Anni's First Swing Ride

Just a little cuteness to brighten your day!

My little pianist

Selah has been playing piano for about a year and a half now.  There have been many tears as she struggles through a peace of music and declares she cannot do it (by the way, this phrase has been banned from our home.  Kids are quite capable, and a challenge never hurt anyone).  We've also seen many smiles and joyous moments as she turns a corner with her playing.  Selah has a gift.  She can hear a song on the radio or at school and come home and begin working it out without the sheet music in front of her.  The challenge we have with her is that she would rather someone play the song for her so she can learn it by ear, instead of reading the sheet music.  Thankfully she can't con me into playing the song for her anymore, because she's beyond my skill level.  Just out of the blue one day she said to me, "I think God has given me the gift of music."  She wants to share this gift, but the obstacle she faces is fear.  Fear of making mistakes and looking foolish in front of others.  I have posted pictures and a video of her last recital.  My sweet girl was so overcome with nerves that she cried in her seat while the others played.  Finally, her piano teacher took her by the hand and sat next to her while she played.  That is why she looks quite glum.  That night was difficult for so many reasons.  Not only was I sad to see her that way, but also seeing me in her.  I've always struggled with nervousness and anxiety.  I was not a bold and confident individual growing up, never thrived by being in the spot light.  I too have the fear of looking foolish, and not wanting to make mistakes.  I have perfectionist tendencies.  I understand these tendencies and I have grown so much, but still that anxiety rears its ugly head once in a while.  But something about seeing my daughter with these same tendencies has started a fire within me.  Selah has to see confidence in me, and an attitude of grace when mistakes are made.  Not to put myself down.  Not to put so much pressure that the joy of it all is squashed.  Parenting is hard!  Today was one of those days. Thankfully I have an amazing husband who walks through the door and can calm me down instantly, and bring peace back to the center of it all.  And a Heavenly Father who reminds me of these treasures he has blessed me with.  God has given us this responsibility of parenthood and we only have but a little bit of time to give our children a solid foundation.  This is good for me to reflect here.  To journal, process, and allow the clutter to clear so I can see the beauty of it all.  Well my sweet boy, who was a monster today, has come down for another hug.  Kids give grace so easily.  As I read through this post one more time my initial intent was to share about Selah, but it progressed into a learning lesson for me.  To the least of these...            

Annika Lucia

Our little sweet pea is almost two weeks old now, and I thought I should get a post written about her.  Her name, Annika, means grace and her middle name, Lucia, means light.  Dan's dad actually told us about Lucia, as we were having trouble coming up with a family name.  Dan's grandma's name was Lucille and his aunt's name is Lucinda, put them together and that's how we get Lucia.  My due date was February 27, but Annika decided Hotel Uterus was much more cozy and didn't arrive until March 10.  She was 8 lbs. 15 oz. and 20 1/4 inches long.  As the nurses were cleaning her off they announced, "She's a red head!"  I was planning on a VBAC, but ended up having a repeat c-section.  Despite having a c-section again I had a much more pleasant birth experience.  About 5 minutes after she was born they brought her to me and laid her on my chest.  I was able to hold her while they finished putting me back together.  Annika decided to show off and immediately poop and nurse in the operating room.  She has been such a peaceful baby.  Nurses and sleeps really well.  She enjoys watching her big sister and big brother when they lay next to her, and is doing well with the chaos and noise they create.

Selah and Eli are so great with her and show her lots of love and affection.  I noticed they are quite protective of her.  Selah specifically has cried on a couple of occasions when people have held her, because she was afraid they would hurt her.  Eli has informed me he would like 20 sisters.  Although, I cannot grant his request I hope he always adores his sisters.  He has taken over the job of picking out the clothes she will wear, and Selah enjoys reading to her and being so helpful with anything I ask of her.  One of the greatest joys during this time is watching all three together and seeing how Selah and Eli interact with her.  I am blessed!  

Selah and Eli's mad hoop skills

Cleaning cotton balls

Selah and Eli are great helpers around the house.  Especially as I get further along in this pregnancy I have called on the kids to help out more, and they have risen to the occasion.  Well something happened the other day that I wanted to make sure I remember.  Eli came downstairs and was so proud of what he did and wanted me to check it out.  He explained that he had gone potty, but before he washed his hands he accidentally touched the cotton balls.  Since they had germs on them he had to wash them.  He was just so darn cute!  I thanked him for helping make sure they were clean and he ran off to play.