Can it be?

She’s 33!

I admit, I still take a childlike pleasure in my own birthday!  It’s just such a fun day to ENJOY life and thank God for all His many blessings.  Today I have my very own birthday-baby in my arms to be thankful for. 

My husband is working from home this morning as a gift to me.  This afternoon, we take Seth out for the first time for his doctor’s appointment and a quick trip to Costco to pick up his birth announcements.

I took a bunch of pictures yesterday because we had such a gorgeous FEBRUARY THAW.  The air was warm, the spring birds were chirping, and the sun was gentle and bright. 

Davy-do missed the bus yesterday, and it provoked me to tears, but ended up being a blessing because he and Grace had such fun outside together jumping on the trampoline and enjoying the weather.  After a while, and after changing my sandals into boots, I went out for a little walk, and made them join me. 

We headed for the stream right away.  I grew up with a stream to explore, and it was always a magical place for me in the winter with the different echoing sounds, and beautiful icy wonderlands.  The thoughts of white and silver ice fairies and secret fairy castles and caves under the banks of shiny ice-creations always drifted through my mind—and they still do. 

David really liked exploring the stream yesterday, too.

Isn’t it beautiful with the sunshine?

The ice lays like a blanket over the water, but with enough space for the water to flow underneath without touching the bottom of it.  David had fun throwing down bits of bark, to watch them travel under the ice-bridges.  He actually laughed with glee.

The sound of the water is music to my ears.

A classic little boy photo—shoes on the wrong feet, tongue poking out the side of his mouth. . . .cold and pink hands from playing in the water. . . . .

David even got to go barefoot! 

Dancing a joyful spring-fling. . . . .

. . .and running over the snow in bare feet!

(David also had a lot of fun yesterday sprinkling salt on the snow to watch it melt. . . .)

I got to go outside two times, and it felt great.

I was able to get some rest, too, with this little man. . . . .

Reading Proverbs in bed with a newborn is one of motherhood’s many pleasures. . . . .

Later on that evening, when Rich came home, I just had to take this picture of him.  A Dad always has a different way with the children, which I think is very normal and healthy.  Although, I did see Seth as a little sack of ‘taters when he was being held like this:

Grace took the top picture of me with Seth, this morning on my birthday.  After taking a bunch of photos and adjusting baby this way and that, Seth got woozy and promptly spit up all over himself and my shirt.  It gave me an excuse to give him a sponge bath.  After I was done, and Seth was dry and warm, we spent some time rocking.  He was alert and happy.  I think he liked being clean and sweet.

Daddy took some pictures and then it was his turn to admire the clean baby.

Last night was the best night I’ve had since Seth was born.  It was the first night that I was was not nervous and slept peacefully secure, knowing God would watch over His little lamb(s).  Seth slept from 10 to 2:30 and then from 3 to 6.  (found this verse yesterday and it was MINE….“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:  yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”  Proverbs 3:24)

I hope all of you are enjoying this day!  You are loved

Shanda

“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor.”  Proverbs 21:21

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”  Pr. 22:1

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.”  Pr. 22:4

“Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Pr. 22:6

“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice:  and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.  Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.  My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.”  Pr. 23:24-26

Edit……

Seth weighs 6 lbs and 13 oz and had a great check up!

Also, look what I just discovered….totally exciting!

I NEED SOME SQUARE FIESTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!