tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62911719510359166322024-02-22T16:45:13.084-05:00bringing up bradshawsUnless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain; unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.comBlogger636125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-19922502055984880322014-06-03T16:14:00.000-04:002014-06-03T16:14:50.741-04:00Today.It's been months since I've picked up my camera. Life is so busy that I don't take it down from the shelf to capture little moments with my babies. Today, after lunch, after Vacation Bible School, before naps, during random outside play time, I remembered that abandoned camera and took it down. I quite literally wiped the dust off of it and took it outside. My subjects have grown since I last looked through the lens.<br />
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They've also gotten quite spunky.
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And then there's this guy.<br />
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If you cannot tell, he is simply adored. Adored. They cannot help but touch him, kiss him, smother him, talk to him, distract him, feed him. It's like a magnetic force field that none of us have the strength to resist.<br />
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This is his reaction to grass. I'm so glad I captured this because this is the exact reaction all of my kiddos have had to their first experience with the prickly, pokey grass. His face says it all.<br />
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Here's my Nora. Sweet, growing, compassionate, caring. I will not talk about the fact that she will be turning seven in just a few short months. Not going there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there is this side to her. Goofball.</td></tr>
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Stella B. Newly three.<br />
Just yesterday we celebrated the three wonderful years of life we've had with our sweet girl. She couldn't be funnier or sweeter or more sassy. She's super smart and witty and to know her is to adore her. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's showing me how her dress twirls.</td></tr>
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Liam Piper. Oh this boy!<br />
Right here he is hot and trying to pretend he doesn't want me to take his picture.<br />
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But we all know that deep down, he does.<br />
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That cowlick.<br />
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So that is a snapshot of today. Today I am thankful for simple afternoons in our backyard and a prompting to pick up my forgotten hobby. These days are so blurry and so quickly passing. But man, am I going to miss them when they are gone. Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-75945847654789275322014-04-23T09:43:00.000-04:002014-04-23T09:43:57.083-04:00Six Months Old!This blog post is long overdue as I have not updated pictures of Evan since just after his surgery in December. My boy was two months old at the time of his cleft repair, and lo and behold, here we are with a six month old! How the days are flying by!<br />
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Life with four children is wonderful and wonderfully busy, so things like blogging and laundry and washing my hair don't get done as much as they should. Also, there are conversations I have had that I just simply cannot remember as things seem to get lost in my brain some days. I would say that the transition from three kids to four has been really smooth for the most part, but it's just a constant state of busy and going that makes things harder. I am so thankful that we have been mostly healthy this winter and that the school year is winding down as we are all looking forward to lazy summer days of playing and being outside.<br />
Evan went last week for his six month well visit and here are his stats:<br />
Height: 27 inches (75th percentile)<br />
Weight: 16 lbs., 9 oz. (45th percentile)<br />
Head Circumference: 44.2 cm<br />
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Here are his siblings' stats at six months (for fun):<br />
Stella--<br />
Height: 26 inches (70th percentile)<br />
Weight: 15 lbs., 3 oz. (45th percentile)<br />
Head Circumference: 42.7 cm (50-75th percentile)<br />
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Nora--<br />
Height: 25 1/4 inches (45th percentile)<br />
Weight: 14 lbs., 5 oz. (25th percentile)<br />
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Liam--<br />
Height: 26 3/4 inches (75th percentile)<br />
Weight: 18 lbs, 2 oz. (60th percentile)<br />
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This just goes to show how different they all are! Liam was a whole 1.5 lbs bigger than Evan at this point! Geez, what a chunker he was!<br />
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Evan has to be hands down the best baby in the world. He is so content and sweet and snuggly. He is rarely fussy or hard to care for. My only complaint is that he is growing to fast! (And, he refuses to take a bottle). However, the kindness of the Lord is not lost on me as I specifically see how there was a day when I thought I would never be able to breastfeed him because of his cleft lip, and now he nurses exclusively and refuses to take the bottle. So, it's kinda funny how the tables have turned. I figure that since he's my last baby, I better enjoy the extra snuggly nursing time we have together and at most I'll be nursing him for another six months so it's not too much longer.
Here are some pics of Evan over the past two months or so. As you can see he's been growing a ton and his lip continues to heal and look AMAZING!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life as the baby means that some days we don't get naps except while in the car!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This super hero is snuggling with his big sister!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan's first sink bath at the beach condo over Spring Break 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy was in heaven as he got to snuggle a sleepy boy on the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bradshaw Four</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to go watch Liam play t-ball.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAPiI3-rlevRFeFsjkru8vVwF3dQYytaomjPyUCTrpshKEeaXyo9XjhcBBeGl54ndU2h8q71ClkKUWejz01M_cWL11xukcO5c9U3bKivzvUJmOR6LLwmT55WXEX4rQizhm-2OdzG16Kc/s1600/IMG_0226_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAPiI3-rlevRFeFsjkru8vVwF3dQYytaomjPyUCTrpshKEeaXyo9XjhcBBeGl54ndU2h8q71ClkKUWejz01M_cWL11xukcO5c9U3bKivzvUJmOR6LLwmT55WXEX4rQizhm-2OdzG16Kc/s1600/IMG_0226_2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking to Geegaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting with Momma at the ball field.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcOOr09b-bjFcxc2o_djlX7j7Sy3GPzlGFXZjrL4V84uPpQDKoTWJP8IduLuqAFqxwRbjvZ73fOjYCT5kDKFYfZBfcFQa1nqaMUeDEld7twQ5FTF1gm2VQlGjAX4ZlspiA4p7HWu20XM/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcOOr09b-bjFcxc2o_djlX7j7Sy3GPzlGFXZjrL4V84uPpQDKoTWJP8IduLuqAFqxwRbjvZ73fOjYCT5kDKFYfZBfcFQa1nqaMUeDEld7twQ5FTF1gm2VQlGjAX4ZlspiA4p7HWu20XM/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan and Liam hang out in Liam's room often while I put Stella down for her nap.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was earlier....may at 4 months old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, an earlier picture. You can see here how his lip is a bit more drawn up than in the newer pictures.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfCh-ls2ODl-IIe5px2_NxI_-57HCHuh6cHBKci3Y8ZwnlpMHHKXrSbIghTXWX_QoJlhnXuhKpe-2kUii5AeRSqiwA1xfE_hYRs88ZxNHh2rQvkoVODhBESL9oU208XX0kEW3yynBKYE/s1600/IMG_9831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfCh-ls2ODl-IIe5px2_NxI_-57HCHuh6cHBKci3Y8ZwnlpMHHKXrSbIghTXWX_QoJlhnXuhKpe-2kUii5AeRSqiwA1xfE_hYRs88ZxNHh2rQvkoVODhBESL9oU208XX0kEW3yynBKYE/s1600/IMG_9831.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely not so sure about the Bumbo seat. Three months old.</td></tr>
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<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-46058241856927351512014-02-17T15:54:00.001-05:002014-02-17T15:54:57.179-05:00Evan James: 4 month statsEvan turned four months old yesterday.<br />
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Excuse me for a second while I go rock myself in the corner whilst curled up in a fetal position.<br />
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Okay, moving on.<br />
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My baby is four months, so today I took him for his well visit and vaccinations. Here are my sweet love's stats for growth:<br />
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Height: 25 inches (50th percentile)<br />
Weight: 14 lbs. 6 oz. (45th percentile)<br />
Head Circumference: 50th percentile<br />
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Here are the stats for the other three at four months:<br />
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Stella B:<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Weight: 12 lbs., 14 oz. (50th percentile)<br />Height: 24.5 inches (55th percentile)<br />Head Circumference: 40.1 cm (35th percentile)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Liam:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Height: 25.5 inches (75th percentile)<br />Weight: 15 lbs, 11 oz (75th percentile)<br />Head Circumference: 43.2 cm (75th percentile)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nora:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Weight: 11 lbs., 13 oz. (20th percentile)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Height: 24 inches long (45th percentile)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Much like I assumed, Evan is bigger than my girls but not quite as big as Liam was! Liam was definitely my chunkier boy. And Nora was always my tiny little peanut. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At four months, Evan is definitely coming into his own little personality. He is very content and is a cheerful little fellow. He smiles easily, loves to coo, and can carry on quite a "conversation." He has recently discovered his voice and loves to hear himself talk and squeal. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He nurses pretty much exclusively, although he has taken a bottle a few times. We nurse about six to seven times each day, including his dream feed right before I go to bed and there are some evenings where I feed him in clusters before his bedtime at 8:30ish. Evan naps a few times a day and typically takes a long afternoon nap for 2.5 hours or so! It's fabulous because I am able to have a few quiet moments to myself or get some housework done or spend time homeschooling Nora. He loves to play on the floor or in his bouncy seat, and he is often being held by Nora or Liam (or Stella but that lasts about five seconds). Also, he's at the stage where everything goes in his mouth. As I type this, he's in the bouncy seat beside me chewing on some linking letters and talking away. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We love our little Squish and his big bald head! I just love every minute we get with him and he's brought so much joy to all of us. I will post some much needed pictures once we get our. On our computer back up and running!</span><br />
<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-78445813680931016052014-01-07T17:18:00.004-05:002014-01-07T17:18:36.610-05:00Evan James: Two Month StatsI am WAY behind on posting these stats for Evan seeing that he will be three months old next week. However, with surgery, Christmas, post-surgery stuff, and a trip to Florida with the Bradshaw family, we've been quite busy around here. About two weeks ago, I brought Evan in for his two month well-visit and these were his stats:<br />
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Height: 22.5 inches (50th percentile)<br />
Weight: 11 lbs., 11 oz. (50th percentile)<br />
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Stella at 2 months was 11 lbs., 2 oz. and 22.5 inches.<br />
Liam was 12 lbs., 5 oz and 23 1/8 inches. <br />
Nora was 9 lbs., 13 oz and 21.75 inches.<br />
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I think Evan may have weighed a bit more had he not had surgery and lost a bit of weight due to his eating via syringe. I think he's growing like a weed these days and definitely doesn't look or feel like a newborn anymore. <br />
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During the week following surgery, Evan started sleeping through the night. I usually feed him between 8:00 and 8:30 pm and put him down. I will go in and nurse him one last time before I go to bed between 10-11 pm. He will typically sleep until around 6:00-6:30 am. I am LOVING longer stretches of sleep and it's definitely given me more energy and mind capacity!<br />
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Evan is smiling, cooing, kicking his feet and moving his arms and legs like crazy! He's such a sweet, content baby boy and we love him so very much! I have much to update about surgery with pics of how he's recovering, so I'll try to post soon with that information. Till then!Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-68377707810275955502013-12-16T16:13:00.001-05:002013-12-16T16:45:39.343-05:00Two Months Old and Two Days Before Surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, Evan is two months old! Crazy how fast time has flown and although it is SO cliche to say how it seems like he's always been a part of our lives, it is so true. It is also true that we are all so stinkin' in love with this little boy!<br />
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We are two days away from Surgery Day. This day that I've known about for six months and have been dreading from that first moment when I found out he had a cleft lip is here. So many friends have asked how I'm doing, and I can say that right now, at this very moment, that I am doing okay. I want the surgery to be over. I am ready to put this part of life behind us because I know I will not like seeing my baby being pushed away to surgery. I will not like the waiting. I will not like seeing him frail and hurting and in a hospital. But, I do know that this surgery is what's best for him. I know that he won't remember any of this. I know that no matter how hard the days that follow surgery may be that we will get through them. God will give us the strength to endure the feedings, the lack of sleep, the caring for four children, and the unknowns that I don't even know to worry about right now. I think there is a lot about surgery that I don't know to expect, so I cannot worry about those things because I don't KNOW to worry about them. Right now, I am thankful for that ignorance. I am also thankful that the Lord has taught me so much in the past year about being anxious. I am so thankful that even though I battle anxiety--because I do--that He is faithful to equip us with ways to fight those fears and thoughts. He is the giver of peace, and I know that the God I serve is all kind, all wise, and all loving. He is trustworthy. Knowing that, dwelling on that helps me in those moments. I'm praying that on Surgery Day that I can cling to what I know about my Lord.<br />
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So, here's what I do know so far about surgery. We will go in sometime early Wednesday morning. On Tuesday evening, they call us and tell us our tentative surgery time. The surgeries are assigned based on the age of the kids lined up for surgery that day. They do youngest to oldest, so hopefully Evan's surgery will be pretty early. He cannot eat anything up to four hours prior to surgery time, so I will plan to nurse him four hours beforehand. His surgery should last between 1.5-2 hours. We will spend one night at Children's hospital and be released sometime on Thursday. Evan will not be able to nurse or have a bottle until his sutures are removed on December 26th, eight days after surgery. He will be syringe fed using a catheter, so I will be pumping and supplementing with formula if needed. Evan will have some pain medication for the first few days, but the nurse practitioner told us that babies typically do really well and don't need the pain meds for very long.<br />
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My mom is coming in town tomorrow night to be with us for a few days, and my in-laws will be graciously caring for Nora, Liam, and Stella while we are in the hospital. We haven't even gotten to the hospital, yet we have felt so cared for. So many friends are constantly telling us they are praying for us, meals have been signed up for following surgery, and people are pouring out care in big and little ways. I definitely do not feel like we are walking this out alone but that we are surrounded by a army of prayer warriors and loved ones who are carrying us through it all.<br />
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Now that all of that is out of the way, let me tell you about Evan. What a gift he is!<br />
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At two months, Evan weighs about 11.5 lbs. This is such an answer to prayer! Before he was born (when we were concerned that he would come early, which he didn't because the Lord kept him cooking for a longer time than we expected), my prayers were that Evan would not come prematurely and that when he did come that he would put on weight so that he would be a big, strapping boy prior to surgery. I was hoping he would at least be ten pounds by surgery, and by God's faithfulness, he's exceeded that weight! Being breastfed, no less. If you recall, I didn't expect to be able to nurse him at all. But, since only his lip is involved in the cleft, I've been able to breastfeed from day one, and apparently I make some rich milk because Evan has consistently put on weight. This is the faithfulness of our God! He answered these prayers! One less worry for me!<br />
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Evan is such a sweet boy. He's very serious, much like Nora was as a newborn. He is not one to crack many smiles, but when he does---WATCH OUT---it's killer! He is a great eater and napper, but he has proven to have a hard time in the evenings. I think that we are through with most of it, but every few days he has a hard time in the evenings where he is hard to console and get down to sleep for the night. Sleep is inconsistent.....he has had a few nights where he "slept through the night," but those nights are very few and far between. I really don't see a pattern, but I'd say once I feed him at his "dream feed" (between 10-11 pm) he typically sleeps a 4-6 hour stretch. Then, when I lay him down he'll sleep for another 3-4 hours. He usually starts his day around 8:30 am. He nurses every 2-3 hours during the day and cluster feeds in the evenings (every 1-2 hours), but even the cluster feeding is getting less. He is generally very content when awake, even with all of the kisses and poking and prodding he endures and the loud, earth-shattering volume that often takes over our house most days. He doesn't seem phased or bothered by the chaos around him. Those kids love him so much and cannot keep away from him.<br />
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Below are a few pics of Evan that my sweet friend Suzanne captured last month. These will always be priceless to me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpHB87z4jHiPMxO-LHteCswsPzul-Ov5Bncyo6Q8PXhzFbJVW_wfi4_vkHmlr5cIGB4ThFYbqt_w0vHo8_OOYu3hEqHzL2G2FKlfGfUUw8MydCZ0cOCaZz0QwtbPfbeNe4CwnNaVKZw4/s1600/Bradshaw+2013-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpHB87z4jHiPMxO-LHteCswsPzul-Ov5Bncyo6Q8PXhzFbJVW_wfi4_vkHmlr5cIGB4ThFYbqt_w0vHo8_OOYu3hEqHzL2G2FKlfGfUUw8MydCZ0cOCaZz0QwtbPfbeNe4CwnNaVKZw4/s400/Bradshaw+2013-21.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy2GZES5D-MA5G3zxa-nEhaDW9O8YWNknq0AVEDAN34ab7TYNmnMoAnxyYSecsFd7qAMk8p4DmpJK7Q6bgTaU1ffbJz8tgnC1vSx4WLgOeVYTGBHJnyEqm0p5ln87Bi9FMbOMq1JurlA/s1600/Bradshaw+2013-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy2GZES5D-MA5G3zxa-nEhaDW9O8YWNknq0AVEDAN34ab7TYNmnMoAnxyYSecsFd7qAMk8p4DmpJK7Q6bgTaU1ffbJz8tgnC1vSx4WLgOeVYTGBHJnyEqm0p5ln87Bi9FMbOMq1JurlA/s400/Bradshaw+2013-72.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Here are a few I took on my phone this morning. Stella was getting some loving in....you can see Evan is thrilled.<br />
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Here's my stud muffin at two months! Such a handsome boy!<br />
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<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-34483271613294099382013-11-18T08:20:00.001-05:002013-11-18T08:20:15.609-05:00One Month Wonderful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the weekend, our little man turned one month old!</div>
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I took him for his one month well-visit last Wednesday, and he came in as quite the chunker:</div>
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9 lbs., 10 oz. and 20 3/4 inches long.</div>
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That's 50th percentile in weight and head circumference and about 25th percentile in length.</div>
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Here are the stats of Evan's siblings at their one month appointments:</div>
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Stella: 9 lbs., 2 oz. and 21 1/4 inches<br />
Nora: 8 lbs., 6 oz. and 21 inches<br />
Liam: 9 lbs., 14 oz. and 22 1/4 inches</div>
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(Nora was definitely our little peanut, and Evan seems to be a bit thinner but a bit longer than his older brother. Stella is right in the middle there).</div>
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This past month has been wonderful with Evan James. We have just enjoyed every second of his life! The newborn stage is so fleeting and so precious and so miraculous. This little life literally grows by the minute and changes daily, and I get to watch it unfold before my very eyes. </div>
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As far as a schedule goes, we pretty much just live life with the three older ones and Evan just goes with the flow. He eats about every 2.5-3 hours during the day (lately he's been doing three hour stretches more often which lends itself to better feedings each time). At night we have a hard time getting him to go down (darn witching hour), but once he's out, he usually sleeps for a 5-6 hours stretch followed by a 3-4 hour stretch. He naps pretty well during the day and usually gets one LONG nap in during the afternoon.</div>
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Life with Cleft: Life for Evan with cleft is really no different right now than life for any newborn. Thankfully he is able to nurse like a healthy baby, and we haven't had any issues other than the usual learning to latch, burping, occasional gas, etc. We have not been able to use a pacifier for Evan which has its pros and cons. Following surgery next month, Evan will NOT be able to use a pacifier or bottle of any sort because his lip will be healing and have sutures. He will be fed by syringe for a week. If we had him attached to a pacifier, after surgery he will definitely NOT be able to use it so he would be pretty unhappy at that time if were dependent on it. So, we have tried really hard to not use one and so far have been successful. This can be difficult at night because sometimes he just wants to suck for comfort which means that we nurse A LOT in the evenings. I sometimes feel like a human pacifier (which isn't fun) but my sweet baby boy is worth it. Also, he is learning to self soothe a bit, so maybe his need to suck will lessen over time.</div>
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This Friday we take Evan for his pre-op appointment at Children's where he will get registered for surgery in December. I'll update what we discover after that appointment.<br />
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<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-10755095655437306562013-11-13T15:35:00.000-05:002013-11-13T15:35:39.651-05:00Four WeeksFour weeks. Wow. Four weeks with four kids. WOWWWW!<br />
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I know there are so many things about these days that I simply will not remember. I am tired and sleep-deprived and super busy and recovering from pregnancy. My brain just cannot keep up with all that's happening in our sweet little life. But there are so many sweet things, so many precious moments that have and are occurring. There are also really hard days, tough moments. Moments when my patience is thin, the kids are unruly, and the volume is way too loud. But, I wouldn't change a thing, I wouldn't miss a moment, and I wouldn't fast forward through these days to a time when we are all well-rested and recovered.<br />
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Jonathan is hard-working, committed, strong, and steadfast. We wakes early, helps me out in the little things like throwing together peanut butter sandwiches or leaving me a hot mug of coffee ready to go. He runs his business and cares for his patients, then comes homes to care for his children and tired wife. Some nights he takes the kids out to Chick-fil-a so I can have an hour to myself. Some nights he cleans the kitchen and bathes the children while I hold a fussy newborn. But, I have not hear him complain once. Not once. <br />
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Nora is so caring and so helpful and so sweet-hearted. She is flexible and funny and fills her role as big sister so well. She adores Evan and talks about wanting to "eat" him and how "squishy" he is. She loves to talk to him, hold him, compare her newborn pictures to him. We all think that at first he looked just like her. She is forgiving and understanding when her Momma is tired by the middle of the afternoon. Sometimes she'll just lay in my bed with me while I rest. She is such a gift and a friend to me.<br />
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Liam could not love his brother any more! He is proud and protective and provoking.....He cannot keep his hands off that baby. He enjoys holding Evan and imagining what they will be able to do together when Evan is bigger or when he, Daddy, and Evan can do "guy trips." He is spunky and loud and full of life and energy. At first I had to be tough on him and Stella because they just didn't understand the personal space and gentleness that babies need, so I think he was frustrated with me for keeping him "away" from Evan and also that so much of my attention was spent of Evan. But lately, he is my cuddle bug. When I wake up with Evan in the middle of the night, I always wake Liam up to go "pee pee" before I dive under the covers for a few more hours sleep. I love that I can once again pick him up and carry him to the potty. He's so long and heavy, and I know the time is limited that I will physically be able to carry him, but for now, I love it. I carry him to and from the bathroom in those wee hours and tuck him in. My favorite are the nights that he wakes up enough to softly say, "I love you, Momma" before I shut the door.<br />
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Stella is my little maternal mess. She honestly has no idea that she is two years old. It has not once occurred to her that she is any younger than Nora and Liam or in any way limited from doing all that they can. Her vocabulary explodes daily, and we are in that fun/not-so-fun stage where we are communicating much more. It's hard when she knows what she is saying but when we just have.no.clue. She loves Evan and still struggles keeping her hands off of him. All of his "things," in her mind, are really there for her. The bouncy seat, the pack-n-play, the swing. They are there for her use and for her "babies." She's such a little doll baby, and we enjoy her spunky personality so much. <br />
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Evan. Oh my sweet Evan. He is growing so fast, and there is a part of me that is just sad that it goes by in such a quick blur. I can literally feel him growing, feel the changes in his weight and in how his clothes fit. He's so much more alert these days, and I am so excited to see his smile for the first time. Around week two, he began to get fussy in the evenings and wanted to cluster feed every 2 hours or so. It's easier to walk through that when you know it won't last. Also, when you know it's your last baby. It's easier to just let him sleep on me instead of laying him down right away. It's easier to justify rocking him a few minutes longer because it's not every day I have an eleven day old or a four week old in my arms. He's doing such a great job with nursing, even though I cam pretty much drenched in milk most days and smell like spit up. There's such a sweetness to this stage, as hard as it is. <br />
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I want to remember these days and cherish them. We will one day sleep through the night. We may eventually get on a schedule. But for now, I just want to remember. I want to enjoy. I want to cherish. I want to soak it up. I want to be thankful for the chaos and the exhaustion and the desperation. Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-91975825933105546822013-11-13T15:10:00.000-05:002013-11-13T15:10:42.148-05:00A Baby Story: Evan's ArrivalIt seems that from day one Evan has decided to march to the beat of his own drum. I had three of the "easiest" pregnancies with my first three babies, but from the start things were a bit different with Evan. I had low progesterone in the first trimester (which I did experience with Stella), at 20 weeks we found out about his cleft and my shortened cervical length, and then beginning around 24 weeks I was under care for preterm labor which means I had weekly ultrasounds up until I was 35 weeks pregnant. I failed my glucose test, then had to take the three-hour. I tested positive for a fetal fibronectin test at 24 weeks which means that it was likely I would go into labor within two weeks (YIKES!). But, then all of that ended up being for nothing because the Lord sustained Evan in my womb far beyond what we all anticipated.<br />
