I thought I remembered every single detail about Cora's newborn state but have found I've forgotten many things. Must be the exhaustion, or the fact that your child grows and changes so much that the "mundane" things get forgotten. In any case here are some of the things I am being reminded of now that Ben is with us. I forgot:
1. The insane exhaustion you feel.
2. How hard it is to get a newborn to eat in a "timely" fashion due to them falling asleep so easily.
3. How much a newborn's skin peels in their first month or so.
4. All of their grunting and other adorable noises.
5. How snugly they are and how much they just love to be held.
6. How many diapers you go through in a day with a newborn--so much less with an older child!
7. How quickly they can go from content to hungry--pretty instantaneous!
8. How quickly they grow from day to day--literally!
9. How much they can spit up.
10. How much you can love a little person you've only known for such a short time.
11. I forgot just how much they sleep during the day!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Back in Business
As we all know, during my pregnancies I seem to become someone I'm not usually. My dear husband has to endure a wife who pukes, feels ill pretty much at all times, doesn't have the energy to clean (and he ends up doing it all) and most certainly doesn't have the energy, or stomach, to cook much of anything. Unfortunately, we end up eating out a lot, ordering pizza and becoming regulars at the Chinese take-out restaurant. Well, I use "we" loosely because it's mostly David as I could rarely stomach much of anything beyond Cheerios (and some days those were a stretch). I was looking forward to not being pregnant and being a stay-at-home mom, having the time to clean, cook and just take care of the house like I want to and should. Praise the Lord I'm feeling better and able to do stuff again!
While I was pregnant I was thinking of ways to spice up my weekly meal menu. I have made it a habit to make up a menu and do the grocery shopping from that. This has really helped our food budget, and it also helps to know what we're going to have for supper when that time comes every single day. My sister has been singing the praises of The Pioneer Woman for some time now. I had wanted to look into her recipes more but had kinda forgotten about them. That is until my sister and her crew came up for supper a few weeks ago and my sister made brownies from The Pioneer Woman's cookbook and also pita chips (I think). I started looking through the cookbook (I tend to read them like novels) and was impressed, interested, enthralled and totally wanted to cook everything in the book. My sister generously let me borrow the book, and I have made quick work of trying different recipes.
For the past several days/week we have tried enchiladas, chicken pot pie, blackberry cobbler, oatmeal crisp cookies, pizza crust and meatloaf. We have loved everything! I wanted to try a variety of things so I would know if I wanted to buy the book--I want to buy the book. And so, I shall buy the book, and we'll continue to cook our way through it and try out different things. I'm sure we won't love everything (then again, maybe we will) but it'll at least make us try new things, or new twists on things, and will get us out of our menu rut!
While I was pregnant I was thinking of ways to spice up my weekly meal menu. I have made it a habit to make up a menu and do the grocery shopping from that. This has really helped our food budget, and it also helps to know what we're going to have for supper when that time comes every single day. My sister has been singing the praises of The Pioneer Woman for some time now. I had wanted to look into her recipes more but had kinda forgotten about them. That is until my sister and her crew came up for supper a few weeks ago and my sister made brownies from The Pioneer Woman's cookbook and also pita chips (I think). I started looking through the cookbook (I tend to read them like novels) and was impressed, interested, enthralled and totally wanted to cook everything in the book. My sister generously let me borrow the book, and I have made quick work of trying different recipes.
For the past several days/week we have tried enchiladas, chicken pot pie, blackberry cobbler, oatmeal crisp cookies, pizza crust and meatloaf. We have loved everything! I wanted to try a variety of things so I would know if I wanted to buy the book--I want to buy the book. And so, I shall buy the book, and we'll continue to cook our way through it and try out different things. I'm sure we won't love everything (then again, maybe we will) but it'll at least make us try new things, or new twists on things, and will get us out of our menu rut!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Cantankerous
We thought it would be nice to get a family photo on Sunday since we were all dressed up and ready to go, and David's dad was available to take a photo! Well, something about the best-laid plans? A certain adorable, cute, lovable, cantankerous two year old had other ideas! She absolutely refused to look at the camera with her body. We were able to get her to look at her Mammaw, who was trying very hard to be funny and get Cora to laugh, but Cora refused to let David hold her so she was facing the camera. When she's older, and wonders why the rest of us look all nice and happy and she's not facing the camera, I'll tell her she'll understand when she has a two year old!
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| We'll try it this way first...definitely not going to smile... |
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| We try the other way and there's a hint of a smile...thanks to the hard work of Mammaw! |
Monday, July 18, 2011
FIRST, 4 and 2
Yesterday was the FIRST time Ben went to church since entering this world. We had a really good time. Everyone was excited to meet him, and he did a great job of being cute! He ate, burped, tooted and slept through Daddy's sermon and was just really good. He didn't make a peep until the very end. It was so nice to sit in church and hold him on the outside rather than sit there uncomfortably holding him on the inside.
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| Ben all decked out in his church-going outfit! |
Today Benjamin is 4 weeks old!!! Can you believe it???? How is it possible? I know I'll probably say or think this every single week/month/year of his life, but seriously! How does time go so fast? He continues to do well and is such a good baby. I think he's probably up to 10 lbs by now and he's definitely getting longer. He's starting to be a bit more awake during the day, but still will only go 3 hours at most during the night. I know we'll get to a point where he's sleeping through the night, but I wish that point would hurry up and get here!
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| Don't you just love those pockets? |
And now I'm a mom of TWO children! Wow. When I was younger--like junior high/high school, even college--I thought I would have 5-6 kids. As the years went by, and I was still single, I decided that however many children the Lord blessed my husband and I with would be just fine. Now that I'm a mom, I can't even imagine having 5-6 kids. Right now I'm perfectly content with my two children and love them so much! I was worried while I was pregnant with Ben that I wouldn't know how to love two kids. How was I supposed to love them differently yet with the same amount of love? As soon as Ben was born those worries went away. I love these children both immensely and differently. I know as the years go by that will develop. I'm so thankful for my two kids!
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| I sure love these two cuties! |
Friday, July 15, 2011
Happy Birthday!
Today is my dad's birthday, and I wanted to write a blog for him. I probably do it every year and there probably isn't much variation in what I say, but I don't really care. I think it bears repeating the wonderful man who is my father. My dad is generous, loving, kind, slow to become angry, quick to listen, handy with any tool you give him, seems able to fix everything, is near-genious, loves his family and loves God more. Because of my dad I knew it was OK not to date a 100 guys just to have someone's arm to hang on but knew that the right one was out there, and I just needed to wait. Plus, my future husband had a lot to live up to since my dad was/is such a great example of what a husband/father should be. My dad is one of the most honest people I know and full of integrity. My dad never wanted there to even be a hint of wrong-doing and raised my sister and I to be the same way and expect the same from others. My dad is a selfless man. A perfect example is how in the past few months he has given of himself on nights and weekends to help us out and my sister and BIL with different projects in our homes. He doesn't complain, just comes, helps and does so cheerfully. My dad not only loves my mom, sister and I but has taken in my husband and BIL like they are his own sons and in turn loves his 5 grandchildren. If you don't know my dad, I'm sorry! You're missing out on knowing a wonderful man. And, if you do know my dad then you know what I say is true.
Happy Birthday Dad! Thank you for being a wonderful example of what a husband, father and follower of Christ is supposed to be! I love you!
Happy Birthday Dad! Thank you for being a wonderful example of what a husband, father and follower of Christ is supposed to be! I love you!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Aunts and Uncles
Ben has been able to meet most of his aunts and uncles. He still has a couple "greats" to meet yet and hopefully it will be before too much time passes. Anyway, here are some photos with his aunts and uncles.
