the matts…

Presley and I have so much fun hanging out all day! We read books, we talk, we play with audio, visual, and sensory stimulating toys… We just have a great time. She has really been liking her little play gym. It plays Mozart, has great contrasting colors, a mirror to look at herself in, and does all kind of fun things. Here are some pictures from our play time yesterday (and yes, I know she looks just like her daddy):

Parents: What was your baby’s favorite thing to play with or be entertained by when they were this age? What are some toys or items we should get for her when she gets a little older?

After MUCH prayer, much conversation, many sleepless nights, a daycare fiasco, and laying it all down before God, we have decided that I will stay at home with the baby rather than pursue certification this summer. It has been a difficult decision. It’s so hard to decipher feelings and emotions from God’s will for our lives. The LRCE program seemed like such an obvious choice by the wisdom of man- I had blown the tests out of the water, interviewed well, gotten accepted and even had enough extra money to pay tuition. Once I finished it, I would be set for life in the teaching realm… and teachers in EBRP are even rumored to be getting a pay raise this year! But no matter what people think or say, and no matter how financially secure we could have been, I am to rely on God’s power, not man’s wisdom (1 Cor. 2:5).

I LOVE teaching and especially love the kids. I do feel that God put me back into the classroom this year for a reason. Maybe it was to touch some little lives, or reignite the passion in me for inner city kids… Whatever the reason, I loved every minute of it and feel so blessed to have been able to do it. I still do feel called to teaching as a career, but right now I also know I am not supposed to be a career mom during this season of my life.

One of my favorite quotes is by an amazing author, Erwin McManus: “When you fear God and nothing else, you discover the freedom to pursue great adventure.” I could fear what people will think, or that we won’t have enough money to make ends meet, or a thousand other things associated with this decision. But today I stand fearing God and Him alone, knowing that I am living in His will and not for the praises of men. I can’t wait to see the adventure God has in store for me and my family!

People keep walking up to us and saying, “I don’t remember my child ever being that small.” It definitely makes me want to cherish every single moment with her… I just want to stare at her all day so I won’t forget what she was like as a teeny baby. I swear she grows and changes every day and looks like a completely different little girl than the pictures that were taken in the hospital. It’s only been six weeks! I look exactly the same as I did six weeks ago! Here are some recent pics of our sweet angel:

Parents: What is your favorite memory of your child when he/she was a newborn? What advice do you have for us as parents of a brand new baby?

Today I brought Presley by my school to show the principal, some of the teachers, and all my kids. It was fun to get to show her off to everyone who had only ever known me since I’d been preggers. All the kids were amazed that my tummy was gone, so I had to explain that once the baby broke out there wasn’t that much left. Tonight I have my orientation meeting for LRCE. I have such mixed emotions about going back to work. I miss the students and today’s visit reminded me why I love them so much. I definitely know I am called to impact the lives of inner city children. But I feel in my heart like right now I am supposed to stay home with Presley. Since the day she was born I just knew I couldn’t leave her… People told me it would wear off and I’d be ready to go back, but I am still not. I am still trusting in God and in His timing because right now we aren’t in a financial position for me to not work.

I’ll update you tomorrow how tonight’s meeting goes Keep us in your prayers!!

I had an amazing first Mother’s Day thanks to my incredible hubby, amazing child, and wonderful family. It was a day full of my favorite things. We woke up and Chris took the baby so that I could relax in bed a while longer as he cooked me breakfast. During breakfast he gave me a very special gift- matching engraved bracelets for me and Presley! We went to church and heard DeLynn speak an awesome message on happiness. It was the baby’s first time and she loved it My mom and Grammy met us there, which was such a treat! Then we had a killer steak lunch at Primo’s and opened lots of fun presents! After an amazing nap (thank you, baby Pres, for sleeping!!) we went for a stroll around the neighborhood. We got home just in time to watch the finale of Survivor where my old friend, James, won the title of Fan Favorite and $100,000 for the second season in a row!

Thank you to everyone who called and texted me to wish me a happy Mother’s Day. It was truly an amazing day and I am SO blessed. It’s unbelievable. Thanks especially to my amazing life partner who made the day extra special for me. I love you!

Check out some recent pics: