Its time, once again, for "I just wanna..."
As a mom and wife, there are many things I catch myself saying. Things I "wanna". Please don't mistake this as a lack of gratitude. Because I'm grateful. Really. But sometimes... I just wanna... well, it'll make sense when you read them. For Part 1, click here.
So in no particular order, I just wanna...
... pee alone.
... have a cup of coffee without anyone dropping something into it.
... wear heels. Err... have somewhere to go wearing heels.
... wear a shirt that's not smeared with one of my children's... DNA.
... take a shower.
... understand everything Abby's saying.
... know what Micah's thinking.
... clean my whole house in one day... and it stay that way.
... decorate my house like my pinterest boards.
... be a fun mom, who does the unexpected.
... be a good daughter, who calls often.
... be an involved friend, who's always there.
... be a hot wife, who.... ahem. Anyway.
... go somewhere without a stroller.
... be able to hear the radio in the Suburban.
... be done with PMS forever.
... answer my phone without screaming in the background.
... put children to bed and them stay there.
... have a hidden camera on my table at dinnertime. Even if just for the audio.
... bless my husband the way he blesses me.
... buy everything the kids want for Christmas.
... be super mom.
Is that so much to ask? :)
Tis the season?
I think all moms should get a vacation after Christmas. And I'm not talking about the kind where all your kids are home from school for two weeks.
I've talked to so many moms in the last 48 hours that are exhausted from this season. Its only the 13th. And I can totally relate. I told one of them last night that everyone should be very impressed if I haven't pulled out all of my hair by the end of December.
I'm conducting an unintentional experiment with my phone- seeing how many reminders I can pack in without it exploding.
Ballet/Hip hop classes
Bible studies
Christmas shopping
Wrapping presents
Christmas productions (2 for one school, 1 for another, and 3 for church. Thankfully my kids aren't in the church ones, but I'm guessing Jake will have to work and I'd like to go to one of them.)
Christmas cards and all that that entails (taking pictures, ordering the cards, addressing and mailing)
$10 for 2nd grade service project by Friday
Canned goods for 2nd grade service project on Monday
Graham crackers for Kindergarten gingerbread house party by Monday
Fruit salad for 3rd grade party on Wednesday
Apple juice for 2nd grade party on Wednesday
Wrapped book for 1st grade party next Friday
Fruit tray for 1st grade party next Friday
Taking meals to friends who just had babies (because I can't imagine doing all this with a newborn)
And all this while still trying to keep up with day to day life with a half dozen kids.
4 of whom just got over strep.
Are we having fun yet?
~~~
So if you are one of those moms running around like a chicken with its head cut off... you are not alone. Go cry in your closet to the Lord for 10 minutes if you need to and dive back into the world of Christmas tree cupcakes, Tamiflu and snotty noses, wrapping teacher gifts, uploading videos of your kid singing Silent Night in the Christmas play to Facebook. Be patient as you wait in the long lines at Target with a crying baby as everyone glares at you. Try to act calm when your 3 year old pulls an ornament off the tree for the 589th time. Take a deep breath and remember the reason for the season.
The Prince of Peace.
Aaaahh, yeah remember Him? Lets let Him reign in our hearts and calm the crazy storms of the American Christmas season. Its not about all the rest of it anyway. Its about Him.
The Prince of Peace.
Aaaahh, yeah remember Him? Lets let Him reign in our hearts and calm the crazy storms of the American Christmas season. Its not about all the rest of it anyway. Its about Him.
And come January, call me. We can have a girls night out. I'm sure we'll both need it.
Bibles and Babies
Last night we started our Advent book. A day late I know, but nevertheless.
Its a big, hardcover Advent book with "board book" type pages... each with a beautiful, ornate door and a portion of the Christmas story behind it. It was a gift from my best friend a few years ago... it says, "To Ashley, Emily and Abigail" inside so... at least pre- Micah and Mabry's first Christmas. :)
Each night, we open a new door, but always starting with the first. So that by Christmas, the kids have at least the first several pages memorized and we finish with the 25th door. I can almost still hear Emily's little voice in years past saying, "Im-man-yell. Which means, God wif us."
So last night as we opened and read the first two doors, it occurred to me that Mabry was probably too little last year to remember the book.
And the sheer joy and excitement of this mysterious, glorious, beautiful book was almost too much for her to handle.
All the kids sat at my feet while I held the book and explained, yet again, that we'd only be opening two doors, because it was only December 2nd. And as I opened the first page, Mabry gasped as if I'd just showed her the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.
And I read, "His name shall be called Immanuel-- which means, 'God with us.'" Mabry whispered, "Woooooooow...."
"God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary in the village of Nazareth. The angel said, 'Greetings! The Lord has blessed you and is with you.'"
Closing the little cardboard door, I interpreted the words for the little ones. "Guys, this is Mary, and an angel came and talked to her."
Standing to her feet because she couldn't say it sitting, "YES Mommy!!! I LOVE angels!! Das MARY!"
"Shh, ok Mabry, sit down."
As I turned the page, she let out another gasp. And seeing the next door opened she screamed, "MOMMY!! Its an angel, an angel, an angel!!!" Now jumping.
"I know Mabry. It says, 'You will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be called the Son of the Most High and will reign forever; his kingdom will never end.'"
At hearing something she recognized, she screamed again in her mousy, high-pitched, Mabry voice, "JESUS?! Mommy, I LOOOVE JEEEESUS!!!" Still jumping up and down.
As I interpreted the words once again and confirmed that the older girls understood, Mabry closed her eyes, pursed her lips into a tight, knowing smile and began twirling around the room behind them.
I closed the book, and the kids all got up as Jake came back into the room with Abby (he left just as we started to change an explosive diaper). As I went over it all again with Abby, Mabry jumped up to tell Jake what we read. "Daddy, there's angels and baby Jesus and............. and I LOVE Bibles and Babies!!"
