12.21.2010

It's a ...

....................GIRL!!! Somehow Jacob and I both knew it, but what a sweet and exciting thing for us! We couldn't be more happy. We are so thankful that our baby girl looks healthy and perfect! What an exciting day for both of our moms as well...they got to experience finding out with us!



tiny foot...


We didn't get a great picture of her pretty profile, but we enjoyed seeing her keep her fist up by her face most of the time, and open and close her mouth like she was laughing at us! How fun...we are just extremely THANKFUL to our Lord who has given this child to us. We are continually amazed by His blessings and faithfulness. We are praying for the wisdom to be the parents God wants us to be!

Plus the doctor also is putting me at 21 weeks and 2 days...a full week ahead...so May 1st is baby girl's due date!

Next step...decide on a NAME! What a huge decision...

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.  Jeremiah 1:5


12.20.2010

20 weeks - HALFWAY...big day tomorrow

How many weeks? 20.  Baby is about 6.5 inches long (head to rump), 10 inches (head to heel), and weighs about 8.5oz, as long as a banana! We are half way there! That's a pretty great feeling!


How am I feeling?  GREAT! Sleep is getting harder, I'm waking up more and having to pee all the time...
Doctor’s Appointment? TOMORROW! There will be a post hopefully later this week or early next to let you know the sex of baby M.
Weight Gain?  According to babycenter.com I should have already gained 10 pounds and should expect to gain a pound every week until the baby comes. OMG! Well, I don't think I've gained 10 pounds yet, but we will see tomorrow!
Baby Preparation? I think we'll start in January! Got some ideas though!
Likes/Dislikes?  Like sweets still, and it's just funny how when something sounds good, I want to eat it right then. This past weekend, all I wanted was movie popcorn...we weren't impressed with the movies out, so we sat at home, rented a movie, and had microwave popcorn for dinner...then Jacob took me out for ice cream afterwards...this is very out of the ordinary for my husband! He's being pretty amazing during the pregnancy so far ;)

12.15.2010

19 week update

How many weeks? 19.  Baby is about 6 inches long (head to rump) and weighs about 8.5oz. (I do recognize the fact that my ticker at the top thinks baby is bigger at 10 1/2 oz...must be based on the extra days? I do know that baby is about to hit a huge growth spurt!), about the size of an heirloom tomato! His or her sensory development is exploding! The brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research even says that baby may be able to hear my voice now...so cool!





How am I feeling?  Still feeling pretty good! I am really feeling the baby moving more and more everyday. I love the little flutters and can't wait for more!
Doctor’s Appointment? We go back to the doctor on the 21st/ 20 weeks to find out if baby is a boy or girl and to get a full body scan where they check to make sure every part is there and healthy! Jacob and I both are thinking GIRL...what do you all think?
Weight Gain?  I've had to gain something...I like to eat again ;) And the belly is there, although I am pretty happy that it hasn't taken over just yet!
Baby Preparation? I think we'll start in January! Got some ideas though!
Likes/Dislikes?  I really am disliking tomato sauce. I guess it's too acidic and causes the worst indigestion ever! I love CHOCOLATE COKE FLOATS with caffeine free coke, of course!

I would love to hear any of your thoughts on what baby M is gonna be! My homegroup right now is 1/3- GIRL and 2/3-BOY! Interesting!

12.09.2010

18 week update

So I'm going to try and attempt to keep this questionnaire up weekly throughout the pregnancy. I can't promise pictures every week. I'm having a hard time getting those done, but maybe every few weeks I will post a picture of the growing tummy/baby!

How many weeks? 18.  Baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and weighs about 7oz., about the size of a bell pepper!



How am I feeling?  I am feeling great! So happy to just be here with this sweet baby growing and growing in my tummy!
Doctor’s Appointment? We go back to the doctor on the 21st/ 20 weeks to find out if baby is a boy or girl and to get a full body scan where they check to make sure every part is there and healthy!
Weight Gain?  Well, I don't weigh myself at home, I don't even own a scale. I probably should though. But according to my last doctor visit I was still down 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, after all the nausea and vomiting the first 3 months. I'm pretty sure now I have gained that back, but we will see in less than 2 weeks.
Baby Preparation?  Absolutely nothing. I think once we know if Baby McFarland is going to be a boy or a girl it will be sinking in and my to-do list will start to grow. So far we've been pretty hesitant and cautious with our plans.
Likes/Dislikes?  My normal appetite is pretty much back, except I’m wanting more carbs and dessert lately.  Oh well, what baby wants, baby gets, right?

