2013, Ya Know What I Mean?

I usually start working on my year in review around Thanksgiving, but I was a little busy getting to know a new little person. So it is late. I think with a third child in tow I am doomed to be late for everything else forever. I'm dealing with it.

Without further adieu, I present the most memorable moments of 2013:

January: I was sick with a nasty headcold most of the month. I was grumpy. Ryland and I wrote out our new year's goals and expectations. Included were moving and having a new baby. And we sang for some friends at a couple's night out a church. Remember the Culp's from SNL. Yeah, that was us. I covered Bieber, Ry did Bon Jovi. It was art.

Playing to sold-out crowds at potlucks everywhere!

February: My cute hubby turned 29- I took him to OKC to watch the Thunder play and celebrate with some friends. I also sent him on a writing retreat with some great friends. My baby boy turned 4, and I died inside a little. After much prayer and puzzle pieces connecting, we started house hunting. Isaac was the ring bearer with his best girl, Lily-Kate, in a wedding for our friend's the Sprengers. To this day he swears that HE married Lily-Kate that day. It is adorable and very innocent, so we don't correct it.

She tells her Mom that her name is Lily-Kate Russell.

March- We purchased and moved into a new home! And the day before we moved we found out that we would definitely need the fourth bedroom by the end of the year, I was expecting my third child. This was very handy for me. It cut down on any heavy lifting I might have been expected to do. Fortunately, we have amazing friends who showed up and helped us tremendously.

New front porch!

 

 

The BIG announcement. I started showing ten minutes later.

April- Totally awesome month. I basically became a hermit who puked all day and slept when I wasn't puking. An ultrasound confirmed that my pregnancy was viable and growing beautifully.
We also took a family trip to Arkansas to Mimi and Poppy's house with the Gardner's. We were all under one roof for a few nights and it was so much fun!

Gummy Bear Eden.

Poppy dog pile with the cousins.

 

May- Made it to the second trimester where one is supposed to dump the morning sickness of the first trimester. Didn't quite happen. I puked my way through my music's students Pre-K graduation and end of the year program. On Mother's Day we had a sweet visit from Ryland's parents and Grandma Rosie. The kids finished their pre-school "school year" and we hit the pool to celebrate the beginning of summer.

Mudder's Day

A snack that I illegally smuggled into Big Splash.

 

 

June- I worked GCK's summer school age session during the official "best summer ever in the history of the world to be pregnant". I got to take grade-school kiddos on field trips for 5 weeks. Cool temperatures and beautiful weather. It would have been great to be morning sickness free, but it just wasn't happening yet. I was a church camp widow as Ryland went to several camps, but we were able to join him for a few days at KMAK which is always a treat for the kids and I. We were actually there on the day of our eighth wedding anniversary. Romantic. We celebrated for real by seeing the Lion King musical a few weeks later. We also took a trip to Great Aunt Jojo's house in Guthrie to spend a few days with Grannie Myrna, Jojo, Jeje, Tootie, and a pack of dogs. We also started working on the Library's summer reading program where the kids earned prairie dogs named Taydin and Tim.

Anniversary Picture at KMAK

Sleeping at camp.

 





 

Future Cheerleader.



 

July- We celebrated Independence Day at Jeje and Pawpa's in Dewey where we joined them for a neighborhood barbecue. We watched a fun fireworks display where I almost had to murder some jackhole who let his FIVE YEAR OLD hold a roman candle that surprise surprise burned his kid and consequently was dropped and burned my kid. I blamed my hormones at the time for the anger but I still think I'd fight that guy today, Momma bear much? The best part of the month was ultrasound day. We found out that our baby was to be another sweet girl. We joined the Bush family in Branson for a week of extended family fun. Our favorite part was seeing the "Joseph" musical at the Sight and Sound theatre. We had VBS at church, and "our" Kara came and babysat overnight for 2 nights so I could teach at the CWE conference in Shawnee while Ryland lead worship in Texas. Divide and conquer!

 





 

 

American Babies.

 

It's a girl!!!

Colossal Co-woah-ster World VBS.

 

 

 

 August- We started the month with a goodbye. After 6 sweet years we had our beloved cavalier, Lexus, put to sleep. She was such a good girl. We still speak of her often and I miss her so much. It was a hard choice to make, but she was so tired and broken, it was the right thing to do. In happier news: Finally finally FINALLY my morning sickness went away. I didn't know it could last that long. I spent most of August decorating Eden's nursery and lamenting the fact that I'll be sending Isaac to kindergarten in a year.

 

 

The Baby Suite

 

Farewell Sweet Lexus.

 

 



September- Huge month. Third trimester. I was huge. We went back to school at GCK- 2's classes for Hope, Pre-K for Isaac and I resumed my position as music teacher. I learned in early September that I had gestational diabetes, which was super fun. I went on a diet and started monitoring my blood sugar four times a day with a glucometer. I also started showing signs of pre-eclampsia. I didn't have it but I was having too many issues to maintain my break-neck speed life, so I was placed on modified bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. We were very excited when our sweet babysitter, Kara, was chosen as Owasso's band queen. She sweetly asked my children to participate in coronation as flower girl and ring bearer. They were adorable and I was so proud. I also joined the league of soccer moms when we purchased our very first minivan, which I LOVE.

 

First Day of GCK 2013

 

We bought a V.

 

 

Queen Kara's Homecoming Minions

 

 

Third Trimester Fun.

 

 

October- October seemed like the longest month ever. Being on bed rest meant saying no to lots of invitations, laying around, and watching too much crappy daytime tv. We had a princess tea party in honor of Hope's 3rd birthday. And speaking of birthdays, I turned 31, old ladyville. I had a date with my hubby. We went to 3 doctor's appointments, a movie, and ate a gestational diabetic friendly dinner. We celebrated Halloween in style. Isaac was Batman, Hope was Ariel, and Ryland, Eden, and I were stick figures. Oh the irony.

 

Birthday Princess

 

Halloween.

 

November- To combat October's slowness, November was so fast. We put up our Christmas decorations November 1. Yes we are those people. My GCK kids had their Christmas program early so that I could go on maternity leave. And a week later my snuggly little Eden entered our family. We spent a few hours at my Grannie Myrna's house Thanksgiving Day, but it's kind of fuzzy. I was still very much on pain meds at that point. We spent time getting to know Eden and adjusting to our new life as five.

Minutes Old.

 

Me and My Girls.

 

Final Preggo Pic.

 

Family of 5.

 

Meeting Eden

 

Fall in Love.

 

Leaves Russell.

 

1 Day Old.

 

Blankie Basket

 

Isaac Christmas Program at GCK

 

 

 

December- As I emerged from the post-partum haze, life marched on. The holidays came and I did my best to be present and to make the Christmas season meaningful for the big kids, while trying to prepare gifts, and care for a newborn. It was frustrating and exhausting at moments but mostly sweet. God gives special grace to new moms. On one of my first nights alone with my tribe of three children, our washing machine hose became disconnected from the wall and flooded our house. So we get to have new flooring in 2014. Um, yay? We had baby Eden's first outing and had a family day. We went to see Santa and saw the movie "Frozen", which has been the background music to our lives the last month. Hope sings it non-stop, and it's adorable. Hope asked Santa for princess Barbies and Isaac asked for a Nerf Gun. We spent Christmas with my parents,brother and Grandparents, the Uptons, the Bush/Gardners, the Russell/Burruss/Allen/Roses. Our kids were thoroughly spoiled, we ate delicious things, and we loved the time we spent together. We came home exhausted to a messy house and a full love tank. Ryland and I spent New Year's Eve on a date (with Eden in tow), and rang in the new year with a kiss in bed as we took turns rocking Eden to sleep.

