Ellanore Belle Reed

Well, our sweet baby girl is finally here!! May 9, 2013 at 9:13 am, we welcomed Ellanore Belle Reed into our lives! She was 9lbs2oz and 21 inches long!! Seriously, we all were thinking like an 8lb baby....nope, she is our biggest yet!! And she is such a doll!! While it is still fresh in my memory, I wanted to get down her birth story!! How quickly one forgets what really took place!
Well my "due date" came and went(May 4) and I realized 100% that she really was a girl! Making her fashionably late appearance! I vowed to not try any natural/old midwife tricks, until after i was 40 weeks!! So 40+1 came, and i broke out the raspberry leaf tea, ate a ton of pineapple, walked, cleaned, ate spicy food...nothing really made me feel like labor was coming soon!! I actually was feeling pretty good! I even was still working out!! Well my weekly midwife appointment came, 40+4 and I told her I didn't want to risk being medically induced...so we tried a few things. I was on the fence about taking some castor oil, luckily my midwife in Michigan talked me out of it, because that night, I had my first real contraction! I knew she was coming! So wednesday night, we went to bed, and around midnight was woken up with contractions! 2 am-5am i slept on and off, but in my own bed, which was lovely. ARound 5:30 am Owen woke up, and we all were snuggled together in bed, and shortly later henry came to join us! Owen asked what was wrong, when i was making my breathing faces during a contraction! I was happy to tell him that Ellanore would be joining us today!! He gave my giant belly a few hugs , as he was very excited!! I made a quick phone call to my mom, to fill her in and let he know we were headed to the hospital! She was crying, tears of happiness but also sadness, for she couldn't be there physically for me, but she knew i had all the support i needed. I told shane that we needed to get going(6:30am). We fed the kids, called our friends to let them know we were on the way, packed up the car and headed out!!!
We were so blessed that our community groups friend said yes to our asking them to watch the boys for us!! The boys went and were strong, Owen especially. I of course cried, a few times. I remember Shane telling me to pray and to not stop praying, the entire way to the hospital. My contractions were very very close now and there was no doubt about it, it was going to be fast! After fearing we would be stuck in traffic, or have the baby in the car, we made it to the hospital! I made it through the parking garage, in the elevator, full of people.....Shane's remark was "Amanda, you are making everyone very uncomfortable in this elevator :)" as i was hunched over, breathing through a contraction! The entire elevator full of people laughed and let us off first! A security guard got us a wheel chair and escorted us to the labor floor!
Signed some papers, and we made it to the room!! I just wanted that tub!! Even though we soon found out it was more like a trough! lol. They had to monitor me quickly, get all the info and fun stuff. I was almost a 7. I was hoping for more! But God knew what he was doing! As i got into the tub, I felt relaxed even more. Shane had my music on, was being an amazing coach! Praying with me, singing to me, holding me, reaffirming that yes, I can do this, and this is how God made my body to work. I could get this done! Honestly, It would not have gone nearly as well if he wasn't so amazing! I think he calling is to be a midwife!! And yes, we did have that conversation with my midwife, and she agreed he has a gift! Although, I am sure it is much different when its your wife in labor,and not some strange woman you hardly know!
My water broke on its own in the tub, praise the Lord! I really wanted that! And within minutes, Ellanore was here!! I warned the midwife I didn't think i would make it to the bed....and I didn't! Ellanore was born as I was standing, gripping Shane for dear life, and my midwife down on the floor practically. It was amazing! I got to hold her and bring her up to me instantly, but this time it was so different, almost as if i delivered her myself!! I thought she looked so tiny! I couldn't believe it! Actually though, 9lbs 2oz she was our biggest baby yet!! She was 21 inches long and beautiful!
Everything about this labor and delivery was perfect! It felt, honestly, like it was just me and Shane, and we were in totally control! not that my other 2 labors were bad, they were beautiful and I love their stories. But everything I desired and prayed for happened with this delivery! I was able to labor at home and not worry I wouldn't get my antibiotic for being group b positive...because I wasn't! I was able to love on my kids while in labor, but still have someone to care for them when we needed it! Shane was there! he had not left for work yet! I was able to be in the tub, let my water break naturally, and do birth the way my body needed to! I just had no idea that meant standing up!! I had only met this midwife 2 times before i went into labor, and she was totally amazing and just let me do my thing! Also, I honestly didn't even know there was a nurse in the room until after i had the baby!! No one asked me what my pain level was(I hate that questions) no body asked for my birth plan, they didn't offer any meds, they just knew what i wanted and what they believed it and it was beautiful!
One added bonus was that my friend, who is training to be a Douala, was there for us and took pictures of it all! I know, who really wants pics of that....but I do! I don't want to forget it! I forget too much as it is! And the top of the cake was that my parents made it down the next day and were able to see their granddaughter and help us out with the kids!
Honestly, if I could have the promise that every labor could be like that, I would do it many more times! It was just true and beautiful! I wish all woman could experience what I had. From start to finish!
Ellanore is 11 days old now and even more beautiful!! We just had her newborn photos taken yesterday and we can't wait to see them! She is calm and peaceful and is already doing well with her 2 big brothers!!

Bring it on!

   So today, as I was making dinner, I received a text message from my Aunt, saying that her friend(who I  have met) had her baby boy the other day.  I instantly, like many women(I think) thought about what her birth experience was like. Then the reminder came to me, as I looked at my very round belly....I am going to have another birth story of my own very soon!! I am trying not to be anxious, and have sworn to myself to not try to do anything to kick start my labor, just let  it come naturally,  but the excitement is creeping, and I cant wait to meet her!!
     With that said....I also got the reminder of what birth and labor will be like.....PAINFUL!! This will be my third baby, in less than 4 years....so the memory of that pain never truly went away!! ? Many people  wonder why I am planning on delivering natural again, after already experiencing it, and :"proving:" i can do it(who needs to prove anything!). My answer is always this: I  have gone 40 weeks of feeling every kick and roll, heartburn, hips stretching, skin stretching, baby flipping......why stop at the best and  to me, most important part! I desire to feel my baby enter this world, the emotions that come with it, know that you and your baby are working together, so hard, to get this job done!! Its a personal choice, I give no judgement, its just my hearts desire, for my babies.
     As I was having this moment, I realized that just like in birth, those pains that come with the baby entering the world, they don't necessarily go away as the baby grows....they just are different!!! All the ages I have experienced so far(1,2 and part of 3) have each brought their own pains to me as a parent.  I constantly struggle to find the balance with letting my kids discover and use their emotions, feeling, actions, good or bad, and keep them in line with learning /doing what is right in the situation.  I , as a parent don;'t want my child to be whining (for an hour!!) about not getting to take his cousins home to VA with us, but have realized that he needs to feel that emotion, but learn how to deal with it. I don;'t want to give my children an 'life epidural" to get them to "behave, be quite, stop embarrassing me" Its going to be painful and hard for that season....however long that may be, but it will end!! Eventually,it will be over.  And if we don't feel it, we cant experience it, learn from it nor our kids!! And, just like in pregnancy, after your baby is here, your going to miss being pregnant!! Even minutes after all that pain....you might think how you miss it already!!
     And just like with my 3 year old that is testing me in all sorts of ways right now...if i don't feel this,I am going to miss it!!! Now i am not saying to let your kids act all sorts of bad crazy and be spoiled, I just mean, let them discover their emotions and learn how to express them so it benefits them. Its a process, just like labor, but it will be well worth it in the end!! At least that is my thinking right now!! i am not a parent expert, just trying to learn as I go, and discover what works for our family!!
    I must carry a sign that reads "over yet " because people keep wishing these years away for me, or that my pregnancy will be over sooner....Please, don't do that!!! I rush it enough myself, i don't need you too!! I want to remember and truly EXPERIENCE these years, no matter how challenging they are. I want to remember the struggles I had, the joys we felt...every emotion!!! Bring it on I say!! Because, most importantly, I  know that we(Shane and i) are /not alone in this! God has given us many promises to take heart, and trust in Him!! So with him, through him, I feel confident to say again, Bring it on!! I hope you can too!

