I realized that I haven’t written much about Beatrice. Beatrice, who confounds and delights me daily. The fact that I can lay her on the couch, and she quietly stares at the ceiling fan and then finally dozes off for a 2+ hour nap is simply a marvel to me. I loved my boys, yes I did, and didn’t begrudge them any of the hours we spent nursing to sleep (only to wake up 15 minutes after being laid down.) Babies are meant to be cared for, whatever that may mean. But this Baby Beatrice — she is definitely easier! She loves to suck her thumb, and with the free hand she either squeezes her own chubby cheek or plays with her ear. She loves to laugh and smiles freely at anyone who will simply look her in the eye. In the late evening, she breaks into a stream of babble that is quite delightful. And her brothers can’t get enough of her — or of her girly wardrobe with ruffles and rosettes and ballet socks!
She’s growing so much. I realized the poor thing has rather been denied in the arena of toys and such, as I still have it in my head that she’s far too young for such things. Not true! Time to replenish the baby toy stash. Maybe her Christmas stocking won’t be so empty after all.
I absolutely love this little doll of mine.
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This letter, written by Amy Carmichael, has been often read these last two weeks:
I have been thinking of you as you begin work today. The story of the man who said, “I have nothing to set before him”, has been helping me this morning (not for the first time). It says so exactly what I so often feel. “A friend of mine in his journey has come to me and I have nothing to set before him” — no, not even a crumb.
I expect you also often feel like that. I can well understand how the devil will make you feel like that poor man who had nothing to give and went in the night to borrow three loaves. But the end of the story is very comforting, “He will rise and give him as many as he needs.” As much as you need to do His will and help others, these travellers in life’s difficult journey, will be given to you to give. There will be no shortage from the heavenly point of view. So meet the devil’s depressing whisper, as I pray this morning that I may, with that dear word, “as many as he needs”, and be at peace.
I think there is something special with that #3 child! Our Ada was so content and so easy going. My theory so far is that odd numbered children are super easy transitions. I found that bringing home baby #3 and #5 were very easy additions and just kind of fit in.
She is such a sweet baby girl. I love her dress by the way!
Oh you will have fun sewing for little Beatrice! What a gorgeous baby!
I made dresses out of everything when my girl arrived after 2 boys!
I find myself just going over and over these pictures and smiling so much my face hurts. She is so sweet and that picture of William and Her I want to print to share w my friends. Maybe I can have it on my Kindle Fire for book club. Love also the one of Ry and Jameson, Of course Ryan is dozing for movie night. I love my son. Also noticed you had a nice turnout for your couples night. Glad it went so well. Love you too.