Christmas: Better Late than Never!

Whew! Being a mom of three, battling postpartum hormones, and trying to break away for a few minutes of blogging just don't coincide. Christmas came and went in such a hurry. I struggled this year. I wanted to do what I always do. I wanted to give nice gifts, make our home festive, teach our children about our Savior. I quickly realized that I couldn't meet my own perfect standard, and I became frustrated. Alas, looking back on December, we had a really good time. The boys loved doing "Advent Devotions" and getting a special treat at night. Micah really understood so much this year. He would make real prayer requests at night about himself and his sin (Wow! I could take a lesson from my five year old on his ability to admit his faults and ask for God's help to overcome them) We celebrated with Matt's family on the 24th, went to one of our favorite church services of the year (during which Owen fell asleep, while singing O Come All Ye Faithful), ordered Thai takeout, and came home to quickly get everyone in bed. Our Christmas morning was full of fun and smiles. The boys were so excited about their gifts. Margot slept through this, but we did manage a few pictures of her with her new teething rings before we headed to Memphis to see my family. Most of the details are a blur (as is much of my life these days) but here are a few pictures from a wonderful celebration.

Margot's Baptism

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders He has done....Then they would put their trust in God. --from Psalm 78

Trying to get a family shot!

Margot,

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19

A glorious baptism day indeed!

Two Months!

(We have an ultrasound photo of you with your thumb up like this)

Baby girl,

You are two months old today. I told Dada last night that you have been here such a short time, but I cannot imagine my life without you. You have already left such an imprint in our family. You had your first holiday get together this month. You had a wonderful time at Grammy's and then got really fussy. That combined with the horrible rash on your face led me to think you did indeed have an allergy. I had suspected wheat for a couple of weeks and therefore avoided it, but I decided to have a little over the holiday. You let us know that we are going to have to forgo that grain for a while. Since we got back, and I got back on my no-wheat, low dairy diet, you are a happy baby with a clearing rash! It is no surprise that your reflux is tons better too. I am sad that you may have an allergy, but thankful that we seem to have discovered it early to avoid unnecessary suffering on your part. We will go to the doctor on Thursday, but I am pretty sure you have grown your fair share. We never saw so many rolls on the boys! We are getting glimpses of your personality now that you are awake more. You have moments where you love to smile and coo, and you have almost laughed at me a few times. You also have moments of intense seriousness and furrowed brow where you study things like Micah used to. You seem more laid back than Micah was though and more like Owen when it comes to eating and sleeping. You eat well and sleep well. You love to nurse more than either of the boys, and I love that special time I have with you. You sleep-a lot, and even put yourself to sleep with only a little fussing. Lately, you even sleep from 10-6 or 11-7, (depending on what time the last feeding is) and I am so thankful for all the rest I have been getting. You wake happy in the morning and play for an hour after eating. Then, you will lay down for a long 4 hour nap! Your brothers don't realize how nice this is for them, because they get more attention this way. You will wake up for lunch and play for a little while and head back down for a 3 hour nap. After your dinner, you like to be awake. We bathe you-you love to splash water all over the kitchen with your arms and legs. You just might be an olympic swimmer with those moves! Then, you fuss off and on unless you are getting much personal attention. We don't blame you because you have been asleep for the whole day! We talk to you, let you show us your strong neck at tummy time, rock you, walk with you, and bounce you. We enjoy our nights with just you as we watch a movie, play on the internet, or read, and are sad that they will soon be over. We love you so much, little girl, and look forward to many more months ahead.

Thanksgiving in Pictures

We got our tree on Sunday after Thanksgiving as is the tradition in our house. The boys loved helping pick it out and decorate it. We also got them a small tree (with colored lights!) to use for their Jesse tree ornaments.
Nana with all her grand-babies before night night.
Tyler and Margot-getting so big.

We played lots of cards at the kitchen table. Owen has learned how to play too, which makes Micah very happy.

With Great-grandpa, Bill.

Trying to get a good shot with all the grandchildren at Matt's parents house Thanksgiving day.
Grammy with her granddaughters.

