It’s the Little Things

Every single day for the last six weeks, I’ve laid down with Lexi for a nap. To be honest, I’ve never even attempted to have her lay down by herself. Up to this point, the routine has worked, so I’ve just stuck with it. In fact, I’ve kind of enjoyed that time with her. I’ve not always stayed in the bed with her the whole time, but I’ve always been there as she closed her eyes, sucked her thumb, and slowly drifted off. 

But . . . not today.

Lexi usually goes down for her nap around 10:30. So around 10:00 this morning, I told her I was going up to take a bath, thinking that by the time she got sleepy, I’d be ready to lay down with her. She usually interprets this statement as, “Come and play and splash and throw all your toys in the water while Mommy washes up and gets out as quickly as possible.”

But . . .  not today.

Today, she said, “Dora.” Okay, that’s cool. Come to my room, watch Dora while I take a bath, and then we’ll lay down for a nap. But no. She wanted to go in her room, lay in her bed, and watch Dora. So . . . I let her, fully believing that she would be in the bathroom before I had even started running the water.

But . . . not today.

I ran the water, looked over my shoulder  . . .  no Lexi. I washed up, a quick peek behind me  . . . she’s still a no show. My bath is almost over . . . and I am still by myself!!! Although I was getting a little concerned, I truly continued to believe she’d be there any second.

But . . . not today.

I got out, pulled on my clothes, rushed to her room . . . and she was  . . . still awake and watching Dora! (I had convinced myself that she must have fallen asleep!!!)

Today . . . I took a bath A) by myself and B) without an audience! It’s definitely the little things!

I know for most people that’s no big deal, but around here, we celebrate the little things.

As an added bonus . . . once I went in to check on her and cleaned up a slight accident with the pull-up, I turned off the TV and told her it was time to go to sleep.

And  . . . she did. All by herself!  I can’t believe it!

For the last week, she has also slept in her very own big girl bed in her very own room (that she shares with her sister) throughout the ENTIRE night.  Just another little thing that brings great joy!

Each and every day, we are completely amazed at what the Lord has done and is continuing to do. This girl is a walking miracle!

Our Goofy Girl

Lexi definitely has a silly side...

Pull-up on her head! I know you're wondering . . .yes, it's clean!

"Peace!" Every. time. we. take. her. picture.

Plugging her ears while Mama sings . . . I am NOT joking!

Hands on her hips . . . just like her Mama.

Silly . .  but oh so sweet!

One Month Together

While we’ve only known Lexi for one month, it seems like she has always been part of our family. To say that she fits right in is an understatement. She is clearly already one of the Bray bunch. Over the last couple of weeks, she has truly blossomed, and we are seeing more and more of her outgoing personality. Much like our other children, she is very busy. (We had definitely forgotten how exhausting it can be to keep up with a three year old.) She is certainly  a go-er!  If anybody leaves, she wants to go with them. She has even brought me my keys and pocketbook on several occasions. She loves to read, and she is so very happy. She smiles, laughs and sings. All. The. Time.

She is completely comfortable at home. She plays and plays and plays! The kitchen stuff is her favorite, and she has recently discovered the Barbie camper! I am so grateful that she feels right at home. 

Emmie and Lexi playing with the Barbie camper.

Lexi inside the Barbie camper!

I couldn't get Lexi to stand still for a good picture with the kitchen!

Many folks have asked how Lexi’s language is developing. We are so pleased with her progress. She not only repeats lots of things we say but she has many words and phrases that she uses without prompting.  She’s also very adept at understanding what we say and communicating what she wants and needs . . . drink, eat, potty, etc. 

  

Some of her favorite phrases . . .

Um . . . that’s good! Mimi . . . Mimi cool (Emmie’s at school.)Thank you, Baba. Open it, please.  One, two, three (as she’s jumping down the stairs)! Come on, Mama. Where’s Mama? (playing peekaboo)

And my favorite . . . I love you, Mama (Baba, Will, Jake, Zach, Emmie)

Some words that she uses . . .

