I guess I should have mentioned that when I posted below. I have quite a lot to post as the last few weeks have been REALLY busy! I was trying to catch up a bit with the post about Em's gymnastics and realized I should have probably mentioned that we haven't had Stella yet!:)
We look for her arrival any day and are so extremely excited! On one hand, I am so ready to sleep more, even if in short increments because of nursing, and to lay down WHILE sleeping! Oh the little things;) On the other, I am enjoying the time that I have with just the two little stinkers. Truly I can't complain and I won't. The heat, the aches, the pains...relatively speaking we have had uncomplicated births that have resulted in the miraculous blessings of very healthy children. I am so eternally grateful to the Lord for His miracle of allowing me to birth our children the way He has. We have walked through lots of hard things with friends over the last few years concerning their children and pregnancies and adoptions and because of that it has made my perspective shift! My heart is so thankful!
As soon as baby girl arrives, we will post about her birth and sweet pictures of course. I just cannot wait to hold her and smell her sweet little smell and see her precious face! For now, we will keep waiting with expectation of all that the Lord will do through Stella Grace's arrival! We'll keep you posted;)
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Our Little Gymnast
We signed Emily up for about 4 months of gymnastics and she has loved every second of it. She had her last day this past week, until after things get settled with Stella at least. I can't even imagine taking Timothy and a newborn to her practices...haha...the thought really does make me chuckle! I have been amazed at how her strength has improved and how she has gained so much perserverance to stick with things even when she doesn't do well at first. She adored her coach and he was really great. I love that he expected her to do certain things and would call her out if she didn't do what was asked but he was still really fun with all of the kids. It was also a huge blessing to see him pray with her class before each session.
Below are some pics from about 2 months ago.
She is the one on the right...the other little girl's hair was similar to Em's. Emily loved getting up on the bars!
After a foward roll
Below are some pics from about 2 months ago.
She is the one on the right...the other little girl's hair was similar to Em's. Emily loved getting up on the bars!
After a foward roll
She loved this as well. Her favorite though was to do this on the high bars.
Emily and her coach.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
They Make Me Happy!
Just wanted to share these little cutie pies...they sure can make a momma smile! Especially when it is really needed after they have been stinkers. My husband gently and sweetly reminded me last night that "parenting sure is hard." Indeed it is. Pics like these remind me how precious these monkeys truly are!
They LOVE each other so much! He was holding on to her hand...awwww!!
They LOVE each other so much! He was holding on to her hand...awwww!!
This is how I found Timothy during a nap while Derek was on a business trip recently. Derek got him that puppy when he was in Switzerland. And I promise, I did not stage his arm around it for the pic!
Emily reading to TK. He loves it!
Just being cute and silly in his crib! I cannot get enough of his smile!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Emily's Thoughts on Timothy...
I had the camera out the other night and after snapping some shots of Emily reading Hop on Pop (one of his favorites) to Timothy, I asked Em some things about her brother. I wanted to document this sweet stage of love and annoyance for them to laugh about and cherish as they get older. I also caught TK being a bit naughty as usual. My favorite is his attempt to tune me out. They are such a treasure and make us laugh so much!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
31 Weeks, Caterpillars, and Curls
Here we are at 31 weeks, anticipating Stella Grace's arrival. I had not planned on taking this picture tonight, but sweet little Emily tried out her photography skills and actually got most of my head in the pic...not too bad! I'll blame my hugeness on the angle and such:) I am feeling terrific besides my customary reflux that has visited every time I house another human. Oh well, what a very small sacrifice. I will get to sleep one day...when I am 80!
I have another midwife appt. tomorrow and am now going every 2 weeks. Everything so far is going well. I was borderline with my gestational diabetes testing a couple of weeks ago. (I was borderline with Emily too.) But with Em, I took the long test after and found out I was totally fine...just had a false positive. It was a terrible experience b/c they had A LOT of trouble getting blood after the first draw. This go around, my midwife gave me options...what a beautiful thing. I could do the long test or I could monitor my blood sugar for a couple of weeks and see if it was just a false positive. I chose the latter and am so glad. Within the first few days, my numbers were really low and although I am still checking 3 times a day, I am fairly certain that the glucose test was a false positive. I can't say the finger pricking is much fun, but I was thankful for another option. And it has been interesting to observe what types of food dramatically raise my blood sugar. It has typically ranged anywhere from 77 to 93. But after Chinese food the other day, it was 120 after lunch AND after dinner...CRAZY! I will be steering clear of that for awhile:) Clear evidence that we are SO affected by what we eat!
In other news, Emily has had a "pet" caterpillar since we got home from the farm. She found him right before we left. He survived the journey home and is now twice the size as when she found him! We are really hoping that he will form a chrysalis and become a moth or butterfly. Emily originally named him "Hungry Herbivore" but then she changed it...now he is "Timothy." Ha ha!!
Little man has curls now! I thought it was just a matter of time. Months ago, before he had much hair, his hair would curl up after a bath or if his little head got sweaty. Now you can't tame it. Sometimes the top is a bit flatter but the back never is. It looks just like Em's did when her hair started getting thicker. She just had way more hair by his age (21 months) so her curls were more apparent.
Until next time...
Stella Grace...31 weeks!
I have another midwife appt. tomorrow and am now going every 2 weeks. Everything so far is going well. I was borderline with my gestational diabetes testing a couple of weeks ago. (I was borderline with Emily too.) But with Em, I took the long test after and found out I was totally fine...just had a false positive. It was a terrible experience b/c they had A LOT of trouble getting blood after the first draw. This go around, my midwife gave me options...what a beautiful thing. I could do the long test or I could monitor my blood sugar for a couple of weeks and see if it was just a false positive. I chose the latter and am so glad. Within the first few days, my numbers were really low and although I am still checking 3 times a day, I am fairly certain that the glucose test was a false positive. I can't say the finger pricking is much fun, but I was thankful for another option. And it has been interesting to observe what types of food dramatically raise my blood sugar. It has typically ranged anywhere from 77 to 93. But after Chinese food the other day, it was 120 after lunch AND after dinner...CRAZY! I will be steering clear of that for awhile:) Clear evidence that we are SO affected by what we eat!
In other news, Emily has had a "pet" caterpillar since we got home from the farm. She found him right before we left. He survived the journey home and is now twice the size as when she found him! We are really hoping that he will form a chrysalis and become a moth or butterfly. Emily originally named him "Hungry Herbivore" but then she changed it...now he is "Timothy." Ha ha!!
Little man has curls now! I thought it was just a matter of time. Months ago, before he had much hair, his hair would curl up after a bath or if his little head got sweaty. Now you can't tame it. Sometimes the top is a bit flatter but the back never is. It looks just like Em's did when her hair started getting thicker. She just had way more hair by his age (21 months) so her curls were more apparent.
Until next time...
Stella Grace...31 weeks!
Emily in the middle of explaining how much "Timothy" the caterpillar has grown.
She just got done hugging the jar here telling me how much she loves him!
My baby's sweet curls! For the record, this picture was soooo hard to take! I finally got him to look at a book...not a great pic but you get the idea:)
Obedience...at its Finest!
This "cheesey" face cracks us up everytime
Such a stinker...he would NOT stay still for a picture...what a surprise!
...and this is one reason he wouldn't stay still. Despite my very best and worn out efforts, he and Emily still sneak in some jumping time on her bed. I love that you can see he is actually getting some air under his feet in this pic! Oh and I realize how very "safe" it is that he is jumping with that thing in his hand...NICE!
What's a mom to do? I should have just gotten on the bed and joined them...No one listens to me around here:)
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Merriman Farm with Friends 2010...Part 1
It was our third year to spend absolutley precious and cherished time with some of our dearest friends at the Henderson's family farm! This year the Moores were able to join us since they live on this side of the country now...although they had a long drive from Kentucky! (thanks Ginny and Kev!) We unfortunately were missing our sweet friends, the Bakers, who were also going to join us for the first time this year. After an unexpected and very sad loss in their family, they needed to stay back. We so missed them, but can't wait until they can join us next year.
