Okay. So how/why we chose our baby girl's name:
Oh and for those that did not see my facebook post, we've decided on
Adelynn Faith McMahan.
First, I always had a hunch it was a girl from day one and thus, I had various names swirling in my brain since we first found out we were pregnant (okay - maybe since we first decided to start trying!). The 3 were Finlee, Tatum, and Adelynn.
I had mentioned these to Jason but not in all seriousness. And honestly, I always thought it would be Finlee. And then the middle names...these were my favorite and I had a list of about 10 that I loved. In my spare time, I'd match them up with these names and just stare at it trying to imagine our baby girl.
And "Faith" was never one of the 10...ever.
When we found out it was a girl, I automatically switched from Finlee and just knew she was going to be Adelynn (though I had not mentioned this to Jason). In my own thoughts, that was already here name, but I truly was open to Jason having a different opinion. Names are huge to us and really is something we both have felt a leading from God on with our boys...so if God should lead differently, I was open to that.
But Jason was in full support! The only hiccup we had was that he knows I don't like the names to be shortened and he asked if I would get upset if he called her "Addie" some percent of the time. I will admit I asked, "Like how much percent are we talking?" Ha. I told him I will probably always call her Adelynn, but he's her daddy and call her whatever he wants to!
Meaning. Adelynn means "noble kind" which noble, as defined in dictionary means "possessing outstanding qualities". I just absolutely adored that meaning for our baby girl! Over the course of the next few months (and the rest of her life) we are going to pray about those qualities which God desires to be outstanding in her life...to be of "higher ranking" and then holistically for her most outstanding quality to be her love and fervor for the Lord.
The spelling is perfect, too, because "Lynn" is my mother's name and my sister's middle name. Love that.
And then, "Faith". The middle name that was never even on the list.
Jason and I have experienced a handful of matters involving faith like we've never experienced this past year. Some I've blogged about, others I have not...some have been personal and others have been coming alongside with friends through hard times, watching and learning from their massive leaps of faith in God's timing, will, and presence. It's been overwhelming and I think the area I have grown most in my spiritual journey with Lord this year.
And one of our biggest areas of faith was with this baby girl early on when we saw dysfunctional development on her 2nd ultrasound. God chose to heal that for us which we consider a massive blessing! And then a few weeks later when we saw it was a girl, fully healed, on the ultrasound, I knew her middle name would be "Faith".
This is Jason's absolute favorite part of her name.
So our prayer for Adelynn Faith at this point in her tiny little life, is that she grow in favor of God, possessing outstanding qualities that come only from the Holy Spirit, and that her faith in Christ is a noble faith - one esteemed and of high ranking - that will carry her through whatever trials and triumphs await for her in life.
(And then of course an even massive prayer for Jason and I that we can guide her on this path - pressure!).
So there you have it. If you made it through reading that whole thing, bless you. Ha. If not, that's okay because I love having these for my personal records. :)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Updates!
Hey friends!!! Though this has been a somber week, we are super pumped to celebrate the birth of our Savior with friends and family in the coming days!
I realized I haven't done a pregnancy update in a while and thought I'd do it now since I just had an appointment a few days ago. I found these cute little "survey" things from friends' blogs that I'll use.
I realized I haven't done a pregnancy update in a while and thought I'd do it now since I just had an appointment a few days ago. I found these cute little "survey" things from friends' blogs that I'll use.
How Far Along: 4.5 Months
Gender: A GIRL!!! And we have a name!!! But I'm still waiting for Jason to give the "okay"...(even though he gets Lincoln to say her name all the time!). A lot of you know it already, but I'll fill the rest in soon. :)
Maternity Clothes: Some...I still have a pair of jeans I can wear fine...I definitely have a bump in my normal tighter sweaters and such though!
Weight gain: 3 pounds
Movement: I felt her for the first time this past week when I laid down to take a nap - loving the flutters!
Sleep: Sleeping has been okay for the most part. If I eat dinner after 6:00, my stomach will usually hurt all night long (those are bad nights). Don't know if it is pregnancy related, but my dreams have been absurd!
Symptoms: Very upset stomach most nights and still pretty tired. But since I've been working out a lot this trimester, the tiredness has gotten better.
Cravings: Subway. Weird, I know. But I think I could have a turkey sub on wheat with mustard, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, and olives EVERY DAY if I let myself.
Best moment this week: Getting the reiteration that it's still a girl!! And the sweet things Lincoln says to her on a daily basis. :)
And here's the Santa pics from this year! Notice Noah is missing on his lap - he wanted none of it and I didn't wanna force him to sit there crying. Next year. :) Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy your family this season!!
Friday, December 16, 2011
It is Finished
I know I've mentioned these sermons a lot and have made some recommendations, so this might be redundant, but it's worth repeating.
If you've never listened to Mark Driscoll's 4-part series on Spiritual Warfare, I highly recommend it. I'm sure there are other sermons/books/discussions out there that would have the same impact, but speaking from one I've personally listened to, this was the best, clearest, simplest picture of how spiritual warfare works in our world..in our lives.
What I personally found helpful about this series was how black and white it makes Jesus' work and the work of satan.
Because it's not gray. Jesus said you either belong to me, or you don't (Mt. 12:30). Yet somehow we, I've, made it gray.
We wake up in our cozy homes with our precious families everyday on a battle field in the midst of the greatest war humanity has ever been a part of...and yet we take it lightly...we somehow forget (me, included)???
Yesterday (if you're local. you've seen the news) an amazing young man of God was senselessly murdered in his own home, in broad daylight, while he was home from college for the holidays. It does not to appear to have been a robbery, but yet a troubled, older man simply had planned to commit suicide and thought he would randomly murder this boy before taking his own life.
If you didn't know this kid, Dustin, I wish you did. He was outstanding. Jason had the privilege of coaching him for many years at Siloam and used to come home telling me how he could only hope our kids grew up with Dustin's character and fire for the Lord. He was unwavering. He was also a 4.0 pre-med student at Baylor University.
And yesterday afternoon, he was the product of pure evil. Yes, God knew this was going to happen (becuase He is all-knowing). No, God's plan was never for any of us to die at the hands of evil. But God knew the battle that raged...so He sent His Son to die in our place...to be the ultimate victory.
The worst day in human history happened the day Jesus was crucified. Yet, three days later, God raised Him to glory; He took the worst day in history and three days later made the most GLORIOUS day in human history.
What Satan intends for evil, God uses for good...(gen. 50:20).
Yesterday was a black and white picture of the battle we're in the midst of everyday...even our children. We are all subject. Evil is lurking, but Jesus reminds us to take heart because He has overcome the world. Praise the Lord He sent Jesus on Christmas Day into our world to save us in this battle....CHOOSE HIM. Everyday, choose Him. Pray for his armor. Pray it over your children. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be fully activated. Pray without ceasing.
This is the real deal.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, EPH 6:12.
I've heard some comments about how Christmas will forever be ruined for this family and how the holidays will always be a painful reminder.
Yes. I'm sure for years/lifetime to come the sadness will run deeper than you or I can even fathom.
However, I told Jason last night what a sole, perfect HOPE to cling to every Christmas...that this was the DAY God decided to place His own Son in the midst of this battle to save us. To save Dustin when he's be the victim of pure evil. To save me. To save you if you've made Him Lord of your life. At the end of all the parties and festivities, Christmas is about one thing:
"For God so loved the World that He gave His son...".
If you've never listened to Mark Driscoll's 4-part series on Spiritual Warfare, I highly recommend it. I'm sure there are other sermons/books/discussions out there that would have the same impact, but speaking from one I've personally listened to, this was the best, clearest, simplest picture of how spiritual warfare works in our world..in our lives.
What I personally found helpful about this series was how black and white it makes Jesus' work and the work of satan.
Because it's not gray. Jesus said you either belong to me, or you don't (Mt. 12:30). Yet somehow we, I've, made it gray.
We wake up in our cozy homes with our precious families everyday on a battle field in the midst of the greatest war humanity has ever been a part of...and yet we take it lightly...we somehow forget (me, included)???
Yesterday (if you're local. you've seen the news) an amazing young man of God was senselessly murdered in his own home, in broad daylight, while he was home from college for the holidays. It does not to appear to have been a robbery, but yet a troubled, older man simply had planned to commit suicide and thought he would randomly murder this boy before taking his own life.
If you didn't know this kid, Dustin, I wish you did. He was outstanding. Jason had the privilege of coaching him for many years at Siloam and used to come home telling me how he could only hope our kids grew up with Dustin's character and fire for the Lord. He was unwavering. He was also a 4.0 pre-med student at Baylor University.
And yesterday afternoon, he was the product of pure evil. Yes, God knew this was going to happen (becuase He is all-knowing). No, God's plan was never for any of us to die at the hands of evil. But God knew the battle that raged...so He sent His Son to die in our place...to be the ultimate victory.
The worst day in human history happened the day Jesus was crucified. Yet, three days later, God raised Him to glory; He took the worst day in history and three days later made the most GLORIOUS day in human history.
What Satan intends for evil, God uses for good...(gen. 50:20).
Yesterday was a black and white picture of the battle we're in the midst of everyday...even our children. We are all subject. Evil is lurking, but Jesus reminds us to take heart because He has overcome the world. Praise the Lord He sent Jesus on Christmas Day into our world to save us in this battle....CHOOSE HIM. Everyday, choose Him. Pray for his armor. Pray it over your children. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be fully activated. Pray without ceasing.
This is the real deal.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, EPH 6:12.
I've heard some comments about how Christmas will forever be ruined for this family and how the holidays will always be a painful reminder.
Yes. I'm sure for years/lifetime to come the sadness will run deeper than you or I can even fathom.
However, I told Jason last night what a sole, perfect HOPE to cling to every Christmas...that this was the DAY God decided to place His own Son in the midst of this battle to save us. To save Dustin when he's be the victim of pure evil. To save me. To save you if you've made Him Lord of your life. At the end of all the parties and festivities, Christmas is about one thing:
"For God so loved the World that He gave His son...".
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Kid-less
The Tiger have been playing in a tournament in Conway this past week, and between the last 2 games, Jason's parents came up and took the kids home with them for a few days (we take them back this afternoon after the last Conway game).
