First Day

There is a new groove in the Stone house. We are all back to work and off to school. The mornings are busy and full of laughter and songs (literally). The evenings are slow, but special as we all soak each other up! 

Lily helped take some of these pictures during our first week back to work. See - lots of fun goin on in the mornings! Lots of coffee too!

 

Dear Ben

Dear Benjamin,

My son. My sunshine. Having you in our life has made me feel totally complete, satisfied, fulfilled, content and at peace. I had no idea months ago how much I would love being a mother to two children. In fact, I wondered if my heart could love anymore. Now I realize I had no need to worry. In the instant that you took your first breath, my heart opened to you and brought you in forever.

The past three months have been the best of my life. I have lived so present in every moment because of you. I know how quickly time will pass, and so I have enjoyed every second of you. Even our middle-of-the night "dates". I actually love the feedings that interrupt our sleep, because it is just a little more time that I can stare into your eyes and snuggle against your soft skin. 

I call you my sunshine because you are so bright, so happy, so full of life. Just like the sun, you bring life to our days. You are warm and cheerful and one of God's most beautiful creations.

How is it that I can have so much fun with a little baby that sleeps most of the time? I think that speaks to who you are and will be. You are a joy to be with. Even as an infant there is something special about you that brings out the best in others. I feel it. With you, I am the best version of myself. I want to give to you. I want to laugh with you. I want to see what tomorrow brings. 

Wow - how lucky am I? I think this all the time. What did I do to deserve such amazing children? Both you and your sister blow me away! You are amazing. You give so much to us.  In the quiet moments I share with you, I try to find the right words to convey my pride in you. I try to give you enough kisses and snuggles to ensure you know your special place in my heart. I try to find the right stories to motivate you to take this world by storm! But mostly I give thanks for you. I'm really quite selfish in those moments, because I rock you a little longer than I need to just so I can steal a few more moments for myself. Even in the middle of the night, in my PJs, darkness all around - you give to me. You give so much to me. Will you ever understand? Can I ever find the right words to explain the joy you give to me? 

I am loving in new ways. Thank you for that. Thank you for the way you snuggle into my chest. Thank you for the sideways smile that warms me to my core. Thank you for your gentle disposition. Thank you for the sweet sounds you make when you sleep. Thank you for the way you search for me in a room full of people. Thank you for all of the wonderful moments ahead. I can't wait!

You will be starting school in the morning and I am not sure yet how I am going to walk out of the room. I know with every cell in my body that you will be loved at school. But you and I know that we have a special bond......a little something extra special between the two of us - and man am I going to miss having that to myself all day long. But we will find a new groove and I promise that you will still get all of  my love. No scrimping on the hugs and kisses!

You will be in my heart and mind tomorrow, and all my days. My son. My sun. I love you like crazy. 

Momma

Bloom Where You Are Planted

A little look back......








My little seedlings are doing some serious growing!

How did this happen?

Ben and I visited a friend's new baby. He was one week old. Side by side, I could not get over the difference in our babies - just 9 weeks apart. How did Benjamin become this chubby, strong baby. Wasn't it just yesterday that he was the tiny, dependent little guy weighing only 6 pounds, 13 ounces? Well, actually Marcey is was 9 weeks ago. But it feels like a flash in time. These images just reminded me to soak it all in because my baby, my babies, are growing up so fast!

Milestone update: Ben has found his hands. He giggles. And he is kicking at his toys. Lily is counting in Spanish. She "mastered" donkey kicks in her gymnastic class (I have no idea?). She can spell her name. And they are both happy little kids - the best indication of success in my book!

Easter

We had a wonderful time in Homestead for Spring Break. We went on many adventures, from the everglades to the zoo and lunch with the ladies. And, we celebrated a special Easter with our newest bunny, Ben. This visit was also super special because the kids got to spend time with thier great-grandmother, "B". Here are some pics from our recent visit:

Spring Blessings

Our Lord has risen, and Spring is here! My own little chicks are growing and changing every day. 

Lily talks non-stop and seems to understand things way beyond her years, such as the cycle of the moon and greater-than/less-than. So she's a smart gal, but one with a wild and wonderful imagination. You never know what story she will tell. She might be going to the moon on a merry-go-round, or riding to a castle on a prince's horse. I love this side of her. I certainly relate to her fanciful stories more than science and math!

As for Ben, well he is just a ball of joy. He has reached many milestones as well recently. He has discovered his hands and tongue, and he is trying to make sounds. If you talk to him, he will imitate you. And he loves to smile! His smile is giant and gets to a part of my heart I never even knew existed! 

I just told Buck that these past 9 weeks have been the best of my life and I am certain I mean it. My children are little pieces of heaven. True gifts from God. I know for sure that God thought to himself, "Marcey - I love you. And I am going to give you the greatest gifts of love you could ever wish for....."

I pray that I might have an eternity with my kids....to enjoy their love forever. And, while I know this is not possible, it would be my only wish if I could have just one!