6 weeks old!

How come no one tells you that time will begin passing at warp speed once your child is born? 
My sweet angel will be SIX weeks old on Saturday. 

It's okay if you're feeling the urge to bite him. :) I do every day- so does his daddy! 
We've had a busy six weeks at home learning how to work with each other and trying to make a schedule. If you thought I was high maintenance before, you'll be astounded to hear that I now take about 30 minutes to get ready and don't even wash my hair every day! Thank you, Jesus, for dry shampoo! 

Dane and I have settled into a routine here lately. He's eating more on a schedule and taking three naps a day. Usually those naps can be timed like clockwork- every so often he gets a wild hair though. He's sleeping from 5-8 hours a night. When he does wake, he nurses and goes right back to sleep. Nursing is going so much better than I could have hoped. I'm so glad I stuck it out. It was, like everyone said, the hardest thing I have ever done but OH so rewarding. There's a sense of pride in knowing that you're responsible for those little chubby thighs and rolly cheeks! 

Mommy has started working on her chubby thighs and rolly cheeks this week by heading back to the gym. I gained 39 pounds during my pregnancy. The first 21 literally fell off. Given, roughly 9 of it was baby. :) These last few aren't in a hurry to go anywhere. That might be because nursing makes me hungrier (and thirstier, if you can imagine that, my friends!) than I ever was pregnant. I'm trying to eat healthy snacks (both for weight loss and healthy milk) and I've been spinning twice this week. Dane naps like a champ in his carseat next to my bike. He likes the lights at the gym and the sound of the wheels spinning, I think. I will not diet as long as I'm nursing so I'm hoping a healthy lifestyle will help shed the rest. 

Dane is starting to smile back at us and stares intently at you when you talk to him. He loves light fixtures, especially if they're on, and loses his mind over ceiling fans. Maybe he'll have a future career at Lowe's. He has amazing head and neck control and seems to enjoy laying on his tummy for a bit. He likes his paci, but only when he's sleepy. He pretty much hates being left alone, he wants to be able to hear you or see you. He also loves noise of pretty much any kind- especially the vent fan on the stove. :) He fights sleep harder than any child I have ever seen. He does best swaddled and held close... he'll finally stop wiggling and give in to rest. PS: Halo Sleep Sacks are the best. He can break free of a regular blanket swaddle AND the Summer Infant Swaddle Me swaddles- which use velcro, I might add! He's a strong boy. He hasn't busted the zipper on the sleep sack... yet. 

Every so often I am able to pump a bottle and share in feeding our growing boy. One of our favorite expressions of his is his "milk drunk" face after he's nursed or had a bottle of breastmilk. 

 All is right with the world when his belly is full of milk. Having a bottle on hand makes heading out of the house a little easier too, though I am learning the art of breastfeeding in public- and it IS an art, let me tell you! Here is daddy feeding the boy while we were out to eat the other night. 

 My best friend Lindsay came in for a few days last week. Not only was it good to see her, it was nice to have an extra pair of hands around the house. Especially the hands of an expert who is raising two fabulous kids of her own. 

My heart breaks for the mommies who go back to work at six weeks. If I had taken six weeks I'd go back Monday. Thankfully, my incredibly-smart-financially-responsible husband padded our savings account and this mommy is home for 12. However, the first six have gone by so fast, I'm scared the next six will too. I'll entertain alternate ways of paying a mortgage if you come up with any ideas. :) 

In other news, I read this article about c-sections the other day. Loved it. I did all the research and was prepared to have my sweet boy without intervention. However, in the end, we ended up choosing the safest way for our boy to enter the world. I wouldn't change a thing and this mom's thoughts are very similar to mine. I wasn't duped by the medical system- we did the research, saw his measurements and weighed the risks and benefits. Sometimes I feel like I'm almost apologizing when I tell people I had a c-section. I refuse to do that any longer. I have a perfectly healthy baby boy and my vagina is still intact. I call that a win-win. Sorry, dad, probably TMI for you. :)

 And finally, as I step down off my soapbox, just appease me while I show off more pictures of the most beautiful child God ever made.

Dane's Birth Story

I can't believe my sweet boy is four weeks old today.

My perfect four week BIG boy!

