Happy Halloween

Faith Ann's first Halloween! There is so much excitement that comes along with Halloween...it's a day for a kid to be a kid!! Hunter had a Halloween parade at school today, and of course, Trent wanted to walk in the parade with Hunter. So, Trent was right in the middle with Hunter leading the way through the parade! Love my boys, and I love how much they admire and care for eachother! Faith Ann just watched the parade with wide eyes! Tonight will be fun. Our neighborhood has a carnival and parade. Then, we will do the usual Trick or Treating. We will have a blast with our train, car and lady bug! It will be quiet the challenge to get a picture of all 3 together in their costumes, but trust me- they are adorable!! Happy Halloween 2014!

My Girl

Faith Ann is my girl!! I am pretty sure that my best friend awaits as the days and years go by! All of my children will be my friend one day...that's what we all hope will happen when our children grow up to be adults. My mom used to say, "no one will ever love you like your boys will, but no one else will be your friend like your daughter."

My mom adored my brothers, and they admired and respected her until the day she died. They still talk about their "momma" often! There's just something special about a daughter and a mother. My mom got me a pillow years ago that says, "Daughter is another word for Best Friend." I know that I will only grow to understand that more and more as the days pass. Even though she is still a baby, I can see our friendship blossoming daily! Faith Ann, I love you so much! Lots of good times are ahead, baby girl!

All THREE

Amidst all the noise and activity, I do actually get some quiet time. All of my kids nap at the same time everyday! I realize this is a small miracle in the world of motherhood! This was my goal from day one, so I started laying them all down around 1:00...a good compromise for all needs. Some days, Faith Ann would be so tired and other days the boys were still ready to play. However, I kept it up...and low and behold, they all now sleep for at least 2 hours! On school days, I lay them all down at 2:00. It's a stretch for Faith Ann, but she hangs in there and sleeps like a log the second I put her in the crib!

Before I take credit, I have to acknowledge the factors that have made this work!! First and foremost...the "OK to Wake" clock for the boys. They share a room, so nap time was an adjustment!! This clock works wonders. I set the clock for 2 hours, and it turns green when the 2 hours is up. They are allowed to talk/wake up when the light turns green. I realize that not all children nap, but I decided that nap time was one of the battles that I was going to fight and hold onto! Our pediatrician says that naps help their immune system stay strong and their minds refreshed. She feels that naps and an early bedtime are key for all ages. Shoot, who wouldn't want some good ole rest?!

Hunter still naps most days, at least for an hour. Some days he just lays in his bed and quietly plays with his stuffed animals. Regardless, he stays in his bed until the light turns green. He respects Trent's sleep so much, he's such a wonderful brother. Trent still needs the whole 2 hours of sleep, and he sometimes sleeps past the green clock. Usually, Hunter will say "GREEN" when it is time for me to get him out of bed. The word "GREEN" is like an alarm because Trent wakes from a deep sleep and sits up every time! And sweet Faith Ann...I usually have to wake her around 4:30. Bless her heart, she savors her quiet/rest time!

It took some training for them to understand the concept of the clock, it took some major persistence on my end! For the first few weeks, I would sit on the floor in between their beds until they fell asleep. I would start the nap clock over every time I had to correct them. Eventually they caught onto my expectations, and now it is a smooth process. We also use the clock in the morning- it turns green at 7:05! Hunter usually wakes around 6:30 and stares at the clock and loudly says "GREEEEEN" at 7:05 on the dot, everyday!!

Their nap time is my saving grace. I have plenty to do during that time. Sometimes, I even sit down and read my Bible study book!! It's great! It refreshes me for the afternoon. Some people don't understand the value of this time. My dad is like, "awe man, they're sleeping?" I tell him that only a man would say that about a quiet house with 3 sleeping children. My mom would be like, "WOW, amazing!"

Scott and I also take advantage of every minute during their nap time on the weekends. We either take turns running errands or we spend alone time together! The kids need their quiet time, and so do we! I realize that my 2 hour mid-day break will come to an end. So, this post is for me to remember that I actually did have some quiet time in this season of my life!

And I have to document that I actually did a pretty good job on the boys haircut! I was just going to "trim" around their eyes, and it turned into a full haircut- they are so adorable!

Dewberry Farm and Such

The weather is getting a little cooler, and we are living outside! The afternoons still get pretty hot, but the mornings are very nice! We went to Dewberry Farm today. We really had a good time. Big outings like that are usually overwhelming with bags, food, diapers, strollers, etc. However, today went so smooth! The kids were all smiles and easy going- they had a blast!!

Faith Ann looked adorable in her smocked spider dress- ahhhh, that girl melts me! She enjoyed our adventure with friends. We rode the train, went on a tractor ride, did the rope swing into hay, and went through the corn-maze. I breastfed next to a quiet, beautiful pond. The "dad crew" appeared at the pond with all their children while I was feeding her! Lovely...a whole farm full of mothers, and the one group of dads come to play with the ducks mid-feeding! Anyways, it was fine and Faith Ann didn't skip a beat!

 Faith Ann is starting to really look like a big girl. She is now sitting in a big girl stroller during my errands. She sits up unassisted, and she is sleeping like a dream! She has been going from 7:30pm all the way to 8:30! I sometimes have to wake her for us to take Hunter to school at 9am!! Girlfriend likes her sleep! She is still taking just one LONG nap a day in her crib (1:00-4:30 or later.) She grabs a few catnaps in her carseat. She is such a trooper!

She is starting to get more verbal. She makes this 'dinosaur like' noise, and she drags it out for like 30 seconds- it is so funny! She blows lots of raspberries, spit bubbles and laughs. Her favorite activity is to jump in her doorway jumper with her brothers. She bounces away while Hunter and Trent jump next to her. She thinks this is so funny. This is the first "game" they have played all together as siblings.

Hunter has had soccer games every Saturday. He is enjoying it. He started off the season just running with the crowd and not paying attention. Now, he actually kicks the ball every once and a while. He makes me laugh! He was running behind the kids last week and tracing the numbers on their jersey. His little finger would trace the 8 and 92. Then, he would snap out of his 'number tracing daze' and randomly kick the ball! Love that sweet boy.  Mimi (Scott's grandmother) and Pardner (my dad) came to the game last week. Then, we all went to Southwells for lunch afterwards- one of our favorite places!

Hunter is really looking like a big boy to me these days. His entire demeanor is more grown up! He is really growing into such a sharp, smart, loving, thoughtful, and witty kid! I cut Hunter and Trent's hair in the driveway a couple days ago. I still left some curls on Trent, but it was time to clean them up a bit! We have LOTS of birthday parties, Halloween activities, and church events coming up. We are busy...the best kind of busy in the world! I love the activity, the action, the fun. These memories are priceless. These days are the best days of my life!

Nervous Nelly~Ebola

I am not the nervous type, and I am definitely NOT a germ freak. But, this Ebola outbreak is kind of freaking me out!! I just picture this pyramid that starts with one, then just ripples out and gets bigger and bigger! I use this blog to make baby books that document my babies first year. So, I thought it would be fitting to talk about the current Ebola scare in Faith Ann's baby book. One day, it may be interesting for her to look back and read about it.

Who knows....maybe our grandchildren will be reading about the Ebola outbreak in their history books. Will it have that much of an impact? Or maybe, our grandchildren will get the "Ebola vaccination" added to their 4 month shots?! No one knows what will come of this, but it is such an important time in our country, in our homes, and in our future!

Obviously, I am not a reporter and have very little information- just relaying the basics for reflection one day. The most current is there have been 3 diagnosed with Ebola in America. 2 of them have contracted the disease from a man that brought it here from Africa. Two of the patients are nurses from a Dallas hospital where the original man was treated, Thomas Duncan. Duncan passed away a few days ago. The other 2 patients are in isolation and are being treated with experimental drugs.

