A year draws nigh . . .

Oh my baby boy! How quickly this year is flying by . . .

You are so precious . . . you have just started pulling up, first to your knees, then to your feet. Crawling all over - still commando style, we finally HAD to baby proof the cabinets in the kitchen! You love opening and closing, over and over the cabinets or doors. If it's less of a traditional toy, the better. More and more now, you're eating finger foods, bananas, cantalope, a little avocado - my sweet boy! Growing and changing every day.

The spring coming around reminds me of last year's anticipation, and the upcoming summer. As plants from last summer come back through the ground, it reminds me of the joy and newness of last summer as you became a part of our life! We never knew how wonderfully blessed our world would be with you in it. Your sweet "Dah- dah-dah"s with the wave of the wrist with the straight arm up overhead - or even a teary "Mahm-mahm-mahm" with uncomfortable teething - all make our lives so much more rich and right and happy!

My precious, precious boy - I love you so!

A little throw-up . . .

Adam threw-up a couple of times today. Of no little consequence, he started full time daycare last week

Well, it's been awhile . . .

I think that this has been the hardest time. They say that 6 months is the fun time - and don't get me wrong. Adam continues to be a precious, precious, darling child. I still just don't think we're in a rhythm now. A sickness that knocked me for a loop after a holiday that knocked me for a loop - I was just loop d' looped for awhile. Sleeping schedules are starting to get back on track, working to stay ahead of pumping - durn that's a job - and work starting to ramp up.

I just want to know for sure that he is alright, and is going to be alright, and that I'm making the right decisions. Did I wait too late to start veggies - is he getting all his vitamins? I'm sure all moms will tell me that this will never end - so just get used to it?

With all the concerns and worries that arise with each phase, I never want to lose the fullness of heart that I felt once that little boy entered our lives. I never want to forget his wide toothless smile - that he shines all the time and with ease! I never want to forget the way his sweet little eyes crease with that precious smile. As he loses the last of his gorgeous head of baby hair, I don't want to forget how his beautiful head came into this world.

He is my treasure and my heart - Lord, guide me to always do my best for him and help me to make the right decisions in his teaching and care.

The pile keeps getting bigger . . .

of clothes that Adam has outgrown! I keep piling things up in his closet that he's about to pop out of, while also realizing there are lots of clothes that he's barely worn that's he'll grow out of too very soon. Gracious me. My little boy is growing up! I can't tell so easily from day to day, but of course, anytime a granparent or friend sees him, all they can talk about is how much he has grown!

Four months have just flown by. As a neighbor said, the hours are so long, yet the weeks are so fast. I love knowing where his tickle spot is, that makes him giggle when he's in the right mood. I love that he behaves in church and sings during the hymns and the anthems. I love that I was able to take him up to the children's sermon at Hallsboro UMC yesterday and he listened! I even love that he pinches my arm fat while he's eating! :) My sweet baby.

First football game!

This weekend, the three of us went to the Triangle. Dan-daddy's 60th birthday on Friday where we celebrated at blair and Elizabeth's home. Then the UNC game on Saturday - Adam did so good! He spent the first 3 quarters in the Bjorn with Daddy, then the 4th quarter with Jonanna on the north side concourse. She and Dan-daddy came back to Charlotte with us, and Adam got lots of good grandparent time!

He is growing so much - holding his head up well, "standing", and "talking" up a storm!! Today, he spent a good 5-10 minutes staring at himself in the mirror, reaching out for his reflection, kicking his legs, and smiling. He is so cute and has completely stolen my heart!!!

A way to tie it down . . .

As the past twelve weeks have passed, a joy has bubbled up within my soul! Adam Barefoot Brookshire, my son, is a miracle from God who never has ceased to amaze me. Understanding that his flesh and blood is a miracle in and of itself, the upwelling of emotions and shift in our being that his presence has created is . . . indescribable. As each day passes, and I am opened up to a new world of friendship, inward instinct, and a whole new kind of love, I marvel at the gift with which our Lord has blessed us.

Not only is he a marvelous gift in and of himself, he makes me recognize the blessings of my precious childhood, my wonderful family, and my beloved husband. All of it takes on a new significance, welling up inside me where I can hardly believe it! I can only describe it as . . . a heart so full.

Back to blogging ...

As you can see, the last time I blogged with any frequency, it was in another country, in totally different circumstances. Now, I write as a mother of a 2 month old precious baby boy. As each day goes by, I ache to capture each sweet smile, each milestone, even each cry (he's so cute, even when he cries!) that I figure a blog is one way to do that. Also to keep close to those who geographically are not.

Today - (he'll be 10 weeks tomorrow!) my sweet one held his head up - I mean UP! On his forearms, lifting his chest, head up. I was so proud - and had to hold it together from becoming a bubbling mess.

I'll close for the evening, but each day, as feel the love from all my family, tell Beau "night-night" (and he goes to his bed), I love on my baby, and I wrap up in my wonderful husband . . . I give God thanks for a heart so full.