Psalm 127:3-5

Behold children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, so are the children of one's youth.
How blessed are those whose quiver is full of them
."

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Monday, June 22, 2009

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Baby Ben pics









Baby Ben


Ben was born Friday morning at 11:30 after four VERY short hours in labor. He was 7 pounds 1 ounce and 18 inches long.

The best part is that Ben was born on his daddy's birthday!

So since I never got a chance to post it, "Happy Birthday to Jimmy and Happy Birthday to Ben!"

We are all thrilled and so happy to have our little guy here. He is so sweet and just adorable!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

I need a Babymoon!

This term traditionally means a time for up to 6 weeks after birth when mommy and baby along with daddy and siblings bond with baby. Staying home, relaxing, helping the baby learn to nurse, letting the mommy recover from the emotional and physical strain of pregnancy and birth. A time to let the baby become accustom to life outside the womb and easily and peacefully adjust to their new environment. Although this is very traditional in most every other culture in the entire world, our modern American culture encourages moms to get back at it as quickly as possible and resume life as normal. Mom never really gets the time her body needs to recover. Honestly, these days the quicker you are to get back "on your game" the more everyone "rewards" you with comments about how brave you are and how great you are doing.

This is such a reflection of the busy, overloaded culture we live in. When did it become such a good thing for a mom to rush back to life as normal and not just let nature take it's course in purging the body and resting the soul during those first few weeks.

I was helping in the church nursery last week and a mom brought her FOUR week old baby to the nursery. Not just to church but to the nursery for someone else to care for and for all those lovely nursery germs to get to baby. To my dismay the other nursery workers were congratulating her for being there and telling her how great she was doing to be out and about so soon.... WHAT? Are you kidding me? So I guess those of us who choose to be home and resting are just plain lazy.

Well label me lazy, I don't really care.... I believe in the need for a Babymoon and I plan to have as much of one as I can get.

Of course Jimmy and I and the children have to be on a plane to Orlando THREE weeks after Ben is born so my Babymoon is cut in half. No, were not going to Disney, its for my brothers wedding. Believe me, other than the wedding of my only sibling NOTHING could get me on a plane or any other trip just THREE weeks after the birth of a baby. I'm picturing a germ infested plane and a brand new 3 week old immune system.... YIKES! Oh and no, driving was never an alternative... 24 hours in a car with 3 children and a baby who needs to nurse every 2 hours... HA!!! That would be a 30 hour trip before you know it.... Think again!

Anyway, all this to say... I can't wait for my "lazy" Babymoon!.... as short lived as it will be. =(

Ecclesiastes 3:1
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven"

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Waiting, waiting

Ok, so even though I was on bed rest at one point in this pregnancy to keep Ben in longer he is still not here even though we are only days away from his due date. I am beyond grateful that he is still growing strong and getting bigger every day but as of the last few days I have really started to have this extreme urge to hold him and love on him. I remember getting this just days before Serene was born too!

Anyway, in the midst of waiting Anna has also grown impatient wondering when her brother is ever going to make his debut. We told her the day we found out we were pregnant so she has been waiting just as long as us which must seem like an eternity to a 4 1/2 year old. Here are a few of the funny things she has said to me over the last days/weeks regarding his arrival:

*As I am getting dressed and she sees my huge belly: "WHOA MOM, it looks like Ben is going to pop right out of there"

*Said by her every day for the last 3 weeks: "I think Ben is coming in 3 days"
(I guess she will get it right one of these days)

*Said referring to our friends who have already had their babies but she doesn't understand were due way before me: "Mom, why has everyone else already had their babies and God has not given us our baby yet?"

*Said because I always call the girls my little blessings: "Mom aren't you ready to have your 3rd blessing yet?"

The answer to that question is YES, I am soooo ready to have my 3rd blessing... we are waiting baby Ben... please come meet us very soon!!!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Last minute things


SInce our brother has not arrived yet, Jimmy and I keep thinking of things we want to do before he gets here and just working them in as quick as possible since he could come at any time. We had talked for the last couple of months about taking Anna to the Hibachi restaurant with her cousins before Ben comes and then suddenly Friday night we realized we hadn't ever done it and here we are this close to Ben's arrival. So first thing Saturday morning Jimmy called his family and made the plans, called the restaurant and made the reservations and by Saturday evening we were sitting at a huge table with Aunt Amy, Uncle Mack, cousins Jake and Mack and Grandma enjoying a little show and a little family time!

After the Hibachi (and of course a little sushi for me) =) we walked down the street for Ice Cream... can't go to Town Square for dinner without getting ice cream! =)

It was a really fun evening with family and if brother doesn't come today we are hitting the links with the cousins tonight for a twilight round! Should be a fun way to end the weekend!

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!!





On Friday my mom celebrated her 60th birthday! We had a great evening with her eating out and then going back to Mom and Dad's house for cake, ice cream and swimming. I took pictures of Anna with the cake because she did the icing all by herself for Nana. She was very excited to make it for her Nana!

We are so grateful for my mom and all the time and effort and energy she puts into all our lives! She is a wise woman who I trust as an advisor more than anyone else on motherhood and marriage! Thank you for loving all of us mom, we love you more than you know!