It's 9:00 am, and we are planning to leave for the hospital in the next hour or so. Let the adventure of Abby Kate's arrival begin!! We'll keep you posted as we get a chance to get to the computer.
We're looking forward to seeing our precious baby girl, and we would appreciate your prayers today for our whole family! We love you all!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Why now??
Well, it looks like my clingy, emotional oldest child might have more reason than just a new baby to be whining. (see blog below if you don't know what I'm talking about....) We picked her up at preschool at 2:00 and her teacher said she didn't eat lunch, kept her coat on all day, and was complaining of her stomach hurting. As soon as I saw her, I could tell she was sick, although she had NONE of these symptoms this morning before school. She had bloodshot eyes and fell asleep the minute we started the car. I felt her head and she most certainly had a fever too--and still does. So, first of all, I'm so sorry to all the Sunshine Schoolers that we obviously shared our germs with today.
She has been on antibiotics for almost a week, so I'm very afraid that this is either the flu or a stomach virus that none of her medications can help. She has been in her bed since we walked in the door and is sleeping hard. Why, oh why, can we not get everyone well, when our baby girl will be here any day?
And, speaking of baby girl, we had our doctor's appointment today. I have progressed more toward having this little one, and the birthday appears to be set for Wednesday, February 28th, unless she decides sooner is better. Either way, our prayer is to be holding our baby in a couple more days. And, I just hope and pray that her big sisters can hold her as well. :)
She has been on antibiotics for almost a week, so I'm very afraid that this is either the flu or a stomach virus that none of her medications can help. She has been in her bed since we walked in the door and is sleeping hard. Why, oh why, can we not get everyone well, when our baby girl will be here any day?
And, speaking of baby girl, we had our doctor's appointment today. I have progressed more toward having this little one, and the birthday appears to be set for Wednesday, February 28th, unless she decides sooner is better. Either way, our prayer is to be holding our baby in a couple more days. And, I just hope and pray that her big sisters can hold her as well. :)
She Must Have Known...
Or, maybe I should say "He" must have known.....either way, God and Abby Kate must have known that we could use another week before she joined us. If you had asked me last week, I would have strongly disagreed with that idea, because we seemed as ready as ever for her arrival. The clothes are all clean in her drawers, the baby gear is in the appropriate rooms, the labor bag had been packed, and we had even finished random house chores that I wanted done before another baby lived here. I had finished my school teaching as of last Monday, and was ready to head to the hospital on a moment's notice. So, in my very pregnant state, I felt more than ready for this baby to come, and felt sure that she would follow the pattern of my other girls, and come 14-16 days early just like they did.But, now, we've passed both of those marks, as well as tried a variety of ways to get labor going. But, still, she says NO. Not yet. And, for many reasons I'm strangely thankful. Because she has waited, we've had opportunities for rest and relaxation, as well as more time as a family of four, which was more needed than I realized!
Mark and I have been on unexpected dates all week---dinners out, movies, mall shopping, and just hanging out, while the girls spent time with their grandmothers. We even got to have a Saturday night group date with my sisters and their husbands, which was so much fun!! (We missed you, Cailee. :)
We've also had priceless time with our girls, both as a family, and one-on-one. I've had the chance to take them on picnics, play at the park, go bike-riding (not me, of course!), go to the mall and watch them play together, all with a different mindset than usual. I keep thinking "This is what my weeks should be like EVERY week!" Because I thought I would have a baby, I had no other agenda for my days. I had nothing on my to-do list, and no where I was supposed to be (except the hospital!). So, we truly had time as a family that was unrushed and unplanned. And, I think I'm getting used to that way of life! :)
The most important part of this last week has been one-on-one time with Kendyll. I didn't realize how much she was needing this, especially being my oldest! I had assumed, since she has been so excited about this baby, and since she had "done this before", that I didn't need to do as much to prepare her this time around. But, as my mother has reminded me this week, Kendyll is alot like me---sensing change in the air, knowing it is a good thing, but still being unsure about what it means for her. I completely underestimated the amount of preparation and reassurance I needed to give her before this baby arrived. She has been so excited and anxious for her baby sister to be here (and still is!). But, mixed with those happy emotions, are some other feelings that I don't think she knows how to express. Now, she never said that she's feeling unsure....instead she has been showing it in obvious ways.
First, she has been clinging to me like she never does. (I would say if she clings to anyone in this house, it's usually her daddy!) But, even at home, she wants to sit by me on the couch, she wants me to put her to bed, she wants me to wash her hair, and the list goes on and on. She hasn't wanted to stay with grandparents this last week, when she usually jumps at the chance to go, and has instead asked to stay home with mommy and daddy! And, she has been overly emotional about the silliest things. Now, part of that is the yucky cold, cough, and ear infections she has had, which makes anyone whiny. But, it has been more than that. She has broken down in a dramatic cry over the tiniest events, and seems to need so much more attention and consistency than ever before. So, all that to say, these extra days with her have been much needed, and fun for us. She has even been a bit "clingy" to Carlie, which is really funny to watch.
