All About Roo

"Roo" is our nickname for the newest addition to our family. With that introduction, I figured it was time for a little pregnancy update. :-)

I'll be 18 weeks on Thursday. Roo has been a very active little one for the past couple of weeks, kicking around much earlier (or at least so I've noticed) than Morenna. Matt and I are anxiously counting down the days until our ultrasound when we hopefully discover the gender. He's hoping for a boy. I'm not quite sure what I'm hoping for... other than a healthy baby. Perhaps another girl?

My reasoning for a girl is really twofold: 1) to prove that my morning sickness severity with Morenna was simply that of a first-timer; 2) Morenna will have a close-in-age sister... something I always wished I had.

At any rate, this pregnancy has been so different from my first, with all the quirky pains and growth coming in a much earlier time-frame. I heard you "pop" sooner with subsequent children... but I was in maternity clothes by week 9. A bit of a surprise to me.

Food and I aren't the best of friends, though I'm definitely past the queasy stage. My cravings (if you could call them that) have mainly consisted of fruit (peaches, especially), water, Greek salad (strange!) and the occasional pickle. My aversions have been quite the opposite of my pregnancy with Morenna and include beef and sugar... especially ice cream. :-( So sad. On a positive note, though, I'm back up to my pre-pregnancy weight as of last week.

I'm using a local midwifery practice this time around, and so far I love them. I do not love the insurance headache caused by my choice... or that we decided on an HMO policy when Matt switched jobs. That was a dumb idea.

Last visit, Roo chimed in with a strong little heart rate of 150. Ah, I could never grow tired of listening to that chugga-chugga-chugga sound.

Momma at 17 weeks

Water Baby

Morenna has been changing so much the last few weeks. All of the sudden it seems that we've started fast-forwarding her development; a fact that is both joyful and sad. Here are some of her latest achievements:

-- She goes up and down stairs by herself,
-- Sometimes informs me of a needed diaper change,
-- Has a larger assortment of acquired food tastes,
-- Can "chat" on the phone with her grandparents,
-- Walks/climbs/runs on her own,
-- Chatters all day long with favorite words inserted, including: "baby", "momma", "daddy", "buddy", "ba" (bath), "ball", "bye bye", "pees" (please), "boolah" (balloon), "milk-a", "juice", "ca-ca" (cracker), "more", "duck" and "hi" to anyone she sees.
-- Will point on command to nose, toes, ears, and belly button.
-- Loves to share the noises made by cows, sheep, cats, and polar bears (random, I know).
-- Giving kisses.

Spending time outside has been a favorite activity. So far we've played in the rocks behind our air conditioner, swam in the neighborhood baby pool, and ran around in the sprinkler.

Sweet baby kisses for Daddy.

Diggin' in the rocks.

Playin' in the pool with Daddy


Lovin' life!


Playing at Grandpa and Grandma's!


Baby pools and watering cans are nice, too.


Naked baby time with the sprinkler :-)


And when it rains... there is always Mommy and Daddy's jacuzzi!

Morenna's First Year Photos!

It's hard to believe a month has passed since my last post! I'm still wading through the glories of morning sickness, but I see light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah!

Last week I turned 26... and today my husband turned 28. It's hard to believe we're on the downward slope towards 30. Wow. Ok, enough of that.

I've finally gotten around to uploading some of Morenna's First Year professional photos onto Facebook. You should be able to view them here, hopefully.

In the next couple of weeks things should be back to normal around here... I'm so looking forward to resuming my posts... in the meantime, thanks for sticking by. :-)

Being Mommy

Have you wondered where I've been? I've missed posting the happenings around here... but time at my computer has been largely limited lately.

My friend Kelly opened a blogging door for me today, hence my reason for breaking the silence. While it isn't a lack of items to blog about that's been prohibiting my writing, it has been a lack of creativity - a difficulty in eloquent wording - that's also to blame. Her timing in tagging me for this "mommy" post couldn't be better... I needed it.

What I Love About Being Mommy:

1. Fresh views - I love watching Morenna develop in a new way each and every day. She reminds me of a flower, a slow opening bud, that discovers something new about the world each day and is absolutely elated about what she learns. I feel like a kid again myself... and she's only a year old! There is just so much to discover!

2. Innocence, trust, desire. I love witnessing true innocence in Morenna. She fears little and trusts her daddy and I wholeheartedly. What a great example of how we should feel as children of God! It warms my heart to observe her following me so absolutely; scary - yes, but beautiful at the same time. There is also nothing like the feeling that comes when you find how desirable you are to your little one. When Morenna reaches for me, snuggles with me, clings to me... it's me she wants. No one else treats me quite that way. I tear up when I think about that.

