A Purposeful Peek

Today marks the second day of Holy Week, a week in which we observe the greatest tragedy, sorrow, and victory the world has ever known...Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.  This week is book-ended by Palm Sunday and Easter, two joyful days of celebration.  But in the middle, there are somber days in which we reflect on the heaviness of the burden Christ bore for us. This year, Holy Week has already taken on a heaviness in my heart. For me, Holy Week began with a funeral. The funeral of an infant. Today I mourned the tragedy of a sweet baby boy whose life was far too short on this earth. I sat with my physician and nurse colleagues in a packed church, honoring the life of our patient, who we cared for so deeply. My heart ached as I listened to the sobs of his parents and young siblings, a gut-wrenching feeling of helplessness washing over me.  No one should have to say goodbye to their baby like this. My spirit stirred as I listened to the words that were ...

Charlotte Ann, Our little spunky monkey, you are full of life and on the GO! You are now bear crawling - feet on the floor and hands out in front with your little bottom in the air, you scurry across the floor like a little bear cub. It won't be long before you are walking...no, running... at this pace! As much fun as it is to see you learning new things so rapidly, there are many times we wish you would Just. Slow. Down! You are not one to cuddle much anymore (except when you are asleep) because you are always on the go. But the day you turned 7 months, you were forced to slow down temporarily when you got your first stomach bug. It was heartbreaking to see you this way, but we are thankful you made it a whole 7 months before your first illness. And, we did enjoy the extra cuddles for the 48 hours while it lasted...  You had already seen your first snow, but this past month you really took interest in the flaky white stuff that covered our yard, and you wer...

It doesn't take actually having a baby to realize the truth about it: A baby changes everything! Many people are quick to offer reminders of all the ways life will change from the "old days" of freedom and spontaneity once you have a child. How you will never get to roam grocery store aisles alone, taking time to plan home cooked meals. How you will never have "me time," because after all, your time is not your own. How your friends will never see you.  How you will be so wrapped up in your tiny bundle of joy that you risk becoming unraveled from your spouse. A baby does change everything, but change doesn't have to be negative!  In our home, we are finding ways to keep our friendships alive, our healthy lifestyle intact, and our marriage a priority. Here are three big ways my family has found peace in the midst of our new normal... Community. There's a reason for the age-old quote, "It takes a village to raise a child." We are so fortun...