Violet's First Month!

We are all finally healthy in our house and now that I am out of my postpartum/I've been sick for 2 weeks phase, I've had a chance to realize that a whole month passed in a blink!  Even though the first few weeks were tough physically and emotionally, there are many joyful moments that I want to remember!  

Violet is a sweet little cuddle bug and I am enjoying every second.  I have a little different perspective this time around so I'm intentionally trying to savor each moment.  I know how quickly the night time feedings pass and how soon they stop letting you snuggle them quietly in the nook of your neck.  I remember every mom telling me when Abigail was born that she would be a year old before I knew it!  It always made me want to cry, but they were right. Before I know it, Violet will be running through our house and climbing all over me when I want to hold her close.  Until then, I'm going to enjoy her sweet smell and kiss her every chance I get! 

I am so thankful for the advice that a few of my mom friends gave me to help get me ready for 2 babies under 2 years old and to help Abigail adjust to our new bundle of joy!  Here are a few things that I would also pass along.  

1.  Remember that your toddler still needs you...a lot.  It's easy to make the mistake of thinking that overnight they matured and completely understand how much your new baby needs you.  

2.  Even though " man to man coverage" is the easiest way to care for two small children, make sure you switch and spend equal time with both babies.  

3.  Your newborn only needs you for the necessities of life.   A good friend reminded me of this and it has been a great reminder!  Violet gets a lot of time with me, but Mike can burp her or get her ready for naps.  This is a a good time for me to get my quality time with Abigail. 

4.  When you introduce your toddler to your newborn, have someone else holding them so they aren't confused and jealous 

5.  Have special gifts from the baby to your toddler so they don't feel left out as all your visitors and your attention are shifted to the new baby for a while.  


Thank you friends for all your epic mommy wisdom!  So far Abigail loves her little sister and if I can keep her from poking her in the eyes and dropping the ipod on her head...we will all be just fine! 

Abigail or "Gabba-gail" as she calls herself is in love with her baby sister!  I have seen her wrapping her baby dolls up and rocking them and giving them all lots of kisses!  

I am so anxious to see if Violet will end up with blonde curly hair and blue eyes like her big sister.  Their newborn photos look so similar but I'm sure Violet will have a special look that is all her own.  We love you sweet baby girl!  Our life has been much sweeter in the last month with you in our arms! 

Here are a few of Abigail's newborn pictures.  Can you see a resemblance??  

I cherish these photos and I am so thankful for my sweet friend Abby that captures these moments and helps me freeze them in time.  She is an amazing photographer! You can check out her website here at Abby Gray Photography.

Violet Anne Harder

My sweet Violet.  I absolutely adore this picture and I remember clearly what it felt like to look down at her face for the first time and really take in that I had another little girl to love.  I feel so blessed that I get to be her mommy. Welcome to our crazy family baby girl!

The Lord has been so good to us and He answered all my prayers surrounding her birth.  In the days leading up to my delivery, I was really anxious about her position.  She didn't seem to be completely head down and she was still face up.  Anxiety about having a c-section or a difficult delivery started to weigh on me.  Thankfully, I was able to deliver her naturally without any complications.  My labor was actually pretty quick this time too.  I was admitted around 4:00 in the afternoon at 7 cm and 100% effaced.  Miss Violet was in my arms at 7:00 that evening.  I delivered her with the Midwives at Vanderbilt and I can't say enough about how wonderful they are.  You can check out THIS POST for more information on The Vanderbilt Midwives and preparation for natural birth if you are interested.  

The last few weeks have definitely been a blur for our family.  I felt great shortly after Violet's delivery and felt like I was bouncing back pretty quick.  Unfortunately, only a few days after being home, I ended up in the ER.  I was diagnosed with postpartum fluid shift which is something I was not familiar with.  Symptomatically, it presents like congestive heart failure.  I had a few episodes of waking out of a deep sleep in a panic attack with the sensation that I was suffocating or drowning due to fluid in my lungs.  I would have to stand or walk around to get my breath.  Each time I would try to lay down to go to sleep, it would happen again.  Thankfully, we live within a few miles of a hospital and they were able to complete a full work up on me in about an hour and send me back home.  Apparently, sometimes after pregnancy and delivery your body can hold on to excess fluid in your blood.  In my case, it was filling into the spaces of my lungs when I was lying down.  Fortunately, a few nights of attempted sleep in an upright position took care of that...

Just when I was about to get rested and feel on the mend, Abigail came down with a fever that lasted three days.  I tried so hard to keep her away from Violet and to stay as isolated as I could, but despite my best efforts, I got sick and ultimately Violet got sick.  But who really needs sleep anyway?

As Thanksgiving is upon us, I have definitely had time to reflect on what I am thankful for.  There are times when I can feel so defeated and down that I have to force myself to see the silver linings.  I have had a few of those days and this is what I am most thankful for.  


1- Family.  My goodness - my family and Mike's family have been life savers     while we have been sick and sleep deprived.  So thankful. 