Jake and I looked at one another and laughed... "Bibles and Babies". Oh Mabry. You are too cute, what are we gonna do with you? :)
Its a big, hardcover Advent book with "board book" type pages... each with a beautiful, ornate door and a portion of the Christmas story behind it. It was a gift from my best friend a few years ago... it says, "To Ashley, Emily and Abigail" inside so... at least pre- Micah and Mabry's first Christmas. :)
Each night, we open a new door, but always starting with the first. So that by Christmas, the kids have at least the first several pages memorized and we finish with the 25th door. I can almost still hear Emily's little voice in years past saying, "Im-man-yell. Which means, God wif us."
So last night as we opened and read the first two doors, it occurred to me that Mabry was probably too little last year to remember the book.
And the sheer joy and excitement of this mysterious, glorious, beautiful book was almost too much for her to handle.
All the kids sat at my feet while I held the book and explained, yet again, that we'd only be opening two doors, because it was only December 2nd. And as I opened the first page, Mabry gasped as if I'd just showed her the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.
And I read, "His name shall be called Immanuel-- which means, 'God with us.'" Mabry whispered, "Woooooooow...."
"God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary in the village of Nazareth. The angel said, 'Greetings! The Lord has blessed you and is with you.'"
Closing the little cardboard door, I interpreted the words for the little ones. "Guys, this is Mary, and an angel came and talked to her."
Standing to her feet because she couldn't say it sitting, "YES Mommy!!! I LOVE angels!! Das MARY!"
"Shh, ok Mabry, sit down."
As I turned the page, she let out another gasp. And seeing the next door opened she screamed, "MOMMY!! Its an angel, an angel, an angel!!!" Now jumping.
"I know Mabry. It says, 'You will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be called the Son of the Most High and will reign forever; his kingdom will never end.'"
At hearing something she recognized, she screamed again in her mousy, high-pitched, Mabry voice, "JESUS?! Mommy, I LOOOVE JEEEESUS!!!" Still jumping up and down.
As I interpreted the words once again and confirmed that the older girls understood, Mabry closed her eyes, pursed her lips into a tight, knowing smile and began twirling around the room behind them.
I closed the book, and the kids all got up as Jake came back into the room with Abby (he left just as we started to change an explosive diaper). As I went over it all again with Abby, Mabry jumped up to tell Jake what we read. "Daddy, there's angels and baby Jesus and............. and I LOVE Bibles and Babies!!"
Jake and I looked at one another and laughed... "Bibles and Babies". Oh Mabry. You are too cute, what are we gonna do with you? :)
November/Thanksgiving
So long November, I so enjoyed you this year!
After nearly a full month of counting my blessings, we enjoyed a wonderful thanksgiving meal with family and friends. Even though I stayed up late the night before to iron tablecloths... and got up early to mop the whole downstairs before any children woke up... and "facilitated" Ashley and Emily in the kitchen cooking up a sweet potato casserole and a corn casserole... I really enjoyed it. Really and truly. And in spite of 9 adults and my 6 kids running around after dinner... and the countless spills, tiny scoops out of the tops of pies by little fingers... trying to entertain and have grown up conversation while still keeping up with diaper changes and sippy cups... I really. Enjoyed it. It seems counting your blessings doesn't make life easier, but it sure makes it more enjoyable. :) What a blessed Thanksgiving we had this year!
After nearly a full month of counting my blessings, we enjoyed a wonderful thanksgiving meal with family and friends. Even though I stayed up late the night before to iron tablecloths... and got up early to mop the whole downstairs before any children woke up... and "facilitated" Ashley and Emily in the kitchen cooking up a sweet potato casserole and a corn casserole... I really enjoyed it. Really and truly. And in spite of 9 adults and my 6 kids running around after dinner... and the countless spills, tiny scoops out of the tops of pies by little fingers... trying to entertain and have grown up conversation while still keeping up with diaper changes and sippy cups... I really. Enjoyed it. It seems counting your blessings doesn't make life easier, but it sure makes it more enjoyable. :) What a blessed Thanksgiving we had this year!
We topped off the thanksgiving festivities with our church small group. We had a crab boil feast. On the back deck, Jake fills a hug pot (the same one we use to fry a turkey) with corn on the cob, small red and gold potatoes, artichokes, seasonings, and lots and lots of crab legs. Then we cover the kitchen table with newspaper, dump out the pot on the table, and enjoy! We may or may not have gone through five sticks of butter for dipping. ;)
And afterwards, we played "mafia" and "trim the war sheep" and laughed and laughed and laughed until I'd cried most of my makeup off and my abs hurt.
So I'll say again, because its worth repeating: Counting your blessings doesn't make life easier, but it sure makes it more enjoyable. I'm so thankful for my family and my friends. I'm thankful for those I do life with. I'm thankful for every one of those little arrows in my full quiver. And I'm thankful for my better half who makes everything.... so much better. And I'm thankful that my heart is in the hands of Jesus who gives me life, and gives it more abundantly.
So with a heart FULL of thanks... so long November, hello Christmas season.
So with a heart FULL of thanks... so long November, hello Christmas season.
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 21
This beautiful fall morning, the day before our national holiday to give thanks, I'm thankful for:
#1) Jesus, my Savior. I'm thankful that He died on the cross to save a sinner like me. I'm thankful for His Spirit that lives inside of me. And I'm thankful for hope of Heaven.
#2) I'm thankful for my family. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure with an amazing man of God to be my friend, my love, and head of this house. And for six beautiful, healthy, smart, funny, loving children. I couldn't mean it more when I say, its an honor to be their mother.
#3) I'm thankful for my extended family and friends. We are richly blessed by those around us that we do life with. Some we're celebrating with here tomorrow, some live too far, some we'll love on this weekend. But for each and every one, we are grateful beyond measure.
I can't believe how fast that 21 days went. Looking back over all my days of Gratitude, it puts tears in my eyes. I'm so blessed. And I find myself being really sad to end these 21 Days of Gratitude! I think I might start a thankful journal. Something I've always wanted to do, but now I'm in the habit of it, so it'll come more easily.
Signing off, with a grateful heart....
#1) Jesus, my Savior. I'm thankful that He died on the cross to save a sinner like me. I'm thankful for His Spirit that lives inside of me. And I'm thankful for hope of Heaven.
#2) I'm thankful for my family. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure with an amazing man of God to be my friend, my love, and head of this house. And for six beautiful, healthy, smart, funny, loving children. I couldn't mean it more when I say, its an honor to be their mother.
#3) I'm thankful for my extended family and friends. We are richly blessed by those around us that we do life with. Some we're celebrating with here tomorrow, some live too far, some we'll love on this weekend. But for each and every one, we are grateful beyond measure.
I can't believe how fast that 21 days went. Looking back over all my days of Gratitude, it puts tears in my eyes. I'm so blessed. And I find myself being really sad to end these 21 Days of Gratitude! I think I might start a thankful journal. Something I've always wanted to do, but now I'm in the habit of it, so it'll come more easily.
Signing off, with a grateful heart....
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 20
#1) Thankful for awesome neighbors who bring us party leftovers to feed our little troops!
#2) Thankful for extra hands around the house to help me clean for Thanksgiving.
#3) Thankful for Paula Deen and her delicious, butter-filled recipes. ;)
#2) Thankful for extra hands around the house to help me clean for Thanksgiving.
#3) Thankful for Paula Deen and her delicious, butter-filled recipes. ;)
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 19
#1) I'm thankful I didn't have to get up with the sun today to help 5 members of my family get out the door, but got to sleep in a little.
#2) I'm thankful I didn't have to match socks, fix hair, pack lunches and stuff folders into little backpacks but instead I got to take my time having coffee, ease into my daily chores, and play with my crazy kiddos.
#3) I'm thankful for Thanksgiving break!!!
#2) I'm thankful I didn't have to match socks, fix hair, pack lunches and stuff folders into little backpacks but instead I got to take my time having coffee, ease into my daily chores, and play with my crazy kiddos.
#3) I'm thankful for Thanksgiving break!!!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 18
#1) Thankful for my new iPhone! Though I'm not sure I'm cool enough for it. I think I need lessons. ;)
#2) Thankful for Pandora. Because I have like, nothing in my iTunes.
#3) Thankful for my little speaker-thingy, that I can plug in my phone and play Pandora in my kitchen!
I'm so blessed to have all this technology, and I'm thankful!!
#2) Thankful for Pandora. Because I have like, nothing in my iTunes.
#3) Thankful for my little speaker-thingy, that I can plug in my phone and play Pandora in my kitchen!
I'm so blessed to have all this technology, and I'm thankful!!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 17 (My tree)
#1) My kitchen window. Deep thoughts, prayers, and revelations happen as I stand there, watching the world while I cook or wash dishes.
#2) Color. Some of you might know that I have this fascination/obsession with color. I love color. Actually I have a board on pinterest called I love color. Sometimes the Lord uses color in nature, to speak to me. Usually to remind me how much He loves me or to confirm something I've been praying about. Every fall, I get so excited to see the leaves change into brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. In the winter its the bright red berries contrasting the deep evergreen. Spring its the pastels of flowers- the tulips, irises, forsythia... the red bud tree at our last house would make my heart rejoice every spring! And probably my favorite is summer- seeing the incredible greens, aquas, dark turquoises and blues of the ocean against the soft hues of sand and sky. Seeing them from a plane is my favorite. God is quite the artist and works wonders (literally) with that color wheel!
(I told you I'm obsessed with color.)
#3) The tree in my backyard.
One of the tree's in my backyard is directly out my kitchen window. And though its faded now, earlier this fall, my little tree turned an incredible fire-y red. And stayed that way for days (if not weeks) longer than any of the the other trees in the backyard. And given that my kitchen window is such reflective place for me... and just how much I love color... I can't help but believe that gorgeous red tree was like a kiss from God. "Amy, don't forget. I see you. I love you."
Father God, thank you for my tree. Thank you for the reminder. I love you too Lord.
(These pictures were taken with my phone and don't even come close to capturing the color, but I wanted to share anyway.)
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| This is a view from the other side. You can see in the background how the other tree's were still green with just a little red. And that bottom left window is my kitchen. |
Can't wait for next fall to see those majestic colors again!!!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 16
#1) Friendship that picks up where it left off no matter how long.
#2) Really yummy creamers for my hot coffee when its really early and I didn't sleep much the night before.
#3) Pomegranate season. :)
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 15
#1) Thankful that my husband is taking me out tonight and our precious friend is watching the kids.
#2) Thankful for a sweet gift from my dad and Margie, that means I get to go shopping and buy myself some new clothes!! Whoo hoo!!!!
#3) Thankful for my mom who was in labor with me for hours and hours and hours and has reminded me every November 15th for the last 30 years. ;) And I get to hear about how my mom had false labor a few weeks before and my grandparents drove all the way back to Ft Worth from New Orleans for nothing. And I get to hear how on the day I was born, the waiting room was packed to overflowing with family members... and how my dad and my aunt (my moms sister) both wanted to be in the delivery room so they stood in the hallway arguing, "I'm the father!" "No, I'm the father!"... and how cone-shaped my head was... awesome. Thanks mom. :P
Seriously though, I love you mom and I'm thankful for you!!
#2) Thankful for a sweet gift from my dad and Margie, that means I get to go shopping and buy myself some new clothes!! Whoo hoo!!!!
#3) Thankful for my mom who was in labor with me for hours and hours and hours and has reminded me every November 15th for the last 30 years. ;) And I get to hear about how my mom had false labor a few weeks before and my grandparents drove all the way back to Ft Worth from New Orleans for nothing. And I get to hear how on the day I was born, the waiting room was packed to overflowing with family members... and how my dad and my aunt (my moms sister) both wanted to be in the delivery room so they stood in the hallway arguing, "I'm the father!" "No, I'm the father!"... and how cone-shaped my head was... awesome. Thanks mom. :P
Seriously though, I love you mom and I'm thankful for you!!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 14
#1) Thankful for the amazing women in my Colossians study who have incredible wisdom and insight. Its an honor and a privilege to dig deeper with them.
#2) Thankful for fun, inexpensive dance lessons (led by sweet Godly women) for 3 of my girls!
