Tonight I was looking through some pictures of Garrett after he was first born and it took me back to one of the sweetest moments of my life. God gave me a special time with my son that morning being able to soak in every inch of his being.  He was perfect to me and even as the little marks and bumps started to show he still held that perfection in my eyes.  I didn't understand how you could love someone so deeply the way Christ loves us but then I became a mom.

We are approaching the two month mark and we're loving our baby boy even more.  He has been giving us a wonderful gummy grin lately that melts my heart! A simple smile can be the most rewarding thing to a mom because it shows that you're doing something right! :)

He has been dealing with some reflux junk lately and it finally dawned on me the other night that's what it was.  Poor little guy cries sometimes after eating and it's really upsetting him to the point of him not eating as great as before. We'll have to talk to the doctor about that and see what we can do for him besides sitting him up after feedings. 

We've been taking walks everyday and it's been refreshing to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we've been having! Garrett seems to enjoy the fresh air as much as me :).

Darren and I have been enjoying each other lately and i'm really thankful for that. No one gives you a heads up that things may get a little heated at home after a baby comes in and it's easy to start living separate lives.  I'm glad that God is involved in my marriage and wants to see it thriving and filled with love because he's showing up to our rescue in a time that felt strained.  I gain a lot of respect for Darren in times like these and realize how blessed I am.  He is an incredible dad and is involved in taking care of Garrett's needs baths, diapers, soothing his cries, and just loves on his boy.  He could have checked out after work but right now he is checking into our family in the evenings i'm and blessed because of that. 

Right now we're facing a hard choice with his job and what's best for our family and i'm stuck in between not knowing how to best encourage him so i'm praying..a lot! I can't wait to let you know what happens. 

My mom told me that I need to pray more and she's right because I believe prayer works...I have a hard time praying for people because a lot of times there isn't immediate results and I give up.  Prayer for others is selfless and it takes discipline.  My grandma tells me every time I see her that she prays for me everyday...do you realize how neat that is? Everyday she talks to our God and brings me up to Him...I cherish that! 

Well i'm starting to ramble now! I have to tell you that my mom has been yelling at me because every time we get on the phone I talk super fast and my words go together and she can't understand me..so she says 'laura..i have no clue what you just said..' or 'Laura you're talking like..I don't know, I can't understand..' :) so I had to ask Darren if i've been doing that to him and he said, 'yes! and that's why I say what?' ha so to anyone i've been talking to lately, sorry if you can't understand me! It's called sleep deprived I think?

Laura

My Hiding Place

He is still my favorite, even after the last few days we've had that are reflected in this picture. :)

'You must give up being worried that you'll not be perfect and fail, because you will, and that's ok'. This is the message gently being sewn into my heart tonight.  It is the medicine my soul has needed and God is the best doctor out there to fix my chaos.  He is the best because of how deeply he loves me.  I love Him too and am feeling bad because of how long it took to ask for help. 

I've been tearing myself apart for not being able to fix my son's crying. I hate not knowing what's going on with my baby but I need to pray when those thoughts of worry come.  God loves Garrett more than I ever could and cares about these smaller issues.  Right now Garrett needs a patient and calm mommy.  I can only be that through God who gives me strength.  That strength comes from spending time in his word and in prayer.  I feel like in a way my walk with God has been all over the place since i've become a mother but he is still holding me together. : ) It's going to be hard at times but he is ready to come to my rescue when I ask.  I do feel bad about not trusting him and being such a worried mother.  I am praying that God would build my confidence as Garrett's mom.  I know that begins with a confident 'Laura' first though and this may be a longer learning process than overnight. I love quick fixes but there is a lot of insecurities that God is going to need to let rise to the top of my heart to scoop out.  Don't you hate the gunk in our hearts?  All that to say i'm thankful to be at peace tonight and surrendered completely to God.  That is the most perfect hiding place. : )

In a month i'm going to step into my new role as a 'single mom' during the weeks.  Darren will be heading up north to school for four months and I will be clinging to God.  I want to find joy in those days as a wife, mother, and mostly child of God.  Hopefully i'll be able to start reaching out more to others. 

Today Darren was able to go see two baseball games with his friends and I'm really glad he did.  He needs that time to unwind and get out with friends.

I needed time with God tonight alone.  I'm learning how to let God help me balance out all of my responsibilities.  There will be days the house isn't clean and I look awful but it won't always be that way.  I don't need to fall apart when things aren't perfect because they won't always be.  I just need to ask God to give me patience and mostly grace!

