Baby Charlie

Baby Charlie is now 8 weeks old. It is so funny how it feels like yesterday that I went into labor...then, again, I feel like he has been with us forever. He cries SO MUCH more than my other two little ones did. In the first weeks, it was several hours a night....gotta love reflux/colic. But, as he is getting older, his tummy is settling down some. C and S still love him to death. I thought the newness would wear off by now. I think they want to love on him more everyday though.
They couldn't wait to get their hands on him after he was born. On our way home from the hospital...sleeping so soundly...when we arrived home, we saw our furniture being moved back into our house...talk about perfect timing. My little glow worm - he had jaundice and slept in this phototherapy bed for several days...poor little guy. Baby Charlie at two weeks old Charlie on Halloween - lil pumpkin Already a month old...
This picture was an attempt to catch the three of them...having three in pictures is going to be tough, I can tell already! We enjoyed watching Sydney in her Fall program at school. Charlie slept and just looked around. He did really well - whoo, thank goodness.

and eight weeks later....

About eight weeks ago, I wrote my last entry here. Soooo much has changed in these weeks around our house. Our precious baby boy was born on Wednesday, October 14th at 9 am. He weighed 9 lbs. and was 21 inches. He looks sooo much like his big brother - just darker hair and larger eyes. He is a fussy little buddy. But, we are dealing with it and getting used to his yelling/grunting around the house. He had a doctor's appointment last week and weighed almost 15 pounds. So, I guess you can imagine - this big boy likes to eat! So, between nursing every 2 1/2 -3 hours and running two carpools for C and S, the house is still not unpacked yet and there is still painting to be done. We did get some Christmas decorations up this past weekend...where did the Fall go? Right now, I am perfecting the art of multi-tasking while I feed Charlie with one hand and online shop with the other. C and S absolutely love their baby brother. They are reminded quite often to not get right on top of him and to stay out of his face. Yes, life has changed quite a bit over the last 8 weeks. For catch up sake, I will post some of my favorite pictures from the last couple of months. Thanks for checking in on us... Cade's first day of kindergarten. Sydney and I at the Miss Pattycake concert. Cade's 6th birthday party at the lazer tag center. Syd's first day of preschool. Cade playing quarterback for his upward flag football team. And, our first family photo with all five of us....

Well, that is all for this post. I will have more soon. It is late and my little guy will be calling for me to feed him before I know it...time to catch a few minutes of sleep. Thanks for checking in on us.

update on the Allens

Life is a little chaotic, but a lot blessed right now. I am reminded over and over, day after day, how blessed we are. I am officially VERY pregnant...pretty uncomfortable really. But, I am loving it. I was telling my parents this morning how bittersweet this phase of pregnancy is to me. I am huge, uncomfortable, can't sleep, and feel like this baby is falling out of me. Yet, I am absolutely in love with feeling he/she move inside me. I treasure this time of growing this child in my belly. I am amazed at the whole process. Thank you, Lord, for this privilege...this blessing.

As far as the chaos, we are in a heap of it. The house is loud, dusty, and crazy. Workmen are everywhere. We do have appliances now. The holes have been patched but not painted yet. The countertops are in, the sink is finally hooked up, the dishwasher is working again...we are moving right along. And, today, we moved our main level furniture to the basement and E and I moved in with the kiddos upstairs in their rooms. The fridge is on the back deck. Hopefully, by Friday, the floors will be finished...sanded, stained, and ready for furniture to be replaced...so exciting to unpack all those boxes that have been packed since July...

The baby is doing better. We had some monitoring the last week or so on its heartrate. After another NonStress Test today, we are looking much better. My contractions keep coming...pointing to the fact that it won't be long. In fact, if the baby is not here by Tuesday next week, they will induce by Thursday. I just can't believe it is almost here...by next week my third baby will be in my arms.

Thanks for the prayers. Thanks for checking in on us. I haven't downloaded pictures, obviously. But, I have some to mark the changes from all the renovations and of C and S doing all kinds of things...they are too fun!!! I wish I could have found my camera tonight as we had leftovers while sitting on an old sheet in the middle of our kitchen floor...they were elated to picnic on our own kitchen floor. Life is an adventure, that is for sure!!!!

and, the wall came down...

We have some family in MS that helped pack us, helped us move out, housed us, kept our children, helped us move in, and then unpacked us...this post of update pics is for those loyal souls...

