Almost swimming like a fish

First, let me say thanks for your kind words and encouragement after my last post. I knew I could count on my blog friends for support... besides the fact that most of you have at least 2, if not 3 or more kids! Now I'm on to other soap boxes, like neighbors who do not clean up after their pets that leave enormous amounts of excrement in my yard--where my children like to run BAREFOOT.

Today was Elle's last day of swimming lessons and I must say that our prayers were finally answered this week. She really came a long way, but still has a long way to go. The best thing is that she is beginning to have fun and not be terrified of the water. Or really, just her face getting wet. It was a hard but sweet time for me, as I got to pray for her before each lesson and watch the Lord give her grace and courage. Today was the first day that no tears were shed and she was excited. After our trip to the doctor this afternoon for a re-check, we're going to Wal-Mart to get a Wall-E game for her (She is obsessed with Wall-E!).

Have I mentioned that Steven and I are going to the beach this weekend... by ourselves? This will be the first time in over two years that we've done anything without the kids for more than a couple hours. We did go to a marriage conference last May, but only spent one night away and came home in between. I'm not going to count that. What makes it even better is that Steven's boss gave him a weekend at his condo in Destin as a Christmas gift and we are redeeming it this weekend. That means more money for food! My mom and sister are coming to stay with the kids here at the house. Let's just pray I'll be so relaxed that I won't have too many contractions.

If you don't have anything nice to say

Don't say it at all. Obviously, some people's parents did not teach them this general rule of relating to others. I realize I am probably a little sensitive, but I am a bit weary of comments on the number and ages of my children. I'll be the first to admit that this baby was a "surprise", but I also believe in the sovereignty of God and the fact that He creates and sustains all life. So while this baby was a surprise to us, he has not, for a second, been a surprise to the Lord. I also believe that children are a blessing--only because I believe the word of God to be truth--because honestly, my sweet little ones don't always act like blessings. Some people plan their families out and have their 2.5 kids and all goes according to "their" plan. Others struggle for years, unable to get pregnant, and never find the answers. Throughout this broad spectrum, God remains ultimately in control. Please, don't be discouraging to people. Keep your opinions to yourself unless they are kind and asked for. Nobody said you have to do the same things with your life. You never know what is going on in their lives. Me and my three kids barely 4 and under will appreciate it!

On a happier note, the bedroom transformation is almost complete. The walls are painted (and beautifully calming). The furniture hardware is spray painted. The bedding is assembled. The curtains are not hung. The walls are bare. This beauty here will be going over our bed. And in honor of Earth Day (and our bank account), I found this lovely chair at the thrift store for $11 and am repurposing it as our new desk chair. I'm still trying to work on organizing my "piles". Any tips, Amy Cook? Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Followed by a short trip to Labor & Delivery

I, along with my OB, decided to spend my Friday night with the good nurses down at Brookwood's Labor & Delivery. I was having a LOT of contractions yesterday. I knew they weren't the real ones, but I was having at least 5-6 every hour for about 5 hours. I didn't think I was progressing in any way (i.e. dialating), but I was a little concerned about how baby was handling all the contractions. I called the doctor around 8:30 PM and he said he wanted me to be evaluated. Thankfully, all was well and after being on the monitor for an hourish, they sent me back home at 11 PM. I was having contractions and what the nurse called "irritability", but the baby's heart rate was wonderful and there was no change in my cervix (sorry if that's too graphic for some of you!). I think it was a result of a very stressful week (sick kids, husband out of town, etc.) and doing more than I should. I tried to get the nurse to write on my discharge papers that Steven had to do EVERYTHING this weekend. He has been very helpful and I'm trying to take it easy. I'd like to take this as a sign that I won't go to 40 weeks. Another 5-6 weeks and I'm ready any time!

**The painter will be here tomorrow and the bedroom transformation begins!

A short trip to the farm

Elle missed school Tuesday. She didn't go to swimming lessons Wednesday. The doctor said Elle could go on her school field trip to a farm on Thursday. She woke up yesterday morning and literally coughed for 30 minutes. I told her I didn't think we should go. Crying ensued. She did seem to be better as the morning progressed and she had not run fever in two days. Steven's parents were on their way up to stay with Grady. We head off about 8:15. Long story short, after about 10 minutes at the farm, she was saying she wanted to go home. I kept trying to convince her to stay. She didn't care about the hayride. I almost got her with eating lunch in the loft in the barn, but even that wasn't enough. As soon as we got home, she was dancing, jumping, laughing and having a good time. I was able to go get my haircut since I had some great babysitters here and the kids enjoyed their time with Grammy and Gran Gran. Thanks for coming up!

