Thursday 13 for 5.3.07

Thirteen items I really like...but certainly are non-essential and haven't changed my life! Okay, so maybe the books are more important, but the rest is just frosting...you know they make life a bit easier and fun?

For more lists like this, visit Thursday Thirteen...
1. Fisher Price Rain Forest Mobile We didn't have this with Parker but I sure wish we did! Griffin loves to lay in his crib and talk to the little animals and leaves that move around. Sometimes he even cries when we take him out. Definitely worth the money because Griffin has to know how to entertain himself because he has a needy two year old brother:)
2. Bumbo I wanted to be a cool mama and buy a Bumbo seat for Griffin;) He really loves it as this picture shows! Actually, this is something I really wish we had with Parker because Griffin does enjoy the view...he just gets tired!
3. Grace Based Parenting I recently started reading this book. So far, so good.... "Kimmel recommends creating a grace-based home environment that allows children to meet their full potential, to parent children in the same way God parents us. He presents a child's true needs--according to Scripture--and provides parents a realistic, do-able way to meet them. The result--spiritually strong children who grow up with a sense of calm and a heart full of purpose and confidence."
4. Onesie Extender These are so great because I can still fit Griffin into the smaller onesie even though his body is too long. But here is the best part: they work on GAP clothes, as well. Now I can extend the life of my favorite baby clothes!
5. Murphy Oil Soap Squirt and Mop Those who know me well know that I really like cleaning products. This one is my new favorite for quick hardwood touch-ups before I go to bed. Great stuff. I wake up to a fresh, clean smell.
6. Huggies Naturally Refreshing Bath Products I usually use Burt's Bees or Aveeno, but I recently bought this stuff for Parker and I'm now a big fan. Plus, it is less expensive so we like that!
7. Jello Sugar Free Pudding Snacks Sugar free, really yummy and lots of great flavors. If I don't look at the ingredient list, I like them a lot!
8. V8 Fusion I don't like juice but I found this a while back to give to Parker when he is in a no veggie stage....which is like, most of the time:)
9. Maybelline Superstay Lip Color This stuff is great because it stays on for 6+ hours and I like the color choices. I typically don't wear lipstick, but this stuff is great because it doesn't dry out my lips. This item and the next two are a few things that help me feel somewhat presentable, even after a day of spit-up, diapers, and maybe no shower...
10. Ferre perfume I'm in the process of trying to find a new fragrance. Somehow, perfume makes me feel put together even when I am sooooo not! I went to Nordstrom and asked for a bunch of samples and this is the one that is winning so far!
11. CG Liquid Pencil Just another item that I like because it is quick and lasts a long time. I have no time to be fussy!
12. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child By far, the best book about child sleep that I've ever read...and I've read a lot! I've used it with both kids and it has been so helpful. I like that the author supports all sorts of approaches, including independent/co-sleeping. He just makes so much sense. And Griffin slept 10 hours straight last night...love that!
13. Motrin Children's Chewables Two year molars...need I say more? I love that Parker is now old enough to chew medicine because I was getting tired of wrestling him to get him to take anything (I usually lost). These are great and last up to eight hours.

Mommy Talk #3

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Describe your pregnancy...cravings, sickness, etc....

So I completely missed my chance to do this yesterday because I never even got online. I feel like I'm turning in an assignment late:) We're busy at our house these days! We just spent the weekend putting in new grass in our yard and we're in the process of getting a new 'puter. I'm so excited for both of these...for different reasons, of course. Anyway, back to Mommy Talk...

Pregnancy #1- Parker
For the most part, I had a really great pregnancy. I had all the time in the world (before and during the pregnancy) to plan my every meal to have perfect nutritional values and I exercised very consistently, so by the time Parker was born, I was probably in better health than I ever had been before in my life. I even thought that all of my great preparation would give me an easy birth experience....ha! Doesn't work that way, ladies! I was pretty nauseated the first 14 weeks or so, but I only vomited a couple of times a week. I was just so darn excited to be pregnant that all of the little aches and pains didn't bother me one little bit. Cravings: Citrus anything! Joel actually had to tell me to stop eating satsuma oranges because the 10 or so a day I was eating gave me terrible heartburn. Go figure:) I had other cravings for sweet things and things like that, but I very rarely gave in because I was crazy about perfection...something that I regret now.

