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel like I owe you a letter or two since your big sister has a whole collection from pregnancy and every month of her first year. I could compose a list of reasons why your baby book will be bereft of epistles, but the main one is that I’ve been wrapped up in loving you. My time doesn’t stretch as far these days, between your sister, Daddy, and you. But my love for you defies language. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are charming, my son, and joyful. Your smile and laughter light up our days. And I adore cuddling with you. I treasure our time in the glider when you sleepily pat my arm or hold my hand while nursing. And I’ve been soaking you up for eight months now and trying to store up not just memories but the overwhelming emotions behind them. I am savoring your babyhood and storing up treasures in my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the most part, you’re an easy baby. I wish we could figure out sleeping through the night, but you’re making strides in that direction (at least for this week). You go with the flow and exhibit incredible patience for one so small. We demand more patience of you than we ever did of your big sister at this point, and I guess that’s a classic second child situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our dynamic is different because you share my attention and arms with your big sister. But you also have an extra person to dote on you. And she does. Big sister loves you fiercely and intensely. And sometimes with excessive force. We try to shield you from her over-abundant squeezes and loud attempts to make you laugh. But most of the time, you seem thrilled to be the focus of her big love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You like to eat, and you are the most demanding when you think we are denying you a full meal. Right now, most meals consist of three courses because I consistently underestimate how much you can consume. You’re getting good at picking up little foods with your fingers and aiming for your mouth, and you’d prefer if we let you control your spoon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You’ve recently started lighting up when Daddy enters a room. It’s precious. And nothing short of being held by him satiates your need for his acknowledgment. We think you call him “Buh” and we’ve heard you say something like sister’s name several times. You only make the “Muh” sound when frustrated or hungry. To be fair, I’m usually easily accessible, so you don’t need to call me when you’re happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What else can I tell you to capture just how wonderful you are right now? You love the toy golf clubs and seem to be drawn to the most dangerous (electrical cords) or dirty (trash cans) thing in the room. Your army crawl-roll combination gets you everywhere you need to go, and you started sitting up from your back yesterday! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are strong, my little man, and you are sensitive to the moods of people around you. I pray that you will continue to be both of those. The more I see glimpses of your personality, the more I love you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We will face challenges as you grow, and I will be learning how to parent you specifically and help you thrive. I pray that you will give me grace and that you will grow in wisdom, and stature, and favor with God and man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are our very favorite little boy, and I will keep trying to absorb the beautiful moments with you. And maybe once in a while I will try to capture in words how wonderful you are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All my love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Momma</span></div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-29697664534715301592018-03-01T10:44:00.000-06:002018-03-03T10:20:27.513-06:00Losing It<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This morning was rough. I lost it at one point. Whatever you consider “it” to be: my cool, all sense of decorum, my sanity, my marbles, any amount of chill. It was lost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I basically threw a mini parental temper tantrum. And it was ugly. Kid one started screaming and whining, which set off kid two, and then I latched my finger into the high chair buckle, and that was the last straw. I stomped my feet and indulged in a momentary roar of my own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It doesn’t really matter what the first kid was whining about. Suffice it to say, it did not include bodily injury, and thus I did not consider it worth screaming about. It was not her first meltdown of the morning, and her constant screams scare the baby, which results in a house filled with grating noise and a momma stretched thin trying to dispense comfort and discipline and love all while still trying to just wake up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I submit to you that if you want to discover the ugliness in your heart and your inadvertent idols, parenting a three-year-old will put you on the fast track. Want to know what your priorities really are? Attempt to get two kids out the door and wait for the chaos to ensue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I value punctuality. And in the past eight months, I’m not sure if we have been on time once. And when we have an outside glimmer of hope that just maybe we will get out the door on time and arrive at our destination when expected, that hope is inevitably shattered. By a headband emergency or a breakfast catastrophe. Or the umpteen refusals to get dressed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I should be used to this. My patience should have been tested and grown to allow for us to be late and for me to still be loving. Alas, the idol of timeliness and looking like I have my life together keeps rearing its ugly head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want so badly to feel in control and appear to others like I am succeeding at parenting two kids. But a lot of the time, I’m just not. I’m not patient enough or rested enough or organized enough to meet every need before we hit meltdown mode. And that is why I need Jesus. Every day, every moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because there will always be more ugliness in my heart. And He will always have more than enough grace to cover my imperfections.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So to all my friends in the trenches of parenthood today, I pray grace and patience over you. Here’s to a second cup of coffee, deep breaths, and relying on Jesus for the rest of today.</span></div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-83138819822285450452018-02-22T10:25:00.000-06:002018-02-22T10:39:25.843-06:00Create vs. Maintain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a stay-at-home-mom. This is both the best of jobs and the worst of jobs, in my opinion. Because it isn't really a <i>job</i> so much as it is a lifestyle or an unpaid labor <i>situation</i>. I was the girl in high school who unabashedly declared my intention to be a SAHM, to the jeers of my fellow students. This has been my dream for so long that it's seeped its way into my psyche. And yet...<br />