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| Getting some kisses from Aunt Ruthie |
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| Meeting Aunt Deirdre |
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| Snoozing with Uncle Jamie |
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| Meeting Great Aunt Connie (I failed to get a photo of my Uncle Kerry...) |
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| Meeting Great Aunt Cathy |
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| Meeting Great Uncle Bob |
Monday, July 11, 2011
Growing, growing and growing!
Our little boy is 3 weeks old today! Wow! How does this happen? I thought time went fast with Cora because she was our first and we didn't know any better, but it has been the same with Benjamin too. He's 3 weeks old, that means he's 21 days old. Wow.
He's doing well and such a good baby. He really only cries when he's ready to eat and then he REALLY cries--he lets us know when it's time! He had his 2 week pediatrician appointment last week and passed with flying colors! He was measured at 21 inches and now weighs 9 lbs., 10 oz. He is NOT a petite guy! The doctor was really pleased with his progress and couldn't believe how strong he is (trying to lift up on his elbows and lifting his head quite well). He's eating like a champ and sleeping about 3 hour stretches at night.
We, as a family, are doing well. I love having 2 kids. I think we're still getting used to it, but in all reality, right now at this point, it's not been as hard an adjustment as I thought it would be. Obviously, there are adjustments, but for the most part it's going well.
I'm tired, exhausted really. But, making do! David has been wonderful, letting me take loooooong naps when it's possible while manning the home-front. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again--David is such a wonderful husband. He's working hard not only at his paid job, but also here at home, where he's not paid. He's doing such a great job with helping with the kids, things around the house and feedings at night. And, as always, without complaint.
Cora continues to do well, adjusting of course, but doing well. The discipline issues we've had have been minimal, and she continues to just love, love, LOVE her brother.
All in all the Hardins are doing well, all FOUR of us!
He's doing well and such a good baby. He really only cries when he's ready to eat and then he REALLY cries--he lets us know when it's time! He had his 2 week pediatrician appointment last week and passed with flying colors! He was measured at 21 inches and now weighs 9 lbs., 10 oz. He is NOT a petite guy! The doctor was really pleased with his progress and couldn't believe how strong he is (trying to lift up on his elbows and lifting his head quite well). He's eating like a champ and sleeping about 3 hour stretches at night.
We, as a family, are doing well. I love having 2 kids. I think we're still getting used to it, but in all reality, right now at this point, it's not been as hard an adjustment as I thought it would be. Obviously, there are adjustments, but for the most part it's going well.
I'm tired, exhausted really. But, making do! David has been wonderful, letting me take loooooong naps when it's possible while manning the home-front. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again--David is such a wonderful husband. He's working hard not only at his paid job, but also here at home, where he's not paid. He's doing such a great job with helping with the kids, things around the house and feedings at night. And, as always, without complaint.
Cora continues to do well, adjusting of course, but doing well. The discipline issues we've had have been minimal, and she continues to just love, love, LOVE her brother.
All in all the Hardins are doing well, all FOUR of us!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Cousins!!
Now there are FIVE little ones for us to chase around! My sister has 3 kids (Sophia, 6; Riley, 3 in August; Hadassah, 1) and we now have 2 (Cora, 2; Ben 2 wks). There's always fun to be had when the cousins all get together. Lots of running around, screeching, merry-making and running the parents ragged! But, I love that we live close enough to my sister that our kids can see each other on a regular basis. Growing up in the wilds of Africa my sister and I were not able to do that with our cousins. We love that our kids can grow up together and not only be cousins but be friends! Anyway...Sunday my sister, BIL and their 3 kids came up to spend the afternoon with us. My BIL and the kids hadn't yet met Ben so there was extra excitement! My sister's MIL made all the kids matching t-shirts to celebrate the birth of Ben so we had them all decked out and took some photos. Here are some photos of the fun they all had on Sunday!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Benjamin's Story
Ben's story begins on Sunday, June 19. I was SO uncomfortable. I could hardly sit, I didn't sleep well, I just felt terrible. David and I both felt that the time was drawing near, if not that night, or the next day. But, because I had thought it was time before I didn't do anything special, we just went about our day. At 2:30 Monday morning I got up to go the bathroom (standard) and as I was walking back to bed WHOOSH! my water broke. I walked back to the bathroom, so as not to get anything on the carpet, I tell David very matter-of-factly, "Welp, my water just broke." I called the midwife and was told to go back to bed and as contractions came to keep track. I was also supposed to eat and drink all to prepare my body for the labor/delivery process. Call it nerves, but probably more the contractions I wasn't able to sleep. My contractions came quickly, quite steadily every 8-10 min and then increased to 5. I was still able to walk/talk through them but since it was already 4 am I thought I better call my mom to get ready and come to the house in case I needed to get to the hospital ASAP. Well, Mom was on her way, my contraction pain was increasing and I didn't feel comfortable to wait so we called a pastor friend and he walked (he's just around the corner) to the house to stay with Cora until my mom came.
We arrived at the hospital at 6:15 am. We walked up to the L/D floor, got checked in, talked to the midwife, found I was 4 cm and then...my contractions stopped! WHAT??????? Well, we all know that when ones water breaks the chances for infection to the baby increases so they were anxious to get my contractions going again. It was suggested I start petocin. Um. I was TERRIFIED!!!!!!!!!! Remembering my HORRENDOUS time with Cora's birth petocin was the LAST thing I wanted. They told me to rest, walk and take a hot shower to see if we couldn't get labor going again and if I hadn't progressed to 5 cm by noon I would need to get started on petocin. I was so scared. David and I prayed and prayed. I cried and prayed. I just prayed. We walked the halls, I took a warm shower and then I laid down to try to nap. Needless to say, God answered my prayers with a yes, and I was unable to rest. My contractions started coming. They got harder with each one and soon I was not having any fun at all! We called the midwife to see if I had progressed, and I was definitely at 5 cm and it wasn't even 12 noon yet!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!
I soon realized that I was going to have severe back labor. The pain was excruciating and I was unable to relax. This time I did not endure for 15 hours but quickly said, how long until I can get an epidural? Now to hurdle fear #2--getting another epidural. Again, my time with Cora's birth was horrific and so I was scared to death again but knew I wouldn't be able to handle the pain. My midwife and nurse conferred with each other, already knowing my previous experience and my midwife told the nurse to be sure and call "Dr. Green." Apparently, she's high up in the department or something. My midwife said, "Call Dr. Green. I want to be sure this happens with no problems." Dr. Green was there quickly, a nice woman who was very confident in her skills. She very quickly got the epidural in, and I think was in and out of the room in 10 min or less. HEAVENLY BLISS almost immediately. Ah, the feeling of a warm blanket going up my legs. With each contraction the pain became less and less. I was able to rest and they started the petocin because my progress had slowed down again, but I didn't care because I couldn't feel anything!
Around 3 ish in the afternoon the epidural was not working on my right side (happened with Cora too, so maybe just something weird about my body???). They suggested me getting a little boost in the meds but wanted to check my progress first. I was 8 cm!!!! David reminded me that this had happened with Cora and that I had gone from 8 to pushing quickly. I was still given a boost but was pushing by 3:45. I pushed and pushed and pushed and pushed. I didn't think he was EVER going to come out! Close to 5 pm I was at a breaking point and prayed silently to the Lord, "I can't go anymore Lord. Please bring him out with the next contraction." And, he did! Benjamin was born right at 5:00 pm and I got to hold him immediately. He was so goopy and beautiful all at the same time. David watched the whole thing and cut the cord, which I was shocked as he doesn't do body stuff well! :)
I only tore a little bit (at the site of the episiotomy I had received during Cora's birth) and have only 3 stitches. We recovered for 2 hours in our delivery room and then were moved to the postpartum room, where we have a private room. Ben has been nursing very well. I'm quite excited about that!!! I am so praying that this time nursing is more successful. Thank you all for your love, prayers and support. It was felt and appreciated. Thank you! I know we have some rough days ahead of us, but I'm so excited to get home and learn what it is to be a family of four.
