The Good and Unexpected

Sunshine, GLORIOUS sunshine! Today our small family of three began the day with an idyllic walk around the neighborhood. At least, that was the plan. Unforuntately, David's sandals malfunctioned, and it turns out we bought a stroller that doesn't really stroll all that well. (Sigh.) I have taken it out and about a few times, but this was the first time I tried such challenges as slightly uneven sidewalks, bumpy streets, and grass. It doesn't go, so much as stop, when it encounters such obstacles; poor Gideon may need a chiropractor. The stroller came from Craig's list, and thence it shall return.

Ok, that was Saturday, and today is now Tuesday. I seem to have gotten distracted.

Sunday started out a bit disastrously, as Gideon was awake frequently throughout the night, and in the morning I was exhausted and had a very sore throat. Not the auspices of a great day in the making.

But, the day recovered well. I wouldn't have imagined that such a day would end up being one of my favorites of the spring, but it was. We (and by we I mean David) planted wonderful little green and flowering plants along our front walk and along the back patio. I potted a few plants, but on the whole my contribution must be described honestly as keeping him company rather than really working...for the most part I rested on the blanket and fetched water or tools or cookies (true sustenance)as needed. Gideon is quite the contented outdoor baby, at least at this stage. He seemed happy to lie on the blanket, watch trees, and wiggle under the breeze. I was very glad to be out in creation enjoying my little family. Such wonderful blessings.

And today, Tuesday, has its own gloriousness as well. Last night was the first night that Gideon managed a five hour stretch at night, making this morning a much easier morning. Usually we do 2-3 hour increments, occasionally a four hour stretch. Five was unexpected and, I can only assume, the product of having loaded Gideon up on formula last night before bed. I always give one ounce after the bedtime nursing, and for various reasons, last night I gave three. And then he slept, and I slept and no one made a peep until the wee hours of the morning...and it was wonderful. Needless to say, three ounces could become the new nightcap norm. Today is also going to be a lovely day of family time, and I am very, very excited. I love my family.

I am exceedingly grateful to the Maker of beautiful babies and wonderful husbands and summer days for the glories of the recent days. We do receive such undeserved gifts at such unexpected times. As much as I have enjoyed the recent gloriousness, I am reminded that it is pale indeed compared to the gift of Christ, the great Gift and guarantee to those who believe on Him of an eternity of glorious days in the prescence of the Most Glorious One.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation due to a shadow of turning. James 1:17

Amen and amen, no?

The Goodness of the Week

Oh, the random goodness. Today, we officially eradicated the baby mullet! Who knew my child was born with such an unfortunate hairstyle?! Not me...I must have been blinded by mother love. Having finally realized it two weeks ago, I made a mental note to cut it, and finally have. In our attempt to even out the sides and back to match the shorter top, I have basically shorn him bald. He's such a cute bald baby!

And, the major news of the week is that Gideon smiles! I love it, love it, love it. It is wonderful to have a sense of what things made his little happy neurons fire. The big winners so far are the swing, the crib mobile, and a windup music-playing toy that intersperses a few lines of off-key music with a tinny dog bark. All play music. Apart from things that play music, plaid seems to be also quite entertaining. He can stare at the plaid fabric on his highchair for almost the entire duration of my dinner prep activities...who knew plaid was so exciting?

Finally, in this catalgue of random good things, this week I made my big return to partaking in outside gloriousness. I pulled out the stroller and off we went. I even had the opportunity to go walking with another mother from church, a welcome moment of friendship and conversation and sunshine. Praise God who makes all things, who is the giver of good gifts like babies to take on walks, hot winds, sunshine, brisk post-rain air, and adult conversations. I have enjoyed them all.

Future goodness to enjoy? More sleep. While I am immensely pleased with the increase in sleep between week 1 and week 6, I am still anticipating more to come. Today I got up with Gideon in the morning, enjoyed a bit of play time, and went back to bed when he went down for a nap. Then when he woke up, David got up with him for the late morning awakeness while I slept in. I foresee great things for Saturday mornings if this plan continues. Praise the Lord for Saturday mornings and NAPS!