Sweet motherhood

I've so much to learn in this amazing, nutty world that is motherhood, and I'm so blessed to share my thoughts on this gift thus far for the Sweet Motherhood series on Leah's heartfelt and encouraging blog, Beautifully Molded. Check it out here. Have a lovely weekend, laddies and ladies!

Moviegoing with a baby

Going to the movies was a pastime of the pre-baby era, until last Friday. Alex and I had been itching to test our theory that movie-going is possible with a baby in tow at our local drive-in theater. We love the nostalgia of a drive-in; the relatively affordable admission, privacy within our automobile, flexibility to adjust the movie's volume on our car stereo, freedom to bring our own snacks, and a showtime that coincides with Serene's bedtime are other perks. Frankly, we're glad that if Serene were to fuss, it would not disturb other patrons. Alex was thrilled to finally go to the drive-in as a family to watch this. I, on the other hand, was a smidgen anxious about the adventure. After all, we had never attempted to put Serene to bed in her car seat while a movie plays in the background before.

We got her and ourselves ready for bed and went in our pajamas. I prepared for a meltdown, just in case. I packed extra blankets, a bursting diaper bag, a bag full of her favorite toys, and a slew of sweet treats for Alex and myself. After we nabbed a parking spot in front of the screen, we stretched our legs outside during the pre-show. Serene enthusiastically observed the throng of parked vehicles, listened to the hum of moviegoers chattering with one another, and smelled the barbeques sizzling on portable grills nearby. She garbled in giddy excitement at her new surroundings, and by the time the movie began, she made it loud and clear that she was ready for bed. After nursing, she fell asleep in my arms and whimper-cried on and off for a bit until she settled for a deep snooze in her car seat for the remainder of the film. She fared better than we expected, and though we don't plan to make movie nights at the drive-in a frequent occurrence since we're doing our best to ensure that she can depend on a consistent bedtime routine, we'd be down to go again if the movie were an absolute must-see. I completely endorse movie-watching at your local drive-in with your family, especially if you want to bring along your sweet babe(s)!

Oh, and in case you're curious about the gash on Serene's nose.

The alma mater and future college

While we were at my alma mater last week visiting our friend who is finishing up his first year there, I took every opportunity to acquaint Serene with her future college, introducing her to Ackerman, The Hill, BruinWalk, the Wooden Center, Powell, Royce, and the like as we ambled through campus. As I did, feelings of nostalgia washed over me upon the realization that college was quite a while ago. The fact that a smattering of new buildings has sprung up since then, and that the undergrads moseying about look insanely young, was jarring too. I confess, I felt old and out of place wearing a grandma-style skirt and toting around my nearly 8 month old babe, though she had a blast beholding the sprawling campus, brick edifices, and masses of young folks. I recall the undergrad years fondly, and I can't fathom what college would be like for Serene 18 years from now. Hopefully, she'll still be able to take naps at Powell, study beneath the shady columns of Royce, and graduate with a student debt she'll be able to pay off within her lifetime. Of course, God has her post secondary education plans all figured out, even if we don't at the moment. Though Alex is not too keen on the idea of her attending UCLA, I like to joke (and hope) that Serene is a future Bruin. I wouldn't mind if the wee stuffed Joe Bruin we got her that afternoon helps to shape her college preferences. ;)

P.S. Serene got that horrid gash on her nose last week from an accidental tumble off our bed and fight with the nightstand on the way down. The marking of a fearless and curious little gal who is constantly on the move to discover the world around her. I was so worried and sad when Alex called me at work with the news, but so thankful to the Lord that she's okay after a trip to her doctor, who reassured us so. Another reminder that her life is ultimately in God's hands, and that He is a better heavenly Father than Alex and I can ever hope to be as parents.