Whirlwind

I cannot write about all that has gone on in the last few weeks. We've had some highlights and some definite low lights. But that's life, right? Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world which means bad, sad and terrible things happen along with the great and glorious. I love that I get time here, and I certainly don't want it cut short, but I do long for the day when all the tears are wiped away and there is no more pain or suffering. We are blessed and I am truly thankful for all the Lord has given our family and how He sustains us. I won't depress you with the low lights, but I hope you will enjoy the pictures and highlights:

Elle's school Easter party

(I got there a little late and only got pictures of going home!)

Making Easter Story cookies the night before Easter. Thanks for the idea, Darby. We plan to make it an Easter tradition.

A little over two weeks ago, Grady developed an ear infection and pink eye in both eyes. The first round of antibiotics didn't get it, so we began round two last Thursday. I had just been bragging about how long it had been since Elle had been sick. I should know not to do that. She started swimming lessons last week and started coughing a little but I was hoping it was just the cool pool water (although the lessons are inside in the heated pool at the YMCA). Fever broke out on Friday and is still running. The doc this morning diagnosed as "walking pneumonia" which to me, sounds sort of worse than it is. She also had a little infection in one ear (the first ever!) and in to her sinuses and eyes. So... she is also on an antibiotic for ten days and her trusty inhaler every four hours. She has been miserable to say the least. We've certainly watched our fair share of movies though. Guess this is kind of a "low light", but like I said, I'm not complaining and I'm thankful because it could always be worse. But with all this sickness, we didn't get to go to any of the Easter festivities over the weekend, but we did our share of rejoicing here with our kids that He is Risen.

In other happenings around the household, I did manage to barely scrape by on my blood sugar test. The reading should be less than 140. Mine was 140. Thankfully, the doctor said that was okay and even let me skip my 30 week appointment. Probably should be going easy on the sweets though. Next Tuesday will be my 32 week check-up.

We went ahead and changed Elle's room around to be "their" room", although Grady doesn't get to start bunking for probably 2-3 more months. I guess sooner if he starts climbing out of the crib. For some reason, I envision his transition to a big bed to be a little rockier than Elle's. Maybe his spunky personality? There's so much more room in there now. I love it! And Elle likes it too. Just a few more touches (mostly on the wall) and I'll put up some pictures. I also managed to sew curtains for baby's room and have been sewing for our master bedroom make over! I am SO excited about this I cannot stand it! We are going to feel like we're at the beach all the time...

That's all for now. The kids are sleeping and I need to do the same. I hope all you know that I do read your blogs. I just don't always take the time to comment, but I'm there and reading and interested so keep me posted on your lives.

A New Heart

Last Friday, as we were eating dinner:

E-"Mommy, I have a new heart."
M-"You do? What do you mean?"
E-"My old heart was full of sin."
M-"Oh yeah. Who gave you a new heart?"
E-Pointing to the sky with a big grin on her face, "Jesus."


"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh... They will be my people, and I will be their God." -Ezekiel 11:19-20

Happy Monday

I had good intentions of posting every couple of days in March. For those few faithful readers, you know that has not happened. And there are three good reasons why. The first one here, delights in helping Mommy develop consistency in discipline, over and over and over again every day.

The second one is really my saving grace and such a huge help most days, but likes to have my attention and to have me "doing" something with her at every waking moment.

The last one has not made his debut yet, but is still growing, making his presence known by sharp jabs to the ribs in my moments of peace and quiet.


I had my 28 week, blood sugar, Rho-gam shot, forever appointment this morning. Long story short, I had to take both kids with me. I did not get anything in to this big belly of mine for breakfast because I was getting both kids dressed, ready, packed and fed to be out of the door by 7:45. My sweet little boy obviously did not wake up on the right side of the crib, and he was not happy. I drink the wonderful fruit punch cocktail when I get there and we get all the other necessary elements out of the way (blood pressure, urine specimen, listen to baby's heart, see doctor). We are waiting in the lobby for the rest of the hour to pass before I can get my finger pricked. The terrible feeling hits and I leave my children there and sprint for the bathroom to throw up. Grady is screaming as a nurse tries to be with them. Good news was it didn't last long. Bad news is now I have to go back for round two. Can't do the test when you puke. I was able to end with the shot in the hiney before heading out with one screaming child. They are both asleep now and I am going to eat some of these leftovers from the grill last night. They were delicious! And then I'm going to lay down and let baby brother practice his karate.