Therefore, for the past 2 nights, we've been kid-less!!! Lincoln is always chomping at the bit to go stay with Jason's parents - he LOVES it - but Noah has in the past been unsure of staying with basically anyone other than us.
But not this time. When we got to the game, he sat in Gran-Gran's lap the WHOLE time, and when it was time to go, ran over to me and goes "bye-bye!! High five!" and held out his cute little hand. He was super excited. I am so glad they enjoy this time with them and that his parents are always so gracious and eager to take them!
THEN......last night we got to spend 8 un-interrupted glorious hours together with just the 2 of us! I really think it was one of the best date nights we've ever had. And we didn't do anything extraordinary, but incredible time well spent, loved our conversations, loved the late late movie we ended it with, love him.
Over the next three weeks we actually have 2 more date nights already planned and I'm so excited we're able to make time in this crazy basketball/holiday season. I cherish it. For Christmas last year, Jason requested his gift from my family been a lot (it really was a huge amount - it was funny) of gift cards to our favorite restaurants, and movie coupon books so that we can use them throughout the year for dates. He wants to do it again this year (yeah for me!). Blessing.
And side note: I don't typically find these kind of movies "good" (except for the rare ones that turn out absolutely hilarious), but loved loved "New Year's Eve" last night. Most of you will probably think it's too cheesy and it got terrible reviews, but for some reason it was perfect for my mood and was a great ending to our time out. Loved it.
Therefore, for the past 2 nights, we've been kid-less!!! Lincoln is always chomping at the bit to go stay with Jason's parents - he LOVES it - but Noah has in the past been unsure of staying with basically anyone other than us.
But not this time. When we got to the game, he sat in Gran-Gran's lap the WHOLE time, and when it was time to go, ran over to me and goes "bye-bye!! High five!" and held out his cute little hand. He was super excited. I am so glad they enjoy this time with them and that his parents are always so gracious and eager to take them!
THEN......last night we got to spend 8 un-interrupted glorious hours together with just the 2 of us! I really think it was one of the best date nights we've ever had. And we didn't do anything extraordinary, but incredible time well spent, loved our conversations, loved the late late movie we ended it with, love him.
Over the next three weeks we actually have 2 more date nights already planned and I'm so excited we're able to make time in this crazy basketball/holiday season. I cherish it. For Christmas last year, Jason requested his gift from my family been a lot (it really was a huge amount - it was funny) of gift cards to our favorite restaurants, and movie coupon books so that we can use them throughout the year for dates. He wants to do it again this year (yeah for me!). Blessing.
And side note: I don't typically find these kind of movies "good" (except for the rare ones that turn out absolutely hilarious), but loved loved "New Year's Eve" last night. Most of you will probably think it's too cheesy and it got terrible reviews, but for some reason it was perfect for my mood and was a great ending to our time out. Loved it.
Monday, December 5, 2011
A Taste of Biola
So today I got this massive box (that was super heavy) from one of my closest friends ever (Adri - one of my college roommates), and I was like "seriously what in the WORLD could be in this thing?!".
Oh how she knows me. And how she knows how to make my birthday unexpectedly special.
Friends, she took the time to go buy all of my favorites and some of hers (for me to try) from my favorite store EVER when I lived in Cali: Trader Joe's.
She called it my Trader Joe's care package to remind me of Cali. And she put a little note on each thing. Super thoughtful and what an amazing idea! Because, yes - I miss that store like crazy sometimes!! There was one right down the street from Biola.
I'm excited to try the new things and have already ripped open a few. (Adri you KNOW what I ripped open first!). Love my sweet friend and her gift of encouragement and making people feel special.
And since I've moved here to Arkansas, I've been blessed to make a few super close friends (that I've talked about on here before). Two of these bought me my first little package of girlie stuff for our new baby girl over the weekend!! This was officially the FIRST girl things I have so it was even more special.
Love my friends (and not just because they bought me super fun gifts!).
Oh how she knows me. And how she knows how to make my birthday unexpectedly special.
Friends, she took the time to go buy all of my favorites and some of hers (for me to try) from my favorite store EVER when I lived in Cali: Trader Joe's.
I'm excited to try the new things and have already ripped open a few. (Adri you KNOW what I ripped open first!). Love my sweet friend and her gift of encouragement and making people feel special.
And since I've moved here to Arkansas, I've been blessed to make a few super close friends (that I've talked about on here before). Two of these bought me my first little package of girlie stuff for our new baby girl over the weekend!! This was officially the FIRST girl things I have so it was even more special.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
December
Minus the on-coming sinus infection, good start to this awesome month! The Tigers play in the championship game tonight for their first tournament (against SHS - my AM) and we've spent all morning making Christmas candy - PB balls up first - and playing, wearing the kids out to take a long late afternoon nap before heading to the game.
My birthday was great! Bethany came down and spent all day with the kids and I, going to the new museum, eating a little lunch, and hanging out with the kids. Love her.
Then last night Jason and I (with, yes - the kids!) went out to eat. The kids are staying with Jason's parents a few nights next week and that's when our real date will be. Then the next week, we're doing a joint birthday celebration with Brandon and Bethany. Excited for the upcoming weeks!
And excited for the upcoming forcasted SNOW! My best Cyber Monday find was some Land's End snow boots for Lincoln. They were originally right under $50, and with 3 extra discounts and savings, I got them for $17 - awesomeness.
And here are some pics of the kids I took the other day just for fun. :)
Enjoy the weekend!!
My birthday was great! Bethany came down and spent all day with the kids and I, going to the new museum, eating a little lunch, and hanging out with the kids. Love her.
Then last night Jason and I (with, yes - the kids!) went out to eat. The kids are staying with Jason's parents a few nights next week and that's when our real date will be. Then the next week, we're doing a joint birthday celebration with Brandon and Bethany. Excited for the upcoming weeks!
And excited for the upcoming forcasted SNOW! My best Cyber Monday find was some Land's End snow boots for Lincoln. They were originally right under $50, and with 3 extra discounts and savings, I got them for $17 - awesomeness.
And here are some pics of the kids I took the other day just for fun. :)
Enjoy the weekend!!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Shoot...They Got Me.
I've been known to be a gym junkie since I was 16. The weirdest part is I always loved working out at 5:00pm which is "prime time" and super busy...I think mainly because I felt like I wasn't the only one. And of course the people watching was entertaining at times.
And when we moved to our new house here in B'ville last year, I told Jason I was for sure joining World's b/c (a) it was literally about 1.5 miles away and (b) they provided childcare. Fabulous.
But then I found myself not wanting to spend the monthly fees and feeling slightly guilty for putting the kids in childcare 5 days a week while I worked out. Also, we have a perfectly great gym here in our neighborhood. I just have to wait until Jason gets home to go (which can be a challenge during basketball season). Last winter when I couldn't workout with the jogger outside in the day, I would pay $5 to go to World's on the days I couldn't hit our gym.
And since December is Jason's busiest month, I decided to use my free-month pass for this month at World's (I started it at the beginning of this week though!).
The first day was glorious. I did the treadmill for 30 minutes then lifted weights for about 15. No big deal. Didn't feel guilty about the kids being in childcare because it wasn't that long, and they loved it! Lincoln has asked every day this week when we are going to workout - talk about motivation. Ha.
Then today we went slightly earlier than we have been, and I found out at this time EVERY DAY, an instructor takes the 3yo and ups to the aerobics room and does a kid-fit class with them for half an hour! I went over and watched Lincoln in this little class, working out and doing exercises, and thought it was one of the most precious things! They also allowed Noah to go with him today. :) My guilt for leaving them completely left today as I saw how much fun they had in their own workout class and how great it could be for them!
So, World's Gym, your "free-month pass" that I know was geared at me getting to eventually join, is working. I'm usually not a sucker for things like that, but today I kind of got sold. I figure we'll just go at the same time every morning so the boys can work out too.
Oh - and Lincoln has told me 4 times today, "Mom, I had fun working out today!"
And when we moved to our new house here in B'ville last year, I told Jason I was for sure joining World's b/c (a) it was literally about 1.5 miles away and (b) they provided childcare. Fabulous.
But then I found myself not wanting to spend the monthly fees and feeling slightly guilty for putting the kids in childcare 5 days a week while I worked out. Also, we have a perfectly great gym here in our neighborhood. I just have to wait until Jason gets home to go (which can be a challenge during basketball season). Last winter when I couldn't workout with the jogger outside in the day, I would pay $5 to go to World's on the days I couldn't hit our gym.
And since December is Jason's busiest month, I decided to use my free-month pass for this month at World's (I started it at the beginning of this week though!).
The first day was glorious. I did the treadmill for 30 minutes then lifted weights for about 15. No big deal. Didn't feel guilty about the kids being in childcare because it wasn't that long, and they loved it! Lincoln has asked every day this week when we are going to workout - talk about motivation. Ha.
Then today we went slightly earlier than we have been, and I found out at this time EVERY DAY, an instructor takes the 3yo and ups to the aerobics room and does a kid-fit class with them for half an hour! I went over and watched Lincoln in this little class, working out and doing exercises, and thought it was one of the most precious things! They also allowed Noah to go with him today. :) My guilt for leaving them completely left today as I saw how much fun they had in their own workout class and how great it could be for them!
So, World's Gym, your "free-month pass" that I know was geared at me getting to eventually join, is working. I'm usually not a sucker for things like that, but today I kind of got sold. I figure we'll just go at the same time every morning so the boys can work out too.
Oh - and Lincoln has told me 4 times today, "Mom, I had fun working out today!"
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wiseman on the Ottoman
So I'm pretty sure I wrote a similar post last season and if I'm just imagining that, I know I read similar posts by many of you!
Christmas is here again...which is awesome...but I'm finding myself in another quandary of family traditions to set and how to make sure the kids grow up with an appropriate focus. **sigh** And I'm still lost on exactly how to do this.
For instance, this is the first time I've really been creeped out by the old family "Santa Clause is Coming to Town"...
He sees you when you're sleeping,
He knows when you're awake,
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake????
Creepy.
