.A Little Child Will Lead Them.

He is quieter than both his big sister and his little brother. A bit shy, a bit reserved, and altogether sweet. He took his daddy leaving for Ethiopia very seriously, and he constantly talked about how Daddy was telling people about Jesus in Opia, Acrica. (Ethiopia, Africa) He was the one that came and snuggled under my warm covers each morning, pressing his chubby hands onto my cheek and breathing warm onto my face. He is tender and sensitive. He is funny and creative.

He is my Scotty.

By the age of two, Cadi was asking to pray at every meal and praying grandiose, two year old, prayers before bedtime. Scotty, at three, has been more reluctant. He is much more introverted and cautious and perhaps thoughtful and serious. He hesitates to pray, and we don't push. But while Jim was away, he began to request to be the one to pray for our meals, at family devotions, and at bedtime. I gladly let him, each and every time, thinking how cute he was and excited to see him pray.

One evening, toward the end of our time at home without Daddy, Scotty once again asked to pray before falling asleep. He was tucked under his camo comforter with his "Baxter Bear" lovingly snug against his side, and his hand gripped his beloved blankie. He asked to pray forcing the question out around the thumb stuck firmly in his little round mouth. I sat on the edge of his bed, and ran my fingers through his soft blond hair as he began. I watched how his eyes squinted closed, and his face twisted in concentration.

How sweet. I thought.

And then I began to listen, to really listen.

Thank you for Daddy, Mommy, Cadi, and Jamesy. For Grandpa and Grandma.

Thank you for Opia.

Thank you for my dinosaurs and tractors.

Thank you for my books.

Thank you for Jesus.

and on and on he went for nearly 5 minutes - listing everything in his world that was dear to him and thanking his Daddy in heaven for each gift. I felt tears warm my cheeks, as my heart bruised and grew a bit convicted. I realized, in that moment, that every prayer Scotty had been praying over the past few days were entirely prayers of thanksgiving.

I began to question myself, when was the last time that I sat at the throne and just gushed my thanksgiving and adoration to my Father? I could not honestly remember. Of course, I thank God for things, probably most of the time when I pray, I thank God for something. But devoting my entire prayer time to thanksgiving? This was not something I had done in far, far too long.

Scotty closed his prayer and wrapped his warm arms around my neck, then sank into his pillow, and put his thumb back into his mouth, unaware of the lesson he had just taught his mommy.

1 Chronicles 29:11-13 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!

.Three for a Moment.

My dearest firstborn son Scotty,

Here we stand at the crossroads of the end of another year of your life and the beginning of the next. There are moments where I could choose to feel sad watching you grow farther and farther from that beautiful baby that was placed into my arms three years ago, but how can I feel anything but joy when I look at the amazing boy you are becoming? I know that even now God is at work in your life and in your heart.

I believe and pray that you and your brother are going to be the greatest men of God in your generation. Daddy and I are not simply raising a good boy, we are raising a great man who is going to do unbelievable things for the kingdom and for the glory of God. And that excites me. We have completely surrendered your life to God, and we pray that God takes you to the ends of the earth for His sake. We are not raising you to survive this world, we are raising you to change it - for the glory of God.

This has been such a big year for you, Scotty. You barely resemble the two year old that stood before me last year. The traces of baby have all but been erased, and in their place stands a boy. I am cherishing what is left of your babyhood - your sweet thumb sucking and snuggling, but I am not clinging to them. I am embracing each new stage with you as you grow.

Bringing your little brother home seemed to grow you over night. You immediately stepped into your big brother role with grace and joy, and you amazed Daddy and I. You have become a protector and defender, although perhaps God had been designing that in you all along. Even in the nursery, you were always the child who had to make sure every other child had a toy before you would settle down to play yourself.

When God gave me you, He gave me a gift. You are a precious gift. It is my privilege to be your mommy, and to do life with you. Your smile and bright eyes are the light of our home. Your laughter bounces off of our walls and embraces us. Your are tenderness and toughness, kindness and justice, charming and mischievous. You are three for a moment. A moment that I am tucking into my heart and cherishing all of the days of my life.

(Photo captured by the very talented Joanna.)

I love you, Prescott. Today we pause to celebrate your life, and the God who so intricately knitted it together. God knew we needed you.

All my heart, Mommy


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He was one for a moment.

He was two for a moment.

.Two Year Portraits.

I am so behind. Today I worked on editing a few of Scotty's 2 year portraits. This is one of my favorites. "Like" my facebook page Frozen Moments Photography to see more.

