18 Months Old / 20 Weeks Gestation

If you are feeling frustrated with the fact that you are unable to keep up with our lives via this blog – Well, welcome to our world!!! I am having trouble keeping up with my own life as I live it, let alone blogging about it!!! The promise of being busy while one student teaches has proven to hold true, through and through.

The good news about being so slammed with work, school, and life is that time is rolling on past and although I don’t see the light yet, I am certain that the end is nearing. I can’t wait to get home to my “real” life; hanging with my darling girl and hubby!!!

Speaking of our darling girl, she is growing like a weed and just turned 18 months old yesterday. She is growing so fast and continues to bring joy to our lives. She is talking up a storm and pretty much is communicating for her every need and want these days. It definitely is a work in progress and requires lots of reinforcement from us too; but there is nothing sweeter than hearing her say, “No thank you Mama” or “Night-Night Dada.” So sweet!!! Also, she knows where Mama’s baby is and will gladly lift my shirt to show anyone my belly if you ask “where is the baby?” – Even when we are in public – (yikes)! She happily kisses the “baby” and is just so sweet about it. She is already showing great “big sister” habits!

However, we have seen some negative behavior issues since she has been away from home on a daily basis the past month and a half, and we are having a hard time balancing discipline with being away from her so much. It is very difficult and another reason why I can’t wait to get back to being with her full-time. Proper training is so very important to us and raising a child who is loving, kind, sensitive, and polite is very important. The Bible teaches about how training is an important part of being blessed with the life of a child; and we strive to make the Lord proud and teach Sierra how important it is to obey Mama and Daddy and the Lord’s commands. It just is so hard for us to train properly when we are only with her for 3 (awake) hours a day. Thankfully Brian is now able to be with her more, as his schedule allows; but she needs the stability and constant routine; just another reason why I can’t wait to finish up this internship.

Here are some shots of Sierra at 18 months old: loving her baby doll, showing how not to hold her baby, imitating Mama (who does A LOT of computer work these days), and sitting in her big girl chair that Daddy got her, eating a snack all by her self! :)

I really wanted to do a 16 week update (4 weeks ago!!!!) and never got around to doing it. Now, we are almost 21 weeks pregnant and having to “share” a posting about Sierra and this growing baby. Already this new baby has to “share” with his/her big sister, even when still in the womb. O’well, I guess such is life when you are #2.

After my 16 week check up, several weeks ago, I looked back at this post and saw that basically everything was the same. I had no weight gain at 16 weeks and I am currently still throwing up about 1 time per day. I went a week with no sickness, but it returned and has been hanging around and causing me to get sick about once every morning for the past couple weeks. Here’s hoping it will subside completely soon. The baby’s heart rate was between 140 and 150 beats per minute and s/he even kicked the monitor, just as I was asking my midwife if she thought “kicks” was really what I was feeling. I didn’t feel Sierra move until after 21 weeks or so, but this baby has been pretty active lately, generally in the evening hours. I didn’t really feel consistent movement until about 18 weeks, but I have really been enjoying it and look forward to even more movement in the weeks to come. Also, we have again decided to decline any and all fetal testing, so we made sure to sign all the papers for that during our last appointment as well.

Here is my pregnant belly at 21 weeks:

So, that is about it for us, our 18 month old munchkin is doing great and our 21 week old peanut is growing. As many of you know, tomorrow afternoon is the big ultrasound and we CAN NOT wait to see our little one on the screen. I am excited to see a healthy heart and growing peanut. Believing all is in the Lord’s hands and thankful that He is protecting our growing little one. We are also hoping to find out the gender of our newest addition and will be sure to share as soon as I have time. I will also (hopefully) have time to post some cute pictures from the u/s.

Thanks for checking in with us and continuing to keep our family in your prayers. God bless!!!

Welcome Reid Thomas Arnold!!!

The Lord has blessed us with another baby boy! My sister Katie, her husband Shaun, and our nephew Pierce welcomed home a sweet precious gift from the Lord on Tuesday, October 6th. Weighing in at 7 pounds and 13 ounces - Reid Thomas Arnold. We are so excited for Sierra to have another cousin to play with and we can't wait to meet baby Reid!!! He is so precious and adorable in pictures, we are counting down the days until we can meet him in person!

Thankful

BRAIN TUMORS SUCK!

I have decided that this is my new motto!

As most of you know and have donated in years past, the fall season usually brings the annual Celebration of Hope walk in Richmond. The event is hosted by B.R.A.I.N., a non-profit group that Daniel and I helped start with some good friends of ours, Kevin and Marguerite.

Unfortunately though, plans for this years events were put on hold as Marguerite (the main hostess) started to spiral downward in her brain tumor battle. Recently, Kevin made the decision to bring in hospice services and Marguerite was given only weeks to live. I went to visit with her a few weeks ago and it was so hard to see her in that condition. Please remember them in your prayers.