There's a lot of maintenance that goes along with taking care of children and a home day in and day out. (And night in and night out, but I digress.) At least for me, there is very little creativity involved with keeping children fed, semi-clean, and clothed. Lots of love and patience, but very little creativity. I believe in a divine Creator who knit me together and gave me the privilege of participating in the divine creation of my children. But now that they are topside, they require a whole lot of maintenance. The baby needs to be held, and have diapers changed, encouraged to sleep (endlessly, it seems), and fed (solids and breastmilk). The three-and-a-half-year-old needs to be fed and clothed and feel like she is heard. And the child loves to talk as much as I love to write. She needs to be played with and read to, and then there's all the chores required to keep the house running and decently clean. Dishes and laundry and vacuuming, oh my!<br />
All of which leaves precious little time to think, much less create anything. And I yearn to create. Words are my typical medium, but I've been dabbling lately with watercolors because I can sometimes "mother" and paint at the same time, if the little lady is willing to create her own masterpieces at the table with me. So here I am, stringing together a few words during nap time, and trying to carve out a space for the creativity within. So many of my linguistic compositions never go anywhere beyond my mind, and in the fog of sleep-deprivation and the unbearably long list of tasks that need doing, I all too often allow creating to fall victim to the demands of maintaining. If you buy into Maslow's Hierarchy, I submit that taking care of small children forces you to camp out on the bottom two levels, which is painfully annoying.<br />
Lest you worry, I am not going to let my children run around naked or go hungry, but I am recommitting to find ways to squeeze in moments of creative expression throughout my days.<br />
Maybe that means I'll be composing more blog posts, or maybe it will take another form. But since I believe in a Creative, loving God who cares more about my kids than even I am capable of and who counts me as one of His children, I also believe that He cares about my desire to create. And in the midst of the holy mess of motherhood and maintenance, I think God cares enough to grant me time to continue participating in the divine gift of creation.Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-52558307908295052902018-02-17T09:49:00.001-06:002018-02-17T09:49:38.730-06:00To my Friend Becoming a MomHey friend,<br />
You're embarking on the biggest adventure of your life. I'm so excited for you! And sympathetically feeling all the feels. Because kids are...well, they're all-consuming. And delightful and frustrating. You will (literally) give your blood, sweat, and tears for them. And you will be willing to give your life for them. Some days it will feel like you have given your life for them. They will be covered with your kisses and prayers. And you will be so tired. Weary in your bones, my friend. Mothering will uncover some ugliness in your heart, and you will question whether your children are unusually needy or you are exceptionally selfish. For the record, my dear, their neediness is probably average, and your selfishness is normal. But it is hard. And worth it. Simultaneously. You will sometimes hold them in your arms and feel so fiercely protective and so thoroughly exasperated that they won't just.go.to.sleep that your heart will actually ache from the sheer intensity of it.<br />
There's so much strife and so much joy in parenting little ones. It's a constant tangle of contradictions. They smell so good. It doesn't matter which baby wash or lotion you use, they still smell so sweet. Sometimes you will bury your nose in their neck or breathe in the top of their heads and feel that all is right in the world (for a second or two.) Your body will feel foreign and miraculous and utilitarian. Because your body can grow a child and deliver that child and then nourish that child. It is powerful and awesome. It is also sticky and painful. There is something so transcendent and humbling about the physicality of keeping a child alive. You will have many internal debates about how much and what types of bodily fluids necessitate a clothing change. Because there is already so.much.laundry. You will be mired in physical contact with your offspring for more than half of the day (and night when they're tiny). It's not so much the loss of freedom that will get to you; it's the loss of self. You will carve out a new space for this new you, but it will take time. You are not just a mother, but motherhood will change who you are in ways that other life changes just don't. People talk about priorities shifting and your heart expanding, and that's true, but it's more than that. Sometimes becoming a mom fulfills a lifelong dream and you neglect to realize that it's also an ending. You are now the one who has little ones looking to you for sustenance and answers, and all the parenting philosophies in the world will not prepare you for the reality of it. Don't read all the articles. Screen time and gender roles and advice about how to make your child smart can make you doubt your ability to do the best for your kid. So read them sparingly. And trust in your gut and God. Because at the end of the day, your kids will remember the love and care you show them, not all the imperfections and apologies you had to make. At least, that's what I'm banking on because I am very much in the middle of this young motherhood phase, and the results of my mothering have not come to fruition yet. Give yourself grace. And take deep breaths. Seek advice when you want it, and pray constantly. You've got this, friend. It's going to be beautiful, and I truly am so excited for you!<br />
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Lots of love and grace,<br />
JordanJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-46308897314399521282016-09-14T17:56:00.001-05:002016-09-14T17:56:37.446-05:00PreschoolWe started preschool last week. I am claiming the first person plural of the experience because prepping for preschool is no small feat. I was knee-deep in nap mats, special water bottles, and shoe stickers last Monday in anxious expectation of handing my baby over to strangers for fifteen hours a week.<br />
Thankfully, the little lady seems to love her teachers and the whole school experience. It is exhausting, and her one-hour naps on the floor do not a well-rested toddler make, but overall, we are liking the whole preschool experience.<br />
For my own happy recollections, I'd like to indulge my sentimental side and record a few pertinent facts about my beautiful two-year-old and her preschool journey:<br />
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<li>She loves The Beatles, which is totally my fault, but we now have to listen to "I Love You" (She Loves Me) and "Yellow Sub-narine" (Yellow Submarine) on repeat when driving anywhere. Especially on the 20-minute ride to and from her school three days a week. Occasionally she will mix it up by cooning, "All the Lonely People," which makes me look like a stellar parent.</li>
<li>Each night when she picks out her outfit for the next day, she tells me that she <i>needs</i> to wear such-and-such because it's her favorite. The child has a lot of favorites. </li>
<li>She has also learned how to scream while at school, presumably from the other children. Ok, she already knew how, but the frequency has increased greatly in the last week. On the car ride home after her first day, she randomly shouted out, "Sit down, Jackson." And when prompted, explained that was what she had learned at school. Apparently socialization at the preschool level involves a lot of loud exclamations.</li>
<li>She is very proud that she gets to go to her own school, just like Daddy goes to his every day.</li>
