Thanksgiving!

The Lord has blessed us richly this year, and we are continually overwhelmed by His unfailing love and grace.  Thanksgiving was a great weekend with the McKendrick side of the family in Lake Geneva.  We are so thankful to have TWO families that are so full of people that we love so dearly.  Two sets of parents that have raised us to love the Lord with our whole hearts.  Two sets of Grandparents that pour out so much love for our sweet Zaylee Jean.  Two sets of siblings that are both near and far, with the blessing of friendship in each of them.  Nieces and nephews galore, and two more on the way!  We are rich, as Mamie Jeannie says.  So very rich! 

Such a big girl!

Fun with Craigie!

Headbutt! She was loving this game!

Love those blue eyes!

He loves when I bother him...really he does!

So thankful for Grandma D

We were thankful for her help at the end of the night! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Time is going so fast, and Zaylee is learning so many new things these days!  So much to be grateful for, and feeling very blessed. 

Bathing Beauty

Bath time is an every other day occurrence for little Zay, but something we all look forward to.  Paul and I both love giving her baths, and I always try to wait for him to be home and it becomes a family event.  We love those special moments with the three of us, and I know it is important for him to be able to feel a part of things as much as he can since he is away all day.  As I've said many times, Zaylee loves the water, and it just keeps becoming more and more apparent as she gets older and can express her excitement.  While we are stripping her down, she squeals and kicks those sweet little legs of hers in the air as we make our way to the bathroom.  As I reach for the faucet and the water begins to fill the tub, she eagerly stands watching the bubbles form, holding on to the ledge with her tiny, little body bouncing up and down.  There is nothing cuter!!

Today was one of those days that I was so tired, lazy, and lacked every bit of motivation to do anything around the house.  On days like this, I try to find things to easily entertain both Zaylee and myself, as she seems to sense the laziness in me and becomes bored much more easily!  Bath time is always an easy fix and requires little energy, and is a perfect transition into a long (hopefully!) afternoon nap :) 

She is such a happy girl, and I just love her sweet smile!!

8 Months

Zaylee girl's stats:

Weight:  14 lb.
Height:  26 in.

Last week we had a weight check for our little peanut, and she is moving right along gaining and growing each day!  Since our appointment, she has even stepped up in the eating department more than she already had.   It is fascinating to me she literally will eat ANYTHING we give her, with the exception of carrots.  She gags so forcefully it is almost entertaining to watch.  I'd rather her gag on those opposed to something with a higher caloric index as she needs all the extras she can get :)  I have made sweet potatoes for her, but she hates the texture so I end up having to water them down.  I wish I were the type that had the desire to make my baby girl her own food, but I'm thankful I never kid myself into thinking that would be something I would make a habit of, and honestly she LOVES baby food, so I am taking the easy route!  She truly enjoys Plum Organics, and they are all natural with no added flavors or sugars, so I don't feel bad giving them to her.  I hope to start giving her more foods that we are eating and cut the amount I am currently buying down to save a little cash flow, but for now we are both enjoying meal times and that is what matters most to me! 

Our sweet little lady still refuses a bottle, but we are making a bit of progress on the sippy cup.  She at least holds it and soothes her aching mouth by biting down while letting drips of water touch her tongue.  Eventually she will understand that it is more than just a chew toy :)

She gets more and more fun as the days go by, and as much as I want her to stay little forever, each stage is a whole new kind of special.  Climbing, crawling, standing, walking (while holding our hands of course!), and getting into everything she is not supposed to, are her favorite things at the moment.  She talks all the time these days, but as our Irish doctor's said, "She is a very passive baby".  I had to ask what she meant by this, and passive means a quiet, gentle baby.  That is our girl.  Sweet to the core.  Although, recently she is starting to show signs of a little feisty girl trying to break through, especially when she has had enough food and wants out of her chair.  It makes us laugh now, but in a few more months it will not be looked at as funny, but rather unacceptable, as her daddy won't tolerate screaming to get what she wants.  Another reason I am thankful for him, we agree on most every point of discipline and parenting!  We shall see how true that stays as our little sweet, perfect baby becomes a naughty toddler.  But wait, that will never happen, because she will stay perfect forever! ;)  I've already started praying for patience and understanding for the years to come, because the Lord knows I will need it.  For now, I will just enjoy these special, wonderful moments with my loving little lady and her adorable personality that shows more and more each day!  Love her so.

