A special Mother's Day ride

No big plans for Mother's Day this year, but I knew I wanted to steal away a little time during the weekend to ride. I didn't plan on sharing the saddle, but it turned out that having the sweet girl who christened me into the great calling of motherhood was a fine partner! This was our first time trail riding together away from the barn. We cruised down some orange grove middles, down a pasture fence line, and into a grassy clearing. I felt a little like Phil Robertson with Grace Louise's incessant chattering. I think she talked the entire time! So much to see and ask about, mom! 

She asked if we were headed to Isreal. After all, the pasture looked like the garden Jesus died in (she meant prayed in). She had much to say about the bones scattered about in one area. She wanted to know about every plant and tree and bird. She made plans to bring a trash bag and pick up litter next time we ride. It was okay if with her if Honey wanted to trot; she could handle it! 

And this is what I love about my girl.

9 months just sweet

Oh, so much has been happening here! God is shaping and changing our family through fierce trial. So much to write, but I think I’ll quietly step back into this life-sharing medium with a little normalcy... our growing boy. (Plus, if I tried to catch up in one post, you would not want to read it all. I promise.) Nine months old today, and all his sister can think about is cake! 

Last month I proudly announced Jamesy’s accomplishments, including crawling and three teeth. Now would you believe me if I told you he has since added four more?! (Actually, I thought he had 8 teeth for about a week and then realized that I must have counted one twice!) Nevertheless, he’s working on a mouthful and is using them well! Looks as if they will be large and beautiful just like his sister’s! 

Jamesy is crawling quicker than ever; I’m waiting for him to decide this mode of transportation is just not quick enough. He’s pulling up to standing every chance he gets and considers cruising. I see walking before a year. We’ll see.

This little boy blesses my heart so much! Most anyone can tell you what a lover he is, snuggling in and laying his head on a warm shoulder. His emerging personality strikes me as fun, coy, and gentle. 

says dada the most. looks for sissy. expects Thomas the Train in the car dvd player. loud talker. big talker. splasher. (even in the dog water). loves to play with the cash register in sissy’s kitchen. understands 'no no'. jumps and bounces especially when we sing. waves and says bye bye. already sneaking Millie food under the table. smh.

 definitely inherited the scrunchy nose smile.

the latest.

Dad was discharged from the hospital today and will be spending the next week with us. He doesn't  need much physical help, but the doctor advised that he have supervision for at least a week. It is truly remarkable to think he had a stroke just over a week ago and is walking and talking so well! He even cleaned up after lunch today and took a short walk! The speech aphasia is improving, though word retrieval is still a struggle. (I have an app for that. No really, I do! Without insurance, speech therapy will be offered this week from yours truly).

As dear friends and family have encouraged me, I am putting each day before the Lord and resisting worry. I don't know what lays beyond this week, but the One who is sovereign over all surely does! Be still, Emily. Be still and know that He is God!

An update on dad

I figured this might be the easiest way, without sending a million emails, to reach family and friends looking for an update on my dad... plus, the abundant life mentioned above is not one without trials, as this goes to show. 

Saturday around noon- My dad was taken from Hardee County Jail to Sebring hospital for a stroke.

Saturday at 4:00pm- He was released from state custody and transported to Florida Hospital Orlando for emergency surgery to remove a blood clot on the brain (through groin area).

Sunday- The family was notified and we went to see him that night. He had notable weakness and drooping on his right side, and was diagnosed with aphasia (communication disorder that impacts language processing, not intelligence, from damage to the left side of the brain).

Update as of today 4/24:

Dad has regained almost complete strength in his right side already. His balance is struggling but he's walking short distances with assistance. He is urinating on his own and is able to feed himself. He is still on a modified diet due to partial paralysis of the esophagus, but those muscles will strengthen, preventing him from choking or developing pneumonia from fluid in the lungs. We have not heard results of the second MRI, nor from the TEE (transesophagial echocardiogram), which was just completed this morning. They are still looking for the "why" of the stroke. Dad is still in Neuro ICU because of his blood pressure, but as soon as it stabilizes, he will be moved to a less critical floor. He really is receiving top notch care, and for that we are thankful. 

