The Kilpatricks

Jack turns 1!

2012-01-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

Newborn Baby Jack

1/21/11

Goodness gracious. As I live and breathe how in the world is my baby turning one? On the other hand I feel like asking,"Are we sure he isn't turning 5?"
Whew, what a year!
Coincidentally Jack's first year is also the year when I found the most grey hairs in my head. Actually that's not completely a coincidence.
Our little fella has had some kind of a year.
His sickness at 8 weeks of age was alot to absorb. Truly, I believe that one of the Lord's graces was in allowing me to operate without fully comprehending my surrounding circumstances. He really carried us through that difficult time.
I've shared this with many, but I can vividly remember one of the most calming moments during that whole ordeal. Ross and I had just been told of the reality of Jack's condition. We were reeling from the words spinal tap, meningitis, and "he needs to be airlifted to Children's hospital".
I sat in the hospital room and heard the helicopter flying overhead.
I approached my baby as they were wheeling him to the elevator. I told him that he was my big, strong boy and that I loved him. Then the medic who was taking him looked at me and said,"I'm going to take care of him."
And I knew that he would.
And I knew that He would.
As we walked to our car in the hospital parking lot, we saw the ambulance make it's way to the launch pad. We stood watching, tears streaming down my face as my sick little one was lifted away.
There was so much comfort in knowing that so many were already praying for him.
And today on his 1st birthday he is a happy, healthy, loud little person.

On his birthday.

God is good.
Jack is a blessing through and through.
As I reflect on it now, it amazes me that during this year of crazy transitions, health concerns, and concerns in general, God saw fit to place little Jack Watson in our family. No matter the chaos He has used our sweet baby as a continual reminder of His goodness and blessing in our lives.
The presence of such innocence is a beautiful thing to behold. That sweet, perfectly round face. That jolly chuckle waiting to spill out with an abundance of drool. Oh you gotta love a baby! Especially this one. Jack is my little Rooster. His hair is in constant rebellion as it stands straight up, reaching ever higher and waving in the breeze. When I bathe him and slick his hair down with water, I almost feel as if I've turned him into a little business man. Of course, it dries quickly and "poof", my jolly, little fun loving guy is back.
One of my absolute favorite things about Jack is his "singing". He is a songbird. I fully expected him to release a holiday album. That baby sings like no other. He's kindof like Buddy the elf. "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear."
Seriously, we went through a period of time when Jack would wake up and sing at about 2 in the a.m. I would tell him that it was so pretty, but could we please wait a few more hours?
He still takes a bottle during the night. It is so precious to return to my room and listen to the monitor as his little self sings until he falls back to sleep. I have walked into his room and found him singing in his sleep.
Oh, and it's always an original piece. It's usually goes something like this...."AaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaAaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAA..." and so on and so forth.

He is so ticklish. I love to tickle him just so I can hear his precious laughter bubble out.
He has started doing something that Emmett did when he was a baby. Jack raises his chin toward the ceiling and scrunches his little face up. The Mommy melts every time.
He loves to watch anything that Emmett does. Emmett usually calls him "Baby Dack", when prompted to acknowledge this little one who has hung around. Jack has those big ole' baby blues just like his brother.

Sucking his thumb & holding his Lovie

Mommy & Jack December 2011

Fathers' Day 2011

Jack & Ellie Kate April 2011

He also finds Ellie Kate to be rather entertaining. I'm just hoping that he will start talking soon because currently Ellie Kate has a little voice that she pretends is his. She feels safe behind her vocal disguise and allows all blame to sit squarely on her baby brother's shoulders when saying any silly words. I'm not sure she knows any other kind of words. In previous months she has mentioned that "Baby's don't have brains." Hmmm....I'm wondering when she thinks those develop. Anyway the sooner Jack can speak up for himself, the better.
Jack is a grabber and a thrower. It seems that nothing is ever fully out of his reach. Oh yes. Do not be fooled. He is a ninja.

This picture cracks me up.

In the mornings when I walk into his room I am usually greeted by him clapping his chubby little hands together. Is there a better way to start one's morning? I think not.
We are smitten with our little Jack Jack.

Surprise! You get to dig in!

Happy Birthday Baby Jack!

" My Little Wooster"

Eating it up!

We love you!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

From the Kilpatricks

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Let me explain.

2011-12-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

Due to public outcry, I must explain what did not take place on August 6th.

On August 6th, a post was not dedicated to Bunny.

She turned 10 with no fanfare.

It's just not right people.

How could such a milestone take place and not be documented? Well, if memory serves me well, and it often doesn't, our life was insanely hectic at the time. "Insanely hectic" would pretty much characterize 2011 for us. Therefore, August 6th came during that time frame.

Sorry, Bun. Thankfully she has great patience and is willing to overlook the fact that this post is 4+ months late.

I decided that instead of doing a "through the years" album, I would just show a few pictures of Bunny that I've taken in the last few months.

It's pretty obvious that Bunny is "on guard" in the pictures below. Anytime we are outdoors with the children, she is on "high alert". I cannot conceal the details of "high alert" since it is a matter of security for our family. I will tell you that in the below pictures, Bunny is setting a security parameter in what was our backyard at the time.

You would think that the lack of sight in her left eye would lessen her ability to protect. However, her loss of sight has only proven to strengthen her other senses.

And to date, we have never had a break in.

Coincidence?

I think not.

All business as the children play in the background.

This look is clearly saying,"Make my day, punk."

Such concentration.

See the gentleness displayed as she walks over to Jack. It's her instinct, I tell ya.

This last picture was taken recently. I had seen a mouse. The best thing to do when you see a mouse is to position your chihuahua's bed in front on the last location in which the perpetrator was spotted.

I haven't seen him since.

And now I will leave you with a story from a few years ago.

I was exactly 7 months pregnant with Ellie Kate.

Ross and I lived on 120 acres of land in Troy.

I was taking a class at Troy University at the time. As I left that morning for school, I thought that I would leave Bunny outside with our new puppy, Pookie. I thought for sure Pookie would not run off since Bunny was there to keep her company.

We lived on the top of a hill, quite a distance from the road.

I watched the little white chihuahua fade into the distance as I drove down the driveway. She was use to being kept indoors and no doubt had a look of denial on her miniature face. She displayed a worried brow and that should have been my first clue that I was making a wrong decision. Getting fresh air was not on her list of things to do for the day.

Nevertheless, I drove away.

I returned a few hours later.

I drove into our yard and was immediately greeted by Pookie but there was no Bunny to be found.

I knew instantly that something was terribly wrong.

After looking all around and calling time and again for Bunny, I went inside to call Ross at work.

He was rather alarmed as his 7 month pregnant wife cried over the phone,"She's gone! Bunny's gone! I can't find her!"

He calmly replied,"It's okay. She'll come back."

I cried,"But she doesn't know where we live!"

And so the search began.

I was waddling around in 100 degree weather when Ross pulled up to help. I had also contacted my Mother who was about an hour away. She called my cousin who brought her boyfriend over.

We split up.

I walked along the edge of the woods calling her name and crying.

I saw something move in the brush. I paused only to realize that it was a wild turkey. The stupid thing started to circle me. I picked up a stick and invisioned the next morning's headline,"Pregnant Woman Killed by Wild Turkey."

Only in Alabama.

Anyway, the bird with the shrunken looking head must have realized my distress because he chose not to attack. I think it was a wise choice on his part.

The search continued for a couple of hours.

Our reinforcements had to leave, but Ross and I continued to look.

We would momentarily go inside to rehydrate. I would sit on the couch and cry for a little while and then we were off again.

The ground search yielded no hard evidence of her whereabouts.

We got in the car and started going door to door.

We even went to the Walmart redistribution center up the road.

Ross made some comment about how someone may have picked her up. He wanted to check the parking lot to see if someone had put her in their car. I dissolved into tears as I contemplated how this scenerio would play out in such sweltering heat. He immediately retracted his statement.

Bless his heart. When you've got a pudgy 7 month pregnant wife looking for her lost chihuahua on a burning hot and humid south Alabama day, well I'm sure "choose your words carefully" is an understatement.

We returned to our driveway passing a flattened carcass in the road. My sweet husband assured me time and again that the poor unfortunate ball of fuzz had been a squirrel.

Just as we were about to pull into our driveway, we decided to drive down the road and visit one more home.

Ross looked into his rearview mirror as a truck had pulled off the road behind us.

A man got out and asked if we were looking for something.

There, sitting in the cab of his truck was B-U-N-N-Y!

Apparently after I left for school that morning, Bunny had trekked the entire way to the road. This saintly gentleman had been passing by and noticed her. He stopped and picked her up, knowing that with those trimmed nails, she belonged to someone. This hunch was further strengthened when his family tried to feed her outside. She had refused to eat until she was taken inside into the air conditioning.

Ross and I returned home after our 3 hour ordeal. We sat on the couch and turned on the Atlanta Braves game. It just so happened to be bring your dog to the park night.

Thinking back on it now. It's very likely that Bunny knew this fact and was hitching her way to the game.

I guess we will never really know.

Anyway,

Happy Birthday, Bunny or as Ross says, "Bunna-potomas!"

I'm just going to write.

2011-11-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

Even as I type this, I don't know how.

I don't want to oversimplify nor do I want to be dramatic.

I have written bits and pieces of this post in my head a hundred times.

This is about Emmett.

Since January, it's as if I've been introduced to a new world.

As a baby he was delayed in many developments such as crawling and walking.

He began to babble and talk.

I remember him saying "Mama" and "Butber" (Butler, our dog at the time).

At some point he stopped doing this.

We had his hearing checked. Have you ever tried to have a little one's hearing checked?

I was told to just watch him and see how he developed. I was told that we could eventually start speech therapy. I was told to wait. Wait and see. Isn't that what we had been doing?

Fast forward.

Different. That's the only way that I could have described our Little Man to you.

Somewhat withdrawn. He didn't engage or even seem to notice other kids.

Until recently he didn't call me anything. And then when he did want me to hold him he would come to me with his hand out saying,"Cwying." Never "mama".

Last January a concern was shared. Ross and I returned from a little get away. We ate with my mom in Montgomery. Sometime during that visit she asked me if we had considered talking with our pediatrician about autism.

It's amazing when someone speaks out loud what you've been reserving and questioning in your heart.

I know it wasn't easy for my Mom to say what she said.

And so Ross and I drove home with the kids.

I sat in the passenger seat, eight months pregnant and I cried.

It seemed as though I was lost in a sea of questions and uncertainty.

What was going on? Mommy guilt reared it's ugly head and all I could ask myself was,"How had I failed this precious blue-eyed boy?"

I believe I had a check up the next day. While I was at the doctor, Ross took Emmett to his pediatrician and expressed our concern.

I was about two weeks away from having Jack when a case worker was sent to our home to observe and interact with Emmett.

Little Man did everything that she asked him to do.

The lady asked Ross and me various questions.

It was determined that Emmett was delayed with his speech. We would schedule the second part of the evaluation to have him further observed.

We began working with Emmett in different ways.

His speech greatly improved and we felt that we were on the right path.

In the next several months, Jack was born. Jack got very sick. We moved. Alot of changes took place. It was a time of transition.

Then at the beginning of the summer, Ross and I took Emmett and Ellie Kate to see a movie. We just knew that Emmett would be glued to the screen.

He did watch, but then he stood up and began jabbering. He wasn't just jabbering. It was as if he were the only one in the theater. To watch him, you would think that he was in a movie of his own, playing each part. He was so intent on what he was saying and doing. The huge movie screen may as well have not been there, because Emmett was in his own little world.

I felt sick.

I'm pretty sure Ross did, too.
We finally voiced our concerns to one another about Emmett.

It wasn't so much that we could say exactly what we knew was amiss. Something was just different.

We contacted Early Childhood Intervention again.

We took Emmett for more evalution. We answered the same questions again.

We filled out forms to be sent off to Birmingham to a place where we could further investigate and see if there was any link between Emmett and autism. We wanted to search to the inth degree and find out all that we could about what was taking place with our boy.

I felt emotionally drained.

It's funny how the world keeps turning at the same rate as it always has despite what you are dealing with in life.

We were told that Emmett was indeed delayed in various areas of development.

We decided to place him in a local daycare for a few days a week so that he could be around other children his age.

We witnessed so much progress with him.

He began talking more and tolerating having other children playing around him.

We found out that the place in Birmingham (that diagnoses) had a 12 month waiting list.

Waiting can be the hardest part.

The Early Intervention program sent a lady to our home a few times to show us ways to work with Emmett. It was very helpful. She said that many delays can often be called "mommy" delays. I basically began to see where I just did things for Emmett. Speech is necessary to express a want or need. If I thought he had a want or a need, I simply met it without him ever asking.

You can only imagine how helpful Ellie Kate was and continues to be in this process. Ellie Kate and Emmett's relationship is truly a strength in this circumstance. He has a full time speech therapist right here at home who doesn't take a breath. Oh the things she wants to teach him!

When Emmett turned three, the Early Intervention services came to an end.

Our local school system stepped in.

More evaluations.

Mr. Kilpatrick has a birthday

2011-09-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yay! Today Ross is catching up with me...for a little while.

Love, love, love, this man.

Handsome.

Goofy.

Calming.

Tender.

Consistent.

Thoughtful.

Strong.

Respectful.

That's my man.

And yet he is so much more.

I often tell Ross that I am so glad that I get to do life with him.

That includes celebrating.

His life is definitely one to be celebrated!

For the Love!

2011-09-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

8 years people. 8 years!

I hate that I can't scan some photos from our wedding day, but that's how it goes with my computersaurus. I can't even upload new pictures!

Hmmm...the main thing that I remember about our wedding was that I was completely unconcerned with the details. I just wanted to say "I do" to Mr. William Ross Kilpatrick.

I think that the 5 month planning process added to my Mom's loss of sanity because I was not worried in the least about anything besides tying the knot. After finding my wedding dress and having my bridal portraits made, I found a new dress two weeks before our big day. It was crazy!

The Lord has been not just faithful, but bountiful in His blessings given to us. We have three beautiful little ones and countless memories. Just as I said in my vows on that day, Ross continues to have my deepest love and highest respect.

Oh how I love me some Ross!

I didn't even see it coming.

