She's Here!

We welcomed Nelia Frances Avery on Sunday, December 18 at 5:21 p.m. She was 8 lbs 1 oz and 20 1/4 inches long. Oh, and she's stinking adorable in every way. Just ask Emma. She'll tell you.

Thanks for all the prayers and support over the past few days! We have felt so loved and I am very grateful. We are looking forward to celebrating Emma's birthday and our Savior's birth as a family of five! We rejoice in His plan for our family and His plan to redeem the world!!!

Expiration Dates

Hello blogging world! I'm checking in so as not to forget these last few days before becoming a family of five! Speaking of....there is nothing like buying milk that expires on your due date to remind you you're about to have a baby!!!!

While the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is all around us, I find myself uncharacteristically calm and peaceful these days. I'm constantly fielding questions (like many of us this time of year) that begin with "Are you ready...?"  I often pause, stare curiously and wonder: What event are they talking about? Christmas?  Getting all our presents taken care of?  Celebrating the birth of our Savior?  Emma's most special 4th birthday?  A new baby?  The labor process and whether I'll be able to have another successful VBAC? Returning to life with a newborn?  Adjusting to life with three kids 4 and under? As a result, I think I'm giving off some pretty hysterical stares at people these days.  


Regardless, some of the proverbial to-do list has resulted in "shrinking" expectations this year.  Like our "shrinking tree."

sorry for the poor picture quality--seems my hand (or the iphone) isn't too steady these days.

Hands down this is the easiest tree I've ever done.  I like it more and more.  I picked it up with one hand and it already came on a stand!  Emma and Robert both seem to love it and it also keeps Robert from destroying inspecting it too closely at his tender age.

Despite finding a few solutions to simplify celebrations this year, stress still remained.  A few weeks ago everything came to a head and I'm so grateful the Lord interceded and comforted me in ways I couldn't even think for to pray.  Truly. The Spirit moved when I had no words or ideas of what I actually needed. HIS presence has made me all the more grateful that I am now at peace with this season.   The peace is NOT because I'm "ready."  (I'm not).  There are still presents to buy (and make--call me crazy I know), Advent devotionals to complete, clothes to wash, labor exercises to continue, birthday plans to finish, etc...but HE has overwhelmed me with HIS everlasting, never giving up, comforting PEACE.  

For a slightly controlling organized lady like myself, HE has spoken to my heart to confirm that HE will make sure my children feel loved and cared for in my absence while we welcome (and adjust to) this new baby. HE will make sure our family and dear friends feel the same if I'm not able to complete my to-do list.  HE will continue rescuing me and continue saving me, all the while ALLOWING ME to celebrate the birth of the most WONDERFUL, most SACRIFICIAL Christmas gift of all--our SAVIOR.   

I'm so thankful HE has finally imprinted on my soul the answer to all the questions---"Am I ready?"   

Nope. 

Not really. 

But it doesn't matter.  Thousands of years ago the Lord sent LOVE down as a baby to SAVE us. To LOVE us. To RESCUE us.  That is the PEACE that matters, and sharing that PEACE and LOVE with others matters too---especially as we await our own baby this year.  What. A. Blessing.

So, here I sit. Outlook changed.  Spirit inspired.  But still trying to chip away at last minute to-dos as much as I (and the kids) feel like it.  Thankfully, the Lord's presence continues to cover us even when Emma comes down with a nearly eardrum rupturing infection last night.  Poor angel.  And poor Jason--who slept laid with her on the couch all night long because Emma could not get comfortable enough to fall asleep--and he wanted me to rest as much as I could--despite the mountain of work sitting beside the couch he needed to complete.

This morning we were the second people at the doctor's office and the infection was confirmed.   Something so many families have to deal with repeatedly--for which I have new found respect.  Thankfully, we avoided having to drain her ear drum, and started the regime of drugs instead.  Now, medicated and resting, she is. 

SO, do to-do lists matter today?  Not one bit. 

