Reed Up

Picture Post: J& B's Wedding Shower

2012-01-30T17:22:00.004-06:00

This was a very special weekend. Jacob's sister is getting married and it was such a joy to be able to take part in showering her and her fiancee with love.

It was also such a joy to be able to see Claire learn the world and people around her better.

Beautiful people in a beautiful home full of beautiful love and gifts...

Paula's home is decorated in such a way that I want to move in.. tomorrow...

Call me Paula, my bags are packed!

Ladies love to chat. It's just what we do.

And there are no friends like old friends.

Three generations of sweetness!

I wanted to steal this blanket but it just didn't seem right.

The hostesses.

The very happy couple.

Family.

Someone broke into the punch!

And Uncle John's heart!

And great Aunt Linda's as well!

365 Rejects Galore: How to Choose a Photo You Love

2012-01-27T10:11:00.000-06:00

365 is a project/challenge I've hear about for years. The premise is that you take a picture every day for a year and that you will have a fun group of photos to look back on and that you will become a better photographer.

I have never really felt up to the challenge (though I have tried it once before). Until now. I have officially started the 365 project this year.

Already I feel that I've gotten a lot out of it. If only being more brave with my camera and taking it everywhere with me.

The hardest thing by far is picking only one picture to share.

So how do you choose a photo you love?

1. Get feedback from other people.

I talk to friends who also like taking pictures and value their feedback. I am a part of a group on Flickr where I regularly get feedback. Sometimes a fresh eye and a different perspective help a lot.

I first go through and rate my photos, culling out the top ten or so photos that catch my eye and are meaningful. I normally have some that are more "artistic" and some that simply highlight a milestone or a memorable moment (whether they are 'beautiful' or not).

2. Ask a non photographer their opinion.

I always ask Jacob for his opinion. He loves to take the occasional picture but really doesn't get all excited like I do. I value his "top choices" because it helps me to see what someone who doesn't consider themselves "artsy" likes or, sometimes, doesn't like.

In the end though, pick what you like. It's your project and you know how you want the project to go.

3. Break the Rules!

There are rules to everything in life and photography is no different. Rule of thirds, exposure etc. But sometimes you should just go with your gut. If no one else likes it you can just consider it good experience and move on. After all, a lot of being creative is trusting your instincts and taking chances.

To put it simply, sometimes when I just cannot for the life of me choose one photo I love- I don't. I choose two. It's your project. Do what you like and pick what YOU love.

4. Consider the overall story.

Many people bind their finished project or blog into a book. Ever wondered why that person seems to talk about things that only interest them? Well.. It is their blog/project after all and they have a motive besides entertaining you. Shocking- I know.

When I look at my pictures I hope to be able to look back in five years and remember shopping for that wedding gift, or Claire getting her first tooth. It's entirely subjective and I am ultimately, the only person who really needs to be over the moon about all of the subjects. I really love each photo I choose. And I even really love the "alternates" and "rejects" I almost choose.

So when I look at my photos I always ask myself, "Is this beautiful?", "Is it unique?", "Is it meaningful to me?" and "Does it tell a bigger story?" And on that note, have an idea the story you want to tell. The story of your year? Of the drought? Of the election? What is the story you want to be able to communicate some day to other people?

In the end- it's simply not easy making the cut. But the more you practice the easier it gets.

5. Remember that you are unique- and so is your documentation of this world!

No one else in the entire world sees things quite like you. No one. Amazing isn't it? So dare to capture life around you in little snippets. Dare to document the world as you see it. Someone will appreciate it even if it's only your significant other or child down the road.
Your story is unique- so share it!

If you're interested in taking up the challenge- you can start on any day of the year, try many variations (some people take one picture a week), and you can use ANY camera you have (phones too!). And you don't have to be a photographer (though if you're using a camera... you ARE), you just have to be willing!

Don't be afraid of failure. This isn't even my first time to try this project. After all, what do you have to lose?

Happy Shooting!

If you've done this or a similar project- how do you choose that one special photo?

When Daddy is Away- The Girls Will Play- A Photo Essay of Sorts

2012-01-26T21:40:00.002-06:00

Thursday really snuck up on me this week.

Jacob went out of town for a conference so we were left to fend for ourselves.

Single parenting is hard. I have total respect for those of you who have to do this. It was quite the challenge for me because I rely on Jacob so much.

Watching the wonder woman work in the kitchen.

Cold winter walks.

And we missed him a lot! However, the magic of technology made the miles seem less.

Video Chatting makes the days go faster.

We just passed the time til he returned...

Rolling non stop in one direction.

Finally found the thumb...

This week Claire has started a sort of "kiss" system where she rubs her open mouth on your cheek. Awesome. And she seems genuinely happy when people give her kisses. All of that kissing is paying off now!

And at last Jacob returned to find a little girl that seemed bigger, more playful and more of a little ham every day.

Thrilled to have daddy BACK home!

Let the kisses begin...

Carefully returning the favor.

Shopping for Aunt B's big shower.

Miniclip Monday

2012-01-23T23:12:00.003-06:00

Dear dad,
Today we went for a walk... but the "hissing" of the jogging stroller tire told us we wouldn't go far. Not to be thwarted, we went to stroller numero dos. Then we went outside and noticed that the winds last night blew down our little frog and almost blew off our vent. We were off to a great start for the day.

Our little mobile baby rolled on the floor- over and over in one direction til she got wedged against the couch.

Then she slept so well during nap (praise Jesus!) time while I read and prepared for a possible future with parenting... I know without a doubt that I was a very strong willed child.. Our day started looking up.

The New Strong-willed Child by James Dobson

Sorry mom.

Today on our walk I was compelled to take pictures of so many things! I am only 25 days into the 365 project but already I feel that I have learned a lot about myself and my style, not to mention about simply taking better pictures.

One thing is that I am learning to carry my camera with me more often, even when I feel strange about it.

So I'm taking more pictures, more often, of random things... And liking it.

Afternoon light.

Proud to be a...

Brave little plant in winter...

Also, I am seeing more pictures than I did before. Today I noticed how many mailboxes we have in our neighborhood... I mean... a lot. I envisioned an entire theme of "Around Our Neighborhood" or "Mailboxes".

Happy farmer mailbox.

There are really some interesting ones out there.

Parade of the Mailboxes.

Then our friends came over to help us out of a little pickle... Hi baby Bright!

Mr. GQ- Baby Bright.

In the end, we spent some time with passionate people praying about missions.. What better way to end a day?!

Fruits of the Journey

2012-01-21T23:55:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love those moments where you find yourself alone with God?

In an instant it is just you and Him and the world slips away. He reveals more of His goodness, love and mercy to you and reveals the tiny and ugly parts of your heart that you are finally able to deal with.

At least that is how it is for me.

Becoming a stay at home mom has been a journey. And on this journey one of the greatest fruits I've been blessed to pluck has been sweet moments alone with the Lord.

Unapologetic for quiet hours sitting over a cup of coffee and the Word. It's a blessing. A great and wonderful blessing.

And in this season God has whispered to my heart and guided me and grown me.

It's hard when you're in the storm of work and worry to find such an oasis. When vacations are just as harried as a work day... It's difficult to quiet your soul enough to seek Him.

But seek Him we must. And He is faithful and good to meet us there.

Praise God.

Praise God.

Praise God.

I'm glad He always meets me there- in my seeking, longing and crying.

I am seeking for more sweet surrenders. The kind that hurt and require tears to be made clean. But the kind that bring about change and a heart that takes on a different shape and a mind that begins to feel renewed.

Until then I revisit past realizations and I rest.

Sweet Surrender #1
Sweet Surrender #2
Sweet Surrender #3

Peace,
Georgia

First Tooth!

2012-01-19T22:31:00.000-06:00

Lately Claire has been drooling all over the place.

And then she has started carrying things in her mouth like a little puppy dog.

Mr. Panda as a teether.

A very cute and playful little puppy dog.

Just today I looked in her mouth and thought, yep, my girl is a late teether!

And no more than a few seconds later she grabbed my finger and started chewing and there in her gum I felt a sharp little edge.

We have a tooth!

To celebrate we got out in the gorgeous weather for a walk.

Our new jogging stroller mirror.

Forward facing with a mirror. Lots of new things to see.

Claire was as unimpressed with her toothiness as she was with this hat.

Claire and daddy get the mail.

Fuzz was overjoyed!

"A toof!? A toof?! Lemme see!"

Daisy was unimpressed...

"Big deal.. I got lotsa teeth."

Checking out the backyard before bedtime.

Blue eyes...

Safe in daddy's arms.

This tooth just confirms what I already knew...

This baby thing is speeding by way too quickly.

Squash Today- Squash Tomorrow

2012-01-19T00:19:00.003-06:00

Our day started with Bible study then we met with some women from church at a restaurant.

Fact: It is hard to stay "on target" when you eat out. Period. Even when you order salads.

Then we went home where Fuzz watched Claire wishing he could play with her. Some day soon Fuzzy. When you get a bath and don't smell like an old shoe. Sorry little guy!

Then Claire showed me that she can act like a little doggie too.

Then, right before our small group I got the brilliant idea to introduce a new food. Because you know... fifteen minutes seems like enough time to create a family memory and all.

So squash today- Squash tomorrow. I wish I had gotten her face when she first tasted it. She was not an immediate fan!

Daddy is great at feeding her! I love that she is mimicking him raising his eyebrows and not him opening his mouth here. I mean... throw the guy a bone, he basically is unhinging his jaw for the sake of love Claire!

Thinking about it....

In the end we won her over to the squash side. Good job little jedi.

And Claire deems anything a success if it ends in a bath!

See which pic I chose for today's 365! Still going strong 20 in to it! Woo-hoo!

http://mysnaps365.blogspot.com/

And just to make you smile...

I'm a little crazy about babies... (I don't have a source for this... does anyone know??)

Joy to you friends~

Google Reader Revisited And Blog Scroll

2012-01-17T20:27:00.003-06:00

Today I was talking with a friend about google reader (hi friend!) and I thought I would share with you about why I love it so much.

I love reading magazines. Magazines about education, running, crafts, home and gardening- you name it and I love it.

But magazines can be expensive. And they use up a lot of paper and ultimately space.

So for me, blogs are a constantly updating source of "magazine" like info. And they can be a place for encouragement and inspiration.

Google reader is a place where you can "store" all of your subscriptions. I posted about it a long time ago when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. This reader will tell you when your friend's blog, or a web site updates. No more typing in websites and checking on friend's blogs regularly to see if they've uploaded. Google reader has you covered!

Here's how it works:
1. go to www.google.com/reader and set up an account. I set up a gmail account just for this purpose that all of my blog related e-mails goes to.

2. type in any blog addresses you like to follow under the subscription button.

Click the red button...

Type in the address...

And you're subscribed!

(The above address is not real. So if you want to start a blog by the title of: Tootyfruityfreshandmoody then hop on it before that coveted spot is taken! I kid I kid....)

--OR--

if the blog/website you are trying to subscribe to has an RSS feed button just click on it to automatically download its entire feed or to become a "follower" (which adds it to your reader as well).

Find the RSS button....

Click on it...

And choose the appropriate reader you use (google in this instance)

Have you ever wondered what RSS means? I did! Here's what it means so you can wow all of your friends and neighbors with your knowledge:

3. once the entire "feed" shows up you can just click "mark all as read" to start fresh

4. manage your subscriptions. Ultimately you can create folders and put blogs of similar interests into categories.

Some of my folders are: missions, friends, running etc.

Updated blogs you haven't read will be in bold...

When you click on them their new post will show up in the google window or you can simply go to their webpage.

Gone are the days of visiting blogs that have yet to update.. again.

FAQs
- Do I always have to read each post?
Of course not. Like a magazine, pick and choose. Some inspirational websites really point me to Jesus- but some days/weeks I simply don't have the time. This isn't meant to be a burden. Just click "mark all as read" and move on.

