Christmas Morning at Home

Wow...what an adventure! Last Christmas I had to open all of Brienna's gifts. She was only eight months old and was just learning to crawl. Needless to say ripping paper off of gifts wasn't her thing. This year was a totally different story!

Brienna loved opening the wrapping and then handing the package over to Daddy to get the present out of it's packaging. She wouldn't open the next gift until the previous gift was separated from it's packaging and she could get her hands on it. She got so many toys - many people gave her baby dolls - she didn't know where to start! Her favorites seem to be a computer that Grandpa gave her, her tea set and stove from Omi, and table and chairs set that she got from Mommy and Daddy.

Overall, it was a great Christmas morning. I am still kicking myself for not remembering to recharge the video camera batteries Christmas Eve. I actually thought about it twice, but it wasn't until Christmas morning that I remembered that I forgot to do it. Next year, we'll have video tapes!!

Welcome Home Ellie!!

She's finally here! Elisabeth "Ellie" Noelle Phipps was born December 21, 2007 at 10:35pm. She came in weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and 19 1/4 inches.

I can't tell you how thrilled I am that Ellie is finally here! I went into labor on Friday (the 21st) around 1:30pm. Labor was very hard - more so than with Boo - because it was all in my back this time. Thank You, Lord, for the invention of the epidural!! After an hour of hard work Ellie made her way into the world. The doctor was glad that I kept my composure and I was glad he didn't try to empathise with me - like he tried to do last time. If you haven't heard the story, you'll have to ask.

Patrick stayed with Ellie and me at the hospital. I can't say it was a great two nights stay as he was stuck on the pull-out couch, but he managed to sleep. Our stay was very eventful as many friends came to see us and Ellie. Our pastor and his wife, Tressie, Judy, Daddy, and of course Omi and Brienna. Brienna enjoyed the time she got to spend with her sister - just take a look at these pictures!

Brienna holds Ellie for the first time

Brienna admires her little sister

Brienna gets to help feed Ellie

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

I went to the doctor on Thursday morning. In eight days I found a way to lose nine pounds and two inches. He didn't think was something to be too concerned about as I was up on my feet more and ate less meat and more fruit and veggies (yuck!). I jokingly asked him, "How much can I pay you under the table to induce labor?" With a smile he took out his calendar and said, "We can do it Monday morning if you want. We just require you to be within a week of your due date." Well, I have to tell you that I started getting excited when he said that - I could have Ellie Monday morning (tomorrow)!!

I talked to Patrick about it and after a lot of discussion, we decided to wait and not plan her birthday. As much as it killed me to make that decision we do think we made the right decision. Ellie will come in her own time when she's ready. (However, if she comes Friday that will fit perfectly into our home schedules!)

Today we went to church and everyone seemed to be watching me as if to say, "You still haven't had that baby yet?" We are all anticipating her arrival; I'm the nervous one though. Every time I feel something - braxton hicks in my back or my tummy tighten - I'm trying to find the nearest clock...but nothing is happening on a schedule yet. I just keep reminding myself that I am on the Lord's timetable, everything is in His hands, and He knows what is best for Ellie and for me. But on the other hand...tomorrow is another day!

Christmas Town USA

It never fails...when I am spontaneous with my daughter something will inevitably go crazy! Since I was a little girl, it has been a family tradition to go to drive through McAdenville and see the Christmas lights. This year I decided Brienna was old enough to go and enjoy it - and boy was I right! But of course the trip didn't go just as planned!

Today we started out going to Landis to see Patrick's grandfather in Landis. It was a nice visit and well worth the entire day! On the way home, Mom and I talked about taking Brienna to McAdenville this year. This was the only weekend to do it and walk through town - it's in the 70's!! So, halfway home we hit I-77 ad headed towards Christmas Town USA.

We got to Lowell around 4:30 and decided to stop and get dinner. We had about an hour of daylight to kill before the lights turned on. We stopped to get a burger and found that Brienna had wet through her diaper, onesie, and corduroy overalls. All we could do was get the wet clothes off of her and put her in a dry diaper and her fleece jacket! She thought she was something else for only having a jacket and a diaper on!

