Chasing the Light

We were in the office the other day just playing (I am finding a simple room change will often do the trick and hedge her boredom) and she was mesmerized by the light coming in through the window. She played with it for about 20 minutes....oh how I pray she stays fascinated with the light. One of my all time favorite verses...."Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven..." 

Buddies!

Just wanted to share these pics of Abby Kate and her buddy Adi. We have had SO much fun playing with her! They are peas in a pod! Just like her Mommy and I were (my sweet childhood friend Rachel). We were cracking up b/c Abby Kate climbed on the back of the walker and was basically riding it, as Rachel said, like a sleigh. So funny! Thanks to Adi's Dad Rob for the smiles (his vocal stylings got these girls to smiling). 

And more....

 

More....

 

Abby Kate and Her Daddy

There truly is nothing, I mean nothing, that causes love to swell in my heart for my precious husband than watching him with our daughter. They are mesmerizing to watch. She squeals in delight each night he comes home and his smile is always big enough to crack his face. He normally hides and then pops out so she is not only excited but startled...which she loves (not at all my child in that respect). He is always so gracious to take her for the hour before she goes to bed so I can finish dinner, clean the kitchen, get stuff ready for her bath and bedtime. Last night, the house got quiet and I went looking for them. I finally looked out the front door and there they were...both with their shoes and socks off playing in the grass. The lighting was perfect....as if illuminating such a simple but beautiful time between Daddy and daughter. Isn't that the beauty of true fatherhood? Watching them come up with adventures for their children that a mother (or at least this mother) would not think of? I even got my feelings hurt for a few weeks at her attachment to her Daddy. I never get to leave her thus not experiencing that sheer delight at my return. But then I realized what a blessing she had...a true Daddy...not a mere father, that loves her unconditionally, passionately and fully. There is nothing in this life that can bring you closer to your spouse, if you will let it, than sharing such a blinding, deep, crazy love for a child that no one else will feel quite as greatly as the both of you. What a blessing my sweet husband is to both of us! 

Daddy's 4-Wheeler

Abby Kate got to go on her first ride on Daddy's 4-wheeler this weekend (before all the women in my family have heart attacks...it was very SLOWLY around the block). She LOVED it. I think she definitely has her Daddy's love of all things thrilling (aka fast!). 

Sweet Baby!

This was just a fun pic taken outside. Don't look to closely....she has had a REALLY runny nose and will not let me near it (I think it about raw). She has 4 teeth coming in so I guess it is to be expected. Please pray she feels better soon though! It breaks my heart to see her have to take breaths as she eats. 

Clapping!

This is one of Abby Kate's new favorite skills. She LOVES to clap. She expects you to say "YEA!" when she does. So fun! 

Playing with Nannie and Grumpies

We got to have lunch with Nannie and Grumpies today. As always, we had so much fun! 

Our 9 month old!

 

9 months old!

Though this is a bit late, thought I would update you all on our 9 month life. Many of you that do not get to be around Abby Kate often have asked about her personality. Though she is attacking several developmental milestones (like crawling, pulling up, crusing, talking, feeding herself, standing without help) I thought I would focus this post on who Abby Kate is. We are enrolled in a program called Parents as Teachers that is a free program offered through our school system. We were put on a waiting list (it is in high demand) and are now officially enrolled until she turns 3. They have a specialist come into your home and bring developmental appropriate toys and observe and can help in getting your child ready for school. Our first visit was yesterday and after her assessment was complete, I was told many things. First, I was told Abby Kate is very developementally advanced. Fine and gross motor skills and language are all observed and she is ahead of the curve for her age. Now onto the funny stuff....our specialist is VERY nice...spoke in very affirming, kind words (a woman after my heart) and in her nice way, she said "Abby Kate is VERY assertive. She knows what she wants and will not stop until she gets it. She will more than likely be a high acheiveing adult. She will likely be a leader. The aspects of her personality that will be hard for you will be the parts that make her an extraordinary adult. However, there are going to be some hard parts in parenting her. You will have to set definite boundaries. I hate to label children as strong-willed but..."
Ummmm HUH? Yes....finally it has been said out loud and I was forced to see it. I know you all know me and I am as authentic as they come (a bit too transparent at times) so there is nothing in me that is that parent that thinks her child is perfect. I just couldn't put a finger on why things had been hard these past few months. Then it all became clear....the fits, the boredom, the persistance. Yep, thats our baby.
So, she went on to share that part of why she is so advanced is likely because she is not content to just sit and wait to get what she wants. She just crawled early in order to get it (instant gratifier just like me:)) Now I was a child development major so I know this personality can change (I have a brother that was the strong willed poster child but is now as pleasing and compliant as can be), but as a result of the current behavior, I am learning a dear lesson in patience.
So in a nutshell, our Abby Kate is persistant, serious, curious, funny, smart and aware. These are the parts of her that are standing out most right now. She gets bored quickly so I scouring the internet for developmentally appropriate acivities (if you have any, PLEASE share). I was advised to keep her challenged which is a bit hard for me but I can talk to a wall so at least we know her language will keep developing.
Above all, I rock and feed her before bed and DAILY thank the Lord for entrusting her to us. I pray He parents her through us, because He knows we will never get it right. I thank Him for her health, her beauty and her sweet spirit. And above all, I pray she comes to know Him and lives a life worthy of the calling He has placed on her. What a gift she is and I am amazed daily at how much she is changing me.

Abby Kate and Ella at Little Gym today

Hi everyone....we are attempting to get over a really sore throat (first time she has been sick but I am sure it can be attributed to the fact she puts EVERYTHING in her mouth). Though not in true form today, Abby Kate had a blast again at Little Gym. She seemed more laid back today and was content to watch the other kiddos. For those of you that know Matt and Jen Wells, does Ella not look just like them?! 

YES! Please comment

We just wanted to answer the question...yes, we LOVE your comments. We love getting to see who is following this blog and Abby Kate's life. To post a comment, you simply click on 0 (or whatever # is shown) comment and then there is a box you can type your message.
Yes, AK managed to get in this position without us looking. Thankfully, Bobby made it there before she and the stool fell over!

And finally the somersault finale!

 

Somersault Part II

 

Little Gym and the Somersault

Today, Abby Kate learned to do a somersault at Little Gym. Her favorite part was when Ms. Tammy clapped at the end (I think she may have inheirted my love language...she LOVES praise). Daddy even got to come! We loved watching her. It is so strange to watch your child among other children. She is quite an explorer and never looked back for us after she set out.  

And chasing the bubbles...

 

Bubbles!

 

Daddy even got to come today!

 

Walking along the Bars

 

Giving Ella Love!

 

Abby Kate and Ella Wells

 

Hanging on the Bars

 

Happy Momma and Abby Kate!

We don't get to take many pictures together so thought this was fun! 

Sweetie and Abby Kate

Sweetie came to play today and Abby Kate loved spending time with her. We met Nannie and Grumpies and had lunch with Hunk. We took Grumpies to the Bass Pro Shop and AK LOVED the water and fish. It reminded me that we need to take advantage of our season passes to the aquarium!  

Paci overload

To ensure a great nights sleep, we now have to put 8 pacis in her crib so at any point, she can reach out and find one in the night....putting an end to my being at her beck and call any time she needed it put back in. Pacis are a gift from God but can be evil in the middle of the night!