Apparently I've become a weekly blogger at best...the type of blogger I loathe. I so look forward to reading my friends blogs and hate when they don't have anything new and I just know you all are thinking the same about me :(.
So here's what's happening at the Beeler house...
the nursery situation?...my 'cohort' decided it was her calling to take on the project and she prayerfully did so. I have been relieved of this duty and am ever so grateful and able to go to church with a much more positive attitude. I also met with the "powers that be" and talked over my burdenful (is that a word?) feelings with them. they prayed with me & for me, and assured me they are here for me...and I do believe them.
however, when one duty releases another fills it's place, huh?...my dear piano mentor has been having heart trouble and I guess she thinks a heart attack is a good excuse to not play piano for 1st service :) (just kidding...love you, Maureen. rest up and feel better!! I've always got your back). and so I have happily taken on playing for first service for now. it's a quiet, traditional service that starts at 8 a.m...I usually go by myself and come home to breakfast prepared by my hubby...then get my little one dressed and go back to 2nd service to worship with my family. I love the 1st service worship leader because he is constantly on the hunt to find someone to share this duty with me--whenever he can give me a break from playing he does and it just fills my heart to have someone watching out for me so carefully. he is a joy to work with. Natalee is napping better on Sundays and I shall soon be working on getting her to sit more quietly through church when she isn't napping. she likes to puruse the pews from auntie to auntie and gma to gma...which is all well and good until she takes advantage of her privilege and starts squawking.
speaking of....Natalee is now 13 months old. we did our 12 mo Parents as Teachers questionnaire and her communication skills have shown up delayed. I'm posting this mostly because I'm hoping in a few months I'll look back and have a jabberbox on my hands and laugh at my worry. but, as is my personality, I am concerned. receptively, I know she's got it...and expressively I think she
can have "it" but perhaps is stubborn. she makes lots of noise...for certain. she has taken a liking to "singing"...at church, at home, in the car....anywhere. and she signs "more," "all done," "mommy," "daddy," and is picking up a few more. I have a student who signs and it has helped me to carry my skills back and forth from home to work...
things Natalee doesn't do that we are working on...point--at pictures in a book, at something she wants, etc.; respond to simple commands or
a simple command--come here, where's the ball?, etc. these things are 12 mo goals that I know she can achieve...
in other news--still no walking at our house. but she's close. she finds great joy in pulling up to something, letting go and keeping her balance for a couple of seconds before falling on her fanny. she also walks (rigidly) behind push toys but doesn't have a great deal of control yet. soon enough...
I'm content with her not growing up too fast...we love her just the way she is and will only try to nurture the things that she is ready to do...not push her to things she isn't ready for yet.
she is conquering her fear of noises...today she let daddy hold her in the same room as the vaccum and the mixer doesn't even phase her anymore. the fire siren is still a struggle but *hopefully* it only goes off once a day!
Natalee also does the following: attempts to feed herself with a spoon/fork, takes her pants and diaper off at naptime (sometimes), laughs often, gives kisses sparingly, and goes ni-night on her own. she has, the last couple of nights, gotten up quite upset at around 3 a.m....and taking the advice I read from
MckMama's post I realized that this is a phase that I will someday miss...and so for now we just bunk down together, curled with her tushy to my tummy and her head on my arm, and we fall back to sleep. and it works for us.
micheal has decided that we aren't busy enough and so he started up EMT classes 2 nights a week. it's about to kill me. he has 3 classes under his belt, and 6 more months to go. God give me grace. honestly, I'm proud of him for wanting to help the community and give back. I love his heart. I love his dedication. I love him at the table with his books and a highlighter. it's just gonna be a little rough. but we'll make it. we always do...
and lastly, baby #2...let me direct my thoughts to this unborn child in his/her own post...
here's hoping you are all as loved and well kept as we are! have a great week!
