March 15, 2010
March 13, 2010
Crackers!
Yesterday I made hummus. But we didn't have any crackers in the house and I don't have money in my food budget to go and buy some. So I decided to make my own! I searched online and found a great article with tips and a couple of recipes. I decided to try the basic whole-wheat ones but, as
with almost any recipe, I had to give it my own touch. So, I reduced the whole wheat flour by 1/4 c and added 1/4 c each of ground flax seeds and quinoa flakes (found at the discount food store).
I mixed the milk, honey and oil in my trusty Pyrex liquid measuring cup...
...and poured it into the dry ingredients.
It didn't ta
ke much stirring before the dough came together in a soft ball, which I turned out onto my lightly floured counter.
I kneaded for a minute or two, til the dough was soft and elastic ("like modeling clay" is what the original recipe called for), then pressed it down with my hand and rolled it flat and thin, turning every once in awhile to make sure it wasn't sticking. Once it was rolled out, I used my pizza cutter to make the sizes I wanted. Easy peasy!
This dough was a delight to work with - soft but not sticky, sturdy but not tough, smooth, elastic, and incredibly easy to handle, even when it was rolled very thin.
Once the crackers were cut I transferred them to a parchment-lined baking sheet and popped them in the oven, which was preheated to just below 300. Here are my first and second trays before going in the oven.
While the dough was easy to handle, transferring all those little crackers to the baking sheet was a tad tedious.
Also, Clara woke up early from her nap in time to "help." So, with the 3rd sheet, I got smart - I simply rolled the dough out on the parchment paper, cut it with the pizza cutter, and popped it in the oven.
Nothing easier! (I started cutting them on the diagonal, but it was taking too long and the dough was lifting up, so I switched to plain squares.)
The sheets got rotated every 8 minutes and cooked a total of 22-24 min. apiece. Here they are beautifully browned and crispy after coming out of the oven.
Ohhhhh my, these crackers are addicting! They are completely delicious and go beautifully with the hummus I made yesterday. They only took 25 minutes or so of active time (and next time even less since I'll cut all the crackers directly on the cookie sheets) - less time than it takes to run to the store and buy crackers, and MUCH easier than making that store-run with a 6 month old! I will be making these again soon!
with almost any recipe, I had to give it my own touch. So, I reduced the whole wheat flour by 1/4 c and added 1/4 c each of ground flax seeds and quinoa flakes (found at the discount food store).I mixed the milk, honey and oil in my trusty Pyrex liquid measuring cup...
...and poured it into the dry ingredients.
It didn't ta
ke much stirring before the dough came together in a soft ball, which I turned out onto my lightly floured counter.I kneaded for a minute or two, til the dough was soft and elastic ("like modeling clay" is what the original recipe called for), then pressed it down with my hand and rolled it flat and thin, turning every once in awhile to make sure it wasn't sticking. Once it was rolled out, I used my pizza cutter to make the sizes I wanted. Easy peasy!
This dough was a delight to work with - soft but not sticky, sturdy but not tough, smooth, elastic, and incredibly easy to handle, even when it was rolled very thin.
Once the crackers were cut I transferred them to a parchment-lined baking sheet and popped them in the oven, which was preheated to just below 300. Here are my first and second trays before going in the oven.
While the dough was easy to handle, transferring all those little crackers to the baking sheet was a tad tedious.
Also, Clara woke up early from her nap in time to "help." So, with the 3rd sheet, I got smart - I simply rolled the dough out on the parchment paper, cut it with the pizza cutter, and popped it in the oven.
Nothing easier! (I started cutting them on the diagonal, but it was taking too long and the dough was lifting up, so I switched to plain squares.)The sheets got rotated every 8 minutes and cooked a total of 22-24 min. apiece. Here they are beautifully browned and crispy after coming out of the oven.
Ohhhhh my, these crackers are addicting! They are completely delicious and go beautifully with the hummus I made yesterday. They only took 25 minutes or so of active time (and next time even less since I'll cut all the crackers directly on the cookie sheets) - less time than it takes to run to the store and buy crackers, and MUCH easier than making that store-run with a 6 month old! I will be making these again soon!
