Embed:
February 28, 2011
February 23, 2011
Phoebe's First Ballet Recital
Ole'! Just before the concert, I asked Phoebe to pose for some pictures and she said, "Urgh, I don't want to." Somehow I managed to twist her arm...seriously, do you think this girl has a problem performing?? Wow!
The girls did a number to a song from Don Quixote. They were all so lovely in red.
Um, this is a ballet recital, right? So sassy!
Her teacher was so impressed that I got her cute little bob into the shape of a proper bun. I told her that I have a wee bit of experience doctoring short locks into a formal ballet do. Phoebe looked so mature. Her daddy and I gasped at how grown-up and lady-like she looked.
Waving to Mommy and Daddy just after the finale. 
Her and best-good friend Gwynneth. They are like two peas in a pod!
February 14, 2011
February 1, 2011
Welcome To The World Ezra!
Alright, it has been a whole 5 days since the birth of our beautiful son and you all been waiting for me to post some pictures already! Thanks for being patient, as posting pictures takes a while...well, with the nursing, and the diapering, and the napping (me too, thanks to my Mom), the swaddling, the snuggling, the kissing...
We have waited a long time for the arrival of our sweet boy and have kept his name in the vault for not only the duration of my pregnancy, but for more than five years. We chose it when we chose Phoebe's name, and we held onto it dearly in our hearts, believing God had a plan for a son in our future. So it is with great joy that we welcome EZRA JAMES HER. Enjoy the pics!
Since our Honu was with Phoebe during our hospital stay, we thought he might want to keep Ezra company as well.
Happy Daddy!
Ezra says, "Um, excuse me...this is a private moment."
Ready to leave the hospital, Ezra is dressed in the same outfit Phoebe came home in.
Buckled in and set for his first car ride.
All cozy with Grammy.
Oh how precious new life is. We are so thrilled that Ezra is with us and are so blessed to welcome another happy, healthy child into our family. Mommy and baby are resting as much as we can, but we love visitors, so please make an appointment to see us soon! More pictures to come.
We have waited a long time for the arrival of our sweet boy and have kept his name in the vault for not only the duration of my pregnancy, but for more than five years. We chose it when we chose Phoebe's name, and we held onto it dearly in our hearts, believing God had a plan for a son in our future. So it is with great joy that we welcome EZRA JAMES HER. Enjoy the pics!
Grammy arrives from the airport to help out and welcome baby brother. Phoebe and her are so excited to see each other for the first time in over a year.
The three of us before my surgery, waiting for the big moment of baby's arrival. Although we had hoped for a natural birth, like his big sister, Ezra was taking his time coming out and we just could not wait any longer to meet our little man.
Daddy poses with Phoebe all set in his gear...btw, he asked to take it all home with him for doctor play at home with Phoebe. She was so thrilled!
Just minutes after Xee cut the cord-Ezra was born on January 26, at 9:35 p.m., weighed 7lbs, .6oz and measured 20 1/2 inches long.
I finally meet him face to face. What a joy!
Phoebe and Grammy meet him.
Love at first sight!
Proud Big Sister enjoys holding her baby brother.
Sister smooches :)
It's late and my two babies are both nested up with me in bed, fast asleep.
Snuggly-Buggly
Since our Honu was with Phoebe during our hospital stay, we thought he might want to keep Ezra company as well.
Happy Daddy!
Ezra says, "Um, excuse me...this is a private moment."
Ready to leave the hospital, Ezra is dressed in the same outfit Phoebe came home in.
Buckled in and set for his first car ride.
All cozy with Grammy.
Oh how precious new life is. We are so thrilled that Ezra is with us and are so blessed to welcome another happy, healthy child into our family. Mommy and baby are resting as much as we can, but we love visitors, so please make an appointment to see us soon! More pictures to come.
January 25, 2011
Baby Update
Okay, from the looks of my live traffic feed, there are many of you checking in...likely for some sort of update on baby status. As you can see, the baby meter ran down to zero a couple days ago...however, baby has decided to stay past his "guess date". I was hoping he would come a bit more promptly than his big sister!