This morning, the wall in our den/kitchen started out like this:And, tonight, the wall is down...leaving gaping holes in the floor, sheetrock dust everywhere, and excitement for what will be destroyed tomorrow.
(I promise, my OCD self is surviving...I Clorox wiped every surface in my kitchen before dinner was made.)

The End of Summer Review

Well, I figure to post a little is better thank nothing at all. So, while Syd watches her 30 minutes of tv for the morning (Dora, of course) and our builder is drilling holes in our walls, I am downloading pictures and catching up a little. Here are some moments from our summer (where did it go??)...

This is our new house...we are now in renovation mode...but, we are really enjoying our new area - very convenient to all we need.These are my kiddos enjoying outings with their friends on those days when we had to get away from packing up our old house.
And, of course, staying at home amidst boxes was an adventure also...On some days, there was sliding...And, other days, there was running/kicking...OK, that was an onslaught of pictures...Dora has ended, so I am off to fix a little ballerina princess (purple dress, beads, ballet shoes - ha!) some lunch.

Next update will be pictures from the beginning of school, hopefully soon...

the birthday boy

A couple of weeks ago, my son turned 6 six years old. He has grown up before my eyes. He is doing better regarding the move and new school - thank goodness. He still has his "hohum" days where he complains ALL day long, but overall, he is acting more like the old C-man. He is such a funny kid. His favorite tv shows are "How It's Made" and "Phineas and Ferb" - both about how things are invented, cool contraptions. He is not overly exciteable, pretty laid back most of the time. He wants to stay home - always. He really enjoys video games, so I have to keep a close eye on a clock to limit his playtime. He pesters his little sister and is loving on her in the next minute. Over the past few months, I have noticed how our talks have deepened and how much more affectionate he is with me. He will forever be my "buddy" - no matter how old he becomes... He and his daddy's first picture - just minutes after he was born - August 27, 2003.
He was such a sweet boy as a one year old...so easy...he spoiled me...At two, he was Mr.Social...he still does really well meeting new people... This is one of my favorite pictures of C - he was an almost 3 year old and almost a big brother too...
At 4, he was into superheroes and had a Superman/Spiderman birthday party at a gym - he had the best time! As a 5 year old, he was all about Star Wars and soccer on his birthday...And, this year, for the big 6th birthday, C chose to play laser tag with a few friends...so fun...they were worn out after 2 games and video game playing too...little boys are the best!
Happy Birthday, Rocket! (we used to call C "booster" until this summer when he told us he needed a cooler nickname...like "rocket".)

Home

Home...I am amazed at how at "home" I already feel in our new house, even amongst the boxes and clutter. I have been thinking about what makes a home comfy and inviting so much lately with our upcoming renovation. Color, comfortable seating, good lighting, organization, cleanliness - just to name a few things that come to mind in creating a welcoming home. I have to admit that I can sometimes get so caught up in the details of things like these that I then feel guilty at the time I have spent thinking/planning. I try to convince myself that a house is a building, it doesn't mean much. It can burn in an instant. Thieves can rob and steal the "precious" things inside. All true. The Bible speaks of where our treasure is, there our heart will also be. I don't want my treasure to be a brick structure. So, why do I plan and clean and organize and decorate? Why did I look at 40 houses before we bought this one? Surely, the Lord laughs at our materialism. Then, I take a step back again..."why" is a good question to ask ourselves sometimes. Well, I have decided that making a home is more than a new address, a certain number of rooms, the perfect room layout. My home is where my family is, where our memories are made, where we share our lives, where we worship and grow and learn, where friends and family can join us, where my children will giggle, where my husband and I can talk and pray. This home we are creating is more than the walls that surround us. Each day the Lord gives us will start and end here. We want this place to be a comfortable place for friends to share troubles and joys with us. I pray our home is a refuge after long days of living in this world. My desire is for all that enter to feel love and to know that the homeowners have a Father that they adore. I want all the time I work in our home to be for His glory. I want my time here to reflect my love for my Lord and those around me. I am blessed to be a stay at home mom...have felt His peace in that since I resigned from my old job. My "work" is here. This house feels like a home - no matter the clutter, the boxes...that is just stuff. And, like the saying goes, Home is where the Heart is....and my heart is full.

It is time already???

