Chaille JoAnne

Our Baby Girl has arrived! My scheduled induction went as well as we could have asked, and we are blessed with another healthy, beautiful baby to love! And loved she is! Chaille has received more big brother kisses than you could imagine, the majority of which have come from Nolan. The boys have been nothing but smitten with their baby sister, and upon watching them interact, you would never know she hasn't been around forever. I am thankful for that!

Chaille was born on Wednesday, May 13th at 3:28 p.m. She weighed 8 lb. 13 oz. and was 22 inches long. She has beautiful black hair and very dark blue/brown eyes. Her complexion is much like Silas and Nolan's (just like their daddy!) She's very easy going so far and is sleeping for 3 hour stretches even at night. And, for once, I have a baby who doesn't have to be held all night in order to sleep! Yay!

If you want spared the details of my induction and labor, go ahead and skip to the pictures! Otherwise, read on...

We got to the hospital at 6:45 in the morning. The nurse that came in was only there temporarily, as our labor nurse, Hilary, was scheduled to come in at 8. They got me admitted, drew my bloodwork, and at 8:30 they started the antibiotic. From then until 11:30 things were boring! I had some contractions about every 4 minutes on my own, but I wasn't progressing at all. Then, at 11:30 they broke my water and started pitocin. I was at a 3 at that time and baby was still way high. The contractions came hard after this and at 12:30 I got my epidural. I must say that I only got a little relief from it this time. I was given a re-dose at 2:00 because I was having pain in my upper back. Things quickly progressed and by shortly after 3, I was in a lot of pain. I was checked and told I was almost complete. They left, but I told Steve to go get the nurse because with every contraction, I could feel her descend! The doctor comes in and calmly tells me to "give him a couple minutes..." Yeah right! Within that time she just about showed him she was boss! She quickly let us know that she had healthy lungs too! And recovery from labor went quickly and smoothly for us both. Praise God for this blessing!!

Ok, here are the promised pictures:

TOMORROW!!!

I can't believe how time flies! Tomorrow is Chaille's induction. Wow! And we just had Nolan's 15 month check-up and shots this morning. My baby is getting big and tomorrow I will have two babies! I'm sure Chaille will make Nolan seem so big. And I can't even imagine how Avery and Silas will seem like little men in comparison to a baby!

I'm both excited and nervous for tomorrow. I'm so ready to meet our little angel but I am also aware that the transition will be something that will take time. I know God will take care of us! That is my true saving grace! I'm also very sentimental about the fact that Nolan will be sort of "forced" to grow up and no longer will he be the "baby" of the family. While I trust that all will work out well, it is only natural to have some concerns.

Nolan was 26.5 pounds and 34 inches tall at his check-up. He is off the charts for his height and in the 75th percentile for weight. He is surely big for his age. And the doctor was amazed at his vocabulary. He's something else! I'm so proud of him!

Avery and Silas told the nurses all about tomorrow and Avery insists that he hopes the baby comes out a boy. He also said that he loves the soft "texture" of baby skin and when babies have hair! I love how he can express himself so well! And his vocabulary still blows me away. Silas is excited that the baby is a girl and he keeps kissing my belly at every opportunity! My boys are too sweet!

Well I must go for now. I've got to tie up some loose ends before tomorrow while the boys are napping. I will be back soon with pictures of a new baby!!!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Home

Today makes the third day that the boys and I have spent at home. We did walk to the park on Tuesday, but we haven't driven anywhere. It has been very enjoyable and we love our new "home!" The boys have made friends with the neighbors who are 10, 6, and 3, and they LOVE when they get to play together. It has been fun for me that we don't have to go anywhere for them to have playmates either! I'm thinking we may save money on gas this summer now that we live "in town."

It has been nice to have some down time this week. I have enjoyed being able to relax and watch the kids play and reflect on how life is about to change for us. I have tried to savor these last few days where Nolan is the "baby" before his world is flipped upside down. I pray that he (and his brothers too) will adjust well, but until Chaille arrives we just don't know.

Speaking of Nolan, boy oh boy is he growing up! He's talking up a storm. Yesterday after breakfast he asked "I be excused?" And on our walk Tuesday he heard a dog barking and asked "where puppy at?" Granted these phrases were recognizable by me, but he's really changing so fast. He wants to be like his big brothers so much! I hope that down the road this will make things like potty training easier!

