Week in Review ~ 1/26

We had a pretty busy week.  I short work week made it all the more better.

Ned and Avery went to Sunday School Sunday morning.  After they came home and we had lunch, we made our last trip to Newport News to see Yaya.  We always leave at nap time, and each time it's taken Sam longer and longer to fall asleep, which has sort of been a trend for afternoon naps at home.  This time, he managed about a 15 minute nap in the truck.  I was determine to overcome the anxiety that causes so that I could enjoy our visit.  We had birthday cake and a great visit with Yaya and Poppa.

Mrs. Kitchen has made all 30 of my birthday cakes plus several other cakes for special occasions, and they are delicious.  I was excited to make our traditional Panera stop on the way home.  Avery kept complaining of her stomach hurting, and we made two trips to the bathroom.  I noticed she was getting paler and paler, and then she got sick.  We made a bit of a scene between the throwing up and the crying.  Thank goodness for my 31 bag that moves from vehicle to vehicle for trips, because she needed a change of clothes.  We hurried up to the truck, and I rode between Avery and Sam in case she got sick again.  She seemed to be feeling fine then but went right to sleep.  I hated to tell my dad what had happened when he texted, because I certainly didn't want either of them getting sick.

Luckily we had a holiday Monday and were able to stay home.  Avery seemed to be feeling just fine in the morning.  I went a visited a preschool before lunch and really got a good feeling.  We have been praying to make the best decision as far as where to put her and what age class for her summer birthday, and I am feeling good about the direction we are moving.  I picked up hamburgers for lunch because that's what Avery wanted, but that was probably a poor choice.  She complained about her stomach for awhile but never got sick and went on to take a good nap.  I don't know what we did the rest of the day, but it must have been something, because I was asleep before The Bachelor ended.

I am guessing that Tuesday was a regular day getting back in our routine, because I have no idea what we did.  I think it was cardboard castle night.  I don't know what will be the end of this first, Sam or our cardboard-eating cat, but I do know that whatever we have to buy to replace it will be much more than this cost.

Wednesday afternoon I had a meeting after school.  That put me late getting the kids, and since it was dance night we had to rush.  Mimi came to keep Sam until Ned got home from hunting.  Anna and I visited during dance, then we checked our their Britax as an option for Avery instead of 2 more Marathons.  Ned had put Sam to bed by the time we got home, so the three of us visited and then Ned put Avery to bed so that I could finally sit down for a minute.

Thursday night we had a girls' movie night in the Sadler's theater room.  Much better than recent theater experiences.  I was able to be home for dinner and even put Sam to bed before picking up Lexi and Anna.  We had a fun night watching Pitch Perfect and enjoying snacks and wine.  I was not really a wine drinker...until I drank Amanda's wine.  I was out too late but it was worth it to have a little life escape.

We learned early in the day Friday that we would be dismissing at 1 p.m. due to snow.  By the time I got home with the kids, our city streets were lightly covered.  Neither child slept in the car so both took a nap at home.  I was able to prop up my Ugg slippers by the fire, watch the snow, and enjoy some birthday cake.  By the time Ned got home about 4:30, things were covered.

We all went out for a few minutes.  Sam and I came in, and Avery and Ned were going to build a snowman.  The fun ended when Avery's mittens got wet.  If I buy snow clothes, we get none, and when I don't, we do.  Ned picked up dinner from Cracker Barrel for dinner and we enjoyed an evening in.

Saturday was the last day of hunting season, so Ned was gone from dark to dark.  We had a pajama day and entertained ourselves in many ways.  Avery requested cuddling under her princess blanket while Sam took his morning nap, and I was not going to turn that down.  Ned treated us to a pizza for dinner without knowing about his good deed. 

The more dangerous, the better.

 

3.5

Avery Grace Lankford!  You are 3.5 years old today.  I refuse to believe that in 6 short months you will be four.  I thought 3 sounded old until I started thinking about 4.  You bring so much joy to our lives and we are always eager {and sometimes nervous} to see what you'll come up with next.

I have no idea how much you weigh, but I don't think you've reached 30 pounds yet.  You wear 3T tops and dresses and are moving into 3T pants.  You wear a size 8 shoe.  You are definitely growing, but not at a super-fast rate, which is just fine with me.

Several new things have happened since you turned 3.  In September, you started Bible Zone at church and dance.  These have been your first organized activities, and you've done well.  We've had some tears, but nothing that caused you to go back home or leave early.  At dance, you of course love to dance, and at Bible Zone you love to sing.  You put on quite the show at the Christmas program and left many wondering who that cute little sheep was.  You also made the transition to a big girl bed in the last few months.  We are still working on a few rules like no jumping, no kicking the head/foot board, etc., but overall you have done very well.  I'm thinking of buying your brother the crib tent now so that he will make it as long as you did!

Naps were suddenly no longer needed when you turned three.  They ended very abruptly, much to my dismay.  You nap occasionally at home and sometimes at Jen-Jen's.  I still make you stay on your bed for about 2 hours each afternoon.  Your idea of quiet time and mine are very different.  You can get extremely loud in there.  I really think you could rest most days, but your little imagination gets the best of you, and before we know it there is a lively production going on.  Even when you don't sleep, we try to keep up until about 7:30 p.m., which usually allows you to sleep until about 6:30 a.m.  You wake up quickly in the mornings and more slowly from naps.

You still entertain yourself beautifully.  Bitty and cooking like the Pioneer Woman are your two favorite activities.  You are still cooking with your Halloween candy downstairs since your kitchen is upstairs.  Your imagination has taken off, and you might be doing crafts with buddies in the foyer or riding your stick horse like Sofia the First.  You can think up just about anything to play and pretend.  You have shown more interest in us joining in your games lately, but most of the time you have your own thing going on.  I'm sure Sam will be playing along with you soon.  Last night you wanted him to be the wizard in your castle, until he started shaking your castle...a lot.  You have taken interest in longer Disney movies, and at Christmas we watched a lot of Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone 2.  You watch a recorded episode of the Pioneer Woman every day.  You are playing more with the iPad now for short periods of time, so I think a LeapPad 2 is in your future.

Your speech has come along so well, but there are still some sweet things I would love you to say forever.  We eat at the Sign Pancake (Cracker Barrel) and most things we watch on TV or DVD are the TBD.  We paint fingernails with paint polish, and many of your opinions are followed up with "I fink so" (He's coming over here, I fink so).

Love pours from you for those you love.  You tell us "You da best" and call me your precious or shuga like I say to you.  You love to hug and kiss and you especially like to cuddle.  I made the mistake of telling you that all your kisses were for me, so Daddy has had to resort to your smooches.  You and I have a very special bond, and I am so thankful to have the daughter I prayed for.  I can already see you wanting to do what I do, wear clothes like mine so that we match, etc.  It is both heart-warming and overwhelming.  I know I will not always be viewed as a magical, magnificent Mommy like I am now, but I pray I am always someone to look up to.

Avery, you are a wonderful treasure from God, and we give thanks daily for you.  You are full of wonder, full of joy, and full of love.  I could go on and on about how special you are, but just know that you have made our lives more full than you can ever imagine.  We love you to bits and pieces.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Weeks in Review ~ 1/12 & 1/19

*Pictures to come tomorrow.  Our Internet is in and out too much for me to upload.

Where to start??  I have been super-lazy with blogging, but it weighs on my mind when I'm behind.

We didn't have a whole lot going on week before last.  It was my only 5-day week with kids for the month of January, and it drug on.  Ned's grandmother passed away early that Monday morning after finding out the Thursday before that she had liver cancer.  There was a nice memorial service that Thursday afternoon, so I only worked a half day.

The kids and I stayed home Saturday and Ned hunted until mid-afternoon.  That night, we went to Andy and Lexi's house with new friends Caleb and Anna.  Avery enjoys playing with Mason and Levi, and we met Camden (a girl friend, close in age, close to home!) at Mason's birthday party.  The kids had fun playing and we enjoyed some adult interaction.

Now for this week...

Sunday was a crazy day.  I took Avery to Sunday School, brought her home then went to the grocery store, then went to see Mom.  She has come so far.  I hate only being able to go once a week, but it really helps me see the progress that she is making.  I got home in time for dinner that night and to play with the kids a bit before bed.