-How do you keep up with your reader?
Personally I have to have something right under my nose to keep up with it (hence this mustache... pa-da-ching!). So I bookmark my reader and put it somewhere handy (like my toolbar) so I see it each time I'm online.

-Help! My reader is too full.
Like any old closet or your purse, your reader will occasionally need to be cleaned. Prioritize and purge. Keep what lifts you up and what you feel connected to and get rid of the rest.

So... is that as clear as mud? More lost then ever? Let me know if this was helpful!

Here are some blogs I love and that you may love too:

A Holy Experience:

This is a blog by writer Ann Voskamp (writer of One Thousand Gifts). This blog always lifts me up, challenges me, and points me to Christ. And she is a great writer who takes gorgeous photographs all for the purpose of glorifying God.

Thanks Ann!

Lower Case Letters:

This is a new blog I've found lately and the blog I won the awesome bracelet through!
Carissa writes about running, faith and being a mom. And she takes beautiful pictures along the way.
Thanks Carissa!

Me Ra Koh:

Me Ra is a photographer based in the north west U.S. She has amazing talent and wants all women to be able to capture their families in a gorgeous way. She has started appearing on the Nate Berkus show in the past year too! Way to go Me Ra!

You may remember that I bought her book Your Baby In Pictures on taking pictures of your baby in the first year of life.. And I love it!

KoJo Designs:
My talented friend and her amazingly talented sister run this blog... It reminds me that I should be more productive!

Kirstin and Jordan- you guys SERIOUSLY rock!

Lil Blue Boo:

This is a new blog I found. It's all about being creative, but I found it at the same time its creator, Ashley, found out she has cancer.

(Source.)

She's a beautiful, faithful young mother who is battling bravely and reminding me every day to CHOOSE JOY.

Ashley, you really are an inspiration.

Here are just some blogs that do bring me joy. Remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Find what challenges you and lifts you up. Not what tears you down.

Peace and love,
Georgia

God's Grace--> Anniversary

2012-01-15T09:45:00.001-06:00

It has been a year since our scary hospital ordeal. Now, 365 days later, we have a healthy baby and a healthy mommy and it's easy to look back and see how I should have trusted. At the time it was simply scary. But God was good, and faithful, and met me there in my fear. He comforted me and his word brought me hope.

God is good.

Solid-arity: Claire eats her first solids

2012-01-14T23:23:00.001-06:00

Today was a really big day in our house. Claire had her first solids (aside from an unfortunate grocery list that found its way into her mouth and beyond).

Claire is finally six months and one day so we cleared away the table cloth and whipped up some bland rice cereal.

Eager expectation...

"Please, can I have some more sir?!"

Practicing aim...

She was very eager, as we expected. She leaned in, followed the spoon with her eyes (and lips) but then would purse her lips and close them against the spoon.

We finally handed her the spoon and "bullseye"! She started shoveling food in.

Not that she would swallow it exactly, more of a shovel- spit method.

"What in the world is this stuff???"

But eventually she started figuring out that it tasted pretty good and familiar (we mixed it with my milk).

"This thing brings good things to me..."

Later in the evening before bedtime she got fussy. The only "toy" that would make her happy?

The spoon!

Six Months Growth

2012-01-13T17:49:00.000-06:00

Dear Claire,
On this day we are celebrating that you are six months old. It's hard to believe you have only been with us for half a year. It seems like we've known you forever and our lives are so completely changed now. On the other hand, it feels like just the other day when we were bursting with joy that we were pregnant.

It was one year ago from this weekend that I ended up in surgery unexpectedly, unsure if we would ever reach this day. And six months from now we will be celebrating your first birthday.

You are sitting up (still assisted) and reaching for everything. You want to put everything you reach for in your mouth also... books... credit cards... all of it.

You are finally falling asleep on your own (unswaddled). You prefer to sleep on your side and you wake up and generally play and coo for quite awhile. You don't technically sleep through the night but I'm not bothered. This is why I am glad I get to stay home with you.

We are still exclusively nursing and thinking about solids... It's a big step though!

Needless to say you are very playful and very happy. You like to squeal by sucking in air. You do it a lot to show that you are happy.

You are a wonderful blessing to us.
Love,
Momma

Photo shoots are getting harder...

Photo from Amanda from our outting last week.

Then you wouldn't smile...

Four months, Five months, Six months

Tickle Monster

2012-01-12T20:29:00.000-06:00

Claire will be six months old tomorrow.. SIX months! I can hardly believe it. Which means she's old enough technically to use our awesome jogging stroller. I've been waiting for this for months!!

Occasionally I pull it out and wheel it all over the house...

Claire was seriously excited too. She loves to go!

It was really cold out today so I started to bundle her up in a hat and boots and coat etc.. Then thought.. what the heck. It's sunny but why not a snow suit?!

She hated it at first but loved it in the end. I felt a little silly since kids were out playing in the sun, but it was cold and in the end I was happy she was so bundled.

Then daddy came home...

Daddy time really is fun time.

The tickle monster...

She loved every second of this!

and so did he!

Goodness I love this girl.

Belches and Pranks

2012-01-11T22:36:00.000-06:00

Today I started a new Beth Moore Bible study. It seems like it's going to be really good, or rather I will get a lot out of it.

Claire went to the nursery for the second time ever.

An empty church hallway seems long and lonely when you're baby is so far away from you.

I'm glad we're so far away from her going to college. I can't handle it!

Then our little friend B came over to play. He's a big boy with cool hair!

Claire was smitten.

He tried to pull a big kid prank on her.

He told Claire that if he rubbed an old dirty rattle across her cheeks it would make her look older and more refined (his words.. not mine).

To which she responded with a long held out belch that sounded like a frog dying...

I think it must be puppy love.

The end.

Sweet Little Blessing And Fall Leaves

2012-01-10T21:50:00.000-06:00

I've spent the day enjoying this:

Fall leaves at a dance or a mixer...

Shadows holding up trees...

And reading this:

The Word of God to guide me...

And this:

Cookbook for babies. And part of me is sad to no longer be exclusively breastfeeding.

Weird right? Like, we've just gotten the hang of this incredibly beautiful thing and it has to go and change. I like our time together. Her little smiles, giggles, coos and smirks. But life is always about change.

I could have never imagined six months ago that I could be so in love with our baby. Such a blessing....

A huge, unbelievable, undeserved blessing...

Not So Minestrone- Minestrone

2012-01-10T12:55:00.002-06:00

minestrone- a thick soup containing vegetables and pasta.

Here's what we've been eating in these parts.

Minestrone Soup

(Source for image.)

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves, garlic, minced
2 ribs celery
2 zucchini, chopped
2 yellow squash, chopped
8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz.) no-salt-added red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped

(Recipe Source.)

Combine all but beans and parsley into a crock pot/pot and cook low 6-8 hours. Add beans and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Heat for about ten minutes and serve.

~250 calories per serving

*I realized after getting home that I had already used my zucchini (eek!) and the market was out of squash... I added in peas and green beans, and doubled my celery and carrots. The joy of minestrone is that .. you CAN do whatever pleases you. I didn't even slice my mushrooms. And you know what? It tasted great.

Note no pasta for a healthier variety.

If you are strapped for time (teachers!) look what you can use....

Pre-cut, frozen veggies for stews and soups. Throw those babies in with some broth and crushed tomatoes and voila- you've got yourself a meal!

Miscellany Monday...

2012-01-09T20:29:00.002-06:00

... As if every day isn't random enough for you.. Here you go!

1. "You've Got Mail" came out in 1996. I watch it... a lot.. when I sew or nurse etc. I noticed the other day that there is not ONE cell phone in the entire film. Flashback to high school friends. We're dinosoars.

Roar.

2. I took this picture and liked it for the 365 project but J pointed out that our baby looks like she was abandoned in a parking lot.

Point taken.

3. I like paperclips and office supplies (enough to photograph them in the store)... But I am not organized... Hmmmm.....

Ponder that one would you?

4. I collect cook books... I hoard cook books. But they're organized so... that counts for something right?

5. Today I went into an office building and saw this....

A one-eyed stuffed bob cat... in the lobby. Because class IS a stuffed dusty wild animal with one marble for an eye.

6. This carved tree is next to my friend's house. I think it's cool. I mean.. if you've got to have a stump go stumpy in style.

7. I like reading the Bible. Every year, but some years I fail.

8. I try to drink three of these a day.

9. I am trying to exercise for 60 minutes every day for 30 days.

10. I love my baby... but you probably know that by now!

Bonus: If you eat asparagus it will make your urine sparkle.. Just letting you know.

Now if that isn't random I don't know WHAT is!

No Words

2012-01-08T16:16:00.000-06:00

Just life...

Love Stinks... But not my diapers!

2012-01-07T17:36:00.001-06:00

Today we got up early and went to the store as a family.

Then Benz came over. Check out his cute shirt! It says, "Love Stinks". I love that Claire was obsessed with him and he was not impressed. Here he is saying, "Talk to the hand."

"Someone save me..."

"Get away from me girl!"

.."But Benz.. I think we could reallly hit it off."

"Claire, don't you know? Love stinks! But your daddy is pretty cool!"

Later Claire worked on her arm strength while we aired out her little bottom.

She has a rash... It's one of her first.

Speaking of rash- I contacted the company where I get our detergent for cloth diapers and told them about the rash... I had just ordered a new scent and they said it had been recalled. And even though I had bought mine through Amazon (hence the purchase of a recalled item)- they sent me a NEW bag and it arrived today. Awesome!

I love Rock in Green. They're located in Austin, Texas so it makes me feel good to help out the "local" economy. And awesome customer service!

If you cloth diaper- how do you wash your nappies?

365 Rejects & Babies Galore

2012-01-06T17:58:00.002-06:00

Today was quite the day!

Claire and I got up bright and early at 6:30 completely ~~not by choice~~ of our own free will.

We went for a walk of our own. It's amazing how everything seems different in a different light isn't it? As I'm trying to take more pictures I actually went out with my camera hanging around my neck. Which wouldn't have been so awkward except I was trying to jog too... that was awkward.

These were all rejects for the 365 project.

Oddly- this meter is one of my favorites... am I a freak? Don't answer that.

I got a picture of the Dairy Queen just to document what got me into the mess I'm in. I really kept those guys in business for a few months... Thanks for nothing Dairy Queen!

Then we went for a walk and to play with our cameras with some friends. I found this cool little park with swings, rocking chairs, great paths, a fire pit and even free wi-fi. And quotes to inspire you as you walked... including "Call your mother!" Which I did.

Thanks Albert. Wise words man... Wise words.

And now who can resist a cute baby in a hat with ears?? I know I can't! And ironically I have a baby with no hat with ears! Must shop. Tomorrow.

You can't see his ears.. but they're there.

And baby D has the most adorable flower so she's off the "ear" hook.

All the little babies were so cute!

Oh the cuteness!

Girls verses boys. The boys already have an advantage in that they both have on cute "ear" hats/hoods...

But the girls have their charm.

But with these mommies as referees they're likely to all be winners.

Of all the picture we took the very first one just for fun is the one I chose for my eighth 365 pic. I love it!

We then went on to have lunch with friends but we had missed a nap so there are no pictures from that part of our day.

p.s. I've started resizing my pics so they're much smaller and therefore likely not as good quality. Does it make a big difference? If not I'm going to continue on as I am.

Slugs, walks and books- Oh My!

2012-01-05T18:10:00.001-06:00

Today is my grandfather's birthday. To celebrate, Claire insisted on not napping for more than ten minutes at a time. I'm sure he's touched by this gesture. I know I am.

I am still excited about doing the 365 project and as such am taking a lot of pictures. Like a kajillion. Which if you didn't know is A LOT.

I'm resizing them so they're smaller and hopefully won't take forever for your computers to load. If they do.. I'm sorry... Still doing it.. but sorry.

To start with we were little bums. Well, she was a little bum, I was a much bigger bum.
We bummed around, which if you think about it is a funny saying.

Blurry overexposed self portrait of mommy and Claire.. but a self portrait none the less.

We went for our walk with friends again (because remember the big bum comment?) and I took some random pictures.

Playgrounds seem way cooler than when I was a kid. I can't wait until she's big enough to make me playing on it look normal.. you know.. like I'm "helping" her or "playing" with her. Parental excuses and all.

Then we came home for some hard core play time. Tummy time for Claire is like P90X for me. Hard. Drool on the mat and grunt hard. Our little wonder bug is starting to scoot.

I was airing out her diaper rash and as such she was a naked little wonder bug and left a little slobbery trail as she scooted backwards. Just like a garden slug. My precious little slug.

Doesn't she look tired in this picture? All of that no napping is hard work...

I was all but giddy when I saw that the mail had come and that I got these darlings!!

So how many of you have decided to do the James Bible study with me??? Don't be shy... but do be generous... What?

I don't even know....

Time for me to read!

To celebrate Claire and I read some of her books.

This has to be one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Read it. I just know you'll love it too.

And lastly, check out the cool gifts I got from the girls in my accountability group (called a "Fight Club" but I promise, no violence here!)

This menu planner came just in the nick of time. I was about to starve to death. It will look even better once I get a black marker to write on it with.

And that tops off my new ornaments for this year.. a record in the ornament department!

And I leave you with a picture I thought was just too cute not to share...

Deep thoughts.. by Claire Grace.

So sweet... The end!

Turd nugget

2012-01-04T15:35:00.000-06:00

Today my sister and I had a conversation about our children which in turn led to her reminding me what a turd I was.

I know. I was shocked too.

Yep. You heard me. Turd. As in, "Get your turd off my lawn!"

Or as the dictionary calls it, vulgar slang for a lump of excrement. Classy right? Right!

Apparently as a child I was a wee bit precocious. Picture a three foot tall car salesman with great people skills and an orange afro. That was me. The turd.

She called to witness the memory of us having to clean our rooms. If I remember correctly, (and I always do), my dad said, "I want to see your floors!"

Right away daddio!

So, the little orange turd went and quickly cleared her floors. I remember my sister and brother breaking sweats in their room actually tidying and organizing while probably listening to the Oakridge Boys or Sylvia while I went and triumphantly told my dad I was done.

He bragged on me and was amazed.. Then he did the unthinkable and opened my closet. A three foot tall wasteland crammed tight with yarn dolls, wadded up pieces of paper and probably half sucked on jolly ranchers.

And he laughed.

And they had to help me clean my room.

Because I was the baby. And funny.

And she dares call me a turd!?

The moral of the story is, nobody picks on a turd.

The end.

The Neverending Story

2012-01-04T15:18:00.004-06:00

Today I want to tell you a neverending story.. and it looks like this:

It won't be a long story since you all have your own similar stories going on right now I presume.

See?

Minus a big albino flying dog it really IS the neverending story. Etra-uuuuu!!!!

I enjoyed sharing a typical day at home for Claire and I ... me and Claire... er.... (I don't teach anymore so leave me alone) yesterday with Jacob so I thought I would do it again. I'm sure he wonders what we do all day while he's at work. And if he doesn't- well he should... (kidding.. totally kidding...)

Our day started out with the mistress guarding her domain. It's like zone defense here. I took this picture because she's so sweet in the mornings and because this is officially the last time she will fit into her kitty kat jammies.

That makes me sad.

She on the other hand couldn't have cared less.. which would normally be phrased: "could have cared less", in which case she would have cared a lot... but my grammar days are behind me! Get thee behind me grammar!

See.. I need to get out more... a whole lot more. Otherwise I just go around taking random pictures like this:

Today we fought the crazies off by going out and having lunch with friends...

I think she likes him!

These guys are six weeks apart. Can you believe it?

I'm in love with this crock pot. Seriously. I wanted to take it on a date last night so it could finally unplug & cool down but it just wouldn't open up. (har har har)

Self portrait in steaming dishes... So deep and interesting.

Followed by my piece of art entitled: kissing little hippiggies. Even deeper.

As you can see we were unsuccessful in fighting off the crazies...

May my intellect never cease to amaze you.

The end.

p.s. a lot of these were alternates for my 365 project (which is why I'm taking more pictures. It's so hard to choose one each day! Do you think I chose the right picture for day 6??)

Tubular Tuesday- A note to dad

2012-01-03T20:48:00.001-06:00

It's the first Tuesday of 2012. And as such, it rocked.

Now that I'm home all day sometimes we like to share with J what we did all day.

So here's what we did all day daddy!

First we relaxed and sucked our toes... Some of us did more of one than the other.

Claire practiced sitting and got her first little head bump... Oops...

Then we met Benz and Heidi and walked in the park.

There were lots of Canadian geese.

Hi Benz!

Then we met a friend for lunch who, get this, cleaned our house for us! What a blessing! Can you believe it?

We loooved coming home to a clean house (that seems so much more lovely when someone else does it!).

Side note: If you live in the Lubbock area and would like an affordable, friendly, trustworthy and AWESOME house cleaner give me a ring. I have the perfect girl! But hurry before she gets booked up.

Then we went shopping and I got this rare chance to catch a Walmart aisle empty.

Back to a serene and clean house again... Thanks Courtney!!

And to top it all off- we got a gift in the mail from Teta Veronika in Prague.. Isn't it beautiful?

A little tummy time (in which we roll over and get stuck on our tummies) and then it's the end of our day.

We love being home together but always have the most fun when daddy is home with us.

p.s. today Claire learned the pure joy and bliss of pulling my hair and glasses.. hard.. and smiling and giggling about it. Thanks baby girl...

Miscellany Monday

2012-01-02T15:48:00.001-06:00

It has been a marvelous Monday over here in our neck of the woods.

1. Our tree is still up. We wholeheartedly agreed we would take it down tomorrow.. three days ago.
2. Claire has one of those little bald spots on the back of her head that is like crack. You just have to kiss it. Have to. It's a the Law around these parts.

3. We are on day two of our media fast. We sat down last night and added to our "line of defense" lists for when we're tempted. Mine grew to almost 200. And I keep thinking of other things to put on there... like edit photos....or adding to the list...
4. We are ringing in the new year by eating black eyed peas.. every day... for every meal. I made that big of a pot.
5. I went for a walk today with a friend (hi friend). Why do I not walk more often? Why? Why oh why?
6. No matter how badly Claire is fussing, if I hold her up and sniff her diaper and say, "Shew!" She smiles. Every. Time.
7. Claire can now flip her paci over any different way to get it in her mouth.
8. She is officially sitting up. Wobbly at times. But she's a sitter!
9. Reading the genealogy of Jesus you notice Rahab the prostitute. Think God is telling us something about grace?
10. And I'm still going strong with my project 365! Two days in and I'm actually proud I've lasted that long. It's easy when there's an adorable model who always works for free.

Enough miscellany for today!

Simple Sunday

2012-01-01T17:56:00.001-06:00

It was one of those spectacular Sundays that come after holidays. When everything is in order and you're all filled up on quality time with one another.

Ours started with some Bible stories...

And then visiting church family at the heart hospital. A friend ended up there unexpectedly.

The NPO sign reminded me of my week in the hospital almost exactly a year ago of not eating and days of not having liquids either.. all while 16 weeks pregnant. Ugh! (NPO means no liquid or foods by mouth).

Then we enjoyed the gorgeous weather for a winter walk.

That's an excellent start to the new year! Happy 2012!

2011 in Pics

2011-12-31T23:08:00.002-06:00

Some randomness to close out the year!

Some memorable images/moments/blog posts from 2011...

Jacob and I are doing a media fast for the month of January. The only other time I did this I was single and could live without media pretty easily. I was out and about all the time. Now.. well... I watch a lot of movies while I nurse or am just home alone...

And once Claire goes down for the night it's our "go to" activity. Anyone will agree that t.v. is a life sucker.. but it's an addicting and easy life sucker. So I've prepared my line of defense and sat down and made a list of "go to" things for when I'm bored and tempted..

That little list grew.. and grew.. and grew.. and got up to 80 things! Like, finish books, pray (number one), write people, sew, paint things, organize my closet, wash the dogs, hang out with friends, go for walks, play games etc.

I realized quickly that many things on this list are things that I've been "meaning to get around to" for a few years...

I will post here intermittently but will not watch any movies or tv and will not use facebook. I will let you know how it goes!

New things for a new year:
I am a resolution maker. Here are some serious ones:
1. floss (I got out of the habit with morning sickness...)
2. exercise (of course)
3. read my Bible.. por supuesto
4. pray every day at a morning scheduled prayer time
5. take part in the 365.. I'm taking the plunge to try and take a picture every day.
6. Work through "Whiter Than Snow" with my accountability group

(Source.)

7. Do the new Beth Moore Bible Study at church. Anyone care to join me!? Lodema? Bessie Ann?

(Source.)

Some not so serious resolutions from here with my commentary:
1. Keep it to myself that I have issues with authority when being interviewed by a cop.
2. Spend less than $1825 for coffee at Starbucks this year and instead spend it all on mochas.
3. Lose weight by hiding it somewhere you'll never find it like under a moo-moo.

I'm so excited for all that the new year holds!

Happy New Years!!

Do you have any resolutions (serious or not?)

2011 Wrap Up

2011-12-31T11:43:00.000-06:00

I always love having J home for the holidays! So much more gets done when there's two of us.

Yesterday I spent what seems like the entire day printing pics and catching up on Claire's baby album and baby book(s). They love me at CVS because I am apparently keeping them in business!

It's that time of year to take in to account what your last year held and what you want the next year to hold.

In some ways this has been the greatest year ever. In others it has been really really challenging.

Either way, here were some memorable moments of 2011.
- announcing we were pregnant
-emergency surgery (a.k.a. the big bummer of 2011) (Losing My Omentum: The Unexpected and Faith part I, II and III)
-baby showers (student showers and colleagues) And yet another from friends that never made the blog.. yikes!
-Taking Turkish Cooking Lessons
-Taking Birth Classes with the best dad in the world!
-Taking a Photography Workshop
-Having a Doula!
- becoming a stay at home mom!!!
-floating in a pool while as big as a whale
-giving birth!
-The Debut of Claire Grace
- Claire's first Thanksgiving.
-Claire's first Christmas (Part 1 and Part 2)

I'm excited for a wonderful 2012!

Christmas '11 Wrap Up

2011-12-29T13:19:00.001-06:00

This Christmas holiday will always be a special one in our memories because it was our first Christmas with little Claire.

She had her first snow.. got left with friends for the first time (see her and Benz above during a baby coop swap. Read: Free Babysitting!). :) Thanks loads Heidi and Buzzy!

We got to watch her enjoy people and new surroundings... Here she is with her sweet Aunt B.

Explore the world and be loved on by grandparents... And spend time with little friends (below with Maggie Rose).

And I successfully made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas completely dairy free (read- NO desserts...). It's nothing short of a Christmas miracle, especially if you know me well.

And now it's time to look back and then look ahead! I'm thinking through what our last year entailed (it was a lot!) and what I hope for in the new year.
God Bless &Merry Christmas friends! ~

Baby's First Christmas & Boxing Day

2011-12-28T15:41:00.000-06:00

While up with Grandma and Pa Pa Reed Claire got some good lovin'...

Here she is teething on a red bell pepper (the yellow and orange were equally as appealing!).

Loving on Aunt B.

The new family at Christmas(the tired parents and rested little girl).

The soon to be married Aunt B and Uncle John!

Claire's footprint for Grandma's gift.

Out on a chilly walk. She was NOT impressed with this snowsuit.

Sour green apples are HANDS DOWN the favorite teething toy.

Gettin' lovin' from Aunt B. She loves it (and loooves bath time too)!

