Tomorrow is the big day, where we will complete our family. It's kind of insane, the experience this time around compared with Sam. A hot, sticky July day, an early morning C-section after three days of heart rate scares and sobering talks with doctors.
Tonight, I am having an afternoon baby on a predicted rainy day, and I spent the day before getting a pedicure and going to the Cheesecake Factory.
I think I like this way better. :)
I have all the cliche worries swimming around in my head - probably some totally normal for someone who had their last baby hospitalized for three months, and some that are just plain wacko and unique to me.
** I hate pain. I am a wimp and a cry baby when it comes to medical procedures.
** I am convinced the baby is going to come out a boy, which means he will be nameless and be coming home in a hot pink polka dot car seat. Crap.
** I would like for my IV to not fall out, please. See thought #1.
** I'm afraid I don't have enough love and energy for two kids, and I will never sleep again.
** I want so badly for the baby to come out screaming its lungs out, pink and healthy. And I don't want to wait 12 hours to meet her, or wait 5 days to hold her.
But then there are all the good, overwhelmingly wonderful thoughts that counteract the bad.
**I wanted a boy, so when it's a boy, I can let go of my girly dreams and go back to the more practical plan. We have been given over 50 pink outfits from various people...hope I kept all the gift receipts! :) :( :/
**GOD is so amazingly faithful, and has filled me to the brim with joy. I do not need to be afraid.
**Sam is the most remarkable, loving, hilarious and special person in my life. I am so excited to have a sequel!
**I get some peace and quiet with Frank tomorrow before the birth :)
**I am so honored and humbled that God has chosen me to be a mommy.....twice!
I am so excited for tomorrow - I am grateful I have Him to trust through surgery, recovery, and starting all over again as a mother to one of His precious gifts.
May Fifteenth is going to be a beautiful day. One of my favorites forever forward.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Something More.....
I love my busy, bustling life. But it's too blessed. Did you know that? It's just way too blessed with the food in our fridge, the paycheck in the bank, the happy and super easy to deal with 2 year old.....there's just a lot to be grateful. And sometimes my heart aches a bit when I eat ice cream or lay around with the A/C on watching Netflix. Or change my clothes three times for different stuff I'm doing throughout the day.
I've done the overseas missions trip thing. I've held HIV positive babies in Africa, worked with orphans in Romania, ministered to elderly in Asia...but what can I do HERE? World travel is not my life right now. It's my heart, but not my current reality.
I feel like I should have more purpose and be doing something more. So everyone can enjoy eating and laughing and a home. Not Netflix though, that's probably pushing it.
Seriously though......what can I do HERE, Lord? Show me. Or have someone in my life or on facebook show me <3
I've done the overseas missions trip thing. I've held HIV positive babies in Africa, worked with orphans in Romania, ministered to elderly in Asia...but what can I do HERE? World travel is not my life right now. It's my heart, but not my current reality.
I feel like I should have more purpose and be doing something more. So everyone can enjoy eating and laughing and a home. Not Netflix though, that's probably pushing it.
Seriously though......what can I do HERE, Lord? Show me. Or have someone in my life or on facebook show me <3
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Cartwheel-Worthy Weekend
An hour and 20 minutes left until it's no longer Mother's Day - the boys are asleep and I am opting to stay up despite being totally exhausted to enjoy the quiet house which won't be quiet for a LONG time after next weekend! :)
If I wasn't so hugely pregnant, I would be doing cartwheels all over the place to celebrate this weekend. The show went amazing. I am endlessly grateful for how many people came - our audience was made up of friends, family, low-income outreach families, high-risk youth, and total strangers. The quality of the performance and the response from our audience was everything I had hoped and prayed for. Yay God :)
The price was high and the road has been action-packed at times, but this first year of leading a totally unique ministry free from the demands of anyone but God Himself has turned out to be a rewarding decision. It pays to stick by Him. Funny how being stuck to someone/something like glue can actually bring total freedom and joy.
I don't have any dance photos yet, but I do have some backstage shenanigans that either I took when I actually had time to pick up my camera, or otherwise lifted off of various facebooks :)
The "Robertson" family - I love the age range of Royal Stage. It makes for a beautiful creative and spiritual family.
