Bath time!



Deep in thought...

Isn't it time for lotion?

Oh yes, this is like a spa!

MOM! PUT THAT CAMERA AWAY!

Well, we are a couple days behind so, a few extra pictures to share.  Time just seems to slip away from me lately.  It's hard for me to even remember what day it is.

Sunday Grandma and Grandad Cooley came to visit.  We went to church together and out to eat together.  It was nice to get to see them, and they were able to see Sylvia's beautiful smile in person.  Pictures just can't do her smile justice! She is smiling more and more every day.  As far as testing her voice out, it's something she still only occasionally does, but we continue to encourage her "talking". 

When sitting home by myself talking to Sylvia, who knows I'm talking to her, but has no idea what I'm saying, I'm struck by the thought that my mom used to babble to me also about anything and everything.  Having a child of my own brings a much greater understanding to me of my own mom, to know that she went through exactly the same things with me as I am going through with Sylvia.  Not only does it give me perspective and a new respect for my own mom, but also for my mom and dad's committment to eachother. Parenting is exhausting and hard.  There have been several more arguements between Allen and me than normal, but fear not, we are stronger because of them.  With all of the stress of being new parents, I can honestly say I love my husband more now than ever before.  He is my rock.  I see him in a new light. Not only is he my companion, but also my partner.  We're in this together.  He supports me and I support him.  Even when we are short with eachother, I love him and he loves me.  I love him for the little things he does, like getting me a glass of water while I'm breastfeeding, or the bigger things, like taking the first shift sleeping in the recliner so I can get some rest, or the biggest thing, going to work in a factory every day, while I am still on maternity leave here at home spending precious time with our baby girl. It's hard on him to leave us here at home.  He is the best. God has truly blessed me.

Sylvia's uncle Caleb is coming over tomorrow to spend some time with her while I attempt to make some Christmas goodies.