Well, our current "baby" of the family just turned the corner into toddlerhood. Nienna Joy turned two on Wednesday. She blew out all . . . well, both of her candles out all by herself. She received her own booster seat and can now join the rest of the family at the table, which she loves (although it's a lot more mess for mom).
She's really started to develop her own personality, which is so fun to see. She is generally shy around strangers and will just stare at them with a "don't talk to me" face. But, if they hold her, she doesn't cry. She's pretty serious and straight faced most of the time, but can really ham it up when she thinks she's being funny. She loves her big siblings and copies everything they do with great enthusiasm. She's mastered the phrase, "Beren took away from me. I had it first!" When asked how old she is, she responds with five splayed fingers and says "TWO"!
So, now that our youngest is a big girl, I guess it's about time to have another baby. Number four is due to arrive December 11th or so. Nienna, I hope you're ready!
We dug into the cake and ice cream, none with as much gusto as Nienna! The cake isn't in this picture, because it was upside down on the floor at that point. After cleaning her up as much as possible, we all gathered in the living room for her dedication to the Lord. We never had a baby dedication for her at church, so we decided to do it now while we had the opportunity, in this intimate setting, with the friends who would be most involved in Nienna's life. Our hope and prayer for Nienna is firstly that she will come to know the Lord at an early age. Monte also hopes that she will become a woman of faith like the widow who trusted God and gave Elijah her last meal (1Kings 17:8-16). Galadriel's hope for Nienna is that she would become a woman of wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-11) and that her JOY in the Lord would be obvious and contagious throughout her life, in good times, and in the midst of trials (James 1:2-3 and 1Peter 1:6-9) drawing others closer to God. After sharing these scriptures, we prayed together, thanking God for Nienna and lifting her up before the Lord, who is the only One able to change the heart. Our friends also prayed for wisdom for us as parents. We were both so increadibly encouraged and heartened by God through our friends that day!