The part that ramps up my nerves is that one of the nurses just flew on a commercial airplane...a couple days before showing symptoms/being diagnosed! This is when I start picturing that ripple effect!! Scott is flying soon. I told him that he is wearing gloves, mask, and will not eat or go to the bathroom on the plane or airport!! I am also having him change clothes upon arrival. Nervous Nelly!! Here's what makes me nervous....there is just not enough education on this deadly virus!! They are tracking down everybody that was on the flight with that nurse. People are being put in isolation and observation. Like we are a bunch of lab rats, waiting to see what will happen next!!

It blows my mind when I start picturing the potential of this virus!! Ahhhhh- all the doorknobs, elevator buttons, shaking hands, using restaurant spoons, menus, gas station pumps.....it can send your mind spiraling! I have used one bottle of hand sanitizer since Hunter was born...one bottle in 4 years! Germs just don't bother me. However, I used almost an entire bottle today while eating lunch with Scott at the Galleria! The thought of my children getting sick, being in isolation FREAKS me out! Because I can see myself getting wrapped up in fear- I have decided to make the conscious (and hard) effort to turn this over to God.

I worry about the patients that are ill now. I worry about the virus spreading. I worry about all the workers involved in treating/preventing. I worry about it getting to Houston. This reminds me of all the "what-if's" that I was worried about when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I was paralyzed with fear of the unknown! Through that roller coaster, I prayed hard that I could let go of worry. Let me tell you...those prayers worked! I let go and it changed my life!! I learned so much during moms journey of sickness and death. I need to remind myself of what I learned...worrying will not change the outcome, nor will worrying add one second to your life! Worry can rob you of so much!

Faith Ann, one day you will read this. I want you to learn from my moment of weakness. Learn that everyone experiences fear and worry. Life has hard times that are full of scare and panic, especially when you have children. The worries of life will never change, there will always be something to worry about. But, I pray that you gain strength in times of worry. I pray that you trust The Lord.

 As Ebola continues to create its story, I am continuing to work on my story...my story of letting go! I will remind myself of God's power as I read the many articles on Facebook about Ebola, and as I flip through the news channels. The power of prayer will replace my worry! I will say a prayer that God protects everyone and protects my mind from wandering into fear. Go away, Ebola. Far, far away!

5 Months

Sweet Faith Ann, 5 months have already passed! You are such a jewel. You remain simple and peaceful! Those are the two words that describe you best. You have such a simple and peaceful heart with a smile that radiates and brightens the room. Here is what you are up to at 5 months...

• Easy and contagious smile...you flash that smile all the time!
• Still take one long nap a day in the crib (1:00ish-4:30ish)
• Cat nap throughout the morning on to go (in the car or stroller)
• Extremely easy going!!!
• No foods yet, still breastfeeding (I'm waiting for you to show me you are ready)
• Goes to sleep around 7:30 and wakes between 7:00-8:00am
• We still do the 10:00pm top off feeding
• Size 3 diaper and 6 months clothes (can still fit in some 3 mo clothes and some 9 mo clothes, just depends on the brand)
• You have found your thumb, and have started sucking your thumb occasionally
• Love your doorway jumper and spend lots of time bouncing away!
• Gorgeous blue eyes
• There's nothing you really 'dislike,' you go with the flow!!
• We love our evenings outside while waiting for daddy- the street fills with kids and Faith Ann is right in the middle of the mix! Everyone loves Faith Ann!

 Such a joy! I couldn't have pieced together a more perfect baby girl for our family. The dynamics are so right! Their personalities are so different, yet complete each other. I have called Hunter and Trent my "ying and yang" for years. A "ying/yang" is a symbol that represents completion. One side is black and the other is white...opposites, yet completion to make a full circle!  They continue to be my "ying and yang."

It will be so interesting to see how Faith Ann fits into that "ying/yang." She is so special to the boys- in different ways. Their relationships are developing daily. I can already see Hunter taking care of Faith Ann and is very protective! And Trent will have moments of picking on her in the typical 'close in age big brother' type of way!