BRAIN TUMORS SUCK!

As much as I hate brain tumors, I am so thankful for the Lord and the healing He provides; even if it isn't physical healing. The Lord has been gracious to me when it comes to my own healing as well. Recently, I heard this song on the radio and I was overwhelmed by the lyrics. I could almost hear Daniel's voice saying these words to me. Daniel left a legacy that was focused on the Lord and His prayers for me were consistently the same things. This song defines those things.

So, as much as I hate brain tumors, I am thankful that they do not define the people they impact. Rather, those people impact us, the ones left behind.

I hate brain tumors, but I am thankful for what I have learned because of them and the person I am because of what I went through with Daniel. I am thankful for the time that I had with Daniel and all the times he shared with me his prayers for my future without him. I am thankful for songs like this one. Thankful that the Lord continues to provide healing in many forms.

Thank you Daniel.

Thank you God!

Down on the Farm

Mimi and Papa came to visit last weekend. They agreed to watch Sierra for us while I had to attend class. It isn't very often that they come to visit without bringing Sierra a present and this time was no different.

I had briefly mentioned previously that I was looking for the Little People Farm on eBay for Sierra and of course, if you mention something in front of Mimi, it just happens to "fall" into her cart the next time she goes shopping, or so she says.

Thank you Mimi and Papa!!! Sierra absolutely adores her farm and her "aminals" or so she calls them. :) Thank you!!! I took too many pictures but I thought they were all cute, so I posted most of them here. Enjoy!

Little Hokie Fan

I took this picture last December as Sierra was starting to learn what it means to say "Go Hokies!!!" This September she is learning how to say "Touchdown!!!" Even though the Hokies didn't pull out a win this weekend, we are still fans! Here is Sierra (with daddy), one year later, sportin' her "Hokie Gear."

Many Thoughts...

2 days down....many more to go! I really don't have much to say about student teaching, except for the fact that I am learning a lot every day. I am excited about what is to come and meeting the students next week. However, every day that I am away from Sierra reminds me that I am truly called to be her mother first and a teacher of others, second.

This is not to say that I do not feel like God has called me to teach, because I do believe He has; however, I have a stronger pull on my heart right now to be the best mother I can be, and in our opinion (me and Brian's), staying home with the kids and "training" them up is the best that we can offer.

It should be no surprise to most people that following graduation, I do not plan on teaching in a formal education setting. This has been something that was worrisome to me, considering how administrators might view my resume one day and ask why I student taught in 2009, yet wasn't seeking a job until 20xx - when ever that might be. I have spoke to many of my mentors and professors at Regent and they all assured me that it would be fine. Administrators would understand that I felt led to stay home with my kids rather than teaching right away after graduation. Although, I don't want to discount my love for teaching and the joy that I feel when I am in the classroom. I really hope people won't discredit my degree and all the work that I have done to get to this point. I really am thankful for how God has orchestrated this path and I am excited about what is to come; even if it might be many years down the road from now.

With all that said, I am really missing my girl during the day; I have gone from spending 10+ hours of wake time a day with her, to only about 2 hours of wake time a day. This is really hard on my heart! I know that she is in good hands though and I wanted to share with you Courtney's blog because she is posting many pictures and exciting news about what they are doing each day. She is also giving me "Sierra's Daily Details" every afternoon, which is a sheet filled out listing how many times she pooped/peed, how long she slept and what time, what she ate at every meal, and then all the activities that she did that day. Courtney really is a wonderful blessing to Brian and I and we thank God daily for placing her in our life. It was totally ordained by Him alone. We are overjoyed knowing that Sierra is having so much fun and that she is getting to do many things with Courtney and her dear little boyfriend "JD." I would be lying though if I said I wasn't just a wee bit jealous. I miss my baby girl!!! :(

Check out Day 1 HERE and Day 2 HERE and keep checking back daily for more pics and updates of all the fun Sierra is having!!!

Newest Adventure

As most of you know, on Monday I start my Student Teaching Internship. Now, I have been told by others that this will be the busiest time of my life and although I usually just listened and said "okay", I did not fully realize it until now. On Thursday I attended a meeting on campus with the Internship coordinator and many of the University Supervisors for the School of Education at Regent. I also received my Internship "handbook" and got a briefing on what is expected of me over the next 16 weeks. I believe it was at this point that I realized the fullness of what "busy" really means.

Aside from a full-time internship, I am also taking a required course and maintaining the other responsibilities that have seemed to fill my days up until this point. I know what many of you are thinking.... "This is the last we will hear from Karen until Christmas!" and although that might be true on this blog (hopefully not though); you will be happy to hear that I am required to keep, update, and maintain a blog during my Student Teaching Experience.

