My Rasberry Princess is sick

Little ole Essie is pretty sick. She has been working on it all week. Friday after having fever for almost 24 hrs we went to the doctor: She has an ear infection, reactive air way requiring nebulizer treatments, runny nose, and yuckie cough. then on top of that she is in serious teething mode. Dr. Rosie said today they should come through anytime now. She is drooling so much it drips down her body down my arm and off my elbow. Sorry to those of you this grosses out. But when a baby is fussy and they settle down you keep that position as long as all are happy. Last night it produced a gallon of drool. I love that girl! She has been blowing rasberries and more rasberries. Then she got sick and right after a coughing fit she blows a ton of rasberries as if to say that cough can't get me down. She also has eyes only for Bryan. If he is anywhere in the room she will throw herself in his direction with huge googly eyes until he gives her some attention. I think I am going to deem her sitting up too. She does pretty good for about 30 seconds when you prop her up!

I want Baby Jesus!

Adeline has stolen my heart. She reminds me how blessed I am. She makes me think of things from a different perspective. Christmas eve night when heading home from fun at the conrads in Newberry. As she know that Meme and Papa have "2 houses" ... they live in "Neberry" and "the river". We earlier had talked about people stealing the baby Jesus' from nativity scenes. This was a general talk in the minivan while out delivering danishes to loved family and friends. So on our trip home she saw a nativity set and Baby Jesus was not there. She said where is baby Jesus. We were answering her and she said she wanted Baby Jesus. I told her those were pretend, but that she can have the real Baby Jesus. We had talked earlier about Jesus being in her heart and she now proceeded to talk about Jesus being in her stomach and back and other places. It was super cute. I have thought wouldn't it be a horrible life lived if you lived in such a manner that folks can tell you are the nativity set but you are missing Jesus. We need Jesus... it isn't about Church, it isn't about doing good, it isn't about looking good. It is about JESUS! Jesus is born to save us! He wants a personal relationship with us. The good news is you can be pretty messed up and He still wants to join us in the journey of being more like Him.

Gifts from God today

 

 

 

 

This morning I got to enjoy some gifts from God. Really there are too many to count, but to name a few: Time with my family -- 3 precious people. I love time with my hubby. We love walking to the village market for breakfast and enjoying time together and the natural part of the walk (that also means we are healthy). Today there were squirls everywhere searching for nuts we suppose. Adeline was adorable and walk/rode approrpiately (and caringly stirred my coffee for me). Essie - a doll of course - went along for it all. We ran into Jean (IVF nurse) and got to recount the blessings from God with her of our 2 little girls. (one a freebie, the other not so much). God is good all the time. He is the giver of good gifts (and it is only noon). What are yours today (count your blessings, one by one)?

Getting ready for Christmas

 

 

 

 

We have had so much fun these past couple of weeks. Adeline is so excited about Baby Jesus' Birthday. We went to the Christmas Festival at our church. Adeline calls it a "musical". We saw Baby Jesus, Frost, and Santa. She talks about visiting Baby Jesus almost every day. She has made him a couple of Birthday cards on her own initiative. She loves Frosty. We went and saw the lights at NFRMC.
We have had a couple of visitors. Love to them all. You can see dear Monica above with Essie. We have been to a couple of parties. Adeline loves all of this. We have been telling her Jesus was born to teach us about love and sharing that love. It is cute to hear her version of all of this. "Old Mc Donald had a Baby Jesus!" is something she is singing right now. She wants to make BJ a birthday cake - pink and blue she says. So we will be baking soon!
Esther turned over like gang busters, but has since stoped. I gues when it isn't new it isn't all that important.
Love to all!

Thanksgiving

 

 

 

 

Psalm 138:1-3 "I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing praise
to You before the gods. I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name. On the day I called, You answered me..." [and we had breakfast!]
God has been so very very good to us this past year.
We have a loving God who lavishes us with blessings. I have been especially thankful for His Holy word lately. As He has rescued me from my pit of selfishness and set my feet dancing when heading back to work.
I have a wonderful husband who loves me so very well. He is supportive when I need support, encouraging at just the right moment and more than anything else he is the calm of my day.
I am thankful for loving family that show us in gifts of time, calls, and text messages.
My two little girls are pure joy to my soul. As Beth Moore says... Joy that is just "on ya". You can't help but have your heart warmed by the sweet "I love you Mommy" that was spontaneous. To the belly laugh of a 3 month old.
Thank you to the Creator of so many beautiful things for us to enjoy. We love the Suwanee River. The calmness of the river, the color changes, a great dirt road to walk down (or run, or push a stroller). I thank God for my stroller and for craig's list.
I'm thankful for a job that is flexible and provides wonderfully for my family.
God has blessed us with a great family heritage of faith that I hope to pass down to my family and grow it even stronger.
We have so many loving,caring, fun people in our lives it is remarkable. We are so glad that so many work to keep in touch with us.
Thank you to Katie for encouraging me to take some time to give God the credit for so much in my life. The list could go on an on... warm home, car that works, etc. I am very thankful for things such as these that we then to take for granted until they don't work.

