Healing Hugs

Yesterday was Easter Sunday, a day set aside to celebrate redemption and forgiveness and hope.

Unfortunately, yesterday was also a day of sadness and heartache and reminders that even though Christ came to take away the sins of the world, they are still very much a part of our human experience. The day was punctuated by pain at its start and pain at its end. I told Rachel that I felt stuck in Saturday--like Good Friday had come, but we were still waiting for Easter.

Thankfully, God provided healing hugs...glimpses of the hope this day brings.

The first came with the first pain. As we watched the news and Josh read Elaina a story, my phone rang--a call from a loved one, a call I had somewhat anticipated, but a painful one nonetheless. I was able to hold it together until the call end it, and as I closed my phone, I hid my face in my hands and wept. Josh told me my crying was upsetting Elaina, but I couldn't stop. And then, my sweet baby squirmed down from her daddy's lap and ran over to me, arms extended, anticipation washing her face. I picked her up and she wrapped her arms around my neck. When our hug was finished, she sat next to me on the couch, a content smile spread across her lips, as though she knew she had helped. And she had. Not even quite 18 months old, too little to rationalize why I was upset, or that I'd be fine after a few minutes, she reacted in love. There are so many things I don't know about what her life will hold, but I know if this is her heart as a toddler, she is destined to do great things with her love.

Her hug was of healing, of, it's going to be okay, Mommy, of, Mommy, don't cry. Of I love you. Of it won't last forever. Of there is reason to hope, reason to hold on.

I kissed her on the head as she smiled, and our morning continued. When the day fell apart again later that afternoon, her arms wrapped around my neck once again, and I breathed in her comfort--God's comfort--and exhaled.

The Reason to hope had been hidden, but it was there all along.

Project Life: Week 16

Here's a little glimpse into the 16th week of our year. I didn't take pictures Saturday or Thursday, so Sunday and Monday are two-for-the-price-of-one :) For more creative ideas, hop over to The Mom Creative!

Saturday, April 16
No picture

Sunday, April 17
A busy Sunday. After church, Rita came over and helped me decorate our bathroom, and our grill and lawn mower were delivered later in the afternoon. Josh took Elaina out for a spin. She wasn't sure what to make of it--as her expression clearly suggests!



Later, we played in the backyard. Ever the observant child, Elaina decided to try the grass out for a taste. After all, it seemed good enough for the cats!


Monday, April 18

Josh decided to "work out" with Elaina. She loved it!



 

Tuesday, April 19
 Chappu has a reputation as being a lap stalker, and tonight, he followed me into the kitchen and leg-rubbed until I came back the living room for a seat. He's going to be disappointed when there's no room left!



Wednesday, April 20
After being poked with needles seven times in two weeks, I decided a batch of cookies was just what the doctor ordered. Yum!



Thursday, April 21
No picture

Friday, April 22

I had today off for Good Friday and got to spend the day with my girl. While she was napping, Winston struck a pose. Such a good cat.

Project Life: Week 15

Welcome to Week 15 of Project Life!  I am really enjoying documenting our year. For more info and inspiration, check out The Mom Creative!

Saturday, April 9

Today we celebrated my grandparents' 65th anniversary. What a blessing to celebrate two anniversary milestones in less than a month! And don't they look great? :)

Had to also include this picture of the cousins playing Gramma's piano. Rylan, Brycelynn, and Elaina had a blast!

 Sunday, April 10

While I was pregnant with Elaina, Josh's cousin Tony was exploring Central and South America. He brought back a beautiful dress from Nicaragua for our little girl. Today, she wore it for the first time. :)



Monday, April 11

Perhaps a little out of sorts from a busy weekend, Elaina didn't take her normal nap today and instead fell asleep on our way home. When she woke up a little early, I gathered her into my arms and let her continue her nap there. It seems like only yesterday these naps were part of our every day. They are much more fleeting now, and I cherish every one.




Tuesday, April 12

Elaina is learning her body parts and can correctly identify her nose, eyes, hair, feet, and so on, but her absolute favorite is "BELLY!"




Wednesday, April 13

At supper tonight, Elaina found endless amusement at Daddy's kissing face. I love how much they love each other.




