Baby Tim

In order to give you the story of Baby #3, I have to start back to this fall around the time we were moving out of our house and into Nana and Poppa's house:

(he is right side up looking straight at you, belly is bottom circle head is top smaller circle)

 I distinctly remember sitting in the playroom with boxes around us when Garyn first mentioned that he wanted a baby brother. (probably late August) I also remember saying I wasn't sure if he would have one since mommy had a hard time with Ansley. And he was adamant that he wanted a baby brother since he already had a baby sister. Then a couple weeks later, we were in the car and he said "Momma, I'm still thinking about my baby brother." I chuckled and told him I really didn't know if it was possible for momma to have another one and even if so, we wouldn't be able to choose if it was a boy or girl. I also told him he would have to talk to God about that since He made that decision. He wanted to pray about it right then and there! So we did!  A third time (maybe late Sept.), also in the car, he said he was thinking about his baby brother again. I asked what about and he said, "I was thinking his name should be Baby Tim." I mean who is this kid and where is he coming up with this! (BTW he did a very similar prediction with Ansley, he just didn't name her) The only Tim we know is my uncle whom we see about every other month for maybe and hour or two. I can't think of any other person or character with that name.

All the while, we laughed about these conversations. Tyler's parents started asking us if there was a baby Tim coming they needed to know about. Which brings me to talk about what Tyler and I were deciding pertaining to baby #3........

As you know, or even if you don't, we struggled to get pregnant with Ansley. (read here) Once we were pregnant, we thought we would never prevent pregnancy again! It was such a struggle and hard time for us that it seemed crazy to not allow it to happen as natural as possible. Once Ansley came, though, we went back and forth on that decision. I knew I wanted another, at some time, Tyler started feeling happy with just two. So sometimes we did and sometimes we didn't prevent. It was just one of those subjects we didn't really discuss much, not that we argued about it but just that we knew we didn't want to go through fertility treatments again but also didn't know if we wanted Ansley to be an infant either when having a third. I, honestly, didn't know if it could happen. I didn't want to think about it much because I didn't want to get back in that hole of stressing over it. I trust God and just wanted to leave it up to Him.

I still give God the glory for Ansley and now for this one as well! I was not having regular menstrual cycles and was on no medication to regulate them. ( With both the others, I was at least on the basic med that kept me in a cycle) I thought I would not be able to get pregnant until I started back on that basic med used to control Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which I have. However, as I said, I really wasn't concentrating on it. About the time Ansley turned one, we became less and less worried about preventing and felt it would be ok if another came along.

To get on with this story...I know you are ready for me to! In the midst of Garyn talking about Baby Tim and us laughing about how crazy it would be if he was right; I became pregnant in the month of October. After Thanksgiving weekend and being really late, I took a test. I WASN'T expecting to see a positive. I just thought I was becoming more irregular and would need to start my meds soon. I was in shock and that lasted about a month actually! I just couldn't believe I was pregnant and we weren't really trying! Yes, I know, we weren't preventing so we technically were trying. BUT there were no meds, no charts, no timing to it! I conceived completely natural! I know this excitement seems wild to some, but it really was a great testament to how God blesses us when we trust in Him and His timing.

 

(I tried several times to flip this, but the small little circle in the middle of the pic is his boy part!)

 

Fast forward a few months, we are having a baby BOY due July 28th, which is 4 days after Garyn's 6th birthday. Garyn wasn't at all surprised that I was pregnant and that it was a boy. We continue to call him Baby Tim. It was only fitting that his name include it. Yes, Baby Tim will officially be Layne Timothy! Layne is the name Tyler has wanted for all three of our children. He has brought it up each time when we were first pregnant. I really like the name myself and decided it was time to let him have the honor of naming him. When it came to the middle name, we just couldn't decide on any family names (both Garyn and Ansley have our middle names). We jokingly kept saying we should just do Timothy since everyone was already calling him Tim. I felt Garyn had prayed for and named this baby boy before we even knew about him therefore he deserved to be able to name him! I think this will be a great story to tell Layne one day. :)

I still am shocked that we are actually having a third when we are in the midst of moving, if we are completely moved even. It is also right before school starts for Tyler and Garyn! Yes, I will be dealing with a newborn and a new kindergartner plus add a two year old to that mix! AND it will be football season for Tyler! AHHH! Saying all of that makes me feel overwhelmed. But I know God has this planned and its the best when its in His timing!

