I haven't posted anything in six months...our life has been so busy and crazy that I haven't had much time! My focus has been on my very busy, bouncy baby boys! :)
I've decided to close down the blog--surprise, surprise, huh?! I'm still hanging around, reading YOUR blogs and enjoying them immensely. I'm not disappearing, but you won't find me here anymore!
This isn't a difficult goodbye, obviously. I enjoy blogging, but I just don't have the time. This post is almost pointless, but once I remembered I had a blog, I decided to announce I was leaving instead of just abandoning it altogether. :)
See you elsewhere!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Baby Samuel is Here!
He has arrived! Samuel was born on May 28th, 2009. He weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz. He's a beautiful, healthy baby boy!
Samuel was born on Johnathan's first birthday! Not such a good start among brothers, huh? We had to cancel Johnathan's birthday party because of Samuel...I'm sure Johnathan won't let him live that one down. :)
I had to have another c-section. Preeclampsia set in again, but we caught it early, so we're both as healthy as can be!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sleep Independence!
*Warning: this is a very "rambly" post that deals with a dilemma of motherhood! So if you need to be encouraged or uplifted today, please skip this one! ;)
I hope y'all are having a great week! I've enjoyed visiting some of your blogs and talking to a few of you via email. Although I don't spend much time blogging these days (next to no time, actually!), I am still so thankful for the friendships that I've cultivated over these past couple of years! By the way, Spring is definitely in the air here, although I know some of you are enduring the worst kind of winter weather--so I won't brag about all the beauty around me just yet. ;)
There are so many preparations to be made before this next baby is born--most of the things that I wanted Johnathan to be doing months ago are still on my to-do list. At the top of the list: sleeping all night in his own crib. Yes--the cat's out of the bag! Johnathan has slept in our bed since day one! I've found that some people applaud this decision--and some look at me like a lunatic when I tell them that. But when I was breastfeeding him, it was so much easier to just have him in our bed, and he's been happily sleeping there ever since. Matt and I really do enjoy having him within arm's reach at night, but with baby #2 on the way, Johnathan needs to move out. None of us are sleeping well anymore, and I think Mama and Daddy are ready for his transition to the crib. :) Plus, our pediatrician advised us to go ahead and move him before the "window of opportunity" closes. Apparently, if you don't move them out by a certain time, they'll stay in your bed until they're really old! Which is true in many cases I've seen. We really don't want a long-limbed 8 year old snuggled up between us every night!
Last night was our first attempt at the crib, and it was a fiasco! Johnathan fell asleep while drinking his nighttime bottle, so we just gently laid him in his crib and went to our big, lonely bed. ;) He woke up during the middle of the night screaming, and after about 30 minutes of trying to "Ferberize" him, Matt got him out and Johnathan took his rightful place in the middle. ;) I think I cried as hard as he did!
Tonight I was by myself. Johnathan was dog-tired, so I fed him, soothed him, and laid him down. Again, I tried the Ferber method (letting baby cry it out for specific intervals of time before going in to briefly soothe him). He cried during the 5 min. interval, and the 10 min. interval, and then halfway through the 25 min. interval, I gave in and soothed him to sleep by rubbing his head. I feel better about tonight because he actually fell asleep in his crib, even if it was with my help. But I didn't accomplish my true goal: teaching him to soothe himself to sleep. Although I have to say--I don't quite understand how a baby can soothe himself to sleep when he is in a raging panic! ;)
I have no idea what we'll do tonight when he wakes up. Lately, when he has woken up in our bed, he cries for a bottle at least twice during the night. So...I don't know if we will try giving him a bottle and putting him in the crib or not. He'll probably end up back in our bed, but I hate to lose the little bit of ground that we've gained so far. Any advice for this worn out Mama and Daddy? We're so tired, but it really does break our hearts to hear him cry so much. I have the worst guilt! Did your babies ever have to make the transition? ANY stories or advice would be very much appreciated!
Needless to say, baby 2 will be in the bassinet from night one! I said that about Johnathan, but now I know the consequences of my actions! ;) I'll keep y'all updated on Johnathan's progress!
