This Treasure

Strange how difficulties can sometimes result in inspiration. The last few days have been really hard due to a combination of factors. One of those factors is Anlon's recent return to his 5 am wake-up time. His usual time is 6 am, but since the time change last month, he's been waking up at 5. However, I had become spoiled after a brief stint of 6:30 and even 7 am mornings (which we've never had before!) and 5 am feels earlier than it used to.

A few mornings ago Anlon woke up crying just before 5 (he always cries when he wakes up earlier than he should) and I waited to see if he would go back to sleep. I was emotionally and physically exhausted - weary in my bones. I prayed that he would somehow go back to sleep, if only for a few minutes. I decided to take a shower since I couldn't sleep at this point. I've had this feeling before - the feeling that I've come to the end of myself. I'm out of words. I'm out of prayers. My heart is burdened with so much more than Anlon's lack of sleep. And yet this morning sleep would seem to make everything better. Lord, Please. Please. PLEASE. I can't hear Anlon cry as the water beats down. What if he's fallen back asleep? But what if he hasn't? What if I turn the shower off and hear him still crying? I am faced with a pivotal moment. I only have two choices. I can allow this feeling of despair to take me over or I can choose to believe that the God of the universe knows best and will carry me through this day and every day after. I can choose to smile (for real - not just the mask I've been known to put on) and trust that He who began a good work in me will continue this work, painful as it may be.

I chose the latter option, somehow. Yes, Anlon was still crying. But it was ok. It really was ok. And what a wonderful morning we had together. Some of my sweetest moments with him have been before the sun comes up, while Vipul is still sleeping upstairs and the house is quiet. This morning was sweet. And he even took a great nap, during which time I was able to rest too. The prayers of a dear friend on my behalf were answered. And we had such a fun time preparing dinner together. I've told him that he's such a good helper. Now when I thank him for helping me, he tells me "I such a good helper." He enjoyed standing on a stool, watching me cut vegetables. He even ate a few pieces of raw zucchini and yellow squash. Thank you Jesus for your goodness and mercy that abound in the midst of tears. Thank you for this simple, perfect day.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed."

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

 

Turning Two

Several weeks ago, we celebrated Anlon's 2nd birthday with our families and Anlon's close friends (which at his age means those friends whom he spends the most time with). I was really excited to be able to host this celebration at our home, as we now have the space for larger gatherings.

It was a bit hectic getting our home in order since we had just moved 3 weeks earlier, so most of my party planning involved unpacking. What I envisioned was just a relaxing, fun morning filled with children playing in our backyard. So I kept the details pretty simple, focusing on yummy food and homemade favors.

 But before sharing some pictures from the party, here are a few other pictures of sweet times with our families.

Anlon with my niece Khaya and my mom

Vipul's dad reading While the World is Sleeping to Anlon

Since Anlon LOVES stars and cars, I decided to make crayon molds in these shapes as party favors. This was really easy, but did take some time since the crayon paper had to be peeled off and the crayons had to be cut into smaller pieces for the star molds to bake in the oven (for the car molds, I melted the crayons in a makeshift double-boiler and then poured the wax into the molds). Thankfully, our families helped a lot with ensuring all was done in time!

My mom loading a tray of crayons into the oven (Khaya put this tray together)

Vipul and his dad peeling crayons

Car molds cooling

Ta-da!

I decided to make cupcakes instead of a cake. Although I was planning on making the batter from scratch, I opted for a box to save time. But I did make the icing myself and it was SO yummy! Vipul's mom was especially helpful with decorating the cupcakes. I was really happy with the way they turned out!

Brunch was enjoyed by all

It was really special to have Vipul's best friend Richie and his family join us.

My prayer for you Anlon, is for you to grow to know and love Jesus and become a man like your daddy - a man after God's heart. I love you my Buggy.

Home Sweet Home

We've now been in our new home for 2 weeks and it's definitely home now. Although we had needed more space for some time, we had put off moving out of our townhome for reasons I won't go into here. But God made it clear that we needed to do this. It was a bittersweet process as we bought our townhome six months after we got married and other than living in Denver for one year, we've lived there for the past seven years. And it was the only home Anlon had known. So many memories there - but it was time.

