So, every year for the past decade my mother-in-law has been buying me scarves for Christmas. What does this mean? I have a lot of scarves and am now, apparently, a scarf lady.
I've never been a scarf lady, so it baffles me, but they're functional and sometimes pretty, so it's all good.
I will say that the scarves have gotten better over the years. I kid you not, that first Christmas I got a tan felt scarf with various cat heads on it. Creepiest thing ever. Ever ever. Still not sure what I did or said that made her connect those dots.
This year she got her sisters in on it so I got multiple scarves. To my astonishment, one was very Tom Baker-y! Not an exact replica. But one of similar pattern and colors. They didn't get the significance, but even B said "Hey, Fourth Doctor!" When I opened it.
I now believe I am all set for a winter in the Arctic. At least they serve for fashion since its not that cold here. And the really odd ones ( like one with multicolored hearts or purple paw prints) make great dress up accessories for the kids. ;)
Friday, December 27, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Christmas at the Zoo
Our annual tradition since Auds was born has been to go to the zoo for the light display. This year was slightly disappointing because they didn't do the nativity (Auds and Tony were so upset) and the train was not working. Those are the primary reasons we go every year. But, regardless, we had a nice time. It was our first year as a family of five with three outside babies.
Auds insisted on taking pictures by nearly every light display we passed - which is another yearly tradition. It's crazy to see how big our kids have gotten year after year next to the same displays. They grow so fast!
Auds insisted on taking pictures by nearly every light display we passed - which is another yearly tradition. It's crazy to see how big our kids have gotten year after year next to the same displays. They grow so fast!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Blessed
So we're the kind of people who use it up. Everything. Wear it out until it can't be used any more. That's how we roll.
Our couch was gifted to us almost a decade ago right before we got married by my husband's best friend's grandmother (say that five times fast) before she moved to a retirement center. At that point it was 40 years old, but we were just starting out and appeciated every bit of the brown tweed. It is STILL our couch, but I've made a nice slipcover from some canvas drop cloth to make it look nicer. Everyone always comments on how comfortable our couch is - perfect for napping- with no idea how old it is.
I love a good thrift store find. If it's still got life in it, we'll use it to the fullest.
So I was all too happy when my husband's accountant asked him "need a bed for one of your kids?" It was her daughter's, but now that she's 30 and out of the house with a family of her own it was just taking up space.
Now Auds has a big girl bed. She was previously sleeping on a mattress on the floor because the antique iron beds I bought the kids hadn't been refinished since I bought them a year ago. *ahem, husband of my youth and love of my life*
Needless to say, she was thrilled! And it's got a trundle for sleepovers.
We are just so blessed by the generosity of others!
Our couch was gifted to us almost a decade ago right before we got married by my husband's best friend's grandmother (say that five times fast) before she moved to a retirement center. At that point it was 40 years old, but we were just starting out and appeciated every bit of the brown tweed. It is STILL our couch, but I've made a nice slipcover from some canvas drop cloth to make it look nicer. Everyone always comments on how comfortable our couch is - perfect for napping- with no idea how old it is.
I love a good thrift store find. If it's still got life in it, we'll use it to the fullest.
So I was all too happy when my husband's accountant asked him "need a bed for one of your kids?" It was her daughter's, but now that she's 30 and out of the house with a family of her own it was just taking up space.
Now Auds has a big girl bed. She was previously sleeping on a mattress on the floor because the antique iron beds I bought the kids hadn't been refinished since I bought them a year ago. *ahem, husband of my youth and love of my life*
Needless to say, she was thrilled! And it's got a trundle for sleepovers.
We are just so blessed by the generosity of others!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
What? And Hmm...
I've had other posts that I thought I published ( Auds' first love letters to and from a boy!) but are now gone. Sad. I'll have to retype them if I can remember all I tried to convey. I hope this one posts!
So, I'm still not feeling complete peace with Auds' school. I wish it were just financial -although it ain't cheap.
It's run by a little nondenom church. Okay, first off, I don't get just up and starting a church with no spiritual headship. The early church was very organized and there was accountability. How can you just up and run a church without accountability of a pastor (most pastors have their own pastors) or governing board to make sure you're not making stuff up.
Beau and I have to read doctrinal books, thoroughly study the Bible, take classes, tests, interview with our state licensing board, and keep working under our pastor to be licensed ministry - the whole "Rev." Before his name and whatnot.
I'm not saying that's required to be a Christian. But if you're called to lead a church, there's gotta be some authority to protect the saints of God from any misdoings (we are all human after all).
Off of soap box.
The more I deal with these people, the more I feel and fear they are really confused. Example, a youth from their school - not their church - wanted to come to our church and reached out to my husband and I. We made arrangements with his host family (he's an exchange student) and would pick him up and drop him off and take great care of him. One of the church administrators chewed me out for this. And then changed the terms of his exchange student contract to state that he must be a member of their church. When he would still contact us for prayer and to talk he was then told he can't have contact with us or anyone at our church.
They've scheduled things during our church services that are mandatory for parents knowing that a lot of the kids from our church that go there are preacher's kids and forcing us to miss church when these appointments could easily be done at another time. I'm not saying that they should change everything for us. But when the school only has 80 kids, and 10 of them are from our church they know what they're doing, if that makes sense.
Their pastor had also reached out to our pastor wanting some help studying the Bible. The two were even thinking of a joint service. The administration flipped out. Needless to say their friendship has been forced to an end.
A couple I know just pulled their kid out of the school because the teacher had been mentioning non-Biblical doctrine in class and refusing to help their kid with class work.
I deal with them as the school photographer and the more I deal with them the more I just think that something is off. They're...weird.
We'll keep her there this year to finish it out, and next year because we know the teacher personally and know she's sane (lol). Also to give me more time to figure out what to do.
Do I send her to another private school? Do I homeschool her? For a girl who thrives on structure at school, how do I homeschool without having a designated space? How do I stay disciplined enough to make sure I don't let them fall behind?
Jess, I'm gonna need some help here.
So, I'm praying about it. A lot. And thanking God for intuition and trusting him to help me make the right decision.
So, I'm still not feeling complete peace with Auds' school. I wish it were just financial -although it ain't cheap.
It's run by a little nondenom church. Okay, first off, I don't get just up and starting a church with no spiritual headship. The early church was very organized and there was accountability. How can you just up and run a church without accountability of a pastor (most pastors have their own pastors) or governing board to make sure you're not making stuff up.
Beau and I have to read doctrinal books, thoroughly study the Bible, take classes, tests, interview with our state licensing board, and keep working under our pastor to be licensed ministry - the whole "Rev." Before his name and whatnot.
I'm not saying that's required to be a Christian. But if you're called to lead a church, there's gotta be some authority to protect the saints of God from any misdoings (we are all human after all).
Off of soap box.
The more I deal with these people, the more I feel and fear they are really confused. Example, a youth from their school - not their church - wanted to come to our church and reached out to my husband and I. We made arrangements with his host family (he's an exchange student) and would pick him up and drop him off and take great care of him. One of the church administrators chewed me out for this. And then changed the terms of his exchange student contract to state that he must be a member of their church. When he would still contact us for prayer and to talk he was then told he can't have contact with us or anyone at our church.
They've scheduled things during our church services that are mandatory for parents knowing that a lot of the kids from our church that go there are preacher's kids and forcing us to miss church when these appointments could easily be done at another time. I'm not saying that they should change everything for us. But when the school only has 80 kids, and 10 of them are from our church they know what they're doing, if that makes sense.
Their pastor had also reached out to our pastor wanting some help studying the Bible. The two were even thinking of a joint service. The administration flipped out. Needless to say their friendship has been forced to an end.
A couple I know just pulled their kid out of the school because the teacher had been mentioning non-Biblical doctrine in class and refusing to help their kid with class work.
I deal with them as the school photographer and the more I deal with them the more I just think that something is off. They're...weird.
We'll keep her there this year to finish it out, and next year because we know the teacher personally and know she's sane (lol). Also to give me more time to figure out what to do.
Do I send her to another private school? Do I homeschool her? For a girl who thrives on structure at school, how do I homeschool without having a designated space? How do I stay disciplined enough to make sure I don't let them fall behind?
