Field Trip to the Zoo!

"MOM!" she said a million times to me, "I get to be with my three best school friends!!!"

(the extra is a little sister!)

Guess who the clown of the bunch is?

...or the model...

This is what they really wanted to do. Be squirted in their mouths like little birds from Kelly's water bottle. Did MaryEvyn have her own water bottle that I was toting around all day? Yes. Did she want that water? Oh, no. How boring is that?

This was her first bus ride. She was almost more excited about this than anything else. Her concerned expression in this picture is due to her uncertainty to being allowed to stand up to get her picture taken. Yes, I felt a little silly taking her picture on the bus, but it was a memorable little thing and that's what moms do, right?

Right before we left. See the sweat? I wasn't sure which I wanted more...a shower or a nap!

Evy reported that all of Mrs. Cowan's class fell asleep on the bus ride home. I believe it!

What I've Been Up To

during nap times, since clearly I have no time to actually sleep... I figured out how to applique on my sewing machine! I love it! So much fun!

Made this cute little set of burp cloths out of a set of flannel receiving blankets.

Doesn't every baby girl need something beautiful on which to spit up?

And this is just for fun. Kacey took some pictures of my girls last weekend. This is a shot that Reed took during that. (The actual ones coming soon!)

Another just for fun. This is what she looks like right now sitting beside me in her bouncy.

It's so funny and cute to me how she can sleep with her arms out like this! She didn't just throw them up like this and then put them down. She's actually sound asleep and not moving.

What a sweet, funny girl!

A good morning so far: totally cleaned house yesterday and Hollis slept last night - are you ready for this - from about 11pm until about 6 this morning! YAY! So I was up, showered and beautiful by 7:30am. On the docket today: a trip to Target (wanna come with?), making chocolate sauce, maybe Hobby Lobby and reading.

Thanks, God, for your good gifts.

Holding Time...FINALLY!

After waiting two whole weeks in order for Reed and I to bond with Hollis, the Grands and the Greats finally got to hold Little Boo!

Reed brought H to lunch with us after the play on Saturday, so Mamaw (my mom) got to go first!
Then Gram (Reed's mom) came for a visit for my birthday and got her turn.

Grandpa (Reed's Dad - can'tcha tell?!) couldn't stand it and drove up Monday to get his chance.

And look who else he brought! It's Great Aunt Janet (Reed's Aunt)!

And, last but not least, Gigi, Reed's Grandmother! She's a Great and a Grand!

Still to come: aunts, uncles, cousins, Granny Rube... and of course, an Aunt Holly!

On Being a Big Sister

Being a Big Sister means...

...giving LOTS of kisses.

...helping to feed sister her bottle (sometimes).

...reading her books. ("Hey, I remember this one!")

...playing peek-a-boo!

...not getting jealous.

...being silly sometimes.

...giving sister her pacifier when she cries.

...adoring her sweet face and thanking God for finally blessing you with a real little sister of your own!

36

April 22. Who knew it'd turn out to be so popular this year?! (Two Crossbridge mamas went into labor that day, FYI!) It's always been one of my favorite days of the year!

This year I went out to Cheesecake Factory (a winner for everyone!) with my new little family of four!

Little Boo slept the whole time but she did give me a card with a little drool on it!

Then, on Saturday, we had the last of our season tickets to the A.D. Players Childrens' Theater. We took Mamaw so Daddy could stay home with Hollis. It was a beautiful day!

The play was fantastic as always. And the costumes were the best so far!

Here's Evy and the white rabbit!

Alice and the Queen of Hearts, of course!
*By the way, I just have to add that MaryEvyn asked the Queen of Hearts, "How do you be so dramatic?" It was very hard to stifle our laughter, let me tell you! This little girl could be the one giving LESSONS on dramatic!! Hahahaha!

Then we went just up the street to Andre's for lunch.
The pastry counter enchanted MaryEvyn (and Mamaw!)

