Here it is, the end of January, and we still have not updated pictures from Christmas! Most of life has been a little crazy, and then when it hasn't been crazy, we have had such good times with family that I don't think to go on the computer and upload pictures. I think that it's a very good thing when I don't remember to go on the computer! The biggest thing in our lives that hasn't been posted is Darby's seminary graduation!!!! He graduated in December, with a Master of Arts in Church Music degree. I am so proud of him - his diligence, hard work, and perseverance. He worked up to 3 jobs at the same time, finished his degree plan a year early, and (he wouldn't tell you this, but I'm his wife so I can!) he got straight A's!! I can't describe what I have learned from him during this process of being in seminary. His parents flew out to visit us to witness his graduation. Here is a picture of us after graduation. 
Shortly after graduation, it came time to say goodbye to friends and people who had become family to us. This is a picture of our Care Group from Redeemer Church, on our last day meeting. We miss all of you! 
This is a picture of Calla's friend from Care Group. We are sad to split them apart -- her name is Lily, and we think their complimentary names indicate that they are meant to be friends or pen pals (together, they are Calla Lily)!
The drive to Fort Worth was blissfully uneventful. After weeks of school, packing, cleaning, etc., it was nice to just sit in the car and do nothing for 3 days. God blessed us with a quiet and content baby. When we made it to my parents' house in Acton, there was a surprise awaiting us. My whole family had worked hard to make Calla her very own nursery. What a treat, after the first 7 months of her life having just the corner of an office and a pack 'n play to sleep in! Here are pictures of her new room. It is perfect. What I love the most is having carpet to let her play on. I contribute hard wood floors to some developmental delays! This is Calla on her new changing table with Nana. 
Calla smiling with Daddy, her uncle Dan, and her cousin Luc.
We were able to visit with our dear friends the Sandersons. The Lord can be interesting with His plans -- we are trading places with them! After both husbands graduating from seminary at the same time, they moved out to Texas about a week after we came back to California. They will be serving in a church near Lubbock. Here is a picture of Stephanie, Suzie, Calla and me. 
Finally, we get to the Christmas pictures! What a special Christmas, to be with family after being away so long, and for Calla to have her first Christmas (and all the photo shoots that go along with it). Calla got 2 presents from her Mommy and Daddy - a special book that lights up and plays music, and a little Nativity music box. 
This is Calla with her Grandpa (my Dad). I have tons more photos of her with all the different family members, too many to post, but I thought this one came out especially sweet.
Calla got this hippo and these pink boots from her Aunt Shelbie, Uncle Morgan, and their boys Jasper and Silas. I think this is my favorite picture from Christmas!
Calla has grown and developed in amazing ways since coming out here. I already mentioned the carpet, but I also think it's all the stimulation from so many types of people. She is now able to roll over both ways, blow raspberries, lift her arms to be picked up, sit without falling, dance (looks more like rocking right now) to music, and she will move a special way every time she hears the song, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." She amazed me just yesterday by learning how to drink from a straw - my straw. I'm glad I had water in the cup! Her first word was, "hi," though she is inconsistent with it. She will sometimes wave. Her sleeping is a lot better, only waking up once during the night. She has her first bad cold right now, and is a little fussy. Darby and I thank God every night for the joy she has. We learn how to love life from watching her joy. Here are the most recent pictures that we took of her. She is now 8 months old. 
Here is Calla sitting with Luc. They look like little dolls!
