Easter

Source: thegirlwhokeepsdreaming.tumblr.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Jesus, thank you for everything you did all those years ago. Thank you for the cross and for choosing to suffer on my behalf. On my husbands behalf. On my son's behalf. And this Easter Lord, I am even more appreciative. I can't imagine the decision you made to let you boy come and be given to the wolves just so you could know me more. Am I really worth it? Beyond all the sin and scum in my life I am so thankful that you saw something valuable in me. Thank you for showing me what love is. And not just love for those who love me back but love for those who I don't want to love. Those who don't want to be loved. Because of your ultimate display of love and affection for your people, I have an understanding of what it is to do something I don't want to do in that moment, but I know in the long run it will be worth it. 

This Easter, Lord, I praise you. Your name is wonderful, and your presence is warm. Stay ever present Sweet Jesus. This world is a rough place and we need you more than ever. 

Thank you for the cross. And for taking all of my sin upon your shoulders. I still can't believe I was worth it. 

Crawfish Boil

We had a crawfish boil last weekend to celebrate Nathan's big 2-5 and to commemorate the end of a tough chapter in our lives. We had a blast.

Camden hung out in the swing for a little while while the party got started. 

Camden broke out the fedora to celebrate in style. 

This was the first batch of crawfish. 70 pounds, mushrooms, potatoes, and some corn later...we were stuffed. 

My grand parents drove in from Louisiana to help us celebrate. I can't imagine a crawfish boil without them. 

The Russell's and Geno's also came. The brought the best strawberry cake that has ever graced my lips. 

Thanks to all the family and friends who came and helped us honor the best guy around. Nathan, you are fabulous. I am so glad that you are my husband and baby daddy! 5 more you and you will be 30. Woah.

How to Roll Over in 5 Easy Steps

1. Get momma to put you on the floor! 

Make sure she puts you on a John Deere blanket. It rolls better!  

2. Throw your right arm up and tuck your left one. It will get in the way if you don't

and you will just teeter totter for a while.

3. Bury your head and push with all your might.

Step 4: Rest for a second and take in the new view.

Step 5: Show the world how proud you are of your new trick. 

5 Months

*Height and Weight*

I am guessing that this big boy is around 16.5 lbs and 27 inches long. He is wearing size 6-9 month clothes and a size 2 diaper. The child is skinny but is longer than the day is long. He is wearing size 6-12 month socks and shoes. I can see that this is going to be a problem when he is 16. Tall and lanky here we come. 

*Likes* 

This little boy likes to move. If he is on the floor he is rolling over. If he is in your arms he wants to be standing and bouncing. If he is in the stroller he is kicking. I am fearful for what it is going to be like when he starts crawling. He also likes his bottles. He knows what they are when we shake them and he whines and reaches until he gets it. Camden loves to be outside and to watch the dogs. I think he thinks they are weird looking humans or just something fun to chew on because he always reaches out to them. Speaking of chewing, this is another one of his favorite past times. He wants to chew on anything and everything that passes by his mouth. 

*Dislikes*

These days Cam doesn't like to be held all the time. I knew the day would come when he didn't want to be held every time I wanted to hold him, but I didn't know it would come so soon. My little newborn is becoming a little boy-finding out what he likes and doesn't like. He also doesn't like trying new food. Once he has it once or twice he gets used to it. But the first few times, no way Jose'.

*Special Talents* 

Getting anything his Papa J thinks he might want just by smiling. Seriously people, this child has his grandfather (my Daddy) wrapped around every finger, toe,  limb of his body. Its ridiculous. He is also getting very good at holding his own bottle. Sometimes I think that it is a cool trick, and other times I wish he would slow down just a little bit. It seems like he did this over night, but the little dude rolls over like a champ. I put him on his back in bed and when we wake up in the morning he is at the foot of his bed on his belly. Houdini I tell you! 

Camden, 

My oh my what a month we had. I can't wait to explain to you one day how big our God is and how faithful He is to His people. Little One, we were tested and tried this month, and God performed miracle after miracle for our family. You don't know it now but you were a part of a miracle baby. A real life, bible time, hallelujah miracle. You have healed from your accident splendidly and are a rip roaring 5 month old boy. You keep Daddy and I guessing what you are going to do next. You have this new giggle that melts me to pieces! And you look like your daddy more and more every day. I love that. I think your daddy is mighty handsome. My love, you have made your daddy and me the happiest two people on this earth. I am so blessed the Lord put you on loan to us! We treasure you so much. 

Love, 

Mommy

The little things

Yesterday I went on a walk with my sister-in-law and our two babies. While we were walking and talking a million thoughts were going through my head. Some of peace, some of worry, but most of confusion. We turned the bin and I looked up and in the midst of brush and dead grass I spotted hope. I saw a promise that we will never be forsaken. Because He did promise that. The Lord told Noah that he will always remember His people. I am His people and He hears my prayers. He knows my heart.

I saw daffodils. And I think he placed them there for me to see Him. Because that's what I have prayed. I have begged of the Lord to let me see His glory all through the days. And He heard me.

The Lord is good.

4 months

Seriously Camden! 4 months already? How can that be? You are the cutest, toughest, most precious 4 month old this side of the mason-dixon line. And probably on the other side too!

*Length*

Birth: 21.5 inches

Now: We will find out at your appointment this week

*Weight*

Birth: 7 lbs. 9 oz.

Now: 15 lbs

*Special Talents*

Getting your way. Rolling over (even with broken ribs!). Smiling. Scrunching your nose. Bringing toys to your mouth and chewing the life out of them. Peeing in the .5 seconds that you don’t have a diaper on. Waking up as soon as I go to sleep. Drinking an 8 oz. bottle. Fighting sleep.

  

*Boo-Boos*

This month you proved how tough you are. Your daddy was carrying you one day after day care and tripped over a baby gate that we had put up to keep the dogs out of the bedroom on a rainy day. When he tripped and fell, you broke seven ribs. And as bad as that sounds, we are just so thankful that that’s all there was. It could have been bad bubba. You could have hit your head, but your dad held it in his hand the whole time and you were ok. The Lord is healing your little body very quickly and we are so excited to see you getting back to your old self so fast. You are a fighter little one. And Mommy is so proud of you.

*Dislikes*

Being anywhere other than mine or Daddy’s arms. Applesauce or bananas. Having your nose cleaned out. Seeing me walk out of a room. Dirty Diapers. Hiccups-especially with broken ribs. The fact that Hopie and Reese are moving away. Being inside all day. Hospitals. Waiting on us to fix your bottle.

*Likes*

Going to sleep while being rocked. Taking walks in your stroller. Outside. Papaw making funny faces at you. Daddy talking to you. Sweet potatoes. Floor time. Your jumper. Baby Einstein on Daddy’s phone. Sophie the Giraffe. Papa J sneaking you presents. Taking a bath and chewing on the rag. Ruff Ruff and Sock Monkey. Mommy.

Camden.

This month has been a hard one. We were in the hospital for 4 days while you were such a trooper. This month our family went through such a battle-a battle between Satan and the Lord. And baby you need to know that the Lord won. He wins every time! You are still healing and we still have some battles to fight but you are so strong. You get that from your Daddy. Speaking of, you should know just how much that man loves you. He can’t get enough of you. I think you two are going to be best friends one day! You are the luckiest little boy around to be able to call him yours. You may not know that now but one day son, you will.  You are such a treasure to us all. Your smile makes my day better and you have started to giggle-oh that giggle. It brings me to my knees. I can’t imagine life without you little one. You have made me one happy Moma.

I love you to the moon and back.

Mommy

Camden has a question for you