A great way to celebrate 36 years. No, my age doesn't really bother me a bit! I love where God has me and the ways He has blessed me (before and after!), so I have every reason to make a big deal of the time He's given me!

Thanks, all you well wishers, too. I love my birthday!

Hollis' Song

When Evy was first born and we spent those many first nights rocking and patting and singing her to sleep, I came up with a little ditty to sing with her name. All about her.

Now it's Hollis' turn. Only now there are more to sing it!

Here it is:

We're "settling in"

This is the answer I give nowadays to those who ask, "So, how's it going? How's the little one?"

Here's what I mean by that.

It really was crazy. It was crazy how fast and how relatively unprepared we were for our family to grow. To establish a new "normal". I guess I subconciously thought that we would get our sweet babe, I would nestle her in my arms, kiss her sweet head and we'd move on to being back to our little family. It honestly had to hit me and I'm realizing that this IS our new normal. Well, not the sleeping 4 hours a night bit (hopefully!), but the sharing and giving and taking... it's so...so... strange and feels a little out of my skin. So I'm settling into that new normal.

We're settling into an unpredictable sleep. Will she sleep tonight? Will I sleep tonight? And how many times have I already prayed, I mean earnestly prayed, "Lord, PLEASE let her sleep!" And it's only day 11! But she really is doing well. About every other night or so she has a great 5 hour stretch of good sleep and we relish it! She does pretty well at night about going right back to sleep after her bottle. But all it takes is one 2am feeding where she struggles to go back to sleep that will do me in! But we're getting there. We're accepting and enjoying this newborn stage with it's unpredictable sleep and cuddles and coos and poops and all!

We're settling in to getting to know each other. After all, she hasn't been "with" us for nine months. She is learning us and we're learning about her. She likes to be held. Closely! She likes to take a longer nap in the morning right after that second bottle. She does NOT like mama's cold hands and so far really dislikes baths. She likes her hands and arms free when she's swaddled. She is strong and alert! She can let you know when she's done being burped (she sorta slides herself down your arm - it's cute!). Stuff like that.

MaryEvyn is settling in remarkably well! Granted, it's not like she's having to contend with Hollis taking her things, pulling her hair or anything like that...but she's taken this big change very, very well. She loves her! I was afraid she was really just in love with the idea of a sister, but she really likes her sister. She wants her to come with her, wants to give her her pacifier and anything else, picks out her clothes, pats her little head and if she squawks at all, Evy is quick to tell us, "Guys, Hollis needs you!" in that teenagery "hel-loooo" kind of way.

But not only that, I have noticed a marked change in her sense of responsibility. She does her "routine" (brushing teeth, hair, getting dressed...) without being told over and over. She does her few, little chores with less complaining and arguing (though it still exists). I've just been so pleased to see her mature through this. I hope and pray it lasts.

What I can say is that baby #2 is MUCH different. I am not nearly - I mean NEARLY - as anxious with her as I was with Evyn. I don't worry about scheduling things during the day because "who knows if she'll cry and if she does what will I do" that almost consumed me in those first months with Evy. And yet, it's true, there are already fewer pictures of her and she probably gets sung to a little less than E ever was. But, so I'm told, that's ok. She is no less loved. No less snuggled and adored and treasured. We just live the moments a little more than we record them. But every mama knows that we "treasure all these things and ponder them in [our] hearts".

So there you go. The long answer behind the short one. Just in case you wondered.

For Those of You Who Need More!

Namely, my mom and a very proud Aunt Holly. These are hot off the press. Taken today!

The Story

First up is the story.

I got a call at work (which I couldn't take since I was with the kids) at about 10am. When I finally got a chance to listen to my voicemail, it was a message from Sarah at our agency, New Life. First of all, her voice was very sing songy and happy and she didn't leave any details which she usually does. I was so excited and nervous that I started trembling almost right away!

"Gaye," I said to my partner, "Um...I need to make this call. It's our agency and I think this is it!" Little did I know!

