I think she’s more like 12 pounds now, but Tanner continues to teach me things everyday. I’m still astounded by the creativity and craftsmanship the Lord demonstrated in making her so perfectly…frequently I just marvel at her beauty. Also, since she’s the Lord’s child, made in His image, I can’t think of a better way to honor Him than by caring for her the best I can, which is awesome! It’s my joy…for real. More things I’ve learned:

Sometimes when Tanner’s upset, she just needs to hear my voice. The same is true with us and God. [John 10:27] [Isaiah 30:21]

I wish I could take pain for her. When Tanner had to get an IV after she was born it made me so upset…I would have done anything for them to stick me instead of her. I can’t imagine how much it pained Jesus to watch us living in sin…to the point he took death for us on the cross. [2 Corinthians 5:21] [1 John 2:2] [Romans 5:8]

Though I want her to be happy, if she wants to cry all day I still want to listen. [Isaiah 61:1-3] [Hebrews 4:14-16] [1 John 5:14-15] [Psalm 34:17-19] [Jeremiah 29:13]

I just want to hold her. (yes, she’s spoiled; it’s my fault, and I don’t regret it for a second!) The Lord just wants to hold us. He wants us to sit still at his throne and spend time with him through prayer, worship, reading, and silence. [Luke 10:38-42] [Psalm 51:17] [Mark 1:35] [Micah 6:8]

I love when she loves me. Granted, that statement could easily be misunderstood…it drives me nuts when parents lets their kids do whatever they want to buy their love…but when Tanner lays her head on my chest, makes sustained eye contact with me, and snuggles her little body up next to me if I lay her on the bed, I know she loves me. I think the Lord wants us to do that with him as well. Jesus said loving God is the first and greatest commandment. [Matthew 22:36-40] God repeatedly asked the Israelites to love him by walking in His ways and serving Him with everything they were…
I also love how Deuteronomy 11:22 says to “hold fast to him.” [Deuteronomy 10:12] [Deuteronomy 11]

In conclusion, I didn’t know I could love someone so much.
In fact, having Tanner has made me love Katelynn more.
I am so thankful to Jesus for my family…being with them makes me feel fully alive! [Romans 8:38-39] [John 10:10]