my big girl

Charli is officially a walker!  I was so happy today, I cried!  She has been receiving physical therapy for not even two months yet, and she's walking!  She wasn't moving at all two months ago.  One thing I think God has been teaching me throughout the difficulties I've been experiencing with Charli is just to love her for who she is.  She is her own little person, that He created.  She isn't going to be who I think she should be, so I need to love her as she is.  As a teacher, I knew every child in my classroom was different.  They learned differently, had different gifts and abilities, and even looked different!  As a mom, though, I expected Charli to be just like every other baby.  So many times this year I have been brought to tears because Charli wasn't where I thought she should be physically, but it's a blessing to be able to look back and see God's hand working in every situation to bring me closer to my little girl throughout all we've been through together.  I want to thank everyone who has been praying for us and thinking about us.  God is good!

kitchen update

I wanted to add some pics to this blog to show how our kitchen remodel is going.  It's still a long way from done, but it's coming together piece by piece!

 our kitchen before demo

 cabinets & countertops are out!

 goodbye walls & ceiling!

 hello new walls & ceiling!

microwave installed

north park

After our walking class at North Park, I usually take Charli over to the playground so that she can swing.  Today, I let her walk around and play on the playground.  She had a blast being about to move around & actually play with something other than just the swing!  We did swing before we went home, though.  I'm excited that Charli's finally starting to walk!