Evie: "Skittles make me big, strong, and healfy, Mommy!"
Evie says this about everything she eats. We are trying to teach what really is good and she is learning. The doctor asked her at the three year check up on Monday about her favorite vegetable. She told the doc 'cereal'. I never let the girls eat cereal until Emmaline arrived. I just couldn't get up and make oatmeal, eggs, or gluten free whatever. I had to go the easy route for a while.
Emmaline was in the 68th percentile at her 2 month check up! Go little Em & Em! She is the biggest of all my babes. And hand me down clothing from the sistas is a little on the small side. She is fitting in 3 to 6 month clothing.
Eden can crawl out of her crib. Tonight it was a two hour battle getting her to stay in her room. Ugh! Two hours of me standing by her door, sitting by the door, tossing her back into the crib, disciplining, and then getting laughed at by a 23 month old. Grady had my back and came up when my patience grew thin and I needed reinforcement. He stood outside of her door... she wanted more. We must have put her back in the crib at least 50 times tonight. I really don't think I am exaggerating.
Just got little Emmaline asleep. Ready to crash and start all over. It feels a little ground hoggish around here. Like the movie. Same time every morning, same little pitter patter down the hard floors, same sweet voice singing, "I wake up last night, Mommy. I wuv you, Mommy." Enjoying the sweetness of their beating feet and first phrases.
Love Cup
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
How to do it?
Some days I just don't know how to do it all. The lack of dependence on the Lord is more evident in my life now than ever before. I think God made the toddler years to get us sanctified. I think I'll be about perfect when my last child exits the toddler years! Ha!
Between potty training, breastfeeding, and cutting two year old molar (Eden), I think I am about wiped. Oh and graduate school. I'm done. Exhaustion, tired both emotionally and physically do not begin to describe how I feel right now. I am very thankful for this stage for a minute or two at a time and then I go back to fantasizing what it will be like in year 5 or 6 of parenthood. I am trying not to escape from these precious moments of pure chaos! I embrace them and then I let go and free fall down an emotional abyss.
I love my growing family more than anything. I love how Evie has turned into a three year old over night. Yesterday it was "Mom, talk. Say something to me!" She was asking me to respond to her telling me something. Her mind is turning and connecting the dots. She is becoming a conversationalist. She is interested in arts and crafts! These moments are so refreshing.
Little EE is my adventurous, throw all caution to the wind, and then 'BAM' she runs into a doorframe because she was looking back at us smiling and running as fast as she could. She is hilarious, loud, and still can't talk but it's so dang cute when she tries!
Emmaline or "m&m" as Evie has nicknamed her, is growing up too fast. Nine weeks ago yesterday she entered our sweet family. She is so smiley and loved her big sisters. Her eyes light up and get really big when she hears Evie talking. She has crazy hair and can sometimes be found sucking her right thumb! I love seeing her little personality blossom.
Eden's favorite phrase is "no way" when asked to do about anything. She says 'Evie' and some version of Emmaline, but only we would know that she was saying it. She says 'cookie' with a deep raspy voice and its the only word that she uses that raspiness with.
Evie said the other day after doing something for Eden, "shoot! that was hard work, but I did it." She randomly tells me, "mommy, I love you so very much." And she loves on Eden and Emmaline so well.
Emmaline likes to coo, poop, and giggles in her sleep a little.
Between potty training, breastfeeding, and cutting two year old molar (Eden), I think I am about wiped. Oh and graduate school. I'm done. Exhaustion, tired both emotionally and physically do not begin to describe how I feel right now. I am very thankful for this stage for a minute or two at a time and then I go back to fantasizing what it will be like in year 5 or 6 of parenthood. I am trying not to escape from these precious moments of pure chaos! I embrace them and then I let go and free fall down an emotional abyss.
I love my growing family more than anything. I love how Evie has turned into a three year old over night. Yesterday it was "Mom, talk. Say something to me!" She was asking me to respond to her telling me something. Her mind is turning and connecting the dots. She is becoming a conversationalist. She is interested in arts and crafts! These moments are so refreshing.
Little EE is my adventurous, throw all caution to the wind, and then 'BAM' she runs into a doorframe because she was looking back at us smiling and running as fast as she could. She is hilarious, loud, and still can't talk but it's so dang cute when she tries!
Emmaline or "m&m" as Evie has nicknamed her, is growing up too fast. Nine weeks ago yesterday she entered our sweet family. She is so smiley and loved her big sisters. Her eyes light up and get really big when she hears Evie talking. She has crazy hair and can sometimes be found sucking her right thumb! I love seeing her little personality blossom.
Eden's favorite phrase is "no way" when asked to do about anything. She says 'Evie' and some version of Emmaline, but only we would know that she was saying it. She says 'cookie' with a deep raspy voice and its the only word that she uses that raspiness with.
Evie said the other day after doing something for Eden, "shoot! that was hard work, but I did it." She randomly tells me, "mommy, I love you so very much." And she loves on Eden and Emmaline so well.
Emmaline likes to coo, poop, and giggles in her sleep a little.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Kidney Stone Birth Story
Last week I gave birth to a rather large kidney stone. Not large enough to have blasted, but large enough to cause me to feel like I was going to die! I woke up last Tuesday morning feeling nauseated and sick to my stomach. I did my best to get the girls ready for school and to get myself ready to go to run an errand. Grady had to take the girls and well, I ran my errand and left a nice surprise for them in the the bathroom:(
I went home and quickly nursed Emmaline to sleep and fell asleep myself in bed. Grady tried to talk me into going to the doctor. I refused. I didn't want to get sick again in the car and thought I could sleep it off before having to get the girls from school. Well, I didn't sleep it off. I came downstairs to see the girls (Grady had to pick them up) and I began to feel really sick again. Grady was on a conference call when I began yelling to him from the living room. When I got no response from him I did my best to get upstairs as to be as comfortable as possible while throwing up. I had one baby in tow and two toddlers following close behind. It's not fun being sick, on the bathroom floor with a one year old hanging off my back! Actually, it's quite miserable!!!
While I was laying in the bathroom floor trying to get up, Grady came to my rescue. He closed the doors to our bathroom to keep Eden and Evie in our bedroom. I then realized that something was really wrong. It could not be a stomach bug. I was in too much pain. I tried to call my family physician but they were not taking any more patients for the day. Grady's mom came over and we headed to the ER.
The registration nurse took my vitals once we arrived. She mentioned kidney stones. I had never had a kidney stone but my step dad had them frequently years ago. She sat me back in the waiting room. I got so sick that they took me back quickly, gave me some dilaudad and took me for a CT scan.
A kidney stone was my diagnosis. They sent me home with meds and a barf bucket. I was so drugged that I don't remember the ride home or much of anything else that night. I woke up the next morning and passed the stone at about 9 a.m. Whew!
Okay. So, it was exactly six weeks to the day after having Emmaline that I delivered my first kidney stone. It was huge! I mean like eight pen points put together, really rough, and stone-ish. I have to say it was more painful than laboring for twelve hours and naturally delivering Emmaline (who was like a million billion pen points put together). I have never experienced so much pain and I hope that I never have to again!
I went home and quickly nursed Emmaline to sleep and fell asleep myself in bed. Grady tried to talk me into going to the doctor. I refused. I didn't want to get sick again in the car and thought I could sleep it off before having to get the girls from school. Well, I didn't sleep it off. I came downstairs to see the girls (Grady had to pick them up) and I began to feel really sick again. Grady was on a conference call when I began yelling to him from the living room. When I got no response from him I did my best to get upstairs as to be as comfortable as possible while throwing up. I had one baby in tow and two toddlers following close behind. It's not fun being sick, on the bathroom floor with a one year old hanging off my back! Actually, it's quite miserable!!!
While I was laying in the bathroom floor trying to get up, Grady came to my rescue. He closed the doors to our bathroom to keep Eden and Evie in our bedroom. I then realized that something was really wrong. It could not be a stomach bug. I was in too much pain. I tried to call my family physician but they were not taking any more patients for the day. Grady's mom came over and we headed to the ER.
The registration nurse took my vitals once we arrived. She mentioned kidney stones. I had never had a kidney stone but my step dad had them frequently years ago. She sat me back in the waiting room. I got so sick that they took me back quickly, gave me some dilaudad and took me for a CT scan.
A kidney stone was my diagnosis. They sent me home with meds and a barf bucket. I was so drugged that I don't remember the ride home or much of anything else that night. I woke up the next morning and passed the stone at about 9 a.m. Whew!
Okay. So, it was exactly six weeks to the day after having Emmaline that I delivered my first kidney stone. It was huge! I mean like eight pen points put together, really rough, and stone-ish. I have to say it was more painful than laboring for twelve hours and naturally delivering Emmaline (who was like a million billion pen points put together). I have never experienced so much pain and I hope that I never have to again!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Laughs or Gas?
Emmaline just giggled in her sleep for the first time. I'm not sure if was a dream or the gas, but it was really cute!
Evie is having horrible meltdowns right now. Grady took her on a daddy/daughter date tonight to chic-fil-a. It made a big difference! Now that she is the biggest sis she gets less attention. Breaks my heart!!! I know God is in control of birth order and uses it as a way to shape each one of us for his purposes. I trust that. Evie is strong-willed and funny. She is determined and is making her mark in our young family.
Eden is our "wild hair". That's the nickname Evie gave to her a few months back. She is super sweet! Tonight she was told to give Ms. Brittany a hug goodbye. Eden ran from one side of the room to the other and hugged Brittany's neck super tight. She sat by me on the couch, sucking her thumb, nestling her head into my neck tonight. Oh my goodness, I love that child! She steals my heart with her most contagious smile!
Each child of mine steals my heart!
Evie is having horrible meltdowns right now. Grady took her on a daddy/daughter date tonight to chic-fil-a. It made a big difference! Now that she is the biggest sis she gets less attention. Breaks my heart!!! I know God is in control of birth order and uses it as a way to shape each one of us for his purposes. I trust that. Evie is strong-willed and funny. She is determined and is making her mark in our young family.
Eden is our "wild hair". That's the nickname Evie gave to her a few months back. She is super sweet! Tonight she was told to give Ms. Brittany a hug goodbye. Eden ran from one side of the room to the other and hugged Brittany's neck super tight. She sat by me on the couch, sucking her thumb, nestling her head into my neck tonight. Oh my goodness, I love that child! She steals my heart with her most contagious smile!
Each child of mine steals my heart!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Lullabye Radio and Grunts
Emmaline has been listening to Lullabye Radio since day 2 of her little life. I put it on in the hospital while she was sleeping next to me and I was doing homework. Every night we sleep with this station and makes us both sleep like a baby. Emmaline doesn't cry when she gets hungry. She grunts like a grown man. It is funny and so different than Evie and Eden were when they got hungry. They were screaming as soon as they woke up hungry. It takes a lot for Emmaline to cry for milk. Last night she gave me an almost 6 hour stretch! She's almost five weeks old. Thank you, Lord for this little laid back blessing!
On the other hand, my two older ones are in competition on who can be held by me the most. I am worn out by this game. They are in MDO right now. A much needed break for me! Evie cried off and on for two hours about what she had to wear. Eden melted down as we went into school and hit her head on the floor throwing her tantrum. Whew! I need some R&R and a vacation!
