Family pictures

We decided to attempt family pictures this past Friday. I wasn't expecting much with a 21-month-old and a colicky 2-month-old - just one shot was my goal. We got more than that, and some funny shots for memories. I really thought our daughter would be the issue, but containing our son proved to be the biggest challenge. I'm glad we got the great spread of him back in December - I'm not sure we'll have that much luck over the next few years. We hope you enjoy!




The family



Together and both happy!







Two shots of our girl...we've got to make sure she doesn't feel left out after all the shots of J in his first year!

Now on to the "fun" photos...
the kids are actually looking at each other and then J had enough!

Here J is singing one of his favorites...hopping like a bunny then swimming like a fish...









"This is my head," says J. "Aren't we done yet?" says E.

Let me brag for a moment...

Okay, so this isn't what J's puzzle looks like, but you get the idea...and he can identify ALL 26 letters and put them in their place (and he isn't two yet!). He also identifies his numbers up to 10. He is counting things in books and his cups. His favorite is to say, "x, y, z, yeah!" - just like he likes "8, 9, 10, yeah!" He loves to celebrate...


He also enjoys singing - Yes, Jesus loves me (with some of the sign language), humming along with his Thomas song book, and Hop like a bunny (his motions are too cute for swim like fish, fly like a bird, gig like this).

He is just so smart...of course, I am biased.

Stinkin' technology

Okay, so for some reason it won't let me load the pictures I was talking about in my previous post. So, for some of the farm pics, please visit the link to the right called One Day at a Time. I'll let you know when the pictures of the babies are up on another blog. Sorry!

Trying to post

So, I've been trying to post pictures from J's trip to the farm this past weekend along with pictures of E and her two friends born within 3 weeks of her, but something isn't working right.

J got to go to a farm with Kadyn, Aunt Kristi, and Grannylou on Saturday. It was a bit cold so they didn't stay long, but J was fine with that - he wasn't too into the animals anyway (picture funny pictures of him pulling away from goats and such). They headed up to a mall with a great play area, and they all had fun. It was just the first of many fun adventures I am sure.

On Sunday, we caught E, Reese and Abby all sleeping the same way in their carriers. Reese is one week younger than E, and Abby is three. E was quite particular on Sunday fussing any time the burp rag was removed from her face...so with her head covered, she looks a lot like her brother!

Hopefully I'll be able to share some pictures soon. On another note, E had her 2-month check up today. She weighs 10 lbs. 2 oz. and measures 22 inches long. This puts her in the 45th percentile on height and weight. We are thankful she is growing and healthy. What a blessing!

A first - PRAISE GOD

Do you see this? She is ASLEEP in the swing!!! She hasn't been a big fan of the swing up to this point - her max has been about 7 minutes - but yesterday she stayed for over an hour. I AM SO PUMPED!

We've had some good days thanks to our friend Paul, a pediatric nurse practitioner to be, who gave us some wonderful tips. I'm not sure which one of them worked since I am doing everything he suggested, but I don't care. The crying has been minimal and manageable. We've needed this change.


I just wanted to share our joy with you...hard to believe she's already 8 weeks old!

Race for the Cure

This past Saturday we participated in Race for the Cure in honor of Gail Anderson (mother of my best friend) who lost her battle with breast cancer November 14, 2006. Our team, GAIL FORCE, wore these bright teal shirts with John 3:8 on the back. "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit." Gale force winds have a powerful effect. Gail Anderson's life greatly impacted the thousands she came in contact with during her 63 years. It was an honor to run in her memory and in celebration of my aunt, a survivor. It was a moving moment as the team prayed together with Gail's family who participated in the race with us; but I think the most touching moment was joining Gail's husband and granddaughter as they crossed the finish line.

Did I mention that it was bitterly cold and snowing? Thus the need for multiple layers!

Easter Weekend

Blessed Easter! We pray you had a wonderful time celebrating our risen Savior and fellowshipping with family and friends.

