First beach trip

Yesterday morning Dan surprised us with a spontaneous trip to the beach. We had talked about going, but decided it would be best to wait until summer program was finished. But I love surprises and my loving husband knew this would be good for our family. Preceeding this lovely surprise Eli had slept all the way through the night. That in and of itself was a glorious thing, because that is the first full night of sleep I've gotten in 9 months. Probably more since I remember having trouble sleeping while I was pregnant with him too. *sigh* I felt so rested!

So, we made the trek to Cannon Beach. It was a beautiful day with warm sunshine, blue sky and surprisingly warm ocean water. Both kids had a great time. Selah loved rolling down the sand dune, and Eli was showing off his ability to stand up without holding onto anything. Molly even joined us for our adventure and had a blast. She even made a little friend there who was a little too affectionate. We returned home exhausted, but with sun-kissed skin and full hearts from the memories we made.

Selah's 3rd Birthday!

That is an intense face! The flame actually came back after she blew out the candles. Uncle Nick had bought them, so we thought he bought trick candles.

Cake made by mommy, and decorated by Grandma Patty and Auntie Sonie.

Doctor kit and Bitty Baby from us.

Tennis racket and balls from Uncle Nick.

Uniqua pillow and Backyardigans blanket from Grandma and Grandpa Marion.

Selah was so tired she almost didn't finish opening her presents.

Daddy and Selah playing with dollies.

Last Saturday we had a Backyardigans themed birthday party for our girl, who turned 3!!! It was a wonderful day filled with much love and laughter from friends and family. Selah was given some great gifts that she is enjoying very much. It was extra special, because my dad and grandma were there. My dad and I recently reunited after 7 years of not speaking. God is good!

A couple of days later we went to the zoo, as it seems to be an annual tradition to go around her birthday. It was also $4 Tuesday! Selah said her favorite animals were the hippos.

So, what is Selah up to these days? Selah loves books! She could probably look at books all day long. After receiving even more for her birthday I've decided we need to get her a bookcase all her own. My goodness, the girl completed the Summer reading program for the library in a few days. Selah has a great imagination, and is always making up adventures for us to go on. She is very intelligent and speaks well for her age (I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom either). Selah is so funny! She has great comedic timing! Selah is musical, and can take a tune to a song she already knows and make up new lyrics. Lately she has started earning money (just coins, no dollars) for various things, such as putting away her toys, throwing her garbage away or putting dishes in the sink, and putting her shoes in the closet. She is loving this new found sense of responsibility. She is very kind and loving to her baby brother. Every night she gives him a hug and kiss and says, "I love you stinker!" That is just a little bit about my big 3 year old girl!

My precious daughter,

What a joyous year it has been watching you grow and learn. I am amazed by you! You are beautiful, so funny (hilarious, actually), and very smart. You have a very caring nature about you, and I am thankful for that quality in you. You are a great big sister and bring so many smiles to your brother, as well as to daddy and I. You are a beautiful child of God and a great blessing in our lives. We love you!

Oowees and Kissies,

Mommy

Range of emotions

Today was an emotional day for me. I went from feeling stressed, frustrated, and needing a vacation immediately, to overwhelming pride and joy over my children. My feelings of frustration came as a result of my almost 3 year old daughter being especially defiant and sassy today. Oy! Also, the fact that I had to throw away 2 toys that Molly chewed up. Ugh! I was aware of my less than positive outlook and knew that I needed to chill out, but still couldn't shake it. I would escape for a few seconds at a time and lift up my struggles to the Lord, because I knew the only way to eliminate my less than desirable emotions was to lift them up to Him. I just needed a moment of quiet reflection to myself. Let me emphasize the quiet part. However, that would have to wait until the big boy of the house got home, who had been out of town for work for 3 days by the way. So, what does my wonderful husband do upon his arrival? He whisks Selah and the dog off to the park for one hour (Eli was sleeping). I decided to go out back and do some weeding. That in and of itself is an odd activity for me, as in years past I never enjoyed yard work. However, recently I find it quite peaceful and relaxing. Eli woke up during this time and I got to enjoy some quiet time with him and witness him standing up in the middle of the floor. That's right...standing up...without holding onto anything...at 9 months old! I've thought for a while that he could very well walk before his first birthday, but not this early. The kid is nuts! So far he seems to have a very determined and focused personality. Later in the evening, after the kids were "in bed," we heard Eli start to giggle. We go in to their room to see what was so funny and find Selah tickling him. Hearing Eli giggle is one of the most precious sounds in the world and seeing the two of them interacting with each other is one of the most precious sights to me. It just melted my heart and the worries from the day. Yet again God has used my children's innocence to remind me what really matters and to value this time I have with them as babies.