And then we watched Elf the other night which is all about Believing and some who see to believe and I couldn't help but think of how close some Christmas traditions come to paralleling Jesus Christ, but miss it...
The Polar Express brought about the same thoughts to me too...so close, but obviously without Christ, it's missed.
So part of my struggle with traditions is if I'm going to teach my kids to Believe and Hope, like all the famous classics do, I want them to ultimately believe and hope in Jesus Christ (whom the holiday is all about anyway).
But I also don't want to neglect the fun and my kids' imaginations, either.
Then there's the Elf on the Shelf which seems to be BLOWING up this season in every home. To me it sounds super fun and a great tradition, but then when I think about how it might play out long term, I'm nervous it can be an EXTREME focal point everyday. And this elf is suppose to report to Santa what you're doing? So I'm nervous it can create a sense of "OOH! We need to please the elf today so he tells santa how good we are!"
Again, so close, but sooo off.
Then I thought, what if the Elf brings a piece of the real Christmas story everyday tot he kids and writes them letters about baby Jesus? What if he brings them pieces of the nativity scene?
Instead of "Elf on the Shelf" how about "Wiseman on the Ottoman"? (Totally j/k on that one).
My friend Bethany told me about how she saw an Advent calendar that had a service project on it each day for the kids and parents to do...love that idea!
Anyway, I struggle with how to approach this! Thankfully the kids still aren't that old, but Lincoln's right on the brink of all this stuff.
I, like many of you I know, just want to make sure Christ's birth doesn't get overshadowed by Santa coming, or the Elf watching them everyday, or the presents they get...
So what has worked for you in finding balance with this???? Would LOVE to hear!!!!!!!
Christmas is here again...which is awesome...but I'm finding myself in another quandary of family traditions to set and how to make sure the kids grow up with an appropriate focus. **sigh** And I'm still lost on exactly how to do this.
For instance, this is the first time I've really been creeped out by the old family "Santa Clause is Coming to Town"...
He sees you when you're sleeping,
He knows when you're awake,
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake????
Creepy.
And then we watched Elf the other night which is all about Believing and some who see to believe and I couldn't help but think of how close some Christmas traditions come to paralleling Jesus Christ, but miss it...
The Polar Express brought about the same thoughts to me too...so close, but obviously without Christ, it's missed.
So part of my struggle with traditions is if I'm going to teach my kids to Believe and Hope, like all the famous classics do, I want them to ultimately believe and hope in Jesus Christ (whom the holiday is all about anyway).
But I also don't want to neglect the fun and my kids' imaginations, either.
Then there's the Elf on the Shelf which seems to be BLOWING up this season in every home. To me it sounds super fun and a great tradition, but then when I think about how it might play out long term, I'm nervous it can be an EXTREME focal point everyday. And this elf is suppose to report to Santa what you're doing? So I'm nervous it can create a sense of "OOH! We need to please the elf today so he tells santa how good we are!"
Again, so close, but sooo off.
Then I thought, what if the Elf brings a piece of the real Christmas story everyday tot he kids and writes them letters about baby Jesus? What if he brings them pieces of the nativity scene?
Instead of "Elf on the Shelf" how about "Wiseman on the Ottoman"? (Totally j/k on that one).
My friend Bethany told me about how she saw an Advent calendar that had a service project on it each day for the kids and parents to do...love that idea!
Anyway, I struggle with how to approach this! Thankfully the kids still aren't that old, but Lincoln's right on the brink of all this stuff.
I, like many of you I know, just want to make sure Christ's birth doesn't get overshadowed by Santa coming, or the Elf watching them everyday, or the presents they get...
So what has worked for you in finding balance with this???? Would LOVE to hear!!!!!!!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Turning 30
This week marks the beginning of the end of my 20's...yup, come Friday I'll be 30 years old. We started the celebrations Sunday with dinner at Hugo's on the Fayetteville square and then some lights-looking, before heading to Amy's house for cake.
It's funny because my gifts from my family all included things to help my "appearance"...a Chi from my mom, a cool Zoe hairdryer set from my sis (mine has been blowing sparks), and gift card for much needed makeup from Kristen. All appropriate for turning 30, I suppose. :)
This week I have a few things planned with friends, the first few Tiger basketball games (exciting!), a Table Mesa dinner in the works, and a dual 30th celebration with Bethany and Brandon in a few weeks.
Here are some pictures from Sunday...it was COLD!!!
It's funny because my gifts from my family all included things to help my "appearance"...a Chi from my mom, a cool Zoe hairdryer set from my sis (mine has been blowing sparks), and gift card for much needed makeup from Kristen. All appropriate for turning 30, I suppose. :)
This week I have a few things planned with friends, the first few Tiger basketball games (exciting!), a Table Mesa dinner in the works, and a dual 30th celebration with Bethany and Brandon in a few weeks.
Here are some pictures from Sunday...it was COLD!!!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Our Baby Girl :)
Most of you know, but to make it blog-official (since I someday plan to print this off as a journal of such), this third little baby growing in my belly is in fact a GIRL.
When my doctor told me this a few days ago at my ultrasound, I just stared at him in disbelief and kept repeating "really?...seriously?...are you sure?...what percentage of certainty?"
It's as if I didn't believe it was even possible...ha. Oh - and his "percentage of certainty" was somewhere between 95-100%. :)
Anyway, that ultrasound was the neatest one I've had so far of any pregnancy. The doctor took his time and just let me looked and awe over this little girl! We watched her for probably 10 minutes and she was super active, moving her hands and feet all over the place, and literally flipping 180 degrees back and forth - it was incredible. It was so clear I could count all fingers and toes! And the biggest blessing of all is that the abdominal wall still looks completely formed. What an awesome blessing and one more thing to add to the thankful list this holiday!
So we're super pumped! I was telling Jason I was a little shocked at how surprised and excited I was finding out it was a girl. I feel like I'm pregnant for the first time all over again. :)
Now, for the more important things in life (totally j/k) - Woo PIG Sooie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When my doctor told me this a few days ago at my ultrasound, I just stared at him in disbelief and kept repeating "really?...seriously?...are you sure?...what percentage of certainty?"
It's as if I didn't believe it was even possible...ha. Oh - and his "percentage of certainty" was somewhere between 95-100%. :)
Anyway, that ultrasound was the neatest one I've had so far of any pregnancy. The doctor took his time and just let me looked and awe over this little girl! We watched her for probably 10 minutes and she was super active, moving her hands and feet all over the place, and literally flipping 180 degrees back and forth - it was incredible. It was so clear I could count all fingers and toes! And the biggest blessing of all is that the abdominal wall still looks completely formed. What an awesome blessing and one more thing to add to the thankful list this holiday!
So we're super pumped! I was telling Jason I was a little shocked at how surprised and excited I was finding out it was a girl. I feel like I'm pregnant for the first time all over again. :)
Now, for the more important things in life (totally j/k) - Woo PIG Sooie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
And on a Random Note...
Lately...
1. Since I always feel like the Holidays rush up and I find myself frantically trying to slow them down, I decorated Christmas early this year:
No small feet with two toddlers and another one the way. But we got it done. Lincoln is so proud of it all...we had some friends come over yesterday and he took them on a "tour" showing them every piece of decoration. Precious. Along with that, we have "Elf" DVRed and let Lincoln watch it. It's his new favorite (though we learned we're not allowed to call it "Elf"...No. Lincoln says the name is "Buddy".
He has also requested a "little tree" in his toy room. :)
As for Noah? He's only broken one ornament (walked into kitchen with a grin and threw it down - rascal), and has gotten three Christmas-decoration-related spankings. :) We're getting there.
2. My birthday is coming up...30!!! Can't believe it! And my best friend (is that cheesy to say at my age?) is turning 30 a few weeks after me, so CELEBRATION!!! Plans in the making. :) Love her.
3. And speaking of friends, yall, I just have moments where I feel SO blessed sometimes with the friendships God has given me. I am super thankful to be surrounded with some Godly girls (and their amazing husbands, of course) that all share the common goal of serving their Savior. I'm not a "native" here and thought it could be hard to build true friendships, but I was wrong and it's been incredibly rewarding.
4. Cell group girls! Love our 7th graders, and love my fellow leaders. Thankful and humbled to have this position in those girls' lives.
5. Tomorrow we **hopefully** find out our baby's gender!!!! I'll keep ya posted.
6. Lincoln is pretty much passed that "tantrum" phase I was worried about...I mean, he still has them every now and then but I think he must have been going through some other changes those few weeks. Thankful.
7. As of a week ago, I'm done with the first trimester! While I can't say the sickness/tiredness has completely subsided, it has gotten WAY better. I don't need a nap every day, and I have been working out more consistently again (I even ran this morning - which hasn't happened in 2 months!). Loving the return of some energy.
8. Basketball is almost here and I am SO excited! I love getting to hang out with the coaches wives (who are part of that group of friends I'm thankful for) on a regular basis, love chatting with the players' parents whom are awesome, and we're ranked high this year which will be fun!!!
1. Since I always feel like the Holidays rush up and I find myself frantically trying to slow them down, I decorated Christmas early this year:
He has also requested a "little tree" in his toy room. :)
As for Noah? He's only broken one ornament (walked into kitchen with a grin and threw it down - rascal), and has gotten three Christmas-decoration-related spankings. :) We're getting there.
2. My birthday is coming up...30!!! Can't believe it! And my best friend (is that cheesy to say at my age?) is turning 30 a few weeks after me, so CELEBRATION!!! Plans in the making. :) Love her.
3. And speaking of friends, yall, I just have moments where I feel SO blessed sometimes with the friendships God has given me. I am super thankful to be surrounded with some Godly girls (and their amazing husbands, of course) that all share the common goal of serving their Savior. I'm not a "native" here and thought it could be hard to build true friendships, but I was wrong and it's been incredibly rewarding.
4. Cell group girls! Love our 7th graders, and love my fellow leaders. Thankful and humbled to have this position in those girls' lives.
5. Tomorrow we **hopefully** find out our baby's gender!!!! I'll keep ya posted.
6. Lincoln is pretty much passed that "tantrum" phase I was worried about...I mean, he still has them every now and then but I think he must have been going through some other changes those few weeks. Thankful.
