Reflections on Parenting

This post has been brewing over several months and with another epiphany today, it became time to write it. From a Christian perspective, I've often heard it said that parenting helps you realize the sins in your own life because you see them displayed in your children. While that's true - already I've noticed Nora's selfishness, impatience, quickness to anger, and other sins I often un-proudly exhibit - I've also found parenting teaches me so much about my own relationship with God. This was a surprise to me, as I had only been told to expect to see my sins, not my Savior.

I've been convicted on many occasions through my short response to Nora's whines or cries that seem to be without reason (from my perspective). How often do we whine or cry to God about insignificant, meaningless things and yet God is never short with us. He is always compassionate, caring and listening. He doesn't always fix or take away whatever is bothering us at that moment, but he never responds with "you're just being ridiculous," which is sadly how I've responded to Nora at times. This realization has helped me to sometimes stop and change my response in these moments, though I wish I could say I responded in a more Christ-like way every time.

Tonight, God showed me more truths about our relationship when I put Nora to bed. She's getting her third and fourth teeth and isn't eating well, so nap time and bedtime have been a struggle. I had tried putting her down three times with no success and had given her food, milk and Tylenol. Still, when I left her room the last time, she started screaming. I knew she was probably standing in her crib and had thrown her pacifier across the room. I felt defeated and, with Levi at work, I felt I had no other option but to let her cry.

As I stood outside her room listening to her cry and yell "Mama" - which she will only say when begging me to save her from sleep - the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. This scenario is just like the one that plays out between us and God. We often beg for God to save us from something that He knows will ultimately be for our good, just as Nora was begging me to save her from the sleep that I know will be for her good by helping her grow and learn. I pray that by seeing this picture played out in my life that I will trust God more fully, knowing that He always works for the good of those who love Him.

I've only been a parent for 12 months, yet I have already learned so much spiritually. I'm thankful for this sanctification, though it's often hard, and I look forward how much more God will use Nora to teach me about Him.

Oh, how I long for the day when I in Heaven am made perfect like Christ. Come, Lord Jesus.

House Tour

Here's the house tour in pictures after we moved a few things. I'm sure you'll see more as I get the chance to decorate. We're starting to settle in, albeit slowly since we haven't had time to organize things beyond everyday function. Lord-willing, though, we will have many years here in which to get everything just right!

living room

kitchen

kitchen

1/2 bath downstairs

random shower in the hall closet...that will have to go

living room

living room

sun room (playroom) off living room (not much sun with the blinds closed - sorry!)

entryway/stairs

dining room

upstairs landing - that red paint has got to go!

full bath upstairs, original tub & knobs

original sink/radiator/medicine cabinet/glass towel rack

guest room, it's bigger than the picture shows

original glass knobs

master bedroom

my closet with original built-in

sunroom off the master (office)

linen closet

Nora's room, it's actually almost twice this big

1 Year

Our baby is one year old! I'm 10 days late in posting this, but because of our move, Nora's party, Levi getting his wisdom teeth out, three new wholesale coffee customers plus our largest single wholesale order to date AND us hosting Easter in our new house I hope you'll forgive me. It's been a busy few weeks to say the least.

Weighing in at 16 lbs. 9.6 oz., our tiny preemie baby is in the 5th percentile for weight on the adjusted growth chart (as if she were born on time) and 55th in length. She's long and super skinny. I have no idea where she gets that. ;)

Nora sprouted several more teeth this month and now has three with three more on the way. She's going to look more like a toddler than a baby very soon. I'm going to miss that gummy smile of hers. She's also getting more mobile and can push her walker toy around all over the house. She pulls herself to a standing position whenever possible, and I know it won't be long until she's running around!

Nora's babbling is starting to sound more like language and she's very vocal at times! When I try to get her to say Mama she says Na-na. Close and adorable. She's been saying dada for awhile, though I'm not sure if she has made the connection to her daddy yet.

We recently made the switch from formula to whole milk and she seems to love it. There hasn't been much progress on her eating table food, though, since she now thinks it's fun to throw every piece of food off her tray for Molly to eat. Surprisingly, we've discovered the dog likes cheerios and graham crackers. Who knew?!

Because of our busyness, I just realized that I failed to take many pictures of Nora this month. But here's a cute one of Nora with her BFF, Piper. We love her parents and hope the girls grow up to be lifelong friends.

Nora's Nursery

I realized recently that I never posted pictures of Nora's finished nursery, mostly because it didn't ever get finished. I've been waiting on some final touches that still haven't happened, but with the impending move I decided it was time to take pictures anyway. I love how her little room turned out, and I hope to recreate it in our new house.

Nora loves her room - especially the books that can be pulled off the shelf.

Levi's hang board is still proudly displayed above the doorway. This is the only spot in the house where he could put it in order to work on his rock climbing skills while watching TV so we left it there when the office became Nora's room.