There is a lot of preparation that goes into getting all of these families together every year, but the pay-off is SO worth it! There are so many things we experience when we get away together like this. Our children experience freeedom and fun together. We all experience the blessing of no agendas and no schedules. It allows for the sweetest and deepest of conversations and relationships to take place. Derek and I (and our children) have been blessed beyond measure with very rare friendships where unconditional love and accountability are abundant and we are so very grateful! I say it every year upon our return...I CANNOT wait until next year!
Lots of pics below and more to come later, but considering we took over 300!!! this is all I could do for now:) We'll just call this Part 1!
The Guys...minus Jonathan who had to head out early.
There is a lot of preparation that goes into getting all of these families together every year, but the pay-off is SO worth it! There are so many things we experience when we get away together like this. Our children experience freeedom and fun together. We all experience the blessing of no agendas and no schedules. It allows for the sweetest and deepest of conversations and relationships to take place. Derek and I (and our children) have been blessed beyond measure with very rare friendships where unconditional love and accountability are abundant and we are so very grateful! I say it every year upon our return...I CANNOT wait until next year!
Lots of pics below and more to come later, but considering we took over 300!!! this is all I could do for now:) We'll just call this Part 1!
The Guys...minus Jonathan who had to head out early.
The Girls...we are missing Mandi:( (and Rebekah)
YES!!!...I do believe Kevin ate ALL of that!
The sweetest husband and Daddy in all the world reading to our babies!!
Eating the traditional ice cream the Williams make every year...yumm!!
Catching up was so fun...Kevin and Derek think they are so cool!:) They cleaned up after dinner for all of us...yes, that would be 12 adults and LOTS of children. Our husbands have true servant hearts!
Sweet Ginny! It was awesome to spend DAYS catching up!
TK wanted to do this nonstop...poor Derek! His back took a beating!
Fishing at the pond with Daddy
All of the kiddos...minus the little ones
With the exception of sweet little Annelise, this is a great pic of all of our children. We have REALLY multiplied over the last 3 years:) It is hard to believe that little Stella Grace will be with us next year and will be around 9 mo. old...WOW!
I just LOVE this stinker!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Naming Baby Girl #3!
With each of our children, we have desired to put a lot of thought and prayer into their names. Names are so important to us and the process usually takes us awhile. We are so excited that we have a name for our newest baby girl.
When I opened my eyes this morning, I was immediately reminded of the day. My precious Great-Grandmother's birthday is today April 16. She was born in 1901 and lived a VERY full life. She loved telling stories to all of her children, many grandchildren, and many many great grandchildren...even to her great, great grandchildren...about all of the things that she had experienced throughout her life. And she was loved! Oh how she was loved! I don't know of any other person in my life that has been so loved, honored, and cherished by so many people as StellaGrindley ! She died at 102 and could not have had a fuller life. Most of all, she was a woman that sought after the Lord with her whole heart! So many people came to know Jesus Christ through her. I truly NEVER heard her speak an unkind word about another person. She had the sweetest laugh, was an amazing cook, always wore dresses, and I still can remember her smell! Mostly I remember the way she loved me. And the way she prayed for me. During my very hardest years, I know that it was her prayers before the Lord that eventually brought me to Him. Because of her steadfast faith, my life has been redeemed by an amazing Savior that she served wholeheartedly!
I have the sweetest memories of spending the night with her. I can remember the smells and the sounds and her sweet voice. My mind goes there so easily. She always told me that I was the only grandchild that she let sleep with her in her bed. I know now, as an adult, that may have not been the full truth but I really do still believe it!:) When I think of the legacy that she left, I am so encouraged and spurred on in my walk with the Lord. When I make decisions or struggle emotionally in my marriage or with my children, my mind goes to her. I think of what she would tell me if she were here and what her Godly wisdom would be. It sets my feet straight and clears my mind ultimately reminding me of what God desires my legacy to be! I cannot wait to hug her sweet neck someday in Heaven and rejoice before the Lord with her!!