It's hard to believe but that pose was all Scotty. I did not pose him! He loves to dress up, and he loves to be cheesey for the camera. This was the most fun I have had shooting in awhile. When it was time to change outfits Scotty cried and cried. He did not want to take his shirt and bow tie off. {grin}


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.Two for a Moment.

Scotty,
How can it be that today I woke up having a two year old? 365 days times TWO. Everyday is a blessing as I learn and grow into the mommy God wants me to be for you, for Sissy, and for baby brother. You make it a joy, Prescott.

You continue to light up our home with your dimpled smile and toothy grin. My heart melts time and time again, each an every day, with a new sentence you say, a new antic you learn, or the way you still tuck your sweet head into my neck and suck away at your thumb. It's home for you.

And for me.

You're not a baby anymore, though. And this past year was filled with just as many lasts as it was with firsts. The last time that you crawled as your only means of locomotion. The first timid steps that you {finally} took. The last time you laid your sweet head in your crib. The first time you slept in your twin bed. The last time you needed such a big mommy hug after your falls. The first time you stood up, dusted yourself off and gave me a brave smile. The last time you ate a meal in your highchair. The first time you sat in a booster chair right at the table. Oh, what bittersweetness mingles with those lasts and firsts.

You're growing.

You're changing.

And our relationship is growing and changing.

Daddy has become your hero, and while my heart strings react a bit, it delights me to see you want to imitate him, to be with him, to need him a little more now. And your daddy has stepped into this phase with such ease. It is as if he has waited his whole life for this - for a little boy to shadow him. I feel blessed to watch this - to watch your Daddy shadow his Daddy in heaven and you in turn shadow Him as well.

But Scotty, no matter what changes, no matter how much you need your daddy these upcoming years, know this, your mommy loves you with an unending love. I may be on the sidelines sometimes, but I am your biggest cheerleader. And that spot on my neck where you lay your head? The one we both call home when you are in it? That's yours. Forever. And so am I.

Love, Mommy

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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.Blue Mini Man.

He looks as if he is applying for the Blue Man Group. Do you think he would get in? He could add a whole new dimension of cuteness!

Normally I am pretty opposed to artificial food dyes, flavors, and super sugary sweets, but with the violent stomach bug that hit our home I was suddenly more concerned about hydration. These photos were taken after Scotty had eaten what I believe to be his first ever store-bought (we have been making spinach and fruit smoothie pops) popsicle. He loved every lick of it.

I must have been delirious with a fever because I did not even put a bib on the poor boy! Let me tell you that blue popsicles stain, too! Not only do they stain clothing, but they stain little boys. He went to bed last night with a light hue of blue still stained under his chin and on his fingers.



Here is the blue mini man (this was taken after my initial scrubbing of his face and hands) raiding my pantry. (I am extremely embarrassed by my pantry's need of a wipe down! whoops!) This is one of Scotty's new favorite things to do.

He opens my pantry doors and starts "shopping".



I have found cans of chickpeas, bottles of Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste in the most random of places in my house. Little souvenirs reminding me that my Scotty has been there. {grin}



What's in your pantry?? I bet you don't have a cute Blue Mini Man!!


Since we are all feeling much better and the weather is beautiful (forecasting near 80 tomorrow!!) I am anxious for my children to wake up from their nap so that we can play outside!

.He's 18 Months for a Moment.

In all honesty he is now eighteen months and three weeks. . .



The days really do blur into weeks and into months, and it all just happens so, so fast.

I don't want to forget this moment though.



I want to remember forever his sweet little voice singing along to the Christian radio. He doesn't care what the words are supposed to be or who hears his sweet song. He just sings. And sings. And sings. I haven't captured it with my camera yet, but I just love how he raises his chubby hands high in the air. It's as if he is already worshiping. Maybe he is? My heart has captured those moments and tucked them away, and perhaps someday I will have tangible pictures to match.

I don't want to forget the moment when he {finally} started walking and now is almost running. He amazes me.

He still only displays four teeth. The top teeth are just precious and HUGE. I cannot help but giggle at his little body with the big teeth. Adorable.



I want to remember Scotty learning to identify the parts of his body. His nose. His ears. His eyes. So eager to please, so happy to learn. Such a sweet, sweet little doll of a boy.



This boy of mine continues to be sensitive and tender - just a wonderful concoction of sweetness.