TEETH!

Last week at our doctor's appointment, I asked the doc to take a look at her gums and see if she could tell if any teeth were starting to make their way to breaking free.  She poked around and said it would probably be a bit longer before anything started popping through.  I hadn't paid much attention after that, and Zaylee wasn't acting as if anything was bothering her so I figured she would remain our little, wide, gummy smiley baby girl for a while longer.  Our last night in Door County she woke up three times, but I just figured it was the cool room, or light from the moon shining in that was keeping her from her normally peaceful slumber.  We drove down to Lake Geneva for Remington's first and Micah's 8th combined birthday bash!  She was her normal, happy self the entire ride hardly making a peep, other than when she was talking to herself while playing with her feet. 
As we were partying with the family, I was commenting on how Zaylee will probably be one of those kids who doesn't get teeth until their first birthday or something like that, and that I honestly didn't mind since she already thinks it's funny to bite me while eating!!  While I was saying this, I decided to feel her lower gums, and to my great surprise, SHE HAD A TOOTH!  I could hardly believe it!  The next day, after church we were talking about how it was so fun that she got a tooth and Paul wanted to feel it again.  When he did, he noticed a SECOND tooth!  Our little baby girl has two little teeth, and we couldn't be more thrilled.  We are sad to see her gummy smile come to an end, but are having so much fun watching her grow and develop into a little baby girl filled with so much personality! 

Mini-Vacay

Two weeks ago, Paul was given three free vacation days to use up by the end of the year, and we jumped on the chance for five whole days together immediately!   My dear friend from high school, Cara, lives up in the back woods of Door County, WI, and it had been far too long since I had seen her and spent some good quality time with her.  I had never been up that far north in my great state of Wisconsin, and thought it would be the perfect, budget friendly trip to take as a last minute vacation with our little family of three.

Wednesday morning we woke up around 8 and started preparing for the trip.  Paul took Zaylee girl with him to get the oil changed, while I cleaned the house and packed the bags.  Packing for a three, a baby being one of those, is a lot more work then you might think.  Babies have A LOT of needed things, and their little itty bitty clothes take up so much space when packing for five nights, which really means ten outfits for the occasional wetting through the first outfit of the day.  In Zaylee's case, this happened at least once every day of this trip!  I always worry she isn't getting enough milk, but with the way this girl has been peeing lately, I'm most certain she is, in fact, getting plenty!!
Zaylee is such a champ on car rides.  We are always amazed at how well she does just chilling in her seat talking to herself and her bunny boo.  It was about a five hour drive, with an hour bumper to bumper traffic.  During that dreaded hour, I went back for a bit with Zay and let her get out of her seat for some much needed stretching.  She LOVED it.  Her face lit up as she leaned against the window, jumping up and down on my lap.  Cars next to us would smile at her, which of course filled her with so much excitement.  It never gets old watching the animation on her little face as she sees new things and experiences things for the first time.  She is just so much fun!

We made it up to Cara's around 5:30, and were shocked by the amount of darkness that surrounded us as we navigated through the trees to find her house hidden among them.  She didn't mention to me that she lived in the middle of nowhere!  We found so much humor in this fact, as we joked about our city-slicker selves.  I always thought I was more country then I was city girl, until I pulled up to her house in the forest.  She greeted us in the driveway with her puppy Jax, and led the way up the porch to her humble abode.  It was a decorated in just my style, and I loved every bit of the house she had made her own.  Zaylee got acquainted quickly with Jax the dog, and Lola the cat.  This girl LOVES animals and is not one bit afraid of them.  We ate some pizza, and sat around talking the whole night just catching up on life and reminiscing on our old high school days. 