3. Family. It amazes me at times the new depth that motherhood has brought to my marriage. Not only am I mom, but the love-of-my-life is dad! Weird! Together we have been blessed with one huge responsibility... and we have to be a team. I also see my husband in a whole new light as the leader of not just our marriage, but our family. My respect for him has definitely grown. He is now more selfless than ever, more gentle than ever, more humble than ever.

4. Similarity. How fascinating to witness various aspects of your character or personality in your little one. I love watching Morenna to see traits of her dad or I pop through. It can be a bit scary at times, but I love it. She is so much like us... but yet so distinctly different, too.

5. Dependability. Perhaps the most sobering aspect of motherhood to me is how much my children depend on me. I love this and fear it at the same time. It matters not if you have days of not wanting to be "mommy". You are mommy... day in and day out. Human lives grow and (by God's grace to us mothers!) thrive because of us. I'm seeing this all too clearly right now as I care for my two children. Yes. Two. Surprised? As I eluted to above, I haven't been in front of my computer much these days... mostly because I've spent it before the porcelain goddess most of us mothers are familiar with. As I've struggled lately with how to care for Morenna, care for my household, and manage sickness at the same time (scraping by with the first, failing at the second, succeeding at the third :-)) I'm very much aware of why I love the dependability in motherhood so much: it draws me to the Lord.

Nowhere in my life do I feel more inadequate that I do in motherhood. As consequence, nowhere in my life do I turn to God more as I do in motherhood. And that's a good thing.

So thanks, Kelly, for allowing me the opportunity to share the good news of our blossoming family. You unknowingly helped me with the words (and helped me find the joy in the current season I'm in). :-)

Our new little one, who we're temporarily naming "Roo", will hopefully arrive the end of November, beginning of December. A new adventure awaits! I'd particularly appreciate your prayers as I attempt to make it through this first-trimester morning sickness. It wasn't so pleasant with Morenna... and it appears no different this time around. But God has lessons for me in it all, I just need to listen.

Shakin' and Bakin'

In preparation for Morenna's 1st birthday party, the visitation of some dear friends and family, and life's general business, I decided to have another baking day a couple weeks ago (and I'm just now posting!). I'm finding these happen about every three weeks or so... and I'm loving the times in between with all the freshly baked and stored food. Matt definitely enjoys having easy breakfasts available, too. Here's a peek at what the fruits of my labor were this time around:


*2 dozen breakfast hot pockets (we adore these!)
*2 dozen whole-wheat waffles (I think I may be searching for a new healthy recipe soon... any suggestions?)
*2 dozen apricot muffins and a small loaf of apricot bread (LOVE this new recipe! Note: the recipe calls for 4 t. of baking powder - Totally a misprint! I used about 1 t. and it was fine.)
*And a 10x17 healthy carrot cake (no, I'm not vegan)

Yum, yum!

For She's a Jolly Good Fellow-ette?

As promised, here is the much-anticipated post on Morenna's little party. It was so fun to celebrate a year of God's grace in her life, but I'll let the pictures tell the story:

Great-Grandparent's McCann sent over two babies for Morenna. She adores babies (anything between the ages of newborn - 10 years she considers a baby!). She is so cute carrying these around.

Mommy got some creative juices flowing and made a fuzzy carrot cake.
The "M" just kinda evolved from the leftovers.

Here we go!

Curiosity at first...

...and the tasting...

SCORE!

Yay for smearing!

Flirting with guests.

Opening gifts... this one was from Great-Grandparent's Brobst.
New DVD's! I also need to get pictures of Nana's terrific gift of a fluffy bunny puppet and her first Bible,
and Grandpa's swell taste in clothes!

And, of course, what birthday would be complete without a family picture? :-) Should you care to weed through the masses of unedited pictures, you can do so here:

Morenna's Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Grandpa's Visit!

Have you wondered where I disappeared to? Our lives have been so crazy lately! We celebrated a 1st birthday with some good friends and family (more on that soon!), had some professional pics taken (a separate post to come as well, whew) and generally scurried around like rabbits the last few weeks. One particular Wednesday evening we had the pleasure of meeting up with Matt's dad for some good food and a much-needed visit.


It had been a couple of months since Morenna had seen Grandpa John, but in no time flat she warmed up and gave him her snooty face (a face she gives to all individuals over 40, it seems. Not to worry, though, John, we know you're only 39 ;-)).


We even had a trial run in preparation for the birthday celebration with some butter... or sour cream... I honestly don't remember what it was. So fun!

Happy Birthday Morenna!

As I last mentioned, my baby girl will be turning one this Monday. Here are some snapshots from the past 12 months of her life. Enjoy!