I'm really trying to love this stage. We did it to ourselves by having them super close together. I know I'll appreciate it in the future when they are all playing together in the playroom or doing other stuff together that siblings with more years in between them would not be so apt to do. I just have to keep this vision in mind as I struggle to carry three babies into church, MDO, and a few other places by myself. And I don't even do it that often. I had to do it today and I am spent! This is my reality right now.
On the other hand, my two older ones are in competition on who can be held by me the most. I am worn out by this game. They are in MDO right now. A much needed break for me! Evie cried off and on for two hours about what she had to wear. Eden melted down as we went into school and hit her head on the floor throwing her tantrum. Whew! I need some R&R and a vacation!
I'm really trying to love this stage. We did it to ourselves by having them super close together. I know I'll appreciate it in the future when they are all playing together in the playroom or doing other stuff together that siblings with more years in between them would not be so apt to do. I just have to keep this vision in mind as I struggle to carry three babies into church, MDO, and a few other places by myself. And I don't even do it that often. I had to do it today and I am spent! This is my reality right now.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Emmaline is here!
I'm sad I havent blogged more in the past few months. I barely have time to brush my teeth much less jump on the computer to write down a few moments about life at this stage.
Emmaline arrived on October 5 at 1:12 a.m. She weighed 7.15 and was 21 inches long. I went into labor at 12:30 October 4 but did not realize I was in labor. I picked the girls up from school, my niece from Poppy's house, and went home. I was having contractions 15 to 45 minutes apart. At 5:30 I got a little concerned when I couldn't go up the stairs without stopping and sitting down during the contractions. Thankfully, Grady made our dinner. We sat down to eat dinner at 6 and after dinner I put Eden down for bed. She was a mess that afternoon and needed to go to bed early. Gavie Ann had a soccer game at 7 so I packed up Evie and Zoe to go to the park to watch. I went to get my mind off the contractions. I was still thinking it was false labor. By the end of the game I had to close my eyes and grip my chair arms tight to get through the contraction! I put Zoe and evie in the car after the game. As we were about to pull out of the parking spot, I had to scream a little during a contraction. I still thought it was false labor. We made it home (only 2 minutes from the house) and while putting Evs to bed I began having them so strong that I had evie go downstairs to get daddy. At 9:45 they began coming 10 minutes apart. I laid in bed for the next hour. We decided to go to the hospital at 10:45. When I got there at 11:30 i was dilated to an eight. I was taken up to labor and delivery. Mom and Courtney came in and there was little time to decide on an epidural. I progressed quickly and was at a 9 by the time I got up to the fourth floor. Mom and Court helped me to decide not to do the epidural. I pushed for about 30 minutes. It was the hardest thing I've ever done! I had Grady open up his pandora app on his phone and put it on enya station. Then I changed my mind. I needed some P&P. So we went to Matt Redman. I don't remember the music but I do remember squeezing my mom's arm so hard that I think I bruised her. I remember rolling my eyes at everything Grady said. He was great.... I just couldn't handle any noise except for my own screams through each contraction and pushing. I felt like I would die at each one. Dramatic, I know. Finally, after 5 sets of pushes little Emmaline made it out. I was greatly relieved and exhausted! I couldn't stop shaking. I shook for an hour and didn't hold her for a while.
She came out beautiful and absolutely perfect. I had wanted to do natural childbirth but was too afraid to do it on my own. This was such a gift. I'm thankful for my naïveté in thinking I was in false labor. I'm thankful the Lord gave me grace to do it. I loved the experience. I recovered so much easier. And I think this is our last baby so to get to experience delivery this way was incredible!
Emmaline has been my easiest baby yet! She is calm and laid back. She is a great sleeper! I'm very grateful for her! I'm in love all over again.
Evie and Eden are adjusting. Today was hard. Evie calls her " my baby Emmawine". Eden calls her "baby". They all want me to hold them at the same time. Sigh... This is the hardest part.
Evie is:
Almost 3 years old
Talks all the time
Is desire and opinionated
Likes to put on 10 outfits a day
Eats very slowing
Loves princess anything
Eden:
Almost 2 years old
Is a lot more gentle with Emmaline than we thought she would be
Has a hard time apologizing when she wrongs me, Evie or Grady
Loves to love
Eats her plate of food and will eat everyone's leftovers!
Has a potbelly
Emmaline:
Likes to eat, sleep, poop, and listen to her wild sisters
Smiles at her Daddy the most
Smiles at Momma
Loves looking at the ceiling fan and shadows
Loves to be in the moby wrap
Sleeps great in the car
I love having 3 girls. I feel a little psycho and probably am in need of some therapy right now but life is good and sweet. I feel blessed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and glad to be where we are!
Emmaline arrived on October 5 at 1:12 a.m. She weighed 7.15 and was 21 inches long. I went into labor at 12:30 October 4 but did not realize I was in labor. I picked the girls up from school, my niece from Poppy's house, and went home. I was having contractions 15 to 45 minutes apart. At 5:30 I got a little concerned when I couldn't go up the stairs without stopping and sitting down during the contractions. Thankfully, Grady made our dinner. We sat down to eat dinner at 6 and after dinner I put Eden down for bed. She was a mess that afternoon and needed to go to bed early. Gavie Ann had a soccer game at 7 so I packed up Evie and Zoe to go to the park to watch. I went to get my mind off the contractions. I was still thinking it was false labor. By the end of the game I had to close my eyes and grip my chair arms tight to get through the contraction! I put Zoe and evie in the car after the game. As we were about to pull out of the parking spot, I had to scream a little during a contraction. I still thought it was false labor. We made it home (only 2 minutes from the house) and while putting Evs to bed I began having them so strong that I had evie go downstairs to get daddy. At 9:45 they began coming 10 minutes apart. I laid in bed for the next hour. We decided to go to the hospital at 10:45. When I got there at 11:30 i was dilated to an eight. I was taken up to labor and delivery. Mom and Courtney came in and there was little time to decide on an epidural. I progressed quickly and was at a 9 by the time I got up to the fourth floor. Mom and Court helped me to decide not to do the epidural. I pushed for about 30 minutes. It was the hardest thing I've ever done! I had Grady open up his pandora app on his phone and put it on enya station. Then I changed my mind. I needed some P&P. So we went to Matt Redman. I don't remember the music but I do remember squeezing my mom's arm so hard that I think I bruised her. I remember rolling my eyes at everything Grady said. He was great.... I just couldn't handle any noise except for my own screams through each contraction and pushing. I felt like I would die at each one. Dramatic, I know. Finally, after 5 sets of pushes little Emmaline made it out. I was greatly relieved and exhausted! I couldn't stop shaking. I shook for an hour and didn't hold her for a while.
She came out beautiful and absolutely perfect. I had wanted to do natural childbirth but was too afraid to do it on my own. This was such a gift. I'm thankful for my naïveté in thinking I was in false labor. I'm thankful the Lord gave me grace to do it. I loved the experience. I recovered so much easier. And I think this is our last baby so to get to experience delivery this way was incredible!
Emmaline has been my easiest baby yet! She is calm and laid back. She is a great sleeper! I'm very grateful for her! I'm in love all over again.
Evie and Eden are adjusting. Today was hard. Evie calls her " my baby Emmawine". Eden calls her "baby". They all want me to hold them at the same time. Sigh... This is the hardest part.
Evie is:
Almost 3 years old
Talks all the time
Is desire and opinionated
Likes to put on 10 outfits a day
Eats very slowing
Loves princess anything
Eden:
Almost 2 years old
Is a lot more gentle with Emmaline than we thought she would be
Has a hard time apologizing when she wrongs me, Evie or Grady
Loves to love
Eats her plate of food and will eat everyone's leftovers!
Has a potbelly
Emmaline:
Likes to eat, sleep, poop, and listen to her wild sisters
Smiles at her Daddy the most
Smiles at Momma
Loves looking at the ceiling fan and shadows
Loves to be in the moby wrap
Sleeps great in the car
I love having 3 girls. I feel a little psycho and probably am in need of some therapy right now but life is good and sweet. I feel blessed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and glad to be where we are!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Count Down....
Three weeks from tomorrow is the due date! Yikes! Like I wrote yesterday, I'm not really ready. This is my list of things to do:
I am excited about having my fall baby! I guess Evie is officially a "fall baby" but with her birthday being right before Christmas, she just will always be a Christmas baby in my book. And I love that too! Eden is my New Year's Baby. I love how they all fall close together in birth months, but each month has a very significant meaning!
- Write a paper or two and do a project plus a whole lot of reading
- Paint the rest of Emmaline's room
- Oder Emmaline's bedding
- Paint a dresser
- Hang pictures on her wall
- Reupholster a flea market headboard for Eden's bed (I finish Evie's this summer)
- Hem some curtains that I made in Evie and Eden's room
- Make a twin bed (ambitious I know! but I really want to try to do a simple frame and use an old door for the headboard)
- Organize the garage. I started this project last month and now I just need time and energy to finish it up!
- Sew some fabric for the playroom curtains that are hanging in the playroom that need to be completed.
I am excited about having my fall baby! I guess Evie is officially a "fall baby" but with her birthday being right before Christmas, she just will always be a Christmas baby in my book. And I love that too! Eden is my New Year's Baby. I love how they all fall close together in birth months, but each month has a very significant meaning!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Baby Come Quick! Baby Come Slow....
I am 3 weeks out from my due date of October 8th. I am ready to bust. But not before I crank out a Genogram project and a Crisis Intervention Paper. I am crazy! I am taking two classes this fall to try and finish up my Master's Degree that I began working on in 2008. Oh, how I wish I would have done this 10 years ago! But, oh well, I can't "should" myself or I'll go psycho!
Eden is beginning to talk so much now. She babbles a ton and I believe we are the only ones that really understand what her 20 month old self is saying. Her favorite word is "stuck". She gets stuck or her blankie gets stuck on everything. She likes to say Mammy! And Evie, and Daddy a lot! She is a screamer and accident prone. Just this afternoon she fell into our bed frame bruising her left cheek. Two weeks ago she fell into the piano bench bruising her right cheek while playing at my mom's house. She is still sucking her left thumb and playing with my hair and everyone else's hair when they will let her. She hugs with every bit of strength in her body. I love to feel her little arms wrap around my neck and hug the heck out of it! She loves food and usually goes for meat and potatoes over ice cream and cookies. But, she loves to say "cookie" in a very animated, foreign kind of way. And what I mean by foreign is that she takes the sound from the back of the throat and enunciates it with a Hebrewish kind of "ch". It's hilarious and I'm not sure I can explain it accurately.
Evie is talks all the time. She is super verbal and expressive. She is a drama queen and likes to let her opinions be known very quickly. Right now she loves to play dress up in her princess outfits, wear her puppy dog hat, and go naked for the most part. It's hard getting clothes on Evie. She calls herself Evs Evs and Evsie. She calls me Momsie and Mums Mums. She likes to give people nicknames. She loves to paint and to dance. She loves singing and every night she asks me to sing her the "Evie" song. She now sleeps in a big girl bed and does very good to stay in it. She has been waking up a dawn lately. This makes us all very tired. Eden on the other hand would sleep until 9 o'clock if Evie wasn't so loud. Evie loves her friends Allie, Ellie Claire and Stockton. They are her favorite friends to play with. Evie loves to rub on my belly and tell the baby that she loves her and that she is the best little sister! It's really funny. She also likes to feel her move in my belly. I am excited to see how she reacts to her little sister entering into this world. I may take that back in a few weeks!
