Hunched

I'm usually not a poetic person, but this week The Lord has exposed me over and over to beautiful poems. Tonight certain words and images were pressing on my mind. I've done my best to express them without over thinking it.

Hunched

Motherhood has caused me to be hunched over.

Hunched to give kisses and pick up little arms as they reach for the sky.

Hands saying, "up! up!"

Hunched over the sink, washing dishes, bottles, diapers. Hands cracking from the constant hot water. 

Hunched towards the door.

Listening for the cries of an infant as he awakens alone. Hands searching for comfort.

Hunched over my child, as he nurses. Big, beautiful eyes that see only me. Hands patting, grabbing, holding.

Motherhood has caused me to be bent. 

Bent towards the floor, picking up toys, blankets, and books. Hands wiping a nose, protecting from danger, and folding clothes.

Bent as I curl around my sleeping baby, listening to him breathe. Hands resting, sure he feels my warmth.

Bent on my knees, praying daily for wisdom, energy, and that my son would grow to love the Lord. Hands worshipping the King

Motherhood has caused me to reach. 

Reach the limits of my patience, sanity, exhaustion, self. Hands covering my face, wiping my tears.

Reach out for friends, family, even neighbors. Hands holding babies, hugging parents, making food.

Reach for my Father, crying, seeking, longing. Hands trembling in the face of the unknown.

Hunched, bent, and reaching. I am stronger, lifted up, and daily made new in my Father's hands. 

No one can pluck me out of my Father's hands. John 10:29

December

Noah has started eating Cheerios. Nom nom nom.

Valerie and I visited my high school friend, Stephen, who is an art teacher at Samford in Bham.

And then had dinner with my friend, Angela, who I met Jan. 2006 in FL and haven't seen since then!

Friday, Noah and I ran errands including me seeing my friend's new baby and taking an 80th bday gift and food to Mr. Hubbard.

Today Val and I ran a 5k (which we walked last year and I ran the year before).

Before and after sister selfies

This time I actually wore the bells!

And lastly we went to our friend, Susana's, first bday party. Noah enjoyed all of her toys. :-)

Jeongsgiving pt 3

A rough night with Noah started with a lazy, relaxing morning watching the Macy's parade. We ate a late breakfast in preparation for our 2pm big lunch. After breakfast, went back and got ready.

Then, lots of general lounging.

Noah took a long nap and Shin and I went on a beach walk date!

Chillin with Pop! And aunt wow!

We played another game of Mexican Train and this time Shin beat everyone- I lost, but had fun.

In the morning, we ate breakfast and rolled out.

Noah had another great day of flights.

And Shin and I had a great date in Atlanta while Noah slept and Valerie did homework.

So happy to be home!!!

Jeongsgiving pt 2

Terrible night of sleep for Noah (and us), but I think mostly due to his congestion. Got to sleep in with him. Rained most of the day. Ate breakfast, played games, and bathed Noah this morn. 

Ate lunch, Noah got collector's coins as a present from my dad, and more hanging out together. 

He liked the bow & paper, but I'm sure he'll appreciate the coins in the future. 

Lots of rest and chatting. 

Dinner at Clam Diggers. Food was meh, outstanding company. 

Then ate Pop's pecan and key lime pies and finished Mexican Train from last night. Pop won and I utterly lost. All had fun. 

Jeongsgiving pt 1

Want to remember everything...

Good flights

Red lobster lunch. Baby slept whole time.

Playing w Christine.

Dinner w GPs.

Noah and I loved mango pear. Yum. 

Taught ggma how to FaceTime.

I beat Gma at war. Then val beat me. 

Baby wearing daddy

Ended playing house rules Mexican train w GPs.

A few more firsts

Noah went to the doctor for his first illness today. He has a cough, which has been hanging around a while. We're preparing to travel for Noah's first thanksgiving on his first plane ride. Today we received his first prescription. So thankful to The Lord for an overall healthy child. His cough medicine seems to be helping tonight.

In other developments, he is crawling from room to room. Talking all the time (though no words yet). And eating some real foods. So far, banana is his favorite. Not a fan of potatoes, carrots, or asparagus yet. He loves Bart and Scooby. If only they'd just let him grab on and suck their tails. :-)

Exersaucer is still a lot of fun. 

Love that face. 

This outfit used to be my dad's. He tried it on for Halloween but it was a bit too warm and tight.

So we went as a black eyed pea, a ceiling fan, and a ginger bread man.

We've had some chilly weather, which has contributed to the cough.

Such a happy baby. 

He got an early Christmas gift from great-grandparents Lavely.

Oh, and I had a lovely birthday with cookie cake from Val, cake with fruit (not fruitcake) and roses from shin, and a memory book from mom. 

Whoa

Oct 26:

We have a crawler and a puller-upper. This guy is insane. He sits up, rolls around, pulls himself up. Not too good at sitting back down yet, but crazy. He's starting to get into everything! He's not going far distances, but within one room he buzzes all around. 

Also, last weekend we painted pumpkins (Val &I) and had a photoshoot. 

Valerie hosted a neighborhood event at our house and we went to Korean church at the park.

Love my new carrier!

Amazing Firsts

Noah played his first game with Shin! It's precious & I have video but I can't post it here unless I upload it to YouTube, so just trust me that it's adorable and recorded.

He also took a bath for the first time by himself. 

And went to the nursery at church. And has been sleeping through the night every night in his pack and play. Life is so good for this growing boy and his family. :-) 

We had a great weekend with my dad as well. Noah was a little unsure at first, but warmed right up to him.