I have been handling a fussy baby lately and it can be overwhelming to say the least.  Whenever I start to feel selfish and think poorly I immediately think 'right now there is a mother who once lost her child and would give anything to hold her screaming baby again'.  It makes me lean down and kiss Garrett each time and I am filled with strength to handle him with love. 

It's not all hard though, for example he is smiling more and more.  It's really the cutest thing to see him smiling up at you and he loves music.  We listened to disney music today and lately i've been singing songs about God that I learned as a little girl to him.  He does look more and more adorable everyday and when he does finally fall asleep he is precious.  I love him..and it's amazing how nothing he can do will change that.  I guess that's how God feels about us.  It's neat to understand unconditional love finally..but to know that God loves even deeper than I love Garrett blows me away.

Well I should wrap this up for tonight because tomorrow we are going to church and I should get some rest! Thanks for sharing with me in this journey.  I needed to write tonight and express what God is doing in my heart.

Laura

I normally get a lot of helpful advice from people but I wanted to know if you'd pass along an encouraging verse to me today.  I would love that! :)

Laura

One Month

My sweet baby is one month old!



Here are some photographs we captured today

I love his smiley face!

he is precious

yawning :)

sleepy baby

I love his toes!



~Our Birth story~

(in the form of a letter to Garrett)

Dear Garrett,

One beautiful sunny Thursday, February 24th I woke up feeling pain inside and wondering if this could be the day you arrived.  Grandma Bacon was here and we went to pick out the fabric for your quilt. It was hard to focus as the contractions came but I was oddly comforted by the cozy quilt shop we were in.  Poor grandma hurried to get the fabrics cut only to find out the contractions started to subside! All of your aunts were sending messages back and forth with me and I was getting more excited realizing this could be the day. Well we sat around all day and the pain became more intense with each hour.  Grandma and Daddy stared at me all evening i'm pretty sure and then we decided to get some rest.  Then they became worse and I could have cried! I started to get excited and scared because I was afraid of what could all happen.  I kneeled by the bed and swayed hoping it would help ease the pain and poor daddy stood by not really knowing what to do. It was time to leave for the hospital! With the long list of contractions in hand, hospital bags, and an anxious heart we headed out.  We came to the hospital around midnight and in the first room they checked me and hooked me up to machines.  We heard your heartbeat and I couldn't believe we were going to meet you soon.  The nurse gave me the most cozy socks i've ever worn! (Daddy actually put them on for me)

I had my very first IV and then was sent to the next room.  I settled in the bed and my new nurse was wonderful.  I was given an epidural later on and that woman will never be forgotten.  She was funny and kind! Dad actually stayed in the room for a little while then had to get up and leave for a minute after the epidural. It was weird feeling because on my entire left side I could still feel the contractions and was having to breathe through them like I'd practiced.  I started pressing my 'fun button' that would give more of the drug and then the nurse came in awhile later and joked about that, but i decided to tell her it was funny how I could feel everything on my left side.  The nice lady came back and took care of that and it was nice to relax again.  I could still feel contractions but it was wonderful for them not to be as intense.

Then the nurse came in to check me and she said 'whoa! you're ready to go!' ..in a blink of an eye the room was full of people.  I saw your station all set up and thought 'he is going to be here, I can't believe it!'. I felt on top of the world and ready to push you out.  The doctor had daddy/grandma switch of holding my leg, that was funny with them having to trade off because they were a little queasy. 

The doctor called me 'little momma' as she encouraged me to push. They were very serious but kind and I pushed..oh who knew I could push that hard.  Hanging from the wall was a small collecting of dust and I stared hard at that focusing. I only pushed for 20 minutes but on that last push they all became very serious telling me on this one I needed to get you out.  I didn't know what was wrong but I pushed as hard as I could and then they pulled you out. Our faces met as she pulled you up and I cried tears of joy. You were beautiful and I loved you more than anything.  I thanked God over and over...and then time moved on and it felt like forever that you were on the other side of the room.  They were saying things about your color and being pale and I was shaking and starting to get scared.  Then a woman came in and looked you over and looked over at me realizing I was in tears and she reassured me you were okay and then they wrapped you up and as they fixed me up grandma and daddy held you.  Apparently the cord was wrapped around your neck and that's why everyone became serious on that last push. Praise God you were healthy and happy!
Then they were able to hand you to me and this heart melted! You were perfect my sweet boy.  I kissed you and stared for a long time taking you in.

Garrett you were born at 5:26a.m! That is really early just so you're aware. :) Weighing in at 7lbs 15oz, and you were 19 3/4 inches.  That tiny head of yours was full of hair and I loved it!  There was goopy stuff all over your eyes but i'd hoped that you knew it was me. 

We stayed in the hospital until sunday and mrs. donna loved you! She was our day nurse and took great care of both you and I.  She fought for us and I love her for that! We didn't get off to a good start with you being tongue-tied and they weren't able to snip it on the weekend.  I was scared and overwhelmed because I wanted to breastfeed except you couldn't latch on with your tongue being the way it was.  We decided to pump and syringe feed you and then daddy went out and bought a 'nipple shield' which mommy now hates today but at the time it's what we need.  You loved it :). 

I loved staying with you in the hospital and holding your cute self! But it was nice to get to take you home.  We put you in real clothes and said goodbye to mrs. donna and headed home.  I love you baby boy! Thank you for giving me an incredibly easy pregnancy and then an amazing birth experience. 

love,

Mommy

I didn't know what being a mom was fully going to entail.  Knowing that I loved him with all my heart was a good start.  I didn't know the type of responsibility being a mother was but thankfully God knew.  He also knew I was ready and with a little encouragement and love from Him through the people around me I would thrive. 
Each day Garrett hears a story from his new story bible.  We learned about Noah this morning and how he obeyed God and how we should obey God too. Sharing God with him in these stories has been really special.  He doesn't understand yet but I cherish being the one to teach him about the one that loves him more than I ever could. One day we will find his first bible and may the pages be well worn and read over. 
A godly parent requires more than opening up a children's story bible and saying a short prayer with your child.  It is living a life that shines Christ and reflects the very attitude of The King.  Which means taking time yourself to dig into God's word and having a daily relationship with him that includes talking with Him.  It's not easy to follow God because as I've learned it takes discipline and I happen to be lazy and self-centered. Thankfully, He is patient, loving, and always forgiving. 

During this pregnancy I was overjoyed to become a mom and meet my son.  Somewhere along the way I lost that God given joy as it was replaced with endless worries.  Our culture has an opinion about everything of course and they don't shy away from throwing in advice about how you parent.  There is two sides to every issue and each side has a pretty good argument.  It almost reminds me of politics..it is incredible how a person can become so heated over whether or not you should put your child on a schedule, if they should use a pacifier, and many more small issues on the right way to take care of your child.  It's not my desire to mess up because I want the best for Garrett.  But i'm ..slowly..learning
here is a few things
1.Garrett is going to cry because he is a baby.  It's okay if he cries! It doesn't mean I'm a bad mom, sometimes it means he has gas and in time he'll feel better.  Sometimes he is too tired and needs to be bundled up and 'shushed'. 
2.Garrett isn't going to die if I stretch his feedings out to 2-3 hours.  He was eating for 5-10 min every hour and that is no way to live. I will never want to leave the house with a situation like that.  So we stretched him and you know what..he ate longer and slept longer.  Which meant I SLEPT! :) meaning this is one happy mommy!
3.Sometimes I'm going to have to do what my gut instinct says because God created me as a woman..and he created woman to be moms with an instinct to know their child.  Each day I learn him more and more and it's incredible to start to just know what is up with him. 
4. I don't get a schedule at the beginning of the day stating when he will sleep or eat or how long each will be.  I have accepted that finally and am more at peace now and am able to be a better mom. 
5.It's going to be hard sometimes.  But God is going to provide family and friends with direction, encouragement, and reassurance.
6.I have one incredible teammate in my husband.  Who changes diapers, helps me give G a bath, comes home and wants to hold his son, talks about how cute he is, and who is caring deeply for me too. I know my body changed but the guy has made me feel more beautiful now than before.  I confessed feeling awful about my body and he said he doesn't see the stretch marks, he only sees Garrett.  He loves me and it's not shallow becuase he isn't like that.  I was blessed with a good man who has a great heart. 
Being a mom is the most incredible thing and I'm in love with my baby.  He makes me happy with his sweet toothless grins and desire to snuggle right now.  Who knows if I'm using the right products or techniques, but thank God that we don't have to learn to love our child! I won't ever pick up my phone and type in anything related to 'how do you love your child'.  but my days for googling all other baby things has only just begun.  God is showing loads of grace during this time and patiently waiting for me to see that worrying isn't helping.  Thank you lord for knowing me and letting me have sweet wake up calls! I'm blessed to have Garrett and Darren.

