Having a family is, aside from my salvation, the biggest blessing of my life. I love my little (but growing) family beyond expression. What I do not love, however, is the way germs like to camp out and jump from family member to family member, ruining activities and trapping us inside like caged animals for weeks on end. Dramatic? Maybe. But I am 34 weeks pregnant and am allowed to be dramatic, ok? And a little testy, perhaps? ;) Last week Luke had a nasty cold. Coughing, fever, zero energy...for days and days. Poor little guy. I finally made him an appointment with the pediatrician for Friday morning, but thankfully he was better by then. We were out of the woods...or so I thought. Kevin started feeling lousy the night before that, and he's been sick as a dog ever since. Actually stayed home from work today. I need this man to get better, firstly because I love him and I want him to not feel awful, but also because I really count on him for help with the kiddos in this stage of pregnancy. So, if you have a minute to pray today, pray that our family can be rid of these germs for good!
On a much more cheerful note, this sweet pea in my belly is getting big and strong. I am so excited to meet her and snuggle her! She's coming soon....woohoo!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Gearing up for Baby!
***I started writing this blog on January 27th, but had to abandon it due to a million reasons and probably a kid crying or needing something. It is now February 1st. As soon as I sat down to type this a kid started crying in their bed and I have a million things to do, so we'll see if this actually gets done....****
Today is January 27th. That means, in 2 months from today (8 and a half weeks, to be exact), we are having a baby!! I scheduled her c-section for March 27th. We are really hoping to make it all the way to that date. It would be neat because Luke's birthday is August 27th, Ella's is May 27th, and this baby would also be in the 27 club. I will not, however, be holding out as long as possible just to make it to that date. Once I am considered full term, if I go into labor at all, I'm headed for the hospital! Really looking to not repeat a birth like Ella's, although I know that it how God wanted her to be born! We've had an ultrasound this month to check the baby's weight and size. They estimated her to be at 3 lbs, 11 oz give or take 9 oz. At that weight she was in the 76th percentile for size. So, they guess she will be larger than average but not off the charts like big sister. I will have another ultrasound on February 17th to check her growth, so we'll see how she's doing then. I also get another bonus ultrasound next week, because my friend Selene is taking an OB imaging class and they need pregnant ladies to practice on! I love getting sneak peeks at her sweet little face (which looks an awful lot like big sister!)
Because I haven't documented much about this pregnancy, here are some little tidbits:
~She is an active little one! I love watching my big belly do the wave!
~Her name is (most likely) going to be Ivy Mae. I say most likely because Ella was going to be called Kate until about a week before she was born. Things can change, but that's the name we're calling her! Ivy is my great-great-grandma's name on my mom's side. Mae was Ivy's daughter's middle name (her first name was Myrtle...) I like Ivy because it is sweet and simple and pretty. I also like it because I don't know anyone named Ivy, and being a teacher and also around a lot of friends with kids it's hard to find an original name! Another thing that sold me on Ivy was last semester in Bible study, we were studying the verses from John 15:
Today is January 27th. That means, in 2 months from today (8 and a half weeks, to be exact), we are having a baby!! I scheduled her c-section for March 27th. We are really hoping to make it all the way to that date. It would be neat because Luke's birthday is August 27th, Ella's is May 27th, and this baby would also be in the 27 club. I will not, however, be holding out as long as possible just to make it to that date. Once I am considered full term, if I go into labor at all, I'm headed for the hospital! Really looking to not repeat a birth like Ella's, although I know that it how God wanted her to be born! We've had an ultrasound this month to check the baby's weight and size. They estimated her to be at 3 lbs, 11 oz give or take 9 oz. At that weight she was in the 76th percentile for size. So, they guess she will be larger than average but not off the charts like big sister. I will have another ultrasound on February 17th to check her growth, so we'll see how she's doing then. I also get another bonus ultrasound next week, because my friend Selene is taking an OB imaging class and they need pregnant ladies to practice on! I love getting sneak peeks at her sweet little face (which looks an awful lot like big sister!)
Because I haven't documented much about this pregnancy, here are some little tidbits:
~She is an active little one! I love watching my big belly do the wave!
~Her name is (most likely) going to be Ivy Mae. I say most likely because Ella was going to be called Kate until about a week before she was born. Things can change, but that's the name we're calling her! Ivy is my great-great-grandma's name on my mom's side. Mae was Ivy's daughter's middle name (her first name was Myrtle...) I like Ivy because it is sweet and simple and pretty. I also like it because I don't know anyone named Ivy, and being a teacher and also around a lot of friends with kids it's hard to find an original name! Another thing that sold me on Ivy was last semester in Bible study, we were studying the verses from John 15:
The Vine and the Branches
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
I just loved the imagery with the vine and the branches, and that led me back to the name Ivy.
~I can't wait to see what she looks like. To stare at her face, to touch her baby soft skin, and to figure out who she looks like in each of her features! I also can't wait to see her with her big brother and sister. They are beyond excited to meet their new sister. I hope they understand that she can't play, or even react to things for awhile. Either way, I know they will be a huge help to me and good pals for each other during the postpartum time.
