lovenlife

Maybe...

2009-02-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

Maybe next time I post I will be posting a picture of both my babies....maybe. Can you tell I am impatient? I forgot about this last week of waiting...pure torture. I would rather be in labor!

Counting down....

2009-01-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

I am counting down the days...exactly one month and a few days until SHE arrives! Only 3 more weeks of work...15 days to be exact until I can be a stay at home mom....YEAH!

What have we been up to the last month??? Well....here are a few details....

refinancing our house
enjoying the Strong Museum of play!
remodeling our 1950' s bathroom
setting up for baby girl's arrival
MAJOR nesting and cleaning out/getting rid of JUNK!
Organizing and more nesting
cleaning and more nesting....you get the picture
starting back to grad school (Ty)
trying to get caught up with scrapbooking....cause right now Gabe is stuck at 6 months in his baby scrapbook and I am determined to get up to his first birthday before SHE arrives!
trying to keep warm in this insanely frigid NY weather
and trying to sleep (without much success)

Life has been fun and challenging and exhausting....so much to be thankful for every day!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2008-12-28T18:30:00.001-08:00

This has been one of the best Christmas' for the Weavers...there has been sad moments, mising Papa, but just as joyful ones, watching the simple, pure joy of a little child! It brings back some of those child-like moments, when Christmas lights were breath-taking, all you needed was to open one little toy to be entertained for hours, and you did not have a worry in the world because you knew that you were loved and taken care of. It reminded me so much of God's love for us, and it made me wonder why I worry so often!

To cry or laugh....

2008-12-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

I decided to laugh...boy, can kids make life absolutely hysterically unbelievably unexpected! Who would have ever thought that parm cheese could be so much fun? We are loving having a happy little boy around to make life full of smiles!

Thirty weeks is around the corner!

2008-12-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe in about 10 weeks I will be waiting on pins and needles to meet my little girl! Gabe is so cute...he loves to pull up my shirt and give my tummy kisses. (Not so cute in public, though!) I promised, you, Kristi, I'd post a pic....it is the best I could find...can't wait to see you soon! Life is a blur-work, being a mommy, a wife, taking care of apartments, and trying to find time to be a friend. But, it is good. We have much to be thankful for, and I am always reminded of this around Christmas.

First haircut...first lollipop!

2008-10-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

When Gabe woke up from his nap today looking like BOZO the clown, I decided to get out the scissors and give him his first haircut. But, there was no persuading him to sit still, and so I caved in and gave him his first really lollipop ever! I only cut the "side wings" and some off the top-I couldn't bear to loose the curls in the back...here are some pics!
Before.

Don't worry...the curls are still there!

After...figuring out my squirt bottle!

Gabe's going to be a big brother....

2008-10-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

....to a very sweet little baby girl! We are so excited and quite overwhelmed with the thought of having a daughter. Bring on the pink!!!

Autumn thoughts....

2008-10-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe October is here...where did September go? It is my favorite time of the year, and I always am sad to see if fly by so quickly. I love the colorful leaves, the crisp evening air, the smell of wood stoves being lit, and the bright pumpkins and mums everywhere. I LOVE the pumkin spice coffee that you can buy only this time of the year, and I am enjoying digging out some old recipes and baking up a storm. I both anticipate and dread the winter. I hate being cold, but I love the stillness of life that proceeds the first snowfall. It is seems that all of life takes a long rest and all is so calm and serene. We bought extra pellets for our stove this year, and already I am turning the stove on at 4am when I get to go to the bathroom....for the fourth time....and when Gabe wakes up around 6, the house is toasty warm! Even Gabe loves to cuddle up by the stove and drink his bottle! Here are a few recent pics from our fall days...

To sexy for my shirt....

Daddy's little helper....Bob the Builder tools are a great garage sale find!
Apparently dirt is much more exciting than the playground that was right behind us!

Life keeps going...

2008-09-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

Thank God for the passing of time and the continuing of life that can soothe your heart of deep sorrow a little at a time. We have been through one of the deepest valleys you can walk through, and I am thankful that life does not stop there. School has begun, and once again, I am juggling being a mom, a wife, and now a teacher. I wish I could all three and be proud of the job I do. One is always greatly lacking. I am grateful that I will only be teaching half the year this year, and yet a little sad to know I will be leaving my kids. Some of my kids I have worked with for the last 5 years! And I am PETRIFIED of being home with TWO kids alone all day this winter. Kuddos to all you full time moms who are a pro at this! Gabe has been the sunshine in our days...and the sleeplessness of our nights:) He had the worst double ear infection so far the week that school started... with a viral infection and an allergic reaction to the antibiotics on top of that! It was a tough week with high fevers, throwing up, and screaming nights. We survived, and he is SOOO much better. We have scheduled surgery for tubes to be put in his ears in a fews weeks, and hopefully this will clear up all these issues. Work has pretty much consumed our lives the last 2 weeks, but we have found time to enjoy each other, our families, and the wonderful fall weather that has finally arrived! I have been so overwhelmed with the fragility of life and the desperate need we have to cling to something eternal-the love of our Father. Thank you for all of your prayers and kindness these last few weeks. We feel so loved....

