Our Kitchen Floor

If you're wondering where Zoe is...the odds are good that she's found something to do in her favorite room of the house: the kitchen. (Wait, isn't that everyone's favorite room?!). And she has a special fondness for doing things on the floor. When I hand out activities, Ian heads straight for the table, and Zoe heads for the floor!

It's not hard to figure out why she likes the floor the best. You can't sit, stand, wiggle and dance while exploring in a chair. (Well, you can, but mommies tend to frown on that).

She's recently discovered she can draw with markers OFF the paper....on the floor.

Stacking the cans in the bottom shelf of the pantry is a new favorite activity.

For some reason, she also likes to dump her snacks and eat off the floor.

She LOVES to sweep the floor! (Which is very helpful after the above activity).

And, finally playing with toys...

I know it's such a little thing, but I love how she stretches her little toes out when she's up to something on the kitchen floor. :)

Mommy & Ian Day

This is quite belated. After all, Ian and I shared a special day together two days before Eli arrived! And, there were plans for a Mommy & Zoe day, but they were postponed temporarily! Anyway, I didn't want to miss this precious moment.

We went shopping for some new warmer weather clothes (yes, this is probably what brought on the cold front, ha!), and Ian spotted some onesies. "We need to buy something for Eli and Zoe too, Mom," he told me as he started picking various items up. "What is this one?" he would ask, examine it, and put them back one by one.

At first I was so overwhelmed by his sweet desire to get something for brother and sister. This shifted to slight impatience, because he was running back and forth all over the store touching EVERYTHING. I had to explain in detail what was on each shirt, what it said, and if it was the right size. He would put one in my bag, and take it out again, saying, "No, not this one." Preggo Momma was getting worn out!

Every shirt or outfit was met with some objection or another. "No, Eli won't like this one...or this one...no, I don't like it." And on, and on, and on...

Until this one.

Ian: "What's this say?"

Me: "It says, 'Little Brother,'"

Ian: "Look! It has a smiley face on it!" He was so excited, he almost squeaked.

Me: "It sure does, do you like that one?"

Ian: "I do! I like it a lot! It's perfect! We'll get this one, Mom. It has a smiley face on it, because Eli will be happy when he comes, and he's my little brother. Ok, we can go now."

I wish I could have captured his own giant beaming smile at that moment, as he headed for the door...without a single item of clothing in the bag for him.

Ian, you were right. Eli is happy...he has the best brother in the whole world. :)

The Lost Telephone

Matt went for a workout while Zoe and Eli were napping. Ian has been enthralled with his many different sets of cards this afternoon, and found his way to the bed to share them with me.

His chosen deck was "I Spy, Snap." These cards have items from the "I Spy" series in sets of 4, strewn about different parts of a hidden picture puzzle. We lost the card with the directions to play the actual game ages ago. It doesn't matter anyway, as we rarely play the intended game. I think most times we've pulled them out, we've invented a new one.

Today's game was...(thinking of a good name)..."Show and Tell." You find matching cards in the deck, but to "earn" the matches, you have to tell something about the item on the card.

Example: (Sorting through deck and finding horse card). "Horse starts with H." (Get 1 card).

(Find 2nd horse card). "Horses say neigh!" (Get 2nd card).

(Find 3rd card). "Horses are my favorite animal!" (Get 3rd card)....and I think you get the idea.

One of the cards threw Ian for a loop.

"Alexander Graham Bell made the first call on a telephone in the United States," I said, and eagerly reached for my telephone card. (I'm so smart, aren't I?).

"No, Mom. That's a CELL phone," he corrected me.

I'll save our discussion about the differences between "land lines" and "cell phones," but I'm doubtful if he gets the concept. Our house phone is cordless, so to him, all phones seem rather portable.

This had me thinking about an article (click here to read) I saw a while back about technology our children won't see in their generation. Cassette tapes, that annoying modem connecting noise, the yellow pages, travel agents...these are all things gradually being replaced by new technology.

So, why would the corded telephone be a big deal?

-It's becoming less and less important to be able to remember anyone's phone number. When you can store them on your cell phone, do you really need to remember it?

-The concept of being "unreachable" is becoming harder to fathom. It shouldn't take a trip 50 miles into the woods to get some space from phone calls. There's no shame in being "unplugged."

-You always knowing who is calling you. Sure, there are some exceptions, but wasn't there a certain kind of fun in wondering who was calling you before you picked up? Either you were accessible to everyone (including crazy Aunt Myrtle), or you weren't talking at the moment. Hmm...

-Texting didn't exist. I love texting, don't get me wrong, but the purists have a good argument. Isn't there something to be said for even brief actual exchanges between two real voices?

