Im sitting here this morning with my sweet Annabelle on my lap, listening to baby lullabies on my computer and sweet little baby sounds coming from my oh so relaxed little one. I am soaking in ever minute. I am seriously overwhelmed right now with God's grace and love in my life. I am so blessed. Not a single moment of this life do i want to take for granted. I dont want to change anything or make anything better. Life. Its amazing.
A little bit emotional this morning as I read through some blogs of some amazing women and amazing lives. It has made me think about "perspective". My heart hurts for people who have lost. For people who cry. For those who dont or cant know what life as a mother is like. And, then I get angry and my blood starts to boil thinking of those who choose to take a life that was intended as a gift to them, and never even experience what others wish they could or wish they could have back. Its perspective. The world is rude. Its self-centered. It is distorted. We desire perfection, and when we dont get it, we throw fits. why? why not enjoy this amazing world around us. we have one life to live, one shot. I want to spend mine loving people. Loving people and enjoying every small, intimate moment that the Lord is giving me. Thank you, Jesus, for the life you are giving me.
9.06.2010
8.30.2010
giggles
My little girl brings me so much joy. I am do blessed beyond words. You have to listen to this little laugh. I am sure it will bring you joy, too! :)
8.19.2010
more videos.
you viewers may not be as excited about the following clips as i am, BUT, i am posting them anyways. :)
in this video, annabelle had scooted off her little playmat a bit. she began in about the middle of the mat on her back, rolled over and scooted. its sorta long, but so cute to ME:
the last video is of her rolling over.
in this video, annabelle had scooted off her little playmat a bit. she began in about the middle of the mat on her back, rolled over and scooted. its sorta long, but so cute to ME:
the last video is of her rolling over.
8.15.2010
4 month birthday today!!!!!!!!!!
4 months has gone by kinda fast. Its amazing how much growth babies go through in only 4 months! I am so proud of my little boo. here are some videos....
sunday morning fun with daddy. we like sundays when we get to spend time with our hard working man!
AND....check her out in that BUMBO seat. she is getting so much stronger!
I need to take more videos of her rolling over. I am so impressed. she loves it. Its her new favorite thing!
sunday morning fun with daddy. we like sundays when we get to spend time with our hard working man!
AND....check her out in that BUMBO seat. she is getting so much stronger!
I need to take more videos of her rolling over. I am so impressed. she loves it. Its her new favorite thing!
8.04.2010
it feels so 'normal'
Craig and i are still in Minnesota, enjoying the most gorgeous part of our summer we will see. Although, 'hot' to minnesotans, it is a dream to me, a Texan. It has been a refreshing trip. We have been here for 11 days so far, and i am sad that it is going by so fast. I miss my family, but am not really ready to go back yet. When we were driving into MN, and came to the towns we have lived in, it felt so normal to be there. It has been since February 2009 since I have been to Minnesota. I left to go to Texas and never had a chance to come back. I have wanted to, but never had the chance. It is neat how places feel that way, normal. I guess it means it feels more home to me than i ever really knew.
I wanted to avoid our old house 'Up North'. Every part of me wanted to pretend it wasnt there, even though it is right through the trees of where we are resting our heads. I told myself I would not see it or think about it while up here. BUT, the first day we were here, I went for a little jog on this old dirt road that my jogging feet have treaded many times before. (another oh so familiar) I was drawn to run past the place that "Built Us". It was hard. But, after it faded from my perifial, I felt sort of relieved. Let me help u understand why this is hard for me...I have NEVER felt this way about a house. About a "bunch of sticks" as Craig would say. My life has been quite nomadic. :) Lots of homes, lots of moves. None of them compare to the home Craig and I shared our first year of marriage. The memories that are panited and stuck into the walls and frame of that house are memories I will cherish forever. There is laughter and tears in those walls. I bet if i walked in there I could hear that laughter. The current occupants will never understand the place they reside the way Craig understood it. I still hear the noises of the front screen door slamming behind us, the sound of someone walking up the steps of the front porch, the crunch of the snow under my boots as i seemed to do knee raises just to make it through the mound between me and the door. I hear my kitty Gabby clawing under the doorway to our bedroom, trying to get in. THAT is why the carpet is a little frayed by that door, and the owners now, have no idea why. There is a faint marking on the wall that says "I LUV U". I wonder if they can see it under the paint i used to try and cover it up. I dont know why I am writing all of this on the blog that is supposed to be about ANNABELLE. (Annabelle who was just a dream of ours when we lived there.) It is just is what is on my mind, and it just leaked out of my fingertips. I guess all this to say, its refreshing in a way to be in these North woods. Although I am missing something up here ,there is still the familiar sounds of the wind through the trees, and the loons, and jet skis in the distance. That not-too-hot sun beating on my cheeks and shoulders as i listen to my own footsteps hitting the gravel on the road I have traveled many times before. I am not saying i have the desire to live here again, but that doesnt mean i dont still miss it. I am thankful for the foundation to the life I am building with my sweet husband and amazing little daughter! I miss things in a way no one will ever know or understand, but am thankful for the Lord may have ahead for us. :) I also prayed that whoever would have that home after us would CHERISH it. I still pray that.