Gabe wearing one of Papa's favorites....Hawaiian shirts!

Gabe's newest favorite...Bob the Builder Tools...just like Daddy's!

Remembering Papa

2008-08-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Our hearts are aching today with the unexpected loss of Ty's papa. He was the kindest man I have ever known. He loved unconditionally. He always smiled, always had a silly joke to tell, and always had a hug and kiss for everyone. He worked harder than anyone I know. He loved Jesus with all his heart. His license plate was "WWJD". There were always grandkids on his lap, playing with his hair (what he had left) and jumping up and down on his lamp. Gabe loved to sit on papa's lap and tip upside down. It makes me even sadder to know that Gabe will not remember Papa someday. I am so thankful that he is papa's namesake, and I hope he grows up to be a man like papa. We love you, papa.

Summer's waning moments...

2008-08-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

I am grieving the fact that I must go back to work in less than 2 weeks-the thought of leaving Gabe every day breaks my heart. I love to teach, I love the schedule of school, I love working with difficult teens who are struggling (or not even trying) to get through school...I love walking into school in the crisp morning air with a fresh coffee of steaming coffee (and yes, that one cup of coffee is back in my morning routine...and makes me smile!). But none of it compares to cuddling up and reading books, picking "pitty" flowers, singing and dancing in circles 'til we get dizzy and fall down, or just holding your sleeping baby 'cause you don't want to put him down. It is exhausting, lonely at times, frustrating that your 13 month old can run away about as fast as a 4-month pregnant mom can chase, and oh so messy...very very messy. Let me emphasize...boys are MESSY! And I thought my husband was bad:) But at the end of the day, I love being a mom. I wish I could do both and do both really well. But, on a brighter note, this school year will be short...cause of our little addition this winter! And maybe next year...well, we will worry about that next year. For now, here are some great pics of how we are spending the last days of summer...

We got to meet little Abigail Stephens, such a beautiful little baby! We miss you already and wish you weren't so very far away!

We are discovering how much fun playgrounds are...for kids and parents!

Gabe thinks that bein' beach bums is great fun!

Gabe LOVED the "hot" (fires) daddy built while we were camping!

Ear infections and long sleepless nights

2008-08-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how sleep deprived I am nor how much I have to do. We are leaving in 2 days for a week of camping on Kueka Lake, and the "to do" list keeps growing! We are in the middle of remodeling part of one of the apartments, storing up for winter (food, wood, etc.), and now taking care of a sick little man who did not sleep for the third night in a row last night. For anyone who has kids, you know how dismal the hours between about midnight and 5am can be. You have just fallen in REM sleep when you are jolted awake by a cry which quickly turns into desperate screaming...and you know it is going to be long night. I slept more sitting up last night than laying down....and not at all between 2 and 4:30. Poor baby, everytime he laid down, his ears hurt so bad. But when the sun comes up, he is as happy as a lark and you would never guess anything was wrong. Ear infections....yuck. I am off to make dinner for a new mommy....and dreaming of napping, but only dreaming...

Blueberry picking

2008-08-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

My little family's all time favorite fruit is blueberries...and so mom and I drove an hour south to spend the day in a field of blueberries....picking, and of course, eating too many to count! We picked over 20 pounds of berries until our little helper became too sleepy to continue. It was a wonderful adventure and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a day trip into the beautiful country. Although we were exhausted, I had to muster the strength to throw together a pan of blueberry buckle, which is almost gone already! Yum!!! Today marks 12 weeks....still in normal clothes, still feeling sick, and counting the days til I can feel this little one kicking...it all becomes so real, then!

Happy 13 month birthday, Gabe! You have made life an exciting adventure!

Sharing ice cubes...dada is the best!

Thank God for Aunties...and cousins!

2008-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

All FOUR boys had so much today playing with this great water table from Aunt Ki-Ki. What a great thing to have boy cousins everywhere you look! Life sure is good!

Sorry, Noah...you were sleeping by the time I got the camera out!