With all these losses, my brain went into "positive spin" overdrive. I don't want to be the bitter old lady in the nursing home crying about how technology has ruined our values. And, you know what? The only way to combat that is to decide immediately to combat the negative thoughts...and teach them to this future cell-phone carrying human.

So, Ian...here's what I'm going to teach you, even though cell phones are taking over the world:

-Your phone number. I still remember my first phone number. Getting in the habit of memorizing strings of numbers is very helpful in life, after all.

-The power of a self-imposed "Dead Zone." My cell phone may get reception nearly everywhere, but I'm going to stop being a slave to it. Yes, it starts with ME. If I'm not always attached to my phone, that's a powerful example of how life moves on regardless of cell reception.

-Screening time instead of people. I'll admit, this is a switch for me, but I think a good one. It's easy to find yourself in one conversation after another with all the people you want to talk to...but have you noticed how quickly time goes by? I'm keeping an eye on you, clock.

-Using my voice. I'll talk to people more often, even if it's briefly, and about a little thing. I love to hear my friends voices!

My favorite part of having a cell phone is the programmed phone numbers, and all my friends at my fingertips. But, I have one very important reminder stuck in there.

Telephone, cell phone, satellite phone, internet phone...they could all be lost, but my most important line of communication doesn't require any of that. :)

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. - Jeremiah 33:3

Eli is One Week Old!

It's hard to imagine that a week ago, we were just bringing Eli home!

Today, I took some pictures of Amanda...she's 37 weeks today. That wasn't that long ago for me, and already it seems like an eternity! It's so funny how having Eli here, it already feels like we have never been without him.

This was the point I was, only 19 days ago!

Only a week ago, I was sitting on the couch, crocheting little hats & blankets...thinking about what he'd look like!

Earlier, Amanda shared some of her photo props, and we had a little mini-session with him. It is funny to me that he was awake the entire time. He was so patient with us posing him! Such a sweet little guy.

The more I get to know Eli, the more I love him! He is such a wonderful little baby. He lets us know when he's hungry and cold, and other than that makes quiet little grunting noises. I know you think I'm crazy, but he has had the smallest twitch of a smile twice when turning to look at me. I know it wasn't gas!

According to my scale, he's just a couple of ounces shy of his birth weight. Ironically, it's the same weight I accidentally ordered on the birth announcements (that arrived yesterday, and will be going out this week!). At least I didn't accidentally transpose numbers and mark him down as 9 pounds!

We were going to give him his first bath tonight, but I think we'll wait to let the kids help. I know they will be thrilled to share in that special milestone. Ian was disappointed last night when we told him Eli was sleeping and we'd have to try for another time.

I'll end with a few highlights of the first week:

-He's already sleeping 4 hour stretches through the night...waking to feed, and going right back to sleep!

-We call him SuperSoaker 2011. He got Matt first! Haha!

-He's awake at least 2 regular times...once in the morning around breakfast time, and again at dinner. These exactly correspond with his most active periods inside of me!

-Hands must be free! You cannot contain them in a swaddle at all! This has been true from moment one.

-Right sock only, please.

-His umbilical cord fell off yesterday.

-He is content to let anyone hold him! (Mommy, Daddy, Brother, Sister, and friends are all ok with him!).

One week...wow, that flew by! :)

Time in "Baby Land"

"Baby Land" is that place where everything is new, exciting, and wonderful again...

It's also in this place that time moves forward at a different pace. Even as the moments feel timeless and still, they are flying by at a rate that just can't be explained. Suddenly, it's almost difficult to imagine being pregnant or in labor. It seems wholly impossible that this little person hasn't been with us forever.

We're all together...a family of five.

I'm waxing a little sappy and poetic. Aren't newborns exhausting and so much work?! I guess things could be different, or change at any moment. For now, Matt being home to play and be with the kids while I rest leave no room for complaints from me! Eli did wake up to feed every 2 hours last night, but I have been able to rest whenever I feel like it. God is truly blessing this time!

I know there will be challenging days ahead because parenting is definitely not a cake walk...but my focus will always be to just soak up every joyful moment. (And try to squeeze some joy out of the others!).

I pray that our days are filled with much more love to welcome little Eli...

To enjoy that he has tiny little fingers to feel tickling against ours...

And tiny little toes to wiggle in the sunlight...

There's nothing like having a brand new baby in the house to "ooh" and "aww" over!

The pictures aren't capturing a partial story, either. Our challenge has been to give Eli breathing room. Both kids in their own ways, want to shower him with SO much love!! Ian is a little better about calm and gentle movements, but Zoe is getting there. She's definitely insistent for her turn (as her attention span allows).

