Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Frankenstein
Nora is quite the walker these days. She's been on her feet pretty consistently for the past two weeks, and so far, we are two for two with head injuries. It's so sad, but right now she has a HUGE blue egg on her forehead from where she took a tumble. Here are a few photos from last week when she was practicing her walking outside. We like to lovingly refer to her as Frankenstein!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Chores
I absolutely cannot stand to dust. I just have to get that off my chest. It is one of my least favorite housework activities to do. Hence, it takes great motivation and gusto for me to get it done. Our bedroom furniture, which we love, is a magnet for dust. Inevitably, the second I finish dusting, dust has already accumulated. Seriously, what is the point? I really only do it because I know Jonathan really loves it when the nightstand is freshly dusted and his books no longer have a layer of dust an inch thick.
Also, while I am confessing housekeeping dislikes, can I just say that I love to have my floors clean, but I LOATHE cleaning them. The sweeping. The dustpan. The mopping. The rearranging furniture. The trying to keep the 19 month old away from the wet spots. The attempting to keep the husband from walking RIGHT THROUGH the huge pile of debris that I just swept up. Alas, the reward is so worth it. I love the clean smell of freshly mopped floors.
On the other hand, I could do laundry for days. I really enjoy doing laundry. I don't know why. I really don't mind any part: washing, folding, or putting away. It's probably my favorite. I also find washing dishes really relaxing. I know, I'm weird, but we all have our quirks.
OK, confession complete. I just dusted our bedroom a bit ago, and it was just so fresh on my mind I had to jot it down.
Also, while I am confessing housekeeping dislikes, can I just say that I love to have my floors clean, but I LOATHE cleaning them. The sweeping. The dustpan. The mopping. The rearranging furniture. The trying to keep the 19 month old away from the wet spots. The attempting to keep the husband from walking RIGHT THROUGH the huge pile of debris that I just swept up. Alas, the reward is so worth it. I love the clean smell of freshly mopped floors.
On the other hand, I could do laundry for days. I really enjoy doing laundry. I don't know why. I really don't mind any part: washing, folding, or putting away. It's probably my favorite. I also find washing dishes really relaxing. I know, I'm weird, but we all have our quirks.
OK, confession complete. I just dusted our bedroom a bit ago, and it was just so fresh on my mind I had to jot it down.
Named
Naming children really is not as easy an endeavor as I used to think. I know so many of us girls have had our children's names picked out since we were seven years old. Inevitably, that changes for a lot of us when it actually comes time to pick the name that will follow your child around for the rest of his or her life. Naming Nora seemed so easy. Before we even knew whether she was a boy or girl, we had a first and middle name for both genders: Nora Kathryn and David Leland. This time, however, was a totally different story. Jonathan and I really couldn't agree on anything for the longest time, so we finally came to the point that we decided not to even discuss names until we found out the gender. Truly, I don't know where Jonathan was coming up with some of the names he liked. And, like a sellout, names we had always liked and discussed as potentials were suddenly on his dislike list. I was so confused. Who was this?
Naming our children after family is so beautiful to me. I love the idea of carrying on the legacy of our family through these new lives, so we try to include a family name in some way. Nora is named after Jonathan's Great Aunt Nora. I never met her as she passed away before I came into the picture, but for years I have heard stories of Aunt Nora's beauty and love for children and love for the Lord. What an honor to have such a rich heritage! Kathryn is just a name we really like and thought fit perfectly. Jonathan and I love Nora's name.
As soon as we saw the proof that this baby was a boy, he was named. The name is a family name, sort of, and it's one that I have always loved. Jonathan wasn't always a fan of the name, but somewhere along the way he changed his mind. I swear, I didn't bribe or manipulate him. It just fits. I will confess that it took me a couple of weeks before I began referring to him as his name. Part of that, I believe, is because I was in shock for a while about having a boy. I am so excited, but boys seems so unknown by me. It will definitely be a learning experience!
So, our little boy that is due in less than 40 days will be named:
Liam Piper Bradshaw.
I love the name Liam! It is an Irish form of the name William. I love the name William actually. First of all, it is a family name, on both sides! Score for the team! It's my paternal grandfather's middle name and it's a grandfather's name in Jonathan's family, too. Secondly, William has such great potential in nicknames, which to be honest, not all names have. He could be called William, Will, Liam, Bill, and I am sure there are more I am not thinking of. Liam definitely struck my fancy a few years back, and I have wanted to use it in some way. I really liked the idea of naming him William but calling him "Liam." However, Jonathan thinks that whole concept is confusing. "What you call him is what you should name him." I see his point, but I don't necessarily agree that it's confusing. So, Liam it is! It's a good, strong name which means "determined warrior." Very masculine.
