Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me, Oh Lord...

Standing in the need of prayer.

Oh man...the last three weeks have been a struggle, to say the least. But it all culminated this morning into a huge mess. Henry woke us up at 5:30 - Travis goes in there to give him his water and lay him back down in hopes of getting another 30 minutes of sleep. HA! As soon as he enters the room, he runs back out and asks me if I have a strong digestive system this morning. I think, "oh gosh, why is he asking me this?" Then the smell wafts through the air. Vomit.

I'll spare all of the details, but they include a couple more times of throwing up, some "death" poops, and three baths!!! Ah the joys of being a mother! I do have to commend Travis for cleaning up the vast majority of the mess - he has been such a great helpmate to me in these last 3 weeks.

And speaking of the last three weeks, well I just want to block them out. As you all know from our brilliant shirt idea, we are pregnant (well mostly me). I have had some pretty horrible ALL DAY sickness that I can't seem to shake. I was sick with Henry but not to this degree (girl??). My weight has plummeted to an all-time low, due to the excessive nausea and vomiting. My midwife prescribed me Zofran - that didn't touch this stuff. Basically, I'm pretty miserable to be around.

So where do you turn when things are down? GOD!! Let me tell you - I've kept in constant communication with Him these past weeks. At first, I was praying for complete healing - a miracle of sorts. Nothing happened. I start feeling doubtful and hopeless. Poor poor me. Then a revelation. I need to be praising God for this miracle, praising Him for this time of suffering because of what it will bring. James 1:2 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance mush finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

WOW! Talk about an attitude change - a HARD one at that! Morning sickness is pure joy?!? YES - because it's making me stronger and more complete. Just the type of mother I want to be to this new life.

Please keep us in your prayers. I'll keep you and yours in mine!

Henry's Christmas Shirt

Becoming one of THOSE moms...

Before I had Henry (ah, how much I took for granted), I would make these really stupid and undeserved judgments on others. Honestly, I still do this and I ask God for help in that area everyday. I was especially harsh when it came to judging moms. I laugh when I remember a conversation I had with Katy, pre-baby - we once witnessed a pregnant woman eating her weight in mashed potatos at a buffet. I said that I would NEVER let myself do that...the baby is only like the size of a acorn! HA! What a hypocrite! Travis can attest to the fact that I WAS that lady at the New Moon Chinese buffet in Chattanooga, on at least 5 different occasions!

Moms who can't take the time to dress their babies. What else could you possibly have to do all day, staying at home?? We all know you just sit on the couch, watch your stories and eat bonbons. HA!! What a hypocrite (except that I don't eat bonbons). Henry has definitely been caught out in public in his pajamas and bed-hair. Who really cares? Obviously not me.

I also did not think that it was ok for parents to give there children those free cookies at Ingles. Pure sugar - they don't need that! HA! What a hypocrite! When Henry and I pulled up at the store today, he said, in his little adorable voice, "TOOKIE". WHAT!? My son can LOOK at the outside of Ingles and know that he is getting a cookie.

When did I become one of those moms?... One of those moms who doesn't care what other people think. One who knows that the value of her son will surely not be measured by the clothes that he wears or how he looks, but by the Godly man that he will become. A mom who labors 24 hours a day and gets no pay. Yes, my son gets a cookie...he also gets broccoli and carrots. And pregnant women can do whatever they want - they are playing host to God's miracle.

Hello! My name is Lindsay and I am one of THOSE moms.

Oatmeal

I start every day off with a bowl of hot oatmeal - complete with egg whites, cinnamon, and flaxseeds. I love to eat this steaming hot..Henry is another story. Every SINGLE morning, he comes over to me as soon as I sit down and begs for some oatmeal. No, I say, it's too hot. He still doesn't get it. So, I give him a spoonful while blowing on it and saying "it's hot". He eats it and cries. Then he wants MORE. What is wrong with this sadistic child!?!

I Confess...

Today was a rare treat that I seldom allow myself: We stayed in jammies ALL day long. I usually make myself go go go..but today, Henry needed to rest and it took very little to talk me into it. Tomorrow, I'll take my 6 mile walk, clean the house, laundry and lift weights at the gym. Tomorrow will be a regular day but today, today was for laying around.

We did go to Walmart (in our pj's), which I kinda felt bad about, especially when the checkout clerk asked if I was having a rough day. Geez, didn't think I looked THAT bad. As moms, we don't always do what is "expected" of us; we take shortcuts whenever we can, will do practically anything for a few more minutes of sleep, and we might not even eat all of our recommended vegetables in a day (or week). I felt the need to air out some of my less than stellar parenting moments - thus, the confession thread.

