I was talking to my Mom on the phone last week and told her that I was aching for fresh flowers. So, when the doorbell rang on my birthday, and this big basket of blooms was handed to me, I felt like they were a gift not only from the friend who sent them *unknowingly*, but from my Father in Heaven. . . . .
The bouquet is full of all different happy flower faces; yellow roses and tulips, red carnations, bright sunflowers, mums, lilies, and others. Each one different but amazingly beautiful.
I find that when I am in the house so much, caring for my new baby, nice flowers and pretty candles become important bits of pleasure for me as I go about my day. So, thank you, dear ol’ friend of mine, for this much appreciated gift. I’m enjoying them so much.
Happy Valentine’s Day! I had my sweet Grace take a few photos of my valentine and me on Saturday morning. It’s sometimes hard to keep Rich my priority when in “baby land” but our marriage works during this time because of God’s grace and some constant give and take, awareness and understanding, on our part. Rich is my High School sweetheart, we fell in love when I was 17 years old, and I’m so thankful that God gave us to one another. . . . . .it’s good to take time now and then to remember the story of our love and think about the way God has led us during the last 13 years of marriage.
Growing together in so many ways. . .in our love, in our relationships with the children and others, in maturity, in thankfulness.
And it’s just so great to be married to someone you can laugh with and have fun with!
We get in some good arguments now and then, too, and that’s okay. We still have so much to learn.
I do think it’s very romantic that we had a baby this year. 
So, how was everyone’s weekend? Ours was extra special, because my parents came out to see and hold baby Seth for the first time. My parents are so comfortable to be with and this visit was especially nice because the boys were still in NY with Rich’s parents. They were supposed to come home but Rich’s mom really wanted them to stay a little bit longer (so, they’ll be back on Thursday of this week). I miss them so much, but it has been nice to have a quieter and slower household and it wasn’t as chaotic and busy during Mom and Dad’s visit. I actually felt like I got my fair share of attention this time!
Here is my Dad, with Davy and Seth on his lap. He is so good with all of his grandchildren. Seth is my Mom and Dad’s 10th grandchild.
My Mom and Dad gave me a necklace for my birthday, some “bling”, which is something else that lifts my spirits as a stay a home mom….a little something pretty around my neck. I’m wearing my new necklace in this picture with my Mom. . . .
My mom had five babies of her own and whenever a new grandchild is born she cannot rest until she’s seen and held him or her. She just loves her babies, all of us, from me (her biggest baby) on down to new baby Seth.
Doesn’t he look so sweet and small snuggling with his Granny? (Mom SO does not look like a “granny”. LOL)
Mom and I share a lot of interests and I am so thankful for her influence in my life. We are friends and enjoy each other’s company. Since Seth was born, we’ve talked almost every single day on the phone. It’s been like therapy to me, to tell her the details of my day. No one on earth cares like she does.
I was so happy to have Mom here to help me give Seth his first bath.
I really like Seth’s skin. He’s not as red and bumpy as some of my other babies. He is peeling a lot, though, so it was good to scrub him all over with one of my newly made washclothes. And then rub him down with a fluffy clean towel and slather him with some sweet baby lotion. Clean babies are such a delight.
Mom, Grace, David, and I all did some crochet this weekend, too. My mom also did some knitting.
The orange creation in her hands is a small blanket/super hero cape that Davy wanted for his brown bear, Charlie.
Grace is still working on her scarf project.
It’s amazing what you can do in one chair.
Another picture of Dear Dad, with baby. He was giving Seth a soft and gentle temple rub.
Too soon it was time to say goodbye and wave them out of sight. What a nice time it was, talking and laughing, drinking coffee, playing Bananagrams (Mom and I each won 2 times—men did not win once), eating meals and birthday cake, watching TV, etc. I hope they will come again soon.
