But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6
thankful
rush, rush, halloween!
I'll be the first to admit, I procrastinate. Sure, my plate is full, but I often operate under the notion "why do today what I can put off until tomorrow?"
So when I finally pulled the box of old costumes from the storage closet in the basement just last week, Morgan and I discovered that Aunt Sarah's vintage Mini Mouse outfit that she intended to wear was still too big (maybe next year!). Without much time to spare, I hopped online looking for some quick and easy kids costumes. I showed Morgan this cute bumble bee outfit thinking I could pull that off quickly, but what caught her eye was the owl instead.
Seemed easy enough. And I found this tutorial to help me get the feathered look.
And so there I was this morning, sitting at the sewing machine, putting the finishing touches on Morgan's owl costume. But I wouldn't have it any other way! And I think it turned out pretty great... a hat and t-shirt from Salvation Army, brown thread from my drawer, and fabric from my stash of scraps.
As for Andrew, he wore one of the awesome dress-up outfits that we bought for his birthday. I had high hopes that he could go as a UPS Delivery Man, but that costume has short sleeves. Instead - accommodating a heavier coat underneath - Andrew went as a firefighter. Warm, reflective and super cute.
Again this year, Grandma and Grandpa manned the house while Scott and I went out with Morgan and Andrew. New to their roles was taking care of Matthew. Despite being almost exactly the same age as Andrew was on his first Halloween, Matthew's big noggin wouldn't fit in the pumpkin hat!
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| Andrew - Halloween 2009 |
It was a typical Halloween night: cold, wet, misting. And it seemed like a whirlwind from eating dinner, to getting suited up, making the rounds and then hustling back at home to get ready for school tomorrow. But the kids had a great time. And I know they can't wait to sample more sugary treats.
(just 61 trick-or-treaters tonight)
big break
After several rough days of motherhood, I was gifted this today. It was a good day in our house. Solid naps, full feedings and loads of smiles. Just what I needed at just the right time.
morning out with mom
Today was Andrew's preschool field trip to a local orchard and he loved it! I'm not sure he knew what to expect, but once we pulled in the words started flowing:
Why are we parking on the grass?
Where's the animals?
I see a big red barn!
Can we go over there?
Can we ride on the tractor?
Where is Mrs. L? I SEE HER!!!!
It wasn't long until our very own tractor-pulled-wagon drove up to take our group. For Andrew, this was the highlight of the morning. On the ride out to the pumpkin patch, we sat directly behind the tractor. Andrew noticed the hitch, the driver, the big wheels... and his face said it all.
Upon arrival to the pumpkin patch, our group disembarked the wagon into the big fields. Andrew did not. He insisted we see the tractor, take a picture, find the driver and ride on it. He was a bit crushed when I did not allow him to climb on the steps and try driving.
In the end, we did get pumpkins. Had a doughnut and apple juice boxes (less costly, I suppose, than apple cider this year with the bad harvest). Visited the animals and had a good time playing.
And what would a trip to the orchard be without the purchase of cider for the biggest cider fans, Scott and Morgan. As one of Andrew's teachers joked, yes, you do need a second mortgage to make that purchase this year. Hope those two enjoy every drop as much as Andrew and I enjoyed our morning out.
preschooler
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| Buckled in, complete with show and tell bag, plus backpack. |
This milestone in Andrew's life was not just special for him, but also for me. I was the proud mom of the boy who went potty all by himself in the preschool bathroom. The proud mom who's kid said, "Goodbye!" and didn't think twice about the separation. The proud mom who stood at the secret window watching with a smile, not tears.
Andrew rocked it. His first day of preschool was great.
As soon as grace was said at dinner, he blurted out, "Let's talk about my day at preschool!" It's his turn to share, not just Morgan's. He loves the dinnertime spotlight. And we love hearing about his preschool perspectives.
Yup, definitely a big man on our campus.
introducing
The newest member of our family has made a debut: Matthew Evan
Our big boy was eagerly welcomed this morning at 11:15 a.m. weighing in at 9 lbs, 3 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Despite what I considered to be a lengthy labor (probably short by most standards), Matthew emerged quickly after pushing through just two short contractions.
He is amazing. Healthy. Coos often. And well on his way to settling into the real world.
Morgan and Andrew couldn't be more thrilled with their new brother. Neither can we.
Hooray! The pain is over! Our babe is here!
Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1
39 weeks
Despite being 39 weeks pregnant, I am actually feeling really well - surprisingly well. My guess is that a) my body is nearing the true end, or b) the stress of a busy August is over and I am finally super relaxed.
For now, we are playing the waiting game. The bag is packed as much as it can be. Friends and family are on stand-by. And each day that passes puts us closer to September.
Can't wait to meet the newest member of our family? Neither can we!
kindergarten
This morning was Morgan's first day of Kindergarten. And it was awesome.
As I prayed with Morgan at her bedside last night, she giggled nervously, listening to me ask for a restful night and smooth morning. And God provided. Aside from my forgetfulness (leaving her snack in the fridge), their were no issues with getting to school on time, checking into the classroom and saying our goodbyes.
While Scott then went off to work, Andrew and I attended the opening chapel service with other parents and enjoyed kicking off the year with our new school family. Not until he and I walked to the van did I feel that emotional swell. I was filled with such gratitude, so thankful that God had allowed this morning to not only be a success, but for Scott and I to be present for it. And a little apologetic that I hadn't placed more trust in Him.
