The Baby Food Aisle

I almost cried in Target today. I was standing in the baby food aisle, selecting the cereal that would be the first solid food I would soon give to my baby. The baby food aisle...I kept standing there wondering...How am I already here? How did we so quickly move from middle of the night feedings to sleeping through till morning; from unintentional expressions to smiles and laughs; from mere cries and coos to streams of babble and squeals; from day one to day 151? I kept standing there until, despite my teary haze, I picked up what our pediatrician recommended. Cereal, spoons, and bowls in hand, I headed home. Time for a milestone.

Silas was awake when I arrived and ready to eat. So cute in his plastic bib. I could just eat him up...

Poor baby can't get enough of anything in his mouth...

This first-time solid meal brought to you by the makers of Gerber Rice Cereal...Shane and I had our share of good laughs throughout the feeding. And we got it all on videotape. I'll figure out how to cut it and put a short segment on here, but that will have to be another day. Silas had fun and thoroughly enjoyed the cereal. He acted like he'd been eating forever. We did wipe off his face several times during the process so his "after" photo is not quite as telling as it should be...

Now back to my Target tears. I've become the mom that I never understood before I became one. Every little thing is such a big deal. I could talk about pregnancy and breastfeeding and babies and sleep and diapers and who knows whatever else for hours. And love every minute. My heart is more full than ever. When we encounter a milestone, I am reminded that Silas was an unexpected gift. And sometimes I still can't believe that we were given a child. Gracious, gracious Lord Jesus. We, who are so undeserving, are grateful that you take us to places we never imagined. Even the baby food aisle.

Happy Thanksgiving from Our Home to Yours

Shane and I had turkey sandwiches late tonight. I don't know what it is about Thanksgiving turkey, but the leftover sandwiches are always so good. We've had a sweet day; our first Thanksgiving in Louisville, first Thanksgiving away from family, first Thanksgiving with a little one in the house. The away from family part pulled on our heartstrings a bit, as it always does when we're apart during the holidays. But we had the joy of having dear friends, Mike and Julie over to feast with us.

Silas, who is now such a big boy that he sits in his high chair, seemed to enjoy all the hustle and bustle in the kitchen. At nearly 5 months, he is really starting to be interested in all things edible. I just may have to break down and start him on cereal soon...we'll see.

I was going to take pictures of our meal in progress, but was distracted by two sleepy babies and my hungry tummy. So here we are with empty plates instead. I was going to take a picture of our dinner spread on the counter, but nothing looked quite as photogenic as before we ate. So I'll spare you that one.Mike and Julie's baby Jonah will be 3 weeks tomorrow. Oh the days of a newborn...I kept promising Julie that she will sleep again one day. But isn't he a doll? And so expressive...

Every mother who has ever tried to take good pictures of more than one baby at a time will appreciate these of Silas and Jonah together. We laughed so hard as they each slouched forward or fell over sideways. What a darling new friendship...

This evening I'm filled with a years-worth of thankfulness. Our lives certainly have changed. But our God has not. In my journal yesterday I listed the numerous gifts for which I am thankful. I will not take time to recount them here. But I will tell you they highlighted Shane and Silas, family and friends, transitions, difficulty and divine strength, need and Provision. He is a God Who is worthy to be praised. For Him I am most thankful.

Baby Laughing

Silas is a lot like his Daddy...it's hard to really make him laugh. Silas laughs in short little giggles. He does it often, but we really have to be silly to get him going. So I apologize that the camera is shaking. It was all I could do to get him to laugh this morning! At the end he gets distracted by Auggie jumping on the bed to join in the fun.

The Faces

Doing Life with Friends

When Shane and I lived in Lebanon, MO, Shane coached 8th grade boys basketball one year. During that one season, we developed a great relationship with the Bechtel's. Their son, Ryne, was on Shane's team and Ryne's dad, Greg, is as much a basketball fan as you'll ever meet. Shane kept in touch with them through the years, following Ryne as he played high school ball. This year Ryne is a freshman at the University of Missouri St. Louis. So when Ryne called and told Shane that UMSL was going to play the University of Kentucky this season, Shane was thrilled to make the short trip to Lexington to see them play. We have learned so much from the Bechtel's about family and raising godly children. So we are proud to see Ryne playing on such a big stage.



Then on Saturday I got to visit my friend Julie in the hospital. She was there for a good reason...she had baby Jonah Wade on Friday. Jonah was 6 lbs, 13 oz...what a doll and just as tiny as can be. For weeks, Silas has been hearing about this little friend who would be coming to meet him. He was quite interested and reached out to touch Jonah's head when we introduced them. Just look at their sizes! What a difference 4 months makes!

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.