Happy 4th of July!

Mothering in May

So, time to update again! :) Life still keeps on at a busy pace, with not much big news to report. Leah is totally at one of my most favorite ages right now: everyday is a new adventure with new discoveries for her. She sits up very straight & tall, loves to play with her toys, being read to, and jumping with all her might in her jumper. The latest "trick"? Pulling herself up to a standing position! Sit her in front of her play kitchen and the next you thing you know, she's doing pull-ups with as much upper body strength as she can muster to get her little feet under her and with a final grunt, she (usually!) can get herself up to standing! We know it's not too much longer and she's just going to take off on us. She has very little interest in being on her belly to try and crawl anywhere--she'd much rather stand while holding on to something.

We also decided to embrace our Dutch heritage with Leah. Celebrating Tulip Time in Holland was a perfect way to do so: complete with the wooden shoes!!

Leah is my amazing daughter; I was able to reflect and ponder on this while celebrating my first Mother's day. How lucky am I to have been chosen to be the mother of this unique and amazing little person? I cannot wait to see what adventures God has in store for her & I!

laughter is the best medicine

so, we are sharing our love of laughter with our daughter...how can you have a bad day when you share laughter with this cutie pie? ;)

my new Valentine

So, we've made it through a month of my going back to work full time. I have to say the transition has been harder than I expected it to be. Finding the "balance" is not inherent in a working mom's psyche; it is something learned. My heart will forever be home with my daughter, yet I still feel called to my work. How do I handle it? With lots of prayer, self-grace, a supportive husband, and one...day...at...a...time... :)

I haven't updated in awhile--one of those things that I have had to tell myself to let go for a bit--but lots is happening in our lives. Our precious little girl is getting more interactive, more chatty, more studious, and more fun every day! Her little personality is forming and seems to be similar to her mother's (if I do say so myself!). She is a very content little girl who loves to have books read to her, play with her rattle, listen to music, and chat with whoever seems interesting to her. :) She has figured out how to roll over from her back to her belly, and does it often in her bed. She started on a little bit of rice cereal once a day, and loves to move it around in her mouth with her tongue--sometimes spitting it out, but for the most part will swallow it.

I said before how having Leah in my life changes my perspective on a lot of things; this remains very true in my daily life. Everything with her is a new little adventure as she figures out the world around her and I figure out how to be the best mom. This past month we also celebrated her baptism. I hope to talk more about that special day in a separate post, because that day deserves special recognition!

So, we continue on...but here are some photos of my little "valentine" from the past few weeks:

reading in bed...just like mommy!!

first sledding adventure!

liking her new jumper

yummy rice cereal!!

Christmas with Leah

so, Christmas tends to be one of my more relaxing holidays...but I think that has changed now that I have a child!  Count 'em: SIX...that's six parties/family gatherings!  Good thing Leah and her parents are pretty laid back people....however, it does feel good to be home today....finally able to relax.  Leah is already working on her second nap of the day! :)

I've mentioned before how important family and friends are to me; to now share that love with my daughter was probably one of the best presents I was able to receive this year.  So, our Christmas in pictures:

Leah falls asleep in grandpa's arms before she even gets to open her presents! :)

sleeps through the new book from grandma...

sleeps through her first baby doll...

photo op with cousin Greyson...he was very excited!

this is a classic photo of the children of my friends since high school--it was one of our most fun reunion moments ever! :)

family Christmas photo...not one of Leah's better smiles... ha ha :)

a day in the life of Leah

Leah & her parents continue to mesh their lives together as a family...it really is indescribable to explain the thoughts and emotions that becoming a parent entails...but know that it is all good and we are all having fun!

Leah continues to amaze us with her accomplishments...most of which are the smiles that are beginning to come much more frequently. We work hard to do what we can to get them out of her!
Tummy time (or neck crunches as dad calls them) is tough work, but she does it willingly!
Then there is bath time. This is most fun because mommy sings these silly songs to try and get her to smile!

Then there is nap time. She is such a good little girl who takes after her parents and loves her sleep time. Even after laying her down awake, she'll doze off fairly quickly.

And, she continues to follow her pattern of looking just like her dad...love it!