Hold Him More...Hold Him Less

Awhile back, when my second child came into the world, I got a great piece of advice from one of my sister-in-laws who had a few more children than me at the time. I was lamenting that I didn't feel I could properly juggle everything and keep everyone happy-especially the baby. She responded with, "Hold him more and hold him less." I didn't quite understand her logic as it seemed quite contradictory. Nevertheless, as the weeks wore on, I began to see what she was talking about. She meant, hold him when he needs to be held and carry him in a carrier if need be, which would amount to me holding him more than I had my first child. Basically, don't sweat the small stuff, just get him fed and get him some sleep. She also meant, when you have to deal with your other child or an emergent situation, put him down even if he doesn't like it, and do what you have to do. And here's the kicker-don't feel bad about it! Very simple. Very logical. Very wise.

You see, what she was getting at was, keep your motherly instincts intact and your parenting/infant skills, namely your principles, but stop over-analyzing, give up or merely restructure your methods, and go with the flow. Having been a very "structured" mom the first go-around, this advice was monumental to me in parenting an infant. Caleb helped me to hold to my standards and structures more loosely. Structure is not bad but when it is seen as gospel, then it gets in the way.

Nancy Wilson, in her book The Fruit of Her Hands, addresses this very topic but in a broader sense when she talks about women and their methods.

"Not only do Christian women need to distinguish between principles and methods, but they must cease looking for a simple list of 'how to's as the guide for Christian living. Today, in the evangelical world at large, numerous people seem very eager to give us a list of do's and don'ts. Women are particularly vulnerable to such 'lists' because they provide a false sense of security. 'I'm okay because I'm obeying the rules!' These rules are often presented to us, couched in appealing phrases like 'God's way for...' or 'the biblical view on...' When we adopt a method, it would be preferable to call it a biblical approach rather than the biblical approach. These rules tell us how God wants us to approach courtship, birth-control, child-feeding, and child-rearing...what kind of music is permissible, whether we may have a television in our home, how and where we must educate our children, whether our sons or daughters may play sports, and on and on." pg. 60

Now before the alarm is sounded and you all think I am merely espousing relativism, hear the logic. We're not talking about principles here, we're talking about methods. We're not talking about whether or not to feed the baby (principle) but rather how to feed the baby (on demand vs. schedule feeding). Principles are derived from the Bible. God tells me to love my family; therefore, the loving thing is to feed them. Methods are simply how one chooses to carry these principles out. How I feed them is my choice-organic vs. fast food, breastmilk vs. formula, and demand vs. schedule feeding. You get the idea. And these methods will vary with each family (and change as time goes on!!) Some really are superior to others but how one chooses to carry out their own principles really is their choice. If my neighbor decides to home school, I shouldn't judge her and think her kids will end up social freaks. Nor should she look at my kids and think that they'll grow up delinquent fools just because they're educated in the classroom. Different methods can coexist in Christianity and being different is good. God calls us to wisdom in these decisions not conformity.

When I started to understand this very thing, I suddenly became much lighter and free. You see, I didn't have to try and adhere to a set of rules (which as you know from a previous post I already struggle with). I got to figure out what worked for our family and I didn't have to worry about any of my friends. I also started to see the beauty of some of my friends' methods, even though I didn't employ them myself. I personally don't let my kids sleep in bed with me but, I have friends who absolutely love this arrangement and I've seen wonderful fruit from it! Seriously! And why do I care if I think they're doing the right thing when I don't have to deal with the outcome anyway? And really, when it came down to it, I learned a lot from my friends who were different from me which helped me be a better wife, mom and most importantly a better Christian.

So why do I bring this all up? I guess I've been thinking about it yet again as we learn how to incorporate Elliana into our family. What are our methods going to be this time? How can we keep our principles intact and still get her needs met according to her personality and the dynamics of our family? These are all questions I've been mulling over these past couple of weeks. I guess if I just remember that sometimes my methods need to change depending on what she needs then I'll be okay.

And I'll keep those little words in mind as well...."Hold her more...hold her less."

A Night Out

So last week was our 8th anniversary and it was a bit festive. We didn't get to celebrate much on the day since we have a newborn and our babysitters were out of town but we did get to go through our year in review and have some time together after all the kids were down. Such is the life right now. We also had a surprise visit from my mentor from San Luis Obispo. That was a wonderful surprise indeed!! But last night, the grandparents were back and we were able to go out (with the baby of course) and have a fancy-pants dinner and spend an evening in Pacific Grove. It was a wonderful night out.

