tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91911711525902478172024-02-02T15:25:08.989-07:00Byrd's Eye ViewClairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-34666607300735807882012-10-22T16:36:00.000-06:002012-10-22T16:36:00.922-06:00Should I just wait?Should I just wait a couple months so it can be an ENTIRE year since I wrote anything here?! Short version: we're back in WY. Must be something about the cold Wyoming wind that drives me to blog. A certain little girl thinks she's being mommy's hilarious helper by sitting on my lap and hitting the keyboard :)<br />
<br />
<br />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-66827126159119673512011-12-11T11:48:00.000-07:002011-12-11T11:48:50.420-07:00Christmastime With TwoSometimes I forget that these days won't last forever, and I really won't remember all the little things that just seem so ordinary right now. To be able to look back on these "little years" and have these memories to hold onto is important to me.<br />
<br />
This year has been a really special year for the holidays. Parker's 1st Thanksgiving/Christmas was really special - he was just 1 day old & then 1 month old for those and this year, our first year with two feels special in that same way.<br />
<br />
Avery is a sweetie pie and just loves being with her family. She's really content with whatever is going on but the way she smiles and Parker and watches him so intently, loves being cuddled by Daddy, and is such a Mommy's girl. And Parker is just a total blast this year! He loves the tree and the ornaments. He thinks the Wiggles are part of the nativity scene and keeps telling Brent that "we can't tell you about your present Daddy."<br />
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Life is busy. Some days I feel like we're in a routine & others I still feel like everything is turned upside down. But it's amazing. And exhausting. But mostly amazing.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-65545410530343976992011-11-10T11:51:00.000-07:002011-11-10T11:51:04.233-07:00Toddler Preschool - Books This WeekWe frequent the library quite often. Between the books, and dvds, and fun things to play with, Parker loves it. I try to branch out on what kind of books we get and I've really seen it pay off in Parker's growing interest in reading all sorts of books lately! <br />
<br />
Here's what we have this week:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"Arthur and the True Francine" by Marc Brown</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo64i0Al29yhGb1o1pyqBEUp91g9rCLW_QSac4-IIgFxnIZVV31b4iNh6-PoYPZYB2x6Db6WyDKiaGThByYB8jIbTJMzeTbWmTt6LbM9eGCX6Y2_Qq4P70sEVKuwpLQ5WlEPW3J2KdBY/s1600/arthur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo64i0Al29yhGb1o1pyqBEUp91g9rCLW_QSac4-IIgFxnIZVV31b4iNh6-PoYPZYB2x6Db6WyDKiaGThByYB8jIbTJMzeTbWmTt6LbM9eGCX6Y2_Qq4P70sEVKuwpLQ5WlEPW3J2KdBY/s200/arthur.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Just Like You" by Jan Fearnley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE3ApaHkDstBcARA0P8JBYiDMqhdom-51KgkKGougbOFQngv8cTsOGnBdhy9SomZ4uJAa2fcg0x-DS6BfMnXxcaPzYChCz1Xvt26wkSiBl4Kkuc1UCUwc6cmuuZtSgd1x4D51JSTvNXw/s1600/just.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE3ApaHkDstBcARA0P8JBYiDMqhdom-51KgkKGougbOFQngv8cTsOGnBdhy9SomZ4uJAa2fcg0x-DS6BfMnXxcaPzYChCz1Xvt26wkSiBl4Kkuc1UCUwc6cmuuZtSgd1x4D51JSTvNXw/s200/just.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Bedtime For Bear" by Brett Helquist</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr2I4odMQOf36PXY9971hu_rc_Y75UvhjlMuHVkW50GSBGsPUU5lAepQNvNErCbp-8zWwVq91YLsnGr9-_JmWQBTWB3e4NFNwRaZOVD22j18Yeub57dnsPp79OuM0OHg5HtQdwJF8r_A/s1600/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr2I4odMQOf36PXY9971hu_rc_Y75UvhjlMuHVkW50GSBGsPUU5lAepQNvNErCbp-8zWwVq91YLsnGr9-_JmWQBTWB3e4NFNwRaZOVD22j18Yeub57dnsPp79OuM0OHg5HtQdwJF8r_A/s1600/bear.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Zoozical" by Judy Sierra</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk8Thbm5lqknfB4QCw9rAiatfNFZuKwaDVyT850ckL4i_vxyxbYa_BNNagZARPH1vUs2BxLUyNcRT5PgH6a2Rd7u0fg2wKqMkq0jlJQNEW6ZRXSjupXstoerT3X_Mbp-wDWj9kLL0-sU/s1600/zoozical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSk8Thbm5lqknfB4QCw9rAiatfNFZuKwaDVyT850ckL4i_vxyxbYa_BNNagZARPH1vUs2BxLUyNcRT5PgH6a2Rd7u0fg2wKqMkq0jlJQNEW6ZRXSjupXstoerT3X_Mbp-wDWj9kLL0-sU/s1600/zoozical.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Frozen Noses" by Jan Carr</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXHa2bfDxgXbl-A9_uxVczyYzK_P2eyPcNQztYT8pUNmaGmpB4W8uZtUOP3wFewrIZAExiuYKwS9uOWGtAoeS39UEWc5T7FgNarEoIiw7SnsAchRin3d9PBDZUhTLewBV9fJ360VlTBc/s1600/noses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXHa2bfDxgXbl-A9_uxVczyYzK_P2eyPcNQztYT8pUNmaGmpB4W8uZtUOP3wFewrIZAExiuYKwS9uOWGtAoeS39UEWc5T7FgNarEoIiw7SnsAchRin3d9PBDZUhTLewBV9fJ360VlTBc/s1600/noses.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-42797757518199880172011-11-10T11:44:00.000-07:002011-11-10T11:44:08.967-07:00Tales of a Haunted LaptopMy laptop has been dying a slow, painful, annoying death for over a year now. It all began when Parker spilled a glass of water on it. It started acting crazy right after that, although it still worked, the keyboard sort of had a mind of it's own. Sometime after, it miraculously healed and operated completely normal. <br />
<br />
Well, for a couple months now it's been acting crazy again. I can't type the letter 'Q', a capital 'J' erases everything you'd just typed, the period key brings up an html dialogue box, the space bar inserts a bracket, and the letter 'd' drops down the address bar.....so yeah it's been a PAIN to use.<br />
