I am not usually one to post simply because I haven't in awhile, but I really feel the need to sweep a few cobwebs out of here before the big 6 month update (coming soon!). We are blessed to have been SUPER BUSY lately, not only with our sweet Mikayla in all her solid-food-eating glory (and the corresponding...diaper changes, if you will), but also enjoying tons of good food and fellowship during this beautiful Lancaster summer.
We were sad to say goodbye to my sister, her husband, and their two little ones (well...one is still inside Brittany's tummy for ease of transport, but he counts!) as they moved away about a week ago. They have been on a whirlwind adventure with Kory's Chick Fil A manager training program, which involved a three-week class in Atlanta followed by a graduation-day assignment. Meaning, yes, they found out on a Friday just when and where he would begin a new job. So that you catch the full impact of this, Brittany is entering her third trimester of pregnancy and they had the possibility of being placed anywhere. in. the. country. Mercy. So...it turns out, they had all of four days to get their hineys not to the west coast, but to our old stomping ground of western PA! That's right, they were assigned to a store in the Monroeville mall, so that my parents are easily able to help with Khloe and all the new baby hoo-ha come September. The Lord just continues to provide, provide, provide. As I said to Brittany, isn't it funny how He is always faithful, just like He promises, and somehow we always seem to feel amazed and relieved when He does? How just like a wee, little human being I am.
The upshot to saying goodbye is that I was blessed to spend some extra time with Brittany and Khloe (while Kory was at his class) helping them to pack up. We shared some meals together (with Kory, too) in the last days since I personally boxed her entire kitchen and just didn't think it would be right to sentence her to nothing but Chinese takeout in her condition. (Although thinking about this now...Chinese food while pregnant is basically like heaven. So, sorry Britt!) And Brittany and Kory decided to bless us like CRAZY by unloading their dining room table and widescreen TV on us, since they are moving to a furnished place. Honestly, I am more excited about the table because it has allowed us to extend hospitality that was previously impossible for us, especially in our Church of Large Families. Well that and we have to give the TV back eventually...
What else am I thankful for?
Our sweet friend Deborah who babysat (and washed our dishes. Seriously people.) and allowed Joel and me to go concerting and fireworking at Long's Park on Sunday night.
Joel's parents who came to visit on the fourth, and the Troxells who helped us eat some delicious brats (and hot dogs for their girls, who are not brats, for the record).
A flexible job that allowed me to stay home today to get over a little stomach bug. And a sweet daughter who didn't mind lying on momma's bed and playing with the same four toys ALL day til dadda got home from work to mix things up a little. Best company I've ever had on a sick day!
The young ladies of our church who are turning out to be rather insightful and SO much fun to hang out with at our Bible studies and other events this summer. And their moms, who could not be more supportive and helpful of the girls' ministry endeavors as we seek to cultivate Proverbs 31 womanhood. I am really looking forward to baking pies this Friday with whoever can come!
I feel like I could go on and on, but right now I am singularly thankful for the sound of the back door and keys hitting the counter, that let me know Joel is home and ready to hang out (and maybe let me beat him at a game, since I was sick today.) Glory to God for His goodness to us, even when it takes the form of stomach bugs and bittersweet goodbyes...
Four Generations of Faithfulness
Last weekend, Mikayla spent some quality time with both of her great-grandmothers - one near, one far. My Grandma and Grandpa (Steele) stopped by via Skype, and were just in awe of how fantastically adorable, alert, and amazing Mikayla is. It was so precious to me, to watch the looks on their faces as they beheld their great-granddaughter. They couldn't take their eyes off her! I look forward to telling Mikayla that she visited them in Florida while she was still inside momma's belly. And I look forward to their first meeting with each other, which I hope is sometime soon!
And as if that weren't enough, Mikayla got to meet my Mama (Maclay) - live and in person! From the first moment, Mikayla kept turning her head toward Mama, smiling at her voice. She seemed to know from whence she came! Watching them together, as Mama held Mikayla in her lap and showed her the little bird she had brought for her...honestly, it brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet moment. I had to just sit quietly and take it in. You can see for yourself:
And the highlight of my weekend was having the Boucher/Maclay/Steele/Pearce mothers and daughters together for a photo.
Have you ever seen a more good-looking bunch? (Try to ignore the fact that Mikayla is muffin-topping her too-tight 3-6 month jeans, and that my bra strap decided to make a photo-bombing appearance.) Mama's beauty genes have really stood the test of time, and have swum determinedly through the strainer of natural selection. That, and we all have really good taste in husbands.