First of all, I didn't quite know how this princess would do because she isn't totally predictable at this point in her short life but she looked cute decked out in her party dress and she ended up being a dream. We got the perfect table in the corner away from everyone and that was providence itself because then I didn't feel awkward about nursing her right next to an elderly couple. She's not exactly quiet you know as she slurps down her supper and the restaurant is a small one so it's pretty tight quarters. After that she slept quite well in the Mobey and when she got restless of that, she went into her car seat and her Dad rocked her while we talked. Perfect.

This is the adorable little restaurant we went to. It's located in Pacific Grove just a stone's throw away from the oceanfront. Pacific Grove is right next to Monterey. I hadn't been back to this area since the Half Marathon in November (we actually ran right past the Red House) so it was fun to go back and drive along the race course and remember the race. It seems so long ago...just a lot has happened since then I guess. I can't wait to strap on my shoes again. Soon.

Pacific Grove reminds me a lot of San Luis Obispo with just a bit of a more mature feel. It's such an expensive area I think only older retired folk live there. But it has such character and old Victorians like this one line the streets of downtown. I could spend hours walking around and looking at all the little shops too.

We're so lucky to have both grandparents in the area. Without them, we wouldn't be able to go out as often as we do. Truth be told, we don't go out often at all but...if it wasn't for them and their generosity to us, we'd NEVER go out. So thanks so much guys! We actually got to go out twice by ourselves this last week. We went out once over the weekend to a friend's graduation party-my parents took that watch. And last night we snuck away for our anniversary-Steve's parents came for that one. We're so blessed.

And this is just for fun. My buddy took this picture of Elliana at the graduation party on Saturday. I just love this little girl...I can't get enough of her (except in the middle of the night of course). We've almost made it through the first six weeks which I feel like are always the hardest. It hasn't been too bad. Although my feelings about our transition may vary depending on which day you're asking and how much sleep I got the night before. Side note: lately she's been giving me one four hour stretch, resulting in about three hours of straight sleep for me...utter and complete bliss, I might add. This sleep causes me to feel incredibly rested the next day by the way! But both of us commented last night that we've almost gotten to the point that we can't quite remember life without her-well, almost.

Count it Joy!

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him....Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him...Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change...Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:2-5, 12, 17, 19-20

I came across this passage a few days ago on one of the mornings that I actually had a spare moment to crack my Bible open. I actually hadn't wanted to but had rather wanted to shut my eyes for a few precious minutes (like five) but something compelled me to push past my fatigue and open up my Bible once again. I don't do any sort of Bible Study but merely have three book marks: one in the Old Testament, one in the Psalms and one in the New Testament. I then read one chapter from each until I get all the way through that section and then start over. So, my New Testament chapter was James 1. So fitting...so encouraging.

Monday was a very hard day for me. Now, in retrospect, I'm pretty sure Elliana was just in a growth spurt but she cried all.day.long. I was SO stressed out. The postpartum weeks are always riddled with crashing hormones, sleep-deprivation, pain and utter confusion on how to take care of this new life entrusted to your care. Really, it's a guessing game, a mere shot in the dark most of the time by someone who is not a sharpshooter. Add in a bunch of infant crying and a mom can feel pretty stressed out-quick! Elliana already isn't the easiest baby on the block (not the worst either) but I'd really been hoping for a cooperative one since she is number four you know. However, it doesn't seem to me that God had that for me this time.

I found my attitude quickly going down-hill. Inside I'm having a very frank conversation with God reminding Him that this is my fourth kid and couldn't He have given me a break and handed me an angel. He quickly reminded me that my third was that angel (during his first year) and look how that turned out-Josh is my craziest toddler now. Ha ha! But after reading these words on Tuesday, I was reminded, rather simply that this is a trial-a very, very, very small one. One that I will get through just fine and one that I must be thankful for. Recognizing it for what it is too also made me feel like I wasn't alone. God promised to be with me and produce perseverance in me at the same time. Okay...I think I can keep going.