It seemed like it took so long for him to arrive, I didn't anticipate time flying by this quickly. Before any more of the details become foggy, I wanted to write down my memories of the day Dane was born. We want to treasure that day forever and one day he'll want to hear about it too. Not to mention, some other mommies facing a c-section might like a rundown of how things go on the day your baby arrives. :)

I was so afraid of the surgery itself, I didn't think at all about AFTER surgery. The first time I stood up I thought for sure my incision was going to rip open and the following week was hard. I was in a lot of pain, but because I am nursing tried to take as little medication as possible. Postpartum hormones are nothing to sneeze at. I would stand in the shower and weep uncontrollably- I cried because Dane was a day older, because I was in pain, because my parents had to go home, because I missed my husband (who hadn't gone anywhere!). I prayed daily that God would just get me through the day. Praise Jesus, after about two weeks I felt like I was again in control of my emotions and didn't feel like curling up in the fetal position and weeping. The last two weeks have been wonderful and I am making every effort to memorize every detail about the most beautiful child God ever created.

A bassinet, a stinkin' $500 crib, a bouncy seat and swing and where do I LOVE to sleep and sit? My car seat. The one piece of equipment we had to buy anyway.

Celebrating Daddy's birthday with lunch with Poppa T, shopping and dinner out!

To my sweet angel baby, this is the story of how you were born:

Friday, July 22, Daddy made plans to take me out to dinner. Papa J, Granna and Uncle Chase came into town that day. I had taken the day off so I got to visit with them for the afternoon. When daddy got home we got dressed for dinner and headed to Campbellsville to eat at Garcia's (fancy, I know- we didn't have the energy to drive to Lexington for Malone's like we'd hoped). Granna took a picture of us before we left and Papa gave us your beautiful, fully renovated wagon. It was mine when I was kid and I can't wait to see you play with it one day.

Daddy and I shared chicken fajitas and enjoyed our dinner together. After we ate we went to Wal-Mart to get some last minute things we'd need for you- namely a couple mega-bottles of GermX because I was terrified people were going to touch you with their germy hands. :) On our way home we decided to go to the lake, to the same place we'd gone a few weeks before and taken our maternity photos. We sat by the water, skipping rocks, laughing and talking about you. We talked about what we were most afraid of, what we thought you'd look like and what we wanted for you. I will always treasure that night with your daddy. We are so blessed to have someone who loves us that much.

It was hard for me to go to sleep that night. I was jealous of everyone else because they got to be excited about your arrival and I was too scared at the thought of having surgery. We set our alarm for 4:30am to get ready to head to the hospital but I was up way before that! I cried that morning- both from excitement and fear, I think. I couldn't have anything to eat or drink which made me a little grouchy because I drink water by the gallon and love a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Papa J, Granna, Chase and me and daddy held hands and prayed before we left. It was a very special moment. Your daddy was so excited when we got in the car. We video taped pulling out of the driveway and he videotaped me walking into the hospital.

When we walked in to the labor and delivery floor they were all ready for us. I walked right in and put on my hospital gown, then our sweet nurse, Janet, hooked my belly up to some monitors so we could listen to your heartbeat. I tried to memorize every beat and really focus on every little kick and wiggle you made. I never want to forget how that felt. Another nurse came in to put in my IV. I HATE needles and was not looking forward to this. She apologized for how bad it was going to hurt- that's never good!- it was a big needle and it did hurt like heck! Someone else came in to draw my blood. She had to stick me twice- which made me cry. She was so sweet and apologized saying she never misses. I remember thinking, "Well, ya missed today, lady!" Daddy was very patient with me- I was not in a very good mood and I cried A LOT.

Dr. Crosslin came in and told us that the air conditioning wasn't working properly in the surgery suite on the L&D floor so we were going to have to go to the main OR on the first floor. He complained that he hated doing that because he didn't know where everything was- not comforting to an anxious, control freak momma! Papa, Granna and Chase got there in time to see me rolled away to surgery. They were so excited. Daddy videod as we went downstairs.

