who am i

Sunday morning Hannah got up at pretty much what has become routine: 7:15-7:30. For the last several weeks we've gone to the contemporary service at 8:30 since she's been getting up an hour or two earlier than she used to. But this week I decided to not rush and go to the 11 o'clock service. So glad I did. While Hannah played on the floor in the living room, I sat at the kitchen table, enjoyed my coffee, wrote in my journal, read my Bible and did my morning devotion. As I was listening to the contemporary christian music channel on the tv, this song by Casting Crowns came on. One of my favorites. You can watch a video with lyrics here.

Not because of who I am,

But because of what you've done.

Not because of what I've done,

But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.

We had a full weekend. But in reflecting over it, there were many things that made me smile. Like...

My brother Ben getting engaged.

Hearing the baby's heartbeat at my doctor's appointment on Friday.
Test-driving a Traverse for the whole weekend thanks to Dan Vaden Chevrolet.

Lunch with Dad/Granddaddy at Jalapenos.

Joe bringing me an afternoon mocha from Starbucks.

Prenatal massage with Elaine, the best ever.

Mani & pedi with Mom.

Hannah layered in Grandma's scarves.

Hannah entertaining aunts, uncles and cousins at breakfast.

Looking at neat furniture.

A new top (thanks to Will's girlfriend for snagging it for me...and to Mom).

A pretty pink dress and coat.

Hannah's loud "Amen!" after the choir sang their call to worship.
Hannah's "Hi Daddy" when she saw him at church.
Watching my husband with pride as he does what the Lord has called him to do. 
How Hannah says "bye bye" to those that come up and talk to her.

Watching the hyper monkey play in the backyard and trying to get her to be still for a minute.

...and her daddy trying to get a picture on his phone.

Joe putting the new BOB duallie together!

Mama and Daddy Swingle coming over for the Superbowl.

The yummiest chocolate-mascarpone-toffee-almond bars ever (courtesy of my husband). Recipe here.

After a month of no pacifiers, seeing these in the drawer and throwing them away.

Tickle sessions and belly laughs.
Hannah's new language only she can understand.
Devotion time in the mornings as mentioned above.
Hannah sleeping for three hours Sunday afternoon, followed by 11+ hours that night.
Dimple smiles and sparkling eyes.
Countless hugs and loves.

...and Hannah saying her name for the first time. "I'm Hannah!"

Who am I? I am His. And He has blessed me immeasurably.