Pregnancy #2- Griffin
I no longer had all of the time to plan my perfect little meals and exercise like a crazy woman and I also didn't have all the time before I got pregnant to prepare myself. Let's just say that I totally let loose! I had a much harder pregnancy with Griffin as I was sick for almost the first half and never really felt completely well. I was also grumpy! I was probably just so tired out from trying to keep up with Parker that I had a harder time enjoying all of the exciting things about pregnancy. So many things were different about the second pregnancy (including Griffin's activity level), but I did carry Griffin almost the exact same way as Parker. Cravings: More citrus and anything sour. Also, anything sweet, carb-filled, or buttery:)

unforced rhythms of grace

"What do you think about when you daydream? Where does your mind wander during the moments before you fall asleep? What is the first thing that crosses your mind in the morning? Answer those questions honestly, and you will discover your greatest passion."

I read this quote a year or so ago in a devotional and wrote it in my journal. I don't know exactly where it came from...maybe Chuck Swindoll or something? It is very apparent to me that my role as wife and mother is my passion. I feel called to this...I so desperately want to be the woman God wants me to be in this role. I've waited my entire life for this and it really is my passion. I truly have never felt more alive...ever.

But I woke up this morning not feeling it...not at all. Instead, I woke up before six to Parker chattering away and Griffin already getting ready for another meal, and I was literally thinking here we go again. And then I immediately felt guilty for feeling this way about my life. My amazing life. Maybe it is because I was up until eleven putting groceries away and washing dishes and I'm still tired...or maybe it is because I'm discouraged about some feeding issues with Griffin. I don't know....I'm just a bit tired and weary. And then I remembered this passage from Matthew 11:28-30 in the bible:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I've been putting bible passages on my refrigerator to remind me of truth throughout the day and this will be going up today. I'm praying that as I meditate on these words, I will learn more intimately about the unforced rhythms of grace...

Amy....Oh My! Anniversary:)

I started blogging one year ago today! I've been going back through my posts from the past and having a good time remembering all of the events and emotions I've documented here. I originally started this blog with the purpose of sharing pictures of Parker with family members who don't live near us, but it really has turned into something much more. You see, the whole idea of a blog was (and still is) a bit foreign to many people and so the original purpose still is there, but it isn't the only reason I blog. Now I blog for me:) Blogging has been such a great outlet for me...and now I don't know what I would do without it! I like to say that I won't go nuts as long as I clean my house and make sure I post on my blog...totally kidding but you get my point:) As a mom who stays home with the kiddos, it is quite easy to feel isolated and alone in this crazy adventure, but this blog has provided a place for me to express all of the amazing...and not so amazing moments of my life. I think this is healthy for anyone, especially me! It also given me avenues to connect with old friends and meet others who are blogging. I've said before that I've met some really special friends through blogging and this has been the biggest blessing of all.

I've put together some highlights from this past year in my little blogging world...

*My first post cracks me up...I was so serious and cautious! What was up with that? Okay, so maybe being cautious is a good thing, but I've learned to let loose a bit!
*We were blessed with our first house in May of last year. I love looking at these pictures of our house before it became a "home".
*I announced our second pregnancy here in June, shared many a growing girth pictures along the way, and then announced the arrival of out little Griffin in February!
*Joel graduated from PA school in September and then we were able to go on a wonderful vacation, just the two of us...
*This is not a highlight, but during my pregnancy with Griffin, there were many times that I should have renamed my blog "One Big Mess of Hormones"...sorry! I look back and read and I'm amazed at how opinionated and slightly sassy I became. I also had a pretty bad attitude at times. But I wanted to be real...right? At least something (someone!) beautiful was created in the process.
*I also learned some blogging lessons about what not to say...I was totally embarrassed after I made a random comment about how I like shoes off in my house. I've done this a few other times but I don't want to link to them because I'll turn a couple more shades of red:)
*But I've also been able to share some positive reflections and lessons I've learned along my journey. Even if no one reads my words, I love being able to document and to go back and read about things I've forgotten!
*I admit to using my blog to brag about my boys and show off pictures--I just can't help myself! And then there are just the everyday happenings that make up most of my writing...and I won't link to any of those either because there are too many!

I told myself a year ago that if I start blogging for the sole purpose of receiving lots of great comments or feedback, then it would be time to stop. However, thank you to those of you who read and allow me to have my little voice heard from time to time...I'm having fun!

*a little add-on to today's post...it has nothing to do with what I just wrote, by the way...

Please pray for some special orphans and the work my friend Gina is involved with in China... and follow this link to find out how you can help.

Fire House Mini-Disaster

While staying home with the kiddos is pretty challenging at times, I sure do have opportunity to experience so many cool things with the boys. Today was supposed to be so good as we had big plans to go with some others to tour a fire house.