Ironically, this sweet day was preceded by a difficult anniversary for Derek's family. Five years ago yesterday, Derek's Aunt and Uncle lost their lives in a car accident. They have 3 amazing kids that have walked a difficult road over the past 5 years. His aunt's death was obviously tragic and shook the whole family. Derek's sweet grandmother had to endure immense pain as she walked through the death of her daughter. It was so painful to witness. His grandmother is a strong woman though and I see joy in her now that wasn't there even just a couple of years ago. Though I don't have the memories of childhood with Derek's grandmother as I do with my own, I have known her since I was 21 years old. So over the past 13 years, I have thankfully made many memories with her and seen her gracefully walk through lots of hard things. She is a testimony of how the Lord consistently walks with us and never leaves us.
I love many things about Derek's grandmother. She has a really cute way of covering her mouth when she laughs. She is a very talented artist and still paints beautiful things. She is extremely generous. Even though, she speaks very little English, we KNOW that she understands A LOT more than she reveals as evidenced by her throwing out hilarious phrases like "take it easy!" She has mannerisms that I respect greatly. And she loves our children so incredibly much! They bring her so much joy and that fills my heart. Emily loves her Halmuhnee so much, and the fact that Timothy totally destroyed her house on our last visit and she still calls him a prince, blows my mind!! He will grow to love her immensely too! Most of all, I know that she loves the Lord and walks with Him. I want that for my children and am so thankful that she is that example to them. Derek's grandmother is the only great-grandmother our children will ever personally know and what a gift from the Lord she is to our whole family!!
Because of these two amazing women's lives and faith we have chosen to joyfully name our daughter after them. Baby girl is now Stella Grace Kramer! Stella is after my great-grandma and Grace is Derek's grandmother's "American" name that she took when she came to the states from Korea. We are so honored to know that our little girl will grow up knowing that she was named after these precious women! Lord, thank you for their faith in You and that You called them by name so that our legacy would be one that points to YOU!
When I opened my eyes this morning, I was immediately reminded of the day. My precious Great-Grandmother's birthday is today April 16. She was born in 1901 and lived a VERY full life. She loved telling stories to all of her children, many grandchildren, and many many great grandchildren...even to her great, great grandchildren...about all of the things that she had experienced throughout her life. And she was loved! Oh how she was loved! I don't know of any other person in my life that has been so loved, honored, and cherished by so many people as StellaGrindley ! She died at 102 and could not have had a fuller life. Most of all, she was a woman that sought after the Lord with her whole heart! So many people came to know Jesus Christ through her. I truly NEVER heard her speak an unkind word about another person. She had the sweetest laugh, was an amazing cook, always wore dresses, and I still can remember her smell! Mostly I remember the way she loved me. And the way she prayed for me. During my very hardest years, I know that it was her prayers before the Lord that eventually brought me to Him. Because of her steadfast faith, my life has been redeemed by an amazing Savior that she served wholeheartedly!
I have the sweetest memories of spending the night with her. I can remember the smells and the sounds and her sweet voice. My mind goes there so easily. She always told me that I was the only grandchild that she let sleep with her in her bed. I know now, as an adult, that may have not been the full truth but I really do still believe it!:) When I think of the legacy that she left, I am so encouraged and spurred on in my walk with the Lord. When I make decisions or struggle emotionally in my marriage or with my children, my mind goes to her. I think of what she would tell me if she were here and what her Godly wisdom would be. It sets my feet straight and clears my mind ultimately reminding me of what God desires my legacy to be! I cannot wait to hug her sweet neck someday in Heaven and rejoice before the Lord with her!!
