Memory

We went to the pool the other day and as I was in the water holding Keenan tight in one arm and Elliot in the other I wished I could bottle up a moment.  We were splashing around and squeezing as tight as we could and throwing out heads back with laughter and I just wanted to keep those few fleeting minutes.  The feel of their warmth, their little arms wrapped tightly around my neck, the warmth of the sunshine mixed with the coolness of the water, the sound that their little giggles made complete with their breath on my face, the fullness in my heart at getting that time with my incredible boys.  So many extremely precious moments like that are priceless.  Although you can take pictures to remind yourself of all that was, it is a mere reflection.  It can conjure up only a fraction of the experience and things felt at the time.  I could never describe fully the joy I feel when Lucy crawls to me and lays her head in my lap, the feel of her soft fuzzy head under my hand as I play with her hair.  The feel of kissing Elliot's soft full cheeks.  His chubby little arms wrapping tightly around my neck and pulling me down for one last "nuggle" good-night.  The weight of my precious kids' head on my shoulder as sleep won the battle and they drift off in my arms.  The saltiness when I kiss them good-night before I head to bed because of the little beads of sweat on their foreheads.  Having my whole lap full from Keenan snuggling up to read a book together,  The feel of one of my kids taking my hand as we walk together.  The taste of Craig's kiss and the feel of his arms strongly around my waist.  There are a million things that are only known by experience and only ever fully experienced in the moment.  I can remember thins all day but it's only a memory.  A thought that brings emotion, but not the 5 senses.  It makes me think that these things too are yet another thing pointing us tot he cross and His ultimate glory. "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known."  1 Corinthians 13:12.  Much as it is for me remembering, looking back at the dim pictures, the joy of heaven, the Glory of the Lord, the abundance of the love of Jesus, the immense power of His Kingdom are only seen and understood in part.  So much is lost in our human understanding and sin.  It makes me look forward to the day when all will be full and known and complete and bright all the more!!

O-N-E!!!

Hard to believe that our tiny princess is one already!!!  It has been a whirlwind of a year and she has brought so much joy in the midst of the chaos and times of struggle.  Lucy Mae is such a sweet little girl who blesses others like no other.  My friend Flora and I have laughed and been amazed at how she really does reach for others right away and she seems to be drawn to those in need.  For example, she really does love the guy who comes to work for us, Ange, and smiles readily at him as soon as he arrives, but she does not go to him that often.  At the end of November, Ange's brother passed away and it was a really hard time for him.  Right after Ange had heard about his brother his disposition changed and he was obviously broken with the news and continued like that for days after.  One of the days where it was very hard for Ange, I was holding Lucy as I greeted Ange and Lucy LUNGED over to get into Ange's arms.  His whole face lit up and he just snuggled her for a minute, told her he had to get back to work and attempted to hand her back to me.  Lucy clung to Ange with all her might and refused to be let go.  This made Ange laugh for the first time in days and was such a source of joy for him in that moment.  Another day as we were waiting in line at the Nigerian embassy and struck up a conversation with the man behind us.  For some reason, Lucy again lunged to get over to the man.  I dont know this man's story at all, but as he held her and she laid her head on his shoulder, his eyes filled up with tears and he said over and over, "Oh, thank you Lord!"  She is beautiful and energetic and fun and we adore her!!  She makes her brothers squeal with laughter with ease and has non stop facial expressions.  Here are some pictures of us celebrating twice with her and her one year photos.  

We got to celebrate with my dad when he was here a week before her actual birthday which was great! We had some carrot cake and presents and she was excited!  

Singing happy birthday

first tastes of icing

Mmmmm!!

Getting ready to open presents

Checking out her pile of treasures

She got some cute new clothes from my Mama

Pops helping with the tearing

Birthday number two on her actual birthday, yesterday.  Craig said he was convinced Lucy needed German chocolate cake this time.  Convenient since that's his favorite, huh?!

Singing again!

Now she's digging in!!!

But still trying to act a little like a lady :)

Here are her pictures from her one year photo shoot.  The first round of shots we tried to take we ended up not so great.  She was too tired and therefor not smiley or wanting to sit in one place without being held.  But this afternoon we had our giggle monster back with her endless expressions!!

This dress was her little birthday dress. :)    I made it for her with some left over material from some skirts that my mom made for me.  Dont look too close at everything, the stitching is a bit crooked again :)

She has started standing on her own for just a few seconds, but still is not strong enough to take steps on her own.  We'll get there!

And there you have it!!!  Our little princess baby!  Happy one year, baby girl!!