tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42693171554516608622024-03-05T08:16:37.751-05:00see bess runBesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.comBlogger351125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-50344124469216737072014-01-27T10:01:00.000-05:002014-02-07T15:31:20.870-05:00{four}<br />
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Today we remember a life we once knew four years ago, celebrating Josiah's birthday and home-going. <br />
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For the unaware - we found out about a week prior to Josiah being born that he would not live after birth. I was seven months pregnant when our 8+ pound third child entered this world, heart still beating, unable to take a breath on his own. We said hello and goodbye within minutes. <br />
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Having to give a child back to Jesus has been the most difficult thing I've ever done - hands down. Labor/delivery with the others (yes, even the eleven-pounder), the c-section with Josiah...those were walks in the park compared to letting him go. It's amazing how physical pain can fade, but emotions linger, cropping up from time to time, making for good days and bad days.<br />
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We already see God's hand in how this day is being redeemed. Our Josiah shares his birthday with two other close friends' children, and neither one of those friends had due dates very close to today. God knew what he was doing, and that hasn't changed. Just as David did when his child died (yup, it's true...check out 2 Samuel 12), we, too, trust that we will be with Josiah again someday.<br />
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For now, we are thankful for those who walked (and continue to walk) this road so closely with us. We are thankful for these three healthy, earthly blessings. <br />
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And we remember, continuing on with the new "normal" that we know.<br />
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Happy four years in Heaven, little man.<br />
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<br />Bess Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123706447980475296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-24161342284085523852014-01-14T10:17:00.000-05:002014-01-14T10:17:11.485-05:00A New Year<br />
Happy New Year!<br />
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Yes, a couple of weeks late. With three kiddos (two of whom have the typical winter colds), a dog, frozen winter pipes, a husband, and a job, that's pretty much the "lateness" that I average.<br />
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So, how about a little catch up?<br />
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Thanksgiving and Christmas were much-needed breaks, spent with family and friends and the busyness that the holiday season has to offer. We intentionally slowed down some, but definitely not enough. We're working on that!<br />
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My youngest baby will be turning one in less than a month. My oh my, how quickly the past 11 months went by! I'm sure many others can attest to that as well. The older I get, the faster life comes and goes. I'm working so hard at enjoying every moment (even while pulling the night shift with a crying, stuffy, teething, coughing baby). It doesn't stay this way very long!<br />
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This year holds so much change and adjustment, and we're taking it one day at a time. When I think about the dates coming up (my baby walking soon, the four-year anniversary of Josiah's birth/death, my second starting kindergarten, pending work trips, turning <strike>26</strike> <strike>31</strike> 35, races we are registered for, training to get in, parties to plan, etc., etc., etc.), it can all get so overwhelming. My goal is to enjoy everything and handle the hard things IN.THE.MOMENT. If I stress, it will pass me by quicker than I can blink, and I will gain nothing.<br />
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Remind me (and yourself) of that when you see me. We both probably need it. :)<br />
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Happy 2014!<br />
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<br />Bess Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123706447980475296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-69681848570478226352013-10-30T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T09:40:20.779-04:00Puppy Love<br />
We have a puppy for sale!<br />
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A female German Shorthaired Pointer. And she's a cute one, too!<br />
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No, no...<b>not </b>the kiddos...the<i> puppy's </i>for sale. Please stay focused.<br />
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But they do help with the advertising, don't they?<br />
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If you or someone you know is interested in a female GSP, shoot me an email. She will be ready to go toward the beginning of December.<br />
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:)<br />
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<br />Bess Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123706447980475296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-373640294727044612013-10-16T07:30:00.003-04:002013-10-16T07:30:26.318-04:00{eight}<br />
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She's eight years old today.<br />
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A beauty inside and out. A smarty-pants with maturity beyond her eight years. She's our only girl...an absolute Daddy's Girl.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(telling me to wait until SHE is ready)</i></span></div>