Piper we chose after pastor John Piper. What a godly man! John Piper, for those who don't know, is an author and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. I cannot even begin to tell you how much he has influenced our lives and our Christian walk. Jonathan, especially, has benefited from the wisdom and teaching of Dr. Piper. One interesting fact is that when Jonathan and I met way back when in college, we both happened to be reading the same devotional by John Piper titled A Godward Life. We were even able to attend a Desiring God conference this past September, which is a conference put on my Dr. Piper's ministry. It was such a wonderful, rich experience that we were so blessed to experience together, just a few weeks after finding out we were pregnant with Liam. What a legacy for our little man to have. When Liam is old enough, we will be able to share with him the teaching and truth that John Piper so passionately and uncompromisingly preaches.
So, there it is folks. It won't be long until we are blessed to hold Liam Piper Bradshaw in our arms. We are so excited and are greatly anticipating his arrival!
Naming our children after family is so beautiful to me. I love the idea of carrying on the legacy of our family through these new lives, so we try to include a family name in some way. Nora is named after Jonathan's Great Aunt Nora. I never met her as she passed away before I came into the picture, but for years I have heard stories of Aunt Nora's beauty and love for children and love for the Lord. What an honor to have such a rich heritage! Kathryn is just a name we really like and thought fit perfectly. Jonathan and I love Nora's name.
As soon as we saw the proof that this baby was a boy, he was named. The name is a family name, sort of, and it's one that I have always loved. Jonathan wasn't always a fan of the name, but somewhere along the way he changed his mind. I swear, I didn't bribe or manipulate him. It just fits. I will confess that it took me a couple of weeks before I began referring to him as his name. Part of that, I believe, is because I was in shock for a while about having a boy. I am so excited, but boys seems so unknown by me. It will definitely be a learning experience!
So, our little boy that is due in less than 40 days will be named:
Liam Piper Bradshaw.
I love the name Liam! It is an Irish form of the name William. I love the name William actually. First of all, it is a family name, on both sides! Score for the team! It's my paternal grandfather's middle name and it's a grandfather's name in Jonathan's family, too. Secondly, William has such great potential in nicknames, which to be honest, not all names have. He could be called William, Will, Liam, Bill, and I am sure there are more I am not thinking of. Liam definitely struck my fancy a few years back, and I have wanted to use it in some way. I really liked the idea of naming him William but calling him "Liam." However, Jonathan thinks that whole concept is confusing. "What you call him is what you should name him." I see his point, but I don't necessarily agree that it's confusing. So, Liam it is! It's a good, strong name which means "determined warrior." Very masculine.
Piper we chose after pastor John Piper. What a godly man! John Piper, for those who don't know, is an author and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. I cannot even begin to tell you how much he has influenced our lives and our Christian walk. Jonathan, especially, has benefited from the wisdom and teaching of Dr. Piper. One interesting fact is that when Jonathan and I met way back when in college, we both happened to be reading the same devotional by John Piper titled A Godward Life. We were even able to attend a Desiring God conference this past September, which is a conference put on my Dr. Piper's ministry. It was such a wonderful, rich experience that we were so blessed to experience together, just a few weeks after finding out we were pregnant with Liam. What a legacy for our little man to have. When Liam is old enough, we will be able to share with him the teaching and truth that John Piper so passionately and uncompromisingly preaches.
So, there it is folks. It won't be long until we are blessed to hold Liam Piper Bradshaw in our arms. We are so excited and are greatly anticipating his arrival!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Proof!
OK, so computer genuis that I am can't figure out how to turn the video. I've tried several times. I hope you still enjoy my little walker! YEAH!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Pregnancy Brain Stikes Again
Guess who got halfway through her shopping trip at Kroger this morning only to realize that she had forgotten her wallet AT HOME? That would be me!
Nora and I had an hour and a half ordeal trying to buy groceries this morning. About halfway through my shopping, I was walking down an aisle where I saw an abandoned grocery cart. The shopper had about 10 items or so in their cart, and it made me think, "What would cause someone to leave their cart? I bet it happens pretty frequently, for whatever reason. I bet people have emergencies or forget their wallets or something." As these thoughts were running through my mind, it hit me. I didn't have MY wallet. It was at home. In my purse. On the floor in my bedroom. Atleast 10 minutes down the road.
