When Rachel and her boys were in town, we went to the Nature Center and Caelum was cracking up over the otters.
Happy Easter!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Nakey Baby Otter
When Rachel and her boys were in town, we went to the Nature Center and Caelum was cracking up over the otters.
Happy Easter!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
And I Was Like Baby, Baby, Baby, Oh!
Since I will be 16 weeks tomorrow, I guess it is about time for a baby update, especially considering the last post on baby was announcing the pregnancy. We've had two doctor appointments so far and I'll have another one this week. It's a small Christian practice and one of the doctors actually goes to my church. Have I made that situation as awkward as possible? You bet! So far, so good with this practice, but if you know me, you'd know I'd rather have a midwife. Unfortunately, our insurance won't cover it this time around, but my doula (Zach) and I are confident we know what we're doing enough this time around to have the kind of natural birth I want in a doctory, hospital setting...if God chooses for me to have the desire of my heart in this matter. There's your Presbyterian caveat.
We had an ultrasound at eight weeks to date the pregnancy and the baby was a squirmy little peanut. The doctor (the one from our church) was great about getting Owen involved and talking to the boys about the baby. The second appointment was your standard five minutes with the doctor, but we did get to hear the baby's heartbeat on the doppler for the first time. The heart rate was 170, which is fast even for that age, but both the boys always had fast heart rates. And yes, I did double check that the old wives' tale about faster heart rates meaning a baby girl was false. So no hint as to the baby's sex yet! I'll let you know for sure in about 24+ weeks.
I've been feeling much better regarding nausea and fatigue. I did have one brief, surprising bout of morning sickness at 14 weeks, when I thought I was well clear of that nastiness. I was actually in a packed out yoga class at the Y, after finally getting my lazy butt there following weeks of, "Erghhh, but I'm pregnant! And sleepy! And queasy!" I thought I was having a coughing fit, then ran out of the room to explode vomit all over the bathroom. And that's why we don't exercise, people.
Overall, I think I'm safely into that "2nd trimester honeymoon period" and my days have been much more productive. Owen is finally having "school" again and though my house is not up to normal cleanliness standards, it is functionally clean (eg you can walk around in it without stepping on a toy/cereal/pile of laundry). Most days, at least. My belly is looking large, and not just to me. I met a woman the other day and right away she said, "When are you due?" I said, "What? I'm not pregnant!" She said, "Yeah right, honey, you're too far along for that trick to work."
I have felt the baby move a few times, which is always delightful. It seemed early to me, but when I looked up what happened with the boys, I felt them both moving around 15/16 weeks. Now you're all caught up on my pregnancy. I should have some ultrasound pictures for you in a few weeks as well, so get excited.
We had an ultrasound at eight weeks to date the pregnancy and the baby was a squirmy little peanut. The doctor (the one from our church) was great about getting Owen involved and talking to the boys about the baby. The second appointment was your standard five minutes with the doctor, but we did get to hear the baby's heartbeat on the doppler for the first time. The heart rate was 170, which is fast even for that age, but both the boys always had fast heart rates. And yes, I did double check that the old wives' tale about faster heart rates meaning a baby girl was false. So no hint as to the baby's sex yet! I'll let you know for sure in about 24+ weeks.
I've been feeling much better regarding nausea and fatigue. I did have one brief, surprising bout of morning sickness at 14 weeks, when I thought I was well clear of that nastiness. I was actually in a packed out yoga class at the Y, after finally getting my lazy butt there following weeks of, "Erghhh, but I'm pregnant! And sleepy! And queasy!" I thought I was having a coughing fit, then ran out of the room to explode vomit all over the bathroom. And that's why we don't exercise, people.
Overall, I think I'm safely into that "2nd trimester honeymoon period" and my days have been much more productive. Owen is finally having "school" again and though my house is not up to normal cleanliness standards, it is functionally clean (eg you can walk around in it without stepping on a toy/cereal/pile of laundry). Most days, at least. My belly is looking large, and not just to me. I met a woman the other day and right away she said, "When are you due?" I said, "What? I'm not pregnant!" She said, "Yeah right, honey, you're too far along for that trick to work."