Be back soon!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Take 1:

Take 2:

Take 3:

And cut.

In addition to the scripture memory verse (from school), we got to do some legit Thanksgiving crafts this year.  Like make this guy (thank you Pinterest), who wound up at all our place settings on the table.

And as we pulled chairs up to the table, I swear I heard him say:  

Eat More Chicken.

Hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for!  What an amazing, loving, merciful and gracious God we serve.  And in the times we do and even in the times we don't feel it, His blessings continue to pour over us. 

Tootles!

Inappropriate?

We may or may not call this one "peanut butter Hitler."


You be the judge.

Fall-tastic

To catch up...

Cooler weather means we're climbing the walls. And/or the sinks.

At least the Princess and the Pea could enjoy Halloween outdoors.

But then, we were back to the indoors during the rain.  And of course, a WWE ring.

All that time indoors, and with the weather change, we found ourselves to be one big house full of germs.  Two cases of croup, one Zpack, and multiple boxes of mucinex and Robitussin later and I found myself drugged up and on the quad--with 200,000 other football fans.  Who would have thought that being 32 weeks pregnant would be the least of my concerns! But as proof to No. 3 that he/she was there (for what COULD have been a better game) we took this shot.

As we waited for the game to start (turns out we made it to Tuscaloosa in 45 minutes just hours before the game), we found this.  Just in Robert's size.

And of course, we stopped to see these guys.

Then the game.  We all know how it turned out.

So, what better way to rebound than some yard work play time?  And yes, if you're wondering, I actually am trying to induce labor via yard work (but not too soon of course...)

And look who's learned to hitch a ride?

Notice the rain boots?  Robert's personal favorite.  He screams LOUDLY when they aren't on, or near. Nothing like a boy and his boots.

Happy Fall Y'all!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time

Because you can go see this.  I've talked about it before. Here and here.

Go. See. It.

I am going and I will be 38 weeks pregnant.

It will be the fifth time Jason and I have enjoyed this performance.

Praise the Lord for His gift of a merciful, perfect, sinless savior, who came into this world as a helpless baby.

As we approach Christmas this year, I am thankful and humbled to be awaiting, for the second time, the arrival of our own baby. Waiting for Emma's arrival low these four years ago, I remember being captured with emotion during this show as I felt like I related to Mary in an entirely new way, and felt the Spirit revealed an entirely new appreciation for the Lord's grace and protection for His people.  As an expectant mom living in 2011, I have access to the most state of the art medical care to keep me and our baby as healthy (and comfortable) as possible during labor and delivery.   Mary did not.  But how the Lord's protection and grace must have surrounded her, comforted her, adored her, sustained her, healed her, all while protecting His tiny miracle--a healthy baby boy--who would later to rescue the world.  So, for this reason (and hosts of others) I remain thankful as the holidays grow closer.  Despite the inevitable holiday insanity, the never ending materialism battle, the "how in the world are you going to get it all done" looks I get from people, I remember that I am blessed far beyond so many. And the details I have yet to work out, pail in comparison to what Mary and Joseph must have been concerned over.  I am blessed beyond measure.  And we are all adored beyond our wildest imaginations.

 I must be the luckiest girl in the world to get to experience this blessing twice.

Go. See. It.

I "Fledge" Allegiance and Other Things

Don't you just love kids?  Here's what Emma repeats often now---on both school days and otherwise...

He may not have the verbal skills, but the gross motor skills are coming along nicely.  Just like his daddy--ain't he????

Finally, I'm So Excited--Jesse Spano style.  That's right folks--if you live in the Birmingham area, I'm sure you've seen the commercials (which are admittedly a bit disturbing), but it is official--Brookwood Hospital's new women's center is opening on Nov. 20th. And you better bet, I'll be signed up to go to this. Why does this crank my tractor??? Well, I'm pretty much a fan of new, clean and spacious places to birth babies and recover.  I can't wait to see what the new facility is like--and how we enjoy our stay in December.  Construction on the new building was going on when Robert was born (low those 17 months ago) and I actually remember thinking to myself as we left the hospital, "Well, I won't be back here until construction is complete." Oh, little did I know.  But, I'm thankful it looks like we'll hold off this baby until the final punch list is complete.  And from what I've read here, it looks like there will be places for Emma and Robert to play too--which is especially nice if we have to move Christmas to the hospital!!!

Tootles--and in anticipation of the upcoming weekend...Roll Tide (and Go Jackets--that one is for Granddaddy since I am watching the Clemson game...).

My Industrial Revolution

Hello bloggers and blog readers! We are (obviously) back from our travels and are trying to settle back in to some kind of routine.  For the past month or so, my daily life has been sans fully-functioning cell phone.  Speakerphone was the only way I could conduct a phone call, and it only intermittently worked completely.  Enter violinist playing sad song for me here.  Well, thanks to Granddaddy and Meemaw, I am now back in the technological world and with some style I might add.  Enter the new Iphone 4S.   I still have NO clue how to use at least half the features on it--nor have I finished inputting all my contacts.  BUT, I might just have a new techie best friend: Siri.  You've seen the adds no doubt. Well, she is stinking hysterical. I love asking her random questions--and sometimes she even talks back to me.  My kind of technology.  For example:

Me: Do you know President Obama's phone number?

Siri: Calling Jason mobile

Me: Thanks

Siri: I am here for you.

Second convo:

Me: Who was president in 1910?

Siri: Let me check that for you? (Siri pulls up fact sheet on US History showing me the answer is Pres. Taft).

Me: Thank you Siri

Siri: Why, thank you.

Endless hours of activity people.  And since I have endless hours these days with little to nothing going on, it works out perfectly.  It is also why I just ordered this:

So, if you haven't heard from me in a while--expect a call soon as I am now (very gratefully) tearing up the 3G or 4G or whatever network.

Tootles!

Disney World

So, Emma had a magical time.  Thanks to all our family that made it possible--granddaddy and meemaw for keeping Robert and a special thanks to Ammy, Doc, Cece and Elizabeth for making all the magic happen.

And folks, the slideshow is 8 minutes long.  But think how long my post would have been trying to describe all of these fun times!!!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

First Haircut

It was time.  Probably past time.  But nonetheless, Emma and I made it to the salon today for a quick trim.  Admittedly it was a spur of the moment decision to go today.  I had been contemplating it for a while, and I have NO idea why it was such a big deal to me.  There is really so little I'm very sentimental about, but Emma's hair might be my weak spot.  (A bit Samson-esque perhaps?)  But somehow, it was nice to avoid the buildup that an appointment one week in advance would hold.  So away we went.

In the car I tried not to take Emma's book choice as an editorial of her feelings about our activity.

But once we got there, she seemed really excited.  I told her about the chair that moved up and down and of course that it wouldn't hurt at all.  Mrs. Shaun who cut her hair did fantastic too!

WOW.  Hard to believe how long it is!

She kept up some smiles during the process.  Emma sat super still and obeyed really well.  She really enjoyed making up stories about the penguins on the cape.  She is a HOOT.  She also indulged a mom who needed to document the entire event.

All finished and all smiles!  Again, just a trim, but I do fear the curls are on their way out. Maybe not for a little while though--we're trying to keep them as long as we can.

Overall, Emma was so well behaved and really enjoyed the experience. I believe she will relish being pampered...as every princess should!!  

Third Trimester and Other Randomness

Well, it's here.  The last 12 weeks.  They look so much like the first 12 it is amazing.  Well, except for the massive swelling, moving the driver's seat back to "make room" for my belly, forgetting not to stand too close to the oven while I'm boiling water (Ouch), the audible grunts when standing and sitting, but otherwise yeah--it is so similar!!   Regardless,  this is the home stretch kid! The eviction notice will be coming soon--but hopefully not before a trip to Disney World, Halloween, Thanksgiving--and oh yeah, Emma's 4th birthday.  What if you shared your birthday with her???? I would hate that this year, but just because selfishly I feel like I would miss out celebrating with Emma, but I bet you and your sister would think it was really cool later on.