11.25.2010

Our rainbow baby at 16 weeks and counting...

For those of you who haven't heard the definition of a rainbow baby, here it is according to some other babyloss mom's out there:

"Rainbow Babies" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.


 I must say that I am so thankful this Thanksgiving morning to be enjoying this time with our rainbow baby growing and growing in my tummy, and also thankful for the sweet baby that came before. God has blessed Jacob and I more than we could ever imagine! We are thankful for the wonderful families that God has given us as well. They love and support us so much! They can't wait for this little one to arrive. 


We went to the doctor yesterday for our 16 week check-up...we got to hear the baby's heartbeat again. That's an amazing sound. I will never get tired of hearing that lub-dub! We are anxiously waiting the next Dr. visit where we will get a good look at baby and hopefully find out if we will be having a boy or girl! Then the reality will sink in and we can start planning and nesting and preparing for BABY! Maybe later on today I will take a picture of my 16 week tummy...just now starting to show :)

11.17.2010

Lately...

Hi all, so sorry to have neglected the blog for a while, but I have a pretty good excuse! Most of you are already well aware, but for those who aren't, Jacob and I are expecting again. It has been a huge blessing, but also a time for me to be very hesitant because of my previous experience. I trust that the Lord is taking very good care of the baby growing in my tummy, but that doesn't stop me from being hesitant or extra careful of my feelings and heart.

Currently we are 15 weeks along! WhooHoo! The first 12 weeks were pretty bad with lots of nausea and vomiting. I even lost weight during that time, but I hope I start to gain the right weight and show soon! So far, the only picture we have is an 8 week blurry picture of the little bean, but last Thursday I unexpectedly got admitted into the ER with kidney stones, and since we had to make sure the baby was ok, we got to see him. (My dad called the baby him, even though we couldn't tell and won't know for sure for another 4 weeks, so I'll call the baby him too!) The baby was wonderful! I unfortunately didn't get to bring home any pics, but what we (my mom, dad, and me) saw was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes! I wish Jacob would have gotten to see it, but he was in Midland while I was sick here. My kidneys are feeling better, but that was an awful amount of pain that really freaked me out!

I go to the doctor next week for a doppler, and then as a great Christmas present we will get a sonogram and find out if we are having a boy or girl! I can't wait! I'm sure I will stay busy with Thanksgiving and all the Christmas shopping I have to do! Also, I will try to stay more updated on the blog, and post some pics here and there!

Love,

10.15.2010

remembering our baby...

Every time I look at the little ticker at the top of the screen reminding me how many days it's been since we lost our baby, it's it also a reminder of the joy that baby brought us, if only for a short time.  And for those family members and close friends who actually read my blog, I realized something tonight when I was remembering this little one. Today would be the exact day in this pregnancy that I lost the baby in the last one. This exact day. It's amazing how God works. How awesome His timing is. How He constantly shows me that He is here with me. How He cares so deeply for me. How His love is shining through this new rainbow baby. How He is faithful and redeems. So with all that said, I am thankful to have had this experience. Our glory baby has ministered to our hearts more than most people we know.  Our baby taught me I control nothing, even though I think I do. I couldn't protect or do anything different to save his/her life. I felt helpless, and it was good for me.  God gave us hope through our tears. Hope that our little one is in heaven with our King, hope that out of pain comes a closer walk with Jesus and a hope of heaven.


I took these pictures tonight because it's all the physical reminder I have left of our glory baby. But what sweet reminders they are. And I lit a small candle in honor of McBaby and all the other angel babies out there. Thank you all for your love and support!




10.11.2010

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month/Day

Not long after my miscarriage, I started researching it and found out many things, including the fact that October 15 is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. That day is quickly approaching and I want any of you who would like to to participate with me. All you have to do is at 7 pm, light a candle for our sweet angel baby or for one of your own. So many good things have been happening to us since this loss, and there will be more details in a few weeks, but I will never forget my time of happiness and grief that we had with our first sweet baby.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, lots of things going on, and like I said, I will update in a couple weeks. In the meantime, you might get a few posts here and there of random things. I will probably post on this again on the 15th, but I wanted to give you all a heads up who might want to participate.

9.14.2010

Jeremiah 31:3

I came across this verse and it totally touched my heart! What an amazing love our Heavenly Father has for us! And what a love to strive for in our lives with our family, friends, and everyone in this world. I feel this love for our lost angel baby as well as our rainbow baby! 