Enjoy these photos!
We arrived at the hospital at 6:15 am. We walked up to the L/D floor, got checked in, talked to the midwife, found I was 4 cm and then...my contractions stopped! WHAT??????? Well, we all know that when ones water breaks the chances for infection to the baby increases so they were anxious to get my contractions going again. It was suggested I start petocin. Um. I was TERRIFIED!!!!!!!!!! Remembering my HORRENDOUS time with Cora's birth petocin was the LAST thing I wanted. They told me to rest, walk and take a hot shower to see if we couldn't get labor going again and if I hadn't progressed to 5 cm by noon I would need to get started on petocin. I was so scared. David and I prayed and prayed. I cried and prayed. I just prayed. We walked the halls, I took a warm shower and then I laid down to try to nap. Needless to say, God answered my prayers with a yes, and I was unable to rest. My contractions started coming. They got harder with each one and soon I was not having any fun at all! We called the midwife to see if I had progressed, and I was definitely at 5 cm and it wasn't even 12 noon yet!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!
I soon realized that I was going to have severe back labor. The pain was excruciating and I was unable to relax. This time I did not endure for 15 hours but quickly said, how long until I can get an epidural? Now to hurdle fear #2--getting another epidural. Again, my time with Cora's birth was horrific and so I was scared to death again but knew I wouldn't be able to handle the pain. My midwife and nurse conferred with each other, already knowing my previous experience and my midwife told the nurse to be sure and call "Dr. Green." Apparently, she's high up in the department or something. My midwife said, "Call Dr. Green. I want to be sure this happens with no problems." Dr. Green was there quickly, a nice woman who was very confident in her skills. She very quickly got the epidural in, and I think was in and out of the room in 10 min or less. HEAVENLY BLISS almost immediately. Ah, the feeling of a warm blanket going up my legs. With each contraction the pain became less and less. I was able to rest and they started the petocin because my progress had slowed down again, but I didn't care because I couldn't feel anything!
Around 3 ish in the afternoon the epidural was not working on my right side (happened with Cora too, so maybe just something weird about my body???). They suggested me getting a little boost in the meds but wanted to check my progress first. I was 8 cm!!!! David reminded me that this had happened with Cora and that I had gone from 8 to pushing quickly. I was still given a boost but was pushing by 3:45. I pushed and pushed and pushed and pushed. I didn't think he was EVER going to come out! Close to 5 pm I was at a breaking point and prayed silently to the Lord, "I can't go anymore Lord. Please bring him out with the next contraction." And, he did! Benjamin was born right at 5:00 pm and I got to hold him immediately. He was so goopy and beautiful all at the same time. David watched the whole thing and cut the cord, which I was shocked as he doesn't do body stuff well! :)
I only tore a little bit (at the site of the episiotomy I had received during Cora's birth) and have only 3 stitches. We recovered for 2 hours in our delivery room and then were moved to the postpartum room, where we have a private room. Ben has been nursing very well. I'm quite excited about that!!! I am so praying that this time nursing is more successful. Thank you all for your love, prayers and support. It was felt and appreciated. Thank you! I know we have some rough days ahead of us, but I'm so excited to get home and learn what it is to be a family of four.
Enjoy these photos!
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| Ben was born weighing 1 lb more and was 1 in. longer than his sister! |
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| Our wonderful midwife, Linda. Incidentally, the midwife group I went to has 9 midwives. I only ever met 2 of them, Linda and another one. I met Linda at my first visit and prayed during that appointment that she would be the one to deliver Ben! |
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| My husband, love of my life and AMAZING helper during the whole process! |
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| The newest love of my life! |
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| Look at those rolls! |
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| My two men! I love them so much! |
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| Cora and her new brother, "Baby Ben." They're gonna be great friends! |
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| Our new family! |
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Introducing...
Benjamin Monroe Hardin has joined our family and we couldn't be happier! He was born Monday, June 20, 2011 at precisely 5:00 pm. He weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz. and was 20 inches long. He has a few blonde wispy hairs and is just perfect! :) He is so precious and we couldn't be happier.
Cora met her brother "Baby Ben" as she came in to my room saying--thanks to her grandmothers--and she seems to have warmed up to him so far! She held him a few times while visiting us last night with the help of grandparents. It was more than this momma could handle. So much joy and pride welling up in me seeing my TWO children together. So, so, so precious.
So far Ben is doing great with nursing. I'm really hoping this time around works better than with Cora. I think I'll have a much better support system here and more resources to aid me. We are, of course EXHAUSTED but doing just fine. I'll share his story tomorrow if I'm able to get it written.
Cora met her brother "Baby Ben" as she came in to my room saying--thanks to her grandmothers--and she seems to have warmed up to him so far! She held him a few times while visiting us last night with the help of grandparents. It was more than this momma could handle. So much joy and pride welling up in me seeing my TWO children together. So, so, so precious.
So far Ben is doing great with nursing. I'm really hoping this time around works better than with Cora. I think I'll have a much better support system here and more resources to aid me. We are, of course EXHAUSTED but doing just fine. I'll share his story tomorrow if I'm able to get it written.
Monday, June 6, 2011
To Give Thanks
Sometimes it's hard to give thanks, and yet we're commanded to do so! Sometimes it's easier to stay in self pity and waller in the bad that's happening that you would just rather not give thanks. Sometimes you think God has given you all those lemons just to get in your paper cuts and the thought of using the lemons to make lemonade is ridiculous. I have to say that throughout this pregnancy I have succumbed to all of this--the bad, not the giving of thanks. However, I have been convicted as of late (and let's be honest the Holy Spirit has been pricking my conscious the whole time) that I just need to give thanks. I need to accept the lemons and make some lemonade out of them. I need to stop wallowing in self-pity and give thanks. And so, I want to give thanks in this blog entry. I have written a list of things that have come to mind for me to give thanks about. It's not exhaustive, but it's certainly what came immediately to mind.
1. Cora has been healthy most of this pregnancy, especially as of late with the onset of warmer weather.
2. Cora has been sleeping well at night and taking her naps which has allowed me full nights of sleep and rest in the afternoons.
3. I have had several friends helping me by taking Cora for several hours in the morning and feeding her lunch so that she's ready for her nap when she comes home, which allows more rest for me.
4. My husband. Oh my husband. I don't have enough words to say how thankful I am for him. I know he's busy with his own work and yet, without complaining, he has taken on extra chores--cooking, cleaning, taking care of Cora, Molly, the yard work, etc. He is carrying far more than his fair share right now, and I'm so thankful for him. And, he's doing all of this without getting good sleep due to all the pillows in the bed keeping me comfortable. He is a gem and I am truly, truly blessed that he's my husband.
5. My mom and mother-in-law have done more than they need to in helping us. My mom has been coming up 1 day a week for several weeks now helping me with whatever. My MIL has been coming up when she can, also doing whatever I need help with. This includes laundry, dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, grocery shopping, oh and entertaining Cora too!!! I am blessed to not only have a mom who loves me but also a MIL.
6. My dear sister has also been coming up when she can (she is busy getting her house ready to sell, has 3 kids of her own, trying to finish up home schooling for the year) and has been a ginormous help too. And, she's always a phone call away, reminding me that pregnancy doesn't last forever, this too shall pass and other such wonderful encouragements. I love my sister so very much and am so thankful for her and her encouragement.