I have felt the baby move a few times, which is always delightful. It seemed early to me, but when I looked up what happened with the boys, I felt them both moving around 15/16 weeks. Now you're all caught up on my pregnancy. I should have some ultrasound pictures for you in a few weeks as well, so get excited.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Owen and Caelum
We had movie night tonight and watched The Incredibles with the boys, complete with movie tickets, shakes, and popcorn. At the end, I asked the boys which character they would want to be. Owen wanted to be the little boy who could run fast. Caelum? "I be the ball." The ball was the bad robot, the killing antagonist.
As we tuck the boys in:
"Mom, you're the best at taking care of us. Dad, you're the best at giving us money." ~ Owen
As we tuck the boys in:
"Mom, you're the best at taking care of us. Dad, you're the best at giving us money." ~ Owen
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Old Timer
Zach just turned the big 2-8. I've been making fun of him and calling him old, but now that our circle of friends is in the mid-30s to 40s region, it's less effective. Of the five+ years Zach and I have been married, I've really had some slack years (specifically, two) regarding his birthday celebration. Both times it was a matter of having a newborn baby in the house and my barely conscious state. This year was one of my better showings, so I thought it warranted a post.
Friday night was Parents Night Out at the Y: perfect timing! We dropped the boys off and headed straight to REI where Zach picked out some awesome hiking boots. We then headed over to Cinnamon Kitchen, a delicious Indian restaurant in Arden. After a huge and peaceful meal, we headed to Barnes and Noble for coffee (someone's stomach is getting better!) and book perusal. We aren't yet settled on a Baby Boy name, so we were hoping for a Caelum-esque discovery (in which Zach picks up a novel, reads a little of it, and comes across a fantastic character name). It didn't happen, but we still had fun. We then picked up the boys, who were thoroughly engrossed in Finding Nemo and not quite missing us.
Saturday morning began with pancakes, of course, and then an early hiking adventure. We had been looking for an excuse for a mini road trip (~ an hour) in our van, so I made a playlist of Zach's life, beginning around Fall 2003 as I can't really account for anything before that, and we hit the road. I had picked out a hiking trail with waterfalls that was right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Unfortunately, part of the Parkway was closed, so quick-acting Zach found a great trail that led to Lake Powhatan. The boys did great and stubborn little Caelum wanted to walk the whole time no matter how behind he got. He also discovered walking with his hands in his pockets, which was cute but a little nerve-wracking for me, as someone who has decked onto their face whilst having hands in pockets.
The boys fell asleep on the drive home, so Zach and I drove around to creep on some houses we've seen on Zillow. After getting home and having lunch, the boys decided they were done napping, but we pretended to enforce additional napping so that we could sleep while they "rested" in their room. At the end of it all, they had collected half a dozen ladybugs and destroyed their bedroom. Success!
We headed into downtown Asheville and stopped to listen to every busker we came across. No wonder Owen loves Asheville; they're everywhere. We went to a bookstore and Owen spent $4 of his birthday money to buy a panda book. We then headed next door to the huge library for a used book sale where we picked up a CD, a hardcover David Mitchell book, and two children's books for $4.50. As any night downtown will end, we went to French Broad Chocolate Lounge. As we were walking in, some hipster ran down Caelum and then kept walking as C cried (so you know it actually hurt since he rarely cries). Three friendly firefighters who were there as well came over to comfort him, but as they were not in uniform at the time, my boys seemed skeptical as to whether they were actually firefighters. In any case, we got some delicious mocha stout cake and headed home.
Sunday was not particularly birthday related, but was still enjoyably filled with church, Sunday School for the kids (hanging out for the parents), naps, and then a girls night out for our growth group. The guys stayed with the kids and ate pizza while the women got Mexican food and frozen yogurt. I had a great time getting to know them better and apparently Caelum ate six slices of pizza.
And then onto Monday, the actual birthday day. I hopped up and got to making biscuits and gravy, as well as faux Bojangles Bo-Berry biscuits. Sadly, Zach had to go make that money, so the boys and I used our morning galavanting to a bunch of stores for last minute birthday schtuff. The boys were so patient with me, even as I realized that I had, once again, bought instant pudding instead of slow cook for Zach's chocolate pie. I know that that ends in disaster and I very specifically remember standing in the aisle, staring at the pudding box and thinking, "Good, this is the right one." Wrong. Pregnancy brain, ya'll. So it was BACK to the grocery store for our fourth stop of the morning. It turned out to be a good stop though, as I splurged and bought Zach a helium birthday balloon. We brought it to Frank's NY Deli where we were meeting Zach for lunch, and tied it to his chair. The boys were so excited, and as soon as he walked in, they ran over singing, "Happy birthday!" It caused quite a stir and we got a free piece of cheesecake out of it. Hurray!
When I had asked Zach what he wanted for his birthday dinner, he said, "Surprise me." That is why this year is the Year of the Lobster. I bought lobster tails from EarthFare and steamed them. A little risky as I had never made lobster before, but they came out great. Even the kiddos ate some.
Then it was time for the traditional scavenger hunt in which all the clues used homophones this year. OK, so I ran out of time a little bit there. Last year, each clue had a puzzle or crossword or something more intense.
Anyway, the hunt led to a few small presents, including some awesome Goodwill finds and a fire truck Lego set from the boys. Finally, it was time for the best part, chocolate pie. It came out great and Zach said he had a wonderful birthday, so self high five time!
I'm so thankful to God for my amazing husband and baby daddy and can't wait to experience this exciting year with him.
Friday night was Parents Night Out at the Y: perfect timing! We dropped the boys off and headed straight to REI where Zach picked out some awesome hiking boots. We then headed over to Cinnamon Kitchen, a delicious Indian restaurant in Arden. After a huge and peaceful meal, we headed to Barnes and Noble for coffee (someone's stomach is getting better!) and book perusal. We aren't yet settled on a Baby Boy name, so we were hoping for a Caelum-esque discovery (in which Zach picks up a novel, reads a little of it, and comes across a fantastic character name). It didn't happen, but we still had fun. We then picked up the boys, who were thoroughly engrossed in Finding Nemo and not quite missing us.
Saturday morning began with pancakes, of course, and then an early hiking adventure. We had been looking for an excuse for a mini road trip (~ an hour) in our van, so I made a playlist of Zach's life, beginning around Fall 2003 as I can't really account for anything before that, and we hit the road. I had picked out a hiking trail with waterfalls that was right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Unfortunately, part of the Parkway was closed, so quick-acting Zach found a great trail that led to Lake Powhatan. The boys did great and stubborn little Caelum wanted to walk the whole time no matter how behind he got. He also discovered walking with his hands in his pockets, which was cute but a little nerve-wracking for me, as someone who has decked onto their face whilst having hands in pockets.
 |
| Caelum comparing his hiking boots to Daddy's |
The boys fell asleep on the drive home, so Zach and I drove around to creep on some houses we've seen on Zillow. After getting home and having lunch, the boys decided they were done napping, but we pretended to enforce additional napping so that we could sleep while they "rested" in their room. At the end of it all, they had collected half a dozen ladybugs and destroyed their bedroom. Success!
We headed into downtown Asheville and stopped to listen to every busker we came across. No wonder Owen loves Asheville; they're everywhere. We went to a bookstore and Owen spent $4 of his birthday money to buy a panda book. We then headed next door to the huge library for a used book sale where we picked up a CD, a hardcover David Mitchell book, and two children's books for $4.50. As any night downtown will end, we went to French Broad Chocolate Lounge. As we were walking in, some hipster ran down Caelum and then kept walking as C cried (so you know it actually hurt since he rarely cries). Three friendly firefighters who were there as well came over to comfort him, but as they were not in uniform at the time, my boys seemed skeptical as to whether they were actually firefighters. In any case, we got some delicious mocha stout cake and headed home.
