A smile captured

Need I say more?

Cake decorating

Ok, so I'm already into scrapbooking and acrylic painting.....what more do I need to dive into? Well, I attended my first cake decorating class last night and loved it! I've got several more courses to take before I can start making the big bucks (weddings and birthdays) but I'm enjoying all the fun tips and techniques. So far I've learned how to make the icing (do you have any idea how much Crisco and powdered sugar goes into that recipe?.....you don't want to know!), how to color it, how to spread and smooth it onto the cake, and how to ice a cake using several decorating tips. I'll be sure to take pictures of my masterpieces/disasters next week! I hope I don't gain too much weight dealing with all this icing each week!

Another Video!

Click here if you can't see the video.

You must view this!

You will definitely want to see this cute video. Click on the link to the right that reads "The Chambers Family blog". Their twin daughters, Kate and Lily are a little over a year old and have discovered that they can make funny noises with their tongue. It's hilarious! While you're there, read Phil and Jennifer's story as to how God blessed them with the adoption of these precious girls from China.

A Day of Drama

If you notice the time, I'm still up....it's after 1:00 a.m. My youngest child is refusing to go to sleep so I sit here next to him trying to calm him down so he can visit dreamland (...no, I'm not speaking of the famous ribs you'll find in Tuscaloosa and B'ham!). Wednesday (is that today or yesterday...do I type it as "today" or "yesterday"?) was quite an eventful day for us. A day full of drama. It would take too long to type it all in paragraph form so here it goes the quickest way I know how since my head is about to fall off my shoulders:

1. Ran many errands this morning and things went pretty smoothly
2. Picked up Andrew from school and things were still going smoothly
3. Got home to get ready to put Andrew down for a nap, but.....
4. I went down instead....literally. As I was holding Luke, I tripped over the bouncy seat and fell, hitting my head on the door frame. Fortunately, I was quick enough to transfer Luke from one hip to the other so his head would be safe.
5. As I hit the frame, I see terror in Andrew's eyes and hear him let out a blood curdling scream. He was frozen in fear and worry. He slowly walked toward me with tears rolling down his cheeks. It took forever to calm him down and assure him I was OK.
6. Since Luke was transferred rather quickly from one of my hips to the other, he, too, was shaken and scared. So, here I was on the floor with a bang to the head trying to hug and comfort too screaming babies.
7. Called Mitch to come home and help me....he finally put Andrew down for a nap.
8. After naptime, I decided to make a much needed grocery store trip...with both boys. Mitch was at the church praying (for my banged up head!) so I was alone on this journey.
9. I really, really, really wanted to go to Publix but had two coupons for some free stuff at Winn-Dixie so off I went.
10. Why is it that out of all the carts/buggies at the store that I always manage to find the lemon? I didn't realize it was a lemon until AFTER I had gotten both boys situated in it and began "driving" down aisle 1. The bottom was about to fall out, the wheels were rusty and caused the buggy to stop for no reason, and, of course, it made an awful clanking noise with every push.
11. What's this.....a crying baby? Only on aisle 3. Did I mention that I'm nursing? Glad I had a bottle ready (insulated, mind you). No, Andrew....you may not pull down all the Oreo cookies from the shelf while I'm parked here feeding your little brother.
12. Got Luke out of the car seat since he was tired of staring at the grocery store ceiling. I'm now pushing a buggy full of groceries and a two year old. I've got a three month old on my left hip while pushing and manuvering around corners, trying not to bump into anyone along the way. And why is it that people park/stop their buggy in the middle of the aisle when looking for an item (esp. on a Saturday)?
13. Finally.....my list is complete....let's go check out. What? Only two of the twelve registers are open? You got to be kidding! What long lines.
14. The cashier forgot to scan the coupon so she sent the bag boy (is that the PC word? - who cares...) to get me another from the store display. He returned a few minutes later with no coupon. He said he couldn't find the display. After telling him for the third time where it was, another bag boy was sent. He couldn't find it either. The line behind me is getting longer and my children are getting more irritable by the minute (and so am I!).
15. A manager is called to the scene. I think he was 17....highly incompetent. He was no help. I finally told the cashier that I would go get the coupon but I was taking my children and buggy with me. As I get halfway to the display I see a third bag boy walking toward me with the coupon in hand coming directly from the area where I had said the display was located. AHHHHH!
16. I try to turn my loaded buggy around but can't and I watch as two men walk past, offering no assistance. Three random buggies are clogging the aisle so I ram them, wiping the sweat off my brow.
17. I finally pay for the items and am so frustrated that I refuse help from one of the many bag boys in unloading my groceries since all I want to do is strangle them all.
18. I've been gone way too long and realize there's no time to get home and cook dinner before Andrew's bedtime so I stop at McDonald's.
19. In the drive-thru I order. Two cars ahead of me is a person who can't find their wallet and we're all stuck since the drive-thru is blocked in with bushes. Andrew is crying for a french fry.
20. Home Sweet Home.....
21. Oh, and one more thing. My kid shoplifted a Thomas the Tank Engine book today while we were in Toys-R-Us spending a gift card. I didn't realize I'd left the store with it until I was folding the stroller to load it into the van. Of course he didn't intentionally steal it but I had to explain the story to the management when I walked in with the unpaid item. I wonder if they captured the take on camera? Well, if they did then I'm sure we'll see it on INSIDE EDITION in 20 years when Andrew is famous. HA!

Ok, so it ended up being long like a paragraph....HUSH!

Luke's Video Debut

Click HERE.
I'm not sure why it's so dark, but we're learning! The audio seems to be working now!!!!

Red Sox?

Red Sox? Our friends, Chrissy and Chad (well, just Chad, really), love the Red Sox and managed to find the opportune time to put this cap on Andrew's head. We're trying to work it out to go to Atlanta to see the Braves spank the Red Sox in the summer.....I'm definite we'll have bought him a Braves outfit by then. I'll be sure to post a picture of that!

Sweet Baby

I realize that some readers of my blog may tire of always tuning in to see or read another posting about my children but motherhood is my life right now and I am enjoying this season so much. There are times when I gaze in Andrew and Luke's eyes and am overwhelmed with such love in my heart for them. I can't gather the words to express my thoughts. I found this quote by Elisabeth Prentiss, on the birth of her children, which I find helpful in explaining my heart:

Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which it dwells is worthy all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in God's name, I will make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother's heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, her life-long prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!

What an honor to be a mother. How thankful I am that God chose to give me such blessings.

New glasses

Andrew's new glasses.

Publix Field Trip

Luke and I accompanied Andrew on his class field trip to Publix this morning. There, he saw the deli slice meat and cheese, learned how the bakery decorates cakes, watched the butcher cut meat with a metal glove, touched a live lobster, tasted fresh pineapple, and waved at the pharmacist as she counted pills. Since he was so excited about touching the lobster, we came home and downloaded/printed a lobster coloring sheet off the Internet. He and I sat in the floor coloring and talking about that lobster for what seemed like forever! What a memory! Here is the finished masterpiece.

My single brother

He will hate me for doing this but I can't resist. Here's a picture of my 30 year old brother, Stuart. He's single and lives alone in Atlanta, working hard for a company he's been with for 7+ years. Isnt' he a cutie? So.....do you know any single godly women?

Baptism

Luke was baptized yesterday during the church service by his daddy. What a glorious celebration of God's covenant to His children. Above, the grandparents (Gami, MeMe, & Pop) enjoy a moment with their grandsons.

Cheesy Smile

Crooked smile and lacking a full set of teeth...but cute, nonetheless.

Yummy Baby

I love holding Luke on my shoulder like this. He likes to leave a little spit on me every once in a while (yes, that's his drool on my shirt). I could just eat him up!

My favorite preachers

I'm on a sharing kick today. Here are the the names of my favorite preachers, in no particular order:

Mitch McGinnis (duh!) www.westminsterpca.blogspot.com
Burt Boykin www.communitypca.blogspot.com
Steve Brown www.keylife.org
Tim Keller http://www.redeemer2.com/resources/index.cfm?fuseaction=media
Bob Flayhart http://resources.christianity.com/default/ompc.aspx

"It won't happen to me..."

You should really read the latest posting on Mitch's blog (see his link to the right). Although I've never had cancer, nor had anyone extremely close to me develop cancer, I've never given much thought to the disease and all that it affects. I guess I've had the selfish attitude of "it hasn't and won't ever happen to me", so I've remained comfortable with myself and with MY routine....living a life of "it's all about ME". After reading John Piper's view on life and on what he's learned in his battle with cancer, I realized how little I've cared....about the life of others and my own. What is the purpose of life? Only to love God and to enjoy him forever. How do I do this? By caring about the Gospel, sharing it with others, living it out in my own life, and ENJOYING the life God has given me. My eyes are open and I look back and see how I, too, have wasted so much despite the fact that I don't have cancer as Piper does. He wrote such powerful words on the eve of his surgery. WOW! I bet you wanna read it now, huh? Click here to view it.

Random thought for the day:
I've already picked out the names of our future dogs (in no particular order):
Piper, Calvin, Edward(s), Packer, Tolkein, Spurg(eon), Knox...and of course, Luther

Weekend

A relaxing weekend. We didn't do much but hang out around the house and enjoy each other's company. Church was great but Luke was hungry during Mitch's sermon so I missed it, once again. After small group tonight, we took the boys to McDonald's to play in the play area. Luke slept through all the fun but Andrew and I tackled the high stairs and slide! I managed to snap the camera at just the time Luke let out a huge laugh, hence why it's a little blurry.

I am in love

Motherhood is grand. Such joy and delight I take in my sons. Despite the lack of sleep and private time this duty brings, I wouldn't trade this job for anything else in the world!

Handpainted Canvas

By the way, I've started monogramming canvases by hand (see above). I love to paint and find this as a great outlet of relaxation for me. It all started by making them for friends with new babies but I've started filling requests and making them for teenagers and college students as well. Let me know if you'd like for me to make one for you and I will stick it in the mail to you when I'm finished. It only takes me a few days to complete one...usually while sitting in the floor when watching my favorite TV show, "24". Let me know the initials and color scheme you'd like to have. Size = 8.5 x 11 : Cost = $14 flat.

Oops....

Guess what I did today? I realized, after four hours, that I had my jeans on backwards. Since having two little babies in the house demanding my time and energy, I grabbed the first pair of jeans off the floor and simply put my legs in them without looking for the tag. It wasn't until I returned home from being gone all morning that I realized my mistake. I looked down at my jeans and saw the two back pockets facing me! I just rolled my eyes and sighed.

It's the middle of naptime and I'm still trying to get both boys to sleep at the same time. Andrew goes down for his nap pretty well since he's almost two and used to the naptime routine. Luke, however, is still too new to the world so he's a bit harder to calm. Anyway, you can pray that they will soon be sleeping during the same two-hour-window.

Apartment living has its ups and downs. Now, we love the management here and often stop by their office to chit chat, even when the rent isn't due....but, no one can say that apartment living is better than living in a house. I have to be careful what I say here because my wonderful friend, Sandi, is in charge of this entire complex (and does a heck of a job managing it, I must say!) and she reads my blog. It seems that everyone in the world does business while my children are trying to nap in the afternoon. The lawn crew weed-eats and cuts grass outside Andrew's window, cars being started at 5:30 each morning to warm up for 15 minutes before their owner leaves for work, motorcycles being parked right by your master window, people coming home at 1:00 a.m. talking loudly on their cell phones, tenants stopping at the bottom of the breezeway staircase by our bedroom window having a conversation, the carpet team installs new carpet upstairs, the neighbor decides to wash his car with his stereo on full blast, car lights flashing in our windows since we're in the middle of the building at the bottom of the entrance...oh, and did I mention that the water-main faucet is located just below Andrew's window so he hears it when it squeaks being turned on and off. We chose to live on the floor level since I was pregnant at the time of our move and didn't want to take stairs being "with-child" and carrying a toddler. That seems to be the only good reason to live on this level in the front of the building. If we live in another apartment, I'm gonna be sure to ask for a floor level in the back of the building where there's a terrace level below me so there's no car lights flashing in my eyes, no men walking just outside my windows cutting grass, no stereos to listen to while so-and-so washes his car, no dog poop on my porch, and no public water faucet that squeaks when being turned. This is no reflection on the management (I love you, Sandi!)....it just comes with the neighborhood....the apartment neighborhood, that is.

