I am finally surrendering to the blogging world.  At first I thought it was a little conceited to think that people out there wanted to know about me, about my family, about my thoughts.  Most of you know I am a very open person and can easily share my feelings and thoughts.  It just seemed like me and blogging were meant to be friends.  And so, I concede.

I have officially been a stay-at-home mom for a year now, and although it was a bigger adjustment than I initially thought, I am loving it.  I feel so lucky ... I get to watch my girls grow, saying and doing silly things.  I get to go exercise and have mornings cups of coffee at Noble Coffee and Tea.  I get to go to the park, swim at the pool, blow bubbles, and go to Bible study.  God has blessed me and continues to teach me more and more about myself through this special season in life.  God is teaching me patience and helping me grow spiritually.  He is also teaching me how much I need Him.  I have this perfectionist personality, so I have set out on a mission to be the most amazing mother in the world.  Every day I fail at being the perfect mother and everyday God reminds me that I cannot do this alone.  That I must start every morning in prayer, pick myself off the ground, gather the villagers, and then be a mother to my girls.  There is beauty in this lesson.  I should know because I have to relearn it almost every day still.

And as for the girls, they are amazing.  Avery goes to preschool twice a week now and absolutely loves it.  She is so smart and loves to learn.  She is every bit of a typical three-year-old when it comes to defiant behavior, but she is learning the bad choices come with consequences and that good choices aren't always easy at first, but they have a much better ending.  I hope that this is a lesson she can learn early and carry with her through life.  She is at the age where she is starting to learn that the choices we make effect other people.  It is awesome watching her try to figure these things out.  She is truly becoming more sensitive to other's, often praying for her family and friends.  She may seem like all drama, but she has an amazing heart for her friends and family.

Mia continues to struggle to gain weight, but has not stopped her other areas of growth.  She is crawling on hands and knees (something doctor's initially thought she might not do!).  And she is starting to talk.  She loves Dora the Explorer, just like big sister, and when she sees her, she says "Whose that?  Dora!"  It is so funny to hear her talk because she has been so quiet for so long.  She is such a happy baby and her sounds and words reflect that.  She babbles in high pitches as if she is excitedly talking to an old friend.  She is a sweet baby and crawls onto my lap for hugs and kisses.  She continues to melt my heart.  She is still receiving therapy, but not nearly as much.  We are down to physical therapy and speech one a week and occupational and developmental therapy biweekly.  She is catching up fast and all of her therapist have been very encouraging.  Now, if we could just get the little squirt to fatten up a bit.

And then there is my wonderfully, supportive husband, Chris.  He is still on a super-high from the Colts victory and anxiously awaiting the Super Bowl victory as well.  It was so fun to be with him at the AFC Championship game.  His nerves and excitement during the game were those of a true fan.  I think there were tears in his eyes after that last touch down.  Along with football, he continues to be an amazing provider for our family and a wonderful father.  I am more than blessed to have such a wonderful man as my husband.  

And so, here is my first blog.  More of a little journal on where we are now.
I love you all,
Cheryl