I’ve had lots of random thoughts running through my head and finally am getting time to blog about them! So much has been going on!
First of all… a story of God’s interest in the tiny things of life. The fall of 1998 was the first year I didn’t teach. I had a lot more time to shop for bargains than when I was teaching and one of the things I found was this darling Christmas outfit. It was on clearance on Target and I thought it was just the cutest thing! It is white quilted material with lace on the collar and wrists. It also has cute red bows on the feet and lace on the behind. I bought it, knowing that if I didn’t use it myself it would make a nice gift. I knew the chances that I would have a girl and at the right time of the year and that she would be the right size at Christmas… Well, the chances were remote. Eight years later, here is my little Caroline wearing that outfit. Not only does it fit her, it fits her just perfectly and she’ll be able to wear it through the month of December. Coincidence? Maybe. But I think God cares about little things like this.
This was a good reminder because lately I’ve been tempted to feel like God hasn’t been caring about some of the big things in our lives. I know He does and I’ve experienced too much in my life to doubt this, but the temptation to discouragement is there. David was one of three finalists for a senior graphic designer position at a regional bank office, but we found out last week that he wasn’t selected. On the one hand, we were disappointed because it would have brought some stability to our lives. But on the other hand, our hearts are still in having him work at home full-time so we were hopeful that maybe God still has that desire for him as well.
Today I vacuumed the whole house. Myself. That might not sound like a big deal but it has been the better part of three years since I have been able to do this all by myself, completely pain-free. I was never so happy to vacuum in my entire life!
We’re finally getting around to sending out birth announcements. I mean, Caroline is only almost ten weeks old! Yeesh. We designed them ourselves and have decided to send them out with our Christmas card/letter. It will just be easier. As soon as we get them sent out, I’ll post one here.
Speaking of baby stuff… I had my final shower last week. The ladies from church were more than generous. Caroline will be the best dressed girl in town for quite some time. She also received books, toys, and three lovely handmade blankets. Each one is completely different and I like each one for different reasons. I have to admit to feeling a little twinge of sadness as I opened the last gift, knowing it was the end of that part of my life.
Speaking of babies… You will never realize how squeaky and creaky the floors of your home are until you bring home a new baby. Enough said.
Usually the first question people ask about the baby is whether or not she sleeping through the night. Well, she has technically slept through the night twice, but nothing consistently. However, I am in agreement with the bib I saw at Babies R Us recently. It said, “All mama wants for Christmas is a silent night.” 🙂
Speaking of what mama wants… I think I have determined what is the most challenging part of motherhood to this point. (I’m sure it will change in the months and years ahead – many times.) It isn’t the sleep deprivation. After all, I can always have another cup of coffee and keep going! No, it is the inability to do what I have planned to do. It doesn’t matter how motivated or excited I might be about doing something. If it doesn’t fit into the day with the needs of the baby, it doesn’t get done. Frankly, I find this frustrating in the extreme. (Just being honest here.)
Today has been one of those days. Other than vacuuming, making meals, keeping the kitchen cleaned, and shoveling snow I haven’t accomplished diddly squat. Well, that’s not true. I did go to Target to get more Christmas cards and also accomplished some Christmas shopping (unexpectedly) while there. And I did work on finalizing Caroline’s birth announcement with David. But that’s about it. I am continually learning how to work VERY QUICKLY when I get the opportunity. When Caroline is happy and David is keeping an eye on her, I move like a tornado through the house to get as much done as I can in the short amount of time allotted me. I’ve always been pretty efficient, but I’m learning to take it to new levels! 🙂
Have a great evening!
