Kelli Trontel

It’s amazing how much a baby can change our perspective on life and relationships. When I sat down to write out a Mothers Day card for my mom this year….I couldn’t hold back the tears. So much thankfulness and appreciation came flooding out- like never before. I am just now getting a glimpse into all that she has done for me and how much she loves me…..life is incredible this way.

The best part of this Mothers Day weekend was having Pastor Levi dedicate Ezra. I have witnessed many baby dedications….and it really was a special moment for me. I couldn’t believe that it was my turn…..that it was Reed and I standing there with our son….thanking the Lord for our sweet baby and dedicating him in front of our church. A moment hidden in my heart forever. Many of my family and friends couldn’t be here for the dedication, but my friend Eric sent this video clip to me this week- so you can watch it below!

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the role of MOTHERHOOD. What a huge responsibility we have….once a mom, always a mom. Forever. Our job is never done. I know that I can not do this on my own and I am thankful to have an amazing God with a Grace that never runs out…..and sweet girlfriends who have walked this new season of motherhood closely by my side [whether in person or phone calls].

It’s incredible to think that the Lord knew Ezra before he ever began forming in my womb. He loves Ezra and has a plan for his life. We named Ezra with intention…..his name means ‘Gods Help” and we are believing this on so many levels. Ezra already has a love for people. He is full of joy. His smile is contagious. We believe without a doubt that people will be drawn to Ezra- for these strong characteristics will be used to change the world, for Gods glory!

////Mothers Day gift
I’ve been wanting this bracelet for a while now, and I was super excited to be given this from Reed for my 1st Mothers Day. SO special.

This past weekend we drove out to the cabin to pick up the boat- to get it summerized- to get it ready for hours out on the lake. You know, we live for days like this….when the sun is out and we put away the Northface jackets and Sorel boots!

It was just the three of us out there this weekend. It was our first drive back since last summer. I was quickly reminded of our time out there last September…..when Ezra was just a teeny tiny babe. I do love that he’s a little bigger now…..and all about exploring and playing in the grass. He loves to roam around…..He will love the cabin. No doubt.

We are in between seasons right now…..the snow is melting on the tops of the mountains, while the warmer weather begins to heat up the lake! For now……it’s quiet out on the water, but not for long…..

Ezra got to meet his great aunt and great uncle last week! I love moments like these. So thankful for days like these ones.

I absolutely love where we live…and we understand that it’s not an easy place to visit. We’ve had family visit on and off since Ezra was born, but it’s really sweet to see family meet him for the first time. I love my aunt and uncle….and I loved that this trip happened for them.

Aunt Lauren could get Ezra to do his “silly face” on demand….too funny! Glad we captured it in these photos- priceless!

We love you Dirk & Lauren!
xoxo

If anyone finds the pause button….please send it over to me.

MY BABY IS NINE MONTHS OLD!! He’s got 8 teeth, he’s crawling like crazy and we are sharing meals these days! WHAT?!? Yep, Ezra loves food- fruits, veggies and water…..lots of water [out of the glass!].

Oh, and it’s almost impossible to take a photo of him that is in focus…..momma’s got to be quick! So, needless to say….no more laying baby down and taking as many shots as I’d like, while he smiles up at me. HA! Random objects will most likely accompany my son in future photos- kinda like the lens cap and piece of paper in the images below. I also loved how Ezra turned his back on the camera for a second….thank goodness it was only a moment and smiles returned! Whew!

A few new adventures this month:

1. TWO MORE TEETH! [8 total]
2. You mastered CRAWLING….and you’re picking up speed!
3. You can STAND UP! You are pulling yourself up on anything and everything these days!
4. You went on your very first airplane ride [Southwest Airlines to Skull Church Albuquerque] !!

Ezra, you make this really funny face these days. You have mommy and daddy laughing- constantly. We love our mornings with you….you wake up smiling and ready to start your day [even though our alarms would allow us to sleep an extra hour longer]! You have such a joyful spirit about you and that is so refreshing to us. Our prayer is that people will continue to be drawn to you so you can share the heart of Jesus with the world. We love you more than you’ll ever know…..

Love, momma & daddy

There are so many cute leggings for girls out there, but its a little harder to find them for the boys. I have certainly found [and purchased] cute leggings on Etsy and Instagram though. Since we live in a colder climate- leggings work great for Ezra as they stay put and not ride up his legs!

I’ve wanted to try out potato stamping for a while now- so a dear friend and I got together and made a few pairs for our little ones! We headed to Target and bought blank leggings and over to Joannes to pick up some fabric paint [i used Martha Stewart paint for this project].

We used a steak knife to cut and carve the potatoes [im sure there are safer tools to use, but we used what we had on hand as this was just an experiment this time around]….and with paint brushes, we painted directly on to our carved potato stamp with fabric paint. Instead of applying fresh paint after each stamp- I stamped 2-3 times to give my design a variation of color and character.

I really do love how these turned out- the zigzag took a while to do, but if you keep with a simple and sporadic design…it’s a quick little project!

Have any of you mommas done this before? If so- and if you’ve blogged them- I’d love to see them! Leave your blog post url in the comment section below!