Ellis 6 Month

Ellis continues to grown and he a truly wonderful healthy baby boy. He is almost sitting up by himself. He can not be left on the floor for long, because in no time he is already across the room. He is eating baby food and growing out of clothes left and right.

Length: 27.5" (Growth Chart 90%+)
Head Cir.: 16.50"
Weight: 16 lbs 15 oz (Growth Chart ~50%)

While the weight was surprising (he weighed 18 lbs at 5 months), the doctor said that he is moving so much already that he is burning the calories. He also just shot up, as noted in length. Overall the doctor was very happy with Ellis development and health. We are so proud of our sons.

Squirrelly

Today I found this picture on the National Geographic Site and it made me think that I could relate to being a Red Squirrel.1. The Snow in Arkansas was almost up to my knees.

2. While my ears are not that long, I bet I can hear things my sons do that science would tell you that you would need ears like the Red Squirrel.3. At the current moment I feel as if this would be a current portrait of me: my hair in "defying gravity" style and my eyes are wide open trying to convince myself that I am awake.

4. "The active period for the red squirrel is in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. During the winter, this mid-day rest is often much more brief, or absent entirely, although harsh weather may cause the animal to stay in its nest for days at a time." - I almost started to check to see if I had red fur or look in a mirror to verify that I am indeed NOT a red squirrel after reading this fact from Wikipedia. This fact could not more accurately depict my life at the moment - recent snow days, sick 2 yr old, and teething baby throwing his naps to the wind as to say "I'm so awesome that I don't need no sinkin' nap".

5. Honestly, this is not a point but I just thought this picture was hilarious. It's like the "comb over" for the Red Squirrel.
6. My brain/thoughts are very squirrelly at times. (point above being a small example) I praise God that He gives me grace & keeps up with me. If you were to replace the "background" snow picture with say my living room filled with toys, I truly feel like this squirrel.
Paused....
Searching....
Hands together and looking, knowing that there was something I was supposed to do....

Sometimes I don't know what is coming my way or what I was in the middle of doing for that matter. There are also times that I don't understand the best way to do things or how Eldin got that car into that space. This is one of the times I have to remind myself:
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

I take heart in knowing that God knows, he doesn't forget or is bewildered. Not only that, but He created a creature that looks how I feel sometimes: hair straight up, eyes wide open in bafflement, & tiny in a big world. For a person like myself that learns a lot visually, this is a gift to me and I can smile & know that God truly knows what I'm going through.

Lioness

Lions are a well known animal in our house and greatly discussed. Recently the DC Zoo has announced and shared the new 7 lion cubs. In looking at some of the released pictures & some recent events, I came to the realization that I am a lioness, and our family is truly like a pride of lions.

There are many things we know about lions, but specifically from Wikipedia and Dictionary.com here are a few facts:

1. Lionesses are the core members of, and the primary hunters for each pride - This is the main reason for this comparison as recently I realized that moms are the primary grocery shoppers. We plan (or pick at the last minute) meals and shop for the food to make said meal. The main difference I see here is usually the cubs (kids) are with us as we hunt (shop).

2. Highly distinctive, the male lion is easily recognized by its mane, and its face is one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture. - This ranges from scruffy beards that literally looks like a mane to the reverse of bald/balding. Hopefully the look of a dad if very different from a mom, but there are times my hair might be mistaken for a crazy mane.

3. They (lionesses) act as a co-ordinated group in order to stalk and bring down the prey successfully.- When our family gets together with others if the moms do not coordinate, I have NO idea where we would end up, IF we would eat, and I'm sure there wouldn't be an extra diaper for the explosion that is destined to occur.

4. The males associated with a pride tend to stay on the fringes, patrolling their territory. Why sociality—the most pronounced in any cat species—has developed in lionesses is the subject of much debate. - Seriously? The lioness has to be the social one! If she is a homemaker like myself, the only adult interaction comes in social interaction/events.

5. Both males and females defend the pride against intruders. Some individual lions consistently lead the defense against intruders -I love how protective my husband is of our kids. He really is the head Lion in all his majesty. However, there are times that the "Momma Lion" (or Momma Bear as some know it) comes out, claws and all.

6. Lions have an array of facial expressions and body postures that serve as visual gestures. - Again with "The Look" (refer to previous entry Meerkat)

*You do see that cub about to bounce on a peaceful set of parents - This is truly a picture worth a thousand words. If I ever have a moment of peace like this...I know this is what is about to happen too.*

When I struggle on my role I need to remember that God's word tells us that He is the Lion and the Lamb. If I have accepted Jesus as my sacrifice (The Lamb), then I need to make sure to let God be the Lion of our Pride (family/life).

There are days that I look like a Lion, but at the heart I am a Lioness. (Watch out groceries, here I come...)