Bundles-a-JOY:

The Story of a Birth

2009-05-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

And to think you were the midwife at my birth,

setting me at my mother's breasts!

When I left the womb, you cradled me;

Since the moment of birth, you've been my God.

Psalm 22:9-1o, The Message

In the spirit of full disclosure: if you're not into hearing about labor and birth, you may not want to read this very long birth story I wrote the week after Atticus was born. :)

Part of me wonders if I would be better off waiting to process this experience for a bit longer before trying to get it all down on paper.
Then I remember the smell of my sweet baby boy on the day he was born, and that it had receded and hidden in the rolls under his neck by the next day. And by the day after that, it was gone altogether.
I think that may be what happens to the memories of the day itself if I wait too long. They’re too intense, too shrouded in hormones and pain. When I watch the video, I can remember the feelings of each stage, and I know that will soon pass. I know this because, when I tried to revisit the feeling of intense contractions prior to my delivery, there was nothing there. Occasionally, if I’d have a Braxton Hicks contraction that was on the stronger side, my body would remember… “Ah… yes, that feels familiar. There will be more of those. Stronger…”
So—my birth story. My little man’s due date was Feb. 10th, and though I was feeling like he should come any minute all last week, I wasn’t hopeful that he would, as both of the girls were five days past their due dates and I wasn’t 100% sure that his true date shouldn’t have been the 17th. So, I told myself he should be coming by the 22nd. I also thought he felt heavy and big compared to my previous pregnancies (both girls were 21 ¼’’ and 8 lb. 6 oz. and 8 lb. 5 oz. respectively.) But I told myself that every woman thinks her baby feels heavy a few days before delivery, because there’s no such thing as a “light” baby sitting in your pelvis, on your bladder, etc.
On Sunday, the 8th, we skipped church. I was convinced I couldn’t sit through a sermon, and emotionally, I didn’t want to deal with all the “You still haven’t had that baby!?” and “When’s your due date, again?” comments. Truthfully, it was the comments more than the sitting… Our little family took what would be our last outing as a band of four, heading to Ikea to pick up a set of beds we’d been considering for the girls. It occurred to me to grab the camera, thinking this could very well be our last outing as a family of four, but since we were going shopping, it sort of felt silly. I now wish I had gone with my gut. Ikea is a bit of a drive from our house, so even sitting in my seat in the van was naggingly uncomfortable. We arrived at the store walked around, found the beds, mattresses, slats, checked out, got a frozen yogurt cone, and returned home. The idea of assembling the beds was overwhelming. The chore, all told, looked something like this: we had to rearrange the guest room, empty Annabella’s room, making room for Penelope to move in, then reassemble her bed in the guest room. Finally, we would assemble two youth beds, make them, and make the bed in the guest room. After a roadtrip/shopping trip like we’d had that day, I definitely wanted to pass, but we decided to muscle through. And am I ever glad we did.
Jake stayed up late Sunday night. He’s in graduate school full-time, in addition to working his full-time job, so there are many late nights of studying. He came to bed a few minutes after 1:00 a.m. I rolled over and asked him why he stayed up so late, and said that I sure hoped, for his sake, I didn’t go into labor overnight.
The contractions started and I looked at the clock at 2:18. I tried to rest though them, but they were just quite uncomfortable. I got up, and I decided since I couldn’t sleep, I would do some laundry, and finish cleaning up a few things in the kitchen. (Talk about nesting…) I took laundry to and from the basement, folded it, brought more upstairs, glancing contentedly at the newly-made guestroom bed, very happy that that undertaking was behind me.
I tried to get back in bed, but the discomfort of contractions made me get up just a few minutes later. They got regular, then got sporadic, then regular again. I believe I called my mother around 4:30, and let her know that I thought her grandson would be arriving later that morning. I took a bath, but couldn’t sit comfortably. I took a shower and sang a while… the contractions slowed down, and I tried to rest again, to no avail. I called my midwife and let her know I was in labor, but I thought things were progressing slowly.
I woke Jake around 5:30. (I had tried to let him sleep as long as possible). The contractions were stronger and I thought I could use help timing them. He timed for an hour while I swayed in the bathtub. We called to let the midwife know that things were getting stronger, though the contractions were still about 4 minutes apart. She asked if I wanted her to come, and I said no, she should wait and rest. (She had returned from a delivery at 12:30 that same night.) Fifteen minutes later I told Jake he needed to call her back and tell her to come now. She had a 45 minute drive ahead of her, and I could tell it was getting serious.
After that things get a little blurry. I left the tub, and walked to my bedroom, where I knelt on the floor, leaning on my bed. I stayed here, swaying back and forth, until my son was born. I know what happened during this time, it’s just that my sense of timing is gone. My girls woke up. The contractions came, one after another, more and more powerful, and I moaned and “vocalized” into my bed’s mattress. My midwife, Kate, and her apprentice, Keisha, showed up. Jake and Keisha rubbed my back. Annabella came into the room, and informed Jake she didn’t like the noises I was making and was going downstairs. My midwife said, “You’re making this look easy, sweetie. But I know it isn’t.”—words that made me want to cry and hug her and thank her for understanding. She asked me if I wanted her to check me and I declined. She readied the birth kit. When I thought it couldn’t get any harder and I didn’t know if I could continue, I told myself that I was doing it, I was the only one who could do it, that I was doing it for my son, that I would get to kiss those precious cheeks soon. Then I mentioned that I would like her to check me, but I didn’t want to have to move from my kneeling position, and she said that wasn’t a problem, and quickly informed me, “You’re 10. Just listen to your body and push whenever you’re ready.” … at this point, my body had started to inch toward pushing, but hadn’t done so with gusto, so I had allowed myself to hope for 8 ½ centimeters, thinking I could handle another 1 ½ ahead of me. It was such a relief to know the dilation was done… and I told myself that I would get to meet that beautiful child in fifteen minutes. You can do this for fifteen more minutes.
At this point, Jake brought Ananbella into the room to watch her brother come into the world, and my contractions seemed to ease a tiny bit. I waited for them to come, and I pushed with them. The room was silent. Occasionally, my midwife and her apprentice would exchange an indiscernible, reverent whisper. Jake told me, later, that the energy in the room was electric…that it has been at that point of labor with all our children… The sun was shining, lighting the room through our sheer curtains, but my eyes were mostly shut. I asked Kate if she could see the baby’s head, as I could feel his width descending, but she said not quite yet. Then I told her he was coming, and I felt the force of tides come together and force the baby downward with each pushing contraction. I felt his head at the edge of me, and, pushing slowly, trying to hold back a little, brought out his head. My guess, though I wasn’t counting, is that this took about five or six contractions. Slow, peaceful contractions, without the distraction of counting or holding my breath.
Then I felt my midwife take his head, trying to turn it. As I was pushing, I felt her tug on the baby, and realized she was trying to bring him out, but was unable. I asked her “What do you want me to do?” “I need to get in a runners stance, one leg up. “ So, I quickly went from kneeling on both knees, to kneeling on one, with one leg up, ready to push off… I drew every bit of strength I could muster, and with one final push/grunt/yell, out he came. (The video has been copied and given to the student midwife, as it was, apparently, a text book example of what should be done to manage a shoulder dystocia.)
Kate handed me my baby, and I collapsed backward into her arms, shaking a little. She held and hugged me, and I didn’t want to move, until my knees felt too weak to hold me. So I crawled into my bed with my baby boy in my arms and Annabella beside me, investigating him.
I delivered the placenta, Atticus Stonewall Joy had his first checkup. We took guesses on his weight, and Kate’s , “Between 10 lb. 4oz. and 10 lb. 8 oz.” took the prize; he was 10 lb. 6 oz. and 22 inches long. My precious midwives made me the most delicious tea, full of cream, honey, and healing herbs. I ate eggs that my friend Maria prepared. (She graciously videotaped/helped with the girls.) My exam showed no signs of trauma to my body, which was amazing considering the dystocia and the baby’s size; I was so grateful for pushing upright, on my own timetable. The midwives were gracious and encouraging, folding up their dirty aprons and cleaning up my room. Penelope didn’t know exactly how she felt about the new baby, and eyed him suspiciously as he nursed. Jake held his son and proudly smiled. We spent the day in restful wonder after everyone left and that evening , I queried Annabella, “So, what did you think about Atticus’ birth?” “I think your bottom had to open up very big for the baby to come out.” “But were you scared or anything?” Indignently and matter-of-factly she replied, “No, Mommy. Why would I be scared?” as she rolled her eyes. I guess the youtube videos and birth-enacting we did prepared her pretty well.
And that was that. Simple and uncomplicated. Very, very NORMAL feeling. I wouldn’t say anticlimactic, but having him born at home, in my room, on a Monday morning at 8:28 a.m… the whole birth flowed with our lives, with our everyday. We welcomed him warmly on a cold, February morning, in the room where he now sleeps beside me, to the place where he will learn what love is, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