 

Due Date Bath

 

Snow Day Babies

 

Nice List?

 

Harmons

 

Christmas Eve

 

Christmas Day

 

Hope wins the GCK Honesty Award

 

 Santa Tom

 

 

As 2013 becomes the past, I'd like to think I'm another year wiser. But wisdom comes with a price. Wisdom comes from experience, some sweet, and some painful.

 

As I experienced my third, and most likely final pregnancy, I spent lots of time in a state of mild irritation. I don't "do" pregnancy well. I learned through that LONG experience how blessed I am to be surrounded by people who will step in and help, even when you are too prideful to ask for it. I am so thankful for meals cooked, babysitting offered, prayers offered, and encouragement given. I also learned how incredible my husband is. I've always known this, but he showed it over and over again in tangible ways. Not only did he maintain his role as a provider, he took on home responsibilities such as dishes, laundry, baths- the whole thing when I was placed on bed rest. He never complained, he took it all in stride, and was a champion. I wish every woman could have a Ryland. Even when I am a vomiting, worthless, lump of humanity, he loves me. More than that, he honors me, he makes me proud, and he is a daddy to shame all daddies. Not only did he shoulder a heavy burden this year, he took daily photographs of our three tots every single day of the year. He's amazing, and I could never deserve him. I love him now more than I ever thought possible. Here's a sample of his work:
 

Eden- Last Day of 2013

 

 

 The photgrapher in action.

 

 

January 1, 2013

December 31, 2013

January 1, 2013

 December 31,2013

 

 

As with every year, I am humbled by God's grace, forgiveness, provision, and faithfulness. I am so undeserving of the blessings in my life, and I truly am grateful. It all belongs to God, and I hope to do a good job with all I've been given- the good and the bad.

In 2014 we plan to grow in our faith and teach our children well. Isaac will start kindergarten, Ryland will turn 30, and we'll celebrate our 4th year in Owasso, God willing. We pray that in the good and bad moments, the big and small, the beautiful and ugly- that we'll praise and honor the giver of all our moments. And honor our great God.

 

The Russell family wishes you all a blessed 2014. May you know this year that God loves you, and will never leave or forsake you.

 

 

 



 



Eden's Birth Story

Holy Cow?

I seriously haven't posted since October? Wow.

My life has been a little wild since then.

In September I was put on modified bed rest, meaning that I was allowed to work three days a week and rest the rest of the time. Due to a positive fetal fibronectin test, my doctor determined that I could be at risk for pre-term labor. I just lumped it in with my high blood pressure. And gestational diabetes. And 5 months of morning sickness.

I watched the movie "What to Expect When You're Expecting" recently. One of the characters was comparing herself to one of those impossible mothers who look amazing, have tons of energy, and (gasp) actually enjoy being pregnant. This character was looking for "the glow". Instead she found sickness, gas, all the ugly pregnancy symptoms, and a less than ideal birth experience. But at the end of the movie she met her son and realized that he was her "glow". Insert hormonal post-partum tears here. And a deeper understanding than I can put into words.

That was the story of this pregnancy. Where I have vowed and vowed and whined about how I NEVER EVER want to be pregnant again. And then I met Eden, saw her face, and my resolve has weakened. Seeing a body inside the pink footy pajamas that I have purchased makes your memory of the bad stuff a little fuzzy. Smelling pink lotion on a freshly bathed newborn head makes you forget the bloating and nausea. The sweet baby grunts and giggles in her sleep make you forget the stitches and swelling and pain meds. I really thought that I was sure Eden was my last baby. Until I met here. I'm still pretty sure. But nothing makes you want more babies than having a newborn.

On to the story.....

After 2ish weeks of false labor and hard contractions every few days, Ryland and I packed up and headed for the hospital on November 21st for a scheduled induction. I was 38 weeks and three days pregnant.