Thursday, April 14

Today I got the absolute best parking spot I've ever gotten at work, and I had to take a picture. This may not seem significant, but when you consider that once inside the building, I still have a good five minute walk to my desk (no joke) and the fact that I'm into my third trimester now, this was an event worth celebrating!




Friday, April 15

After failing my initial gestational diabetes screening by seven measly points, today I had to take the three-hour glucose test (ugh). Josh took a picture of my war wounds, which are now a lovely shade of greyish green.

Project Life: Week 14

Project Life

Welcome to Week 13 of Project Life! Check out The Mom Creative for more info :)



Saturday, April 2nd

This morning Elaina entertained herself by clearing just enough room to climb inside her toybox and take a seat. She was quite proud of herself!

Sunday, April 3rd


Today we had the honor of attending Brycelynn's dedication. I snapped this picture from the crowd--Jeremy is holding Brycelynn, and Nikki is just to the left.

Monday, April 4th



My daughter, the fashionista. Note the sandals and socks (because she insisted rather vehemently that shoes be put on her feet) as well as the unsnapped onesie on the outside of her pants (this following a diaper change by Daddy). Looks awfully familiar.....

Tuesday, April 5th



When I looked out our living room windows today, I noticed something wonderful: GREEN!!!

Wednesday, April 6th

Another beautiful evening, another trip to a park.

Thursday, April 7th

Tonight I got some shopping done--decor for our bathroom, mostly--and I happened to find the perfect dress for Elaina's introduction to her little sister this summer. It's a white dress with red polka dots and ladybugs (one of Elaina's myriad nicknames is Lainey Bug.) The only picture I took of it, however, was on my phone; I couldn't find it on-line and was too lazy to take a picture of it for this. Trust me, though: it's stinking adorable.

Friday, April 8th

Tonight Elaina pulled herself up onto the lazyboy and enjoyed a fine book and the fine company of one of our cats. She loves books, and she loves Chappu, so it was a win-win for her!

Project Life: Week 13

Project Life: Week 13





Much to my surprise, Project Life is going strong! For more info on the "picture a day" challenge, you can check out The Mom Creative!

Saturday, March 26th

Josh's brother, Adam, came over for dinner tonight. After our meal was finished, they engaged in a fierce battle of Tekken, a long-standing tradition that stretches back before Josh and I met. Tonight, Adam was the victor.

Sunday, March 27th

 This afternoon, Winston was sunning himself on the back of our couch when along came Chappu and took the spot over. Indignant on my cat's behalf, I "encouraged" Chappu to remove himself from his stolen spot and return it to its rightful owner. We went through this exercise twice, and when I finally gave up and considered it a lost cause, he circled twice, laid down, and was asleep in minutes. Tough life he leads, this cat of ours....



Monday, March 28th
 
25 weeks!




Tuesday, March 29th


Elaina decided it was just as much fun to stand in the bathtub as it is to sit (much to her Daddy's frustration!). She sure did enjoy getting splashed!


Wednesday, March 30th



Tonight at supper, our little lady decided she was quite old enough to handle a "big girl" cup all on her own. We gave her a dixie cup with just a teeny amount of water, and she drank it down without spilling a drop. An "ahhhh" and a satisfied smile were our reward for letting her try.

Thursday, March 31st
 
After straightening the living room tonight, Chappu decided he needed to experiment with a new perch: the top of Elaina's toybox. He looked so much like one of stuffed animals--and so proud of himself to boot--I had to take a picture.

Friday, April 1st

A beautiful sunset to celebrate the end of another week!

Project Life: Week 12

So hard to believe March is nearly over. Here's a look at our week. Enjoy!



Saturday, March 19th

My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday, March 20th, so Jeremy, Rachel and I, along with our spouses, had a get-together on Saturday afternoon. Their love has been such an example to me, and long before I ever met Josh, I knew I wanted to emulate it if and when I ever got married. I am so thankful we were able to celebrate together!!


Sunday, March 20th

Today we laid low and recovered from a very busy Saturday. It was so nice out we were able to take a walk. I love, love, love how much Elaina loves her daddy...and how much he loves her.

