Two months.

Here's a look at Tenley when she was one month old and then again at two months:

At one month, she was just curious about the world around her. But, at two months, she's started to really make eye contact and smile!  She coos and talks and giggles. Her legs are strong and she likes to push up on our laps. She drools like crazy and sucks on her hands. She's content to just lay in her crib for a few minutes when she's wide awake. She loves being held and walked. She'll get fussy if you've been sitting still for too long and she wants you to stand up with her. She really enjoys her swing. She only really cries if she's hungry, lonely, or annoyed by us trying to suck the boogies out of her nose. Pretty much, she's just about the most darling girl we know!

Oh, Tenley, you're as cute as a baby could be and we love you so!

Christmas concerts.

JD's been working like a maniac lately, so I've had a lot of free time in the evenings. One way I've helped pass the time is attending our neighbors' choir concerts. I've been to two so far this week and loved every second of them (Well, during the first one, Tenley girl was a little pill bug. . . so maybe not so much every second). I really do think the sounds and songs of Christmas are one of the best parts about this season. What's your favorite holiday carol?

More hand towels

Remember last year when I made holiday hand towels? Well, there's a few more up in the shop now. 

Every time I make a batch of hand towels, I think, "I am never doing this again. This is too much work."  But then, before I know it, I've ruffled and sewn and stitched a few and I think, "These are too cute."  And then, I am happy.

Happy knowing I am capable of using my hands. Happy I can express myself creatively. Happy seeing orders being placed. Happy, on occasion, interacting with total strangers. Happy making a little extra money for my crafting budget. Happy thinking of how one of my creations might make somebody else's day.

The whole process is a lot of work, but it sure is happy work. 

Sweet treat.

Here's a little series of pictures from our Christmas card photo shoot this weekend.

Those cute baby expressions are just about the sweetest treat ever!

Last December.

I journaled this last December:

Dear little one,

Hopefully this is our last Christmas without you. We think about you often. Daddy tells me all the time how much he wants you here with us. I think he knows I want you too. . . I'm just so fearful. Motherhood seems so big and scary sometimes. But God keeps whispering to me that I'm ready. I do the dishes and imagine you playing at my feet. I go to the grocery store and think of meals you may like one day. I make stuff and plan in my head how I'll do kid-friendly crafts someday. When Dad and I are out and about or doing our thing at home, I think of ways we'll make it work when you get here. Before I make purchases, I think, "Should I save this money for our baby?" We don't have a lot, but we are blessed beyond measure with the love of our little family and the sweet peace the Gospel brings. When you get here, I think our hearts may burst with joy! We are praying for and thinking of and loving you. Send us love from Heaven! 

Merry Christmas, 

Momma

Feeling so grateful tonight to have our angel baby here with us this Christmas season.

Live nativity

Our family was lucky enough to participate in a live nativity this week. A family in our neighborhood puts on the nativity every year in memory of the woman's mother, who died of cancer. All profits go to cancer research and other charities. They re-create the ancient city with Roman soldiers, donkeys, llamas, bread makers, basket weavers, and lots of games and noise and commotion. Then, guests travel down a path to a separate stable where Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus are sitting quietly. JD and I played Mary and Joseph and our sweet girl got to be the part of our Savior. We sat in the stable for an hour and a half and pretended like we were the parents of Jesus Christ. Humbling, to say the least. Tenley wasn't perfect the whole time. There were crowds who saw her crying and being soothed by a bright green pacifier. . . but there were other times when she stared up at the people in wide-eyed wonder and the Spirit was so strong. I loved the reactions of young children- "Look, Baby Jesus!" "It's a real baby." "Jesus was such a cute baby." "I love Jesus." 

Knowing we were going to be in the nativity, I've been thinking all week about Mary and Jesus and the real reasons I celebrate Christmas. It's been good to have those thoughts in the back of my mind as we've pulled out all the red and green decor, set up our tree, and hung up our lights. This season, as always, I hope my choices reflect my belief in and love for the Savior. 

Oh, my heart!

Oh, my heart! It could explode looking at all this yummy baby goodness. Holly took these pictures of us while my mom was here in October and Tenley was just a week old. I picked a few of my favorites to share. I can't get over her sweet little features and precious, tiny body. My heart pitter patters when I think, "This is my daughter. She's mine!" Sometimes I feel like spinning in happy circles and dancing and singing loud, off-tune praises to my Heavenly Father for the blessing of being her momma. And guess what? Sometimes I do! Ha, wild singing and haphazard dancing and made-up rhymes are supposedly very stimulating for little babes, right?! Anyway, do enjoy these lovely photos. It just doesn't get much better. Thanks again, Holly!