Spring Break...Finally Here!

This is the day that I have waited for for about 5 months. The countdown was long, but well worth the wait. We are finally in Daytona, Florida. And by we, I mean me, Nic, Tara, and Steve. Just us four...for a whole week. We decided, when planning for this trip, we were going to go without the kids. I know people think we are horrible people for leaving our babies, but I truly feel Nic and I needed this, as a couple. We knew for sure when I found out I was pregnant again since we probably won't get a chance like this again after the baby is born. Although I already miss my babies terribly and have cried once or twice, I am excited for this week with my husband.
We started our trip around 5 pm yesterday and drove all the way through until we arrived around noon today with only a few stops. There was only one time that I wondered if we would make it through. That was around Henryville, IN, when the weather decided to just pound us with the heaviest rain, lightening, thunder, and hail I have ever been in. I prayed and prayed and prayed during those hours. The rest of the trip was pretty smooth, despite the traffic (I SWEAR every car on the road was from Indiana, Ohio, or Michigan).
But, we made it safely. We got here before check-in so we decided to take a walk on the beach...and get this...Nic and I got to walk HAND-IN-HAND! It was wonderful. We also just laid by the pool for awhile before going to the grocery store and checking in.
I really like it here. The place we are staying is spacious and beautiful. I am sitting on the balcony right now facing the beach, listening to the kids in the pool below and adults chit-chatting and the waves crashing. We are taking it easy tonight...went to dinner and turning in early. The boys are watching the games and Tara is pretty much asleep on the couch.
It is still hard to believe that we are finally here. I know I will have many breakdowns during the week, missing my babies, but I am so excited to be with Nic and just be a couple.
Below are some pictures from today:)

A post from last week...

I had written a post last week but didn't have internet to post it. I know it is a little late, but I want to make sure I record it. It is from March 14th...

These last few days have been absolutely gorgeous outside. I can’t tell you how just the weather can make my mood so happy! It is March…and almost 70 degrees. Seriously?!

The kids have enjoyed the weather immensely as well. They would stay outside all day and all night if I would allow it. They even went out on the porch the other evening while it was raining to color with their chalk.

This week has been a little different. My dad and sister, Kris, left for Haiti Saturday morning. I always struggle when I have a family member traveling, let alone 2 family members LEAVING THE COUNTRY. Sunday night I received a call from my mom explaining some pain in her left arm and chest. Well of course I flipped out because I know that isn’t good. We ended up in the hospital in the middle of the night…just me and her. Nic stayed with the kids. Out of all 4 of us kids, I am probably the WORST one to be with during an emergency. The doctor dad and PA sister were millions of miles away (ok, a little dramatic), Adam was in AZ and Sarah was at college. That left the spastic daughter, Tori. Anyways, we got to the hospital (very gracefully, I might add), and we found out if you just tell them at the check in that you are having pain in the chest and left arm, you get seen right away! It was nice not to have to wait in the Emergency waiting room with 20 other people.

Mom started with an EKG right away, which came out fine. We were then taken to a nice room where it was quiet. They did blood tests and hooked her up to something (I have no idea what it was). We were then to sit and wait. Luckily, mom was in a bed and I had a chair that changed to a bed where we were able to get 2 hours of on and off sleep. This was around 4 am. One of my dad’s partners came to chat with us, which was VERY comforting. It is a whole new experience to be in a hospital and not to have my dad by our side. I know my mom missed him very much during this time. The 2 doctors that had come in were extremely nice as well. I was thankful that God had allowed such great care for my mom during this time. Her blood tests came back and there was no sign of heart attack or whatever they were looking for. She passed the stress test as well. All in all her heart looked great and healthy. The doctors couldn’t explain the pain though, which is still a worry to me. It might have to do with her joints and muscles but she will have to go to a doctor to figure all that out. I say it’s stress. But I am no doctor, apparently.

They released her around 2 pm Monday afternoon. Nic and I took her home and all three of us TOOK A NAP! Elizabeth was there when we woke up and was able to stay with mom the rest of the evening and night.  

I can’t even put into words my fears during this experience. This was my mom and she was in pain. I had no words to comfort her and I couldn’t do a thing to make the pain go away. I prayed constantly over those 20 hours that everything would be ok. God is good. And I definitely think I deserve best daughter points for this!

We did go back and stay with her Tuesday night and I am convinced that she is still not recovered from the whole thing. She is very tired and her arm is still hurting. The good thing is her chest pain hasn’t really been all that bad since they gave her some medication in the hospital (again, I don’t know medical stuff). So please be in prayer for her as she deals with this and as she tries to find some answers.

