4 Acres
Our 1 Year Olds!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thank you
WOW! We have been so blessed by our church family, friends, and family. The meals, cards, gifts, extra hands, and especially prayers have been greatly appreciated! Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!
Introducing Avery and Ryleigh
This post is long overdue, but as you can imagine life is pretty busy now!
On April 3, 2009 our restful Friday quickly turned into a very eventful and exciting day when Ryleigh broke her water. Rando's response was priceless when I told him. We soon headed to Emory Eastside and at 2:53 pm welcomed Ryleigh Lynn into the world. 2 minutes later we welcomed Avery Lavon. Ryleigh weighed 4 lbs 7.4 oz and was 17 1/4 in.long. Avery weighed 5 lbs 6.6 oz and was 18 3/4 in. long. The c-section went smooth and was a neat experience. I had never had any type of surgery before. Avery struggled with breathing so he was taken to the NICU. Ryleigh went on to our room with her daddy while I spent time in recovery.
As you can imagine our families were ecstatic! Ryleigh got lots of attention that first day. Later in the day Rando and both sets of grandparents got to go see Avery in the NICU. After everyone left for the evening (except for Rando) my blood pressure shot up and my kidneys began to fail. We got wheeled back to labor and delivery and I was given several medications including magnesium. The biggest problem with this was I wasn't allowed out of bed so I couldn't go see Avery. One benefit was that Rando had no choice but to change diapers so he got to change his first diaper ever when Ryleigh had a dirty and no one else was around.
Early Sunday morning I came off of my magnesium and an hour later I got to spend time with Avery. Throughout the pregnancy I tried to prepare myself for the possibility of NICU and coming home without my babies, but nothing can prepare you for what you see in the NICU. Needless to say I was a mess. God blessed me with a precious nurse that hugged on me and encouraged me. Rando was at home that night b/c we had some things left undone and my mom had to stay in the room with Ryleigh.
On Tuesday, April 7th we took Ryleigh home from the hospital. It was very difficult leaving Avery behind, but as I look back it was a blessing to have some time to get use to having 1 baby at home. We spent the next 3 days going back and forth to the hospital. My dad, grandparents, and mom took turns babysitting Ryleigh in the waiting room while we spent time with our little man.
On Friday, April 10th Avery was released from the hospital. It was so neat to finally get to hold both babies at once. I am getting emotional right now just thinking about that moment. God has truly blessed us! We drove home as a family of 4!
Life is crazy, but we wouldn't trade it for the world!
Avery in NICU
Ryleigh
Their first night in bed
1st family picture
On April 3, 2009 our restful Friday quickly turned into a very eventful and exciting day when Ryleigh broke her water. Rando's response was priceless when I told him. We soon headed to Emory Eastside and at 2:53 pm welcomed Ryleigh Lynn into the world. 2 minutes later we welcomed Avery Lavon. Ryleigh weighed 4 lbs 7.4 oz and was 17 1/4 in.long. Avery weighed 5 lbs 6.6 oz and was 18 3/4 in. long. The c-section went smooth and was a neat experience. I had never had any type of surgery before. Avery struggled with breathing so he was taken to the NICU. Ryleigh went on to our room with her daddy while I spent time in recovery.
As you can imagine our families were ecstatic! Ryleigh got lots of attention that first day. Later in the day Rando and both sets of grandparents got to go see Avery in the NICU. After everyone left for the evening (except for Rando) my blood pressure shot up and my kidneys began to fail. We got wheeled back to labor and delivery and I was given several medications including magnesium. The biggest problem with this was I wasn't allowed out of bed so I couldn't go see Avery. One benefit was that Rando had no choice but to change diapers so he got to change his first diaper ever when Ryleigh had a dirty and no one else was around.
Early Sunday morning I came off of my magnesium and an hour later I got to spend time with Avery. Throughout the pregnancy I tried to prepare myself for the possibility of NICU and coming home without my babies, but nothing can prepare you for what you see in the NICU. Needless to say I was a mess. God blessed me with a precious nurse that hugged on me and encouraged me. Rando was at home that night b/c we had some things left undone and my mom had to stay in the room with Ryleigh.
