Draw me a sheep...

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Elliot - Kindergarten

Elliot loves kindergarten! Here are some photos from the "Wedding of Q andd U"

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Monday, November 7, 2016

Happy 5^th Birthday, Elliot Walter! Wow! What a year it has been! I’m sure as the years go on, you may read these letters and think things such as, “Yea, Mom. I get it. I’ve grown.” Or maybe, “Okay, Mom. I know, I know, I’m a child of God.” My hope is that these letters to you will be a comfort (especially when you are older). Perhaps you will have a family of your own. Perhaps you will live a world of adventure. Perhaps, both! I sincerely hope that these letters are as much a treat for you to read as they have been for me to write.

The truth is Elliot; you’re never done growing. I remember being pregnant with you and I found myself worrying over silly things. I remember wondering if I’d love you right away, and would you love me back. I have to laugh at these silly thoughts because here I am, five years later, and still incredibly in love with you. I love you more and more each day. You bring such joy to my life and the lives of others. I smile every day because of you. I find myself constantly amazed by you and forever proud of you.

This time last year, your little sister was barely two months old. You were still learning the ins and outs of being a big brother. As Nora grew, you grew. You became stronger in thought, word, and deed. It’s been amazing to watch. And special! I’ve seen you wipe her tears, help her learn, put her to sleep, etc. You are immensely proud of her, but also over-protective of her. When I reflected on a theme for your letter this year, I decided on strength.

Elliot, you are a strong young man. You always have been. From the day I found out I was pregnant with you, you were strong. I remember being told that you were a “weak egg” and to not get too excited about the pregnancy. God was my strength and I believed you would be just fine. I was right. You were strong inside my womb and you are strong outside my womb. You have tackled challenge after challenge this year. You demonstrated strength in understanding when your whole world changed and our family of three became a family of four. You have accomplished things far out of your comfort zone this year. Through this strength, I’ve had the honor of seeing Grace, as well. Through all this, I want you to know that there will be times in your life that you may not feel strong; and that’s okay. Life isn’t always easy. However, you get to choose how you live your life. It is my hope and prayer that you always remain strong, but also always remember that the strength you have inside of you is a gift from God. There will be times you will feel weak, but please remember, that God will always be with you. I am your biggest fan, no doubt. But God, sweet Elliot, God is your core. I thank Him every day that He chose me to be your Mom. You are my love and my joy.

Happy 5^th Birthday, sweet boy.

I love you!

Love always,

Mommy

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Happy 1st birthday, Nora!

September 21, 2016

My dearest Nora Mae,

Today is the day! You are officially ONE year old as of 7:46am! This past year has been the most amazing experience of my life. Truly. When your brother was born, I wrote him a letter every month and then again on his birthday. This past year (and even now), I found myself so captured in the presence of you and Elliot, that throughout the year I wrote down little things here and there and today I have put it all together for you for your first birthday letter.

You have heard many times throughout your first year that you are my love and my joy. And you have heard me say the same thing to your big brother. It’s true. When Elliot was born, we were told we would never have another child. You were an unexpected miracle and on the day you were born I felt this overwhelming feeling of completeness. I never knew my heart was missing anything until you came along and filled the void.

It amazes me how much I learn from you. You have taught me how to slow down and to just take life in. Everything can wait. It can. As a mother, it’s always interesting to see what it is your children react to. What is it that they enjoy? What captures their attention? For you, it is trees. That simple. Trees. When you are able to look outside or be outside, you stare in awe at the trees. I first heard you giggle while we were standing outside just doing something simple, looking up. And in that moment, you taught me that in life it is important to look up. Look up for the positive side, but also look up to God and know that He is in control.

When I found out I was pregnant with you, I knew you were a girl. I just had this feeling that I was going to have a daughter. When I found out that I was in fact having a little girl, my heart was exploding. Your brother was in the room with us for the appointment and my goodness was he excited. He was very involved in my pregnancy with you and even now he is incredibly over protective of you. I wanted to make sure that I gave you a strong name.

You are named after my Nana, Eleanor. Eleanor was a big part of my life and I have strong memories of her even now. I chose the middle name Mae for you after Doris Mae. Doris Mae was Daddy’s grandmother. This is a woman who was ALWAYS nice to me. ALWAYS kind to me and was the first person to welcome me into the family. When I was going through infertility, Nan gave me her rocker. She told me that if I sat in the rocker and prayed, that eventually, God would give us a baby. She had tremendous faith in the Lord. As we were setting up your bedroom, I would sit in that rocker and rub my belly and pray for you and women suffering through infertility. Even now, a year later (and probably for the rest of my life), I remember the feeling I had when I first nursed and rocked you to sleep in that rocker. To some people, it’s just a chair. But to me, it’s something far more special.

When it came to choosing your Godparents, I made an interesting choice. I chose my big brother, Chuck (whom you call Uncle Trouble) and your Auntie Jonelle. Auntie Jonelle and Uncle Chuck used to be married and are best of friends. Despite his nickname, Uncle Trouble is a good guy. He’s funny and he’s tough. My Godfather has always been loving and over-protective and that’s exactly what I wanted for my baby girl. Your Auntie Jonelle is a tough cookie, too. She is the perfect female role model for you. She’s smart and she knows the value of a good education and the power of a strong relationship with the Lord. There is no one else in this world that could fit her mold and it is my deepest hope and prayer that you all remain close.

Happy 1st birthday my sweet girl. You have made our family complete and we love you with all our heart!

Love,

Mommy

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Nora's ears are pierced!

My mom took Nora to have her ears pierced! TOO cute!

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Happy 4th Birthday, Elliot!

November 7, 2015

Happy 4^th Birthday, Elliot Walter! This year has been a HUGE year for you. Mainly because you went from being an only child to turning into a big brother. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have a sibling for you. I prayed for it, of course. However, it seemed that science was wrong once again. Mommy was told that you would be my one and only, but apparently, God wins again!

You were a MAJOR part of my pregnancy with Nora. If I had to choose two things you learned this past year, I would say you learned compassion and understanding. You helped me when I was sick, you held my hand when I would lose my balance, and you came to many doctors’ appointments. You would talk to my belly and feel your baby sister kick to the sound of your voice. You helped set up her room and you even helped learn her name before anyone else ever knew it.

Now I know your little sister is barely two months old now, but I truly hope that you two become good friends. Even though she is so very tiny right now, you are a huge part of her world. You’re an amazing big brother and you’re growing into such an amazing young man.

You have blessed my life tremendously and I am so very honored to be your Mommy. I love you, with all my heart and soul.