We listened to Andrew Peterson on the drive. I cried as we listened to "Dancing in the Minefields" and "Planting Trees". I prayed and asked God to give us a healthy baby. And as I have every time, I told Ryland that if he had to make a life and death choice, that Eden wins. And if I die to marry someone young and firm and less high maintenance than me. And he laughed, as he has every time. And told me that I'm morbid and a little crazy, but he'll let me say what I need to say. I'm so glad he deals with my special brand of crazy. I'm so glad he's mine.

We arrived at the hospital promptly at 5:00am. The doors to the maternity ward were still locked. The orderly buzzed and said, "Can I help you?" I replied, "My name is Mindy Russell, and I'd like to have a baby today!" She laughed and told me they were expecting us. She buzzed us in.

I signed a few papers dealing with death, dismemberment, etc. And we were ushered to L&D room 6 were I made Ryland take my final preggo picture. I changed into my first hospital gown (which I dipped in the potty later) and hopped in my bed. A little before 6, my first nurse came in to ask me 1,000 questions and start my IV. It took 3 nurses and 5 attempts to start the IV. I still had bruises after 17 days. It's not the nurses' fault, I have crappy veins. It hurt A LOT, but I think it hurt the nurses' hearts too, they were very sweet.

At 6:20 my veins were full of saline and pitocin. Game on.

Shift change was at 7:00am. And I had called ahead a few weeks prior to request my friend, Giselle, to be my labor and delivery nurse. Giselle is an adorable, compassionate, encouraging, smart, bubbly little blonde. And she was such a steady,calm spirit in the delivery room that day. She was a blessing. I'm sure anyone who has the good fortune to have her in the delivery room would agree. And she is officially my closest friend now. She knows me more "intimately" than any of my other friends. Tee hee.

My doctor came in soon after, he had a surgery to perform. Since I tend to have babies pretty quickly, he didn't want to break my water until after.

As of my last ultrasound, Eden was sunny side up. Did I mention that Giselle is also a doula? She's pretty amazing. She got this peanut shaped pillow apparatus that we used to try to make Eden flip into a more favorable position for delivery.

A little after 9, my doctor came in and broke my water on the first try. This was the first doctor who was ever able to do it on the first try. My contractions intensified immediately. So I ordered my sweet sweet epidural. They kicked my hubby out of the room.

I am terrified of epidurals. They freak me out. Even though they rarely cause more than momentary discomfort, it is scary ti have someone stick something up though your spine. Giselle held my hands and helped me breathe through it.I was telling the anesthesiologist how I have complete trust in him, but the act makes me anxious. I told him I feel the same way about dentists. At this point he told me that his wife is a dentist. I told him that they were my greatest nightmare realized. He was quick and the epidural was heavenly. It makes you feel like you could nap for a hundred years. It's lovely.

My contractions continued to intensify and I progressed quickly from the 4 that I came in with to a 9. My doctor was paged at about 10:30. My doctor arrived, grandparents sat texting in the waiting room, the robot room converted and was filled with people, bright lights, and commotion. My baby had seemingly turned, things were ready to go. My rock of a husband held my hand and cheered me through the painful parts. Gosh, I love him. How do women do this alone?

I started pushing, and pushing, and pushing. My baby who had seemingly flipped, went back to her sunny side up position and made things difficult, her final act of rebellion in this long, hard pregnancy. I'm usually a "push for 10 minutes" kind of girl. But after 45 minutes of intense pushing with a super stylish oxygen mask  my doctor mercifully gave me an apistiotomy and out came my baby girl. At 11:32 Eden Kenlie Russell drew her first breath. She was 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 20 and 3/4 inches long. She was my tiniest of three. She also had the most hair.

She cried, and I cried. Giselle put her on my chest and her Daddy cut the cord. My doctor sewed up my ladyhood for about 20 minutes and Ryland and I drank in our new sweet baby. She was so beautiful and healthy.  More than we could have asked for. After monitoring her blood sugar for a few hours she was examined and bathed and declared perfect. She had birthmarks between her eyes, on the back of her neck, and on top of her head, the same places as Hope.