On a more positive note, the advantage to renting is you don't have to make repairs. Our hot water heater decided to die on us last week and the management hopped right on it. We had a new hot water heater in no time. Our toilet sprung a leak.....after making a quick phone call, Mr. Maintenance Man was here with a new hose for it. You're the best, Sandi!

(I'm scared to publish this post...will I regret it later?)

Gotta go....I can hear Andrew crying. He's only slept 30 minutes. The guys are installing carpet just above his room. "Hammer, pow, boom, rattle, hit, pow, hammer!"

Bubble popping time

I really enjoy being with my church family. We spend a good amount of time with them on Sunday mornings and evenings. A few of them took us out to eat lunch after the service and then we all gathered tonight for a SuperBowl party. It's just fun to socialize and mingle with those who are like-minded. I think I get too comfortable in my "Christian-Bubble"....

....Yesterday, Mitch had a converstation with a gentleman who is one of our upstairs neighbors. He and his family are new to town (there's always someone moving in or out due to this being a huge military area) but are living in the apartment for a short time while also making a house payment on their home up north. Anyway, the house they own was burglarized this past week so he, the father/husband, hopped on a plane this morning to get back and see to the matter. While speaking with Mitch in passing yesterday in the parking lot, he mentioned that he needed a place for his kids to stay in the afternoons when they return from school while he's gone, only until his wife was home from work each day. Mitch told him that we'd be glad to help out in any way. My thoughts? "Am I gonna have any help in the afternoons if he takes you up on your offer?" Was I really glad to offer my help? No. To be honest, I only thought of myself. I want my afternoons to be the normal afternoons I was used to with only my two children and no more. I want to do what I want to do on my time, without tending to someone else's needs. I mean, I have errands to run and things to mark off on my TO DO list! I want, I want, I want...blah, blah, blah.....How selfish of me. I didn't even care if the family were Believers or how I might be able to minister to them. How thankful I am that my Father doesn't think that way about me. I'm a worm. I'm glad the Savior desires to expose my sin, show me His way(s), and pop my bubble.

Brothers

Andrew: fair skin, blond hair, blue eyes = Jawan's baby
Luke: olive skin, dark hair, brown eyes = Mitch's baby

Andrew loves holding Luke when sitting on the couch. He holds his arms out and says, "Hold? Hold?" while motioning with his fingers toward Luke. Sometimes I think Luke can sense Andrew in the room because he smiles much more when hearing Andrew's voice. Of course, it could be just gas.....

Hats

Mitch and I have decided to try to walk 6-12 miles each week together as a family. Before loading the boys in their stollers tonight for our outing I couldn't resist taking a picture of my three men in their hats.

Laid-back boys

Mitch enjoys having his sons sleep and snuggle on his chest. Here, he and Luke take a break from their day to relax. My mother and brother were both here to visit us this weekend so Andrew and Luke got lots of kisses and hugs. Andrew enjoyed wrestling with his Uncle Stuart and feeding the ducks with Gami. Luke was passed around and held by everyone that could get their hands on him. Family is a wonderful thing.

Two extremes

One baby likes to sleep on his back and does so peacefully. The other "baby" likes to sleep (and play) on his tummy and does so with much vigor. I love being a mother to boys.

Sweet Face

This picture makes me want to cuddle with him all day!

In need of a clean sweep

Our apartment is slowly turning into Toys-R-Us. I finally sat down one night and purged through the toys but I don't think I even made a dent. Christmas arrived meaning more toys have made their home here, too. I have to watch where I step for fear of tripping and landing on a child or injuring myself. It doesn't help that we live in a small apartment (I feel I shouldn't complain because we have friends who are living in a similar apartment with three children!). We are growing too big to fit in this space and the clutter and lack of storage space is beginning to take its toll on me.....leading to much frustration. I have it on my TO DO list to sort through the piles of stuff (I'm not a pack-rat! It's just that there's no place to put the needed things) but my time is full of more important things right now. When I looked around at the piles of clutter the other day, a surprised smile came to my face. It made me grateful that, despite my cluttered heart, the Lord pursues me and delights in me regardless of my sinful condition. It amazes me that he sees me as perfect. He has made a clean sweep of my dirty heart! My outlook should be the same so I'm gonna pray that I NOT get all worked up about making vacuum lines in my carpet (I can't see my carpet anyway).