Of course I wanted to invite all of you to check that blog out, so in case you don't "see" much of me on here; hopefully you can keep up with things over there! The site is Endless Echoes and I hope you will come check it out!

As for life with the Millers, I do assure you that I have much to blog about. In fact, I currently have 51 posts waiting in my drafts folder. Oh, how I would love to get to them all some day!!! My dear friend Kristen often posts "Way Back Wednesday" posts; I might have to steal her idea each week and create (many) "Way Back" posts to catch up on things like pictures of Sierra's first birthday, her first steps on video, pictures of our beach trip in May, etc. I will dream big people!!! Until then, check out my new blog and please keep praying for us! This is promising to be a very adventurous season for all of us!

New Job

As most of you know, I will begin my Student Teaching Internship in 2 weeks time. I am very excited, but also nervous about writing all kinds of lesson plans, doing a great job, and most of all leaving my sweet kiddo with a babysitter all day, every day. My life as I have known it over the past 2 years and especially the past 16 months will definitely be taking a different turn for the next 16 weeks. However, that is not the "new job" I spoke of when I titled this post.

Coming this February, I will be taking on a New Job that will change our lives forever. What will my new job title be you ask???

I will go from "Mama to ONE" to

"Mama to TWO"!!!!!!!!

Yep! That's right, on or around February 24th, we will become a family of 4!!!! Words can not express how excited we are about this wonderful blessing and we continue to thank the Lord for giving us this blessing of new life. He certainly provides and we are so thankful!

This morning we had an appointment with our midwife and were able to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. Oh, what a wonderful sound it is!!! We are currently into our 13th week of pregnancy and the baby is doing very well. The heart rate sounded strong and healthy and was beating around the mid to high 150's. Even Sierra enjoyed hearing the noise on the Doppler, although she is still too young to understand that Mama has a baby in her womb; but we are sure that she is going to be the best big sister!!!

Unfortunately this pregnancy has not provided any relief when it comes to nausea and vomiting. However, I have commented that it is not as bad as it was during my first pregnancy. I am not sure if it really is not as bad, or if it is just because I have Sierra to keep me busy and keep my mind off of it. Either way, I have experienced nausea just about every day and have been vomiting about 1 time per day; but my appointment today revealed only 2 pounds lost since my last appointment 4 weeks ago. The past two days have not been so bad and I am hoping I am on the upswing of things. Time will tell.

We thank you all for your continued prayers for me, our family, and this little darling baby as s/he continues to grow. We will be sure to keep you updated as time goes on.

16 Months Old (Almost)

Sierra is almost 16 months old! Wow! Where does the time go? I know I haven't posted in a while, so I thought I would share some fun pictures I have taken over the last couple of weeks. Sierra is getting so big and growing up so fast. At 15 months she had a "language explosion" and is talking sooo much! I really should make a list of all the things she can say, just for memories sake, but basically she can say just about anything you ask her too; at least she attempts to say the word.

Some of her favorite words are:

Please

Thank you

More

Mama

Daddy

Kitty

Mimi (what she calls my mom)

Papa (what she calls my dad)

No

Milk

Cheese (both that we eat and what we say when we see the camera) :)

Baby

Tissue

Bible

Amen

Book

Water (to which she calls it "wa-wa")

Eat

Hi

Help

Uh-Oh!

Bye-Bye

Night-Night

Bath

And I am sure there are many more that she knows, like fish and keys, which she says when she sees them and knows what they are. It is amazing to me how much she talks now and I really contribute a lot of this development to her signing. Some people have said that they believe sign language is a "language inhibitor" - Well, certainly in our case, this has not been so. Sierra probably knows and does over 15 signs and at 15 months was starting to speak every single one of those signs. It really is amazing to me how they learn and develop. What a blessing she is to us!!! I can't believe 16 months have come and gone. Thank you Lord for her precious sweetness. Our lives would not be the same with out our sweet Sierra!

Our Big Girl!

Always making silly faces. Sierra is so expressive.

Another silly face.

She loves to play on her piano.

She plays beautiful music. :)

Sometimes (when we are home and not traveling) Sierra likes to spend the days just like this, relaxing in just her PJ's and diaper!

Sierra somehow has "borrowed" this ball from her cousin Pierce all summer and she loves it. It is small enough for her to hold in one hand. :)

Our happy girl.

This is her favorite place in our living room. Not exactly sure why, but she loves to sit on our wood stacker (which is not in use during the summer) and play with her toys. She is just too cute!

Sitting and playing.

Coloring is one of her new favorite pastimes. She loves to color in her activity books with her crayons. She knows just where her crayons are stored and asks for "help" when she wants them. Mommy likes to color too, so it is fun to do together. :)

Sierra doesn't want to grow up too fast either. In fact, she still thinks she is big enough to fit in the bin where the blocks go.