The first family photo since the hospital...

We finally got a picture of the kids together!

We had a full house this weekend with Clay's family (Mimi, Grandaddy, and Auntie Claire) visiting. It was good to visit and have extra hands to help. Clay and I had a great date on Friday (if you need a good movie to see, I suggest Wild Hogs) and a few great naps. Here are a few fun pictures of the weekend...

Aren't these two faces priceless?








Here is a great picture of crying - I think Auntie Claire has some stiff competition! And the boy playing hard and showing off that he recognizes his numbers!

Morning fun

I actually caught a little smirk from our girl this morning while her brother was in the bathtub. If only you could hear her cooing...what a nice change from her cries.
Here is J in the bathtub - he is in love with letters and numbers, and he LOVES to splash. Can you see the waves?


I was quite impressed with his recognition of different letters today - I finally added the rest of the pack to his bath time fun. We headed to the library for story time later this morning. He is still unsure about it at first, but the songs typically engage him. We then played with a friend in the kids area doing puzzles and running around on the rug. Again he amazed me when he pointed out the "10", the "X" and the "Z" without any provocation from me. He is growing up so fast. I love motherhood...

Spaghetti time

We finally braved spaghetti for dinner - I know, I know, he's almost 2 and he's just now getting to have this fun. I guess I've just not wanted to deal with the possible mess that comes with this adventure, but last night I changed my mind. He was quite confused why he was getting undressed in the kitchen, but he was wearing white and I wasn't taking chances. At first he just played with his fork and tried to pick up a big piece of meat. He finally decided to try this funny stuff...and he liked it (as I knew he would - he loves anything tomato based just like his mama!). He ate it all - one noodle at a time. It was the longest I have seen anyone take at eating spaghetti. Clay gave him a piece of turkey as well because he feared J was burning off all the calories he was eating because he was working so hard. I must say the mess was minimal because he did eat it one noodle at a time, but this is not a meal we'll try if we have to be somewhere at a certain time! I had to take a couple of pictures of course...

Making progress

E's made some progress or maybe I'm just adjusting to her. Her crying seems to be decreasing a bit, and we've had some sort of regularity to the night over the last 4 or so. She's having more awake time that doesn't involved tears...and she even gave me a smirk yesterday! Small steps, and I know we may take some backward before it's all said and done, but I'll take whatever I can get.

J continues to be more of a little boy than a baby. He amazes us with what he figures out and how much he talks. He seems to narrate what he's doing even though I can't understand most of it. He is starting to notice E a bit more - wanting to "help" her swing or give her a pacifier. He's even attempted her name or something along those lines. He'll be 21 months on Thursday, and I'm not sure where the last 2 months have gone. Not true - I've just been a bit busy and sleep-deprived. It's hard to believe he is growing up so fast - we are having so much fun with him.

I know I've been lacking with pictures lately, but Mimi and Auntie Claire will be here this weekend (along with Grandaddy) so I know we'll have plenty to share next week!

A first - at least since 2/14

Clay and I had our first "date" last night since adding a fourth member to our family. This was truly the first time we've had without the kids not counting church, but we are kind of busy during that time! Since Clay's family is coming next weekend and offered us a date night, we chose to simply grab dinner (yummy Quizno's) and rent a movie. It was nice to relax at home and be able to eat dinner at the same time at a leisurely pace. I fought the urge to do things around the house, but I managed to simply relax on the couch. The movie was awful in our opinion (Flags of Our Fathers), but that is par for the course when I pick the movie.

Of course the kids did great-only increasing my sister's disbelief of how fussy E can be. J played great with his cousins and had no trouble going to sleep. This was the first night we've tried just putting him down on a toddler mattress in my parents' room - this means all four kids have a place to sleep without us having to take a pack 'n play or anything! YEAH! And of course, both kids had trouble sleeping once we got home...but I'll take it for a few hours of being able to focus on my husband and my marriage. I'm looking forward to next weekend when we'll actually go out. We are blessed to have family that wants to give us time away as a couple...and we are better for it!