2-  Getting Sick.  I am actually thankful that I got sick because it allowed me to pass antibodies on to Violet through breastfeeding.   

3-  Mike.  My husband is absolutely amazing and such a partner.  I couldn't have gotten through the last few weeks without him. 

4-  Friends.  We have incredible friends that have blessed us with meals and have even offered to come hold Violet so I could sleep during the day.  Blessed. 

5.  Perspective.  I have been nervous about taking care of two kids by myself.  But after the start I have had, when we are all healthy, things will seem like a breeze!  Silver lining!

Blessed. November 2013. 

Fun at the pumpkin patch! {Walden Farm}

This afternoon we took Abigail out to Walden Farm  and for all my mommy friends with toddlers, this is a win!  There were so many activities for little ones and everything was pretty close together so it was easy to cover a lot of ground.  Abigail loved the pumpkin patch and the sunflowers!

Mike and I enjoyed watching her toddle around and touch all the little pumpkins until she found just the right one!

And apparently, this was the best pick of the patch folks!

After running through the patch and playing with the flowers, we moved on to her next favorite activity at the farm.  The corn. Of course, the PT in me was pretty happy with the sensory play activities!

I think she would have played in the corn until we went home, but there were animals for her to check out too!  She has been learning all about the farm animals and what sounds they make, but she was not so excited to actually pet them yet...

So we moved on to the pumpkin ride!  Bless my sweet husband who is six foot tall for sitting in that little wagon to ride with her.  I found a nice little bench to rest on and sat this one out!  

Here are the big perks for Walden Farm if you are trying to decide on pumpkin patches.  Admission is free and most of the " toddler" activities are free.  We were able to play in the pumpkin patch, go through the petting zoo, slide down a big slide, ride the pumpkin train, and play in all the corn for under 5$.  I liked that everything was really close together and not as spread out as a few pumpkin patches I've been to.  They also had good food and plenty of shade for a nine month pregnant lady to sit down!  I would definitely go back!  

Til next time Walden Farm!  

{Walden Farm - Fall 2013}

Pastor's Appreciation Month

I am currently reading this fabulous book that I picked up at the ACTS29 Pastors Retreat this summer and I can't tell you how much I am learning and growing.  If you are a Pastors wife, I encourage you to read it.  I know that it will minister to your heart! 

October is Pastor's Appreciation month and as I prayed for my husband this morning, I was reminded how demanding his calling can be.  It's a beautiful calling, but demanding.  Please join me in praying for our spiritual leaders this month.

"His work involves engaging people on a deep spiritual level, resolving conflict, making difficult decisions, dealing with life-altering issues, counseling, training leaders, correctly handling the Word of God, and bearing the responsibility for the spiritual health of his God-given flock, with little help, appreciation, acknowledgement, or encouragement.  In addition, he has a marriage and family to lead and nourish."

                                       ~Christine Hoover

{Nursery Sneak Peek}

Violet is due to arrive in six weeks and her nursery is all ready for her now! Aside from washing things and actually having them in the drawers, I think I'm finished.  Of course, now there is plenty of time to clean the garage, organize the pantry, and detail my car. My poor husband...

There are a few special things about Violet's nursery that I thought I would share. If you remember This Post I did for Abigail, I have a friend that makes nursery paintings and I wanted to have one made for Violet's room.  I love that they both have something handmade from the same person.  

Emily did a fabulous job tying in the colors and details from my decor.  I absolutely love how it turned out!  Let me know if you need something special made for your nursery and I will pass along her info to you! 

Okay, the next special touch might be my favorite.  I decided I wanted to frame an old hymn for Violet and display it on her dresser.  Since we had hundreds of old hymnals in the basement of our new church, I knew I could find something that looked a little "vintage"! 

Mike and I chose " Be Thou My Vision" because the words are a beautiful testimony of our heart's desire for Violet. I can't wait to sing it over her when she is finally in my arms.  

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, and I Thy true child,

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, or man's empty praise,

Thou mine inheritance, now and always;

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,

May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

I had so much fun getting her room ready and giving old pieces of furniture new life! Thanks to Annie Sloan chalk paint, we spent very little money buying furniture and other than her crib, I painted everything in her room!  I forgot to take a before of the old rocking chair, but I picked it up one day from Our Thrift Store in Franklin for $20.  I painted it "old white" and distressed it to match the dresser.

The dresser was special y'all!  It needed someone to rescue it from an old junk store in Columbia, Tennessee and give it a little love!  Here is the before. 

Much better!  This is also painted "old white" and distressed with 120 grit sandpaper.  I got the drawer pulls at Hobby Lobby for 1$ each.  

The tall dresser was also given a makeover.  It was something Mike brought along with him from college so I think it will be sweet to tell Violet one day that her dresser once belonged to Daddy.  Thank goodness I could make it pretty for her!  Here is the before and after.  I used Annie Sloan's "duck egg blue" for this piece and also distressed with 120 grit sandpaper.  

