time away

We are entering a really crazy time in our lives. Andrew and I discuss daily how difficult this next month or two is going to be and what we can do to be efficient and manage our time wisely. This past weekend marked the first of 4 trips for us this month. During the holiday season. In the month that we are relocating to a new city. There were moments this weekend that I appreciated so very much and that I feel so blessed for having. Then there were moments I saw how much I had to learn about myself and marriage and the quality of my character. {More on that at the end}

This weekend we spent time with great friends and found out that it takes 9 minutes and 27 seconds to walk from their front door to the one we will call our own by the end of this week. (Yep, we close on our first house THIS Friday, but won’t move in for a few more weeks.} We also went to Andrew’s firm Christmas party and it was lovely. I was able to meet several of his new colleagues and I had a wonderful time sharing a meal with them. He has been so blessed with a great job and great people to work with on a daily basis! We can honestly say they are all fabulous people! {No quirky Dwight Schrutes in their midst.}

And we even got to spend time with family because Cutie Pie and Little Man came into town for a visit. {Special thanks to their mama and daddy for making the drive. We enjoyed our time with you two as well!} I cannot explain to you how much good it does my heart to spend time with these two little ones. Cutie Pie had a blast riding the ferry and the train with Aunt Sha Sha, and truth be told, I think it was more fun for me and a memory forever etched onto my heart. It’s the little things, ya know? Combine that with a smile from Little Man specifically for me and I am just filled to the brim with real joy. I love those kids!

|| I could not for anything get rid of the red-eye in this picture even though I tried 3 different editing software programs. I had to include it because you can clearly see the fun they were having. ||

Now for the ugly part. For the most part, Andrew and I had some great times just the two of us with lots of laughs and smiles and all around good times. However, this weekend I also realized how selfish and self centered I really am because I allowed the pressure of this month to bare down on me so much that I was not always nice to Andrew when we discussed the move and the busyness and the schedule for the month. When he didn’t see it my way it was the highway. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I know I have said stuff like this before…about him being nice and me being downright mean. So clearly I’ve got a lot to learn about marriage and patience and loving in general. And he would tell you the same thing about himself. I am grateful that he has that kind of attitude about it. To be honest, I know what gets me in trouble; it’s not starting my day in the Word and consistently meditating on it and praying throughout the day. It never fails. The days I wake up and get right to it are the days I see life differently and I love people better and I can handle the things that aren’t part of my plan. I know that the busier and more stressful life is, the more I need to stop and stand before the Lord. Praying that I take my own advice!

oh, to be two

A couple of years ago I met the most precious baby girl in the world. The picture above was snapped as I met and held her for the first time. Ever since she has completely stolen hearts. Mine included.

When Cutie Pie was just 4 months old it was clear that she had a big personality. As she has grown she has made me laugh and marvel because there is nothing sweeter, more fun, and more precious than watching a baby/toddler experience the world around them.

I love her SO much! She is the cutest, funniest thing on the planet and I am so glad I am her aunt. She is one smart cookie. She is polite and sweet, too. I can never sneeze without hearing “Bless you, Sha Sha!” quickly after or say “ouch!” or “oooh!” without her asking, “You okay, Sha Sha?”

She is a girl after my own heart, even at just 2 years old. She loves trying on my shoes and always notices the shoes on everyone’s feet. She really loves books too. I am seeing shoe shopping dates and trips to Barnes and Noble in our future together.

Her mama threw her an intimate and sweet birthday party last weekend. She did a fabulous job decorating and planning. It was absolutely perfect for a 2 year-old party.

 

Cutie Pie really enjoyed it when everyone in the room began singing to her. She kept looking around at all of us with the sweetest expression on her face.

Then came the end of the song and, as most two year olds know, it was cause for much elation and celebration. {I can barely stand it. She totally melts my heart. Look at her and just try to tell me that she isn’t the cutest thing ever!}

And then it was time to blow out the candles. Which was done with a bit of help.

Is it normal for me to think that every single thing she does is completely adorable?