New technology?

So, I know windshield wipers are to clear the water off your windshield; however, today I began to question if new technology exists in them. The man in the small SUV in front of me on the way home had both his front and back wipers going at a pretty fast speed. There was no rain, but heavy wind. The wipers ran the entire time I was behind him so he wasn't just cleaning his windshield. Is there something I have missed along the way about what wipers will do? Please someone fill me in!

(For those who can't "hear" the sarcasm in this, please re-read with just such a tone!)

More than survival...actual enjoyment

Well, for those who were worried, we more than survived the time without the TV...I actually enjoyed the quietness of yesterday. The kids slept in so we only had time to get ready and eat breakfast before heading to playgroup. Home for lunch and nap time...I got a good 1+ hour snooze myself. I wondered how the afternoon would go, but J didn't even seem to notice the box wasn't talking. He played hard with his toys and we read some good books. He even played well while I fed E which is usually a tricky time. Then the boys went to a friend's house so Clay could watch the ballgame (sadly, State lost by one point thanks to a 3-pointer at the buzzer), and I was off to accountability group. We went an entire day only watching one Veggie Tales DVD! The satellite got fixed first thing this morning, and J got to watch one of his favorite shows before we headed to story time at the library. He was so excited to see Blue and Sprinkles!

Yesterday was a nice change of pace, and it has prompted a change in how I approached today. I didn't realize how much I use TV as a way to pacify J (and myself) as I deal with a colicky little girl. I haven't even turned it on since we've been home...and that is amazing since it is usually just background noise. A new day dawns...hopefully I will make it last!

A second blog

Well, in light of my last novel (see post below - and note there are pictures below that!), I decided it might be time to create a second blog. Just thought I would share will be for family updates and pictures. The new blog will be for my thoughts and lessons learned as I am on my way to being more like Christ. I put a link at the top of my Places I Like to Visit so you can always have easy access... but for now you can simply click on the address below to go to Forgiven, and on my way
http://kkskipper2.blogspot.com

Transformation

You would think I would be relishing sitting in a quiet house this evening; but, alas, I find it quite intimidating. Both children are currently sleeping (but that shouldn't last too much longer as feeding time is approaching), my husband is meeting with his accountability partner, and our satellite is broken. It is truly quiet here. Lately, I seek out moments like this during often harried days. J is getting closer to being two so his desire to exert his independence and opinion continues to increase thus raising the number of battles we experience. Most anyone would say E is colicky based on the hours and intensity of crying we often get to hear (she does have a great set of lungs and endurance - on the up side). And sadly, the TV is usually on as background noise or a way to escape. But when the satellite went out this afternoon and I learned that we have to wait on a technician to assess the problem (that won't be until Wednesday morning), I became frantic...sadly revealing my dependence upon the big box in our living room (or the smaller one in the bedroom) to entertain and escape. What would I do tonight after Clay left? How will I get a shower tomorrow (I occupy J with a show so I know he won't get into something shouldn't)? We'll miss our beloved 24! Clay won't be able to watch the game tomorrow night! Wednesday...what will we do? Just this afternoon I was thinking about how I don't have time to read anymore, and now given that chance it is not what I want to do. I've filled the silence with a phone conversation and perusing the Internet.

For some reason, the silence scares me tonight. My guess? God has been speaking loudly to me about being transformed and seeking holiness. He has been frank about the masks I wear and how I often live each day out of what I think will please others. The silence brings conviction and forces me to look in the mirror. I don't like what was revealed about my heart today through the satellite situation. I don't like the fear I see inside that others may find out I am not what they think I am - my house isn't perfectly clean, I have junk drawers, and a thousand projects uncompleted - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. What if they learned how I battle being judgmental? What if they learn about my pride? What if they learn about the grudges I still hold on to? What if they learn how shallow my quiet times can be? What if they learn how well I throw a pity party? What if they learn about the dichotomy that exists inside my soul? What if they learn how frustrated I can get with E's crying? The silence pushes me to tackle these questions and others - about what I really believe about God, about my lack of faith, and about why I am not living from my heart.