Generations

A picture of my mother and her five grandchildren: Meredith, Ethan, Emily, Andrew & Luke. The oldest three belong to my sister. My brother is 30 and single, living in his bachelor's pad in Atlanta. Ok, Stuart....it's time you find a wife and add some to this mix!

Laura came to visit!

Our sweet friend, Laura, came to visit us yesterday and today. She's a freshman at Auburn University and since her home is two and a half hours away, she decided to spend her long holiday weekend with us! We were so glad to have her here. She is a joy to be around and a huge help! We took my two boys shopping today and then she and I watched a movie while Andrew took his afternoon nap. I love you, Laura!

A keepsake for Luke

A local pottery studio invites parents to bring in their infants to paint a free tile with their child's footprint. So a friend and I took our infants Friday morning and above is the result of my time (although it hasn't been glazed or fired in the kiln yet). I love to paint and make things so this was right up my alley! I only wish I had done this same thing for Andrew when he was a baby. I can't wait to show you the finished product. Sorry this post isn't all that exciting....I've been too busy changing diapers to think of anything else to write about.

Loving Your Neighbor

This breaks my heart and makes me angry!

BUT -- is it any worse than ignoring the fact that there are thousands of homeless in MY city?

Handsome little guy

Andrew is growing up way too fast. While eating out tonight with his grandparents, two teenage girls stopped to flirt with him. He enjoyed all the attention. I can't believe that his eyes have remained so blue since birth! Is he really almost two years old?

Mitch's Birthday #35

Mitch's 35th birthday was today. The best way to celebrate was by being in church together, especially since it was my first time back since giving birth to Luke. After the service, our church family gathered for lunch but not before surprising Mitch by singing "Happy Birthday" and giving him a huge cake. Since we didn't do the Christmas card thing this year, we posed for the first time as a family of four for this new year. I'm so happy to be surrounded by these three men!

Are Those The Village People!?!

Last week we were at the Dr.'s office with our boys. We were admiring the construction site border/wallpaper and having fun pointing out all the different trucks, trains and other vehicles for Andrew when I noticed this:Yes, right there on the wall paper, are the Village People doing the YMCA dance! How random is that!?

You might be a RICH redneck if...

you build a house here.

Hey, It's Mitch!

OK -- I forced Jawan to let me start posting on this site -- it is "The McGinnis Message" -- not "The Jawan Message." She wouldn't even have a name for her blog if it weren't for me!
Anyway, I have things I want to say that wouldn't be appropriate for the pastor's blog, so now you get to hear from me -- until she decides to kick me off! Jawan, please let me stay!

Cutie Pa-Tootie!

"Huh, what? Who? Yeah...."

I am so sleep deprived that the words coming from my mouth aren't making much sense these days. So, if you call my house at any point in the day, make sure you repeat all that you say because it's highly possible I didn't catch any of your information the first time you said it. Believe me...ask my sister-in-law.

This will be #4 for me.....

I visited the dentist this morning to find out what could be done about the mouth pain I've been having. Good gracious, it's time for another root canal. I seem to have one about every three years. Part of me wishes for my dentist to just pull all my teeth, get me out of my misery, and give me a full set of dentures! I can deal with blood, wounds, and broken bones but there's two types of pain that I find hard to tolerate.....tooth/mouth pain and stomach issues. I guess I just would rather see what's causing me pain rather than dealing with what's going on internally. Wow, one could really read something spiritual into that statement, huh?

Mitch and I have a date tonight to see Chronicles of Narnia. We're taking Luke with us but have a sweet babysitter to come watch Andrew while we're gone. I can't wait!

More pictures to show off

TOUCHDOWN!

Brotherly love

Aren't they precious?

Can life be more fun?

3:00 a.m. conversation

While lying in the bed at 3:00 a.m. nursing Luke....

Jawan (groggy): "Mitch, where are you?"
Mitch: "I'm in the living room on the couch."
Jawan: "Why?"
Mitch: "Because there wasn't any room in the bed."
Jawan: "Huh? Why?"
Mitch: "Because you kicked me out by scooting back more and more and I didn't want to wake you up since you were sleeping so soundly."