Essie is 4 months old - turned over today

Yeah!!! Esther turned over today 4 times to prove it wasn't an accident. Though the look on her face told another story. She didn't make a big deal about it, need encouragement or kudos. She just did it. I wonder if this is going to be her personality - flying under the radar. She turned from her tummy to back. Though she has been working very hard to go from her back to her tummy, so I am a bit surprised. She hasn't even showed interest in going the other way.
Our 4 month visit went great. She is off the scales for height at 26 1/4 inches and weight 19lbs 1oz. I think God is creating her just right to keep up with her sister.
We talked a lot about germs and keeping our household well by keeping everyone well. Good hand washing and not sharing food/utensils within our family or others. This will be a hard habit to break as Adeline likes a bite of just about everything. However, we need to all stay well to keep Esther well. It will be a gift of love from Adeline to Esther.
Esther has been laughing up a storm. Her cooing has seemed to go to the back burner so she can work on her fine motor skills. She bats at things with her hands and with her feet. She kicks this one ball that dangles with such precision with her feet it is rather impressive. Stay posted. I hope to get a video up soon. Or minimally a link to youtube.com.
We had an excellent thanksgiving out at the Suwanee river. Always something different with these wonderful Conrads, keeping it interesting (liquids, chopping wood, spreading rock with a bobcat and manually too). Bryan did a ton of cooking for all meals other than Thanksgiving traditions. He is a superstar to me! And just to note... my folks got off from a cruise on Thanksgiving day. Not a bad idea!
Esther also survived and even thrived on baby boot camp. We all worked to get her back on the pre-daycare schedule. It was amazing how she just slipped right into it. I think not have 3 other babies around must have helped. She still needs 3 naps a day. She kept the record for the nighttime battle this week, yes back in the habit of a 3-4 am feeding AGAIN! We will take on that issue next weekend. I still believe if we get a good daytime schedule going the nighttime will follow. We will keep you posted. It also is dependent on having a healthy (not congested) baby.
Today we took Adeline to a Pow-Wow at Hart Springs. It was a little scary and a bit educational. Most importantly she was cute in her indian dress made by Neige, Amanda and Lauren from SSD (Son Shine Daycare).
Happy Birthday Rossie...My grandmother's birthday today :)

Family

 

 

 

 

Oh how I love all my family! My folks joined us this past weekend for an evening as they headed down to catch a cruise. Then Saturday after they left we headed out to Dudly Farms. Adeine wanted to go see a Farmer. Thank goodness we saw one. We also got to see many animals: cows, horse, mule, turkey (gobbling and feathers out), chickens (she got to feed them), and some rain fell. Martha and Bill caught up with us as we were just finishing. We just did it all again, Adeline loved it! It was a beautiful overcast day. It hasn't rained in a long time and in its own way being briefly caught in the rain was nice.
God it so good. He keeps me singing for sure. I am adapting to work and family life without loosing my head. The good news too is that Esther is back to sleeping through the night. It is official (she did it last night - once - that counts right). I have been studying the fruit of the Spirit: Love (never fails), Joy (comes - on ya), Peace (rules), and Patience (waits). So far each of these has come at the perfect time. God loves me so much.

Another thing I have been thinking about. I hate discipline. It is way tooo hard. I firmly believe it is necessary. It is so hard to correct a little girl who is fussy because she missed her nap and you are late feeding supper. She is having a melt down and I need to put in time out because she hit me or something. This isn't a regular occurrence. She truly is so sweet and caring. She is a 2 yr old learing her limits though too. I do believe in parenting/discipline with grace too. We all need passes on bad decisions or what we have said. I always thought I would be the tough one. I am finding I would rather just give her grace and grace and more grace. That is right up until I don't. I wonder how hard it is for God to discipline us. He wants the best for us and we all know at times we need to be called out on something to grow from it. I never have thought about it from His perspective before. Oh how I love these girls and want only the best for them. I think there is a balance. Now just to prayerfully find it. And to get things right in my life so as to avoid any further discipline from God. Lessons are good, but I have felt His hand of discipline too! yikes!!!

