Baptism

This past Sunday was a day of celebration in our family. Our sweet little Surrey girl was baptized at our church. It was a very significant morning that I really hope we won't take lightly or let fade in memory. We love our church here in Richmond - Hope Church - and appreciate the way they approach baptism. Hope recognizes this as a very important moment in a family's story, not just the child's.
As Christians, we were asked to reaffirm our belief and faith in Jesus Christ. As partners, we were asked to recommit ourselves to the covenant we made with each other, recognizing that the marriage is central to our family's health and sustainability. As parents, we were asked to dedicate ourselves to raising Surrey to follow Christ. And as part of the body of the church, the members were asked to raise their hands in commitment to coming along side of our family as encouragers, models, and supporters as we journey through parenthood. I barely could hold back tears seeing literally hundreds of hands raised in our support.
It was special that both our immediate families were able to make the trip to celebrate with us. After the service we had them and some close friends over for a small brunch. We are so thankful to have such great people surrounding us and joining us in the ups and downs of life as new parents.

I'm ashamed that I didn't take many pictures. For much much better pictures than I have head on over to my good friend Bevin's page here. Doesn't she just have the nicest things to say? Thanks Bevin!

May Customer Special

There's still a week left to take advantage of the awesome May customer special! For every $31 you spend, you are able to purchase an All-In-One Organizer for only $5 - a $15 savings! You can personalize this tote for a flat fee of $7. These organizers can be used for so many different things. As we speak I have mine packed with Surrey's food pouches, formula, spoons, and bottles to take with us to Pennsylvania this weekend. In the past we've used this tote to haul DVDs and books. Other uses for the All-In-One may include holding children's toys, paper products for a picnic, diapers and wipes, shower caddy, crochet/knitting supplies. Try using it as a mobile office or a gift bag stuffed with goodies. The possibilities are endless! This month only the All-In-One is available in the Pink Lotsa Dots print - perfect for that special female in your life, or a little girl on the way!

www.mythirtyone.com/blink

brianna.link@gmail.com

At Least It Wasn't A Mullet?

Our poor child has had a rattail for several months. Yes, months. We've been waiting and waiting for it to fall out with the rest of her first phase of baby hair. We haven't researched the details of this near balding experience, obviously. When my mom visited in April she mentioned she was shocked I hadn't cut it yet. I was shocked she would even suggest it. My mom is a big traditionalist and although I value traditions a lot, I can have a bit of a rebellious spirit. Just a bit. And in this conversation, for a brief moment, I felt understood. Wouldn't this nullify the sacred first haircut?? Are you really suggesting I just take a pair of household scissors to my first baby's hair without an appointment on the calendar or a cape around her neck? It took me some time to process this. I was torn - feeling for my poor daughter with the unsightly rattail, but wanting to preserve fond memories for her. I've already blown any semblance of a baby book, or even tracking milestones on a calendar that has all the stickers printed for me. I don't want Surrey to look back and think we didn't make a big deal about her life. 
But as that tail of hair coming not from the nape of her neck but the lower-middle of her head stared me at me each day after that, I decided the time had come. We'd make it semi-significant by trimming it off the day before her baptism and snapping a few photos. And so I did. I now have a greater appreciation for hair stylists who have to cut kids' hair. I only had one chunk naturally sectioned off for me and couldn't even cut it in one snip.

Thirty-One Weeks

For the life of me I can't remember much before this past Saturday. Maybe it's because I was up from 4:45 - 6:00am with Surrey, and unfortunately we've had a similar trend for the past week or two. I've now convinced myself that transitioning Surrey down to two naps at the same time I transitioned Stella (who is two months older) was a bad idea. Surrey's naps aren't great, she's becoming extremely cranky around dinner time, and isn't sleeping until close to 7:00am like she used to. Ahh! I feel like I set her up for failure and now my own quality of life is slipping away with it. Hopefully she'll adjust soon enough or I'll figure out a better solution. This parenting stuff is hard when you've never done it before!

Thankfully, she was very happy during her photo shoot and we got several fun pictures.

For the Grandmothers

Here's a peek into what Surrey did for her grandmothers for Mother's Day. If you're a perfectionist like me and may one day try this for yourself, be warned: a six month old's foot does not hold still very long. Very high risk having only one shot to get the footprint - it's not perfect by any means, but it'll just have to do.

First Mother's Day

How strange and wonderful that I just celebrated my first Mother's Day. Until a couple weeks ago I actually don't think I realized I now am someone being honored on this holiday, in addition to honoring my own mom. Strange and wonderful.

Jeremiah and Surrey sure did make me feel extra special yesterday. Surrey decided she just couldn't wait to spend time with me, so she was up several times during the night. What a sweet girl. We enjoyed a special Panera breakfast treat and a little lunch from Fresh Market - a household favorite. The most notable part of the day was our excursion out to Maymont Park for a quaint picnic dinner. Surrey was so excited for her first picnic that she snoozed on the car ride there. Happy Mother's Day to me. Jeremiah created a tasty menu consisting of shrimp BLT wraps, pickled cucumbers and onions, and fruit salad - ALL homemade. Surrey enjoyed pureed apples. It was so fun to get out to a quiet, scenic place and enjoy time as our little family of three. 

Thanks to my husband for honoring, loving, and serving me yesterday. You've set the bar high for your special holiday in June.

And yes, Surrey did have a wardrobe change. 

Thirty Weeks

This was a week of many firsts! And although Surrey was moody and needy during today's photo shoot, she had a wonderful week showing off all her new tricks. As predicted from last week, this girl is now a roller! She can successfully muster up enough strength to roll from her back to her belly. Woo hoo! I think it's also safe to say she is a sitter. She's been working up to it for quite some time, but now she's pretty sturdy on her own. Of course there's an occasional tip backwards or a minor face-plant here and there after a big reach for a toy, but for the most part this girl can sit (just keep the Boppy close).

And finally, Surrey's cutting her first tooth! It's about time after months and months of significant drooling. Although it's tough to see with the naked eye, we can definitely feel the sharpness coming through her gums. Next week she'll be eating steak I'm sure.