The new baby is sleeping as I type and I am very thankful for that. She is so big and uncomfortable in my belly (well, at least I am and I think she would be too). Her name will be Emmaline. We do not have a middle name and if it's like the last baby that we had, she will be getting a legal middle name as I roll out of the hospital. I just can't decide. Grady can't decide. We are indecisive when it comes to middle names.
I am anxious, tired, weary, excited, and full of joy for what the transitions we are about to go through this fall. I feel more of God's grace everyday for the life change that is happening with our family. Some days are easier than others and I know that will be the case for the next few months having a new one in the house. But, I am excited about being a mama of three little girls and I am so thankful for the gifts God has given me!
Eden is beginning to talk so much now. She babbles a ton and I believe we are the only ones that really understand what her 20 month old self is saying. Her favorite word is "stuck". She gets stuck or her blankie gets stuck on everything. She likes to say Mammy! And Evie, and Daddy a lot! She is a screamer and accident prone. Just this afternoon she fell into our bed frame bruising her left cheek. Two weeks ago she fell into the piano bench bruising her right cheek while playing at my mom's house. She is still sucking her left thumb and playing with my hair and everyone else's hair when they will let her. She hugs with every bit of strength in her body. I love to feel her little arms wrap around my neck and hug the heck out of it! She loves food and usually goes for meat and potatoes over ice cream and cookies. But, she loves to say "cookie" in a very animated, foreign kind of way. And what I mean by foreign is that she takes the sound from the back of the throat and enunciates it with a Hebrewish kind of "ch". It's hilarious and I'm not sure I can explain it accurately.
Evie is talks all the time. She is super verbal and expressive. She is a drama queen and likes to let her opinions be known very quickly. Right now she loves to play dress up in her princess outfits, wear her puppy dog hat, and go naked for the most part. It's hard getting clothes on Evie. She calls herself Evs Evs and Evsie. She calls me Momsie and Mums Mums. She likes to give people nicknames. She loves to paint and to dance. She loves singing and every night she asks me to sing her the "Evie" song. She now sleeps in a big girl bed and does very good to stay in it. She has been waking up a dawn lately. This makes us all very tired. Eden on the other hand would sleep until 9 o'clock if Evie wasn't so loud. Evie loves her friends Allie, Ellie Claire and Stockton. They are her favorite friends to play with. Evie loves to rub on my belly and tell the baby that she loves her and that she is the best little sister! It's really funny. She also likes to feel her move in my belly. I am excited to see how she reacts to her little sister entering into this world. I may take that back in a few weeks!
The new baby is sleeping as I type and I am very thankful for that. She is so big and uncomfortable in my belly (well, at least I am and I think she would be too). Her name will be Emmaline. We do not have a middle name and if it's like the last baby that we had, she will be getting a legal middle name as I roll out of the hospital. I just can't decide. Grady can't decide. We are indecisive when it comes to middle names.
I am anxious, tired, weary, excited, and full of joy for what the transitions we are about to go through this fall. I feel more of God's grace everyday for the life change that is happening with our family. Some days are easier than others and I know that will be the case for the next few months having a new one in the house. But, I am excited about being a mama of three little girls and I am so thankful for the gifts God has given me!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
A Month and a half already
Can't believe a month and a half have flown by... As I lay in a hotel room staring at my iPhone I decided to write a little. This is mine and Grady's anniversary getaway. And I can't sleep for the anxiety I feel being away from my little loves. Oh the irony... Wanting so badly a break from the routine of being a stay at home mama. But then I leave them only to find myself missing them so much! I'm sure 2 am is not my most reasonable hour of the day!
Evie and Eden began summer camp qt the end of may. It's been wonderful for all of us. Eden is cutting her incisors. It is hurting all of us! Eden more than me, Grady, and Evie. She has been beside herself with pain as of late poor thing! I taught three weeks of swiim classes. I had 50 students. It was great change of pace for me.
This has been the summer so far. Lots of swimming and playing. I'm exhausted but I feel renewed in a lot of ways. There is something about working and bringing home some bacon that just makes you feel accomplished. That sounds dumb but it is true.
Oh, and I readmitted to Regent. I start again in the fall. Eight more classes to go and I'll be done. I am hoping for a summer 2013 graduation. Exciting!
And the new baby is growing so much right now! I have 1( weeks to go. Excited and apprehensive are my feelings! Excited to hold and meet our newest babe! Apprehensive of sleepless nights and brestfeeding again. I love breastfeeding but it's nice to have your tah tahs to yourself! As for names... I like Hadley and Eliza Jane. Grady likes neither. He likes Emma. I explained to him that it's too popular. We are still brainstorming. This is our lives right now.
Oh and Eden says, "Diego" and "no". Evie says, "you kidding me" and she still calls me "Momsie"
Evie and Eden began summer camp qt the end of may. It's been wonderful for all of us. Eden is cutting her incisors. It is hurting all of us! Eden more than me, Grady, and Evie. She has been beside herself with pain as of late poor thing! I taught three weeks of swiim classes. I had 50 students. It was great change of pace for me.
This has been the summer so far. Lots of swimming and playing. I'm exhausted but I feel renewed in a lot of ways. There is something about working and bringing home some bacon that just makes you feel accomplished. That sounds dumb but it is true.
Oh, and I readmitted to Regent. I start again in the fall. Eight more classes to go and I'll be done. I am hoping for a summer 2013 graduation. Exciting!
And the new baby is growing so much right now! I have 1( weeks to go. Excited and apprehensive are my feelings! Excited to hold and meet our newest babe! Apprehensive of sleepless nights and brestfeeding again. I love breastfeeding but it's nice to have your tah tahs to yourself! As for names... I like Hadley and Eliza Jane. Grady likes neither. He likes Emma. I explained to him that it's too popular. We are still brainstorming. This is our lives right now.
Oh and Eden says, "Diego" and "no". Evie says, "you kidding me" and she still calls me "Momsie"
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Crave Baby
Crave baby crave! These cravings are unlike the girls! I wanted the perfect craving with Evie. I waited until the last minute to decide what dinner would be. If I made the wrong choice, it was a bathroom visit. If I made the correct choice, it was the BEST meal I had ever eaten.
Cravings were a bit different with Eden. I still was sick, but I craved meat and potatoes! I really didn't want sweets and enjoyed eating as much with her as I did Evie!
This pregnancy has brought little to no nausea, small amount of stomach discomfort between weeks eight and twelve, and the usual feelings of exhaustion that come with pregnancy. But, this time around, I am distracted by the busyness the girls add to life and I forget at times that I've got a baby in the belly!
This baby craves.... toasted bread with mayo and honey mixed together, then I spread it on one side of the toast, a piece of provolone on the other side, a few slices of organic turkey, chucks of tomatoes sliced up and seasoned with sea salt and pepper, a few organic pickle slices, and sometimes apple cut up in the sandwich. Oh, and a handful of Kettle Salt & Vinegar potato chips on the side. Mmmmmm, mmmm!!!
This is one of my most satisfying lunches right now:)!
Cravings were a bit different with Eden. I still was sick, but I craved meat and potatoes! I really didn't want sweets and enjoyed eating as much with her as I did Evie!
This pregnancy has brought little to no nausea, small amount of stomach discomfort between weeks eight and twelve, and the usual feelings of exhaustion that come with pregnancy. But, this time around, I am distracted by the busyness the girls add to life and I forget at times that I've got a baby in the belly!
This baby craves.... toasted bread with mayo and honey mixed together, then I spread it on one side of the toast, a piece of provolone on the other side, a few slices of organic turkey, chucks of tomatoes sliced up and seasoned with sea salt and pepper, a few organic pickle slices, and sometimes apple cut up in the sandwich. Oh, and a handful of Kettle Salt & Vinegar potato chips on the side. Mmmmmm, mmmm!!!
This is one of my most satisfying lunches right now:)!
Tippy Toad
Eden is my tippy toe girl. She walks on her toes, stands on her toes, and even runs on them most of the time. This afternoon after her nap she climbed up onto one of the kitchen chairs and in her baby gibberish asked for food and her drink. Then she sat down and waited patiently for them. It was amazing! These little milestones are HUGE for me since I am praying and hoping for small miracles like this before the new babe gets here.
Last night Bebe brought over a present for Evie. It was a new backpack for school this summer and it is so cute. It is a frog with, "Tippy Toad" monogrammed onto it which describes EE more than Evs. Evie loved it! She wanted to sleep with it last night. Instead, we let her sleep in her right water shoe (we have misplaced the left shoe) and she was very content with that. So funny!
Back to Eden, she is beginning to really comprehend commands and directions that we give. I feel a sense of relief when I see her getting it! After having two thirteen months apart, I am starting to see a new light in life!
Last night Bebe brought over a present for Evie. It was a new backpack for school this summer and it is so cute. It is a frog with, "Tippy Toad" monogrammed onto it which describes EE more than Evs. Evie loved it! She wanted to sleep with it last night. Instead, we let her sleep in her right water shoe (we have misplaced the left shoe) and she was very content with that. So funny!
Back to Eden, she is beginning to really comprehend commands and directions that we give. I feel a sense of relief when I see her getting it! After having two thirteen months apart, I am starting to see a new light in life!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day Number Three
This is my third Mother's day being a mom. Each year grows sweeter. This morning our worship team did a tribute to mothers. It was a special band put together entitled "Mamas boys". It was hysterical. I'll include the video down below. As I listened to the funny lyrics written to honor us mothers, I felt a tremendous blessing over me. I thought about mothers in the middle east who, in most countries, are spit upon by their husbands, government, and religion. It made me so thankful for Christ and for the amount of redemption that has take place on our side of the globe!
I was awaken this morning with a blaring, "will you help Elmo up, please?" Grady left Elmo in Eden's bed last night. Elmo was tipped over this morn and was asking for help. Ha! Grady took the cue from the Elmo alarm, went downstairs, and made me breakfast in bed! Oatmeal and french toast! Two of my faves!
The girls gave me a Disney card and a rose from each one of them. Grady gave me a gift card to Starbucks. And my baby in utero gave me some sweet nudges that reminds me that he/she will be here soon. It was a sweet morning indeed!
I was awaken this morning with a blaring, "will you help Elmo up, please?" Grady left Elmo in Eden's bed last night. Elmo was tipped over this morn and was asking for help. Ha! Grady took the cue from the Elmo alarm, went downstairs, and made me breakfast in bed! Oatmeal and french toast! Two of my faves!
The girls gave me a Disney card and a rose from each one of them. Grady gave me a gift card to Starbucks. And my baby in utero gave me some sweet nudges that reminds me that he/she will be here soon. It was a sweet morning indeed!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May 1st!
May 1st is here and almost gone! There are 5 months left until delivery and today this little one is 17 weeks in utero. The days continue to go by so quickly! Evie and Eden keep me super busy so there isn't much time to ponder who this litle one will be. We find out in two weeks what this baby is, boy or girl? I think I may linger more on who he/she will be and find myself looking for things to put in this baby's room.
