Leilani Lesson number 16

Sometimes everything Leilani does is frustrating. Everything that I need to do must get done Now, and she would rather step on my projects, cry till I hold her and throw my folded laundry around the room. Impatience is rising, I begin to feel overwhelmed and start to speak without kindness. Then I put down what I am doing, push it away instead of her, and focus on the little person who wants my attention so badly. Suddenly, the sunshine breaks through, life is beautiful, the stress is gone and my toddler is a happy, affectionate little person again. Sometimes Always, hugs and fish lips are more important than folding laundry and cleaning the kitchen.What are happy childhoods made of? Clean rooms and swept floors, or always open arms for hugs, and the focused attention of a loving mother?

"But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)


We need to put down everything that doesn't make sense, everything that stresses, bothers, overwhelms and concerns, and choose the "good part;" sitting at the feet of Jesus. The sun will break through, the unimportant will fade away, and we will gain that "which shall not be taken away" from us.


Put something or somethings down with me today won't you? Pick up your Bible (and your toddler), Abide with Him, and you will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

Oh dear. It has been a month.

How on earth is it almost September? I have majorly slacked in recording our past few weeks. The summer is nearly over, and everyone is talking about fall. Halloween decorations and craft ideas are in stores everywhere and bathing suits are on clearance. Really? This makes no sense to me, but I guess fall really is on the way. Today summer seems to be sleeping in, and the breeze is cool again. 

What a month it has been! Leilani is officially a toddler.

Her little smile is looking fuller with her 6 teeth, her vocabulary is giving her greater freedom of verbal expression, (Currently her favorite word is "NOOOOO!" yelled at whatever seems to be exasperating at the moment) her little legs take her up and down hills, around turns, backwards and into the air with impressive balance and alacrity, and more and more, we are seeing our little baby become a person with ideas, personality and character.

I feel like I am forever playing catch up, with sleep, cleaning, cooking, devotions, relationships, but I am so thankful for this new phase that I find myself in. Life really is grand. There are so many things that still challenge my attitude and patience, but I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing me to a new state of mind. Motherhood is no longer something I am "dealing with" and trying to overcome. It is my job! It is who I am. It is my joy and privilege. The overwhelming anxiety and exhaustion of the first year as Momlady feels more like a memory than a current reality. Watching Leilani grow and learn is really incredible. No two days are the same, she is in constant motion and change.

We said goodbye to nursing two weeks ago. I think I have been mentally preparing for that step for a while, but it was still bittersweet to realize that the last ties to real babyhood are almost all gone! Infancy seems like so long ago...