Brothers

For the past month or so, family devotions have come from the Big Truths for Little Kids book by Susan Hunt and Richie Hunt. The boys have been reviewing their catechism questions that they learn at preschool. I am often feeding/changing Margot during these times, but I am usually somewhere where I can hear the conversations. The boys are really learning such meaningful truths while asking and answering great questions. The other night, Owen was saying that to be a Christian, you have to be really good. Matt and I groaned as we thought "no, you're missing it." Before Matt could even offer the gospel, Micah says "No, Owen, to be a Christian, you have to love and trust Jesus. We can never be good enough to go to Heaven. Jesus was good for us." The most amazing moment as a parent is to hear your child know, understand, and love the gospel. We often pray for Micah as a big brother, that he will help lead his siblings to know the Lord, that he would help teach them the truth of the faith the Lord has blessed him with at such a young age. Oh Lord, may you continue to grow Micah in knowledge and faith in you. May you use him as a light to his siblings that he loves so much so that they will turn and trust in you. We are so thankful for the wonderful relationship between Micah and Owen. They truly love each other more than I ever thought they would. Micah is so patient with Owen and loves to teach him. Owen helps Micah loosen up and be a kid, teaching him how to pretend with his wonderful imagination. We are blessed beyond words to have these boys!

Thankfulness

Our cup runneth over!

Happy Thanksgiving

Oh!

Oh, what did we ever do without you?

One Month

Margot,

Happy one month baby girl! We all love you so much; you have added such a sweetness to our house. Your brothers love you and dote on you any time you are in the room with them. Today, while you were in my arms during their story time, Micah reached over and gently rubbed your back. Owen is always finding a rattle and shaking it for you. They both love to sing the Doxology and Barocha to you. Dada can't wait to get his hands on you when he walks in the door. I am sharing my role as the girl in the house, but I don't mind. You love when I hold you after you eat. You are so peaceful then and have smiled a few times at me. You make little mouse sounds off and on all day. Lately, they are turning into precious coos-music to my ears! You have a fussy time at night when you can't decide if you want to be awake or asleep. Mama and Dada take turns holding you and trying to keep you calm. Sometimes, we give you a bath to quiet you because you love the warm water and the warm washcloth on your tummy. I hate to hear you cry and see you upset. For some reason, it bothers me more than it did with your brothers. You remain very calm and still during the day time. This is why I was so surprised two days ago when I laid you down for a rest on your tummy, turned around, and saw you lying on your back! I am still not quite sure how you pulled that off and think it was probably just a fluke. You have reflux-bad reflux. You spit up all over yourself and me, sometimes soaking an entire burp cloth (and your clothes) after each feeding. I am learning how to help you drink less (hard to do when you can't measure) and keep it down by keeping you upright for 20 minutes after feedings and changing you before, not after, a meal. We go through a lot of laundry around here lately! Thankfully, you are a "happy spitter" and the doctor doesn't think we need to use medicine unless you get increasingly fussy. Despite all the food that comes out, you must be keeping your fair share in. You are growing well. At your check-up you weighed 9lbs 8oz (60%) and were 20.5 in(30%). This is how long you were when you were born, but you shrunk to 19 in. after the cone on top of your head went down. You eat for the last time around 10:30 pm. You wake at 2:22 and then again at 6:22 for a quick snack and go right back to sleep. Unfortunately, mama has to stay up for 20 minutes or so to catch your spit-ups! Mama and Dada laugh at the rigid schedule you keep for yourself. I told Dada, when I was pregnant with you, that you had yourself on a tight schedule. I always knew when to expect your little kicks and when you would be sleeping. So far, it is holding true on the outside. You get that from me; I find comfort in routine too! You are such a blessing, Margot and I love you more than you will ever know. I don't want to take a minute of my time with you for granted because, one thing I have learned from your brothers, is that this time goes by so quickly.

Favorite way to sleep #2. This is the way I find you most mornings. You are still sleeping beside me in the bassinet (on a wedge to help keep your milk down). I know I would be much too cold to go to your room in the middle of the night to get you. It is much easier to feed you in my warm bed!
Bath time-you love it!

Favorite sleeping position #1. You sleep like this most of the day. You really seem to like being on your tummy. I think it helps with the reflux.
Lifting your head so high to look at your brothers! Notice your big bib and burp cloth. Just trying to cut down on laundry!

These Boys

They are funny. They are rowdy. They drive me nearly insane sometimes. They melt my heart with sweet words. They anger me when they throw fits. They are precious, and I love them.

No time for the lengthy post I was contemplating about life these days. Everyone keeps asking. In short: it is great; it is hard; I am tired!

*Do you see the boys swinging in the last picture? They taught themselves how to get started and go "super high" without an initial push from me. This has been a lifesaver the past few weeks.