IN ANNABELLE NEWS: She is a ROLLER!!!! I did get a video of it the 2nd time she did it, but dont have my cord with to upload it to my computer. :( BUT, she rolled from her back to her tummy and back again for the first time this past Sunday! I am SO proud of her . So proud I was almost in tears. She is so motivated and spunky! I love it! She has been such a trooper traveling all over and staying in different places. She did SO GREAT on the drive up here. I am so thankful! I am so much more in love with her EVERY day! I am just loving being a momma. I am also so thankful for family and friends that are loving her to pieces as well. i am SO blessed! :)
I have heard this song a lot this summer. and it HAPPEND to be on the radio the other day, just after craig and I drove past our old house. It made my eyes a little wet. Miranda Lambert sings this...
The House That Built Me
Tom Douglas / Allen Shamblin
I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine
Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
Mama cut out pictures of houses for you
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
I wanted to avoid our old house 'Up North'. Every part of me wanted to pretend it wasnt there, even though it is right through the trees of where we are resting our heads. I told myself I would not see it or think about it while up here. BUT, the first day we were here, I went for a little jog on this old dirt road that my jogging feet have treaded many times before. (another oh so familiar) I was drawn to run past the place that "Built Us". It was hard. But, after it faded from my perifial, I felt sort of relieved. Let me help u understand why this is hard for me...I have NEVER felt this way about a house. About a "bunch of sticks" as Craig would say. My life has been quite nomadic. :) Lots of homes, lots of moves. None of them compare to the home Craig and I shared our first year of marriage. The memories that are panited and stuck into the walls and frame of that house are memories I will cherish forever. There is laughter and tears in those walls. I bet if i walked in there I could hear that laughter. The current occupants will never understand the place they reside the way Craig understood it. I still hear the noises of the front screen door slamming behind us, the sound of someone walking up the steps of the front porch, the crunch of the snow under my boots as i seemed to do knee raises just to make it through the mound between me and the door. I hear my kitty Gabby clawing under the doorway to our bedroom, trying to get in. THAT is why the carpet is a little frayed by that door, and the owners now, have no idea why. There is a faint marking on the wall that says "I LUV U". I wonder if they can see it under the paint i used to try and cover it up. I dont know why I am writing all of this on the blog that is supposed to be about ANNABELLE. (Annabelle who was just a dream of ours when we lived there.) It is just is what is on my mind, and it just leaked out of my fingertips. I guess all this to say, its refreshing in a way to be in these North woods. Although I am missing something up here ,there is still the familiar sounds of the wind through the trees, and the loons, and jet skis in the distance. That not-too-hot sun beating on my cheeks and shoulders as i listen to my own footsteps hitting the gravel on the road I have traveled many times before. I am not saying i have the desire to live here again, but that doesnt mean i dont still miss it. I am thankful for the foundation to the life I am building with my sweet husband and amazing little daughter! I miss things in a way no one will ever know or understand, but am thankful for the Lord may have ahead for us. :) I also prayed that whoever would have that home after us would CHERISH it. I still pray that.
IN ANNABELLE NEWS: She is a ROLLER!!!! I did get a video of it the 2nd time she did it, but dont have my cord with to upload it to my computer. :( BUT, she rolled from her back to her tummy and back again for the first time this past Sunday! I am SO proud of her . So proud I was almost in tears. She is so motivated and spunky! I love it! She has been such a trooper traveling all over and staying in different places. She did SO GREAT on the drive up here. I am so thankful! I am so much more in love with her EVERY day! I am just loving being a momma. I am also so thankful for family and friends that are loving her to pieces as well. i am SO blessed! :)
I have heard this song a lot this summer. and it HAPPEND to be on the radio the other day, just after craig and I drove past our old house. It made my eyes a little wet. Miranda Lambert sings this...
The House That Built Me
Tom Douglas / Allen Shamblin
I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine
Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
Mama cut out pictures of houses for you
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
7.24.2010
Minnesota, here we come!!!
i should NOT be sitting down on the computer right now, I have lots to do! We are leaving this evening for our long long road trip to MN. I am really excited, and SO happy for Craig right now. He is sooooooooooo happy to be going "home"! I know that feeling because I lived away from my home for 4 years! Its so fun to go back.