Scrapbooking

2008-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

So, I have to confess the reason I have not been too great about posting is because I have been avidly scrapbooking every minute I get while Gabe sleeps. I am desperatey trying to get caught up with his book before school starts up again in a month. There is NO way catching up will happen in September...being a mom, pregnant, and teaching...I'll be lucky to have clean underwear for us all! Ha-ha. Once the new baby is here, I want to be just scrapping current pics of the boys. Yes, I say boys. I have felt sooo different this pregnancy than my first, and I was starting to think girl (Ty thinks it's twin girls-boy are we in trouble!) When I went to get my bloodwork done the other day, the lady told me to come home and check the bridge of Gabe's nose. If there was a blue "vein" or line across the bridge of his nose, then it was a boy...she says it is "scientifically proven". Well, shortly after arriving home, Gabe fell and hit the bridge of his nose on the side slat on our bed....and now has a LARGE blue line across his nose. So, I am now betting on a boy!

Can you see the blue????

Boys and Summer

2008-07-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

No shoes, no shirt, just catching the rays, sipping icy water....does life get any better? I LOVE how simple and happy my boy is. It doesn't take much to entertain him for an hour-just some dirt and rocks and a bucket, and he is happy as a king in his palace.

Rainy day FUN!

2008-07-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the ideas...we ended up having a counsins day yesterday and the four boys had a blast entertaining each other! Thank God for cousins! And, while daddy was painting one of our apartments last night, mom decided that Gabe was old enough to help with some chores...it was a splashing success....literally! I never knew dishes could be so fun, nor has my floor ever been so wet! I am so thankful for all the smiled Gabe brings to my life.

We headed right for the bathtub when we were done!

Rainy days...

2008-07-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

So, it is rainy day #3...in a row! What is a mom to do with a wild little one year old boy who is tearing through the house squealing at the top of his lungs, dying to go outside???? Any suggestions???

Week one...

2008-07-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

This was my first full week as a stay at home mom since Gabe was born. ( I did have a 6 week maternity leave, but we were at the doc's more than home:). It was a week of change, a week of smiles, and a week of tears. I had no idea what a big change this would be. I LOVE it, and it absolutely WEARS ME OUT! It is a bit lonely, but TOTALLY rewarding. I have to say that my favorite part was after spending a signigicant amount of time reading this week, Gabe grabbed an armful of books and plopped down on my lap to read! I LOVE to read, and it was great to share that moment! Our routine has kind of fallen into place....we are up early....Gabe has a bit of his Gram Weaver's genes....and I grab a bag of saltines, my propel, and a sippy cup and head for the couch. If I lay low for the first hour, I can control the urge to puke! We chill and read and play until I can handle the thought of making breakfast. We get ready for the day, and head out for a morning walk. I realised if I don't get this done first thing, it doesn't usually happen. The days have been getting so hot! When we get back, Gabe has a bottle and eventually heads down for a nap-which he finally falls asleep on his own and in his crib now, yeah! This is my sanity time-my time-I read my Bible, write, do computer stuff, make my "to do" list, get some stuff done around the house, garden, and just enjoy the 2 hours of peace and quiet. When Gabe wakes up, we head outside to play, eat lunch, run errands, meet up with friends, visit Grandmas, etc. Gabe has a VERY strong will, and never stops moving...I definitely am being challenged to be firm when he pushes the boundries, and I have had to hide a few tears of frustration with his determination. I just keep praying that God will use his strong will to do incredible things someday! (And give me wisdom as I teach him to listen) He has been taking a really late nap lately, so I try to get dinner all set up to make, and he LOVES helping me by banging pots and pans and stirring cheerios in a bowl-of course, if only I could teach him sweep up the mess:) When he heads down for an afternoon nap, I crash! Something about being pregnant that just makes you tired constantly....by the time we wake up, daddy is home....YEAH! Kind of rountine, monotonous, ordinary, but wonderful!

missing Starbucks...

2008-07-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

My first inkling that I was pregnant was that I stopped sipping my coffee on the way to work in the morning-it just kind of made my stomach turn. Then, just the smell of the grounds in the morning made me green. I tried to be a good wife this morning and start the coffee for my sweetheart who is teaching all summer so I can stay home with the baby. And, I had to rush out and sit in the living room gasping for non-coffee tainted air! Oh, the sacrifices you make...coffee is my one addiction in life. It makes Mondays bearable, it makes a late-night silly, it take a sleepy mom and gives a pep in my step! Oh, I do miss my coffee!

More birthday pics for Aunt Ki-Ki

2008-07-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Our day in photos...

Playing in the sand with cousin...

Riding the newest ride in town...thanks, Gram Weaver!

Swimming with Ayden...in a pool full of grass:)

And cake to top it all off!

Gabe's first birthday!

2008-07-12T18:30:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it has already been one year since my little man entered this world! It has been one of the toughest years of my life, with all of his tummy issues, but he is finally outgrowing it, and we usually have at least 5-6 good nights out of the week! YEAH! Only tiny puking here and there....here is a little picture of my happy boy in his new ball pit!

And make sure you read the shirt for Gabe's special birthday announcement....SURPRISE!!!!

