Dear Maci - 8 months

Dear Maci,


You are 8 months old today. You are sitting up by yourself, and pulling up in your crib and on our hands. You are also getting on your hands and knees and rocking, I bet you will be crawling any day now.  You are such a big girl. You are eating 2 tbs. oatmeal cereal with a stage 1 jar of fruit for breakfast, and (2) jars of stage 2 baby food at lunch and dinner. You are taking about 5 oz of formula every 4 hours, and about 3 oz at bedtime.  You usually go to sleep around 8:30 and sleep until around 6:30 or 7:00 (with a few cries for mommy and daddy in between).  You love to laugh, and are the funniest happy baby I have ever seen. You LOVE to have your picture made, whenever I get the camera out you start bouncing and laughing and make the silliest faces ever. You love your glo worm and give it kisses when it sings and lights up. You give hugs and kisses now. You can play patty-cake when someone starts saying the rhyme and clap when you are excited. You also wave “bye bye.” You can say your da, ba, ma sounds now. You love to watch Sprout, and Nina and Star are your favorite. You love it when Mommy sings to you and when Daddy tickles you and plays with your toys with you. You are always smiling. We love you very much, and can’t wait to see what you will do next.

We love you sweet baby girl....happy 8 month birthday!!

Testify

by Deidra, writing regularly at jumping tandem


I’m in the middle of a story and it comes to me in fits and starts. Sometimes it just rolls along, unnoticed and then sometimes it seems to suddenly drop out from under my feet.


I don’t have a testimony for this story. Not yet.

You know how, in some churches, the preacher will ask for someone – anyone – to give a testimony? And someone will rise to their feet and lean with two hands on the seat in front of them, or walk to the front of the church where there’s a microphone and they will tell their story. Start to finish. Beginning, middle, and end. A complete and total story.

I’m still in the middle of this story, and what I’ve got is hope.

Because I’ve sat in churches and listened to the testimonies that others had to tell. I’ve even had complete and total stories of my own to tell in days gone by.

And I’ve heard your stories…your beginnings, your middles, and your ends. You tell us about courage and joy and strength and your stories offer hope.

Do you know that? Do you know that your words give hope? Do you know the gift you offer when you tell your story? When you write it down, or type it out, or dip your head and offer words of hope into a microphone at the front of the church, or over the phone, or across the table over a cup of tea?

When you tell your story, your voice starts out soft and then it grows in strength along the way as words get strung together – one after the other – and then are fastened together like the “Amen” at the end of a prayer…

Your words shine.

Solid. Finished. Precious and good.

You stand tall. Your testimony sparkles there - draped around your neck. The going through has made you stronger. Your getting through gives hope.

I’m in the middle of a story and it comes to me in fits and starts. Your stories keep me going. Your stories keep me hoping. I put them in my back pocket and tuck them into my purse and press them into my heart along the way.

No one can tell your story like you can. No one knows the truth of it like you do. No one knows better how much we need to hear your story than those of us who are right in the middle of our own.

So, what story of hope do you have to tell?

What stories have you pressed into your own heart along the way?

COMMENTS

I am not sure if some of you are actually trying to comment on my blog or if it's a type of SPAM...but I keep getting comments that are only boxes, and chinese symbols....I am rejecting them....sorry if they are actual comments....I would never reject anyones comment intentionally, unless it was rude or inappropriate for my blog.

If you are trying to contact me my e-mail is hkimble1028@yahoo.com

Thanks
Heather

Josh Wilson - Before The Morning (Slideshow With Lyrics)

Dear Maci 7 Months

Dear Maci,

Today you are 7 months old.  You are getting so big.  Sitting up all by yourself without support.  You have 2 bottom teeth, and the top right one just broke the skin today.  You love to play on the floor, and with Harvest.  You like to play in your jump-a-roo when you are watching Sprout on TV.  You are coming in to you own personality.  You are just the happiest baby I have ever seen.  You are drinking about 6 oz every 4 hours and you are eating your baby food much better, 1 ½ to 2 jars for lunch and for dinner.  You LOVE oatmeal mixed with prunes for breakfast.  Your favorite song is Twinkle Twikle little star, and you have started waving “bye bye”  you can say da da da da and ga ga ga ga ga.  You usually go to sleep at 8:30 and sleep until 6:00.  Sometimes on Saturday mornings if I put you in the bed with daddy and me you will sleep until 7:00.  Daddy and I love you so much!!