At the moment, Matt is sleeping on the couch with Ian playing at his feet. Zoe and Eli are napping, and I'm about to (big deep breath) put maternity clothes away...

Time. There are moments in your life when it just doesn't operate the same way (like in "Baby Land!"). I'll continue to soak up all the special lessons that this time can teach me. Mainly, every day in a new way to make the most of it. :)

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. -Eccl. 3:1 (NIV)

Birth "Announcement"

Hello Everyone!

Eli Aaron Gayler was born March 22, 2011 at 1:16 am weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 in. long.

We're all resting at home and doing very well! I'll be adding photos to the following link as the days go by...

https://picasaweb.google.com/julie.gayler/EliAaronGayler#

A photographer friend of mine also took some of us at the birth center...if you have a FB account, you can "like" her page to show support and leave comments.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=197903926908552&id=113111452054467&aid=48431

Eli is a wonderfully laid back and even tempered baby, we are so blessed!

Ian is completely in love with his little brother...not only has he absolutely showered Eli with love and affection, but has proved the perfect manager for his care. ("Mom, I think he's hungry....Daddy, he needs a new diaper...Ok, he's asleep, you can rest now.") You can see from the pictures that he is definitely a proud big brother!

Zoe is also in love, and tremendously excited about this new little human. She's slowly grasping the fact that he can't just jump up and go play with her right this second. (I know that was her mission in life from day 1! LOL). She keeps telling us, "My turn hold baby," and keeps a current inventory of all his body parts.

Matt and I feel so much love and blessing pouring on us...for health, rest, and smooth transitions. We're so thankful for the support and prayers that have been sent our way! Thank you!

Keep checking here and the Picasa site for updates and more pictures!

Love and blessings to all!

Matt, Julie, Ian, Zoe & Eli!

Not Just a Triathlon

I'll warn you...this is going to be a gushing post about my husband...who probably doesn't realize fully what an inspiration he is to me in this particular area.

Matt participated in the 2011 Parris Island Triathlon this weekend, and as the last event here in Beaufort, I can't help but look back to Day 1 on "The Island." To me, this race will always represent more than just one day's accomplishment. It's been a whole 3 years in the making. And, I hope that someone, somewhere can get something out of our journey. I never thought his training for an event would have such a positive impact on me. On us.

I've learned that Parris Island is grueling, even if you're not a recruit. The sacrifices of everyone involved in training simply amaze me. If you've been here, maybe you understand what I mean when I say it's the absolute worst and best duty station I think there is for a Marine and their family.

And, I'll admit that Parris Island has brought out the "Momma Bear" in me...the one that fights tooth and nail for the most precious of all commodities...his TIME.

Can I share with you my reaction when Matt first mentioned triathlon training?

RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!

In fact, that might be downplaying it just a smidge.

The way I saw things, training for something so ambitious was only going to take MORE time at the gym, MORE time being tired from training, and MORE time away from us.

I'm passionate about fitness too, it's one of the reasons Matt and I connected at the beginning...but Momma Bears don't always have complete touch with their rational side. This Bear could tell time, and I wasn't about to let any of it go without a fight.

So...insert more growling, and stomping, and maybe a little slashing.

Finally, I resigned myself to "supporting" him, as I could see how excited he was about this new type of training. Eventually, resignation has turned into actual support. For goodness sake, that bear costume was pretty sweltering. Have I mentioned that the humidity is grueling here too?

Anyway, I'll skip a bunch more bear references and cut to the chase. I gave up, talked to Matt, gave it to God. I (gasp) trusted my husband and his priorities and love for us.

And what do you know...God has lifted us up, opened up holes in the schedule (please understand, this is an ACTUAL miracle), and overall has drawn us closer together as a family.

Some of you are rolling your eyes...but I'm saying this to the spouses and friends that need to hear it...when you approach a goal together in Christ, with 110%, even with sacrifices, you're not going to reap -7.5% benefits (or any negative number for that matter). Even if the rewards aren't immediate, they will come...and they will be off the scale!

Whatever your work is, do it gladly. Do it as you would do it unto the Lord and not for people.

You know you will get pay from the Lord, for you are the servants of the Lord Christ. -Colossians 3:23-24

I know his entire life, he has been passionate about fitness, but as a Christian, it sets up different precedents for the life we dedicate to Him. I know that just like Matt trains with all he has for the physical endeavors, every day's "training" in the spiritual realm has the goal of the same. And as his wife, I can say with no reservations whatsoever that his commitment to training for the triathlon is just a mirror image of his commitment to improving himself in every aspect of life.

