Mother's Day 2008

Today was my 2nd Mother's Day and just like last year, it was very wonderful! It started off like any ordinary day---the alarm went off and I got up to check the weather on the internet and then take a shower. However, when I came out of the bathroom without having done my hair yet, I was greeted by Averi carrying a cracker and Jeff carrying a plate. Jeff explained that he had wanted to make me breakfast in bed, but hadn't got up in time. I assured him that it was the thought that counted, that I appreciated his effort and sat down on the bed to eat what he had prepared for me. Jeff said to Averi, "Give Mommy the cracker," and so she dutifully held it out to me, but then before I could get it, moved her hand away and took a bite out of it. She is such a tease! Jeff told me that he had wanted her to help carry the plate, but when he tried to get her to, she just grabbed a cracker and took off running. Well anyways, even though it probably meant that we were going to be late for church, I took the time to eat the breakfast (sharing with Jeff and Averi, of course) and just enjoy a special time with my family.

Surprisingly, we somehow managed to get to church on time. During the service, a mother sang a song called "In My Daughter's Eyes" while 3 young girls signed it and it was beautiful! I don't think there was a dry eye in the place, including Pastor Sam who got up after the song and in a choked up voice said, "I am not a mother and I don't have a daughter but I am still crying. I must just be very sappy!" For me, it was very neat to watch my 16 month old daughter very intently watch the girls signing and try to reproduce what she was seeing! After church, we went to Grace Cafe, but Averi wasn't really interested in eating so I let her run around in the other end of the room. We ended up playing "Ring Around the Rosie" over and over and over again, and although repetition normally drives me bonkers, today I didn't mind as just I loved to see her eyes dance as we walked around in a circle and to hear her joyous laughter each time we fell down. In the afternoon, we went to Jeff's parents' for lunch. It was a nice relaxing afternoon of eating and sitting around chatting with members of Jeff's family. After we got home, I wanted Jeff to take a special "Mother's Day Picture" of Averi and I together. Unfortunately, Averi was not interested in sitting still for a picture.

First, I tried to get her to sit on her little rocking chair, but she wouldn't really smile. Then I tried to get her to sit on my lap, but she wouldn't sit still.
Then Jeff and I tried laughing to see if Averi would laugh too, but we only got a tiny half-smile.
Finally, I gave up and just read a book too her. Despite the picture-taking difficulties, the day ended on a good note. After I got Averi ready for bed, she wanted to listen to music. So, I got the IPOD turned on for her. She had so much fun choosing different songs and dancing around her room! I just sat and watched and reveled in her love of life and felt so blessed that God has given me such an incredible daughter!