Jess, I'm gonna need some help here.
So, I'm praying about it. A lot. And thanking God for intuition and trusting him to help me make the right decision.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Advanced?
I know as moms, we tend to think our kids are amazing and advanced and beyond their years and so talented. We love our babies and it's natural. But do you ever wonder if they really are advanced?
With the ever-prevailing Mommy Wars, it's hard to really wonder if your kid is really advanced or if you're just inflating their accomplishments and shoving them in others' faces. It's wonderful to believe in your kid, but I think we often times compare too much just for the sake of validating our jobs as mothers.
Of course, I'm proud of Auds and her efforts and love her unconditionally. But it's come to pass lately that everyone who helps her - teacher, Sunday School teachers, children's pastor - has been raving about how amazing she is and how she's excelling and how special and different she is.
At first, I thought it was just them being polite. No one really wants to tell a parent that their kid is a bad egg or falling behind.
But I saw something yesterday that made me wonder if they're onto something. Auds goes to a very small private Christian academy and the teachers and administrators and parents keep up with each other on Facebook. I was tagged in a turkey that Auds colored in class. The class entered all of the students in a coloring contest.
Me being proud, I took a screen shot and emailed my husband. The screen shot included all of the pages from the class. He replied back that he agrees her Turkey is beautiful, but he kind of felt bad for he others. At first I thought he was downplaying her abilities, but then he said that the other kids' work looks years behind. No coloring in the lines, etc.
I told him that every kid has different strengths and maybe Auds will be an artist like I am. But then he remembered that she's the only kid in her class that got S+ on all of her criteria (they don't use ABC til later on, it's just not satisfactory, satisfactory, and beyond satisfactory in kindergarten). And she was chosen as the first student of the month for the school.
He said he felt bad because he didn't want the other kids to not feel like they measure up, but didn't want out daughter to think she was better than them.
Right now, we just tell her we're proud of her and love her no matter what. She has no idea of what people say about her and her work. But how do I handle that if she does start noticing? I always tell her that everyone is different and has different strengths, but how do I keep her innocent of being judgmental and the Mommy War competitions that abound?
How sad is it that I'm worried about this in prek? I just want her to learn and grow. Am I perpetuating the MWs by thinking she's advanced?
With the ever-prevailing Mommy Wars, it's hard to really wonder if your kid is really advanced or if you're just inflating their accomplishments and shoving them in others' faces. It's wonderful to believe in your kid, but I think we often times compare too much just for the sake of validating our jobs as mothers.
Of course, I'm proud of Auds and her efforts and love her unconditionally. But it's come to pass lately that everyone who helps her - teacher, Sunday School teachers, children's pastor - has been raving about how amazing she is and how she's excelling and how special and different she is.
At first, I thought it was just them being polite. No one really wants to tell a parent that their kid is a bad egg or falling behind.
But I saw something yesterday that made me wonder if they're onto something. Auds goes to a very small private Christian academy and the teachers and administrators and parents keep up with each other on Facebook. I was tagged in a turkey that Auds colored in class. The class entered all of the students in a coloring contest.
Me being proud, I took a screen shot and emailed my husband. The screen shot included all of the pages from the class. He replied back that he agrees her Turkey is beautiful, but he kind of felt bad for he others. At first I thought he was downplaying her abilities, but then he said that the other kids' work looks years behind. No coloring in the lines, etc.
I told him that every kid has different strengths and maybe Auds will be an artist like I am. But then he remembered that she's the only kid in her class that got S+ on all of her criteria (they don't use ABC til later on, it's just not satisfactory, satisfactory, and beyond satisfactory in kindergarten). And she was chosen as the first student of the month for the school.
He said he felt bad because he didn't want the other kids to not feel like they measure up, but didn't want out daughter to think she was better than them.
Right now, we just tell her we're proud of her and love her no matter what. She has no idea of what people say about her and her work. But how do I handle that if she does start noticing? I always tell her that everyone is different and has different strengths, but how do I keep her innocent of being judgmental and the Mommy War competitions that abound?
How sad is it that I'm worried about this in prek? I just want her to learn and grow. Am I perpetuating the MWs by thinking she's advanced?
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Turned Tables
Last year I had a babysitter/assistant. She would come with me on sessions and help with gear. She'd also watch my kids during studio sessions and help with laundry -a God-send!
Then she got pregnant and had the sweetest little girl. At first the baby daddy didn't want anything to do with them so I was her go-to for answers and advice. Then he decided that he'd try to man -up and they'd make a family. Life was blissful and I was happy for her and prayed or would work out for the better.
After a few months he decided fatherhood wasn't for him and left, leaving mom and baby devastated. My husband became her lawyer for a custody battle and I became a babysitter. We love these girls and want to see the mom succeed. She's a young, single mother trying to work and finish college while nurturing her little angel. And we're here to help her, bless her, and pray for her.
I've now got a little lady at school, a preschooler, a crawler, and a roller and I love it.
So, in the course of a year, I went from having a babysitter who did my laundry to being a babysitter drowning in laundry. And I've never been happier. I feel that I am happiest when I can serve others and that this is the greatest opportunity I've had to show God's love. God requires open hearts, not empty laundry baskets.
But, if you know where the laundry fairy is, send her my way!
Then she got pregnant and had the sweetest little girl. At first the baby daddy didn't want anything to do with them so I was her go-to for answers and advice. Then he decided that he'd try to man -up and they'd make a family. Life was blissful and I was happy for her and prayed or would work out for the better.
After a few months he decided fatherhood wasn't for him and left, leaving mom and baby devastated. My husband became her lawyer for a custody battle and I became a babysitter. We love these girls and want to see the mom succeed. She's a young, single mother trying to work and finish college while nurturing her little angel. And we're here to help her, bless her, and pray for her.
I've now got a little lady at school, a preschooler, a crawler, and a roller and I love it.
So, in the course of a year, I went from having a babysitter who did my laundry to being a babysitter drowning in laundry. And I've never been happier. I feel that I am happiest when I can serve others and that this is the greatest opportunity I've had to show God's love. God requires open hearts, not empty laundry baskets.
But, if you know where the laundry fairy is, send her my way!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Happy Halloween !
This year's Halloween has been memorable. Horrible weather caused mass confusion and debate among towns and cities over celebrating early vs. holding out vs. celebrating over the weekend. It's been a week-long production here coz hard-headed Cajuns can't agree on anything.
We were going to have a big event at the church, but it got postponed until this weekend. So what did we do? Had our own indoor celebration, of course!
Auds had picked out everyone's costumes earlier in the month. She was a kitty cat complete with rhinestone ears, Tony was a dragon, and Drum was a precious lion.
The kids all dressed up and we played indoor ToT -which is kinda like hide-and-seek, except you get candy. Beau and I hid behind doors and opened them to give the kids candy. Once they found us they had to go back to their rooms and find us again. They had a blast! They then got to pick two pieces of candy and we had family night all cuddled up inside and watched a movie.
I'm so glad that we were able to make the best of it and still create memories for our babies. I held them extra tight knowing that a mom I know was battling hell because her daughter ran away.
The family are new Christians and have had a long road to Jesus. Both parents have many kids from many different relationships as one together. The mom was strung out on drugs and the dad was doing a long stint in jail and their daughter together was almost 13 and pregnant when they came to Him. Through His grace they have turned their lives around and are offering stability for their daughter and grandson.
The girl, now 15, was feeling pressure because she saw her friends without kids living a seemingly carefree life and her half-siblings weren't living for God. So she ran away with a boy she wasn't even in a serious relationship with. Thankfully, Beau overheard her sharing her plans with a girl in our Sunday School class and on of her friends got the number of the license plate of the car she left school in. I spent all day yesterday helping to lead the effort to find her, putting together pieces of information, praying, answering questions, etc.
But thank God she came to her senses and came home last night! Please cover this family in prayer as they try to mend these wounds and move forward. I can't imagine going through that. I pray I never do.
I thank God my kids don't know the heartache I grew up with and can be reared in a home of love and faith. And a good but of fun, too.
We were going to have a big event at the church, but it got postponed until this weekend. So what did we do? Had our own indoor celebration, of course!
Auds had picked out everyone's costumes earlier in the month. She was a kitty cat complete with rhinestone ears, Tony was a dragon, and Drum was a precious lion.