A lovely, happy medium

I made this cheery skirt for Serene a while back out of a classic navy polka dot print that goes with nearly everything. I intended to sew two funky heart-shaped pockets onto it, similar to position of the pockets on this mommy-made skirt, but it didn't look right. So I scrapped that idea and ended up sewing one of the hearts onto the skirt as an embellishment, and stuffed the other heart with polyfil so that Serene has another travel-sized toy. I played around with the amount of material for this skirt - it isn't as flouncy as the reversible circle skirt, but not as narrow as the A-line skirt. This one is a lovely, happy medium. Our little miss has worn it a few times since its creation, as seen on her during our Mother's Day outing. I used to feel like I had to execute on my vision each and every time I made something, but I think I'm more inclined towards improvising along the way now. Things don't always turn out looking as planned - mess-ups, crooked hems, and trashed projects are bound to happen, but I continue to learn that that's okay. Sometimes more than okay, because, in the case of this polka dot skirt, Serene wound up with not only a skirt, but also a toy.

Speaking of creating, I am so thrilled for dear friend Ruby who has officially released her book of crafty brilliance! Let's Sew Together is bursting with legit projects for mamas and their little ones to embark on with one another. So encouraged by God's grace in Ruby's life through this whole process. I've witnessed (in small measure) her work so painstakingly hard these past two years to whip this all into existence. God has truly blessed her with a great gift in crafty endeavoring, and now we all get to tap into her creativity with our little one(s). I can't wait until Serene is old enough for us to create together!

The sequence of events

Serene grows ever more curious and playful as the days go by. She is constantly occupied with touching, reaching, bouncing, kicking, grabbing, tasting, lunging, jumping, crawling, pinching, chewing, pounding, rolling, and basically all the sensory-related gerunds out there. She expends so much energy in play that she'll wear herself out. After stretches of activity, her head becomes too heavy to bear, falling involuntarily from weariness to hit the ground or mattress. She then attempts with all her might to lift it up and resume her business, but the cycle of fatigue will continue until she realizes she's primed herself for naptime. Such a silly, lovable little lady!

Staying cool by the pool

Though it's only mid-May, it's been feeling like mid-summertide here in our neck of woods. The scorching sun was making us grouchy, which prompted Alex to take us on a field trip to our apartment community's pool. Though we live right by it, we moseyed over there for the first time this past weekend. Before we went down there, I asked Alex to put Serene's halter swimsuit on her, and this happened. I couldn't stop laughing; thank you, Lord, for my hilarious husband and oblivious daughter. Not only was lounging around in the pool the cure for heat-induced crankiness, but it was also loads more fun since it was Serene's inaugural poolside adventure. She had a blast floating, splashing, and kicking her legs in the watery oasis. Alex and I had so much fun watching her play that we're convinced there'll be more afternoons by the pool!

Our grace-clad grad

Alex is one of those men who works relentlessly, studies passionately, reads fervently, and prays constantly. He's a lifelong learner of the Lord who spent the past three years obtaining his second master's degree so that he might be able to interpret the Bible more accurately for the purpose of preaching the Word effectively. I've witnessed him pour his heart, soul, and mind into his studies particularly in these past three years for he was acutely aware that he was being trained as if lives depended on it. Not only did he aim to excel in seminary, but he also led our little but growing family, learned to shepherd our church family, served our apartment community, and so much more, all by God's grace.

He graduated this past weekend with his Master of Divinity, and we, along with dear family, church family, and friends, celebrated with a banquet and ceremony. Serene attended her first legit daycare during the banquet, and it was most endearing to amble outside during a break to see her jolly self being wheeled around in a double stroller with her friend, City. This past weekend's graduation festivities reminded me of how blessed I am by the discipline, perseverance, and desire God's given Alex to make the gospel known. He attested to God's faithfulness during his time in seminary in this short video, and all I have to say is that I am beyond blessed to stand beside him on this lovely adventure of life! Serene was so thrilled for her daddy during the graduation ceremony that she and I sat outside of the auditorium so that she could holler to her heart's content without distracting others - haha! We love our grace-clad grad so!!!