Isn't my husband the greatest?!?!?!?!

The Tuckers came to visit!

Some of our best friends, Jason and Susie Tucker (their family blog link is on the right hand side of this page), and their three children, stopped by to see us on their way through Columbus during the holidays. We were able to spend a few hours with them while eating pizza, catching up, and watching our children play together. What fun to see them again!

Lyrics for my sons

It's the day after Christmas and I have been able to spend some time with my two sons here at home, playing with toys on the floor and taking naps together. If you've never heard of Sara Groves or any of her music then I'd advise you to go to her website and listen to some of her lyrics. I've got a new favorite song written by her which is on her album entitled Station Wagon; Songs for Parents, named Prayers for This Child. I love Andrew and Luke so much that these words could have been written by me!

I do not know how I am to pray for this child
as a mother I don't want my baby denied
but in the waiting in the waiting I learned
every instinct in me wants to shield him from pain
take the arrows of misery heartache and blame
but in the sorrow in the sorrow I learned to hold on

I only have two eyes - be all seeing
I only have two hands - be everywhere
I do not know enough - to be all knowing
I give this baby up into your care

I do not know how, how to pray for this child
I want to guard him from everything wicked and wild
but in the trial in the trial I learned to hold on
And in the trial, in the trial
I learned to hold on to the heart of God

Our first Christmas Eve as four

All four of us ventured out tonight for our joint Christmas Eve service with the other PCA church here in Columbus. How wonderful and amazing it is to gather together! What fun it is to delight in Christ by celebrating his birth. We worshipped by singing several hymns and hearing many passages from the Bible. Our voices were united as we recited the Apostles Creed, confessing our belief. Mitch joined with three other teaching elders in leading the service and my heart overflowed with joy as I thanked God for giving me such a God fearing husband. It is really special to have given birth to Luke during this holiday season. I gaze upon my children and wonder why it is that God has chosen to bless me so.....then I hear his voice say, "Because I love you and want to give you good things". As we sang, I was moved by the thought of such a small baby whose birth and life was the greatest event ever. How sad that many then missed it and how few rejoiced. I think of the wise men who chose to go to the home of Mary and Joseph to worship Jesus instead of reporting back to King Herod. How brave and honorable! Of all the songs sung during this time of year, none speak to my heart quite like the lyrics of O Come, O Come, Emanuel:

O come, O come, Emanuel, and ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoice, rejoice! Emanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save and give them victory o'er the grave. Rejoice, rejoice! Emanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here; And drive away the shades of night, and pierce the clouds and bring us light. Rejoice, rejoice! Emanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. Rejoice, rejoice! Emanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Pictures for Today

Luke's first bath

A sleep-deprived daddy

My wonderful midwife, Courtney

I don't think I would have made it through the labor, c-section, and hospital stay without the best midwife in the world. I know I've bragged about her before and I will continue to do so as she has been such a blessing to me. She takes care of me far beyond the walls of her office. I know I'm emotional and hormonal, but I want to take this time to thank you, Courtney...I love you.

Home & happy

After a long stay in the hospital, we have finally made it home. Boy, does it feel good! My recovery from the c-section is going great....the painkillers are working and I've been doing alot of walking, just like my midwife instructed. Since Luke's jaundice levels were high, we had to stay one extra night in the hospital so they could keep an eye on it. Fortunately he hasn't had to undergo the phototherapy light treatment. We'll visit his pediatrician in the morning to have another test run. Andrew has had a difficult week. He's loved being with his Gami, my mother, but he's missed his Mommy and Daddy and is having a hard time dealing with the fact that I can't pick him up or let him sit in my sore lap. I think he's become quite attached to Mitch over the last few days and wants to go everywhere with him. He loves his baby brother and finds it interesting to point out his eyes, ears, nose, fingers and toes to us. My sister and her children plan to be here mid-week to celebrate and early Christmas with us so Andrew has alot of attention to look forward to.

I have two boys....wow. I still can't believe that God has blessed me with such an amazing gift. Tears well up in my eyes and my heart overflows with thanksgiving when I gaze upon my precious children. God delights in giving us good things and I couldn't ask for anything more. My little blond Andrew and brown headed Luke are treasures. Thank you, Father, for choosing me to be their mother. I pray that I will be diligent in teaching them your ways, your love, and your Gospel.