The kids all dressed up and we played indoor ToT -which is kinda like hide-and-seek, except you get candy. Beau and I hid behind doors and opened them to give the kids candy. Once they found us they had to go back to their rooms and find us again. They had a blast! They then got to pick two pieces of candy and we had family night all cuddled up inside and watched a movie.
I'm so glad that we were able to make the best of it and still create memories for our babies. I held them extra tight knowing that a mom I know was battling hell because her daughter ran away.
The family are new Christians and have had a long road to Jesus. Both parents have many kids from many different relationships as one together. The mom was strung out on drugs and the dad was doing a long stint in jail and their daughter together was almost 13 and pregnant when they came to Him. Through His grace they have turned their lives around and are offering stability for their daughter and grandson.
The girl, now 15, was feeling pressure because she saw her friends without kids living a seemingly carefree life and her half-siblings weren't living for God. So she ran away with a boy she wasn't even in a serious relationship with. Thankfully, Beau overheard her sharing her plans with a girl in our Sunday School class and on of her friends got the number of the license plate of the car she left school in. I spent all day yesterday helping to lead the effort to find her, putting together pieces of information, praying, answering questions, etc.
But thank God she came to her senses and came home last night! Please cover this family in prayer as they try to mend these wounds and move forward. I can't imagine going through that. I pray I never do.
I thank God my kids don't know the heartache I grew up with and can be reared in a home of love and faith. And a good but of fun, too.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Accident Prone
Seriously. My kids are the most accident prone kids there are. They get it from both of us, unfortunately.
Pop quiz: guess who had their toenails ripped out going down a water slide. And guess who had two sets of stitches in their chin from not one, but two, separate freak ice skating accidents.
Our poor kids don't stand a chance. First Auds with the massive fall out the bed. Now Tony has a nice mark on his face. What happened? Nothing as innocent as rolling out the bed. Not with my boy.
He was tormenting his sister and chasing her around. She made a sharp turn to the right between the dining area and the living room to go down the hall to her room. Tony missed. He missed big time and ran full force straight into the door frame.
Thank goodness I took their Christmas card pictures before this happened, coz that mark ain't going away anytime soon. You can't see it well in the picture, but it's swollen and he's got a bit of a black eye, too.
Poor kids. Here are some cute pictures of them, at least: http://www.stephanieleblancphotography.com/2013/10/how-cute-are-they/
Pop quiz: guess who had their toenails ripped out going down a water slide. And guess who had two sets of stitches in their chin from not one, but two, separate freak ice skating accidents.
Our poor kids don't stand a chance. First Auds with the massive fall out the bed. Now Tony has a nice mark on his face. What happened? Nothing as innocent as rolling out the bed. Not with my boy.
He was tormenting his sister and chasing her around. She made a sharp turn to the right between the dining area and the living room to go down the hall to her room. Tony missed. He missed big time and ran full force straight into the door frame.
Thank goodness I took their Christmas card pictures before this happened, coz that mark ain't going away anytime soon. You can't see it well in the picture, but it's swollen and he's got a bit of a black eye, too.
Poor kids. Here are some cute pictures of them, at least: http://www.stephanieleblancphotography.com/2013/10/how-cute-are-they/
Friday, October 11, 2013
In Stitches
Well, Auds beat me out by two years and B out by 10 years and got her first stitches this week. Absolutely terrifying, I tell you.
It all started around 3am Wednesday morning. She woke up complaining that her ear hurt and asked if she could cuddle. Of course we said she could. Cue me wracking my brain as to how I'd fit in a doctors visit - half hour trip there, half hour wait, half hour drive back adds up quick when you've got three little ones and a busy schedule.
At 330, Drum woke up wanting to nurse, so I nursed him and wondered what I'd do. At 4 o'clock an awful thud was made and my daughter let out a blood curdling scream. Since I was nursing I had to smack my hard-sleeping husband to pick her up. He put her back in bed and she kept crying. I looked and told him there was blood, she hit her head hard. He said he's take her to the bathroom and clean it up.
Then I heard "Oh, God!!" My heart sank. I unlatched the baby and ran to the restroom. Both my baby girl and B were covered in blood. My angel's skull was clearly visible. "Ambulance!" My husband screamed as he tried to remember the number to 911. Soon they were at our house and asking questions so they could try and identify the potential damages.
We got bandage applied to put pressure and changed her clothes. My husband passed out and had to be carried to bed. I rode with my baby girl in the ambulance to the hospital and tried to keep upbeat and smiling for her.
We got there and talked to the doctor. He was amazed that she didn't have a concussion and that her mental clarity showed no signs of brain damage. Her vision was fine, too. Praise, God! I had to hold her still while he stitched her up and keep her positive through all of the waiting.
The doctor said she'd likely swell, have a huge black eye, and look really bad. Praise The Lord that there's none of that. She looks her beautiful self, just with a lot of stitches and a large bandaid.
It was terrifying to go through that as a mom. I'm usually okay with blood and am not doctor-happy at all. But when you can see your kid's skull, it's a different story.
She's in good spirits about the whole thing. She upset about how she looks with stitches and doesn't like me changing her bandage, but she's been amazing. I can't believe how strong my angel is.
We've been having strawberry ice cream sundaes as afternoon snacks since. That's the only thing she said would make it better when we were in the ambulance.
Here's my sweet baby while we were in the ER waiting for the doctor to prep his instruments. Mr. Mike, our nurse, wrapped up the teddy bear they gave her just like she was so she'd feel better. He also made balloons out of gloves and gave her extra blankets and told her jokes to keep her happy. I'm definitely writing a letter to the hospital thanking him for his service and attitude.
It all started around 3am Wednesday morning. She woke up complaining that her ear hurt and asked if she could cuddle. Of course we said she could. Cue me wracking my brain as to how I'd fit in a doctors visit - half hour trip there, half hour wait, half hour drive back adds up quick when you've got three little ones and a busy schedule.
At 330, Drum woke up wanting to nurse, so I nursed him and wondered what I'd do. At 4 o'clock an awful thud was made and my daughter let out a blood curdling scream. Since I was nursing I had to smack my hard-sleeping husband to pick her up. He put her back in bed and she kept crying. I looked and told him there was blood, she hit her head hard. He said he's take her to the bathroom and clean it up.
Then I heard "Oh, God!!" My heart sank. I unlatched the baby and ran to the restroom. Both my baby girl and B were covered in blood. My angel's skull was clearly visible. "Ambulance!" My husband screamed as he tried to remember the number to 911. Soon they were at our house and asking questions so they could try and identify the potential damages.
We got bandage applied to put pressure and changed her clothes. My husband passed out and had to be carried to bed. I rode with my baby girl in the ambulance to the hospital and tried to keep upbeat and smiling for her.
We got there and talked to the doctor. He was amazed that she didn't have a concussion and that her mental clarity showed no signs of brain damage. Her vision was fine, too. Praise, God! I had to hold her still while he stitched her up and keep her positive through all of the waiting.
The doctor said she'd likely swell, have a huge black eye, and look really bad. Praise The Lord that there's none of that. She looks her beautiful self, just with a lot of stitches and a large bandaid.
It was terrifying to go through that as a mom. I'm usually okay with blood and am not doctor-happy at all. But when you can see your kid's skull, it's a different story.
She's in good spirits about the whole thing. She upset about how she looks with stitches and doesn't like me changing her bandage, but she's been amazing. I can't believe how strong my angel is.
We've been having strawberry ice cream sundaes as afternoon snacks since. That's the only thing she said would make it better when we were in the ambulance.
Here's my sweet baby while we were in the ER waiting for the doctor to prep his instruments. Mr. Mike, our nurse, wrapped up the teddy bear they gave her just like she was so she'd feel better. He also made balloons out of gloves and gave her extra blankets and told her jokes to keep her happy. I'm definitely writing a letter to the hospital thanking him for his service and attitude.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Busy
I've found that everyone's lives are busy in different ways. As each day passes, I wonder where the time has gone. When did my babies get so big? Our days are ordinarily busy, but we have been in a super busy season lately.
I'm a photographer, and lately I've been juggling school photography (which is a big undertaking) with my standing clients for portraiture.