I took my cart up to the front of the store and got the attention of one of the checker-outers. I told her my situation, and that I wanted to come back after getting my wallet to finish my shopping. She was so kind and understanding, telling me they would put my buggy in the freezer since I had just stacked up on the chicken sale! $1.99/lb, people.
Nora and I carefully and slowly drove home, I got my wallet, and got back in the car. As we were about to pull out of the neighborhood, Nora started choking on her juice. I looked back at her to make sure she was okay. Just as I did, she started coughing and up came her juice and the crackers she had been eating a few minutes before. The lovely cracker-juice combination was everywhere. Thankfully, we were just a few houses from home, so we turned around and changed Nora's clothes. The carseat and I have a date later on today....it reeks!
Anyway, we finally made it to Kroger. Got our cart. Got our groceries. Made it home just in time to unload the car and start lunch. As I was driving home, a wave of exhaustion swept over me. I guess my adrenaline was really pumping through it all, and once it was all over, I was crashing. But, thanks to a Sprite and some good ole Mac'n'Cheese, we're ready to face the afternoon.
Even though it was a stressful hour and a half, I was able to see God's kindness in it all. He gave me the patience to not stress out and to take care of my girl! Thank you, Lord!
Nora and I had an hour and a half ordeal trying to buy groceries this morning. About halfway through my shopping, I was walking down an aisle where I saw an abandoned grocery cart. The shopper had about 10 items or so in their cart, and it made me think, "What would cause someone to leave their cart? I bet it happens pretty frequently, for whatever reason. I bet people have emergencies or forget their wallets or something." As these thoughts were running through my mind, it hit me. I didn't have MY wallet. It was at home. In my purse. On the floor in my bedroom. Atleast 10 minutes down the road.
I took my cart up to the front of the store and got the attention of one of the checker-outers. I told her my situation, and that I wanted to come back after getting my wallet to finish my shopping. She was so kind and understanding, telling me they would put my buggy in the freezer since I had just stacked up on the chicken sale! $1.99/lb, people.
Nora and I carefully and slowly drove home, I got my wallet, and got back in the car. As we were about to pull out of the neighborhood, Nora started choking on her juice. I looked back at her to make sure she was okay. Just as I did, she started coughing and up came her juice and the crackers she had been eating a few minutes before. The lovely cracker-juice combination was everywhere. Thankfully, we were just a few houses from home, so we turned around and changed Nora's clothes. The carseat and I have a date later on today....it reeks!
Anyway, we finally made it to Kroger. Got our cart. Got our groceries. Made it home just in time to unload the car and start lunch. As I was driving home, a wave of exhaustion swept over me. I guess my adrenaline was really pumping through it all, and once it was all over, I was crashing. But, thanks to a Sprite and some good ole Mac'n'Cheese, we're ready to face the afternoon.
Even though it was a stressful hour and a half, I was able to see God's kindness in it all. He gave me the patience to not stress out and to take care of my girl! Thank you, Lord!
Spring has sprung.
It's hard to believe that the month of March is almost over. Spring has finally arrived, my daffodils have bloomed, my pear tree is thankfully turning green instead of its beautiful, stinky white, and we have sunshine until almost eight o'clock! Yeah! I love this time of year!
Much has been happening the past few weeks.
First, Nora turned 19 months on Saturday. She is walking like a champ. It's not a continual thing, but every day she gets more and more confident and daring. We have spent a lot of time the past few weeks outside, at the park, in the backyard, etc. She and I both have enjoyed every possible opportunity to be in the sunshine. She has officially had her first "collision" with our tile floor. The big, blue bruise on her forehead is the first of many, I'm sure, and she really took it like a pro. Now, every time she slips on the tile or while she's walking, she's quick to say "Okay!" to assure both herself and me that she's okay. So cute. Also, Nora just doesn't.stop.talking. I mean, it's almost constant. As cute as it is, and as much as I love hearing her voice her curiosity and take on everything in the world, I can see this getting old at some point. There must be some quiet in the day, right? Must I wait until her 2:00 nap time for a little respite?
I am almost 34 weeks pregnant. What!? Our baby boy will be here in just six weeks. So much to do. So much to do.
