Hello Kitty Cake

I was logged into the computer this evening under Jamie's log-in, and I realized he had a picture of the cake I made for Sophia's birthday! I had wanted to put this on my blog awhile ago, so better late than never. This was my first attempt at a themed, shaped cake, and I think it turned out cute. I was up till 1am making it, and I kept thinking of all the stories my mom has told me about times she stayed up late creating masterpeices for Jeni and me! :) So, this picture, which really represents motherly love more than a birthday cake, is dedicated to all of the mommies out there who have ever toiled, cried, stayed up late, or wanted to pull out their hair (all while the sweet babe was soundly sleeping!) to sew, bake, or make that perfect "something" to say to their child, "I love you, - this - much!" :)

It's a party

A couple of weeks ago the International Department here on campus, hosted a Christmas party for all of the International students and some of the Americans who are involved in their lives. It was really fun and above are a few photos that our friend Rachel took of our family.

A Mommy's tears

Friday was a big day for Sophia! She said bye bye to her pacifiers with a helium balloon launch. As she gave one final suck on each paci, before letting go of the balloon strings and waving to her beloved friends, a part of her Mommy wept. "Why?" you may ask. These past few weeks have ushered in more changes than I could imagine in the life our little girl. She is quickly adapting to the potty (undies all day are just around the corner), she is able to use a normal cup quite well, she can open every doorknob, gets to brush her teeth with toddler toothpaste, not just water, and now her pacis are gone and in the same day so went her crib. And so I weep. I weep for the sweet baby who is now a little girl. I weep for the ability to comfort her tears with the offerance of a simple paci, where now I must teach her to be comforted with far less simple and visible things. I weep for the days of dependence, days where Mommy knew best and did best. I weep for the knowledge of what is to come. More and more growth will bring more and more changes, and with that I must relinquish more and more control over to the Lord. As I've recently discovered through a novel I was reading, we always note our children's firsts - but how often do we note their lasts? Last diaper, last suck of the paci, last night in a crib, etc... Those balloons did not just take away Sophia's pacifiers, they took away her babyhood. And so I weep...

But as with all tears and sorrow, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Ps. 30:5b And life rolls on and my heart's tears have indeed dried and I rejoice for the beauty of a lively, healthy child who embraces life the way our Lord intended!

Fi-Fi

Our sweet little friend, Josh, has recently figured out his version of Sophia for our little lady. Fi-Fi it is! How hilarious is that? His mom, Loree, told me about this Tuesday night, and on Wednesday during a play date I got to hear it for myself. I about fell over laughing. "Out of the mouths of babes..."