B is an attorney, and lately he's been juggling his caseload and the caseload of a retiring senior partner who is passing from aggressive cancer. My heart breaks for her. :(
We're also the youth music directors, and lately we've been traveling around with our youth to revivals and rallies at different churches around the state.
We're a preacher and a preacher's wide, and lately we've been juggling our regular Bible study we teach weekly with calls to preach and teach Sunday School.
Add in Auds' school and classical dance lessons, my Junior League community service obligations ( our biggest fundraiser is next week and we're all in crazy mode), the city wide garage sale coming up, Drum's dedication and having people in town for it that just passed, the holidays coming, and a house that needs clean, I'm thankful for the grace of God that sustains me and multiplies my efforts.
Now, where's the Perrier and chocolate? I need a rest.
In other news, here's some pictures of the kids who are growing way too fast. Auds is at her first dance class, Drum celebrated Talk Like a Pirate Day, Tony got his first blazer like Daddy, and the boys just love story time.
I'm a photographer, and lately I've been juggling school photography (which is a big undertaking) with my standing clients for portraiture.
B is an attorney, and lately he's been juggling his caseload and the caseload of a retiring senior partner who is passing from aggressive cancer. My heart breaks for her. :(
We're also the youth music directors, and lately we've been traveling around with our youth to revivals and rallies at different churches around the state.
We're a preacher and a preacher's wide, and lately we've been juggling our regular Bible study we teach weekly with calls to preach and teach Sunday School.
Add in Auds' school and classical dance lessons, my Junior League community service obligations ( our biggest fundraiser is next week and we're all in crazy mode), the city wide garage sale coming up, Drum's dedication and having people in town for it that just passed, the holidays coming, and a house that needs clean, I'm thankful for the grace of God that sustains me and multiplies my efforts.
Now, where's the Perrier and chocolate? I need a rest.
In other news, here's some pictures of the kids who are growing way too fast. Auds is at her first dance class, Drum celebrated Talk Like a Pirate Day, Tony got his first blazer like Daddy, and the boys just love story time.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
I've Had It
I'm fed up enough to do something most people would consider drastic - getting rid of the tv. We've never had cable, but we did let the kids watch approved DVDs. It used to not be a big deal, and our kids never really watched them when they were on, but it's been crazy this past month.
Ever since my younger (barely teenagers - yes, huge age gap) sisters came for a visit all my kids want are electronics. Both of my sisters have iPhones and iPads with slews of games and constant passive entertainment that ate glued to them. My kids became glued, too.
Now, I don't have an iPad, but I do have an iPhone for work. There were a couple of kid apps on there to keep them entertained during long waits when we were out, but that's it. The past month, my kids have been obsessed with my phone. Stealing it and hiding it from me. When they can't do that it's been wanting to watch a movie. I don't always let them, but that doesn't stop them from begging and fixating.
I'm not saying watching movies is bad. But little kids should not spend their days vegging out in front of the tv. We have an entire playroom full of toys that they don't even touch any more. It's an obsession to be entertained and not be creative and entertain themselves.
So, it goes at the garage sale with the DVD player. We still have the laptop to watch movies occasionally. But it's no longer going to be all they focus on.
A detox, if you will. Yup, I'm one of those crazy conservatives who thinks kids should he kids for as long as possible and enjoy the outside (when it's not 312000 degrees ).
In other news, here are some pictures from this morning. The boys and I play outside/ walk the cul de sac after dropping Sissy off in the morning.
Ever since my younger (barely teenagers - yes, huge age gap) sisters came for a visit all my kids want are electronics. Both of my sisters have iPhones and iPads with slews of games and constant passive entertainment that ate glued to them. My kids became glued, too.
Now, I don't have an iPad, but I do have an iPhone for work. There were a couple of kid apps on there to keep them entertained during long waits when we were out, but that's it. The past month, my kids have been obsessed with my phone. Stealing it and hiding it from me. When they can't do that it's been wanting to watch a movie. I don't always let them, but that doesn't stop them from begging and fixating.
I'm not saying watching movies is bad. But little kids should not spend their days vegging out in front of the tv. We have an entire playroom full of toys that they don't even touch any more. It's an obsession to be entertained and not be creative and entertain themselves.
So, it goes at the garage sale with the DVD player. We still have the laptop to watch movies occasionally. But it's no longer going to be all they focus on.
A detox, if you will. Yup, I'm one of those crazy conservatives who thinks kids should he kids for as long as possible and enjoy the outside (when it's not 312000 degrees ).
In other news, here are some pictures from this morning. The boys and I play outside/ walk the cul de sac after dropping Sissy off in the morning.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
A New Normal
I'm starting to get into a routine now since Auds started school, which is nice. I still find it so quiet and haven't quite gotten used to that yet. But, on the plus side, I can actually hear the Bible playing now that there's not a little worship leader during the day.
B gets up at 5 to shower and wakes me up at 530 so I can get ready. I wake the kids between 615 and 630 to have breakfast and get ready for school and the day. At 720 we hold hands in a circle for family prayer and then it's loading the van up.
I take the crew to school, B goes to work. After I drop off Auds, the boys and I go for a walk. It's amazing how a 10 minute walk can turn into a 45 minute one with a curious toddler. We look at ants, collect leaves and rocks, look for airplanes and listen for birds. It's really nice. Except for the fact that one of our neighbors went fishing last weekend and had a bucket of fish heads and guts out at the road. That baking in the southern heat for days produced the foulest odor. Gotta love the Cajuns. They either shoot it, gut it, or marry it.
After our walk we come back for a snack. I'm so swamped right now I've been letting Tony watch more DVDs than I'd like, but once school portraits are done that'll change. I run back and forth from the studio to the playroom stopping to do laundry in between. We're still without a dryer, so I get creative as to where I hang clothes.
We do lunch and then I put tony down for quiet time -he doesn't have to nap, just stay in his room. I relax for a couple of minutes in between work and house work. Then we go pick up Auds.
Snack time follows as I unpack her lunch box and check her school work. I then pack her and B's lunch while she tells me about her day. As the two big kids catch up and play I wash dishes and get dinner done.
Then it's bath for whoever needs it most and off to whatever we have that evening. Monday it's prayer meeting, Tuesday it's church service, Wednesday it's youth music practice, Thursday it's teaching Bible studies, Friday it's youth service.
Weekends are reserved for groceries, errands, chores, processing and paperwork in the studio, church, and all the family time we can sneak in.
I have an assistant who comes during the week when I have a client, and a mother in law who comes on Wednesdays so I can hold consultations and ordering sessions.
I think I've decided that being a work- from-home mom is the hardest job in my opinion. Not knocking those that purely stay home or work outside of the home at all. At. All. Each mom has to do what is right for her family. But I not only have the responsibilities of running a business and maintaining a home, but I do them at the same time. My kids are still in the house when I'm invoicing, not at a day care, so they're still making mess that I have to clean up. And my clients are still calling when I'm playing with my kids. I love what I do, don't get me wrong. I've got the best of both worlds. But I've also got the worst. I'm never 100% here nor there with all of the responsibilities of both. But my kids think it's so cool that I'm a photographer, so at least they don't resent me for having to take breaks from play time to schedule a session.
All in all, we're adjusting to school and the nee routine it provides. I miss my little girl like crazy, but love hearing all of the new things she's learning and the new activities she's doing.
B gets up at 5 to shower and wakes me up at 530 so I can get ready. I wake the kids between 615 and 630 to have breakfast and get ready for school and the day. At 720 we hold hands in a circle for family prayer and then it's loading the van up.
I take the crew to school, B goes to work. After I drop off Auds, the boys and I go for a walk. It's amazing how a 10 minute walk can turn into a 45 minute one with a curious toddler. We look at ants, collect leaves and rocks, look for airplanes and listen for birds. It's really nice. Except for the fact that one of our neighbors went fishing last weekend and had a bucket of fish heads and guts out at the road. That baking in the southern heat for days produced the foulest odor. Gotta love the Cajuns. They either shoot it, gut it, or marry it.
After our walk we come back for a snack. I'm so swamped right now I've been letting Tony watch more DVDs than I'd like, but once school portraits are done that'll change. I run back and forth from the studio to the playroom stopping to do laundry in between. We're still without a dryer, so I get creative as to where I hang clothes.
