What a Blessing!

I have not been feeling the best the last 5-6 days. Just a no fun head cold, but I have only been over the last cold for a couple of weeks. I had planned on going to my parent's church for their pinewood derby that Dad was in charge of. Mom offered yesterday to take Lily for a day with Grandma after the derby was over.

I was hesitant at first, because Lily has been having sleep issues (probably one of the reasons I got sick again so soon - not enough sleep). Boy, it was a treat. I was able to stop at a store I can NEVER take Lily in. I came home, rested, paid bills, balanced the checkbook, got the house straightened up, tried to learn how to work Steve's new phone, and did the vacuuming. All of this without having to worry about Lily.

I absolutely CANNOT thank you enough Mom. This break really energized me and while the cold is still lingering - I think I will finally start getting better. BTW, Lily stirred last night at midnight and didn't wake until 7:45 am. WooHoo!!!!!!

Lots of "1 Year Ago" Moments

One year ago right now we were somewhere over the vast expanse of Canada. We were just a couple hours into our flight. We had such a wonderful experience in China! We loved every minute.

The Great Wall, Brea's heart transplant, so many moments. It was a wonderful walk down memory lane as I read some of my post on the yahoo group about our trip.

Pics

I finally figured out/stumbled upon the fix to our picture problem, so here are a couple. You probably don't want to know what is in the bag. I suppose it'll get out eventually. I was scooping the yard (yes - cleaning up after our dear puppa) and Lily insisted on carrying the bag. It was the best way to keep her occupied while I worked. That was better than her getting curious and picking it up herself!

Easter Picture

This is the best I could do. She was a WIGGLE-WORM! Miss Christie, this is the outfit you gave her a year ago! She finally can fit into it.

Yesterday we went to the early service. There were only 2 kids in the nursery including Lily. She was definitely less stressed. It is going to take some getting used to as it is VERY traditional. Nothing wrong with that - we just prefer a more contemporary service.

More, Money?

We were packing up getting ready to come home from the beach. Steve wanted to send some of his meal money home with me (we took a lot of food from home). He handed Lily a 50 dollar bill. She immediately signed and said, "More!" I tried to get her to repeat the performance for the camcorder, but she was more interested in trying to see herself on the screen.

Myrtle Beach Pics

Not too much beach time as it hovered around 60 the whole time we were there. At least it didn't rain! We did use the indoor pool everyday. Lily even learned to swim. I actually missed that evening. It was our last night and I stayed behind to get dinner ready. Steve said that one thing lead to another. She was wearing the yellow and purple floaty suit that Grandma R got for her last summer. She would jump off the steps and then "kick" her way back all the while keeping herself upright!

*Our connection with blogger.com is having problems. I will add more pics tomorrow.

Today is one of those days!

Lily is doing okay. Just feeling a little frustrated. Yesterday, was a dry run for Lily at the Papet's house ALL day. I went on a field trip with the class that I am going to be subbing for in late April. She did beautifully. Even napped without ANY fuss. I guess that is one of the reasons that I am frustrated. Why does she go down so easily for Marty and not for us? I am thankful that she enjoys spending time there!

Myrtle Beach, Here we come!

Steve left about an hour ago to meet the team bus. Lily and I will be leaving sometime tomorrow. I am hoping around noon. The furry children have been delivered to Grandpa and Grandma R's house.

I will most likely not have access to the internet. Last year, Steve and I found the local library, but that was before Lily. She won't tolerate waiting for Mom and Dad to check their e-mails.

I need to go. Lily is napping and I have a few things that I want to get done before she wakes.

Interview

For those who don't know: Steve has an interview Monday at JMU related to his application to their Physician's Assistant Program. Pray God's peace will be evident and His direction will be clear. Will let you know when we know something!

Climbing Table?

Today I found Lily on top of her changing table. The last couple of days she has been trying to climb her bookshelf, so I shouldn't have been surprised. What I didn't do was take a picture!

The changing table is now in our room ready to go up in the attic. We've been talking about taking it up there, but this was the last straw. Her crib will most likely soon follow as she has been sleeping on the twin mattress on the floor all week.

Pictures!

Thank goodness there wasn't much plastic wrap left on the roll!

We were in the kitchen and found Lily just like this. She had climbed on top of the dining room table and put Daddy's glasses on all by herself!

Lily insisted on putting her new outfit (from G & G Woof) on over what she was wearing. She is kissing their picture they sent in the Valentine's pkg.

That's what everyone wants to see right? Sorry for going a week without posting. I have been trying to pare down my computer time in favor of more sleep and getting more stuff done around the house. Mostly due to Lily's sleep current sleep issues.

It has been over a week since she slept through the night, now. Truly God is giving us each what we need. Yes, we are still praying for her sleep pattern to return to normal, but we seem to be doing better. We may be getting a twin bed sooner rather than later.

The Yuckies

Well, the computer has been back for 5 days and I am no closer to being caught up on blogging. Lily and I both have felt pretty "yucky" this week. In fact, most of it is a blur. Steve has been gone for 52 hours and is due home in 5 more. I am soooo thankful that he hasn't be gone longer.

Thanks Mom and Dad for helping with Lily last night! I stayed with them overnight. Lily woke up at 12:ish and didn't go back to sleep until 5 this morning. Let's just say that it was not one of my finest moments as a mom. Mom and Dad made me go to bed at 3 and they stayed up with her. Lily and Grandpa R have a special relationship.

I felt like an utter failure at the time. To be frank and honest . . . I started comparing myself to other moms (especially those with more than one child). I felt awful for not being able to take care of and meet the needs of one let alone more.

The rest of the day went remarkably well for this being the 2nd night in less than a week for getting 3-4 hours of sleep. She had touble going to sleep for her nap and "night, night." She is currently asleep in our bed with my hopes of making a successful transfer to her crib in a little bit.

We went to a birthday party this afternoon for an adult friend and Lily played outside for nearly 2 hours. We then went grocery shopping. Thank you God for sending a peaceful spirit over Lily during that time. As we were pulling out of Wal-Mart, I got what I call a hug from my Lord and Savior! Phillips, Craig, and Dean's "Mercy Came Running" was playing. Most of the song was over. This is exactly what I heard when I turned on the radio:

Past all my failures to the point of my need
When the sin that I carried
Was all I could see
And when I could not reach mercy
Mercy came running to me

Sometimes I still feel so far
So far from where I really should be
He gently calls to my heart
Just to remind me

Past all my failures to the point of my need
When the sin that I carried
Was all I could see
And when I could not reach mercy
Mercy came running to me

Music has ALWAYS been very emotional and spiritual for me. That's why I usually only listen to Christian music. Not because the other is necessarily evil, but I want to build my spirit up. Thank you Lord for your mercy. I know I need it now!

This has turned out way longer than I ever intended! If you are reading this tonight, please pray for rest for all of us in the Woof house. I know Lily and I will not be getting any better unless we get rest. Steve will be getting home around 2 am.