11 Months Old and Walking!

Here is a little exerpt of what Phoebe's up to these days: walking, playing with her stuffed animals, falling and bumping her head on the coffee table, putting anything and everything in her mouth, making different babbling noises. This video was taken on her 11 month birthday, which was May 12th.

Happy First Mother's Day Mommy!

Mommy, did you know that you are one of my most favorite things? I mean, I like my toys, my books, and a good afternoon nap, but nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to you. If I could cook for you today, I would, but Daddy says you deserve more than Cheerios, especially today (and I think he's right).

You feed me everyday. You make my yummy food (blueberries, sweet potatoes, beef, and so many other tasty treats). You take me on walks and jogs (the runs are a little bumpy, but I still like them anyway, especially since I'm with you). You read to me every day. You sing to me. You play with me. You change my messy diapers. You talk to me in both English and German (danke!). You taught me some sign language. You took me to Kindermusik in the fall and the spring. You took me to swimming lessons earlier this year. You wash my dirty clothes and dishes. You get me dressed for the day and then again for bedtime. You give me baths. You read my Bible to me. You dance with me. You play games with me. You pick up my toys. You wipe off my face when I'm done eating. You take extra good care of me when I get sick. You take me to the doctor's office when I need to go. You make sure my car seat is secure. You keep me away from dangerous and icky things. You hold me when I'm scared or when I get hurt. You put me to bed eah night. You get up in the middle of the night with me when it's necessary. You hug me. You kiss me. You tell me that you love me.

Mommy, as we celebrate this first Mother's Day together, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and all that you do for me and for Daddy. You take such wonderful care of us, and you are a great example for a little girl like me to see and learn from every day. I am blessed to call you "Mommy."

I Love You and Happy Mother's Day!


Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." (Proverbs 31:28-29 28, NIV)

Kindermusik Part 2

Phoebe completed her first year of Kindermusik last Thursday. It was an amazing experience for both of us, filled with the cutest baby and toddler moments, and all centered around music. Our teacher and friend Miss Sandy used drums, scarves, balls, egg shakers, clackers, bells, rain shakers and more to give the children a sensory and social experience every week. We will miss seeing our little friends Julianne, Jacob, Jacob, Todd, Gracelynn, Grayson, Keller, Audrey, and Katie and their Mommys each week, and will treasure the memories we made in class and at home.

Our Neighbors

Our across-the-hall neighbors, Penelope, Andrea and Thomas, moved out about a week ago. Penelope was kind enough to watch Phoebe when I went Bible study in the Winter, and Andrea and Thomas loved to play with Phoebe and watch her grow. Andrea taught Phoebe to dance, and Thomas loved giving her hugs. They also shared their toys with her, and she loves playing with them! We miss them already, but they still live close, so we will see them again.

The Case of the Missing Sunglasses

Deeda came to visit me on Monday! He brought lots of new fun things to play with, like a froggie toy, a happy face toy, and even a toy for my car seat when Mommy and I drive around town (although Mommy doesn't always turn the sound on). He also brought me a new pair of sunglasses. They were so neat! I think they made me look like a star.

We went to the Waterfront to swing. Mommy took some pictures, and took my sunglasses off for some of them. She laid them on the ground.

After playing on the playground at the Waterfront, we went back home. Deeda left for his house, and I had my dinner. All of a sudden, Mommy jumped. The sunglasses! Mommy and I drove back to the Waterfront and walked to the swing where she took the pictures, but the sunglasses weren't there. Both Mommy and I were sad. Hopefully another little girl has them now and can play with them.

Right now I'm looking at books. I like to open and close and open and close them. Mommy thinks I should also share that Daddy saw me take 4 steps in a row on Monday night!

A Day at the Park

Today was really fun. Nonnie and Papa came in for a surprise visit yesterday, and today we spent the whole day together! We went to the park, and I had lots of new experiences. I saw ducks for the first time, I rode in my umbrella stroller for the first time, I found a stick, I felt the grass. It was fun to be outside and see all kinds of different people. I saw little boys playing with a ball. I hope I can do that soon.

I'm so glad Nonnie and Papa are here...I can tell they love me very much! Nonnie has fed me food and helped me stay clean, and Papa likes to whistle. I love you, Nonnie and Papa!

The Fact that Jesus Rose from the Dead Matters!

Easter is such a fun holiday...finding bright eggs filled with candy, eating peeps and jelly beans, dressing our baby up in a precious outfit with a hat, spending time together as a family...it's easy to be happy on this day. Even better, though, is the everlasting joy of knowing that, because Jesus rose from the dead, those who trust in Him are forgiven, we can know that He can handle any and all of our problems, and our future (our eternity) is secure. If Jesus hadn't risen from the dead, we would not have this hope, because the One who saves us from spiritual death...separation from God, would still be dead Himself. But He's not! He is risen, and we are forever grateful. Enjoy the pictures!

1 Corinthians 15:17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. NAS

Romans 10:9-10 ...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.