Also, please pray for Kris and Dad. Like I have said, they are in Haiti. I was VERY against this before they left because I am a worry wart. My dad has been posting daily updates on FB. I am very proud of the both of them for what they are doing down there. Please pray for safety, wisdom, and guidance as they work with those that are sick. I know God has chosen him and Kris for a purpose.

Here is a little bit of what he is saying:

“Family units are strong even though starving. You will even see them including relative kids who have lost their parents. Over 300,000 died in 2010 after the earthquake. Hard to grasp. Electricity goes out all the time. Seeing many great organizations working here to help. God is good.”

Never a dull moment.

Blog, I have missed you fiercely!

Well, hello there dear blog. Sorry it's been so long! I've missed you like a fat kid misses his ho ho's.  I am seriously starting to have anxiety attacks when something happens in this crazy life and I can't record it right away! 

These last 2 weeks have been so unbelievably beautiful that we have been spending almost every free second outside relishing in the warmth. We have been taking walks down to the creek, drawing with chalk, swinging, eating meals outside, and have even been playing with the water table. Along with all of this beautiful baths has come multiple baths per day:) I am telling you, these babies LOVE to get dirty. I don't know how long this amazing weather will last, but I am so thankful for what it has done for my soul. It has been so refreshing for me. 

Hayden had her 2nd dentist appointment this past Monday, the 19th. The Dr. did a simple checkup and Hayden did perfectly for him. I was so proud of my baby girl! She received a little bag with a new Cinderella toothbrush, toothpaste, and a special prize from the treasure chest. She was very proud of her little bag and asked if we could go see Poppy at his office and show him her goodies. His office was right down the road so I went ahead and took her. 

On the way home, I I kept glancing in the rearview mirror and just kept thanking God for my little princess. We have had a lot of one-on-one time together recently and I have treasured each of those times. It is such a special thing to spend time with each of my children one-on-one because I feel I can give my complete attention to that child. These times also remind me how fast time goes and how my babies aren't babies anymore. They are both so different from each other and so special. I wish time would freeze sometimes just so I can hold my children forever and protect them. I love them so much that sometimes my heart hurts. I don't want to think about the trials and the tears that they will come to in the future. It scares me and kills me to even think of one of them being hurt. 

On another note, we have switched the children's rooms and both the kids love their new rooms. They have been sleeping so well that I don't know why we didn't do this before:) Here are a few pictures of the past few weeks:

 16 Weeks

On the way to the dentist

So proud of her goodies from the dentist:)

My blog

I know what you are thinking...2 posts in 1 day after not posting for a LONG time?? Well, tonight I have the internet and want to use it:)
I think about this blog a lot...even though it hasn't seemed like it. I think, "Man, I wish I had the internest right now so I could record what was just said or what just happened!"
You see, I am well aware that the people who come across the blog and read it could care less about the events in our family. They may not care about the videos or pictures posted. They may not care about the silly little things that my babies say. But I do. I want to remember every one of these moments/pictures/videos because this is my life. I don't ever want to forget one single thing that I have written/recorded. I want this blog to be something that my children can grow up to read and look back on and know how much they are loved and treasured...and even look back and laugh at how they drove me insane at times:) I want them to see the struggles/trials that we have gone through as a family and how we overcame them. I want them to see the love between their momma and daddy and hopefully see us as Godly role models.
This blog is sacred to me. It is where I can be me and share my thoughts/fears/tears/laughter. No one to impress. No one to talk back. No one to judge. I can pour my heart out and have this blog be therapy to me.
If this is the first time or 50th time reading this blog, I want to thank you for taking the time to read and getting a glimpse of my life. I hope that in some way, this blog can be an encouragement, a laugh, an inspiration, anything for you!

Dear Easton

Dear Precious Easton,
Only a few short days ago did we find out that we were going to have another sweet baby boy. You were not shy one bit:) I knew from very early on in my heart that you were a boy, although those around me thought differently. I had dream after dream that I was holding a baby boy. Your big sister knew as well that she was going to have a "baby brudder" before we knew. 
I want you to know how much you are already loved. From the moment we found out we would be having another child, we instantly loved you. I already can't wait to just hold you in my arms and kiss your sweet cheeks. I am constantly thinking about you and praying for you. I can't wait for you to meet your sister and brother. They like to come up to my stomach and say hi to you and kiss you. You are going to adore both of them. They will take good care of you. Your daddy is so excited to have another boy to play with:) You will like him. He is fun.
I pray a lot for you. Every time I think about you, I pray for you. I pray that you continue to grow and develop perfectly and healthy. I pray that your little heart beat will continue to beat strong. You are a precious blessing, my son.
You are already moving around A LOT. I didn't know it was possible to feel your little kicks already. You are going to be a strong little boy. I smile every time I feel your movements, because it reminds me that in less than 6 months, I will be able to WATCH your little movements.
I love you more than words can express.
Love you always,
Your Mommy