Dear Paul,

Six months has flown by. It's amazing watching the world unfold before your eyes. You are experiencing and doing so many new things. You roll to get where you need to go, you can pivot on you stomach, sitting in the highchair and eating is no big task now, playing with toys is becoming more fun, and you can really go to town in your bouncy seat. You have been saying words such as mama, lala, uh oh, and on one occasion and one occasion only did you look at your dad, reach out your hand and say "Da". However, because your dad and I were so excited and tried to get you to say again, you simply won't say it.

My prayer life has significantly increased since you have been around. I'm constantly praying for God to keep you safe, to teach me to be a good mother, that you will grow up intelligent, that you will grow up knowing how much your parents love God and therefore may decided to follow him yourself. I love you so very much. I want the best for you. I know that I may not be there to protect you at all times so I ask God to do that for me. I know that sometimes my parenting may fail and I ask God to step in.

The bond I have with you is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. I hope that will never change. You will always be my baby.

Love,
Mommy

Paul,

I am way behind on my monthly letters to you. I blame the holidays. You are growing faster and faster each day. It does not seem like almost 6 months ago that we were in the hospital with you.

Since the last time I wrote to you, you have explored many new things. You tried your first baby food at Thanksgiving. It was sweet potatoes. It seemed to go well.

You experienced your first Christmas with my side of the family and daddy's side of the family. You received many toys and lots of fun stuff. It's no secret that people love you and just couldn't wait to spoil you.

New Years came and went. You celebrated New Years Eve by watching Horton Hears a Who. You fell asleep in my arms and your dad and I finished the movie : )

Little to your knowledge you were a part of history in the making. The first African American officially became the President Elect on January 20, 2009. I wonder if you will later read his inauguration speech in your history books.

As far as development goes you are gradually making progress. You are now rolling from your belly to your back, putting the pacifier in your own mouth, sitting up on your own (for the most part), and trying to become my helper as I feed you baby food. I believe your favorite baby foods so far are pears, oatmeal with apples and bananas, and green beans.

Your favorite toy right now is probably a horse with a bouncy seat in the middle that Grandma Rittenour bought for you for Christmas and a toy zoo with lights and sounds that daddy and I bought for you.

I am looking forward to the new adventures that month 6 will bring.

Love,
Mommy

Paul,

You are now 3 months old and growing like crazy. At your last doctors appointment on October 31, 2008 you weighed in at a whopping 15 pounds and 2 oz. You have learned to hold your head up, blow amazing spit bubbles, giggle, turn your head when you realize your daddy or myself are in the room, hold your own rattle, and you are trying to sit up but you still have support. You are also trying to roll on your side...you are so close you almost have it. I can't wait for that day! Among the many things you are learning and doing you are also starting to cut your first teeth.



You experienced your first Halloween dressed as a monkey. You looked adorable in your monkey suit. Grandma Kim, Pap, Aunt Lori, Uncle Dave, and Cousin Connor were among your adoring fans that came to see you dressed up and pass out Halloween Candy. You also had a few visitors: Sherry, Danny, Dylan, Lauren, Jenn, Ellie, Silas, and Sarah. You tolerated your costume well. You eventually got bored with Halloween and feel asleep.



Although you have no idea, you have witnessed a major turning point in our Country. Barack Obama was elected America's first African American president.

I am enjoying each month with you. I enjoy watching your many milestones. I am on the sidelines cheering you on as you explore your new world and learn new things!

I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Love will find a way

"I have been surprised to find that I am given more life, more hope, more moments of buoyancy and redemption, the more I give up. The more I let go, do without, reduce, the more I feel rich. The more I let people be who they are instead of cramming them into what I need from them, the more surprised I am by their beauty and depth." -Shauna Niequist, Cold Tangerines.

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
-Casting Crowns

What an interesting weekend! I got a chance this weekend to see why people may love Jesus but don't like the church.

*Disclaimer: if you are reading this it probably isn't about you. Please don't take offense to anything I say.

With the craziness of the weekend and Steve's message on Sunday I'm asking myself the following questions:

How can the church shed this image?

How can we show people that being a Christian is a good thing?

How can we love no matter what?

How can I shed this image?

Do people see Jesus through me?

What is my hearts desire?

Am I filling my life with junk?

Do I want to get well?

How about that!

What NBC "The Office" character are you? Your Result: Jim Halpert   You are the kind of person that everyone likes. You are funny, laid back, and not bad looking. You love practical jokes and having a fun time with your friends. However, because you are so laid back you often let the things that are most important to you get away. I miss Dwight. Congratulations Universe, you win.
Toby Flenderson
Pam Beesly
Angela Martin
Dwight Kurt Schrute
Kelly Kapoor
Ryan Howard
Michael Scott
What NBC "The Office" character are you? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

To Paul

Paul,

Everyday I watch you grow with such amazement. I can’t believe your dad and I created something so beautiful. You are the hardest most rewarding job I have ever had. I don’t know if it is even a job…it’s a privilege. I am privileged to be your mommy. Everyday I pray for you. I pray that you will be a respectable, loving, intelligent, sincere, empathetic, courageous, thoughtful, God loving man. I pray that I will teach you to treat others kindly and to always stand up for what you believe in.

I love you more than anything in this whole world. A parents love is something I can’t describe. It’s a deeper more passionate love. It’s a love I’ve never experienced before. You will understand someday when you have your own children.

I love that the moment you were born you recognized my voice. I love having such a connection with you. Although sometimes it is tiring I love feeling so needed. I hope that I raise you to be an independent man but I hope that you always make me feel needed in some way.

You are my heart and soul!

Love,
Mommy