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I blame my lack of blogging on that and now that I've given up hope and have made our home desktop computer my own I hope to be better about it :)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-53711335289606605522011-09-07T22:03:00.000-06:002011-09-07T22:03:11.948-06:00Interview With a ToddlerI saw this little outline for an interview you do with your child. It suggested doing it yearly and then keeping them all together in a notebook - so cute! I bet I could do this everyday and get new answers though. So here it is with his exact quotes in each answer...<br />
<br />
1. What is your name?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"It's me!"</span><br />
<br />
2. How old are you?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Good."</span><br />
<br />
3. What is your favorite color?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> "Orange"</span><br />
<br />
4. Who is your best friend?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Daddy"</span><br />
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5. What is your favorite animal?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Teddy a bear"</span><br />
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6. What do you want to be when you grow up?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"A bear"</span><br />
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7. What is your favorite movie?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Da Wiggles"</span><br />
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8. What is your favorite book?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> "Henry the Octopus and a pirate book."</span><br />
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9. What makes you happy?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Bay-Jay and my Papa"</span><br />
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10. What makes you sad?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> "I miss my Nana."</span><br />
<br />
11. What is your favorite food?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> "Pears"</span><br />
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12. What is your favorite song?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"It's the wiggles...it's the wiggles."</span><br />
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13. What games do you like to play?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Mickey Mouse and the hula song."</span>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-68628248383744686362011-08-24T13:10:00.000-06:002011-08-24T13:10:39.252-06:00Parker's Home Preschool - 8/24<span class="bbu" style="max-width: none;"><strong style="max-width: none;">Wednesday:</strong> </span><br style="max-width: none;" /><br style="max-width: none;" /><strong style="max-width: none;">AM:</strong> Water Play - Bubble Snakes <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/07/diy-giant-bubble-snakes.html" style="max-width: none;">http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.c … nakes.html</a><br style="max-width: none;" />Number Match 11-20 (Making my own game tonight)<br style="max-width: none;" /><br style="max-width: none;" /><strong style="max-width: none;">PM:</strong> Field Trip - Visiting a friend & evening walk<br />
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I followed the link above for instructions about how to make the bottles. I used tape instead of a rubberband for the washcloth and the bottle didn't crumple at all. I also used Gain not Dawn for the bubbles and it worked great!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNAhLZS5ejhS1QlsN34EjuE8OX54HQ5g4Zg1aXPQ04FtoIK9c5W3YXBOxnURKe5k5R4fJcyVv3dtoV-sDpFUlUKuv6D0vwN0thyLsZ_fDwYcrwH6PYGofu-J7oSjdSY1Fz0LyTlhlcsw/s1600/DSC05611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNAhLZS5ejhS1QlsN34EjuE8OX54HQ5g4Zg1aXPQ04FtoIK9c5W3YXBOxnURKe5k5R4fJcyVv3dtoV-sDpFUlUKuv6D0vwN0thyLsZ_fDwYcrwH6PYGofu-J7oSjdSY1Fz0LyTlhlcsw/s320/DSC05611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This was so fun and the coolest thing! Parker was not a fan of blowing after he inhaled himself a mouthful of suds. So I got to do that part. He loved it though!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDwclU5ltVOaAA5cjwJnszKyd-YeavRHYkMbpGE_I1pY8NkHLEOhhL42hsl6QueL_FZR5TRksou80VO6WEiUGNM0gsCcM-XfeC-gJ8HGAlvoxelm8pQjblZ9pKqK06CEWCmmu2ZT0F00/s1600/DSC05617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDwclU5ltVOaAA5cjwJnszKyd-YeavRHYkMbpGE_I1pY8NkHLEOhhL42hsl6QueL_FZR5TRksou80VO6WEiUGNM0gsCcM-XfeC-gJ8HGAlvoxelm8pQjblZ9pKqK06CEWCmmu2ZT0F00/s320/DSC05617.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> He had a blast playing with the bubbles and painting/cleaning the sidewalk and himself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI3Z7OdPPkrX1_n5DBIRD_nKjag8nAG1Vx4G6uB6EhI9q9nVPTLlEAFbd5hMLucxjYwbAdl9M5C1fPboEaWa0y5B4PzN9m3YJjxnGXakDuxUlqGDkzJdSDFS_c63z_iIl-4uzss-AWZ4/s1600/DSC05616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCI3Z7OdPPkrX1_n5DBIRD_nKjag8nAG1Vx4G6uB6EhI9q9nVPTLlEAFbd5hMLucxjYwbAdl9M5C1fPboEaWa0y5B4PzN9m3YJjxnGXakDuxUlqGDkzJdSDFS_c63z_iIl-4uzss-AWZ4/s320/DSC05616.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Overall it was a hit, but probably better suited for older kids who would know how to not inhale the bubbles. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We also did some number recognition and counting fun this morning. I made up these little boards on construction paper. This isn't the finished product since I need some contact paper to keep them from getting all crumpled, but I'm sure we'll use them again. First Parker matched the number card to the boards. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfoAvZV5prNN6Pjj26hgUyCHGFXENr9jEj27yH_bKmrIDqWz1IJ4zZmagqmKIMZWWVTWQqaRH3I5as8SmX-fa8HMqzR55KEQeqaPMrJX2YKwEGiQDkRL8qPQ3bmocnsKJ2pnZo4oSWfY/s1600/DSC05608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfoAvZV5prNN6Pjj26hgUyCHGFXENr9jEj27yH_bKmrIDqWz1IJ4zZmagqmKIMZWWVTWQqaRH3I5as8SmX-fa8HMqzR55KEQeqaPMrJX2YKwEGiQDkRL8qPQ3bmocnsKJ2pnZo4oSWfY/s320/DSC05608.