Well, I must be accomplishing something while he naps and the older boys are busy playing. Just 6 days until my scheduled induction.... if she doesn't decide to come on her own before then :)

T-Ball

Avery has enjoyed his first two T-Ball games! He loves the uniform, he loves the fans, and he loves to play! We have been really impressed at how well he pays attention to what is going on during the game. He's recently began watching the Reds with Steve in the evenings, and he is learning a lot about the rules and such of baseball. He's such a sponge anyway, but he is picking up both the mental and the physical aspect of the game VERY well!

For those of you who have never attended a beginner's league T-Ball game, I highly recommend it. It is both hilarious and entertaining! You could see a winning "AFV" moment at any time! :) At the first game, we decided that Avery's team will likely win the most cordial team award because the fielders talked to EVERY runner that occupied a base. Makes me wonder what 5 year old chat about while playing T-Ball???

Here are some pictures of our boy in action:

And here is what his brothers do while he is busy on the field:

Thus begins our lives as "bleacher" parents. I asked Steve if he wanted me to start logging the hours and he told me no. He said that it would make us sick someday if we actually knew that number. I'm looking forward to it! Both sets of our parents logged years in the stands and now it is our turn!

If you need me anytime in the next 20 years or so, I'll be proudly supporting my children from the stands of the local ballpark, gymnasium, or whatever sports venue is required!

Progress

Well, I've been slow to update, but we've been busy, of course! The house is coming along and looking better with each completed project. We've been staying here since Friday of last week, and it is starting to feel more and more like home. There is still much to do, and no matter when you may come visit, you are sure to find a project in progress. Here are some pictures from yesterday (and I didn't even straighten before I took them, sorry...)

The dining room. I love this area and sitting as a family eating with few distractions in this room!

The kitchen (with the temporary satellite cable running through, one of our many projects :)

The Family room from the kitchen. It was nap time and Avery was lying on the couch!

The messy Family room from the front door.

On other fronts... it has been one busy week for us. After moving all weekend, we have been trying to settle in. Steve was the lead instructor for a ropes course this week, and that has kept him busy from early morning until late evenings. And... I started having contractions on Sunday, that became very painful and regular on Monday night. We went to labor and delivery where they confirmed that, yes, I was having contractions every 3 to 5 minutes. But, they were not causing any progression into active labor, so I was sent home. They sent me with no pain meds, and nothing to stop the contractions. I've slowly started feeling better this week, but the contractions are still painful, just irregular. On a positive note, if I have not had Chaille by May 13th, they will be inducing labor! So, should I remain uncomfortable, it will only be for 12 more days :) I think I can handle it! And I pray that it isn't as miserable for those next 12 days as this week has been. Here is a picture of Chaille and I at 37 weeks:

I don't know if I can grow much more!!! She's definitely a big girl already!

The boys are doing AWESOME! They have adjusted to the move VERY well! And they have enjoyed it too, as there are new things to do now that we live in town. They find it exciting to walk to the post office or to the park. And, they love it that they are closer to both sets of grandparents! Avery starts his TBall season tomorrow with his first game! He's so excited to belong to a team and can't wait to "verse" other teams (his term for competition.) I'll have to update with pictures of him playing in his uniform after his game (which may end up rained out if the weather does what they are predicting!) Nonetheless, I'll add pictures of him when we do finally play!

I'll be back with more updates on this busy family soon! And I greatly look forward to settling in as the summer progresses!!!

Saturday is MOVING day!

Ok, so we've slowly been moving in some of the smaller things already, but Saturday is our "big" move day where the beds, dressers, and heavy stuff goes to the new house. I've neglected to take pictures, but it is looking great!!! The hardwood floors have just transformed the place, and we think it is so cozy now. Steve has been changing out light fixtures this week and doing some last minute stuff. Then, once we are in, there will be a constant flow of projects to be done. But... at least we are ready to move!!!

I'll try to post pictures soon, but please understand that we are a little busy right now :oP

I'm now just 6 days from being considered "full term" with baby Chaille. I'm HUGE and feeling a little awkward. But, this past week I've been energized to some extent. I think God is taking care of me, as He knows that we need to be productive in order to be moved before she is born! Plus, God ALWAYS takes care of me :) I'm confident of that!

I had an awesome "mini-shower" with some friends and family last Sunday. Let's just say that Chaille will be sporting some adorable outfits and accessories! I can't wait to play dress-up! I'm praying that she has some hair for her bows! If not, I have had heartburn for nothing :o) As you can tell I'm getting excited, but definitely not rushing her arrival. She'll be here soon no matter what!

Well, I'll be back ASAP with pictures and further updates. Bye for now...

Keepin on...