A entry for my own heart to remember

I had my 36 week midwife appointment today! This pregnancy, has gone by incredibly fast, I really cannot believe it.  I think we, Shane and I, are about ready for baby girl to make her arrival! I mean realistically, my house is a mess(constantly!) we don't have enough newborn diapers, and our bag is not packed! But as far as the excitement of it, anticipation....we are ready!! However, the past few weeks have proven, that our children are not ready for it!
I am not going to lie, its been a rough few weeks, especially with Owen.  Being 3 isn't easy, even more so when you are strong willed, super smart, adorable, and have gone through so many changes for a 3 year old!!  We went to MI a few weeks ago, suddenly, due to a family member passing, and it was a rough 2 weeks there. It was like the start of these uncontrollable emotional breakdowns for Owen....and the start to Henry using the word "NO" with strength and authority!! They had a great time, but it was still a lot!! Well, it has calmed down a bit now that we are at home and back on a normalish routine. Today was not a very wonderful day though for some reason!! It was like Owen's ears were turned off to me, and my patience was turned off to him!! It was a beautiful day outside today, and we were outside almost all day!! Which was wonderful, and also posed challenges! With a 36 week prego chasing around 2 toddlers in their non fenced in back yard....ya get a bit tired!
Anyways, i don't want to ramble about the challenges of my day...I do have a point I was trying to get at! At bed tonight, we are putting both boys in bed together now, getting Henry ready for it in case baby sleeps in crib when we get home. Owen was testing a little bit and henry wanted to roll around like an alligator until he fell off the bed! Owen loves to be held at night time, love love loves it. In fact, he still wakes up at night, asking to come back into his bed and hold him. I do love it, but it does pose some challenges. Tonight henry, who doesn't love to be held that much at bed time, rather just lay next too, wanted to be held tonight!! So here i am, trying to hold and rock both of them, and my hugely round belly, trying to get them to sleep!! Shane, is driving home from a 4 hour commute to Blacksburg today :( So daddy wasn't there to help, which is ok, gotta do what what you gotta do! Well, owen was trying really hard to just let me hold Henry, and get him calm. And he just looked at henry and said "let me cuddle you Henry" "Mommy, i just want to hold his hand...pat his belly, rub his back...." Here is my little 3 year old, trying to grow up, and do what mamma  and daddy do to get them to sleep, and was so loving and serious about it.  I loved it, but it also broke my heart a little.  I know he is fighting a battle between staying little, and growing to be a big boy. He goes back and forth all day long with sometimes mimicking henry, or acting like a big boy even more so. That is where the emotional breakdowns usually come into play. I have been telling myself he is having a hard time adjusting to the thought that baby sister is coming soon, and that is why he has been acting like this. He is so beyond excited about Ellanore coming, but deep inside, it is still going to be hard to handle, despite his love for her. Tonight at bedtime it was like he was saying "ok mom, you win, i will grow up and you can have this new baby and i will not be little anymore"
I know he really wasn't saying that 100% but my heart felt like it, and it hurt for him.  So i told henry to try to lay down, gave him his blanket, and rocked owen, while he was holding his toy fishing pole and whispered to him " be little, be little Owen, do not rush these precious times" and other little things of love and and how very precious he is to us.  He drifted off, peacefully, Henry hung in there and after big brother was asleep, he was in my arms again.
I know it seems like i just made henry act like an older big boy by making him wait for momma to get older brother asleep, and that probably happens more than i realize (Owen does require a lot of mamma attention) but henry still is little, and acts little, and plays like a little...Owen, the older he gets, i think needs more reassurance that we love him, no matter what...no matter how bad the day was, how big he is, what he does or says....no conditions.
So, my children are not ready, not emotionally, not yet.  They will do wonderfully and love their sister and the transition will take place, ready or not. I just actually saw it today, the struggle, and it affected me.  I need to make these next few weeks focused on them....not about getting the nursery all decorated, the house immaculate (ha!!), dinner on the table at the same time (ha!!), or making sure i get my workouts in. These days I will not get back, and once again, things are going to change. Just because I am ready, doesn't mean they are. Its hard to always remember that, for some reason, you think it would be easy, but its not. But I try,and will continue to try my best.
They certainly know how to pull on the heart strings.

Amanda

Headed to Disney world!!