Penelope

2009-05-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

Last night, while sitting on the potty right before bed:

P: "Mommy, you got any cookies?"

Me: "No, baby."

P: "... You got any posipos?" (popsicles)

Me: "No."

P: "You got canny?" (candy)

Me: {chuckling} "No."

P: "You got any.....gum?" {sligh grin}

Me: "No, sweetie."

P: "Mommy.... I dust teasing you. I dust teasing you, Mommy."

...Can't believe she'll be two in two weeks.

Cozy February

2009-02-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

A winter, a silent season, and a son

2009-02-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

Atticus Stonewall Joy joined our family at 8:24 am on Monday, February 9. He is a beautiful, healthy, ruddy baby, and I can't get enough of his newborn smell. Our home delivery was smooth and short. I wouldn't have changed a thing. We are blessed beyond measure. Meet our precious son:

We all guessed his weight. The midwife estimated between 10 lb. 4 oz. and 10 lb. 8 oz. The moment of truth: 10 lb. 6 oz. Oh, and 22'' long.

As I'm on this couple weeks of resting and "babymoon," and hours and hours of nursing our little man-child, no doubt, I'll try to get up some pictures of our holidays and the little ones posted here. I realize it's been a crazy-long blog sabatical. Thank you all for your love and warm wishes.

Highlights

2008-11-20T06:59:00.001-08:00

Lately, the girls have been becoming better friends and playmates, something that is heartwarming to watch to say the least. Part of me would keep them this age forever...

My mother visited over the weekend of Halloween, and the kids had a wonderful time. Penelope has approached me several times asking "Nana? I-nno." Translation: "Where is Nana? I don't know." Thankfully, she's been easily consoled. The girls have been reinacting trick-or-treating at home for the weeks since. Annabella was not simply a pirate; she was a Pirate Princess. And Penelope was a little Native American. It was adorable. I'll just go ahead and say it, even though they're my kids. As a sidenote, Annabella has been fascinated to hear the news of the Somali pirates because we had all but told her that pirates lived "long ago." She pulled out her sword last night, wondering if maybe she should go help fight the bad guys who've been taking the ships.

Penelope is becoming much more talkative, and more understandable. She's fascinated by all ainmals, and still loves her baby dolls. She is also a phone enthusiast, and she enjoys saying "A,B's." Oh, and she loves her incentives for going potty like a big girl (ie: M&M's).

Annabella is enjoying writing and spelling words--specifically the names of her loved ones on various artwork she creates. She had an extra-wonderful day at ballet this week--it was Princess Week. She went to class in costume and was greeted by her teacher all dressed up. She loved wearing her tutu and wings from Grammy.

Jake is diligently plugging away at an exhausting semester. Being a fulltime employee/grad student/daddy/hubby has been a bit more taxing than he anticipated. Only two-and-a-half weeks to go till a whole happy holiday month off.

And I am growing! We're 28 weeks into this babymaking endeavor, and this little man is getting large enough to make me uncomfortable. I have a feeling these next two months are going to fly by with the distractions of the holidays. And that's fine. I don't anticipate those last couple weeks will go quite as quickly, but I think that will be good. I feel like I've hardly had time to completely digest that this little boy is coming. I can only imagine the more children one has, the pregnancies must just race by faster and faster, hardly giving you time to sit down and drink enough water...

It's naptime around here, so I'm going to tuck in some tired troops. Enjoy a quick glimpse...

Right Now, and Before

2008-10-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

I suppose there are many things that make me love October. The contrast of the sunbursts of yellow, red and orange leaves against the sky make it seem a cool, electric blue. Chilly air that gives you a start when you inhale and makes you glad you pulled that sweater out of your closet. The first pumpkin pie and warm soup of autumn. Even the mountains of leaves you raked being ruined by little jumping bodies is a much-anticipated event, and I have to say Michigan does not disappoint on any of these fronts. It's a truly beautiful time of year here, and we're loving it.

We've been hiking as much as Jake's schedule will allow, and I've enjoyed taking the girls to the pumpkin patch and dwarf apple orchard--yes, an orchard where even 16-month old Penelope can pick her own apples from miniature trees. Genius.

My play went well and was a lot of fun to be a part of, though I definitely underestimated the commitment of time. Regardless, it was a wonderful experience.

I'm 23 1/2 weeks pregnant, and it's difficult to believe this pregnancy is more than halfway over. My anticipation is growing and growing to meet this little man whose kicks and turns wake me up in the middle of the night.

Enjoy a little look at our month. And if you're wondering what the last photo is... well, that's one for the history books. It's Penelope flushing the toilet after her first successful use of the potty. I'm just hoping it wasn't a fluke.

Getaway

2008-09-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

Our family has jumped headfirst into the busiest season of our lives so far. Simultaneously, Jake has started his graduate program, Annabella has started taking weekly ballet instruction and attending a homeschool Enrichment Day here in town. Thankfully, wee Penelope is still too small to have any extracurricular pursuits of any kind, but that will change soon, I realize. I am seeing very clearly why families have to strategize about limiting outside involvements in the interest of, well, the family itself. My MOPS year starts this week as well, so things here are... lively. Speaking of strategizing, we concluded our little family needed some time just the four of us (well...technically five), so Jake took the day off on Friday, we rented a cabin out on the western coast of Michigan, and explored Lake Michigan for the first time. It was a wonderful, refreshing weekend for all of us. Here's a little sample of our days.

The Joy Girls Are Getting...

2008-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

a baby brother! And he's coming sometime around the second week of February. We're almost halfway there!

First Day

2008-09-08T18:55:00.001-07:00

It may have been her favorite hour of her life. Or maybe that was last week when we went to the dance clothing shop and she tried on 12 leotards. She cried when we had to leave, but was quite comforted to hear that we would attend ballet every Monday and that every week does indeed contain a Monday.
(*I didn't want to use my flash on the first day--observation day. We only get to observe a few days a year, and I was trying to be as unobtrusive as possible; you know, a "pregnant lady with a toddler on her hip taking pictures" kind of unobtrusive...)

Birth

2008-08-25T10:18:00.001-07:00

Those of you who know me well know that I am a bit of a natural birth enthusiast. OK, quite a, bit... I haven't been able to help myself since realizing the empowerment that I believe birth was intended to provide for mothers, and whether it's just a rite of passage or the euphoria induced by a complicated mix of birthing horomonoes, I will forever testify that there's nothing like it.

But I digress. My vested interest in childbirth spurred me to audition for this play, a fundraising performance for the Capital Area Birth Network. The show will be running October 3rd and 4th here in Lansing, so if you're in the area, come out to support informed childbirth.

