Dear Keegan || 43 weeks

Dear Keegan,

Before you made your entrance into this beautiful world, Mommy used to write you letters.  I was just looking back on them and a whole flood of memories came to my mind.  Memories of wondering what you would like look, how you would act, if I would have any clue what I was doing...

Well, here we are just five days until you turn 10 months, and I still wonder if I know what I am doing.  You have changed so much in your short life and I can hardly believe that in just 2 months you will be a whole year old!!

You have completely changed our lives in more ways than I could have ever imagined.  Even on days, when you are wearing out my patience I can't help but thank God for giving us such a healthy active boy.

Mommy loves you so much, Keegan, and I would do anything for you.  Having you has given me a whole new understanding of God and his love for you and me.  Daddy and I look forward to telling you Bible stories and pray that you will come to know Him at a young age.

I must tell you, that you are exactly how I imagined you would be...:)  Even in mommy's tummy you were so full of energy and would kick like crazy!  Now, you keep mommy on her toes by crawling ever so quickly and getting into anything and everything!

Since you have never been much of a cuddler, I do so enjoy those night time moments when you lay your head on my shoulder.  I don't even know how to describe it...

Your little fuzzy head will nuzzle into me and a feeling of complete and total love will wash over me.  It moves me to tears so many times and I just want to hold you forever.  I know that someday you will be embarrassed if mommy tries to hug or kiss you.  And so for now I want to cherish each and every moment.

Please stay Mommy's little buddy forever, Keegan.  Please know that I would do anything in my power to make you happy.  I love you baby, with all of my heart.

Love,
Mommy

PS Mommy used to close each letter with your current taste preferences and here are yours now...

You love chicken and stars soup, yogurt bites, and you feel so big drinking water from a straw! :)

A Valentine's Post - Seasons of Life

Something has been on my heart for a little while now and I thought I would share in hopes of being a blessing to a reader who may come across this post.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and at this time of year I cannot help but think of single ladies, because I was in your shoes not that long ago and I don't ever want to forget that season and all God taught me through it.

This past year, while attending a wedding, a minister was giving the challenge and he said something that made me stop and think.  He said that young ladies who seem to be given that "extra time" at home should treasure that season in their life, for they would never get it back.  That being single is a blessing from the Lord and should be used to further our walk with Him.

I listened to him and recalled to mind the years that I was single and watching friends and classmates get married and move on.  I remembered with mixed emotions and then it hit me.  In a strange way, I missed those days.  Now, please don't take me wrong.  Anyone who knows me, knows I adore my husband and love the life God has given us together.  But, there was something I "missed" about that season and I couldn't put my finger on it.

Somehow this thought has stayed with me throughout the year and just recently I realized what it was that I missed from my single years.  In the years leading up to God bringing Jack into my life, I had to REALLY learn to trust in God and Him ALONE.  I claimed scripture after scripture and saw God answer so many prayers - some so little that only I could appreciate them.  My faith was strengthened and I learned to be content with the season of life God had me in.

You see, being single is not a bad thing:

• I had an extra 4 years at home
• I was able to help and assist friends and their weddings
• I developed hobbies
• I served in my home church
• I got more time in the kitchen
• God increased my faith
• I saw prayers answered

So, with Valentines under two weeks away, I want to challenge any young lady who thinks being single is a troublesome trial to keep your head up.  Trust God in this season of your life, He can do so much through you as you learn to lean on Him more and more daily.

Marriage is worth the wait and I can honestly say I look back with fondness on my "single season."

Happy Valentines, my single friends - you are in my prayers.