What it really makes me reflect on, though (far more than how gorgeous we all are), is the Lord's faithfulness through so many years. He has been so kind to us, starting even before Mama and continuing right down through Mikayla's first four months. I have no doubt that there were moments in the lives of our mothers and grandmothers, just as there have been in my own life, of weakness. Moments of doubting His goodness, of wondering when His kindness will end or believing that my sin might stand in the way of His grace. We have worked hard. We have suffered and endured hardships. But look at how He has continued to move His hand and to bring forth good things. What a reminder this photo is of His unchanging, eternal love for His elect. He has our ultimate good in mind, in all that He sends us. Thank God there is nothing I can do to thwart His purposes!
Soli Deo Gloria :)
And as if that weren't enough, Mikayla got to meet my Mama (Maclay) - live and in person! From the first moment, Mikayla kept turning her head toward Mama, smiling at her voice. She seemed to know from whence she came! Watching them together, as Mama held Mikayla in her lap and showed her the little bird she had brought for her...honestly, it brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet moment. I had to just sit quietly and take it in. You can see for yourself:
And the highlight of my weekend was having the Boucher/Maclay/Steele/Pearce mothers and daughters together for a photo.
Have you ever seen a more good-looking bunch? (Try to ignore the fact that Mikayla is muffin-topping her too-tight 3-6 month jeans, and that my bra strap decided to make a photo-bombing appearance.) Mama's beauty genes have really stood the test of time, and have swum determinedly through the strainer of natural selection. That, and we all have really good taste in husbands.
What it really makes me reflect on, though (far more than how gorgeous we all are), is the Lord's faithfulness through so many years. He has been so kind to us, starting even before Mama and continuing right down through Mikayla's first four months. I have no doubt that there were moments in the lives of our mothers and grandmothers, just as there have been in my own life, of weakness. Moments of doubting His goodness, of wondering when His kindness will end or believing that my sin might stand in the way of His grace. We have worked hard. We have suffered and endured hardships. But look at how He has continued to move His hand and to bring forth good things. What a reminder this photo is of His unchanging, eternal love for His elect. He has our ultimate good in mind, in all that He sends us. Thank God there is nothing I can do to thwart His purposes!
Soli Deo Gloria :)
This Four-Month Update is Late Because We've Been Busy Applying to Colleges
If my state of mind from the past week is any indication, this post will probably include a little of this, a little of that, and have no discernible organization. But at least you'll be updated!
First, Mikayla Grace had her four-month birthday last week (on May 12, for those keeping score at home). Our new pediatrician doesn't do weigh-ins at the immunization visits, so near as I can figure she is at least 15 pounds according to our super-precise bathroom scale, whose numbers and hash marks I can barely see from my towering height of completely average. I have to wonder how my vertically gifted husband comes up with any sort of reliable data when he uses the thing.
I digress. But you were fairly warned.
Due to a growth spurt in the last few weeks, Mikayla is now into the next size of diaper prefolds, which will fit her until she hits 30 lbs. She is on the fence with regard to diaper covers; I feel sort of bad for the smalls as we streeeeetch them around her tush, but the mediums are still a little overkill. This is why I think she is a little more than 15 pounds - the mediums are supposed to start at 18 pounds, and are only the slightest bit big. In clothing, just today I started to put away her 3-6 month things. Some of them still fit (dresses, onesies that run big), but she is definitely into her 6-9 month pajamas. Somehow I only have one pair of 6 month jammies, so I pulled out the 6-9 as well and...they are not nearly as ridiculous on her as they should be. She is so long! Her thighs are just starting to chunk out, but for the most part she is an athletic, agile little peanut.
At four months, Mikayla rolls easily from front to back. She pulls her feet in, sticking her bottom in the air, and then topples over. Sometimes she stops halfway and hangs out on her side. The best part is that she only rolls when she should be falling asleep. We have caved at times to the pressure of her pitiful wails when she is in her crib like a turtle on its back. When, oh when, will she learn to flip back over? And she refuses to roll on command, so we may not have photographic evidence until she starts kindergarten. Mikayla also expresses her kinesthetic genius by holding - yes HOLDING - her toys. I can say with the humility of a first-time momma that your child has never grasped a rattle nor shaken a linky toy with the sheer brilliance that Mikayla demonstrates. You can just see in her eyes that she is thinking very deeply about her every move. (Hmm...I just realized this could also be interpreted as a sign of slowness...nah. Denial, it's not just a river in Egypt. [That one's way funnier out loud. Oh shoot, where was my train of thought?]) Oh right - Mikayla is just constantly learning about her little, rapidly-growing world!
