looking back on the long winter

pulling inches and inches snow off the roof

It's March and the official first day of spring is just around the corner, which makes me sooo happy. I've been itching to start up my daily walk around the neighborhood, this time with a baby in tow. But we've still got heaps upon heaps of snow, and if you live anywhere near the Midwest, the weather/cold/snow is all anyone can talk about these days. When will the snow melt? When will the roads finally be clear of ice? When will it be above zero degrees? I've always sort of been of the mindset that if you're going to live in a state like Minnesota, you better be ready and able to handle winter. I try to not use complaining about the weather as small talk or a conversation starter. But if there was ever a winter to talk about, this one would be it. It has been one of the coldest and snowiest that I can remember, and we've broken all sorts of cold and snow records. But it's winters like this that make us hardy. It's winters like this that make us appreciate the fresh air of spring that much more. Yes, it's been long, but being stuck inside with a new baby isn't the worst thing and I will look back on this crazy winter and remember…

rocking my brand new baby to sleep at 2am by the warmth of the fireplace
sleeping in the downstairs guest bedroom for the first month after Jack was born
piling more blankets than any other time
nursing Jack in his cozy nursery and watching the chickadees on the leafless lilac bush
wearing snow boots almost every time I left the house
not leaving the house for 4 or 5 days on several occasions
watching Tim shovel the driveway countless times
taking a walk on the one above-freezing day
falling asleep the moment my head hit the pillow at night
learning to cherish Jack's 4am feeding, when everything is quiet and cozy
finding a new routine
seeing the thermometer dip to -30 degrees actual temperature
learning that the top of Jack's head is oh so kissable

blessings and worship and a baby

Oh hello, little blog! So glad you're still here after my 8 week hiatus due to a cute little somebody coming into our lives. It has been the happiest/craziest/hardest/most exhausting 8 weeks I've ever experienced, and I knew it would be but you never truly know and understand until your in the trenches of pain, 2 am feedings, worry, puke, and diapers. But more on all that later…

It is a balmy -21 degrees with a windchill of -47 degrees today. The fireplace is roaring and Jack and I are preparing to have a long snuggle/nap session this afternoon to the tune of The Office and fleece blankets. I've already eaten breakfast, showered, and nursed Jack, who is now snoozing in his swing, so I'm feeling particularly productive and cozy on this Monday morning. Just within the past week, Jack is starting to get into a little routine and I've been able to count on things like eating, quiet time, naps, and checking my email. It's been awesome, and something I am not taking for granted! I read this this morning in "My Utmost for His Highest":

Worship is giving God the best that He has given you. Be careful what you do with the best you have. Whenever you get a blessing from God, give it back to Him as a love gift. Take time to meditate before God and offer the blessing back to Him in a deliberate act of worship. If you hoard a thing for yourself, it will turn into spiritual dry rot, as the manna did when it was hoarded. God will never let you hold a spiritual thing for yourself, it has to be given back to Him that He may make it a blessing to others.

I couldn't help but think that the blessing the text talked about was this new little life God has given us. We must commit him and his life to the Lord so He can do great things through Jack.Yes, as a mother I'd love to keep him under my wing of protection to shield him from the hurt, pain, and trials of this world, but as parents we are commanded to dedicate our child to God, the one who gave us this blessing in the first place.

I am so amazed at how much joy and pride my baby brings me. I honestly think he is the cutest baby boy I've ever seen. :) And yes, for the first few weeks, he didn't do much except eat, sleep, poop, and cry. But just within the past week or so, he's started cracking smiles, cooing, and showing us how strong he is with his crazy kicking. It's crazy how much my heart bursts when he looks up at me and cracks a little side grin and then lets out a little gurgle. I have LOVED the newborn stage where it's all about a tiny, cuddly baby, but I'm so excited for this next phase of development - when he's still small and cuddly, but also so smiley and responsive. Love it!

the weather outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful! What we've had today is good old fashioned Minnesota snow that's about to turn into a sub-zero blizzard once the winds pick up. And if you ask me, blizzards and snow storms are the perfect ingredients for cozy Sunday afternoon. We've been watching the snow fly all day, and have accumulated almost a foot of snow since the middle of the night. As I'm writing this, Tim is in his element - outside, shoveling our driveway for the 3rd time today.

Days like today always make me feel good and hearty, like I'm experiencing (and enjoying!) something few people could handle or appreciate. And I love knowing that my family and friends are tucked away in various warm houses, piled under quilts, and enjoying things like baking and new babies. It's so comforting.

Today, the Miller house has looked like this:

the snow continues to pile up high

wrapping up gifts

naps by the fire

shoveling snow sans snow blower

a hot-off-the-stove lunch

We will attempt to venture outside one more time for Bible study tonight, and then be tucked in later thankful for the blessings that surround us and keep us warm on a day like today.