tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88912927734581724422024-02-18T23:50:47.592-05:00Jessica & Jeremy"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-69830241529905433622015-02-27T00:05:00.000-05:002015-02-27T00:05:08.728-05:00The Llamas are a loose. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Please watch until the end. You won't regret it! </i></div>
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1. I feel like I should yell "FREE THE LLAMAS!" really loud for obviously no reason but for the satisfaction of yelling such a thing.<br />
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2. How many people does it take to catch two llamas?? Apparently, an entire town.<br />
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3. The stories those reporters get to tell now... "How was your day at work hunny?" "It was actually quite excited. I got to report on local llamas who got loose for a full hour. Later, I even got to interview him! He's been on SNL!" SMH<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. I also have these words from <u>Llama Llama Red Pajama</u> swirling around my head, "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Baby Llama, what a </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">tizzy</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">! Sometimes. Mama's very busy. Please stop all this llama drama." Yes, I do have the book memorized. </span></span><br />
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4. I need a lasso lessons, because you never know when YOU might encounter a llama.<br />
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5. Better yet maybe I need a cowboy.<br />
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6. Better, better yet maybe I need to train Jeremy in how to be a cowboy.<br />
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7. Now, I want Mexican food.<br />
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8. Why? Because, clearly, all cowboys live in Texas and Texas has the best Mexican food. Duh.<br />
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9. I think I want a pet Llama. Do they eat Mexican food?<br />
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10. Maybe I shouldn't be blogging at midnight..... <br />
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Night! :)<br />
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-17000047273138531602015-02-20T11:42:00.000-05:002015-02-20T11:42:21.096-05:00Jessica Reads: Through Gates of Splendors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnBBqZ-YvIsBIR_f1Sl3c8lf_cfxMw3rasYylMgrDH7zqjVM8shgachuaP4LEkHKojHzO3rp9bBI0E6_IKiQ8Jk8lRJITwA7pHRom2aNTpDMSqvWoYyD6DX5A5u-fm5hQR6odZcj5Ti8/s1600/0842371524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnBBqZ-YvIsBIR_f1Sl3c8lf_cfxMw3rasYylMgrDH7zqjVM8shgachuaP4LEkHKojHzO3rp9bBI0E6_IKiQ8Jk8lRJITwA7pHRom2aNTpDMSqvWoYyD6DX5A5u-fm5hQR6odZcj5Ti8/s1600/0842371524.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
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I finished reading <u>Through the Gates of Splendor</u> by Elizabeth Elliot last night. I have to say it took a while to get through all the flight plans and strictly informational style of writing, but the 2nd Epilogue made the read so worth it. To the point that I while I give the book 3 stars, I would tell you to please go read it.<br />
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In a world full of suffering, our inclination is to be selfish through our own. We want the hurting to stop. We want healing. We want it to be spring again. So we focus on our needs, our wants, our desires. We are taught that our faith must be strong and God will move. Like our sinful faith is somehow greater than our holy God. We are told we have sin that we must rid. But who doesn't??<br />
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<i>"It is not the level of our spirituality that we can depend on. It is God and nothing else less than God, for the work is God's and the call is God's and everything is summoned by Him and to His purposes, the whole scene, the whole mess, the whole package- our bravery and our cowardice, our love and our selfishness, our strengths and our weaknesses."</i><br />
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We are even told, falsely, that God is only over the good of this world. But doesn't the Bible teach that ALL things are from above? Both good and bad?<i> (Lamentations 3:38, Job 2:10. Isaiah 45:7, Jeremiah 32:42)</i><br />
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<b>As Christians, suffering brings refinement. </b>It brings growth and a closeness to our Lord that cannot be achieved when everything is going well. Through the hard times, we gain an eternal view of the world around us. We are reminded that this life is but a breath. We are refocused on God. And, many times, it brings us to our knees in repentance.<br />
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<i>"Cause and effect are in God's hands. Is it not the part of faith simply to let them rest there? God is God."</i><br />
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During these times, we must learn to <b>rest</b> <b>in the unchanging character of God. </b>We must sit at the feet of our Sovereign Lord recognizing that His ways are not ours, but that <b>HE IS GOOD</b> no matter what the outcome. We must remind ourselves <i>who</i> God is rather than what we think we are.<br />
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<i>"God is God of human history, and He is at work continuously, mysteriously, accomplishing His eternal purposes in us through us for us, and in spite of us."</i><br />
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I LOVE the final chapter of Job.<br />
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After losing everything, declaring his innocence, declaring that no one knows God's ways, and then listing exactly what God's ways should look like, God comes out of a whirlwind (Seriously, check it out! It's crazy, freaky! I would have peed and pooped all over myself) and declares his sovereignty and hand in all creation. Never does God answer Job's questions of why he is suffering or what he did wrong to deserve such treatment, but instead <b>God reveals Himself</b> to Job.<br />
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In the final chapter of Job, Job realizing his sin and answers the Lord:<br />
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<i>2 <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I know that you can do all things,<br />and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.<br />3 <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’<br />Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,<br />things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.<br />4 <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>‘Hear, and I will speak;<br />I will question you, and you make it known to me.’<br />5 <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,<br />but now my eye sees you;<br />6 <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>therefore I despise myself,<br />and repent in dust and ashes.”</i></blockquote>
Oh, that I would repent of my consumerism-based faith and realize that all I need is God in good times and the bad. May I rest there knowing that he is in control and that there is nothing better. May I show the same faith and trust, Elizabeth Elliot showed when she went into the homes of her husband's killers and years after that experience later wrote:<br />
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<i>"during all the years since as I have recounted it and reflected on it in the light of my own subsequent experience, has pointed to one thing: God is God. If He is God, He is worthy of my worship and my service. I will find rest nowhere, but in His will, and that will is infinitely, immeasurably, unspeakaby beyond my largest notions of what He is up to."</i><br />
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<b>God is God.</b><br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-56240726125646532612015-01-21T11:31:00.000-05:002015-01-21T11:31:27.131-05:00Finding PEACE in 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Come to me </span></div>
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Walk with me </div>
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Learn the rhythms of my grace </div>
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Come to me </div>
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I have all you need </div>
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Learn to rest even while you are awake </div>
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Are you tired? </div>
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Are you worried? </div>
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Worn out from the day? </div>
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Have you been in a hurry? </div>
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I will slow the pace.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">- Sandra McCracken, Come to Me | Rain for Roots</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I LOVE this song. The first time I heard it I pulled over on the side of the road and cried. I was weary, I was worried, I was tired, and I needed God's grace. My kids thought I had lost my mind. Bradley came home and told Jeremy, "Something is wrong with Mommy. I think she is hurt. She cried a lot today." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">We live in a moving world. A world that is moving so fast. Deliveries take 2 days and any longer we call to complain. We are bombarded with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a number of other cool apps I decided I was too old to add to my already crazy long list. We feel the pressure to respond to e-mails within a couple hours and to return phone calls or texts faster. We are also told, especially us women, that we can do it all... at once! It's multitasking: an art form we perfected. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">This is crazy!! In actuality, multitasking isn't really possible. When you attempt to multitask, you are actually LESS productive and using LESS of your brain potential. You are also probably way more stressed than those who work on one thing at a time. </span></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwAsiQb0_O89_WtWsbFDsfWGQv_lsVUQalnj1hV2ctP4Q5RG2mDUBHs55xaR0bUtx-e_Xj_Ip9Bq-SHqSjC-uppo01uvPbGwPN5jUdA14D-pCUSwEofKjzP-0ehSFM-Qt8mJU6cj7n5E/s1600/Screenshot+2015-01-21+11.17.46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwAsiQb0_O89_WtWsbFDsfWGQv_lsVUQalnj1hV2ctP4Q5RG2mDUBHs55xaR0bUtx-e_Xj_Ip9Bq-SHqSjC-uppo01uvPbGwPN5jUdA14D-pCUSwEofKjzP-0ehSFM-Qt8mJU6cj7n5E/s1600/Screenshot+2015-01-21+11.17.46.png" height="220" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">taken from an amazing presentation given by Stephanie Howard, a fellow Junior League of Macon member</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">And this is where I lived 2014. Working from home was really, really hard. I was trying to balance a husband, a house, kids, and two jobs. I would get breaks, but would quickly fill that time with something else I thought I needed to do. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Then, at the end of the year when contracts were being drawn and discussed, Jeremy was asking me questions about the kids and I was being asked questions about my future plans, I realized that this isn't what I wanted my life to look like. I enjoyed everything I was doing, but not the way I was doing it. So I began making changes. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I started by saying "no" a lot. Even to stuff that I wanted to do or knew I'd enjoy. I said no to things that I "should" be doing, but would have to sacrifice time with my family when I already hadn't had much that week. Saying no is so hard for me. I question myself each time the word comes out. I want to do it all. But this past year taught me that I just can't. I have to set priorities and stick with them. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I began doing more yoga and enjoying the quiet mind. I like doing it at night to refocus myself away from the stress of the day and on to a good night of sleep. This meant no more late night work sessions. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I re-negotiated contracts that gave me more time away from set work schedules. I delegated more responsibility onto those around me where it made sense. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I reorganized my e-mail so that I can quickly skim through the important ones and decide if they needed to be responded to now or if they could wait. If it can wait, I move it to a different folder and forget about it until I really do have the time to sit and only do e-mail. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">On the same note, I revamped the way I looked at my to do list and made it more manageable and realistic. One that would not produce stress, but encourage me to focus on one task at a time. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">I created an environment where I could thrive by taking away the need to multitask as much (I am a mom! Some multitasking is just necessary.) and one where I could find time to spend doing the things that really matter. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">PEACE. That's my word for 2015. I want to live more simply, more focused, and less worried. What about you? What do you hope to achieve in 2015?</span></span></span></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-40919030779929790242014-12-23T22:29:00.000-05:002014-12-23T22:31:58.440-05:00The Year Was 2014....And the year went undocumented. Ha! What an insane year it was. I blogged 5 times between January 15 and February 21 and then said, "Screw it. Life is hard right now" and stopped.<br />
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Raising a three-year-old is hand work! At two, they have tantrums, they scream and cry, but then they recover oddly fast. But as a three-year-old, they think "if I just keep doing this longer. If I add in all these new words I'm learning. And, on top of that, if I start to reason, but in a way that confuses the parent, the parent will have no option but to give in to my demands." The three-year-old also begins to understand the term "in charge" to mean whoever is making the demands. So, if he is stating he wants to watch TV, then he is in charge and should watch tv. And if you, by chance, try to say no, then he will proceed to scream and cry and argue for as long as you will hold out.<br />
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This, unfortunately, is where my three-year-old failed.
