Jack and Jo - Then and Now

February 2007

February 2006

Dear Jack and Josie,

I look at you and my heart overflows! Each year I love you more than the year before. You are both perfect for this family and add so much to our lives. I thank God for choosing me to be your mom.

Jack, you are so curious and funny. Only you can make your sister really laugh, and we are amazed at your abilities to create your own fun and also just relax and read a good book. Josie, you have always been my cuddle bug and I still love to hold you and sing to you while you suck your thumb and rub your blankie. You are becoming more independent and outgoing but are still content to sit and relax with Mom.

You are beginning to play more together and this has been fun to see, although most of the time I have to run "interference" and keep Josie from destroying Jack's towers, trains and puzzles. Our prayer is that you will love one another unconditionally and be friends. Both your Mom and Dad had siblings that became our closest friends so we hope for the same for you.

I look forward to this year with you. You are always on my mind and in my prayers as I serve, teach, discipline and love you. You are my favorite people, and God's best work!

I love you,

Mom

Baby 3, Plus the Other 4

That's what we are calling the little one right now. Seems unreal that we will have three children, 3 and under, here at the LHIGP. I am in my 13th week so the first trimester is coming to an end. I praise God for this. This one has taken a toll on my body for sure but maybe there is a light at the end of the first trimester! With Jack I remember having renewed energy and strength (and eating a lot!) after my 14th week, but with my sweet JoJo, I was vomiting until she was born. And then I vomited some more I think. I do seem to be having more days with no vomiting so I am thankful. My family has been very patient, and watching me lose my breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the kitchen sink has become a normal occurence. I hope J and J will not remember that sight!

Thanks for your prayers for Baby 3. I am sorry to say that I am still not quite confident in the pregnancy.....losing our first baby at 10 weeks has never quite left my memory and heart. Amazing as it sounds, I already felt bonded to that little one and know I will hold him/her in heaven one day! Here is a link to babycenter.com. This site sends me an email each week, updating me on my baby's growth and development. I look forward to it every Monday!
http://www.babycenter.com/mybabycenter/112.html

As for the rest of the LHIGP, we are doing well and staying healthy praise the Lord. Josie is cutting teeth and drooling like you wouldn't believe (teeth count =8) and Jack is closing in on his 3rd birthday! He doesn't know it yet but his Daddy is taking him to see Sesame Street Live next Saturday at Nokia Theater here in GP. He is going to be beside himself, and gets to take his two buddies Ethan and Tanner, as well as their dads. After the show we will have sandwiches and Elmo cake here at the house. Pictures to follow, no worries!

Books I am reading:

Toilet Training in Less Than a Day by Azrin and Foxx
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tripp (Will and I are going through this together and it is a must read for all parents.)
His Needs, Her Needs by Harley (young marrieds small group from church)
Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Leman (also a must-read)
*This list is lacking a good fiction book so I am asking for recs. I envy my sister in law, husband, and mom who can sit and read a good fiction book anytime, anywhere. My life is way too serious I am afraid.

What we are watching on tv:
WonderPets
Sesame Street
Survivor
Friday Night Lights
American Idol
Grey's Anatomy
....and way too many other shows, but I think I will stop my list here.

A Starr is Born

Rachel Ryan Starr, that is.

We thank God for the birth and life of this sweet girl. She was born Wednesday, February 7th to our dear friends Clay and Lisa Starr, and big brother Ethan. She is perfect and precious, and pretty in pink! We have been praying for her, and are so excited she is here. Welcome to this world, Rachel! Congratulations to the Starr and Parker families.