Ironically, this sweet day was preceded by a difficult anniversary for Derek's family. Five years ago yesterday, Derek's Aunt and Uncle lost their lives in a car accident. They have 3 amazing kids that have walked a difficult road over the past 5 years. His aunt's death was obviously tragic and shook the whole family. Derek's sweet grandmother had to endure immense pain as she walked through the death of her daughter. It was so painful to witness. His grandmother is a strong woman though and I see joy in her now that wasn't there even just a couple of years ago. Though I don't have the memories of childhood with Derek's grandmother as I do with my own, I have known her since I was 21 years old. So over the past 13 years, I have thankfully made many memories with her and seen her gracefully walk through lots of hard things. She is a testimony of how the Lord consistently walks with us and never leaves us.
I love many things about Derek's grandmother. She has a really cute way of covering her mouth when she laughs. She is a very talented artist and still paints beautiful things. She is extremely generous. Even though, she speaks very little English, we KNOW that she understands A LOT more than she reveals as evidenced by her throwing out hilarious phrases like "take it easy!" She has mannerisms that I respect greatly. And she loves our children so incredibly much! They bring her so much joy and that fills my heart. Emily loves her Halmuhnee so much, and the fact that Timothy totally destroyed her house on our last visit and she still calls him a prince, blows my mind!! He will grow to love her immensely too! Most of all, I know that she loves the Lord and walks with Him. I want that for my children and am so thankful that she is that example to them. Derek's grandmother is the only great-grandmother our children will ever personally know and what a gift from the Lord she is to our whole family!!
Because of these two amazing women's lives and faith we have chosen to joyfully name our daughter after them. Baby girl is now Stella Grace Kramer! Stella is after my great-grandma and Grace is Derek's grandmother's "American" name that she took when she came to the states from Korea. We are so honored to know that our little girl will grow up knowing that she was named after these precious women! Lord, thank you for their faith in You and that You called them by name so that our legacy would be one that points to YOU!
What's going on with the mini-Kramers!
We have been able to get outside more and enjoy the weather and get out lots of energy! If you know my kiddos, you know that is WONDERFUL!!! Specifically, Emily and Timothy are doing great. Timothy is saying more and more new things every single day. He LOVES to read and usually puts up quite a fit when he has to go to bed and his time reading is "all done." To say that TK is energetic is beyond an understatement! He is all boy. He loves to "sing" and dance. He loves to jump on the bed and the trampoline (and actually jumps with 2 feet off the ground...CRAZY!) He is extremely affectionate and loves to give kisses and hugs. He also enjoys pulling his poor sister's hair. But he is very quick to make-up with a big hug and what is supposed to sound like, "I'm sorry!" He climbs on everything and anything in between him and where he wants to go becomes an obstacle course for him and he ALWAYS chooses the path of least resistance:) A sweet friend let me borrow a book that has helped me to understand my sweet boy, his needs, and how God designed him and I have loved it. I highly recommend Wild Things-The Art of Nuturing Boys to anyone raising a little boy! Overall, our little guy is doing so well and we are loving watching him in this stage...we just wish we would stop bruising up his face and head with all of his crazy antics.
Emily is amazing and I love her more every day! She is reading now and it blows my mind how quickly she picks up on new things. About a month ago, she started gymnastics and has loved it. At times, she becomes frustrated in her class because she can't do things as quickly as she would like...she especially has trouble on the bars. Her favorite, of course, is the trampoline:) I am pretty sure that she has grown at least a couple of inches since Christmas. We can't believe how tall she is. She is still super strong-willed and independent and if that ever changed I would be so sad. She gives us a run for our money sometimes, but I couldn't imagine her being any other way. She is also one of the friendliest and most outgoing little girls I have ever known. She asks me every time we are in public if she can go say hi to a total stranger. She'll ask their name and then its like she has known them for years...cracks me up! Emily still loves all things boy. Just today she picked out blue Thomas the Train sunglasses. Don't get me wrong the girl loves her dresses, but she wants to wear tennis shoes with them and climb rocks. I LOVE that about her! One of her favorite things to do outside is find worms after a rain and put them back in the dirt so they won't die! Of course, she is currently super excited about Stella Grace's arrival. Emily puts up with a lot from her stinker of a brother and I can't even imagine how becoming a big sister again is going to help shape her into the little lady that God is calling her to be. She is SUCH a fun little girl and I am in awe of my love for her.