I'm thankful that he ran this challenging event...not simply for pushing himself to new limits, but for demonstrating to his children and me what it takes to do something truly extraordinary: prayer, commitment, dedication, and straight up willpower.

My prayer for him is that God continues to grow his ability, bless him in training, and make his feet fly ever faster at all he sets his mind to do!

My prayer for you is that you won't let any preconceived notions about success or sacrifices dissuade you from doing something truly amazing that is outside your comfort zone...(or from supporting someone else in their efforts to do so).

I can't help but think of a challenge laid out by Jay Platt. Ten times every day, tell yourself...

"[By the grace of God] Every day, in every way , I'm getting better and better."

It's how he ended up here, at the PI Triathlon. And it's why we ended up there, at the finish line...surprising him to cheer him on to victory. Congratulations, and THANK YOU, babe, for an amazing finish. :)

Wiggle Zoe

Came up with a random fun thing to do to pass the time...and let Mommy finish peeling potatoes and carrots for dinner. I got the idea from this book.

Supplies:

-Bowl for dirty money (haha!)

-Bowl with a little bit of soap and water

-Old toothbrush

-Pocket change

Ian took the job very seriously. He washed them once, dumped them in the bowl and washed them a second time. In the most serious of banker tones, I was informed, "Mom, these are verrrrrry dirty. I'm going to wash them again. Don't talk to me while I'm working please."

And in the next couple of minutes, he was teasing me. "Hahahah. This is not a brush for my teeth. Look, Mom! Haha!"

When the coins were scrubbed to his satisfaction, he began categorizing them, naming them, and asking how much they were. We played several games of "find the coin"...sometimes by name, other times by amount.

Meanwhile, Zoe stirred up her little soap bubbles in a frenzy...

Energetically scrubbed her fingers...

And literally jumped up and down with glee that her coins were clean. "I did it! I did it! I clean Mommy!"

Then, she banged on the water bowls enjoying the sounds it made, dropping the coins in the water, dumping the water back and forth, and overall so thoroughly exploring ALL the different ways this activity could be fun for a little person. She has never-ending creativity and energy...I just LOVE it!

Also, I LOVE that my new camera can switch effortlessly from taking photos to capturing video. I hadn't been videoing as much before since it involved switching to the other camera...but now, look out!

Here's Wiggle Zoe!

P.S. YES, she is this energetic...all.day.long. No matter what we're doing! :)

Calm Down and Come to Me

He laid in bed screaming and crying. I told him as soon as he was ready to get up, he had to calm down, STOP crying, change his attitude, and he could come out of his room.

The screaming and crying continued...and then he added cries of, "Moooommmy!! Mommmyy!!!" to the mix. I reminded him that it was his choice when he was going to calm down, and he could come out and talk to me and I would help him.

I don't know how long he was in there crying. It probably wasn't as long as it felt. It's a big tug when your kids call for you, even when they are in trouble. I sat on the couch sorting keys (another item on the to-do list that I can sit down to do!)...and thinking woeful thoughts.

Why oh why Ian must you cry so much? Why can't I just have a day off from this? Ugh...

And then I switched trains of thought, because being frustrated wasn't helping too much (go figure). I've been reading this book...and realigning my mothering goals. I thought, in what way is this little blip in the radar actually a teaching moment in the bigger spiritual picture? I couldn't come up with anything! (Sorry.)

So, I thought...ok, clearly I'm the one who's having a problem here! LOL. I prayed for wisdom.

Completely unrelated to dealing with his crying fits (maybe), I sat and pondered the lesson in the tantrum for me.

How many times do we sit and cry out to God to fix our problems? GOD! HELP ME! GOD, make me better! Gooooooooooooooood! Can you hear me? Can I come out of my trouble now, will you fix this for me? Goooooodddd!!!!!

Suddenly, the crying stopped and I heard the pitter patter of little feet running up to me. He put his hands on my arm, and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Mommy for throwing a fit. I want to change my attitude now and no more crying." A quick embrace, and he was off running to his toys like nothing had happened. A few moments after that, and he even calmly asked for help with something he was having trouble with doing. I helped him with a smile on my face, happy to see that there was indeed a change of heart that had happened.

Of course in many ways it is oversimplifying things, but really....at times, isn't God just waiting for us to come out of our little room of misery, stop crying, and really come to Him with a changed heart?

Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:8

38 Weeks...and growing!

My 38 week appointment was on Monday. It went very well, but was a little bittersweet. It was the last of the "Prenatal Plus" appointments at the birth center. These past months, I have so enjoyed the company of the wonderful moms in the group. The midwife today said thank you to the moms who have "been there" before, for weighing in with their input and helping to teach, but honestly, I feel like I have gleaned far more than I contributed! Not only were the feelings and shared thoughts of pregnancy wonderful to experience together, but I did learn new things and gain new insight...despite having "been there." It was an amazing experience, and I'm so thankful for the time we had together! I pray blessings over all the women in the class, for wonderful labors and healthy babies!

My little check-up went really well. Still measuring right where I'm supposed to be, and hearing a strong beautiful little heartbeat! Little brother is still turned to the side, but has plenty of room to turn, and hasn't engaged yet. The only kicker of this appointment is somehow weighing the same amount as I did with Ian and Zoe...despite all those months of being exactly on track for weight gain. And, I'm not really sure where it went! I still have all my maternity clothes from them, and the pants are seriously 2 sizes too big! Maybe we have a chunky little guy on our hands? Time will tell! I love the comment the midwife made today about big babies, "We just LOVVVVE chunky, squishy, fat, and squishable little babies that are in Momma's belly as long as they need to be!"

It has been splendidly gorgeous outside. In fact, can I add a superlative to that? It's been beautiful! Gorgeous! Splendid weather!

So, we have enjoyed some amazing beach time! It has been SO relaxing to sit and watch the kids playing in the sand, and hearing the waves on their steady march to the shore.

I'm so proud of how well Ian and Zoe have obeyed. Even though they have asked to go in the water, I explain we'll do that later when it gets warmer. They say, "Ok Mom, we'll just play in the sand," and they do! Well...and sometimes chase a few seagulls and *think* about jumping in the water!

We're really soaking up this beach time, and how nice it is to be so close. I will definitely miss Hunting Island!

So do I feel "ready" yet? This past week, I've had a little bit of back pain, and more trouble staying asleep during the night (since it's a little more challenging to get comfortable). I'm also more sensitive to giving the belly space from rambunctious kiddos. With every passing day one day closer to his birth, I can say I do finally feel ready! I am able to more fully wrap my head around greeting him and not being pregnant any more...any day now? Wow.

A quick 38 weeks snapshot. Hard to believe he is indeed still growing in there...I almost feel like I couldn't get too much bigger!

And a quick word on way of updates...When the time comes, there will more than likely be brief FB updates right away from Matt (and a picture or two!), but we're really going to enjoy the first hours or so with Little Brother. As soon as things settle down at home, I'll be sure to begin making more phone calls and updating in more detail! Getting more excited by the minute! :)

Vent

Ok, so having Matt gone in the evenings for ELCO is rough sometimes. I have some requests for my children.

Dear Zoe,

Stop touching everything for just five minutes. Find one thing, and disassemble it to bits if you must, but leave the other 1,873 little things in this house alone while you do.

Love,

Mommy

Dear Ian,

Give me a break. Auditions for passionate crying parts in the school play are at least another 2-3 years down the road.

Love,

Mommy

Lunch at Work

Someone said to me, "Admit it, Julie... you only had Zoe to torture Matt with his own likeness."

I will neither confirm or deny this statement, but I will share this afternoon's visit with Matt at work in abridged form.

"Hi honey! Surprise! We brought you lunch!" I walk out behind the cars in the parking lot as he emerges from the gym.

"Wow! Great timing, I was just about to see where you were," He looks less surprised than I had envisioned. It is impossible to truly take him off guard I think.

"HI DADDY! DADDY! DADDY! DADDY! WE BROUGHT YOU LUNCH DADDY! DADDY LOOK AT ME!" come blended shouts from the van.

(We enter his office and begin eating lunch...Chick-Fil-A...each kid has a meal).

Zoe wiggles around and has Matt rearranging some important things on his desk. She begins inhaling her chicken nuggets. Ian sits across the desk crying because he wanted a sandwich and not nuggets...

Matt and I attempt to ignore the drama. "Hey, honey, what have you been up to today?" he begins.

Zoe adjusts in his lap and spills fruit on the desk, her lap, his lap, and the floor.

Ian continues to cry. I shut the door.

Zoe reaches for her juice and squeezes the box too tight. Juice squirts out of the straw on the desk.

Ian continues to cry melodramatically. (It's the only way he knows how). Matt tells Ian that crying is not allowed at work and he has 3 seconds to stop or he has to go home. He stops crying.

Matt offers his hidden Girl Scout cookies to the kids if they finish their lunches...and retrieves them from the cabinet.

Zoe knocks chicken on the floor, steps on it, crunches it into the rug, and picks up some pieces and eats them.

Ian is "magically" in a good mood again, and munches away doing his "Ian" thing.

