This is Real Love

I just read the following on another amazing blog I follow of a couple whose newborn son died just 9 months ago of a congenital heart defect.  After all they have suffered, they have never given up hope, and now they are expecting another precious miracle.  God is so good!   In reading these words of the ultimate love, I am reminded that this is the love that I am striving to give to my children everyday.  Although I may never reach this potential, I know that I will love them as much as is humanly possible.  Thank you, Lord, for my beautiful children! 

My Child,

You may not know me,

but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.

Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.

Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.

Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.

Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,

for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth

and where you would live.

Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented

by those who don't know me.

John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,

but am the complete expression of love.

1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child

and I am your Father.

1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.

Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless

as the sand on the seashore.

Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.

Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you

with all my heart and all my soul.

Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,

you will find me.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you

the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.

Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you

than you could possibly imagine.

Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you

in all your troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,

I am close to you.

Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,

I have carried you close to my heart.

Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away

every tear from your eyes.

Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain

you have suffered on this earth.

Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you

even as I love my son, Jesus.

John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.

Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,

not against you.

Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression

of my love for you.

1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved

that I might gain your love.

Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,

you receive me.

1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you

from my love again.

Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party

heaven has ever seen.

Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,

and will always be Father.

Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…

Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.

Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad

Almighty God

Sleepover Time

The story behind this post is a little lengthy.  My brother and his family are relocating to another house still close to us but a better fit for their still growing family (4th child due in June).  The week before they were to move in, my brother called the water company to have the water cut on to the new house.  They were supposed to wait until he was at the house but insisted they needed to cut it on when he was only about 10 minutes from the house so he told them to go ahead.  When he arrived at the house, he got a huge surprise.  Apparently, a pipe had burst in the attic and a waterfall was pouring down from the attic through the second and first stories of the house ruining carpet, hardwood floors, drywall and ceilings.  It was a nightmare!  Since they had already made all the preparations to move in that weekend, they had to continue with the plan while the house was under major repairs.  Big Servpro machines hooked up to dry out the house were set up everywhere.  They got everything moved into the few rooms in the house not damaged and prepared to spend several nights in a hotel until the house was at least functional again.  Once the water pipe was fixed and the water could be turned on, they spent their first nights in the house this week but can still only utilize 3 rooms for a family of 5.  To help them de-stress a little on Friday night and to give cousin Lanny a little fun, we let him come home with us.  Evan was so excited to have his first sleepover.  After dinner, we brought the boys home and prepared them for bed.  It was a little late already, but we had to let them play a little while in Evan's room before lights out.  We weren't sure how the sleeping arrangements would go because Evan can be a little hard to sleep with since he likes to turn himself sideways in the bed and kick.  They settled down and snuggled up in Evan's Star Wars sheets and fell asleep pretty quickly.  We didn't hear a peep until around 6 a.m. when Evan got up for his bathroom visit and climbed in our bed to "get warm."  He always kicks his covers off and ends up getting cold at night.  We kept him in our bed so as not to wake Lanny too early.  I heard Lanny hit the floor at about 8:00 a.m. so I went in to check on him.  He was back in the bed but still awake so I asked him if he wanted to watch some cartoons for a little bit.  Once they both were up, they enjoyed a yummy breakfast of pancakes and orange juice while watching Evan's favorite new show, Transformers Prime.  They played hard all morning until we met Uncle Paul and Aunt Jessica for lunch.  We think the first sleepover was a success and look forward to having the other kids over next time. 


Playing in Evan's room before bedtime! 



Always have to have the light sabres for these boys!



Future astronauts prepare for their first launch.



Lanny flies around Evan's little universe.



Snug as bugs in a rug!

We all scream for ICE CREAM!

Who doesn't love ice cream?  I think this has been my only real "craving" this pregnancy.  Lately, I just want a yummy cool treat as often as I can get it.  It may be because it is a pretty effective and tasty reliever of the heartburn I have been suffering from.  Haha!  Last weekend, we tried Pinkberry for a healthier alternative to ice cream and loved it!  My original Pinkberry with chocolate shavings and strawberries was delish!  Last night after a usual Friday night dinner with my brother's family, we hit Ben & Jerry's for a not so healthy treat.  The kids loved it...well except Reade who really isn't a big fan of cold ice cream.  I know, that's just bizarre, right?   



