Evelyn's Vintage Fashion Show

Back while I was pregnant with Evelyn, my dear mother sent me a few precious outfits that were worn by myself and my one and only sibling, Delta. It was so special to look at those clothes knowing Evelyn would be the first little girl in our family to wear them since those 30+ years ago! This was the picture I took of them when I received them and vowed to be sure to have Evelyn wear them even if for a fashion photo opp such as this!

I even had packed her hospital bag with one of those precious dresses. This picture was taken at 4 days old when we were leaving the hospital. She was wearing the dress Aunt Delta wore home from the hospital (I think I have that right). 

Now, the rest of the pictures I took tonight, just shy of 10 weeks old. My beautiful little chubby chin girl was almost too big already for some of these outfits (much like her mother was at BIRTH). She also will definitely be too big to actually wear them out when it is warm enough. So, on with the "fashion show" to preserve these precious heirlooms. I also should add I think she liked the fashion show and kept cooing with me when I dressed her. (Delta, I wonder if she'll eventually play fashion show like we did outside under the swing set.)

Sweet, white bubble with pink smocking at the top. 

                          

 

Wrap, tummy shirt with embroidered rattle.  

        

 

Yellow wrap around shirt. 

        

 Pale pink smocked bishop dress. 

      

 

I know this seems so silly, but it is such a blessing to be able to share the smallest memories with a daughter. Thank you, Mom, for handing down these precious pieces of clothing. I love that I can preserve them this way as well and that Evelyn can have these beautiful pieces from both her Mommy and her dear Aunt Delta. I love my family!

Sleepless in Knoxville

I completely expected a lack of sleep having a new baby. However, what I did not expect was having my 2 year old who has been sleeping through the night for a long time (aside from occasional bad nights with sickness) to begin having bad nights. The night I went to the hospital to be monitored and receive extra fluids before delivering Evelyn was the night Jon Loran began waking up...screaming! Not once, not twice, but sometimes 5-6 times a night! It is so pitiful. At first, I wanted to discipline him when I was home from the hospital and he kicked and screamed at me when I went in there. His eyes were open, he was looking at me, but he was not fully awake. Then, I learned about "night terrors". They are brought on with stress and other factors. So, mommy going away to have a baby and having other people come stay with us, and when mommy used to tuck me in and now it is daddy, all have added to his stress.
Now, 7 weeks later, he is still waking up frequently, but it is getting to be less terrorizing and more just habitual but with some fear. We've learned that putting him in our bed is the best answer if we want sleep. Dear Evelyn is learning to sleep for slightly longer stretches at night (4 hours or so), but poor Jon Loran is only going 2 hrs or so if in his own bed. Jason and I have resolved to be a comfort to him through this awful stage and always start him in his bed, but if it is a bad night, we bring him into ours. I always have striven for independent sleepers, but there is something precious about your little one snuggling up next to you. Don't get me wrong, I love my space in my bed and want it back soon. But, there is some sweetness to this harsh sleepless stage.
This blog is dedicated to blessings amidst trials or whatever life circumstances. So...my question has been, "What is God doing in our lives in this trial?" Answer? I don't know yet. We are not promised to know exactly everything He is up to. But, we do know that Romans 8:28 says "All things work together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose." So, it is for my good. It certainly has revealed some middle-of-the-night characteristics about myself I don't particularly love that often, when a lack of sleep takes over carries into my day.
So, maybe Lesson 1 is that I cannot parent on my own strength! I am learning to prayerfully go about my days (and nights) and ask the Lord for His help. Parenting is NOT easy and I knew it as a working mom, and now know it even more as I spend 24/7 with my babies. I am blessed with these babies and blessed with a husband who teams up with me on these crazy nights. But, if we rely on our own strength to be great parents and have great responses to these trials, we are sunk and our kids will reap that harvest (or lack thereof) unfortunately. So, may "His power be made perfect in our weaknesses".

Blessing #1: Evelyn's cozy naptime :). 

Blessing #2: Jon Loran waking up cheerfully from a good nap!

Lord Jesus, bring sweet peace to this home, especially to precious Jon Loran's nights.