Now, fire trucks are just about Parker's favorite thing so I built it up to be the most amazing thing ever. Well, we were late because Parker would not walk to the car because he kept stopping in our yard to talk about fire trucks. Why can't he walk and talk at the same time? I had heard that little kids have a hard time saying "fire truck", but I never realized it could be this hideous. The word "fire" sounds much like the word "garbage", but truck is just as bad as you can imagine. Put the two words together and it sounds like we are very bad parents:) Once we got to the fire house, Parker wanted to be held because he was scared of the big trucks and the other kids that he didn't know. And then when the fireman put on the big suit...it was all over. I couldn't carry him because I had Griffin in the Baby Bjorn. Aaaaghhh! He wouldn't sit in the truck, he wouldn't get near the big suits, or touch anything cool...all he wanted to do was play with flashlights laying on the floor. Then, to top it all off, Parker wouldn't play on the playground with the other kids and threw a tantrum when it was time to leave. Beautiful two year old behavior! However, Parker did tell me on the way home that he had fun with the fire truck. What? I think toddlers are like mini-teenagers...so emotional and unpredictable! I guess the trip to the fire house was worth a try. Maybe better luck next year...

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How did you tell your spouse/sig. other you were pregnant?
Was he happy, surprised, upset, worried, etc?
How did you feel?

#1 Parker ~ Born 4.17.05

I think we found out about Parker on the 11th of August. I can now tell people that Parker was a very, very planned baby...before I was embarrassed to say that! He was so planned that I knew exactly when in the day I could take my first test:) This was the first month we had tried, so I was so surprised and excited when that little blue line showed up. I took it when I was home alone and then rushed out to the store to pick up a few items in order to prepare a surprise for Joel. I bought a card, some baby booties and a gift bag. In the card, I wrote the following...

Expect another little gift to arrive around April 18, 2005:)

I put the card, the booties, and the pregnancy test in the bag. When Joel got home from work, I said nothing and just handed him the present. His reaction was "classic Joel"....

"What? NO WAY! No, no, no....what? NO WAY!"

We were so excited...I will never forget that feeling of knowing I would soon be a mother. We went out that night to Barnes and Noble and bought pregnancy books!

#2 Griffin ~ Born 2.7.07

I can't remember the exact date we found out. I probably could figure it out since it was just under two weeks after we moved into our new house ;) We were planning on starting to try for #2 in the next month or two, but we were in the middle of a move and this was not in the plan! I started to feel funny and I thought I felt pregnant. But I could not, for the life of me, figure out how THAT could have been possible! I guess things had been really busy... I took a test anyway when I was home alone with Parker and I felt myself go pale as I looked from that blue line to Parker and back again. No way...two children?

It was the Friday before Father's day, so I decided to trick Joel into thinking that he was getting an early gift from Parker. I wrapped up the test and wrote Happy Father's Day, Daddy on the front. I did the same thing as last time and handed the test to Joel without saying a word. Joel's reaction was again, sooooo classic.....

No! What? How did that happen? No really, how did that happen?!

We were in total shock. Not sure why we were so shocked...I mean we know how these things happen! We were more scared than excited at first, but that soon changed and we began counting the days until Griffin's arrival.

heritage

Sons are a heritage from the Lord...

Griffin and Parker, both at eight weeks old. It is amazing to see the similarities and also how Griffin takes after Joel and Parker tends to look more like my side of the family.

Parker is TWO!

I just can't believe I am a mama to a two year old! I wish someone would freeze time so I could catch up and research a little on this subject! Seems like when Griffin was born, Parker went into fast-forward mode to two. He is certainly acting his age at times and challenges me everyday...whew! Actually, he is such a good and sweet little boy. I love him so much that I ache. He brings so much sunshine and joy into this house every single day and he really is such a special blessing to all that know him. I really realized his impact when Joel and Parker went on a four day trip to Arizona and I was here all alone with Griffin. My life was so simple and easy...such a nice time to spend with just Griffin. However, even though my life might have been much more calm and easy, life is just not very much fun without Parker around. When Parker comes into the room, everything that is mundane becomes funny and amazing...and slightly out of control! The activity level around this house ramped up when he joined us. From the minute he was born, Parker was so AMAZED at life and so excited to be here. I wish I could get some video documenting his expressions when we get the mail each morning...the MAIL!

"Ooooohhhhhh, Man!"

This is my little man...such a precious gift. He truly is a lovely soul...

We had some really special days celebrating Parker's birthday. On Saturday, we went to Chuck E. Cheese's and celebrated with friends and family. My brother and his family made a trip over here to meet Griffin and come to Parker's party...thank you, guys...it was really special! It was so fun to see Parker and Audrey interact. I totally agree with Aleah, Chuck E. Cheese's is a crazy, crazy place...but it was worth it to not have to do anything for the party. I think Parker appreciated that he had a laid-back mama for his birthday! He actually loved the huge rat and even danced with him! Parker loved having so many people who love him at his party:)

The boys with Auntie Christa

On Tuesday (Parker's actual birthday), Parker's Auntie Christa made a special trip over here to spend time with us. Thank you so much, Christa! We had a fun and simple day of music class, Starbucks, playing with new toys, and dinner out...and American Idol for the adults! Thank God Sanjaya is finally gone. Now, everyone must vote for Blake!

