Ridge is 4... and savoring June 1, 2009

Blessed.

Truly truly blessed.

Children are a heritage from the Lord.

My due date was June 3, 2009.

But, with contractions on May 31, we ended up spending the night at the hospital and I was induced Monday morning, June 1 because of your low heart rate.

We waited all day for you.

I never dilated, never progressed.

So, around 4:00 that afternoon, it was necessary to do a c-section.

(Sometimes things don't go as planned. 

And, I've accepted that and I'm thankful for a healthy c-section and a healthy baby boy.

At 4:30, I heard your first cry.)

I briefly remember seeing your face, your hands, and your feet when born.

I don't remember much in the operating room.

I was very very very nauseous and uncomfortable.

But, being wheeled back to our room, I remember truly seeing you for the first time.

Our eyes met and it's a sweet precious memory.

You were so awake and I remember the walls passing by, but all I saw was your big brown eyes starting back at me.

It was like we had been a part of each other for 9 months, but had never met.

You knew who I was. 

You were so still and content.

Just starting at me.

And I at you.

And, it was such a sweet sweet moment I hope I never forget;

the moment I became a mother and my heart would never be the same.

Oh how we love you!

You forever changed our lives.

And, we are so grateful for life and He who grants life!

Praise to God for another year of knowing you!

Happy 4th birthday to my Ridgie-poo!

T-Rex's Spring 2013 Soccer

Here's my short Spring soccer season recap:

I wasn't able to take many pictures except with my phone, well, because I was chasing after little man and keeping up with the time. So, these are basically it.

So, here we go:

Ridge's 2nd season of soccer. 

It was much smoother.

 It wasn't as bad as herding cats as Alan described the first season.

All of the players knew more and played better.

And, all of them except for 2 new little girls were on his team last Fall.

Ridge did really well some games. He scored 4 & 5 goals a few games, and even 8 goals in one game.

(Daddy probably remembers more accurately than me)

But, you played really well. 

We had a few instances of having a difficult time keeping our hands to ourselves. 

When playing defense, you would want to use your arms to help get in there and get aggressive. 

So, we had a few talks about that. 

But, other than that, you had a lot of fun, got plenty of exercise, and Fulton loved watching you and your friends and can't wait to play himself.

We have really enjoyed soccer because they games are an hour max.

You're running the whole time. 

There's no down time in the game except for quarter and half time breaks.

And, it's early Saturday morning and we have the rest of the day to our family!

But, Mommy actually enjoys the weeknight games more :)

We love you sweet boy and we are proud of you!

You had a lot of fun and played with old and some new friends!

And, of course, Daddy and Jeremy had fun coaching you guys!

Harris, Ridge, and Deacon

Running through the tunnel after the game trying to high-five my hand

After the last game

Silly boys with their trophies

We played his friend Layla's team

Best buds :)

No more curls...

It happened.

It was time.

Fulton's first haircut.

22 months.

Yep, overdue.

Fulton had more curls than Ridge. Ridge had some sweet wispy hairs that I loved.

But, Fulton had some sweet curls in the back. 

Especially on a humid day or when he would get hot.

There was one sweet spiral curl ;)

And, I probably prolonged his haircut even more because for a while, I wasn't sure if we would have any more children. We were still indecisive.

Well.... God made that decision for us and I figured I'll have one more little boy and possibly a few more curls in my future ;)

But, it was time.
*** warning- picture overload!

Pre-haircut afternoon

little mullet man.

Not the best picture. But, you get the gist.

straight on top. curly at the ends.

ready for his cape

He looks fidgety. But, he barely moved. And, he didn't say one word or make one sound.

It was not very Fulton-like.

Awww. Sweet sweet little buddy.

After!

All grown up and riding a bike!

J/k!

Mother's Day & Alan's birthday combo

I really hated that Alan's birthday fell on Mother's Day.

And, I really hated that Mother's Day fell on Alan's birthday.

You get me?

Oh well. It will happen every so often.

But, we both shared a great day and thankful for so many reasons.

Here are just a few pictures to recap the double holiday!

(Most of these are my instagram pics, but I just want to document too)

Lunch on Saturday at PF Changs with Nonnie

(and Ridge in desperate need of a haircut)

Little stinker came in and stole some of my breakfast in bed Mother's Day morning.

