I'm youth, I'm joy...

Still so very far behind with the blogging, and still will catch up, but in the interim, check this out: Beth Serradet with b more creative photography has updated her website, and there are seven shots of The Girl on her Babies page!

(FYI, the partial quote used as the posting title is by James M. Barrie)

Great-grandmommy (Thanksgiving, part 3)

Probably the biggest highlight of the holiday weekend occurred when Granny, Pa, ABCD, The Girl, The Daddy, and I drove to Stratford, TX, where S. met Great Granny, her great-grandmommy. It was a very special visit, and The Daddy and I are so happy our baby and her awesome great-grandmommy were able to spend time together. We can hardly wait to return to Stratford for another visit.

I am so greatful for my precious child and for the blessings of love and family. Thanks be to God!

Family Portrait (Thanksgiving, part 2)

One of the biggest highlights of the holiday weekend was this family photograph (a million thanks to sweet Aunt Kay for snapping the pic)! It warms my heart to have this memory of these dear people who love unconditionally and who are so happy for The Daddy and me. From left to right: (standing) Uncle Bill and Aunt Anissa, (seated) cousin D., The Daddy, The Mommy, The Girl, Granny, Pa, and (kneeling) cousin C.

Gobble, Gobble! (Thanksgiving, part 1)

The Girl's first Thanksgiving was a big family occasion in Texline, TX, not to mention a huge success! We won't even factor in the fact that just moments after snapping this photo of her in an adorable "Baby's First Thanksgiving" outfit (from the Joneses!), she was covered neck-to-toes in spit-up. Yikes!

As you'd expect (especially after a change of clothes), she was the center of attention the entire weekend! (In fact, it almost seemed as though if you weren't there to see The rock star Girl, you might as well not be there! Happily, I had rock-star-by-association status, as S. is very powerful and generous.) Of course, she was a big hit with her Granny and Pa and with her great Aunt Kay. Dana and Ivy were smitten with her. As it turns out, Byron is a bit of baby monopolizer, and even Kolton wanted to hold her! Actually, everyone over toddler age held her (rock star, I'm telling you!). I think she really took to her uncles and Aunt H., and when Aunt A. met her, well, let's just say that there were tears (and not just mine!). The Girl was a big hit with her sweet cousin D., who was very helpful at diaper-changing time, when she would always help me by closing the bedroom door for "priacy."

We were so touched by everyone's love and affection for The Girl. It was a sweet reminder why we love our family so much!