Big Lessons from Little People ...and double digits!

I've always assumed that the Lord would use my children to teach me things about life, myself and Him. It makes me laugh the way he does it, though. It dawned on me the other day that it is in the best moments - moments of my heart bursting with love, pride, joy at them - that he quietly reveals himself to me. Pricks my heart that the love pouring out of me when I look at a sweet sleeping face as I rock her, pride over a new accomplishment, joy at just being their parent is just a small taste of the feelings that He has for me. It is in their not-so-best moments that He chooses to reveal things about myself. For example, the other day I was doing my best bear-wrestling imitation getting a squirmy ten month old dressed. I said aloud to her, "You know this would be a lot easier if you would just sit still." I was a little awed at how immediately and clearly He said to me "Yes, I know that feeling. It would be so much easier for me to clothe you in righteousness and joy, fill you with that wisdom that you keep asking for, etc. if you would just be still and let me." So thankful for the lessons I'm not sure I would've learned without the blessings I know I don't deserve.

Also, I can't believe our "Sweet Little Treat" as she has come to be know is already in the double digits. She is truly a light in our lives - the older she gets the more joy she brings to our family. Her sweet presence is such a blessing and we are loving getting to be a part of her life and watch her personality bloom.

This month is the month of talking! She started saying "Daddy"which I think is precious. She doesn't say dada she says "da-DEE" and gets really excited to see him. She also says "bye" - usually just once, not bye bye, with a wave. She finally started saying mama, too, which she usually does in a fierce way as she fast crawls to me. She learned to shake her head no, which I shouldn't think is funny because it looks like she's mocking me sometimes, but it cracks her up so much and makes me laugh. I don't think she really knows what she's saying, anyway!

Things she loves at 10 months:
Cereal - much better than baby food
Any type of fruit in her net paci
Her sister - she and Maelie love to play together and she thinks Maelie is hilarious
Standing up and jumping
Playing with big kids
Her teacher, Ms. Brandi. She would rather play at Ms. Brandi's feet than be held by another teacher - it's pretty funny and very sweet.
Playing in curtains
Being outside
Her Mommy - she has turned in to a huge Mommy's girl. It wears my arms out sometimes, but I love it!

Things she's not crazy about:
Baby food - we're pretty much over it
Having her clothes changed - she doesn't mind the diaper, but can't handle the clothes coming off and on.
Getting into the carseat, still
That's about all I can think of!

Belated Nine Months

Lorelai has been a busy girl these days! It seemed like overnight she learned to crawl on all fours, pulled up and got a tooth. Now she is just everywhere, but if you can't find her she's usually playing with Maelie. She loves to crawl into her foom or Maelie's and just play, and they love to play together. She is such a content and happy girl. She's also learned to sleep through the night - I mean, really sleep - 10-12 hours a night. I didn't know babies could do that! She also grew three inches since her October appointment, but has only gained 2 oz. That puts her off the charts in height and drops her down to about 50% in weight. Oh, and 200% in cuteness :)In every way, she is a joy to have in our lives and I thank God daily that I get to be her Mommy.