Trust in the Lord your God, and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Ps 2:3-5



Saturday, November 21, 2009

My Hope

There is a song that is played on KLOVE that really struck a chord in my heart when I took the time to listen to the words. I don't remember artist's names that well, so I'm not sure who sings it, but the chorus is simply beautiful. If I could make a list of the most important things I want Andrew to know, this would be the list.

"Be strong in the Lord, never give up hope. You're going to do great things, I already know. God's got His hand on you, so don't live life in fear. Forgive and forget, and don't forget why you're here. Take your time and pray, thank God for each day."

It's still so overwhelming to think of the awesome responsibility given to us, but when I see it like this, it really seems so simple. My hope for Andrew summed up in these words; to live a life pleasing to God, to always be thankful of the things we have, and mindful of those who don't, to have faith in God and believe in the plan He has in store for him. What a blessing!

Give Thanks

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. (I Chron. 16:34)




Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalms 100:4)



Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Psalm 95:2)


This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for: Chad and Andrew, our family, my friend family, a good job, a home, health, and our church, just to name a few.
I have so many things to be thankful for this year, but most of all, I am thankful for my sweet sweet boy. I could never have imagined how much our life would change, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

It's Fall Y'all!




I will never cease to be amazed at how lightning fast the time is passing! How has it already been 2 months since I last posted? My sweet boy is now 8 months old, has 2 teeth, had his first Halloween, and his first ear infection (awful!). He weighs just over 20 pounds and is 28.5 inches long. He isn't crawling yet, but is just starting to get on all fours and rock a little bit. Before we know it, he'll be everywhere and into everything, probably about the time the Christmas tree goes up!

Andrew got to go to the Pumpkin Patch and see all of the pumpkins, gourds, and mums there, and for Halloween, he was Yoda (from Star Wars, if you are wondering). Feast of Casseroles is tonight (YUM!), then it's time for Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

6 months!


This weekend, my baby boy will turn 6 months old. I am shocked (and saddened) at how fast this time has gone. Andrew is such a big boy now! He weighs just shy of 18 pounds, and at his last checkup was just over 26 inches long. He wears a size 3 diaper, a size 3 shoe, and 6-9 month clothes. He started eating cereal a couple of weeks ago, and has tried some vegetables too. He loves loves loves to eat! He usually tries to "help" me by grabbing the spoon with both hands to shove it into his mouth and hang on! He went to Bible class for the first time this week, and loved it too.

I was reading back through some of my early pregnancy posts where I wrote about how humbling it was to be a part of God's creation, how amazing it was that he chose us to be Andrew's parents. Every time I look at his precious face and his gorgeous clear blue eyes, I thank God for my little piece of heaven, gift wrapped in a onesie and smelling of Johnson's baby lotion. How I pray that I will remember every inch of him right now, every giggle and whimper, the way he licks my face when he gives me "sugars", and holds my finger when I snuggle him, his favorite books and toys, his sweet happy face, and the curiosity and wonder in his eyes.

Now, how do I make it SLOW DOWN!!!?

So Good Granola

I thought I would break away from my usual posts about how adorable my child is to post a recipe. My favorite things in life are my family, friends, and food, so it just made sense. Plus I had a couple friend request this recipe, so now the rest of you (all 2 of you!) have it too. This is adapted from two other granola recipes that I couldn't decide between one day. I just sort of meshed the best parts, and this is what I ended up with. The best thing about is some of the ingredients can be "optional" (coconut, pecans, almonds, etc.)

Homemade Granola

2 1/2 - 3 cups oats (not quick oats)
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Combine dry ingredients. Melt butter with honey, add vanilla. Pour over dry mixture, fold together until well incorporated. Spread on large baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Stir. Bake 8-10 minutes more. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Where did the past 4 months go?

Whew! Has it really been over 4 months since I have typed actual words here? I'm finally going to update this old blog o' mine.

So much to say, where do I start? The best place I can think of is my sweet angel boy. He's is 4 1/2 months old now, and I am amazed at how it really does go by so fast! I keep saying it's a cruel joke that God plays on us by making the time of our baby's life that we are the most sleep-deprived and out of it is the time that he will grow and change the most!

