GIfts: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

#44...driving home from Church and realizing that you held your baby boy once and your little girl's hand twice as they were loved so much by extended family
#45...a long walk together in the sunshine, exploring new paths
#46...popcorn on the floor

#47...burrowing snuggles in the neck from my son
#48...God's care for friends who seem far away
#49...hearing "Gang-ku Jesus por the bright stars..." at lunch and "Twinkle, twinkle little star..." from the tub at the end of the day

#50...meeting new faces
#51...old friends that are like family
#52...meals shared

#53...our girl who loves art and is delighted when given paper, markers, and glue
#54...our son who is talking, bouncing, laughing, growing
#55...the Hope of Heaven

#56...a husband who says, "Go...the kids and I will be home tonight."
#57...friendships where you can pick up where you left off
#58...quiet roads

#59...the hum of the washer
#60...passports
#61...a last minute coffee with friends

#62...messages, texts, emails, phone calls
#63...Skype
#64...my favorite: frozen lemon cheesecake

At 5 months, Joel...

...weighs 17 lbs 3 oz and measures 26 1/2 inches long
...had a 'restless' month.  Sleeping seemed out of whack and just not the same level of happy and contentment from months before.  Maybe it's all part of changing and growing into little boy from baby as we seemed to skip the newborn stage :).
...started rolling over from tummy to back the day after his 4th month birthday and has done it a few more times this month.  Showing us his strong tummy muscles, he'll also pull up his legs and toes to roll onto his side.
...will give everyone a smile and grin from ear-to-ear when out and about.  Pretty much like this:

...like to munch on his bottom lip or thumb.
...loves being outside.  He'll usually fall asleep in the stroller when we go for a walk or out sledding.  ...is enthralled with the Jumper-oo and the toys all around him.  He can really rock in the bouncy chair too by using the toys like gymnastic rings.

...is quite the little, slippery fish.  Kicking, splashing, smiling, and enjoying bath times without a fuss. 
...gave his Susa the first deep belly laugh.  As the mama, I felt a bit gypped but the relationship that is growing between them is amazing!

Remembering

Death. Grave. Winter.

Life. Hope. Spring is coming.

Gifts: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

{We will spend part of February and March away from home, so postings in the next little while may not be so frequent but I will record here when possible.}

#32...being a part of a group of toddlers and moms singing together at the Library; can't help but smile
#33...a spontaneous-just-because-trip for lunch with my sister and beautiful niece

#34...flipping the calendar and realizing the month for traveling adventures is here

#35...new books from the Library
#36...hearing "You are the most beautiful Queen I've ever seen..." from my sweet daughter when I needed a pick-me-up
#37...sharing tea with friends from school

#38...contagious, deep, belly laughter
#39...a fridge with leftovers
#40...soothing cough drops

#41...a generous husband who cares for us
#42...homemade pizza for supper
#43...quiet in the evening