Africa

On Saturday my husband and all 3 of his assistant coaches leave for Mali, Africa to run a basketball skills/evaluation camp for the top 50-60 players in the country. This is an incredibly unique opportunity they have been presented with and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds! There is supposedly great natural talent and athleticism throughout this country, but a desperate need of qualified coaches willing to come and invest in skill development to help these players achieve potential professional goals. We've been told there is great excitement for this next week and that it is a national event that will be kicked off with a televised press conference - which I'm so hoping will be somewhere I can watch online! Under Armor is sponsoring the camp and funding for the elite athletes to attend. The athletes have been scouted by some American NBA agencies over the years and have been marked as potential talent.
This is an extremely poor country that is in the middle of terrorists conflicts, so what a great opportunity to bring some fun and joy to a nation that is in the middle of experiencing some difficulties. But also a great opportunity for y'all to pray for our husband's safety - and energy (their schedule is relentless!!).

As for the rest of my family, Jason's parents are taking all 3 older kids while they are gone! So a little vacation for Josiah and I...we should head to the beach. Ha.

Can't wait to hear all the stories of the precious people in this country and their experience! My small experiences in Africa have been nothing short of incredible and I know theirs will be the same. There's lots more details with all of this and I'd love to share more if any of you have interest...just email me! :)

Lincoln's Moving to Kindergarten

Lincoln had a graduation ceremony at his preschool this morning. I have been super excited for it, to watch their little performance they've been working on for the past month now, but it never even crossed my mind it would be emotional.

Y'all - it hit me like wrecking ball (yes, I just said that).

The minute we sat down they started a slideshow of pictures throughout the whole year, set to super sad music and it all just went "downhill" from there (in the bittersweet way!). The program was just awesome. It was such a treat for us parents, but oh my - the TEARS. :( I don't know what I was thinking, but I was just not expecting to get so emotional. It was all just so overwhelming how fast these little guys grow up and I realized sitting there that my first child is now phasing out of the house as he transitions to public school - 5 days a week.
And I'm tearing up again.

So Lincoln, these past 5 years of having you at home have been an absolute TREASURE. I never thought I would enjoy being a stay-at-home mom until I had you...then having a job just sounded ridiculous in comparison to spending my days with you. You unlocked a world of adventures in my life I never knew existed and I wouldn't trade forgoing my career for ANYTHING. A huge part of me wants to keep you with me and home-school you, but God designed your little personality to be around people - it would crush you to be home-schooled! Ha. We've always prayed prayers of leadership and strong-will over you, so I guess it's only natural how much you love being around large groups of friends and social events. Though it has definitely been challenging at times to parent your strong-will, I know the Lord will continue to develop your character after His heart. I can't wait to see you flourish in the social/school setting! You're my first-born, my helper, my nap partner, my question-asker, my lively entertainer, my perceptive one, my fighter, my adventurer-seeker, my social one, my cuddler, and you have a brazen confidence about you that I pray becomes so tightly grounded in the Lord.
I love you to pieces and am thankful God chose me to be your mommy.

Miss Princess Turns TWO

I'm usually super excited for each new phase the kids go through and never really wish they could "stay" at any certain age...
Except for her.

Maybe it's because she's the only girl...maybe i identify with her on the that part...maybe the clothes are just so stinking cute...maybe it's because she prefers me and likes to snuggle with me...I have tried to pinpoint what makes her different and I'm not really sure, but if i could bottle her up at this age I most certainly would.

I find myself holding her just a tad bit longer, staring at her in awe for just a few more seconds, and literally having tears well in my eyes when I see newborn girl clothes at stores.

While she is a mix of both Jason and I, she definitely takes after my personality which makes her hilarious to me at times; all the stories I've heard from my parents about me when I was a child are unfolding in real time right before my eyes, and I can't help but just sit back and giggle at this little mini-me.

Likes:
the color pink, princesses, Frozen, to sing, going to church and workout class, making friends, asking any and everyone what their name is, to color (oh my she colors for hours every day!), the trampoline, to swing on her belly (no baby swing for her anymore), playing with her brothers, dirt, wiping herself (seriously), putting her shoes on by herself, "stealing" Jason's ipad and secretly playing on it, dressing herself, baths and showers.