March 02, 2010
Can she really be this old?
It's hard to believe that six months ago we were embarking on our first night as new parents of a precious little baby girl. Today at Bible study a friend had her 2-week-old little boy who was a tad larger than Clara was at birth, and he looked so tiny next to her! My baby looked so big, old and grown up next to that precious little boy, it was hard to believe she had ever been that small, and even more amazing to see how much she's grown. As he lay on a blanket, gazing at the lights and making tiny newborn noises, Clara sat up on her own, smiling and laughing at him, reaching towards him, patting the table and, every once in awhile, looking back at me as if to say, "Look mommy, isn't he cute?!" I wished I had my camera, it was a beautiful and surreal moment, seeing just how much she has grown and changed in the past six months. I love every minute with my alert, strong, interactive daughter, but it made me a little sad, missing the precious newborn that she was. It made her seem very old.
While we won't know for sure until her doctor's appointment on Friday, I'm pretty sure that Clara has now doubled her birthweight and is right around 18 lbs. She also seems to have really stretched out just in the last few weeks - when she stands up now she looks so tall! I think she has her Daddy's height genes for sure.
She is an absolute joy these days. Her talking has really exploded and includes a lot more variety now - it's not just squeals anymore (a bit of a relief, as fun as they were!), but lots of babbling, raspberries, "ha bla bla," "fffff," "hvvv bvvvv," and high pitched "aaa aaa aaa aaa" singing. We've determined she's definitely a soprano. :) She loves sitting up on her own and rarely tips over anymore. She still hasn't rolled front to back yet but rolls back to front all the time and just tonight pushed her bum straight up in the air while on her elbows and toes! Current favorite activities include: reading books in the big green recliner, sitting on Mommy's bed and talking to her reflection in the mirror on the bedroom door, helping fold diapers and playing peek-a-boo with the diapers, any kind of peek-a-boo, chewing on anything, playing with Mommy's phone, and eating solid foods!
Clara has been a solid food maniac from the moment she tried her first bite of rice cereal. Actually, to be totally honest, I must confess that, several days before that first bite, she had a few tiny pieces of cooked apple at a friend's house. We were eating apple crisp and she was desperately trying to get a taste, so I bit off a couple tiny pieces of mushy cooked apple and gave them to her. They instantly disappeared! Rice cereal followed for a little over a week, and has now been joined by avocado, banana and butternut squash. Last night Luke and I had steamed carrots and green beans as part of our dinner and Clara enjoyed playing with a couple of green beans herself. She didn't get much, but had a lot of fun! I have yet to find out how much she would eat, as she always wants more, even when the bowl is empty. Tonight I refilled her bowl 4 times and finally stopped feeding her because it was bedtime and I didn't want her little tummy to burst! Who knows how long she would have kept going! Tomorrow we will try pears, and in the next few weeks will add sweet potatoes, applesauce, green beans and peas. I am loving making Clara's food and she is loving eating it, so we make a great team!
I want so much to make every moment count with this precious little daughter of mine. I always dreamed of being a mom, and she has made it better than I ever could have imagined. Each day with Clara is a gift; I wish there was a way I could crystallize these joyous hours and save them in a jar to pull out each one and remember in 20 years exactly as it was. But since I can't I do my best to enjoy them to the fullest right now. They go by so quickly.
Happy six-month birthday pretty girl! Your Mommy loves you more than you'll ever know!
Taken this evening, just after she pushed up on her toes. My happy girl. :)
While we won't know for sure until her doctor's appointment on Friday, I'm pretty sure that Clara has now doubled her birthweight and is right around 18 lbs. She also seems to have really stretched out just in the last few weeks - when she stands up now she looks so tall! I think she has her Daddy's height genes for sure.