I hope y'all are having a great week! I've enjoyed visiting some of your blogs and talking to a few of you via email. Although I don't spend much time blogging these days (next to no time, actually!), I am still so thankful for the friendships that I've cultivated over these past couple of years! By the way, Spring is definitely in the air here, although I know some of you are enduring the worst kind of winter weather--so I won't brag about all the beauty around me just yet. ;)
There are so many preparations to be made before this next baby is born--most of the things that I wanted Johnathan to be doing months ago are still on my to-do list. At the top of the list: sleeping all night in his own crib. Yes--the cat's out of the bag! Johnathan has slept in our bed since day one! I've found that some people applaud this decision--and some look at me like a lunatic when I tell them that. But when I was breastfeeding him, it was so much easier to just have him in our bed, and he's been happily sleeping there ever since. Matt and I really do enjoy having him within arm's reach at night, but with baby #2 on the way, Johnathan needs to move out. None of us are sleeping well anymore, and I think Mama and Daddy are ready for his transition to the crib. :) Plus, our pediatrician advised us to go ahead and move him before the "window of opportunity" closes. Apparently, if you don't move them out by a certain time, they'll stay in your bed until they're really old! Which is true in many cases I've seen. We really don't want a long-limbed 8 year old snuggled up between us every night!
Last night was our first attempt at the crib, and it was a fiasco! Johnathan fell asleep while drinking his nighttime bottle, so we just gently laid him in his crib and went to our big, lonely bed. ;) He woke up during the middle of the night screaming, and after about 30 minutes of trying to "Ferberize" him, Matt got him out and Johnathan took his rightful place in the middle. ;) I think I cried as hard as he did!
Tonight I was by myself. Johnathan was dog-tired, so I fed him, soothed him, and laid him down. Again, I tried the Ferber method (letting baby cry it out for specific intervals of time before going in to briefly soothe him). He cried during the 5 min. interval, and the 10 min. interval, and then halfway through the 25 min. interval, I gave in and soothed him to sleep by rubbing his head. I feel better about tonight because he actually fell asleep in his crib, even if it was with my help. But I didn't accomplish my true goal: teaching him to soothe himself to sleep. Although I have to say--I don't quite understand how a baby can soothe himself to sleep when he is in a raging panic! ;)
I have no idea what we'll do tonight when he wakes up. Lately, when he has woken up in our bed, he cries for a bottle at least twice during the night. So...I don't know if we will try giving him a bottle and putting him in the crib or not. He'll probably end up back in our bed, but I hate to lose the little bit of ground that we've gained so far. Any advice for this worn out Mama and Daddy? We're so tired, but it really does break our hearts to hear him cry so much. I have the worst guilt! Did your babies ever have to make the transition? ANY stories or advice would be very much appreciated!
Needless to say, baby 2 will be in the bassinet from night one! I said that about Johnathan, but now I know the consequences of my actions! ;) I'll keep y'all updated on Johnathan's progress!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
A brief update for the one person who might still read this blog...
Alright, I hope there are at least two of you that check in every now and then! ;) When a blog friend inquired about me, I decided it might be time to post something again.
This is Johnathan! You haven't seen him since he was tiny! He's 8 months old now, and he just learned to crawl this week. He's growing much too quickly; Matt and I marvel over him every day. He's such a miracle; when Matt and I are watching him sleep, I still smile and whisper, "We made him!" Absolutely amazing! He's a happy, smiley, very outgoing baby who loves to "talk" to everyone who will listen. He's learned his first "real" word--which, as an English major, I'm kind of embarrassed to admit. He says "hey!" to everyone. Not "Hi" or "Hello," but "hey," which is very Southern and a tad bit improper. But we think it's the cutest thing in the world. :)
In other news, we just learned that baby #2 is another boy! We are so excited that Johnathan will have a brother only 1 year and 8 days younger than him. A c-section has been scheduled for June 5th.