It's ok honey. I'm happy to share with you!

Big helper bringing Momma more bacon and napkins.

Silly snuggle time in bed before church.

Birthday cake time after lunch! The big 34!

The best we could do. Wish it was closer up. But, hey, you get what you can.

Mother's Day 2013 to me & Happy 34th Birthday Alan!

Love you honey!

Ridge's quotes...

A few of these have been over the past few months.

Time for Momma to document:

"When I get 68, I can go out in the forest all by myself."

(He's really stuck on living in his 60s)

"I could pick up a tree at 61, because 61 is like the size of a whale."

(All of you that are 61, you're feeling really good about yourself right now)

Ridge: Aunt Deeda, (Chrisynda) "When I get to be an adult I'll pay lots of money to buy a wife."

Chrisynda: Oh really? Did your daddy pay lots of money for his wife?

Ridge: "Uh huh."

(Ridge sleeping after a weeknight soccer game. Around 10:30 pm. He calls for Alan)

"Dada, I don't want to kick the soccer ball anymore. I'm tired."

Today's quote, riding home from Mommy's OB Dr. appt; in deep thought.

"Mommy, how did God put that baby in your belly? I know Jesus makes the baby because he's the Son and He helps His Daddy. But, how did the baby get there?"

Me: God creates every baby and it's a miracle son.

"Did you swallow it? Is that how he got in your belly?"

(Ummm... I thought I had a little while until this question came along :)

I love you Ridge and your little wheel-turning mind!

Mommy ;)

***oh yes, and, I'm 21 weeks. Over half way there little one!

It's a...

BOY!!!

Yeppers, another boy.

We are excited and can't wait to meet this little guy!

He is going to LOVE his older brothers.

And, they are going to LOVE him.

And, he is going to be one tough little one.

And, I may be crazy for a few years. 

3 kiddos, I mean, 3 BOYS, 4 years old and under.

(insert crazy Momma face)

So, if you just happen to run into me, at Walmart with mismatched clothing or 2 different shoes and dirty hair, 

at church with an attempt of makeup but really looking like Fulton applied my makeup, 

sleeping in the soccer field parking lot incoherent because I'm lost and lack of sleep,

 or unable to finish my sentences, 

just excuse me for about 1-2 years.

(or longer if needed)

I will be a mother of 3 boys.

We will be in the trenches..

Just trying to survive.

:)

And, trying to keep them all alive.

As well as ourselves.

No, ha, I'm really kidding. 

Well, not really, but trying to make humor of the road that lies ahead.

Many many many broken bones.

Many fights.

Many holes in walls.

More wrestling.

More football in the house.

More basketball.

Endless grocery shopping.

Fighting again.

Soccer again.

Stitches.

ER visits.

More wrestling.

You moms of boys, I need help. I need advice.

I was one of 2 girls.

This is completely different.

(My mom will sometimes look at me and say, "You girls didn't do stuff like this.")

Ha.

I know I am truly blessed.

The Lord has chosen, yes, chosen (humbles me to my core) me to be a mother of 3 boys.

To hopefully carry on a legacy of Christ.

Hopefully be leaders of their families.

I'm not sure why.

What does He see for our family?

But, I praise Him.

I DEFINITELY cannot stay sane and do this alone.

I NEED HIM daily.

Help me be resourceful:

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” 

~Ps. 32:8

Help me listen:

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.” 

~Matthew 13:16

Give me strength:

“He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak.” 

~Isa. 40:29

Help me be joyful:

 “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy.” 

~Ps. 5:11

Help me be faithful:

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 

~1 Cor. 15:58

Help me be sacrificial:

 “Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.” 

~Eph. 5:2

Because there is only one:

“There is only one person like you in all of this great big world

And you are just to God made you to be whether a boy or a girl

Whether you are black or white or some beautiful color in between

No matter your shape or size you’re as perfect as anything I’ve ever seen

Your mom and your dad they are so glad you are a part of their family

There is only One who loves you more

He is your Father in Heaven

He is the Lord” 

~Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies & Peaceful Worship

 ~ Twila Paris

 We love you little one.

You are truly a gift.

I love you.

Your Mommy