Politics Time! By Jonathan

Ok, so until now this has been a cute family blog. I am taking the initiative to add the dimension of politics to the heart warming flavor my wife has so effectively cultivated. I hope that it will compliment rather than conflict with what she has done, so here we go!
I am first of all a Christian, and don’t put my hope and trust either in the political process or the government. For this and many other reasons I find myself on the side of Republicans more often than not, but I am beholden to no political party- I serve a King and a Kingdom.
With that in mind I plan to write a series of posts on the issues that determine how I vote. My plan is to do them in order of importance, starting with the most important. My first post is on the issue of abortion.
This issue is, and I believe will be reflected upon as, the defining issue of our time. How we ultimately resolve this has massive implications for how we value (or devalue) life, and who we do (or do not) protect. If you believe that human beings have dignity and are to be valued above all other forms of life on Earth, and that our existence as distinct biological entities known as “persons” begins at conception then more than likely you fall into the category of “pro-life.” If you believe that women have the right to determine the value (or non-value) of their children in the womb, do not recognize “fetuses, babies…whatever you want to call them” as persons, then you probably fall into the category of “pro-choice”- that is- value is assigned by the mother giving her a choice as to whether or not, depending on her circumstances, she will carry the fetus to term.
Should this be legislated? The short answer is “yes.” The reason that abortion should be legislated is because it is the function of the government to protect its citizens. When we begin removing our protection from different segments of society and then systematically kill certain groups based on perceived weaknesses, challenges that they may have, or plain inconvenience, it becomes very difficult to know where to stop- think euthanasia (mercy killing). How long before you are seen as being a drain on society because of your handicap, your beliefs, or your ethnic background? When the strong majority use their influence to snuff out weaker minorities, dictatorship is the logical end.
In the coming election the two tickets are almost as divided on this issue as you can get. John McCain has had a consistent pro-life record, and lives it. He is an adoptive parent. Palin is crystal clear on this issue- she has a son with Down’s Syndrome in an atmosphere where 90% of his fellow 47ers are systematically killed for their perceived inconvenience. She also has a child who is pregnant and welcomes her grandchild when it would have been easier to abort in privacy. This kind of integrity and consistency is missing in much of politics.
On the other ticket you have Obama, who has admitted that the moral/ethical question of the status of the unborn is “above my paygrade.” It is incredible to me that someone who is not willing to take a stand on the foundational issue of whether or not the unborn are in fact distinct biological entities known as persons, is so willing to legislate allowing their slaughter. Another issue that is troublesome is his unwillingness to support the Born Alive Infant Protection Act.
On this issue, the choice is clear.

Florida-Piper's remake

The journey of the red bandana dress began when Jonathan's cousin Ashley gave it to Addie Leigh before our Florida trip of 2006. I was half-way through my pregnancy with Piper and just finishing my horrible morning (all-day) sickness. I was just beginning to get my energy back but still had not even thought about rounding up cute outfits for the annual pictures on the beach. Well, Ashley saved my life when she presented me with this darling dress! We took pictures together with her son Bradley who is exactly a year younger than Addie Leigh. To coordinate the kiddos we used Addie's bloomers as a doo-rag. :) The pictures in the red bandana dress turned out to be some of my favorite pictures out of ALL of the pictures that we have of Addie Leigh. (and let me tell you, this child has a TON of pictures!) Since we were so successful with Addie Leigh, I wanted to have a remake when Piper was big enough for the dress. She has a lot more hair than Addie Leigh had at that age, but the pictures are just as cute! Thanks Cousin Ashley for the sweet dress!

Mama's big baby girl

Addie Leigh in 2006

Piper in the same dress 2 years later

Mama's little baby girl

More Florida Pictures

My sweet girls

They love hanging out with their Mama Mary

The BIG Family Picture

We missed you Bubba & Aunt Ashley, Josh & Amy, & Justin!

Jonathan's Birthday Week-Day 6

Today we relaxed around the house and prepared for some dear friends to come over for dinner. Adam & Kristel Thomas and their kids, Gabe & Trinity and Scott & Jill Attebery with their new addition Bryce, joined us for the celebration. Jonathan picked the menu: Backyard BBQ, fries and chocolate cake with chocolate icing. This was Bryce's first visit to the Baird home and we were so excited to have him. We didn't get any pictures tonight, but here are a few of Bryce Baker.

Thanks guys for helping us celebrate. This was a great ending to a wonderful birthday week! Thank you Jonathan for being a wonderful friend, husband and daddy! We love you!