He is only just now realizing (at just four-years-old) that I have amazing willpower and I like to be in charge. Always have. So these performances are lost on me. And while listening to crying and screaming a-l-l d-a-y l-o-n-g have slowly made me want to admit myself into the nearest psych ward, I stand firm and tall in my decisions... until my husband comes home. And then I run as far away as possible grasping for solitude.<br />
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I actually had a conversation with a friend of mine that I think kids are making me an introvert. Like I got overwhelmed the other day at an event introvert. Like I will sit in my car for 30 minutes and stare into the wall of my garage just to be alone introvert. I am now one step away from wearing a black trench coat and caring a weird duffel bag.<br />
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On top of being screamed at all day, my one year old had her own issues. She is demanding, hungry 24/7, and has a personality that is loud. She wants to be held all the time and dreams of dreaming in our bed for all naps and nighttime sleep. She also has been sick for approximately 2 months, 10 days, 3 hours, and 10 minutes.
Seriously, I love this girl so much and we have a crazy bond that cracks me up, but she also drives me nuts with her demanding ways. It makes it impossible to discipline well, impossible to teach, and with the lack of sleep going on over here, impossible to function.<br />
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One day, it dawned on her that she could take off her clothes. So we now go without clothes.... and I'm kinda nutty about my kids wearing clothes. I just think it needs to be done.
So it's 50 degrees outside, she's eating ice cream cake, she's shivering from being so cold, and she's naked. Does she want to put on clothes?? No, she does not. Reason doesn't seem to play a role in her little mind.<br />
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So on top of the kids, I joined a friend in a great small business venture called <a href="http://melissadark.blogspot.com/">Greener Grass</a>. It is a great business. Melissa is so talented in teaching and creating beautiful things. She teaches sewing classes, craft events, makes amazing products, and I handle the business side. We worked our butts off this year and are so broke it's sad. Welcome to Small Business America! It's totally worth it and, hopefully, soon we'll start seeing a profit. We are just so fortunate to have the support of so many great people. It makes each day exiting!! Seriously. It's such a neat thing to hear praise about something you put your heart and soul into. It's a high for real.<br />
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This year, I also began writing grants for a non-profit. I miss the non-profit world and was so grateful for an opportunity to reenter on my timetable. But, man, has it been hard. Balancing deadlines with littles who have no concept took great practice in patience and the support of an amazing husband.<br />
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Speaking of the husband, Jeremy struggled through this year right with me. We grew a lot. We had to learn to communicate better, handle each other's stresses, and laugh as much as possible.<br />
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Over the summer my car was having some issues that were disturbing me greatly. My car is not old at all and has a ridiculously low number of miles on it. Issues should not be happening with my car. Jeremy decided at this point that he was going to learn all about my car and how to fix these things himself. So he did research and decided the issue had to be X. So late one night, he went outside, to fix X on my car. After about two hours, I got a little worried. By that time, it was dark and from how he explained it to me, the issue was a quick fix. So I casually went outside to see the entire insides of my car on our lawn. I, then, asked, "So was the problem with X??" To which he replied, "Oh... so that was what I was supposed to be checking!" No lie. I couldn't make that up. He had been out there for two hours taking apart my car trying to remember what he was supposed to be fixing. I laughed for days about that. Heck, I still chuckle thinking about it. Obviously, we are sleep deprived and enjoy not being around others at this point in our life. Life with toddlers.....<br />
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It's funny looking back at the year. It was so hard, but we made it. The year is over and it ended fast. I quite often tell my friends who are just starting to have kids "your days are going to be so long, but your weeks are going to fly by." It's just so true.<br />
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In my first post of the year, I quoted the following f<span style="color: #594f4f; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">rom </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Streams-Desert-L-B-Cowman/dp/0310210062" style="color: #45aca7; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Streams in the Desert</a><span style="color: #594f4f; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #594f4f; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 1em 20px;">
<i>Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health; at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea; in honor, in dishonor, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation—“hitherto hath the Lord helped!”</i></blockquote>
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<i>But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark, and writes “hitherto,” he is not yet at the end; there are still distances to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet—awakening in Jesus’ likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. Oh, be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy “Ebenezer,” for,“He who hath helped thee hitherto Will help thee all thy journey through.” -C. H. Spurgeon</i></blockquote>
How appropriate was this? If you follow me on Instagram, you know that 10 weeks ago, Jeremy and I lost a baby to an ectopic pregnancy; it was our second pregnancy loss in two years and just really hard. Moments since then have been equally hard. I have cried randomly and needed more time alone to think. But, oh, am I grateful. I am grateful because we have hope in Christ that these moments of suffering do not compare to the moments that await us in heaven.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">"No more let sins and sorrows grow</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Nor thorns infest the ground</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">He comes to make</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">His blessings flow</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Far as the curse is found</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Far as the curse is found</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">Far as, far as the curse is found"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">- Joy to the World</span><br />
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As you begin celebrating Christmas with your family, may you remember that the story didn't end with Jesus being born in a manger and it didn't end with him dying for us. The ending is still to come. <br />
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Merry Christmas!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-1900616820704944182014-02-21T11:50:00.001-05:002014-02-21T11:50:40.058-05:00Playing catch up: Madelyn's Nursery<br />
I love nurseries. They are so calming and peaceful and full of joy. Don't you think?<br />
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For Madelyn's, I decided I wanted to have a semi-Mary Poppins thing going on. I knew I needed to incorporate some of B's colors from his <a href="http://jessicajeremy.blogspot.com/2011/02/nursery-update-it-is-finished-well.html" target="_blank">nursery</a> (we definitely reused his bumper, chair, and skirt!) and would have to be creative with some furniture we already had.<br />
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Of course, I had to make a sign similar to Bradley's for our hospital room door. Funny story, though. The hospital was so over packed when I gave birth that they stuck us in the last room available. It was the size of a closet and had no hook on the door. Ha! <br />
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I found some great poster prints on Etsy. The one on the right says, "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious".<br />
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Don't you just love these wires for kid's artwork?? We have four of them in our house. This is all B's artwork from school this past Fall. He decided he wanted Baby to look at it all.<br />
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The penguin is awesome. It's Melissa and Doug. Every child who comes into my house will inevitably find the penguin and take it with them to play elsewhere. It's uncanny. The rug is pretty great too. It's an IKEA.<br />
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PS See how tall Miss M is?? This was taken this morning and this crib goes no lower. She better get her walking together because I'm afraid she's going to need to be moved to toddler bed sooner than B. <br />
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This mobile is sweet. We actually got it as a gift from Jeremy's aunt for Bradley. However, we couldn't really use it in any of his spaces. It goes wonderfully with Madelyn's nursery. Feed the birds is one of those eerie, but beautiful songs from Mary Poppins, right?<br />
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That print is my favorite from the posters I got on Etsy. The curtains are IKEA and I actually hacked them. It was a fun little afternoon project. :)<br />
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The dresser is my childhood dresser. It's so heavy and large and well made; we are never moving it from this spot.<br />
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The carousel scene in Mary Poppins is my favorite. It was always so colorful and fun. It also reminded me of the ones at my Grandmother's house that I would admire every visit. My Grandmother passed away two years ago and I knew that when I chose this theme I wanted to add one of her carousel's to the decor. I was beyond touched and excited when my Grandpa surprised me and mailed this one plus two more of hers for me to use. These bring back many great memories. I feel so honored to have them displayed in my home. <br />
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This print is fun. I had to show it. Let's go fly a kite!!<br />
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A friend of mine is a great <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/A-Teacher-And-His-Wife" target="_blank">graphic designer</a> and an even better person to know. She's so sweet. She did the artwork above for me as a baby gift. My prayer is that Madelyn always knows who she is in Christ. I pray struggles over her view of self are so small compared to her constant reminders of the promises of who she truly is in the eyes of her Creator. <br />
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Remember the <a href="http://jessicajeremy.blogspot.com/2011/02/nursery-update-it-is-finished-well.html" target="_blank">chest</a> my dad did for Bradley? Check out Madelyn's! It's gorgeous. The lid has a device that prevents it from being slammed on small fingers. This has been extremely useful with a big brother around. :)<br />
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Speaking of which - there he is! :)<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-5504692659590319292014-02-18T15:12:00.000-05:002014-02-18T15:12:22.312-05:00The real dealSo this 3 year old thing is really kicking my butt. Most days I cry. Most days B cries. Most days I want to sell him. Most days he'd prefer to be around anyone but me (aka the Punisher). But we are in this stage for now and so most days we both just do the best we can with the grace we are given from God and spend the rest of the time praying for our hearts to continually be more and more like Jesus and less and less like the evil beings we both are.<br />
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Today was equally rough and really, really beautiful outside. For this reason, I decided that the Chick-fil-A drive thru was not enough and that we must enjoy the outdoors on its playground instead. Now, I have to admit that I have yet to take both my kids to a restaurant solo. It really sounds like torture to me and so I have avoided it. But today I was brave... and extremely ill prepared. I didn't have a diaper bag or extra snacks or cups or anything. It was me and the kids... no extras.<br />
