Things I've learned so Far...

I've learned that 9 times out of 10 Caroline is the ringleader. I've learned that 9 times out of 10 Parker is guilty by association. I've learned that they break out in fits of uncontrollable laughter just by looking at each other and then it makes me laugh uncontrollably. I wasn't allowed in on the joke; they could be laughing at me for all I know. It will probably be that way the rest of my life and I'm ok with that because I love seeing them enjoy life together. 

I've learned that Caroline is a mini version of myself and Parker is a mini version of Dave.  

I've learned that Caroline is a tiny tornado. Straight crazy. Always on the go, such a spark plug, full of laughs, more energy than the energizer bunny, "talks" non-stop, such an adventurer, randomly nervous around unfamiliar faces (seems so opposite of her personality), loves music, has a laugh that sounds like a baby goat (I DIE over it!!), and lights up when her friends and family enter the room. She is full of love, full of life, and a true joy!

I've learned that Parker is my little love! He is so loving, so sweet, a thinker, his smile literally melts my heart, he LOVES his sister! He masters something new and is so proud of himself and you can see the excitement in his face at his new "skill". He plays with one toy, inspecting it and figuring it out....until his sister snatches it out of his hands. :) He is SO ticklish. His laugh is absolutely contagious, his expressions are vast and always give us a laugh, and he is a true joy. 

I've learned that hearing "momma" is cuter than any puppy and absolutely never gets old. I've learned when two children start crawling they seldom go in the same direction. I've learned that getting a photo of the two of them where they are both sitting, looking, AND smiling is basically impossible and would be a Christmas miracle. I better learn photoshop! ha! 

I've learned that our chances of making it to 6pm with no tears (by me) and with most of my sanity are directly related to the weather. Being able to get out of the house is a game changer. Also a game changer- sitting up in high chairs. While a complete circus, we can actually go out to eat with more ease now. Lots of Cheerios are involved and we tip even more now but it's a version of normalcy creeping back in and it's wonderful. Speaking of Cheerios...I've learned that my children can consume an amazing amount of Cheerios and not explode. We've had a few "lingering" dining experiences where we wondered their threshold.

 I've learned humility in dropping a screaming child off in the church nursery because she's nervous. I've learned the difficulty of getting 3 people up, dressed, packed and out of the house. And I've even done it a few times with approximately 180 seconds to spare thinking that just maybe this time I'll be on time. Then someone poops and you're changing diapers in the backseat of the car. 

I've learned that it's just not about me anymore. It never really should have been but my "new life" leaves no room for selfishness. I love the freedom that comes with that. At any given point I, my children, or all of the above will look like, smell like, feel like, and maybe even act like a hot mess. And I've learned that that's ok.

I've learned that we're all just doing the best we can. I've learned that pinterest should be used sparingly and that comparison is the thief of joy. We all put our best foot forward and our social media foot is generally the one that just got a pedicure and not the 2 week old "at home pedi" with more chips than polish. I've learned that one kind word, one word of encouragement, one "atta-girl", one kind glance and a smile can literally save your day. 

I've learned life is crazy. Crazy good.

Birthday Wish List

Well, another year has almost passed me by! I'm not gonna lie, I feel older. I'm not sure if it's toting around 2 wiggly 21 lb babies, the gray hairs I am now finding frequently, or the fact that I have a slight limp when I've sat idle too long, but I think I'm officially my age.

 We are "front loaders" in my family. We get all of the gift giving out of the way right here at the beginning of the year. There is Christmas (which is technically the end of the year, but roll with me...), our anniversary is January 7th, Valentine's Day (we don't spend a lot on v-day), my birthday- March 4th, the babies' birthday; April 12th, and Dave's birthday- May 2nd. Dave is a thoughtful gift giver but he always enjoys a few ideas to give him some direction. Being a SAHM means we now operate off of one income. My wish list has grown now that I don't have the option of getting things when I want them. We now buy things like diapers, formula, and baby clothes in place of my random trips to Barnes and Noble and the ever successful trips to Target. The ones where you go in for toilet paper and come out with new sandals, a swimsuit cover up, a maxi dress, cute notecards and lip gloss. How did I just spend $80 in 12 minutes?? Yes, my friend....those days are long gone for T-Rog! I still "window shop", so a few of those items have made their way to my wish list!

Birthday Wish List by tiffany-rogers-mendenhall featuring a canvas tote

What is on your wish list these days? I don't shop much anymore, so I'd love to know what's sitting around in your online carts as thought you're actually going to buy it? Tell me you do this too? :)

Zoolander...

 I have come to the conclusion that it's darn near impossible to get a photo of both of my children smiling and looking at me. Caroline is like a worm on a hot rock! That girl moves non-stop. Parker is a tad more cooperative but he looks at me like I've lost my mind when I'm fake sneezing, dancing around, and breaking a full sweat to try to make him laugh. Add in that they're both crawling and it's a lost cause! 

Nonetheless, looking through the 200 photos I take to try to get ONE of my darling children that I could possibly frame always results in laughter. These are a few of my favorites from their post-church-we're 9 months old- impromptu photo shoot. 

C isn't looking at me, she's laughing at daddy, but this is still a favorite. Anytime I catch them holding hands on camera it's a win. I love those tiny hands and pray they'll always be best friends. 

Y'all. This child. These were taken in about 4 seconds. Apparently she thought she was on a cover shoot.

P wore daddy's sweater to church. Just the cutest thing in the world!

He's pretty much putty in her hands. 

These little people keep me moving and are my greatest joy. Their 9 months has quickly turned to 10! Babies don't keep.

P&C's Baby Dedication

On January 19th we had the privilege of dedicating Parker and Caroline at church. It was our public dedecation, in front of family, friends, and our church family, to raise Parker and Caroline with a focus on Christ. Raising them in church, praying over them and for them, being examples to them in word and action, and hopefully pointing their way to Christ. Our hope and prayer is that they would come to know the Lord, know the sacrifice Jesus paid for them and know Him as their savior, and serve God and others through His love. We were honored to share that special day with much of our family.

The word "blessed" is used quite often these days but I do believe we need to count our blessings. These two would be at the top of my list. I simply cannot believe God chose David and me to parent these two. They are our pride and joy. 

Our beautiful Caroline, we pray that you would know the depth of God's love for you. We pray you would have a gentle and quiet spirit, you would serve others in love and humility, that you would exude joy that comes from Christ and not circumstance, and that you would always point others to the cross. 

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

My precious Parker, you are fearfully and wonderfully made! We pray that you would know God's infinite love for you. That you would find security, peace, humility, and abundant joy in Christ. I pray that you would be a servant, that you love others more than yourself, and that you are an example of a strong man full of character and integrity. 

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

We are so thankful that our family traveled in to celebrate with us. Parker was pretty hyped that he got to show Aunt Kristen around the church nursery :)

4 generations. Definitely blessed.

It takes a village to raise a child. We are very aware! We could not have made it through these 9 months without the love, support, and MANY hands represented in this photo. These faces shaped David's life and shaped my life, and now have a hand in shaping P&C's lives. God's love and grace shines through each of these people and I am so thankful Parker and Caroline are so loved by them. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!