I wanted to give a little update on my sweet little girl. We had both and E.C.I. appointment this week, and an appointment with a Geneticist. Her ECI was great! They did an official evaluation and she had great scores. She scored 4 months in a lot of things. I am SO proud of her. They said she is motivated, and I know she gets that from her Daddy. Her feisty spirit is what i keep saying is a "Schmidt thing". I am thankful for her motivation! She is so funny. They will be coming out to work with her mostly right now on her gross motor skills. We figured that was what the main thing would be right now. DS kids have that lower tone to their muscles, and although she is strong, there are some things that need to be worked on. Later on as she continues to develop and and grow, they might see more areas that need some attention, but since she is so small it is hard to tell. one step at a time right?
Her other appt was good, too. The doctor was really encouraged with how well she is doing and growing. She had no real concerns. I wasnt sure what an appointment with a Geneticist would do for us, but it was encouraging. She is there for encouragement to parents with special needs children. I am thankful for just one more recourse for questions and support. Annabelle now weighs 11.5lbs. She is in the 50-75% for length, I dont remember how long she is, sorry. I have to go look at it. BUT, i am so proud of my growing little butter ball! YAY for good reports this week.
PLEASE keep our little family in your prayers today and tomorrow especially. We have a very long drive ahead of us. I am hoping Annabelle does well. Leaving at night to let her sleep as much as she can seems to be the best thing for HER, but might be harder for mommy and daddy to stay alert and awake. Please pray for our safety, and our health. My sister has MONO, and is with Annabelle and me every day! I have been feeling a little funny the last week or so, but maybe its all in my head since I know that there is something going around. Please pray for our immune systems to work over time!!!!! We want to so enjoy this vacation.
ok, i have GOBS of things to do! gotta go do them!
I wanted to give a little update on my sweet little girl. We had both and E.C.I. appointment this week, and an appointment with a Geneticist. Her ECI was great! They did an official evaluation and she had great scores. She scored 4 months in a lot of things. I am SO proud of her. They said she is motivated, and I know she gets that from her Daddy. Her feisty spirit is what i keep saying is a "Schmidt thing". I am thankful for her motivation! She is so funny. They will be coming out to work with her mostly right now on her gross motor skills. We figured that was what the main thing would be right now. DS kids have that lower tone to their muscles, and although she is strong, there are some things that need to be worked on. Later on as she continues to develop and and grow, they might see more areas that need some attention, but since she is so small it is hard to tell. one step at a time right?
Her other appt was good, too. The doctor was really encouraged with how well she is doing and growing. She had no real concerns. I wasnt sure what an appointment with a Geneticist would do for us, but it was encouraging. She is there for encouragement to parents with special needs children. I am thankful for just one more recourse for questions and support. Annabelle now weighs 11.5lbs. She is in the 50-75% for length, I dont remember how long she is, sorry. I have to go look at it. BUT, i am so proud of my growing little butter ball! YAY for good reports this week.
PLEASE keep our little family in your prayers today and tomorrow especially. We have a very long drive ahead of us. I am hoping Annabelle does well. Leaving at night to let her sleep as much as she can seems to be the best thing for HER, but might be harder for mommy and daddy to stay alert and awake. Please pray for our safety, and our health. My sister has MONO, and is with Annabelle and me every day! I have been feeling a little funny the last week or so, but maybe its all in my head since I know that there is something going around. Please pray for our immune systems to work over time!!!!! We want to so enjoy this vacation.
ok, i have GOBS of things to do! gotta go do them!
7.19.2010
schedule?
Annabelle and I just got back last night from a little trip to see family in the "Big D". It was such a blessing to be surrounded by family and friends, and people who love and adore my little preciousness!!! This week, we are preparing for a LONG road trip "home" to Minnesota. I am getting really excited about it, but also super nervous and anxious. i get like that when i know i will be out of my "comfort zone." I know SHE will do great, its me who gets all weird. We are driving, and i am not sure how a 3 month old will do in a car seat for that long. I just look forward to actually GETTING there! im so excited to see friends and family when we are there. and i am very happy that Craig will be so happy to be there. he works so hard every day and deserves a long vacation. I am so thankful for him and all his hard work. Annabelle and I are lucky girls.