Already? Really? I feel like C was just learning to walk yesterday. And, tomorrow he starts "big" school. I thought his going 5 half days a week to a private kindergarten last year would prepare me a little better. Well, not really. I am prepared for my onslaught of tears to arrive in the morning as soon as my car pulls away.

I have been utterly consumed with moving and unpacking...trying to get settled. And, now, tomorrow is here. He will be gone ALL day! So, today, we went to "meet the teacher" and then came home and played. He has had a really hard time with our move. He has quite a few changes to face right now with the house, school, new sibling. I have been a little concerned watching him act differently and be so sad. I have prayed and prayed. He was a little more himself today. But, he still says he dreads tomorrow...my homebody child. So, we'll see....keep him in your prayers, if you can. I know he will be fine. I know he will like school and our new house once he gets used to things. My big boy is growing up...almost 6...how time flies...my motherly need to protect him is just in overdrive right now.

I'll have a house/school/baby update soon...and hopefully some pics from our time of homelessness and moving and C's big day starting Kindergarten. I just have to find my camera cords...hmmmmm.

Happy 33!!

My sweet husband's birthday is today. He is the best! Being married to him is better than I ever dreamed married life could be...he is a blessing, that is for sure. Happy Birthday, E!!! Can't wait to see you this week...

a time to vent

BEWARE = major venting going on here....

Well, I am not happy - joyful, yes - happy, well, no....:
1. E is living with his brother and sister-in-law for a week. I sure miss him.
2. The kids and I are living with my parents in Mississippi.
3. C and S have both had the fever virus since we moved out of our home on Saturday. Yuk!!
4. I am sad about leaving our home and awesome neighbors and overwhelmed at the thought of moving in this upcoming weekend and all that is ahead to do.
5. This past Saturday's move was horrific!!! It was one of the worst days ever!
6. C is sad about moving - very unhappy with the whole idea.
He keeps saying he wanted to live there another 5 years. I have found him covering the "sale" sign with his "welcome to school" sign. My mom found him Saturday trying to take the "sale" sign down. He finally told me last night (with his 104.5 fever) that he had taken a good look at his house before we left town because when he was a man, he wanted to buy that house for his family. I am worried about him - lots of change for a little guy.
7. My daughter is a drama queen that has pitched so many fits today - wow, it is wearing me out. I do not understand her pouting rituals some days...
8.I think both C and S are "out of sorts" - C withdrawn, S misbehaving.
9.And, my sweet hubby has to celebrate his bday tomorrow alone since we are in MS. He has been working so much overtime...he is so tired...poor guy.

I know I am highly emotional this pregnancy. I know that our circumstances are so silly compared to those of others around us. We are blessed...to be able to be homeowners, that my children are feeling better, that this new child is growing inside me, that we have family members who are so helpful and loving, that E has a job, that we are adored by a gracius Creator who has a plan for our lives. I WILL choose joy over mere happiness. I need to refocus - don't sweat the small stuff - in light of eternity, all this is nothing to the glory we will encounter in His presence.

I warned you. Big vent session....but I do feel better now....as a friend of mine says, "it is time to put my big girl panties on and get over myself."

July....so far

We are in the craziness of moving out...so this might be my last post for a few days since we are about to be homeless for a week or so. As I was looking back over my pictures to make sure I am updated before my computer is packed, I noticed some pics from the last few weeks. E and I were able to sneak away for a few days to celebrate our 10 year anniversary at the beach. Our trip was shortened due to needing to find a house, but we had a peaceful/much needed getaway none the less. While we were at the beach, C and S stayed with my parents for one night and then went camping with E's parents for the rest of the time. While with my parents, my dad and brother took S and my niece to the "Father/Daughter Ball". S had a great time with her Pop! (and uncle who danced the night away with her).
And, the Fourth of July was so fun! We celebrated with some friends with a cookout and the city's firework show. The kids had a blast with popsicles, sparklers, poppers, and then the fireworks.

a bedtime laugh

Tonight, while I was lying beside C in bed talking, he said,....
"Mommy, you love me alot, right?"
"Yes, C, I love you sooo much."
"And, mom, that kind of love doesn't ever go away, right?"
"Nope, it never does. No matter what, I will always love you, buddy."
"So, love isn't like gas then - It doesn't run out, huh?..."
And, at that point, I tried not to laugh. But, I couldn't help myself...

good analogy for a five year old brain, I guess...

