Playing Catch Up

Family Photo

These last few days have been a whirlwind. One day I'll get smart and plan a weekend of "nothing". While I love to travel and visit new places and old friends, it can really wear a person out...especially with a soon to be 5 month old. I had to laugh when my best friend commented on how long it takes for me to get in and out of the car by the time I whip out the stroller, diaper bag and baby. It's no longer just a jump in and out process. The same goes for packing. My hubby and I used to be able to throw a bag together and hit the road. Our trips take MUCH more planning now. I am continually amazed at how a little human, so small and precious, can consume so much time and require so much effort. Despite the additional time it takes to prepare and/or get to our destination, it is always worth it.

G with her daddy

G and Mommy next to the fish exhibit

Our trips, no matter how short, have become a very special time for my husband and I. We love to turn down the radio and hear G talking to herself, or Ellie (her favorite blue elephant). We love to hear her raise her voice when we sing as if she is trying to sing along. We have quite the little social butterfly in our midst and we love every second.

This weekend was a treat. I got to visit with some of my favorite people. I was reminded just how much I miss having friends close by. It was so nice to hang out, eat a meal together, and laugh into the night...granted by 9pm we were all exhausted and ready to go to bed.

 Saturday was wonderful. I got to spend a girls' day with my best friend. I am so grateful that she was willing to travel in from D.C. to hang out with G and I. She knows me just about better than anyone. We're joined by a very blessed bond that only God could have created through the perfect set of circumstances. She is my person. I got to enjoy seeing her morph into her "Aunt LaLa" role. She is the best honorary aunt ever! G is one lucky little lady.

While my time away was nice, we were exhausted upon coming home. Everything was piled into the living room and continues to sit there in partiality. I was running late this evening so that put me home later than planned. G wanted some major snuggle time and I was thrilled to oblige. I can't get enough of that little girl. After dinner I managed to get G to entertain herself in her exersaucer while I put away some clothes and went through some of the bags that made their way into the house. After awhile she was tired of hearing the same tunes played over and over again and made it well known that she was ready to begin her nightly routine.

I spent a few extra minutes just rocking her before getting her bath and bottle ready. We had our play time in the tub, which is becoming more fun as the days go by. She has learned that thrashing her legs and arms will produce some nice splashing. I then got her in her pajamas and read to her before settling in for her last feeding. She peacefully drifted off to sleep. Those few moments before I lay her down to bed are always  my favorite. Her breathing is soft and steady and her little body becomes super cuddly. She makes the most precious little sounds of contentment. I'll miss these days...

I thank God regularly for the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. While we wrestle with the sin of this world, He remains gracious and His provisions are always perfect and timely. I've been reminded lately that I can't get too comfortable and allow my thankfulness to become silent in its offerings. I rejoice in the Lord for all that He has done. I want to make every day count and count every day. I want to remain ever aware and thankful for my blessings while being a blessing to others. Challenge yourself to do the same for His glory.



"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3

Just for Fun

One of the perks of being a teacher is the literature exposure that I get. While I teach first grade, I have been delighted to find some new authors and book titles that I just adore and continue to make part of both my classroom and nursery library. One of my favorite author/illustrators is David Catrow. His illustrations always make me smile. Some of my recent additions include several of his works.