Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Power of Prayer

The other day Kenly was playing with a set of Melissa and Doug horses that Pops got her for Christmas. She named one of the horses Molly. She was playing in bed while I was sitting in the recliner. This is how the scene unfolds.

K: Mommy, Molly's foot is hurting. That's why she is holding it up.
Me: I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope Molly's foot feels better.
K: I think I should pray for her foot.
Me: I think that would be a really good idea.
K: (Kenly closes her eyes, folds her hands and begins to mumble under her breath.) Dear God, Please help Molly's foot to feel better. Amen.
Me: Kenly, that was really sweet of you to pray for Molly. God likes to hear our prayers.
K: (filled with great enthusiasm) Mommy, Molly's foot feels so much better.
Me: That is great. Prayer really does work.
K: (raising one hand toward heaven) PRAISE THE LORD!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

June 2011 in a Nutshell

Since I'm so behind on blogging, I'm going to try and cover a month at a time. I'll hit the highlights, and then maybe I can keep up better once I catch up. June was pretty low key for us. The month started off with plenty of playdates with friends. Most of the playdates involved trying to stay cool.

Ava came over to play in the sprinkler with us. (Side note: Kenly finally let me put her hair in braids for the first time in June.)
These girls spend most of the time trying to drink the water instead of splashing around.

Can you see the pattern? Different sprinkler....same pose.
The girls also spent some time watering the trees and grass to make sure they would grow.
Meghan took some pictures too, and occasionally they would wander over to admire their beauty.
A bit later in June, we took a day trip to hang out with Jared and Katie Brush at Lake Bowen in South Carolina. We enjoyed good food, good friend, and some good times on the lake (swimming an boating). Kenly met a new friend names Liam, and they got along well.
Meghan and Ava invited us to the pool as well. I had Kenly model her ladybug dress that Papa picked out before we got changed.


We spent most of the morning splashing around in the kiddie pool.

When Ava and Kenly discovered the box of water toys, we had to keep them from filling the pool with treasure.
Believe it or not, these two are learning to share and play with each other. Meghan and I never thought this day would come.
We also went to the pool with Jennifer, Davis, and Drew.

After a hard morning of swimming, we dried off and had a picnic at the pool.

Once Daddy got out of school, we started taking a few day trips. We ventured over to the Davidson River to cool off and swim and play with rocks.
Adam and Kenly built this cool castle out of river rocks. I think it is lovely.
And we can never go play at the Davidson River without stopping for some Dolly's ice cream.
About a week after school let out, Adam took off to West Virginia to hang out with Uncle Jason for awhile. Kenly and I took off to Augusta, GA. It was blazing hot when we arrived. Kenly got out of the car and said, "Why is it so hot in Georgia?" Good question, baby girl. I don't have many pictures from this trip, but these are a few of my favorites.

Kenly spent some time playing with Papa in the garage. She helped search through his treasure to find all kinds of goodies. We have similar pictures of me in the garage with Daddy when I'm out Kenly's age. The only difference is I'm covered in dirt from head to toe.




I love this picture of Kenly removing some dirt from Papa's face.

I love the creativity of a two year old. Who else would think to blow pretend bubbles using a lug nut and a toilet screw as a prop. Oh the wonders that Papa's garage holds.
When pretend bubbles lost their appeal, Nana came to the rescue and came out with some real bubbles.

I love this picture of my Mama. Child-like wonder is an amazing trait at any age. I think I've still got most of mine. Nana still does too.

Catch those bubbles...
When we got back home, we took off adventuring with Daddy again. We took a day trip to Graveyard Fields to see the wild blueberries and the waterfall. Kenly and Adam enjoyed taking a dip in the cold mountain stream. Pregnant Mama kept her feet on a non-slippery surface.



Adam took Kenly out to the base of the lower falls. She thought it was so cool to touch the waterfall. She was not a big fan of the kids splashing all around her. The pictures make it look like we had the place to ourselves, but we were surrounded my a slew of kids on a camp outing.


June went by in the blink of an eye. We had fun easing our way into summer.


Friday, August 26, 2011

Whatzit, What's Up?

Here's the belly at 27/28 week mark. Getting bigger by the day.

I went to the OB/GYN for the mac daddy of all appointments yesterday. I had an ultrasound, my glucose tolerance test, and an appointment all in a two hour window. Adam and Kenly were there with me.

I was clueless that the ultrasound would be vaginal, so I was very thankful Adam was there to shield Kenly from a graphic anatomy lesson. I was disappointed that I only got to see the birth canal, my cervix, and the placenta. I wanted to see Whatzit playing, but it wasn't to be. We did see the baby's head. At one point we were able to see the hemispheres of the brain. After seeing the brain, Kenly started asking lots of questions about brains. She's so curious. In fact, we had to check out a book on earthquakes today because she overheard talk of Virgina's quake and wanted to know why. Before I get into all the "serious" new, I'll share a funny. Last night as I was tucking Kenly into bed we had a small conversation that went something like this....

K: Mommy, does the baby have a brain?
Me: Yes, remember you saw the baby's brain on the TV today?
K: Well, if the baby has a brain, I think it will be a girl.
Me: Maybe. We will have to wait and see.