All the kids enjoying their ice cream...with little Reade enjoying a yummy cup of water! 

32 Weeks ~ Enjoying the beautiful weather!

To commemorate and remember this beautiful Spring-like weather we have been having, I decided to wear my only pair of maternity shorts yesterday and let Daddy take a picture.  It just felt so good outside!  Beware of my super white legs though!  ;-)



Mommy and Evan can still have fun together despite Mommy's big belly!



Listening for Baby Brody.


Mommy and Daddy bought some new items for the baby this weekend with some Babies R Us coupons that were about to expire.  We saved almost $100 so that felt good.  We wanted a sit and stand stroller that both Evan and Brody can ride in when Mommy has to venture out with the two of them.  Evan can still ride in a stroller that is made for up to 40 lbs. although he usually prefers walking, but I know that with two children, it will be very hard for Mommy to keep up with them both.  We also wanted to purchase a new monitor system because we have been using Evan's for about 4 years now and still keep it in his room to hear when he wakes up or is playing in his room.  We still stuck with the Angelcare monitor system because we loved Evan's so much, but we did buy the newer model that has more channels, monitors nursery temperatures, and has a longer range.  It still has the sensor pad for SIDS prevention that we absolutely don't think we could live without!  I am such a worrier!  This monitor system is definitely my all time top choice for baby necessities. 

We also purchased some curtains and shades for the baby's room that will look cute and regulate the light coming into the room when baby is sleeping.  The nursery is coming together although I still have a long list of things to finish.  We have been so busy, and with Eddie being on call so much for fires lately, we haven't gotten as much done as I had hoped.  Plus, my brother and his large family are moving (still in Charlotte though) and needed all the help they could get with that process.  Wow, a family of almost six accumulates a lot of stuff!  ;-) 


Dear God,

Thank you so much for allowing us to have a beautiful week with great weather and for the precious gift you are delivering to us in our beautiful Brody!  Please guide us in our preparations and help us to be the best parents we can be to both of our boys. 

Amen.

Feels like Spring has sprung!

 The last couple of weeks have brought our area some beautiful Spring-like weather with warm temperatures and breezes.  Unfortunately, it has also brought our area a lot of outside fire dangers so Daddy has been working a lot lately.  Last weekend, Evan and his cousins enjoyed playing outside together, and we hope that this weekend will be just as lovely although we hope Daddy will be able to spend more time with us! 


I just thought this was a cute picture of Evan and Reade playing "Battlebots"...an old classic game that Aunt Jessica found at a local specialty children's toy store. 



Evan gets some air in the trampoline!



Emma looks like she is doing Kung Fu Panda moves!



I love how crazy Reade's hair looked in the trampoline.  I don't think Evan's hair is as fine as his cousins' because it doesn't get as wild and full of static. 



Sweet Lanny gets a little too close to the camera!

Baby Brody at 31 Weeks

So we were so excited to get to see more of Baby Brody today.  Evan was especially excited and didn't even mind Mommy picking him up from school during his nap.  When he walked into the ultrasound room, he and his Daddy sat down on the comfy couch in front of a big movie screen and prepared to watch the show.  Mommy got to lay down on a comfy little bed.  Before the show got started, Evan asked if there would be shooting and explosions in this movie.  Haha!  He is so funny!  He loves action movies with lots of sounds...his favorite is currently Transformers! 

Here are some of the pictures of our second beautiful baby boy:






What a sweet profile!



Oh, those little legs and feet were sticking straight up in the air so I am pretty sure that's why I have been getting kicked so much!



Just Beautiful!



He kept putting those arms and hands in front of his face.  We had to shake him up to get him to move them.


Precious with those sweet little hands.



Perfect little foot.



Pouting because we kept shaking him.



Kicking himself in the head?  Silly boy!


Dear Brody,


We can't wait to meet you and hold you.  You are so loved already!  You are so beautiful to us, and we hope we can be the parents you deserve.  We are busy getting ready for your arrival.  See you in a few more weeks! 


Love always,
Your Parents and Big Brother

T-Ball Practice

Well, Evan is signed up for his next round of sports...T-Ball!  He is so excited.  We bought him his first glove...finally found one that was small enough that he could close it.  His next door neighbor is one of the head coaches in our baseball league and loaned Evan a real T-Ball stand and bat to practice with.  In these pictures, he is still using his plastic bats, but he can really nail the ball with the metal bat.  Daddy is working with him on catching the ball without being afraid of it too.  They play with small softballs that are still pretty hard so he is a little nervous catching.  I think he is going to look too cute in his little baseball uniform!