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Today, we celebrate our first-born and say goodbye to the booster seat in the car. (Seriously?? How did we get this old??)<br />
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We love you, Nae!!!<br />
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<br />Bess Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123706447980475296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-29226271632912913752013-08-27T09:26:00.003-04:002013-08-27T09:26:50.174-04:00Preschool<br />
It's now his turn...<br />
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He's off to his first preschool class this morning, so excited, a slightly hesitant look on his face when leaving him at the classroom door. I kept it cool, leaving before he saw me tear up.<br />
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His big sister showed him how to get in line to enter the room, nervously moving him to another spot, instructing him on what to say and do. Such a mother...a controlling, bossy-ish type of mother, ;o), but definitely loving and a bit worried about Caedon.<br />
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I know the boy will be fine. He's the social one, excited about preschool because he wants to "meet new friends." And my prayer is exactly that - that he will meet new children and continue to be who he is, letting love shine through!<br />
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<br />Bess Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123706447980475296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-22814463038540950802013-08-26T08:38:00.001-04:002013-08-26T08:38:29.536-04:002nd Grade<br />
And she's off...<br />
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New teacher, new adventures, new friends, catching up with old ones...so much in store for my Danae today.<br />
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Lord, protect my little girl as this school year begins, and help her to reflect You.<br />
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And prepare me for the start of my third part-time job: the onslaught of paperwork and "parent homework" that will surely meet me at 4:05pm today and occupy most of the evening.<br />
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Amen.<br />
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<br />Bess Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123706447980475296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-65577454526159166062013-08-24T20:47:00.000-04:002013-08-24T20:47:17.211-04:00Summer Goals and Milestones<br />
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It's hard to believe that in less than two days, my first-born starts 2nd grade. Then, the day after that, my second-born has his first day of preschool. Seriously, folks, where did this summer go??<br />
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When school ended in June, I noticed an uptick of Facebook posts about "surviving" summer with children home, and feeling "crazy" with children in the house, and parents counting down the days until school began again in August. I was on the other end - I had a hard time sending my girl off all day to first grade, trusting in others to care for her all.day.long without me, and I was grateful to have her home all day again, planning out trips to the library and some mini "field trips" in-between me being at the office and working from home. No, our summer days weren't all "Father Knows Best" Anderson family-ish. We had our fair share of sibling fights, meltdowns, claims of boredom, and irritation. But overall, it was a full, adventurous, purposeful summer, chock-full of swimming, playing, swinging, and growth.<br />
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Each of our kiddos accomplished a lot this summer, and the biggest goals for the older two were exciting to see. First, for Caedon - our laid-back (dare I say lazy) boy. ;o) He has a mind of his own and has always done things in his own time. We really wanted him to learn how to swim without arm swimmies/floaties, and we were (somewhat) working on it last summer. So, sometime in June, he announced that he didn't need his swimmies/floaties, proceeded to get in our neighbor's pool without them, and swam his heart out, arm floaty-free! He continually improved since that day and is officially an independent swimmer. :)<br />
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Next up: Danae riding a bike. This was a goal from last summer as well, but her fear got in the way and it never happened. She rides well...as long as the training wheels are still attached. After the recommendation of my friend Sarah to create our own Strider bike by removing the pedals and training wheels from her current bike (which is too small for her), Danae practiced balancing on our homemade Strider for most of the summer. Just this week we made a Craigslist find of the right bike size for her (sans training wheels) and picked it up. Wouldn't you know - within five minutes of having the bike at home, the girl hopped on and rode around the driveway and backyard like a pro. Whaaaat?? Goal #2 - checked off the list, just in time.<br />
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And Mr. Jude - well, he's a rolling, baby food-eating, babbling, maneuvering himself around the room boy these days. He just proved his "sitting on my own" skills and the beginning of "army crawling" today. Such a doll, such a little love.<br />
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Now we will go and enjoy what is, essentially, the last weekend of the summer, and start a new chapter next week!<br />
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<br />Bess Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123706447980475296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-54193426422337346902013-07-31T14:14:00.000-04:002013-07-31T14:14:28.577-04:00Five.<br />