I'm really looking forward to getting involved with a group of women that share my enthusiasm while being able to have a creative outlet. It's going to be a lot of fun.

And then there were three... or is it five...

2008-06-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Our third little bundle is set to arrive in the beginning of February. Everyone is quite excited.

And even though we're only eight weeks in, it seems like my belly's already starting to change. Still, the midwife's confident it's only one little person in there. :) So far my continued nursing of Penelope has seemed to ward of some off the more undesirable first trimester symptoms, though I am tired. Very. Tired.

Tired and excited. Feeling very, very blessed.

Four

2008-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Annabella was born four years ago today at 6:28 a.m. after sixteen hours of exhausting labor. The midwife, whose voice ushered me to the other side of my worst contractions, said it was a beautiful birth; she told me, "Dance your baby out..." as I swayed back and forth by candlelight, her voice and my mother's touch the lights at the end of what seemed an infinite tunnel.

When it was over and we could see this little girl with a head full of dark brown hair, I knew for the first time what it was to have all my best hopes, wildest dreams, and most vulnerable parts of me balled up and placed inside this tiny, fragile person. I had a whole new set of fears now that her fragility housed everything I knew to be Good. Having her placed on my belly (after a few moments of trying to convince her to breathe) was like walking through a door into a world I knew nothing about, whose possibilities I could not comprehend, whose challenges I could not anticipate. Among the few things I did know that have proven true was the fact that I had never loved like this before--a love that was overwhelming and true, but twinged with pain, because I could never fully protect this little life again now that my womb was no longer her home. She would feel cold, she would know hunger and sadness. And reality has only broadened those possibilities: she now knows what it is to be teased, ignored, disliked, written off, inaccurately defined; she's seen hatred and cruelty, despite my best efforts to keep her from them. And all this makes me see so clearly what a privilege it is to be able to be the place these little people--this little person--can land. Her home. Her always-and-forever-family. What a huge, terrible responsibility, and what an honor. I would be negligent, of course, if I did not say that those things I long keep from her will be brought into her life in the timing that the Lord has forseen and allowed. In this, I have no complaint; instead I thank Him for His Spirit to guide and the wisdom He imparts when this mother needs it most.

Today, on her fourth birthday, I am amazed by her. She aspires to be a professional soccer player-ballerina-archaeologist-marine biologist-mommy. She's fascinated by insects, dinosaurs and sea creatures, particularly those of the predatory ilk. Playing dress-up is a favorite pass time, as is being read to, wearing dresses, drawing, making things for those she loves, taking baths, picking flowers, riding her bike, playing with makeup, collecting and digging for coins/treasure, going to church and playing with friends. The help she provides me is truly a gift; her spirit is kind and encouraging. She adores leaves, and loves to make natural collections of all sorts: rocks, bugs, pine cones...When she prays, she has an honest, open, and grateful heart before the Lord. She's learning new things that surprise me quite regularly. This week, for instance, "That's a whirligig beetle, Mommy. You know because it has black wings, black all over." That was after a severe thunder storm last week that caused us to lose a few very large branches from our Norway Maple, and Annabella collected fallen sticks to "make a burnt offering. Just like Abraham."

To our sweet, big girl: we love the person the Lord has created you to be. Your quirks are the special markers of our little girl; your gifts, our chance to revel in God's handiwork; your challenges, opportunities for the Lord to reveal more of His character; your grace, our pride.

Happy birthday, Annabella Jane Joy. Happy, happy birthday.

Before we met you:

Brand new (day 2):
One:

Two:Three:Four. Birthday picnic breakfast:

A Year Ago Today

2008-06-02T19:31:00.001-07:00

Penelope Mae Joy came into our lives in earnest at 1:02 a.m. after a short, intense labor from which I emerged energized. My sister didn't make it to the birthing center in time to see the delivery, even though that had been our plan and there was only a 90 minute drive for her from Charlotte, NC to Greenville, SC. When I arrived, my midwife alluded to the fact that the baby was imminent, and I was irritated because I thought she was getting my hopes up prematurely... but when she asked if I wanted her to "check" me (ie: my dilation progress), I was "complete" (birthing-speak for the whole banana--"you've done the hard part, now push, sister!"--a VERY rewarding thing to hear). It was, by comparison, a very easy delivery, and it was only an introduction to the joyful ease with which this beautiful daughter would fit into and fill our family.

I remember after my mom and sis had left the center and the midwife, my tired husband and beautiful baby had all fallen asleep with the fatigue of the hour, I lay awake for at least an hour, the praise bubbling inside of me, so overwhelmed by the gift of this child. The thought was too wonderful for me. I couldn't stop thanking God for the perfect little person nestled up next to me, breathing softly, so peacefully ours.

We got up and cleared out of the center by mid morning. Penelope was nursing well, and considering, I felt great. We went home, to my mom's, and were greeted with balloons and oodles of pink gifts...we shared a meal...

Which brings me to today. The gifts and the meal, that is. Because today, that tiny baby is a walking, talking, growing little person, and it's hard to believe. I was honestly having a hard time with it all until today came; I'm finding it much harder to watch my baby achieve milestones, because this time around, I have a sense of how fleeting it will indeed be. I didn't know with my first one. And when I say walking, let me state for the record, that this little girl has a great sense of timing (future comedienne, possibly?): she saved her first steps, her first real walking, for today.

Enjoy a brief overview of our darling's first year...

Moments old; not even cleaned up yet:

Week One--sleeping with Mama:

One Month--with Daddy at new home:

Two Months-- Northern Michigan vacation:

Three Months--napping at the park:

Four Months--last warm day at the lake for '07:

Five Months--baby cow:

Six Months--Christmas morning, crown and all:

Seven Months--out in the cold:

Eight Months--enjoying a bath:

Nine Months-- Easter:

Ten Months--the beginning of spring:

Eleven Months--big enough to REALLY love the park:

And finally, First Birthday-- celebration picnic:

We love you, Precious Penny Joy! Happy Birthday!

Denial

2008-06-02T07:28:00.001-07:00

Just as I am currently denying that today is Penelope's first birthday, I will deny that I haven't posted a blog in over two months. If you will kindly buy into this convention with me, everyone will be happier. O. K.

The last eight weeks have been jam-packed: family visits; many local adventures with our little clan; SPRING in full glory; the painting/continued decorating of several rooms in my house; pulling up of oodles of carpet to find our old hardwoods; growing babies; reading lessons; cutting of new teeth; growing out of a first "real" bicycle; trying so hard to learn to walk; being accepted to MSU for grad school (Jake, not me); and lots and lots of bike riding.

In the interest of brevity for all you loyal (and surprised... "wow--she's still alive!") readers, I will post pictures with captions only.

These two precious ladies visited:

Nana was thrilled to get to spend some time with her girlies, and the elder one, in particular, was thrilled to have her Nanable around. There were lots of baby walks in the stroller, and even a date night or two for Mommy and Daddy, for which we were very grateful.

Ain't Sayrah at an Ethiopian coffee shop. During her visit wonderful, wonderful sister-catch-up-time ensued, as well as all sorts of auntie silliness. Man, are we glad she's home and can talk to us on the phone! And we're also glad she brought Mommy the new favorite earrings that she's been wearing at least 5 times per week that were bought at an African market, and that she was around to take pictures like this:
Beautiful, golden locks went from this:

To this:
We purchased the long-awaited bike trailer, which has given us hours and DAYS of recreational thrills,

going places like this...

to do things like this...

and playing so hard, this happens.

Oh, yes, she has been doing this if we look the other way... and trying even when we don't.

