Saturday, April 24, 2010
Fantastic Friends
We had our first (of hopefully many) play dates with the Boothe's at Chick-Fil-A on Friday. Clay & Drew enjoyed the playground while Avery & Bella Grace snoozed away. I wasn't sure how well we would manage 4 children with only 2 adults, but it went really well! Clay and Drew were very proud big brothers, protecting their sisters from some of the other curious kids on the playground. Thanks Ashley, Avery, & Clay for braving the "outside world" with us. We had fun!(And thanks Ashley for remembering your camera -- hope you don't mind that I "borrowed" your pictures!)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Happy Halloween!
Halloween was so much fun this year. Drew is really into trains (saying "choo-choo" any time he sees one). So, naturally, he was a train conductor this year! He thought it was tons of fun to go to the door and say "peees" (which means "please" -- and is the closest thing to "Trick-or-Treat" that we could get him to say). His favorite candy seemed to be suckers, although he really liked Skittles, M&M's, Starburst, and pretty much anything else chocolate.
He wore his costume a total of 4 times in the week surrounding Halloween! He had a class party at his gymnastics school, Fall Festival at FBC Dallas with cousins Avery & Julia, actual Halloween night with Buddy Clay and lots of other friends, and finally playgroup the Monday after Halloween. (We got our money's worth this year...and he loved being a "Choo-Choo Man" every time.)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Building our Family...on Earth and in Heaven
John 1:16 - From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another.
The last month has really been an amazing one in our lives. One that will forever stand out as we reflect on the fondest memories in life. We're expecting again! On August 17th, I had a sonogram. Andrew and I went into the sonogram hopeful to see the life that the home pregnancy test indicated was present. However, my heart had been burdened to pray not for a little life inside, but for the acceptance of whatever news I was to receive that day. I prayed for contentment with God's will...and for the mercy to be able to accept whatever that was. In my head, I thought that meant that if I were to see no life at all, that I would have the grace to accept it.
The sonogram started and instantly I saw on screen not one black sack that my eye was trained to search for...but TWO! Yes, TWO BABIES! Twins. Two heartbeats. Two little miracles God had given us. Whoa - did I need grace, but just not in the way my short-sighted brain thought I'd need. Laughter shook me so much that the sonogram blurred. Tears of joy streamed down my face. What a blessing I had just been given. Andrew, meanwhile, almost passed out!
My brain was spinning with all of the changes in my mental perspective that needed to be made. But, my overwhelming emotion was joy. In the weeks to follow, the joy remained, but I found myself praying away more fears about a twin pregnancy and caring for 3 children 2 years old and under than I ever anticipated I'd have. Through it all, I knew that God was sovereign and this is what He chose for me. I would trust Him and just convert my worries to prayer.
This past Wednesday, September 23rd, I had another sonogram. When it started, I immediately saw on screen what my eyes were searching for...life. However, this time, there was only one heartbeat. One beautiful life growing inside.
The books call it a "vanishing twin," however I just think that seems like such an injustice to the little life that was not to be. Our baby didn't "vanish." I know exactly where he is. On this side of Heaven, I will never get to meet that little soul, hold him, or rock him to sleep. However, I know that our baby is sitting at the foot of Jesus Christ praising him in Heaven...where we will get to meet him one day. He escaped the Earthly struggles and imperfections of human life, and is in our Father's arms now.
Life truly is a miracle, and I still feel overwhelmingly blessed. Seeing a 12 week old fetus bouncing around on the sonogram screen, waving its arms and legs, rolling, and even doing a back-bend of sorts. That is God's creation...a miracle that absolutely can not happen without divine intelligence and design that only the Father could create.
I've had so many friends go through the loss of a pregnancy. Recently, one friend said that she was "building her family in Heaven" with each miscarriage that she grieved. What a wonderful attitude that is...and one that first came to mind when faced with my own miscarriage.
My little one who I'll never know on this side of Heaven now joins a cousin up in Heaven, as well as many other children whose parents wish they would have had the chance to know them here on Earth. What a beautiful day it will be when we get to meet those wonderful lives we never got to know.
For now, we praise God for the little life still growing inside of me. God's plan for our family is perfect. It was not a mistake that one little life stopped growing. The things that we can not understand are ordained by Him to accomplish His purposes. Those purposes we may never know or understand, but my goal is to use what He chooses for my life to bring glory and honor to my Lord and Savior.
