tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303045812024-03-13T09:42:21.727-04:00chadandmelodyChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157282876466324934noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-90191183113608055362012-07-05T10:56:00.001-04:002012-07-05T10:56:41.905-04:00ReflectionDISCLAIMER: I found this post I wrote several months ago on Knox's birth story, and I decided to post now just so I won't forget!<br />
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Since Knox is now 4 months old, I figured maybe it was time to finally update and share his birth story. Honestly, I have not wanted to sit and write this, just because thinking about it raises so many bad memories. Yes, my baby boy is perfectly healthy now, and God was very gracious to us, but my heart still feels raw when I remember how things transpired.<br />
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Around 34 weeks I started having contractions and cramping that I knew were different from the Braxton Hicks I consistently have with each pregnancy. The first time it happened was a Saturday night, and they kept me up all night. A little worried, but no biggie I figured since they did go away. Then the next week they popped back up a few times. I wasn't due for my next check-up until the next week, but when they called and reminded me of my appointment, I told them what was going on and the midwife wanted me to come in right away. They monitored me for a little while, then decided to send me to the hospital for monitoring and fluids. I spent a few hours there, contractions maintained, and then they decided to send me home. When I went back the next week (the day before Thanksgiving), I told the midwife things hadn't really changed. They offered to test me for a urinary infection since that could be causing cramping, but I knew that wasn't causing the cramping.<br />
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To shorten this story a bit, here's the gist: We made it through Thanksgiving and Chad's mom had already offered to let the 3 kids stay overnight. (I was almost 37 wks at this point) Contractions woke me at midnight and they didn't stop. Went to the hospital, admitted, started walking. Pain was very manageable, but I was getting TIRED. Finally around noon, we started discussing pitocin with the midwife, who had to leave around 1:30 to take her sis to the airport (boo!). Since I had to have a little pit with both the girls I thought a little would do the trick. After an hour things intensified but still weren't what they needed to be, so they upped the drip. WHOA. Very quickly I knew I was getting ready to push, even though no one really believed me. My midwife wasn't back yet, and the one on call (whom I already didn't like very much), hadn't even come in to talk or check on me. Finally pushing started and out came baby #4 after about 5 minutes. Chad was THRILLED to look and say "It's a boy! And, for those interested, he caught this baby as well. (5 minutes after I delivered MY midwife got back ... boo again).<br />
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This little stinker was my longest labor by far, and definitely gave us quite the scare. Because he was fairly early (actually considered pre-term because he was born just before 37 wks), his little lungs weren't quite ready and he was in respiratory distress when he was born. Knox spent 9 days in the NICU, during which he was under an oxygen dome, was on the ventilator for a bit, on a highflow cannula, had a feeding tube, in iv in his head, and eventually under the lights for jaundice. His little eyes were so swollen shut that we never saw both his eyes until we brought him home (9 days old). Even though he was so early, he still weighed 6 lbs, 15 oz, so we always had a good laugh at our giant preemie!<br />
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<br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-68887727929557020092012-07-03T17:40:00.000-04:002012-07-03T17:40:46.824-04:00Growing Pains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Growing pains are in full force around the Mondragon casa. Sadly, it is not the children experiencing any growing pains (at least that they're telling me). It is the mama. My babies are growing so fast and it literally pains my heart. Some of it may be stemmed from my own selfish desire to control and protect, but I love these precious little hands that still need cleaning, feet that need shoes, noses that need wiping, plates that need to be filled, cups that need refilling, dresses that need to be buttoned, and even bottoms that need changing -- I think you get my gist. <br />
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Juliana, my 4 going on 21 year old, has of late become OBSESSED with getting married and all that follows. Here is what our conversations look like most days:<br />
Mom, when I get big I am going to marry Jamison.<br />
Will I have a house? (yes, hopefully) What will I do in my house? (dust, wash clothes, make beds, make dinner, wash dishes, vacuum, mop, ....)<br />
What else will I have to do in my house?<br />
Where will we live? (how about next to mom and dad?) No, I want to live out in Georgia by the beautiful sandy beaches.<br />
And so on and so on .... EVERY single day now. We also discuss babies and cars.<br />
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In addition, she has become quite a helper to me. She gets in these moods where all she wants to do is help me clean or get ready. Last night, she changed Addie and Breck's clothes (and his diaper), fixed their taco for dinner, and then made sure they ate their food. I also overheard her the other morning *reading* the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac to the others (I guess she does listen after all). After that, she stood in the middle, held their hands, and they each took a turn praying. She may just work me out of MY job.<br />
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I really do love seeing these little souls change and develop, but it certainly keeps me on my knees and reminds me of the frailty of life. It pains me because I know my time with them is so short. It pains me because in spite of my best efforts and my set boundaries, their lives are in the hands of the Father. No one warned me about these growing pains.<br />
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<br />Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-36961137964591251222011-10-26T08:43:00.007-04:002011-11-02T22:37:15.845-04:00Over the Rainbow<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9oyt3MqFWc/TqgDLwrNC1I/AAAAAAAAAVc/9ucLX1IKKOM/s1600/012.JPG" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9oyt3MqFWc/TqgDLwrNC1I/AAAAAAAAAVc/9ucLX1IKKOM/s320/012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667783631625325394" /></a></div>Since the girls' birthdays are only 1 month apart, this year we (meaning the pregnant mama) decided to have one combined party for both. They're still young enough to like the same things (Addie basically loves whatever Juliana says) and they still have the same friends, so why not? I must say, this was a genius idea on my part. A lot of chaos for one a few days, but at least I only had to do it once.<div> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7MFPHoddT4/TrH8AAoOlJI/AAAAAAAAAV0/U53rkok2Mls/s320/006.JPG" /></div><div>We've never gone overboard with themes and such, but I like to have *something* to base everything on. This year Juliana and I decided we wanted a rainbow party. I have seen pictures online (thank you, Pinterest!) and knew I wouldn't be doing anything as extravagant, but I was very happy with the outcome ... and I think the girls loved it too!</div><div> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucq0g6HjlzE/TrH8BAZ8xcI/AAAAAAAAAWA/VNbVGU05o88/s320/009.JPG" /></div><div>My parents were able to fly out to help with the party prep and big event ... could NOT have done it without them! </div><div><br /></div><div>Present time was a *little* chaotic. Addie was a little slow in opening presents, but EVERY present she opened evoked giggles and squeals. It was PRICELESS. </div><div> <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o7fLljmyyM/TrH9zjTjQ8I/AAAAAAAAAWM/OgGS2K6UcoU/s320/029.JPG" /></div><div>***On a pregnancy related note: I HATE belly shots, but for those of you out there who care, this is about as good as you'll get (especially this time around). I was 31 weeks in these pictures, and the belly continues to grow.</div><div> <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-25dvjPXYW3E/TrH90JmnbUI/AAAAAAAAAWY/tOIbi-GzBKc/s320/020.JPG" /></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-30312923197105670502011-09-21T22:18:00.000-04:002011-10-05T17:20:51.026-04:00Four<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIE0ZTjy2jw/TnuWUrYryBI/AAAAAAAAAUw/ZU4MDpw8qKU/s1600/2007%2BSept%2BJuliana%2Band%2BMimi%2Band%2BPoppy%2B014.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIE0ZTjy2jw/TnuWUrYryBI/AAAAAAAAAUw/ZU4MDpw8qKU/s320/2007%2BSept%2BJuliana%2Band%2BMimi%2Band%2BPoppy%2B014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655279039081596946" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Disclaimer: Well, I think it's fair to say that this measly little blog has been neglected as of late. Blame it on being pregnant, blame on three very busy toddlers, blame it on planting a church ... blah, blah, blah. There's just not enough time for everything, and computer activities are the first to go. AND my computer died recently, which makes it even harder to get online. BUT ... my oldest turns 4 today, so I am using nap time to jot down some thoughts. I also don't have any current pictures since they had to be rescued from the laptop, but here are a few faves from the past years.