Wow, 2 weeks since I've written and this month has almost gotten away from me. In that time, we now have a 1 month old, a new house and a student in our family.
The move was not easy. Trying to coordinate everything and figure out where best to utilize my time was hard and finding places to feed Hannah while the movers were taking things in and out was challenging. But everything got here, mostly in one piece. We had a few casualties, but nothing we can't part with or fix. We did manage to make it to church that Sunday after the move and going back to Central Baptist after 5 years was weird and cool all at the same time. The boys had a good time and learned about Jesus, and we saw the Browers as well as some other people we recognized.
Francis headed back that Sunday leaving the kids, my mom and I here for the week while he finished up his last week of work. His coworkers were in shock over his leaving and many of them said they refused to let him go. Human resources said if he ever wants to come back, there is a position there for him. I'm glad he left on good terms. My mom and I spent the week getting the kids settled and the house put together. I am proud to say I made a huge amount of progress even with a 3 week old. In fact now at the 2 week mark, we only have 20 boxes left to unpack. We've even hung some stuff on the walls. We are not done, but I feel like we are getting closer. I'm so thankful to my mother though. She kept me sane, fed us and made the first week in a new house bearable. Thanks mom!
Francis returned that Friday and after more setting up, we actually made it to both sunday school and service at church. We attended the parents of preschoolers class and recognized around 1/3 of the class. No one that we recognized really spoke to us, but others did and we were even invited to a small group get together that Tuesday. After church, we had lunch at the Browers' house and William and Robert got to spend the afternoon playing with Penelope and Forrest while Hannah slept and the adults (Audrey came too!) got to catch up on the events going on in our lives. It was wonderful.
We did decide to go to the get together Tuesday. There were a ton of kids around our kids' ages and the boys had a blast playing outside. Francis got to know some of the men and I had a great chat with the ladies. We were even invited to a play date that Friday. A lady asked if we had been in the newlyweds class back in the day and we said yes. She told me that she and her husband had spent Sunday morning trying to figure out how they knew us. she said she was very happy we were back.
So our oven has been messed up since we moved in and is still not fixed, but a guy came to look at it last Wednesday. He said it is a manufacturer's defect and he would contact them. Francis had the day off on Wednesday from all his orientations so we decided after the man left that we would go do something tourist-y. We settled on trying out the Children's Museum in Bryan. The boys had fun exploring all the exhibits and Hannah slept on me in the harness. She's a great baby, my Hannah. Most babies are completely unpredictable, but she is already mostly in a routine and I can work around it well (I type this and she'll change, but oh well). Anyway, it was a fun day. Wednesday night was not so fun. The house kept getting hotter and hotter until we finally called our home warranty people to get it fixed. It was 85 in the house in the middle of the night. Because we had an infant, they made fixing it a priority. I took the kids out for lunch on Thursday to chick-fil-a. Francis came home after his orientation to wait for the guy to fix the A/C while the kid's and I hung out at the Browers. William did not want to leave when it was time to go and Penelope did not want him to leave. It was sweet. Yay for a fixed A/C too. we slept much better that night.
Friday the kids and I went to the playdate at Veteran's park with a bunch of ladies and kids from the Sunday School class. A woman immediately said, "you're Melissa right? You were in the newlyweds class a while back, right? I knew it! Our entire table recognized you and your husband but we couldn't come up with your names until after class. We are glad you are back in College Station!" So...that explains why no on came up to us, haha. All in all, it's been a good week!
This Sunday many more people came up and welcomed us back to College Station. Knowing we have a newborn and that we've just moved, the class has set up to bring us meals for the next two weeks. I am so so thankful because it one less ball to juggle right now.
The boys are doing great here. William is loveing meeting new friends and getting to do all the fun activities. Robert loves sharing a room with his big brother. William is liking it to because now there is a "boys room". It makes for a challenging nap and bed time, but we'll get there. Hannah being a baby, would likely be content anywhere I am, but she's been a real trooper. She's growing like crazy, getting control of her head somewhat, and enjoying all the love her family (especially her brothers) pour our on her. She's even started to tummy scoot when we do tummy time. I still haven't figured out exactly how she does it, but she will move 180 on her mat and then move off of it in whatever direction she sees fit. She doesn't get far, but it's highly impressive for a now 5 weeks old. I am so proud of my kids.
I am doing ok. These past few weeks have been rough on my system. My emotions have been all over the place, but it forces me to lean more on Christ and less on myself. Francis started school today. It was a little strange buying school supplies with him and explaining to the boys that Daddy was going to school. They are so happy for him and are looking forward to seeing more of him than we did when he was doing 12+ hour days each day. We bought some Blue Bell today to celebrate when he gets home from his first day!
I wish I had time for more detail, but as I said, nap time is challenging. I've got to go!
Monday, August 31, 2015
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
August 11, 2015
Today is a big day.William is four years old today. I still can't process that. Where did that time go? William knows it's his birthday and he's milking it for all it's worth. Smart boy. We just got back from having birthday slushies at Sonic. $2 for all three of us (the boys and I) to get drinks. totally worth it. William has grown into a true boy. He's no longer a baby. He's tall, and very articulate. He's kind, loyal and loves his friends and family. And we love him. William is curious and a fast learners, often quoting things like his favorite show Wild Kratts. This is his last birthday in this house before we move on Saturday. You read that right. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Friday was Francis's last day of paternity leave. We spent the morning taking the boys to their first dentist appointments. They passed with flying colors. We had lunch at Phil's grill and just enjoyed being a family. After nap Francis took the boys to the new Bass pro shop. They had fun, and I was able to do some packing in peace. I miss Francis not being here this week. We had gotten so used to having him around and he's great company.
Saturday was William and Robert had their fourth and second birthday party. They had a joint party since we won't be here in September. We had the party at the Little Gym. Over 50 people attended. It was a full house. All the family was there including my dad's parents and sister. I couldn't have done it without my mother in law running errands with me that morning, but everything turned out perfectly. I stood there during the party reflecting on how blessed we have been here in Austin to be so loved. My heart overflowed and I cried as I watched all the kids and adults I've come to know and value over these past 5 years. If I could've bottled that feeling, I know it would've sold for a million dollars a bottle. Thank you to all who came out. Your presence was felt.
I am going to take a moment to update you on Hannah. She's doing great. I had to take her to the doctor today for some eye gunk (no big deal) and she weighs 8 lbs 10 oz. Now. that's a pound over birth weight in less than 3 weeks. She's growing strong. She holds up her head for a second or two at a time, is generally content and still sleeps a lot. I'm getting enough sleep but less than I'd prefer. Oh and her umbilical cord fell off list night. She's looking less like the newborn I brought home and more like a baby. I can't wait to see what's next. I neglected to mention a funny story from church last week. Anyone who had been reading my blog for long enough will remember that Robert's first visit to church included poop that went all over me, the table and the floor. Well Hannah takes after her brother. No sooner had we entered the EXACT SAME CLASSROOM than Hannah pooped out of her diaper and alll over me, the table I was standing by and the floor. It's the only diaper she's pooped out of. Way to go Hannah.
Robert is doing great too other than he currently has a double ear infection. He doesn't talk much but not because he can't. A few days ago he wanted something from the kitchen. Me: What do you want? Robert: Juice. Me: You want juice? (I reach for the orange juice). Robert: no dat one. Dat! (pointing). Me: oh, this one (grabbing the correct juice). Robert: yess, tanks......I usually only ever get grunts out of this kid unless I make him talk. He's a stinker.
This Sunday was our last Sunday at Great Hills Baptist Church. I will miss it dearly. I cried leaving the building. Our Bible Life class prayed over us, and it hit me so hard that I wont see them each week anymore. I tried to soak in every moment. God moves among those people and they have helped me to grow. Great Hills has left an imprint on my heart that will never leave. William told all his friends goodbye. He was so excited about looking forward that he wasn't sad at all. It made it all little easier on me.
My first two days flying solo have been fine. I've hardly had to break stride which is amazing. God is so good! I've done grocery shopping and The Little Gym, and a dr appointment. Busy 2 days!
I cried today leaving The Little Gym for the last time. We were the first people in the door when they opened and my kids have grown up learning gymnastic skills. Our time there has been full of learning.
And now for the answer you are waiting for. Where are we moving? College Station! After praying and preparing beginning last October, God has led us to this point. Francis is returning to school to finish his doctorate in Aerospace Engineering. I am both excited and sad. Excited for the future and sad to leave. I'm still processing each "last" and I don't do change well. We've had a lot of change in the past month. We bought a house in College Station, had a baby and are about to move. We close on our house here in Austin on Monday. Francis turned in his 2 week notice yesterday (he will be staying his last week in a hotel in Austin while we are in college station). His boss took it well since Francis is going back to school. Please pray for us in this time of transition. We are nuts. But we know we are following God's plan. We'd rather be in his will than anywhere else, but it's so hard to leave.
If you are in Austin, know how much we love you and we hope to see you even after we leave. Thank you for helping this feel like home. It means more than you'll ever know.
Friday was Francis's last day of paternity leave. We spent the morning taking the boys to their first dentist appointments. They passed with flying colors. We had lunch at Phil's grill and just enjoyed being a family. After nap Francis took the boys to the new Bass pro shop. They had fun, and I was able to do some packing in peace. I miss Francis not being here this week. We had gotten so used to having him around and he's great company.
Saturday was William and Robert had their fourth and second birthday party. They had a joint party since we won't be here in September. We had the party at the Little Gym. Over 50 people attended. It was a full house. All the family was there including my dad's parents and sister. I couldn't have done it without my mother in law running errands with me that morning, but everything turned out perfectly. I stood there during the party reflecting on how blessed we have been here in Austin to be so loved. My heart overflowed and I cried as I watched all the kids and adults I've come to know and value over these past 5 years. If I could've bottled that feeling, I know it would've sold for a million dollars a bottle. Thank you to all who came out. Your presence was felt.
