Hey y'all,
So often it can seem that being a Mom has very little reward. With the endless laundry, sleepless nights, piles of dirty diapers, that could be used as a new form of chemical warfare, and the masses of people telling you how to do it better it can feel like a very thankless job at times. I can't say I know a single mom who feels like she has it all together all the time. I realized that it is the little things that are our rewards. The giggle at the silly face I have a made a hundred times. When she lays her head on my shoulder when she is tired. When she pulls my face in closer to her. Or when she checks the room to see if she can see me. And, yes, even when she cries when I put her down because she just wants to be held for a little while longer. It makes it so worth it. It makes it all worth it. So I have decided to treasure all of these little things because I will not always be able to hold her in my arms or play a kissing game with her. One day she won't really need me like she does now. She may not even say I love you but I will have these moments to know that I kissed, hugged and held her enough so that she will always know how much I truly and deeply love her. For me that is enough to get me through a thousand rough and sick days.
This all prompted wanting to be able to write this down so that I will remember it. So Evolet has been sick the past two days. Her little nose is running, her cough is bone rattling and she coughs so hard that she gags and spits up. Gross, I know but as her Mommy I am there to wipe that nose, clean up that spit up and give her as many hugs and kisses as I can so she feels better. Naps have been a struggle and sleep has been very little for both of us because of her cough which has caused her to be much less patient than my sweet smiling girl. I say all of this to come to this, today has been rough but there is always good even in the hardest moments.
After her bath and nursing session we rocked for a little while as she looked at the nightlight behind the rocker. This is part of our nightly ritual. She just loves to stare at the Christmas tree night light as we go back and forth before we read a couple of books. It always brings a smile to her face as she climbs me like a mountain to get as close as she possibly is able. I usually give her kisses on her cheeks and neck to just fill up her love meter. Well, tonight after kissing her on the cheek she turned to me with a big open mouth and kissed me back. I told her "Thank you for my kisses." Like I always do but figured it was just a fluke so I kissed her again on the cheek and she turned and did it again! For a good ten minutes we sat there trading smiles and sweet baby kisses. I didn't care that I was covered in her saliva or that her bedtime was quickly approaching. All I cared about was my precious daughter was saying "I love you" and "I know all you do and I want to say thank you." Now I know that is a lot to take out of a couple kisses but for this Mommy it was all I needed. I made a difference in my daughters life and she let me know that today. All of a sudden my day wasn't that bad, in fact it was great! Now I am needed for some more nose sucking and cuddles. So thank you for bearing with me on this latest mushy, gushy post about my little blessing. I hope it made you smile.
Love,
Lauren
"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Luke 6:45
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Bringing Baby Home
Hey y'all,
So what a whirlwind being a parent has been! I write this as I wait for our precious girl who is now waking up from a nap so if it seems choppy or disoriented, I apologize but it may take me a couple naps to actually get through all the events from the past 7 months. Wow! Seven months has really gone by fast.
I'll start where I left off in our last post. We came home from the hospital with a beautiful baby girl and a feeling of "now what?". Ricky had off for two weeks so all three of us just hung out in our bed for a couple days resting, cuddling and trying to figure out the breastfeeding thing. Meanwhile our amazing community came to our aid bringing us meal after meal of delicious, healthy food. It definitely took a load off of my mind for a couple of days. Our Evolet was a pretty good sleeper from the start and we considered ourselves blessed in that fact! Then reinforcements showed up to help us out.
Nana, Ricky's grandmother, flew into Minot and we all went to pick her up. This would be our first outing as a family and boy, it was a bit of an adventure. Evolet looked so tiny in her car seat as we rolled her through Walmart and then back home. I have never felt so concerned about germs and other people in my entire life. Now I am not a germaphobe but I could just picture a giant germ in a mask come barreling down the aisle every time someone sneezed or even brushed against my shoulder. When we finally made it home, Sampson was extremely happy to have a non sleep deprived human to play with for a while. Then a few days later we did it again!
We went out into the world to go to church and then the state fair. I had been bound and determined to go to the state fair but now looking back I wish we would have just stayed home. It wasn't so much the people it was just that I was a new mom of a six day old, yes you read that right a six day old, who had not even remotely gotten the handle on the breastfeeding situation. I was so not wanting to be that woman who let having a baby stop her from life....hinds sight 20/20 I should have let Nana mother me more, slept a lot more and not pushed myself to go out when I really wasn't ready and maybe I wouldn't have become a momzilla. Clearly I have things to remember for next time, haha. So we decided to hang out around the house after that very long day.
Then our wonderful photographer and friend Amy Smith came to take our newborn pictures. Evolet pretty much slept through the entire session but we didn't mind because it made her so much easier to pose! And oh boy did we like to pose her. lol Sam of course had to get in on the fun after all he pretty much claimed Evolet as his baby since day one. She is such a sweet blessing for all of us. I have truly enjoyed building our lives together as mommy and daughter. She certainly has a big fan in her super daddy too.
