There are so many times that I dream of a day off. Of peace and quiet. Of time to myself. A chance to pursue things that I really enjoy rather than cleaning dishes, washing clothes and changing diapers.
I got my days off! Less than two weeks ago I had strep throat and Sunday afternoon I got hit HARD by that nasty stomach bug that is going around. And so...in the last 2 weeks, 3 of those days I spent quarantined in the bedroom. Its very quiet in here...can't do dishes or laundry and no diaper changes. Honestly, getting a break from those things has been a little nice (although I don't even want to see the condition of our house!)
But...all I wanted those days was to be with my family! To be able to hear them laugh and enjoy all the silly little things my babies do. I missed my little people!
So, its funny how the thing I thought I really wanted, I don't want at all! I pray that I would learn to be content in the days God gives me...that I would be content today... Stuck in a room-by myself!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Derek's 2 year pics
Just wanted to share...my adorable, crazy, cute, funny, fun and totally lovable little boy. Here is a link to his 2 year pictures! :)
http://ryanodowd.com/2012/07/dereks-2-year-pictures-downtown-frisco-train-depot/
I know I am biased, but I think these are GREAT!
http://ryanodowd.com/2012/07/dereks-2-year-pictures-downtown-frisco-train-depot/
I know I am biased, but I think these are GREAT!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Rhythms
Things have been pretty busy around here. Aside from the usual...we had family in for most of a week last week and had new floors put in our house (thanks land lord for that, they are really nice!)...which creates a lot of chaos. Interrupted naps, furniture everywhere and tons and tons of dust. I dusted...and then dusted again and again and it still seems to be settling.
All that to say...it has been a hard week. I feel emotionally and physically tapped out. I kind of always feel that way by the end of the day, but this week, it has reached a new level. We are out of our rhythm. I would never claim that the O'Dowd's hold to a routine (that would be for days long ago when we had just one baby). But, we do have rhythms that really make our life work. And not just work, but I think we thrive this way. Allow me to share what has been so helpful for our family!
Rhythm #1...My favorite day of the week is Monday (strange, I know). But for a ministry family, this is a day off and for the O's, its our SABBATH! My soul and body need a day of rest! We plan fun things as a family (or just plan to stay in all day and relax). We don't do laundry or clean or make complicated meals. I do not make the bed and get out the vacuum. We just rest as a family and in the Lord. Nap time is for reading and resting (not catching up on the dishes). We do not get on the computer or check our phones. Life pauses and we take time to really enjoy each other. The Bibles tells us to Sabbath, and yet everyone is too busy to take a day off (all the more reason we need one!)
Rhythm #2 would be date night. I miss date night! We have had a regular weekly date night since our sophomore year of college (that was 8 years ago...crazy), until recently. We have been trying to get really creative, but with two little ones, one still nursing, its been really challenging. We will not give up though. We are working toward a date night co-op (this has worked well before for us) and we have been getting small dates at the Frisco Rec Center where you get 2 hours of childcare a day for free. Brooklyn is not a huge fan, so our longest date so far has been 40 minutes, but we got to relax on the lazy river together and go down the water slides (don't laugh, yes we were by far the oldest in line, but it was fun!).
Rhythm #3... Dinners together! And lunches and breakfasts (whenever possible). We have actually had more of these than ever with Ryan working from home; he often gets to join us for a meal during the work day. We all sit down together and talk over the day and laugh about the silly stuff the kids do. (Thankfully the only season where this rhythm is interrupted is with a small baby- that may want to nurse or fuss during family meal time). Ryan also makes breakfast with Der on Saturday morning and its usually something fun that he picks (just a fun family tradition). And as many meals as can be shared with others, the better still!
Rhythm #4... Only-child dates. We started these when Der turned a year old. Miss B will get the same in a few months. Tuesday evening. Ryan and I trade off taking Der somewhere fun. I have so many great memories from these excursions. The construction site, to the park, to the fire station, pet shops, the mall play area, to the train track. And it woulnd't be a date, if there is not a treat involved...cookie, ice cream, snow cone etc. that he picks. He knows what "date" means for him. Something fun and a treat, but the treat is really for Ryan and I though- he is a blast to hang out with and its great fun watching him enjoy new things!
Rhythm #5. ..Community. I am finally starting to grasp the importance of this! Wednesday night our City Group meets to fellowship, to encourage one another, challenge each other in our faith, and invite non-believers to join us. It is a beautiful expression of God's grace in our lives. We love these friends and our times together extend way beyond a weekly gathering. We do tons of playdates and dinners together and community events. Recently Ryan joined a softball league with some of the guys. We all have the same goals and dreams for our ministries, our families and our lives and challenge each other to fight for those things!
Rhythm #6... Away time for mommy. I can not be a great mommy if I am "on" all the time. Nor can I be a good wife, or anything else either. Saturday morning is usually my time to go to Starbucks for a few hours- to sip something yummy and pray and read and reevaluate. It refreshes and restores my soul like few other things. During the school year, I participate in MOPS, which is a great break for me plus the added bonus of fellowship with other stay at home moms. I am grateful for a husband who knows how important this is!
Rhythm #7... We get up before our kids! I found out pretty early on, that I am not ready to be a mommy (let alone the mommy God wants me to be) if I wake up to a crying, needy child demanding my attention. Instead, we get up before them and have time to read our Bible together and pray through our day and the things on our heart. The days I miss this time are *cough*- lets say...ugly. I sometimes can even get some laundry started and the dishes unloaded from the dish washer before I hear the calls from the crib.
That's all Ive got (plenty, I know). Does your family have rhythms that are helpful? Please share! :)
All that to say...it has been a hard week. I feel emotionally and physically tapped out. I kind of always feel that way by the end of the day, but this week, it has reached a new level. We are out of our rhythm. I would never claim that the O'Dowd's hold to a routine (that would be for days long ago when we had just one baby). But, we do have rhythms that really make our life work. And not just work, but I think we thrive this way. Allow me to share what has been so helpful for our family!
Rhythm #1...My favorite day of the week is Monday (strange, I know). But for a ministry family, this is a day off and for the O's, its our SABBATH! My soul and body need a day of rest! We plan fun things as a family (or just plan to stay in all day and relax). We don't do laundry or clean or make complicated meals. I do not make the bed and get out the vacuum. We just rest as a family and in the Lord. Nap time is for reading and resting (not catching up on the dishes). We do not get on the computer or check our phones. Life pauses and we take time to really enjoy each other. The Bibles tells us to Sabbath, and yet everyone is too busy to take a day off (all the more reason we need one!)
Rhythm #2 would be date night. I miss date night! We have had a regular weekly date night since our sophomore year of college (that was 8 years ago...crazy), until recently. We have been trying to get really creative, but with two little ones, one still nursing, its been really challenging. We will not give up though. We are working toward a date night co-op (this has worked well before for us) and we have been getting small dates at the Frisco Rec Center where you get 2 hours of childcare a day for free. Brooklyn is not a huge fan, so our longest date so far has been 40 minutes, but we got to relax on the lazy river together and go down the water slides (don't laugh, yes we were by far the oldest in line, but it was fun!).
Rhythm #3... Dinners together! And lunches and breakfasts (whenever possible). We have actually had more of these than ever with Ryan working from home; he often gets to join us for a meal during the work day. We all sit down together and talk over the day and laugh about the silly stuff the kids do. (Thankfully the only season where this rhythm is interrupted is with a small baby- that may want to nurse or fuss during family meal time). Ryan also makes breakfast with Der on Saturday morning and its usually something fun that he picks (just a fun family tradition). And as many meals as can be shared with others, the better still!
Rhythm #4... Only-child dates. We started these when Der turned a year old. Miss B will get the same in a few months. Tuesday evening. Ryan and I trade off taking Der somewhere fun. I have so many great memories from these excursions. The construction site, to the park, to the fire station, pet shops, the mall play area, to the train track. And it woulnd't be a date, if there is not a treat involved...cookie, ice cream, snow cone etc. that he picks. He knows what "date" means for him. Something fun and a treat, but the treat is really for Ryan and I though- he is a blast to hang out with and its great fun watching him enjoy new things!
Rhythm #5. ..Community. I am finally starting to grasp the importance of this! Wednesday night our City Group meets to fellowship, to encourage one another, challenge each other in our faith, and invite non-believers to join us. It is a beautiful expression of God's grace in our lives. We love these friends and our times together extend way beyond a weekly gathering. We do tons of playdates and dinners together and community events. Recently Ryan joined a softball league with some of the guys. We all have the same goals and dreams for our ministries, our families and our lives and challenge each other to fight for those things!
Rhythm #6... Away time for mommy. I can not be a great mommy if I am "on" all the time. Nor can I be a good wife, or anything else either. Saturday morning is usually my time to go to Starbucks for a few hours- to sip something yummy and pray and read and reevaluate. It refreshes and restores my soul like few other things. During the school year, I participate in MOPS, which is a great break for me plus the added bonus of fellowship with other stay at home moms. I am grateful for a husband who knows how important this is!
Rhythm #7... We get up before our kids! I found out pretty early on, that I am not ready to be a mommy (let alone the mommy God wants me to be) if I wake up to a crying, needy child demanding my attention. Instead, we get up before them and have time to read our Bible together and pray through our day and the things on our heart. The days I miss this time are *cough*- lets say...ugly. I sometimes can even get some laundry started and the dishes unloaded from the dish washer before I hear the calls from the crib.
That's all Ive got (plenty, I know). Does your family have rhythms that are helpful? Please share! :)
Monday, July 9, 2012
Family Update
Since I haven't updated this thing in a while, I thought it would be fun to at least post a family update. Things are changing quickly around here and its been a wonderful whirlwind of excitement and craziness all at the same time.
Sweet Brooklyn is going to be 9 months tomorrow! My baby girl is flying through her milestones and growing up way to fast. She loves...her brother, to charm her daddy, to be tackled (seriously), to be played with, to knock over towers, to make people laugh, to dance, and to push her walkers across the floor. She doesn't like...being fed with a spoon (ms. independent likes to feed herself), having mommy leave (apparently she cried mamama when I was gone overnight last week), to be left in the nursery, or to be held when she wants to play or vice vera (she knows what she wants!). She has only her two bottom teeth, which makes her smile especially adorable. She giggles uncontrollably when I tickle her or blow on her belly. Her major milestones....she has been crawling and pulling up for months and actually took her first step on Saturday (just one). I have a feeling she is really going to start taking off in the next few weeks. We have her 9 month check up this week, so I don't have exact stats. I would guess she is still long and lean. Like 16 1/2 lbs and maybe 27in long. She has beautiful long hair (its lightening up a little), dark blue eyes and a spunky easy-going personality!
Big Brother Derek (still my baby) had his second birthday at the end of May. We had a great time at the splash park celebrating with friends! He loves... to swim at the rec, to be wet (sprinkler, hose, splash park, bath), to play with his sister, to roll on his sister, to jump off things (my cautious little guy has gotten quite brave), to build houses out of blocks, to color pictures, to make pretend meals in his kitchen, to follow mommy around and to talk! He is a chatter-box (which I love!). He is speaking in full sentences, which has been fun and diffused a lot of problems since he can tell us what is upsetting him. He really enjoys books and soungs (which he picks up on quickly). This weekend, he could sing most of Jesus Loves Me with out being cued. It was a pretty precious moment. Derek and Brooklyn are little play mates now. They seem to always be on top of each other or in each others' space. They play chase, fetch and keep away...in their adorable baby way. It is so fun to watch them interact, but I have turned into a referee, trying to keep Der from taking her toys or hitting her or jumping on her (although she usually likes it, amazingly enough). At 2 years, he was 20% for weight and 80% for height (basically a mini-daddy). He has a precious big toothy smile and puppy dog like dark brown eyes, and a sweet nurturing personality, mixed with the typical two year old challenges.