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I started to dilate around 34 weeks. I was 1 cm, then 3-4 cm. Then I jumped to 5 cm, and the nurse practitioner that I saw almost weekly thought I wouldn't make it but a few more days. So, I walked around for a week thinking that if I sneezed too hard I would pop out a baby, but alas nothing happened. I made it to 36 weeks. At my 37 week appointment, I was still at 5 cm but they weren't ready to admit me because my contractions weren't consistent. I decided then to stop walking around in that anxious state of anticipation, and I just enjoyed my last days of pregnancy. Those were my last days with just three children. Last days with Stella as my "baby." Last days of "sleep" (although we all know that late pregnancy doesn't equal good rest). All this time I was having lots of contractions, some very intense, some nights thinking "This is it." However, my contractions would slow down, we would make it through another night, and I was still pregnant.<br />
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My biggest "fear" with this delivery was that things would be chaotic. Let's face it, there's a lot to consider before I can just be admitted to the hospital. I have to make sure the kiddos are being cared for, whether that means someone comes to the house in the middle of the night or we have help getting them to and from school, etc. Also, when I went into labor spontaneously with Stella, I had extreme back labor that was very painful. I was not a very nice person, and rumor has it that I can turn into a little bit of a "potty mouth" when the going gets rough. How would all of that play out, say, in the middle of the afternoon. There were many what ifs and what would wes. My prayer was that it would all come together peacefully (and I really prayed hard that I would make it to the hospital in time to get my epidural). Selfish, I know.<br />
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On Tuesday, October 15, we spent out last day and night as a family of five. We had co-op at church, lunch at home, dinner as a family. Jonathan and Liam went and bought a new television for our living room because our old one (which we'd had for many, many moons) took no shorter than 15 minutes to turn on. It was time, people. While the boys were out, we girls painted our nails because it is a necessity to have pretty toes whilst pushing out a baby, right? It was a sweet time with my two little ladies. We tucked the kids into bed, and I prayed that I would make it through the night and to my doctor's appointment the next morning. I had been having contractions off and on for several days, but again, no consistency, no strengthening.<br />
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On Wednesday, October 16, I brought Liam to school and dropped Stella and Nora (on Fall Break) off to Granna and Geegaw's house. The plan was that if my appointment showed no progression then I would come get Stella and then pick up the other two once they got out of school. If my appointment, however, led me to get admited to the hospital, then the girls would already be with them and they could get Liam at dismissal. I checked into the appointment and was quickly ushered in to leave a sample and get weighed. As I was coming out of the restroom, I was greeted by my favorite nurse practitioner, Krista, and her nurse. I saw Krista at most of my appointments since I was going weekly, and we have gotten to know each other very well. Love her! She told me how shocked she was that I was there, still pregnant. My response was, "I know!" She gave me a squeeze and told me to tell her what the word was after seeing Dr. Yang.<br />
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A few minutes later I found myself in the room and Dr. Yang came in, asked how I was feeling whether or not I was ready. She quickly checked me and said that I had progressed to a 6 or 7 cm. <br />"Let's have a baby," she said. Okay! She didn't even want me to go home, but wanted me to head straight to the hospital (just down the street). Thankfully, I had my suitcase packed just in case. A few minutes later I called Jonathan to tell him it was baby day! He was so excited, and we quickly hung up so he could get out of the office, swing by the house for a few last minute things for himself, and meet me up there. I then called Paul and Joyce to tell them the news, and then I called my momma. About 20 minutes after my appointment time, I was parking my van in the hospital parking lot and pulling my suitcase and my pregnant self up the hill to the hospital entrance. It was quite funny and seemed ordinary, but it was Evan's birthday.<br />
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I checked in and was escorted to my room where I changed and got hooked up on monitors. Several nurses came in to get my medical history and important information, and I was started on an IV and some fluids. Jonathan arrived around 11:00 am, and I had left most of our things in the van, so he headed to get himself some lunch and come back with what we needed. By the time he got back, the anesthesiologist was there to give me my epidural (around noon). A bit later they nurse checked me and I was at 8 cm. She called Dr. Yang who came in just a few minutes later and broke my water. She said I hadn't really progressed past 8 so I asked if I could sit up to see if changing my position and putting pressure on my cervix caused me to dilate. At 1:20, the nurse came in to ask if I felt pressure or if I needed to push. I didn't think I did, so she said to call her if anything changed, but that if not, she would be back at 2:00 to check on me. <br />
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At 1:35, Jonathan called his parents who had just picked up Liam from school. We were so excited to hear his reaction about having his baby brother being born that day, so we wanted to hear his response over the phone. While Jonathan talked to his folks, I began to feel some changes and lots of pressure. I could still feel my contractions (although mostly pain-free), so as soon as Jonathan hung up the phone I told him we needed to call the nurse. That was at 1:42. The nurse quickly came in and checked me, and I was complete. "Let me get the doctor," she said. A whirlwind unfolded as everyone came in and got in position. I was ready to push and could feel everything I needed to know what was happening. It was a wonderful epidural and delivery...pain free, but I was still in control of my body. About three rounds of pushing (counting to ten), and our boy was here!<br />
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Evan came out screaming and as mad as a hornet! Dr. Yang asked if I wanted to hold him, and I so did! She dropped that messy, bloody, screaming baby boy in my arms and it was love! I just love that moment and would do it over and over again. We snuggled for a bit, but his body temperature was dropping and they needed to check him out, so they took him across the room to warm him and weigh him. Evan was 7 lbs, 2 oz. and measured 19.5 inches in length. He was just a few ounces bigger than his two sisters (who weighed 6.14 and 6.15). Liam was my biggest baby at 7.15. As I mentioned in my earlier post, it quickly became apparent that his lip was the only thing involved in his cleft, so once he got warm, I tried nursing him. That first time it didn't go so well, but about an hour or so later we tried again and he did great. <br />
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Later that afternoon, the kids came by to meet their baby brother. They all instantly adored him! I tried to immediately address Evan's cleft so that the kids wouldn't be upset or confused or anything, but even though I pointed it out, they hardly seemed to notice or care. All they saw was their baby brother that they loved. We had several friends visit us throughout our hospital stay, and my recovery was pretty "easy." <br />
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All in all, Jonathan and I both think that Evan's delivery was probably the best one. It was smooth, fairly quick, and I was so comfortable with the epidural and pushing and knowing what my body was supposed to do. The Lord truly answered my prayers and calmed all fears. There was no chaos. Evan and I were both healthy, and all of our needs were provided for! <br />
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I'm weird, I know, but I love the actual part of having the baby. Now, I don't know how much I'd love it minus my epidural, but childbirth truly is such a miracle. Even now, four weeks later, I cannot get over the fact that Evan was INSIDE me! Our God is amazing. Conception and pregnancy and delivery and raising babies.....it's beyond my comprehension. It definitely causes me to stand in awe of my Creator!Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-10168710694695788702013-10-30T21:35:00.000-04:002013-10-30T21:35:10.883-04:00.God Is Gracious.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two weeks ago, we were so blessed to welcome our newest bundle into the world. That's right, our fourth child, our second son--Evan James Bradshaw-- was born on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. And we could not be more in love with this little boy.<br />
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I have so much to say about my pregnancy, my delivery, and how wonderful life with Evan has been these past two weeks, but before I get to those things, I want to tell you all something that we have not been extremely verbal about until now. Many of you may have noticed in a few of the pictures that we have posted on Facebook or Instagram that Evan has a cleft lip. We found out about Evan's lip during my 20 week anatomy scan back in June. Being our fourth baby, I didn't really expect the appointment to go any differently than my previous three, so Jonathan stayed home with the other kiddos while I went to have my ultrasound. After about an hour of checking on our little man, the ultrasound tech finally got around to scanning Evan's brain and face. He was very low in my pelvis during the ultrasound, so she was having trouble getting good pictures of his brain, but finally got to see all that she needed. Finally, she got to his sweet face and profile but said she was having trouble getting the shots she needed because his umbilical cord was right in front of his face. Within a minute or so, my eyes seemed to focus in on Evan and I saw it. I said, "Is that a cleft lip?" "It is," she said with a sympathetic, kind tone.<br />
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A few minutes later she came back with my OB to confirm the diagnosis. The rest of the appointment is kind of a blur, but I remember that I held it together pretty well and just kept trying to remind myself that the baby was healthy. All things considered, a cleft lip is not life-threatening and is usually fixable. Through teary eyes, I said this to my OB. She nodded in agreement, then looked at me and said, "That's true. But, it's your baby. You always want everything to be perfect for your baby." I called Jonathan from the operatory and told him the news. His response was so strong and encouraging and full of faith.<br />
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We made it through that first weekend (I found out on a Friday morning). Our emotions ran the gamut as we learned more about the condition, we learned how much we actually DID NOT and COULD NOT know about the extent of the cleft, and we told our family and closest friends. Honestly, we cried a lot that weekend. We took turns being the weak one and the strong one. We talked to the kiddos about the baby's "Boo Boo." But most importantly, we named our baby during those days. Up until that time, we had trouble deciding on a name, but after his diagnosis, I told Jonathan that he needed a name. I needed to be able to call him by his name, to pray for him by name. Evan was one of the names on our list and it was the only name on that list that had the perfect meaning: God is gracious. Evan James, God IS Gracious. He graciously gave you to us. He graciously made you in my womb. He graciously brought you into our family. And He graciously cares for you and takes care of you and loves you.<br />
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After those first few days, I came to the conclusion that I could not live in the sadness that I had over the weekend. I did not want to continue on through the next four months of pregnancy with a sense of fear, anxiety, sadness, or any other emotion that would rob me, rob our family from the joy of this upcoming new life. We were having a BABY. A son! We had so much to rejoice over and be thankful for and we had so much to celebrate.<br />
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It's true, we knew very little about the future. Even with several ultrasounds, we were not able to tell if Evan's cleft was just his lip or if it extended into his palate. We would not know until delivery. In August, we met with the Cleft Team at Knoxville's Children's Hospital to consult with them about Evan's case and to learn about what the future held. We instantly fell in love with the nurse practitioner who coached us on the worst-case scenarios, what to expect, how to feed and how not to feed. She reassured me over and over that there was nothing I did or did not do to cause this to happen. She told us how much we would love Evan's smile with his cleft lip and how we would cry when time for surgery because that particular smile would never be again. She gave us bottles and special nipples and taught us how to feed him if his palate was involved. We talked about the possibilities or impossibilities of breastfeeding a baby with cleft palate. She gave us her personal cell phone number and made us promise her we would call her from the delivery room and said to call her any time of day if we have questions or difficult feedings or anything. She spoke with such confidence of our surgeon's abilities and put so many fears at ease. We met the surgeon, Dr. R, and learned about the schedule of surgeries depending on the severity of Evan's case.<br />
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Here is what we did know: Evan has a unilateral (one side) cleft lip. It is on his left side, and from the ultrasound pictures, we were almost certain it was "complete" which means it extends up into his nostril. When Dr. R looked at Evan's pictures, he seemed pretty confident that his palate WAS involved. We could be looking at up to three surgeries within the first few years (one at 2 months, one at 6-7 months, and one later down the road). We walked out of there with lots of information and a feeling of blessing and confidence in the care we would be receiving.<br />