And now that it is finally creeping up into the 80's, Joys have been been seen doing beach-like activities pretty regularly.So, now that you remember what we all look like, I'll fill in the gaps. Jake was accepted to MSU to begin the Master of Arts program in Public Relations starting at the end of August. He will be one busy man, but we're all very proud of him, and know he'll do a great job. He's also devoting much of his energy to growing out his hair.

Annabella's reading lessons are going well! Teaching her is one of the most fun and rewarding things I've ever done... even when her attention span is that of, well... her age. It's been a great adventure, and it's so fun to see her writing her letters and sounding things out with such pride.

Penny Joy is our constant delight. She loves to entertain, say fun new words and make animal noises (my personal favorite!). She also has a new-found interest, no, passion for shoes. Daily she goes to find her shoes, attempt to put them on, and when she fails, she'll bring them to me with a whine on her face, asking for help. When they are put on for her, she is always very satisfied.

I have been gearing up for a new position as the Special Events Coordinator for our local chapter of MOPS, which excites me greatly. My first steering team meeting is tomorrow, and I can't wait! I've also been serving in our children's ministries at church quite regularly, in addition to picking out new curtains and paint, furniture and wood stain. Ooooh, so much fun!

Now that we're all caught up, you can expect birthday photos/sentiments to be posted in the next few days... even though I'm not yet willing to admit that there's actually a birthday to document. Not yet. ;)

Resurrection Day

2008-03-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

EASTER

Break the box and shed the nard;
Stop not now to count the cost;
Hither bring pearl, opal, sard;
Reck not what the poor have lost;
Upon Christ throw all away:
Know ye, this is Easter Day.

Build His church and deck His shrine;
Empty though it be on earth;
Ye have kept your choicest wine--
Let if flow for heavenly mirth;
Pluck the harp and breathe the horn:
Know ye not 'tis Easter morn?

Gather gladness from the skies;
Take a lesson from the ground;
Flowers do ope their heavenward eyes
And a Spring-time joy have found;
Earth throws Winter's robes away,
Decks herself for Easter Day.
Beauty now for ashes wear,
Perfumes for the garb of woe.
Chaplets for dishevelled hair,
Dances for sad footsteps slow;
Open wide your hearts that they
Let in joy this Easter Day.

Seeks God's house in happy throng;
Crowded let His table be;
Mingle praises, prayer and song,
Singing to the Trinity.
Henceforth let your souls alway
Make each morn an Easter Day.

--Gerard Manley Hopkins

Springtime Update

2008-03-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

I write that heading more out of "flying by my instruments" than from any sense one could gain from walking outside our house into the five inches of snow on the ground. My calendar says it's spring, and my body insists it must be time. Even if I can't see a single blade of grass or a crocus peeking from all that white.

But at least there is the smell of the Easter lily filling up my whole downstairs, and actually, that almost makes up for it. It is the most perfect smell.

In the last week and half we've been busy--Annabella planting and tending to seeds indoors and decorating Easter eggs; Penelope learning to stand and cruise (and showing unwillingness to go anywhere without her baby doll), saying "HI" and waving at everyone nearby; Jake taking the GRE; and I have busied myself preparing for Jake's birthday, our sixth anniversary, and Easter, and deciding I may actually be homeschooling next year.

Bella and I read a book about seeds that we resurrected from last year's reading, explaining the anatomy and physiology of a seed in beautiful illustrations and storytelling. Then we planted sunflowers, tomatoes, baby's breath and cosmos that will hopefully make their debut in our yard once it's warmer. That was ten days ago. The baby's breath and Autumn Beauty sunflowers are now over 3" tall! We both get very excited to see how they've grown every morning.

Annabella has already started writing simple words and identifying letters and sounds, and she's really wanting to learn to read. So I think we're going to jump into that here in the next few weeks. Who knows... she might be well on her way before her fourth birthday. For this, as well as a few other poignant reasons, I think we're going to be opting for ballet, BSF Kids, and some regular playgroups instead of Montessori next year. And Mama will be doing all the schooling.

Penelope is waving, as I said, "Hi," and very recently "Bye," as well as finding names for everyone in the family. "Dada" is the current favorite, followed by "Baba" (Annabella), and "Mama" falls in a distant third. She's able to go anywhere she wants, including upstairs, so we're having to be more vigilant and finish up baby proofing the house. She's a joyful little lady, and every morning, I look forward to her crawling into our bed and saying, "Hi! Hi!," clasping and unclasping her little hand. She's almost too busy these days to give her mommy a hug. Now I realize I have not had ten children, but I have never seen anything quite as adorable as the relationship Penny has with the little baby dolls we have floating around the house. She will hold one under her arm, lovingly, crawl around and proceed to play, chatter, look at books, etc. with the baby in tow. She will hug it close to her body, show it the toys or books in her hands before discarding them. She will look for the baby when it's not around, and it truly makes her happy. Just embracing and doing all her little endeavors with her baby. It's beyond precious. Jake is applying to MSU's master's program in public affairs for the fall semester, so the last few weeks have seen him brushing up on vocabulary and various math processes in anticipation for the GRE. It came and went and he did just fine. Of course. So now there's the application to finish, statements to complete, and a waiting game for acceptance. He's also been rehearsing with the band he's a part of here in town, and he seems to be having a lot of fun.
As for me, I have the pleasure of following these little girls and this wonderful man around, helping and hovering through each of these new pursuits, cheering on one of my favorite trio of people. In between cheerleading sessions, I'm reading about education philosophy, curriculum, scope and sequence, ordering perennials for my landscaping endeavors, volunteering at church, brainstorming some sewing projects and writing bi-monthly blogs. I'm also looking forward to a visit from my mom in a couple weeks, and we are hoping by then our weather is a little more hospitable. This coming spring might be my favorite yet, simply by contrast to the marathon Michigan winter we'll be pulling out of. But until signs indicate it's around the corner, I'll have to close my eyes, breath in my Easter lily slow and long and pretend I'm a visitor in Eden.

Nine Months

2008-03-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

Nine months ago, this morning, Blessed Births Family Wellness and Birth Center:

This evening, before bed:

Our little Joyful Bundle is doing so many fun things! She's just started to REALLY crawl, and is maneuvering through the whole house, even attempting to stand up. She says "Mama" and "Dada," and she LOVES to play with her big sister. (Play rough, even, which is a problem for Mama.) Though she's still nursing, she has an excellent appetite for solid food, particularly enjoying green beans, oatmeal and fruits. The only time she seems to be impatient is if I make the mistake of putting her in her highchair before I'm ready to put a spoon in her mouth. Then there will usually be some squealing and impatient yells... as she gets a bit older, I suppose we'll have to deal with that. :) Her sense of humor is adorable--she loves being silly, especially hanging upside down--and her little laugh is contagious. She will diligently and patiently work with things in her hands, and physically, she's quite strong. She weighs 19 lbs. right now, and her hair is getting to a strange point where I'm having to pull it back all the time in the front. Her favorite activities include playing Mommy's piano, getting a bath, emptying baskets (laundry, toys, anything in a basket), disassembling items and doing anything that includes Annabella. Penelope Mae Joy has brought immeasurable joy into our family; we continue to delight in her every day.

International Phone Calls and Birthday Signs

2008-02-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

We were specially blessed today by two special voices at the other end of cell phone connections; one was from a base in northern Iraq, and the other was from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Uncle Shane is doing well, though apparently recovering from feeling a little under the weather. We were able to confirm that he was involved in this exchange, and thankfully is no worse for physical wear. Apparently, he and his vehicle were the first to arrive on the scene as the firefight ensued. So it is only natural that he deserves all the peanut butter cookies that this lady and her Kitchen Aid can whip up. If you're interested in helping me drown Uncle Shane in cookies, let me know!