Mom immediately headed to Kohl's on highway 29 to get her some PJ's to change into. Once we got her jammies on, we got dinner and headed back into McAdenville. WE reached the line around 6:30 but didn't make it into McAdenville until 9PM!! The line never seemed to move! But once we got to town, the line seemed to take off at a normal pace and we were walking in downtown McAdenville within ten minutes!

Mom took a picture of us outside of one of the stores in downtown.

Brienna was enthralled with the huge Christmas tree outside of City Hall.

She also loved the nativity outside of the local Baptist church.

Once we finished walking through downtown, we jumped back in the car and drove trough town. Brienna sat on my lap with her hands folded over the side of the car window. She laid her head on top of her hands and enjoyed the lights. She didn't like getting back in her car seat (I can't blame her), but we made it home safely. We didn't get home until after eleven o'clock, but it was so much fun! I can't wait to take her back next year.

The Unspoken Tribute

There are many types of women in the world. The workaholic, the home-maker, the busy-bee, the social butterfly...the list goes on and on. However, my mother has a category all her own - she's the stand alone. Stand alone - sounds like a weird title so let me explain. She stands out above all other mothers I have ever met - she's the most incredible woman I have ever known. I don't take it lightly that God ordained her to be my mother.

Since I was ten years old, my mother raised me as a single mother. I wish I realized at the time what she endured as a single mother – the sacrifices she made because of me – and what I gained by having such a selfless mom. Looking back I see it all so clearly, but I also see the missed opportunities I had then to be a blessing in return to her.

She received Christ when I was in seventh grade and from that morning on we were in church every time the doors were open. We were at every service and I attended every youth function. Over the course of a year and a half, she showed me what it meant to be a Christian and what joy there was in the Christian life. I wanted a part of that, but on my own I was so unsure of how to begin taking the road to redemption. She sent me to a Christian school and it was there that the Lord got a hold of my heart and taught me how to begin my own personal walk with Him.

I wish I could say that after that January morning in 1996 that everything went perfectly. However, I still acted on my selfish antics and rebelled every once in a while. I know I broke her heart hundreds of times, forced her into hours of prayer, and even created more than half the grey hairs on her head. But through it all she showed the love of Christ, the true love of a parent, and the support of a best friend that I didn’t acknowledge.

Now that I am grown and have children of my own, I can look back through the eyes of a new parent and see the love that she’s had for me all along. From the moment we were joined together, she’s loved me unconditionally – even when I was undeserving and ungrateful. I finally realize that no matter how much I pushed away she never budged.

Mom – I am so thankful for you. I’m so grateful that you have stuck by me all these years, watched over me, guided me, and lead me down the right path. You’ll never know how much I appreciate everything you have done for me. All I can do is stand in awe at what the Lord has done with our relationship, what He’s accomplished in our lives, and the blessings He’s bestowed on us as a family. God has been so very good to us – and I tend to still take it for granted that you are the mother He gave me. Thank you for everything you have done for me – the sacrifices you made, the privileges you have given me, and the path you paved for me to follow. You are the most fabulous person I know and I’m lucky to have you as my very own. You truly are the stand alone mom.

Boo's Bedroom Follies

Today was unusual - I was actually tired enough to take a nap! The only thing standing between me and my pillow was Brienna. Patrick has always been a nap person but me? Not so much. Brienna likes to take naps mid-morning and mid-afternoon. The weekends are like clockwork. So I was excited when she started rubbing her eyes - Mommy gets a nap!

I laid down with her for fifteen minutes until she rolled over, waved her hand, and said "Bye." (This is the cue to leave the room because she's going to sleep.) Of course I headed straight for bed after checking to make sure the light on the monitor was on. It was 3pm when I laid down and 4:30 when I awoke to the sound of my child banging on the door saying "Mama! Mama!" It took me a couple of seconds to realize I wasn't hearing her through the monitor! I saw the light glowing in the dark of our room and assumed Patrick had turned up the volume.

I jumped out of bed (as fast as a preggy can move anyways) and opened her bedroom door. Now I have to preface this with an explanation. When Brienna wakes up in the mornings and from any other nap she's taken in her life, she's sitting on her bed waiting to be picked up. Today was the exception. I opened her door to find Boo on the floor complete surrounded by bibs, burp cloths, and blankets galore! What too outrageous to believe? Here's the proof!

I was stunned, but after the shock wore off I changed her diaper and we went downstairs to wait for Omi. She arrived fifteen minutes later and was just as shocked as I was. When we finally got a hold of ourselves, we decided Brienna needed to help clean up her room. Omi kept telling her to "Clean up." Her reaction? She piled on the stack of bibs and giggled at us as if to say, "I'm proud of my decorating!"

Next was Mommy's turn to tell Brienna to clean up. I got a finger pointed at me and a big "No!" But I have had this terrible two reaction before and I learned a trick with Brienna. When you want her to help you clean up, you have to show her she's helping. She loved to be the helper. So I picked up a small stack of bibs and asked her to put them in the basket. She then got up and took them from me and she put every single one back in the basket! We cheered her on and kept telling her she was a good helper. It seemed way too easy, but in the end, she cleaned up her own mess which I think made a statement - she has yet to climb off her bed again without permission!

First School Pictures

Last month when the daycare sent home a notice that the kids were having their school photos taken for Christmas, I flipped out. I immediately called a girlfriend of mine and we went shopping that Saturday for Christmas dresses for both Brienna and Ellie. (Yes, I am quite aware that Ellie's not here yet, but you never know when she'll pop her little head out!) Once I got home, Mom reminded me that she'd bought Brienna's Christmas dress last year - oops! Now she's got two.

I took Brienna to school the following Monday with her form filled out and my assumption that we would end up with Christmas pictures of her in the overalls that she wore to school that day. I left instructions for the background in case that did happen. I was told that afternoon that she had her picture taken in her dress with her hair up in the ponytail - but no one could tell me if she smiled or not. Oh the drama of waiting for photos!

As you can see -

she smiled

AND posed!!

Sorry that the pictures aren't the best quality online. There is a protective material on the photos to prevent copying and scanning - but I couldn't' help it! Everyone has to see these!

Parkin' It In the Fall

Today was a special afternoon! Omi, Boo and I went to the park after church this afternoon and we had so much fun! It was girl-time at it's best! Mom of course brought along the camera and took lots of pictures. I can't believe how big Brienna has gotten and how beautiful she is. Some of the pictures just simply took my breath away! (Ok, I admit that I have a biast opinion of my child - who wouldn't? lol)

Boo usually likes to nap in the afternoons when we get home from church, but lately those naps are getting pushed further from noon. So instead of fighting with her to get her to take the much needed nap today, we decided to play hard in the park. It was the perfect afternoon! It wasn't too cool and the sun made it a little warmer than expected.

Brienna loves the slide. Last time we went to the park, Daddy helped her climb up and slide down while Mommy watched and made faces. Today, I got the chance to help her and it was so much fun. She'd run around the jungle gym trying to pick out the next entrance she wanted to take. Her favorite was a ladder that she didn't know how to climb. I spent some time trying to teach her how to climb; one day she'll be big and strong enough to do it on her own. From the ladder, she would crawl through the tube over to the platform where the slide was. When she came out you could see the static in her hair (what couldn't be contained by the pony tails!)

Today I was proud of her for letting me put her in the swing. The last time she was on the swings, she started swinging before she was holding on. Ever since she's been scared. The funny thing is to watch her watch other kids swing. When they laugh, she laughs. I think she'll get there eventually, but until then, I'll keep putting her on the swing and let her cry for a minute or so and then take her off of it.

Brienna's First Halloween

For those of you who know me pretty well, you know that I do not like the Halloween celebration at all. But that's simply because now that I am older I know what goes on at night surrounding our community. I remember every year I would dress up as a princess or fairy, go to Halloween parties at a friend's house and have aton of fun. (Girls like dress-up.) In fact, the one year I chose to copy my friend and dress up as the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizzard of Oz, I thought my mother was going to croak right then and there. I actually think that was the one year I didn't have much fun.