Ryan finished up in Lancaster as the youth/church renewal guy. Having more time has freed him up to really pursue photography. There is more pressure now though that his business is needed as a source of income for our family. He has risen to the challenge beautifully. He has been doing all kinds of pictures...from weddings and family portraits to newborns and kids and even some houses. Recently, he did an engagement party for a professional football player and then some interior design pictures of their house. If you haven't check out his work at his website... ryanodowd.com He is still part-time for Mercy Church as the associate pastor. He mostly works on the kids ministry, city groups, meeting with people, and preaching like once a month. We have been so grateful to see God at work in our little church. There is something so special about a church plant...like knowing everyone in the church, immediately knowing if a visitor is there, and seeing God add to our number. We were thrilled as a church to send out a missionary to Ghana this month and to have our first baptism celebration last month.
I am still loving my gig as a stay at home mommy (although there are hard days like any job). The warm weather has been especially fun with my babes. Last week, we went swimming in some form or fashion 6 days in a row. We have been staying busy with playdates, trips to the rec center pool and the Frisco library. We have a splash pad in our neighborhood which we regular after dinner as a family. I have been challenged trying to patiently love my two year old and keep my darling speed crawler from eating bugs and grass. Last week, Ryan and I enjoyed a much-needed, fairly be-lated 6 year anniversary overnight stay at the Omni. We loved reading by the pool, eating good food that we didnt cook (or have to clean up after), and enjoying uninterrupted conversation.
Though I thought there wasnt too much to report, this has turned into a long post, so I will end there :)
Sweet Brooklyn is going to be 9 months tomorrow! My baby girl is flying through her milestones and growing up way to fast. She loves...her brother, to charm her daddy, to be tackled (seriously), to be played with, to knock over towers, to make people laugh, to dance, and to push her walkers across the floor. She doesn't like...being fed with a spoon (ms. independent likes to feed herself), having mommy leave (apparently she cried mamama when I was gone overnight last week), to be left in the nursery, or to be held when she wants to play or vice vera (she knows what she wants!). She has only her two bottom teeth, which makes her smile especially adorable. She giggles uncontrollably when I tickle her or blow on her belly. Her major milestones....she has been crawling and pulling up for months and actually took her first step on Saturday (just one). I have a feeling she is really going to start taking off in the next few weeks. We have her 9 month check up this week, so I don't have exact stats. I would guess she is still long and lean. Like 16 1/2 lbs and maybe 27in long. She has beautiful long hair (its lightening up a little), dark blue eyes and a spunky easy-going personality!
Big Brother Derek (still my baby) had his second birthday at the end of May. We had a great time at the splash park celebrating with friends! He loves... to swim at the rec, to be wet (sprinkler, hose, splash park, bath), to play with his sister, to roll on his sister, to jump off things (my cautious little guy has gotten quite brave), to build houses out of blocks, to color pictures, to make pretend meals in his kitchen, to follow mommy around and to talk! He is a chatter-box (which I love!). He is speaking in full sentences, which has been fun and diffused a lot of problems since he can tell us what is upsetting him. He really enjoys books and soungs (which he picks up on quickly). This weekend, he could sing most of Jesus Loves Me with out being cued. It was a pretty precious moment. Derek and Brooklyn are little play mates now. They seem to always be on top of each other or in each others' space. They play chase, fetch and keep away...in their adorable baby way. It is so fun to watch them interact, but I have turned into a referee, trying to keep Der from taking her toys or hitting her or jumping on her (although she usually likes it, amazingly enough). At 2 years, he was 20% for weight and 80% for height (basically a mini-daddy). He has a precious big toothy smile and puppy dog like dark brown eyes, and a sweet nurturing personality, mixed with the typical two year old challenges.
Ryan finished up in Lancaster as the youth/church renewal guy. Having more time has freed him up to really pursue photography. There is more pressure now though that his business is needed as a source of income for our family. He has risen to the challenge beautifully. He has been doing all kinds of pictures...from weddings and family portraits to newborns and kids and even some houses. Recently, he did an engagement party for a professional football player and then some interior design pictures of their house. If you haven't check out his work at his website... ryanodowd.com He is still part-time for Mercy Church as the associate pastor. He mostly works on the kids ministry, city groups, meeting with people, and preaching like once a month. We have been so grateful to see God at work in our little church. There is something so special about a church plant...like knowing everyone in the church, immediately knowing if a visitor is there, and seeing God add to our number. We were thrilled as a church to send out a missionary to Ghana this month and to have our first baptism celebration last month.
I am still loving my gig as a stay at home mommy (although there are hard days like any job). The warm weather has been especially fun with my babes. Last week, we went swimming in some form or fashion 6 days in a row. We have been staying busy with playdates, trips to the rec center pool and the Frisco library. We have a splash pad in our neighborhood which we regular after dinner as a family. I have been challenged trying to patiently love my two year old and keep my darling speed crawler from eating bugs and grass. Last week, Ryan and I enjoyed a much-needed, fairly be-lated 6 year anniversary overnight stay at the Omni. We loved reading by the pool, eating good food that we didnt cook (or have to clean up after), and enjoying uninterrupted conversation.
Though I thought there wasnt too much to report, this has turned into a long post, so I will end there :)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
A Sweet Gig
I sometimes find myself envying others who, for example....get to shower every day, or enjoy a quiet car ride, or sleep in, or who are able to get out of the house without packing up the car (diaper bag, stroller, snacks, water bottle, blanket, etc.). And then I try to really SEE my life.
