changes of motherhood

Everyone told me becoming a mom would change things, everything. Brian and I prepared for what we could: we got all the "equipment" from the pack n' play to the boppy, bumbo, and bottles; I read some "wifely" books to remind myself of the human relationship that should come first (aka the one to my incredible husband, Mr. Stock); I even figured out (theoretically at least) a schedule that included me-time (reading, working out, gardening, etc).

Over seven months later, I guess I'm still seeing the tip of the iceberg. I am a stay-at-home-mom. So, yes, I "gave up" my career. But, since I lost my job before Lydia was even born it's not that big of a deal. Plus, I always looked forward to being home with the Stock babies!

I gave up some social time, which as an extrovert is still really hard to do. I soon learned though, that babies are quite portable and you sure get to talk to more people in the grocery store when you have a cute baby girl with you!

Currently, I'm giving up lots of stuff at church. I haven't sat through a service in 9 Sundays (yes, I'm counting). I can't sing up front anymore. We have stopped volunteering with the Youth Group at night (basically I was just rocking a sleepy baby the whole time anyways). This week, I also found out that I won't be able to lead a small group as I have for the past few years...a lot of circumstances play in here, but mostly (again) revolving around that cute little baby girl.

How do I deal with all this? Well, in the big scheme of things I'm not giving up much. Lydia is actually a really good baby. Plus, less money, time and convenience is not so bad when compared to lots of others' situations. And of course, she's worth it right?

And here's the problem. The solution to my pity party is an equation that doesn't make sense. I am willing to not complain or go through these little inconveniences because the sacrifice is worth it. Here's the equation:

Lydia (being a stay-at-home-mom, good wife, etc) > everything else that changed.

Of course Lydia is worth it. She is greater than missed opportunities. But if I continue to serve or sacrifice because it makes sense mathematically, I am not serving to the glory of God. I'm constantly bargaining with God: "Ok, I'll do this one thing for you, but it better be worth it. I better get a good relationship, an obedient child, recognition, etc out of this!"

Service (and living!) to the glory of God is saying "yes, Lord" when we can't see that it's worth it, when we are commanded to serve, when we are given a role or a gift to be a faithful steward of. I admit I have been failing at this as I serve my family and church.

Yep, motherhood does mean a lot of changes. I hope most of those are in me for the glory of our God.

Lydia: Seven Months

Seven months! Lydia is growing and learning so many new things. She is truly a joy to be with, making us smile and laugh...and act quite silly in public sometimes.

No official measurements this month since we won't return to the doctor until October. We can just guess her weight is around 16 pounds, although Brian tried to weigh her on the produce scale at Walmart this weekend.

New skills include rolling over (see the EPIC video Daddy made of this historic event). She now rolls to her belly to sleep and often when she is playing. Rolling back over is a little rough and she usually cries to be flipped when she tires of tummy-time. She is attempting to crawl, but is still figuring it all out.

She can ALMOST sit up. We barricade her with pillows and make sure she doesn't face-plant (too much). Brian likes to put her in "training" for a few minutes a day. He is convinced she will earn the "I can sit up" sticker within the week.

Teeth (well, one so far) have also started to appear. After months of drooling and chewing on anything she can get her hands on, we finally see a little tooth peeking out on the bottom gum. Thanks to Nana for the "Bonjella" (British "orajel") imported just for Lydia since my mom swears it's better than the American version.

She has also started solid food this month. We are feeding her at least two meals a day but haven't worked into any consistent schedule. She has enjoyed a varied menu of vegetables, fruit, yogurt and oatmeal. We are making our own baby food and having fun experimenting with different entrees (squash, peas, and oatmeal anyone?). Diapers are also much different with the introduction of solids (read: lots of fiber!). This is where the cloth-diaper-decision gets serious. Thankfully, before making that decision I discovered a little gem called "diaper liners", flushable liners for when your kiddo starts solids. It saves me from the whole rinse-and-dunk in the toilet technique. I know, you may be thinking this is cheating or really not cost-effective. I can get 100 liners for about $7 and only use them when I think she is going to well, need them. Brian and I agree...they are worth it!

And speaking of worth it, this whole baby-thing...the diapers, feeding, wiping off faces, bathing, changing, rocking, carrying, kissing...it's definitely worth it. What an absolute joy to spend all this time with our adorable daughter created in the image of our wondrous God. It's been an amazing 7 months.

Shepherding A Child's Heart (Part 3)

Here is the third installment of Dr. Ted Tripp's "Shepherding a Child's Heart" Parenting Conference Video. In this video, Dr. Tripp teaches us a proper understanding of authority. "Authority" is not a popular word in our culture. In fact, since the Fall, we all have a nature spurring any type of authority whether it is from God or other people. We long to be "autonomous", a law unto ourselves, believing the lie from Satan that we could be gods. This path only leads to pride and/or despair and it ends in enslavement and loneliness. The Gospel lays out the different path. Only when we submit ourselves to Christ and trust in His person and work, then we can live free the way we were created (See John 8:31-34). We find ourselves here loved, cared for, and free living before God and others in community. Enjoy...

What a face!

Here are a few new pictures of our precious little face. We love all the expressions!

You looking at me? Lydia vs. Avocado

"Welp."

Already taking after her daddy!

Lydia vs. Squash

Hanging out and loving it!

Shepherding A Child's Heart (Part 2)

Giving Kids a Vision for God's Glory

Here is the next installment of the excellent series by Ted Tripp on Biblical Parenting. In this video, Dr. Tripp expounds on living for the glory of God. It could be called a modern day exposition on question one of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, "What is the chief end of man? Answer: Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." As he is explaining living for the glory of God, Tripp applies it to parenting your children. This is a "big picture" lesson:

>>> THE EPIC >>> ROLLOVER

A life is made by moments. Moments of greatness. Moments of conqueror. EPIC moments. Watch and see before your very eyes:

(Tissues and high-fives may be necessary.)