I am also pleased to report that we have *drumroll* a SCHEDULE!! Well, if you don't count the past few weeks when Mikayla had that growth spurt and that nasty head cold. And if you sort of disregard the crying fits at bedtime. I guess this is like saying that except for the exceptions, we have a rule. But still - she gets up like clockwork around 7 a.m. (praise the Lord she has bumped it back a little from 6:30!), naps at 8:45 for at least an hour, often two. Afternoon naps are briefer and move around a little, but it's normal for those to develop a little later than the morning nap according to my hero, Dr. Weissbluth. (Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child = the sleep & schedule Bible of first-time parents.) We also discovered the beauty of leaving her in bed for a good ten minutes when she appears to be stirring...she has turned 45-minute naps into 2.5-hour naps by falling back asleep.
Mikayla's little personality is absolutely delightful. Joel has made a habit of peeking into her room each morning before he goes for his shower. This is usually a little before 7 a.m., and he tells me that she is usually flipped onto her back and awake at that point. And when she sees dadda peeking into her crib, she goes absolutely BANANAS with smiles and wiggles. It is their special moment before he heads off to work and before I get her up for the day. Then we spend our mornings together playing, cuddling, nursing, and napping before I get ready for work myself. It is so precious to me that Joel can be with her while I'm gone, and makes it so much easier for me to be back at work part-time.
I have been saving the most momentous update for last. Are you ready for this? Mikayla has been drooling for at least the past month, chewing on her hands and having mystifying crying spells at bedtime. We suspected teething, but saw nary an incisor on which to place the blame. Then, just last night, I arrived home to Joel changing her into her jammies and he pointed out what we've all been waiting for. Mikayla Grace, my sweet little baby who was only just born, has not one, but TWO bottom teeth poking through her gums!! I scooped her up and hugged her tight, and wondered who would be showing up on our doorstep next week asking for her hand in marriage. Joel thought that was a bit much, but doesn't it feel like they grow up right before our eyes?
Oh, and if you think I have photographic evidence of the teeth, you have obviously never attempted to photograph the inside of a baby's mouth. If you don't have a baby handy, try nailing jello to the wall with one hand and snapping a clear shot with the other. Email me the result and we will all have a good laugh at your expense.
Aaaaand you're up to date with Mikayla Grace! Thanks for stopping by!
SDG!
First, Mikayla Grace had her four-month birthday last week (on May 12, for those keeping score at home). Our new pediatrician doesn't do weigh-ins at the immunization visits, so near as I can figure she is at least 15 pounds according to our super-precise bathroom scale, whose numbers and hash marks I can barely see from my towering height of completely average. I have to wonder how my vertically gifted husband comes up with any sort of reliable data when he uses the thing.
I digress. But you were fairly warned.
Due to a growth spurt in the last few weeks, Mikayla is now into the next size of diaper prefolds, which will fit her until she hits 30 lbs. She is on the fence with regard to diaper covers; I feel sort of bad for the smalls as we streeeeetch them around her tush, but the mediums are still a little overkill. This is why I think she is a little more than 15 pounds - the mediums are supposed to start at 18 pounds, and are only the slightest bit big. In clothing, just today I started to put away her 3-6 month things. Some of them still fit (dresses, onesies that run big), but she is definitely into her 6-9 month pajamas. Somehow I only have one pair of 6 month jammies, so I pulled out the 6-9 as well and...they are not nearly as ridiculous on her as they should be. She is so long! Her thighs are just starting to chunk out, but for the most part she is an athletic, agile little peanut.
Mikayla at 3 months:
Mikayla at 4 months:
At four months, Mikayla rolls easily from front to back. She pulls her feet in, sticking her bottom in the air, and then topples over. Sometimes she stops halfway and hangs out on her side. The best part is that she only rolls when she should be falling asleep. We have caved at times to the pressure of her pitiful wails when she is in her crib like a turtle on its back. When, oh when, will she learn to flip back over? And she refuses to roll on command, so we may not have photographic evidence until she starts kindergarten. Mikayla also expresses her kinesthetic genius by holding - yes HOLDING - her toys. I can say with the humility of a first-time momma that your child has never grasped a rattle nor shaken a linky toy with the sheer brilliance that Mikayla demonstrates. You can just see in her eyes that she is thinking very deeply about her every move. (Hmm...I just realized this could also be interpreted as a sign of slowness...nah. Denial, it's not just a river in Egypt. [That one's way funnier out loud. Oh shoot, where was my train of thought?]) Oh right - Mikayla is just constantly learning about her little, rapidly-growing world!