Coming soon...more Florida pictures! :)

Jonathan's Birthday Week-Day 5-Lunch at the Bank

Today was a new experience. Since Jonathan missed four days of working in the office this week, he had a lot of catching up to do. He didn't think he had time to have a lunch break today, but the girls and I decided to bring him lunch. The girls LOVE going to the bank because they get to see Daddy and their Mama Mary. They always get a lot of attention! Here are some pictures from the special lunch.

Jonathan's Birthday Week-Day 4-Our Trip to Indy!

We are so thankful to our mothers for taking turns with the girls so I could accompany Jonathan on his business trip. The girls LOVE time with their Mama Mary and Nonnie!

















Jonathan and I had separate flights to Indianapolis,(not fun!) but it did allow me to finish a book I was reading and Jonathan to prepare a sermon. Once we arrived in Indy, we went to pick up our rental car. The sweet girl at the front desk realized it was Jonathan's birthday and she upgraded our car free of charge! We only ended up driving it twice, but we enjoyed driving in style. :) When we arrived at our beautiful hotel we got another blessing. One of our favorite restaurants from our days in Louisville, KY, was right across the street from our hotel! We enjoyed Steak N' Shake twice on our trip! Yummy steakburgers and chocolate shakes. :)

Jonathan got a great deal (of course!) on a really nice hotel downtown. The Canterbury Hotel was built in 1928. It still had real locks and keys! But also had modern treats...WiFi. :)

So cute!

The beautiful lobby where during the day a man would play the piano. :)

Jonathan's Birthday Week-Day 3

Our family started our day Tuesday morning with a Pancake Birthday Party! Jonathan and I were planning on leaving later that morning for his business trip to Indianapolis, so this was our chance to spend quality birthday time with the girls. The night before, the girls and I picked up a special present for Daddy. He now has a new 4-cup coffee maker. Previously he was making his coffee in a one-mug maker because I was hesitant for him to have a big one that wouldn't get used much. Yes, I'm the bad guy! I didn't want a big thing to clutter up my cabinets more than they already are. I also confess that I was hoping his love of coffee wouldn't last long. You see, Jonathan made it through years of college and even Seminary WITHOUT coffee and then decided to start drinking it when we moved back to Arkansas. ????? I really thought maybe it was just a phase, but then gave in and got him this for his birthday.

My little artist, Addie Leigh, decorated the card for us. I knew her daddy would love it, not only because of the beautiful art, but it was not $4.00! We need to work with her on keeping her letters straight. :)

Jonathan's Birthday Week-Day 2: What a Great Daddy!

Lunch Hour! This is one of the girls' favorite times of the day. We are so blessed that Jonathan's work place is not far from our home. Almost every day Jonathan gets to come home for lunch. I'm sure there are days when things are crazy at the office and he needs some down time to relax and gather his thoughts...but instead he gets tackled!!! Here is proof.

The second the girls here the keys in the door they both scream,"DADDY!!!!" Okay, so Piper shortens her's to "DAAA!!!", but we all know what she's saying. :) One of the things that amaze me about Jonathan is his patience. Even on those stressful days he will take time to wrestle with the girls, bring in the trash cans, help me fix the girls' lunches, etc. I love to watch him with my daughters. He is absolutely head over heels in love with them. Whether it is teaching the girls to try new foods by reciting them the classic, Green Eggs & Ham or trying to explain God's Sovereignty and our depravity to a three year old, he is so patient and kind as he deals with others. Yes, I said "others." Not only is he patient with the girls, but he is patient with me! I'm probably where he gets the most practice for patience. When I stop to think how I would feel if I had a spouse like me, I am in awe that he is still around! He is constantly reminding me of Christ's love for His church through his actions towards me. I'm so thankful that God gave me such a loving, forgiving husband and a wonderful daddy for my children.

Beauty Shop

Since Daddy had some time at home today, we played beauty shop and he played with the camera. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as we did taking them. :) Of course, most of the pictures are of Addie Leigh because she will sit still long enough for me to play with her hair. Piper is in no way interested in playing beauty shop right now!

She is was so still and patient!

Yes Gracie! Addie Leigh is wearing Dora panties FINALLY!!!!

I love this one because it looks like she is dancing and she thinks no one is watching. :)

For those of you who know my Addie Leigh, you know she has the prettiest red curly hair. (if I do say so myself :) ) So what do you think?? Do you like it best curly or straight?

It changed her looks so much.

This is what I call a Katie Harris look. :)

And here is Piper's contribution to the photo shoot. :)

I would love for you to comment and let me know which is your favorite...straight or curly???

Thanks to the birthday boy for the great pictures.