So, please join with me in rejoicing for the one little life that continues to grow in me. My heart's desire is that God brings this baby to term and we get to welcome it to the world late March. My official due date is April 5th, however I will most likely have a c-section around March 29th. I started on this journey with the goal of trusting in the sovereignty of the Lord, and I will continue to do that, wherever it may lead.
The last month has really been an amazing one in our lives. One that will forever stand out as we reflect on the fondest memories in life. We're expecting again! On August 17th, I had a sonogram. Andrew and I went into the sonogram hopeful to see the life that the home pregnancy test indicated was present. However, my heart had been burdened to pray not for a little life inside, but for the acceptance of whatever news I was to receive that day. I prayed for contentment with God's will...and for the mercy to be able to accept whatever that was. In my head, I thought that meant that if I were to see no life at all, that I would have the grace to accept it.
The sonogram started and instantly I saw on screen not one black sack that my eye was trained to search for...but TWO! Yes, TWO BABIES! Twins. Two heartbeats. Two little miracles God had given us. Whoa - did I need grace, but just not in the way my short-sighted brain thought I'd need. Laughter shook me so much that the sonogram blurred. Tears of joy streamed down my face. What a blessing I had just been given. Andrew, meanwhile, almost passed out!
My brain was spinning with all of the changes in my mental perspective that needed to be made. But, my overwhelming emotion was joy. In the weeks to follow, the joy remained, but I found myself praying away more fears about a twin pregnancy and caring for 3 children 2 years old and under than I ever anticipated I'd have. Through it all, I knew that God was sovereign and this is what He chose for me. I would trust Him and just convert my worries to prayer.
This past Wednesday, September 23rd, I had another sonogram. When it started, I immediately saw on screen what my eyes were searching for...life. However, this time, there was only one heartbeat. One beautiful life growing inside.
The books call it a "vanishing twin," however I just think that seems like such an injustice to the little life that was not to be. Our baby didn't "vanish." I know exactly where he is. On this side of Heaven, I will never get to meet that little soul, hold him, or rock him to sleep. However, I know that our baby is sitting at the foot of Jesus Christ praising him in Heaven...where we will get to meet him one day. He escaped the Earthly struggles and imperfections of human life, and is in our Father's arms now.
Life truly is a miracle, and I still feel overwhelmingly blessed. Seeing a 12 week old fetus bouncing around on the sonogram screen, waving its arms and legs, rolling, and even doing a back-bend of sorts. That is God's creation...a miracle that absolutely can not happen without divine intelligence and design that only the Father could create.
I've had so many friends go through the loss of a pregnancy. Recently, one friend said that she was "building her family in Heaven" with each miscarriage that she grieved. What a wonderful attitude that is...and one that first came to mind when faced with my own miscarriage.
My little one who I'll never know on this side of Heaven now joins a cousin up in Heaven, as well as many other children whose parents wish they would have had the chance to know them here on Earth. What a beautiful day it will be when we get to meet those wonderful lives we never got to know.
For now, we praise God for the little life still growing inside of me. God's plan for our family is perfect. It was not a mistake that one little life stopped growing. The things that we can not understand are ordained by Him to accomplish His purposes. Those purposes we may never know or understand, but my goal is to use what He chooses for my life to bring glory and honor to my Lord and Savior.
So, please join with me in rejoicing for the one little life that continues to grow in me. My heart's desire is that God brings this baby to term and we get to welcome it to the world late March. My official due date is April 5th, however I will most likely have a c-section around March 29th. I started on this journey with the goal of trusting in the sovereignty of the Lord, and I will continue to do that, wherever it may lead.
Flu Season Fun
Drew "decorated" a box of Kleenex at Mother's Day Out as part of their manners lesson. This morning, he decided it looked like a fun toy to play with, and we ended up with a white Kleenex wonderland in the kitchen. He had tons of fun pulling out the tissues one by one and rolling around on the floor in them. The giggles made it all worth it!
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
First Day of School
It's that time of year...new lunch boxes (or first ever lunch boxes for Drew), new clothes, new teachers, and the same wonderful friends! Mother's Day Out is back in session. Drew's first day of school is off to a great start, minus the mini-meltdown while getting dressed that I'm pretty sure was spurred on by my refusal to cave into his COOKIE COOKIE demands this morning. He wasn't going down without a good fight.
Eventually, he did get dressed and we made it to First Baptist in time to see a few friends on the walk in. We did our first day of school pictures at school instead of home (so we could have time for the tears from the getting dressed meltdown to dry). He ended up a happy camper (until I walked away, at least)! He's still not in the mood to pose for the camera, however!