STILL HERE

I am still here.  I have been insane lately.  Just a quick update on what's going on.  Our company was sold, we had to interview for our jobs, I got to keep mine (PRAISE GOD).  As of June 1st we became our new company, and we went from having 2 CSR / Sales Assistant (which is what I am) a receptionist / librarian and an accounting assistant, down to ME, I took over the job of 2 other people, on top of the job I already had.  I am now, our receptionist, CSR / sales assistant, and accounting assistant.  It's been crazy, I have been working late at night, working through my lunches, working weekends, and working from mom's when I am here.  It's been hard to say the least!! I am thankful to have a job, and I do love what I do, I am so thankful that I still have a job...but I would be thankful for a little more help.  Anyway, that is the reason for the lag in blogging lately, I simply have no time.  I will hopefully catch up on all my blogging soon.

Dear Maci - 6 Months (4 days late)

I know, I should be ashamed for letting the blog go this long without updating, things have been a whirl-wind for me these days, but thats a post for another day.  Today is all about my beautiful baby girl, who is now SIX months old, I can't believe it!!!

Dear Maci,


You are 6 months old today. You had your shots and you were such a big girl, you only cried for a minute. You are drinking juice out of a sippy cup now (a nubby) if someone holds it for you. You haven’t quite gotten the hang of holding the handles just yet, but you love to play with it while sitting in your new highchair that your daddy brought home and surprised us with. You are drinking around 5 to 6 ounces every 4 hours, and eating 1 ½ to 2 jars of baby food twice a day (most of the time). You just moved up to the stage 2 foods this week. Your favorite so far is Corn and Sweet Potatoes and Hawaiian Delight. You usually take your last bottle around 7:00 and go to bed around 9:00. You are sleeping much better now; you usually sleep until 6:00am.

You had your first fever this month too, it stayed around 102 and 103 for 5 whole days. You were sick the whole time Aunt Connie was here visiting. I had to take you to the doctor and they stuck your finger. I cried a little, and you cried A LOT. You really felt bad.

You can sit up by yourself unsupported for about 2-3 minutes at a time, and you love to play in your bounce-a-roo. You like to bang your toys on things, and you are putting everything you can in your mouth. You are now giving kisses intentionally and you are hugging mommy and daddy with one arm. You even grabbed mommy and daddy’s neck at the same time the other night when daddy was holding you. You can play patty-cake on my hand when I start saying the rhyme. You are reaching, and rolling over both ways, and holding your head up so well now. You are getting to be such a big girl. I can’t believe all the things you are doing.

Daddy and I love you so much. Happy 6 month ( ½ year) birthday baby girl!!!!

Maci and Grammy

Maci and Harvest!!  They are BFF's!! I LOVE THESES BABIES!!!!

Dear Maci - 5 Months

Dear Maci,


You are 5 months old today. You are growing so fast. You weighed 17.5 lbs, at your last doctor’s appointment (for an ear infection). You are eating about 5 ounces around every 3 – 4 hours. You love your baby food now, squash and bananas are your favorites. You hate sweet peas. You love bath time; you splash and laugh, and love for Mommy to sing to you. Your favorite song is twinkle twinkle. You love to play in your jump-a-roo that Aunt Cole gave you last week. It’s so much fun to watch you bounce and play and laugh. We love you so much more everyday. We love to watch you grow and learn, and to see what new thing you will do next. You are learning to make new noises, you have a very high pitched squeal, and a low tone growl that you are showing us this week. It’s so funny. Mommy and Daddy love you so much.

Happy 5 month birthday baby girl, we love you!!!

First Celebrated Mother's Day

So, my first Mother’s Day with Maci was pretty much the bomb-diggity!! Mostly because, I got to spend it with Maci!! We were pretty busy...we celebrated with MY mom and Mamaw Holston (dad’s mom) on Saturday, then with Bill’s mom and sisters and their husbands on Saturday night. Sunday we went to church, and spent the afternoon with my Mamaw Miller (mom's mom) and my mom!!

We had a great time, and lots of good food!! It was great!!

Mamaw Holston and Maci

Nanny (Bill's Mom) and Maci

Harvest and Mamaw Miller (Mom's Mom)

Holly and Harvest at Church

Papaw Miller, Me, and Maci, Mamaw Miller, Holly & Harvest -- No I am not a mean mama that leaves her child in a carseat, we were on our way out the door when everybody decided to take pictures.

Harvest giving Maci kisses....How sweet!!!

I won, Cowgirl Style!!