On Tuesday, April 7th we took Ryleigh home from the hospital. It was very difficult leaving Avery behind, but as I look back it was a blessing to have some time to get use to having 1 baby at home. We spent the next 3 days going back and forth to the hospital. My dad, grandparents, and mom took turns babysitting Ryleigh in the waiting room while we spent time with our little man.
On Friday, April 10th Avery was released from the hospital. It was so neat to finally get to hold both babies at once. I am getting emotional right now just thinking about that moment. God has truly blessed us! We drove home as a family of 4!
Life is crazy, but we wouldn't trade it for the world!
Avery in NICU
Ryleigh
Their first night in bed
1st family picture
Saturday, March 7, 2009
What I've learned during this pregnancy...
1. Our God knows what is best and when. If I had been told 2 years ago (when we started trying to have a baby) that I was having twins I would have cried for days. We weren't ready in many ways at that time. So many things happened this summer that made becoming pregnant and TWINS so much easier!
2. God has blessed me with the most amazing husband in the world. I already knew that, but now I am getting to see him as a daddy (even before the babies are here). Last night I came home and he had bought the book shelf I've been looking for for weeks. He also surprised me with a precious outfit for both babies! He loves putting their toys and necessities together and loves on me! I am very blessed!
3. 5 years ago I didn't understand why God told us not to move to Florida (I was ready for the beach), but now I know!!!! I am so fortunate to live 20 min. from mom and dad and then to work only 5 min. from their house! I don't know how we would have made it in Florida. Not to mention, we are now serving under the same great couple we would have been with in Florida!
4. I am blessed with incredible parents who have blessed us time and time again! I am sure dad has no idea what mom has spent (and lets keep it that way)! He has enjoyed going to Babies R Us and even picked out the gifts for one of the showers. Mom sent/brought very practical gifts to almost every shower. She is in trouble for the last one b/c I specifically told her NO more gifts! She listened to me as well as I listened to her as a teenager. I guess we've kept them waiting 8 years so they are enjoying this!
5. My sister is so patient and will make a great aunt (Adam will be a great uncle too). I know Dana had to get tired of going to showers, but she came to many of them to support me and her niece and nephew.
6. Gestational Diabetes is not as bad as I had feared. I've learned the tricks and can actually eat Chick-fil-A! Water has become my best friend b/c it washes sugar away!
7. There is no greater feeling that the kicks of my babies. This is probably the only time in my life I actually pray for them to kick me (that is how I know everything is okay). If they kick me a year from now there will be some trouble!
8. RLA and ALA (our babies) already crack me up. I sometimes just sit back and laugh as they are kicking and I believe must be playing together!
9. ALA gets tired of his sister b/c we saw him kick her during an ultrasound (and I felt it as she was kicked into my bladder).
10. We are so blessed with MANY incredible friends, family, and a 2nd to none church family! We have received everything these babies physically need through either the actual gifts or gift cards! It all started by a great shower thrown by Rando's parents and friends in NW GA and has continued daily! God has provided for our needs through wonderful people!
11. Harbins Elementary is the best school, and I'm very blessed that God placed me there! I have such a great support team around me! It is like a family and that is not found at all schools!
12. Missing Braves Opening Day is not the end of the world :o) Of course I'm not sure what I would do if I were due in the fall b/c I don't know if I could turn down GA tickets. Of course I am kidding! I am very excited about life with kids and know that our priorities and dates will be changing. Well, it is also easier knowing that mom is closeby and has offered to babysit when we get GA tickets!
13. It is actually possible to lose weight during pregnancy. If this continues we may have many more kids (Rando tells me to slow my hormones down). Seriously, I feel great and the diabetes has helped me to take better care of myself. After the initial binge of Dr. Pepper and fries (b/c my first few meals are planned out) I do think I will be more conscientious of what I eat b/c I now know that without these things I feel so good about myself.
14. The doctors that say to continue exercising even this late into pregnancy have never been pregnant. As good as I feel there is no way I could go walk the neighborhood right now!
15. This parenting thing is going to be a learn as we go thing! We are thankful God will be there to guide us and He has surrounded us with 2 wonderful sets of parents, incredible grandparents, siblings, church family, coworkers, friends, and extended family members that love, support, and pray for us!