I am also pleased to report that we have *drumroll* a SCHEDULE!! Well, if you don't count the past few weeks when Mikayla had that growth spurt and that nasty head cold. And if you sort of disregard the crying fits at bedtime. I guess this is like saying that except for the exceptions, we have a rule. But still - she gets up like clockwork around 7 a.m. (praise the Lord she has bumped it back a little from 6:30!), naps at 8:45 for at least an hour, often two. Afternoon naps are briefer and move around a little, but it's normal for those to develop a little later than the morning nap according to my hero, Dr. Weissbluth. (Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child = the sleep & schedule Bible of first-time parents.) We also discovered the beauty of leaving her in bed for a good ten minutes when she appears to be stirring...she has turned 45-minute naps into 2.5-hour naps by falling back asleep.
Mikayla's little personality is absolutely delightful. Joel has made a habit of peeking into her room each morning before he goes for his shower. This is usually a little before 7 a.m., and he tells me that she is usually flipped onto her back and awake at that point. And when she sees dadda peeking into her crib, she goes absolutely BANANAS with smiles and wiggles. It is their special moment before he heads off to work and before I get her up for the day. Then we spend our mornings together playing, cuddling, nursing, and napping before I get ready for work myself. It is so precious to me that Joel can be with her while I'm gone, and makes it so much easier for me to be back at work part-time.
I have been saving the most momentous update for last. Are you ready for this? Mikayla has been drooling for at least the past month, chewing on her hands and having mystifying crying spells at bedtime. We suspected teething, but saw nary an incisor on which to place the blame. Then, just last night, I arrived home to Joel changing her into her jammies and he pointed out what we've all been waiting for. Mikayla Grace, my sweet little baby who was only just born, has not one, but TWO bottom teeth poking through her gums!! I scooped her up and hugged her tight, and wondered who would be showing up on our doorstep next week asking for her hand in marriage. Joel thought that was a bit much, but doesn't it feel like they grow up right before our eyes?
Oh, and if you think I have photographic evidence of the teeth, you have obviously never attempted to photograph the inside of a baby's mouth. If you don't have a baby handy, try nailing jello to the wall with one hand and snapping a clear shot with the other. Email me the result and we will all have a good laugh at your expense.
Aaaaand you're up to date with Mikayla Grace! Thanks for stopping by!
SDG!
June Cleaver Without the Heels
Readers, there is a blog on the interweb that is even more fantastic than mine. It is called Heavenly Homemakers, and I think it is the blog equivalent of my soulmate. This lady posts recipes for things that seem complicated or difficult or at least impressive to make from scratch, and they are almost always healthy. She emphasizes whole food ingredients like honey and whole wheat, and teaches how to make staples like homemade peanut butter and homemade yogurt. (Bonus: she is even funnier than I am!) And guess what. Although these sound like the sorts of things that make you think, "That is for women who wear long dresses and aprons and spend all day up to their elbows in flour," (because that was totally my first reaction, too), it is EASY to make this stuff!
Example: Homemade peanut butter.
Recipe: Place peanuts in food processor. Push the button until it looks like peanut butter. No seriously, that's it. Unless you want to stir in some honey. (Full disclosure: I ordered a food processor on Amazon about fifteen seconds after reading this "recipe". Not only because I could make homemade peanut butter with it, but also because I loathe chopping things and figured it was about time to make the investment.)
Example 2: Homemade yogurt.
Recipe: Place 3/4 cup plain yogurt into a glass jar with 1 quart milk. Shake. Place in a cooler full of hot water and leave for seven hours. Try not to forget that it's there. (I added that last part.) Add vanilla, honey, fruit, etc. if you want flavor.