<li>Little lady is very into apologizing. She informs other children that they need to apologize when she feels wronged and often says "I'm sorry 'bout that." for unknown offenses. She also likes to sassily tell her parents that we don't have to "pologize at her." Thanks, sweetheart.</li>
<li>She has started calling me "sweetie" but only allows me to call her by her first name and middle initial. She's adamant that she be called by this combination or she will not respond.</li>
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Maybe now that I have some time to collect my thoughts sans a little person I will start writing on here more. In the meantime, here's my little lady in her "butterfly dress." Naturally, it's her favorite.<br />
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<br />Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-22568823167844716312016-03-06T09:56:00.001-06:002016-03-06T09:56:37.888-06:00Inherited TraitsMy kid inherited my overactive gag reflex. I have caught vomit in my hands 3 times in the past week. These facts are definitely related.<div>We tease my dad that my sister and I inherited his sense of humor (thanks, Dad!) and his sweat glands (no thanks). We overheat easily, always have pit stains, and are asked after mild physical exertion if we have a third degree sunburn. Yes, heat is not my friend. It makes me look like a lobster and exude lots of sweat. </div><div>But, I digress. Back to the little miss who I fear will someday write a blog post, or whatever form of self-expression they use when she's grown, about how her mother cursed her with an oversensitive gag reflex. After twenty-some-odd years of dealing with this malady, I am good at not throwing up. Gagging is inevitable, but up-chucking is a choice. Not so much for my toddler.</div><div>I'm trying to handle the situation with levity, but without knowing exactly what is causing her to gag, it's getting pretty serious. She loves milk, and I am terrified to give it to her. We are running out of clean clothes and baking soda to clean up the stains. Someone please send Pedialyte, stat.</div><div>Just kidding. Kind of. Here's to hoping there's a lot less throw up in all of our futures.</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-51207388039526910442016-01-26T10:50:00.001-06:002016-03-31T09:55:45.289-05:00Things my Kid SaysPreface: I prayed while pregnant for a smart little girl, and I have been blessed with one whose verbal aptitude delights and challenges me every day. She speaks in fairly grammatically correct sentences, "reads" parts of her favorite books, and can repeat any new word she hears. She can also use words to be obstinate, (innocently) manipulative, and easily frustrated. In other words, no matter how smart she is, she's a toddler.<div><br></div><div>The other morning when I went to get her from her crib, she told me "Momma always comes back" which I have said before to comfort her and is a surefire way to make me feel guilty for not running to her at her first cry. Well played, small child.</div><div><br></div><div>Almost every morning, she asks for "mulk," which used to be pronounced "bilk," so we're moving in the right direction. Sometimes she gets "chockit mulk," but she asks for it at least three times for every one time she actually receives that treat. She often tells me she "needs" things, and I have on occasion tried to explain to her that not all of her wants are actually needed. Yes, I am the mom trying to debate abstract concepts with a less-than-two-year-old. </div><div><br></div><div>She has also started reporting frequently after nap time that she has dreams. It goes something like this:</div><div>Little Lady: I had a nice dream.</div><div>Me: What was it about?</div><div>LL: Jesus</div><div>Me: What about Jesus?</div><div>LL: He's a baby.</div><div>Me: What did he do?</div><div>LL: He's ok.</div><div><br></div><div>So...I'm probably in line for Christian parent of the year because my kid still thinks Jesus is a baby in spite of the fact we just celebrated Easter. But she knows about Him, so I'm feeling pretty ok. :)</div><div><br></div><div>In other Easter news, the little lady LOVES the Easter Bunny and asks to see him frequently. She recounts how she gave him "a hug" and "I gived him a high five!" </div><div><br></div><div>She can say her whole name and age "twenty-one months," but frequently gives the answer to the other question when asked. For example, "what's your whole name?" is answered "twenty-one months."</div><div><br></div><div>There you have it. A random collection of funny things my kid says.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AxXTVYgqDkOfD5svLKeItiW6L6GylL3LdsVVqCGg48ORlHRhcUIVkTY5KxnnURizKr4pZ43g23CvnZnXQenD1gYMhW-Ull_W9D7jE-7ukzvl-zNlsWGQ2pIAVmWxblDffuGTywUArjo/s640/blogger-image--611726937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AxXTVYgqDkOfD5svLKeItiW6L6GylL3LdsVVqCGg48ORlHRhcUIVkTY5KxnnURizKr4pZ43g23CvnZnXQenD1gYMhW-Ull_W9D7jE-7ukzvl-zNlsWGQ2pIAVmWxblDffuGTywUArjo/s640/blogger-image--611726937.jpg"></a></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-53784179391969873352015-12-16T20:31:00.001-06:002015-12-16T20:35:21.097-06:00The Rest of the Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSrcguazGs45-lkTYuJp3JaUuEtxFs0F5k1hmYGMGFRzEdryKPggpbrGx704hVV7B3N22mIEq7258qLPMKQekTw7q2dHGs0ft6nvCh0Nm9KgYCXhabH_enkhY_gZn7sSjX1dn4asl6yM/s640/blogger-image-1139641083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSrcguazGs45-lkTYuJp3JaUuEtxFs0F5k1hmYGMGFRzEdryKPggpbrGx704hVV7B3N22mIEq7258qLPMKQekTw7q2dHGs0ft6nvCh0Nm9KgYCXhabH_enkhY_gZn7sSjX1dn4asl6yM/s640/blogger-image-1139641083.jpg"></a></div><br></div>If my Facebook and Instagram posts were truly the summation of my life, they would be a lot messier, and I wouldn't get nearly as many "likes." For example, tonight as I put my overtired, cuddly toddler to bed, she reached for and held my hand as we said prayers. The adorable, quippy and true Facebook status version of that story is: "Having a daughter who can say prayers aloud with you while holding your hand is a new level of awesome."<div>And that's true. It is. But that's also a sanitized shortened version of why that moment was so meaningful to my mom-heart. Because the moments before that sweetness involved me putting her to bed by myself after a long day of attempting to parent her by myself. (My husband is awesome and working hard for us, but that doesn't make the days shorter. :) I ended up physically holding her down on the changing table and forcing her foot into the footie pajamas after trying unsuccessfully to negotiate with her (rookie mistake) and give her my "I'm serious, child" mom eyes. And after all that impatience and frustration and struggle, she reached for my hand and repeated after me as I asked God for more patience for her tired momma and thanked Him for our day, our family, and Jesus.</div><div>Even that expanded version of the truth doesn't encompass all my mistakes, triumphs, and epic need for grace today. We watched too much TV, I got frustrated when she refused to wear her jeans, and I told her with my actions that sometimes my work is more important than her, and it goes on. So, today I am immeasurably grateful for a God who hears our prayers and metes out bushels of grace before we ever know to ask. And I am <font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">beyond blessed to have a forgiving baby girl who seems willing to love me through all my trials as a first-time parent. Oh, and as a side note, hearing her little voice say "Jesus" gives me all the feels. I am not good enough to be her mom, but He has me covered in grace. And since all of that just won't fit in a status update, I decided to write it out here. Here's to all (parent or not) of us striving to be our best and awash in His mercy.