Decisions, Decisions

Ok so lately Frank and I have been discussing the topic that most couples would be discussing at this stage in the game: when will we be having baby number 2. This is not, by the way, my way of telling you there is a baby number two yet. I have been very ambivalent about the idea of having another baby. It just looks so hard. I have always wanted children, but I see people with more than one and think to myself "how do they go to the grocery store"? Although, my beautiful friend Amy makes it look so easy. Ok so the point of this post is to say that after my trip to Chick Fil A yesterday, two babies look very easy compared to the mom that I met there with 2 year old quintuplets. Oh yeah that's right, five 2 year olds. For any of you out there that are scared of having baby number 2, just remember it can't be as hard as five.

Bathing Beauty

Caroline and I recently went to the most fun park with some of the moms and kids from our small group. Very close to our house is a sprinkler park, and Caroline had so much fun. I hope to go again soon since the day we went was a little cloudy. Lord knows I need some sun. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the pics of my sweet girl in her little bathing suit. PS--Swim diapers are one of life's mysteries. How do they do what they do?

She has the cutest little tushy!

Caroline's Dedication Day

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him."

1 Samuel 1:27

Caroline was dedicated at our church here in Austin on May 3. We have been so blessed by the church here, it was an amazing experience to present our child to the church body and to ask them to help us as we try our best to raise her to love Jesus with all of her heart. If you notice, I normally refer to the church we go to in Austin as our church "here" or our "new" church. I do this because in many ways we still have a church family in San Antonio. I want those of you reading this from SA to know that you have had a part in the people that Frank and I are today and we are so grateful for you. Caroline will grow to be the woman God designed her to be because you all have impacted our lives.

This picture was taken with our dear friends Justin and Katie and their little man Caden who was also dedicated that day. They have been such a huge blessing to us. We have loved getting to know them this past year, and we have been so blessed by the experiences we have shared.

Frank and I are so blessed by our parents. We are fortunate to have parents that love and support us and are there for us any time we need them. We loved having them present with us when we dedicated Caroline. It was such an amazing thing.

Four Generations

We were also blessed to have my grandparents with us at the dedication. My grandparents have played such a huge role in my life, and I am definitely a better person because of them. They have challenged my to not only love my God but to know who he is and to understand the intricacies of His Word.

We also had some of our closest friends with us at Caroline's dedication. I have been trying to add a picture of them but I am having trouble, so I will just tell you about them. Amy and Ben are amazing people. We have been so blessed by their friendship these last several years. While our relationship as married couples dates back only to 2005, my relationship with Amy began in 1997. She has been an amazing friend to me. When I thought about who I would want to ask to be the spiritual godmother for my child, Amy came to mind immediately. There is no woman I trust more to love my child and to help me as I try to guide Caroline through life. Amy, please know that you are so very dear to me and it meant so much to me and to Frank that you and Ben were there with us for such a wonderful day. We love you both so much and we love you children and would do anything for them.

During Caroline's dedication, I was struck by something. I didn't think this would come up for me but it did. While the pastor was praying my mind drifted to the baby that we lost. I was saddened by knowing we did not have the chance to dedicate our first child to the Lord. I know that my child is with the Lord, but it was still a difficult moment for me. I say all of this because I know that I have friends that have walked in those dark places. Losing a child is so difficult. I know that God was glorified through my child and through those that my friends have lost. To those friends, I weep with you. I have said this before but I feel that you get through the experience of losing a child but you never get over it. Love to you all.