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The remainder of my pregnancy was filled with craziness: I failed my glucose test, was on watch for preterm labor, placed on restrictions, etc. I basically lived at my OB's office. It seems like every time I walked in there something else came up. The biggest concern was that I was showing signs of preterm labor beginning around 24 weeks. I had weekly ultrasounds and biophysical profiles of Evan to make sure he was growing well and that my body was behaving itself. We had goals of making it to 30 weeks, then 32 weeks, then 34, then 36 weeks. Then, around that time I started dilating and the doctor was certain I would have Evan any day.<br />
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HA! My prayers from the first sign of preterm labor was that Evan would stay in my belly as long as possible so that he could be as big and healthy as could be. I knew he would likely have a very rough road ahead of him, so we didn't need to add difficulty breathing or low weight to be additional trouble. At 38 weeks, 5 days, Evan finally decided it was time to come out. The Lord graciously, faithfully kept him growing in my belly for longer than anyone expected.<br />
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Evan was born on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 1:54 pm. He came out big and healthy and screaming like a hornet. I saw him and was instantly in love with him. He weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. and measured 19.5 inches long. Jonathan immediately turned into the dentist that he is and began to scope out the extent of the cleft. We could immediately see his lip, but after quick inspection we discovered that his palate was complete. There was no cleft. Also, usually when there is a cleft lip, the gum line is also involved with a cleft but Evan's was complete. His lip, while cleft, was NOT complete like we suspected. It does not extend up into his nostril, but stops a few millimeters below his nose. We were told that if his palate was involved there was no way I could nurse him. If it was just his lip, it would be questionable because many times suction is not possible. Jonathan called Judy (our lovely nurse practitioner) and filled her in on what we knew and she told us to go ahead and try nursing. I had nursed the other three, so she told me to treat Evan just like I would my other babies. We will see how things go.<br />
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Our days at the hospital flew by, and Evan was a rock star! He began eating like a champ and had minimal weight loss in the hospital. Everyone was so kind and encouraging and seemed to be as smitten with him as we were. We came home that Friday, and the past two weeks have been a blur. Mostly, I am soaking up time with my little man, trying to cherish every little sound, every little first. In these two weeks, Evan has grown to 7 lbs, 13 oz. (he gained nearly a pound since his first pediatric appointment last week). We have scheduled surgery for mid-December, which Dr. R believes will likely be the only surgery Evan will require. <br />
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Whew, I know that is a lot of information to catch up on, but more than anything, I want to communicate that Evan is an answer to prayer and is a testimony to the kindness and greatness and graciousness of God. We have had so many friends and family praying for us and praying for this baby, and the Lord has blessed us. Even if Evan's condition had been the worst-case scenario, I believe that God is faithful and kind and great. I know had it been worse, that He would have given us the strength and might to care for Evan and our other three children. He would have carried us through those difficulties, and He will carry us through the rough days ahead.<br />
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I feel like there is so much that the Lord has taught me, has taught us through these past several months. He has taught me about fighting anxiety, trusting in him, letting go of things that I cannot control, praying for and fighting for peace, receiving help and care that previously in my pride and self-sufficiency I may not have received. He has brought Jonathan and I closer together. He has allowed sweet conversations between us and our children. And I know that what the Lord has started He will complete. There are still lessons to be learned here. Lessons for us, lessons for our children, lessons for Evan. But so far, the most resounding lesson we've seen is that God is gracious to His children and to those who cry out to him for help and mercy. <br />
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Here are some pictures of our sweet boy. I cannot tell you how much we love him. I adore his precious face, his sweet mouth, his cleft lip. It is who he is and we adore him. We prayed for this baby, and the Lord gave him to us. We are so thankful for him! I cannot wait for you to meet him.<br />
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<span id="goog_798380512"></span><span id="goog_798380513"></span><br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-65026846184692499232013-08-12T16:38:00.000-04:002013-08-12T16:38:03.853-04:00First Day!This morning, August 12, 2013, Nora began her first day of Kindergarten at Paideia Academy. She was so excited, and seems to have had such a great day. Although she was only there for half a day, getting up before 7:00 am and getting back into the swing of school has worn my girl out as she is taking herself a nice, long nap!<br />
<a href="http://www.blogalabradshaw.blogspot.com/2013/03/playing-catch-up.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.blogalabradshaw.blogspot.com/2013/03/playing-catch-up.html">As I discussed a few months ago</a>, we are starting Nora at a new school this year and have re-entered her in Kindergarten. Basically, she was a very young Kindergartener last year having a late August birthday, and Paideia has a very different curriculum/method of learning from what we did at our other school. So, we basically figured we have nothing to lose by having her do Kindergarten again (plus we get another whole year with our girl!).<br />
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Last year, I was super emotional as we sent both Nora and Liam to school for the first time. For several weeks (maybe even months), I felt like a part of me was missing the hours they were in class. My heart wasn't whole while they were gone, but that feeling got better and letting them go a little bit got easier. This year, I don't feel that too much, and I am just so excited for all that this year holds for both of them academically. Liam starts Pre-K next Monday, and this coming Friday we will go meet his teachers and classmates.<br />
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Here are a few pictures of Nora this morning as Liam, Stella and I walked her to class for her big day:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting out of the car. (Shhh, but I think we may have worn a wrong version of the uniform on the first day! Oh well!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is her first time wearing a uniform. At first, she was aghast at the thought, but now she likes it. I personally can't get over the knee socks. Too cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At her desk! In her brown paper bag are 5 things about herself that she packed to share in front of the class today. She packed her white stuffed kitty (a favorite), a Littlest Pet Shop character (one of her favorite toys to play with), paints (because she wants to be an artist), a picture of our family at the beach, and her goggles (because she loves to swim).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe14BAdZUTR8ceLemdli9wQucxIu0s-XQrLI0rk9FmB7cXHCF7vncpW7EDEJFxvIgMjdHMjd9mqUb2V8h2QE_t2HoElVjTWTIiWonWy0i1gIDFSXqMGPIaw9teYAe-i9X7ABZ2opcq1U/s1600/IMG_8449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe14BAdZUTR8ceLemdli9wQucxIu0s-XQrLI0rk9FmB7cXHCF7vncpW7EDEJFxvIgMjdHMjd9mqUb2V8h2QE_t2HoElVjTWTIiWonWy0i1gIDFSXqMGPIaw9teYAe-i9X7ABZ2opcq1U/s400/IMG_8449.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to start her first morning activity: drawing a self-portrait on the first day. You'll notice her name and alphabet chart on her desk. She'll be learning the D'Nealian form of handwriting this year to prepare her for future cursive writing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpz8zv7INaf-b4C1yLHQJzJSHH87g4wfMG-yEYJoJhTBUoGTHyRhhGfXUux2kkaCBIOmaaQEBxlmSkPxfvTviZdTcuygvz5R7R-PWwQcJ5aHqyc5sJXaq-KKU1Fp1wFaHWAFjd2govb6k/s1600/IMG_8452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpz8zv7INaf-b4C1yLHQJzJSHH87g4wfMG-yEYJoJhTBUoGTHyRhhGfXUux2kkaCBIOmaaQEBxlmSkPxfvTviZdTcuygvz5R7R-PWwQcJ5aHqyc5sJXaq-KKU1Fp1wFaHWAFjd2govb6k/s400/IMG_8452.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stella wishing her big sister a great first day! Liam refused to participate in the picture taking this morning.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpx4JHhQZJLaHsvke0sKo0sFGZ4RQbyLXUsJlRiCc80tncX1XonHLFG81psrKAi1mBisZKd0HEMJurx5L0gANgqPx2X6GRy17IadGfbzjsIUqSoTuk9cuGpSmGTHDctJPXYtlTcqfo-U/s1600/IMG_8453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpx4JHhQZJLaHsvke0sKo0sFGZ4RQbyLXUsJlRiCc80tncX1XonHLFG81psrKAi1mBisZKd0HEMJurx5L0gANgqPx2X6GRy17IadGfbzjsIUqSoTuk9cuGpSmGTHDctJPXYtlTcqfo-U/s400/IMG_8453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't you just love that face!</div>
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I'm so proud of my big girl. Tomorrow marks a big day as it's our first day of homeschool days with Paideia, and we have co-op at our church. Like last year, I will homeschool Nora on Tuesdays and Thursdays in conjunction with what she learns in class on MWF. Miss Jones, Nora's teacher, sends home lesson plans for me to follow each day, so planning won't be as much for me this year. However, I did take a look at what we've got going on tomorrow, and we will definitely be busy. </div>
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Nora will also be taking ballet on Tuesdays this year, and both Nora and Liam will be taking a Reading Connections class at our CCK Co-op. Tuesdays will be super busy over here!</div>
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I'll keep you posted on our progress and update after Liam's first day next week. Hard to believe summer is over already!Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-70454618717563665642013-07-16T08:20:00.000-04:002013-07-16T08:20:24.334-04:00Green Leaves.This past January, the ladies in our small group began going through a book together called <u>Calm My Anxious Heart</u> by Linda Dillow. I first read this book many years ago when I found it at my parent's house one day during a particularly difficult season in my life---we were struggling with getting pregnant and I was very consumed and fearful about being able to have children. I read the book and learned so much and benefited tremendously from the wisdom and encouragement it provided. Since that time, I've referred to it over and over again. The past six months, as we've been going through this book together, I have rediscovered so much truth, so much application, and have grown in such depth of relationship with my girlfriends as the discussions of contentment (or lack thereof), fear, anxiety, and trusting the Lord have brought us together. <br />
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Never has this book been more timely than in the past six weeks or so. After reading several chapters on anxiety and how to walk out putting to death the sin of anxiety, the Lord has brought a trial into our family's life that has allowed me to put my faith to work. I am so thankful for the foresight the Lord had in having me be reminded of his commands, saying, "Do not fear!" <br />
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This morning, I woke up early to read and was slammed with a flood of encouragement from the Lord. I opened my <u>Calm My Anxious Heart</u> book to the next chapter in our assignment, and it immediately felt as if the chapter were written for me. For this season. For today, specifically. I am so blown away by the kindness of the Lord. I sense his care and friendship. He is so specific sometimes and so intentional, and I just want to remember this. He has been so faithful the past several weeks, even when I am not. He has carried me when I am low and sad and scared, and in the midst of all of those emotions, he has not left my side. I have sensed His presence, His voice, His sovereignty there, just patiently waiting to remind me of His goodness. <br />
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Here are somethings the Lord greeted me with this morning:<br />
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Jeremiah 17:7-8<br />
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<i><span class="selected">Thus says the </span><span class="small-caps">Lord</span><span class="">:</span></i>
<br />
<div class="line" id="p24017005_05-1">
<i><span class="">“Cursed is the man </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/2Ch32.8%3BPs146.3/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">who trusts in man</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p24017005_13-1">
<i><span class="">and makes flesh his strength,</span><span class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jeremiah+17/#f1-1" id="fb1-1"><span class=""></span></a></span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p24017005_18-1">
<i><span class="">whose heart turns away from the </span><span class="small-caps">Lord</span><span class="">.</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="line" id="p24017006_01-1">
<i><span class="verse-num inline" id="v24017006-1">6 </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jr48.6/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">He is like a shrub in the desert,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p24017006_09-1">
<i><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jr29.32%3BJb20.17%3BPs34.12/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">and shall not see any good come.</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="line" id="p24017006_16-1">
<i><span class="">He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p24017006_26-1">
<i><span class="">in </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/De29.23%3BJb39.6/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">an uninhabited salt land.</span></i></div>
<i>
<span class="end-line-group"></span>
</i><div class="line" id="p24017007_01-1">
<i><span class="verse-num inline" id="v24017007-1">7 </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps25.2%3BPs34.8%3BPs125.1%3BPs2.12/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">“Blessed is the man who trusts in the </span><span class="small-caps">Lord</span><span class="">,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p24017007_10-1">
<i><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps71.5/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">whose trust is the </span><span class="small-caps">Lord</span><span class="">.</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="line" id="p24017008_01-1">
<i><span class="verse-num inline" id="v24017008-1">8 </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps1.3%3BEze47.12/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">He is like a tree planted by water,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p24017008_09-1">
