Eli Update: 15 months home

I thought it was (past) time for an Eli update. How crazy is it to think that he has been here for 15 months now. I truly cannot remember life before he was a part of our family.

We officially completed our re-adoption of Eli this summer. This means we officially changed his name and we have an official NC birth certificate and social security number for him...woohoo! (that's a lot of officials, huh) I had no idea it was going to be such a long process, but we are finally done with the majority of our post adoption paperwork. Now all we have left is the COC (certificate of citizenship) to work on, but we are in no hurry to do that just yet.

He continues to grow taller and even chub up a bit in places. He wears the same 4t/5t size as Ezra although he is much slimmer. He gets stronger and braver with each passing month. He continues with his once a week speech and occupational therapy where he is making slow but steady progress. We have realized that repetition is key with Eli...going over and over and over a new concept or word or function until finally something clicks and he has it. For example, I worked for months and months on him recognizing all his colors. Some days he would know them and some days not. Until about a month ago...and now he KNOWS them all of the time.

Two of the little things that have changed in our little guy these last few months...

1) He loves to wrestle Ezra and actually "wins" the majority of the time now. I know, shocker...right. Especially considering the timid little guy that we first brought home. He is timid no more!

2) He can now jump from my dresser to my bed. I know, sounds silly...but this is something he has watched Ella and Ezra do since coming home but hasn't been able to do it. Until this week! And we all hooped and holler'd so loud in excitement for him that we woke the baby up, ha! (And please, no judgement at the fact that I do allow my children to do crazy things like jump from my dresser to bed.)

(yes, i know the quality of this picture is terrible...but i was running to catch the jump and didn't have time to focus...)

We have (obviously from the above paragraph) been able to relax a lot about keeping him protected from hitting his head in the last few weeks. We are almost at the 3 month mark since his surgery and blissfully it seems like a distant memory. Praise God that we are on this side of it!

He seems to be noticing (or at least finally able to verbalize) the fact that his skin color is different from mine. He told me this week that "you not black like me." He also points out on a frequent basis that Zoe's hair "matches" his. It has spurned a lot of conversations and dialogue and I think we are working through this process in a positive way.

A lot of people have asked how he has transitioned to the new baby in the family and my answer is always "seamlessly." He was by far the easiest to deal with during the transition. Sometimes too easy and I have to remind myself that he still needs a lot of opportunity for attachment with me and to make sure I prioritize some individual time with him. He is so sweet and affectionate with his little sister and loves to help me get a burp cloth or give her a paci or throw a diaper away.

He is a joy to our family and I still am awed by the fact that I am allowed the privilege to be his Momma. My memories of the day I met with his first momma are always in my mind and I continue to carry that responsibility with gravity.

I love you Eli Cade...

thursday thoughts

We are still house hunting. After putting in an application to rent a house we had found, we were turned down because (gasp) we requested that the carpets be cleaned.

I know. I know. We are just so incredibly difficult.

Nevermind that the current tenants have cats and the carpets desperately needed a cleaning.

When this post comes out we will be making yet another day of house hunting. Thanks again to great friends for keeping the boys and allowing my brain one more day of intactness.

I actually grocery shopped with coupons this week. I felt so out of practice. But, oh...our grocery budget thanked me. It takes so much time and effort to put it together but I am able to make our money go so much farther when I do take the time.

It is supposed to be nice and cool and fall-like this weekend. So excited. I am planning on making some chili and just enjoying the weather with the family. I love the change of seasons. I wish winter was only 2 months long...and spring lasted an extra month longer, but you know, I'm not God and I'll take it. It would be hard for me to live in a place where there was no difference at all in the weather.

I told you last week that I was on a mission to get Zoe's smile captured on camera. Well, how bout this one...

And for the record...she was smiling at Ezra. I have a feeling those two are gonna be close. He absolutely loves her and obviously, the feeling is mutual.

Happy Thursday!

breakdown of the perfect baby pajamas

1) covered footsies...

2) zipper...(can I get an amen?!)

3) and most importantly...a cute baby to go in them!

all about the ezra (recap of ezra's birthday)

Better late than never...once again. I am beginning to feel like that is the story of my life right now.

Anyways...

Ezra had a great birthday. My Dad and a few of my siblings came down for the occasion. Of course Ezra requested a lightning mcqueen party. A-gain. I feel like I am in a never ending cycle of lightning mcqueen parties. Next year I am going to insist on a spiderman party. Or batman. Or something other than lightning mcqueen for the boys.

Anyways...

We have a birthday tradition where Jeremiah takes out each child for breakfast on their special day, so Ezra and Daddy enjoyed some pancakes at Ihop. This was followed up by a morning at Monkey Joe's.

