One Year

My Lily baby is one year old today. It was a great day. She had her cake and ate some, too! I look at her and can't believe its really been a year. She has changed my life completely!

I remember when I got married thinking I never wanted girls. Then when I found out I was pregnant with her I was pretty much convinced she was a girl. I was fine with that. When I had my ultrasound and saw that she was my Lily, it was like instantly I had this special bond with her.

One year ago today (let me tell the story so I never forget) I went in the hospital for our planned C-Section at 12:30. We were prepped, asked a gazillion questions, and finally wheeled back to the OR about 2:45. The tech had some trouble getting my spinal in. I remember how badly it hurt and how it completely scared me to death (Was I supposed to feel every move they made?). I said to myself "if this pain only lasts 10 minutes, it will be so much less than most women go through to get their babies." Finally Dave came in the room which means everything was going smoothly. I felt them tugging, I heard their words (they had a discussion about Tubal Ligation, I interrupted them making sure they weren't planning on doing that!) Then she was born.3:22pm Oh, my! I was breathless! She was so tiny! I expected this big girl... she was tiny and SO beautiful! I couldn't believe how much love I had for her. That thought has never gone away. Her personality is so sweet. She loves to hug and cuddle and snuggle up close. She loves to listen to me wisper in her ear. She loves one on one time. She loves to play, to eat, to follow her brother. And it seems that she will always be a love-er. She seems to love life, even at 1 year old.

She's walking, talking, and is still so tiny! I can't believe how she's made me into such a girly girl! I am SO glad I have a daughter!

Lily 11/20/06

Lily 11/20/07

Wait a minute God!

Every night Dave and I pray over the kids. We've tried to make it a habit to pray over them as they are awake and let them pray as well (well, Zech, at least) So many times Zech repeats what we say with his little eyes tightly closed . So tonight I knelt by his bed and prayed. In my prayer I had asked for God's peace and involvement in our upcoming "Removal-of-all-pacifiers" event. I said with Zech repeating most of the prayer aloud, "Lord, please be with us as we get rid of all the pacifiers next week--" Zech shouts "Oh! Wait! No no no God! Wait" not wanting to repeat that prayer. I couldn't help but laugh at his candidness. "Oh, no, God don't listen to this madwoman! She doesn't know what she's talking about! No pacifiers! Wait wait wait! That is NOT praying your will-- I'm sure of it!" hehe

Totally priceless!

How many times should I forgive?

Luke 17:4 "And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him."

Today we went to Chuck E. Cheese. It is one of Zech's favorite activities. He looks forward to seeing his best friend. (for respect, I won't mention his name). He recognizes his mom's truck, and shouts with glee "A--- is here!"

Today was a rough day! The two of them played racing games, went down the slide together, attempted to go up in the "maze" together. Then as many 2 year olds do, A-- started having a hard time. First he pulled on Zech out of small frustration. Unfortunately Zech has "nurses elbow" and at any time that elbow can pop out of place (even without frustrated 2 year olds). It causes a lot of pain until we can figure out how to pop it back into place. Even if it wasn't A---s fault , Zech associated the pain with the pull. Then they had a minor pushing match, something we with 2 year olds understand to come and go. However this time, we tried to teach Zech how to use his words. So as he got pushed, he'd say "Stop, I don't like it... don't do it again." Then when it happened again, Zech was at a loss, not knowing what to do.
As the time went on, the two boys got into another tiff. This time Zech was scratched and hit in the hand with an air hockey paddle. Zech was pretty upset. I talked to him and and asked him "Do you think your okay? Can you forgive A---? Zech says Yes, and goes to his friend and says with sad tears "I forgive you!" It was so cute. Unfortunately it made A--- a bit uncomfortable and as many 2 year olds do, kicked Zech is response. Zech was VERY upset and ready to leave.
It was sad. Sad because Zech wanted to play nicely (I think) with his best friend, and sad because A--- is a great and wonderful boy who was having a bad moment or two. His mother was frustrated and blustered (which she doesn't need to be). We get in the car and Zech is reliving the events in his head. Telling me how his hand hurt and how A--- kicked him... then the sweetest thing...
He says "A--- is still my friend." I said that I was glad and reminded Zech that A--- was just having a bad day. Zech says "I fogive him, Mommy. I love A---, he's my friend."
Why can't adults see how one can be having a bad day and dismiss it so easily saying "I love you anyway, I forgive you!" And Zech has the capability to do it 70x7 times! What a great boy!

Just as a note... A--- and his mom are one our greatest friends and I am NOT trying to make them look bad by pointing out the bad day. I have a great and forgiving 2 year old as well and probably next time it will be him that needs the forgiveness. A--- we love you!