Just wanted to pop in to say that we got some good news from our ultra sound yesterday! Baby looks good and was wiggling around like crazy, showing off a fabulous heartbeat. My doctor was really pleased with what she saw, and as long as nothing off-the-wall happens, we don't have to go back in for another ultra sound until mid-February when we're at 20 weeks!!!!! After four ultra sounds over the course of the past month, this news plus seeing my little babe dance on the screen is the Best. Christmas. Present. EVER!
We're praising Jesus for this wonderful news, and looking forward to celebrating HIM tonight and tomorrow. How sweet it is to enter into Christmas cherishing the gift of a babe given to us so long ago and the gift of the one we hope to soon hold now. God is so very, very good!
We have a house packed to the brim with my brother and sister here, my grandparents, my uncle, my parents, my little family, and three dogs. Hellooooo, Griswold family Christmas! We were so excited to come home yesterday with good news from the doctor.
Last night we were all sitting in the living room with two guitars, two ukelele's and some questionable singing voices (read: ME), and I KID YOU NOT as we sat there belting out some "Sleigh Bells Ring" in true von Trapp family style, it started snowing. The ground has been bare for weeks on end, and we were all hoping for a white Christmas. BOOM. Who knew it just took a little living room concert to really get the white Christmas rolling? First thing this morning = Newbie in his marshmallow snowsuit and the sled he got from Santa last year. Bring on the memory making, Baby.
In other news, the Hubs and I put in an offer on a house yesterday. Ain't no thang. Just kidding. It's definitely a thang. I've been praying God would give us just enough in our next house- not too big, not too small, but something that is just enough for our little growing family. Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Proverbs 30:8. This has been the prayer of my heart since we starting looking for another house. The Hubs and I are convinced this little gem fits the bill and signed the papers on the offer yesterday. We didn't even hesitate- went in, looked around, crunched some numbers on replacing the 40 year old carpet and BOOM, done. We should hear back today, which is why I'm up at 5 in the morning on Christmas Eve. WAY too much going on today to sleep!
Plus, did I mention its a white Christmas?
And also that my baby looks good and was waving to me on the ultra sound screen yesterday?
Because those things totally happened too.
Thank you, Lord, for abundant blessings.
Oh, how I wish I had pictures to share, but I'm sequestered in the bedroom and I'm convinced my uncle doesn't consider blogging an urgent enough matter when it would mean barging into his room at 5 in the morning and tapping away on the computer while I upload some photos.
So...I promise a plethora of pictures post-Christmas, and I will leave you with a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU for praying for our littlest little, and a prayer for a joy-filled and richly, richly blessed Christmas this weekend as we celebrate the incredible Gift of Love we have in Jesus.
Have a very, very Merry Christmas, friends!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
The curls that are no more and other happenings
Wouldn't it be sweet if I could update my blog more than once a week? I know. Its just that the camera-computer relationship is a little rocky over here and I can only post so many times without a few decent pictures to share.
If you've been waiting for pictures, today's your lucky day- the camera and computer are being civil and agreed to coffee this afternoon, so I was able to upload a few tidbits from the past several days. =)
Exhibit A: The Little Drummer Boy and his two sidekicks.
Last week, two of our favorite little girls came over to play for the afternoon. I ran upstairs to grab my camera and came back down to find this:
If you look past the blur, you can see that everybody fell out of line and began to fend for themselves. I can't blame Little Sister because three kids under 7 with instruments just isn't the most pleasant sound you've ever heard.
After playing hard for the afternoon, we chilled out in front of Toy Story for a little while. Can you tell which one of these three got a nap that day? =)
Exhibit B: Aunt Corndog and Uncle J are a really good time.
This weekend Aunt Corndog and Uncle J came over for dinner, and Newbie had a ball playing with them. As if bringing "Mimi" the pug wasn't enough to win him over, Uncle J set Newbie up in front of Photobooth on his laptop and Newbie got in on making some funny faces.
Exhibit C: The Boy finally crashes.
Newbie has had a really rough go of falling asleep lately, and before you question whether or not I'm an enabler, let me assure you: I am. Evidenced by his plea for "Mommy nigh nigh core" while he cried after I put him in his crib. Translation? "Mommy go night night on the floor." Yes, that has happened. But no, I did not fold this time.
Tonight he asked for "one mo' song?" and I switched up our usual worship/praise song lullaby routine with a seasonal "Little Drummer Boy." As I sang, he piped in every once in a while with a "gum" and then a "drum," and I cracked up because I've only sung this song to him one other time but he was totally digging it and wanted in on the fun of the "rum pa pum pum's." He keeps us laughing, folks. Until he finally falls asleep, at which point our laughter turns to marvel because there is nothing sweeter than a little boy all zonked out on every stuffed animal he could get his hands on with a few blankets thrown in for good measure.