Only the Lord knows the date of our precious boy's arrival, but I must admit I was hoping it would be today...it's my dad's birthday. Wouldn't that have been fun! So, here is the latest on progress...there is none. We went to the doctor today and well, there is no indication baby is on his way just yet. We all know that could change at any given moment. And don't worry. You all will be notified when the time comes, I promise :)
Only the Lord knows the date of our precious boy's arrival, but I must admit I was hoping it would be today...it's my dad's birthday. Wouldn't that have been fun! So, here is the latest on progress...there is none. We went to the doctor today and well, there is no indication baby is on his way just yet. We all know that could change at any given moment. And don't worry. You all will be notified when the time comes, I promise :)
January 23, 2011
Dear Phoebe
(I began this letter to my wonderful daughter back in June, but somehow could not find the words to complete it until now.)
Dearest Phoebe,
I am writing you this letter during a very special and exciting time for our family. We were taking a bath together, you and I, when I told you some big news. You were nestled up next to me and I whispered it to you, "Phoebe, guess what?" You're eyes looked at me with wonder. "There's a baby in Mommy's belly." Your eyes grew even wider as you looked down and touched my tummy sweetly.
Suddenly you were filled with questions and ideas. Will it be a boy or a girl? When will he or she come out? And of course, you wanted me to tell you the special story you've heard so many times, of how God blessed Mommy and Daddy with you inside my belly, and of the day you arrived to meet us. You were so excited about a new baby brother or sister growing in that same special place.
Each day you have ideas and questions about the new baby...but I can also see some reservation in your eyes. When we snuggled in bed last night, you bravely revealed to me, "I don't want the baby to come out!" Oh Phoebe, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart ached just a bit. Because I know just how you feel, my Love. I'm not ready for Baby to come out either. But I will be. And you will be too. When the time is right.
When the time is right, our hearts...yours, mine, and Daddy's, will be filled with excitement, and anticipation, and love for Baby. We'll be so excited, we won't be able to stand it! When the time is right. But for now, I will continue to relish my time with you. Just me and you.
It's been so precious to spend these last four years getting to know you, teaching you, falling madly in love with you. You amaze me every day. Your energy, your spontaneity, your generous spirit...everyone who knows you would agree that you are simply infectious. I told a friend once that there is an amazing feeling when you just "click" with someone...but when you just click with someone who is half-you, it is so much cooler, an indescribable feeling. Being with you Phoebe...it's the absolute best!
And now that Baby is on the way, and our hearts are preparing to meet him and welcome him into our family, I see more and more of who you, are and who you are becoming. I see my big girl growing in ways I can only imagine for the future. A big sister. Baby will be so blessed. Our family is changing in a big way and I can see God preparing your heart for such a change. Life is full of changes, dear one. This will be just one of many for you, and I am already so proud to see you embrace it. I know you will learn and grow so much. We all will.
I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with you. I was so incredibly thrilled. And I was a bit nervous too. How will this change me? How will this change my life? Will I be a good mommy? Will I know how to love you?
Months have gone by since I began this letter. I didn't seem to have the right words to complete it before now. As my belly has continued to swell, I have watched you fall in love with your baby brother. Your joy and anticipation has only fueled my own. I wondered at first how this new addition might change things between us, but it has just deepened our bond. When I stop and ponder how I will feel about this new little one, how I will be the mommy God wants me to be to both of you, I remember that you are here with me to experience it all.
You will be with me Phoebe, as you have been since the beginning of my Mama journey. You see, sweet girl, everything I know about being a mommy is wrapped up in you. I didn't know how to nurse a baby from my breast, but you showed me. I wasn't sure how to interpret a newborn's cries, but you helped with that one too. I wasn't sure that I held a place in this world...you made it clear that I do. All that I know and feel as a mom, you have inspired in me.
When your Daddy and I got married, I thought I knew something about love. But then you came along, and Daddy and I both experienced love and joy like no other. One day, I pray you might experience this love for your own child. But for now, you get to experience the love of a sister. A loving, giving, caring, AWESOME big sister.
A big change indeed. But I know you are ready. At one time you wondered if Mommy and Daddy would have enough love for both you and Baby. You know, God has a special way of expanding our hearts and filling them up with more love than we ever thought we could experience. I see your heart growing bigger every day, with lots of love for your little brother. I can only imagine the fun we'll all have! I can only imagine...and I can hardly wait!!
