Photo Journal {March 10th-16th, 2014}

March 10th

Monday with children, I am finding, is a recovery day from Sunday. We had a house full of teenagers, and a wound-up pair of babies on Sunday night. Consequently, Monday was a day of recouping. We did take pictures on this day... but they were primarily in the form of videos for the grandmas. Every Monday is "Movie Monday" and we send a clip to the long-distance women in Grant's life. (Bets is not yet interesting enough to star in one of these feature films, although she gets her fair share of pictures.)

I spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, and feeding a daughter who was incredibly voracious. Hardest thing about this stage of parenting? Being busy all day, and having "nothing" to show for it at the end of the day. Can anyone say, "treading water"? But we're not sinking, and we're having great fun in the pool!

March 11th

Went to snap pictures of my "chillin's" playing and realized that my camera was dead. But this precious jewel was snapped with the iPhone while the "real" camera charged and the babies played around my feet as I blogged.

Many people have asked me how Grant is "adapting" to his
new sibling. I think they were programmed to love each other.
Bets could stare at him for hours, while he is constantly giving her
hugs,  finding her pacifier, and checking on her every time she
makes a noise or he enters a room where she is.

Another day of "treading water." But I was able to write a little something today... That never feels like a day wasted. I'm so thankful for two well-behaved babies that let their mother explore a hobby for a brief period this afternoon. In other news... made tilapia for dinner. Scott claimed he had never had this fish, and despite my childhood aversion, I had to introduce him (especially since it was on sale at Aldi). I'm making a push to increase the healthiness quotient of our dinners. So, lemon-baked tilapia with quinoa-stuffed peppers were on the menu tonight.

March 12th

I have decided that the best way to get things done, is to do them with my children. A challenge while parenting two under two? Yes, but so much fun for the mommy/child bonding factor. Yes, it takes a million times longer to do something, but the memories are so much fun.

Today, Grant "helped" Mommy make some baked oatmeal (pre-made breakfasts make our mornings less chaotic, and we don't do boxed cereal for money/health reasons). Of course, his favorite brand of "helping" was snatching frozen raspberries while Mom wasn't looking...

So excited about his new perch on the counter.

Learning to whisk. (Insert emotional mommy comment
about how grown-up he looks!)

Aside from stealing raspberries, whisking was the highlight of our adventure!

Caught mid-raspberry steal. He's very aware when he shouldn't
take something, so he always checked with Mommy until he
was certain that it was okay to filch the raspberries. Praying
his heart remains this tender.

March 13th

Easter 2013

Today was Er-Bear's birthday! I miss my sister like crazy cakes. She is a faultless sounding board of common sense. She mocks my incessant use of "abreevs" (why call it a "cardigan" when you can call it a "cardy?"), and drinks black coffee while I drink a sugared-up latte. I'm cotton-candy, she's a fearless wasabi. I love her unadulterated love of novelty and the fearlessness with which she pursues her dreams. My pursuit for excellence in fitness (a growing passion, more to blog about later), quality in photography, and consistency in personal discipline are highly motivated by the example of my little sister.

Christmas 2012

 I'm convinced there's no Industrial Engineering student who is prettier, smarter, or more creative. Happy 21st, "little" sister. You've taught me so much, and I'm ecstatic to claim you as my long-awaited answer to prayer... two brothers, and then finally the sister who was my opposite in every way. God knew exactly what He was doing--surprise, surprise. :)

In other news... this is where Bets spends the majority
of her days. She loves snuggling and sleeping, but
can most often be found peeping out from the folds,
staring in wide-eyed wonder at all the goings-on in
her new world.

March 14th

Friday Fun Day!

Each day, I try to spend a little extra time with Grant. He's at an age where meeting basic needs just isn't enough any more. I'm critically aware of the fact that he is a developing little soul with growing needs. Each night we read from "The Jesus Storybook Bible" and follow it with a prayer that our little baby will learn to love and follow the Savior mentioned in each chapter of this amazing "children's" Bible. (Seriously, if you don't own this, go out and buy it. I don't care if you have no children or if your children are in college... it's amazing.)