(not the best pic, but most recent)

I am 21 weeks now and have been feeling great. I am hungry more and am recently feeling tired more, but over all, it has been a breeze, so far! He will be here before we know it. I am trying to soak up this time with my two babies especially since this is Garyn's last year at home. Therefore, I really haven't been planning much for Layne's arrival. Being that we will hopefully be in a new house before then, I really can't do anything anyway. Like I said, Garyn is completely content with a baby brother. Ansley, on the other hand, has no clue! She will be hands on yet jealous, I feel. She loves babies but also likes for me to be completely available to hold and tend to her beck and call. It will be an adjustment for her, I know. Knowing God was in control of this timing, I feel less stressed. It will be great fun for us all!

Sweet Moments

The last 20 or so hours have given me some sweet moments to cherish....

In the past week, since the time change especially, I have spent a lot of time rocking my baby girl (soon to be 2!). She just doesn't want to go "nigh night" as she says. So she has started singing to me for a change, I guess! Last night, I was singing "Lullaby and...." , she shouts rather quickly "GOODNIGHT, GO TO SLEEP NOW MY BABY!" I couldn't help but laugh although I was ready for her to settle down to sleep. It's a precious memory I want to keep (even if it was 10 pm and she should have been sleeping!)

I had an early wake up call at 4 am by my oldest son (can't believe I'll have to start differentiating this...) because he was sick to his stomach. I spent the next 2 hours comforting him through three bouts of vomiting. While laying on the floor in his room, trying to steer clear of the virus, I realized this isn't where I should be. He was moaning and tossing some and I just crawled in his bed, next to him, to comfort as best I could. Besides, the fact that he drank out of my water bottle the day before, had already given me high probability of catching the virus.

Then a few hours later, I left my sick (but sleeping) son to go check on my unborn son (He and Ansley were safe with my dad, don't worry.) I had a scheduled appointment and was able to see him on ultrasound as usual. I love that I can see and feel him move during the ultrasounds. I am feeling him a lot more lately and stronger movements. I had the realization today that I now have 3 children to tend to.

These scenarios may not seem so sweet to some. But during all of them, I was reminded that I am right where I am supposed to be. I have dreamed of being a mom all my life, I still do! I love my 24/7 job even in the hard times when I make sacrifices to care for them. I envision I'll be making even more as the third comes but it'll all be worth it! I thank God for these 3 babies Tyler and I get to love and care for, He has blessed us for sure!

February to March: Intentional Recap

February is such a short month, isn't it! Those three days we miss out on seem like a week. However, I feel it was a great start towards my goal to being more Intentional in 2013. I felt more accomplished at the end of the day and that's a great feeling!

Of course, not everyday was peachy. I still had my lazy, unmotivated and unfocused days. However, most of the days I felt par for the course. Not because I accomplished so much but because I kept my priorities in line. I loved feeling good about playing with the kids; being positive and attentive while with Tyler; reading/ studying the bible; taking the time to call a few family members randomly to check in; hanging out with friends; and stretching every dollar. I was intentional to be in the moment and enjoy the task at hand.

(Ansley's new bow holder I made)

March should be just as successful!

1. Follow my Bible reading plan for March.
2. Continue reading Circle Maker- Can't wait!
3. Hang above bow holder
4. Meet with more friends for play dates/ lunch
5. Try to keep evenings for family time and not doing chores
6. Do Bible devotions with Garyn
7. Enjoy baseball season
8. Stop worrying about our next move, pray about it and let God reveal the answer
9. Focus on my scripture memory I have started
10. Listen to prayer needs and pray for them often

These may seem haphazardly listed, but I really am trying to focus on the small things. Being intentional about my everyday activities results in being more available for the unexpected and not feeling over run. I feel God is helping me to set my priorities straight and not busy my brain with all the unimportant thoughts or worries. Like I said, I don't go to bed wondering what happened that day. Yet, I feel more accomplished that I gave each task my all and don't regret wasted time. I just define wasted time differently when I am intentional about my goals! I guess I am trying to say that at times I feel if I can't say I have mopped, folded all the clothes, fixed so many meals and paid those bills then I haven't accomplished squat! Now, if I play Trouble with Garyn, sing songs with Ansley and check in on my Granny, I have done some meaningful yet intentional tasks that will resonate with all of us a lot longer then how many loads of laundry got done. I used to consider those wasted time, too. It's nice to be intentional about relationships rather than chores!

Hopefully, in 31 days I will feel just as good about intentional living!

Christmas Celebrations 2012

The anticipation of Christmas with Garyn was so fun this year. Plus, Tyler and I couldn't wait to announce the news of Baby #3! But as always it came and went by fast.

