7 Months And Counting...

7 months have come and gone...QUICKLY! I cannot believe how much has changed in the last 7 months, and even more so, how much little B has changed.  He has went from this newborn who didn't make too much noise to a baby with a ton of personality!  It is SO much fun living life with him, for both Keith and I, and every day seems like a new adventure as we get to experience everything he does for the first time.  To say we are blessed to get to be his parents is an understatement.  Thank you Jesus for this precious little man you've entrusted to us, we are forever grateful.

So what is he up to now?  Well, he is moving, not crawling, but he can and does move from left to right and backwards (kicking his legs and moving his arms).  He hasn't quite figured out how to lift his midsection yet.  He still would prefer to just roll over from tummy to back, so I don't know how interested in crawling he is at the moment.  I think he has figured out that we will give him his toys and the same amount of attention whether he is on his tummy or his back, and lets face it, laying down on his back is much easier ;), little stinker.  He will get there, eventually, so until then, we are enjoying not having to worry about him getting into everything.  He does love to stand though, so maybe he will end up bypassing crawling and go straight to walking...lets hope not! ;)

He has his two bottom teeth (they are absolutely adorable), and is working on getting a few of the top.  Teething is NOT FUN for anyone, poor little guy.  In fact he is teething at the moment, hence why getting a good 7 month picture wasn't too easy.  These top ones are causing a lot more pain then the bottom did, that's for sure.  But he is loving experimenting with "chewing", it is so funny to watch him chew and feel out his new teeth.

He still is a great eater, and is enjoying more and more solids.  Textures and tastes don't seem to bother him as he has not rejected anything we've offered. This month we will try some more green veggies so maybe we will get a different reaction?!  He has started picking up 'puffs' and eating those, it is pretty cute to watch him feed himself!

He LOVES his mommy and his daddy so very much.  He lights up when one of us walks in the room. I will leave the room for a minute to grab something and as soon as I come back and he sees me, he gets this bashful smile on his face, it melts my heart, every. single. time.  His smiles and laughs are the highlights of our days.  And he has just started burying his head in our shoulder or our chest as if he is hugging us, it is such a precious moment each time he does it.

He has become more and more aware of "strangers" and isn't as quick to give someone a smile without first checking mommy's face to see how she reacts. 

He still enjoys books, music, and dancing (with mommy and daddy of course). And he loves, loves, LOVES being thrown up in the air and caught.

We spend a good amount of time outside each day on a blanket or taking a walk...these are most definitely his favorite parts of the day.

He has graduated from the ERGO (although he still rides in it occasionally) to the cart at the store and he sure loves sitting like a big boy!

He said "dada" this month, he obviously doesn't know what that means, but Keith was pretty happy :).  He talks quite a bit, especially when he is alone in his crib...it is pretty funny to watch on the monitor.

He is very aware of EVERYTHING going on around him, he just takes it all in.  He loves water, baths, the pool, or even being squirt with a spray bottle :).

He is growing healthy and strong and we are enjoying every moment with him!  Happy 7 months sweet boy!

Truth Must Inform Your Heart

I recently overheard some moms chatting about what they had "given up" to be stay at home moms with their kids, and how "purposeless" their lives were now.  They complained about their lack of freedom, their inability to shop for the latest trends in fashion and home decor, and how they were no longer considered "successful".  They gabbed on about how ordinary their days were, and how boring.  About two minutes into the conversation I knew that our perspectives were very different, or so I hoped.  Afterwards, I thought long and hard about what I had just heard, and began to examine my own thoughts, motives, and heart with regards to being a wife and a mom.  Do I see what I do as a "have to" or a "get to"?  Have I "given up" my hopes, dreams and aspirations to sit at home all day?  Am I no longer "free"? And do I find myself seeing my days as ordinary?  Have I become "unsuccessful"?

I began to realize that although my perspective (because I know the Truth) is very different, there are attitudes at times, in my heart, that reflect those very ideas that these women were sharing. 

If someone asked me what I wanted to from the time I was 5 on, I would have answered the same...a wife and a mom, that is all I want to do.  I had dreams and aspirations, yes, but they were always wrapped around this idea that I would be a stay at home wife and mom.  I would dream often about what it would be like, and prayed and prayed for those dreams to become reality.  So here I am, 26 years old, and living that "dream".  Is it everything I chalked it up to be?  Is it a dream come true?  That was the question I asked myself after listening to these women.  And in my heart there was an instant, YES.  I began to realize in that moment, how blessed and thankful I truly am.  And how my perspective (aka TRUTH) must shape the attitude of my heart in every situation, even on those hard days when I'm running on little sleep, the house is a mess, and I feel like I don't know what I am doing as a mom. 

These ideas popped into my head after thinking about my roles as a wife, and a mom...

You GET TO Be A Wife and a Mom
 So often, as wives and moms, well I guess as humans, our perspective shifts from the "get to" to the "have to".  We "have to" go to church, to pick up our kids from soccer, to the grocery store etc.  But Truth has gone awry when we begin to think in such a way.  We must remember that we "get to" do so many of these things, by the grace of God.  We deserve absolutely NOTHING good, in fact, we deserve hell, and separation from the Lord, BUT God, in His love and mercy saved us (as believers) and has blessed us above and beyond that salvation.  So when we are tempted to think, "I have to clean my house", or "I have to make dinner", or I have to...you fill in the blank; change that to "I get to!", and remember the abundance of grace bestowed upon you.

The Mundane IS Kingdom Work
Let's face it, as a mother and a wife, our days are pretty ordinary.  We wake up, make breakfast, play with our kids, clean up spills, potty train, take our children to school, discipline, clean the house, nurse our babies, help with homework, run errands, walk to the park, and the list goes on.  Nothing "special" might happen on an ordinary day, or so we may be tempted to think.  But the reality is, every day we are doing kingdom work.  Every dish done, story read, meal made, and prayer prayed is all part of God's perfectly designed plan to bring Him glory.  Nothing goes unnoticed, or unrewarded for that matter (when it is done with a heart as unto the Lord). Our home isn't here, we are simply passing through, with a greater kingdom on the other side!

Everyday is Purposed and Designed
Nothing happens by chance.  If your 8 month old decided to stay up all night crying,  your three year old spilled a gallon of milk on the floor, or your teenager lost their cell phone at school, you can rest in knowing that it is all part of His perfect plan.  Sin sets things awry, from our perspective, but the Truth is, God purposes good out of even what is evil.  We can know that He is working in our everyday life with an end goal in sight- our Christ likeness and His glory.  There is nothing that happens on any ordinary day that isn't designed by the hand of the Father.  So when you are discouraged, remember that Truth, and find peace.

Little Eyes Help Us SEE
Enjoy the little eyes in your life and SEE His glory and beauty through them.  The way an infant stares at your face for hours everyday, the way a one year old finds the wind simply wonderful, the way a five year old looks at the ocean and can't believe its splendor, or how a ten year old stands amazed at the first snow fall they've ever seen...these are all glimpses of His glory that we get to experience, again, through the eyes of the little ones in our life. 

So when, and if you are tempted, as a mother and wife, to see your role and duties as simple, purposeless, ordinary, or worse, unenjoyable, STOP and REMEMBER TRUTH, and let that inform your heart.

 

Six Things

It has been just about 6 1/2 months since we brought home our little treasure and the joy we have experienced is unexplainable.  It is hard to remember what life was like without this little baby; he has taught us so much about ourselves and more importantly the Lord, and has been an ever present reminder of God's goodness, faithfulness, grace and love towards us.  Here are six things I have learned from being Brayden's mommy.

1. YOU'RE NOT IN CONTROL: God teaches me this over and over again, in different ways each day.  He reminds me, gracioulsy, as I raise Brayden, that He is the one sovereign over all things, and He is the one who calls all the shots.  I am always fully dependent upon Him for all things, and it is only His grace that sustains me each and every day.

 2. HIS MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY DAY: No matter what my day was like, how much I failed, or how hard it may have been, tomorrow is a new day, full of NEW mercy and grace as the Lord graciously reminds me of the Gospel.