Six angels

2008-06-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

I discovered that Gabe has at least 6 angels surrounding him today...I knew he had several as he has survived escaping the house, falling down three stairs onto concrete, and eating numerous unedibles....but, today, I figured he must have six winged friends. You see, we were grocery shopping and this little angel turned around in the cart when I was not looking and picked up a dozen eggs by the lid. In about 3 seconds, all 12 eggs went crashing into the cart. But, not one single one broke! All 6 angels must have reached out and caught an egg in each hand, as best as I can figure!

Sundays-the best day of the week!

2008-06-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

I truly do believe that if you set out to make Sunday a true day or rest-sitting back and enjoying what God has given you...it will be your best day, too! Our Sunday was full of the best things....church, relaxing in the hammock, drinking coffee, reading, chatting on the phone to aunt kiki, admiring the pergola that daddy is building over the patio that he is making...and visiting grandma's ice cream shop, Jones' Cones!

Summer fun!

2008-06-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

Has it really been over 2 weeks since the last post???? We have been spending our days outside enjoying the sun and exploring the world around us. The hose, dirt, rocks, birds, squirrels... just to name a few things that are Gabe's newest favorites. We have been busy working on outdoor projects that are endless, visiting family out of state, wrapping up loose ends at school, doing TONS of paperwork (YUCK), staying up way too late.

All five great-grandkids in all their glory!!!

My Muffin

2008-06-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's official...the nickname is "muffin". He may despise me for it when he is a teen...but his cheeks are finally so chubby that I can't help it. I had no idea how skinny and sick he was until I pulled up a few old pics to look at...

2 weeks old...one pound under birth weight...a tad over 7 pounds....

10 months old....with over 23 pounds of chub...in 24 month pj's...

and cheeks just begging to be kissed!!!

On a sadder note....tear....Gabe was moved to the one year old nursery today because he is walking...another tear....time for another baby...cause this one is not so little anymore.

Baby and Da-Da

2008-05-29T17:59:00.001-07:00

Gabe's best friend....

Gabe's first party

2008-05-26T05:18:00.001-07:00

We had a ton of fun on Saturday at Ayden's second birthday party! The bubbles and balloons were a big hit! I guess it doesn't take much to entertain the little guys. We have spent the long weekend taking naps, hanging out with friends, going out for ice cream, and taking long bike rides! I am so thankful for long weekends and sunshine!

In Just 10 Short Months....

2008-05-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

A letter for Gabe...

In just 10 short months, you turned my world upside down!
I hardly remember what life was like without you, little one.
You have stretched my heart and my patience,
Making my life fuller and my love deeper than I ever dreamed possible.

In just 10 short months, you peed, pooped, drooled,
and puked and puked and puked all over me!
I can't believe I don't really seem to mind anymore,
Cause you have turned me into a true MOM!

In just 10 short months, I can say I have gone often without...
brushing my teeth, showering, eating, combing my hair, cleaning my floors, SLEEPING
for nights and nights and nights,
But I would do it all again for you- I guess in the end, that all is so unimportant.

In just 10 short months, you have cut your first teeth,
taken your first steps, eaten your first ice cream,
slept through the night (only once), spoken your first word,
And completely wrapped mommy around your little finger.

In just 10 short months, I have learned so much from you,
Like how to love the simple things in life (Tupperware)
And how to slow down in life and just sit and laugh-
But most of all, how deep the love of my Father is as He calls me His child.
Or how His heart must ache when we suffer.
Or what a sacrifice He made when He sent His only Son to earth.

In just 10 short months, my prayer for you each night,
As I rock you, sweet sleeping baby, with tears of joy in my eyes,
Is that you will grow to know His love so deeply like I have,
And one day, rock your child with this same pray on your lips.

Love,
Mommy

Thoughts on Today...

2008-05-11T06:34:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day, and I am slightly perplexed at conversations I have overheard. Commercials advertising the best gifts for today, dads stressing about what gift to buy, aisles upon on aisles of Hallmark cards (don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for a great tear-jerking card), and moms divulging their plans for a fairy-tale day, asking the other, "What are you getting for Mother's Day?". I have to admit I was anticipating the answer to this question, when God whispered to my heart, "Motherhood is all about the giving, not the getting." And so, today, I want to celebrate all you moms and all that you do hidden from the eyes of the world-
"Every choice you make to love, to serve, to offer, to sacrifice. God sees and is pleased. Your joining with Him in the amazing work of bringing forth life every time you say yes because it is the loving thing to do. Every single time YOU choose to put your children first, before YOUR dreams, needs, wants, desires, rights...a little more selfishness dies and a little more holiness takes root in your heart. When you cry out to God in the midst of weariness, loneliness, and sorrow for the strength to love, He deepens His presence in your soul and changes you ever more into the woman that you were created to be. This mothering we were called to is an amazing honor. God has invited us to join HIM in the holy work of bringing forth life in others!' (Staci Eldredge)
What a gift we have already been given! For the miracle of motherhood, I am most indebted and grateful for today.

