Roseola

Although doctors say it's no big deal and the Internet says it's no big deal; those of you whose children have had roseola may be cringing right now. Yep, Gage has roseola. This has seriously been one of the worst weeks of my life. The fever lasted for almost 4 days and kept him and I awake and glued to the rocking chair all night and all day. Then came the rash. Not only does it look horrible, it apparently doesn't feel so great because Gage can't seem to stop crying. He is finally sleeping a little more at night but I think that if he doesn't stop crying soon I am going to light my hair on fire. It takes me back to the colic days. I feel bad that he's miserable, but I am delirious.

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus

Kyle and I recently had an appointment with the adoption agency and my aunt graciously offered to watch Gage. Her daughter, Mia is just 3 months younger than Gage and is so sweet. When I saw the photos I had to laugh at this resemblance to some grown-up relationships (not ours, of course :)... Mia is putting forth great effort to convince Gage to pay attention to her: kissing him, hugging him, tugging on him; yet Gage hardly notices her existence because he's completely absorbed in the remote control. LOL.

Mother's Day

I LOVE Mother's Day! I love it because I prayed desperately for so many years to become a mother and the Lord answered my prayers in such a unique and incredible way. I love being a mom. I love my son. Gage is amazing in every way. He keeps me on my toes, he makes me smile, he teaches me so many eternal principles, he keeps my hair from getting too thick by ripping out large chunks of it on occasion, and he fills my life with spontaneous joy. And I love my husband who makes my Mother's day so special by changing all the poopy diapers, giving me gifts, making me dinner and treating me like a queen all day.

I also love mother's day because it is an opportunity to express my gratitude for Gage's birthmother. She made a great sacrifice in order to give Gage the gift of an eternal family and I have a profound respect and love for her. She made it possible for me to become a mother. She is a wonderful woman who did one of the hardest things any woman could do because she selflessly loved our son. I feel deeply privileged to be the mother she picked to raise this precious boy.

And of course, I love Mother's day because I have amazing mothers! I love my mom who gave me life, taught me the gospel, raised me and encouraged me through my childhood and who is one of the most giving, gracious, fun and energetic women I know. I love my step-mom who is one of my dearest friends, who raised me through my teenage years and who will never fully know the impact she has had on my life. Many things in my life would be very different today if the Lord had not brought Carol into our life at the precise moment that He did. And I love my mother-in-law who is always so thoughtful, generous and kind and who adores Gage and is always more than willing to babysit for us.

Happy Mother's Day!