#3) Thankful that Ashley and Emily have cleaned the entire downstairs (including unloading the dishwasher and washing what was left in the sink, clearing the table and the counters, tidying up the playroom, kitchen, living room and office of toys, trash, dirty clothes, etc) while I'm upstairs putting the 4 littles to bed, to "surprise" me! Thankful thankful thankful!!!
#2) Thankful for fun, inexpensive dance lessons (led by sweet Godly women) for 3 of my girls!
#3) Thankful that Ashley and Emily have cleaned the entire downstairs (including unloading the dishwasher and washing what was left in the sink, clearing the table and the counters, tidying up the playroom, kitchen, living room and office of toys, trash, dirty clothes, etc) while I'm upstairs putting the 4 littles to bed, to "surprise" me! Thankful thankful thankful!!!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 13
#1) Baby Kate and all her "isms". She's talking so much now and it just melts my heart. I'm thankful for good, healthy development!
#2) Thankful for our playroom, where Kate and Mabry can play with their baby dolls, jump on the mini-trampoline, and "cook" meals at their kitchen while I can get some house work done.
#3) Thankful for naptime, so I can take a shower!
#2) Thankful for our playroom, where Kate and Mabry can play with their baby dolls, jump on the mini-trampoline, and "cook" meals at their kitchen while I can get some house work done.
#3) Thankful for naptime, so I can take a shower!
For Kate
Because your cuteness must be recorded in history...
"Mugga": Micah
"Weeb-wee": Mabry
"Ashy": Ashley
"Eh-way": Emily
(And you say Abby, Mommy and Daddy flawlessly)
"Bay-dee": Blankey
"Holdy": Hold me
"Jay-Jew": Change you (basically, change my diaper)
"Did it": Get it (when you wants me to go get something for you)
"Duck": Stuck (when you've climbed on a chair or table and can't get down)
"Dade-you": Thank you
Your response to just about everything, "O-tay" or if you're feeling feisty, "Mine" which is very clear. :)
You sing with me at night before bed. I sing Lullaby and you sing along, "Buh-buh-BYE, buh-buh-NIIIGH.... {mumble mumble}... Baby!" {Lullaby, and good night, go to sleep now my baby}
Just the other day you said a four word sentence! At 16 months! Micah stole your doll and you very clearly said, "Mommy, Mugga MY baby!!" Daddy and I were very impressed!
When its time for dinner, you think its your job to let everyone know, so you waddle through the house yelling with all your might, "EEEEAAAAAAT! EEEEAAAAAAT!" Calling everyone to the table.
There are so many more words, but these are some of my favorite. :)
You are the sweetest, cutest, squishiest baby. I can't get enough, I love you so much!!!!
"Mugga": Micah
"Weeb-wee": Mabry
"Ashy": Ashley
"Eh-way": Emily
(And you say Abby, Mommy and Daddy flawlessly)
"Bay-dee": Blankey
"Holdy": Hold me
"Jay-Jew": Change you (basically, change my diaper)
"Did it": Get it (when you wants me to go get something for you)
"Duck": Stuck (when you've climbed on a chair or table and can't get down)
"Dade-you": Thank you
Your response to just about everything, "O-tay" or if you're feeling feisty, "Mine" which is very clear. :)
You sing with me at night before bed. I sing Lullaby and you sing along, "Buh-buh-BYE, buh-buh-NIIIGH.... {mumble mumble}... Baby!" {Lullaby, and good night, go to sleep now my baby}
Just the other day you said a four word sentence! At 16 months! Micah stole your doll and you very clearly said, "Mommy, Mugga MY baby!!" Daddy and I were very impressed!
When its time for dinner, you think its your job to let everyone know, so you waddle through the house yelling with all your might, "EEEEAAAAAAT! EEEEAAAAAAT!" Calling everyone to the table.
There are so many more words, but these are some of my favorite. :)
You are the sweetest, cutest, squishiest baby. I can't get enough, I love you so much!!!!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 12
#1) Thankful for friendships, old and new.
#2) Thankful to be able to stay at home with my babies.
#3) Thankful for my "maids": my washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher!
#2) Thankful to be able to stay at home with my babies.
#3) Thankful for my "maids": my washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 11
Its been a long day. I'm tired. BUT.... I'm still thankful. :)
#1) Thankful for my triple stroller on Sunday mornings.
#2) Thankful for friends who are up for carpooling kids to birthday parties.
#3) Thankful for my mom's Frito casserole recipe and jiffy corn muffins- food I can cook when I'm too tired to think. Easy, yummy, southern comfort food.
And I need one more today:
#4) Thankful for bedtime when the whole house gets quiet and I can veg out on the couch with my hubby! Thank you Lord for bedtime!!
#1) Thankful for my triple stroller on Sunday mornings.
#2) Thankful for friends who are up for carpooling kids to birthday parties.
#3) Thankful for my mom's Frito casserole recipe and jiffy corn muffins- food I can cook when I'm too tired to think. Easy, yummy, southern comfort food.
And I need one more today:
#4) Thankful for bedtime when the whole house gets quiet and I can veg out on the couch with my hubby! Thank you Lord for bedtime!!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 10 (Catan)
Today I'm thankful for:
#1) Don't laugh... Settlers of Catan
#2) Late night food like pancakes, snickerdoodles, and.... chicken tacos... that accompany #1.
#3) Good friends who've played this game with us dozens.... ok hundreds... of times over the years.
David and Katie...
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Kory... and now his wife Samantha. :)
And one from the early days with Wes and D'Arcy...
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| Very seriously contemplating the board. |
Other hardcore Catan players who've joined over the years... Travis and Rashelle, Krystal and Alex, John, Rob, and many more! You've put up with a lot of Spencer competitiveness! ;) We love all of you so much and we're thankful for your friendship.
Sometimes we dance...
Sometimes we sing....
Sometimes we play with random accents...
Now... I'll give you two sheep for one wheat!! ;)
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 9 (Abby's Birthday)
#2) I'm thankful for all of the countless therapists and specialists who've worked with her over the last 6 years so that she accomplish all that she does today.
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| Abby's "standing table" that taught her to bear weight on her legs. You can see her orthotics (foot/leg braces) here as well. |
#3) I'm thankful for all of the family and friends that have walked this road along side of us. Encouraging, loving and supporting us and our sweet Abby girl. You all know who you are. Thank you.
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 8 (Abby and Micah)
#1) Abby
#2) Micah
#3) Their relationship. :)
As Micah and Abby raced each other to the bus today, I couldn't help but give thanks to God for bringing these two together as brother and sister. I often wish that Micah had a brother, but I have to stop and remind myself that our family is fearfully and wonderfully crafted by the Father.
Micah and Abby have a pretty common, sibling love/hate relationship. But a picture is worth a thousand words, and these handful of photos make it so evident that these two are close buddies.
I also wonder sometimes if they understand that there is a common thread that they share. I wonder if they see that they are both special. But I don't think they do. I think that they just connect as siblings. The two closest in development. Though all of the children are close and have unique relationships with one another, Ashley and Emily are the big kids. And built-in best friends. Mabry and Kate are the babies. And always home with Mommy. Micah and Abby fall in place as the middle children and seem to find security there. They go to school together, play together, sit across from one another at the dinner table, and follow each other around the house. They have a form of communication all their own. They're buds.
My two, beautiful, chromosomally enhanced children. You both make my heart skip a beat. I love you.
#2) Micah
#3) Their relationship. :)
As Micah and Abby raced each other to the bus today, I couldn't help but give thanks to God for bringing these two together as brother and sister. I often wish that Micah had a brother, but I have to stop and remind myself that our family is fearfully and wonderfully crafted by the Father.
Micah and Abby have a pretty common, sibling love/hate relationship. But a picture is worth a thousand words, and these handful of photos make it so evident that these two are close buddies.
I also wonder sometimes if they understand that there is a common thread that they share. I wonder if they see that they are both special. But I don't think they do. I think that they just connect as siblings. The two closest in development. Though all of the children are close and have unique relationships with one another, Ashley and Emily are the big kids. And built-in best friends. Mabry and Kate are the babies. And always home with Mommy. Micah and Abby fall in place as the middle children and seem to find security there. They go to school together, play together, sit across from one another at the dinner table, and follow each other around the house. They have a form of communication all their own. They're buds.
My two, beautiful, chromosomally enhanced children. You both make my heart skip a beat. I love you.
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 7
#1) I'm thankful for and BLESSED by friends who text me randomly during the day to tell me they're praying for me.
#2) I'm thankful for my first niece who came into the world just this morning.
#3) I'm thankful for the moments when my 16 month old toddles up to me... and with outstretched arms, furrowed brows and pouty lips says... "Mommy, holdy."
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| Kate and her "Bay-dee" |
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 6
#1) I'm grateful for a country with the freedom to vote.
#2) I'm thankful to be a stay at home mom. Today I get to stay in comfy clothes, love on my babies, play with my kids (2 of them are home from school today for election day), and sit with a hot cup of coffee and a basket of laundry while I watch election coverage.
#3) I'm thankful for internet and satellite to be able to know what's going on in our country today!
#2) I'm thankful to be a stay at home mom. Today I get to stay in comfy clothes, love on my babies, play with my kids (2 of them are home from school today for election day), and sit with a hot cup of coffee and a basket of laundry while I watch election coverage.
#3) I'm thankful for internet and satellite to be able to know what's going on in our country today!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 5
#1) I'm thankful for my church small group (we call them Cheers Groups) with friends who love the Lord, love laughter, love life, and are as nutty as Jake and I are.
#2) I'm thankful that my grandparents live in the same town and I can take my babies over to their house during the day to know their great grandparents. Mabry LOVES to go visit Grannie and Papaw.
#3) I'm thankful that no matter what twists and turns life brings, my mom is-- and will always be-- one of my best friends. :)
#2) I'm thankful that my grandparents live in the same town and I can take my babies over to their house during the day to know their great grandparents. Mabry LOVES to go visit Grannie and Papaw.
#3) I'm thankful that no matter what twists and turns life brings, my mom is-- and will always be-- one of my best friends. :)
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 4
Today I'm thankful, from the bottom of my heart for...
#1) The freedom to worship my God in a public place with no fear.
#2) The man of God that my husband is and is growing into. And for the awesome Word he brought to our congregation today.
#3) The friend I sat next to this morning who see's me, understands me and loves me. :) So thankful.
#1) The freedom to worship my God in a public place with no fear.
#2) The man of God that my husband is and is growing into. And for the awesome Word he brought to our congregation today.
#3) The friend I sat next to this morning who see's me, understands me and loves me. :) So thankful.
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 3
#1) I'm thankful for warm, running water to give all six of my kids baths and showers before bed.
#2) I'm thankful for Saturdays with no planned events on the calendar, and I can hang out with my husband and kids watching House Hunters International and Next Iron Chef re-runs. :)
#3) I'm thankful for warm November days when we can still leave the windows open, feeling the breeze through the house, see the crisp red leaves falling outside, and hear the kids playing in the backyard.
Bonus:
#4) I'm thankful for leftover Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies from our Faith Over Fear night. :)
#2) I'm thankful for Saturdays with no planned events on the calendar, and I can hang out with my husband and kids watching House Hunters International and Next Iron Chef re-runs. :)
#3) I'm thankful for warm November days when we can still leave the windows open, feeling the breeze through the house, see the crisp red leaves falling outside, and hear the kids playing in the backyard.
Bonus:
#4) I'm thankful for leftover Pumpkin Spice Muddy Buddies from our Faith Over Fear night. :)
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 2
#1) I'm thankful that my two oldest daughters can go to an incredible Christian school that is not only awesome academically, but is totally centered around the Lord in ALL things. THANKFUL!
#2) I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend a whole day with the awesome kids of that school today for the GCA "Rollin' Roar" fundraiser.
#3) I'm thankful for sweet pockets of time with each of my kids individually. Today, that being: tonight, before bed, singing to Baby Kate in the dark. And as I stop, each time she smiles and says, "gen". {again} Thank you God for sweet moments like these!!