This year I was faced with the first hard decision for Brienna's sake - should I let her participate in a safe environment for Halloween? I wasn't thrilled that it had already come time to make that decision, but here it was. Her daycare class had a Halloween party. They kids each got snacks and drink and had the chance to wear their Halloween costumes. I was knotted up becuase I hate Halloween so much, but I also invisioned my child going to daycare without a costume and looking dejected because the other kids would be wearing costumes and she wouldn't have one. Come to find out - she was the only child in her class that actually brought a costume! Ironic isn't it? Ha ha ha But she still looked so cute!

Tonight Mom and I dressed her up after dinner and took her to the neighbor's house to show off her costume. She had a ball picking out her own candy - like she knew what she was actually grabbing! The hardest part came when it was time to get the costume off of her! I have never seen a child so attached to clothing before.

Now that the Halloween ordeal is over for this year, I'll put the costume aside and remmmber it as a fun night for Brienna. Maybe next year we could start a new tradition of having the kids a Halloween party at our house. That may be a whole other story for next year!

Signs of the Times

For those of you who have hung in there with me over the last month or so with Brienna - I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!! For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about - September and the first half of October have been very difficult months for Brienna.

Four weeks ago we changed daycares. I took her from a home environment and put her in an educational facility that all of us absolutely love (except Brienna). Every morning we go through the same ritual - we get up, get dressed, go to school, pitch a fit and maybe kick a teacher or two, and all of us are shaking our heads saying, "What on earth!" When it's time to go home, she's in the worst mood - whiny, crying, and screaming. Needless to say she's gotten more pops and free passes to Iggyland than any child should get in one month's time. It's like she hit the "terrible two's" seven months early!

The daycare teachers say that she does very well after she's left and that it may be that she's doing it for our benefit - to see how far she can push our buttons. I will be the first to admit that I have taken more pity on that child when I leave her (thinking I am hurting her feelings and have doomed her to culture shock of being in a class room forever). I have cried over that child when I left and even thought about putting her back with the Dawson's. (I have to tell you I am VERY glad my mother is as involved as she is!) We haven't moved her and we aren't going to move her. Why?

Well, as of Friday (the 19th) she's back to being her old self - very cuddly, funny, giggly, playful, and my favorite - verbal. The only thing that hasn't changed is her morning fit pitching. This week I finally decided that when she pitched a fit at daycare, Mommy would simply let her fling herself to the floor and scream into the carpet. Mommy wouldn't pick her up, console her, or tell her it will be ok. These things I have been doing to no avail - she's still fit-pitching. So, the free passes to Iggyland are the next trick to try. I'm hoping all goes well in that department.

11/6 Update
I just had to share that things are going much better at daycare. This morning I dropped her off and we went through our normal crying spell, but the teachers have found the perfect calmer. They open the door and carry her just outside the door and they watch the birds on the playground. Seriously, once her back is turned from where Mommy is or where Mommy left her, she was fine! She loves to dance in class, is starting to eat well, and is enjoying her days at Appletree. Thanks again Mom for making me stick to what I knew was the best choice!

The BEST Outing Yet!

On October 15th, Patrick, Momma and I took Brienna to the North Carolina State Fair. I think it was first for all of us - and it was a blast! We got up early and had breakfast as a family (which rarely happens with all of our schedules). Mom insisted that we take family photos before we got in the car for the three hour drive. I know I promised to let you approve the photos of you on my blog - but this is payback for making me pose for so many pictures that day! (Don't worry - not many people have my blog address - yet!)

When we got to the fair, Brienna was wide-eyed and ready to explore. We put her in the stroller and pushed her around the farming equipment. I really enjoyed looking at how far our farmers have come with their equipment. It was fascinating to see old John Deere "machines" from the 1800's! Brienna enjoyed looking at the carriages and surreys.

When we left, the ponies caught Boo's eyes. (Gee, I wonder who she got that from!) She stood at the fence and watched the pony ride for almost twenty minutes. She giggled at the other children and of course my first thought is that she was too little to go riding horses. Omi didn't think so and jumped right over into the line and made a way for Boo to ride the ponies. Brienna road for half a lap and decided she was done. So we then went to Kiddie Town where we found a carousel for her to ride. When she was on her horse with Omi, she cried but as soon as it was over she was begging to go back on. I took her and in the chair (preggy's are limited). She liked that ride and cried when I took her off! She has a hard time making up her mind!