Lately, I have been thinking about the children's room situation and how I will arrange them. As of now, I am thinking that I will move Eden to Evie's room and get one more crib for the new baby. Crazy, I know, but I will have THREE cribs at one time!!! For at least one more year after the baby arrives I will keep the girls in their cribs. So, I think that the girls will love being together in a room! Now to decide when to make the switch! This is the tricky part. Do I move EE in Evs room soon? Or do I wait a little closer to my due date to put them together? Seeking advice about this one. I just don't want to mess up a good thing right now. Naptimes are easy, bedtime routine is fairly easy, and not waking one other is a rarity. Why mess this up right now?! Decisions, decision!
So, as of late, Evie says, "I can't like it" when she doesn't want to eat something or when she doesn't want to do a particular thing. Last night, at the grocery, Grady bought her a small box of goldfish (which is a huge treat because we do not eat goldfish usually). She wanted the treat before dinner. I told her no. She continued on to say she can't like food! She can only like goldfish. It's really funny to listen to her monologue on what she decides she cannot like. If only I could freeze that little voice! So sweet!
Eden is listening so well right now. She is learning her boundaries physically. She is hitting less, biting less, and I think she is throwing her body around less. This is such a great milestone for her:)! She just loves so well. If I am laying on the floor she will tackle me and just love on me giving me kisses and laying her sweet head on my chest! Love it!
Lately, I have been thinking about the children's room situation and how I will arrange them. As of now, I am thinking that I will move Eden to Evie's room and get one more crib for the new baby. Crazy, I know, but I will have THREE cribs at one time!!! For at least one more year after the baby arrives I will keep the girls in their cribs. So, I think that the girls will love being together in a room! Now to decide when to make the switch! This is the tricky part. Do I move EE in Evs room soon? Or do I wait a little closer to my due date to put them together? Seeking advice about this one. I just don't want to mess up a good thing right now. Naptimes are easy, bedtime routine is fairly easy, and not waking one other is a rarity. Why mess this up right now?! Decisions, decision!
So, as of late, Evie says, "I can't like it" when she doesn't want to eat something or when she doesn't want to do a particular thing. Last night, at the grocery, Grady bought her a small box of goldfish (which is a huge treat because we do not eat goldfish usually). She wanted the treat before dinner. I told her no. She continued on to say she can't like food! She can only like goldfish. It's really funny to listen to her monologue on what she decides she cannot like. If only I could freeze that little voice! So sweet!
Eden is listening so well right now. She is learning her boundaries physically. She is hitting less, biting less, and I think she is throwing her body around less. This is such a great milestone for her:)! She just loves so well. If I am laying on the floor she will tackle me and just love on me giving me kisses and laying her sweet head on my chest! Love it!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Morning Gray Mood
I don't know if it's pregnancy or 28 months of parenting; maybe a little of both. I have been fighting those grayish feelings that just make you want to stay in bed. I came downstairs at 6 this am to grab a breakfast all by myself. It was heavenly. Then, I fell back asleep on the couch for a couple of hours. It was nice to not have the sweet demanding chicas giving me orders or wanting some of my breakfast. It was worth pulling myself out from under the warm covers and my bed to tiptoe down to spend some QT alone.
I told Grady something needs to change. My schedule is so monotonous and I don't always thrive when that's the case. I've always like sponetanaity and change! I've tried to embrace and just enjoy this stage. And I do at times. Im just struggling with what most stay-at-home moms probably struggle with which are things like no time to myself, loneliness, frumpy mom syndrome:-) and the like. On the other hand, I love spending everyday with the girls. Watching them grow and change has been so much fun! Getting to see them learn new things each day is my favorite par of this job. And I really wouldn't trade these for anything. My hormones have just won as of late and I'm trying to take back heart and mind.
I sense God is challenging me to embrace him and life in ways I have never done. I want that. Ideally do! I fall short each to do this. My motivation and energy level fail me most days. I just long for those sweet moments of light lifting in the Word and feeling His gentle presence refresh and fill me like none other.
My plan is to put the girls in a summer Mother's Day Out program. I started the re-enrollment process to finish my Master's in counseling, and I may do a few swim lessons this summer. these are my plans to be refreshed. Now to take those and lay them before the King and see what He say... Desiring His approval and plans to supersede mine.
I have hit my limit.
I told Grady something needs to change. My schedule is so monotonous and I don't always thrive when that's the case. I've always like sponetanaity and change! I've tried to embrace and just enjoy this stage. And I do at times. Im just struggling with what most stay-at-home moms probably struggle with which are things like no time to myself, loneliness, frumpy mom syndrome:-) and the like. On the other hand, I love spending everyday with the girls. Watching them grow and change has been so much fun! Getting to see them learn new things each day is my favorite par of this job. And I really wouldn't trade these for anything. My hormones have just won as of late and I'm trying to take back heart and mind.
I sense God is challenging me to embrace him and life in ways I have never done. I want that. Ideally do! I fall short each to do this. My motivation and energy level fail me most days. I just long for those sweet moments of light lifting in the Word and feeling His gentle presence refresh and fill me like none other.
My plan is to put the girls in a summer Mother's Day Out program. I started the re-enrollment process to finish my Master's in counseling, and I may do a few swim lessons this summer. these are my plans to be refreshed. Now to take those and lay them before the King and see what He say... Desiring His approval and plans to supersede mine.
I have hit my limit.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
She's Like a Pitbull
Lately, Evie will grab Eden by her hands and play "Ring Around the Rosies". Eden usually does okay with her big sister dragging her around in circles. It is so funny to watch until Evie gets too rough and Eden attacks!
Eden is our little tomboy. She is strong, knows no fear, does not know her own strength, and throws caution to the wind; hence her chipped front teeth from throwing herself in her crib and hitting the wood.
Last week Grady was tickling and playing on the floor with Eden and all of the sudden she rolled into his chest and took a bite! He had teeth marks and a whelp! This week she bit me and it hurt! She has been prone to bite my legs before she began walking to get my attention. But it has been months since she did that!
So, last night as Evie was dragging EE around the living room, Grady said, "Evie, be careful! Eden may bite you! She is like a Pitbull!" And she will! She will do it. We have to be careful or she will get rough and I don't even think she realizes her "roughness". Usually she is laughing and smiling when she bites.
Whew! She is my fun little mess! So loving,sweet, aggressive and unpredictable when playing!
Eden is our little tomboy. She is strong, knows no fear, does not know her own strength, and throws caution to the wind; hence her chipped front teeth from throwing herself in her crib and hitting the wood.
Last week Grady was tickling and playing on the floor with Eden and all of the sudden she rolled into his chest and took a bite! He had teeth marks and a whelp! This week she bit me and it hurt! She has been prone to bite my legs before she began walking to get my attention. But it has been months since she did that!
So, last night as Evie was dragging EE around the living room, Grady said, "Evie, be careful! Eden may bite you! She is like a Pitbull!" And she will! She will do it. We have to be careful or she will get rough and I don't even think she realizes her "roughness". Usually she is laughing and smiling when she bites.
Whew! She is my fun little mess! So loving,sweet, aggressive and unpredictable when playing!
I Can't Like It
"Oh Evsie! You do too like it!"
"No Mommy! I can't like it!"
Lately, Evie says this to me about anything she doesn't want to try. For example our dinner time hour is being ruled by this phrase. And Grady took her upstairs yesterday in offset to show how serious we are about her eating the food served. She has always been a great eater. As of late, she is easily distracted and would rather play than eat. This leaves her tummy empty and growling at about midnight in which she wakes up and informs us "I hungry! Eat some?!"
The phrase is really cute coming out in her two year old voice. But it loses it's cuteness when we are awakened for her midnight snack. We are working on this one.
Little Eden tries to communicate so bad. She has a hilarious jib wrist that she does. She'll look at me and start nodding her head like she wants to sell me something while talking like crazy in her baby language. It is so dang cute. I could eat her up when she does it. I usually start laughing and then she laughs too! We both start laughing and it's, well, contagious! Evie will join in and we have fun.
"No Mommy! I can't like it!"
Lately, Evie says this to me about anything she doesn't want to try. For example our dinner time hour is being ruled by this phrase. And Grady took her upstairs yesterday in offset to show how serious we are about her eating the food served. She has always been a great eater. As of late, she is easily distracted and would rather play than eat. This leaves her tummy empty and growling at about midnight in which she wakes up and informs us "I hungry! Eat some?!"
The phrase is really cute coming out in her two year old voice. But it loses it's cuteness when we are awakened for her midnight snack. We are working on this one.
Little Eden tries to communicate so bad. She has a hilarious jib wrist that she does. She'll look at me and start nodding her head like she wants to sell me something while talking like crazy in her baby language. It is so dang cute. I could eat her up when she does it. I usually start laughing and then she laughs too! We both start laughing and it's, well, contagious! Evie will join in and we have fun.
The Camera Hunt
After Christmas festivities were over I realized that I had misplaced my charger for my camera's battery. I have no idea where it could be. I have looked in all appropriate and inappropriate places that a camera charger might be hiding. I have come up empty handed. So, that leaves me dependent upon my iPhone 4 to capture this incredibly wonderful and challenging stage of life! For the most part I'm able to do great videos and back of the head shots, but I am missing those cute little messy faces in all their glory because the hd camera on this phone is just to slow. I've complained to Grady in hopes that he'll give in and let me get a good camera! But he hasn't folded yet:-)
All that to say, I'm missing putting photos up on this blog! I have a hard time downloading them from my phone. It is an easy fix, I know. Finding the time to let Grady give me a quick tutorial isn't one of my priorities as of now, but it needs to be! I want to chronicle their growth through the photos and videos I try to take.
So, we will see. Maybe I'll get a new camera for my birthday or for mothers day! That'd be great! I'm secretly hoping that's what Grady has in mind and why he isn't making a big deal about it when I mention it to him.
All that to say, I'm missing putting photos up on this blog! I have a hard time downloading them from my phone. It is an easy fix, I know. Finding the time to let Grady give me a quick tutorial isn't one of my priorities as of now, but it needs to be! I want to chronicle their growth through the photos and videos I try to take.
So, we will see. Maybe I'll get a new camera for my birthday or for mothers day! That'd be great! I'm secretly hoping that's what Grady has in mind and why he isn't making a big deal about it when I mention it to him.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Dang you, bench!
Last night, Channing and Gavie Ann spent the night with us. We rented Tangled, played with the dollhouse and kitchen, ate dinner, and then played some more! Evie loved having her cousins over. For the first time, she slept with them in the guest bedroom. She was such a big girl and did really well. I should say that I heard her saying, "I pooted! Channing.... Gavie Ann, I pooted! Bahhahhaahha!" Grady and I were listening through the monitor. It was hilarious listening to her try to make her cousins laugh!
This morning Evie, Chan, and Gavs woke up and went into the playroom and played for an hour before I got out of bed. It was heavenly. A little glimpse into what it will be like when Evie and Eden are 6 and 7 years old! I thought about using that time to take a shower and get ready for church before everyone else, but chose to catch some extra down time. I should have got ready.
I brought all the girls downstairs for breakfast. While Evie was eating her waffle, she fell in between the table and bench. We were all smiling at her because she looked funny sliding further underneath the table. Well, I went over to rescue her and in the midst of pulling her out, somehow her body weight leaned onto the bench, flipped it over on its side landing on my left set of toes! Oh my goodness! I don't think I have ever had such pain.