3. TREASURE EVERY MOMENT: "Kids grow fast", I hear it all the time, and the fact of the matter is, it's true.  I know Brayden's only 6 months, but I know that in the blink of an eye he will be walking down the aisle on his wedding day.  The Lord has taught me to be still, to stop, and to enjoy every moment with this sweet treasure for we don't know which moment will be our last, and time is fading. 

 4. I MARRIED AN AMAZING DADDY: Watching Keith with Brayden has been incredible.  There is nothing more wonderful then seeing your spouse with your child.  I have grown to love Keith more deeply as I see him as a father.  He is such a faithful provider and protector and for that I am beyond grateful.

 5. YOU'RE CHILD IS UNIQUE: God designs each child uniquely, they are an individual who He has created with purpose and for a unique plan.  There is no formula or book that can tell you how to parent your child-take advice and wisdom with a grain of salt and seek the Lord as He directs you in parenting your kiddo.

6. I CAN NEVER PRAY TOO MUCH: Pray, pray and then pray some more.  I need it, it is vital to my everyday living just as much as breathing is.  We are dependent on the Lord, we need His grace, we need to be in constant fellowship with Him, ALL DAY LONG. 

Best 6 months of my life by far, and the most sanctifying.  I love you little B, thank you for teaching me to love Jesus more.

Half a Year!

I know I always say this, but I can't believe how fast time flies and how fast little ones grow! Brayden is officially 6 months old, half a year!

 Just standing up :)

 See my tooth?

This little man steals our hearts daily and is often used to remind us of how great our God is.  It is amazing to watch him experience life, to stand in awe of something as simple as a tree blowing in the wind...God's little reminders of His beauty and awesomeness seen through the eyes of a 6 month old.

Brayden got his first tooth about 2 weeks ago and is currently getting his second one.  Teething is no fun!  Poor kiddo.  Thank the Lord for frozen bananas, washcloths, teething tablets, and this little raspberry.

He loves hearing himself talk and scream and is pretty sure mommy and daddy love to hear it too.  He has so much to say, it is so darn adorable to listen to him as he tries so hard to chat with us.  And the screaming is cute too...for now ;).

Tummy time has become more enjoyable as the days go by and he is just starting to move himself from side to side as he reaches for toys.  He finally figured the art of rolling from back to tummy (it is hard work when you are a big boy!). He wants to move SO badly, soon my sweet little boy, soon.

He has enjoyed every solid we have tried, but his favorites are white sweet potatoes, carrots, pears and HE LOVES bananas; I'm not surprised, anything sweet...lets hope he doesn't have mommy's sweet tooth!  And straws, he is obsessed with straws.  Anytime we are drinking out of one or if there is one in the room, he spots it and reaches for it, and asks for it (in his baby way of course).  He hasn't quite figured out how to drink from it, thank goodness, but they must be soothing to his little gums; that or he just wants to be like mommy and daddy.

Keith and I went away for our anniversary and brought our little man with us! Brayden went on his first plane flight, and vacation, and had a blast!  He did great on the plane and loved all the little places in the San Francisco area we visited, especially Muir Woods (trees are a favorite of his).

He still loves books, music/singing, and his little jumper.  But his favorite toy, that always puts a smile on his face, is his little doggy.  It is SO cute to watch him with his "friend".

A lot of his toys have buttons to push and things to spin to turn on sounds/lights, and he loves pushing/spinning them.  He has a little aquarium in his crib and we often hear him turning it on and off, sometimes in the middle of the night ;).

I used to watch this little guy when he was a little bigger than Brayden for a couple years, and he gets to come play with us every once in a while! Brayden loves his little friend Austin, and Austin adores Brayden-don't be fooled by their seriousness ;).

He still loves being held, and lets us know too!  We cherish our sweet moments with him in our arms because we know they won't last for long.

