Believe it or not.

Do you see it?  Do you see that birthday ticker right above this post!?  Can you even believe that our sweet little bug is almost ONE!?  If you're anything like Mike and I- you can't.  This past year has gone so quickly, I feel like I've had to be so intentional about stopping.  STOPPING.  And soaking in the moments.  I've tried to STOP.  and watch as Mike reads a story to Tenley.  STOP.  and watch how she lights up when we walk into a room.  STOP.  and hear the sound of her giggle.  Not just idle, but stop.  These moments will be gone before I know it.  More will come, more precious than the last.  But I'll never get this time back.  And that makes this mama a bit weepy (big surprise I know).

So, I'll continue soaking it all in and embrace the new milestones and challenges that come with it.

We are in full birthday party planning mode!  So far I'm coming in under budget.  It sure will be close though! We are so excited to share Tenley's special day with so many of our friends and family.

Calming Fears

Last night we had a storm roll through.  Around 11:45 there was a very loud crash of thunder!  It felt like it was right in our backyard.  I woke up in a panic and realizing that the windows were all still down all over the house! So I woke Mike up and we quickly (and very sleepily...yes sleepily) shut all the windows.  Right after the thunder sounded I heard Tenley cry, but I shut all the windows and then ran into her.  She was awake, kind of whimpering in the far back corner of her crib.  She was sitting there wide-eyed.  The thunder must have scared her to death!  I picked her up and hugged her telling her everything was ok and mommy was right here.  She laid her head on my shoulder and closed her eyes.  I could have stood there all night like that.  I wanted to soak in the moment.  It was the first time that I felt like I could really calm her fears.  I laid her back down and as I watched roll over and fall back to sleep, my mind raced in fast forward.  I skipped ahead mentally and could see little Tenley running into our room during a storm saying "mommy!  daddy!  I'm scared!  Can I sleep with you!?" I could just see Mike and I looking at each other with a defeated look like "How do we say no to that sweet face!?" as we make room for her in the middle.  I smiled as I laid back down thinking about how I love this job of being a mommy.  I love that for now, I have all the power in the world to calm her simple fears.  As she gets older- I know her fears will become greater and I'll have to give up so much of that control to God.  But for now- I thank you God for letting me have nights like last night.

11 months

Here's what Tenley's been up to this month!
-You're wearing 12-18 month clothes.
-Size 3 diapers
-You are eating oatmeal and about 5 oz. of a bottle for breakfast (the rest of your bottle goes in your oatmeal) and then for lunch you get a fruit and veggie of baby food.  You almost eat both jars!  You get an afternoon snack, usually applesauce or yogurt.  You love yogurt!  Supper is the time when we try lots of table foods!  You really like macaroni and cheese!  Here's a picture of you eating it for the first time.

There was most likely more on your bib, seat and lap then in your mouth- but you still loved it.  You've also tried toast, spaghetti, chicken, lots of fruits and veggies and of course ice cream! :)  Then you have a 7 oz. bottle before bedtime.
-You take two naps a day.  One in the morning for about an hour and a half and one in the afternoon for about two hours.  You go to bed at 8:30 and are such a great sleeper!
-Your bedtime routine:  we take a bath most nights, and then read a short story.  You love to give the animals kisses in the books!  Then we pray together and I lay you down.  You usually turn over on your left side and go right to sleep!
-You have 8 teeth, with more looking ready any day!
-You are cruising along the furniture.  You have stood alone for a couple seconds, and you really want to walk, but haven't alone yet.  You love to walk behind your walker though.  Here's a video of you doing that.

We love you Tenley!  You're ONE year birthday will be here before we know it!

Remains of Summer

The summer is almost over.  Time just really got away from us and before we know it, September will be upon us and our sweet Tenley will be turning one.  I'm not sure I've accepted it yet, but I know it will come whether I'm ready or not.  She's still my baby, but some days if I go to check on her during her nap, I'll just watch her sleep and I think "She's getting so big.  She looks so long in that crib.  She's looking more and more like a toddler, and less like a baby."  Our sweet little girl is growing up.  Remember on the show Saved By the Bell they used to do a TIME OUT!  That would be nice some days.  I just want to remember every moment.  Her sweet sounding jibberish.  I'm sure she has amazing stories to tell.  The way she says "tickle tickle tickle" or laughs until she gets the hiccups.  That's why I appreciate this blog, it's my way of remembering.

August and September will be very busy!  My best friend, Trina, gets married this weekend!  So this week brings a flurry of bridal and wedding activities!  I can't wait to do each one and share in this moment with her.  My new Thirty-One business is keeping me very busy, and I love it!  I now have three jobs that I love so much!!!  My part time job at the district office, Thirty-One, and being Tenley's mommy!!

I hope everyone is enjoying the remains of summer!!  I'll be putting up an 11 month most soon, and then some of Tenley's one year pictures after that.