Monday was a normal day with Bible Zone that night.  I have succumbed to The Bachelor again so that's on the Monday agenda now.

Tuesday afternoon I left school and headed to the doctor's office to get my shot.  They don't take appointments, and 40 minutes later I asked the woman at the desk how much longer it would be.  At that point, I had 20 minutes to get the shot and drive 25 minutes to get the kids by 5 p.m.  I ended up having to leave and was not too pleased.  That was the first time I had ever picked the kids up after 5, and I hated it but they were fine.  We were late getting home, then Ned had a church meeting.

Wednesday afternoon I was able to finally get the shot, and Ned picked up the kids so I wouldn't have to worry about that.  It was still a rush to get home, eat, and get Avery to dance, but I made it.  Dance is much more enjoyable now that Camden is in Avery's class and Anna and I can chat while we wait.  Sam had been a little fussy for Ned, and when I checked on him about 10:30 he felt warm.  I tried to give him some medicine, and he threw up everywhere.  I am not a vomit person, and that was the most either child has ever thrown up.  His fever was 103, so we ended up calling the on-call pediatrician to see if we should try the medicine again.  It was midnight before we got him cleaned, talked to the doctor, did a sponge bath and Pedialyte, then finally did more medicine.  We never heard another peep all night.

Ned stayed home with Sam Thursday.  Avery and I were doing good, getting out the door early to get gas, until I got to the gas station and realized I had Sam's carrier.  Twenty minutes later we were leaving town again.  It is now most definitely time for two new seats.  I somehow managed to get to school on time.  Sam never got sick again, just ran fever off and on.  Thursday was our Friday so that was a good feeling.  I had a hair appointment after school, so Ned picked Avery up.  It was predicted that we would get 3-5 inches of snow Thursday night, after rain all week.  It started snowing between 8 and 9 p.m. and was pretty to watch.  I was asleep on the couch soon after 9 and really didn't realize that Ned had come in from drill.

The snow didn't really accumulate because it was so wet, so Avery and Ned just took a walk around the yard Friday morning.  Ned went to work and we stayed in all day since Sam was still running fever.  I kind of decided that it must be teeth since he never got sick again.  I figured the medicine choked him and made him throw up.  We were supposed to go visit a preschool for next year, but I didn't want to take Sam out.  My mom called me that afternoon, which was such a treat.  Her vocal cord is slowly coming back, so her hoarseness is much better.  We had pizza for dinner then Ned did the grocery shopping.

Saturday was my 30th birthday!  We spent most of the day at home in our pajamas again.  My mom called and texted me!  With her left neglect, texting/reading is a challenge, but we are missing it so we're going to work hard.  We all took naps in the afternoon, then we went to the Mexican restaurant for dinner.  We came home and had cupcakes and I opened my gifts.  You would have thought it was Avery's birthday as excited she was.  After the kids went to bed, we watched Grey's Anatomy then went to bed.  It was a great, great birthday!

On the Eve of Thirty

I've had a nice, intentional blog break, mainly because each night that I would sit down to do my weekly post, I'd decide I didn't feel like doing it.  But, I couldn't let turning 30 go by unnoticed.

Tomorrow I enter a new decade.  One that seems to cause people to cry, mourn, and tell others that you start to fall apart.  I'm feeling good about 30.  That's the honest to goodness truth, not just something I'm typing while crying over my laptop.  I'm looking forward to what 30, and the years that follow, have in store.  In a Facebook picture comment today, I said that we {Ned and I} had done a lot in our twenties: college graduation, jobs, marriage, babies, building a house, etc., etc.  My thirties are going to be a time to enjoy it all, and possibly do it all a little better.

The new year came and went without any mention of resolutions, because I just don't do those.  But the new year and new decade are going to have several focus areas.