Okay... enough of that. Maybe this is what Rando means when he says I have been a little emotional. Of course he was smart to say that it is not the crying and mood swing emotion but being sensitive, desiring to be close to him, and thought provoking emotional times.
Thank you all for your prayers and love!
2. God has blessed me with the most amazing husband in the world. I already knew that, but now I am getting to see him as a daddy (even before the babies are here). Last night I came home and he had bought the book shelf I've been looking for for weeks. He also surprised me with a precious outfit for both babies! He loves putting their toys and necessities together and loves on me! I am very blessed!
3. 5 years ago I didn't understand why God told us not to move to Florida (I was ready for the beach), but now I know!!!! I am so fortunate to live 20 min. from mom and dad and then to work only 5 min. from their house! I don't know how we would have made it in Florida. Not to mention, we are now serving under the same great couple we would have been with in Florida!
4. I am blessed with incredible parents who have blessed us time and time again! I am sure dad has no idea what mom has spent (and lets keep it that way)! He has enjoyed going to Babies R Us and even picked out the gifts for one of the showers. Mom sent/brought very practical gifts to almost every shower. She is in trouble for the last one b/c I specifically told her NO more gifts! She listened to me as well as I listened to her as a teenager. I guess we've kept them waiting 8 years so they are enjoying this!
5. My sister is so patient and will make a great aunt (Adam will be a great uncle too). I know Dana had to get tired of going to showers, but she came to many of them to support me and her niece and nephew.
6. Gestational Diabetes is not as bad as I had feared. I've learned the tricks and can actually eat Chick-fil-A! Water has become my best friend b/c it washes sugar away!
7. There is no greater feeling that the kicks of my babies. This is probably the only time in my life I actually pray for them to kick me (that is how I know everything is okay). If they kick me a year from now there will be some trouble!
8. RLA and ALA (our babies) already crack me up. I sometimes just sit back and laugh as they are kicking and I believe must be playing together!
9. ALA gets tired of his sister b/c we saw him kick her during an ultrasound (and I felt it as she was kicked into my bladder).
10. We are so blessed with MANY incredible friends, family, and a 2nd to none church family! We have received everything these babies physically need through either the actual gifts or gift cards! It all started by a great shower thrown by Rando's parents and friends in NW GA and has continued daily! God has provided for our needs through wonderful people!
11. Harbins Elementary is the best school, and I'm very blessed that God placed me there! I have such a great support team around me! It is like a family and that is not found at all schools!
12. Missing Braves Opening Day is not the end of the world :o) Of course I'm not sure what I would do if I were due in the fall b/c I don't know if I could turn down GA tickets. Of course I am kidding! I am very excited about life with kids and know that our priorities and dates will be changing. Well, it is also easier knowing that mom is closeby and has offered to babysit when we get GA tickets!
13. It is actually possible to lose weight during pregnancy. If this continues we may have many more kids (Rando tells me to slow my hormones down). Seriously, I feel great and the diabetes has helped me to take better care of myself. After the initial binge of Dr. Pepper and fries (b/c my first few meals are planned out) I do think I will be more conscientious of what I eat b/c I now know that without these things I feel so good about myself.
14. The doctors that say to continue exercising even this late into pregnancy have never been pregnant. As good as I feel there is no way I could go walk the neighborhood right now!
15. This parenting thing is going to be a learn as we go thing! We are thankful God will be there to guide us and He has surrounded us with 2 wonderful sets of parents, incredible grandparents, siblings, church family, coworkers, friends, and extended family members that love, support, and pray for us!
Okay... enough of that. Maybe this is what Rando means when he says I have been a little emotional. Of course he was smart to say that it is not the crying and mood swing emotion but being sensitive, desiring to be close to him, and thought provoking emotional times.
Thank you all for your prayers and love!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Busy, Busy, Busy... and it is just beginning!
It has been forever since I have posted! We have been very busy. Between work, church, showers, doctors appointments, and date nights we have been on the go a lot. Things are still going good. I am 28 wks (well, I will be on Tuesday) and I feel good.
