Parenting Changes

The other night, Iain was whimpering (I won't call it crying, because he wasn't screaming or anything!) and he didn't want to settle down for the night.  Tim and I were in bed, vegging while watching "The Office" reruns.  I nestled Iain into my arms and with new-found warmth he quickly fell asleep.  I mentioned to Tim that I NEVER would have done this with the girls. Let them fall asleep in OUR BED?   Keep in mind, this wasn't the FIRST time I've done this with Iain! Tim laughed in agreement.

It's amazing to me how differently I'm parenting Iain already!  It's not out of guilt or fear.  I'm just making different choices!

But, I have to say that I'm loving it!  I'm taking more time to just sit and enjoy him.  I don't typically let him "cry it out".  I check on him constantly when he's sleeping.  I allow him to fall asleep in my arms on a regular basis.

I'm also preparing my dear husband and children, that when we come back from Iain's open heart surgery, you can bet I'm going to do nothing but hold and comfort him!!!

I think it helps that he's an easy baby.  Even though I let him sleep in my arms, he still sleeps in his bassinet, crib or bouncy seat.  He's pretty easy to please.

I may pay the consequences later, he may no longer be an easy baby by then.  He may be set in his ways, ways that will not be convenient to THIS Mommy.  The housework can wait, because I'm really enjoying coddling my little boy!

A friend sent this to me today...and it's really a great reminder for me!  It belongs on my fridge, where I can see it everyday!

This is my anthem, this is my song...

These days I find it even more important to keep my mind focused on what truly matters.  It's ALWAYS easy to make circumstances larger than the Cross and Christ. 

Fear is my constant battle as I consider the days before us.  Daily as I study Iain's skin color, breathing & eating patterns and feel his little heart thumping, fear is creeping in.  Any moment that I consider details of open heart surgery, fear grips me.

I find that listening to worship music throughout my days is a meager attempt at guarding my heart and mind from overwhelming fear.

So, here is the current anthem of my heart...

Never Once - Matt Redman

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful