My Hope

There is a song that is played on KLOVE that really struck a chord in my heart when I took the time to listen to the words. I don't remember artist's names that well, so I'm not sure who sings it, but the chorus is simply beautiful. If I could make a list of the most important things I want Andrew to know, this would be the list.

"Be strong in the Lord, never give up hope. You're going to do great things, I already know. God's got His hand on you, so don't live life in fear. Forgive and forget, and don't forget why you're here. Take your time and pray, thank God for each day."

It's still so overwhelming to think of the awesome responsibility given to us, but when I see it like this, it really seems so simple. My hope for Andrew summed up in these words; to live a life pleasing to God, to always be thankful of the things we have, and mindful of those who don't, to have faith in God and believe in the plan He has in store for him. What a blessing!

Give Thanks

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. (I Chron. 16:34)




Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalms 100:4)



Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Psalm 95:2)


This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for: Chad and Andrew, our family, my friend family, a good job, a home, health, and our church, just to name a few.
I have so many things to be thankful for this year, but most of all, I am thankful for my sweet sweet boy. I could never have imagined how much our life would change, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

It's Fall Y'all!

I will never cease to be amazed at how lightning fast the time is passing! How has it already been 2 months since I last posted? My sweet boy is now 8 months old, has 2 teeth, had his first Halloween, and his first ear infection (awful!). He weighs just over 20 pounds and is 28.5 inches long. He isn't crawling yet, but is just starting to get on all fours and rock a little bit. Before we know it, he'll be everywhere and into everything, probably about the time the Christmas tree goes up!

Andrew got to go to the Pumpkin Patch and see all of the pumpkins, gourds, and mums there, and for Halloween, he was Yoda (from Star Wars, if you are wondering). Feast of Casseroles is tonight (YUM!), then it's time for Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations!

6 months!

This weekend, my baby boy will turn 6 months old. I am shocked (and saddened) at how fast this time has gone. Andrew is such a big boy now! He weighs just shy of 18 pounds, and at his last checkup was just over 26 inches long. He wears a size 3 diaper, a size 3 shoe, and 6-9 month clothes. He started eating cereal a couple of weeks ago, and has tried some vegetables too. He loves loves loves to eat! He usually tries to "help" me by grabbing the spoon with both hands to shove it into his mouth and hang on! He went to Bible class for the first time this week, and loved it too.

I was reading back through some of my early pregnancy posts where I wrote about how humbling it was to be a part of God's creation, how amazing it was that he chose us to be Andrew's parents. Every time I look at his precious face and his gorgeous clear blue eyes, I thank God for my little piece of heaven, gift wrapped in a onesie and smelling of Johnson's baby lotion. How I pray that I will remember every inch of him right now, every giggle and whimper, the way he licks my face when he gives me "sugars", and holds my finger when I snuggle him, his favorite books and toys, his sweet happy face, and the curiosity and wonder in his eyes.

Now, how do I make it SLOW DOWN!!!?

So Good Granola

I thought I would break away from my usual posts about how adorable my child is to post a recipe. My favorite things in life are my family, friends, and food, so it just made sense. Plus I had a couple friend request this recipe, so now the rest of you (all 2 of you!) have it too. This is adapted from two other granola recipes that I couldn't decide between one day. I just sort of meshed the best parts, and this is what I ended up with. The best thing about is some of the ingredients can be "optional" (coconut, pecans, almonds, etc.)

Homemade Granola

2 1/2 - 3 cups oats (not quick oats)
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Combine dry ingredients. Melt butter with honey, add vanilla. Pour over dry mixture, fold together until well incorporated. Spread on large baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Stir. Bake 8-10 minutes more. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Where did the past 4 months go?

Whew! Has it really been over 4 months since I have typed actual words here? I'm finally going to update this old blog o' mine.

So much to say, where do I start? The best place I can think of is my sweet angel boy. He's is 4 1/2 months old now, and I am amazed at how it really does go by so fast! I keep saying it's a cruel joke that God plays on us by making the time of our baby's life that we are the most sleep-deprived and out of it is the time that he will grow and change the most!

So, a little about Andrew: I'm guessing he weighs about 17 pounds now (doctor's appt next week so we'll know exactly) and he's about 25-26 inches long. I am shocked at how fast he's grown. His legs are rock solid and he loves to stand up. He has the best and biggest toothless smile! I love how he lights up when I talk to him. He loves his daddy, but he is a bit of a momma's boy. He has rolled from his belly to his back, and I think he's close to going the other way too. The child LOVES music and watching loud movies with daddy. I thank God for him every day; a child really will make you appreciate all the simple things in life. I wish I had been better about blogging weekly, there are so many things that I know I won't remember.

Some things I've learned so far:

1. Nursing a baby is natural, but certainly not easy. It takes a LOT of encouragement and pain tolerance to stick with it, but it is so worth it.

2. I am amazed at how big my heart smiles just watching Chad and Andrew together.

3. I never knew I would cry so much. Frustrated cries, tired cries, worried cries, happy cries, definitely a change for me.

4. My mom is amazing, and I know even more just how much she loves me.

5. I can worry about anything. Is he sleeping too much? not enough? Is he eating enough or too much? Should his poop be that color? What is this scratch from? Does he miss me when I'm gone? Arghhhhhh!

6. I can operate on even less sleep than I used to.

7. I can be content for hours at a time with no tv or noise, just holding my baby. (he doesn't really let me do this anymore, though)

8. I have amazing friends. Too many reasons to list.

9. I have an awesome husband, who has turned out to be a gentle, caring, even patient daddy.

More later...There's so much to tell! I just hope I remember it all by the time I'm on here again!