But this month we are seeing something new - stubbornness and masculinity. He loves to wrestle with daddy and "vroom" his trucks. He growls and grunts and makes very much little boy noises, which delight and charm and boggle his mommy. He makes his will known in big, big ways. He is dramatic and persistent.



And silly. Oh my how silly this boy can be. He will do almost anything to get us laughing. There are moments when I laugh so hard my sides ache and my cheeks are damp with giggle tears.
Yet, we take him into public and he withdraws and cowers and is so calm and quiet. He takes after his mommy so very much. I fear I will not know how to foster this in a male. I pray fervently about this for my little boy.



He loves books and music and trucks and tractors. He is very mechanical - taking things apart and putting them back together - from blocks to sippy cups to Mommy's pots and pans.

He adores Cadi, whom he often refers to as "sissy". However, he does not tolerate being babied by her any longer. He yells and screams to make his thoughts known on the coddling and mothering that she gives him. Then two minutes later he is rubbing her back and patting her cheek. Their love for one another is intense and real. But they both need their space, and I am learning how to deal with and help them through their needs to be individuals and not always a sibling pair.



Scotty is going through stranger anxiety very late. He cries every Sunday when I leave him in the nursery. That is usually the only time I am ever away from him. It is rare for us to not be together. Sundays are hard on us both, and it is good for us both.



He still reaches out to hold my hand after I tuck him in. He still finds that sweet spot in my neck and snuggles in. He and I have a special and unique bond. It takes all of my strength not to run to him and cradle him every time he falls. I am learning to balance cuddling a boy and letting him grow and knowing what to do when. It's hard. It is really hard with such a sweet, tender boy.

He is sunshine and joy, and he has taught me so very much as a first time mommy to a boy. I am amazed by him everyday, and I count him as one of life's sweetest blessings.



This boy is not my world, but he surely has made my world a little brighter.

.Too Much Cuteness.

First an update on Scotty:
I just couldn't go through with taking him in for his blood work today. I do not do well with needles and blood myself, and the thought of watching Scotty go through it was too much. Jim was so great and offered to take him. Cadi and I stayed behind, prayed together, and then had a really nice time of schooling.
Jim came back with a happy, bubbly boy in his arms, along with a special treat - a box of graham crackers shaped like dog biscuits!?!! We do not usually purchase graham crackers (I have been making them), and I did not even know that they came in dog biscuit shapes these days! It was rather amusing watching Scotty chomp on them. {giggle}
Jim said that Scotty did as well as can be expected. He of course cried, but settled in Jim's arms quickly. The nurses I hear could not get enough of him. They were very reluctant to actually do the draw. Scotty came home with a sweet gift from the nurses clutched in his chubby fist - a little plaid scotty dog. How perfect is that? I am going to keep it forever displayed in my Christmas decor as a reminder of this time in Scotty's life.

He looks pretty good for just having oodles of vials of blood drawn, doesn't he? It's amazing what a {graham} dog biscuit will do!
Jim also filled a prescription for some ointment for Scotty's eczema. We are hoping that helps. The doctor also suggested bleach baths - can you believe that? I still want to do a bit of my own research before I attempt that one. It is bad, though, and I am willing to try {almost} anything.
We will not receive the results for Scotty's tests for around ten days. I am earnestly praying for some answers.
Thank you to all of you who prayed and shared such kind words and encouragement to me through my blog and email. I was overwhelmed with your compassion.

And on to other {cute} things. We visited my sister, her husband, and their daughter this weekend. Kaylen turns one this Thursday, and we celebrated with a party on Saturday. Here are a few quick snapshots that I took of the little princess.



My sister bought her the most adorable tu-tu, hair pretty, and appliqued tee to wear for her party. Isn't she so cute??



Cassie is my only sister. She is amazing. She is beautiful, silly, crazy, kind, and the best sister I could have ever dreamed of. I love her and her sweet daughter so much. I wish that we lived closer. Jim was asking me on our drive home if I had a nice time with her. I said "yes, but it is never long enough." And that is the truth - it never is.



Kaylen is amazing, too. She was walking at nine months, and has so much cuteness and personality squeezed into her tiny body. I could spend hours hugging and kissing on her sweet cheeks.



My sister's husband, Caleb, is my sister's perfect match. He is an excellent Daddy. Kaylen seems pretty smitten, too.



Too much cuteness.



I am thinking that cuteness must run in our genes. {wink}

.Praying for my Christmas Elf.