Porch painting

2008-05-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

I finally did it! I painted my porch, an annual spring tradition ( that I missed last year 'cause I was so pregnant and my husband wouldn't let me near paint fumes). The funny thing is I decided not to go with the traditional gray porch paint. I could tell you a million creative reasons why....I wanted to make my sister smile cause it is her favorite color, or I wanted to show my support for breast cancer survivors, or I am a very creative person who has a plan to make my porch look like a "Better Homes and Gardens" porch....but. no, I simply found it on the OOOPs paint rack at Home Depot, and seeing we finally finished paying off THOUSANDS of dollars in credit card debt, I am trying to be frugile. A five dollar can of porch paint seemed like a great idea, even if it was......

PINK!

Blankie Blues

2008-05-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

We were facing a tragic problem when I realized that Target no longer carried Gabe's airplane blankies....so, we would frantically wash and dry his at least once a week in between naps on the weekend. He doesn't use a pacifier and I really try to keep this blanket for bedtime....But, as he is still spitting up a lot, that just did not cut it. By Friday, it was pretty yucky! But, alas, we were in Target the other day looking for something that would suffice, when he lunged out of the cart to grab this one-the only difference is instead of an airplane in the corner, there is a puppy! So, now we can alternate blankies while one is in the wash. Ah, the simple things in life that made you smile!

Spring is here!

2008-05-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of NY is the changing of seasons, and spring is finally here! We have been spending every possible minute outside these days. Gabe LOVES the outdoors, and he is showing signs of being ALL boy! Yesterday, he decided to dig into the dirt in my flowerbed and when I looked over, he had just shoved a mouthful into his little lips:) It is so refreshing to out in barefeet enjoying the sunshine, the lilacs, and the green grass. Of course...this leaves little time for blogging...sorry Aunt Ki-Ki!

Of course once we are done playing in the new sandbox, we have to strip and head right to the bath...

We're still ALIVE!

2008-04-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

So, we have been home for over a week...and what a vacation we had! The days in Virginia were bunches of fun, but next time....we fly or the kid gets Dramamine:) I was absolutely doused in puke two days in a row...and someone forgot to inform Gabe that babies are suppose to sleep while traveling at night!!! We made it there and back, but I think it may take a year of counseling to get over the trauma of the trip. In between the 13 hour drives that were suppose to take 10 hours, we had some fun...

The first night we made it 3 hours...we quit after midnight and a screaming child...he was as happy as a king once we got out of the car!

Thank the Lord for McDonald's playgrounds!!!

We visited the Botanical Gardens with Aunt Wo-Wo. SOOOO beautiful!

We had our first picnic of the year!

AND....we rented a "pedal car" to ride around in for the afternoon at the beach!

We played in the warm sand and got all dirty!

And, of course, we visited our good friends, Kerri and Derek, and Haddie and Gabe hit it off great!

Here is the promised picture of Aunt WoWo...and baby Stephens who we got to feel kicking a lot!

We stopped on our way home to visit Gabe's great grandparents, where he was a big hit...and he loved to have Gram read him stories!

We had a good time away, and loved being with our friends, but it is GREAT to be home!

Our first family vacation....

2008-04-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Virginia Beach, here we come! Armed with ear plugs, enough baby food and diapers for a year, and a smile on our faces, we are headed south (THANK GOD-cause it is suppose to snow here!) I think that in my packing, I forgot that there are plenty of Walmarts between here and there, and if we are in need of anything, well, you know, just in case....I packed it all! I can pretty safely bet that I will be spending most of the trip down in the back seat with this little angel...

Finally, a new camera!

2008-04-09T18:14:00.001-07:00

It has been killing me not to be able to take pics this week, but we have finally found a little guy, the "elf" and are back in business. This will be brief, as Gabe has another cold and is teething...so my total sleep the last 2 nights has equaled less then 7 hours....uggggg! This is Gabe's favorite toy....thanks Aunt Ki-Ki!

No pics....

2008-04-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

So, our digital camera finally died and we are soooo unable to make decisions...so, no new camera has been purchased yet. But, since we are headed to VA beach for vacation next weekend, I am reassured by the fact that we will have one by then! YEAH! I do miss taking pictures and think Gabe has already grown in this last week and I have nothing to show:( What did moms do before cameras? I am SOOO glad that I am living in this modern day!

I just live for the weekends! Here is my top ten reasons for loving the weekends...

