Growing up... Mandy style.

It seems like my baby girl was just born on Septmber 16th, 2007... but three years passed somewhere in between.

I wrote this 3 years ago:

It's been 1 week since Mandy's birth. I am not quite sure what was longer, the week Mandy was over-due, or this last week with her here! The days and nights are full of challenges. James 1 is a huge encouragement to me and I think of this verse often: 'If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.' Of course, I replace the "he" with "she." This verse is profoundly encouraging whether my life's struggles are big or small. My God wants to help me out, pouring His peace over me when it feels like I don't have no clue.


Mandy is doing good and together we are getting better at nursing. She is a pretty lazy eater and left to her own devises, she would snack all day and all night. I would prefer full feedings every 3 hours or so and I think it is better for both of us in the long run. Whether you agree with demand feeding or not, it is exhausting and can be painful for a new mommy! I'm tired, but am making progress.

Those issues were huge at the time! Mandy was a challenging baby. The details are sketchy and I'm thankful that I took the time to blog.  I was reading through the forgotten archives and my words were just dripping with anxiety and fatigue. It was clear Mandy changed my opinion on everything I thought I knew about babies! 

My terrible memory makes me think back on those tiny-baby days with a smile. God gives that gift to women.... a faulty memory. All the painful, difficult, and stressful things fade compared to the beauty of that sweet baby in my arms. 

Mandy learned to smile and giggle very early.

Mandy at 1 year old.

Dear Mandy,

I'm so thankful for you. When God created you, He did everything perfect, knowing what our family needed. And likewise, God knew exactly who you needed for a family. Your smiling exuberance brings such joy to us.


From the moment I found out I was pregnant with you, I looked forward to getting to know you. Those bumps and constant wiggles in my womb made me long to hold you in my arms. I knew you would bless us when you finally arrived. I just couldn't have imagined how beautiful and priceless you would be.


You ran through your toddler years and now you are 3 years old. Your laugh rings through the house and I love your happiness. You love to make people smile and have always been our lovey girl. You have a huge capasity to love. That is why I pray this verse for you:


"I pray that you... may grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know the love that surpasses all knowledge...". Eph. 3:17b-18


I anticipate with excitement watching you grow in the coming year. In the last year you were potty trained! You grew tall and look like a little girl instead of a baby. You amaze me with your clear speech that often sounds like you are from the South. The funny things you say to brighten my day. Lately you say to me, "Mommy, I love you just the way you are." 




Precious Mandy, I love you just the way you are too! God made you special and I pray that as you grow, you mature in your desire to obey. By obeying me and daddy, you are learning how to obey God. The tantrums that overcome you at times tell me you are looking hard for your independence. I want to let you grow, but in the security of boundaries. I pray you always know our love.


Happy Birthday my 3 year old!



Love,


Mommy