My First Mother's Day

My wonderful husband outdid himself once again this Sunday for my first Mother's Day (with a child outside the womb, where I could hold him). He took the three of us on a special picnic to the beach we found on Easter, and his picnic spread was second only to the day he proposed to me in a park in Dallas (can't outdo the proposal). Mark is the detail man, and when he puts his talents to charming those he loves, the result is fabulous! Abe enjoyed his first grip of gritty sand (mommy managed to keep it mostly out of his mouth).

It was a great day to reflect on this new office of life (motherhood that is). I miss Grace's great Mother's Day services. They did mention mothers at church, and gave us a present which I opened at the beach (a plastic silver plate). But I love the opportunity for the community of faith to share with each other.

In case it's not obvious, I love motherhood. Of course, Mark and Abe make that easy. But really, what an incredible privilege to shape a life... and shape the lives that will follow after it. My mom tells me that when people asked me as a kid what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always answer "be a mommy". Steve Headland, our friend the pastor who married us used to say (and I recall it often), "Parenting is the toughest job you'll ever love." So true!

In other news...Mark's language studies are rolling along. He had another test today, at midpoint for another level. We're looking for another language tutor for me, but in the meantime I've stayed plenty busy hosting (we had a colleague family of four visiting for a couple days last week... how fun it was to see toddlers enjoying Abe's toys and books!) and working on vocab. I go to "Jenny", our family friend's house on Wednesday mornings for my local cooking lesson. It's a true privalege because in my humble opinion, Jenny's cooking is the best on the island. I'm working on my curry repoitoire.

Abe is definitely teething although we have yet to see the proof in the pudding. (no pearly whites showing). He seems to wake easily from naps and be a bit fussier than normal. Poor little guy!