The most painful part came from the reminder about anger. Just because I get hardly any sleep and rarely get a nap, doesn't mean I have any right to be angry with the kids. Of course it's much harder not to get heated about something small more quickly, but I MUST remember that the "anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." Sometimes it's just too easy for me to explain away my own sinfulness with excuses like fatigue or feelings of being overwhelmed. Why can't I just buck up and admit that it's sin whether I have reason to be tired or not?

God has put me in this place at this time. And He'll get whatever He wants to out of this little, tiny trial in my path right now. The most encouraging part is that in the midst of a bit of difficulty in figuring out this precious number four and how to manage everyone in this house without going batty, is remembering that she is from God and she is a gift.

For..."Every good gift and every perfect is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

At least in the middle of it all, we can see the beauty of the gift. Currently, for me, it's Elliana. Precious, long-awaited, Elliana.

Eight Amazing Years

“Marriage is a vocation. It is a task to which you are called. If it is a task, it means you work at it. It is not something which happens. You hear the call, you answer, you accept the task, you enter into it willingly and eagerly, you commit yourself to its disciplines and responsibilities and limitations and privileges and joys. You concentrate on it, giving yourself to it day after day in a lifelong Yes.” --Elisabeth Elliot, Let Me Be a Woman, p. 102

Steve...Another year and another anniversary flies by. Eight years. It seems but a breath, yet a whole lifetime.

July 20, 2002

Being married to you is my greatest joy. I love you more with each passing day and am in awe of the beauty that God has painted in both of our lives by us being so closely knitted together.

Hume Lake 2004

It amazes me how, the longer we're married, the more I feel like you're just a part of me and I'm a part of you. Yet at the same time, I can look at you and you're still a mystery to me...a strong, courageous, quiet mystery.

I pray that we will grow old together. I pray that God will give us much time.

Cal Poly's Graduation 2004

For you are my beloved and there is no other. I have known no greater love, other than the Love of my Savior, than the love you have poured into me. Steve, "In this life, you're the one place I call home."

I love you,

Nikki

Waffles With Little Effort?

Seriously?! How many of you like homemade waffles but don't like how long it takes to make them? I mean, if you're like me and your children are like mine, it's difficult to have breakfast too long after everyone wakes up. I want something that can be made fast, but still taste amazing and my kids...well, they just don't want to have to wait too, too long.

But I like to have good breakfasts, especially on the weekends. Why? Because it's just plain fun to have good breakfasts. And it makes the weekends festive, fun and full of delicious memories. But, with our Sabbath Dinner on Saturday night and church on Sunday mornings, I don't want to put much effort into making anything elaborate on either Saturday or Sunday mornings or else I'll probably find myself going crazy before long. There must be balance. Therefore, I am ALWAYS on the hunt for recipes that can be assembled the night before and then baked/put together the next morning. On my repertoire so far of make-ahead go-to hits are cinnamon rolls, bagels, coffee cake and pancakes (although these aren't make ahead, they're so easy and fast to make from scratch it doesn't matter). Waffles sounded great to me too but I never wanted to go through the process of making the batter in the morning. Some of the best waffles are the raised kind (leavened with yeast) but they sadly just take too long.

But wait...not anymore. I'm happy to report that I have the BEST waffle recipe and it came from none other than Cook's Illustrated. When I had Elliana, some friends came and spoiled us with treats in the hospital. They brought Steve a celebratory beer, me some magazines and some other fun things like Odwallas and strawberries (thanks Renos!!). Among the magazines they brought was a Cook's Illustrated. I had never seen this magazine before but I quickly realized it was put out by the same people who do the America's Test Kitchen cookbook which is one of my FAVORITE and old stand-by cookbooks. Anyhow, I devoured this magazine during my stay in the hospital (and continue to by the way) during late night feedings and mere lounging around while Ellie was sleeping. And lo and behold, in it was a recipe for Overnight Yeasted Waffles.

I had to try them. They seemed too easy. But after one test-run this weekend...we have a winner. Do try these at home. They are so, so good. And the best part is that the leftovers can be frozen and reheated in the toaster for a quick breakfast during the week.

ENJOY!

Overnight Yeasted Waffles

1 3/4 cups whole, low-fat or skim milk (doesn't matter; I used whole because that's what we have)
1 stick of butter cut up into 8 pieces (I know it's a lot of butter but it makes a lot of waffles)
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp instant yeast (I used regular active dry yeast because it's what I have)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Heat milk and butter in small saucepan over medium-low heat until butter is melted, about four minutes; let cool until warm. Note: it's important to let it cool to lukewarm so that it's not too hot to kill the yeast but still warm enough to proof the yeast (if using regular not instant yeast.) Meanwhile, whisk flour, sugar, salt and yeast together in large bowl.