7. As of a week ago, I'm done with the first trimester! While I can't say the sickness/tiredness has completely subsided, it has gotten WAY better. I don't need a nap every day, and I have been working out more consistently again (I even ran this morning - which hasn't happened in 2 months!). Loving the return of some energy.
8. Basketball is almost here and I am SO excited! I love getting to hang out with the coaches wives (who are part of that group of friends I'm thankful for) on a regular basis, love chatting with the players' parents whom are awesome, and we're ranked high this year which will be fun!!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A Beautiful Picture
(**All right Meredith, here's my attempt!**)
In the passed few years, I have been blessed to be a part of numerous "we're having a baby!" announcements and the joys, thrills, and squeals that accompany that. Hearing of a friend's pregnancy has become one of my favorite things (I might go crazy nuts if you tell me, so be prepared).
However, while many of these carry on with no complications, it seems a numerous amount end in tragedy whether through miscarriage, complications throughout the pregnancy, and some in the loss of a child after its birth.
As you read in my post a few days ago, we were possibly faced with these circumstances for a short period of time. And at least as far as we can tell, God has chosen to heal our baby in my belly.
The night we found out our baby was healed (again, as best we could see on the ultrasound), Jason and I got entangled in a discussion of the Psalm 139 verse:
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb."
Of all my years of knowing this verse, of reciting this verse, of teaching on this verse, Jason pointed out something I've never pondered:
The word KNIT.
God's living Word says He knit us in the womb...it doesn't say "make", it doesn't say "spoke into being", it uses a word that embodies patient, intricate, delicate, detailed craftsmanship from ONE hand and one tool.
Yall I don't know if that speaks to you about our Maker but it absolutely blew me away that night and created this amazing picture of the detail and design our Father put in each one of us.
I went to bed pondering this and actually had trouble sleeping that night. One of the things that kept being brought to mind were those friends of mine who have experienced tragedy with their children...those that never got to meet them here on earth or got to spend only a short amount of time with them...I began praying for a few specifically that night in the wee hours and I became overwhelmed with this beautiful picture:
Because we live in a world of death, sickness, tragedy...a place where evil tries to dominate and thinks it has won...that sometimes, the knitting process is completed by our Maker in his very lap.
The beautiful picture (that is hard describe) was that of God holding these precious children my friends never got to mother here on earth, in His lap, finishing their knitting, in total perfection and beauty. And how absolutely glorious it will be for the mothers someday to see, meet, and hold the finished project!!
One friend who has experienced such tragedy expressed to me recently how she has struggled with the verse "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it..." and the feeling of "God, why didn't you complete it in me, but rather took my child before it was born?"
And going back to the above picture, where He finishes the knitting in His lap sometimes, I believe He DOES complete His good work! Again because evil exist in our current world and we're plagued by sin and death, the truth is, I believe He completes ALL His work in Heaven...that's where we are all made perfect...where we are all made anew...where sin and death are no more...
I think this applies to the unborn child and to the 102 year old woman.
This friend and I also discussed the common phrase after tragedy, "Well, you know this all happens for a reason..."
(which I have never been a fan of)
And you know, maybe it's semantics, but doesn't God detest sin, evil, and death? Doesn't He morn with the broken hearted? I think God morns with us at loss and it was never how He intended the perfect world to be prior to sin. But I definitely believe that "What satan intends for evil, God can use for good...". Maybe that's what we should say instead...you know? I just don't think God's "purpose" is ever death or sadness. He can make purpose out of it, but I think it breaks His heart like it does ours. Again, maybe semantics...
Anyway, I am excited to watch my friends unite with their babies for the first time someday...as excited I get about new pregnancies, there will be nothing like watching that scene!
As a side note: A girl in my Bible study yesterday discussed her story of having a miscarriage that I thought was an amazing perspective. She talked about how she went in for a normal doc appointment and found out, surprisingly, she was just barely pregnant. A few weeks later, she had a miscarriage. She said when it happened she was upset and confused and asked "God, why did I have to know! Why did I have to have that appointment and found out? It would have much easier to just have never known!"
Fast forward 12 or so years (I don't remember exactly how long ago it was for her but it was around then), and she said recently she was hit with the thought of now how glad she is she knows...that when she gets to heaven, she knows she has another baby to meet! She told her teenage son about this, and said she was shocked at how excited he was (and mad she never told him before) that he has another little sister to meet someday (she said she always thought it was a girl)! Anyway, I loved that...
Thanks for listening to these thoughts. I hope in some way you can picture the scene God made so alive in my heart that night!
(**Why does spell-check always sugest I capitalize satan's name...I will never.**)
In the passed few years, I have been blessed to be a part of numerous "we're having a baby!" announcements and the joys, thrills, and squeals that accompany that. Hearing of a friend's pregnancy has become one of my favorite things (I might go crazy nuts if you tell me, so be prepared).
However, while many of these carry on with no complications, it seems a numerous amount end in tragedy whether through miscarriage, complications throughout the pregnancy, and some in the loss of a child after its birth.
As you read in my post a few days ago, we were possibly faced with these circumstances for a short period of time. And at least as far as we can tell, God has chosen to heal our baby in my belly.
The night we found out our baby was healed (again, as best we could see on the ultrasound), Jason and I got entangled in a discussion of the Psalm 139 verse:
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb."
Of all my years of knowing this verse, of reciting this verse, of teaching on this verse, Jason pointed out something I've never pondered:
The word KNIT.
God's living Word says He knit us in the womb...it doesn't say "make", it doesn't say "spoke into being", it uses a word that embodies patient, intricate, delicate, detailed craftsmanship from ONE hand and one tool.
Yall I don't know if that speaks to you about our Maker but it absolutely blew me away that night and created this amazing picture of the detail and design our Father put in each one of us.
I went to bed pondering this and actually had trouble sleeping that night. One of the things that kept being brought to mind were those friends of mine who have experienced tragedy with their children...those that never got to meet them here on earth or got to spend only a short amount of time with them...I began praying for a few specifically that night in the wee hours and I became overwhelmed with this beautiful picture:
Because we live in a world of death, sickness, tragedy...a place where evil tries to dominate and thinks it has won...that sometimes, the knitting process is completed by our Maker in his very lap.
The beautiful picture (that is hard describe) was that of God holding these precious children my friends never got to mother here on earth, in His lap, finishing their knitting, in total perfection and beauty. And how absolutely glorious it will be for the mothers someday to see, meet, and hold the finished project!!
One friend who has experienced such tragedy expressed to me recently how she has struggled with the verse "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it..." and the feeling of "God, why didn't you complete it in me, but rather took my child before it was born?"
And going back to the above picture, where He finishes the knitting in His lap sometimes, I believe He DOES complete His good work! Again because evil exist in our current world and we're plagued by sin and death, the truth is, I believe He completes ALL His work in Heaven...that's where we are all made perfect...where we are all made anew...where sin and death are no more...
I think this applies to the unborn child and to the 102 year old woman.
This friend and I also discussed the common phrase after tragedy, "Well, you know this all happens for a reason..."
(which I have never been a fan of)
And you know, maybe it's semantics, but doesn't God detest sin, evil, and death? Doesn't He morn with the broken hearted? I think God morns with us at loss and it was never how He intended the perfect world to be prior to sin. But I definitely believe that "What satan intends for evil, God can use for good...". Maybe that's what we should say instead...you know? I just don't think God's "purpose" is ever death or sadness. He can make purpose out of it, but I think it breaks His heart like it does ours. Again, maybe semantics...
Anyway, I am excited to watch my friends unite with their babies for the first time someday...as excited I get about new pregnancies, there will be nothing like watching that scene!
As a side note: A girl in my Bible study yesterday discussed her story of having a miscarriage that I thought was an amazing perspective. She talked about how she went in for a normal doc appointment and found out, surprisingly, she was just barely pregnant. A few weeks later, she had a miscarriage. She said when it happened she was upset and confused and asked "God, why did I have to know! Why did I have to have that appointment and found out? It would have much easier to just have never known!"
Fast forward 12 or so years (I don't remember exactly how long ago it was for her but it was around then), and she said recently she was hit with the thought of now how glad she is she knows...that when she gets to heaven, she knows she has another baby to meet! She told her teenage son about this, and said she was shocked at how excited he was (and mad she never told him before) that he has another little sister to meet someday (she said she always thought it was a girl)! Anyway, I loved that...
Thanks for listening to these thoughts. I hope in some way you can picture the scene God made so alive in my heart that night!
(**Why does spell-check always sugest I capitalize satan's name...I will never.**)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Is This What They're Talking About??
So you forever hear the phrase "the terrible 2's", and upon that arrival of the infamous 2nd birthday, you wince your eyes, brace yourself (maybe crawl into a cave out of fear of that emerging "terrible" child who was once so endearing), and...wait for it...and (for us)...keeping waiting for it...Then when days pass, you take a breath...when weeks pass, you come out of your cave, and when months pass, you wonder "what the heck were they all talking about?"...and you soon move on in happy delight your toddler is just as delightful as he was before he turned two.
Then for us, the third birthday comes.
Nobody talks about the terrible 3's.
And frankly that's the last time I'll refer to it as the terrible...yes, the emotions are trying, but really? Terrible? I think not. Should be the frustrating 3's. :)
Anyway, so yes. I think we might be there? All I know is oh.my.word. over the past few weeks there has been a major increase in whining, defiance, slow obedience, crying, and all out tantrums. What happened???!!!! I was discussing my frustration over these past few weeks with Jason with GREAT concern last night (asking him if he was as concerned), then I realized, that if I talked about these "symptoms" with fellow moms, they'd probably smirk and laughat with me, then maybe welcome me to their club??
It's not bad all the time, but Lincoln has usually been my more mature, obedient one and yes - I naively thought at one time this naturally strong-willed independent child would magically skip this phase. (I know...chuckle).
So what have we been doing? Jason and I had a "team meeting" (ha) last night to discuss how we were going to consistently handle this to hopefully shorten its length. Some things I have found helpful the past few days have been:
- explaining to him BEFORE we go somewhere (I'm talking anywhere...even down to the store) how the trip is going to go and what I expect out of his behavior. This also includes what the consequences will be if he falls short. Therefore, once we are at the public place, I just have to use short phrased "reminders" to help him stay on track. This has worked...really well the past 2 days.