She is an absolute joy these days. Her talking has really exploded and includes a lot more variety now - it's not just squeals anymore (a bit of a relief, as fun as they were!), but lots of babbling, raspberries, "ha bla bla," "fffff," "hvvv bvvvv," and high pitched "aaa aaa aaa aaa" singing. We've determined she's definitely a soprano. :) She loves sitting up on her own and rarely tips over anymore. She still hasn't rolled front to back yet but rolls back to front all the time and just tonight pushed her bum straight up in the air while on her elbows and toes! Current favorite activities include: reading books in the big green recliner, sitting on Mommy's bed and talking to her reflection in the mirror on the bedroom door, helping fold diapers and playing peek-a-boo with the diapers, any kind of peek-a-boo, chewing on anything, playing with Mommy's phone, and eating solid foods!
Clara has been a solid food maniac from the moment she tried her first bite of rice cereal. Actually, to be totally honest, I must confess that, several days before that first bite, she had a few tiny pieces of cooked apple at a friend's house. We were eating apple crisp and she was desperately trying to get a taste, so I bit off a couple tiny pieces of mushy cooked apple and gave them to her. They instantly disappeared! Rice cereal followed for a little over a week, and has now been joined by avocado, banana and butternut squash. Last night Luke and I had steamed carrots and green beans as part of our dinner and Clara enjoyed playing with a couple of green beans herself. She didn't get much, but had a lot of fun! I have yet to find out how much she would eat, as she always wants more, even when the bowl is empty. Tonight I refilled her bowl 4 times and finally stopped feeding her because it was bedtime and I didn't want her little tummy to burst! Who knows how long she would have kept going! Tomorrow we will try pears, and in the next few weeks will add sweet potatoes, applesauce, green beans and peas. I am loving making Clara's food and she is loving eating it, so we make a great team!
I want so much to make every moment count with this precious little daughter of mine. I always dreamed of being a mom, and she has made it better than I ever could have imagined. Each day with Clara is a gift; I wish there was a way I could crystallize these joyous hours and save them in a jar to pull out each one and remember in 20 years exactly as it was. But since I can't I do my best to enjoy them to the fullest right now. They go by so quickly.
Happy six-month birthday pretty girl! Your Mommy loves you more than you'll ever know!
Taken this evening, just after she pushed up on her toes. My happy girl. :)February 20, 2010
More Thanks
Tonight I am thankful for...
31. A sweet baby girl, healthy and growing.
32. The joy of watching her character and personality develop more day by day, month by month.
33. New milestones: rolling over, sitting up, eating solid food, recognizing a few familiar words and signs.
34. Squeals, chatter, raspberries.
35. First morning smiles.
36. A husband that brings in loads of wood to keep us warm all weekend while he's away.
37. A brother that calls from college to say hi.
38. A mother that finishes a love-project, long time in the making.
39. Great-grandparents that send valentine cards to their great-granddaughter (which she tries to eat and, in the process, gets glitter all over her face!)
40. Cousins who chat and make us laugh.
41. Grace. Both given and received. How much we all need it!
31. A sweet baby girl, healthy and growing.
32. The joy of watching her character and personality develop more day by day, month by month.
33. New milestones: rolling over, sitting up, eating solid food, recognizing a few familiar words and signs.
34. Squeals, chatter, raspberries.
35. First morning smiles.
36. A husband that brings in loads of wood to keep us warm all weekend while he's away.
37. A brother that calls from college to say hi.
38. A mother that finishes a love-project, long time in the making.
39. Great-grandparents that send valentine cards to their great-granddaughter (which she tries to eat and, in the process, gets glitter all over her face!)
40. Cousins who chat and make us laugh.
41. Grace. Both given and received. How much we all need it!
February 05, 2010
My Daughter's Eyes
I have always liked this song and now I can't listen to it without tearing up.
In my daughter's eyes I am a hero 
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me
gives me strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand around my finger
It puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes
I am strong and wise and I know no fear But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes
And when she wraps her hand around my finger
It puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer I realize what life is all about
It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes
In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes
January 19, 2010
Bagels!
I have been making our bread for a couple of months now, and really enjoying it. Luke really likes bagels but we don't get them often because at the grocery store they're expensive and not that good for you. So, I decided to try making my own! I started with this recipe, but substituted 2 c of white whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose. I didn't want to tweak the recipe too much until I had tried it once, so that was the only ingredient change I made.
