Strawberry Shortcake

I really don't know if there are words for how adorable she looks in this Strawberry Shortcake outfit. Our sweet friend, Charlotte sewed this for Kati Ann to play dress up in but I have a feeling that this outfit may be worn for more than dress up. She loves to look at herself in the mirror wearing this! So precious!

4 Months 2 Weeks

I had hoped to take a picture every month to show Kie's growth progression. However, 4 months came and went and it was not until today that I was able to get a picture of him. He actually turned 4 1/2 months today so we'll consider this a milestone as well.

Kie continues to be our laid back, happy little man. However, around the 4 month mark, he began to cut his bottom 2 teeth which caused him some real pain and he was fussy and a bit more high maintenance than we're used to. The teeth also seemed to cause him some tummy trouble with reflux and we were treating both at the same time. We seem to have gotten those under control and he's back to his happy self.

Kie loves to smile and laugh. He's definitely a momma's boy at this point (which suits me just fine since KA definitely belongs to her daddy!).

Jared & I just talked about tonight that we think our Kie will be more quiet than his older sister (which wouldn't be hard and is probably best since I don't know when he would get a chance to talk!). He certainly seems to be so far.

I'm so in love with this little guy! He brightens my day and I just love to snuggle with him! He's growing up much too fast!

Divine Intervention

Its been a little while since I've posted primarily because it has been nuts around here. When I say "nuts", I mean completely overwhelming. I've tried to analyze exactly what's going on because I made it through a hectic summer with a newborn and lots of responsibility and once summer was over it all seemed to fall apart. It all seemed harder. My baby that slept so well all summer all the sudden is getting up 4 and 5 times during the night and my "magic" touch of getting 2 children down for nap together seemed to have disappeared.

I've been exhausted and cranky and wallowing in self-pity. In fact, this afternoon, I called Jared while he was out playing disc golf and pretty much let him have it for leaving me alone with 2 kids. He (in his wonderful way) immediately left and came home so I could take a nap. When Kie woke up crying he took him on a drive so I could rest. However, God didn't allow me to go back to sleep. Instead, I came downstairs and spent some quality time with Him. I wouldn't usually post exactly what God shared with me but I believe it was a divine appointment with me & God and I couldn't not share it. I'm simply going to share exactly what I wrote in my journal from what I read.

In 1 Chronicles 1:9-16, David revealed his desire to trust God for ultimate control. We say God is in control. We sing songs about trusting Him, but what a difference in the person who lives like God is the source and sustainer. In spite of full lives, somehow they still seem at rest. They aren't exhausted from a life filled with anxiety as they seem to control people and events. They are also not frustrated when things don't go as they had hoped. They are satisfied with the rewards of obeying God and rest easy knowing that the outcome was given and allowed by a God who loves them and has their best interest in mind.

I think I do this about the BIG things in my life but I struggle with little, everyday details.

George Muller said, "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. The beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety" Our anxiety always stems from a desire to control and indicates that we have ceased to trust the Lord. When we are depending on the Lord to hand the people and circumstances in our lives, the outcome will be an existence virtually free from worry, anxiety and fear.

Matthew 6:30-32 NLT says

"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don't worry about these things saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' these things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs"

Where is Kati Ann Supposed to Sit?

We were given this fantastic double jogging stroller when we had Kie and have gotten so much use out of it. However, apparently Billie is wondering where Kati Ann is supposed to sit? Our Billie is so sweet with our kids and will actually ride in the stroller as long as we'll let her. It gives new meaning to "walking your dog".

A Spectator

I love mornings home when nobody has to rush out of the house. Nice, leisurely mornings with my kids produce some precious moments. This morning I decided to let Kati Ann play in her little pool in the backyard. She thoroughly enjoyed playing with the hose and toys and Billie joined in some too.

Kie sat on the porch and watched adoringly at his favorite little girl playing.

This expression cracked me up!

Awake & Ready

Kie definitely has his own personality but something he has in common with Kati Ann is waking up pretty happy! I caught this grin when I went to get him up from a morning nap. It reminded me of Kati Ann's sweet smile around this same age.

Just Some Stuff from the Kati Ann

Kati Ann is changing and growing up so much! Just a couple of things she has said recently:

I was getting dressed for a wedding and I put on a pair of black peep-toe heels. Kati Ann loves heels and is constantly playing dress up in my closet with my heels. So, I walked downstairs

Bobi Ann: What do you think, Kati Ann?

Kati Ann (in a teenager kind of voice): "Where did you get those shoes?"

Bobi Ann: "Out of my closet"

Kati Ann: "Hold on"

She proceeded to go upstairs and come down with some brown pointy-toe heels

Kati Ann: "Try these"

So, I put them on and she looked at me and said

"Now THAT'S cute!"

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On the way home from church Sunday night she said to Kie

KA: "Kie, do you know something?"

Of course, Kie can't respond so I said, "What do you know, Kati Ann"

KA: "God"