I am a new creation in Christ. The old is gone. The new has come. But have I really been transformed? Doubtful. I've made some cosmetic changes over the years and I always know what I should say/do to appear to be godly; but I don't know how much of my heart and mind I have truly given over to be transformed. As John Eldredge writes so well about, transformation is what draws us to the story of Beauty and the Beast, the Ugly Duckling, and the Wizard of Oz. "A creature that no one could bear to look upon is transformed into a handsome prince. That which was dark and ugly is now glorious and good...They are all transformed into the very thing they never thought they could be...Is it not the most beautiful outcome of any story to be written? Perhaps that is because it is the deepest yearning of the human heart...Why is [transformation] an essential part of any great story? Because it is the secret to Christianity, and Christianity is the secret to the universe." "You must be born again (John 3:7). You must be transformed. Keeping the Law, following the rules, polishing up your manners - none of that will do." And yet, that is what I have been doing for years. And that is the problem - as Eldredge states. We still believe that our hearts are wicked even though we have placed our hope in Christ - and that is a misdiagnosis. "And so long as we believe that our hearts remain untouched, unchanged, we will pretty much lived untouched and unchanged. For our heart is the wellspring of life within us." And unlike the Beast, we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is an ongoing action not a one time *SHAZAM*. This means I need to dive into God's Word and chew on it. Not just swallow it whole, but taste every morsel and let it truly soak into my heart, mind, and soul. I one day want to be that which I never thought I could be. I will never experience that to its fullness here on earth, but each day I can take a step or two closer as I become more and more like Him.

This means I need to let go of my agenda. I need to stop worrying so much about pleasing others. I need to stop obsessing over whether you will approve of my choices. I need to stop comparing myself, my life, and my kids with those around me. I need to stop rationalizing my decisions to those around me. I need to stop reliving mistakes and seeking reassurance of forgiveness already granted. And the list goes on...

Transformation. Holiness. I want these to be the desire of my heart. That means I need to spend a lot more time in the silence. That scares me a bit, honestly. I know I won't always like what I find there, but I long to be like Him...and He is holy.

Cheering on our dawgs

Here our my boys dressed in THE colors ready to cheer on our dawgs last Tuesday night in the NIT tourney. MSU is making its first ever appearance in the NIT Semifinals in New York tomorrow night. Once again I will make sure we are all dressed appropriately - cow bell in hand. Can I get a MAROON....WHITE...MAROON...WHITE...?

GO DAWGS!!!

Bye-bye...mmuah!

This past week J added to his nap/bedtime routine. He almost runs to his bed, crawls up, and waits for us to help him lie down. Then he tells us bye-bye and blows us kisses - which is really him just putting his hand to his mouth and making a "mmm" sound. It just melts your heart as he continues to tell you bye-bye and blow kisses as you walk out of the room.

He also does this when someone else leaves or he leaves some place. He even says bye-bye as I buckle him in his car seat. This routine helps his separation as well - at least when one of us leaves the house. We still need work on leaving him someplace else, but we're thankful for the small steps.

Plumping up

We had a small photo session here at the house during J's naptime. Today is a day that I could just eat her up. She looks so cute in this outfit - and the pictures don't truly capture it. Like her brother, E is starting to plump up. It was between 2-8 weeks that it seemed like someone pulled J's rip cord. It looks like E is on track to follow in his footsteps. She is getting some cheeks, and her arms and legs are getting squishy. I just love it. It makes this mama's heart swell to know her girl is healthy and growing. We are getting into a rhythm, and I've even ventured out alone several times with both kids. Today is a day I am overwhelmed with God's blessings. His heart overflows with love for us, and He longs to give us good gifts as it says in James. He has given us the desire of our hearts, and I am humbled that He loves me like He does.