Dislikes:
Holding our hand to go places, chicken, waking up in the morning, getting dressed in things without a "princess" association...to name some.

Accomplishments:
Knows most of her colors, talks mostly in short sentances, draws complete circles, can "sing" a few songs (which she does on repeat), can put her own shoes on, started semi-riding her tricycle, knows most people's names - is very intrigued with everyone's name, can get on/off trampoline by herself (which is awesome), knows how to navigate my phone and ipad better than she should!

This little firecracker is strong-willed, verbal, vivacious, social, independent, opinionated, stubborn, sneaky, clever, loud, tough, sweet, smart, hilarious, and an absolute JOY.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Princess!!!!!

Josiah Abram McMahan

I pretty much blog only 5 times a year now, so I figured one of those should be dedicated to little Josiah. The posts on pregnancies and my babies first years are basically the only ones i go back read...and i love to go back and read them!

Induction Day!
We went in way earlier than normal...5:00am. Why? Because my dad had to leave town that day at 1:30pm and since all of my kids have been born at the same time of day (because we go to the hospital at the same time with each birth) I figured i could "predict" it to be born around noon-ish if we went in at 5:00 and everything went like it had with my previous 3 experiences.

So we got there at 5:00am and I hadn't progressed any since my previous appointments. Awesome. Maybe this one was going to take longer.

Got the Epi first thing - which was by far the easiest one I've gotten - then started the pitocin and the waiting game. My dad kept asking the nurses if I was progressing and yall, for some reason it seemed much slower this time around!

It was noon and I had only gone from a "2" to a "4". My dad was disheartened because it sure felt like I wasn't going to make it in time before he had to leave. I was also a little bummed.

So that was at noon. Then TWENTY minutes later I started feeling crazy pressure and sure enough I had completely progressed in 20 minutes! and then 20 minutes later, Josiah entered the world! He has the cord wrapped a little but nothing too big of a deal. and he was perfect.

(my dad made it!)

My favorite part of having kids is watching Jason with them right when they are born. He cries every time, is completely speechless, and it is such a beautiful picture I have in my mind that will never be erased with all 4 kids.

Coming Home
The kids stayed at my parents house for a few days and so, of course, Jason and I went on a "date" to Olive Garden the night we came home from the hospital. It's a tradition. :)
I have felt surprisingly good! This recovery was actually easier than Adelynn which was encouraging.

I will say 4 kids under the age of 5 is a lot. Noah and Lincoln are completely independent in the car as far as buckling themselves and such - which helps - but getting places is challenging! I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Josiah is fairly easy which is a blessing.

Josiah at Home
The little guy has done great at night! He is fussy in the day a lot, but sleeps all night with a feeding at 3:00-ish and another around 6:00. He goes right back to sleep and we generally get up between 8-8:30. Not bad. The other amazing thing is he already takes a long nap when all 3 other kids do! All 4 kids sleep from about 1-4. Josiah has joined this routine consistently for the past 4 days now.
He was already back to his birth weight in the first week (7.6) and his height is in the 50% at 21".
He nurses and I give him bottles when it's more convenient. He was struggling to nurse well but has gotten over that now. I probably won't nurse long. I actually say I'm stopping everyday and go back and forth. But I'm still going as of now.

Kids With Josiah
The boys have been great! And I thought we would have trouble with Adelynn but she has been great too! I think mainly in part because she plays with her brothers all day. Which is also reason #875 I don't want Lincoln to start Kindergarten next year.
It helps a lot that it's nice outside. All 3 kids just play out in the back during the day for hours while I nurse or attend to Josiah - or clean the house - or just get some alone time. I'm so thankful they are close in age and like playing together! But you should see the older 3 at the end of every day. They are total smelly dirtballs - Adelynn being the worst. It actually warms my heart. :)

Upcoming Challenges
Jason leaves for West Africa a month from today...then heads to Kansas team camp right after returning from Africa. June could be rough.
Jason's parents are taking all three big kids to their house for a week of all of that which will be AMAZING. I plan on sleep training Josiah during that time. Fun for all.

