Trusting

Most children, as I understand it, develop a certain fear of strangers around 9 months old.  Then the parents grapple with crying and separation anxiety for a period of time after that.  My little one turns 1 year old this week and is friendly to most everyone.  She waves at strangers in the store.  She claps and smiles for most anyone that pays attention to her.  That is, she is friendly to most everyone as long as she knows we approve and are around.  I know that I'm going to have to teach her to be more wary of strangers than she is today.  I know there will always be a worry that she'll be lured away by strangers at a park.  But, at this time in our lives it is pretty great.

Today I handed her to someone that she didn't know.  She didn't cry or fuss.  She "visited" this new friend for a few minutes and then happily returned to my lap.  I don't know if it is just Rachel's bubbly personality or why she is so comfortable but this little experience reminded me of a story Marvin J. Ashton told in General Conference many years ago.

"A beautiful little blind girl was sitting on the lap of her father in a crowded compartment in a train. A friend seated nearby said to the father, “Let me give you a little rest,” and he reached over and took the little girl on his lap.


A few moments later the father said to her, “Do you know who is holding you?”

“No,” she replied, “but you do.”

I wish I always trusted my Heavenly Father with unwavering peace like the girl in the story.  I hope that Rachel never loses her confidence when interacting with strangers.  At least those "strangers" of whom we approve.

Valentine's Day

I believe in Valentine's Day.  I spent so many years celebrating "Single Awareness Day" that I relish the chance to revel in valentine mania each year.  I love the opportunity to remember to be more romantic with my sweetheart.  I don't believe in giving valentines to my neighbors, and Rachel only got a card from us.  But, in the cold winter month of February I love the warmth and tenderness that I feel as I share my affection and love with Doug.

I gave Doug the Simpsons Season 20 on DVD, a photobook valentine and a "Love Notes" notebook.  It's a little spiral bound notebook I dolled up with scrapbooking supplies.  We take turns writing little love and appreciation notes in it and pass it back and forth like kids in study hall.

Doug surprised me with chocolate covered strawberries.  As you know, I'll eat almost anything chocolate covered, but strawberries are one of my all time favorites.  He gave me a sweet card.  He "helped" Rachel give me a valentine too. Then came the piece de resistance - spa gift certificates.  This year we spent more than we normally consider practical.  Doug, however, saw a need and knew that I would not spend the money on myself.  He knew that I needed some pampering and luxury.  I've struggled to feel feminine when I weigh more than I used to and rarely take time for the pleasures of professionally pedicured feet and massaged muscles.  Truth be told, there are many days I don't get to shower and my hair remains in the tell-all ponytail.  I'm not asking for sympathy.  Most women give up a lot of those extras when they choose to have children.  I'm just giving you the reasoning behind Doug's oh so thoughtful gift.  A gift that brought me to tears.  I love Doug so much.  I can't believe I found a man as wonderful and sensitive as he is.

Our Valentine's Day date started out wonderfully promising.  It quickly took a nose dive into the unromantic abyss as Doug and I both got sick watching Avatar in 3D.  Neither of us had ever been to a 3D movie.  Neither of us knew it would be the demise of the night's romance.  Migraines, nausea, and throw up welcomed us at home.  Thank you Bethany and TJ, our babysitters, for keeping me company and taking care of Rachel until she was in bed.

So, this Valentine's day was a roller-coaster of loving highs and disgusting lows. But, I love that I got to celebrate it with my wonderful husband and charming baby girl.

The Princess and the Frog

We took Rachel to see "The Princess and the Frog."  Doug and I felt it was not comparable to the spectacular stories, songs or humor of "The Lion King" or "The Little Mermaid."  It was a cute story with some very funny parts.  I liked the princess.  She was a hard worker who learned that you can let down your guard and have some fun...sometimes.  

But, we were glad that Rachel fell asleep before the villain was introduced.  Doug and I felt that the villain and his voodoo companions were far too scary for a G rated movie.  Shadows are a concept that young children understand.  As a child I was prone to nightmares.  The idea that scary shadows could sneak up and carry me away would have kept me up for a month.

All in all, I could take it or leave it.  I probably won't buy it for my collection.