#2) I'm thankful for the opportunity to spend a whole day with the awesome kids of that school today for the GCA "Rollin' Roar" fundraiser.
#3) I'm thankful for sweet pockets of time with each of my kids individually. Today, that being: tonight, before bed, singing to Baby Kate in the dark. And as I stop, each time she smiles and says, "gen". {again} Thank you God for sweet moments like these!!
21 Days of Gratitude: Day 1
Am I grateful?
I mean really grateful.
I don't even really want to come up with a solid answer for that, but just ponder it in my heart.
Being grateful isn't something I can check off of a list. Its a constant state of the heart.
A guy from our church, Chance Scoggins, had a great post on his blog today that got me thinking about this. 21 Days of Gratitude. 21 days to be thankful for 3 very specific things, with no "buts" attached. Starting today and ending on Thanksgiving Day. And because I can majorly identify when he said, "as we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, I feel like I’m sliding into home plate. It feels more like an event we pulled off than a day set aside to spend time together and count our blessings" I'm joining him. And I'm going to figure out a fun way for my kids to get involved in this thankful-journey but for now...
Day 1....
#1) I'm thankful for my husband. More specifically, that his his heart is always to keep our marriage solid and ever better.
#2) I'm thankful that we have enough money in our bank account to go buy groceries today.
#3) I'm thankful for my big beautiful house. Specifically today, that it is a perfectly safe and fun place for my children with special needs to sleep and play.
Lord, thank you. Genuinely, truly, sincerely. Thank you, Father God.
10 things. Well, 20 really.
Today is the last
day of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
No, I
didn't blog about it at all until now. One year, I'd like to. I read some
pretty awesome posts by friends all month.
No, I'm still not
(technically). But I am going to point you to a couple of awesome posts, that I
think you should read. And I'm going to post some stinkin' cute pictures of Micah and Abby next. (I tried to compile some for this post and found that there were so many cute ones, they need their own post. :))
These links aren't necessarily to raise awareness about Down
Syndrome in and of itself. But in my humble opinion they are must reads if you have
friends with children with Down Syndrome. Like myself. ;)
The
first:
And
if you've ever said one of these things to me, its okay. Don't worry about it.
You probably wouldn't even believe some of the unreal comments that people have
made to me when Abby was born, when Micah was adopted and since.
If
you have a child or children with DS, and have had these or other things said
to you, my advice is to bite your lip and have some grace. People don't know
what to say. And (usually) genuinely mean well. Try to look at their hearts and
not what's coming out of their mouths.
Anyway,
I love the realness of this post, and truly, I agree with every one of these
ten things.
And
the second post, much like the first:
Again,
I love each and every point. Many of these things were said to me and it was healing for my heart. Keep this
in your pocket for when a friend unexpectedly has a baby with Down Syndrome. Or
any other syndrome, birth defect, or medical condition.
A big thanks to Gillian Marchenko for authoring these
posts and the many others this month on her blog. She, like myself, is a pastors wife, who
only births girls ;), had a bio daughter with DS and adopted another. Little
Evangeline came home just weeks after Micah. Gillian was a huge support to me
through email, in chat rooms, and over the phone. :) Love ya friend.
Ashley's Children
Tonight Ashley informed me that she's going to have eleven children. And she's already named them all. ;)
She listed them twice, both times it was this same order:
Kate
Micah
Luke
Leia
Hans
Padme
Jordan
Meili
Ruby
Max
Mallory
And just for the record: The first two are (obviously) her siblings. The next four from Star Wars, her daddy's favorite movies. Jordan was the name we were going to use if we ever had a biological son. Meili a friend of hers who's adopted from China. Ruby and Max are, of course, from the show that my toddlers are obsessed with. And Mallory has been her main babysitter, for like, ever.
Anyway, I thought that was cute and kind of interesting. And needed to be recorded in history. :)
She listed them twice, both times it was this same order:
Kate
Micah
Luke
Leia
Hans
Padme
Jordan
Meili
Ruby
Max
Mallory
And just for the record: The first two are (obviously) her siblings. The next four from Star Wars, her daddy's favorite movies. Jordan was the name we were going to use if we ever had a biological son. Meili a friend of hers who's adopted from China. Ruby and Max are, of course, from the show that my toddlers are obsessed with. And Mallory has been her main babysitter, for like, ever.
Anyway, I thought that was cute and kind of interesting. And needed to be recorded in history. :)
Stair steps
I've already shared this on FB, but I thought it was too fun not to share here as well.
My "Stair Step Sisters"
*Ahem.* Excuse my half naked baby. Its pretty much impossible to get a picture without someone missing clothes.
Anyway, isn't this so fun?! Almost a perfect line! And its crazy because they aren't all the same age apart at all.
Ashely and Emily are 22 months apart.
Emily and Abby are 17 months apart.
Abby and Mabry are 3 years apart.
Mabry and Kate are 20 months apart.
And yes, someone is missing. This is just the girls. :) But for the record, Micah is almost exactly Abby's height.
So I just had to share. My little stair step girlies.
As for me and my house
"No guys, we aren't gonna watch this, sorry." I walked across the room and turned off the program that was about to start.
A collective groan.
In a half baby voice, Ashley responds to all of her younger siblings, "Its okay guys, it's gonna be too scary for you. We don't believe that stuff."
Why do all of the preschool channels feel the need to show every Halloween special known to man, every year? Does Nick Jr. really need to have "Spooky word of the day"? Words like "scales" and "couldron". Are you kidding me? Ashley and Emily don't really watch TV (just movies that we own) but I shudder to think about what might be on the channels that are supposedly age-appropriate for them.
A couple nights ago, Ashley came into my bedroom sweating and shaking, wrapped up in her blanket. In a panicked whisper she said, "Mom I just had a scary dream, can I sleep with you?!" Though it wasn't a question and she didn't wait for a response as she climbed into my bed.
Half asleep, I rolled over to make room for my lanky 9 year old who's wildly curly hair spoke volumes about the kind of sleep she'd had so far.
