Putting Two and Two Together

I hear a lot of parents say that their children love animals. 

And most kids do. 

I have heard parents swear up and down that their child will probably be a veterinarian!

 This great love of animals... where could it possibly come from?

Hm. If I was smart, I'd start to replace all the pictures of animals with pictures of me.

Man oh man that kid sure loves his mom.

One of those big, flashing neon signs.

Cruz and I are sleeping through reading Proverbs together. To be honest, I have never read through the entire book. Possibly because that Proverbs 31 gal is one intimidating chickie. 


But reading Proverbs out loud has stirred in my heart a desire to pursue wisdom and purity of heart in a new way. We have some new family adventures in front of us, and I can sense that the Lord will be using the months ahead to refine my character. 


Well, the Lord knows I need big bright neon signs before I wise up and start paying attention. So it was no surprise when our sermon at church was the first in a series on Proverbs. 


Our pastor talked about the need for a humble heart in order to gain wisdom. 
And that a humble heart comes from confession. 


And here's some truth, I can no longer just read the words of Proverbs. I need to start living them. 


Dang it. Confession is so hard. 
But here we go...


I have a jealous heart, and am so not proud of it. 


I say a lot things that I regret. I wish I spoke with more grace. That's good to remember: less snark, more grace.


I gossip. And I'm not just talking about celebrities. 


I watch way too much Real Housewives.


I am sorry that I am not always the wife/mama/daughter/friend/coworker that you deserve. 
Thank you all for the grace you continually give me. 


I don't like writing these things down. I'm afraid you'll look at me and think me undeserving. That you'll think badly of me. That you'll know (probably correctly) that in fact you are a better mama than I could hope to be. 


But, man oh man, do I want need to be humble and wise. 


Because look at this guy!

I want to be the kind of child of God that deserves this happiness.


And that starts with knowing that I never will. 


Guess that's grace. 


And there's this too:
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure everything out on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
 he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
   Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
   your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
   give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
   your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
   don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
   a father's delight is behind all this.

{Proverbs 3:5-6}

from The Message

it's five a.m.

it is very still in our house

the clock says five

the baby sleeps on my right, my husband on my left

they sleep with the same expression

and i could look at them forever

i tiptoe downstairs 

slowly

i leave the lights off, prolonging the moment

before babies need food

need changing

before there is email to be answered

dishes to wash

appointments, cares, laughter

when i am still, quiet and sure

my Bible is open

"but from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord's love is with those who fear Him"

we have been given a singularly perfect gift 

who could measure His love for us?

What He Wore on Wednesday

Over the last few mornings, Cruz has woken up early, just to chat with us.

He sits in his crib, babbling, until I come scoop him up.

I really wanted to snap a picture of my happy morning baby.

But those jammies were in no state for photography, ma'am.

Hopefully this will tide you over.

What is with baby shirts with pockets? Should he be stashing his tiny cell phone in there?

Now there's a happy dude. Auntie Co gave these jammies to Cruz when we found out he was going to be a Cruz! The day before her birthday, we had found out that we were having a boy. When we arrived at her party, she had a pink present and a blue present for us. I think to a lot of surprise, we chose the blue! And these sweet jammies were inside. 

Goodnight, y'all!

Hi, It's Me. Four Month Old Cruz.

Oh hey guys! It's me, Cruz. And I'm four months old now.

Being four months old is awesome. 

I weigh 14 pounds and am in the 40th percentile in all baby measurement categories. So in proportion.

I know all about toes! I grab these puppies every chance I get. Actually, I grab {everything} I can get my paws on. Toys, hair, stuffed animals, rings... and then everything goes into my mouth. Delish.

I love to look around. Anything with a face is interesting to me! I also love music and dancing. Mama and I play Baby Dance Party every chance we get. I like regular kid's songs and also Katy Perry.

I have a lot to say! Just last night I woke up several times just to talk to my Mama and Daddy. 

This is my new trick:

I flip over every chance I get. As soon as Mama tries to get me dressed, I flip over. She rolls me back, grabs a onesie... I flip over. She rolls me back, grabs a onesie... it's a good game.

I am a really happy baby. I smile, giggle, and chatter all day long. As my Vovo says, "Life is good."