Shots and Jesus

Lyla has had quite a busy week this week. Monday was "shot day". And unfortunately, it was exactly like I expected it to be. We didn't have to wait long in the waiting room, but we sure put in our time in the exam room. The tears started when they tried to put her on the table to measure her...it went downhill from there. My child does NOT like to be naked...(I guess that's a good thing!) She wailed the entire time. It didn't help that we waited for about an hour in a freezing cold room. So, by the time they came in to actually do the shots, we were all a wreck! I had to hold her down, because she likes to kick. I couldn't watch them actually stick her, I just got in her face and kept telling how much I loved her and how great she was doing.

Man, is it hard to see your child in pain like that!! I have some special friends from back home (the McElhaney's) who have two daughters who are in and out of the hospital quite frequently. I couldn't help but lift up special prayers for them as they have to watch their daughters endure much, much more. They are so strong in their faith and have an unshakable family foundation. I look at them in a much different light now for their amazing courage and strength!

Anyways, Lyla ran a fever last night. I am not sure if it is a side effect from the shots or from her big night out. Lyla made her first appearance at church last night. I cannot tell you how excited we were to be able to finally bring her.

It was quite a busy night. I left her at the church with Mama Regina (so thankful for the people who so often volunteer to help us!) and went to Quail Run to do ministry with the kids in that apartment complex. It was so great to see all the kids there. They all made sure to tell me "That I wasnt pregnant anymore" and they all wanted to see Lyla. :) Once we finished there, we headed back to the church and got ready for our youth service. Once the band started playing, she couldnt take her eyes off of the stage. We play worship songs for her every night and I can't help but wonder if they sounded familiar to her. :) She got a little fussy once Jeff started preaching, but nothing that a little rocking and bouncing couldn't fix. To our surprise, Jeff actually called her up on stage and introduced her as the special guest of the evening.

He used her in his illustration how as christians, we have to start growing ourselves at some point! We can't rely on people to feed us forever- we have to dive in and get to know God and His word on our own! Once he was finished he challenged the students to get up and share with what God is doing in their lives...and they did. One by one students shared how God is moving in their schools, on their sports teams, and in the personal lives. It was such a great evening. It felt great to be back.

6 weeks

I cannot believe that it has been 6 weeks since my sweet girl was born! This week, Lyla has accomplished some major things in her little life!

Yesterday, she let me wrap her up in the moby wrap for the first time. It took a few tries to get the hang of it and tied the right way, but once she was in, she loved it. Plus I was able to get a ton done in our bedroom since our new furniture arrived Monday. (by the way OUR NEW FURNITURE ARRIVED MONDAY-it looks amazing!)

Lyla is now able to wear her 0-3 month old clothes as of today! I am so tickled. So far, I have only been able to dress her in onesies because everything else just hung off of her. Up until this point, she has only worn newborn clothes and I have noticed that those have been getting a little snug, so I thought I would try the next size and HOORAY, she fits them! I am so excited to dress her up because she has SO many cute outfits and bows (thanks everyone!) and I know that very soon, she will grow out of those too!

Today was also the first time that Lyla watched one of her baby einstein videos. I am not sure at what age babies can actually comprehend what they are seeing/hearing, but we have been reading the Bible to her since day one and she listens, so today I thought why not try with the videos. I played the video on our mac since we don't have a dvd player and I wouldn't DARE touch Jeff's PS3. I am not sure how much of it she actually watched, but hopefully listening to the repetition of the ABC's and words will help her to learn.

We have also started "tummy time" this week, which she absolutely HATES, but is a must from what I have read. We probably should have started this a few weeks ago, but I had no idea what it even was. I just so happen to stumble upon it this week in some parent reading. Since she isn't a huge fan of it, we are only doing it a few minutes a day. It's fun to watch her and she can actually make it all the way across our bed in a few minutes time! I don't know if it's her strong legs or her anger driving her across, but either way, she makes time! :)

Lyla will get her 6 weeks shots on Monday and I have asked Jeff to join us. Not for her, but for me! I told him yesterday that I would probably cry more than she would and he said "yep, you will". Updates on that later...

Happy 6 weeks baby!

Do Everything

I got a card from my mom this weekend (I love mail!) with a wonderful piece of encouragement. As many of you may know, I have decided not to return to work this year so I can stay home with Lyla. While I know in my heart that this is the greatest job I will ever hold, I am still having to adjust to the fact that I am not contributing to my family financially. It is very easy to get yourself down in a lot of ways when you are at home ALL day, but the Lord is really showing me daily how incredible this role really is. It is the best job in the world, but can also be the toughest. God is showing me that I should never be deceived into thinking that what I am doing isn't important. It is so easy to get discouraged and bogged down in the everyday routine, but God notices and will not return our efforts for void. 

