My little explorer

Look at those cheeks! I probably give them close to a million kisses a day.

He has some pretty wild hair most of the time.

Buddies!

I took him out to the garden with me one day, and he decided to pick a tomato off of the vine and start eating it. He's a good eater (praise God!!!).

Eli is about 10 1/2 months old now, and two weeks ago he began taking his first steps. It's very exciting to witness when a baby does this for the first time, and to also see the proud look on their face as well. When Eli realized what he had just done he began clapping, which knocked him on his bum. Although, I am very excited for this milestone I also know that Eli is going to be an active boy. Actually, he already is. He fools you with his constant smiles and giggles. "I can't possibly get in trouble as long as I flash these baby blues and charming smile at mommy." As mentioned in the title of this post, I call him my little explorer. Eli is very curious about everything. If he's not clinging to my legs, which he often does, I will find him rummaging through the toy box inspecting each toy that passes his gaze. Very focused, very intent and determined with whatever the task at hand is. His favorite room in the house is the bathroom. I have learned to put the toilet paper up, because if I don't it will be unrolled and shredded. Eli loves, loves, LOVES his bath time. He squeals with delight as I sit him in the tub. My sweet boy is very good at entertaining himself for quite some time, more so than his sister. The second born just adapts to not having constant one on one time. The firstborn must adapt to the same after having experienced constant attention, though. It is interesting how the dynamics evolve as more family members are added.

Speaking of adding more family members, the latest question asked of me lately is whether we are going to have more children. After conversing with Dan on this subject I realize I have a hard road to walk now. You see I have always wanted a somewhat big family. Maybe 4 kids. Dan, on the other hand, does not want anymore...ever. Now don't get me wrong, I completely adore and affectionately love my children. They bring so much light and joy into my life, and I am so incredibly grateful God has allowed me to be their mommy. So what do I do with this dream or desire of mine? If I have this desire for more children (in the future) is it from God or my own selfishness? All I know is that I must pray, not for Dan to change his mind, but for God to change my heart so that I will be full and satisfied with what He has given me.

Selah's new bed

Selah now has an official big girl bed. She was in a toddler bed, and now she is in a custom made princess twin bed. Super adorable! She has already requested to have sleepovers with her best friend, Samantha.

She gets to use the quilt that her great-grandma made for her.

Wait for it...

...Crash! Tackle Selah!

Look at that red hair!

Trip to Grandpa's down in Florence

"Grandpa's Lake" a.k.a. Woahink Lake

Men at work! Where are the women?...

Oh yeah, lounging on the dock!

I did go for a swim, but those pictures won't be shared.

Molly looks pretty comfy. Her and Maya (mom and dad's enormous dog) had a great time together.

Sun-bathing cutie!

My grandpa

Selah and Daddy in the kayak.

Cousins down at grandpa's house in Florence a couple of weeks ago.

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.

Rejoicing in the little moments

When it comes to my children's social abilities I want my children to be friendly, outgoing, to make friends easily and to be liked by all. However, when you realize that your child struggles a great deal in social situations it's really difficult to accept that. I wish that others could see the Selah we know and love. She is so intelligent, funny, and has such a sweet and caring nature about her. But when Selah has the opportunity to engage in conversation with someone that is not the girl we see. She is no longer talkative and funny, she is shy, timid, and sometimes scared. Something happened this last weekend where I realized we were embarking on a journey that would take much time and patience. Not only would Selah be learning, but me as well. We were in her first ballet class and the teacher had just arrived. The teacher had asked all of the kids to sit on the blue mat to sing a welcome song, and my girl became hysterical. What was it like for her in that moment? Did she feel overwhelmed by the attention? I attempted to calm her down and encourage her to participate, while other parents gawked and the teacher glared at us. I walked out of there with her in my arms and tears in my eyes. From this helpless feeling I have learned that my daughter needs me to encourage her, to praise her when she does really well in social situations. Rejoice in the little moments! To be embarrassed or frustrated only hinders her growth as well as mine. I'm not a perfect mom, and I don't have perfect children, but I am proud of them and love them for who they are. I am ready to walk with my daughter hand in hand on this journey of self-discovery and growth.