~12 Months~

Though the post is nearly 3 weeks late, the pictures and information are correct for exactly 12 months!  This mommy was just hoping she was dreaming. 

~Brock Adam~

* Weighs in at 18# 8oz and 29" long! 

*Wears 9 month clothing. His shorts are 3-6 mo though! 

*Very picky eater!!

*Sleeps about 11-12 hours at night.

*2 solid naps during day.

*3rd tooth just popped through on birthday.

*Had tubes for ear infections. 

~Lynlee Grace~

*Weighs in at 19# 8oz and 28 1/2" long.

*Wears 9 and 12 mo clothing.

*Loves to eat!

*Sleeps 11-12 hours at night.

*2 solid naps during day.

*7 teeth

*a small dose of comic relief*

Many would probably be going insane at this point, but I am taking it in stride and considering it all joy.  There is never a dull moment in our lives, especially with 3 under the age of 3!!!  (It sounded so much crazier when I could say 3 under the age of 2!!)  I try to find something to laugh about in every situation, and I really found myself laughing this morning while most would have been screaming and crying! 

So about two days ago, Brock and Lynlee started taking turns being really fussy.  Like "hold me while I kick, scream, flail all over the place for more than 15 minutes."  I was beginning to wonder if colic was haunting us again.  Little sleep and cranky! 

Around that time, Cayden started to have a really runny nose....I assumed just allergy or common cold. 

Monday night ended with me needing a nerve pill to finally relax.  Tuesday night finally ended at midnight when Cayden crashed.  Last night, I thought for just a single moment I was in Heaven....on our way home from supper out (because lately the mess that supper creates at our house...leaves me ready to cry), all three children fell asleep.  We were able to successfully put them all to bed by 8:00!!!  I quickly jumped into my pj's, grabbed the remote, and headed to bed.

 It was short lived my friends.  Lynlee started crying....which lasted for 45 minutes.  As soon as I got her comfortable and back to bed, I slowly crept back to our room.  It wasn't 10 minutes and Cayden started coughing really really bad.  I went down and got him some cough syrup, woke him to take it, and he went back to sleep.

Peace....oh nevermind...he started coughing again.  15 minutes later he was standing by my bed crying that his chest hurt, and saying "me no feel good mommy, snuggle."  The thought of sharing my bed with only my husband for the night quickly vanished. 

About that time, my wonderful hubby who was oblivious to all of the commotion (he was soaking up alone time in the garage) and thought his beautiful bride would be "waiting" for him came upstairs...excited as well to share the bed with only his wife...but to his surprise, he found a mommy snuggling her another little man...sorry daddy! 

Cayden continued to cough and cough and cough.  We got him a cough drop and something to drink, and he was snoring away 20 minutes later.  Jesse took him back to his bed, and we thought our night was over. 

I didn't fall asleep until 1145, to be awakened at 1:00 by the smell of vomit and pitiful looking child standing at my bedside "momma, pook" (aka puke). 

I was to tired to even think about cleaning bedsheets, so we put him in our bed and thought once again our night was over. 

1:15....Lynlee is crying again.  Jesse took her down to rock.   I managed to fall asleep between the constant coughing in my ear.  2:00 Jesse returns to bed with Lynlee who is WIDE AWAKE. 

I suggested just laying her in her bed, and letting her put herself to sleep...which she did...an hour later!! 

You are probably thinking, "oh my goodness, how does she do it?" or if you are walking the ugly road of infertility you are thinking "what I wouldn't give for a night like that!"  I consider this all joy and laughing material, because I was remember those thoughts, and I wouldn't give this life up for anything!

My blogging friends, it gets better or worse (depending on how you are looking at the situation!) 

I was awakened at 630 to two screaming babies ready to start their day.  They were covered in GREEN snot!!  Cayden had also woken himself up from coughing so hard. 

I snuggled them all on the couch waiting for the Dr's office to open at 8:00.  I aspirated lots of nasty green snot from all three children. Listened as Cayden was wheezing while breathing. Asking"why them again?" 

The DR's office was able to get all three in at 10:15.  I quickly got the babies breakfast, to which they made a complete mess with.  I knew they all NEEDED baths, because I put them to bed last night really dirty (but hey, I was just so elated that they were all asleep by 8...or so I thought!) 

So, at 9:00 we headed upstairs for quick baths...or so I thought!! 

I am a super talented super mom (comic relief, folks), so I am able to bathe all three at once.  I got Lynlee out, dried off, and sent her on her merry naked way.  I then proceeded to dry Brock off and sent him on his way.  I no more than hung the towel up and looked into hallway to find......

Poop....yes, lots of poop.  Poop on the closet doors, poop on the floor, poop all over Lynlee like lotion, poop in dog's mouth, poop in Lynlee's hands headed for her mouth.  Friends, if I didn't have a two year old still in the tub....I totally would have taken a picture!!

