What's in a Name?

Rachel Lee Murry. Such a perfect name for our baby girl.

Jeff and I spent many evenings and spare minutes thinking of what to call our sweet third baby girl. We wanted to give her a name that would capture how much we love her and desire her to know the deep love of God. Tall order for a name, right?

From names that mean grace to names like Joy, Hope, or some of my favorites (which Jeff refused from the beginning) Mercy, Love, and Honor we wanted our baby to have a special meaningful name. In the end, we decided to name her after the three most influential women in my life: my mom, my oldest sister and my middle sister.

These women are models of grace, joy, hope, mercy, love and honor, which are attributes that I pray Rachel Lee would also display in life. They are beautiful, inspirational, devoted and caring women who have encouraged me and continue to speak truth into my life.

 

My sister Rachel holding Rachel Lee

Jenna Lee holding Rachel Lee

Susan Lee, my mom, holding Rachel Lee

Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Sweet Rachel Lee, I am thankful for you!

Look Mom, No Hands!

A Roll!

Yesterday Rachel Lee had her 2 week appointment the doctors. I'm happy to report that she is back to her birth weight and doing well. One thing the doctor commented on was her strength since she was picking up her head and feet, and almost rolling over from her back to her front while on the doctor's table. The doctor said that some babies roll over on accident, and that it can be dangerous to leave Rachel Lee alone because she may roll without having the ability to turn her head when she needed to.

Well, today I had Rachel Lee on her stomach for some tummy time and she rolled from her stomach to her back!! I was so surprised by this little girl's strength! I want to say that this is a sign that she is gifted and hitting landmarks early, but she did it on accident and has not rolled again since. I guess I will just have to make sure to keep an extra eye on her when I put her down to make sure she does not roll again.

We are also settling into new routines here, and have resumed the afternoon preschool time with Hannah. She loves the extra attention, and I really think it is good for all of us to continue with some of the patterns we had before Rachel Lee graced us with her presence.

As for Kate, she loves holding her sister and seriously LOVES helping with diaper changes. She screams and runs around when Rachel Lee has a poopy diaper, and will run and get a clean diaper and wipes before I make it to the changing table. She is a great helper.

I have been blessed to see both Hannah and Kate love Rachel Lee as much as they do. It gives me a little glimpse of how God loves us: God loved us before we could understand how much we were loved or comprehend the grace we have been given. The girls teach me so much throughout the day!

Motherhood

"The fundamental mission of motherhood now is...to nurture, protect and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes, and to send them out unto the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully."  -Mission of Motherhood, by Sally Clarkson

Being a mom three times over has been a bit challenging so far. We are settling into new routines and the girls are testing boundaries while learning the meaning of patience, something that is not intrinsic for a 2 or 3 year old. In addition, we've been sick so I haven't let the girls be around Rachel Lee as much as they would like, and with night time feeds I am not as energetic as before baby.

BUT, in the midst of all of this I have felt so much love. People have sent e-mails, texts and phone calls checking if we need anything from stores or help with the girls. I have had meals provided since we have been home, and I have one more week of meals coming. And even more than my community of friends and church, my mom has been able to love and minister to me. Yep, I am 31 years old and my mom is still carrying out the mission that Sally Clarkson describes. She is enabling me to learn and grow, and helping me create a home where my girls will also learn and grow. I am blessed to have my mom in my life, and I am blessed to be a mom of three lovely girls!

And yes, I typed all this one-handed while feeding my infant :)

Here are some videos of my mom being completely awesome:

Our Happy Family

Who's That Baby Answered!

For Roxana and Kristen the order of the pictures are: Hannah, Kate, Kate, Hannah, Rachel, Kate, Kate, Rachel
For everyone else the order of the pictures are: Kate, Kate, Hannah, Rachel, Kate, Kate, Rachel, Hannah

Jeff did not post his answers, but he got all the pictures correct. After guessing he gave a sign of relief (as if he might be in trouble if he didn't know the right daughter) and then said, "Thank goodness for blankets, hats and other clues." I love his honesty!

 

roxana said... 

hannah, kate, kate, hannah, rachel, hannah, hannah, rachel/hannah?January 15, 2011 11:59 PM

Kristen said...

hannah, rachel, kate, hannah, rachel, rachel, kate, rachel.

January 16, 2011 8:42 AM

Kristen said...

wait--the pictures are in a different order now . . .

January 17, 2011 5:48 PM

 

Erin said...

k,k,h,h,r,r,r,h

January 17, 2011 9:20 PM

 

Audrey Gustafson said...

second one is def Kate, the last one is definitely Hannah, other than that, I don't know, didn't get enough face time with each one at that age!!

January 18, 2011 3:54 PM

Sarah said...

kristen, you're right...we moved #1 to the end after you and roxana answered so that you could see the girls in the same outfit together...i promise to give you credit :)

January 18, 2011 5:06 PM

Kristen said...

sarah, you know me too well. I should be embarrassed. . .

January 18, 2011 5:53 PM

Sarah said...

jeff warned me that i should change them back, but i was sure no one would notice...i should have known better! :)

January 18, 2011 9:22 PM

Who's That Baby?

Many people have already started asking if Rachel Lee looks like the other girls. I actually see a lot of Kate, but at the same time I see so much of Hannah. What do you think? Can you name that baby?