The "fall" weather has finally made its way to us here in AZ. No, this odes not mean a chance of snow or leaves falling. It does not mean that we need to bust out the fall jackets. It simply means that it is no longer consistently above 100 degrees outside. This week has brought such beautiful weather, and we are all enjoying it. I can finally walk with Tula outside in the stroller without feeling like she is suffering in the sweltering heat. In fact, we made friends with another Mommy and little 1 month old and we all go for walks together 3 mornings a week. Tula seems to enjoy the outdoors and the stroller. It is still warm enough that we have to go a little early to do our walking, we usually meet at 8:30 am which means I have to wake Tula up on those mornings. Yes....bless her heart....my child usually sleeps till around 9ish if I let her! Anyways, I feel so great finally able to be a little active since she was born. I really have been so busy since she was born that that was on the backburner, but is now a top priority again and I feel great just getting out, getting active, and interacting with other Moms.
Tula was three months old last week. This new stage of her life is so different. She truly is no longer a newborn. She holds her head up so well, she loves to be lifted high over our heads. She loves when I hold her up like that and sing to her. She laughs and laughs. She is still unsure if she likes being tickled. It's hit or miss. Most times she laughs, but its this really confused laugh where she is looking around wondering what the heck is going on. Honestly though, she seems so happy. This kid really loves to smile and laugh, and as new and unsure parents sometimes, it melts our hearts to hear and lets us know that we are doing a good job.
Tula also loves to chit chat. She loves the sound of her own voice and when everything else is quiet she loves to make some noise. CHURCH is a perfect example of this. She basically blabbed her face of the entire time today. Of course the talking thing is fairly new to us so we just think its adorable. I am sure there were some others who didn't see it the same. but considering she sits there for the whole hour and didn't cry or fuss, I did get a few more of the ...."My, what a wonderful baby you have..." comments that makes every mother swoon with pride, as though I have somehow already conditioned this child to behave in a manner that I desire. I am just enjoying it while it lasts. She is a joy right now.
The other thing that lets me know she loves the sound of her own voice is that she LOVES it when I cover her ears with my hands. You know how if you cup your hands and place it over your own ears it kind of makes that echo when you talk? And makes your voice seem louder to yourself and all you can hear? She loves that, and if I hold her head like that she could sit forever telling herself a story, and looking out of the corner of her eyes from side to side, wondering what she has done to make her voice do this. So cute.
Tula loves sleeping on her belly, and lets me know this by sleeping up to 6 or 7 hours straight the last few nights!!!!! Wahoo! As much as she still enjoys being swaddled and on her back from time to time, the tummy sleeping seems to be working for us and for her. She also still loves to be shushed to sleep by the bathroom fan. We have almost worn out the one in our bedroom I think....lol. Fan on, lights out, door shut. It's our recipe for a sleeping baby and it works every time. I love discovering those little tricks that wok and knowing her so well. Tula is developing this little personality more and more every day and I just feel so lucky and blessed to be her Mommy.
Today is Canadian Thanksgiving at home and the for me, the first year I really understand what it means to be thankful. In church last week they spoke about having an "attitude of gratitude" and I really do now, more than ever, have that. Tula brings a joy to my life that I never knew could be possible. She has ignited a flame in me that I never knew was there. This year, I have so much to be thankful for. But most of all, I am thankful that I realize this. That I have the ability to see how blessed I am. That I have instilled in me the knowledge that these are all great gifts that were given to me by God, that ALL good things come from Him. I am reminded to not take these things for granted. And I just feel blessed and humbled beyond measure that I have the honor of looking after God's precious child, Tula.
This Thanksgiving I have everything to be thankful for. My husband, who is my best friend. There is no one I would rather be on this journey with. And for Tula, of course, for everything about her. For our wonderful families, who we miss so much but are so lucky to have. For our health and circumstances that allow us to live free from so many of the misfortunes that people all over the world live with every day. I am thankful that I have the freedom to worship the God I choose, to wear the clothes I want, to marry who I love, and to work (or not work!). And as I list all these things I am thankful for, I am glad I am living my life realizing how blessed I am, knowing how wonderful life is and not taking one single thing for granted.
No new pictures....sorry. The "Mama-razzi" has been slackin'. I will try and get a few new ones up this week. Hope you are all enjoying your Thanksgiving at home everyone! Happy Thanksgiving!