7. My father has been spending his weekends between our house and my sister and BIL's house helping us all with projects. This means he is busy, busy, busy. And, he does it cheerfully, never complaining. I know my dad is exhausted and yet he willingly takes on these projects/challenges to help us out. We are greatly indebted to him.
8. Our church family has been so loving, caring, concerned, compassionate--quite frankly, it's overwhelming. My church attendance has not been too regular and they never make me feel guilty for it. They just want this baby to come so that I feel better. They have not once made me feel like a failure as a pastor's wife because I'm not dragging myself to church every Sunday--in fact there have been Sundays when I've been "scolded" for being there and told I should have stayed home. They are so excited when I'm there and are so very helpful to me with Cora while David is working. We are so blessed to be in this church, and I don't ever want to forget their love and concern for us during this time.
9. I am thankful to all those who have been praying for me during this difficult time. I learn all the time of more and more people who've been praying for me, and I had no idea. I feel so unworthy and yet am so thankful because without those prayers I would not be getting through this.
10. I'm so grateful for the excellent medical care I'm receiving during this pregnancy. It's been worlds better than last time, and I am just praising the Lord for bringing us to this point. I look forward to having a much better labor/delivery experience.
11. And, I'll end with saying how thankful I am to the Lord. For without his help, love, grace and mercy I could not do this. I'm so thankful for his faithfulness to me even on my worse days when I was angry at him for allowing me to feel so terrible. I'm glad our God has a thick skin!!
What are you thankful for today?
1. Cora has been healthy most of this pregnancy, especially as of late with the onset of warmer weather.
2. Cora has been sleeping well at night and taking her naps which has allowed me full nights of sleep and rest in the afternoons.
3. I have had several friends helping me by taking Cora for several hours in the morning and feeding her lunch so that she's ready for her nap when she comes home, which allows more rest for me.
4. My husband. Oh my husband. I don't have enough words to say how thankful I am for him. I know he's busy with his own work and yet, without complaining, he has taken on extra chores--cooking, cleaning, taking care of Cora, Molly, the yard work, etc. He is carrying far more than his fair share right now, and I'm so thankful for him. And, he's doing all of this without getting good sleep due to all the pillows in the bed keeping me comfortable. He is a gem and I am truly, truly blessed that he's my husband.
5. My mom and mother-in-law have done more than they need to in helping us. My mom has been coming up 1 day a week for several weeks now helping me with whatever. My MIL has been coming up when she can, also doing whatever I need help with. This includes laundry, dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, grocery shopping, oh and entertaining Cora too!!! I am blessed to not only have a mom who loves me but also a MIL.
6. My dear sister has also been coming up when she can (she is busy getting her house ready to sell, has 3 kids of her own, trying to finish up home schooling for the year) and has been a ginormous help too. And, she's always a phone call away, reminding me that pregnancy doesn't last forever, this too shall pass and other such wonderful encouragements. I love my sister so very much and am so thankful for her and her encouragement.
7. My father has been spending his weekends between our house and my sister and BIL's house helping us all with projects. This means he is busy, busy, busy. And, he does it cheerfully, never complaining. I know my dad is exhausted and yet he willingly takes on these projects/challenges to help us out. We are greatly indebted to him.
8. Our church family has been so loving, caring, concerned, compassionate--quite frankly, it's overwhelming. My church attendance has not been too regular and they never make me feel guilty for it. They just want this baby to come so that I feel better. They have not once made me feel like a failure as a pastor's wife because I'm not dragging myself to church every Sunday--in fact there have been Sundays when I've been "scolded" for being there and told I should have stayed home. They are so excited when I'm there and are so very helpful to me with Cora while David is working. We are so blessed to be in this church, and I don't ever want to forget their love and concern for us during this time.
9. I am thankful to all those who have been praying for me during this difficult time. I learn all the time of more and more people who've been praying for me, and I had no idea. I feel so unworthy and yet am so thankful because without those prayers I would not be getting through this.
10. I'm so grateful for the excellent medical care I'm receiving during this pregnancy. It's been worlds better than last time, and I am just praising the Lord for bringing us to this point. I look forward to having a much better labor/delivery experience.
11. And, I'll end with saying how thankful I am to the Lord. For without his help, love, grace and mercy I could not do this. I'm so thankful for his faithfulness to me even on my worse days when I was angry at him for allowing me to feel so terrible. I'm glad our God has a thick skin!!
What are you thankful for today?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Learning to Let Go
My grandma was a quiet woman, a loyal woman, a woman who deeply loved her family, had a strong will, a bit of a temper and red hair. She loved to watch Jeopardy! and seemed to know most of the answers. She always kept a yard stick by her chair to spank us, though I'm not sure she ever used it. And, my grandma was afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This disease is horrible, and not at all like "regular" arthritis where you have aches and pains. You have mind-numbing pain and basically your body is "eating" itself. My grandma had a fake knee, at least one of her hips was fake, her one elbow was fused into place and her fingers were gnarled and curled because of the RA. Because of all of these things, that only got worse as the years went on, she was unable to do much outside of the house. Many probably thought she just sat around watching soap operas and ate bon bons. My grandma was not perfect, and she had a disease that took away her outside beauty, but what many people didn't know was my grandma was a prayer warrior--the fiercest kind as far as I'm concerned. She prayed for everyone in her family, she was on the prayer chain for her church and she probably prayed for folks she didn't even know simply because they were dear to one of her loved ones. I guarantee she prayed for the salvation of unsaved family members as she was dying and taking her last breath. My grandmother had a mission field just in her living room, in her chair. She may not have been out doing stuff, but I believe my grandma did more for the Kingdom of God than most of us will ever do.
Another thing about my grandma, and this is what kept her alive for so long, was she had a HUGE stubborn streak in her! The woman was independent and she was not to be fooled around with! I have to be honest and say it could frustrate me to no end. It was so hard for me to watch her struggle to do simple tasks when I knew I could do it much faster and save her some pain (I NEVER once heard her complain about being in pain, by the way). I learned quickly that she did not want the help and she was not too pleased to be offered help! I learned that this stubborn woman needed her independence because so much had been taken from her. So much control had been lost due to a disease she didn't ask to have.
During this pregnancy I have come to relate to my grandma a lot more, especially where the stubbornness and independence is concerned. There are other areas I am like my grandma, but this one probably sticks out the most--just ask my mom! :) I have been sick with pregnancy stuff, sinus infections, viruses, etc most of this pregnancy and it has been so hard for me to ask for help. I have, on more than one occasion, overdone it and made myself sicker because I was just too dang stubborn to ask for help. However, I have come to a point in this pregnancy that for the sake of the baby I have to rely on others. I have to lose my the tight grip I hold on my independence and let others help me. I have to let my mom, sister, MIL, and friends come help me with Cora, with the house work, with laundry, cooking and grocery shopping. If I don't I could cause this baby to be born before it's safe. I could hurt myself and well, I just have to let go. I have had to say "no" to doing a lot of things for the health of the baby and myself. It has not been easy, and I've hated every second of it, but it's necessary.
What I found so frustrating in my grandma I have now come to appreciate. No, I don't have a horrible, debilitating disease and this pregnancy is coming to a fast end, but I can appreciate how hard it was for her to let go. I remember at the end of her life my grandma knew she could no longer do anything for herself--from going to the bathroom to fixing something to eat. I hated seeing this strong, independent woman have to give up things that were so simple. It was so hard to have to do those things for her, not because I didn't want to help, but because I knew what it must have been for her to have them done for her. As I temporarily give up some of my independence and ask people for help I'm trying to remember that it's OK, I'll live, and will probably be better off because of it. I love my grandma dearly and miss her so much even though she's been gone for several years. I appreciate the stubbornness and independence she gave me.