A random photo of David, just because I thought he was cute:
These pictures are from yesterday afternoon:
Seth and I are both doing really well. I can tell you honestly that I feel better than I ever have before as a new mama. Seth is two weeks old today and I feel like my normal self, only *tireder*. I repeat—I have never felt this good two weeks after having a baby! I know it must be the prayers of all my friends and family. To God be the glory for the peace and joy I feel in my heart.
Our days are filled with feedings and changes, and naps. I clean when I can, and spend time with Grace and David. I try to sit in the sunshine as it comes through the windows to light up the house, and I try to get outside for a walk when I can, too. I’m looking forward to warmer days ahead, working on projects around and in the house, and enjoying life as much as possible.
Here is something I read yesterday about parenting, which I thought was interesting:
“When the disciples wanted to know who was greatest, Jesus called a little child, and took him on his knee. The disciples were clustered around him, and saw what he did. A little child in the midst is often used to teach great lessons to older people. When a new baby comes into a home, God sets it in the midst of a family as a teacher. Parents suppose they are training their children, but the children are also teaching and training them.
I learned more of the meaning of the fatherhood of God, and of the way he feels toward his children, in one week after the first baby came into my home, than I had learned from teachers and books, even from the Bible, in all the preceding years of my life. Every child’s life is a book, a new page of which is turned over each day.
Children are not angels, and yet they bring from heaven to earth many fragments of loveliness. Their influence in a home is a benediction. They soften hearts and change the whole thought of life in their parents. It is no more of self. They begin to live for their children. The children open love’s chambers. They train their parents in patience, gentleness, thoughtfulness. While a young child is in the home a school of heaven is set up there. Sad is it for those within, if they miss the chance of learning such blessed lessons.”
~ J.R. Miller
It is true, I have found a richness and value in life that I never expected, all because God made me a Mama.
God is good to all: and His tender mercies are all over His works. Ps. 145:9
Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory. Psalm 84:11
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
God. . . .great things doeth He which we cannot comprehend. Job 37:5
I hope all of you have a wonderful day!
Love ~Shanda
P.S. While I was writing all this, Grace and David worked together to make a paper airplane. They taped papers together until it was about 12 feet long! They have been such good company for each other during this time when their brothers are away.
Good to be Home 
What beautiful posies! I remember the posies that a friend sent me when the twinnie boys were born. It was April…so the spring bouquet was so cheery! Glad you had some good times with your parents. I know they must cherish the moments with you.We plan to head to R’s house next week to spend time with the older grands. Can’t wait!I’ll holler your way when we reach the Hudson.K?Dawn xo
I love that little grin on Seth during his bath ~ too cute ~
That sounds like a wonderful weekend. Your flowers are so pretty! I’m glad your parents were able to visit with you & their new grandson:), as well as Grace, Rich & David. How nice of your MIL to keep the boys a little longer, I’m sure they miss you very much as well, they are probulary being spoiled by grandma:) Your necklace is so pretty. I love getting new jewerly to it makes me feel better to have something very pretty on. Seth is getting so big. He is really alert for 2 weeks old. That is so sweet about Grace & David. I’m sure they are having a good time spending time together like that as well. Enjoy your day & so glad to hear things are going so well for you.
no, your mom does not look like a granny….=) you are very blessed with such a sweet family!
Wishing you a great day~
What a lovely post! You look so very content in the photos. Every time I see a photo of your mom I think she looks so familar! And no she does not look like a granny. đ Enjoy your day – be blessed.
It always baffles me how quickly little babies change. 2 weeks and Seth looks different already. Shan, I really enjoyed all these pictures. You look so happy and you don’t look tired, a bit. Love you, Elisha
I’m so happy that you are feeling good, though tired. That kinda comes with the whole new baby thing, huh? I am ready for some color, too! There are so many drab days in Denmark. I think when I do the food shopping this week I will buy myself some flowers! I enjoyed the quote by J.R. Miller and all the wonderful pictures. Seth is so alert! He looks a lot like his older brothers. Blessings on your Monday!