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Both kids did great! B listened as we were in line. A cashier helped me with my tray. Miss M learned to drink from a straw and hold her own cup. B played well with the other kids and ate all his food. I was feeling pretty good. I decided that we should exchange our toys for ice cream cones!<br />
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As we were standing in line, I smelled something. "Oh, Miss M must have pooped. She can make it home to be changed," I thought. We were just 10 minutes from our house. But the smell grew. So I peeked. Thus revealing that my entire sleeve and her back were covered in poop. And we were still waiting for our ice cream. I had options. Walk away and have a meltdown by my 3 year old from.... or stay and endure the poop. Ladies and gentlemen, I endured that poop. I endured it while we got our ice cream. I endured it as B was stopped by at least 3 couples entering the restaurant who wanted to tell him how cute he was. I endured it all the way to the car.<br />
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Thankfully, I keep a small bag in my trunk of diapers, wipes, etc. So I got Bradley in the car with his ice cream and went to the trunk to handle Miss M. But the thing with blowouts is that you just kinda need to hose them off. Wiping and changing doesn't really cut it. But something had to happen. So I rolled up my poop sleeve and conquered her blow out the best I could. I got her naked and in a fresh diaper and buckled in her car seat for our 10 minute drive home.<br />
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Well, as we are about home I turn around to see Bradley covered head to toe in ice cream. "It melted, Mommy." No joke. Two baths it is... wait... I then notice that we had driven from Chick-fil-A to home without B being buckled in.... Yes, I will accept that Parenting of the Year award. Thank you....<br />
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Whew. I got both kids inside, in the bath, and clean in a matter of minutes. (I can be quick and efficient when necessary.. We were already an hour passed nap time.) I turn around to grab towels for my kids only to notice that there were none. Yes, it is laundry day. No, I haven't put a load in the wash yet. Yes, it is 2:00 p.m. So I do the only sensible thing. Grab Miss M, put her on the bath mat, leave B unattended in the draining bath water, and run like hell to grab some towels downstairs. You want to give me another Parenting of the Year award??? You are too much.. I could probably pull a great Taylor Swift shocked face impression after her 10th award. But I'll save that... the story continues.<br />
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I grabbed the towels and run back upstairs. Miss M is in the hallway dragging puddles of water. B is playing with the toys. The water is fully drained. I pick Miss M up in the towel and hand B his. (He should be able to dry himself off, right??) and head to Madelyn's room to put her in some clothes. When lo and behold the girl decides that pooping on me is not enough, but now she must pee all over me and her freshly clean body! <br />
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Guys, let me be really real with you. In moments like these you honestly can only do one thing.. Laugh. I burst into laughter. I couldn't believe it. There was no way I was giving her another bath. The water had drained. The boat had been returned to its basket. We were moving on with our naptime schedule. So I wiped her up, put her in clean clothes, and stuck her in the crib. Pee is sterile, right? (And, now, I'll give you that Taylor Swift impression.)<br />
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I got B out of the tub.. No, he can't dry himself off yet.. Ran downstairs to get his last pair of clean underwear (I promise I am starting laundry today!) and into his bed for nap.<br />
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And you thought you were a crappy parent. Ha!<br />
<br />
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go clean myself, my car, and our clothes.... Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-83128394010384675832014-02-14T12:03:00.001-05:002014-02-14T12:03:56.840-05:00Classy Lady in the Rain<br />
I have studied Emily Post etiquette. I have watched enough Project Runway and What Not to Wear to dress myself in a decent manner. I have even picked up a few cute hairstyles from Pinterest along the way.<br />
<br />
Yes, there are days when I feel pretty good about myself.<br />
<br />
And then there comes the kids... and rain... to bring me back to reality.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
................................................................... </div>
<br />
There I was, in the rain, one baby on the hip, one son holding my hand, and one umbrella attempting to cover us all. The carpool lane was full. I had 50 feet to go to the car.<br />
<br />
I opened up the preschool door telling myself we could do this. We could make that 50 feet with no incident. As the door slammed shut behind me I realized it did so right in the face of my unaware 3 year old. He yelped. I lost my breath and quickly turned around to apologize and check to see how much damage I'd done when a puddle... no joke... a puddle came out of no where throwing me, the baby, the son who I had just hit in the face with the door and who was still holding my hand tighter than ever, and the umbrella to the ground... right in front of the super long carpool lane. <br />
<br />
So, now, I was mortified. I was mortified that I had slammed the door on my son. Mortified that I had fallen with all my kids attached. And mortified that the 'eyes' of the carpool lane were all there to see.<br />
<br />
My only solace in this situation is that perhaps all those moms chose the carpool lane and that moment in time to check Facebook on their iPhones rather than watching me take out my kids. <br />
<br />
Oi vey!<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-17026734866220019772014-02-04T11:02:00.000-05:002014-02-04T11:02:18.779-05:00Look what we have!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JSI2MpkQjAc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I am so proud of my little girl. By her expressions, I'd say she's pretty proud of herself too. :)Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-19268448381603616692014-01-15T21:26:00.000-05:002014-01-15T21:26:51.407-05:00Being Captivated, Molted, and Exhausted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquhl-9jJf91T5Q-ansaDRkpQDVOXhI-GfktAASs1WV9garIfKr-6P3dchdpyJgOufw_T7Q-9tdzXvvrRG-H0OlQ9TqMQ858Uq2D0WPExYlkFqEKMjihiFSQLKziFxqmYgBCIOZpErVEE/s1600/1552_770787528894_916845160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquhl-9jJf91T5Q-ansaDRkpQDVOXhI-GfktAASs1WV9garIfKr-6P3dchdpyJgOufw_T7Q-9tdzXvvrRG-H0OlQ9TqMQ858Uq2D0WPExYlkFqEKMjihiFSQLKziFxqmYgBCIOZpErVEE/s1600/1552_770787528894_916845160_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Madelyn's {birth} day.</span></i></div>
<br />
I recently read a <a href="http://www.couturecolorado.com/baby/moment-to-moment/" target="_blank">blog</a> where the mom says {about her motherhood experience of 3}, "I've never been so tired, or so captivated."<br />
<br />
This simple sentence captures 2013 for me beautifully. To add another word, 2013 was a complete whirlwind. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONJlS962qYl0Q63sgu84IfvBccf6wgo3jE7Vlb9EN5A0ar6FmaA5G7-cNFH4_fHgHiHKBoEWFQU17CjRHfy3g7Qh5HfP6LnJGq0Uf5T4vJNg4UeD1rOrZqIq9cYyL36xV8FxLlHvMYms/s1600/250794_782569363004_717270531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONJlS962qYl0Q63sgu84IfvBccf6wgo3jE7Vlb9EN5A0ar6FmaA5G7-cNFH4_fHgHiHKBoEWFQU17CjRHfy3g7Qh5HfP6LnJGq0Uf5T4vJNg4UeD1rOrZqIq9cYyL36xV8FxLlHvMYms/s1600/250794_782569363004_717270531_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>a random Saturday</i></span></div>
<br />
Honestly, I'm amazed to have survived this far. There were moments over the last 12 months that I really didn't think this day would come. I was sure that the kids were going to sell me. I was positive I was going to sell them. I was also pretty certain that, due to lack of sleep, I would be in the nut house by now getting shock treatments to try and return me to a useful state to rejoin society.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLBa8_WhMxV0raPV2HMSWdrDN4LY5jSWhyphenhyphentNAXr_oHofO9EgSTfCCCBtA0wprT7mwOj6Tp0QBCN3O43wsiB0VEhHxyBWv-K0LYWVm1leQ1W0UCT9VAiFG-eEkgsfR0ovez5ePUUbnxoA/s1600/2013-05-15+22.52.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLBa8_WhMxV0raPV2HMSWdrDN4LY5jSWhyphenhyphentNAXr_oHofO9EgSTfCCCBtA0wprT7mwOj6Tp0QBCN3O43wsiB0VEhHxyBWv-K0LYWVm1leQ1W0UCT9VAiFG-eEkgsfR0ovez5ePUUbnxoA/s1600/2013-05-15+22.52.30.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Bradley's last day of MMO, May 2013 {teacher: Mrs. Hannah}</i></span></div>
<br />
I came across <a href="http://theartofsimple.net/?s=season+of+molting" target="_blank">this article</a> around Madelyn's 6 month mark. My favorite sentence, "Far more subtle and less discussed are the changes that we as mothers must make – for our sanity and our survival." This past year was filled with a lot of changes within myself. The article talks about a mother's need to 'molt' and, seriously, I couldn't agree more.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Right before saying good-bye to Parker</i></span></div>
<br />
As moms, we are always changing. We are daily learning to be less selfish, more loving, less irritated, more persistent, less distracted, more intentional. We are multitasking between house chores, jobs, multiple kids, a husband, pets, dinner, etc. It is exhausting. Yet... few things are as rewarding as to give in that many ways to the people we love the most.<br />
<br />
Funny, huh? The things that make us mad keep us sane. <br />
<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Bradley, first day of 2k.</span></i></div>
<br />
2013 was a good year for us. We were exhausted for most of it. Took too little pictures. Spent way too much time on Netflix. And way too little time outside <i>(It rained 72.92 inches last year! This was the most rain we've received in 30 years!)</i> But we were walking life together. Growing closer as a little family. Learning more about ourselves and each other every day. And figuring out what our new roles looked like with a new baby in the mix. It was truly captivating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWOOgjwetFLH1id2Ujem3wqlWMF4gXHRzFPseCqbjrYCyYBEwtfUdoujxG6TI9gz36Wtx-uLoZVpOUtgxeZ3TFxfG8KyCwovYA4ixYGpPhLNF6Bv8MatU4ez6g7aN-69j_82u43Zw9VY/s1600/2008-01-01+00.00.00-96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWOOgjwetFLH1id2Ujem3wqlWMF4gXHRzFPseCqbjrYCyYBEwtfUdoujxG6TI9gz36Wtx-uLoZVpOUtgxeZ3TFxfG8KyCwovYA4ixYGpPhLNF6Bv8MatU4ez6g7aN-69j_82u43Zw9VY/s1600/2008-01-01+00.00.00-96.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Teddy Bear Parade</span></i></div>
<br />
Now, it is 2014. Time for more molting, more exhaustion, and more delighting. I'm excited. I'm hoping this year I'll take more pictures. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy38nw2OVyD0xeAUHTBw9xfikxliII8f7jp9VGzhnAgzbqKMHpm9P3GkpOWy0LNE_UvWVjTQsx2MgDS7BlaBdzRg3ONPcw6bL2gyezeKMYawbhHNC__5KttEUzCZ8g7we1QCimxRfGBng/s1600/2013-06-23+22.30.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy38nw2OVyD0xeAUHTBw9xfikxliII8f7jp9VGzhnAgzbqKMHpm9P3GkpOWy0LNE_UvWVjTQsx2MgDS7BlaBdzRg3ONPcw6bL2gyezeKMYawbhHNC__5KttEUzCZ8g7we1QCimxRfGBng/s1600/2013-06-23+22.30.56.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Bradley's first summer camp</i></span></div>
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Learn to love more richly and less selfishly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbVO2esTO_Xs57dbr8cCyjxjkOgCALoHd6TUfq570MEIYZU1ZSIlJSZSHS3cS6synVlgDLE0AbDI4WfwwMymK7gtU2y7y1-jY1SzazdrK4IvPEUHZWk2SUjAY24s9wJMOhNm9-JQmbJ8/s1600/2008-01-01+00.00.00-128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbVO2esTO_Xs57dbr8cCyjxjkOgCALoHd6TUfq570MEIYZU1ZSIlJSZSHS3cS6synVlgDLE0AbDI4WfwwMymK7gtU2y7y1-jY1SzazdrK4IvPEUHZWk2SUjAY24s9wJMOhNm9-JQmbJ8/s1600/2008-01-01+00.00.00-128.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Music time.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read all kinds of books and take a little of each of them </span>with me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl5yRw19qu_HZwuMNFunJdxCPQYbVi2CLbAiAl38AjzzfNJw1TI6e8kvxWS5vla4I3nozO-NHTE8WeEY6Ew4dyb7DH4fI6nfMxzIK-umT8wUyPelVQxVj27l4YTcMrZEEQ-8ncwqfMKc/s1600/2013-05-09+19.40.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLl5yRw19qu_HZwuMNFunJdxCPQYbVi2CLbAiAl38AjzzfNJw1TI6e8kvxWS5vla4I3nozO-NHTE8WeEY6Ew4dyb7DH4fI6nfMxzIK-umT8wUyPelVQxVj27l4YTcMrZEEQ-8ncwqfMKc/s1600/2013-05-09+19.40.00.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bradley helping make breakfast.</span></i></div>