But, true parenting isn't like punching a time card and fulfilling a to-do list. It's an all-day, every day, constant pouring-into of joy, discipline, teaching, and love. I'm firmly convinced that one reason children stop talking to their parents is because things that were "big" deals to a three year old weren't discussed with the same gravity we would give to the "big" deals of a sixteen year old. It doesn't matter how old you are... if something is a "big" deal to you, you shut down if it is ignored, mocked, or belittled by someone who no longer thinks of that as a "big" deal.

So, in an effort to calm my Martha-like tendencies and focus on enjoying and learning where my baby boy is, I try to plan an extra-special playtime several times a week. Sometimes that's just turning bath time into a water-park-like experience... but other times it's like today: fun with shaving cream!

I clearly think this is fun. Grant, on the other hand, has some
unholy terror of shaving cream. So, I had to help him smear it on
his nose, my nose, his chest, put it in cups. By the end some of
his distaste for it had dissipated, but my little sensory-man
is still not a fan of chaos and mess. Good thing he was given
me for a mommy--chaos and mess are my middle name!

I love his little serious face. He had, by this point, "manned-up" and decided
to deal with this horrible introduction of shaving cream. Looking out the
kitchen window made it more enjoyable, too.

To show that new experiences are really and truly FUN, we
finished up shaving cream time with water time... something
he already loves! And yes, he had great fun scrubbing everything
down. We like to do our "sensory play" in the sink: cuts down on the
mess, contains him so he can't run away from new things, and allows
us to finish unpleasant experiences with the pleasant experience of water.

March 15th

I love Saturdays. I love Saturdays because I can switch from "zone-defense" parenting to "man-to-man defense" parenting. Having Scott here makes a huge difference. Plus, I get to go to the grocery story: all.by.myself. Heaven. Pure heaven. Today we also went to the library (inner-city libraries are terrifyingly germy!), and met a pro-life group outside of Planned Parenthood. Yes, that's a good story, I promise you.

Grant has his own shelf on our downstairs bookshelf.
The hope is that someday his joy of creating chaos by
pulling every book off this shelf will be exchanged
for the joy of reading... We hope...

Bets and Mommy selfie.

One selfie too many! This has been Bets' default setting
this week. Poor baby girl has developed raging reflux.
Her periods of peace are few and far between. But we both
enjoy them when they happen. :) (P.S. Isn't her face a riot?! I love
my little garden gnome... always good for a dramatic over-reaction.
Just like her mama...)

March 16th

This was my first Sunday "solo." We tried to pick up Scott's car yesterday, but the shop was unexpectedly closed. So, Scott headed out at 7:30, while I fed and clothed the babies. Thanks to an afternoon of cleaning, baking, and prepping on Saturday, it went fairly smoothly. Then, Scott came back at 9:30 and picked us up and escorted us to church. It was like a "soft-open" for next week when I'll have to load (and unload) them both in my car by myself.

Sunday was such a joy. I still only see a bit of the service, because regardless of what I finagle, Bets always wants to eat during the sermon, but it was wonderful to talk to people before and after. I feel like I'm slowly rejoining the land of the living after months of sickness and sleeplessness.

In the evening our house filled up with teenagers and leaders... It was another Student Small Group Sunday. I enjoyed chatting with different teen-ladies before taking the babies up to bed. Bets was good enough to snooze so I could actually find out what was going on with several of the girlies. I haven't been able to do that, and I missed it so much! Having a house full of people is one of my happy times. I love the idea of creating a safe, refreshing haven for people to become re-energized and motivated to serve our Savior. I keep praying that our home will be that for many people...

Full living room...

A Parenting Flow-Chart... Wouldn't that be nice?

I've been reading this book lately...

Editorial Note: I am not recommending,
nor condemning this book. I think Mr. Tripp
makes some excellent points. I also think that
he leaves certain aspects of parenting largely
untouched (i.e. grace). However, if you want
a comprehensive book on parenting... read your Bible.
You won't find all the answers in any book written
by man. If you think you have... reread it with more discernment.

Call me crazy, but two babies, ages one and under, make me nervous about my current parenting wisdom. Before Bets came, when it was just Grant, I would frequently cry outside his bedroom, wondering if I had parented well. Wondering if I had invested parenting energies efficiently. Wondering if I was modeling for my baby Christ's love and grace.

Add another child.

And my neuroses increased.

Now I have two little hearts. Two little souls. Two little bodies. To care for. To nurture. To teach. To love.

It's at once a huge blessing and an astronomical assignment.

Right after Bets was born, a friend visited and we were discussing this book. I was excited about the philosophical encouragement it gave to redeem every single moment and the challenge that my life needed to be focused passionately on a Savior before I could expect my children's lives to follow His. I thought it was hugely helpful.

She didn't agree.

With a sigh, she handed the book back to me and said, "It's okay. I guess. I just feel like he wasn't specific enough. I need to know exactly what to say and do in different situations."

I nodded. I knew exactly how she felt. And I agreed.

With a sigh, I put the book down and went on with our conversation.

But something niggled. It didn't sit right. I kept replaying this conversation over and over in my mind. There was something I was supposed to say. There was something that wasn't lining up just right...

And then it clicked.

Of course there's no manual, no flow-chart, no decision-making matrix for parenting! What a ridiculous thing for God to provide. After all, composing such a chart would be an astronomical headache. There's no way you could account for every scenario, every response, every heart motive.

But more than the logistics... if it existed, it would destroy one of the key purposes of parenting.

I'm convinced that God designed parenting not just to raise children, but to "raise parents." Total terror, a complete lack of knowledge, a desperate cry for wisdom... it pushes you to your knees. It drives you into The Word. It makes you depend on the Creator.

True wisdom, the ability to respond with grace, discipline, and forgiveness, the modeling of Christ for your children... that can only come when you immerse yourself in the Word and cry out to the Giver of wisdom.

That's why no parenting book has all the answers. That's why there isn't a flow-chart for you to follow. That's why parenting is hard.

It drives you back to your Savior.

This task is impossible.

Without God.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

{James 1:5}

Photo Journal {March 3rd-9th, 2014}

Babies grow so quickly!

Of course, both of mine started smaller and took a little bit longer to catch onto the whole idea of growing... but even with that extra time in babyhood, I'm still amazed at how quickly time passes and how rapidly my babies change!

So, I'm starting something new. It may not last. It probably won't. Consistency is not my strong point, but I'm giving it a try.

I'm combining two goals: 1) more consistent writing, and 2) developing photography skills. I'm doing this through a weekly "photo journal." I'm trying to use my camera on a daily basis and to capture moments of the day with only a handful of words. (Should be interesting. Brevity in writing is another weakness.)

March 3rd

Today the in-laws left... We've had help with the two babies for almost 5 weeks. That's unbelievable. I can't believe how blessed I am in my parents and how loved my precious little babies are.

In other news, Grant had his first donut today! He loved it. (Proof once again that he was meant to be our son--deep fried goodness is a mutual love.) Grandpa Keith introduced him to a blueberry cake donut. Grant, in his glee, pulverized the majority of his donut, but a large majority still managed to make it into his mouth!

March 4th

It was our first full day officially "solo." I honestly wasn't too fazed by the idea. Poor Grandma Marcia had been very sick for 3 days during her stay, so I had gotten a taste of what a day without help was going to be like. Parenting two children, ages one and under, just means you adjust your expectations. Today, I had a hot dinner for the hubby, the house was picked up, and I did one load of laundry. We'll call that an epic success.