What do you need to let go of today, even if just temporarily?
Another thing about my grandma, and this is what kept her alive for so long, was she had a HUGE stubborn streak in her! The woman was independent and she was not to be fooled around with! I have to be honest and say it could frustrate me to no end. It was so hard for me to watch her struggle to do simple tasks when I knew I could do it much faster and save her some pain (I NEVER once heard her complain about being in pain, by the way). I learned quickly that she did not want the help and she was not too pleased to be offered help! I learned that this stubborn woman needed her independence because so much had been taken from her. So much control had been lost due to a disease she didn't ask to have.
During this pregnancy I have come to relate to my grandma a lot more, especially where the stubbornness and independence is concerned. There are other areas I am like my grandma, but this one probably sticks out the most--just ask my mom! :) I have been sick with pregnancy stuff, sinus infections, viruses, etc most of this pregnancy and it has been so hard for me to ask for help. I have, on more than one occasion, overdone it and made myself sicker because I was just too dang stubborn to ask for help. However, I have come to a point in this pregnancy that for the sake of the baby I have to rely on others. I have to lose my the tight grip I hold on my independence and let others help me. I have to let my mom, sister, MIL, and friends come help me with Cora, with the house work, with laundry, cooking and grocery shopping. If I don't I could cause this baby to be born before it's safe. I could hurt myself and well, I just have to let go. I have had to say "no" to doing a lot of things for the health of the baby and myself. It has not been easy, and I've hated every second of it, but it's necessary.
What I found so frustrating in my grandma I have now come to appreciate. No, I don't have a horrible, debilitating disease and this pregnancy is coming to a fast end, but I can appreciate how hard it was for her to let go. I remember at the end of her life my grandma knew she could no longer do anything for herself--from going to the bathroom to fixing something to eat. I hated seeing this strong, independent woman have to give up things that were so simple. It was so hard to have to do those things for her, not because I didn't want to help, but because I knew what it must have been for her to have them done for her. As I temporarily give up some of my independence and ask people for help I'm trying to remember that it's OK, I'll live, and will probably be better off because of it. I love my grandma dearly and miss her so much even though she's been gone for several years. I appreciate the stubbornness and independence she gave me.
What do you need to let go of today, even if just temporarily?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Celebratory Weekend
This past weekend was a busy one, again, but a fun one! Saturday was David's birthday and though I had planned a surprise party for him, it didn't exactly work out that way. However, we had a great time anyway and he told me he felt well-celebrated! :)
One of David's favorite types of restaurants is the Brazilian steakhouse. We discovered one on accident on a vacation to Cincinnati a few years ago. It was SO GOOD that we have kept our eyes out for others. We were able to go to one on our trip to NYC a couple years ago and so I thought, surely there's one here in the big city we live near. And, there is!!! So, my sister, BIL, David and I all piled in our van and went to the Big City and had a good time! (Oh, my wonderful parents took kid-duty for us!) Have you ever been to a Brazilian steakhouse? Well, let me tell you why my husband loves them so much! Because you can eat your fill (and then some) of meat--15 different kinds, to be exact! Well, 15 different preparations of meat. You are given a coaster when you arrive. One side is red and one side is green. As long as green is facing up these guys will come by your table with swords of meat and slice off some of what they bring, if you want it. :) It's quite the experience. There is also an extensive "salad" bar which offers pasta, cheeses, palm hearts, shrimp, etc. Because of the price of getting the salad bar and meat and the fact that my sister and I were in no way going to eat that much meat, we opted to only get the salad bar and sampled from our husband's meat! :) It turned out to be a great way to go. Our husbands almost had to be rolled out of the restaurant, and we had a great time being together. After dinner we went back to our house and had ice cream cake with my parents and the kids. Also, a fun time!
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| Yes, I put 31 candles on the cake! :) David blew them out in one big breath... |
Sunday was, of course, Mother's Day! I had requested donuts (so I didn't have to make breakfast) and an uninterrupted nap. :) Well, I had made cinnamon rolls for David's b-day breakfast and we still had lots left over so I told him to skip the donuts and we had bacon and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Church went well and we met my parents in their city for lunch. It was a good time spending part of the day with my mom. Due to church, waiting for food at the restaurant and running a couple other errands I didn't get the nap I wanted, but was able to cat nap in the chair while we let Cora watch videos. We spent the rest of the evening outside using our new-to-us table and chairs and let Cora run out energy before bed. It was a good day and I felt very loved and appreciated by David and Cora (and Molly too!). It'll be lots of fun next year to add Baby Sprout to the mix!! Unfortunately, I discovered yesterday we had totally forgotten to take any photos on Mother's Day. Sigh...next year! :)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A Year Ago...
It's been 1 year and 1 day since we left MI and made our way to central OH. We didn't know how long we would be living with my in laws, but we knew we could no longer stay in MI, and we had to do something. Thankfully, we were only in temporary living for 5 months. It was a time of healing for us, a time to get to know David's new step dad and a time for my MIL and I to get to know each other even better! It was not a horrible time. We had a great time last summer, and I think in some ways we were all amazed! :) I mean, it's not always a great thing to have to live with your parents. However, for us it was a good experience. Don't get me wrong--we were most excited for David to get a job and for us to get out on our own again, but truly, those 5 months were good months.
Where has this year taken us? Well, we had a great summer, David got a job, we bought our first house, we found out we were expecting baby Hardin #2 and Cora turned 2. It's been a jam-packed, filled-up year! It's been a wonderful year full of new beginnings and blessings from the Lord. It's hard to believe it's only been a year since we left MI. We are so thankful for where He has brought us and from what he took us out of.
Where has this year taken us? Well, we had a great summer, David got a job, we bought our first house, we found out we were expecting baby Hardin #2 and Cora turned 2. It's been a jam-packed, filled-up year! It's been a wonderful year full of new beginnings and blessings from the Lord. It's hard to believe it's only been a year since we left MI. We are so thankful for where He has brought us and from what he took us out of.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Soccer Saturday
My niece, Sophia, is on an outdoor soccer team! Over the winter she played on an indoor team and now she's trying outdoor soccer. :) We weren't able to see her play over the winter, but Saturday we went to Ashland so David could help with some more kitchen reno and I went to Soph's soccer game with my sister, Cora, my other niece, Haddie and Molly. Riley stayed home with the men to do man things. :) I had a great time watching Sophia play in the mud soccer. As my sister and I were sitting there, in the sun (when we had arrived at the field it was cloudy and looked dangerously close to raining), we thought maybe sunscreen would've been a good idea. Yah, we were right. We all left the games with rosy cheeks and my sister and I had/have RED arms! Oh well. Now we'll be sporting the ever-popular farmer's tan this summer. :) Here are some photos of our soccer player!
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| My beautiful sister keeping control of everyone while I take pictures |
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| When did she stop being a little girl? She looks so old in this photo! |
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| Oooo! Mud! |
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| Look at those baby blues! |
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
An Easter Celebration
This year Easter and my mom's birthday fell on the same day. Unless my mom lives well into her 100s she will never again celebrate her birthday on Easter (and hasn't before now either!). It seems to have become a tradition for my family to join us for Easter and so this year we carried on the tradition. My parents, and my sister and her crew joined us for church followed by lunch and birthday celebration.