Sunday was not particularly birthday related, but was still enjoyably filled with church, Sunday School for the kids (hanging out for the parents), naps, and then a girls night out for our growth group. The guys stayed with the kids and ate pizza while the women got Mexican food and frozen yogurt. I had a great time getting to know them better and apparently Caelum ate six slices of pizza.
And then onto Monday, the actual birthday day. I hopped up and got to making biscuits and gravy, as well as faux Bojangles Bo-Berry biscuits. Sadly, Zach had to go make that money, so the boys and I used our morning galavanting to a bunch of stores for last minute birthday schtuff. The boys were so patient with me, even as I realized that I had, once again, bought instant pudding instead of slow cook for Zach's chocolate pie. I know that that ends in disaster and I very specifically remember standing in the aisle, staring at the pudding box and thinking, "Good, this is the right one." Wrong. Pregnancy brain, ya'll. So it was BACK to the grocery store for our fourth stop of the morning. It turned out to be a good stop though, as I splurged and bought Zach a helium birthday balloon. We brought it to Frank's NY Deli where we were meeting Zach for lunch, and tied it to his chair. The boys were so excited, and as soon as he walked in, they ran over singing, "Happy birthday!" It caused quite a stir and we got a free piece of cheesecake out of it. Hurray!
 |
| The boys all ready for Daddy to come home. Note the awesome decorating. |
When I had asked Zach what he wanted for his birthday dinner, he said, "Surprise me." That is why this year is the Year of the Lobster. I bought lobster tails from EarthFare and steamed them. A little risky as I had never made lobster before, but they came out great. Even the kiddos ate some. Then it was time for the traditional scavenger hunt in which all the clues used homophones this year. OK, so I ran out of time a little bit there. Last year, each clue had a puzzle or crossword or something more intense.
 |
| Look at that rear! Loving my new van. :) |
Anyway, the hunt led to a few small presents, including some awesome Goodwill finds and a fire truck Lego set from the boys. Finally, it was time for the best part, chocolate pie. It came out great and Zach said he had a wonderful birthday, so self high five time! 
I'm so thankful to God for my amazing husband and baby daddy and can't wait to experience this exciting year with him.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Give Me That Mac & Cheese!
We have a new nephew! We are so excited to welcome Bennett Brady Smith into the wild, little boy-filled fold of the Ashton side. Once again, living in the southeast has been such a blessing. We got to see Bennett already, and get in on that day-old baby fun. He is so sweet. Thanks again Hannah and Chad for letting us visit!
Being in the hospital, I got to thinking about our summer baby who is growing. I feel as though the queasiness and extreme fatigue are abating. I'm still eating frequently since an empty stomach is bad news, but I don't have that constant nauseous feeling.
As a result, I feel I can finally write up an incident that occurred a few weeks ago, at the peak of morning sickness city. As a responsible pregnant woman, I've been upping my water intake. Normally I drink quite a bit of water throughout the day, but I found that even drinking plain water was not pleasant on my stomach. Nevertheless, I attempted to drink a Nalgene per day and hoped that the rest of the fluid needed would be found in food. I'm supposed to have 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day, mind you. Not a feat unless you have to force yourself to put anything in your mouth.
One day, the boys had Arthur-shaped macaroni and cheese at lunch, with peas mixed into it. The rest of the day went on as usual. Zach and I got ready for bed, and I went to fill up my Nalgene. As the water went in, I saw something strange floating up. Well friends, it was a two-year old sized handful (or two) of mac and cheese that had been flavoring my water for the past ten hours. Gag. So gross. Sure, the water didn't taste good to me all day, but it hadn't recently anyway. I did not vomit at the time, but I still cannot use that red Nalgene...it's forever tainted to me.
Thanks, Caelum. And thanks, Anna, for being so oblivious to things adrift in your drink. Come on, second trimester! Three more weeks.