I nearly laughed my tush off. The conversation went on much longer, but the funny part is recorded forever.

The ultrasound technician discovered that my placenta previa is about .5cm away from the opening of the cervix. It's too close for a natural delivery at this point. The placenta has to be at least 1 cm way from the opening of the cervix, but they'd like for it to be 2cms away. So, I've got some shifting to do. I'll have yet another ultrasound on September 20th to see if any shift has occurred. I'll be 32 weeks pregnant then.

While at the doctor's office, I also found out that I failed my glucose tolerance test. The magic cutoff number was 135, and I was a 140. So, I'm now waiting on a call to schedule a 3 hour glucose tolerance test. I'm not thrilled about this at all, but it's deemed medically necessary.

I was able to ask Dr. Simmons about some aches and pains. I got permission to use a heating pad whenever I need it. We also discussed the possibility of physical therapy if my RA symptoms intensify.

I have been having nose bleeds for about 5 weeks now. She looked at the blood work and didn't seem concerned since my platelet count was within a normal range. My iron level was also good, so that was a positive as well.

It was not the new I wanted to hear yesterday, but I have so much to be thankful for. I'm 28 weeks pregnant with a baby that appears to be right on schedule. I'm measuring well, the heartbeat is good, and if kicks indicate well being, this baby is going to be healthy and happy. God is in control. I'll just have to trust. Trying to take Pastor Dave's words from last week to heart....I don't want worry to be my master. I want to trust fully in the One who "knit me together in my mother's womb." He knows what is best.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Happy Third Birthday!

Dear Kenly,

Three years ago today, you changed my life forever. I never knew that being a Mama would split my heart wide open. I've never loved this deeply before. I've watched you grow from an infant into the beautiful girl that you are today. You amaze me in every way. You are beautiful inside and out. So many people talk about how pretty you are, but they have no idea how deep your beauty goes. Your intelligence blows me away every day. You're not just smart; you have an amazing drive to learn and to master every new skill. Just recently I watched as you practiced tracing your letters for nearly an hour. You're starting to sound out words. I love to watch the glint in your eye when you discover, on your own, that the word balloon starts with a B. Your brain in never off; those wheels are always turning. In addition to being brilliant, you are sensitive and kind. I often have to console you if you see another boy or girl crying. You don't like to see pain. When I had a nose bleed the other day, you cried until I held you an assured you that I was just fine. You notice those around you. I pray that you will always be sensitive to others. Life isn't always easy, and we need to help each other on this life journey. One of my favorite things to watch develop is the intense love you have for your daddy. He is your protector and your playmate. If you're going to try something new, Daddy has to be at your side. When Daddy started back to school this year, your heart broke. We had to visit him at school twice in order to ease you back into being with just Mommy during the day. Child, you are imaginative. You named my old Cabbage Patch doll without any help. Camry is always by your side. I love to hear your dialogue as you play with your critters. You've created a game called "Bump Bump" that you play every morning. Your stuffed caterpillar takes everyone on rides. During tea parties, you make the best cup of "tea adventure" that I've ever had, especially when you add sugar and lemon. You are strong willed and hard headed, and before you think those are bad traits, know that I'm glad that one day you will think for yourself. You want to dress yourself now. Most days I let you, even if you are a bit flashy and clashy. You are enamored with dresses that twirl. You have fierce opinions about your hair. Forget ponytails. You only want to wear headbands, and depending on the day, you want to poof like Nana. You don't think twice about shooting daggers at me or telling me, "if you don't listen to me, I'm going to put you in time out," when you don't get your way. You're learning to be patient and polite. More and more, you're stepping out and becoming independent. I love that confidence, but I'm still so glad that you need me close by. I love that I'm your comfort...your safe zone. Baby girl, you are my heart. I'm thrilled that you're getting a brother or sister, but I'm also a little heart sick that our days of just "me and you" are numbered. You will always be special. You made me a mother. I'm so thankful that God gave you to me and Daddy. You walk around with my heart, and you always will. I love you more than all the leaves that have ever fallen from the trees.

Love,
Mama


Favorites:

Benny Bunny
Camry the Cabbage Patch
Word World, Barney, and Veggie Tales
Putting stickers on your "new foods" chart (You don't like trying, but you love the reward.)
The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson
Playing the "I love you more" game
Wrestling/Tackling Daddy
Spooning/Snuggling (but only when you want it)
Reading books of any type
Dancing, Dancing, Dancing
Music--All types
Candyland
Chutes and Ladders
Puzzles
Go Fish
Saying "You know what?" Chicken Butt (Your Daddy taught you this one.)

Kenly's Three Year Stats

Weight--27.2 pounds (25th percentile)
Height--36.5 inches (50th percentile)
Her overall BMI falls in the 10th percentile.

She impressed everyone at her doctor's appointment. She disliked having her blood pressure taken, but she never even whimpered. She had to take a vision test. She completed it and blew the nurse away. The nurse said that most 3 year olds can't complete the test. They don't have the knowledge or patience. Her vision is 20/30 in both eyes right now. Apparently this is perfectly normal.