A big day for Sara

Of course, when Sara was born, my mind was overwhelmed (once all the medication wore off) with questions about "How is she going to_______?"  I remember distinctly that my first grief was for bike riding.  I think it was because of the time in our lives when Anna and Ryan were constantly riding their bikes around the neighborhood, so that was the first thing I thought about.  It wasn't until a day or two later that I started to wonder about more practical things like eating...writing...driving...toileting...  That's when an overwhelming fear set in--that I (to this day) squelch with the promise of peace that surpasses all understanding for those who are in Christ Jesus and are called according to His purpose.  (That's me.)  His promises are true.  Not that our life is easy or carefree by any means, but that One who is greater than the world dwells among us and offers peace for my restless heart and mind.  My peace is found by taking each day as it comes and focusing on the next thing, rather than worrying about months or years down the road.

Moving on too the exciting news:

Today, unexpectedly, Sara learned to swim!  Without a lifejacket!  Of course, the ONE day I decided not to bring my phone (because I had to get in the pool with Sara), she learned to swim!  We forgot to bring her lifejacket to the pool.  She cried all the way there but I felt it was unnecessary to go back to get it because I had to be in the pool with her anyway.  After about a half hour, I got cold and sat on the edge of the pool.  Sara started practicing by jumping off the step and kicking ferociously until she started to sink and then she would stand up (she could reach the bottom in the 3 ft area) and walk back to the steps and try again...and again...and again...and then one time it clicked and off she went without sinking!  Easily discouraged, she is not!  By the end of the day she was swimming on her side and on her back...a little fish!

I can't wait to capture it on video!  I'm so bummed I didn't get to capture her "first time" but the second time will be just as special, I'm sure.  It was an early night for a certain someone—certainly no complaints when it was time to go to bed!

Since I don't have any photos of her swimming yet, I'll just share some of her being silly the other day in the front yard.

These were taken with Nikon D300, lens-85mm f1.4, set at 1.8.  Photos were processed in Lightroom.  After months of toiling, I decided to purchase some presets from One Willow.  I have to say, I have not been disappointed.  My work flow has sped up considerably, I felt like it was good bang for my buck, and I am please with the creativity of the presets.