What a blessed half of a year we have had with our sweetness.  Mommy and Daddy have learned to depend on the Lord more than ever, and have been sweetly reminded of His precious grace every day through your little life Brayden.  We are so thankful for you and the time we have had with you thus far, we pray we get many more half birthdays, and real birthdays with you little peanut.  We love you to the moon, and back!

Just for fun...look how much he has grown in 6 months!

5 Months Young!

Our little peanut isn't so little anymore! Can someone please press the PAUSE button!

It seems like Brayden is growing and changing every single day! He is learning new things, talking up a storm, and reminds us quite often, sometimes in the middle of the night, that he misses us!

He is officially sitting up (well he has been for a couple weeks now) and loves it, although standing seems to still be his favorite.  He loves to sit up next to us while we lay on the floor so he is more at eye level with us, after all, it is no fun to sit up and not see mommy and daddy's face right in front of you! It is pretty darn adorable to see him sitting up, but it makes him look SO big! He is growing up too fast!

Tummy time is getting more and more fun for this kiddo, he so badly wants to move though and will kick his little legs and wiggles from left to right.  One day, but for now, mommy likes that he isn't moving around quite yet!

He is still a cuddle bug and I love it! He gives the best hugs and kisses!

He likes loves to be with mommy and daddy all the time, which makes saying goodnight for bedtime or see you soon for nap time tough on this kiddo.  I'm certain he thinks he is missing out on something super exciting.

Oh and his feet...he loves his feet! Who thought feet could be so entertaining?!

He has gotten much better at sleeping, but he is still learning.  Sleeping is tough for a 5 month old, especially when it means you're all alone and don't get to play or eat or be with your mommy and daddy when you want to.  When he does sleep, he loves it, and wakes up so happy when he gets the right amount.  If only we could get him to understand that sleep is his friend...one day, let's hope it is in the near future.  But in all fairness, he really is doing much better, sleeeping 10-12 hours every night, and eating only once in the early morning, and many nights not even waking up before that!  And his naps are starting to get better too! Yay Brayden, keep up the good work kiddo!

He loves music.  He plays his little piano (so adorable) and loves watching mommy play it too.  He especially loves kid's worship songs with motions, his favorite is "I May Never March in the Infantry".

We read a story before each nap time, and a Bible story before bed time...he really does like books, and can turn the pages...but they look very appetizing most of the time and up in his mouth before the story is finished ;).

He is starting to laugh more which is so much fun!  His laugh is to die for.  Only mommy and daddy have had the privilege of earning these laughs though.  Peek-a-boo, tickles, funny faces, and mommy's laugh are just some of the things that just might get a giggle.

He is SO serious when he is out in public or when someone comes to visit (at least for a while until he warms up to them).  He just watches people and observes their every move, taking in everything that is going on around him.  Such an observer.

We just started solid food with this little man, and boy does he LOVE it.  We did not plan on starting this early, but for about a month now he has been very interested in our food, trying to grab our spoons, and since he can sit up on his own, we thought it was about time to add a little fruits and veggies to his diet.  So far he has tried apples, bananas, and sweet potatoes...all a success!  He opens his mouth like a little bird, leaning forward and impatiently grabs the spoon if he isn't being fed fast enough (haha).  He says "mmm" sometimes, too funny!  

Brayden is such a joy to have in our lives, and we really feel more and more blessed everyday with him around.  We pray that the Gospel seeds will be watered early on his life, and he will bloom into a Godly young man at a young age.

We love you big boy, with our whole hearts!!

Perspective

Being a mother has taught me a lot about perspective; it is as if I have received a new set of eyes.  It is so easy to lose sight of TRUTH when circumstances are not favorable, or maybe just not quite the way they used to be, or the way you might assume they should be. 

I'll be honest, before Brayden was born, I had many assumptions about what being a mother required, and how a baby would function.  When he came, and many of those assumptions were not correct, there were many tears, frustrations, and a feeling of inadequacy and disappointment.  I felt silly for thinking that I knew "everything" about being a mom, and felt bad about the expectations I had placed on my sweet infant.  The truth was, God was working to sanctify and refine me; and he began teaching me MANY lessons, giving me perspective.

