I have it good.

I don't think I knew JUST how much God had blessed me in Jonathan when I married him. This is, perhaps, because I didn't understand as much about the relationship between a husband and a wife. I know more now, though certainly not all. Jon is more than I deserve in a husband (though EVERY good and perfect gift from above is more than we humans deserve...thank Jesus! He has the mercy and grace to sustain us daily and love on us on top of that!). Here are just a few of the things that leave me sober and humble when I think about them.

1.) He asks to rub my shoulders after he's been working a long, hard day.

2.) He changes the first dirty diaper of the morning while I am still groaning from drowsiness in bed!

3.) He spends much of his time researching how he can better provide and protect his wife and daughter.

4.) He doesn't follow the crowd; he leads! He leads in ways that may not be socially normal but are Biblically true.

5.) He loves me when I am rather unlovable. 

6.) He encourages me to be closer to Jesus...in words and actions. 

7.) And all this helps me be a better wife! In this way, he leads in our relationship. I am so THANKFUL! 

So, I guess this post could rightly be called "bragging on my husband." I am simply just proud to be his wife. I only knew the half of it when I walked down the aisle. I am looking forward to learning more as time goes by. 

She loves her Daddy...

Jon was chatting with a buddy and holding Evie, and a few minutes later...

...She was out!

Pretty adorable. 

Also, thank you Shauna! This is Evie's favorite toy right now! She gets all wide-eyed and fascinated when we put it in front of her. :)

MmmmMmmm!

In an effort to give me a few more options for "indulgence" in my baby diet, I got to experimenting with ice cream last night! ...coconut milk ice cream! My oh my was the creamy, smooth texture and delicious taste welcome on my diary-free taste buds! 

At first, I was just going to freeze some sugared coconut milk, but then Jon inspired me. I put my bowl of milk in another bowl of ice and salt, and then I stirred! About 20 minutes later, I had ice cream!! It was quite delightful!

Evie is doing quite a bit better. Her skin has really cleared up well since I cut out pretty much everything yummy. ;) She still has a few small patches on her forehead, but everything else is looking great! Hoorah for cetaphil cream 4-5 times a day! It really keeps her moist. Ah, also I have been able to add eggs back in with no negative effects on Evie! That really opens up a lot of baking option. 

Things I've learned since being on the diet:

1.) Black beans do not belong in brownies. 

2.) Millet flour doesn't make very good cookies. 

3.) Rice "milk" is really just rice flavored water.

4.) Salads and potato chips are where it's at!

My Future Musician

She was even singing along...while munching on her fist! I love it. I posted this on facebook too, but it was worth a double-dose. :)

Is dairy the culprit?

Well, I had been off of dairy for about 10 days when my mom made us a delightful dinner of spinach & cheese lasagna. Oh, BOY, did I enjoy it. Mmm, the cheesy, creamy goodness! Did I mention I LOVE dairy? 

24 hours later, Evie had a new outbreak of her rash on her belly, and it was much worse on her legs. It looked like tiny, tiny little red pimples all over her belly. It doesn't seem to bother her at all. In fact, she's her usual smiley self. The only other thing is that she has also been spitting up a LOT more since the dairy extravaganza (hmmm, did I mention that I also indulged in mint moose tracks ice cream that night?). 

But I am still a little perplexed. Her forehead and cheek rash seems to be a lot better. And then there's the added complexity of soy. I added soy into my diet when I cut out dairy and then learned that kiddos that are sensitive to dairy are often sensitive to soy. 

hmmmm...

There may be a trip to the doctor in our future. 

Meanwhile, it's farewell to all things from my friend the cow! :( (And I'm still off wheat and eggs, just in case...)

The Latest

Here she is being a BIG girl! She's leaning on the arm of the couch, standing up!

Amazing girl. So fun to watch her learn new things. 

And such sweet smiles. 

Friends!

Well, what a delightful few days! I truly enjoyed out visitors...the Love family! It was wonderful to visit with such quality people. I was encouraged and blessed by every member of that family! 

It was also fun to share Evie with them. As Annalene said when she walked through the door, "You're a momma now!" I really enjoyed recounting the joys of new motherhood with her. 

God has blessed me SO much in the area of friends recently. He has provided just the right people for the season. He ALWAYS knows my needs before I even begin to suspect them. I love that. People will come into my life and then later in the season, I will realize His purpose for them. Obviously, it's not a one way street, but I sure do love what He does with them in my life. 

And, I have to mention that this big 'ol suburb house has really allowed a lot of fun in this season. Though it is not my dream location, we sure have been able to host some fun folks! I am glad to be here for now!