The Trunk

Grandma and Grandpa gave the big boys a giant trunk full of dress up clothes for Christmas.  You would not believe how much fun we are having.  My boys would rather play pretend than any other thing.  For example, if I get out the legos in hopes of building something elaborate with them, they build for approximately 3 and a half minutes before their brains turn OFF builder mode and into "what can we pretend these legos are instead."  So they aren't going to be architects....

My favorite thing they pretend recently is "The Exodus."  The other day I walked into the living room where they were dancing to music.  Elliott promptly informed me that they were getting married. 

"You can't marry your brother," I replied. 

"No, Mom." He retorted. "I'm Zipporah.  Caleb's Moses." 

Stay tuned for a series of pictures from the trunk. 

Sometimes

Sometimes I hold Gabe and am overwhelmed by his sweet baby smell, my nose resting on his baby soft skin.

And sometimes I change Gabe's diaper and am overwhelmed by medicine-laden urine.

Sometimes I throw Gabe in the air and catch him, just like I did the other boys, eliciting deep belly laughs.

And sometimes I am leery of playing anything more "exciting" with him than a friendly game of peek-a-boo.

Sometimes I rejoice when Gabe sleeps all night, or even for 6 hours straight without waking up.

And sometimes I lay in bed just wanting to hear a silence-breaking sqwak. 

Sometimes I dream about the basketball team of boys we're well on our way to creating with their handsome and strong daddy as their coach.

And sometimes I weep knowing that Gabe won't get to play on it.

Sometimes I give my baby one of his doses of medicine without even thinking as he flaps his arms in excited anticipation of receiving it.

And sometimes I am tired of calling in refill orders and trying to figure out and reconcile pharmecuetical errors. 

Sometimes I look at Gabe and just laugh at him as he scrunches up his nose, making silly faces and sounds.

And sometimes I look at Gabe and am overcome with tears that this sweet little baby has a heart condition.

Sometimes I wonder what it will look like when Gabe has an "episode" - How old? Where? When? What?

And sometimes I remember that God can heal him at an acceptable time and according to His steadfast love. 

Sometimes my heart bursts at the seams with joy that God has chosen me to be this baby's mommy.

And sometimes my heart breaks knowing that he is not mine to keep.

Sometimes. 

But God is faithful.  And good.  And kind.  And loving.  And all-sufficient.

Always.

Mommy Said No

I told him not to do it but he didn't listen.  He didn't slow down when I told him not to grow up too fast.  And now look at him. 

Memory Lane

We love making memories as a family.  2 weekends ago we packed it full.  So we don't forget, here are the highlights:

Friday evening we met many good friends in their small town close to our large one for a Christmas festival complete with sleigh rides, a handbell choir, and a parade of lit firetrucks! 

On our way home we stopped at Starbucks and treated the boys to some hot chocolate.

Saturday morning we woke up to find a winter wonderland that we had to play in.

Saturday evening we enjoyed guests for supper and then put the boys to bed--in the same room!  This was Elliott's big night: a switch from the nursery by himself to a room with Caleb & a switch from crib to a big boy bed.  (They are doing SPLENDIDLY with this new arrangement.  Could not be any better.)  

Sunday morning we went our wonderful church and participated in baby dedications.  With God's grace and the help of our church family we shared our desire to raise our precious Gabe up in the "discipline and instruction of the Lord." 

Sunday night we headed over to some our most favorite people's house, the Poels, for "Sunday Sundaes" and had a 1 year reunion celebration of when we moved in with them on that date last year while we remodeled our new home. 

Looking back at those pictures reminds me of how very blessed we are by our Kind and Gracious Father!  Thank you, Lord!

A Census...

...of Little People. 

Actually, they are just drying out after a bath.  In lysol.  We're trying to kick this nasty bug O-U-T.  Maybe this time it won't come back. 

Our Dad Has Some Big Shoes To Fill...

 .....See:
 

Seriously, though, he's the BEST!

Baby Blues