She let me head inside to call. After a few attempts I finally got Sarah and all she said was, "Have you talked to your husband yet?" When I told her no, she said, "Call him and then call me back." The tears came streaming as I called Reed and he told me that there was a baby girl born yesterday and she's ours. So our plans for the weekend quickly changed!

The rest of the day I was trying out different girl names and thinking of all the things we still needed, while Reed was in task mode trying to finish what needed to be done at work to leave things well. I went to Sara, my director, and simply said, "Well, today is my last day!" and she knew what that meant. She had been prepared for this day for a long time and was nothing but excited!

Right after work I headed to Carter's and bought Evy a "Big Sister" t-shirt (and maybe a few other things!) before I picked her up from school. So when Reed came home this is what we did:

[Okay, video not cooperating so I'm putting it in a separate post! Darn internet!]

We went out to eat to celebrate and then took Evy to my parents house in her t-shirt to surprise my parents. (There's video of that, too, linked after the above video if you're interested. The video is sideways, though...)

The next day I was running around trying to keep my feet on the ground and getting some of the necessary things: bottles, diapers, wipes... and doing a lot of washing! It kept me busy so I wasn't just crying in anticipation and joy. There was a considerable amount of fear, too, because you never know if things will actually go as planned. So I was suddenly trying to be very cautious with my emotions. Very surreal.

Finally the time came to load up and go get Reed to head to the agency. My stomach was absolutely in knots and I didn't know whether I was going to ugly cry or just throw up! (I did neither, oddly enough). We hit traffic and I panicked about being late, but it cleared up and we made it just at 4:30. Sarah was still at the hospital so we started signing paperwork. It was crazy to see her name, this name we had picked only hours before all over the place and looking so official!

Then only a few minutes later, Sarah came in, told us some information about our baby and then brought her in.

She was in her carrier. Reed and I started stroking her hair and talking to her. She was so peacefully asleep, we didn't want to disturb her. But then I couldn't stand it anymore!!

Oh. my. goodness!

The closer I held her, the more calm and relaxed she became. She's a snuggler!

Then it was Reed's turn.

Evy was at home with my mom and was literally jumping up and down to get to see her new sister! She got to hold her for a bit. In this picture she's stroking her head. She loves how soft her hair is!

She also likes to give her kisses and read to her.

She is settling in a little more to sleeping, but we're still pretty tired these days! She's a super baby and doing so well! It's still setting in that we actually have a baby daughter and Evy has a sister. I absolutely love to hear people say something and use the term, "your girls". I never knew that that "s" at the end would be such a beautiful sound!

Ah.

I'm not quite sure how to explain it but I just feel complete. God has been so faithful and has been our constant companion and encourager. He has answered our prayers with a resounding "Yes!" and has made our lives even richer than I could have imagined.

So my house is a wreck. Dirt, toys, clothes, blankets, baby gear is everywhere! I fight the mess when I can and when I have energy, but if you come by, just know, this is not the usual state of things! But right now, so many other things are far more important. And that is good. Actually, it's, well, wonderful.

Apologies!

Okay, okay!
I know, I know...you all want pictures! Video! COME ON!!
Well, I've started it, but I'm so wiped OUT!
Tomorrow, though, looks much more promising...so relax! They're coming!!

Round Top Spring 2010

Well, the weather could not have been more perfect for heading up to hill country for the Marburger Antiques Fair. Mom and I left as soon as possible and got there at 10am opening day. Super fun, super energetic!

The first row of three tents.

There are three more rows of tents behind these and several side buildings

that are not to be missed!

Inside one booth, in one of the tents. I liked this one (obviously)!

I am lusting after one of those wine tasting tables.

Um, yeah, they run about $1200, sooo.....

And there are things for the more eclectic among us.

The vintage modern chairs up there on that table and the weird shaggy skirted table.

I will, however, take a spin on that scooter!

Oh, the beauty and splendor of the many, many chandeliers!

Ah, the french-ness of it all! So wonderful!