1 and 2 get ready for 3

Over the "showing our house" process, we had to find some cool activities to kill a couple of hours here and there while our house was being shown. We found some air-conditioned fun and helped prepare my other two little guys to get ready for their little brother or sister.
They really liked trying out all the gliders at BabiesRUs - every glider in the store. They used the registry guns and each picked out things for the baby. It was so funny to see them pulling for their own gender. S picked out pink/C had an eye for boy things...but, mostly, they just liked shooting the registry gun! They had a great time at Build A Bear picking out a panda bear for the baby...watching them do their "heart blessing" for the baby was too cute! And, they brushed and cleaned the panda - and laughed the whole time...so fun! Hopefully, they will love on the baby a little more gently than they do the bear...

quick house update

Well, we are under contract! I cannot believe it actually. It was a crazy couple of weeks working out the details, but we have a green light now to find another home. Now, that is our daily goal....find a home. So, sorry for the lack of updating. I have some pics I will add soon. Keep us in your prayers as we look for where God wants to plant us next. It is definitely a bittersweet process...

10 Years - Wow!

My sweet husband and I have been married for 10 years today! I can't believe it has been 10 years since I said "I do" to him...marriage has been so much better than I ever dreamed it would be...time flies when you are having fun, no doubt.

E, I love you more every day. You are my best friend. I am honored that you are my partner in this life...

Two days in Mississippi

E was traveling last week, which is always a good reason for a quick trip to Mississippi to visit family. Two days in MS brought all kinds of fun - especially adding in two cousins to the mix. My children LOVE my brother's children! They all play so well together. Here are a few moments from our short trip:
Cade and Hardy Beth had a big time catching lightening bugs! Sydney and Jordan enjoyed the pool - He was so great getting her to jump to him and helping her float. C did take a spill off his scooter...here he is showing me his skinned hands and big "I'm OK" smile. And, S took a break from her tea party in her baby pool to learn a little game from HB.

Gotta love summer fun with favorite cousins!

Happy Father's Day!

Today has been a day to be thankful. I was doing some thinking today about the "dads" in my life. I am grateful for the wonderful examples they are to my children and to me...they are different in so many ways but they each have so much to share and teach.

I was blessed in my life to have been raised by a wonderful, jovial man with a wonderful listening ear. My dad taught me to enjoy life, to see the good in people, to work hard for what I wanted to accomplish. He still amazes me how he laughs off a hard day. He would do anything for anyone. He never meets a stranger. He loves his family. My sweet daddy is up for an adventure or job most of the time. My dad is the most loyal, consistent man I know. He and I have always had a bond,...I honestly cannot remember an argument between us...we just have always been able to talk about anything. I adore his spirit, how he makes me laugh, how he always makes me feel better no matter what. Now, I enjoy how he is with my babies...teasing them, hugging on them...I cherish every visit with him...
Almost 10 years ago, I inherited another wonderful dad. I have so much to thank my father-in-law for...how he taught my husband to be a strong man of God, how to think independently, how to work hard. He taught my husband how to show love. I have seen males who are too macho to hug, to talk about how they feel....well, not the Allen men. E has told me so many times how his dad always hugged him, always talked with him. And, now, E is determined to teach C the same things...that it is important for a man to show affection, to share their hearts with those they love...and for that, I am deeply grateful to my father-in-law. Now that C and S have arrived, watching Papaw play with them and enjoy them touches my heart.
And, I am honored to spend my life with the most amazing man ever! He and I share a friendship that is based on similar beliefs about life, faith, and priorities. My dear man loves the Lord. He wants each day to be purposeful. He truly wants to be the man God created him to be. My husband adores our children. Just typing that makes me smile. I love watching him with them...the way he talks with them, bathes them, prays with them, tucks them in at night, is interested in their interests, and the way he teaches them about what is important in life. From the minute he walks in our door at night, our rugrats can't get enough of him. I cherish my husband. I cherish the wonderful example of manhood that he is for our son and the powerful example of what a husband should be like that he is for our daughter. I am so utterly thankful that God saw fit to give E to me, that He blessed us with our family.
Happy Father's Day, Pop! Papaw! and E!

the house hunt

Looking for houses...showing ours...this is an exhausting process...I found C in the yard the other day trying to hide our "for sale" sign with his school welcome sign...he is not so fired up about leaving his buddies in our cul de sac...change is hard for little guys...it is pretty tough for 30-somethings too...we'll see what the Lord has planned for us...Life is such an interesting adventure, huh...

hard day's reminder

A good bit going on these days...a lot to think over and pray on...house for sale, big purchases to compemplate/research, events to plan - and the daily grind of household chores do not seem to stop. I understand life is life in this worldly world we tick away our time in...so much of what fills my thoughts is of no value at all. It is disheartening at times....