My sweet elf, who "hacked" my computer a few short days ago has been on my mind and in my prayers so much.

I took him to his twelve month well child appointment (four months late - long story) on Friday. His last well child was at nine months. So if you do the math that was seven months ago. At that appointment our doctor was concerned because Scotty did not seem to be growing right. He had dropped on the growth chart significantly. His height was actually not even chartable. Our doctor decided to take a "wait and see" approach. I worried and prayed about it, but then I pushed it out of my mind - until last week, I was nervous knowing his doctor's appointment loomed ahead at the end of the week.

In my heart of hearts, I knew that he was still not growing right. I didn't want to face the truth that, yes it was strange that my sixteen month old, beautiful boy was still fitting nicely into some six month clothing. He looks so chubby and perfect - just tiny. But I am fairly tiny stature wise at just 5 foot 1, and my dad is tiny as well, at just around 5 foot 4, so I thought maybe that is all that it was.

I took Scotty into his appointment, my heart in knots. I was just praying and hoping everything was fine, and that he was only a bit on the small side. Unfortunately, to my dismay, he has fallen even farther down the growth chart and at 16 months is just shy of 20 lbs and is 28 inches long. My heart thudded as the doctor told me that something just does not seem right.

Scotty's head is growing right on track, which is a huge praise, but this tells us that there is most likely something wrong with the rest of his growth. Scotty suffers from many allergies and asthma - we believe he is allergic to mold, dust, animals, and cow's milk.
Tomorrow he is going to go through a myriad of testing to see if he has any other allergies and to confirm some of the others. He will be tested for an allergy to eggs, soy, milk, wheat and several others. He is also being tested for celiac disease and for a thyroid problem. I am nervous for these tests. One because he is sixteen months old and has to get his blood drawn - should be interesting, and two I am nervous about the results. On the one hand, I am hoping everything comes back normal, but on the other hand, it would be so nice to have an answer and something to work with.

This sweet boy has given us a lot to deal with medically already! Between his allergies and his hydronephrosis (which praise God is very minimal now!!), he has kept us on our knees. My heart is heavy, and my mind is filled with questions. God is good, and He knows exactly what is going on in Scotty's tiny body. I am choosing to remember that at this moment. I am also reminded of the parents who today are dealing with much scarier situations with their children - whether it be health or other. I am so thankful for how gracious God has been to my family, and I pray for that to continue.


I think this is my all-time favorite {for the moment} photo of my boy and I. Isn't he gorgeous? I cannot get enough of his sweetness. Praying for my Christmas elf.

.Mommy's Christmas Elf.

I hacked Mommy's blog today. She's okay with that. Mommy is pretty busy with Christmas stuff anyway. The other day Mommy was reading some of her favorite blogs, and this post caught her eye. Check out the little eclectic heart breaker.

Mommy thought he looked so cool. Sometimes she gets bored with dressing me. She can put pretties in Sissy's hair, and bright leggings and fluffy skirts on her, but not so much on me. {Thank goodness!} But this post inspired her to be more creative with my outfit today.



I worked it. The hat is a little silly. Mommy almost put my knit newsboy cap from Gap on, but at the last minute grabbed this. I look like Mommy's Christmas elf. I guess that is okay, because Mommy almost kissed my cheeks off when she saw the ensemble. I squealed with delight. I like Mommy's kisses.



I'm not sure what Daddy will say, but he will probably be cool with it. Daddy likes to look good, too. I bet he will enjoy throwing Mommy's Christmas elf in the air when he gets home.



I really like it when Mommy takes photos of me. I am getting pretty good at giving her what she wants. I like to make her laugh while she is taking pictures. She always seems to have that camera around, but I hear her whine to Daddy about updating to a Nikon D90! I guess she wants to remember me as her little Christmas Elf, and I think the Nikon she has now did just that!



This is a weird angle for me, but Mommy says it is cute to have a double chin when you are sixteen months old. She says it is not so cute having a double chin when you are thirty. I'll remember that.



Mommy started getting carried away snapping all kinds of pictures. She does that sometimes. I think she forgot that originally she put me in my crib for a nap. So, I pulled off my hat to end the shoot. Someone had to be the responsible one!

Now it's time for me to find my blankie and my thumb. Being Mommy's Christmas Elf is hard work! Thanks for reading Mommy's blog! She talks to Daddy about how encouraging you all are, and she enjoys her creative little outlet during the day.

♥,Scotty - Mommy's Christmas Elf &