2 years and counting...

Our two year wedding anniversary came and went, just like many of the days this summer have. However, I would be remiss not to mention how wonderful it was to celebrate with my hubby and spend time praising God for the love He has given us.

Our love story is one that only God alone could have written and we are so very thankful for that. His blessings on our love and our lives have been truly overwhelming. I love Brian so very much and it only grows each and every day. He is truly my best friend and I am so thankful for him and all that he does for me, Sierra, his family, and his community. He truly has a servant's heart and I am thankful that he serves and protects us every single day.

To celebrate our 2 years of marriage and our 19 years (yes, really!) of friendship we decided to pamper ourselves with a couples "Rekindle Package" at Nesbit Spa and Salon in Richmond (one of my very favorite places on Earth). Thank you to my wonderful parents who watched Sierra for us so we could enjoy each other and our time together. The package included: champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a hot bath for 2, a steam room, and then 60 minute side-by-side massages. Oh, it was pure bliss!!!

After returning home to freshen up, we took some family pictures together and then headed out to dinner for 2 at Maggiano's Italian Restaurant. It was a perfect day! Simple wonderful! Here are some pictures that I snapped from the day.

Home Sweet Home

We are HOME (for a few days at least)!

The beach trip to Corolla, NC with my family last week was truly amazing! God has been so good to bless us with wonderful parents, siblings, and nephews. Words definitely can not do justice to explain the amazing time we had. We laughed, we cried, we celebrated, we reminisced, we played games, we talked, we relaxed, we played, we swam, and we ate (constantly)!!! Wii fit gladly told me that I had picked up 4 pounds and Brian, 6 pounds! Thanks vacation!!!

Seriously though, we truly are blessed beyond measure and I personally would not be the person I am today with out the love, friendship, and support of each and every one of those people that we spent time with last week. I am sad it has come and gone and already counting down the days until next year!!!

Here are (several) pictures from our fun-filled week. Enjoy!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Large Quantities of FUN!

Today we leave for a much needed and much anticipated

"Family Beach Vacation!" with all 13 family members in tow.

Don't worry about us, I can assure you that there will be A LOT of this going on...

Followed by A LOT of this...

Intermingled with MUCH of this...

Ending each day with a LARGE amount of this...

And beginning each day with MANY of these...

I will (hopefully) share MANY pictures upon our return.

Blessings to each of you!

Sissy's Surgery - With UPDATES

UPDATE: Saturday @ 9pm - I got a chance to talk with Sissy this evening and she is talking & sounding so great!!! However, she is not feeling great. The pain in her head is intense and the IV meds are only helping for about an hour, then wearing off. She is having trouble keeping any food and oral meds down, so those are not able to bring any relief. She is also weak and dizzy when she stands. She told me that she falls right over to her weak side. These things are all to be expected after undergoing brain surgery; but she is strong-willed & feeling frustrated. I am hoping that she will try and relax and take it easy on her self. No one expects her to be "super women" and healing and recovery will come at its own pace. Please continue to pray for her and for my Aunt Kathy who is spending hours at her bedside doing those things that only great moms do (like cleaning up our vomit when we are sick!). Sissy is hoping that she will be moved to the step-down unit tomorrow (Sunday) and will be discharged on Tuesday. I will post more updates as I get them and as I get the time to do so. Thank you for your continued prayers.

UPDATE: @ 8:00pm - Sissy has been moved to the Neuro-ICU & she is recovering. She is doing good. I actually saw a picture of her (I would post it here if I knew she wouldn't kill me later - haha). She looked great, not a lot of swelling and they only bandaged her left side where the incision is, rather than wrap her whole head. They used to do that to Daniel and it always looked very interesting. Her mother (my Aunt Kathy) is in with her & is planning on staying with her all night. She is eating ice chips right now & talking. She smiled when her husband walked in the room and was happy to see everyone.

Praises to report: All muscles are in good working order!! The doctors said the tumor tissue looked to be benign (Pathology report will hopefully confirm that). Bleeding during surgery was controlled & there was minimal blood loss! Praise God!!!

Specific prayer requests for during the night: She is feeling very nauseous and is experiencing a lot of pain, the meds are not currently strong enough for her. And she is having trouble resting because there is a constant ringing in her damaged ear. Please pray for comfort and rest throughout the night. Thank you again for all the prayers!

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UPDATE: @ 2:45pm the doctors began the hour and a half long process of closing up Sissy's skull. They were able to remove 90% of the tumor. 10% of it was completely entangled in the facial nerve and was unable to be removed. They were not able to spare her hearing and she lost 100% of her hearing in her left ear; but that was expected and Sissy was okay with that risk. She will have some drooping/numbness in her facial muscles, but hopefully over time and with rehab, she can regain all of it back. Once she is "back together" and bandaged up, she will be moved to Neuro-ICU. Hopefully then, she can have visitors and I will get another update. Thank you so much for your continued prayers. They are so much appreciated by me and my family members.