Monday, March 21st


Tonight we decided to treat Elaina as well as ourselves: we got a Dairy Queen and took her to a local park. It was a blast. She had such a good time on all the equipment, and we marveled that this time last year she wasn't even crawling...and that this time next year, her little sister may be toddling after her. It was a wonderful, blessed evening.

Tuesday, March 22nd


Today I had a follow-up ultrasound to check the baby's amniotic fluid levels, and Mom came with me, which was so special. The good news is that the fluid levels were up to a more "normal" level, and that she is most definitely still a she :). The less than good news is that she is now breech...little stinker. The tech assured me she has plenty of time to flip, and that's what I'm hoping for. Before she ended the ultrasound, she took this picture of a big yawn :)

Wednesday, March 23rd

For the first time in nearly five years of marriage, Josh baked something: tonight, it was Ghirardelli turtle brownies. They were delicious!

Thursday, March 24th

Elaina loves shoes. She insists on wearing them whenever possible (including over her pajamas). It's difficult to see here, but these shoes are still at least a size and a half too big, which makes her look like a little clown.

Friday, March 25th
It got stinking cold again today, and I think Elaina's expression says it perfectly: Spring! Come Back!!!!

Project Life: Week 11

Project Life: Week 11



Spring is in the air!!!


Saturday, March 12th


We had a busy, busy, busy day, and Elaina decided about halfway through that she needed to recharge. Winston watched over her while she slept; considering he usually runs the other direction when he hears her little footsteps, this was especially sweet.

Sunday, March 13th


Tonight I made rainbow cupcakes, and I decided to let Elaina taste the batter. After careful consideration, she decided it was quite yummy and came back for seconds!

Monday, March 14th


The finished product--did I mention these took forever to make (putting Elaina, who, in a time-change induced fury, learned how to climb out of her crib, back to bed)--was finally frosted and sampled. I wouldn't make them every day, but I'll definitely do it again!

Tuesday, March 15th


When I came home from work today and turned the corner to go towards Josh's voice, this handsome, handsome face greeted me: he finally shaved the "winter beard". He usually starts growing it the day after Christmas and keeps it until Valentine's day, but because of Rachel's wedding, he wasn't able to keep his "usual" schedule. He had promised he'd shave eventually, but I was quietly beginning to give up hope. What a happy surprise to find I was wrong!

Wednesday, March 16th


Today it was nice enough to venture outdoors after work. So hard to believe the last time Elaina toddled around our back yard (excluding when we took her to experience the blizzard), she wasn't even walking yet!

Thursday, March 17th



Our little sweetpea got to go to a St. Patrick's Day parade with her gramma this morning, but the fun meant not much of a nap...which meant crabby baby. After dinner, we took her to a local park for some play. She loved the swing--I know the picture's blurry, but it so captures the joy she felt that I had to include it.

Friday, March 18th


A gorgeous sunset tonight.

Project Life: Week 10

Project Life: Week 10



Between family visits, dr appointments, anniversary project work, work-work, and life in general, we were busy, busy, busy. Here is our week in review

Saturday, March 5th


Today Rachel and Lips came to visit. We only had them for a few hours, but it was a great time together. Perhaps one day they'll live closer and we can do this more often!

Sunday, March 6th
Our little monkey has discovered how much *fun* it is to climb onto the table. She definitely keeps us on our toes...and our ears sharpened to the sound of the chair scraping on the tile!

Monday, March 7th

Tonight I scanned more pictures for Mom and Dad's anniversary gift. It took forever...four nights, 450+ pictures, and it was, in the end, completely worth it.

Tuesday, March 8

Elaina enjoyed the simpler things in life tonight: she entertained herself for quite some time by playing in her diaper box.

Wednesday, March 9th

The much-anticipated day of our anatomy sonogram finally arrived, and we were thrilled to learn that Elaina is getting a perfectly healthy little sister!!!!! Here she is! Josh and I can already tell she's going to look like Elaina, and we are so excited for this new little blessing.

Thursday, March 10th


A beautiful late-winter/early spring sky.

Friday, March 11th

Elaina has taken to "dancing" lately. Here is an action shot of her shaking her groove thang to a silly song we were singing.