Being in the hospital, I got to thinking about our summer baby who is growing. I feel as though the queasiness and extreme fatigue are abating. I'm still eating frequently since an empty stomach is bad news, but I don't have that constant nauseous feeling.
As a result, I feel I can finally write up an incident that occurred a few weeks ago, at the peak of morning sickness city. As a responsible pregnant woman, I've been upping my water intake. Normally I drink quite a bit of water throughout the day, but I found that even drinking plain water was not pleasant on my stomach. Nevertheless, I attempted to drink a Nalgene per day and hoped that the rest of the fluid needed would be found in food. I'm supposed to have 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day, mind you. Not a feat unless you have to force yourself to put anything in your mouth.
One day, the boys had Arthur-shaped macaroni and cheese at lunch, with peas mixed into it. The rest of the day went on as usual. Zach and I got ready for bed, and I went to fill up my Nalgene. As the water went in, I saw something strange floating up. Well friends, it was a two-year old sized handful (or two) of mac and cheese that had been flavoring my water for the past ten hours. Gag. So gross. Sure, the water didn't taste good to me all day, but it hadn't recently anyway. I did not vomit at the time, but I still cannot use that red Nalgene...it's forever tainted to me.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Owen
Monday, December 17, 2012
Light Shining in Darkness
The tragedy that occurred in Newtown, CT is devastating. As I read about it, the whole thing seemed surreal and it just didn't make sense. Such wickedness. Is it really possible? To even think of the poor families of those people who were brutally killed. Ugh. Makes me sick.
The same day it happened, I ended up taking Owen and Caelum to play at an elementary school playground. The school is right next to Zach's workplace, so it has become a nice place for us to wait for him when we have the car. As we pulled up, I thought, "What am I doing? There could be a crazy copycat killing and here I am BRINGING my children here when they're not even in school yet." Then reason came over me again and I started unloading the boys out of the car. As I did, Owen said, "When I'm big, I'm going to go to school. Like Katie and Emily did when we were in California. When I'm four, I'm going to go to school." We talked about that for a while and it freaked me out to think of him, vulnerable and young, sitting in a class with 25 other kids, completely entrusted to one or two other adults. Yikes. I know it works. I'm the product of a public education and I do hope that one day Owen will get to experience it. However, on 12/14/12, it didn't feel like a great time to picture him in that situation.
But the truth of the matter is, I don't get to decide what happens to my boys. They might die a horrible death at a young age. I will do everything in my power to protect them from any harm that I can, but I will fail. They'll get hurt, be hurt, hurt others, and eventually die. This is the reality of sin. And we're excitedly bringing another child into this situation. Why? Because I know a loving Redeemer who is sovereign over all things. Who creates, sustains, loves, and saves people, even as they sin. So, I can entrust my kids to Him as I am given the gift of caring for them for a while. What a blessing!
There is another tragedy that happened in our country on 12/14. One that no one is talking about. There's no news coverage of the 3,888 other kids who were murdered just as brutally on Friday. Are we really shocked that crazy people are willing to open fire on elementary school kids when there is such little value placed on human life? Adam Lanza shot them. Others choose cutting and vacuuming up the pieces. Pick your poison. Child-sacrifice is alive and well, though the sacrifices aren't to Molech anymore, but Greed, Pride, Fear of Man and Love of Self. "They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood." Psalm 106:37-38. It makes me pray all the more fervently, "Come, Lord Jesus, come."