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I know it has been a while since I posted. Sorry. I thought I was going to be better during the summer months, but it turns out, we have been so busy this summer. The last time I posted on June 26th, I was packing and preparing to get on a flight with my mother and Sierra to Rochester, New York. We were going there because my dear cousin, Sissy, was scheduled to have brain surgery on Monday, June 29th.

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Background Info: In February, Sissy started experiencing headaches and medications were not controlling the pain. The doctors continued to tell her that it was hormonal because her birth control recently changed. However, in late March/early April when she started experiencing hearing loss and ringing in her ear, the doctors decided to take a second look. A few days later, an MRI revealed that she had a brain tumor on the left side of her brain, sitting on her auditory and facial nerve. At that point, Sissy was given several options and she consulted with many doctors. She agreed that surgery was her best option at this point. So her surgery was scheduled for Monday, June 29th.

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Fast forward a few months: Upon our departure for Rochester on the 28th of June, we learned that the doctors had canceled the surgery. Seriously???!!! Apparently, Sissy's surgery was listed as a "white sheet" procedure, meaning that it was not urgent; and because there were other patients that needed to have brain surgery that were more urgent, Sis got the bump! So, needless to say, we just spent our week hanging out and visiting with family (pictures to come - I promise).

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Well, that brings me to today. Friday, July 10th was the new date selected for the surgery and yes indeed, this time it will happen. In fact, the surgery has already started and as I type this, the doctors are working to complete a total resection of the tumor. I am asking for prayers. Please keep Sissy in your prayers. I know she was very anxious and nervous yesterday and this morning. I so much wish I could be there with her at this time; but we are leaving (once again) for our family vacation to the Outer Banks on Sunday. (This also probably means another blog hiatus for a while - Sorry about that)!

I will try to keep you all updated on Sissy's progress. For those of you that are on Facebook, I am updating my status every time I get information from Rochester, so you can stay tuned in on there as well.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Sissy, her family, and her doctors.

God bless!

Genetics

Apparently, the love of Sonic Raspberry Sweet Tea is genetic! Then again, any drink with a straw is a magnet for Sierra these days!

It is nice to know though, that she takes after her mother on some things! :)

Don't fret, no sweet tea was actually ingested by the above toddler. Do you really think I would leave leftovers? By the time she woke up from her nap, ice water is all that was left! :)

Fun with family, day 3 and 4

As promised, here is another update from our fun days last week with my nephew Pierce and my sister Katie.

Click HERE to see all the pictures from our adventures at the beach, feeding the ducks, and playing at the zoo!

It was such a fun week and a wonderful blessing to have them here with us. The week went by too fast and certainly we could have filled up many more days with activities; but we are thankful for the time that we did have. Thanks for visiting guys and come back again soon! :)

Farewell Friends. For Now.

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends,

for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

~John 15:12-15 NIV~

I love this friend! I praise God for her life and what she means to me. This is Courtney. Our meeting was one totally ordained by the Lord. Courtney was a 1st grade teacher at a local Christian school this past year and because I am studying to become a teacher and needed to observe a private school classroom, I was placed in her class. God was in control. I could have been placed in any grade level, any classroom, at any school. God placed me in Courtney's 1st grade classroom. To say that she has been a blessing since the moment we met, would be an understatement.

Sierra and Jeremiah hanging out in the little pool

Soon after we met, we shared our testimonies with each other, really bonded, and learned that we have children that are only 1 month apart. I love this friend and I praise God daily for placing her in my life. She has a real zest for life and a heart that is truly focused on the Lord. She inspires me and encourages me daily.

Me with Courtney's son, Jeremiah, and Sierra on the carousel

Courtney and her son Jeremiah are leaving us this week though. :( They are headed to Washington State to be with Hubby & Daddy. Jeremy, Courtney's husband, is on a 2 month stint with the Navy in Washington and they are going there to be with him for the rest of the summer. That is a wonderful thing for their family, that they get to be together; but it is very unfortunate for Sierra, Brian, and I.

Courtney & Jeremiah

Sierra LOVES to play in the pool with Courtney and Jeremiah

So, farewell friends. We are sad to see you go, but we pray that this summer God will reveal many things to you for what the future holds. We know and believe God has big plans for them and we look forward to their return mid-August when we can play again and have many more wonderful adventures together. God Bless you guys in your travels this summer! We love you!!!

Sierra and Jeremiah in the pool together

In the pool with Sierra and Jeremiah

What good is a friend if you can't share your goldfish with him?

Come home soon! We miss you already!