Exhale**That was said in one breath pretty much :) I wonder if my grammar and punctuation errors are worse than normal these days because there's no time to go back and review!  Maybe one day if I put together a book you'll be pleasantly surprised to read my perfect sentences. :)
Thank you for reading my ramblings on motherhood today, I still owe you the birth story! Maybe tomorrow?
Laura

Elspeth

Elspeth J. Moore

My sister-in-law but more like my sister

:)

Here are a few pictures of my best friend..(plus some)

Thank God for a friend that loves coffee! mmm..it's more fun to share with a friend

                       My Navy wife role model. She makes one GREAT commanders wife :)

She is a mommy that i'd love to be like.  How cool is a mom that does fun things like marshmallows and toothpicks? A very fun one!

She is raising two incredible girls that I miss very much.  They are sweet girls and respectful ...it takes two good parents being an example of that.

She married one COOL guy! Dave :) He makes fun breakfast and always makes good coffee. He is also fun to talk with because the guy is smart and he's funny! (Darren's brother..they are freakishly alike..we're talking same facial expressions, voices sound the same, can sleep anywhere, in the Navy, etc) BUT saying that it makes Ej even more wonderful because she understands where i'm coming from with my husband when we laugh about our men :).

:)

"A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should."

Author: Anonymous

I always wondered what kind of family I would marry into.  I never imagined God would bless me the way He did when I met Ej.  She is one spunky, hilarious, authentic, understanding, caring, compassionate, selfless woman.  I could never write a book that would do justice to how much this girl means to me. 
I have a heartful of praises to shout out about her and hopefully you can see how important friendships are to have as we walk this journey of life.  We live miles and miles apart but she is my best friend. I love when we start talking because the time flies and when I hang up the phone or walk away I'm refreshed. Now that is the kind of friend worth having!
Ej married Dave 8 years ago and they have one sweet marriage. I know they have moments they drive each other crazy but I won't ever doubt their love for one another.  It is nice to know Dave loves Ej just the way she is and Ej has a lot of respect for Dave.  They have a lot of special things going on in their marriage that is an incredible example to Darren and I.  I admire their relationship and the way they're raising their girls.  It is fun to be around them and I always feel at home when we're visiting.  I once lived with them for a whole month and they never once made me feel like I overstayed my welcome but they accepted me daily and made my stay wonderful.  I loved that they had respect for each other (still do) because it made it easy to relax and enjoy them.  It's fun to laugh, right? Well with these two..well they just crack me up! Ej always says, 'you know you miss this laura' they're the best. 
Ej has two girls that are so unique and fun to be around. They each have their own personalities and at times can be a handful for her but you know she handles them with love.  I know now that being a mom isn't easy but she makes it look simple.  I have to yell at her for not letting me in on some secrets, like that it's not as easy as she is making it look! She is holding things together and caring for her daughters and that is the kind of example i'm blessed with! I love thanking God for her and the amazing mom she is. I don't think she is praised enough.  Both Dave and her make sure to have family time and give a lot of attention to the girls. They also have their girl's respect and that is huge in the world we live in where a lot of times the child in running the show.  I am thankful for the way Ej is boss and her daughters are in line with that. It's good to see a nice balance of love/tough love if that makes sense?
Ej is a Navy wife.  This is something I treasure about her because she has walked me through some dark days when I didn't want to like the Navy and I needed to be sad and hear 'it's okay, I understand'.  She kicks me in the butt to remember who I am and how to choose the right attitude. When Darren found out he was going to leave for C-school I walked out I took a minute and started crying and then went outside and called my best friend.  I loved saying 'today I hate the navy and this really stinks!' she didn't correct me or try to make the situation better she just sighed and gave me the it's going to be okay talk. God blessed me greatly by placing her in my life to walk me through tough times.  She has been in my position over and over again with the Navy and is a light for me.  I was able to call back another time and say well I see that this is a good thing because of this and that.  Thank you friend for understanding me and letting me vent and cry and then remind me how to be okay with a situation that's not easy. 
everytime! I open a box and tear up because the girl knows me so well. 
Ej has seen me at my very best and my very worst.  (I mean that)  Yet, here she is still loving me well and being an encouragement.  I love the way we can talk about God, husbands, kids, life, petty things, oh goodness the list goes on and on.  It makes it hard to hang up the phone or say goodbye!
When we lived near each other last year it was awesome.  I loved hanging out and getting to know her better.  We spent hours and hours talking as well as just hanging out being quiet.  I cherish a friendship that you can be silent and enjoy each other's company still and it not be awkward. We have things in common but I like to say she balances me out.  I am sensitive and she brings me back down to reality..but never judges. (I love that)
I don't deserve a friend like Ej, but God saw it fit to give me a sweet gift.  He has used her in so many ways and I can't say thank you enough. 
I had to say goodbye to Ej last summer after living close by and I didn't know a goodbye with a sister in law would ever be that hard.  I didn't know that I would sob as I walked away.  But that's what happens when someone leaves a huge imprint in your heart.  When they love and bring the best out in you...it hurts to say goodbye.
Now for the fun part! She is coming in a few weeks! I am beyond excited to have her here and for Garrett to meet his sweet aunt Ej.  He is going to love her.  We can't wait to see her and spend time with her again.  I am looking forward to talking face to face and not having to pick up a phone to chat! :) It will be fun to write about our visit and share pictures.  I know Ej can't wait to love on her new nephew and i'm looking forward to having family here. 
So thank you Ej for being my best friend and pushing me to God. I hope that you know what an incredible friend, wife, and mother you are! love you :)
Laura

