Happ, Happ, Happy Birthday

My dear Kaelyn Annie Bananie-
Today marks the one year anniversary of your journey to the outside world. The world that causes hurt and joy in the same instance. The world where two people will nurture you everyday of your young life, and then cry the day you leave for college. The world where you'll get to meet friends, try your hand at riding a bike with no training wheels, kiss me goodbye as I watch you leave for your first day of school, and come home to a family who cherishes you. This is the day you joined the human race in the life-long journey of discovering... well, life.

And my sweet curly top, I am honored and blessed to share in this journey together with you.

And just as I look to our future together, I also look to the past with the fondest of memories.

When I look at you, I remember the way you loved to snuggle in the first months of your life with your head against mine and your nose against mine, curled into my body. I loved being in this spot with you, even though it was usually about 3 o'clock in the morning. I didn't care though-- because I could smell your head, feel your breath and snuggle in your warmth. I will cherish this time forever.



You grew into a funny little girl. I don't know if I've ever seen a smile light up a room the way yours does. I cry just thinking about how happy you are and how happy you make all those around you. And just as you are a bright smiling light, you are also a little clown. Since you understood laughter, you have done everything to get people's attention just so you can make them laugh. Oh, and you're successful.
I'm also amazed about how well you understand fairness. I guess this comes with third-child territory, but you always seem to know if you aren't being treated the same way as your sisters. You scream and wave your arms about to express your concern. Especially when someone comes over and you've decided that they are there just to see you--- or at least you are the most important reason they came to our house. I'll apologize now for any further feelings of not being treated fairly as I'm sure you will have those.

One of my favorite things that you are doing now is your boot scootin'. "She may never crawl the traditional way, but that's okay. She gets to where she wants to be."~Dr. Harris. Oh that's for sure-- she does get where she needs to be. I've actually tried scooting like you do everyday, and let me tell ya, it's a workout. My little princess is going to have abs and thighs of steel.

You are standing, but not walking. That's okay. You are Kaelyn, you'll do things on your own time and that's just fine! I will be your mother and wait to relish in your achievements with you. I will be there when you soar, but I promise to be there when you are falling.

Thank you for being my light. My curly top. My warmth. My snuggle. My heart. My smiles. My crazy-panting flapper. My boot scooter. My daughter. My life.

May God bless you the way HE has blessed me. Happy Birthday, baby.

Love, Mama

My Little Smartie

My baby got glasses. She was border line on needing them, but we decided to try them on the off chance they'd help correct her vision. Not to mention she can actually see better now.

And though she looks freakin' cute and super intelligent, she's not such a big fan.

See, we have to hold her hand down so she doesn't rip them off her head. We only get one completely free replacement in the next 18 months. Needless to say I don't want to waste that in the first week.

Yes, sweet girl-they feel weird, but they'll only help you.

Pumpkin Patch Fun

We ventured out to our favorite pumpkin patch this weekend. We spent a glorious two hours with our sweet girls playing in the hay, eating hot dogs, sitting on pumpkins and sliding down a BIG slide.
Kenli is cheesy by the beautiful mums(?) -no green thumb

And my sweet little poser by the pretty fall colors.

The two scarecrows.

All three on the $30 pumpkins at once!

We had my niece Zada with us too. Four girls = four times the fun!
Nope, she still doesn't walk. But she enjoyed her nice wagon ride around the ground.


Going up, up, up...And coming down. This took a lot of courage at first, but once she went a few times, we couldn't get her off the slide.

She thought if she closed her eyes, it wouldn't be as scary. This was her first teeter-toter experience!

The crazy part of this whole story--one year ago this past weekend we went to this pumpkin patch as a family of four. It was the day before I went into the hospital to be induced with Kaelyn. Here we are one year ago-

One-year old Keira and her mama.

Daddy and his girls-but you can't see Keira's face.

And here is the one picture of Kaelyn-- she's underneath that Kansas sweatshirt.

Please look at her site

http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

I have spent the last two hours reading the story of Audrey Caroline and her family. It is a sad and beautiful story- but that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. This woman has suffered the greatest loss a parent can face, yet she has a faith in God that is bringing her through the storm. Her writing is simple and beautiful. I've cried and prayed while I read her story and I hope that you will do the same.
*Make sure to look on the left sidebar where you can click to see the story from the beginning. And make sure you have a few hours to devote to this because you will not want to stop reading. God Bless!

More Than One?

"Well, you feel further along than 9 weeks. Did you say you have a sonogram scheduled right after your appointment with me?"

"Yes."