We do lunch and then I put tony down for quiet time -he doesn't have to nap, just stay in his room. I relax for a couple of minutes in between work and house work. Then we go pick up Auds.
Snack time follows as I unpack her lunch box and check her school work. I then pack her and B's lunch while she tells me about her day. As the two big kids catch up and play I wash dishes and get dinner done.
Then it's bath for whoever needs it most and off to whatever we have that evening. Monday it's prayer meeting, Tuesday it's church service, Wednesday it's youth music practice, Thursday it's teaching Bible studies, Friday it's youth service.
Weekends are reserved for groceries, errands, chores, processing and paperwork in the studio, church, and all the family time we can sneak in.
I have an assistant who comes during the week when I have a client, and a mother in law who comes on Wednesdays so I can hold consultations and ordering sessions.
I think I've decided that being a work- from-home mom is the hardest job in my opinion. Not knocking those that purely stay home or work outside of the home at all. At. All. Each mom has to do what is right for her family. But I not only have the responsibilities of running a business and maintaining a home, but I do them at the same time. My kids are still in the house when I'm invoicing, not at a day care, so they're still making mess that I have to clean up. And my clients are still calling when I'm playing with my kids. I love what I do, don't get me wrong. I've got the best of both worlds. But I've also got the worst. I'm never 100% here nor there with all of the responsibilities of both. But my kids think it's so cool that I'm a photographer, so at least they don't resent me for having to take breaks from play time to schedule a session.
All in all, we're adjusting to school and the nee routine it provides. I miss my little girl like crazy, but love hearing all of the new things she's learning and the new activities she's doing.
Monday, August 12, 2013
I Survived!
Barely, but I survived. What? Dropping Auds off at her first day of school.
I took it worse than she did! She was super excited to start on a new adventure. Thankfully, it's a small private Christian academy that teaches out of homeschooling curriculum. So, I get partial points in the homeschooling department?
I took a ton of pictures and bawled like a baby. She didn't even blink an eye.
We both prayed over her and then had family prayer before loading up the crew into the van. Since its her first day, they let me walk her in.
I held it together until I started walking out - without her. Aside from Sunday School, she's never been away from me, so it'll be an adjustment period. But I know she'll have a blast coz there's a friend in her class with her.
Now I'm at home with just the boys and its so quiet without her singing. We're taking it easy today, but I'm thinking about what we'll do for routine. Maybe take a walk down the cul de sac when we get back from dropping her off.
It's the beginning of a new chapter in our lives - having school aged kids. Sad to see her go, but excited to see how she'll exceed and what she'll learn.
Gosh, I love that girl!
I won't post pictures with the school logo, but here are some sweet shots from this morning.
I took it worse than she did! She was super excited to start on a new adventure. Thankfully, it's a small private Christian academy that teaches out of homeschooling curriculum. So, I get partial points in the homeschooling department?
I took a ton of pictures and bawled like a baby. She didn't even blink an eye.
We both prayed over her and then had family prayer before loading up the crew into the van. Since its her first day, they let me walk her in.
I held it together until I started walking out - without her. Aside from Sunday School, she's never been away from me, so it'll be an adjustment period. But I know she'll have a blast coz there's a friend in her class with her.
Now I'm at home with just the boys and its so quiet without her singing. We're taking it easy today, but I'm thinking about what we'll do for routine. Maybe take a walk down the cul de sac when we get back from dropping her off.
It's the beginning of a new chapter in our lives - having school aged kids. Sad to see her go, but excited to see how she'll exceed and what she'll learn.
Gosh, I love that girl!
I won't post pictures with the school logo, but here are some sweet shots from this morning.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Dedication Verses
We don't baptize our children as infants because we feel that they should really understand the beauty of baptism and why we do it. However, we do dedicate them as infants, just as Hannah did for Samuel.
Although it is not required, we also pick out a Scripture for our kids to read at their dedication. Beforehand, we pray about a verse that suits them and that they can turn to in times of trouble to remind them of their relationship with The Lord. It's always a different one and fits the kids perfectly - God knows what he's doing when he lays on our hearts something.
Auds' verse is Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me beneath the shadow of your wing.
This is perfect for her. She's definitely a special little girl who loves to be the center of attention, but also needs to be protected and cared for. She's the one who will go out and conquer mountains if she knows that someone has her back. That's definitely her relationship with God. She longs to lead the choir and is one of the best kids in Sunday School and knows her Bible already. But late at night when no one else can hear (well, except for me coz I'm nursing a baby), she's praying for Him to help her sleep coz she's had a bad dream and needs Him to love on her.
Tony is Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet of many nations.
God definitely gave us a crazy one with Tony. He is something else. And if you look at the prophets of the Old Testament, they were something else, too. God required extra out of them and they did it with zeal. That's our big boy. He really does have a prophet's personality (eccentric) and we're excited to see how God uses him later in life.
I've been praying and reading about Drum's verse since I was pregnant. I felt that it would be a verse about holiness and separation. I've known that he would be set apart for The Lord since he was the size of a banana. Today, I found his verse.
Deuteronomy 26:18 And The Lord hath avouched thee this day to be His peculiar people, as He hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all His commandments. I think it's just perfect for him.
His dedication isn't until next month coz his Parrain can't come in town until then, but I'm looking forward to dedicating this little man back to The Lord. I think it's such a truly special event. :)
Although it is not required, we also pick out a Scripture for our kids to read at their dedication. Beforehand, we pray about a verse that suits them and that they can turn to in times of trouble to remind them of their relationship with The Lord. It's always a different one and fits the kids perfectly - God knows what he's doing when he lays on our hearts something.
Auds' verse is Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me beneath the shadow of your wing.
This is perfect for her. She's definitely a special little girl who loves to be the center of attention, but also needs to be protected and cared for. She's the one who will go out and conquer mountains if she knows that someone has her back. That's definitely her relationship with God. She longs to lead the choir and is one of the best kids in Sunday School and knows her Bible already. But late at night when no one else can hear (well, except for me coz I'm nursing a baby), she's praying for Him to help her sleep coz she's had a bad dream and needs Him to love on her.
Tony is Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet of many nations.
God definitely gave us a crazy one with Tony. He is something else. And if you look at the prophets of the Old Testament, they were something else, too. God required extra out of them and they did it with zeal. That's our big boy. He really does have a prophet's personality (eccentric) and we're excited to see how God uses him later in life.
I've been praying and reading about Drum's verse since I was pregnant. I felt that it would be a verse about holiness and separation. I've known that he would be set apart for The Lord since he was the size of a banana. Today, I found his verse.
Deuteronomy 26:18 And The Lord hath avouched thee this day to be His peculiar people, as He hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all His commandments. I think it's just perfect for him.
His dedication isn't until next month coz his Parrain can't come in town until then, but I'm looking forward to dedicating this little man back to The Lord. I think it's such a truly special event. :)
Monday, July 29, 2013
Provision
Let me start this off by saying that I am a very conservative woman and I believe the Bible to be the infallible Word of God. I believe in what is says - even the "weird" parts ( like Phillip being transported after teaching the eunuch about prophesy concerning Jesus, etc.). That includes parts about giving and spiritual warfare.
A few months ago, my husband and I decided to give temple offering in addition to tithing after reading about it in Exodus. (I believe that the Old Testament lays out that obedience concerning money is important and also spiritual. It ties in with spiritual warfare, because the devil surely doesn't want you to be obedient and receive any blessings from God.)
Anyway, we were hit hard. And when I mean hard, I mean hard. Things were going crazy. And I know sometimes that life can just stink, but there are times when we are in battle - not against flesh and blood, but against principalities. But anyway, everything was going wrong.
Everything broke - currently I have clothes hanging around the house because our dryer is broken and starts sparking and smoking - our monthly bills started to exceed our income (with nothing in our spending actually changing, which was weird), our insurance company upped our deductible to 5k randomly, all our clothes and shoes suddenly wore out, etc. you name it, we faced it.
But, we kept going back to His Word. We said, "if You want us to continue to be faithful, You're going to have to provide" and stepped out on faith. Somehow, someway, we always were able to come up with just enough for our tithing and offering and necessary bills.