Aye, matey!

Dressed for church

Sunday was our second Sunday at church as an entire family. The week before I was just glad we all made it in time for Clay to be an usher - so no pictures were taken. This week was much better so we had time for a few pictures.

Isn't she cute? Clay took one look at her and knew he is in trouble!















Not a great picture of his face, but those are hard to come by these days. Doesn't he look quite studly in his golf shirt and sandals? I had to include the picture of him showing his head. It also gives an idea of his haircut...he even had mousse in his hair!

Catching up

We've had an eventful week - J got a "big boy" haircut last Friday. They used clippers and gel...he's growing up so fast! I don't have a picture yet, but I hope to get one soon. J is also doing well with counting to ten and saying the alphabet. I'm not sure many people believe us since he isn't much of a performer, but we are quite amazed - especially since he ALWAYS does X, Y, and Z! What kid gets those letters first?

Sunday was our first day as a full family at church. E did great and was loved on by many. We'll probably keep her with us one more week in service and LifeGroup before braving the nursery. There are just so many new babies - and there are almost a handful more due before 2007 is over! We are growing our church one way or another. One gal says the young couples need to get a new hobby!

Monday was probably the most challenging day I've had with both kids (excluding the illness days). They both seemed to need me at all times. I knew days like this would happen, and I think I held it together fairly well (only a few tears). I was definitely glad when Clay got home and VERY THANKFUL that a meal was provided for that night. Fortunately, we get to close our eyes each night anticipating tomorrow to be a better day...and it was. Little did I know Tuesday would be the calm before the storm.

Early Wednesday morning (like 4:00 a.m.), I found J lying in his vomit - talk about guilt! The next 24-36 hours are pretty much a blur filled with high fever, baths, cleaning up throw up, trying to keep J hydrated, nursing E, changing diapers, holding a crying child, the Backyardigans, Blue's Clues, and dozing here and there. We've now been fever free for 24 hours and J was not as needy today. Yesterday he wanted someone touching him at all times - thankfully my mom was able to lend a helping hand so Clay only missed one day of work. I lifted many prayers of thanks to God that He has allowed us to live in town with family during this season of life and that they have the availability to help us out as they do (yeah for being your own boss!). I am also very thankful that the other three of us avoided getting sick.

I feel like we are back among the land of the living so I thought I would take some time to post a few pictures. I hope you enjoy!

Last week I attempted to get a picture of both kids, but as you can see J wasn't too cooperative. He still isn't too sure about his sister so getting him to sit still beside her wasn't happening without another set of hands. Hopefully soon we'll capture them together, but it may be a while before we have any of him loving on her!


Many people say E looks like me. I thought she looked like my hospital picture when they first handed her to me, but I haven't seen it again until I saw the picture on the left. I'll be intrigued to see how she continues to change and who she ends up looking like. And I finally caught her not making a funny face in the picture on the right.








We think she inherited her notion for sticking out her tongue from her Grandaddy (Clay's dad) and her yawning from Grannylou (my mother)




You gotta love this hair! The picture doesn't do it justice, but it stands up off her head. Clay has already had fun putting it in a mohawk and such...ah, the fun to be had!

Illness hits

I apologize for my silence...it was an off-Friday weekend so we had fun as a family that I need to share, and then Monday was a challenge after little sleep the night before and two needy children all day. Tuesday I played a bit of catch up and then J got hit by a stomach bug while he slept that night. We've been in survival mode since then, but we now appear to be on the mend. We've even seen a smile. I just had a moment, but I wanted to let you know we are okay just recovering from illness. I'll post more once we get a bit better...

One of those moments

I had one of those moments today - two of them actually - where I looked at my little boy and saw that he isn't so little. He woke up early today, and I wasn't ready for the day to begin after only getting about 4.5 hours of sleep total last night. I freed him from his room and gave him the treat of watching Blue's Clues in my bed while I hoped to doze a few more minutes. Then it happened - he was leaning back on the pillows much like his father and I often do. All of the sudden, he wasn't a baby anymore. Later this morning it happened again while he was sitting on the floor - it was all about how he was sitting and it's hard to paint the picture in words. He looked like such a little boy - not a baby. He's 20 months old now...before long we stop counting in months.