My niece Khaya stayed with us for a few days during the week of our move. It was a little crazy having company the week of our move (since our guest bedroom consisted of an air mattress in the living room). But she is a very special young lady and was so wonderful with Anlon, as well as a huge help with packing.

This is one of Anlon's favorite books - our last night before moving.

Anlon was immediately comfortable in his new home. To say he is loving having more space is an understatement. He runs from room to room laughing so hard. God provided the perfect home for this time.

In addition to more space, we now have a yard! We spend a lot of time here and I know we'll spend even more when the weather gets cooler.

He loves his new room too and has a new favorite book - Star Baby (he still loves stars more than ever).

We know without a doubt that this is where God wants us to be right now and we are very grateful.

Favorite Moments

I was planning to share what I learned from my recent month off from Facebook. But time has passed and the only thing I feel led to share is that life is no less sweet just because it's not posted for all to see. We've had a special couple of months and I would like to share some pictures from some of my favorite moments.

He managed to get my glasses off and put them on (I did straighten them a bit :)

Even though he's not looking at the camera, I love this pic - with Vipul's best friend Richie at Disney World

Finger painting fun

Enjoying a miniature train ride

 Obviously not the best picture, but it was very challenging getting Anlon and Norah Grace to stay still - at Norah's dedication

Leo the lion gets a special place to sleep

Enjoying our cool rug - thanks Stacey!

Silliness with Sydney and Liam

Racing Daddy

One of his favorite things to do - line up his cars and trucks 

Having a blast with Malachi and Javen

Dipping green beans in hummus - yum!

Kissing Liv

Aquarium fun with Finley

July 4th with Jack on Anna Maria Island

Jumping off the boat into the ocean over and over wore him out!!

Three of his favorite buddies

He still loves to be rocked, especially when he's sleepy (this is especially sweet since he usually prefers his mama)

He finally likes fruit!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Siesta Key Vacation

We recently returned from vacation on Siesta Key beach. Vipul put so much effort into finding the perfect location and place to stay for our 7 night getaway and it truly was perfect. We very much needed some time away and I'm so thankful we were able to take this trip. We decided to rent a house (we've never done this before) and we LOVED it! It was so spacious and comfortable - a wonderful home away from home.

We spent a lot of time on the second floor deck enjoying the view of the ocean. The ocean was a little further away than we expected because of protected land closer in, but it was still a beautiful view and short walk to the shore. And we could hear the waves crashing at night.

Anlon loved sitting with his daddy in the water. They would draw in the sand together, talk about the birds and boats they spotted, and do what Vipul called "ocean jiggle", a slight variation of "jiggle wiggle."

I had a little time too. :)

We took him out into the water a lot, but he preferred staying closer to the shore. He especially loved running around on the sand. He was SO happy doing this.

Early one morning I took him out for a walk on the beach and when we returned home, I turned on the outdoor shower to rinse off our feet. Anlon decided that it was much more fun to take a full shower! He had a blast!!! He didn't want to let go of his piece of salami so it went in the shower too. :)

We also had a lot of fun just relaxing around the house.

Anlon discovered his love of stars on our trip. He began noticing stars everywhere! Of course, there were many starfish around the house as part of the decor so it wasn't hard to spot them. He would get so excited when he would find a new one.

Thankfully sleep was better than we expected while on vacation. We think at least part of this was due to us bringing his crib bumper that he loves to cuddle up to at home.

We were within walking distance to Siesta Key Village, a quaint area with a lot of great restaurants and coffee shops. Some mornings we walked to breakfast before Anlon's morning nap and walked back later in the day for ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Our last 2 nights we were joined by very special friends, Steve and Carolina with their little boys Jack and Palmer. Palmer was exactly 2 weeks old the day they arrived! We're so glad they were able to come. Anlon really enjoys being with Jack and they had a lot of fun together.

And Anlon always loves it when Carolina is around. We think he has a bit of a crush on her. :)

Carolina handles motherhood with quiet strength and grace. She made caring for a 2 1/2 year old and a 2 week old look easy (which I know it is definitely not!). I'm so very thankful for her friendship.

Vipul and Steve enjoyed some guy time too.

 And Vipul enjoyed making incredible french toast and burgers almost as much as we enjoyed eating them!

I'm very thankful for our special week together as a family and for our time with dear friends who joined us.

(Anlon is wearing Carolina's headband which he did not want to take off!)