Patience

I am now 3 weeks from my due date, but those 3 weeks seem like a year! At the beginning of this pregnancy, my doctor said he would be very careful about watching Sydney's weight to make sure I could have a baby under 9 lbs. this time. I know he is doing what is best for Sydney and for me, but the next couple of weeks are going to just drag by. I need to see joy in the fact that I have 3 more weeks to spend with just Gracie Claire. She is always able to put a smile on my face even when I'm in the doggiest of moods! It's amazing the gifts God gives us through our kids!

Anyways, I'm praying for patience and am taking solace in the fact that I've been given a healthy and whole baby girl. God's timing is best and I need to wait on Him.

Brrrrr...

Even though I'm completely Texan when it comes to the weather, meaning I think I'm freezing when it's 60, I still have to laugh at how people freak out when the weather actually turns into "real" winter weather. All of my extended family live up north and deal with this kind of thing through most of winter. They actually go to school and work when there are flurries and "wintry mixes!" Shocking! (Sarcasm intended!)

I have loved getting some real winter weather. The snow that we had was an extra perk, even though it lasted like 15 minutes. Gracie Claire loved it! We got all bundled up (minus one missing mitten that we had to substitute a sock for) and even accessorized for playing in the snow! She is very into her purple purse with the pearl strap and pink sunglasses.
Needless to say, the mitten came off as fast as it went on so she could feel the snow. As soon as she was done feeling it, she started eating it. Several small handfuls made it into her mouth. It must have tasted great!

I just love the fact that snow fascinates my sweet girl! It's such a gift to be able to realize how I need to remember to take joy in things like snow days and "wintry mix" days!

Pics of My Girl I Have to Share

Christmas

Christmas was great this year! We were able to spend time with all of our family (except for my extended family, who I miss a ton!) Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, but it has definitely gotten better since having Gracie Claire. I get a huge kick out of watching her take everything in. I can't help think about how exciting it will be when she really gets what it's all about!

My parents (BigPa & Gigi) got Gracie Claire a rocking horse as one of her gifts. It's pretty cute. She probably got the most excited when she saw it come out. It sings an old western type song when you squeeze it's ear. The song gets a little creepy sounding after you hear it 45 times in a row.
Well, I hope everybody had a great Christmas and time with their families. I'm sharing some of my favorite pics from Christmas (which I have to say, are way to hard to format and put on the page where you want them once they're uploaded...I must be missing something, because I don't think I'm that much of a tard...seriously!)

New Year, New Stuff

Since we've gone from 2006 to 2007, of course I'm thinking about all of the new things that this year will be bringing. I know I could stress over every little thought that runs through my head, but 2006 showed us just how faithful God is in meeting our every need. What's the point in worrying or making sure that every little detail is perfect in my eyes. I know that God takes care of the details for us. So, what are the new things that will be happening in 2007?! Here's the list:

• God has blessed us with another daughter, Sydney Hope, who will be here sometime in February. (Her due date is the 20th, but I can hope for earlier can't I?!)
• Gracie Claire will be turning 2 on February 14th. These past 2 years have been such precious times with our little girl. What a huge gift she is to her Daddy and me! I always knew I wanted to be a Mommy, but I never knew the blessings that being a Mommy could bring until Gracie Claire showed me!
• Many friends will be having (or already have) new babies. I love the fact that my girls will have so many great kids to grow up with.
• Paul and I will have our 6th anniversary this May. It's amazing how fast 6 years goes by! I am so blessed to have been given such an awesome husband as Paul is. He is so patient, kind, loving, the best Daddy to our girls (yes, even the one who isn't here yet) and my very best friend! I definitely don't deserve him. His amazing faith in the Lord is what holds our family so tightly together. When I start to worry and doubt, Paul is always there to remind me that God is in control.
• Caleb and Sandra are making us an uncle, aunt, and cousin again in June! We can't wait for that little bundle to get here!
• Our nephew, Parker, will be turning 3 in April. It seems like we were just all gathered in the hospital shoving for our turn to get to hold him. He's becoming such a big boy!
• Gracie and Nkere will be celebrating their 1st anniversary in February. We're proud of both of them.
• My parents will be celebrating their 32nd anniversary this year! What an example their marriage has been to all of us!
• Paul and I have become involved in the "Barney Ministry" at church. It's a neat ministry created to provide encouragement and support for new Christians. We're really excited about it!
• Our church is making some big changes that I think are going to be exciting as they follow what God has called them to do!

I know there are so many more things that I could list, and even things that will be added to the list as the year goes along. I'm excited to see what God has in store for our family this year.