2011-08-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afternoon.
Everyone has eaten supper.
Emmett is literally cackling at Ellie Kate.
She sits at the table and he pulls her out of her chair and takes off running hoping to be chased. Thankfully, she thinks this is funny, too.
Church starts at 6:30.
I freshen up my makeup using much concealer. I expect National Geographic to show up wanting to do a special on the alien life form that has invaded my face. Somehow my skin forgot that we've made it thru the teen years (as well as past our twenties). Even Ellie Kate took notice of the "boo-boo" on my face. I don't know how I've avoided wearing a bandaid over it. At our house they heal, well, everything.
Jack (bless his little heart) has fallen asleep in his jumparoo.
I lay him in my bed so he can catch a quick nap. It's about 5:30 at this point.
I've got the diaper bag ready complete with juice cups.
The clock speeds up as it approaches 6:00. Time always disappears when I'm trying to get myself and three kids ready.
I've cleaned up the kitchen.
The diaper bag is on the couch. I try to have everything that I need to take with me waiting by the door. This includes mobile children.
And then it begins.
I'm not even sure what to call it.
I tell Ellie Kate to find her flip-flops. She reports back saying that they are nowhere to be found.
I catch a moving Emmett and wrestle him to the ground.
I wipe off all of the stains on his face. As previously mentioned, everyone has had supper.
He needs a fresh diaper.
With him lying flat I could change his diaper in seconds, but where's the fun in that?
I'm reminded by his resistance that having his diaper changed is a form of abuse.
Somehow he nearly escapes. I grab his legs and pull him back toward me. His rear is dragging on the floor yet he is fully twisted around from the waist up, grabbing at the carpet. My little contortionist. I unwind his middle section and complete the diaper change even slipping some shorts on him. I then marvel at my skills as I wrestle the little guy and successfully put sandals that buckle on his feet.
I realize that the background music is not music at all. It's Jack, awake and crying.
I stick my head into Ellie Kate's room and spot a solitary flip flop by the wall.
She is in the kitchen digging thru her backpack to retreat her princess pen and notepad.
I call for her to return to her room.
I tell her to look for the lost flip flop. She lacks enthusiasm.
I return to the living room and find Emmett seated in the rocking chair. He has (as always) gotten his cup out of the diaper bag and is drinking his "duice". Emmett's juice drinking method is to turn up his cup and empty it of every single drop of liquid. I haven't packed extra juice for him so I take his cup away and place it once again in the diaper bag.
He is appalled. He cuts his eyes at me, grunting in protest saying, "Duice, duice!"
If ever there is an appropriate time to reprimand your mommy, well, Emmett believes it is now. "NoooooooNooo. Duiceduiceduice."
"No, man. You can have your juice when we get to church."
With that, I tell Jack that Mommy is doing her best to get to him. Just another minute, please.
I return to Ellie Kate's room and find her seated on the floor reading a book.
"Ellie Kate did you find your flip flop?"
"Um...no." She returns to her literature.
I point to the closet and ask her to hand me her pink bag. She cuts her eyes at me and pretends that I'm speaking to her invisible friend. I repeat my request. She reaches over and pulls the bag out. I tell her to put the book down for now and help me.
At this point attitude oozes as she slowly lets the book fall out of her hand and to the floor from her now standing position.
"Oh, no ma'am. Come over here."
She receives a quick pop on the rear and a reprimand.
I search her pink bag and am unable to locate the missing flip flop.
I logically say,"You can just wear your pink sandals." Apparently, Ellie Kate heard me say,"We are going to remove all of your toenails" because her posture sags and she begins to dissolve into tears. I make my firm tone a little firmer and let her know that she will wear her sandals.
"Mama, you just hurt my feelings.(...sobs...sobs.) You won't let me help you."
I respond,"Ellie Kate I told you to come in here and find your other flip flop and you came and sat on the floor and read a book."
"But Mama, I love books!"(sob...sob)
I respond,"Baby, I know you do, but when I tell you to do something that's what you need to do. Now lets get these sandals on. We've got to go."
Like salt on a slug she continues to rapidly dissolve.
Meanwhile, in the background I can hear two things: Jack crying and Emmett protesting.
I put the pink sandals on the little girl with crocodile tears rolling down her face. She manages to continue talking thru her tears.
I walk into my room and scoop Jack up. I take him into the den and change his diaper. I wonder when the angry foreign exchange student arrived as Emmett continues to jabber and be annoyed by me.
Ellie Kate is once again retrieving her notebook and pen. She continues to cry.
I begin to shuffle us to the door.
"These shoes frwustrate me, Mama!"
"I know. I know. Come on let's get in the car."
Jack is on my hip. The diaper bag and my purse are slung over my shoulder. Emmett balances two dinosaurs in one hand and reaches up with his free hand to be helped down the stairs. Each step is numbered. There are six in all.
I look back over my shoulder and the little girl with the frustrating sandals is standing at the top of the six stairs.
"Come on, Ellie Kate. You are okay."
She joins us at the van and climbs back to her seat while I put Jack in his car seat.
I walk around to the passenger side and catch Emmett just before he crawls to the back with his sister and out of my reach. I notice that he has a peanut butter hand print on his back that happens to be the same size as Ellie Kate's hand. I don't even consider changing his shirt. After all peanut butter smells good.
I hook him in his car seat. He is saying "sinosaur" over and over. I half way climb into the van and see a dinosaur on the floor. I retrieve the dinosaur and hand it to him.
I walk around and climb into the driver's side. As Ellie Kate cries, Emmett repeats "sinosaur" over and over.
I look back and see the very dinosaur that I had just handed to him on the floor. I once again retrieve the thing and put it in his little hand. As I'm turning around, out of the corner of my eye I see Emmett "accidentally" drop the dinosaur again.
I'm not playing this game.
As we are pulling out of the driveway, Ellie Kate says while crying,"My eye hurts. It hurts because I can't stop thinking about it."
I remind her that she can go into the Bible study with me tonight and ask her Daddy to pray for it.
We drive less than two miles to church.
As we turn into the church parking lot Emmett begins angry crying and arching his back in protest. This is not always his response to church, but apparently he's decided that he doesn't want to go tonight.
I pull into a space marked "SENIORS" because it's near the door.
Thankfully a sweet lady pulls in behind me and asks if I could use some help. I quickly explain that we are in simultaneous meltdown mode and my turn is coming up. She graciously takes Jack from me as I begin to unbuckle my less than happy toddler.
He begins to flail, kicking his sister.
The five-year-old with the frustrating sandals and hurting eye, does not take kindly to this.
We enter the foyer.
The Kilpatricks have arrived.
I make light of the fact that my two oldest are nearly distraught.
We walk thru the sanctuary to get to the nursery.
I smile around clinched teeth.
The nursery worker (Ms. C) takes Jack from the kind lady that came to my rescue. I make a quick note to include said kind lady in my will and I thank her for her help.
I put Emmett down and he morphs into a leach and attaches to my leg.
Ellie Kate sits down with the twin little boys in the nursery and starts asking them how to spell their names. She wants to write this in her notebook.
I sit in a rocking chair and look for something, anything to draw Emmett's attention away from me. Jack decides to follow suit with the crying.
Ms. C tells me that the last time Emmett was like this, he calmed down shortly after I left. I ask her if she wants me to just stay in the nursery or try to leave. We decide that Ellie Kate and I will exit and wait outside of the door for a few seconds to see if Emmett calms down.
We bolt out of the door.
As we stand with our backs against the wall, Ellie Kate whispers,"Don't say a word."
Sure enough, in less than three minutes Emmett quits crying.
Ellie Kate and I enter the sanctuary and find a seat near the back. She raises her hand to request prayer for her eye and then chickens out when Ross calls on her. She asks me to make the request for her and I do. Ross also tells everyone that it's her birthday. We sing to her and then continue with our prayer meeting/Bible study.
I shoosh Ellie Kate and then remind her 5+ times that she has been shooshed.
I'm somewhat surprised as I sit in the sanctuary that I'm not completely frayed. I realize that in recent prayers I asked for patience. It becomes obvious to me that the Lord is allowing opportunities for me to grow in this area.
I thank Him for my babies.
The return home goes much more smoothly.
My children's plot to take over Mommy has been averted...for today, but I have to say that I didn't even see this one coming.
Sneeky little people... that I love dearly.

Ellie Kate: 5

2011-08-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

Maybe this will cut down on the confusion.

We've always told Ellie Kate,"When you're five you'll go to kindergarten."

Well, she's been in school for a few weeks now, but is just turning five today.

She was also confused by the fact that we celebrated her's and Emmett's birthdays this past weekend. I think she didn't know how to celebrate being five when she was still four.

We had a party at my parents' home. I walked into the den at about seven that morning and Ellie Kate was already up. She was sitting in the rocking chair. She asked me,"When are we going to get this party started?"

Anyway, now she is officially the big 0-5.

Last night before she went to bed, we prayed for one of her friends at school who "broke her eye." Then she expressed to me (almost in tears) just how badly she wanted to be a "bus rider" and not a "car rider". Big stuff.

Of course, one of her first questions this morning was,"When will I turn six?"

All I could think was,"Soon enough. Soon enough."

I did something this morning that I don't normally do. After her bath I blow dried her hair. I brushed it and dried it. I wanted to get all sentimental thinking about how bald that little punkin head used to be. My emotions were quickly averted as Ellie Kate made faces at herself in the mirror.

As I rocked Jack to sleep last night, I remembered when Ellie Kate was his size. Has it really been five years?

I've heard it said that with children the days are long, but the years are short. Oh how true! I'm thankful that Ellie Kate still wants me to rock her.

I tell ya, starting kindergarten has been hard. After taking her to school that first morning, Ross and I attended the 'Boo Hoo Breakfast' where I boohooed. I then took Emmett to his school. I came home and sat, rocking baby Jack. He and I had a nice conversation in which he agreed to remain a baby, indefinitely. That helped my feelings.

In the mornings when she's leaving, she says,"Bye Jack, my little carrot."

She recently got in trouble.

During revival we were getting ready to leave church and I couldn't find her. I walked to the back of the sanctuary and looked in the foyer. One of the doors was opened where people were walking out. All I could see was an arm extended with a little hand palm up. Then I noticed men digging in their pockets. Well come to find out Ellie Kate was taking up money from people as they left the church. She even told me later,"If you give me a dollar it'll be your lucky day." She came home with a five dollar bill and some change.

Ross and I told her that she was not to take up money at church. So you can imagine our surprise when recently we found her on a Sunday night at church collecting money as people left. A familiar discussion ensued as we talked about the fact that she was not to do this. Her response,"But it's for my money collection."

I think we'll play it safe and check her pockets every time we come home from church.

Oh how I often wish I knew just half of what Ellie Kate thinks she knows. She has always been a grown up in a little body. Being the big sister to two little boys only accentuates the entitlement of authority that she already feels.

Just the other night I heard Emmett crying. Ellie Kate came walking out of her room. I asked her what happened. She said that Emmett was being ugly while playing with her dollhouse so she hit him. I took her into her room so that I could mediate between the two parties. Emmett, crying, came and put his head on my lap. I talked to him about playing nice with his sister. Before I could address the sister, she turned to Emmett and said,"Now apologize to Sister." She went on to say,"If you apologize and keep your promise you can play, but if you don't keep your promise then I'm not gonna let you play with it (the dollhouse) nights or days."

Emmett, feeling the full weight of the consequences and to my surprise, murmured a "sawwee". Little Priss would have overlooked her own offense had I not stopped her and reminded her that I am the Mommy and she isn't supposed to hit anyone. She apologized to her brother shortly thereafter and all was right with the world for 13.5 seconds.

I have to say, she really does love her brothers and she mothers them to the best of her five year old ability.

So (as my mother laughs) I am getting a daily dose of what it's like to raise, well, myself.

D-r-a-m-a.

When she fell on the waterslide Saturday and cut her toe (it was pretty bad), she quickly decided that since she had "broke" her toe, her fellow classmates could get her a wheelchair and push her around. Thus far we have been able to avoid the wheelchair and managed with only a slight limp. She also told me that swinging in our backyard the other day was good excercise for her "broke" toe. I have reminded her daily about her bravery concerning her recent injury. She has proudly told me that she has indeed been impressed with said bravery.

She does currently end most sentences with,"Isn't that right, Mama." Ross and I think it's so cute that she wants my affirmation so often.

And one last thing, Ellie Kate thinks she speaks several different languages. This is especially true when she is taken to get a pedicure. She communicates with whoever is painting her toenails. She and I were having a pedicure recently and she said,"ChongChichiiahfdhdihdchong." I said,"What?" She quickly told me that she was not talking to me.

She has also approached people in restaurants and started speaking "their" language.

Offensive? Most likely.

She is a mess, but I wouldn't take anything in the world for that little girl.

And with that, I will leave you with a couple of recent Ellie Kate quotes:

"Shut up isn't a nice word for adults, for cats and dogs, or for small children."

"See this boo boo on my neck. I was trying to grow a hair there. It didn't come out. It made a little place. It wasn't up to me. It was up to my body."

Happy Birthday Ellie Kate! I love you!

You are my Priss-a-potamus!

These little people...

2011-08-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

look alot alike.

Ellie Kate

Emmett

Jack

Ellie Kate

Emmett

Jack

And they favor these big people.

Each baby with Daddy.

Emmett: 3

2011-08-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Our 'little man with a plan' is turning three! (Just a moment while I reread that first sentence.)

Wow! That was fast. Wasn't I just delivering him?

I remember it well.

Hurricane Faye was blowing thru and due to the craziness of his delivery and lack of epidural, I'm pretty sure Ross thought he was witnessing an exorcism. At least that's what one would conclude when they are observing their wife, voice lowered, spouting threats. I think we were both waiting for my head to spin.

So back to the joyous occasion at hand.
Mr. Emmett Wilson is a man of few words. Let me restate that. He talks plenty. We just aren't always sure about what he's saying. Now he knows exactly what he's saying. Oh yeah, he jabbers with authority.

Our little guy loves "sinosaurs". At least one of his dinosaurs is nearly always attached to his hand. They go to church (and everywhere else) with us and if for some reason left behind, everyone knows who their owner is.
Currently, his favorite movie is How to Train Your Dragon. He hands me the case numerous times a day saying,"Dwagon?."

Just last night as I was up with Jack feeding him a bottle, I heard Emmett's door opening. The little pitter patter of steps led him to the couch where he plopped down as if 3 a.m. were a good waking hour. I balanced Jack and his bottle in one arm and went to escort Emmett back to bed hoping that he would think sleep was a necessity. He got off of the couch, found the dvd case to How to Train Your Dragon, and let me take him back to his bed. When you start sleeping with the dvd case of your favorite movie, well I'd say you are teetering on obsession.

I usually awake during the night a few times a week to find him seated on the couch in the living room. Either that or he just comes right into our room at 4:30 in the a.m. and says,"Heeeey guys."
I really cannot complain because he goes to bed so well. He is often excited to lay down and go to sleep which is further proof that I indeed gave birth to this child. We always say his bedtime verses. Psalm 25:4-5,"Show me Your ways, oh Lord. Guide me in Your truth and teach me." After that I give him kisses, tell him I love him, and say,"Now stay in your bed. Yes ma'am?" He grins and says, "Ess, ma'am." Ellie Kate will often repeat what I've said wanting him to give her a "yes, ma'am." I always remind her that it is not necessary for her brother to "ma'am" her.

He is a rather demanding little person first thing in the morning. I could do with a calm, "Good morning, Mommy." Instead I often hear "Elmo" repeated somewhere upwards of 20 times, as well as "Duice...". Funny how his volume excelerates when his sleepy headed mama is not answering his requests quick enough.

One improvement has been made, however. Now he is starting to say,"Duice(wait for it, wait for it)...pwease." And let me tell you, he is so proud of himself when he does. A little grin curls on his face and his eyes glance to the floor as I congratulate him for having such good manners. When he gets the juice, he is starting to repeat,"Tank ou, Mama." Hugs and kisses and major congratulations follow.

We took Emmett's pacifier(s) away this summer. For a while, he would say,"Paci, whereareyou whereareyou?" I finally took one of those pacis and cut the end off of it, telling him that it broke. He would take it and say,"Ut oh."

It's funny how different my children are.
I know I often post Ellie Kate quotes. That girl is never at a lack for words. Mr. Emmett, on the other hand, is often jabbering especially when he's excited. But I just don't think many would understand if I posted his quotes. It would look something like, "kjdfiaiejiji...dwagon...lsdkjld...duice...djljfadfj" and so on.

One thing that does this mama good is just how affectionate of a little one my Emmett is. He loves to snuggle. He most always 'gives me lovin'.

And one of my absolute favorite things about Emmett? He loves to hold my hand which in turn melts my heart.

His blue eyes are the bluest. Oh, and his 'scrunch face' is the cutest.

It's amazing how a little guy like Emmett can render this mama helpless with a smoosh of his face. That little dimple on the right side of his mouth doesn't hurt either.

When I'm in the kitchen, Emmett is attached to one or both of my legs. He will press his little face into me and on occasion do so baring his teeth. Not cool, but I get so tickled at him. He is a wallowing child. This is quite helpful as he hangs on my back while I change Jack's diaper. Just yesterday he did this while saying,"What's da big idea?"

Speaking of Jack, Emmett is starting to acknowledge him. It's only taken 6 months. He will actually look at his brother and repeat "Baby Jack" when prompted three times. It's a start:)

However, Emmett loves his big sister. He thinks that she is hands down the funniest person in the world which works out well because she holds the same opinion of herself. Ellie Kate could take Emmett by the hand and lead him to the ends of the earth. He would go willingly, giggling uncontrollably all the way.

