Saturday, August 21, 2010

The over-due post...



It's been quite awhile since I wrote last or even visited my own blog. And now reading back, I left on quite a sad note. So let's restore happiness and lighthearted conversation...

I've written dozens of posts in my absence. I promise. My only problem? They never make it out of my head and into writing. Laziness? Perhaps. However, I like to think of it from a perfectionist point-of-view. I like to think that there are no perfect words to describe what I see. The words I write in my head are those only I can fathom; only I can understand. By writing them down, words, images and happenings get lost in translation. It's like watching the movie prior to reading the book. One or the other never lives up to your expectations.

So for you avid readers, the one's who read the book first, this one is for you.

Life. It's been a whirlwind lately. A beautiful colorful whirlwind of work, baby laughter, baby steps and crisp cool summer rains.


I was sitting on the floor playing with my baby a couple weeks ago and I realized something that made me both giddy with joy and slightly saddened; Amaias is growing up.


I knew it was bound to happen. I never put a brick on his head or stunted his growth with coffee. I never fed hm that special "keep baby a baby for forever" magic pill. And really, I am so thankful I didn't. You know why? I have been given one of the highest honors of motherhood. I have witnessed some of my favorite "firsts" yet. The first bite of solids, the first scoot around the living room floor on his hands and knees, the first attempt to stand alone, the first few steps and of course, the first face plant. But the most fun has come in learning his definitions for certain objects. Let me enlighten you:


Definition: An informal term for a father; the person who has whiskers that make it difficult to kiss on
Word used: Daddy

Definition: A highly variable domestic mammal (Canis familiaris) closely related to the gray wolf
Word used: Daddy

Definition: A female parent; maternal tenderness or affection
Word used: Daddy

Definition: What provides amusement or enjoyment; a mood for finding or making amusement
Word used: Daddy


Apparently, I have much to learn about the English language. We have made it so complex and far too deep. Why can't the this language solely consist of the word "Daddy"? Daddy, daddy. Dada daddy dad. Daddy daddy daddy da. It might just solve the language barrier; little children might read more often; it would empower the imagination- ignite a flame and open up a whole new world in the eyes of children and adults alike. Just a thought.


Another sweet and tender moment, brought to you today by Amaias. Introducing the whisper. It is heartwarming. He has learned to whisper ever so tenderly the word "this". In a world of wonder and new environments this little life approaches, Kelly and I are infatuated with introducing new objects and new sounds as we quietly say to him, "Amaias, what is this?" And he quietly responds by whispering, "this". I am reminded of this verse when I hear him softly and gently respond to me. "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4. He has such a gentle, quiet spirit. Something that I know I once had but almost daily find myself searching my heart for. I thank God for giving me such a treasure and such a wonderful son to learn from. May we all learn to be quiet once in awhile. Just listen. Absorb. Evaluate. Just be still.


Now, don't let the whispering fool you. If need be, Amaias will gently yet soulfully inform you of his excitement, (or lack there of), in an object. Thank goodness the giraffes at the zoo were not too phased by his squealing...

We began our zoo adventure with none other than the giraffes. I felt like a kid in a candy store while watching Amaias feed them. It was priceless. This kid has no fear.

Some days are like ice cream.
Sweet, refreshing and by golly, one of the finest gifts given or received.
This day was just that.


Notice how tenderly he gives the cracker and how gracefully his fingers flair as he brings his hand back in the last picture. He is gentle. Until he decides to drum. I mean, really drum. On everything...


We are all convinced he will be a drummer some day.

I'll leave you with these last few pictures from our family photo shoot taken by none other than my dear friend, Abby Mortenson. You can check out some of her beautifully unique work here




There you have it. The over-due blog. I know I could just keep going but it's been a few days now working on it and I know that if I don't end now, it may turn into a novel instead of a blog post. 

I know I have such a beautiful life. Many lessons learned; many I'm still trying to understand. But thankful nonetheless for each moment I have been blessed with.
Ephesians 3:14-21
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."