"Good, because I would order one anyway."



My mind is racing. No, my three-year old couldn't be right- she can't have ESP. There are not twins growing in my belly right now. There can't be. Why would God give us twins this late in the game? Why not with the first pregnancy, or even the second? Well, twins would be neat. Maybe it'd be a boy and a girl- one of each would be great. Oh no, what if there's some kind of growth in there that's not human- or worse, what if it's not benign.



These ideas went through my head faster than it took you to read them. Needless to say, my thoughts were getting the better of me- and I think my husband too. We joked out loud, "Ha, what if Kenli was right? Wouldn't that be funny to have twins as our FOURTH pregnancy?"



Everything else was good with the doctor, so we made our way down the hall to the sonogram room. I laid down on the table expecting to see two heartbeats or some weird growth. Both would be completely life changing. One in a good but scary way- the other in a bad and scary way.



Once my belly was jellied and cold, the tech put the magic wand against my skin to reveal the surprise. One little baby with a beating heart. She continued to scan since she knew she was looking for something along the lines of buy one get one free, but nothing popped up.



Happy, but nonetheless perplexed, my little family of five made our way out of the sonogram room. I looked to the doctor for an explanation of why I was measuring 13 weeks- she could only surmise that it is because I'm carrying number four. I'll take that answer- it makes much more sense than twins or fibroids!

Here is peanut number four. Send a comment with name suggestions and I'll add a poll. Send both boy and girl names- no one knows for sure this is another girl.

Two Wonderful Years

Two years ago today I was exactly 40 weeks pregnant, and my little family of three saw its last day- we were about to welcome Keira Grace into the world.

As the sun was rising the next morning, we dropped Kenli off at Gram and Papa's and said our goodbyes. We were very excited to be on our way to the hospital where we would soon meet our new daughter.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 in the morning- awaiting the lovely pitocin. After much delay, the fun finally started around 10:00 am. Of all my labors, Keira's was by far the easiest. The six hours I labored without the epidural were not terribly awful- my sister and I played hangman in between contractions. After the epidural, I had about four more hours of labor and with three pushes, my little Gracie Pants came out pink and screaming. She was placed in my arms, and I was in awe. The love was instant. And just like her older sister, Keira immediately pooped on me, but again I didn't care.

I remember the doctor's and nurses' reactions upon seeing her- "Oh, my she's big."

"Really," I said. And they all assured me that she was big. But she looked so small compared to my 13 month old at home. All 8 pounds 15 ounces of her was perfect as can be.

I cherished our time together in the hospital. We cuddled, slept, and became familiar with one another. I couldn't wait to show her off- not only because she was mine and beautiful, but also because she looked very similar to me. I was so proud that I carried around a little photo of me as a newborn to show everybody how much we looked alike.

****************************************************

Keira, God put you in our family as a middle child and I'm beginning to see that HE was right in doing so. You aren't the first-born, nor the last- your in the middle- the person who gets to be a little sister and a big sister. You do an amazing job playing both of those roles and your sisters cherish and adore you just because you're you. You follow Kenli around the house copying her every move while also instigating a few spats- a little sister to the 'T.' You also bring toys to Kaelyn and help her scoot across the floor- a perfect big sister. They love you and know you like no on else ever will.

*****************************************************

My sweet little brownie- you have grown so fast the past two years. I can't believe I've only known you for such a short amount of time when it feels like I've known you my whole life. I can't imagine life without your sweet smile, your spunky demeanor or big brown eyes.

I love the way you hold my hand as we walk down stairs after naps.

I love that you insist on me scratching your back at sleepy times.

I love that you must "read" in bed.

I find your stubbornness enduring. One of the hardest things I've had to do is be more stubborn than you when all I wanted to do was give in.

I adore your Scottish accent.

Oh, your pouty lips-- melt my heart.

You make my days sweeter just by being yourself. Your beauty on the outside is matched only by the beauty I see inside. You will go far in this life because you are one determined little girl who doesn't give in easily (or at all). You know what you want, and you go after it with such great tenacity.

Thank you for being you and letting me be your mommy. My love for you is unconditional and ever-lasting. Happy birthday Keira "Gracie Pants" "Brownie" " Brown-Brown" "Frog." I look forward to our next year together!

Love, Mama

First day of Preschool

So, I've been putting this post off for a week or so- and for a good reason, too.

A year ago, we enrolled Kenli in pre-school at barely two years of age. I thought she'd be ready, but after 8 weeks of our best efforts we pulled Kenli out of the program. We figured she had enough on her plate with a new sister, new room and potty training.