Today my first-born son turned five. Talk about feeling old(ish)!<br />
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He told me this morning that he still felt like he was four. Please, my boy, stay that way!<br />
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I often tell Caedon to stop growing up and getting bigger and older. He lovingly responds with "I can't, Mom...that's the way God made us!" Oh, my heart. When did he stop calling me Mama or Mommy??<br />
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Caedon continues to be a fun-loving, physical, wrestle around, loud-talking, imaginative, curious, and friendly little boy. He makes friends with other children no matter where we go, often asking for playdates and inviting others over (sometimes we know about it, other times we don't). :o)<br />
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Pre-school is waiting for him in four short weeks. I'm sure I'll cry when I drop him off that morning...more growth, more change.<br />
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For today, we celebrate five years with our Caedon! We love you deeply!Bess Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10123706447980475296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-48997945709237842882013-06-11T09:42:00.004-04:002013-06-11T09:42:50.471-04:00Jude Benjamin<br />
Pardon the interruption. I've been nursing, snuggling, loving on the newest love in our house - on top of adjusting, working, and a lot more!<br />
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About four months ago we welcomed Jude into the world. What a joy he has been!<br />
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He weighed in at 11 pounds even and measured 22.5 inches long. My biggest baby, yet my fastest birth. I felt fantastic and wanted to go home that afternoon! Seriously, God worked miracles that day in so many ways...it blows my mind even thinking about it today.<br />
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Jude is loved on from sun up to sun down by his big brother and sister. They usually can't get enough of him!<br />
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While the transition from man-to-man to zone has been going well so far, I'm still learning how to juggle home, work, and personal time. These days the third area is getting the shaft in many ways (no time for hobbies, blogging, reading, etc.). But, as all mamas know, that's usually how it is for a little while! These days are few and will fly by before I know it...so I'm soaking in as much of these kiddos as I can get. :o)<br />
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-41537532426362587472013-01-30T14:47:00.000-05:002013-01-30T14:47:48.832-05:00Nesting Projects<br />
Well, the due date came...and went by two days ago! Since only about 5% of women actually have their babies on their due dates, I guess none of us should be that shocked. In reality, I was <i>wishing</i> that this large one would come a <i>wee </i>bit early, but I know he/she will come when he/she is ready!<br />
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In the meantime, we have been getting several projects done in our house. Not just the deep cleaning of baseboards and walls (yup, I checked that off the list)...it's the things we talk about doing for oh so long, but just never got around to completing. I tell ya, this "nesting" thing really helps get those pesky projects that are at the tail end of the list done!<br />
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Project #1: Reupholster the glider<br />
A couple of years ago, when Caedon was around two-ish years old, the poor boy got a nasty stomach virus and was sick in the night. I happened to be rocking him in the glider during one of his throw-up sessions, and the chair required de-cushioning and a washing. The cushions were never the same again. They turned into a mangled mess, especially the arm cushions, that could not easily be put back on the glider. In my laziness (and lack of sewing skills), I let it go and never fixed it.Until a few weeks ago. Our glider went from a cream-colored lump to one that I actually like.<br />
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Many thanks to the Jo-Ann's Fabric lady who talked me through the whole hot mess and gave me some confidence!) It's not perfect (I didn't measure anything...just lined it up and cut), but it fits and it works!<br />
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Project #2: Floor painting and area rug<br />
We live in a house that was built in 1852. Yes, it's ooooold. So, the floors that haven't been touched over the years are a soft pine, splintery and in need of some help. Our bedroom floor is one that we talked about painting and putting a darker-colored area rug or bound carpet down. A few weekends ago, we realized we didn't have anything planned for an entire Saturday afternoon and evening, so we ran to Lowe's/Home Depot and got to work.<br />
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Before:<br />
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Room emptied:<br />
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A coat of B-I-N primer down:<br />
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After:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Yes, that's clean laundry on the bed. A dose of reality for you.)</i></span></div>
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Thanks to my dear and talented friend <a href="http://aimee-weaver.blogspot.com/">Aimee</a>, who recommended B-I-N and text-coached me while we picked things out at the store. She rocks!<br />
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-36334831748165222532013-01-27T01:00:00.000-05:002013-01-27T08:59:10.480-05:00Three.<br />