So after Ricky went back to work and then Nana left, which left me, myself and I with a baby. I had three weeks of mom duty under my belt but up until then I had help! I was absolutely petrified about the day after Nana left because it meant I was all alone with my very little baby girl. Day one passed by and the days after that just got better and better. Each outing became easier as did each passing day. Finally breastfeeding was becoming second nature. It seemed to be all I did for a while but I would go through the pain, tears and struggle a hundred times over knowing the bond that I have with my sweet girl now.Within a few weeks the fear was gone and I became a confident, if not frazzled at times, happy mommy of a beautiful little girl. I do not worry about other people's opinions, or parenting advice. Do I listen? Sure, but I take it with a grain of salt because the simple fact of the matter is that Evolet is our daughter, given to US to take care of. So in reality, other people can have their say, but in the end we are responsible for her well-being in all aspects of life. She is a happy, healthy, loving beautiful little lady so I would say we are doing pretty good so far. One day I will get Ricky to sit down with some of his feelings and let you know his thoughts about this time but for now I will just keep posting. Like I said, I have seven months to catch up on. So hold on to your boots!
Love,
Lauren
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
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So what a whirlwind being a parent has been! I write this as I wait for our precious girl who is now waking up from a nap so if it seems choppy or disoriented, I apologize but it may take me a couple naps to actually get through all the events from the past 7 months. Wow! Seven months has really gone by fast.
I'll start where I left off in our last post. We came home from the hospital with a beautiful baby girl and a feeling of "now what?". Ricky had off for two weeks so all three of us just hung out in our bed for a couple days resting, cuddling and trying to figure out the breastfeeding thing. Meanwhile our amazing community came to our aid bringing us meal after meal of delicious, healthy food. It definitely took a load off of my mind for a couple of days. Our Evolet was a pretty good sleeper from the start and we considered ourselves blessed in that fact! Then reinforcements showed up to help us out.
Nana, Ricky's grandmother, flew into Minot and we all went to pick her up. This would be our first outing as a family and boy, it was a bit of an adventure. Evolet looked so tiny in her car seat as we rolled her through Walmart and then back home. I have never felt so concerned about germs and other people in my entire life. Now I am not a germaphobe but I could just picture a giant germ in a mask come barreling down the aisle every time someone sneezed or even brushed against my shoulder. When we finally made it home, Sampson was extremely happy to have a non sleep deprived human to play with for a while. Then a few days later we did it again!
We went out into the world to go to church and then the state fair. I had been bound and determined to go to the state fair but now looking back I wish we would have just stayed home. It wasn't so much the people it was just that I was a new mom of a six day old, yes you read that right a six day old, who had not even remotely gotten the handle on the breastfeeding situation. I was so not wanting to be that woman who let having a baby stop her from life....hinds sight 20/20 I should have let Nana mother me more, slept a lot more and not pushed myself to go out when I really wasn't ready and maybe I wouldn't have become a momzilla. Clearly I have things to remember for next time, haha. So we decided to hang out around the house after that very long day.
Then our wonderful photographer and friend Amy Smith came to take our newborn pictures. Evolet pretty much slept through the entire session but we didn't mind because it made her so much easier to pose! And oh boy did we like to pose her. lol Sam of course had to get in on the fun after all he pretty much claimed Evolet as his baby since day one. She is such a sweet blessing for all of us. I have truly enjoyed building our lives together as mommy and daughter. She certainly has a big fan in her super daddy too.
So after Ricky went back to work and then Nana left, which left me, myself and I with a baby. I had three weeks of mom duty under my belt but up until then I had help! I was absolutely petrified about the day after Nana left because it meant I was all alone with my very little baby girl. Day one passed by and the days after that just got better and better. Each outing became easier as did each passing day. Finally breastfeeding was becoming second nature. It seemed to be all I did for a while but I would go through the pain, tears and struggle a hundred times over knowing the bond that I have with my sweet girl now.Within a few weeks the fear was gone and I became a confident, if not frazzled at times, happy mommy of a beautiful little girl. I do not worry about other people's opinions, or parenting advice. Do I listen? Sure, but I take it with a grain of salt because the simple fact of the matter is that Evolet is our daughter, given to US to take care of. So in reality, other people can have their say, but in the end we are responsible for her well-being in all aspects of life. She is a happy, healthy, loving beautiful little lady so I would say we are doing pretty good so far. One day I will get Ricky to sit down with some of his feelings and let you know his thoughts about this time but for now I will just keep posting. Like I said, I have seven months to catch up on. So hold on to your boots!
Love,
Lauren
"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Welcome to the world, Evolet!
Hey Y'all,
So it has been quite some time since the last time we posted anything so forgive us if anything gets left out. I am going to break this up into a couple of different posts so that I can try to cover everything.The biggest thing since our last update is Evolet is here!!!!!
On July 11, 2013 our precious little girl made her way into the world. That week at my weekly doctors appointment I had made the decision to induce if she was not here by her due date a week later. As soon as I did I regretted the notion and began to wonder if maybe I should call and cancel. We had talked so often about just letting Evolet come on her own. So I tossed and turned that night wondering about what I should do. Looking back I wish I wouldn't have worried about it so much since she came on her own anyway. The next day I went to have a much needed mani/pedi, especially since our little bit was going to arrive any day. That night I started to feel a little off. I was achy and just feeling all over uncomfortable but I figured it was just from not being able to get fully comfortable while sleeping and too long of a walk earlier that day. This same feeling followed me throughout the next day causing me to go to bed early. Little did I know that my body was in the early stages of labor! It was probably a good thing, otherwise I would have certainly been jumping at every small sign. The next morning at 5 o'clock in the morning I felt a small twinge from my back to my front which woke me up. I thought nothing of it until it happened again about thirty minutes later. At around 6 o'clock I sat up in bed and told Ricky that I thought I was having contractions. He opened his eyes and asked "Do I need to get up?" I told him no and went downstairs to play on the computer. Ricky got up as if it were any other morning and we went about the day. He went to work and I just rested around the house and answered some emails while the twinges still came and went. Around noon Ricky text me asking how things were and if I wanted to go to a chili cookoff for lunch. So off I went in labor to eat chili! This was certainly not how I pictured labor especially after hearing so many horror stories and seeing so many movies that told me just the opposite. I was still not convinced that I was truly in labor.
So at the chili cook off I was looked at like I was ready to explode by some of our friends but I returned home and Ricky to work. Around 3pm I texted Ricky to let him know that the contractions had gotten to the point that they were about 3-4 minutes apart and I was going to call the doctor. I still was not convinced that this was it. They were intensifying to where I needed to breathe lightly through them but I could carry on a conversation with little problem. During the ride to the hospital I was trying to tell myself that this couldn't be it and that we were going to be sent home. Walking into the hospital and to the maternity ward desk and then to our room, I was put into a gown and hooked up to a bunch of machines. I loved hearing my little girl's heartbeat on the monitor! I was at 5 cm at that point. We laughed and joked and waited for the nurse to tell us she was admitting us, then the phone calls began. Through two very excited teary soon-to-be grandmas we spread the news that our little one was on her way.
So the waiting began. We walked while they prepared another room for us still feeling good with little pain with each contraction. I was progressing fine on my own but we decided to move things along so my doctor broke my water. The harder labor had begun. Laying down was not comfortable,so I got up and we swayed together, Ricky reminding me to breathe and helping laugh as the contractions intensified. I truly could not have done it with out him. He was my rock. I was wearing out quickly and no other position was comfortable for me so I finally asked for the epidural. By the time I received it I was 8 cm and exhausted. Within minutes I was able to sleep for a little while and Ricky was able to read. The next thing I knew the nurses were saying it was time to start pushing. Ricky held one of my legs and the other nurse held the other. Between contractions I caught a few minutes of "The Golden Girls" because it was the only thing on that late at night and I thought it was ironic that my grandmother was probably watching the same thing. Forty five minutes later at 11:57 pm on Thursday, July 11, 2013 our precious girl was set on my chest. She was here! I still remember saying "Hello, sweet girl." Then I looked at my doctor and asked him, "She is a girl, right?" To which he said yes. It went by so quickly. As they cleaned her up I waited to hold her again. Ricky went to the nursery with her where they quickly bonded with each other. After what seemed like forever we were reunited and have been practically inseparable ever since.
Life has been one big ball of craziness with learning each other's ways but it has been beautiful. In a matter of a minutes she stole our hearts and she continues to do so to this day with every smile and even every cry. She is the best of us and we are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives. The love that we feel for her is so immensely overwhelming and somewhat crippling in the fact that knowing our Father's love for us is even more pure and all consuming that it was hard to understand that kind of love until now. Truly, being parents has taught us so much and will continue to do so, but I believe it has taught us the most important thing. It has taught us how to love.
Love,
Ricky, Lauren, and Evolet
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8
So it has been quite some time since the last time we posted anything so forgive us if anything gets left out. I am going to break this up into a couple of different posts so that I can try to cover everything.The biggest thing since our last update is Evolet is here!!!!!
On July 11, 2013 our precious little girl made her way into the world. That week at my weekly doctors appointment I had made the decision to induce if she was not here by her due date a week later. As soon as I did I regretted the notion and began to wonder if maybe I should call and cancel. We had talked so often about just letting Evolet come on her own. So I tossed and turned that night wondering about what I should do. Looking back I wish I wouldn't have worried about it so much since she came on her own anyway. The next day I went to have a much needed mani/pedi, especially since our little bit was going to arrive any day. That night I started to feel a little off. I was achy and just feeling all over uncomfortable but I figured it was just from not being able to get fully comfortable while sleeping and too long of a walk earlier that day. This same feeling followed me throughout the next day causing me to go to bed early. Little did I know that my body was in the early stages of labor! It was probably a good thing, otherwise I would have certainly been jumping at every small sign. The next morning at 5 o'clock in the morning I felt a small twinge from my back to my front which woke me up. I thought nothing of it until it happened again about thirty minutes later. At around 6 o'clock I sat up in bed and told Ricky that I thought I was having contractions. He opened his eyes and asked "Do I need to get up?" I told him no and went downstairs to play on the computer. Ricky got up as if it were any other morning and we went about the day. He went to work and I just rested around the house and answered some emails while the twinges still came and went. Around noon Ricky text me asking how things were and if I wanted to go to a chili cookoff for lunch. So off I went in labor to eat chili! This was certainly not how I pictured labor especially after hearing so many horror stories and seeing so many movies that told me just the opposite. I was still not convinced that I was truly in labor.