                                  There he is..my new life :). The one that stole my heart!

I've turned into a paranoid mother...please don't judge me let me explain! This morning my baby slept for about 4.5 hours and although some mothers (and I will be at this point one day) would be rejoicing, I was panicking. 'Why is he sleeping so long? Is he alive? What's wrong with him?'.  Oh yes..that is exactly what I thought but what was crazy is the amount of times I had to pop my head up or sit up quickly to see if he was breathing! Then I saw a mark on his face and it looked like a bug bite, I've never wanted to kill a bug so badly! How dare that bug touch my baby and leave a mark..'oh wait laura that's a pimple, phew..close call for that bug!'.  As I write this now I can laugh and think, you are one silly mom but the more I think about it I realize just how much I love Garrett.  I don't want him to be hurt and I feel it's my job to protect him.  However it's hit me now that I need to give Garrett to God and go before God with all my fears that are stored away causing me to not be at peace during the day.  SIDs is one of the scariest things to me, but I have to trust God's will.  I can either be paranoid and miss out on my newborn or lay my fears at God's feet and enjoy each moment with my baby.  It's hard! ..but it's been nice to talk to a few mothers and hear, 'yes, i struggled with that as well but this is how I handled it...'.  Thank God for other moms!

I realize how quickly things can change but for right now my son is good.  He is happy and the most easy going little man around.  He cries when he is hungry, has gas, or an occasional fussy moment.  But in all honest I believe God created one wonderful baby for Darren and I as first time parents! I do get nervous when he cries but he gets easier and easier to figure out each day! I realize down the road that may not be the case but for right now it is, and i'm really thankful to God for that.  Today he was the picture of a perfect baby. haha okay okay maybe not perfect he did pee on grandma's lap, and on mommy's hand..:p. but besides that he was relaxed, ate well, slept wonderfully and sat with his grandparents for a long period of time.  It was nice to relax myself and soak up his sleepy and alert moments.  He is holding his head up and it is the cutest thing i've seen! He looks extremely proud and has that 'look what I can do' face!  That's fun to watch him learn new things.  Right now he is sleeping right next to me in his bed and due to wake up for a feeding anytime now.  I love snapping a picture of him and a few days later looking back and admiring him. Why did God bless me with this sweet boy? God is walking me through the toughest days of my life and i'm grateful to be loved.  I don't have all the answers and my brain feels all scrambled, I have grown accustom to the one and only hairstyle..the ponytail, and I wear t-shirts and jeans only.  I'm not fancy or well put together these days but i'm loving my simple life.  I get excited for 10 min showers, or when my legs get shaved! I feel it a privilege when I eat a meal without feeling like i'm on a time limit.  It is a blessing to find time to write in my blog because it's helping me grow by journaling where i'm at that day and feeling refreshed when I close the computer.  Yes, indeed my life has changed but I like it.  Wait, I could do without the diaper changes! (I haven't figured out how to go quickly enough without getting peed on)

I like that the only argument my husband and I are having is over who changes his diaper...that seems like a good place to be in.  Last night Garrett was laid on our bed and Darren and I were leaning over him and he smiled a huge toothless grin at us as we talked to him and gave him sweet kisses.  We're in love and couldn't have dreamed life would be like this with our son.  It's going to be hard and stressful sometimes but i'm realizing we're not alone.  God has provided a large group of people who are willing to help in any way and that's been awesome. 

