We're Back!

Lydia and I returned this evening from a whirlwind weekend trip to Layfette, Indiana.  She was such a good traveler (thanks for special entertainment from Aunt Steph, Nana, and Paca) and a trooper going from place to place visiting relatives.  This picture that sums up her experience this weekend, yawning between car seat cat naps!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!  We enjoyed celebrating our Lord's resurrection with our church family at Second Baptist.  Even though the main sanctuary is closed for hurricane repairs, the musicians and choir sounded great in the gymnasium, and we praised together with joyful emotion.  We had lunch with my parents, Brian, Lauren, and Emily, Stephanie and Jon, and Grams and Grandy. 

Before we headed to church, we attempted a family picture on a drizzly Easter morning  But, we were running late and the weather wasn't doing much for my naturally curly hair.  Here are the shots that are decent but not great.

Steph and Lydia have April birthdays that were celebrated with the traditional bunny cake.

Birthday Treat

We brought Lydia to play at the Children's Museum on her birthday.  She loved climbing and playing (and could have cared less that we were trying to play with her).  These pictures highlight her favorites activities that day!  Building blocks, balls, playing "ta dah" with herself in the mirrored door (we are so making one of those for a kids playroom someday), giant lite brite (remember playing with those?), sitting in the truck (just sitting, for a long time), more balls, and playing "ta dah" with daddy.

I want to share that I learned something about 1-ish year olds at the museum.  Some kids are toy grabbers, and other kids get their toys grabbed away from them.  Lydia is a grabber.  She is also friends with everyone.  Points, laughs, smiles, babbles.  Some kids receive the love, others crawl closer to their moms.  So I guess she's a taker (of toys) and giver (of love).  I just love her! 

30 days on $30

I originally blogged about PeaceGospel here.  Kirby Trapolino, the organization's director, is challenging himself to eat for about $1 a day for a month.  He's donating the money he saves on food to the world's poorest in South Asia.  He started a blog to show how he's doing on his goal.  Check it out here!  Leave him an encouraging comment while you're at it!

Happy First Birthday, Lydia!

Lydia turns one year old today!  As much as it is a milestone for her, it is also a milestone for me.  I've had many days I thought this day would never come, and other days when I couldn't believe how fast it was approaching.  

As much as she has learned, I've learned more.  Her discoveries uncover things behind doors, under couches, and on the next page.  My discoveries uncover my selfish impatience but also a whole new kind of love.

As much as she's changed, I've changed more.  She's growing, loving, talking, walking. and always learning.  I'm slower, thoughtful, content, and always being taught (thank you, Lord). 

I am amazed at her willingness to forgive me when I'm unfair and harsh.  I am saddened that I will probably be the role model that teaches her how to hold a grudge.  

Motherhood is exhilarating; motherhood is heavy.  

I pray that my little one will come to love Jesus early in her life.  

I pray that I will always go to my Lord as a child myself!  

Happy Birthday Lydia!

For Sale

We're saying good-bye to our first home.  It's been a great house for us, especially during our DINKs days.  It seems like I just finally finished decorating and now it's time to move on.  It's time for a yard and family filled neighborhood.  Of course, that means were moving away from the city, but not much farther than the beltway, hopefully!  

Ta Dah!

Lydia loves to play "ta dah" (peek-a-boo) in my curtains.  

Here she is having a fun time this morning.