Emily is amazing and I love her more every day! She is reading now and it blows my mind how quickly she picks up on new things. About a month ago, she started gymnastics and has loved it. At times, she becomes frustrated in her class because she can't do things as quickly as she would like...she especially has trouble on the bars. Her favorite, of course, is the trampoline:) I am pretty sure that she has grown at least a couple of inches since Christmas. We can't believe how tall she is. She is still super strong-willed and independent and if that ever changed I would be so sad. She gives us a run for our money sometimes, but I couldn't imagine her being any other way. She is also one of the friendliest and most outgoing little girls I have ever known. She asks me every time we are in public if she can go say hi to a total stranger. She'll ask their name and then its like she has known them for years...cracks me up! Emily still loves all things boy. Just today she picked out blue Thomas the Train sunglasses. Don't get me wrong the girl loves her dresses, but she wants to wear tennis shoes with them and climb rocks. I LOVE that about her! One of her favorite things to do outside is find worms after a rain and put them back in the dirt so they won't die! Of course, she is currently super excited about Stella Grace's arrival. Emily puts up with a lot from her stinker of a brother and I can't even imagine how becoming a big sister again is going to help shape her into the little lady that God is calling her to be. She is SUCH a fun little girl and I am in awe of my love for her.
Friday, February 26, 2010
A Plethora of Dancing!!
Timothy was so cute "reading" the other night! He was just jabbering away. He does actually use real words, but when we tell him to "read" this is the result...too cute! And I just love how sweet Em is with him.
The following videos of the kids dancing are so absolutely hilarious! I know there are a lot of videos, but I promise they are so worth it! Below the videos is another post from today with Belly Shots! Happy Weekend to everyone!!
The following videos of the kids dancing are so absolutely hilarious! I know there are a lot of videos, but I promise they are so worth it! Below the videos is another post from today with Belly Shots! Happy Weekend to everyone!!
This Little Girl is Growing!
Well, I am currently a couple days shy of beginning Week 21 with this sweet baby girl and feel great...FINALLY!:) I haven't had any migraines in 2 weeks and my sinuses are clear. Hooray! I started to feel her move about 2 weeks ago but the movement was so slight. Now I am feeling her bump around lots more, but they are so gentle...for now:) I am enjoying having more energy and feeling more like myself. I have been meaning to get some belly shots up and just haven't taken the time to do it. I have had some requests...ahem Rachael:)...so here you go!
Timothy and Emily are doing great. Both of them are in such a fun stage! I am sure everyone says this about their kids, but I am amazed at how much they love each other. When TK had his 18 month shots this week, Emily was almost in tears and sometimes he actually wants only her to comfort him. I pray that they will always love each other like that. I think that is one of the best things about multiple children...knowing that they have each other! I can't wait to see how their little sister fits into the groove of things. We are blessed and I am constantly reminded of that!!
Our little worker "Handy Timothy"...on a side note, he plays with this more than Emily, even though she BEGGED for it for Christmas. Go figure:)
Timothy and Emily are doing great. Both of them are in such a fun stage! I am sure everyone says this about their kids, but I am amazed at how much they love each other. When TK had his 18 month shots this week, Emily was almost in tears and sometimes he actually wants only her to comfort him. I pray that they will always love each other like that. I think that is one of the best things about multiple children...knowing that they have each other! I can't wait to see how their little sister fits into the groove of things. We are blessed and I am constantly reminded of that!!
Our little worker "Handy Timothy"...on a side note, he plays with this more than Emily, even though she BEGGED for it for Christmas. Go figure:)
The look on his face cracks me up...I wish I knew what he was thinking!
Sweet Emily...with a BABY DOLL...she does like some girly things!!
Here I am in all my belly glory! Baby Girl #2 at almost 21 weeks! (Please forgive the no make-up look...I am not as tired as I look:)
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