FAMILY - more intentional time

PRAYER - regular worship service, daily devotionals

HEALTH - more fruits and vegetables, exercise, perhaps Couch to 5k {I'm laughing as I consider that one}

ME - putting some focus back on myself, saying no, time constraints on being the bigger person {Ned's recommendation}

FRIENDSHIP - cultivating the ones that count and letting go of the ones that don't in response to answered prayer in 2012

 My last day in my twenties couldn't have been better.  I was home with my sweet babies all day, we had a pizza dinner, and Ned is doing the weekly grocery shopping as I type.  And the icing on the cake was a phone call from my mom, the first in almost 6 weeks.  She said she wanted to talk to me, but I think there was a hidden agenda of checking on Sam, who's been under the weather for a few days.  I have been praying and waiting for a phone conversation, as they were daily occurrences before her stroke.  On Instagram today, Blue Eyed Bride posted a devotional page reading "Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all (Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young).  The book was immediately downloaded to my Kindle, but I can already tell it may be one I need to hold in my hands.  God has provided a decade full of blessings and lessons, and I know He has big things in store for the decade to come.

Anniversary

One year ago today, I went to the doctor for a repeat sugar test for gestational diabetes and ended up in the hospital for high blood pressure, thus beginning my 8-week bed rest adventure. 

Today, we are so thankful that we are not celebrating a {hopefully} happy birthday. 

We are thankful that I was able to do all of my bed rest time at home, and we are thankful for the lessons that season of our life taught us. 

Most of all, we are thankful that this little buddy arrived healthy almost two months later.

10 Months

Dear Sweet Sam,

How in the world can you be 10 months old today?  It is so bittersweet to think that in two short months we'll celebrate your first year of life.  It's sad to see how fast time is going, but the sadness is overcome by thankfulness for your health and ability to grow and thrive.

You have no growth stats this month, but we are not worried about your growth.  We have had to order a new wardrobe of 12 month clothes.  9 month onesies still fit, but pants are too short.  In some brands I think you would have to go to 18 months for the length.  You are about to move to a size 4 diaper.

Your eating habits remain the same: 4 bottles a day plus 3 meals.  We probably should give you a snack too.  You feed yourself puffs just as fast as we put them down.  You are surprisingly good at shoveling in slippery bananas too.  You have had random bits of table food: lunch meat, bread, fries, beans, peas, etc.  You gag to the point of throwing up when I give you stage 3 food, so I think we're just going to move to table food.  I am always hesitant to get away from baby food, because the nutrition and variety is far better than what I provide, I'm afraid, but it's about to be time.  You successfully came off your Prevacid this month, and it's time to introduce some dairy.  It's actually past time; I've been dragging my feet.  You just cut your 8th tooth and are steady gnawing like more are on the way.

You continue you be on your nice sleeping schedule.  Several mornings during Christmas break, you slept until about 7 a.m.  Most mornings it's between 6 and 6:30.  You nap at 9 and 1 and go to bed between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m.  Santa had to bring a new sleep sack because your feet were about to bust out of the old one.  You love your sack, your sound, and of course your Duckie.  I love to go in at night and find him tucked under your arm or by your face.  We rock just about every night after your bottle and I love your head on my shoulder.  Many times you hum a little sleepy song.  You are so happy in your bed in the morning and after naps. 

You continue to army crawl at a rapid pace and sometimes make a lot of noise while doing it.  Nothing is deemed impossible or out of reach.  You don't mind crawling away from us either.  Lately your favorite thing to do is escape from the playroom down the hall...right to the steps.  It looked like you did a backwards crawl yesterday and ended up getting into a sitting position.  You have also started pulling up from sitting, but your feet have to be in just the right place.  You love to stand at your toys and will move your feet just a bit around them or while we're holding your fingers.  Diaper changes should be an Olympic sport, and they can only be done on the changing table where you can't roll away.  Dressing you can be a workout.  We have had to retire your beloved bouncer because you were all but hanging over the edge of it.  You are busy, busy, busy!  You have started your own little wave, where you hold your hand out but don't move it.  You turn your head and grin when you do like you know you are the most precious thing ever.

You like to play and entertain yourself so well.  You are most happy just moving from one thing to another, but you do have some favorites.  You like both your activity table and your IncrediBlock.  You love balls, whether they are rolling across the hard floor or just being dropped repeatedly.  You like the Little People bus and farm lately and having fun taking things out and putting them back in.  The Learning Home seems like it will be a big hit with you too.  Random household objects are lots of fun also.  You especially love opening and closing doors.