Aunt Sarah is thrilling to the culture and people of Ethiopia, soaking up the energy of people who walk in a miraculous faith, watching Jesus convert Ethiopians by appearing to them in visions, healing them from stroke-related paralysis and teaching the soccer coaches between her Amheric lessons (the national language). And if that summation seems a little dramatic to you, believe me, it's tame compared to the actual stories coming out of that place. God is moving in a mighty way there, and she feels so blessed to be a part of it. Incidentally, it was her 25th birthday today.

Too Much Cute for One Night

2008-02-22T08:49:00.001-08:00

Up we go for bathtime. "I will help Calen go upstairs."

Here's how we started; baby girl hasn't been in the big tub yet.

...But she is getting bigger, crawling and all... "Don't worry Penelope, I'll wash your hair!"

So she got to bathe (PLAY) in the big tub with the "big kids." They stayed in the tub till the water was cold.

Jumping Jacks, Tablesettings, and Future Percussionists

2008-02-20T15:22:00.001-08:00

Since our last installment, the Family Joy has collectively put up a valiant, if doomed, fight against the flu. One by one, our troops were felled by the fever-chilled-nightsweating-generally achey enemy. Our fearless leader was the first to fall, and it was his defeat that let this grimey villain infiltrate our castle. Annabella was next, then myself. We washed hands, avoided touching faces or each other at all, bleached everything in sight, cleaned doorknobs, didn't share pillows... to no avail. The baby finally came down with it. I feel like I didn't actually leave the house for three weeks. I did get groceries, and we did go to church, albeit in waves. Daddy would stay home with whomever was too sick for the nursery. Or Mommy would.

Now that we're back on our feet, I am trying to go here at least weekly. My father and his wife sent us the very generous and creative family gift of an annual membership, and boy are we going to use it. I-5 has a room that was recently created under a grant that works to expose preschool children to different scientific concepts. The practical application of this is a super-duper fun room that feels a little like an indoor playground, a little like a playhouse. There's even a play area for infants,which captivates Penelope, and the whole place is presided over by the newly christened International Breastfeeding Symbol. Here are some highlights:

A BUBBLE ROOM!!!!!!

A room full of interactive lessons on simple machines--hence the pulley chairs.

Archaeology station where you can "unearth" dinosaur eggs and fossils.

Lessons on mouths, skulls and teeth, including toothbrushing.

A mock emergency room, complete with (deactivated, but real) defibrilltor.

A human heart maze with corridors, valves, and directions to the lungs, etc.

There were so many amazing things to see and do, this was only a small sampling. But let me not forget, the final highlight was that my wonderful husband was just as handsome as usual. :)

Big decisions are on the horizon here, as we are seriously considering enrolling Annabella in half-day pre-K next year at a local Montessori school. This makes me feel desperately immature and fifteen years older all at once; I suppose I imagined I wouldn't be figuring out schooling options for such a long time. Now that it's here, I can hardly believe it. And it's not as if I haven't given it OODLES of thought, especially recently. I don't know, maybe I just thought that this would be a decision that was kept in committee indefinitely... Silly Mommy.

Penelope is figuring out the finer points of crawling, even as I write. She's crawling a foot or two on her own, but as yet, she has not realized her new found mobility and freedom. I anticipate the house going on full alert any minute now when it occurs to her that she can really motor. Another amazing ability that she's exhibited in recent weeks is her impeccable sense of rhythm, if not discriminating taste in music. We took Annabella to Preschool Skate at the local skating rink--a perfect introduction to rollerskating for little ones. Penelope rode on my back in the Ergo carrier, and I kept my feet shod with tennis shoes, and carefully escorted Annabella and her skates around and around the rink.

There are many things roller rinks are: dark with neon geometric shapes in the indoor/outdoor carpet; the perfect place to find any manner of food that is deep-fried; a good place to start a bruise collection; an excellent place to have one's wallet stolen. What they are NOT is a haven of quality musical fare. So when "Who Let the Dogs Out" started pounding and resounding across the rink, I wasn't surprised. What did surprise me was that Penelope INSTANTLY starting bouncing up and down in the carrier exactly in rhythm with the base line and loud barking noises. I assumed it would stop soon, but she didn't give up until the song finished. Other parents (whose children had been attending Preschool Skate for longer than we had) passed us, pointed and laughed with disbelief. The other song that brough her newly-found talent to the forefront was "The Hampster Dance." If you haven't listened to this song, please take this opportunity. You'll be amazed. Since then, any time music comes on, my Little Bouncer starts bobbing up and down, exactly in time with the music. Chorale pieces, rap, worship music, children's songs. I haven't let her listen to either of those songs since, just incase she was trying to make them favorites. I told Jake we may have a little drummer or bassist on our hands. (Insert gratuitous naked baby photo here.)

In regard to Annabella's latest pursuits, several times a day I hear the following in our house:

"Rocket Ship, Regular Girl, Rocket Ship, Regular Girl, Rocket Ship, Regular Girl. . . "
(Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp)

This little pattern was the mantra Jake concocted to teach Annabella the (apparently very difficult) task of learning jumping jacks. So far, it's been the most effective teaching method. Lots of rocket ships and regular girls around here.

She's become my little domestic domesticant--helping with all things related to the kitchen. Cooking can obviously be fun, but she's now responsible for emptying the dishwasher (with my help for high, heavy and breakable things), and setting the table for meals. Placemats, flatware, drinking glasses, the whole caboodle. It's honestly a great help to me, and she takes a lot of pride in her jobs. This week, we're learning the correct way to set each placesetting. She set a beautiful table for dinner tonight.

Jake informed me that if we get five more inches of snow in February, it will be a record-breaking February for snowfall. It's completely possible that we'll get that much in the next week and a half. I love the snow, but now the ice and being kept indoors is getting to me, especially when there are only so many ballet solos and Rocket Ship, Regular Girls that a Mommy and a soon to be four year old girl can take. Outdoor energy doesn't just go away when a child is kept indoors. Unfortunately. And I don't think my van has quite forgiven me for getting it stuck in ice and snow divots in the road right in front of my driveway last week. Twice. Once I managed to wiggle out, take a ride around the block and try again. But once, Jake had to put boards under the tires and push the van out of the divots. I can't wait for my beautiful, lush neighborhood to bloom and smell green again.

Sarah, my little sister, is currently serving with MAI in Ethiopia and has been there for a month. Two more to go. My brother-in-law, Shane, is currently in Iraq, working for him until June 2009. We would appreciate all your prayers for them while they are far from us.

The girls and I are looking forward to a visit with Aunt Rachel, Cousin Calen and BabyInTheBelly this weekend. I'm hoping their presence can help Annabella deal with the lack of outside.

May your remaining winter be short, and may a joyful heart keep you warm!

New Year, New Look, New Entry

2008-01-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

Here I go. Finally.

I suppose for those of you who actually look at this little space from time to time, the last couple months of our lives need no explanation. Jake was gone for work related trainings and events for nearly 3 months; the girls and I were on the road visiting loved ones and introducing Penelope for six weeks. We've been home since right before Christmas, but the looming chore of going through months worth of photos, jotting down our latest news, and posting this has made me more inert than anything. So... I'll use bullets. ;)

WE...

Visited dear, precious loved ones in Maryland and West Virginia and stayed with wonderful friends in their beautiful home worthy of a listing in the local B&B registry.

Spent time with my sister-in-law and her family. Annabella, particularly, had a wonderful time with her baby cousin. (Who is to be joined by a sibling this August, exciting news we received over the holidays!)

Got to see Jake who had been absent from us for a couple weeks at this point.

Headed to SC to spent time with family there. It is always spoiling for me to stay with my mother. She cannot get enough of the girls, so I actually get a few hours all to myself. The girls enjoyed visiting with my dad's family as well as all our dear loved ones there.