So, a little about Andrew: I'm guessing he weighs about 17 pounds now (doctor's appt next week so we'll know exactly) and he's about 25-26 inches long. I am shocked at how fast he's grown. His legs are rock solid and he loves to stand up. He has the best and biggest toothless smile! I love how he lights up when I talk to him. He loves his daddy, but he is a bit of a momma's boy. He has rolled from his belly to his back, and I think he's close to going the other way too. The child LOVES music and watching loud movies with daddy. I thank God for him every day; a child really will make you appreciate all the simple things in life. I wish I had been better about blogging weekly, there are so many things that I know I won't remember.

Some things I've learned so far:

1. Nursing a baby is natural, but certainly not easy. It takes a LOT of encouragement and pain tolerance to stick with it, but it is so worth it.

2. I am amazed at how big my heart smiles just watching Chad and Andrew together.

3. I never knew I would cry so much. Frustrated cries, tired cries, worried cries, happy cries, definitely a change for me.

4. My mom is amazing, and I know even more just how much she loves me.

5. I can worry about anything. Is he sleeping too much? not enough? Is he eating enough or too much? Should his poop be that color? What is this scratch from? Does he miss me when I'm gone? Arghhhhhh!

6. I can operate on even less sleep than I used to.

7. I can be content for hours at a time with no tv or noise, just holding my baby. (he doesn't really let me do this anymore, though)

8. I have amazing friends. Too many reasons to list.

9. I have an awesome husband, who has turned out to be a gentle, caring, even patient daddy.

More later...There's so much to tell! I just hope I remember it all by the time I'm on here again!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Thursday, May 21, 2009

New Post Coming Soon!

Who knew it was so hard to write even short blog posts with a newborn???? I'm working on figuring out a slideshow to post too, so it may take awhile, but I promise there will be something new here soon!

Side note: Can anyone help me remember how to get that pregnancy ticker off my page without messing up my layout?

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Andrew's Birth Story

I have said ever since A was born that I need to write down his birth story so I don't forget. Then I tell myself, surely I won't forget that! But knowing my stellar memory, I'm going to give it a shot. (especially considering that I'm actually writing this just a month before his 3rd birthday, oh well better late than never!).

Tuesday, March 10, 2012
I went to Little Rock to do a little shopping and meet Nana, Bobpop, Grandma, and Payton for lunch at Cracker Barrel. Not really anything memorable about the day, I just remember feeling tired and huge. Same as most every other day. At my last doctor's appoinment (the previous Friday), I was dilated to a 1 or 2, and 90% effaced.

Wednesday, March 11, 1:00 a.m. (ish)
I wake up feeling awful. Not really sure how to describe it. I was crampy, like I needed to use the bathroom, and just generally uncomfortable. I tried to go back to sleep, but woke up off and on the rest of the night.

(8:00)Chad got up and went to work, I was on Spring Break this week, so luckily I didn't have to be anywhere. The weather was cold and dreary, so I got up, took a shower and put on some comfy clothes, and settled in on the couch. I had contractions all through the day, but never very close together.

(12:00) Leanne and Lauren came over around lunch time. I was able to carry on a conversation with her, but would have to stop and catch my breath when I had a contraction. They were definitely getting stronger at this point. I called Chad to keep him in the loop, but told him not to come home yet. I don't remember if I ever truly timed them, I just kept a general idea of how far apart they were. They were pretty sporadic, 10 minutes, 20, then 7 or 5, lots of back and forth. I talke to/text Rita through the day to tell her what's going on. She tell me that I am definitely in labor.

(3:00) My contractions were starting to get much stronger, and I began to pace the house for relief, stopping to breathe through each one. I called Chad and asked him to come home. I spent the next couple of hours walking around the house, I never really wanted to sit down. I did sit on the "birthing" ball some and lean against my bed to help relieve the pressure. We called my parents sometime around all of this, but told them we weren't going to the hospital yet, so they could wait and come after church if they wanted. They are 2 hours away, so they decided to head up now rather than risk missing something. They arrived probably around 5:30.