The Sunday before Christmas, pre-Christmas Eve, we had Christmas with Pop and Josh, Karen, Lorna and Lakelin out at my dad's house. It was our first group to show off the Big Brother/Big Sister shirts off. My dad was the first and he didn't quite let it sink in. I pointed out Ansley's shirt and he read it aloud, then said "Ohhh, I like your shirt!" I looked at him a little pointedly and his jaw dropped and said "What?!" Then when my brother and everyone got there, my niece saw them first and pointed it out to everyone else. I think everyone was a little surprised but excited at the same
time.

Karen, Lorna and Garyn

 

Of course, the kids couldn't wait to open presents. Ansley got the hang of it pretty quick.

 

 

 

I was supposed to work that night, too, and while I was there I got the call that I didn't have to go in. Made the afternoon/night not have to be rushed! We don't get to see my family as much as I wished, so its always nice to hang out.

 

Christmas Eve was spent going to the church service and then coming back to our house ( better known as Nana and Poppa's!) where we had Christmas with them and Philip, Kadie and "Mema".

 

The three cousins

 

 

Our little family, can't believe next year their will be a 5th member!

Philip, Kadie and Emma or "Mema" as Ansley says

 

Garyn got a Mariokart inflatable that he can play Wii in from Uncle Philip and Aunt Kadie!

Ansley was really getting the hang of present opening!

 

 

Garyn was so excited that he got K'nex track!

 

I have to tell you about these K'nex track sets. Garyn decided in early November, I would say, that he wanted more K'nex track sets to go with the one he bought with birthday money. He decided he wanted two sets from Santa. I explained that he would need to pick just one cause Santa might not be able to get both. One morning after that, he woke up and first thing and told me he had an idea: Nana could get him the second set so that Santa didn't have to buy both! Of course, Nana did just that. Also, she apparently "tricked" him. We frequent the toy areas at Toys R' Us and Target. After she had bought the set he realized it was gone but never put the two together. So Christmas, after he had gotten it, he told her she "tricked" him because he thought they ran out but she had bought it without telling him! Too funny!

 

                                           

 

"Mema" got lots of help opening presents

 

 

Ansley got a box full of play shoes from Uncle Philip, Kadie and Emma. She loves to walk around the house in them and somehow stays balanced! 

 

Daddy got an impact driver

 

 

Poppa with his new helicopter

 

We all got other things, of course. I got a purse, some clothes and that night opened a gift from Tyler and his parents both. It was a book of my blog! This blog! I love it and am so glad to have a tangible copy of my writings. 

 

That night was very exciting since Garyn is getting more and more into Santa. He had made reindeer glitter at preschool so we placed it outside to show Santa's reindeer how to get here. And while I was putting Garyn to bed, we even heard bells outside! He went to bed so easy.

 

Christmas Morning, we checked out what Santa brought. They were both ecstatic and didn't know what to say.

 

Ansley got a new doll, stroller and a vanity/makeup set

Garyn got another MarioKart set, just as he planned! he also got swords and a movie

 

Before we opened our presents we had breakfast. Our tradition is to light a candle and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

 

 

Present time!

 

Ansley and Daddy had some tea :)

 

Next, we drove to Georgia to have Christmas with my family. They were next to see the announcement!

 

Not sure why Garyn looked so unhappy...

 

We got there pretty early so everyone saw the shirts one at time practically. But as more knew, they started yelling "Look at Garyn and Ansley's shirts" to everyone before they could even walk in. It was so exciting!

 

Garyn got a gun and holster set!

 

We also went to Tyler's grandparents that night but I didn't get any pictures. It was fun to see their faces, as well, when Ansley first walked in. Tyler's cousin, Josie looked at me and said "Wait, what does her shirt say?" Then they all turned to look. It was a fun way to announce! I had to work that night so I didn't get to stay long which is probably why I had no pictures.

 

 

Christmas went by just as fast as it came. My favorite part was Christmas morning with the kids being so excited about their toys. I couldn't soak up enough of it!

 

 





Intentional in 2013

A very creative friend of mine has taken last year and now this year to focus on being a better person. She has used a word to symbolize what area she wants to work on most. I am jumping on board this year mainly because when I write it on the blog, I tend to stick to it!

I have always done well with my goal setting posts in the past and was already feeling an itch to start them again. When Meghan posted about her 2013 goal to Connect, I thought it might be a good way for me to change up my goal making while still focusing on things I want to get done in order to grow in areas I feel I'm lacking in.

I want to be more intentional with all my actions and time in 2013. I have always thought of this word to describe how I want to be focused and deliberate in every way. I feel this word puts action to thoughts and words. If I am intentional to do what I say and think about throughout the day, I might actually feel more successful and better about how I spent my time at the end of the day.

I want to be intentional about my relationships with God, my husband, my children, extended family and friends! We are also really working on our budget and I need to keep on top of it! Guilt tends to loom over me every time I fail to give my all to those I love; doing selfish desires instead.