I've been so busy trying to keep up with Johnathan and life in general. This pregnancy is wearing me out, probably because I'm simultaneously dealing with a small baby. I've had to rely heavily on the Lord for strength, and even joy. I've struggled with bouts of depression this time around, which has been difficult. But the Lord has been my fortress, and I'm able to combat those feelings, which I'm very thankful for.
That's about it for me! I would love to post more, but at this season in my life it's just not realistic for me. I wonder how some women do it! I'm completely consumed by taking care of Johnathan, helping my extended family, church, housework, etc! Not to mention the gazillion doctor's appointments between me and Johnathan! :) Hopefully, once the new baby comes along and I have more energy (remind me of that statement this time next year...) I will be able to blog more. In the meantime, I'm enjoying taking some time to read your blogs and see what you're up to! For those of you whose blogs I don't visit now, will you direct me to yours? I would love to get to know you!
I'll pop back in when I can! In the meantime, if you'd like to contact me for any reason, please do so! I've enjoyed keeping up with some of you via email. :)
This is Johnathan! You haven't seen him since he was tiny! He's 8 months old now, and he just learned to crawl this week. He's growing much too quickly; Matt and I marvel over him every day. He's such a miracle; when Matt and I are watching him sleep, I still smile and whisper, "We made him!" Absolutely amazing! He's a happy, smiley, very outgoing baby who loves to "talk" to everyone who will listen. He's learned his first "real" word--which, as an English major, I'm kind of embarrassed to admit. He says "hey!" to everyone. Not "Hi" or "Hello," but "hey," which is very Southern and a tad bit improper. But we think it's the cutest thing in the world. :)In other news, we just learned that baby #2 is another boy! We are so excited that Johnathan will have a brother only 1 year and 8 days younger than him. A c-section has been scheduled for June 5th.
I've been so busy trying to keep up with Johnathan and life in general. This pregnancy is wearing me out, probably because I'm simultaneously dealing with a small baby. I've had to rely heavily on the Lord for strength, and even joy. I've struggled with bouts of depression this time around, which has been difficult. But the Lord has been my fortress, and I'm able to combat those feelings, which I'm very thankful for.
That's about it for me! I would love to post more, but at this season in my life it's just not realistic for me. I wonder how some women do it! I'm completely consumed by taking care of Johnathan, helping my extended family, church, housework, etc! Not to mention the gazillion doctor's appointments between me and Johnathan! :) Hopefully, once the new baby comes along and I have more energy (remind me of that statement this time next year...) I will be able to blog more. In the meantime, I'm enjoying taking some time to read your blogs and see what you're up to! For those of you whose blogs I don't visit now, will you direct me to yours? I would love to get to know you!
I'll pop back in when I can! In the meantime, if you'd like to contact me for any reason, please do so! I've enjoyed keeping up with some of you via email. :)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Yes, I'm alive and well!
Hi, everyone! I'm feeling terribly guilty about not posting anything in, well, MONTHS. We've had a lot going on! First, Johnathan is getting to be a handful. He's at that "not-quite-crawling-but-doesn't-want-to-sit-still" age! Which means Mama and Daddy are constantly having to come up with new ways to entertain! Johnathan is an absolute JOY and we feel so blessed to have him in our family.
Second bit of news: we're expecting baby #2! Yes, already! Johnathan's due date was June 21, 2008 and this baby's due date is June 19, 2009. They will be exactly one year apart, and while we know we will have our hands full, we are so grateful to the Lord for this new blessing.
I've been quite sick with this pregnancy. At 12 weeks, I'm almost in my second trimester, so hopefully the nausea and vomiting and extreme exhaustion will pass soon! I've already been hospitalized for dehydration, and the downtime is getting to me--but I'm hopeful and thankful nonetheless.
THANK YOU for all of your comments and emails of concern. I haven't responded to any of them, and I apologize for that, but please know that I am very thankful for caring, loving friends. Answering every email would take so much time, and I just don't have that much time in between running to the bathroom!