Grady was upstairs and ran down to help. I called my mom because I was starting to pass out from the pain. It's a very heavy wooden bench and my toes were no match for its weight! Grady took me to the ER, where they did x-rays. They see did not see a break, but possibly a hairline fracture on my big toe. A post-op boot was put on it and here I am on Sunday afternoon, watching the Masters, and waiting for the girls to wake up.
I don't look forward to putting weight on my toes. I think it'll be easier than I think it will be. I just don't want to do it yet!
This morning Evie, Chan, and Gavs woke up and went into the playroom and played for an hour before I got out of bed. It was heavenly. A little glimpse into what it will be like when Evie and Eden are 6 and 7 years old! I thought about using that time to take a shower and get ready for church before everyone else, but chose to catch some extra down time. I should have got ready.
I brought all the girls downstairs for breakfast. While Evie was eating her waffle, she fell in between the table and bench. We were all smiling at her because she looked funny sliding further underneath the table. Well, I went over to rescue her and in the midst of pulling her out, somehow her body weight leaned onto the bench, flipped it over on its side landing on my left set of toes! Oh my goodness! I don't think I have ever had such pain.
Grady was upstairs and ran down to help. I called my mom because I was starting to pass out from the pain. It's a very heavy wooden bench and my toes were no match for its weight! Grady took me to the ER, where they did x-rays. They see did not see a break, but possibly a hairline fracture on my big toe. A post-op boot was put on it and here I am on Sunday afternoon, watching the Masters, and waiting for the girls to wake up.
I don't look forward to putting weight on my toes. I think it'll be easier than I think it will be. I just don't want to do it yet!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Cuddle Bug
After applying Vick's vapor rub to Eden's feet, chest, and upper lip, the coughing subsided. It wasn't until 4 am did she get this relief. I wish I would have done this at 1 am, but I'm just so very slow in the middle of the night.
She didn't wake til 8 am. Grady went to get evie and put her in bed with us. He peeked in a EE and she was patiently waiting as usual with her thumb in. Grady brought her to me and she just snuggled up under my arm sucking her thumb and holding blankie. She and Evs greeted each other by Evie saying, "EE! tickle tickle! Sleep good E?" My heart melted at those sweet words. Eden now says, "hiiiiii Eie!" it's her way to say Evie. Most the time she throws her hands up and says, Eie, ere are a?" (Evie, where are u?)
At this moment we are under a tornado warning. It's been a 2 video kinda morning. First Veggie tales and now Hermie. The house has become eerily dark. I need to get up and make some lunch before the power is lost, but I have both Evs and EE cuddled up on me. And I don't want to move. Somedays I feel like I'm lifting 1000 pounds in parenting, thankfully today (with little sleep) I am enjoying the quiet laid back day of just laying on my couch with my little chiquititas! There's nothing like it! Love!
She didn't wake til 8 am. Grady went to get evie and put her in bed with us. He peeked in a EE and she was patiently waiting as usual with her thumb in. Grady brought her to me and she just snuggled up under my arm sucking her thumb and holding blankie. She and Evs greeted each other by Evie saying, "EE! tickle tickle! Sleep good E?" My heart melted at those sweet words. Eden now says, "hiiiiii Eie!" it's her way to say Evie. Most the time she throws her hands up and says, Eie, ere are a?" (Evie, where are u?)
At this moment we are under a tornado warning. It's been a 2 video kinda morning. First Veggie tales and now Hermie. The house has become eerily dark. I need to get up and make some lunch before the power is lost, but I have both Evs and EE cuddled up on me. And I don't want to move. Somedays I feel like I'm lifting 1000 pounds in parenting, thankfully today (with little sleep) I am enjoying the quiet laid back day of just laying on my couch with my little chiquititas! There's nothing like it! Love!
Coughing EE and Hungry Me
Little EE has been sick this weekend. I think she may have a sinus infection because I am coming down with the same funk. She's been coughing for 2 hours. It hasn't become croup and I pray that it doesn't. However, the humidifier is going, I put her in the shower to open her up and made her a zippy full of warm lemon water. My poor baby! I hate hearing her cough up a lung.
Of course I can't sleep when she is suffering so. I began to go to my usual websites looking for yummy recipes! I found one I might try tomorrow night. It's chicken balsamic wraps. Wow! My mouth is watering writing this. I'm so pregnant! I can't help but fixate on food.
Also, when I'm not asleep at 2 am, I check the weather. I'm dying for it to stay as beautiful as it has been. Unfortunately, the forecast looks grim for tomorrow. Tonado warnings and high winds fir most of the afternoon. I'm already praying for those to pass on over. There is hardly anything worse than tornados warnings during a 2 and 1 year old's naptime. I want them to sleep and at this point, I'm gonna need a major nap tomorrow!
Of course I can't sleep when she is suffering so. I began to go to my usual websites looking for yummy recipes! I found one I might try tomorrow night. It's chicken balsamic wraps. Wow! My mouth is watering writing this. I'm so pregnant! I can't help but fixate on food.
Also, when I'm not asleep at 2 am, I check the weather. I'm dying for it to stay as beautiful as it has been. Unfortunately, the forecast looks grim for tomorrow. Tonado warnings and high winds fir most of the afternoon. I'm already praying for those to pass on over. There is hardly anything worse than tornados warnings during a 2 and 1 year old's naptime. I want them to sleep and at this point, I'm gonna need a major nap tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Yo fat girl...
When I'm preggers, I often talk about how uncomfortable my clothes are or how I just feel fat! Grady usually starts into, "Yo fat girl, look at me I'm skinny", and it makes me laugh. I don't really laugh on the outside, just on the inside. It makes me smile because he's just so funny sometimes.
And then we were laying in bed talking about what in the world we would name a baby boy if it is indeed a male I'm carrying. I suggested Jesus. He said Jesus (with the Spanish pronunciation) but then said only the Mexicans are brave enough to name a child after their Savior and we aren't. This made me laugh.
I laid Evie down for her nap on Monday. She sang "Hallelu, hallelu hallelujah, praise we ta word" in her bed for 30 minutes. It was very sweet to hear her singing praises to the Lord. She doesn't know what she's doing yet, but I pray it takes root and sticks for life.
And then we were laying in bed talking about what in the world we would name a baby boy if it is indeed a male I'm carrying. I suggested Jesus. He said Jesus (with the Spanish pronunciation) but then said only the Mexicans are brave enough to name a child after their Savior and we aren't. This made me laugh.
I laid Evie down for her nap on Monday. She sang "Hallelu, hallelu hallelujah, praise we ta word" in her bed for 30 minutes. It was very sweet to hear her singing praises to the Lord. She doesn't know what she's doing yet, but I pray it takes root and sticks for life.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
No Room for Mistakes
When you are 11 and half weeks preggers, there are just no room for food mistakes. Each meal must be chosen to precisely fit the taste buds of mama and baby. Otherwise, there's a lack of satisfaction.
Last night Grady had a business meeting and didn't come home til late. I settled for leftovers, but not until I had the girls down and could eat in peace. The night before I had made a feast: Barbecued chicken, Mac and cheese, green beans, and mashed potatoes was the menu. My eyes are bigger than my belly for now so I made way too much and had lots of leftovers. I tired to eat it but it wasn't what baby wanted:-) After Grady returned home I realized that I wanted what he had, Demos'!!! A locally owned restaurant that serves the coldest salads, the best dinner rolls, and some mean chicken salad:-( Food never sounds or tastes better than during pregnancy for me.
So, here's my plan. I drop the girls off at Gigi's tomorrow afternoon, I recruit Grady or another willing soul to go eat lunch with me at Demos'! I really hope it hits the spot. It will have been a 36 hour food craving by the time I get there tomorrow! I hope every bite tastes as good as I have been dreaming it to be!
Last night Grady had a business meeting and didn't come home til late. I settled for leftovers, but not until I had the girls down and could eat in peace. The night before I had made a feast: Barbecued chicken, Mac and cheese, green beans, and mashed potatoes was the menu. My eyes are bigger than my belly for now so I made way too much and had lots of leftovers. I tired to eat it but it wasn't what baby wanted:-) After Grady returned home I realized that I wanted what he had, Demos'!!! A locally owned restaurant that serves the coldest salads, the best dinner rolls, and some mean chicken salad:-( Food never sounds or tastes better than during pregnancy for me.
So, here's my plan. I drop the girls off at Gigi's tomorrow afternoon, I recruit Grady or another willing soul to go eat lunch with me at Demos'! I really hope it hits the spot. It will have been a 36 hour food craving by the time I get there tomorrow! I hope every bite tastes as good as I have been dreaming it to be!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Hypnobirthing
Brittany came on Thursday morning to help. After she left I took the girls to mom's and I headed to Barnes & Noble (my favorite place to retreat when alone). I picked up the book Hypnobirthing.
My epidural with Eden was traumatic. It took 3 attempts to get it in. I didn't take in my right side leaving me in pain. As a result, I feel as though my back has become weak an it hurts a lot! So, this past appointment with my OBGYN I asked her Bout natural childbirth and if she would deliver me if I chose that route. She said yes and had a Vandy student with her that had birthed 2 babies via Hypnobirthing.
The book has been so interesting and educational. My next step is to sign up for a class. My mom birthed me at home with a midwife. She was quite the hippy back in the day. If she can do it, I think I can too (I really hope I can)!
My main reason in trying this method of birthing is to avoid hurting my back any more than it does already.
My epidural with Eden was traumatic. It took 3 attempts to get it in. I didn't take in my right side leaving me in pain. As a result, I feel as though my back has become weak an it hurts a lot! So, this past appointment with my OBGYN I asked her Bout natural childbirth and if she would deliver me if I chose that route. She said yes and had a Vandy student with her that had birthed 2 babies via Hypnobirthing.
The book has been so interesting and educational. My next step is to sign up for a class. My mom birthed me at home with a midwife. She was quite the hippy back in the day. If she can do it, I think I can too (I really hope I can)!
My main reason in trying this method of birthing is to avoid hurting my back any more than it does already.
Friday, March 18, 2011
"Momsie"
This week I have been "Momsie". Evie came up with this term of endearment for me. On a regular basis she will come up to me, hug me, and say, "I love you Momsie". It melts my heart and makes the good, bad, and the ugly of being a stay at home mom wall worth it!
The good: 3 hour naps during the day with my girls. The bad: tantrums in every public place I have been to this week. And the ugly: my cries for some sanity in the moments or sometimes hours of those tantrums!
"They say" raising kids is the hardest job in the world, well this week it's felt like 3 of the hardest jobs at one time. I'm spilling out the not sO pretty side of my heart in motherhood. Im trying to take the advice of the little girl from Veggie Tales' Maddam Blueberry. And it is "a happy heart is a thankful heart". I hear it almost everytime we take a ride in the car and it is a lesson I need to hear over and over. My stubborn heart forgets how to be thankful and takes for granted to the simple blessings and joy there is in parenting.
I'm thankful Eden is really starting to talk. Yesterday while playing outside she yelled, "Evie, where are you?" It was in her tone of voice and wouldn't be recognized as those words by anyone but me! Still, it was her looking for her sister. That made my heart happy!
And these were my random thoughts for this week:-)
The good: 3 hour naps during the day with my girls. The bad: tantrums in every public place I have been to this week. And the ugly: my cries for some sanity in the moments or sometimes hours of those tantrums!