I proofed the yeast, water and sugar for 10 min. or so, then added the salt, flour and a little garlic powder (Luke requested garlic bagels) and kneaded the dough. It was a nice dough to work with, not too sticky. After letting the dough rest for 15 minutes I divided it into 12 sections: six of these I rolled into balls and poked holes in the middle, the other 6 I rolled into ropes and pinched together to form rounds. I put all 12 on greased baking sheets and covered with a dish towel. Later I read this tutorial on allrecipes, and I'll follow their recommendations next time.
Then came the fun part! While the bagels were rising I put a big pot of water on to boil and added 1 tablespoon sugar. After they had risen I took the bagels, 3 at a time, and gently plopped them in the water.
Clara supervised,
and got to watch one batch boiling. She was fascinated! I think I have a little baker on my hands. :)
They boiled for 2 1/2 minutes on each side, and then got transferred back to the baking sheet with a slotted spatula. Once each batch was boiled I sprinkled it with a little garlic powder.
When they were all done boiling I put them in the oven at 375. They baked for just over 20 minutes, I'm not sure of the exact time. They sure made the kitchen smell good! When they came out, they were a beautiful golden brown - not quite as yellow as the picture looks.
Delicious!!! Nice and chewy with a slight crust, yummy for eating and perfect when toasted. I'm hooked! Next time I'll make a few more changes. I want to substitute honey for the white sugar and use more (perhaps all?) whole wheat flour. I also read a tip to use 1 tablespoon molasses in the boiling water instead of the tablespoon of sugar, so I think I'll try that, too. I'm thinking of all sorts of yummy flavor combinations - like walnut/flax/oat or rosemary/parmesan. Mmmm...
I proofed the yeast, water and sugar for 10 min. or so, then added the salt, flour and a little garlic powder (Luke requested garlic bagels) and kneaded the dough. It was a nice dough to work with, not too sticky. After letting the dough rest for 15 minutes I divided it into 12 sections: six of these I rolled into balls and poked holes in the middle, the other 6 I rolled into ropes and pinched together to form rounds. I put all 12 on greased baking sheets and covered with a dish towel. Later I read this tutorial on allrecipes, and I'll follow their recommendations next time.
Then came the fun part! While the bagels were rising I put a big pot of water on to boil and added 1 tablespoon sugar. After they had risen I took the bagels, 3 at a time, and gently plopped them in the water.
Clara supervised,
and got to watch one batch boiling. She was fascinated! I think I have a little baker on my hands. :)
They boiled for 2 1/2 minutes on each side, and then got transferred back to the baking sheet with a slotted spatula. Once each batch was boiled I sprinkled it with a little garlic powder.
When they were all done boiling I put them in the oven at 375. They baked for just over 20 minutes, I'm not sure of the exact time. They sure made the kitchen smell good! When they came out, they were a beautiful golden brown - not quite as yellow as the picture looks.
Delicious!!! Nice and chewy with a slight crust, yummy for eating and perfect when toasted. I'm hooked! Next time I'll make a few more changes. I want to substitute honey for the white sugar and use more (perhaps all?) whole wheat flour. I also read a tip to use 1 tablespoon molasses in the boiling water instead of the tablespoon of sugar, so I think I'll try that, too. I'm thinking of all sorts of yummy flavor combinations - like walnut/flax/oat or rosemary/parmesan. Mmmm...
January 07, 2010
Clara's Favorite Things
Clara is 4 months old now and has been growing and changing so much! At her 4-month checkup she weighed 16 lbs and was 25 inches long, in the 90th and 75th percentiles for weight and height for her age, respectively. She is a very strong, sweet, and interactive girl. Here are few of her new favorite things:
Although we are still struggling some with her colic, we are choosing to focus more on the sheer fun of getting to know this incredible little person and enjoying the character that she is. She brings us so much joy; we love being her parents and watching her grow. I hope you enjoyed these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them, although I doubt it! :)
Reading books with Mommy. Her current favorite is a cloth Mother Goose book that Mamaliz made her for Christmas.
Trying to sit up on her own (but she still flops).
Wearing funny things on her head (courtesy of Daddy).
Playing with the balls Gramma made her for Christmas.
Reaching for and grabbing all sorts of things, including her own feet on the changing table!