Love letter to Bev, Jessica, Olivia, Enoch and Krista before the last show
Me & Katie - an INCREDIBLE dancer, woman of God....and Sam's girlfriend.
Krista, one of our younger cast members, has a slightly disturbing obsession with cold fried chicken. After making the family in the cast eat dry salad for two performances to reduce backstage prop mess, I surprised her by giving them fried chicken. This is her fried chicken face.
Sweet view of the cast from the balcony of the theater. I love love love this theater.
Last dance of the show. I taught a 1950s dance to Rockin' Robin just as a fun thing after our more ministry and plot-appropriate dances. I do not recommend doing hand jives and sugars when you're 8 months pregnant. At least they made it look better than I taught it! :)
Tuck had a fun idea of making a 1950s newspaper for our program to go along with the plot theme. Great idea Tucky!!!
Our cool venue. I loved having the show in the heart of Sacramento.
Praying before one of the performances.
Congrats to all! Thank you Jesus! <3
P.S.......ohhhhhhhh I love you guys!
If I wasn't so hugely pregnant, I would be doing cartwheels all over the place to celebrate this weekend. The show went amazing. I am endlessly grateful for how many people came - our audience was made up of friends, family, low-income outreach families, high-risk youth, and total strangers. The quality of the performance and the response from our audience was everything I had hoped and prayed for. Yay God :)
The price was high and the road has been action-packed at times, but this first year of leading a totally unique ministry free from the demands of anyone but God Himself has turned out to be a rewarding decision. It pays to stick by Him. Funny how being stuck to someone/something like glue can actually bring total freedom and joy.
I don't have any dance photos yet, but I do have some backstage shenanigans that either I took when I actually had time to pick up my camera, or otherwise lifted off of various facebooks :)
The "Robertson" family - I love the age range of Royal Stage. It makes for a beautiful creative and spiritual family.
Love letter to Bev, Jessica, Olivia, Enoch and Krista before the last show
Me & Katie - an INCREDIBLE dancer, woman of God....and Sam's girlfriend.
Krista, one of our younger cast members, has a slightly disturbing obsession with cold fried chicken. After making the family in the cast eat dry salad for two performances to reduce backstage prop mess, I surprised her by giving them fried chicken. This is her fried chicken face.
Sweet view of the cast from the balcony of the theater. I love love love this theater.
Last dance of the show. I taught a 1950s dance to Rockin' Robin just as a fun thing after our more ministry and plot-appropriate dances. I do not recommend doing hand jives and sugars when you're 8 months pregnant. At least they made it look better than I taught it! :)
Tuck had a fun idea of making a 1950s newspaper for our program to go along with the plot theme. Great idea Tucky!!!
Our cool venue. I loved having the show in the heart of Sacramento.
Praying before one of the performances.
Congrats to all! Thank you Jesus! <3P.S.......ohhhhhhhh I love you guys!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Baby Shower Numero Dos
My baby shower back home in Santa Clara was so incredible and fun, and this past Saturday, Frank and I were blessed by an amazing co-ed shower up here locally. My close friends threw quite the shindig with a spread of amazing Asian food (yum my fave!) and desserts. We were spoiled rotten with gifts, and Baby C is definitely not lacking in the pink clothing department.
The cootie catchers were such cute favors!
Cute birdie centerpieces on the food table. There was AMAZING food. I want food in Heaven to be exactly like it was at our baby shower.
Amazing D - one of the hostesses.
Boys.
Sharlotte, one of Sam's NICU nurses, came by. So did another nurse that we've kept in touch with. We love you Sharlotte and Tracy! :)
More birdies.
Everyone, minus 4 or 5 that left before the picture.
Sandy is the seamstress for Royal Stage and a good family friend. She's next to me in this pic and she MADE this blanket!!
Brandi another hostess :) We had the shower at her gorgeous house.
The loot!
Yummy dessert!
Not so yummy baby food tasting guessing game.
Cupcakes! :) Thank you Tuck!
Better take her to the beach this summer :)
The boys smelling and tasting melted chocolate in diapers.
Lumpia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More poop chocolate guessing.
The cootie catchers were such cute favors!