(6:00) My contractions are very strong and by this point I am pacing in Andrew's bedroom, using the footstool to the glider to drape myself over and rock back and forth. This actually helped tremendously. More than the pain, I remember the intense pressure I felt in my butt, like he was literally going to out the wrong way or something. Very strange. I call Rita and she offers to come over when she gets off work to check me.

(7:30) Rita comes over to check me. She gets a panicked look on her face, then asks to check me again. I'm between a 5 and a 6. (she later tells me she thought I was at least an 8 at first and needed to go to the hospital!). I told her to go home and see her family and get some rest and I would call her when I decided to go to the hospital.

(8:30) My contractions are coming very quickly and becoming very strong. I decided I wanted to go to the hospital. We got checked in and settled in to a room. Chad's parents arrive somewhere around this point. I am unable to speak to anyone now, and focus instead on breathing through each contraction. Leanne arrives after church, along with Cindy. My room is full of people watching me writhe around on the bed. I remember thinking, "why doesn't somebody make them all go away??, but I could't verbalize it. My dad ends up leaving the room because he can' stand to see me in pain. I'm not sure why I wasn't still walking around for relief, all I could think about was the pain and all the people in the room looking at me.

(10:30 ish)The nurses attempt to get in a heplock, but can't since I wasn't smart enough to be drinking any water during the day, and I'm a little dehydrated. They end up having to call the anesthsiologist to try to get it started. I remember suddenly feeling panicked and thinking, well if he's here now, if I decide to get an epidural later, will he be able to come back in time?...I know, totally wacko. I whisper to Chad that I want an epidural. He asks if I'm sure, and I nodded. Rita ask me if I'm sure too, because she knows I was adamant about not getting one. She asks if I want to try something to take the edge off first, but I again requested the epidural. (note to self: listen to your friend!) I remember feeling first not relief that the pain would be lessened, but guilt that I had "failed". The epidural does allow me to be able to rest some. It wasnt' perfect, though, and I could still feel every pain on the left side, and of course still the pressure. I was glad to be feeling something, I never wanted to feel like I wasn't in control of my body.

My time detail gets a little fuzzy at this point. I think around midnight I was dilated to a 7, I know the epidural seemed to slow everything down considerably. At some point they had to break my water. They ended up turning me onto my side, which seemed to help, and by 2:30 or 3:00, I was ready to push. My mom and Chad stayed in the room with me. I wasn't sure how Chad would do with all of this, considering the jokes he kept making during our childbirth class. He was a wonderful labor coach! I was so proud of him. And I was proud of my mom, for letting he do most of the coaching. I wasn't making a lot of progress pushing, I remember they got a towel for me to hold on to, and the nurse held on to the other end. She told me to pull as hard as I could while I pushed, and I nearly pulled her on top of me! TMI alert...I was so afraid I was going to have a BM while in labor, that I think that was keeping me from pushing as hard as I could! I pushed for about 45 minutes, then I could tell that he was crowning. What a beautiful, weird, intense feeling! They called in the doctor (not my doctor, but that's another story), I pushed a couple more times, and he was here (3:48 a.m.)! They had to cut me some when he head came out, so while they checked him out, I was getting stitched up. After about 1/2 hour of so, they let our families in to see him. Both sets of parents were here, as was Chad's sister. Leanne (big and pregnant too, of course) and Cindy had both sat in the waiting room most of the night, and Rita stayed on after working a 12 hour shift the day before to make sure everything worked out. Amazing friends? You bet! I remember nursing Andrew then going to sleep. I was absolutley worn out at this point, having labored for about 26 hours. I think everyone left the hospital by around 5:00 a.m.

The next day is a blur, they didn't let him come back to our room (funny how now I don't exactly remember why, but I do know they did a chest xray on him) so we spent most of the next day going back and forth to the nursery to feed him and becoming increasingly upset that he wasn't in the room with us. Finally around 7:00, they brought him back to us, we had a room full of visitors at the time, so Andrew got to meet lots of friends! There are a lot of things about this day that I will remember and/or change for the next time, but I'd say the outcome (healthy baby, healthy momma) was perfect!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Can life get any better?


Welcome to the world, my angel!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Andrew's Room



The blank wall will eventually be home to some sketches of Chad's cars.