Carlie, on the other hand, is gung-ho about this baby and relatively unaffected by these upcoming changes. She talks to Abby Kate through my tummy, telling her to come out, and even sings songs about "Abby Kate come out, Abby Kate come see us." She doesn't seem to be the least bit bothered by this baby coming soon---not yet, that is. I'm sure her adjustment time will be after the baby is here, when she realizes her world suddenly changed overnight. But, in the meantime, she has been spending some time at "the ranch", one of her favorite places on earth, with Gammy, Papa Ron, and Cailee. She has been busy having her nails painted, riding the Gator, shopping at WalMart for toys, and seeing every animal on the ranch that she loves so much. She comes home today, and I'm so ready! I've missed that girl!!
So, Kendyll has had lots of big girl time with us. We've gone to the mall, tried on spring clothes at Target (which she LOVED), taken her out to eat, rented movies, played games at home, rode her bike, and made arts and crafts together. She keeps calling them "special dates with just Mommy and Daddy". On Saturday, she did decide that a day with Grandma sounded fun. So, she spent the day shopping for her special birthday gift that they shop for together each year. She went all over town, before she finally decided on a Cinderella nightgown, slippers, and doll from the Disney store. My favorite part of her shopping trip was that she decided she needed to get Carlie something special for when she comes home. So, she picked her a new Care Bear and a pink baseball cap with a puppy on it. She even picked these things out before she found her own gift. When she got home yesterday, she laid Carlie's new things right in front of the door, so that her little sister will see them when she gets home today. Last night, Mark "cleaned up" her set-up, not knowing why it was all there. (which then provoked one of the crying episodes I described earlier!) So, we got it all set-up again....and it is so cute to see. She loves her sister and even said this morning that it was hard to sleep in her room without Carlie in the bed next to her (again....tears came quickly as she said that too!)
My other favorite thing from Kendyll's weekend date with Grandma was a book she made for me. The outside is decorated with her fingerprints in every color, which she turned into different animals. The inside says "Dear Mommy, I hop Abby Kat coms soon. I love you, Kendyll". It has a picture of me with a big tummy, and Kendyll standing next to me. Her hand reaches REALLY far and is touching my tummy. She said she drew us "both still in our PJ's at home". The back simply says "The End". I just love those little treasures from my big five year old.
So, in the midst of waiting, we are having a great time as a family. I wanted to write some of these things down, to remember someday. This has all been a blur the last few days, and I know that all I will remember is the "waiting for Abby Kate" part....and I don't want to forget my other two precious girls in the midst of it all.Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Here I Sit...at 4pm
Many of you know that I was hopeful for a little baby about right now. But, instead, here I sit at home blogging about the lack of baby news. I'm really okay with it though. Really.....I am. :)
This morning, I had my checkup with the doctor who cheerfully informed me that I am "more than a 3" (those of you who are women or have had kids know what that means...) and that everything is looking good for labor to be soon. She then "encouraged labor" with a trick or two and sent me on my way. She said she hoped to see me again tomorrow or this weekend if her tricks worked. Of course, I was thinking "Oh, I hope you see me TODAY!", especially since this same procedure worked like a charm within hours for little Miss Carlie.
So, Mark and I headed out of her office, went home and loaded the car with our bags "just in case" (which we now need to go unload!), and then headed to run some errands to get my contractions to keep going. I made the very-important stop for a bow for this baby girl's head in the hospital (yes, I'm psycho in the area of hairbows!), then went and ate at one of our very favorite burger & fries restaurants. Next stop was the mall to walk and walk and walk, trying to encourage whatever we could. We had a great time just being together and window shopping, stopping for ice cream, and then later for coffee....all the while having contractions that were scattered but strong. I think today might have been the longest I've ever had Mark walk in the mall with me without whining! I even got to have an awesome pedicure, complete with sea scrub, hot wraps, paraffin treatment, and massage! (Thanks, Mark for that splurge!)
But, about an hour ago, we decided that the walking was getting old, the mall was getting hot, and my legs were getting tired. So, now we're home. Mark is already asleep on the couch, and I'm heading that direction now. We are still hopeful that these "scattered" contractions will become regular at some point soon, and we will have new updates for everyone! If they don't, I blame Mark, who said yesterday that he already knew that this girl would wait until the 22nd to come see us. (His birthday is July 22nd, and two of my three sisters are also "22nders".)
Today, when we were leaving the mall, he said "You know I told you that it wouldn't be until the 22nd. Her name means "joy of her father" and she wants to make me happy." So, it's his fault that nothing worked today. :) Plus, he thinks that "2/22" is a cool birthday to have. He said her sports number could always be "2". I told him that "2/21" was a REALLY cool birthday in my book. But, it looks like this girl is already looking to please her daddy.
So until we see any more progress, we will continue to enjoy our time to hang out with each other, and our girls. We are heading to pick them up from Grandma's in a little bit. The really bad news is that Kendyll has a fever today, and Carlie is still puny and sick as well. So, please say a little prayer, not only for Abby Kate, but also for our two big girls to get well so they can meet this baby!!