<i><span class="">that sends out its roots by the stream,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="line" id="p24017008_17-1">
<i><span class="">and does not fear when heat comes,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p24017008_24-1">
<i><span class="">for its leaves remain green,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="line" id="p24017008_29-1">
<i><span class="">and is not anxious in the year of drought,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p24017008_38-1">
<i><span class="">for it does not cease to bear fruit.”</span></i></div>
<div class="indent line" id="p24017008_38-1">
<br /></div>
<div class="indent line" id="p24017008_38-1">
<span class="">The author of the book wrote a prayer based on these verses that she prayed over and over again during a long trial, which I am copying and planning to make my heart's prayer during this time:</span></div>
<div class="indent line" id="p24017008_38-1">
<span class=""><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="indent line" id="p24017008_38-1">
<span class=""><b>Please, God, teach me what it means to not only trust You but make You my total trust. I long to become that blessed woman whose roots are planted deep by Your river. As the heat of the trials increase, I long to trust instead of fear, to be content instead of anxious. Please keep my eyes focused on You so that my leaves will stay green and fruit will be produced in the midst of the what ifs, the trials, and the hardest days ahead.</b></span></div>
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Here are some other scriptures from the chapter that build my faith:<br />
<br />
Isaiah 41:10<br />
<i><span class="selected">fear not, for I am with you;</span></i>
<br />
<div class="indent line" id="p23041010_08-1">
<i><span class="">be not dismayed, for I am your God;</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="line" id="p23041010_16-1">
<i><span class="">I will strengthen you, I will help you,</span></i></div>
<i>
</i><div class="indent line" id="p23041010_24-1">
<i><span class="">I will uphold you with </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps48.10/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">my righteous right hand.</span></i></div>
<div class="indent line" id="p23041010_24-1">
<br /></div>
<div class="indent line" id="p23041010_24-1">
<span class="">Psalm 141:8</span></div>
<div class="indent line" id="p23041010_24-1">
<i><span class=""><span class="selected">But </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps25.15/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">my eyes are toward you, O </span><span class="small-caps">God</span><span class="">, my Lord;</span> <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps11.1/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!</span> </span><span class=""> </span></i></div>
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Psalm 112:7<br />
<i><span class="selected">He is not </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Pr1.33/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">afraid of bad news;</span>
<span class="">his </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps57.7/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">heart is firm, </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps11.1%3BPs64.10/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">trusting in the </span><span class="small-caps">Lord</span></i>.<br />
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The Lord is trustworthy. I can trust him with my life, my circumstances, and the future because I trust HIM and his character and his heart. I can thank God that He has everything under control and that He is orchestrating all things. <br />
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Finally, this quote:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>"Neither go back in fear and misgiving to the past, nor in anxiety and forecasting to the future, but lie quiet under His hand, having no will but His."</b> H. E. Manning, as quoted by Elisabeth Elliot in her book <u>Keep and Quiet Heart</u></blockquote>
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I know I am being vague in this post regarding specifics, but there will be a time when I share specifically the things these words reference. Thank you for your patience. <br />
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In the meantime, I am praying that my leaves will stay green!<br />
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-82098544495575361332013-06-24T16:28:00.001-04:002013-07-16T08:22:12.159-04:00Growing Like Weeds: Stats for Stella and LiamThis morning I took Liam and Stella in to the pediatrician for their annual check-ups. Although I haven't blogged about it, Liam turned 4 in May and Stella turned 2. I'm not quite sure how it's possible that either of them is that grown up, but these little rascals refuse to listen to me when I tell them to stop growing. I may resort to desperate measures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GgZvhhxM3RfD3_1UyJploKwmVcQ5Y5Ajmez2HVL_2S-8kzqMHzu_rpw6lzyyzZgPB5-j1RH5j3Vwr-CRemfQWOUwGHFFQfXwa1Hjmw5pA6aqLk6jCt_bQgOXnYWiL3TVcjAPedt7gR0/s1600/IMG_6049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GgZvhhxM3RfD3_1UyJploKwmVcQ5Y5Ajmez2HVL_2S-8kzqMHzu_rpw6lzyyzZgPB5-j1RH5j3Vwr-CRemfQWOUwGHFFQfXwa1Hjmw5pA6aqLk6jCt_bQgOXnYWiL3TVcjAPedt7gR0/s400/IMG_6049.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Liam, my young little man, was quite the sweet patient today and was very thrilled that no shots were on the agenda. Here are his 4 year old stats:<br />
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Height: 40 5/8 inches (60th percentile)<br />
Weight: 39 lbs. (75th percentile)<br />
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For a comparison, Nora was 34 lbs. (55th percentile) and measured 39 7/8 inches (75th percentile) when she turned four.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV0I9FWNkxd8qnCoZHrTXbubygiByeF_I5sOhL2XUb2nL2BzyUh_fFehqRwH-RKCUTaxUyx-G3s3mjmAYAm_o5f_8xMJHaqAUzTUZoo9SsOlYLt1KSAzaeJNTo1AMhSiWbbetqpuX8gA/s1600/IMG_5947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV0I9FWNkxd8qnCoZHrTXbubygiByeF_I5sOhL2XUb2nL2BzyUh_fFehqRwH-RKCUTaxUyx-G3s3mjmAYAm_o5f_8xMJHaqAUzTUZoo9SsOlYLt1KSAzaeJNTo1AMhSiWbbetqpuX8gA/s400/IMG_5947.JPG" width="400" /></a>
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Stella Marie was very excited to see Dr. G today and was an excellent patient. She stood still while he did his examination and proceeded to greet everyone in the office. Here are her two-year-old stats:<br />
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<br />
Height: 33 1/8 inches (25th percentile)<br />
Weight: 26.5 lbs. (50th percentile)<br />
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Again, just for fun, here are the stats of Liam and Nora when they were two:<br />
Liam: Height: 35.75 inches (85th percentile); Weight: 28 lbs, 10 oz. (65th percentile)<br />
Nora: Height: 33.5 inches (45th percentile); Weight: 24 lbs. (<25th p="" percentile=""><br />
It seems like Stella is much more like her sister than her brother in height, but right in the middle in weight. She is our sweet, squishy, fluffy girl!<br />
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So, here we go starting another year for these two. They will grow and mature in so many ways, I'm certain. Liam is particularly excited about his baby brother, and Stella will surely not know what hit her when he gets here because she is definitely a Momma's girl. I can't wait to see what this year holds for them!<br />
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<!--25th-->Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-47314578982875108702013-06-18T08:09:00.000-04:002013-06-18T08:09:18.283-04:00Encouraging ReadsRecently, I have come across a few articles online that have been very encouraging and thought-provoking. In case you missed me sharing them on Facebook, I thought I would post them here. They are both simple and short, so if you have a few minutes, read them! I pray they warm your soul.<br />
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<a href="http://fiveintow.com/2013/06/16/ordinary-days/">Ordinary Days</a><br />
What is the greatest gift you can give to your kids? Ordinary days. Holidays, big events, graduations....those are all great days to be present. But it's the ordinary days that are extraordinary.<br />
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<a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/how-to-find-quiet-time-with-god-when-there-is-no-quiet-time">How to Find Quiet Time With God When There is No Quiet Time</a><br />
I know my quiet times with the Lord are taken one day at a time. Sometimes I totally miss it. Sometimes I go weeks. Thankful for the sweet reminder of truth.<br />
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And just for something funny, watch this:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/66753575" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-83336839612247875532013-06-10T16:45:00.001-04:002013-06-10T16:45:45.146-04:00Slugs and Snails and Puppy-Dogs Tails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you see that sweet baby profile there?</div>
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Well, that would be our sweet baby BOY!</div>
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That's right, folks, the Bradshaw family is adding another baby boy to our family in late October. We had our gender ultrasound a few weeks ago and found out that we will be leveling the playing field. Three females and three males in our family. Two girls and two boys. Although we would have been thrilled with another baby girl (I had the PERFECT baby girl name that I really wanted to use), we are genuinely so excited to welcome our new son in the Fall. Liam gets to have a brother, and it will be so much fun to have another little man to snuggle with.</div>
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I am currently 20 weeks pregnant, so we are halfway there, if not more. I go for the big anatomy scan ultrasound next Friday where we will make sure that everything looks great developmentally. But, at our gender ultrasound, baby boy looked great. </div>
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We do not have a name picked out for this little man, although the children have lots of suggestions. We really are having a hard time narrowing it down and coming to an agreement on something we love. It seems to get harder with each pregnancy, which is normal I guess. But as soon as we know the name, we will be so glad to share! Until then, I am just enjoying having a bit more energy and feeling baby kicks a little more each day. I just love being pregnant and want to soak it up while it lasts. I'll keep you posted on our newest miracle! </div>
<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-67177601995325557742013-06-04T07:14:00.000-04:002013-06-04T07:14:27.214-04:00Crazy May<span id="goog_23671921"></span><span id="goog_23671922"></span>May is BY FAR the busiest month of life we've had around here in a while. It's was all fun and exciting stuff, but EVERYTHING happens in May! Did anyone else feel this way?<br />
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We had Liam's 4th birthday and birthday party, Mother's Day, Nora's ballet recital, Liam's last week of preschool for this school year, and Nora's last days and her Kindergarten Graduation. Two days later we left town to head down to New Orleans (WOOHOO!) for a visit with my family and some friends. Add in here and there graduation rehearsals, doctors appointments, friends with babies being born, occasional sickness, playdates with friends, Care Group, and visiting with family.....and we were some BUSY PEOPLE!<br />
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(Have I taken pictures of nearly HALF of this stuff???? NO!)<br />
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As I think about our month and all that this past (school) year has entailed, I cannot help but be thankful for so much. This has been a wonderful experience: our co-op, homeschooling, preschool for Liam, lots of individual time with Stella. Our children have changed so much since August, and I am so thankful for the tools the Lord has used in our lives to being bring these changes about.<br />
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Let me update more about a few recent things and goings-on of the family:<br />
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I am currently 19 weeks pregnant with baby #4! This pregnancy is going by so incredibly fast, but we are really anticipating the arrival of our little one. The pregnancy has been really smooth, and I just this past week began to definitively feel the baby move (which is by FAR my most favorite part of pregnancy). In fact, Jonathan was able to feel a few kicks for the first time. What a miracle life is!<br />
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Stella B just turned 2 on Sunday! I am kind of in denial about this, and I will insist on snuggling her and cuddling her and rocking her and treating her like a 12 month old instead of a two-year-old for a little while longer. Stella is definitely starting to come into her own opinion, as most little two-year-olds do, but she is still the sweetest and cuddliest and funniest little booger we know.<br />
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Liam turned four in May (as I mentioned above) and had a fabulous birthday and party. We celebrated with a few friends at a bounce house with some Transformer cupcakes and a few gifts. He is SUPER into Rescue Bots these days so with the help of my parents, we were able to get him his favorite six Transformers: Blades, Boulder, Heatwave, Chase, Bumblebee, and Optimus Prime. He is one proud boy! (By the way, he often calls them "France-chormers" instead of "Transformers" which is the cutest thing ever. I will not ever correct him and most often I say it incorrectly because I so love how he says it). He finished up preschool a few weeks ago, and so far it doesn't seem that he is one bit upset to leave behind his friends and teachers. He does occasionally talk about Pre-K next year, but I think he is just ready to play and enjoy the summer.<br />
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Nora, on the other hand, is super sad that school is ending. She absolutely LOVES school and her friends and teachers. It's been hard for the her the past few weeks because she realizes that she is not going back to Cedar Springs next year and won't be going on with her group of friends. I hate this for her, but we are also super-pumped about Paideia and all that the Lord has in plan for her (and our family as a whole) next year. We will still have lots of opportunities to see and hang out with her friends from CSWS, but I definitely understand her sadness. We have been so blessed by Nora's two teachers this year who have invested so deeply into her!<br />