"They say" raising kids is the hardest job in the world, well this week it's felt like 3 of the hardest jobs at one time. I'm spilling out the not sO pretty side of my heart in motherhood. Im trying to take the advice of the little girl from Veggie Tales' Maddam Blueberry. And it is "a happy heart is a thankful heart". I hear it almost everytime we take a ride in the car and it is a lesson I need to hear over and over. My stubborn heart forgets how to be thankful and takes for granted to the simple blessings and joy there is in parenting.
I'm thankful Eden is really starting to talk. Yesterday while playing outside she yelled, "Evie, where are you?" It was in her tone of voice and wouldn't be recognized as those words by anyone but me! Still, it was her looking for her sister. That made my heart happy!
And these were my random thoughts for this week:-)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Chair Climber Eden
Eden... aw sweet Eden! She has hit a milestone. She talks about everything all the time in her jibberish. It is so fun to listen to. She also has figured out how to levered herself and climb almost anything. This makes my days a little more challenging. I find her on top of tables and the bench. So, now my little one is officially not so little anymore!
As of late, we have to take her upstairs and put her in "time out" in her crib. She has been taking her frustration out on Evie by pulling her hair, screaming, and hitting. Crib time seems to be curving the behavior. It is especially effective if I take her blankie away during the time out.
I'm finding that this stage of parenting is taking more out of me than I can put in some days. Last night I just asked Grady to help me pray through some of the things we are seeing in our girls, both the good and bad. We spent time asking the Lord for wisdom and direction. We listened and just meditated on how we should parent these little souls. Whew! Grace and more grace is what I'm trying to receive from Him during this stage!
I don't want to just shed a negative light on my sweet EE. She is the most loving, sweet and enthusiastic child. She dances to any beat that comes her way. She bear hugs me with her little arms (they wrap all the way around my neck) and then gives me kisses with a wide open mouth. There is nothing sweeter. I love her love, all her thumb sucking self, and her passion to fight for what she wants! She is a pursuer of people always wanting everyone in a group of people to hold her. She will let others pass her around. She isn't a bit shy! I love that about her.
As of late, we have to take her upstairs and put her in "time out" in her crib. She has been taking her frustration out on Evie by pulling her hair, screaming, and hitting. Crib time seems to be curving the behavior. It is especially effective if I take her blankie away during the time out.
I'm finding that this stage of parenting is taking more out of me than I can put in some days. Last night I just asked Grady to help me pray through some of the things we are seeing in our girls, both the good and bad. We spent time asking the Lord for wisdom and direction. We listened and just meditated on how we should parent these little souls. Whew! Grace and more grace is what I'm trying to receive from Him during this stage!
I don't want to just shed a negative light on my sweet EE. She is the most loving, sweet and enthusiastic child. She dances to any beat that comes her way. She bear hugs me with her little arms (they wrap all the way around my neck) and then gives me kisses with a wide open mouth. There is nothing sweeter. I love her love, all her thumb sucking self, and her passion to fight for what she wants! She is a pursuer of people always wanting everyone in a group of people to hold her. She will let others pass her around. She isn't a bit shy! I love that about her.
Cravings
Lately, I haven't been making any Trader Joe runs. However, this week it was a must to get their Vanilla/Blueberry & Cream Yogurt! I made the mistake of letting the girls try some and I'm afraid they won't go back to their more healthy yogurt! Here are a few other things this baby is causing me to crave:
- Chicken Tawook or Lebanese food! Yum!
- Lot of fruit like apples, bananas, strawberries, oranges, and grapes (this wasn't the case with the girls)
- Salads with Balsamic vinegar!
- Cereal (any kind)
- Chili's chicken quesadillas! Yummy!
9 Weeks Along
Our ultrasound gave us the due date October 8th. We were shocked at how far along I am. The baby turned 9 weeks in utero on Sunday. I feel okay for being this far along. With the girls I couldn't step foot in the grocery store or open the frig without dry heaving. This time around is characterized mainly by an upset stomach every 2 to 3 days. It's not pleasant but it's much easier to cope. It makes me think that this babe may be a boy! And just writing that scares me a bit.
I read a study on mother's who have multiple boys. It found that with each male pregnancy, the mother had less testosterone to give. Therefore, the youngest boy in the family had less testosterone. I just wonder if it applies to girls in utero as well? Do I feel less sick because I gave a lot if my extra estrogen away to the girls? Am I carrying a girl and it's just easier because of that possibility? Random thoughts... just trying to think through why I'm not feeling so sick.
I think grace plays a major role in this pregnancy. I'm tired, emotional, unmotivated, tired, and did I mention extremely emotional. I have been crying over Disney commercials. You know the ones where they have actual families filmed having their Disney experience. And then they say, "this is where their sisterhood turned into friendship" or something like that. I'm crying writing it. This is just how weepy I am. But I feel so much more motivated than I did while preggers with the girls. I guess having 2 little ones to wipe, feed, and nurture keep me off my booty!
I'm getting more excited about having a baby in the fall. My goals before the baby gets here are to potty train Evie and to teach Eden how to feed herself using a fork and spoon. She's using a spork right now. Ha! Well, I should say she was using a spork. She is now covered in yogurt and has been using her hand while I slipped out of the kitchen to go potty! What a hot mess!!!
I read a study on mother's who have multiple boys. It found that with each male pregnancy, the mother had less testosterone to give. Therefore, the youngest boy in the family had less testosterone. I just wonder if it applies to girls in utero as well? Do I feel less sick because I gave a lot if my extra estrogen away to the girls? Am I carrying a girl and it's just easier because of that possibility? Random thoughts... just trying to think through why I'm not feeling so sick.
I think grace plays a major role in this pregnancy. I'm tired, emotional, unmotivated, tired, and did I mention extremely emotional. I have been crying over Disney commercials. You know the ones where they have actual families filmed having their Disney experience. And then they say, "this is where their sisterhood turned into friendship" or something like that. I'm crying writing it. This is just how weepy I am. But I feel so much more motivated than I did while preggers with the girls. I guess having 2 little ones to wipe, feed, and nurture keep me off my booty!
I'm getting more excited about having a baby in the fall. My goals before the baby gets here are to potty train Evie and to teach Eden how to feed herself using a fork and spoon. She's using a spork right now. Ha! Well, I should say she was using a spork. She is now covered in yogurt and has been using her hand while I slipped out of the kitchen to go potty! What a hot mess!!!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
And then there were...
THREE!
I couldn't believe it. I woke up at 3 am on February 15 feeling so nauseated. At first I thought the Mongolian food had done it to me. Then, 15 hours later, I realized It wasn't mongolian beef but a little bit down in my belly! The pregnancy test has never been so positive. The dark blue line was darker than the last 3 pregnancies I've had! So, here we go! Another 10 month adventure with our newest family member!
Since my first pregnancy was ectopic and quite difficult to dissolve, I'm always somewhat nervous until I have the first ultrasound. It took 5 months to make sure that the first pregnancy was terminated through a series of chemotherapy treatments. It was such a difficult process, but looking back I see God's grace through that period carrying me. I'm glad I didn't have little ones during that time. While the experience was heartbreaking, I'm thankful for the extra longing it gave me to want to be a mama!
I can't wait until morning! We get to meet our little kumquat on the big screen:-) And I am exciting about the next 7 1/2 getting to know this little life that will be dancing around in my womb! Evie is already lifting up my shirt and talking to the baby! She says, "Hi baby! Whada doing?" she's going to be my little mamacitasfor! It will be fun to see the girls react to the belly growth!
I am somewhat apprehensive about having 3 so close in age. But thus far, the Lord has given me so much grace and peace that I can already see how he will provide strength and courage to take on one more! Lately, I've been so tired and a little sick, but not likinwas with the girls. Some days are harder than others and so far I've been able to grocery shop and cook. I'm craving Lebanese food (chicken tawook to be exact... Mouth watering). Now, I just have to get to the Lebanese restaurant or learn to make that dish! Awe... Pickles, pizza, Greek salads, and balsamic vinegar are my top cravings until now! I ate a whole jar of dill pickles yesterday! Man, they were Delish! Food has never tasted better! I'm grateful for some incredible cravings!!! Bring them on little one!
I couldn't believe it. I woke up at 3 am on February 15 feeling so nauseated. At first I thought the Mongolian food had done it to me. Then, 15 hours later, I realized It wasn't mongolian beef but a little bit down in my belly! The pregnancy test has never been so positive. The dark blue line was darker than the last 3 pregnancies I've had! So, here we go! Another 10 month adventure with our newest family member!
Since my first pregnancy was ectopic and quite difficult to dissolve, I'm always somewhat nervous until I have the first ultrasound. It took 5 months to make sure that the first pregnancy was terminated through a series of chemotherapy treatments. It was such a difficult process, but looking back I see God's grace through that period carrying me. I'm glad I didn't have little ones during that time. While the experience was heartbreaking, I'm thankful for the extra longing it gave me to want to be a mama!
I can't wait until morning! We get to meet our little kumquat on the big screen:-) And I am exciting about the next 7 1/2 getting to know this little life that will be dancing around in my womb! Evie is already lifting up my shirt and talking to the baby! She says, "Hi baby! Whada doing?" she's going to be my little mamacitasfor! It will be fun to see the girls react to the belly growth!
I am somewhat apprehensive about having 3 so close in age. But thus far, the Lord has given me so much grace and peace that I can already see how he will provide strength and courage to take on one more! Lately, I've been so tired and a little sick, but not likinwas with the girls. Some days are harder than others and so far I've been able to grocery shop and cook. I'm craving Lebanese food (chicken tawook to be exact... Mouth watering). Now, I just have to get to the Lebanese restaurant or learn to make that dish! Awe... Pickles, pizza, Greek salads, and balsamic vinegar are my top cravings until now! I ate a whole jar of dill pickles yesterday! Man, they were Delish! Food has never tasted better! I'm grateful for some incredible cravings!!! Bring them on little one!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Jelly
"Evie! Stop putting Dora's head in the jelly and licking it off!"
Evie ate a jelly sandwich for lunch today and had her Dora figurine close by. I turned around from cleaning up Eden's mess find Evie dipping Dora's head in the jelly on her sandwich. Ha! I laughed hard on the inside just thinking about how it sounds and looks. These are the little episodes that help push me through days like today. It's cold, dark, and gloomy outside. And I just want to crawl in bed and read a good book! But those days are few and far between at this stage in life. I'm enjoying them while trying to allow God's faithfulness and grace wash completely through me so that I parent these girls with His love.
Awe, Dora's going to need her plastic head bathed tonight! Along with Evs long brunette hair. They both smell like delicious strawberries. But their little sticky bodies will need a wash!
Evie ate a jelly sandwich for lunch today and had her Dora figurine close by. I turned around from cleaning up Eden's mess find Evie dipping Dora's head in the jelly on her sandwich. Ha! I laughed hard on the inside just thinking about how it sounds and looks. These are the little episodes that help push me through days like today. It's cold, dark, and gloomy outside. And I just want to crawl in bed and read a good book! But those days are few and far between at this stage in life. I'm enjoying them while trying to allow God's faithfulness and grace wash completely through me so that I parent these girls with His love.
Awe, Dora's going to need her plastic head bathed tonight! Along with Evs long brunette hair. They both smell like delicious strawberries. But their little sticky bodies will need a wash!