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

 

 

 

 

We went to the Veteran's park today for the festivities. We are so blessed by God to live in a country where we have such freedom. Freedom that came at a cost. And no I don't mean having to stand in line to vote (as some have complained about this past week). I thank God for his direction in forming our nation. I thank God for today. I know we are not the country He wants us to be with so much dissrespect for Him. Though I know He is still in control today as much as He was years ago. I am thankful for so many in the human race that chose to protect this country. I pray that more would do so and others would respect those that make the choice to do so today. I can only imagine the blessingsGod has in store for us if our elected officals would seek Him and His ways in their daily decisions. Imagine the changes. Imagine if each person would seek Him daily. We probably wouldn't need the government to have so many programs because we would be taking care of our neighbors. Anyway... I love the USA.
Adeline had a blast seeing airplane, parachuters, helicopter, and a couple of Florida Football players today. (We saw the Pouncy twins, Watkins and Hart on the O line they tell me). Yes I was bouncing when I spoke with them. I can't believe I didn't even think to have them autograph Essies head. But it was sad to think I hadn't sung with Adeline our more patriotic heritage and hadn't said the Pledge of Allegiance with her. Some things will change.
Then off to the butterfly garden. Adeline wore her wings. It was soooo cute. Essie actually was noticing the butterflies and really enjoyed it!!!

A visitor

 

Uncle Andy came by tonight... on his way home to Naples. We love you Andy. Thank you to Tommy for stopping by as well.

First Hair Cut and Happy Pumpkin Day

 

Adeline had her first hair cut yesterday. She wanted to go so bad right up until the lady asked her to get in the seat.

 

 

 

My cuties had fun this past Friday visiting neighbors, cookie decorating and going for a hay ride in our neighborhood.

Fall Fun with the girls

 

 

So much fun today. After picking up the girls we headed to the mall "swamp" and met up with Aunt Annie (who had visited Adeline and Essie at school that day... what a hit), Meme, and then a friend Stephanie came. We put them in their outfits, took the above pictures and headed to "music class" (Kindermusik). Stephanie joined us and gave Bryan the night off. Adeline calls this her dance class because we are learning about music, movement, and instruments. She really like the "dance" parts. Tonight we went to the farm musically - Old Donald and some other fun fun fun songs. Shew fly, etc. "Singing, Dancing, we will be...making music" So glad Stephanie joined us.
Then we met up with Bryan. The YMCA thing was going to cost us $16 so we skipped it b/c I thought we would only be there a few minutes. So we headed to the villiage market and got some yummy Pizza and looked at lights. Imagine there were several apartments decorated with spiders, orange lights, cats and real dogs. So much fun for a 2 yr old. Adeline nad Bryan played on the playground while I strolled around with Essie May/Essie Lou/Essie Pookins. We were rotating her name tonight. When we got home Daddy was Daddy pookins - ha ha haaa! We love Daddy Poo! Is that close to my Daddy T - I don't think so. He asked to be call B-Dog... but that isn't near the fun. Go Addy, Go!

Milestones: Essie is trying to roll over from her back to her stomach, she has started using a pacifier this week too! She loves to coo. Adeline continues to amaze us with her vocabulary and is going potty more and more.

Praying for Ms. Freda

Ms. Freda is our Pator's wife who is fighting multiple myeloma (cancer). Follow her blog here for updates, etc.
Our God is able to heal and comfort her and her family through such a difficult time.

Esther is 3 months old today!!!

 

This pic taken only a couple of hours ago! She is a talker/cooer. She is trying to roll over. The teachers at daycare say they love her soooo and that she is such a good baby. I knew that one already! Her hair is either thinning or lightening up. She has the most loveable chunks! Adeline loves giving her kisses. Her favorite past time is looking into a mirror. She is tolerating tummy time so well, loves the bouncy seat, and is learning to enjoy the swing.

Park fun!!!

 

 

 

 

We have so much fun at a little park near our home. I threw down a blanket for Essie and she loved i. After the park that day we met Bryan for a pizza dinner! (to note I left our diaper bag there... have been tearing the house apart looking for it and had a flash of memory tonight and hope to pick it up tomorrow!)

Great Meme

I just want to quickly make note of my sweet-hearted Adeline. Bryan's grandmother - Mary Esther Preston passed this past week. We went to see her last weekend and Adeline told her "I love you, Great Meme". We had done some prompting about the visit. Then for the memorial service today we had explained about Great Meme being with Jesus. So tonight during prayer time Bryan asked her what she wanted to tell Jesus and she said "I love you, Great Meme". Awe! He told her Jesus would pass the message on. I pray we encourage her tender heart and protect it. She has a sweet sweet spirit.

Fun this past week

 

Adeline loves holding Essie!

 

We have discovered "nubbies" rather than waterspouts on her head.

 

Esther...simply adorable

 

My little butterfly!

