Thankful Thursday

Just look at that face!  How could I not be joyful!  So, rather than fill my day with grumbling about the woes, I would like to focus on gratitude today!

• I am so thankful that Smitty gets to work from home once a week.  It is just nice to have the big guy around.  I "heart" him!  His job is such a blessing!
• I am thankful that David is sleeping for a 5 hour stretch most nights now!
• I love that Micah and Elizabeth are really fun, flexible kids.  They make me laugh everyday!
• Today I am thankful for our preschool.  It is the last day for the summer and we could not have asked for a better time there.  Ms. Judy, Ms. Kelly, Ms. Whitney and Ms. Karen are wonderful blessings to our kids!
• I am thankful for several of our friends who are starting new adoptions.  What a joy to think about all the little bundles coming home soon!  Amazing actually, that these babies will know the love of a mom and dad...  brings me to tears!  All domestic adoptions... they can walk this road ahead of us and prepare us for ours in a few years!
• I am thankful for our health.  Elizabeth had the stomach yuck this weekend.  But the rest of us were spared!
• I am thankful for my parents!  They always pitch in to help as needed!  They kept Micah during the above puke fest so he didn't get sick!  
• I am thankful for the work that is going on in our home.  Smitty and his dad have done some great remodeling work to our kitchen.  I now have a pantry!
• I am thankful for the said pantry!

Let's see... I could go on and on.  I feel better already!  Now it's your turn!  I am sure there is something you are thankful for!

Baby-wearing

So often we feel like we are spoiling our kids when we want to keep them close.  But think about it, they are accustomed to hearing and experiencing the rhythm of our bodies.  The rhythm of our hearts, our stride when we walk and the vibration of our voices are all comforting to our babies. I feel like when our babies are fussy we are quick to rush in and feed them (even if they aren't hungry!) or find a way to calm their cries... but often they just need to be held close and reminded that everything is alright in the world... "I remember this rhythm!"  When we adopted Micah, I "wore" him almost 24-7 to help him get used to the rhythms of his new mommy.  Then if he would be fussy I would plop into the carrier and he would calm quickly.  So when Elizabeth came along I was quick to get her used to a sling/carrier.  In any situation baby wearing aids in attachment and bonding.  It certainly helps assist in your baby feeling connected.

I love baby-wearing.  Several of my friends have asked what types of slings and carriers that I use.  I have spent a small fortune of my collection!  But you can find them very affordably online.  I LOVE my Hotsling.  I have several, one that goes with me everywhere and one to have at home.  It is great for newborns all the way up to toddlers.  David snuggles down into it just like the womb!  As he grows I will wear him more on my hip.  He can be very fussy and will settle down as soon as I get him in there.  (see the picture at the bottom... excuse the boob!)  It is a must have for a new mom!  (especially if you have other children!)  It gives you a way to keep your baby close without taking up your hands.  With Micah and Elizabeth as they got bigger I used the Ergo baby carrier.  (see the picture at the top) It can be worn on the front or the back with some crazy weight limit of like 40 pounds!  It is perfect for everyday errands or a day hike!  We used a Baby Bjorn for a while but found that it was hard on the back.  I think are newer models that have a back support.  

So, there you have it.  I will get down off of my baby wearing soap box!  Happy Baby-Wearing!

Why yes, my kids do have two different fathers!

Sometimes when we are in public, we draw attention... imagine that, a traveling circus would get noticed.  Anyway.  Mostly people will comment on how cute my kids are or perhaps on a good day how well behaved they are! (ha!)  Occasionally we will get questions that start innocently about Micah and whether or not he is adopted.  However, sometimes these turn to ignorant questions, like "do they have two different daddies?"  The general public is well meaning with their crazy questions... mostly.  I have always answered this question sort of haphazardly..  My typical response is a bit smart-assed. "Why yes!  And I have never met one of them!"  This week however,  we have struggled with some behavior stuff out of our sweet 4 year old.  It, like nothing else, has taken me to the feet of Jesus.  When you take parenting seriously it is a very daunting task.  We are given these amazing little gifts to help shape for God's kingdom.  While most of it is entirely enjoyable, there are times when I want to pull my hair out!  Of course, this is a normal feeling for every mom and dad.  But to realize the weight of raising responsible, authentic, and Christ-like kids... now that is pretty heavy.  So, while Micah, Elizabeth and David's daddy is wonderful and amazing (and hot!), he is not going to be enough for them in this life.  Nor am I.  We will fail them.  

I did just this morning.  After a week of disrespect, disobedience and mouthy-ness (is that a word?), I lost my temper with Micah.  Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy for both Micah and me.  Thankfully, Micah and I both, as well as my other children, have two Fathers.  One that is wonderful and great.  One that is unchanging and whose mercies are new every morning.  Who pursues me with the passion of a lover.  Don't believe me?  Read the book of Hosea.  I cannot express how grateful I am that He pursues our children as well.  All of the burden of parenting does not rest on my skills, my patience or my carefully chosen words.  I can also rejoice because of the restoration to relationship with Micah from this morning.  We apologized to each other.   And now we can start all over again!  

So, thank God that my kids have "two different daddies!"

Is the pool open yet?

Everyday on the way to school, Elizabeth wants to know if the pool is open yet.  We had one conversation about a month ago about going swimming soon.  She has not forgotten!  She is so ready to swim! Just for fun I thought I would post a look-alike picture of my sweet daughter and me.  Funny isn't it?  Baby girl, one more week until the pool opens!