Baby Dedication

This weekend we had the privilege of dedicating Lilly to the church. It was a morning of celebration and excitement for the life ahead of this precious little girl. Lilly was dressed in a beautiful dress that was handmade by a family friend. We had several friends and family members attend. We are thankful for the amazing people that God has placed in our lives to encourage and support us in special times like this.

A playdate....at least for the moms!!

Lilly (7 months) and Evalana (7 weeks)



Alea (5 weeks) and Lilly (7 months)

6 Month Pictures

Here are a few of Lilly's 6 month pictures. She was a bit memorized by all the lights and cameras but after about 85 shots she finally settled in and smiled a few times for the camera.

A day at home

Lilly loves her daddy time (I think daddy does too)!!

We practice, practice, practice....and then practice some more!

Home away from home

This weekend we visited my parents back home. We had a great time visiting family and it's always nice taking a break from city life.


Lilly and MiMi playing on the floor.



Riding 4-wheelers.



Daddy and Lilly watching the chickens peck around.

"What I love about you is..."

This evening we had several tornado warnings in the area. The city sirens went off twice within a one-hour time period. Fortunately Mike was home so we spent some quality time in the basement. Although we had the convenience of online TV and computer access we decided to be creative and make up a game. The name of the game was "What I love about you is....". Mike and I took turns saying what we love about each other. Some were silly, some were serious but all were true and so I thought I'd share a few with you.

Mike, what I love about you is...
* Your sacrifice everyday in the workplace to support your family
* Your love for Jesus Christ
* The way you love to spend time with and love on Lilly
* The goofy voice you use when you're telling a story
* The fact that you love my side of the family and enjoy spending time with them
* Your concern for your family and friends when they are in need
* That you're HOT!!!

I love you babe. Thanks for a fun and entertaining evening!!

Memory Lane game

A friend made up and this fun game and posted it on her link so now I'm trying it out. Here's how it works:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Thanks for playing!

Pass the Peas Please!

This evening we decided to be adventurous and try to expand Lilly's palette by offering her peas. She actually did really well until half way through when she started gagging. We took that as "I'm finished". It was a messy experience but I have a feeling that the real mess will be revealed in the morning.....!!

Look at me, I'm a big girl!!

Open wide!

I thought it was in my mouth, where did it go?

All kids gag when they eat peas, right?

Well, maybe it's not quite so bad!!

I'm full!

Words can't express a Mother's Love

I have no real reason for this post other than the fact that I love this little girl SO much. Lilly is a pure delight and such a special little girl. I'm not one for journaling so I thought I'd do my best to express my feelings through this poem. Lilly, this is for you!!

A Mother's Love

I never once thought that I could love so much,
But I’m sure it happened with that first gentle touch.
Ten little fingers and ten tiny toes,
This love that I have only a mother knows.

I look at you now and have so much to say,
But where do I start it would take all day.
I know you’re not mine but a gift from above,
But I gladly accept with a heart full of love.

Right now, what I know, as certain and right,
Is that you are my sun, the source of my light.
I don't need many things, expensive or new,
All that I need is this time spent with you.

For years I have waited to say “I love you,”
No longer a dream as it finally came true.
This precious soul I will forever embrace,
A true gift from God named Lillian Grace.

Labor Day Weekend

This last week and weekend has been full of excitement around here. On Thursday Lilly got her second tooth (bottom left). She hasn't been fussy and doesn't seem at all disturbed by the process which has been fantastic. However, with teeth also comes biting. She bit me for the first time on Saturday. I screamed out of surprise and pain and of course that scared Lilly. I think we were both in tears by the time it was said and done!! :)

On Friday, after several attempts, Lilly sat up on her own for the first time. It's fun watching her learn and strategize on exactly how this process works. Mike was playing with her at the time so it was great that he was able to see her too....and not just have to take my word for it as he often has to do!

Mike left on Friday for a 3-day camping trip so Lilly and I had a LOT of bonding time over the holiday weekend. We went for several walks, met up with some friends for lunch and shopping, spent some time in urgent care (on behalf of a friend...no worries, everyone is ok), went to church, etc. It's been fun hanging out with this little one and it has helped that she has been a happy baby and is continuing to sleep for 11 hours at night (7 pm - 6:30 am). Here are a few pictures and videos from the last week.

Sitting up for the first time

Going for a walk with mom

The exersaucer is a rather new toy in our home and Lilly really seems to enjoy it. There are seven different toys attached so it keeps her quite entertained.

In my opinion, the"minigym" is the best toy ever. Lilly is finally at the point where she loves playing and chewing on her toys but often she drops them and can't seem to find them. With this apparatus, the toys are attached overhead so she can play with the toys without losing them. Keeps her entertained and keeps me from having to pick up her dropped toy every 2 minutes!!