Grace for our children...

While I was still pregnant I had this disillusioned dream of how perfect our son was going to be not only physically but he was going to be as close to Jesus perfect as a human can get. Of course, this was prideful sin on my part for which I have repented. I have also learned, especially in the last couple weeks, how as parents we need to have grace for our children and their faults or bad habits. This last week we have completely weaned B from nursing. A week ago tonight he nursed his last time. It was bittersweet for me. That was our time together. Time that could not be duplicated by anyone but momma. It has been a difficult transition. He still wants to nurse; particularly at night time. We have had a hard time getting him to sleep. My husband has slept a few times on the couch with him. I couldn't sit in the rocker with him because that is where I nursed him. It is so easy to get frustrated at times like this. But I find myself thinking what it must be like for him. I mean the thing that comforts him most we are taking away from him. I haven't come up with a good substitute yet. He is too young to understand why we are doing this or how it benefits all involved.

Tonight as I was rocking him to sleep (for the first time in a week I was able to do this without him trying to nurse or screaming his head off because I would not let him)I was reminded by God of the Grace He has for His children. As a parent, I need to emulate that grace. I need to have grace for B as he struggles with this new transition. I need to have grace as he learns that he should not do something and what No means. I should continue this grace as he grows up and even into adulthood. Now I am not saying that there will not be consequences for his actions if he knowingly and repeatedly does something wrong but neither am I going to browbeat him as he is learning. There will be a learning curve for both him and myself; since we are both new to this. But I am going to try to discipline and disciple (ever noticed how close those words are; I accidentally put disciple first and kept it because it fits too) with the grace and unconditional love God shows us as His children. I am not perfect and I will make mistakes but I pray that God will help me with this and teach me. I am going to try to have an open and willing heart.

PS:
I have learned just how much nutrition he was getting from nursing. He, in the past week, has developed a veracious appetite. Can we say bottomless pit!!

Where have I been?!

It's been awhile. I haven't put up the blog or the pictures that I promised. I have fallen into that kind of blogger. I am not sure what has happened. Wait yes I am! I have a toddler and rarely have a free moment to compose thoughts to put on my blog. I am going to try to do better.

Halloween---a little behind

So yes this blog is a little behind and of course I am sure everyone blogs about Halloween so here is mine. I remember as a kid I loved Halloween, the candy, the costumes my mom made, and the excitement of it all.
I can honestly say I don't so much love it anymore. As a matter of fact not at all really. I have never been one for the scary which is what the majority of people try to do for Halloween. I don't like the movies or the costumes. And this year if it hadn't been for the fact my grandpa bought my son a Tigger costume at a yard sale, he probably would have gone without.

I just don't feel the hype of it all anymore. I am not all that bent on taking B trick or treating door to door unless it's in a neighborhood I know well. This year we did however take him to the Kids' Costume Party at church. They have an AMAZING Halloween alternative. They have inflatables and lots of candy and games. This year the themes was a Knight's Adventure and the church was turned into a medieval castle. This is where we will be taking B every year. They had a room specifically for the ages of 4 and under. There were miniature inflatables for babies to play in and a ball pit. B loved the ball pit. He didn't want to get out. He had been fortunate enough to test it out the previous night when we were setting up for the event.

So while I am not to crazy about Halloween in general I will let him dress up and attend the costume party. But he cannot be anything scary or evil. That's my rule and I am stickin' to it!

Hello 7:00am!

Yes, I realize it isn't 7:00am anymore but it takes me about an hour to wake up. Soooo, Hello 7:00am! It's nice to get reaquainted. Even if I am doing this begrudgingly. You see, I am a night owl and well my son used to sleep in until about 8:00am or 8:30am. Apparently he heard about this other really fun time of day called, 7:00am. So let's be friends again 7:00am but don't expect me to talk to you or be coherent until 8:00am or 8:30am show. It will just be less awkward that way! Bye for now.....see you tomorrow......maybe! :)

Tragedy

I am facing a bit of melancholy today. A lady I met a couple of weeks ago at a jewelry show I did lost her 22 month old son this weekend. They found him in there family pool. We prayed so hard and had hopes for a miracle but it just wasn't in God's plan I suppose. I didn't know the lady well obviously but I had just met her and her children. I could picture his little face as I prayed for him. I don't know if I have ever prayed harder for anyone. When I found a few days later that he had not made it my heart ached so much and I just wanted to cry. I found it odd that I was grieving a child I barely knew. I, however, believe I have figured out why I reacted so strongly.

First off I had just met them so they were fresh in my mind. Secondly, he was only 9 months older than my own son. I can't imagine the complete devastation the family is going through until I think about how I would feel if the same thing happened to B. Words can't even express how I would feel. I know I must give this to God and not dwell on it or live in fear that something could happen to my precious boy. I am just going to love, hug,and kiss him a little closer now. Because even though he has his whole life ahead of him nothing is guaranteed. God has his plan and purpose for B's life. I give him to God for protection and care.

Baby boy's birthday party

It was a success YEAH!!! The birthday boy was energetic and on the move:



He loved his present from momma and daddy:



The Mickey Mouse cake I made turned out decent:



I also made him his own little individual cake to devour:



Only he didn't so much devour it as he played in it:



Overall I say it was a good time had by all! Especially the birthday boy. Speaking of the birthday stay tuned for a retrospect of his birth and first year of life! I can't believe I have a toddler now :)! It's been quite a year!

Pictures in my blog

So I have decided I am going to put some pictures in my blog! But you will have to wait for that post because I am going to use my baby's birthday party as the inaugral event. Oh and I will document the cake making process as well. Should be fun!