No need to pack half the house and lug it out the car in the early AM hours!
Staying in my pj's til noon (or til someone rings the doorbell:)
Sipping on many cups of coffee and actually getting to enjoy them before they get cold ( and like my dad, reheating the cup several times if needed cause I despise cold coffee)
playing with my baby
making pancakes for breakfast
sitting in the sun in my dining room reading my Bible
going back to bed when Gabe takes a nap
blogging
scrapbooking ( I am on the page where we leave the hospital with Gabe:)
Just getting to be MOM and WIFE and nothing else!

Hope your weekend is as wonderful!

Scrumptous Sunday...

2008-03-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful family day with everyone together again..for the first time since Christmas! I will have to post pics of the 4 cousins all playing on the floor....for now, a pic of my new red hair...and cause I forgot to check the box, it happens to be permanent, not semi-permanent like I thought. Oh well! I feel a little sassy with red hair, so it might stick:)

BRRRR!!!!

2008-03-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

OK, so those of you from the north say I should be thankful that at least it is sunny out! But....I still don't think that it is acceptable for it to be 19 degrees outside and snowy when it is SPRING! This is what I see from my kitchen window-it's purely outrageous!

OK, so it is possible that my barely 5 hours of very interupted sleep last night is tainting my usually cheery weekend attitude. Please pray for the baby. His medicine is making him instantly throw up b/c of the taste, I assume. So, instead, I tried to put him back on the Zantac, and he is starting the restless and sleepless nights b/c of it. SOOO, after much prayer, I have decided to take him off the meds, and just use the Mylanta as needed. It is such a hard thing to decide because I worry that his throat might start to ulcerate from the acid. It has been almost 48 hours, and I am not seeing a ton more throw-up, so that is a good sign. He seems to be enjoying to watching the snow much more than I!

On a happy note, Aunt Ki-Ki is on her way home! YEAH!!! I must run and water her plants that I am plant-sitting....they have been severerly neglected this winter!

Only 3 more hours 'til best friend sisters reunite!

Happy Healthy Easter

2008-03-23T18:46:00.001-07:00

From our little family to yours!

Home Sweet Home

2008-03-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

We spent a very LOOOOONG 10 hours in the hospital yesterday. Gabe was throwing up all day, had fever, and was coughing so hard he could barely catch his breath. So, after a visit with the doc, she sent us for some x-rays at the hospital....and after countless pokes and finally a successful IV, several blood tests, X-rays, a poop test, a pee test, and torturesome exams...we got to come home with a hydrated, sleeping baby who probably has a virus. The GERD complicates things b/c it makes his gag reflux and croupiness worse, and so he throws up soooo easily-and I don't mean a little spit up, either. It is like an enourmous puddle! It was torture to hold my little guy down as he screamed and screamed for an hour until they could finally find a vein that would not rupture. He was so dehydrated, and for that reason, it is good that we went, but I HATED being there. He has kept down 4 oz. of formula so far today, and it is 1pm. They gave him the prilosec through the IV, so he has gotten at least one dose. We got home at 2AM last night. This mom is just exhausted. Tired of all this sickness!!! But, despite it all, I am thankful that we could come home and sleep in our own beds last night...and I am thankful for a wonderful husband and mom who are so supportive!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2008-03-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

The Weekend Post...

2008-03-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

I honestly should change my blog name to "The WeekendPost". With working full time, a husband who is working two jobs and in grad school at night, taking care of our own home as well as apartments, blogging seems to just fall to the bottom of my infamous daily lists! And, I have not mentioned my most FAVORITE and most DEMANDING member of my life....little Gabe. Anyway, it is the quietest, most serene, beautiful Sunday morning...and with the definite risk of being repetative, my favorite morning of the week! Everyone is sleeping, I really should be in the shower, and instead, I have been sitting here staring at the birds in my bird feeder! They are so beautiful and they never sit still (reminds me of myself, most often). It is so cold and snowy, and they don't seem to mind...not a worry in the world. Sounds like a lesson we all could use...anyway my minds is pondering some deep thoughts on this morning-the brevity of life, destiny vs. choise, widsom vs. impulse, words vs. actions...and on and on. It is healthy to stop and ponder. Life is so fast, and before you know it, you are looking back instead of looking forward. A verse for the day...from Proverbs 14. "A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands a foolish one tears hers down." So much to think about in that simple Proverb, and so much weight it holds on my shoulders.

Well, on a lighter note...Gabe seems to be thinking his job is to tear apart our house:) We have had such a fun weekend as a little family 'cause daddy got to be home all weekend! YEAH!

Mommy getting a little cuddle...but only for a second!

Playing with Da-Da.

Sleeping babies are sooooo peaceful!

Vegetables

2008-03-14T15:07:00.001-07:00

My newest favorite food is freshly made green beans! Mommy tried to make squash and freeze it, but when she thawed it, it was like orange water....yuck! (any ideas on what I did wrong, all you mommy experts???)