Here are some slide shows from the last week:

slacker mama

I'm trying to catch up with life after a busy weekend and beginning of the week. I have plenty of great pictures of Parker's celebration, but I just haven't been able to get to it. Slacker. However, my sister (who is a very busy college student) managed to post some super-cute pictures from the party on Saturday. Kelsey is such an over-achiever...always has been:) More to come about being a mama to a two year old when I get a minute...

Baby Acne Cure

Okay, so this will be totally boring to many of you, but for those of you who have little babies struggling with complexion issues....listen here! I know that skin issues are not a big deal in the overall scheme of things, but it sure is annoying when you want to show off your cutie! But....I have found a cure for baby acne. Actually, I didn't come up with it, our pediatrician did and I'm now a big fan of her:) It really isn't a novel idea, but she told me to use benzoyl peroxide 2.5 % on Griffin's blemishes a couple of times a day and that it should clear up pretty quickly. I was kind of blown away because everything I had read said to never use adult creams or lotions on baby's tender skin because it would irritate it too much. It didn't at all and it seriously cleared up his face in 3-4 days. Plus, the stuff is always good to have around for other members of the family:)

On another note, my little Parker turns TWO tomorrow! Holy smokes...how in the heck did this happen? To be sure...you will see pictures of his special day soon!

what a ride!

I should probably add that this is a horsey ride on Daddy's knee and not from Grandpa! I made that really confusing in the original post!*

My dad started this horsey ride with Parker when he was very young and now it is one of his favorite things to do! It is almost Griffin's turn now. Maybe he should learn to sit up first, though:) I promise you that no one is ever hurt during the ride...

*This horsey ride is dedicated to Parker's Uncle Paul. A little late, but Happy Birthday Uncle Paul!*

thinking about thinking...

I've been thinking about this all day and just trying to sit down at this computer and say something! Another busy day:) Jenn nominated me for the Thinking Blog Award...I feel so honored! Throughout the last year, Jenn has become a precious friend--one of the blessings of starting this blog. I also feel like I rarely write anything inspiring...just little bits of life that usually include mention of a diaper, tantrum, sleep, or something of that nature. And looking back on my posts from the last few months, this blog has turned into nothing but Mommydom! In any case, I feel so blessed to be able to share my life with those of you who read. Have I thanked you lately?

Here are the rules of the award:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think.

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.

3. Optional: Proudly display the "Thinking Blogger Award" with a link to the post that you wrote.

All of the links in my sidebar are listed because I find them to be extra-special. Here are five of them that have recently caused my brain to tick a little harder:

Tales of a Crafty Mama: Andi Mae is my sister-in-law but pretty much my sister in many ways. Her blog is the first one I ever loved. I am inspired by her sincere dedication to her family and friendships....not to mention her lovely art.

Gina In China: Gina is a dear friend from college who is currently living in East Asia with her family. Gina always challenges me with her writing. I feel like Gina and Grant are really striving to live the life God has called them to live.

Sweet Little Family: Jennisa is a new read but I'm really enjoying her! I can feel her warm heart through her writing. I can tell she has a heart for God. I go to her place for a smile:)

Four Giggling Monkeys: Aleah is also a real-life, dear friend from across the state. Aleah has been making me think from the time I met her. She already had two children when we started our friendship and I immediately knew I wanted to a mama much like her.

Airmail to Africa: Kristen is a very special friend who is serving in Sierra Leone with Children of the Nations for the year. I miss her! She has such a heart for the people she is working with. It is amazing how her blog makes the world seem smaller and these children seem so real.

A few of these women will not likely be able to follow suit and post five links, but I wanted to make sure that these lovely blogs were highlighted...

A little bit of Easter...

Parker's egg hunt and basket...

I took all of those pictures just to get a good one like this...



And Griffin really didn't participate this year...in fact, he slept most of the day and woke up every now and then to talk:) But he did enjoy his Easter Bath!



I realized that I took a bunch of the same pictures and not enough of other people! My sister came to surprise us in the morning. It was so great to have her home! I should have gotten a picture of her....and I should have taken a picture or two of my grandparents....and my parents...my husband....! I'll learn someday:)

In Christ Alone...Happy Easter

We sang this song at our Easter service this morning...you can listen to it here. I love it for so many reasons, but mainly because it tells the story of my faith. Hope you all had a wonderful day. Maybe some fun pictures of our lovely day to come tommorow...but for now I thought these lyrics were quite fitting...