</font></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-14563067162921502302015-08-25T14:11:00.001-05:002015-08-25T14:15:01.441-05:00HusbandI love my Husband. I felt tempted today to post one of those sappy <i>I love my Husband. He's the best and the way he loves our daughter...</i> novels on Facebook. And then I realized that I had more to say than standard Facebook posts allow. Because today isn't our anniversary and he hasn't done anything extraordinary like cleaning the entire house while taking care of our toddler while I was at the spa.<div>Today is just an ordinary day, and his actions lately haven't been heroic. But when our toddler heard a car engine rev, she ran to the back door with a huge grin, shouting "Dada!" Like she does every day when we hear his car pull into the driveway after a long day of work. She loves her Daddy simply because he is her daddy. </div><div>And today I find myself loving my Husband for being himself. For sharing his dreams with me and letting me take them on as my own. For leading without ever making me feel less-than and for genuinely consulting my opinion and taking my two cents in all matters of importance to our family.</div><div>And yes, while I have been dealing with an upper respiratory infection, he has stepped up and done more than his usual "share" of toddler and household care. But he does most of that stuff on any given day. And I hope I don't need a grand gesture like a dozen roses or a spotless kitchen to remind me that we are good together, and he is so good to me.</div><div>So today I am indulging in the sap and sentimentality afforded to those who are on NyQuil and antibiotics. :) And taking a moment while our beautiful little girl entertains herself to write out how much I truly love my Husband. On days like today, I can say without sarcasm that I also like and appreciate him, which makes for a pretty good day.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPNOGJOjlQ2ozEjKDtNKAA3veuFOMddVZKNpTHTt084DTrBxnP9zgQHwfkR9U0f6qEpIFYChAO2cwAYFVZo8IDNP4RDao1Gplgx_XSByNtMnleuzaf0a1fhSi5OFmnK5SfoxHfIj5s-8/s640/blogger-image-560366475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPNOGJOjlQ2ozEjKDtNKAA3veuFOMddVZKNpTHTt084DTrBxnP9zgQHwfkR9U0f6qEpIFYChAO2cwAYFVZo8IDNP4RDao1Gplgx_XSByNtMnleuzaf0a1fhSi5OFmnK5SfoxHfIj5s-8/s640/blogger-image-560366475.jpg"></a></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-48789918130203552262015-05-14T12:08:00.001-05:002015-05-14T12:08:58.106-05:00Eleven months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80-KV7qBRlKRBW-6b3I1JRZKs_g12gK1YEjJG3gXpPVXAUlmVKV7R644cM94TNmjFzZnahoAyBzvn5wE-hbmo0WP-h3mo4FVvbCLFs3Jm3HEq5pba6XlqJbhizFhogNwiVBV8wdhoQBg/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80-KV7qBRlKRBW-6b3I1JRZKs_g12gK1YEjJG3gXpPVXAUlmVKV7R644cM94TNmjFzZnahoAyBzvn5wE-hbmo0WP-h3mo4FVvbCLFs3Jm3HEq5pba6XlqJbhizFhogNwiVBV8wdhoQBg/s640/IMG_1427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>May 14, 2015</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Dear child of mine,<br />
<br />
You have two bottom teeth! And more and more hair, and you're taking a couple of steps at a time! This month has been another one for the record books in terms of your milestones. You are babbling exuberantly and learning animal noises in addition to your favorite words "Momma," "Dada/Daddy," "hey/hi," "bye-bye," and "uh uh oh." You wave your arms now when we ask you to tell someone hi or bye, and you say "hi ya ya" when we FaceTime with LaLa, which she loves. You also threw your first little fit in her presence when I took something away from you. You are generally sweet tempered, always on the move unless you're asleep, and so enthusiastic about everything you attempt. I am so excited to see how God continues to develop those traits in you and how your unique personality fits into our family and into His service.<br />
You took your first solo steps at Grandma and Granddad's house on Mother's Day, and you have been adding a few more steps to your repertoire each day. You still prefer to crawl because you are speedy and can get to the houseplants, trashcans, and electronic devices much more rapidly that way. Basically, you understand what you're not supposed to get into, and you make a beeline for those few things whenever given the chance. You shake your head "no" and then proceed to do whatever you're not supposed to do, so we're working on that. Your general adorableness doesn't help with my resolve to discipline consistently, so tone it down a bit, ok?<br />
Oh, my baby, you love food just like the rest of us, and I'm working so hard to keep you eating healthy foods most of the time. You enjoyed a few bites of bread pudding this month as your first sweet treat, and you requested several follow-up spoonfuls. You have also enjoyed roasted butternut squash, chicken pot pie, tortillas, black beans, blackberries, and lots of cheese and yogurt. I cut back on your nursing sessions, so you're down to 5-6 per day in addition to three hearty solid food meals, and your adorable thighs attest to the fact that you're well fed.<br />
Your laugh is still the best my sweet girl, but more often than not it makes you choke and gag when I really get you laughing, so I have to be careful. You love music and have discovered which of your toys make noise and activate them often. You also have discovered that several toys are hidden in the living room ottomans, and you take them all out multiple times a day. I'm limiting myself to picking them up twice a day while you nap so that we can start the process again when you get up. :) You FaceTime like a champ and smile so sweetly when you see people you love on the phone screen.<br />
Most days are spent wandering around the house calling for Daddy (you adore him), helping Momma with the laundry (which never ends), running an errand or two, napping, playing, and eating. We keep our schedule pretty simple right now, and I love having my days with you at home. I try not to be too distracted by my phone or housework, but I'm a work in progress. Seeing your joy when I drop everything to play on the floor with you is a good reminder, and Daddy has graciously told me that my priority is to take care of you and anything else that gets done is a bonus. He's so good to us, and we miss him when he's busy at work, especially when he misses bath time. I could write an epic novel about all your adorable quirks and brilliant achievements, but I will close with how much I love you and how proud I am to be your Momma, You are my sunshine, little stinker, and we are so grateful that God entrusted you to us,<br />
<br />
All the love,<br />
MommaJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-5647135829297156132015-05-14T12:04:00.002-05:002015-05-14T12:04:44.144-05:00Ten months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFefRm3ZeRfsUqHlMysB8PMqPok_LpwEXk-fd44-ifP7PiP3Mccyz3edLgCAqCoEQdDF4-i3B4i1o_R2Q_cWOJvYtbTzyy76aBU8ovDSaWFWJNPVamXWGckWMH8RNcVt4gp0I9kUF0hCA/s1600/IMG_1360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFefRm3ZeRfsUqHlMysB8PMqPok_LpwEXk-fd44-ifP7PiP3Mccyz3edLgCAqCoEQdDF4-i3B4i1o_R2Q_cWOJvYtbTzyy76aBU8ovDSaWFWJNPVamXWGckWMH8RNcVt4gp0I9kUF0hCA/s640/IMG_1360.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>April 16, 2015</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Dear child of mine,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You are growing up so quickly, and you're making me love you more each day. You get into everything these days, especially the stuff you know you aren't allowed to have. The TV console cabinet is opened dozens of times each day, little fingers are stuck in the VCR (yes, we still have one), and dirt from the kitchen plants is consumed regularly. Basically, you are a beautiful mess. And we have completely rearranged our furniture and lives to accommodate all of your precious antics.</div>