2. Gradually whisk warm-milk mixture into flour mixture and continue to whisk until batter is smooth. Whisk eggs and vanilla together in small bowl until combined, then whisk into batter until incorporated.

3. TO STORE: Scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours (mine only went 11 hours and was still fine).

4. TO SERVE: Heat waffle iron. Remove batter from refrigerator when waffle iron is heated. Whisk batter to recombine. Batter will deflate. Bake waffles according to manufacturer's instructions. Use about 1/2 cup for a 7-inch round iron and about 1 cup for a 9-inch square iron. Serve hot. Or cool on a wire rack. Once cool, freeze. Reheat in toaster.

A-MA-ZING!

And for fun...some recent pics because a blog post without pictures isn't that exciting. Of course, I didn't take pictures of the waffles because I'm just not that on top of things right now. But here's some random, silly ones of the children.

Elliana's first bath! Yes, it took me three weeks to do it but to be fair, she hardly spits up and it took over two weeks for her umbilical cord to fall off. So there...I have good excuses!


Summer bounty. Quite large!

Put into perspective! Definitely HUGE! We didn't realize zucchini can get that big. Looks like we left them on the vine a little too long.

The boys were sick with some sort of flu last week. All had high fevers and two of them had their share of throwing up. That's always fun. So we watched tons of movies and built forts. Movies and forts. Such is the life huh!!

Well, have a great week.

Year in Review

Next week we will celebrate our 8th anniversary. I can hardly believe it. We were just young pups eight years ago when we said, "I do." We clearly didn't know what we were getting into but we stepped out on faith and God has been faithful to meet us and care for us on this amazing journey. Yet it's easy to forget or simply gloss over all that happens in life and we want to remember...we want to notice...we want to cherish and celebrate what God has done and all He's brought us through and blessed us with. So, one of the ways that we've been able to see and record God's amazing love for us over the years has been in our annual Year in Review.

Now let me just say this: I didn't come up with this myself. I stole it from someone else. When we were first married, one of the leaders in our Newlyweds Sunday School class at church mentioned that every year she gave her husband a Year in Review on their anniversary. She never explained to me what it was or how she went about it, but I could pretty much figure it out. After that, I decided that I was going to do that and since I didn't know how she did hers, I just made it up for us.

So every year I write out a Year in Review and read it to Steve on the night of our anniversary. Basically, my review looks something like this. I pick a verse that characterizes our year together, write Steve a little note from me, and then recount all of the major events of the year. Some years there are more than others. I also added a section, as we got more children, telling about each one of them and fun little facts about them in their development at the time of writing. I always end the review with listing out our vows.

This type style works well for me because I like to write. However, if you wanted to try something like this but don't like to write, you could be creative and come up with a picture collage or just list events. Whatever you want!! It's your review and your family!!

Going through the year is a wonderful time of remembering for each of us. I always loved that someone else gave me this idea so I thought I'd throw it out there for anyone who thinks it would be a fun thing to do. Make up your own way...you can do whatever you want. I will tell you though...I've been SO thankful to have all of our reviews stored away in a little binder to look at here and there. And one day, our children will have a long history of our family to relish in and be thankful for.

However, I know that lots of you remember the year with your spouse in other ways. What are some of the ways? I love hearing new ideas about this sort of thing and who knows? Maybe somebody else will read your idea and implement it into their family life? I'm sure the leader of our class doesn't even remember our conversation but I do and her words have impacted our family for a lifetime.

So...don't be shy...how do you remember and reflect on your year together? I'd love to hear from you.

Looking for Perfection...and Not Finding It!

Every single time I have a baby I get a face to face confrontation with some of the same old habits that have haunted me for years. One of my worst ones is a tendency toward legalism. It seems that by the time another child comes along, I've spent the past year and a half perfecting my kids' schedules, working out regularly, spending time in the word, cleaning house and frankly, I feel quite good about myself. Why? Because...shhhhhhhhhhh....don't tell anyone...I like order. I also like to work hard and so being that those two things are true of me, I like things to run smoothly and well. I don't want stuff all over my floors or dishes in my sink. I want things looking nicely. I want to feel that I'm on top of things because it makes me feel better.

