Being Silly!

These past two days have been so fun with Larkin. It is like all of a sudden he is so alert and responsive to us, giving smiles so frequently! I'm loving this new stage! The first pic is of Larkin listening to the windchimes. He smiles almost everytime we go out there to listen to them. The rest are of mommy and Larkin playing around during the day.... Happy Tuesday!

Happy Birthday Mallory!

I have a special relationship with both my brothers. My older brother, Stephen, I have always looked up to. I remember growing up wondering what type of woman he would marry and that she would have to be pretty incredible. I also remembering praying for her that she would be a godly woman and a good match or teammate for my brother.



Enter: Mallory (the birthday girl!) Mal is the Lord's answer to my family's prayers for Stephen. She is an incredible woman. Not only is she gorgeous on the outside but she is a woman that radiates an inner beauty that attracts others to her. She has a gentle spirit, a tender heart and a fun disposition. She is an incredible wife to Stephen and a prayer warrior for him and others. She is also an amazing mom to ther precious little Luke. When I think of ways the Lord has blessed my family she is one of the first that comes to mind. We are lucky to have her in ours.

Happy 30th to a woman I love and respect, not just Stephen's wife but my friend too. Love you Mal, hope today is special for you!

Birthdays!

This weekend we celebrated two birthdays! The first was for brand new baby, Reese Elizabeth who was born to our community group friends, Dana and Chrsitine earlier this week. We drove to visit them on Saturday. Reese is just a few days old and is absolutely adorable. Mommy and Daddy were doing great. I couldn't believe how small she was. She weighed about the same as Larkin did when we brought him home and look at the difference about 6 more weeks of milk makes! Time truly does go so fast, I love these pics of them together.



The next birthday party was for little Morgan Key's 1st birthday. Morgan is the daughter of another couple in our community group. Our dear friends, Lindsay and Randy. Lindsay did such a great job. There house is currently on the market and she had 50 people over for the birthday celebration! Quite a wonder woman if you ask me. Everything was adorable, the theme was celebrating their "Little Monkey". My camera did not do a good job with lighting but here were some of the yummy desserts and decor. We also got some cute shots with community group buddies: Morgan (the birthday girl), Sam and Larkin.

Happy Birthday Reese and Morgan! We love you, Larkin, Jordan and Elizabeth

Nursing Bloopers

I am convinced that the person who made up the phrase "don't cry over spilled milk" was a breastfeeding woman who had just pumped several ounces only to have it spill all over her kitchen floor. This has happened to me several times. In fact this morning as I began to pour the "liquid gold" from the bottles to a bag I kept saying, "Don't spill, don't spill..." of course what did I do.... spill it. I watched as my last twenty minutes of effort soaked up the floor and repeated the phrase in my head, "do NOT cry over spilled milk"

I cannot complain about breastfeeding. That was one of my biggest prayers near the end of my pregnancy. The Lord has really blessed Larkin and I in this area. The first week or so it was painful but nothing that a few breastshields and cream couldn't fix. It's such a miracle really how God created us to produce milk and babies know what to do from the moment they are put on our chests the first time.

Some of the sweetest moments with Larkin have been while he was breastfeeding and smiled up at me, completely content with not a care in the world or during night feedings when I pray over him and we share that time together. I know it is not easy for everyone and it can be a sensitive subject with some so I am just thankful to the Lord that this is an area of motherhood that has come without too many hiccups.

I say without too many hiccups because there have been a few, from spilled milk to more embarrassing ones. Two most recently have had my face turning all shades of red. The first happened in the Nordstroms' ladies lounge which I spoke highly of in a previous post. What I did not elaborate on in said post was one of my first experiences nursing there....

It was my first time using the "hooter hiders" and I was so proud of myself as Larkin finished up. I had an air of confidence, congratulating myself at using the new apron while not coming across as a “flustered new mom”. As other women entered the lounge to begin nursing I finished fastening my bra and with head held high, flashed a confident smile there way. Seeing humored looks on their faces I looked down and realized a breast pad had slipped out onto the floor and a pancake sized milk stain covered the entire left side of my shirt. Good job, Elizabeth.... oh so embarrassing.

