Seven Months (and Two Weeks)

Last week in Memphis, my sister lovingly took some photos of KW, which I will record as her seven month photos. As usual, she did a great job! Enjoy!

Book of Seconds

I have long ago accepted that KW's baby book will be full of pictures of all her seconds. She is the second baby, after all; it is hard to get a good photo of the first time she does anything. I work hard enough to even pull off the feat - first bath, first cereal, first swim. I can't even seem to get her monthly birthday pictures taken until the second week of the month!

Last week, KW was lowered into the swimming pool for the first time. The water threw her off and it took her a while to figure out how she would like to sit - leaning forward or back - not upright. She splashed the water and sipped it by the time I took her out to feed her lunch. And snap a picture of her first swim.

Alternate Spot

His first night choosing to sleep outside his bed. Bryan explained we would NOT be coming back into his room, and I guess we really didn't go back in - even to check on him before we went to bed! This is what I found in the morning.

Hardman Family Values

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated KW's baby dedication at church. The day felt a little more hectic than Lee's day, but it was just as meaningful. As part of the service, we shared our Hardman Family Values. We did this for Lee's day, as well, but we didn't get it down to memorable words - it was way too rambling. So here is the revised list (there are five, of course):

Faith and Trust in God

Humility

Honesty

Submission to God's Will

Perseverance

That's all I can write now, because - to be honest - the little girl is screaming now and done with her nap!

The Overflow

I have been thinking a lot about my heart lately. The topic came up in a study our small group was working through about marriage. But I was immediately convicted about my attitude as the mom of a toddler boy. These could be the most demanding work days I have had since 2007. I should have been thinking a lot more about my heart back then, instead of how God could get me out of my current situation. Because I don't want out of this situation - how can I when I love this little boy so much? But if I had thought a little more about it back then, I may have solved some of these heart issues before I entered into an incredibly challenging season of parenting.

How quickly I can snap if I am interrupted in my morning shower. If brother wakes up sister and she is screaming before I am dressed. If he is engaging in unusually boisterous play. How lazy I can be when it is hot outside. When I haven't slept four straight hours in who knows how long. When I have another project I wish I could be working on.

"Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

What needs to be inside, coming out? Patience, loving energy, peace. I pray daily for these to grow in my heart in ways they never have before. In ways I have never needed for them to be there before.

We sang a song I love a few weeks ago at church. It is not about the heart. In fact, the topics it brings to my mind are enough for an entirely different post. But the bridge always convicts and brings tears:

"Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like You have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks Yours

Everything I am for your Kingdom's cause

As I walk from earth into eternity.

Hosanna

Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest."

(Hillsong United)

God save us.