Zion National Park Day 2

More beautiful landscapes. More cute, curious looks on Tenley's face. More family time together. More wonders of the earth. More sounds of rushing water. More special moments. More green plants against red rock. More snapshots. More baby-carrying. More happy-faced husbands. Oh, and definitely more slobbery kisses. 

Zion National Park

A few weekends ago JD, Tenley, and I roadtripped down to Saint George, Utah for a little vacay. It was totally last minute and spontaneous, but definitely a much needed break. While we were in the area, we spent a few days hiking in Zion National Park. Talk about some gorgeous views! It's hard to really capture in words or pictures the awe-inspiring, breathtaking majesty of those mountains. Tenley loved being outside and looking around at all there was to see. We loved being with her to experience her first taste of the mountains (With JD as her Pops, I'm sure there will be many more mountain memories in her future!) On the first day, we hiked up the Lower Emerald Pool Trail and our reward at the end was a pretty little waterfall. So lovely! But aside from the natural landscapes we enjoyed, we also got to look at this cute baby in her precious hiking hat. . . which, admittedly, may have been my favorite part ;)

Thursday night family night.

Last Thursday night, on a whim, JD and I decided to go bowling. His favorite place to go is Bonwood Bowl, the old-school alley he grew up bowling at. He swears he bowls better there and, even though I tease him for his irrationality, there might be some truth to his way of thinking- I bowled a 124, the best game I can remember! To continue with the spontaneity of the evening, we called his parents and little brother and invited them to come. Luckily, they didn't have anything going on and met up with us at the alley. We had such an enjoyable evening at the lanes with his family. Can't beat their weeknight deal of three games + shoe rental for seven bucks! We thought it might be hard with the munchkin. . . but she loved all the noise, motion, and attention. It was a good night.

Eeee! Four months.

Eeee! (This is my excited squeal). My girl is four months old. Yowza! Where does four months go? I feel like I'm just getting back into the swing of things after Christmas. . . and yet Valentine's Day has already come and gone! A lot has been happening in our house. Between this Momma starting work again, our family taking a trip to Texas, and a mini flood in our basement home, we've had our hands full over the last little bit. JD is gearing up for PA school applications and I'm trying to find the new balance between home, work, and church responsibilities with a little one. Even though there's always something else going on, JD and I are making conscious efforts to savor the sweet days with our Tenley girl. We often set our other duties aside to just lay on the floor and stare at her. We read her books, and rattle her toys, and lotion her body and think to ourselves. . . "How on earth did we get so lucky?!" 

This week I had a super spiritual moment as I listened closely to the words of a beloved song, "I am a child of God." As Tenley's parent, I want the very best for her. I want to provide for her and care for her and I want her always always to know how deeply she is loved. If I, as an imperfect, mortal being, can love someone so deeply and fiercely, then how much more must a perfect, powerful, eternal God love his children? This perspective into my Father's love for me was moving and touching. . . and definitely turned my heart to thankful prayer. What a wonderful blessing to be a child of God! What a gift to know of his love for me and for my earthly child! What a powerful message for all men! We are loved in the most perfect way by the most perfect being. I am so grateful for this faith-building experience.

And now! On to the stats:

At four months, Tenley is 23.5" long (25th percentile) and weighs 11 lbs 7 oz (10th percentile). Her head circumference is in the 30th percentile. Tenley can roll over from back to tummy and vice versa. She often brings her hands up to her mouth to suck on them. She makes good eye contact and sometimes bursts into gummy grins. On occasion, she'll laugh out loud and she frequently squeals and squeaks. She has super strong legs and a reputation in our home of bouncing up and down when the music turns on. She grabs her toes, and my fingers, and my hair, and basically anything she can get a good grip on. She's developing such a cute little personality and we just love her.

One month update here. Two month update here. Three month update not available d/t mommy malfunction ;)

Our Little Lovebug

Couldn't resist snapping a few shots of our little lovebug on Valentine's Day. 

She is the cutest! What's not to love?

Saturday morning.

Recently, JD requested to switch from evening to morning work shifts on the weekends. The morning shift is from 6am-2pm and the evening one is from 2pm-10pm. He was willing to sacrifice sleeping in and snuggling for afternoon daddy-daughter bonding and a few more nights out on the town with me.  For the most part, he was scheduled for morning shifts this month just like he wanted. His alarm went off this morning at 5:15am and he got up and dressed and out the door. As he was driving, he started thinking and realized he was scheduled for the evening shift today. Luckily, he remembered before he made it all the way there! He came home, crawled back into bed (totally freaked me out!), and we slept and cuddled for a few more hours. Then, because we were planning on going out tonight, we moved our date up a few hours. We made a trip to Station 13 in American Fork. I mean, a girl's gotta get her donut fix every now and then, right?? Ha! Even though I didn't plan to, I loved getting to spend the morning with my two favorites. 

Lovely

Oh my Little Lovely,

You are the brightest bit of sunshine in my life. Sometimes, I think I am going to nearly explode with joy. Your sweet smile gets me over and over again. 

Love,
Momma