~In Christ Alone~

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

some pics from life and griffin's song

Seems as though my boys are the only subject I write about these days! It isn't that I don't have anything else going on...I do, but these little ones just seem to permeate my thoughts. Parker is currently in his room (yet again!) refusing to nap. He is happy enough playing so I'm just going to leave him and enjoy listening to him chatter. It is our fault; we kept him out past nap time while we were trying to get Griffin's portrait taken. "Trying" is the key word because he was seriously cranky and still is struggling with acne. We shall see how they turn out.

Parker is really into riding his "bike". I think it is his favorite thing to do...

Other than some minor crankiness here and there and some typical crying at night, Griffin is such a joy! He is still a major snuggler and is such a mama's boy....smart kid:) He seems to be growing so fast even though Parker grew at virtually the same exact rate. Things are going so much quicker this time around and it makes me a bit sad to see things flying by. At just about two months, he's weighing in at 11 lbs 7 oz and 23 inches long...50th percentile compared to other little boys his age in both weight and length. So, he's just perfectly squared:) He sleeps 6-7 hour stretches at night and most of the time he is in his own bed.

Daddy and the boys. Man, it is hard to get a good shot...

Parker and I have so many special songs that we dance to...I can't even remember all of them! However, I know that usually they are the type of songs that produce a "life is so exciting, I can't even stand it" type of dance from both of us! It certainly isn't something that I would let just anyone see! Griffin and I also have a special song that we dance to, but it is totally different. Griffin likes to slow dance because, like I said, he's such a mama's boy...and Parker has yet to teach him his smooth dance moves.

Mama and Griffin. This is our first picture together since the hospital, I think!

You can listen to our song here...
(the first verse is the best part)

Jimmy LaFave ~ Never Is A Moment

In the vastness of this world
Baby you are so unique
From your pouty little mouth
To your pretty little feet
From your head down to your toes
You are beautiful divine
And there never is a moment
That you are not on my mind

Circumstances cast our fate
Maybe wrong and maybe right
Though you're dreams and miles away
I try to reach you through this night
If you hear music in the wind
I hope my melody you'll find
Because there never is a moment
That you are not on my mind

hot date!

I just got back home from a super-duper hot date....with Parker:)

A local independent theater down the street is offering free shows to the little ones this week and we got to go see Charlotte's Web this morning. Parker and I don't get enough time hanging out just the two of us these days, so I decided to take him to a movie. He's never been to a theater before and I thought this was a good opportunity to try it out. I wasn't sure if he would be able to sit through an entire show and he almost made it! I tried to keep him seated in my lap by offering yummy snacks and drinks but he just couldn't take it anymore and decided to flirt with the girl next to us--who was about five years his senior! Poor girl...she was probably so annoyed with us. He kept asking to sit in his "own seat" but he kept falling through the crack and landing on the floor...so gross!

It was a cute movie. We enjoyed ourselves and it was such a special time with my little guy. I look to many more hot dates in the future....and just maybe I'll go out with my husband again someday:)

five minutes of me...

I just got on here to post something along the lines of a mini-tantrum but I've decided that isn't constructive and who really wants to read something like that? In any case, I'm determined to take these five minutes for myself, even if I have to ignore voices from those under the age of two. Isn't that what the experts say to do when you're having a bad day...put the baby down and take a break for five minutes? Things are going okay for the most part, but today I'm feeling emotionally run-down and out of the energy I need to give to my family. Nothing huge, I just need a break from being needed. Okay, time is up... better run...but I would appreciate your prayers:)

On another note, my sister recently returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic and has updated her blog with all sorts of pictures and accounts from her experience. Definitely worth checking out...

little fingers under the door...

Usually I would be giving Parker a very stern look and telling him to go back to bed, but during today's episode of "I won't nap", he is just cracking me up! He is playing on his toy phone and practicing his sentences while pushing his little fingers under the door to his room. Okay, so I just took a break since the last sentence and I did need to give him a stern look and take the phone away:) Stinker! I love when Parker goes through phases of verbal development...it is just amazing how many words they can learn in one day! I especially love the new sentences he is saying. For some reason he says sentences in a really deep voice! Maybe it is because he has to concentrate really hard. "Parker Stinky" is a new one he said this morning. Indeed, my son, indeed...

No post is complete without a picture...here is a recent picture of Griffin. Since this picture was taken, Griffin has begun his bout with baby acne and a balding head. Please pray for him:)

goofy kids:)

Just had to share some recent pictures of the kiddos...

*Parker was being so silly at my parent's house! He loves these red sunglasses with the lenses popped out--he wore them for a long time! And yes, that is a dog leash around his neck. HE did that to himself:) This is the kind of smile we often get from Parker nowadays when we ask him to pose for the camera!