<div>
You have started to be discriminating with people and sometimes you still smile beatifically at strangers, but sometimes you give them your "stink face." It basically involves curling your lip and looking like something in the room is beyond putrid. It's not a very nice way to respond to people, but it's pretty funny.</div>
<div>
Speaking of things that are funny, I'm pretty high on your list. Which is the thrill of my life because your baby giggles are the best. You went to the zoo for the first time and celebrated your first Easter. It's been your best holiday so far because you didn't get sick or refuse to sleep. :) There are too many firsts each month for me to remember, but I'm so glad that I get to experience them with you, my sweet girl.</div>
<div>
You are eating so much more solid food now and still nursing 7-8 times per day. Your favorite foods right now are pears, blueberries, bananas, and cheese, but you've been a trooper and eaten pretty much anything we give you, including chicken, broccoli, and peas. You are getting faster and more mobile all the time, and we're just waiting for you to take off walking. You have a tooth! It teased us for a few days by peeking through your gums and then retreating again, but now it's here to stay, and just like everything else about you, it's pretty adorable.<br />
Our days are busy and yet simple, and I think that suits us for right now. You love to eat and play, and your naps are fairly consistent most days (finally). You're sleeping longer stretches at night but still wake up once or twice to cuddle and nurse most nights. Basically, we think you're wonderful, and we love you all of it. Keep growing and learning, but don't forget that you're still my baby.<br />
<br />
Love you to the moon and back,<br />
Momma</div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-27659513431513408622015-05-14T11:55:00.001-05:002015-05-14T11:55:08.346-05:00Nine months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7lSxbB3WB9DezyMNcyZsv_XHavz6yOqVTe13isn_jYxeLbPOwcogS_a7p6306OxlQGiYbEfZ06IgAPjP2R08FPgN-KSiRAuLJeZM_kbYq7_XZaTGOV1-u6bpCFmijvA-kOyJf0xDMuk/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7lSxbB3WB9DezyMNcyZsv_XHavz6yOqVTe13isn_jYxeLbPOwcogS_a7p6306OxlQGiYbEfZ06IgAPjP2R08FPgN-KSiRAuLJeZM_kbYq7_XZaTGOV1-u6bpCFmijvA-kOyJf0xDMuk/s640/IMG_1254.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>March 20, 2015</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Dear child of mine,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You are the most delightful child, and as I tell you daily, you're my favorite girl in the whole wide world. There aren't words to describe how your smile can melt my heart or how wonderful it makes me feel when you crawl over to me and lift up your arms. You are starting to show definite preference for some people, but you're still easy going and happy to be around almost anyone.</div>
<div>
You like to steal things from other babies in the church nursery and literally eat the Bible in Bible class. So, we have some things to work on, but at least you feel at home in the church, right? You are generally happy and have such a pleasant disposition. I love cuddling with you and feeling your precious little fingers pat my arm. You also like to pull my hair and pinch my arms, which is significantly less precious. But we have a lot of fun together playing with your little kitchen, crawling into your tent, and making sure your toys are strewn across the living room every day.</div>
<div>
You consistently say certain sounds that I have determined are words because of my sincere belief that you are brilliant. Included in that list are Momma, Dada, your name, and nigh-nigh.</div>
<div>
And your laugh. Oh, my sweet baby, your laugh could be the key to world peace. It makes me want to hold you tight and keep you safe from all pain for the rest of your life, and it prompts me to use the most ridiculous voices and sounds to evoke a giggle. You frequently try to dive off your changing table, but sometimes before your bath I can get you to laugh uncontrollably and be super still. It's awesome to have that kind of effect. It's also extremely gratifying to be able to calm you down when you do occasionally get upset. (My sure fire method is to nurse you, but I still get the satisfaction of soothing you.)</div>
<div>
You're getting more fun all the time, and Daddy and I love you beyond comprehension. You are made in the image of God, and countless prayers are said over you that you will be a woman of peace and that you will be kind, compassionate, and generous toward people. I want you to know how much Jesus loves you and the power of His Spirit, and I pray that you will feel secure in our home and be courageous in the world.</div>
<div>
You are my stinker, my precious baby girl, my sweetie.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All the love,</div>
<div>
Momma</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-84351816833183088692015-05-14T10:57:00.001-05:002015-05-14T10:57:19.662-05:00Eight months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqyjbYzthSB-OM9zO0eRkfxSC3DTHyJGQV6N9tTkte74nKv6V38METyR8w_DnRXCmSOK0wlrsWQ9oy1TkLUMofraIJsZHoHT5CCQlTgoMCg_ZzaJQxxWzNK7XTW1z6zc94K_NraReVZo/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqyjbYzthSB-OM9zO0eRkfxSC3DTHyJGQV6N9tTkte74nKv6V38METyR8w_DnRXCmSOK0wlrsWQ9oy1TkLUMofraIJsZHoHT5CCQlTgoMCg_ZzaJQxxWzNK7XTW1z6zc94K_NraReVZo/s400/IMG_1161.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
February 19, 2015<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dear child of mine,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm about a week late in writing you this month because of life. Someday you'll understand that and hopefully be better equipped to deal with all of life's surprises than I am. You have been acting like you're in the throes of teething for some time, but you still don't have any teeth (for which your primary source of nutrition is grateful). </div>
<div>
This month has included some huge milestones. You are crawling across the house faster than your sleep-deprived momma can chase you, and you are pulling up on everything in sight and cruising around. It all happened within about a week, and your sleep has suffered greatly. :) But your brain is making some big connections, which requires more frequent feedings and makes you restless. I'm trying to be understanding of that, and sometimes I succeed.</div>
<div>
Another sleep-depriving event this past month was a viral cold, followed by a mild case of croup two weeks later, followed by an extended feverish runny nose spell. Needless to say, you and your first time momma are recognized by the doctor office receptionist now. Maybe next month we can try not to be so sickly. (I am beyond thankful that your illnesses have all been minor and that overall you are a healthy, thriving baby.)</div>
<div>
You like to say "ma", and sometimes you string several together in a row, so it sounds like you're saying my name. You have also decided that Daddy is "ba," and we'll see how long that lasts. You consistently look at his picture or at him and say "ba" for now.</div>
<div>
Your beautiful smile is biggest when we come to get you out of your crib, and you get the giggles when we make growly noises or toss you in the air. You are aggressive with your love and have left little scratches on my face, neck, and arms multiple times. We're working on "being gentle" and trying not to throw ourselves off the changing table. You are just a very active little lady.</div>
<div>