If you've been waiting for pictures, today's your lucky day- the camera and computer are being civil and agreed to coffee this afternoon, so I was able to upload a few tidbits from the past several days. =)
Exhibit A: The Little Drummer Boy and his two sidekicks.
Last week, two of our favorite little girls came over to play for the afternoon. I ran upstairs to grab my camera and came back down to find this:
(They weren't as out of focus in real life- that's just my mediocre photography showing.)
The Christmas parade. They were going at it, Big Sister leading the troops and Newbie bringing up the caboose. They went around the house one time before this happened:After playing hard for the afternoon, we chilled out in front of Toy Story for a little while. Can you tell which one of these three got a nap that day? =)
(PS- Newbie's recent haircut put an end to all those curls on top...I'm still mourning them. I cracked under pressure and said "Go for it!" when I was asked "Shorter?" and now all the curls are gone. Boo hooo hooooooooo!)
Exhibit B: Aunt Corndog and Uncle J are a really good time.
This weekend Aunt Corndog and Uncle J came over for dinner, and Newbie had a ball playing with them. As if bringing "Mimi" the pug wasn't enough to win him over, Uncle J set Newbie up in front of Photobooth on his laptop and Newbie got in on making some funny faces.
(See? No curls. Waaaaaaaah!)
(Photobooth morphs your face into all kinds of funny shapes. Newbie's expression says it all: "What. is. happening?")
Exhibit C: The Boy finally crashes.
Newbie has had a really rough go of falling asleep lately, and before you question whether or not I'm an enabler, let me assure you: I am. Evidenced by his plea for "Mommy nigh nigh core" while he cried after I put him in his crib. Translation? "Mommy go night night on the floor." Yes, that has happened. But no, I did not fold this time.
(Don't hate on me for the flash- it was dark and I was working a stealth operation that no ISO could handle on its own.)
The Hubs has stepped in and said this sleeplessness at bedtime is turning into an epidemic and must be remedied before it gets out. of. control. Newsflash: its already out of control. Oops! But we're back-pedaling now and slowly trying to get it together. Bottom line is Newbie's transition to G-Mama and Grandad's house hasn't been as smooth as we had hoped in the bedtime department, but we'll get there.Tonight he asked for "one mo' song?" and I switched up our usual worship/praise song lullaby routine with a seasonal "Little Drummer Boy." As I sang, he piped in every once in a while with a "gum" and then a "drum," and I cracked up because I've only sung this song to him one other time but he was totally digging it and wanted in on the fun of the "rum pa pum pum's." He keeps us laughing, folks. Until he finally falls asleep, at which point our laughter turns to marvel because there is nothing sweeter than a little boy all zonked out on every stuffed animal he could get his hands on with a few blankets thrown in for good measure.
Fun side note? The dog Newbie is sleeping on is a stuffed animal I gave the Hubs when we were dating (I know, totally what every college guy wants from his girlfriend, right?!). Anyway, The Hubs took it with him to Greece when he studied abroad his freshman year and climbed Mount Olympus. I love that our boy is currently obsessed with "Dog". Full circle, baby.
Tomorrow is a big day for us. This week is a big week for us. Tomorrow we're geeked to be picking up my grandparents from the airport at noon. Friday my uncle is coming in from Chicago. Lots of family to enjoy here this week, though we sure wish we could hang out with the rest of the Texas clan this year.
Friday afternoon The Hubs and I go in for our fourth ultra sound. It will be two weeks since our last, and we should be tracking along at 11 weeks by then. We have just been in continuous prayer that this little one would grow healthy and strong and that we'd have the privilege of snuggling him and parenting him in July. Would you pray for our sweet babe as we look ahead to our appointment on Friday? We are exercising our trust muscles like crazy these days as we depend on the Lord and trust in His timing and plan no matter what. But boy, are we ever praying His plans include a healthy baby on July 13! =) Thank you so much for your prayers, sweet friends- they mean so so so so so much to us.
I'll be missing for a few days around the blog since we have so much family in town and so many things to do and enjoy together, but I'll be snapping away on the camera and will return as soon as I can with pictures and an update on our littlest little.
Wishing you all a very merry week!