The next hiccup tops the charts as far as hiccups go. In the hopes of cheering relatives I send out pics of Larkin throughout the week… A few days ago I took some sweet close up shots with my camera phone of Larkin’s face after nursing, just resting his sweet head on my chest. I suppose I wasn't paying attention well because after reviewing them a while later I immediately erased a couple when I realized in addition to my sweet son, the pic revealed one of “the ladies” as well… I was even more horrified when I realized I had just sent one of these to my mother in law … (Sorry Mimi)- I had to call and explain to her I just inadvertently emailed her a picture of my breast- "Please do not forward that pic!"

Oh goodness.... I'm sure there will be more but some things are too funny to not laugh at and share publicly via blog (I figure only a few girlfriends read this anyway!) Off to nurse my little man!

Little Tiger's Photo Shoot

"Sure, I'll pose for one picture "

"Mom... really! This is embarrassing"

"Okay... I'm done."

The Pendulum Swings

I have found my emotions lately, or maybe my resolve like a pendulum. One minute everything is wonderful, life is looking up, baby is doing so well and I feel like I could have 3 more kids and the world would be perfect. The next minute things swing south: baby is crying or I'm overwhelmed and not sure how I'm going to make it to the next feeding, let alone birth a few more down the road!

I want to write this all down to remind myself a year from now everything I was feeling - the good and the bad. The back and forth emotions are definitely present; especially when sleep is scarce. One day could be incredible and I feel I have everything under control and the next there's a glitch in his routine, I'm too exhausted to think or things just kind of fall apart.

I am a creature of routine and predictability. I don't mind some flair and variety every once in a while, but I love to know what will happen and when it will take place. Larkin is not a robot, though. He's a little human being- a BABY at that! My mom reminded me how much the Lord is using the challenges of raising a child to refine me and chisel away the selfish "unpliable" parts of me to mold me into His image. Just as marriage is designed, one author wrote in the Sacred Marriage, to make me holy, not happy.... parenting a child I am finding definitely involves the same refining process. Although it is the greatest joy I've experienced I know as Larkin grows we will enter into the unique challenges that each new season brings.

Several of my friends have babies who have started or did start "sleeping throught he night" at the age Larkin is at. Unfortunately my little man is just not there yet. He is doing great with his schedule during the day, eating every three hours and even doing well with his wake time and improving on his naps too. He has now transitioned solely to his crib for naps and nighttime (unless we have a dr. appointment or lunch where he will do great usually sleeping in his carseat).

Really I can't complain much, he is such a good baby. He gets more fussy in the afternoons but nothing horrible... but it's the night time lack of sleep that is hard. Last night little Lark woke up almost every two to two and a half hours and from what I could tell he was HUNGRY - slurping down that milk. I am thinking he is going through a growth spurt. After the feeding, changing and waking back up again, this morning it was super challenging to get up.

Sometimes I think if I just had ONE night to catch up on the last seven weeks' lack of sleep I would be a whole new woman! Or even 5 hours...But I just need to take this time as the refining the Lord sees I need to become more like Him. More patient and kind to those I love... slower to anger and a wife and mommy who can more fully love her hubby and child in the way the Lord loves me - yikes I'm so far from that... So much easier to write out than live out.

Well....Off to nap! Here's my precious little monkey! He's waving in the second picture... Pics and moments like these God gives me to make it all worth it! Oh he can melt my heart :)

Birthday Weekend!

This past week was my 28th birthday! The entire month before I was quite certain I was turning 29 until Jordan corrected me one day. I guess so much is on my mind the last thing I think about is my age... or perhaps the lack of sleep has caused a few extra grey hairs which have me convinced I am older than I truly am!

The biggest present was celebrating my birthday with my husband and SON this year (which is still so weird to say!) Larkin sang me happy birthday (via daddy) and even wrote me a birthday card which said something like "waa waa, burp burp" which daddy had translated to "I love you, happy birthday!"

Regardless, it was a special weekend. It began Wednesday when my dad met me to mall walk one morning with Larkin and bought me my first Lululemon work outfit (love it!)Then Jordan surprised me with some beautiful flowers Thursday night and had my breakfast all ready for me when I woke up on Friday.

