And then there were three... or is it five...

Our third little bundle is set to arrive in the beginning of February. Everyone is quite excited.

And even though we're only eight weeks in, it seems like my belly's already starting to change. Still, the midwife's confident it's only one little person in there. :) So far my continued nursing of Penelope has seemed to ward of some off the more undesirable first trimester symptoms, though I am tired. Very. Tired.

Tired and excited. Feeling very, very blessed.

Four

Annabella was born four years ago today at 6:28 a.m. after sixteen hours of exhausting labor. The midwife, whose voice ushered me to the other side of my worst contractions, said it was a beautiful birth; she told me, "Dance your baby out..." as I swayed back and forth by candlelight, her voice and my mother's touch the lights at the end of what seemed an infinite tunnel.

When it was over and we could see this little girl with a head full of dark brown hair, I knew for the first time what it was to have all my best hopes, wildest dreams, and most vulnerable parts of me balled up and placed inside this tiny, fragile person. I had a whole new set of fears now that her fragility housed everything I knew to be Good. Having her placed on my belly (after a few moments of trying to convince her to breathe) was like walking through a door into a world I knew nothing about, whose possibilities I could not comprehend, whose challenges I could not anticipate. Among the few things I did know that have proven true was the fact that I had never loved like this before--a love that was overwhelming and true, but twinged with pain, because I could never fully protect this little life again now that my womb was no longer her home. She would feel cold, she would know hunger and sadness. And reality has only broadened those possibilities: she now knows what it is to be teased, ignored, disliked, written off, inaccurately defined; she's seen hatred and cruelty, despite my best efforts to keep her from them. And all this makes me see so clearly what a privilege it is to be able to be the place these little people--this little person--can land. Her home. Her always-and-forever-family. What a huge, terrible responsibility, and what an honor. I would be negligent, of course, if I did not say that those things I long keep from her will be brought into her life in the timing that the Lord has forseen and allowed. In this, I have no complaint; instead I thank Him for His Spirit to guide and the wisdom He imparts when this mother needs it most.

Today, on her fourth birthday, I am amazed by her. She aspires to be a professional soccer player-ballerina-archaeologist-marine biologist-mommy. She's fascinated by insects, dinosaurs and sea creatures, particularly those of the predatory ilk. Playing dress-up is a favorite pass time, as is being read to, wearing dresses, drawing, making things for those she loves, taking baths, picking flowers, riding her bike, playing with makeup, collecting and digging for coins/treasure, going to church and playing with friends. The help she provides me is truly a gift; her spirit is kind and encouraging. She adores leaves, and loves to make natural collections of all sorts: rocks, bugs, pine cones...When she prays, she has an honest, open, and grateful heart before the Lord. She's learning new things that surprise me quite regularly. This week, for instance, "That's a whirligig beetle, Mommy. You know because it has black wings, black all over." That was after a severe thunder storm last week that caused us to lose a few very large branches from our Norway Maple, and Annabella collected fallen sticks to "make a burnt offering. Just like Abraham."

To our sweet, big girl: we love the person the Lord has created you to be. Your quirks are the special markers of our little girl; your gifts, our chance to revel in God's handiwork; your challenges, opportunities for the Lord to reveal more of His character; your grace, our pride.

Happy birthday, Annabella Jane Joy. Happy, happy birthday.

Before we met you:

Brand new (day 2):
One:

Two:Three:Four. Birthday picnic breakfast:

A Year Ago Today

Penelope Mae Joy came into our lives in earnest at 1:02 a.m. after a short, intense labor from which I emerged energized. My sister didn't make it to the birthing center in time to see the delivery, even though that had been our plan and there was only a 90 minute drive for her from Charlotte, NC to Greenville, SC. When I arrived, my midwife alluded to the fact that the baby was imminent, and I was irritated because I thought she was getting my hopes up prematurely... but when she asked if I wanted her to "check" me (ie: my dilation progress), I was "complete" (birthing-speak for the whole banana--"you've done the hard part, now push, sister!"--a VERY rewarding thing to hear). It was, by comparison, a very easy delivery, and it was only an introduction to the joyful ease with which this beautiful daughter would fit into and fill our family.

I remember after my mom and sis had left the center and the midwife, my tired husband and beautiful baby had all fallen asleep with the fatigue of the hour, I lay awake for at least an hour, the praise bubbling inside of me, so overwhelmed by the gift of this child. The thought was too wonderful for me. I couldn't stop thanking God for the perfect little person nestled up next to me, breathing softly, so peacefully ours.

We got up and cleared out of the center by mid morning. Penelope was nursing well, and considering, I felt great. We went home, to my mom's, and were greeted with balloons and oodles of pink gifts...we shared a meal...

