Blessed and Thankful

I am so blessed and grateful to be able to stay home with Wyatt. I am thankful for God's provision and a husband who is willing to work hard and make some sacrifices so I can be home with my baby. I confess, I have had a couple moments when I think perhaps the "career moms" are onto to something, when I would love to fix a bottle and breeze off for a few hours every day leaving someone else to the crying and spit up and dirty diapers etc. But when I watch him smile and play and hear him coo, I am so grateful that I was the one at home to experience that first, it is worth a whole lot of stressful moments.

I know it isn't a decision for everyone, I know not every one can afford that luxury, I make no judgements but I certainly am thankful to be a stay-at-home mom!

It's A Dog's Life...

and it isn't a bad one!

Ever have that "all dressed up with no place to go feeling?" That's what this picture of Snoop makes me think of. :-) She knows (and loves) Sundays because we generally get to go along. From the time we get home from church this is pretty much where you'll find her, making sure she doesn't miss this train out. I don't know how long she would actually sit in there,

I love all the effort you can see Buster putting into this game as Snoop just stands there holding on.

If you follow Becky's BLOG then you have already seen a version of this one. For those of you worried about the dog, I did NOT allow him to keep the paci for fear he would chew the rubbery and off cause health problems (or worse) to himself. Those of you worried about the baby I did NOT give it back to him either.

Mommies Are The Worst

Wyatt is quickly learning what every child knows, mommies are the worst about the thing they will put a baby through. :-) Every good mommy knows you must mark the second month "birthday" with a photo (I did get one of the first month but well it lacked the thought and creativity sometimes you just take what you can get.) I had this hat I was afraid he was going to outgrow before he wore (got a picture) it given his recent growth spurt and the fact that we don't take him out a lot so not a lot of chance to wear it.

Clearly though, he is NOT about to outgrow it, nor his jeasns for that matter. He wasn't terribly impressed but I told him it gets worse, just wait until he has siblings, and they get to all dress alike! :-) He smiled ate me, I am sure that was his way of saying "No matter what I may say in the future, feel free to do whatever you know is irresistably cute." After all what am I going to have to display at his graduation party if I don't subject him to such torture?

Misc. Pictures

As you all know the past the past week and a half have been unblievable in the stress department. I for sure am not complaining as I know it has been so much worse, so much more tiring and stressful for my parents, not to speak of our poor Joy. She sure didn't deserve to have to got through this. I feel like the world's worst sister and daughter for not being there now, for going on with life, but the truth is, I am not at that "going on with life" point yet since having Wyatt. More oft than not I am not much good to anyone (mentally, emotionally, physically) anyway these days. Ask my poor husband who is frequently having to mop up the water works, fix meals, run errands etc.

So that said, I haven't felt much like blogging, that stress and worry alone is fatiguing. But as Joy is finally on the road to recovery, and as I am working toward "normalcy" as opposed to the cave dwelling that is so tempting to me at times :-p I thought I would post some pictures.

They are nothing that need explanation, nothing special in the way of events, just that we are really noticing a growth spurt with our little one and I wanted to share some pictures with family and friends who unfortunately don't get to see that happening.

Birthday Wishes and Prayers

Fourteen years ago today, God blessed our family with a somewhat unexpected blessing, a "johnny come lately" if you will, He blessed us with JoyAnna Kay, who has so lived up to her name these past 14 years. She has been more "Joy" than any of us imagined possible I think. She has grown into an intelligent, kind, beautiful young lady.

As most, if not all of you, know by now, God was good to us this past weekend, and we have been twice blessed with Joy. She came down with a bad case of pneumonia last week and we believe we are fortunate to still have her with us today.

She is however on a respirator today and a light, induced coma to help her fight the infection in her lungs, she doesn't know it is her birthday. While we are so grateful and fortunate that Lord willing and things progressing as they are, we will be able to wish her a belated happy birthday in a week or so her biggest sister's heart aches that she is going through this today and aches that she can't pick up the phone and hear that cute teenage voice talk about what she is going to do for her birthday.

Happy Birthday JoyAnna, lots of love and prayers to you today. We are so glad God has allowed you to be a part of our family!

We Love You,

Rachel, John & Wyatt

Pumpkin "Patch" Part III

I have really hesitated to post this last installment of Pumpkin Patch pictures at this time. Mostly I haven't felt much like doing so and I for sure don't want to seem frivolous or disinterested as my sister is in such bad shape. But by today, I desperately need something relaxing and light hearted to distract and this seemed just the thing.

So I hope you understand and hope you enjoy these photos as much as I have.

Happy Birthday John!

Thirty-something years ago today (yes I'll protect his youthful appearance from the reality of numbers) a bouncing baby boy was born. Though I didn't know him then or for many years to follow, that baby boy would grow to be the blessing I know today as my husband.

The Man

He is a kind, caring and generous man, intelligent and thoughtful. He is whitty, clever and handy with about any tool and project. He is liked by pretty much everyone (and what's not to like).

The Husband

Three years ago he took on the title of "husband" not the easiest job he has ever had for sure but he has done it so well. He has given me three years of respect, unconditional love, laughter and good memories. He has been all I hoped for and then some

The Daddy

(his newest "hat")

Most recently, our Wyatt gave him the title "daddy" a title he has whole heartedly embraced and he is proving to be such a wonderful daddy to Wyatt. He has indeed become a real "family man" praying with and for us, working hard to support us (so I can be home), taking care of us, loving us.

We are blessed that God allowed him to be born thirty-some :-p years ago and that He allowed us to share life with him.

Happy Birthday Love, you're the best!!