Friday, December 16, 2011
His Story
I was so blown away by The Story concert. WOW. Words can't describe what an incredible experience the multimedia production was, but I can say it is something I will never forget! Listening to some phenomenal music that carried us through various characters of the Bible, telling God's story from beginning to end was just amazing. There was video playing through each story in the background, and I can't tell you the richness wrapped up in those lyrics. It was a writer's dream. I loved it.
Totally listened to both CD's in The Story set already this morning. =)
Here's a taste of what we saw- one of many songs and videos. The performances were live and the videos played on a large screen behind the artists. AMAZING. This is the story of Adam and Eve, the same song and video we saw last night. (If the film below isn't working, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ9rG73SKd8)
I walked away so blessed by the comprehensive picture of God's plan- and how my story is a part of His. The Hubs and I stayed up talking long after the concert was over last night. We talked about all the things we took away, and what an incredible story God has written. I love that my man loves the Lord like I do. What a gift.
I wanted to download some of what stuck today so I can look back and remember the view The Story gave me of God's grander plan. Stepping back and looking at God's story in its entirety left me pondering a few truths that I want to cling to for all of my days and that I desperately want my children and my children's children and my neighbor and my neighbor's neighbor to know. Don't give up on me, I promise I won't always blog with lots of words and no pictures, but I just couldn't let this go without getting it down.
The first thing that hit me last night was that so many times in Scripture our brothers and sisters were asked to wait. It hit hard with my pregnancy now and the waiting waiting waiting we are doing as we wonder what God's plan is for this little one. The words of these songs that reflect the stories of Scripture made my heart squeeze for God's people. They had to wait on the Lord. Like really, really wait. Through suffering, through loss, through the unknown: they waited. Waited and waited and waited for God's glory to be revealed- for the One to come to the rescue- for God to come through with His promises. And every time, no matter how desolate the situation, no matter how long the wait, no matter how deep the longing for salvation, our God was (and is!) faithful. Never once did God drop the ball, never once did He fail to follow through with His promises. Never once were His people left forever on their own with no rescuer. There was always Hope, and He was always faithful. What an encouragement! He is always there, friends. Always.
In addition to His faithfulness, I got a very clear understanding of God's bigger picture. His ways are so much higher than our own and His eyes see so very much more than we see. We see this revealed in Scripture when our brothers and sisters ask, "Why me?" "Why this?" "Lord, what are you doing? Where did you go?" Time and time again His children must have felt so confused, so desperate to see what He saw because what they saw was so different from what He said would come to be. And yet, in the end, each and every time, He did indeed see more than they did and His plans and purposes were accomplished. He never failed. Each and every time. I want to store this treasure of truth up in my heart and remember that when I can't see how He is going to bring good out of a situation, He will- because He knows the way, and His ways are higher than my own. I want to remember that there is a bigger story falling into place than just my own, and He knows that story by heart.
The other thing that stood out to me was how very important the Lord's purposes are for us and how very much God uses the humble and the broken. David, Esther, Joseph, Mary, and so many, many more- He used them all in ways that significantly contributed to the shape of His story and the path of His people. I want to remember and teach my children that His purposes for us are something to be pursued and embraced with a fullness and an obedience of heart that pushes us onward even when the going gets tough- even when we can't see how it will all turn out. I want to allow His purpose for me to guide my every move- I want to be faithful to Him even when every fiber in my being asks, "Why me? Isn't there another?" Because He has put each and every single one of us here for a purpose- each one of us has a part to play in His story; we were born for such a time as this.
It was so interesting to be reminded of how these truths have been proven through Biblical history, but to also know that I have seen these truths revealed in my own life. I simply adore that God is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. I am so humbled by the part He has gifted me to play in His story. It is my prayer that as we reflect this Christmas, we turn our eyes upon Jesus and give thanks that He, glorious He, cares for and loves all of us-even the very least of us. Who are we that He should allow us to play a part in His story? In awe, my spirit whispers, What a Love.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2zHk95UnsE)
Praying this Christmas we walk on and take up our places in His story, friends, knowing full well the King we serve is always good and always faithful and always loves us more than we could ever know- a King so very much deserving of our love and devotion- a King who is writing a story and has invited us to be a part of it.
*****
How's that for a lengthy picture-less post? Sometimes the heart just has to download. =) I'll be back with pictures soon...we have lots to enjoy over the next several days. The Hubs and I are taking off for an anniversary getaway this weekend and soon my grandparents will be visiting from Texas. Also, Newbie got a haircut and has started "time outs" or "'mouts" in his words. Lots to capture with the camera and lots to share. So very much to celebrate and be thankful for in the coming days. See you soon!
Happy Weekending!