I know these won't be the last moments I am caught off-guard with how grown up he is. First day of school, driving, dating, his wedding, when he makes me a grandmother...and many other small moments along the way. I just pray I don't overlook each and every moment...for each is a treasure.

Playing hard

J's been playing hard over the last week. His tendency toward physical activity has definitely increased. He loves to run around, climb on people and things, turn himself in circles until he almost can't stand, and bend himself in half. He gets such a kick out of this and I finally caught it on camera!








J still loves the camera - often stopping to "pose" when I'm trying to catch him in the act of something adorable. He has also taken a liking to the physical camera wanting to grab it and such...thus the lighting in the picture on the left - his hand covered the flash just as it went off. And there is nothing like his smile of pure delight!








He loves this new "hat"...but he much prefers it on someone else's head








He loves being thrown in the air...and is starting to "fight back"

Just too much

Her first bow! Clay called it her Debbie Gibson bow - and I agree she did look a bit like some 80s punk rocker with the spikey hair! E had her 2-week check up today...and she is quite wee. Hanging out in the 5th percentile for her height (remaining at 19 inches) and in the 10th percentile for her weight (7 lbs. 2 oz.), she appears destined to take after her mama. We'll see if the rip cord gets pulled on her like it did on her brother before his 2 month check up (he gained 5 lbs in about 6 weeks). Dr. Ben was pleased with her progress and even said she was made for nursing (I think he specifically said she was about to get milk out of his finger!). It was a monumental day here - I got all three of us ready and out the door on time. No, I didn't brave the doctor with both kids, but I felt accomplished that we were all dressed, fed and driving away at 8:00 a.m.




Isn't this a priceless picture of complete trust? There's something about a dad and his daughter...

An amazing man

I've always felt I hit the jackpot in the husband department...he may not be perfect, but he sure does give 100% to our marriage and our family. He challenges me to step beyond what I've always thought or known. He keeps me laughing and constantly reminds me I am his elder (by a whopping 4 months and 3 days!). He works hard behind the scenes needing no recognition for his labor or contribution. He is strong and tender. He is stable and sensitive. He is my rock - an anchor for me in this tumultuous world. And the past two weeks he has blown my socks off! He has been so amazing...standing beside me during labor pains, offering his hand for support and his silence to calm me, running all over town (getting food I would eat and taking care of the rest of life), stepping it up at home by putting off his need for space after a long day of work until after J goes to bed, helping with dinner and housework, and holding a fussy girl to give me a break. The list goes on and on...did I mention he brought me flowers yesterday to congratulate me on making it through the first day alone?

Many would say he's just doing what any husband/dad should do - and I agree. But I realize that not all men do what they should do - and his no-questions-asked attitude as he gives so selflessly to the three of us has left me speechless. He isn't perfect, but he sure sets a great example for those around him - especially our son. We are so blessed - and I just had to give him props!

A birthday party

Saturday all four of us (yes, you read that right) went to a birthday party for one of our dearest little friends. J had a great time - it was at The Little Gym so he got to run around and climb and just be free. We are so excited with his progress. He didn't participate in the group activities, but he's come so far to play alongside other children. The birthday girl is in the blue with her back to the camera.








You can see his paci is firmly planted in the mouth - this is the one thing that he has regressed with in a sense since E's arrival. If he had to regress in something, this is very doable. While he had it most of the weekend, he's been back on track today so far!



He really loved when they blew bubbles all over the place.



J loved cake time as well...he was an absolute mess, but had such a great time as the pictures prove! He sat between two little girls who very neatly used their forks so it just made it that much more priceless...did I mention he was one of two boys at this party? He has good odds down the road!