Attended Sarah's first time hosting Thanksgiving in Charlotte. She did a wonderful job, of course. The following day was an electric one though, as Renee was in labor with her little boy--Truman McCarthy Royal--who arrived that evening.
Bid farwell to Shane, Jake's brother, as he headed off to Iraq for 15 months.
Had a little pre-Christmas party with dear loved ones before driving back to Maryland to be with Jake briefly.
Drove north through New York City, picking up Jake's good friend and headed to Connecticut to meet his new Lady Fair, who we were very impressed with. (I will interject here that it is a providential thing when your husband's best friend decides to marry a woman whose company you sincerely enjoy and with whom you have many things in common!)

Parted ways with Jake in Connecticut and headed to Rochester, NY to meet precious Truman Royal. Annabella had a lovely day trip to a child-sized grocery store at the National Museum of PLAY (there is such a place!!!).

Had a lovely holiday here once we headed home and Jake returned, all of us just in time to put up the Christmas tree and wrap gifts.

Sent Jake off to Texas for 10 days, and proceeded to tear down all the trappings of the holiday that had gone up so furiously a couple weeks before.
Had a lovely visit from my friend Bethany.
Saw our first few pristine Michigan snows and went sledding for the first time.

Experienced our (as in my) first and only surgery to date with the removal of my wisdom teeth, and were blessed to have Bethany in town to nurse me and entertain the troops.

Finally recovered!
Welcomed our Daddy/husband home to stay!!!
Sent my little sis off as a missionary to Africa, and had a few lessons for Belle on Africa, including eating lentils with injera bread instead of a utensil, painting her body, making a lion, as well as some tribal jewelry and an African drum.

I know I have left something out.

And briefly, things I learned during the last few blog-absent months:

Traveling with your children alone for a month and a half sounds easier than it is, and it doesn't sound easy.
I'm loved more than I deserve.
Absence really can make the heart grow fonder.
If you can do all your holiday cooking before the actual holiday, you will have a much more pleasant holiday.
If "Santa" has to assemble a dollhouse, he shouldn't wait till after the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve.
When your second baby has her first cold, it's not as scary as when your first baby did.
I will have better New Year's Eves than this one, doped up on Darvocet after oral surgery that day.
Even if your husband is out of town and you have to care for two kids, you must, by whatever means possible, get your sidewalks shoveled THE SAME DAY it snows, or it will no longer be snow. It will be ice.

Again, I am sure I forgot some things. Happy January, anyway.

Also, considering that I spent the better part of three hours today/this evening trying to get the formatting on blogspot to let me align all my writing and photos the way I wanted to, I give up, and apologize for any inconvenience you encountered reading this.

2007-12-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

"It's Good for What Ails You," or "Miraculous, Folks! Miraculous!"

2007-10-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have heard me tout the "extracurricular" uses of breastmilk. (My own, in particular.) :) So for my mother, whose burns I have treated with my white gold... this read's for you. If you'd like to read the full article or take a look at the bibliography, click here. And for those interested, here are More Ways to Use Breastmilk.

Realizing that some of you will be hesitant to believe anything published in a magazine that would encourage the family bed, take a look at the major study as summed up in Science News.

Your Walking Medicine Chest
By Liz Laing
Mothering Magazine; Issue 133, November/December 2005

Mother's milk is the perfect panacea for a whole host of ailments - from pinkeye to acne. Just a squirt will do the trick! Most people know about the health benefits of breastfeeding, but few know about breastmilk's medicinal benefits. Breastmilk is sterile, antibacterial, and has many healing properties. It can be used to treat a variety of ailments and can be applied topically for eye and ear infections, minor skin injuries, sore or cracked nipples, diaper rash, sore throats, and stuffy noses. Is breastmilk an everyday cure-all? Read on and judge for yourself.
When your child gets a cold and has a stuffy nose, drizzle breastmilk into each nostril. It will thin
the mucus, and the milk's natural antibodies will help fight infection. Jay Gordon, MD, FAAP, IBCLC's nationally recognized pediatrician, author, and breastfeeding authority, encourages the use of breastmilk in this way. "I recommend breastmilk as the best nose drop for babiesand children with colds," he says. "The milk kills viruses on contact (sounds like a TV commercial!), and the best part is that it makes babies sneeze. The sneeze sends viruses, bacteria, dust, and more flying out of the nose at 100 mph."
Several clinical studies have shown that since each mother's milk is made specifically for her own baby, it is effective in ridding the infant's eyes and nose of viruses and germs.
...
Besides colds and eye irritations, there are several other conditions that might benefit from
the use of breastmilk. In most cases you simply express your milk into a clean saucer, cup, or bowl, then use a cotton ball or eyedropper to apply or squirt milk directly onto the area, as needed, for the desired results.
In many places - including Mexico, Russia, Africa, South America, and India - the use of breastmilk in alternative ways is quite common. One mother on a Midwifery Today online forum said, "In Nigeria, if a child has a condition of the eyes, such as mucus, we simply squirt a bit of breastmilk and it clears right up." Besides healing common minor afflictions, breastmilk has recently been in the news for helping to treat more serious illnesses. Adult cancer patients have been drinking breastmilk in an attempt to boost their immune systems and cope better
with the side effects of chemotherapy. While this is not a common practice, a milk bank in California has supplied a group of pioneering patients with breastmilk for the past few years. One lucky recipient of this donor milk, Howard Cohen of Palo Alto, California, strongly believes that
ingesting breastmilk daily has helped his prostate cancer go into remission.
Donor milk is used to treat a variety of health problems. I spoke with Pauline Sakamoto, RN, MS, executive director of the Mothers' Milk Bank in San Jose, California, about some of the other ways breastmilk benefits people. "Historically, human milk has been used for diseases and health conditions of adults and children and as a superior food for babies. These folk cures have been tested throughout time. Currently, there has been more interest in the scientific community to test the components of human milk's effect on different health problems that plague us today. Hopefully, in the near future, we will validate the incredible power that our body has to promote growth, heal itself, and preserve its integrity via human milk.
Breastmilk may even kill cancer cells. In 1995 physician and immunologist Catharina Svanborg and a team of research biologists at Sweden's Lund University discovered in breastmilk a protein compound, alpha-lactalbumin (they gave it the acronym HAMLET), that selectively induces apoptosis in tumor cells. In other words, HAMLET makes cancer cells commit suicide. In fact, it has killed every type of cancer the researchers have tested it against. HAMLET has also been used to successfully treat virally infected warts, which were reduced by 75 percent in volunteers who received daily treatments with an ointment containing the protein. The same viruses that cause warts are also linked to cervical cancer, genital warts, and some types of skin cancer. Well, we all knew that breastmilk is powerful.
You may wonder why this discovery of a possible cure for cancer has not received greater attention. Funding is part of the problem, but slowly, in the past decade, more attention has been paid to this small laboratory in a quiet corner of the world. Even the American Cancer Society has given its stamp of approval by giving a grant to Svanborg and her team to help fund further research into their discovery. While this type of scientific news is exciting, let's not forget the real miracle of breastmilk and its primary use. The healing powers of this liquid gold
are incredible enough, but breastmilk's most amazing quality is that it gives life. No
other food or substance on earth comes close to doing what breastmilk does. Human breastmilk is the ideal food for human babies. Pediatrician Jay Gordon reminds us how crucial breastfeeding is when he says, "Babies denied breastmilk during the first year of life get sick and die at a much greater rate than babies who nurse."...

*All emphasis has been added by yours truly.

Coincidence?

2007-10-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

Jake is flying home this Friday.