- Being consistent. If he disobeys or tantrums after he knows what is expected, I follow through with consequences I told him prior. This is a PAIN. He sat in a deserted hallway at the basketball game last night (make-shift time out) while everyone else enjoyed dinner and the game (a pain because I missed too). But VITAL this is followed through, in my opinion.
- At home, if he starts to wine (this almost always turns into tantrum for him now), he either has a choice to talk from a "happy heart" or go sit on his bed until he gets a happy heart.
- And something I started this morning which I felt was WONDERFUL was Lincoln and I started his day with a prayer, asking Jesus to help him with his emotions and to be obedient. He recited his Eph. 6:1 verse and we discussed expectations for the day. And today has been the easiest of all so far in the past few weeks. No spankings or time-outs. This is going to be a part of our daily routine.
So those are a few things that I feel are starting to be helpful with us...would love to hear what you find helpful during this stage!
Another interesting note: his eyes have looked so tired lately with dark circles...no matter the sleep he gets. He has also been crashing hard at nap time, sleeping about 4 hours for the past week, and when he wakes up, he is totally disoriented and usually wakes up in a terrible mood. So not sure if he's in a growth spurt which is aiding in his wild emotions or what. Anyway, have a great day! It's getting COLD here!!!
-
Then for us, the third birthday comes.
Nobody talks about the terrible 3's.
And frankly that's the last time I'll refer to it as the terrible...yes, the emotions are trying, but really? Terrible? I think not. Should be the frustrating 3's. :)
Anyway, so yes. I think we might be there? All I know is oh.my.word. over the past few weeks there has been a major increase in whining, defiance, slow obedience, crying, and all out tantrums. What happened???!!!! I was discussing my frustration over these past few weeks with Jason with GREAT concern last night (asking him if he was as concerned), then I realized, that if I talked about these "symptoms" with fellow moms, they'd probably smirk and laugh
It's not bad all the time, but Lincoln has usually been my more mature, obedient one and yes - I naively thought at one time this naturally strong-willed independent child would magically skip this phase. (I know...chuckle).
So what have we been doing? Jason and I had a "team meeting" (ha) last night to discuss how we were going to consistently handle this to hopefully shorten its length. Some things I have found helpful the past few days have been:
- explaining to him BEFORE we go somewhere (I'm talking anywhere...even down to the store) how the trip is going to go and what I expect out of his behavior. This also includes what the consequences will be if he falls short. Therefore, once we are at the public place, I just have to use short phrased "reminders" to help him stay on track. This has worked...really well the past 2 days.
- Being consistent. If he disobeys or tantrums after he knows what is expected, I follow through with consequences I told him prior. This is a PAIN. He sat in a deserted hallway at the basketball game last night (make-shift time out) while everyone else enjoyed dinner and the game (a pain because I missed too). But VITAL this is followed through, in my opinion.
- At home, if he starts to wine (this almost always turns into tantrum for him now), he either has a choice to talk from a "happy heart" or go sit on his bed until he gets a happy heart.
- And something I started this morning which I felt was WONDERFUL was Lincoln and I started his day with a prayer, asking Jesus to help him with his emotions and to be obedient. He recited his Eph. 6:1 verse and we discussed expectations for the day. And today has been the easiest of all so far in the past few weeks. No spankings or time-outs. This is going to be a part of our daily routine.
So those are a few things that I feel are starting to be helpful with us...would love to hear what you find helpful during this stage!
Another interesting note: his eyes have looked so tired lately with dark circles...no matter the sleep he gets. He has also been crashing hard at nap time, sleeping about 4 hours for the past week, and when he wakes up, he is totally disoriented and usually wakes up in a terrible mood. So not sure if he's in a growth spurt which is aiding in his wild emotions or what. Anyway, have a great day! It's getting COLD here!!!
-
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Baby News
This past week has been a whirlwind...I have "written" this post in my head probably 50+ times over the past week, and each time it looks completely different. Journaling has always been a coping skill of mine, and though I knew I'd eventually blog about this past week, I have resulted to actual journaling with paper and pen these past days.
But here I am, ready to share with you a piece about my Savior.
A week ago I went in for a routine ultrasound to check the heartbeat (and sex????) of the baby. This was the first doctor's appointment I have ever had where my doctor expressed concern over a certain developmental aspect of the baby. The bowels had not returned to the abdomen wall as expected at this stage of pregnancy. After my many questions, he explained how this could mean one of two things: one was very serious and would require immediate post-natal surgery for the baby, and the other - much much more serious - had devastating effects after the baby was born. We discussed upcoming pre-natal care which would include me going to UAMS in Little Rock for chromosomal disorders testing, more in-depth ultrasounds, and how I would ultimately have to deliver there with a specialist doctor. HE told me he wanted to see me weekly for a while to monitor this.
I was at that appointment by myself and left with floods of emotions - terrified, anxious, confused - and cried and prayed the whole way home. Something could be wrong...seriously wrong.
Half-way home my doctor called me from the office to tell me not to worry too much that upcoming week, that he still thought there was a chance it could form into the abdomen in the next few days (but that it is just usually formed by now).
And that became my prayer.
Yall, I prayed my heart out that day/night. I prayed for healing, but I ultimately Jason and I prayed that if this was the road God had in store for us, that He would get glory through whatever circumstances lay ahead. And I prayed for peace...over and over for peace - no matter the outcome.
I told my close friends who I knew would rally in prayer for this baby. That part was overwhelming! I got verses in text, prayers emailed to us, and felt the Body of Christ in a powerful way.
That night I got little sleep. I woke up the next morning with a heaviness and I lay in bed praying for God to give me energy that day, to lift my spirits, and I asked Him why I still didn't feel the peace I had prayed for the entire day before. As I was doing this, my phone rang - a number I didn't recognize.
Here's where the miracle comes in...
I answered the phone and it was a school board member whom I've met one time - this summer. I still don't even know how she got my number. But she did and she called. And she told me God has been teaching her a lot about himself lately and she wanted to share it with another Believer.
And my name was on her heart that morning.
Which, by the way, is very very odd. This lady had no idea of our circumstances and I don't even know her that well.
But she called me and she began telling me about the armor of God and how we need it to defeat the enemy and His lies. Then she, boldly, proclaimed to me "Melissa, the battle is HIS! The battle is His!!!!!"
At this point I was crying on the phone because I knew this lady was acting as the voice of God to me. I wasn't able to explain to her the significance of her calling because I was crying so much (I later got the chance too, though!). How crazy that God used a school board member to call and minister to me that morning, BEFORE MY FEET EVEN HIT THE FLOOR.
Yall, God knows what we need and I was completely engulfed and overwhelmed by His love that morning. I called Jason to tell him about it and his response was "We have no clue how much God really loves us...none of us do...".
And that peace I had been praying for? He gave it to me after that phone call. And I have had it ever since...unwavering (no joke) which is ONLY from God. So much so, I never even googled anything from then on! Ha.
I had made such peace with whatever the outcome (even if it was the majorly devastating one), knowing God could use it ALL for His glory...and isn't that all that matters in the grand scheme of things???
These past few days, I actually had this overwhelming feeling that the mass presented above the baby's belly would be completely gone next ultrasound. I told my close friends that recently...
So today was the day and I woke with super sweet messages from friends and text throughout the day of people praying. My mom informed me that some of her close friends woke up praying for me as well...humbling and encouraging.
I had zero anxiety today which is a miracle. It wasn't until the doctor put the device on my belly getting the picture of the baby up on the screen that my heart started beating out of my chest...and at that point, Lincoln goes "Mommy?" I looked over at him and he goes "I love you."
God knows what we need...
You guys - the mass was completely GONE. There was zero sign of anything abnormal. Nothing. We nixed the plans for UAMS...Jason and I looked at each other and said Praise the Lord...He is Healer.
And here are a few interesting afterthoughts:
1. This past week could have been one of complete turmoil, google, and constant worry. But God drew me closer to Him this week. He showed up in my life through prayer and using other people. "Bad news" isn't always so bad, you guys...feeling out of control with only one place to turn can be a strangely restful place...
2. This is terrible, but I caught myself - when I first got in the car after the good news, my first thought was "Melissa, now don't go around calling this a miracle because there was a small percentage out there of fetuses that develop the abdomen wall really late..." or "This was more of a medical explanation..."
Then I caught myself and realized the many ways God demonstrated power/love just in our relationship this past week, and how the enemy would love for me to believe this was "explainable" and not a miracle.
My friend Bethany told tonight how the same has happened with her, how she has caught herself trying to excuse miracles because we really lack faith in them sometimes.
One thing I've learned (I have in the past taken for granted) is what an absolute miracle it is that all things form together in a perfect manner to form a human being. We often call it a miracle nonchalantly, but I know see clearer than ever just how incredibly miraculous it all is.
So as for this family, we choose to call this a miracle, and give God all the glory for forming this baby in a healthy manner!
So that's our latest faith journey. I will still go back for an ultrasound in a few weeks to solidify things are still good (and find out the sex!). He tried today to see the sex, but the baby wasn't very cooperative.
Anyway, thanks for listening and I'm so humbled to serve a miraculous God who loves me and knows my every need. He is PROVIDER. The verse at the top of this blog is one I cherish and claim often!
But here I am, ready to share with you a piece about my Savior.
A week ago I went in for a routine ultrasound to check the heartbeat (and sex????) of the baby. This was the first doctor's appointment I have ever had where my doctor expressed concern over a certain developmental aspect of the baby. The bowels had not returned to the abdomen wall as expected at this stage of pregnancy. After my many questions, he explained how this could mean one of two things: one was very serious and would require immediate post-natal surgery for the baby, and the other - much much more serious - had devastating effects after the baby was born. We discussed upcoming pre-natal care which would include me going to UAMS in Little Rock for chromosomal disorders testing, more in-depth ultrasounds, and how I would ultimately have to deliver there with a specialist doctor. HE told me he wanted to see me weekly for a while to monitor this.
