Mid-week Ramblings...

This is what happens when Adam decides to cut Ethan's hair.... Ethan came running downstairs saying "Mom, look! Isn't it FUNNY???" And the emphasis is definitely on the word "Funny."

This isn't the way he left it, thank God, but it was pretty funny. :)

Something else that Ethan did this week that completely wrecked my hormonal self... he was in the toy room watching Noggin when Moose A. Moose came on, talking about all the things we have to be thankful for. He went through a long list of things to be thankful for and then he said, "What are YOU thankful for?"

What do you think Ethan said?

"My Mommy."

And it was even sweeter because he didn't know I could hear him. I wanted to cry. Love that kid.

There's a lot of things I love about my new house. One of them is this:

I know - it's not all that pretty, but what it represents is that I can see the sunrise and sunset every single day. The only time I saw the sunrise before was when I had to be out of the house early for some reason - and usually I was too tired to appreciate it. This morning, the sunrise was incredible - pink and orange - I wish I'd taken a picture.

Sam is growing. He's now 9 pounds and 3 ounces. We took him for his first doctor's appointment this morning. Hard to believe Ethan was never this small. They are getting along wonderfully:

Yeah, it's pretty much my favorite photo of all time.

Yesterday was the first day I actually felt normal. One of the medications the doctor gave me is a muscle relaxer - which I quickly realized was a lot like drinking too much alcohol and then passing out. I hate that feeling. (Which is one of the many reasons I've never been a drinker.) When I take this, I feel like I can't form the words in my head with my mouth. It's the strangest feeling. I hate it. So, I stopped taking them - and then we realized maybe that's why I'm still in so much pain.

For the past two nights, Adam has had Sam downstairs so I could sleep... and for the past two days I have felt *almost* completely pain-free. There's a hint of a headache that's worse when I bend over, but for the most part, I'm functional - which is huge compared to earlier this week.

All of this begs the question: If God CAN heal (and I believe He can)... then why does it sometimes take so long? It's one of those religious mysteries I don't understand. I asked the same thing with the sale of our house... God, I know you could orchestrate this sale in a heartbeat... what is taking so long...?

Well, I know why now... it was to stretch my faith. Perhaps the healing thing is to help me appreciate my husband more. Who knows? But I DO appreciate him so much more now after what I've been through.

It started with Labor and Delivery... and his being the only voice in the room I could hear. If it weren't for him, I would've lost it or passed out, I'm sure. Then, coming home, he just really helped - exhausted and having slept on a hospital cot for two nights in a row, and he was up at every feeding with me making sure I had enough pillows to support me. Then the headaches/neck pain started... and he does things like lets me sleep so I'm okay the next day.

I don't know where he came from, but he's just an amazing person. I know- it's sappy, blah, blah, blah and I'll shut up now... but seriously - I need to get him something awesome for Christmas and I need ideas! A riding lawn mower just doesn't seem sentimental enough.

Anyway, I forgot to mention that we did sell our house. We ended up doing it for sale by owner and sold it to someone we know - thing is, they weren't ready four months ago when we put it on the market... and they couldn't have bought it at that price anyway. So during that entire four months, I was growing and stretching and learning and getting closer to God than I have been in months (years?)... and now I understand God's timing and his ways. I understand that they are always perfect. I understand that sometimes there's a lesson to be learned as I walk through the storm...

... and that running away from it isn't going to solve anything.

So yes, we close Dec. 20th which means I have one chock-full scrapbook room to move this weekend. yikes. But we'll be done with it by Christmas... and I cannot think of a better present.

Well, maybe I can think of one:

Yep. He's pretty amazing. His hiccups are at present keeping him awake.

Oh, and I have to say hi to my brother who lurks here, I just found out, but who, I'm sure would never comment. Even still, I love that he reads and looks at crazy pictures of my kids.

Hi Chad! :)

I'll post a picture of him next time, if I remember!

Off to make some cookies with the kids! (Which I can't eat - Thanks to Weight Watchers!)

:) Happy Thursday!

Comments

[Melissa Carlson]

He wants a Nintendo Wii! Jeff

[Renae Clark]

Courtney, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE BIRTH OF YOUR SON!! I just heard on another board. I'm so happy for you and your family. Hope everyone is doing well!! Take care. Renae Clark

[julie]

can i say HI to chad too?!?!?

sam is so sweet. and looks just like adam to me.

you by far have one of the top two most amazing husbands (it goes without saying who is up there with him...which would explain why they are friends :p) he should write a book for the husbands-to-be. i would definately buy it for all three of my brothers.

miss you and can't wait to see pics of your house once you're settled.

julie

[Bridgette Mehlig]

Those are really cute pictures.
I LOVE the one of Ethan and Sam. By far one of my favorites ! : )
I'm really happy that you're feeling better. And congratulations on selling your house!! WOW ! The view from your new house is AMAZING ! Awesome. !Courtney you are SO blessed with a beautiful house and beautiful kids. You deserve it.You work so hard and do tons of things for everyone else. We appreciate it ! Have a great weekend ! And tell everyone hi ! Much Love. xoxo

[MelissaC]

Courtney the picture of Ethan and Sam is beyond precious!! Also congrats on selling your house!! I look forward to pictures of the new one!! The view is defintely wonderful! Have a great weekend!

[Linda Albrecht]

Beautiful baby, beautiful big brother, beautiful winterscape. How wonderful to be able to look out your window and see a small twinkle of God's gift of nature. You have so many windows that you look through and see His gifts from -- I feel like you share a bit of your sweet soul everytime I read a post. You always have such awesome vision in God's plan for us. Amazing. You are so amazing.

Love to you and your little family. Linda

I just *love* the photos of your sons. Congratulations on your new baby boy. He's such a cutie!

I just *love* the photos of your sons. Congratulations on your new baby boy. He's such a cutie!

[Melissa Carlson]

And make sure to get him that WII
and a lot of remotes so I can come
and play with you guys.

Nate

[Colleen Stearns]

Congratulations on Sam's birth, Courtney! Heis absolutely beautiful. :) My sister had her baby today. She felt the first, insanely intense, contraction at 6 :20 PM, and Abigail Margaret made her way into the world at 7:44 PM. She was almost born in the car!

[stacey kingman]

You are surrounded with amazing incredibleness...I am sure you know that. :)