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Last month was also Nora's ballet recital and she was a beauty! I took lots of pictures and Jonathan recorded it, so I need to try to upload those soon. All I'll say is that while she looked so beautiful and graceful, Nora has not quite FULLY grasped the concept of gracefulness. She was so passionate about her dance, but it wasn't what I'd say graceful, slow, smooth, dainty. If she had a turn, she would whirl and whip around with all of her might, and she'd do it very quickly. It was so precious watching her because she was having so much fun and enjoyed every minute of being on stage. It was so fun to watch her!<br />
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Jonathan and I celebrate our anniversary on the 22nd....9 years! (Confession: I just typed eight. Eight years. Then I had to stop and do the math). It's been NINE YEARS! Cuh-razy that we are almost to ten years of marriage. Our anniversary fell in the midst of Graduation, so we didn't really get to celebrate as it occurred, but we definitely made up for it by going out to dinner at Commander's Palace in New Orleans during our trip there last week. I'll update more on that delicious meal another time.<br />
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Well, truth be told, I started this post in late May but never got it posted because my computer is soooooo uncooperative when it comes to uploading pics lately. I decided to just edit the post as in the past since it is now JUNE, and forget the pics. I'll try again another day! Till then.<br />
<span id="goog_1388544882"></span><span id="goog_1388544883"></span><br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-26900738805721547702013-04-22T17:00:00.001-04:002013-04-22T17:00:19.663-04:00A City Girl's First Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4N56wVvnCiTXVjgqeCmywlcf_LR0qcdpqqCeUdv8x0nb_cA3N0ssgShbDcbxxlOnQx4oqagiF5eVyWPFI5Ur8xuSbKkiy4doXdKYlHy59CjZAb6-hpHwbL8J1ZnWteOwFx2FeeSdJHI/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4N56wVvnCiTXVjgqeCmywlcf_LR0qcdpqqCeUdv8x0nb_cA3N0ssgShbDcbxxlOnQx4oqagiF5eVyWPFI5Ur8xuSbKkiy4doXdKYlHy59CjZAb6-hpHwbL8J1ZnWteOwFx2FeeSdJHI/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Do you guys remember how I shared with you how I am in a <a href="http://www.blogalabradshaw.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-season-of-sowing.html">season of sowing</a>? Although that was pertaining mostly to our home life (parenting, marriage, small business, finances, etc.), we are also doing a bit of sowing and reaping in another area. We have started our own garden!<br />
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Ever since we moved to Knoxville, I have loved the idea of having a garden. Our first home just didn't have the yard for one, but our new house has a fabulously large and FLAT backyard. Last year, we tried out a local fruit and vegetable co-op, which we enjoyed a bunch, but we decided to try our hand at our own garden this year. One of the things that we did not particularly enjoy about the co-op is that we had no control over what fruits and veggies we got week to week. It was exciting to try new things, but we found there were many types of produce that we didn't love that we still had an abundance of each week. I hate wasting something, especially fresh, organic produce, so we thought if we had our own garden, we could hand-pick the things we know we love and will use in our cooking. <br />
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When
we moved into our house, there was an abandoned sand box built in the
backyard. I loathed the idea of having sandbox---we host Care Group
with 20+ kids, and I have visions of sand everywhere--so we have left it
as is until just recently. Jonathan did a bunch of research and
decided that a raised garden bed would be a nice option for us to try
out since we are pretty new at this. We decided to turn the sandbox
into a raised bed, and then Jonathan recruited his dad to help him build
a second raised bed right beside the other. <br />
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A week or so after we got the raised beds built, we went ahead and bought our plants for our Early Spring garden. We bought broccoli, kale, iceberg lettuce, bib leaf lettuce, spinach, and strawberries. After we got everything in the ground (which was the PERFECT time to do, according to the Farmer's Almanac), we naturally got some very cold and freezing weather. For one week, we were out of town during Spring Break visiting our friends in Panama City, Florida, when Knoxville was slammed with several days of SNOW! SNOW!!!??? I was upset and certain that our garden was done for, but except for the loss of two plants, our little Spring garden is thriving.<br />
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Here are some pictures of the boys putting the plants in the ground. The kids are really enjoying learning about a garden and helping us along the way: <br />
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Starting at the bottom of the picture above, there are rows of strawberries, then spinach, then iceberg, then bib leaf, then kale, and finally broccoli.</div>
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We are finally starting to reap some of our harvest. Just this weekend, we picked lots of lettuce for some fresh salads, and I pulled a ton of kale. I made our season's first batch of kale chips which is a family fave. I'll have to post a recipe because they are super easy and super delicious! <br />
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This is a picture of the garden about two weeks ago. You can see how much it's grown in this picture from when we first planted, so imagine how it looks now! I've got to take some more pictures!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is our first strawberry starting to grow!</td></tr>
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Here is all the kale I picked on Friday! </div>
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So far, we are really enjoying our gardening experience, and it hasn't been that hard to do. I know that may change as everything starts growing in more abundance and we have to be diligent to harvest and eat and keep up with everything else. We are planning to do a summer garden in the newly built bed, but we haven't planted those yet. I definitely want to do some tomatoes and peppers and squash, but we'll have to see what we end up with. Jonathan just planted some carrot seeds in a big planter we have on our back porch, so that will be a fun experiment. And I forgot to mention that I have some fresh herbs in another planter that are growing like crazy! Anyone need cilantro!? </div>
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-72966540356916840572013-04-18T15:26:00.001-04:002013-04-18T15:26:59.637-04:00.Growing.You may have wondered why I (once again) have disappeared off the face of the blogging planet?!
I've been a little busy growing a baby the past few months.....<br />
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That's right! The Bradshaws are pregnant with baby number four! <br />
After much prayer and discussion, Jonathan and I felt that our family was not quite complete with three kiddos. And the Lord has once again blessed us with a new little baby in my belly. We are really excited. <br />
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I am due October 25th, which makes me almost 13 weeks pregnant at this point. We found out in mid-February that we were expecting, and we were able to successfully keep it a secret from the kids until I went for my first ultrasound and doctor appointment in March. Here is a video of us telling them that night:<br />
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I was seriously shocked by the reactions of Nora and Liam over the past several weeks. This is the first time that the kids (any of them) have been old enough to really understand and care about the fact that we have a baby on the way and that there is actually a baby in my tummy. Nora is so concerned with me all the time and constantly asks how I am feeling and how the baby is doing. Liam just likes to blow strawberries on my belly.<br />
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As my stomach gets bigger-- and believe me, #4 pokes out a lot quicker and a lot more than the other three did--they are constantly drawn to my stomach to hug me, rub my baby bump, and kiss my belly. It's so sweet to see how they care already for their new baby brother or sister.<br />
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I went to the doctor yesterday for another ultrasound and was able to hear baby's heartbeat for the first time. It was 157 bpm, which seems a bit slower to me, so if the old wives' tales are true, maybe we're having a boy!? Either way, we will be thrilled. Next month, I go back for a gender ultrasound so we will know for sure then. Other than getting to see my little one for several minutes on the ultrasound and taking home several new and more detailed pictures, my appointment was pretty simple. I have been on Prometrium up until this point because of low progesterone levels, but my uterus has completely taken over providing all of the progesterone the baby will need so I can stop taking that supplement. I am thankful for a healthy baby and pregnancy so far. <br />
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Although anything can happen and the Lord can move on our hearts at any time to think differently, we are thinking that this will most likely be our "caboose." I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE being pregnant, so I have been particularly trying to savor each and every second of being pregnant this go 'round. I want to remember it and cherish it and recognize what a miracle the gift of life is. I am so thankful for another opportunity to bring a baby, a life, a person, a soul, a creation of my King into this world. <br />
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We are already praying for you, little one. You are already adored and loved and wanted and cherished. As our Maker knits you and crochets you in my womb, we anticipate your arrival and look forward to seeing what you will bring into this loud and crazy and fun family. I love you.<br />
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Till next time.Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-54724039009277096962013-03-07T15:31:00.001-05:002013-03-07T15:32:49.723-05:00Playing Catch UpI have not updated about the kids in a really long time. Our days are so busy and it's hard for me to sit still long enough when the kids are asleep or detained. In many ways, our weeks are pretty predictable-- we have school Monday, Wednesday and Friday; ballet on Tuesday; homeschooling on Tuesday and Thursday; a few random playdates here and there; Care Group on Friday nights. But, every single week seems to have it's own rhythm and story to tell which keeps things lively and life flowing by so fast.<br />
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It's quite hard for me to believe that Nora will have completed her first year of school in just two and half short months. Wow! She LOVES, loves, loves school. I cannot say enough about her teachers this year, and it seems like every week she blows us away by learning something new. She is reading up a storm which has been so fun to watch. I love seeing how her mind unfolds as she is learning math and science and phonics and everything else. Her teacher is extremely musical, so their days at school are filled with tons of music and dancing and sign language, which is right up Nora's alley. In fact, it makes me wish I was in Kindergarten again.<br />
<br />
As much as we love the school where Nora is now, we have decided to change schools for her next year. After looking into many options and much prayer and consideration, we have decided to send Nora to a school here in Knoxville called Paideia. It is a Classical Christian school that goes all the way through high school. Where Nora is now doesn't go past the fifth grade currently, so it would only be a matter of time before we'd have to switch her over to another school, and we feel like sooner is better than later (for us, anyway). We are really excited about what next year holds for our girl. However, we are still trying to soak up every last second at Cedar Springs because it is a fabulous school. Also, for many reasons that are too long-winded for me to go into in this post, we will be having Nora repeat Kindergarten when she starts this new school. She is a very young Kindergartener this year (the youngest in her class), and the students at Paideia typically don't enter Kindergarten until they are six (which Nora won't be until AFTER school starts next year). There are several more reasons, but none of them has anything to do with the fact we think Nora is currently struggling academically. I feel like anytime I tell people about our plans for next year, they assume that she is struggling with school, and it is truly not the case. But, we think it's what's best for our family at this point and we are excited about it!<br />
<br />
Liam Piper is getting ready to turn FOUR! He tells everyone that he meets that he is "three and three-quarters." It is the cutest thing to hear him say. He has been enjoying school this year, and we have seen much progress with him as he has benefited from being in a more structured environment on school days. His teachers are wonderful, and he loves them. We have days where he gets sad at drop-off or he'll just be sad throughout the day, but he is my sweet, sensitive boy that still (occasionally) loves to be held and snuggled. I know the day is coming when that won't be the case, so I don't mind the extra attention he may need from time to time. He's growling like a weed too, and seems so much older after his most recent growth spurt. I think he's going to be taller than Jonathan (more like my dad).<br />
<br />
Next year, Liam will go back to Cedar Springs and will be in Pre-K! Isn't that crazy!? I am really excited about the Pre-K program at school, and I think it will be good preparation for whatever the next year holds for him. I am hoping we can also get him into a sport or two next year, maybe soccer or gymnastics or something. He's very athletic and has the skill, but I think he can be shy in a group setting, so we'll have to see how he'll do in that arena.<br />
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Stella Marie, mostly known in our house as Stella B, is our sweet angel girl. She brings so much joy to our house and is almost always in the most joyful mood. She's finally walking and running everywhere---she beat Nora as our current late-walker record holder at about 20 months. Once she decided she was ready to walk, it took NO time for her to get on the go. Now, she runs around like crazy and jumps right in with the other two in anything she can.<br />