I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with faithful love. Jeremiah 31:3


Once again I am reminded of His faithfulness! Happy Tuesday everyone!

9.12.2010

giver of life

We sang these words again at church today...and just as they touched me the first time I heard them, they touched me even more today. I hope you read the words and see the significance for me. I'm so thankful for the Lord and His faithfulness to us!


Who, oh Lord, could save themselves, 
Their own soul could heal? 
Our shame was deeper than the sea 
Your grace is deeper still 

Who, oh Lord, could save themselves, 
Their own soul could heal? 
Our shame was deeper than the sea 
Your grace is deeper still 

You alone can rescue, You alone can save 
You alone can lift us from the grave 
You came down to find us, led us out of death 
To You alone belongs the highest praise 

You, oh Lord, have made a way 
The great divide You heal 
For when our hearts were far away 
Your love went further still 
Yes, your love goes further still 

You alone can rescue, You alone can save 
You alone can lift us from the grave 
You came down to find us, led us out of death 
To You alone belongs the highest praise 
To You alone belongs the highest praise
To You alone belongs the highest praise

We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes 
You’re the Giver of Life 
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes 
You’re the Giver of Life 
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes 
You’re the Giver of Life 
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes 
You’re the Giver of Life 
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes 
You’re the Giver of Life 
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes 
You’re the Giver of Life 
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes 
You’re the Giver of Life 
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes 
You’re the Giver of Life 

You alone can rescue, You alone can save 
You alone can lift us from the grave 
You came down to find us, led us out of death 
To You alone belongs the highest praise 
To You alone belongs the highest praise
To You alone belongs the highest praise



I sure am praising Jesus today! But I will not forget the past few months of my life. I think about our baby everyday. Just wanting to hold her (by holding my tummy), talk to her, feel her kick, and imagine what things would be like with her here. And though I'm still sad that she's gone, I'm blessed by what God has shown me through this experience and what He has given me in the process! Thanks to you all for your continued prayers and support.

9.02.2010

His Promise...

Yesterday on the way to dinner Jacob and I saw the biggest, most beautiful rainbow. It was a complete rainbow and at some angles it was a double rainbow. I haven't seen a rainbow like this in the "city" since we moved here, 3+ years ago. We were blessed with them more growing up in the "country"!

I felt God's presence all around me. I was amazed and in awe. He was showing me once again that He is right here with us, He won't leave us... He reminded me of His promise to us once again. That rainbow was a sign to me that He is going to give us a healthy, living rainbow baby one day!

I'll leave you with some pics of the beauty...bear in mind it was mostly through car windows with rain drops, and that the rainbow was so big, I couldn't get a single shot of it's entirety. The last one is my favorite. Hope you all enjoy!










8.22.2010

my angel...

I received the most amazing gift today from a dear, sweet friend, Heather! I met Heather and her husband, Jason, on their first day at our church, Providence. They also are in our homegroup as well, and our friendship has been so amazing. I love how the Lord puts people in our lives at the right time. I believe that Heather and Jason were totally given to us by the Lord!
I mentioned one Sunday to Heather about how much I loved her necklace. This was right after we found out that we lost our baby. In her thoughtfulness of me and my already deep love I had for my child, she gave me her necklace with a few additions...I cannot explain what wearing these necklaces will mean to me. While it doesn't replace my baby, it does help me heal and be proud to say I have an angel baby in Heaven! Thank you so much Heather!!! This gift means the world to me. I love you!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.


This first necklace was the one she was actually wearing at church, she added the sweet charm with the date I miscarried and the word angel. So sweet. 





This second necklace she made with a little bit bigger charm, same wording, but alone, so I could wear it whenever I wanted. I have a feeling one of them will always be on me!






I've prayed about posting the events of the actual day I miscarried. Right now, I feel that it is still too hard for me to completely write out. I still have nightmares of that horrible night. It was a night when I was all alone, scared, confused, and devastated. That night turned into an early morning...so technically the date on the necklace could be the 25th or the 26th. I'm pretty sure I knew most of the day on the 25th I was losing the baby, but not until that night did I physically miscarry. I was in the ER from about 1:30 am - 4:30 am on the 26th. So I consider the last day with my baby to be the 25th. That day will forever be a sad day for me...

