September 2014

And this month, I want to celebrate Abby. 

She's come a long way this year, hasn't she?

My ode to Abby might be slightly different than mine for Bruce though, because at a handful of days past her first birthday, I feel like we're just finally starting to get glimpses at who Abby is becoming.  And there are a few things we've noticed about her, that might (hopefully) stick around long-term:  

I love her fierce determination.  When her mind is set on something, there is no stopping her.

I love how adventurous she is.  This girl never sits still - she's always on the prowl, exploring everything.

I love her sometimes overzealous independence.  She reminds me of myself in ways.  

I love, love, love the way she smiles.  She doesn't laugh much, but man, that smile changes atmospheres.

I love how she can't help but dance when she hears music.

I love how animals have stolen her heart.  There's a simple tenderness that is present when you're affectionate toward animals, and I'm excited to see that in her.

I love how she'll come to you, nuzzle her face in your shoulder, and flop around in your lap awhile.  It's as close as we get to cuddling, and I'll take it.  I don't have a picture of this unfortunately - I'm too busy soaking it in.  So instead, I'll insert a picture of another new form of snuggling I'm eating up.  This month while Abby takes her morning nap, Bruce and I will crawl into my bed and we'll color pictures together.  Bruce has been really cute with his drawings lately, too - he'll scribble something, then take a look at it like an ink blot and say, "Oh look!  I drew a whale!"  I never want this phase to end... Oh please, let this phase last for awhile longer...

I love how this girl loves her daddy.  Can you blame her?  From the moment he walks out into the living room to greet us in the morning, all the way to the last bedtime snuggle - she cannot get enough of this guy.  A contradiction between his brawny external show and soft, gentle spirit have captured this admirer's adoration.    

I can only speculate about who this little lady will grow up to be, but I can most definitely celebrate who she has been for us this past year, what her role in our family has been.

Abby has been challenge.  And believe it or not, I want to celebrate that.  Yes, she's been the muffle-your-groans-in-the-pillow-because-she's-crying-again-at-2am kind of challenge.  But it's been more than that.  She's also been the step-up-to-the-plate sort of challenge, too.  She has forced us to brave territory that seemed daunting and distressing, to accomplish feats we never knew we had the strength for, to be vulnerable in ways that stretched the very core of our character, to claim verses like Isaiah 40:11 and Psalm 62:8 as anthems, and to achieve a level of patience a Tibetan monk would be jealous of.  Abby has changed our dynamics, and brought our family closer together in the best of ways.  We're different now, because we have Abby in our lives.  It's been difficult and messy, but we're better for it.

In other news...

We spent a weekend at the farm this month!

Abby couldn't stand to be left out

Can you see him?  That little operator?

We went to the State Fair!  Charlie has been working on a project with the Fair manager, so we all got free admission and ride bracelets, and got to park in the VIP lot!  Woo-hoo!  Other than a carousel from time to time, Bruce had never been on carnival type rides before, so this was a great new experience for him!  Abby, missing the 36 inch mark, had to sit out on all the rides except the Ferris Wheel...  Maybe next year?

enjoying the water at the duck game

We've taken advantage of a lot of free events the community has put on!

Touch a Truck

Kid's projects at Home Depot

We've thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful early Fall weather!

 

 

just hangin' with the kindergarteners at recess

Bruce:  "Oh!  Reflections!"

We threw a Wig and Garden party for Abby's first birthday!

Abby's birthday baby doll!

And because I don't really know where else to tack it on, I'll just mention here in closing that Abby is walking now!  A little shaky still, but she's doing it!

Happy Fall!