water in the front yard

Since I shared with you about the boots I scored, I had to show these two pictures to you where she's wearing them. Bitty has fallen in love just as much as I have, and they are now becoming a regular accessory to her daily ensemble. I cannot begin to imagine how they will stink after this summer. These pictures were taken two nights ago when we stole outside to the front porch to eat popsicles and water the flowers, but soon, our evening became more about watering our little girl.

This was the beginning--I feel like I can hear her squeal in this pic!


And this is 10 minutes later. We lost the skirt, and she fully embraced the spray, like it was her best friend. There so many elements I love about this picture. First, her face is priceless. But so is my hubby's, who is obviously in love with his girl. Then there are the rays of sun in the water and the fact that this was taken in the front yard. Yes, we are that family. The one with the kid in the diaper in the front yard. Not to mention, our audience is the church across the street. Something about that makes me love it even more. Naked and unashamed.



Last evening was a rough night for us. I'm still reeling from it and don't want to hash it all out, but A choked on a piece of chip for some of the longest seconds I've ever lived through. All I do want to say right now is that we are cherishing our baby girl's life a little more now. I rocked her a little longer than necessary after we read books before bed. I greeted her in the morning with a smile. I also let God know in my moments alone this morning that I want to trust Him with the scary things in her life. Note that I said "want"--I sometimes envision gripping on to my love for her so tightly that someone would have to pluck each finger away like petals on a flower.

I'm working on this faith thing. I'm not going to pretend I have it all together, because that is a big disappointment waiting to happen. My life as a mother has changed everything. So many moms tell you how it will get easier when they get older. But in some sense, it also gets harder. The mistakes get bigger. The world gets friendlier, and not in a good way. If I dwell on it all for too long...well, let's just say I'm not going to dwell on it by even completing this sentence.

So what can I do?

My child's example above looks pretty good. Embrace this rush of love, knowing there's a Father on the other end who's enjoying this ride as much as I am. Live unashamedly in such a way that it whispers to you, "It's all real. He's who He says He is."

And, of course, wear cute shoes while doing it all.