August 2014

He’s Here!  He’s Here!  He’s Here!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have seriously tried to write this post since Pierce Charles Douglas arrived on the scene Monday August 25, 2015 at 4:07pm; 7lbs 11oz; 20 inches - 4  weeks ago, but just haven’t been able to make it to my computer!

Master P is a cute little bug, and only waking up 1 time at night!  The delivery experience was our worst one yet.  Long story but basically the MD didn’t break my water until 2 in the afternoon (she should have come at 7am), the epidural wore off by that point, so I had to get re-dosed (it was way too heavy and I couldn’t feel my back or fingers), then when I was complete, she took another hour to show up.  My blood pressure was dropping, I was shaking uncontrollably, felt very nauseous, and then started having trouble breathing (panic attack).  Then when Pierce came out he wasn’t crying/breathing for a little bit (felt like eternity).  Basically a lot of (unnecessary) drama.  Then while in the hospital, he got a low grade fever, which really scared us.  And at home, both Scott and Grant had viral pink eye, which made us very nervous to bring him home.

However, Scott was amazingly supportive through the whole process; we all survived; and we are all healthy now.  Scott and his brother Jay gave us all Priesthood blessings that promised health and protection, plus we had a lot of people praying for us.  The Lord heard our prayers, and we are so grateful. 

There were some other fun happenings in August.  We had what was probably our last wakeboarding lake trip of the season.  We took two families that we have gotten close with (through Jackson’s sports/school--Hamilton’s family and Eli’s family) up with us.  The kids’ ages/genders lined up well so it was really fun for everyone! 

The following Monday it was time for the first day of school.  Jackson’s excellent teacher looped up to 2nd grade with his entire class, and Taylor got last year’s ‘teacher of the year’ for Kindergarten.  Definitely put me (and still does) at ease since I don’t have time to worry about it even if I wanted to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jackson started his first year of tackle football.  He is the quarterback, which is cool, except for the fact that there are no throwing plays.  At least he gets to touch the ball every play and either hands it off or runs it.  Fortunately his running back lives next door, so they log extra practice hours!  I thought soccer was a pain to get ready for with the shin guards/socks/cleats etc…  It has nothing on football :-)

I feel like there is more news, but it’s September’s news, so it will have to wait.  Scotty is doing well, just finished up his project in Nashville and the client/partner really liked him, which is always helpful for reviews etc...  Still teaching Sunday school—has taught over 70 lessons now!  It was wonderful having him home for 2 weeks of paternity.

Grant man is adjusting well to the baby.  Knock on wood, but he has never tried to hurt, or even touch Pierce.  Generally disinterested.  I try to be sensitive and not be holding P all the time when Grant is around, and try to get one on one time with each child (even if it’s only for a few minutes) each day.

I’m hanging in there too!  Can’t believe Pierce has only been here 4 weeks.  Seems a lot longer!  All the days and nights seem to blur together.  I’m having a lot of trouble with nursing, more than ever.  Painful, painful, painful.  Almost about to give up, but going to try and stick it out until week 6 and then decide. 

Having help in the mornings for an hour and in the afternoons for 3-4 hours has made the transition so much smoother.  Plus of course my parents as always are beyond helpful, and generous.  Just this week a plumber knocked at our door and said that my parents had noticed our sink and toilet were leaking.  It has been on my to-do list, just hadn’t been able to get to it.  In addition though, friends have been amazing.  We are still receiving meals!  Tomorrow will be my first night cooking and P is 3.5 weeks old!  Never experienced anything like it.  Jackson had my favorite quote, “Do you think if we have another baby, people will keep bringing us these amazing meals?”  I told him it might be easier to just get the recipe. :-)

One of my friends participates in a bible study and they are reading “Am I Messing up My Kids?” And she recommended it to me.  I’ve enjoyed it so far, and a couple of quotes have hit home, and I thought maybe they’d benefit some of the other moms that read this newsletter:

“I must always keep in mind that how I handle this calling (motherhood) will shape the generations that come after me.  The traditions I start with my children will be carried on.  The foundations I build with my children will be built upon.  The morals, values, and spiritual disciplines I teach will shape and mold my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and others I won’t ever meet.”

“I realized I’d been living life backward that week.  I was letting my to-do list overflow while withholding my time with the Lord.  When what I should have done is let my time with the Lord overflow while withholding my to-do list.  We’re a slave to the tyranny of the urgent.  But how can we continue to pour out if we aren’t being filled back upon a daily basis?  The flood of demands will consume us if we don’t take the time to let God right our perspective, reduce our stress level, and whisper His tender truths of love in our ear.”

“As a mom, I live in constant need of His love, encouragement, wisdom perspective, strength, patience, and grace.  Anything I do right as a mom is because of my constant dialogues with God.  Anything I do wrong as a mom is because of trying to do things in my own strength.”

“God’s grace is there to cover me. Teach me.  And even in the middle of a bad moment, interrupt me, redirect me, and change me.”

“I become a giving person by giving.  I become a caring person by caring.  I become like Jesus by acting like Jesus.  Not by thinking about it, not by making promises to do it, but rather by the act itself.”

“I am convinced there is no greater way to model for our kids the heart of God than to serve our families with a happy heart.”

Then she quotes Emerson “Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts.  The only true gift is a portion of thyself.”

Hopefully one of those speaks to someone!  In the same vein as the last quote, in one of the classes at church last week, a teacher was speaking about fatherhood and he played that song ‘Cat in the Cradle.’  If you haven’t heard it in a while, give it a listen!  It really touched Scott, and made him question if he is gone from the kids too much.  I’m supportive no matter what he decides!  Just want him to be happy and really love his work.  More updates to come I’m sure!

Ok, I better sign off before it’s October.

Thank you for your love and support,

TFK