I was at that appointment by myself and left with floods of emotions - terrified, anxious, confused - and cried and prayed the whole way home. Something could be wrong...seriously wrong.
Half-way home my doctor called me from the office to tell me not to worry too much that upcoming week, that he still thought there was a chance it could form into the abdomen in the next few days (but that it is just usually formed by now).
And that became my prayer.
Yall, I prayed my heart out that day/night. I prayed for healing, but I ultimately Jason and I prayed that if this was the road God had in store for us, that He would get glory through whatever circumstances lay ahead. And I prayed for peace...over and over for peace - no matter the outcome.
I told my close friends who I knew would rally in prayer for this baby. That part was overwhelming! I got verses in text, prayers emailed to us, and felt the Body of Christ in a powerful way.
That night I got little sleep. I woke up the next morning with a heaviness and I lay in bed praying for God to give me energy that day, to lift my spirits, and I asked Him why I still didn't feel the peace I had prayed for the entire day before. As I was doing this, my phone rang - a number I didn't recognize.
Here's where the miracle comes in...
I answered the phone and it was a school board member whom I've met one time - this summer. I still don't even know how she got my number. But she did and she called. And she told me God has been teaching her a lot about himself lately and she wanted to share it with another Believer.
And my name was on her heart that morning.
Which, by the way, is very very odd. This lady had no idea of our circumstances and I don't even know her that well.
But she called me and she began telling me about the armor of God and how we need it to defeat the enemy and His lies. Then she, boldly, proclaimed to me "Melissa, the battle is HIS! The battle is His!!!!!"
At this point I was crying on the phone because I knew this lady was acting as the voice of God to me. I wasn't able to explain to her the significance of her calling because I was crying so much (I later got the chance too, though!). How crazy that God used a school board member to call and minister to me that morning, BEFORE MY FEET EVEN HIT THE FLOOR.
Yall, God knows what we need and I was completely engulfed and overwhelmed by His love that morning. I called Jason to tell him about it and his response was "We have no clue how much God really loves us...none of us do...".
And that peace I had been praying for? He gave it to me after that phone call. And I have had it ever since...unwavering (no joke) which is ONLY from God. So much so, I never even googled anything from then on! Ha.
I had made such peace with whatever the outcome (even if it was the majorly devastating one), knowing God could use it ALL for His glory...and isn't that all that matters in the grand scheme of things???
These past few days, I actually had this overwhelming feeling that the mass presented above the baby's belly would be completely gone next ultrasound. I told my close friends that recently...
So today was the day and I woke with super sweet messages from friends and text throughout the day of people praying. My mom informed me that some of her close friends woke up praying for me as well...humbling and encouraging.
I had zero anxiety today which is a miracle. It wasn't until the doctor put the device on my belly getting the picture of the baby up on the screen that my heart started beating out of my chest...and at that point, Lincoln goes "Mommy?" I looked over at him and he goes "I love you."
God knows what we need...
You guys - the mass was completely GONE. There was zero sign of anything abnormal. Nothing. We nixed the plans for UAMS...Jason and I looked at each other and said Praise the Lord...He is Healer.
And here are a few interesting afterthoughts:
1. This past week could have been one of complete turmoil, google, and constant worry. But God drew me closer to Him this week. He showed up in my life through prayer and using other people. "Bad news" isn't always so bad, you guys...feeling out of control with only one place to turn can be a strangely restful place...
2. This is terrible, but I caught myself - when I first got in the car after the good news, my first thought was "Melissa, now don't go around calling this a miracle because there was a small percentage out there of fetuses that develop the abdomen wall really late..." or "This was more of a medical explanation..."
Then I caught myself and realized the many ways God demonstrated power/love just in our relationship this past week, and how the enemy would love for me to believe this was "explainable" and not a miracle.
My friend Bethany told tonight how the same has happened with her, how she has caught herself trying to excuse miracles because we really lack faith in them sometimes.
One thing I've learned (I have in the past taken for granted) is what an absolute miracle it is that all things form together in a perfect manner to form a human being. We often call it a miracle nonchalantly, but I know see clearer than ever just how incredibly miraculous it all is.
So as for this family, we choose to call this a miracle, and give God all the glory for forming this baby in a healthy manner!
So that's our latest faith journey. I will still go back for an ultrasound in a few weeks to solidify things are still good (and find out the sex!). He tried today to see the sex, but the baby wasn't very cooperative.
Anyway, thanks for listening and I'm so humbled to serve a miraculous God who loves me and knows my every need. He is PROVIDER. The verse at the top of this blog is one I cherish and claim often!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Get Me Out of the Kitchen
Maybe it's the pregnancy that makes feel as if I need to be in the kitchen? Not sure. But it's almost 10:30 and so far today this is what I have cooked:
1. Veggie Past Mac&Cheese: it's new and I like to make it early for the kids and put it in the fridge for lunch (not as messy). And this new stuff has 1/2 cup vegetables per serving - made with cauliflower.
2. Tender Roast in Crockpot for dinner - complete with potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. I wish I could post a smell on here because it is one of my favorites!
3. Quesadillas are in the stove cooking for the kids for lunch...
4. Cupakes from Pinterest: Supposedly the best cupcake recipe ever. I will say I just tried one and they truly are pretty amazing. I think I'll have to agree with the claim. Make them if you get a chance! Now I need to find the perfect frosting recipe...
(Doesn't that look amazing! My icing isn't that pretty - it's in fact purple - per Lincoln's request).
Now on to play swords, pirates, and basketball. :)
1. Veggie Past Mac&Cheese: it's new and I like to make it early for the kids and put it in the fridge for lunch (not as messy). And this new stuff has 1/2 cup vegetables per serving - made with cauliflower.
2. Tender Roast in Crockpot for dinner - complete with potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. I wish I could post a smell on here because it is one of my favorites!
3. Quesadillas are in the stove cooking for the kids for lunch...
4. Cupakes from Pinterest: Supposedly the best cupcake recipe ever. I will say I just tried one and they truly are pretty amazing. I think I'll have to agree with the claim. Make them if you get a chance! Now I need to find the perfect frosting recipe...
Now on to play swords, pirates, and basketball. :)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Trick or Treat
Tonight we did our annual (can I say that now that we've done it two years in a row?) trick or treat party with some of our coaching friends. Some couldn't make it this year because of sickness and things, but there was a fun crowd and the kids had a blast.
Sawyer is one of Lincoln's absolute favorite buddies. They're stinkin hilarious together.
Lincoln went - as he's requested for the past few months now - Joshua (battle of Jericho, Joshua). Today he put his armor on, ran up to me and yells: "My name is Joshua! I am MAADD!! And I'm gonna knock your wall down!!!!!!" He's a ham.
Noah got the hand-me-down hideous Frankenstein costume. And Noah had more fun trick or treating than anyone, I think.
Then there was best dressed couple (Okay, the only couple that dressed up), but loved their idea!!! Tammy & Eric Taylor from Friday Night Lights!
And of course I had to pose with Mrs. Taylor herself. :)
Fun night. Precious friends. I am tired!
We have a super busy week ahead...hanging out with Jason's team tomorrow after practice, then going to first JBU b-ball game with the team, ultrasound later this week, home football game, Razorback madness with tailgating and family coming in for the weekend, Father/Daughter bowl night with cell group girls...I'm tired thinking about it, but it will all be fun! :)
And one more pic because I love this one.
Sawyer is one of Lincoln's absolute favorite buddies. They're stinkin hilarious together.
Lincoln went - as he's requested for the past few months now - Joshua (battle of Jericho, Joshua). Today he put his armor on, ran up to me and yells: "My name is Joshua! I am MAADD!! And I'm gonna knock your wall down!!!!!!" He's a ham.
Noah got the hand-me-down hideous Frankenstein costume. And Noah had more fun trick or treating than anyone, I think.
Then there was best dressed couple (Okay, the only couple that dressed up), but loved their idea!!! Tammy & Eric Taylor from Friday Night Lights!
And of course I had to pose with Mrs. Taylor herself. :)
Fun night. Precious friends. I am tired!
We have a super busy week ahead...hanging out with Jason's team tomorrow after practice, then going to first JBU b-ball game with the team, ultrasound later this week, home football game, Razorback madness with tailgating and family coming in for the weekend, Father/Daughter bowl night with cell group girls...I'm tired thinking about it, but it will all be fun! :)
And one more pic because I love this one.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
I Tried the Broccolii Thing...
You know, from Pinterest...this one?
Supposedly the best way to cook broccoli???
And it really was awesome. Now it says anyone/everyone will like it, but my husband is avidly disgusted by broccoli and this still didn't work. I made it for myself for lunch after church. Yes, for lunch. And it was fantastic and filling.
I basically followed the recipe, but made some modifications. Here's what I did in case you want to try:
Broke apart 2 bunches of fresh broccoli and mixed in 4 sliced cloves of garlic (on foil in a square cake pan). Sprayed with cooking spray (instead of using recommended amount of olive oil - too much hurts my stomach).
I did mixed in about 1/2 TBS of olive oil.
Put a very generous amount of salt and pepper :)
Roast in the oven at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. This was the perfect time.
Take out of oven and mix in some pine nuts (I will probably not do this next time).
Recipe says squeeze lemon over it, but all I had was a lime and it worked just as well - a necessary step - loved the zest!
Then it says put Parmesan cheese over it. OF course Walmart was out of Parmesan cheese (really??) so I found this stuff instead for a dollar and some change. I used the middle flavor.
I sprinkled about 1/5 of the package over the top and it was AWESOME! Saving the rest of the package for next time.
This is something I will definitely take as a side when I take next meal to someone. So there you have it. Give it a try - you won't be disappointed. I think I'm going to try to do this with asparagus next time and see if it's good.
Supposedly the best way to cook broccoli???
And it really was awesome. Now it says anyone/everyone will like it, but my husband is avidly disgusted by broccoli and this still didn't work. I made it for myself for lunch after church. Yes, for lunch. And it was fantastic and filling.