I began coming in contact with quite a few families (none of whom I knew personally), who were battling trials with their children, FAR GREATER than sleep deprivation or a colicky baby: Cancer, still birth, SIDS, a heart transplant.  My heart began to break for these mothers, and fathers, and my heart began to gain new insight into my own reality.  Although my lot in life may not be as simple as I expected, or as I had seen in the "Smith" family...it was blessed, beyond comprehension and very undeserved.  I began to grasp a new perspective: Any sickness, sleepless night, tough day, etc. is God's affliction for MY profit, because He loves ME and wants to make ME a partaker of His holiness (Hebrews 12:10).  And EVERY day of health, restful night, blessed day, etc. is an undeserved blessing for MY profit, from the hand of God, because He loves ME.

I am certain that God will continue to work in me, His character/holiness, and refine my perspective on a daily basis.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18 is a good frame of reference for this perspective: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all! So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!"

20 Weeks

I thought I'd only post once a month about Brayden, but he is just growing so fast and learning so much every single day I figured I needed to post a little more frequently so I don't forget how much he is changing!

This little man is SO MUCH FUN! I love this age.  Every day is a new adventure filled with excitement for all of us as we anticipate what "new" skill Brayden might show off.  And even though he is still little, I look at him and wonder what happened to my baby?!

As you can see (above), Brayden LOVES his activity jumper.  Although his feet don't quite touch the ground, and he can't turn everywhich way, or reach all the toys (its for kids a little bit older than him), he enjoys it.  He tries so hard to grab everything, and gets a little frustrated when it doesn't come as easy as he would prefer ;), but he is a hard worker and doesn't give up!

 This little guy is the happiest little baby I have ever seen.  He smiles at mommy, and daddy, ALL the time.  I can't get enough of those smiles, they melt our heart.  And every time we leave the room and come back in he gets super excited to see us and kicks his little legs and waves his little arms.  We are his favorites, his best friends, and we cherish every moment with this precious little babe.  As I have mentioned before, he is OH SO CUDDLY, and for that I am so grateful!  It may have something to do with the fact that for the first 3 months I held him for almost every single nap (totally goes against most baby books and a lot of "advice" I got) he took, but I am so thankful I did because I wouldn't trade his cuddles and love for anything!  Keith made such a good point about the fact that we are trying to win our little one's hearts, so that we might win them to Christ one day, and part of that is showing them Christ's love which is sacrificial and selfless, and that starts at infancy!

 EVERYTHING goes in this kid's mouth!  He is at that stage I suppose.  From toys, to mommy's hair, to cell phone's, if he can get his hands on it, it is going in his mouth!

 He has just recently started figuring out that when we put things in our mouth we are eating, and is super interested in that...some rice cereal or starter solids are in his near future (I'm trying to hold off as long as I can), he is definitely ready! Until then he enjoys grabbing our spoons and straws (his favorite thing to put in his mouth), and trying to get them in his own mouth!

 Brayden loves music.  Every night during our bedtime routine we sing worship songs, and some kids worship songs and he just soaks it up!  And throughout the day mommy and Brayden have music time which brings a huge smile to his face.

 Tummy time has become more tolerable for this little guy as of late.  He kicks his legs so hard and moves his arms from right to left and moves a little in those directions, and tries so hard to move forward..."If only I could get those toys".

 At around 3 months, Brayden was able to sit up for about a couple seconds on his own before he would topple over.  Since then he has been able to sit up for longer periods, maybe 10 or so seconds before he falls to the right or left.  I don't think he is quite aware of the fact that he is sitting up alone, but I'm certain soon enough he will be doing it for more and more time.  It is pretty cute to watch him sit up, he looks like such a big boy!

This boy LOVES to talk.  He spends much of his play time talking to himself or mommy or daddy (he doesn't talk too much when others are around...he is to curious as to who they are) and he puts himself to sleep most naps talking to himself.  It is pretty adorable, we LOVE it. 

Here's to you my sweet boy, happy 20 weeks of life (outside the womb)...mommy and daddy love you, you have our hearts forever!