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!

The wee one

Isn't she just wee? I love her facial expression too!










The first of many "conversations with Dad!" At this stage, there is no running off and pouting...looks like she even has a smile on her face as she snuggles in close.








And I just had to get a close up of her face...so cute!

Our first day "going it alone" has gone really well so far...I'm impressed I have the opportunity to blog! The Lord knew I needed a good first day to encourage me. How thankful I am He hears my prayers and the prayers of many others!

E's arrival

Well, I finally have a moment (although it may be brief) to share the drama of E's arrival. If the drama of her entrance into this world is any indication of what her life will be like, Clay and I are in for roller coaster ride! If you aren't one for labor & delivery stories, then simply disregard this post for your own sake! ;)

Tuesday, February 13
Throughout the morning, I wondered if I was leaking amniotic fluid. I started having some decent contractions, but there was no regularity to them. I called Clay and told him something might be happening, but I wasn't sure. I had a doctor's appointment late that afternoon so I would see what was going on then. I did decide to pack my hospital bag and began a few other preparation type things around the house. I finally got concerned enough about the leaking that I called the doctor and they told me to get in as soon as possible. If my water had broken, they would have to put me in to labor. Clay heads home. Mom heads to my house to watch J. I finish packing a few things for J and myself as I wait for them to arrive. I head to the doctor while Clay packs his bag and Mom waits. Clay made it to the doctor before she actually saw me, and she determined I was dilated to a 2 and effacing, but my water had not broken - so not really a false alarm, but early labor. She told me to come home and walk or do other activities to try to get things moving...it could be hours or a few days before labor got going. So, we came home and I vacuumed almost all the floors, changed the sheets in the guest room and did a few other things before crashing on the couch. I went to Bible study/accountability that night just to get my mind off my very uncomfortable contractions. The girls were kind as they watched me breathe through many contractions and try different positions to find some place of comfort. I left early just ready to relax on my couch. I fell in to bed at 11:00 p.m. frustrated at how much pain I was in but accepting it wasn't time. I tried to rest, but kept having to ask Clay to push on my lower back/hips as contractions kept coming. After having 3 six minutes apart, we decided to wait for 2-3 more before heading to the hospital. I got up to use the bathroom and realized it was time as I sat paralyzed by the pain of contractions. Clay got dressed, loaded the car, and still had to wait on me to even begin to move. On to the hospital we go...

Wednesday, February 14
12:30 a.m. we arrived at the hospital and are placed in the observation area. Assessment showed I was dilated to a 3 and having regular contractions. DUH! We had to wait 1 hour to see if there was cervical change before they would admit me. (The rooms at this hospital are in such high demand they have to prove you have a reason to be in one!) Clay was a champ as I worked hard to manage my pain...the contractions were so different this time and I had to work a lot harder to stay calm.

1:50 a.m. Nurse Danita checks me (after seeing I am in extreme pain) - I've only changed to a 3.5, but she follows her gut that I need to be admitted (PRAISE GOD!!!) and simply tells me not to let her down and stop contracting. Little does she know what is to come...

2:04 a.m. I am admitted to my room, blood taken (it must come back before I can get my epidural), IV inserted, still working hard to manage my pain

2:22 a.m. my water breaks and my contractions are UNREAL! I ask for Stadol and she gives me a low dose, but it does nothing for me...they had put a rush on my blood work and it finally arrives so the epidural is on its way

2:27 a.m. I am checked before the anesthesiologist begins and they find I am already dilated 5 cm...inserting the epidural begins...intense pain continues...starting to feel the need to push. I tell Danita I need to push and lie to her that I haven't been pushing (how can you not when you are sitting cross-legged on a bed?).

2:48 a.m. they check me again at the anesthesiologist's request (this will change how he treats me) and find I am already at 9 cm...that's 4 cm in 21 minutes all while sitting cross-legged on the bed...so instead of a drip, they simply give me a quick dose of something that slowly begins to take away the pain

3:04 a.m. I am at 10 cm! The epidural has taken away the pain, but not the pressure. Pushing begins...the next 24 minutes are the hardest 24 minutes of my life. Due to the fast labor, E's head is still perfectly round causing difficulty in getting my pushes to do much. At one point, I screamed at her to "get out of me" - Clay says it was demonic and the doctor simply looked at me and said it wouldn't help much. E finally crowns and the moments of waiting for that next contraction seem to take an eternity...I had heard about that pressure, but man, words cannot describe!

3:28 a.m. E is finally here! It all seemed surreal...it was so fast. And now I was holding this little girl I had been thinking about for almost 9 months...she was a loud sucker, crying almost the entire first 2 hours of her life. Fortunately, that seemed to just be in response to the trauma we both experienced as she has been a great baby ever since.

