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!!

First playdate

Congratulations to Heather and Jon on the arrival of Alea Naomi. She was born on Sunday, August 17 at 6:59 am. Mom, dad and baby are doing great.

Rachel (left), Heather (center) and I have gotten to know each other and become really good friends over the last few years. When we first met we were all 3 single. Now, 4 years later we have all gotten married and have little ones of our own. I see great playdates in the future and look forward to sharing in the journey of parenthood with these amazing ladies. (pictured left to right: Rachel, Evalana, Heather, Alea, Lillian and Marcy)

Laughing Lilly

This last weekend Mike was out of town on a camping trip so my parents came in town to keep Lilly and I company. We had a fun weekend shopping, watching the Olympics and spending time together. Mike got home on Sunday evening but Lilly and I were out late visiting friends. Finally we got home around 8:30 pm (1 1/2 hours after Lilly's bedtime) and despite being hungry, tired and just plain fussy this video was taken just minutes after Lilly seeing her daddy for the first time in 3 days.

I've been tagged!!

I have been tagged for the first time. So, in my attempt to keep this tag alive I'll attempt to answer these questions as brief as possible. Ok, here goes!!

Answer these 15 questions about yourself on your blog. List 3 Joys, 3 Fears, 3 Goals, 3 Current Obsessions/Collections and 3 Random/Surprising facts. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.

Joys
1. Laughing and spending time with my family
2. Picking Lilly up first thing in the morning...there is something about that smile that gets me through even the roughest days.
3. Being embraced by Mike!

Fears
1. Snakes (Once I actually had a dream that my spaghetti turned into snakes and they were all over my kitchen)
2. Unexpected death of my husband or child
3. Waking up from a REALLY bad dream knowing that when I fall asleep the dream will continue (this has actually happened a lot lately).

Goals
1. Not to be the best wife, mother, daughter, friend, etc. but to be the woman God created me to be in each of those roles.
2. Raise Lilly in way that she will not only know and accept Jesus Christ as her Savior but will be a testimony to all who have the privilege of knowing her.
3. Lose these last 3 pregnancy pounds (they aren't kidding when they say the last few pounds are the hardest to lose).

Current obsessions/collections
1. Making homemade cards
2. Rubber stamps and scrapbooking paper
3. All My Children (yes, I hate to admit it but I'm addicted)

Random/Surprising Facts
1. I tried out for cheer leading in Jr. High and failed to make the team.
2. I love eating and hate working out (not the best role model for a fitness consultant huh?).
3. In high school I went 3 years without drinking a single soda (now I crave it....go figure!).

I'm passing this Tag on to the following 5 people. Please post your question/answers on your blog, website or any other page you might have:
1. Heather
2. Cassy
3. Rachel
4. Kristen
5. Angie