L is for Lion who is Lovable in every way

Isaac says, "I can't believe I'm doing this..."

"...I don't know whether to laugh or cry..."

"...so are we done yet?..."

"...no really, you're about to hear my roar!"

"...How about I be that Lovable Lion without the mane? Ahhhh, so much better!"

Happy Birthday to ME!

It felt like just another day... except that my phone was ringing more than usual and my email and facebook were getting hit with happy birthday messages (which made me feel special). I don't know why but this year I wasn't all that excited about my birthday. Maybe it was overshadowed by all of the life changes that have come the last couple of months. Maybe it snuck up on me and caught me by surprise. Or maybe I'm just getting old and the childish excitement of birthdays is starting to wane..... (sad!!).

No matter... I had a nice quiet birthday with Kevin and Isaac tonight, and it was fun. We went to Red Robin for dinner, and I got everything I requested from our server David. My wish was his command - sweet! I got my free ice cream sundae minus the birthday song and unnecessary ado and a basket of fries to begin with, followed by dinner with a cherry coke. We risked taking Isaac out at his bedtime, but he accomodated us by falling asleep on his own while we were out. Happy birthday, Mom! Just for you I'm going to put myself to bed for the night. And when we get home all you will have to do is take me out of my carseat and put me straight into bed because I'll be out like a light and content to just sleep. I love you but go hang out with Daddy for the rest of the night!

Along with the sweetest card, Kevin made me a birthday cake - Chocolate chocolate, YUM! Of course he topped it off with some humor... "I don't know about this, Honey. I don't think we have a fire permit for all these candles!" Ha ha.

27

I couldn't blow them out in one breath! Does that mean I don't get my wish?

One perk of having our own private party... we don't have to share the cake with anyone! Fork in one hand, milk in the other - Dig in!

This is the birthday card that Isaac made for me with Mindy today. So precious! I will treasure it forever.

First Week Down

Well, with our good Lord's constant help and the encouragement of many friends and family, I made it through my first week back to work since having Isaac. This week was a blur since my working day didn't end until my head hit the pillow. Such is the life of a working mom, I suppose! My biggest remorse this week has been only getting to spend a couple of hours each day with Isaac - and that during his most tired and fussy time of day! I really missed him!! My special time with him has become putting him to bed each night. We get to cuddle together as I feed him and rock him to sleep.

Today was Isaac's first day with Mindy, and he did so well! I'm so incredibly thankful for Mindy. She is a great mom and takes such good care of the little ones. Isaac really likes her too; he always smiles and coos at her when she talks to him. She is so great at keeping age appropriate activities going for both her 18-month-old Addie and 2-month-old Isaac. Today he "read" books, played in the play gym, had some tummy time, and even had a craft project (which you'll see in my next post) along with a few naps and lots of eating.

I know that God has each of us where we are for a reason, and I trust that He has a purpose for me at my workplace beyond just earning a paycheck and doing a job. My prayer is that He will use me for His purposes and that I can be a light for him there. I sense Him using me, and I just want to continue to make myself available for Him every day so that others may know Him through me. If I must be away from my little one, what better way to spend that time than this?


Thank you friends and family for your overwhelming encouragement this week. I have deeply appreciated it more than you'll know. Please continue to pray for me if it crosses your mind, first that God will be able to use me where I am, and second that He will continue to help my heart during this tough transition of leaving Isaac.

Engaged!

I have exciting news! My younger brother Caleb is engaged! After a beautiful day with Anna, celebrating their two year anniversary, Caleb asked Anna to marry him. We're all so thrilled to welcome Anna to the family!

Deception Pass at Whidbey Island. Caleb coaxed Anna down to the beach even though she wasn't wearing the right shoes for the sand. And that's where he popped the question. :)

A nervous (and handsome) Caleb right before he asked the big question.

A thrilled Anna after the surprise!

I Did It!

I survived my first day back to work! It was incredibly difficult to leave Isaac this morning, but the Lord encouraged me all the way to work. He helped me to hold back my tears, which I much appreciated. Isaac got to spend all day with his Daddy, and Kevin did a great job! Isaac had a bath, went for a walk, had some play time, took a couple of snoozes, and ate to his heart's content. I checked in with Kevin a few times today, as only he could expect! The only time I teared up today was when I got to "talk" to Isaac on the phone. Kevin put me on speaker, and I could hear Isaac babbling. I started to talk to him, and he got quiet at the sound of my voice. I talked to him some more, and he started up again sounding very excited. Kevin told me that Isaac's eyes lit up when he heard my voice... and that's when I cried. Fortunately I have the most caring and encouraging husband ever, and he gently cheered me up and pepped me back up for work. I love him.