I love you more every day, and when your eyes light up in recognition of me, it validates all the sleep deprivation and smelly diapers and then some. :) Daddy will do just about anything for you, but we can't afford a pony, so please quit asking. There are too many adorable things that you do to capture in a letter, so suffice to say, you are our favorite little girl, and we love you all of it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love, </div>
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Momma</div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-14070616567245024822015-01-14T10:10:00.001-06:002015-01-14T10:15:23.091-06:00Seven months<i>January 14, 2015</i><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0o-C6Xa5gaqmr97aD3YFiq_7kzSP04IY5ikkUyOK2oy43FK0NEqvtKXf06z1ej0nwSF9wmtOmOeGWUp_ewwVCE8B9JtcMz99HfbQmc38knX4GlXAGT5UcqTBDyDzuglGcBD_qp28Q6A/s640/blogger-image-1718791034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0o-C6Xa5gaqmr97aD3YFiq_7kzSP04IY5ikkUyOK2oy43FK0NEqvtKXf06z1ej0nwSF9wmtOmOeGWUp_ewwVCE8B9JtcMz99HfbQmc38knX4GlXAGT5UcqTBDyDzuglGcBD_qp28Q6A/s640/blogger-image-1718791034.jpg"></a></div><br></i></div><div>Dear child of mine,</div><div>Life with you just keeps getting better. You're seven months of wonderfulness, and we are having so much fun getting to know you. You have had a big month filled with holiday events and schedule-wrecking festivities. You also got your first colds, one requiring a trip to the doctor on your seven month birthday, so I know that you weigh 18.5 pounds.</div><div>Speaking of illness, you threw up at 4 am on Christmas. LaLa and I got you cleaned up, laid you down in your crib, and then you threw up again. I've decided that the excitement of holidays leads you to some sort of existential crisis and you try to sabotage them because you didn't sleep at all over Thanksgiving, threw up for Christmas, and then screamed your head off on New Years Eve. In spite of all that, you had a good time opening presents and playing at home with PJ, LaLa, and KitKat on Christmas. And you were adorably disgruntled at your aunt KitKat's wedding on January 3 after being kept away from momma most of the day. You have so many people who love you and have taken good care of you through the holidays, and you loved having Daddy home so much. However, I'm beginning to suspect that you thrive on routine.</div><div>Thankfully, we are through the major holidays now, so you're settling back into your routine and happy to be home. You've tried several new foods this month, and you love pears and zucchini. You're rocking back and forth on your hands and knees but still prefer to roll everywhere you need to go. When sick, you just want to be cuddled and held, so we watched Pocahontas together on Monday. You can turn the pages of your Big and Small book at the right time, and you're starting to try to turn the pages of other books. You wear mostly 9 month clothes, but some 6-9 month and some 12 month stuff fits.</div><div>Basically, you're a joy. And I love being your momma. You fill me with pride when you sit or stand in my lap at church, and I love how your face lights up when I come to get you up from a nap. I'm trying to balance my desire to protect you from any harm or discomfort and my ardent hope that you will experience life to the fullest. Parenthood has turned my life upside down, but I'm so blessed that I get to learn how to mother you. Daddy and I pray for you continually, and we love you beyond measure. You're my precious sugar booger, stinker, baby girl.</div><div><br></div><div>All the love,</div><div>Momma</div><div><br></div><div>P.S. Maybe next month you can leave your sticker on the onesie long enough for me to get a picture, ok? Stickers are not for eating.</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-63433842271194527422014-12-15T21:28:00.001-06:002014-12-15T21:28:31.927-06:00Meeting Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The six-month post is in the works, but for now, here's something to tide you over. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFaWHEQIQM1XNurv9zSEYqD6-McxPur_4Bbo0uCkoM4ogreFdhTTgkbtt7tR2zo1s8zR9lqo2D9haNmvL_9vVUHfiCgZSa44LiWd9YpzpBzb1NqPYT7I-gZXYgbZskGjvD_5pygON4Oc/s640/blogger-image-192954701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFaWHEQIQM1XNurv9zSEYqD6-McxPur_4Bbo0uCkoM4ogreFdhTTgkbtt7tR2zo1s8zR9lqo2D9haNmvL_9vVUHfiCgZSa44LiWd9YpzpBzb1NqPYT7I-gZXYgbZskGjvD_5pygON4Oc/s640/blogger-image-192954701.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The little lady was up past her bedtime, but she seemed to enjoy staring at Santa and trying to figure him out. There were no tears, only wonderment. And, no, she didn't need socks or shoes because it is ridiculously warm where we live.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT87tkcL3Xf2oO2PgtQ_QkVm42vp_RVKURPbViq7836odrVZZkvVFVwXUiZoVzszs1hZ6aIkVeiwSlmvgogvgKdn9quZ9dEUKZm1NQvzCHYCjumEd9WCfrvRMrQrLeY3kVDfHWFpfC3s/s640/blogger-image-2050885778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT87tkcL3Xf2oO2PgtQ_QkVm42vp_RVKURPbViq7836odrVZZkvVFVwXUiZoVzszs1hZ6aIkVeiwSlmvgogvgKdn9quZ9dEUKZm1NQvzCHYCjumEd9WCfrvRMrQrLeY3kVDfHWFpfC3s/s640/blogger-image-2050885778.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I'll be back before the actual day, but Merry Christmas! Consider this your Christmas card with seasons greetings and joy from us to you.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUkBWY4uMWT61O03kuk_3_DOgd8j422-K2bjHQYcs6euyR2zDKpR6XLUqDikHK9dhRxJvIywFb3KQtJJjUz8IMsBMkNhpty4CoNq7csIkuVdijgPcpUtQkvifFlCKZuvAtV_f28lL3XI/s640/blogger-image--1829785858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUkBWY4uMWT61O03kuk_3_DOgd8j422-K2bjHQYcs6euyR2zDKpR6XLUqDikHK9dhRxJvIywFb3KQtJJjUz8IMsBMkNhpty4CoNq7csIkuVdijgPcpUtQkvifFlCKZuvAtV_f28lL3XI/s640/blogger-image--1829785858.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-24282741064754465622014-12-12T10:24:00.001-06:002014-12-24T15:11:32.091-06:00Six months<div>December 12, 2014</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ5FOEYYjbhZHv3aDplWoMKlOWNwZztT0ScqGPZ8SemRs-WhhQEPJ830WSBRRM8zY_7rd2KCd6NARWZBHBoyy2sjEnU74FG6ZXsN1IM1kzuBXuP74ehLmKj5gWpfSqpNbBQE5yS8v_eU/s640/blogger-image-1928659075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ5FOEYYjbhZHv3aDplWoMKlOWNwZztT0ScqGPZ8SemRs-WhhQEPJ830WSBRRM8zY_7rd2KCd6NARWZBHBoyy2sjEnU74FG6ZXsN1IM1kzuBXuP74ehLmKj5gWpfSqpNbBQE5yS8v_eU/s640/blogger-image-1928659075.jpg"></a></div>Dear child of mine,<div><br></div><div>Your daddy informed me last night that we are halfway through with having a baby because you will officially be a toddler in six more months. I refuse to accept that because you need to be my baby for much longer than the conventional year. You're six months old, and the last month has included some huge milestones.</div><div>You started consistently eating solid foods: rice cereal, bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes. You travelled to West Texas and North Texas for events and holidays. You started pushing up and rocking on your knees like you can't wait to crawl, and you can sit up as long as your hands are supporting you. Oh, and you relearned how to sleep, which makes us all very happy.</div><div>You like to talk, which sometimes consists of shrieks of joy and/or consternation, but we like your earnest quiet babbles the best. You can say "ma-ma" but since you're sleeping better, I don't hear it as often. You love to explore people's faces with your deliciously chubby hands and have given me a few scratches in your enthusiasm. Everything you do is done with exuberance and joy that makes me excited to see how passionately you will love people and be zealous for God.