We are on our way!!! Our Disney trip is here and we are ready!! Right now we are driving through GA , about 100 miles to the Florida boarder!! The boys are asleep and hopefully will stay that way till morning.
They are such AMAZING travelers!! Really , couldn't ask for much better! They are still energized toddlers, so they don't LOVE being in the car, but they have managed to entertain themselves! It helps that we planned some Disney themed snacks(Lotso's beety sweet cookies, pluto'a banana nut muffins...) and some simples Disney things like crayons, coloring pages, stamps, and small figurines! And it helps that we purchased a car DVD player!! It was Shane's idea, and it has been useful :) I actually have been the one that has required the most stops!!! Drinking gallons of water and being 8 months prego, in the car... Creates a lot of stops!!
It's been a beautiful day!! Sunny and warm! When we have stopped, the boys have been running around and getting their wiggles out!!
Owens has loves knowing which state we are in. When I told him we were now in South Carolina, he replies "Again?!" North Carolina, South Carolina.... So confusing!!
When they wake up we will be in Florida!! This promises to be a vacation with many special memories!!! I am beyond exited!!

A car crash....never is in the plan.

 Well, last weekend, we had ourselves a little accident. We were coming home from a day in DC. Really the boys slept while we went to the Lincoln and other memorials, and we just enjoyed the beautiful weather!! After about 5 days of rain and a day of "snow" it was much needed!!
Well, just as we got onto dreaded 95, we hit traffic. I am not sure how it happened, but we ended up crashing into the car in front of us.  It was fast, and scary and we had no idea how it happened really. I was talking to Owen, looking for a video for him to watch, and all of a sudden we were all jolted forward violently. We instantly after looked to the boys and they were in tears. They were shaken up and had no idea what happened. Well, owen did know a little, he said he wanted daddy's car fixed and to go home. Thankfully we were all ok, nothing more than being sore the next day, and the kids car seats worked just like they should, praise God! Well, to cut out the gory details of the crash, had have had many blessings come out of it.
     One person who was involved in the crash, there were 3 cars including ours, offered to drive us almost to our house, so we didn't have to wait at the to truck place and wait for a ride from there!! Now we were basically in Dc still when this happened, so we still had about an hour and 45 mins to get home!! She took us all but 20 mins!! Amazing! And she told us to come over anytime and she would cook us a Sudanese dinner!! She was beyond kind. She even gave my children milk to drink since they had already devoured all our snacks and drinks! Talk about a blessing!! We just crashed into her car, via another car, and she showed us such mercy and grace!! I want to be like that lady. I hope i would be in that same situation!! What is the point of being angry and mean....it doesn't ever help!!
     Then, from Outdoor World, 20 mins from our house, our friends and neighbors picked us up and took us home!! How amazing is that!! I met these people in July, and they just had moved here like us, so we were all going through the same things.  It has been a blessing to have met them, for so many reasons more than them giving us a ride home.

     So we had an accident, and really, it was no stress to find a way home! When does that happen?!
Well the next step was to get a rental car....of course i waived that option in our insurance, so we had to find one on our own. It was a sunday, and only rental places open were in the airport. If you rent from an airport, and want to use a debit car, you have to show proof of round trip travel!!! What?! We just need a car! And of course if we pay our credit card with the debit card, the funds wouldn't be available in time! But the nice people are capital one told me to western union the money to the card, and we could have it in 10 mins!! Praise the Lord!! So we were able to get a rental car so Shane could make it to work this week!!
     Of course this was not our plan. We wanted to buy a new car for Shane,and a used car for myself!! This was not how we were planning on going about it!! But I know God knows what he is doing.
     A few days before the accident, we received word that despite being told Shane and his fellow co workers wouldn't receive the bonus promised to them if they reached a certain goal, they actually were going to get it anyways!! The deal was for JJ's to be up 10% from last year and he will give them a nice extra bonus....well they ended up around 9.5% over from last year!!! But Jimmy, because he basically told everyone that there was no way they wouldn't get it, decided to give it anyways!! What a huge blessing! Now we  wanted to use that money and trade in shane's car for a new vehicle! Even if that doesn't happen exactly like we wanted, how amazing is it that we are getting that money this week, just after this awful crash and we will A) have money for the deductible if it needs to be repaired of B) have money to pay the gap and get a new/used car!! The way God has been apart of this is awesome! I know God probably wasn't like, hey lets wreck there car, and leave them hanging, and see how they like that! But I do believe that God is orchestrating all this, and His plan is way better than mine!!
    This entire thing could have been way way worse. And especially if we decided to be defeated and let the Devil in and steal the show. yes, we have been stressed a worried at times...the first 3 hours after the accident i think we both were trying to not cry hysterically, because we knew it wouldn't help. We are keeping our heads up and letting God do his work. Just listening to him and pray about all these decisions.
     We are still waiting to hear if our car is totaled or not, we should know today. Whatever the outcome is though, I will praise him for all of his goodness and grace he has shown us.  Easily, my kids or husband, or self,  could have been hurt of taken away from me. That didn't happen, God spared us, and we need to praise him for that!! It going to be a process, but we are going to get through, and with a smile on our face!

