A February Recap

February was a very busy month for our household with two special birthdays and Valentine's Day to celebrate. The first birthday was for Lissy, who is now an official driver's permit holder. Dad is diligently taking her out for driving lessons and she is a very safe driver.

The second birthday was for Meredith, which she just so happens to share with all those who celebrate Valentine's Day. What a joy and blessing to celebrate their birthdays with all of our family.



Not to be outdone, Catherine Rose also celebrated her two month birthday at the end of the month. She continues to amaze us with her conversations. Even though the conversations are one-sided, I can assure you, they are riveting.

So, after celebrating these wonderful birthdays, I found this photo of the girls that was taken at the beach during spring break "a few years ago." It reminded me of the book, Big Sister and Little Sister by Charlotte Zotolow.

"And from that day on, little sister and big sister both took care of each other 

because little sister had learned from big sister and now they both knew how. "

Sisters are wonderful friends to have.

A Week of Firsts

So, it has been a week of firsts for us within the Essmann family. Lissy took the driver's permit test on Friday and passed! Her first driving lesson began about 14 years ago at Busch Gardens with Meredith patiently instructing her how to be a cautious driver. Her official "first" driving lesson was today with Dad. We are very proud of her.

 The other first is Catherine Rose finding her voice this week. She discovered she could visit with us and she really has a lot to say. We may not understand what she is saying, but as a proud grandmother, I am sure it is very important.

Many years ago, my mother-in-law shared an important bit of wisdom with me. As a first-time mom about 27 years ago, she knew I was struggling to figure out how to care for my baby and still do all the other things that needed to be taken care of in our home. I share this little pearl with all the first-time moms and I hope that it blesses you as much as it did me many years ago. And thanks, Mom, for the wisdom you shared that has proven all too true.

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow,

For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.

So, quiet down, cobwebs; Dust, go to sleep!

I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."

I hope you all have a week of blessed firsts.

Bless This Six

          Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging. My daughters tell me it is so easy. Just write and add pictures. Ha. I have soooo much to learn. But as I watch my grand-daughter Catherine Rose adjust to the world around her (I have to sleep in a crib by myself ?! I can't nurse 24/7 ?! You are going to stick me with that needle and expect me not to scream??!!) I am inspired that I can learn this "blogging" thing. In fact, as I watch all of my daughters become women and adapt to this ever changing world, I am even more inspired.

           Who are the blessed six? My two oldest daughters are happily married and loving every moment of being married to my amazing sons-in-law. Two daughters are still at home, one making her way through college and one ready to finish high-school. And the most amazing, love-of-my-life husband (really, since high school when we met at an outdoor club camping trip) to whom I am blessed to have been married for thirty years.  Not to be forgotten are the two dogs - a golden retriever and a golden doodle. Finally, the newest addition is our oldest daughter's baby, the first of, I hope, many grandchildren. I can't wait to have slumber parties with all the grandchildren. Even though we started with six, God has blessed us with three more, two sons-in-law and a grand-daughter. I can't wait to see how God will continue to bless this six.

           So, here I go. I hope that as you read my posts (I think that is the correct word) you will be inspired. Okay, maybe it will just make you smile. If it does, this world of blogging might be worth it afterall. We can do this, Catherine.

Catherine Rose at her 1 month check-up - What a doll!