Video Attempt

This is my first attempt at posting a video...I've been successful, I think. In light of long-distance grandparents, it is about time I figured it out. So here's our sweet baby, doing one of his favorite things...jumping while surrounded by a world of Baby Einstein.

I'm giddy about posting this video. It brought much joy on a day when so much hangs in the balance. So on a different note, I deeply enjoyed Beth Moore's thoughts on today. I have meditated today on the truth that our Lord is ultimate authority. Period.

Happy Fall, Dressing Up, and Four Months

Title doesn't make much sense, does it? Oh, well...

I was outside this morning with the dogs. It was a beautiful fall day, a bit warm for the beginning of November, but I would rather it be unseasonably warm than unseasonably cool. The tree in our backyard has been brilliant this past month, and this morning I sadly watched as leaf after leaf dropped off. I'll miss all this color in the cold of winter.

Friday we went up to church for our Fall Festival. Silas was adorable in his Illinois football outfit, complete with black lines under his eyes. He looked incredibly strong and handsome...what a little man. By the end of the night the black was smearing and looked like he'd been through a long, tough game.

We have been so thankful for new and dear friends here in Louisville. It was fun to see several of them at the fall festival, including Charis and William, who dressed up their dog, Jake. We love dog people! Charis already posted some good pictures of other church friends at the festival.

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Silas is four months old today. His new favorite pastime is to grab both feet...he thinks it's great and much more fun than any toy we put in front of him. It is also my Papa's birthday. I love you, Papa, and all your wisdom and guidance along with the heritage of godliness you've lived out before us. Silas is blessed to have you as great-Papa.

Gorgeous Fall Weekend

We had visitors this weekend for the first time in a while. Grandma and Grandpa came from Illinois to stay and play with Silas. It was a beautiful weekend, with fall just beginning here in Kentucky. The leaves are turning and the weather is finally cool. Shane and I went out to dinner on Saturday night while Judy and Lee watched Silas. Then on Sunday we all went to worship at Highview, enjoyed an outdoor lunch and took a walk in a park along the river.

The entrance of a new season has been refreshing. Silas is 3 1/2 months old now and I feel like we're out of the new baby hibernation stage. If you didn't notice, I also had my hair cut. It was a much-needed change, but also somewhat symbolic of a new phase of life...a phase where most things need to be quick and simple! I love it so far, Shane approves, and Silas didn't seem to notice.

Dedication Sunday

Shane and I dedicated Silas to the Lord today during our Sunday worship service. It was a sweet experience to stand with other parents, their babies, and our pastor, committing together to raise our children in a way that would please and honor Christ. Our prayer is that our son will grow to be a man with godly character who loves the Word and is passionate to serve the Lord.

We were sad that none of our family got to be with us on this special day, but we know they all were thinking of us. Thanks to Nana and Papa, Silas was dressed for the occasion. I think you'll agree he was incredibly adorable...

All dressed and ready to go...


We didn't get pictures of the actual dedication, but had it videoed so our families can see it later. Poor baby was so tired after the service...
After church, Silas had just about had enough. Tired and hungry, he was ready to get home. So after a good meal and a long nap, we headed to the backyard for a photo shoot. Here are some of our favorites...

Because He Lives

We had our family picture taken on Sunday for the baby dedication that is coming up in October. It will be an incredibly special day for Shane and I to dedicate Silas to the Lord. So it was of special significance to me that we sang Because He Lives during the worship service this week. The song has always evoked some emotion in me because it was sung during the service when my parents dedicated me. While I have no recollection of the event, I have often been grateful that my parents and all those in that service trusted for themselves and for me what the song proclaims.

Like so many of the old songs of our faith, we regularly sing two or three verses of this song and leave out the others. So perhaps you haven't heard the verse that they sang at my dedication...

How sweet to hold a new born baby
And feel the pride and joy he brings
But greater still the blessed assurance
This child can face uncertain days because He lives

Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
All fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

The Coming Home Moment

Silas will be 12 weeks old tomorrow. Each day is filled with a hundred different moments, all precious and unique, as our baby learns about this world around him. All the moments are what I miss the most when I'm gone to work. His newest interest is to look at himself in the mirror. Tonight we had a picture of him up on the computer and he just kept staring at it, smiling and moving himself closer to the screen. It was so cute.

Had I mentioned before today that I am back to work? I go in on Mondays and Fridays all day, then just 3 hours on Thursdays. It is a perfect schedule for us, as Shane keeps Silas at home on Thursday and Friday and part of the day Monday. So the little mister spends about 5 hours of Monday at a friend's house. While I love what I do while I'm at work, I have to say that one of the best parts of the day is coming home. Getting that first snuggle from Silas after being gone all day is about more than a heart can bear. The picture above was our coming home moment on Monday.

In other news, Silas is sleeping through the night! We are so proud of our little man...he is sleeping from about 9:30 pm until 7 am. Then last week he also started taking a 2 hour afternoon nap. He only sleeps about 45 minutes for his other naps, but the long afternoon stretch is perfect for me to get some things done around the house or for Shane to study.

Sleepy Silas

My sweet baby has found his thumb, as evidenced by the pictures above. He has loved chewing and sucking his fists and fingers for weeks, but has only recently figured out how to separate his thumb from the rest of his hand. It is adorable now, but I'm not sure how I'll feel about it when he is older.

Last night Silas accomplished what I thought was impossible...he just about slept through the night. He woke up three times, but put himself back to sleep each time. For my hungry baby boy to go from 9:30 pm to 7 am before nursing again is quite remarkable. I am so thankful for one night of extended sleep. He woke up extremely happy and content, smiling and talking to himself in his crib. What a darling.

Perhaps Silas' sleep-filled night was due to yesterday's excitement. We spent the late morning and afternoon listening to strong winds blow all around the house. The distant effects of Hurricane Ike, the winds were strong enough to send our city into a state of emergency last night and today. Thousands are without power still, and the schools remain closed. While our lights came back on late last night, many of our friends are facing the possibility of days before their power is restored. Shane has an unexpected break from school...Southern cancelled classes today through Friday as campus still does not have electricity. So in the meantime, we are all enjoying his extra time at home, especially the puppies...