Fun with family, day 1 and 2

Because I am enjoying my summer vacation WAY too much and because I am a blog slacker (seriously, I still haven't posted about our beach vacation back in May - yikes!)....Now, I am going to be a blog THIEF as well! :)

Last week, Monday through Thursday, my sister Katie and my nephew Pierce were here visiting us. We had 4 full days packed with wonderful things to do with the kids. It was so fun! I think we were all pooped out every single day. In fact, here are the Mommies "resting" after a long day...

I did not take any pictures because we are in "camera transition" (more on that in a later post); Katie did take many wonderful pictures though. So, as I said, I am being a blog thief and stealing my sister's post! Click HERE to see all the wonderful pictures and adventures that we had on days one and two. If Kate follows through and posts days 3 and 4, I will be sure to steal that link as well and share it with you all. :)

Now...back to enjoying my baby, my hubby, and my summer vacation!!! :)

The Coolest!

Happy Father's Day to the coolest dad I know!

I love you Dada!

Love, your precious little girl, Sierra Rein

PS - Happy Father's Day to all you other fathers out there too! :)

Happy 3 Year Homecoming!

Today marks 3 years since Daniel was called home to be with the Lord. I feel like I have been writing my emotions in my head for several weeks now; but now as I sit here to write it all out, I really am feeling emotionally drained. Every year since his passing (2007 and 2008), I have been writing to honor Daniel's memory; however this past year (the 3rd year of grief) has been the hardest year so far for me. I am not sure if it is because of I am fully coming to terms with all that happened 3 years ago, or if it has to do with watching my precious child grow, or if God is just slowly working on my healing heart. Whatever it is, healing is a slow process. I praise God daily for my loving husband who has listened and talked with me, held me when I cry, and just overall understands like no one else can.

I think one of the reasons this year has been so hard for me is because when Daniel was sick, I was so good at trying to be perfect. Hiding my fear, my emotions, my pain. You become almost numb when that happens and sooner or later it all catches up with you. Recently, my dear friend Courtney said something so profound to me. It was a conversation in passing, but it really rung true in my heart. She explained to me that as outsiders, it is really easy to look at me and my family and see how blessed we are with Sierra and a loving family, etc. She also explained how easy it is to forget all that has taken place in my life and all that I have endured. I thought about this and realized that this is often how I have lived as well. Not forgetting about Daniel by any means, but suppressing all my pain and emotions; trying to continue with that "perfect" persona. Don't get me wrong, we are called to worship and praise God for His blessings; but He also wants us to cry out to Him. When we are weak, He is strong!

Over the past several months, I have been listening to a song that has really spoken to my heart. It could definitely be my "life song." I praise God that I do not have to be perfect and know that He is ALWAYS perfect. Although we may not understand the ways of this world; His plan is truly perfection.

Perfect People

by Natalie Grant

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scarred
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see love. Let grace be enough

By a perfect God

Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed

I am CHANGED! 3 years of being loved by a wonderful man; 3 years of battling a horrible illness and now 3 years of living without him. I am not the same and I thank God that I am not perfect and I don't have to be - Because HE already is!

Daniel, I miss you every day; until we meet again in eternity...enjoy Jesus for us!

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

~Revelation 21:4 NIV~

14 Months Old

Sierra is 14 months old today! Wow! Where does the time go? I think I have missed several months of updates for our busy little kiddo. Alas, I am posting and she is growing, growing, growing!

She is communicating so much lately. It is so fun. She is awesome with the signing and I am amazed at how quickly she picks up new signs. I probably can't remember all her signs, but here

are some that she does often:

• Milk
• Please
• More
• Eat
• Water
• Bye-Bye
• Quiet or "Shhhhh"
• Poop (she associates this more with "diaper" and less with actual poop in her diaper)
• Night-Night or Sleep
• Bath
• Book
• Baby

She is saying more words now too. Thankfully she will say her own variations of the words when she is signing them. This makes me proud; especially because some one recently asked me if I was concerned that signing with Sierra would cause her not to use her words or speak very much. I personally don't think that is going to be the case.

• Book
• Bye or Bye-Bye
• Balloon
• Hot
• Mama
• Dada
• Papa (What she calls my dad)
• Ball
• Eye
• Hi

(The last two sound the same when she says them. I thought she was saying "hi" to me the other day as I was unloading groceries out of the car, and then when I looked at her, she was actually pointing to her eye and saying "eye"...she is just too cute!)

She continues to LOVE to eat. She is still nursing about 2 or 3 times a day and has not tried any other milk yet. We are fine with that and so was our pediatrician. Sierra just loves to nurse! She loves to eat and at this point is not picky at all. She will eat just about anything and everything that we put in front of her. When we are out at the beach, playground, etc. as soon as she sees

someone with food (especially "goldfish") she will walk over to them and make friends and start signing "eat" or "more" "Please". It is cute, but so overwhelming. She just LOVES to eat!

