Tucker's 1st Day

Yesterday was Tucker's first day in Mrs. Karen's 2yr old class at Madison Church of Christ's MMO. Arden also had Mrs. Karen and absolutely LOVED her so we are beyond excited that Tucker will be taught by her, too :)

I was a little nervous that Tucker would have a hard time going to school by himself--he adores Arden and wants to be with her at all times. He had even asked me several times if I would be going to school with him so I just knew there would be some tears yesterday, but he did GREAT! He walked right in like a big boy and had a fabulous first day--and we are so thankful :)

Tucker, you are growing up so quickly right before our eyes! You are not a baby anymore, but a sweet, fun-loving boy who we pray will learn and grow so much this year. We love you!

First Day of Kindergarten

Arden, we can't believe you start kindergarten today! Where has the time gone? You are such a sweet, smart, creative girl and we know that you will be so successful this year!  We love you more than you know and we are so proud of you!

Back in the Saddle

I'm trying out a new blogger app, hoping this will help me blog a little more often. I'm not promising daily or weekly posts, but I'm crossing my fingers it will help me post more than twice a year ;)

So while I test this out and see how it works, enjoy this picture of my two precious babies :)

Blessings

God has truly blessed our family over the last couple of months.  I think it's important to document these blessings so that I can easily look back and be reminded of how God is taking care of us all the time :)

Most of you know my mom had a liver transplant on December 19, 2012. We are so thankful for the way God has watched over her, protected her, and provided in ways we couldn't begin to imagine! The photos below were taken less than 2 weeks after her surgery.  It's amazing how quickly we saw improvements in her health.  She continues to improve and feel great---Praise God! 

Last week, my PaPaw had surgery on his back.  He was in so much pain prior to the surgery, but felt immediate relief---YAY! He is in rehab right now, but should be leaving early next week.  I hear he is making friends with everyone he meets there, and may even be talking his way out of some of his therapy ;) We are so thankful God has watched over him during his surgery and recovery!

Today, Geoff and I were so blessed to see a STRONG heartbeat for VZ baby #3! We are so excited to add a new little one to our family.  Arden is thrilled to be a big sister again, although she made it clear today that she wants a sister so she is not the only girl!  Tucker has no idea what is about to hit him--I think this mamma's boy is in for a rude awakening ;) We are so thankful for all the thoughts and prayers that have been lifted up on our behalf over the last 3 months. We have truly felt the Lord's peace and are thankful that He chose us to be this little one's parents!

We are in awe of all these "good and perfect gifts" from the Lord! We are not worthy of these blessings, but God is so faithful to His people. We continue to pray that His hand of healing and protection be on our family.  Again, we are so very thankful to each of you for lifting up our family to the Father over the last 2 months---we love you all!

This World Is Not My Home

When it rains, it pours--right?  Well the floodgates were opened on our family 3 weeks ago.  We started the first full week of November with a trip to the ER for my father-in-law on the last night of their visit with us.  We ended the week with our van in the shop and Arden sick with the crud (which she is still battling). But the worst news came in the middle.

Rewind with me for a minute.  On the morning of October 11, I found out I was pregnant.  We were so excited and filled with joy, but we decided to keep it a secret until we could tell our family first.  On Halloween, we shared the news with Arden and Tucker, and then Arden made the big announcement to our parents.  She was thrilled to think she would have another brother or sister to boss around ;)

Fast forward to November 7---right in the middle of our family flood.  It was the day of my 1st appointment, the day we would see that strong, fluttering heartbeat.  For me, this is the hardest appointment during pregnancy.  We lost our first baby 5 years ago--there was no heartbeat at my 8 week appointment, so you can understand why it's so difficult. The anxiety I feel while we wait for the ultrasound is so overwhelming. 

As soon as the ultrasound tech started the ultrasound, I knew something was wrong.  She wasn't saying anything, but definitely had a concerned look on her face.  I had been here before.  This was all too familiar.  I looked at Geoff (I couldn't see the monitor) and knew by the look on his face that my worst nightmare had come true--we had lost this baby, too.  

In the moment, I immediately felt like this time around would be easier.  I had been here before, knew the drill...it has to be easier, right?  Our kids were with us for the appointment and, in hindsight, I realize I held it together for them.  They had no idea what was going on, and I did not want/need to explain it to them there.

In some ways, this time was easier.  I have 2 beautiful, healthy children to be thankful for and I know that I am capable of having children (I was truly fearful that I couldn't have babies after my first miscarriage).  I was forced to stay busy---2 active kids don't allow for much time to dwell on the negative.  

But at the same time, it was even more difficult than the first. I could already picture what this baby would look like; I know what it's like to hold my brand-new baby in my arms; I completely understand the love a parent has for their children. Explaining to Arden that we weren't actually having a baby was not a conversation I ever wanted to have. 

But I would have to say the greatest blessing that both miscarriages have brought me is the reminder that this world is NOT my home.  I have learned to lean on our Father for all my strength and peace. This world is full of pain and sadness, and I am so thankful that I don't have to live here forever!

I am also thankful that God has placed such wonderful, Godly friends in my life to encourage me on this journey. I am blessed that no matter what happens in my life--good or bad---they are there to rejoice, comfort, cry, or pray with me.

God is teaching me so much in this season of my life and, although I wish I didn't have to endure some of these heartaches, I am forever thankful that they draw me closer to our Father!  

So, during this season of thankfulness, I will choose to focus on the blessings that we do have.  Satan would like me to dwell on all the things I want but I refuse to give into his desires. We are truly blessed beyond measure and we give all the glory to God!

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

Psalm 29:11

Just Another Day

Arden and Tucker are playing so well together these days. I spend so much of the day just listening and observing their play, and it makes my momma heart so happy! 

It's not surprising that Arden loves playing school or being a mommy to her babies. She might be a little bossy and force Tucker to be her student or baby, but for right now, he is happy to oblige!

God has truly blessed our family and I am thankful to find little moments of joy with my babies every day!

Lesson learned

As a parent, you know this might happen. In fact, you know it's pretty likely. However, I really felt like we were in the clear with Arden because she has a very clear understanding of most things. But I was proved wrong tonight.

Arden was supposed to be my helper tonight in the kitchen. We were making spaghetti and she wanted to stir the sauce. When I told her she needed to move her stool to a different area so she could help, she said she couldn't because the stove was hot.....and then she proceeded to slap her hand on an eye that had been on just a few seconds before. 

Poor girl, the look of terror in her eyes was almost too much for mommy. I know it hurt so stinkin' bad. But our big girl was so brave. We soaked her hand in mustard for a couple of hours and then (thanks to April and Silas) we made a special blue medicine (desitin and aloe vera) and coated her hand with it. Now it's all bandaged up and she loves having a "paw" like Murphy :)

We've asked her SEVERAL times tonight if she will ever touch the stove again and her answer is a very clear "No!".....I'd say this was a lesson learned. Too bad it had to be learned the hard way!