Many have said a short labor is great...and in some respects I will agree. But as I lay there on the bed wondering if I would get the drugs in time, I'm not sure that amount of pain was worth the shorter ordeal. God bless Clay for being exactly what I needed as I managed my pain and for being able to keep it all together through a harrowing 3 hours. My labor was deemed precipitous (basically, fast because from onset to completion was under 3 hours)...and they warned me that next time could be even faster!

There are still moments it all seems surreal...she is already here and she wasn't due until Tuesday. We are doing well this first week home - most of us have battled a cold, but E seems to have been spared. Mom is heading home tonight so it will just be the four of us this weekend (Clay has tomorrow off) and Monday will be my first day going it alone. I am feeling pretty good about things, but we'll see what Monday holds!

Reading this doesn't seem to capture the drama and there are many small details I left out (like the fact we didn't have our cameras until right before I started pushing)...but you get the drift. I'm just thankful her head wasn't any bigger, but it sure is pretty!

First outing

E's first outing on Sunday...to get her weight and bilirubin numbers checked (for jaundice). She weighs the same as the day we left the hospital (6 lbs. 4 oz) and her levels were low. We are so thankful after having to do photo therapy for her brother!

Isn't she just too cute in her hat?

Time with Daddy

Clay took Jbird out for some good 'ol fashioned boy time Saturday afternoon. They went to the County Auto Show with some friends (one for each of them). All the boys had a blast and even got into some trouble for letting the little ones run around in the truck beds. They finished their excursion at McDonald's, and came home happy. Clay is so excited Jbird is at the age they can begin doing these fun things together...and I must say it was a priceless picture as these two big, strong men walked out the front door, sons in tow with itty, bitty backpacks slung over their shoulders! What great dads! (And I hope this is the closest either of them ever get to riding in a police car!)

Someone pinch me

As I type, Clay is at work, my son is asleep in his room, my daughter is crashed out in the bouncer, the dog is snoozing in the recliner, and my mom is out running a few errands...the only noises I hear are the faint music playing in Jbird's room (he's been fighting naps since we got home from the hospital) and the hum of the computer! Someone pinch me!

Just a little off...

15 days was just a little off...a mere 37 1/2 hours after my last post we welcomed our daughter, Elizabeth Jaye, into this world (for those not wanting to do the math, that's 3:28 a.m. Wednesday). Arriving 2 weeks early and with much drama, she is the best valentine I've ever received. Weighing in at 6 lbs. 8 oz. and measuring 19 inches, she is just too adorable. Her arrival had eerie similarities to my arrival into this world - nurses shouting "don't push!" as they scurried to get everything together in time. I'll tell that story another time, but we just wanted to share some pictures from the last few days and introduce you to the newest member of our family. We are still trying to figure out who she looks like...what do you think?


Look at all that hair! (to the left)

Just below...
Coming home

Showing off the lungs - she cried for almost the first 2 hours of her life... Clay says she definitely has my lungs!

The big brother meeting his sister...he's a bit unsure









The proud big brother and mama...and the new family of four

15 days

15 days...give or take...and it can't pass fast enough. As you can see, I have taken on the characteristics of a puffer fish! Each morning, my face and hands are a bit larger than the night before, but by the end of the day some of that fluid has moved down to my legs and feet making them larger at night. I still don't have the swelling issues I dealt with during my last pregnancy, but I have cold weather to thank for that. It's hard not to swell when it's 100 degrees in May! Jbird is still oblivious to the belly - except that it's one more thing on Mommy he can use as a step up to the sofa. I thought you might enjoy these pictures we took yesterday - I was actually feeling slightly cute, well, at least until I saw these pictures. I tell you, the difference in carrying a girl vs. a boy is astounding - and I blame it on the extra estrogen. More tears, more hormonal shifts, more criticism of myself...and Clay has been such a trooper during it all. Off to finish my to-do list for today (the nesting is in HIGH gear!) - I just wanted to share some photos for those who have been asking...

Waiting is hard

Waiting...I'm not great at it, and that's what we're doing...waiting. Waiting on our little girl to arrive. My nesting instinct is in high gear...but my body doesn't want to keep up. The swelling continues - my ankles are officially partying somewhere else in town - as is evident by my rounding face and the scale. We make plans, but there is always a small hope in my heart that we won't make the engagement. And we keep waiting. These last weeks are hard - we are excited, the fun of the pregnancy is gone (especially this time around), and we are ready to see how she will change our life. So, I try to find small ways to occupy the time - thus the small changes to the template - and put off the longing desire to hold my baby girl. Soon enough...but not, you know?