This last week I did get frustrating news when they told me I have gestational diabetes. For those of you that know me I have to be the worse person in the world to get this. I am such a picky eater and vegetables are not on my short list of likes (except the ones they won't let me have like potatoes). I am doing good so far at keeping a healthy diet and reading labels for carbs. I will be eating a lot of meat and cheese between now and the day the babies are born. My sweet husband is being so supportive and finished some cake for me so I didn't have to see it anymore (it was tough, but he did it - ha ha). I did tell him that the only gift he has to get me for giving birth to his babies is to have a Dr. Pepper beside me for as soon as these babies are born!
Every kick and roll (yes, they roll across my stomach) reminds me how worth it all of this is! I am so in love with these babies and can't wait to meet them. Rando and I have enjoyed spending time in prayer every morning before work praying for these babies, their futures, and for God to lead us as parents.
Below are some pictures from our latest adventures. It is GymDog season so we are there as much as we can be. We've been to 2 meets and are planning on going to the Florida meet (I can't wait to boo at a gymnastics meet b/c they are always so friendly, but I hear you get to boo when Florida does their chomp on the floor routine). Yes, I know I am such a good sport - ha ha! We have also had several showers. We are so blessed with great family and friends.
I am going to put some other pictures on another blog. We hope you have a wonderful week! Thank you for your love and prayers!
This last week I did get frustrating news when they told me I have gestational diabetes. For those of you that know me I have to be the worse person in the world to get this. I am such a picky eater and vegetables are not on my short list of likes (except the ones they won't let me have like potatoes). I am doing good so far at keeping a healthy diet and reading labels for carbs. I will be eating a lot of meat and cheese between now and the day the babies are born. My sweet husband is being so supportive and finished some cake for me so I didn't have to see it anymore (it was tough, but he did it - ha ha). I did tell him that the only gift he has to get me for giving birth to his babies is to have a Dr. Pepper beside me for as soon as these babies are born!
Every kick and roll (yes, they roll across my stomach) reminds me how worth it all of this is! I am so in love with these babies and can't wait to meet them. Rando and I have enjoyed spending time in prayer every morning before work praying for these babies, their futures, and for God to lead us as parents.
Below are some pictures from our latest adventures. It is GymDog season so we are there as much as we can be. We've been to 2 meets and are planning on going to the Florida meet (I can't wait to boo at a gymnastics meet b/c they are always so friendly, but I hear you get to boo when Florida does their chomp on the floor routine). Yes, I know I am such a good sport - ha ha! We have also had several showers. We are so blessed with great family and friends.
I am going to put some other pictures on another blog. We hope you have a wonderful week! Thank you for your love and prayers!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
We want to wish all of our friends and family a Merry Christmas! This is a special time of year filled with joy, memories, family time, and rest! We are very grateful for all that Christ has done for us this last year (and for the last 29 yrs). As I sat waiting for the Christmas Eve service to begin tonight I couldn't help but think how much our lives have changed since I sat in that same section 1 year ago. This year we both accepted new jobs. Fortunately I am the only one that relocated. Rando just changed positions at Hebron. God knew exactly what we needed and when we needed it.
We have learned so much about God's timing this year. All in a span of 2 wks Rando accepted the position as College Pastor, I started at Harbins, we paid off Rando's truck, and we learned we were having a baby (later to learn we were actually having 2 babies). For several years I thought it was the perfect time to start a family, but God had much greater plans! We have been blessed with 7 1/2 years together as a couple and are now ready for our baby boy and baby girl! Our God is perfect in every way and His plan is always perfect!
We have been to the doctor twice in the last 2 wks. The first was an appt. with a specialist. They measured the babies and we got to see them on the screen for about 40 min. Both babies were abt. 12 oz (Rando says I am carrying 2 coke cans) and growing at the right pace. Yesterday we went to my actual doctor's office. The doctor we saw yesterday is actually the one that delivered Adam and saved his and mom's life! He was extremely nice and made my day when he said I wouldn't have to go back to the specialist because everything was looking so good! Their heartbeats were great! We go back on Jan. 20th for another ultrasound and sugar test (can't wait... ha ha). It is crazy to think that we could be just 3 1/2 mths from the arrival of our precious babies!
Below are a few of our latest pictures. Since we spent most of Oct. and Nov. following the bulldogs the pictures are from Athens and on the road at Kent. and Auburn!