So at the chili cook off I was looked at like I was ready to explode by some of our friends but I returned home and Ricky to work. Around 3pm I texted Ricky to let him know that the contractions had gotten to the point that they were about 3-4 minutes apart and I was going to call the doctor. I still was not convinced that this was it. They were intensifying to where I needed to breathe lightly through them but I could carry on a conversation with little problem. During the ride to the hospital I was trying to tell myself that this couldn't be it and that we were going to be sent home. Walking into the hospital and to the maternity ward desk and then to our room, I was put into a gown and hooked up to a bunch of machines. I loved hearing my little girl's heartbeat on the monitor! I was at 5 cm at that point. We laughed and joked and waited for the nurse to tell us she was admitting us, then the phone calls began. Through two very excited teary soon-to-be grandmas we spread the news that our little one was on her way.
So the waiting began. We walked while they prepared another room for us still feeling good with little pain with each contraction. I was progressing fine on my own but we decided to move things along so my doctor broke my water. The harder labor had begun. Laying down was not comfortable,so I got up and we swayed together, Ricky reminding me to breathe and helping laugh as the contractions intensified. I truly could not have done it with out him. He was my rock. I was wearing out quickly and no other position was comfortable for me so I finally asked for the epidural. By the time I received it I was 8 cm and exhausted. Within minutes I was able to sleep for a little while and Ricky was able to read. The next thing I knew the nurses were saying it was time to start pushing. Ricky held one of my legs and the other nurse held the other. Between contractions I caught a few minutes of "The Golden Girls" because it was the only thing on that late at night and I thought it was ironic that my grandmother was probably watching the same thing. Forty five minutes later at 11:57 pm on Thursday, July 11, 2013 our precious girl was set on my chest. She was here! I still remember saying "Hello, sweet girl." Then I looked at my doctor and asked him, "She is a girl, right?" To which he said yes. It went by so quickly. As they cleaned her up I waited to hold her again. Ricky went to the nursery with her where they quickly bonded with each other. After what seemed like forever we were reunited and have been practically inseparable ever since.
Life has been one big ball of craziness with learning each other's ways but it has been beautiful. In a matter of a minutes she stole our hearts and she continues to do so to this day with every smile and even every cry. She is the best of us and we are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives. The love that we feel for her is so immensely overwhelming and somewhat crippling in the fact that knowing our Father's love for us is even more pure and all consuming that it was hard to understand that kind of love until now. Truly, being parents has taught us so much and will continue to do so, but I believe it has taught us the most important thing. It has taught us how to love.
Love,
Ricky, Lauren, and Evolet
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Just keep waiting
Hey Everyone,
Since we are just a few weeks away from holding Evolet, we figured that we would go ahead and update all of you on the past few amazing, crazy months because we both know that all we will be able to talk about is our little one once she is here.
To start our adventure off I got celebrated on Mother's day! It was amazing to finally be able to participate in this awesome day. Ricky did a great job grilling all my favorite veggies and meats and making me feel super pampered. I also received a hand carved cross for my collection from my super sweet mother-in-law, as well as, lots of cards from my family and friends. Boy did I feel loved!No more celebrating female teacher appreciation day for me! As apart of Ricky's mothers day plans, he also planned a getaway weekend. So we went on our babymoon the next weekend. For all of you who are not familiar with this term, a babymoon is a getaway that an expecting couple make usually a few months before the baby is born. It is a time to just be a couple before baby gets here. It was wonderful! We went down to Bismarck where we had a spa day including a massage, facial (a steam bath for Ricky), a delicious lunch, a pedicure and manicure. It was so relaxing just to spend time with each other getting pampered. The next day we spent doing some shopping, seeing Iron Man 3 and Star Trek 2. It was awesome! We also went out for a fancy dinner where I enjoyed a delicious asparagus soup and baked ravioli. The weekend was a four day weekend so coming home on Sunday was like having our getaway extended home. We both loved getting to just be us without a schedule or demands. It was great to spend so much time together before the next week.
So the next week was TGE, aka The Great Escape! This is a week that my mother in law, Nana, and sisters all get together for a little mini vacation from kids and husbands. I had longed to get invited to this awesome event and this year I got the invite! So I got on a plane and flew out to California for a wonderful week of visiting family including a very special high school graduation of Rick's cousins Weslie and Chelsea. Then it was off to a beautiful cabin near Nevada City. We laughed, cried (sometimes at the same time) and just a a wonderful time just being women together. I was the only one who could not leave my child at home but I don't think anyone minded that at all lol. The belly got lots of love from all the aunts, Abi and great grandma. It was a great time but just like Vegas, what happens at TGE stays at TGE ;P. The trip home was long but uneventful and I was very happy to see my boys again!
The Thursday after I got home from TGE, Ryan (Ricky's big little brother) came to stay with us for a week. It was busy and fun getting to see him! Then the boys went camping at Mt. Rushmore. What a great adventure they had on their own little mini TGE! They went hiking, fishing and lots of s'more eating! Next year hopefully I'll get to go to Rushmore as well :D
After sending Ryan off on his way home and hitting some garage sales, we documented our amazing journey through this pregnancy with a wonderful woman and photographer, Amy Smith (Allender). It was such a fun experience! Sam even got in on the fun! We captured some precious and hilarious moments which made out photo shoot perfect.