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My, oh my...how time flies by.<br />
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He would have been 3 years old today. Even after three years and lots of healing, there's still (and probably always will be) a small hole in our hearts that can't be filled. Even having another baby so close to Josiah's birthday doesn't change it. And that's okay.<br />
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He will always be missed, always be loved, and always be celebrated.<br />
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Happy birthday, my boy.<br />
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-38404573898913433272013-01-09T13:22:00.003-05:002013-01-09T17:41:32.315-05:0037 weeks. Game on.<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With a little less than three weeks to go until the Due Date, I finally feel (somewhat) like I'm in the home stretch. Despite my feeling that I'd never get here, December flew right on by (hence, the lack of posts!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here - I'll provide you with some entertainment. Me, eight months pregnant, taken at the end of December:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLULFoWrAv5aBCjCj8QX3-ikT9DAfwnRuFillnkPnOWJQMiI0rY1KT6rwjZFX2Bqm1wuU84x4N_HVZnXeW1Vp-fU-UrH4oYv7G4-yV6FAZSIU8zvzElDAfHxsyjnpp7is5RTSA5XiZ-Q/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLULFoWrAv5aBCjCj8QX3-ikT9DAfwnRuFillnkPnOWJQMiI0rY1KT6rwjZFX2Bqm1wuU84x4N_HVZnXeW1Vp-fU-UrH4oYv7G4-yV6FAZSIU8zvzElDAfHxsyjnpp7is5RTSA5XiZ-Q/s320/IMG_1404.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yes, eight months, not 9+. I excited many a stranger at Christmastime, who wrongly assumed I'd have a Christmas baby. Even today, I was asked how much longer I had to go. My response: a little less than three weeks. Her response? A disappointed "oh...I thought maybe you'd say a couple of days." I'm carrying a rather heavy turkey, who probably weighs in at 8+ pounds this week. So, since 37 weeks is considered full-term, I say bring it, child! The bassinet is in place (thanks, <a href="http://stoltzfusinstrasburg.blogspot.com/">Janelle</a>!), gender neutral clothing is washed, and we're close (somewhat) to finalizing names <span style="font-size: x-small;">(yeah...you can pray about that one)</span>. Soon to be go time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-59020029577514328392012-11-15T13:27:00.001-05:002012-11-15T13:27:34.470-05:00Cutting back<br />
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I did it. Took the plunge. Put on my big girl pants (well...actually, these days most of my pants are big girl pants, given my size) and let go.<br />
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I quit my job this week. (Well, one of my jobs, at least.)<br />
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Yup...I gave my five-week's notice to my employer of almost two years. After much prayer, husband discussions, and thought, we came to the realization that caring for a newborn and two kiddos, plus maintaining a lacrosse club from home, staying on the school board and with the youth group, and then working part-time outside of the home would equal PURE.INSANITY. Every mom knows how much time it takes to feed a newborn, and then to keep two other littles alive and happy...well, the time percentages just weren't working out.<br />
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And even though I have this crazy thing with staying busy and being Wonder Woman, I'm <i>really </i>okay with letting this job go. While I enjoy the work I do, I'm realizing that this is just the chapter in life that I'm in. And I'm embracing it.<br />
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On to a baby update:<br />
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I'm now 29.5 weeks along, looking like I'm 33+ weeks. No, for real...my midwife and the specialist are all confirming that the bambino within is a big one, charting in the 99th percentile and weighing over 4 lbs already. Surpriiise, surpriiise, right? He/She is tracking to be on the bigger side, trying to keep up with his/her siblings (our babies were all bigger, thanks to my husband). ;o) Also, while this child is hydrops-free and not showing any of the issues our last baby experienced, he/she is "throwing us some curve balls", as the specialist says. There are two minor issues that the specialist spotted a few weeks ago, and thankfully neither one of those have worsened. They are expected to diminish and clear up, but we are being watched as a precaution.<br />
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So, that's the skinny (ha...skinny...not <i>quite </i>how I'm feeling these days, but regardless...). Life is good, and everyone is doing well and looking forward to the holidays, followed by this child's arrival. It's an exciting time!<br />
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-37985275384664180502012-10-16T00:28:00.000-04:002012-10-16T09:27:59.084-04:00Seven {7}<br />
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I'm never sure where the time goes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cW4AjTs3GV9PJAZnkCjT_r2jm_9lkGDi4579EHl4O-SkZdymOTsMmFe5rf65xV-ItLRhJlIbB8vCIOatPCeoMPkuCMuo1gVGok1aqgN-gZkY1mLXf0VyMVtPweUI9Xa7ObvLU7tc0hE/s1600/Danae+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cW4AjTs3GV9PJAZnkCjT_r2jm_9lkGDi4579EHl4O-SkZdymOTsMmFe5rf65xV-ItLRhJlIbB8vCIOatPCeoMPkuCMuo1gVGok1aqgN-gZkY1mLXf0VyMVtPweUI9Xa7ObvLU7tc0hE/s320/Danae+baby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...but the memories are there. And they are precious.<br />