The next morning as we made breakfast, she told me about her nightmare. I won't go into the details here, but it was seriously scary stuff. As a mom, my mind started weighing how much of her dream was from something scary she saw on TV, how much of it was spiritual warfare, and how much of it was the pizza she ate before bed.
After all the kids were fed, I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed for my office. I sat down, looked out my window and across the culdesac is some sort of creepy creature holding an ax surrounded by orange pumpkin lights. Behind it a demon-looking-thing with glowing eyes (which isn't that different from what Ashley described in her dream) is sitting in a rocking chair. Awesome. *eyeroll*
I. Can't. STAND. Halloween.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
My youth group when I lived in Maryland used to show those video's every year that show what halloween is really about. And since then, I just can't stomach it. And it doesn't help that it gets bigger and bigger every year.
You can't go to the grocery store, Target, or even Sweet Cici's without being confronted with something half-dead in a maze of cobwebs and spiders.
I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Psalm 23:4
Now, I love fall. I love pumpkins and indian corn and autumn leaves. Tennessee hills covered in red, orange and yellow. Chili with cornbread. Apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. All my little girls in knit tights and boots, and Micah in his gray corduroys. Sunday afternoon football games. Field trips to Gentry's farm and the Rippavilla Corn Maze. I love harvest---everything.
But I don't have even a shred of like for halloween.
Hear me out, I do not judge those who get into it. I have friends who totally decorate, celebrate and have absolutely no problem with halloween. I love them dearly and don't think twice about it, I really don't.
But I just can't do it anymore.
Halloween makes my spirit grieve and I've got to follow my convictions.
God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7
I'm completely and utterly passing on halloween this year. I should say, "again this year" because we didn't do anything for halloween last year either.
This year, a couple of my girlfriends and I are getting our families together for our 2nd annual "Faith over Fear" night. Basically a celebration of God's autumn handiwork mixed with lots of scriptures on faith and fear. We'll have a treasure hunt, make some s'mores, maybe a make-shift tractor/hay ride, share some chili and homemade goodies. And, no, the kids won't be dressing up.
The treasure hunt was a scavenger-hunt style, with scriptures on faith and fear, leading them around the property til they got to a big treasure chest with candy for all the children.
The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD is his treasure. Isaiah 33:5-6
And like last year, Jake will do the "Pumpkin Patch Parable" for all the kids. Where he takes a big pumpkin and tells them that God chose each one of them. He picked us out and dusted us off. God opens up our hearts and cleans out all of the yucky stuff inside. He puts a smile on our faces. And then He fills us with His light. And we shine with His love, for all the world to see.
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
The kids loved it last year and are already asking if we can do it again.
I can't wait myself. :)
But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" Mark 4:40
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12b
A collective groan.
In a half baby voice, Ashley responds to all of her younger siblings, "Its okay guys, it's gonna be too scary for you. We don't believe that stuff."
Why do all of the preschool channels feel the need to show every Halloween special known to man, every year? Does Nick Jr. really need to have "Spooky word of the day"? Words like "scales" and "couldron". Are you kidding me? Ashley and Emily don't really watch TV (just movies that we own) but I shudder to think about what might be on the channels that are supposedly age-appropriate for them.
A couple nights ago, Ashley came into my bedroom sweating and shaking, wrapped up in her blanket. In a panicked whisper she said, "Mom I just had a scary dream, can I sleep with you?!" Though it wasn't a question and she didn't wait for a response as she climbed into my bed.
Half asleep, I rolled over to make room for my lanky 9 year old who's wildly curly hair spoke volumes about the kind of sleep she'd had so far.
The next morning as we made breakfast, she told me about her nightmare. I won't go into the details here, but it was seriously scary stuff. As a mom, my mind started weighing how much of her dream was from something scary she saw on TV, how much of it was spiritual warfare, and how much of it was the pizza she ate before bed.
After all the kids were fed, I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed for my office. I sat down, looked out my window and across the culdesac is some sort of creepy creature holding an ax surrounded by orange pumpkin lights. Behind it a demon-looking-thing with glowing eyes (which isn't that different from what Ashley described in her dream) is sitting in a rocking chair. Awesome. *eyeroll*
I. Can't. STAND. Halloween.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
My youth group when I lived in Maryland used to show those video's every year that show what halloween is really about. And since then, I just can't stomach it. And it doesn't help that it gets bigger and bigger every year.
You can't go to the grocery store, Target, or even Sweet Cici's without being confronted with something half-dead in a maze of cobwebs and spiders.
I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Psalm 23:4
Now, I love fall. I love pumpkins and indian corn and autumn leaves. Tennessee hills covered in red, orange and yellow. Chili with cornbread. Apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. All my little girls in knit tights and boots, and Micah in his gray corduroys. Sunday afternoon football games. Field trips to Gentry's farm and the Rippavilla Corn Maze. I love harvest---everything.
But I don't have even a shred of like for halloween.
Hear me out, I do not judge those who get into it. I have friends who totally decorate, celebrate and have absolutely no problem with halloween. I love them dearly and don't think twice about it, I really don't.
But I just can't do it anymore.
Halloween makes my spirit grieve and I've got to follow my convictions.
God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7
I'm completely and utterly passing on halloween this year. I should say, "again this year" because we didn't do anything for halloween last year either.
This year, a couple of my girlfriends and I are getting our families together for our 2nd annual "Faith over Fear" night. Basically a celebration of God's autumn handiwork mixed with lots of scriptures on faith and fear. We'll have a treasure hunt, make some s'mores, maybe a make-shift tractor/hay ride, share some chili and homemade goodies. And, no, the kids won't be dressing up.
The treasure hunt was a scavenger-hunt style, with scriptures on faith and fear, leading them around the property til they got to a big treasure chest with candy for all the children.
The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD is his treasure. Isaiah 33:5-6
And like last year, Jake will do the "Pumpkin Patch Parable" for all the kids. Where he takes a big pumpkin and tells them that God chose each one of them. He picked us out and dusted us off. God opens up our hearts and cleans out all of the yucky stuff inside. He puts a smile on our faces. And then He fills us with His light. And we shine with His love, for all the world to see.