Christmas went a week longer!!

Well the day after Christmas, my parents arrived! It was different not seeing any family on Christmas Day, but by them getting here the day after, it made Christmas seem like an extra week!!The first day after they got here, I had an early morning ultra sound and midwife appointment!!! It was our first ultra sound, and I was almost 22 weeks, so we were all excited!! We wanted Owen to see the ultra sound, so we all went, they they watched the boys until it was ultra sound time, then Owen came in to see!! We found out we are having a GIRL!!! We are beyond excited :) She is going to be a great fit to this family!! After our ultra sound, we did some shopping, got some lunch(chick fil a ) of course, and then rested at home while the boys played and enjoyed their grandparents!!
The next day, Shane and I had planned a overnight date!! It would be our first time away from both boys!! We were only staying in Richmond, so we were not far!! We got to experience some local places in Richmond, that we normally wouldn't go to with the boys, and it was great fun to just be with my husband! Saturday morning, we were ready to come home after a great breakfast at a local french place, Can Can, they had this tea that was AMAZING!! I can feel a craving coming on now :)
Saturday was spent with my family up north in VA, and swimming at the hotel they got for the night!!
Both Owen and Henry are water lovers!! I think we may have some pretty good swimmers on our hands!
Sunday we went to church, and my parents joined us. Shane and my dad watched the boys, while I went to see Les Miserables with my mom and aunt. That was a nice treat! I remember listening to my mom's tape of Les Mis when I was a teenager! Its amazing how the music sticks with you.
Monday, Shane had to go back to work, New year's eve. My planned some great activities for the boys to do to celebrate/countdown New Years!! Things like brownie making, marshmallow races, "snowball Fights", dancing, reading and making new years ornaments! It was pretty awesome, and the bulk of what these pictures are of. We let the boys stay up as long as they could....Henry made it to about 8 and Owen made it to 8;54! such party animals  :)
The next day, New Years day, my parents headed for home in the late morning.  It was a great time with them here....we didn't do anything fancy.....they just spent good quality time with their grand kids, but that is what they both needed!!
I think if we would have let him, Owen would have hopped in the car with them, or in our car and followed them back to their yellow house in Michigan. But we will see them again and the time spent apart we always find fun new ways to stay connected!!


Grandma and Grandpa are here!!! Owen is opening a toy with Grandpa!

One of Owen's favorite games is battle ship....he just loves to fill in the pegs! He taught Grandma.

Chill in with Grandpa....Being a silly goose with is legs!

Coloring with Grandma. Owen likes to manage who colors what and with what color...rather than color :)

Learning how to use the ipad!! Thanks for that Dad!!

Caught ya!!! Owen snapped a few pictures!!

Marshmallow races! Both the boys LOVED this game!! Maybe I should bust it out someday soon!!

This kid has amazing patience!! He was able to sting the bead on, without any frustration, even if it took a while!

More Marshmallow racing!! Henry had to stop and have a bite to eat :)

Mini Marshmallows have so many fun uses!!! This was our "snowball fight "Owen and Henry and Mom had their own forts, and had to infiltrate the other's fort with "snow balls!" It was great fun!! and not very cold!!

