Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work I go!

Thank you to those of you who have been praying for my work situation. After much prayer, David and I felt the Lord clearly telling us to walk away from the proposed contract with the urgent care (see previous post). This was quite a step of faith because there was nothing to walk toward, as we walked away from the contract. However, things have worked out nicely. I have the opportunity to moonlight (work as needed - like a "substitute doctor") for that same practice and probably for a few other practices as well. So, as long as there is work available, I can basically work when and where I want. Perfect! I have a few short evening shifts and two half-Saturdays to work in October - roughly 4 hours per week. I am SO GRATEFUL!!!! I really do look forward to working a little bit here and there, but I am not ready to be away from Laura for any length of time (although she'll be in GREAT hands with Oma/Pap and Mam/Grandad). It is such a SWEET season to be able to be with her 24 hours a day to nurture and care for her. I am having so much fun being a mommy - probably the richest season of my entire life. How grateful I am for the privilege of raising this little girl!

So, I'll continue moonlighting until God provides a very clear open door for permanent part-time employment. It would still be nice to have stable employment, especially these days. However, it is always a good thing to walk in faith, knowing that everything we have comes from the hand of the Lord. Again, David has done a wonderful job walking us through this, reminding me of God's faithfulness every step of the way. Have I mentioned how much I love my husband? He is a gift, indeed.

Laura turned three months this week. I can hardly believe it. This week, her hands have "found" each other. She often clasps them in front of her and it's incredibly cute. Her feet have also "found" each other. She loves to blow raspberries and make funny grunting noises. She sounds like a little old man many days. Where have all the cute coos gone? :) She also likes to kick and flail her arms (violently!) and then she stops abruptly, smiles, and looks at me for praise. It's precious! Modesty is no issue for her these days. She has learned to grab her dresses with both hands and pull them up to her mouth to chew on. Hello, belly button!


That's all for now - my eyelids are heavy and it's time for sleep... at least for a few hours. Laura has been waking up two times a night lately. I don't mind... I treasure this short season of late-night cuddles. Funny though, David said the other night that it seemed I was out of the bedroom everytime he woke up. I only fed Laura twice that night (I usually go to the living room to nurse her, so as not to wake him).... I must have fallen asleep for at least an hour during one of our nursing sessions. Who knew? (By the way, I sit up when I nurse her on the couch, so we both must have been quite a sight!) Oh, it's so much fun being a mommy. :)

This is one of her arm flailing episodes caught on film. :) Note the look of sheer determination.

Hello, belly button!

This one's for you, Aunt Julie! Thanks for the cute outfit!

This is Laura's friend, Addyson, at her first birthday party. Too cute!!!

I love my baby girl...

Gratitude

Things have been a little crazy around here... mostly good, but certainly some ups and downs. I was thinking about the uncertainties in our life today and then I began to recount the MANY things God has done for me over the past few years. There is something about gratitude that seems to chase away fear/uncertainty/sorrow. I am so grateful to the Lord that He has provided us with His Spirit to remind us of such truth.

Thank you, Lord, for:

- my salvation in Christ!

- the Holy Spirit that reminds us of God's sweet promises

- My husband! (I wasn't sure if I would ever marry, yet God provided me with an amazing, Godly man who loves and cares for me)

- My sweet baby girl. I hoped, but never assumed, that I would have children and now I have the JOY and PRIVILEGE of loving my little one every day. She is healthy, beautiful, and a delight!

- My fantastic step-kids. Drayton and Makenzie are so loving and respectful and have adjusted to life with Laura beautifully. They are a gift!

- My wonderful family - parents, in-laws, siblings... they're all wonderful! I'm so glad we get to see them often.

- My church(es) - I am so grateful for my current church, Catalyst, and the prior churches that have had such an impact on my walk with the Lord.

- My friends - I have wonderful, supportive friends here in Charlotte and many sweet friends that are miles away.

- My career training - I love being a physician and I'm so grateful that God has given me the privilege to receive training that enables me to care for people physically and the opportunity to care for people spiritually as well.

Things I am trusting God for:

- A job - For those of you who may not know, I lost my job when Laura was 5 days old. Our clinic was not profitable and they closed that particular location. We still haven't found another opportunity that we think would be a good fit for our family. We're trusting the Lord to provide another job for me and to provide for us financially until that happens. David continues to remind me to wait on the Lord. He is faithful to speak and to lead us according to His perfect plan.