The church service was phenomenal! I was so proud of David!!! He was nervous, this being the first Easter in our new church but things went really well and he did GREAT!!! Most importantly, the Spirit of the LIVING God was there and so palpable. The songs chosen for the congregation and choir to sing only added to the whole worship experience. We also did something that was new to all of us. A couple in our church were given a hand-hewn hickory cross. The wife did her research and learned that for the first 1000 years Christians had a tradition of putting fresh flowers on a cross on Easter Sunday to signify rebirth and Christ's resurrection. So, that's what we did! They provided a huge array of fresh, spring flowers and everyone was asked to take a flower and put it on the cross at the front of the sanctuary before they sat down. It was so beautiful!!!! And it was such a neat reminder of what we were celebrating. It was a wonderful, stress-free service. Again, we were reminded how things are done in a healthy, well-functioning church. God is so good!!!!
After church we went to our house and us women got lunch going. David and my dad fired up the grill and my BIL, Jamie wrangled the kids! Due to days of rain (including Sunday) we had an egg hunt in the house this year. The kids thought that was great fun! :) Lunch took a bit longer to prepare then was expected (I had a meltdown, which I'm sure will be hilarious AFTER the baby is born and I'm not so full of extra hormones!!), but we finally managed to eat! :) We ended with cake and gifts for my mom to celebrate her! It was a wonderful day and I'm so thankful for my family. Hope you enjoy the photos below! :)
The church service was phenomenal! I was so proud of David!!! He was nervous, this being the first Easter in our new church but things went really well and he did GREAT!!! Most importantly, the Spirit of the LIVING God was there and so palpable. The songs chosen for the congregation and choir to sing only added to the whole worship experience. We also did something that was new to all of us. A couple in our church were given a hand-hewn hickory cross. The wife did her research and learned that for the first 1000 years Christians had a tradition of putting fresh flowers on a cross on Easter Sunday to signify rebirth and Christ's resurrection. So, that's what we did! They provided a huge array of fresh, spring flowers and everyone was asked to take a flower and put it on the cross at the front of the sanctuary before they sat down. It was so beautiful!!!! And it was such a neat reminder of what we were celebrating. It was a wonderful, stress-free service. Again, we were reminded how things are done in a healthy, well-functioning church. God is so good!!!!
After church we went to our house and us women got lunch going. David and my dad fired up the grill and my BIL, Jamie wrangled the kids! Due to days of rain (including Sunday) we had an egg hunt in the house this year. The kids thought that was great fun! :) Lunch took a bit longer to prepare then was expected (I had a meltdown, which I'm sure will be hilarious AFTER the baby is born and I'm not so full of extra hormones!!), but we finally managed to eat! :) We ended with cake and gifts for my mom to celebrate her! It was a wonderful day and I'm so thankful for my family. Hope you enjoy the photos below! :)
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| Our cutie! She was not too in to getting her picture taken on Sunday and she was NOT into having anything done with her hair! :) |
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| Yes, I'm sunburned. |
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| Cousins! |
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| The Abrusci's |
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| My parents |
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| Isn't Riley a hoot? |
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| Enjoying their bounty! |
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| And, just 'cause she's cute! |
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Other Side of Pregnancy
Being pregnant makes my baby radar that much more strong. I am drawn to all things "baby" and of course I notice all the pregnant women around me. I have also been drawn to shows on TV that have to do with pregnancy or babies. I suppose that's just the way it is--like when you buy a new car you start noticing that EVERYONE has the same car you just bought! :) Unfortunately, my radar is also picking up the sad parts of pregnancy, the sad situations, the situations that aren't ideal.
I was watching the show "16 and Pregnant" on MTV the other day and was so saddened by the predicament of this 16 year old girl. She was the only 1 of her family (she had 4 siblings, all of her sisters being teen moms themselves) that had the chance of graduating high school. Her mom was so insistent about it because she wanted at least 1 of her 5 children to have a better life. And then, the girl gets pregnant. Her boyfriend was probably in his 20s, he certainly wasn't in high school any longer and was a barber. I was so saddened by watching this girl have such high hopes for her future and the future of their baby. She was so sure that her man would stand by her, but a wonderful father, love her and the baby even more then now, etc., etc., etc. I'm sure you can just imagine how it all turned out. Of course, as the pregnancy continues on he becomes less and less interested in her, actually making it pretty clear he's no longer interested now that she's pregnant. He was taped telling his friends that it's fun to have sex with your girl but then once she's pregnant it's just not exciting anymore. Wow. It's time for the baby to be born. The girl is induced (of course) and is crying due to the pain. I mean, labor is just that--labor. It's painful!!! Her man says to her, "Hey! Why are you crying?" DUH!!!! She says he was making her so upset at this point that she was just trying to ignore him. I can't even imagine. Labor with Cora (and I know with Baby Sprout) was hard enough that I can not imagine what it would have been like had it not been for David's constant support and love and strength (and my sister's!). The show ends with her struggling to graduate, taking care of the baby constantly, the father, of course, totally disinterested and the future of everyone unclear. I have to admit I cried. I cried for this girl and the baby. I just found it so sad.
A few days later we were at the mall, and I went into a maternity store to buy a few more things for summer. I love this store, and I have always thought it would be fun to work there. Then, I was reminded, when talking with the sales clerk, that not every pregnancy is ideal and there are some very sad situations. She told us that just the day before she had helped a 12 year old get some maternity clothes. That's right, TWELVE!!!!!!! And, the mom (probably barely 30 herself) was so excited to be buying maternity clothes for her daughter who was due in a week. The father of this unborn child was TWENTY (!!!!). Can you even imagine????????? The sales clerk says she gets teens all the time saying they need to have a Teen Maternity store. WOW!
What is wrong with our society? When did we come to the conclusion that it was OK to televise teens having babies? In who's mind is it OK for a 20 year old and 12 year old to have a sexual relationship? These things are NOT OK and yet our culture seems hell-bent on promoting it!!!! I am so disgusted. I don't think there is any ONE reason for this decline in our society. I don't think there is any ONE thing we can say, "if it weren't for this we wouldn't have teen pregnancy." I think it's a whole lot of things. I think it's girls growing up in fatherless homes; girls growing up in dysfunctional homes where the father might be there but doesn't make any effort to relate to his daughter; I think it's all the horrendous clothes that are sold to be worn by girls of all ages, things I wouldn't wear as an adult and things I truly believe at one time would only be worn by prostitutes.
David and I talk all the time about how we're raising Cora and her brother to be people who love the Lord and don't feel the need to fall to the pressures of society to feel loved. We know we're only 2 years into this parenting thing and these issues are yet to become big. But, we have already started with Cora. We don't buy short skirts/dresses/shorts for her. We don't buy any clothing that says such things as "princess," "I rule," "I'm the boss," etc. We make sure that if she's wearing a tank top it's not spaghetti straps and doesn't fall off her shoulders. Her bathing suits are modest and not bikinis. You may say, "yeah, but she's only 2." Well, folks, if we don't start now when do we start? Because I think if we started when she was in school it would be too late. We are teaching her how to sit in a dress/skirt, how to behave in public and telling her she's beautiful AND smart. David knows the importance of making sure she is secure in his love. Yes, it's "easy" now while she's 2, but I honestly believe that if we keep this practice up when we get to the pre-teen and teen years the foundation will be there and it'll be easier for all of us!
Please, protect your daughters and sons. Protect them from themselves. Be a parent, not a friend. You have plenty of time after they get out of school to be their friend. Do them a favor and be a parent!! They'll thank you later!