We tried again this year, and boy what a difference a year makes. Now she is three, more independent and much more social. She tells me how much fun she has at pre-school and my mind is still adjusting to these good feelings associated with pre-school. Here she is on her first day of school. I was able to hold back the tears until we pulled up to the parking lot. I was such a proud mama that day.

We were able to spend some time with her on her first day. And just like I figured, she went straight to the baby dolls and parked herself on the couch.
We also had a chance to explore the new playground. Kenli ran, jumped, climbed and crawled allover the equipment. Here's a funny shot I grabbed of that. Did I mention that I was the only parent with a camera out? I kept checking to see if I was being paparazzi mama, and I guess I was the only one. But I don't care, I wanted to remember that day forever!
Kenli's birthday was also that day. Needless to say, she had a busy, busy day. She loved every minute of it. But now I wonder if she'll expect her birthday and the first day of school to always be on the same day.
A quick shot of the birthday girl with her sissy. You can't see it in this picture, but Keira was sporting Kenli's new KU sweatshirt and Kenli tried on her new, pretty dress.

Offended

Like most people in the U.S. not from Alaska, I don't know much about Sarah Palin; but what I do know, I don't much care for. Most of the bad feelings I have about her bloomed last night as I watched her deliver her speech at the RNC.

When she claimed that Obama didn't have responsibilities like a mayor does, I laughed at her. Let's just examine one thing a young 22yr old Obama did fresh out of college. He was hired as a community organizer and he was the only one on staff with a $50,000 budget. Fast forward two years and he is working as one of 13 on staff with a budget, oh say somewhere near $700,000. Yep, looks like he had no responsibilities. I believe Palin was competing in pageants in her early 20s. Put that in your book, Palin.

Something else I've come to realize about our young beauty queen is that she seems to believe in her way or the highway. Now, call me crazy, but I like candidates who listen to people and at least take into consideration what they want before deciding on the action to take. You won't find that with Palin. Nope, if she doesn't like you, you are outta here.

I'm still researching and digging up information, but I find one thing very sick and offensive. This woman, as mayor of Podunkville- I mean Wasilla, Alaska, tried to fire the town librarian because she did not support Palin's administration. And by "support Palin's administration" I mean, she wanted the poor librarian canned for fighting back when Palin ordered her to pull possibly offensive material off the shelves. That, my friends, is a big no-no in my book. The librarian was just doing her job by keeping those books on the shelves. Ms. Mayor has no business deciding whether or not I or my child may read a certain book. I believe that is MY decision. I don't know just who she thinks she is. I understand that she wanted the "expert" in this scenario to pull the books- so at least she wasn't trying to do it herself. But seriously, I'm glad that librarian tried to put her in her place. And of course, since she put up a fight, the mayor tried to fire her. Lesson learned- agree with Palin or there will be trouble. Come on people, we don't need someone like that as America's VP. And let's not even get into her abortion beliefs-- oh no wait- let's do.

This psycho is not only against women's rights, but she insists that if a woman is raped or impregnated by a family member, she is to not have the right to an abortion. AHHH!!! I could just verbally beat her for her idiotic ideas.


I don't want a VP who thinks that because something is wrong for her or her family, it must be wrong for the rest of America. Let parents pull books out of their children's hands- don't let the mayor try to tell you what to do on that one. Let women get an education about their options in pregnancy and let the decision be theirs- especially when there is rape or incest involved.
And for God's sake, don't beat down the better candidate just because you have no platform.

Thank you, and God Bless America

Our Labor Day Weekend

A little Pow-wow fun

The girls loved watching the dancers and Keira even kept beat with her hands. But it was HOT!! I'm pretty sure the back of my pants caught on fire while I stood and watched the dancers. Needless to say, we didn't stay in one spot very long. We got up to visit the various vendors, and for the first time in history I didn't get my beloved Indian Taco. I was still too full from lunch. Matt didn't even get one for me to snag a few bites from (which is always my back up plan). But there's always the Art Show in Lawrence-and they always have yummy Indian Tacos.

We also had my sister-in-law and her little one at our house most of the weekend. Those four Copeland girls are so fun when they're together and they really feed off of each other. We were able to get all four of them in my bathtub and that was a hoot. All of that cuteness splish-splashing in one tub was too much.

See, I told you.

And of course, we almost had a little celebration for Kaelyn. It looked as if she wanted to start crawling, but NOPE. The girl is a tease. She made me get my camera ready, and then she just hammed it up. Little stinker.

And Then There Were Three...