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Watch less Netflix.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70LnGkvHllh08iUK3A0Kn3LxM4LX_HOLAHU33x3glCBNjA5G_SNtZauI3MYkIeb7nrreJN2TjNpDA1gUUhVsGHMye07vUVsRcjvozKXVgXLdzvuV4JvmJBFOMUmOcHHGjzBxqjl4HHoI/s1600/2013-12-23+15.52.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70LnGkvHllh08iUK3A0Kn3LxM4LX_HOLAHU33x3glCBNjA5G_SNtZauI3MYkIeb7nrreJN2TjNpDA1gUUhVsGHMye07vUVsRcjvozKXVgXLdzvuV4JvmJBFOMUmOcHHGjzBxqjl4HHoI/s1600/2013-12-23+15.52.17.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMivjbyuYvMAaeggolLvodafECLf-Q03gO7rGdU26KUx1nBGkdqGmHco7g-Jf6hqLkbH90k7HHEV3HWKwld2G5eV3-73qDH9usqjSGQwh0WahyphenhyphenKfPldnPuUHOeW4i_ga__nnvUZd1TWs/s1600/2013-12-23+15.54.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMivjbyuYvMAaeggolLvodafECLf-Q03gO7rGdU26KUx1nBGkdqGmHco7g-Jf6hqLkbH90k7HHEV3HWKwld2G5eV3-73qDH9usqjSGQwh0WahyphenhyphenKfPldnPuUHOeW4i_ga__nnvUZd1TWs/s1600/2013-12-23+15.54.40.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Bradley at the Firehouse in Thomasville.</i></span></div>
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And spend every day this summer outdoors taking in God's creation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2LAbC0yAKOq2h-jPu8Mvyewls6w53OJD9o0lUqaDN11eYCIMM-dG8yfZIewEkwu8BMRVlQi-EB8j7xrJxIRMBFlDSl_hh7cDButBEqHCQzg9w4Ld6_bKfV6l0tgiCZkvEZzmB1PTpJ0/s1600/2013-12-24+12.49.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2LAbC0yAKOq2h-jPu8Mvyewls6w53OJD9o0lUqaDN11eYCIMM-dG8yfZIewEkwu8BMRVlQi-EB8j7xrJxIRMBFlDSl_hh7cDButBEqHCQzg9w4Ld6_bKfV6l0tgiCZkvEZzmB1PTpJ0/s1600/2013-12-24+12.49.20.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Bradley running an air strip.</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
And while I hope for all these things and more. I also know that my Sovereign Lord might have a different plan. For this, I am grateful that He knows more and can see far more and can understand all things way more than I possibly will. I am grateful that He is my Help.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Streams-Desert-L-B-Cowman/dp/0310210062" target="_blank">Streams in the Desert</a>:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span data-reactid=".r[39pd8].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[39pd8].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[1].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[2][1]"><span data-reactid=".r[39pd8].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[1].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[2][1].[0]">Through
poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health; at home,
abroad, on the land, on the sea; in honor, in dishonor, in perplexity,
in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation—“hitherto hath
the Lord helped!”</span></span></span></i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span data-reactid=".r[39pd8].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[39pd8].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[1].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[2][1]"><span data-reactid=".r[39pd8].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[1].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[2][1].[0]">But the word also points forward. For when a man
gets up to a certain mark, and writes “hitherto,” he is not yet at the
end; there are still distances to be traversed. More trials, more joys;
more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils,
more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old
age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet—awakening in
Jesus’ likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment the face
of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of
eternity, the infinity of bliss. Oh, be of good courage, believer, and
with grateful confidence raise thy “Ebenezer,” for,“He who hath helped
thee hitherto
Will help thee all thy journey through.” -C. H. Spurgeon</span></span></span></i></blockquote>
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-75241730421088693072013-09-30T21:11:00.001-04:002013-09-30T21:11:10.709-04:00The Spy Within... and How My Dream {almost} Came to An End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I watch a lot of spy t.v. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoq_r9eCaVbhkb6STFMHM5OS9nWpisTZZQGQerZgk9-BaDkAtN_LcT335fCTMRNj7Tz7uE-Djas1PB6U5Kco4xJkx-4plwoO9aCgt3JSunOExMJMzge1nIySIJ3SN6MzeaC07xnoSYtk/s1600/Syd-alias-19905578-1600-900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoq_r9eCaVbhkb6STFMHM5OS9nWpisTZZQGQerZgk9-BaDkAtN_LcT335fCTMRNj7Tz7uE-Djas1PB6U5Kco4xJkx-4plwoO9aCgt3JSunOExMJMzge1nIySIJ3SN6MzeaC07xnoSYtk/s400/Syd-alias-19905578-1600-900.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/alias/images/19905578/title/syd-wallpaper" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
<br />
No really. I watch practically nothing else, but spy shows. This fact alone has obviously made me an expert in the field. In fact, I do feel that I would be highly qualified as a spy.<br />
<br />
I've even come up with my top 10 reasons why I should be a spy.<br />
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<a href="http://collider.com/24-movie-not-filming/" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
<br />
Ready?? Here we go.<br />
<br />
Reason #10. I love to travel.<br />
Reason #9. I can blend in with my surroundings.<br />
Reason #8. I'm a quick learner.<br />
Reason #7. I love figuring out secret codes.<br />
Reason #6. Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?? Found her every time.<br />
Reason #5. I can sense danger, because I am danger.<br />
Reason #4. I can pretty much break into any car or building built before 1995.<br />
Reason #3. I have an awesome memory of places and people. Ask me about any hotel I've ever stayed in.<br />
Reason #2. My observation skills are pretty insane.<br />
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And the number one reason I should be a spy is {drum roll}<br />
<br />
The crazy amount of pain I can withstand. {natural childbirth, what??}<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjN-jINZK3gk2YD7Ddgnn8zEgva006zaiyKdlnfujx7Lhyphenhyphen94RQdYENljbE57g4tAm5O7o38D_bvHcMrkfMjiz_1lFnGM9MuseaJI6ctB1pv2fyf0rl4KhJxXEb2UaLn6L5dFwT4CByhk/s1600/covert-affairs-season-two-dvd-cover-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjN-jINZK3gk2YD7Ddgnn8zEgva006zaiyKdlnfujx7Lhyphenhyphen94RQdYENljbE57g4tAm5O7o38D_bvHcMrkfMjiz_1lFnGM9MuseaJI6ctB1pv2fyf0rl4KhJxXEb2UaLn6L5dFwT4CByhk/s400/covert-affairs-season-two-dvd-cover-18.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/4788/Covert-Affairs-TV-Series-2010.html" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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Yes, clearly, I should be a spy.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, this was a fact I let out while talking on a government phone a few weeks ago and, let's be real, I was probably also complaining about the debacle up in Washington. Since then, I'm pretty sure that I am being watched and our phone lines are being tapped.<br />
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Yes, a while back, we started having phone trouble. At first I ignored it, but then it just kinda got to me so I called our provider and they sent out a technician. The gentleman was here for four hours {nightmare} and never fixed the actual problem, but he was doing something the entire time. Suspicious, right?<br />
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<a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christandpopculture/2013/06/ready-the-idylls-of-miami-burn-notices-fairy-tale-esque-narrative/" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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Then, I took my kids to the park last week. While there, I noticed a van had parked above the park. This van was all out of place. It was definitely being used for surveillance. Plus, an odd couple pulled up shortly after our arrival to play tennis. Their outfit and car was just not right. I'm pretty positive they were also part of the surveillance team. Oh, and when we were leaving so was the van and couple.<br />
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Yes. I should be a spy. I've got a sixth sense for these things. Truly.<br />
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<a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Series/GetSmart?from=Main.GetSmart" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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But before you obviously concur I do have to come clean about one thing. I feel like I let my calling down last week.<br />
<br />
Bradley was having one of his normal hyper days when he ran into one of our doors with glass windows. It shattered everywhere. Horrible mess. I get him and Miss M out of the danger zone and down for naps and return to clean up the mess. As I am doing so, I slice my finger quite well.<br />
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My first thought: "I need stitches."<br />
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My second thought, "If I were a spy, I would just tape this thing up and get back to business."<br />
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What did I do?<br />
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<a href="http://www.tvrage.com/news/3640/new-timeslot-for-nikita-pays-off" target="_blank">(via)</a></div>
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I went to the ER. Can you believe it??? After all my qualifications. After all my training via the television. I STILL chose to get my finger glued over taping it up and continuing with my mission.<br />
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Mission: FAILED<br />
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Jeremy says this is not the only reason I should not be a spy. But I reminded him that while I chose to get my finger glued, I barely felt the actual cut and had I not had blood gushing all over me I might not have even known I cut myself.<br />
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Plus, I covered the glue up with gauze and electrical tape because that was what we had on hand. See?? I'm resourceful too. {boom}<br />
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I think there might be chance after all.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-61503642270987428762013-09-02T20:34:00.000-04:002013-09-02T21:03:03.472-04:00Potty Training and SupermanThis weekend we were potty training. This means that in a span of four days, Jeremy and I have aged 5 years. I'm also certain that Jeremy might be getting to work early tomorrow and working late... Haha. We are completely worn out.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, there is an app for that.<br />
<br />
As I was loading B up on all kinds of food to force a bowel movement, I noticed that Kellogg's has a Superman app where you get to use one of his powers. Now how could we resist that?? <br />
<br />
It was, however, very unfortunate for B.<br />
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Let's just say B was not very happy to have the heat vision used against him. On the other hand, his father and I have not stopped watching it or laughing. </div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-47972572947806118242013-08-15T11:21:00.000-04:002013-08-15T11:21:09.905-04:00A farewellAs most of you know, a year ago our Parker was diagnosed with an acquired liver shunt. Prognosis was not good. Around Christmas, we thought we would have to put him down until he made an amazing recovery. He lived 7 more months. Below is a collage of the dog who changed our lives. He will always be loved, missed, and thought upon with a smile on our face. Parker was an amazing dog who brought us great joy. I am grateful that I got the chance to have him by my side for the last 5 years. He was simply the best.<br />
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Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, texts, calls and love over the past two weeks as we have mourned our Little P.<br />
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<i>"A person who has never owned a dog has missed a wonderful part of life." Bob Barker</i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-7574852735568637132013-08-14T15:35:00.002-04:002013-08-14T15:35:19.864-04:00Wrestling<div>