So happy! Plenty of people to hold her all weekend long.

Posing with daddy.

With Great Grandma Cole.

And back home riding upright and forward facing for the first time ever!

We stayed with everyone for three days and had a lot of fun. The rest of the family couldn't make it because of snowy and icy roads. So we ate all of the turkey and ham ourselves. The day we left we went by and visited Great Grandma Cole.

It's almost the end of 2011.. Time to make some New Year's Resolutions!

First Christmas in Pictures

2011-12-28T15:26:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas friends!

This time last year I kept telling Jacob (and myself) that by next Christmas we would have a little baby. It was so hard to believe and even harder to imagine. And now Claire's first Christmas has come and gone! It was such a special time and as such we took lots of pictures!

Our Christmas in a candy-filled nutshell.

Hanging out with old and making new little friends...

With baby Hays.. how cute is he?!

Our first "taste" of Starbucks. She is now reaching for EVERYTHING. Life is sure to change! This was a Starbucks visit with sweet former students and sweet former colleague. :)

A Christmas party in which we left Claire for the first time with other people. It's safe to say I was a bit of a nervous mess. There was a white elephant gift exchange and Chris and Amanda definitely ended up with the most coveted prize- the Saved by the Bell game!

Everyone at the soiree sans kids.

Visiting Susan for the first time!

Working feverishly on Claire's stocking (and overstuffing the snowman).

Family shopping at Sprouts.

Daddy and Claire.. Two precious peas in a pod.

Seeing Nan on Christmas Eve before we left...

Snowy road up north.

Taking a break on the road to kiss that precious little head.

With Grandma and Pa Pa Reed!

And Uncle John and Aunt B!

Claire's finished stocking by Grandma Reed. She's faster than me!
Opening Christmas presents....

Claire got a book of Bible promises and prayers read by her grandparents. She loved it SO much she wanted to eat it!

And a baby Einstein turtle from Aunt B and Uncle John. She loved it so much she wanted to eat it too!

And with Grandma!

What Do You Do When Grief Comes Knocking?

2011-12-21T22:41:00.000-06:00

What do you do?

When the wind is knocked out of you... And you can barely think?

Your mind goes numb. And all of the useless and pointless crap you fill your every day with disintegrates into nothing.

When what really matters is jeopardized.

People matter.

Relationships matter.

When someone you know is hurt or hurting, what do you do?

Grief must come knocking. No man lives forever (at least here on earth). We are all mortal, breaths of wind, flowers here today and gone tomorrow as the Bible tells us.

Sobering isn't it?

It should be.

Everyone that we love and value.. ourselves included.. we're all just mists that will vanish.

Yet still I manage to get my priorities out of wack. To put mopping my kitchen floors over spending time with people. Why?

But we are all guaranteed this: we will have troubles. We will have sorrows.

So the question remains: What do you do when grief comes knocking?

The e-mail was bold and fresh titled "Sad News" and my heart dropped.

Each word like a led bolt I had to swallow.

My mind whispering again and again, "Let it not be Lord."

But grief has come knocking along with sad news. Death. None of us are immune.

My heart is bobbing in a turbulent sea of confusion. Sadness and hurt. Helplessness for those I love. And we have all been there- it is part of being human.

But what do you do?

All else slips away and I cling and cry out to God. Jesus alone can comfort and guide.

And the greatest grief of all is that so many don't know the great comfort that can be found, in falling, broken and helpless before Him.

Still hurting.

Still in a world that is broken.

Death still comes.

Grief still knocks.

But he offers a balm to calm the sting.

But you can't come once.. and be healed of the pain, sadness and grief.

It is a process.. again.. again.. again you must come.

At the end of the day, we must look up.. We must look forward. We must move on.

I pray.

Please pray for our dear friends in Kaabong as they deal with personal tragedy.

In memory of sweet little Lonya

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

No guilt in life.. no fear in death...

2011-12-19T00:25:00.005-06:00

I found out today that Vaclav Havel died... I am deeply saddened by this news. He was an icon of optimism and unity for the Czech Republic for the years I spent there. And then I learned that North Korea's Kim Jong Ill also died, whose life was quite the opposite, which may impact people we know and love in South Korea as well.

All of this on the tale end of some very sad personal news that we are processing from Karamoja.

All of these things have taken me back to the drawing board of my heart... to sort through the files of recent thoughts and priorities.

And this is on my mind: (No guilt in life/No fear in death. This is the power of Christ in me.)

(Source.)

What does this look like in real life for me?

No guilt in life.. no fear in death...

What might it look like for you?

Christ is key.

Through Christ.

In Christ.

Christ alone...

He is the cornerstone on which all of my world view is built.

Without Him?

Guilt.

Fear.

Today I have only thoughts to share. No answers or anecdotes. I have a heart full of sadness and consideration...

And a heart that longs for less chaff.

...and more of the eternal.

Just Be

2011-12-17T20:08:00.000-06:00

Having a baby, for me, has been the most beautiful, traumatic, amazing and frustrating experience.

I can go from being on cloud nine and euphoric to complete frustration and desperation in a matter of a few minutes (or in the amount of time it takes a baby to wake up screaming, yet again, only minutes after falling asleep).

And the greatest frustration of all has been "how to" books on raising a baby. Because you know, for a thousand years women couldn't have wiped a baby's butt without a how to manual. I don't even know if that makes sense yet I'm sure you know what I mean.

So I've been on this rollercoaster of euphoria and frustration. I'm sure in cultures around the world it's not "how to" books but rather nosy neighbors who offer the same source of frustration.

Now it's well meaning other mothers who just gave birth and look like they want to wash dirty socks on their washboard abs a week after. Ugh. Or worse yet that their little chunks of love are so knocked out asleep that they can lug them to school musicals and through grocery stores with doting women pinching them and their little precious will never wake up. You know what I mean.

And today I read a blog about a talented wonderful woman my age, with a little girl, and this mother is valiantly battling cancer...

Cancer... And I complain about naps and lack of routine. I mourn that I haven't slept this or that long.

Then this same blog mentioned another woman who is about my age, who was fighting breast cancer- and just lost her battle.

and I think of my legacy and my life. I think of what I would be leaving behind.

What would my little Claire be left with?

In an instant I cannot believe that I have wasted so much energy, so much time on worrying about routines and wishing my baby were more...

More calm... laid back... of a deep sleeper.. You name it.

I am never promised my tomorrow with her.

And all I want to do is nurse her to sleep... take naps beside her.. and burn my "how to" books in a quest to just be.

5 Months Old!

2011-12-17T15:15:00.002-06:00

Our little Claire Bear is 5 months old!

Sometimes I think it would be silly to document little things because they don't seem that important. Then I look back and realize she is doing a whole slew of new things that.. of course... haven't been documented!

She's flipping and flopping which means we have a roller on our hands! Which also means she's sleeping on her tummy half of the time now.

Her big trick is grabbing her paci and trying to jam it in her own mouth with a 50% success rate.

Today our baby is on a nap strike. I think little creatures come into her room at night and coach her on how to exhaust her parents and keep them confused. Because she's good at it!

Jack Daniel Spaniel
Yesterday I had her in a stroller and Fuzz and Daisy hooked to the stroller running beside me. We passed a house and a man's Jack Russel ran barking at Daisy. The man started yelling so when I got closer I apologized for my dog.

He said, "Don't worry, we have a Jack Daniel Spaniel too."

Interesting. I know where his mind must have been! I have never in all my days heard a Jack Russel called that!

Our five month picture.

I had plans to dress her up in a cute outfit with a bow... but the best laid schemes of mice and men right?

So here we are in old worn jammies!

You can see our old pictures here.

Claire Bear, this month:
-you started sitting up for 10-15 seconds alone!
-you have continued standing on your little legs every chance you get
-you started sleeping unswaddled and on your side (and occasionally tummy)
-you can put your own paci in and can find it in your crib.. mostly...
-you started passing objects from one hand to the other (as of yesterday!)
-you have started sleeping a little better.. as we tried to let you cry it out for five minute increments.. and quit..then started the pick up put down method of Baby Whisperer.. and quit.. and then the "shh-pat" method. You have at least started going to bed in your crib without being rocked to sleep
- you experienced your first snow! Being the great mommy I am I took you out for a picture... Mothers of the Year get themselves all bundled up and then take their babies out in little jogging suits...

Oops! Bad Mommy-Cold Baby

- you wake up... regularly.. and tell us ALL about it...
-you went to TWO birthday parties! The mustache bash for Brighton and Benz (the picture of the boys is blurry!),

and for Emma Kate. You had no idea what was going on but you love people and love being out and about

Here you are with Kristin and the birthday girl is in the background. The theme was "Tangled" and was soo cute! (That's a yellow "braid" hanging through the entire room and then dangling in a corner.)
-you reach for food when we eat.. according to my grandma we should feed you whatever you reach for... I'm not ready for that!

On the topic of grandmas, it's been really interesting to hear the advice of older generations and to see some patterns.

Advice from Older Generations
Here's some advice we've gotten:
My mom, dad and your Paw paw Reed have all said the same thing in response to me saying, "Who do you think she looks like?" They have all said, "She looks like Claire!"

Point taken.

My grandma and Jacob's grandma have interestingly said the exact same things multiple times.

"Put that baby down- babies get sore being held all of the time."
"Let that baby lay on the floor and kick- it's the best thing for them."
And from my grandma, "When that baby starts acting interested when you cook food then you should start giving her food!"

Sadly, I read the same advice in my La Leche book yesterday (for babies older than 6 months).. It will just make you seem so grown up though!

And one last note on grandmas.

Jacob takes you to the store in the carrier and every woman born before 1940 cannot help but "oooh", "aaah" and come over and say something about how precious you two are. I have seen this with my own eyes.

I have tried this myself with you and NO TAKERS. Funny huh? A man and a baby in a carrier must be a sight to behold!

Claire, you are a lot of work and have led to many many sleepless nights (I haven't slept more than 4 hours straight since you've been born!) but man are you worth it!!!

I Choose You

2011-12-15T14:33:00.003-06:00

I tip toe back to your room to watch you sleep.

You're so peaceful and still. Plump pink cheeks and soft wisps of hair. I can hardly stand it.

I stand for a while and fight the urge to kiss you or pick you up.

Is there anything more beautiful than a sleeping child?

For a second my mind races back...I worried that when I quit working I would struggle and lose my identity when I was no longer a teacher. Now, I stand and look at you and have no other cares in the world, but the steady rise and fall of your chest.

I hope that as you grow you will know how much I love you. I pray and long for you to love me back and to "choose" me when you become your own independent woman.

And again, my mind chases a rabbit and I begin to think of God.

And a little baby Jesus.. with pink cheeks and soft wispy hair... delicate eyelashes resting on soft skin.

I imagine how precious baby Jesus must have been... how much I longed for you and pondered and cried but how much more so Mary... So many thoughts and questions she had to treasure up in her heart and then the pain that ripped through her to bring the most amazing gift of all.

Jesus.

I imagine she couldn't sleep for want of watching you- Precious baby Jesus. Warm and soft. Precious and pure. It's strange but it makes me love you more... Love you in a new and different way.

And I understand Mary a little more. Oh Mary.. how your heart must have ached.. in the carrying of that precious child and then in the loving Him so much you couldn't stand it.

And I think of God. Loving me more than I could ever love my baby. Knowing me before I was born.. and watching me going out into the world- completely loved but with the option of choosing- or not choosing- to love God back.

I choose you Jesus, perfect and pure.

I choose you.

Poirot and Rico

2011-12-12T12:16:00.001-06:00

Life is funny isn't it?

Or maybe I should say babies are funny. Not just that they toot and giggle (though that's funny), but rather how funny life is with them.

My baby won't sleep and it drives me crazy... Then she takes a long nap and I'm beside myself after an hour and fifteen minutes wondering if I should wake her up.

She's awake and needing attention and I think of a million things I could get done if she were asleep or preoccupied.

Then she's asleep or preoccupied and the only thing I want to do it have her coo at me and hold her.

See? Just plain funny.

We made an attempt at a plaster mold for a second time and I waited until Claire was solidly asleep, got all of my supplies ready and crept into her room with Jacob in tow. I picked up her hand and tried to hold it in the plaster. She woke up and raked her hands everywhere. It's now a plaster of a drunk octopus and I guess it's a keeper.

Jacob pointed out that at least it will make a good story some day. Not today obviously.

Lately we've been going to lots of Christmas parties and birthday parties which are quite the different beast when you're not eating dairy. I really feel for all of my friend's with life long eating restrictions. It's tough! However, it makes shopping go MUCH faster and ordering in a restaurant is much less stressful. There are typically two or three options if even. Voila. Decision made.

We went to an adorable first birthday party bash (mustache bash!) for two little boys who turned one!

Our little Claire looked just like Hercule Poirot who is, as you should know if you care a lick about me, is my all time favorite literary character. Oh you didn't know that? I'll be expecting a present in the mail to make up for it. Thank you very much.

The one, the only, the fastidious- Hercule Poirot...

"Oui oui mademoiselle! I have solved zee case!"

Oh Claire..you're such a Belgian ham.

And our friends have the cutest little girl with tiny precious featues and a head full of hair. And with her stache she looked a bit like Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite don't you think?

The one, the only, the self centered and delusional... Uncle Rico!

No? Maybe it's a stretch... but it's still cute!

I look a bit like Pink Panther... Oui oui I see zee connection!

Babies are too much fun!

Smitten

2011-12-09T23:42:00.000-06:00

I'm smitten.

With giggles...

warm little necks...

and dimples...

Just plain smitten.

with coy smiles...

baby squeals...

and pudgy baby thighs.

Qwe-Be or Baby Craile With a Side of Uncle Licky

2011-12-08T17:55:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much for your feedback on my last post! Apologies for going missing. I guess we can get into funks in all areas of our lives!

Today I'm going to do what I do best- go random!

Today's Thursday Things- Randomness Here We Come!!

1. I recently realized that if our baby has a slight speech impediment and can't say her "R"s or her "L"s she may call herself "Qwe" rather than Claire. And hence, "Qwe-be" for Claire Bear.

This led me down the rabbit hole of Uganda. In the south they often interchange "L"s and "R"s. So..

A Southern Ugandans may not bat an eyelash if you call the capital city of Kampala- Kampara etc. Termites can be tulmites etc. You get the idea.

We have lovely friends Brenda and Ricky who worked down there and they often got called "Blenda and Licky". You can imagine the fun that brought about.

So our little Qwe-be could hence be called- Craile.

Just sayin'.

2. Magically my baby just "knows" when I sit on the couch. I can stand by her crib for an hour and she won't peep. But the minute I make it down the long hall, and finally plop on the couch... Well.. you know what happens then. Crying ensues.

3. I may do away with the commenting feature for a bit. It won't be permanent because I love to hear from you!!! But it will be for a short time because, well, I LOVE to hear from you! And sometimes it drives what I post and write too much for comfort. You get me?

4. Pinterest is a dirty rabbit hole to fall into and I finally took the plunge! You should see the crazy ideas I've gotten....

5. Today we tried to make Christmas ornaments baby hand prints and foot molds. "Press the baby's hand into the mold for 60 seconds." Ha!

And now I know that my baby doesn't look ooey gooey things, being still, doing what I want her to AND that she can do a raking and grasping action with both her hands AND her toes.

Mold? Fail.

6. I have been dairy free for almost 4 months. Rice milk is normal for me now. Never thought I'd live to see the day. The one thing I really really miss?? Icing! When I quit breastfeeding I may have to hold up a Krispy Kreme...

7. Our little baby has started grabbing her feet and playing with them like crazy. She reaches for everything; cups, plates, glasses, hair..

8. I went to a craft store and crossed off a list I've had going for quite a while. This, more than paying taxes and having a mortgage, makes me feel like a grown up.

9. We got a sound machine that has more sounds and is louder than our other. Greatest current purchase by far.

10. Sometimes I really really miss being in the classroom. And for no reason other than that it's fun.

Silent Reader Plea & Blog Blunders: A Good Dose of Randomness

2011-12-01T15:34:00.002-06:00

It's time to clean house y'all. And not because it's the holidays or because company is coming over.

I mean a different kind of house.

But first, randomness:

Not Claire...

Possibly offensive to some... but funny. (and how our little Claire rocks and rolls.)

True.. but unrelated to this post...

True.. yet not Claire again.

Unrelated again...

Not appropriate yet again... (but funny)

and.. random:

These are the sort of things that I think are funny.

Twisted? Perhaps. But funny.

I don't blog them as I find them because:
a.) they may be offensive
b.) you may not think they're funny
c.) what in the world do they have to do with missions or seeking the Lord? Answer: Nothing.
d.) they would look really really strange in a baby album...

Let me explain-

I've been toying with the idea of a blog just about family (which this basically has become) where I only focus on Claire. Like... starting a "Little Reed" blog all its own, and not posting ALL ABOUT OUR BABY here.

The idea is that I could then print that blog as a baby book. As it stands now, when I blog about fitness, or life etc. I feel strange thinking of what I would have to weed out for her baby book.

But when I only blog about Claire I feel guilty because most people started reading this blog (of the few of you that do) because we were overseas/doing missions.

So I wonder about the purpose? I love keeping records and would do this even if Jacob and I (you're not off the hook wonderful husband!) were the only two to read it.

But when other people read... well... I feel an obligation to try and keep writing about what they are interested in.

Which is hard when you aren't sure why they're reading....

or... who they are...

Any thoughts?

Please? I'm on my cyber-knees begging.

Silent readers now is the day to say SOMETHING.

Not leaving comments is like coming to a party and not saying hi! <--- Blatant attempt to guilt you into commenting. It's so easy! Just clicky clicky clicky and typy typy typy. You know you wanna...

Seasons Greasings

2011-11-27T10:16:00.001-06:00

Hello friends!
Seasons Geasings!

Did you know that the average American gains ten pounds during the holiday season? That's some crazy gluttony going on.

As you can clearly see I put on some well deserved cushioning for the birth of our dear little Claire Bear.

So I am especially mindful of keeping things in balance this season.

Here are my tips that help me keep things under control:

1. Drink lots and lots of water.
2. Have a plan. I bring dishes I can fill up on and not feel bad about and try to eat a good deal before hand of healthy snacks.
3. Exercise even if it's a small amount. Keeping momentum is a big part of exercising so it's better to not totally stop. (If I do I don't know if I will ever stop again!)
4. Have exercise friends. Find other people with similar goals and tell them what you're up to.

5. Journal! Write down what you eat and how much you exercise. Looking back at your accomplishments helps a lot.

Do you have any tips or tricks that help you?

Overall Cuteness

2011-11-26T22:12:00.001-06:00

Hello friends and foes,

Just kidding. I hope...

Well the holiday season is officially upon us. Today we cleaned house, put up a tree and lights and I cooked up a roast. It was scrumptious. I also made a homemade apple pie and mashed cauliflower. This makes me feel absolutely domesticated- like a cat in early Egypt or a turkey in modern day America.

But I digress.

It's so easy to be happy and in a great mood when there is at least one person in your house who can rock a pair of overalls.

and a wonky hat...

We braved the supermarket the day before Thanksgiving and Claire got many "oohs" and "ahs". You can see why.
Exhibit A.

(Though I wouldn't be surprised if people were "oohing" at my husband.. I mean.. He's pretty awesome.)

Exhibit B.

She is adorable.

I rest my case your honor.

Giggle Monster

2011-11-24T23:37:00.000-06:00

Baby's First Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T22:45:00.001-06:00

Today was Claire Grace's first Thanksgiving! It was such a blessing to get to be with family and for her to especially get to spend time with her great grandma and papa. It's such a blessing to see them interact with her.

We left early after a late night of making mashed potatoes (I backed out on the planned mashed cauliflower), a dairy free pumpkin pie (I'm the only person who even had a piece!) and brussel sprouts and broccoli.

Not only am I the aunt who gives books for Christmas but I'm also the aunt who shows up to Thanksgiving with only veggies (no cheese) and dairy free mashed taters.. Yum!

Side story: our first Christmas back I made EVERYONE a jar of either dried soup mix or dried cookie mix. They were big jars so they were in big bags. We hosted Christmas that year and the tree was packed with these packages. The kids were going out of their mind with excitement.

Then when they opened their dried soup jars my nephew actually kept pulling out tissue paper and said, "Is that it?!"

Yep. I know just how to make the season jolly!

It seems that each time we visit grandparents or great grandparents Claire does something entirely new (two weeks ago while visiting Jacob's grandma Claire just started to stand and now will hardly sit in someone's lap!). Today she just reached down and grabbed her foot and started to suck her toe!

When we were kids anytime ANYONE said "so" in ANY way shape or form we always sang,

"So, so suck your toe

All the way to Mexico!

While you're there

Comb your hair

And don't forget your underwear!"

We felt like we were totally clever.

I'm sure it was totally annoying.

Aside from her new found skill of toe-sucking, she also just practically rolled from her back to her tummy but stopped just short.

And last, but not least, Claire has made small little giggles- but while at the great grands she just started laughing out loud and giggling!

(When I can figure out how to upload the video of her giggling I will add it instantly!)

I can't even begin to express how euphoric and happy this makes me feel. It's the greatest feeling of my life...

On our way home we came within inches of hitting a very large deer. We swerved and just missed her. We took a huge sigh of relief and counted our blessings once more.

Happy Thanksgiving- May you realize how many your blessings really are.

First Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T22:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

The leaves have turned brown and orange and have fallen just in time for Claire's first Thanksgiving...

Claire Grace Second Month Video

2011-11-23T01:45:00.001-06:00

I am obviously very behind. But for family and friends who are interested, here is Claire Grace's second video. Remember the first? If you didn't see it or need a reminder, it's at Claire's First Month Video.

She's changed a lot since this video! It actually has made it more fun to go back and look at all of these knowing how much she has already changed.

I hope it loads for you! Claire loves standing on her little legs, grabbing at hair and pacis (as well as trying to put the paci in her own mouth), and she loves a cuddle. She has started grabbing Fuzz's hair and yanking. Good for us he's such a sweet boy who's just glad to get some attention!

So though it's two months late, here's her second video!

I am working on catching up with month 3-4 as quickly as I can. I've already printed pictures for her album and am trying to keep it all up to speed so I won't reach 12 months and be totally behind.

*Note- I made each of these videos as small as possible so they will hopefully load more quickly for you. So they will be highly grainy and pixellated. Sorry! I don't recommend watching them in the expanded screen.

The Run Around- a post of randomness and confusion

2011-11-19T19:25:00.000-06:00

Greetings friends!

It's a gorgeous autumn Saturday in the United States. The economy is declining and young people can't get jobs. 30 somethings are losing their jobs and are in some tight spots...

But farmers still wave when I pass them on country roads, and neighbors smile and coo at our baby. Bedraggled shoppers at Wal Mart stop and comment on our baby or the weather. So life just moves on.

Playa lakes are drying up as the drought stretches into our future. But the geese who are gathered at its shrinking edges look beautiful and carry on migrating regardless of weather changes.

God is in control.

If you're like me, this post has confused the poo out of you and you can't decide if it's meant to encourage or spin you into a depression...

Let me know what you decide. As for me, I'm just writing it as I see it.

Speaking of those geese, every time I pass the park down the road from us I first lament at the shriveled edges, then praise God at the gorgeous geese. I'm a nature-dork like that and think there could be an illness which means, "one who loves nature entirely too much". I keep telling myself it will be worth it to take my little baby and go jog by all of those geese passing through. Birds... That last part of nature that is unharnessed by us. I love them.

Which brings me to my next unharnessed point: running.

Did you know that I'm running again? That's right. Me and the road have made up long last. It's been a tumultuous love affair riddled with break ups and cold shoulders.

I am committed to pounding off the pounds that pregnancy, hormones and Dairy Queen conspired to plaster to me for life. Little did they know who they were messing with. I'm determined and committed.

So pound away I will.

Running: a privilege not everyone has and that is frowned upon or confusing in many parts of the world.

Here- it's just plain good.

Love,
the little girl in the yellow jacket

Baby Hijacked Blog. Baby Hijcaked Life.

2011-11-18T10:21:00.001-06:00

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that a baby has hijacked our blog. Not just a baby mind you, but a tiny version of myself and my husband, who smiles with little dimples and makes us euphorically happy whether she's giggling or farting. And really, it's not by her choice or design but rather it has simply happened.

This however is more a sign of the fact that said baby, has indeed hijacked our lives. I haven't slept more than five hours straight since I was probably seven months pregnant, when all of the excess weight Dairy Queen forced onto my frame made sleeping nearly impossible. And now, while the little darling human does sleep, I lay awake in nervous adrenaline driven fear that if I DO fall asleep, she will peep immediately after.

Thus, I'm sleep deprived in this baby hijacked life I now lead.

Babies hijack our lives perhaps by design, so that we are reminded that we are not in control in any way shape or form though we like to spend our twenties convincing ourselves that we do have some semblance of control.

Babies hijack our lives to remind us that life goes on, whether we are on board with it or not. And our pasts, for better or worse, matter very little. Babies are forward facing (in all regards outside of a car seat) and gear us to the future and a new generation.

Babies hijack our lives to throw us out of our egocentric ways.

And the ironic thing is, that babies hijack your life before they even exist. The thought of a baby can hijack your life. I figured our lives would drastically change when this little bundle erupted onto the scene. What I wasn't prepared for was how our lives changed the instant we decided we were ready to try for this little bundle.

And in a heartbeat everything changes. The tide turns and the camera pans away from you and to the waiting empty seat of future offspring. And in that moment: life changes.

From the hoping, to the early morning runs for pregnancy tests, your relationship already has one more person impacting it.

So really, don't blame me that a baby has hijacked this blog, blame the cute little toot with the dimple.

Hijacker extraordinaire- Baby Reed

Just Like Daddy!

2011-11-16T12:58:00.000-06:00

Fall is so beautiful! The birds are going bonkers outside and the sun is shining. Leaves are finally turning orange and brown, making our walks gorgeous.

This morning we got up and went straight to our four month well check. Little Claire smiled and cooed and was having such a great time all stretched out on the paper of the examining table.

Then this nurse came and stuck her with a needle that was seriously as long as my baby's leg is wide. :( It's so hard to watch her little face register the shock and start to cry when she was so happy.

But she quickly recovered and even managed to smile at people in the elevator. She's such a good girl! (when it's not nap time that is...)

Now we're at home sleeping it out and hoping to feel better soon.

Four Month Stats:

weight- 13 pounds (35 percentile)

height- 26 inches (long!) (95 percentile!)

So.. what does that mean? Our little pumpkin is taller than 95% of her peers and skinnier than most of her peers too (even the short ones.. agh!).

This means she DEFINITELY is taking after daddy and not mommy!! :P

Go out and enjoy a walk this fine fall day, I know we will!

Eternal Threads

2011-11-14T22:19:00.002-06:00

If you're in the Lubbock area this weekend you should come and shop for a great cause!

Off to Grandma's House We Go

2011-11-14T22:01:00.001-06:00

This past weekend we packed up our little car and headed north to Grandma's house.

When I was a little girl there was a red suitcase that said, "To Grandma's House We Go". I always wanted it, but my grandma's lived only a few minutes away so suitcases seemed silly.

But little Claire's grandmas live a few hours in different directions and there was still one great grandma she had yet to meet.

So off we went!

I think I attempted to keep Claire a little too entertained!

But she was still happy! She's such a good little traveler and likes to smile at herself in the mirror.

And before we knew it we got to Great Grandma's house!

Claire is such a blessed little girl that she has two great grandmas living and one great grandpa.

Claire and her Great Grandma hit it off immediately!

Claire suddenly started crossing her little fingers!

Doesn't Claire look like such a big girl?! She's growing so quickly.

And then we were off again to Grandma and Paw Paw's house. Claire got lots of lovin'...

Looking in the mirror with Grandma...

And into each others' eyes...

And a bath in a sink...

Where she tried to grab the cup and drink!

Thirsty little girl?! She's never even really had a bottle and here she wants to drink from a cup (we didn't give her any). Atta girl!

And she started standing on her little long feet!

It was a great weekend for a sweet little girl.

Claire Four Months Old Growth in Pictures

2011-11-13T22:25:00.000-06:00

Today Claire is 4 months old, it seems like just yesterday you were three months!

This weekend you started- standing up straight and tall on your cute little feet. You are a long little girl!
You started reaching out and grabbing people's faces- and glasses!
You started trying to grab plates and cups and try to drink from them! (shocker!)
You have stopped sleeping in big chunks and wake up A LOT.
You began to have normal "diapers" after having some issues since month one.
You got to meet your Great Grandma Cole! (You have two great grandmas and one great grandpa- you're a very blessed little girl).
You almost rolled over repeatedly from front to back.

You're growing so quickly!

Sunday Strolls

2011-11-09T22:52:00.000-06:00

Walks are much sweeter when I have this precious face to look at.

A Letter for Claire

2011-11-07T10:47:00.001-06:00

Dear Claire,

Oh my sweet little Claire…you rolled over today. It’s one of your “big” firsts, just like the first time you “spoke”, the first time you noticed your hands, the first time you giggled, and the first time you smiled. I just want you to know how much I love you and how proud of you I am. You are a precious treasure. You are making such big steps into the world and we love every minute of it. I hope you have a great day. I look forward to seeing you tonight my little Claire Bear…

Daddy

Something Different

2011-11-05T10:31:00.000-05:00

Good morning lovely friends,

Embarking on a holiday without dairy is kind of daunting! I can't believe I've made it this far. I still have to vouch that I feel more alert and better than I have in years... Which makes me sad! I love cheese and yoghurt so much! I also haven't had much added sugar because, well, have you noticed that most yummy things that are sweet come with dairy or eggs? (I've only recently reintroduced eggs and Claire seems fine).

So no dairy means no snacks or yummy sweet goodness. :( The other day I went a little nuts on some oreos (without whey) and felt horrible after. Looks like eating well really does make you feel well!

Pile on the Miles started on November 1 (Tuesday) and ended Thursday night. So I only "piled" on 6 miles. More next week though for sure!

How do you get through the holidays while keeping on track with goals?

Gorgeous Bracelet Giveaway!

2011-11-03T22:58:00.001-05:00

Hi friends!

I just had to share this awesome giveaway.

lowercase letters is giving away a bracelet of a $64 value. These bracelets are unlike anything I have ever seen. Wouldn't they be such a precious keepsake?

You can choose different designs.. I think I would go with the Tiffany.

On one side is the design and on the other side you put pictures of those you love. What a great gift idea!

You should go to their site and try to win a free bracelet today!

(All pictures source.)

It's Never Too Late

2011-11-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

There's a little pinch in my back that precedes big pain. I always have a huge debate of whether to exercise anyway through the pain or to lay off and inevitably take an oh.. say.. THREE MONTH break or something like that...

But if I do that how will I ever get to where I'm wanting to go? And besides, I have to meet my goal for Pile on The Miles of getting ten- twelve miles covered this week.

Today I'm opting to exercise through it!

First Shoes

2011-11-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Our feet are so long and skinny almost no shoes fit. But they're still cute.

Smelling the Roses with Daddy

2011-11-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

When daddy gets home it's daddy time uninterrupted. Jacob takes Claire and gives her his undivided attention. It's amazing to see her light up when he comes home. Today he took her outside as I started dinner. I looked outside to see the sweetest thing ever out on the porch...

Daddy daughter time...

She loves to be outside!

She lights up so much when he comes home!!

Then it was time to smell the roses...

She loves her daddy time!

November Goals

2011-11-01T21:12:00.001-05:00

It's a new month! This means new motivation.

I'm starting Pile on the Miles today and will at least walk each day. I got out of the habit of walking as I tried to get C into a regular napping routine. So I'm getting back to it now!

Today I ran Couch Potato to 5k week 4 day 1. It was challenging! And I'm also doing 30 Day Shred. Each day it gets better!

Baby's First Halloween

2011-10-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

This Halloween was full of church activities.

Our small group had a crab boil and ordered crabs from Maryland (or Maine? I forget).

Everyone looked like they loved them! Our own lovely Dona from the East Coast gave a tutorial on how to best eat them. I had never heard of eating them with vinegar before.

I didn't partake because of the possible shellfish allergies. But Claire and I had a good time visiting with friends! The idea was to dress for "beach" fun but it was pretty cold so only little Claire was dressed in her first ever swimsuit (complete with warm little leggings!).

We saw good friends and visited a lot.

After that we went to the church for Trunk or Treat. Instead of kids going door to door, people from church pull their cars up in the parking lot and fill their trunks with candy. The kids then all dress up and go from car to car.
Never having had kids I had never been and frankly it always sounded a little lame. But it was So. Much. Fun!

(Smore's- what a great idea!)

There were games, a bouncy house and cute costumes galore! What a GREAT idea!

Have I ever mentioned how much we love our church?

Little Claire was a puppy!! And the cutest little puppy ever.

Too bad it was close to bed time and meltdown time!

Quality Time with Daddy

2011-10-30T13:27:00.000-05:00

Recipe for Quality Time with Daddy

1 dash of coos
2 tablespoons of cute little books
1 teaspoon of soft lamp light
1 cup of daddy's love
2 cups of daddy's sugars
1 pinch of baby's squeals
A taste of cuddles
1 pint of love

Mix all ingredients until the memories are complete.

October Bitter Chill

2011-10-29T23:25:00.000-05:00

This October is cold! We've already had a freeze.

We go walk with friends one morning each week and we weren't quite prepared for the cold weather. Hence the mismatched winter look! Perhaps we need to invest in matching winter clothes? But this is so cute!

We met friends from church. Paige...

and Dona!

Claire, we love so much how social you are. You love people!

Sweet girl!

A New Journey

2011-10-26T15:35:00.000-05:00

The journey of a million miles begins with one step right? I know the saying is something like that.

I'm beginning on this healthy lifestyle journey (again).

I had thrown my back out a few months before we got pregnant and had quit running. Then the surgery thing set me back. Blah blah blah. Excuses, excuses, excuses. We've all got them right?

So I'm starting again and man is it hard!

But I'm doing it. Slowly and carefully.

This time next week I will weigh one pound less. And then repeat.

Source.

My goals:
- lose one pound a week
- continue nursing
- get in shape!
- run 5k in December
- run 10k in May

Method:
- make healthy choices
- choose water and fruit over sodas and desserts
- cut out dairy and eggs (and nuts) :( (possible allergies for Claire)
- count calories, aiming for 1800- 2400 a day (sparkpeople.com)
- get plenty of calories, calcium, protein and nutrients each day
- Jog 3x a week- Couch potato to 5k (do a fun "race" in December after week 9 of couch potato)
- do 30 Day Shred and Pilates (rotate)
- treat myself to non food things when I hit milestones (facial, new shirt etc.)
- have accountability! (running buddy, accountability group for weight loss, family)
- join Pack On The Miles - POTM

Running through the forest in a diaper and other oddities

2011-10-24T07:55:00.000-05:00

Well I FINALLY wrote my birth story! (Or Claire's birth story). It was a long time coming and there for awhile I didn't know if I would ever get it done. I'm so glad it is!

I realized in writing it that there were other little details of our birth and the first few days together that didn't get shared.

