How Time Flies!

Happy 2 months, Baby Claire! 

We are so thankful that the Lord sent you to us! 

Weekend of Blessing

My friend, Julianne Jordan Butler, is expecting a little boy - Jeremiah Luke - at the beginning of January.  Claire and I were able to go to Birmingham this weekend for Julianne's baby shower.  What a wonderful time we had celebrating the upcoming arrival of baby Jeremiah and visiting with some dear friends.           

me, Jessica, Julianne, Linn & Liza

...and baby Jeremiah!

These precious girls and I have so many childhood memories that will forever make me smile (and many, down right belly laugh! :) and will always be stored in the "priceless" section of my heart.  I love these girls and I'm so thankful for their consistent love and friendship throughout the years, despite distance and time between "connecting."  I love the instant comfort and kindredness that we share - no matter how long it has been - as if we have never been apart. They are all godly women who love the Lord and are serving Him with their lives.  I am so thankful that Claire was able to meet these women who have had such an impact on her mother. :)  

I praise the Lord for His grace in allowing each of you to be a part of my life.  It's an honor to call you friend.  

Look Alikes

So often when I look at my little girl, images of John David as an infant come to my mind. Here are a few photos that I have taken of Claire that remind me of some I took of John David.  I thought I would share a few, although there are so many photos in which I think they resemble.  

My Precious Children

Oh, how little time there is to update a blog these days!  There is so much that I want to post; so many pictures and updates, but even now, there is no time for all of that.  So, I decided to put a few pictures of my precious children that were taken recently, on Claire's first Sunday going to church. 

my little girl

she's growing so fast

sweet feet

singing and playing his heart out!

my big boy

I hope to be able to post more before TOO long!

Fun Friday!

I have a date tonight with this man!  Needless to say, I am pumped about this much needed time with my husband. . . and grateful for parents that live so close to keep my babies!

5 Weeks of Claire

It appears that she has slept for 5 weeks . . . do not be fooled! :)

1 week old

2 weeks

3 weeks

One Month

5 weeks

For 5 weeks now I have known the grace           

Of looking into your precious face

And learning its lines – when you sleep, when you cry

And when you’re wide awake, trying to focus your eyes.

 

Although I’m tired and overwhelmed at times,

I know how quickly the days are passing by.

So I’ve resolved to enjoy each moment with you,

For I remember with your brother how this “baby stage” flew!

 

When you are crying and sometimes hard to console,

At times I cry too, and I already know

That it is just the beginning of tears we will share –

A sweet closeness with you, that is my prayer.

For one day a big girl you will be!

I pray you will share your heart with me . . .

All your joys and struggles, laughter and tears;

Through it all know that I will be here,

In every circumstance that God ordains for you

During the time that you are passing through

A world that is often so unkind.

Oh, my child, may you learn in time

That all of these temporal things will pass;

Only what is done for Christ will last.

So I pray you will make Him alone your Treasure,

For life in Christ is the only true pleasure.

And though you are only 5 weeks old,

It excites me to think what is down the road.

But what’s down that road, only the Lord knows.

So I’ll take a deep breath and hold you close

And continue to look into your face

And savor the joy of God’s kind grace

Of having a little girl that belongs to me;

Ever since I can remember, I have hoped this would be!

 

Little Claire, you are so sweet,

And I love you more with each day that we meet.

To watch you cross your hands under your chin

And as you sleep, to make those little grins

That have now turned into smiles that are real . . .

Each time I see one, my heart is thrilled!

When you stretch and pucker your little lips,

I can’t help but give you kiss after kiss!

I love your eyes, your ears, your round face, and your nose,

Your tiny feet and your little toes,

Your dainty hands and your soft, pretty hair . . .

I’m so thankful for you, my sweet little Claire.

With Love, Your Privileged Mother

Adoption

I made a post a couple of days ago entitled "Rejoicing with those who Rejoice!"  I hope that you were able to read about my friend Amber and the process of adopting her son that has just been completed.  Here is the link to Chad and Amber's blog if you have not yet read their story: 

http://chadamberandjames.blogspot.com/   

I encourage you to take time to do so.   

 

Click HERE to read of yet another beautiful story of adoption.  Our friends Kenny and Jana Cook recently adopted two precious boys from Ethiopia.  The account of their new life with these precious boys, and the process that it took to get them, is all wonderfully documented on their blog.  (Also listed as "The Cooks" on our blog list.)  May your heart be blessed, encouraged and challenged by reading about this newly established family of four and the ways that God is providing for them.  How beautifully they are displaying the gospel of our own spiritual adoption through this literal picture.  We praise the Lord for the Cook family!