Ok, everyone should go check out Charla's Blog, Cowgirl at Heart!!  Not only because I won her contest and she is sending me a really awesome Beth Moore Book!! Mainly, because it's a really great blog, and worth the read, she has an amazing heart and a great story to follow!!  Just click the button below!!

Look at My New Trick

Sorry for the news reports in the background and my most annoying
voice.  I am convinced I don't sound like that in real life!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We Have a New Trick

Saturday while her daddy and I were playing with her, Maci decided to show us her new trick. 

1 Year Ago

One year ago today...

...I got a positive pregnancy test
...I was excited and scared all at the same time
...I had to fight to hold onto my faith that God would let me keep this baby
...I couldn't imagine the blessing that God had in store for me

Today, one year later.....

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

GIVEAWAY

Check out this post on Charla's Blog

 

She is giving away Beth Moore's new book.

Hop on over and try to win.

4 Month Check-Up

Maci went to the doctor yesterday for her 4 month check up.  The shots were HORRIBLE, I cried as much as she did I think.  It was just so  bad because the whole visit she was kicking and laughing and smiling at everybody.  Then that mean ol' nurse stuck her in the leg and she went from mid-laugh to screaming at the top of her lungs and turning purple. BROKE. MY. HEART.  She does seem to be tolerating them better today than she did the day after her shots at 6 weeks though, so that makes me feel  a little better.  The doctor said she is very healthy, and everything looks great.  She weighs 15 lbs and 2 oz. and 25" long and is in the 75th percentile.  The doctor pretty much decided she has allergies, so he gave me a perscription for an antihistimine (he said only give her a 1/4 of a dose, so don't every body panic all at once).  They said she is hitting all the milestones just right.  She can keep her head level with her shoulders when being pulled up by her arms, she is trying to roll over, she holds her head up pretty good while on her stomach, and she can hold things with her hands and put them in her mouth.

She had her first taste of white grape Juice, that was interesting.  It was a little too tart for her I think, she made all kinds of sour faces then opened her mouth for more.  She won't suck the bottle,  I am not sure if it's because it is cold, or sour, but she just lets it drip in her mouth and then licks her lips...she is such a silly girl.  She also tried her first few bites of carrots and she really wasn't impressed.  We are taking it very slow on the new foods, she only eats a few bites at a time and I don't force anymore on her.  I just want her to get used to it all first. 

All in all she is doing great!! 

Dear Maci - 4 Months

Dear Maci,

You are 4 months old today.  You are able to sit supported now, and you are holding your head up like a big girl.  You have almost rolled over several times, but haven't made that final push yet.  You can scoot around in a small area on your back, and you still hate to lay on your tummy.  We go to the doctor Monday to see how much weight you have gained and how long you are now.  I am sure you have grown a lot.  You are in 6 month clothes now, and you are growing like a weed. You still only drink around 5 oz. of formula every 3 hours.  We have tried to feed  you cereal a few times, and you are not a big fan.  You will eat a few bites without fussing, but mostly you give me dirty looks, like you are wondering what in the world I am putting in your mouth. We will start you on baby food and a little juice after your doctor's appointment Monday.  You are mostly sleeping through the night now, with a few exceptions.  You have more and more facial expressions and your happy little personality is really showing.  You are such a good baby, you never fuss unless you are hungry (or sometimes sleepy).  You love to be held, and you love to "talk" you will "ooh" and "ahhh" and "ouuuu" over and over, it even seems like you know what you are saying.  You seem to know people now, and react to them. You even have started reaching a little for your daddy (and only your daddy).  Usually when you are laying on the changing table and daddy walks by you will reach out for him to pick you up.  You are growing so fast and we love you more with ever day.

Happy 4 month birthday Maci, we love you!!

Favorite Song Friday

It's been a while since I have done a Favorite Song Friday, mainly because Mandye started this last year, and she stopped doing it....I didn't want to "steal" the idea.

I just adore music though, even though I can't carry a tune in a bucket myself.  We have recently added this song to our list of worship songs at church, and it is, by far, one of my favorites!  Especially

"NO MORE CHAINS HOLDING ME, FROM NOW ON I AM FREE, I'M GONNA SHOUT IT OUT LOUD!!"

  That just makes you want to...well...shout!! Especially if you have ever been set free from something....and I mean really set free, rather it be drugs, alcohol, depression, anxiety, or whatever you have been going through...the Bible says "He who the Son sets free, is free indeed!!

Maci & Harvest's First Easter Pictures!!