All in all, it was a good day. I had a very warm reception at work, and the day went by pretty quick. It was really nice to see all of my friends again and to feel so missed.

Thank you to all my friends and family that were thinking of me and praying for me today! I so appreciate you!!

Chuckles

Isaac found his laugh! Watch this... he's so squeezable. :)

A Bit 'O History

We went downtown today to check out the Phoenix Museum of History. It was small, but pretty interesting nonetheless. We learned about the origins of Phoenix and what life was like back when it was first settled. Sounds like it truly was the "wild, wild west!" They had to bring in women to civilize and beautify the city! Ha! I can only imagine how crude life was when this place was overrun with men... messy, violent, dirty men. Good thing God made women to soften things up!

One thing we found interesting was learning that Phoenix has been a melting pot of nationalities from the very beginning. People from everywhere found their home here, including Indians, Mexicans, African Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and almost every type of European.

Anyway, my favorite part was looking at all of the old pictures. I tend to stare at their faces as I imagine what kind of people they were and what their lives were like. Beyond the black and white shades, they used to be in color... This has always fascinated me about history. Although sometimes blank and creepy, their eyes grab me and seem to tell a story.

This is the Rosson House, once one of the most prominent homes in Phoenix. After the railroad came to town and provided a way for the people of Phoenix to recieve goods and materials from farther away, wealthier people abandoned the old adobe brick homes and began to build homes in the popular Victorian style. This one was built in 1895 for Dr. and Mrs. Roland Lee for a whopping $7,525.

We were also surprised to discover a beautiful park just a short walk away. This small oasis is a part of the Phoenix Center, which has a movie theater and outdoor mall. To our delight, this park was so inviting and peaceful! Rows of stately palm trees and wide mesquite trees provided canopies of shade while fountains sang a relaxing bubbling tune. We enjoyed sitting on one of the many benches and just having a moment of peace together as a slight breeze rustled the trees and made the temperature perfectly cool.

Sweet little snoozer. Isaac had a good nap as we walked along.

Canyon Lake

Isaac experienced the wind on his face today, which was fun to watch. With each gust, his face told a story of discovery. We went for a picnic to Canyon Lake, and it was pretty windy up there. Nonetheless, it was a welcome outing to enjoy our cooler weather and get out together. The perfect place for a picnic lunch - so beautiful! We found ourselves asking, "why don't we come up here more often?" We always talk about missing the waterfront so readily at our fingertips up in Washington, but we have one right around the corner here too. Granted it's no Lake Washington or anything, but with its sheer cliffs Canyon Lake has a beauty all its own... and sunshine!

On the Grow...

He's getting the hang of it! Our little guy is growing up and learning new skills right before our very eyes. We made a couple of milestones over the weekend. On a small note, Isaac has grown out of 0-3 month pacifiers and has moved on up to the 3-6 month size! I can hardly believe I'm already packing up clothes and binkies that he can't fit. My oh my. Next thing we know, he's going to be talking and driving a car!!

The other more major milestone this weekend is that he rolled over from front to back for the first time. It took both Isaac and Mommy by surprise! He was done being on his stomach and wanted to quit, so he started drooping and leaning to the right. All of a sudden his head tilted over and his body followed! Once on his back he looked up at me with a startled expression that said, "What was that?? What just happened?" Now he'll do that every time he's just fed up with tummy time. He'll grimace and then start fussing before he realizes, "Oh yeah, I can roll over!" It's pretty funny to watch.

Sleepy Surfer Dude

After a morning walk, some play time on his tummy, and talking with Mommy, my little surfer dude was tuckered out! This was right before a midday nap... So mellow, so ready to sleep... so irresistably C-U-T-E!
So our cool fall temperatures were a fluke. Just when I was getting excited about "bundling" up and getting out the jackets, the thermostat jumped back up to the 90's!! What's up with that?? But on the other hand, it afforded me the opportunity to dress Isaac up in this cute outfit from his Noni that he never got to wear. The swimshorts never met the pool, but that's okay!