Click here and here and here for more music videos from the tour. This was one of my favorites. Ok. I'm done. Promise. =)
Totally listened to both CD's in The Story set already this morning. =)
Here's a taste of what we saw- one of many songs and videos. The performances were live and the videos played on a large screen behind the artists. AMAZING. This is the story of Adam and Eve, the same song and video we saw last night. (If the film below isn't working, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ9rG73SKd8)
I walked away so blessed by the comprehensive picture of God's plan- and how my story is a part of His. The Hubs and I stayed up talking long after the concert was over last night. We talked about all the things we took away, and what an incredible story God has written. I love that my man loves the Lord like I do. What a gift.
I wanted to download some of what stuck today so I can look back and remember the view The Story gave me of God's grander plan. Stepping back and looking at God's story in its entirety left me pondering a few truths that I want to cling to for all of my days and that I desperately want my children and my children's children and my neighbor and my neighbor's neighbor to know. Don't give up on me, I promise I won't always blog with lots of words and no pictures, but I just couldn't let this go without getting it down.
The first thing that hit me last night was that so many times in Scripture our brothers and sisters were asked to wait. It hit hard with my pregnancy now and the waiting waiting waiting we are doing as we wonder what God's plan is for this little one. The words of these songs that reflect the stories of Scripture made my heart squeeze for God's people. They had to wait on the Lord. Like really, really wait. Through suffering, through loss, through the unknown: they waited. Waited and waited and waited for God's glory to be revealed- for the One to come to the rescue- for God to come through with His promises. And every time, no matter how desolate the situation, no matter how long the wait, no matter how deep the longing for salvation, our God was (and is!) faithful. Never once did God drop the ball, never once did He fail to follow through with His promises. Never once were His people left forever on their own with no rescuer. There was always Hope, and He was always faithful. What an encouragement! He is always there, friends. Always.
In addition to His faithfulness, I got a very clear understanding of God's bigger picture. His ways are so much higher than our own and His eyes see so very much more than we see. We see this revealed in Scripture when our brothers and sisters ask, "Why me?" "Why this?" "Lord, what are you doing? Where did you go?" Time and time again His children must have felt so confused, so desperate to see what He saw because what they saw was so different from what He said would come to be. And yet, in the end, each and every time, He did indeed see more than they did and His plans and purposes were accomplished. He never failed. Each and every time. I want to store this treasure of truth up in my heart and remember that when I can't see how He is going to bring good out of a situation, He will- because He knows the way, and His ways are higher than my own. I want to remember that there is a bigger story falling into place than just my own, and He knows that story by heart.
The other thing that stood out to me was how very important the Lord's purposes are for us and how very much God uses the humble and the broken. David, Esther, Joseph, Mary, and so many, many more- He used them all in ways that significantly contributed to the shape of His story and the path of His people. I want to remember and teach my children that His purposes for us are something to be pursued and embraced with a fullness and an obedience of heart that pushes us onward even when the going gets tough- even when we can't see how it will all turn out. I want to allow His purpose for me to guide my every move- I want to be faithful to Him even when every fiber in my being asks, "Why me? Isn't there another?" Because He has put each and every single one of us here for a purpose- each one of us has a part to play in His story; we were born for such a time as this.
It was so interesting to be reminded of how these truths have been proven through Biblical history, but to also know that I have seen these truths revealed in my own life. I simply adore that God is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. I am so humbled by the part He has gifted me to play in His story. It is my prayer that as we reflect this Christmas, we turn our eyes upon Jesus and give thanks that He, glorious He, cares for and loves all of us-even the very least of us. Who are we that He should allow us to play a part in His story? In awe, my spirit whispers, What a Love.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2zHk95UnsE)
Praying this Christmas we walk on and take up our places in His story, friends, knowing full well the King we serve is always good and always faithful and always loves us more than we could ever know- a King so very much deserving of our love and devotion- a King who is writing a story and has invited us to be a part of it.
*****
How's that for a lengthy picture-less post? Sometimes the heart just has to download. =) I'll be back with pictures soon...we have lots to enjoy over the next several days. The Hubs and I are taking off for an anniversary getaway this weekend and soon my grandparents will be visiting from Texas. Also, Newbie got a haircut and has started "time outs" or "'mouts" in his words. Lots to capture with the camera and lots to share. So very much to celebrate and be thankful for in the coming days. See you soon!
Happy Weekending!
Click here and here and here for more music videos from the tour. This was one of my favorites. Ok. I'm done. Promise. =)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The year my Christmas cards were the gift that keeps on giving.