So guess what I undertook today? I was perusing her dessert recipes (where did you think I would start, seriously?) I saw the Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie recipe and thought, oh, too bad I don't have any chocolate chips! Turns out, the Heavenly Homemaker has a fix for that, too. Homemade chocolate chips! Which I made immediately, and while they were chilling, I decided to make Mudballs instead of the peanut butter cookies. This is my new (healthy!!) alternative to whipping up no-bakes when we are craving dessert. Mudballs contain peanut butter, honey, wheat germ, oats, and (homemade) chocolate chips. And sesame seeds or any type of seeds, but I am not really a seed kind of girl and didn't have any on hand.
Here's how things turned out: (If you compare photos, mine turned out runnier than hers. I am not sure why but they hardened nicely in the fridge and are dang tasty.)
So please, continue with your day and be sure to feel terribly impressed with me. Because I took all of eight minutes to make chocolate chips (plus the two hours they spent in the refrigerator not requiring my attention) and a full ten minutes to make Mudballs.
As soon as I obtain some glass quart jars, I fully intend to make yogurt. It is one of our weekly splurges because it is delish and we only eat the all-natural stuff. So if I can make it at home out of our cheap, farm fresh raw milk, I consider that a homemaking WIN. And then the other ladies at church will be totally justified in their envious murmurings because I am such a kitchen prodigy.
Hopefully there is a blog out there that can help me with humility, too...
Example: Homemade peanut butter.
Recipe: Place peanuts in food processor. Push the button until it looks like peanut butter. No seriously, that's it. Unless you want to stir in some honey. (Full disclosure: I ordered a food processor on Amazon about fifteen seconds after reading this "recipe". Not only because I could make homemade peanut butter with it, but also because I loathe chopping things and figured it was about time to make the investment.)
Example 2: Homemade yogurt.
Recipe: Place 3/4 cup plain yogurt into a glass jar with 1 quart milk. Shake. Place in a cooler full of hot water and leave for seven hours. Try not to forget that it's there. (I added that last part.) Add vanilla, honey, fruit, etc. if you want flavor.
So guess what I undertook today? I was perusing her dessert recipes (where did you think I would start, seriously?) I saw the Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie recipe and thought, oh, too bad I don't have any chocolate chips! Turns out, the Heavenly Homemaker has a fix for that, too. Homemade chocolate chips! Which I made immediately, and while they were chilling, I decided to make Mudballs instead of the peanut butter cookies. This is my new (healthy!!) alternative to whipping up no-bakes when we are craving dessert. Mudballs contain peanut butter, honey, wheat germ, oats, and (homemade) chocolate chips. And sesame seeds or any type of seeds, but I am not really a seed kind of girl and didn't have any on hand.
Here's how things turned out: (If you compare photos, mine turned out runnier than hers. I am not sure why but they hardened nicely in the fridge and are dang tasty.)
So please, continue with your day and be sure to feel terribly impressed with me. Because I took all of eight minutes to make chocolate chips (plus the two hours they spent in the refrigerator not requiring my attention) and a full ten minutes to make Mudballs.
As soon as I obtain some glass quart jars, I fully intend to make yogurt. It is one of our weekly splurges because it is delish and we only eat the all-natural stuff. So if I can make it at home out of our cheap, farm fresh raw milk, I consider that a homemaking WIN. And then the other ladies at church will be totally justified in their envious murmurings because I am such a kitchen prodigy.
Hopefully there is a blog out there that can help me with humility, too...
A Tale of Two Easters
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
It's hard for us to believe that just last Easter we were dealing with the heart-wrenching reality of death and miscarriage. I woke up last Easter morning to a grieving wife, who had started to miscarry overnight. And this after years of struggling with infertility, doubt, and fear. Looking back, we are thankful that it happened on Resurrection Sunday, which helped temper the grief and helped force our tear-stained eyes to our risen Lord, the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Easter will never be the same, as we experienced for the first time this year. We were reminded afresh of the searing pain we experienced, mixed with longing for the future resurrection. Our dross is being consumed, and our gold is being refined. As if God's faithfulness and covenant promises to us weren't enough, we also had another profound reason to be joyful this Easter. Her name is Mikayla Grace. We gave her that name for a reason, for truly, who is like God, lavishing blessings on his undeserving children? From death he brings life; from mourning he brings dancing; from grief he brings gladness.
It has taken us a year to "go public" about this, mainly because it has been so difficult for us. I don't write this with the purpose of gaining sympathy or comfort, though prayers are appreciated. I write so that you will rejoice with us in our only comfort in life and in death: that we are not our own, but belong, body and soul, to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
Who is like the Lord our God,
who is seated on high,
who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
-From Psalm 113
who is seated on high,
who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
-From Psalm 113
Happy Birthday to Me!
