June 16, 2015

Thank you all for your kind words, encouragement and most of all your prayers. I am so glad we serve a living God. I am still hurting physically (sometimes are worse than others), I still have more to do than I am capable, and the situations causing stress have not changed. BUT I am much more at peace about the whole thing. I feel like I've come up for air somehow even though nothing has really changed. Not sure I can really explain it except to say I have been comforted. Please continue to pray. I can't wait to share how God uses all this for His glory when the time comes. 

Swim lessons have been going great. William is loving being in the "big bears" class by himself and he is growing into a more confident swimmer each day. He is learning to go underwater by himself, swim on his back and is working on learning to stroke with his arms. Robert is also a little fish. he paddles around (with me holding him) with no fear and tons of anticipation. He knows how to monkey crawl, climb in and out of the pool, god underwater, and reach in front for him and kick to move forward. What smart boys I have!

Little Gym for the summer has started up. We are scheduled for Tuesdays, but sure to swim lessons last week and this week, we are doing class on Fridays. That means that William is in the sports class instead of his regular gym class. This last week they were doing Hockey! William learned to hold a stick, how to do a slap shot, how to block a goal and a ton of other hockey skills. He was so proud and so was his daddy when I sent a picture. Robert moved up to the "beasts" class. He fits right in with the bigger kids. As his teacher said, "Robert was kinda born a beast. He's got skills." 

Saturday we were up in Dalllas for the Elliot/Thweatt family reunion (my mothers' side). The boys got to swim and eat way too many sweets, and they had a little "sprinkle" for Hannah. She got a bunch of her nursery items. I'm so excited. Thanks Aunt Bup for hosting! It was so fun!

So, a couple weeks back the boys had Fifth disease, which isn't a big deal for them as the symptoms are super mild. I had it when I was young so I should be immune. That being said, when I told my doctor about it, she told me it is possible I could get reinfected and sent me both for a blood test and ultrasound. Even if I got it again, the chances are low that Hannah could be infected, and even if she got infected, chances are that it won't do anything to her, especially considering how far along she is in development. BUT there is a very very small chance that this disease can do a lot of damage to unborn babies. So, I did the blood test on last Thursday and I go in for my ultrasound on this Friday. The odds of anything being wrong are so low, that I'm not really worried about it, but I am looking forward to seeing Hannah. So pray for me, that I will continue to be calm. I don't think anything is wrong, but it is good to confirm. 

That's all I got for now. Till next time! 

June 9, 2015

The End of Me

That's what I've reached. If you want to hear the general update on the kids, skip down below. Otherwise read on. I've reached my limit, both physically and emotionally. Things that we thought would run smoothly have not. We are still not sure how they are going to be resolved (or even if they willl be resolved). All the physical tasks I have (yes, I really have) to do are becoming too much for me. Stress has been running high and I've run out of juice. But that's ok. Because I can't be it all, but God can. My joint pain has come early this pregnancy. I over did it on Thursday and had contractions all night Thursday and during the day Friday. Since then every movement hurts more than the last. I caught myself taking deep breaths to even bend down and put the laundry away because I was anticipating the pain. I have no clue how I will make it through the next 7 weeks with all I have to do. But that's ok. There is a Healer and His name is Jesus. I don't have control, but He does. My hormones are all over the place, in part due to to the stress of being in pain and of not being able to sleep. Satan is picking at old wounds, causing me to cry over things long ago restored and left behind.  I feel like a raw ball of nerves. But it's ok, I know the Victor, and it is not the accuser. I am having to remind myself of these truths constantly as I feel very much under attack right now. I thought about keeping this post private, but I want to share so you can know how to pray for me. Please pray I will find strength in and relief from the pain that will likely intensify as the weeks progress until Hannah comes. Please pray that we will find peace in what ever God has for us in the coming days as we see His plans unfold (and that we would have the wisdom to act as required). Please pray that my hormones and emotions would not control my thoughts or my actions. It's good I've reached the end of my own strength. Perhaps it's the only way I can fully rely on Him and give Him the glory in my circumstance. I appreciate your prayers more than you know.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program. The boys are doing great! William is becoming very vocal on everything. And he has a memory like a steel trap. Don't try and fool him because he will call you on it every time. The wheels are always turning and his questions are getting increasingly difficult to answer. He wants to know why and how everything works. I've had to tell him I don't know and we look up the answer together. If he's like this before he turns 4, how am I going to help him at 12??