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Happy 7th Birthday to our daughter, Danae. First-born, fulfilling the tell-tale characteristics of such.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BPeFUdi9OWfzyPSc59eIR7f0F32oXzEaWX_c4pqUJmZ-Pma3c1xG27m5Kua2ZWS7I4rqxZUEmyPJUP2qVnQkz3JXXVTtUrMn9I7jODdHCK5S9G2FK53ZSwjJu1doHMi8DloPf97ToNM/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BPeFUdi9OWfzyPSc59eIR7f0F32oXzEaWX_c4pqUJmZ-Pma3c1xG27m5Kua2ZWS7I4rqxZUEmyPJUP2qVnQkz3JXXVTtUrMn9I7jODdHCK5S9G2FK53ZSwjJu1doHMi8DloPf97ToNM/s320/IMG_0317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Artsy and loves to create things. Helpful beyond compare. Mature and so intelligent for a seven-year-old little girl. And oh, so loved!<br />
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She's enjoying cupcakes with her classmates today, waiting for her mama and brother to show up for lunch at school later, excited to open her gifts from us before small group tonight.<br />
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Happy birthday, my girl.<br />
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-38286642608312464702012-09-26T15:44:00.001-04:002012-09-26T15:45:32.715-04:00September Update<br />
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So, based on my lack of posts, I'm sure you can tell that life's been busy. With school and activities in full-swing, it never seems to be boring in our household.<br />
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We took our final beach trip over Labor Day weekend...something we did the past couple of years. I say beach trip as if it's a big deal...but growing up on the beaches of NJ and having my parents who still live there is definitely a plus! And while it wasn't crazy-windy like last year, the waves were a bit overwhelming at times (I won't rehash the story...let's just say that my sister-in-law and I will probably never, <i>ever </i>again swim and hold children at the same time. I had nightmares for a week, Christa!)<br />
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Danae is doing rather well in first grade. Let me just tell you, though - between the packing lunches every morning, remembering which cycle day we're on, figuring out the weather and outfits, scheduling meetings, homework, projects, dealing with the emotional breakdowns (both hers and mine)...I swear, having a child in school is like adding a part-time job to the Mama's workload! Thankfully I love, love, love planning and calendarizing <span style="font-size: x-small;">(do you like that word?)</span>, so it just takes a few weeks for everything to fall into place. Danae is seriously such a smart little cookie...and just like last year, we are needing to ask her teacher to challenge her a bit more. She does love school, but complaints of "I'm bored" are trickling in, so we'll need to get that remedied.<br />
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Caedon is...well, Caedon. Still all-boy, with snuggles and love in-between. Recently, while out dove hunting with his father and almost in tears, my son informed his Daddy-O that he doesn't want to grow up and move away from us. EVER. While I love this boy's snuggles and affection, deep down I'm wondering if he will still be with us when he's thirty.<br />
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Life for us, the parents, marches on, with church youth group starting (Sunday nights are a BLAST!), small group, school/school board meetings back in full-bloom, elder meetings, school functions to be at, work remaining busy, etc. We are getting a few house projects done and planning some small ones for the fall, and I'm looking forward to the ever-dropping temps! Never thought I'd say that, being a lover of the warm weather, but I seriously felt like an oven this summer.<br />
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And me...well, I'm just large, and getting larger by the day. That seems to be the word I use when people ask how I'm doing and they can't see me - "I'm large. We are having either another big boy or a chubby girl. How's it going out there?"<br />
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Here I am, two days shy of being 5 months along:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(About 90% of my wardrobe is courtesy of friend Sarah and sister-in-law Shila. No, seriously...)</i></span></div>
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The bambino is healthy and growing steadily, measuring about two weeks bigger then he/she should right now. I'm being told by our nice friends and family that I'm "all belly", sticking straight out the front, looking good. However, when I asked my honest and realistic almost-seven-year-old daughter if I looked pregnant from the back, she informed me that my butt <b><i>is</i></b> big, and that it's because I'm pregnant. Eh...the poor kid doesn't know she's been blessed with the Puerto Rican behind as well, so she'll have it someday, too.<br />
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More updates to come!<br />
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-37165608372253540962012-08-30T12:30:00.000-04:002012-08-30T12:30:59.652-04:001st grade and more...<br />
So many "firsts" this week...<br />
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Monday: The first day of 1st grade for my first-born. And the first time she is in school all.day.long. <i>*sigh*</i> I miss that kid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMwJCemYEAZ-_-sKM6P6TQywxygrZ9ya9K5oPSSnIQmlT4M4wMl5XmnI4wBzsIItt4FIptTv5iy3gKIFRbb9nqKpCVw6SPS2ffKbFGMHthqSnMcWD-6vlJZlDIlewdU6YVxOdB5xvjUc/s1600/IMG_0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMwJCemYEAZ-_-sKM6P6TQywxygrZ9ya9K5oPSSnIQmlT4M4wMl5XmnI4wBzsIItt4FIptTv5iy3gKIFRbb9nqKpCVw6SPS2ffKbFGMHthqSnMcWD-6vlJZlDIlewdU6YVxOdB5xvjUc/s320/IMG_0951.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Today: The first time Danae is buying lunch at school. She gets to pick a day each week and was SO excited to be a big kid and buy it today. <br />
