Olivia Summer 2016

Thinking of You

Ashley would be celebrating her 26th birthday today. 

I wish that I could tell her...

*He talks about you.  He brings you up in conversation.  He recognizes you in photos.

*Jax and I paid a visit to our beloved pediatrician this morning.  He fell off a teeny tiny step last week, twisted his ankle, and became the incredibly proud owner of a scratch the size of a dime on his right ankle.  Eleven days later, he is still limping and dragging his foot.  No bruising.  No swelling.  No limited activity.  After a thorough exam, the Dr. giggled, shook her head, and giggled some more.  I thought of you.

*Every time he tells me that he is afraid, I think of you and wonder what you were afraid of. 

*Random people are always telling me how crazy smart he is.  I immediately think of you, and I am not surprised.

*Each and every time he experiences something new and his eyes light up, I think of you and wonder if you had the same experience.

*Every time he giggles, I think of you and wonder if you heard it too.

 

I discovered these photos on an old camera a few weeks ago.  Each photo of  Ashley and Jaxson  is so precious to me.

Newborn Photos of Caleb Jesse

I decided on a whim to dust off my fancy camera and take a few newborn shots of our sweet Caleb. 

Beach Baby #4

This is as close to the beach as our family will be getting this summer.  

However, we have added a new beach bum.

Beach Baby #4...Caleb Jesse.

Caleb was born locally on June 24th at approximately 9:50 a.m.  Scott and I were at the hospital when he took his very first breath.  In fact, I was in the delivery room and gifted the opportunity to hold him first, cut the umbilial cord, and speak God's promises over his life.

There are still several major hurdles that need to be addressed before he will legally be ours forever, but we are confident that God is fighting the battle for our sweet Caleb.  Please keep our family in prayer as we rely on faith to get us through the next 50 days.

There will be many more photos and posts to come when the dust settles, and we start to breath again.

Captain Andrew Michael

This boy has taught and continues to teach me to stay focused on the bigger picture...on the man he will one day become...on the lives that he will greatly impact...on eternity.

If you have been in our lives for many years, you will not be surprised by the following statement.

Parenting Andrew ain't always been easy.

In fact, he was the most strong-willed toddler that I have ever met.  During his early years, our relationship would have best been described as the generals of opposing sides of WWIII.

Fast forward 10 years to today...
Andrew has spent the week at a highly competitive Nike basketball camp.  Five out of the 60 athletes were recognized for their athletic ability, character, sportsmanship, and teach-ability.  Andrew brought home one of those awards.  The coach shared that the 5 campers displayed what he searches for while watching recruitment videos.

Momma if you are:

*the owner of a dog earned, wrinkled, juice stained, copy of "The Strong-Willled Child"
*seriously researching Asperger's and behavioral issues
*always the parent of "that" child
*routinely crying yourself to sleep
*feeling alone in your parenting journey

Be encouraged by our story.  Stay focussed on the bigger picture.  Know that God has the most amazing plans for you and your child.  Keep up the good fight (literally).  You are not alone.  I remember.  I can now say that I am so thankful for my strong-willed child.