April 2008

May 2008

June 2008

July 2008

August 2008

September 2008

October 2008

November 2008

December 2008

January 2009

February 2009

March 2009

Comin' Up

I was so blessed by the responses I received from my last post on time management. What a huge encouragement to see that other women (and men! Thanks Jesse!) are seeking to grow in this area (can't wait to see how you can further encourage us, Jessica!).

Speaking of time, this week marks the eve of my baby girl's first year on this earth (as an independent being :-)). In many ways it's gone by so fast (mobility, size)... and other aspects seem to be creeping along (teething). As a mom, I have been stretched in areas I didn't even know existed (need I go into detail?). I've been forced to fall at the foot of the cross over and over again seeking wisdom and strength just to get through an hour of the day! But I wouldn't change a thing... and I'll gladly do it all over again when the Lord chooses to bless us with #2. (No, this isn't an announcement).

In honor of her, my next post will be some reminiscent snapshots of the last 12 months of her life.

~

One year ago this week...

The last picture I have before Morenna entered the world.
I don't think I look too huge here, but I certainly felt it!

Brought to us Easter Morning by the Easter Bunny. :-)
Yay, you're finally here!

Just a couple days old.
This is one of my husband's favorites.

More to come!

...Because the Days are Evil

"Look carefully then how you walk,

not as unwise but as wise,
making the best use of the time,
because the days are evil."
~Eph. 5:15-16

"Your tea is getting cold," my husband said to me one night. "Aren't you coming to bed yet? I'd like to spend some time with you." Anxiously I made a few quick clicks with my mouse. "Not quite yet, just a few more things to do." My eyes were glued to my computer as I immersed myself in a friend's posting on facebook. Definitely need to write her a quick encouraging note. And did I remember to scan the latest deals and print those Huggies coupons? I can't go to the grocery without them! Oh look, an email from so-and-so!

An hour later I sank into bed. There were so many other blogs I wanted to read and sites I wanted to visit, but I was feeling guilty. I snuggled up to my husband and started to browse through my parenting magazine. My tea was cold.

"Hooked Online." The words on the page jumped out at me. "Three reasons moms are addicted to the internet." Addiction. Addiction. I stole a shy glance at Matt. He hadn't took notice of the headline. Cautiously I continued reading; I had that feeling that this article was meant for me. Sure enough, the author's word struck a chord... and it wasn't good. Perhaps the most identifying passage was this one:

"I started following coupon sites and became so engrossed in finding deals that I neglected the important things, like time with my son, for a while."

I've done this!!! While the article seemed to focus more on a mother's need for social stimulation (no comment) what I gleened was more a recognition of time-consuming bad habits. The mother mentioned above pursued something good, but at the cost of what was best. How often am I unintentionally doing that?

~

These past few weeks I've been contemplating time. Certainly as a new mom I've started seeing time as my enemy. There's never enough of it to accomplish my tasks. At the recommendation of a friend, I began reading Shopping for Time, a marvelous book written by a woman I couldn't esteem more highly. Her advice comes right from scripture: look carefully; live purposefully.

Look carefully... make the best use... days are evil. So, I looked. There it was: my computer. It's on from morning 'til night. I'm on it for work. I'm on it for play. I have to have it to score the best deals. And where would I find half my recipes without it? It's all good. But it's not the best. It's become my distraction. My bad habit keeping me from wholely pursuing my duties. What's yours?

I've witnessed so many other friends battling with this type of behavior. Ladies, we need to be proactive about sitting down and recognizing our priorities. The days are evil, now let's wisely take them on. For me, that meant sitting down and listing my priorities, and deciding where the internet fit (or didn't fit!) with them.

1. First and foremost, I am a child of God. He is my first priority and my time sitting at the foot of the cross, studying His word and bathing my day in prayer is SO important. Nothing must distract me from that time. (No internet here.)

2. My household comes next, and with it several smaller categories. I can't help but recall the Proverbs 31 woman (Lord, help us all! :-)): She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Prov. 31:27)

a) My husband. He is my primary focus. As his wife I am first and foremost his help-mate. Now, I should start acting like it. :-) That means children, church... everything else must come after. (Internet only if I need to use it to serve him in some way.)

b) My children. Training them in godliness and teaching them is next on my list. (No internet here.)

c) My home. This includes cleanliness, meals - whatever it takes to keep my home in working, efficient order. This also includes keeping house the way that would best please my husband and serve my children. It also includes being a good steward of what resources we have. Here is where couponing, bargain shopping, etc comes in for me. Even here, though, some prioritization is needed. Cleanliness comes before couponing, etc. (Internet: limited.)

3. Work. This is a given for internet, but I must remember that it comes after everything else. For me, household things typically get done in the morning, then work follows after my devotions during Morenna's morning nap. (Yay for naps!) (Internet: yes, but for one primary purpose.)