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Tomorrow: We pick up our first minivan. Hello, world of minivan drivers! We tried to avoid it, but there's no way to slam three car seats across the back of our beloved Outback. So, we said goodbye to her and meet our new/used ride tomorrow afternoon.<br />
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Throughout the week: feeling light punches and kicks from the child within for the first time. Love this feeling. :)<br />
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Hope you are enjoying your last week of August! One more beach day for us, and then I say bring on the Fall!<br />
<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-866418312601459392012-07-31T15:39:00.001-04:002012-07-31T16:00:36.127-04:00Happy 4th<div>
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Four years ago today, just after midnight, my first son was born.<br />
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Four years old...<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Enjoying his most-requested (and only sometimes made) breakfast: wheat cinnamon rolls</span></i></div>
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My mind is always baffled by how quickly time goes by. How my baby went from infant to toddler to little boy, seemingly in a flash! I remember Caedon's birth so vividly. Natural, not too long, feeling great afterward...the easiest birth, yet my largest baby (he was just a hair under 10 pounds, 22 inches in length).<br />
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Now, my Caed is an all-action, dirt and wrestling-loving boy. He's so sensitive...loving to his mama and big sister...quick to hug and touch...often saying he wants a roommate to snuggle with. Yet, he's full of testosterone and creativity, often playing with dinosaurs and Legos for hours, setting up scenes and holding imaginary conversations. I could just sit and watch him all day!<br />
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Tonight, instead of taking him out to eat, Caedon chose "mac n' cheese at home" as his birthday dinner. He is a complete homebody at heart, often wanting to stay home instead of going to a store or someone's home. He's also a lover of fruits and vegetables, preferring both over his main meal. His birthday cake request? "I want a cake with apple slices in it." Needless to say, there's a part-wheat Jewish Apple Cake in my oven right now. :o)<br />
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Oh, how we love our Caedon and wouldn't trade or wish to change him for anything. Today, we celebrate him!<br />
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<br /></div>Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-36045791759290890562012-07-26T15:10:00.004-04:002012-07-26T15:12:01.204-04:00Costa Rica, Numero Uno<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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One week ago, Curt, myself, our friend/fellow Messiah grad/youth pastor Brandon, and nine senior high youth groupers hopped on a plane to Costa Rica. Our mission: meet up with Andy and Tina Gordley (missionaries from our church, living in Costa Rica), build bunk beds for a local children's home, work on much-needed renovations and small projects at the Gordley's home and another missionary family's home, interact with children at a local soccer ministry, check out a beach, and be exposed to the culture and lifestyle of Costa Ricans in general. Little did we know that many of us would fall in love with the people we met and learn many lessons (both big and small) along the way.</div>
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It's difficult to sum up this trip in just a few words. It would take me an entire day to provide details, explain what we did, describe the people we interacted with...it was quite an exceptional week. One that I would do again in a heartbeat.</div>
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I'll be writing blog posts in the coming days and weeks, providing stories, details, and pictures. For now, enjoy the following:</div>
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-51269862798674438702012-07-16T17:14:00.003-04:002012-07-16T17:19:46.272-04:00Summer, heat, distractions...and sleep<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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Another hiatus from blogging. My apologies!</div>
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While I have the best of intentions to maintain writing and keep this place up-to-date, sometimes other things take priority.</div>
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Things like:</div>
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Little get-aways with my hubby and kiddos (the beach, the aquarium, and hopefully more to come!)</div>
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Maintaining children/a home/a job while attempting to keep down the food I just put in my body</div>
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Trying to stay cool in this heatwave (and not lose mine while doing so)</div>
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Enjoying as much family time as possible before my little girl becomes an all-day first grader (<i>sigh</i>)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some more sleep </span></div>
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You know, those sort of things.</div>
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Yes, sleep/napping has turned into somewhat of a priority. Lately I don't seem to function correctly without a little daily snooze, plus a good night's sleep. </div>
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Oh, and food...for most of June, crackers, bread, and water were my best friends. We saw a lot of each other (pretty much every hour). If I didn't have them, I turned into a nauseous maniac.</div>