But for now, I am so thankful to Heather who has given me such a sweet reminder of my precious one. My angel baby will forever be in my heart, and now around my neck for others to see! 

8.18.2010

concert going with the 'rents

I told you guys I would post pics of the Brad Paisley/Darius Rucker concert that we went to a few weekends ago with my parents. We had fun, but it was HOT! I've never sweated so much just sitting in a chair...

Our favorite by far was Darius Rucker who is formerly Hootie from Hootie and the Blowfish! There aren't many good pics of the performers, but I got lots of us and that's all that really counts. 

I love my mom and dad! I'm so happy that they aren't too far away, and that they love to do things like going to concerts...I don't know where I would be in this journey without both of them. They have cried with me, laughed with me, and given me so much love and wisdom. They are enjoying these moments of "just the two of them" like I mentioned in my last post. They have gotten both daughters married off and are enjoying being by themselves again...but I know they can't wait for the day to love on a new grandbaby. And, Lord willing, that will happen one of these days. They will be amazing grandparents!

Enjoy the pics!

My mom & dad: Bruce & Marcy

Jacob & I


Me & mom, love that sunflair!



Darius!!!


We are sooooo hot, sweating with red faces, nice look!





And a random shot of the cake I made mom, dad, and mo for their birthday celebration! 



Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and encourages me everyday to continue. I love you all!

8.17.2010

my joy!

I'm writing today because I feel lead to. I had a much needed heart to heart this morning with my Creator and I want to share that with all of you! As many of you know the last 2 months since my miscarriage, I have grieved…privately and publicly. Many days have been filled with tears, but not just tears, actual weeping, for our loss. There have been so many questions and doubts. I try to be faithful and rely on my Lord, but I feel that in my deepest, darkest moments, I have been attacked by the enemy. My head and heart have been filled with lies and heartache. I have not fully handed this loss over to God. 

I want to do that now…or well, I did it this morning. I realize that God did not do this to me, but He IS there with me, weeping and comforting me. He is holding our sweet baby and knows them by name, even when we don't. He rejoices in my baby, and He promises to bring joy after our suffering. 

I feel like I have made this situation more about me, selfishly, than it should be. I realize that I should grieve for my child, and rightfully so, but I should quit feeling sorry for myself. There are many people involved in this loss other than me. My husband lost his first child, my parents lost their first grandbaby, my sister lost her first niece or nephew, my grandmother lost her first great-grandbaby, and so forth and so on. I apologize for making this more about my loss than any others. I love you all and can't wait for the day when we all will get that first. Well, but it won't be first, because we will never forget our first. It will be our first living, redeeming rainbow baby! Just thinking of that day makes me smile. Jesus gives me the thoughts of that day and brings me peace and comfort of the things to come. 

So on to the real purpose of this post, Jesus really opened my eyes this morning on my way to work. As I was enjoying the fact that I LOVE driving to work, LOVE my job/career, and I LOVE my Jesus, He laid something on my heart. In the stillness of the morning, I was actually walking into the hospital, facing the sunrise, and He spoke to me. He showed me what I can rejoice and be happy in during this time in my life when all I have been is sad and angry. Even if I feel like many days I can't or don't want to go on, I need to, because I have my purpose here. It's nothing new, I do it everyday, but God showed me that I need to be a light for Him through my compassion and love for children. He made me see that my job and my relationships with my patients are the things I need to be happy in. I have been unbelievably blessed by my new job, and wouldn't want to do anything else right now. My babies right now, are the sweet little ones and big ones that I care for everyday. 

He also showed me that the moments Jacob and I have right now, alone together are precious and sweet. One day it won't be just the two of us. And I haven't even thought about how it would be when it's not just us to worry about. Maybe God's preparing me for that :) He's wanting me enjoy the life I have now before He blesses us with one of our own. For now, Duke is taking all the spoiling. He has been an incredible puppy dog. His love for us and our love for him is something to take joy in. 

He made me think of my family and friends that have been blessings to me. We wouldn't be here today without all your love, prayers, friendship, support, and understanding. YOU all are what makes me happy! 

He reminded me of His own love and the sacrifice He made for me. He told me I am never alone in my suffering. He tells me He has plans and hope for my future. He provides grace and mercy when I need it most. He forgives…and REDEEMS! Thank you, thank you, thank you Jesus!

