Celebrations and a Time to Live

In Ecclesiastes it says:

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot...

This Scripture kept coming to mind this weekend as I thought about Grandma passing away and then a new life being born a bit unexpectedly on Saturday. My dear friend April gave birth to a baby boy named Emmett on Saturday. He arrived almost 2 months early, but he is doing remarkably well. So, I'm thankful for this new life to celebrate during this time of losing Grandma. Welcome to the world baby Emmett!

And other smaller celebrations this weekend:

1. Momma and Daddy had a date night to BlackFinn on Friday night while Mimi and Poppy watched M&M
2. We celebrated the end of our parenting class, Growing Kids God's Way
3. One of my wonderful godmothers (Susie) threw a Babies, Books, Desperates and Desserts get-together so that the Desperates could meet Mary-Michael. For those who don't know the Desperates are a group of women (and their families) that have been family friends for years (decades in some cases). Most have known me since I was born. Thank you Susie for hosting a great get together!

Great Grandma

My Great Grandma passed away early this morning just a few months shy of her 92nd birthday. She was loved by many and a favorite in her assisted living/nursing care facility. All the nurses and employees called her Grandma, too - she was just that kind of lady. My mom has spent countless hours over the last few years being her go-to woman, laundry lady and companion on a very regular basis. Thanks, Mom for all you've done. We love you Grandma.

Momma, why do you insist on making me where these?

Just Because Pictures

I'm starting to smile more (and we're sure it's more than gas bubbles)!


More smiles.


Momma and me.


Hanging out in my crop top with my paci.


Doing what I do best and the most!

So, even with my last post on the challenges Geoff and I have encountered since becoming parents we both agree that we still want lots of children. We know this tough season is just temporary and our commitment and love for each other will withstand even greater challenges ahead. Thankfully, within those challenging times are sweet moments that make everything else seem minor.

Those who know us well likely know we've always said we would try to have 2 of our own and adopt 2. We've gathered adoption information over the last few years and will continue to research and consider our options until the time is right. Our hearts have been recently stirred by a friend of a friend who is preparing to adopt a baby boy from Rwanda. Hopefully, God will fulfill their dream and we can learn from them along the way. In the meantime, our sweet girl is keeping us busy!

Yesterday, we had a playdate with Rana and Maiyah (see pic below), followed by a trip to Nana's new place. My Aunt Diane came into down, so we did a little shopping for Nana's new place and enjoyed a drink in the pub. Yes, this retirement community has a pub (I think Nana was sold once she learned of this). So, M&M had her first trip to a bar where a dozen 70+ new friends oohed and aahed over her. Once leaving there we went to a surprise 50th celebration for Geoff's business partner, Chip, where she was once again the center of attention even though she slept most of the time. What a life!

So, I guess when I said Mary-Michael was keeping us busy I really meant we're keeping her busy. Whew! Today we're staying at home, resting and looking forward to Uncle Zach and Skylar coming over for dinner.

A Baby Changes Everything

I have been hesitant to write about this because it feels a bit like airing out our dirty laundry, but in fact, I just want to share about life and struggles that we've had I think others can relate to. I think sometimes we don't talk about our struggles enough because we're worried (particularly type A folks like me) about not being perceived as if we have it all together. But we're real people with real issues and challenges and when we talk about them I think we allow ourselves the opportunity to connect with others in deeper ways. And isn't that what life's about?

Let me first start by saying that having Mary-Michael has been an unimaginably amazing experience so far. I can't believe how much I love her and want to make everything right in this world for her. When people find out your pregnant they tell you about the joys and deep love you'll feel (they are totally right!), and I think some people have the perception that having a baby with someone will draw you closer and make your relationship better. I think in some ways they are probably right, but it seems to me that people rarely talk about how growing a family can be a true challenge to your marriage.

When I look back on the last 4.5 years of our marriage there is no doubt that the last 6 weeks have been the hardest for us. When we built our house people told us it would either tear us apart or bring us together. While we had our moments of insanity it was a very positive experience for us overall. I don't know what we could have done to prepare for the impact of a new baby. I believe we have a very strong marriage based on a deep friendship and true respect for one another. But in these last several weeks we have seen the worst in each other. Think about it - you're sleep deprived, the woman's hormones are all over the place, you are now responsible for another human being 24/7, intimacy is on hold and the day is filled with moments where you feel inadequately prepared for the task of being a parent. These feelings lead to frustration and guilt, which are often taken out on those closest to you...your spouse.

I know that my husband has been more patient than ever with me, and for that I am so grateful. Each day is getting easier and we are slowly creating a new "normal," but I want those of you who think having a baby will make your relationship stronger to know it can also be difficult and for those who have a baby who are going through this or have gone through this to know you're not alone. And if your relationship was rosy and fabulous right after you gave birth please don't come tell me (at least not for a few more months)!

After attending a women's dinner tonight, I was reminded that we all fall short. So, instead of trying to be superwoman like the one in Proverbs 31, I am now going to aim to do half of what she completed in a day within a one week period. That's fair, right? I'm not perfect and will never be, but thankfully, I serve a perfect God I can rely on to guide us through this journey were on. Without Him I'd surely be a hot mess.

6 Weeks

Our Dear Mary-Michael,

Yesterday you turned 6 weeks old. Momma had hoped to update the blog on the actual day, but we have been traveling with Daddy's softball team this weekend in Salem, VA. You had your first nights in a hotel this weekend, which didn't go very well. I think you slept a bit too much during the day, which caused you to be fussy and a little too awake at night. You also have been wanting to eat every 1.5-2 hours these last 48 hours. Six week growth spurt perhaps?