Hard day today. I slept really really badly last night with a mind that wouldn't stop and a baby inside me that wouldn't either (of course, the Italian we had for dinner probably didn't help my case). I don't think I am the only one who gets edgy the day after a long night. I could feel myself losing it several times today. I even yelled at each child horribly and had to ask forgiveness and explain that mommy was having a hard time today. When their precious response was to tell me how much they loved me, that it was ok, and that I could play with them when I was not frustrated anymore - then I felt like the worst (yet most blessed) Mommy in the world. Well, that was my day today. My children were wild. I was not nice. In order to be totally transparant here, I was not a very good Mommy today.

Tonight, my son messed up BIG time. He had a rather inconsiderate/not so nice day himself. He is in trouble - the BIG kind - the kind that we sent him straight to bed for us to discuss further discipline. As I kissed him good night, my whole day came back to me. My yelling. My impatience. My tiredness and lack of energy to play. My mess ups. I felt the intense need to again let him know my disappointment in his actions yet my never-ending love for him. I wanted him to know that his mommy loved him no matter how badly he behaves. His response was as innocent as can be...he said, "Mom, I know you love me. No matter how bad I can get sometimes, you will always love me. I am yours."

And so, this mom is reminded once again of MY Father's love for me. No matter how badly I acted today, how "checked out" I became from my kiddos today, how much I longed for a break....God loves me. He adores me even. I am so glad I have another chance tomorrow to be better for Him and for my little ones...I am so blessed that true love does not depend on how well I behave...

a good night sleep will do this clan a world of good tonight...tomorrow is a new day!

their future starting now

As my children get older, I am enjoying watching to see what the Lord is doing "in" them, how He is preparing them for the plans He has for their lives - spiritually, physically, mentally - all the development that happens everyday as they grow. On these summer days, when we are home a good bit more, I am seeing all sorts of characteristics developing in my kiddos in their "free" play time....their interests, their talents, their God-given abilities and their weaknesses.

Already, we know that our son, C, is intrigued by how things work. One of his favorite tv shows is "How It Is Made". He comes up with some of the neatest and most extravagant ideas with his tinker toys, legos, magnetix, a hanger, some string, some marbles...well, you get my drift...if you don't want it in an invention, don't leave it out! This was his latest...a spy gadget to detect little sisters lurking outside his bedroom door - pretty inventive, huh... He also has always enjoyed cooking with me. Many hours have been spent and talks have been had while measuring and stirring. He is actually very good at helping too. He is interested in how different spices change the flavor of a food...I guess cooking can be a type of invention too...hmmm...So, will I have a spy, a chef, or a scientist on my hands?
Now, my darling daughter is interested in totally different activities. Already at the age of 3, she is all about having a good time. This child will dress up, dance, color, stick stickers, play she is a momma to her babies, cook in her kitchen, play doctor... all while she is singing and talking the WHOLE time, loudly - no matter what the activity is!!! What will God use this little "fairy ballerina" for in this world? Or, will she be a hairstylist? These days, her hairdo is pretty important to her. She came up with this glamorous "do" all by herself...almost 30 somethings were found in there...pretty creative, huh. Or she could grace us with her style and brains at the same time...future writer, secretary, or computer wiz right here... Of course, I cannot forget those moves...a dancer, maybe? No matter what my children end up being in their future careers, E and I pray daily that they have joy (not necessarily happiness)...that they use the talents and personalities God has given them...that they bring Him glory as their top priority...that they always have each other to lean on and learn from...and that they remember their parents love them no matter what titles they hold or awards they do not win...that their mommy and daddy are amazed at the gifts they are and know/trust that God will continue growing them for the mighty plan He has for their futures. We want them to feel His purpose in each day until the day they pass...no age being too old, no barrier too high to do what God has for them - to be WHO He wants to them to be.

But, for now, we are going to continue watching them develop and grow and learn and love...recognizing each day as a gift with them...