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No worries, though, my friends. I will survive this. It's all part of the first 12 weeks of growing someone who is - </div>
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:o)</div>
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As the nausea lessens, my waist expands, and baby #4 grows within, I'll update as I can. For now, we pray for health and are excited to meet our next blessing, coming in January 2013!</div>
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</div>Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-8883766546620450552012-06-28T15:47:00.000-04:002012-06-28T15:47:29.863-04:00Soccer Camp<br />
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We asked her if she wanted to try it out.<br />
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And did she ever!<br />
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Over-the-top excited for a four-evening soccer camp a few weeks ago...<br />
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Bought her cleats, shin guards, socks, and a ball. She spent several afternoons in the back yard with her Daddy-O (who, in her mind, is a soccer pro after she spotted his trophies and senior soccer photo at Grandma's house), dribbling, practicing, and trying to keep away from her sporty little brother.<br />
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Oh, the cuteness!<br />
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-72222359610417558552012-06-06T11:59:00.000-04:002012-06-06T12:02:33.621-04:00Last Day of School<br />
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It was 183 school days ago when many of us mamas had to let go of our fears and anxieties, trust that God would keep them safe, and let our Kindergartners start their journey...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>First day of Kindergarten - August 2011</i></span></div>
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...and today is the last day of my <strike>Kindergartner's</strike> 1st grader's school year!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Last day of Kindergarten - June 2012</i></span></div>
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What a journey it has been! So much growth in just 9.5 months, and so many lessons learned. I loved watching my daughter conquer a few of her fears and try new things. My heart swelled when she lovingly gave her own things to her classmates, making her own decisions to show them love through little acts. I hurt along with her when friends said or did hurtful things, trying to navigate through this thing called friendships. It's all part of growing up, developing the character within.<br />
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This morning we had the honor of watching our daughter (along with many
other students, hand-picked by their own teachers) receive a Character Education Award (translation - our school district has "Traits of the Month" that are discussed in each school, and the Award went to students who displayed those traits all the time in their daily lives). <br />
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The Award was a surprise to Danae, and she didn't know we were going to be there to see her.<br />
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We are beyond proud of our girly girl! I might not want her to grow up, but <i>wow </i>- is she ever becoming a beautiful little lady, inside and out!<br />
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<br />Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-67682448302566817672012-06-01T15:34:00.001-04:002012-06-01T15:34:17.053-04:00busyness and slowing down<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Somewhere in the past few months - between the deadlines and the emails, the phone calls and the charts, the </span>feeling of working constantly and the guilt of not finishing it all - I pushed aside the things I love to do (baking, reading, playing, running on a normal schedule, writing) and busyness latched itself on. </div>
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I should have seen it coming. When prep time for the busy summer
lacrosse season hits (usually February-May), I work a ton more hours
than normal. But I didn't figure in the other hats I took on within the
past year and how it would all fit.</div>
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Completely.my.fault. </div>
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And completely in need of a change.</div>
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We are now learning to pull back. To do a bit less. To put aside a few hats for a bit. To slow down. To start saying "No" and not feel guilty about it. To stay home more and just "be".</div>
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And I'm <i>completely </i>fine with that.</div>
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<br /></div>Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-75244592650136441312012-04-14T13:49:00.000-04:002012-04-14T13:49:35.405-04:00Grief and PrayersI'll cut right to the chase: it's been a difficult week, my friends.<br />
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I didn't even know her and never had the privilege of meeting her. But the grief has been strong at times throughout the week.<br />
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A family that we know...that we share friendship connections with...some of whom we go to church with...is burying their two-year-old little girl this afternoon after she accidentally drowned outside of their home on Tuesday evening. A tragic, horrible accident...and a family, with deep, long-stretching roots, forever changed.<br />