I basically followed the recipe, but made some modifications. Here's what I did in case you want to try:
Broke apart 2 bunches of fresh broccoli and mixed in 4 sliced cloves of garlic (on foil in a square cake pan). Sprayed with cooking spray (instead of using recommended amount of olive oil - too much hurts my stomach).
I did mixed in about 1/2 TBS of olive oil.
Put a very generous amount of salt and pepper :)
Roast in the oven at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. This was the perfect time.
Take out of oven and mix in some pine nuts (I will probably not do this next time).
Recipe says squeeze lemon over it, but all I had was a lime and it worked just as well - a necessary step - loved the zest!
Then it says put Parmesan cheese over it. OF course Walmart was out of Parmesan cheese (really??) so I found this stuff instead for a dollar and some change. I used the middle flavor.
This is something I will definitely take as a side when I take next meal to someone. So there you have it. Give it a try - you won't be disappointed. I think I'm going to try to do this with asparagus next time and see if it's good.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Happy 3 Years :)
My sweet baby Lincoln turned three today! And we are spending this day with just our little family - fantastic. This morning I cooked cake-batter pancakes with sprinkles (which the kids loved, but the taste was so-so), then he opened his few presents from us.
Here are some little things about Lincoln at this stage of his life:
* He has now gone almost a week with NO paci whatsoever and has done fantastic. So glad to be done with that phase!
* He's also been perfect on using the potty. I can't even remember the last time he had an accident. He can also do it all by himself...undress, potty, and put clothes back on. You always know when he went b/c his shorts are usually on backwards :)
*He still loves "class" during my Bible study. I think he's going to have a blast when pre-school starts.
*He has a wild imagination that it captivating. I love watching all the stories he makes up with his toys and all the crazy adventures he does with them.
*He still loves all things Veggie Tales which warms my heart. I hope he never grows out of this.
*He loves to pray...at anytime in the day. When we go to church, he (unprompted) prays for Noah that he won't cry...and if we hang out with you, you can bet he will pray for you that night when he goes to bed.
* He has a bursting heart of compassion and care for others. If he sees someone upset, he will go check on them (even if it's a dog).
*The boy LOVES him some sports. More than you can imagine. He is always curious "who is playing each other" and "who is winning" and has a basic understanding of how most major sports work.
* The Tigers and the Razorbacks are his favorite teams.
*His favorite Bible stories are Joshua, David & Goliath, and when Jesus calms the storm - he also loves to act these out.
* I here almost everyday, "Mommy, how's that baby doing?"
* He has recently starting eating double of what he used to. It seems like he is always hungry!!
* He loves to take showers now.
This is an interesting time because it feels like the major "baby transitions" are gone now. Our next ones will be when he starts pre-school, the new baby, and when Noah moves into his room next summer. :)
Here are some little things about Lincoln at this stage of his life:
* He has now gone almost a week with NO paci whatsoever and has done fantastic. So glad to be done with that phase!
* He's also been perfect on using the potty. I can't even remember the last time he had an accident. He can also do it all by himself...undress, potty, and put clothes back on. You always know when he went b/c his shorts are usually on backwards :)
*He still loves "class" during my Bible study. I think he's going to have a blast when pre-school starts.
*He has a wild imagination that it captivating. I love watching all the stories he makes up with his toys and all the crazy adventures he does with them.
*He still loves all things Veggie Tales which warms my heart. I hope he never grows out of this.
*He loves to pray...at anytime in the day. When we go to church, he (unprompted) prays for Noah that he won't cry...and if we hang out with you, you can bet he will pray for you that night when he goes to bed.
* He has a bursting heart of compassion and care for others. If he sees someone upset, he will go check on them (even if it's a dog).
*The boy LOVES him some sports. More than you can imagine. He is always curious "who is playing each other" and "who is winning" and has a basic understanding of how most major sports work.
* The Tigers and the Razorbacks are his favorite teams.
*His favorite Bible stories are Joshua, David & Goliath, and when Jesus calms the storm - he also loves to act these out.
* I here almost everyday, "Mommy, how's that baby doing?"
* He has recently starting eating double of what he used to. It seems like he is always hungry!!
* He loves to take showers now.
This is an interesting time because it feels like the major "baby transitions" are gone now. Our next ones will be when he starts pre-school, the new baby, and when Noah moves into his room next summer. :)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Big Foot
And his shoes just don't really fit.
So I got his his new Nike's his Gran-Gran bought him that were too big a few months ago.
And they fit...perfectly...today.
And they are a size 10.5 which I've been told, is quite monstrous for a 2 (okay, almost 3) year old.
Big boy.
In other news, I'm feeling a lot better in the days! I take a nausea pill most days which probably helps, but I'm loving the relief!
Another interesting thing about this pregnancy so far that was different than times before, is that I am already showing. No joke. 9 weeks and I have an obvious baby bump. It took me until close to 5 months to show in the past so I wasn't expecting to already be getting the maternity clothes out! I don't need them just yet, but I'm telling you - it will be soon.
I googled this (why I am showing months earlier) and it made perfect sense. After a few go-arounds, your uterus (sorry if you don't like that word) grows at triple the speed because it knows what's about to happen. And there's not as much tight abs to fight through. :)
I learned something new.
Everybody have a good weekend with this awesome weather!!!!!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
My Favorite Chili Recipe (and it's crock-pot!)
3-Bean Chili (adapted from a crock-pot cookbook I own)
Combine the following in crock-pot (big one) and cook on low for 3-4 hours:
2 lbs browned ground beef (I use extra lean)
1 chopped green bell pepper
1 chopped yellow onion
2 can chili beans
2 cans black beans
2 can kidney beans
2 cans chili ready diced tomatoes
1 pkg chili seasoning mix
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp cinnamon
Lots of salt and pepper (I tend to go crazy here).
This is by far my favorite chili recipe. It's super chunky and not too tomato-y (we're not tomato saucy fans here).
If you love the tomato sauciness, you can add a can of tomato paste. The recipe actually calls for it. I never cook with it.
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Combine the following in crock-pot (big one) and cook on low for 3-4 hours:
2 lbs browned ground beef (I use extra lean)
1 chopped green bell pepper
1 chopped yellow onion
2 can chili beans
2 cans black beans
2 can kidney beans
2 cans chili ready diced tomatoes
1 pkg chili seasoning mix
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp cinnamon
Lots of salt and pepper (I tend to go crazy here).
This is by far my favorite chili recipe. It's super chunky and not too tomato-y (we're not tomato saucy fans here).
If you love the tomato sauciness, you can add a can of tomato paste. The recipe actually calls for it. I never cook with it.
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Friday, October 14, 2011
The Great Outdoors
Yes I've been several times, but not in the past 13 years (I believe).
And I did used to enjoy it...in the younger years.
But this weekend, I'm breaking that trend and we're going camping. We figured if we keep having kids at the current rate, camping trips are all we'll be able to afford one day. We're meeting my parents and Amy and Nathan out there. And yes, we're taking the toddlers!
Now - my husband is no different from I in the camping realm.
We are borrowing a tent from some dear friends...and I realized last night, we don't even own sleeping bags. So we're borrowing those from my father (who is an avid camper).
We're cooking out the 2nd night and I literally thought that meant "beans over a kettle" which I was already preparing for. But then my mom told me they are cooking a pork tenerloin, grilled chicken, corn on the grill, some sort of potato dish, and well - obviously not "beans over a kettle".
I can handle that.
Oh - and at the last moment, my faithful mom also got a small cabin on the campsite so that Noah could have a place to put a pack and play in...and she could sleep in there with him. This may also be PERFECT for a pregnant lady. :)
(I really am gonna try to "camp" though!).
And I really am excited - this should be fun! Lincoln is crazy excited because Papa's taking him fishing! :)
Happy Camping.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Just a Little More
Thanks for all the super sweet words and encouragement on here and FB! And the 2 new readers, thanks for introducing yourself!! :)
My friend Leslie (who is also pregnant - we were pregnant with our last 2 around the same time as well) talked about on her blog a while back how she is managing being pregnant, now with a toddler.
And I couldn't have agreed more with her response. Even though I am sick this time around, I've never been fortunate to stay home with either of my last 2 pregnancies. But this time, my kids are on amazing nap schedules that allow all of us to take naps every day for at least 3 hours - pure bliss for me right now and I can't remember a day I have not taken one yet. It's nice, when the sick feelings hit, to know we can just lay low and take it easy. Big blessing.
And the main main main main question I have gotten is "So are you hoping for a girl????"
Ha. A girl would be a blast. And obviously, so would a boy. :) The past 2, I actually had a preference (I wanted boys). And now, I do have a desire for a little girl! But the thought of three boys under the age of 3 sounds like an absolute BLAST as well. Time will tell...
I will say the poor third will probably not get a nursery. In fact, we're soon moving Noah into Lincoln's room with him, and going to turn the forth bedroom into a guest bedroom...we will probably leave the crib in the corner for this little baby. Noah didn't have a "nursery" for the first year of his life...he actually slept in a pack and play! At least this baby will get a crib. :)
And I might change my mind (I can't give up the toy room!!).
Anyway, I swear my blog's not going to turn full "pregnancy topic" mode now. Promise. Just excited right now and embracing the upcoming changes.
Oh and my sister, Kristen had her first ultrasound today! Everything looking great!!! She took pics for us when I had Lincoln and we joked today about she wanted me to take pics for her, but then we realized (A) I might be in labor, too and (B) if I'm not, I might go into labor in her room and cause chaos! Still crazy to me we are due a few days apart!
My friend Leslie (who is also pregnant - we were pregnant with our last 2 around the same time as well) talked about on her blog a while back how she is managing being pregnant, now with a toddler.
And I couldn't have agreed more with her response. Even though I am sick this time around, I've never been fortunate to stay home with either of my last 2 pregnancies. But this time, my kids are on amazing nap schedules that allow all of us to take naps every day for at least 3 hours - pure bliss for me right now and I can't remember a day I have not taken one yet. It's nice, when the sick feelings hit, to know we can just lay low and take it easy. Big blessing.
And the main main main main question I have gotten is "So are you hoping for a girl????"
Ha. A girl would be a blast. And obviously, so would a boy. :) The past 2, I actually had a preference (I wanted boys). And now, I do have a desire for a little girl! But the thought of three boys under the age of 3 sounds like an absolute BLAST as well. Time will tell...