I quickly turned to Cayden and told him he had better hightail it out of the tub, or he was going to take a bath in Lynlee's poo.  I don't think I have seen him move so quickly.  He laughed... I laughed!

I managed to get them dressed, all while praying they wouldn't crawl off to the pooped smeared hallway.  I loaded them up and left my house smelling like last night's vomit and this morning's poop!!

I usually take someone with me to help at the DR's office, but not today....super mom wanted to tackle this alone!! 

I will save you some time and just say the Dr was really in awe at my crazy life.  She tripped over tractors, had bubbles spilled all over her exam room floor, watched as Cayden drank bubbles, giggled as not one of my children was cooperative while being examined.  I didn't has much flinch....because this is everyday LIFE for me.  A LIFE that I dreamed of, a LIFE that I wanted. 

Oh, you are probably wondering what was wrong with them.  Oh yes, the real reason for the extreme chaos the last few days.  Well, you have probably guessed it.  Brock and Lynlee have ear infections AGAIN, and  Cayden has croup/RSV AGAIN!!

We grabbed prescriptions and headed home.  I thought about just continuing to drive on by our house....because remember the smell of vomit and poop was going to be there to invite us in. 

All three were asleep, so I took them to their beds, which is upstairs, where I needed to clean....but I can't wake sleeping children...so blogging about the craziness seemed like a better idea than cleaning. 

I am laughing as I am looking around at the mess surrounding me, and thanking God for the blessings of this life.  Yes, I consider these trials blessings. 

Do you take trials such as these and allow them to rule your life and mood?  Never take a minute of this life for granted...even if it occasionally smells like dried vomit and poop! 

 ^"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,    because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.    Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

****Please note:  We are not dirty people, my house is actually pretty clean.  I am distraught that my children keep getting sick, but I have to find comic relief in the situation, or else I would really go insane.  Lynlee is getting tubes tomorrow!!!  Brock will see ENT next week and surgery will be scheduled for him as well.  If you wouldn't mind adding my children to your prayers...we would really appreciate it!! 

~11 Months~

I have noticed that I've consistently been about a week behind posting the monthly updates....I guess time is going to keep on ticking...sigh.

I honestly don't know how the last month got away from us. It flew by.  The babes aren't really babes anymore.  They are both getting so big in so many aspects of life. 

~Brock Adam~

~Around 17 1/2 lbs.
~Still such a gentle spirit with a contagious laugh. 

~Underwent his first surgery....appears to have been a success! 
~Has been illness FREE for about 2 weeks!
~Is a master of climbing the stairs, and throws an absolute fit when gated off of them!
~Has two teeth.

~Wears a variety of sizes.  6, 9, and some 12 month. 
~Size 3 diaper (I realize they have been in this size forever...it is because we got a great deal on size 3's, so we pretty much skipped 2's!)
~On all table food.  Not a huge fan at first, but we are slowly acclamating.
~Sleeps 8-7 most days, takes 2 naps.
~Says bath, mama, dada. 
~Loves to play "SO BIG."

~Lynlee Grace~

~Around 18 1/2 lbs
~Full of spunk!
~Had a few seizure like episodes this month....chalking it up to bad ear infection.
~Walks like a pro behind everything.
~Has 5 teeth...and more are sprouting.

~Wears variety of sizes...mostly 9 months.
~Size 3 diaper.
~LOVES to eat....just about anything.
~Sleeps 8-7 most days, takes 2 naps.

~Says bath, love, mama, dada, papaw.
~Started waving hi and bye-bye, claps, Started patty-cake.
~Loves to play "SO BIG."

Break Every Chain...

I have felt a new "freedom" for several months, and it needs to be shared.  So many of us live with things of the past that need to be let go of.  There was a sermon last year that changed something in me...  It was something that I was "holding on to."  We can't truly be free if we are holding onto even the smallest of things.  Our relationship with Christ can't mature and grow if we are letting something, someone, or sometime hold us back.  In a nutshell the sermon was about letting go of "baggage" from the past. 

Throughout the entire sermon there was a name that kept resounding in my head/mind.  The name of someone who my flesh likes to blame for my loss.  I have said that I have "forgiven" several times, but there was still a part of me that was "holding on," just so I would feel better about the entire situation. It always makes us feel better if we can point fingers at someone or something for the strongholds or situations in our lives. 

The disgusting selfish side of me felt better having someone to "blame."  While my heart knew that God was in control that night, my earthly flesh kept reminding me that there were others in control that night as well.  Holding onto my anger only kept me stirred about the situation. 

The song "Break every Chain" played during worship, and before I even knew what the sermon was about...God was stirring my heart.  He was speaking directly to me to "let go."  About mid sermon our pastor asked us to think about a time, person, stronghold, issue, etc that we were carrying around with us, and to write it on the slip of paper that had been provided to us. 