Buried Treasure

2007-10-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Jake and I purchased our first home this year. No one has been able to give us a firm date for the actual building of this house, but we know that the neighborhood went up circa 1920, so it's entirely likely that the home is 90 years old. Sometimes when I'm cleaning the old woodwork, or listening to the creak of the floorboards, it seems like I'm looking at or listening to a dear old woman, all bright eyes and wrinkles with a thin, seasoned voice. I love that. There are few things I treasure more than relationships with older, wiser women, and I feel like my relationship to this house is turning into that. As I wash windows upstairs, I wonder if any babies were born here. When I polish the stair rail, I imagine a graceful young woman floating down the stairs to greet her beau at the door. I hear children giggling and playing in the back yard and Roaring Twenties music playing on a record player in the living room. I see a dressed-up gentleman coming home through the front door, greeted by a skirted and pearl-wearing wife's call from the kitchen... but I won't make you endure any more of my imaginings, because this post is to inform you of an actual discovery this dear old house let me find. You can ask Jake, I was so excited you would have thought... I was having Ina May Gaskin over for dinner.

Before:

After:

Indian Summer

2007-10-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

As we swam and splashed in a local lake on an 86 degree day two weekends ago, the only evidences this may be our very last chance to do such things were the leaves around us--firey and warm. Like the sun.

Sarah was visiting from Charlotte, and Jake had a four-day weekend for the Columbus Day holiday, so it was a fun and family filled weekend together. We are also trying to get our fill of Daddy-time, as Jake was informed three weeks ago that he would be headed to the DC Metro (Ft. Meade, MD) for 8 weeks of training. Yes. Two months. (Insert deer-in-the-headlights face here.) So, with that journey begun, I'm learning more about the big ocean of God's grace with new trenches to plumb and more beauty to see. Always. I'm also learning more about myself. And so far it's only day five. I can honestly say I'm looking forward to what I'm going to experience during the rest of this journey. (Though, it goes without saying that my Love is missed terribly.) But I'll let you in on a little secret: my husband is a great writer. That's not the secret. The secret is that between a long distance courtship, bootcamp, various naval trainings, a deployment to the mid-east, and most recently, a five month separation during my recent pregnancy, I've come to look forward to the loving, generous gift of his coorespodance. Not that hearing his precious words isn't wonderful, but something about having them in ink to look back on at my leisure, and far into the future, makes all the missing almost worthwhile.

Here are some pictures of our day at Gun Lake and our visit with Ain't Say-rah.

I don't know who likes the orca more, the parents or the child.

Sunshine on Penelope Mae.

Our little fish--who is scooping and kicking her way to actually swimming in her lessons at the YMCA. Scoop. Kick. Scoop. Kick.

Last picture with Daddy before the exodus.

The table Belle helped decorate for our last daddy-dinner.

Belle and the Ain't.

The Sweetest Sound

2007-09-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

As I was walking up the stairs last night with clean PJ's for the girls, I heard giggles coming from one of the bedrooms. I stopped and listened for a moment, recognized Belle's voice, and was surprised to hear another hearty giggle echoing from the room. And I realized. It was Penelope! She and her sister were in stitches laughing as Annabella was doing a very silly bounce-onto-the bed-floppily sort of trick (something her mother would not have allowed to take place, but the girls were under the watchful eye of their father who is much more indulgent of such behavior). I had heard Penelope sort of hum a little laugh once or twice, but this was a fit of hilarious laughter. For the first time in her life. And it was something I could never have elicited from her. Apparently, at least as of this week, only her three year old sister has that gift. There they were, reveling in each other's company and silliness. Together. It took my breath away the way Jake's phone calls would when I was in the throws of falling in love, and I prayed the girls would always bring each other happiness and laughter in their companionship and play, that they would only try to bring joy to each other, and that they'd have the gift that I've been so blessed by--a sister that is a best friend.
I do hope to hear the melodies and harmonies of that laughter echoing off the walls of this house again. It was the sweetest music.

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy.

JOB 8:21

Prayer Before Dinner on Monday Night

2007-09-21T10:13:00.001-07:00

Dear Lord,

Thank you for my swimming lessons. And thank you for ... the fire from heaven. And thank you for the people ... of heaven. Dear God, thank you for everything.

Amen.

Beauteous Mae

2007-09-14T11:23:00.001-07:00

Love.

To.

Play.

With.

My.

Toes.

Bella Jane

2007-09-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

...with the flowers she planted and picks for me every day.

...on the giraffe at the zoo.

...in my wedding gown that she's been begging to see.

Milestones All Around

2007-09-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Joyland. And now a recap of the weeks' top news.

Penelope has been attempting to roll over by herself since we were in Canada. You may remember that I said she did it for the first time. I suppose this isn't entirely true. She was able to do it alone, but she would get stuck on the arm she was trying to go over. Well, today when she was doing her thing, I got the feeling it might be "the time." And sure enough, it was!

And that's not all Penelope has been up to. She's also cut her first tooth. (Yes, incase you were thinking it's a bit early, three months is early.) So, here's Mommy, hoping that she doesn't prematurely take up biting as well.

In other news, my sweet husband has taken his place among other performers, where he's wanted to be for a while. That's right, Jake is now the lead singer for a local classic rock cover band. He'll be rehersing on Thursday nights, doing weekend gigs, and I'm sure the outlet will be nothing but good for him. Now I just need to find a babysitter so I can go hear him sing...

We've decided that Annabella is going to start a little bit of HomePreSchooling. So I've bought a bunch of school supplies which excite her very much, and I'm still settling on exactly what this will consist of curricularly. I have been thinking that the little lady needs to be memorizing Scripture, so whatever else it entails, there will be some of that....and so much more, no doubt.

As for Mommy, I suppose it was inevitable, but I've reached my pre-preggy weight, so that's exciting for me at least. And Jake too, I suppose. Me, because I fit into all my clothes. And Jake because we don't have to buy me new ones.

Stay tuned for some yummy pictures! (of the girls, that is)

Midsummer Night's Bathtime

2007-08-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

Overheard in Our Minivan

2007-08-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

A: Mommy, I don't like Philistines.

Me: Really...

A: Do you like Philistines, Mommy?

Me: I don't know. I've never met any.

A: Well, I did, and I don't like them.

Me: Why not?

A: Because they're mean and they don't like little girls...But they let me live.

Hawk Island

2007-08-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

In the middle of downtown Lansing is a lovely, super family-friendly park: Hawk Island. It has a swimming beach on a man-made lake, paved jogging/walking paths, a huge wooden playground, canoe and paddleboat rentals, and the "Splash Pad," pictured below. It was 90 degrees today, so when we arrived, the place was hopping. Annabella had a fabulous time cooling off and finding little playmates (fabulous time, that is, until I told her it was time to go...we're still working on saying, "Mommy--I don't want to leave, but I will obey" instead of wailing), and Penelope defended her title as Easiest Baby to Take Out in Public (EBTTOIP). Despite the uncomfortable heat.

EBTTIOP's clothes were removed one by one until I ran out of removeable items and decided to leave. And, upon our return home, thunder started to roll. This was only slightly reminiscent of the tornado we reacted to last Friday... When Renee was on her way here from NY, and she was literally 10 minutes down the road, sirens went off all through town. A tornado touched down a few times about 3 miles from our house. Annabella, Penelope and I went to the basement to hide out and listen to the weather alert radio. Jake was at Target. I tried the best I could not to alarm the girls, but about the time that I heard the weather-alert guy say to hide under a workbench in your basement, and started making a palette for the girls, Annabella got scared and told me that she really just wanted to go be with Jesus.

She referred to the tornado, by the way, as "The Twister," as "Dorthory" does in the Wizard of Oz, historically, her favorite film. Since Friday, she's spoken of the twister often, and twisters have been making their way into the majority of her drawings.