Some women treat themselves to a little something special on their birthdays. A mani/pedi, a massage, perhaps something as simple as enjoying a little extra chocolate. The world tells us, you deserve it! Indulge! Pamper!
Apparently such ideas are too tame for this momma. Would you like to know what I treated myself to for my birthday?
It all started with my first attempt at making wings on Monday. I went with Frank's Red Hot medium buffalo wing sauce. Baked, not fried, and garnished with bleu cheese dressing. Mmmm!! Joel and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner, and I patted myself on the back for branching out into the world of delicious finger foods.
Little did I know that I was setting myself up for the birthday of birthdays.
Oh, I know what you're thinking. I was totally fine. No digestive issues here, I can handle the Frank's. Little Mikayla? Not so much.
I knew something was up when she wouldn't go back to sleep after her 7 a.m. feeding. I wasn't sure whether my big three month old girl was just changing her sleep schedule a little, or just having an off day, but she certainly cleared that question up for me in short order. Not only did she not go back to sleep, but she screamed like I was asking her to sleep on somebody else's sheets. (Serious business. I gave birth to a little Princess and the Pea. I think she can smell the difference between fragrance-free detergents.)
Ooooh the inhumanity of it all! We found a few minutes of peace when I laid her on her back instead of her tummy, but soon she was wailing and thrashing again. My usually sunny morning-person daughter had a disposition to match the stormy weather outside.
We spent the next six hours alternating between tenuous contentment and heartwrenching misery. She typically naps like a champ, but yesterday she would not fall asleep except in my arms, and that only for about ten minutes at a stretch. Joel came home to both of us asleep on the couch, since I didn't get my usual booster shot of beauty sleep from 7-9 a.m.
I must have started five different projects. I folded half the laundry, leaving it strewn on the coffee table when she became particularly upset. I had a couple of loads sitting in the washer and dryer. I showered quickly, leaving her to her own devices for ten minutes. My makeup was out on the bathroom counter, but I had to dash off without applying any. My hair....well. Anyway. I started to take her temperature...er...down there, but she promptly peed ALL OVER the thermometer, my hand, the changing pad. The morning was a total wash in the traditional sense, as I devoted myself to constantly soothing my daughter.
So, Joel arrived home, waking me from my gentle slumber on the couch. I realized that I needed to get ready for work, like, pronto, so I tried again to place Mikayla in her crib. No deal. Leaving Joel to help her, I raced around to make myself presentable and finish what little I could. Meanwhile barking the details of Mikayla's morning to Joel so he would know just what he was in for. He helpfully suggested feeding her before I left. Allow me to note that when I attempted to feed her in the morning, she only screamed harder until she was SO starved that she finally ate. Fantastic. Let's try that again!
She did eat. That is the good news. The so-so news is that her eating stimulated a rather....significant digestive event. With a little training that girl could have sharted the alphabet. (Shart = poo + gas at the same time, for those who are older than twelve.) I thought, maybe that will take care of things! But upon checking it out, there appeared to be some...issues with the poo. *reminds self this is a public blog, and censors details*
Then, because I wasn't frazzled enough, we decided to rush her to the pediatrician's office to make sure everything was ok. Between worrying about Mikayla and juggling phone calls to cancel and reschedule my appointments, it was not quite the birthday I had pictured.
Thankfully, Mikayla got the all-clear from the pediatrician (diagnosis: the buffalo wings. The doctor had to call it "colic" for billing purposes, but let's be honest.). Yes, fair reader, with a single shake of a Frank's bottle I personally ensured gastric fireworks for my daughter and one heck of a birthday for myself. Oh, and did I mention that our pediatrician doesn't accept our new insurance? Cheers to Eden Park Pediatrics, please treat yourself to a lovely spa weekend, courtesy of our out-of-pocket fee.
But you know what? God is good. Mikayla is fine. Joel stopped for a Sheetz sub and Sonic shake for me on the way home. And I beat Joel at Backgammon last night after work (except for the times when he beat me).
Who ever said my birthday should be flawless and stress-free? Why shouldn't it be a reminder of all the ways God provides in the midst of my frazzled humanness? If this day was a sample of what's to come in my next year of life, I'd say we are in good shape indeed. A God who is faithful and a husband who serves me and our daughter. Who needs birthday presents? (Well...I'll be honest, the milkshake didn't hurt...)
