Emerging Laugh

I was finally able to capture Audra's little laugh on video!  Such a sweet sound!

So Close!

Audra has been working so hard at rolling over, and she seems to be getting really close!

A Tribute

I first met Catherine Gordon Sweeney in August 2006, after David and I had dated for a couple months.  At the time she was 83 and living independently, though her family had recognized signs of Alzheimer's.  By the time David and I got married in June 2007, her Alzheimer's was apparent to everyone in her family.

Over the years, David has often said that he wishes I could have known Mommom before this disease crippled her memory and personality.  However, despite my lack of knowledge of the way Mommom used to be, the lady I've known for the past 6 years has been nothing but sweet and lovely, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have known her.

Mommom passed away last Sunday, May 20th, after a fall which had broken her hip.  Though we grieve for the empty place she has left in our lives, we are thankful that she is no longer in pain or confused.

Mommom and 4 of her 5 children, Catherine, Diane, Maureen and Jayne.

Being silly during the evening of her 85th birthday celebration.

Gathered around Mommom are her eight grandchildren, Steve, Christine, Mercedes, Marney,
Michael, Lisa, Jade and David, and her great-grandchild, Mia (one of Steve's children).

Mommom with me and Audra, celebrating Mother's Day on Saturday, May 12th.

Webster's describes a tribute as "evidence attesting to some praiseworthy quality or characteristic".  Due to my limited knowledge of Catherine G. Sweeney, I know that I could never come close to writing a tribute to her life.  Rather, I think of how loving and accepting David's family has been to me since I first met them, and know that the best evidence, the best tribute to her character, is the kindness that is ingrained in her four daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mommom, you will be missed!

What I Know

There are days when being a stay-at-home-mom for a 3-month-old makes me miss adult conversation.  There are times when I crave the challenges from my previous work position. 

But there are more days when I relish the everyday moments that I am experiencing with Audra, and the things that I am learning about her.

I know which toys she likes most.

I know that she prefers to suck on her pointer and middle fingers, instead of her thumbs.

I know the look of concentration that she gets when she's trying to grab a toy.

I know ways to make her smile... and what a sweet smile it is!

I that she is happier in the mornings than she is in the afternoon or evening.

I know what the sound of her (newly formed) laugh sounds like.

I know when her fussiness means she's hungry, tired or just wants to be held.

I know how she lights up when she spends time with her Daddy.

I know that she enjoys being outside, even when it's hot and humid.

I know that even when she is cranky, she settles down and relaxes when she gets a bath.

The list could go on and on with other, seemingly mundane, clips of our life together.  Yet as each experience builds upon another, a personality is emerging.  Audra is becoming the girl she will be, and I find myself staring in wonder as she grows and changes.  And when that happens I find myself thanking God and David that I am able to be a constant spectator to these everyday moments.

This is the best job EVER!

Audra's Dedication

We had Audra dedicated this morning at our church, Brandywine Valley Baptist Church.  For those unfamiliar with a dedication, it's merely a short ceremony, placed at the end of a regular church service, acknowledging God's sovereignty not only over a child, but also over his or her parents.  Because we believe in baptism as a personal choice, rather than baby baptism (along with our church) a dedication is the only observance that we will have for Audra.

We presented Audra Leigh before God and His people, and asked for grace and wisdom in carrying out our responsibilities as her parents.  We also committed to praying for and with her, and publicly recognized that she needs to personally trust Jesus Christ as Savior for the forgiveness of her sins.

At 14 weeks old it was no guarantee that Audra would be happy for the ceremony, but she allowed Pastor Bo to hold her and looked around the auditorium while seeming to take interest in all the people that were watching her.  She even smiled some when Rochelle Anderson, from the church's children's ministry, "talked" with her after presenting us with flowers and a certificate.

Joining us at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church for the dedication were Marney, Julian, Mom and Dad Cundey and (Dad Cundey's sister) Aunt Cathy.  Because today was also Dad's birthday, we all went out for brunch after the service.

We thank God for entrusting us with Audra, and we pray that we will honor Him with our parenting!

Sharing Her Thoughts

Audra has been very vocal ths week!  There are times when it seems like she's carrying on a conversation with me... I just don't understand her words yet!

Sophie Loves Audra!

 I was trying to get some pictures of Sophie and Audra together... and Sophie turned to place her head on Audra's shoulder (or rather, most of her arm) just like she does with David and me.  How sweet!