We also took Boo on her first Farris Wheel ride. She now has the title "Dare Devil" in our family. She loved looking out over the bars, standing up in the middle and holding onto the bar, dancing and trying to walk between all of us. While she was discovering her lack of fear, I was discovering my forgotten fear of heights. I haven't been on a Farris Wheel in years and I suddenly remembered why it had been so long. Omi and Patrick got a great laugh at the difference in me and Boo. She would stand up and I would fuss at the closest person to her for not holding onto her at all times - which was mostly Patrick.

All in all we had a wonderful day. The evening was topped off with the Josh Turner concert! It was so much fun! The music was loud and the lights were bright, but Brienna clapped and "Yayed" with the rest of us. I never told Momma this, but up until that Monday morning Patrick was trying to talk any of my friends who like country music into going to the fair so that he didn't have to go to the concert. Funny thing is that he enjoyed it just as much as I did! Overall, I think this was the best family outing we have had thus far. I'm looking forward to future trips with the family. And yes, this would mean more cheesy grin family photos!

Aches and Ails

I'm sure by now everyone knows that Brienna has a cute, affectionate, yet cheesy personality. This past week she was ill with a croupy cough, congestion, and a virus that literally took her from her funny mood to her achy, I-wanna-cuddle mood. And she had no mercy for anyone who hurt her feelings - she held grudges all day long if you hurt her feelings once! Who knew a seventeen-month-old knew how to get mad and stay mad!

She also became Mommy's little girl (and there are no objections here!). Anyone who knows my mother, knows how much she adores her grandchildren. Well, the fact Brienna always wanted me just put Mom over the edge. After all - Omi is the favorite at our house. All of a sudden, Omi isn't the favorite anymore and Brienna made no qualms about letting everyone know she wanted her Mommy.

Omi stayed home with Brienna most of the week so she did get her fill of baby. I'm sure they had a better time than Brienna let on, but once Mommy got home she almost ignored everyone else. Ever since she's been a Mommy's girl. Isn't it funny how when a baby is well they pick and choose people, but when they are ill or have a boo-boo they run to Mommy.

I have come to find out through this experience that Mommy's are special to their children. Mommy's are supposed to have a special healing power over little bumps and bruises, make you feel better when you are ill, give you a special love when your heart aches, and have all the answers to the questions you can't solve on your own. My mother is living proof of that - she's always been my special weapon against and aches and ails of the world. She's even been my saving grace when I had no clue what to do about Brienna from tummy aches, to fevers, to baby games of playing favorite. I'm a great Mom - simply because I had the best Mom.

Midnight Sleep-overs

I have to say that my favorite time with Brienna is when she's cuddly. She's usually doesn't want to snuggle until she's ready to go to sleep. Last night was no exception - she was full throttle until after 8:00pm!

For whatever reason she woke up at 3:30 this morning and started saying "Ma-ma" in her sing-song voice. I have to admit that is my favorite sound right now, but at 3:30 in the morning it's not what I expect to hear. I went into her room and she was sitting up in her crib waiting for me. When I grabbed her, she put her head on my shoulder and I thought it wouldn't be long until she was so drowsy I could put her back in bed. WRONG! She was in a snuggle mood.

After 4am rolled around, we had a bedtime heart-to-heart. "Are you tired?" "Uh-hu" "You want to get in your bed?" "Hu-uh" "You want to get in mommy's bed?" Without another response she bounded off my lap and started making her way to Mommy's bed. I tucked her in beside of me and we both finally went to sleep sometime after 5am.

The thing I have learned is that as much as I love sharing my bed (very seldomly) with her, she's not the best bed companion. She doesn't sleep still! She's on her tummy, on her side, on her back, sprawled out like no one else is in the bed, snuggled under the covers, hiding under the pillows, laying sideways, laying upside down...the positions are endless - and it's all while she's asleep!

My mother made the comment a couple of weeks ago that she wanted Boo to come down for a sleepover at Omi's house. All I can say is "Good luck!"

Starting Over...Again

All my life I feel like I keep "starting over." Each time I changed schools I felt like it was a new start. Even a new school year seemed to resemble that fact for me in some way. However, this time the feeling and the meaning are totally different.