They made Daddy wait outside while they got me set up for surgery and did my spinal block. I was dreading this SO much because of my fear of needles. The CRNA was so good and gentle. Janet, my nurse, held a pillow up and had me lean against her and bow my back out while the CRNA did the procedure. I prayed so hard that God would give me strength to deal with the pain because I just KNEW it was going to be the worst pain ever. I felt the tiny little prick from the lidocaine needle and waited for more intense pain... and never felt another thing! They rushed me to lay down before it fully took effect and within in minutes I was completely numb. I thanked God for getting me through that part! When Daddy came in that was the first thing I said to him- "the spinal didn't hurt at all!" He got that on video before the nurse told him to turn it off. It took just a few minutes for you to be born after that. Dr. Crosslin said, "There's an ear" and just a few seconds later I heard your first watery cry, followed by the sound of the suction thing sucking all the goop from your mouth and nose. Then I felt Dr. Crosslin pull you out and heard your big, strong cry! Daddy and I cried and cried. It was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. My ribs had ached for weeks because you were so long (22inches!) and had your feet wedged in my ribs. As SOON as Dr. Crosslin pulled you out I took a deep breath and felt instant relief, though my ribs were still tender for a few days. Daddy got to follow you over to the warmer and take lots of pictures of you. They were about to take you up to the nursery when I heard one of the nurses say, "mom hasn't seen him yet" (thank you, nurse, whoever you are!) so they brought you over to me, all bundled up in a blanket and little knitted hat. You were absolutely perfect and I cried even harder.

Dr. Crosslin finished up the surgery and they took me up to recovery. Papa and Granna came to sit with me and went on and on about how perfect you were. Your nurse, Wendy, came in a few minutes later to update me on you. Newborns are suppose to take less than 60 breaths per minute and you were taking 87- apparently this is common for c-section babies. She told me they were going to have to keep you for 3-4 hours to monitor your breathing. I completely broke down when she left. I wanted to hold you so badly and wanted to nurse you right away so we established a strong latch. Granna cried with me and your sweet uncle Chase, all of 14 years old, asked us to pray. He took our hands and said the sweetest prayer over me and you. He prayed you would breathe easier and that God would calm my anxiety. It was one of the most special- if not THE most- special moments I've ever had with him.

I watched the clock for what felt like an eternity. I wanted so badly to hold my baby boy. Thankfully, Dr. Garrett, your pediatrician, released you and they brought you to me. All of your grandparents and uncles came in to take pictures but then they left to get some lunch and left me and Daddy with you. We just stared at you and looked over every square inch of your perfect little body. You latched perfectly the first time (!!!!) and have been the best little nurser ever since! You are a hungry, hungry boy and only get mad when your belly is empty.

Some friends had told me that the medicine they give after surgery can make you sleepy and that they slept through their babies' first day of life. I was determined that was not going to happen to us so I asked them not to give me anything. Turns out, you get VERY nauseous when the spinal medication is wearing off. I started throwing up so they gave me reglan, then zofran, then more reglan... none of that helped. I was adamantly opposed to phenergin because I didn't want to go to sleep and miss any part of your first day. It was not fun throwing up all day, but I remember every moment of it! :)

The last four weeks have gone by way too fast. I treasure every single moment with you and love you more than you will EVER know. Well, at least until you have your own kids. I love your Papa and Granna in a whole new way because I finally understand how much they love me. You are more than I could have ever dreamt up in a million years. I love everything about you and feel blessed to call you mine.

With all the love in my heart,
Mommy

birth announcement

Coming soon to mailbox near you!

http://www.less-ordinary-designs.com/


I tell myself every day that I need to update the blog... but my arms are usually full a certain 8lb bundle of joy. I'm soaking up every minute of my time with him. I do want to write out Dane's birth story and other events from our first few weeks home just so that I don't forget these special moments.

Every minute with him is so wonderful. He is more of a blessing than I could have ever imagined! More to come soon... Lord willing! :)

more birthday photos

Dane's First Week

We had an awesome first week at home! Dane's Granna was the most amazing help. There are a few things that I've realized are so true. First, you really don't have any idea how much you'll love your tiny new baby. Tevie and I stare at him in complete awe. He is absolutely perfect in every way. I don't know how you can look at his perfect little fingers and toes and million different facial expressions and not fall head over heels... or deny that we serve a Great God. I've also come to love my parents in a whole new way. I don't know that I would have survived this first week without my supportive and loving husband and parents who are head over heels for their grandson.


Mom and dad left yesterday and it was probably the hardest goodbye I've ever said. These postpartum hormones are rough! I cry because Dane's growing too fast, I cry because I hate asking people to get things for me, I cry because I love my family so much. It gets better every day, thank goodness. :)


We're working on sleeping...sometimes we don't get a lot of it! :) God answered every prayer we prayed and gave us the most amazing little baby. He's a perfect nurser (perfect!!!), he takes good naps and loves to snuggle.