Friday mom treated me to a lunch in the Zodiak Room at Neiman Marcus, one of my favorite places! Larkin slept through the entire lunch and then afterward we visited the "highly recommended" Nordstroms ladies lounge to nurse (all of my mommy friends spoke so highly of this nursing location and it did not disappoint... yes of course this is all documented with pics)



Mom had given me 3 adorable shirts and jewelry that she had professionally wrapped- the presents looked like a beautiful pedifore!

Friday night we met up with the Simmons. Marina and Mindy had given me the perfect gift- a pedicure while they watch Larkin! I had been craving a pedicure so I am soo thankful and so excited to redeem it!

The next night Jordan and I dropped off Larkin with mom and he took me to our favorite restaurant - La Duni. We would frequent that place so often before Larkin so it was fun going back to eat there. We had great conversation and walked the mall a bit before returning to pick him up. As we dropped Lark off and left her apartment to go on our date Larkin and mom waved goodbye. I love the first pic... it's as if Larkin is saying, "Bye mom, bye dad- have her back before dinner!"



Sunday my aunt and cousin Lauren drove in all the way from Austin to meet Larkin. He loved his Aunt Denise and "Cousin" Lauren. And then, to top off the weekend, Mimi and Pop took us out to Taco Diner for my birthday dinner that night.





It was such a busy week and such a special one. Thank you everyone who made me feel so special, and ultimately I'm thankful we have a God who showers us with blessing even though we don't deserve it.
James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow".

Happy 6 Weeks!...and a Refresher for Mommy

Happy 6 weeks to my little man! Larkin you are growing by leaps and bounds! You are cooing much more and growing so big. I just packed up all of your little newborn onesies. We are on to bigger and better things! We just transitioned you to size 1 diapers.

This morning as mommy was changing you I was getting the new big boy diaper ready when I realized your "tinkler" was pointing to your face as you began to let go. Pee was spraying all in your eyes and mouth. I reacted as quickly as I could but it was too late, your little face was all wet! Expecting to hear wails I was surprised to look and see the biggest smile light up your face...as if you were about to laugh. What a good attitude you have buddy! You made daddy and I laugh as we rushed you for an impromptu bath.

On a more serious note, yesterday in my devotional the Lord showed me a verse that really blessed me. Isaiah 40:11 says "He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those with young".

The last sentence was like the Lord whispering it to my heart. "He gently leads those with young." I think I needed to be reminded of His gentleness and tenderness towards me. A stint of a few long nights with little sleep and a precious but fussy little man mixed with some left over hormones left me needing to hear the words of the Lord telling me I was being and would continue to be gently lead by Him.

It was so refreshing to be in His presence and have those words wash over me. To know that as I am learning how to be a good mom and trying to figure out how best to love and parent Larkin I can look to my Shepherd to lead me. Last night Lark woke up almost every hour and a half (we think he had some tummy problems). Despite the exhaustion I felt the Lord's strength enabling me to get up each time I heard his cry and go take care of him with a joyful heart - acknowledging the difficulty and exhaustion but thankful for this gift of mommyhood and looking to my Shepherd to strengthen and uphold me.

I'm so thankful our Lord and His word is alive and active- when I spend time in it, He penetrates my heart with His truths.

I love you Larkin - you are a precious gift from God and daddy and I are overwhelmed with thankfulness for you in our lives!

Ladies Man?

Dear Larkin,

I think you are quite the ladies man. You have charmed strangers, storekeepers and all my girlfriends including some close high school friends we saw this weekend. They were having a girls nightand daddy, you and I stopped by on the way back from our date at Taco Diner Friday night. The girls loved to meet you and loved your Ralph Lauren shoes that Rylie gave you. After dropping you off at home I realized how much I missed girl time. Daddy gave you a bottle and let me go back to catch up with the girls. It was so good to just have some girl time. As they toasted the night with their wine glasses I lifted my hospital water jug with equal gusto, just relishing this sacred time away.
(Lexi and Diana, Debra was taking the pic)

In other news, you had your 5 1/2 week appointment today at the doctor! You have gained almost 2 pounds in a month! You are in the 60th percentile for weight at 9 lb 15 oz. You are 22 1/4 inches which is the 75th percentile I think, and your head although I don't remember the numbers right now is in the 80th percentile :) You are growing! Your newborn onesies are growing snug and mommy tries not to get emotional as she realizes it's about time to pack some of them up.
(Pic of you at the doctor's office with your PAD binder ;))

This week you have given mommy SO many smiles I can hardly believe it! Today Nana was rocking you to sleep and she said you smiled real big and then had the most adorable laugh. I wasn't in the room so didn't witness this myself but can't wait until I hear your little laugh. Your smiles will hold me over in the mean time though. I can't belive how many you give me. It's crazy how quickly you are developing! Your eyes are fading from the deep blue to a lighter blue and you have become much more vocal.