Got you Owen!!

Crashed on New year's eve!! Last night together.

"Its time for bed Grandma!!"  Owen no longer needed us for bedtime/wake up time this week....he really preferred it that way, he just wanted grandma and grandpa for that. 

First night they arrived!!! Opening up some gifts. Grandpa had a small gift for the boys everyday they were there....so there was much of this! 

Ready for bed....but Grandpa and Owen decided to play some games from Owen's folder on the ipad :) 5 mins later, he was out.

On our date!! This was Can Can, the french restaurant. We went there for dessert and for breakfast the next day!

Grandma has the touch!! With very little crying, no BM, Henry finally conked out! And stayed asleep all night!!

Inside the Jefferson hotel! The staircase in this hotel inspired the author of Gone with the Wind and the staircase in the book/movie. They used to have live alligators in this hotel, how awesome is that, but now they just use it as a mascot type item.

Doctor Owen making house calls!! Off to see Aunt Mel and Uncle Ron at the hotel. Then it was time to swim!!

Shane took this of me on our date! It was at the Jefferson hotel.



Christmas was extended this year and it was a great way to celebrate it!! A week of Christmas sounds great to me!! We were blessed by the visit and can't wait for the next one!!

It was the most wonderful time of the year!!

So, I am not sure I have blogged at all in December! It has been a fun month though! And just so down the road, I can refresh my own memory, I am gonna type it all down!  December brought tons of fun with decorating, crafting and prepping for Christmas!! The boys and I spent our days making decorations, baking cookies, mailing out cookies, doing our advent countdowns and just taking in all the magic of the season! The weekends were spend getting loads of daddy time and checking Richmond and some of our favorite spots!

 We headed to the Christmas Parade in Richmond. It was pretty fun, and a bonus, not very cold!

 Owens birthday weekend, we spent in Baltimore, and we spent one of the days at the Aquarium. But first we hit up a favorite local breakfast spot that was featured on Diners Drive ins and Dives. It was pretty good.

 Opening up his presents and balloon notes from Grandma and Grandpa Elliott.

Some christmas lights in Baltimore that have been around for a long time and have become a Baltimore area favorite. 

We had 3 christmas countdowns this year. This one was part of the Truth in the Tinsel countdown. It was a really awesome Ebook and I can't wait to do it again next year! Owen learned a lot from it and the story of Christ's birth really stuck with him.

 Henry loves this Mickey mouse music house. He would just sit and listen to it for a long time.

 Crafting!

 Painting our Mary and Elizabeth craft for the advent countdown.

 Owen's first haircut!! The weekend after his 3rd birthday!! It makes him look way to grown up.

 Another advent, Truth in the Tinsel craft.

This was a real tree we found in Charlottesville. It was pretty massive.



We decided to stay home for christmas eve and christmas, even though we do have some family about an hour and a half north of us.  So we had them over for dinner a few days before christmas, rather than traveling there christmas day. We are so blessed to have them so close. Myself especially. My cousin and I are the same age, and we have always wanted to live close to each other! He is getting married this summer and i am so excited for him, and can't wait to see what this new chapter in his life will bring! I didn't make anything too fancy, but tried to get some fun christmasy foods in there! Owen really liked the "Grinch Punch" Sprite and Lime Sherbet! It was pretty yummy. 

 Putting together the Firestation/Police house Aunt Mel, Uncle Ron and Corey got for the boys.

 Opening up his daily book countdown that Grandma wrapped and sent in the mail for the boys to open every day. They really looked forward to opening these up. And they also sent a Pirate Playmobil advent calendar they opened each day, and inside were different parts of the pirate island! It was very cool, and both boys are now even more in love with Playmobil than ever!!

These next few pictures are from Christmas Eve. We had a super relaxing day, and then had an early dinner or Chinese Takeout(we have been doing this for a few years now!) And then we headed to Christmas Eve church service.

 I love this little boy!! I love how he is growing, however, i wish it could slow down!! I need to remember to keep them little!!

 Owen placing his gifts for Henry under the tree. He has such a giving heart!!

I will end the post at this point!!! I feel like this post has been long enough and I have a lot more photos from Christmas, and the week after with my parents here!!!