Milestones

Last Wednesday was full of milestones. Both girls blessed us with a special day.

Madisyn received an Award of Excellence and a No Tardies award at the last assembly of the year. She was so proud to have her name called and to be able to stand next to the Principle. I couldn't stop smiling and even Maelynn was blowing her sissy kisses and clapping along with the audience. Derek and I are so very proud of her.



Maelynn took her first nap ever in her new toddler bed. I have been a bit nervous about beginning this new routine because she is still so young, but with the new baby coming, both Derek and I think it is best to get her used to napping in her big girl bed before the baby arrives. That means we have about 5 weeks to instill this new routine. Then once Madilynn arrives we will have about 14 weeks to get Maelynn used to sleeping in her toddler bed through the whole night so that Madilynn can take the crib. This whole week she has gone down for a nap in her big girl bed and she has done fabulous! It does take her a few more minutes to get relaxed but so far so good. I really want to take some pictures to share with everyone how cozy she looks but I'm afraid to wake my little light sleeper. She is like her Mommy and wakes really easy. I think in a few weeks when she is used to her bed I can sneak in a few pictures without disturbing her. Anyhow, she looks so peaceful and so tiny laying there, thumb in the mouth and snuggling her favorite baby that my Aunt Pam and Uncle Jim got for her. Such a beautiful sight.

I was finally able to put together the hospital bag and Derek and I have the infant seat installed in the van. We are all ready to go! I'm 35 weeks this Wednesday. Madisyn has decided she does want to be there again for her littlest sister's birth and we are really happy that she is excited about it. It was so wonderful to have her there when Maelynn was born. She was so helpful and to feel her little hand on my leg or arm was comforting during those intense contractions. We have been extremely blessed to have labor support this time also. Terry is a very qualified Nurse and Doula. She has graciously taken us on and will be able to provide labor support at home as well as in the hospital. As crazy as it must seem, yes I do intend to go drug-free. Even though Maelynn's labor is still so fresh, I'm determined to go all natural. I have one more try at it so we shall see what happens.

This whole week Madisyn has Summer Camp. She will be busy all day with activities, swimming, crafts and free play. She was starting to show some "Summer Blues" signs so this will be good for her to meet new friends and have fun fun fun! We officially have our first day of home school on August 17th. I will keep everyone posted on how it goes.

I hope this finds everyone well and in good spirits. We are sending our love your way.

God bless

A new direction

You know those times in life where everything seems to fit in place? Where things seem to go so well it's almost mundane? There are those who like the mundane, routine, and predictability life can offer. They find comfort in it. Then there are those who get agitated or uncomfortable when things are going too well for too long. They are constantly on guard for something bad to happen and they often live in constant chaos in which they feel secure. I for one have always been quite content to have predictability in my life. I've never been one for change, it frankly irritates me and leaves me uneasy. I'm absolutely fine when things are going really well and......for a really long time.

Since having our wonderful children I have learned to lighten up a bit, and even more so in the past 8 months, I have learned that life is full of unpredictable and life changing surprises. Before children I would have hidden out in my room curled up in a ball feeling like the world was going to end when change came my way. After children: I now hold my breath for a few seconds, say "Please Lord give me strength." and buckle up for the new ride. Some rides have been so scary I can't wait to get off and some have been quite fun. Regardless, each new adventure has made me stronger and less scared that I'm not in control. Being closer to God has also made this possible and I am completely content to let Him direct me to where He wants me to be, even if it is not necessarily where I want to be.

I especially know this has been the the case since our recent decision to home-school Madisyn. I went from having a "not possible, don't have the patience, not strong enough" attitude to embracing the idea after much prayer. Though I am a little nervous about the new changes this will bring, I am excited at what God has in store for us and I pray he works miracles through me to have the energy, patience and knowledge to be able to teach Madisyn, Maelynn and Madilynn God's love and all the wonderful things they need/want to learn.

The Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever. PSALM 37:28

8 months pregnant with Madilynn Marie

While Derek and Madisyn were having some good bonding time traveling to Colorado, I booked an appointment to get some maternity shots done with Maelynn in case I go into labor early. Maelynn hammed it up as usual when the camera came out but most of all she enjoyed poking my protruding belly-button (or baby-timer is what I like to call it). I just hope she doesn't find it as humorous to poke Madilynn when she is born.

I hope to get another set of pictures done with the whole family a bit closer to the due date so stay tuned.

XOXO