Emmett also loves for Ross to get him. He makes fast tracks down the hallway to escape The Daddy all the while hoping to be caught and tickled without mercy.

Emmett's goodbyes are also a thing of cuteness. Hand to mouth, he says,"Muuuaww."
We have seen so much improvement with Emmett in the past few months. It would take a while to explain all that has taken place. Let me just say that the Lord has been ever so faithful to lead us as we do what is best for our son.

The milestone of a birthday brings about much reflection.
I truly believe that parenting is the hardest most worthwhile privilege in the world. I've never rejoiced more than when my blue-eyed Emmett attempts a new word or holds my gaze just a second longer than before. I've also never pleaded as hard as when I ask the Lord to give us the best guidance in knowing how to help in Emmett's development.

So much emotion wrapped in the rearing of a precious soul. Oh that I would seek the Lord to be the mommy that my children need me to be!

I often think,"Gently still, oh Lord, lead me gently still as I lead them."

Emmett seriously loves his Mommy. I pray that as the years fly by (because they do) I will be found worthy of that little soul's adoration.
Happy Birthday, Emmett! You are my Cute-a-potamus!

On the eve of her first day of kindergarten

2011-08-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wowzers! She cannot be old enough for this! Not my Prissy Luller Belle!

In honor of this landmark event in our lives, I've decided to interview my little student. Here goes...

Me:"What's tomorrow?"

EK:"Uh...school. (pointing @ the computer screen) Does that say school?"

Me:"Yes. Now what are you most excited about for school?"

EK:"I'm excited about sleeping there and I'm excited about going to paint there. Does it say paint. Paint starts with a p? and I want to draw there."

Me:"How many kids do you think will be in your class?"

EK:"I think 152."

Me:"What's your teacher's name?"

EK:"Ms. Adams. How do you spell Belle?"

Me:"Alright stay focused. Let's talk about kindergarten."

EK:"Ask me what snack I want to eat there. Okay, Mama? Ask me. Know what I wanna eat there?"

Me:"What kind of snack do you want there?"

EK:"A banana. I want a banana. How do you spell banana?"

Me:"What are some things that you think you will learn in kindergarten?"

EK:"I will learn how to say new things. I will know how to draw new things like a heart. That's a good thing. Isn't it?"

Me:"How long will you be at school each day?"

EK:"Um...forever. For...ev..ev..er. Are you gonna write the number? I think I'll be there 52 100. Are you gonna write that, Mama? That's a long time. Write Ellie Kate b/c I said Ellie Kate. Does that say Ellie Kate you stink?"

Me:"Should it say 'you stink'?"

EK:(Shaking head)"No."

Me:"Let's focus. Will you miss me while you're at school?"

EK:"Yes I will. I'll miss Jack, the little fella, too and Emmett."

Me:"How many days a week will you go to school?"

EK:"Um...500? Did you write the number 500?"

Me:"Did you know that you have to wake up early every day for school?"

EK:"Yes. Why?"

Me:"Is there anything that you're nervous about?"

EK:"No. You know which thing I'm excited about arts and crafts to do there? I'm excited about doing arts and craft."

Me:"Did you know that you have to raise your hand to speak?"

EK:"Yes. Raise your hand if you wanna say something in kindergarten."

Me:"Well I'm all out of questions."

EK:"You are? I'm not. I want to draw and learn everything. Hey do you want to drop me off at kindergarten and tell my teacher you're all out of questions? Do you know what I'm going to need to study? I'm gonna need a computer."

Me:"In kindergarten?"

EK:"If we study we might."

Me:"Do you know how much I love you?"

EK:"How much? Show me. Show me how much little prissy...(touching keyboard)You need a "q", Mama?"

Me:"I think this interview was over a while ago."

EK:"What do n-r-o spell?"

Me:"Nothing."

EK:"Huh? You writted 'nothing'?"

Me:"Interview over, but do you have a closing thought?"

EK:(Speaking like a robot)"I am all out of questions. I don't have anything else to say, Mama.....Wait. The last thing that I want you to write is 'Have a fun day at school.' Now read it, Mama. Stupid and idiot..."

Me:(Cutting my eyes at her and shaking my head.)
EK:"...are not nice words. You thought I was going to call you that."

Me:"You're a mess."

As you can see we are quite focused on our big day tomorrow. Extra prayers will be said for Ellie Kate's teacher, Ms. Adams.

Here's what happened with Jack

2011-08-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

(First of all let me say that I am sorry that it has taken me this long to give all of the details concerning Jack. We just returned to Ashland after taking our scheduled vacation last week. Jack and Emmett received lots of special attention from our families, while Ross and I took Ellie Kate to Disney World. We are all currently happy and healthy with lots and lots of pictures to post.)

Ross and I were able to attend a ministry retreat a few months ago. We had the privilege of hearing Dr. Calvin Miller speak and offer advice in regards to ministry. He is an absolute brilliant mind having authored over 40 books. He is a retired pastor as well as a professor. He is a passionate follower of Christ not lacking in common sense or compassion. A statement that he made that weekend made an impression on me then and registered all the more powerfully with me since our revival services. Dr. Miller said, “I would much rather be a part of a church service in which I cannot explain what happened instead of one where I can.”

I ended my last post by stating that, “I cannot wait to share this latest happening in our family’s life.” I would like to put some perspective with that statement. Before I tell you what took place with Baby Jack last week, let me first say that I share our experience with you lacking anticipation when it comes to recounting my little one’s sickness. My excitement definitely has more to do with trying to convey the goodness of the Lord in our lives. No matter how I try, I will not be able to fully explain what took place. In a real sense, you definitely had to be there.

Another reason for this post is to get my thoughts down. Last week was crazy, fast, and furious. Processing what took place has not been easy for me. I mean, Jack had already been terribly sick at 8 weeks of age. It had never entered my mind that I would be returning to Children’s Hospital with my sweet baby.

Monday night, the 1st of August, was the second night of revival services at First Baptist Church of Ashland. I was seated in the front row as Ross made his way to the pulpit. I had been told that there was enough help in the nursery for this service and I must say that I was relieved because I was looking forward to hearing the message that Ross was going to preach. Mind you, I did not know which passage he would be preaching on or even the title of the message.

He began by asking the question, “Do you really want revival?” In his introduction he spoke of being a part of several revival services. He told the congregation that when he found out that he would be the preacher of these revival services, he thought, “Lord, please don’t make me preach that passage.”

The passage that Ross was referring to was 2 Chronicles 7:14. It says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Ross spoke about how many times he had heard this passage preached, both correctly and incorrectly. He went on to say that it was the "go to" revival service passage. He made his feelings quite clear concerning his lack of desire when it came to preaching this passage. However, he was also very clear in stating that he was convinced that this was the message that the Lord had given to him. And with that, he began to deliver the sermon.

My husband preached boldly and passionately. He was starting the third point of his sermon with a fourth point to go. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone peeking thru the side door, motioning for me. I left the sanctuary and was told that Jack, my normally jolly little guy, was crying and couldn’t be consoled. My first thought was that it was passed his bedtime and he was being fussy because he was ready to go to bed.

When I took Jack, he was definitely exhausted. I rocked him and noticed that he would try to go to sleep, but then he would cry out in pain and struggle to take a breath. I told the nursery worker that something wasn’t right. She agreed and said that that’s why she had gotten me out of the service.

The sight of Jack hurting and laboring to breath was frighteningly familiar. I made the decision to go get Ross out of the pulpit. I handed Jack to someone else in the nursery and quickly headed out to get Ross.

Thankfully, we have doors that lead to the choir loft. I opened one of these doors and got his attention. At this point, I had begun to cry and all I could say was, “I need you.” He paused with a baffled look on his face. I continued, “I need you. Jack is having trouble breathing.”

I found out later that Ross had literally just used Jack’s sickness at 8 weeks of age as an illustration in his sermon. He talked about pleading with the Lord to let Jack breathe. He followed this with another illustration in which, he had his arms stretched out proclaiming, “Give me air!” This was the point when I had opened the door.

He told the congregation to pray and he ran passed me to the nursery. He took Jack in his arms, observing the struggle that was taking place with his breathing. We hurried out the door. Thankfully, someone was able to get my purse off of the front row. I found the keys in my purse and I held Jack as Ross drove us to the emergency room. All I kept saying over and over was, “Not again. Not again. Not my baby.”

We went into the emergency room pleading for help. We were ushered back to an area where we were asked an endless list of questions trying to understand what was taking place with our baby. All the while, Jack was inconsolable.

At this point I didn’t know that a church member had contacted one of the local beloved physicians to come to the emergency room. Dr. H showed up and took over. He was really great.

X-rays were ordered.
X-rays were taken and blood was drawn. I felt so helpless for my little one.
Jack finally dozed off lying on my chest.

The x-rays came back and showed that Jack’s lungs looked fine. However, more x-rays were taken because of concern over his abdomen. Apparently, he was very bloated and unable for whatever reason to pass the gas in his tummy.
We also noticed that Jack’s legs and feet had turned a bright red color.

Dr. H made the decision to send us to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. An ambulance was called.
I don’t know exactly how long Jack slept, but when he woke up he was actually smiling and passing gas. I immediately looked at Ross wanting some reassurance concerning my decisions. He was quick to remind me of the waiting room filled with people praying not to mention the sanctuary that was also filled.

Since Jack seemed better, we were allowed to drive him to Birmingham.
He rested the whole way.

The Lord reminded me, as Ross drove, of that very morning when I had sat Ellie Kate down and discussed putting on the armor of God in Ephesians 6. We had gone over each piece of protection. The one that stuck out the most to me was the shield of faith with which we could extinguish to arrows of the evil one.

We arrived at Children’s to a full waiting room. Thankfully, we had a room waiting on us. Jack immediately woke up and began crying.
An i.v. was started. X-rays were taken.

The x-rays showed that his lungs and abdomen were all doing well.
The doctor’s concern was with Jack’s legs. At this point, he had red spots on his legs and feet that didn’t blanch when touched. The doctor referred to them as petechial. She said that they could be a sign of a bacterial infection. That, along with his irritability, concerned her. She wanted to do a spinal tap and have blood drawn. She said that we would probably be there for a couple of days.

I was in disbelief.

I spoke with one of the doctors and expressed my concern over the idea of having a spinal tap performed. She was quick to tell me that they did not order frivolous tests.
Ross and I gave our consent and were taken to a nearby waiting room. It was probably about 2:30 in the morning.

I felt frail.

Ross and I leaned against one another and prayed for our baby. This all seemed quite surreal.
After the procedure was performed, we were able to return to Jack’s emergency room. I held that sweet baby until he went to sleep.
We were taken to a room around 4:30 a.m.
Exhausted, you could say.
I positioned Jack in the hospital crib and Ross prepared our fold out beds.
Ross and I slept for maybe three hours.

At some point the next morning, the doctors came by to check on Jack. The spinal tap showed negative for any type of infection. He was acting like his happy little self now. He definitely had a yucky cough and a lot of congestion. They wanted to observe him and hopefully send us home that afternoon. Jack sang and cooed for them. He then pulled the covers across his forehead as if to say, “Please go away so I can sleep.”
And sleep he did. Poor baby had experienced a rough night.

Ross felt strongly that he would be back in the pulpit of FBC Ashland that night. That afternoon, we were able to have a doctor sign off on Jack being discharged from the hospital.
Exhausted, we arrived back in Ashland around 6 p.m. Just an hour later, Ross was standing back in the pulpit. Thanks to my Mom keeping our children at our home, I was seated on the front row.

He said that he couldn’t help but ask the Lord, “Why?” Throughout the previous 24 hours, he had continuously posed the same question. He knew that he was supposed to deliver the message that he had been preaching when I came and called him away the night before.
He said that he got his answer while we were in our hospital room. As he looked over at sweet little Jack, the Lord told him that our little one was the reason.

Now normally Ross would have about seven pages of typed notes. His sermon outline would be complete with footnotes. However, on this night he didn’t have his typical outline. Instead he had that same confirmation from the Lord about what he was to say.

He said that he was neither smart enough nor was he strong enough to deliver the message that the Lord had given to him. He was also not willing to be disobedient.

He then went on to preach a message of reconciliation. The more recent history of our church includes a split. There had been many wounds. There had been many relationships that needed mending.
When Jack got sick, both this time and last, it drew our entire community together. It wasn’t that just one denomination or church group prayed for our baby, the whole community lifted up our little one.

Ross preached a very powerful, heartfelt sermon using a passage out of Colossians. He then called for a show of reconciliation. The message ended with the signing of a petition of reconciliation followed by an altar filled with many seeking the Lord.
Even as I read over this now, I almost don’t even want to post it. This is what took place. This is also not all that took place.

Ross and I feel that Jack was congested while his abdomen was swollen due to gas. The combination caused a lot of pain, as well, as a struggle to breath. I have no idea what was taking place with his legs and feet.

I want to be very careful when I try to explain what was taking place because I truly believe that there was so much more going on than we will ever be able to explain.

Praise the Lord that what Satan intended for evil, the Lord used for good.

It was once again overwhelming to witness the show of support that we experienced from so many.

We were humbled then.

And we continue to be now.

Update

2011-08-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

We were released from the hospital yesterday afternoon and returned home around 6 pm. Jack is doing well. He is very congested and has a nasty cough, but he is my jolly little pudge of a fella.

I honesty cannot express my gratitude to each and every show of support and prayer lifted on my family's behalf. I have been unable to respond to each call, text, facebook post, but each one has been and continues to be greatly appreciated. I look forward to sharing this latest happening in our lives in the form of a post.

God is good!

Amy

Sitting in Children's Hospital Again

2011-08-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

I still cannot quite comprehend the title to this post.
This morning we find ourselves in a place that is far more familiar than I had ever hoped it would be. We are in Children's Hospital in B'ham. For now let me say that sweet baby Jack is doing well. Results from his spinal tap (performed @ 2:30 this morning) returned negative.

We hope to return home soon.

I am beyond humbled by the prayers lifted on my family's behalf.

Do not be fooled! There is more than a physical struggle that has taken place in these last 15+ hours. There is a spiritual battle that has been fought. My Lord Jesus has graciously stood with us.

Thank you, dear Father, for Your mercy.

What satan intended for evil, the Lord has already and will continue to use for good!

God has seen fit to use baby Jack, the most innocent among us, to accomplish His purposes.

I will post with more details when I can.

Emmett wasn't digging it, but...

2011-07-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

While Ross was on a mission trip to Honduras last week, I asked Haiden to come and snap some photos of me and the kids. I was originally going to surprise him with the pictures, but I couldn't stand it so I showed them to him.

This Mama's got her lap full...literally. These little ones are such a blessing!
More to come...

Storytime with Ellie Kate

2011-07-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Me:"What do you want to talk about?"
EK:"Jesus and God. I want to talk about Jesus."
Me:"What about Him?"
EK:"I love Him and I wish I could see Him for a hundred years."
Me:"What would y'all do?"
EK:"We would spend time together."
Me:"What would you talk about?"
EK:"I would talk about Grammy and Pawpaw."
Me:"What about them?"
EK:"I would say that I love them and then they would take me to Nana's house."

New topic.
Me:"What else do you want to talk about this morning?"
EK:"That I would love on Mama."
Me:"Can you tell me a story?"
EK:"Once upon a time there was a girl named Ellie Kate. Ellie Kate found a handsome boy named Emmett. And she thought that she could marry him."
Me:"He's your brother and you cannot marry your brother."
EK:"Don't write that in the story. I didn't know his name so he told me his name and I decided to marry him."
Me:"So this is a different Emmett?"
EK:"It was a different Emmett."
Me:"What happened next?"
EK:"Me and Emmett went to a house and there was a mommy, a daddy, and a baby named Jack. Um...I thought they could come with us to our wedding. And then we married each other. And then we married each other and then I went to the hospital and there was two childs that came out of my tummy. And then it was Jessie and Repunzel. And then the kids wanted to go to our house. And then we didn't have a house. I told them we didn't have a house and then we told the workers to build us one. And then they build us a house with stairs. And we lived happily ever after. The end."
Me:"Good story."
EK:"Thank you."