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I helped him count out beans to put in the box above each number.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3_oJB6B9JZgt2T36_nUvOUjWeV-XWZYfMubuQJjIyF_islM6VJw7Ox-BndMcBb3O8TCxAthdRugfqdTFRvJVY0ONEABJlPCfv2xeHLLaqvsH8wPgvG4TYpFm6Wob81c1wxPqQ6VRwXM/s1600/DSC05609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3_oJB6B9JZgt2T36_nUvOUjWeV-XWZYfMubuQJjIyF_islM6VJw7Ox-BndMcBb3O8TCxAthdRugfqdTFRvJVY0ONEABJlPCfv2xeHLLaqvsH8wPgvG4TYpFm6Wob81c1wxPqQ6VRwXM/s320/DSC05609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was losing track of his counting, so I drew the number of dots in the empty box to help him remember what he was counting to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnYL0OXhyphenhyphenobGpT4nlxbjxOTUC93um2AHPMgDh4nuHfI0VJ-knprhu6y5bS-QLkagvy1H6PP1LCMmr7th4ixGq_l2uqMLMHTdZyzAaK86baWbJiDLpgY3zfJpNLWYVagekuXgscbc4fXQ/s1600/DSC05610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnYL0OXhyphenhyphenobGpT4nlxbjxOTUC93um2AHPMgDh4nuHfI0VJ-knprhu6y5bS-QLkagvy1H6PP1LCMmr7th4ixGq_l2uqMLMHTdZyzAaK86baWbJiDLpgY3zfJpNLWYVagekuXgscbc4fXQ/s320/DSC05610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br style="max-width: none;" /> So far, it's been a great first day!</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-44015678232019237182011-08-24T12:58:00.000-06:002011-08-24T12:58:35.901-06:00Preschool at HomeDPS started school this week and something in the air must have inspired me to start our own little "school" at home. Or maybe it's the total lack of structure and routine we've had since oh around July 1st. And school might be too strong a word. It's maybe like a very casual preschool plan...just something to expand what Parker does each day and help us both have a little bit of a routine. Something we both seem to do better with. <br />
<br />
So here our plan for the week:<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Wednesday:</u></strong><br />
<strong>AM:</strong> Water Play (Bubble Snakes<strong> -</strong> <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/07/diy-giant-bubble-snakes.html" style="max-width: none;">http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.c … nakes.html</a>)<br />
Number Bean Match<br />
<strong>PM:</strong> Field Trip - visiting a friend<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Thursday:</u></strong><br />
<strong>AM:</strong> Field Trip - Park/Sandbox<br />
Farm Bingo or Painting<br />
<strong>PM:</strong> Make Play Doh (<a href="http://www.rookie-cookie.com/2009/01/jell-o-playdough.html" style="max-width: none;">http://www.rookie-cookie.com/2009/01/je … dough.html</a>)<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Friday:</u></strong><br />
<strong>AM:</strong> Coloring with markers (<a href="http://www.supercoloring.com/pages/tag/letters-of-the-alphabet/," style="max-width: none;">http://www.supercoloring.com/pages/tag/ … alphabet/,</a>[ <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/eric-carle-coloring-pages?utm_source=google&utm_medium=imgres&utm_campaign=framebuster" style="max-width: none;">http://www.squidoo.com/eric-carle-color … ramebuster</a>)<br style="max-width: none;" /> Field Trip - Library Story Time<br />
<strong>PM:</strong> Finger painting & Outside/water play<br />
<br />
I'll be incorporating alot more next week after I get some things set up this weekend! :)<br style="max-width: none;" />Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-68731826594874261932011-08-24T12:20:00.002-06:002011-08-24T12:44:38.414-06:00Welcome to the World Avery!I better get all the craziness of Avery's arrival down somewhere before I completely forget! So here's a little timeline of our sweet girl's arrival.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Friday - July 1, 2011</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">10:00 AM:</span></strong> <br />
I had a regular OB appointment scheduled. They were going to do an ultrasound to check on baby girl's size and that was about it. Brent was going to be able to come along this time, but almost had to stay home with Parker who was getting over a stomach bug. At the last minute we decided to all go. I'm so glad Brent was there! I asked my dr. to see if I was dilated because I'd just felt like something was going on and had been having contractions earlier in the week. He semi-reluctantly agreed mostly to put my mind at ease. He was pretty surprised to find that I was about 6cm. and told us we were going to need to go to the hospital and have a baby! I tried to argue that we could wait it out and he talked me down from a few weeks to 1 hour to go home and pack. I was pretty overwhelmed and unhappy how things were happening so fast and so early and so not according to how I'd imagined. But Brent was so great and just calm and kept me sane. Our friend DJ came to watch Parker, and Brent and I packed and went up to the hospital. Brent's parents started to head down to Denver as well.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">12:00PM:</span></strong><br />
Settled in at the hospital in L&D, and started my IV's. A while later I got my epidural even though I wasn't feeling anything. I didn't want to risk it haha! They broke my water and a bit after that I was able to start pushing. My epidural was great because the pain was definitely manageable but I could still feel enough to help me push. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulwG4Z_VJaF8WdPDU3kJXYd7UTRNBJhnNs096uqhheuzwAShKdKdSlLzxO_Gw25sxyCZ0KVKhi4XghiPq9nLaLUnyi-hgV1cn9TZDDBQc7ZTFhyphenhyphenXLwdBpQTEVIPIbSGzB9aYiQVBfdTA/s1600/DSC05214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulwG4Z_VJaF8WdPDU3kJXYd7UTRNBJhnNs096uqhheuzwAShKdKdSlLzxO_Gw25sxyCZ0KVKhi4XghiPq9nLaLUnyi-hgV1cn9TZDDBQc7ZTFhyphenhyphenXLwdBpQTEVIPIbSGzB9aYiQVBfdTA/s320/DSC05214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">4:26PM:</span><br />
Avery Hannah Byrd was born. Weight 5.4 lbs, Length 17.8 in. She was 5 weeks early and was taken to the NICU after just a few minutes of holding her. That night she "graduated" to the Level II NICU and stayed there for 2 weeks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOFY8aWK8xiA9D0WgBI7OKsbY-Z4xPjHdySTQLg2RR-ZykJ0yZeZkr1i06qh-Mk0OYimupto7u2ejI6-vm9NdYYdQeJ_kSggtMdY4aixY_XF7oL-zbYoEfSfrCV-0W9j9P1h6vQG1cm4/s1600/DSC05222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOFY8aWK8xiA9D0WgBI7OKsbY-Z4xPjHdySTQLg2RR-ZykJ0yZeZkr1i06qh-Mk0OYimupto7u2ejI6-vm9NdYYdQeJ_kSggtMdY4aixY_XF7oL-zbYoEfSfrCV-0W9j9P1h6vQG1cm4/s320/DSC05222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpcHBpgkx3mQiS-NiRXsV9y94wXXvmiKoyT5zur0kfhQJ1BI4HbXF0oNLKB4EHP5FkRsgrN7FEk12k4d2XeG09OdE_10jp2lmcHfWxnZNkr4vIJ-_YlyHNIS285yLqjOGQvJbpeZ0KlM/s1600/DSC05237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpcHBpgkx3mQiS-NiRXsV9y94wXXvmiKoyT5zur0kfhQJ1BI4HbXF0oNLKB4EHP5FkRsgrN7FEk12k4d2XeG09OdE_10jp2lmcHfWxnZNkr4vIJ-_YlyHNIS285yLqjOGQvJbpeZ0KlM/s320/DSC05237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So tiny! Look how big that preemie diaper is on her!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE2hKMdD08MUqVB6jvFcU3POs9XbAsQtt9OZI8XobYbqJEWA0GRvggMLtK4wN59U9dSXlIdYCp23Ze_9sprfO6Wld4IJ0ShG_wIj6HX-w8CGbVvtwF_RmHB8_l38dDygADDGUTLlaZi8/s1600/DSC05245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE2hKMdD08MUqVB6jvFcU3POs9XbAsQtt9OZI8XobYbqJEWA0GRvggMLtK4wN59U9dSXlIdYCp23Ze_9sprfO6Wld4IJ0ShG_wIj6HX-w8CGbVvtwF_RmHB8_l38dDygADDGUTLlaZi8/s320/DSC05245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">July 13, 2011</span></strong><br />
Avery got to come home! :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lZTrB0L5PsksW7Vph9-RDoDziP5hnQnP49xevDTL9mrYKNdl1WLKI5LSZyJ2qRQDZwtBDOhDuA-AW2RVXnjiETSLFDbSHr_WP8TsTHYDtiLihVvCCWpsJGgrLkFSa54uejWMxizlbyc/s1600/DSC05294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lZTrB0L5PsksW7Vph9-RDoDziP5hnQnP49xevDTL9mrYKNdl1WLKI5LSZyJ2qRQDZwtBDOhDuA-AW2RVXnjiETSLFDbSHr_WP8TsTHYDtiLihVvCCWpsJGgrLkFSa54uejWMxizlbyc/s320/DSC05294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheangViriYMaH5N_hOQ9N4YyIe8AermZoHoURiaZgPqWoVtM7NVcOLLVigUOWrtABvaPSF5wl75EXoCAE3ii1H-pRbv_mk3TI7kDOY1euiMuvXXenBn1lmKnLSHS0JRMG_r1rLVuraHNs/s1600/DSC05332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheangViriYMaH5N_hOQ9N4YyIe8AermZoHoURiaZgPqWoVtM7NVcOLLVigUOWrtABvaPSF5wl75EXoCAE3ii1H-pRbv_mk3TI7kDOY1euiMuvXXenBn1lmKnLSHS0JRMG_r1rLVuraHNs/s320/DSC05332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We love her so much. She is a sweet baby and pretty easy I'd say. I can't believe how amazing it is to see her join our family and how she just fits so perfectly. Thank you Lord for my two sweet babies. I'll probably do more details another time of everything that went on during her NICU stay too.<br />
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Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-17665595756925894472011-06-18T07:49:00.000-06:002011-06-18T07:49:52.652-06:00Not Gone!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Seems like when life is the busiest, and you should have the most to talk or write about that's when it's the hardest!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">So we're still around :) I have intentions of getting back to posting on the blog more....but we'll see haha. For now, here's some highlights!</span></div><div><br />
</div><div>- Went new rental hunting. Ugh - not a fun process. But learned alot about God's sovereignty along the way!</div><div><br />
</div><div>- Moved from apartment into house. (With yard!)</div><div><br />
</div><div>- Parker LOVES his new house and yard. </div><div><br />
</div><div>- Finished babysitting. (Hallelujah! Hallelujah!)</div><div><br />
</div><div>- Brent finished at Starbucks and started his new job. It's busy and has been an adjustment, but he's LOVING it, and doing well.</div><div><br />
</div><div>- Currently 33 weeks pregnant :) Definitely feel like the end is drawing near. So funny how I am NOT rushing time to pass by quickly this time around. </div><div><br />
</div><div>- Providence is moving to a new location this Sunday. (Manuel High School) I'm so excited to see how much more space we have!</div><div><br />
</div><div>- With the new move, the kids' classes will shift a little, and Parker will now be in the "2-3" class! :( Sniff. When did he get so big?!</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">And last but not least, what is a blog update with out a few cute Parker sayings?!</span></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"I sure can!" (Said when he gives himself permission to do something)</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Nest-bird" (A pile of pillows and blankets that he makes into a bird nest)</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Rabbit-Rabbit!" (What a bunny says)</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Rabbit-Rabbit!" (What a froggy says. Lower pitch than the bunny.)</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Have a great day?" (He asks Brent this when he gets home.)</div><div style="text-align: left;">"I'm big hungry." Or "It's big heavy." (Big = very)</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-49370338986730528932011-03-29T21:33:00.000-06:002011-03-29T21:33:07.086-06:00A Dozen Tuck-InsParker came out of his room probably 6 times tonight after his first "goodnight" and tuck-in. Sometimes he's just being obstinant or wild or plain disobedient, but sometimes he just can't get enough cuddles, kisses, and back rubs.<br />
