16 Has Never Been So Sweet!

In His 16th Month, Samuel:
Still weighed 22 lbs.
Was 30.5 inches tall.
Walked full time...  still wobbly.
Wore size 12 month clothes.  STILL.
Wore a size 5 or 5 1/2 extra wide in shoes.
In size 4 diapers.
Had really sensitive skin.
Disliked heat and outdoors.
Was extremely shy.
Preferred his Mom and Dad over anybody.
Was not a fan of anyone.
Liked to be left alone.
Hated being pushed or bothered.
Was climbing on everything!
Loved Mommy's jewelry.
Like pretending to drive.
Was walking all over the place.
Often blew kisses.
Waved bye-bye a lot!
Loved to be going.
Always was pretending to pray.
Learned that Aunt Ca got married!
Became pretty smitten with Uncle Dustin.

Some of Samuel's Firsts Happened this Month:

• Drank from a straw
• Told us he had pee-peed in his diaper
• Ate his first Oreo.

Favorite Things:
Food(s):  sweets, cake
Toy(s): balls, books, red car, and Elmo
Show(s): Sesame Street
Movie(s): Elmo in Grouchland, Cars
Snack: goldfish, raisins, chips
Song: I'm a Little Teapot
Words He was Saying: hi. ball. bye-bye. night. daddy. momma. cup. caw (car). go. mik (milk). Pa (grandpa). Ca (aunt jessica). Mimi.  hun-gee (hungry).  Dan-yule (Daniel).  Amen.  tank you.  peez (please).
Thing to Do:  play alone, watch movies, ride in the red cozy coupe
People: Daddy and Mommy

Some Other 16th Month Highlights:

Climbing the couch with Daniel

Taking a bath with Brother

Sweet, smiling Samuel

Riding in his red car

Flying in the dark

Getting hugged (or choked) by Daniel

How he got this bag of chips, I'll never know!

After his first Oreo

Drinking milkshake from a straw

Reading with Pop

"Driving" Pa's farm truck

"Praying" before desert

29 Months Old!

In His 289h Month, Daniel:Weighed 31 lbs.
Wore 2T clothes.
Wore a size 8 or 8 1/2 in shoes.
Still in size 4 diapers...
Liked to wear sunglasses.
Enjoyed taking pictures.
Loved driving his tractor.
Especially if Samuel would ride in the back!
Hated for his hands to be dirty.
Loved to pretend to drive cars and trucks.
Was big on dressing himself.
Would NOT pee in the potty.
Liked being naked.
Was extremely bossy and demanding.
Never took naps unless he FELL OUT.
Celebrated his Aunt Jessica's wedding!
Loved his Uncle Dustin.
Asked for Dustin ALL.THE.TIME.
Loved to be playing outside.

Was often found:

• lining up his trains and cars
• sneaking under the beds
• making messes
• taking his diaper off
• pointing and bossing
• standing/playing naked
• throwing fits
• begging to watch movies
• avoiding naps and sleep
• saying his Bible verse, Be kind and loving to each other.

Some of Daniel's Favorite Things:
Food(s):  Whatever he could sneak for himself!
Toy(s): Thomas trains
Show(s): The Backyardigans, Dora, and VeggieTales
Movie(s):  The Backyardigans' Mission to Mars
Snack(s):  gummy snacks
Song(s):  Thomas theme song (new rap version)
Color(s): Blue and Green
Thing to Do: Jumping, Running, Laughing
People: Mimi, Natalie, Ca, Bekah, Pa, and Pop

Popular Phrases and Words of the Month:

• No, it's MINE!
• Go to Mimi's house.
• Let's go!
• I need you.
• It funny.
• Bye, I love you.
• Look at me!

Other Big Things from Daniel's 29th Month:

Making some very long train lines in the living room

Driving in the sun room

Getting in a naked nap

Driving Mister Samuel around the backyard

Loved visits from Pop

Playing with Pa in his farm truck

Noticing his hands had gotten dirty in Pa's truck

Eating his favorite thing at Addy's 3rd birthday party

Or Calls Me Home...

As I sit quietly on the living room couch, with our two babies tucked in tight and my husband enjoying the middle of the bed, I realize how blessed I am.  Just today, I heard "I love you" three times in a row from my two-year-old and had dinner with some very dear friends, but also occuring today was a dear man of the faith being laid to rest.  While I know he is rejoicing this very second upon such sights I cannot fathom, I cannot help but wonder what his sweet wife is feeling without him.

His passing (and many others recently) has me fearful over losing those I love.  The adversary seems to find ways to make me question God's sovereignty, and I tend to get weak when he tugs at my heart.  Just last night, I dreamed that I woke up without Daniel, and tonight as Brian and I talked about our day, I got teary-eyed when we discussed what we'd do without the other.  He told me I would be fine, but I couldn't imagine it...

While I know that God is in complete control, I can't help but be human and fear what is to come.  I know there will be loss.  I realize there is a chance I'll out live our children.  I understand that our children already only have one set of grandparents.  I am very aware that I'm not guaranteed tomorrow.  What I have is now.  This very moment.

In this very moment, I have all I never pictured I would.  I have the most amazing husband who loves me for me.  He accepts me just as I am and loves me with his words.  I have two beautiful boys who literally make my heart joyous at the thought of them.  Their laughter and love make me want to be a better person for their sake.  I have a heavenly Father who lavishes His love on me on a constant basis.  He saved me from my sins when I cried out to Him as a 10-year-old girl. I have more than I need here in our home.  I'm spoiled rotten with material things.  I have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that is open to love. 

Tomorrow is another day, and while God very well may choose to change all I've been given, I am going to rest in the One who holds the world in the palm of His hand.  I'm going to sleep peacefully, knowing that if I do not wake, He has prepared for me a home in heaven. If I lose everyone I love, I still have Christ.  He will always be my Comforter, my all in all.  In Him, I can truly live without the fear of death.  May we all see our blessings in life and use them for His glory until He comes back or calls me home.

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand