Sweet Mornings

It's funny how the little things in life become the sweetest. Mornings have never been a favorite part of my day and God, in his sovereignty, had me marry a man who loves to wake up early. When we were first married I deemed him crazy for relishing in early mornings. I mean, he even sets his alarm on the weekend. (It's a sign of a sick mind) But over the years I have come to love, value, and appreciate that Jonathan wakes much before Eliza and I, takes the monitor (bless him), and starts his day sitting before the Lord.

This means that our morning routine consists of me waking up to two amazing people looking over me like "mom, get up" (one of them normally has drool and a frenzied "feed me" look while smiling). After nursing, I stumble downstairs and hand Eliza to Jonathan while I feel my way to the coffee pot. One morning I had enough clarity of mind to realize how sweet our morning routine has become and I snapped a couple pics.

Here are some pics of Eliza with her daddy first thing in the morning.

One of her favorite chew toys is the strings on Jonathan's sweatshirt.

Eliza is fascinated by Jonathan's coffee cup.

Cuddle Bug

Thank you Lord for my family and little moments.

Birthday Festivities

November is birthday month for Jonathan and my brother, Sam. Last Sunday we got together and had a birthday celebration with my family(Luke and Steph we wish you could have been there). It was also the first family birthday that Eliza has been a part of. It was so sweet to celebrate Jonathan and Sam with family.

Nothing like eating lunch on the counter.

Eliza loves her Aunt McCall (especially when she feeds her good food :)).

boys

I love this man so much and cannot believe I get to spend the rest of my life with this amazing man.

Stunning Ruth with quite the diva pose ;)

Birthday boys. McCall made an amazing carrot cake. So moist. I could go for another piece right now.

Sam hasn't had a birthday in the states in years so it was extra special to be able to celebrate with him in person this year.

"Guys, why are you all singing?"

Family :)

just chilling with the birthday boys

Traditionally we take a kid shot on the couch for every birthday. Eliza joined for the first time... and failed miserably. I think she's plum worn out from all the birthday festivities. Oh well. We'll try better next birthday...

I love you Sam and Jonathan.

Fall Festivities

One of Jonathan and my favorite season is fall (with spring being a close tie) and now having Eliza for the fall has made it even sweeter. Here are some pics from our October/November...

beautiful fall leaves

Eliza's first fall :)

um, do you want to see my muscles?

Oh yes. We did it. Dressed our child up in a ridiculous costume. Ok, lets be honest, I found this outfit in a box of hand me downs (thanks Stacey) and put it on her three days after Halloween because we're lame parents and didn't even think of dressing our child up till after the fact but... we took pictures anyways. :)

sweetest little fairy ever

"Mom, I'm excited about Thanksgiving food already"

Rice Cereal

I'm quickly realizing that parenting is one grand adventure after another. Just when Jonathan and I think we have one area mastered Eliza decides to grow older and venture into uncharted territories.

Her latest conquest is rice cereal. I was admittedly nervous to give her cereal because, let's be honest, for the past 5 1/2 months I have been Eliza's sole source of nutrients. Although nursing was literally a pain at first, I have now come to love and cherish it. (I know, pass the granola) Not to mention that it seems like just last month we were bringing her home from the hospital. How can she be big enough to eat food? But alas, she is so ladies and gentlemen may I present Eliza, the rice cereal eater!

First time in her high chair (yes, she spent half the time staring at the pattern)

American Consumerism telling me I "need" all this stuff to feed my child. Somehow having it didn't make me feel more prepared.

"Dad, it's ok, I'm a big girl now"

First bite! (yes, we documented this whole thing; we're first time parents :))

"hmmm... I think I'd prefer to eat my fingers and bib"

"So it comes from here? Let me see"

Day 2: an official pro

Hilariously, Eliza uses the back of her hand after every spoonful to "help" get the food in.

So happy after a great breakfast! We love you Eliza!!!

To Much Here

"Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him,

but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it,

so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."

John 12:42-43

God may I love you more than I love this world. Forgive me for being to much at home in this physical world. You have saved me from my flesh and yet I often want to creep back in. Remind me that this world is the mere waiting room to my real home. May I remember that "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:25). May my reward be in heaven and not here. Give me eyes to see this life as you do.

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by an offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased" - CS Lewis

Uncle Luke

My brother, Luke, lives in Taiwan where he is on staff with YWAM's School of Biblical Studies. Because of being overseas he had yet to meet Eliza in person (praise God for skype) until a couple weeks ago when he was stateside for my other brother's wedding. Eliza loves her Uncle Luke and it did my heart good to watch them interact. Luke is amazing at taking care of, playing, and loving on Eliza and Eliza is pretty much obsessed with staring at him. Here's to Uncle Luke...

We love you Luke!

splish splash

I love bath time!