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuVru3Y8mh4/TnuWU5SRdBI/AAAAAAAAAU4/3fTyJeXIqfs/s320/DSC03396_0634.JPG" /></div>I was so sure this day would not come so soon ... having a 4 year old seems surreal. I tear up now thinking *official* school starts next year. But, whether I like it or not, my baby girl is growing up. Even just in the past few months Juliana has started acting more like a little girl and less like a toddler (sniff, sniff). She has become quite a helper to me, and I can't wait to see her become a big sister for the third time. She is intrigued with changing diapers, but loses her courage every time I say I'll let her change Breck's.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps7uTrP3fHg/TnuWVANJ6EI/AAAAAAAAAVA/tkJCN5rTfZ8/s320/129.JPG" /></div><div>This little girl had her first ballet lessons and loved it! Although, sometimes she would just do her own thing instead of what everyone else was doing. She LOVES wearing dresses ... some days we compromise by leggings with a long shirt. I love that she is girly and always wanting to carry a purse of some sort. Juliana is an utter and hopeless chatterbox! The talking simply does not stop. She still loves having people over, and her kindness and sense of hospitality continue to develop. Here are some of our other highlights right now:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZQ8dRTrikQ/TnuWVcBEY8I/AAAAAAAAAVI/E5WpQgqBLAs/s320/2010%2BAug-Sept%2B058.JPG" /></div><div><ul><li>Still loves eating (that really hasn't changed at all). Will eat almost anything, except cantaloupe, mushrooms, and chunky tomatoes (but this has been consistent since she started eating solids).</li><li>LOVES to read, for which I am so thankful. Even reading on her own -- she'll just curl up on her own sometimes. </li><li>Loves playing with her babies/stuffed animals, and is quite the little mother to them. </li><li>Loves being outside</li><li>Loves her baby brother!</li><li>Loves running and giggling with Addie</li><li>Is doing great with her *preschool* work right now. Nothing too fancy, but she is catching on quickly. She would LOVE to go to school right now and keeps asking if she can not do school at home and can have another teacher. </li><li>Still loves to sleep. Still naps every day for 1.5-2 hours, and sleeps 11-12 hrs at night. Do NOT wake this child before she is ready. </li><li>LOVES to sing -- all the time. Will even make up her own songs if necessary. </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPwPgG8LvNg/TnuWUU9qu_I/AAAAAAAAAUo/GCARi2zFfLU/s320/267060_10150253665147851_512887850_7504542_2713595_o.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This beautiful brown-eyed girl brings us such joy and happiness ... I am excited to see all that God has in store for her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-56144754830983929042011-05-03T16:45:00.004-04:002011-05-03T16:55:49.081-04:00Only Jesus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gj_nNEAOQqk/TcBrFCNvDWI/AAAAAAAAAUc/0rTFuQDRZeU/s1600/DSCN0694.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gj_nNEAOQqk/TcBrFCNvDWI/AAAAAAAAAUc/0rTFuQDRZeU/s320/DSCN0694.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602595670686895458" border="0" /></a>Father of grace, You've sacrificed<br />Your only Son for us, the crucified Jesus<br />Enlarge our hearts to love Your Son<br />O grant to us the grace to walk with Him always<br />To make Him our great delight<br />Bringing worship with our lives<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyKQ3wfPhrc/TcBrD4LphLI/AAAAAAAAAUE/t00juOZ-kLc/s1600/DSCN0745.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyKQ3wfPhrc/TcBrD4LphLI/AAAAAAAAAUE/t00juOZ-kLc/s320/DSCN0745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602595650813920434" border="0" /></a>Only Jesus! Only Jesus!<br />Give us Jesus, we cry<br />Only Jesus! Only Jesus!<br />The Pearl of greatest price<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeFWMoHvUBk/TcBrENZAVKI/AAAAAAAAAUM/yYcDbU37_gA/s1600/DSCN0746.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeFWMoHvUBk/TcBrENZAVKI/AAAAAAAAAUM/yYcDbU37_gA/s320/DSCN0746.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602595656507085986" border="0" /></a>Spirit of grace, You've shed Your light<br />Upon our darkened eyes, unveiling Jesus Christ<br />Come change our hearts, conform our ways<br />To honor Jesus' Name, His glory our refrain<br />Let His love compel our own<br />As we worship at His throne<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJA7I_ya8Jg/TcBrEuaBTXI/AAAAAAAAAUU/9wBI_yi6b0E/s1600/DSCN0775.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJA7I_ya8Jg/TcBrEuaBTXI/AAAAAAAAAUU/9wBI_yi6b0E/s320/DSCN0775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602595665369714034" border="0" /></a>Only Jesus! Only Jesus!<br />Give us Jesus, we cry<br />Only Jesus! Only Jesus!<br />The Pearl of greatest price<br /><br />Jesus, our great Savior,<br />Lord of heaven, Son of God<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Words and music by Doug Plank, <span style="font-style: italic;">Valley of Vision</span>)</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeFWMoHvUBk/TcBrENZAVKI/AAAAAAAAAUM/yYcDbU37_gA/s1600/DSCN0746.JPG"><br /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-21226613521278437062011-02-10T19:18:00.002-05:002011-02-10T19:22:59.242-05:00ListsApparently Juliana is a little list-maker in training. Give her paper and a pen, and she will just sit and make "lists" ... and make up stories to go along with her lists. Today she was sitting on her tricycle making lists, and I heard her say, "Oh, this is great - we have two lists. Dear God, thank you for these great lists. And patience and also safety." <br /><br />Love her. Can't wait to see how God uses her gifts. And her lists.<br /><br />Maybe I need to make more lists. After the kids had all been napping for about 45 minutes I remembered I put Addie to bed without a diaper. She is NOT potty-trained for sleep yet. Whoops.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-61584762222569531102011-02-02T21:58:00.003-05:002011-02-02T22:21:29.853-05:00Snippetsince we've been stuck inside the past two days due to insanely cold temps, I decided to take a few videos of the kiddos ... you know, since I'm sure you're dying to know how we spend the day. My girls are very girly girls ... into purses, dress-up, babies, the whole shin-dig. BUT ... they LOVE to wrestle. Addie kills me ... she loves to go up and tackle Juj. Besides, who can resist their giggles? And Breck seems to enjoy it, but I have the feeling soon he will be the one tackling the girls.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgEvreY9pUVkGpJg6y_s4NP25XtHp7FBe1hTeIkbvrUXEDdM1R0_Ui_g9lhB-uYNfAoQ333bONg-g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />In other news, I think Breck is officially a walker. All this week, especially today, the little man prefers to walk across a room instead of crawling. I just don't know that this kid can get any cuter.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDcbOOpai6ERMr659okvEKHjXlPvVtWxWX9Wt9MF4kmXG8prcZ70ujWFHl2b33UmuL-6NurHkztoc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Right now our guest bath upstairs is filled with miniature toilets. Yep, I finally have two girls who know how to use those nifty little contraptions I've had for far too long now. Still haven't mastered no. 2, but hey, I'll take whatever I can get at this point. Juliana wears her big girl underwear for naps and night ... no accidents! Little miss Addie - not quite yet. But I love that they are doing this together. Juliana is so motherly - she will insist on taking and helping Addie use the toilet (she even wants to help wipe!).<br /><br />Speaking of my firstborn, she has a HUGE heart. I catch her putting her arm around Addie all the time, talking to her, and helping her in any way. She tells me all the time, "Addie is my sister and I love her." If anyone is sick, she will freely say, "I hope you feel better" - with no prompting. And since we learned the Bible verse "Blessed are the peacemakers" she has been telling me all day that she and Addie were being peacemakers (if only that were true). Love her.<br /><br />I made some incredibly tasty protein bars this week. Truly delish and so healthy. But I also made a coffee cake tonight for our ladies' coffee tomorrow. Not quite so healthy, but so yummy. In fact, I think I'll have a piece tonight. It's been that kind of a day, anyway.