Matt returns to his desk chair, and Zoe mashes buttons on the computer keyboard. The blue screen of death appears and starts counting down to deleting the memory. (I couldn't make something this good up, it's 100% true).

Zoe squishes more food into Matt's uniform.

Everyone finishes eating enough of their meal to get a cookie. (Insert more crumbs here).

I sit half-asleep in my chair, and regret not bringing my new camera. It has video capability.

Matt smiles to himself. Recruits clean his office.

We drive home in a nearly clean van. I rarely let the kids eat in the van. :)

Pregnancy Confessions

Yes, this pregnancy has been WONDERFUL, AMAZING, and far better than I could ever ask for! Definitely blessed in having no complications!

I have my tired, grouchy days (just like when I'm not pregnant!), days with little to no patience (maybe a little more than before), and a few extra aches and pains...but overall, no major complaints. As I have mentioned before, it's only recently (after a rough first trimester) that I really feel pregnant and encumbered.

But, as D-day draws near, I've got some confessions!

I confess I'm definitely ready to get my brain back. Want to laugh with me (again)? I popped my prenatal pill in my mouth and almost chewed it because I forgot I was taking a pill and not eating a snack. I tried to turn the light off in the bedroom by using the bathroom light switch. And, maybe the ultimate insult to my sensibilities...I scooted the keyboard around on the desk and wondered why the mouse pointer wasn't moving. OK, I may be less amusing with my brain back, but still, I would like it back!

Every pregnant woman gets a million questions about her growing belly. They range from vague musings to more personal topics. Sometimes, these questions are downright annoying! Yet, I confess I'm going to miss people's reactions to this pregnancy. Along with the typical, "How far along are you? Is it a boy or a girl? Are you excited?" for some reason I have noticed a lot more people asking me (when I'm running errands without kids), "Is this your first?" That stunned look when I announce it's my third is priceless!

You have partially experienced how much I love photos. And if nothing else, the fact that it's one of my chosen pursuits for a career should say something, right? I have seriously burned through some to-do lists recently, and this project is still staring at me from the paper. I confess, all of this pregnancy nesting, and this photographer still doesn't have pictures in all her picture frames!

A random list of more confessions...

-I think the water smells different in my 9th month than it did in months 4-8.

-Another "third time around" surprise...stretch marks. Really? Wasn't I already stretched out?

-I'm actually looking forward to picking up toys off the floor when I'm not pregnant. In the meantime, I have gotten really good with my feet!

-I will miss my maternity pants. Elastic waistbands may not be "cool" but they sure are comfortable!

I'll confess I'm not ready for labor. Even the third time around, I realize that you can never fully prepare for that. It hurts! I remember the point before, that...I CANNOT DO THIS ANYMORE point, when God heard my prayers and provided relief and literally delivered me. I remember focusing on just one contraction at a time... Truly, I loved my labors, and yes, even enjoyed them. I always reflect back on them as the most amazing and wonderful experiences (through the pain). But...

I am now upon the moment where I can think a little more about actually being in labor again, and I think I finally figured out why I don't feel "ready" yet. I confess I'm not quite ready to let go of this overall wonderful feeling of life growing inside of me, and trade it for the transition to life growing outside of me! Maybe as I get a little more uncomfortable, this will change? I'm so thankful for the support I will have at the birth center to have a normal delivery where pain is a part of the process...something to be respected, and actually used as a tool to help, but not feared.

Finally, I confess I'm so glad I'm not in charge and that I won't know when this baby is coming! I'm glad that I don't have to be prepared, and it will happen when it's meant to happen. This is a huge sense of relief for me! I can't imagine having an actual day to countdown to! I'll just hold back a little from my, "Bring it on!" just yet. And, I'll let you know when it hits me! :)

"Full Term"

Today marks 37 weeks...which means little brother is now considered "full term." Exciting!

So what does "full term" mean exactly?

Technically, "full-term" means little brother can make his appearance at any time now.

A baby that is past 37 weeks has more developed lungs, packed on more fat, and is in general more prepared for life outside of the womb. It's still anyone's guess as to when delivery will occur, but we've made it to the point at which having a birth at the birth center is an option!

"Full-term" means continued weekly check-ups until his birthday!

I had a check-up yesterday, and everything continues to look great! I'm measuring right on the money, and heard a beautiful strong little heartbeat! Little brother needs to turn just a little bit, so I'll be using some positioning techniques to encourage him. He is still head down, with his back on my left side, and little feet sticking out on the right. The idea is to get him rotated a little more with his back more towards the front.

To me, "full-term" marks another milestone worthy of pictures!

I'm thankful that Amanda took some pictures of the kids with me and the belly that won't be there for much longer! Yes, the kids were thrilled. NOT! Next group picture, there will be a little person in the "Little brother" shirt. WOW.

