Christmas, New Years, Anniversary, etc.

The last couple of weeks have been packed full of so many travels and adventures, that quite frankly, I don't even know where to begin...and indeed, I don't think I shall even try to go into much detail, as the very thought is overwhelming.

So, I shall give a brief sketch of our adventures...

Saturday, December 18th, we had our first Christmas with Donald's parents and sister. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the day immensely (as I usually do when getting to spend time with my wonderful in-laws!). Danielle enjoyed the day too, especially since her kind grandparents gave her an exersaucer. :-)


I spent the next few days finishing up Christmas projects, such as Danielle's dress which I mentioned in my last blog... Isn't it cute?

I baked 82 cookies to take to family gatherings...


And did a whole assortment of other things. At last, it was all done, and we were off on Wednesday, the 22nd, to Tyler, TX to spend time with my Dad's side of the family. We stayed the night at Mama-Doll's (my grandmother) house, where she and Danielle had lots of fun playing together.

The next day, we went to my Uncle Fred (Dad's older brother) and Aunt Claudia's house, where we had our Christmas with them. Danielle had fun getting acquainted with her relatives.

We left there that evening, and came back home, where we slept and arose early the next morning to head to Sunset, TX to have a Christmas celebration with Donald's maternal family.
We then left there that evening, and came back home. The next morning (Christmas Day), our little family opened our gifts to each other, took some pictures...

...and then headed to my parents house for the remainder of the day. We had a lot of fun, and really enjoyed the day there. I loved giving the aprons I made to my sisters, and I think they loved them too. :-)

Oh, and my parents gave me a bread machine!!! I'm soooo thrilled!

The next day, we headed out to a town near Terrell, TX to have another Christmas celebration with Donald's paternal family. That finished, we were done with family gatherings for a few days... Whew! I took a few days off and rested, and then I had mine and Donald's family (parents & siblings) over for lunch on New Year's Day. Then, the next day, we went to my Granny and Grandpa's house (my mother's parents) for our last Christmas celebration with that side of the family. So, as you can see, our Christmas was a whirlwind of family gatherings. And, I must confess, I'm not ready for another long car ride any time soon. Danielle was a trooper, though, and I'm proud of her. :-)

Then, on Monday (Jan. 3rd), it was mine and Donald's 2nd wedding anniversary!! We celebrated the day by going to a sushi restaurant for lunch (yum!!), taking a nap with the baby, playing board games, watching a movie, and just being together. We decided this year not to take a trip anywhere, as both on our 1st anniversary trip and our honeymoon (both to the same place), one or both of us was sick with the stomach virus, and we decided we needed to break the trend and stay home (and hopefully not get sick!). Thankfully, we were both in excellent health for our anniversary, and enjoyed our day to the fullest. :-)

(For more pictures from our anniversary, go to this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=606803&id=596110155&l=9079c9d74f.)

Danielle turning 6 months old on December 30th was our other big event of the last few weeks. Using some coupons I had, I took her out to a studio to have a 6 month portrait taken. I can't wait to see them! However, I did decide that she needed some snapshots taken at home too... So here are a few of them. Isn't she a darling?

(For more recent pictures of Danielle, go to this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=606758&id=596110155&l=533ddecafe.)

I have spent the last few days trying to rest and recover from those very hectic two weeks, and today am finally feeling energetic again. I have several new projects in mind for the coming weeks and months (some of which include finishing a quilt and organizing my home from top to bottom), but will write more on those in the days to come, as this is already a lengthy post, and I have a baby who needs my attention right now. :-P

So, I hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and will write more later!

Blessings,
Melody

News for this week...

Just a quick update for y'all--which will probably be the last one until after Christmas...

On Wednesday, I officially finished all of my Christmas sewing, and have all the gifts bought, Christmas cards send out, house decorated, etc. This means that for the first time ever, I have practically two whole weeks to just enjoy myself and enjoy this time of year without all the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping (which I don't shopping like at all--unless I'm shopping for the baby, and then watch out!), and running hither and yon for different things.

Yesterday, I started cutting out a dress for Danielle. This will be the first dress that I have made for her. (I'll post a picture of the completed dress once it's finished.)


She had fun playing with scraps of fabric on the floor while I sewed.