Well, as you can imagine, the last 7 months have been quite busy. Being mom to two littles is seriously time consuming. I have yet to figure out when I am supposed to shower or pee, which apparently are becoming spectator sports in my household, much less blog. However, I just had to find time to share these pictures. I know the grandparents will like them. :) </div>
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Bradley and Madelyn are hilarious. They were actually "wrestling" with each other. Love it! </div>
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They tried to get me to join them, but I politely declined. They were having too much fun for me to interfere. :) </div>
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(PS Sorry for the graininess. These were taken with my cell phone.) </div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-23529204924583016042013-03-26T16:58:00.002-04:002013-03-26T17:03:19.262-04:00{Video of the Week} Parker and Bradley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For those of you who follow me on any social media site, you know that I often talk about Parker and Bradley. Parker thinks he's a real boy and Bradley thinks Parker should worship him. In case you doubted me, Jeremy caught the following on video. This is a typical play period for the two of them.</div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-8477151303922429282013-03-10T14:07:00.000-04:002013-03-10T14:15:44.879-04:00Sleep: What is it Good ForSleep deprivation. It is a funny thing. In the Johnson household, we are currently averaging about two 3 hour spurts of sleep. Last night, we actual got 8 hours, but Madelyn is 7 weeks old and we just aren't getting too excited about it. This wouldn't be the first time she's fooled us in her young life. And I just don't like being made a fool when it comes to something as precious as sleep.<br />
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Ah. How I miss it. I am one of those people who actually requires a lot of sleep to fully function. This is why I have not been blogging. Slowly this lack of sleep is turning my brain to mush. No lie. Stories take me forever to tell. And listening... man. I don't even hear words coming out of your mouth until the next sentence. Even then, you'll probably have to repeat yourself multiple times before eventually just giving up. <br />
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No sleep also makes me extremely forgetful. I forget why I am in the shower. I wash my hair at least three times during showers. I forget letting Parker back inside from being walked. I forget dates. I forget to put on deodorant. (Don't worry I recently started to wear perfume to mask the smell of spit up so it's probably all good.) I also have forgotten to lock my car on numerous trips out and about and a couple of times I've had to rewash a load of laundry I forgot about.<br />
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Jeremy can't remember what he's doing most of the time these days either. It's quite funny. He's gotten up from dinner to refill his drink and while walking into the kitchen has forgotten that he was going there for that purpose. He also can't remember what he just did. He's gone to get B his water and then forgotten what he did with the water after getting it two minutes prior. He's forgotten he's turned off the fireplace and I'll catch him standing over it (turned off) while trying to warm his hands. I think he uses sticky notes constantly... and he might need to get his eyes examined. That fireplace thing...<br />
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Sleep deprivation has also made us say really stupid things. My go to snack lately has been nuts and dark chocolate M&Ms. It's basically trail mix without the raisins. Or so I like to think. Well, Jeremy went to get some and noticed that my latest mix had slightly more M&Ms than nuts. His comment was, "Want some M&Ms with your chocolate?" I couldn't make too much fun because just prior Madelyn was crying to eat and it was taking me slightly longer to get set up and ready for her. Jeremy made some comment making fun of my slowness and I responded with, "Don't call me a bad girl." Yeah... so you know....<br />
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Jeremy and I are also learning that no sleep makes us horrible parents. For instance, Bradley was put into time out today by Jeremy. From time out, he yelled, "Mommy, help me!" He sounded so distressed that I couldn't stop laughing. Yes, laughing at the misery of my son. That's me. Then, there was last night at dinner. Bradley is a great eater and will eat all kinds of foods, but lately he has started to pick and choose his favorites and only eat those. So while he loves green beans, he decided last night he wanted only ham for dinner. Whenever I gave him a spoon of green beans to eat, he'd throw them back into the pot. He had great aim and we are getting little sleep so naturally we couldn't stop laughing. So you can imagine how many of our green beans were thrown back into the pot. Then, I told him that he would get more ham if he ate some green beans. He complied until he started throwing them in the pot again. After making ourselves stop laughing, I told him he should not throw them in the pot. So what does our son do?? He puts them on the plate with the ham which technically was obeying even though it was disobedient. The smartness of his disobedience got us and it was all over at that point. We couldn't get on to him because we were once again laughing. Yup. Parents of the year over here.<br />
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I imagine that if Madelyn doesn't quickly start going longer at nights you might find Jeremy and I walking aimlessly in circles forgetful of who we are and what we are doing and why little people are running our home.<br />
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And then maybe that is their plan... <br />
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<br />Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11498198592382299561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-65208962060732077512013-02-01T15:56:00.003-05:002013-02-01T15:56:58.969-05:00The Biker SonOh, the joys of being a big brother.<br />
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Today, Bradley thought Madelyn would want to play with one of her toys. So, naturally, he threw it at her head while she was sleeping. <br />
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Yes. These are dangerous times in our house. Thankfully, Miss M brought Bradley a really cool new bike to thank him for all these moments to come.<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-68957735641664426922013-01-31T14:59:00.001-05:002013-01-31T14:59:42.615-05:00My first week soloYou will have to forgive me over the next few weeks if my posts seem scattered or confusing. See this precious girl?<br />
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Yeah, her and her brother have made a pact to destroy me. It's amazing how quickly they have bonded and talked about my destruction. But they have. Don't be fooled by their cuteness. It's a trap. Evil from birth, I tell you, evil from birth.<br />
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Sooo.. this week I started my journey as a stay at home mom of two. It is not for the weak of heart. I admire all moms of multiple kids. I mean, truly, this is h-a-r-d. I spend most my day trying to stay awake, cleaning, feeding, changing diapers (how is it that they BOTH poop at the same time?!) and ignoring screams.<br />
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The screams alone will make you really think you are slowly going insane. And neither kid wants to reason with you or tell you what's wrong or accommodate your need to pee. Nope. They just want to scream.at.the.same.time.<br />
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Not only that but you are stuck. Stuck in your home. Oh, you can take and pick up the oldest from school, but no stores or outings with friends. Why? Because you decided to give birth to your child during the worst flu season in history. So unless you want death to enter your home, you should just stay put and talk to the imaginary friends on the tv or internet or wherever they might show up...<br />
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There are good moments. The bonding of siblings is fun to watch even if it is over your downfall. The snuggles are always nice. Nap time is a saving grace invented by God himself to let you pee and eat chocolate. Lots of chocolate.<br />
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And I know there are many more good moments to come. Madelyn will turn 3 months. I remember the greatness of 3 months. Then, she'll turn 6 months. And, eventually, Bradley will be 3 and Madelyn 1. I think I will like that time a lot. <br />
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In the meantime, I will survive. I will cherish the moments I can. Hide in my closet during those rough ones. And pray a lot. Because I have a feeling that if all three of us are to make it to that 3 and 1 mark, we are going to need a lot of grace from God.<br />
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Oh, and if you happen to come and see me at my house one of these evenings, don't run. The zombie apocalypse is not upon us. It's just me after yet another long day with two kids two and under. (What were we thinking?!)<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-61291895751540009612013-01-25T11:26:00.000-05:002013-01-25T11:26:30.944-05:00Newborn Pictures Sneak PeekLast Friday, the fun Ladies of <a href="http://www.twochicsphotography.com/" target="_blank">Two Chics Photography</a>, Jessica and Shauna, came over to our house to take Madelyn's newborn pictures. To say I was excited would be a true understatement. I love these girls' work. They are all about color, funk, and fun times. Plus, to do what they do, they are amazingly patient and gracious.<br />
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<i>To see Bradley's newborn pics, which they also did, click <a href="http://jessicajeremy.blogspot.com/2010/12/newborn-pictures-sneak-peak.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </i><br />
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Madelyn is not one to be messed with and that's all these ladies do! Ha! Needless to say, it was a long morning of a lot of waiting, but it was totally worth it! These pictures are awesome. I just can't wait to see the rest and get them on our walls!<br />
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<br />
Aren't those two kids just simply gorgeous?? I die! This one will definitely end up on my wall.<br />
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Thank you, Jessica and Shauna, for your amazing talent!<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-6744671028845869022013-01-24T16:55:00.002-05:002013-01-24T16:55:51.949-05:00Madelyn Bree's Birth Story (Part 3)<i>Disclaimer: This is a birth story. There are details. Read at your
own risk. I am also dividing Miss M's birth story into 3 parts
(<a href="http://jessicajeremy.blogspot.com/2013/01/madelyn-brees-birth-story-part-1.html" target="_blank">pre-labor</a>, <a href="http://jessicajeremy.blogspot.com/2013/01/madelyn-brees-birth-story-part-2.html" target="_blank">labor</a>, and post-labor) so that the blog doesn't go on for
forever. Below is post-labor.</i><br />
<br />
Madelyn was finally in our arms. We had waited what felt like an eternity, went through a really hard pregnancy plus a really rough year, and in a matter of 2 hours it was over.<br />
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One of the cool things about having rough pregnancies is that the minute they are over you feel instantly like a new person. I really think this is why I recover so quickly. Nothing is as bad as the pregnancy itself. I can walk without feeling nauseated. I wake up without having to run to the restroom immediately. I can eat. Oh, can I eat!! I think I drank 5 glasses of juice or water each hour after my delivery and ate a meal for three each time food was offered. It was such a great feeling!<br />
<br />
Since Madelyn was born at 4:16 a.m.... wait, did I give the stats for her?? You are going to laugh. Here's how the story goes. After the delivery, Madelyn and I do the skin-to-skin thing for a while and I feed her. Then, her and Jeremy are taken away to get all clean, get her shots, and her stats. At that time the nurse came in and started having me sign all the papers that I should have signed before delivery and asked me all the pre-labor questions. It was quite fun. "Do you want drugs?" "Yes... wait... it's too late isn't it??" Ha! I always like talking to the nurses. They are truly great people to do what they do. <br />