Another big bit of news is that Jonathan's parents have bought a house in Knoxville. They are closing sometime next week and should be all moved in and settled in the next few weeks. We are really excited for them and are so happy to have them close by. Jonathan and I both want our children to have wonderful relationships with their grandparents. The Lord has blessed us with amazing parents, and even though we live hours away from both of our families, we have been able to see them pretty regularly.
Finally, Easter is just around the corner. I am most excited about my mom coming to visit for the week after Easter Sunday. I just love when my mom comes to visit. She'll be here just a few weeks before the baby's arrival, so she'll be able to help me with last minute to-dos, and I'm sure we'll have a blast doing girlie things. Also, Jonathan is going out of town for a few days for work at the end of that week, and my mom will be here while he's gone in case I go into labor. I'll be 37 weeks, so I guess it is a possibility.
Much has been happening the past few weeks.
First, Nora turned 19 months on Saturday. She is walking like a champ. It's not a continual thing, but every day she gets more and more confident and daring. We have spent a lot of time the past few weeks outside, at the park, in the backyard, etc. She and I both have enjoyed every possible opportunity to be in the sunshine. She has officially had her first "collision" with our tile floor. The big, blue bruise on her forehead is the first of many, I'm sure, and she really took it like a pro. Now, every time she slips on the tile or while she's walking, she's quick to say "Okay!" to assure both herself and me that she's okay. So cute. Also, Nora just doesn't.stop.talking. I mean, it's almost constant. As cute as it is, and as much as I love hearing her voice her curiosity and take on everything in the world, I can see this getting old at some point. There must be some quiet in the day, right? Must I wait until her 2:00 nap time for a little respite?
I am almost 34 weeks pregnant. What!? Our baby boy will be here in just six weeks. So much to do. So much to do.
Another big bit of news is that Jonathan's parents have bought a house in Knoxville. They are closing sometime next week and should be all moved in and settled in the next few weeks. We are really excited for them and are so happy to have them close by. Jonathan and I both want our children to have wonderful relationships with their grandparents. The Lord has blessed us with amazing parents, and even though we live hours away from both of our families, we have been able to see them pretty regularly.
Finally, Easter is just around the corner. I am most excited about my mom coming to visit for the week after Easter Sunday. I just love when my mom comes to visit. She'll be here just a few weeks before the baby's arrival, so she'll be able to help me with last minute to-dos, and I'm sure we'll have a blast doing girlie things. Also, Jonathan is going out of town for a few days for work at the end of that week, and my mom will be here while he's gone in case I go into labor. I'll be 37 weeks, so I guess it is a possibility.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Nora's Phone Calls With Daddy
If you have the time and want to have a good laugh, these videos of Nora talking to Jonathan on the phone today are priceless. Priceless to me, anyway. They so capture how chatty she is. It is so rare that I can capture her talking on video, and today I was able to capture such a precious conversation between her and her Daddy. I apologize that they are lengthy. You may have to turn up the volume to hear Jonathan as he is on the speakerphone. Enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ball
This recipe is a wonderful and simple idea that is great for Care Group, showers, or just because you are in the mood to stuff your face! It is super yummy, and I'm sure the kiddos will love it too.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ball
Ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Chocolate or honey graham crackers for dipping
Directions:
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioner's sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Gently stir in mini chocolate chips.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped nuts before serving. Serve with your favorite flavor of graham crackers for dipping. (I use the graham cracker sticks).
Chocolate Chip Cookie Ball
Ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Chocolate or honey graham crackers for dipping
Directions:
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioner's sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Gently stir in mini chocolate chips.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped nuts before serving. Serve with your favorite flavor of graham crackers for dipping. (I use the graham cracker sticks).
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Ode to Chick-fil-A
We absolutely LOVE Chick-fil-A in this family. Nora recognizes the sign whenever we pass it driving down the road. Enjoy this hilarious video that Suzanne introduced me to.
"Knoxville, We Have A Walker"
I hope I am not jumping the gun by posting this latest walking update, but Nora is doing so well that I just had to document it for memory's sake! We are going to have a full-blown walker in our house here in just a matter of time. Hopefully, she'll be going crazy before she hits the 19 month mark, which is just a week away. Wouldn't that be fun?