Robert is also doing well. He is also becoming more vocal. He will tell you his opinion one way or another, but he is coming up with more and more words to express himself. He loves playing with William and the boys are always inventing games are activities to play together. They mostly play well, but perfect they are not. I think their favorite game is "tag" which mostly involves just running in circles while music plays. Sweet boys.

Hannah had a baby shower at the melting pot on Saturday. I got to have chocolate Fondue with some of the sweetest ladies I know. A HUGE thank you to Arlene for organizing it. Hannah was blessed with gifts, and I was blessed with tons of love and support. Thank you all! Hannah is moving like crazy and pushing so hard, sometimes I think she will come out now. Love this little girl so much already and I cannot wait to meet her in person.

The boys started Swim lessons yesterday. They are doing great. We have it Monday -Thursday this week and next. I can't wait to see how my little fish progress!!!

That's it for now.

June 2, 2015

It's been a crazy week and a half. Francis and I had to make a quick trip to College Station weekend before last and so my mom came and watched the boys Saturday. We got to have lunch with our friends Dave and Tracy, and all in all it was a great day trip! Thanks mom for making it so easy on us!!!

We picked up a nail over that weekend, so Monday (Memorial Day) we had to get a replacement tire on our new Sienna. A bummer, but at least Francis had the day off.  We had a nice lunch out, but as the clouds were looking menacing, we headed home in time to let the dogs in before the deluge happened. By deluge, I mean that it rained all afternoon and into the evening a rain that you could hardly see through. At one point the rain came up over the curb, which is when I got nervous. Something gave way further down the street though, and the water  rushed quickly down the road. We had 5 tornado warnings that afternoon and spent that time glued to the television to see when we needed to take cover. We were supposed to grill out, but seeing as it was pouring outside and kinda flooding, we had to make our fajitas on the flat top. They still tasted delicious, but the house was a little smoke filled by the end. A day to remember.

Tuesday was our Year End Showcase at The Little Gym. Both boys preformed their skills with style and I couldn't have been more proud! Wednesday was a doctor appointment for Hannah. I am measuring right on target and Hannah is doing great. Dr. Thai even let William use the machine to hear Hannah's heartbeat. His little face was lit up so much I'm sure he was glowing. Hannah is getting big. Only 8 weeks to go!

Wednesday my mother-on-law came up to visit us. We had dinner with Francis, and the kids thought it was the best thing ever. Thursday, Frankie's mom, the boys and I went up to the mall (it was raining again), and played on the playground there, had lunch and rode some rides. After nap, the boys played with Nana even more; I'm sure she got her exercise that day!

Friday Frankie's mom, the boys and I headed to San Antonio and spent the afternoon at Sea world. It was fun to see the animals and shows when it wasn't crowded. We had a blast. After dinner, the boys even got to swim in the hotel pool. Francis joined us late that evening as did Francis's father and sister with her family. Saturday we all spent the morning and part of the afternoon at Sea World. We did Aquatica and relaxed until around three another major storm came over. We quickly headed back to the hotel and waited until dinner, We braved the storm and had dinner all together before Francis, the boys and I went home just as the storm passed. What a day!

Church on Sundays is always a blessing. I don't have much else to say in that respect.

Yesterday grocery shopping and house cleaning. Today was our last day of the Season at The Little Gym. I will miss all the people we've gotten to know as we head into the summer. Seems like we will be in with a whole different set of people over the summer so it will be a new adventure.

That's all for now. On to laundry!

May 22, 2015

It's been busy this week. We did maternity photos on Saturday morning. Praise the Lord, the rain held off until we were done. It has rained almost non stop here for weeks. The pictures turned out cute, and I'm so thankful our friend Seth was able to take them!

Rain most of the day Sunday. Francis actually dropped us off by the door, it was raining so hard. Monday the rain held off long enough to do our grocery run and stay dry. Tuesday, the rain started as we were walking into Little Gym. Rain rain rain! Then Wednesday, I pull up the weather and...almost no chance of rain! so we hightail it to The Play for All Abilities Park so we can have some outside time. It was glorious! The sun even peeked out for a second. I had almost forgotten what it looked like.