Patrick and I got married in December of 2004. That was the beginning of the end of "starting over" for me...so I thought. We were only married a couple of months when he answered the call to preach the Bible. I was so thrilled because for the longest time (and I mean since I was in tenth grade) I knew I was supposed to marry a man who preached the true Word of God. Funny how I seemed to have forgotten that in college...but the Lord brought me back to where I am supposed to be.

Patrick started a new job assignment about a month ago. He's working (still a temp) at Corning Cable Systems in Hickory but now he's on the third shift crew. This is a wonderful opportunity as it allows him to go to school locally to get his Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies. I am so excited for him! He's worked so hard these last few weeks to get acclimated to his new schedule and I've tried hard to let him. It's not easy being a wife, and mother, without having your husband accessible 24-7. But that's okay; the Lord is teaching me through this process too.

I, on the other hand, started my "new" job in mid February and have loved it ever since. I'm the Office Manager for an international distributor of commercial "yard equipment" (mowers and edgers for country clubs and golf courses). We have customer in North and South America while our equipment is from Australia and England. We make nothing...we are simply the middle man. It's a small company, though it's been in business for twenty-five years. It's a family-owned-and-operated company, minus me and the warehouse manager. And I love them to death! They are great people - lost - and it gives me a mission field. (Please pray for me.) And for the first time ever I can say I feel like I have found the job that I fit into well enough that I see myself staying there for years to come.

Our daughter, Brienna, is now sixteen months old. She's as independent as I am, yet has her clingy moments. I have enjoyed every minute with her and I'm excited to watch her continue growing up. However, that's where the old ends.

Ellie is on her way. We are rapidly approaching Christmas and the retail stores are a constant reminder of that as everywhere I go I see Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas on the same isles! How ridiculous (but that's another soap box to stand on later). I'm growing nervous - more so now than with Brienna. Why? Because not only am I going to be responsible for her needs but I'm still in charge of Brienna. If ever there was a time to redeem tickets to the "Multitasking 101" seminar - it is now! I can't say for certain that I will know when to put Breinna on hold for Ellie or visa versa. I never had a role model for that - my brother and I are twelve years apart and were practically raised as only children.

So I'm hitting the fan with thoughts and wonders about how I want things to be and how I'm scared they will end up being. I think it will be wonderful to have two daughters share the same room and grow up as each other's best friends. I'm scared that Brienna won't want to move to her big girl bed in a few weeks and when Ellie takes up residence in Brienna's "big girl room" she'll initiate Ellie into the family with nice whack upside the head. And of course that's when the trouble begins right?

Well, for now, I'm enjoying my time with the girls. Brienna likes to get in bed with me and crawl over my tummy to watch it respond. She doesn't get the fact that there is another baby in my tummy, but she knows that I refer to it as Ellie. Until she actually gets here, I think I will put the future where it belongs and leave it up to God. That way I can enjoy this new transition period of starting over...again.

Bad Days and Bubble Baths

I don't know if any of you can relate to this or not. Brienna has gotten into the worst habit - crying when she doesn't get her way! Of course my first thought is that my child is the only one who's ever done that! Ha!

This morning is when it all hit the fan! She slept eleven (yes that's right) hours last night and woke up in a pretty good mood so I thought. I went into her room when I heard her talking and found her standing in her crib talking to the birds outside her window. When I opened the door she turned around and said "Mama" with her big bright smile as she always does. But the moment I took her out of her crib she transformed, once again, into the cry baby monster. Of course I wasn't shocked at the behavior - just at the fact that I, a 26 year-old mother, cannot control her child's bad behavior.

I was glad that my mother, the brilliant matriarch, was in the next room. Her grey hair (did that shock you?) of wisdom told her to throw my child back into the crib, turn off the light, and shut the door with us on the outside. To my dismay it worked! Brienna pitched a fit for all of five seconds and was in a wonderful mood the rest of the morning.

Tonight Omi had a great remedy for the cry baby blues that returned - bubble bath! Brienna loves to say "bubbles." So, with her long white pants on, Omi gave Brienna the best bubble bath she's ever had. She had a lot of fun. She knows what a washcloth is for but doesn't quite get the concept of how to use it, but boy did she have fun trying!