So now it was Ricky's turn to be celebrated as a father! After having a wonderful lunch with our friends we spent the afternoon piddling around the house. Then for dinner we had Ricky's favorite tritip, parsley potatoes and salad. Pretty sure though his favorite part of the evening was receiving his gift. I had worked for many days to make coordinating superhero capes for my superman and his supergirl. It was great to see his eyes light up as he opened them up. I can hardly wait for them to play dress up together!
Now we are at 36 weeks with only four weeks left! We are just waiting now with a few things to get done, like our birthing class :P. Our excitement is hard to stifle at this point but we will just have to be patient while we make last minute preparations to welcome our daughter home! The next post probably won't be until after Evolet makes her debut. Keep us in your prayers!
Patiently waiting,
Ricky and Lauren
Since we are just a few weeks away from holding Evolet, we figured that we would go ahead and update all of you on the past few amazing, crazy months because we both know that all we will be able to talk about is our little one once she is here.
To start our adventure off I got celebrated on Mother's day! It was amazing to finally be able to participate in this awesome day. Ricky did a great job grilling all my favorite veggies and meats and making me feel super pampered. I also received a hand carved cross for my collection from my super sweet mother-in-law, as well as, lots of cards from my family and friends. Boy did I feel loved!No more celebrating female teacher appreciation day for me! As apart of Ricky's mothers day plans, he also planned a getaway weekend. So we went on our babymoon the next weekend. For all of you who are not familiar with this term, a babymoon is a getaway that an expecting couple make usually a few months before the baby is born. It is a time to just be a couple before baby gets here. It was wonderful! We went down to Bismarck where we had a spa day including a massage, facial (a steam bath for Ricky), a delicious lunch, a pedicure and manicure. It was so relaxing just to spend time with each other getting pampered. The next day we spent doing some shopping, seeing Iron Man 3 and Star Trek 2. It was awesome! We also went out for a fancy dinner where I enjoyed a delicious asparagus soup and baked ravioli. The weekend was a four day weekend so coming home on Sunday was like having our getaway extended home. We both loved getting to just be us without a schedule or demands. It was great to spend so much time together before the next week.
So the next week was TGE, aka The Great Escape! This is a week that my mother in law, Nana, and sisters all get together for a little mini vacation from kids and husbands. I had longed to get invited to this awesome event and this year I got the invite! So I got on a plane and flew out to California for a wonderful week of visiting family including a very special high school graduation of Rick's cousins Weslie and Chelsea. Then it was off to a beautiful cabin near Nevada City. We laughed, cried (sometimes at the same time) and just a a wonderful time just being women together. I was the only one who could not leave my child at home but I don't think anyone minded that at all lol. The belly got lots of love from all the aunts, Abi and great grandma. It was a great time but just like Vegas, what happens at TGE stays at TGE ;P. The trip home was long but uneventful and I was very happy to see my boys again!
The Thursday after I got home from TGE, Ryan (Ricky's big little brother) came to stay with us for a week. It was busy and fun getting to see him! Then the boys went camping at Mt. Rushmore. What a great adventure they had on their own little mini TGE! They went hiking, fishing and lots of s'more eating! Next year hopefully I'll get to go to Rushmore as well :D
After sending Ryan off on his way home and hitting some garage sales, we documented our amazing journey through this pregnancy with a wonderful woman and photographer, Amy Smith (Allender). It was such a fun experience! Sam even got in on the fun! We captured some precious and hilarious moments which made out photo shoot perfect.
So now it was Ricky's turn to be celebrated as a father! After having a wonderful lunch with our friends we spent the afternoon piddling around the house. Then for dinner we had Ricky's favorite tritip, parsley potatoes and salad. Pretty sure though his favorite part of the evening was receiving his gift. I had worked for many days to make coordinating superhero capes for my superman and his supergirl. It was great to see his eyes light up as he opened them up. I can hardly wait for them to play dress up together!
Now we are at 36 weeks with only four weeks left! We are just waiting now with a few things to get done, like our birthing class :P. Our excitement is hard to stifle at this point but we will just have to be patient while we make last minute preparations to welcome our daughter home! The next post probably won't be until after Evolet makes her debut. Keep us in your prayers!
Patiently waiting,
Ricky and Lauren
Ephesians 4:1-2
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love,
Monday, March 25, 2013
Girls, Girls and more Girls!!!!!
Hey Y'all,
So we are still here in the Great White North known as Minot! Boy does it get cold up here! We are not too frost bitten just a bit chilled at times since we mainly stay inside. These past several months have seemed to disappear but the snow has remained. That is right, it is almost April and we have yet to see the grass! We are staying warm and busy though getting ready for our little girl to arrive in July! That is right, I said GIRL!!!! The Pope family curse has finally been broken and our precious Evolet will be here in no time!
I have to say we were both surprised when the ultrasound technician told us it was a girl but we were just as excited! It was truly amazing to see her moving around on the screen but it is still surreal. Now we are just getting used to saying "daughter," "girl," and "she" as well as stocking up the nursery with diapers, wipes and all the other things we can fit in there. We also enjoy feeling and watching her move around. 24 weeks and counting! July cannot seem to get here soon enough!