This morning, I had my checkup with the doctor who cheerfully informed me that I am "more than a 3" (those of you who are women or have had kids know what that means...) and that everything is looking good for labor to be soon. She then "encouraged labor" with a trick or two and sent me on my way. She said she hoped to see me again tomorrow or this weekend if her tricks worked. Of course, I was thinking "Oh, I hope you see me TODAY!", especially since this same procedure worked like a charm within hours for little Miss Carlie.
So, Mark and I headed out of her office, went home and loaded the car with our bags "just in case" (which we now need to go unload!), and then headed to run some errands to get my contractions to keep going. I made the very-important stop for a bow for this baby girl's head in the hospital (yes, I'm psycho in the area of hairbows!), then went and ate at one of our very favorite burger & fries restaurants. Next stop was the mall to walk and walk and walk, trying to encourage whatever we could. We had a great time just being together and window shopping, stopping for ice cream, and then later for coffee....all the while having contractions that were scattered but strong. I think today might have been the longest I've ever had Mark walk in the mall with me without whining! I even got to have an awesome pedicure, complete with sea scrub, hot wraps, paraffin treatment, and massage! (Thanks, Mark for that splurge!)
But, about an hour ago, we decided that the walking was getting old, the mall was getting hot, and my legs were getting tired. So, now we're home. Mark is already asleep on the couch, and I'm heading that direction now. We are still hopeful that these "scattered" contractions will become regular at some point soon, and we will have new updates for everyone! If they don't, I blame Mark, who said yesterday that he already knew that this girl would wait until the 22nd to come see us. (His birthday is July 22nd, and two of my three sisters are also "22nders".)
Today, when we were leaving the mall, he said "You know I told you that it wouldn't be until the 22nd. Her name means "joy of her father" and she wants to make me happy." So, it's his fault that nothing worked today. :) Plus, he thinks that "2/22" is a cool birthday to have. He said her sports number could always be "2". I told him that "2/21" was a REALLY cool birthday in my book. But, it looks like this girl is already looking to please her daddy.
So until we see any more progress, we will continue to enjoy our time to hang out with each other, and our girls. We are heading to pick them up from Grandma's in a little bit. The really bad news is that Kendyll has a fever today, and Carlie is still puny and sick as well. So, please say a little prayer, not only for Abby Kate, but also for our two big girls to get well so they can meet this baby!!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Happy Birthday, Kendyll
Well, my big girl's birthday has come and gone without a blog about her. We had a busy and fun weekend, but also had sick girls....so, blogging never quite happened.
Sunday was her big birthday...and unfortunately, Carlie was running a fever and too sick for church. So, we had church at home and then headed to IHOP for breakfast pancakes. She opened her presents from us (a new movie and the game, Hullabaloo) and then we all snuggled up to watch her new movie together. She got to pick whatever she wanted to do for the whole day. So, after the movie, she picked computer time with her new Webkinz pets. Then, it was a living room picnic of McDonald's for lunch, and game time with Mommy and Daddy. She even got to have a "no rest time" day, which she thought was SO cool!
We are so proud of Kendyll Grace and have no doubt that this will be a very big year for her. She is such a wonderful little girl, with so much love and enthusiasm in her heart. I just pray that we continue to find ways to encourage her personality and strengths so she can be all the Lord has in mind for her. My favorite thing about her is the perfect mix of qualities she has from both Mark and me. She loves people, loves to talk (too much, if you ask her teacher!), and can find the positive in anything....just like her Daddy. But, she also has a little of me too. Her favorite thing to do these days is read. She can't get enough of books and is reading everything she can find. I can't remember a time when I wasn't loving reading. She also still loves a "schedule" and to know what is coming next. I can't remember when I didn't love a schedule and a list for my day. :)
But, two-days-late will have to do for a birthday tribute to my Kendyll Grace. She has had such a fun week celebrating the big number FIVE and is very proud of her new age. :) With such a great birthday party last weekend, she enjoyed a double countdown this year. One countdown to her party, the other to her actual birthday.
This weekend was a big one, because we wanted to do fun things for Kendyll's birthday, as well as for "Welcoming Baby Abby Kate"! (We are hopeful that this past weekend was the last one before her arrival.) So, we planned a few fun things for the family. Of course, we did it all despite the illness that our two sweet girls were starting to show. But, we at least kept them away from others they could share it with!
On Saturday, we went to the mall to make Abby Kate her build-a-bear for the girls to bring her at the hospital. They picked out a sweet lamb for her and recorded "We love you Abby Kate!" for the lamb to say. 
