Tummy Time and Smiles

Phoebe is continuing with her "firsts". Her latest was her first "real" smile. She recognizes Greg and me and shows the cutest toothless grin I have ever seen. In the picture above, she is smiling while playing in her bouncy seat.

Phoebe's two favorite play time activities are sitting in her bouncy seat and tummy time. Whether she's on our tummies, on a towel on the floor, on her little Boppy or on her Surftime Tummy Mat, she'll move her legs and arms and lift her head. She only moves about an inch or so in the 10 minutes she's there, but it's still good baby exercise, helping her get stronger. The picture above is on her little surfboard, where she's getting ready for the poolside this weekend at Mimi and Deeda's.

Louisville's #1 Tourist Attraction

In the past month, we have noticed that all of our visitors are interested in visiting the same Louisville attraction...yep...Phoebe! Former popular destinations, such as the Slugger Museum, the Riverfront, even a trip to Wick's Pizza, seem to have lost their draw. Mimi and Deeda even passed up auditioning for American Idol and a Bat's game to spend time with their granddaughter. I must say, as Phoebe's Mommy, I can totally understand why. She is full of surprises, has a 100% guarantee of cuteness and cudle-ability, can be visited in air-conditioning without an entrance fee (unless you count trips to the small, full waiting room of the pediatrician's office to be a pay-back), and makes everyone smile. If you are considering a trip to this lovely city, please contact us to book your visit.

One Month Old

Phoebe's one month birthday was Saturday, and we were ready to party! She wore the dress that she wore on her first day of life for her newborn picture, which still fits.

Phoebe went on her first road trip to Evansville this weekend, and met her Great-Grandpa (Papaw) Savage, Great Aunt and Uncle Sherrill and Paul this weekend, as well as her cousins Evan, Rachael and Molly. They held her and loved on her in a special way. It's amazing how a cute little baby can quickly be the center of attention at a gathering. She doesn't have to say a word.

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14 NIV

Aunt Wendy and Niece Yasemin

Yesterday and today we had visitors from West Lafayette, Indiana, and it was perfect timing. Monday night Val began having some intense headaches, and at about 4 PM that afternoon, Phoebe's eye began to fill up, as with an infection. We had a night of little sleep and two sick girls for Greg to take care of.

But, the next afternoon, our great friend Wendy, who Phoebe will grow up knowing as Aunt Wendy, and her 4 and a half year old daughter Yasemin, who calls us Aunt Val and Uncle Greg, came and made two difficult days much easier. They did laundry, cleaning, cooking, driving, bathed Phoebe and played with her and loved on her while Mommy was napping, and were great encouragements to us new parents. Plus, Greg and Yasemin had great fun playing Mr. Potato Head, one of Greg's favorite toys. Thank you, Wendy and Yasemin!

Thankfully, it turns out that Phoebe's eye is fine and is healing with some ointment, and Val is now receiving treatment for her head/neck/back issues and feeling relief. God continues to take care of us in different ways, and has reminded us that He is with us, also during the difficult times.

A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 NAS

Our Little Firecracker

Happy 4th of July! Phoebe is sporting her "All American Girl" outfit today with matching bow. We had a fun visit this morning with RoyAnn, Emily and Amanda, which Phoebe mostly slept through. But even asleep she is a cutie!

It's a gray day in Louisville...Greg is running errands while the girls chill at home. We hope you have a wonderful Independence Day! It is a great day to think about the freedom that comes through knowing Jesus Christ as Savior, and through Him having a relationship with God.

He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:6 NLT

Phoebe's Crib

As I mentioned two days ago, Phoebe is now sleeping in her crib. We decided to move her there at night to see if she would sleep better. Above you see how she is even now starting to fill her bassinet, but how tiny she looks as she wakes up in her new bed. Thanks to Aunts Dawn, Kayte and Jenell for the crib! It is wonderful.

I am still on the huge learning curve of nursing Phoebe. I thought I had it down, but new issues keep me reading, asking and praying for help. Yesterday I tried feeding her in the evening as much as she wanted, because of something I read about cluster feeding, when the baby is trying to store up for the hours of sleep ahead. She ate 5 times in 6 hours, which seems to be a lot, but then slept soundly from 10 PM until 3 AM, and then again from 3:30 to 6 AM. It was a nice relief from the previous nights, when she seemed to cry from 11 PM to 2 AM. We'll see how today goes. It it much more of a learning process than I had anticipated, but worth it.

In light of that, I read this morning in my devotional book that, as adopted children of God, we should not hesitate to ask Him for or about anything, just as a child would not hesitate to ask their parent for something he or she wants. The premise was Matthew 7:11, when Jesus says that if we, who are sinful, know how to provide for our children, how much more will God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, know how to provide for us! This is very encouraging as Greg and I learn to be parents. We can look to God our Heavenly Father as the perfect parent.

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:11 NLT

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Phoebe and Mommy have started going on daily walks. Although our apartment is modest, the area we live in has beautiful old homes with lovely landscaping. And, having been raised by two amateur but avid landscapers, I am able to name a few different flowers and bushes here and there that I otherwise wouldn't notice. Phoebe is now being trained to notice these flora on our walks as well. As you can see in the pictures, today she admired the day lilies and daisies from her stroller. She also saw lovely blue, purple and pinkish hydrangea, cone flowers, hostas and even a few spider warts. We are surrounded by God's beautiful creation.

Right now Phoebe is hiccuping in her bassinet. She has now made it through two nights in her big crib. The first night was a little smoother than the second, but we are very proud of her for sleeping in her own room.

I am enjoying my time with Phoebe. I am constantly reminded through advice from friends and family to not rush any day, to enjoy the time I have with her, because it will quickly pass. Because I am still more emotional than normal these days, thoughts like these bring tears to my eyes, and help me treasure these times. I am thankful for this season of life.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:... ESV Ecclesiastes 3:1