Our Sweet Baby Doll

When did she become such a big girl?

My heart swells with pride every time Saela learns something new or says something that makes us go, "How did you know that?" There's always a bit of sadness, though, that seeps in as those new milestones also mark the slipping away of her babyhood. In a few short months she will be three years old. Three.years.old. While preparing for our move, I have procured the kids' medical records and amongst the pile was Saela's RNICU discharge summary. The RNICU - the reason this blog was started in the first place. Three pages of pokes, prods, tests, and medicines to keep her alive...thankfully - she will never remember and thankfully she's still here to delight and charm us daily. The memories of those first two weeks of her life are sometimes so vivid and at other times fuzzy on the edges like it was all really a dream. Reading that summary reminded me how very precious life is and how nothing - NOTHING - should be taken for granted. I am thankful everyday that God is mighty to save. So wrap up those special people in your life with hugs and tell them you love them - it will be the most important thing that you do today.

Ready for...

...SUMMER?

Or perhaps...

...potty training?

Sweet Sixteen...Go State

Thank goodness it's not my baby that's turning Sweet Sixteen! Asher had his 9 month pics taken just in time for the Spartans Run in The Tournament. Here's wishing them onto the Great Eight!

Sock Glove Phase

At some point in time...Saela moved from the "Bib Phase" into the "Sock Glove Phase." For whatever reason, she loves to wear socks on hands. Here are just a couple of pictures capturing this phase for posterity.

Peek-A-Boo

Hey, what are you guys doing?

Perturbed, why yes I am perturbed that I am not included in your activity.

Hmmm...looks like you're working.

I'll just lie here and look cute instead.

Happy Birthday Jilly!

Jilly is FOUR years old today. She is probably one of the lazier labs that you'll ever meet. Cuddling up by us or by the fire in Steve's office are among her favorite pastimes. She will occasionally steal a ball for Jax to chase her and that is about the extent of her exercise on any given day. As cuddly as she is...she is ornery and stubborn as well. She likes things her way. Funny, sometimes Steve says that about me. We love her anyway...Happy Birthday Jilly Girl!

NINE months!

How can my baby be nine months old?
It just doesn't seem possible...

My time...

...in a basket. I think mom may have been doing some laundry?!?

All tuckered out.

What's up?

Come on Mom - I just want to play with my truck already!

Asher is nine months old. This time has gone lightening fast. It's hard to believe that he has been here as long as I was pregnant with him. (If only pregnancy went that fast!) He has been wearing his helmet for just about three months. We will have his head re-scanned at the end of this week to see his progress via computer. We can visually tell that it is working. His physical therapist is also noting improvements in his head movements and strength of the left arm which is delayed due to his torticollis.

He is a joy and delight and adds so much to our days. He lights up when he sees big Sis Saela and that is heartwarming to witness. At the end of the night, when I lie him down to sleep - I am reminded of how God has blessed us with his life and Saela's and I am overwhelmed with gratefulness every.single.day.