"Baby Lamb", the original name given this stuffed animal, also has a diaper, a blankie, a baby hat, and rattle. So, she is all set. We did this with Kendyll when Carlie was "on the way" and wanted to continue the tradition. While we were there, Kendyll decided that her birthday present from us would also be a build-a-bear. This is what she picked:
"Baby Lamb", the original name given this stuffed animal, also has a diaper, a blankie, a baby hat, and rattle. So, she is all set. We did this with Kendyll when Carlie was "on the way" and wanted to continue the tradition. While we were there, Kendyll decided that her birthday present from us would also be a build-a-bear. This is what she picked:Sunday was her big birthday...and unfortunately, Carlie was running a fever and too sick for church. So, we had church at home and then headed to IHOP for breakfast pancakes. She opened her presents from us (a new movie and the game, Hullabaloo) and then we all snuggled up to watch her new movie together. She got to pick whatever she wanted to do for the whole day. So, after the movie, she picked computer time with her new Webkinz pets. Then, it was a living room picnic of McDonald's for lunch, and game time with Mommy and Daddy. She even got to have a "no rest time" day, which she thought was SO cool!The highlight of the day was her family party at Chuck E Cheese that night. (yes, we were awful parents and let Carlie come along and spread her germs...but we couldn't leave her home!) The funniest part of this evening was that we tried to "book ahead" and the manager said it would be "dead" at 5:00 on a Sunday. So, we arrived to find the busiest Chuck E Cheese I have EVER seen. It was an insane madhouse of people, with four other birthday parties at the same time as ours. Luckily, my sister got there early enough to grab room for our group of almost 20!!
Kendyll had such a good time with everyone and was given the BEST birthday gifts ever. She has been enjoying them ever since! Among the "loot" was lots of crafty things (stamps for cards, magnets to decorate, and glittery markers), pretty clothes, new games (that we have played over and over!), a Leapster (which has not left her side since Sunday), and a new bike!! We are so glad that the weather has turned so nice, because she's already enjoyed bike-riding every day since her party! Thank you again to all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for such fun things for our big girl!
We are so proud of Kendyll Grace and have no doubt that this will be a very big year for her. She is such a wonderful little girl, with so much love and enthusiasm in her heart. I just pray that we continue to find ways to encourage her personality and strengths so she can be all the Lord has in mind for her. My favorite thing about her is the perfect mix of qualities she has from both Mark and me. She loves people, loves to talk (too much, if you ask her teacher!), and can find the positive in anything....just like her Daddy. But, she also has a little of me too. Her favorite thing to do these days is read. She can't get enough of books and is reading everything she can find. I can't remember a time when I wasn't loving reading. She also still loves a "schedule" and to know what is coming next. I can't remember when I didn't love a schedule and a list for my day. :)She is so creative, so passionate, and such a loving big sister. I'm just so proud of her. And, Kendyll, someday when you're reading this, I hope you know how much we love celebrating your big birthdays with you. Thank you for giving us so much joy. You're the best five year old around, Missy Moo! We love you so much.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Kendyll's Big 5th Party!
Even though our big girl does not turn five officially until Sunday (the 18th), we had her "gymnastics princess" party last weekend (to make it a little easier for this very pregnant mommy!) She had SUCH a great time with all of her friends, and enjoyed The Little Gym so much. Honestly, I don't know who liked it more---Kendyll or her mom & dad! It was the easiest party I have ever had. The gymnastic helpers met us at the car, unloaded everything, and began setting up the party room (and they did a great job of decorating too, especially for being two teenage guys!)
They blew up the balloons, cut the cake, ran the gift exchange game, and, of course, gave Kendyll a very fun gymnastics party as well. It was wonderful. They did a great job and Kendyll couldn't even tell me what her favorite part was. All she could say is "Mommy, I can't even choose one thing! The whole party was my favorite!!"
Thank you to all of her sweet friends who made this day fun for her. Even though we had five kids out with illness of different kinds, she still had 16 kids to celebrate with! Here's the whole gang (minus Carlie):
I was pretty surprised that Kendyll only got "fearful" once...when they pulled out the giant bouncewalk that you jump on. They were having all the kids lay on top of it while it inflated. Here she is "checking it out" with Daddy before she decided that she wasn't too crazy about that idea. Once it was inflated, she had a great time jumping on it, though. :)
She wasn't too sure about sitting in the middle of the parachute while they spun her around either. But, it was nothing a little 2 year old sister support didn't solve. :) She asked Carlie to do it with her, and then all was fun from there.
I also love seeing all the poses that Kendyll and her friends are already so good at! I just imagine what they will think of these pictures someday when they are all in highschool. Too cute!!
Even Carlie got into the posing. She wanted a "picture made", so she stood on this mat and told me to take it. She had SO much fun at Kendyll's big party and felt like such an important person as "sister to the b-day girl".
Overall, it was such a fun day! And, our partying isn't even over yet! Sunday, we're going to IHOP (at Kendyll's request) for breakfast after church. And, then a family party is planned for that evening at the old standard, Chuck E Cheese. We have taken the girls every year on their birthdays since Kendyll turned one. So, it will be another fun party for the birthday girl...and I'm sure we'll have more fun pictures to share!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!
Although Valentine's Day is not until tomorrow, we're sending our greetings a little early. We hope you all have a wonderful day of celebrating LOVE. We have a fun "family love day" planned, which we actually started tonight.We took the girls out to dinner, and let them open their goodies when they got home. It was a Valentine's nightgown (with matching scrunchie! :) , a heart necklace, bracelet, and a fan. It's amazing what makes kiddos happy.