</div><div>Part of relearning to sleep included putting you on a predictable schedule, so our days are much more routine now. You usually wake up between 7 and 7:30, eat, play, and then take your first nap around 9. After you wake up, we play some more and do some housework until you act sleepy again, usually between 12 and 1. Most naps are about an hour long, but sometimes you sleep for up to 2.5 hours. In the afternoons, we run an errand or two or just hang out at home and finish up mundane house stuff until Daddy gets home. If we're home, you take a third nap between 4 and 5. And then it's dinner time with solid food at 6, bath time, and bedtime by 7. You wake up once or twice to eat most nights, but last night you slept 12 hours solid.</div><div>If we get you off your schedule, you let us know about it. Once you miss a nap, all bets are off for the rest of the day and night. Oh, my darling girl, I wish I could take a picture of how much I love you because even thousands of words can't do it justice. You are a delight to be around most of the time, and you're starting to give intentional snuggles and reach your arms toward us. Feeding you gets me lots of uninterrupted cuddles because you love to eat, and it will be bittersweet when you're weaned. Stillness is rare, and it seems like you are either on the go or asleep. Your little arms are constantly reaching, and my prayer is that you will always be seeking good things. When you try to eat the DVD player or fling yourself off the changing table, my reactions sometimes scare you, but it's just because I don't want you to get hurt. You've already helped God teach me all sorts of good lessons, and I'm already trying to apologize to you when I overreact because that's a good habit, and I can see lots of parenting mistakes in my future.</div><div>You are my sunshine, sweet girl. Keep growing and learning and be gracious to your imperfect parents, ok?</div><div><br></div><div>So much love,</div><div>Momma</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-2840899021082680852014-12-05T16:46:00.001-06:002014-12-05T16:46:57.911-06:00Thanksgiving weekWe're settling back into life at home with a busy week and recuperating from all our travels last week with sleep training and salads for dinner. Our Thanksgiving this year was wonderful and, like every other holiday since June, completely different from past years. Because I have a baby now, and that changes everything. No, really, it's cliche for a reason.<br />
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The little miss did great on our long drive to west Texas. We left Tuesday at morning nap time, so she slept for a while, we made a few stops to change diapers and feed her, and she slept some more. Husband and I listened to <i>Son </i>by Lois Lowry, and it was pretty good. It definitely made the time in the car easier. There were lots of gracious family members who prepared food and lodgings for us, and we promised the baby we wouldn't get near a car on Wednesday or Thursday, so that's what we did.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has a turkey on her bottom because that really amps up the holiday cuteness quota.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deceptively not-sleepy face at the breakfast table</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't let her face fool you. She gobbled up that rice cereal.</td></tr>
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However, our sweet baby decided her not-so-great sleep should be infinitely worse while traveling. She woke up every 2 hours most nights and I ended up feeding her 4-5 times with Husband rocking her in between. We dreamt of sleep training in the few spurts of sleep we got. It was made bearable by all the awesome relatives more than happy to love on our girl while we napped and tried to "sleep in" after passing her off in the morning. We also fed her rice cereal for the first times in hopes that a full tummy would help her sleep. No such luck, but she definitely charmed large audiences with her eating skills.<br />
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Back to the fun parts of our trip: we had a delicious meal on Thursday, got lots of visiting time, and took lots of pictures. On Friday, we drove to see Husband's grandma and his aunt stopped by to visit as well. We were fed well again and treated to lots of good conversation and doting on our precious girl. I'm so grateful we could see them both and the little miss could see Grandma Claudia's house and classroom at the high school and spend some time with her and her great aunt (or to be technically correct according to Husband, her grand aunt).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKCL2xhcKnPKUlcCLPXMRvWBz7meq8WytMykHxTTahMBJL77dZA9ZwhPOqYDPdbqJ0P2kfP4eDfLiJBd_djBV0r2GhD_qn6-WqA6yFy4WKqpAFho4O7C2_tjSU4HsPY7k4fwdzJ5-mFU/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKCL2xhcKnPKUlcCLPXMRvWBz7meq8WytMykHxTTahMBJL77dZA9ZwhPOqYDPdbqJ0P2kfP4eDfLiJBd_djBV0r2GhD_qn6-WqA6yFy4WKqpAFho4O7C2_tjSU4HsPY7k4fwdzJ5-mFU/s1600/IMG_0821.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a>On the drive back to my aunt and uncle's, baby girl had the nastiest blowout. I discovered it by feel since we were driving in semidarkness and used up all the wipes when we stopped at a gas station. She definitely kept us on our toes while on the road.</div>
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We had breakfast Saturday with my extended family and then headed to my parents' house to break up our travels home. We went to early service with my parents and sister on Sunday morning, had brunch, and then headed home.</div>
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Life is indescribably different with a baby, but the sweet moments abound, and it means the world to me when I can hold her in my arms. Even if she just pooped all over everything after not letting me get a wink of sleep. That's love, my friends, and I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with an <i>incredible </i>Husband and partner in this parenthood thing and a beautiful, awe-inspiring little girl.</div>
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I hope your Thanksgiving adventures involved more rest and just as much love and gratitude as mine.</div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-60597198453009436622014-11-21T11:20:00.001-06:002014-11-21T11:20:56.456-06:00Five on FridayIt's been a while since I did a random culmination Friday post, so here goes.<br />
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1. I love the library and apparently my little lady does too. She hangs out in the stroller while I browse, and she seems to intuit that she needs to keep her coos to a minimum, so she just smiles up at me. Trips to the library also mean that this momma is getting back to her prolific reading habits, which is good news.</div>
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2. We went shopping yesterday and used some birthday money to get new jeans for me. We also picked up this brand of diapers for our upcoming Thanksgiving trip. Has anyone used them before? Are they great? I hope so because our preferred brand was out of stock.</div>
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3. Thanksgiving is coming! And my Husband will be off school all week. Which is extra needed/appreciated because he is conducting the music for his school's musical this week. We miss Daddy at home and he misses seeing our baby when she's awake.</div>
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4. We're planning to travel for part of Thanksgiving week and I'm semi-dreading the long hours in the car with an increasingly alert baby. We have one of these mobiles (that we got in our Citrus Lane box) to distract her, and I'm hoping that will make the parts of the trip when she's awake a bit more enjoyable.</div>