With all of my heart,
Mommy
Dearest Phoebe,
I am writing you this letter during a very special and exciting time for our family. We were taking a bath together, you and I, when I told you some big news. You were nestled up next to me and I whispered it to you, "Phoebe, guess what?" You're eyes looked at me with wonder. "There's a baby in Mommy's belly." Your eyes grew even wider as you looked down and touched my tummy sweetly.
Suddenly you were filled with questions and ideas. Will it be a boy or a girl? When will he or she come out? And of course, you wanted me to tell you the special story you've heard so many times, of how God blessed Mommy and Daddy with you inside my belly, and of the day you arrived to meet us. You were so excited about a new baby brother or sister growing in that same special place.
Each day you have ideas and questions about the new baby...but I can also see some reservation in your eyes. When we snuggled in bed last night, you bravely revealed to me, "I don't want the baby to come out!" Oh Phoebe, my eyes filled with tears, and my heart ached just a bit. Because I know just how you feel, my Love. I'm not ready for Baby to come out either. But I will be. And you will be too. When the time is right.
When the time is right, our hearts...yours, mine, and Daddy's, will be filled with excitement, and anticipation, and love for Baby. We'll be so excited, we won't be able to stand it! When the time is right. But for now, I will continue to relish my time with you. Just me and you.
It's been so precious to spend these last four years getting to know you, teaching you, falling madly in love with you. You amaze me every day. Your energy, your spontaneity, your generous spirit...everyone who knows you would agree that you are simply infectious. I told a friend once that there is an amazing feeling when you just "click" with someone...but when you just click with someone who is half-you, it is so much cooler, an indescribable feeling. Being with you Phoebe...it's the absolute best!
And now that Baby is on the way, and our hearts are preparing to meet him and welcome him into our family, I see more and more of who you, are and who you are becoming. I see my big girl growing in ways I can only imagine for the future. A big sister. Baby will be so blessed. Our family is changing in a big way and I can see God preparing your heart for such a change. Life is full of changes, dear one. This will be just one of many for you, and I am already so proud to see you embrace it. I know you will learn and grow so much. We all will.
I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with you. I was so incredibly thrilled. And I was a bit nervous too. How will this change me? How will this change my life? Will I be a good mommy? Will I know how to love you?
Months have gone by since I began this letter. I didn't seem to have the right words to complete it before now. As my belly has continued to swell, I have watched you fall in love with your baby brother. Your joy and anticipation has only fueled my own. I wondered at first how this new addition might change things between us, but it has just deepened our bond. When I stop and ponder how I will feel about this new little one, how I will be the mommy God wants me to be to both of you, I remember that you are here with me to experience it all.
You will be with me Phoebe, as you have been since the beginning of my Mama journey. You see, sweet girl, everything I know about being a mommy is wrapped up in you. I didn't know how to nurse a baby from my breast, but you showed me. I wasn't sure how to interpret a newborn's cries, but you helped with that one too. I wasn't sure that I held a place in this world...you made it clear that I do. All that I know and feel as a mom, you have inspired in me.
When your Daddy and I got married, I thought I knew something about love. But then you came along, and Daddy and I both experienced love and joy like no other. One day, I pray you might experience this love for your own child. But for now, you get to experience the love of a sister. A loving, giving, caring, AWESOME big sister.
A big change indeed. But I know you are ready. At one time you wondered if Mommy and Daddy would have enough love for both you and Baby. You know, God has a special way of expanding our hearts and filling them up with more love than we ever thought we could experience. I see your heart growing bigger every day, with lots of love for your little brother. I can only imagine the fun we'll all have! I can only imagine...and I can hardly wait!!
With all of my heart,
Mommy
January 19, 2011
Magical Moment of the Day
This is what I woke up to this morning....click, clack, click, clack....fancy dress up shoes cheerfully waltz into my room. A pink ballerina-girl adorned with many jewels and lots of swirly hand gestures announces, "Okay, Kid. I am the Mommy and GUESS WHAT! It's your birthday! I'm baking you a cake and it's got colorful sprinkles, and yummy frosting, and....."
My eyes barely crack open to see this lovely, little girl that seems to have changed again overnight, blossoming more and more into this little lady of mine. Silly, yet quite refined. In my groggy morning voice I reply, "Ooh-la-la! A birthday cake-for Me?"
"Oh yes, we are having a celebration. I have made a very SPECIAL cake and your friends are all here waiting, and oh yes, here is a card and your present...a very fancy birthday crown, just for you, Kid."