Plus, they also got AWESOME care packages from Aunt Cassie & Uncle Austin as well as Grandad and Grankay!!! (Thank you phone-calls will be made tomorrow!!) So, they are happy Valentine campers right now. In fact, they're so happy that I am listening to them talk and sing in bed, which they really haven't done since the first week they shared a room. Something about those holidays that gets them a little rowdy. :)
In the morning, Mark and I are planning to "kidnap" them from bed, still in their Valentine PJ's and take them to Krispy Kreme for heart-shaped sprinkle donuts, the specialty of the day at our favorite donut shop. :) Although our tradition has been to make a "red and pink" dinner together, we have discovered in the last couple of days that Papa John's delivers a heart-shaped pizza on Valentine's. So, we'll still make red jello, strawberry/red apple/grape fruit salad, and dessert....but the main course is now taken care of! YES!!So, we send you our Valentine greetings and, however you celebrate, we hope your Valentine's Day is a great one.
(By the way, for family especially, I still have lots of other updates to make, including Kendyll's 5th birthday party, my surprise baby shower from my Sunshine School class, and the latest on Abby Kate....so I'll be back very soon with more!)
Friday, February 09, 2007
Pajama Day & Playtime
Yesterday was pajama day at school. It is always one of my favorites for a few reasons:
1) I get to go to school in what I would love to wear everyday. Yesterday, I was in fleece and loving it. (although it never fails that I have to get gas or run some errand in my pajamas...yesterday, I needed gas and had to stop at a very busy intersection. Kendyll was worried for me that everyone would laugh...and they probably did!)
2) My girls get to dress in their cute pj's, which is one of my favorite things to see them in. And, of course, they love that silly feeling of leaving the house in flannel and houseshoes.
3) The kids at school have SUCH a good time on pajama day. We are celebrating the letter "P" on this day, so we have popcorn and pizza and just have more fun than usual in our silly pj's.
Unfortunately, pajama day also makes for a little more craziness in everyone under the age of five, including my two girls, apparently. They both got in trouble at school---Carlie didn't listen and obey a couple of times and had to sit in time out, and Kendyll was yelling and talking while her teacher was gone, so she had to move her color to "yellow" for the first time. Without going into the whole story, Kendyll also got in trouble after school for disobeying me when it was time to leave. So, we had some good discussions on the way home, and she lost the usual privilege of a treat and TV show or computer time when we got home from school. Instead, I told them both they could play in their room....but only after Kendyll wrote a paper telling me what lesson she learned at school. (I wish I had the ability to scan images---the paper is precious. Not only is there more of her "phonetic spelling" about what she did wrong, but she also drew herself in the pj's she wore to school, complete with cheetah spots.)
Anyway, their time of playing together was pretty cute, and I realized I hadn't posted any pictures of them playing with their "Santa stage". So, here are a few....
1) I get to go to school in what I would love to wear everyday. Yesterday, I was in fleece and loving it. (although it never fails that I have to get gas or run some errand in my pajamas...yesterday, I needed gas and had to stop at a very busy intersection. Kendyll was worried for me that everyone would laugh...and they probably did!)
2) My girls get to dress in their cute pj's, which is one of my favorite things to see them in. And, of course, they love that silly feeling of leaving the house in flannel and houseshoes.
3) The kids at school have SUCH a good time on pajama day. We are celebrating the letter "P" on this day, so we have popcorn and pizza and just have more fun than usual in our silly pj's.Unfortunately, pajama day also makes for a little more craziness in everyone under the age of five, including my two girls, apparently. They both got in trouble at school---Carlie didn't listen and obey a couple of times and had to sit in time out, and Kendyll was yelling and talking while her teacher was gone, so she had to move her color to "yellow" for the first time. Without going into the whole story, Kendyll also got in trouble after school for disobeying me when it was time to leave. So, we had some good discussions on the way home, and she lost the usual privilege of a treat and TV show or computer time when we got home from school. Instead, I told them both they could play in their room....but only after Kendyll wrote a paper telling me what lesson she learned at school. (I wish I had the ability to scan images---the paper is precious. Not only is there more of her "phonetic spelling" about what she did wrong, but she also drew herself in the pj's she wore to school, complete with cheetah spots.)Anyway, their time of playing together was pretty cute, and I realized I hadn't posted any pictures of them playing with their "Santa stage". So, here are a few....
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
I'm still here!
No, Angie, Amy W., and Sara, I'm not in labor (and yes, I would call you if I was!!). But, your comment on my last entry and phone calls today made me realize that I should probably update my blog, so no one else wonders! :) I've had quite a time trying to get to blogging lately. Honestly, I haven't even been on the computer much at all! Between being busy and being exhausted, I don't climb the stairs to sit at the computer unless it's necessary. :)
But, here I am, sacrificing my nap for the sake of updating. Ha ha. Here's a little bit on each family member and what they're doing these days (beware---this will probably be a long one):
Kendyll: Although we haven't received official word of acceptance, we are confident that Providence Christian School will be Kendyll's new school next year. And, we're thrilled. We had Kendyll's "observation day", where she played and interacted with the kindergarten teachers and students. It was tough to know that she was being "evaluated" in a way, but from all reports (hers and the admission director's), she had a great time and showed her sweet spirit that we already know she has!