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
We have learned so much about God's timing this year. All in a span of 2 wks Rando accepted the position as College Pastor, I started at Harbins, we paid off Rando's truck, and we learned we were having a baby (later to learn we were actually having 2 babies). For several years I thought it was the perfect time to start a family, but God had much greater plans! We have been blessed with 7 1/2 years together as a couple and are now ready for our baby boy and baby girl! Our God is perfect in every way and His plan is always perfect!
We have been to the doctor twice in the last 2 wks. The first was an appt. with a specialist. They measured the babies and we got to see them on the screen for about 40 min. Both babies were abt. 12 oz (Rando says I am carrying 2 coke cans) and growing at the right pace. Yesterday we went to my actual doctor's office. The doctor we saw yesterday is actually the one that delivered Adam and saved his and mom's life! He was extremely nice and made my day when he said I wouldn't have to go back to the specialist because everything was looking so good! Their heartbeats were great! We go back on Jan. 20th for another ultrasound and sugar test (can't wait... ha ha). It is crazy to think that we could be just 3 1/2 mths from the arrival of our precious babies!
Below are a few of our latest pictures. Since we spent most of Oct. and Nov. following the bulldogs the pictures are from Athens and on the road at Kent. and Auburn!
We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Seeing our babies!
Last Thursday night we had a very special evening! First, I got off of work early and was able to shop a little with my sister. I didn't find too many Christmas presents, but it was still nice to hang out with Dana. We then met dad and Rando and drove to mom's school. We all piled into the van and headed to Alpharetta. There was much anticipation on what gender the babies would be. Of course none of us had specific preferences we just all wanted healthy and growing babies! Dana had some interesting choices for names picked out (none of which will be used)!
The 3D/4D experience was amazing. It was so cool to see our babies moving and interacting with one another. First, we found out there was definitely 1 boy. He was precious and not modest at all! He was quite proud of himself (you can imagine the comments dad and Rando had). It took a while to decide what the other babies gender was, and we never got a declaration. The technician was almost certain we also have a girl. She was a little more modest and used her cord to "hide" herself (we love her modesty and pray she stays that way through life). We should know soon.
They already have personalities! Our little boy was laid back and trying to relax. His sister had other ideas. She kept trying to get his attention and even looked to be "whispering" in his ear. He spent some time in "prayer" with his hands clasped together and tried his best to ignore his "pesky" sister. The whole time they were being videoed music was playing. We had all ignored the music, but all of our ears perked up when Jesus Loves Me came on. Jesus already loves these precious little babies and has since time began. God is forming and making them in His likeness! It is simply amazing! We cannot wait to meet our bundles of joy! I count down the days to each appointment because I get to see them again! God is so good!
Here are some pictures of our precious babies! Enjoy!
Our baby girl trying to tell secrets.
She doesn't want us to know what she is saying!
Brother is tired of her and says, "Leave me alone!"
Baby Boy Being Cute
Our future preacher praying!
Baby Girl Showing off and Dancing
Sweet Baby Girl Getting Comfortable
The 3D/4D experience was amazing. It was so cool to see our babies moving and interacting with one another. First, we found out there was definitely 1 boy. He was precious and not modest at all! He was quite proud of himself (you can imagine the comments dad and Rando had). It took a while to decide what the other babies gender was, and we never got a declaration. The technician was almost certain we also have a girl. She was a little more modest and used her cord to "hide" herself (we love her modesty and pray she stays that way through life). We should know soon.
They already have personalities! Our little boy was laid back and trying to relax. His sister had other ideas. She kept trying to get his attention and even looked to be "whispering" in his ear. He spent some time in "prayer" with his hands clasped together and tried his best to ignore his "pesky" sister. The whole time they were being videoed music was playing. We had all ignored the music, but all of our ears perked up when Jesus Loves Me came on. Jesus already loves these precious little babies and has since time began. God is forming and making them in His likeness! It is simply amazing! We cannot wait to meet our bundles of joy! I count down the days to each appointment because I get to see them again! God is so good!
Here are some pictures of our precious babies! Enjoy!
Our baby girl trying to tell secrets.
She doesn't want us to know what she is saying!
Brother is tired of her and says, "Leave me alone!"
Baby Boy Being Cute
Our future preacher praying!
Baby Girl Showing off and Dancing
Sweet Baby Girl Getting Comfortable
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