Smiley Guy

Dear Marcus,

We are two days away from your very first Thanksgiving!  I love this time of year especially because it makes me so aware of what God has done in our lives.  It's easy to focus on the negative...the loss of my dear friend to cancer, my upcoming back surgery, and financial struggles that we have.  But by focusing on what we do have, well, we recognize that we have everything we need. 

Elisabeth Eliot once said that there are two kinds of days.  No, not good days and bad days.  There are days where we are completely blessed and are needing/wanting very little.  And then there are days of grace.  Those are the days where you really are able to recognize God's provision.  When my friend Kelsey was dying of cancer, she often shared with me how she could not imagine how she would endure what was coming but she knew that God would give her grace at the time.  And I watched how God walked her through things I cannot even imagine.

All that to say, YOU are one of my three greatest blessings.  I am thankful for you, your brother, and your dad.  I have many other people...but you three are The Loves of my life.  I was nervous about having two, but I love every second I get to snuggle with you.  You have a precious smile and you love to talk to me.  But, you will smile at just about anything.  The paintings by your changing table, the shower curtain, and even the wall!

At three in the morning, you were laughing and talking to me.  I enjoyed it for a while and then let you continue the conversation with the animals on your swing.  I have no idea how long it took you to go back to sleep!

Keep on smiling, little guy.  You light up my life and the lives of everyone who comes around you!

I love you!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Mom

 

Slow Down, Please!

Dear Marcus,

Will you please stop growing?  Seriously.  It's happening too fast.  I'm not ready for you to be big.  Your newest thing is talking (which is hilarious) and you've found your hands.  It's so cute and yet, stop it!  This is the last new thing you are allowed to do this week!  It's funny because with your brother, I was so ready for him to reach all of these milestones.  I'm finding myself enjoying every single little stage you are in.  I am trying to savor every moment with you because I know that I will blink and you'll be a big boy.

I'm sure I will say this every post, but you are such a sweet baby.  You look at me with those big blue eyes and I melt.  You'll probably learn to use that against me. :)

I want you to know that I treasure you and am so thankful that God gave you to us...you are a good gift from Him!  God is constantly reminding me that He is good and that He knows what is best for our family.  The Bible says that we can make plans but God is going to take us down the best path for us.  It's comforting to know this because all of my plans never seem to be as good as what God has in store for me.

Your dad and I are going to start praying for you and your brother.  We have a list of specific qualities (like courage and purity) that we are going to pray constantly for you to grow in.  Most importantly, we are going to pray that God will change your heart and you will choose salvation at an early age. 

We love you so much, little guy.  I am so thankful for your precious life.

Love,

Mom