*Believe it or not, this is the most normal looking picture I could get of Griffin after taking 15 or so shots! I'm his mama and I think he is beautiful, of course, but I must say that we sure produce goofy looking newborn babies. You can't tell in this picture, but Griffin has these shocking eyeballs that just sort of pop out of his head and make him look surprised all the time. Parker had this interesting feature until 5 months or so...as did their mama:) When Griffin is awake and making his funny faces, he usually looks a lot like this:

Yep, that is Mr. Noodle from Sesame Street! A good friend noticed the resemblance when Griffin was a week old and now the nickname has stuck! He really is our little "noodle" and he is so cute!

By the way, I'm not worried about him looking a little funny...I know this is just a goofy phase!

not as smart as I thought I was...

As I walked into my OB's office today for my six week postpartum visit, a big smile spread across my face. I know this sounds terrible, but I looked at all of the pregnant women waiting around me and was just so thankful I'm no longer in their position! I feel so good now, I can't even believe it! It also felt great to to kind of close the book on OB visits and all of that stuff for a while. I can't believe I just wrote that--when I had this same visit after Parker was born, I cried because I missed being pregnant. Such a difference this time...

Speaking of different, Griffin is so different than Parker was as a baby! I had all of these theories regarding babies and I was so sure of myself. In fact, I was probably way too prideful! I actually thought the same techniques would work with Griffin. Believe it or not, he's a totally different baby...ha! Parker was sleeping through the night at this point....Griffin isn't there yet. I think maybe Griffin is just normal and we were totally spoiled with Parker. Quite possibly, it wasn't our amazing parenting skills that produced an awesome sleeper. We were complaining to a friend tonight about how Griffin just refuses to go to sleep around 9 when we put him down and she gently explained (with a little smirk:) that this is a very common thing. Really? Here is another one: I used to be adamant that all babies like to be swaddled--Griffin hates it so much! In fact, about the only time he gets really upset is when he is swaddled. Argh! Oh, and I used to say that I would never let my baby sleep in my bed with me....guess where Griffin slept last night--the entire night?

Alright, so I'm totally a newbie again and I really should have realized long ago that I'm not a little Miss Smarty Pants...

I don't get it...

There are many subjects I am totally clueless about, but two very trivial matters have come up that sort of surprised me! I repeat...these are very trivial:) These are things that I've heard people say in passing:

"Don't all moms scrapbook?"

Uh oh...I don't really scrapbook! Someone really said this! I have dabbled a bit in scrapbooking, but I have to admit that it is more of a social thing and I don't totally enjoy the process. I used to like to talk myself into being sort of crafty but I'm really not. I think that I don't like the mess it creates and all the supplies I have to buy in order to take part. I feel sort of guilty about this because it really seems like all of the other moms around me are quite passionate about it and so talented at making pretty things for their kids! I totally admire people who are talented in this area. In fact, my sister-in-law, Andi, is the best around...she does beautiful work. Anyway, getting to the point, I wonder if other people feel this way...maybe a little guilty and sort of a minority?

EDIT*Oh no...I should really re-read my writing before I post! I meant to say that I DO enjoy the social aspect of it but not the actual process as much!*EDIT

"I didn't buy them because you can't wear black shoes in the coming season."

What?! Maybe I misunderstood. So....I don't even pretend to have serious fashion sense, but are you really not supposed to wear black shoes in the summer? If so, then I am in huge trouble. Joel and I are always talking about the fashion rules and how they seem so strange. Who makes the rules? They rarely make a lot of sense to me. Maybe you all can fill me in on some of the others. But black shoes...really? Oh my:)

march madness at our house...

This is what March Madness looks like at our house this year! Parker was taking a nap during this game, but if he had been awake, I'd have a picture up of him running back in forth in our living room, pretending to be one of the "bee-ball" players:) I assume that, in years to come, our home will get a littler crazier during this month of basketball overload!

Griffin was wearing his Cougar t-shirt (thank you Auntie Kels) yesterday when WSU was playing but I could never get a picture without him making a strange face when the flash went off! Maybe this is why Cougar basketball is over for the year. Bummer. I can't handle watching teams lose. I just can't stop thinking about all of those boys' mamas and what they are feeling! I told Joel that it is better this way because now we can just sit back and enjoy the games without all of the pressure. I don't think he agreed with me:)

some Idol thoughts...

