Because I don't ever want to forget...

I can't believe that Aubrey Lane will be ONE in only a week.  


I have been so busy working on decorations and plans for her birthday party.  But today... I got a little nostalgic.  I started looking at her baby book and all her baby pictures. 


Then I started looking at all the little videos of my Sweet Pea.  Then I watched the video montage of her birth photos.  


All the emotions, the joy, the thankfulness, the praise, the love... they came flooding right on back.    


Y'all remember the video, huh?  Well just in case...



Hello, Aubrey Lane! from The Mustard Seed on Vimeo.



I'm so thankful we had the privilege of having a photographer in the delivery room to capture all of those precious, precious moments.


Because I don't ever want to forget..

Happy Birthday America!!!

**I apologize in advance for this post and these pictures. They were taken with my phone and I'm blogging from my phone- so warning: they are all out of order.**


I just love Independence Day!

Really, I love any holiday. And I love holiday traditions. And this holiday does not disappoint.

We kicked off this Sunday with our church's 3rd Annual Freedom Sunday. We had Russ Taff come and sing for us and with us (Lane and I both sing- I mean make a joyful noise- in the choir) I just love Freedom Sunday and all the fellowship it provides. But I have a secret to tell you... I had no idea who Russ Taff was until Sunday! 😳 In fact until a few years ago, I had no idea all that the word "Gaither" entailed. And another confession. This might be sin to say and I just might get kicked out of the Southern Baptist Convention, or whatever we are now, but I'm not a huge fan of Gaither music, BUT I really enjoyed hearing Russ Taff!

That afternoon we headed to the church wide picnic. It was on a lake and they had all kind of super fun activities going on. However, Aubrey Lane started running a 104 FEVER so we rushed her to After Hours. (she's much better now though)

Then today, on the Fourth, Lane had to work, so we missed out on the traditional family gathering, but we did get to participate in what's become a new tradition in the past five years. We joined our best friends, Darren and Nicolette and their daughter, down in Plaquemine for the local festivities and fireworks. The kids just loved the music and fireworks. It was fun as always.

Today, I got caught in a little moment realizing all the luxuries we are freely given. Because someone gave their life to preserve my freedom, I can buy whatever I want, read whatever I want, go wherever I want, and live the way I choose.

America, Land of the Free, Because of the Brave!!

But it isn't just soldiers that have died for my freedom. True freedom is not found in the country you live in, but in Christ. That's why this country is free. It was founded on Christian principles, and it stands for the freedom we have in Jesus.

One Nation Under God!

Eleven Months

It is so bittersweet to say... 


Aubrey Lane, you are eleven months old!

It is so bittersweet to say because this is your last official month as a baby.  In a few weeks we will celebrate your first birthday and it will make you a TODDLER!!  


I could cry saying that.


You have a couple of new things this month.  The first is that you have started pointing to things you see that you like or things that you want.  This is so exciting for us to watch.


You have also become a very, very... VERY busy little girl.  You are constantly on the go and never stop moving.  Changing your diaper is still a nightmare because you can't stand to lay down and you fight me the whole time.  And you are into everything.  


You are cruising around furniture very good, but not really interested in walking that much.  You are a climber.  I've caught you climbing on top of a riding toy to get to something.  You scare the daylights out of me.  I can't turn my eye one second from you.  If I do, I catch you doing a big NO NO like playing in a toilet or eating soap.


Speaking of eating, you have really gotten the hang of it.  You are mainly on table food.  You love spaghetti, peas and carrots, shepherd's pie, and vegetable soup.  You have learned to drink from a straw and that has made life so much easier.  You are still nursing 4-5 times a day as well.  I'm very proud of how longs that's lasted for the both of us.


You are still about the same size as you were last month- wearing clothes from 9-18 months depending of the brand.   And your foot is still tiny.


Your sleeping patterns have gotten better.  You are back to sleeping through the night.  You have the funniest little sleeping position.  I put you in your crib, and you immediately get on your stomach and tuck your knees under you.  It's so cute.  You are only taking one good 2 hour nap a day now.


Of course you are still a pretty and happy baby. Although you are teething right now and that's kinda making you miserable at times.


I have started making the arrangements for your FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY!  I'm so excited.  It's a Pink Lemonade theme and your daddy and paw paw actually made you a miniature lemonade stand.  I'll share all about that later.  


That's really it kiddo.  I'm gonna get off the computer and enjoy what little time I have left with you as a baby. 


I love you,
Mommy