Needless to say our family is so super excited to welcome her into the world. Ricky's mom came up for a week to visit us for Ricky's ha-birt and our baby shower. It was a very welcome visit! We had so much fun sewing and chatting about everything we could think of! I am certainly a blessed woman to have such an amazing mother-in-law, who loves me like her own. Anyway, so Robin and I had been sneakily planning her visit, but Ricky found out! So we greeted her at the airport with lots of hugs and a nice warm truck to get away in. Unfortunately she did not bring any warm weather with her from Texas. Instead it decided to snow, and snow, and snow some more. We didn't let that get us down though. We just opened the blinds, turned on some music and sewed away! Sam loves his Abi, especially after she shoveled the back porch! Did I mention how blessed we are to have her in our lives? So Friday we went to Sakura, which is a fun fry-in-your-face place here in town, for Ricky's ha-birt. For everyone who doesn't know, we celebrate half birthdays and call them ha-birts. The special person gets half a cake, half a present, and the supposedly half of a celebration but usually its just half a cake and card with a fully celebration. Anyway, we certainly did not do anything half for this ha-birt! We went home stuffed to the brim and with tons of leftovers! Saturday we went to our favorite little bakery, Sweet and Flour then showed Mom around town. We finished Ricky's ha-birt celebration by going to see the new Oz movie. We all enjoyed it, especially the popcorn! Then we went to Joanns for fabric and crafting supplies and patterns. Sunday was my baby shower so we went to church on base so we could be close by and yes, it was still snowing! That afternoon Mom and I got ready to go celebrate our Evolet with some of my wonderful friends up here. My girls Katie, Erin, and Melissa pulled out all the stops to give me a beautiful shower! All my girls absolutely showered me with love and gifts. I certainly oohhed and ahed over all the adorable little things we received. It truly was memorable! So Monday, I knit while Mom worked a bit then we showed her where we go swimming! Don't worry, we are in an indoor swimming pool that is nice and warm year round. Tuesday we hit the ground running on our sewing again. Mom taught me how to read a pattern and sparked my craftiness up again hehe. She also made an adorable dress for Evolet which I know will just be too cute on her. Wednesday came way to soon and we had to say farewell for now. We will definitely be seeing her again very soon! So after all of fun from that weekend we both crashed! Having fun is exhausting haha.
We are now getting ready to celebrate Easter with our friends! This is such a blessed time for us knowing that our Lord and Savior Jesus died for us. What a reason to celebrate! Ever lasting life just with one choice! Jesus is good! We hope you have someone to celebrate this wonderful time with as well.
It has certainly been an eventful few months and the next few are not getting any less eventful. We look forward to continuing to settle in here and to seeing the beautiful summers that we have heard so much about! So for now stay warm and God bless!
Love,
Ricky and Lauren
"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay." Matthew 28:6
So we are still here in the Great White North known as Minot! Boy does it get cold up here! We are not too frost bitten just a bit chilled at times since we mainly stay inside. These past several months have seemed to disappear but the snow has remained. That is right, it is almost April and we have yet to see the grass! We are staying warm and busy though getting ready for our little girl to arrive in July! That is right, I said GIRL!!!! The Pope family curse has finally been broken and our precious Evolet will be here in no time!
I have to say we were both surprised when the ultrasound technician told us it was a girl but we were just as excited! It was truly amazing to see her moving around on the screen but it is still surreal. Now we are just getting used to saying "daughter," "girl," and "she" as well as stocking up the nursery with diapers, wipes and all the other things we can fit in there. We also enjoy feeling and watching her move around. 24 weeks and counting! July cannot seem to get here soon enough!
Needless to say our family is so super excited to welcome her into the world. Ricky's mom came up for a week to visit us for Ricky's ha-birt and our baby shower. It was a very welcome visit! We had so much fun sewing and chatting about everything we could think of! I am certainly a blessed woman to have such an amazing mother-in-law, who loves me like her own. Anyway, so Robin and I had been sneakily planning her visit, but Ricky found out! So we greeted her at the airport with lots of hugs and a nice warm truck to get away in. Unfortunately she did not bring any warm weather with her from Texas. Instead it decided to snow, and snow, and snow some more. We didn't let that get us down though. We just opened the blinds, turned on some music and sewed away! Sam loves his Abi, especially after she shoveled the back porch! Did I mention how blessed we are to have her in our lives? So Friday we went to Sakura, which is a fun fry-in-your-face place here in town, for Ricky's ha-birt. For everyone who doesn't know, we celebrate half birthdays and call them ha-birts. The special person gets half a cake, half a present, and the supposedly half of a celebration but usually its just half a cake and card with a fully celebration. Anyway, we certainly did not do anything half for this ha-birt! We went home stuffed to the brim and with tons of leftovers! Saturday we went to our favorite little bakery, Sweet and Flour then showed Mom around town. We finished Ricky's ha-birt celebration by going to see the new Oz movie. We all enjoyed it, especially the popcorn! Then we went to Joanns for fabric and crafting supplies and patterns. Sunday was my baby shower so we went to church on base so we could be close by and yes, it was still snowing! That afternoon Mom and I got ready to go celebrate our Evolet with some of my wonderful friends up here. My girls Katie, Erin, and Melissa pulled out all the stops to give me a beautiful shower! All my girls absolutely showered me with love and gifts. I certainly oohhed and ahed over all the adorable little things we received. It truly was memorable! So Monday, I knit while Mom worked a bit then we showed her where we go swimming! Don't worry, we are in an indoor swimming pool that is nice and warm year round. Tuesday we hit the ground running on our sewing again. Mom taught me how to read a pattern and sparked my craftiness up again hehe. She also made an adorable dress for Evolet which I know will just be too cute on her. Wednesday came way to soon and we had to say farewell for now. We will definitely be seeing her again very soon! So after all of fun from that weekend we both crashed! Having fun is exhausting haha.