Dear Snapfish,
What do you mean my Christmas cards are "shipping two weeks late" and will be here three days AFTER Christmas? Don't you know I just got over a bug and am pregnant and tired and have lots to do before the 25th and really just needed those cards to come in on time?! You are the Grinch! I wouldn't touch you with a 29 and a half foot pole and all that jazz! So many photobooks and calendars and seasonal cards and THIS is where it all leads? To Christmas cards with a "Merry December 28"??? It's like I don't even know who you are anymore! A great big ol' BAH humbug on your shipping!
Not-so-fondly,
Your-no-longer-biggest-fan.
*******
Its true. Its all true. Looks like I've got to add "remedy Christmas card situation" to the list of things I've got to scramble to do this week.
Actually, lets be real. That's not happening because I still haven't gotten anybody any gifts. So if you usually get a card from us, keep your eyes peeled the week after Christmas because I ordered our cards from the Grinch this year and he is in serious squash the Christmas spirit mode. It's the gift that keeps on giving, Clark.
I'm going to see if watching Clifford with Newbie can lift the fog of Christmas card frustration.
I hope your days are merry and bright and that the Christmas cards you ordered come in on time! Happy Tuesday!
What do you mean my Christmas cards are "shipping two weeks late" and will be here three days AFTER Christmas? Don't you know I just got over a bug and am pregnant and tired and have lots to do before the 25th and really just needed those cards to come in on time?! You are the Grinch! I wouldn't touch you with a 29 and a half foot pole and all that jazz! So many photobooks and calendars and seasonal cards and THIS is where it all leads? To Christmas cards with a "Merry December 28"??? It's like I don't even know who you are anymore! A great big ol' BAH humbug on your shipping!
Not-so-fondly,
Your-no-longer-biggest-fan.
*******
Its true. Its all true. Looks like I've got to add "remedy Christmas card situation" to the list of things I've got to scramble to do this week.
Actually, lets be real. That's not happening because I still haven't gotten anybody any gifts. So if you usually get a card from us, keep your eyes peeled the week after Christmas because I ordered our cards from the Grinch this year and he is in serious squash the Christmas spirit mode. It's the gift that keeps on giving, Clark.
I'm going to see if watching Clifford with Newbie can lift the fog of Christmas card frustration.
I hope your days are merry and bright and that the Christmas cards you ordered come in on time! Happy Tuesday!
Monday, December 12, 2011
I'm dreaming of a hazmat grenade
Do you ever wish post-stomach bug that you had some sort of hazmat disinfecting grenade you could just launch into a room and close the door on? Then POOF! all the germs would be gone, no scrubbing or washing or Cloroxing required, and you could rest in peace knowing the bug had bit the dust in the attack and no one else in the house was at risk of stomach warfare?
Yeah, me too.
I'll spare you the details because who wants 'em, but a stomach bug hit me all large and in charge yesterday, and I was down for the count. Today its the Lysoling trenches for me while I try to stomp out any hint of germs when I'm not lying in bed because have you ever noticed how recovering from a bug is like climbing Everest? There's just no popping out of bed and being all better. It's a slow climb back to the real you.
While I work at getting back to 100%, my momma stayed home to help and watch Newbie. Somewhere in between strategizing with her and the Hubs last night on how I might be able to change diapers and make lunch without breathing on or touching Newbie, she offered to help out and take the momma-ing reins for today. Can I get a hollah for the best mom around? She rocks. And she offered to do my laundry today while she's home because she's a hero.
So I'm left upstairs with my bed and a tube of Clorox disinfecting wipes. And thoughts of all the Christmas shopping I still need to cram into this week somehow. Is it too late to online shop and still get stuff in by this weekend? I'm about to find out.
In the meantime, Newbie is growing up without me. This morning I passed him in the hallway and said, "Baby boy! I haven't seen you in a whole day! You are talking so much and growing so much while Momma tries to feel better." And he says, "I know." I'm not kidding you. With G-Mama as my witness, he said "I know." And with that, I proved my point. What a little man. He went on to ask if Grandad was home and if Daddy was at work. Oh. my. lanta. Please make these days slow down! I can't believe how big my baby is getting.
I love looking back at pictures and remembering the days before he was wobbling or toddling through the house or telling me, "I know". Last Christmas has some of my favorites:
*sigh*
Wishing you all a happy and healthy Monday!
Yeah, me too.
I'll spare you the details because who wants 'em, but a stomach bug hit me all large and in charge yesterday, and I was down for the count. Today its the Lysoling trenches for me while I try to stomp out any hint of germs when I'm not lying in bed because have you ever noticed how recovering from a bug is like climbing Everest? There's just no popping out of bed and being all better. It's a slow climb back to the real you.
