Fearless...

It's not everyday that I open up and completely share my emotions.  It's not often that I have to admit to my insecurities.  It's not enjoyable when other people see me cry, and I am not a huge fan of feeling vulnerable. 

Oh, but sisters, I am.  I am emotional.  I am completely insecure.  I cry, and I am ridiculously vulnerable in the fact that I need to share something I've learned.  If I haven't said so, I am neck deep in the Esther Bible study with Beth Moore.  I have never been so moved to open my heart and fall face first into the arms of Jesus.  Because Beth is right, "It's Tough Being a Woman." And do you know why it's tough for me?  Do you know what I've been struggling with for months now?

Fear. 

I mean, full-fledged, scared to sleep, terrified to live kind of fear, and I am so sick of it.  I have been dealing with fear from all angles of my life.  Every aspect of fear, from the fearing of my lack of control, being fearful of being lonely in regards to faithful friendships, to being horrified of failing, to my struggles with making decisions, and even scared of death.  I could go in great detail over all of these.  I could tell you that I am fearful of losing control.  I am so miserable over not having solid Christian relationships.  I am sick over the idea of failing at being a wife, a mother, a Christian, you name it.  I have the most difficult time making decisions over fear of making the wrong ones.  I could tell you that I am so scared of losing loved ones. But honestly, it wouldn't do me or you any good.

What I have realized (with the aid of Beth Moore) is that each fear I have is a motive for the devil.  He attacks me when I am fearful and scared, and I am almost certain, if you're willing to admit it, that Satan is doing the same to you.  Sweet friends, let's take hold of these fears and no longer be gripped by them.  Because it's our gift from the Lord to be able to LIVE.  And not just live but live it more abundantly.  Fear is not included in that gift.  Jesus set us free from that fear when He saved our souls.  And that's a good thing for me, because I don't want to live like this.  I want to look life straight in the face and LIVE...  fearlessly.

I don't know how it could get any better than that.

He's Moving On...

To vegetables.  Squash, to be exact. 

Can you believe it?!  He's that big.  Big enough for vegetables.  That's just crazy to me.

Daniel's doing great with this food-introductory phase.  We started when he was 4 months old with fruit, and now that he's made it through all of them (bananas, applesauce, peaches, pears, and prunes) with no problems (other than that organic mess of bananas that gave him a terrible rash in a place I won't mention for his sake), he can now move on to vegetables.  I was worried that the squash wouldn't be good after all of the sweet fruits he has had, but he did amazing.  Just opened his mouth for every spoonful. 

He's growing up so fast, and literally, it's happening right before my eyes.  Next thing you know, he'll be eating birthday cake.  Nuts.  Well, actually with no nuts because that's the rule.  No this, that, or the other for at least so many years.  But, let's not wish his little life away...  We're happy with squash. 

Mmmm... Peaches!

Daniel's in the introductory phase of baby food, meaning we're trying each food for three days before moving onto a new one.  He's made it through organic bananas (which were awful in the form of a rough rash in an odd place), applesauce, bananas for a 2nd time, and now, we've made it to peaches.  They are, by far, the worst nastiest, most disgusting food we've had so far - only because they stink to high heavens and he's needing diaper changes like a crazy fool.  However, the stink and poop don't seem to bother Daniel; he's eating this stuff UP.  See for yourself...

Eating peaches for the first time...

and enjoying them fairly well.

Another day, some more peaches, and yet his parents won't stay out of his face for him to eat.

 

Mmmm, these are some good peaches.

 

He's Decided on a Best Friend...

We thought for sure Daniel would like Pierce, and we knew he'd become great friends with Addy.  We were thinking maybe it would be his security blanket or even one of his toys, but Daniel has decided that his Uncle Andrew is his best friend.  Of course, he's only 4 and a half months old, and we're sure he'll make other friends, but as of lately, the buddy he likes the best is his Uncle Andrew.  See what we mean?

Grabbing at and Laughing with his Uncle

 

Kicking Uncle Andrew's face

  

Just being good buds

  

Uncle Andrew has even been the very best teether...

  

Uncle Andrew trying to get Daniel's attention

  

Playing with his Uncle

 

All Smiles

Daniel just keeps us smiling...
How could you NOT with this sweet smile?!

Smiling & playing with Daddy while working on sitting up

Grinning at Uncle Andrew after they spent a day together

He's not always this cheerful when riding in the car!

Mommy always cracks him up while he's eating

Noticing his Daddy from behind the camera while eating with Mommy