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On the days that Nora and Liam are in school, Stella and I have the day to spend together. It has been such a sweet season of getting to have that one-on-one time with her. We run errands, clean house, do laundry, watch Elmo, eat lunch, and anything else we can find to fill our time. I have really been able to enjoy her and watch her grow into such a sweet little girl. Her vocabulary is finally starting to explode. For the longest time, she didn't say many words but mostly grunted and signed what she wanted to say. It's amazing how much I can understand! But, just these past few weeks have shown her trying to articulate words more and more each day. She is still a really good eater, but she has reached that point in toddler-hood where her appetite has decreased which reveals a pickiness in her that typically isn't there. She eats most everything we offer her, which is a blessing! Life at this age with Liam was really hard because he was particularly picky. Hopefully we can avoid most of that stage with Stella B.<br />
<br />
Life with Jonathan and I has been really good. Jonathan is working really hard these days, and is trying to grow the practice and grow in his knowledge and ability to lead his team better. He's been going through a dental management process since last summer which has made some really great changes in how the practice is run, but it's still a hard task to be a full-time dentist and a full-time businessman. He amazes me at his resilience and hard work. Somehow he finds time to read all of these books on leadership in addition to caring for me and our family.<br />
<br />
The past few weeks we have been particularly busy on the weeknights because we are taking a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class at a local church that is offering the course. It is AWESOME! I only wish we had taken this class when we were first married. We have felt the Lord leading us to analyze our spending and saving habits, and this class has been so enlightening and encouraging--CONVICTING--but it's been really good. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to grow in this area. We are also taking a class at our church called the Bridge Course which is a lot like Alpha (an evangelical dinner/class where it covers basic beliefs and principles of the Christian faith). We have some friends coming with us, and it's been really neat the past few weeks to have them come with us and just to be reminded of some many things that are foundational to what I believe. It's really busy while both of these courses are going on, but I really believe that the Lord has given us faith for both of them. It means a lot of juggling our family here and there and even staying up past bedtime on school nights, but God has been faithful and has led us here. I'm really excited to see what the rest of these classes hold for us and for all that the Lord is going to teach us.<br />
<br />
Whew! Are you worn out yet!? Anyway, that's the run-down of life with the Bradshaws lately. Hopefully I can keep up better. Plus, I have tons of pictures to share of the ever-changing trio of children! Till then.Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-55905141234228376762013-03-03T08:28:00.000-05:002013-03-03T08:28:14.919-05:00Well, Hello March!Blink.<br />
<br />
How is it March 3rd already? I am so ready for warm weather and Spring and playing outside, but man, where did January and February disappear to?<br />
<br />
As of today, Nora is 5 1/2, Liam is "three and three-quarters" (as he insists on telling everyone), and my sweet Stella B turned 21 months yesterday. They are growing like weeds. I have so much updating to do here on the ole blog about what life is like for each of my three little ones, but those posts will have to be for another day.<br />
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Today, I am just checking it to let you know we are alive and well. We have survived the winter, we are ready for hibernation (and illness) to be over, and we are so excited about what the Lord is doing in our lives. So far, Jonathan thinks that the theme of 2013 is about Stewardship. God is teaching us to be faithful stewards of all that He has provided for us---our children, our finances, our home, our gifts, our time. As always, it's a busy season, but a fun one. I love how God always gives us faith for what he's calling us to at the moment. <br />
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Finally, you may notice that I posted an article that I wrote called "Season of Sowing." Occasionally, I write for a blog that I contribute to called WOG: Women of God, edited by my dear friend Trillia Newbell. I mostly submit recipes, but every now and then by the Lord's prompting and Trillia's encouragement, I will share things that the Lord is teaching me. I thought I would also post them here on my humble little family blog so that you guys can see what God is teaching me as well. I hope you are encouraged.Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-16783959669541083032013-03-03T08:16:00.002-05:002013-03-03T08:16:40.829-05:00The Season of SowingAs a wife and mother of three small children, I am in a season of
sowing. This a wonderful time, filled with laughter and adventure and
the joy that only a house bustling with little people can bring. This
season requires love and sacrifice as we pour into the lives of the
children God has blessed us with. But this season is one of
anticipation. We do not see many immediate results; in may regards, our
harvest may be years away. <br />
<br />In reality, these are very long days. Most
days are full of much joy, but these days are also filled with lots of
caring, lots of discipline, lots of schooling, lots of training, little
sleep, little reaping of sowing. There are so many precious moments
with my little loves, but this season has also shown me lots of sin in
myself, lots of sin in my children, and a very keen awareness of the
need that we each have for a Savior.<br /><br />My
children are only 5, 3 and 1. The truth is, I am just at the beginning
of this season of life, and it can be easy for me to be discouraged as I
consider living out these long days for the next ten to fifteen years or
longer. Discouragement leads to weariness, and weariness leads to
discontentment. Fear finds its way into my heart as I look ahead at the
years that are to come, wondering if I can possibly remain faithful to
this tremendous task that the Lord has called me to.<br />
<br /><i>Will I possibly have the strength to persevere through these years?<br />Is this investment worth the sacrifice?<br />I am not seeing any change in my children. Am I doing this right? What am I doing wrong? <br />How do I know that I will one day reap a harvest?<br />
</i>Our heavenly Father desires to encourage us in this season. He
has so many wonderful promises in his Word to help us keep our focus on
Him and His purposes during the years of investing in our children.<br /><br /><i><b>2
Corinthians 9:6-8 says, "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will
also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap
bountifully. [. . .] And God is able to make all grace abound to you so
that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound
in every good work."<br />
</b></i><br />Also, Galatians 6:7-9 reminds us of the Lord's faithfulness:<br /><br /><i><b>"Do
not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he
also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh, will from the flesh
reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit
reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due
season we will reap, if we do not give up."<br />
</b></i>Let us hold fast to the promises of our God! Let us sow
bountifully in the hearts of our children because our God promises that
we will reap what we sow! And he is faithful to provide all of the
grace, all of the energy, all of the wisdom, and all of the strength to
pour ourselves out into our most precious little gifts.Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-68556820261360101852013-01-08T15:27:00.001-05:002013-01-08T15:27:56.550-05:00Prayers for this YearThe other night Jonathan and I started talking about something simple which led us to a great conversation about our children and this upcoming year. It seems like life is just flying by and that they are growing so quickly. It is amazing to watch them grow and mature and transition from really little toddlers to children. Nora has just blossomed and is such an eager learner, but with that comes the realization that she is not a really little girl any more. Liam is suddenly getting really into learning his letters and numbers and doing "home school" at the kitchen counter. He is becoming more aware of things all around him, and it's so fun to watch him learn.<br />
<br />
In the midst of our conversation the other night, one of the things that we discussed is something we would like to pray to see growth in our children in this coming year. What are our specific prayers for them for 2013? Where we would love to see fruit? What are we hoping to train them in this year? What areas are they weak in that we could be intentional to care for?<br />
<br />
In asking these questions, I don't want to be overly critical of my little loves. I don't want to nitpick their personalities or sins, but I do want to make an honest assessment and pray about how we can help them this year. I'm sure that as the time goes on, the things we "work on" will change as growth takes place and more things are revealed, but for now, these are the things I am specifically praying for my children:<br />
<br />
For Stella, it's pretty simple. She is going to turn 2 in the middle of this year, so it's most important that we teach her what it means to obey, to listen to Momma and Daddy, and try to speak to her the truth that God has put us in authority over her for her good and because he and we love her! That seems pretty lofty of a task and I pray that she would listen and the Lord would open her heart to receive the love and care of her parents. I pray that she would trust that we love her and know what's best for her and respond with obedience to the best of her sinful little heart's ability. Lord, help me to teach her faithfully and patiently!<br />
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For Liam, I pray that we continue to see fruit in obedience. We still have "hard" days where Liam's strong and stubborn will shows forth, but those days are less and I have started to see much fruit of the prayers I prayed for him that are just like those I mentioned above for Stella. For this year in particular, Jonathan and I want to train him in respecting his parents in how he talks to us, and in being respectful to all adults (grandparents, teachers, etc.). For the most part, this is not a huge problem, but there are times when my boy gets a bit too big for his britches, so we are working on honoring his parents by speaking kindly and respectfully. Also, we are going to keep working on not arguing with us when we ask him to do something. Lord, give us faith and the ability to persevere with love and gentleness!<br />
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For Nora, obedience training is not as relevant. Nora is a very typical firstborn daughter-pleaser personality (much like her Momma was/is). She can understand the wisdom in what we ask her to do, most of the time, and it's not very often that she deliberately disobeys (although she does at times). One of my specific prayers for Nora is that the Lord would develop in her a tenderness and kindness and deeper love for her brother. I like to describe Nora as a cat. When she wants to play with Liam, when she's in "the mood," they are best friends. They get along, they create and imagine and giggle and get rowdy. It's wonderful. But, if she is NOT in the mood....you better watch out. She can be rather ugly to him at times and it really breaks our heart to see because Liam absolutely adores her. Granted, he can be a trouble-maker, typical little brother and has his moments of ugliness as well. Anyway, we desire for Nora to value her brother all the time. We understand that they will argue and fight and get on each others nerves, but this is a bit different. I also pray that she would continue to learn about perseverance and diligence--working hard at difficult things even when it IS hard, and you don't feel like doing it. Lord, help us to teach Nora that your love for her is not dependent on how she acts or behaves. Help us to point her to you every day!<br />
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For myself, I have LOTS of prayers. There are so many areas that I can improve in and a list of things I desire to do and change. However, I don't want to condemn myself for my areas of weakness. If I sat still long enough, my laundry list of motherhood would bog me down and I'd never get up from this couch. I feel like the discussion Jonathan and I had, along with a few days of praying and meditating about these things has not caused me to feel condemned or overwhelmed, but has given me an excitement about this year. I have set a few goals of specific prayers for my children, giving myself some direction of important lessons and values that we desire to see in them. I know that I am called to teach and train and pray for them, but I am also keenly aware that I do not control their hearts. Ultimately, I am dependent on the work of the Lord, not myself. I can fail repeatedly, set poor examples, and sin against them every day --which I am sure I do--but God is faithful and can and will work in spite of me! PRAISE THE LORD! <br />
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I do desire that I would be more intentional about reading God's word, playing more with my children, and not focusing too much on the trivial things. I pray that I would speak kindly, hold on to things more loosely, and grow in generosity and hospitality. I pray that I would be better at speaking thanksgiving to people and encouraging others. I pray that I would love Jonathan better and that I would model this behavior to my children. I know I will never master these things and that I may not grow very much in any of them, but I am not called to mastery or perfection. I am called to trust in a faithful God who is sure to complete the good work He has begun in me.<br />
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<i>Philippians 1:6-- And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will ring it completion at the day of Jesus Christ.</i>Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-60780556962981795772013-01-08T14:58:00.000-05:002013-01-08T14:58:04.694-05:00Thankfulness.This past November, in preparation for Thanksgiving, the kids and I put together a Thankfulness Tree. I cut out a tree from brown butcher paper and then leaves out of fall-colored construction paper. Every day (or at least, those days we remembered, which were most days), we would write down something that we were thankful for. We also took this opportunity to teach the children a memory verse on Thanksgiving. We chose:<br />
<br />
"Oh give thanks to the LORD for he is good, and his steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 107:1<br />
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I just recently took the tree down, but there was a part of me that hated to. The kids seemed to really enjoy recounting all of the things they were thankful for, and I do believe I saw fruit from this little exercise. It wouldn't hurt us to have a Thankfulness Tree up all year long!