Oh, I don't know...I just can't get into anyone this season! I'm trying really hard to pick my favorite and I just can't get excited. I know that everyone loves some of the big voices, and they do have talent--they just aren't my style. If I had to pick two, I would say Gina and Blake because they are different from the rest and Gina, especially, is a little more edgy. However, as I was sweeping my floor just a bit ago, I came to the realization that I really haven't given any of these contestants a chance because I'm still mourning the end of last season! No...actually, I'm still mourning the loss of Chris Daughtry. I never got over that one! I think that I may have had an itty bitty TV crush on the singer:)

I'm totally not going to give up my show because I love relaxing a couple nights a week while watching Idol! But I have to say that my enthusiasm is wavering because I usually watch by myself. American Idol is just meant to be shared! Joel used to watch, but now he thinks it is sort of silly. And sometimes I get to watch with my good friend, Tara (which is so fun!)...since her husband agrees with Joel. But it was just so great last year because I loved many of the contestants and my sister, Kelsey, and I would watch together. We weren't actually together--she was at her place and I was at mine--but we would usually spend much of the episode on the phone and only talk during the commercials! This year she doesn't get FOX so I'm on my own. Can you tell I'm sad about it?

And please, someone tell me why Sanjaya is still there? What in the heck is that all about? It must be all of those middle school girls who stay up later than me and vote constantly...

announcement...

My brother-in-law, Paul, designed these announcements for us to help us get the word out that Griffin had arrived. Didn't he do a fantastic job? Thank you, Paul! He's such a talented designer and he's so great to work with...contact him at mpaulrandall@hotmail.com, if you're interested in his design work!

I'm actually still in the process of mailing them out. Things go a little slower around here nowadays--I think that I got Parker's out when he was two weeks old! Oh well... at least it is up here. Isn't it cool that the colors are very similar to my new blog design and they were designed by two different people at two different times? And, even more important, doesn't Griffin look like a little angel?

Of course he does:)

Hallelujah!

It is 7:45 am and both babes are still asleep. I just love this spring forward thing as far as the kiddos go. Can I hear an "amen"? I was planning on being out the door by 8:30 this morning, but this is waaaaaay better than my original plan. My new motto: never, never, never wake a sleeping baby. So I'm just sitting here, enjoying my oatmeal like a normal person instead of shoving a granola bar in my mouth as I burp a baby. Aaaaahhhh, life is good:)

new look...same old me:)

So...what do ya think? Oh, I just love the new design that Susie from Bluebird Blogs created for me! She was so great to work with and she does amazing work, including my friend Jenn's fun blog. It was so cool to be able to give Susie a bunch of info about me and some clues as to what I wanted and then to see what she created....fantastic! I have a feeling that a certain someone (who isn't a fan of change, like myself), isn't going to like this for at least a few more weeks...but it is here to stay!

happy day...

A post from Sunday...It was sort of forgotten with all of the excitement of the new design:)

I'm happy today. I'm really not sure why, but I'll take it! Maybe it is because my health is slowly returning and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! I was telling my mom today how I think that I feel better physically than I have in about 10 months or so. It feels so good to not be exhausted by an outing to church or by just getting ready for the day. Or maybe it is because Parker is having a good day...and when he has a good day we always have so much fun. When he's having a bad day, well...it isn't so much fun!

Since I'm seeing light today, it is easier to enjoy the little things in life. Funny how that happens:) Here are a few of those things:

real coffee...

Now, I don't just mean caffeinated (which it is), but I mean coffee that tastes like the real thing. I woke up this morning to an empty canister of coffee. I dug through our stock and found that we had some Folgers Low Acid coffee. I really thought that I could handle it...nope. It tasted like...hmmm...you know, not coffee. So I loaded up the boys at 8:30 in the morning and headed to the nearest Starbucks drive-thru and picked up my favorite drink (a tall, non-fat, extra hot, Cinnamon Dulce Latter with whip--thank you very much) and a pound of the real stuff for home. Aaaaahhhhh....heaven. We're total coffee snobs and sorta proud of it!

cool tunes...

EastMountainSouth. Great music that our good friend Dan gave us. You might recognize one of the songs from Elizabethtown, one of my favorite movies. I really can't figure out if these two people are still making music together, but this album is certainly worth checking out. It just puts me in a good mood...thanks Dan!


a smellygood house...

I love the way our house smells when I use this scented oil from Bath and Body Works. I am not sure if anybody else cares if our house smells like a peony, but I sure do. It makes me feel as if spring is really coming. It is.... isn't it?

daffodils on my coffee table...

They are on their last leg but still bringing me smiles. Just another reminder that, indeed, spring is going to come here someday. Can you tell that I need some sun?

a good read...

This is a book I just recently started reading. My sister-in-law, Vicky, sent it to me around the time Griffin was born and I'm just now getting to it! I am thoroughly enjoying my special time curled up on the couch with my real coffee and this good read. I'm a Christian and the author isn't, so I don't agree with her on everything, but it totally doesn't matter in order for me to enjoy reading this one. Right now, I'm reading about the author's experiences in Italy...one of my all time favorite places. Unfortunately, I'm starting to get the travel bug now, which is totally bad timing!

a perfect bagel...

