Happy Easter!

the best Easter basket treat ever

Feeling Sentimental

A truly magical moment in my life

Two weeks ago I was in the early stages of labor. I was feeling pretty sure that the baby was coming. I was surprised, because all of my babies have been late, and this one was earlier than I was expecting. (Technically he was 3 days early, but given my history, he seemed at least a week early). This is what I wrote in my journal on the eve of Will's birth: "I may not be pregnant for much longer, but while I am, I just want to remember how it feels - this feeling of life within. That I am carrying a child of God. So much potential and hope. I love the feeling of my round belly - this bulge that is waiting to pop. I love to have my children feel my tummy and to see the wonder they feel as they trace his movements. Pregnancy is hard, but I love it. I feel that the coming birth of my child will help me feel closer to God." Hours after I wrote that, we headed to the hospital, and 12 really hard hours later, he was born. And then 2 days later, I was home again. I found myself not pregnant anymore, with a new baby at home. It was a whirlwind that happened long before I thought it would. And as happy as I was, I found myself missing my moving and shifting tummy. And even now, I can't believe it is all over!

During early labor, the kids entertained themselves by painting my belly

Hi, My Name is Will

William James Steiger

nice to meet you

Little Bear

Born March 11, 2013 at 3:35 pm 8 pounds 21 inches We adore this boy! The verdict is still out on his name . . . stay tuned!

Beginnings

This poem was read in church today and struck a chord with me.

Beginnings
Carol Lynn Pearson

Today
You came running
With a small specked egg
Warm in your hand.
You could barely understand,
I know,
As I told you of Beginnings– 
Of egg and bird.

Told, too,
That years ago you began,
Smaller than sight.
And then,
As egg yearns for sky
And seed stretches to tree,
You became– 
Like me.

Oh, 
But there’s so much more.
You and I, child,
Have just begun.

Think:
Worlds from now
What might we be?– 
We, who are seed
Of Deity.

9 months

The most fun part about being pregnant this time around is to share in the joy and anticipation with Emmy, Sophie, and Ryan. They are very excited to meet "Little Bear" (this nickname has been used so much that I wonder if we'll be able to call him anything else after he is born!)

Valentines bits and bobs

The Best Valentine Ever

This morning I put little valentines in my girls' lunches and when I picked up Sophie from school, she greeted me with a giant smile and said, "Thank you so much for the Valentine, Mommy!  That was the best Valentine I've ever got!"

Valentine Shadows

Later, Sophie and I went to pick up Emmy.  I was holding Sophie's hand, and as we walked to the car, I glanced at the shadows we were casting and saw that Sophie was holding Emmy's hand. What a sweet shadow: I and my two girls, walking through the sunshine.  

Second Grade Love

In the car, Emmy announced that all of the boys in her class and half of the boys in the other class "like" her and her friend.  I asked her how she knows and she said that they all act "weird" around her and talk to her all of the time.

Accidental Valentine

One year, a long time ago, Matt went through a phase: he wanted a motorcycle.  (He never got it).  For his birthday that year, I gave him a Hot Wheels motorcycle as a joke.  It ended up in his bed table drawer.  Today, Ryan happened upon it and with bright eyes, asked, "Is this for ME?!"  I smiled and said, "Yes!  Happy Valentine's Day!"  He gave me a big hug and kiss, said thank you about 3 or 4 times over the course of 20 minutes, and has been playing with it ever since.

Five Minute Tea Party

This afternoon, Sophie and I made crepes and set our table for an after-school tea party.  I must say, I was proud.  The table was decked out in cute dishes, hearts, and flowers. Each child had a bowl of their own whipped cream.  Strawberries were cut, Nutella ready to be spread.  All three children enthusiastically and gratefully came to the table.  I felt so happy surrounded by my little valentines and anticipated the happy conversations we would have now that I could finally sit down.  And five minutes later, they were done eating and had moved on to wrestling.  I stayed though, and happily ate my crepes, sipped my "tea" (milk), and enjoyed a few moments to myself.