"Full-term" means everything is ready for Little Brother, and Zoe is starting to think about what being BIG SISTER is all about.

Zoe is asking about babies and role-playing with hers a bit more. She continues to smack my belly and smile at me saying, "Baby kick! Awwww!" Often, she asserts when talking about the baby, "I baby," with a coy smile. But, has been enjoying more and more the love and approval she's getting as we call her our, "Big girl" that sleeps in a big girl bed, and helps out more and more.

She's been exploring all of the baby things that are out. Her favorite item is the sling for the bathtub (it's kind of like a mesh bouncy seat). She wants to sit in it, or put her own babies in it.

Mostly, I have to remind her not to jump on me, as there's a baby inside my belly. I think she gets the idea, at least in words...because she'll jump and say, "Ready, set, go...baby!" or, "I jump baby." We're going to have to work on this. For now, this entails cuddling and rubbing my belly nicely during quiet moments.

"Full-term" means Ian remembers what the arrival of a sibling means...and that he gets to be a BIG BROTHER all over again!

Ian's reaction...oh where to begin? Of course he is older and wiser, and has been through this once before! I have no doubts that he knows exactly what is going on, and that the time is drawing near. We're going through a little bit of a crying phase again (he passes in and out of these with various life changes), and wants to be carried and held very often...or swaddled.

A few days ago, he found the baby we bought him when Zoe was born. It's been in the toy bin in his room for ages, so it really wasn't lost. He tosses it on the floor with the other toys he's not going to play with almost daily. So, I know without a doubt that he remembers, and has become reattached to it for a reason. It accompanies him everywhere, and he tenderly cares for it, pointing out to me that Little Brother is coming soon too. Oh, and this baby is also violent. He hits and has to get lots of spankings...ha.

Earlier yesterday, I was having a painful Braxton Hicks contraction, and positioned myself differently...he grabbed his friend Bella by the hand and jumping up and down said excitedly, "My baby is coming out! He's coming out now!"

Another funny moment from earlier in the week involved clothes. Within the space of 15 minutes, he ran into his room to change his shirt 3 times...saying each time, "Mom, I'm just going to go change into my other favorite shirt, OK?" He came out each time with a different "Big Brother" t-shirt. (He has 3 of them). He enthusiastically pointed out what it said, and reminded me that Little Brother is coming soon.

To Matt, "full-term" means it's time to remind Little Brother of Daddy's plans.

Matt has dates marked off on his calendar for when he'd like Little Brother to arrive. Ok, not literally...I don't think. There's this race on the 19th he really wants to do. Yeah, that date he definitely marked off! He has reminded Little Brother of this race several times. Daddy is convinced that his little boy will go along with all of his plans.

Speaking of plans, he's already decided he'll wear the same shirt he wore to meet Ian.

And, he has the same plan "to start them off right," by making an introduction to Uga right away.

Ian met Uga once he was swaddled and resting between both of us on the hospital bed.

Zoe met Uga before she was even an hour old.


I have not seen this little bulldog in AGES. I admit a surge of love and joy when I saw the little guy sitting on top of the birth bag and heard him say, "As soon as I found out you were pregnant, I hid him for when the time was right."

I'll get past my distaste for the Georgia craziness and have a moment to really soak up how Matt has planned for Little Brother...those first moments of meeting him...long before I ever pictured it.

"Full term" means nothing new to God!

The truth is, God has known about this baby's existence long before we did...and new little lives really make you ponder those origins. Most of all, I'm excited for what God has in store for him.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

To sum it up, "full term" means we're all preparing in our own little ways for the newest life to join our family. :)

Mailboxes and Mail

It's exciting for Ian to leave our compound fenced-in yard and see what's waiting in the little steel treasure box mailbox.

He was upset with me this morning when I drove by to put a piece of mail in it from the window of the car.

"MOM! What are you doing? I wanted to walk to get the mail with you. Can I see please?" He immediately queried me from the back seat.

Our conversation became a lesson in how the mail works.

Me: "Well, Ian, I just put mail IN the box, we haven't got any new mail yet."

Ian: "Did you put the flag up? So the mailman knows to get the letter?"

Me: "Yes, I did!"

Ian: "So now the mailman will come get it and then put it in the other person's hand?"

Me: "Hmm. Sort of. Sometimes, the mailman puts it in their mailbox, just like we get mail in ours."

Ian: "Or on the ground."

Me: "No, mailmen don't put mail on the ground, it might blow away or go to someone else's house. That's why there are mailboxes for each person...so they know where to find their own mail."