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We know the grandparents, spend quality time with an aunt and uncle, have a friendship and used to work with a cousin...and we know (to a very small degree) what they are feeling. Hearing the news just brought forth emotions within me, sobs and yelling at Jesus and asking why, and at the same time, praying for this family. It didn't matter than I never met this little girl and that I barely know her parents - my mother's heart just ached all week, the same feelings of missing my son coming to the surface and knowing their pain is at a much, much deeper level.<br />
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Her viewing was this morning, and I went while Hubby stayed home with the kids. My intentions were to see the families we knew, hug them tight, and be on my way.<br />
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The receiving line was long. Really long. This family is <i>so </i>loved and being prayed for that it's amazing. Friends. Families that attend church with them. Distant cousins. Neighbors. Work-related acquaintances. Childhood buddies. I heard so many conversations, put together numerous connections. Tears came and went (from myself and all others) throughout the 45-minute stand in line. Especially when the child in front of me, being held by her daddy, pointed to one of the little girl's beautiful photos and said, "There's my friend! There's my friend!" My heart collapsed, along with the other hearts who heard her.<br />
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In the end, I stayed in line and managed to see the parents and siblings. So much grief and pain. They know Jesus, and they know that this little girl is with Him, but it's painful. It's a rollercoaster. And it will be for quite some time, even after everyone goes home and a new "normal" begins for them.<br />
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Prayers. That's all I ask. Please pray for this entire family, their protection, the guilt and "what if's" and anger that most certainly are on their way, if they aren't there already.Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-90493766676843734542012-03-27T16:47:00.006-04:002012-03-27T17:13:14.171-04:00Losing Teeth and The Tooth (Mommy) FairyAnother milestone reached in our home...<br />
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Where could that have come from??<br />
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Ahh, I see...<br />
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Her first lost tooth, which came out on the first day of Spring. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yes, I'm <i>completely </i>aware that was last week. Can you tell I'm a little behind these days??)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Note her poor little puffy eyes, lashes still wet with tears. Lots of screaming and crying and dramaticness in our house that night.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Not from me...well, maybe a little bit.)</span></span></span><br />
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Another change for my <s>baby</s> little girl. Another reminder of growth and letting go and leaving babyhood behind. <i>*sigh*</i> At least she looks as cute as ever! :o)<br />
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Danae informed me that she knows there's no such thing as the "Tooth Fairy". That I'm the one who would leave something under her pillow, if anything. That she would not be leaving her tooth for me to take. No.Thank.You.<br />
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She also wrote a lovely note, just in case I can't take direct verbal orders:<br />
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Ahh, it's true. One of my offspring is turning out as controlling as me. ;o) <br />
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Since I'm an obliging Fairy, (and since she did put "please" twice in her note), I did as she wished.Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269317155451660862.post-45443841520404138822012-03-21T07:00:00.001-04:002012-03-21T09:20:49.397-04:002011 Birthday PhotosWelcome, Spring! :)<br />
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Again, another one-month break from blogging. Please pardon the interruption - while I am missing the "down time" to get my thoughts out and just write, things have been quite busy, and I've been trying to make my little ones a priority when I'm home. I'm thinking the 6+ friends who are having babies from this past December through May are making me miss those sweet, quickly-passing baby years and desiring more time with my babes. I continuously tell Danae and Caedon to stop growing up, but they don't seem to be listening! :o)<br />
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Speaking of growing up...last year our neighbor/friend photographed Danae (when she turned 6) and Caedon (when he turned 3) for us. (I promised - several months ago - to share the photos...better late than never!) <br />
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Sweet smiles...<br />
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...crazy boyish ways...<br />
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...curiosity at its best...<br />
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...and a little personality<br />
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Preston is a high school senior who will be going to a terrific photography school in Philly this fall. He photographed my kiddos shortly after each of their birthdays, patiently following them around our two backyards and getting them to actually look at the camera...something that they don't do easily for me! <br />
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If you are interested in giving Preston more experience and work, check out his website (<b><a href="http://www.prestonseanphotography.com/">Preston Sean Photography</a></b>) and contact him!Besshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08884885876865836623noreply@blogger.com0