No time like the present

Well, almost three months have passed since my last blog. Time seems to fly more quickly and sweetly than ever. I know it sounds so cliche, but I cannot believe my baby will be one soon. Here's a little bit of what life has been like around the McKillip household.

1. Well, I suppose the biggest news is that Maelie has taken her first steps. I have known countless babies in my life, but I never dreamt how my heart would catch in my throat at the sight of my baby on her unsure little feet looking so proud of herself. I've known it was coming for awhile now, but it still made me a little sad. I know each new phase of her life will be even more precious than the last, but this first big one, this moving from babyhood to toddlerhood, tugs at my heart. It feels bittersweet in the best and worst way.

2. She's also learned several new words. She can now say mama, dada, bye bye, hi (this one is probably her favorite. It gets a little embarassing at Target should someone not say hi back, as she repeats it louder and louder. Luckily, she's such a little cutie that most people respond instantly), duck, thank you (or, "ang ooo"), and most recently, baby. She loves her babies and will look ferverously around until she finds one and then kiss it.

3. You know, a lot of researchers will tell you that children don't really have friends until they're two. Maelie and Elizabeth would definitely stump them. They love each other so much, it is probably the greatest joy of my life to watch them. Whenever they see each other, they just light up. Squeeling, "tarydactyl talk," and/or kissing inevitably ensue. Even in Bible class with lots of other babies around they recognize each other and single each other out. The other day Maelie found Elizabeth's paci and, rather than stick it in her own mouth as is the usual case, gave it to her friend. I consider it the first real time Maelie shared. After all, she loves a binky as much as the next gal! Later that night Maelie was in her crib crying as she tried to get to sleep and everytime she cried out her sweet friend Elizabeth would drop her toy and make a bee line for Maelie's room. I cannot wait to see their friendship develop over the years!! Some of the greatest blessings in my life are the precious friends God has given me, and it is a feeling beyond belief to see Maelie receiving that same gift of friendship.

4. Okay, so maybe this isn't a landmark milestone, but Tuesday morning while I was getting ready to go to Bible class Maelie sat in her exersaucer and watched Praise Baby. She has always been immune to Praise Baby's draw. She'll watch Baby Einstein forever, but could care less about the Praise Baby videos I had so hoped she would love. But Tuesday!! For some reason it clicked. Not that I want her watching TV all the time, but watching her sweet face as she sat enrapt listening to praises was a great experience for her mommy. I just watched her for awhile and prayed that His words quoted in the songs and the sweet praise would be embedded in her heart. Little seeds, start growing!

5. Kyle has had to work quite a bit these past few months. There are nights he doesn't get home until after midnight. It is very humbling to see him sacraficing so much for our family. Maelie LOVES her Daddy. One Monday morning after spending the weekend all together, Maelie was crawling past the door. I scooped her up and she got this funny little puzzled face as she looked out the door where we always wait for Daddy to come home and said, "dada?" It was like the door reminded her that he wasn't here.

6. A sweet friend of ours (well, our future in-laws as we like to joke!) have had a very rough time. Christine is pregnant with her second little boy (the first, Jack, is the would-be son-in-law). She has been in and out of the hospital, more in that out it seems, so sick with her pregnancy. Luckily, (or blessedly), Little Samuel is doing well. Please pray that his mommy will get well, soon, too. They are such a sweet family, such a precious example of faith and love. We are truly blessed to know them. Even through this amazingly hard time (literally, I don't know how they do it) they are amazing to watch as they love each other so deeply and trust God so faitfully. Pray for all of four of them, plus their amazing extended family who have pretty much put their lives on hold to serve them. (Doesn't that sound like a family you'd want your precious daughter marrying in to?!)