Pacifier

We happened to find one of these for under $10

Today is a rather momentous occasion in the life of our Gilly-bean.  Last minute I decided not to go with Byron on his business trip and decided to dedicate this time to weaning Gilana from her "Ya-yas."  We started the process by going to the store where Gilana picked out a "new present" for herself.  She paid for it with a sum of two Ya-yas and told me she was "very excited" to see her new toy "at home in room."  We bought a kids discovery toy jelly-fish night light tank in hopes it would be both a good reminder of where her pacis went, and a distraction from the pain of no longer having that comfort.

The night started out great until she lay down without one in her hand and then wailed for comfort of Mama.  I rocked and soothed her for a while, but now she is moaning upstairs for a "New One!!!"  It is sad to hear, but hopefully she will get past this soon.  

Thankful

I am so thankful to be a wife, a mother, a friend, to the sweet beloveds of my life.  I read a quote this morning that put a great sense of joy in my heart at the blessings I am bestowed with. 

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."

~ Frederick Koenig

My life is full, my daughters are healthy, beautiful, delightful reflections of the Lord's kindness to us, and my husband... well, there is not an effectively magnanimous way to truly express the grace I experience in my sweet life-mate. He is my heart's completion, my encouragement towards every good thing, the person I hope best to please, and the one I often fail, though in his kindness to me, the man whose smile encourages me ever onward. I rejoice in the blessings so striking in this abode of home.

Gilana is Two!

“There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” ~ Elizabeth Lawrence


Our precocious little toddler is an official two-year old, and she is happy to tell you about it. Gigi will readily declare a great many other things as well. Things such as,

"Cameresies (her new nickname for Camelia), come here!"
"No, Ma (also Camelia)."
"It's so fun! Watch, Mommy!"
"No touch, Ma"

She and her sister will jabber away on their make believe cell phones --or real ones if available-- and tell the world their delightful musings. Camelia is currently grunting on her apple while Gilana demands, "No Ma, eat the apple!"

Gilana had a delightful time on her birthday.  Mopsy and Popsy also came over and they brought a present.  "Yay!" Gilana exclaimed as she tore through the wrapping, "a Puzzle!"  Gigi and I baked a cake, then made frosting, coated both layers in the lovely sweet goo, showered it with sprinkles, then leaned forward --hesitantly-- and took a big BITE!    That night we all sang happy birthday (it's a favorite song around here, she blew out her candles, then ate some more "Yummy cake, please."

The next morning Gilana opened another present from Mommy and Daddy and that evening opened her most excellent gift from Auntie Tammy.  The girls went crazy over a ball-popping contraption that plays multiple songs and shoot balls out and then sucks them back in.  This item caused a dancing extravaganza, which Gilana requested to play with first thing this morning.  A big hit!

There are more birthday festivities to report, but this must suffice for now!