Oh Thank you for sharing with us. It is just lovely. From the flowers to the baby in the bath to all the family. I enjoyed seeing your daughter “yarning” with her grandmother and baby too. Glad you are doing well. Bless you.
So glad that things are going well for you. Seth is changing already! Thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad you are feeling so good and what lovely pictures!! Seths eyes are open in just about all the pictures!!!
You have wonderful parents. My dad is going to visit and stay the night today. I’m trying to make it as peaceful as I can for his arrival. My house happens to be a mess right now. What do you do Shanda to make it functionable for when you have company?
Thank you, thank you I love all the pictures!! You look great and you are doing an awsome job!
Lets get together real soon ~ love ya ~SISSY
I have to tell you that this post is the second occurance to my day that has made me cry. Something like God talking through people to get a point across to me.
Thank you for being you and allowing God to speak through you.
Seth is so lovely! Love his little smile while you are bathing him. So precious.
You look so much like your mom,Shanda. And no she doesn’t look like a Granny đ Seeing your father holding Seth brought tears to my eyes. My father passed away before his 6th grandchild, my niece, was born. My children miss their pop-pop so much and I miss the influence he would have been in their lives. I’m glad you are doing well. You’ve been in my prayers.
Blessings~
I love Seth’s peaceful look when Grandpa is rubbing his temples…”Oh my goodness! You need to keep doing that!”
how nice to capture and share your sweet memories!Seth is so cute! my mom and i were talking about your boys the other day and how much they look like their father! they must have some of our side in them though because i swear i have a picture of Carter that looks identical to one of Seths pictures(when i get it scanned in i’ll show you.)
I love the flowers!
Looking at these pictures of Rich really shows me how much your boys resemble him – EVEN SETH!!! Your baby looks so much older, already. It’s breathtaking to see him becoming so alert at such a young age. Must be lots of pleasant stuff to look at in his home!AND, your flowers are gorgeous. I love mixed bouquets of fresh flowers!
I loved this whole post Shanda! You and Rich look like some Fiesta ware,LOL,and I love the first picture with Seth looking up at his loving parents. I am with you on the fresh flowers, what cheerful blooms. The most extravagant bouquet I ever received was after my first baby. Someone from church was a florist and sent me a garden of flowers with branches made into little trees holding a teddy on a swing. Your parents look so dear with Seth and all of you! They both look very young for grandparents. I love the relationship you have with your mom! Seth looks so healthy and “together” already, what a little man! I love all the expressions! I know your other children are making wonderful memories at the grandparents home…mine from childhood are so sweet. As well, Grace and Davy, are such sweet companions and will remember this time. Best of all is hearing you are feeling so well. Praise the Lord indeed! You look fabulous. I will keep holding you up for grace, strength, and JOY!! hugs, Jenny
What a beautiful basket of flowers… I just love getting flowers and how they can brighten up a room.
Seth is such a handsome little guy and looks to be such a happy baby… rightfully so… đ Hope you have a most fabulous day!! **hugs** ⤠Jami
Glad to hear from you…I had started to worry yesterday when you hadn’t posted in 4 days! I’m so happy that you and your family is doing so well. I loved seeing all the pictures.
Love You!
Moms sure are special people. So glad you were able to spend time with your parents – what a blessing! Seth is such a sweetie! You’re doing a great job – enjoy the quiet moments.
I’m going to try again. My comments keep getting erased before I can post them. I think I have more help than I need. LOL! Loved all the pictures- Seth is growing and changing and so very sweet! I really enjoyed the picture of Seth getting his bath in the sink- that was one of my favorite things about having newborns. I am ~SO THANKFUL~ to hear that you are feeling so well. How wonderful! Davy in his sunglasses cracks me up! Have a great day!
The picture where you are sitting at your mom’s feet…wow…you look like Grace!! I just had to sit and look at that for a moment and remember that at one time you were a young girl like Grace with only dreams of a husband and children and family and now here you are with six wonderful children but still when you sit at your mom’s feet you are that little girl again. Hugs to you my faraway friend!!
