Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The Waiting Game

This morning I had my 40 week appointment, and I must admit, I left the office and cried a few tears in the car on the way home after finding out that I'm dialated at 2.5 cm. and only 50% effaced. I've been at those same two numbers for 3 weeks now, and I was so convinced of two things, 1) that I would have already given birth by now and 2) that if I hadn't given birth yet, with all the contractions I've had over the past week or so, that I would have at least dialated a little more. What made the appointment even more disheartening was the fact that I actually had to set up my appointment to be induced. I'm a huge fan of allowing my body to do its own thing and going in to labor on its own, trusting the Lord's timing, instead of counting on medicine to put me in to labor. One of my favorite things about having a baby is the unknown of when and how it will happen! Either way, I completely trust my doctor and his reasoning for not letting me go more than a week late, but at the same time, I'm definitely praying that the Lord would bring Asher into our world sooner than next Thursday, Sept. 9th at 7:30am!

Thankfully, I was sweetly reminded today by a close friend that the Lord knows Asher's birthday and that's all that matters! Thank you Lord, for ALL of the friends that have been nothing but encouraging the past week and especially today! I know that your timing is perfect, especially when I don't understand it! Asher is YOURS and I know how blessed I am that you are entrusting him to our care during his time on this earth. Help me to remember that during the good and hard days, during the sleepless nights that I'm about to have, during the joyful times as him and Caleb grow up together and build their relationship. I never knew I could be so excited to be a mom of two boys, and I know that you have graciously given me that joy, and will continue to!

Sweet Asher,

40 full weeks of growing you in my belly. I can’t believe you are almost here! My heart is full of more joy, contentment and excitement than I ever thought it was possible to feel! Watching you move across my big belly is the best entertainment, and knowing that the Lord is continuing to form your body just as he desires to feeds my excitement, joy and curiosity of what and who you will look like, how you will act, and the uniqueness that only you will have! I have prayed for you, oh how daddy and I have prayed for you. That one day you will know Christ in an intimate way, that daddy and I would yield to the Spirit’s leading in growing you up in a Godly home, where you know how much we love you and care about you. Where you can be encouraged in exactly who God created you to be, and where you will be discipled well. You have already completely saturated my heart with love and joy, more than I ever thought possible to feel, and I haven’t even gotten to hold you yet! That means that it’s only going to get better from this point forward! I love you so much and can’t wait to meet you! Love Momma





Be Blessed and Encouraged!


Friday, August 27, 2010

How Can You Resist A Face Like This?!?

I know I'm partial, but how can you resist giving this precious little boy whatever he wants, when he smiles at you like this?!?!? Oh boy am I in for some trouble, never did I think I would be a mother of two boys! He sure does know how to grab my heart!

Caleb, you are my precious little honey! I love you so much and am absolutely LOVING this stage we are in with you. You are so inquisitive, wanting to know what anything and everything is! You are so smart!!

I love you sweet boy!!


Be Blessed and Encouraged!

A Night To Remember...or Forget?!?

Oh, where to begin! Last night, we went and ate at Chipotle, a burrito place that is awesome! Well, I guess Chipotle didn't like poor Caleb's tummy as much as he liked it, and boy oh boy did we have quite the adventure about 11:30 last night! I saw Caleb wake up coughing in his crib, but I didn't think much about it. Then I saw the big puddle on his video monitor. As soon as I walked in the door, I knew what we were dealing with, Caleb's very first vomit experience EVER. I won't go in to details, for obvious reasons, but trust me, it was probably more traumatic for me than it was for him!

I immediately went and got Aaron up so he could help me, and while he was busy cleaning up and changing Caleb, I proceeded to clean out his bed and start a load of laundry, at midnight. Caleb sat with Aaron for a good 20 minutes, and then I took over for another 10 before putting him back in bed, with a clean sheet, clean diaper and clean pj's. It took him a little bit but he did end up falling back asleep without crying, and woke up at his normal time this morning. He's still a little fussy, but other than that seems to be back to normal. Sad that this happened, but SOOO thankful it happened before I had this baby!

Just wanted to document this momentus occasion, that's all!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

A Day To Remember

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010. Just looking at today, there really isn't anything special about the date. However, I do not want to forget today. It's not often, if ever, that I can say I had a perfect day with my sweet little boy. Caleb, Caleb, Caleb, where do I begin?!? I guess we could start with the fact that you slept in until 8:45am!! This is a HUGE deal for you since 95% of the time you are up by 7-7:30. I actually got to take a shower, shave, blow-dry my hair, get dressed, drink a cup of coffee and eat breakfast before you even opened your eyes. (Miracle #1)

As soon as I walked in to your room to get you up, you were in a GREAT mood. You were laughing, pointing at your toys, running around in your crib and kept saying, "mama, mama, mama". What a precious blessing to my heart to hear you say my name in that sweet little voice of yours! And to add to your cuteness is when you try and talk with your pacy in your mouth, it cracks me up!!