We have had some fun this past week. I'm preparing for work next week with cooking a ton, washing everything in the house, and acting like I'm not doing it again for a long time. Our freezer hasn't arrived so I will not be stocked up like I wanted on some premade meals (hopeful thinking more than anything). Today we went down to see Great Meme, who isn't doing so well. Adeline was scared at first, but then slowly warmed up. Esther was just fine. Then we headed home, took naps and then Bryan and Adeline went for a bike ride/trip for coffee/ice-cream. Then Essie and I met them at the park, pizza dinner and bed soon followed.
We love Great Meme and are praying for peace and love to fill her up and for God to hold onto her and her to feel His presence. He knows the plans He has for her. I pray He comfort the family and direct all during this difficult time. Yet a great time to be thankful for so many blessings. We also got to reconnect with some other family visiting today. Cousins, Unlces and Aunts. We love them all. Cousin Faye, that is 2 months older than Adeline, and Adeline had fun sharing stuffed animals and were so cute how they both had similar hair curls. Probably the only other 2yr old that looks anything like her... go figure, they are family!

Praise God

Essie just took an oz or 2 from a bottle. It took approx 20 min of letting her play with it in her mouth and a little fussiness here and there. Finally she latched on to it!!! Whew! God is good!

okay...

So I can't blog and not mention my adorable family. Today Adeline asked to hold Essie. So I put her in her lap on top of the boppy pillow (that Addy calls her chair). The first thing Adeline does is say "take picture". As thus far every time she hold Esther we run for the camera. We don't want to force the sweetness on her, so when she asks we are usually up for documenting it. As you never know when it could be the last. I think it is sinking in that Adeline's sweet sweet tender heart is here to stay.
Alert: Essie would not drink from the bottle tonight and I am a bit worried as I am returning to work on the 14th (one week). I know tomorrow what I will be doing... buying up samples of bottles and nipples and probably google the problem until I find a solution that seems fitting. Any advice welcome!
Also... I dropped in to see Luke Roy today. He is adorable as are his parents and Mimi! One cutie surrounded by love. I would say Esther has her eye on him, though he might run (or maybe that is why he is rolling over at an early age) right now for fear of being eaten. So for now she is drooling... no that sounds bad too. Hmm...She is listening for him to call her with a coo! It will be fun to watch them in church nursery together!

Yes 2 Marriage

I don't normally shout out about politics because normally I don't educate myself until right before it is time to vote. However... on this amendment it is pretty clear. I heard one of the lawyers speak about it that helped to write it. Here is the link to Yes2Marriage. He spoke and also mentioned how the other side is twisting the facts and what the facts are. It was good to hear too that this amendment is not going to ban hospital visitation for same sex folks. He also explained why this amendment was created (my summary: because in Mass. and Calif. 4 Judges decided what the people wanted. Specifically in Calif there had been a statute defining marriage as between one man and one woman that the Judges still overturned). A good saying: If marriage can mean anything then it doesn't mean anything. YIKES! My dear hubby means a lot to me... and that commitment/paper I have on him means a lot too (just joking dear, I love you!).

Esther is 10 weeks old today!!!

 

 

 

 

Having fun hanging out. I finished her a little blanket for her to take to daycare on the 14th. Next to work on one for adeline. She has the same one I made for her when she started in daycare (it has seen better days).
Esther is really interactive. She has a lot to say several times a day with lots of little baby sounds. She only talks when you interact with her, otherwise she is happy to kick her feet with joy. She likes being outside. She loves looking at the fan. She tolerates tummy time, and is getting stronger. She will let you know when it is time to eat. I have started her on the schedule we will try when I go back to work. I think it will work out well. We may be eating take-out/order in for a while; as I have been doing much of the meal preparation around the lunch hour. We are getting a little freezer (for the garage) to keep up with my milk supply. I don't think we will run out for a long time. This will decrease my stress level for sure when going back to work. For such a chunky baby she eats a lot less than Adeline did. I also am starting to get excited about making her first foods from scratch (another reason for the freezer, despite it being several months away). Right now ours is 33% full of milk. and it isn't ice-cream! We have got to get our priorities straight here. Adeline has been kissing Esther like crazy. Probably 10 times through out dinner tonight. It is easier to clean Essie than tell Adeline not to kiss her.
Adeline got Kudos from her teacher Ms. Neige today that she was the best behaved by far. So much better to hear than she bit someone (which - praise God has been a long time ago). We have a scheduled parent teacher meeting on Thursday AM. Adeline had her test today. I think it is similar to the FCAT... just joking. But it does let you know where her strengths are. Or more likely where we focus and that we need to work on throwing a ball for example. I'm sure we need to work on that. Her only limitations are her parents... ha ha! She really is a sponge though!
We can hardly wait to meet Mr. Luke Roy Judah.... both girls are healthy (which makes me feel better about walking into their home - no bugs dripping off of me)... now just to find the time and not intrude on their family time!!! He sure is a cutie from the pics they share.