Nevertheless, this type of personality that plagues me can be both a blessing and a curse. You see, I always walk the line of legalism. I definitely don't struggle with lazy, which is a sin too but legalism...God has some pretty harsh things to say about it. Like you know, he HATES it! I struggle with the balance of wanting to do a good job with things and not knowing when to let go and just let things be. I would be Martha working in the kitchen, angry at her sister, while the GOD who created me was right in my living room. And to be honest, I'd feel pretty self-righteous about my work too and fairly down on my sister Mary. Who does she think she is? Doesn't she know we have dinner to put on? Who cares that He's God when I need to feed all these people? It's easy for me to slip into this mentality when I have things fairly well dialed in which is usually where I find myself right before another infant comes along.

I think God does this on purpose. Oh...she's getting too confident again...better give her another baby and see how she handles that!! And the more I have the more sanctified I get whether I like it or not. You see, I'm just so tired all the time that I could drink caffeine all day and still fall asleep standing up (and the little girl would be screaming from an upset tummy...insult to injury I tell ya). I forget things easily right now and have to apologize for being late on things I shouldn't be. Luckily we're getting meals because if it weren't for them, we'd be eating Mac n' Cheese every night. And please, if you come by my house, don't look closely at my bathrooms because frankly, they're hideous.

I'm used to feeling strong and capable but in reality I'm weak, forgetful, at times confused and simply plum tuckered out. Of course this is all normal but it's so hard to accept. And for me, accepting help from others is even harder. This is what happens to me every time and every time God has something else for me to learn in it. A bunch of different personalities around my table at night also reminds me of all that God is teaching me. My children are far from perfect and their struggles are MY struggles. Mine are just masked because I know far better how to hide and still appear fine. But the hiding is sin. Outward appearances and rules don't make one righteous. Forgiveness from sins through Christ, His redemption and grace do. Having an infant in the house brings me back to this ground zero and reminds me of my frailty.

Just this morning, my third-born Curious George was found in the church kitchen many, many times and at least once he was turning the burners on. Note to self: continue to work tirelessly with Joshua on first-time obedience. My second son got in a fight with his buddy on the playground. Check, check: continue to work with Caleb on self-control. And my oldest, well he came home begging to play a game with me and reminded me we hadn't played one together in a few days (major guilt-horrible mom). Mental note: continue to remind Isaac to be content and grateful for we do play a game together most days (also remind myself that I do need to keep playing with him even when I'm tired.) Oh my goodness. And that was just this morning. I can't really keep up and even when I think I can, one of the boys throws me a curve ball.

But really, I'm not made to keep up. I can desire to do a good job and work hard but once I start thinking I'm so in control then I've crossed the legalism line and I'm putting on a show. God does want me to be diligent in my work and working hard for my family is a good thing. However, thinking that I'm pulling off my daily tasks is quite another. To be honest, if God wasn't giving me patience, grace and love, I'd be a pretty lousy mother no matter how spic and span my bathrooms are. I'd also be a horribly cold wife as well and no one wants to sleep with an icy, dripping faucet.

So what am I trying to say? I don't really know. Just that I'm finding myself in that same spot yet again...tired, needing help and behind on everything. But I've also come to understand, after many times now in this spot, that in time, I'll be able to pick myself back up, feel a bit more normal (as I get more sleep) and I will get the hang of things a bit someday. And maybe, through Elliana's arrival, I will learn to let go just a little bit more than I did before and grasp a hold of the joy God wants me to suck out of this sweet life He's given to me.

That's what having children does. I think a lot of women struggle in this way and when God gives us children, He uses them to kick our selfishness, legalism, greed and pride right out the window. So here's to being sanctified. I won't even try to fight it this time...well...at least not too much.

Reflections

The past ten days have been a bit of a whirlwind. Lots of family (helping of course), lots of nursing, lots of laughter and at times some tears. I just LOVE the hormone crash don't you?!! But really, things have shaped up quite nicely and the transition has not been as difficult as I anticipated. I was worried at first that I had another crazy baby on my hands (my second was really difficult for me and didn't sleep well at all) but once my milk came in, the little girl has hardly made a peep. The more days that pass the more I get to know her as well. I told my husband yesterday that I'm not really sure how I'm getting to know her when I hardly get to spend much time thinking about what she needs, but somehow, it's happening and by God's grace I'm learning some of her tricks. I'm hoping things continue to smooth out as the weeks fly by.

