Come here often?

It has been quite a while since I have ventured to this space. I'm not sure I can whirlwind catch up on things, but looking at the posts of live with three littles inspired me to put more material here, for posterity, and because of my ever failing memory. So, below are some recent shots. It is summer--and it is hard, hot and happy times all at once. 

We Were On A Break!

Love the title?  I just love that Nick at Night shows Friends episodes at night. Man, it makes having a baby even more fun! :)

I wanted to officially announce that I am taking an open-ended break from blogging.  I've been contemplating it for a while and have decided it is the right thing to do.  Not that this space is a venue of high traffic or anything, but I wanted to alert folks.  I have long struggled with the "blog persona."  I love seeing what great friends are up to via their blogs, but I grapple with presenting an "accurate" portrayal of our everyday life and my feelings here.

Additionally, I find myself feeling fraudulent and disingenuous at times when I'm here.  And while I love a casual update on life and its goings on--for some reason--digging deeper--both with others and myself--seems more important these days.  And for right now, I don't feel like I can meaningfully participate in that exchange here.

I often hear of difficulties adjusting to one (that was me!) or two kids, but for some "the jump from two to three" (and so on) is undoing.  Well, as life altering as bringing home our very first baby was,  I have since learned that I really fall into the latter category.  And while I relish this season, (both the hardships and the sweet rewards), I am trying to focus on absorbing the Lord's grace, His revelations and inspirations, that He is giving us each and every day.  And for now, those revelations have resulted in a craving for genuine authenticity and a heart change.  One bent towards thanksgiving.  A craving to  offer praise for the blessings and sincere praises for the storms.  I do hope to return to this space again, but as for now, I'll leave you with our three loves--our good and perfect gifts--and the best attempts at capturing them together we've gotten thus far...

My cup.  It does indeed runneth over.

And Then He Was 2

Oh how we love you!!! (even if your birthday post is exactly one month late).  Quite by accident, birthday pancakes have become our family tradition.  Somehow, despite the attempted adequate planning, schedules never seem to work out for birthday dinners--but breakfasts?  We can do those. And Granddaddy even got to join us for this one! (a picture of that might have been nice...way to go, I know).

How I remember this day! And this sweet baby!

And how much his big sister instantly loved him.

That first year flew by (ok, some of the days drug a little...)

But every single one was special.

So, when it was time to think about a SECOND birthday, the theme hadn't changed much...four wheels and things that move.

Thanks to Cece and Elizabeth for the cake.

But while the theme hadn't changed much, the sweet birthday boy sure had.

He was READY for cake this time.

And presents.  All things that "go."  There were wooden cars:

And a motorized one:

Both have kept this little boy occupied for the last several weeks.

A big thanks to all the family that helped up celebrate (especially since it was immediately after Nelia's baptism. Nothing like maximizing celebrations while minimizing out of town trips...)

Robert--you are certainly well loved and created in a wonderfully amazing way.  We are humbled and privileged to have you in our family.  You are funny, and oh SO sweet. You smile at strangers and wave to the garbage men.  The women at Walmart all know and love you and the feeling is mutual as you wave hello and blow kisses good-bye.  You are also TOUGH as nails.  A fall or a cut doesn't phase you one bit. Head injury? No problem. In fact, just yesterday you were diagnosed with yet another double ear infection and no one at the doctor could believe you were even feeling badly!  And despite a determined temper that can sometimes land you in a discipline situation, and a small penchant for biting, you have a genuine and authentic love for other people and life.  That love is how I see God using you--even in just your 2 short years--to show Christ to me, our family, and to the world.  I am one lucky and grateful momma to watch you and your love all day long.  And while I hope (and occasionally pray) for the "other" woman who I dread hope comes into your life years from now, I know that as the book says:

I'll love you forever,

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living, 

my baby, you'll be.

We love you buddy!

Nelia's Baptism

I love baptisms. Love them. I love them a little more when it's one of my kids.

I'm so thankful the Lord gives us such an amazing sign and testament to His goodness and faithfulness as the only perfect promise keeper.  His promise to deliver us. To rescue us. And to guide us as parents.

So, I was more than excited for Nelia's baptism a few weeks ago. And WOW were there a lot of kids between three families that were celebrating that day too!

It only gets better when you can share the occasion with some kindred family friends--also baptizing their third child--as well as our families and the rest of our small group in the first few pews of the congregation.   And speaking of our small group, Robert loves Mrs Leslie (far right) so much, that he wanted her to hold him during the baptisms!! (Not that she wasn't also responsible for her own three too!!)  Of course she sweetly obliged.

Oh, and did I mention the only thing sweeter is when one of your very best friends for over 10 years happens to be ordained, and gets to baptize your child. Promising to help us raise her.

I have not seen a more meaningful or more perfect representation of community than to raise our children among and alongside a group of such strong men, loving women and their children. Truly they are people who represent the Lord to us, and to our children. You know, they're the kind of folks you want your kids to grow up to be.  The kind of folks you want your kids to grow up and marry.

God is good people. And He's staying that way.

Create-Your-Own-Snack Day

Presenting the cucumber cream cheese and raisin sandwich:

This creation is the result of an absence of celery (clearly, any 4-year-old's first choice...and a mistake I won't let happen again).  Necessity really IS the mother of invention.  

Note: You'll not be shocked at all to learn Robert detested it. He settled for the raisins only.

5 Months

What a milestone. I can. not. believe dear Nelia is already 5 months old.  What in the world?  I understand where all the time cliches originated--they are all true.  What is unique, however, is how unbelievably sweet, happy, smilely and enchanting she is.

We've had lots going on recently, which I hope to update soon (a baptism, a birthday, some rat killin', etc...), but I wanted to give this sweet angel her own special post just to celebrate her first 5 months.

She is such a true joy.  Our daily routine still includes 3 naps and bedtime is still about 7:30.  She is starting to eat more from her bottle--maybe time to start solids? Just not jazzed about adding another something to our day right now! :)  She is loving the jumperoo and is starting to be interested in toys.  She's grabbing objects with both hands--and LOVES pulling some hair!

Oh, and she's still fiercely hanging on to that thumb.

And because you can't be a third child without comparisons--here are Emma and Robert.

We LOVE you sweet Nelia.  I am so overwhelmed and grateful God specially chose you for our family!!