Easter

This was such a special first Easter for the Walkers.  We had an intimate "Maunday Thursday" time with close friends at the Deese household.  It was their idea - just a few friends and some reading of the scripture, then the Lord's supper.  It was a very sweet (albeit noisy, thanks to our kiddos) time to stop and remember what Easter is all about.  I wish just one of us had thought to take pictures!

I did have the afternoon off, so I got to do some baking AND be creative - two things I haven't done in a long time!

Lee was off Saturday (his last of only FOUR total days off in March)!  We were so thankful to have him home, and Esther and I got up early to surprise him with breakfast and his easter basket:

We spent the rest of the day relaxing and just enjoying his being home.  (We may have even ALL taken naps!!)

Lee had to work Sunday, so Esther and I headed off to church early enough to keep the nursery for the 8am service.  Esther decided to show up in her pj's and get her fancy clothes on later...

Mom made the bonnet and gifted baby girl with the bracelet.  And the dress, come to think of it.  She was so sweet!  Our church hosted a breakfast/family picture time between services, and I'm not sure I've ever seen Mittie Kay so proud!

Even though Lee wasn't with us, we did get to spend Easter with our family, the Renicks!  I absolutely LOVE that I get to go to church with my sister and her family!  We went to their house for lunch after church, and watched them open easter baskets.

 

Again, we have so many things to be thankful for.  Not only for our family, friends, and community, but also that we can worship WITH so many people and celebrate our living Christ.  He died.  He was buried.  He rose from the grave.  And He lives in us.  

Stash Bash

So I can get these pics up...we hosted a baby shower for Karla and baby Abe last month.  My aunt Marcia was our generous hostess, and Robin came up with the very clever "Stash Bash" theme.  It was a brunch, so we had the BEST kind of foods, and a candy bar with all of Karla's favorites.  Robin did ALL the cute cutout decorations, and Karla had some wonderful time with her friends and family. 

ps. Pinterest would have been proud - most our ideas came from their site!

 

Esther at Six (and 1/2) Months

At our last dr. visit, "Esserkins" weighed in at 19 lbs and measured 22".  Our baby girl is a CHUNK!  I love all her fat rolls!

 

 

During the day, she divides her time at Gigi's house - where she gets aaalll the attention, and Robin's house - where she gets entertained all day.  She doesn't have any complaints. 

I'm so excited that Esther and Lyza Claire will be in the same class! 

 

When Lee gets home (and after girlie is fed), he is very intentional about reading with Esther.  She follows where he points and looks intently at the pictures.  She wants to hold the book and turn the pages herself...I love seeing her independence come through already! 

 

I, on the other hand, am only intentional about snuggle time!  I cherish the few hours at home with Esther before she goes to bed. She is sometimes tired, which means she gets real snuggly.  I love it. We usually start out like this, and end up both asleep on the couch with Lee studying at the other end:

 

Despite her voracious appetitie, this baby girl doesn't have a single tooth popping through!  She drools a little and puts EVERYTHING in her mouth...but no sign of teeth.  I'm ok with that.  The faster she reaches growth markers, the quicker she's no longer a baby.  

 

I mentioned to a friend recently that I love where our family is in life right now.  Lee is at the beginning of his career training, so he enjoys what he does all day.  I like my job, too.  We are in a tiny house with old (but paid for!) cars, but finally at a point where we can afford to save.  We have a beautiful, healthy baby girl who makes us laugh all the time.  We are surrounded by loving friends and family, and in the middle of an exciting time at church.  God has been so good to us.  We certainly are undeserving, but so very very grateful. 

Walkin' through 2012

2012 was a big year for the Lee Walker family.  I love thinking about it. And so I love sharing it.  here are the highlights.

 

December 30 of 2011, we found out about baby Esther!  We spent the first few days of the new year telling everyone.

 

I had a VERY special reunion with my college girl friends and all the youngun's!  I got to announce my pregnancy and have some special time with sweet friends!  (sorry about cutting Miriam out of the pic, Corrie!)

 

At the beginning of March, my sweet niece Lyza Claire was born. She was the beginning of so many special births this year (Charlie, Henry, Ro, Finley and Isaac)!

 

Almost at the same time, the Renicks moved to Clinton.  They are just one street over, and we LOVE being so close to Jay, Edi, Tessa Kate, LC, Robin and Nathan!!

 

Just after LC's birth was Match Day for Lee.  (We alre

ady knew, but got to particupate in the ceremony.) 

 

March was fun and fast, with baby showers for friends, more babies, preparations for our own addition...I was ready!

 

April was very fun, bringing a wonderful vacation to Boston and surrounding areas.  It was great to have some time to ourselves, free from concern and responsibility.  I LOVE a vacation!

May was a BIG month.  Lee graduated! He walked in his fancy medical robe, took his oath, and got his white coat with his name on it as M.D.  It was a BIG month. 

I grew and grew...(my coworker though we could be twins...he needs to eat a basketball!)

Lee ran his first marathon!  He and Eric ran a homemade marathon, complete with shirts and goody bags...and lots of support!

We prepared for baby girl...and made space in our home and lives.

And then Lee and I had one more night as a family of two.

And then our lives changed...Esther Kay was born!

 

It (labor, birth, medical care, family and friends surrounding us) was such a wonderful experience, I think this probably says it all...

She has done nothing but bring happiness to our house.

In October, Esther was dedicated at church.  Almost all of our family was there, and Esther was in very fancy church clothes:

I win the "last minute idea of the year" award for our Halloween ensemble...she's our first aid kit:

Thanksgiving was a special time, with both my siblings in town!  We even had a very special time with Karla and Joel, who announced they're expecting a boy in April!!

 

The Christmas season was filled with events that were so much more special this year with Esther.  We enjoyed the Christmas parade with close friends (and their own new additions!),

 

We picked out a special "first" Christmas tree,

 

Esther sat on Santa's lap and just stared at him...next year may be very different...

 

2012 was a wonderful year!  It was eventful in ways we didn't expect, and in ways we've been waiting for and working towards for years.  We have been so blessed to see lives changed by God's grace and generousity. We are thankful for all he has given us - from friends and family, to jobs we like, even our cars that are still running (we just crossed 300,000 miles in the maxima!).  God has been good to us, and we give Him praise for all His gifts.