With God:

•  intentional to have devotional and prayer time be a priority.
• want to truly focus on Him and His will in my life

With Tyler:

• focus on being positive each day; not giving him the laundry list of complaints
• watch my words, as well, to let him know I love him and am not burned out

With the kids:

• Want to be intentional about our time together
• focus on them and their words rather than try to multitask all the time

With other family and friends:

• Simply to make time for them and follow through with plans made
• want to intentionally pray for them when I say I will

Financially:

• Intentionally watch every penny I spend
• Be creative in ways to stretch the dollar
• Stay on top of my coupons, but know when enough is enough

Sadly, all of these areas are things I have meant to work on in the past. I know they will always need attention, but I have not really changed a bit from where I feel I started. So this is the year! I want God to be a priority, and not just go through the motions. I want my family to see a more positive side of me. I know I am not perfect but this year I want my words to match my actions.

This particular month my goals are to:

1. Continue daily bible study and prayer time
2. Write prayer concerns for others down and take time to pray for them
3. As well, I want to check in on my family and friends to encourage them when needed
4. Have at least one play date/lunch with a friend
5. Work on my attitude towards Tyler when I want to be negative or feel I deserve to be grouchy
6. Play games with Garyn and do bible study time with him
7. Read to Ansley daily and work on her flash cards
8. Work on cutting coupons instead of checking facebook status numerous times a day (AMEN!)
9. Do Ansley's hair bow holder from pinterest and stop procrastinating! 
10. Try to spend less on groceries/ meals and save for those miscellaneous needs that come up

I look forward to setting goals in order to reach my overall goal of being intentional with my time. I so often get into bed at night and think over my day wondering what I really accomplished that was worth anything. I know cleaning, blog reading, facebook and laundry are all going to continue but sometimes I feel those took up the most time of my day. Alas, the next morning, I repeat the same actions and feel guilty again by the end of the day. Ready to change that!
2013 seems like a great time to be INTENTIONAL!

Pre-Christmas events

Well I am finally getting to post about our Christmas activities! While going through the pictures, I realized we did so much, like always, and two posts will be better. This post is dedicated to the things that happened prior to the actual celebration of Christmas!

The kids had a music program at church. Ansley is in musicgarten and loves doing the hand motions and sound effects of the songs.

 

(This is not a great picture, sorry!)

 

Ansley did a good job sitting still, but thats about all she did. She didn't say or do anything but stared at the crowd. :) Thats why the moms were there I guess!

 

Garyn sat great but it was hard to hear him or any of his class really. The music was a little to loud for us to hear them. This program was the weekend after Thanksgiving so it started off our Christmas activities!

Next was the kids Christmas parties at their preschool. I tried hard to get a picture of the two of them and this was the best I got! :)

We made cupcakes the night before. A little chaotic keeping both of them from touching the icing but fun noetheless.

Ansley got lots of icing at her party though! I had to go between both classes and when I returned once, she was doing this:

She is always messy! She just started saying :"I'm mess!"

 

Garyn with his friends.....

He was a lot less messy!

 

 

 Love my two little cuties! I was thinking the whole time during these parties that next year I would have another to juggle around with me while attending these events! I love doing this and will enjoy seeing another little personality tagging along with us!

 

 

We did a hand print craft at home one day.

 

 

After searching through pinterest, I decided to make a wreath with their hand prints.

 

 

I think anytime you let kids play in paint they have fun and you get something cute out of it!

 

 

I couldn't get the picture to turn around for the life of me! But I thought the wreath turned out great!

 

 

 

We had Santa pictures made with cousin "Mema" or Emma...

 

 



I was so happy at how well all three of them did. I was worried about Ansley since she had not wanted to see him when we would just be walking by. But she did great! Even sat still long enough to readjust and get a picture of just the two of them....

 

 

 

This was also a great year for Garyn because he knew exactly what he was telling Santa Claus to bring him. He knew who he was, although he asked more probing questions as to how exactly he gets in our house. It was fun watching his wheels turn and his reactions to your answers.

 

Christmas eve and morning was, of course, fun, but I'll save that for the next post!

 

 

Headliners...

Well, I feel I have so much to update on and not the energy or motivation to do it all yet! So I'm going to run through the headlines:

Christmas was awesome and we enjoyed all those fun moments watching the kids eyes light up!

New Year's was spent at Disney World which was wonderful, as well. We can't get enough of that place!

Our biggest gift to our family was the announcement of baby # 3! We are still a little in shock ourselves.

So let those keep you on your toes until I can conjour up some time to give all the great details!