August 2008

August 2008: My life changed forever. It was a good change. A great change. An incredible, remarkable life change. August 2008 brought me my baby girl, my Kate.

I woke at 2 am on August 17 thinking I was faced with another false alarm. I soon realized that we needed to go to the hospital, and within a few hours my sweet Catherine Grace was in my arms. I got to hold her right away, which was such a surprise...no exams, no warmer, just Jeff, me and my precious baby girl. What joy! I held her, I fed her and I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She was born gorgeous with a perfectly shaped head, fuzzy hair, tiny fingers and toes, and a peaceful demeanor. What a wonder she was! My tiny bundle of joy, my Kate.

Later we introduced Hannah to her new sister, and both Jeff and I remember that we felt like a family. We weren't just parents anymore, but we had a new dimension to our family: siblings. Sisters. The first time I held both my girls I cried tears of happiness. What a beautiful wonderful gift God gave me. Catherine Grace, my Kate.

We took Kate home the next day, only to learn later that she had high levels of jaundice and needed to be on bili-lights at the house. The small cord connecting Kate to the lights made it hard to hold Kate and chase after Hannah. This was the first time I realized that two is twice the work: do I put Kate down and get Hannah, or do I hold Kate and ignore Hannah? Which kid would get my attention? Fortunately my mom arrived, and later my dad, and they helped in every way imaginable. When my mom left I cried: how could I care for two? How could I show my love to both Hannah and my Kate?

I spent August 2008 loving my girls, keeping up with housework the best I could, nursing, and sleeping very little. Here I am a year later, and this is still the balancing act I try to manage. As Kate approaches her year birthday I still find myself amazed at her beauty, and overwhelmed with love for her. My life is forever changed, for the better, because of August 17, 2008. I love you, my Kate.

Things I Like

Things I like:

1. Hair clips
I got this idea from other clips that kids are wearing. A simple alligator clip, some ribbon and pieces of felt cut and glue together create fun hair accessories! Hannah actually will wear these because they are F-U-N

2. Running with Jen Leaders
I have found a friend here that I run with two days a week. She is awesome. She is in better shape so she pushes me, and she keeps my mind preoccupied with her wonderful conversation. As an added bonus, our kids get along great, so it's easy to hang out with her.

3. Iced Coffee
I love coffee. Coffee in the morning, coffee in the afternoon, coffee all day long! I luv it. I love it even more when it is iced. If I had a bumper sticker it would say I love iced coffee.

4. Facebook
Someone said that Facebook is crack for moms, and I would have to say that I am an addict. I blame blogger for being my gateway drug.

5. Freebies
On Sunday Jeff and I got a free burrito from Chiptole. I also was given a pretty pink purse from someone at church.

When did this happen?

Walking to the car this morning to meet my friend for our morning run it hit me: Hannah is a little girl. I've realized this before, but there are times that it hits me: my baby is gone, my toddler is grown and now she is little girl. She will always be my baby, but look at her: she's breathtakingly beautiful.

Seeds Family Worship

A friend posted this on facebook, and I listened to one song and thought, "Yes, this is what I want Hannah and Kate to know...they can call to God and God will hear them." As I listened to more it got cheesy, "Phil-i-pians 4: 6 and 7" (in white Christian rap style), but still it's the word of God. So, I am posting a link to try to win a free set of the CDs. I know my shot at winning is remote, but the CDs still seem like a good idea to teach kids God's word.


http://www.motheringbygrace.com/blog/2009/08/02/mbg-giveaway-seeds-family-worship/comment-page-2/#comment-132

Flower Girl

Hannah is going to be a flower girl for Roger and Emily's wedding August 29. Here she is in action:

I am thinking about asking if Kate can be a flower girl too:

She was so good until the end...maybe next year...Henry?!?

VOTE!!

My baby girl is turning one. I can't decide what to do for her birthday, so I have a poll at the side of the blog for your help. Please vote for what you think would be most fun for my sweet Kate.

Pictures I Like...

I love taking pictures of my girls. I love my girls.