I will say the poor third will probably not get a nursery. In fact, we're soon moving Noah into Lincoln's room with him, and going to turn the forth bedroom into a guest bedroom...we will probably leave the crib in the corner for this little baby. Noah didn't have a "nursery" for the first year of his life...he actually slept in a pack and play! At least this baby will get a crib. :)
And I might change my mind (I can't give up the toy room!!).
Anyway, I swear my blog's not going to turn full "pregnancy topic" mode now. Promise. Just excited right now and embracing the upcoming changes.
Oh and my sister, Kristen had her first ultrasound today! Everything looking great!!! She took pics for us when I had Lincoln and we joked today about she wanted me to take pics for her, but then we realized (A) I might be in labor, too and (B) if I'm not, I might go into labor in her room and cause chaos! Still crazy to me we are due a few days apart!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
And, The News.
So here we go:
A few months ago, on the the first morning of Bible study for this semester, in the presence of two of my best friends and my little sis (which was super fun), I found out I was pregnant with baby #3.
That moment never gets old.
Today Jason and I got to see the little baby and hear the strong heartbeat for the first time. It was an especially fun experience because both our boys came with us and got to experience it as well.
[But Bethany, I might take you up on your offer next time...ha!].
With each pregnancy, I always fight fear of all the unknowns and "what-ifs" that could go wrong...but on the flip side, I'm always super humbled, feel completely undeserving, and in awe of God's power and provision. Then ultimately I am able to channel my worries to trust and know that HE who started this good work in me will be faithful to complete it...however He chooses to complete it.
I am due somewhere around the third week of May, and so far this pregnancy has been totally different than the previous two! I never was sick with the boys, but I have been sick almost 24 hours a day with constant nausea and some other unpleasants. I did get a prescription today that will hopefully help with that.
The greatest joy through this so far has been seeing Lincoln's reaction. I told him the day I found out, and he responded with "It's a baby girl and a baby boy, mommy." But then he came back later at lunch and told me there was only a baby girl in there.
He has since held to this.
It should be noted, he, too, has "puppy dogs" in his tummy (or so he tells me).
Over the past few years we have seen the trait of compassion/concern for others exploding in Lincoln's life. It's definitely a God-given spiritual gift to him that we see so clearly in multiple ways.
Along with that, he tells me - pretty much on a daily basis - "Mommy! Be careful with that baby..." if he sees me doing something strenuous. He did the other day when I was mopping the floor and was concerned I was going to slip...and at the store a while back, I pick up a gigantic thing of dog food and he yelled: "Mommy be careful with the baby!!!"
Every day he comes to me and asks to see the baby...he then tickles or kisses my belly. Sometimes he tels me the baby is sleeping and asks if he can wake it up (which is followed by a scream to wake it!).
He's been fun through this so far...he surprisingly understands it way more than I thought he would.
Anyway, so that's our news! A lot of you that read my blog already know all of this, but thought I'd officially share!
***Oh - one more thing (this is crazy!): My older sister, Kristen found out she is pregnant a week after me and we are due at the same time - how crazy is that?!
A few months ago, on the the first morning of Bible study for this semester, in the presence of two of my best friends and my little sis (which was super fun), I found out I was pregnant with baby #3.
That moment never gets old.
Today Jason and I got to see the little baby and hear the strong heartbeat for the first time. It was an especially fun experience because both our boys came with us and got to experience it as well.
[But Bethany, I might take you up on your offer next time...ha!].
With each pregnancy, I always fight fear of all the unknowns and "what-ifs" that could go wrong...but on the flip side, I'm always super humbled, feel completely undeserving, and in awe of God's power and provision. Then ultimately I am able to channel my worries to trust and know that HE who started this good work in me will be faithful to complete it...however He chooses to complete it.
I am due somewhere around the third week of May, and so far this pregnancy has been totally different than the previous two! I never was sick with the boys, but I have been sick almost 24 hours a day with constant nausea and some other unpleasants. I did get a prescription today that will hopefully help with that.
The greatest joy through this so far has been seeing Lincoln's reaction. I told him the day I found out, and he responded with "It's a baby girl and a baby boy, mommy." But then he came back later at lunch and told me there was only a baby girl in there.
He has since held to this.
It should be noted, he, too, has "puppy dogs" in his tummy (or so he tells me).
Over the past few years we have seen the trait of compassion/concern for others exploding in Lincoln's life. It's definitely a God-given spiritual gift to him that we see so clearly in multiple ways.
Along with that, he tells me - pretty much on a daily basis - "Mommy! Be careful with that baby..." if he sees me doing something strenuous. He did the other day when I was mopping the floor and was concerned I was going to slip...and at the store a while back, I pick up a gigantic thing of dog food and he yelled: "Mommy be careful with the baby!!!"
Every day he comes to me and asks to see the baby...he then tickles or kisses my belly. Sometimes he tels me the baby is sleeping and asks if he can wake it up (which is followed by a scream to wake it!).
He's been fun through this so far...he surprisingly understands it way more than I thought he would.
Anyway, so that's our news! A lot of you that read my blog already know all of this, but thought I'd officially share!
***Oh - one more thing (this is crazy!): My older sister, Kristen found out she is pregnant a week after me and we are due at the same time - how crazy is that?!
Monday, October 10, 2011
WPS
Obviously there was a big game this past weekend. The weather was perfect, we got an amazing tailgaiting spot (thanks to some family friends of the McMahan's). Love me some 6:00 games where the kids can nap early and enjoy the whole experience!
Our tailgating spot is right next to where the team does the run-through before the game. I took Lincoln over so he could see the team (for those that don't know, he's pretty much obsessed with the players and wants them BAD to come to his birthday party in a few weeks!).
While we were waiting for the team to get there, Lincoln started calling the Hogs. It caught the ear of some of the cheerleaders and band folk who thought it was awesome that the 2-year-old was so spirited. So they let him jump the rope and stand with them for the run-through.
It as so fun for him!!! He loved it.
He literally high-fived the ENTIRE team...didn't miss one of them. Tyler Wilson was even on the completely opposite side of us, but saw the little toddler across the way and hopped across the other players to give Lincoln a high-five. Precious.
But the coolest part was when Petrino (coach) came through with all his security guards surrounding him. Petrino saw Lincoln through the guards, made them all stop, parted them, and came over to Lincoln and I. He grabbed Lincoln's hand with both hands, said hello, and sat there shaking it for 5 seconds while camera man "got the shot". Total PR, but still total sweet.
Lincoln was elated. He ran back to Jason and said "I met the coach!!" He called him "Coach Pino".
I will add, Lincoln did get upset when he could not then keep following all the players to the locker room (cause he gets to do this at bentonville - why not here?!).
Grateful for all their kind spirits. Lincoln later told us that was his favorite part of the whole thing...even more than the Razorback cake. Ha.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Baked Spag
Alright. Sorry if this is starting to be boring, but - yes, another recipe for ya. I've made baked spaghetti before but this recipe was fantastic!! Pair it with a spinach salad topped with tomatoes, almonds, peppers and vinaigrette - and you've got yourself some goodness. :)
Here's the phenomenal picture of this tasty little dish (not my pic):
And here's the recipe link:
http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/04/baked-parmesan-spaghetti/comment-page-1/#comments
Oh - and the kids:
You decide.
Here's the phenomenal picture of this tasty little dish (not my pic):
And here's the recipe link:
http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/04/baked-parmesan-spaghetti/comment-page-1/#comments
Oh - and the kids:
You decide.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Clean Up
At the end of the night, we always have the boys clean up all there toys (i.e. throw them in the playroom), out of the living room/kitchen before bedtime.
I would like to say I'm teaching them to clean up for themselves (and I am, don't get me wrong), but really the light bulb went off in my head one day: "Hey! You don't have to clean this mess every night anymore...those little people are perfectly capable and can now do it for you!"
So, loving the new system; and yes, they are learning to clean up their messes in the meantime.
So the other night the living room was bad. Total disaster. Every nook and cranny filled with their toys. We sat on the couch and made them clean up every last morsel, putting it all away in their toy room. I told Lincoln it all "had to go in the toy room."
They did it, and then when we got up to put them to bed I saw this:
All toys crammed just right inside the door. Next time I shall be more specific in my cleaning up instructions.
I would like to say I'm teaching them to clean up for themselves (and I am, don't get me wrong), but really the light bulb went off in my head one day: "Hey! You don't have to clean this mess every night anymore...those little people are perfectly capable and can now do it for you!"
So, loving the new system; and yes, they are learning to clean up their messes in the meantime.
So the other night the living room was bad. Total disaster. Every nook and cranny filled with their toys. We sat on the couch and made them clean up every last morsel, putting it all away in their toy room. I told Lincoln it all "had to go in the toy room."
They did it, and then when we got up to put them to bed I saw this:
Monday, October 3, 2011
2 Recipes
The first is a Pinterest floater...I have to bring a breakfast item for Bible study in the morning. Perfect time to try out something Pinterest.:)
I chose the Pumpkin Crunch Cake.
Cake for breakfast? Hmmm....not so sure. Pumpkin for breakfast? Definitely. So I go with the latter. I just made this (since Tuesday mornings are crazy enough), and happy to report it is ever so amazing. Yes, I tried it. You can't make something new and not try it out before sharing with 60+ people! But now I'm not so sure how it will fare after being refrigerated...I might have to try it again in the morning. :)
Combine all ingredients in the crock-pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours...stirring throughout so it doesn't stick to sides/bottom (or PAM spray works too).
I chose the Pumpkin Crunch Cake.
Oh - and this is SUPER easy and quick to make (except it bakes for 45 min).
NEXT UP....
Chicken Dump Soup (Crock-pot style...and what's for dinner)
Ingredients:
1 can rotel
8oz. Velvetta
3 cans Cream of Chicken
1 can chicken broth
3-4 cooked, and shredded chicken breasts
16 oz. frozen corn
1 can creamed corn
pepper (I use lots)
Dab of minced garlic
This is my mom's recipe and super yummy, super easy, and loaded with sodium (yum).
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