1. for an hour after Claire was born we just sat together, the three of us- kissing, staring, hugging and breathing it all in. When they were about to move me down the hall the nurse came in. I told her that I was so sorry I had made so much noise. I HAD been quiet, but three hours of pushing?? I broke through some kind of sound barrier at that point! (And let me tell you, to be the floor for giving birth- I was the ONLY lady out walking and the only one making noise (on that night at least)).

The nurse laughed and said, "The lady next door was getting a c-section and kept asking if 'that lady' next door was going to be okay." Ha!

2. A few weeks later we took Claire in for a doctor's visit to get something checked out. There was a couple there with a little girl a week younger than Claire. It was the lady's third and she said it was "so easy" and the little girl just "popped out in one push".

For the record, "Three Hours Pushing Lady" does NOT like to hear this.

We talked about our difficult labor and they laughed and said that the week before there girl was born they went up to the hospital for some reason and went up to labor and delivery to visit their nurse friend and there was some lady giving birth naturally and making A LOT of noise. Their friend at the front desk said, "Yeah, some crazy lady is trying to go natural."

After a little discussion we realized... it was me!!!
Ha!

3. In the hospital Jacob was super dad and changed every diaper. Man I love him! When we got home he kept up his job of being the diaper king. About a week later we were both in the nursery as he changed her diaper. She had just leaked all over the crib. As Jacob change the diaper we chatted.

Jacob: You know, the way they make these diapers doesn't fit.
Me: What?
Jacob: These diapers aren't made right. They don't fit Claire.
Me: You mean to tell me our baby is different than every other baby in America?
Jacob:... Yes! I'm telling you- these diapers don't fit.
Me: Jacob... Seriously? Here.

(I reached over and felt the diaper and sure enough there was this huge gap in the front).

Jacob: See?!! They don't fit at all!
Me: Jacob.. that's on backwards.

(Pause...)

Jacob: Oh.. Well, I just figured that if I were running through the woods I wouldn't want the tabs to be able to get caught on things and rip open.

and that is how our baby had on backwards diapers for the first week of life!

Sixty Years and Counting...

2011-10-23T07:12:00.000-05:00

My grandparents have been together for over sixty years.

What a legacy!

Doula: Do-What?! What is a Doula and Why I Had One

2011-10-22T07:56:00.000-05:00

Don't worry. Four years ago I had no idea what a doula was either. I would have guessed it was a crocheted item that grandmas put under ceramic lamps. But it's not!

A doula very simply is a helper.

The concept for a doula comes from the idea that traditionally, mothers and older women who have gone through their own natural childbirths are with younger women to coach and encourage them through their births.

Statistics show that women who have doulas are less likely to tear (calmer pushing), or have a c-section among other things.

I knew that this was something I would love to have. We did our research (there are actually quite a few in the Lubbock area). Over spring break I interviewed several and chose one.

Quite honestly, without my doula I think I would have ended up with a c-section. We were nearing the end of a long hard labor and there was still no baby. But with her encouragement and guidance we managed. Also, Sara had several comfort measures such as massage that amazingly made my contractions only feel a fraction of their actual pain. Once I tried to sit in a chair through a contraction and quickly realized what a difference her pressing on my back made!!

At first we really weighed the cost of a doula (at that time $500) and I have to tell you that in hindsight, our doula was priceless. We would have paid TRIPLE that. And I'm not kidding.

Our doula met with us SEVERAL times leading up to the delivery. She loaned us videos, answered questions and was just plain kind. We had a back up doula in case she couldn't make it and when I called her the night we went into labor, she beat us to the hospital and never once looked at the clock (and it went a long time!).

Time and time again she would run and get juice or snacks for us so Jacob could stay by my side. She massaged my back the ENTIRE labor and encouraged me. She prayed with us and for us and she kept hoping. She even offered to go and get a meal for us after the baby was born (I was happy just to sleep!).

Our doula had been a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to stay home with her children. So her knowledge was a comfort through the long months of pregnancy. If I EVER had a question, I could call my doula and discuss it with her. This was invaluable!

Also, our doula is a lactation specialist and in the days after Claire was born she was on hand for me to ask questions and she came and visited us weeks later to see that everything was going well.

I honestly think that our doula ended up answering about a thousand questions! She was never annoyed when I called and always listened to my concerns. I actually miss her now!

My doula and doctor know one another and worked REALLY well together also. I think that having a doula also helped Jacob to know what to do. She would recommend that they both massage my hands or feet (THANK YOU SARA!), and that we move around or change positions for my comfort.

I can't recommend a doula ENOUGH! She made a huge difference in our birth experience and her help was really priceless.

She has a service on her website where you can go and make your own birth plan also.

If you've ever even remotely considered using a doula- I would say go for it!! (and if you're in our area- use our doula!)

Labor of Love: A birth story

2011-10-21T07:22:00.012-05:00

I've grown up here but never seen it so dry. It's harvest time now and there are almost no fields to harvest. Months stretched on with no rain and as my stomach got heavier and my due date loomed nearer Jacob and I talked about whether or not it would rain. My due date had come and passed and I kept delaying my next doctor's visit out of fear of induction.

Tuesday morning I awoke for the first time in a long time to clouds and the smell of rain. Jacob and I talked on the phone about how amazing it would be if Claire came on the day it rained. When I came to join Jacob in Karamoja it had rained breaking a long dry spell. So the name I was given reflected this.

Wouldn't that be meaningful? We talked and gushed and hoped. I had signs that labor was beginning and the braxton hicks I had for months were replaced with ryhthmic contractions that were sharper in pain. I was elated. I relaxed, prayed and waited. Jacob came home that night and they were consistently 7-ten minutes apart for most of the day. We sat on the porch as the heavens broke and rain poured down. We were ecstatic to say the least. We were in labor and it was like our wonderful secret. I thought surely she would come soon. I mean, my mom had VERY quick labors after all and I had been patient for well over twelve hours of contractions.

At last I called my doula just to give her a heads up. We relaxed that evening and tried to go to bed. My pain was stronger and I crept out of bed and climbed into a warm bath to ride out the contractions. After all, this was a thrilling time and I was eager to stay at home as long as possible. Soon the contractions were about 3-5 minutes apart and I woke Jacob. When they were stronger and consistently 3 minutes apart we called the doula at 1 am and said we were on our way. It was still so exciting. The night air was cool and crisp and the smell of rain was still lingering.

As we pulled up the hospital the pains intensified and excitement rushed over me as I thought, "This is my labor! This is the birth of my child!" I imagined her coming in the next few hours.

I was proud of myself for being so calm and breathing through contractions. I marveled that God made labor so manageable. I mean, quite honestly, it wasn't that bad. We laughed and joked. They put me in a room right next to the nurses' station and we made ourselves at home with our birth ball, snacks etc. I got checked and was not as progressed as I had hoped which I had tried to prepare myself for. I was almost 100% effaced and at about a four. Bummer.

Our doula had met us there and excitement was in the air. We joked with nurses as they put in my i.v. port and we discussed my birth plan (I opted for no iv so I could walk around). When contractions would hit I would cling to Jacob and breathe as my doula would press on my back. We had a system down and it was great! I walked the halls, sat on the ball and moved around while sipping on juice and small snacks. Any time now that baby should be coming...

When the night shift ended to say that I was disappointed was an understatement. My contractions had been steady but little more. I kept apologizing to Sara for wasting her time. "I don't know why she's not here!" I kept saying.

My next nurse reminded me of a nurse I had before who put in an iv wrong and pumped my hand with liquids. Something inside of me pulled back and my labor literally stalled. She would stare at the baby monitor (I wanted to be intermittently monitored and be able to walk around) and nervously obsessed about the numbers. I thought of the books I had read which talked about the machine that went beep being more important than the woman and the Monty Python sketch. I felt I was living it out and my heart sank. The nurse would step out and my contractions would resume. My doula comforted us and reminded us that a woman must feel safe for labor to progress. We prayed and asked for a new nurse.

The new nurse was Harriet. Jacob and I looked at one another. This was one of the possible names we had chosen for our baby and we already felt calmer. She was wonderful and encouraging and never once mentioned epidurals or my choice for a natural birth except to say that it was WONDERFUL and that we COULD DO THIS! My spirits lifted.

The hours stretched on. Sara, the doula, kept heating the rice bag and placing it on my back and we kept walking. Up and down the halls we went, pausing only for contractions.

My doctor checked me and said I was 100 percent effaced and almost 5 centimeters dilated. She asked if I wanted my water broken to speed things along. Something stubborn in me said no and we waited. She had a c-section to go and do and she said that when she came back at around 5pm we would break it because I had been going so long. I agreed...

I was exhausted at this point as we had been going at this at the hospital for almost 15 hours and the almost 15 hours at home of early labor. I was in the bed with my doula behind me pressing on my back in the most magical way that made my contractions feel half of the pain they really were. Jacob was in front of me and I held his hand.

All at once it seemed that the contractions were coming closer together. I no longer noticed the nurses coming in and out, and I only caught snippets of what they were saying.

I focused and it really seemed like tunnel vision set in.

In preparing for labor I did the breathing and relaxation exercises and envisioned a garden like the one I saw for years when I taught "The Secret Garden" to students. I had also planned to picture myself on a beach like "The Cay" that I had taught also years ago. But in that moment, when the contractions became stronger and began to overlap... I distinctly remember saying to myself in my mind, you're in the ocean, you're floating in the water and realizing that this wasn't working for me. It wasn't relaxing me... And my mind shifted gears and I said to myself, I am the ocean.. I am the ebb and flow. I let myself feel weightless as I imagined the force of the ocean that can't be stopped or contained.

It sounds crazy perhaps.

But in those intense moments it was the only place my mind could settle. I no longer saw anything. I zoned in on the side of the bed and my own wrist. I stared intently at the yellow triangle "fall risk" they put on laboring women's hospital bracelet. That hand clung to Jacob's, but that yellow triangle is all I could see. It was a physical anchor as my mind bobbed in a powerful sea. I could hear Jacob speaking to me and my doula firmly telling me to breathe. I would feel that I was holding my breath and I would reach up from that big ocean and take a breath and then sink back down.

They were the most intense moments of my life.

I felt nauseus. I wanted to vomit. My legs began to shake violently and I began to cry uncontrollably. I could hear voices from the foot of the bed and my doula behind me all rooting for me and saying, "Breathe Georgia. You have to breathe honey. You can do this." And I would climb out from the dark place where I was hiding and I would bob to the surface and breathe- trying to suck in all the air I could.

When the contractions would subside I melted into the bed and closed my eyes and I could hear those voices still floating around me, encouraging me and saying, "Georgia, rest. That's right, rest."

I imagined I would be the type of person who wouldn't want to be touched. Jacob and I joked about it after how much I wanted to be left alone during the surgery ordeal in January. But much to all of our surprise, I didn't want Sara to quit massaging my back and for the life of me I couldn't have Jacob let go of my hand.

They were still telling me to rest and I let myself sink down to the bottom of that sea and I slept. I slept for what seemed like ages. I remember waking up with a start, and my eyes flying open. I could see the ceiling and then instantly my eyes focused in on the side of the bed and my bracelet as I steeled myself for more.

"She's having another one," Sara whispered to Jacob. They both gripped me tighter. I could hear Sara praising me to Jacob and saying how amazing it was that I could sleep in between contractions. I heard nurses whispering. I remember feeling like I had rested for years and like I was a new woman, but I couldn't pull myself out of the ebb and flow of the sea.

I remember thinking during a lull about what I had read about transition(the time where a woman progresses from a 6 to a 9 or ten and is typically the most painful part of labor) and how some women shake, vomit and doubt themselves.

Check, check and check.

The shaking began again, uncontrollably, my legs shaking the entire bed it seemed and I wanted to vomit all over again. And for the first time true doubt set in my heart. I dug into my reserves enough to pull into the present and lift my voice... "I can't do this..." I whispered.."I want to go home..." And immediately three or four voices poured over me in soft but stern whispers from Jacob, the nurses and my doula. "No Georgia.. You CAN do this. You are strong. You ARE doing this. You ARE."

And I would sink back down. And all at once, in one of the gripping contractions- my water at last broke and then there seemed to be a repreive. Just as quickly as it had started it seemed to end and I joined the land of the living again.

My transition was over.

It's strange to say, but as an honest account of my experience, it was surreal and as though I had exited myself.. If I could have floated above the bed this would have been the moment to do it. I can't explain how it seemed that I went to a different place where my only focus was breathing through the pain and letting my body work through the metamorphosis it had to work through. And through it all I clung for dear life to Jacob's hand.

Just then my doctor came in to break my water and we all laughed and said it had broken on its own.

My doula praised me for being able to sleep.. I told Jacob it had been the longest ten minutes of my life... "That was two hours Georgia".. he said to me. I was shocked.

It was as though through all of transition time stood still for me. I remember when I would nap that I would melt into the bed and the entire room would go still and quiet. Everyone waited patiently and quietly while I rested. I remember looking up and seeing Jacob, completely spent and clinging to my hand, his head resting on hard bed rail trying to sleep. And when I woke up, he was still there. I remember thinking, "I have the most amazing people with me... He and Sarah sat unmoving by my side for the near hour as I slept and regained my strength." I was amazed.

I apologized to them for sleeping for so long and Jacob looked at me and quietly said, "Georgia.. you slept for only minutes at a time... All combined maybe ten minutes."

Already I was in awe. One of the most intense and painful parts of labor, transition, God had made to feel for me like it lasted ten surreal minutes.. and my seconds of napping God made to feel like hours of refreshing sleep.

My doctor checked me. It was time to start pushing. A new sense of excitement filled the air.

My body was exhausted. When the contractions would hit they would say push. I had wanted to do spontaneous pushing which means you push when you feel like you should and for as long as you feel like you should. The benefit is supposedly that it is more natural and doesn't deprive the baby of oxygen like the directed pushing.

The only problem was, my body was so exhausted that I never felt the urge to push other than at the end of transition (when I had to wait). I didn't tell anyone this though out of fear that it would mean something bad...I just pushed when a contraction hit. These contractions didn't hurt like the others but I thought of them more as signposts that my body was ready to push.

I moved around the room. I leaned on the bed. I rolled on to my sides. I tried everything. When my contraction would hit, everyone rallied around me and everyone quietly cheered me on as I pushed. "Breathe!" "Yes! You are doing this!" They would say.

But at the end of it all, she wasn't moving anywhere. They could see her. But I wasn't getting anywhere...

My heart sank. The room got very quiet.

The minutes stretched on... The contractions came and went. I breathed and pushed and cried and began to lose hope. I cried out to God again and again. Had I come this far to fail? Would my baby be okay?

I was unaware of the time except to know that it felt like it was no longer moving either.

Finally, a voice said, "Georgia, we can see her. We see her hair. Give us three more big pushes and she can be out!"

Then quietly, "Or we're all giving up."

Giving up?? Giving up!? There was no way I had come all this way to give up. No way. In that last instant I bore down and pushed like I have never done anything in my life. It was the most bizarre sensation and a complete disregard for self. I had to get my baby out. Time was up. And finally... finally... she came out. I was spent.

Literally, totally and completely spent.

I had imagined that I would cry. Every time I watched ANY natural birth I sobbed like a baby at the wonderment of new life. I'm a sucker for natural birth. But in that moment, the enormity of completely giving myself up and my disregard for my own well being in those last few pushes, and then the unbelievable sensation of seeing this red, crying perfect baby as she was still connected to me shocked me. They immediately and gently handed her to me to lay on my chest. She was in shock too.

Bright red and screaming. "Almost a perfect apgar!" they said. It had been a long and hard journey for her. For all of us. I kissed her again and again and didn't cry. I kept whispering to her that I understood.. It had been awful hadn't it? I understand little girl.. I understand, I whispered over and over again. Jacob leaned in and we were all one.

The three of us, this new family, had come through this long and exhausting journey together.

In the end, I had pushed for three hours. I'm glad I hadn't known what time it was or I don't know if I could have managed.

I'm so thankful that my doctor honored my wishes (and did she ever). Every nurse I talked to after that was shocked that they let me go so long.

But I'm so grateful.

It was the hardest and most gratifying experience of my life.

I had surprised myself in my weakness and in my strength. Again and again throughout the experience Jacob and I thought of Jesus in a new way... God created life so that we must completely give ourselves over, sacrifice ourselves in a way, for new life to begin.

It's the most selfless and intense moment.

Am I glad I did it naturally? Indefinitely. I know it's not for everyone and most people think I'm crazy. But I'm glad I got to walk through that difficult journey with Claire.

She'll never remember it of course... But I was there. We battled together. People say you forget. But I will always remember.

As we said our goodbyes to our amazing nurse, she thanked us so much for letting her be a part of such a beautiful experience.

Honestly at that moment the "experience" didn't feel beautiful. I felt like old wine skins being ripped apart by new wine. But being a part of God's creation to a small degree was amazing. Knowing that he made it manageable and that only by his grace did we walk away as a new family was touching.

That's priceless.

And that's the story of the birth of our precious baby girl. A day I will never forget.

*Note: There is little emphasis on Jacob in this account but I felt his support and needed him more during this experience than I ever have in my life. He only left my side twice. Once to go to the bathroom and once he left to run to the cafeteria and eat. Otherwise, he soldiered with me for hours on end. Patiently cheering me on, crying with me, and praying over me. I don't describe what he did in detail but it seemed to me during that ordeal that we were one. I knew that he hurt with me and that we joyed together as well. So though it is not mentioned outright, he walked each step beautifully and selflessly with me better than I ever could have imagined another human could.

Labor of Love: A birth story begins

2011-10-20T22:20:00.000-05:00

Labor of Love...

As the days pass so does the sharp memory of pain. I think every day about writing Claire’s birth story but something holds me back. I prepared for being a mother and giving birth from the minute we decided to have children. In some way it was on my mind. It dictated the home we bought, the car we chose and even our move back to the States. I wanted a natural birth as much as possible. I can’t even explain the driving force behind it.

In some way I wanted a bridge to other cultures. I still remember one group of young Karamajong village girls who had come to the gate to visit with me. Me, in my broken Karamajong and white skin, them with their calloused toes, bare feet and dry hands. They had axes and were headed towards the border of Kenya to collect fire wood. They would be walking for miles and working hard in the bush and then carrying the wood back on their heads. Just a week or so before, a young girl got shot in the face while out innocently getting firewood when the group she was with ran into warriors who had come to steal cattle. I looked down at my thick sandals and white skin.

I couldn’t go with them but was honored they had asked. They were trying to connect with me. I was more than ten years their senior but seemed more like the helpless child. I couldn’t go with them. I could hike ten miles maybe, but never in the blaring sun with no water and they would surely be going further.

They asked me if I didn’t collect firewood and I didn’t go to the borehole for water each day- then what did I do? I tried to explain... They can’t read so my time spent studying seemed a waste to them. My time spent planning lessons for the elementary school also seemed pointless.

Silence stretched longer. We talked about beads and laughed as we exchanged bangles and stared off into the sun, squinting and shielding our eyes.

They then asked if I had any scars. One young girl giggled as she lifted her weighty beads from her neck to show her raised scars all along her chest and breasts. Another girl had delicate leaf like scars etched from the corner of her eyes back and up her forehead.

I did have a scar, I said, as I lifted my shirt and showed them a big scar on my back. They gasped and laughed at the lily white skin and they roughly poked the delicate scar and said that it wasn’t enough. I needed more.

We had so little in common.

I was honored they had come hours, from a village we visited often, just to see me. But I had no bridge. No way for us to really connect.

But birth would perhaps be a way I could connect. Perhaps it would be a tiny bridge where I could say that in some tiny way my experience was like theirs.

And thus, Claire’s birth story began years ago over raised scars and bare feet and ended in breathless tears and awe a thousand miles away.

Finally, I’m ready to write it...

National Day on Writing and Regression

2011-10-20T20:19:00.000-05:00

Hi friends,
Well today is officially the National Day on Writing. Did you know that? Do you write? I don't always write but I always WANT to write. Does that count for much? I'm glad Mark Twain and Shakespeare were:
a. more talented
b. more disciplined

than I am!

It has suddenly gotten cold and it is a blast getting to wrap up my little pumpkin in coats and things. Since she's turned three months she really does seem to be such a different happy little baby. I really felt like I had it all figured out.

I've heard that just when you think you've gotten it figured out is when it changes...

And it has! She is impossible to get to sleep right now! It's made for some interesting days. She insists on being rocked and soothed EVERY time she wakes up. And she wakes up often and doesn't nap or sleep well... What was your method? How do you guys feel about crying it out or the opposite attachment parenting? Just wondering!

Getting to take Claire to meet my grandparents was so special for me and I hope to get to spend a lot more time with them.

We spent our last afternoon there just sitting outside and visiting. It's so nice!

Drought 2011..

2011-10-19T14:05:00.000-05:00

Desert Dry

2011-10-18T22:37:00.000-05:00

On our little jaunt south we saw lots of dry dry areas. This drought has been rough on the land...

All Smiles.. Personality On Its Way!

2011-10-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

Good night daddy!

I love you!

Road Trip - Rankin

2011-10-16T10:42:00.001-05:00

Claire and I took our first solo road trip this weekend.

To start it off I broke routine from my bland breastfeeding diet and had an Olympian smoothie and with.. drum roll please.. a shot of wheat grass with a chaser of orange juice.

My verdict? Wheat grass is supposedly VERY good for you and actually didn't taste bad. But after a few seconds I could taste the strong after kick and the chaser made sense.

We went to a breastfeeding support group at the hospital where Claire was born.

Then we went to the cutest shower ever where I didn't manage to snap one single picture because someone was fussy and tired from crying on the highway... I won't name names though!

We met great grandparents and has such a great time taking pictures of old pictures...

And on this trip Claire started reaching for toys with both hands and started somehow scooting herself in a complete 180 turn while on a blanket!

Claire Three Month Growth in Pictures

2011-10-13T09:06:00.000-05:00

Claire,
You're three months old today!! I can hardly believe it.

- you like to play with your hands
-you smile and coo when you're eating
-you cry or laugh when we leave or come in a room
-you reach for things
-you are very attentive to everything that's going on around you
-you startle easily!
- you travel VERY well
-you are 12 pounds 9 ounces (not sure of length)
-0-3 month pants are about two inches too short
-6 month pants are the perfect length and way too big around!
-I love that even these pictures show your progression from fussy to a happy little baby! Praise the Lord!!!

Happy Three Months!

At two months...

At one month...

At one day...

Outtakes from our three month pics/other faves

P.S. you're still in love with Mr. Plant Pot Head

Road Trip 3

2011-10-12T23:23:00.000-05:00

We went on our first road trip to surprise a very special sister in law on her accomplishments!

It was a surprise orchestrated by her fiance. We all waited for her to come in and find us.

And it worked!

Congrats sister "in love"!
Always the short one,

First Road Trip 2

2011-10-12T07:49:00.000-05:00

She likes to travel- like her momma.

I never knew hotels sometimes have cribs for you to use.

I think she liked her shadow, like a little Peter Pannette.

First Road Trip

2011-10-11T21:48:00.000-05:00

We took our first road trip this weekend with our little darling.

We stopped in a moderately sized town so I could get a meal that fell within my "dietary restrictions" for this allergy bland breastfeeding diet thing. Every restaurant was closed. It was so sad. Then at the last minute we found this place and we changed Claire into her little footed jammies for the trip home in the car seat in the parking lot of this little mom and pop steak house (that was awesome). The sun was setting and it was the perfect light to snap a picture.

Love her so much.