(But there is no pic for this day... once again, adjusting expectations. "Super Mom" looks different at different stages.)

March 5th

This morning Scott had a counseling case. Bets has been ravenous lately (and yet she stays so small!), and Grant had just adjusted to having an afternoon nap instead of a morning nap, so I wasn't going to mess that up... So, instead of the babies napping while I sat in with Scott, we went upstairs to play (and eat), while he continued counseling. 

Grant has learned that when Bets cries,
we put things in her mouth. Here he
is attempting to soothe her with a bottle
of baby shampoo. Mommy quickly intervened.

He's a very considerate big brother. He takes frequent
breaks from playing to come check on her. And whenever
she cries, he rushes over to pat her head and find her
pacifier. She, in return loves him, and even his most brutal "love
pats" make her smile. She doesn't cry if Grant is looking at her.

To pass the time, we made our very first tent-fort!

But of course, it was more fun to turn toothbrush holders into
musical instruments than it was to play in the fort.

Bets is a very chill baby. As long as she knows that people
are nearby, she'll nap peacefully in the sunshine.

March 6th

We took our first "run" today! Mommy is woefully out of shape, and all she had to wear were too-big pregnancy yoga pants... so every couple steps we had to slow-down to "adjust" the pants! It was only a short run, the weather was still chilly, I was out of shape, and the babies weren't entirely sure if they liked the stroller, but getting out of the house was glorious. I'm so thankful for this double stroller gift from both sets of grandparents! I plan on taking it to church, so that I can navigate diaper bags, babies, snacks, and a large church foyer  without loosing my cool (or sweating off my make-up).

March 7th

Once again, a day with no picture. And in all honesty, I remember almost nothing about this day... Other than the fact that I was super-excited that we got to go to bed at 8 p.m. We watched an episode of "Numbers" while I fed Bets, and then fell asleep. This elation over an early bedtime probably means I'm old before my time.

March 8th

Our first ever "Family Fun Day!" or, as we called them pre-babies, "A Great Explore." Scott scheduled a family day for this day... so nothing else was to take over. I'm so thankful for hubby that's very intentional in his loving of his wife and children. For breakfast, Scott made us all waffles with Maple-Peach compote. We then packed up the babies and headed to Valley Forge! I still can't get over the fact that I live less than 15 minutes from so much history... I love this country. And I love being in the cradle of her liberty. I can't wait to explore more and more as the kiddies grow!

The men... quite happy in their exploration of some historic remains.
Grant still isn't sure if he likes strollers, but he loves being carried around by Dad.

Bets and I "cuddled" the whole walk with the help of our Moby. (It's ahhhhhmazing!)
The weather was perfect, and walking alongside the river, through the trees, you could
almost feel spring arriving.

Scott then took me to a music store to buy viola strings. With a high-pressure job and a costly adoption, playing the viola has taken the back seat. But as of today, I have new strings! I can't wait to brush up on my (very rusty) skills! 

We had another treat.... eating out at Wendy's for lunch, and after we got home, Scott sent me upstairs to nap. Such an amazing day! Can't wait for our next "Great Explore"!

March 9th

Another day with no picture. **sigh**

I will get better at this!

This was our first Sunday at church as a family of four. We arrived 45 minutes early, I got to enjoy about 15 minutes of worship before Bets needed to eat, and it was so lovely to see all the wonderful church family that have loved us so well during this transition. I sometimes feel like the "invisible pastor's wife." Since coming out here, I've been sick, and then had a baby. Neither of these are conducive to getting plugged in and serving, but our church family has been so gracious. Can't wait for next Sunday!

Elizabeth Wynne {Newborn Photo Gallery}

When each Blake baby was born, my parents selected a psalm. We children referred to these psalms through the years as "our psalms." I have mine (Psalm 103) memorized, not so much from personal discipline, but rather from constant turning to this passage during the past 25ish years.

