Lydia ~ 17 Months

It seems like our little girl is learning something new every day! Lydia has really enjoyed exploring outside on her own for the first time this month, and now asks frequently to go outside. We are hoping that it warms up again, so that we can stop rehearsing the "It's too cold to go outside today, Honey" speech! :) She continues to enjoy pointing out "ABCs" to us (although she does not differentiate the letters, she recognizes them) and now has a vocabulary of over 30 words! Some of her favorites (besides Mama and Daddy) are Pep (her new nickname for our dog, Pepper), dog, outside, church and "peas" (which is her version of "please" and is much preferred to whining when asking for something). It is amazing to hear her begin to string words and phrases together, too, and even ask questions, complete with inflection. She also enjoys playing "Peek-A-Boo" - either by putting her hands over her eyes or hiding under a blanket and saying "BOO"! She has started saying "cheese" as soon as she sees a camera, which explains the big grins in most of these pictures.

This has definitely been a very eventful month, starting out with a visit to see family - which ended up with the devastating loss of Lydia's grandfather (Mel's Dad). This also meant her first night away from Daddy and Mommy, but she was well cared for by her aunt and cousin. Lydia also contracted a serious virus this month which led to a not so fantastic night in the Emergency Room and lots of medicine. :( We are so thankful, though, that she seems to be well again and we are hoping that God will continue to bless her with good health! She is definitely a blessing and a daily source of joy to us, and we are praying for guidance as we diligently seek to teach her lessons about obedience and love.

"Peek-A-Boo"!

I often wonder what is going through her little mind...

Enjoying a Taste of Spring!

After being sick for over a week with some type of flu-like virus (with cold and stomach virus symptoms), a not-so-wonderful trip to the Emergency Room and more medicine than she has probably ever had, our little girl is finally feeling better! We are thankful that the Lord sent us a beautiful weekend and allowed Lydia to feel good enough to enjoy it! It was a good reminder for us, too, that spring always follows a long winter (both literally and metaphorically). Lydia enjoyed trying out her tricycle someplace other than the living room! She liked it almost as much as exploring our yard! :)

Lydia ~ Hanging Out with Her Grandparents while Daddy and Mommy went to the Game (See Next Post)...

She obviously missed us terribly... :)
Lydia and PawPaw dressing up the baby with Lydia's shoes


I guess she did pretty well considering she had only had a "babysitter" two other times in her life and never at night!

Guess who picked out this great outfit?
She was NOT cheering for the Heels! :)

NCSU vs. UNC Game!

Thanks to one of our wonderful friends, Mel and I were able to go see UNC and N.C. State play in Chapel Hill a couple of weeks ago. (Both of our favorite teams!) It was a fun game and didn't turn out nearly as bad as I had imagined! Mel was just excited that he got to see Tyler Hansbrough play in person ... and Zeller, who (for all you UNC fans) had more fouls than points! :) We also got to see some old friends while we were there and had a great date night. Lydia also had a fun time hanging out with PawPaw and Nana Anthony!

The Winstead Family ~ 2005

Lydia and Grandpa Winstead ~ 2008

Mel and His Dad on Our Wedding Day ~ 2001

Another Wedding Photo ~ 2001



We appreciate the support we have received from our family and friends. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. This has been a very difficult two years for the Winsteads, but we know that the Lord will sustain us by His grace and provide us with His peace.
"The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Special Prayer Request

Please pray for Mel's family as his father passed away this week. The timing, at least, was quite a shock, and the family truly needs your prayers. Most of you will probably remember that they lost a brother about a year and a half ago. Please also pray for unity and peace within the family - and healing and forgiveness where it is needed.

We appreciate the prayers and your support!

Valentine's Day 2009

~ Valentine's 2009 ~

We had a fun day just hanging out together as a family - enjoying a lunch date and running errands! :) Lydia continues to amaze us almost daily and definitely keeps us entertained! While we were in Wal-Mart today, she decided that she would like to "help" Mommy push the shopping cart and amazingly, she succeeded! She also enjoys "winking" at people and waving at just about every human being we see - even if they do not pay attention. She enjoys telling us the sounds made by various animals and responding "CHURCH" when someone asks her where her Daddy works! She is learning and growing so quickly and we are trying to enjoy every moment!