I know, I know. When I'm pregnant I'm a lot more sensitive about abortion. Currently, there's a second little heartbeat in my body, and my hormone levels are off the charts. But my God values human life and I am commanded to as well. Thanks be to God that He chooses to forgive sinners like us who fail daily at obeying His commands. Haven't I murdered in my heart? Haven't I disdained God's creation in how I treat others? Yes. Anathallo's reference of Romans 7:24 and William Carey's epitaph is too appropriate: "Oh wretched worm of a man that I am on thy kind arms I fall. I'm just a man. I'm just a criminal." All because of the Fall and our willfully choosing our way instead of God's, time and time again. Because of the Fall, I find myself sinning each day. Because of the Fall, popping this baby is going to hurt like crazy. Because of the Fall, I know grace:
"No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22:3-5
This Advent season brings such hope with it. The amazing truth is that God allowed His son to be the sacrifice for us, the very people choosing to kill and destroy. He knew Christ would be brutally murdered, though completely innocent unlike our children, who are conceived in sin. This was the only way to pay the price for the dark, ugly sin that we see everyday, whether on the news or in our own stupid hearts. And we can rest in the knowledge that Christ's resurrection has made it possible for us to be made clean and enjoy eternity with Him: an eternity without abortion, school shootings, tears or any pain.
"All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:3-5
The same day it happened, I ended up taking Owen and Caelum to play at an elementary school playground. The school is right next to Zach's workplace, so it has become a nice place for us to wait for him when we have the car. As we pulled up, I thought, "What am I doing? There could be a crazy copycat killing and here I am BRINGING my children here when they're not even in school yet." Then reason came over me again and I started unloading the boys out of the car. As I did, Owen said, "When I'm big, I'm going to go to school. Like Katie and Emily did when we were in California. When I'm four, I'm going to go to school." We talked about that for a while and it freaked me out to think of him, vulnerable and young, sitting in a class with 25 other kids, completely entrusted to one or two other adults. Yikes. I know it works. I'm the product of a public education and I do hope that one day Owen will get to experience it. However, on 12/14/12, it didn't feel like a great time to picture him in that situation.
But the truth of the matter is, I don't get to decide what happens to my boys. They might die a horrible death at a young age. I will do everything in my power to protect them from any harm that I can, but I will fail. They'll get hurt, be hurt, hurt others, and eventually die. This is the reality of sin. And we're excitedly bringing another child into this situation. Why? Because I know a loving Redeemer who is sovereign over all things. Who creates, sustains, loves, and saves people, even as they sin. So, I can entrust my kids to Him as I am given the gift of caring for them for a while. What a blessing!
There is another tragedy that happened in our country on 12/14. One that no one is talking about. There's no news coverage of the 3,888 other kids who were murdered just as brutally on Friday. Are we really shocked that crazy people are willing to open fire on elementary school kids when there is such little value placed on human life? Adam Lanza shot them. Others choose cutting and vacuuming up the pieces. Pick your poison. Child-sacrifice is alive and well, though the sacrifices aren't to Molech anymore, but Greed, Pride, Fear of Man and Love of Self. "They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood." Psalm 106:37-38. It makes me pray all the more fervently, "Come, Lord Jesus, come."
I know, I know. When I'm pregnant I'm a lot more sensitive about abortion. Currently, there's a second little heartbeat in my body, and my hormone levels are off the charts. But my God values human life and I am commanded to as well. Thanks be to God that He chooses to forgive sinners like us who fail daily at obeying His commands. Haven't I murdered in my heart? Haven't I disdained God's creation in how I treat others? Yes. Anathallo's reference of Romans 7:24 and William Carey's epitaph is too appropriate: "Oh wretched worm of a man that I am on thy kind arms I fall. I'm just a man. I'm just a criminal." All because of the Fall and our willfully choosing our way instead of God's, time and time again. Because of the Fall, I find myself sinning each day. Because of the Fall, popping this baby is going to hurt like crazy. Because of the Fall, I know grace:
"No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22:3-5
This Advent season brings such hope with it. The amazing truth is that God allowed His son to be the sacrifice for us, the very people choosing to kill and destroy. He knew Christ would be brutally murdered, though completely innocent unlike our children, who are conceived in sin. This was the only way to pay the price for the dark, ugly sin that we see everyday, whether on the news or in our own stupid hearts. And we can rest in the knowledge that Christ's resurrection has made it possible for us to be made clean and enjoy eternity with Him: an eternity without abortion, school shootings, tears or any pain.
"All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:3-5
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