The holiday season is upon us and as you gather with friends and family, I want to encourage you to enjoy each moment and take the picture.
Actually, take ALL the pictures. The holiday pajamas photos. The random selfies. The silly faces. Cooking together in the kitchen. Watching movies. Opening presents and playing games. Get photos of everyone, doing everything.
When my dad passed away, one of the (many) things that was challenging was finding pictures of him. He didn’t like taking pictures, and due to various life circumstances, we were unable to locate the ones we did remember having. Until recently, I only had one photo in my possession of me with my dad and a few others that had been saved on my phone.
The pain of his sudden death was compounded by the fact that I had almost no physical representation that he existed. And as we get older, the way we remember things changes. Photos help to align what’s in our minds with what’s in our hearts.
So friends, take the pictures. All of them. Because the moments don’t last, but the memories and the photos do.
Until next time- be encouraged! Peace and blessings!
Elisha, like Ethan, is one of my favorite answered prayers. He truly carries the joy of the Lord in his little body. He wakes up happy EVERY morning and does the best happy dance when we (or either of his siblings) enter the room.
While we don’t have favorite kids (IYKYK), Elisha has added such joy to our family and we think that he’s every sibling’s favorite sibling. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that we have to steward his life, and I am so excited to see who he will become and how he will impact the world.
Elisha, those small in stature, has learned how to take up space. He is clear about his boundaries (please don’t get too close), and his likes and dislikes. If you were to look at him, you wouldn’t be able to tell that he can be a picky eater, but he LOVES the food that he loves (applesauce, milk, bread, crackers, meat, fries, chips) and may entertain trying something new. Like his big brother, he’s started to show some excitement towards sports (football and basketball), and he is easily excited about opportunities to learn. He frequently brings us books to read, saying, “Read!” or, “Book!” which means it’s time to read together, and his love of Gracie’s Corner and Super Why! have resulted in recognition of all of his letters and some of his numbers.
In general, he’s pretty easy going and go with the flow, but when he is dissatisfied, he will let you know loudly and clearly. He is content in moving at his own pace (he was “late” moving into the next class because he didn’t want to walk, and despite all the best attempts, we had to induce labor), and I think he knows that as our last baby, we’re content to let him take all the time he needs.
Elisha was a little bit of a surprise to us, but his presence has been a healing blessing, and truly beauty for ashes. I was a little worried about ALL the things that come with adding a new baby to the family (especially considering the age differences), but it has been nothing short of amazing. In reflection, I was in survival mode for a lot of Ethan’s infant/toddler phase and having the opportunity to do that again, with a lot more self-awareness, self-advocacy, time, and patience has been beautifully sweet. I am so glad that Elisha is here, and I am so glad that he is ours.
Join me in wishing our sweet caboose, Mr. Elisha Jadon, a happy 2nd birthday!
Until next time- be encouraged! Peace and blessings!
life beyond the well... 