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And I'm going to keep going in for one more kiss or one more hug or one more blankie tuck. Because, I know one of these times in the not too distant future, I know he'll say, "It's ok mom, you don't have to tuck me in tonight." And then I'll be the one asking for just one more. <br />
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I sure do love that little boy who's growing up way too fast!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-16811506197825377522011-03-21T12:12:00.000-06:002011-03-21T12:12:56.544-06:00StinkerWow - two Parker stories! He sure is a character :)<br />
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Monday morning Parker was sitting at the table coloring and I had a sneaking suspicion he had a poopy diaper. So I asked him and he actually admitted it. I didn't change him right away, and a couple minutes later I looked up to see him pointing at me and whispering "Mommy stinky...Mommy stinky." <br />
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So I said "What? Mommy is not stinky - Parker is stinky." And he replied, "No....crayons stinky. Need a shower." Haha, well ok then.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-61064415785118013582011-03-21T11:31:00.000-06:002011-03-21T11:31:31.087-06:00Oh good, he's getting louder!It used to be that pretty much only Brent or I could easily figure out what Parker was saying. That actually comes in handy with random thoughts that turn into statements (or declarations) from a toddler's little brain!<br />
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On Saturday, we took Parker to Cherry Creek to play in the kid's area and burn off some energy. We happened to go really early so Brent could get his hair cut nearby, and before the crowds and crowds of parents and kids showed up.<br />
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In fact, there was only one other little boy there when we came. He was quite a bit younger than Parker, but his parents were probably in their 40's. The dad was running around and playing with is son and acting really silly. Of course, Parker thought this looked pretty fun and kind of joined in. Parker was trying to get a little bossy with the man, but the man just kind of ignored it. <br />
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At one point Parker couldn't see the man anymore so he stood up on top of one of the climbing toys, put his little hands up to his mouth as a make shift megaphone, and started calling out... "Grammaaaaa? Gramaaaa?" Oh my word. I tried to tell him the man was not his Gramma, he was the other baby's daddy - but he could not be convinced. <br />
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I suppose it wouldn't have been so bad had we not been the only people in the area! Oh dear.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-6702356176058044122011-03-10T06:58:00.000-07:002011-03-10T06:58:32.456-07:00Rental Search Rollercoaster 2.0Wheeeeeeee!<br />
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Not so much. <br />
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Like I said before, our lease is up April 30th. We've begun looking for places, but probably won't have much luck for a couple more weeks. (Until people start giving their 30 day notices and houses are listed.) <br />
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We've had a couple places we really thought could work only to find out for one reason or another they wouldn't Which is fine. We actually have total peace that God will provide the place he has for us at the right time! I guess <a href="http://byrdfamblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/rental-house-hunting.html">going through it all last year</a> actually taught us to trust Him! <br />
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So here we go again, buckle up!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-51694251719666605252011-03-08T09:28:00.002-07:002011-03-08T09:29:00.247-07:0018 Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweWNGSirywPCo_nvazaiCqwNhmkWEZGZZlJvxlHldTHM7_PxIyQltOknN5zrLIiOaB5UCwBV87fvWPnN6l-Nge28iLeRyblzdo2sJdDRBm4h_aBnLBPXbtJWF-uZo3SLF2qndM6T2kLI/s1600/DSC04826S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweWNGSirywPCo_nvazaiCqwNhmkWEZGZZlJvxlHldTHM7_PxIyQltOknN5zrLIiOaB5UCwBV87fvWPnN6l-Nge28iLeRyblzdo2sJdDRBm4h_aBnLBPXbtJWF-uZo3SLF2qndM6T2kLI/s320/DSC04826S.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">How far along? 18 Weeks</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">Size of Baby? At our ultrasound the dr. said 1/2 a pound :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">Gender? GIRL!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">Movement? Nothing I've been really sure about.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">Sleep? Great - other than when Parker gets me up :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">Symptoms? Feeling MUCH better! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">Cravings? Hmmm nothing consistent. Cheese maybe?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: #93c47d;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">Best Moment this Week? Finding out Baby #2 is a girl </span></div><br />
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I want to wholly trust your plans for me and desire only what is in your will. How do I let go of the control I try to have in steering life towards my wants? When will I learn to let faith in your goodness have first place over my own stubbornness?<br />
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After all the times I've seen you provide in your faithfulness, all the times you've turned a seemingly bad situation into something for good I would think I'd be much stronger in this area. You <em>are</em> good always! You <em>are</em> faithful always! Your plans <em>are</em> greater than my plans!<br />