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Decapitated Sippy Cup
Today was one of those days. I woke up and decided I couldn't live in the mundane. So, I dressed the girls as quickly as I could, leaving their shoes off (I put those on after they are buckled into their car seats). I gathered diaper bag things after I had loaded them into the car so I did not waste too much time.
The grocery store was to be our first stop, but I forwent that plan and headed to Panera Bread for chocolate milk and cinnamon crunch bagels. I just couldn't resist! The girls loved the blueberry muffin that I also bought. Between the three of us, we finished off the muffin, bagel, and cream cheese. Oh, and the chocolate milk. It was such a restful breakfast knowing that I wasn't going to be the one cleaning up crumbs and milk puddles off the floor and table. A nice break on this Friday morning.
I loaded the girls back into the van still not wanting to make a grocery run. As I backed out of my parking spot, I felt a clunk clunk. I got out to make sure I had not run over the stroller or something else that I may have forgotten to load. When I leaned out the car door I saw it. It was a sippy cup and it was decapitated. The top was perfectly severed from it's bottom side. A small slit was made in the top where it separated from its mate. I laughed when I saw it, thinking, "thank goodness it was a $2 sippy." But I was also disappointed because I lose or misplace about one sippy per week. I need a line in the budget just for sippy cups!
Anyways, we never made it to the grocery. We went to Peek-A-Boo Playtown and then stopped by Sonic for lunch. I spent more money than I wanted, but some days it's better to get out of the house. I feel refreshed after today's break from the norm.
The girls are sleeping right now. I finished cleaning the house as quickly as I could so that I could sit, relax, read, and blog. I'm so thankful it was just one of those days!
The grocery store was to be our first stop, but I forwent that plan and headed to Panera Bread for chocolate milk and cinnamon crunch bagels. I just couldn't resist! The girls loved the blueberry muffin that I also bought. Between the three of us, we finished off the muffin, bagel, and cream cheese. Oh, and the chocolate milk. It was such a restful breakfast knowing that I wasn't going to be the one cleaning up crumbs and milk puddles off the floor and table. A nice break on this Friday morning.
I loaded the girls back into the van still not wanting to make a grocery run. As I backed out of my parking spot, I felt a clunk clunk. I got out to make sure I had not run over the stroller or something else that I may have forgotten to load. When I leaned out the car door I saw it. It was a sippy cup and it was decapitated. The top was perfectly severed from it's bottom side. A small slit was made in the top where it separated from its mate. I laughed when I saw it, thinking, "thank goodness it was a $2 sippy." But I was also disappointed because I lose or misplace about one sippy per week. I need a line in the budget just for sippy cups!
Anyways, we never made it to the grocery. We went to Peek-A-Boo Playtown and then stopped by Sonic for lunch. I spent more money than I wanted, but some days it's better to get out of the house. I feel refreshed after today's break from the norm.
The girls are sleeping right now. I finished cleaning the house as quickly as I could so that I could sit, relax, read, and blog. I'm so thankful it was just one of those days!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
That's Mines Bottom
"Evie, come lay down so i can put your diaper on or you will get a spanking!"
"No Mommy! That's mines bottom."
"No Mommy! That's mines bottom."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Whada is it?
Lately, Evie asks me all day long, "whada is it, Mommy? Whada is it?"
Today's new phrase was "Oh dear! It's my favorite!" to every toy or book she found. She spent the better part of last week and weekend with her grandparents. That has to be where the "oh dear" has come from.
I love hearing these new phrases come out of her mouth. Tonight she watched a video of her cousins playing in the snow. She just began stating what she likes. While watching the video she said, "I wike Channing. I wike Channing."
And Eden now holds her hand up to her ear and says, "hellwo" like she is answering the phone. I love her imitations! Her sweet personality is blossoming everyday. In light of our first born, Eden is as unique as her big sister!
Today's new phrase was "Oh dear! It's my favorite!" to every toy or book she found. She spent the better part of last week and weekend with her grandparents. That has to be where the "oh dear" has come from.
I love hearing these new phrases come out of her mouth. Tonight she watched a video of her cousins playing in the snow. She just began stating what she likes. While watching the video she said, "I wike Channing. I wike Channing."
And Eden now holds her hand up to her ear and says, "hellwo" like she is answering the phone. I love her imitations! Her sweet personality is blossoming everyday. In light of our first born, Eden is as unique as her big sister!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Allergies and Almighty
Evie has never liked peanut butter. I introduced peanut butter and jelly to her a year ago and she refused it. Peanut butter crackers are spit out onto the floor when she detects their flavor. I didn't really think much about it until 3 weeks ago.
Evie, Eden, and the cousins spend Thursdays with Gigi. As we were leaving hat Thursday, my mom threw some haystacks that she had made in a bag to take home. I gave Evie a pinch off one to eat before getting into the car. When we got home she went into what I thought was a 2 year tantrum. It turned out to be an allergic reaction to the peanut that she ate in the haystack. I took her to the ER where they gave her an oral dose of prednisone. It was a scary night.
Today I took her to see the chiropractor Grady and his family have been seeing for years. He did odd testing for allergens and she tested positive for peanuts, peanut butter, gluten, and eggs. It is so interesting to me to look back on her short life and see how she has always rejected these foods. The doctor today said that usually you crave the foods in which you have allergens. But I heard that young chrildren get a burning sensation when they eat foods that cause reactions. We go back in two weeks to make sure the drios which were formulated are neutralizing her system.
And here is how the Almighty comes in. I am reading through my chronological Bible with the women at my church. I love it. I started doing this years ago. After finishing the story of Joseph and his exile to Egypt today my view of God grew a little. Maybe it grew a lot. God told Joseph early in life that his family would bow to him. God never revealed to him why they would bow or in which year they would look to Joseph in a way king's men look to a king. This story is my favorite in all the Bible! Here,in the first book of the Bible, is a prototype of Christ. It is a picture of what Jesus has done for me. The Scriptures in the Psalms point to the greatness, the power, the grandeur of the Lord. I used to see God seated on a throne as big as my dining room chair. Because of this story and a few other works in my life as of late, I'm beginning to imagine God's head as big as the earth. I'm thankful for this growth. In a weird way, I think it's a measure of how I am growing in my faith. Joseph's life was not controlled by the evil intent of his brothers nor out of the haughtiness in sharing his dreams prematurely with his brothers. Instead, God controlled every twist and turn in the life of Joseph to make His head seem as big as the earth itself...
Evie, Eden, and the cousins spend Thursdays with Gigi. As we were leaving hat Thursday, my mom threw some haystacks that she had made in a bag to take home. I gave Evie a pinch off one to eat before getting into the car. When we got home she went into what I thought was a 2 year tantrum. It turned out to be an allergic reaction to the peanut that she ate in the haystack. I took her to the ER where they gave her an oral dose of prednisone. It was a scary night.
Today I took her to see the chiropractor Grady and his family have been seeing for years. He did odd testing for allergens and she tested positive for peanuts, peanut butter, gluten, and eggs. It is so interesting to me to look back on her short life and see how she has always rejected these foods. The doctor today said that usually you crave the foods in which you have allergens. But I heard that young chrildren get a burning sensation when they eat foods that cause reactions. We go back in two weeks to make sure the drios which were formulated are neutralizing her system.
And here is how the Almighty comes in. I am reading through my chronological Bible with the women at my church. I love it. I started doing this years ago. After finishing the story of Joseph and his exile to Egypt today my view of God grew a little. Maybe it grew a lot. God told Joseph early in life that his family would bow to him. God never revealed to him why they would bow or in which year they would look to Joseph in a way king's men look to a king. This story is my favorite in all the Bible! Here,in the first book of the Bible, is a prototype of Christ. It is a picture of what Jesus has done for me. The Scriptures in the Psalms point to the greatness, the power, the grandeur of the Lord. I used to see God seated on a throne as big as my dining room chair. Because of this story and a few other works in my life as of late, I'm beginning to imagine God's head as big as the earth. I'm thankful for this growth. In a weird way, I think it's a measure of how I am growing in my faith. Joseph's life was not controlled by the evil intent of his brothers nor out of the haughtiness in sharing his dreams prematurely with his brothers. Instead, God controlled every twist and turn in the life of Joseph to make His head seem as big as the earth itself...
Sunday, January 30, 2011
"I Stuck Me!"
"I stuck me, mommy! I stuck me!" is what I hear come out of Evie's mouth 20 to 30 times a day. Her language is evolving and this sweet phrase means that either she is stuck or that she can't get something that she wants. Two weeks ago it was "I stuck" and today it is a funny and lovable "I stuck me".
My grandmother's chicken and dressing casserole, sweet corn bread, cool whip jello, and poppy seed salad was on our birthday menu today. We celebrated Poppy and Bebe's birthday's today at our house. All the cousins and siblings were here. The time was sweet and felt like an Easter celebration in lieu of a late January birthday bash.
The weather was a glorious 65 degrees. The past two days have spoiled us rotten and I think if it changes back to the freezing temperatures that we've experienced this winter, I'll be very sad! I have always loved warmer weather. Having young children makes me long for it all the more! Coats, hats, strollers, and the winter do not mix very well for me!
I tried to stick some chicken into Eden's mouth during lunch and she said, "na na na naaa..... no!" She shook her head and looked at me like I had tried to shove an aspirator up her nose! I was a proud mama! She gave me a clear no! I loved hearing it come out of her mouth. Another developmental milestone! I'm sure I will get weary of hearing the "no's" coming from her, but I'm very thankful that she is growing and learning so well! My sweet little EE!!
My grandmother's chicken and dressing casserole, sweet corn bread, cool whip jello, and poppy seed salad was on our birthday menu today. We celebrated Poppy and Bebe's birthday's today at our house. All the cousins and siblings were here. The time was sweet and felt like an Easter celebration in lieu of a late January birthday bash.
The weather was a glorious 65 degrees. The past two days have spoiled us rotten and I think if it changes back to the freezing temperatures that we've experienced this winter, I'll be very sad! I have always loved warmer weather. Having young children makes me long for it all the more! Coats, hats, strollers, and the winter do not mix very well for me!
I tried to stick some chicken into Eden's mouth during lunch and she said, "na na na naaa..... no!" She shook her head and looked at me like I had tried to shove an aspirator up her nose! I was a proud mama! She gave me a clear no! I loved hearing it come out of her mouth. Another developmental milestone! I'm sure I will get weary of hearing the "no's" coming from her, but I'm very thankful that she is growing and learning so well! My sweet little EE!!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Who is this person?
Sometimes, when I'm thinking about having more children, I think about who will this person be or become? I think this about Evie and Eden often. I have a small glimpse of who Evie is. She is my strong-willed, funny, deep thinking, lovable soul. Eden is still mysterious to me. I see a "throw all caution to the wind" in her physical actions. Yes, she is accident prone. She loves to cuddle, grab a hand full of hair and suck her thumb! She gets super excited when she sees me and loves on me so well. I gladly welcome the cuddling.