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
The kids loved it last year and are already asking if we can do it again.
I can't wait myself. :)
But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" Mark 4:40
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12b
Mommy fail
I'm starting to think that Spirit Week is some sort of cruel test for busy parents.
I can hear some school board meeting somewhere, "Lets have a week, once a year, where parents have to find all sorts of different costumes... just to make mornings that much harder!" *evil laugh* "And lets do a different thing each day to really confuse them!" *whole group joins in evil laughter*
Ok, well, maybe its not that mean spirited.
But if you have an early elementary kid... or 4... and toddlers/preschoolers... it feels like a cruel test.
One that failed this week.
Somehow, late last night as I went to bed, I realized I was off a day this week. Wednesday I dressed Abby in "Crazy" clothes for "School Spirit" day, and on Tuesday I dressed her in pajamas for "Crazy" day. Monday was the real "Pajama" day and I don't have the foggiest idea what she wore, but I can tell you that it was normal school clothes. How did I miss that? Why did I think Tuesday was Monday?
Major mommy fail.
The good news is that Abby probably didn't care at all, but just had fun wearing strange things to school.
Yesterday there was no school, and today was "Hippie" day. But I gave up. For several reasons- We were all out of whack on Spirit week anyway, Abby doesn't know what a Hippie is (nor could I ever explain that to her), and we don't have any hippie clothes. And I'm revolting against spirit week because I'm embarrassed.
I'm not sure why Micah's class didn't participate in Spirit week. Or maybe they did and I totally missed the memo. But its always better to err on the side of wearing normal clothes than to send your kid to school in a big red tutu with snake-skin leggings and a Cherry Coke t-shirt on School Spirit day. *eyeroll*
Sigh.
Thankfully Ashley and Emily can take care of their own costumes for their Spirit week.
For those who, for whatever reason, seem to marvel at our family and ask me in amazement, "How do you do it?" Well... apparently, sometimes, I don't.
Happy Birthday Mabry Ruth
Yesterday Miss Mabry turned a whole three years old. Sweet little sunshiny girl. She is so full of life and love.
She started ballet this past week is so excited about it.
Its been so sweet being able to spend more time with just her and Kate during the day while the bigger kids are all in school. If you ask her why she's not in school, she'll tilt her head and in that sweet little voice of hers say, "Cuz I too widdle." :)
You stay "widdle" just as long as you want. I love you baby girl. Happy Birthday.
She started ballet this past week is so excited about it.
Its been so sweet being able to spend more time with just her and Kate during the day while the bigger kids are all in school. If you ask her why she's not in school, she'll tilt her head and in that sweet little voice of hers say, "Cuz I too widdle." :)
You stay "widdle" just as long as you want. I love you baby girl. Happy Birthday.
Peanut Butter
No, this post isn't about the banana bread I made a couple days ago. Its about my baby.
Let me back up a bit.
Each of my kids have a special nickname that I gave them when they were just tiny. (In Micah's case, right after he came home.)
Ashley's nickname is Sweet Pea. I'm not even sure how it started. Probably because I remember my mom calling me that. Whatever the reason, it stuck.
Emily is Peanut. Mostly because she was so tiny. Emily was (and still is) one of my smallest, percentile-wise. My little Peanut.
Abby was a November baby and quickly became Pumpkin. She had these sweet, round cheeks and Pumpkin (Really more pronounced "Pun'kin") was just the perfect nickname for her.
At this point I realized they all started (or sort of started) with a P.
When Micah came home, I didn't have a P name that fit. He was (and is) just Buddy, Bud or sometimes Bug. I figured if we every had another boy, we'd give him a B nickname and leave P for the girls.
Mabry quickly became Princess. A name she fits to the T. Er... P. :)
While pregnant with Kate, Ashley and Emily asked me what nickname I was going to call her. I said that I wasn't sure, but it would be fun if it started with a P as well. And Ashley voted that Peaches would be a sweet nickname. I agreed. So, since she was born, I've tried to make Peaches fit. But it never comes naturally. This isn't some huge, overly sentimental issue to me, more of a coincidence really, so if she didn't have a P nickname, it wasn't the end of the world to me.
But then it came to me.
And being my very chunkiest baby (again, percentile-wise), it fits her so well.
Peanut Butter.
Yes, its close to Emily's nickname, Peanut. But it fits Kate so well.
Sweet, chunky, Peanut Butter. That's Kate. :)
Let me back up a bit.
Each of my kids have a special nickname that I gave them when they were just tiny. (In Micah's case, right after he came home.)
Ashley's nickname is Sweet Pea. I'm not even sure how it started. Probably because I remember my mom calling me that. Whatever the reason, it stuck.
Emily is Peanut. Mostly because she was so tiny. Emily was (and still is) one of my smallest, percentile-wise. My little Peanut.
Abby was a November baby and quickly became Pumpkin. She had these sweet, round cheeks and Pumpkin (Really more pronounced "Pun'kin") was just the perfect nickname for her.
At this point I realized they all started (or sort of started) with a P.
When Micah came home, I didn't have a P name that fit. He was (and is) just Buddy, Bud or sometimes Bug. I figured if we every had another boy, we'd give him a B nickname and leave P for the girls.
Mabry quickly became Princess. A name she fits to the T. Er... P. :)
While pregnant with Kate, Ashley and Emily asked me what nickname I was going to call her. I said that I wasn't sure, but it would be fun if it started with a P as well. And Ashley voted that Peaches would be a sweet nickname. I agreed. So, since she was born, I've tried to make Peaches fit. But it never comes naturally. This isn't some huge, overly sentimental issue to me, more of a coincidence really, so if she didn't have a P nickname, it wasn't the end of the world to me.
But then it came to me.
And being my very chunkiest baby (again, percentile-wise), it fits her so well.
Peanut Butter.
Yes, its close to Emily's nickname, Peanut. But it fits Kate so well.
Sweet, chunky, Peanut Butter. That's Kate. :)
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