- Our church - David and I are part of a church plant here in Charlotte that has been going through some challenging times lately. We're trusting God to use it for His glory and for the sake of those people in our neighborhood who need to hear the Gospel.

- Laura - I used to be fairly non-chalant about childhood illnesses as I encountered them in my practice. All kids get sick, right? Now, as a mom, I find that I am more fearful of those illnesses that used to seem so benign. I can't imagine what it will be like to comfort my little girl through coughs and colds. :) I'm trusting the Lord to shepherd me as I care for her.

- My friends - I have several friends that are going through significant trials. I'm trusting the Lord to comfort them, protect them, and to teach me how to best care for them during difficult times.

I welcome your prayers as well in these areas. Thanks for joining with me to trust God to do immeasurably beyond what we can ask or imagine. He is able!

Laura went for her first dip in the pool!


We're not really sure if she liked it. She didn't cry, so we're assuming she didn't hate it. :)

David giving her a bottle by the pool. We had gone for a motorcycle ride earlier in the day so I brought a few bottles of my milk to give her while we were away and we had one left over. I don't enjoy pumping all that much, so I didn't want to waste it! :)

All snuggy again in her cozy beach blanket.

Oh. My. Word.

I just LOVE being this little girl's Mommy!!!

Thank you, Lord....

Recipes

Below are two recipes that I recently made. They are great for using up those end of the summer veggies. We really enjoyed the oven roasted tomatoes and zucchini with salmon and cous cous. Enjoy!!

Roasted Garlic Zucchini and Tomatoes
2 zucchini cut in half lengthwise, then into 1/2 inch half moons
2 cups quartered ripe tomatoes
1/2 onion, minced (I didn't actually use this)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1/4 c. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1 tbsp fresh basil

Heat oven to 450. Lightly grease 9x13 pan. Combine zucchini, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper in baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Roast until veggies are tender and slightly golden, about 18 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan and basil.

I actually put salmon fillets right in the dish with the veggies and roasted it all. I served the salmon over cous cous and it was a really nice meal.



Chicken Italian in Foil
2 large potatoes
1/4 tsp salt
2 green peppers, sliced
2 tomatoes cut in wedges
4 boneless chicken breasts
salad oil
4 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp oregano
2 tbsp butter, melted

Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1/8" slices and place on 8x12" double layer of foil. sprinkle with salt. Add peppers and tomatoes. Lay the chicken on top of veggies and brush with oil. Mix ketchup, butter, oregano and pour over chicken. Wrap securely. Bake or grill until tender (1 hour bake at 400, 30 minutes grill).

Odds and Ends...and two month stats

David and I had a chance to get "all gussied up" :) to go to a wedding last weekend. David's friend from high school got married and asked him to be the officiant of the ceremony.

Adam and Lori were married at The Lakes in Kannapolis. It was a delightful day for a wedding! David gave an excellent message based on Philippians 2 - love one another as you love yourself. I'm so proud of him! I know the message was an encouragement to Adam and Lori and we hope to continue to build a friendship with them as they grow together in marriage.

I love this photo because it's not often that Laura is content to sleep in our arms. She actually sleeps much better when she is in her bassinet. Oh, I love to hold her, though! She's so snuggly!

I couldn't possibly love her more! Thanks, Aunt Crystal, for the sweet outfit... gaucho pants just like Mommy's!

Two month stats:

Laura had her two month well child check today (although she is actually 10 weeks old...we had to reschedule her original appointment)

Weight: 12lb 4 oz (95th percentile) Atta girl!!!!!

Length: 22 1/2 inches (50th percentile)

She had her first series of immunizations and, so far, is doing quite well. She's been cheerful today and doesn't seem to be bothered by it.

I saw this beautiful dragon fly at the wedding. I marvel at God's creativity. There is such beauty in His creation!!

NC Doty vs. Fluffy Dog

Plaintiff: Laura Madeline Doty

Defendant: Winston C. Kerlin

Defendant was specifically instructed not to play with the plaintiff's toys, specifically the green King Frog. The King Frog was placed on the countertop when the Plaintiff left to run errands with Mommy.
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Exhibit A

Upon returning home, King Frog was found lying in the middle of the foyer floor. Defendant blatantly denies any involvement in the case.

Exhibit B

Ruling: You be the judge.