Location

This weekend, we went out and spent a little time together as a family.  Long overdue for sure.  We walked to the 39th street area to try out Fric and Frac.  It was so fun being able to walk from our house just a few blocks.  The weather was beautiful and we were able to sit outside.  Everyone stopped to gawk at Ashyr and Wyllow.

After we got back I was thinking about our house and how much I love living here.  I concluded that maybe my favorite part isn't the house itself (although I do like it a lot), but actually the location.  It felt almost surreal that we could walk three blocks down a beautiful neighborhood with huge trees and old houses and then end up in one of our favorite part of the whole city.

Neglected Moments

I'm so glad summer is drawing to a close. It has been the craziest time in our lives. I never thought I'd look back on the semester in college that I took 21 hours, worked 20 hours, managed a long distance relationship, and planned a wedding as being easy. But that's how it has felt this summer! Things are starting to calm down and we now have a little breathing room without deadlines.

Needless to say, moments like these have been far too often neglected. I'm playing serious catch up when it comes to sitting down and doing nothing but downright loving on my babies!

These Two

I absolutely love this picture of these two.  And although life might be a little easier right now without two munchkins, I wouldn't trade them for the world! But if Ashyr and Wyllow could learn how to pack and clean, I wouldn't complain. ;) Kidding. They have been amazing during this transition and our crazy schedules right now.

Wyllow

I have been meaning to share about our little Wyllow Dawn for nine days now (two babies=no time to blog). She was born June 22nd at 12:11pm, weighed 7 lb. 7 oz., and was 21" long. My labor was fast just like Ashyr's, but we were very thankful to make it to the birth center. 

It has been a very tiring week for us all, but we are so thankful for this blessing and we are excited about our new life as a family of four!

On My Mind: Abiding in Christ

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ²  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

It's Been Three Years of Wedded Bliss...

May Trips

May has been one chaotic whirlwind of a month in our home.  But I'm so thankful for the time we could get away and visit family.

Ashyr and I went to Springfield for four days.  We went to celebrate my parent's completion of BBC. While there, we got to meet precious Ridley for the first time. My parents babied me a lot and I loved every minute of it.   So did Ashyr!

Over Memorial day weekend we were able to visit Grant's family which was also wonderful.  It was a fast weekend, but we are glad we were able to still go.  Plus we got to meet the beautiful Vivian at last! Such a doll and the sweetest, calmest baby girl ever!

Mother's Day #2

I had a wonderful mother's day this weekend.  Plenty of time with my boys who took me out to a favorite place.  Love those two! 

Ashyr loved daddy's carrot and cucumber juice. 

Wouldn't look at the camera for anything, but I love it anyway.

These are the flowers that Ashyr picked/yanked from a bush and handed them to me in handfuls. I couldn't resist even though normally he would be told "no." A perfect mother's day bouquet!

And he drew me a picture. Isn't it beautiful? It's hanging on our fridge.

This was my second mother's day and was very special. I was overwhelmed all day by how thankful I am for Ashyr, the baby in my womb, and for Grant who made me a mother.  I'm also so thankful for a godly mother who has been a great example for me.  So excited to see her this week!

34 Weeks and Preparation

This week I'm 34 weeks and feeling a little better than I have the past few. The baby has shifted into a position that has not been as uncomfortable and painful for me. Hope this continues especially over the next few weeks while we travel. I have also begun working on my long list of "To Do Before Baby Comes."

I started the 2 week plan at 32 weeks which means appointments every other week. Yesterday while the listening with the Doppler, the baby decided to stretch out and it contorted my whole belly in front of everyone. Made us laugh.

Last night I also took a water birth class. Of course I had this with Ashyr, but it was a nice refresher for me. The most important thing I was refreshed on was going into labor with an open mind and not so much on water birth.  (Obviously Ashyr's birth taught me something about being open-minded.) The reason this water birth class was refreshing in this way was because the speaker said that only about 25% of moms who plan a water birth actually have one. I was pretty surprised by this!

Now I'm not going into labor expecting a water birth (or even a birth center birth for that matter). I'm preparing myself to be open minded with scripture which will bring peace no matter what this birth looks like. This was BY FAR the biggest help for me last time and I truly believe the one thing that brought me through without panicking. Even in the scariest moments (i.e. Grant seeing the head while we were in our apartment and the midwife rushing here) I had scripture comforting me all along.

Sure, I want to be prepared in the practical ways--bags all packed, calling immediately at the first sign of labor, understanding water birth, baby projects and to do's completed etc. But I don't think I could do anything better for myself as having God's word tucked away in my heart and mind.  Nor would it be wise to solely lean upon my own strength, Grant's strength, or the midwives abilities.  When I think about it, God is the one forming this baby in the womb anyway, so why not lean upon Him for my source of strength and comfort to bring it into the world?  Makes too much sense...

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb." Psalm 139:13

Monkey

I have a monkey named Ashyr. Seriously.  In the past week he has evolved from busy little boy to pure monkey.  He just figured out climbing--everything. Couches, coffee table, bed, and even into drawers.  I have been told by a couple friends with boys that they can be crazy, and wow they were right.  Scary thing is he is only 13 months!  What will he be like at 5 years old? The word acrobat comes to mind.  *Sigh*  I sure love my energetic boy, but I wish I had the energy and physical capacity to keep up right now.

His favorite is this green chair.  First thing every morning (hence the pj's), he runs as fast as his little legs will go into the living room to climb it. 

And of course he is just so proud!

Standing in a drawer...this will not be happening again although he has attempted multiple times.

Unfortunately, bumps and bruises come with the territory. He got his noggin pretty good yesterday as you can see. But he was a trooper and kept on going (well after a few tears...both baby and mama were crying--broke my heart!)

Sick Little Guy

For the first time in 13 months, I have a sick baby. This week has made my heart break for my little man who has had a nasty cold and low-grade fever. Not to mention he is teething like crazy. Talk about sleepless nights and miles and miles put on our rocking chair. Although I have absolutely hated seeing him in this condition, I have enjoyed all the extra snuggle time. I'm also *trying* to look at the sleepless nights as a good reminder of what it will be like to have a newborn again in a couple months.

I think my biggest reminder has come spiritually though. Sure this was only a yucky cold and little fever, but it helped me remember that our sweet Ashyr's health is ultimately in God's hands. As a mom we do everything we can to keep them safe and healthy, but He is the one in control. I have learned this week to be more okay with that as I've prayed over him while rocking him to sleep.

Toddler Years

Yesterday Ashyr had a check-up with his pediatrician.  He usually does great when the doctor or nurses have to take measurements or vitals, but yesterday they needed to draw blood for an iron count.  Unfortunately, it took three different nurses and three different attempts to get the needle in his arm.  I was bawling like a baby (and Ashyr too--understandably so).  I felt so bad for the little guy, but I think he did pretty good after being poked three times.

On a positive note, his doctor said he is growing and developing wonderfully--he also mentioned that he seems to be "strong-willed and has plenty of muscle mass."  Grant liked that part. One other thing that really struck me was that he told us "Welcome to the toddler years."  For some reason it hadn't really sunk in that wow, my baby is a toddler until Dr. Wulff told us that.  I think I have been in denial about it, and I even had to double check the definition of a toddler when we got home.  An online dicitionary defines a toddler as, "One who toddles, especially a young child learning to walk."  And that is exactly what Ashyr does. Toddles around all day long.  

So yes, I have a toddler and I'm coping with it.  But I think I'll still call him my baby for a good long while yet. Possibly until his wedding day, but I'm aiming for his fifth birthday.  Give me time, I'll get there eventually. :)

Third Trimester and Pressure

I'm so happy to say I'm officially in the third trimester. Yesterday I had a checkup which went really well--the baby's heart beat was 155 bpm and I'm measuring at 27". I also had to to the tedious glucose test, but at least this time chugging the orange drink didn't make me nauseated like it did with Ashyr. But once again, they couldn't find a good vein, so I had to be stuck three times. Don't exactly love needles.

Anyway, now that I'm 28 weeks and in the home stretch, I'm starting to feel a decent amount of pressure (and not just the kind of pressure from having a watermelon weighing down on your bladder 24/7). There is so much to be done between now and June 21st. You know, remodeling a house (new roof and windows-check, check!), packing, moving, changing the nursery (that one isn't necessary, but I've had a hankering to mix things up), and plenty of diy projects for this baby girl. Not to mention the need to mentally prepare myself for labor again. I felt like I had all the time in the world when I was pregnant with Ashyr, but now that I have him to watch, things tend to be counterproductive.

I have been unnecessarily anxious about all these things and while I still do feel a sense of urgency, at the same time I've been trying not to focus so much on these things which really don't matter in the end. My anxiety about it all has compelled me to study the Bible vigorously instead, tend to our current home and Ashyr to the best of my ability, and simply do what I can, when I can on the things that are pressing.

Spoiled

Ashyr got spoiled (as expected) Sunday as we celebrated his birthday. We were thrilled Grant's parents were able to join us for the afternoon. Ashyr got three new John Deere tractors, a toy cart, phone, and camera, clothes, balls, and a felt book made by his mama.

And here is his fruit pizza (he won't eat cake!), simple decorations, and the hat I made him that he refused to wear. I'm sad I forgot to get a picture of his high chair--I decked it out with Christmas lights for the birthday boy. :)

What did Ashyr do for his 1st Birthday?

The real question is : What did he not do?!

 First the day began with reading his favorite books and cuddles with mommy and daddy.

But daddy had to go to work. So then mommy and Ashyr stopped for a doughnut with sprinkles! (Okay, this one was technically for me, but he just smiled and chattered to me the whole time...and no, I did not feed him doughnuts).

.

Next, Ashyr got to pick out any toy his little heart desired at the store. He went straight to the balls and dug through them.  He seemed quite content when he found a basketball (seriously, I had to pry it out of his death grip so the cashier could ring it up). A boy after his daddy's own heart! And mommy is such a softy, that she couldn't resist buying him a football too.  Can't wait to watch him and daddy play ball together! :)

Mommy and Ashyr then went to the plaza and strolled around for a nice long walk to enjoy the beautiful weather. Ashyr got a lot of attention from strangers, because he was smiling and singing loudly from his stroller the whole time. Such a cutie!

Lastly, we went to the jungle gym at our apartment so Ashyr could go down the slide (with mommy's help) for the first time. He loved it!

In other words, we had a blast! Looking forward to celebrating/spoiling him more this weekend with cake and presents! :)

One Year Old

Well the big day has finally come when our sweet baby boy turns one year old. I was so excited to go pick him up out of his crib this morning that I couldn't sleep, just like a little kid excited for Christmas morning. While I was lying there anxiously waiting for him to wake up, I was reflecting on this past year. I can hardly believe that it was a whole year ago that I gave birth (and rather quickly) to him right there where I was laying. I then started thanking the Lord for watching over us that day and for the continual health and safety he has given Ashyr all year long. I thought about all the sweet times we've had with him and all the smiles and giggles he gives us everyday. We are truly blessed.

 Happy 1st Birthday, Ashyr! 

Mommy and Daddy love you SO much!