Instead of throwing away all of our leaves, I thought I would record the list of things we were thankful for in November.<br />
<br />
-that Daddy has a career that he enjoys.<br />
-for Liam's bunkbed.<br />
-toys<br />
-for food that God has provided for us.<br />
-Jesus.<br />
-that monsters don't get us because God protects us.<br />
-for our Care Group.<br />
-clothes.<br />
-Granna and Geegaw<br />
-playing outside on the playground.<br />
-that God gives us our bodies.<br />
-family<br />
-God's Word, the Bible.<br />
-Date Nights<br />
-the dress-up box in Nora's classroom.<br />
-mornings at home where we don't have to be somewhere.<br />
-beautiful days to play outside.<br />
-our healthy bodies<br />
-the kids' teachers: Mrs. Neal, Mrs. Matthews, Mrs. O'Hern, and Mrs. Anderson<br />
-Nana got to come visit us for a long weekend.<br />
-the Lord.<br />
-a warm, safe and comfortable home.<br />
-Miss Suzanne
-our church: Cornerstone Church of Knoxville<br />
-Woody<br />
-friends that God has given us to walk through this life with.<br />
-Finn McMissile<br />
-that Daddy has a job.<br />
<br />
I guess you can probably tell which ones the kids truly came up with all on their own. Such precious thoughts and memories!Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-1068295902210888042012-12-04T16:57:00.001-05:002012-12-04T16:57:39.645-05:00Stella Marie: 18 Month StatsOn Sunday our sweet Stella turned 18 months!<br />
<br />
Seriously, where does the time go?<br />
<br />
Anyway, yesterday was her 18 month check-up, so I wanted to share her latest statistics. Our girl is growing so well and is doing so many new things daily, with the exception of walking and talking. She can say a few words, but mostly she grunts and babbles to communicate her wishes. As far as walking goes, I firmly believe that this girl could walk if she desired, but she simply doesn't have the time or patience to practice. She has taken many steps at a time (maybe ten or more), but her interest doesn't stay around long enough so that she can get it down pat.<br />
<br />
She weighed and measured in at:<br />
<br />
Height- 31.5 inches (50th percentile)<br />
Weight- 22 lbs., 8 oz. (25th percentile)<br />
<br />
Just for fun, here are Nora's 18 months statistics:<br />
<br />
Weight- 21 lbs., 9 oz. (15-20th percentile)<br />
Height- 31.75 inches (55th percentile)<br />
<br />
They seem to be very close to the same size at this age.<br />
<br />
Liam's stats from that age are:<br />
Height- 33.5 inches (88th percentile)<br />
Weight- 26. lbs, 7 oz. (65th percentile)<br />
<br />
Boy, was our man MUCH bigger than his two sisters!<br />
<br />
Here are just a few things our Stella B loves:<br />
-shoes<br />
-her toothbrush WITH toothpaste on it<br />
-climbing the stairs<br />
-riding her "car" and her ladybug<br />
-her brother and sister<br />
-bath times<br />
-books<br />
-pointing out yours and her own body parts (mostly the face)<br />
-Dum Dum suckers (what can I say!!? #3 gets everything)<br />
-eating popcorn like a big girl<br />
-trying to eat markers and crayons<br />
-climbing<br />
-doing whatever she can to make her feel like a big girl<br />
-being tickled<br />
-taking Christmas ornaments off the tree and taking all of the DVDs out of the entertainment center<br />
<br />
Stella is such a joy to our family. She is so fun, so easy-going, and just a sweet baby girl to be around. I am enjoying her so much and love watching her grow and discover and learn and change every day. I keep calling her my baby, and Jonathan corrects me that she isn't really a baby anymore. I tell him that as long as she is still refusing to crawl I can call her my baby girl. (And we all know that our children are ALWAYS our babies!)<br />
<br />
<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-80009683572342841402012-11-15T10:00:00.000-05:002012-11-15T10:00:41.524-05:00Senses.These days.....<br />
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<br />
I see toys scattered all over the living room, stacks of library books on the hearth of the fireplace, sippy cups on their side with milk puddles forming on crumb-speckled floors, my boy's big dump truck piled high with other cars and toys, a baby gate blocking the staircase, pumpkins and mums outside our front door, dress shirts and ties from my man who provides wonderfully for our family, tiny fingerprints on my windows, toothpaste residue lining my sinks, big girl sitting at the kitchen table working on her school, artwork on my fridge and counters and walls, baby girl standing on the stool in the bathroom watching herself brush her teeth, a load of laundry resting on the couch. Signs of little, lively life are visible everywhere.<br />
<br />
I hear lots of loud squeals and screeches as boy and girl play chase downstairs, shoes being thrown from the top of the stairs down to the bottom, baby girl calling my name because she can't find her toothbrush or it's lacking some toothpaste, Christmas music playing in the background, Nora reading her books while sitting on the couch, little footsteps coming downstairs in the early mornings, my name being called for the bazillionth time as one little boy fights naptime, big brother and sister warning me that Stella is on the stairs again, hubby opening the door from the garage to the house letting us know he's home from a long day's work. Sounds of littleness, sweetness, and growing up.<br />
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I smell seasonal scents as I keep a candle lit with a comforting fragrance, fireplaces and firepits lit with burning wood, dinner simmering away in the kitchen, my boy's neck as he's been sprayed with his daddy's cologne, baby's head just after her nap, three littles fresh out of the tub permeating with the scent of apples and strawberries, yummy chocolate as the last few pieces of Halloween candy still remain in the house, fresh popped popcorn as we settle in for family movie night, peanut butter sandwiches for lunch boxes, the fragrance of my husband hours after he's left for work. Smells that will always trigger memories of these flying-by days.<br />
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I taste apples that we share at least once a day, cups of coffee reheated in the microwave a few times because I can't manage to keep it hot enough, chocolate chip and blueberry waffles first thing in the morning, my favorite lunch of tomato soup and grilled cheese for days when it's cold and dreary, my first peppermint mocha of the season, little lips smothered with melted chocolate that were intent on giving me kisses. Fortaste of the joy and heartache one feels as they realize their babies are growing up way too fast.<br />
<br />
I touch schoolbooks and readers as I load them into Nora's backpack, little arms and hands as I tuck them into fleece jackets, Liam's cowlick right in front that without fail causes a smile to form in my mouth, Stella's shoes as she asks to wear them every moment she's awake, carseat buckles as we get in and out of the van, the hand of my husband and best friend as we ride along in the van, sandwich bread and pretzels and jello and ziplock bags as I make lunches on early mornings, blonde hair with fingers to form precise braids and pigtails for my Nora girl, lips to forehead as I send them off to their classroom, my baby's little frame holding tight onto my hip as much as I can because I know the days where she'll let me are fleeting, little reminders of God's grace and God's mercy and God's love for me in the form of miniature angels and agents on a heavenly mission they are unaware of. Touches that fill my heart with love and thanksgiving.<br />
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I know a love like I've never known before for the Lord, for my husband, for my children. I know I am blessed and undeserving and forgiven and not condemned for my failures. I know I am needy and sinful and restored and renewed daily. I know I am dependent and loved and helped and guided by the Spirit. I know I am called and led. I know I have THE husband and THE children that the Lord has given me because they are THE perfect things in life that will draw me closer to the Lord. Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6291171951035916632.post-23898009699520512712012-11-01T21:33:00.002-04:002012-11-01T21:33:56.636-04:00WisdomDo you ever have those parenting moments when you just aren't sure how to handle things? When your personal knowledge on how to best care for and train your children just runs out? When it seems like what you think is best just doesn't seem to be working? I have felt that way a lot as a parent, and I am feeling that way a lot lately. It seems that following what comes naturally to me as a momma isn't connecting with my child. In fact, it seems to be maybe making things worse. It's a very humbling position to be in, honestly, and for a person that likes to be successful and do mommyhood well, it's very hard. I am thankful for these moments, in the midst of the difficulty that they present, because it reminds me that I am not capable. I am not ABLE to care for me children all by myself. I am not skilled enough or wise enough or strong enough or gentle enough or loving enough to do this alone. I am not MADE to be self-sufficient, independent, all-knowing, all-problem-solving, and a guru on children. PRAISE GOD!<br />
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I am aware lately that I am in desperate need of a Savior for my sins, and I am in desperate need of caring for my children. I know that it's SHOCKING that I need to be reminded of this often, but I am very stubborn and the Lord has to bring this to my attention every so often. <br />
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I am thankful for books out there that Christian authors and parents have written that I can use to seek counsel. In fact, I just ordered a few books off of Amazon that a precious friend recommended. I look forward to sitting down with these books in the coming weeks and looking for ways to apply them. However, even as I sat on the computer researching these books, I felt the Spirit reminding me that books don't hold all of the answers. I can't find TRUE WISDOM there. Those books are not my answer, necessarily, and although I have seen the Lord use books countless times to teach me valuable things, I know who the source of true wisdom is. Christ. Studying God's Word. A gift that can only come from God. <br />
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So, in addition to reading some books, I am planning to pray for wisdom. Here are some verses that I found in the Bible that I will cling to as I pursue growth in this area and as I pursue walking out parenthood one day at a time.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" Psalm 111:10</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc;">"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:10</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc;">"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26</span><br />
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Oh, there are so many more verses that I need to read and meditate on, but these will do for today.<br />
I hope they help you too, if you are in the search for help and wisdom. Love to you all.Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09654333625458472745noreply@blogger.com0