Every Day is Mothers Day

As my first Mothers Day is coming to an end, I'm typing this post with one hand while feeding Daniel with the other. He is on my lap drinking milk and cooing. He's also kicking the computer closet door and trying to grab everything on the table top.

I'm a Mom.

Daniel gave me the best gift ever this year! Just on Saturday, he started saying "Mama" for the first time. Jim and I have been having a blast getting him to repeat it over and over. He begins by opening and closing his mouth like a fish - no sound - just the mouth - THEN, he puts his voice behind it and it starts to come... "Ma ma mum mama mum" It's a wonder! He's just brilliant!

I didn't wake up with my annual anxiety and nausea today - what a change that was. For the first time, I began Mothers Day with joy and expectation. But I couldn't help but remember my sorrow from years past. They taught me a lot about myself but also about the hurts that others endure on Mothers Day.

I pray for those today who have lost their Mother or lost a child. I pray for those that long to be a Mom and somehow its just not happening yet. I pray for those that are out of relationship with their Mom and this day amplifies that rift. I pray specifically for Daniel's birthmother and all those birthmothers that first, choose life for their child, and then place them with a family to love and care for them because they are not able.

All that God has poured into us and how we are marked by His very image brings hope, peace and joy to all of us. Pray that Gods image in your life shines today and always.

P.S. Thank you God for making one of my dreams come true. My cup runneth over.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Where is March?

March!? Where is it? Did it already pass? I never saw it! How could that be.

Time just keeps "marching" on (I am married to the greatest punster that ever lived so I had to throw that one in) and I can not keep up. My mother used to tell me how fast time will go by once I am older. I never believed. In my high school years, I started to notice it. Summers were just never long enough. Then in my 20's, they got ever shorter - I would blink and it was time for school again. When I entered the workforce, I lived for Fridays - payday and the weekend! Thursdays went by slowly but everything else was warp-speed. Time has sped up at a consistant rate every year of my life.

Then I became a parent - I'm so confused. What day is it? Is it Tuesday? The 5th? No - Thursday the 3rd - yeah, thats it. Thursday the 3rd - of May, yes May - I do know we are in May!

My whole reference for time and schedule has been stripped away. I went to an office of some sort every day from 8am to 5pm for about 20 years (yes I'm serious, 20 years). You stare at a computer all day long jumping in and out of your calendar system, looking at the date constantly. Of course you know what day it is - you stare at it all day long. You surely know the time because every phone message you write has the date and time filled in. You look at your watch or a clock about 25 times a day. NOW - I don't know anything. I have no point of reference. I just do what needs to be done. Do you know, I am having trouble remembering my daily medications (thyroid - not prosac as some of you might think - although that would be fine if it was) because I get up at a different time almost every day and do something different each morning. It just depends on the needs.

For example, today, I woke up around 5am because my husband who said he was cold the previous night put an extra blanket on last night. We sleep with a down comforter and he added another. Yes, another DOWN COMFORTER. Well, by about 4:30 or 5am, he was too warm and I woke up to a HUGE wad a blankets all stacked up between us. I couldn't move too well and my back felt 10 degrees warmer than my front. Sweating was the next step and I wanted out of the pile of blankets before that started. Of course, then I had to pee. It was all over then. I was awake and loading the washer! (I need some undees!)

Now - I'm learning about this blog thing. Sharon helped me with adding music! Yeah! I love it. I wanted to learn how to add "friends" and started that the other day. I just added a few and thought, some of my friends are going to visit and not see a link to their blog and be sad. I think I got everyone this morning! I had trouble with one - I don't have permission. So, if you don't see your link on my blog, let me know but be sure I'm invited. I want to learn how to have my picture post with my comments - like Sharon and Becca!

I am becoming more accustomed to this new lifestyle and look forward to the day I don't have the go in to the office at all (for those who don't know, I have still been working part-time and bringing Daniel into the offic with me). I go in 3 to 5 days a week depending upon the needs. It's been such a blessing and my employers are jewels but it's time to take the plunge - the full-body plunge into my new job - Stay-at-home-Mom! It's a job I have always wanted and I am so glad to have it!

Back to the topic! (that's another thing by the way I am struggling with, staying on task) Time. Who can fully understand it and/or master it? Not me. I do want to continue to grow in the area of using it wisely. I loved hearing about Leslie's new schedule and her daily focus. I have a great appreciation for good plans but am in awe of those who actually follow their plans. Pray for me to come up with a plan that I can and will follow. I need help getting a little bit of a handle on my days and try to stick to a schedule.

Any and all ideas are much appreciated.

I had to throw in these pictures to prove my point - time is marching on!

Loving Parenthood

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!"

Happy Birthday Papa

Today is my father's birthday - our first without him. I really didn't know how I'd feel about today and maybe was avoiding things a bit, but this morning, I am grateful. I'm grateful for the years I did have him in my life and this day brings a smile to my face. My Dad never liked getting older and many times would say he was turning "19" again. Most people hold out at 29, but my Dad never wanted to be older than 19! He was young at heart his whole life!

Happy Birthday Papa! I love you.

Jumperoo Jive

Daniel's new favorite toy!

Greased Lightning

I'm systomatic - I'm hydromatic - I'm Greased Lightning!!!!

I finally have high speed internet at home. I can actually post pictures to my blog from home (rather than from the office)! I am so excited. I don't know what to do first.

Here's Daniel in his brand new high chair. We planned to get some food this week and start him off on the "good stuff." Unfortunately, he got a pretty bad cold and has been caughing and very congested all week long. We put off the cereal until he's over it. For now, he just sits in the high chair and plays! (and looks adorable too)