Goodbye Newborn Clothes

Why is it so hard to put away those newborn, 0-3 month clothes?  Our newest little guy is getting so big.  It is so amazing to watch him learn new things, and grow as God intended.  I am thankful that he’s getting bigger, and is healthy.  (We really wouldn’t want them to stay tiny forever, because that’s not how God has ordered things.)  But there is a sense of brief sadness as I choose what to save and what to give away.  I strive to live in this moment and not to regret, or hold too tightly to the past.  We have blessed memories of our little ones when they’re tiny, and we have today to enjoy with them now.  Oh Lord, I pray You’d help me to be in this moment and to live it to the fullest for Your glory!  Thank you for these little ones that do grow so quickly, and thank you for the mother’s heart that cherishes those sweet and fleeting newborn snuggles and smells.  It’s because of You that we are able to love them!

Different

It’s funny how different one’s children can be. They’re all so sweet and funny. One of my kids says, “Mom, I want a sister.” The next one goes, “Mom, I want a dog. No, Mommy I want two dogs.” They’re just so funny!

Through the Window

Why is it so hard for me to see it when we are so close?  When I’m in the “trenches” of my day it is so difficult to see the beauty all around me.  When the peanut butter and jelly covered face is breathing on my cheek, I often don’t wonder at the fact that he is mine.  When I’m listening to the barrage of questions, I am not often taken with the amazement of what it’s like to see things for the first time.  These little ones are so precious and I am in awe that the Lord has given them to us to love and teach…and yet life is easier to appreciate sometimes when you send them outside.  Why is that? 

When I hear them laughing together while they’re blowing bubbles outside whilst I am inside I enjoy it so much.  Maybe it’s the glass between us that quiets their little voices enough to hear the innocence they still possess, the wonder at life, and the ability to laugh uncontrollably at the simpliest of things.   When Daddy is telling them a goodnight story and I’m finally sitting down in the other room, I smile at their cuteness and questions.  When I’m able to step back for a moment I’m able to see my life and my family for what it is.  I am a blessed woman.  Sure, everyone’s got “issues” but we have been blessed with much.  The Lord is here with us, enabling us to grow and love, forgive and try again.  So, as my life sure isn’t getting any quieter or calmer I pray that He’ll make me able to see it for what it is even when they’re smashed right up next to me for a story, or crying in my ear at 3 am.  They are ours for such a short time, Lord help me to appreciate them and wonder at Your creation. 

Mastering Those Emotions

It’s been a while!  I’ve written many posts in my head, but the time and energy to get them out has been wanting.  I have been greatly encouraged this week by the discussion going on over at GirlTalk about emotions.  If you haven’t been over there, it is well worth your time.  Obviously this is a tender subject to me right now, as I’m a postpartum momma!

The Best Way To Start The New Year!

On January 1st the Lord graciously blessed us with the arrival of our newest little man.  He is such a blessing.  We are enjoying being a family of 5 now.  It struck me yesterday that I have 3 children.  Wow!  My Love posted a picture of our little guy over here.

Good Morning

It’s a chilly southern California morning and my coffee is feeling good right now.  Don’t worry, it’s decaf.  We wouldn’t want to freak Thomas out too much.  Anyways, I have to save my caffeine for Coke and chocolate later in the day (you know like 10am).  The house is still Christmas-fied, but that’s ok.  We’re slowly putting toys away.  The big boys and I are making our way through Peter Pan which we gave the big guy for Christmas.  It’s a fun adventure.  I had to edit a few parts, but for the most part it’s been a good read.  Kind of interesting to ponder a world without mommys and daddys.  Definitley not how God ordered things.

We had a lovely Christmas, and I hope the same for you all.  These days I’m trying to keep busy and distracted.  Our little one’s arrival is all planned out by God and I need to trust Him.  The more sleep I get, honestly the easier it is to rest in His sovereignty.  So, here’s to the 2 great nights of sleep I’ve had!  Have a great day!

Happy First Day of Winter

Today we enjoyed a beautiful day at Balboa Park. It’s officially the first day of winter and we were expecting it to be chilly. It was hot at times requiring us to shed our sweatshirts and simply wear t-shirts! I even wished for my flip-flops; only in Southern California. My beloved had this great idea of buying disposable cameras for the little guys so they could take pictures just like Daddy. So, that’s what we did and it was a huge hit. It was a great time together and I’m very thankful the Lord provided it. Hopefully my love will post some pictures of today over on his site.

Let’s Be Thankful!

Indulge me here as I practice some thankful thinking.  There are many reasons to enjoy the end of one’s pregnancy.  As it is still the Lord’s will for me to be pregnant, I am very thankful for all the yummy food I can enjoy during this time.  After I have the baby, my food allergies will most likely return with a vengeance.  So, for now I can eat delicious things like frozen yogurt, fettuccine with broccoli and pizza.  Isn’t it great!  So, the longer I am pregnant the longer I get to enjoy things like those.

Also, the longer I’m pregnant the more time I have to finish the things on my “nesting” list. This is great.  So, there’s lots to be thankful for.  I am indeed honored to be carrying this little boy and can’t wait to meet him.  As my wise husband reminded me last night, “It’s not a matter of whether or not he’ll come, just when.”  It’s funny how the very pregnant mind tends to believe that their is a very real chance that the child will never come and you’ll be left in this state of constant heartburn, and wondering for the rest of your life.  It’s really just a matter of days here or there.  Lord help me to rest in your perfect timing for this little one’s birth.

Washing Walls, Oh My!

Things are getting serious around here.  Yesterday some baseboards and lower walls got washed in our bathroom along with the normal cleaning.  Part of my closet and shoes got organized. The diaper bag made it’s first appearance, and my beloved husband hung a mirror in the family room.  We did our grocery shopping, bought diapers and all the essentials I’ll need for after baby.  Oooh, the excitement when things come together.

Mornings are hard for me, so we took it easy today.  The Lord was very good to grant my pleas that I would be nicer this morning and have more of a servant’s heart as this was not the case yesterday.  Hormones and sleep deprivation bring a whole new meaning to the words serving others and denying oneself.  I’m so glad there is abundant forgiveness in Jesus.  The boys and I made cookies this afternoon and everyone is happy for it.  I’m a firm believer that a little cookie dough is good medicine oh yeah, along with a joyful heart!  Tonight we head off to dinner for my love’s work party.  Should be lots of fun.  Have a great day!

Nesting

We are so excited for our newest little man to come!  It’s such fun being hugely pregnant this time of the year.  There is plenty to keep me busy during these last couple of weeks, so I’m not just lying around counting the moments.  Although you can’t really lay around with two little boys anyway…but you know what I mean.  Towards the evening when my contractions start to act up more the days until his arrival seem long, but for the most part I’m not too anxious.  My to-do list is dwindling, yet I keep adding things to it.  This morning I jumped right into sorting through the boy’s toys.  It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.  Then, my hubby moved some things around for me and got the cradle into our room.  Oh, this is great.  Nesting is in full swing here, but lower back is warning me to take it slow.  I suppose I’ll listen to it a little bit.  It’s fun to think that our little one might make his appearance on the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth.  That’s it for the nesting, Christmas update.  Hope you all are well!