Happy first day of school, big boy!
Eventually, he did get dressed and we made it to First Baptist in time to see a few friends on the walk in. We did our first day of school pictures at school instead of home (so we could have time for the tears from the getting dressed meltdown to dry). He ended up a happy camper (until I walked away, at least)! He's still not in the mood to pose for the camera, however!
Happy first day of school, big boy!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Let's Go To The Movies!
Family time is SO much fun. Andrew & I took Drew to see a "real" movie -- you know, not the Veggie Tales DVD for the millionth time on the kitchen TV -- a real movie with cushy reclining seats, a huge screen, and loud stereo speakers!
Ice Age II was playing at our dollar theater (which now costs $1.25, but still a great deal!), so we decided that would be the perfect way to test the waters and see what Drew thought about a real movie. He LOVED it!! He didn't squirm a bit in the first 45 minutes and he actually laughed and talked to the screen a little bit. He'd dance during the songs in the movie, which was really precious. He nibbled on some popcorn and took several sips of our coke! The last 45 minutes of the movie, he did get a little fidgety. But hey, sitting for an hour and a half in mom & dad's lap is a lot to ask of a 19 month old, no matter if there is a movie playing or not! Thank goodness I snuck in some M&M's in my purse. That kept him happy for the last part of the movie. (True spoiling, right?)
It was a fantastic evening and so much fun to see the big eyes and wide smile on Drew's face when the movie came on. Seeing joy through the eyes of your child is just the greatest feeling in the world!
Ice Age II was playing at our dollar theater (which now costs $1.25, but still a great deal!), so we decided that would be the perfect way to test the waters and see what Drew thought about a real movie. He LOVED it!! He didn't squirm a bit in the first 45 minutes and he actually laughed and talked to the screen a little bit. He'd dance during the songs in the movie, which was really precious. He nibbled on some popcorn and took several sips of our coke! The last 45 minutes of the movie, he did get a little fidgety. But hey, sitting for an hour and a half in mom & dad's lap is a lot to ask of a 19 month old, no matter if there is a movie playing or not! Thank goodness I snuck in some M&M's in my purse. That kept him happy for the last part of the movie. (True spoiling, right?)
It was a fantastic evening and so much fun to see the big eyes and wide smile on Drew's face when the movie came on. Seeing joy through the eyes of your child is just the greatest feeling in the world!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
We're way behind on our summer blogging! We went to a Frisco Rough Riders baseball game with the Boothe's back in July. What a fun evening it was!! We managed to get a few cute pictures of Clay & Drew before my camera battery died.
The ballpark in Frisco was so much fun. It's just the right size for a fun family outing. There's a wonderful playground (yes playground) inside so when the boys got tired of sitting, we could let them run around. They slid down the slide and jumped in the big bounce house. Clay didn't like the bounce house so much, but Drew loved it.
We ate at Rudy's BBQ before the game and the boys had fun playing a hunting video game. Then we headed to the ballpark. I'm not sure how much game watching we really did, but it was a fabulous evening. The icing on the cake was a spectacular fireworks show after the game was over. Yes...that was 10pm, but Drew stayed awake to see it all. He crashed in the car before we made it out of the parking lot.
At the playground
First sports outing together! I have a feeling there are many more in their future.
The ballpark in Frisco was so much fun. It's just the right size for a fun family outing. There's a wonderful playground (yes playground) inside so when the boys got tired of sitting, we could let them run around. They slid down the slide and jumped in the big bounce house. Clay didn't like the bounce house so much, but Drew loved it.
We ate at Rudy's BBQ before the game and the boys had fun playing a hunting video game. Then we headed to the ballpark. I'm not sure how much game watching we really did, but it was a fabulous evening. The icing on the cake was a spectacular fireworks show after the game was over. Yes...that was 10pm, but Drew stayed awake to see it all. He crashed in the car before we made it out of the parking lot.
"hunting"
At the playground
First sports outing together! I have a feeling there are many more in their future.Thursday, July 23, 2009
Summer Fun
Summer is flying by. Drew has had all sorts of fun this summer. From swimming lessons to music lessons and even a new Mother's Day Out program at University of Gymnastics, he's soaked up the fun this summer.
We've had playgroups, gone swimming with friends and family, slid down a HUGE water slide with Daddy (while Mommy tried not to freak out too much), tried our hand at some art projects, learned how to climb on furniture and get in trouble...and the list continues to grow.
Here are just a few of our summer highlights so far....