Although we are still struggling some with her colic, we are choosing to focus more on the sheer fun of getting to know this incredible little person and enjoying the character that she is. She brings us so much joy; we love being her parents and watching her grow. I hope you enjoyed these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them, although I doubt it! :)
December 31, 2009
6 years ago...
Luke proposed in a dark room, lit only by the Christmas tree lights, a couple of hours after midnight. I, of course said yes! :) It's been a crazy adventure these last six years; so far we've lived on opposite sides of the country, in three different states, and 6 different homes. Let's just say we'd be happy to drastically reduce that number in the next six years!
Looking back, it feels a bit like we've been on a roller-coaster. But despite the ups, downs, and wild turns (or, more likely, because of them), there's no one I'd rather celebrate the New Year with, no one I'd rather have by my side as we open yet another new chapter of our lives. I love you sweetheart! Thank you for all you are, have been, and are committed to being for me.
Looking back, it feels a bit like we've been on a roller-coaster. But despite the ups, downs, and wild turns (or, more likely, because of them), there's no one I'd rather celebrate the New Year with, no one I'd rather have by my side as we open yet another new chapter of our lives. I love you sweetheart! Thank you for all you are, have been, and are committed to being for me.
December 13, 2009
3 months old!
This is a little late, but Clara turned 3 months on December 2nd, it's hard for us to believe she's that old already! She is growing so fast, getting very big and acting very "old." Toys have become a lot more fun this month - she interacts with them and has a couple of favorites that she has long conversations with. Talking is old hat and she doesn't do a whole lot of it anymore, instead she has moved on to lots of squeals and screeches. :) She does not like leaning back against things anymore, she much prefers sitting up and will strain forward, trying to sit up on her own.
We had fun setting up a "studio" on our pull-out couch on her 3-month birthday and taking some special pictures in her Carhartt overalls (6-month size!). She was a great little model! Here are some of our favorites:
Clara had been a little gassy and colicky at night between 2 and 3 months, and it's gotten a little worse since right around 3 months old. We are working with her pediatrician to try and figure out if something specific is causing her discomfort or if it is just "colic" which she will outgrow. We are thankful for an overall healthy baby but would appreciate your prayers as we try and help our little girl be more comfortable.
We had fun setting up a "studio" on our pull-out couch on her 3-month birthday and taking some special pictures in her Carhartt overalls (6-month size!). She was a great little model! Here are some of our favorites:
Clara had been a little gassy and colicky at night between 2 and 3 months, and it's gotten a little worse since right around 3 months old. We are working with her pediatrician to try and figure out if something specific is causing her discomfort or if it is just "colic" which she will outgrow. We are thankful for an overall healthy baby but would appreciate your prayers as we try and help our little girl be more comfortable.
November 05, 2009
The days are filled with blessings...
16. A husband who comes home after a long day at work, takes the baby and shoos me away to "take a break."
17. The chance to play with my horse last night for the first time in a very long time. He was wonderful!
18. Difficult situations that bring us closer together.
19. A happy baby who is so expressive and communicates very well.
20. Good conversations with my very perceptive husband. I am so blessed by him!
21. Unity of passion and purpose.
22. More sleep the past two nights - amazing what a difference it makes!
23. 35 minutes outside in my gardens this evening, cleaning up the dead plants and getting the beds ready for winter.
24. Apple pie and homemade bread, fresh from the oven, and a husband who appreciates them.
25. Warm soup from the freezer, gift from Mommy before she left.
26. Watching Clara sleeping on Luke's chest, a picture of peace and contentment.
27. Middle-of-the-night feedings. Seriously. I'll miss them when she eventually starts sleeping through the night. So sweet, quiet and peaceful. Special moments with my baby girl.
28. The way Clara smiles as she falls asleep, particularly while nursing. Precious!
29. Listening to Clara laugh in her sleep in bed with me after Luke has left for work in the morning.
30. The absolute joy of motherhood - getting to spend priceless moments with my baby girl, watching her stretch and grow, seeing her expressions, learning her habits and ways of communicating what she needs, going about our days joyfully together. Every second is a gift that I wouldn't trade for the whole world.