**As it is February 1st, I will start a new "habit" to include in my life today. Because I don't want to give up any of my treats just yet, I won't focus on a healthy eating habit. Instead, my new habit will be to rely on technology less. I don't think cutting it out altogether is realistic, but I could definitely spend less time on my phone, checking facebook, etc. It's crazy how addicting all this technology can be! I'll let you know next month how I did with this one...
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy New Year
2012 is upon us! I hope and pray that all our family and friends have a wonderful, healthy year. Do you make resolutions each year? I have tried making resolutions some years, only to fail in keeping them before January is half over. I recently read something that suggested we try to start a new habit each month, so as not to feel overwhelmed with the idea of starting 5 new habits at once. I like that idea. So this January I would like to start up an old habit that I've let go of in the busyness of recent weeks. I am going to get back to reading the Bible each day, even if it is for 5 or 10 minutes. I can tell a huge difference if I start my day out in the Word. I am calmer with my children, less overwhelmed by the circumstances around me, and have more direction in my day. I found a plan to read the entire Bible in a year chronologically, so I'd like to try that this year! Here is the link of the schedule if you're interested in trying it too!
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/oneyearmonthlychrono.php?molink=1&version=51&startmmdd=0101
I will try to be better about posting on this blog this year. I know we will have a lot going on, but there are so many sweet, hilarious, memorable things to record while we're living this life of ours! Blessings to all of you in the new year!
~Sarah
http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/oneyearmonthlychrono.php?molink=1&version=51&startmmdd=0101
I will try to be better about posting on this blog this year. I know we will have a lot going on, but there are so many sweet, hilarious, memorable things to record while we're living this life of ours! Blessings to all of you in the new year!
~Sarah
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thankful
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I am so looking forward to time spent with family! We have so much to be thankful for this year. Here are my top 10:
1. My Lord Jesus. I have learned so much these past few months and feel like my relationship with my Savior is stronger than ever. So, so grateful for my salvation and the freedom I have in Him.
2. My sweet husband. He works so hard for our family, plays his heart out with the kids when he gets home, and is willing to satisfy my crazy pregnancy cravings by running out to the store at 9:00 at night. True love!
3. My tender hearted Luke. He really is such a blessing to us. He has grown so much this year. He is more confident, he is thoughtful and smart, and he is growing more tolerant and appreciative of his little sister. Yay!
4. My spirited and spunky Ella. She daily makes us laugh, smile, and keeps us on our toes. She is very caring, loves her big brother, and takes such good care of her baby dolls. She's going to make one good mama assistant when the new baby comes!
5. This sweet little no name in my belly. I love her so much already! Feeling her little kicks (and sometimes big kicks!) is indescribable. I am really trying to cherish each moment of this pregnancy, knowing it will be my last. I can't wait to see her sweet face in person and start a brand new adventure!
6. Our parents. Without their support, I'm not sure where we'd be. We are so grateful for all of their help and love!
7. Our little house. We are so thankful to be renting this great little house. It's not big, but it's full of love! And we wouldn't trade the proximity to the park and pool for anything! Such a blessing.
8. The new friends I've made this year. I love the ladies of ACC and cherish the connections I've made.
9. Staying in touch with old friends, even though we don't get to see each other all that much anymore. I am blessed with amazing women to go through the journeys of life with!
10. The miracles I've witnessed, big and small! From little lives that have survived surgeries and hardships, to the baby growing in my belly, to God's financial provision for us these past years...there is no denying we have a God who loves us very much!
Happy Thanksgiving to all our loved ones! We cherish you!
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
1. My Lord Jesus. I have learned so much these past few months and feel like my relationship with my Savior is stronger than ever. So, so grateful for my salvation and the freedom I have in Him.
2. My sweet husband. He works so hard for our family, plays his heart out with the kids when he gets home, and is willing to satisfy my crazy pregnancy cravings by running out to the store at 9:00 at night. True love!
3. My tender hearted Luke. He really is such a blessing to us. He has grown so much this year. He is more confident, he is thoughtful and smart, and he is growing more tolerant and appreciative of his little sister. Yay!
4. My spirited and spunky Ella. She daily makes us laugh, smile, and keeps us on our toes. She is very caring, loves her big brother, and takes such good care of her baby dolls. She's going to make one good mama assistant when the new baby comes!
5. This sweet little no name in my belly. I love her so much already! Feeling her little kicks (and sometimes big kicks!) is indescribable. I am really trying to cherish each moment of this pregnancy, knowing it will be my last. I can't wait to see her sweet face in person and start a brand new adventure!
6. Our parents. Without their support, I'm not sure where we'd be. We are so grateful for all of their help and love!
7. Our little house. We are so thankful to be renting this great little house. It's not big, but it's full of love! And we wouldn't trade the proximity to the park and pool for anything! Such a blessing.