Dad is able to talk more and more every day. His comprehension is close to normal, although there is some confusion at times. He has trouble expressing himself, especially when he tries to elaborate beyond a short sentence. He's also getting names mixed up quite a bit. He keeps saying, "I know what I want to say in here (pointing to his head) but I can't find the words. It's just crazy! It's wild!" and then he laughs…!!! His spirits are good, despite the frustration and he has said, "I am happy. I have hope. I believe God. I am a warrior." 

We are taking the logistics of his upcoming care one day at a time, trusting God to provide what he truly needs.

God is working and we are hoping for lasting change in dad's life. Chris, Lance, and I are aiming to honor our father in every way that we can. After all, How great is the love that our Heavenly Father has lavished on us, that we would be called children of God.

8 months Bittersweet

Not that my blog has a name, but if it did, I think Bittersweet would be fitting. Every time I sit down to upload pictures or write a few words (as I did tonight), this is my initial thought. *Sigh



Now, I hope you are ready 'cause this update is the most intense yet! In one short month, Jamesy is crawling and pulling up to standing- a little wobbly, but it counts! He can even navigate the step from the den to the dining area. Three teeth have broken skin and he's eating every fruit and vegetable under the sun. (I made a list last night in his baby book, just to see him shake his head at me when he's grown. "Seriously, mom?") I've offered meats twice, ham and chicken, and he concurred.



He's taking his baths with Grace Louise now and loves splashing in the water- even when it gets all over his face! In the bathtub and in the lake! We are looking forward to LOTS of lake beach play (which we officially kicked off today with a swim!)

Jamesy also took his second trip to the pediatrician for a check up on April 1st. Pops likened him to an "almost legal snook" at 28 inches long and 19 pounds! Thanking the Lord for his good health!

No new words, but he loves the "Buh" sound and is saying it even more than momma. I think he's calling himself... Bubba.

Lots of tickling and laughing with his big sister, even playing along with her- the dollhouse in her room, playing instruments together, hanging out in the sandbox, playing in the toy kitchen while mommy cooks supper.

And perhaps the most notable milestone of all, responsible for contributing a refreshing predictability and peace to our routine, is that of self-soothing. I was nursing and rocking a two year old Grace Louise to sleep for her naps... let that sink in. Jamesy is taking wonderful naps twice a day and sleeping 10-12 hours a night. Ah.ma.zing. He's happy and growing and well rested. Mommy is happy, and hopefully not growing, but well rested.

Family Sushi Night

I could not be blessed with two more handsome, loving men. And a sweet noodle-eating girl. Thank you, Lord.

Easter best and seersuckered cuties

Having a family Easter picture is just as much a tradition as anything else! We only got one with everyone looking at the camera. To ask for smiles and hands out of the mouth would just be too much.

I've been waiting an awful long time to put my handsome boy in this jon jon. 

Do you remember the story?

 

Walter Matthau anyone? (Google image. You'll appreciate the laugh.)

 

Always fun to be with cousins.

Rediscovering Easter

I love Easter! And I'm loving this celebration even more now that I'm a mom. I do enjoy the traditions of coloring and hunting eggs, spending time with family, and preparing a special basket for my little one. What I love the most, though, is that this holiday, similarly to Christmas, gets people thinking of Jesus. And whether folks realize it or not, one of the greatest joys of our faith, the joy of discovering our Savior and His love for us, is apparent in the most universally celebrated Easter activity- finding eggs!

 

Do you see it? Unbridled joy in finding the egg and discovering its contents! Finding our Savior, or rather being found in Him, chosen by Him, conjures unmatchable joy. Not just on the day of salvation... There is eternal potential to discover and be overjoyed by every facet of our God!

discovering Him through His creation... JOY! revelation from the very Word of God, perfectly relevant for your life... JOY! learning the deepness of His love for you, specifically you... JOY! seeing more of  your identity in Him and His reflection in you... JOY!

Never ending, eternal, daily discovery of the One who gave us life by giving His own life. If only we will seek. Wow. Now that should put an Easter egg in it's place.

Filling her basket with reminders of who we are celebrating. I usually add an Easter book or two to our collection, a Jesus-centered craft, and little things that remind us of new life. This year it was play-doh. What can I say. The old had passed away.