I managed to get quite a bit of it sewn yesterday evening, and tried it on Danielle to make sure it was going to fit. I think she liked it--that, or she's a typical girl who loves trying on new clothes. :-P

Today, I did my morning chores around the house (dishes, vacuuming, laundry, etc.) sewed some more on Danielle's dress, and then my friend Rebecca came over with her daughter, Arielle. Our two babies had a fun time playing together. Although, at first, Danielle (who doesn't often have another baby to play with) didn't know what to think about Arielle, and just stared at her. But after a while, they both got to talking (as most girls do!), and seemed to make up their minds to be friends. It was rather cute. :-)

This evening I will go to my siblings' piano recital, and tomorrow begins Christmas for us (yippee!). We start with spending the day with Donald's parents and sister tomorrow, then Christmas #2 will be next Thursday with my Dad's family, with Christmas #3 on Friday with Donald's maternal family, #4 on Saturday (Christmas Day) with my family and Mom's family, and #5 on Sunday with Donald's paternal side of the family--with each one being in a different location. And yes, I know that's a lot of traveling, but at least we get to see everyone! I'm just hoping Danielle will survive all the long car rides--and be happy about it too. We shall see.

Anyway... If you don't hear from me before then, Merry Christmas, y'all!

Blessings,
Melody

Of Christmas Trees, Concerts, and Chocolate...

There is a song that goes as follows:
"Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things,
but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas now."

Well, folks, I must confess that as soon as Thanksgiving is over every year, this is the way I feel--especially now that I have my own home and tree to decorate. So, Thanksgiving weekend, my darling hubby graciously brought all the Christmas things out of the attic for me, and I spent the following day (Monday) decorating our humble abode. Danielle watched in wide-eyed wonder as I plugged in the lights on the tree. She wasn't quite sure what this all was about, but I'm sure she loved how shiny and sparkly everything was.

Danielle is very mobile now, and rolls ALL over the place. The day after I put up our tree, I left the room (with her on the floor) for just a moment. I no sooner left the room, then I heard her cooing and laughing to herself. Now, normally I love her cooing and laughing....but something about this time told me that she had gotten into something (other mothers probably understand this), so I rushed back into the living room to find that she had rolled underneath the Christmas tree, and was engaged in wadding up my tree skirt and kicking at the branches above her. However, it was all so cute, that I made a photoshoot of it. Here are some of the pictures.


Last Friday evening, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Choir and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performed Handel's Messiah. My wonderful husband kindly took me and our adorable baby to hear them. It was simply WONDERFUL. Every time I hear that majestic music, my heart soars as I think of the King of kings, Lord of lords, the Lord of hosts, the Messiah, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace Who came down at Christmas, took upon Himself "a form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

I believe every Christmas season should start out with hearing The Messiah. It helps put Christmas into the right perspective. After all, as the Grinch learned, "Christmas...doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

Now I have told you about the Christmas Tree and the Concert, so perhaps you are wondering about the chocolate...

Well, I just wanted to mention that I have such a wonderful, understanding, loving husband who makes sure I am well supplied with chocolate when I need it. Why, he even (at my request) will actually go into the kitchen and cook Chocolate Oatmeal Drops for me when I'm craving them (even if it means getting ridiculed by his co-worker, who says cooking is women's work). This he did for this past weekend, and then also brought home some chocolate from the store for me. It's just a little thing, I know, but it means a lot to know he was thinking of me (especially when he was going to buy Drano for a nasty plumbing problem [our kitchen sink kept backing up, and filling up the bathtub...]), and it helps to make the Season bright.

Anyway...there is a little blog entry to let y'all know what I've been up to lately. With my pro-longed silence on my blog, I didn't want y'all to think I'd fallen off the face of the earth, so to speak. But with trying to get all my Christmas sewing (I'm sewing presents for all my siblings) and shopping done, I haven't had an abundance of time to sit and write, if you know what I mean.

Now to get back to that sewing...

Blessings,
Melody

Perspective

Life can be so busy sometimes, and it's so easy to miss the little moments that really count for eternity. Life has definitely been that way for me these last few weeks.

