It’s been a long time since I’ve sat down and just started writing here on my blog. For some reason, I’ve gotten in the habit of needing an actual THING to write about. Silly!
We went to my in-laws for the weekend. The girls got to go Easter Egg hunting with their cousins. It’s so cute to see how excited they get about little things like a plastic ring or jelly beans. Little girl gasps are the cutest sound. I wish I could make it my ringtone.
We went to church with Nick’s parents on Sunday. The girls were on their worst behavior, and I felt like THAT MOM that I would normally feel sorry for. Struggling to keep the kids from fighting, while trying to burp a fussy baby… then hearing ‘mommy I have to go potty’. Pure chaos.
I did however find a few moments to appreciate this gorgeous stained glass window. I just love the colors and shapes… everything.
Since it was a holiday weekend, Nick extra time off and we got to spend some time in our woodshop. But instead of building THINGS, we’re rearranging and making our workspace awesome. Rather than having one bench on the north wall, we’re each having our own ‘his and hers’ workbench on either side. It’s going to be amazing. Stay tuned.
The girls have been having a ball outside now that the weather is getting nicer. It’s still jacket weather, but we throw them out every chance we can get.
They’ve been so cooped up all winter, and they have sassy attitudes to show for it. Some of my mommy-friends have told me that 3.5 is a hard age, and they often snap out of it when they turn 4. We’re holding our breath until July.
Of course they’re very sweet with their baby sister though, and for that I’m grateful. They can be so aggressive with each other… and when I was pregnant, I was worried and didn’t know what to expect. It’s like they can just sense her helplessness (and cuteness).
Speaking of baby Cypress, a lot of you have been asking about her baby quilt! YES, we have it hung on the wall above the crib! I was wanting to wait to show you until I had finished the ‘giant’mobile’ that I’m trying to make, but there have been some hangups… and at the moment I’ve lost inspiration. I might need to start over… ahhh! So here’s a super low-quality cell phone pic of the quilt all hung. I love it so much!
In unrelated news, many of you know that we started a close-knit infertility forum in the form of a Facebook group called Baby Fever. It’s been amazing to join along these women to encourage each other and watch relationships form. This is a private group, which means you have to request to join, and all posts and comments won’t show up on their friends’ newsfeeds.
Each time I get a new request from someone, my heart sinks a little… because I know the pain and heartache they’re likely feeling. But I also know they’re in good hands with all my friends at Baby Fever. But recently, several women who have been fortunate enough to become pregnant, have asked for a group where they can remain friends and lament about not only infertility, but life AFTER infertility. And so, Fertility Friends (also a private group) has been born (no pun!).
And let me tell you something… when I get a notification from someone requesting to join Fertility Friends, my heart gets a little surge of happiness for that person, knowing that they get to experience all they joys of parenthood. If you are struggling with infertility (or have been one of the lucky ones to become a mommy against all odds), know that you’re not alone and there are others that want to encourage you… and need your encouragement as well!
Suzanne says
Loving all the pics. Thanks for sharing. As for the “attitude” of your girls, the way I see it, it’s when they realize they have opinions and ideas and that those have values just like those of older folks. So they start arguing their case. In my case, I found if I listened to their side, then explain the issue so they would understand why a particular decision got made, because they got to have their say and feel important and part of the decision, there was no head butting. Sometimes it’s just a matter of letting them have choices, helping make decisions, feeling part of the whole thing. Now arguments amongst each other is a whole different thing, but it teaches them how to debate and resolve issues. My boys had to tell me when they got older to stay out of it if it got physical (as they were pretty evenly matched). THAT was a big revelation. Sometimes they needed to duke it out. I hated it but it was over quickly and they were still best of friends. I got used to the occasional dog fight, but I don’t think I could deal with cat fights. But negotiations is a big process and the sooner they learn that the better.
Kenz says
I love that picture of the stained glass you posted. I’m glad you brought it up… so, I don’t know if you know this, but my major in college was art history. And my favorite thing to study was churches and cathedrals because they are built with SO much symbolism. My favorite symbol though, was with stain glass. Bear with me a second here, I don’t want to get churchy, but this is why it’s symbolic: The glass itself represents the grace of God, and the light is us. And as we pass through it, we become changed… like the light changes into color. I always thought that was a neat thought. Anyway, I hope the girls chill out soon. I’m so glad they are being good big sisters though. You make the most beautiful children!
Bethany @ Sawdust and Embryos says
That’s fascinating! I never knew that! I also didn’t know that you majored in Art History. You’re just full of surprises 🙂 can’t wait to ‘meet’ your next little surprise!
SaraC says
I love this! I’ve read extensively about symbolism used in religious art and had gotten so caught up in the imagery that I’d forgotten about the symbolism of the glass itself. Thank you for giving me something to look further into.
Renee says
Adorable!!! All your girls are so cute! Don’t worry about the attitude from the girls. That will pass. But it shows it’s ugly head again when they hit the teenage years. Love the quilt – wish I could have gotten my act together and sent you some material for it. Thanks for sharing your family with us! I truly look forward to your posts to see what is going on in your life!
Andi Filante says
Your quilt turned out fantastic! And your girls are so beautiful. All of them. 🙂
-andi