I think it's pretty standard and routine that we say things like "life is busy," or "we're moving along," or "time is flying by" when describing how our lives are going. Though at times those phrases ring true, I feel like these past few months have been more reflective, and slower, rather than "busy." Yes, we did just have a baby, and that has added a whole new element to our life, but if I'm being honest, having Cullen has forced me to really pause, and think about what's next for me, forced Bobby and I to ask what's next for our family, and it's put life in perspective a little more. We don't have it all together, or have a grand master plan for our lives, but we are finding value in living life one day at a time, one decision at a time, trusting and knowing that God provides and cares deeply about the details and decisions of our life. I am truly grateful that our life is such right now, that we have the time and space to ask questions and ponder what's next, because I know that life has seasons, and this season of rest and rejuvenation won't last forever. Therefore, I am enjoying our mellow days, appreciating the value of the process and questioning, and doing my best to be open and willing to taking some risks. In the midst of it all, "I know the heart of life is good," and I'm thankful for all that's in it.
A little update is in order!
Cullen~ Our newest addition is doing fantastic. Mr. Moo, as we like to call him (no reason, it just came out one day, and stuck.), is approaching 4 months soon. He is smiling like crazy, cooing like he has something important to communicate, and is super content. I was uncertain about how to love a son at first, since it seemed so unfamiliar to me, but it didn't take any time to love him at all. I distinctly remember the moment I realized "I can do this." It was one of his first real smiles, aimed right at me. Simple as that. Right then, all of my uncertainty was gone, as his beautiful, deep, blue-green eyes looked at me. As he is growing and changing, I adore him more and more, and always look forward to his next new "thing." He's sure been drooling a lot, so Bobby and I are thinking teeth are on the horizon! I am grateful, beyond grateful, he is healthy, happy, and ours :).
Layla~ I seriously could not be more proud to have her as our daughter. She's our precious Bug-A-Boo! I love the way she loves people, her attention to detail, her vibrant expressions, her incredible memory, her wild imagination, her curious nature, her fearless attitude, and her deep joy that is so evident in her carefree spirit. Because she is at the age where she is taking in so much, she is forcing me (in the best way), to be a better mother and person. I love watching her do new things and get excited. She has started, on her own, figuring out how write her name, she is picking up bugs without a care in the world, and is telling us lots of "once upon a time" stories. I am in awe of who she is becoming and all I want to do is give her as many opportunities as possible to discover who she is and what she likes. Watching her grow into herself makes me excited to discover what things Cullen will like, and what special quirks he'll have that are specific to him. Layla and Cullen are more than we could have ever asked for.
Bobby~ He is doing so well at work, and loving his job. Auto-Chlor has been amazing to our family, providing the stability that we hadn't had through a job in awhile. I'm continually grateful for Bobby's work ethic, and willingness to do what's needed to be a good employee, but also a good provider for our family. Along with working hard at work, he is working hard in school. Just another reason to love, respect, and appreciate him. He is doing great in his classes and plugging away. In his free time, he has taken up learning how to play soccer and has joined a summer league with a group from our church. He is loving it, and we're excited to go watch daddy play and cheer him on this summer! Another fun thing he is doing is building a playhouse for the kids. It's going to be Layla's birthday present this year, but obviously when Cullen is old enough, he can play in there too. It's coming along really well, and I'm super impressed at how good Bobby is at stuff like that. Overall, he's doing great!
Me~ Like I said before, I have been trying to figure out what's next for me in life. One thing I'm doing, is starting classes in the fall through Liberty University, studying in their Psychology program. I am doing online classes so I can have time with the kiddos and work around my own schedule...and Virginia is just too far from here to be a wife and mom ;). I'm excited for this new adventure, and look forward to learning more about how our minds, and the unseen parts of us, work. It's a big risk for me, so I am giving myself permission to take it one thing at a time, change majors if I want to, stop school all together, or do something completely different; I just need to get on the path. I am learning a lot about myself right now, and desire to keep moving forward, growing, and changing. Our church has played a large part in that for me and am I really grateful. I'm finally feeling more settled after two very big transitions this last year of moving back to Bellevue and having a baby, and want to get involved there. I'm excited to meet new people, be in small groups, and serve there. I am in great anticipation for what these next few months are going to bring, but recognize that things don't change or progress without action, so here I go!
I know this entry was a longer one, so thanks for reading it all, if you gotten this far :). I really do enjoy sharing our life with you through this blog, even if it is just a small glimpse. I hope you, dear friends and family, are doing well, and that you are meeting life with questions and readiness. I'm finding those things a challenge, myself, but loving the journey...and wishing the same for you!
With love,
The Cadriel's
Here are a bunch of pictures from the last three months. Family Photos, Playhouse building, and Gainer/Taylor visit to Seattle. Enjoy!
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