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-72085142643312996692011-01-31T11:25:00.005-05:002011-01-31T11:56:49.110-05:00Baby Boy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TUbpLORk6hI/AAAAAAAAATg/VT7GTZXQlxk/s1600/DSCN0030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TUbpLORk6hI/AAAAAAAAATg/VT7GTZXQlxk/s320/DSCN0030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568394368309848594" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday my baby boy turned one ... we celebrate God giving us a whole year with him already! As much as I was so nervous about having a boy, I say with no hesitations that I LOVE him so much and I LOVE all his boyish ways. I tell Chad that I wouldn't mind having six more just like him. Breck truly has been a gift of grace in my life this past year. This poor baby has been pushed to the limits in many ways ... he is living in his third house in his first year of life, he moved across the country when he was only 5 weeks old, he had no bed of his own for a whole month while we waited on our house here in Colorado, and he lives with two older, very spunky and very motherly big sisters. I must say, though, I am enjoying this phase with Breck right now. With both Juliana and Adeline, I was very pregnant when they were this age, and with Addie we were packing and moving our entire household. So, I really feel like I am soaking him in right now, because I know how fast the time goes. He is a big boy, weighing around 23 pounds and wears either 12-18 months or 18 months clothes (SUCH a difference from my girls). Here are some of his highlights right now:<br /><br /><ul><li>SUCH a mama's boy! I am definitely still his favorite, but I have the feeling that very soon he will become best buds with his dad. (Although I'm not rushing that along ... it's nice to be so needed)</li><li>LOVES to eat and will eat anything. (A trend that has continued since birth - weighed 7.2 at birth, dropped to 6 something, but then weighed over 9 pounds at just 3 weeks!) No more baby food for this guy! Really prefers anything that he can feed himself, but still eats some things from a spoon (yogurt, applesauce, refried beans). This kid can easily pack away two scrambled eggs in one sitting.<br /></li><li>Completely off of a bottle and formula now. Drinks almond milk from a cup and LOVES it. Except we're still working on dropping his early morning bottle. He's been waking around 6-6:30 for an early bottle, but would go back to sleep for 1-2 more hours. So now we're dropping that feeding and moving his wake time to earlier ... he is NOT a fan. Cried from 5-6:45 am this morning (on and off).</li><li>Can walk across a room unassisted, but doesn't prefer to do it all the time. </li><li>Finally knows how to clap!</li><li>Has 4 top teeth and 2 bottom.</li><li>Naps twice a day (sometimes 3) and sleeps 11 hours at night.<br /></li><li>Loves his big sisters, but has a special fondness for Juliana ... he adores her (with good cause, too).</li><li>Already loves to wrestle and wallow around.<br /></li><li>Doesn't really say any words (except mama of course), but still babbles and *talks* a lot.</li><li>Is REALLY fascinated with outlets. He has an uncanny ability to find them anywhere we go.<br /></li><li>Loves to be held.</li></ul><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TUbpLg3LwAI/AAAAAAAAATo/kVOwrxb9tt0/s1600/087.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TUbpLg3LwAI/AAAAAAAAATo/kVOwrxb9tt0/s320/087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568394373299421186" border="0" /></a><br />Things we're working through:<br /><ul><li>Loves to be held (yep, it's both).</li><li>Manners. Definitely working hard on manners instead of grunting.</li><li>Sleep. For the most part, he's settled into a great sleeping routine, but every time he gets sick or starts teething things go awry.</li><li>Gentleness. Even though he has a very gentle spirit, he needs to learn gentle touches. He scares the other babies in the nursery right now!</li></ul><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TUbpML5d5oI/AAAAAAAAATw/Eq8v_SRDurQ/s1600/091.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TUbpML5d5oI/AAAAAAAAATw/Eq8v_SRDurQ/s320/091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568394384851723906" border="0" /></a><br />This little boy has captured all of our hearts! Breck, your mom and dad love you so much, but not as much as the love of our Father. We pray fervently that you will love Jesus more than anything and would be a man of God in a world that desperately needs to see real men love Jesus.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TUbpMfG1qwI/AAAAAAAAAT4/TiRhyQsfKec/s1600/girlinlove4.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TUbpMfG1qwI/AAAAAAAAAT4/TiRhyQsfKec/s320/girlinlove4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568394390008081154" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-90045709026584873332011-01-19T22:05:00.006-05:002011-01-19T22:44:13.367-05:00Second<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TTeqyAg8y-I/AAAAAAAAATY/857PhsixAB0/s1600/DSCN0174.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TTeqyAg8y-I/AAAAAAAAATY/857PhsixAB0/s320/DSCN0174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564103640747920354" border="0" /></a><br />Since I failed to write a post for Addie's second birthday, I thought I would write it now. Better late than never, right? This little person has delighted us in so many ways for the past two years. She adds so much spunk and spice to our family! Even though the addition of Addie was a surprise to us, I cannot imagine our lives without her. Here's a quick synopsis of what our crazy gal is to these days:<br /><br />LOVES her big sister and copies everything she does. Loves Breck, but mostly so when he keeps his distance. Chatters non-stop, but thankfully it is intelligible chatter. Ask her what she's doing, and she will most likely answer, "nofin." Loves to read and be read to. Total girly girl ... loves to carry purses, wear necklaces, wear sunglasses, and wear shoes. Still loves to be held. Daddy's girl. Every morning when she wakes up and walks into our room she has to be carrying something. Still has the tiniest little face, voice, and features. Likes to narrate what she's doing (i.e. "I'm running, mom", "I'm walking," "I'm marching..."). Still loves to eat. Not very picky. Still a very emotional and very sensitive little girl. Doesn't really know a stranger. Loves to make people laugh.<br /><br />I love seeing my two girls grow to be best friends, and I love seeing their personalities grow and develop. I am constantly amazed at how much I love each one of my kids, and how that love grows and changes. Adeline is our Addie ... our second-born ... our crazy girl.<br /><br />(For those interested, you can read here birth story <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://chadandmelody.blogspot.com/p/addies-birth-story.html">HERE</a>)Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-42652574671100436112010-12-02T16:34:00.004-05:002010-12-02T16:52:41.659-05:0010.It happened. Mr. Breck is 10 months old. That's right, TEN months. What in the world? I don't know what happened to my little baby, but that little baby will soon hit the one year mark. Here are few highlights of the many happenings in his little life.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TPgS09lmJqI/AAAAAAAAAS0/fbQ9_3bXNC4/s1600/048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TPgS09lmJqI/AAAAAAAAAS0/fbQ9_3bXNC4/s320/048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546203642201515682" border="0" /></a>Loves to laugh. Loves to eat ... will try anything. Definitely ready to move on to big boy finger foods more if only his lazy mama would fix more for him. Has five teeth and more coming. One word: FAST. Likes to stand, cruise around, and walk with assistance (Note: I am NOT in a hurry for the walking to come). Definitely a mama's boy. LOVES Juliana. Loves to bug Addie. Hasn't gotten the hang of any cool tricks (waving, clapping, signing), but we keep working on it. Thinks it's hilarious when you tell him "no." Loves the Christmas tree. Still gets up to eat before 6:30, but lately has been going back to sleep right after for another 2 hours. Only bottles now for my big boy (insert sad face). LOVE HIM.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TPgS0gq80MI/AAAAAAAAASs/-EF8IwidElw/s1600/051.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TPgS0gq80MI/AAAAAAAAASs/-EF8IwidElw/s320/051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546203634439344322" border="0" /></a>Caught in the act.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TPgS0II6kMI/AAAAAAAAASk/8ab359qHiHg/s1600/046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TPgS0II6kMI/AAAAAAAAASk/8ab359qHiHg/s320/046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546203627854139586" border="0" /></a>Helping pull out decorations.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxDBNr8oYphI2-yI9ef2UDsEHuriW1unPRonSXgq1W662vHPRLHS_f04nTLzw4ntZWqhehrhj16C-g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-75958167901848292202010-11-24T15:32:00.005-05:002010-11-24T15:56:11.867-05:00Random GoodnessSince this blog seems to go for weeks without any TLC, I thought I would show it some love today. Nothing spectacular, just what's on my mind. I will want to remember these things one day, and I cannot rely on my brain power to keep it stored in an easily accessible place. So here goes. I know you're just dying to know these facts. :)<br /><br /><ul><li>I'm never caught up on laundry. Nor on housework. I just have special tricks to make it seem that way. Some things are WAY more important.</li><li>I never tire of reading to my kids. Thankfully, they love to read, especially Juliana. It's probably her favorite thing to do. Her fave book - The Jesus Storybook Bible. It is so loved that the covers have fallen off ... and I'm okay with that. Her favorite person right now is Noah. Ask her any Sunday what she learned at church and it's always Noah.<br />Dr. Jack Klem would be proud of my OT scholar.</li><li>I seriously have the most amazing kids. I am so amazed at their little personalities, quirks, and traits.<br /></li><li>I love being home with my kids. I am so thankful that God allows me this incredible blessing and responsibility. I'm so pathetic ... I miss them even when they're gone for a few hours.<br /></li><li>If I have errands to run, then we all go. I am too tired to go out at night once they're asleep (plus that's Chad and Melody time), so we go during the day. It's hectic, chaotic, and usually a little stressful, but it's also an adventure. I also count it as valuable training time, for me and them.<br /></li><li>We actually enjoy taking our kids out to eat with us. They do great at restaurants (most of the time), and almost every time someone stops by our table and remarks on how well-behaved the kids are. This is DEFINITELY a work of grace! </li><li>Breck has four teeth and a few more coming in. Addie had only two teeth until she was 18 months old.</li><li>This is the longest I have gone in between kids without being pregnant again. And yes, we would love more. There's just other stuff right now that is not conducive to having a baby (i.e. no maternity insurance).<br /></li><li>I still use and love cloth diapers. And yep, I still have three (most of the time) in cloth. I have to wash every other day, but I have do laundry anyway so it's no big deal. And no, I never thought Juliana would not get it by now. We have tried EVERYTHING. Addie, on the other hand, just may get it before big sis. I'm okay with that.</li><li>I hardly ever get a shower every day. Since my little man has decided that he prefers waking by 6:15 every morning, showers have to happen at night or not at all. Good thing he's so stinkin' cute.<br /></li></ul>Keeping an eye on all three kids every second of the day is impossible. Because of this, Breck has already eaten a band-aid, various pieces of dog food, toilet paper, and various pieces of dirt off my floor.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TO17KfSZzqI/AAAAAAAAASU/n3SCKwjBYA8/s1600/059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TO17KfSZzqI/AAAAAAAAASU/n3SCKwjBYA8/s320/059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543222136490544802" border="0" /></a>The little girl who used to never smile for the camera loves to ham it up now.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TO17KwggZ4I/AAAAAAAAASc/BaJa5CRVzGk/s1600/071.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TO17KwggZ4I/AAAAAAAAASc/BaJa5CRVzGk/s320/071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543222141113100162" border="0" /></a>Addie sporting her black eye. She's a mess.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TO17J-BH87I/AAAAAAAAASM/xBj1bKCn0sU/s1600/050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TO17J-BH87I/AAAAAAAAASM/xBj1bKCn0sU/s320/050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543222127559701426" border="0" /></a>Hello heart-breaker.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-21335173516011512342010-10-15T14:44:00.003-04:002010-10-15T14:59:13.932-04:00ThankfulIn order to combat the discontent, complaining spirit that I seem to be struggling with these days, I have been trying to focus on being more thankful. The negative words and griping sessions seem to flow more easily. Sure, it is crazy having three kids who are 3, 2, and 9 months, a husband who works two jobs, a house that always seem filled with guests, bills that seem to always need paying, mounds of laundry to conquer, cloth diapers to wash, and friends and family who are hundreds of miles away. So instead of focusing on what a difficult week it has been, this is what I am thankful for:<br /><br /><ul><li>The Gospel, which has changed my life and continues to on a daily basis.<br /></li><li>A husband who is so hard-working and so committed to spreading the Gospel in Centennial, CO that he is willing to work a very stressful and demanding job.</li><li>Juliana, Adeline, and Breckinridge. Three of God's greatest gifts to me.<br /></li><li>For the first time since we've been married, we live close to family.<br /></li><li>New friends that God has given us here so far.<br /></li><li>Our core group at Sola Church. They bless me with their commitment to living the Gospel here in the Denver area.</li><li>Even though Addie seems to be highly emotional these days, I am grateful that she still wants me to hold and cuddle her when she's upset.<br /></li><li>I am so thankful that Breck is so healthy and on track developmentally. While learning to crawl and pull himself up will add more busyness to my day, I am thankful that he is healthy and can do these things.<br /></li><li>Even though Juliana has started thinking that she is the boss around here, I am so very thankful for her sweet spirit. The other day I was crying about something, and she came over and asked why I was upset. They she hugged me, kissed my cheek, and told me it was alright. I melted.</li><li>Even though they fight, I love seeing my two girls growing to be such good friends. It has not been easy having them only 13 months apart, but it is all worth it when I see them playing together, giggling together, sleeping together.<br /></li><li>I am incredibly thankful that we are no longer sweating it out in our home, thanks to cooler weather and a new attic fan, which Chad installed for us.</li></ul>This doesn't by any means cover everything I am thankful for, but it is what is on my mind right now. I do not want to relegate the goodness of God in my life to a mere list that I compose, but renewing my mind is how change will occur. I am already refreshed and ready to go scoop up my babies and clean my house, but ... I am ever so thankful that all are sleeping right now. (And since I can't resist this face, I had to leave you with a picture of my favorite little boy)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLikZTvMWuI/AAAAAAAAASE/hxlSUkj20rc/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLikZTvMWuI/AAAAAAAAASE/hxlSUkj20rc/s320/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528349297299184354" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-23157662570518444042010-09-22T17:45:00.009-04:002010-10-13T18:34:13.412-04:00For my firstborn*Disclaimer: Long and sentimental post follows. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYmbXw--dI/AAAAAAAAAR0/LlXSj4kC_u8/s1600/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYmbXw--dI/AAAAAAAAAR0/LlXSj4kC_u8/s320/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527647844321655250" border="0" /></a>I remember the day, three years, as clearly as it is today. September 21st, 2007 was a gorgeous fall day in Lexington, Kentucky. There was just something about being pregnant with my firstborn that made that fall oh so lovely. It didn't matter that it was still fairly warm out - all of my maternity clothes were summer ones anyway. I had an appointment with my midwife that Friday, the second appointment of the week. Since 35 weeks, I was being monitored more closely due to a very small baby and borderline low fluid. Much to Chad's dismay, extra ultrasounds and stress-test monitoring meant more co-pays. At 38 weeks, we started trying everything recommended to help this baby come. Let's just say Chad even had me drink a tablespoon or so of balsamic vinegar. We surely thought the baby would come (I was dilated and effaced at 35 weeks with a very low baby). My midwife wouldn't strip my membranes until I entered that 40th week, because of the baby's small size. Part of the concern was the fact that my measurements kept getting smaller and smaller. At my 40 wk appt, I measured 31 weeks. So, at that point, the attending doctor wanted me to come in on Friday to discuss induction. Friday comes. No baby yet. Since I was measuring so small and was already dilated to 4-5 cm, my midwife suggested we just head on over to the hospital so she could just break my water and get things moving. Plus, the labor/delivery ward was pretty empty so we could have a big room with a tub.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYmanWMAEI/AAAAAAAAARc/agAavfN3LmM/s1600/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYmanWMAEI/AAAAAAAAARc/agAavfN3LmM/s320/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527647831324360770" border="0" /></a>I couldn't believe it was finally happening! We checked in, got our room, filled out paperwork, and started goofing off while we waited. My midwife came in and broke my water right after 1 pm. Nothing really started happening for a while, so we just ate, hung out, and laughed a lot. I was having mild contractions, but they weren't painful or very consistent. Besides, I had Braxton-Hicks since I was about 25 weeks pregnant, so this was no big deal. Things started to pick up a little, and my midwife came back to check me around 6 pm. I was still only dilated to 6, and the baby was actually turned with her face up instead of down. So, they had me get on all fours for a while, and then switch to lying on my side. Around 8 pm, I was feeling the contractions and having to really concentrate and breathe through them, but I still hadn't dilated any further. My midwife asked me to consider getting the tiniest amount of Pitocin just to get things moving a bit more. So we did ... and still no drugs! That seemed to do the trick, because around 10:30 I was finally ready to push. I remember this part so vividly still - my contractions were only coming about 4 minutes apart, so we were still cutting up in between them. It took about an hour and half of pushing, and finally just after midnight our first child was born ... a GIRL! I was so excited!!!! We had just decided the week before on her name, Juliana Piper.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYmaqFv-II/AAAAAAAAARk/YNpYpJWK-3U/s1600/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYmaqFv-II/AAAAAAAAARk/YNpYpJWK-3U/s320/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527647832060721282" border="0" /></a>She was so tiny, weighing just 5 lbs and 15 oz, but she was perfect. Right away her huge, dark eyes and long, black eyelashes were so evident. It was such a dream. Those first days, and even the first months, with our firstborn were so special.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYmbNqfK7I/AAAAAAAAARs/74XNj1ZIHZU/s1600/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYmbNqfK7I/AAAAAAAAARs/74XNj1ZIHZU/s320/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527647841610050482" border="0" /></a>I look at her today and wonder where the time has gone. I can still see my baby girl in her little girl face. I can hear her addictive baby giggle in her spontaneous little girl laugh. I love my Juliana Piper so much - it literally brings tears to my eyes. Sometimes I just hold her and breath in the scent of her, knowing that the days are fleeting. God has given us such a special gift by entrusting this child to us, and I pray so desperately that we honor God in our parenting of her. Happy 3rd birthday, Juliana ... we love you.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYm1F4klaI/AAAAAAAAAR8/3HQiCGbxiSE/s1600/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TLYm1F4klaI/AAAAAAAAAR8/3HQiCGbxiSE/s320/2007+Sept+Juliana+Delivery+046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527648286198240674" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-944562298268392682010-08-26T23:08:00.006-04:002010-08-31T23:20:32.347-04:00DaysI noticed today that it has been two months since my last post. YIKES. I must say - the days often seem to run together. Most days I forget what day it is. My days are known by who's coming to dinner and what after work appointment/meeting Chad has. Some days seem VERY long. Yesterday was one of those days. A day filled with crying, whining, screaming, sassing, more crying, and more screaming. Then there are the other days. The days when I have so much to do, yet very little gets done. It must be because we lost some hours somewhere along the way.<br /><br />My house is not as clean as I would like it to be. I have a never-ending special projects list that hasn't changed much since we moved to this house. And meals, well, let's just say they've been a little lackluster. But one thing I know...my babies need me. And if nothing else gets accomplished in my day, at least I will have loved, cared for, and trained my children. I know that it is so much more important for me to have spent time with the kids rather than spending that time cleaning like a madwoman. Seriously, though, who can resist that little munchkin voice saying, "Mom, come sit with me"??? Makes my heart melt. Especially with those cute little piggy-tails.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TH29v-8HBGI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/I5Kgqeb-fwg/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TH29v-8HBGI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/I5Kgqeb-fwg/s320/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511770151017972834" border="0" /></a>My Juliana is about to turn three. And let me tell you - she is so.very.adorable. Caring. Charming. Girly. Sassy. Hospitable. She is a regular chatty-cathy as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TH2816fg0PI/AAAAAAAAAQc/WP7YNjo7FAw/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TH2816fg0PI/AAAAAAAAAQc/WP7YNjo7FAw/s320/017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511769153391874290" border="0" /></a>And this little impish one....oh, the trouble she finds. Seriously, look at those eyes -- don't you feel the need to pray for us even more? This kid kills me. So funny. So stubborn. So snuggly. So irresistible. She loves to say "I love you," even when unprompted. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TH281UrS5vI/AAAAAAAAAQU/Dp9Si6wIiV4/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TH281UrS5vI/AAAAAAAAAQU/Dp9Si6wIiV4/s320/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511769143240746738" border="0" /></a>And what of this charmer? Well, Breckinridge FINALLY sleeps through the night! After six LONG months of no sleep, I am now sleeping through the night as well. It is SO true what they say - each child is different. I'm sure all you baby-wising, schedule loving mommas out there gasped to hear it took so long .... don't worry, I felt the same. But, the first few months of Breck's life were so crazy that I'm surprise he adjusted so well overall. He is a FANTASTIC baby. Loves to cuddle, give hugs, give slobbery kisses. Sits on his now. Sprouting two bottom teeth. Eats like nobody's business. Weighed almost 18 pounds at six months (still 60% for weight and 75% for height). He's definitely a keeper. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TH29xooo_dI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/wr4_pyv6zGo/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TH29xooo_dI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/wr4_pyv6zGo/s320/019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511770179390471634" border="0" /></a><br />Just this week the girls and I were dressing their baby dolls -- with clothes that I wore as a baby and dressed my baby dolls in all throughout my childhood. As I sat in their floor, putting a ruffly dress on one very dirty and worn Cabbage Patch doll, I felt the tears well up in my eyes. As a young girl, I would dress my babies, pretending and dreaming of one day having my own ... all eight of them (yikes! I have downsized that number since then). And here I am, living that dream. Dressing baby dolls with my own baby girls. I am so blessed. So, in spite of the long days and the emotional exhaustion, these days are sacred. God has given me this brief window of time to live the Gospel in front of my kids and shape their lives for eternity. Wow. What a great God.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-1816816412113765482010-06-28T15:58:00.007-04:002010-06-28T21:56:54.236-04:00AC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkESlL_JCI/AAAAAAAAAPs/4ZB1Mf-amU0/s1600/IMG_0207.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkESlL_JCI/AAAAAAAAAPs/4ZB1Mf-amU0/s320/IMG_0207.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487922338194203682" border="0" /></a>No, this post isn't to bemoan the fact that we do not have ac in our house. (And yes, you did read it right -- NO ac! And we're still alive ... gasp!) This post is dedicated to my middle child, Adeline Carmichael.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkESP3RXaI/AAAAAAAAAPk/-8NdfQigfl0/s1600/IMG_0013.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkESP3RXaI/AAAAAAAAAPk/-8NdfQigfl0/s320/IMG_0013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487922332470173090" border="0" /></a><br />She is twenty months old already ... closer to two than not, and definitely showing signs of the "terrible toddlers" (I do not believe in terrible twos -- I think the concept spans the whole of the toddler years ... just based on my experience). Adeline is definitely her own person! She LOVES her big sister and will try to copy almost anything she does, good or bad. And when I say that I dread taking all three out somewhere by myself, I do blame it on Adeline. This child has no fear, no sense of boundaries, and knows no strangers. She will climb anything, talk to anyone, and run anywhere. Yes, we call her the crazy one, but I wouldn't trade any piece of her for anything!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkG4SbjI_I/AAAAAAAAAQE/Yo_EQeS105Y/s1600/IMG_0152.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkG4SbjI_I/AAAAAAAAAQE/Yo_EQeS105Y/s320/IMG_0152.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487925185017488370" border="0" /></a>The Goods:<br /><ul><li>Addie remains quite the cuddler. She loves to sit in a lap, give hugs, kisses, etc.</li><li>She is turning into quite the dancer.</li><li>I love how she will grab her purse, her shopping cart, and tell me bye-bye!</li><li>She LOVES having people over and loves to shake hands :) Strange little child...</li><li>Her vocabulary is EXPLODING! She can pretty much say anything you ask her to repeat and even has quite a few sentences she says. Her most commonly used is, of course, "I want a snack" or "I want milk."<br /></li><li>She is learning to count, learning her colors, and learning letters.<br /></li><li>I love how her hair gets all wavy and flipped out when she's all sweaty from sleeping.<br /></li><li>She is polite, if nothing else. For MONTHS now, when given something, she has been responding with the cutest little "thank you" you can imagine ... umprompted too.</li><li>She's a great eater! She loves broccoli and salad especially, and will usually eat that before anything else. And she FINALLY likes bananas. </li><li>We have finally dropped the morning nap (except on a few rare occasions), which is resulting in a great afternoon nap ... yay!</li><li>Her weight remains a little below average for her age (22.8 lbs), her height just above, and her head size just below.<br /></li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkETG3bBUI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ngvfBUbnfwM/s1600/IMG_0026.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkETG3bBUI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ngvfBUbnfwM/s320/IMG_0026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487922347234755906" border="0" /></a><br />The Bads:<br /><ul><li>The fits. </li><li>The tantrums.</li><li>Did I mention the fits? :)</li><li>Loves to say "no" ... and actually means it.</li><li>The fighting with Juliana. </li><li>She remains quite the messy eater. And, unlike her sister, messes do not scare her. In fact, she delights in them and loves to make them.</li><li>She has learned how to get in the food cabinet and help herself to whatever she feels like. Her snack of choice right now is uncooked pasta. She also loves to eat out of the trash.<br /></li><li>This child still only has TWO bottom teeth. Two. She does have her two molars on top, bringing the top count to six. Breck may outdo her in the teeth department.<br /></li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkETqcDSII/AAAAAAAAAP8/k_Z4VpLtKbo/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TCkETqcDSII/AAAAAAAAAP8/k_Z4VpLtKbo/s320/IMG_0220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487922356783630466" border="0" /></a><br />Even though the days with a 20-month old (plus a five month old and an almost three yr old) can be very trying, I am learning to cherish each moment. Adeline is so full of joy and so much fun! I absolutely love seeing her own personality develop and flourish. She definitely is a strong-willed little girl, but I continue to pray that God will redeem that strong-will and use it for His glory. (These pics were from a father's day shoot we did ... find the rest <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/album.php?id=512887850&aid=180301">here</a>)Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-16641824387203909322010-06-10T23:07:00.004-04:002010-06-10T23:37:38.018-04:00Mr. Breck<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TBGuZSgDdaI/AAAAAAAAAPU/gcoyx4mDnV0/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TBGuZSgDdaI/AAAAAAAAAPU/gcoyx4mDnV0/s320/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481353970972849570" border="0" /></a><br />My goodness, but my son is already four months old! My mind is having trouble fathoming that. Time just keeps right on slipping by. Being a third (and a third in 2.5 yrs) puts poor Breck at a disadvantage. His parents do not have the time to take pictures all day, get them developed, chronicle his every move, and so on and so on ... sometimes it is hard to remember when we did all that for Juliana. Also, because of our move and change of insurance, Breck never went for a two month check-up. So, for today, Breckinridge gets his own post. And as I am continually sleep-deprived, hence emotional, I feel quite sentimental tonight.<br /><br />Things I love about this boy:<br /><ul><li>His incredibly soft, perfectly tan skin</li><li>His big brown eyes that light up when he sees me (or anyone else, but for me the most!)</li><li>How he laughs at his big sisters, sometimes for no reason, other than the sheer adoration he has for them.</li><li>He takes a pacifier, but will pretty much suck on anything he can (i.e. thumb, finger, toy, bib, etc.).</li><li>He is a TERRIFIC sleeper during the day -- he will sleep on his tummy or his back. He doesn't have to cry much to go to sleep (thank you, Mr. Pacifier!).<br /></li><li>How he curls up his knees under his stomach when he sleeps.</li><li>How incredibly sweet and snuggly he is.</li><li>How content he is.</li><li>How much I see his daddy in him.</li><li>How much he looks like his Grandpa.<br /></li><li>Did I mention how incredibly sweet he is???<br /></li><li>How he is, in every way, exactly what I needed during this phase of life. </li><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TBGuXmMxYAI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-j3OPeppq00/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TBGuXmMxYAI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-j3OPeppq00/s320/004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481353941900943362" border="0" /></a></li></ul>Not so favorite things right now:<br /><ul><li>Night-waking. Ugh. Four months already. That's probably all, at least for now. But it is enough. I am having some difficulty making enough of what he needs, so we are trying out some different options. And praying. A LOT. Mama needs sleep.<br /></li></ul>Four Month Stats:<br /><ul><li>He weighed 15 lbs, 6 oz (60th percentile)</li><li>Measures 26 inches (75th percentile)</li><li>His head, as we knew it would be, measured 75th percentile.<br /></li><li>He is my chubbiest baby so far, but still isn't off the charts.</li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TBGuYrQduGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/nKdh987p1n4/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TBGuYrQduGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/nKdh987p1n4/s320/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481353960438478946" border="0" /></a><br />Big Achievements:<br /><ul><li>He is a rolling machine! This has also disrupted his night-time sleep, but as with all new phases, it will pass.<br /></li><li>Loves to talk, and loves to laugh.</li><li>Can actually hold a toy and bring it to his mouth (of course).</li><li>Somehow, he scoots all over his crib. I think because he pulls his legs up under him when he sleeps, he is able to move. He can also do a 180 degree turn in the crib. Not sure how, but it freaks me out when I go get him and his head is facing the exact opposite direction.</li><li>Has tried cereal and loves it. Poor hungry boy!<br /></li></ul>Our lives were pretty much chaotic before his entrance into the world and for the first few months of his life. Even his birth was a little out of the ordinary. But, Breckinridge fits so perfectly in our lives, and I cannot wait to see God's plan for His life unfold. Oh, how I pray that he will love God and serve Him. I also pray that he will have the character and the strength of his daddy. Breck, we love you so so much -- how I thank my God for you.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TBGuYDFr56I/AAAAAAAAAPE/CTBo5ifulZg/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/TBGuYDFr56I/AAAAAAAAAPE/CTBo5ifulZg/s320/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481353949655852962" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-5400071906392572582010-05-07T11:40:00.008-04:002010-05-07T14:32:34.281-04:00Treasures in the Back<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaCrcrs2I/AAAAAAAAAOM/6bPloPzfp68/s1600/043.JPG"></a>I decided to kick off the house tour by starting in the backyard. There are just too many treasures out there to ignore! I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with the fact that I've yet to take pictures of the inside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaCrcrs2I/AAAAAAAAAOM/6bPloPzfp68/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaCrcrs2I/AAAAAAAAAOM/6bPloPzfp68/s320/043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468594849603892066" border="0" /></a>I LOVE seeing little treasures like this in my backyard now. Sigh...it makes my heart happy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaB3h_huI/AAAAAAAAAOE/osIfaPKyQJQ/s1600/049.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaB3h_huI/AAAAAAAAAOE/osIfaPKyQJQ/s320/049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468594835667519202" border="0" /></a>This sight also makes my heart sing. My incredibly sweet, delightfully funny, and amazingly creative (not to mention downright GORGEOUS) Juliana running under our GIANT tree. Chad actually just trimmed up the bottom, so now Juj has the best time playing under there. Yesterday it served as both church and Grandma's house. And yes, she moved her little stools out there and was giving instructions for the service ... a song was even included.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaBbLDjMI/AAAAAAAAAN8/OpHWj3nlz4I/s1600/041.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaBbLDjMI/AAAAAAAAAN8/OpHWj3nlz4I/s320/041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468594828055121090" border="0" /></a>If there is something to be found, including trouble, this 18-month bundle of energy knows how to find it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaAkRwJ5I/AAAAAAAAAN0/CT1rUepIr04/s1600/037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RaAkRwJ5I/AAAAAAAAAN0/CT1rUepIr04/s320/037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468594813319260050" border="0" /></a>Yes, Addie, that is amazing dirt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY0dnMM2I/AAAAAAAAANU/-9_D-9u5K_w/s1600/054.JPG"><br /></a>One of my favorite things about the back are the labels. Yes, I said labels. The older lady who lived here before apparently loved gardening and loved irises even more. We will have hundreds coming later in the summer. But for now, I just read the labels and let my imagination run wild.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY2zUkQnI/AAAAAAAAANs/3DZ6PNVqke0/s1600/057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY2zUkQnI/AAAAAAAAANs/3DZ6PNVqke0/s320/057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468593546047275634" border="0" /></a>Yes, who doesn't need a little frivolity in their lives?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY1N05lXI/AAAAAAAAANc/aLJTBZAl-Jw/s1600/055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY1N05lXI/AAAAAAAAANc/aLJTBZAl-Jw/s320/055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468593518802474354" border="0" /></a>Obviously, if frivolity isn't enough, you need a good thrill. Times two.