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. :)