Working Out and Socks + Shoes!

Just a couple of fun pictures!

We just about always have one kiddo downstairs working out with us in the mornings...usually two. The other morning before Ellie was up, Zay was quite motivated to workout with us! Pull-ups, squats, jumps...you name it - he was up for it! 

Goodness, goodness...if there is one thing that my kids do that really gets under my skin, it's this. I spend so much time putting on socks and shoes on and then tying and re-tying shoes...ONLY to have them take them all off in the car so I can do it again when we get to our destination! Ugh! I guess with sweet faces like this, you can't get too mad at them! ;)

Day 38 - 40 Days of Blogging

The chances of this boy adding trouble on top of his trouble is about 100% today. Wake up sister from nap...check. Torment dog...check. Play with scissors...check. Get stuck in his bed...check. Although, I will take full blame for the last one...twin bed is waaay overdue.

I think it's obvious that he needed a nap! Later in the day after throwing him in the bath to maybe provide a little productive entertainment, he fell asleep with 2 grapes in each cheek! (Don't worry, I took them out!) :)

Day 27 - 40 Days of Blogging

Sometimes a little girl just needs her Daddy. (I was a bit of a Daddy's girl growing up...so I know this.) :)

Day 6 - 40 Days of Blogging

A Checkup.

We went to Zay's Thyroid checkup yesterday...and made it into a fun little Mommy & Zay day! I have to say, this little guy is a keeper. He generally will go with the flow and the older he gets the more fun it gets to hear him interact with others...in this case the nurses and doctors! 

It's beginning to be tradition...picture in the mirror at the UofI hospitals & clinics!

It's impossible not to love this kid!

Waiting room fun...or not so much. ;)

Blood pressure reading...he's a pro at this stuff!

Mommy's got this down...wait to bring out the snacks until we are in the patient room waiting (again) for the doctor. (I honestly can't complain...they normally see us pretty quickly, but there is bound to be some waiting!)

Zay's thyroid doctor...she's pretty great.

After the blood draw! They were pretty proud of him, so let him chase some bubbles!

"Zay, show me how tough you were!"

He loves the escalator...we usually can't take it because we have Ellie in the stroller, but today we could!

I stopped for a quick snack on the way home...I tried to convince Zay that he could get a 'special treat' (he can have skittles)...but he informs me "I don't like those, Mommy!" But he's thrilled with his own bottle of water! Love him! ;)

Good kids

I've been blessed with some good kids. 

Seriously. 

I don't want to brag and I don't want to jinx myself, but I've got some stellar kids! I will report back after our week, because we have some jam-packed plans this week including lots of appointments and such. But this morning started us off on the right foot. My chiropractor appointment this morning was a success with two kiddos in tow, one being my perfectly-behaved, red-headed cutie-patootie and the other being my sleepy & sweet dark-haired 1 month old. Thank you children...I will attempt the dentist office with both of you tomorrow!  

Seems like we've been busy as of lately. Hence, the lack of blogging and picture taking. Hoping to get back in the swing of that soon! In the mean time...

Zay is staying busy having his pretend conversations...usually with one of the grandmas or Papa Jim. So funny to listen to his conversations. And at times when I try to decipher what he is talking about...he will look at me, shake his little index finger towards me and say "no-no-no-no-no". The boy doesn't want to be misunderstood, but unfortunately sometimes due to his fast, lack-of-pronunciation, type-of-talking, I can't quite grasp all of his words. When I can't figure out something he has said, I start laughing at my attempts. "Boo? Do? Stew? Poo?" Thankfully, Zay finds it just as funny that I can't figure it out. We both end up belly-laughing until we forget the point he was trying to make. LOVE him and his happy nature!

And her...she's a doll. Without a doubt. I'm not sure if it is because she's my second baby or if it is because she's a girl or if there is some other crazy reason, but man, I do believe she is an easy baby! (Once again...trying not to jinx my good fortune!) She's easily calmed. Usually content. She's still flexible about taking bottle or breast. She sleeps well (for a 5 week old!). She isn't easily disturbed by loud noises aka her older brother. And she is a super snuggler! Love, love, love her!

Tomorrow might not be quite so lovely. But today, I'm basking in the glory of some darn good kids! 

Night Time

We have this little night time routine...it involves reading a story from Zay's Bible. Sometimes reading another story of Zay's choice. And then prayers. Both Mom and Dad have to say a prayer. We usually ask Zay what and who he'd like to pray for. If we forget to mention Bailey and Bongo in our prayer we re-open the prayer and PRAY for those doggies of ours! Then we give lots of hugs and kisses...specifically "roar hugs"...known by some people as bear hugs, but in our house they are "roar hugs". And we not only squeeze tight...we actually roar when we give them. Daddy and Zay can be heard for miles when exchanging a roar hug! Finally it's lights out, noise-machine on, nightlight on, and door left open. Door must be left open. If any part of this routine is missed we back-the-train-up and fix it per Zay's request! 

And this all happens after bath, potty, drink, teeth, etc.................