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY179q9fI/AAAAAAAAANk/ru32yXTOn5M/s1600/056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY179q9fI/AAAAAAAAANk/ru32yXTOn5M/s320/056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468593531187295730" border="0" /></a>I think a mom came up with this title. And finally, my favorite...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY0dnMM2I/AAAAAAAAANU/-9_D-9u5K_w/s1600/054.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S-RY0dnMM2I/AAAAAAAAANU/-9_D-9u5K_w/s320/054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468593505860072290" border="0" /></a>Cannot wait to see this beauty.Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-50878429121173165202010-04-14T23:10:00.005-04:002010-04-14T23:23:36.933-04:00Call us crazy...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S8aGAsNvXoI/AAAAAAAAANE/qKmf0_hs4ng/s1600/065.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S8aGAsNvXoI/AAAAAAAAANE/qKmf0_hs4ng/s320/065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460198944660217474" border="0" /></a>...but yes, we painted our bedroom Carnival orange. And yes, it is indeed much brighter than the swatch shows. (Sorry I don't have a better picture yet, but I hated to leave the question unanswered for too long!) Chad is very happy. I am still deciding. We definitely still need some throw pillows and something on the walls, but for now we are happy to have our room...complete with the cutest little roommate you'll find!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S8aGBPfYXhI/AAAAAAAAANM/EBlGrNQaK_k/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S8aGBPfYXhI/AAAAAAAAANM/EBlGrNQaK_k/s320/042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460198954129448466" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-53349085748887848482010-04-12T12:24:00.005-04:002010-04-12T12:27:34.102-04:00It's a carnival here ...<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Here's just a little snippet of what's going on in our new home. Too bad the batteries in our camera are dead ... for now this will have to do! </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S8NJwJTICnI/AAAAAAAAAM8/cKuOvOWZ0WE/s1600/SW6892.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 182px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S8NJwJTICnI/AAAAAAAAAM8/cKuOvOWZ0WE/s320/SW6892.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459288264781859442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Any guesses as to what this is???</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-53153591422406044472010-03-31T12:49:00.008-04:002010-03-31T13:17:59.532-04:00Oh baby...<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Yesterday was March 30th. Yikes...that means Breck has been with us now for a full two months. How in the world do I already have a 2-month old??? The time has FLOWN! It is no wonder, considering our life circumstances for the past two months. All I can say is PRAISE GOD for a mellow, flexible baby.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OAPPYR-JI/AAAAAAAAAME/ohd-pG5Ijps/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OAPPYR-JI/AAAAAAAAAME/ohd-pG5Ijps/s320/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454844572990568594" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I mean, look how adorable he is. And look at those cheeks. This kid obviously loves to eat. He also charms us daily with his delicious smiles.</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OAPqt1_YI/AAAAAAAAAMM/kg-i8L24CMQ/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OAPqt1_YI/AAAAAAAAAMM/kg-i8L24CMQ/s320/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454844580328766850" border="0" /></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7ODTmo9M5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/XhCoyYsZzS8/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7ODTmo9M5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/XhCoyYsZzS8/s320/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454847946488886162" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">We have spent the past four weeks living at Grandma's house (Chad's mom) ... all five of us in one bedroom ... with a total of four generations in the home. Talk about a lot of people. Abnormal has become our new normal. But, once again, PRAISE GOD ... we are FINALLY moving in to our very own home, after five months of living in other people's homes. Oh, and did you know that you can fit three pack-n-plays into one bedroom? Crazy.</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OAQa6rI2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/3m4o6KmpCY0/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OAQa6rI2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/3m4o6KmpCY0/s320/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454844593267483490" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Here is Breck sleeping on the floor, which is a common occurrence around here. With the girls, I was very diligent about always putting them to sleep in their own bed (crib, cradle, or pack-n-play). Before Breck was born, though, I said I wanted a baby who would just sleep anywhere. Little did I know that it would be a matter of necessity, not just convenience. For the most part, Breck is a fine sleeper. He likes to nap on his tummy sometimes, but he also sleeps great at night ... on his back, still swaddled. He does, though, like to eat throughout the night. We seem to be reaching the once-a-night feeding, but that is still not consistent. </span><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OAQ5lTpwI/AAAAAAAAAMc/wIDqJpmXYkE/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OAQ5lTpwI/AAAAAAAAAMc/wIDqJpmXYkE/s320/027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454844601499363074" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">He also takes many a naps in the swing and in his carseat. Oh - and of course in arms.</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OARb8zJ7I/AAAAAAAAAMk/eUFsQ2cL0jg/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S7OARb8zJ7I/AAAAAAAAAMk/eUFsQ2cL0jg/s320/028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454844610724702130" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Look at those eyelashes. Yum.</span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-29539977379488744082010-03-16T16:46:00.003-04:002010-03-16T16:50:13.090-04:00Faces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_u2sa1HJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/MXTtgOa0X9I/s1600-h/089.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_u2sa1HJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/MXTtgOa0X9I/s320/089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449336697545628818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_u1wJeXKI/AAAAAAAAAL0/RmpI1nzU15w/s1600-h/077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_u1wJeXKI/AAAAAAAAAL0/RmpI1nzU15w/s320/077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449336681366707362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_u1FWlZdI/AAAAAAAAALs/Wg8h3krQABw/s1600-h/085.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_u1FWlZdI/AAAAAAAAALs/Wg8h3krQABw/s320/085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449336669878969810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_u0U-065I/AAAAAAAAALk/4lzl4mqYVdk/s1600-h/069.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_u0U-065I/AAAAAAAAALk/4lzl4mqYVdk/s320/069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449336656894421906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_uT31LUpI/AAAAAAAAALc/UyUZ5id2d0E/s1600-h/056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S5_uT31LUpI/AAAAAAAAALc/UyUZ5id2d0E/s320/056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449336099313504914" border="0" /></a>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-5371278848374982932010-02-26T23:45:00.004-05:002010-02-26T23:49:34.388-05:00Broken Bones and Babies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S4ij7WNjiQI/AAAAAAAAALU/omrYjZSPcFY/s1600-h/DSC05204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qaThbdr4quE/S4ij7WNjiQI/AAAAAAAAALU/omrYjZSPcFY/s320/DSC05204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442780389647288578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Our household has been in a constant flurry for the past two months. Two days after Chad returned from a trip to Colorado in January, he fell, broke his leg, and was in surgery the next morning … to be on crutches for four weeks! Not that this in and of itself is the end of the world, but remember that at this time I was VERY pregnant with our third child (Juliana not even 2.5 yet and Addie just 15 months) and we live 30-45 minutes from town and all our friends. AWESOME. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Yet as I write this now, Chad is driving the girls down to meet my parents, who have so graciously offered to let them visit for the week. The cast is off and the crutches are gone – all that remains is a walking boot. There is a three-week old chubby-cheeked little boy sleeping away in the baby Papasan chair. And we are moving to Colorado in a week … A WEEK! God has so mercifully carried us through the difficult weeks that now lay behind us. And when I say mercifully, I mean MERCIFULLY. He is so patient … and His mercies are indeed new every morning. Here are a few lessons learned from this particular trial:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend Jesus Christ is indeed ENOUGH. I remember so vividly sitting in the waiting room during Chad’s surgery, feeling VERY alone. The surgery started much later than anticipated, and the hours kept ticking away. Finally, I was the only one left … the girls were with our dear friends, but I had to keep calling and make sure they could stay just a little longer. The burden I felt at that moment was tremendous, but God’s Word never fails and comforted me. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Chad and I really do like each other. Love each other. After four weeks of being at home together non-stop – him dealing with an injury and me being very emotional – we are happy to report that still get along great … still enjoy each other’s company … still want to spend time together…still make each other laugh. God is good.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">While not my first choice, I can be a pioneer woman/supermom mix. I didn’t know how I would manage taking care of both girls by myself and taking care of everything at home, but somehow we managed. AND … I learned that I can even bring in firewood and sweep snow while in labor. A cinch, I tell you. </span>Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02660283786663560677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-68495693931010925072010-02-18T20:59:00.001-05:002010-02-18T21:03:03.369-05:00on the couch<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CChad%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 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mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Over the past four weeks, I have been laid up with a broken leg.<span style=""> </span>Besides the pointless hours I have spent watching television and reviewing three seasons of House and three seasons of the Office, I have also spent some great time reading.<span style=""> </span>One of the sad parts of this injury (other than all the hard work Melody has had to endure) is that all my books are boxed up for the move.<span style=""> </span>Luckily, I had a few books that I had left out of the packing to read and this gave me the perfect opportunity.<span style=""> </span>Here are the books and a few thoughts about what I have learned.</p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><i>Bible</i></b> – Melody and I are reading through the Bible this year.<span style=""> </span>Reading both the OT and NT at the same time is helping me to see the bigger picture.<span style=""> </span>It has been amazing how many times my reading in Genesis and Matthew have the same themes.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-Love-Church-Institutions-Organized/dp/B0035G04GG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266544848&sr=8-1"><b><i>Why We Love the Church</i></b></a> by DeYoung and Kluck – This book has been a great reminder that most people aren’t frustrated with the church, but they are frustrated with God.<span style=""> </span>Sure the church is full of crazies, but in most cases people are frustrated with the way God is just to those people or in reality to me.<span style=""> </span>They also argue from the perspective that the resurgence to the home church is not necessarily as biblical as some would like to prove.<span style=""> </span>The book is fair not to bash the home church movement, but to biblically evaluate that it isn’t the only way.<span style=""> </span>I would recommend this book to any who are frustrated with church.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Total-Church-Radical-Reshaping-Community/dp/1433502089/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266544888&sr=1-1"><st1:place><st1:placename><b><i>Total</i></b></st1:placename><b><i> </i></b><st1:placetype><b><i>Church</i></b></st1:placetype></st1:place></a> by <st1:city><st1:place>Chester</st1:place></st1:city> and Timmis – This book is a slam at our American church view of evangelism.<span style=""> </span>Although they write from a modified home church model, their view of the mission of the church is right on.<span style=""> </span>Before we sign up for another evangelism program, I challenge everyone to see evangelism not as a program that we do part-time, but the mission that God has give to the church to live out 24/7.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><b><i>The Didache</i></b> by the Apostles – I have never taken the time to go back and read some the early church writings.<span style=""> </span>Many times we rely on our favorite theologians to quote from these documents, rather than simply reading them ourselves.<span style=""> </span>What I found to be interesting is that this document gave me such a new view of what the early church was like.<span style=""> </span>At one point I found them clearly making a statement about an issue that we as elders spent several hours discussing (if only I would have read this earlier).</li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dug-Down-Deep-Unearthing-Believe/dp/1601421516/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266544927&sr=1-1"><b><i>Dug Down Deep</i></b></a> by Joshua Harris – Every time I recommend a book by Harris to people, they say, “Isn’t that the <i>I Kissed Dating Goodbye</i> guy?”<span style=""> </span>Yes it is!<span style=""> </span>But he also has a great gift from God to write on issues of the church in such a way to interest any reader.<span style=""> </span>This book is the best book he has written.<span style=""> </span>Thank you Josh for giving us this great tool for the church.<span style=""> </span>The two chapters on the Holy Spirit and the Church are alone worth the cost of this book, if not more.<span style=""> </span>He ends this book with a chapter called “Humble Orthodoxy.”<span style=""> </span>Summing up this book, Harris emphasized doctrine (as this is what the book is about) must not be forgotten, but lived out humbly.<span style=""> </span>I will recommend and use this book in future ministry.</li></ol> Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157282876466324934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-88346022212522187152010-02-16T09:13:00.003-05:002010-02-16T09:23:24.465-05:00Go Away SNOW!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S3qojfLVTtI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/ycg7m-xUsc0/s1600-h/DSC05309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S3qojfLVTtI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/ycg7m-xUsc0/s320/DSC05309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438844827621215954" border="0" /></a><br />This years winter has made us ready for our move to Colorado. You may be saying, "They get more snow in Colorado, right?" Maybe they do, but at least it goes away. We have had nothing but snow and rain for the past two months. Also, country living is not conducive to the snow unless you are Annie Oakley or Grizzly Adams.<br />We don't have trash pick up, so this morning Melody was driving the trash to the neighbors, because they do have trash pickup. She got the van stuck in the driveway because the snow drifts were so high. Hopefully the sun will come out today to help get the van unstuck. We are thankful for where we live, but city life is calling us in 2 1/2 weeks!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S3qoWIjCK_I/AAAAAAAAAhI/rKYbI3v7sxg/s1600-h/DSC05308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S3qoWIjCK_I/AAAAAAAAAhI/rKYbI3v7sxg/s320/DSC05308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438844598208310258" border="0" /></a>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157282876466324934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30304581.post-5806079389968512242010-02-03T13:28:00.009-05:002010-02-03T13:44:37.829-05:00Girl in LOVE!<div style="text-align: center;">Valentine's Day has come early in the Mondragon home.<br />Juliana has never been so affectionate toward anything like she is for Breck.<br />The minute he came home, she can not take her eyes off of him.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S2nC-0_CzwI/AAAAAAAAAhA/NLnr1FyG1qY/s1600-h/girlinlove4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S2nC-0_CzwI/AAAAAAAAAhA/NLnr1FyG1qY/s320/girlinlove4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434088810029960962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S2nC1LFvpFI/AAAAAAAAAg4/hnHO6j-OfEk/s1600-h/girlinlove3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S2nC1LFvpFI/AAAAAAAAAg4/hnHO6j-OfEk/s320/girlinlove3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434088644164953170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S2nCfIUeQDI/AAAAAAAAAgw/G3jdxoW8sUc/s1600-h/girlinlove2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S2nCfIUeQDI/AAAAAAAAAgw/G3jdxoW8sUc/s320/girlinlove2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434088265464299570" border="0" /></a>Addie on the other hand is curious, but not impressed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S2nCShnXQUI/AAAAAAAAAgo/799Z3eSxYG4/s1600-h/girlinlove.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZRa7cXF09Pg/S2nCShnXQUI/AAAAAAAAAgo/799Z3eSxYG4/s320/girlinlove.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434088048916119874" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15157282876466324934noreply@blogger.com4