Carter's First "Official" Haircut

With all that has been going on the past few weeks, it was nice to celebrate another of Carter's first on Tuesday. As most of you know, he was born with more hair than some babies have when they are a year old. I knew he would need a haircut long before OG had her first but didn't expect it to be the week he turned 8 months old.

I have to admit...I did cut the back of his hair when he was four months old because it was soooo long that I couldn't take it anymore. That wasn't an "official" haircut so it didn't count.

His grandparents and great-grandparents have been begging us to get his hair cut for at least 2 months. I was just so afraid that he wouldn't look like my little baby anymore. I really want him to stay a baby as long as possible! It is kinda sad to think that he may be my last baby and he already has to have a haircut.

I noticed this past week that his bangs were hanging in his eyes so I decided I finally had to do it. I had to cut my baby's hair even if it meant that he wouldn't be my tiny baby anymore. We went Tuesday. I held him and Becky took the pictures. He was so good! I was actually surprised at how still he was sitting.

In the end, I was actually very pleased with his new haircut. She just rounded it around his face, got the bangs out of his eyes, and shortened it over his ears and in the back. He actually still looks like my little baby. I learned with Olivia Grace that they grow up way too fast so there is no need in pushing them. I want to enjoy every minutes with my babies because, before long, they won't be "my babies" anymore!

No Second Chances

This has been a really rough week and tomorrow may be even more difficult. I have learned a lot through the trials and tribulations during my life. I really do think I am the mother, wife, and friend that I am because of the things I have been through. I am trying very hard to have faith that the things I do and the decisions I make are done and made because it is His plan, not my own. My faith has been tested this year but I am determined to believe that the Lord is in control and He is taking care of me even when I may feel alone. While I pray that every decision I make is made with His help, there are definitely times when I question why I did or didn't do certain things. I have certainly questioned myself this week.

This week I learned that no matter whether decisions that are made are the right ones or the wrong ones, there are times when there are no second chances. Sometimes things can't be changed. I want everyone in my life, or at least those who read my blog for now, to know just how important they are to me.

To my friends and coworkers:
It is a blessing to know that I have friends from high school that choose to stay connected through this blog and others who I may see everyday but have such an interest in my family that they choose to follow our blog. I am blessed to have the friends that I have and can't believe how thoughtful and caring you all can be! You are the best!

To Becky:
You are a blessing from God. You support me when I need it. When I am down and feeling alone, you are there with just the write words of encouragement. I can't imagine not having you to lean on. Spiritually, you have filled granny's shoes. She was always the one that reminded me that the Lord loved me and that He has a plan but now you have taken on that job. You are the world to me! I love you!

To Claire:
You mean more to me than you will ever know. Like I have said many times before...the Lord put you in my life for a reason. We aren't friends because we have things in common. Our friendship isn't just a coincidence. You are part of His plan for my life and I am soooo thankful. You are a wonderful mother and you have the most caring heart. God knows what I need and provides that through our friendship. I am so blessed to have someone that cares about me and my family. I love you very much!

To my in-laws:
You are the family that I have wanted for so long. God always provides what we need even if it isn't in the way that we expected. I love knowing that you love me regardless of my faults or my crazy feelings on things. You accept me for who I am and understand why I think the way I do about my children. I am so blessed to be a part of your family and I thank the Lord everyday for answering prayers. I love you!

To Craig:
You are my world! Simple and sweet - I don't know what I would do without you. We don't always see eye to eye but you love me anyway. You put up with me not because you have to but because you love me. I don't tell you enough how much you mean to me. You are a great daddy, a wonderful man and an answer to prayers. I love you!

To Olivia Grace and Carter:
You two are the blessings that I prayed for, the loves of my life, and my reason for living. You are the best two children a mother could ask for. I thank God everyday for allowing me to be your mother. I never want you to wonder if I love you! I will teach you to listen, follow directions, be respectful, clean your rooms, pick up your toys, brush your teeth, be compassionate, share, tell one another "I love you", go to church, do your homework, work hard in school, be independent, love the Lord, be thoughtful, drive carefully, play nicely, and take advantage of every chance you have all because I love you. I will do everything a mother should, not because I should, but because that is just how much I love you!