three

Everyone keeps asking how life is going with three and I'm not sure how to answer. Some moments I think, "hey, I'm doing it, I'm really doing it!" Then other days I think I'm going to lose my mind, or have already lost it (just like my phone, planner, etc.)
Today we went to run some errands that weren't too successful. Then we had to get some lunch. Spencer got Chick Fil A and then I needed to find a Fazolis because I know they have dairy free food. So, we went all the way from Castleton to west
86th, just for food. Then we found a park and laid out our blanket and chairs for a picnic. At this point Graham started wailing because he was hungry. I stopped eating to feed him, then Maegan had to use the bathroom...right away. This park didn't have a potty so we had to pack it all up (including a half feed baby) and head to the Broadripple Art Center where Maegan would be attending art class at 1:15. Thankfully I am now getting a little peace (except for Spencer standing here talking to me NON STOP!)
Thanks to Tia Phillips for the cd titled "Peace and Quiet". I play it in the car, loud enough to drown everyone out :)

Graham

Photos by Loree Alayne Photography (www.loreealaynephotography.com)
You can see more photos of Graham on Loree's photo blot (www.loreealaynephotography.blogspot.com)

Spencer sees God

We've had a few occasions over the past month where Spencer will see an image and declare, "Look, it's God!" The first few times it was of people on TV who looked like a picture we'd see of Jesus (you know the white dude with perfect hair and teeth).
One day it was Paul Newman on our salad dressing bottle. Have you seen it? Why is Paul Newman wearing a clown collar??
We were given free passes to the Indiana State Museum because we attended story time at the Pike Library (I love the summer reading program!) There is an exhibit about Indiana's history that includes a video of Indiana's diverse population put to moving music. There were 7 pictures of different people that came across the giant screen and Spencer pointed excitedly and said "Look, it's God!" And I said, "Yes, you're right." I'd like to believe my son saw the image of God staring back at him through all the different faces. We are made in His image...all of us.

Maegan is 6!

Well, Maegan turned six on June 23...but I'm a little behind on updating the blog :)
She had been planning her bday for the past year. I was getting a little annoyed at her telling me exactly how she wanted her party. I kept trying to explain that the parents are supposed to plan the party and she couldn't keep changing her mind. I did convince her to invite the same girls that came to her 5th bday, to keep things simple. Graham wasn't even 2 weeks old, so I wasn't up for anything to big.
Here are a few pictures of Maegan to enjoy :)
(Ok the crying one is a little disturbing, but she had colic for 4 months!)

milk free milk

Tuesday Graham had blood in his diaper, so after an xray to confirm his intestines are all right I was asked to remove all dairy from my diet. This is a challenge for someone who loves to guzzle milk...along with cake, cookies, ice cream, etc. Finding something to eat at home isn't a big deal, but going out to eat will be tough. Dairy is in a lot of things and isn't always obvious. I know there are many of you who have had to eliminate dairy from your kids' diets, so I'd appreciate any suggestions you have for tastey substitutes for butter, milk, and ice cream. And, following A. Ashley's example, I went out a bought 2 packages of double stuff Oreos last night. Pop Tarts and Cool Whip don't have dairy either...which is scary. I'm forced to read labels now, and you really don't want to know what is in this stuff!!!

surviving week one!

We promise to post some more pictures as we gradually feel life return to our sleepless bodies :)
I've had lots of things I've wanted to blog about over the last week, but mostly I want to thank God. This last week has been full of high and lows, anxiety and elation, fear and hopefulness. Through it all I really tuned into God and grasped on to His presence. Sometimes I say things like "God was really present with me" but He is always present. It's just, many times I don't tune into Him being with me and ask for His help.
I was terrified of the c-section because the one I had with Maegan was a really bad experience. So, Friday morning I was very quiet...and this tends to freak Doug out because I'm not usually quiet. He kept nervously asking if I was all right. I just replied, 'I'm focusing.' I was doing a lot of talking to God, mostly saying, 'Please help me.' During the actual surgery, in my little draped arena, I remember God bringing a hymn to mind, and I just repeated it over and over in my head (wish I could remember which one.)
The main hope that got me through the week was that God's mercy is new every morning. I don't need to worry if he'll get me through whatever is to come, but just know that He has given me this day and He will provide.
You might be thinking, gee, she just had a beautiful baby, what was so traumatic about this past week. Well, a mix of pain, sleeplessness, fear, hormones, and narcotics can do a number on you. I would go from joy one hour to depression and fear the next hour. But each day has gotten better, thank you again God!
God has also given Doug many gifts that has blessed me. He has been a huge help and really been strong through my breakdowns and our lack of sleep. God is also using many of you who have brought me food and prayed for me.
Sorry this is long, but I just wanted to share a little of this past week. I will have some posts coming on the funny things Maegan and Spencer are saying about Graham. It's been fun to watch them get excited about their brother!

Hospital Pics

For those who have been waiting...sorry for the delay! We'll post some updates and other pics in a few days! dc