6.01.2008

New Achievements!

Today was a special day, because today was Grace's first time in church! Now, we realize that some of you may think it was dumb of us to go to church...but, take comfort in knowing that Topher and I are not completely dense. ;) We prayed about it and both felt really good about the decision.
That being said, we only took her to Sacrament Meeting, we kept her in her stroller, didn't let anyone touch her, and left very shortly after the meeting was over.
She was SO wonderful for the entire thing!! She never uttered so much as a whimper. In fact, she slept through most of it and for the parts she was awake, she contentedly sucked on her binky.
A few people like my relief society president and visiting teachers came over afterwards and admired her from a distance, everyone was ofcourse smitten with her!! ;) But it truly was a such a wonderful experience to have us in church TOGETHER. Topher and I haven't been very good at making it by ourselves since she's come home and we had felt like we'd been spiritually starving. Hearing the testimonies of our fellow ward members was just what we needed to get us through another week.
Also, a new development, Grace has started smiling! The Pediatrician was actually worried about her at our last appointment because she wasn't ever smiling at us!! But then, about two days later, she started smiling a LOT more frequently. Now, I'm not saying she's the happiest baby now, cuz she definitely still scowls more than smiles, but those few extra smiles every day are so wonderful and make every difficult moment with her so very worth it!
I also want to bear my testimony, even if only for me, that I am so grateful for this gospel. The lyrics to a special Primary song have stuck in my mind the past few days and express how I have felt:

"Whenever I hear the song of a bird, or look at the blue, blue sky...
Whenever I feel the rain on my face or the wind as it rushes by...
Whenever I touch a velvet rose, or walk by a lilac tree, I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world...Heavenly Father created for me.
He gave me my eyes, that I might see the color of butterfly wings. He gave me my ears that I might hear the magical sound of things. He gave me my life, my mind my heart, I thank him reverently. For all his creations of which I'm a part. Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me."

I am so grateful for everything he has given me and everything he has blessed me with. I'm so grateful for the knowledge that his hand is in all things and that he is constantly keeping a fervent watch over me, my loved ones and especially my little Grace. I feel so blessed to have her in my life. I never realized such love was possible, and it is only more overwhelming to imagine the love my Father in Heaven has for her. I'm so grateful for the time I have been blessed to have with her and pray that I will continue to be grateful for every extra day.
I'm thankful for each cry she utters, becaue she is able to feel happiness and pain and express each one. I'm grateful for each feed, each diaper, because I get to be the one serving her instead of relying on a nurse. I'm grateful for the recognition she has begun to show in her eyes when she looks at me and her Daddy. I'm grateful for each smile and anxious for many more. I'm grateful for her in every way. She is my sweet miracle.
And I am also so very grateful for each of you. For the part that you have played in comforting us and offering help in any way. I know Heavenly Father has worked his miracles through each of you and your prayers and fasting for us.
Thank you so very much for your faith and prayers in our behalf. We pray his blessings upon all of you for your love and support.
I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and a wonderful new week.

15 comments:

kalani said...

I am so glad to hear that she is doing so well. I love the smiles, they are priceless. She is really looking great. I am also glad that you were able to make it to fast and testimony meeting. I know how hard it is to be cooped up in your house for so long and not getting that spiritual uplifting we all need so much. I would love to see more pictures of that beautiful baby.
We all love you here.

princess jen said...

She has the sweetest smiles! I'm so glad we got to go out on a date with you guys last night. Even if the movie was TOTALLY lame, it was so fun to hang out with you guys again.

Mythreesons said...

I have been STARVED for recent Gracey pictures and you finally put some up and she's even smiling! They are just the sweetest little pictures ever, Bug. Thank you for sharing your testimony, too... what a sweet and thoughtful blog post. You are always in our prayers and Jaxon always prays that she'll get her heart... even at dinner! We love you guys!

Lady of the Rings said...

I can hardly wait for next weekend when we get to see you all. A smiling Grace... that will be the best. And you two little apostates made it to church. That's great. When something gets harder, we end up treasuring it much more. You are always in our prayers, and I think we are witnessing a slow miracle. May it continue and get even better. Love you all.

Sara and Company said...

It is amazing how a little smile can get you through another day....She is beautiful!

The Simmons Family said...

I love that you all went to church together... how great a feeling and I'm sure Gracey felt the spirit too...it's probably why she was so calm and relaxed!

Her smiles are precious and even though they are few and grimaces between... they will become more and more frequent as she grows and feels better.

Andrea

Super Daysh said...

That was a sweet blog. She is so beautiful, that little Gracey! Love her to pieces already!! I'm glad that she is smiling more at you and making you feel more loved (either that or she thinks you look funny). She really is so cute and we are so grateful to have her in our family too! Thanks for the sweet blog and your testimony - it was really sweet.

Liz said...

you are amazing alysia. you were my role model as a kid and you still are. i can't believe we're the same age basically but you are worlds ahead of me when it comes to being a grown up. :) love ya girly.

Ryan & Brytten Pettit said...

I too think of that song and now I have changed that line to " He gave me the doctors to fix my heart" That's just our little twist on it and I almost cry everytime I sing it. Don't let anyone judge you for your choices, you are her mother and mother's know best.
LOL- Bryten

Lauren K said...

Look at that smile!!! I'm so glad you were able to take her, and good job keeping people at a distance. That in and of itself is an accomplishment worth mentioning! Love you much Ally!

kristen said...

she is such a sweetie! this gospel is so amazing and it does work miracles in our lives. Thanks for sharing your testimony with us and we will continue to pray for you and little Gracie. We love you!

Sara and Company said...

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you. Hope you are doing well. Love you!

M&M factory said...

Every time I read your blog I cry, and it is not necissarily because of Grace but because you express yourself so wonderfully with your gratitude and testimony. We each need to hear others testimonies and it is great that there are as many wonderful things to read on line as all the bad that you hear about. We love you and pray for you, we hope that you can always have the strong testimony that you do and the positive outlook on life.

Anonymous said...

Howdy!
I have read this blog so many times and have not commented for lack of time. I love to look at my little great grand-daughter. She is such a beauty. Your testimony made my cry. You two are such an example of faith. I am so very happy you chose to marry our Toph. It has always made me feel so special that Toph told you that you reminded him of me. I only hope to be at least half as perky and upbeat as you are. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Grandma Ann Marie

Anonymous said...

Hi Topher and Buggy,
I've finally had time to check up your blog and I am so glad that Lil' Grace is doing so well!! I'm sure it is because of all the tender loving care she is getting from her parents. Thanks for sharing your sweet testimony, it was from your heart and I felt privilaged to read it. Stay happy and know that you are in our prayers.
Shannon Chase
P.S. we SOOOO miss you at work!!!