However, we had other things coming up. Namely Auds' tuition. We didn't have it. We stretched and budgeted for it, but the money just wasn't there. So, we prayed. We asked God to make a way.
My husband had been praying that we would receive a certain amount by today - the day tuition is due. We were faithful and hopeful and believing God for miracles. Day after day it didn't happen, but we remained steadfast.
Saturday we hosted a fundraiser yard sale for our youth group. Our youth pastor surprised us and told us that anything that wasn't sold afterwards, we could go through and take what we wanted before donating. There were books toys for the kids and tons of new clothes for me and Auds. A huge blessing. We didn't even go through things. Our youth group bagged up things for us that they thought would fit or would bless us and loaded them up. They had no idea of what we're going through or how big of a blessing it was.
Yesterday after church our Pastor told us God had been urging him to give us a certain amount - the exact amount we had been praying for. One day before the deadline. When he told us, we had to do everything to compose ourselves from bawling in front of the entire church (he did tell us privately to the side, not like announced from the pulpit).
So now we're able to pay tuition and buy uniforms. I have clothes to wear that actually fit. Today there has been such an indescribable peace in our house. And a book I've been reading ( Way of the Eagle by John Archivio) has been a reiteration of every sermon we've heard lately from multiple men of God. It's a confirmation that He really does provide. He really is true to His Word - no matter how bad things seem.
He is soo good!
A few months ago, my husband and I decided to give temple offering in addition to tithing after reading about it in Exodus. (I believe that the Old Testament lays out that obedience concerning money is important and also spiritual. It ties in with spiritual warfare, because the devil surely doesn't want you to be obedient and receive any blessings from God.)
Anyway, we were hit hard. And when I mean hard, I mean hard. Things were going crazy. And I know sometimes that life can just stink, but there are times when we are in battle - not against flesh and blood, but against principalities. But anyway, everything was going wrong.
Everything broke - currently I have clothes hanging around the house because our dryer is broken and starts sparking and smoking - our monthly bills started to exceed our income (with nothing in our spending actually changing, which was weird), our insurance company upped our deductible to 5k randomly, all our clothes and shoes suddenly wore out, etc. you name it, we faced it.
But, we kept going back to His Word. We said, "if You want us to continue to be faithful, You're going to have to provide" and stepped out on faith. Somehow, someway, we always were able to come up with just enough for our tithing and offering and necessary bills.
However, we had other things coming up. Namely Auds' tuition. We didn't have it. We stretched and budgeted for it, but the money just wasn't there. So, we prayed. We asked God to make a way.
My husband had been praying that we would receive a certain amount by today - the day tuition is due. We were faithful and hopeful and believing God for miracles. Day after day it didn't happen, but we remained steadfast.
Saturday we hosted a fundraiser yard sale for our youth group. Our youth pastor surprised us and told us that anything that wasn't sold afterwards, we could go through and take what we wanted before donating. There were books toys for the kids and tons of new clothes for me and Auds. A huge blessing. We didn't even go through things. Our youth group bagged up things for us that they thought would fit or would bless us and loaded them up. They had no idea of what we're going through or how big of a blessing it was.
Yesterday after church our Pastor told us God had been urging him to give us a certain amount - the exact amount we had been praying for. One day before the deadline. When he told us, we had to do everything to compose ourselves from bawling in front of the entire church (he did tell us privately to the side, not like announced from the pulpit).
So now we're able to pay tuition and buy uniforms. I have clothes to wear that actually fit. Today there has been such an indescribable peace in our house. And a book I've been reading ( Way of the Eagle by John Archivio) has been a reiteration of every sermon we've heard lately from multiple men of God. It's a confirmation that He really does provide. He really is true to His Word - no matter how bad things seem.
He is soo good!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Family Visit
My family, who I haven't seen since there was only one kid, came in for a visit. It was a fun time had by all. Everyone loved playing with the kids and cuddling Drum. It's hard to believe my baby sisters ( I'm the oldest by 13 years) are bigger than I am. I had to wear high heels around them the entire time to be of a similar height.
We spent a lot of time just hanging out, but we did spend a day showing them Cajun life. We took them to a zydeco breakfast ( during which one of the dancers popped a pants button, which flew across the restaurant and hit Auds in the head) and a zydeco dinner. It also happened to be Beau's birthday, which made it extra special.
They've since flown back across country, but hopefully we'll get together more often than every other kid's birth.
We spent a lot of time just hanging out, but we did spend a day showing them Cajun life. We took them to a zydeco breakfast ( during which one of the dancers popped a pants button, which flew across the restaurant and hit Auds in the head) and a zydeco dinner. It also happened to be Beau's birthday, which made it extra special.
They've since flown back across country, but hopefully we'll get together more often than every other kid's birth.
There Are Days
There are days that make me develop a nervous eye twitch.
There are days full of wrestling an tackling.
There are days full of opening, spilling, and wasting every liquid substance in the house.
There are days where feeding the toilet tissue and seeing how much it can eat until it throws up are seen as fun.
There are days where words such as "I'll be nice to the baby... For now" are uttered.
There are days where food is thrown, attitudes are given, toys are broken, and privileges are lost.
There are days full of love, but not so much like.
Then there are days full of cuddles.
There are days full of songs.
There are days full of stories.
There are days that are granted by God's grace as a refresher and a reminder of why this job is so worthwhile.
There are days where the cups of both like and love overflow.
There are days full of wrestling an tackling.
There are days full of opening, spilling, and wasting every liquid substance in the house.
There are days where feeding the toilet tissue and seeing how much it can eat until it throws up are seen as fun.
There are days where words such as "I'll be nice to the baby... For now" are uttered.
There are days where food is thrown, attitudes are given, toys are broken, and privileges are lost.
There are days full of love, but not so much like.
Then there are days full of cuddles.
There are days full of songs.
There are days full of stories.
There are days that are granted by God's grace as a refresher and a reminder of why this job is so worthwhile.
There are days where the cups of both like and love overflow.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Glutton for punishment
Wanna know what chaos is? Trying to do a newborn shoot of your chunky son who is now 9.5 pounds a week after his birth and can't fit into any of the props you bought specifically for the session. Add in a tired and cranky toddler and a prima donna preschooler running around the studio trying to play with props and backdrops. And a woman who technically isn't supposed to be working.
Memories in the making?
Here's a link to a few of the shots: http://www.stephanieleblancphotography.com/2013/06/meet-drummond/
Memories in the making?
Here's a link to a few of the shots: http://www.stephanieleblancphotography.com/2013/06/meet-drummond/
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Drum's Birth
I'm going to try and write all of this down so I don't forget in the future.
I had been having prodromal labor for a little over a week. Drum was breech (again) and the contractions were moving him into a favorable position. It was a pain, but it was worth it. I figured that every contraction I had before active labor was one less one that I would have during. They were time-able and I was uncomfortable, but that was life. I figured I'd go overdue for sure since Tony was an early bird.
People kept asking when he was coming and my crystal ball kept failing and life went on. My 39 week appointment came and went. Wednesday I tried to get work done in the studio. I refused to sit down and see how far apart the contractions were actually getting at this point. I was in denial.
Thursday morning came and Beau started getting ready for work. Tony got up and tried to kick me out of bed, so I put a pillow over my head and hid. Auds came in and I sent her right back out to ask her dad. Then.... I felt it. That unmistakable "pop" and gush. No. No, way.
I rushed to the bathroom where B came to check on me before going to work. I told him "Yeah, you're not going to work today. My water just broke." He asked if I was sure and I told him I generally don't make a habit of peeing on myself. He set off to get the kids ready while I called the midwife and the sibling doula. Half an hour later we were ready to go.
On the road I got an inquiry for maternity portraits - phone and email. I politely responded that I couldn't since I was in labor myself. And we drove. The birth center is across state lines (our state is really backwards regarding out-of-hospital births, so we had to drive about 2 hours) so we drove for a while. As we were driving through a remote area, we saw my midwife on the side of the road. She saw us and called my cell - her tire blew out.