While I work at getting back to 100%, my momma stayed home to help and watch Newbie. Somewhere in between strategizing with her and the Hubs last night on how I might be able to change diapers and make lunch without breathing on or touching Newbie, she offered to help out and take the momma-ing reins for today. Can I get a hollah for the best mom around? She rocks. And she offered to do my laundry today while she's home because she's a hero.
So I'm left upstairs with my bed and a tube of Clorox disinfecting wipes. And thoughts of all the Christmas shopping I still need to cram into this week somehow. Is it too late to online shop and still get stuff in by this weekend? I'm about to find out.
In the meantime, Newbie is growing up without me. This morning I passed him in the hallway and said, "Baby boy! I haven't seen you in a whole day! You are talking so much and growing so much while Momma tries to feel better." And he says, "I know." I'm not kidding you. With G-Mama as my witness, he said "I know." And with that, I proved my point. What a little man. He went on to ask if Grandad was home and if Daddy was at work. Oh. my. lanta. Please make these days slow down! I can't believe how big my baby is getting.
I love looking back at pictures and remembering the days before he was wobbling or toddling through the house or telling me, "I know". Last Christmas has some of my favorites:
Wishing you all a happy and healthy Monday!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Praise to the The Giver of Life!
So sorry to make this so short, but we've got a busy day, and I didn't want to put off updating you all any longer!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Dear Santa, About that "you better not cry, you better not pout" part...
Newbie's second year visiting Santa did not go as well as the first.
I think it had something to do with the fact that this Santa wasn't his daddy like he was last year.
My bad.
The tears and his little face just tore me up, but I couldn't help myself from snapping a picture before I rescued him (my friend L was just outside of this shot in case Newbie needed some back-up). Kudos to Santa for really holding it together for the home team. I truly couldn't help myself because, all mother guilt aside, if this picture isn't a classic Santa and baby shot, then I don't know what is.
Tomorrow is a big day for our little family. We go in for our third ultrasound at 8 in the morning, and we are so, so prayerful that we will see and hear some encouraging news. Please join us in praying for this little baby. We have been drinking in each and every moment of every day we've had with him. We are just aching to snuggle him in July and introduce him to his big brother who has been "pay"ing (praying) for "bay-bee" since the day we told him there was another baby in his momma's belly. Thank you so very much, friends. We are so grateful for your prayers for our little one! I'll update you as soon as I can tomorrow.
A good friend sent me a link to an incredibly inspiring blog post this morning. I took notes and am doing some thinking- I love her take on Christmas. Click here and check it out. I promise it's amazing. =)
Have a very happy Thursday!
I think it had something to do with the fact that this Santa wasn't his daddy like he was last year.
The tears and his little face just tore me up, but I couldn't help myself from snapping a picture before I rescued him (my friend L was just outside of this shot in case Newbie needed some back-up). Kudos to Santa for really holding it together for the home team. I truly couldn't help myself because, all mother guilt aside, if this picture isn't a classic Santa and baby shot, then I don't know what is.
Tomorrow is a big day for our little family. We go in for our third ultrasound at 8 in the morning, and we are so, so prayerful that we will see and hear some encouraging news. Please join us in praying for this little baby. We have been drinking in each and every moment of every day we've had with him. We are just aching to snuggle him in July and introduce him to his big brother who has been "pay"ing (praying) for "bay-bee" since the day we told him there was another baby in his momma's belly. Thank you so very much, friends. We are so grateful for your prayers for our little one! I'll update you as soon as I can tomorrow.
A good friend sent me a link to an incredibly inspiring blog post this morning. I took notes and am doing some thinking- I love her take on Christmas. Click here and check it out. I promise it's amazing. =)
Have a very happy Thursday!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
A Boy and His Dog
"Opie, come!"
"Opers! COME!"
"Ugh. Opie! Oh boy."
"Oh MAN!"
"Opie in der?"
"Opie, off!"
"Opie, down!"
"Uh oh!"
"Opers? Opers in der?"
This little guy has been talking to his dog all day long. My personal favorite is a tie between: "Opie? Oh boy!" when he found Opie under the Christmas tree and "Opie in der?" (Is Opie in there?) as soon as he got up from his nap.
Opie's earning his keep around here by providing hours of entertainment for our little man.