Luke has arrived!

I am on Mitch's laptop typing this from my hospital bed while Luke is sleeping here next to me. Luke is not even 24 hours old yet. He was born last night at 6:50 p.m., weighing in at a healthy eight pounds, six ounces, and measuring 20-3/4 inches long. Unfortunately, I had to have a c-section due to Luke's low heart rate and the cord being wrapped around his neck. He was distressed and not tolerating the contractions so they wheeled me down to the OR where I was strapped, cleaned, cut open, and stitched back up. Mitch looked so good in his white and blue scrubs. I'll post pictures later of all the action so look for more details to come. I am thankful I was able to experience the initial stages of labor without having to be induced and I must admit that I actually have been able to enjoy this labor experience since the pain isn't as great (seriously!). God is good.

Encouraging baby news!!!!!!

I went in to see Courtney, my midwife, today. Before she examined me, she told me that she already has a bed reserved and a spot saved for me at the hospital for Tuesday morning (a week from today). I was so excited to hear that! See, she's going out of town for the holidays and is fearful she won't get to deliver Luke so she's inducing me three days before she leaves (one day before my due date). I absolutely love Courtney and am so glad she's doing this for me. I couldn't ask for a better caregiver. Now, after saying all that, she then examined me and found that I have progressed since last week (this is the part that the men just love to read about). I'm now 2 cm (I've been walking around at only 1 cm for quite some time now), his head has dropped, I've lost two pounds, and my cervix is extremely soft.

I wish that I could experience the actual bag breaking on it's own with contractions strongly following, since I didn't get that chance with Andrew either, but I'm VERY ready to have this baby! I'm so uncomfortable!

Tonka Driver

Andrew taking his first driving test...what's up with that "Deer in the headlights" look?

It's fun 'til someone gets hurt

Yeah, that's my 34 year old husband playing on the playground. He's such a kid at heart but he still hasn't learned that he's a bit too big to fit on some of the equipment. Can you say, "You're gonna hurt yourself!"? And that he did! He circled his way down this contraption and ended up with a bruised finger and scratched legs.

A night out with the parents....

"I beg my parents all the time to take me to ride the choo-choo train. Tonight, they finally did! Of course, when at home I make them watch Thomas the Tank Engine DVDs all the time. I think Mom has all the episodes memorized but I still find them fascinating. Since Luke is making Mom's belly so large, Daddy made a better fit into the railcar next to me. I was a little confused as to why Mom wasn't riding the choo-choo with us (hence the confused look on my face) but I enjoyed my time with Dad. If you look closely you can see the redness around my eye that won't seem to go away. At least I get to slurp down that bubble-gum tasting syrup Mom gives me every six hours...she says it's supposed to make the redness go away but I'm not buying it!"

Red eye?

Andrew was at Mother's Morning Out for only an hour this morning when I got a phone call that he was having an allergic reaction around his right eye. When I walked in to his classroom my heart sank and I wanted to grab him up, hug and kiss all over him, and cry! This was my first experience seeing my child in some sort of discomfort when I wasn't already monitoring him. Anyway, I've received instructions from the nurse to give him Benedryl and apply warm compresses so I need to go do that. Here's a picture (somewhat blurry because he wouldn't be still) of his eye. Sorry this blog entry isn't all that exciting......

No baby yet.....

Well, I went for another routine checkup today to see Courtney. I'm still at 1 cm and Luke is still high so I made another appointment to go back in a week. Hopefully something will happen between now and then or either Courtney will give me "good news" when I see her next week. I'm feeling the pressure to get my Christmas shopping done and only have a little bit left to do. However, nothing has been wrapped so that's on my TO DO list as well. I've been in the nesting mode for a few days; cleaning the floors, washing clothes, sanitizing the bathrooms, changing sheets, washing dishes, sorting through baby stuff, and even cleaning the fan blades (yuck!). I've yet to pack my hospital bag so I guess I should get off this computer and do that now.


I couldn't pass up buying these cute plush antlers....nor could I resist making the silly face. Andrew likes this picture of his mom!

Sugar Bowl Bound!