During the middle of October, two of my dear friends came to stay with me for a week. And while this presented a little more busyness than usual, it also gave me some much needed, soul-refreshing conversation with fellow sisters in Christ.
In talking with Chloe and Joy, I was again reminded that there is more to the world than what revolves around the doings in my household. Souls are dying out there. Babies everywhere, every day are being murdered by the thousands as parents choose to sacrifice their children to the gods of Selfishness and Convenience. I look at my baby and marvel that anyone could be so heartless.

Then, on top of friends visiting, there was traveling to be done (first to my husband's family reunion, and then later to see some of my family), the daily/weekly chores of laundry, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, diaper changing, baby feedings, etc. It seems that there is never enough time to get it all done.

But yesterday morning, it hit me. I was so tired, and was holding my precious little baby who was wanting to be held, while thinking of all the things I needed to do: the bathrooms needed cleaning, there was grocery shopping to do, dishes to wash, laundry to fold, and the list went on. And here I was sitting here holding a baby who was only happy at that time if she was cuddling with me. I glanced down at her, and my heart melted. Her little face was tilted upward looking at me, while her hands clutched my shirt. Her eyes were filled with that baby-like trust, and she looked so happy and content to be sitting there in my lap.

It occurred to me, "You know, Melody, in the end, it won't have mattered if you always had a spotlessly clean house. But it will matter if you took out time to bestow on others--especially your own children." I then settled back and enjoyed an hour of cuddling with my precious little baby, and could not stop thanking God for her every time I looked at her.

And really, when Danielle grows up, I do not want her to remember her mother as one who was always so busy trying to keep the house "just so," that she never had time for her children. I want her to remember me as someone who loved her children, loved spending time with them, and who always had time to cuddle if they needed it. That is what will last--that is what will count for eternity. It's all about perspective. :-)


Blessings,
Melody

Thought for the day...

I just read a quote by Randy Alcorn (one of my favorite modern Christian authors), and found it really thought provoking, so I thought I would share it.

"God says, "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Rom. 12:9). This passage presumes we know the difference between good and evil. But in a culture that so often switches the price tags so that what's valuable looks worthless and what's cheap demands a high price, this doesn't come naturally. We must regularly withdraw to Scripture and ask God's Spirit to train our minds and consciences."

So true... May God grant each of us the discernment to know the difference between the valuable and the worthless--the good and the evil.

Blessings,
Melody

Life...with baby. :-)

Life with a baby can be quite challenging. However, it can also be rewarding. At times I am overwhelmed by the amount of things I have to do, and it makes me wonder how my Mom managed with 8 children...of course, by the time she had that many, I was able to help with a lot of the responsibility.

There is a never ending pile of laundry to wash--especially since I use cloth diapers. With feedings around the clock, other tasks tend to pile up, waiting to be worked in to the baby's schedule. Often as I sit and nurse, I look around and see the dust bunnies in the corners, the sink filled with dishes, the floor that needs mopping, and I wonder how I'm to get it all done. But then I look at my sweet Danielle's face, and remember that as long as I care for her and make sure her needs are met, that my day is not wholly wasted.

Danielle is growing quickly, and it seems every day she accomplishes something new. Last week, she started reaching for and grabbing the toys that hang over her play mat. We were both very happy at this feat. :-) Yesterday, she came soooo close to rolling over on her own, but unfortunately, her elbow got in the way due to her sucking on her fist.

She now is aware of things going on around her, and definitely recognizes her Mommy and Daddy. Yesterday, she greeted her Daddy when he came home from work with a big smile, and a laugh or two. She smiles when I talk to her, and coos and kicks happily when I look at her. She definitely loves her parents--and we love her. I do find it funny that when I'm around, she wants me to hold her. Yet when Daddy is around, she is content to lie in front of him and have him talk to her.

I am constantly grateful for the wonderful little swing that my grandmother gave me. Danielle enjoys her swing so much, and will remain happy in it almost indefinitely (until time to be fed or have her diaper changed). The last few nights this week, I began bringing her swing into the kitchen with me when cooking dinner, so that she'll be able to see and talk to me while I'm working. This arrangement has worked out nicely, as she stays happy the whole time I'm cooking, and I can actually get work done without having to stop and cheer her up.

This week, I started a fast pace exercise program called "Walk at Home." It is a DVD with an instructor on it who teaches you how to walk in place, combined with aerobic exercises that you can do while you're walking. With these different combinations, I can exercise the equivalent of jogging a mile in about 14 minutes. You see, I am quite determined to get back into shape and be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again as soon as possible. So, while Baby takes her morning nap, I stand in the living room sweating away (it really is quite the workout!) and burning calories. :-) Hopefully I'll start seeing results soon--results other than sore muscles, that is. :-P

So, between baby care, and trying to clean the house and cook meals in between, I stay very busy. Some days it doesn't all get done. I'm just grateful for a healthy baby and a loving husband who never walks in the door and gets upset with me because there are dishes in the sink, or the laundry didn't get washed, or I didn't manage to make it to the grocery store that day for something he needed. I married a most understanding man. :-) And, for his sake, I do try to always work one thing into my schedule...I always make sure to fix myself up every morning, so that he doesn't have to come home to a sloppy looking wife. I think men can sometimes forgive the mess if they have a well kept, clean looking wife. So, faithfully each morning, I fix my hair and throw that makeup on, and dress neatly so that he won't ever have cause to be ashamed of my appearance. And so far, it seems to be working. ;-)

Life is busy indeed, but the little bundle of joy God added to our family (who is the cause of this busyness) is definitely worth it. I wouldn't trade her for a spotless house or all the money in the world. I love my little blessing, and thank God daily that He bestowed her upon us. I love seeing her smile at me, feel her hand stroke my cheek, getting "baby kisses" (which is basically her placing her open mouth on my cheek), having her clutch on to my shirt, seeing her Daddy totally enamored with her, and knowing that my task of sustaining her life--which began while in the womb--is not yet completed, and that for now, I am her sole source of nourishment. :-)

I have a Supreme God, a loving husband, a beautiful, happy baby, a cozy home. I'm fulfilled as a woman. :-)

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:3-5).

Blessings,
Melody

The baby has arrived!

Dear all,
Most of you who read this blog have already heard this news. But for those of you who haven't, I am now the mother of a beautiful baby girl named Danielle Grace. She was born on Wednesday morning, June 30th, at 9:22 a.m. after 53 hours of labor. Yes, I know, it was long--and very painful too.

I woke up Monday morning, June 28, at 4:00 a.m. to a contraction. "This is different," I thought. As time went on, the contractions got more intense, until I finally woke my husband at 6:00 a.m. and told him that I was pretty sure I was in labor. I called my midwife and parents a few hours later to inform them. My parents insisted on coming over right away, and took me and Donald out for lunch to Panda Express (at this point, my contractions were not so intense as to keep me from eating, and I needed to keep my strength up). We then went to Costco to get some things we needed, and also so that I could walk around for a while, to try and speed things up. At this point, my contractions were coming about 8 minutes apart.

The midwives arrived that evening, and thus began the long vigil. The contractions were quite painful, but were coming irregularly. Finally, after a long and exhausting night, my midwife told me that I was experiencing Prodromal Labor, and that the baby was posterior. She suggested that I take Benadryl (to help stop/slow down the labor) and try to get some sleep, while she and her assistants went home to get some sleep. I did as she suggested, and woke up 2-3 hours later in full blown active labor (wow, were these contractions even more intense!). I informed my husband that he needed to get the midwives back. They returned, and after 16 more hours of the worst pain I've ever experienced, our little daughter finally made her appearance.

God was so gracious to me during that time, and did indeed give me grace for each contraction. There were many times during those 53 hours, when I was so exhausted that I just knew I couldn't go through another contraction. But when it came, I cried out to God for strength, He gave it, and I somehow got through that one. Christ's words in John 16 are so true: "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world." And truly, when my wonderful midwife handed Danielle to me for the first time, I started laughing and forgot all about the pain of the last few days as I held my little girl. She was definitely worth it!

Since then, I've spent a lot of time resting and trying to recover from the birth, adjusting to motherhood, feeding my baby, and loving her. While I am more tired than I used to be, I am completely happy, and love my little snuggler. :-)
Anyway...there's a brief update for y'all. I'd write more, but alas, due to having a baby, I'm afraid I don't have much time to sit at a computer. :-P

I've included a few pictures in this post, but for those of you who don't have Facebook, and want to see more, here's a link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=375725&id=596110155&l=9033e2ec45. Also, here is a link to some photos taken by Photographer Hope Helms when Danielle was just a week old: http://www.hopesphotoblog.com/?p=1046. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Melody