Eating my words

As most of you know Lee and I decided not to find out the sex of the baby until it was born. So we had 9 long months of people asking us and debating with us on what I was carrying. When they were done offering their opinions, I would usually add that we wanted a boy and if I did have a girl she would NOT be a Girly Girl.

Again as you know God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl and we couldn't be happier! However, I am now eating my own words and as not to be a hypocrite, I’m retracting my previous statements on having a girly girl.

I can’t help but dress Miriam in pink. At first it was out of necessity; to prove to the public that the bald bundle of joy I was toting around was in fact a baby girl and not a boy! (Since the pink blankets didn’t give it away, I guess). Then it became habit to buy her pink clothes specifically with bows, flowers, butterflies and other girly looking things.

Secondly, I began planning her big girl room. This project was provoked because Lee pointed out that Classic Winnie the Pooh (even though it is my favorite!) isn’t very girly or boyish for that matter. So, I set my sights on making her future room bright, cheery and girly. It will be mainly pinks and greens with lots of flowers and of course butterflies. That’s not too girly is it?? ;o)

Now since I have control over clothes and room decor it still does not mean Miriam is turning out to be a girly girl or so I thought. It was the other night; after watching Miriam play around, when I realized that I have a girly girl in the making. Here is the list that brought me to a change of mind and heart.

Clothes = √: Last night she got into my closet and began digging through all my tank tops. Once she picked the two she liked best, she dragged them around the house until bath time, when I had to distract her and hide them.

Shoes = √: MJ also has a fetish for her shoes. They never stay on her feet for very long. She enjoys holding them and today’s shoes of choice were her new pink converse. (At least she has good taste, thank you R&R).

Fashion Accessories = √: Two nights ago, I caught Miriam carrying her pink purse around the house. She loves this purse (again a thanks to R&R)! Today she wanted to wear the pink bracelet and every time I would put it on her wrist, she would hold up her arm smiling.

Makeup and Polish = √: Well, not really makeup, but anytime I put on my chapstick she leans forward for some. And I am the guilty one who got her into polish. For her birthday, I painted her toenails hot pink. I can ask her, “Miriam, where are your pretty pink toes?” And she lifts up her foot to show me. :o)

I have officially admitted to myself that I was wrong and that my mom, mother-in-law and all my girly girlfriends were right: it is fun having a little girly girl and I love it! (And that maybe a part of my girly side is coming out too).

Also, MJ is practicing to be the next Coppertone baby model.

all we need is the dog and a tan for my white girl.

Birthday Girl and Movers

First, our little Miriam Jade is no longer an infant. She had her first birthday on the 9th. Here she was trying her first cup of whole milk. It has taken a few weeks for her to get used to it, but I think she is beginning to like it. She is also eating so many new foods and really enjoys feeding herself.

Miriam has been walking like crazy. The only thing she is having a little trouble with is standing up without holding on to something, she is quick to get frustrated with herself. She will crawl to the wall or couch pull herself up and the take off. Once up, she can walk from room to room.

This week she has had a bit of a fever, we think it might be due to teething, so she has been clingy. Which has been semi nice because normally she isn't one to cuddle with us. Yesterday she sat curled up on my lap with her head on me for ten minutes! (heaven on earth) I do feel bad for her, but I am totally into the extra loves.

I am amazed at how fast she is picking up on things lately. It may seem small, but she can go and get something if I ask her for it. For example, when I say, "Miriam were is Brown Bear?" She will put her palms up and shrug as if saying "I don't know" and then will waddle to wherever she put it last and get it. :o) I am a proud mama.

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As many of you know with the events of last year we really wanted to be closer to the majority of our family, friends and to church. Which lead us to house hunting last September. After looking at nearly 15-20 different houses (maybe more I lost count), putting in 4 dead end offers, and walking away from a moldy house, the Lord lead us to our new home, "Leila". Now we are blessed to be 5.28 miles from my sister, 2.55 miles from my dad and 1.27 miles from Lee's brother. :o)

We truly believe God had his hand over the last 4 months. Everything about this house fell into place. He orchestrated everything from finding this house, handling the bank and signing the papers, to move in day. All it took was our complete trust in His plan and timing, not ours. With that being said, this is not our house, BUT the LORD'S! And it is our prayer to always use it for his glory. For we have nothing without Him.

Count Down

We are approaching a momentous occasion in our little family... Miriam Jade will be turning 1 in 8 short days. As her birthday approaches I can't help but reflect on how much she has changed our world. We thank God for her daily, for she has brought us so much happiness over this last (not so happy) year. Her smiles and laughs fill our hearts with pure JOY!