You know who else is earning their keep? Me neither. But I can assure you its not me since the Hubs sent me out for groceries today and I came home with Cheese Balls and Gummy Bears. Also some Lightening McQueen Cheez-Its. I was starving, and it was the only stuff that didn't make me wanna gag. Never send a pregnant lady to the grocery store. Its going to be a bad idea every time.
But the Cheese Balls? Oh, yum. I do miss the can they came in when I was a little girl. The big purple bag kinda lacks the charm of the blue can with the yellow lid. But still, every bit as yummy as I remembered.
Enjoying this little life inside of me today and the Cheese Ball/Gummy Bear combo he inspires. =) The Hubs and I are expecting to see him looking like a Gummy Bear at our ultrasound on Friday morning. He'll be a little bigger than Newbie was at his first ultrasound, and we both remember seeing Newbie's tiny tiny arms and legs wiggling like crazy at the bottom of the screen. Thank you for praying for our little Gummy Bear- we will keep you updated!
A happy Wednesday and plenty of Cheese Balls to you and yours this Christmas!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Christmas Bo-ing
Do marshmallows constitute a breakfast? Because Newbie just picked all the mallows out of his Lucky Charms and gave a banana the shaft. And I let him. Because its Christmas and because sometimes it ain't worth the fight. Speaking of Christmas and cereal, does anybody know where I can find some Christmas Captain Crunch? Its a Christmas tradition around here, and its been MIA at the grocery store. Homegirl needs some Christmas Crunch, man.
Also, I'm convinced our little baby is doing well today because I just looked at Pinterest and gagged at the sight of any food- even the usually yummy Christmas treats (with the exception of Christmas Crunch, of course). Hello, nausea. If it means this baby is healthy and well, you can stay as long as you'd like. But I'm going to have to rethink pinning any recipes for a while. =)
This weekend was busting at the seems with December. And I finally got it together and pulled out my camera. Wahoo!
Christmas Tree-ing:
Newbie was completely enthralled with the Christmas tree decorating. He was such a great helper! He kept coming back to the ornament box after hanging each ornament we handed him, and when he realized he had a tree in his room to decorate, he was running from the box in our room to the tree in his room and back and forth and back and forth. We had such fun watching him and remembering how fun it was to decorate the tree as a kid. I love the way having a little guy opens a window to the past and brings a whole knew sparkle to the magic of Christmas.
The Santa Parade:
We had planned to walk in the parade, but at the last minute, we opted out because of the weather. We debated not going to the parade at all, and then made a game-time decision to pack Newbie up and take him because the rain had let up a bit. G-Mama and Grandad hopped in the car with us, and we pulled the wagon up to the curb just in time to catch the start of the parade. Newbie was taken with all the fun things and people to see and watch, and when he wasn't chowing down on a lollipop, he was talking and pointing at all the cars and kids passing by in the parade. It was a little drippy outside, but Newbie had a blast.
Saturday Night Bo-ing:
Saturday after the parade and a good nap, we took Newbie "bo-ing". He loves bowling with the play set he has at home, and Grandad has taken him to the lanes before, but he had never actually gone bowling. The Hubs and I had "take Newbie bowling" on our December Bucket List, so we made it happen on Saturday. It was complete chaos. The place was jam-packed with people bowling after picking up their Christmas tree or enjoying the Santa parade, and we were tucked into a lane between two families with kids. Newbie was ecstatic about the whole thing, but it was a real workout keeping him out of the two lanes beside us and off the slippery alley. But the look on his face as he took it all in made it completely worth it. He knew he had made it to the Big Time. No more foam bowling pins for this kid. Real bowling balls, real bowling shoes, real bowling pins. Memory made, baby.
(This joint was a mediocre photographer's worst nightmare...blacklights and lasers? Are you stinkin' kidding me? What the heck was my aperture suppose to be doing under that kind of pressure?!)
I have to smile when I look at these pictures because I love that we got to enjoy these parts of our Christmas celebration with our littlest baby too. And since we don't know whether this may be the only family time we get with him this side of Heaven, it makes all this memory making all the sweeter. We're praying hard this week as we look forward to another ultrasound on Friday. A big hug and thank you to those of you who are praying with us!!!
Tonight I'm meeting with a bunch of ladies as we work our way through Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer. I'm really enjoying the book so far and looking forward to another night of discussion (and treats!) with the girls. I love having so many opportunities to dig into my relationship with Jesus this Christmas. It's such a good thing to be able to slow down in the midst of all the Christmas crazy and just breathe in the goodness and pleasure of the season. As my good friend reminded me in a note this week, "Remember it's a gift and it's meant to be enjoyed- the whole season and
every part of it. Try not to get distracted with all the stress of
Christmas shopping because the best gift of all has already been given!"
