23 Months...

Emma, you are a delight!  You bring so much joy to our family and you are your brothers best friend. 

 

This month, however, has been a tough one...if I'm honest :)  I think it must be a stage you are going through because I remember this with Watson as well, but fussiness is in full swing every day.  I can't decide if it's your strong-willed personality, or just a language frustration, but the smallest things can set you off and sound the siren that is your cry!  Daddy and I are trying to figure out the best, and most effective, way to handle these fits.  Nine times out of ten, a snack or "nack" will calm you down, but I don't know if that's always the best answer! 

At the same time, though, your smile and your laugh can light up a room.  There is such a special quality about you that people are just drawn to and love! 

Your voice is the sweetest - people comment on this often and I couldn't agree more!

 You love food.  I think I have put this in all of your post, but it is worth noting :)  Especially breakfast...oh my...you LOVE it!

Playing outside is your favorite thing to do.  All day long you say "pay ousside Mommy?" You love slides, climbing, swinging, running, playing, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, everything!

We took you and Watson to see the Blue Angels this month.  It was freeeeezing but you were a good sport!

We are still having to do breathing treatments with you anywhere from 1 to 4 times a day.  Thankfully they really seem to help.  Hopefully once warm weather is here to stay we can put away the nebulizer!

You are talking a good bit - I feel like every day you are surprising me with another word or phrase.  You are very obedient most of the time, and are 100% a mommy's girl!  You love playing with Daddy, but you always want to know where Mommy is.

We love you so much precious girl!

Dabado...

Early Monday morning, April 20, my Dabado went to be with the Lord.

Words will never be able to express how much this man has meant to me for all of my life.  We always had a special connection.  He was my Dabado, and I was his Bethy.

 

I learned so much from him...

He always had a good attitude, no matter the situation.

He loved his family and would do anything in the world for us.

He was an incredibly strong, talented, and determined man - this played out in so many ways. 

He was the epitome of the phrase "bloom where you are planted."  He could adapt to any situation and make the absolute best of it.

He once told me that I should strive to "Live every day from sunrise to sunset."  He truly did this.

 

He was a proud Marine - and anyone who knew him, knew this!

 

I can remember so many nights growing up that I would spend the night at Grandmother and Dabado's house.  If I wasn't cuddled on the couch with Grandmother, I was sitting in Dabado's lap in his chair.  They always wanted me to play the piano for them, and we played more games of Bingo and Dominos than I can even count!

 

Dabado was adventurous and fearless.  No project and no challenge was too big for him.

 

I miss him so much.  My heart aches at the thought of never holding his hand again.  But I am at peace, because I know that he is finally Home.  He is now healthy, walking, strong and able to kneel at the feet of His Lord and Savior.  He lived a good, faithful life...and I am confident that He is now joining my Grandmother in worshiping Jesus for eternity.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of Grandmother and Dabado.  This is evidence of the impact they made on my life.  I miss them so much, but I am forever grateful for the relationship I shared with them and the memories that I will always have.

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to to say

It is well, It is well with my soul....

And Lord, haste the day, that my faith shall be sight

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend

Even so, it is well with my soul"

April...

April has been such a busy month!   We have LOVED spending time outside with the beautiful spring weather, and praise the Lord Emma's breathing has done well despite the massive amounts of pollen!  I was really worried about how she would do at the beginning of spring, so I am extremely thankful for how well she has done. 

Watson started swim lessons this month and is doing surprisingly well!  I really wasn't sure how he would do considering last year he took a LONG time to warm up to the water each time we went to the pool, but he has done great!  There may be bribes discussed on the way each time, but hey...it seems to work :)

 I was able to get away for a few days and go to the beach with two friends.  Kitty's parents have a house on 30A, so we were thrilled to join her!  It was such a nice, relaxing and fun trip!  It rained for the majority of our time there, but we made the most of it and had a blast.  I am very thankful for the friendship I have with Paige and Kitty...the Lord has truly been faithful in providing some great friendships in my life over the past year. 

Watson has also been playing soccer this season through the Y.  I'd be lying if I said he likes it, but I hope it's a good experience for him regardless :)  Graham is the coach, so Watson just wants to be "Coach Daddy" during the game.  He does great at practice, but as soon as it is game time and they line up across from the other team, he shuts down and is done.  D.O.N.E. done.  He is a year younger than most of the other kids on his team, so I am hoping that he will gain some interest before next year.  If not, then we will just try to get him involved in something else! 

 

 

My dear friend Mollie Ann will be welcoming a baby into her family soon, so my friends and I had the honor of throwing her a baby shower!  She is going to be the best mommy - I cannot wait to meet their sweet baby girl!

Watson has a summer birthday, so he was able to celebrate his birthday early with his class at school!  He was PUMPED about this - I mean, SO excited!  He kept saying, "I get TWO birthdays, Mommy?!"

Here are a few other pictures from the month...

Mom got Watson this Police Officer outfit.  He LOVES it!  He will seriously wear it around the house all day, every day putting all of us in jail and writing us tickets.  It is pretty obvious that he has a police officer daddy :)

Cousins and best friends!

I will never be able to thank my mom for all she does around our house.  One day this month she came over to help me spread pine straw and clean up the shrubs and trees in our backyard.  She is truly the BEST!

This boy...love him, love him, love him! "Bethy Ann, I want to go SUPER high!"

Sweet buddy - Watson you are the best big brother and little boy I know.  Daddy and I are so thankful for you and love you more than you will ever know.  We are proud of the sweet boy you are and the way you already care so much for others.  You love to play 'church' and say that you want to be a Pastor and Police Officer when you grow up.  You clearly adore your daddy :)

Easter...

We had lots of fun activities this Easter season!  This is my favorite holiday for many reasons - but most importantly that it is a time of the year to stop, reflect on, and remember the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Samford held an alumni Easter egg hunt that was really a lot of fun!  I love being back on that campus any time I have the opportunity.  I must admit, I'm a little jealous that my dad gets to be up there every day now.  Thankfully it is just down the road from where we live so I plan on making many more stops in the near future!

Our next activity was Valleydale's Easter Egg Hunt.  This was a blast last year so I was so excited to go back with the kids a year older and watch them have fun!  I truly do love our church and the community the Lord has blessed us with there. 

 

With Graham being on a church staff, it makes doing a family lunch on Easter pretty difficult.  This year we decided to do a dinner the night before - it was perfect! 

Every year, Dad hides eggs in their yard for the kids to find. It's always fun for the kids to find the surprises inside the eggs!

We spent a lot of time this year talking with Watson and Emma about what we are really celebrating on Easter.  I love seeing Watson truly starting to get it all!  We still have lots of explaining to do...he is currently convinced that every cross he sees is where Jesus died... 

HAPPY EASTER!  HE IS RISEN!