Little Joshua

2008-03-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Although many may not know this little baby, he has been on my heart and in my prayers for the last 24 hours. He lived 67 days full of the most wonderful love a baby could ever be given by his family, and now he is held in the arms of God. It seems fit to write in his honor today. He is survived by two of the most incredible parents I think that I have ever met. May God's grace and strength be with them in these coming days. May our lives be lived with the constant reminder that each day we have here is a fragile treasure that we must hold sacred. And yet to live in the light of eternity. He truly has been promoted-to heaven.

A visitor from "Who-ville"

2008-03-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

I was watching Gabe sleep on the couch this AM and couldn't help but chuckle at his cute little curl that made him look like he was a relative of the "Who's" from "Who-ville"...I had to post a pic!

He loves to look out the window, and we spent a long time watching the snow, more snow, and more snow!!! ONLY IN NY DOES IT SNOW LIKE THIS IN MARCH!!!

Yes, Gabe is working on tooth #3:) Can you tell from all that drool?

I love you daddy and miss you soooo much!

2008-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

The days are long when daddy goes to school at night...so we sing lots of songs about daddy and take lots of pics so he can see me.

This is my impish little smile that says I am headed for trouble!

See my two new teeth...and I am working on a third!

Guess...

2008-03-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

...what mommy tried to do today? Here's a hint!

Still don't know what that white stuff is? Here is another hint...

Yes, at 7 months old, my son is already "helping" me with a few projects around the house! I wanted to paint a little trim in the dining room today...I walked out to the kitchen when I was done, and left Gabe playing in the living room. Only to come back to find him sitting on the opposite side of the dining room up against the trim I had just painted! Boy, we are in for some fun! And just to be cute so I could not get too mad, he started doing the monkey crawl...

Just a thought....

2008-03-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

...on love...it is such a journey, a life full of lessons on how to and what it is. I got up early this AM with the baby and had a bunch of time to sit and just watch the world wake up. Love is kind of like that. The day dawning. You can't hurry it, you can't bring back the moment, and it is such a silent happening that you can so easily miss it. We use the word so often, and yet spend so little time thinking about the depth of what it means. And so often in life and love, the urgent overtakes the most important, and then the moment is gone. The sun has dawned, did you miss it?

Finally...Gabe has a tooth!

2008-02-28T16:58:00.000-08:00

Ty says that he does not understand why I was so worried that Gabe would pop his first tooth while I was not there...and he did. It is just a mom thing to want to be there to experience all the "firsts' in life! I shed a little tear followed by cheers and celebrating 'cause I feel like we have been in the midst of teething for at least a century without any progress. Of course, I believe he is now working on tooth #2 because he is drooling and chewing just as much as yesterday!

Happy BIrthday...to Auntie Jenni and Auntie Carli

2008-02-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

So we had a lovely party for the both of you, and we wish you could have joined us...but we took some pictures so you could enjoy some of the sights!!!

This is our chocolate chip birthday "cookie" and candle (sorry, it was the smallest candle I could find to light...)!

We enjoyed every bite of the birthday cookies....(of course, Gabe's was a baby cookie, but he never knew...)
Yes, we made the most grandest mess I think I have ever seen, and we went straight to bath-time from our little party! Hope you had a lovely special day, Auntie Jenni and Auntie Carli!
Love, hb and gg
PS....we even blew up a pink balloon in your honor!

Sunday fun

2008-02-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

Gabe and I decided to make some Valentines today, cause I thought that there is no rule that says you can only send "I love you" cards on certain days of the year (despite what Hallmark tries to convince us)....so enjoy some baby toes and lots of purple...don't you love baby feet? You may even be so lucky to find one of our specialties in your mailbox!

So, first we bared the little toes...and then proceeded to fill the diaper and had to take a break and ended up needing a complete change of clothes (not abnormal for my dear sweet boy who sure can stink up a room!)

Then, we donned our play hats, took a few fun pics...and started to ink up the toes! See our art work?

Of course, cleaning up was just as fun...

And no matter how hard we scrubbed...the feet still looked purple, so we had to put some socks on before daddy saw:)

And this was what we ended up with....we'll think of a really sweet something to write on these really sweet toes and get them in the mail!

You are known by your fruit...

2008-02-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control"...I felt very challenged when I read this today, especially as a mom. When I sit here and think about the little details of my day, and the reactions that come so quickly when something is not going right....I want to show these God-things to my son every day, for he has been entrusted to me to teach him by the way I live. It is an awesome responsibility that alone I cannot accomplish. Give me the character to show this fruit in my marriage, at home, at work, and in all my relationships...

Boys and their trucks!

2008-02-18T13:23:00.000-08:00

Gabe's favorite thing to eat are baby cookies...and he sure makes a lovely mess in the process!