Just wanted to let the world know how proud I am of my favorite team. They won the 2005 SEC Championship tonight, defeating LSU by a score of 34-14. Go dawgs!

Baby Predictions

Just for fun, I asked my family members to come up with their predictions on Luke's arrival date, time, weight, and length. I know some of you are tired of reading about my pregnancy, but hang in there...it's almost over!

Me = Dec 16 (there's a full moon that night!), P.M., 7 lbs 14 oz, 20 in
Mitch = Dec 9, A.M., 8 lbs 1 oz, 21.5 in
My mother = Dec 8, A.M., 7 lbs 6 oz, 20.5 in
Mitch's mother = Dec 16, A.M., 7 lbs 13 oz, 21 in
Mitch's father = Dec 17, 8lbs, 21.5 in
Mitch's sister = Dec 18, P.M., 8 lbs 2 oz, 21 in
My sister = Dec 10, P.M., 8 lbs 7 oz, 21 in
My brother = Dec 13, P.M., 8 lbs 3 oz, 18.75 in (he has to be difficult)
My neice = Dec 7, P.M., 7 lbs 3 oz, 19.5 in
My nephew = Dec 15, A.M., 7 lbs 7 oz, 19 in

New phone = a new picture!

Our cell phone plan allows us a free upgrade on our phones every two years so we traded in our old ones for the newer model today. Have I mentioned that I'm a camera-happy person? Well, my new phone has a camera on it (yes, I'm a little behind the times, I know) and I have already taken several pics of Andrew as the day progressed. Mitch happened to snap this shot from his phone of Andrew and me. Hmmmm....my eyes look a little crooked...maybe it's because I haven't slept much in the past three nights or because I'm about to pop from so much pressure with this pregnancy...who knows? Anyway, Andrew looks perfect!

Under the Weather

I've been sick for the past two days. Being sick when nine months pregnant is not a pretty sight. I'm just thankful that my "sick-time" fell on the two days of the week when Andrew went to Mother's Morning Out so I could sleep/rest without feeling as if I were abandoning him. I'm still a little weak but feel much better than I did 48 hours ago. I called a good friend of mine who is a nurse to ask her what the chances were of induction if my only complaint were that I were miserable...she wasn't too encouraging, giving me the safe medical answer of, "Sorry...If you're having no symptoms then you'll just have to keep waiting". So, I'll be here blogging until then....

5:00 a.m., toys, & midwife visit

How unusual that my day started at 5:00 a.m.....has your child ever had one of those loud battery operated annoying toys that has no ON/OFF switch? Andrew does. It rained REALLY hard last night with much thundering, lightening, etc. Suddenly, at 5:00 a.m. I hear a familiar sound: "I'm ready to race! Ready, Set, Go!"

Thinking to self: "Huh? Is that Andrew's little riding ATV I hear? Isn't it outside on the porch? Why is it in my dream? I mean, that has nothing to do with what I'm dreaming about...weird. Oh well, back to sleep.

"I'm ready to race! Ready, Set, Go!"
What? There it is again! I'm not dreaming.....is there someone trying to break into our apartment from the porch? Did a cat jump up on the ATV? I better look outside and then wake Mitch."

I'm ready to race! Ready, Set, Go!"
"Mitch! Mitch! Andrew's ATV is stuck in race-mode on the porch. I think the rain has gotten into the battery area. I hope it's not waking up the entire apartment building!".

So, just imagine Mitch and I in our pajamas at 5:00 a.m. on our front porch trying to keep the stupid ATV quiet so it doesn't wake Andrew or bother the rest of the tenants. I'm scurrying around in the dark trying to locate the toolbox & electric screwdriver so Mitch can take the batteries out (apparently the manufacturer decided against installing an ON/OFF switch) while he's covering up the speaker on the ATV with his palm & mumbling something under his breath.

Fortunately, we both climbed back into bed, thankful Andrew was still fast asleep & that no one was knocking on our door to tell us to call off the races. Oh, & we laughed about it, too....later. Oh, me and my quiet-apartment-living self-righteousness.....God sure showed me!

By the way, another routine visit to the midwife today....Luke already weighs a good 7 pounds & is still showing no signs of coming early. I go back next Tuesday for another routine checkup.