One of the things that has stuck with me since she was born is that life just keeps marching on. This has never been more apparent to me than in Elliana's incorporation into our family. Yes, we just welcomed our fourth child and yes, we're amazed still that we have FOUR! But, not counting the fact that we now have another little one living under our roof, things have pretty much continued business as usual. The boys still need to get outside and run off their energy. They still need attention, training, love and a special treat every once in awhile. They still need us just as much as they did before. The standards in our home haven't changed either and still need to be upheld. We've just added one more. I've been amazed at how quickly we've just fallen back into our life again. It's actually been quite comforting.

Of course we've had our share of mishaps, in case you think things have been near perfect or something...because they sure haven't even come close. Here's a recent example: yesterday I took the boys and Elliana for a little walk to get our mail from the school office. One thing that has been a bit difficult is getting all of their energy out on a daily basis because I can't physically walk miles right now so going on a bike ride or really anywhere that far from home is out of the question. By 11 am yesterday everyone was bouncing off the walls so off we went across the street for a little excursion. We got our mail and I told Isaac and Caleb to run three big laps around the school. They took off. Joshua was playing next to me and sitting on a picnic table bench. Before I knew it, he had fallen off the bench and hit his head on the gravel where he proceeded to get a little rock lodged in his head. And there was blood...lots of blood.

I couldn't pick him up due to the c-section and I was carrying the baby in the Moby as well on the front. So I literally dragged him home screaming. The older boys caught up soon enough. Once we were home, I realized that I couldn't pin him down to clean him up (he was pretty upset) due to my recent surgery and huge incision in my abdomen, so I quickly called my oldest child to my side and told him to go and get his Dad. I made sure to coach him before he left in what to say. I didn't want him bursting into Steve's class saying, "Dad!!!! Joshy's head is bleeding everywhere!!!" So I told him to go in quietly and say, "Dad if you could give your class a five minute break, that would be great because Mom needs you to come home and help her with Josh. He got a cut on his head." Later, Steve told me that he'd done just as I asked him to. Thank God. No need for a major alarm to be sounded in the middle of class. Just a quiet, SOS call that's all. Dad came home and saved the day. Isaac felt pretty big too. And Caleb helped me watch Josh and tried to comfort him with his blanket/elephant combo which he lovingly calls his "Doe". Don't ask me why.

So like I said, things haven't been boring or easy. Just mostly routine. And we've been having a lot of fun as well. We've been playing soccer in the back yard.

Making homemade ice cream on the Fourth of July. That was a lot of fun and surprisingly easy to make...even the custard part.

Toasting marshmallows and having s'mores after our Sabbath Dinner on Saturday. Don't worry...I didn't make dinner and it was all very simple. I'm so thankful that people are bringing us meals and I don't have to cook right now!! But it was still nice to all gather around the table and be together.

And Elliana...well, she's been sleeping, eating and pooping. And getting a few presents from her brothers now and then. What a lucky girl.

Elliana's Song

Baby woman, tiny in stature now
But your heart is a treasure



Little princess, come follow behind me now
I am reaching for you

Elliana...God has answered my prayers
Elliana...God will conquer my fears
To mother a daughter
To look you in the eye



To know that I have everything to walk with you in life
To give you to Jesus
That He would impart
The wisdom that I'm longing for to love your little heart
Elliana...God has answered my prayer



There will be others, to lead and to guide you girl
But only one you'll call mother
The honor is all mine, to show you what a woman's like
I'm so glad you're mine



Elliana...God has answered my prayers
Elliana...God will conquer my fears
To mother a daughter
To look you in the eye



To know that I have everything to walk with you in life
To give you to Jesus
That He would impart
The wisdom that I'm longing for to love your little heart
Elliana...God has answered my prayers

Oh the tenderness of God is twirling around in our living room tonight
Oh and lighten up your Daddy's eyes



And know he just wants to freeze you in time

Elliana...God will conquer our fears



To mother a daughter
To look you in the eye
To know that we have everything to walk with you in life
To give you to Jesus



That He would impart
The wisdom that we're longing for to love your little heart
Elliana...God has answered our prayers