So, I have been thinking about "Schedule". I have never had a baby, or been around many babies. so, of course, all of this is a learning process. i have been around a LOT of 3 year olds, so I feel that stage of life MIGHT come a little easier, but its THIS stage of life that I need advice and a little guidance. I have been thinking so much about how i want to TEACH now so that i dont have to CORRECT later. Does that make sense? I am thinking about a baby schedule now, because of how much more alert she is. She is not a "newborn" anymore who needs no schedule. She doesnt just sleep and eat anymore. She needs play, stimulation, interaction. I have been thinking of this because I had people ask me what kind of schedule she is on. I have just been letting HER make her own schedule during the day. I thought that was ok, but now i am questioning it. I let her eat when she wants to, nap when she wants to, and snuggle or play when she wants to. It has gone great in my opinion. our days seem well balanced and run smoothly. BUT, is it time that I have SET naptimes? SET eating times? how does that work? I dont want to eventually regret not making more of a schedule, and then fight to make one. Do i start now? anyways, i have been encouraged to read about it. so, maybe i will. I just feel like reading about things like that, just makes me feel like I am doing something wrong. Babies are all different. wont it just be more frustrating for me and for her if i force certain things into our day? I dont know.
One thing is, I know she is ready to sleep in her own room. I plan on making that work when we get back from our vacation. maybe its more me who hasnt been ready to let her sleep in there yet. She sleeps SO good at night, that I wonder if she is in there by herself, that I will just sleep through something that she might need. I want to be a laid back mom, but also very active in direction and guidance. I hope I can find a good balance of that. Any advice or good books to read, PLEASE let me know.
Something else I have been thinking of...Friends. Lifelong Friends. There are people in my life, and people i see in Craig's life who we consider lifelong friends. These are people we may not talk to for a while, but still hold so dear to our hearts. There are those in my life who I have lost so much touch with. BUT, still consider to be a best friend. I have been thinking about how amazing it is to have these kinds of people in our lives. When something rocks our world, something maybe tragic or just plain sad, we are always 'there' for each other. we may not have talked in a few months, or even years, but will always be someone to cry with, or laugh with, and share craziness of life with. I love these relationships. Just because you dont talk to someone every day, or see someone in a few years, doesnt mean you arent super duper close with them. There is something that connects you to certain people in life. I have such a deep love and care for these people and want them to know that if there is EVER anything I can do for them, if there is a time I can just BE there, I will! and I know the same is for them.
So, I have been thinking about "Schedule". I have never had a baby, or been around many babies. so, of course, all of this is a learning process. i have been around a LOT of 3 year olds, so I feel that stage of life MIGHT come a little easier, but its THIS stage of life that I need advice and a little guidance. I have been thinking so much about how i want to TEACH now so that i dont have to CORRECT later. Does that make sense? I am thinking about a baby schedule now, because of how much more alert she is. She is not a "newborn" anymore who needs no schedule. She doesnt just sleep and eat anymore. She needs play, stimulation, interaction. I have been thinking of this because I had people ask me what kind of schedule she is on. I have just been letting HER make her own schedule during the day. I thought that was ok, but now i am questioning it. I let her eat when she wants to, nap when she wants to, and snuggle or play when she wants to. It has gone great in my opinion. our days seem well balanced and run smoothly. BUT, is it time that I have SET naptimes? SET eating times? how does that work? I dont want to eventually regret not making more of a schedule, and then fight to make one. Do i start now? anyways, i have been encouraged to read about it. so, maybe i will. I just feel like reading about things like that, just makes me feel like I am doing something wrong. Babies are all different. wont it just be more frustrating for me and for her if i force certain things into our day? I dont know.
One thing is, I know she is ready to sleep in her own room. I plan on making that work when we get back from our vacation. maybe its more me who hasnt been ready to let her sleep in there yet. She sleeps SO good at night, that I wonder if she is in there by herself, that I will just sleep through something that she might need. I want to be a laid back mom, but also very active in direction and guidance. I hope I can find a good balance of that. Any advice or good books to read, PLEASE let me know.
Something else I have been thinking of...Friends. Lifelong Friends. There are people in my life, and people i see in Craig's life who we consider lifelong friends. These are people we may not talk to for a while, but still hold so dear to our hearts. There are those in my life who I have lost so much touch with. BUT, still consider to be a best friend. I have been thinking about how amazing it is to have these kinds of people in our lives. When something rocks our world, something maybe tragic or just plain sad, we are always 'there' for each other. we may not have talked in a few months, or even years, but will always be someone to cry with, or laugh with, and share craziness of life with. I love these relationships. Just because you dont talk to someone every day, or see someone in a few years, doesnt mean you arent super duper close with them. There is something that connects you to certain people in life. I have such a deep love and care for these people and want them to know that if there is EVER anything I can do for them, if there is a time I can just BE there, I will! and I know the same is for them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)