Thirteen of them, to be exact. We stopped at our favorite bagel shop on the way home from church to pick up a few of our favorite cranberry-orange bagels. Parker has come to expect his fresh bakery item after church now. He is quite particular about what kind of bagels he likes so I decided to pick up a baker's dozen and freeze them. Oooohhhh, they are so good! Come visit and I'll take you out to some real coffee and a real bagel ;)

about a month ago...

I've been thinking about what an amazing experience I had giving birth to Griffin. It feels wrong to say that I "gave birth" to him because, in reality, I didn't really do much! Throughout my pregnancy, I was quite nervous about having the c-section, even though I'd already experienced one before. With Parker, the procedure was so rushed and I was so exhausted and emotional. It was such a different kind of experience this time. I really felt taken care of and protected by the prayers of so many people. Thank you! Not only was I comfortable and felt no pain, I totally enjoyed myself...as you can see from the slide show above.

Now, I think that the anesthesia sort of caused me to forget the order of some of the events, but I have a general idea. And this time, I remember the important parts! So here is a total mish mosh account of our experience...it all sort of runs together!

We checked into the hospital at 5:30 am and the nurses were waiting for me...I was the only one there and they knew my name! Everything was so calm and cheery--I immediately felt more relaxed. We spent the next two hours with the same nurse, who prepped me for surgery. She did all sorts of things to me including IV's, fetal monitoring, blood pressure...fun stuff. During those two hours, the nurse explained very calmly what would happen during the day and let me ask any questions. The atmosphere was so laid-back and we were joking and laughing with everyone. I only got nervous when I would look at the clock and realize how much time we had left before we met our baby. Also during those two hours, everyone that was going to be in the operating room came in and introduced themselves and explained what role they would have and answered our questions. I think there were about 12 of them. I feel like God handpicked every single one of them! They all seemed so experienced and calm, but also treated this as a very exciting and personal event...the birth of our baby and not just a surgery!

A little before 7:30, they had me walk to the operating room where they inserted the spinal and the catheter and made sure everything was set to go. Okay, so here is where it gets sort of fuzzy because I was completely numb from the rib cage down and also draped from that point, so I really have no idea what happened next. Joel and I just chatted with the anesthesiologist and his assistants. I love them! Joel would update me every now and then about what the surgeons were doing. I literally didn't know when they had started cutting...how funny! And then he came out and Joel was able to announce that we had a boy! That was the most exciting part of all. I got this smile on my face that just wouldn't go away.

The nurses were all amazed at how big he was since I carried the baby sort of small. I asked over and over how big he was, but they hadn't weighed him yet. I was really hoping that he was the same size as Parker--and he was! Everyone was so happy and told me what a good job I had done! What? I hadn't done a thing, but I took it anyway:) After they cleaned him up a bit, I was able to hold Griffin and get a good look. Perfection! At first, we thought he looked like Parker, but then I soon realized that I had given birth to a little replica of my husband!

Oh....and this is the point that it gets really fuzzy because they gave me this little wonder drug that made me completely relax and not care much about anything. Joel went with Griffin to the nursery where he was weighed and measured and given his first bath. I'm so glad they bathed him...that vernix stuff is so gross. I stayed in the operating room and they put my uterus back inside me and made sure all my organs were back in place:) They stitched me up and cleaned me up and there I was...back to being a non-pregnant me and sort of blob-like all of the sudden. But I totally didn't care!

I was taken back to recovery and was a happy camper until I started to get impatient because Joel hadn't brought my baby back to me yet! I won't go into the details, but when Joel did bring Griffin to me, he impressed us all by mastering the skill of eating within about 30 seconds. My boys all seem to have great skills in this area.

The rest of the day really was a blur, but I do know that I felt no pain and I was so happy...and tired. I know that I embarrassed myself again by falling asleep in the middle of sentences. I guess it goes with the territory. Anyway, all that to say, I had the best birth experience thanks to the many prayers and the amazing team that made me feel like the most important mama on the planet and that this event was exciting, even to them! While I don't want to be pregnant again anytime soon, this experience totally convinced me that I really want to give birth at least one more time.

So, here we are, over a month later and I'm just now posting pictures about this! I just took a few pictures of Griffin to show how he has grown. He really isn't always on that hippo mat! I guess that it is just when I'm reminded to take a picture. I took Griffin in the other day to have him weighed...because I'm sort of freaky like that and I like to know details! At birth, Griffin was 7 lbs 1 oz and now he is 9 lbs 4 oz at one month. Needless to say, he has continued to be a good eater:)

So sorry this was soooo long...but how can you condense a birth story?