New Life Is Born

Here is a quick post to let you all know that I do still value this blog of mine. 

The highlight of last week was the arrival of my newest niece Bristal Ann. The fourth child born to my brother Todd and sister-in-law Jessica. I cannot think of a much better family for this sweet little girl to be joining. I have no doubt that she is being smothered with love by her amazing parents and adoring siblings.

I picked Nate up after work and we headed up to the hospital to see the newest member of our family. I am never prepared for how small a newborn is. She is quite adorable and I hope that Bristal and Aunt Han will get to make many memories together!

While on the topic of babies. It is beginning to seem that I am departing from the "friends getting married" stage and entering into the "friends having babies" stage. Both of those stages bring about showers, and in this instance a baby shower. I found an idea for a "New Mommy Survival Kit" gift idea. I picked up various items that each had a purpose in helping a new mom survive the transition into motherhood.

Do not strain your eyes by squinting to read the words in the picture below. Keep scrolling.

Socks to remind you to take time for yourself and relax.

Book to point out that this is only a chapter of life.

Hand Sanitizer to keep out any unwanted little “visitors.”

Candle so you never feel in the dark.

Tissues to dry the tears, the babies and yours.

Energy bar for an added boost of energy after those long, sleepless nights.

Wipes to help wipe your worries away.

Rubber Band to remind you that flexibility is key and to help you stretch beyond your limits.

Paper Clip to hold things together when they seem unorganized.

Eraser to note that everyone makes mistakes.

Chapstick to help you stick with it.

Matches to light your fire when you feel burnt out.

Toothpick to pick out the good in all situations.

Altoids to let you know that you are worth a “mint.”

Ibuprofen for when all else fails…take two!

Oh and Chocolate never hurts either.

I would like to mention that I only give Pinterest partial credit for this. Pinterest was my foundation, but I came up with a few of those on my own. I better stop, starting to sound a bit boastful.

I am beginning to see a few more signs of Spring! My tulips have finally started to bloom. Nate has even been monitoring the status of our tulips and was keeping me updated on their progress a few days this week. We both enjoy watching things grow, or maybe it could be that he highly excels at trying his hardest to share my interests. Either way it makes me smile.

If you are looking for us, good chance we may be traveling. We have been spending an ample amount of time on the road the last couple days. Nothing major, just out to Smithville/Rittman for a wedding last weekend, followed by a quick trip to Bluffton, last night, for our couple's bible study. It is good to have loved ones scattered about.

 I leave you with this quote, for it has given me something to think about today. "Only God's view can reveal our journey as the best solution to the intended destination." Praying that I can more naturally look at life, self, the future and others through the lens of Christ. 

Thanks for reading!