Because a belly full of pancakes and a morning full of jumping and bouncing is such a great idea, ya know.

Afterwards they headed home for a par-tay. And par-tay we did. Like it was 2006. Complete with funfetti cake and cheetos.

Because a belly full of pancakes, a morning full of jumping, and an afternoon full of cake and cheeto's is such a great idea, ya know.

Of course we had some presents. We have entered the world of Lego's around this house. Part of me loves the imaginative play it spurns and the quiet hours it occupies. Part of me wants to go insane at all the little pieces I am forever stepping on or finding all over the house.

Anyways...

It was a great day for a great little boy, who I still can't believe has made it to the ripe old age of four!

Memory Monday: the hero edition

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26
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I have a new modern day hero.

Our best friends Josh and Tasha leave today for Uganda to spend six weeks picking up their sweet new daughter, Alethia Grace.

I know firsthand how emotional and exciting an adoption trip is. And that was only going to Africa for one week with just Jeremiah and myself.

However, Tasha is taking along her 3 kids (ages 6, 5, and 2).
And...
(this one is the kicker)
She is 20 weeks preggers.

I know this might seem crazy to some. And I know that doing this at 20 weeks pregnant was not in Tasha's plan...but she is acting in obedience to what she knows the Lord has called and equipped her to do, despite it not being "easy." What a great challenge and example for me to look beyond my comfort level and to respond with obedience when the Lord calls me to something.

Hero material right there!

Please join with me in praying for their family, their travels, the heart of their new daughter as she transitions to a new family, safety and protection for the new little baby growing in Tasha's belly, and that the Lord be glorified throughout it all!








You can keep up with their journey by clicking here.

thursday thoughts (on friday)

Whew.
I am exhausted.
No real reason, other than just keeping up with 4 kids...and life in general.

Don't get me wrong...life in general is awesome, we are just going through so many transitions at the moment that at any given moment I am fighting to keep perspective and just focus on the day (and moment!) that I am in.

Jeremiah started his new job at the creek this week. He is loving it. Therefore, I am loving it.

At the moment he is working from home. Which is great. And not so great. The whole work from home thing is great in theory and there are a lot of advantages to it at this stage in our family...I am just not used to having him in "my space" all the time. And I know he is figuring things out as well.

Zoe started giving us "real" smiles this week. She is still really selective about them and they are few and far between...but, oh...the sweetness. Seeing that smile makes all the pregnancy woes and sleepless nights absolutely worth it.

No. No smile has been caught on camera yet, because the moment I break out the big black box she shuts down and just stares at it. But don't you worry, this momma is on a mission to capture it. And when I am on a mission it is just a matter of time...

Zoe finally went for her 1 month check up this week. Only 2 weeks late...but, whatever. The girl weighs in at a whopping 11lbs! And just for reference sake, Ella weighed 7lbs at 1 month. Oh, how I love me some baby rolls.

And how I love discovering sweet moments like this one...

























Here's to a weekend filled with lots of sweet moments for everyone!

Happy Friday!
(and Fall!)

adventures in house hunting

We are in the throes of house hunting. Which is much more fun on tv than in real life I have decided. We have been looking now for about a month without much success. Or short lived success as we had an offer on a house fall through over the weekend. Apparently not all realtors are ethical...go figure.

I don't consider myself extremely picky. However, there are certain non-negotiables that I have as a family with four children:

- Hard flooring in the dining area (i will never understand a carpeted dining room!)
- A yard of some sort
- 3 bedrooms plus an office/den/bonus room
- 2 bathrooms
- In a safe neighborhood
- Within our budget

That's it. Everything else I can change or fix or update or get over.

And let me tell you...taking all four kiddo's with you on a house hunting expedition is f.u.n.

If your idea of fun is your brain falling out of your head from explaining that you cannot climb in other peoples bed or play with their toys or jump off the stairs of eat their food over and over and over and over and over.

And over.

Thankfully, we have awesome friends and family who have been helping us out and we haven't had that scenario too many times. My brain thanks them too.

I know that there is a house out there for us. And I know the Lord is going to provide. And for once in my life I don't want to be surprised by His provision. I am expecting it.

Because he has NEVER let me down. And he didn't orchestrate all the details of our new stage in life so perfectly just to forget this detail.

Ok, pep talk over.

story time with ezra james

...who needs to go to the library when you've got big brother to read to you.

zoe elizabeth: one month

Technically these are her 1 month + 1 week pictures and update.
Because how boring is it to just do a 1 month photo shoot.
Or (shhh...don't tell her) maybe it is just that with kiddo #4 exact dates aren't quite so important.

And i have to just throw this out there: I feel really bad for my 1st two kiddo's because the quality of their early photos just plain stink.

Moving on...