(Don't wonder why I explain things in so much detail. I have learned to just go for it right off. This tends to leave less room for playing 10,000 questions after short answers anyway).

Ian: "No, no, no. A mailbox on the grooooound." (He drags words out when trying to make a point. Why is this so built in to human beings?).

Me: (Laughing). "Mailboxes are up on posts so that when the mailman drives by in his truck he can reach it. Or, when the people go to check their mail, they can just take it out of the box."

Ian: "MOM," he sighs an exasperated sigh, "I am a LITTLE person. Little people have mailboxes on the ground, because I can reach the little mailbox on the ground. They put it in the ground mailbox."

Me: (Laughing hysterically). "Ok, Ian!"

Ian: "Don't laugh at me, Mom. Being a little person is NOT funny."

Oh, but it is, Ian. It is. :)

Timeout

Zoe had a unique take on time out. Instead of screaming, crying, and throwing herself around, she'd do this...

Now, thanks to some wonderful constructive criticism, I've learned where some of my frustration with Zoe is coming from...since she really doesn't mind time out too much. (It looks like a restful little break, doesn't it?).

We're working on sitting, with no thumb and no bellybutton. Timeout is actually working much better now!

Just goes to show you, sometimes getting an outside view on your kids can really be helpful. :)

9 Months Pregnant!

It's funny that before I was ever pregnant, I thought the same as many people...pregnancy was 9 months long. Ha! Really, it's 40-ish weeks. Which is actually 10 months. It may not sound like a big difference, but it sure can be! :)

Now we have hit that 36 week mark, and this will probably sound ridiculous, but I finally feel really pregnant.

What do I mean by that, you may wonder. Well, I feel more slowed down. I am looking forward to the bump being out of the way so I can snuggle all my babies. And, that bump is REALLY getting in the way of picking up toys. (Oh, man, someone else has to do it, heehee). Every now and again I'll get a bout of heartburn because he's kicking me in the stomach. Oh, and I get stuck! For example, I squatted to get clothes out of the dryer and had to take a second try to get up! Finally, it seems like I have less room for meals. Boooo! :)

What feels great is my overall energy level. I don't feel like a woman that's in her final month of pregnancy. God is blessing my efforts to re-dedicate time and space in preparation for our growing family. Yes, it's definitely nesting...but, I believe it's also more. I now have more responsibilities, and more children...and have MORE energy than with my other pregnancies. SO thankful! And, my back doesn't hurt like it did before! Wow, that's the biggest blessing of all!

Birth class was on Monday. Of course, we've been through this twice before, but in a hospital...and the class was actually very helpful. Having in mind a whole new set of tools and options for labor is very encouraging. We had an amazing time driving down with our "birth buddies" Amanda and Joe (she's due with a little boy about 3 weeks after me). It was nice to have Matt with me, thinking baby...and even nicer having wonderful friends like Anna & Marcus to watch the kids so we could share this time.

At the Birth Center, there is a bulletin board that lists the current month's "Ladies in Waiting" and the newest arrivals. I have to admit, it was a little surreal seeing my name on the board! It just feels like it went by SO quickly!!

Everything at the check-up looked wonderful. Little brother's heartbeat is still going strong at 140 beats per minute, and I'm measuring at 36.5cm. (Roughly equates to weeks, plus or minus a couple of centimeters). And the biggest news of all...it's time for weekly visits!! I really can't believe it!

So, I'm almost caught up with things I want to finish before he arrives. All his clothes are folded neatly in the dresser, and I have his diaper bag packed and ready to go with the cutest tiny little cloth diapers and going home outfit.

The indispensable Boppy pillow is ready to go. Spare blankets, burp cloths, and more are all conveniently staged.

Now, I have to finish packing all the things I will need for the Birth Center...and an overnight bag for Ian & Zoe.

A few more things need to be pulled out and cleaned up from storage (like the swing). Can you tell I'm in nesting mode? This post is sounding more like a to-do list than an update!

Anyway, I'm going to truly enjoy these last few ___ (insert unknown time period here) before our newest family member is introduced to the world. Our beach bags are packed, and that's probably where we'll be spending a lot of time. It's relaxing and comfortable to sit in the sand and watch the kids play...and it's absolutely gorgeous outside lately!

One more countdown that is really important. One week until I will be considered full-term and can go to the birth center. One week until it's officially "any day now" status. Wow. Our family of 4 is about to become a family of 5! In 9 months...plus a few week(s). :)

Nine months...God, I am so thankful for this beautiful pregnancy you have given me. I can't believe how truly blessed we are. I trust you for your provision for labor, transition, and all the adventures our growing family will have together!! Thank you!