I admittedly sometimes wish that our nightly routine was a bit shorter and only involved one parent and was a tad less complex. 

But looking at these pictures I just melt. Because I know that one day this phase of our life will be over. Zay won't want to be read to or prayed with or need us quite so much. I pray that he will continue to read his Bible before bed. And say prayers...even remembering the littlest things he's thankful for...like his dogs. And I hope so much that hugs will always be freely given in our home. Zay's roar hugs are THE BEST. 

And what a blessing when little Miss Ellie gets older and she gets to join in our nightly routine! She currently enjoys snoozing through almost everything.

Oh "Moo-Moo"......if you only knew how much you are loved and prayed for!

Lots and lots of love...

Where to begin...?

At this point I'm so far behind I'm nearly positive I will never get all the things that are going through my head expressed aloud. I really planned on having some meaningful posts...things like...

A birth story...or some sort of thing like that; Zay coming to the hospital to meet Ellie; Oh...and her name and all the nicknames we've gone through (the two that are holding on: Ellie & Lizzy); All our friends and family meeting Ellie; The first week at home with our little girl; The PKU phone call; Her first doctor appointments

...you know, all the important things I want to remember about this first week with Ellie. But realistically, I haven't had an ounce of extra time or energy to spare...

But we do have lots to share.

The last week has been amazing. It's been an experience all our own. I'm in awe of how every family has their own story. How God chooses particular people to fulfill particular roles. I've been reminded of how special our family's story is this week. And I've been convicted of my own role as a wife and mom. Things aren't always comfortable in our life and sometimes they are downright burdensome. But the beauty of it all...it's ours; the undertaking, the love, the frustrations, the joy, the challenges, the blessings - it's all ours!

48 hours.

That's what kept going through my mind over and over last Friday. A bit of poor me syndrome. 48 hours was the length of time I felt like I was a normal mom. Yes, it is selfish. We received the life changing phone call diagnosing our sweet Ellie with PKU and I'm thinking about how it affects me. I'm not proud of the fact, but it is the truth. I was so proud of how well we were doing with nursing. I loved being her single source of nourishment and that undeniable connection it brings. I loved not having to think about measuring anything. I loved the uncomplicated feeling. I loved how good it felt to be a confident mom...knowing how much more intricate it could be, but wasn't. Not yet anyway.

Then we received the call. I distinctly remember receiving the call with Zay. I was honestly surprised by my reaction this time around. We all knew it was a possibility. 1 in 4 to be exact. But that also meant there was a 3 in 4 chance that she wouldn't have it! Before I could hang up the phone I was in tears.

In absolute honesty...my thoughts were: "have I been completely irresponsible to bring another little life into this world knowing she might have this challenge for the rest of her life?" The challenge of balancing feelings of grief and the complete joy of having our new little girl was hard for a couple days. Not going to deny that the not-so-fun and completely illogical postpartum hormones were helping any part of the situation. They definitely were not.

The unfairness still sometimes gets to me. Shane and I did not ask to be a carrier of this weird gene that makes it so our children cannot eat protein. Who thinks they will ever be the one to have something hidden like this? 

However, I eventually remember why God has blessed us with children. I know that our big boy and our little girl are perfectly made in His image. They are just the way He created them to be...PKU and all. I cannot worry about why and how and what people might think of us and our family. It simply doesn't matter.

The things that matter...the love that we have for our sweet kiddos! I might be a bit partial, but they are rockstars. Seriously. Zay has always taken everything in stride and through her first appointments, Ellie is quickly following suit. They get poked and prodded more than any baby or child should. And I am not naive to think that there aren't other kids that have it worse...that's the great thing about having kids with differences, you quickly become aware of counting your blessings. It could always be worse. And when you have it worse in a certain area, you can quickly gain compassion for others. Perspective is a beautiful thing! 

And so, we've arrived at the next crossroads in our life. I thought we'd be heading down one path but we quickly hit the road detour sign. We now turn around and take the more difficult and longer road to get to the same destination as every other parent. To love our children and lead them the best way we know how. There is no road map in parenting...and especially not in PKU parenting. 

There is something about realizing that in this world we don't always get to choose. We are sometimes made vulnerable when we want nothing more than to be strong. We sometimes need to feel that vulnerability in order to have faith. Strong faith. The kind of faith that makes you realize that nothing and no one in this world can shake you from resting in the palm of God's Hand...

I've now had a few days to absorb the idea of having two children with PKU and I'm finding my confidence again. I'm discovering that the drive and passion that took me months to find with Zay is only taking a few days with Ellie. My babies are amazing. And I'm going to figure out how to be the amazing mom they deserve. I don't and won't always get it right, but I will learn and they will know that they are loved. Of this I am sure.

waiting...anticipating...reflecting

I haven't had a whole lot of time to write on here lately.