We've taken dozens of pictures and videos. Here are few from his first week.

Dane loves Granna

Papa J has magical baby-quieting powers! :)

early morning snuggle with Granna

Happy Birthday, Dane!

Perry Dane Gooden made his grand entrance on July 23rd at 9:32am. He weighed in at 8lbs 10oz and measured 22inches.
We woke up at 4:30am to prepare to head to the hospital. Once we arrived, the nurses went straight to work on mommy getting me prepped for surgery. What I feared the most was the spinal block which, thanks to an awesome CRNA, didn't hurt at all!

After Dane's birth his daddy got to follow him to the nursery. Normally a baby should have 60 or less breaths per minute and he was breathing at a rate of about 87/minute. His nurse came in to let me know that it would be 3 or 4 hours before I got to hold him. If you've read any of my previous posts, you can imagine how those words went over with this control freak. I had relinquished control of the natural birth, but had not prepared to give up holding and nursing my newborn. When his nurse left the room I broke down. My sweet brother took my hand and my mom's hand and prayed for me and for Dane. It was the most special moment and one I will treasure forever.

Those first few hours felt like days to me, thankfully Tevie got to sit beside Dane's bassinet in the nursery and touch him and love him while I sat anxiously in my room waiting for them to bring him to me. Here are a few pictures from our big day.

Anxious Momma seeing her sweet boy in the nursery

Holding my boy for the first time!

First Family Photo

Poppa T and Momma D checking out our sweet boy

Dressed and ready to go home from the hospital

48 hours

In less than 48 hours we welcome our sweet little boy into this world. How has 38 weeks gone by so quickly?!

Thirty-six weeks ago tomorrow, the day after Thanksgiving, two whiny pups begged to go outside. It was before 6am and no one else was awake, seemed like a pretty good time to take a pregnancy test. After eight months of trying, I had stopped telling Tevie when I took a test. He didn't want me driving myself crazy. Since no one else was awake, I could sneak to the bathroom, take the test, get my stand-by "negative" and go on about my day without the embarrassment of telling my husband or anyone else what I was doing. 

I put the dogs out and ran to the bathroom. I laid the test on the counter and washed my hands, knowing what it was going to say. Only this time... it didn't. That heartbreaking straight line morphed before my eyes into a life-giving plus sign. I'm surprised I didn't wake up the whole family when I bounded up the stairs to wake Tevie. In my head I had planned all these sweet, romantic ways I would tell him I was pregnant but the shear excitement took over and I knew I couldn't wait longer than thirty seconds. 

I wish I would have taken a picture of his sweet expression as the sleepy fog cleared and he processed what that little sign meant. We squealed and hugged and spent the rest of the day in complete disbelief. We left his parents' house that afternoon and went home to decorate our home for Christmas. He was careful as he handed boxes down from the attic and said he didn't want to drop anything on his pregnant wife. Then he'd grin and we'd both kind of laugh because that idea was so strange. He'd stare at my belly and say, "There's a baby in there". I think it took us until that first ultrasound at 8 weeks- seeing that little gummy bear on the screen and hearing that loud, strong heart beat- to realize that we were having a baby.

When we walked out of the doctor's office in early December, August 2 felt so far away. There were some days when I just knew I was going to be pregnant for.ev.er. Before we knew it, we were 16 weeks along and heard our doctor say without a doubt, "See that? That's a boy!". Then we were 20 weeks- how were we already halfway there? In a blink we reached the third trimester... and in less than 48 hours, our sweet boy will take his first breath. The thing that scares me about time passing so fast while I'm pregnant is that I know it will pass even faster after he's born. 

Wasn't is just last summer that Tevie asked for my phone number for the first time? Wasn't it just yesterday we were planning our wedding? Wasn't it just last week we closed on our house? How have we already been together for seven years, married FIVE(!) years, and homeowners for three? How is my little brother getting his driver's permit and my sister getting married? I don't like all this growing up.

Last night, as usual, I lay down to sleep and Dane got the hiccups. It's the weirdest thing- it seriously happens a couple times a week, always when I lay down to sleep. My first thought was one of frustration, "but I'm tired, buddy, and I'm going to be up a minimum of two times to pee! I need to sleep"... Then I realized, I only have two more nights of hiccups, two more nights of four trips to the bathroom, two more nights of not sleeping on my belly. I have 48 hours to treasure every little move he makes in my belly. Forty-eight hours of not having to share him with anyone else. So, today I'm treasuring my swollen feet. I'm rubbing my belly all day. I'm tickling that little foot when it kicks me in the ribs. 