I was watching the show "16 and Pregnant" on MTV the other day and was so saddened by the predicament of this 16 year old girl. She was the only 1 of her family (she had 4 siblings, all of her sisters being teen moms themselves) that had the chance of graduating high school. Her mom was so insistent about it because she wanted at least 1 of her 5 children to have a better life. And then, the girl gets pregnant. Her boyfriend was probably in his 20s, he certainly wasn't in high school any longer and was a barber. I was so saddened by watching this girl have such high hopes for her future and the future of their baby. She was so sure that her man would stand by her, but a wonderful father, love her and the baby even more then now, etc., etc., etc. I'm sure you can just imagine how it all turned out. Of course, as the pregnancy continues on he becomes less and less interested in her, actually making it pretty clear he's no longer interested now that she's pregnant. He was taped telling his friends that it's fun to have sex with your girl but then once she's pregnant it's just not exciting anymore. Wow. It's time for the baby to be born. The girl is induced (of course) and is crying due to the pain. I mean, labor is just that--labor. It's painful!!! Her man says to her, "Hey! Why are you crying?" DUH!!!! She says he was making her so upset at this point that she was just trying to ignore him. I can't even imagine. Labor with Cora (and I know with Baby Sprout) was hard enough that I can not imagine what it would have been like had it not been for David's constant support and love and strength (and my sister's!). The show ends with her struggling to graduate, taking care of the baby constantly, the father, of course, totally disinterested and the future of everyone unclear. I have to admit I cried. I cried for this girl and the baby. I just found it so sad.
A few days later we were at the mall, and I went into a maternity store to buy a few more things for summer. I love this store, and I have always thought it would be fun to work there. Then, I was reminded, when talking with the sales clerk, that not every pregnancy is ideal and there are some very sad situations. She told us that just the day before she had helped a 12 year old get some maternity clothes. That's right, TWELVE!!!!!!! And, the mom (probably barely 30 herself) was so excited to be buying maternity clothes for her daughter who was due in a week. The father of this unborn child was TWENTY (!!!!). Can you even imagine????????? The sales clerk says she gets teens all the time saying they need to have a Teen Maternity store. WOW!
What is wrong with our society? When did we come to the conclusion that it was OK to televise teens having babies? In who's mind is it OK for a 20 year old and 12 year old to have a sexual relationship? These things are NOT OK and yet our culture seems hell-bent on promoting it!!!! I am so disgusted. I don't think there is any ONE reason for this decline in our society. I don't think there is any ONE thing we can say, "if it weren't for this we wouldn't have teen pregnancy." I think it's a whole lot of things. I think it's girls growing up in fatherless homes; girls growing up in dysfunctional homes where the father might be there but doesn't make any effort to relate to his daughter; I think it's all the horrendous clothes that are sold to be worn by girls of all ages, things I wouldn't wear as an adult and things I truly believe at one time would only be worn by prostitutes.
David and I talk all the time about how we're raising Cora and her brother to be people who love the Lord and don't feel the need to fall to the pressures of society to feel loved. We know we're only 2 years into this parenting thing and these issues are yet to become big. But, we have already started with Cora. We don't buy short skirts/dresses/shorts for her. We don't buy any clothing that says such things as "princess," "I rule," "I'm the boss," etc. We make sure that if she's wearing a tank top it's not spaghetti straps and doesn't fall off her shoulders. Her bathing suits are modest and not bikinis. You may say, "yeah, but she's only 2." Well, folks, if we don't start now when do we start? Because I think if we started when she was in school it would be too late. We are teaching her how to sit in a dress/skirt, how to behave in public and telling her she's beautiful AND smart. David knows the importance of making sure she is secure in his love. Yes, it's "easy" now while she's 2, but I honestly believe that if we keep this practice up when we get to the pre-teen and teen years the foundation will be there and it'll be easier for all of us!
Please, protect your daughters and sons. Protect them from themselves. Be a parent, not a friend. You have plenty of time after they get out of school to be their friend. Do them a favor and be a parent!! They'll thank you later!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A Crazy Weekend
It seems we have been doing a fantastic job at making sure our weekends are jam-packed with many activities, leaving us exhausted on Monday. This past weekend was no exception. My sister and BIL are trying to get some "minor" (HA!) home improvements done so they can put their house up for sale in a month. On Saturday my dad and David went down to their town to help my BIL demo their kitchen and the plan was to put it back together on Saturday too. Something about the best laid plans? :) Well, as we all know things never go as planned when it comes to construction, things went a bit slower, and my BIL and dad had to finish up a lot on Sunday. Cora and I spent Saturday at my parent's house, and I did my best to help my mom watch the kids. We were joined later in the afternoon by my sister and Sophia. We had supper and waited for our menfolk to return later in the evening. They were all exhausted, and we all parted ways shortly after their return to my parent's house.
Sunday was a crazy day for the Hardin family. We had planned weeks ago to take our niece, Sophia, to see "Peter and the Wolf" and she spent the night on Saturday as the concert was early afternoon on Sunday. David's mom and step dad came up for church with the purpose of watching Cora while we and Sophia went to the concert. Church was good (a bit more activity during the service then usual) and we were then off to lunch and the concert. The concert was EXCELLENT, and I do believe Sophia had a wonderful time! We returned to our house to find my in-laws, Cora, my sister and her 2 other kids waiting for us! We had a wild, crazy and good time the rest of the afternoon, pizza for supper and then wrangling all the kids into p.j.s. I fell into bed exhausted and spent but thankful for a good weekend with family. How was your weekend???
Sunday was a crazy day for the Hardin family. We had planned weeks ago to take our niece, Sophia, to see "Peter and the Wolf" and she spent the night on Saturday as the concert was early afternoon on Sunday. David's mom and step dad came up for church with the purpose of watching Cora while we and Sophia went to the concert. Church was good (a bit more activity during the service then usual) and we were then off to lunch and the concert. The concert was EXCELLENT, and I do believe Sophia had a wonderful time! We returned to our house to find my in-laws, Cora, my sister and her 2 other kids waiting for us! We had a wild, crazy and good time the rest of the afternoon, pizza for supper and then wrangling all the kids into p.j.s. I fell into bed exhausted and spent but thankful for a good weekend with family. How was your weekend???
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Stream of Thoughts
Cora has taken to tumbling. Guess we need to invest in bandaids! Sunday she went down a slide (the very same slide she broke her leg on in October!!!), and when she hit the bend, it flipped her over on her belly, which meant she banged her head on the bend. She started screaming and I knew it was more than just a bump. As I'm hobbling off the playground (imagine over-stuffed bug) to get to her David tells me she's bleeding. Indeed, blood is coming from her nose and mouth. Sigh...she was essentially fine, but has a small bruise above her eyebrow and some scraps on her upper lip. We will no longer be using that slide...Sunday we were at our neighbor's house and Cora was running around with their daughters. She trips, falls and scraps/skins up both legs/knees. Blood is running but she was tough and didn't shed a tear. She even refused a Tinker Bell bandaid! :) Monday she and I were on our way out the door and I'm not sure how it happened, but suddenly I see her tumbling down the porch stairs. I let out a scream, David comes running and I realize she somehow stopped on the 2nd step, rather than going head long down all of them. I was SO THANKFUL!!!! No blood this time, but she did scrap her arm and I later noticed she bruised/banged/scraped her chin pretty badly. Oh, I don't know if I can handle this all summer long!!!!! :)
We seem to be thawing out up here in northern Ohio. Can I just tell you how THANKFUL I am???? Our neighbor's yards are producing lots of lovely daffodils, tulips, etc. Our yard, however could use some help! Though the sellers of the house put in some good, hearty bushes, there were no bulbs planted. That's OK. I will enjoy telling my mom and sister where to plant stuff (because bending over just isn't happening right now! :) ). I definitely want to plant bulbs in the fall though so next spring we have green goodness popping up too! :)
My new washer and dryer should be arriving tomorrow!!!!! WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!! The washer and dryer we have are (is?) not old--only 5ish years. However, we have found that they must have been lemons when we bought them because they have never worked well. we weren't planning to get something new so soon, but Lowe's was having a sale on Samsung front loaders we couldn't pass up and so, we bought them and they'll be here tomorrow! I can't wait to do my first load of laundry in them! I also can't wait to not have to do laundry all day long, as it takes me now! Yep, it takes my dryer TWO HOURS to do 1 load of drying. Brother! And, to make this all that much better, my dad and David will be running plumbing from the basement to the main floor of the house so the laundry can be up here!! I'm not sure what I'm more excited about--the new washer/dryer or the fact that our laundry will not longer be in the basement.