He loves us very much.  I often wonder what it will be like when people stand before Him on judgement day that didn't believe in Him.  I wonder how he'll see them as he sends them away for all of eternity.  I feel bad that they missed out on His gift of grace and mercy and the neatest relationship ever offered to them.  These things have caused me to make note of some things in my life that I don't want to happen...

-I don't want to be too comfortable and not see the needs of others.  I don't want to become so shut off from our world that I forget to love the people in it.

-I don't want to go to a church that is only there for themselves.  I am sad about our church in America, why don't we give, why do we complain about the luxuries in a church? I don't want to go on sunday and sing songs, listen to a message, chat with a few people and go..I want to be united and God to be the head of that church.  I want to be in a church that God is using to build His kingdom.  Where the people are growing in Christ and loving each other well.  I want to be in a place that is reaching out...and I want to be a part of that.  It's my prayer right now that we could be involved..because that's what we're here for. 

-I don't want to live selfishly or continue to not see how spoiled I am.  I don't ever want to take for granted the blessing it is to live in America. 

I realize this end is a little on the serious side but I want to share what is going on in my heart during midnight feedings as God challenges me through the lives of the men and woman in the Bible.  He put story after story that gives an account of these people's lives for a reason..to teach me how he wants me to live.  I want to live a life that honors Him, and when my time comes that He will be able to say 'well done thy good and faithful servant'.  That is my goal.  I want to be a loving wife, mother, family member, and friend.  I hope these challenges continue to rock my core and change the way I see others, myself, and God.

Laura

  

Normally writing in my journal or in this blog is easy.  The words naturally flow and it's nice to share what's going on in my heart.  I'm actually surprised by my lack of words lately.  Mostly because my heart is full of love for Garrett but I can't find the right words to explain what's going on inside of me.  For example right now my sweet boy is asleep and i'm melting because he is healthy, happy, and at peace while he sleeps.  I want to pick him up and kiss him over and over and then let the tears fall.  I can't tell you how many times I came before God and asked for my son.  Just that he would let him be born and that I could hold him and love him.  I didn't know God's will, or even now what the future holds but I begged that God would allow Garrett to come into this world.  God blessed me two weeks ago when this child was placed in my arms.  I am not guaranteed anything so I keep thanking God for Garrett, my beautiful boy.  He is a gift and one that has been entrusted to Darren and I to raise in a home that serves the Lord. 

I've been caught up lately in the daily routine of feedings, diaper changes, and a sleepy boy but today it hit me, when was the last time I really talked to Garrett? I felt so bad! I've been filled with questions for his physical health and am very concerned in that area because I want to take care of him but I was lacking in another very important area. I try to keep nightly feedings quiet but even during the day I realized i've been quiet.  The boy can't talk but that doesn't mean I should be quiet during the day! Silly mommy..:)  Just loving on him and talking to him is something he needs!
I don't know if he smiles yet...but when I started talking to him and he was looking up at me he was smiling a toothless grin and it melted my heart.  I want my tiny baby to stay little for a long time and I feel like i'm experiencing something special being able to stay home with him.  Not all mothers have that privilege but I am beyond grateful that i'm able to. 

We have been talking about how much Jesus loves him, and how much mommy and daddy love him too.  The very first night he spent with me I told him the story of Jesus.  I won't ever forget holding him in my arms as I told him about Christ.  I can't wait to see how God reveals himself to Garrett over the years. What an incredible privilege to be used by God to represent Christ to my little boy. But I don't want to downplay how hard that job is!  To be like Christ is a daily choice and one that i'm not always good at following through with.  But I love my God very much and I hope that always shows and Garrett is able to pick up on that.  I think that in the way I live each day and how I treat others and Darren will be very important to our son who will be a sponge!

This evening my friend Crystal came over and I had such a nice time talking and sharing my son with her.  It was a relief to have friendly conversation and be able to laugh and talk about my new life and hear about how she has figured things out with her daughter.  I needed that time as it was extremely comforting to not feel alone! Thank God for good friends!

Well that's all I have for tonight :) Garrett is sleeping and I probably should have taken a nap with him since he's off on his day/night right now. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!