[In other news, they weighed Mikayla at the doc's office and she is 13 lb 11 oz at three months old. Just thought you should know.]
SDG!
Apparently such ideas are too tame for this momma. Would you like to know what I treated myself to for my birthday?
It all started with my first attempt at making wings on Monday. I went with Frank's Red Hot medium buffalo wing sauce. Baked, not fried, and garnished with bleu cheese dressing. Mmmm!! Joel and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner, and I patted myself on the back for branching out into the world of delicious finger foods.
Little did I know that I was setting myself up for the birthday of birthdays.
Oh, I know what you're thinking. I was totally fine. No digestive issues here, I can handle the Frank's. Little Mikayla? Not so much.
I knew something was up when she wouldn't go back to sleep after her 7 a.m. feeding. I wasn't sure whether my big three month old girl was just changing her sleep schedule a little, or just having an off day, but she certainly cleared that question up for me in short order. Not only did she not go back to sleep, but she screamed like I was asking her to sleep on somebody else's sheets. (Serious business. I gave birth to a little Princess and the Pea. I think she can smell the difference between fragrance-free detergents.)
Ooooh the inhumanity of it all! We found a few minutes of peace when I laid her on her back instead of her tummy, but soon she was wailing and thrashing again. My usually sunny morning-person daughter had a disposition to match the stormy weather outside.
We spent the next six hours alternating between tenuous contentment and heartwrenching misery. She typically naps like a champ, but yesterday she would not fall asleep except in my arms, and that only for about ten minutes at a stretch. Joel came home to both of us asleep on the couch, since I didn't get my usual booster shot of beauty sleep from 7-9 a.m.
I must have started five different projects. I folded half the laundry, leaving it strewn on the coffee table when she became particularly upset. I had a couple of loads sitting in the washer and dryer. I showered quickly, leaving her to her own devices for ten minutes. My makeup was out on the bathroom counter, but I had to dash off without applying any. My hair....well. Anyway. I started to take her temperature...er...down there, but she promptly peed ALL OVER the thermometer, my hand, the changing pad. The morning was a total wash in the traditional sense, as I devoted myself to constantly soothing my daughter.
So, Joel arrived home, waking me from my gentle slumber on the couch. I realized that I needed to get ready for work, like, pronto, so I tried again to place Mikayla in her crib. No deal. Leaving Joel to help her, I raced around to make myself presentable and finish what little I could. Meanwhile barking the details of Mikayla's morning to Joel so he would know just what he was in for. He helpfully suggested feeding her before I left. Allow me to note that when I attempted to feed her in the morning, she only screamed harder until she was SO starved that she finally ate. Fantastic. Let's try that again!
She did eat. That is the good news. The so-so news is that her eating stimulated a rather....significant digestive event. With a little training that girl could have sharted the alphabet. (Shart = poo + gas at the same time, for those who are older than twelve.) I thought, maybe that will take care of things! But upon checking it out, there appeared to be some...issues with the poo. *reminds self this is a public blog, and censors details*
Then, because I wasn't frazzled enough, we decided to rush her to the pediatrician's office to make sure everything was ok. Between worrying about Mikayla and juggling phone calls to cancel and reschedule my appointments, it was not quite the birthday I had pictured.
Thankfully, Mikayla got the all-clear from the pediatrician (diagnosis: the buffalo wings. The doctor had to call it "colic" for billing purposes, but let's be honest.). Yes, fair reader, with a single shake of a Frank's bottle I personally ensured gastric fireworks for my daughter and one heck of a birthday for myself. Oh, and did I mention that our pediatrician doesn't accept our new insurance? Cheers to Eden Park Pediatrics, please treat yourself to a lovely spa weekend, courtesy of our out-of-pocket fee.
But you know what? God is good. Mikayla is fine. Joel stopped for a Sheetz sub and Sonic shake for me on the way home. And I beat Joel at Backgammon last night after work (except for the times when he beat me).
Who ever said my birthday should be flawless and stress-free? Why shouldn't it be a reminder of all the ways God provides in the midst of my frazzled humanness? If this day was a sample of what's to come in my next year of life, I'd say we are in good shape indeed. A God who is faithful and a husband who serves me and our daughter. Who needs birthday presents? (Well...I'll be honest, the milkshake didn't hurt...)
[In other news, they weighed Mikayla at the doc's office and she is 13 lb 11 oz at three months old. Just thought you should know.]