Last month, at her 13 month check-up she was 22 pounds, 4 ounces and 30 inches tall. Also last month, 1 day before she turned 13 months, she took her first steps. We, of course were so very proud of her! Since then she has gotten better and better. She has built up her confidence and is walking just about everywhere now. She is still a little wobbly and loves to hold Mommy or Daddy's hand. This stabilizes her a little better. I just know she will be running soon and won't want to have anything to do with my hand; so I am thoroughly enjoying her little fingers wrapped around mine right now.

She is still a great sleeper too. She gets up around 9-9:30am every day and takes one nap a day

around 1-1:30pm. She generally will sleep/rest until 3:30-4pm. She goes to bed typically by 7:30pm every night.

That is about it for now! Wow! Who knew parenthood would be so wonderful? Every day and month just gets better and better. We are so in love with our precious little girl and are striving to raise her up and lead her in the right direction always.

PS - Just because I know you all are really here looking for more pictures of Jacob Michael (son of Kirsten and Keith), I will post this as well...

He is just too sweet and precious! Can't wait to see him again this weekend!

Introducing - Jacob Michael Weimer

It seems as though Kirsten's body was being a little stubborn after getting the epidural. Either that or Jacob just decided it was time to rest. Here are the updates I received during the night last night and early this morning:

3:40am update - Still at 5 cm, no progression since 11pm.

4:34am update - Still at 5 cm, no progression since 11pm.

4:38am update - Headed to the Operating Room for c-section.

6:06am update - Jacob Michael Weimer has arrived! 7 pounds 4 ounces, 20 inches long.

As far as I know, both Mommy and baby are doing well. Thanks for your continued prayers for Kirsten, Keith, and baby Jacob! We will be heading to the hospital shortly to see them all.

Early Arrival

It seems that ALL of us that voted on my sister Kirsten's blog were very much off base. God always has other plans. We are never in control!

Sometime on Friday afternoon (at 37 weeks pregnant), Kirsten felt as if her water broke, as she was "leaking" steadily. Not wanting to seem over anxious, she did not call her doctor until this morning (Saturday). Her doctor brought her in, checked her, and confirmed that yes indeed her water had broken. Chalk it up to barometric pressure, the full moon, or just God's plan; either way, Jacob is arriving 3 weeks early.

To read more about what happened yesterday (Friday) and today (Saturday) click HERE.

Otherwise, here is the latest update as of 11pm Saturday night.

Kirsten just received an epidural (twice!) - It seems as if they put it in wrong the first time. Oops! She got to 5 cm on her own, with coaching from my other sister Katie and Keith, Kirsten's husband. She was in a fair amount of pain and is thankful to be resting now with the epidural kicked in. The doctor is hoping/thinking that baby Jacob will be here in time for breakfast (Jacob will be happy about that, I am sure! After this long journey, I assume he will be ready to eat!)

Sierra and I are about "3 steps" to Charlottesville, so tonight we drove 2 of those steps to my parents' house in Mechanicsville. We will make the trek to C-Ville in the morning or whenever we have more news. Please pray for Kirsten, Keith, and baby Jacob Michael. I know they appreciate your prayers. I will update next time I can. 

Wordless Wednesday: Blondie

...And yes, she is turning into a blondie!!!

Strawberries!!!

Apparently, our kiddo LOVES strawberries...

This is a classic Sierra picture!!

I think by this point, she had a belly ache!

...So much so, that we went to the berry farm twice during the month of May!

The second time around, Sierra ate so many berries, I think she just about ate her own weight's worth. Since you pay for the strawberries by the pound, I asked the clerk if she wanted to put my child on the scale, in addition to the bucket!!! Not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but Sierra was covered in strawberry juices! She loved sitting in the middle of the patch, when ever she got hungry for more, she just picked and stuffed! Lord only knows how many bugs she ate that day!!! Yum! Protein!

Book

Sierra loves to read her books. She knows the sign for "book" and does it several times a day. She is just now getting into the habit of wanting to read the same book over and over again. In fact, last night I read, I Love You All the Time at least 3 times before Sierra went to bed. That wonderful book was a gift from our dear friends, The Ngs (who could actually use your prayers right now for their sweet baby girl, Abby.) I am not complaining though. I don't mind at all. I mostly have all the books memorized at this point anyway.

Sierra also likes to do some reading to herself and to her "friends." Here are some pictures to show you an example:

Sierra reading to Neko

Now taking a break to show a little love.

Voting Fun

Many readers of my blog know that BOTH my sisters are prego right now and one of them is due very soon. For those of you that often link to my sister Kirsten's blog from mine, I encourage you to head on over there today and VOTE in the recent poll she has posted. Now this is definitely some Voting Fun!!! 

Enjoy and stay tuned for news of Jacob's arrival!

Out There

Hello! Do I still have any friends and readers out there??? I am afraid you all have left me because I have been less than faithful. 

To put it mildly, I have really been enjoying my break - summer style!!! We have been to the beach, picked strawberries (twice!), spent five days in Richmond, enjoyed time with family, played at the parks, learned to WALK (yep, you read that right!!!), played in the fountains, and now our pool just opened!!!  Oh the joys of mommy hood in the summer time! I LOVE my job!

I have so much to post and share. I will be back on the wagon again VERY soon! For now though, I will leave you with a little clip of our crazy kiddo!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Fun with Nana (post #8)

The BEACH!

What is a visit to Virginia Beach without going to the actual BEACH??? So on Nana's last day here, we went down to the oceanfront. This was Sierra's first "real" encounter with the ocean. You might remember that last year she was introduced to the sand and water on our family vacation to Duck, NC but she never really experienced it all; at least not in the same way that she can this year, being older now. She was a little cautious about the water, I think it had more to do with the fact that the water was pretty cold, rather than being afraid of the ocean itself. She loved walking around on the sand with Nana though. It was a blast and I really hope Sierra continues to love being at the beach. I want her to be a beach bum, just like her Mama and Daddy!

I think even Nana thought the water was a little cold.

Sierra is heading in for more

Come on, Nana!

What good is a beach day without a picnic?

Sierra is always ready to eat

Sierra and Mama!

PS - This post landed on a perfect day too, because Nana, along with Uncle Mark, Aunt Renee, Great Uncle Frank, and Great Aunt Connie are all here visiting from Rochester. We will be hanging out at the beach for the next week...celebrating school being over and the beginning of a wonderful summer vacation!!! Pictures and posts sure to come from those fun times!

Fun with Nana (post #7)

Richmond. Swing. Slide. Shower.... (Too bad Richmond doesn't start with an S - I was really going on the alliteration there!!!) :)

We took Nana for a trip to Richmond while she was here. If one grandma isn't enough, two grandmas will definitely do the trick. Sierra had so much fun hanging with her Nana and her Mimi!!! Of course more swinging had to be involved. Sierra tried out the slide for the first time too! Then us 3 adult girls went to a baby shower in honor of my Sister, Kirsten and brother-in-law Keith. Sierra stayed with Papa and had a blast with him all day!

Sierra's face is priceless in this picture!

Trying the slide for the first time, with a little help from Mama and Mimi and a very concerned Sierra.

Kirsten and Keith opening up one of their gifts for baby Jacob!

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PS - As most of you know, I schedule many of my posts; therefore, I actually wrote this post at the beginning of the week, when I scheduled a week's worth of posts. However, I thought it was wonderful that this post happened to land on Mother's Day! What a great post for Mother's day...me celebrating my beautiful daughter, a post celebrating my wonderful mother, Brian's wonderful mother, and Sierra's wonderful grandmothers, and celebrating my sister who is a mother on the inside and soon to join the world of mothering. So, happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mother's out there. Being a mother is not easy, it is a task that God truly gifts us with; but being a mother is a blessing and I have learned a whole new meaning of LOVE and Sacrifice over the past year! Happy Mother's Day to each of you!

Fun with Nana (post #6)

Another day in the Gardens.

The WOW at Botanical Gardens does a Tunes for Tots every week during the Spring and Fall. It is a wonderful event for the kids to sing, dance, play music, etc. Sierra loves to go and listen to the music, dance, and play with the shaker music toy. After we attended with our dear friend Lettie and her two kids Bridget and Zach, we had a little picnic near the water. It was so beautiful. What a wonderful day to spend with Nana and friends!

Fun with Nana (post #5)

A day at the Botanical Gardens...

What a wonderful place to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon! After church one Sunday we all piled in the car (even Daddy too!!!) and went to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The perfect place to take a Nana with a green thumb! :) 

Many of the flowers were in bloom and it was beautiful. Brian went ahead and bought us a membership while we were there, so now we can go back all year as many times as we want! I am super excited about that!!! 

Nana and Sierra in front of the beautiful tulips.

Sierra loves riding in her stroller

There is an awesome Children's Garden there. It is called WOW - which stands for "World of Wonders"  They have many children activities throughout the week. They also have these really cool fountains that the kids can run around in. Sierra LOVED them and actually stuck her face in it, which I wasn't expecting! I look forward to taking her back during the summer in her bathing suit. Now, if she would only learn to walk, then Mama wouldn't have to get wet too.

Judy in front of one of her favorite plants. I think it is called "wisteria" - but don't quote me on it; I don't have a green thumb, remember?!?!

Mama wasn't kidding when she said that kid needs to learn to walk. :) Here's Daddy and Nana helping her practice!