I'm taking in every smile, laugh and silly song my husband sings- his last before he's someone's daddy. I'm treasuring our final evenings of snuggling on the couch watching episode after episode of our latest Netflix addiction. My eyes well with tears when I see his excitement. My heart swells with love when he holds me close, rubs my belly and talks to Dane. I hope that Dane has his daddy's black curls and bright blue eyes, but I pray he has his gentle presence, loving heart and attitude of service and stewardship. There is no man in the entire world I would rather be the father of my children. He is everything I ever hoped for, dreamed of... and so much more. 

We have prayed for this sweet boy's perfection since before we knew he existed. In the name of Jesus, I have prayed away colic, reflux, and every other ailment I could think of. In the same great name of Jesus I have claimed that he will be a good sleeper, have a strong latch, that we will have a healthy delivery, quick recovery and that he is practically perfect in every way. I am truly amazed that you can love someone so much, even before you ever see their little face. 

Dane Gooden, you are loved to the moon and back. Enjoy your last few quiet hours in that warm, cozy, germ-free environment (can you tell I am STRESSED about germs and my sweet boy?!). You have more love waiting on you than you can possibly fathom in that 98th percentile brain of yours. 

We covet your prayers as we welcome our sweet boy this weekend. 

Blessings,

--Allysa

Baby in a Week!

Today our doctor scheduled my c-section for July 23rd. We'll have one more visit to check for dilation/effacement but he said not to get our hopes up. Of course, I serve a God who is able to do abundantly more than all we ask or imagine- and I know if anyone can make a cervix dilate it's The One who created it! :) So, we hope you will join us in prayer for that this week. I do know that God is completely in control and His plan for Dane's birth is so much better than any that I could create. Does that mean I don't work myself into a tizzy? No. Hello! I am a control-freak! In fact, even my doctor laughed at me today because I'd already called his nurse to check his schedule for next week. I knew if he was on call next weekend he could do the section on Saturday. He probably thinks I'm crazy... oh well. :)

July 23rd was my Papa's birthday. He would have been 93 this year. Dane's first name, Perry, is in honor of him. My grandfather was an exceptional man. He loved his wife, his family, every animal that ever walked the planet, and most of all, he loved Jesus. I hope that sharing his name and birthday gives Dane just an ounce of his character and gentle spirit. While a section is not my ideal way to birth my baby, I am glad to know that all of our family will be able to be there with us and share in this special day. I have been stressed since my parents drove off for Arizona ten days ago that my mom would miss Dane's birth. Even though she won't be in the room with us during surgery, she won't miss the specialness of the day. And if he does decide to come early, they left Arizona this morning so I know they'll be back in time to see the big debut!

It's beyond exciting (and a little nerve-wracking!) to know that our sweet boy will be here in ONE WEEK! His room is now completely finished. I've spent the last few days working on all the little finishing touches.

I found this cute lion cookie jar at a little junk shop in town. I thought he was so precious and would make a great place to throw all those random little items that pile up. I painted him orange and he's perched atop the changing table. I think he adds a fun, whimsy touch along with the puppy paintings.

Speaking of puppies, Elphie loves to model in front of hers. I can't believe how well Jess captured her facial expressions! Love her heart. Does she even KNOW what's about to hit her house next week?

I looked far and wide for curtains and found some I like. I am obviously not a photographer and should work with better equipment than a Blackberry camera, but these at least give an idea. The burlap panel with the leather chair makes the room feel a little more rugged, I think. Great for a boy's room. The banner on the toy basket was made by a friend for one of our showers. It was so fun and cute I had to find a place to display it. Tevie loves to sit in Dane's room... we both do, actually. It's a calming, nearly surreal place. It's still hard to believe we're having a baby!

The lamp cost me $1.67 at Goodwill plus the cost of a can of orange spray paint! Each little bookcase if filled with books and special toys. The curtain panel behind one of the bookcases matches his bedding and adds just enough pattern that I don't feel overwhelmed by circus animals. I learned last weekend that Tevie's room was done in jungle animals too. His mom gave us two of the stuffed animals she kept on his shelf. I love that Dane has some special toys that were once his daddy's. 

