Happy Birthday, my Five-Year-Old

Last weekend, my sweet second born turned five.

This little one is my off-the-wall kiddo, we never quite know what she's gonna say or do.
Yesterday, at her well check, she told the doctor:
"You have lines in your eyes, your tired!"
As Mommy hid her face, the doctor kindly replied:
"You're right, I didn't get much sleep last night."

She definitely keeps us on our toes, and usually laughing, too!

Thankfully, her Mimi was up for the task of organizing a party since Mommy really wasn't : )

The Fiesta began with a game of bingo, and then proceeded to musical chairs accompanied by "The Macarena."

The smallest senorita slept through the whole thing.

The pinata was hit, but only Daddy could break it!

My non-cake-eater enjoyed her birthday brownies.

What's a fiesta without finishing with a little dancing?

Happy birthday, my girl, and you really had better obey your Mommy this year and stop growing up!

Feasting (mentally)

Charlotte Mason and those who've written about her methods speak often of an education being a feast that you lay before your children; allowing them a little taste of many different subjects each day. I love this idea of raising them with fat, well-nourished minds and souls; while allowing them to "taste" so many different things.

Well, lately at our house things have been a bit busy to say the least. And so, I've told myself, "well, if we can just cover the basics like language arts and math each day, then we're doing okay." The result of this has been two children who don't really like doing schoolwork. And when Daddy asks them what they've been learning they usually say something along the lines of "awww, nothing." My pride perks up here and realizes that this doesn't speak so well of me as a teacher. I may be keeping up with basic second grade and kindergarten, but I am doing nothing to excite them about learning. This "basic" education is pretty much the equivalent of feeding them bread and water; enough for subsistence, but seriously lacking in vitamins and variety. My kids were being malnourished.

So, last week I pulled out our history curriculum and read to them about WWI. They were fascinated! And, that night, they were excited to tell Daddy what they had learned that day. And so, I realized that the "extras" are really just as important as "the basics" for these little growing minds. If we have time for only a few subjects, sometimes it's okay to skip math to do a fun science lesson. After all, the whole goal is for them to love learning, right?

Finally!

Thursday morning, after a rough surgery, a beautiful baby girl was born. We heard her cry, and saw her face, her hair is red! Shortly after her birth, she was taken to the NICU because she had some fluid in her lungs and was struggling a bit to breathe. After a 24 hour stay, which broke her Mommy's heart, she was dismissed to the newborn nursery. For five days she received an antibiotic treatment through an IV in her sweet little arm to treat any potential infections in her new little lungs. Late last night we brought our new little princess home to her two sisters eager to hold and kiss her. The ride home was emotional for me, and upon crossing the threshold into our home, I burst into tears. Tears of relief to be home, and tears of joy at what an amazing thing it is to add a new child to our family.

As her big sister said, "she will live her, and grow here, and be ours forever!"
Praise be to God for this beautiful new life!

Final Pregnant Thoughts

Doing laundry.
Picking up.
Wiping down.
And, sweeping up.

Tomorrow's our day!

I can't believe that I get to do this again.
I love the newborn days!
By 8:30 am, I will be holding this baby in my arms.
I can't wait to look into her eyes for the first time.

Remembering

Well, after all the scares of possible premature delivery, I'm still here. I thank the Lord for carrying this baby and me through. Knowing that her due date was close to this day, I have hoped all along to not have a 9/11 baby. It would not have been horrible, but I am thankful that my child's birthday will not forever be associated with a national tragedy.

On this day, six years ago, I remember being a young, first time teacher of the first grade. I remember the headmaster coming to my classroom early to inform me that the world trade center had been bombed, for this is what was believed at the time. I remember the darkness of that morning and the fear of another attack, perhaps closer to home. I remember sneaking phone calls to my husband making plans for picking up our one year old daughter and where we would meet up should anything happen. I remember turning on the radio while my students were at PE to hear the news. I remember dropping to my knees in prayer and weeping over the sudden loss of comfort and safety.

Today, I am thankful that another attack has not occurred. I am thankful to be safe and warm in the very same house, now a little more full of children. I am thankful to know that He who Reigns on High is in control of it all.

Not Yet

My doctor put her foot down yesterday, and said "no." I cried, even though I understood her reasoning. I am 38 weeks today, and the medical standards say that the earliest a doctor should electively take a baby out is at 38 weeks and 5 days. I can bear the discomfort of sciatica and general 'heaviness' for another week if that is what is best for this little one. My main concern was that I really wanted to insure that my doctor would be the one performing this difficult fourth c-section. If I go into labor this weekend, it will not be her.

I feel like such a whiney baby.

By next Thursday, this child will be here and all that matters is that she is healthy. Please pray for me that I will make it that long, and that the surgery would go smoothly. And, especially pray for the health of this sweet little one.

It is times like this when I must live like I believe. I am seeking to rest in His sovereignty above all else. He has never done me wrong, for he can not. It is so good to be His.

Waiting For You

This used to be my office. A tiny little 9x5 space off of my bedroom is now her room. It is just enough space for a crib and a changing table. All it is lacking is our little lady. I am going to see the doctor tomorrow, and she may deliver the baby on Friday. I can't wait to hold her little body in my arms!