Fresh Start

Like most of us know, there are times in life when trials or thoughts of the future can overwhelm our senses and cloud out the miracles and beauty that continually surround us. Lately it has been far too easy to lose myself in thoughts of "what if" and "why now". But then the Spirit whispers peace to my soul and the Lord provides tender mercies that remind me that no matter our circumstance, each day is a fresh start with endless possibilities.

A few of those reminders:

A little birdie decided to build her nest atop the wreath that is hung on our door. Never mind the fact that the wreath is of the Christmas/Winter variety and I just never got to taking it down after Stella was born. So yes, I am one of those tacky houses with Christmas-y decor still in view. Sorry neighbors (not that they in anyway care...have you seen my neighborhood?!?)

When I finally got around to taking the wreath down I discovered the freshly built nest. There weren't any eggs in it yet, but I didn't know what to do. Should I take the nest off and force Mrs. Birdie to reconstruct her home elsewhere or just leave it be? I decided to wait and ask Ryan about it when he got home. I think I ended up forgetting to talk to him about it for a day or two and when the decision was made to remove the nest...it was too late. The eggs were already laid. As soon as I saw the beautiful eggs my motherly instincts kicked in and I worried that we had scared off mommy bird and the eggs were going to be left for dead. Of course the nest was now staying.

Thankfully Mrs. Birdie still visits the door regularly and the eggs seem to be doing fine (no, I don't really know that...but they are still there). Each time I see momma bird or think of the little eggs it is another reminder that life truly comes full circle.

The amazing blossoms that are overtaking our neighborhood and fill our view on our daily walks have also reminded me that although there are times in life when we mostly feel and see the grey skies and rain, tomorrow or next week or next month the sun is going to shine again and our sights of grey and gloom are going to be replaced with color and beauty.

I think that is what we all love about spring. Being able to start anew. Experiencing spring with Stella is also such an awe inspiring event. As we stroll beneath the blossom covered branches her eyes light up with each new sight. She is truly experiencing things in life for the first time and it is so refreshing to try and see the world through her big, beautiful blue eyes.

Speaking of our little beauty, she is 3 months old now! And what a perfect reminder she is of how wonderful life is. Her smiles and coos and LAUGHS (first laugh just a few days ago! We have decided she is a serious one...kind of like her mom and dad?) and everything little thing she learns each day brings such joy to our lives.

At her 2 month/10.5 week appointment she checked out to be 11 pounds 4 ounces and 22 and 1/2 inches of pure perfection.

The dreaded tummy time. Let's just say she isn't much of a fan. Today was our best attempt yet though, so maybe things are looking up...haha.

Thank goodness for fresh starts and clean slates. It means tomorrow I can smile more, play with my baby longer, and keep my house a little cleaner. And if I don't then I can try again the next day and the next and the next...