It's a Girl!

I'm not big on hairbows - don't get me wrong, they look precious on little girls. But I'm pretty simple when it comes to accessorizing myself, and I imagine I'll be the same way with Holly. Well, Holly is almost 1 1/2 and she still is mistaken for a boy. She can be wearing all pink, holding a baby doll, and the cashier at the store will say "He's so handsome! How old is he?" I find myself longing for Holly to grow enough hair to hold a bow.

Yesterday, I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. Here is a picture of Holly with her very first bow! Granted, there are only three strands of hair in the barrette and as soon as she turned her head, it fell out. But no one could look at this picture and think she's a boy! At least I hope not.

(Please don't tell me to tape a bow to her head. I just can't do it.)

More love for Mama

Mealtime with Holly is often a battle of wills. Dinner last night was no exception. She was throwing food on the floor, squashing peas between her fingers, grabbing for a spoon just to bang it on the tray. And to add to the misery, she recently decided that any food entering her mouth must happen on her own. No more bites from Mom. Which means we're lucky if she puts 4 bites in her mouth over the course of a meal.

So after trying tricks, songs, and all kinds of distractions to get her to eat SOMETHING, I lost my patience. One too many peas had hit the floor and rice was everywhere. I raised my voice, slammed the tray on the table, and forcefully picked her up out of the chair and set her feet on the floor. No holding her in my lap and playing after dinner this time. She looked at me with fear in her eyes as her little lower lip popped out. Broke my heart.

A few minutes later I was rummaging through the freezer looking for something when Holly came up behind me, grabbed my leg, and said "Mama." I sat on the floor and scooped her into my arms and told her I was so sorry for losing my patience. Then this sweet girl put her arms around me, laid her head on my shoulder, and patted my back. For the next couple of minutes I told her how much I loved her, and she continued to shower me with hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.

As I said in my previous post, Holly is not typically very affectionate. But somehow she knew her Mom needed a little grace and an extra dose of love. I am constantly amazed at how much I learn about my God's love for me through my love for Holly. But this time, God used little Holly to remind me that He loves me the most when I deserve it the least.

Mama's girl

Holly has never been the most affectionate little person. She'll let you hold her for a minute but then pretty much wants to be left alone. But lately she's been showing her snuggly side. Sometimes when I'm sitting down, she'll back into me and sit down in my lap. Just today she started running to me in the kitchen and hugging my leg. My favorite is when she walks into a room and says "Mommy?" to let me know she's looking for me. Not exactly cuddly, but sweetly attached nonetheless. I love her independent spirit, but a little baby love is good for this mom's soul.

Holly's First Egg Hunt

What a week

Maybe it's our guilt from being away for 8 days, maybe it's just coincidence, but Holly's had a big week. We went to the park on Sunday and played on the playground, and then Holly's gentleman caller, Ian, came over for a visit. Fortunately the two maintained some distance on the swing, or Matt would have invited him inside for a little chat.

Monday night, Matt's brother Kelly came over for dinner and darts. Holly is growing a sweet fondness for Kelly, and even practices saying "Uncle." It's even more special to see the two of them knowing that in 3 months he will be a first time daddy himself!

We finished off a great week by dying Easter eggs today. Well, I dyed eggs while Holly tried to knock over the cups of colored water. But what's important is that we both had a good time. Who knows, maybe I'll even hide the eggs in the yard and see if she's up for an Easter egg hunt.

Hope yours is a special and blessed Easter weekend.

Bon jour

Greetings from Paris! Our trip is nearly over - hard to believe - and things are going well. We've had lots of meetings, and the French definitely know how to do meetings (lots of cafes, restaurants, and even in people's homes over tea and dinner). I'm a little embarrassed to say, though, that of all the great cafes in Paris, I'm writing this from Starbucks. More to come, I promise.

Rocking Holly

Matt and I leave for Paris tomorrow, so this video blog is really for us (me) so we can get our Holly fix over the next 8 days.

Thanks for taking care of our little pumpkin, Grammy and Pappy!