Jack at Home (with Ellie Kate)

2011-07-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

She did help me write "thank you" cards.

Jack's Arrival (mostly pictures)

2011-07-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

In honor of Jack turning 6 months old this week, I thought I would tell about his arrival.
I had a doctor's appointment on Friday the 21st of January. By this point I was already progressing toward having the little guy. In an effort to speed up the process, my doctor stripped my membranes. After that she kindly peeled me off of the ceiling.
Ross brought the kids to Tigertown to meet me for lunch. I was having contractions that seemed to be somewhat consistent. We decided that Ross would take the kids back to Reeltown while I drove over to the hospital and sat in the lobby. I had no intention of this delivery having any resemblance to Emmett's.
I drove over to the hospital. As I sat in the lobby I noticed that my contractions were getting more intense. I waddled to the elevator and rode up to the third floor where I checked myself in. I had an appointment with an epidural that I wasn't about to miss.
Everything happened so quickly.
Thankfully Ross made it back to the hospital just as I was about to start pushing.
I literally pushed all of ten minutes and Jack Watson entered the world.
He had a head full of dark hair. I had checked in at 1:30 p.m. and he was born just after 6 p.m.
My mom and sister arrived shortly after he was born.
When my sister was standing next to me holding Jack, I saw a shooting star out of the window behind her. I really did see it. It wasn't the drugs, people.

The Proud DaddyNice to meet you.Studying my new little person.Nana & JackOne of my favorite memories was getting to introduce my dad, Jack, to my son, Jack.Poppa & MemeGrammy & Pawpaw Since it was flu season, Ellie Kate and Emmett weren't able to meet Jack at the hospital. Ellie Kate did call to find out what we had named her new brother. After hearing that we had named him Jack Watson, she said,"That's awesome, Mama! Next time I see you I'm gonna give you knuckles!"

Getting dressed to go home.So tiny.Being wheeled to the car.Snuggling at home.

I am...

2011-07-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

alive and well.
I have so much catching up to do.
I just wrote out the story of Jack's arrival and now it is gone.
I wrote out the story of Jack's sickness and now it is gone.
I literally have a post saved from last September that I never posted.
I am not organized.
It's been a very emotional week.
And last but not least, a little perspective goes a long way so I am okay with all of the above. I'm not happy with all of the above, but I am okay with it.
Will try to post soon.

Yeah, she carries a chainsaw.

2011-05-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

That would be my Mama.

She is indeed chainsaw certified. If you know Brenda, then the former statement should strike fear into your heart.

She does nothing half way.

And to this daughter, well, that is one of her most enduring qualities.

My Mama, God love her, has had to raise this brat of a child.

As I type now, also the mommy to three little people, I must say that I have no idea why I've made it this far. Looking back, I would have definitely, without a doubt, given me to the circus. (Notice I didn't say 'sold'.)

In my life, my Mama has proven to be one of my greatest encouragers.

She forgives well and loves much.

Her generousity is best shown by the fact that she is a part of a disaster relief team that will be going out this week to help the victims of the April 27th tornadoes. She will be wielding her chainsaw. She will be towing her Kawasaki mule. And dare you stand in the way of her relief efforts, well, you best be ready to face the consequences. She packs heat, my friend, in the form of a little pistol tucked away in her car.

She is an amazing Mama to me and my siblings.

She is an amazing Nana to all four of her grandbabies.

And she continues to give of herself to those who need a word of encouragement or a chainsaw with a sharp blade!

I love you, Mama! I hope it has indeed been a Happy Mother's Day!

We are still kickin'

2011-04-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Long time, no blog. Things have been ca..raa..zzy.

To see Jack now, you would never know that he had been such a sick little fella. He is doing great and we are so thankful. His sickness and all that went with it, seem like a bad dream. I still am so humbled when I reflect upon the outpouring of love and support that we received during that difficult time. Somehow, saying "thank you" just doesn't seem like enough. Believe me when I say that this Mommy is beyond grateful for each comment left and each prayer lifted.

Jack still wants to be held and spoken to. Leaving him alone can result in what we've come to call "Jack Attacks." By this we are referring to his temper that emerges. Boy does he ever get mad. His lungs are just fine at this point. We could stick him on top of the car and head to an emergency with our little siren blaring. All vehicles would clear out of our way. He's just that loud.

Just like his big brother, Jack can poke that bottom lip out like it's nobody's business. Truth be told, I want to sit and hold his little, pudgy self. For a while now we have officially had to lift a chin during bathtime to ensure a successful washing. Jack has decided that a healthy appetite is the best way to total health. He aspires to having fat rolls on his arms. I love a chubby baby.

And that smile. We are at the point where it is genuine and no longer just gas. Oh, what a little doll baby:)

Ellie Kate's take on it all was that "Jack went to the hospital so the doctors could take out all of his coughs and sneezes." She wanted to know what flavor medicine he was receiving. She said that pineapple was his favorite. She also wanted to make sure that the hospital had bandaides.

So during all of the insanity, we decided to sit back and take it easy...WRONG. Instead we continued following the Lord's leadership and moved to Ashland, Alabama. (Each topic mentioned here deserves it's own post, but I only have time for a quick little update so stick with me.) Transition is just the easiest thing...NOT.

"Bittersweet" is the only word that I can think of when descibing these recent changes. "Bitter" because we had to leave people that we loved dearly at First Baptist Church Reeltown. It was Ross' first church to pastor. We got to see the Lord move in amazing ways and we will always reflect upon our three years spent there with much fondness. "Sweet" because we know that it was the Lord guiding us in our decision to move. We can never go wrong when following His prompting. It has been exciting to meet the members of Ashland First Baptist. We feel privileged to be counted among another fellowship of believers who readily love the Lord and are eager to see what He has in store. If you've never moved with 3 children 4 and under well, my friend you don't know what you are missing.

Let me tell you what I am missing. My shoes. At least I know that they are safe. They will be in storage for the next 6 to 8 weeks. I will see them again when we move from our temporary home to the parsonage which is under renovation. As I walked room to room looking for the box that I had purposely packed my shoes away in, a vegetale song played in my head. "I got shoes. You got shoes. All God's children got shoes." Ummm....no they don't. So after an emergency shopping trip (thanks Nana), I returned with a few basic pairs of shoes to get me thru until I rediscover my packed away shoes. It could've been worse, we could be missing a certain white chihuahua. I think that Bunny was well aware of this danger as the movers packed everything in sight. She followed closely behind us. I even think I saw her carrying a candlestick incase she needed an emergency flare.

Our "temporary home" has a nice, big front porch. We sat on it yesterday afternoon waiting on Ross to come home. Ellie Kate stood on the railing, yelling to a little boy in a yard across the street. "Hey neighbor. Dis is Emmett. He's my brother." And when Ross pulled up,"Dat's my Daddy. His name is Woss. He's been workin' hard." She is a wealth of information. I'm quite sure that the little boy across the street with his pants sagging to reveal a view of his crack, was terribly impressed with all that she had yelled to him.

Ellie Kate has already had several discussions, wait. She has given several monologues to children that she has played with about how she used to live in "Weeltown." She always has to look to me to be reminded of the town in which we now live.

And just this morning, as Ross was up with Ellie Kate and Emmett, he found the Little Man in the bathroom giving his dinosaur a bath in the toilet. Such a little boy. His dinosaur sticketh in his hand closer than a brother.

Emmett has started talking more. He will randomly spout out words rather clearly. It is so stinkin' cute. I have a feeling that Emmett could actually carry on a rather lengthy conversation at this point, but why try to explain yourself when you've got a big sister who can negotiate for you? I still wonder at times as Emmett babbles, just how he came to be tri-lingual. I say that subtitles would be handy, but there are times when it is probably best that I don't know what his little stubborn self is saying.

I hope to start blogging on a more regular basis. This is by no means a cemented hope. You see I have come to realize that my best intentions and desires are quickly cast aside in the hustle of daily life. I'm okay with that. I would just really like to have a more consistent record of the happenings in our lives. Ross once noticed that I had taken several pictures of Emmett pitching a fit. When questioned I told him that one day I want to remind the little guy of the things he put his mommy thru so that he can have an appropriate appreciation for me.

I could write post after post filled with Ellie Kate quotes. That child is so dramatic. While staying with my parents recently, they went to a rodeo. Ellie Kate picked out a hat. No, not a basic, little cowgirl hat. We're talking pink with a feather rim and flashing crown. Subtle walked right out of the door unnoticed when she put that thing on. It too, is being kept safe in storage. This ensures a few Sundays that I won't have to insist that she not wear it to church. I will count it a blessing and one less battle to face. I've learned to choose those carefully. When you have a drama filled, argumentative four year old, you quickly learn that fashion isn't at the top of the list of things to conquer.

I have so much that I want to write, but life beckons in the form of a blue-eyed, two year old requesting "Duice".

(Just so you know, if I am locked away in jail, it's because my relationship with this computer took a violent turn. Apparently this post will appear as a looooong paragraph. And while I'm placing blame, my spelling and grammar here are without blemish. Yeah, this computer has a mind of it's own. I wonder if I carried it in my womb and then gave birth to it because it is currently reminding me of one of my children.)

Okay, now that I talked ugly about my computer, it decides to behave, well, sort of.

We are...

2011-03-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

Home. Praise the Lord! I was quite surprised that we got to come home today because Jack still needed a little bit of oxygen during the night. However, our little fella is doing really well. He has been smiling and cooing at me. Oh, how it does this mama good! I loved being able to sit in our living room, in our glider, and rock that sweet baby without a mask or gloves on. Jack has an appointment with his pediatrician in the morning and then my mom is going to bring Ellie Kate and Emmett home. I cannot wait to see those babies! We have alot going on right now in our family, but the Lord is faithful to just let me be where I am each day. "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." -Isaiah 46:4

Update on My Little Jack

2011-03-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

Jack has had a good, somewhat restful day.
He is still in the special care unit.
He is still on oxygen.
His color is great and his blue eyes are bright.
His little horsed cry is getting stronger.
His Mommy is thankful for so many things.
I am, of course, mentally and emotionally tired.
I am also being upheld by grace beyond anything I can see or imagine.
God is God and I am glad.

If you have a moment, click on my husband's blog.
I love that man.

Another Update

2011-03-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

Jack has had a really good day. He was taken off of the ventilator. I got to sit and hold him.
I stared intently at that little guy. I got to stroke his head with gloved hands and sing to him with a mask on my face. I got to tell him about all of the people who love him and are praying for him.

It seems that the reality of where we are is beginning to set in for me. Jack looks wonderful compared to where he was just a few short days ago. At the same time, I have those moments when I see my precious baby and realize just how sick he has been and how sick he still is. I know that he is receiving the best care possible. All the while, he is my fragile little one. Even more so, I know that Jack belongs to the Lord. God has been and continues to be so good to us.

His grace has covered us with an amazing peace. I am sure that hindsight will afford me even more opportunities to marvel at His care for us.

Thank you all so much for each and every prayer.

I am so humbled.

"Jesus loves the Baby. This Mommy knows. For the Bible tells the Mommy so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves the Baby. Yes, Jesus loves the Baby. Yes, Jesus loves the Baby. The Bible tells the Mommy so."

Praise the Lord!

2011-03-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

Jack tested negative for meningitis. He is still on a ventilator in the picu, but has started breathing on his own. He had a good day and I was able to stare at him for a good long while:)
The Lord has definitely given us a peace in the last 24 hours that could only come from Him. I am quite humbled by the outpouring of love and support from so many that we know as well as those we've never even met. We have truly been embraced by the body of Christ. We are overwhelmed by His goodness shown to us.

Update

2011-03-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

Thank you for each and every prayer.
I took Jack back to the doctor last night. We were taken by ambulance to the hospital. He was struggling to breath and having seizures. He was put on a ventilator and airlifted to Children's Hospital in Birmingham. They did a spinal tap on him. We should get the results today. We were able to see him at about three this morning.
I spoke with his nurse this morning and we are very confident with how he is doing.
My Lord is taking care of my precious little Jack.

Asking...

2011-03-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

for your prayers.

My precious little one has RSV.

I do believe one of the hardest things to experience is the sickness of an infant/child. Each breath that Jack draws is a struggle. He is very pale. Just a few days ago he was cooing and smiling and now he is constantly exhausted and not very responsive.

At this point he does not need to be hospitalized. He will be okay.

I sing, "Jesus Loves Me", to baby Jack. The words,"Little ones to Him belong. They are weak, but HE is strong", play over and over in my mind. I hold onto those words and ask the Lord to make my little one strong.

Just Another Day in Paradise

2011-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

A quick little update.

This must be prefaced by saying that this post is more of a run-on thought with incomplete sentences. Grammar lovers beware.

The chaotic tone of this post is a reflection of my current day reality. So here is my unperfected post.

We have three children. This is one of my first thoughts every morning. This statement stirs my drowsy mind. The Lord has blessed us with three children. What a beautiful picture. At this point Jack and I are the only ones awake. He is drinking a bottle. Ellie Kate and Emmett are asleep and I am not the only one over four years of age in our home. Ross is still home. I know that in a little while he will get up with the older kids and make them breakfast in order that I may catch a few extra moments of sleep with Jack.

And so the day begins.

Fast forward...

Ross has left for work. I am out numbered 3 to 1. If I were a betting person, my money would be on the three little people. They know things. Oh yeah. Don't be fooled. They are all in this together.

Emmett doesn't acknowledge his little brother. I'll say,"Emmett, see the baby?" Without looking Jack's way, he shakes his head back and forth saying,"Nooo, nooo." Meanwhile, Bunny (our chihuahua) is curled up in the corner thinking,"I tried that same method with you, Kid, and it didn't work."

Ellie Kate, on the other hand, is THE big sister. I guess we've played up the role so much that now she feels that she needs to remind us of exactly who she is. After leaving the room for a quick moment and returning to find EK on the bed having scooped Jack up into her arms, nearly all her defensive statements after that began with,"But Mama, I'm the big sista." I follow this with, "And I'm the Mommy."

So where was I? Oh yes, Ross has left me... to go to work and carry on in our normal everyday life. And here is a quick glimpse of my new normal.

Jack cries. If not held, he cries. Sometimes I follow suit...with the crying.

There are 7 loads of laundry to be washed, dried, folded, and put away.

The dishwasher needs unloading.

I should at some point brush my teeth.

Something has set Emmett off. I put him in his room and close the door. He has developed superhuman strength. I hope his room can hold him.

Ellie Kate is using chairs from the kitchen table to make a "tent for 4 year olds". Apparently this tent should hold 137 toys from her room. I tell myself that we'll clean up later all the while knowing that I am lying to myself.

Meanwhile, the four year old is a tutu wearing pirate who has made herself a treasure map and thankfully has decided to allow her two year old brother into the tent made specifically for four year olds. I make a mental note to give her candy later. She makes a mental note to treat herself to hidden candy later.

I've decided that kitchen sinks are for holding dishes. I should not rush this process.

Dishwasher needs to be unloaded.

I should get out of my pajamas. No time to change and I don't want more clothes in the dirty pile.

Jack cries. He is little, but his newborn sensor lets him know when Mommy is trying to rest or do anything else for that matter. And so he cries.

I decide to just sit and hold him.

I observe my home.

Tent set up in living room. It contains a music box, a ball, chewing gum, shoe boxes, and anything else of utmost importance to a four year old.

Throughout the day one of two songs will play in my mind. The first is an old country song called Just Another Day in Paradise. The second is a silly song with Larry from Veggietales. The lyrics...If it doesn't have a tail it's not a monkey even if it has a monkey kind of shape. If it doesn't have a tale it's not a monkey, if it doesn't have a tail it's not a monkey, it's an ape.