You are getting so big and so much more aware of what's around you. You love to watch your mobile while you're swinging and you've turned your head towards daddy a few times this week when you hear his voice. You are a ferocious and fast eater. Lately, when you're done eating you cry. You also cry when we get you dressed - especially when we have to put things over your head. You seem to really like baths and wiggling on the floor. You do pretty good with tummy time, but you don't like it for long periods of time yet. Your head control is SO much better than when you were born, but it still bobs and moves around a lot if we aren't careful. You like to snuggle on our chests and fall asleep, but you sleep well in your pram or Moses basket, too. You are starting to out grow your newborn clothes (this makes Momma sad) and have started wearing a few things that are 0-3 months. Momma insists on putting a bow in your hair daily even if we're not going anywhere. Soon you'll be taking them out on your own, so I'm taking advantage of your unawareness. You are a beautiful, happy baby.

Momma and daddy (and so many others) fall in love with you more and more each day. We are excited to see what the future holds but really trying to appreciate the present and season you're in right now. We know you'll be walking and talking before we can blink.

We love you,
Momma and Daddy

Here are a few pictures on your 6 week birthday of you and your Great Nanny whom you met for the first time while in Salem.

Hallelujah!

We are celebrating this morning because the last 2 nights Mary-Michael has only woken up once to feed in the middle of the night. This means momma gets 4 hour stretches of sleep. Woohoo!!

Hearing Test Passed!

Mary-Michael passed her hearing test today! For those that don't know she failed her initial newborn hearing screening after she was born. We were told this happens occasionally when newborns have fluid behind their ears from being in the womb. Despite that, I was still a bit worried. Geoff assured me would we just learn sign language if we needed to - he was much more calm about it, thankfully!

After the test, we went to visit my Great Grandma with my mom. She is approaching 92 and not doing well, and we really wanted to make sure she had a chance to see Mary-Michael. I'm not sure how aware she was of what was going on, but she did smile when we showed M&M to her.



After a quick trip to Target (I feel like I live there lately), we headed to the house of a new friend we met in childbirth class. She gave birth to a baby girl 2 days after M&M was born. It was so nice to talk about the challenges we've encountered being new moms and just swap baby stories.

Finally, I'll leave you with a very cute picture of how I found Carla after leaving the room for just a few moments (she's not supposed to be on the couch, but this was awfully sweet).

M&M's First Real Bath

Last night momma and daddy gave M&M her first real bath. Yes, she's already 1 month old, but her umbilical cord took quite a long time to heal, and we've been waiting for a time when we could all do it together. She actually really liked it until the end, when I think she started to get chilly. Geoff and I both decided we'd like to bathe in a hammock from now on, too. Have a great week!

We've had a busy last few days. On Friday, Mary-Michael and I had our first real outing running errands by ourselves. I have been nervous about this as I didn't want her to start crying uncontrollably in a store. I'm not sure why as this will inevitably happen at some point (and it did and wasn't that bad), but it seemed easier picking up groceries when grandma or someone else was around. We survived a trip to the tiny post office, bank, Food Lion and Southern States so that we can finally get that veggie garden ready. Southern States was the last stop and she let the teenage kid putting the stakes in my car know she was not pleased with his struggle to get them in place. While she fussed Momma realized it was not a good idea to put 10 6-foot metal stakes in a Jeep Cherokee.

We arrived home in time to unpack the car and then Grandma and Papa George arrived from Alexandria for the weekend. The pastor and his wife who are renting our guest house purchased land right down the road, so Geoff planned to help clear their road and homesite. His dad came down to help and Grandma came down to help me out and spend time with Mary-Michael.

On Saturday, we picked up pizza for the guys and then headed out to run a few errands, including visiting and taking food to my dear friend April who is on bedrest until her baby boy (Emmit Joel) makes his entrance. She was in the hospital for over a week and is very glad to be out, so that she can be with her 2 girls. Other than flipping from side to side (like a rotisserie her husband says), she can't do much, but it's keeping her baby (and her) safe and healthy, which is the most important thing. It will be so fun for us to have babies so close in age!

Once the guys were finished working we headed to TGIFriday's for dinner. Mary-Michael slept for the most part, and momma was very glad to not have to cook dinner.

And today, Grandma and Papa George were very kind to let Geoff and I go out on a breakfast date (to Cracker Barrel!) and have a few moments to visit our friends Amber and Curtis who's baby recently had surgery. It was nice to get out for a bit, and we are very grateful!

Yesterday, miss M&M was 5 weeks old. Amazing! She is becoming more aware of us every day. Here's a picture of her in her swing - she loves to stare at the ducks. We are so proud - really, we are. It's the little things that amaze us these days!

First Trip to Mathews

Mary-Michael and I took a trip to Mathews, VA the last few days where Nonnie and Grandad have a place near the water. My cousin Blair and her son, Colin, were also down, so we had some great cousin time while we were there. It was also nice for me to have Nonnie there in the early morning, so that I could get a few more hours of sleep while M&M was wide awake. She's an early riser like her parents, which will be fine once we're sleeping through the night...


Momma, M&M, Blair and Colin


Snoozing on the deck.


We love this warm weather!


Colin was fascinated with his second cousin.


Wearing her first bathing suit (courtesy of Kim) - isn't it adorable!?

Happy Easter

We had a very busy Easter weekend that wore our baby girl out...leading to a sleepless night last night. Regardless, we had much to celebrate this resurrection Sunday and hope it was a blessed time for each of you and your families.