Our Big Talker's First Christmas

Merry Christmas everybody! We had a great time spending Aaron's first Christmas in Miami this year. He got to swim in Meemee's pool and play in Papa Steve's playroom at the condo and meet his cousin Kiya who is only two weeks older than he is!

Lately he has been talking up a storm! He says; ball, mama, mommy, buh-bye, and look. No dada or daddy yet (sorry Joey). The car ride home went a little something like this:

He got so many wonderful Christmas presents. As always, everyone was so generous! We thank God for our family and friends who show us such love and kindness.

One reason it is good to be back though- SLEEP! Aaron had a rough time in Miami and was teething like crazy. But thank goodness now all four top teeth are through and he is back to being a champion sleeper! He has also started eating again. Leave it to my Puerto Rican Mama to get the boy downing some pretty big meals! Thanks Meemee! That's a big relief.

Aaron seemed to take to opening presents like a fish takes to water! He loved finding fun toys inside of pretty paper! He even tried to help Uncle Kyle open his presents.

He also enjoyed being Meemee's little helper in the kitchen.

But by far one of the best parts of any trip for Aaron is getting to spend time playing with a pup! He just LOVES doggies! Little Rocky is the perfect size for Aaron, and he has energy to spare! We could never quite capture a picture with both sitting still!

So now we're back, home sweet home, and after a Monday off to recuperate, Joey is back at work. With Friday off, a three day work week is already begun! As I watch this little miracle play with his new found Christmas goodies, I thank God for the blessings that our in my life and look forward to a new year of blessings, peace, and wonderful surprises ahead.

I'm Falling Even More In Love with You

The words I can remember of this song are these,

I'm falling even more in love with you, letting go of all I've held on to. I'm standing here until you make me move, hanging by a moment here with you. I'm living for the only thing I know. I'm running and not quite sure where to go. And I don't know what I'm diving into. Just hanging from a moment here with you. There's nothing else to loose, there's nothing else to find. There's nothing in the world that could change my mind. There is nothing else. There is nothing else.

That's how I feel about the Lord right now and I am so excited to be on the mountain top again! I'm falling more in love with Jesus. There's nothing else to find. There's nothing better. I can't get over the generosity of my savior. How he gives so abundantly. How He loves so deeply. I can't get over how He hears and answers and BLESSES us sinners like we were saints. Oh, how I love Jesus!

I can't post without mentioning our biggest blessing: our healthy, smart, strong, compassionate, loving son Aaron. He is amazing. He can take 8 steps (but who's counting right?), say "Baby" and "og" which means dog to him. He waves at people while we are out and about now (finally deciding he enjoys being social) and when we talk to someone (even a perfect stranger) after a minute or so he will reach out for them to hold him. He is such a sweet boy.

I am being led by the Lord to be more of a Godly wife and I am really excited to rise to the challenge! I can't wait to learn to be more submissive and respectful! I am so embarrassed when I speak to my husband with disrespect: that is not who I desire to be! I realize that one of my goals in life is to make my husband happy. It sounds very 1920's or so, but I mean how did I miss that? When did I decide that it was necessary to earn respect from your wife? I didn't earn my salvation. I don't earn Joey's love... why should he have to earn respect. No. He deserves my respect because I am a women after God's own heart and, therefore, I will respect the man that he prepared for me.

Thank you God for family: for the Jesse Tree book and how it is bringing us closer together as a family unit. Thank you Jesus for revelations and growth! Thank you for humility and accountability. Thank you for our son, and most of all thank you for YOUR son.