I note that I don't have a tail.

Meanwhile, Ellie Kate lets me know that,"stupid isn't a bad word. You just don't say it at someone." It's never 'end of discussion' with her and she continues to discuss with herself.

Then Emmett makes his request time and time again for juice. He says,"Duice? Duice? Duice?"

He proceeds to say many other things and I pause to imagine a life with subtitles so that I can understand his little self.

I check the clock and wonder where the last 2 and a half hours have gone.

There are still 7 loads of laundry to wash, dry, fold and put away.

The dishwasher needs unloading.

How have I accomplished nothing?

I observe Emmett eating a piece of Bunny's food. I suddenly realize why his hair (or coat) has been so shiny lately.

I remember a thing called facebook and wonder what is going on in the outside world.

I log into my email for the first time in over a month and cringe to see that I need to sort through nearly 450 emails.

...If it doesn't have a tail it's not a monkey...

I'm back.

I check a friend's blog. She, too, has a newborn. She has had various photo shoots with him. Beautiful, peaceful photos.

I don't know if I've taken Jack's photo since he was a week old.

I walk down our hall and realize that it looks like a shrine to Ellie Kate, our firstborn. I make a mental note to schedule an appointment for Emmett and Jack to have their picture taken. I immediately wonder what file that note will end up in.

I walk into Emmett's room and wonder when the toy bomb blew up. Cars, blocks, balls, and the like are scattered about. And carefully hidden from my eyes are his various pacifiers. He even has a pink butterfly one carried over from Ellie Kate's baby days. At two and a half he has a full blown addiction and I am his enabler. That's right. I push aside thoughts of future visits to the orthodontist and instead resort to pacifier bribery when he needs his diaper changed or it's time to go to bed. I do so with no shame to speak of.

It's lunch time. Spaghetti.

I have a fork in one hand and Jack with a bottle, in the other. Ellie Kate sits across the table correcting my technique.

Strip Emmett down to his diaper. Cut the pasta. Give him a spoon. Watch as he occasionally finds his mouth. Call Bunny in to clean up the floor. Grateful for her service.

Bathtime.

Put Ellie Kate and Emmett in tub. Have to fill tub up twice because Emmett's a splasher. Wipe down kitchen while kids play. Return to bathroom to wrestle Little Man out of tub. He once again develops superhuman strength. I hulk out and handle the situation. Both kids out of tub, clean, dressed, and ready for nap time.

Pick up crying Jack. Feed him. Get him down for a nap.

Emmett, pacifier in mouth and another in hand, is also down for a nap.

Retreat to my room with Ellie Kate. I decide that she can pick out a movie to watch while I get some rest.

Wake up and wonder if I ever really slept.

Call Ross to see when he'll be home. He notes desperation in my voice and makes plans to return home sooner than originally planned.

7 loads of laundry to be washed, dried, folded, and put away.

Dishwasher needs unloading.

Should get out of my pajamas.

Still hopeful of brushing my teeth at some point.

Call my mom to ask her how in the world she did this. I am the youngest of three. We were doorsteps, as well. Make note to apologize more often to my mom "just because". Receive encouragement and sympathy.

Ellie Kate tells me I have "pwecious teeth".

Emmett's diaper is approaching the 24 pound weight limit of what it will hold. I wrestle him to the ground and change him. He requests "duice".

The thought in my head,"WE HAVE THREE CHILDREN!" It's more of a screaming voice at this point.

Bunny peeks at me with her good eye, begging for her arthritis medicine.

We got the kids a dog for Christmas. His name was Baxter. Past tense because we let him out to go potty and he never came back. I lack the proper response of sadness. I'm sure he found a nice home and I don't have to feed, water, or clean up after him anymore. The kids weren't really upset. Emmett never acknowledged Baxter (I'm sensing a theme). Ellie Kate's prayer about the situation, "And dear Lorwd, we pway for Baxter that we can get a new dog."

Decide to attempt to fold laundry on guest bed. Wonder if anything is hiding in 5 foot mountain of clothes. Fold three items. Jack cries.

Note that the Elmo video is replaying for 6th time. Hear Emmett cry followed by Ellie Kate saying,"I didn't hit him", which lets me know that she did. I remind her that she is "the big sister" and she must be sweet to her brothers.

Impressed that Emmett can turn on breast pump.

Think of several mommies that I know who 'have it all together'. I'm not on this list.

Supper approaches. Three options tonight. Spaghetti, bowl of cereal, or a sandwich.

Ross returns home. Emmett says "Daaaaddy!" So precious. Ellie Kate and Emmett squeal with delight as "The Daddy" chases them throughout the house.

Ellie Kate takes her Daddy to our bedroom to show him what she and Emmett have done. They have dumped Applejack crumbs all over our bed. She tells him that,"We're kids...we don't know any better."

Supper then bedtime.

Whole family goes into Emmett's room. We sing songs and say his Bible verse. I note that his nails must be cut tomorrow and realize I made the same note the night before.

Ellie Kate gives Daddy hugs and kisses and tells him goodnight. I brush her teeth and remember that I forgot to do the same for Emmett. I sit on EK's bed with her and we say our prayers and her Bible verse. Then she picks a song or two. She often still decides on Silent Night and Away in a Manger. We sing. I tuck her in. She puts on a toboggan that she calls her bedtime hat. I explain to her that she doesn't need to talk anymore. She calls me back into her room 3 more times.

I feed Jack and hold my breath as I try to lay him down twice. Newborn buzzer goes off as he is automatically aware of the fact that he isn't being held. Third times a charm. At this point I will only allow Ross and myself to whisper and tip toe.

I brush my teeth. Yes. I brush my teeth. Ross breaks out into a "Hallelujah!" chorus.

I don't have to put on my pajamas because I never took them off anyway.

Ross and I lay down on the fine layer of crumbs that has settled on our bed. They itch. I make a note to wash the sheets the next day and then decide that I really should follow thru with this notation.

7 loads of laundry never got washed, dried, folded, or put away.

The dishwasher was never unloaded.

I decide that the next day will provide another chance to tackle each chore. I mentally pat myself on the back for getting the coffee maker ready to go for the next morning.

I think of my day. My new normal. I hit the ground running and feel as though I never accomplish anything. Then I think of the moments Emmett 'gave me lovin' or Ellie Kate sang to her new brother. I remember the times I wiped a tear...or a rear:) I think of tending to a fresh boo boo or rocking my newborn. I relish the laughter that filled our home when "The Daddy" tickled his little ones. I think of Emmett learning a new word and Ellie Kate sharing with her oldest brother. I think of my husband telling me that I was beautiful when I knew my outward appearance was much to the contrary. I think of the miracle of each child and the uniqueness of each soul. I'm reminded of the blessings in our home.

And ultimately I'm reminded of the verse at the top of this blog which says,"He gently leads those who have young." I ask Him to gently lead me. I drift off to sleep thinking, "The Lord has blessed us with three children" and it sounds melodious again.

Just another day in paradise, indeed.

His name is...

2011-01-22T15:58:00.000-08:00

Jack Watson Kilpatrick

We'll call him "Jack" after my Father and Grandfather. We chose the name "Watson" after Ross' Great-Grandfather.

So I met this little guy...

2011-01-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

and I am in LOVE. He arrived last night at 6:03 p.m. He weighed 6 lbs 11 ozs and was 21 1/2 inches long. I'll share his name soon.

The Last 24 hours

2011-01-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

First, notice that my little baby ticker on the left has only 15 days to go. My last appointment was Friday. Things are progressing in the way of meeting this fellow soon. As Ross would say,"We are sitting on 'G' and waiting on 'O'." (Hmmm...what should we name him?) Anyway...

We were so excited to have Meme (Ross' mom) come and spend this past weekend with us. Emmett loves his Meme and was pretty much glued to her while she was here. She considered going back home on Sunday night. Ross told her that he wished that she would stay. Apparently Emmett turned toward his Meme and clearly stated,"Stay". He must have known the night that was to follow.

Ross started feeling bad around 10:30 on Sunday night. It became quite obvious that he had some sort of virus. He was actually relieved to throw up. (Yuck and bless his heart.) He was quarantined to our bedroom where he proceeded to get sick time and time again, all the while running a fever and having chills.

I decided to settle down on the couch for the night while Meme slept in Ellie Kate's room with her. I don't remember waking up around 1:30 a.m., I only recall standing at EK's door because she was screaming and crying. She, too, had caught the nasty bug. So from then on she threw up every 30 minutes until about 8 o'clock. Thankfully Meme was here to tend to her, but I cannot tell you just how helpless I felt hearing my sweet baby girl call to me and being unable to care for her (remember the whole 38 weeks pregnant thing). She had also begun running a fever and hallucinating.

Around 4:30 a.m., I made the decision to call my parents. My first statement when they answered the phone was "I'm not in labor."At that point I was thinking that when Emmett woke up he would want to be in his Meme's lap and since she was cleaning up/rocking EK all night, Emmett would likely fall prey to this terrible virus.

I went in his room and packed his bag, changed his diaper, put on his hat, and he said, "Wet's go". He was thrilled to venture out before the sun came up.

Bless my Mama's heart, we met near Montgomery and she took my little, bright-eyed boy.

I was off to wait on a store to open so that I could get cleaning supplies, liquids, medications, etc. All the while, I'm placing calls to EK's doctor's office. "Just-a-phone-call-away-24-hours-a-day", I think not. They had an answering service that wasn't answering. I was not a happy mama. I was a very concerned, exhausted, could-go-into-labor-anytime, (add your own adjective here), woman on a mission. (At this point EK couldn't even keep water down so I was wondering if we needed to make a trip to the ER.)

It was just me and the swagger wagon (Yes, we now have a mini van. That's a post all its own.) waiting on the world around us to wake up.

I found a Walmart and wandered the aisles looking for all of my supplies. I felt just a little foggy, to say the least, since I had been awake since 1:30 a.m. I got up to the check out and literally had the exact amount of cash to pay for all that I had bought. The good Lord seriously knew that I had left my debit card in the car, I mean van, and that my emotional self would have dissolved into a puddle on the floor had I not had the amount of money I needed right there in my pocket.

I returned home just before 9. I was finally able to call and leave a message for a nurse at the pediatrician's office. When the nurse returned my call and found out EK's condition, she said that we would need to come into the office. I set our appointment for 11:30 in Auburn. I got a quick bath and was told that EK seemed to be improving. We decided that keeping her at home seemed best so I cancelled the appointment.

Thankfully, my wonderful mother-in-law had begun washing sheets/clothes and wiping down everything with clorox wipes. I secluded myself to the guest bedroom and took a nap.

Meme was so sweet to stay and care for our household until late into the evening.

I sure hope that 1)EK and Ross are on the upswing, 2) Emmett 'escaped' in time, 3) I don't get this virus, 4) the little guy in my tummy stays put for a few more days.

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I have uploaded pictures for several posts and I hope to actually complete those and share them one of these days. I tend to spend any computer time checking other people's blogs. Other than that, I haven't wanted to be on the computer much.

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I have been in hyper nesting mode for about a week (probably longer) now. I knew that I was beginning to nest when I thought that the soap dispenser needed cleaning. Another indication came when I felt the need to find words. That's right, I love my word find book. And then the real shocking realization set in. I told Ross that our dogs had to go. (Yeah, even Bunny.) Of course, I just want her to go stay with my parents. I've reached the point to where, unless I gave birth to it or married it, I don't want to take care of it.

Ross could probably get used to the 'nesting' me. I cook. I clean. I craft. I bake. I bare little resemblance to my normal self, but man am I ever productive.

Our little guys imminent arrival is quite surreal.

That's all for now.

Have to Share

2011-01-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

My husband is so talented! His lastest post to his blog, "A Certain Someone Comes",is one of my all time favorites. Ole preggo here needs a tissue.
Check it out: http://wrosskilpatrick.blogspot.com

Official Big Boy Haircut

2010-12-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

Wow, how the time flies! I haven't updated this here bloggy blog in 2+ months. It's hard to even know where to begin. So here's a semi-recent post: Emmett's first official haircut.
Up until this point, Ross and I had taken turns restraining the little (powerful) guy. As the pictures will show, I am an advanced preggo and therefore I have absolutely no desire to wrestle a 2 year old. We also wanted him to have an 'even' cut for once. So we decided to try taking him to get a haircut.
I was seriously dreading the whole experience.
But thankfully, the little guy did excellent.

EK and Emmett checking out products.

A little game of chase with Daddy.

Getting the sucker ready.

Such the big guy.

Sister and Dorothy look on.

Just a little longer.

He's almost reached his limit. He started telling the lady,"No, no."

Cleaning him up.

EK got a sucker, too.

A look of relief on mommy's face.

Of course, I had to cry just a little bit when we got in the car. This is my Little Man that's growing up way too fast.

Our next stop was pizza and then on to find our Christmas tree.

Have no fear...

2010-10-27T15:40:00.001-07:00

Suuuuuper Ellie Kate is here!

These were taken several months ago, but we are still feeling very safe around here:)

Daddy/Daughter Date Day (August)

2010-10-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Ellie Kate and Ross went to a volleyball tournament in Auburn. They got to see Troy play and win!

Memories captured...

2010-10-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

http://candacenelsonphotography.myshowit.com/amyandross

While Ross and I were on vacation, we had some pictures made so we could remember the two of us at 30 years old, after 7 years of marriage, expecting our third child. Be sure to turn up the volume. The slideshow is set to such a sweet song. I wasn't even aware of the music at first, but when I rewatched the slideshow with the music...tears.

Birthday Party

2010-10-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Since Emmett and Ellie Kate's birthdays are only a week apart, we decided once again to have one big party for them both. We chose my parents' home as the central location.
We are so blessed to have such supportive and loving families to help us celebrate these two precious lives.

Nana and Pocca Doc rented a blow up castle.

I endured the sauna to snap some photos of EK.

Such a silly girl.

Emmett cheesin' for the camera.

And here we have the two Emmetts.

Ellie Kate and Mawmaw read a book.

Bunny soaked up some love from Meme and reminisced about her own party.

Ellie Kate was delighted when Addie showed up. We were so excited to have Addie and her parents there to celebrate with us:)

Ms. Jennifer ,who is due a few days after me, braided Ellie Kate's hair to match Addie's.

The girls thought that everyone needed stick on earrings...and I do mean everyone.

And here are the cakes. Cars for Emmett and Hello Kitty for Ellie Kate. You can see the castle in the background.

Prissy Mae looking so grown up.

Little Man figuring things out.

Family of four shot.

And then it was time to open presents. Can anyone say Christmas in August?

This Little Man loves a car.

Ross, I mean Emmett, was excited to get a racetrack with cars.

Meme and Poppa got Emmett and Ellie Kate each a Hotwheels.

After all of the presents were opened, we headed outside to swim.

I love how excited Emmett looks here.

And these are our Pawpaws with stick on earrings. (An odd sentence to type:)

Ellie Kate hugged Addie when it was time to go.

Later, Grammy and EK relaxed with a book.

Below are Ellie Kate and Emmett back at home enjoying some of their gifts. Yes, that's a drumset. I think Emmett may be training for Supermarket Sweep. I heard him the other day saying,"One, two, free, go!" and then observed him pushing this shopping cart at high speeds.

And this little couch has provided just enough room for Ellie Kate and Emmett to sit next to one another and take in a movie.

"Bob"

2010-09-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

I'm 22 weeks now and this little fella doesn't officially have a name.

Ellie Kate has decided on...Bob Hornsby Kilpatrick Wilson and call him Bob.

Hmmm...

Today and Yesterday

2010-09-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Above: After about a month of marriage.

Above: Celebrating our 1st Wedding Anniversary in Louisville, KY.

This is definitely a week of celebration for me and Ross. Yesterday was our 7th wedding anniversary. I hate that I forgot to scan any of our wedding photos.