So today, Newbie and I are going to enjoy Christmas "Bay yee" (Bailey- my mom's cat) style: resting by the Christmas tree and enjoying the sparkle. Hoping you have a very happy Monday!
(My mom, sister and I all whipped up these ruffled Christmas tree skirts from Pinterest. LOVE them!)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Once Upon a Gingerbread Barn
Today Newbie and I decided to make a gingerbread house. This little life inside of me is constantly on my heart and mind, but we're taking it day by day over here and just enjoying every moment of every day. So today? It was gingerbread house making, baby.
Excuse me. Gingerbread BARN making. When I pulled out the pre-made house and told Newbie we were going to decorate a gingerbread house, he insisted it was a barn by repeating "BARN, BARN, BARN!" like an adorably sweet little broken record.
Our Gingerbread Barn looks awesome.
As I was typing away about our "barn," I heard Newbie yelling, "come! come! come!" I didn't realized what he was doing until I looked up to see he has a Little People plastic lion in one hand, and his other little paw pounding against his knee. Opie loves to eat the Little People. This kid is totally walking through the house calling for Opie to "COME!" so he can feed him one of the Little People. What. the. funny! When I asked him what he was doing, Newbie said, "Bo-pee!" (his latest version of "Opie"). I love having a toddler- that kid never fails to keep me laughing!
We have big plans to press on with the happy of December while we wait on the Lord to find out what He has in store for this little baby. It is such a blessing to know he's here with us while we laugh with Newbie and enjoy the magic of Christmas together. God has given us such an incredible perspective of gratitude, and we're embracing it with arms open wide. We are just taking this day by day and thanking Him for each moment we have with this little guy and his big brother.
My OB called with the results of the ultrasound on Tuesday and explained the radiologist thought he saw a thickness to the sac the baby currently calls home, which could be a sign of an abnormal pregnancy. My OB said she's still 50/50 on this and not sure whether this pregnancy will end up being a healthy one or not. The Hubs and I know that God is bigger than 50/50, and since we know He is capable of making this a healthy pregnancy, that's what we're continuing to pray for. We're praying that our little one will continue to develop and grow healthy and strong despite any obstacles along the way. Please join us! We know God has written all the days for this baby before one of them came to be, and we rest in the peace of that truth and will be rooting this little tike on as we wait to see God's plan unfold.
We've got lots of Decembering planned for this weekend. Tonight I'm going to our church's women's ministry event to hear Tammy Trent speak and to eat some goodies with some good friends. Tomorrow there's a Santa parade that a certain little boy gets to be in with his daddy. They may or may not sport some matching lumberjack flannel shirts. If you're local, give my guys a wave and maybe Newbie will share some candy with you. =)
Wishing you all a happy Friday and thank you again for continuing to life our little one up in prayer!
Excuse me. Gingerbread BARN making. When I pulled out the pre-made house and told Newbie we were going to decorate a gingerbread house, he insisted it was a barn by repeating "BARN, BARN, BARN!" like an adorably sweet little broken record.
Our Gingerbread Barn looks awesome.
We have big plans to press on with the happy of December while we wait on the Lord to find out what He has in store for this little baby. It is such a blessing to know he's here with us while we laugh with Newbie and enjoy the magic of Christmas together. God has given us such an incredible perspective of gratitude, and we're embracing it with arms open wide. We are just taking this day by day and thanking Him for each moment we have with this little guy and his big brother.
My OB called with the results of the ultrasound on Tuesday and explained the radiologist thought he saw a thickness to the sac the baby currently calls home, which could be a sign of an abnormal pregnancy. My OB said she's still 50/50 on this and not sure whether this pregnancy will end up being a healthy one or not. The Hubs and I know that God is bigger than 50/50, and since we know He is capable of making this a healthy pregnancy, that's what we're continuing to pray for. We're praying that our little one will continue to develop and grow healthy and strong despite any obstacles along the way. Please join us! We know God has written all the days for this baby before one of them came to be, and we rest in the peace of that truth and will be rooting this little tike on as we wait to see God's plan unfold.
We've got lots of Decembering planned for this weekend. Tonight I'm going to our church's women's ministry event to hear Tammy Trent speak and to eat some goodies with some good friends. Tomorrow there's a Santa parade that a certain little boy gets to be in with his daddy. They may or may not sport some matching lumberjack flannel shirts. If you're local, give my guys a wave and maybe Newbie will share some candy with you. =)
Wishing you all a happy Friday and thank you again for continuing to life our little one up in prayer!
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