We also had our parent interview, which was an amazing blessing. To have the admissions director pray with you to begin the time, and to pray specifically over our family, including Kendyll, Carlie, and even baby Abby Kate....it was a wonderful affirmation of why we're chosing this school, and made me feel so much peace about our decision.
On other fronts, Kendyll is busy, busy, busy preparing for big-sisterhood the second time around. She has been helping me sort baby laundry (yes, more of it!), organize all Abby Kate's diapers, wipes, and bath things, and has even been making Abby Kate some new things! Here is a picture of what I found in the bassinet a week ago.
During "craft time" on one of our snowy days (when the girls have free reign with every kind of craft supply available), she made the baby two blankets out of felt. I can't wait to get Abby Kate's picture under these creations made with such love. :) She has also made a fleece "floor blanket", as Kendyll calls it, for the baby to play on. I took her a few weeks ago to the fabric store, and she picked out a beautiful tie-dyed flower fleece with every color of the rainbow on it. It should keep the baby awake, if nothing else! I helped her cut the edges and tie the knots to make the "no-sew" blanket, and she is so proud of it. Next on her project list is to make her a small blanket for the carseat. The fabric selection for that blanket is a lavender fleece with pink floral hearts. What a good big sister she will be!
We have had a renewal of chores around here too, which Kendyll--who thrives on"order" and "schedules"--has loved. We did this all summer, and had not been real consistent with it since then. So, now, we are back in full force, and are all benefiting from it. My favorite part of doing this again, was reading Kendyll's list of chores for herself. She wrote them all by herself, and brought them to me. Here's the list (with her own phonetic spelling):
*Poot my close on. (Put my clothes on.)
*Brush my teeth.
*Mak my bed.
*Set the tabll.
*Feed Annie.
*Poosh my chair in.
*Tac car of the baby. (Take care of the baby)
*Dot poosh Carlie. (Don't push Carlie)
*Don't hit Carlie.
*Don't screem at Carlie. (Do you see a theme here?)
*Don't do theegs that are rong. (Don't do things that are wrong.)
Precious. I love the phonetic spelling of a four year old because I know someday she'll get it all "right" and it won't be nearly as cute. :)
Carlie: Wow. Carlie. What do I say? She is also a big reason for no blogging lately. I have been too busy being a disciplining parent! She is in the middle of "two-and-a-half-ness", so we spend alot of time setting limits, sitting in timeout, losing privileges and having to say I'm sorry for hitting, pushing, screaming at her sister. She has inspired a LOT of reading for Mark and I lately, which has truly been a blessing. I have some great books to recommend to anyone who needs a wonderful reminder of why it is we press on in parenting as Christians, what it is to truly "discipline" and not "punish", and what our ultimate goals should be as we do this job of mommy and daddy. It has been a good time for both of us as parents, especially as we prepare to add another little girl to this craziness!
However, even in her difficult stages, I still celebrate her personality, and have no doubt that God will use her "spunk" for His glory someday. The girl does NOT back down....and someday, I hope that is a blessing for her. And, of course, she is so darn cute that I just smile so often as I watch her little facial expressions. She still makes us laugh, even when we're mad at her. How does she do that?!?
She is also very excited about being "the big sister", and talks about it constantly. She prays for Abby Kate and for Mommy's tummy all the time, and I can't wait to see her face when she really does see Abby Kate in person!
Abby Kate: This little one is hanging tight, although Mommy wonders some days how much longer she will do so! She makes her presence known constantly, and seems to prefer activity from 3:00 to 4:30 in the morning. Man, I hope she changes that tune before she arrives! I had my 36 week checkup this morning, and it looks like I've begun the "process" of preparing for delivery (is that a nice way to say that I'm dilating?? ha ha.) But, I still think it will be another couple of weeks before she actually makes her debut. We'll keep you all posted!
Me: Well, not much to say about me, except that I'm pregnant! :) Really, I've been blessed with LOTS of "me-time" lately, and I am so thankful for it. Grandma Cheri has kept the girls one or two days each week to give me some rest time. That has led to evenings out to dinner with my hubby, shopping all over Dallas all by myself for hours, lunch with friends that lasts as long as I want, and nights at home, laying on the couch without baths to give or little mouths to feed.
I've also found lots of time for "nesting", although it's been more of a "should do" attitude than the popular pregnancy "can't wait to do" feeling that so many women talk about. We have conquered every closet in the house, cleaned up the garage, kind of packed for labor, set up all stuff that is required for baby, washed her clothes, unpacked spring clothes for the girls, and sewn a few things for the baby too.