Car . . .Barbie . . . Apple (for all foods in the refrigerator) . . . Juice (for any drink) . . .Shoes . . . Please . . . Bye, bye!

She also says everybody’s name ~ Mimi for Emmie and Newell for Will (not sure where that one came from)???

All in all the first two weeks home have far exceeded our expectations. Lexi is adjusting so well and totally adores her brothers and sister. She had a couple of meltdowns last week, and while that sounds terrible, it’s actually a good thing. She allows us to comfort her and is beginning to understand that even though her Baba and siblings leave, they will come back. 

The two of us are enjoying our days at home, playing, reading, and keeping up with the laundry. Lexi’s schedule is pretty predictable. She wakes up about 6:30 or 7:00 and then naps around 10:30. Her favorite time of day is when we leave to get the kids from school. She SCREAMS when Zach and Emmie get in the car! We have attended church services and several of the kids extra-curricular events but are spending most days just getting to know each other. And thankfully . . . this girl likes to sleep. She goes to bed at 9:00 and sleeps all night long!!! Hallelujah! 

We feel so incredibly blessed. Every time we think about what could have been, we are amazed at what the Lord has done. No . . . every day has not been easy. Grafting a new member into the family is definitely hard work, and we realize there will be even more difficult days ahead, especially as she gets older. However, we rest assured that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness and His mercies are brand new every morning. I am so thankful that He’s crafting a masterpiece out of our mess. May we glorify Him as we continue this incredible journey!

To my Oldest . . .

This time 15 years ago (did I really just type that??? 15 years????), your dad and I (and whole bunch of other people) anxiously awaited your arrival. Sometime after 9:00 that night, you made your grand entrance, and your dad and I were forever changed. 

We were both so young and so inexperienced, but thankfully, God placed many people in our lives that gave excellent advice and helped us to become the parents you needed us to be. When you were three months old, God did the unthinkable and called us to move to New Orleans . . . EIGHT hours away from both sets of grandparents! However, God used that time in our lives to create our family of three, cementing a bond that could not be broken. Papa used to call us the “Three Amigos”. As long as we were together, everything was just fine. (And I must say that God gave us such wonderful friends who became our family while we lived in Louisiana.)

You have had lots of transition in your 15 years, but have always been, and remain so to this day, so flexible. So eager to make things work, wherever you are, no matter the situation. 

When you were 2 1/2, we made another move, and you became a big brother. Will, you are an excellent big brother. You have leadership skills and wisdom beyond your years. Dad and I can ALWAYS count on you to step up to the plate. 

The middle of your second grade year brought another move, and by that time you had another brother and a soon to be sister!! The move to Douglasville brought with it a love for baseball and the Georgia Bulldogs (Thanks Pritchard family!!). 

Here, you’ve grown into the young man we always dreamed you would be. In fact, you have far exceeded our expectations. You are so smart and not just about school stuff!! You know something about everything – sports, politics, churches. Everyone remarks how talking to you is like talking to an adult. 

You are so handsome (I know that’s kind of like bragging on myself since you look just like me!!!) As you walked into school this morning, I was taken aback at how good-looking you are! 

You are compassionate and have the heart of a servant. You love without question. My heart nearly bursts at the thought of how you’ve so willing love your newest sister. At a time in your life when things would most likely be all about you (driving, thinking about college, playing ball), you find joy in blowing bubbles and pushing Lexi on the bike . . . in hearing her shout, “New-ell!” 

But above all, Will, your greatest characteristic is your love for Jesus. He so clearly shines through you, and we could not be more thankful for your walk with the Lord. Always remember that only He deserves your allegiance. Only He deserves your loyalty, your adoration, your praise. Over the next few years, many things will vie for first place in your life, but let me remind you to . . .

Never give up. 

Never give in. 

Remember who you are and whose you are. 

He is enough! 

Your life will always bring transitions and challenges, but God will never change.  

Happy Birthday, Will  . . . my first . . . my oldest.

Your dad and I couldn’t be prouder. You are so loved.

With all my heart,

Mom