I have a pretty sweet gig! Like...I am the best at getting my babies to smile! What a special job...and I get to see more smiles that anyone else. I know exactly how to tickle my kiddos so that they laugh...the right spot, with the right amount of pressure, for the right length of time. I know what my little boy is saying- I can interpret what he says and how he says it- better than anyone else. I get to spend a lot of time outside- digging in the dirt, going down slides, meeting friends at the park, going for mid-day walks. I am the one my babies want when they are hurt or sick. Daily, I get lots of hugs and snuggles and am able to make memories with them. If there ever was an ideal job- this has to be it! So, here's to showering less, getting less sleep, and not getting out much...cause in turn, I get so so so much more! More of my family!
I have a pretty sweet gig! Like...I am the best at getting my babies to smile! What a special job...and I get to see more smiles that anyone else. I know exactly how to tickle my kiddos so that they laugh...the right spot, with the right amount of pressure, for the right length of time. I know what my little boy is saying- I can interpret what he says and how he says it- better than anyone else. I get to spend a lot of time outside- digging in the dirt, going down slides, meeting friends at the park, going for mid-day walks. I am the one my babies want when they are hurt or sick. Daily, I get lots of hugs and snuggles and am able to make memories with them. If there ever was an ideal job- this has to be it! So, here's to showering less, getting less sleep, and not getting out much...cause in turn, I get so so so much more! More of my family!
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| My smiling sweeties! |
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The beauty of brother and sister!
We often have country music on in the background at our house. Today I was holding Miss B and wiggling her little hips to the music when Der took her hands and said ‘dance bookie baby’. He wiggled his cute hips, held her hands....and they danced together. Der followed the dance session by giving his sister a huge hug, and then another and another. I held back tears as I watched my little boy truly enjoy his sister's company, and she was absolutely enthralled with him!
Yesterday, on our way out the door Der pointed to the seat in the stroller next to him and said ‘Bookie Baby HERE’ with enthusiasm. He wanted to make sure his sister would be sitting next to him! And then after offering her his snack and water, he took her hand and held it for several minutes. He adores his “Booka Baby”!! I have been telling him that Baby Brooklyn is his best friend…and its already starting to look that way! They are buddies. He asks for her and many times she has been crying till she spots her brother and then her gaze is fixed on him and her problem forgotten.
There is something so special about the relationship between brother and sister. I know because I had a wonderful big brother. I remember how excited I got when I saw his car in the driveway which meant that he was home from college for the weekend. I loved that he drove me home in high school and we would blast Dave Matthews Band from the car. I remember lots of late night chats and the night we watched a scary movie home alone and both ended up sleeping on the sleeper sofa out in the gameroom because we were so afraid (I think he was 17 and I was 15). I have so many fond memories with him…and I wonder how he was with me when I was as little as Brooklyn is now. I bet he was just as sweet!
I love family. I love my family! I am so grateful that God in His divine wisdom designed children to share parents and be brother and sister. What a beautiful idea! It added beauty to my growing up years and it added beauty to my day today watching my 20 month old and not even 4 month old dance, hand in hand! BEAUTIFUL!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Ordinary Days
My days seem very ordinary. It is hard to distinguish one from another right now. Aside for the cute things that Der does, or maybe an explosive, record setting poop that got everywhere (lovely, I know!), each of my days seems very much like the day before. I find myself saying the same things, reading the same books, offering meals, changing diapers, folding laundry, picking up toys, playing pretend...
But...I like to think that it is in the ordinary things that my children will be extraordinary (or at least all that God intended them to be). If I didn't stay home with them, I would miss so so many opportunities to love them and teach them. Just when I find myself getting weary of these ordinary days, Der figures something out that we have been saying or doing for a while and I realize that all this repetition really matters!
So mommies out there...God has given you a monumental task, to teach, train, love and shepherd your children. Your life will be full of ordinary days, but an extraordinary legacy!
But...I like to think that it is in the ordinary things that my children will be extraordinary (or at least all that God intended them to be). If I didn't stay home with them, I would miss so so many opportunities to love them and teach them. Just when I find myself getting weary of these ordinary days, Der figures something out that we have been saying or doing for a while and I realize that all this repetition really matters!
So mommies out there...God has given you a monumental task, to teach, train, love and shepherd your children. Your life will be full of ordinary days, but an extraordinary legacy!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Your Gonna Miss This...
I love the sweet new country song by Trace Adkins...the chorus goes:
You're gonna miss this,
Your'e gonna want this back,
You're gonna wish these days...
Hadn't gone by so fast,
These are the good times,
So take a good look around
You may not know it now...
But, you're going to miss this!
Even as I type these out the lyrics to the song and listen to it (so i could get them right), I am tearing up- totally overwhelmed with joy!
Joy found in so many things...joy that I personally know and worship a sovereign God that gives me enough grace and energy to get through each day. Joy that even in my exhaustion, I see God using this season of life to sanctify me...to make me aware of how selfish I am, of how much I like to control things, and that I often choose to please people over my Savior.
Joy that God has given me the perfect man for me...ones that loves me, loves his family, and loves Jesus! A man that knows how to encourage me right now and make me feel like what I do as a homemaker is of utmost value. One that starts each morning in prayer and study, spending time with God! A man whose faith, love, and passion for people I look up to!
Joy in my two most precious gifts, sweet Der and Miss B- even when I am knee deep in laundry, diapers, and playing with blocks. I see my Creator in my children. I am in awe of how he knit them together so perfectly. Derek, who has the most precious, sweet spirit. He loves people (we call him our little evangelist, since he doesn't know a stranger), he loves to entertain and make people laugh. He loves the beauty of the outdoors, and is never ready to come inside. He really sees things! He sees the intricate design on a flower and just stares in wonder. It is a joy to see God wooing Derek to himself already- like, Der loves to pray! When we say, lets pray, he takes our hands and starts listing out people he wants to pray for. He gets excited to go to church (even though he obviously doesn't get it yet).
And then, my little lady...what a joy it is to see her become aware of her surroundings. What a joy to be able to make her smile and feed her and hold her! It even brings me joy that she was totally unplanned, and yet I love having her in our family- right now, just as God designed her life!
This post is going to be cut short, as my sweet babies are both now awake.
What brings you joy? Right now, in this season of life...cause you're gonna miss this! I am going to miss this!!
You're gonna miss this,
Your'e gonna want this back,
You're gonna wish these days...
Hadn't gone by so fast,
These are the good times,
So take a good look around
You may not know it now...
But, you're going to miss this!
Even as I type these out the lyrics to the song and listen to it (so i could get them right), I am tearing up- totally overwhelmed with joy!
Joy found in so many things...joy that I personally know and worship a sovereign God that gives me enough grace and energy to get through each day. Joy that even in my exhaustion, I see God using this season of life to sanctify me...to make me aware of how selfish I am, of how much I like to control things, and that I often choose to please people over my Savior.
Joy that God has given me the perfect man for me...ones that loves me, loves his family, and loves Jesus! A man that knows how to encourage me right now and make me feel like what I do as a homemaker is of utmost value. One that starts each morning in prayer and study, spending time with God! A man whose faith, love, and passion for people I look up to!
Joy in my two most precious gifts, sweet Der and Miss B- even when I am knee deep in laundry, diapers, and playing with blocks. I see my Creator in my children. I am in awe of how he knit them together so perfectly. Derek, who has the most precious, sweet spirit. He loves people (we call him our little evangelist, since he doesn't know a stranger), he loves to entertain and make people laugh. He loves the beauty of the outdoors, and is never ready to come inside. He really sees things! He sees the intricate design on a flower and just stares in wonder. It is a joy to see God wooing Derek to himself already- like, Der loves to pray! When we say, lets pray, he takes our hands and starts listing out people he wants to pray for. He gets excited to go to church (even though he obviously doesn't get it yet).
And then, my little lady...what a joy it is to see her become aware of her surroundings. What a joy to be able to make her smile and feed her and hold her! It even brings me joy that she was totally unplanned, and yet I love having her in our family- right now, just as God designed her life!
This post is going to be cut short, as my sweet babies are both now awake.
What brings you joy? Right now, in this season of life...cause you're gonna miss this! I am going to miss this!!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Honestly...
I am feeling the need to write...though I dont know where this post is going yet...
My precious little girl is now 8 weeks old and Der just turned 18 months last week! I really never thought I would have my babies this close together- and it has been tough! I think that this adjustment has been even harder than after Der was born. I went from working full time to being home full time...and though having a newborn is demanding, in many ways it was a relief to not be so busy and worn out at the end of the day (teaching is pretty exhausting!). But now...*sigh* I have very very little down time. And if I take a moment to write (like this) or read or just rest, I feel like I will pay for it the next day because I will have gotten further behind the seemingly endless to-do list. I often plan to get a lot done in the evening, but instead, we just switch to man-to-man defense and try to "up" the entertainment with two parents now home...and the to-do list waits again. On a good day... I will get 30ish minutes in the afternoon with both babies asleep. That is not enough time to get everything done that I need to, let alone take a breather and let myself rest.
When it was just Derek and I, we got out of the house almost every day (or had friends over). Now...every time we go anywhere, I always question if it was worth the trouble. I know its good for Der to be around other people, but carting around two babies and all their gear is challenging (how do moms of twins do it?) I even load up the car the night before we have something planned, but no matter how early I get up or plan ahead, we are usually late. :)
We braved the grocery store for the first time the other day. Where was I supposed to put the groceries with Der in the front of the cart and Brooklyn's carseat taking up the actual cart part...and the diaper bag underneath? I started by stuffing the 2 loaves of bread next to Der, which he tolerated for a while, then he tried to throw them out of the cart. And Brookie wanted out of her carseat almost right away, so she got carried around the store. Ha- I got lots of sympathetic looks from people, but we managed.
The few times we have gone to a friend's house, I spend most of my time keeping Der out of cabinets and away from the Christmas tree of breakables...and jostling Brooklyn to keep her happy. There is little time for chit-chat. Is it worth it, I ask again? And trying to keep my house from being a total mess so I can have friends over is a challenge too. I tell myself that I can just make people feel better about the way their house looks. :)
And yet...would I have things any other way? Not a chance!! Honestly, it has been really tough! I don't think I have ever been this worn out in my life or been as drained at the end of the day. I love my two precious, beautiful gifts. And even though being a mommy is a pretty thankless job, it is the best job in the world! I have more influence over the course of their life than anyone else. What a privilege and opportunity! May God grant me the strength and courage to love, serve, disciple and cherish my precious little ones while they are still little and I still get to speak into their life!
My precious little girl is now 8 weeks old and Der just turned 18 months last week! I really never thought I would have my babies this close together- and it has been tough! I think that this adjustment has been even harder than after Der was born. I went from working full time to being home full time...and though having a newborn is demanding, in many ways it was a relief to not be so busy and worn out at the end of the day (teaching is pretty exhausting!). But now...*sigh* I have very very little down time. And if I take a moment to write (like this) or read or just rest, I feel like I will pay for it the next day because I will have gotten further behind the seemingly endless to-do list. I often plan to get a lot done in the evening, but instead, we just switch to man-to-man defense and try to "up" the entertainment with two parents now home...and the to-do list waits again. On a good day... I will get 30ish minutes in the afternoon with both babies asleep. That is not enough time to get everything done that I need to, let alone take a breather and let myself rest.
When it was just Derek and I, we got out of the house almost every day (or had friends over). Now...every time we go anywhere, I always question if it was worth the trouble. I know its good for Der to be around other people, but carting around two babies and all their gear is challenging (how do moms of twins do it?) I even load up the car the night before we have something planned, but no matter how early I get up or plan ahead, we are usually late. :)
We braved the grocery store for the first time the other day. Where was I supposed to put the groceries with Der in the front of the cart and Brooklyn's carseat taking up the actual cart part...and the diaper bag underneath? I started by stuffing the 2 loaves of bread next to Der, which he tolerated for a while, then he tried to throw them out of the cart. And Brookie wanted out of her carseat almost right away, so she got carried around the store. Ha- I got lots of sympathetic looks from people, but we managed.
The few times we have gone to a friend's house, I spend most of my time keeping Der out of cabinets and away from the Christmas tree of breakables...and jostling Brooklyn to keep her happy. There is little time for chit-chat. Is it worth it, I ask again? And trying to keep my house from being a total mess so I can have friends over is a challenge too. I tell myself that I can just make people feel better about the way their house looks. :)
And yet...would I have things any other way? Not a chance!! Honestly, it has been really tough! I don't think I have ever been this worn out in my life or been as drained at the end of the day. I love my two precious, beautiful gifts. And even though being a mommy is a pretty thankless job, it is the best job in the world! I have more influence over the course of their life than anyone else. What a privilege and opportunity! May God grant me the strength and courage to love, serve, disciple and cherish my precious little ones while they are still little and I still get to speak into their life!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Lessons Learned
And now I have 2 babies!! Two totally darling, completely adorable babies that I am totally in love with!! God has been so good to us and there are moments every day where I can feel tears welling up as I think of how blessed I am and how much I love my family! Ryan and I say to each other all the time, "I really love my family!"
I knew this would be a hard season for us. I guess I just had no idea what about it would be hard. Now I know! Its hard to feel like you can't be the mommy you want to be to your babies. For example...I spent so much time holding, rocking, cuddling, kissing, playing with Der when he was as tiny as Brookie. But I simply can't do that with Brooklyn the way I did with Der and it makes me sad. Once a day, I try to nurse and rock her in her nursery (something I did for almost every feeding with Der), and this time it feels like a luxury instead of the norm. I feel like I havent had the time to get to know my new little one like I did with Der.
And then there is my sweet Derek who I feel like has to wait on me to nurse all day. He is too young to play by himself for long (we are working on this), so he just hangs around waiting while I nurse Brooklyn (which at this age feels like all the time). He lays his head in my lap and pats Brookie and asks to be held... and I just rub is back, tell him I love him, but that mommy is feeding the baby and I can't hold him. Its hard! And when I am trying to settle Brooklyn when she is crying, Der tugs on my leg and says "up, up" because the crying upsets him and he wants to be held too. Or when he is desperate for a nap and has to wait to be put down because I can't get the little girl settled, its hard. I want to be everything to both of them...and I simply can't.
I am so grateful that I serve a sovereign God who was not surprised that my babies are so close in age. He is equipping me to be their mommy and where I am weak, He is strong. And where I can't meet their needs, He does perfectly! And even if I am the perfect mom (which I will never be!), my children's salvation is not going to be a result of how good of a mom I am. So, in those hard moments, I try to remind myself of these truths and trust in His goodness and rest in His grace!
So now that most days its 2 on 1...I am learning to appreciate things I took for granted before. A shower, brushing my teeth, going to the bathroom in peace, having downtime, my wonderful husband who is also the best daddy I know, dates, quiet, time that is my own, a clean house, evenings after babies are in bed, sleep, getting dressed, and being able to get out. Its amazing how having a baby changes your perspective.
And I know I will look back on this season with 2 little ones when I have 3 little ones (God willing) and realize how easy I had it. And yet God does not give us more than we can handle and I am grateful for the sanctification that is going on in my heart and everything I am learning.
And just as a sidenote...I am going to start posting most pictures on facebook (because they upload so much faster) and use the blog to write. :)
I knew this would be a hard season for us. I guess I just had no idea what about it would be hard. Now I know! Its hard to feel like you can't be the mommy you want to be to your babies. For example...I spent so much time holding, rocking, cuddling, kissing, playing with Der when he was as tiny as Brookie. But I simply can't do that with Brooklyn the way I did with Der and it makes me sad. Once a day, I try to nurse and rock her in her nursery (something I did for almost every feeding with Der), and this time it feels like a luxury instead of the norm. I feel like I havent had the time to get to know my new little one like I did with Der.
And then there is my sweet Derek who I feel like has to wait on me to nurse all day. He is too young to play by himself for long (we are working on this), so he just hangs around waiting while I nurse Brooklyn (which at this age feels like all the time). He lays his head in my lap and pats Brookie and asks to be held... and I just rub is back, tell him I love him, but that mommy is feeding the baby and I can't hold him. Its hard! And when I am trying to settle Brooklyn when she is crying, Der tugs on my leg and says "up, up" because the crying upsets him and he wants to be held too. Or when he is desperate for a nap and has to wait to be put down because I can't get the little girl settled, its hard. I want to be everything to both of them...and I simply can't.
I am so grateful that I serve a sovereign God who was not surprised that my babies are so close in age. He is equipping me to be their mommy and where I am weak, He is strong. And where I can't meet their needs, He does perfectly! And even if I am the perfect mom (which I will never be!), my children's salvation is not going to be a result of how good of a mom I am. So, in those hard moments, I try to remind myself of these truths and trust in His goodness and rest in His grace!
So now that most days its 2 on 1...I am learning to appreciate things I took for granted before. A shower, brushing my teeth, going to the bathroom in peace, having downtime, my wonderful husband who is also the best daddy I know, dates, quiet, time that is my own, a clean house, evenings after babies are in bed, sleep, getting dressed, and being able to get out. Its amazing how having a baby changes your perspective.
And I know I will look back on this season with 2 little ones when I have 3 little ones (God willing) and realize how easy I had it. And yet God does not give us more than we can handle and I am grateful for the sanctification that is going on in my heart and everything I am learning.
And just as a sidenote...I am going to start posting most pictures on facebook (because they upload so much faster) and use the blog to write. :)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Introducing...
Our beautiful baby girl, Brooklyn Noelle, born Monday October 10th, 2011 at 11:16 am.
Here's the story...
I had been having contractions for a while and almost thought it was "go time" the night before. All day Sunday, they were off and on, but never got consistent or regular. Before bed I told my mom that Brooklyn would be born the next day between 10 and 2...and I was right!!
At midnight I woke up with contractions, but could fall back asleep between them. At about 2:30 I knew I wasn't going to be able to sleep through them, so I got up and started keeping track. I woke Ryan at 3:30 when they were all less than 8 minutes apart. We finished packing, watched some of the Notebook (my choice) and then Ryan decided he wanted to take me to breakfast since I was so hungry during my labor with Der. We got to Einstein Bagels (yum!) just after they opened at 5:30. My contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart, so every few minutes, I got up walked around and winced in pain as Ryan pushed on my back trying to relieve some of the back labor. We were a sight!
When I called the doc he said to come on in since it was my second. When we got to the hospital a little after 6, I felt like the contractions had slowed down and I was worried it was another false alarm. We decided to wait and see in the hotel lobby since I didnt want to labor at the hospital any longer than possible, stuck in a bed. I actually went 15 minutes between 2...not a good sign. Then they picked up again (I was so relieved). We checked in at 8am and I was so excited to be 5cm!!! That was further along than I was with Der after like 20 hours of labor. My doctor sees her patients at another hospital so she told the nurse she wanted me to have the baby at noon (on her lunch break), so to go ahead and break my water and start potosin (neither of those made me happy, but I agreed). When they broke my water, Brooklyn's heart rate dropped and I had to be on oxygen and wait to get the epidural until she was okay.
About an hour later, she seemed okay and I was in a lot of pain, now totally stuck in the bed so I could get oxygen with no way for Ryan to push on my back to take some edge off the terrible back labor I had. So I got the epidural....ahhh, relief! And then about a half an hour later, it was GO TIME. I went from 7 cm (when I had the epidural) to 10 in less than 30 minutes! Yay! So we had to wait for my doctor to come. No time to give me potosin and that baby was coming well before her lunch break. As my doc walked in, she said...you are having a contraction...push. Only a few contractions later (Ryan thinks 5, I think a few more), Brooklyn Noelle arrived with a mound of beautiful long curly black hair and a sweet little cry. She was 8lbs. 9 oz. and 20 inches long!
We are totally in love with our sweet little girl! God is so good and we love being a family of 4!
More pics on facebook, but here is one...
Here's the story...
I had been having contractions for a while and almost thought it was "go time" the night before. All day Sunday, they were off and on, but never got consistent or regular. Before bed I told my mom that Brooklyn would be born the next day between 10 and 2...and I was right!!
At midnight I woke up with contractions, but could fall back asleep between them. At about 2:30 I knew I wasn't going to be able to sleep through them, so I got up and started keeping track. I woke Ryan at 3:30 when they were all less than 8 minutes apart. We finished packing, watched some of the Notebook (my choice) and then Ryan decided he wanted to take me to breakfast since I was so hungry during my labor with Der. We got to Einstein Bagels (yum!) just after they opened at 5:30. My contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart, so every few minutes, I got up walked around and winced in pain as Ryan pushed on my back trying to relieve some of the back labor. We were a sight!
When I called the doc he said to come on in since it was my second. When we got to the hospital a little after 6, I felt like the contractions had slowed down and I was worried it was another false alarm. We decided to wait and see in the hotel lobby since I didnt want to labor at the hospital any longer than possible, stuck in a bed. I actually went 15 minutes between 2...not a good sign. Then they picked up again (I was so relieved). We checked in at 8am and I was so excited to be 5cm!!! That was further along than I was with Der after like 20 hours of labor. My doctor sees her patients at another hospital so she told the nurse she wanted me to have the baby at noon (on her lunch break), so to go ahead and break my water and start potosin (neither of those made me happy, but I agreed). When they broke my water, Brooklyn's heart rate dropped and I had to be on oxygen and wait to get the epidural until she was okay.
About an hour later, she seemed okay and I was in a lot of pain, now totally stuck in the bed so I could get oxygen with no way for Ryan to push on my back to take some edge off the terrible back labor I had. So I got the epidural....ahhh, relief! And then about a half an hour later, it was GO TIME. I went from 7 cm (when I had the epidural) to 10 in less than 30 minutes! Yay! So we had to wait for my doctor to come. No time to give me potosin and that baby was coming well before her lunch break. As my doc walked in, she said...you are having a contraction...push. Only a few contractions later (Ryan thinks 5, I think a few more), Brooklyn Noelle arrived with a mound of beautiful long curly black hair and a sweet little cry. She was 8lbs. 9 oz. and 20 inches long!
We are totally in love with our sweet little girl! God is so good and we love being a family of 4!
More pics on facebook, but here is one...
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Adorable Der
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| I love that toothy grin!! And he has lots more teeth now...8 new ones in the last 2 months. |
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| My handsome boys! |
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| The cutest, messiest spaghetti eater there ever was! |
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| Look what I found! |
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| How big is DerBear?!?! |
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| Such a happy boy!!! |
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| This is his "charm" move. When he wants your attention, he charms :) |
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| Der loves to be tickled! |
Monday, September 5, 2011
Pregnancy Update- 34 weeks
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| 31 weeks in downtown Breckenridge CO (pre-edited) |
How Far Along: 34 weeks, 3 days exactly
Total Weight Gain/Loss: gained about 28lbs
Maternity Clothes: of course!
Gender: still a girl :) I hope!!! We are so excited to finally start on her nursery next week! And our landlord said we could paint...yay for a pink wall!
Movement: TONS!! I don't think she stopped moving yesterday! Does this girl sleep?
Sleep: So, I guess we are sleeping about the same amount. Some nights are actually great...and then some, not so much. Ryan and I took a 2 night "babymoon" getaway on Thursday and Friday night and I slept amazingly well! We turned the temp down to 63 and the king sized bed seemed to help. :) And then there is this morning...I was up at 4, hungry...and I am still up.
Symptoms: Contractions....YIKES! We had a scare last night when I woke up at 2:15 am with fairly regular contractions. They never formed a pattern, but I would have one about every 3-7 minutes. After trying to walk them off, having a snack, and taking a shower, I realized I better wake Ryan up. We timed them and called the doctor. He said we could go in or I could try to go back to sleep. Apparently at 34 weeks they don't try to stop labor-that was scary. He thought I might be dehydrated (which can induce early contractions)...so i downed lots of liquid, went 15 minutes without a contraction....and went back to sleep, which pretty much worked. I felt pretty crummy all day yesterday...thankfully my parents were here to help with Der and to pack. I didnt do much of anything but sit around and get waited on, which sounds lovely, but with everything we have to do- it made me crazy! I am just so grateful we got through the day without baby Brookie being born- I am not supposed to have a September baby...wait till October please little girl! Other than that excitement...I have just been a lot hungrier.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
aDERable-isms
My sweet little boy has been so much fun this summer!! He has such a fun personality and it seems to really be developing quickly, its like he has a new trick every day. And so I share a few with you...
A-DER-abl-isms
When he knows he is doing something he is not supposed to do, he flashes us a big grin, holds his straight arm high over his head and waves. Absolutely hilarious! (Its so hard to keep a straight face).
He points to cords all over the house and says, “nonononono” since he has been told many times not to touch them.
For things that are off limits, like cords, toilets and outlets, we say, “Do babies play with ____” and then he says, “nonononono” – almost always 5 nos.
He now knows when we are asking him a question and always responds with a “ya!” so cute J Example, are you ready for a snack? Ya! Do you want to go pick papa up? Ya! Do you love mommy? Ya! Any question, always a YA!
He will spontaneously throw his arms in the air to show us how big he is. This is followed immediately by a huge smile, cause he knows its cute. He also does this on cue…how big is DerBear…
He loves girls/women and when he gets attention in public, he waves and smiles, then starts dancing or bouncing his head from side to side. Which, they love all the more and then he continues to “charm.”
He loves loves loves dogs! He calls most animals he sees “dogdog” (we call them doggies) and will carry his stuffed dog around the house most of the day. He squeals with excitement when he sees a live dog and starts the “dogdog” chant. You can imagine how cute he is at the pet store.
He also loves flowers! Like really really loves them! He points to every single one in a book or when we are out shopping. This passion started last week in Colorado when there were beautiful wildflowers everywhere. We kept a bouquet on the table and were always picking them for him to hold. I love how much he enjoys the simple things.
He likes to point out things he knows everywhere we go…baby, girl, boy, dogdog.
He has gotten to be a copy cat, trying to repeat everything we say…and he already knows tons of words, although I am not sure a stranger would know what he is saying! Some of the cutest attempts to repeat- dinosaur, fish, love you, thank you and popsicle.
Speaking of which, his “love you” is absolutely precious. It sounds like –dadoo. And we are teaching him to say thank you. He usually doesn’t just say it once…its dankew, dankew, dankew. Way cute!!
He is also picking up on words that mean we are going to eat…like, snack, breakfast, lunch, dinner…and Ill say, “Are you ready for ______” and he will say ya, then cawcaw (cracker) -his favorite!!!
Watching him eat an oreo is great entertainment. Ryan taught him to dunk it in milk. He picked up on this really quick and likes them soggy.
He likes to point our body parts he knows…belly button, nose, ear, hair, eye (careful he will try to poke them). He went through a stage where he wanted to see his belly button all the time and we would have to unbutton his outfit so he could find it.
He loves food! And you will know when he likes something…while eating he will keep repeating, “yummy-yum, yummy-yum” which is so sweet. I have never seen a happier or more expressive eater!
He loves to make people laugh or join in laughter. He will often do something he knows is funny then fake laugh…or if everyone is laughing, he joins in.
The other night, I was putting him to sleep. He was snuggled in and almost asleep… I thought. He then lurched out and stuck his tongue out at me. It was hilarious and he has been doing it randomly sense. Last week he stuck his tongue out at the flight attendant who thankfully thought it was cute.
He loves his bath time with daddy. There favorite game is for Der to throw is wet toys out of the tub and get his daddy as wet as possible.
When he gets tired…I will ask him if he wants to go to bed and he will say nightnight or baba (blankey) or ba (bath)…all cues that he is pooped.
He has to have his blankey and thumb to sleep. He tucks his blanket this certain way in his fist and then sucks the thumb of that hand…he will not suck his thumb without something soft to tuck in….which is hilarious, because when he gets tired, he will use almost anything soft…stuffed animal, Ryan’s boxers, a sock, a tie, burp cloth or outfit. Its pretty stinkin cute.
He loves to be tickled and he will taunt me to tickle him. He throws his arms up and head back or does something silly so I will want to tickle him. One of his favorite things to do before nap/bed time is to pretend to eat things that babies don’t eat. He will act like he is eating the alligator on the page of a book….and I will say, “Babies don’t eat alligators (or lions or monkeys),” and then tickle him. We do this over and over until I wear out…He loves it!
He has two favorite songs…Waves of Mercy and Barbara Ann…he likes the chorus. Nanananana and babababababarbaraann- I think he likes them cause he can sing them…And sing he does. Before every nap and during most of a car ride, we sing these two songs back and forth. At first he would just request Ryan or I sing them by saying baba or nana. Now he can repeat many nanana’s in a row in a singsingy way. It is so sweet….how could we deny the little guy. And so, we sing these songs dozens of times a day.
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| And here is the adorable little guy riding his zebra around! |
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