A couple of other fun things for me lately----A few friends gave me a "scrap night" type of shower, which was more fun than I could have ever imagined. And, now, Abby Kate has a scrapbook full of beautiful pages just waiting to be filled, thanks to my sweet friends! I also was surprised last week with a diapers & wipes shower at Sunshine School. Oh my! We are stocked for the YEAR!! Thank you, ladies, for making this time so fun for me!! And, for giving us so many things that we really needed. :)
I also got to have a day with my mom, a special tradition we've shared with each of my "new arrivals". We had a great girly lunch, spent hours talking, and found the baby's coming home outfit at our favorite baby shop in Dallas. All three girls have received their coming home outfit and blanket from "Gammy", and I am so thankful for Mom giving them such special keepsakes. We also went a little crazy and got TWO sets of matching dresses for the three girls. Whew! This "three girl" thing is going to kill me---too many cute matching things out there!
I also had a great time at the Ladies Retreat for our church last weekend, and learned so much about being a better wife and mother, by taking care of my mind, body, and soul. I'm sure I will have more to say about those subjects, as I listen to the CD's I ordered from our speaker. She was very wise and gave such fresh perspectives on many "everyday" parts of our role in the family. It is always fun to be with all my girlfriends, and stay up way too late chatting and relaxing.
Mark: I realize I never update on Mark. Really, I just don't brag on him enough. Those of you who know him know that I don't really have to. His "good husband" and "good daddy" attributes shine through for themselves. But, he has gone above and beyond with all of us and deserves his own paragraph in this forever-long blog. He has been such an amazing daddy, taking on many of the daily responsibilities alone, and doing them much better than I ever do. Bath time, bedtime, disciplining (especially this one!), and entertaining has been mainly on his shoulders, and he is truly amazing to watch as daddy to these two girls. As husband, he's been no less amazing. The encouragement, attention, and sweet adoration he gives to me and this baby make me melt every day. He makes me feel beautiful, even when I have quite the extra poundage these days and am uncomfortable alot of the time. There is no doubt in any of our minds where his deepest devotion is, and that is to this family. Even the little things matter to me----and there is really no telling how many times he refills my water, rubs my back and feet, runs my errands (he is now chief grocery-store shopper!), fills my ice cream bowl, and straightens the house to make it easier on me. I'm so lucky. And, Mark, when you read this, I'm so thankful. :)
So, there it is. The longest update I've ever had. But, I don't want to forget this time in our family. We look forward to the next couple of weeks and even more to the weeks beyond that when sweet Abby Kate is here with us. Thank you to all my friends and family for all the ways you have helped us celebrate her. We are a richly blessed family of almost five because of so many of you.
But, here I am, sacrificing my nap for the sake of updating. Ha ha. Here's a little bit on each family member and what they're doing these days (beware---this will probably be a long one):
Kendyll: Although we haven't received official word of acceptance, we are confident that Providence Christian School will be Kendyll's new school next year. And, we're thrilled. We had Kendyll's "observation day", where she played and interacted with the kindergarten teachers and students. It was tough to know that she was being "evaluated" in a way, but from all reports (hers and the admission director's), she had a great time and showed her sweet spirit that we already know she has!
We also had our parent interview, which was an amazing blessing. To have the admissions director pray with you to begin the time, and to pray specifically over our family, including Kendyll, Carlie, and even baby Abby Kate....it was a wonderful affirmation of why we're chosing this school, and made me feel so much peace about our decision.On other fronts, Kendyll is busy, busy, busy preparing for big-sisterhood the second time around. She has been helping me sort baby laundry (yes, more of it!), organize all Abby Kate's diapers, wipes, and bath things, and has even been making Abby Kate some new things! Here is a picture of what I found in the bassinet a week ago.
During "craft time" on one of our snowy days (when the girls have free reign with every kind of craft supply available), she made the baby two blankets out of felt. I can't wait to get Abby Kate's picture under these creations made with such love. :) She has also made a fleece "floor blanket", as Kendyll calls it, for the baby to play on. I took her a few weeks ago to the fabric store, and she picked out a beautiful tie-dyed flower fleece with every color of the rainbow on it. It should keep the baby awake, if nothing else! I helped her cut the edges and tie the knots to make the "no-sew" blanket, and she is so proud of it. Next on her project list is to make her a small blanket for the carseat. The fabric selection for that blanket is a lavender fleece with pink floral hearts. What a good big sister she will be!We have had a renewal of chores around here too, which Kendyll--who thrives on"order" and "schedules"--has loved. We did this all summer, and had not been real consistent with it since then. So, now, we are back in full force, and are all benefiting from it. My favorite part of doing this again, was reading Kendyll's list of chores for herself. She wrote them all by herself, and brought them to me. Here's the list (with her own phonetic spelling):
*Poot my close on. (Put my clothes on.)
*Brush my teeth.
*Mak my bed.
*Set the tabll.
*Feed Annie.
*Poosh my chair in.
*Tac car of the baby. (Take care of the baby)
*Dot poosh Carlie. (Don't push Carlie)
*Don't hit Carlie.
*Don't screem at Carlie. (Do you see a theme here?)
*Don't do theegs that are rong. (Don't do things that are wrong.)