SDG!
Maybe She'll Let Me Make Her Prom Dress
Hold onto your hot dogs, folks - momma learned to sew!
This is noteworthy. As some of you may know, I am good at lots of things. Walking while chewing gum, eating cupcakes, etc. But the things I am not good at, I really really just tank. Such things include, but are not limited to, statistics and sewing. I have had some far misses involving fabric and scissors (you read that correctly; I did not even get to the part where a needle was required.)
So imagine my delight when, today, for the first time in years, I operated a sewing machine with the result of a wearable, sewn-together item!
Now, granted, all I did was cut apart a pair of socks and re-sew to create a pair of very sock-like things. This is not exactly Home Ec. rocket science. But seriously. I have spent literally minutes envying people who can just throw together a little something to line a basket or cover a pillow, frustrated at my inability to make connections between the parts of my brain responsible for spatial reasoning and motor functioning. I sew about as well with my hands as I do with my feet. When you have a textile-related disability of this severity, coming up with two pieces of fabric that are joined with thread is really something.
But, thanks to our friends Chandra and Camille (who helped tremendously by repeatedly spitting out her pacifier and modeling her own Baby Legs), Mikayla and I magically transformed two pairs of adult knee socks into some adorable homemade Baby Legs! Behold:
Please note that I changed her into this outfit before heading to Chandra's place for our sewing tutorial, knowing that this onesie would match the to-be-created Baby Legs and that I would want her to look matchy and adorable as soon as they were finished. Please also note that I had not even snapped the onesie before she spit up all over herself. Finally, please note that I allowed my baby to wear her dirty onesie because I am nothing if not committed to matchy-and-adorableness. Even slightly soiled, matchy-and-adorableness. Please don't take away my momma membership card over this.
(I also happen to LOVE that she matches her crib sheet in this photo. WIN!!!) (What does it say about me that possibly my favorite photo of my daughter involves her rump rather than her face, because of a well coordinated color scheme?)
In summary, the magnitude of my neuroses is dwarfed only by my delight and gratitude to Chandra for helping me learn a new trick today. I told you this would become a blog post!
Now, off to pull my sewing machine out of the attic to see how many ways I can mess up what I learned not two hours ago...if I'm not on Facebook in thirty minutes, send someone with scissors to extract me...
This is noteworthy. As some of you may know, I am good at lots of things. Walking while chewing gum, eating cupcakes, etc. But the things I am not good at, I really really just tank. Such things include, but are not limited to, statistics and sewing. I have had some far misses involving fabric and scissors (you read that correctly; I did not even get to the part where a needle was required.)
So imagine my delight when, today, for the first time in years, I operated a sewing machine with the result of a wearable, sewn-together item!
Now, granted, all I did was cut apart a pair of socks and re-sew to create a pair of very sock-like things. This is not exactly Home Ec. rocket science. But seriously. I have spent literally minutes envying people who can just throw together a little something to line a basket or cover a pillow, frustrated at my inability to make connections between the parts of my brain responsible for spatial reasoning and motor functioning. I sew about as well with my hands as I do with my feet. When you have a textile-related disability of this severity, coming up with two pieces of fabric that are joined with thread is really something.
But, thanks to our friends Chandra and Camille (who helped tremendously by repeatedly spitting out her pacifier and modeling her own Baby Legs), Mikayla and I magically transformed two pairs of adult knee socks into some adorable homemade Baby Legs! Behold:
Please note that I changed her into this outfit before heading to Chandra's place for our sewing tutorial, knowing that this onesie would match the to-be-created Baby Legs and that I would want her to look matchy and adorable as soon as they were finished. Please also note that I had not even snapped the onesie before she spit up all over herself. Finally, please note that I allowed my baby to wear her dirty onesie because I am nothing if not committed to matchy-and-adorableness. Even slightly soiled, matchy-and-adorableness. Please don't take away my momma membership card over this.
(I also happen to LOVE that she matches her crib sheet in this photo. WIN!!!) (What does it say about me that possibly my favorite photo of my daughter involves her rump rather than her face, because of a well coordinated color scheme?)
In summary, the magnitude of my neuroses is dwarfed only by my delight and gratitude to Chandra for helping me learn a new trick today. I told you this would become a blog post!
Now, off to pull my sewing machine out of the attic to see how many ways I can mess up what I learned not two hours ago...if I'm not on Facebook in thirty minutes, send someone with scissors to extract me...
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