I cried.  I leaned into one of my best friends who has also lost a baby, and simply said "I just can't write it down."  She reminded me that it wasn't for that person, but for me.  I knew that if I wanted true freedom in Christ that I needed to "let go." 

As the sermon ended, we were asked to bring the slips of paper down front and rip them up at the altar...symbolizes "letting go."  I waited....my flesh and heart fought a hard battle.  The enemy kept reminding me of why I was "holding on," and my Savior kept me reminding me why I needed to "let go."  I wrote that name down, stood to my feet, and walked to the altar with my husband on one side and my friend behind me. 

As the song repeated..."break every chain, break every chain, break every chain," I tore that paper into tiny pieces and laid them at the altar.  It was in the coming weeks that I began to feel "free."  I was letting something that I could not and can not change, hold me back from truly enjoying this life. 

Are you living in the past?  Is there something or someone who has hurt you deeply that you just keep clinging to, and using as an excuse to why life is hard for you?  Is it something that you can not change...if so, let it go.  I have spent the last 4 years of my life bound to chains that I have no control over.  A situation that as much as my wish I could...I can not change.  I can't have him back in this life, so it is time I start truly enjoying the blessed life that I have here. 

Am I still  sad and upset at the situation...absolutely.  I miss him to the core of my being.  Watching my friends' 4 year olds hurts at times.  I am watching what I am missing out on.  However, holding on to the hurt/anger only makes me miss more of this life that I don't have to miss.

Listen to this song, and let your heart cry out to God.  Ask Him to heal that hurt.  Only He can set you free.  Forgiving is about forgiving the person/situation and the sin.  If we want God to forgive us, we must forgive as we wish to be forgiven...completely not half heartedly! 

Do not let the bondage of the past keep you from being truly free!  God can bring you hope and healing.  He is mighty to save!  Let the Holy Spirit stir something in you! 

I am fully aware that this is a journey...I will probably have to "let go" of the same thing for many years to come...but this is a great start!!!

Praise be to Jesus!

~Sharing Thirty- One~

I would like to extend an invitation to all of my wonderful blog readers.  The Thirty-One outlet sale will start tomorrow.  You just have visit my Thirty-One page and click on the "Outlet Sale" banner.  It is that easy!!  Products will be at a great discount!

I would also like to share something that may be life changing for someone.  Thirty-One is currently running an opportunity to join incentive!!  They will be reimbursing new consultants (April 16-May 30) the entire $99 for enrolling, if they submit $1000 in the their first 30 days. 

Not only would you get your kit FREE, you would also get $250 in commission and a great start for Dream Rewards.  I would love to share how Thirty-One has changed me and my family.  We are receiving blessing after blessing from this Christian based direct sales company.  Email me if you would like more information!! 

~10 Months~

Time can slow down anytime now!!!  The closer they get to one...the more I want another one...and the more I realize... we might be done..sigh.

~Brock Adam~

* He got pretty sick at the beginning of March (RSV and ear infections then flu!)  He ended up losing over a pound.

* He weighs exactly 17lbs.

*Starting eating table foods this month!!  (cheerios, grilled cheese, applesauce, cereal bars, fish)

* Size 3 diaper.

*9 month clothes, 3-6mo pants.....now that it has been nice out he can actually where some 3-6 outfits...he really just needs 9 mo for length!

*He is definitely my "happy baby." He has a very laid back loving personality.

*Got first tooth!

*Pulls up on everything...can crawl, sit, crawl.
*Laughs and giggles at random times!! (so cute)

~Lynlee Grace~

* Weighs 17# 4 oz

* Got RSV as well.

* LOVES table food and LOVES to eat!!

*She is a DADDY'S GIRL. 

* She prefers men over women.

*Size 3 diaper.

*9 month clothes, 3-6 mo pants....can wear short sleeved 6 month stuff!

* Has two teeth!

*Pulls ups to everything! Can crawl, sit, crawl.

*Personality like Cayden!

(She wouldn't stop moving or laughing for pictures!)

Getting picture of both...is nearly impossible!!! 

But...I got one!!

These babies are more precious than life itself!!!   I love them more and more everyday! I love watching them "grow" into very different children.
 

REALLY??!!

Monday night we put the kids to bed at their regular bedtimes; 8 for babies and 9 for Cayden.  I was really tired as well, so I went to bed with Cayden.  All was well until 11pm.  I heard
Brock fussing (which is not unusual for him...if I put him in bed with me, he goes right back to sleep.)  As I was trying to get him out of crib, I hear a painful cry coming from Cayden's room.  I picked Brock up and headed to check on Cayden.  Just as soon as I got into Cayden's room, I heard Lynlee crying!  I had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn't just dreaming. REALLY??!!