Today is my sweet hubby's 30th birthday. I'm so glad that he finally caught up with me:)

He is currently updating his blog with a post that I'm sure contains much reflection. I'm excited to read it myself. Check it out at http://www.wrosskilpatrick.blogspot.com/

We are spending the week on vacation at the beach. The combination of generosity and selflessness has afforded us this time away. We are so grateful for grandparents who allow us some time together.

I am so aware lately of the blessings that have been showered upon us. We are at an amazing place in our lives.

Precious babies and an expanding tummy.

A husband who I love and admire and who treats me better than I deserve.

Our health.

A supportive church family.

Loving parents and relatives.

A God who has brought us through each circumstance we've faced and ordained it all for our good.

A chihuahua named Bunny.

Chocolate milk.

The list goes on and on.

This is definitely a week of celebration for a life of blessings.

I am currently working on some posts.

I am consistently inconsistent.

Lots of pictures to come...

2010-09-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

Playing on the playground yesterday...

EK: "Mama, I bwought my spy stuff."
Me: "Who are we spying on?"
EK: "A cweepy snapper called Emmett."

Prissy Luler Belle turns 4

2010-08-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Oh my word, Ellie Kate is turning 4! Let's see what she has to say about that...

(It will become quite evident that I told her we're going to Chick-Fil-A later.)

Me: How do you feel now that you're 4?

EK: I feel that I have a birthday at Chick-Fil-A.

Me: What are you going to do now that you're 4?

EK: I'm gonna go to Chick-Fil-As and have my birthday.

Me: What do you think about the baby in my tummy?

EK: I don't know. I'm excited.

Me: Do you like being a big sister?

EK: Yes. B/c I wanna take care of all my babies.

Me: What's your favorite thing to do?

EK: My favorite thing to do is go to Chick-Fil-A and play on the playground.

Me: Do you still have super powers?

(She shows me her muscles.) What are they?

EK: Lightning and thunder and water to make someone melt who's mean.

(We watched The Wizard of Oz last night.)

Me: Do you like to go on dates with your Daddy?

(She nods, yes.) What do you like to do on your dates?

EK: I like to go to Chick-Fil-A. We like to meet people. We like to celebrate my birthday.

Me: How long will you be 4?

EK: Wight now, I'm 4. In August 31st. Dis is August 31st so I'm 4.

Me: How old is Emmett?

EK: 2

Me: How old is Daddy?

EK: I don't know. 21,22,23,24...I don't know how old he is, but Bunny's 9.

Me: What happens when you get old?

EK: I go into heaven. Daddy's back is hurting him.

Me: Why did the chicken cross the road?

EK: B/c he pooped on the road.

Me: What does Bunny think about you and Emmett?

EK: I don't know. I think she thinks we're pwecious.

Me: What is something that you want to teach Emmett?

EK: I wanna teach him how to tawk.

Me: Alright, that's it. Thank you.

EK: You welcome.

To say that Ellie Kate is a mess, would be a vast understatement. She arrived in the early afternoon of August 31st which was her due date. I cannot recall exactly, but I'm pretty sure that she introduced herself to me in the delivery room. That's to say that I don't recall a time when she didn't talk...alot.

She always wants to 'make up new fwiends' wherever we go. She doesn't meet a stranger. Like her mommy, she loves animals. She is forever 'tending' to her babies and little brother.

Lately she has been teaching class in Emmett's room. I walked in just the other day and she told me that everyone (all of the stuffed animals) got a spanking and time out b/c they lied to her. You can probably guess that she has been caught in some lying herself lately. She has resorted to blaming things on Emmett and when confronted, she's even told me that she was just trying to surprise me.

I asked her if Emmett ever gets to be the teacher and she said,"No, he don't tawk."

She doesn't embrace bedtime quite like Emmett does. Our night routine has changed over her four years. Now I usually inform her about how many minutes she has left to stay in the den with me and Ross. When time's up, we go into the bathroom so she can potty and brush her teeth. Then she 'sneaks up' on her Daddy and scares him in order to smother him with hugs and kisses.

We then go into her bedroom. She and I sit on her bed and she prays. I'm thinking that prayer time has become a stalling tactic. Last night she prayed,"God you know that Santa sees me all the way to town. Can it be Christmas now?" Then she quizzed me on whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas. I say a prayer after her. We both end with Psalm 4:8,"I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

She then sits in my lap so we can rock and sing. We will often sing a scripture song, Isaiah 40:8. She calls it my Eagle Song. Then she will often ask to sing Daddy's Eagle Song which is the Auburn fight song. She likes to sing me a song of hers that,"I never hearwd before." Those are always quite interesting. I then cover her up with her various blankets and stuffed animals. She usually jumps up to give me hugs and kisses. (I suspect that this, too, is a stalling tactic.)

She will often request that Ross come in and tell her an 'Adam the sugar ant story'. When I leave her room she calls out,"Mama, I love you." I say," I love you, too." Then she says,"I love you, too, too." This is followed by,"Mama, don't cwose da door when I cwose my eyes. Mama, guess what?" I say,"What?" She replies,"Chickenbutt...poopy." This is followed by,"Mama, I love you again...tell Daddy that I love him." And with that, she will go to sleep...most of the time.Ellie Kate loves to go on 'Daddy/Daughter date date days'. She is also enjoying a drumset that she got for her birthday (Thanks so much Nana & Pocca Doc). She let Emmett play it on Sunday. I heard her use the word 'rhythm' while speaking to him.

She loves to go to church. She knows everyone there by name. When we were leaving this past Sunday, she told me,"Mama, one of my fwiends lied at me." She went on to further explain what had taken place and ended with,"Mama, dat's a sin, wight?"She is definitely the hostess with the mostess. She is all about having a tea party or any party for that matter. Ellie Kate is my little social butterfly.She is truly a joy to be around and if you don't think so, just ask her. Ellie Kate is a very considerate little girl. She is kind to others and I often want to lock her in the house and never let her leave just so her feelings won't ever get hurt.

Ross is already resigned to starting a prison ministry should any snotty nosed boy ever break her heart.

She has told me a couple of times that she wants to marry Emmett. Her Nana said,"I bet a boy will come along who really likes you." Ellie Kate replied,"Dat's my Daddy."This little girl definitely keeps me on my toes. She has five questions to follow every one question that she asks. Lately, when we review her Bible verses, she says,"Mama, I got a verse. Repeat after me." This is when I try to explain to her that we only learn verses that are already in the Bible." We love our Little Priss Priss! We are so grateful to be entrusted with this precious little one. Time is definitely passing too quickly. Thank you Lord for Ellie Kate.

Ross put up a post on his blog, as well. Check it out here.

We'll be adding...

2010-08-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

another little BOY to the mix.

We couldn't be more excited. Ellie Kate wants to name him Bob, but we haven't officially decided on the little guy's name. Everything looked great on the ultrasound today. We know that we are extremely blessed. We are very grateful to the Lord.

2010-08-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Melt my heart. Ross wrote a poem about Emmett.

Little Man turns 2

2010-08-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

Today is Emmett's birthday. My actual due date was the day after Ellie Kate's birthday, but the storm, Faye, came thru and the Little Guy made his grand appearance a week early. There's nothing like a pedicure to get the contractions started. He was born at 11:17 p.m. as the tornado sirens sounded in the background. Meme and Poppa brought big sister, Ellie Kate in her jammies with her bink bink to meet her new little brother. She walked in the room, looked at me and said,"Mama, you done?"

Thankfully, she was instantly smitten with the Little Fella and I can guarantee that the feeling is mutual. No one can make Emmett laugh like his big sister. However, he saves most of his affection for his mommy. In the mornings when Emmett wakes up, I sit him in the rocking chair with his cup of milk. I usually lay down on the couch. At some point he will almost always make his way across the room to where I am. He will wait for me to pick him up and then we get to snuggle on the couch. I can think of no better way to start my day.

Emmett isn't very verbal or maybe it's just that English is his second language. He jabbers and jabbers and can be quite serious about what he's trying to say, but as far as words we can understand, well that part of his vocabulary is limited. He still loves cars, trucks, and anything else with wheels. He got a little fire engine vehicle for his birthday last year and I wish I knew just how many miles he's put on it riding in circles around the kitchen.

Emmett enjoys a good game of chase and really likes for his Daddy to run up and down the hall with him. He prefers to be outdoors and will pitch an all out fit when being brought inside. For the most part, he is a calm little guy, but when he gets mad, he gets real mad. We're talking different child, we're-in-need-of-an-exorcism kind of mad.

He hates to get a haircut which explains why currently only half of his hair has been cut. He doesn't like to have his clothes or diaper changed at all. He loves the movie Cars and the show Mickeymouse Clubhouse. When Mickey says,"We've got ears say cheers", Emmett says,"Cheers".

The boy loves his pacifiers. As of late, I've tried to limit his time with his precious pacies, but to no avail. I have walked into his room and found that he has climbed in his crib to have a paci in his mouth and another in his hand. When unable to climb in his crib, he has actually crawled underneath it to find pacifiers that I haven't seen in weeks. I don't know how we're going to curb this habit.

Another thing that he loves is naptime and bedtime. He is often giddy when I go to lay him down. He leans way back all the while giggling with excitement. I kiss those little cheeks over and over and then we say his verses, Show me your ways, O Lord, guide me in Your truth and teach me. Psalm 25:4-5. Ellie Kate likes to stand on a stool and cover him up and then say,"Good night Little Man with a plan, Boogie." At this point he is surrounded with a complete stash of pacifiers and snuggling his blanket under his chin. Ross says,"I love you, Champ", and after making sure his noise maker is simulating a thunderstorm, we exit his room. It really is a sweet time.

He gives me sweet and often loud sugars and nosie nosies. He also still thinks that Bunny's name is 'Awww Weee'. He is especially fond of my Dad, which he calls Doc. Emmett's perfect day would involve riding beside Pocca Doc on the mule. When he thinks he is about to go outside, he repeats over and over,"Bye, see ya. Bye, see ya."

So that's an update on our two-year-old Little Man. I think I'm gonna have to eat that blonde-haired, blue-eyed little guy 'awl up', as his sister would say.

My 3-year-old Adult

2010-08-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

On our way home after meeting my parents for lunch, Ellie Kate said,"It was nice to see your mom and dad."

Swagger Wagon

2010-08-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

This has to be my all time favorite video. Hilarious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4

Celebrate!

2010-08-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today's festivities.

I know I have been missing in action. But I had to post today, because it's Bunny's birthday. That's right. Today Bunny turned 9. Where has the time gone?

She woke up this morning not feeling well. She actually threw up. She is blind in one eye and losing her hearing. There's a little boy (sources say, Emmett) who likes to sneak up behind her and hit her on the hiney and laugh. You'd probably feel sick, too. Anyway, her big day did get better. I gave her a medicated bath. Then, after looking thru a few shirts and dresses, I decided that Bunny could just put her jammies on. After all, it is her day.

Ellie Kate got all dressed up (and asked me if the bug man spraying our house would want to join us. I spared him the invite.), while Emmett cruised around on his fire engine. Then on a plate from EK's tea set, we gave Bunny a little cheese danish with a lit candle. We reused her birthday crown from last year and all sang 'Happy Birthday' as Ross accompanied us on the guitar. It is of note that Emmett didn't grab the candle and EK, after making a wish, blew out Bunny's candle for her. I took care of the videoing and then we recreated the festivities for the still camera.

Bunny devoured her treat and spent the rest of the day in her jammies probably avoiding both children.

I decided to post some pictures of Bunny through the years. (They are in no particular order.)

I cannot believe that she is 9 (or 63). She is a well traveled chihuahua both on the road as well as in the air. She's just a wee little girl who has been a staple around here. Ross would confirm (while gagging) that Bunny 'loves her mommy'.
Happy Birthday, Bunny!

The discovery.

2010-06-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

I went out of town this past weekend with my mom, sister, and nephew. Upon returning home on Sunday night, Ross and I began to talk about (how should I put this?) me. He said that he would give me until Wednesday and then if things hadn't started, he would buy me a pregnancy test. The possibility of being with child was just too much for me. I remembered one unused test that had fallen behind a drawer in my bathroom. Up until this point, I had been unable to retrieve it. So, salad tongs in hand, I disappeared to settle the matter.

No sooner had I taken the test than a "+" sign appeared. I was flooded with disbelief and excitement and I couldn't wait for Ross to join in my elation. My first thought was for Ellie Kate to be the bearer of good news. When those plans didn't pan out, I remembered that we had some hamburger buns. (The following is not original with me.) I picked out one of the buns that wasn't moldy and I placed it in the oven. Next, I picked up our video camera that had accompanied me on my weekend trip and started mumbling about something that I had recorded.

From the kitchen, I asked Ross if his mother had cooked something the previous weekend when she and his father had visited. He replied no and showed no suspicion to my line of questioning. I told him that something was in our oven and asked him again if his mother had cooked the previous weekend. At this point, he was sitting on the couch eating some spaghetti.

He said,"Do you want me to come and look?"

I replied,"Yes."

He said,"Well can I finish eating first?"

I replied,"No."

He was getting a little annoyed at this point, but he put his food down and came into the kitchen. He acted as if I had set something up to scare him. He cautiously opened the oven. He peered in as if something were going to jump out and get him. (See how he completely trusts my intentions?) He looked up at me with confusion as I was videoing the unfolding of events.

Then he said,"It's a hamburger bun."

Ellie Kate was standing by the oven, too.

This wasn't going as planned.

He held up the bun as I waited for the light bulb to illuminate above his head.

He repeated himself,"It's a hamburger bun."

So I asked him,"Where was the bun?"

He replied,"In the oven...(wheels turning)...YOU KNEW!"

I told him that ,yes, I was pregnant, but that I had only known for the previous five minutes at most.

Meanwhile, Ellie Kate is thriving off of our excitement and is celebrating because we literally have a hamburger bun in our oven.

Ross goes to the back with me to see the test. (I always need second...and third...and fourth opinions). It is just as I left it...POSITIVE.

After hugging me he says,"Aw, we've got to redo the video."

Take two.

Me (filming),"Honey, go look in the oven."

Ross,"Okay. (Walking over and opening the oven.) Whoa, a bun in the oven. Praise the Lord we're expecting."

Ellie Kate exclaims,"Pwaise da Worwd. Have mercy." (She is still excited to have a hamburger bun in our oven:)

We proceed to call our families.

The next morning, I decide to sit Ellie Kate down and tell her the big news. I say,"I'm going to have a baby."

She looks down at my tummy and says,"Dis morning?!?" Followed by,"I'm gonna feed herw, and wock herw,"and so on and so forth. I ask her if she thinks I'll have a boy or a girl. She says,"A girl. We'll call her Sweetie." She later says that I'm having a boy and a girl and we'll name the boy, Bouncey."

Upon learning of the news, Emmett replied (and I quote),"fakhs;fuhweohfisihldhhglu8oy....coooookie."

Our news has rekindled Ellie Kate's interest in her baby dolls. She has been tending to 'Dorothy' alot.

I had my first doctor visit on Wednesday. Ross graciously kept Emmett while Ellie Kate, Dorothy, and I headed to Auburn. Ellie Kate thought that we were going to pick up the baby:) She told the nurse about Bunny and Butler and even got a band aide to help her fake boo boo get better. She also told the doctor that,"My daddy's name is Brwudder Woss."

For now my due date is February 1, 2011. I have an appointment in two weeks to take some measurements. We'll have to see if my due date stands.

Until then I will try to think of the best way to answer my three year old's questions. Last night she wanted to know, "Is dat baby gonna come out of your belly button?" I told her that that was a great question, and that we would talk about it later.

Anyone out there with little curious ones who you want to be honest with but don't care for your answers to be broadcast again in say, public?

I passed...

2010-05-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

my pregnancy test! That's right, we are expecting our third child!