Uuuuummm, could those pants or those curls be any cuter!?

Cutie Pie,  I am so glad the last two years has been filled with play time, skype dates, approximately 15,000 photos, stories about you, and watching you grow. Happy Birthday, my sweet niece! I love you to pieces!!!

absences and updates

I have not been blogging much lately because I have been playing with these two…








Cutie Pie and Little Man are down for a few weeks and we have been busy, busy, busy!!!

I have not taken nearly enough pictures, but rest assured I will still post several.

In other news, Sonia is out of the hospital and doing so much better. We have had picnics in the park, Starbucks dates, and hang out time.











She is healing well and has grown up quite a bit since she first arrived. She is a lot stronger, cutting her first tooth, and waving hello and bye-bye. I had the honor of caring for her during the church service last Sunday and I was on cloud nine. I love that baby girl! She has to go back to Haiti in 2 weeks and I am so sad about it. Keep her in your prayers! Pray for her continued progress with her health. Pray for her safety and protection. Pray for her future. Pray for her adoption and for her adoptive family. I know God is taking care of her. It’s very evident that His plans for her are based upon His timing and His resources for her good and His glory. I trust that she will be adopted into a loving home that is perfect for her and that was planned for long ago. My heart will still ache when she is gone and I stop and wonder often how I came to love her so knowing she’d go back. The thought crosses my mind…maybe I should have guarded my heart a bit more. But I know that’s just the part of me that doesn’t like to hurt. Caring for her and loving her was exactly what she needed and doing so has taught me a few things about life, babies, and myself.

my two loves

Work took us to Orlando Friday, and our heartstrings took us to Tampa for the rest of the weekend. I love these two kids and I was SO happy to spend time with them.

We had SO much fun!

He is so sweet. I think this pic will always be one of my favorites.

I pray for the day when seeing them becomes more of a weekly occurrence!

my favorite baby girl and little man: part two

After many months of anticipation, excitement, and prayer, Lucas Peter was born at 7:56am on Monday March 14, 2011, weighing in at 9 pounds even and 20.5 inches long.

His mom is a trooper and a rockstar. After bringing him into this world she and Lucas' proud daddy welcomed both of their extended families into the hospital room so we could love on them and their sweet son.

I did one of the things I do best and gave him his birthday present and promptly read him my favorite parts. (I start this out young so that throughout the years they come to know and expect a book for each gift giving occasion. His aunt is an avid reader and teacher. Would you expect any different?)

Uncle Andrew and Aunt Sha-Sha did their part in keeping this Cutie Pie entertained while the family did their part in visiting and fawning over Lucas.

Big sister practiced her taking-care-of-my-little-brother skills.

And she drew a few pictures.

Lucas and his big sister got to know each other a bit more.

The rest of these pictures need no explanations. I have a nephew! And I love love love him!

my favorite baby girl and little man: part one

On Friday morning we got up bright and early to go see this little one. I adore her. She is the smartest, most charming 18 month old on the planet and I can assure you that just because she calls me Aunt Sha-Sha does not mean I am one bit biased. ;)

We spent some time with my sister-in-law and her family just before they welcomed their first son into the world. We had a great time! She and I did a little shopping and got our nails done while the boys watched the Cutie Pie. It was great spending time alone, just us girls, and I was reminded again of how grateful I am that she really is one of my best friends and is like a real sister to me. It makes family time that more special and downright fun!

While we hung around this weekend in anticipation of Little Man's arrival we did quite a bit of playing.

Learning and teaching letters; now that's some exciting stuff!

We already share a love for reading. This makes Aunt Sha-Sha proud!

"I'm gonna get you" - one of their favorite games. (I wish I could bottle the laughter it creates.)

We leave the rough housing to the boys. Stickers are more Aunt Sha-Sha's thing.

Experiencing the playground through the eyes of a toddler. Her imagination and enthusiasm are precious.

Over the weekend there was a lot of practicing for Little Man. She took care of her baby doll so sweetly and gently. It was darling to watch her. She is going to be such a great big sister!