Noah's first "dolly"

Of course I think Noah is the smartest little boy in the whole wide world, but I think this proves it! I pulled out a potty seat we bought because Noah was very interested in the toilet tonight. Upon sitting him on it (clothed) it was clear that the little hole made for him was reaalllly small and I didn't think it would work. As I prepared to box it up, I noticed Noah was really enjoying it. It was like a giant potty-puzzle that he could put together and take apart over and over. Then, as he often does, he wanted to try to pick it up. He carried it to and fro, huffing and puffing, occasionally dropping it and putting it all back together. Apparently the load became too much for him to bear because the next thing I know he is carefully setting it on top of his "scoop" push-along so he could more easily maneuver his way around the house. I was amazed that he had that complex of a thought process to figure that out - maybe he'll be an engineer like his dad :)

Used Bath Water

I have had a looooong weekend! Yesterday was spent helping with the wedding of some good friends of mine, and today was spent in Pacifica celebrating the ordination of another friend. Still, even though they were happy times, I was tired on the drive home tonight. When I walked in the door I told Darren how great the house looked. He replied "At least it's better than how our upstairs bathroom looks". Ugh, what happened? Toilet overflow? Pipe leak? By his voice the conclusion was drawn that it was not going to be pretty. Jennifer and I trudged up the stairs to greet whatever catastrophe was there to meet us.

But instead, a glow lit the master bedroom, a soft glow of candlelight. We turned the corner and the large tub was filled with wonderful scented water and surrounded with candles... My husband gave me what I would not have given myself - a break! I had planned on immediately throwing in a load of laundry the second I walked in - I'm so glad it was interrupted.

While I was in the tub I had a funny memory. When I was little and I had taken my bath, I would always offer my water to my dad. "Hey dad, you wanna use my bathwater?" I thought I was giving the gift of a lifetime - hot water already drawn for a bath. How convenient, right? "You bet!" he'd say, and once I was done, he would go into he bathroom and shut the door. Looking back, I now realize that I was giving him what probably amounted to about 6 inches of tepid water, and it was used bath water at that! I laughed at how my perception was so different back then. What a good sport my dad was to play along - now I understand why I always heard the water turn back on as he probably was filling up the rest of the tub with nice hot water. I love you dad :)

Noah was here...

Hanging out with his friend Lucy

Playing with spaghetti (that he won't eat)

Playing with grandma's cane

At the park with mommy

Look mom, a stick! (Just before it goes into his mouth)

For no reason at all....

Those are the best flowers to get! Darren arrived home today and presented these beautiful roses to me! It was a wonderful surprise and topped off an already great day.

I cried today.

I was driving home from a trip to the grocery store with Noah, pretty random, right? In the car the song "Sunrise" came on by Nicole Nordeman. It took my mind back to how terrible things were just 8 short months ago. My postpartum depression was just starting to get treated so it was still crushing my spirit and my heart.... it was such a hard time.

But today, this beautiful albeit foggy day, is a great day. I love my life. I love my house. I love my husband. I love my son. I LOVE MY LIFE! What a joy it is to feel this way! I praised Jesus all the way home, with Noah saying "Jee JUH Jee JUH" right along with me. I am so thankful to God for bringing me through such a dark valley and taking me into His glorious light. What the enemy intended for evil, God will use for His glory.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

If I had the chance
To go back again
Take a different road, bear a lighter load
Tell an easy story

I would walk away
With my yesterdays
And I would not trade what is broken for beauty only

Every valley
Every bitter chill
Made me ready to climb back up the hill
And find that . . . 

You are sunrise
You are blue skies
How would I know the morning
If I knew not midnight?

You’re my horizon
You’re the light of a new dawn
So thank You, thank You
That after the long night, You are sunrise

There’s a moment when
Faith caves in
There’s a time when every soul is certain God is gone

But every shadow is evidence of sun
And every tomorrow holds out hope for us
For every one of us

(chorus)

You alone will shine
You alone can resurrect this heart of mine

You are sunrise
You are blue skies
How would I know the morning
If I knew not midnight?

You’re my horizon
You’re the light of a new dawn
So thank You, thank You
That after the long night, You are sunrise 

You are sunrise