Is it just me, or does Penelope make faces that look just like her Papa? I've never seen a child who could furrow her brow like my husband. If she were not my child and I saw her in public, I would wonder if she were related to Jake.

Just a few extras:

"Mommy, bow down to the queens."~ A. Joy

Penelope's new BUMBO chair.

A rather unconventional napping spot.

Wanna see something gorgeous?

2007-08-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

Twenty-eight weeks down, twleve to go... Little Man Royal is set to make his debut on November 17. And who wouldn't want to go ahead and be born into the arms of such a beautiful mama?

We were very blessed from a visit from Renee and her belly over the weekend, and though it was brief, it was excellent and theraputic to sit around with a wonderful friend and talk about the past, present and future. Annabella was very excited, and definitely tried to monopolize Renee's time playing "store" among other things. Jake very wisely concluded that Saturday was an excellent day for he and Annabella to have a nice long date that included fishing, visiting a Christian music festival at one of the downtown parks, and an entire Lugnuts (minor league baseball team) game, complete with fireworks. So, some much-needed girlfriend time was available, and I was so grateful that my friend was able to meet my youngest, who showed off her beautiful, quiet personality. I can't wait to meet her little guy!

..."Because of your father's God who blesses you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb. Your father's blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills."

Genesis 49:25-26

This Morning in the Co-Sleeper -or- Mommy, I'm Bigger Than You Think

2007-08-23T06:18:00.001-07:00

This is where I laid Penelope this morning while I went the bathroom to brush my teeth.

When I came in to check on her a few minutes later, this is what I found.

...Obviously, I got the camera to document the whole thing. And finally, when I returned from putting on my makeup:

Last Week in Pictures and Captions

2007-08-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, we attended a Member's Only Picnic at the local zoo. My mom was kind enough to buy our family an annual membership, and it is the only "club" we're members of in our new home, as well as our first bonafide invitation of any kind since moving. So, of course we went. Here are the Joy girls right before leaving.

Annabella had the pleasure of her first pony ride. Here she is astride Peanut, a little Palomino gelding. In the interest of discretion, I will only elaborate on the funny-kid-story involved if you request me to by e-mail. (It's worth it.)

Bella the chimp, and Bella the Tiger.

Penelope and Mama looking at some animal or other.... Oryx, I think.

On Saturday we attended the annual Danish Festival in Greenville, Michigan. Queen Annabella made a crown and got a balloon-sceptre.

The products of our various gardens that Belle so happily harvested.

The beans are straight from the garden--haven't even been washed.

And finally, Annabella proudly holding our little growing machine, Penelope, who, as of yesterday, had gained 2 lb. in the last month to weigh in at 12 lb. and 6 oz.-- 95th percentile in height (23 and 3/4 ''), weight, and head circumference. That little brain is growing! She continues to be a precious, cooperative baby as she tries to roll over by herself and communicate. She loves to play and hear fun songs.

a little bit of time and some sunshine

2007-08-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

Annabella planted a bed of flower seeds when we moved here in June. Until we returned from our recent travels, they hadn't really bloomed. But when we came back, the bed was really blooming. Here's her first real bouquet

O, Canada

2007-08-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

My family and I just returned from our first vacation as a foursome. We were blessed by the presence of my precious mother who enjoyed our camping experience and gobbled up granddaughter time along the way. We camped together in a big roomy tent, and by all accounts both little girls fared very well, as did their parents who were able to get ample sleep.

Our intention was to go to Cheboygan, Michigan, explore Mackinac (prounouced Mackinaw) Island, then head to Tahquamenon Falls, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, and wrap up with a visit to Traverse City. Our plans changed, however, when in Cheboygan we were informed that wildfires had closed the parks near Tahquamenon, and our reservations would be refunded. Instead, a look at the map and my explorer husband (who, incidentally, has William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame nesteled comfortably in the upper branches of his family tree) decided instead to journey into Canada and around the Ontario side of Lake Huron.

We did enjoy a beautiful stay in Cheboygan and a day trip by ferry to Mackinac Island. I told Jake that the place reminded me of an idealized version of New England. Automobiles are forbidden on the island. The only way to get around is by bicycle, carriage-taxi, or horseback. Everything is beautiful and pristine there, and the flowers were stunning. We enjoyed a woodland picnic out on a hiking trail that consisted of delicious smoked whitefish from the lake, goat cheese and a bottle of wine. We also ran into the Governor's husband and son who were enchanted by our children.

My only previous experience in Canada was in Toronto, which I visited over ten years ago while living in Upstate New York, so my idea of Ontario was shaped by this visit and by the acquaintance of my sister-friend Laurie who is a native. Both of these contributions made me assume that the place was wonderful, but I had no idea the beauty that we would encounter. It was quite rural--the parts we saw at least. There was much driving between anything that could be called a city, and we learned the hard way to get your gasoline while it was still daylight as most of the pumps were closed at night. We stayed at a beautiful family campground on the edge of Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. I will say that neither the website nor our photographs do justice to the beauty of this place. We heard the howls of coyotes all through the night and the calls of loons out on the lake. There were planned activities for families, and we attended a traditional Canadian corn roast while staying there.

We had to travel off the island by ferry, so we took a one-hour and forty-five-minute voyage to Tobermory, Ontario to head toward Detroit and out of the country. Annabella loved riding the ferry, and loved hearing that our van was riding in the ship's belly.

We dropped my mother off at the airport in Detroit around 2 am on Monday to catch her return flight to SC, and we got home and in bed at 4:00. It was a beautiful trip, and following are some of our photos from the week. Enjoy!

Annabella in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Huron. The bottom of the Lake near Cheboygan had a super soft sandy bottom, and was suprisingly shallow. You could go out 300 yards and still the water was only up to your thigh.

Jake reserved a tee-pee our first night at the campground. Needless to say, Annabella was quite excited. Here's Penelope sleeping in her little basket near the camp fire. Our weather was very comfortable the whole week.

Bella was exhausted at the end of each day, but she was not too tired to eat s'mores and hear "scary stories" by the campfire.

We went fishing while still in Michigan. Even though we were out for several hours and saw a few fish that we figured to be about 12 lbs. swimming around in the seaweed, this little catch was all anyone caught. The proud little angler nagged it on her Dora the Explorer fishing pole.

For $5.00 you can purchase admission to the Butterfly House on Mackinac Island--an indoor dwelling for over five-hundred butterflies of all sizes and native habitats.

My sweet little Beauteous Mae, who, incidentally, decided to roll over for the first time while lying on the picnic table of our campsite in Canada.

Mackinac Island was beautiful--here are some shots from around the island, including gardens that inspired me to begin my own cottage garden in my newly-purchased back yard.

Nana and Penelope at sunset.

As we hiked around the car-less island, both of our little girls fell asleep. We let them nap together out in the woods during our picnic.

Chipmunk Cheeks around the campfire.

Views from around Manitou Island and our campground... and finally... our sweet ladies.

Joy and Pleasure

2007-08-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

Now, joy is born of parents poor,

And pleasure of our richer kind;

Though pleasure's free, she cannot sing

As sweet a song as joy confined.

Pleasure's a Moth, that sleeps by day

And dances by false glare at night;

But Joy's a Butterfly, that loves

To spread its wings in Nature's light.

Joy's like a Bee that gently sucks

Away on blossoms its sweet hour;

But pleasure's like a greedy Wasp,

That plums and cherries would devour.

Joy's like a Lark that lives alone,

Whose ties are very strong, though few;

But Pleasure like a Cuckoo roams,

Makes much acquaintance, no friends true.

Joy from her heart doth sing at home,

With little care if others hear;

But pleasure then is cold and dumb,

And sings and laughs with strangers near.

William Henry Davies