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God thank you that I can bring anything to you. I pray you'll let the truth of who you are penetrate my stubborn heart and make a change in me. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: cyan; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-52142483831048091842011-03-03T20:16:00.000-07:002011-03-03T20:16:39.678-07:007 Things I Learned This Week<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Here's 7 things I learned (or was reminded of) this week: </strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">1. I apparently do not know how to clean stove drip pans!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">2. There is such a thing as Chardonnay soaked cheese. It's purple.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">3. If baby #2 is a boy or a girl! (Technically I won't know this till tomorrow, but still!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">4. There's alot that I don't pray about and give to God that I should.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">5. My attitude affects Parker's attitude.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">6. Reese's really knows how to do Easter candy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">7. Doing homework with a 1st grader can drive you to insanity. </span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-88648002138247147032011-02-25T15:44:00.000-07:002011-02-25T15:44:15.798-07:00Okay. So here we go... :)On Monday we have to turn in our "Intent to Vacate" form which means as of April 30th we are out of this apartment! Yikes. <br />
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We've felt that we really need to find something with a yard for Parker (and mom's) sanity and well being. Our goal is also to get up into "the neighborhood" where Providence is and get to plug in even more to that community. <br />
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Our prayer has been that God will have the right place - at the right price waiting for us. I guess this little form just makes it all the more real! We'd appreciate your prayers for this as well.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-42772759841680918672011-01-25T11:47:00.000-07:002011-01-25T11:47:50.657-07:0012 WeeksSo I think I might try to do pregnancy updates! I'm sure I won't every week, but whenever I think of it haha! I've seen things like this on other blogs, and I think it would be fun to look back on. I regret I didn't do more journaling when I was pregnant with Parker. You think you'll remember, but you really do forget! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4WpOXRyUoRXyio8ksJ0UkIL6h7Ywp4vGzmmmfi8kl1c1S3xgGWwW-AEPJRS50csaddMPtpxQAZMPzFndgPjlAVSYehwjXJA2-dGFnzdrrHzwifujiZyeO9dqvZvE_ULeT2_BAdOvxVc/s1600/DSC04747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4WpOXRyUoRXyio8ksJ0UkIL6h7Ywp4vGzmmmfi8kl1c1S3xgGWwW-AEPJRS50csaddMPtpxQAZMPzFndgPjlAVSYehwjXJA2-dGFnzdrrHzwifujiZyeO9dqvZvE_ULeT2_BAdOvxVc/s320/DSC04747.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">How far along? <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: black;">12 Weeks</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Size of Baby? <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">I want to say one of my email updates said the size of a plum :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gender? <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">TBD</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Movement? <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Not feeling anything yet</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sleep? <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Pretty good thought I feel like it's never enough :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Symptoms? <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Still nauseous from time to time, and heartburn from anything!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cravings? <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Fries...all the time.</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Best Moment this Week? <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Realizing it's my *last* week in the 1st Trimester - woohoo!!!</span></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-64317834157037257742011-01-24T08:50:00.000-07:002011-01-24T08:50:23.424-07:00Back to Menu Planning!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SPPGgGOH8nM8sG6wMcWV35CDshxxDUoW0T8yaT5rMdUHzKw1NOkNgh7-zpX1eMVo3a9G7QvyUwn1yt72vuB_rvJWCyoxhm9ASOXZkqbdipGTxE0rLBbJqvF4PBwCiV6CRbKKncx3c9A/s1600/mealplanmonday_v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SPPGgGOH8nM8sG6wMcWV35CDshxxDUoW0T8yaT5rMdUHzKw1NOkNgh7-zpX1eMVo3a9G7QvyUwn1yt72vuB_rvJWCyoxhm9ASOXZkqbdipGTxE0rLBbJqvF4PBwCiV6CRbKKncx3c9A/s1600/mealplanmonday_v1.jpg" /></a></div>This pregnancy has kind of thrown menu planning and cooking out the window lately, but I really do so much better on our budget if I know what I'm cooking during the week. So, we're back to it this week! And I decided to link up with orgjunkie.com and Menu Planning Monday - I always get TONS of great ideas from the menus posted!<br />
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<strong>Monday:</strong> <a href="http://frugalnovice.com/2011/01/menu-plan-monday-january-17-22/">Lemon Garlic Chicken</a> (crockpot) Served over white rice with oven roasted potatoes, onion, and carrots.<br />
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<strong>Tuesday:</strong> Ground Beef burritos, made with homemade refried beans<br />