Honestly, I haven't had a whole lot of time for anything...unless you count remodeling, moving, cleaning, organizing, scheduling, unpacking, attending appointments, squeezing in very few precious and 'normal' days for Zay and I, and embracing the rare moments of uninterrupted and meaningful conversation with Shane! We have pretty well been stretched to our limits the past few weeks. And through it all, I am so thankful.

We've plugged away and we are finally at a point where I feel like we are ready to bring our baby girl home...to a new home, a beautiful home we've put our very own blood, sweat, and tears into. We have an amazing backyard where Zay already runs off ample amounts of energy. All of our neighbors have been very kind and generous. We are more than content with our decision on our new home and community, even if the timing wasn't ideal.

But I don't want to write about our new home today.

My post today is a bit more meaningful than a house. Today it's our children that are on my heart.

I've had some emotions come over me this past week, that I honestly wasn't expecting. This entire pregnancy I've been so excited. Excited for another child to join our family, excited for Zay to become a big brother, excited to have a little girl, excited to see Shane become a father again...just plain excited.

Then the last few weeks I've found myself feeling other things. Like a little guilty or sad for Zay. Weird. I guess before the last few weeks, I never even considered I would feel these things. Whenever I've read things about "cherishing the last moments" with the first born as an only child, I've almost always dismissed them. I suppose I've always been eager to think in terms of how the other children feel. And being the second born among my own siblings, I think to myself, well the second born (and any children after) never get that one-on-one attention from mom and dad! Therefore the first born is so fortunate! There is no point in feeling bad that they are going to have to share that attention now...

I guess it proves that there probably is something to be said about birth order and how it affects us.

None-the-less, I've been extra thankful for my first born these past few days. As I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy I am fully aware that my days of just hanging out with Zay are limited. I am so appreciative of Zay and his sweet personality. Yes, of course there are moments when he is just a typical two-year-old...but I also get to see him be the sweetest of sweet little boys. He still wants to snuggle on my ever shrinking lap-space. He smiles so big and bright when he sees me enter the house/room/car. He yells a "love you, bye-bye daddy" that is so full of meaning, as Shane is leaving for work. He rarely fusses when going down for his nap and/or bedtime. He requests to pray for certain people before bed, it absolutely melts my heart when he says he wants to pray for 'mommy' or 'daddy'. He gets it...most days probably better than some adults understand the power of prayer. Child-like faith - love it! And it never fails...if mommy and daddy forget to mention Bailey and Bongo in their prayers, we must add an addendum to that prayer and ask God to bless those puppies! Our dogs are the most prayed for pups in the world! :) And the sweetest little "AH-MEAN" at the end makes me so happy.

I just can't say enough of how proud and overwhelmed I am with God's gift of Zay to our family. I can't imagine how another child will bless our family as well. It should only be a few short days before we get to hold our sweet little girl and see Zay become a big brother. What an exciting time for our family. Thanking God for both of our blessings today!

Children are a blessing from the Lord. -Psalm 127 

He is his father's son.....

Acknowledgment that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.......

I have to hold back tears looking at these pictures (remember...I'm pregnant!)...such sweet memories in the making! 

Mr. Independent

With each day Zay gets more and more self-sufficient. It's a balance for me to be oh-so proud of him and to not be overwhelmed with each passing day that the learning comes easier, faster and more effective than the day before. I can hardly keep up with him some days. He's such a problem solver. And with his speech getting better each day the ongoing effects of knowing how to argue is becoming apparent. 

And then there is a little problem with his 'time-out' consequence. I'll state the question "Isaiah, would you like to listen to what Mommy said or do you want to stand in the corner (his timeout spot)?" And he will promptly choose the corner! I've started making him stand there for a longer period of time, but it's just comical to me that he prefers the corner over doing (or not doing) a simple instruction. Shane and I have to try hard not laugh at his self-talk while in the corner. And there are many times that while he is making his merry-little-way over to the corner, we can completely read the expression on his face saying "That was totally worth it!" Lord, help me when this boy is a teenager! :) 

Even though discipline is a essential part of parenting a 2-year-old, I've found so much more satisfaction and payoff through positive reinforcement. Zay responds so well to helping around the house. So much so that I've found times where he initiates helping out or finding things that he can do all by himself. 

For example, for a long time now he's enjoyed helping unload the clean dishes from the dishwasher. It started out him putting 'his dishes' away in his cupboard. I basically just have a couple baskets where he can put his sippy cups, plastic bowls, plates, etc. Then he graduated onto assembling the protein shakers for me. 

Then he would hand me the silverware and I would put them away (after all the sharp items were removed of course). And now...the other day, as I'm putting dishes away...I notice he's putting all the silverware away by himself...sorting them and everything! 

Love the fact that he loves to help!

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There are days that Zay likes to have and do whatever Mommy or Daddy are doing......and Mommy sometimes wear's her sunglasses on her head. Didn't quite work the same way for Zay....

"It's ok, Mom...I think I can fix this..."

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And to round out our week...pictures of some sprinkler time! We've had many 80+ degree days around here and it's been great! Lots of outside time!  

The game is to throw all the balls into the water and then run in and get them!