Another Tea Party

2010-04-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Being the social butterfly that she is, Miss Ellie Kate Kilpatrick knew it was time to host another tea party.

First in attendance was Miss Bunnadette Grace, known to those closest to her, as 'Bunny'.

Although appearing nervous at first and displaying some shifty glances,

Bunny quickly settled into the usual small talk.

The pleasantries subsided as Sir Emmett Wilson Kilpatrick made his appearance. He was distraught to see that this gathering had nothing to do with the outdoors or motorized vehicles of any sort.

However, being the gentleman that he is, he quickly pulled himself together and accepted a cup of tea.

Always hounded by curious onlookers, he felt the need to shield his face from the cameras.

After Bunny returned, things took on a more serious tone.

This was until Sir Emmett felt the need to relax.

More tea was poured.

And hilarity ensued.

The comfy chair was shared.

And then Bunny channeled her inner Star Trek and struck a pose.

Sir Emmett, terribly impressed by Bunny's ability to keep a straight face, made his way once again to the comfy chair.

Bunny felt the need to excuse herself.

Ellie Kate, ever the hostess, took in the unusual mingling of her guests, completely amused.

A good time was had by all and Sir Emmett even considered wearing something other than his pajamas for the season's next social event which he desperately hoped would have nothing to do with jewelry, tea, or the color pink.

Since Christmas...

2010-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

this is how they roll.

I did not realize that Ellie Kate needed a hot pink Escalade, but that's what grandparents are for, right?
Thanks Nana and Pocca Doc.

Here she is backing out of the garage, passenger in tow. Butler's expression captures the severity of the situation.

We like to say that Emmett has 'his mind on his mommy and his mommy on his mind'.

He always rides with his little elbow hanging over the side.

It actually has AM/FM radio.

Cruisin'.

Scooter

2010-04-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

My computer will not upload any photos :(
I have gone back through my picture files and found some things that I wish I would have posted.
I'll begin with Ellie Kate riding her scooter for the first time.

Grammy & Pawpaw gave her this for her birthday...

last August.

These pictures were taken in September '09.

Butler doesn't seem to understand that his life is in danger.

In the next two pictures, EK is trying to give me a thumbs up.

I think she felt pretty safe with her Dora gear.

The many faces of Emmett

2010-03-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

The big one and the little one

2010-03-12T09:27:00.001-08:00

Emmett, that is.

Conversation with Ellie Kate...

2010-03-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Let me set the scene. Last week (in January) I'm laying down with EK on her bed for 'just a wittle while' before she goes to sleep.

EK: "Mewwy Cwismas!...It's not Cwismas."

Me: "You're silly. Why do we celebrate Christmas? Whose birthday is it?"

EK: (giggling)"Santa Cwause....Jesus' birthday".

Me: "That's right. And Jesus is God's Son."

EK: "Where's God."

Me: "In heaven."

EK: "Is God dead?"

Me: "No, baby."

EK: "Is Jesus dead?"

Me: "No, darling. Jesus came to earth as a baby. He lived a perfect life. Then He died on the cross for our sins. But he came back to life and now He's in heaven. Jesus forgives us of our sin."

EK: "I still have my sins."

Me: "Well sin is when we do something wrong. One day when we talk about it some more, maybe you'll want Jesus to take away your sins."

EK: "Did Jesus take away your sins?"

Me: "Yes, baby. He did."

EK: "Does Emmett still have his sin?"

Me: (Thinking,"Wow!")"Emmett's too young to understand just yet."

EK: "Are we gonna die?"

Me: "One day we will, but Jesus will be in heaven waiting on us."

EK: (Being ever so much the three-year-old...)"Are we gonna pooooopy one day?"

This of course is followed by lots of giggles. And in that moment I know that our deeply spiritual conversation has come to a close. Now she just wants to say silly words and giggle.

Other things she's said recently...

After seeing me frustrated during the morning, I laid down beside EK when she going to take her nap:

EK:"Mama, you need to wissen to God. He doesn't want you to be mad."***************

Emmett screaming after his bath while I'm trying to get him dressed:

EK:"Mama, he needs to think of his attitude."******************

EK walking into the living room:

Ross:"Ellie Kate did you toot or did your shoe make that noise?"

EK:"No. That was my butt."*****************************

Praying for her Daddy before her nap:

EK:"Dear Worwd, we pway for Daddy dat he won't fall off his car and dat his car won't bwake. And dat he will bring us some cookies to make. Tank you for Daddy. Amen. We need to pway for Asterick (the child that we sponsor) dat his boo boo on his head will feel better. Dear Worwd, we pway for Asterick dat he will come to our house and give him a car. Amen. (Looking at me) God needs to give him a car."*******************

In the bathroom talking to me before she goes potty:

EK: "You need to go out and cwose da door so I can have some popasee (privacy).

On my heart to share with you all...

2010-01-12T10:31:00.001-08:00

Taken September 27, 2009

(6th Anniversary)

I just turned 30. Whoa! Where did that come from? I thought that the leaving of your twenties only happened to others. Guess not.

There's something I want to do. I feel that it is a prompting of the Spirit.

I get so far behind on this bloggy thing. I have posts that are unpublished and contain now outdated photos. I'm yet to share pictures of Ellie Kate learning to ride her scooter that she got for her birthday...back in August.

Here's part of my problem. I'm an all or nothing type of person. If I don't feel that I can accurately compile photos with captions and stories, then I spend my small window of time on mine and Ross' computer just looking at everyone else's blog. Lately I haven't even kept up with the common posts. You know the 'here's our complete Christmas' post. Yeah, haven't even started on that one.

So instead of feeling as though I should play 'catch up', I'm just going to take this opportunity to make something as clear as I can.

Maybe it's the big 3-0. Maybe it's the beginning of a new year. Mostly, as previously mentioned, I think it's the prompting of the Spirit.

I really don't even know who looks at this blog. Mainly family, as well as friends from college, I would assume.

I know that the 'about me' section says that Ross is a pastor. I often include Christian quotes and poems. I make a determined effort to always point to the Lord's goodness and blessing in my life. The thing is I want whoever reads this to be sure of one thing; I love the Lord and I want anyone who stumbles across this here blog to feel as though they can know Him as well.

In other words, I want the implied relationship that I have with the Lord to be better explained.

As I type this, I am away with my husband for a week. A whole glorious week. Love my babies. Miss them. But an entire quiet week.

I surrendered my life to the Lord on July 12, 1997. I was a confused, rebellious, and somewhat angry 17 year old. I had attended church my whole life. Looking back there are so many evidences of the Lord's working in my early years. I was from a good, wholesome family. My parents are wonderful people.

Here's what happened. I read a book that talked about the reality of death. I was gripped with a sense of fear. I knew that if I believed what I had been taught and if I was truly surrendered to the Lord, then the subject of death would not be one of such discomfort.

I was in much rebellion. Looking back now, I can see that the Lord was beckoning me to Himself. After resistance on my part, I found myself knelt down next to my daybed on the night of July 12, 1997. I'm pretty sure I read John 3:16. Then I simply turned all that I knew of myself over to the Lord.

Best move I've ever made.

Since that surrender, I've experienced some of my happiest moments as well as some of my darkest days.

I've gone through rehab for an eating disorder. I'm now healthy.

I've battled depression. I now look forward to my tomorrows.

I've made mistakes. I've also been directed to make some wonderful decisions.

I married an amazingly wonderful, compassionate, and forgiving man. (Okay I'm tearing up.)

I've had two healthy pregnancies and deliveries. (I loved being pregnant.)

I never 'started my career on some fast track'. I get to be a mommy to my precious Ellie Kate and Emmett and that, to me, is priceless.

This is such a time of reflection. As I am in Kentucky this week with Ross, we have so much to think back on. We moved to Louisville after being married for only three months. We didn't know anyone. We found jobs, a church home, and we learned how to live since becoming one.

Those were wonderfully difficult times. I feel that those early days of marriage have a lot to do with where we are now. Sure we talk about the pizza we ordered and the parks that we took Bunny to (as she was often called a squirrel or rabbit). I can honestly say that I feel nearly as comfortable taking about the snapshots in my mind that didn't make it into the photo album to be displayed.

During some of those days, Ross experienced me firsthand as I battled or succumbed to depression. I remember him sitting on the bed with me as I cried. I couldn't even tell him why I felt the way that I did. He calmly and gently rubbed my back and sang a beautiful hymn to me. "I've seen it in the lightning, heard it in the thunder, and felt it in the rain. My Lord is near me all the time. My Lord is near me all the time." He told me later that he didn't know what to do so he just loved on me.

I know that is a very vulnerable moment to share. I do so because I want to be perceived as a real, approachable person. The joyous times that I share on here, usually accompanied by a smiling photo, are often in deep contrast to something experienced in my past.

Many of my own personal struggles and wounds have indeed been self inflicted. I'm just thankful that the Lord can handle those, too.

One of the main reasons I'm writing this is because of something that did not happen lately.

I had two opportunities to share Christ with people in my life. Not in my everyday life, but in my life. I turned down both of the privileges. I regret that. I've mourned those missed opportunities. I'm also trying to let God mold me through these times.

It is my desire that Ellie Kate and Emmett will have a mommy who readily shares the love of Jesus. I want it to be in their earliest memories.

The musings of my three year old are precious. She thinks that the people who attend our church actually live there. She thinks that we should call our child that we sponsor through Holt International, to see if he has a phone. (Did you catch that?) She says that he and his mommy can come to our church. (I promise to post very soon on our spiritual talk that we recently had.)

Let me try to bring this to a close. I'm rambling a bit...or a lot.

One of the things that brings me such joy and yet breaks my heart, is EK's innocence. It's beautiful. Unbiased. Untainted. Genuine. True. And I know that all along it will be shattered. Protect it as I will, she will not remain my three year old forever. And maybe that's why I desire to share with you (all five of you), that I'm real. Because maybe, just maybe, if I can be genuine in my own walk through life (if I can endure heartache, pain, disappointment, and setbacks with the knowledge that my Lord is ultimately the One in control and then as I try to be a wife, mother, and fulfill all other assigned roles in my life) Ellie Kate, along with anyone else in my path, will be pointed to Christ at every turn.

So anyway...if anyone out there needs to meet the God of all comfort and peace, then I will do my best to point you to Him.

If this is too public of a forum, then feel free to email me at amyjkilpatrick@yahoo.com.

If you have stuck with me through this entire post then props to you. Whew!

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

Back tracking...Before Christmas post

2009-12-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

Finding our tree...

At home decorating the tree with Bunny.

Attempt at a family photo.

Trying to get a picture of the kids together.

EK with her friend, Lindsey.

Another attempt at a family photo.

December 19th at Mama Tat's.

Ellie Kate and Anna

The four great grands.

This is for our Little Man

2009-12-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

Emmett is 15+ months now. He has definitely let us know recently what some of his likes and dislikes are. He can be a very opinionated little guy.
I believe he would stay outside all day long if I let him.
He enjoys bathtime.
He has a very healthy appetite and his mommy still lets him have his bottle.
He creates an insanely high pitched squeal when things don't go his way. He can go from calm and happy to red and furious without much warning.
He still thinks that EK is the best thing ever. He finds her to be quite funny.
He likes all things automotive.
He thinks that putting shoes on him is a form of abuse.
He pulls up on everything. He's yet to walk. He crawls like a pro and darts to open doors at a surprising speed. He also considers it to be his personal responsibility to close all doors.
He jabbers alot and can say a few words. He can often be heard singing "e-i-e-i" over and over. For the longest time I would ask him questions (not expecting an answer) and he would say "um hmm" like he understood exactly what I was saying. So now I'll say,"Emmett do you love your Mommy?" To which he will usually reply,"um hmm" or "yea".
He is our blonde haired, blue-eyed boy and we are 'gone eat him aw up' as EK would say.

This is Butler or "But", as Emmett says.

Below he is swinging...in his jammies. I did put a jacket on him. Does that make it an outfit?

Watching cartoons with EK.

Messy Little Man.

Sleepy baby.

His jammies say 'mommy's little monster'.

This last picture was taken after I put shoes on him for the very first time.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am just now posting our pumpkin patch pictures. I'll spare you the excuses for my tardiness. On to the pictures...

Loading up to go on the hayride.

Most moms probably wouldn't post pictures of their child crying.

EK got to pet the rabbits...

and the goats.

Emmett didn't trust the goat. He had his pacifier to protect.

Little Man didn't cry the whole time.

We really enjoyed the stables.

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day. It makes me laugh.

EK posed next to a pony that was more her size.

I think I enjoyed it as much as the kids.

Farmer Ellie Kate.

EK even got to grind some corn.

A look of determination.

How do you pick just one?

Emmett needed a break.

Family photo...take one...

and take two. That's about as good as it got.

This picture illustrates why I call her Prissy Mae.

She enlisted her Daddy to help.

Me and my little ones. I was so glad that the weather was chilly.

Silly faces:)

We had such a good time even though Emmett wasn't in the best mood. I'm convinced that he would have stayed on the hay ride all day. Of course, the next pictures I took were of both kids asleep in the car.

Daddy/Daughter Date

2009-10-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's safe to say that Ross set a new precedent on his and EK's last outing. After eating at Chick-Fil-A, Ross and EK headed to Petco. When they returned home later that evening, they had a goldfish with them. EK was so excited. She named the fish 'Sleepo'. Of course she pronounces it, "Sweepo".

Daddy and EK having some lunch.

Arriving at Petco.

Taking a picture beside her new pet and aquarium.

Here's Sleepo. We had to explain to her that she wouldn't be able to hold him.

She was excited to see everything set up in her room.

Silly faces:)

I told Ross that this date would probably be a hard one to top.

Worship

2009-10-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

We recently started having a family worship time. It takes place in the mornings. Ross gets out his guitar and plays some songs while we all sing together. He then reads a daily bible verse or scripture passage followed by prayer time. Ross even made up a great little praise song that gets EK and Emmett dancin'. EK sings 'pwaise da Woard'. It is so precious and we desire to keep incorporating this time of family worship into each day.

"The advantages and blessings of family worship are incalculable. First, family worship will prevent much sin. It awes the soul, conveys a sense of God's majesty and authority, sets solemn truths before the mind, brings down benefits from God on the home. Personal piety in the home is a most influential means, under God, of conveying piety to little ones. Children are largely creatures of imitation, loving to copy what they see in others."

-A.W. Pink

2009-09-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

We always have plenty to celebrate this time of year. Ross turned 29 today. Yes, he's nine months younger than me and don't think for a minute that he ever lets me forget it.

As our tradition goes, we are about to watch his favorite movie, Cinderella Man.

Ross, your's is a life worth much celebrating. I love you so much!

Lovie Dovie

2009-09-27T19:36:00.001-07:00

I couldn't let the day come to a close without making mention of my hubs. Today is our six year wedding anniversary. All of the cliches' have proven true. He is an amazing husband. He is my best friend. I cannot (nor would I want to) imagine my life without him. I love that man!
This morning I began writing in his card..."six kids and two years later". Yeah, mama was a little frazzled. Gladly we are heading to the beach on vacation. Just us. Me and him. And you know what? Right next to him just happens to be my favorite place in the world:)

New posts

2009-09-03T08:26:00.001-07:00

One is showing up on August 27th. The other is showing up under yesterday's date.

She's three...