I heard a song by Steven Curtis Chapman the other day when I got in the car for a 1 minute drive up to the church and it was like God was speaking directly into my heart for that one minute: 

"You’re picking up toys on the living room floor

for the 15th time today
Matching up socks and sweeping up lost
Cheerios that got away
You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips
and head out the door
And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you

Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do

Maybe you’re that guy with the suit and tie
Maybe your shirt says your name
You may be hooking up mergers, cooking up burgers
But at the end of the day

Little stuff big stuff in between stuff
God sees it all the same
And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you
To do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace with every move that you make
And every little thing that you do

Well maybe you’re sitting in math class
Maybe anekatips on a mission in the Congo
Maybe you’re working at the office
Singing along with the radio
Maybe you’re dining at a five star
Or feeding orphans in Myanmar
Anywhere and everywhere you are
Whatever you do it all matters
So do what you do and don’t ever forget
to do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace as you do
Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace with every move that you make
And every little thing that you do"

"Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people." Col. 3:23

My dog has feelings

Anyone who says dogs don't have feelings obviously has never seen my bank account! Yesterday we found blood in Diggs' stool, so this morning I took him to the vet. After doing a few tests, they ruled out parasites and worms (whew!) and asked if he has experienced anything traumatic lately! HA! He's ONLY had his home invaded by a baby (a GIRL none the less) and has to be put up every time company comes over. We've noticed a few odd behaviors-like he's not eating as much and he hides under the bed come bedtime instead of cuddling up with us in our bed (which is what we used to do), but I had no idea that he's been so stressed-which is exactly what the doctor diagnosed-a stressed colon!

Let me remind you that this is not the first time we have spent money on our dog's feelings. Diggs used to throw up anytime Jeff left town for a few days, which made it hard last summer because Jeff was gone quite often due to summer camps and mission trips. Imagine my surprise when I take him to the vet only to learn that my dog is having "feelings" due to his daddy leaving him.

Of course, we will always spend the money (to a certain extent) to find out what is wrong with our pup-it's just amusing that he is so emotional...guess he gets it from his mom!:)

Feel better Diggs!

1 month

Lyla, today you are 1 month old. I can hardly believe how fast time is flying. We are so crazy about you and it is hard to remember life before you. You are the best baby!!

At one month old:

You love to make funny faces!

You love to ride in the car and usually sleep the entire time!

You have many different sleeping positions (all of them make me laugh!)

But, your favorite sleeping position is snuggling with mommy in the afternoons...

...And sleeping in your swing at night

You Love Love Love your Daddy! (Diggs is very protective of you too-wherever you are, He is there)

Everyone is always amazing at how alert you are and have been since you first popped out! You have the most beautiful dark blue eyes!

You are such a social butterfly and already have LOTS of friends! (these are just a few!)

But your best friends (aside from mommy and daddy) are your grandparents-who love you so much!

Gammie and Papa

GiGi

Papa G and Chella

You love to be held and rocked (me and you "dance" together quite often-sometimes that's the only thing that will calm you down) You are getting used to bath time and are enjoying them more and more(maybe because daddy makes up songs and sings them to you?)  You love to ride in the car (even though we've only been on a few trips) You do NOT like to be changed and will usually kick and scream the entire time. But once we have clothes on you, you are just fine:) You are such a wonderful baby...

...You are growing so much everyday....

..and I wish I could freeze time but I know that there is so much more to look forward to with you! You are the biggest blessing to your daddy and me! We love you! Happy 1 month Lyla Rae!

I don't care

My best friend Lindsey posted this video a few days ago and I am curious if anyone can relate....

I showed it to Jeff last night and we both died laughing...this is totally our relationship!!!

 Even after watching it last night, when questioned with a dinner choice tonight his response was I don't care...what do you want...and of course my response was I don't care, it's up to you. LOL! Finally we narrowed it down to two options and flipped for it...Manwich it is...haha!

Tears

Today has been the first day in a week that we have not had company. Needless to say, I got up this morning with a full agenda. I was gonna get some "stuff" done today. Before I go any further, let me mention that I have not checked one thing off of my list. Instead, I have been attending to a furious baby all day. I am sure that anyone who gets within a foot of our door will think that my child is being mistreated, but I assure you, she is not. It has just been one of those days for her and thankfully the Lord has given me an enormous amount of patience today.

Since Lyla has been born, she has had people holding her ALL the time. Who wouldn't want to hold this little bundle of joy?!

However, once everyone has gone, there are points in the day where I HAVE to put her down. Maybe she's just a social butterfly like her mama??! Whatever the case, I feel terrible. I know that you are "supposed" to let them cry it out, but that just tugs on my heartstrings. Any new mommy can relate. But once she is fed, burped, changed, and burped some more, what can you do??  I'm taking suggestions by the way:)

On a positive note, I do feel like we are establishing more of a routine. YAY!!! She usually wakes up around 8 or 9 and we have started having some Jesus time. I am not sure when you are supposed to start reading to your children, but we have started reading the Bible to her. She loves it! (I am also holding her then so who knows...ha!) But she looks around and gets really quiet. I love that precious time with her. I want her to know Jesus and how much he loves her! Usually after that, she will fall asleep, but the second I put her down, the waterworks begin...

By the time Jeff comes home for lunch it is time to feed again and usually after that, she will lay down for a nap...but only if it is in OUR bed and I am snuggling right next to her. Of course, being that snuggly, I usually nap right along with her. :) I don't mind:)

It's almost been a month (can you believe it?!) And I truly fall more in love with her everyday (even when she's crying!)