Splish Splash (I'm not taking a bath)

Mommy and I went to swimming lessons today for the third time. Daddy came along and took these pictures. I like the water. Mommy counts to three, blows in my face and puts me under the water. It surprises me, but I don't mind it. She's always there when I come back up. I'm learning to kick, to grab onto the wall, to move my arms, and to float on my back. I can tell Mommy feels comfortable in the water. I like to put my head on her shoulder and just relax in the warm pool. There are also other babies learning with me, and that makes it even more fun.

Our Branch

Two days after our ice and snow storm, "our branch" is still hanging in there. On Wednesday we noticed that the branch, which is resting on 4 power lines outside our bedroom window (see first picture), was gradually breaking from it's trunk. We learned throughout the day that our downstairs neighbors had been praying with us that the branch would not break and take out our power. After having gone without power for 8 days after the Ike wind storm, and finding out which transformer and lines were ours (because the transformer blew up), we were able to pray specifically.

Last night, when we heard that the winds were picking up, and this morning, when we saw the additional snow falling and saw our lights flicker one more time, we wondered if our branch could handle it. But, thank the Lord, it's still attached. Some of the ice is starting to melt...it will be interesting to see how our branch is removed from the power lines so that our mail carrier can once again visit our mailboxes downstairs.

Family Day

Yesterday I had a special treat...Daddy was home! Because of the 6 inches of snow and an inch of ice we had, his car was stuck. But that was okay with me, because I had lots of time to play with him. We like to sit or lay on the family room floor and talk or play with my toys. He made me laugh when he tossed a sock back and forth in front of me. He took this picture of Mommy and me when I was on her shoulders. He also helped neighbors get their cars out of the snow...I hope I am as eager to help people as he is when I grow up. He's back at work today, but I'm so glad he was here yesterday. And Mommy says we should be very thankful for electricity, because many people in Louisville don't have it, and it's cold outside.

Phoebe Jump-Up

Here's Phoebe in her new toy, thanks to Mimi and Deeda. She loves sliding and bouncing and turning around and around. Mommy loves it, too, because she can see her from both the kitchen and the dining room. Phoebe now plays peek-a-boo (if you say "where's Phoebe?", she'll move so that she can see you), is still working on crawling (not there just yet), and is more resistant to going to bed at night. Our little baby is growing up!

7 Months Old

Phoebe turned 7 months yesterday. Here are a couple pictures in one of her dresses from Nonnie, and the first one is taken on the chair that Mimi apolstered. Developmentally, Phoebe is getting very close to crawling. She's onto eating fruits now in addition to her veggies and cereal. Of the many flavors she's tried, squash was received the best.

Baby's First Christmas

It is truly special to celebrate the birth of Jesus with a baby. Having the gift of our baby Phoebe this Christmas gave us a taste of the love Mary and Joseph had for Jesus on that first Christmas. What a tiny wonder...so easy to love, such a joy to be around, such a blessing to our entire family. And yet Mary and Joseph knew that their little son would be a blessing to the entire world. We are thankful for the priceless gift of our daughter, but even more so for the daily and future hope we have in knowing Jesus Christ. Please enjoy the video...it is a chronological journey through Phoebe's first Christmas, first with the Becks, Savages and Mayses, then with the Weavers, Stolls and Teuschers.

Luke 2:16-19 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. NIV