Rain, Rain Go Away!

With all this rain, Tenley and I thought we might need to build an ark.  We decided once we build it, we will sail away to a much warmer place where she can wear her cute new swimsuits and get a nice summer tan!

Amazing...

This was on tv this past weekend. God is doing great things and hopefully he reached some people that will influence others in a BIG way!

Waiting here for You

Yesterday, I got Tenley's Easter dress out along with all the coordinating accessories. Shoes, bow, socks, etc. I was so excited to see her in everything. I tried everything on her to get a few pictures, since I know that Sunday morning isn't going to allow me much time to do so. As I was dressing her I realized that I've been so caught up in making sure that Tenley's ready for Easter with her little shoes and clothes that I forgot the real reason for Easter. It's not about dresses, bows, or making sure we all match on Sunday morning. It's all about HIM. Jesus died FOR ME! FOR TENLEY! FOR MIKE! What did we ever do to deserve that?! Absolutely nothing. But He did it anyway. This weekend, that's what we need to celebrate. That Jesus died for us and rose. The best part? His promise to come back. Last Sunday we sang a song at church that made me remember how excited I should be about His return. Sometimes it's easy to get wrapped up in the worldly things. Like, wanting to see Tenley grow up or get married, etc. But what I really want is for Jesus to come back and take us all to Heaven to celebrate together so that Tenley never has to feel heartache, pain or suffering. We can all be together FOREVER!

So until then, we remember:

7 Months!

Happy 7 months Tenley Ann!



First time at the park!

Yesterday we met Corinne and Eli at the park.  Eli and Tenley both experienced the swings for the first time!  I get so excited when I realize that Tenley is doing something for the very first time.  It's easy to take advantage of that feeling when we've done something over and over again!  Tenley loved the swings.  It even put her to sleep after a little while.  I'll have to remember this :)
Here's what Tenley is up to right now!

-You are still in size 2 diapers.

-Tenley, you're eating 7 oz. every 4 hours.  Plus at lunch and dinner you have baby food!  You're favorite is applesauce and bananas!

-We tried mac n' cheese baby food yesterday and it was NOT a hit.  You gagged and then cried when I tried to give you more!  You might like the real thing better when you get older!  Mommy didn't think it smelled very good out of the jar either!

-You are spitting up much less than before!  You don't have to wear bibs all the time anymore!

-Which also means you are drooling less! 

-Your bottom two teeth are coming through at a quick rate!  They are almost all the way through.  You look so cute with those two little teeth, but it makes me realize how quickly you're growing!

-You LOVE the stroller.  We go on lots of walks when the weather cooperates.

-You sit and play with your toys by yourself so well!

-You are wearing 6-9 month clothes!  We can't find any jeans that fit you!  You're so long and skinny that they all fall off of you or are too short!  I have a feeling this might be an endless struggle as you get older! Your 6 month onesies still fit, but many of your 9 month outfits fit you too. 

We are so excited for summer with you Tenley!  You have two cuuuuute swimsuits, a couple pairs of sunglasses and of course alot of adorable outfits that will keep you cool in the sun! You are one amazing little girl Tenley and Mommy and Daddy can't get enough of you!  We love you!



Summer

I know one little girl who's very ready for sunshine, warmer temperatures and summer!

New sunglasses for our little lady!

I can't wait to take her swimming, go on walks, play at the park and enjoy many summer cookouts!

Anxiety

I doubt that I'm the only new mom that has dealt with this.  I really doubt that I'm the only new mom who has tried to hide this from others.  Through my prayers though, I've been feeling that I need to be more open and transparent about what I'm struggling with.  Ever since Tenley was born- I've been so scared, I mean absolutely terrified, that something bad would happen to her.  I thought that this would pass after she was done with the newborn phase.  But it hasn't.  I still struggle with A LOT of anxiety about this.  I fear that someone will come in to the house at night and take her.  I fear that I'll wake up in the morning and she won't be breathing.  I fear that she will get so sick and won't make it.  Yes, I know these are real, actual fears from many moms.  Especially first time moms.  But sometimes- it consumes me.  I work these scenarios out in my head that something awful is going to happen.  Usually I can talk myself out of it enough by reminding myself that God is in control.  He knows the number of hairs on her head and her days with us.  He has it all planned out.  But sometimes, on nights like last night, my fear completely overwhelms me and I just hold her and cry and beg God to let me see her grow up, get married, have children of her own.  Why am I so anxious about something happening?  Maybe because we've experienced loss in our own family of this magnitude.  Maybe it's because I can't help myself from reading blogs about people who are experiencing this loss right now.  (I know I need to stop!)  Or maybe it's simply, Mike and I now have a much greater responsibility than just ourselves.  This little, sweet life now depends on me!  Will I teach her the right things?  Will I discipline her the right way?  I never want to disappoint her.  Will she learn from my example to love our Savior?  It's a heavy weight to bear, but something I wouldn't change for anything!  Something that I will never, ever doubt though- is that Tenley will never have to wonder how much her Daddy and I love her.  She will always know. 

I've confided in my husband and my parents about these anxieties.  My dad gave me some helpful sayings and verses on fear and anxiety.  I thought I would share a few.  Just in case I'm not the only crazy, anxious mom out there :)

"No one can pray and worry at the same time.  When we worry, we aren't praying.  When we are praying, we aren't worrying.  When you pray, you "stay" your mind on Christ, resulting in PEACE."

"Two types of voices command your attention today.  Negative ones fill your mind with doubt, bitterness, and fear.  Positive ones purvey hope and strength.  Which one will you choose to heed?  You have a choice."

"We take every thought captive so that it is obedient to Christ."  2 Corinthians 10:5

God is able to accomplish, provide, help, save, keep, subdue...He is able to do what you can't.  He already has a plan.  God's not bewildered.  Go to Him.

The next time life's problems seem about to overwhelm me - I need to remember this advice from Peter:

"Throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are His personal concern."  1 Peter 5:7

Photoshoot

Tenley and I decided to have a photoshoot today!  She was having so much fun playing that I just had to get my camera out.  Here's a few of what I took.

 Look at those teeth coming in!

Today she got her six month shots (a little late), plus a flu shot.  She had to get three shots, so the last two were not fun for her once she knew what was going on.  It doesn't matter how many times she has to get shots, it never gets any easier for me!  But luckily after next month (she has to go back for another round of the flu shot) we don't have to go back til after her birthday!
She will be 7 months old in 3 days!  She's growing so fast!  I love every stage she goes through, but I think this has been my favorite!  She has the cutest little personality. 

Cookies

Last week Tenley went to her Great Aunt Patty's house and played with her and Lindsey while Mommy was at work!  She had a great time.  Lindsey did a great job of documenting the highlight of her day.  Tenley made cookies!  I think she probably liked biting the spoon more than anything, but Daddy LOVED the cookies that they sent home with her.  He ate them all before I even got home from work!  I'm sure we'll have plenty of baking experiences together as the years go on!  I'm so grateful for a family that loves spending time with Tenley as much as we do.