Finally, this mommy is ready to have this little boy! :) Tevie and I talked this morning about how blessed we've been to have a pregnany free from complications. Sure, my feet are swollen and my heartburn is yucky and no, I haven't slept in about a week, but I'm textbook normal (ha! how many times do I get to say that about myself?!) as far as pregnany symptoms go. 

Mom and I spent the afternoon together while she was in town and got pedicures, I had my hair highlighted yesterday, our bags are packed and in the car, carseat is installed- I think we are ready for this boy! It's exciting- and really hard to believe that it's nearly over! When you're pregnant you feel like you're going to be pregnant forever. I wonder if people will still offer to carry my groceries, let me cut in line in the restroom, and just be generally nice- hopefully as long as I'm toting my chubby little baby they will! :)

The real reward is holding my sweet, perfectly healthy baby boy in one week, but this momma is also eager to have a glass of wine, go out for sushi, wear shoes because they're cute not because they're all that fits, sleep on my belly and go for a run! Of course, with a c-section it may take some time for some of those things on my wish list, but, ahhhh, it won't be long! :) 

One more week, Dane! Unless you want to come a little early, which wouldn't bother us one bit!

control...or the lack thereof (37weeks)

I had a long chat with a good friend today who playfully said, "You had to know God was going to do something to remind you that you were not the one in control of this situation!" Man, is she right!!! My sweet boy hasn't taken his first breath of air in this big, germy world and I've already made decisions about everything in his first sixty years six months.

I'm a reader by nature, but when it comes to something I'm passionate about I will read everything I can find. I may just be the most well-read woman on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Tevie says that I start every sentence with "I read that..." I love being informed... more than that, I love being in control. When I'm educated on a topic, I feel I have the authority to speak up, ask questions or just say no. I wasn't going to walk into that hospital and just let those nurses and doctors make all of the decisions about my baby's first few days of life. I wanted to know why they'll give him eye drops, a vitamin K shot, a Hep B vaccine, a bath and circumcision all in the first 24 hours. And who are they to make that decision for me? I've carried him around for 9 months- shouldn't I, I mean "we" (sorry, Tev! There I go again...) get to call the shots regarding what happens to him after he takes his first breath?

And that's when the Lord laid a c-section in front of me. "This was NOT in my plan, Lord! NOT, NOT, NOT!" I feel like such a failure. This is one thing a woman's body was created to do and thanks to a baby built like a linebacker and a history of bladder complications and surgeries, I can't do what I was meant to do. It just doesn't seem fair. I have cried and cried and cried. I didn't sleep the night after we met with the doctor. Saturday morning, wide-awake and teary-eyed at 5am, I got up, grabbed my bible and curled up on the couch to read. And this is what God opened the pages to:

Proverbs 16: 1, 9 and 33:
We can make our own plans,
      but the Lord gives the right answer.
⁹ We can make our plans,
      but the Lord determines our steps.
³³ We may throw the dice,^[a]
      but the Lord determines how they fall.

 I had already walked two miles trying to walk this baby out. I had cried and cried, talked with girlfriends and my parents, read up on c-sections. BUT it was not going to happen to me. This baby was coming out the way I have already planned on, God! 
These verses were a gentle (okay, not so gentle, I kinda felt like he was screaming at me!) reminder that yes, Allysa, you make your plans. In fact, you're pretty good at getting organized and making plans, but you are not The One who sets those plans in motion... even though you think you are. 

If I trust God to give me strength and peace through a natural delivery, why would I not trust Him to hold me and comfort me through a c-section. He created the c-section just as much as he created the birth canal! :) So, while I pray that our doctor, who said I only have a 5% chance of delivering this baby on my own, is shocked when I walk in dilated and ready to have this big boy early, I also pray for God's will to be done. I know that He already knows the exact moment that Dane will take his first breath. 

Isn't it funny that Dane's not even here yet, and I'm already learning my first lesson in letting go and letting God lead me through parenting? I stand utterly astounded sometimes at how well He knows me. How amazing that the God of the universe cares enough to love me, teach me, and save me? He is so Good.  

yard crashers

With the help of Tevie's very generous and loving parents, we now have a beautifully landscaped back yard! It was hot, hard work but we have a cute little spot to enjoy- and it adds definite curb appeal to our little home. It was the end of the day so the lighting isn't very good. Better pictures to come!