I also resolved to update my blog once a month, just to make sure I really do share pictures and news with our out-of-state family on a regular basis. But then January went and got crazy on me - so it's time to catch up.
Our first bit of excitement for the year arrived when the timing belt went out on the van. Jeremy took a day out to try fixing it himself, but ultimately discovered he just didn't have the tools or the time required, so it went back to the shop. In the meantime there was a week or two in there we were borrowing Jeremy's Mom's Jeep Cherokee to get around. By the time we finally got all the repair work done, we were so glad we could return Mom's vehicle to her, and so grateful to have our own wonderful little van back in service.
Otherwise, January brought me some graphic design work that kept me plenty busy. Work for the business was very slow, in fact January was when Jeremy and I started settling into a new level of faith. Financially our circumstances were totally bleak - and still are, but it was beginning to sink in that God always comes through, and somehow the world doesn't come to an end. Panic doesn't help anyhow, though 8 months pregnant and nothing in the bank account equals periodic emotional breakdowns despite the head knowledge that everything is going to be ok.
the train set Reuben got for Christmas
Anna giving Daddy a pretend drink from one of her new tea cups
Me, very pregnant
Our little reader
Morning snuggle time with Daddy
About the point that I was wondering how on earth I was going to keep fitting into my pants for another month, and nesting instinct was starting to really take hold, life took a crazy turn. January 20th was a Wednesday, and I felt really weird and tired all day long, but I still could keep myself from rearranging half the house anyway. Thursday morning at my prenatal check up they discovered that I had developed pre-eclampsia, and sent me to get lab work done then to go home and rest, and come back first thing the next morning.
The next morning Jeremy and I packed bags for ourselves and for the kids and left them at Grandma's on the way to the Dr. My condition had only worsened overnight, so I was immediately admitted to the hospital and they started induction right away. The whole thing was very distressing to me, I knew the induction process for pre-eclampsia would be miserable, and I was really afraid the induction would go wrong and I'd end up with an emergency cesarean.
God was very good to us though, and despite my disappointment that I didn't get to go into labor under normal circumstances, and my labor involved more drugs than I ever want to experience ever again, God was still sovereign through it all. So many people were praying for Laura's safe delivery, and God just poured out His grace and peace on me, and it all just worked out in the end. My Mom was able to hop on a flight and got there well in time for the delivery, and best of all Jeremy finally got to be there for the birth of one of his children.
The whole experience is kind of a fuzzy memory due to all the drugs I was on, but sometime Saturday afternoon right after the nurses changed shifts, Laura Leigh was born weighing 6lb 10oz, and measuring 19.5in long. She was pretty blue, and got whisked away by nurses before I even got to see her, and it seemed like they were rubbing her down and messing with her for the longest time before I finally got to hold her (which was very annoying to me in my semi-deranged state).
My Mom and newborn Laura Leigh
Anna meeting (and hugging) baby Laura for the first time (with Jeremy's Mom)
When we finally got out of the hospital Monday evening Laura's due date was still two weeks away. The day I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia was the day I was going to get the van cleaned out. The day I was admitted to the hospital was the day I was going to clean my house. None of these things happened, indeed, I was cheated out of my "nesting" phase almost entirely, and came home to a house that was a disaster zone. Mail was already piling up, laundry was still in baskets, and I was still barely able to move around.
To make life just a bit more interesting, Laura had a mild case of jaundice that first week, so after getting home Monday evening we were out the door first thing Tuesday morning for a check-up at the pediatrician. They sent us right over to the hospital for lab work, and several hours later we got the call that Laura would need light treatment and we should report to the hospital as soon as we could get there. So from about 3:00p.m. Tuesday until 3:00p.m. Wednesday I was camped out in a hospital room with Laura, missing Reuben and Anna terribly, and incredibly grateful that my Mom was there and at least they were getting in some good Honey Bear time. Then Friday morning we were back at the pediatricians office for yet another check-up...and at that point I was so sick and tired of doctors and hospitals I just wanted to cry. Really, if Mom hadn't been there that week, we don't even know what we would have done - she was a life saver.
Watching YouTube videos with Daddy
My Mom and Laura, trying to stay warm
Reuben, holding Laura for the first time (didn't last long ;)
Laura Leigh
Our little monkey girl...still don't know exactly how she got up there by herself
Friday and Saturday I was finally recovered to a point that I could enjoy Mom's visit, and then early Sunday morning it was already time for a tearful farewell before Jeremy took her to the airport in Boston.
Since I started out already way behind, getting caught up after Laura was born was...a lengthy and frustrating process. Just this past week things have finally started feeling "under control" again, though in reality I never actually have control over much of anything (chuckle). Work has started to pick up a bit for Jeremy, and graphic design projects somehow keep coming in for me - though unfortunately those don't involve much income, if any.
So often during Laura's pregnancy I would happily imagine how much Reuben and Anna would enjoy having a new baby sister, and much to my delight, it's even better than I pictured it. Anna adores her, and both kids are so good with her. I often find them leaning over her softly stroking her hair, giving her kisses, and/or pressing a cheek up against her (their version of a hug). It's really precious.
Reuben has begun potty training, (Anna too, to a certain degree) and he's doing pretty good with it - though I've a feeling it's going to be a long process with him. His vocabulary is constantly growing, and he's started taking on the role of protector of his little sisters - which is good, 'cause Anna needs all the looking after that we can muster. That girl is a one person demolition derby like I've never seen. She's the sweetest little thing ever, but you never met a little girl so curious. Always investigating, always climbing on something, always, always into something she shouldn't be. She's also the kid most likely to sit down and read a book, or put together a puzzle. I won't be the slightest bit surprised if she's constantly giving Reuben a run for his money when they start school.
Daddy with his littlest girl
Sleeping Laura
All three kids in our bed
like father like son
and...like mother like son too I guess ;)
Reuben on his little potty
Smiling baby Laura
goofy little Anna
Anna loving on her baby sister
About a week ago Jeremy got a letter from Norwich Police Department, indicating they would like him to begin the application process - beginning with the physical fitness test in about six weeks. Jeremy had about given up on becoming a Police officer, and had stopped pursuing applications so he could just focus on the business. But Norwich is our hometown, and his dream department (more or less), and in less than half an hour he decided he was actually excited about applying for Norwich. He's started working out in earnest, and this evening he's out doing a ride along with some lucky Norwich cop. We don't know what God's up to, and we're both tired of guessing wrong, so we're just hanging loose and waiting to see what God does...or at least we're trying not to get our hopes up too much. God will only open the door if that really His best, that much we know.
Anna holding her baby sister - with much needed help
Anna's new little toddler bed, that Reuben likes at least as much as she does ;)
2 comments:
Best update ever!
We really must visit sometime soon. :)
Hey Brandy,
Sure enjoyed the update! Believe me, I know how busy and fun and surprising and challenging it can be with many little ones. But growing up, all I ever wanted to do was get married and be a Mama, and now I get to live out my dream. Stephen is just precious and loves me and the kids so dearly, and we both enjoy raising our little army. It looks like you can relate :) Can't wait to hear more! ~Christina
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