Precious. I love the phonetic spelling of a four year old because I know someday she'll get it all "right" and it won't be nearly as cute. :)
Carlie: Wow. Carlie. What do I say? She is also a big reason for no blogging lately. I have been too busy being a disciplining parent! She is in the middle of "two-and-a-half-ness", so we spend alot of time setting limits, sitting in timeout, losing privileges and having to say I'm sorry for hitting, pushing, screaming at her sister. She has inspired a LOT of reading for Mark and I lately, which has truly been a blessing. I have some great books to recommend to anyone who needs a wonderful reminder of why it is we press on in parenting as Christians, what it is to truly "discipline" and not "punish", and what our ultimate goals should be as we do this job of mommy and daddy. It has been a good time for both of us as parents, especially as we prepare to add another little girl to this craziness!
However, even in her difficult stages, I still celebrate her personality, and have no doubt that God will use her "spunk" for His glory someday. The girl does NOT back down....and someday, I hope that is a blessing for her. And, of course, she is so darn cute that I just smile so often as I watch her little facial expressions. She still makes us laugh, even when we're mad at her. How does she do that?!?
She is also very excited about being "the big sister", and talks about it constantly. She prays for Abby Kate and for Mommy's tummy all the time, and I can't wait to see her face when she really does see Abby Kate in person!
Abby Kate: This little one is hanging tight, although Mommy wonders some days how much longer she will do so! She makes her presence known constantly, and seems to prefer activity from 3:00 to 4:30 in the morning. Man, I hope she changes that tune before she arrives! I had my 36 week checkup this morning, and it looks like I've begun the "process" of preparing for delivery (is that a nice way to say that I'm dilating?? ha ha.) But, I still think it will be another couple of weeks before she actually makes her debut. We'll keep you all posted!
Me: Well, not much to say about me, except that I'm pregnant! :) Really, I've been blessed with LOTS of "me-time" lately, and I am so thankful for it. Grandma Cheri has kept the girls one or two days each week to give me some rest time. That has led to evenings out to dinner with my hubby, shopping all over Dallas all by myself for hours, lunch with friends that lasts as long as I want, and nights at home, laying on the couch without baths to give or little mouths to feed.
I've also found lots of time for "nesting", although it's been more of a "should do" attitude than the popular pregnancy "can't wait to do" feeling that so many women talk about. We have conquered every closet in the house, cleaned up the garage, kind of packed for labor, set up all stuff that is required for baby, washed her clothes, unpacked spring clothes for the girls, and sewn a few things for the baby too.
A couple of other fun things for me lately----A few friends gave me a "scrap night" type of shower, which was more fun than I could have ever imagined. And, now, Abby Kate has a scrapbook full of beautiful pages just waiting to be filled, thanks to my sweet friends! I also was surprised last week with a diapers & wipes shower at Sunshine School. Oh my! We are stocked for the YEAR!! Thank you, ladies, for making this time so fun for me!! And, for giving us so many things that we really needed. :)
I also got to have a day with my mom, a special tradition we've shared with each of my "new arrivals". We had a great girly lunch, spent hours talking, and found the baby's coming home outfit at our favorite baby shop in Dallas. All three girls have received their coming home outfit and blanket from "Gammy", and I am so thankful for Mom giving them such special keepsakes. We also went a little crazy and got TWO sets of matching dresses for the three girls. Whew! This "three girl" thing is going to kill me---too many cute matching things out there!I also had a great time at the Ladies Retreat for our church last weekend, and learned so much about being a better wife and mother, by taking care of my mind, body, and soul. I'm sure I will have more to say about those subjects, as I listen to the CD's I ordered from our speaker. She was very wise and gave such fresh perspectives on many "everyday" parts of our role in the family. It is always fun to be with all my girlfriends, and stay up way too late chatting and relaxing.
Mark: I realize I never update on Mark. Really, I just don't brag on him enough. Those of you who know him know that I don't really have to. His "good husband" and "good daddy" attributes shine through for themselves. But, he has gone above and beyond with all of us and deserves his own paragraph in this forever-long blog. He has been such an amazing daddy, taking on many of the daily responsibilities alone, and doing them much better than I ever do. Bath time, bedtime, disciplining (especially this one!), and entertaining has been mainly on his shoulders, and he is truly amazing to watch as daddy to these two girls. As husband, he's been no less amazing. The encouragement, attention, and sweet adoration he gives to me and this baby make me melt every day. He makes me feel beautiful, even when I have quite the extra poundage these days and am uncomfortable alot of the time. There is no doubt in any of our minds where his deepest devotion is, and that is to this family. Even the little things matter to me----and there is really no telling how many times he refills my water, rubs my back and feet, runs my errands (he is now chief grocery-store shopper!), fills my ice cream bowl, and straightens the house to make it easier on me. I'm so lucky. And, Mark, when you read this, I'm so thankful. :)
So, there it is. The longest update I've ever had. But, I don't want to forget this time in our family. We look forward to the next couple of weeks and even more to the weeks beyond that when sweet Abby Kate is here with us. Thank you to all my friends and family for all the ways you have helped us celebrate her. We are a richly blessed family of almost five because of so many of you.
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