2009-09-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

And has been since August 31st.
She is my Little Prissy Mae. Whoa did our lives ever change when she came along! She has been such a blessing to us and our families. She is usually sweet and always talking. Always. Constantly. Talking. She is my child:)
Since she accompanied me on my doctor visits during my pregnancy with Emmett, she loves going to the doctor. She doesn't meet a stranger. She has no reserve when it comes to asking, well, anything. She loves (and this is an understatement) going to church. She tells me that,"all da people will be dere."
She is an animal lover. (Yes, much like her mommy.) Yet she takes it a step further and is interested in snakes.?! Since spending time with a neighbor's pet snake named Lois, Ross and I have drilled it into her little head that Lois is the only nice snake in the whole world. Ross has an Aunt Lois so it sounds pretty funny when EK tells us that,"Aunt Wois won't bite me."
She LOVES her little brother. She calls him her 'wubby'. She likes to put Emmett to bed at night with us and say his verses. She walks out saying,"Sweep tight wittle man with a plan".
She also is always up for playing with her Daddy. She loves for him to chase her down the hall or tussle and tickle her on our bed. When he puts her up in the air over his head, she says,"Puggly wuggly."
We love this little one and could fill up many a page with the things she says.
Bless her little heart, she's been sick ever since her b'day. She told me yesterday that,"My wittle neck is scratching." Thankfully she takes medicine well and even told me that it was 'wonderful'. Hopefully she'll be all better soon!
Priss Priss

Brand new!

Thanks for everyone who commented on my last post. Your pointers and encouragement were greatly appreciated!

Work with me people...please?

2009-08-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's the situation. EK used to go to bed beautifully. After Ross and I would sit on her bed and sing with her, we'd have a little prayer time, kiss her goodnight, and then we would exit the room. She even asked me to leave a few times so she could go to bed. It was great. Then there was a gradual change. I would start to put her to bed and when it was time for me to leave, she would come up with all of these requests which included things like, "sing me some more songs, get me something to drink" and so on. Then she would literally freak out when we left her room.

One night she came out of her room five times in a row. She would be disciplined each time, but it didn't seem to matter. We would put her back in her room and she would scream and throw herself around in an all out fit. The fits were horrible! On one occassion, Ross came out of her room and told me that our child was possessed. I agreed. We would finally just hold the door so that she couldn't come out of her room and after a very loooong time she would give out and go to bed.

The above mentioned would take place in spurts. One night would be the sweet, little princess child giving us goodnight kisses. The next night would be the head spinning, pea soup spewing munchkin. Keep in mind that Little Man would already be asleep just down the hall. EK's fits would wake Emmett up on occassion not making mommy very happy:(

Now we're at the point where it's every night. When I'm about to leave, she will have the most panicked look on her face. Her eyes will be as big as saucers and I can see that she is 'bout to lose it. So lately Ross and I have taken turns laying down with her as she says, 'for a wittle while'. Now we're at the point that we lay down with her until she falls asleep.

Last night was the topper. I layed down with her. She said,"Mama cwose you eyes." She dozed off and I left her room. A couple of hours later, when I was getting a nice, relaxing bath, guess who comes in crying with crazy hair and a bink, bink (blanket). No, it wasn't Ross. It was Prissy Mae. So she layed on my bed and waited for me to finish up. I then walked her back to her room and layed down with her again. She dozed off, I left the room. During the night, she woke up screaming/crying two more times. Both times found me back in her room laying down with her.

Ross and I have researched 'tantrums' online. We read about toddlers and learning to help them control their emotions. EK will say, "Mommy, pway I not scream. Pway I not cry. Pway I not get out of my bed." I tell her that I will pray with her, but that it is her choice to do or not do these things. I tell her that she has to choose to obey mommy and daddy. The thing with EK is that this only happens at bedtime. It almost seems like more of a seperation issue.

Have any of you dealt with this? We have prayed and continue to pray about it. I just thought maybe some advice from some other mommies could be helpful:)

And yes I am typing this with a good 'ole cup of coffee in my hand:))

Birthday Party

2009-08-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

On August 22nd, we had a par-tay for EK and Emmett at my parents' home.

The first two pictures are some that I took a couple of days before we left to give as gifts to our guests.

We decided to swim before and after the festivities.

Meet Minnie (Mae) Mouse

We went with a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme since both EK and Emmett like to watch this cartoon.

The topper is actually a bank.

Mommy & Daddy with the Birthday Boy.

Emmett with his smash cake. EK helped me make it. She kept saying,"Emmett's going to be so pwoud."

I'm thinking I may have one of these for my birthday. A smash cake, not another baby:)

He enjoys getting cleaned up.

Presents! Christmas in August.

EK got a scooter.

More swimming.

So...very...sleepy. Riding in the wagon that they got as a present.

We got home late that night. EK slept the whole way. I carried her in the house and sat her on the couch. She was crying from being so exhausted. I told her that I would bathe her. She said,"Do you have some bubbles?" I told her that I would give her a bubble bath and she then said,"I don't want one. I don't feel so happy wight now."

While we unloaded the car, she fell back to sleep. That bath was postponed.
At home the next day pushing her new cabbage patch kid in her new stroller.

We had such a wonderful time celebrating these two precious lives that the Lord has entrusted to us. Ross and I were once again overwhelmed by the kindness of family and friends in showing their love for our little ones. We are SO blessed to have many people who love us and our children. We do not take anyone's involvement for granted. We are grateful for each act of kindness and generousity shown to our family.

Much Mommy guilt...

2009-08-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

as I'm just now posting about this.
Emmett turned one on Sunday. I never even thought about making a post because I was sick. Thankfully my mom met Ross on Monday and took the kids to her house. We do love our Nana!

So anyways, "Little Man with a Plan", as we call him, had his first birthday which seems so very crazy! Since EK's birthday is on the 31st, we decided to have one big party on Saturday at my parents' home. I'll do a seperate post with pictures from the party later.
Below is obviously a picture from the hospital.
This picture was taken at the birthday party.

I did manage to snap the final two photos on Sunday.

Emmett really is a sweet little fella. He still seems to think that EK is the funniest person ever. He assumes a crawling position and promptly flops forward on his tummy. He then proceeds to drag himself rather quickly to wherever he wants to go. He has mastered his johnny jump up. He loves the time that he gets to spend in there. However, I have learned not to put him in there with a full stomach. You see he loves to spin in circles which led to a recent episode of his projectile vomiting in a circular motion in the jump up. Little Man loves bathtime. His hands are still the greatest thing ever. He is also fascinated with wheels. He is a terror in his walker. My heels can testify to that as they have served as a stopping point on several occasions as I was in the kitchen and did not move out of his way fast enough. He jabbers...alot! I love to hear him do this. I went into his room the other morning and was greeted with a sweet 'ma-ma'. Yeah, it was great. His laugh continues to be contagious. He is our blonde-haired, blue-eyed Little Man and as EK would say, "I'm gone eat him aw up!"

Bunny's Birthday

2009-08-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

What a day! Bunny turned either 8 or 56 today. Of course, we celebrated.

What a classy chihuahua.

EK helped me make Bunny's birthday crown.

Look at that smile!

"Let the festivities begin!"

EK let Bunny borrow her Elmo candle from her 1st birthday. After we sang "Happy Birthday", EK helped her blow out the candle. I wonder what her wish was. (You don't have to give me your answer in the comments section:)

At this point Bunny was devouring some cocktail weenies with cheese.

My guess is that Bunny will spend the day celebrating by taking a nap and avoiding the kids. Emmett couldn't be bothered by all of this. He was too busy playing in his johnny jump up.

Daddy/Daughter Date

2009-07-31T19:42:00.001-07:00

Ellie Kate was so excited about her date with her Daddy.

Here she is sprinting to the car.

Buckled up and ready to go.

Eating and coloring at Cheeburger Cheeburger on College Street.

Then to Toomer's Corner for some strawberry ice cream in a "pinecone", as she says.

She cannot believe it...the Bo Jackson.

A little Samford Hall action in the background. Nice touch, Ross.

Hoisted onto Daddy's shoulders to sing the fight song, no doubt.

A-U-B-U-R-N!

As always, she fell asleep on the way home:)

"Don't do that to him."

2009-07-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

That's what Ross said when I put some of EK's pajama pants on Emmett. But that's what happens when you have an older sister and mommy cannot find your pants.

Judging by that smile, I don't think he cared:)

Playing catch up

2009-07-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

These were taken at my parents' home back in June. We were fortunate to have some beautiful weather and we took full advantage of it.

EK and Emmett on the Elmo splash pad. I would call this his happy face.

Emmett loves the water...

even when it sprays him right in the face.

Looks like Bunny was enjoying the show.

EK has been a little fish this summer.

"One, two, free...JUMP!"

Riding on Daddy-o's back.

Emmett is always amazed by his hands.

EK and Emmett sat outside the next morning with Pocca Doc.

Rub-A-Dub-Dub Two Kids in the Tub

2009-07-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

These were taken back in June. These babies love a bath.

Updating

2009-07-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

My new post is showing up just before my Fathers' Day post. Check it out.

Her 1st Movie

2009-07-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last night, Ross and I decided that we would take EK to see her very first movie. She was terribly excited when I woke her up from her nap and told her about her surprise.

Mommy and EK at the movies.

Getting some snacks. She actually placed the order. Eating popcorn was another treat for EK.

Waiting for Ice Age 3 to start.

She seemed to have a pretty good time at her first movie. However, I do think that Ross and I had just as much fun watching her. The dinosaurs in the movie did scare her a little bit. She also said that the scrat characters should 'take turns'. She really listened when I told her that we had to be quiet in the theater. She even shooshed Ross before Ice Age 3 ever started. Our Little Prissy Mae is growing up. Can someone get me a tissue please?

'Dis Daddy'

2009-06-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

At lunch today EK said the blessing. It went like this. "Dear Gawad, tank you for dis food. Ayymen." I said,"Why don't you thank God for Daddy?" She bowed her head again and said,"Dear Gawad, tank you for dis Daddy. Ayymen."
Oh how we love 'dis Daddy'! I put together a few random pics of him with his little ones.

Easter '08

Play-doh at Christmas '08

August '08

"Two babies." -EK

Daddy and the new Big Sis.

Start 'em young.

Going on a date. March'09

"Can you say Daaaddyy?"

Easter '09

May '09

June '09

I had to make myself stop adding pictures. In our short time with our children, Ross has made wonderful memories with them. He is an amazing father.

Happy Father's Day!

Relay for Life

2009-06-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

In June we attended the local Relay-for-Life. Our church put up a tent. We had plenty of food and fellowship. If you've never attended one of these events, I would encourage you to do so. It is quite moving to see those who have fought and survived cancer as they take their victory lap around the field. We have several in our church who were able to make that trip.

Survivors taking a lap.

Then the families joined in to show support.

Emmett always has someone to hold him. This is Lauren and Eva.

After dark, the luminaries light up the entire track. This one was my 'Poppa's'. He lost his fight with cancer in December '07. The Lord blessed me with some amazing time with Poppa before his passing. He loved babies and it tickled him to hear EK call the cows.

Daddy and Emmett. EK was visiting my parents and attending VBS at their church.

This one's pretty self explanatory. The husband got out of line and I had to tie him up. According to the picture, I am the sheriff in town.

There was no rest for Little Man. He took care of that wild horsie.

Me and my hubby... before I drove away.

EK is not understanding these pictures. After seeing this one she said,"You got a new car?"

Some more...

2009-06-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Pictures, that is. A couple of Sundays ago it was gorgeous outside so I took the kids out after church for a quick photo shoot.
EK loves Little Man.

I was able to catch some great shots of Emmett and yes, I do kiss those cheeks.

Bunny preferred the completely shaded area.

Softball

2009-06-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of our teammates.

We are just ending our season with the church softball team. This is the first time that our church has had a team and yet we somehow managed to get put in the "A" league. Yowza! All in all we have had a really good time. Lessons of humility have been learned and we even squeaked out one win. Most importantly, relationships were made and the Gospel was shared.

Little Man is not in the below picture because he likes to go to bed a 7:00pm. Thankfully we have a very gracious couple in our church who would let us drop him off on the way to the games. Thanks Ron and Cindy!

I had to post this one because of all the curls. I believe it was slightly humid that night. No matter the outcome of the games, EK would always tell us that we did a good job.

I wish I would have taken the camera to our last game because EK got to run the bases afterward with her daddy. I think she's already faster than me which isn't saying much.

Visiting

2009-06-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

It's been almost two weeks now since we took this trip to the local nursing home. We have a lady in our church named Mrs. Joanne who visits on a regular basis. This time we tagged along and I am so glad that we did.
As you can see in the picture below, Emmett was excited.

EK loves going anywhere. I loved this picture of the kids with Ross.

EK was somewhat shy in the beginning.

She loosened up some when we sat with the singers and joined in.

Emmett was all about singing. He joined in as well.

We made a couple of visits to some residents before leaving. EK held Mrs. Joanne's hand.

It is so sweet to see how these people light up when we bring the kids.

Always something to say

2009-05-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

The other morning as Ross was getting ready to leave the house:

EK: "I probwee go to work wiv Daddy today, I tink (think)."

While on the way to a softball game:

EK: "I just bein' shy."

Me: "Why are you being shy?"

EK: " People bodder (bother) me."

Playing in the dugout at our softball game:

EK: "Mama, can I keep pwayin' (playing) in dis cage?"

While I pushed her on the swing outside:

EK: "I swingin' high to Jesus. Hey Jesus! God wuvs you, Jesus!"

Proud to be a Mommy

2009-05-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of pictures of me and my little ones on Mothers' Day.

Social Event of the Season

2009-05-13T10:21:00.001-07:00

What do you do when you have a mound of dirty laundry to wash and fold, a sink full of dirty dishes, and several other household chores to do? You simply accept your daughter's invitation to the social event of the season, tea at high noon. When playing in her toy chest, EK came across her tea set and that started off our day of parties, two to be exact.

Here is a picture of the little hostess. Among those in attendance: Sir Emmett Wilson as seen below eating some tender young green beans...mmmm.

Who knew a star puff would get such a reaction?

Here is the party getting under way.

Miss Priss wore her tutu, of course, along with some jewelry. She started out wearing a pair of her plastic heels but opted for bare feet.

Miss Bunnadette "Bunny" Grace was also in attendance.

This being Little Man's first tea party, Miss EK had to show him that he would indeed have his own tea cup and not the whole pot.

He seemed okay with this and kept his paci close by.

As Miss EK said herself, the tea was "dewishous".

Miss Bunny played shy as her photo was snapped. Of course, this handcrafted pink plastic bead necklace was on loan.

Miss EK pointed out the fine craftsmanship.

The host took time to show her appreciation to Sir Emmett for his attendance.

She even tried to loan him some of her personal jewels but then realized that she would be running the risk of having the valuables eaten.

As the high noon tea party concluded, the guest each took their respective naps and decided to have yet another gathering in the afternoon hours.

This is Miss EK showing off her "squishy" frog.

As you can see the afternoon tea began with lively conversation, as well as some more guests (sitting on the bed).

Always the hostess, Miss EK wasted no time in serving Miss Bunny.

Sir Emmett and Miss Bunny decided that a staring contest was in order.

The above contest brought on much laughter.

Once again Miss Bunny was captured showing off her elegant style. She thoroughly enjoyed getting good use out of her Derby hat.

The many faces of Little Man

2009-05-02T15:40:00.001-07:00

I do realize that Emmett wasn't shown in the previous post. That's because I wanted to give him his own post. Emmett is eight months old now. He is usually a jolly little fella. He likes to jabber. He thinks that Bunny is the greatest thing ever and that his sister is hilarious. He likes to be put in his crib around 7 pm with clothe diapers to snuggle up to and his pacifier. He is terribly ticklish. He loves to take a bath. When I bathe him under his little chin, he laughs his little infectious laugh. If you like a good belly giggle then he is your guy. He enjoys playing 'Wheeeerrrree's Emmett?'. He is always amazed that he has a hand and then he discovers that he has two hands and well, that pretty much keeps him occupied for a good while.
We love our Little Man and know that he is a blessing from the Lord.

While EK planted flowers, Emmett chilled by the pool.

On the swing with Poca Doc and EK.

Check out those baby blues.

"What was on my finger?"

He's a jolly little guy.

Cheeks!

"Whoa! Hands!"

"What you talkin' bout?"

This one needs sound effects.

Emmett smiling at Pawpaw (also Emmett).

Sleeping on his Meme.