A Great Day Indeed!

I was just really having a hard day one day, very emotional about stuff, overly dramatic, etc. I was mostly disappointed that I had taken a pregnancy test well into the time when it should have shown a positive and it came back negative. I was sure I was pregnant, but oh so let down by the results.

The next morning, I get a delivery of these gorgeous flowers with this note. As I'm discussing with Andy how emotional I've been and how confused I am about stuff, he encouraged me to take another test since he was certain that I was pregnant. And this one came back positive! So, on New Years Eve, we found out that our 5th miracle was growing in our womb. Indeed it was a VERY great day.

Since then I keep this card on my refrigerator and read it each morning and it always gets my morning off to a great start.

Christmas Season

I love this picture of Gamba Roo. 

The boys protecting Rosie from intruders while Daddy protects her from falling to her death.

 

Annabelle showing off her drawing from Joe. 

 

The kids' thank you card this Christmas.

While we were up in MD Aunt Julie and Mr. Patrick got engaged!!!

Beautiful December Weather

I took my camera to the park one gorgeous December day and ended up getting some great shots of the kids. I decided to put together a "Christmas card" of sorts and put it on facebook since I don't send out actual cards.

Rosemary Turns One!

Time is a strange thing... days seem to often drag while the years fly. The more the Lord adds to our nest, the quicker the hands on the clock seem to move.

Watching this bundle emerge from the womb and develop into this vibrant, enthusiastic and sweetest little one year old has been a gift.

Joseph put it so well when he said that Christmas comes everyday in our house. I couldn't agree more. Because we have "Posie" as he so affectionately calls her. His love for her is contagious. All of them do. They love her more than themselves. There is nothing more I desire than to have my children know who made and sustains life and to understand it's a gift.

I do a lot of things wrong. A LOT. I am on my knees staring into some baby blues or greens more times than I wish to admit. But, I find grace. Every. Single. Time. They understand grace. And for that I rejoice that I feel like I have already earned my reward.

This parenting thing is getting easier. And harder. I'm learning. I'm growing. They are learning. They are growing. But, we also enter new challenges with every rising of the sun. Each day brings with it it's own opportunities. Opportunities to love deeper, to slow down and truly learn to fully embrace these souls around us, and to learn more about this world we've been placed in.

As I was debating whether or not to make a big deal about Rosie's birthday a friend that has one child that has never been able to conceive again commented... "you never know... this could be your last first birthday celebration".

Those words sunk deep.

NO! Please no, Lord. If it your will, I hope to have many more of those.

But, what if she's right. What if this is my last opportunity to celebrate a fresh and new life?

And with that thought in mind, I decided that no matter where their birthday's fall on the calendar, I would not let a birthday pass without a to-do. Not like I ever have, but the temptation was there being so close to Christmas. Even if it's just our family, we will celebrate BIG. We are to celebrate life as a gift. Not let an opportunity pass us by where we don't rejoice in Him. And that we did.

First Half of December Photos

I could watch a sleeping baby all day.

Samuel has been saving up for a long time for his first knife and he finally had enough money. Can't believe a child of mine is old enough to have his own knife.

Younger brother anxiously awaits his turn to have a knife.

Sam's first competition! He did so well. Placed 9th for rings. It was a huge venue and so intimidating. He wasn't nervous at all. In fact here is a conversation we had the day after.

Me: I'm really proud of you Sam for competing yesterday in that huge arena.
Samuel: Really? Why?
Me: Because it was so huge and there were so many people. I don't like doing things in front of a bunch of people.
Samuel: Really? I love it. It makes me feel like everyone in the world loves me.

He never stopped smiling.

Many days before Christmas Joseph had already made, wrapped and had Annabelle's present under the tree. Melts my heart to see them loving on each other on their own initiative.

Joseph dressed Annabelle up in her fanciest dress, put on some music and told her he was going to take her dancing. Oh my is he going to be a fantastic husband someday!

Sam had a holiday show at his gym.

Her last night being zero.

Me, A Natural Childbirth Instructor!

I taught my first class last night and it went great. I of course have a lot to learn and work on, but I felt very comfortable teaching and I felt like I really connected with the class. It was quite intimidating, though. I had a doctor and 2 NP's in the class! It feels great to have gotten my first class under my belt. It will never be that hard to prepare again and at least I know I can do and more importantly I love it. I'm excited for this new journey!

To be eligible to take my final exam I need at least 12 hours of my teaching to be evaluated by an instructor. I didn't have these 2 hours evaluated because I didn't want the added stress, but I think I will have the others recorded so I can start heading in that direction. I have 2 years from last July to finish the program so I'm not in a rush, but I feel a lot more comfortable with the material and it is coming together a lot easier than I thought it would.

In just a month I have had 5 couples express interest in me teaching classes without any advertising that I am ready to teach. It's been a real encouragement to me that not only is there a need for natural childbirth education but that they see me as a legitimate resource. I'm so thankful to be able to use a passion of mine to bless others.