I sit up to receive this royal gesture and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror with the crown upon my head-disheveled hair, swollen belly protruding from jammies, eyes half-open and a huge grin upon my face...
and I think to myself, "I LOVE MY LIFE!"
Leave me a comment...I would love to hear your magical moments too!
My eyes barely crack open to see this lovely, little girl that seems to have changed again overnight, blossoming more and more into this little lady of mine. Silly, yet quite refined. In my groggy morning voice I reply, "Ooh-la-la! A birthday cake-for Me?"
"Oh yes, we are having a celebration. I have made a very SPECIAL cake and your friends are all here waiting, and oh yes, here is a card and your present...a very fancy birthday crown, just for you, Kid."
I sit up to receive this royal gesture and catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror with the crown upon my head-disheveled hair, swollen belly protruding from jammies, eyes half-open and a huge grin upon my face...
and I think to myself, "I LOVE MY LIFE!"
Leave me a comment...I would love to hear your magical moments too!
January 9, 2011
You Know You're Near the End When...
You're down to your last three outfits!
Your four-year-old has to beg you to get out of bed in the morning.
Your ice cream supply has completely taken over the freezer.
Everywhere you go, heads turn and eyes grow wide at the sight of the watermelon-sized protrusion leading the way!
Lightening-like nerve pains in your sciatic area, inner thigh, and...ahem...unmentional places have become quite a regular occurrence.
Your husband cannot keep his eyes off your bosom area.
You're now wearing your "fake" wedding ring because the real one doesn't fit.
Regular exercise means a trip up and down the stairs.
You are SO over people's "observations" of your appearance...
I am not a science experiment! This is not a tumor or a growth, nor is it a rare condition in our society, yet I wonder if people just cannot help themselves...and in their awe-struck state over this incredibly natural phenomenon called pregnancy, they MUST say something...usually the first thing that comes to mind just flies right out of the mouth. Seriously, I think I might have to have a few responses printed on a T-shirt:
- Yes, I know that I am "ALL BABY".
- You're right ladies, I am lucky that I am not "carrying it all in my butt".
- No, I did not steal your basketball.
- Yep, aunties and grandmas, give yourself a pat on the back...you guessed right-it's a boy. But I carried Phoebe all out in front too and she is definitely a girl.
- I am not a balloon, so please don't tell me I look like I'm about to POP!
- I AM sure there's not two in there! Men, please...learn something today. Do not ask a woman if she's sure she's not having twins. C'mon now, I am only 5 foot, 2 and a half inches tall, and I have a petite frame. Where on earth does a full-grown baby go in a person of my size? There is a 17-20 inch person curled up in there along with my bladder, my intestines, and all sorts of other stuff shoved off to the sides. AND women who are this far a long with twins are not shopping at Ross. They either in BED or the hospital!
- "WOW" is right! Wow, there is a miracle in my belly! Wow, a person is growing in there! Wow, isn't that wonderful and amazing, and incredible??
They are so right! Pregnancy is beautiful. All pregnant ladies are beautiful. If you are reading this and you are with child, you are beautiful! You are housing God's creation. Rejoice in the handiwork of the Lord!
Am I mad? No. Not in the least. This is just me observing the human behavior around me. I have enjoyed every minute of being pregnant (both times). It is a miraculous thing, housing a baby. I think when you are nearing the end, you cannot help but feel that you are a walking anomaly. I mean, people have witnesses this for thousands of years, yet it still stops them in their tracks. Who isn't impressed with the whole deal? Incredible. But, it is sort of nice to have someone just say "hello". That's all I'm saying.
If you see me walking down the street, just say "hello".
December 16, 2010
Tons of Pics in One Long Overdue Update!
Seriously? Has it been that long since I have been here? Well, I would apologize, but I think you all understand that I have been a wee bit busy lately...with the labeling, stamping, and mailing of Christmas cards (like 84 of them!), hosting our annual Christmas Open House, everyday chores, packing, packing, and more packing...and yes, of course, preparing for this baby! It is not that I haven't meant to stop by, and it is not like I have nothing to share, because unlike the rare occasion when I have no words (believe me, it happens), there is plenty going on over here...it is the time and energy I am lacking-hence, the lack of blog posts.
