Blessings, Advice, and Wolves

Smiling at her new friend Robyn Millane

Evelynd in the dress she came home from the hospital in; the dress is now getting packed away since it's more like a shirt than a dress.

Blessings.
Today we got another nice surprise that made me think of how lucky we are to have so many generous friends in our lives who are so thoughtful.  The Vanderhoffs, one of my piano student families, made a first Easter basket for Evelynd.  Evie's mother especially appreciated the Cadbury Mini Eggs and the jelly beans.  We got a baby scale from the Wise family, lunch from my grandparents, and lots of help holding and walking Evie at every house.  So, thank you all for all you've done for us.  Evelynd is a lucky little girl to have people like you in her life.

I put Evie's newborn clothes away today.  I'm choosing to look at this as a blessing that she is a growing, healthy girl instead of being sad about how fast she's growing already!

Advice.
At the baby shower Sue Wise and Pam Noland threw for me, they had a great idea.  There were cards at the front entrance that read: "Please share a memory, prayer, or your wishes and/or advice for Bethany, Peter, and their new daughter for their baby book in the space below."  Some of the advice:

• Cherish the quiet times.
• Choose your battles.
• Pray for your kids.
• Don't sweat the small stuff.
• Follow through.

There were also some very sweet thoughts and memories.  It has been a blessing to have these thoughts to read when it's been a long day following a sleepless night.

Wolves.
My 11-year-old cousin, Isa (who you can see in the "I'm Tired" post), was also at that shower.  Here is what she wrote:

Peter + Bethany:

Hi!!!

I think you should treat her with respect, spoil her, give her tons of candy, and don't let her out of the house for fear of wolves.