Great batting stance!



Swing!



His first baseball glove!

Our Little Valentine's

Although we didn't have as big a Valentine's celebration as last year with snow and all that fun, we did enjoy spending our Valentine's together.  Evan and Daddy took Mommy on a Valentine's date to Outback where we all enjoyed eating steak, and Evan and Mommy enjoyed a lovely bloomin' onion.  My boys love some steak!  We celebrated on Sunday night because Mommy had class on Monday night.  After we got back home, Evan gave Mommy and Daddy sweet Valentine's cards and hugs and kisses...well actually Evan isn't much into kissing anymore sadly!  Mommy and Daddy gave Evan a couple of little presents but mostly just wanted to let him know as we try to do everyday just how much we love him!  Daddy bought Evan a new remote control car and a big telescope that was on sale for only $9.00!  We love big savings! 

For Valentine's, Daddy came to take Mommy to lunch so they could spend a little time together since Mommy had class that night.  Over all, it was a great way to show our love for one another.  Evan did have a Valentine's party at school, but Mommy and Daddy didn't get to go this year so we didn't get any pictures.  We think he had a good time eating cupcakes and cheetos (always his favorite) though!  Evan picked out cute monkey themed Valentine's cards and helped Mommy make some little treat bags for his friends.  He also brought home quite a collection of Valentine's. 


Mommy reads Evan's sweet card.  She loves that he signs his cards now. 



Mommy steals a kiss.



These boys are always laughing together!



So much love in that look!



Evan and Daddy playing with his new car.



Does it get any cuter than a little boy wearing dinosaur pjs?



Evan checking out his new big telescope.

A Proud Wife

I am always so impressed with how much my husband knows about his field.  He is such a hard worker and truly enjoys his work...especially fighting fires!  No, that is definitely not my favorite part!  I hated all the times he left me to go out west or somewhere to fight forest fires since we have been married.  It stinks being left alone, but I try to be strong for him.  Anyway, I just wanted to share his most recent news appearance where he talked about the high fire danger warnings we are currently experiencing in our part of the state.  Thanks to dry weather conditions, this beautiful warm weather, and high winds, the western part of the state has been having some large wildfires.  Since my husband is the forester in the largest metropolitan county in the state, he gets asked to do these news broadcast.  I think he does an excellent job! 

http://www.wsoctv.com/video/26864946/index.html

30 Weeks ~ I spoke too soon!

Only 10 weeks to go!  In my 28 weeks post, I said I was beginning to feel a little better.  I was hopefully optimistic, but then the cold weather must have really got to me because I have not felt so good this past week.  I feel like I have had a cold for over a month now, but this week it seemed to get much worse.  Feeling sick on top of being very pregnant is no fun.  I also stated in my last post that I was pretty sure I would not be venturing on shopping expeditions with Evan by myself for the next couple of months, but I had to eat my words there too.  Valentine's Day duties called, and Daddy had to go handle some fire business on Saturday so Mommy had to answer the call of duty.  After lunch with Daddy, Evan and I ventured to the local dollar store and Target to hunt for some Valentine's goodies for his class party on Monday.  Evan was quite a ball of energy in the stores, and Mommy was exhausted.  She had to make him ride in the cart at Target because she was having trouble keeping up with him. 

I feel like I am as big as a house these days and definitely feel like I am way bigger than I was with Evan at this time.  I also feel like Brody kicks way harder than Evan did but maybe that is just my imagination.  I feel like even my maternity clothes are getting too small.  The shirts don't seem to be long enough this time.  I don't really want to go shopping for more clothes for the next two months, but I am running out of options. 

Daddy has been working away in the baby's room over the last week to finish up his painting tasks.  He finished painting the walls, the big bed that will stay in the room, and the old dresser that will double as the changing table.  He also set up the new crib.  Now Mommy has to get to work accessorizing and washing all of the baby's things.  I really want to have everything completed in the next month before I feel like I can't even move...I am almost there now!

A pregnancy picture and a sneak peek of the nursery: