White House Blessings: April happenings

Believe it or not, a lot has happened in April/late March. We celebrated Easter as a little family, along with Skype-time with extended family. Obviously, Kaylee doesn't understand the significance that our family chooses to focus on during this holiday, but it made me excited to think that someday I would have the opportunity to converse with her about it. In general, she seems to be picking up on word meaning a little more each day though. I’ve realized I need to talk with her and repeat things more so she has the opportunity to work on her receptive language skills. She’ll get there.

Kaylee’s changing a lot in other ways too. She has learned to pull herself up and is definitely desiring to stand and move via her army crawl more and more. The other day, Brandon and I were eating lunch while she was “napping”, when I saw her curtain move. I thought my eyes were playing tricks until it happened again and a little head poked out. I indiscretely pointed it out to Brandon and, since it was such a surprise, no one knew how to react, so we all three just busted out in laughter. She continued to close and open the curtain several more times, with the same reaction of uncontrollable laughter, until we realized that a nap was futile. For her first time pulling herself up and standing, holding on with one hand, she was actually rather graceful about it. The silly little girl seems to try new things when she is behind the curtains, in her pack and play. That was where she first sat up from a laying down position as well.

As a family, there has also been a lot of new happenings. In late March, we dove head first into a new church here and have really enjoyed the challenging, biblical teaching, along with a small group of dear people to meet with throughout the week. This has been a refreshing blessing as we prepare for Alaska, providing ideas, encouragement, and vision for how we desire to minister there.

In preparation for Alaska, we have also been able to line up a house that we are excited about, along with a truck that will hopefully be dependable in all the snow and driving to nearby cities. Things seem to be coming together and we are getting excited, yet also a little nervous about it all. We are so thankful for His provision.

Another new thing, not quite as exciting, has been a turn in Kaylee’s behavior. Within the past two weeks, she has become EXTREMELY clingy to me. This has been a little draining and I often find myself at a loss on how to help her realize she is okay. I was spoiled because she used to be so good at playing by herself and being comfortable with others. The change makes sense, with her developing more and more locomotion, her growing understanding of object permanence, and ultimately the fact that, in the motor home, I am never out of site unless she is sleeping. I am thankful it is just a stage and have been reading and praying about how to help her through it.

Thankfully, Brandon has been a good sport in trying to help, although it is hard when he has been there since she was born and she treats him like a stranger. He definitely has more patience and consistency with Kaylee than I do. Which, by the way… off topic… often catches me off guard. It is an interesting process when you know how you want to be but you are not. I remember this feeling when I first got married. For much of my life, I had envisioned the type of wife I pictured myself as and then… I got married… and that person was nowhere to be found! It isn’t necessarily always a bad thing, (sometimes though), but I do find it interesting. I have found this phenomenon playing out as a mother too. I know it is good to be consistent with teaching Kaylee what is appropriate behavior, and I envisioned myself that way (partially because that was the type of babysitter I was), but I find myself constantly giving in or changing my standards. I may be somewhat of a softy. But I'm growing. Anyway…. sorry for the rabit trail… point is, we are working through this stage and I love the moments that Brandon is willing to deal with the mama-barnacle, so I am able to go play a game of volleyball or make a skirt. It seems healthy for all of us.

Unfortunately, this clinginess kind of started to peak when we had some super-dee-duper visitors come our way. My oldest brother, Evan, and his wife, Jessica, came to see us, which was AwEsOmE. We had a wonderful weekend with them, exploring Solvang, experiencing a beautifully unique waterfall, visiting one of the local wineries, stepping foot inside Trader Joe’s (a first time for all), and just spending some quality time together. Thankfully, Kaylee warmed up to them shortly after their arrival, so (I think) a good time was had by all. We sure do miss being close to them in Colorado.

Surprisingly, in our short time here in California, we also had another visitor. My best friend in high school, Autumn, was in town for a few days too. (Crazy how it all worked out). She and Kaylee had a blast together, and I enjoyed seeing her and having some “adult” conversations (if you can classify our conversations as such) while Brandon was away at work. In some ways, we have always kind of “got” each other, which typically makes it easy to be yourself and often leads to talking about matters of the heart.

So… April has gone quickly, full of challenging and fun moments. We continue to learn… continue to play… continue to work… and continue to prepare our hearts and home and maps and all the little details of what’s ahead. We hit the road for Alaska in less than a week. I am sure there will be many stories to tell. And... considering I really truly do not think I had much to write this time... it will probably be a long one. Until then…