I CONFESS:

• that I almost always opt for foods that Henry can't make a mess with, even if they are boring and really have little nutritional value (i.e. Teddy Grahams).
• that I love it that Travis gets up with the baby in the morning and I get to sleep in - even on the weekends when I know that Travis could use the extra sleep more than I could.
• that last week, I INTENTIONALLY chose sleep over going to my doctor's appointment. Luckily, I was able to reschedule.
• that I HATE dressing Henry (or any baby). Most mothers like this, right?!? I can't stand it and have no interest in putting outfits together, thus, pj's to Walmart.
• that sometimes it's just easier to nurse Henry than to make a meal for him. (Although, one could argue that I am "making a meal" for him).
• that a couple of times, Travis and I have acted like we were going to the gym and gotten a babysitter, but instead, stayed home and held each other on the couch in silence.

I'm sure there are more, but I'd rather let Travis play with my hair right now. What do YOU confess?

Uh-Oh

Henry has discovered the trash can!! He has always played in the recycling, toting cans and paperboard around the house, but today I found him in the trash! I looked into the can and found 2 pairs of socks, some nose strips and a bandanna!?!? Now I'm wondering what all Henry has "thrown out" before...no wonder Travis has socks with no match!

Let Him Eat Cake

New Blog!

My new "old" friend, Bekah Wilkins Lail and her husband, Zac, have a blog! Bekah and I were friends in Middle and High School and have recently been spending some great time together on our long walks. Her new blog is a refreshing tale of how God can truly give you the desires of your heart!

Happy Birthday Henry Cole!!

Henry and I are up and getting ready for church. I'm sitting here eating my oatmeal and egg whites, while Henry is pulling books off the shelf. Just a few minutes ago, I had to clean up all of the tupperware scattered about the kitchen - a morning ritual that Henry thinks is funny. He comes to me and offers me a drink of water from my Camelbak, then takes one himself.

It is AMAZING how much he has changed and grown over the last year. Henry was born at 12:43pm after a scary delivery (the birth story is in one of our older posts). He came out with those sweet little dimples and stole my heart, partly because he looks JUST LIKE his father. The first few months were, well..HELL! I definitely questioned whether we would even have more children. Travis and I became PRAYING PARENTS - we prayed around the clock and reallyrecommitted our lives to Christ. Around 3-4 months, God's grace was shown and things got better. Henry started sleeping through the night and I embraced breastfeeding. Now, every day seems to be an improvement, as we are now so much more mobile and flexible. We have our routine down and I know what to expect from him.

At one year old, Henry is a joy. He smiles all the time and laughs at everything. He isn't very vocal but he knows what he wants and will let you know. He is walking pretty well now and is into everything. His favorite "forbidden" thing to do is to try to sneak into the bathroom and play in the toilet water (we now keep the door closed at all times). Henry still nurses 7-8 times a day, which I love because it is OUR time together. He also eats whatever he can get his hands on. Some of his favorites are spaghetti, prunes, watermelon and green beans. He loves reading his books and playing peek-a-boo. Ma-ma, da-da, and dog are his go-too words.

I look at him and praise God for the blessing that He gave us. God has been ever faithful through this new journey and has been the stronghold when we needed Him. Children truly are miracles and I'm so happy because of the light that Henry brings into our home.

Happy Birthday Henry Cole! Mama loves you!

Latest Video

I'd like to call this first steps but I didn't have the camera ready so I guess this is second steps. This was last night at the Kristian Stanfil/Charlie Hall event at the new Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center.

This morning just to be sure he didn't forget in his sleep.

27 Years

Well, it's official - I've been given 27 years on this earth so far. Not alot of time to some, but to others, more than they were ever given. I've learned some things over these past few years, most of my knowledge not coming from my education but from life. Without a doubt, the biggest, most life-changing lesson learned has been to live for God. Making daily decisions that put you one step closer to Him. Choosing to cast aside the expectations that the WORLD has of you, and living a life that would bring honor to His name.

For me, that means being a helpmate to my husband and a full-time stay-at-home mommy to Henry. The WORLD would have me think that I should be working in my "field", going for promotions and amassing gobs and gobs of stuff. It makes me sad to think that if I had not met Travis, my life would be centered around those beliefs. But, alas, God had a plan, and a man for me.

The life that God wants me to lead is one of service and selflessness. A life that might not hold anything more than what I have right now. And that would be far more than I have ever deserved. Blessings upon blessings have been poured out to my family and I, all by someone who asks nothing in return. I pray that I might use my next few years to live my life in a way that is acceptable unto His eyes. To show God that I do cherish His gifts and that I'm living for Him. That is all that I can ask of myself, to give His all!

Maybe the best picture I've taken - Travis

Gross/Tantilizing Website!

Oh man! I've wasted almost an hour looking at the pictures of food on this website and it's making me crazy hungry!! One that I might make for Travis and Henry is the Meatloaf Cake with Mashed Potato frosting. Yummo!

Here you go!!!

Beach Pictures!!!

One more day, promise

till pictures are up. Sorry! Apparently now that we're parents, we're allowed to blame things on our children, so it's all Henry's fault.

Beach Trip Recap - Coming soon!