We are now getting ready to celebrate Easter with our friends! This is such a blessed time for us knowing that our Lord and Savior Jesus died for us. What a reason to celebrate! Ever lasting life just with one choice! Jesus is good! We hope you have someone to celebrate this wonderful time with as well.
It has certainly been an eventful few months and the next few are not getting any less eventful. We look forward to continuing to settle in here and to seeing the beautiful summers that we have heard so much about! So for now stay warm and God bless!
Love,
Ricky and Lauren
"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay." Matthew 28:6
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Great White North and new adventures!
Hey y'all,
So we have now been up here in the great white north since the end of October! Gosh time has flown by with all the holidays and wonderful activities. We have met so many great new friends, who have certainly kept us busy. Sam has been meeting lots of new friends as well. Of course we are learning to keep warm!
Our trip was a long four day drive in our normally spacious truck. All of our animals did great on the trip up but boy were they so happy to finally stop in one place. We were very excited to finally get out of the truck for good!
After the long trip we were so happy to get out and play in the snow for a little while even though we were a bit chilly...brrrr. Sam found a few frozen hash browns which made his day! We of course thought this was really gross but didn't mind it too much :P
After spending the weekend in a hotel we moved into our house on base and began the wait for our things. Throughout those days several of our neighbors came to greet us to the cul de sac. It was a great welcome! That Friday the movers came with our things. In the snow and cold the movers carefully and efficiently moved everything into our new home. Boy were we happy to sleep in our bed instead of our deflating air mattress!
The next weekend we experienced our first "blizzard" and received some very exciting news! I had been feeling dizzy off and on for the week and then started to wake up starving in the middle of the night, which was strange because I hardly ever even want breakfast until two or three hours after waking up. We had been trying to get pregnant for almost a year but didn't really think it was going to happen during our move. Ricky suggested we go get a test from the store in the blizzard so I reluctantly agreed thinking it was going to be one more disappointing result. I could not be happier to be wrong! We got our big fat positive which brought lots of shouting, jumping and tears of joy.
We were so close to Christmas that we decided to keep it a secret from our families until Christmas morning :P So we began the get ready for Thanksgiving and all of our new neighbors to come over for dinner. It was the only thing we could do is to stay busy so we couldn't spill the beans! Thanksgiving was wonderful and we had way more food than anyone could eat. I also started having symptoms of being pregnant like fatigue and morning sickness but I still couldn't help but smile knowing our little one was healthy and growing. Even though I was tired we continued to enjoy our lives here in Minot. Getting involved in Bible studies, finding a church and attending as many social functions as we could still waiting to tell our families. One of the funnest events we went to was the squadron Christmas party which was full of laughter and dancing.
So Christmas finally came! We were like two little kids as we watched our families open their gifts on Skype. It was so exciting! The reactions were priceless with lots of screaming, and tears of joy. They had been waiting a long time as well!
Our new year celebration brought a trip to Minneapolis to see Trans Siberian Orchestra which was absolutely wonderful and super fun! We also hit the twelve week mark on new years eve which we brought in with sparkling cider and a Big Bang Theory marathon. We are looking forward to a wonderful new year and a healthy little one in July! God bless you all in this new year!
Happy New Year!
Ricky and Lauren
Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 (AMP)
So we have now been up here in the great white north since the end of October! Gosh time has flown by with all the holidays and wonderful activities. We have met so many great new friends, who have certainly kept us busy. Sam has been meeting lots of new friends as well. Of course we are learning to keep warm!
Our trip was a long four day drive in our normally spacious truck. All of our animals did great on the trip up but boy were they so happy to finally stop in one place. We were very excited to finally get out of the truck for good!
After spending the weekend in a hotel we moved into our house on base and began the wait for our things. Throughout those days several of our neighbors came to greet us to the cul de sac. It was a great welcome! That Friday the movers came with our things. In the snow and cold the movers carefully and efficiently moved everything into our new home. Boy were we happy to sleep in our bed instead of our deflating air mattress!
The next weekend we experienced our first "blizzard" and received some very exciting news! I had been feeling dizzy off and on for the week and then started to wake up starving in the middle of the night, which was strange because I hardly ever even want breakfast until two or three hours after waking up. We had been trying to get pregnant for almost a year but didn't really think it was going to happen during our move. Ricky suggested we go get a test from the store in the blizzard so I reluctantly agreed thinking it was going to be one more disappointing result. I could not be happier to be wrong! We got our big fat positive which brought lots of shouting, jumping and tears of joy.
We were so close to Christmas that we decided to keep it a secret from our families until Christmas morning :P So we began the get ready for Thanksgiving and all of our new neighbors to come over for dinner. It was the only thing we could do is to stay busy so we couldn't spill the beans! Thanksgiving was wonderful and we had way more food than anyone could eat. I also started having symptoms of being pregnant like fatigue and morning sickness but I still couldn't help but smile knowing our little one was healthy and growing. Even though I was tired we continued to enjoy our lives here in Minot. Getting involved in Bible studies, finding a church and attending as many social functions as we could still waiting to tell our families. One of the funnest events we went to was the squadron Christmas party which was full of laughter and dancing.