I don't know what my blogging future holds...some moms can juggle 7 small children and write the most inspirational articles. I only have one baby in my arms and one baby in utero and I don't have the desire to even look at a computer screen! I miss all of my blogging friends, but I'm just not sure what I'm able to handle. I'll keep updating as I feel like it, and I'll try to do much better about responding to comments and emails! Until then, you all are still in my prayers, and I'll try to visit you at your sites as time and energy allow! :)
Second bit of news: we're expecting baby #2! Yes, already! Johnathan's due date was June 21, 2008 and this baby's due date is June 19, 2009. They will be exactly one year apart, and while we know we will have our hands full, we are so grateful to the Lord for this new blessing.
I've been quite sick with this pregnancy. At 12 weeks, I'm almost in my second trimester, so hopefully the nausea and vomiting and extreme exhaustion will pass soon! I've already been hospitalized for dehydration, and the downtime is getting to me--but I'm hopeful and thankful nonetheless.
THANK YOU for all of your comments and emails of concern. I haven't responded to any of them, and I apologize for that, but please know that I am very thankful for caring, loving friends. Answering every email would take so much time, and I just don't have that much time in between running to the bathroom!
I don't know what my blogging future holds...some moms can juggle 7 small children and write the most inspirational articles. I only have one baby in my arms and one baby in utero and I don't have the desire to even look at a computer screen! I miss all of my blogging friends, but I'm just not sure what I'm able to handle. I'll keep updating as I feel like it, and I'll try to do much better about responding to comments and emails! Until then, you all are still in my prayers, and I'll try to visit you at your sites as time and energy allow! :)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Please pray for us!
Just poppin' in to give y'all a quick update. I'm feeling overwhelmed with all that is going on this week, so I'm putting in a prayer request. (Or two. Or three. Or four!) On Wednesday night, I started having severe stomach pains. Thursday morning, I went to the emergency room and found out that I had appendicitis. I had to have emergency surgery to have it removed--it was on the verge of rupturing. This comes just 15 weeks after my c-section. Ugh. Plus, I have a sinus infection, which is just annoying! :)
Johnathan is sick with a cold. He's just pitiful! I know it's only a cold, but you mamas know how it is! Please say a special prayer for a speedy recovery for our little one.
Matt thinks he's getting strep throat. Please pray for this, because not only do I want him to be sick, I don't want to have to change our living arrangements to prevent the baby and I from getting it!
Matt's stepdad is recovering from open-heart surgery as well, which some of you know is a long, hard journey. Please pray for him if you think about it. And someone else very special to us is undergoing some emotional issues; the Father knows this person's heart. Please say a special prayer for him. Sometimes the emotional stuff is worse than physical aches and pains.
I love to give y'all prayer requests! I know that some of you are true prayer warriors! Thank you in advance, and if you ever need prayer, please let me know.
***By the way, baby pictures are coming! Johnathan is such a smiley, giggly, BIG baby (14 pounds today at the doctor!). As soon as everything quiets down around here, I'll post some. (And hopefully get back to some regular blogging.)
Johnathan is sick with a cold. He's just pitiful! I know it's only a cold, but you mamas know how it is! Please say a special prayer for a speedy recovery for our little one.
Matt thinks he's getting strep throat. Please pray for this, because not only do I want him to be sick, I don't want to have to change our living arrangements to prevent the baby and I from getting it!
Matt's stepdad is recovering from open-heart surgery as well, which some of you know is a long, hard journey. Please pray for him if you think about it. And someone else very special to us is undergoing some emotional issues; the Father knows this person's heart. Please say a special prayer for him. Sometimes the emotional stuff is worse than physical aches and pains.
I love to give y'all prayer requests! I know that some of you are true prayer warriors! Thank you in advance, and if you ever need prayer, please let me know.
***By the way, baby pictures are coming! Johnathan is such a smiley, giggly, BIG baby (14 pounds today at the doctor!). As soon as everything quiets down around here, I'll post some. (And hopefully get back to some regular blogging.)
Friday, September 5, 2008
"Offensively Expressing Yourself"
Go on over and read this great quote on Michele's blog. Whew! Did y'all need that as much as I did?!
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