Which brings me to today. The gifts and the meal, that is. Because today, that tiny baby is a walking, talking, growing little person, and it's hard to believe. I was honestly having a hard time with it all until today came; I'm finding it much harder to watch my baby achieve milestones, because this time around, I have a sense of how fleeting it will indeed be. I didn't know with my first one. And when I say walking, let me state for the record, that this little girl has a great sense of timing (future comedienne, possibly?): she saved her first steps, her first real walking, for today.

Enjoy a brief overview of our darling's first year...

Moments old; not even cleaned up yet:

Week One--sleeping with Mama:

One Month--with Daddy at new home:

Two Months-- Northern Michigan vacation:

Three Months--napping at the park:

Four Months--last warm day at the lake for '07:

Five Months--baby cow:

Six Months--Christmas morning, crown and all:

Seven Months--out in the cold:

Eight Months--enjoying a bath:

Nine Months-- Easter:

Ten Months--the beginning of spring:

Eleven Months--big enough to REALLY love the park:

And finally, First Birthday-- celebration picnic:

We love you, Precious Penny Joy! Happy Birthday!

Denial

Just as I am currently denying that today is Penelope's first birthday, I will deny that I haven't posted a blog in over two months. If you will kindly buy into this convention with me, everyone will be happier. O. K.

The last eight weeks have been jam-packed: family visits; many local adventures with our little clan; SPRING in full glory; the painting/continued decorating of several rooms in my house; pulling up of oodles of carpet to find our old hardwoods; growing babies; reading lessons; cutting of new teeth; growing out of a first "real" bicycle; trying so hard to learn to walk; being accepted to MSU for grad school (Jake, not me); and lots and lots of bike riding.

In the interest of brevity for all you loyal (and surprised... "wow--she's still alive!") readers, I will post pictures with captions only.

These two precious ladies visited:


Nana was thrilled to get to spend some time with her girlies, and the elder one, in particular, was thrilled to have her Nanable around. There were lots of baby walks in the stroller, and even a date night or two for Mommy and Daddy, for which we were very grateful.

Ain't Sayrah at an Ethiopian coffee shop. During her visit wonderful, wonderful sister-catch-up-time ensued, as well as all sorts of auntie silliness. Man, are we glad she's home and can talk to us on the phone! And we're also glad she brought Mommy the new favorite earrings that she's been wearing at least 5 times per week that were bought at an African market, and that she was around to take pictures like this:
Beautiful, golden locks went from this:

To this:
We purchased the long-awaited bike trailer, which has given us hours and DAYS of recreational thrills,

going places like this...

to do things like this...

and playing so hard, this happens.

Oh, yes, she has been doing this if we look the other way... and trying even when we don't.

And now that it is finally creeping up into the 80's, Joys have been been seen doing beach-like activities pretty regularly.So, now that you remember what we all look like, I'll fill in the gaps. Jake was accepted to MSU to begin the Master of Arts program in Public Relations starting at the end of August. He will be one busy man, but we're all very proud of him, and know he'll do a great job. He's also devoting much of his energy to growing out his hair.

Annabella's reading lessons are going well! Teaching her is one of the most fun and rewarding things I've ever done... even when her attention span is that of, well... her age. It's been a great adventure, and it's so fun to see her writing her letters and sounding things out with such pride.

Penny Joy is our constant delight. She loves to entertain, say fun new words and make animal noises (my personal favorite!). She also has a new-found interest, no, passion for shoes. Daily she goes to find her shoes, attempt to put them on, and when she fails, she'll bring them to me with a whine on her face, asking for help. When they are put on for her, she is always very satisfied.

I have been gearing up for a new position as the Special Events Coordinator for our local chapter of MOPS, which excites me greatly. My first steering team meeting is tomorrow, and I can't wait! I've also been serving in our children's ministries at church quite regularly, in addition to picking out new curtains and paint, furniture and wood stain. Ooooh, so much fun!

Now that we're all caught up, you can expect birthday photos/sentiments to be posted in the next few days... even though I'm not yet willing to admit that there's actually a birthday to document. Not yet. ;)

Resurrection Day

EASTER

Break the box and shed the nard;
Stop not now to count the cost;
Hither bring pearl, opal, sard;
Reck not what the poor have lost;
Upon Christ throw all away:
Know ye, this is Easter Day.

Build His church and deck His shrine;
Empty though it be on earth;
Ye have kept your choicest wine--
Let if flow for heavenly mirth;
Pluck the harp and breathe the horn:
Know ye not 'tis Easter morn?

Gather gladness from the skies;
Take a lesson from the ground;
Flowers do ope their heavenward eyes
And a Spring-time joy have found;
Earth throws Winter's robes away,
Decks herself for Easter Day.
Beauty now for ashes wear,
Perfumes for the garb of woe.
Chaplets for dishevelled hair,
Dances for sad footsteps slow;
Open wide your hearts that they
Let in joy this Easter Day.

Seeks God's house in happy throng;
Crowded let His table be;
Mingle praises, prayer and song,
Singing to the Trinity.
Henceforth let your souls alway
Make each morn an Easter Day.