Thursday, we had a playdate with Arlene and her kids Caleb and Caitlyn. The rain took a break long enough for the kiddos to ride their bikes to a basketball court nearby their house. the 3 kids who could ride did, and Caleb watched happily. We had lunch and spent part of the afternoon there before heading back. The kids even got to make playdoh! Thanks Arlene! Arlene gave me some 0-9month clothing for Hannah that Caitlyn (now 3) had outgrown. Double thanks, Arlene!!! Hannah is getting close to having a real wardrobe. We won't have to buy her too much more before she is ready to go int he clothing area.

Today, with the rain pouring, William and Robert work early and were ready to go at 7 having already eaten breakfast. I asked William is he just wanted to finish his "schoolwork" book so he could get his reward for finishing out the year. He agreed and made quick work of what was left. We did a happy dance and the I asked William what special reward he wanted for finishing the year strong. I expected a lot of answers, but not what I got. "I want to play the chipmunk dance game on the Xbox and then I want to walk around Toys R Us." I told him we would not buy anything at Toys R us and even suggested Mt. Playmore or the Thinkery and any number of other playgrounds, but he was resolute. So we played on the Xbox until right before Toys R Us opened and then walked around toys R Us for a little over an hour. He was the happiest kid you'll ever see. Robert had a great time too. William told me it was one of the best days ever. Cheap fun!

Well, we've got other stuff going on, but all that will come out here in due time. Please pray that we would not shy away from tough choices if they are right and that we as a family are seeking His will. Nothing bad is going on, I promise. We look forward to seeing what God has in store!!!

May 14, 2015

Last Saturday, the boys, Francis and I drove down to Houston so I could attend Angel's baby shower. After having lunch with Angel, Austin, Cyndy, Chris and their kiddos, the ladies headed off to the shower while the men and kids played at the Davis house. The shower was great, and I loved spending time celebrating Angel and the new arrival of Asher. When we got back, I don't know who looked more tired, the men or the kids. William and Robert passed out on the way home (around 4), only to wake up for a later than usual dinner. It was a good day.

Sunday was mother's day. I was treated to breakfast in bed and got sweet cards and a gift on my tray. church was wonderful and lunch at BJs afterward went off without a hitch. When the boys went down for a nap, I got some alone time to go get a much needed  haircut. I think it turned out cute! When I arrived home, Francis had taken the boys to pick out a dessert (frozen pie) for us to eat after dinner. All in all a great day!

When we woke up on Tuesday, it was the middle of the night. Robert was awake and uphappy, though I couldn't tell what was wrong. We went to Little Gym where he didn't want to be put down and actually passed out during William's class at 11. He didn't wake up until after 3 where he had a fever of 103. I called the doctor, but they couldn't get me in until the morning. By morning he was fine again. No idea what caused the spike, but I'm glad its over. I hate my babies being sick!!!

The weather here has been crazy. We've had a flash flood watch every day for weeks now. I am glad we are getting the rain, but we need some sunshine too...especially on Saturday when we are supposed to be doing maternity pictures outside.

I have been having a lot of pelvic pressure and Braxton Hicks contractions than usual. I am trying very hard to take it easy and not worry myself, but I would very much like it if Hannah could take a break and not make me need to sit every time I stand for more than a couple minutes. so yeah.

Nothing much else going on here. William is doing great and is enjoying his time being 3 years old. he looks forward to his birthday because "Hannah will be here right before". Only 11 weeks till she is due. Gotta get busy!

May 8, 2015

Change, she is a comin'.

Trying to decide what is worth writing. Saturday we got new tires for Francis' car. Yet another of a long line of unexpected expenses we've had lately. I'm glad we are savers, and have the ability to plan for these events, but I really don't like spending money. The tires look nice though! I also finally picked out bedding for Hannah's nursery. The theme will be butterflies! I cannot tell you what a weight that  is off my shoulders. It may sound silly, but I have had such a hard time with this because what I want does not currently exist. I also have trouble with the price tag of some of the ones I have liked. As mentioned above, I am a saver, not a spender. I do like what I finally selected. It will be fun to have some pink around the house.

