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4.30.2009

The Sun Will Come Up, Tomorrow...

Today was one of those days, when an ordinary moment, suddenly makes you stop in your tracks and takes your breath away.  We're on the eve of Ava turning 2 weeks old and I cannot believe how quickly time seems to be flying.  Although it's only been 2 weeks, I already feel like life can very easily be divided into 2 major catagories; life before and after Ava :) This 7 lb little darling has changed everything with her entrance into our lives and into our hearts.  She is the gift we wake up to, the reward we hold in our arms, the prize at the end of the day.  Our hearts can hardly begin to take all of her in, but we are so thankful that we get to try.  

Tonight we took her to a middle school play at a local school where some of our students attend.  We go every year to their school play because we usually have several students involved and we love to show up and support them.  This year they performed the musical, Annie.  I love the story of Annie and watching them perform it, reminded me of how much I love the movie.  We always enjoy a junior high play because it's totally unpredictable, usually awkward and full of funny little moments :) Tonight did not disappoint.  As it was wrapping up, I was standing in the back of the auditorium, holding Ava when the final scene began.  Ava was a little angel, staring wide-eyed through the majority of the play and not making a peep.  As I stood there holding her, the kids started singing the famous anthem of little orphan Annie...

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!

I stood there and heard those words as if for the first time.  What a familiar song and yet in that ordinary moment, a profound one.  I found myself singing along and thinking back to just one year ago, when my heart longed for a child and hurt in the wait.  And now, just one year later, I was holding perfection in my arms.  Yes, when the days were gray and lonely, the sun still came up.  I didn't miss the significance of that simple little song in that moment and I thought about all the friends I know, who are trying to hang on, waiting on the sun to come up.  My little Ava's face is my reminder now that no matter how hopeless it seems, the sun will come up tomorrow...
And oh how I love this face :) 
Waking up is awfully hard to do, no matter if the sun is up or not!
These early morning snuggles are my favorite part of the day.
When this little face reminds me of God's incredible grace.  


Here's that little sweetie in her new dress from her Aunt Katy.  Don't you love that red hair??
Despite the obvious, she really did like it Katy!!
But her pacifier sure helped her like it more :) 
And then she pretended to fall asleep so I'd stop taking her picture!
Before we went to the play, we made an important stop first.  We went to visit my little guys that I nanny for.  They were so excited to meet this mystery baby they've been asking about for months!
Oh the wonder of a little baby...
She did great, but she wiggled around a little bit too :) 
I love this picture.  Someone was very proud of himself holding her!
And she happily cooperated.  
Is this a cute one or what??
Trav's Mom took us out for dinner.
And Ava graciously slept until I finished my meal.
My goodness I love this little sweetie!
For all of you who are barely hanging on, just remember...

"The sun will come up tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun!"

I mean after all, can't you see the sunshine in this face??  

15 comments:

Melissa said...

thank you for the encouraging post! i love that you allow God to show through your life.
and your little angel is so adorable. you guys are blessed.

Framed by Grace said...

Thanks for this post!

Jordan said...

I love Annie! It's always been one of my favorites. Love the pictures of Ava, she is so darn cute! :)

petrii said...

Stephanie,
How awesome this little sweetie pie is!!! She is so adorable. I can remember the waiting. It hurt so much sometimes, but God is so good and you are right, the sun comes out!! Praise the Lord!!!!!

Love you friend,
Dawn

Rebecca Jo said...

I love her little feet... she stretchs them, doesnt she!!!

Katie Spinks said...

thanks for the encouragement and reminder it was truly needed

Amanda Hoyt said...

Thank you for your encouragement, Stephanie.
Ava is truly a beautiful miracle from Above.
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda

bcl said...

Thanks for this post. I really needed to be reminded of that! Would you consider letting me tell your story (at my Infertility support group at church) of what you went through prior to Ava and how it changed your walk with God, etc? I know you are very busy tending to your sweetheart but if you could take a little time out to e-mail me your story I'd really appreciate it. We all could use a little hope! Or, if you are planning a visit to Naples maybe you would be willing to come give your testimony in person? Let me know what you think please! :)

The France Family said...

She is so beautiful! What an amazing blessing!!

Oh and I love Annie!!! :)

Erin said...

Very Cute pictures! You should allow me to do a free photo shoot of her and the family??!?!?!

Anonymous said...

Cute dress Kate! Peggy

Kelsey said...

I stumbled across your blog and just wanted to say that you little girl is gorgeous! I love how you said that life can now be divided into two categories: before and after her birth. How sweet. :)

Jennifer said...

those itty bitty toes....just precious!

MiMi said...

Yes I DO love that red hair! She is so adorable! Wish I could just kiss those little cheeks!

Anonymous said...

Worthy of another long look. And just look at those chicken legs! Peggy