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5. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving food, but since moving out of my parents' house, I also appreciate the holidays because I don't have to cook. That's even more of a gift this year since our post-baby lifestyle means 95% of our meals are prepped and eaten at home. Hooray for dirtying someone else's dishes for a few days!</div>
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Have an awesome weekend, and I'll see you back here next week or the week after.</div>
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I'm linking up with these great bloggers today:<br />
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Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-69284905047995238082014-11-13T15:20:00.002-06:002014-11-14T20:38:14.622-06:00Five months<i>November 13, 2014</i><br>
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Dear child of mine,<br>
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You've been in my arms for five whole months now, and I think it's sinking in that I'm really a mom. I had a similar experience my junior year in high school when I realized I was actually <i>in high school</i>, that magical time of life depicted by <i>Saved by the Bell </i>and <i>Boy Meets World</i>. I'm glad it hasn't taken quite as long to realize that my dream of being a mom is an actuality, not just some distant, not-yet-attainable state of being. Oh, and the best part is that I get to be <b>your </b>mom.You're beautiful and generally happy, and your laugh is adorable. I cannot capture in this letter how many people have told us you're beautiful (as they should tell all mothers to be polite) and then emphasized that they really mean it because you really are gorgeous.<br>
Beyond that, you seem to have a great sense of humor and be extremely intelligent. Your favorite things to laugh at include people pretending to eat your hands, Momma getting really close to your face while making weird noises, and sneaking up on me while in Daddy's arms. You sometimes gasp-laugh, which involves taking in entirely too much air and then squeak-squealing. Your intelligence shines through when you look in the direction of people's voices and always stop what you are doing when the theme song of <i>Gilmore Girls</i> comes on and wait for me to sing to you.<br>
We're figuring out a nap/sleep schedule, but you still like to eat every 4 hours or so, which seems to work for you, but is kind of getting old for me in the middle of the night. You usually take 3 naps during the day (one a couple of hours after you wake up, one around 2 or 3, and then one around 5) and go to bed between 7 and 8 after Daddy gives you a bath. You wear mostly 6-9 month clothes, with some 6 month and some 9 month stuff thrown in the mix.<br>
You, my dear, are a travelling dream. We flew again on our own, and you were a delight to be with on the plane. You are developing a tendency to flirt with people every chance you get, and you did demand to stand in my lap and make eyes at the man sitting behind us on the flight home, but we'll talk about that when you're older. I think our trip wore you out because you've been great about napping since we got home.<br>
Your family and friends adore you, and Rose recently pointed out that you have the best nose and ears. You're pretty much the best all around, and Momma and Daddy love you. We're trying to model to you how much we need Jesus, and how much he loves us all. Remember that we're not perfect, but we are trying every day to live in his grace and give you our best.<br>
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Keep smiling, my wonderful girl,<br>
MommaJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-44320366445352817282014-11-13T15:00:00.003-06:002014-11-13T15:00:46.798-06:00Shingles and a Wedding ShowerMy "post twice a week" goal went out the window last week when I started feeling crummy and then was diagnosed with shingles. No, I am not in the typical age demographic of shingles sufferers, and those commercials did not prepare me for the pain and itchiness that I am enduring.<br />
Apparently, shingles affects people with weakened immune systems, which could be the result of, say, not getting more than three concurrent hours of sleep in the past five months. Consider yourself informed, and we'll move on from there. This weekend was my sister's bridal shower at the church where we grew up, and she was richly blessed with lots of people there to support her and lots of wonderful presents.<br />
Baby girl and I were able to fly in for the weekend, shingles and all, and we had some good quality family time and rest time (for me). It kind of made the whole "my little sister is getting married" thing seem imminent. Thankfully we love her fiancee (fiance? where do the accents go?) and it's fun celebrating two such great people embarking on a great adventure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy couple was pretty excited about <strike>their</strike> her mixer. It's a beautiful teal color.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our mom is gorgeous. Hooray for good genes, right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, baby, and my sister. Spit up stains on my dress courtesy of the little one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd say a few people care about them.</td></tr>
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Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-91109081294100798852014-10-31T21:01:00.001-05:002014-10-31T21:01:56.460-05:00The end of the 31 daysWell, it's been a fun 31 days. I missed a day or two, but we made it to the end of the month. I'll probably return to blogging occasionally rather than every day, but I've enjoyed the challenge. So, maybe I'll try to post a couple times a week or so. We now return to our regularly scheduled program.<div>(Or, if you have any requests, you can comment below and I'll try to write about what you're interested in reading.)</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-90265194595682559822014-10-31T13:28:00.001-05:002014-10-31T13:28:40.113-05:00Happy Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Halloween from my little pumpkin! The picture is slightly cannibalistic, but it's a creepy holiday, so that fits. Have a fun day and night!</div>
<br />Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7057119341306642213.post-78828592819489152422014-10-29T20:57:00.002-05:002014-10-29T20:57:56.636-05:00Best advice sourcesI think I've mentioned before that my favorite sources of baby recommendations are friends and bloggers. And if a blogger can craft her material to sound like it's just friendly advice or passing along knowledge that has been useful to her, so much the better.<br />
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<a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cup of Jo</a> is one of my favorite blogs to read, and Joanna posted earlier this week about how important it is to make your home a haven for your kids. It's so good that I don't even feel the need to comment about it. I'll just send you <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2014/10/motherhood-monday-home-as-haven.html" target="_blank">over there</a>. Check out her <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-mamas-bookshelf-best-parenting-books.html" target="_blank">book recommendations for parents</a> and <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/search/label/motherhood%20around%20the%20world" target="_blank">motherhood around the world series</a> while you're there. Happy reading!</div>
Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03110395927406072636noreply@blogger.com0