Zoe has developed a whole slew of nicknames. ZhoZho, ZhoZho bear, Zooble, Miss Z, and so on and so forth.

She loves to eat. And sleep. And poop. And repeat.

But glory be...we are starting to see the beginnings of the first real smiles. And she is starting to stay awake for longer periods. The newborn lumpy-ness is passing and a real person is emerging.

That makes me both sad and happy all at the same time.

She has worked into a pretty good little schedule and pretty much eats about every 3 hours during the day and gives me two good 4+ hour stretches at night. She loves to be held and rocked and sung to. Her favorite song is "you are my sunshine" in case you were wondering. She doesn't care much for her bouncy seat or play mat-thingy yet, but oddly enough really enjoys her tummy time.

How cutie is this little booty...

























And these are just for Nana...
(i give all you others permission to enjoy as well)




















"Mom, please stop taking my picture already...I'm so sleepy"




































Happy 1 month baby girl!

proof of a miracles existance (ezra turns four)

Ezra turns four years old today.

Although if you ask him he will tell you he is five.
Because five is the promised land of no naps and older kid privileges in our household.

I write a lot about him.
Because he gives me a lot to write about.

He is so funny.
He is so exhausting.
He is so smart.
He is oh so cute.

He is unique.
He is determined.

He is a fruitatarian.
He is obsessive compulsive.
He is extremely sensitive and will fall apart if you yell at him. (not that he is ever yelled at...ahem)
He is very very very eager to learn.
He is a master paper airplane builder.

He is not a follower.
He is not easily swayed.
He will not do anything just because he knows you want him to.
He will not focus on anything else until he has mastered the latest obsession of his.

He hates loud noises, feeling out of control, and potatoes.

He loves to make you laugh.
He loves to laugh at you.

All of my kids have revealed things to me about my character. However, Ezra wins the prize for showing me most my need for the Lords help in this parenting adventure. I am extremely thankful for the things his life and personality have taught me. He has made me a better Mom. And person.

He has made me laugh till I cried.
He has made me cry till I laughed.

I know the Lord has a very unique plan for his special personality.

Happy Birthday Ezra James...

you are deeply deeply loved.

the city of brotherly love

Zoe's Birth Story

Better late than never, eh.

This is a birth story, so, boys...duh, this is your warning if you don't like reading about such things.

At my 38 week doctors appointment I was already dilated to almost 4cm and my doctor suggested we go ahead and schedule an induction for the following week. I was only more than happy to agree!

The Wednesday of my induction was a perfect day. Jeremiah was off and we took the kids to the park in the morning for a breakfast picnic. The weather was beautiful and I was able to just soak up the time with my sweet family. It was very surreal knowing that I was going to have a baby that night...but in a good way.

My parents came in later that afternoon and we did some last minute packing and getting things ready. After a good dinner of Japanese food (I learned my lesson the hard way with Ella to eat BEFORE you go to the hospital!) we said our goodbyes to the kids and headed to the hospital.

We got checked in around 9pm and we were able to talk with my doctor and get to know my nurse. It was a unusually quiet night at the hospital, or so I was told by everyone. By midnight I was hooked up to the IV and officially started the pitocin.

























My contractions quickly picked up in intensity and were coming about every 3-5 minutes but I was able to handle them well with just some deep breathing. I was checked around 2am and was at 5cm. I was still able to handle the contractions, which were still coming about every 3-5 minutes. They weren't lasting very long though...about 30 seconds each. Things stayed pretty much the same for the next few hours, although my contractions were now about 2-3 minutes apart, but still not lasting very long. My parents joined us at the hospital at this point, while my sister stayed at home while the kids were sleeping.

Around 5am I had my water broken and I got an epidural. Getting the epidural was not a fun experience this time around, definitely the most painful of all of mine...but the effectiveness of it was incredible. I could still feel pressure, but absolutely no pain. I could still move my legs and felt very in control of my body...I just didn't feel any pain. I was as comfortable as one can be while having a baby!

I was able to rest a little bit over the next hour and was checked around 6am and was at 7cm. I knew it wouldn't be long then because with both Ella and Ezra once I reached that point they were both born within the hour.

Sure enough right before 7am I felt extreme pressure and knew it was time. I pulled my nurse aside and told her that I was a really good pusher and to not turn my epidural down...that I would prove that I could do it while still remaining pain free! She laughed at me, but agreed to test me out. She checked me and I was 10cm and complete and they scurried around calling my doctor and getting things set up.

I think this was the point when I got incredibly emotional. I was so happy to be bringing new life into the world, made especially sweet after losing our Myla two years ago.

Once I got the ok to push...I pushed through 3 contractions and there she was...our sweet Zoe.