4. Social Service. Hurray! Play time! Last but not least is my time for social interaction... playgroups, phone calls, facebook, email, blogging, you name it! And by the grace of God, here it is... right where it belongs. (If you're wondering about this post, yes, my chores are done for today, Morenna is napping, my husband is studying... FREEDOM! ) Whoops... now I have to go get lunch. :-)

There is such joy in looking carefully and evaluating your time. At the end of a weary day, you can look back and smile, knowing that what needed to get done, did get done. And like the Proverbs 31 woman, we can now laugh at the days to come.

Won't you join me in making the best use of our time?

A Weekend Home

It was with great joy (and much relief) that we headed home to Ohio this past Friday. Morenna definitely needed some time with Gramma and G-Daddy and Buddy the Dog (a.k.a. Uncle Feather, Uncle Buddy, Bugsy-Pugsy-Poo), and I definitely needed some time away from Morenna. :-) Matt needed time with both of us and NO school. Thankfully, we were able to achieve it all.

The first day home was beautiful and warm (nearly 80F) so Morenna spent the day outside with Gramma and Uncle Feather plucking grass, and basking in the sun with her new 'shades.

G-Daddy took a break from his work to give Morenna a ride on the tractor. She was totally cool, calm and collected.

Strawberries (one of Morenna's favorite foods) were on the menu. She's getting better at biting them with her two little teeth. Yes. Only two. So sad.

Unfortunately, Morenna had a really hard time sleeping while we were there. Her normal schedule typically includes 12 hour nights and a 2 hour morning nap. We were lucky to get her down for 7-8 hours at night and an 1 hour during the day. That translates into disaster. And bloodshot eyes for Mommy and Daddy. And a crazed child. Run away!

Also while we were there, Matt and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary with dinner out and time alone. We prayed over our marriage and for the next 98 years (hee, hee). It was lovely.

Tuesday we drove home through the evening/night. Matt entertained Morenna with his latest resurrection of the DVD set Pinky and the Brain (heaven help us, narf!) and in the end... both were sleeping. It really was lovely.

Gettin' Around

We're loving Morenna's moves these days. The best news of all: she's walking!!! About 10 days ago (right around 11 months) she decided that walking was cool... and has been doing it a little bit every day since (we do bribe her ;-)). Her unique scooting process is still her preferred way of mobility, but I don't think it will be too long before she walks exclusively.

I'm going to be taking a brief break from blogging (until next Tuesday) for a chance to spend some time with my parents and extended family. But in the meantime I leave you with this, our video journal of the "Get Along Gal" and her moves:

One of those days... #194

Today was one of those days. Morenna has been a handful over the last few days... days when my poor husband has been swamped with law school activities and consequently unavailable. Isn't that how it always is? Yes, you nod. But you're really wondering why I have a picture of a toilet posted here, aren't you? I have my relavant reasons.

The temper tantrum Morenna threw yesterday was quite shocking, in my unexperienced (on the flip side as a mom) opinion. We've had our little sin issues before, but this one manifested itself in old fashioned heel-kicking angry 'tude (as Matt would call it). Three-quarters of an hour later, we had peace. And friendship. And awareness of the learning curve ahead.

Today was day two of three without my hubby support. I knew it would be a rough one when Morenna awoke 4 times throughout the night with teething issues. But I was ready for it! Oh, how the mighty fall. Even before her morning nap Morenna had:

• ... somehow gotten herself caught in my Philodendron plant on the mantle and toppled it on top of herself. Dirt and all; and
  
• collected papers off my desk and dumped them in the toilet. I found her seconds later (seconds too late) bent over the toilet swishing them around in the water. GROSS!

So where was Mommy during all this? I hear you wondering. That's just it. I was right there. The whole time. And it still happened. It was just one of those days...

Bring it on.

Winter Joys

Yesterday was a snowy day. And seeing how Morenna had yet to be properly introduced to snow, Matt and I decided it was time. My parents had bought her little rain boots and we used them as snow boots, seeing how her big feet already fit into the T-2 size boots!

(The boots are special ones to us. I'm not sure if you can tell in the picture, but they say "Rescue #4" on them... the exact station where my dad is a firefighter. When we stumbled upon them at Babies 'R Us we exclaimed "What are the odds!" The rest is history.)

It definitely took us longer to get Morenna bundled up than we were actually outside. She appeared a solid combination of the abominable snow monster and the Pillsbury Dough Boy. It made for a good laugh. At her expense.

Once outside, she was very cautious of the white powder, but on the whole seemed relatively unimpressed. I think the bitter wind that was nipping at her cheeks stole most of her attention. After only a few minutes she appeared miserable and cold... so we headed back in. Maybe next year she'll be a bit more interested.