We woke up Thursday morning bright and early at 6:45!  There was no rushing back to sleep with the sunrise embracing us through the big open windows.  Zaylee was fascinated by all the trees that surrounded us, and the chickens running between the multitude of tall, slender, bare trunks.  We ate fresh eggs, and were blown away at the goodness that oozed out of those dark yolks soaking into our toast.  Oh the delicious difference in a fresh egg versus a store bought!  Paul will never enjoy an egg the same way...until he owns his own chickens some day :)

My attempt at a family self portrait.

Can you tell she LOVES being on daddy's shoulders?!

After our delicious breakfast the three Tabs headed out to our hotel in Egg Harbor.  We had plans to walk around to the different shops and have a nice meal out since we rarely ever eat out any more and it was vacation so it was a must!  Neither plan became reality, as the towns were something you see in a Zombie movie, and the restaurant that was open was a big disappointment on the ol' taste buds!  We weren't going to let anything get in the way of our fun family time, and just rolled with it.  The hotel allowed us to check in a few hours early, as we were one of the three guests staying there, and we set up our stuff in the room and headed to the pool!  The water was perfect, and we had the place all to ourselves.  Zay was ready for a nap so the first pool trip was a relaxing, snuggle time with my baby girl.  After naps for both of us ladies (2 1/2 hours!!) we headed back down for a more exciting dip in the water, full of splashes and giggles and big smiles. 

Since everything was a ghost town, we decided to order in some pizza and just enjoy some good family time by the fireplace in the room.  It was lovely!  Zaylee went to bed around 7:30, and Paul and I snuggled up to watch some cable TV.  I wouldn't change anything about that day if I could.  It was perfect!

After some average continental breakfast food, we headed back to hang out with Cara, and eat some more fresh eggs, obviously.  She lives close to the lake and a beautiful park called, Cave Point (I think!), and we walked along the shore for a bit before Zaylee couldn't handle the cold any longer.  More like, we couldn't handle the cold any longer!  We attempted some family pictures, but Paul wasn't in the mood and Zaylee was too distracted by the water and beauty all around us.  Paul prefers to live in the moment and truly hates when I whip the camera out and almost always says, "Manda just be here NOW with us, we don't need any more pictures!"  I do agree, however, I wanted a few family shots from our first family trip.  He of course obliged me, and looked ever so handsome in all of the pictures!!

There was a lot more talking, eating, and laughing that night, and it was a great time with my great friend.  I loved this relaxing, no agenda trip, and thoroughly loved our time as a family out of our ordinary routine just being with each other.  It was wonderful in every way, even in a Zombie land of no good food places to eat out of season!! 

Baby Shower for #Newtab

On Saturday, we hosted our first party in our "new" home in honor of your very first cousin on the Tabailloux side of the family.  Uncle Timmy and Aunt Bethany are due to have a little one right after the new year, and we can hardly wait to meet the tiny baby! 

There were about 30 people who had replied YES!  How wonderful to have so many people pour out love for this new baby on the way.  It was exciting thinking about throwing this shower, and opening up our home to so many close friends, but I started to feel anxious about everything being perfect.  I wanted to make sure there would be enough food, so I kept adding things to my list of items to prepare.  I wanted to make sure there was enough room for everyone, so I started moving stuff around to open the area up a bit more.  I wanted to make sure everything was in it's right place and the house was in order, so I frantically scoured every bit of it.  It seems I always add way more stress than needed when in these sorts of  situations leading to pathetic meltdowns involving unnecessary tears.  Thankful for a husband who reminds me over and over again to breathe and just enjoy myself!  He always calms my nerves and relaxes me.  A few girls from our Open House Bible Study group offered to help with decorations and bringing extra food.  For this, I was extremely grateful! 

When Saturday came I was ready to par-tay, and was excited for everyone to arrive.  Sarah and Katie from open house showed up a bit early to help get everything set up.  I, on the other hand, was still running around trying to make myself presentable before everyone else arrived!  By three o'clock, everything was looking great and little by little guests began to flow in through the door, and just as Maman Jeannie had said, all my stress went away with each new face that entered. 