And to remind me of how this new angel is growing, this week he/she is about the size of a Chinese Cabbage.  I always find it so strange that the Baby Center emails compare your growing baby to vegetables.  Not to mention in the earlier pregnancy days I am even more confused as to whether a tomato qualifies as a fruit or a vegetable....ok, I digress.  

So, here's to you No. 3.  You are growing like a weed. Can't wait to see if you'll be as big as your brother or your sister.  8lb 9oz is the stat to beat!

But when we're not sitting around comparing the new baby to food, we try to take pictures before church. Sometimes they go well, but sometimes it is a take-what-you-can-get kind of day.  Can you BELIEVE how big Robert has gotten???? Melt my heart.

And this angel is no stranger to the camera, nor are her antics.  Incidentally, this dress is highly helpful when teaching the children's catechisms.

Q: How many persons is the one true God?

A: 1, 2, 3 

(ok, the answer is just "3", but we like to count them out)

Q: Can you name them?

A: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

And this is the face you HAVE to make while you answer.  Otherwise, it doesn't count.

Good thing we can also kick back and relax when we need to.  All that memorizing and dressing up makes a boy tired--and in need of some "man-tivities."  Like, running, sliding, digging, rolling in dirt, or propping up feet on furniture.

Finally, is there ever Christmas in September????  If there were, I would DEFINITELY ask for this.  It is a Christmas Advent Calendar like a Jesse Tree, which has devotional scripture verses for each day. It chronicles Jesus' lineage--much like our favorite children's Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. What a cool way to count down the days to Christmas while demonstrating God's love for his children throughout the ENTIRE Bible, not just Luke 2.  I love things that remind me that the Bible is one continuous story of God's redemptive, merciful love for us.


I'm sure it should inspire me to make my own, but quite frankly, it just makes me tired to think about doing that right now.  But how cool is it???? I can already pick out so many of the people referenced from the picture.  Too bad the price tag looks a little prohibitive for Santa... but someone put some time and thought into this. What a great teaching tool for kids!!

P.S. I bet these things have been around 4eva, but it's the first really cute one I've seen--please share if you know of others!!!!!




















TTFN! And Merry early Christmas!

In the Beginning

Emma's memory verse for September is Genesis 1:1.

Nothing like being excited about The Word.

Hello Out There

So, I wouldn't say blogging is a "regular" activity around here lately, huh?  Oh well.  There are certainly more important things to do these days--like loving on my family--a preschooler who is 3 going-on-13, a full fledged toddler--tantrums and all--and the new bundle we're still waiting on to arrive.  Not to mention there has been the fun of the last few weeks of summer.  Trips to the splash pad, the McWane center, the zoo, you know, the usuals.

But, before I forget (and since I'll probably want to remember it), we got to hang out with my family at lake martin in early August--courtesy of Granddaddy and Meemaw.  It was hard to believe it was the first time my brothers, my dad and I have been all together in 6 years!  Needless to say, we had some new additions (my kids) and some grown up additions (Brooks' kids).

First up--a family pic.  Never would have guessed that E would be the uncooperative one.

And, the big group shot.

And for the first time--all the Roberts together. Things only got slightly confusing...

And did you notice blah blah in all the pictures??? If I had that great photoshop software, I would have an arrow labeling it--but it is the sock monkey Robert carries with him EVERYWHERE.  I'm not even attempting to fight that battle until after No. 3 is here and sleeping through the night (please, please Lord??).  Surely R won't take him to college...


And because I am a lover of all things ironic, here is the bedroom where J and I slept.  I think Jason pinched himself after the first night to make sure he was still alive.