Oh, these canisters. Friends, this fantastic set of 6 canisters in the perfect shade of lavender/blue have been in this same booth, with this same woman for THREE YEARS!!! They have taunted me for so long. I love, love enamel canisters and have priced them all over Round Top, Ebay, you name it. These are by far my favorite set ever. Her price has not diminished one bit and neither has my lust for them. $450, my friends. Really? Why can't she just lower the price and sell them to me for, oh, say, $50? Darn.

So, I've shown you some of what I didn't get but now let me tell you what I did get:

1. A perfect and affordable birthday gift for a friend.

2. A set of six botanical prints to cover a viciously empty wall in my home.

3. Beautiful views of the wildflowers in bloom.

4. Uninteruppted (well, besides the occasional gasp and then: "Look at THAT!") invaluable conversation with my mom.

I had a fantastic day and next time want to take more friends with me (after I go with my mom, of course!). I wish I could go again (maybe I will....?) to see what's at Warrenton! Any takers?

P.S. There were many items that mom saw that she debated buying but didn't. When we went back to them they were all sold! Great medium sized mirrors, a child's wooden table and chair set (way cute!), two small crystal chandeliers... all gone! Word to the wise: buy it when you can!

Also, I was a little surprised at what else was being snatched up: bamboo. Anything made to look like or made out of bamboo all had SOLD signs. Shelves, mirrors, chairs... humph. Who knew?

Can't wait for next season!!

Thoughts on the Old Testament

I'll dispense with the excuses for having been away for so long and just get to it, okay?

I started (again) the plan for reading through the Bible in one year. I really like it, though I give myself a lot of grace to not finish it in a year. I keep trying!
I love the Old Testament. Not like broccoli. I mean I really love it. I could read more than the assigned chapters if I just had more time. Even Leviticus (which I'm in the thick of right now). You see, I have to really sit in things a long time, let thoughts and stories and teachings soak in my brain and my heart. The New Testament is so chock full of big things, y'know? Every sentence sometimes is enough to set my mind reeling. It's so much for me to chew on in big chunks. But the Old Testament...I like those Israelites. They're me! 100%! So every story, every blunder, every idol-making moment is a picture of me. And every time God moves amongst them out of His sheer grace, I am reminded of what He does for me, did for me! So each lesson to them is for me, too, and I take them to heart. The physical reminders they needed sometimes I need, too. Of course, I'm not sacrificing lambs or doves up in here, but the sacrificial system ought to be in place in my heart. Does God get my best? Do I worship Him fully?
But here's what I really want to say: the Old Testament reveals God's attitude toward sin. Yes, it's in the N.T., too, but in the O.T. you really get that picture of a wrathful God and the supreme weight and depth of God's hatred and violent attacks on sin. And the punishment, the wages? Death. We read that in the N.T. and we know that it's a spiritual death. Deadly enough, I agree, however, that sin carries a difference when it sounds like, "Touch the mountain and you will die." and they did. so they did. As I read through Leviticus and the different purification and sacrificial requirements, I am awed at the standard that is required of everyday people to be in His presence, or even just to remain in His chosen community. I am brought to deeper reverence for a powerful, jealous, holy, magnificent God who is their only hope. I am grieved for my sin and the separation it causes from the God Almighty just as I am for the Israelites when their divided hearts give way again. I wonder if when they slaughtered that perfect, innocent lamb did they see the violence, feel the warmth of the blood, the morbidness of it being sprinkled and get the connection to what they deserved for God to do to them? Did they walk away stupefied that such an act which causes them no actual bodily harm could actually atone for their sin? Did they feel the weight of their sin removed but wonder how? How could this dumb animal take my sin? And did these ponderings make their hearts wish for another way, know that there had to be a better way? Did they sense the foreshadowing of the Perfect Lamb to come?
I need to know the grief of God over sin. I need to feel it's effects. I need to know how deep it is in my heart. The more I know it, sense it, the bigger the cross becomes. The stronger my dependence and love for my Savior grows.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!