Getting into trouble...his new favorite thing to do is climb on the kitchen table. This landed him in his first ever time out.
Drew discovered the Wii. He loves to "drive" Mario Kart with Daddy! It's a daily occurrence.
Drew & his buddy Clay enjoying playgroup at the Macha's house.
Swimming lessons with Big Drew & Clay. It was so much fun we signed up for a 2nd week!
We've had playgroups, gone swimming with friends and family, slid down a HUGE water slide with Daddy (while Mommy tried not to freak out too much), tried our hand at some art projects, learned how to climb on furniture and get in trouble...and the list continues to grow.
Here are just a few of our summer highlights so far....
Getting into trouble...his new favorite thing to do is climb on the kitchen table. This landed him in his first ever time out.
Drew discovered the Wii. He loves to "drive" Mario Kart with Daddy! It's a daily occurrence.
Drew & his buddy Clay enjoying playgroup at the Macha's house.
Swimming lessons with Big Drew & Clay. It was so much fun we signed up for a 2nd week!Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Our little helper
If only he were a little older and we could actually put him to work!
(don't worry, it was turned off)
(don't worry, it was turned off)
boys will be boys...
Drew has shed all traces of "baby" and is all BOY these days. These are just a few of his busy-body boy adventures recently...
Drawing & dancing out on the patio. Tons of fun!
Drew is obsessed with remote controls (truly a guy thing). He scooted his little chair over to the counter so he could grab the remote & change the channel...all on his own!
Drawing & dancing out on the patio. Tons of fun!
Playing Mario Kart with Daddy. He absolutely LOVES to drive! In fact, he's made up his own sign language sign for "drive" - and insists on playing!
And the most mischievous of little boy things - climbing!! He has discovered how to push out the kitchen chair, climb up and crawl right on top of the table!! If we aren't watching closely - he'll actually grab the chandelier before we can get him down. Swinging from the chandelier is no joking matter!
I'm sure there are more crazy adventures to come, so stay tuned! Our baby boy is growing up fast, and we love seeing everything new that he comes up with! There's hardly a dull moment when Drew's around. :)
We Love Daddy!
Father's Day was so much fun! We had a great day at church, Drew took a nap, we made some special art just for Dad, and we ended our day with a fun trip to the spray park! Andrew & Drew had a blast running around and playing in the water! How thankful we are to have such a wonderful dad/husband in our life! We love you Andrew!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Cheese!
This is probably only entertaining to Drew's Grandparents & Aunts out there, but Drew is kind of starting to make noises that I can recognize as words!! Today at his snack before nap time, he was really talking. He was eating cheese, his favorite food. As I was holding him and getting the cheese stick out of the fridge, Drew started saying "shuz, shuz" and I realized he was asking for cheese!! He was in a talking mood, so I caught a little of it on tape. I ended up giving him 2 sticks of cheese to keep the video going, so he lucked out. Then later at dinner tonight Andrew said that he gave Drew 2 sticks of cheese as an appetizer to keep him happy while we were grilling burgers outside. So, if you're keeping count (which we obviously weren't today) that's 4 sticks of cheese in one tiny (but growing) belly in about 8 hours!!
So, here's some of Drew's latest vocab words. If you can get past all of my "cheesy" prompting, you can hear him say "shuz" a couple of times. He also wows us with his "all gone/all done"...and an ear piercing rant in the middle of the video that when translated means "gimme gimme, I want the camera NOW".
On an unrelated note, I've decided that he's a "Dairytarian" if there is such a thing. The only foods I can rely on him eating are yogurt, milk, and cheese (of any variety...cottage cheese, string cheese, squeeze cheese, cheese slices...He's like Bubba Gump, but with cheese). He might turn into a chunk, but he's going to have strong bones for sure!!
So, here's some of Drew's latest vocab words. If you can get past all of my "cheesy" prompting, you can hear him say "shuz" a couple of times. He also wows us with his "all gone/all done"...and an ear piercing rant in the middle of the video that when translated means "gimme gimme, I want the camera NOW".
On an unrelated note, I've decided that he's a "Dairytarian" if there is such a thing. The only foods I can rely on him eating are yogurt, milk, and cheese (of any variety...cottage cheese, string cheese, squeeze cheese, cheese slices...He's like Bubba Gump, but with cheese). He might turn into a chunk, but he's going to have strong bones for sure!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Incredibly Fun Day!
Family fun time on Sundays doesn't get much better than this! It was my Sunday to work in the church nursery, so Drew and I hung out and played with the other kids this morning. They were all in a great mood (and there were only 4 kids there today - summer vacation is in full swing), so it was a perfect morning!