So, we made illegal use of the "emergency vehicles only" turn arounds to go get her. We were going to the same place after all. We got Drum's car seat out, got her in, and got on the road. About half an hour later we arrived at the birth center. We unloaded the kids and the stuff. Did a round of vitals and got to business. I did some aromatherapy, took cottonwood bark every 15 minutes, pumped about 3 or 4 times, all that fun stuff to encourage active labor. I would have had to transfer to the hospital if I didn't deliver within 24 hours, and I didn't drive across the state border for a hospital birth!
In between I watched the kids as they played with the sibling doula we hired. That was the best decision ever! The kids got to be there and be a part of the birth experience, but had entertainment so they wouldn't destroy the place. They had stickers, did chalk, went for ice cream, painted piggy banks, etc. They even covered my belly in stickers for Drum. I ate pizza and chocolate and even napped. Now, THAT's a labor experience!
I had only progressed from a 2 (which I had been at for a month) to a 4, so my midwife locked Beau and I in the birthing suite without our iPhones with the instructions to focus and visualize getting Drum in a good position - he was ROT, needed to be LOP. So, I sat there on my birthing ball and focused. And progressed to a 6. Time to get in the tub!
We filled up the tub and things really kicked off from there. I went to 10 and transition super quick. I could feel the urge to push and felt his head moving down so I told Beau to go get our midwife. So, dilation and transition was done and he was in the birth canal after 12 hours. Then came the fun part.
Twenty two and a half minutes of active pushing. Yes, you read that right. This was continuous pushing because I was hemorrhaging so much that my midwife thought the placenta was detached - which can mean bad news. So I really had to work so make sure that he wouldn't be oxygen deprived. Holy ring of fire. I remember the ring of fire with the others, but they were so small it was over in an instant. I even grunted. Once, but it was something. I am not a loud laborer. I internalize everything and you may hear me breath, but that's it. I was almost embarrassed that I did grunt, which is pretty funny in retrospect.
But, he came out without any interventions. I turned around and picked up my baby. I was so blissfully happy with the little miracle in my arms. Thankfully, the placenta was not detached, so there wasn't any problems. I did, however, hemmorage. A LOT. My midwife told the assistant that if you can shine a flashlight in the water and see the bottom, everything is okay. My water could have been the Red Sea before Moses got to it - ain't nothing was parting through that. I got kicked out of the tub.
Got in the bed and delivered the placenta, nursed, and got covered up so the kids could come in. They LOVED him and were so excited to meet him. After some bonding, we sent them out so B could cut the cord (then he got kicked out, too - he's squeamish about that stuff) and they could assess the situation. Everyone was trying to be cool, but we were working hard to prevent a hospital transfer. It took 2 vials of Pitocin and some amazing Chinese herbs to stop the bleeding. I also had 4th degree lacerations which took so many stitches that we lost count.
Once we got that taken care of, I took a shower while my midwife did the newborn exam. B got to help weigh him - 8 pounds, 10 ounces! My biggest baby by 2 pounds! He was 20 inches long, 14&1/4 head circumference, and a head of BLONDE hair!
I had to stay at the birth center for a while for monitoring to make sure I was okay, and we ended up being able to leave around 1 in the morning. Our midwife and sibling doula live by each other so they drove back together - we didn't abandon her!
We stopped once about an hour in to nurse and made it home about 3:30am. Since then I've been recovering and we've been bonding as a family. B has had me take it easy to I don't pop a suture or tear or bleed again. The kids have been their active selves and Drum has been nursing around the clock.
He nurses so much that at his postpartum home visit today he weighed in at 9 pounds. 9 pounds at not even a week old. He's a big boy!
Of course, I brought my camera to the birth center and took pictures. I even handed it over to the assistant midwife so she could get some pictures with me in them. Don't worry, there's no shots of the actual birth or hemorrhaging or stitching up. But, it's pretty sweet.
I had been having prodromal labor for a little over a week. Drum was breech (again) and the contractions were moving him into a favorable position. It was a pain, but it was worth it. I figured that every contraction I had before active labor was one less one that I would have during. They were time-able and I was uncomfortable, but that was life. I figured I'd go overdue for sure since Tony was an early bird.
People kept asking when he was coming and my crystal ball kept failing and life went on. My 39 week appointment came and went. Wednesday I tried to get work done in the studio. I refused to sit down and see how far apart the contractions were actually getting at this point. I was in denial.
Thursday morning came and Beau started getting ready for work. Tony got up and tried to kick me out of bed, so I put a pillow over my head and hid. Auds came in and I sent her right back out to ask her dad. Then.... I felt it. That unmistakable "pop" and gush. No. No, way.
I rushed to the bathroom where B came to check on me before going to work. I told him "Yeah, you're not going to work today. My water just broke." He asked if I was sure and I told him I generally don't make a habit of peeing on myself. He set off to get the kids ready while I called the midwife and the sibling doula. Half an hour later we were ready to go.
On the road I got an inquiry for maternity portraits - phone and email. I politely responded that I couldn't since I was in labor myself. And we drove. The birth center is across state lines (our state is really backwards regarding out-of-hospital births, so we had to drive about 2 hours) so we drove for a while. As we were driving through a remote area, we saw my midwife on the side of the road. She saw us and called my cell - her tire blew out.
So, we made illegal use of the "emergency vehicles only" turn arounds to go get her. We were going to the same place after all. We got Drum's car seat out, got her in, and got on the road. About half an hour later we arrived at the birth center. We unloaded the kids and the stuff. Did a round of vitals and got to business. I did some aromatherapy, took cottonwood bark every 15 minutes, pumped about 3 or 4 times, all that fun stuff to encourage active labor. I would have had to transfer to the hospital if I didn't deliver within 24 hours, and I didn't drive across the state border for a hospital birth!
In between I watched the kids as they played with the sibling doula we hired. That was the best decision ever! The kids got to be there and be a part of the birth experience, but had entertainment so they wouldn't destroy the place. They had stickers, did chalk, went for ice cream, painted piggy banks, etc. They even covered my belly in stickers for Drum. I ate pizza and chocolate and even napped. Now, THAT's a labor experience!
I had only progressed from a 2 (which I had been at for a month) to a 4, so my midwife locked Beau and I in the birthing suite without our iPhones with the instructions to focus and visualize getting Drum in a good position - he was ROT, needed to be LOP. So, I sat there on my birthing ball and focused. And progressed to a 6. Time to get in the tub!
We filled up the tub and things really kicked off from there. I went to 10 and transition super quick. I could feel the urge to push and felt his head moving down so I told Beau to go get our midwife. So, dilation and transition was done and he was in the birth canal after 12 hours. Then came the fun part.
Twenty two and a half minutes of active pushing. Yes, you read that right. This was continuous pushing because I was hemorrhaging so much that my midwife thought the placenta was detached - which can mean bad news. So I really had to work so make sure that he wouldn't be oxygen deprived. Holy ring of fire. I remember the ring of fire with the others, but they were so small it was over in an instant. I even grunted. Once, but it was something. I am not a loud laborer. I internalize everything and you may hear me breath, but that's it. I was almost embarrassed that I did grunt, which is pretty funny in retrospect.
But, he came out without any interventions. I turned around and picked up my baby. I was so blissfully happy with the little miracle in my arms. Thankfully, the placenta was not detached, so there wasn't any problems. I did, however, hemmorage. A LOT. My midwife told the assistant that if you can shine a flashlight in the water and see the bottom, everything is okay. My water could have been the Red Sea before Moses got to it - ain't nothing was parting through that. I got kicked out of the tub.
Got in the bed and delivered the placenta, nursed, and got covered up so the kids could come in. They LOVED him and were so excited to meet him. After some bonding, we sent them out so B could cut the cord (then he got kicked out, too - he's squeamish about that stuff) and they could assess the situation. Everyone was trying to be cool, but we were working hard to prevent a hospital transfer. It took 2 vials of Pitocin and some amazing Chinese herbs to stop the bleeding. I also had 4th degree lacerations which took so many stitches that we lost count.
Once we got that taken care of, I took a shower while my midwife did the newborn exam. B got to help weigh him - 8 pounds, 10 ounces! My biggest baby by 2 pounds! He was 20 inches long, 14&1/4 head circumference, and a head of BLONDE hair!
I had to stay at the birth center for a while for monitoring to make sure I was okay, and we ended up being able to leave around 1 in the morning. Our midwife and sibling doula live by each other so they drove back together - we didn't abandon her!