My last nursery project was to pick out a crib and hang paper lanterns from the ceiling.  I decided on the Jenny Lind crib because it has a vintage look to it and I have so many friends that have used this crib with their precious ones.  I have to say it was super easy to put together and I think it's beautiful!  I did learn however, that it is not easy for an eight month pregnant lady to stand on a chair and hang paper lanterns by herself.  After too many holes in the ceiling and tired legs from climbing on and off the chair, I got smarter and asked my husband to help me! Thank goodness he loves me so much!

 

I hope to enjoy these last few weeks of being pregnant and not wish them away too quickly.  Thankfully, the weather has been beautiful and we have been able to enjoy watching Abigail run through open fields and play at the park in our neighborhood.  She has been rocking her baby and giving her plenty of kisses so I know she will be a great big sister!  

{Prayer}

Have you ever felt like your prayers were silly requests before a great and powerful God?  I have.  In fact, I feel like my prayer time should only consist of deep convictions and prayers for the lost.  I am actually more comfortable praying for my husband or my family or strangers that are struggling through a medical crisis.  Scripture teaches me; however, that God desires an intimate relationship with me and that I can cast all my cares on Him, and thankfully I was reminded of that today. 

Mike and I recently made the difficult decision to give our golden retriever, Bailey, to the Middle Tennessee Golden Retriever Rescue.  I can not begin to express to you how heart broken I have been over letting my first baby go to another home.  Bailey was a Christmas present from my dad the year I graduated from PT school.  He was the perfect companion for a single lady going through her "quarter life crisis!"  Until I met my husband, it was just me and Bailey.  He was there when I got up each morning, right by my side.  He was there every evening when I came home to a quiet empty house, ready to curl up near me for the evening.  He was a constant through tough break ups and painful trials with my family.  He was a gift and he was loyal. 

{ Christmas 2003}

My sweet Bailey was such a JOY and I have incredible memories from Memphis to Nashville that I will always cherish.  It makes me smile to think back to my first date with Mike.  Bailey was right by my side as I opened my front door and Mike's expression immediately turned to surprise as he looked down at my four legged friend.  I remember he reached down to pet Bailey on the head and then immediately asked if he could wash his hands.  I decided that this guy better love my dog if we were going to consider a second date!  

It didn't take long for Bailey to win Mike over and so we began our journey together as a little family of three.   A few years into our marriage, we decided to get Bailey a friend.  We brought Miller home three years ago and instantly Bailey let us know he was not happy about the hyper puppy chewing his toys! I thought it was the perfect idea before starting a family, but little did I know Bailey liked being the center of attention...

When Abigail came along, things went down hill pretty quickly.  Bailey's level of anxiety heightened.  He began to feel more and more replaced and ultimately isolated and depressed.  I hated seeing my sweet dog struggle so much with the changes in our home, but as the reality hit me that we were about to add another baby to our once quiet house, I decided we had to give Bailey a chance to enjoy his "golden years".   

I now know that pregnant women should never have to give their dog away.  I'm sure I would have been sad to walk Bailey out my door and hand him to another owner any day, but with my elevated hormonal state, it was a tragic day I will never forget.  I began to journal and cry out to God about my broken heart.  I felt so silly asking God to provide a good owner for Bailey and to give peace to my grieving heart.  But today, He reminded me that I am his daughter and He hears all my prayers.  

" See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. "  1 John 3:1

I read back over my journal entries this morning and God had answered all my prayers about Bailey.  They weren't silly requests to Him because he loves me and desires that I tell Him about all things weighing on my heart.  

As I was thanking God for providing such a wonderful home for Bailey, his new owner actually called me.  She told me how happy Bailey was on her sixty acre farm.  She laughed as she shared with me how he loves to watch the cattle, swim in her pond, roll around in the mud, and lay under the big oak tree near her house.  Just in the short time he has been in his new home, he has been able to stop taking anxiety medication.  He is happy and well loved, and my heart is at peace.  

So if you are like me, and you sometimes think God shouldn't be bothered with the silly things that make you cry, remember that He loves you deeply and when your heart hurts, His heart hurts.  Remember that He is the one who draws us close and comforts us.  Pour your heart out to Him and know that you are His child.  

{Bailey hanging out on the farm.  September 2013}

First Day {Mother's Day Out}

Today was a big day for Abigail.  It was her first day to attend Mother's Day Out!  I did pretty good holding back my tears most of the morning as Mike and I got ready for the day.  I made breakfast and packed her bag and remembered to take a few pictures.  It wasn't until I saw the clock and started feeling a little stressed to get out the door in time that my emotions got the best of me.  Just when I was starting to rush her through breakfast, my sweet baby girl crawled in my lap with a book and smiled at me.  I am so thankful for the interruption of my rigid schedule, because taking a moment to slow down and enjoy my daughter was exactly what I needed.  

Thankfully, Abigail didn't cry when I dropped her off and actually when I picked her up she wanted to keep playing.  Her teachers told me that she had a fabulous first day and that was exactly what my heart needed to hear!  I feel so blessed that I have been able to keep Abigail at home this long, but I am really excited for her to learn and explore with new friends!