Dia del Amor

 

Valentine's Day felt more complete to me this year than it ever has. Daddy dressed up Amberly and sent this to me that morning (granted, I pulled the clothes out but still he did a great job). I couldn't stop smiling. He is the champ at getting her to smile. But she isn't likely to flash that charming grin of hers unless she is somewhere familiar and comfortable. She doesn't just pass smiles out for free.

 My sweetest little valentine.

 

I did have to work a full day, as I've returned to do what I can part-time until Jon graduates. After all the work I put into organizing our office, I couldn't leave it in a mess. And it has been chaotic there since Little Miss decided to come three weeks early. I have to leave it in good hands before we move in a couple of months! I guess I'm just the type of gal who loves closure. And it's nice to have grocery money!

 

Jonathan played his cards right by sending me my favorite callas. Good form.

 

I came home to see my daughter on my lunch break, of course. She just melts me heart.

 

 

This pic deserves to be posted again.

 

We love traditions. I always make the man crepes for "Valentimes Day". He can pack these in, sheesh that guy's metabolism is something else!

 That night we took Baby Girl with us to Applebees to use our gift card there. She does pretty great in restaurants so we're living that up while we can! 

 

I honestly can't believe this girl is turning four months old next week.

Like Mommy or Like Daddy?

I hear it on almost a daily basis.

"Wow that baby looks like her daddy!"

It's true...

 

Little Jonathan David as a baby

 Too dang cute.

But then again, there are the photos of me as a baby...

 And I can totally see my little baby face in the face of my daughter!

 (I used to be super duper cute!!:-)

 

What do YOU think?

Luckily she is far better looking than either of us. ;-)

 

You may now cast your votes.

3 Months!

Happy 3 months last Thursday, Little Goose!

Out of nowhere you bloomed from a newborn to fullout BABY status. 

I still cannot believe you are mine.

13 lbs. 10 oz.

College football season ended awhile ago, but we had to make sure you wore this before you got too big!

Daddy's Little Football

I am a wee bit crazy about baby leggings. 

A few of your favorite things:

Smiling at Mommy and Daddy when we come to get you in the morning

Sleeping on the right side of your head (Bah! We are trying to fix your little flat spot with physical therapy and special stretches!)

Talking/Cooing at Mommy and Daddy (also Momma's favorite)

Snuggling

Having your diaper changed!

Grabbing Momma's hair

Your routine - Eat, Activity, Sleep

Your paci for nap times

Bath time

What others say about you:

"She's so dark!"

"What pretty brown eyes and flawless skin."

"Does she have a dimple?"

"What an angel."

"You are so lucky to have such a sweet baby."

Your Nicknames:

Goose (Mom)

Tantrum (Mom)

Little Bestie (Mom)

Little Chubs (Dad)

Daddy's Little Princess

Other Faves:

You giggled at us for the first time a few weeks ago!

Your long sighs after you sneeze - still trying to capture one on video

 Sundays with LeGrand, who we have lovingly nicknamed your Godfather

You don't smile at just anyone, so when we actually capture those moments we relish them! Aunty Emily got this one out of you. I think you two must have a special connection. After all, you were born on her birthday.

                                      

You are such a spirited girl. You are expressive, curious, and very vocal. Grandma Mecham says you just have a strong opinion on things. From the moment you decided to come 3 weeks early, you've proven how determined you are to be here. You are an ambitious little soul, just ready to get out and do some good in the world.

I LOVE your spunk, Baby Girl.

You are too cool.

Transformed

*I can think of at least eight couples I am praying for to be able to bear children. If you are struggling with infertility, feel free to avoid reading this post. Blogs on motherhood only hurt my heart all the more during our 2 and a half year struggle. I have not forgotten.

I am transformed.
I read this blog post a few days ago.

What a profound, beautiful way to explain this stage of life I am currently in.

"I was unprepared for how completely transformative I found motherhood, how I loved even the mundane dailyness, how I found joy here... I know that everyone’s experience is different, and I’m not saying that mine is normative but it’s real and I can’t deny it: I came into myself when I became a mother. I was reborn, all over again. The experience of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding my babies profoundly changed me AND it changed my view of God entirely."

"People tell you a lot about how much parenting will change your life and they’re right. But usually they mean that you won’t ever sleep in again (you won’t) and a few other things about how much we “give up” to become parents. No one tells you how much you’re going to laugh. No one tells you how much wisdom resides in these small humans, how much they will teach you about love and life and friendship and forgiveness and worship. No one tells you how good and freeing it is to leave your selfishness behind. No one tells you about recapturing your own wonder and innocence..."

No one tells you how good and freeing it is to leave your selfishness behind.

Just like many women, and despite my struggle to get pregnant, I had fears about becoming a mother.

Jonathan always promised that everything would be different with my own.

How right he was.

 

I have come to myself in becoming a mother.

It is being there when she wakes up, it is the twinkle in her bright, charming smile. It is taking in this new interesting world again, all for the first time through her eyes. It is singing primary songs to her, and watching her giggle when she sees pictures of Jesus.

It is every moment she coos and talks to me. It is the miracle of our bodies, and that I can provide all the nutrients she needs.

 

Motherhood is not easy.

It is incredible,

and I am so fulfilled.

 

I go back to work tomorrow, just part-time hours until Jonathan's graduation. Daddy will be with his girl for an extra 16-18 hours per week. Assuming she and I can function being apart from each other that long. I guess we'll see. But we are just learning, and we won't know unless we try.

Truly Scrumptious

Apparently I am not cool enough to transfer a short video clip from my phone to my blog, or my phone just isn't cool enough. Regardless, if you'd like to see someone truly scrumtious, click here.
(Ever seen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? I tell ya there's never a dull moment living with that guy of mine.) This little lady is destined to be entertained for life.

And certainly, Amberly really is truly scrumptious.