--Gerard Manley Hopkins

Springtime Update

I write that heading more out of "flying by my instruments" than from any sense one could gain from walking outside our house into the five inches of snow on the ground. My calendar says it's spring, and my body insists it must be time. Even if I can't see a single blade of grass or a crocus peeking from all that white.

But at least there is the smell of the Easter lily filling up my whole downstairs, and actually, that almost makes up for it. It is the most perfect smell.

In the last week and half we've been busy--Annabella planting and tending to seeds indoors and decorating Easter eggs; Penelope learning to stand and cruise (and showing unwillingness to go anywhere without her baby doll), saying "HI" and waving at everyone nearby; Jake taking the GRE; and I have busied myself preparing for Jake's birthday, our sixth anniversary, and Easter, and deciding I may actually be homeschooling next year.

Bella and I read a book about seeds that we resurrected from last year's reading, explaining the anatomy and physiology of a seed in beautiful illustrations and storytelling. Then we planted sunflowers, tomatoes, baby's breath and cosmos that will hopefully make their debut in our yard once it's warmer. That was ten days ago. The baby's breath and Autumn Beauty sunflowers are now over 3" tall! We both get very excited to see how they've grown every morning.

Annabella has already started writing simple words and identifying letters and sounds, and she's really wanting to learn to read. So I think we're going to jump into that here in the next few weeks. Who knows... she might be well on her way before her fourth birthday. For this, as well as a few other poignant reasons, I think we're going to be opting for ballet, BSF Kids, and some regular playgroups instead of Montessori next year. And Mama will be doing all the schooling.

Penelope is waving, as I said, "Hi," and very recently "Bye," as well as finding names for everyone in the family. "Dada" is the current favorite, followed by "Baba" (Annabella), and "Mama" falls in a distant third. She's able to go anywhere she wants, including upstairs, so we're having to be more vigilant and finish up baby proofing the house. She's a joyful little lady, and every morning, I look forward to her crawling into our bed and saying, "Hi! Hi!," clasping and unclasping her little hand. She's almost too busy these days to give her mommy a hug. Now I realize I have not had ten children, but I have never seen anything quite as adorable as the relationship Penny has with the little baby dolls we have floating around the house. She will hold one under her arm, lovingly, crawl around and proceed to play, chatter, look at books, etc. with the baby in tow. She will hug it close to her body, show it the toys or books in her hands before discarding them. She will look for the baby when it's not around, and it truly makes her happy. Just embracing and doing all her little endeavors with her baby. It's beyond precious. Jake is applying to MSU's master's program in public affairs for the fall semester, so the last few weeks have seen him brushing up on vocabulary and various math processes in anticipation for the GRE. It came and went and he did just fine. Of course. So now there's the application to finish, statements to complete, and a waiting game for acceptance. He's also been rehearsing with the band he's a part of here in town, and he seems to be having a lot of fun.
As for me, I have the pleasure of following these little girls and this wonderful man around, helping and hovering through each of these new pursuits, cheering on one of my favorite trio of people. In between cheerleading sessions, I'm reading about education philosophy, curriculum, scope and sequence, ordering perennials for my landscaping endeavors, volunteering at church, brainstorming some sewing projects and writing bi-monthly blogs. I'm also looking forward to a visit from my mom in a couple weeks, and we are hoping by then our weather is a little more hospitable. This coming spring might be my favorite yet, simply by contrast to the marathon Michigan winter we'll be pulling out of. But until signs indicate it's around the corner, I'll have to close my eyes, breath in my Easter lily slow and long and pretend I'm a visitor in Eden.

Nine Months

Nine months ago, this morning, Blessed Births Family Wellness and Birth Center:

This evening, before bed:

Our little Joyful Bundle is doing so many fun things! She's just started to REALLY crawl, and is maneuvering through the whole house, even attempting to stand up. She says "Mama" and "Dada," and she LOVES to play with her big sister. (Play rough, even, which is a problem for Mama.) Though she's still nursing, she has an excellent appetite for solid food, particularly enjoying green beans, oatmeal and fruits. The only time she seems to be impatient is if I make the mistake of putting her in her highchair before I'm ready to put a spoon in her mouth. Then there will usually be some squealing and impatient yells... as she gets a bit older, I suppose we'll have to deal with that. :) Her sense of humor is adorable--she loves being silly, especially hanging upside down--and her little laugh is contagious. She will diligently and patiently work with things in her hands, and physically, she's quite strong. She weighs 19 lbs. right now, and her hair is getting to a strange point where I'm having to pull it back all the time in the front. Her favorite activities include playing Mommy's piano, getting a bath, emptying baskets (laundry, toys, anything in a basket), disassembling items and doing anything that includes Annabella. Penelope Mae Joy has brought immeasurable joy into our family; we continue to delight in her every day.