It is hard to believe that at 7 months, Gabe's favorite thing to do is play with Tonka trucks!

Some fun photos!

2008-02-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

...

Gabe's new Valentine's slippers from Grandma...playing peek-a-boo with mommy...Gabe and Shadow are best friends...and waiting for mommy and daddy to get ready for church!

Not so distant memories....from my diary

2008-02-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas is in a few days and all that I want is a Christmas miracle. I am in the midst of the most difficult time of my life. The little boy that has just captivated my whole life has also brought to my heart the most pain. I cry every day to the Lord to please give me this pain instead of him. It is the darkest valley I have ever walked through, holding him for hours at night while he cries. He is in so much pain that he won’t eat, and when he does, he just throws everything up. The doctors say that there is nothing that they can do. He just has to outgrow it. We all just sat and cried the other night at 4am-we both feel like God, you are punishing us, but we don’t know why. I know that is not true-I know we live in a world that is imperfect b/c of sin in general, and thus, we endure sickness and suffering. But why us? Why, when I have to work, and finances are so tight, and our marriage is so strained (probably b/c of Gabe)-things are in shambles around the house, bills go unpaid, no laundry or cleaning or garbage gets done….I snap at Ty all the time and yell at the dog. We are so sleep deprived and I am sure out jobs are suffering as a result. I broke down at work on Thur. I feel like a horrible teacher and a horrible wife. I feel so alone, like no one knows what I am going through right now. My hair is falling out, probably from stress. And all I ask is WHY???? WHY???? And I know now that I am not going to get an answer. I must stopping questioning and learn to trust. Trust that YOU will take this and use it for your glory. To trust that there is something greater than my own comfort that you are after-to trust that you will not allow more that I can handle. To trust you will hold our marriage in your hands and keep us together. To trust that You are taking care of my baby and you will comfort him. To trust that in the end, you are forming a character in us that people will see your glory from it.

Sunday mornings...

2008-02-17T05:53:00.000-08:00

I love Sunday mornings. Gabe has decided that he is an early morning bird, so we are up by between 5 and 5:30 these days. And, of course, after laying still for so many hours, he is raring to go. So, his newest rave, after his morning bottle (complete with prune juice, which I am sure you can figure out why), is to cruise around the dining room chasing Shadow....it makes me laugh so hard that I almost pee my pants! Of course, I am laying on the couch downing my first of many cups of coffee. I hate to admit that it is an addiction, but once I start to sleep normal hours, I will attempt to curb the amount I consume. Back to Sundays...I have fallen in love with watching the sunrise, seeing my little chickadees gather around the feeders, and wait for the rest of the world so slowly come alive. We roll around on the floor, tickle, giggle, and growl at the dog, of course. By 8, Gabe is ready to crash for a nap, and then the house gets SO still and silent. I have learned to sit and drink in these moments (with another cup of coffee, of course). I see glimpses of God's character all around me, and it brings me to a moment of "wow". His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, and goodness is tucked into little packages all around. What an awesome responsibility as a mom to show these pieces of God through the way I live every day!

Aunt Ki-Ki...I'm crawling!

2008-02-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

I took my first crawl...and then promptly did a nose dive into the carpet!

LOVENLIFE

2008-02-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

I was deep in thought the other night about 4 am when Gabe was just restless and barely sleeping in my arms....I was trying not to move so he would not wake up...and I was thinking about life and how it is so true that the only thing that counts is love. I was thinking about how selfish my love is....how frustrated I get when I have to give up hours of sleep at night for someone that I love. I cannot imagine loving anything more deeply, yet I am reminded about someone who loves me so much that He gave up his life so that I could live...

seven months ago....

2008-02-12T18:04:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that seven months ago I was pacing the floor trying to decide if I should call the doctor....it seems like years ago and then it seems like last week. And Gabriel Glen Alan Weaver was in our arms in less then 2 hours after that LONG drive to the hospital (I won't wait so long next time). All I can say is it has been the hardest and the best seven months of my life. In these last seven months, we have spent thousands of dollars on formula, hundreds of sleepless nights pacing the floor, and cleaned countless loads of puked-on laundry!!! And we have learned to rely completely on the grace of God, while seeing all the things we truly do have to be thankful for, amidst these trials! Gabe has had many firsts, already...his first foods (oatmeal and pears), his first word (mama), his first crawl (only to do a nose dive into the floor), his first favorite book(a counting book from his Aunt Mercy), and just today, his first ear infection.:( On the good side, that means that mommy and baby got to stay home together all day today and play and SLEEP!!!! YEAH!!! On that note, I have dishes to do, laundry to fold, pear puree to freeze, lunches to pack...and the insanity starts all over again tomorrow. Please, God, let there be a snow day tomorrow!