I have been meaning to at least post pictures since there is not much time to amuse you with my writings and silly stories. I may work on this post for several days, but I am determined to finish it eventually...enjoy the pics!
That's it Phoebe, get down in there...what a great work ethic!
The Her Family came to visit in June. Here, Phoebe is playing dress up with her cousins. It is a good thing Ayden is too young to care about the frilly apron thing.
Giant origami is always good for keeping the kiddos entertained. Such a talented husband I have!
Phoebe helps carve her first pumpkin in preparation for the Harvest celebration.
It's a lady, of course...
Here she is in all her glory!
Mini pumpkin project.
Phoebe and her best friend, Gwyn, admire each other's costumes. Phoebe is Fancy Nancy...of course!
The Her family was here again in October for two weeks and we had such a great time with them. I was thankful to have aunties here to run and play with Phoebe. My sister-in-law took about a bazillion pictures of the kiddos, so I will post a few here.
Phoebe and her cousins reunited at last...they just love each other so!
Daddy and Phoebe show off their moves.
Their famous "tree" pose. Mothers and Grandmothers alike gasp when they see this, but I assure them that as her Mommy, I am quite confident in their skills. They have had a lot of practice and according to Phoebe, "Daddy is the strongest man in the whole universe!"
Xee continues his workout by tossing small children into the air...
and swimming with multiple kiddos on his back.
Fun in the sun with Aunties Khou, Mao, and Brandy!
I have been meaning to at least post pictures since there is not much time to amuse you with my writings and silly stories. I may work on this post for several days, but I am determined to finish it eventually...enjoy the pics!
My little helper is more than willing to do just about any chore (with the exception of picking up her toys)!
That's it Phoebe, get down in there...what a great work ethic!The Her Family came to visit in June. Here, Phoebe is playing dress up with her cousins. It is a good thing Ayden is too young to care about the frilly apron thing.Giant origami is always good for keeping the kiddos entertained. Such a talented husband I have!Phoebe helps carve her first pumpkin in preparation for the Harvest celebration.It's a lady, of course... Here she is in all her glory! Mini pumpkin project.Phoebe and her best friend, Gwyn, admire each other's costumes. Phoebe is Fancy Nancy...of course!Quite a fancy hairdo.
Fancy Phoebe and her very own cheerleader escort at our church event. That bag is loaded with goodies! 
Me and my giant accessory!
Fancy Phoebe and her very own cheerleader escort at our church event. That bag is loaded with goodies! Me and my giant accessory!
Phoebe and I participated in the annual car races at our church. I did not carve the car myself, but Phoebe and I are responsible for the cool decorations and the "bling".
Very awesome, girly muscle car!
Lined up and ready to race...and the WINNER is...
After several heats, Phoebe walked away with the 1st place trophy in her age group and 2nd place overall. Not too shabby.
The Her family was here again in October for two weeks and we had such a great time with them. I was thankful to have aunties here to run and play with Phoebe. My sister-in-law took about a bazillion pictures of the kiddos, so I will post a few here. Phoebe and her cousins reunited at last...they just love each other so!Daddy and Phoebe show off their moves.Their famous "tree" pose. Mothers and Grandmothers alike gasp when they see this, but I assure them that as her Mommy, I am quite confident in their skills. They have had a lot of practice and according to Phoebe, "Daddy is the strongest man in the whole universe!"Xee continues his workout by tossing small children into the air...
and swimming with multiple kiddos on his back.Fun in the sun with Aunties Khou, Mao, and Brandy!
Nothing like a good water fight!
Cousin Ayden having some soaker fun!
Boogie board bliss....
Baby rides in front, while Phoebe rides in back!
Phoebe's aunties are quite talented with the sand sculptures, producing everything from three-tier cakes to seahorses, to turtles....but my personal favorite-the Thanksgiving turkey. Really, it was quite impressive. The picture does not do this bird justice!
Mao and her kiddos.
The twins with their Daddy, James.
A surprise visitor for a stunned Khou pops the question in a truly romantic fashion.
A fun trip on our friend, Captain Mike's boat...
gets us a birds-eye view of Queen Anne's Revenge from the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
Are we worn out yet?...
How 'bout now?
Well, that only took 4 days to complete this post (I have a love-hate relationship with blogger). So, until next time...We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to posting more updates soon!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