17. The chance to play with my horse last night for the first time in a very long time. He was wonderful!
18. Difficult situations that bring us closer together.
19. A happy baby who is so expressive and communicates very well.
20. Good conversations with my very perceptive husband. I am so blessed by him!
21. Unity of passion and purpose.
22. More sleep the past two nights - amazing what a difference it makes!
23. 35 minutes outside in my gardens this evening, cleaning up the dead plants and getting the beds ready for winter.
24. Apple pie and homemade bread, fresh from the oven, and a husband who appreciates them.
25. Warm soup from the freezer, gift from Mommy before she left.
26. Watching Clara sleeping on Luke's chest, a picture of peace and contentment.
27. Middle-of-the-night feedings. Seriously. I'll miss them when she eventually starts sleeping through the night. So sweet, quiet and peaceful. Special moments with my baby girl.
28. The way Clara smiles as she falls asleep, particularly while nursing. Precious!
29. Listening to Clara laugh in her sleep in bed with me after Luke has left for work in the morning.
30. The absolute joy of motherhood - getting to spend priceless moments with my baby girl, watching her stretch and grow, seeing her expressions, learning her habits and ways of communicating what she needs, going about our days joyfully together. Every second is a gift that I wouldn't trade for the whole world.
October 12, 2009
Give Thanks
This is something I've been meaning to do for a long time. Starting things can sometimes be a battle for me. I want it to be the perfect time, the perfect beginning, to have time to write perfect, meaningful words. But the search for perfection often keeps us from accomplishing the good. This is something God and my wonderful husband both continue to teach me.
So, inspired by the woman who has had probably the greatest influence on my life of any, I make an imperfect beginning. My life has been so full of gifts lately I cannot remotely hope to list even a small portion of them. But I will simply dive in and begin this list of 1000 gifts, a tiny fraction of the innumerable gifts I receive daily.
1. Love. "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels, nor demons, neither the present, nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
2. A pastor who is willing to bare his own soul and reveal his weaknesses that we might better understand the love of God and what it means to show this love to others.
3. Prayers. Both of thanksgiving and of compassion for a sister who is mourning.
4. A godly husband, so undeserved, who loves me tenderly, passionately, completely, through thick and thin, good and bad, in sorrow and in joy, who shows me each day more of the love of Christ.
5. A beautiful daughter, true miracle, sweet gift from heaven. God is already teaching me much through her.
6. A greater understanding of the depth of love than I ever knew was possible.
7. Waking up each morning to smiles from the two people I love most in this world. Each of their smiles are precious and beautiful in different ways.
8. A little girl who smiles when I sing to her, who already has a love for music and sometimes even tries to sing along. :)
9. The gift of music and reasons to sing more in the past few weeks than I have in a long time.
10. A warm woodstove and the gift of wood from a friend to keep us cozy on cold falls mornings (and all winter long!).
11. The brilliance of a beautiful fall day in New England - crisp air, glorious leaves, warm sunshine.
12. Watching my little one sleep peacefully in her sling.
13. Seeing the expressions she makes as she wakes up.
14. Baby cries - communication from a daughter who is healthy and thriving.
15. Learning lessons about dependance and receiving from one so small and precious.
So, inspired by the woman who has had probably the greatest influence on my life of any, I make an imperfect beginning. My life has been so full of gifts lately I cannot remotely hope to list even a small portion of them. But I will simply dive in and begin this list of 1000 gifts, a tiny fraction of the innumerable gifts I receive daily.
1. Love. "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels, nor demons, neither the present, nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
2. A pastor who is willing to bare his own soul and reveal his weaknesses that we might better understand the love of God and what it means to show this love to others.
3. Prayers. Both of thanksgiving and of compassion for a sister who is mourning.
4. A godly husband, so undeserved, who loves me tenderly, passionately, completely, through thick and thin, good and bad, in sorrow and in joy, who shows me each day more of the love of Christ.
5. A beautiful daughter, true miracle, sweet gift from heaven. God is already teaching me much through her.
6. A greater understanding of the depth of love than I ever knew was possible.
7. Waking up each morning to smiles from the two people I love most in this world. Each of their smiles are precious and beautiful in different ways.