Cute birdie centerpieces on the food table. There was AMAZING food. I want food in Heaven to be exactly like it was at our baby shower.
Amazing D - one of the hostesses.
Boys.
Sharlotte, one of Sam's NICU nurses, came by. So did another nurse that we've kept in touch with. We love you Sharlotte and Tracy! :)
More birdies.
Everyone, minus 4 or 5 that left before the picture.
Sandy is the seamstress for Royal Stage and a good family friend. She's next to me in this pic and she MADE this blanket!!
Brandi another hostess :) We had the shower at her gorgeous house.
The loot!
Yummy dessert!
Not so yummy baby food tasting guessing game.
Cupcakes! :) Thank you Tuck!
Better take her to the beach this summer :)
The boys smelling and tasting melted chocolate in diapers.
Lumpia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More poop chocolate guessing.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
His Side, Her Side
I am constantly amused by the little antics and personality traits that come out of Sam. Especially those in which it's obviously completely my fault or completely Frank's, and there is no denying it. For example....
A simple car ride today.
My fault.
And then his spring community bible study pageant. Where he proceeds to be SO over it and do absolutely nothing on stage for 20 minutes.
Frank's fault.
Oh well, at least he isn't leaping wildly off the stage like some of those other crazy kids.
It's the little things.
A simple car ride today.
My fault.
And then his spring community bible study pageant. Where he proceeds to be SO over it and do absolutely nothing on stage for 20 minutes.
Frank's fault.
Oh well, at least he isn't leaping wildly off the stage like some of those other crazy kids.
It's the little things.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Traditions Looking Forward
Frank came home from work tonight all excited about camping. I have no clue where this exuberation came from, but all of a sudden, he is taking Sam on a "men's" weekend this summer to live in a tent and get dirty.
This plan made me smile, even if it means being home alone with a newborn for an entire weekend. I love it when Frank gets excited about something, because if you know him, you know he is just the most even-keel guy around and for him to burst into the house "Me and Jumbo are going CAMPING in June!" Well.....you better get excited too!
All of the chatter about camping tonight made me reflect upon and look forward to the traditions we are starting to form as a family of soon to be four.
Frank has already decided that he is going to be taking Baby C out for Valentine's Day. Oh heck no she will not replace mommy when it comes to the spoiling and fancy dinner demands, but I think it's sweet he wants to do something special with his girl around this day, and I know it will make a strong impact on her as she gets older, and gets sound advice from her daddy in regards to *ugh* boys. He's already planned a special time to train her up in protecting her heart, and also just loving on his little girl, and I love that.
Easter was a total bust this year, because Sam went to Disneyland with Kayla and the grandparents, so we didn't do much. But after a lot of thought, I've decided that each spring I will do a springtime basket for Sam and C. I'll make it a surprise day, so they will never know QUITE when to expect it, but they will get one every spring filled with goodies - exactly like an Easter basket. Easter itself will be reserved for Jesus. I won't pitch a fit if others give them Easter treats - but for me personally, I am going to choose to celebrate my kiddos and the coming of Spring in a similar way, on a different day.
Custom birthdays at a certain age. I am completely lifting this idea from a family friend who let's their kids design a theme weekend birthday when they turn 10. They choose whatever it is they want to do within reason, and the whole family has to go along with it. Awesome! :) This friend's 10 year old had a cotton candy themed birthday with a trip to the Boardwalk and the Jelly Belly Factory - a total celebration of her and her sugar addiction. So hilarious and cute. I can't wait to see what Sam and C come up with.
And Christmas. And Disneyland. And summer evening treats. And special first day of school breakfasts. And never making them come in out of the rain.
Okay, I am excited to be a mommy again. :) 17 days to go!
This plan made me smile, even if it means being home alone with a newborn for an entire weekend. I love it when Frank gets excited about something, because if you know him, you know he is just the most even-keel guy around and for him to burst into the house "Me and Jumbo are going CAMPING in June!" Well.....you better get excited too!
All of the chatter about camping tonight made me reflect upon and look forward to the traditions we are starting to form as a family of soon to be four.