Bookcase courtesy of Grandad.

























Monday, March 2, 2009

I'm There

All you moms out there probably know what I'm talking about. That time where you get to the point where you're just like "okay, time to come out now little one. We're done, let's go, get on out". We'll I'm there. Not that I haven't truly loved being pregnant (most of it), and am still amazed and fascinated at the way our God created us to be able to do this, but I'm good. I've experienced it, I feel like a big bulky fat girl, and I'm done. I'm ready to meet this little guy. I'm getting whiny and I don't like it. I'm not impatient, just antsy. I'm not miserable yet, just not myself. I'm not used to being tired, and retaining fluid, and walking with so much effort, and having people look at me like "geez lady, you haven't had that thing yet?". I haven't progressed a whole lot, still 90%, dilated to about a 2 now. Time will tell, there's a full moon coming next week!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Countdown

Has anyone noticed the little counter at the top of the page? It says "24 days to go". 24. 24 very short days. That's less than a month. Not that I'm freaking out at all, nooooooooo, but seriously, 24? Plus, the way I keep contracting, I'm pretty sure it's even less than that. I went to the doctor on Thursday and I'm dilated a little more than a 1, and 90% effaced. Apparently, this boy is very low, which I knew already. He hasn't dropped (I don't think), that's just where he's been this whole time. We got some more stuff hung up in his room, so I'll get more pics up soon. It's so stinkin' cute and very colorful! Please continue to pray for us, because you know what? We're having a baby! Soon. 24 days. And it's so very real to me now.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Andrew's Bed


There is actually more stuff in his room now, but it's still too messy to want to put it on here. More pics coming soon, just as soon as we hang the window treatment and get a few more things in.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

34 Week Belly

Well, here it is.


He's really starting to shoot right on out there, huh? At my 32 week ultrasound, he was measuring 4 pounds 12 ounces, which puts him on track to be a big boy. Everything looked good, and he is head down. Just waiting now for him to put on more weight and get ready to meet us in about 6 weeks!


I am getting really TIRED lately. I'm not enjoying this or getting used to it at all. Every day I think of the things I need to do when I get home, then once I get there, I'm so tired that most of it goes out the window. Exhaustion is a feeling I am not accustomed to experiencing on a daily basis. Because of this and also the fact that I am getting another cold, I've become a tad grumpy.
I go back to the doctor this week, then one more 2 week visit before we start weekly checks. It has gone by SO fast, I can't believe that it is nearly time for him to be here. I'm still overwhelmed and terrified and nervous and all those good things, but mostly I am excited to meet him and hold him and kiss him, and prayerful that he will be happy and healthy and we won't screw him up too much!









Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Ten Things Tuesday

Today, I am thankful for:

1. A healthy active baby boy. This little guy moves almost nonstop! Not only does it constantly reassure me that he is growing just the way he should, it also provides a source of entertainment throughout the day as I watch my belly roll and jump all by itself.

2. Friends who have been there, done that, and want me to know all about it. I have never been one to be bothered by "too much information". I'm so lucky to have friends that want me to know all the wonderful and not so pleasant aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum time. I feel so prepared and so less anxious, just because I know no topic is off limits.

3. My nieces and nephews. Perhaps I've mentioned them before? Well, they're still so precious to me, and I can't wait for Andrew to be able to meet all his cousins!

4. A new sewing machine. Okay, so I've technically had it since June, but just recently decided to get over my fears and use it. It's a wonder what a modern machine with new parts can do, as opposed to the 1972 model from my Grandmother that I was "using". I'm so proud that I've been able to do most of the bedding and such for Andrew's room myself. (okay, so Mary helped me A LOT, but still).

5. Insulated mugs and plastic straws. I am able to remember to drink lots of water so much easier when I can keep a ton of it on my desk staring at me all day long. I can always feel a difference on the days when I don't get at least 60-70 ounces in.

6. 3 year old chatter. I'm looking forward to spending an evening with my favorite 3 1/2 year old little girl. You never know what is going to come out of her mouth!

7. Other people's blogs. I have found the most helpful blogs recently, that have helped to spur me to do better at trying new foods and planning ahead with our menus and grocery shopping.