I had to wake up Jesse, because I knew I wasn't going to be able to get them all back asleep.  I woke him up and asked him to try to calm Cayden while I went to get Lynlee.  I no more than walked out of our room, when I heard Cayden stumbling around in the bathroom!!  I quickly went back to my room to find that Jesse has already fallen back asleep....REALLY??!!

I decided to wake him and and send him down with Brock to try and rock him.  I laid with Cayden for awhile, and he continued to toss/turn, cry out, flail arms and legs.  I decided that Cayden, Lynlee, and I would attempt to "snuggle" on the couch in hopes that they would both fall asleep. 

As we got downstairs, Jesse was getting up to take Brock back to bed.  He could have no more than laid him down and got back into bed when I heard Brock screaming again.  I waited thinking that Jesse would just get back up and get him again....waited....waited....let me cry for about 7 minutes, then I slowly hoisted myself off couch...Cayden was finally asleep...and Lynlee was dozing in my arms.  I went into our room, and politely asked Jesse if he could hear Brock.  "huh? what? what is going on? what's wrong?"  I politely responded with "Brock has been screaming since you laid him back down."  "He has?  I must have fallen asleep."  REALLY!!!?? 

pinch....I am still awake!!!

I then proceeded to tell him that Cayden was asleep on couch.  I asked him to go down and get Cayden and take him back to his bed.  I got into our bed with Brock, hoping that he had worn himself out from crying for the last 1.5 hrs.  I waited for Jesse to come back up with Cayden...and he never did! 

After another hour passed, and Brock was still crying, I went back downstairs to asked for some assistance....by this point, I can hardly hold my eyes open.  I was shocked to find a sleeping Jesse curled up on the couch....Cayden still laying with his head crooked! 

I kindly asked Jesse if he could please rock Brock again, so I could attempt to get some rest.  With a startled response says "huh?  yea.  I can go back down and rock him."  "Honey you are already down, you never came back up with Cayden."  "I didn't?  I thought I took him back to his bed??"  REALLY??!!

No joke..he laid his head back down and started snoring!  I was getting a bit perturbed at this point, but I went to the rocking chair and starting rocking.  Brock continued to cry.  I grabbed a thermometer, and sure enough he had a fever of 102!  I gave him some Tylenol and started rocking again After another 20 minutes of crying...I said very loudly as to wake Jesse up "SERIOUSLY?"  He jumped up from couch... "I told you I would rock him." "Yes, you did...a half hour ago!!" REALLY??!!

By this point it was 2:15.  I decided that I would try driving around with him in hopes that would lull him to sleep. So, yes at 230 a.m. I got into my car and went for a ride! 

I drove around the country block and came back home (20 min.)  I didn't turn any lights on when I got into house, because I didn't want to wake him up.  I heard Jesse get off couch as I was unstrapping Brock.  I assumed he was carrying Cayden up to his room.  I went ahead and took Brock up to his crib.  As I was laying Brock down, I heard Jesse going back downstairs....I assumed to grab Cayden's blanket.  So, I just went ahead and went back to our bed.  About 3 minutes later, Jesse climbed into bed and screamed like a girl..."Oh my gosh...you scared the crap out of me.  I thought you left to take Brock for a ride??"  REALLY??!!

Tuesday morning, Jesse called from work and says "Man, that was the craziest night ever.  We didn't get any sleep!"  REALLY??!!

With a chuckle, I calmly explained the sleepless night that I had!!!  I am pretty sure he got plenty of sleep...he just wasn't sure if he was sleeping in bed, couch, or recliner!! 

Needless to say, all of my children slept until 10!!!  I had lunch plans, so I managed to peel myself off couch.  As I was eating, my phone rang, and it was my mom (who was watching the boys.)  She said that Cayden had been crying the entire morning.  I finished my lunch and headed back home.  I called the Dr on my way and they told me to bring him in. 

I decided that I was taking all the kids, because I was going to have them look in Brock's ears as well. 

Dr looked into Cayden's

I simply asked her if she wouldn't mind just peeking at Brock's ears to, because he had been up all night.  She didn't mind checking him at all.  After checking, she frowned and said "I am afraid he has a double ear infection as well."

I jokingly said "well maybe you should just check Lynlee too!"  To which she responded "I sure will!"

"I am afraid she has a double ear infection too!!"  REALLY??!!!

 I guess the ear infections explain the insane night we had.   Would you please lift my sweet babies up in prayer?  There are times when I feel like my prayers aren't being heard....and this is one of them! 

I am so ready for my babies to be healthy (for more than a week!)  Brock's surgery will be postponed indefinitely until we find out if he will need tubes.  (This is the 4th ear infection......it has really been one big continuous infection with breaks while on antibiotics!)

Just for giggles....REALLY??!!!