Embracing Him

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Every once in a while, God provides JT and me with a lively parenting moment that abruptly zaps us out of our regular parenting routine and shakes things up. Perhaps God does this to prevent us from becoming bored with life or because He wants to see how we perform under pressure. Whatever the reason, God allowed this day to start with a big bang!

Both our girls have food allergies so at least once a year they endure a series of tests to determine the severity of their allergies. Part of the testing includes having the girls provide a blood sample and as you can imagine obtaining blood samples from little children can be a difficult task.

As we sat in the waiting area, Sweet Pea began to lament loudly about getting “poked”, while Sugar Plum played happily with her father, oblivious to what was soon to come. When our family’s name was called, JT took Sugar Plum back to the technician, while I sat in the waiting area and consoled Sweet Pea. While waiting, I braced myself for Sugar Plum’s wailing and crying as she was pricked and blood was drawn. But things remained silent and moments later JT brought a smiling Sugar Plum out to the waiting room where she happily showed off her orange Daffy Duck Band Aid.

Since Sweet Pea was still wailing, I knew her blood draw would not go as smoothly. JT carried her, kicking and screaming, back to the technician. Everyone in the building knew exactly when Sweet Pea was pricked because she screamed to high heaven! Unfortunately she wiggled around during her protest, dislodged the needle, and had to be pricked AGAIN! Poor Sweet Pea was so distressed by the whole ordeal that I wanted to cry!

On the way home, we stopped for doughnuts and that made everyone feel better. Once home, JT noted that parenting is an interesting trip. So, so true! I wonder what’s in store for us this weekend! You can be sure I’ll keep you posted.

Photo: Courtesy of crys_toll (Flickr)

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. (Psalm 127:3)

It’s hard for us to believe but Sugar Plum is officially 18 months old today! To celebrate the milestone, she paid a visit to her pediatrician for a checkup and received a clean bill of health. Sugar Plum is now 32 inches tall and weighs 23 and 1/2 pounds.

Don’t let the happy expression fool you! This photo was snapped before Sugar Plum was given her vaccinations. (Trust me, she was in no mood to pose for photos after receiving 2 shots in her chubby thigh!) Thankfully Mommy was there to provide plenty of hugs and kisses. Her big sister Sweet Pea offered her own show of sympathy through a series of loud wails and mock tears. (I didn’t make a big deal out of it as she was most likely thanking God that it wasn’t her turn!)