I wonder who these little girls will become and if there is another baby for us in the future! My mom blessed me and my sister with a special blessing every night before we went to bed growing up. She put together a compilation of Scriptures when I was a baby. My sister, mom, and I would say it together in unison each night as we were tucked into bed. I now pray this blessing over my girls each night at bedtime:
I wonder who these little girls will become and if there is another baby for us in the future! My mom blessed me and my sister with a special blessing every night before we went to bed growing up. She put together a compilation of Scriptures when I was a baby. My sister, mom, and I would say it together in unison each night as we were tucked into bed. I now pray this blessing over my girls each night at bedtime:
You are obedient disciples taught unto the Lord. Great shall be your peace and undisturbed composure. As you are trained up in the way you should go, you shall grow old and not depart from it. You are blessed coming in and blessed going out and everything you set your to do will be blessed. You are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. And greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. You are the head and not the tail. You are above and not below and nothing by any means shall ever harm you. Amen!
So cute
This morning Evie climbed in bed with me. She has been doing this lately and I'm liking the new routine! Grady gets her out of the crib and brings her to me. This is just another sign of her growing up. She wants to lay with me and hang out before Eden wakes up. When she awakes in her crib, we hear her from the monitor saying, "Mommy, Daddy, hurry up! Come here before Eden wakes up!" she knows as soon as her little sister awakes, it's go time and we head for downstairs.
This morning Evie saw that I had a new pair of pajamas on and said, "oh, wow! Mommy, so cute! Beautiful!" I love how Evie pays attention to the details.
Channing gave Evie a bracelet a month ago and it broke. I took Evs to Hobby Lobby today to get another bracelet kit. She was so excited and proud to get it! I'll have to post pictures of what she makes!
This morning Evie saw that I had a new pair of pajamas on and said, "oh, wow! Mommy, so cute! Beautiful!" I love how Evie pays attention to the details.
Channing gave Evie a bracelet a month ago and it broke. I took Evs to Hobby Lobby today to get another bracelet kit. She was so excited and proud to get it! I'll have to post pictures of what she makes!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Don't eat the lip gloss!
"You can't have a cookie if you eat the lip gloss!"
What?!?!
Did I just say this to Evie? Yes, I did. And I actually stopped to think twice about what just came out of my mouth. Victoria's Secrets' Signature Vanilla Berry lip gloss is hidden in the medicine cabinet and she spotted it. I probably shouldn't let her, I know. She quickly discovered it's very berry taste and prefers to lick it off her lips and reapply. So, when she was requesting a cookie, I yelled out, "you can't have a cookie and the lip gloss!" Ridiculous moments in parenting!
What?!?!
Did I just say this to Evie? Yes, I did. And I actually stopped to think twice about what just came out of my mouth. Victoria's Secrets' Signature Vanilla Berry lip gloss is hidden in the medicine cabinet and she spotted it. I probably shouldn't let her, I know. She quickly discovered it's very berry taste and prefers to lick it off her lips and reapply. So, when she was requesting a cookie, I yelled out, "you can't have a cookie and the lip gloss!" Ridiculous moments in parenting!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Slow Cooker Curried Chickpeas and Chicken....
Except I forgot the curry and used tomato paste instead of sauce... oops!
I don't like to follow the recipe exactly when making a meal, and a lot of times I don't pay attention to the details in the ingredients list! This drives Grady crazy. He likes to follow the cooking instructions to a tee and gets annoyed with my lack of detail in cooking. I just realized, as I was pulling out the ingredients for this recipe, that I forgot to pick up the curry at Whole Foods. I was planning to run by Trader Joe's to get the curry, but didn't make it to TJ's for lack of energy (I had both girls with me). Instead of curry, the chicken is seasoned with garlic, poultry seasoning, liquid smoke (this may be disgusting!), and onion flakes! I did soak my chickpeas according to the recipe.
I really hope it's a hit (as this week I am trying all new recipes)... Hmmm, I wonder if Grady will like! I'll find out in 5 hours:)
I don't like to follow the recipe exactly when making a meal, and a lot of times I don't pay attention to the details in the ingredients list! This drives Grady crazy. He likes to follow the cooking instructions to a tee and gets annoyed with my lack of detail in cooking. I just realized, as I was pulling out the ingredients for this recipe, that I forgot to pick up the curry at Whole Foods. I was planning to run by Trader Joe's to get the curry, but didn't make it to TJ's for lack of energy (I had both girls with me). Instead of curry, the chicken is seasoned with garlic, poultry seasoning, liquid smoke (this may be disgusting!), and onion flakes! I did soak my chickpeas according to the recipe.
I really hope it's a hit (as this week I am trying all new recipes)... Hmmm, I wonder if Grady will like! I'll find out in 5 hours:)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Deep Dark Chocolate
Deep Dark Chocolate Pudding Cake is what I'm baking right this moment. It was put together between holding Evie and Eden, a doctor's visit, a prescription drop-off, and lunch. The girls are sleeping soundly upstairs. I managed to throw the cake in the oven before I put them down for their naps. Aww! Chocolate for me in 7 minutes and 15 seconds!!!
Evie is amazing me with her sentences. She shouted from the back seat yesterday, "Let's do this thing, baby!". Grady and I were caught off guard and couldn't stop laughing.
Eden is walking almost as well as her big sister. She plows through the toys, Evie, and anything else in sight. She has no regard for her own safety, and much less for others. She's always been a wild baby, throwing herself backwards in her crib. She has a chipped front tooth as evidence to her bucking behavior. I was so sad when that happened, but it characterizes my little wild one!
Grady got the report back from the colonoscopy last Wednesday. He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. At first, I felt like our world was imploding again. But, as the days have gone on, I feel an incredible amount of grace and hope. I am so hopeful that the Lord is using this to turn our course in the direction that He has for us. One of privilege and purpose. I'm thankful for the way He is carrying me through.. There is a sweetness to this stage of life. I have to stay focused on Him to taste it. And unfortunately, I don't always stay fixed where I need to be, but there is an ebb and flow to that sweetness that keeps me afloat and running back to taste more.
Evie is amazing me with her sentences. She shouted from the back seat yesterday, "Let's do this thing, baby!". Grady and I were caught off guard and couldn't stop laughing.
Eden is walking almost as well as her big sister. She plows through the toys, Evie, and anything else in sight. She has no regard for her own safety, and much less for others. She's always been a wild baby, throwing herself backwards in her crib. She has a chipped front tooth as evidence to her bucking behavior. I was so sad when that happened, but it characterizes my little wild one!
Grady got the report back from the colonoscopy last Wednesday. He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. At first, I felt like our world was imploding again. But, as the days have gone on, I feel an incredible amount of grace and hope. I am so hopeful that the Lord is using this to turn our course in the direction that He has for us. One of privilege and purpose. I'm thankful for the way He is carrying me through.. There is a sweetness to this stage of life. I have to stay focused on Him to taste it. And unfortunately, I don't always stay fixed where I need to be, but there is an ebb and flow to that sweetness that keeps me afloat and running back to taste more.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Eden's first birthday!
Eden's turns one today! Hip hip hooray!
This is Eden's expression after I sang "Happy Birthday" to her this morning when she awoke! You can't see her black eye it in this picture, but last night Eden fell face forward in the bathtub. She now likes to stand in the bath. She cut her eye lid on a Dora bathtub toy. It bled. She cried. I panicked a little. Just a little battle scar to wrap up her first year of life!
We have a fun day planned! Traditional Cracker Barrel brunch with on of the parents, birthdays naps (for babies and me), and a fun birthday bash tonight with all the family.
Evie giving Eden a massage in the bathtub.
Eden's favorite way to just "hang" out in the bathtub these days.
Eden's first birthday party will be homemade chili for dinner and cake and ice cream. Grady's cousin is making the cake because my cakes have been disastrous lately.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Oh, shoot!
"Yay! Shoot! We did it!" Is what Evie said when I brought her "biggy blanket" to her yesterday morning. We were leaving the house and she requested her large blanket that Bebe made. Unfortunately, "shoot" is coming out of her mouth for everything right now and sometimes it sounds more like "s*#t". And that's not good. Grady and I are trying to wean her over to the phrase "oh, snap". I can only imagine what her Sunday School teachers think of us.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Ahh, expectations...
My mother tells me that I came home from my first day of Kindergarten devastated. I've been told that I cried and cried because I did not learn to read the first day. I ask myself this question when I think about that story: who set me up for thinking that I'd learn to read? Maybe I took something my mom said out of context and imagined that I'd be reading chapter books by week one of Kindergarten?
I wasn't prepared for what Grady said to me on Sunday afternoon. I noticed that he was acting mellow and I was afraid to ask why. After watching a movie, he told me that his stomach has been bothering him. I gasped and then turned my head. I did not want him to see the tears streaming from my eyes. I felt devastated by the words that came from his mouth. I try to balance myself between trusting the Lord to heal Grady and the reality that this world sucks and is a hot mess. I read over 1 Corinthians 12 a lot where Paul asked God to take the "thorn" from him. God told him that "his grace was sufficient for him" and "his power is made perfect in weakness". I find comfort in that. But I also hurt deeply for Grady knowing the agony he experiences with his stomach aches.
2011 was not suppose to feel like this. I had shelved last years' trials and had expected ease and a healed tummy for Grady. Now, on January 4th, he sits in his GI's office to hear what we do next. I have wanted to cry and cry like I did the first day I came home from Kindergarten. I expected that God had used the surgery to heal Grady. I'm not naive to think the surgery was it and that he wouldn't have other issues. But I wanted to believe that the surgery was God's way to end this awful disease. I know my faith is deeper than this and the Lord is doing things "behind the curtain" that we cannot see. I just don't want Grady to have to hurt, for me to watch him hurt, and for our girls to miss out on a "healthy" daddy.
Finding peace in His presence is the only thing I can do right now. Taking God at his Word, looking at what He has done through the difficulties we have battle this past year is what I'm holding onto. I keep hearing Him say to me, "let me set your expectations for Grady's health and just rest in My presence." This is where I find myself at the beginning of 2011.
I wasn't prepared for what Grady said to me on Sunday afternoon. I noticed that he was acting mellow and I was afraid to ask why. After watching a movie, he told me that his stomach has been bothering him. I gasped and then turned my head. I did not want him to see the tears streaming from my eyes. I felt devastated by the words that came from his mouth. I try to balance myself between trusting the Lord to heal Grady and the reality that this world sucks and is a hot mess. I read over 1 Corinthians 12 a lot where Paul asked God to take the "thorn" from him. God told him that "his grace was sufficient for him" and "his power is made perfect in weakness". I find comfort in that. But I also hurt deeply for Grady knowing the agony he experiences with his stomach aches.
2011 was not suppose to feel like this. I had shelved last years' trials and had expected ease and a healed tummy for Grady. Now, on January 4th, he sits in his GI's office to hear what we do next. I have wanted to cry and cry like I did the first day I came home from Kindergarten. I expected that God had used the surgery to heal Grady. I'm not naive to think the surgery was it and that he wouldn't have other issues. But I wanted to believe that the surgery was God's way to end this awful disease. I know my faith is deeper than this and the Lord is doing things "behind the curtain" that we cannot see. I just don't want Grady to have to hurt, for me to watch him hurt, and for our girls to miss out on a "healthy" daddy.
Finding peace in His presence is the only thing I can do right now. Taking God at his Word, looking at what He has done through the difficulties we have battle this past year is what I'm holding onto. I keep hearing Him say to me, "let me set your expectations for Grady's health and just rest in My presence." This is where I find myself at the beginning of 2011.
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