Family time!

I know it has been a while since I have checked in, but really nothing much new around here. We are counting down the days until Florida - one month to go! And, Selah turned 5 months old today. I know I keep saying it, but seriously time is flying by! We got to see my brother and his family this weekend, they came to IL for a funeral. So, I got to babysit the girls on Saturday and what fun we had! Selah LOVED it to say the least. You can tell she is an only child...she didn't quite know what to do with everyone moving about around her. She would just smile and laugh. Either way - I know she will love siblings in the near future..hint, hint Tadd :) It was great being with them all and on Sunday we got to have dinner at Tadd's parent's house and be with the fam. It just really struck me how blessed we are to have our family so close and be able to get together and just enjoy being with each other. God has truly blessed us! So, here are a few pics from the weekend.


The girls..Abby, Kara, and Selah - and yes, we don't normally coordinate so well, but Grandma L gave them their outfits for Christmas so here they are!



Kara is 2 months older than Selah, but you would never know :) They are only a pound difference or so, but Kara is quite longer so she feels so much lighter!


Kara goes in to snuggle?? You would think Selah would mind, but nope...she just laughs!!



So intrigued with her little cousin, they would just coo back and forth at each other probably thinking FINALLY someone who understands my language :)


Tadd and Quinton taking a break from playing.

Passing the 4 month mark!

Selah went to the pediatrician last Friday for her 4-month checkup! She weighed in at 15 lb. 4 oz!! and was 24.5 inches long. She is growing like crazy. On Monday we got to visit our friends in the PICU and pass out little blankies for the kids in memory of Laynie. It was great to see everyone and we really enjoyed lunch (thanks Angela and Laura)!

Selah really loves her piano. Here she is "standing" and playing away. Of course we have to support her a little, but she loves bouncing while she plays.

In serious concentration of the music she is playing...

This is one of her newest facinations...herself. What can I say she knows she is cute?! She loves looking in mirrors and she just laughs at herself. It is so funny to watch.

Is that who I think it is?...

It's me, It's me!!!

Hanging out with the cousins

Sunday night was a night with the Gersts. Here is a quick picture of the kiddos!

More bow choices

Just wanted to pass along some more pictures of bows that are currently available. I love matching outfits so if there is a specific color(s) that you need just let me know. Some of the double ruffle ribbon bows also coordinate with Gymboree clothing. Thanks to all those who have already purchased some! To see previous choices go to "labels" on the side panel and select "Available for Sale". Hope you are all having a great day!

In Memory of my precious Laynie...

So this is the post I promised previously. It is hard to put into words the thoughts and feelings that go through my head, but I will try. Honestly, I would have to say that I was trying to keep myself busy this weekend so that I didn't have time to think about Laynie, and I really was busy. So I made it through without breaking down or crying, and now I am feeling guilty. Because of course I did not have a chance to go to her grave, or sit and remember all that she meant to me. So today in honor of you Laynie, mommy made you a video. It shows not just the "good days" but also some hospital pictures because in my mind I can't just leave those out...that is where 115 days of her life took place. As I was putting the pictures together, some of which won't seem important to some, but each picture came with a flood of memories. The deep love that developed so quickly the instant Laynie was laid in my arms. Those first moments of pure bliss before we knew her diagnosis, no worry, no fear. The days of sleeping in the hospital with her, trying to stay strong for her. And all the memories with our family and friends as they too shared in loving Laynie. We were so blessed. I need to say it again, we were BLESSED. Thank you Lord for allowing us to care for your child, for protecting her in the womb of her birthmother and orchestrating her birth so that we could become parents for the first time! She was our miracle and her life even though cut short, is still a pure miracle. For all of you would were intwined in Laynie's story of life, we love you all and pray that God continues to draw you closer to Him. I cannot believe that it has been a year already. I know I keep saying that but it is true. Time keeps marching on whether we like it or not. I still struggle with feeling as though I am losing more memories of her. I cling to whatever I can hold on to. Because some day when Selah is older I want to be able to tell her about her sister and how she brought mommy and daddy closer to Christ, our families closer to each other, and many others to knowing God's love more fully. This video was a form of healing and I know that as time goes on the "hurtful" memories will fade away and the happy ones will remain. Please don't forget our Laynie. We will never stop wanting to hear the memories and stories.

Enjoy the video, I know it may seem long (5 minutes), but I promise it will be worth it!