8. The new friends I've made this year. I love the ladies of ACC and cherish the connections I've made.
9. Staying in touch with old friends, even though we don't get to see each other all that much anymore. I am blessed with amazing women to go through the journeys of life with!
10. The miracles I've witnessed, big and small! From little lives that have survived surgeries and hardships, to the baby growing in my belly, to God's financial provision for us these past years...there is no denying we have a God who loves us very much!
Happy Thanksgiving to all our loved ones! We cherish you!
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
Friday, September 16, 2011
10 minutes alone in their room
Wow. I haven't written on this thing since Ella turned 2! A lot has happened since then. Scorching heat. Long summer days. Family vacation. A baby. Friends' babies born. School starting. Luke turning 4. Luke starting soccer. A lot. Will I ever get caught up on these subjects? I hope so!
I decided to sit down for a few minutes and write because I have 10 minutes to myself. I have these 10 minutes to myself because my children are in trouble and their punishment is to play in their room for 10 minutes without fighting. Not one argument or squeal is allowed. Huge threats have been made if I hear said squeal. I hope I don't have to follow through on these threats. My children have been fighting a lot this week. Watching a 4 year old and 2 year old try to communicate is...well, hard. So they are in there and so far, all I hear are happy sounds. I know they can play well together and that sometimes siblings fight. But there are times when the fighting just gets to me and I demand them to get along. I'm sure this one 10 minute session won't cure them for good. But hopefully it will show them they can get along for an extended period of time without erupting in tears or screams. Oh, I hope.
I promise to post pictures of vacation, birthday, school starting, etc. soon.
Sincerely,
A mama who is happy it's Friday!
I decided to sit down for a few minutes and write because I have 10 minutes to myself. I have these 10 minutes to myself because my children are in trouble and their punishment is to play in their room for 10 minutes without fighting. Not one argument or squeal is allowed. Huge threats have been made if I hear said squeal. I hope I don't have to follow through on these threats. My children have been fighting a lot this week. Watching a 4 year old and 2 year old try to communicate is...well, hard. So they are in there and so far, all I hear are happy sounds. I know they can play well together and that sometimes siblings fight. But there are times when the fighting just gets to me and I demand them to get along. I'm sure this one 10 minute session won't cure them for good. But hopefully it will show them they can get along for an extended period of time without erupting in tears or screams. Oh, I hope.
I promise to post pictures of vacation, birthday, school starting, etc. soon.
Sincerely,
A mama who is happy it's Friday!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Birthday Girl!
Luke made a picture for his sister
Did you know it's hard to get a good picture of a 2 year old?
Niiiice....
Posing, but can't keep from watching Dora...To My Sweet Little Princess, On Her 2nd Birthday:
Oh Ella, what a fast and furious two years it has been. I simply cannot believe that you are two years old today. You have changed our lives completely and I can’t imagine life without you. You are spunky, funny, insanely smart, talented, sweet, caring, and loveable. You want what you want, you’re ahead of your time, you love books but don’t have the time to sit and listen to them yet, you are forever my wiggle-worm. You love your big brother; you want to be just like him and do exactly what he does, but you resist doing what he says. I pray that you two are best friends for life. You love your daddy and mommy, and you’d be content if we were the only ones who held you, ever. You are curious, always getting into something, always leaving a trail wherever you go. I can’t tell you how many times in my life I’ve heard that about myself! You are pretty shy with new people, but you warm up quickly as soon as you’ve figured out the room. You will make a wonderful friend as you grow up because you love to watch other kids play. You love to dance and jump and do all the things that little girls do. We are so blessed that you are healthy and strong. As I sit here and think about all the special things about my sweet girl, I realize that you have been doing things like a 2 year old for quite some time now. Everything you do amazes me.
Your favorite things to do are: Play with your babies, swing at the park, eat snacks, get your nails painted, hold your monkeys (George and Douglas), and watch Dora the Explorer. You have a hard time holding still, probably because your brain is working so fast! You love the water and are so brave in the pool. Some of your favorite people in the world are Ali, Blake, Dylan, and Felicity. Your favorite foods are chili, sausage, cookies/cake/ice cream/suckers/anything sweet, and tomatoes. You love to be outside, playing in Grandma’s garden or Nana’s yard, going to the zoo or the park, or digging for treasure in the rocks. You almost always have scraped knees, but that doesn’t stop you from running everywhere you go! Your most prized possession is probably your purple blankie, which I wouldn’t be surprised to see go to college with you someday.
Your favorite books to read are Curious George and your children’s Bible. It warms my heart when you bring me your Bible and ask to read about Jesus. If you only knew just how much He loves you, sweet girl.
Your favorite books to read are Curious George and your children’s Bible. It warms my heart when you bring me your Bible and ask to read about Jesus. If you only knew just how much He loves you, sweet girl.
We love you endlessly, Ella Belle. You light up our family like fireworks. I am honored to be in your presence every day and watch you as you grow into a beautiful young lady.
Love,
Mama
Love,
Mama
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