You see, in the last week, I fell asleep every night wondering worrying if we'd get through some pretty big events before Baby arrived: Scott's birthday, a special party invitation, Andrew's birthday, Morgan's first day of Kindergarten. So today, as with so many other experiences in my life, I looked back at my anxiousness and realized I need to do a better job at living out one of my favorite Bible verses:
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Life is all coming together perfectly, just as God intended. Clearly it is not me in control here, but One who can far surpass even my best preparations.
Scott and I are both slightly stunned - our cautious little girl, while maybe still quiet in the classroom, has come home from her first day of Kindergarten transformed, spilling forth details from her day, wild about school and ready to take on tomorrow, complete with another hand-picked outfit and overflowing with giddiness about what she'll encounter.
three years
Dear Andrew,
Today you are three years old! And you've proudly shared it with everyone at church this morning, barely able to form with words with your giant grin getting in the way. As I spent some time reading the birth story I had written to you two weeks after your arrival, it completely took me back to all of your sweet newness. It's been amazing to think about how some of your traits have endured and how you've also changed into boyhood.
After all this time, you still adore vehicles. And to understand that love from your perspective is fascinating. The things that catch your eye don't necessarily catch mine. While I may observe the color of a truck, you note that it has a hitch and can pull a trailer, that maybe there are horses in the one we've just passed, that there's an extra set of tires on the back end, and, oh by the way, where's he going?
And to formulate that all into a complete sentence, well, let's just say your brain is full of ideas and concepts that you so badly want to share. The words spill out of your mouth like a runner in a 50 meter dash leaving the starting line. Sometimes so fast that endings are removed from words so you can fluidly move into the start of the next without missing a stride.
When you tested out of speech class last March, I beamed. And still, as you attempt to paint pictures with your vocabulary, I can't help but sit and listen to the ramblings. You're so forthcoming about every detail. As lengthy as your exchanges usually are, I hope you don't change. I hope you always know that we will listen, Andrew. That you can always be comfortable sharing your mind with your parents at three or 13.
Morgan isn't so patient with your conversations, however, often interrupting your train of thought to share her older, wiser viewpoint. But she is thoughtful in other ways, encouraging you to try watermelon, wanting to hold your hand, or show you the ways of her world.
Despite her willingness to be the helpful big sister, most often you want nothing to do with a handout. "I will do it myself," you boldly remind us. Whether that's learning to hit a baseball or wanting to pour your own milk, you are very determined to be independent.
I find that interesting when it comes to friendships. There are certain kids who gravitate towards you, who always say hello, and want to play alongside. And while you acknowledge them and do interact for a bit, you're also equally content to move on, even if that means doing it alone. Sign of a natural born leader, a typical three year old, or just some emotionless male thing I'd never understand? Not quite sure. But it's still intriguing for me to observe the way you play with others at this stage in your life.
In just a few weeks, you'll have lots of organized practice at doing just that as you start three year old preschool. I'm anxious for you to have those hours every week that are geared specifically towards you because I know how much you enjoy being active and having a purpose. Spending an entire day at home without a single car ride or adventure - it just pains you and we all hear about it. Believe me, Andrew, when I tell you that I know the feeling of being trapped at home.
Even with your all your desire to be active, you still manage to enjoy a bit of calm. In fact, I'm quite surprised that in this last year you've started enjoying books as much as you do. Reciting "Big Red Barn" by Margaret Wise Brown is a nightly occurrence with Daddy before bedtime, always pausing in your "reading" (memorization) to ask, "What's that?"
"Udders."
"Where the milk comes out?"
"Yes."
And back to the story.
Since staggering bedtimes with Morgan, we've been able to enjoy an extra half hour of quality time with you completely alone. Daddy is mainly who you share this time with, the one who lifts and tickles, the one who pulls out the laughs and giggles, and the one who ultimately quiets you down on the love seat for your next book of choice.
While you and I don't get to share the same sweet moments at bedtime anymore, you do allow Mommy on to your bed when no one else dares. I get to wake you from naps occasionally, and while you open your eyes long enough to then bark at Morgan for intruding, I get to scratch your back and watch you emerge from your cozy slumber, thumb reinserted, lashes closed. You cuddle in with me next to you. And we wait together for the moment when you're finally ready to hatch.
I've spent the last couple years believing that because my children didn't really resemble me physically, they probably wouldn't inherit me in other ways. I realize now that was a mistake. You, Andrew, are already showing me the similarities. Yes, at just three years old, you are bound to change. But these little glances into your budding personality make me think maybe, just maybe, you might have some of Mommy in you after all. Not just matching brown eyes.
Maybe.
For now, though, I will continue to enjoy you in this moment of life: our spirited little guy, eager for the next opportunity, silly yet so sincere, wonderful in every way. As you grow and change in the year ahead, I pray that Daddy and I can continue to be the parents for you that God has called us to be. We love you, Andrew, and can't wait to be a part of the new adventures you will show us.
Always,
Mommy
in preparation
summer feast
Mmm, Summer. Gotta love those nights of tasty grilling, fresh vegetables and easy kitchen clean-up. Even better when a part of the meal comes from your own backyard.
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