8. A little girl who smiles when I sing to her, who already has a love for music and sometimes even tries to sing along. :)
9. The gift of music and reasons to sing more in the past few weeks than I have in a long time.
10. A warm woodstove and the gift of wood from a friend to keep us cozy on cold falls mornings (and all winter long!).
11. The brilliance of a beautiful fall day in New England - crisp air, glorious leaves, warm sunshine.
12. Watching my little one sleep peacefully in her sling.
13. Seeing the expressions she makes as she wakes up.
14. Baby cries - communication from a daughter who is healthy and thriving.
15. Learning lessons about dependance and receiving from one so small and precious.
October 02, 2009
One Month Ago...
she made her grand entrance into our lives. After what felt like an eternity of waiting, her scrunched face and purple-red body appeared over the blue sheet separating my head and shoulders from the rest of my body. We only got a quick look before she was whisked to the nurses to clear her lungs and check her over to make sure she wasn't suffering any ill effects from her rather rough introduction to life outside the womb. For the next few minutes all we could hear were her shocked and somewhat angry wails and exclamations of delight from the nurses. And then, suddenly, there she was in Luke's arms, body bundled in a receiving blanket, head covered with a hat, and in between her big, blue eyes blinking in the bright lights. As soon as he held her she stopped crying and just stared at him, quietly flicking her tiny tongue in and out of her mouth and looking, taking it all in. It was like she knew that this was where she belonged, and she was saying hello for the first time face to face.In the month since then she has gained over 2 lbs., grown 2 1/2 inches, and firmly entangled herself in the heartstrings of her two adoring parents (not to mention grandparents and extended friends and family). We have gotten to know each other more day by day, and we have watched Clara change and learn and grow so much already! I will never forget the morning when, halfway through nursing she suddenly stopped, turned her head and looked straight into my eyes. For a full five minutes she simply lay still in my arms and we stared at each other. I moved my head and she followed, her eyes never leaving mine.
Or the morning a week later when, as we were walking around the living room talking, she looked straight at me again and her whole face lit up in a real, true smile. Sure, there had been fleeting smiles before, with her eyes or half a mouth, but this time she just smiled and smiled straight at me with her whole face glowing. Now, every morning after she wakes up and nurses we talk and smile at each other for a good ten minutes. Watching that beautiful toothless grin spread over her face is like seeing the purest ray of sunshine break through the clouds and shine directly down on you. It is a fresh miracle every morning.
Of course this month has not been all sunshine and rosy cheeks. Luke and I have both shed tears at times over our inability to stop her cries. We have felt like we could not go one more minute without sleep, wondered if we will ever sit down and actually eat a meal together again (either we just have bad timing or she has a sixth sense about when to wake up crying!), and felt more compassion than we ever thought possible for a little stuffy nose when Clara had her first cold this past week.
But these things are so minor compared with the gift we have been given. The gift of this beautiful, precious daughter of God - the gift of watching her grow, of seeing her smile, of hearing her learning to coo, of gaurding her, caring for her, and watching over her for an all-too-brief time before she one day takes off on her own into this world she is just now beginning to discover. It is sure to be a challenging journey, but we are so thankful for the opportunity to travel this road together we are looking forward with great excitement to the days and months ahead. I just pray they go by slowly, as this little girl is plenty big for me at the moment, and I don't think she needs to grow up any time soon. :)
August 25, 2009
Clara's Room
Here are some pictures of Clara's room, ready and waiting for our little girl! Valances for the windows and the crib bumper are coming with my parents when Clara arrives. Other than that we just have to hang pictures and get a laundry hamper and we're all set! Many, many thanks go to Grammie and Bapa for their generosity in enabling us to do much of the upgrading needed to make a beautiful room out of a dingy, dark space.
View from the door of the glider and beautiful curtains Mommy made.
View from the opposite wall of glider, closet and crib.
View from near dresser of crib and bookshelf, door is immediately to the left of the bookshelf.
View from closet door of dresser/changing table.
Now we just need a little girl to put in this beautiful room! :)
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