The past two nights you have slept almost 5 hours! (This includes from the beginnig of one feeding to the beginning of another so not quite all of that was sleep). The first night it happened I woke up after 3 hours waiting to hear you cry and couldn't go back to sleep!

(Pic of you and Piper playing this morning)

Well that's it little man, I just wanted to document a bit of our weekend and your doctors appointment this morning. I love you little man!
~Mommy

Happy 5 WEEKS!

(My FAVORITE pic of you and your cute little rolls)...

I am playing blog catch up as I am determined to document as many of the benchmarks of your growth as I can! Week 5 has come and gone, happy 5 weeks Larkin! This week has brought several fun visitors as you met the rest of your uncles aunts and cousins. As wonderful as it was to have these visitors here, another exciting visitor of your 5th week has been... YOUR SMILE!


It was here before in previous weeks but typically just in the morning after your breakfast or when I brushed your hair. Now your smile has made countless appearances especially when mommy or daddy talk to you!

Week 5 has brought a transition to the crib from your yellow bouncer. This is a slow transition and started mid week with a tip from Aunt Mallory. I elevated one side of the crib by putting some pillows underneath one side of the mattress. Then I put a soft blankie under your head. I think this has helped you adjust although now you are just sleeping naps there and most nights we put you back in the yellow bouncer to keep you sleeping as long as possible!



As far as sleeping goes I've learned your first nap of the day is the best. If there is any sleep to be had by mommy I better try to do it then! At night you are continuing on with your 3 hour cycle. I am told by other mothers eventually you will sleep through the night but right now that seems some far off dream...lately I've had visions of a 6 year old little boy waking every three hours to eat- you had better believe it won't be breastmilk if that's the case!



You still love the paci (which you took to around week 3-4). It has been wonderful for mommy as it is like a safety net while taking you out in public. I'm trying to not let you sleep with it at night or naps, but if you are fussy and it has been less than three hours I cave in and let you have it. Some things just aren't worth the fight :)

You've done so well this week as we have been out and about more. You have shown me you can be flexible with napping in your carseat and at Nana's house. I am getting more adventurous and bold in my outings and you have done well to asjust, little man.

My goodness I love you so much and although sometimes when mommy is tired the days can seem long, the weeks fly by faster than I like. As long as you are growing with us in our new little family, though, I'm happy!

I love you little man, happy 5 weeks!

More Family Fun

We had a great rest of the week with family. Early in the week, Mom rented out the lobby of her apartment complex for the evening which had a great kitchen, huge comfy couches, and large T.Vs. She cooked us the most wonderful spaghetti dinner and surprised us by having a delicious TCBY cake (all of our favorites) and cards for each of us to celebrate our upcoming birthdays. It was such a special and fun time with everyone and we turned that whole lobby into quite a daycare between Luke and Larkin's stuff. Thanks for making it special, mom!
The Lobby Before Our Baby Stuff Got There
Our Cake
Luke and Nana munching
Impromptu Changing Station
Mal and Luke; Me and Larkin
David is a Natural with His Nephews

A few days later we camped out and spent one more afternoon together at Nana's place. Larkin napped quite a bit while Luke entertained us!

Luke in a Rocking Chair his Daddy Used Years Ago
Stephen hanging out with Larkin
Luke Entertaining Us All!
The Kids

I'm so thankful I really have been blessed with two amazing brothers and an incredible sister-in-law who is a perfect match for Stephen and a great friend to me. It was so good to see everyone. I always get emotional when family leaves and this time was no different. I love y'all :)

...Now it's time to say good by to all our FAMILY... M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!

Come back soon to visit, please!