Frank has already decided that he is going to be taking Baby C out for Valentine's Day. Oh heck no she will not replace mommy when it comes to the spoiling and fancy dinner demands, but I think it's sweet he wants to do something special with his girl around this day, and I know it will make a strong impact on her as she gets older, and gets sound advice from her daddy in regards to *ugh* boys. He's already planned a special time to train her up in protecting her heart, and also just loving on his little girl, and I love that.
Easter was a total bust this year, because Sam went to Disneyland with Kayla and the grandparents, so we didn't do much. But after a lot of thought, I've decided that each spring I will do a springtime basket for Sam and C. I'll make it a surprise day, so they will never know QUITE when to expect it, but they will get one every spring filled with goodies - exactly like an Easter basket. Easter itself will be reserved for Jesus. I won't pitch a fit if others give them Easter treats - but for me personally, I am going to choose to celebrate my kiddos and the coming of Spring in a similar way, on a different day.
Custom birthdays at a certain age. I am completely lifting this idea from a family friend who let's their kids design a theme weekend birthday when they turn 10. They choose whatever it is they want to do within reason, and the whole family has to go along with it. Awesome! :) This friend's 10 year old had a cotton candy themed birthday with a trip to the Boardwalk and the Jelly Belly Factory - a total celebration of her and her sugar addiction. So hilarious and cute. I can't wait to see what Sam and C come up with.
And Christmas. And Disneyland. And summer evening treats. And special first day of school breakfasts. And never making them come in out of the rain.
Okay, I am excited to be a mommy again. :) 17 days to go!
Why I Love Obama
If you're one of the many conservative Christians I know, that blog title probably sent a surge of rage through your veins. Sorry about that. Please allow me to start over.
I don't love Obama. I am not particularly impressed with the way he's held office, and I am not particularly disappointed either. I hold fiercely to my "right wing, left wing, chicken wing" stance when it comes to politics. Some of my views on things like abortion are pretty old school and very much to the right, while other issues that have come up specifically in California leave me on the fence or dancing over to the left.
But this I know.
I am called to love President Obama just as I would my church family, my next door neighbor, or my best friend.
I know people personally that take a jab at this dude every single chance they get. Their facebook is littered with hateful propaganda, or they fill time sending email forwards urging me to boycott this or write a letter to so and so to STOP THIS MAN! And while that is all well and good, the thing that bothers me is not the agenda - but the attitude.
Today Obama released his long form birth certificate for all the world to see. The obsession over it by the American public was already sort of ridiculous, and never would have been an issue had this man um, looked like past presidents, and let's leave it at that. I am so glad that people are going to have to shush now that it's been issued. Though, I know, they will just move onto the next thing. Poor guy. Let him do his job, even if he doesn't always do it perfectly. Because you aren't perfect at work either.
This writer says exactly what is continually on my heart. So I'll let him wrap this up.
But really Christians, can we please stop behaving badly, and start to act in love as we are called to? Otherwise, just keep the veers from biblical truth off of my Facebook and out of my inbox.
Thankyouverymuch.
I don't love Obama. I am not particularly impressed with the way he's held office, and I am not particularly disappointed either. I hold fiercely to my "right wing, left wing, chicken wing" stance when it comes to politics. Some of my views on things like abortion are pretty old school and very much to the right, while other issues that have come up specifically in California leave me on the fence or dancing over to the left.
But this I know.
I am called to love President Obama just as I would my church family, my next door neighbor, or my best friend.
I know people personally that take a jab at this dude every single chance they get. Their facebook is littered with hateful propaganda, or they fill time sending email forwards urging me to boycott this or write a letter to so and so to STOP THIS MAN! And while that is all well and good, the thing that bothers me is not the agenda - but the attitude.
Today Obama released his long form birth certificate for all the world to see. The obsession over it by the American public was already sort of ridiculous, and never would have been an issue had this man um, looked like past presidents, and let's leave it at that. I am so glad that people are going to have to shush now that it's been issued. Though, I know, they will just move onto the next thing. Poor guy. Let him do his job, even if he doesn't always do it perfectly. Because you aren't perfect at work either.
This writer says exactly what is continually on my heart. So I'll let him wrap this up.
But really Christians, can we please stop behaving badly, and start to act in love as we are called to? Otherwise, just keep the veers from biblical truth off of my Facebook and out of my inbox.
Thankyouverymuch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)