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When we got done and I was released to go to the recovery wing, the nurse wheeled me over to where Jeremy was watching Madelyn. This is how our convo went:<br />
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<b>Me:</b> Hey, how's she doing?<br />
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<b>Jeremy:</b> She's fine now. She really hates being messed with.<br />
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<b>Me: </b>Yup. She was that way in the womb too.<br />
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<b>Jeremy: </b>Guess how big she was?<br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> I don't know. 8 lbs?<br />
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<b>Jeremy (laughing): </b>No, she was 9 lbs 5.6 oz.<br />
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<b>Me:</b> NO! You are lying. She was not that big.<br />
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<b>Jeremy (still laughing):</b> Yes, she was. You should see her next to these tiny babies.<br />
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<b>Me: </b>There's no way! That's soo embarrassing...<br />
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<b>Jeremy: </b>Why is that embarrassing?<br />
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<b>Me:</b> Because I birthed a month old baby!!<br />
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<b>Jeremy:</b> You should be proud. You even did it naturally!<br />
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<b>Me:</b> That's what makes it even more embarrassing. I had no clue. I don't want anyone to know.<br />
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<b>Jeremy: </b>You are being silly.<br />
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<b>Me:</b> I'm just so embarrassed.<br />
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So here's the thing. I don't know how Madelyn came out so big. I barely ate the entire pregnancy!! Plus, I didn't measure big during the weekly measurements. It just doesn't make sense. But she's here. And she looks like she's a month old.<br />
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And now that Madelyn's out of my belly homegirl likes to eat! Is this a trait of bigger babies?? I really feel like a drink fountain right now. In fact, at her first doctor visit, 5 days after she was born, she actually had GAINED 6 oz. Our pediatrician, who is truly amazing, even laughed because at the hospital he told me that larger babies tend to lose a lot more weight in that first week. Oh, no. Not my girl. She went from a newborn diaper to a size 1 in the span of an hour AT the hospital. <br />
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We are thankful that Madelyn is a great baby. She sleeps well, obviously eats well, and has a pretty good temperament. She definitely has a temper, but it usually means that we aren't moving fast enough for her liking. These babies of mine are very demanding.<br />
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The hardest part of post-labor was the week after and all the guilt I felt of not being able to give all my attention to Bradley or do things for him that I normally would. He would want to snuggle while I was feeding or want to play while I was trying to get Miss M settled and with every no tears would just stream down my face. Jeremy took him to school for me that first week and I cried because I couldn't take him myself or pick him up. It was a horrible feeling, but as I talked to more women and realized that they, too, had felt this with their second, it healed me knowing that I was completely normal in my messy hormonal ways.<br />
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Plus, Bradley really likes "baby". Whenever she cries, he says, "Baby, okay?" or "Mama. check baby!" He gives her kisses and even played doctor with her yesterday. I, also, had to remind myself that this is all temporary. In about 4 months, Miss M will be on a good schedule and we'll be functioning way better as a family. What's 4 months?? Heck, while I was pregnant, we spent 4 months in my bed watching cartoons! We'll be just fine. Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-44957220988181100982013-01-21T09:58:00.000-05:002013-01-21T09:58:01.757-05:00Madelyn Bree's Birth Story (Part 2)<i>Disclaimer: This is a birth story. There are details. Read at your
own risk. I am also dividing Miss M's birth story into 3 parts
(<a href="http://jessicajeremy.blogspot.com/2013/01/madelyn-brees-birth-story-part-1.html" target="_blank">pre-labor</a>, labor, and post-labor) so that the blog doesn't go on for
forever. Below is labor.</i><br />
<br />
There I was certain now that Miss M was positioned wrong and refusing or unable to push her own way out. I had tried the exercises my midwife had given me with no success. So I did what any other human being would do and googled for a solution.<br />
<br />
I quickly came across a great website called <a href="http://www.spinningbabies.com/" target="_blank">Spinning Babies</a>. And let me tell you. I wish I would have come across this site way earlier in my pregnancy because I would have taken full advantage of some of the exercises that encourage proper baby positions. There was one exercise that particularly caught my eye because it was designed for those who were late and/or labor was stalling. It's called the <a href="http://www.spinningbabies.com/techniques/activities-for-fetal-positioning/side-lying-release" target="_blank">Side-lying release</a>.<br />
<br />
I immediately asked Jeremy to help me with this exercise and just see if it would help. The minute we got done I felt Madelyn move positions within my belly. It was about 10 p.m. Four hours later I was in labor.<br />
<br />
Around 2 a.m., I woke up having to pee. That's when I felt my first contraction. I had been having a lot of false labor so I dismissed it as nothing. A few minutes later, another contraction hits and I feel the need to pee again. This continues until around 2:30 p.m. when I wake up Jeremy and ask him to start timing my contractions. The first two were 5 minutes and 42 seconds apart. Then, they were consistently 1 minute 30 seconds apart. At first, we were sure that it was false. But I kept having to pee. And they were starting to get stronger. Jeremy called our midwife for advice, but her phone went to voicemail. Since she wasn't on call that night, I wasn't worried. At that point I knew, we needed to get to the hospital soon <br />
<br />
We left our house at 3:30 a.m.<br />
<br />
Now, with Bradley, it took us 20 minutes to get to the hospital. This time around, Jeremy was not playing and we got their in 10. I got to OB Assessment where the nurses were rockstars. They had my chart already out, were reading my birth plan to each other, and were basically letting me call the shots. If I was in the middle of a contraction, they backed off until it was over and then stepped in to do their thing. If I had to go to the bathroom, they were like go ahead. About 15 minutes after arriving, they were rolling me back into a delivery room.<br />
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Now, I do have to brag a little here only because I am honestly so proud of myself. With B, I had no clue what to expect. I was in shock because he was a fast labor and delivery. I did a lot of yelling from the first contraction to the last to the pushing to after he was born. It was a yell fest. The nurses had to constantly ask me to quiet down and to just breath through it. All I wanted was to yell.<br />
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This time, however, I was a champ. I knew what hell felt like and I knew I was not there yet. And so I did not yell. Instead, I breathed and reminded myself that it was almost over and that, unfortunately, it was going to get worst. I only started to yell in the last 15 minutes when I had arrived at my limit for pain tolerance and needed to let out some tension to get her out. It was huge for me.<br />
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I was in the delivery room for about 15 minutes when it was time to push Madelyn out. Within 5 minutes, she was in my arms. And, immediately, I was captivated. <br />
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The second time around is so different from the first. The first one everything is a haze. I remember bits and pieces, but no details. With Madelyn, I noticed so much more.<br />
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For instance, a resident ended up delivering her because she came so fast and the doctor on call couldn't make it on time. With the female resident, came two male residents who were 'observing'. I am 90% certain that they had never seen a natural childbirth because their facial expressions were hilarious! In between contractions, I would try to catch a glimpse of them for a quick laugh.<br />
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With B, all the nurses and doctors were very hands on. With Madelyn, they really did let me run the show. They would back off whenever I had a contraction and step forward only in-between or when I was pushing. If I needed something, they ran to make it happen. It wasn't better or worse... just different. <br />
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I can say that the second labor and delivery was so much easier than the first. Jeremy and I were more prepared, calmer, and Miss M wasn't playing around when her time came.<br />
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<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-32648382827293704612013-01-18T15:29:00.003-05:002013-01-18T15:29:48.304-05:00Madelyn Bree's Birth Story (Part 1)<i>Disclaimer: This is a birth story. There are details. Read at your own risk. I am also dividing Miss M's birth story into 3 parts (pre-labor, labor, and post-labor) so that the blog doesn't go on for forever. Below is pre-labor.</i><br />
<br />
Guess what?? I am no longer pregnant!!! You probably heard the shouts of joy and tears pouring early Thursday morning. I swear, I felt like I was part of the never-ending pregnancy.<br />
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However, she did come and what an entrance she made! <br />
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Her birth story started the week before Miss M made her debut. I went to my doctor's appointment as usual only to discover that for the second week in a row I was still stuck at 4 cm and 70% effaced. For those who don't know what this means, basically everything was locked and loaded but refusing to fire. My midwife decided to go ahead and try to induce me in the doctor's office by stripping my membrane. This procedure had worked with Bradley, who was 9 days late, within 48 hours. I just knew that by the weekend we would have a little girl in our arms.<br />
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Well, Madelyn and Bradley had other plans. That weekend Bradley came down with a 103 temperature, complaints of his ear hurting, followed by a day of throwing up. I was a nervous wreck. I didn't want to leave B that sick and I didn't want Madelyn coming home to a brother that sick. I am so thankful for a wonderful pediatrician who got B an antibiotic that really helped. Within 48 hours, B was better and I was more comfortable with the thought of leaving him to birth his sister. My mom also came to help and decided to stay until Madelyn came which had to be any minute, right?? No.<br />
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That was one long week. I had cleaned my house about a million times, watched everything possible on netflix, went down a list of things to do to induce labor: eggplant, peanut butter parfait, walking, pineapples, crawling, etc., and finally sat down in a huff bored out of my mind. Madelyn had decided that my uterus was a five star resort and she was vacationing until the last possible minute! <br />
<br />
I was shocked that I ended up making it to my NEXT doctor's appointment. I was now 9 days late and worried sick I was going to be induced. You see, I'm really nutty and prefer to do labor and delivery without meds. Inducement for us crazy people is never really ideal since it can possibly slow down labor and/or make laboring worst. I knew ultimately it was in God's hand and I could handle whatever needed to be done, but was really hoping Miss M would just come on out! <br />
<br />