I'm 29 weeks pregnant this week! :) No, I can't believe that I have only 11 weeks until my due date. This means the baby could be here BEFORE then, and yes, I'm well aware it could be longer (but let's not think that way, K?). We have our to-do list and are slowly getting it done. I guess if it doesn't all get done that'll be OK too. As long as the fence gets put up in the back yard and the laundry gets moved up to the main floor I don't care about the rest. I have my next midwife appointment on Tuesday and thus will then start my appointments every 2 weeks (for 3 appts) and then we'll move to 1 appt a week!!! How has this gone so fast??????????? How are we at this point already???????
Next week starts Holy Week. It'll be a crazy, chaotic week for the pastor's family. I hope we're able to find some time to reflect on what this week means to our salvation. I hope we don't lose site of what Christ did for us on the cross so long ago. What will you be doing to prepare?
We seem to be thawing out up here in northern Ohio. Can I just tell you how THANKFUL I am???? Our neighbor's yards are producing lots of lovely daffodils, tulips, etc. Our yard, however could use some help! Though the sellers of the house put in some good, hearty bushes, there were no bulbs planted. That's OK. I will enjoy telling my mom and sister where to plant stuff (because bending over just isn't happening right now! :) ). I definitely want to plant bulbs in the fall though so next spring we have green goodness popping up too! :)
My new washer and dryer should be arriving tomorrow!!!!! WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!! The washer and dryer we have are (is?) not old--only 5ish years. However, we have found that they must have been lemons when we bought them because they have never worked well. we weren't planning to get something new so soon, but Lowe's was having a sale on Samsung front loaders we couldn't pass up and so, we bought them and they'll be here tomorrow! I can't wait to do my first load of laundry in them! I also can't wait to not have to do laundry all day long, as it takes me now! Yep, it takes my dryer TWO HOURS to do 1 load of drying. Brother! And, to make this all that much better, my dad and David will be running plumbing from the basement to the main floor of the house so the laundry can be up here!! I'm not sure what I'm more excited about--the new washer/dryer or the fact that our laundry will not longer be in the basement.
I'm 29 weeks pregnant this week! :) No, I can't believe that I have only 11 weeks until my due date. This means the baby could be here BEFORE then, and yes, I'm well aware it could be longer (but let's not think that way, K?). We have our to-do list and are slowly getting it done. I guess if it doesn't all get done that'll be OK too. As long as the fence gets put up in the back yard and the laundry gets moved up to the main floor I don't care about the rest. I have my next midwife appointment on Tuesday and thus will then start my appointments every 2 weeks (for 3 appts) and then we'll move to 1 appt a week!!! How has this gone so fast??????????? How are we at this point already???????
Next week starts Holy Week. It'll be a crazy, chaotic week for the pastor's family. I hope we're able to find some time to reflect on what this week means to our salvation. I hope we don't lose site of what Christ did for us on the cross so long ago. What will you be doing to prepare?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Just Some Words
Since my post yesterday was hard to write, probably hard for you to read and just all around heavy I thought today I would simply add some words about the Hardins, the happenings around here and nothing in particular!
Cora has become a little girl overnight. David and I marvel at just how NOT like a baby she is. I swear she turned 2 on March 27 and March 28 she woke up a little girl. So crazy!!!!! Her vocabulary literally grows daily. At her 2 year check up last week the dr. asked if she had at least 10 different words, and we just started laughing. I said, "Honestly, I can't tell you how many words she has. The number grows daily." And, it does. She has really started to imagine and play well by herself. She got some new toys for her birthday, which I think have helped in that department. She LOVES to make us "tea" with her new tea set and we drink LOTS of "tea" during the day! I can't wait for the weather to be consistently warm and nice so we can be outside more--which she loves! She has enjoyed her new T-ball set and big wheels the few times we've been able to get out. Next thing to work on? Potty training...
We have been keeping ubber busy in this house. If we're not traveling to see family, it seems family is coming to see us. Or, if it's not family-related it's church, or just us being busy. I haven't minded too terribly because that means life (read: pregnancy) is moving faster, and I can tick the days off the calendar quicker! :) It also means we haven't taken too much time to get ready for this little babe. With the help of my sister and some friends I have been able to get the clothes organized and have pulled out every and all items that can be used for a boy--not too much there. Our church is throwing us a shower in May so I'm sure we'll get more stuff then, and I have a friend who is sending me some of her excess boy clothes! I have no doubt this baby boy will be well-outfitted! :) Once we get his crib we'll be putting it, a dresser and the changing table upstairs in our room. Our room is actually 2 rooms and the smaller room we've been using as our office area. Eventually, the upstairs will be the kids' room/playroom so getting the baby set up there now will only help later! We just need to get it done...
Another project we have to get done before baby comes (well, I have a whole list, but this is at the top!) is getting the rest of our yard fenced in. This will keep the dog in without her having to be chained up and it will help me be able to keep an eye on Cora when we're outside! We're hoping to get this done by the end of April with the help of family and friends!
Other than all of this, we're just pluggin' along, enjoying life and excited to meet Baby Sprout! My baby counter says we have 80ish days left. I know that might seem like a lot, but it seems just yesterday I had over 200 to go! :)
Cora has become a little girl overnight. David and I marvel at just how NOT like a baby she is. I swear she turned 2 on March 27 and March 28 she woke up a little girl. So crazy!!!!! Her vocabulary literally grows daily. At her 2 year check up last week the dr. asked if she had at least 10 different words, and we just started laughing. I said, "Honestly, I can't tell you how many words she has. The number grows daily." And, it does. She has really started to imagine and play well by herself. She got some new toys for her birthday, which I think have helped in that department. She LOVES to make us "tea" with her new tea set and we drink LOTS of "tea" during the day! I can't wait for the weather to be consistently warm and nice so we can be outside more--which she loves! She has enjoyed her new T-ball set and big wheels the few times we've been able to get out. Next thing to work on? Potty training...
We have been keeping ubber busy in this house. If we're not traveling to see family, it seems family is coming to see us. Or, if it's not family-related it's church, or just us being busy. I haven't minded too terribly because that means life (read: pregnancy) is moving faster, and I can tick the days off the calendar quicker! :) It also means we haven't taken too much time to get ready for this little babe. With the help of my sister and some friends I have been able to get the clothes organized and have pulled out every and all items that can be used for a boy--not too much there. Our church is throwing us a shower in May so I'm sure we'll get more stuff then, and I have a friend who is sending me some of her excess boy clothes! I have no doubt this baby boy will be well-outfitted! :) Once we get his crib we'll be putting it, a dresser and the changing table upstairs in our room. Our room is actually 2 rooms and the smaller room we've been using as our office area. Eventually, the upstairs will be the kids' room/playroom so getting the baby set up there now will only help later! We just need to get it done...
Another project we have to get done before baby comes (well, I have a whole list, but this is at the top!) is getting the rest of our yard fenced in. This will keep the dog in without her having to be chained up and it will help me be able to keep an eye on Cora when we're outside! We're hoping to get this done by the end of April with the help of family and friends!
Other than all of this, we're just pluggin' along, enjoying life and excited to meet Baby Sprout! My baby counter says we have 80ish days left. I know that might seem like a lot, but it seems just yesterday I had over 200 to go! :)
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