Speaking of Hannah, I had a dr. appointment on Wednesday for her. Apparently my glucose is borderline. My doctor is not going to make me do the three hour test at this time (Hallelujah!), but if my measurements start to become off, we will have to do something. Since we have big babies anyway in this family, I'm a little nervous. I am going to try to take it one day at a time.  

Yesterday the boys and I hung out with most of my Bible Study group at the Thinkery. It was a lot of fun and both boys actually napped long and hard afterward. I needed a nap too, but spent the time baking instead. I rediscovered why baking is not my thing. 

Well, I suppose it is officially summer for the Phillips family. Aside from William finishing his school book (he has about 2 weeks left) and the last parents' night out of the school year (which is tonight), all of our regular activities have come to a close. We had our last MOPS meeting today, and I did a good job not crying. It was a sweet time, and I will try to hang out with them again before the end of summer. 

So what's up next for the Phillips family? A summer of Little Gym, Swim lessons, splash pads, finding cool places to play and of course, welcoming the newest member of our team. Should be an exciting adventure, as will the fall. So, here's to looking back happily at what we've accomplished, living in the moment, and looking forward to all the excitement to come!

Til next time!

April 29, 2015

I had a shower for Hannah on Saturday. My MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) group threw another girl and me a shower for our upcoming children. It was so sweet! I was even able to invite my mother and mother-in-law (who both attended). It was a special time and Hannah and I both were loved on thoroughly. Hannah got some clothing and other items all of which were pink. We played a measuring game with toilet paper, had a delicious dinner and even had some strawberry shortcake ice cream cake. The whole evening had me smiling from ear to ear. When I got home with all the pink stuff, Francis chuckled and said he guesses he should get used to it. I told him that was the right attitude. I am sad that the year of MOPS is almost over, but at least there is still one more meeting to see these ladies before the summer starts!

The boys enjoyed spending the weekend with grandparents. My in-laws came in on Saturday after helping move my sister-in-law into her new house. Francis went and helped move her too, but he and his parents made it back in time for dinner. The boys love their grandparents and rightfully so. They had a blast and enjoyed taking them to church the next morning too. Sunday was "All In" high attendance Sunday. Our class won the attendance competition, though I have no idea how they scored it. After service, the whole church was provided lunch by Popeyes, and we had a nice time sitting and eating with others from our church. My mother-in-law and I then went and got our nails done while the boys napped. My parents arrived later that afternoon and so for a while the boys had the undivided attention of 4 grandparents and 2 parents. What kid could ask for more? When the ladies headed to the shower, the men and boys went out to eat and had a "boys only" party. William especially likes being included as one of the guys and so this was a special treat.

Hannah is moving all the time now. You can visibly see her do it which is equal parts amazing, cool and terrifying. I only say the last because watching your stomach contort in bizarre way that you can't control is a little unnerving. The occasional swift kick to the lungs, bladder and stomach is also something you happily forget about in between kids. It will all be worth it though. I love that she is growing, and wouldn't change a thing. She's a miracle.

I don't know where we are with William and naps. He went on strike from naps for over a week and a half until Sunday, and then he's taken a long nap every day since save Thursday. I am just playing it by ear at this point with him. As long as he rests quietly in his room for a little while, he is usually just fine until bed time. I'm not ready for him to give up naps! I need them too. I actually passed out (unintentionally) from exhaustion on Wednesday afternoon only to wake up and find both boys were up from their nap and playing happily together quietly. Crazy!

Also, an update on Robert's potty training: Since I was so sick with food poisoning last week, we took a break from putting him on the potty regularly and haven't started up again. He climbs on the potty occasionally, but I don't want to push him too much and have him lose interest entirely. We are taking it slow.

Thursday was our last Bible study. I cried through most of it, since I don't know when I will see some of these ladies again. It was a sweet time, and it ended with the older kids giving us a concert. William sang beautifully and did all the motions. He loves to sing! I could hear his sweet voice through all the others and it made my heart so happy to hear him sing about Jesus. I am so happy he's my boy. I'm so happy all three of my kids are mine, in fact. God has blessed me so richly with them and they show me that in some little way each day.

In conclusion, my heart is full.