The house was soon full to it's capacity, laughter and conversation filling the space.  The kitchen was overflowing with food and the smell of hot apple cider poured throughout the house.  The cake I had baked was graciously decorated by our master baker friend, Dan, and it looked beautiful!  Paul walked by me and kissed my face while whispering, "Are you having fun?  No more stress?"  I quickly replied, "Yes.  This is great!"  He was such a great help in keeping things moving, MCing the party, and just supporting and encouraging me! 

Tim, Zaylee, and Dan--the master cake maker extraordinaire

It was such a wonderful time with so many loved ones.  Tim and Bethany were showered with many gifts for their little baby, and as Timmy said, "I'm so excited for this baby now!  We are ready!"  It was so fun to see all the gifts and brought on new waves of excitement for this sweet, little addition to the family.  They are going to be great parents, and we can't wait to be Aunt and Uncle to this little bundle!! 

Some of the lovely ladies!

**Zaylee was so excited for the party she decided to refuse her nap that afternoon, which caused her to be a bit anxious at times with all the people.  Overall, she did great and let most people love on her..until she saw Paul or me! 

Be Thankful

Zaylee girl, Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away.  It is such a wonderful day spent with family, more food than usually necessary, laughter, and thankfulness.  Thanksgiving.  It's something that we celebrate on a specific Thursday of every year, and I always look forward to it, but shouldn't we practice this celebration EVERY day?

In the mornings as I prepare my pot of coffee, and you sit in your chair, I sing "This is the day, this is the day.  That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.  We will rejoice, we will rejoice, and be glad in it, and be glad in it.  This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.  This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made!"  You love it, and get excited as you intently watch me move across the kitchen floor.  We sing a lot together, and each time I'm reminded of a song from my childhood I am reminded by the words and they become a prayer for you my darling girl.  I pray for you throughout my entire day.  My thoughts are always on you, but often my actions don't reflect what my deepest desires are for my role as your mother.  I fail often, and am humbled daily by the grace given to me through your sweet smile and snotty nose smudges on my shoulder from your tight snuggles.  I fear as you get older, my actions won't be so quickly forgotten.  My bad attitude on silly mundane tasks, or sharp tongue towards your dad about things that truly matter so little won't be unnoticed as your grow more aware.  Oh sweet girl, how I hope to become better for you.  I want to show you a heart of thankfulness daily.  An attitude that is glorifying and uplifting.  I want to point out the blessings all around me, rather than focusing on my failures and the frustrations that come along with them.  I want to hold my tongue and speak only kind words about others.  I want to exemplify joy, gratitude, love, and not discontentment or bitterness.  I want to be so many things for you, Zaylee, but most of all I want to show you Christ through my life so that you may grow to love Him with your whole heart.

This morning as we came down to the kitchen, and daddy was putting his shoes on for work, I said to you, "Ugh!  Mommy forgot to clean off your highchair again!  Why has mom been so lazy lately.  It's so frustrating!"  Your dad quickly replied, "SHH!  What are you thankful for today?"  Zaylee, I am thankful for your father and the gentle, kind, loving man that he is.  He has been the best example of Christ's loves to me throughout our friendship and now marriage, and I pray someday you will find a man that show's you the same.  For now, I am just thankful you have him to call your dad!  He is such a blessing to me.  You my dear, are the greatest joy, and we are so very thankful for your presence in our life.  Beyond thankful.  I am your mom.  MOM.  That is the biggest blessing I have ever been given, and something I will never fully be able to express in words.  I am so fully aware of the honor it is to be at home with you every day, taking care of our home, preparing meals, doing laundry, sweeping the floor for the third time in one day, and I am filled with joy and thankfulness.  This is what I dreamed of and this is what I was made to be.  Your mom, and your daddy's wife.  I couldn't ask for anything more fulfilling than those two things, even on days that don't go my way and are tiring and frustrating.  They humble me, and bring on a whole new sense of gratitude.  I love you.

I'm thankful for bundled up walks to the park!

Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Psalm 34:1  I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 28:7 -The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.