I'm going to post something about the beach when I have pictures from Mom. So just be a little bit patient.

I'm sure you've seen this but I saw it again again and remembered how touching it is. Your cry for the day.

Beach Trip

We leave THIS Saturday for a week of beach time in Destin, FL!!!! Travis and I are giddy about it! We can't wait to walk on the beach and eat lots of seafood. Panama City/Destin holds a special place for me because that is where we vacationed almost every year when I was younger. My family took a few years off and now it seems like we may make it a yearly tradition once again!

We took this same trip last year when I was pregnant and it was so relaxing. Add Henry into the mix (outside of the womb) and I'm guessing this trip will be a little different ;) In order to make the drive down as easy as possible, we plan to leave at 1AM and drive while Henry sleeps. I'm a little apprehensive about that part. Oh, and about him eating sand or hating the sand and wanting nothing to do with it.

Pray that everyone going gets at least some relaxing "vacation" time. I've never had to be responsible for anyone else while at the beach - typically, I wake up, lay out, walk, etc. whenever I want. I've come to terms with the fact that this will be the same week that Henry and I usually have, just in a different place. A beachy place!!! So excited!

Trot Trot Trot my Pony - Travis

There is no one holding the camera it is just an inanimate object sitting ontop of the couch. Yet he knows that's where he's supposed to smile.

Crawling! Eek!

Well, it's official! Henry can now crawl! Like really crawl. At first he started army crawling and dragging one leg - it was really funny to watch and he was pretty slow about getting around. Within a week though, he learned the real crawl.

He is in to EVERYTHING!!! We are definitely going to have to buy some gates. Just when I get to sit down to eat my oatmeal in the morning, he is across the room, trying to play with a cord of some sort. Oh, and he hates to be in his walker now because he can only go around in a circle. People warned us about crawling and I think I should have headed their concerns. This is going to be a long stage for me.

Date Night!!!

Travis and I just got back from our first date night since the baby was born.  We've gone out to eat a few times without him, but tonight was the first time that we've left him for longer than like an hour.  We ate dinner at Chef and His Wife (best burger in town, hands down!) and then went to watch "Up".  Mom and Dad watched him for us and he did so well!!  When we pulled up to pick him up, Mom was walking with him in the yard.  I thought, "Oh great!".  But they were just enjoying the full moon - he smiled the biggest smile when I got out of the car to get him.  

We were celebrating our 4-year anniversary!! Sometimes I can't believe that we've been blessed with 4 years (6 altogether) - we are still so very much in love, definitely still newlyweds.  

Oldies - Travis

I was just looking through the archives and found these pictures of someone I don't recognize.  Who is this?

Preoccupied

I find myself not blogging as much lately.  I think that is due to the fact that I'm addicted to Facebook.  It's so much faster to put a status update and be done.  Except that I waste so much time on there, that I'm sure a simple blog entry would take far less time. 

Life around here is just amazing.  Henry is, of course, the center of our universe.  He is a little over 8 months and is a joy to be around.  He is either very happy or very angry, there is usually no in between.  Luckily, he is only angry when he is hungry or tired and those two things have gotten easier as well.  We were so anxious about when and how we would stop swaddling him and then one day, he just kinda fell asleep by himself.  So the next nap, we said lets see what happens and it went great from there.  We are still going strong nursing and I don't see that stopping anytime soon.  He will not eat most baby food.  I think that's because he's tasted table foods and he just wants to eat what we eat.  Also, he loves feeding himself, so we just cut up really small pieces of what we eat. 

Travis is doing well - now is the slow time at work so most days, I have no idea what he does there :)  They won't start programming for a while so I think he is correcting his old code?  Other than work, he spends his time with me, at the gym, mowing, or at worship team practice.  He is THE best daddy I could ask for Henry.

My days are spent with Henry.  I love staying at home with him.  I can't imagine taking him to daycare and going to work.  His smiles and babbles are for me, no one else.  We have a schedule down - he takes two naps a day and in between we leave the house to walk and run errands.  He is definitely a "Momma's boy".  When he looks at me, it's like I'm the greatest thing he's ever seen.  Who wouldn't love that?!? :)

The summer should be fun.  Katy and Adam have access to a house at the lake, a speed boat and Sea-doos.  Last summer I was pregnant so I couldn't water ski, so I'm definitely trying that this time around.  We also have a beach trip to Destin, FL planned with my family.  I'm a little nervous to see how Henry will do on the 7 hour trip down and how he will sleep in his pack'n'play.  Also, Katy has the whole summer off so we should get to spend some quality time with her.  She may just win the coveted "Henry's Favorite Aunt Award".  Oh and Travis and I will be celebrating 4 years as a married couple on June 4th!!!  He never thought we'd make it this long :)

Henry's First Haircut - Travis

He is used to the motor in the toothbtush so that is there to distract him.   Just stare at the guard on the clippers.  

Some recent pics