So many meanings to that title. Today, my eldest baby is 3 years old. Three years ago today, Matt and I saw the miracle that made us a family of 3 for the first time. In the next two years, we added two more little girls- 3 in total. 3 is a good number.

Three years ago, I was shaking and crying in the LMH parking lot. My heart was racing as were my thoughts- I was about to endure the scary process of induction. My mind was too focused on the journey and not on the prize at the end of that journey. My husband and mother dragged me into the hospital and I pondered all the ways my life was about to change.

In the immediate future, I would be experiencing what most women call "the worst pain of my life-" I wasn't ready for that change. I enjoyed being pregnant. Now I was actually in the hospital room getting ready to change into the gown I'd be wearing when I met my first born. It took nine months for this moment to arrive, and then it suddenly snuck up on me and went too fast. All this change was overwhelming. But when I was faced with the option of going home without giving birth, I began to focus on the prize.

I wanted to look at my daughter's face. I wanted to see that mystery of a human who had spent the last nine months growing safely in my belly. I needed to hold her. To stare at her. To look her over and count her toes. I needed my baby.

I stayed that night in the hospital and experienced "the worst pain of my life." It became obvious around 1 am that sleep was not in my near future-but pitocin was. The not-so gradual increase in pain sent me into a daze. I said things I don't remember- but my husband reminds me of some obscenities that flew out of my mouth. I do, however, remember one thing said to me- "You're my hero!" Thank you, Matt. That one comment made a big difference, and it's one of the only things I remember prior to that yummy epidural.

19 hours into labor- the man of my dreams came into the room. After the nasty, long needle came out of my back, I instantly felt better. I could finally relax. I could once again focus on my mystery human. Is she a red head? Will she have my eyes? My husbands height? Will she be a teacher or a lawyer? Will I figure out how to raise a child without an instruction book?

My mind fast-forwards 6 hours to the moment I first saw her "cheesy," squirming body enter this world. Her eyes were closed and her face was wrinkled. She looked wet. She looked absolutely beautiful. I screamed and cried, "That's my baby!" as I reached out my arms to cradle her tiny body. My mystery was now lying across my chest, quietly resting with her eyes wide open. "She's so alert," I thought.

We had a few moments together to stare each other in the eyes. It felt as if I had always known her. My past life instantly became a distant memory as I anticipated the new life we'd soon start as a family of three.

The nurses lifted her off of me and I watched as they walked her to the warming table. Somebody pointed out that Kenli had pooped allover my arm. I laughed and thought, "Wow, she really welcomed me to motherhood." Once I realized my daughter was actually here, that change I had feared so much seemed natural and normal. Not scary at all.

Kenli, Matt and I got to know each other better over the next few days we spent in the hospital. I cherish that time. I focused all of my attention on that little girl who was evolving from a mystery to a completely unique human that my husband and I created. She wasn't just a dream anymore, she was as real as real can get.

Over the next three years we watched our tiny little seven pound, spiky-haired princess turn into a petite, red head with tons of spunk. We encouraged her first giggles, army crawl, and steps. We laughed with her when she was tickled. We cried with her when she was hurt. We enjoyed welcoming two new babies with her. We grew up with her.

Kenli, I love you for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you will be. I love your caring spirit. Your curiosity. The silly things you say. Your strong-willed spirit. The way you tell me good night. The way you play with your sisters. The way you sneak cupcakes off of the counter, show me that you did, and then wait for my response. You are my firstborn and my first baby love. Your spirit is alive in me and that makes me a better person. Thank you, most of all, for just being you.

All of my love forever and ever,

Mommy

Check out this gal

My sister-in-law showed me this blog yesterday, and I just can't get enough. I'm still going through her many posts, but I wanted to share her wonderful, crafty ideas with you all. The ones I've read are so simple and as one comment on her blog states, "...They are ideas that real women that live in the real world and have a real budget can do!!!!" Amen, sister. The mistreatments will be my first project- I can hardly wait.

I'm going to start off simple- maybe in the dining room. We'll see how a basic pleated look goes, then maybe I'll add fringe one day. Who knows? I pretty much have a clean slate in the dining room since the only color is the tan on the walls and the white trim.

The living room is also a pretty bare- very light beige on the walls and earthy green furniture. There's even a rod left from the previous owners I can use. But that might be too complicated- I really like the simplicity of using the upholstery tacks to hang the fabric.

Anyway, I don't think I have enough of a stash to pull from to make these "mistreatments," but I think I can find some decent fabric and a good price. Wish me luck on this adventure, and I hope you have fun perusing her blog. Enjoy!