Well, that doctor's visit didn't go all that well. I was to have a non-stress test to make sure M was moving, active, and had a good heartbeat; a ultrasound to ensure I had enough placenta to keep going to the 14 post due date mark which was the last possible moment she could stay inside; and to meet one more time with my midwife. This visit usually takes an hour and a half. I was there for THREE HOURS. The office was super crowded so I immediately added 30 minutes to that time. Then, come to find out they had screwed up scheduling and I had gotten bumped further back. I added another 30 minutes. THEN, the person before me on the non-stress test couldn't get her baby to move. My sweet Madelyn wouldn't stop moving. This added to my frustration. When I finally got on the test, it had been an hour. I was in a room hooked up to the baby monitor machines alone. Madelyn was moving well. Then, an alarm starts to go off. I have no clue what this alarm means, but no one comes running. In fact, the alarm went off for about 10 minutes before I finally got pissed off enough to go (while still attached to the monitors) and yell at a nurse who had obviously forgotten about me. She came in, said the alarm didn't really mean anything, turned it off, and left. I had been in the room plenty long. (This wasn't my first time doing this.) I was getting quite hungry and even more upset. About 10 minutes later, the ultrasound technician came to check on me. She had been equally upset about the mistake made earlier with scheduling and more frustrated that it took so long for me to get on the non-stress test. The minute she walked into the room I burst into tears. She immediately gave me a hug, unhooked all the monitors, and told me I was done. She, then, proceeded to yell at all the nurses and doctors for not taking better care of me and leaving me for so long. She made sure that within 2 minutes I was with my midwife. I praise Jesus for that sweet, sweet woman.<br />
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So there I was with my midwife baffled at why Madelyn refused to come. We had done e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. and I was still stuck at 4 cm. We had no choice but to schedule an inducement. She decided to schedule the following Tuesday giving M the weekend to make the decision herself. We, then, continued to talk about what could be going on with my body. She told me that it could be that Madelyn wasn't position correctly and so she was refusing to come out. The midwife suggested some exercises to do if Miss M was indeed posterior. We knew her head was down, but because of her movements our theory was she was sideways.<br />
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That afternoon, I went home and did the exercises the midwife had suggested, but nothing happened.<br />
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However, the more I thought about our conversation the more it made sense. The more it felt like this was exactly why Madelyn wouldn't come. So I decided to do some more research.<br />
<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-70309486374921423562013-01-03T22:07:00.001-05:002013-01-03T22:07:56.335-05:00Hey there 2013!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2nGoIoz80m2lWhnIGjT2WlnHPUUPAXZtwq1qxpFnumfiyl3x68-pnAlPP6HMotdSDw4j_QjobPG_a97vyeIolaTBOKL-9JZvAfu2JXz82KRv8-eZj0Hxe2vvSbbVga2m4GGXIgLAzA4/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2nGoIoz80m2lWhnIGjT2WlnHPUUPAXZtwq1qxpFnumfiyl3x68-pnAlPP6HMotdSDw4j_QjobPG_a97vyeIolaTBOKL-9JZvAfu2JXz82KRv8-eZj0Hxe2vvSbbVga2m4GGXIgLAzA4/s400/IMG_2203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Baby update: </i><br />
Yeah... there isn't any... So let's move on before I burst into tears or start yelling at my unborn child to hurry her butt up. Such a drama queen that one...<br />
<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
Jeremy and I sat down on New Year's Day and talked about this coming year. We used <a href="http://simplemom.net/new-year-new-goals/" target="_blank">Simple Mom's Guide</a> for this. (Isn't she great? Love having tools like this!)<br />
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As we talked it became clear that in 2013 we want to be<span style="font-size: large;"><b> intentional</b></span>. Intentional in our marriage, intentional in our parenting, intentional with our finances, and intentional in our relationships. It is so easy to get caught up in the boring everyday that we forget we are here for a bigger purpose. With a new baby on the way, we both are entering this year knowing we are also going to be exhausted for most of the year and want to be intentional with those moments where we can see straight. Bradley is at a great age to start really shepherding him toward Christ. And now that Jeremy and I enter our 6th year of marriage with two little kids, we want to really focus on making time for just us and not forgetting each other because of our lack of sleep. We also have some great goals for investing in those around us and using where God has placed us in this stage of life.<br />
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All in all I am really excited about this coming year. I'm excited about fresh starts, goals with action steps, and growing together.WooHoo 2013!<br />
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<i><b>If you could have a word for this year, what would it be??</b></i>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-23768768459410042042013-01-01T17:06:00.000-05:002013-01-01T17:22:29.352-05:00Goodbye 2012Hello 2013! <br />
<br />
<i>Quick update on the baby front: </i><br />
We are still sans baby. I think my children are terrified to leave my belly when in actuality they really should be terrified to stay. I mean, I seriously just ate 3 pancakes and I wasn't even that hungry... I also may have accidentally eaten half a pizza for lunch. My sweet husband was the one to notice. Yeah, thanks babe for calling out your large 10 month pregnant wife as if I'm not self-conscience already. You rock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Bpc-zLi7qQajkT8NP-zhwVAk0Q-sTzp7PLKV7ThoRc9HKTxpXFdkUXGocFotKAOloi-9-ct_NZ9NuoD3Lt4k7qfT0qahYbkq3GELkSwj2m_f8Mm1QTZ1YH5hfG9IQS0HwW93sO5NWU/s1600/564741_766970498254_1532930543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Bpc-zLi7qQajkT8NP-zhwVAk0Q-sTzp7PLKV7ThoRc9HKTxpXFdkUXGocFotKAOloi-9-ct_NZ9NuoD3Lt4k7qfT0qahYbkq3GELkSwj2m_f8Mm1QTZ1YH5hfG9IQS0HwW93sO5NWU/s400/564741_766970498254_1532930543_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm so uncomfortable. I sit and my body immediately starts to slide down into the seat which means I, then, get stuck and have to have someone come and lift me up. I also have some needy boys in my house who insist on being in my lap. This is getting a little ridiculous as my lap is disappearing. And clothes do not fit at 10 months pregnant. It doesn't matter how big or long you make it, it just doesn't work anymore. I've considered wearing a trash bag. I've also considered just giving up and going naked, but that could get a little awkward...<br />
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All in all: I just want this baby out, but, honestly, who doesn't at 40 weeks pregnant??<br />
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-----------------------------<br />
<br />
But enough baby. Let's talk 2012.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Jeremy and I sat down and reflected on the past year. Man... was it a rough one. But it was good for us to look back and talk about what was so hard, how we grew, and what we learned. We used <a href="http://simplemom.net/new-years-eve-question-printable/" target="_blank">Simple Mom's reflection questionnaire</a> as a guide. I picked some questions out that I thought I'd share with you all. <br />
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<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was the single best thing that happened this past year?</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting pregnant. <span style="font-size: small;">Jeremy and I had been trying for a<span style="font-size: small;"> little while, ha<span style="font-size: small;">d a miscarriage, decided to take a break and regroup a<span style="font-size: small;">fter a <span style="font-size: small;">few months, a<span style="font-size: small;">nd</span> then out of the blue I got knocked up. We realize<span style="font-size: small;"> how fortunate we are that it happened so <span style="font-size: small;">quickly<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was the single most challenging thing that happened?</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting pregnant. Ha! Seriously, my pregnancy knocked us both flat on our face. I went from <span style="font-size: small;">doing all the house <span style="font-size: small;">stuff to not being a<span style="font-size: small;">ble to get out of t<span style="font-size: small;">he bed for about 4 months. <span style="font-size: small;">Add in a 15 month old. And Jeremy having to take on it all solo<span style="font-size: small;">... It was so hard.<span style="font-size: small;"> It was the first time in our marriage that we entered survival mode. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was an unexpected joy this past year?</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Parker's semi-turnaround<span style="font-size: small;">. In June, Parker was diagnosed with a liver disease that basic<span style="font-size: small;">ally gave him 10 months to live. He was losing weight fast, unable to control his bladder, throwing up constantly and it just wasn't looking good. Now, <span style="font-size: small;">Parker is like a child to me<span style="font-size: small;"> so there were <span style="font-size: small;">a few weeks there where a<span style="font-size: small;">ll I could do was cry. On top of it, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Jeremy and I had to make the hard decision to manage him at home the <span style="font-size: small;">best we could until it came time to put him down. Managing him with the vets<span style="font-size: small;">' help was just out of the question because of the cost to do so. <span style="font-size: small;">What a hard decision! I felt <span style="font-size: small;">guilty for days. Anyw<span style="font-size: small;">ays. Parker was bad. The week before Christmas, Jeremy asked me to call around and find out about the cost to put him down. He'd begun to whimper and pace non-stop<span style="font-size: small;"> and we just knew this was the time. <span style="font-size: small;">So I ca<span style="font-size: small;">lled and found a place to do it. I<span style="font-size: small;">, then, begged Jeremy to let us wait until after Christmas. Well, th<span style="font-size: small;">at week Parker began to eat again.. and not just eat a l<span style="font-size: small;">ittle, but eat a lot. He was eating double the amount he'd eaten in <span style="font-size: small;">the past 6 months. He was gaining w<span style="font-size: small;">eight, controlling his bladder, not whimpering... It really was our little Christmas miracle. We are still holding our breath slightly and he still needs to gain about 4 more pounds before we feel great, but it was our unexpected joy. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was an unexpected obstacle?</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ha! <span style="font-size: small;">What wasn't<span style="font-size: small;">?? We had a lot come up this past <span style="font-size: small;">year that we just weren't prepared for. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pick three words to describe this past year.</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">challenging<span style="font-size: small;">, exhausting, and sad</span></span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With whom were your most valuable relationships?</span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jeremy and I are so grateful for the friends<span style="font-size: small;"> a<span style="font-size: small;">n</span>d famil<span style="font-size: small;">y we have</span></span>. We were shown so much love, <span style="font-size: small;">received so many prayers, and had people come and help when <span style="font-size: small;">we were <span style="font-size: small;">desperate. From my sister who took on Bradley <span style="font-size: small;">for a good<span style="font-size: small;"> four months while I struggled to stand to Jeremy's mom who came up to do our laundry, clean, and cook<span style="font-size: small;"> to friends who brought meals and sat with <span style="font-size: small;">me to my dad who'd come and help Jeremy with house projects<span style="font-size: small;"> to my other sister who put together our entire nursery. We are just so blessed that so many of you love on us and care. Even today, I got a text from a friend who is simply praying Ma<span style="font-size: small;">delyn comes today. What a huge blessing<span style="font-size: small;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?