Our new year celebration brought a trip to Minneapolis to see Trans Siberian Orchestra which was absolutely wonderful and super fun! We also hit the twelve week mark on new years eve which we brought in with sparkling cider and a Big Bang Theory marathon. We are looking forward to a wonderful new year and a healthy little one in July! God bless you all in this new year!
Happy New Year!
Ricky and Lauren
Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 (AMP)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
September Silliness
Hey y'all,
OR should we say Hey you's guys!!!!! haha That's right, everyone, we are heading to North Dakota in just a matter of days now. Thank God for the wonderful men coming to pack us up and ship our stuff off for the great north. So all we have to worry with is packing a few things and our fur babies. We are certainly excited for this next chapter in our adventure book. For now, I will update you on our past few adventures.
Labor Day weekend we spent with our family at our Aunt Mary and Uncle A.C.'s place. We had a great time with the whole family coming from all over to wish us off. Sam got to visit his best buddy, Nuba, while we were gone. Some of our best times while there were getting to have home church with everyone there. Being able to have time worshiping our Lord and Savior together with our family is so sweet and precious and I know we will treasure that time for a long time. So after that weekend we continued our whirlwind of a month.
The next weekend my Aunt Ranee and Uncle John came down to visit us here in Shreveport. We took them to some of our favorite spots including George's Grill and historic district. We also checked out the Horseshoe Casino for the first time since we moved here. It was huge and very fancy. We are all pretty sure the toilets are gold haha. It was a very fun weekend and a nice visit. Our month was still yet to come to a conclusion.
The next weekend was what I had been planning for months and then planned some more: Ricky's 25th birthday celebration. Friday we took off for Dallas where we stayed at a great hotel with a gorgeous view. The next day we started out early for a small air show in Terrell, TX called Flights of our Fathers. First thing we took a hot air balloon ride which was very fun even if it was a little chili. After that we walked around looking at the static displays and enjoy the sights. Then we met a WWII Pacific Theater vet named R.V. Burgins, who is the author of "Islands of the Damned". We talked to him for several minutes, enjoying getting to speak with a hero such as himself. He was very humble and sweet. It was a true honor to get to meet with him and get a copy of his book. That was truly a great adventure!
OR should we say Hey you's guys!!!!! haha That's right, everyone, we are heading to North Dakota in just a matter of days now. Thank God for the wonderful men coming to pack us up and ship our stuff off for the great north. So all we have to worry with is packing a few things and our fur babies. We are certainly excited for this next chapter in our adventure book. For now, I will update you on our past few adventures.
Labor Day weekend we spent with our family at our Aunt Mary and Uncle A.C.'s place. We had a great time with the whole family coming from all over to wish us off. Sam got to visit his best buddy, Nuba, while we were gone. Some of our best times while there were getting to have home church with everyone there. Being able to have time worshiping our Lord and Savior together with our family is so sweet and precious and I know we will treasure that time for a long time. So after that weekend we continued our whirlwind of a month.
The next weekend my Aunt Ranee and Uncle John came down to visit us here in Shreveport. We took them to some of our favorite spots including George's Grill and historic district. We also checked out the Horseshoe Casino for the first time since we moved here. It was huge and very fancy. We are all pretty sure the toilets are gold haha. It was a very fun weekend and a nice visit. Our month was still yet to come to a conclusion.
Before we knew it, the big day we were looking forward to was finally here. GRADUATION DAY!!!! Ricky had worked very hard throughout these past nine months and it finally was coming to an end or as the general put it an end of the beginning. Ricky's parents, grandmother, and brother all made it out for the big day! Ricky's name finally was called and he went up to receive his leather bomber jacket, which he looks very handsome in. We were all very proud of him. Then God proceeded to poor out his favor as they announced that Ricky received the Academic Award and Distinguished Graduate for his class. It was so great to see him rewarded for all his hard work and dedication. After that we spent the weekend showing the Pope's around town. We checked out the Air Force Museum and of course played pinochle. It was a really great weekend.
And a midst all of that awesome craziness we were able to plan a fantastic garage sale for the following weekend! Our friends, the Laminacks, Antones, and Mastracchios, all contributed to help our total come out to just under $1000! Boy was it cold but totally worth it since we got to hang out with our awesome friends and make some extra cash. The next day we took off for the beach!
After dropping Sam off at Ricky's parent's house, we took off for Corpus Christi! We stayed on North Padre Island where the Hart family so graciously let us stay for a few days. It was absolutely gorgeous and the most perfect weather for beach bumming. Of course we don't really bum anywhere, we stayed busy going to the U.S.S. Lexington and the aquarium that is in Corpus Christi. It was really a great vacation before heading up to the cold of North Dakota. We spent the rest of the week visiting all the family and friends we could squeeze in and boy did we have to squeeze! It was great though even if some of our meetings were just for a minute or two.
So now after the very long six hour drive back home we are now spending this week getting ready for North Dakota where we will be for the next 3 to 4 years. Stocking up on sweaters, jackets and hot chocolate! haha And gearing up for another great adventure!
Post again soon!
AF Popes
Psalms 90:17
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
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