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<strong>Wednesday:</strong> (Dinner with community group) Grilled cheese if Parker wants to eat before.<br />
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<strong>Thursday:</strong> Shredded BBQ Chicken (crockpot) Served on buns with <span id="goog_1864410005"></span><a href="http://thematzats.blogspot.com/2010/08/oven-baked-fries_27.html">Oven Baked Fries<span id="goog_1864410006"></span></a> & broccoli<br />
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<strong>Friday:</strong> leftovers<br />
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<strong>Saturday:</strong> Spinach and Cheese Manicotti, (homemade red sauce with carrot & spinach puree) Garlic bread, and salad<br />
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<strong>Sunday:</strong> leftovers<br />
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<strong>Other things I'll make this week: </strong><br />
- Banana pudding (for Brent)<br />
- Fruit leather (pear and raspberry)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-50831804020035939632011-01-20T08:55:00.001-07:002011-01-20T09:42:10.957-07:0011 Weeks 4 DaysI'm 11 weeks and 4 days pregnant! Which means I'm IN my 12th week, which means I'm ALMOST to the "teens", which means I MIGHT start feeling better in the semi-near future....maybe.<br />
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Really, I can't complain - it's just the normal exhaustion, nausea, and food aversion stuff. It does start to wear on you and I am definetly looking forward to feeling a little better! I actually had been feeling progressively better and then this week everything hit with a vengence again. What gives?!<br />
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But overall life is good...we're gearing up for this year to be pretty crazy, but exciting as well! God continues to grow us and teach us and it's pretty amazing how He's stretched us since May. <br />
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Well, I suppose I should get this towel off my head and maybe brush my teeth before Emily comes over...(you're welcome Em!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmTLSOmWRykXhWn-ttJMfhs1-PgIZRMeO7ZVvj24mAny_XeLwuZFeRer0nOg6X3HQ8478GrRY2fYY-U5Bewt3Z_qig8wbe4R2hCpkON2z7clpltjFUvyEcc3ZVmsGjHKu0W1ZyHvilZM/s1600/cartoon12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmTLSOmWRykXhWn-ttJMfhs1-PgIZRMeO7ZVvj24mAny_XeLwuZFeRer0nOg6X3HQ8478GrRY2fYY-U5Bewt3Z_qig8wbe4R2hCpkON2z7clpltjFUvyEcc3ZVmsGjHKu0W1ZyHvilZM/s320/cartoon12.png" width="260" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-53740805381926219402011-01-14T12:53:00.000-07:002011-01-14T12:53:27.625-07:00Planet Earth & PsalmsBrent & I really like watching the Planet Earth series whenever we catch it on TV. We bought part of the dvd's but the whole set was like $200 or something! I'm always so amazed at the vastness & complexity of our world & just marvel that the God who created it all knows me by name. <br />
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This week I came across Psalms 42:1, a familiar Bible verse (and very 90's worship song haha!) but it really stood out to me in a way it hasn't before.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75;">"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">When I read it it, I began thinking about the Planet Earth episode about animal migration for water. I can't remember the exact numbers (and Google was NO help) but these caribou and other animals will travel in huge numbers for great distances for a drink of water. They walk through dangerous and difficult places with one goal in mind. They might die in pursuit of this one goal, but it's what drives them to live & move forward. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I think of it in those terms the metaphor is so much more real to my heart. It's not Bambi surrounded by bunnies and birds sipping from a gentle stream, it's a group and a family risking everything for the one thing that will give them life. I want my desire and drive for God to be as strong as that! To be able to recognize the one thing worth living for is Him and nothing should move me from that goal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEigiMT1v6rTuRv9EYVEDVL1XdjiC6YcbpAJ379dklVGl68xizlbtFe8eweBComLYmLCq4-dGvoQk4GbqeNrC9VmGslY5bDs1py-loVB5HSRrhvYceCvUblGQcRAaff8rR7M9KWwprDrE/s1600/caribou-migration_1593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEigiMT1v6rTuRv9EYVEDVL1XdjiC6YcbpAJ379dklVGl68xizlbtFe8eweBComLYmLCq4-dGvoQk4GbqeNrC9VmGslY5bDs1py-loVB5HSRrhvYceCvUblGQcRAaff8rR7M9KWwprDrE/s400/caribou-migration_1593.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-59637702826212933092011-01-06T10:40:00.000-07:002011-01-06T10:40:15.270-07:00Pursuing GodIn community group this week, we were asked to rank ourselves on a scale of 1-10 in where we are in our pursuit of God, in our pursuit of holiness. That was a tough one. Not only because I'm not good at that kind of ranking or estimating stuff, but also to realize that my number was probably (definitely) not where it should or I want it to be.<br />
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I would have to say I generally reside in the middle area, dipping or rising depending on my circumstances. I can think of times where I was up at that 9-10 area, but how do you maintain a 9 in your pursuit of God!? Challenging, for sure!<br />
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When we talked about what were some practical ways we could individually and as a group encourage an increased priority and "growth spurt" in pursuing God, it was awesome to be encouraged that we are never alone in that journey. Not only is God our guide, but He has given us the church to be our support and point us towards Him. <br />
