Eight Months Big!

Every day is a new adventure with our Lydia.  This month she:

• is on the move
• rolls back and forth and scoots on her back across the room
• tried pureed pears, avocado, banana, and baked sweet potato sticks
• was dedicated at church
• scratches different textures with her nails
• helped mommy get bulletin boards finished at school
• went to the Perot museum
• enjoyed brunch with her baby friends
• visited with lots of cousins - The James, Bagley, Skelly, and Smith families
• finally has complete bedding in her room - maybe some day she will stay the night in there
• went to Daddy's state tournament games
• has a difficult time staying asleep at night
• had a painting made by momma and daddy for her room
• celebrated Valentine's day by making Daddy a special book and receiving her first ever flowers from him
• got to attend Momma's Valentine's party at school with Mrs. Amy and Drew - Mommy loved having her Valentine with her at school

This month has brought the challenge and fun of having a mobile baby.  She isn't too fast yet, but getting faster each day.  It took a LONG time, but Lydia's bedding is now complete.  It will be time to make the transition to a full-time crib sleeper soon.  I am afraid that her cradle is why she is having a difficult time sleeping.  I am making all of Lydia's food.  It hasn't been as big of a deal as I anticipated since she doesn't really like food much.  She is still so happy and sweet, and we are so lucky she is ours.

Hanging with Daddy in her sportswear.

Helping momma at school.

 

Momma and Daddy bought this dress for Raigen on their cruise 10 years ago!

We are ready with our hearts.

 

My funny Valentine.

Photoshoot outakes

More sportswear

Perot museum fun

Love her!

Heart jammies from aunt Kasi.  I think she is pretty comfy in there.

School party day

I think I'm ready to stay the night mom.

Cheering on Daddy's team in the state tournament.

A Year

A year ago this week, my sweet girl was still in my belly. I had seen her profile, her heartbeat, and I knew I loved her. A year ago, I had a busy week with my observation at work, a haircut, shopping for a big event, and bible study. A year ago this week, I was anxious to find out my baby's gender. A year ago I was (im)patiently waiting to truly become a momma and meet my girl.

Fast forward to this year. Once again I had a haircut, an observation at work, and shopping to complete. So much was the same, yet so much was different.

A year ago, I began having complications in my pregnancy. A year ago, I laid in an ER bed afraid I was losing my baby. I went for a sonogram, and I was afraid to ask what the tech saw. A year ago, I found out my sweet baby was a girl while praying I would get the opportunity to know her.

Fast forward to this year. I have a beautiful, perfect, and precious seven month old. I feel so blessed that she stayed put for 38+ weeks, and I am so lucky to have the privilege of raising her. This year, we had the opportunity to dedicate Lydia at our church. On the exact weekend when I was so filled with fear and doubt about what the future held for our family just a year before. I don't think that was just a coincidence.

As we drove home from church, we passed the hospital. Usually, I tell Lydia that that's where we met, and normally that is what I think of when I see the building -- the second floor labor and delivery area, holding my sweet girl for the first time, seeing that little bundle I had been waiting to love. But this time I allowed myself to think about the difficult day one year before. I found myself thankful for the valley of one year ago because it was a part of our journey to the amazing mountaintop of committing to raise my child in a way that honors The Lord. I am humbled and amazed when I think that The Lord knew even during those hard times what would be in store for us one year later.

LVB just minutes after her arrival.  Making her way down the hallway of the hospital to get checked out by the doctor.  One of the good memories at the hospital.

Our girl's first photo shared with the world.  

After dedication Sunday at church.  What a blessing this girl is to us!