We stopped once about an hour in to nurse and made it home about 3:30am. Since then I've been recovering and we've been bonding as a family. B has had me take it easy to I don't pop a suture or tear or bleed again. The kids have been their active selves and Drum has been nursing around the clock.
He nurses so much that at his postpartum home visit today he weighed in at 9 pounds. 9 pounds at not even a week old. He's a big boy!
Of course, I brought my camera to the birth center and took pictures. I even handed it over to the assistant midwife so she could get some pictures with me in them. Don't worry, there's no shots of the actual birth or hemorrhaging or stitching up. But, it's pretty sweet.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
He's here!!!
Drum was born via water birth Thursday night at 7:52pm weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces, 20 inches long with a head of blond hair.
I have an amazing birth story for this big man, but it'll be a little bit before I can post it and pictures. I hemorrhaged and had 4th degree lacerations and am on postpartum bed rest right now. I can post a little from my phone, but can't get to the computer in the studio.
The good news is is that the Bradley diet and my good prenatal care and awesome midwife prevented a hospital transfer and everything is healing perfectly. It'll just take a little longer to get around this time.
But we're all doing fabulously. :)
I have an amazing birth story for this big man, but it'll be a little bit before I can post it and pictures. I hemorrhaged and had 4th degree lacerations and am on postpartum bed rest right now. I can post a little from my phone, but can't get to the computer in the studio.
The good news is is that the Bradley diet and my good prenatal care and awesome midwife prevented a hospital transfer and everything is healing perfectly. It'll just take a little longer to get around this time.
But we're all doing fabulously. :)
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Irony of My Life
So, we're en route to the birth center because bright and early this morning my water broke. While getting gas I got a call and sent it to voicemail. What was it, you may ask?
An inquiry from a mom who is due "any day now" and wants to sneak in for maternity portraits. Only a professional photographer would get a call like that while she's IN LABOR! Haha!
Expect a full update soon. :)
An inquiry from a mom who is due "any day now" and wants to sneak in for maternity portraits. Only a professional photographer would get a call like that while she's IN LABOR! Haha!
Expect a full update soon. :)
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
PA Letter
Sometimes it just feels good (to the flesh) to be a little passive aggressive and whiny. Now, I know it's better to die daily and put your big girl panties on, but I don't think anyone will ever read this, so it's more of a catharsis than something I would actually tell anyone.
Yup, it's a passive aggressive letter regarding the negative statements/questions that I've been getting lately.
Yes, I am still pregnant.
No, I am not due yet.
No, I am not blessed with twins.
Yes, I am sure.
Yes, I know how big I am. But my midwife is actually concerned about me NOT gaining enough weight. I am not worried about the baby weight. But, thank you, for pointing out how much bigger I've (not) gotten since yesterday.
Yes, I do already have a boy and a girl.
Yes, we are excited about the addition of another one.
No, I'm not going to induce.
No, I'm not scheduling a section to make it easier.
No, I'm not going to a hospital.
Yes, I am seeing a midwife just to make you uncomfortable. Shall I give birth in your living room to add a cherry on top?
Yes, my midwife is a knowledgeable professional.
No, I'm not putting my baby in danger.
Yes, I am planning on going without an epidural. I've done it before and look forward to again. My body is made for this.
No, I don't care if you think it's the best thing since sliced bread.
If you are having bad feelings/premonitions/dreams/concerns about me and the baby - DON'T tell me. That is not something you tell a woman who is about to deliver and needs positivity.
If you're certain that I'll have to have a section because you did - keep it to yourself, please.
No, I will not be in Facebook while I'm in labor, delivering, or nursing for the first time. I'm okay with not sharing the details of my cervix with you.
No, I will not be calling you immediately after the birth. We will call close friends and family after we are home and have begun to rest and bond as a family.
No, I don't think you are entitled for me to call you as I push the baby out.
Yes, we are going to have the kids there.
Yes, they are excited.
No, you may not come over as soon as we get home. We will call when we are ready for visitors.
I'm sure there are more responses, but that's a pretty good list for now. Why is it that people seem to think that this precious time in life is open to comments from the peanut gallery. Just hush, crazy people!
Yup, it's a passive aggressive letter regarding the negative statements/questions that I've been getting lately.
Yes, I am still pregnant.
No, I am not due yet.
No, I am not blessed with twins.
Yes, I am sure.
Yes, I know how big I am. But my midwife is actually concerned about me NOT gaining enough weight. I am not worried about the baby weight. But, thank you, for pointing out how much bigger I've (not) gotten since yesterday.
Yes, I do already have a boy and a girl.
Yes, we are excited about the addition of another one.
No, I'm not going to induce.
No, I'm not scheduling a section to make it easier.
No, I'm not going to a hospital.
Yes, I am seeing a midwife just to make you uncomfortable. Shall I give birth in your living room to add a cherry on top?
Yes, my midwife is a knowledgeable professional.
No, I'm not putting my baby in danger.
Yes, I am planning on going without an epidural. I've done it before and look forward to again. My body is made for this.
No, I don't care if you think it's the best thing since sliced bread.
If you are having bad feelings/premonitions/dreams/concerns about me and the baby - DON'T tell me. That is not something you tell a woman who is about to deliver and needs positivity.
If you're certain that I'll have to have a section because you did - keep it to yourself, please.
No, I will not be in Facebook while I'm in labor, delivering, or nursing for the first time. I'm okay with not sharing the details of my cervix with you.
No, I will not be calling you immediately after the birth. We will call close friends and family after we are home and have begun to rest and bond as a family.
No, I don't think you are entitled for me to call you as I push the baby out.
Yes, we are going to have the kids there.
Yes, they are excited.
No, you may not come over as soon as we get home. We will call when we are ready for visitors.
I'm sure there are more responses, but that's a pretty good list for now. Why is it that people seem to think that this precious time in life is open to comments from the peanut gallery. Just hush, crazy people!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Busy busy
We live pretty busy lives. Not saying no one lives a busy life. But when you're a minister's wife, it's a different kind if busy. My husband basically works the equivalent of one over-time job (he's a lawyer) and one regular job (being a preacher).
Which, is good and bad. Good in that it keeps me busy and not really focused on when Drum will come. Bad in that I'm constantly asked when he's due by a lot of people. Lol
Anyway, last weekend we went to visit our former pastor coz his son was having a graduation party. I remember before he was a teenager! It was crazy, but good to see everyone again. That small country church certainly helped mold us for the work we're doing now.
This past weekend, I convinced (or kidnaped) my husband late Friday afternoon to go out for a family ice cream date. There's an old-fashioned parlor down the road from his office that serves only locally made desserts. We hadn't been since T was about 8 months old.
The kids loved it! Then we went walking around our downtown antique district before heading to lead youth service at church. Yesterday we had a great afternoon after church playing out in the backyard and walking down out cul-de-sac. I would have taken pictures, but Auds got a new bubble set in Sunday School for excellent behavior, so I spent my time blowing bubbles for everyone's enjoyment. That and we played keep away with the kids. That sure is a fun, if a little mean, game. Haha
I wonder how many more weekends we'll have with just two kids.
Which, is good and bad. Good in that it keeps me busy and not really focused on when Drum will come. Bad in that I'm constantly asked when he's due by a lot of people. Lol
Anyway, last weekend we went to visit our former pastor coz his son was having a graduation party. I remember before he was a teenager! It was crazy, but good to see everyone again. That small country church certainly helped mold us for the work we're doing now.
This past weekend, I convinced (or kidnaped) my husband late Friday afternoon to go out for a family ice cream date. There's an old-fashioned parlor down the road from his office that serves only locally made desserts. We hadn't been since T was about 8 months old.
The kids loved it! Then we went walking around our downtown antique district before heading to lead youth service at church. Yesterday we had a great afternoon after church playing out in the backyard and walking down out cul-de-sac. I would have taken pictures, but Auds got a new bubble set in Sunday School for excellent behavior, so I spent my time blowing bubbles for everyone's enjoyment. That and we played keep away with the kids. That sure is a fun, if a little mean, game. Haha
I wonder how many more weekends we'll have with just two kids.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)