</span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My biggest personal c<span style="font-size: small;">hange was learning to let things go<span style="font-size: small;">. I <span style="font-size: small;">enjoy being organized and in c<span style="font-size: small;">ontrol of my surroundings. I am at peace when things are in place, <span style="font-size: small;">done, and function<span style="font-size: small;">in<span style="font-size: small;">g well. <span style="font-size: small;">The minute I got pregnant, I had to get over this fast. Laundry did not get done. My house was a disaster and getting worst <span style="font-size: small;">by the minute. There was one point when Bradley thought dust bunnies were real bugs. And I couldn't physically function to <span style="font-size: small;">fix anything. I had to learn to be okay with <span style="font-size: small;">doing little<span style="font-size: small;">, expecting little, and be<span style="font-size: small;">ing okay when all was not perfect. <span style="font-size: small;">It was suc<span style="font-size: small;">h a hard lesson and one that I don't have perfect, but have definitely <span style="font-size: small;">gr<span style="font-size: small;">own so much. And I really think this lesson was an important and good one for me. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jeremy's biggest personal change was learning to <span style="font-size: small;">manage his time better<span style="font-size: small;">. He really had to take on the role of two parents for most of this year. He had to remember a lot more (which is super hard f<span style="font-size: small;">or him since he has a horrible mem<span style="font-size: small;">or<span style="font-size: small;">y<span style="font-size: small;">)<span style="font-size: small;">, do a<span style="font-size: small;"> lot more, and all while working full-time. <span style="font-size: small;">It was not easy on him at all. Bradley and I are a handful<span style="font-size: small;"> add in Parker and him being exhausted from working... I am so gr<span style="font-size: small;">ateful that the Lord knew to put us together. Not many men would endu<span style="font-size: small;">re this year with the love and grace he showed us all. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?</span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Watching Bradley grow and matur<span style="font-size: small;">e. There is so much <span style="font-size: small;">excitement</span> and joy in seeing Bradley learn new skills, communicate better, and become his own person. <i><b> </b></i></span></span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?</span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Handling Bradley while he grows and matures. We are learning a lot about patience, love, and <span style="font-size: small;">ourselves. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?</span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Netflix. We have watched so much Netflix...</span></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was the best way you used your time this past year?</span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jeremy and I worked really hard this <span style="font-size: small;">year to spend more quality time together as a family. We are <span style="font-size: small;">both very busy<span style="font-size: small;">. This usually leads to exhaustion and us <span style="font-size: small;">choosing laziness over doing things to make memories. So this year<span style="font-size: small;">, we set out to <span style="font-size: small;">s<span style="font-size: small;">pend intentional time t<span style="font-size: small;">ogether as a family<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">W<span style="font-size: small;">e both feel this is an area we really did well in.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was biggest thing you learned this past year?</span></span></b></i><br />
God's provision. He really took care of us this year. It wasn't the best and it wasn't easy, but His presence was near through it all. <br />
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And, now, we wait to help a little girl join us. What a great way to start a new year?!<br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-28966486261319247372012-11-07T10:41:00.000-05:002012-11-07T10:41:17.934-05:00Veggie Tales and The Politics of a 23 Month OldYesterday was a big day in the life of our nation and our 23 month old.<br />
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Our nation voted the next President to run the country and my 23 month old saw Veggie Tales Live.<br />
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One should note that when I was eight months pregnant with B, Jeremy and I went and saw Sufjan Stevens live. This time it was Veggie Tales. Oh, how life has changed!!<br />
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Veggie Tales was a really awesome and fun. I grew up watching it and love that B enjoys it almost as much as me. B did great considering it was late, there was the temptation of merchandise, he had been sick, and he had to sit still for a long time. He only needed one additional intermission. :-) He did really enjoy the songs and at the end decided to dance in the aisles.<br />
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I feel so blessed that Jeremy and I can take him to little things like this for him to enjoy.<br />
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After Veggie Tales, Jeremy left B and I to go to his weekly bible study. I put B to bed, but about two hours later he woke up crying and coughing really bad. I quickly ran up and got him and brought him to my bed thankful to get some additional snuggles in while watching the election results.<br />
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Little did I know how much B would like the election results as well! The reporter would say something about some state and B would look at me nodding his head as if to agree with him or her and then add in his own comments. It was hilarious. So I decided to get his opinion.<br />
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Me: "Bradley, today we voted for our future President and we are watching to see who won. The two running are Obama and Romney. Who do you think will win?"<br />
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B: "Obama. Yeah. Obama."<br />
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Me: "You really think so? Your daddy and I were hoping Romney would win."<br />
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B: "Yeah. Dada. Mama. Nee. Yeah. Me. Nee. Yeah. No. Obama." (Obama was said with a nod.)<br />
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Me: "I think you might be right. It isn't looking good for Romney."<br />
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B: "Not good Nee."<br />
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Then, he continued with his nodding and adding his own comments to the reporter's. It definitely made watching the results much more enjoyable. I just wish I could have understood his additional comments! <br />
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891292773458172442.post-69178672321894768052012-11-05T15:35:00.004-05:002012-11-05T15:35:48.730-05:00Tantrums of a Pregnant WomanUnfortunately, the tantrums of an almost two year old and those of a say 8 month pregnant woman are very similar. <br />
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An almost two year old usually has tantrums because they are hungry, tired, emotional, or wanting to get their way. An eight month pregnant woman's rationality is about the same. If she is hungry, she wants food 5 minutes ago. If she is tired, she is just plain grumpy and all surrounding parties should seek cover immediately. If she is emotional, one should simply leave her the entire house and only return when she seeks out one's company. And if she wants her way, my goodness, you just better let her have it.<br />
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I have also noticed that when my almost two year old is having a moment, the entire house joins in that moment and all the happiness from the room is sucked out. This effect also happens when an eight month pregnant woman decides to show out. The problem with the latter, though, is that usually the almost two year old will join the eight month pregnant woman and the poor husband/father who is standing nearby can do nothing, but watch and wait for when his wife and son return to him normal and happy. This could take a minute or as long as 30 minutes depending on what caused the fit to begin with.<br />
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For example, let's say that the wife wakes up hungry. It's Saturday which means the husband usually enjoys making pancakes for his little, growing family. However, he must first retrieve his son who will only be gotten by him. (What love his son has for him?!) Once the son joins the mother in the bed, the wife looks at the husband and asks, "What's for breakfast? Pancakes or do you want to go get something?" The husband, who is still very tired, cannot seem to make a decision and joins them in the bed. The wife is still hungry. "Honey, I'm hungry. What's for breakfast?" "I don't know. What do you want?" "Food." "What kind?" "I just told you. Pancakes or you can go get something." "What do you prefer?" "FOOD!" It is at this moment that the son decides he should join in, "Dada, eat. eat. eat." This is the moment of truth for all involved in the making of a tantrum. The only sane one in the room (obviously, the husband) must make a final decision in one second flat. If he fails to do so, he will face a double tantrum. This will feel much like walking into a room of six babies where four of them are crying as loudly as possible. It is not fun. Thankfully, after 8 months of these 'close calls' and failing at stopping them quickly enough my husband has learned. We had pancakes. He even added chocolate chips to really sugar us up.<br />
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One should also note that just like with an almost two year old, one must anticipate a tantrum around every corner. One must be prepared in all circumstances and have a plan of action. If the eight month pregnant woman, slows her walk, get her home and rub her feet immediately! If she mentions food, hand her a snicker bar before she turns into a Diva. If she starts to cry randomly, go in for a hug, but immediately run the other way if she pulls away. And if she wants her way, figure out the best case scenario and go with it. <br />
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A husband should also never, ever try to relate. No matter how many aches you may feel or how hungry you might be or how tired you are from not getting good sleep the night before. I can guarantee you that your eight month pregnant wife has you beat and that trying to relate will immediately lead to a tantrum like none other.<br />
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Truth be told, you cannot possibly know what it is like to be hungry all the time and yet not physically be able to store that food in your body. Or what it is like to try to pick up a toy off the ground and then get stuck and have to roll your body around and then with a little more jiggling and about 10 minutes later stand up. Or what it is like to want to sleep 24/7, but not be able to because your body has already decided that your new baby will want to eat between the hours of 1:30 am and 3 am and you must prepare now. Or what is is like to not be able to get comfortable in any position or when you finally do get comfortable immediately have a child squish into you or a dog sit on your lap or a husband who wants to spoon you on a couch that clearly because of your belly you are already taking up all the available room on the said couch. Or what it is like to feel like an almost two year old stuck in an eight month pregnant body with no control at all over anything that happens if you suddenly become hungry, tired, emotional, or wanting something specific.<br />
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Thankfully, for both the almost two year old and the eight month pregnant woman, these tantrums will end. The almost two year old will mature and grow out of them and the eight month pregnant woman will have her baby and be returned to normal about 3 months later.<br />
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So dear husband, cheer up. One day, you will have a normal family. <br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622494327771937208noreply@blogger.com0