This morning, Jonathan took Nora and I out to IHOP for pancakes! IHOP pancakes are Jonathan's absolute favorite and it has been nearly a year since we've been there, so we had a special outing this morning with our little family of three. Trying to savour every moment we have before things get super busy and our little guy gets here. After breakfast, we went to the mall to walk around. Nora can't get enough of walking, but since it's been rainy and cold, we can't venture outside. So, we headed to Westtown to join the rest of the mall walkers. While there, Nora was a walking fool! She was taking 12-15 steps at a time all by herself. When we got to the kiddie play area she got a little too excited to concentrate on walking so she would frequently revert back to scooting. Jonathan or I were always right behind her encouraging her to stand up and walk. I am so proud of our little girl! And she is quite proud of herself for walking so much. It's really funny how proud of herself she gets when she covers big distances.
Ah, I never thought this day would come! I am sure I have no idea what is in store for me. We're going to be busy, that's for sure!
This morning, Jonathan took Nora and I out to IHOP for pancakes! IHOP pancakes are Jonathan's absolute favorite and it has been nearly a year since we've been there, so we had a special outing this morning with our little family of three. Trying to savour every moment we have before things get super busy and our little guy gets here. After breakfast, we went to the mall to walk around. Nora can't get enough of walking, but since it's been rainy and cold, we can't venture outside. So, we headed to Westtown to join the rest of the mall walkers. While there, Nora was a walking fool! She was taking 12-15 steps at a time all by herself. When we got to the kiddie play area she got a little too excited to concentrate on walking so she would frequently revert back to scooting. Jonathan or I were always right behind her encouraging her to stand up and walk. I am so proud of our little girl! And she is quite proud of herself for walking so much. It's really funny how proud of herself she gets when she covers big distances.
Ah, I never thought this day would come! I am sure I have no idea what is in store for me. We're going to be busy, that's for sure!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Pregnancy Update: 32 Weeks
Well, we made it to 32 weeks! It's so wild to think that our little boy will be here in 8 weeks, hopefully less. I had my 32 week check-up today and everything looks great. My last few appointments have been pretty routine and pretty "typical." They check my blood pressure, weight, fundal height growth, etc. As always, my favorite part is hearing the heartbeat. I have taken Nora with me to my past two appointments and both times she has cried hysterically anytime the nurses touch me. Apparently, this little girl has some issues with doctors' offices. I hope she doesn't wig out when I'm in the hospital.
I have officially hit the point where I'm uncomfortable depending on how the baby is positioned. He is currently getting up under my ribs and pelvic bones and stretching or kicking which just gives me the heebie jeebies. I have Braxton Hicks contractions pretty frequently but they aren't painful for the most part and aren't in any patterns, so my uterus is just practicing away. Nora's finding it more and more difficult to sit in my lap as there is almost no room left for her. However, I am still able to hold her without much difficulty, so alteast she gets Momma's hugs somehow!
The picture above says this boy is the size of a squash. However, I think he feels more like a pumpkin....much bigger than what I'm picturing a squash to be. Then again, aren't pumpkins in the squash family? Who cares!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Fun at the Zoo
Yesterday, Nora and I joined Amy and Layla Townsend for an outing at the Knoxville Zoo. We had a great time and the weather was amazing. The perfect springlike day for an adventure outside! Nora has only been to the zoo one other time when she was 10 months old, and I don't really think she was too aware of her surroundings at that time. She seemed to enjoy the animals a bit more this visit, however, she was most interested in getting out of the stroller so she could "galk" (or walk). I tried to oblige her as much as I could, but keep in mind I had a stroller to keep up with and that I'm 32 weeks pregnant and that the Knoxville Zoo is full of hills big enough to send me into labor. Once we made the big loop through the big animal exhibits, we had the chance to let the girls out to roam and explore. Nora was attached with a death grip to my finger the whole time, but atleast she was "galking." She loves to walk, but the little chicken has to be holding on to someone to do it. I can't wait to see how excited she is once she realizes all that awaits her when she walks independently. She's going to have a ball! I'll probably pass out from exhaustion, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
The girls eating their PB&J sandwiches like big girls!
Amy & Layla
Such a ham. Such a joy.
Finally an animal at the zoo they could touch.
Nora "galking" with Momma...and Baby Brother made it into the shot!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Now, Don't Get Too Excited....
But, Nora took a few steps last night!
Woo Hoo!
She hasn't done it sense then, but at least it's a start!
Woo Hoo!
She hasn't done it sense then, but at least it's a start!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Nora's Big Girl Room
Here are a few pictures of Nora's room. There are a few things I would like to add that I just haven't been able to quite yet, but I think it came out great! Nora loves her new room and has so much more space to play.
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