I love the pictures…glad you had a nice visit with your parents.
What beautiful flowers, and beautiful people! I, too, ache for fresh flowers in the winter time. Just one little flower can brighten my face during the dull cold days. Wonderful family helps so much, too. đ
Glad you had a good visit with your parents. I love the pictures of your Mom and Dad holding baby Seth. So precious!!! Glad you are feeling well also. That’s awesome. You must be getting enough sleep. Enjoy your “babymoon”. đ HugsMelody
Shanda, Your mommy heart is so beautiful- and such an encouragement to others. Nothing is more fulfilling than having a baby!! (in my opinion) I just LOVED everything about it (besides the initial side effects of course)….
Your home seems like a perfect example of tranquility and the art of being a Keeper At Home. đ I love the pic’s of the little guy. Such a sweety. đ
Seth is always so alert! Every pictures you post he has his little eyes open taking it all in. I’m telling you, he is precious! Great post! Loved hearing about your visit with your folks. I feel the same way about my mom. I wish she were closer. I started dating my husband when I was 15, he was 17! I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He’s been away all weekend hunting. I can hardly wait til he comes home this evening. You know you’ve been together and in love for a long time when a jar of green olives, tucked in your son’s backpack along with a sappy card to be delievered on Valentine’s Day, prompts your sweetheart to call and leave a message on your cellphone with so much excitement in his voice you can barely make out what he’s saying! Hee! Hee! I’m sure his buddies thought he was mental, or I was! I know what melts my man’s heart. Cute pictures of you and Rich. Sweet. And that tiny baby tucked between you. Precious.
Awww…I’m overwhelmed. I always feel like I have been there with you all after I read a post of yours like this. You and Rich look so sweet together. Who would guess that it is your sixth child that you are gazing so lovingly at! Your parents look so young! And you look so much like your Mom! Seth is so precious. I’m so glad to hear that you are doing so well. I’m so grateful and in awe that the Lord answers so many of our prayers.
I am so very happy for you that you feel this good after two weeks ~ I know how that can be so grand, and such a good feeling of God’s love:) Seth is precious, just wonderful. I happen to love baby boys very much as well :)blessings to you and love all the beautiful pics. lys
He seems so alert! I think it’s neat that you were high school sweethearts đ My favorite photo is Seth asleep on Grandma.
Flowers were the very perfect thing, better than sitting in sunshine even!
So true about how your Mom cares about you like no other person, I feel the same exact way about my Mom.
Seth looked so small and adorable all cuddled up on her shoulder, isn’t interesting the way your Dad held him different, like how Rich holds him different? The necklace is such a happy color! I ao so happy for you that these two weeks are going so smoothly, you are a strong woman Shanda! It is God, but I think He is blessing you becuase of your example.
Lots of love, JO
I love the one of Grandpa holding baby seth and rubbing his sweet little head. That is precious!
Seth is SUPER adorable. I especially love the pictures of him napping đ
Ugh. I love flowers. I LOVE flowers. Sigh. And that bouquet is beautiful.Your baby is also super gorgeous.
I came to your site for the first time& I find your family pictures so amazingly beautiful! Your baby is so cute & lovable. You’re sooo lucky & pretty!! Your mom looks gorgeous too!
I’ve always wondered where Grace got her sweet “little” smile that she wears often in your pictures of her. I saw today’s pic of you with your mom and Seth, and thought “she looks just like Grace!” Now I know where she gets that smile! LOL!So wonderful to have family visit. Praise the Lord for your time with your mama and daddy.Alesha
Another great post. I just have to say that I love your blog – it is so refreshing, honest, & heartfelt w/ the added bonus of great pictures. I really like the part you shared by Miller – especially “The children open love’s chambers” I love that. Being a Mom is so amazing and it is so true how your children do indeed teach you.
The pictures are nice. Glad you had a good birthday and visit with your parents. Seth is such a cutie!
very interesting post! you have a beautiful baby, our #6 is now 13, blessings….