It was an incredible birth experience, my most comfortable, quickest, and controlled. I didn't tear at all, despite Zoe being 2lbs heavier than my other two birthed babies. She immediately nursed and was so alert in those first few moments.



Bliss. Absolute bliss.

I swear I would pop out 10 babies before I'd be pregnant again.

It was also really special to have my parents there for her birth, especially knowing that Zoe will be our last biological baby. I was glad to be able to share that with them. Jeremiah was an incredible support throughout it all...as he has been with all of them. I keep telling him that he should consider becoming a doula in his spare time.

I kid, people. But not about the being incredible part.

And the best part of all of this...getting to be her mommy.
























Yep. Think I'll keep her.

Memory Monday: the mommy edition

I know I write about Ezra's antics alot. He is what we like to call our high maintenance child...he brings so much fun to our family, but he requires a lot of energy. He (and therefore we...) had a really rough week last week.

Ok, maybe we have had a few rough weeks.
Ok, maybe we have had a rough few years. (kidding?!)

I could feel myself going down that slippery slope of frustration, raising my voice too much...and so on and so forth...

I was reminded (thank you Holy Spirit) of the sufficiency of scripture for dealing with every and any situation in my life. Including how to deal with my Ezra.

Here are some of the verses I have chosen to meditate on this week. They don't deal with Ezra's behavior (that is for next week, ha!)...but with my reactions to it:

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

The heart of the righteous studies how to answer. Proverbs 15:28

If someone is caught in a sin, you who are wise should restore him gently. Galatians 6:1

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I also loved this friends recent parenting reminder. Go check it out. Yea, so easy to forget in the midst of the daily struggles.

Thursday Thoughts

Ezra ate an entire tube of chapstick yesterday.

He's a rare one, that one.



























Four weeks. Four whole weeks. That's how old my Zoe is today. I had a fourth child moment this week when I realized I had never scheduled her one month check up. It'll be more like her 6 week check up. But, ah...I know she is doing great. What's a few extra weeks.

Ezra also fed Zoe a honeysuckle blossom yesterday.

Thankfully, I was able to intervene not too long after the "sharing" incident.

Poor poor helpless fourth child.




































She looks real neglected, no.

My name is Jennifer. I like mexican food, taking pictures, reading, cheesy hallmark commercials, rearranging furniture, anything by Francis Chan, rap music, and I once aspired to be a breakdancer. I dislike indecisiveness, knick knacks, green beans, and confrontations. My favorite color is green. I look terrible in skinny jeans. I think I made the (second) best decision of my life when I married Jeremiah. I am pretty smart, but no genius. I love Rothko's work. I loathe Kincaid's work. My favorite song is Amazing Grace...the more soulful the better. I am a list maker and thrive on organization but I can't keep my dresser drawers clean to save my life. I most long for the day when I get to meet my Savior. And I secretly like to watch bull riding on tv when nobody is looking.

Sometimes during this season of my life of taking care of four little's I can feel so swallowed up and forget...well, forget me. Forget who I am and what I like and the fact that I can have conversations on subject matters beyond my kids. Forget that God created me with a unique plan and that he not only loves me...he likes me. I forget that I like me. Or maybe on those days when I feel pushed and stressed and sleep deprived...I don't like the me that is currently me.

Ok, enough about me.
After all, it really isn't about me.

Fall is just around the corner. I know this because 1) Starbucks is now serving their pumpkin spice latte, and 2 ) our hay fields are being mown this week.

No more views like this one...




































I have to admit, I get as excited as the kids do when the tractors start showing up.

Happy Thursday!

first bath

Zoe had her first official tub bath last week.

Did she like it?

I'm so glad you asked.

Yes, she liked it. In fact she liked it so much that she did a first for us...she fell asleep while in the bath. Typical Zoe.




























































































Oh, and did you notice the delicious chubs she is working on? Oh so kissable.

Memory Monday

I haven't done one of these in a while. And this weeks verse isn't even a new one...but one I return to over and over again during times in my life where I know I can't do it on my own.

Over and over (and over) again.
Because I have pretty much decided that I can't do life on my own.
And my pitiful attempts just reaffirm this truth to me.

Surely God is my help, he is the one that sustains me.
Psalm 54:4


I love the definition of "sustain" and the tremendous encouragement housed within the idea of my God being my sustainer.

sus-tain
1. To keep in existence; to maintain.
2. To supply with necessities or nourishment, provide for.
3. To support from below, keep from falling; prop.
4. To bear up under; withstand.

The actions of being sustained by God just blow me away...

I am kept.
I am maintained.
I am supplied for.
Provided for.
I am supported.
Propped up.

Or more simply put: I don't have to do this life on my own and within my own capabilities.

Shew.

Now if only I could remember this all the time.