Luke 2:19

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:19.

I know the Christmas story, yet this particular statement was new to me. How could I have missed this before? Perhaps I had been too caught up in the birth to even recognize a powerful moment summed up in one sentence.

Being a mom, I can certainly better relate to Mary now than pre-kids. And having re-read this passage of Scripture while caring for an infant has brought new meaning and understanding to its significance. 

My favorite moments with Hunter are after he's finished eating. He could be asleep or awake; I treasure both equally. In those sleepy moments, he's snuggled up close, content, warm, and secure. How hard it is to put him down, even when it means I could then sleep! During those times when he's still awake, he gazes up at me, a gummy grin on his face, again, so happy, and secure in my love. Even as I write this, I feel inadequate at describing or capturing these moments. These are moments that I treasure and try to store up for I know that they are all too fleeting. 

And then I think about Mary. I can only imagine that she shared some of those same thoughts and feelings, coupled with an enormity I cannot comprehend: she cradled in her arms the Christ-child, God's Son, sent to save us from our sins. She probably didn't know how He would save us, but can you imagine how she must have felt knowing that her son eventually would save the world? Jesus, snuggled and cuddled close to Mary, probably felt secure, safe, warm, and content, just like Hunter does when he's in my arms. But could Mary have felt that same way about Him? What a strange and wonderful feeling that must have been, knowing that the same child who drew comfort from her would one day be her comfort and security. How many of us can relate to that? 

So as we approach Christmas, let us ponder the tenderness, the beauty of Christ's birth, and those fleeting moments in Mary's arms, and remember the loving gift God gave us in such a humble fashion.

Merry Christmas!

Having sent out birth announcements earlier this year, I decided to skip the traditional Christmas cards this season. (Plus, being completely honest, I just haven't had the time to get one together.) So, here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas blog-style.


If I were to send out a letter, it would probably list the highlights of the year, which might include...


*January: Scott and I traveled to Pittsburgh to watch the Caps beat the Penguins in the Winter Classic (outdoor hockey game). Go CAPS!


*February: Scott traveled to Haiti on a mission trip. While he was gone, Mel and Grandma came down to love on me and Leah.


*March: Leah turned 2!


*May: My dear friends from small group threw me a baby shower. In addition to my family and church friends being there, Megan and Jen Ann (two of my best college friends) were there.


*June: Hunter Logan arrived on June 24!


*July: We survived the transition of going from a family of three to a family of four.


*August: Scott played in the Police & Firefighter World Games up in NY City... the weekend of the hurricane. While he was away, the kids and I spent a week at Grandma & Papa's (Mel & Roger's).


*October: Scott and I celebrated seven years of wedded bliss. 

Yes, highlights are missing from a few months, but the blessed, daily family moments with Scott and the kids are too precious and too frequent to limit them to one month as a highlight. 

May your Christmas be joyful, memorable, and filled with many warm moments. 

Merry Christmas!

Five Months

Guess I should update Hunter's progress now, especially since his next milestone birthday is fast approaching (Christmas Eve).

Our little man turned five months old on Thanksgiving day. Based on his measurements during his four month check-up, he had to go in for a weight check to celebrate this birthday. Well, he's still in the 25th percentile for weight, which is fine since it shows that he hadn't lost any weight between his fourth and fifth months (he had dropped from the 50th to the 25th percentile between his second and four month appointments). Since we were there, I asked about Hunter not sleeping through the night yet. Unfortunately, the doctor said it could be because he's not getting enough to eat during the day. (Not exactly what this sleep-deprived mom wanted to hear.)

That being said, Scott and I decided to supplement Hunter with formula. Too bad Hunter hasn't agreed to this idea. (For some reason, lately he has refused the bottle, even though before he'd take it just fine.) Thankfully, after sharing all this with a friend, she shared how she had to feed her little girl every two hours during the day. Well, it was worth a shot, I thought, and so, our little man is now eating much more often. Though this does create some logistical issues at times (trying to feed him, run the errands, and get home in time for the next feeding), he seems to be doing better (evidenced by sleeping better at night). Hallelujah!

I'm sure that teething hasn't helped his sleeping habits at all. This boy is a drooler anyway, but now that he's working on some teeth, he's a faucet! His fingers are constantly in his mouth, unless mine or Scott's are available. I keep waiting for his "reward" for enduring all that pain, but it has yet to manifest itself.

Though some might not believe it (my family, who somehow only seem to see him when he's tired, and thus cranky, preferring mine or Scott's company and cuddles to anyone else's), Hunter is a happy, playful little baby who has a ready smile for anyone who wants to talk to/ play with him. His favorite activities include  playing in the exersaucer, grabbing big sister's hair or hands, one-on-one cuddling with me or Scott, and of course, rolling around on a blanket while playing with his toys. When he's especially happy, he'll tell us, delighting us with stories that only a baby could share. Oh how I relish those stories, cherish the one-on-one moments, and delight in his smile and laughter (which we hear on a regular basis thanks to him being ticklish... and thanks to us making silly faces at him).

Below are the latest photos of our little bug-a-boo. This momma's boy is a joy and a blessing, and is much loved.

 Happy Thanksgiving! Hunter has a thing about socks... he doesn't like wearing them. Notice also his hair. Scott has nicknamed him "Kramer" since Hunter's hair sticks straight up. But it's just so cute!

 We've started Hunter on vegetables, but you can see how he feels about them (or maybe it's about the pink Bumbo seat); he managed to grab the bowl and dump the contents all over.

The official 5 month photo. So cute! Don't you just want to eat him up?