When Scott and I became parents, we continued this tradition with Grant. I chose Psalm 145. When Bets announced that she was coming, Scott chose Psalm 16.

As I walk you through these pictures of our adorable new package, I've coupled the pictures with a verse from "Bets' psalm." These verses have been a very present help during pregnancy sickness and late night feedings. I pray they may be "Bettina's" life cry.


{As a side note... I love the varied facial expressions of my baby girl. She was not designed to do the classic "sleeping newborn" poses. She has loved performing almost from birth... and her faces provide almost constant amusement to her parents. Hope you enjoy as well!}

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
    in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
    or take their names on my lips.

{Her face of terror just happened to be paired with this verse... hilarious!}

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.

I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
    my flesh also dwells secure.

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
    or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

Bets: our tiny package of joyful drama.

A Family of Four {The First Month}

Well, our house is now "empty."

After five wonderful weeks of Grandma, Grandpa, Oma, Opa, aunties and uncles... we are all alone. Just the four of us.

The past month has been a blur of learning and sleeplessness. It's been much easier than when we did the same thing with the Grantopatomus. I want to believe that the "easiness" has come as a result of increased spiritual maturity on my part. That's what I want to believe. I did walk into this period of sleeplessness better prepared--I had verses to meditate on, a Bible reading plan, and a commitment to mental and spiritual discipline.

But in the end, it was the grace of God, not all my striving... He knew I needed spiritual rest. And He graciously provided it when I sought it.

The Lord is my provider.

That's what I've learned this month.

I can do everything "right." And it doesn't matter. God calls the shots. He provides and withholds as He sees fit.

I learned this in His willingness to provide spiritual rest. And I learned this in His allowing physical difficulties for my little baby girl. Wee Bets is still not at her birth weight. I did everything "right." And God, who is the ultimate provider, decided that my baby would stay small, that breastfeeding would be a massive challenge, and that feedings every hour (even through the night!) wouldn't be enough to boost her weight.

Now, armed with internal peace and a small syringe/medical tubing to feed my baby, I think we're finally on the upward trajectory. We'll find out on Thursday at our doctor's appointment!

(One of these days, I will have a fat infant... But so far, my children seem determined to test my sanctification by being incredibly small and difficult to feed.)

Because stringing words together is still a challenge, I've decided to finish off a summary of this past month with pictures. I've countless other thoughts tumbling around in my head, but I'll wait until they can be more coherently produced.

Meeting Oma at the hospital!

Tia Julie and her newest niece... 

"Umm... what is this?" 

Our precious "Bettina"

Helping Daddy with a project. A 124 year-old house means he'll get lots of opportunities to learn!

Playing in the toolbox Daddy made when he was little.

Little "Chicka-Bee" meeting Opa

Of course, a visit from Uncle Teej guaranteed that Grantlet wouldn't be neglected.

This was not staged. They both clearly enjoy napping.

Fighting for his title of "the cool uncle."

Imbibing the Grantopatomus with a love of hats.

Wee Bets and "cool Uncle Teej."

Whirling across the floor in a diaper box... Opa is so COOL!

Like we said... Opa is so cool. Mad grandparenting skills.

Meeting Grandma Marcia! (Baby is our own Little Miss Bug-Eyes!)

Meeting Grandpa Keith!

Exploring the most amazing bubble machine of all time.

Loving our Moby wrap... Baby heaven, Mommy multi-tasking.

Cuddles with Daddy-o.

Milk-drunk baby... Our daughter is quite the ham.

Learning to use a fork! (Although, we prefer to use it as a baton, as opposed to an eating utensil.)

In case anyone was worried... The Grantopatomus didn't suffer from a lack of attention.

Daddy/daughter nap time.

Stay tuned for our next post: Newborn pics of "Bettina," "Wee Bets," "Chicka-Bee," "Betsy-Boo-Boo."

It's a miracle my children ever learn their given names...