We Have a Name!

I had my 36 week appointment today and I am already progressed (2cm/50%) which is more than I've ever been at this stage with any of the other kids.
The way I've felt the past few weeks, I'm not surprised.

We set the induction date (those that know me know this is how we do) for Monday, April 28. So unless he decides to come before then, we're 27 days out!

Well, 27 days out and we have a name. This by far took us longer than our other 3 children - not even a close race - but praise the Lord we have a name we love that it is rich in meaning. And of course, it wasn't any of our originals we threw around most of pregnancy.
We have always chosen names based on meaning first, then if we actually like the way it sounds last. The meaning is critical to us. We have known most of pregnancy what the middle name would be and I truly felt it spoken to me as validation in my first class of Perspectives this year (yall I started tearing up and got all emotional - theme of my life in that class lately).
But here was our tentative "list" we had running for the past few months (except for the name that we chose that crept it's way on the list just a few weeks ago):

Silas
Jonah
William
Studd (as a middle, after C.T. Studd - look him up)
Lucas
Judah (I didn't like because it sounded too much like "Judas" to me)

And then this whole pregnancy Lincoln has been dead set on: Brayton (he said he made it up??)
Noah at one point told Jason's mom: "I don't know what we are naming it yet, but I think mom and dad might have decided on Jesus??"
Ha. That kid.

So the winner????
Josiah Abram McMahan

Josiah was the youngest King (became king at just 8 years old) and ended the era of evil kings by deciding to bring the kingdom of Judah back to God. He led his kingdom under major reforms that returned them to favor with the Lord after years and years and years of disobedience...and he accomplished all of this at a very young age. He also died young - at age 31, but served God faithfully all of his years. The Hebrew meaning of Josiah is "Jehovah has healed".

Then in Genesis 12:1-3, God reveals His purpose through His promise, where He chooses one nation to reach all nations through Israel - led by Abram. I have always known if we had another boy this name would be incorporated to some degree. Abram means "exalted father" and it is who God chose to start Hid mission of reaching the world.

Thus our prayer for Josiah Abram is that he can follow Jesus at an early age and be a leader among those around him. We pray the Lord will make him bold in his convictions and give him a heart to reach the nations for Christ and be a disciple-maker.

Can't wait to meet Josiah Abram!

Updates on the Littles

I know I don't blog on here nearly as much as I used to (which is fine by me) but one of the reasons I love having this is to go back and look at old posts on the kids and how much they have grown! I sat here the other night with all 3 kids and they squealed and giggled at all the old pictures of them...it was precious. So this post is dedicated to doing a little catch-up.

Adelynn (22 months):
This girl is spunky. Her personality is the girl version of Lincoln - independent, verbal, social, entertainer, and strong-willed.  She is at the point where she wants to do everything her brothers do and doesn't seem to recognize (or care) that she is not even 2 years old yet.
* Her verbal skills amaze us. She has been "talking" since Christmas, but her use of sentences has exploded. It is crazy seeing such a little thing talk and communicate with us in a legible manner. Lincoln was slow to develop verbal skills, but not this girl. I think it's part of her desire to "keep up" with them.
* She doesn't mind being left places at all which is a blessing (Noah was the opposite!). She loves going to church and knows exactly where her room is - and of course insists on strolling in their by herself without holding my hand. She likes being left at the gym, Bible study, and gets crazy excited to stay with both sets of grandparents.
* The girl is ready to be potty trained which blows my mind and is a phase I'M not ready for yet. She has gone potty a few times and tells us before she is about to go (by which I tell her to go ahead and "go" and then I change her!). I'm of the camp that I don't potty train until you can undress/dress yourself and do it with little to no assistance. Especially with new baby coming, it's just way more work until they can independently do those things (imo). So she's staying in diapers for now. When she asks to go on potty, I let her, but just for fun.
* She loves to color, sing, dance, play swords, play babies, and do anything her brothers do! She now knows the first part of the chorus of "Let it Go" (thanks to her brothers) and belts it out like no other - it's hilarious.
* She loves to pray which is the sweetest thing ever. She prays for her baby dolls which melts my heart.
* She's a mam's girl - I finally got one! She loves doing anything I do - especially the things I do to get ready - which results in her loving to get her hair done, put on shoes (which she can do all by herself now!), and making sure she has a bow in. She loves snuggling with me and has a hard time going to bed if I'm not there to put her down.
* She's a sleeping champ like her brothers. Goes to bed about 8:30 and wakes up between 8:30-9:00. She takes a nap when the boys do for about 4 hours (used to be 3 hours, but past month they have been long and I have to wake her up).
* She has started showing defiance when she doesn't get her way. She will have a stare down with you (hard not to laugh) and if she gets a spanking, she doesn't cry but immediate hides her face in her hands for about 3 minutes straight. It's kind of funny. Then she hugs you and says "sowwy". She doesn't have too many tantrums yet but with that strong will, I know they are coming!!!!!

