Friday, February 26, 2010

Madigan Ruth Halaby


She's here! My precious niece is finally here. After a quick and painful labor, Maddie arrived Saturday, February 20th, at 1:44 p.m., absolutely perfect. I'm so thankful that my sister allowed me to be a part of the special moment, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. And as big brother Quinn says about baby Maddie, "it's so cute!!" in the most high-pitched squeal ever, she really is adorable.

Here is the beautiful 8 lb. 1 oz., 21 in. long baby girl.

WARNING: PICTURE OVERLOAD!!!

Our first glimpse. The doctor said he needed to start charging by the pound.





Me & my girl, for the first time...


Perfection.


Beautiful mama & baby girl.


Proud Grammy & big brother


Maddie's first bath. She was mad.


Big brother Quinn holding baby Maddie.


So sweet.


All dressed up...ready to go home.


What an angel!


Sleepy girl.


Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3



Monday, February 15, 2010

I love my Valentine

Never much a fan of Saint Valentines Day, I didn't expect much, nor did I desire much, for the holiday this year. I got Wade a card, and I expected he would probably get me the same. I expected the card to make me cry, which it did, and I expected that to be the extent of our celebration of the "day of love."

My husband outdid himself. Now, we are trying hard to not spend extra money on frivolous things, so we had decided we weren't going to go out somewhere nice to eat. It was probably crowded everywhere anyway. Wade told me he was going to cook for me, but wasn't going to tell me what he was fixing. Well, after church he gave me a hint: surf & turf. Ok, I can deal with that.

Our menu: Sauteed scallops, grilled Mahi Mahi, and ribeye steaks, complete with sides and wine. A little Third Day playing in the background. Dinner was amazing. He did so good! Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. I wish I had taken pictures, but we were hungry and it smelled so good! I'm so thankful for my Valentine! I think he really loves me.

As good as Wade treated me yesterday, I have to admit that he is not my first love. He knows this. I told Wade long before I even knew that I loved him, that there was another man in my life, and that he would always have to take second place. You see, I'm blessed to have two Valentines. Jesus Christ, lover of my soul, is my Valentine. This holiday is supposed to represent love, and there is none who represents love greater than He does. He didn't cook me supper, didn't buy me a card that made me cry, didn't give me roses or candy or jewelry.  He gave so much more. He laid down His life for me. He chose death to give me life. The Father loved me enough, even with all of my unloveliness, to give up His own child. The only reason I have the capability of loving Wade, or anyone else for that matter, the way that I do, is because He first loved me. What an overwhelming thought!

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

I love my Valentine.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Seriously?

Tomorrow's forecast.

Whatever happened to global warming?