well, today the girl is 8 months old. STATS for the record: she is 8 inches longer than when she was born and 8 pounds heavier. her first tooth (bottom rt)has broken through and i think the next one is on the way. having mastered sitting up, she can now launch herself from your lap (if you aren't paying attention), army crawl across the floor, and is an accomplished eater of "solid" foods. just no bananas, please!
i have been watching her development and marveling. here's what i have learned in this season of extreme growth: there is GOOD reason the Lord describes our regeneration as the "new birth," or why Paul and Peter refer to young believers as infants. right now Ani's desire, her want to, her appetite for the "new" is voracious. but it consistently outreaches her ability, her will do, her answers for the "new." i have sat there as a believer: in the place of "the willing is present, but the doing of the good is not." (romans7:18) oh, but wait for tomorrow. i do not know what day Ani will crawl, or walk!!! but i do know if she persists she is one day closer to learning what she desires to know. this is the "law of development." unhindered and healthy - growth is inevitable.
"let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us and let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and now is seated at the right hand of God. for consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." heb 12:1-3
in other news: our niece emma joy is 7 years old!!! we were so grateful to get to celebrate with her in a special way this year. as she is now a "reader" and a big fan of the "american girl" books, jen and kolby decided to surprise her with a doll of her own. "delight" does not begin to describe her response. she thought her sisters and mom had traveled to TX for an impromptu girls weekend to celebrate mother's day. as we headed out from mimi and papa's house her biggest wish was for some lemon drops and (fingers crossed) a chocolate milkshake. but as we drove up to THE store she said, "why does that sign say American Girl?" (i told you she was a reader). mania ensued as her mama explained the REAL plan for the day. here are some pics of that special weekend...
joy overflowing.
(and chocolate milkshakes too!!!)
yes, it was a happy mother's day...