Noah (4 years old):
* Now this boy has stolen my heart as of the past few months or so! He has turned a corner from the tantrums and such and has taken on such a sweet, compliant spirit lately. He has great interest right now in the stories of Jesus and how to follow Him which has been an absolute joy to watch and grow.
* He is still his quirky, squirmy, odd little self which makes him incredibly unique. He has become more social and loves playing with kids his own age. He loves going to classes and is super excited about going to pre-school next year (which is where he has changed some - I always thought it would be a struggle). He doesn't just love learning school stuff to the extent that Lincoln does, but LOVES learning through play, stories, and hands-on things. This kid can PLAY.
* I'm not joking - Noah knows almost every frequently played commercial jingle on TV. It's so weird.
* Him an d Adelynn have become close. They can play together for hours, which i attribute to Noah being so kind and patient with her. I love watching their relationship develop.
* He is an electronic whiz. He recently ordered something off Ebay all by himself (which we returned...and passcode protected). This morning we heard him talking to "Siri" telling her "I'll give you fifty bucks if you give me that frozen toy???" Not joking.
* Noah still naps for 3 hours a day but is a night owl like Jason.
* His love tank gets full by snuggling with him in a movie, taking him to pick out a new toy, or letting him stay the weekend with his grandparents.

Lincoln (5 years old):
* He's been in a little bit of a tough phase, but one that makes sense developmentally. Basically he's so stinking big for his age and prefers to play with older kids, but he's still 5; this amounts to some frustration at times because he wants to act more independently than he can for a 5 year old. We've had to fight some battles with this independence. It's a hard line helping him foster it, but also making sure he's SAFE!
* He still takes a nap most days for a couple of hours. But the MINUTE he wakes up, he runs to the window to see if his friends are home from school so he can go out and play with them.
* Playing basketball/football for hours with his friends down the street FILLS HIS LOVE TANK - my social one.
* He LOVES school - which is no surprise and is so giddy about starting kindergarten next year (I am not).
* He has been this way since he was a baby, but he still considers most people his friend - regardless their age. For instance, most of the Tiger basketball team are his buddies, and he tells us that him and Ky Madden and Bobby Portis (razorback bball players) are his friends and that they "talk". He also considers himself to have become "good friends" with Marcus Monk, one of Jason's players older brothers. It's hilarious hearing him talk about these older guys like they are the same age. Lincoln's just a hard one to reign in and remind him that he is FIVE.
* He is still obsessed with all things basketball. He regularly watches college and pro games with Jason, knows more players than I do (and of course their numbers), and has a good understanding of the game. It will be fun the day he starts playing!
* He is NOT a night owl! Lincoln absolutely wears out. Makes me nervous for kindergarten next year. I predict he comes home and takes a nap. :)

And then in about 40-44 days, comes this little guy! Still no name. Kind of stressing me out now. Ha.

Bentonville Basketball

And the really cool article feature by CBS Sports MaxPreps!

Adelynn is sitting in my lap going "I wanna watch Daci (daddy) and Meek (Malik)!"

Awesome season Tigers! Excited for the upcoming ones!