You think everything Avery does is wonderful, unless she is taking something away or not sharing.  You tried to push her out of the way recently when she was at a toy you wanted.  I had no idea it started so soon.  She loves you just as you love her, and she works hard to take good care of you.  I hope you will always have a deep love for each other.  Avery calls you "Samo," and I'm afraid that's the name most-used at Jen-Jen's.

Sam, our love for you grows and grows.  Each day it's hard to imagine how we could love you more, and each day our heart just swells.  I am fascinated by all you do, all you are learning, and all that it means to have a son.  I could kiss your sweet cheeks all day, and usually I do.  I would never, ever rush these days away, but I'm eager to see what a sweet, fun, and busy little boy you will become.

We love you!

Mommy and Daddy

Week in Review ~ 1/5

 *Blogger is not letting me upload pictures.

We eased back into our school routine this week, and everything went pretty well.  I can't remember what we did on Sunday, other than Avery and I went to Sunday School.  Her teacher was not there and neither was her classmate, and I was so proud of her for staying happily with the fill-in teacher.  I'm sure the rest of the day consisted of naps, playing, cooking, and Mommy-ing.

Monday was New Year's Eve.  Ned did not hunt so that I could sleep in.  The kids and I stayed home and Ned worked a half-day.  We went and got cheeseburgers for lunch.  We had no plans that night which was just fine by me.  We had considered having some friends over but decided not to have to clean the house to have a quiet evening with just us.  Perhaps we'll celebrate soon as I turn the big 3-0 this month.  We fixed a yummy dinner of shrimp scampi with Alfredo and asparagus.  After the kids went to bed I fixed some sausage dip for us to enjoy.  I think I finished Ned's Duck Dynasty book and was asleep on the couch by 10 p.m.  Ned woke me up about 11:30, and we went to bed instead of watching the ball fall!  The new year comes in whether my eyes are open or not.  And, as a teacher, my new year starts in August.

Ned hunted Tuesday morning and Tuesday night and was home in the middle.  The kids and I stayed home in our pajamas.  Avery got on a marching kick after watching the parade.  We enjoyed our last vacation day home together.

It was back to school for me Wednesday and back to Jen-Jen's for the Avery and Sam.  The day did not drag on terribly bad, but I was pretty tired.  I brought the kids home that afternoon and fixed a quick dinner for Ned and Avery before dance.  He carried her because I was going to dinner with some friends.  Mimi came to put Sam to bed and I headed out.  It was great to be out and so funny because we all are or were teachers.  I got home about 9:30 then stayed up too late.

I was dragging Thursday morning and had to have some Pepsi at school to get me going.  Thank goodness that is the day we have our long break.  Ned did not have drill so we were all home together.  Once the kids went to bed I started the book Left Neglected.  It is a fictional book but based on a real condition and happens to be what my mother is now facing after her stroke.  I read about 50% of the book, which again kept me up too late.

Friday was a welcomed sight.  The school day was uneventful, but I got some great news about Mom.  She was finally allowed to put weight on the foot with the broken bone, and she walked with assistance 3 times before lunch.  That was such wonderful news.  Ned told Avery she could choose where we ate dinner, and she reminded me several times that it was her choice, not mine.  Surprise, surprise, she picked Cracker Barrel.  We had a good meal then came home to put the kids to bed.  I did some more reading in my book but had a hard time keeping my eyes open.

Ned hunted Saturday morning so I was home with the kids.  I had planned to go see Mom by myself, but she had been talking about wanting to love on Avery and Sam, so the four of us left after lunch to go see her.  We had a great visit with her and even managed to hold and entertain Sam for 1.5 hours.  We stopped at Panera Bread for dinner and then came home.  I was tired, but I was determined to get the ornaments off the tree.  Ned came home from Walmart and walking Dixie in time to help me with the top.  Once I was done with that I finished reading my book then fell asleep on the couch.

Thank you for the continued prayers for my mom.  I plan to do an update on her soon.  Tonight I also ask for prayers for Ned's family.  Late in the week they found out that his grandmother had liver cancer, and we are not sure if she will make it through the night tonight.