I feel like He has given me peace and calmed my fears for the future. He promises me that He is right beside me at all times. He knows the desires and needs of my heart even when I don't or can't express them. My flesh wants to worry about what will happen the next time or if there will be a next time, but I know that I must have faith in my Jesus and the plans He has for me and Jacob. I just pray that I can be who he wants and needs me to be for Him throughout my life. No doubt I will fail, but his forgiveness and faithfulness will see me through! 

Thank you Jesus for speaking to me and showing me that there are so many joys in my life despite my current situation of despair. I will rejoice in YOU and the blessings you have given me. 

I'll leave you with a song by Dave Barnes that has meant a lot to me lately…




lyrics:

We will have love, we will have pain 
There will be days and days and days that feel the same 
We will have fear, we will have joy 
And maybe little girls and little boys 


We will have friends, we will have peace 
There will be nights of lights and music 'til you sleep 
We will be strong, we will still break 
We'll live through so much more than we could take 

Amen Amen 
With the dawn, we all begin again 
Amen Amen 
What is done, and yet to come 
Amen 

We will have hope, we will have doubt 
There will be memories we could never live without 
We will have tears, but there will be grace 
There will be prayers that we never thought we'd pray 

Amen Amen 
With the dawn, we all begin again 
Amen Amen 
What is done, and yet to come 
Amen 

In the sun or the storms, the flood or the flames 
Let everything come, and I'm the one to blame 
In heartache or hope I swear I'll say, I'll say 

Amen Amen 
With the dawn, we all begin again 
Amen Amen 
What is done, and yet to come 
Amen




love you guys!

8.13.2010

my new normal...a constant aching in my heart...

i've been hurting a lot lately. my heart physically aches. i thought it would get easier, but lately i've been super emotional and cannot go an hour without thinking about our precious baby and the what if's. all around me, my friends are pregnant or having babies, and that is what i want more than anything. it's been a confusing and trying time. i'm just not sure where my heart is. sometimes it feels like it's in a deep, dark hole with no way out. i've gotten a few books that i have been reading about miscarriage and infant loss. they have helped me pray prayers to God when i didn't have the words. i also have special family and friends who continually pray for me. i'm needing it more now than i have been. i haven't been sleeping well, so pray that God will comfort me so that i can get a restful sleep.

we are really close to being able to start TTC (trying to conceive) again. i am ready for that, and hopefully God will redeem what is lost in our lives through a rainbow baby! i've found a really cool blog called faces of loss, faces of hope, click the button to the right below to get there. i feel very strongly about submitting my picture and information. i want to have my story out there and be a glimmer of hope for someone else who may be going through what i am. i haven't decided if i do it now or at a later date, when we are blessed with a baby, but it will be a goal of mine to get done. 

i want to leave you all with a letter that a mother wrote to her angel daughter up in heaven after dealing with her loss...it kinda feels like where i am at the moment. sorry for some of the "graphicness of it, but we're all adults here, and yes it happens this way occasionally."

Dear Stevie,
Sometimes I feel like I've recently mastered a whole new language. No, not Chinese. No, not Spanish (two years in middle school and four years in high school, and I still can't do more than tell you my name and that "I am wearing a blue shirt"). No. The language I now consider myself fluent in is the language of Baby Loss.

The Secret Land of Baby Loss really is it's own little world. When I first entered this place, it took me awhile to figure out what was going on, what all these "rainbows" and "triggers" and "new normals" were about.

So I figured someone should come up with a little glossary of commonly used terms for this place. A crash-course for new residents and foreigners alike. Rosetta Stone for the language of Baby Loss, if you will.

Here it is.

Rainbow baby: Contrary to what you might assume, a rainbow baby is not a baby whose parents do not care to find out the gender (you know, like they don't care if it's pink or blue...or purple or yellow...). A rainbow baby is not the child of gay or lesbian parents. It's not just a particularily bright and cheery child either. A rainbow baby is a baby born after a loss. A "rainbow" after the horrible storm that is having your child die. A rainbow baby will never "replace" your lost child (a fact that certain friends and family will remind you of on many, many occasions), but it will help patch up the hole in your heart that they left behind.

Noun: "I am really hoping I get my rainbow baby soon!"

Eventually, you're desire for one of these "rainbow babies" will almost certainly turn into an obsession. When (not if) it does, you'll need to become familiar with the following terms:


  • TTC: Trying to conceive. You may think how do you really "try" for a baby? I mean besides the obvious. There are more ways than you could ever imagine. Handstands, butt-propping pillows, lube that comes with plastic "applicators" that can only be described as little plastic turkey basters. While "TTC," you may find yourself eating the cores of pineapples, trading your evening wine for a nice big glass of raspberry leaf tea, and talking about your "cervical mucus" as if it were a normal, everyday topic of conversation.
  • 2ww: The two week wait. The approximately 14-day time period between Oing (ovulating) and getting AF (the evil Ant Flow, your period) or a BFP (big fat positive). It's called the 2ww, but it always ends up being more like an 8-day wait, because you'll no doubt start taking pregnancy tests everyday, using FMU (first morning urine), of course, starting at about 8DPO (days past ovulation).
Triggers. No, this has nothing to do with guns. In the Secret Land of Baby Loss, triggers are the little, everyday moments that "trigger" you to think about your lost baby and get really, really sad. These can be big, obvious things like holding a newborn, or finding yet another Babies R Us coupon in your mailbox, or smaller, less conspicuous things like eating a food you remember eating while pregnant, or hearing someone talk about their child's upcoming first day of kindergarten. Triggers are unavoidable and can (and will) strike at any time. You can do your best to stay clear of places and situations where you know they'll be present (baby showers and first birthday parties are a good place to start), but they will still find you, often when you least expect it.

Noun: "My triggers include little girls with curly hair and babies with blue eyes."

The New Normal. After the initial 4-6 weeks after losing your baby, you'll most likely to go back to some sort of daily routine. You'll greatly resemble a normal human being, but you'll never be the same again. Your life as you know it will be forever changed. In this new life of yours, it will be "normal" to wake up crying most mornings. It will be "normal" to keep your eyes peeled to the ground when you walk through Target so that you don't accidentally catch a glimpse of a pregnant lady. It will be "normal" to feel a slight ache in your heart from the minute you wake up, to the moment you go to sleep at night. All of these things will become "normal," everyday occurrences, nothing more unusual than brushing your teeth or taking the dogs on a walk. Take a shower. Cry yourself to sleep. It's all just a part of your "new normal."

Noun: "Resisting the urge to bring up my dead daughter in every conversation I have is just a part of my new normal."

Angelversary: The day your child went to heaven and "became an angel." Even if you're not into the whole angel thing, calling that day their "Angelversary" sounds much better than calling it what it is: their "death day." The frequency at which you "celebrate" Angelversaries will vary as time goes on. Right after your baby dies, you will probably think of each day as its own Angelversary ("today is my baby's six-day Angelversary.") Eventually, it might change to remembering your baby's weekly Angelversary. Then, maybe monthly. One thing is certain: you will never, ever forget it.

Noun: "I can't believe Stevie's three-month Angelversary is coming up already."

What other terms should be added, dear readers?

Baby girl, I'm missing you bad tonight. Why couldn't I be mastering the language of "mommyhood" right now? I want to be an expert in Breastfeeding and Baby wearing and Elimination Communication. I want you here with me.

I love you.

Mom

so, now you know where my head and heart are at. please pray for this aching to dull even a little bit. by the way, more and more props to my husband everyday for the gentle, loving kindness he shows to me. he doesn't understand how i'm feeling, but i couldn't ask him to be more loving than he is right now. as a matter of fact, we are about to go on a date...dinner and a movie...and it was his idea! love you jacob! and love to you all who are staying updated with me and our story.

maybe next week i will post some pics of us and my parents at the Brad Paisley/Darius Rucker concert...

8.04.2010

Duke turns 2

Happy Birthday to my first baby, Duke! (Well, his actual birthday was on Monday, the 2nd, but we all celebrate birthdays on days other than the real day, right? Makes me feel like a bad mommy for putting it off, but he'll never even know!)
He is the cutest boxer boy you will ever see and he melts my heart all the time. It's amazing how the love of a puppy dog can make you smile and pick you up when you are down. Jacob and I have really been blessed with the best dog in the whole world!
I picked up a cute little doggie treat called the bulldog bone at this place called Three Dog Bakery in Plano. What a cool store! I'll let you enjoy the pics I took of him eating it!








He wanted that bone so bad!

It looked good enough for me to eat!



2 year old puppy dog! 



I can never get a good pic of us, but here's the one that isn't blurry!



LOL, it was so good!



His tongue was going non stop, not used to licking that icing! Yummy!

I wanted to buy him a cute birthday hat, but knew his daddy wouldn't go for it, so the only thing he got was the bone. But a yummy bone it was! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUKE! WE LOVE YOU!