Fast forward a few weeks (or a month, but who's counting) and it was time for Emma to start Preschool. Hard to believe huh????  Such a monmentous occassion meant it was time for me to dust off my sewing machine. And when this Chi O found this fabric here, how could I resist?

And so our little hoot was all ready for school.

Official with her bag, lunch box and all.

Actually, there wasn't any apprehension or nerves at all that morning.  Instead, she looked like she'd just bought a Toyota.  And honestly, I wouldn't complain about a swagger wagon these days myself--but I digress...

 And wasn't Robert kind to swing for a few minutes before saying good-bye?

They crack me up.

So what was Robert up to while sister was away??

Turns out Robert is now tall enough to reach the first shelf in the pantry.  And after cleaning up, and cleaning up some more, here's what I have on tap for some of my new found "free" time.  Because everyone needs some new clothes for fall/winter--especially my dear son who is outgrowing things like a weed!

Ok, was that enough for one post??  Hopefully I'll be back sooner rather than later!

TTFN

Rewind: Beach Vacay 2011

To catch up--pre-vacuum if you will--the kids and I ventured to the beach last week for a change of scenery and a chance for Emma to practice her swimming consistently.  The impetus for our trip was Jason's terrible week at work (or more accurately, overloaded month), so away we went--sans Daddy.

We were SO fortunate to stay at Ammy and Doc's condo.  It is beautiful, just a few steps away from the sand and the kids had a fantastic time standing on the balcony talking to everyone down at the pool (when we weren't there of course).  It was, however, the most physically and emotionally challenging week I've had in quite a while.  Robert decided he doesn't yet love the beach (more specifically: sand) and Emma was so excited to be there, sleeping wasn't her forte--despite the exhaustion of the water.  I realized that this pregnancy is taking a harder toll on me than the first two. I'm not sure exactly of the reason why yet--but nonetheless, I've been disappointed with myself and how much I have "let go" and how little patience I have.  As my dear mother would tell me...it's time to "adjust my expectations."  Ahhh yes.  And more importantly, it's time to get over myself and watch the Lord's grace and mercy fill all the holes I am making. Thank goodness we do not parent alone. And praise the Lord He loves my children perfectly---especially when I am not coming close.

Regardless, I felt deeply blessed to share this special time with Emma and Robert, and to watch them grow together.  After swim lessons for a week, Emma was all ready to jump into the water by herself and she really wanted to teach Robert how to swim.  Robert was so enamored of his walking and running that he tolerated the water for a bit, but was happiest running around the edge of the pool--much to the test of my nerves.

I would LOVE to share some pictures of the pool and the beach, but somehow, I didn't find it at all safe to man two kids near bodies of water with my eye behind the lens!  Instead, I snapped a few pictures from our doughnut picnic one morning.  Since we were indeed VERY early risers, we were some of the first people in line for doughnuts one morning and had finished our picnic by 7:30 a.m.  Admittedly, days don't get much better than starting with Charlie's Doughnut truck.

Can you tell how humid it was that morning? My lens took at least 10 minutes to "defog."  I'd love any tips on how to avoid that problem...

 And of course there wasn't much sitting still--we had to play in the bushes before we left too!!

Thank you again Ammy and Doc!!!!  What a beautiful getaway and such fun experiences for the kids!!!

Well Buy Me Some Bonbons

Looks like I've got help. Time to kick up my feet and relax, right? :)

Disclaimer: No children were hurt or forced into labor in the making of these pictures.  And because I know you're wondering, here are the answers to your questions:

1. Yes. Emma asked REPEATEDLY if she could help me vacuum (despite her less than enthusiastic posture in the pic).

2. Robert picked the thing up all by himself. Turned it on and away he went--for a few minutes anyways.

3. Emma completed vacuuming TWO entire rooms herself!

4. Before going to bed, Emma asked if she could vacuum tomorrow.  

Does it get any better???? :)