8. New recipes. I sometimes get overwhelmed when I sit down to look at all my cookbooks or magazines (which has probably contributed to my lack of desire to plan meals right now), but I do love a new idea or new flavor combinations.

9. Our nation. Even though I did not vote for our President, I am hopeful that the promises he has made and the changes he is working toward will be a positive thing for our country. God tells us to respect our leaders, and I have no doubt that that certainly includes the ones that we don't agree with. I have faith that He will continue to carry our nation, and that we should look to Him for guidance and answers in the years ahead. "Troublesome times are here, filling men's hearts with fear..." but his is our Rock and our Salvation! We are still blessed to be citizens of the United States.

10. A husband with a sense of humor. We probably giggled more than we should have during childbirth class, but I am so grateful that we don't take ourselves or each other too seriously. And while I have promised a swift kick to the groin if any jokes are made during the actual labor, I know that's his own way of dealing with stress, and that I will probably need a little "mood lightening" then!

On the baby front...

I am 32 WEEKS pregnant! That means I only have 8 weeks (or less! yikes!) left until we get to meet our little guy. Where has the time gone? I am definitely feeling pregnant now. I get uncomfortable a lot, especially in my back, and get tired so much quicker than I am accustomed to. We have 3 or 4 showers scheduled this month, which is amazing (see how blessed we are?), so we should have everything we need soon. I'm working on getting things lined out at my job for my maternity leave, and have begun my last semester of teaching at UCA. So many changes right now, but I know it's all worth it. We're preparing for the biggest and best change of our lives!

Pics of Andrew's bed and my belly coming soon.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Is it really January already?

Where has the time gone? It's January, y'all. That means that in just over 10 weeks (or less, as everyone keeps pointing out to me), this little guy will come to live with us. Ours. Totally dependant on his momma and daddy for everything. Can you say "scared out of my mind"? Reality is starting to set in, and while I can't explain the happiness I feel, I also am just plain terrified. Pregnancy hormones are a beautiful thing, aren't they?

I didn't realize having a blog would be so hard to keep up with. I haven't posted anything since Thanksgiving, but really, what do I have to talk about, besides my belly is getting big? Or, gee, it's a little harder to get up off the couch now? I don't want to use this as a place to post complaints or give everyone lovely details about pregnancy related "joys". But I figured since we just had Christmas and New Year's, maybe that would give me something interesting.

We had a great Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the Hearne's, and then the weekend with my family. Chad got his precious Blu-Ray player, and we have spent the week watching movies and playing Rock Band together. He also did very well on his gifts to me, which he is so proud of. I got a new cookbook, and under counter cookbook holder, a personalized chef's hat, and 2 Wii cooking games. I'd say the guy knows me pretty well, huh? Andrew racked up; I think I opened a total of 7 presents with his name on them, most of them thanks to Aunt Amanda.


I've been off work for 2 weeks now, and have one more week to go. We've been working on the nursery a lot. We finished painting, hung new blinds, and got the furniture up. Next up will be finishing bedding and then just putting everything away. I'm still amazed at the amount of stuff we have been given already. I'll post pics of the room as soon as it's presentable.
We are starting 2 week doctor visits now. I had my glucose test this week (not pleasant, especially considering the waiting room was a toasty 80 degrees), and will have another ultrasound in a couple of weeks. Andrew is growing and beginning to be quite the wiggle worm. It's so funny to me to be able to sit and watch my belly jump around and twitch with his movements. I'll post a belly shot below. Since I haven't posted one in over a month, you should be able to see quite a difference. Everyone seems to enjoy pointing out "as big as you are, you'll probably go early", and "that's a big boy in there". Doesn't really add any calm to my current state of nervousness! Even Chad takes great pleasure in reminding me what a big baby he was and that "Andrew will probably be 12 pounds". I'll take whatever size the good Lord determines I can handle, as long as he is healthy. 2009 is going to be a year where our lives change forever, in the best way possible. We'll become a little family of 3. Happy New Year everybody!


Below are some Christmas pics of us, the nieces and nephews, and a belly shot. Enjoy!