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A phrase that has been with me this week is from a book called Respectable Sins and it is talking about our relationship with God and the struggle of how can we ever be like him and less like our sinful nature? The author says we are "responsible yet dependant." This phrase encourages me because it reminds me that yes, I am responsible to seek after wisdom and intentionally follow Christ, but I can be at peace because I am also dependant on His Spirit working in and transforming my life. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>the hope to which he has called you, </strong></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>what are<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>according to the working of<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>his great might that he worked in Christ<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>when he raised him from the dead and<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>seated him at his right hand<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>in the heavenly places, </strong></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>far above<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.</strong></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">- Ephesians 1:17-21</span></em></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-15964418231975229352011-01-01T11:40:00.000-07:002011-01-01T11:40:58.342-07:00Goodbye 2010. Hellooooo 2011!The new year is such a time of reflection! I always look back at the past year, the ups & downs and look ahead to the new year and imagine what will be.<br />
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2010 was a bittersweet year. Moving away from friends, but to a place and body of believers God was so clearly taking us to, was hard but so wonderful at the same time. I still feel like we're in transition and not totally "settled" here yet, but I think that's just something time will take care of. Parker turned 2 and this year has been a blast with him! He's turning into such a funny little boy! And finally God grew our faith in amazing ways last year! It's mind blowing for me to think about it, and I'm so challenged to continue growing closer to Him when I think of all He's done for us and in us!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEU6Q0huNAlx6-wf1EQa0_9SotczkUo0TvMhbxp4aWeTyI4uaPSgFKfkLvngEI4XdFL7DC3djbpYUEzCxqL3_LY6mmNerYQhKKCDUCAA6Yhc6XrP2qFMspBa6XAfLKgYS6AY4BouzO_k/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEU6Q0huNAlx6-wf1EQa0_9SotczkUo0TvMhbxp4aWeTyI4uaPSgFKfkLvngEI4XdFL7DC3djbpYUEzCxqL3_LY6mmNerYQhKKCDUCAA6Yhc6XrP2qFMspBa6XAfLKgYS6AY4BouzO_k/s320/calendar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
2011 is already shaping up to be a crazy year! We are planning on moving in May when our lease is up to something with a yard. We really feel like it's a *need* with a little boy. We're also expecting baby #2 in August and with two little ones I think being able to go outside with Parker and let him run around is an absolute necessity for all our sakes! haha <br />
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Since the majority of this year I'll either be quite pregnant or adjusting to having a newborn plus a toddler, I'm not really setting "resolutions." Maybe just survive. I'm so excited for all the wonderful things our family is looking forward to this year! I want to be sure to enjoy the "now" moments and not just be looking ahead though. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItyoG5izbSbNpWQ0Y8FyuHiVBzCuWGO1Ozhld2A1VvjZqD20ytdJu_trI_1utxpXLCUyyIXT3bFTVqpAy4bPgoHUTBYQmXY_fS7vu-4kwQU4w-pDa6H7c6kkufCgwiZMgxd-4F9LS8uU/s1600/il_430xN_10198746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItyoG5izbSbNpWQ0Y8FyuHiVBzCuWGO1Ozhld2A1VvjZqD20ytdJu_trI_1utxpXLCUyyIXT3bFTVqpAy4bPgoHUTBYQmXY_fS7vu-4kwQU4w-pDa6H7c6kkufCgwiZMgxd-4F9LS8uU/s320/il_430xN_10198746.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Most of all I pray God continues to teach our family more about Him and His grace. Here's to a new year full of possibilities!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-35917934605504374512010-12-22T18:06:00.000-07:002010-12-22T18:06:33.844-07:00Merry Christmas!<div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas from the Byrd's!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rWP7GJp1aODLnCPqZKZUTd0BcnmG4dRUYH0w_or6cstw8mb8TxNNtx4XJ6KFxG7FglwcyZKYTIcsfTObAlgidWBCbSvLhnZ3BV_X-bRyLUADZP87l3o6kVvP_ReH7enrJ3QY-X7RqZk/s1600/DSC04706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rWP7GJp1aODLnCPqZKZUTd0BcnmG4dRUYH0w_or6cstw8mb8TxNNtx4XJ6KFxG7FglwcyZKYTIcsfTObAlgidWBCbSvLhnZ3BV_X-bRyLUADZP87l3o6kVvP_ReH7enrJ3QY-X7RqZk/s400/DSC04706.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191171152590247817.post-27340939144111534462010-12-19T10:08:00.000-07:002010-12-19T10:08:20.855-07:00OverwhelmedI can tell how overwhelmed I am by how little I feel like writing on here. It's like, my brain doesn't even know where to begin so we just avoid. (The same goes for a messy kitchen!)<br />
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I'm in this strange place of loving life and having contentment in Christ, while also wrestling with issues of disappointment. I don't know how God wants me to deal or what He's going to teach me, but I do have total peace in His wisdom and ability to perform His will. <br />
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For now I'm quietly and internally letting my heart be molded and my ideals reformed. <br />
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Psalms 31:3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name, lead and guide me.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15499584159184397667noreply@blogger.com1