I did a few of the same crafts and activities as last year, adding more dramatic play, as this is what Grace Louise just loves right now. Learning about the Passover and Last Supper, we decided to follow the example of the Servant King and wash each other's feet. She loved this and wanted to wash my feet all week.

There you have it. Calvary and the three crosses, the upper room, city gates, and the Garden of Gethsemane. I do believe that's a disciple sleeping when he was supposed to be praying...

what.a.gift

I know... cutest face ever, right?!

I seriously thought I'd never forget, but in three short years, I can hardly see GL's baby face in my mind's eye! Yes, growing up is bittersweet for mamas, but I've recently taken pride in seeing my little girl growing in every way and gaining independence. She often reminds me, "I can handle it, mom." Trotting on the horse, cleaning up the table after breakfast, putting away her own dishes, babysitting Bubby in her room while mom works in the office. "I can handle it."

A few weeks ago, while nursing the baby in the wee hours of the morning, I noticed on the video monitor that GL wasn't in her bed. A second of panic struck before I saw matted cotton hair reappear as she sat on the edge of the bed, attempting to crawl back in her footie pj's. Instead of peeing in her pull-up, she had taken herself to the bathroom! And when getting dressed in the dark proved to be too much, she simply found new pajamas and solved her own problem! What a big girl! I had a moment- right there at 3 in the morning. A proud mama smile.

I am seeing the rewards of intentional parenting. I love the person my baby is becoming. She can still pitch a good fit, especially at nap time, but her heart is softening to the things of God. Genuine efforts toward obedience, a desire to serve, quick repentance, and a new found willingness to pray aloud.

Lord, in raising my children, remind me of the bigger, Kingdom picture, lest I sorrow over what is actually your remarkable plan for their lives.

7 months, just that fast

I could not be more in love with the time I spent with my son tonight. (My God knew what I needed more than I did!) My mom was supposed to have both kids this afternoon so I could catch up on some household tasks, but Jamesy was not feeling his best. He has been teething (forever it seems- still no teeth) and has had clear, but runny nose for a few days. He's not nuts about eating 'food food' nor does he enjoy his poops nearly as much these days. He prefers to remain on my hip at all times, crying if you even think about putting him down. (How dare you!) On top of that, he is learning how to sleep on his own. Life is hard.

But thinking on the good things... the two of us spent much needed quality time together tonight, snuggling, playing, replacing batteries in his favorite toys, eating- joyfully believe it or not! A plate on the floor, eating pears and black beans at his own pace. A quiet and soothing bed time routine led to effortless slumber. Ahhhh...

If I might touch on milestones for this month, sleep training would take the cake. I'm really proud of this little guy and thankful to the Lord for providing peace and comfort in our home and encouragement through friends. We have by no means arrived, but Jamesy is easily putting himself to sleep for naps and night time, rarely crying for more than a few minutes. He is still up many times during the night, but I'm hopeful that the next week will bring more positive changes. 

Jamesy, Sissy, and Mommy (yes me too) have been taking baths together and enjoying Bubby's stability, now that he can sit up. As you can see, Grace Louise is a huge help, always looking out for her brother and helping wash!

I remember another cute baby who loved this very swing! Jimmy hung it in our backyard yesterday and it is already a huge hit!

Six month pics

Mom and I took this handsome stud muffin to have his six month nude picture taken in Orlando last weekend. A DeVane tradition that started with my generation, extends to all my DeVane cousins, and  has continued on with our own children. Years ago, when she was still living alone in her big house, my Aggie proudly displayed a gallery of large printed and framed naked baby pictures of her seven grandchildren. Now all the moms are grandmothers and have taken over this tradition for their own families. We love it! 

A few Sundays ago I played photographer in the backyard and snapped the rest of these pics for fun. 

Unfortunately, time is flying too fast and I will be working on a 7 month post in a matter of days. Boo...

Best buds

I've been hearing some precious music to my ears the past few days... Jamesy laughing hysterically at his Sissy. I mean deep belly cackling, shrieks of pure joy, and unstoppable giggles. They are a mess together! Grace Louise loves to tickle him, play peek a boo, or repeat something over and over (and over and over) if he thinks its funny! 

She's always looking out for her brother and is playing with him more everyday. I see two really great pals in the making!