What a Wonderful World

This past weekend one was that I will remember forever. Saturday, Feb 23, Max Milligan and Daniel were baptized and became members of the First United Methodist Church of Blakely, Georgia. We had a private ceremony surrounded by our family and friends. Max Milligan's Godparents, Jamie Dallas and Brian Davis stood by our side. As brother Rick spoke, Max Milligan watched him intently as if she were taking in all his words. When the water it her head she looked shocked but staid content. Daniel was next and he was just as serious. I have never felt so much love or so loved. I was so proud of my daughter and how well she did and proud of Daniel for taking such and important step in his life. I am truly blessed.
Following the baptism we went to "the hill" for a low country boil cooked specially by Papa Steve. Mama was number one hostess as always and made this day so wonderful. Dinner was great and the company was even better! Jessica brought her two, Baylen and Bowen and Starla brought two of hers Delaney and Raliegh. Noah, Baylen and Delaney played so well together and made everyone laugh. We also took pictures of Raliegh (1 mos), Max Milligan (2mos) and Bowen (7 mos). Jess, Starla and I grew up together and I am so excited that our children will have that opportunity. I never knew that I could love someone as much as I love my family and then I found Daniel and a new kind of love and I thought "How can you love someone more than this" and then I had Max Milligan and found that there is no kind of love like the love I have for her. God is truly an awesome God and I praise Him for blessing me with so much love.
And a quick note, Sunday we went to church. I was looking around and began to notice the babies. Laura is pregnant, Jennifer has Mary Thomas and 5 week old Myles. Fletcher and Jennifer were there with 2 year old Olin and I started thinking how amazing that life just goes on. And in such a fun wonderful way.

Feb 16 was cousin Noah's birthday party. It was a pirate party and all the kids had so much fun going on a treasure hunt. There were four treasure chests "hidden" around Sandy Bottom Road. It was so much fun. Pop T came down for the party and it was the first time he has seen Max Milligan since she was born. Daddy has been very upset that he hasn't been able to get down to see her. Now he is normally a baby hog but this weekend was much worse. He was so funny. He barely would let anyone hold her and if they by chance got her, he gave them approximately 3 minutes before he stole her back. She did not take her naps that afternoon so she definately slept good that night.

Max Milligan is already a big fan of visiting Blakely. Or maybe it's just me that always likes to go home. YaYa and Jee-ya(which Jeanne has dubbed herself and we love it!) dote on Max Milligan and keep her while I visit with friends or take a nap, mostly nap. They are so funny with her. Timing each other on how long the other one has been holding her and watching the clock when she is down for her nap. See we allow her to cry for fifteen minutes and Jee-ya watches that minute hand. When it is been 15 minutes, not 16 she is looking at me to get permission to check on her. I love it. I love to see how much my baby girl is loved and I feel so blessed to know that she will always have the most loving family and friends and a very wonderful support system. I love my family and I thank them for being with me always.

Daniel has to work some sundays so Max Milligan and I go to chuch in Blakely with mama. As I was sitting there listening to the preacher and glancing over at Papa admiring his great granddaughter, I began to think about the past. I love my church. I grew up there. I used to sit in between my Nana and Papa and watch mama sing in the choir. We sat in the back right,the second aisle. We sat behind the Robertson's. Mr. Wally, Mrs Carol, Jill, Stacy, Kelly and Paige. I used to straighten my legs out to try and touch the back of the pew in front of me. I can remember how excited I was the day that I was finally able to reach the back with my toe and then with the whole bottom of my foot. That was a sign that I was getting big. Growing up. And now, I am a mama. Me! And I get to take my daughter to church. Watch her fall asleep in my Papa's lap, watch her start to reach her legs out to touch the back of the pew (which is now occupied by the Singletary's) and watch her grow in her church, in her Faith and in life. What an amazing blessing.

Sleeping through the Night!

Max Milligan is sleeping throught the night completely now. Yeah Rah GO Team!!! We are currently working on getting ourselves on a schedule. Mama included because I will be going back to work in March. Sooo I have started waking up at 6 am for the first feeding and we take our day from there. Naps have been the hardest thing to get her to do; however today, she only cried 10 or 15 minutes before falling asleep. Yesterday it was 2 hours. Yes, TWO HOURS the amount of time that her nap is! It was brutal but I kept praying for God's guidance and wisdom. I knew that she was not wet or hungrey or hurting. She was just mad as all get out. So, we let her cry and boy did she. No worries folks we did check on her and pick her up and love her and then laid her back down. She is going to be a strong minded little one for sure!
Yesterday Daniel and I took her to get her pictures done. We are so excited to see how they come out. She did so good. She followed Mrs. Carol with her eyes and made sure that everyone knew how big she could smile. She is such a joy. Especially now on a schedule!