Here's a great example...I went outside to talk to the mailman for 2 minutes, Trent dropped a toy on Faith Ann (making her cry.) So, Hunter "got him back" by nailing Trent in the face with the toy (giving Trent a swollen lip!) However, I didn't get that mad at Hunter until he decided to pee-pee in the trashcan because he thought it would "take too long to lift the lid and flush the toilet!!" Ahhhhh, Faith Ann...you are my grace, my peace, my sweet baby girl! I love you!!

Eyes and Mouth

We had our first official dentist appointment this week. The boys both got their teeth deep cleaned and both got X-rays. Hunter jumped right in the chair and was all smiles. We just watched an episode of Peppa Pig, and she went to the dentist with her little brother. Hunter knew exactly what to expect because of that show...thank you Peppa Pig!

Trent admires Hunter and does EVERYTHING that Hunter does. So, because Hunter was such a big boy- Trent too, was such a big boy! He sat still and opened his mouth. The dentist said that Hunter has a crowded mouth. I had a very crowded mouth and had to get 4 permanent teeth pulled in order to have room for all my teeth! So, he gets his spacing from me. Hopefully his teeth are better than mine! Only time will tell. In the meantime, they are all smiles! They were so proud to walk out of the office with their new toothbrushes and toothpaste!!

Eyes...well, I don't have much to say about eyes- other than we put these glasses on Faith Ann and it cracked us up!! My nephew Sam just got thick black framed glasses. There were a few extra frames, so we took pictures. We laughed so hard at sweet Faith Ann in those glasses.

We also made a spontaneous trip to the pumpkin patch after church. The boys ran around and touched every pumpkin. I took some pictures and let the boys play for a long time! The weather is beautiful, which means we will spend lots of time outside in the sunshine. Picnics, walks and lots of driveway playtime will fill our days!! That's all folks...get your eyes and mouth checked and enjoy Fall!

Big Question

People ask, "is Faith Ann your last child?" That is a big question?! Scott and I have always been open to the idea of having 4 children. We always knew that we would have at least 3 children. After 3, we said that we would let it sit and see where life takes us. Our plan is to let 3 sit for a while and let life continue to unfold as we enjoy the ride. If it hits us that "it's time" for another- then we may go for it?! For now, it comes in waves!!

I will all of a sudden get a "wave"of a feeling that tells me that our family is complete. While we were on stage during Faith Ann's baptism- I got hit with a huge wave of emotions telling me that "this is our family, we are done, this is our last baptism!" I had complete peace and a full circle feeling!

I love chaos. I love the activity, noises, and non-stop that comes along with children. The constant opening/closing of the doors, the fingerprints on the windows, the hours a day I spend in the kitchen, the friends in and out, the laughter! To me, children is what makes a home!

 I LOVE to watch the sibling relationship grow among my children. Hunter and Trent function as one- they are a "package deal." They co-exist, and only know life with their sidekick! I love that we were able to give them the gift of 'each other!' Thank you God for blessing us with the gift of siblings! You learn so much about life through your siblings, you learn so much about love, about forgiveness, and about friendship...a sibling to grow old with is one of life's biggest blessings!

Because of the above paragraphs- I get waves of feeling like a 4th child is in our cards. Scott gets waves of feeling like another baby is in store. The other day he said, "I was just in Faith Ann's nursery and felt like this is not our last baby!" He also gets waves of feeling like we are done. Point is- we have waves of emotions.

And honestly, we aren't worried about it! We are enjoying the moment. We are enjoying this phase. We are fully content. We have no plans...our plan is to be fully in love with our children and listen to our hearts as the journey of life continues!

I can say this....we are SO HAPPY with our family of 5. It feels good. It feels right. I remember playing "house" when I was a little girl. I used to pretend that I had 2 boys and a baby girl! I remember it like yesterday. Fast forward, here I am in reality...living what I always dreamed of!

So, what is my answer when people ask me that question?? I say, "we are blessed and happy with our 3 healthy children- we will see what God puts on our hearts!" I am a happy mommy. I couldn't imagine feeling fuller, feeling more complete!