I am going to take a moment to update you on Hannah. She's doing great. I had to take her to the doctor today for some eye gunk (no big deal) and she weighs 8 lbs 10 oz. Now. that's a pound over birth weight in less than 3 weeks. She's growing strong. She holds up her head for a second or two at a time, is generally content and still sleeps a lot. I'm getting enough sleep but less than I'd prefer. Oh and her umbilical cord fell off list night. She's looking less like the newborn I brought home and more like a baby. I can't wait to see what's next. I neglected to mention a funny story from church last week. Anyone who had been reading my blog for long enough will remember that Robert's first visit to church included poop that went all over me, the table and the floor. Well Hannah takes after her brother. No sooner had we entered the EXACT SAME CLASSROOM than Hannah pooped out of her diaper and alll over me, the table I was standing by and the floor. It's the only diaper she's pooped out of. Way to go Hannah.
Robert is doing great too other than he currently has a double ear infection. He doesn't talk much but not because he can't. A few days ago he wanted something from the kitchen. Me: What do you want? Robert: Juice. Me: You want juice? (I reach for the orange juice). Robert: no dat one. Dat! (pointing). Me: oh, this one (grabbing the correct juice). Robert: yess, tanks......I usually only ever get grunts out of this kid unless I make him talk. He's a stinker.
This Sunday was our last Sunday at Great Hills Baptist Church. I will miss it dearly. I cried leaving the building. Our Bible Life class prayed over us, and it hit me so hard that I wont see them each week anymore. I tried to soak in every moment. God moves among those people and they have helped me to grow. Great Hills has left an imprint on my heart that will never leave. William told all his friends goodbye. He was so excited about looking forward that he wasn't sad at all. It made it all little easier on me.
My first two days flying solo have been fine. I've hardly had to break stride which is amazing. God is so good! I've done grocery shopping and The Little Gym, and a dr appointment. Busy 2 days!
I cried today leaving The Little Gym for the last time. We were the first people in the door when they opened and my kids have grown up learning gymnastic skills. Our time there has been full of learning.
And now for the answer you are waiting for. Where are we moving? College Station! After praying and preparing beginning last October, God has led us to this point. Francis is returning to school to finish his doctorate in Aerospace Engineering. I am both excited and sad. Excited for the future and sad to leave. I'm still processing each "last" and I don't do change well. We've had a lot of change in the past month. We bought a house in College Station, had a baby and are about to move. We close on our house here in Austin on Monday. Francis turned in his 2 week notice yesterday (he will be staying his last week in a hotel in Austin while we are in college station). His boss took it well since Francis is going back to school. Please pray for us in this time of transition. We are nuts. But we know we are following God's plan. We'd rather be in his will than anywhere else, but it's so hard to leave.
If you are in Austin, know how much we love you and we hope to see you even after we leave. Thank you for helping this feel like home. It means more than you'll ever know.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
August 6, 2015
Baby girl is almost 2 weeks old. That happened so fast!
Sunday we took Hannah to church for the first time. She was so interested that she was awake nearly the whole time. That's good except she kept making noises during our teacher's lesson on fasting so I had to leave. Something about random grunting and such seemed inappropriate given the topic (but it was a little funny). Everyone in the hall oohed and ahhed over her which made momma the happiest of women. Overall it was a success!
Francis had this week off and I am so glad. I am not sure what I would have done without the extra set of hands. Next week will be interesting! The boys have been great. We survived grocery shopping on Monday and Little gym classes on Tuesday with no real excitement, which was wonderful. Hannah is still sleeping most of the time, though the twilight hours seem to be her most alert. She's generally most awake from 6:30pm until nearly 9:30 or 10. She's just as happy as can be most of the time. She coos and just looks around, ever curious. The boys LOVE her. They want to show her all their toys and are very disappointed when she is asleep and can't see them. They want to hold her and kiss her and William will not go to sleep at night without one last Hannah hug. It's completely adorable. I'm so blessed.
So far I've only had one bout where all three of my children were crying at once. It is extremely hard to hold all three but somehow I managed it. Not sure how. Probably wont ever work again.
Hannah had her "two week" check up yesterday a couple of days early. She was a champ when they took her blood for the newborn screening. The doctor was impressed as Hannah had not only regained her birth weight (7lb 10 oz) but had actually gained weight beyond that was was already 8 lbs. and 21 1/2 inches long. I'm not surprised; this girl is a good eater. She would eat all night if she could. I am so proud of how she is growing. I could just stare at her all day long (this is true for all of my kids). People who see her say she looks just like a baby doll. I would have to agree. My beatiful, sweet Hannah. I love her so much!
Next week will be a true test of my mettle as I will be going solo for the week. This will be harder than it would be normally for reasons I cannot yet mention (but should be able to bring to light next week!). Please keep me in your prayers. I am not fully recovered, but am feeling pretty good. I hurt in my back when I stand for too long or walk too much, so I will try to take it reasonably easy. I am so grateful for all the delicious food that has been brought to us over these past weeks. I have not yet had to cook and that is the biggest blessing I could receive right now. I only wish all of you knew what an impact you've made.
Till next week!
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