Whew... life is a whirlwind right now. I'm praying myself through one challenge at a time, and God has been Faithful!!! The boys and Steve have all been sick with colds. My dad called us the "Barker" family because everyone has been coughing so much! Slowly we are getting better, but I must say that this bug has been long lasting.

The house is back on our radar and the floors are in the process of being installed. Steve has made this a priority this week, and we are hoping to be ready to move in the next week or two. It really depends on so many factors, so we aren't setting an exact date for the move. Soon...

I'm just trying to get back on track. I'm getting bigger and bigger and slower and slower, which makes it harder and harder to accomplish all that I need to get done. I'm working on taking in one task at a time, and praying for God to make up for where I fall short. I hope to come back and update with some news of great progress and a move, but for now I must get busy while the boys are napping (or laying down coughing anyway....)

P.S. Steve works his last shift day on Thursday. Next Monday is his first "official" day in his new position!

Heaven is sweeter....

My good friend Rachel told me once that "heaven gets a little sweeter every time we lose someone we love." Well heaven got a little sweeter for us on Tuesday. Our precious niece Megan was released from her earthly suffering and is now dancing with Jesus! As many have described to me, this time is bittersweet. Our grief is overwhelming at times, but we can rejoice in the fact that Megan is resting comfortably with God! Her 8 years of life were not in vain, as so many lives have been touched because of Megan. We will miss her so much. Thank you, God, for the time we had with her!

DANCE, Megan, DANCE!!! I can't wait to see you twirl your beautiful dress!

Catching up...

Wow! Life seems to get away from us lately. I have good intentions of updating this blog more often, but sometimes you just can't!

Please keep praying for Megan! She is in so much pain right now, and we pray that God will grant her peace and rest. May the remainder of her days be peaceful, and soon she will be dancing with Jesus! That is her biggest wish! Megan is so precious and we are so very proud of her strength through the pain. She can be lying in bed saying "ow!" and in the same minute blowing someone kisses goodbye. Bless her heart! We love you Megs!

This week we have had a couple of beautiful days, and were blessed with the chance to get outdoors and enjoy them. Here are some pictures of the boys playing at the park:

Can you believe how big Avery is??? Wow! And he starts t-ball practice Tuesday! He's so excited!!!!

Silas is so happy! He LOVES the outdoors and climbing on everything!

My baby is growing so fast! He loves to slide. I climb up behind him and then Avery catches him at the bottom. Avery takes good care of Nolan!

We took some time before one of our many trips to Home Depot to spend time riding bikes in the driveway. Nolan doesn't "ride" but uses his feet to walk his "bike" down the driveway. Avery needed some help remembering how to ride without training wheels, so Daddy helped. Here are some pictures of the boys riding:

And finally, the house progress. I didn't take pictures upstairs as we still having painting to do and there is tape everywhere. But I did get some pictures post painting and pre flooring. Steve has begun laying the hardwood, so it won't be long and I'll add pictures with the new floors too! Enjoy the progress pictures (sorry it took so long!):

This is a view of the master bedroom from the living room. It is a beautiful shade of blue, but it is hard to tell from this picture.

The kitchen. It is so dirty right now, but why clean it yet? We've been using the counters as our "catch all" area!

The living room from the kitchen. We have lots of trim work to do after the flooring is installed, but you can get an idea anyway!

The dining room. All of the boxes in the pictures contain hardwood flooring. Steve has 900 square feet of it to put down!!!


These pictures only provide a small glimpse of what we have been up to. We just sort of "go with the flow" lately as it is the best way to accomplish all that needs to be done for us in the next 6 weeks! I'm trying hard not to overdo it, and just allowing myself to do the best I can!

Through it all, the kids have been so wonderful. They have been very resilient and accomodating lately. I think they are so special! And so understanding! I'm proud of ALL of my boys!!!

Megan Nichole

Megan is our 8 year old niece. She is the daughter of Steve's sister, Suzanne and her husband Scott. Megan has a younger sister, Hannah, who is two. Megan's life has been a true miracle from the start, and I know that God gave us Megan for a reason! She's the sweetest most loving little girl!

Megan has Cerebral Palsy and Metabolic Mitochondrial Disorder. She suffers from seizures, and has been having them severely lately. Megan's body is becoming weak and she is having trouble managing the pain that she is in. The family could greatly use prayer as Megan's health is currently fading. God has a plan for her, and we just pray for comfort for both Megan and the rest of the family! He will give them the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Friends and family, please pray for sweet Megan. Pray that God will take away her pain and that she will be happy and healthy again, whether that be here in this world or in heaven with Him! God Bless Megan!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/meganmiller