After a perfect diaper change with no poopies, and absolutely no attitude from you, we immediately started reading books and listening to music. (Miracle #2) I'm convinced this is your most favorite thing to do right now and I absolutely love it!! We took a break and ate some pancakes and cheese eggs for breakfast, again, with absolutely no attitude, and some super cute little moments, like when you burped and thought it was the funniest thing ever!

After breakfast, we got dressed and met Miss Julia and Miss Katie at Fellowship Dallas to have some fun playing together. You are SUCH a great friend and as I've said before, you THRIVE on being around other kids, your age or older. You laugh and get all giddy and silly and it's a side of you that is one of my favorite things about you!!

When we finished playing momma had to run an errand at the mall and you were SOOOO patient with me as you sat in your stroller and just talked to the people around you! Next we came home, ate our first grilled turkey and cheese sandwich for lunch and you were asleep by 1pm without ANY problems! (Miracle #3) While you were sleeping momma ate lunch and proceeded to take a WONDERFUL, MUCH NEEDED nap! Thank you for sleeping a full 2 hours so that momma could have a break! I know your naps are usually longer, but you slept in this morning, which I actually prefer!

When you (and I) woke up we had our snack, watched a little Dora, and then went back in the car to run a couple more errands. Again, you were absolutely perfect! The Post Office took a little longer than expected (when doesn't it?!?), and again, you just sat in your stroller, no fussing, complaining, whining, AND you talked up a storm with the other people waiting in line! (Miracle #4) Next, we hit up Target to get milk and a few other things, and you had so much fun people watching, and "holding" everything that momma was buying. You want to learn what EVERYTHING is and because of this, you repeatedly asked me what every single item in our cart was. You know I LOVE how inquisitive you are, you are such a smart little boy!!!

We got home late, and Daddy met us out at the car where you proceeded to get super excited to see him and wanted him to hold you and not put you down. We ate dinner, and you get your bath in with daddy, and went right to sleep.

Today was probably the best day we've had together, possibly ever! You are SUCH a joy to my heart, even not on days like this, but for today especially! I'm so thankful that the Lord gave us this precious time together, just the two of us today. I know it's not far away that I will forever have to split my time between you and Asher, so thank you Lord for giving Caleb and I today!

I love you more than I EVER thought it was humanly possible to love anyone, Caleb, and I thank the Lord for you every single day! You are a priceless treasure and I am so proud to be your momma!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Family Vacation - Big Cedar 2010

This year we got to meet up with my family at Big Cedar Lodge just outside Branson, MO. What a treat it was to see everyone and get some serious hang time in! Anthony and Miriam were go-go-go and lvoed to spend every minute possible in one of the pools. Caleb I think is still at an age where he doesn't fully understand the greatness of the swimming pool, but I bet by next summer he will!

The guys took one morning to go fishing and us girls got the next morning to hit the infamous Tanger Outlet Mall. Oh boy did we do some damage there! I'm surprised I didn't go in to labor from all the walking we did that day! We also partook in the wonderful Sunday Brunch at Devil's Pool Restaurant and ate our hearts out!!

Overall, we had a fabulous vacation (despite the semi-long 8-hour drive to and from), and I can't wait to meet up for another family adventure soon!

Here are some pics...



What you see as you drive in to Big Cedar. You can't hardly tell, but that's Tablerock Lake straight ahead!

View of one of the swimming pools and the lake far in the background!

The other cool thing about Big Cedar is that as you drive in, you actually drive through little "rivers" that flow from this beautiful waterfall.

Our family photo!!

Ice Cream Time!!!

Caleb snoozing in the car on the way home. I LOVE how he sleeps with his little feet crossed! He does this at home in his crib as well, no matter if he's on his back or his belly, it's so cute!

Cousin Anthony!

Cousin Miriam!

Lincoln Log Time!!






Me and Julie! I L O V E this picture of us!!

Me & Dad!

Me & Mom!

I'm SOOOOO Sorry Aaron, but I didn't get any pictures of you! I'll try and see if mom has some I can upload soon! He was there, folks, I promise!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

19 Months

This post is LONG overdue, and doesn't have but 5 pictures, if that gives you any idea of how busy we were during July! Needless to say, when Caleb turned 19 months old on August 4th, I had the best intentions of keeping with the times and doing his post then, it just didn't happen.

My precious little boy (no longer any baby in him!!), you are 19 months old and I am continually amazed at how much you are growing up and growing in to your own personality! You are independent, yet thrive on playing with other kids so much. You love to dance, laugh, sing, walk, run, eat, play and sleep! You are such a joy and I am blessed beyond words to be able to stay at home with you each and every day! I love you so much and there is not much more fulfilling in life for me, than to be your momma!! Happy 19 month birthday sweet little man of mine!!





Be Blessed and Encouraged!