After nap time (Drew, Mom & Dad all got a nap), we set up the new blow up kiddie pool I found at Wal-Mart. Drew absolutely loves the water, so when I saw this puppy for $5, I figured it was a great investment. I think it needs to be re-named a blow up puddle instead of a pool. Andrew and I got a huge chuckly out of how puny it is. But, I guess you get what you pay for and it was only $5. Drew didn't care...he splashed around and had big fun in it anyway!
After nap time (Drew, Mom & Dad all got a nap), we set up the new blow up kiddie pool I found at Wal-Mart. Drew absolutely loves the water, so when I saw this puppy for $5, I figured it was a great investment. I think it needs to be re-named a blow up puddle instead of a pool. Andrew and I got a huge chuckly out of how puny it is. But, I guess you get what you pay for and it was only $5. Drew didn't care...he splashed around and had big fun in it anyway!
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Splash
We made our first outing to The Splash this year...with Collin, Steph, & the girls. It was an overcast day, which was great for the little ones but it sure did make the water chilly! We had lots of fun, even though our teeth were chattering and Drew's lips turned purple! Here's a "borrowed" picture that Stephanie took of the 3 Muskateers sitting on the side of the pool. They're a fun bunch!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Arroz!
Since Mother's Day Out is on hiatus for a little bit, we're getting bored. So, my mom suggested a "sand box" of rice to play with outside. Drew LOVED it! Any mess you can make without mom telling you to stop has got to be big fun! He scooped & splashed rice all around. The dogs didn't really know what to think of it, but everyone had a blast.
Hacinto, the workman finishing up some touch-up details on our house, taught us how to say rice in Spanish. He's been giving us a Spanish "word of the day" whenever he comes over to work on our house. It's big fun. Drew loves hearing him talk, especially anything that has the crazy rolled Rrrr's in it. Hacinto is a hit around here!
So...this is the Arroz Box!
Hacinto, the workman finishing up some touch-up details on our house, taught us how to say rice in Spanish. He's been giving us a Spanish "word of the day" whenever he comes over to work on our house. It's big fun. Drew loves hearing him talk, especially anything that has the crazy rolled Rrrr's in it. Hacinto is a hit around here!
So...this is the Arroz Box!
Last Day of School
Last Day of School - May 2009
First Day of School - September 2008
Wow...I can't believe a whole "school year" has already flown by. Drew absolutely loved Mother's Day Out at First Baptist!! He's grown so much in the time he has been going there.
Just recently, he's done a few things that I haven't taught him (strange feeling). A few days ago, I was changing his diaper and he was trying to crawl off the changing table. Sitting still for diaper changes isn't one of his virtues! The best chance I have to get him to stay still is to sing songs to him. I usually perform my best rendition of "The Wheels on the Bus" or "Jesus Loves Me." Occasionally if he's really squirmy, I'll throw out "Incy-Wincy Spider" or something silly. Nothing was working this day, so I thought of "If You're Happy & You Know It". It's not a song I normally throw out, so I was shocked when the second I sang "If"...he smiled really big and started clapping his hands!! Wow. I'm sure he was shocked that I knew that song (since he hadn't ever heard it at home before)! I guess his teachers sing it with them in school.
We celebrated our last day of school with a picture just like we took the first day of school back in September. I can't believe what a big boy Drew has become. Most of the "baby" has gradually faded to "little kid". He's the most precious little boy I know (of course, I'm a little biased). He giggles and is highly entertained by a good game of "Where's Drew" (aka...peek-a-boo, but we hide behind furniture or walls). He's really talking right now. His favorite word is "Daddy", and he loves to look at family pictures. He's into everything...climbing up chairs and always fleeing out the doggie door to go play outside. He's an active kid, but I guess that's just how boys are.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Mother's Day
I get why moms love Mother's Day. It's special to get a little extra love from those you love on all the time. This Mother's Day felt like I had "earned my stripes". Drew was so young last year that I didn't truly feel like a mom just yet. Well...this year I've been initiated into the club & I soaked up all my spoiling with great joy!
Drew took me to his new favorite restaurant Saturday night to start the party early. We hit McDonald's and he showed me all of his climbing moves as he played on the playground. On Sunday, all of the moms were given flowers when we arrived at church, which was fun! Sunday afternoon, Andrew treated me to a LONG nap as he played with Drew all afternoon long. I felt very rested and extremely loved.
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