In that moment, and many times during the days and weeks that have followed, my mind went back to January 1, 2007 when we lost the first of three babies and the journey that brought us to where we are now. I don't believe that God's will is for every woman to have children. I don't think that children are always given to people who deserve them. I do not for minute think that I am deserving of the three healthy children that God gave me, no one is good enough to earn this. And my heart will forever hurt for my fellow mothers who have empty arms. But on November 21, 2013 at 11:32am we regained paradise. God gave back and restored all that we had lost. God healed what had been broken, and set things right. We named her well. Eden. A picture of the eternal, what is to come. Where all tears are dried, where death and sadness are wiped away, and where Jesus wins and is our victor. To him be the glory. May he receive the credit for Eden's life, and may she grow into a woman who glorifies Him. This closes the chapters of infertility and pregnancy for our family. We are looking forward to the joy of being a complete family, and we are so grateful to have been able to rejoice with the angels, because paradise came to us.

Welcome Eden. You are so very very loved.

 

20 Questions: Hope, age 3

20 Questions: Hope, age 3

1. What is your favorite color? Pink and Purple
2. What is your favorite toy? Baby Belle
3. What is your favorite fruit? Buddy Fruit
4. What is your favorite tv show? Dora
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Pizza
6. What is your favorite outfit? My Cinderella dress
7. What is your favorite game? Turbo on the Leap Pad
8. What is your favorite snack? Gummies
9. What is your favorite animal? Butterfly
10. What is your favorite song? The Roar Song (Roar by Katy Perry)
11. What is your favorite book? A Dora Book
12. Who is your best friend? My brother
13. What is your favorite cereal? Pink Cereal
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Picking flowers for you.
15. What is your favorite drink? Water
16. What is your favorite holiday? Valentines Day
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Mermaid, puppy, Baby Belle, Baby Rora
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Yogurt and eggs
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Cake
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Cat

Hope: The Third

Sissy,

Three birthdays. I can't believe it. My baby is three.

You've had one incredible year, baby. A few weeks after you turned two you gave me the surprise of a lifetime by potty-training yourself. I would catch you going in the bathroom, undressing yourself and going! I'm so proud of you. You even mastered staying dry overnight in a matter of weeks. I love that about you. You are so determined.

You are a lover of all things girly. You love pink and purple. You love princesses. You love tutus, sparkles, bows, ribbons, nail polish, dress up clothes, and big girl make-up. We catch you in frilly dresses all the time. Every day after you get dressed you run to your Daddy to spin for him and show him your outfit. You are the apple of his eye. His affection makes you sparkle. I love the way you two love each other.

You really enjoy your friends from pre-school, especially Michaela, Burel, Parker, and Kalob. You love your teachers and love learning. You are a participant in life. You don't want to miss anything- games, conversations, or food. You are brave and love to try new things.

You are a song bird. You love music and often sing yourself to sleep or sing during play. You love Dora songs, the "Sofia the First" theme song, Katy Perry's "Firework", and any funny song. You have a sweet, chirpy voice that I love. And sometimes I even catch you lip-syncing in the back seat. Your animated facial expressions are equal parts adorable and hilarious.

The only thing in this world that you truly hate is bedtime. You are a professional at finding reasons to get up- water, flashlight, one of your two noise-machines, potty-break, missing babies, you name it. You are grumpy and very seldom go to sleep without tears. But once you are down you sleep for a good ten hours. You still nap during the day for a few hours too. Keep napping strong!

You love to "paint" in your imagine-ink books. You are also becoming very interested in drawing, coloring, and stickers. You have started tracing your name. I'm amazed at how your fine motor skills are progressing so quickly.

You are hilarious. You have the most expressive little face. You can sass, you can make jokes with perfect timing, and you can break hearts when you cry. You are both sweet and spicy. You are one of my favorite people, and I love your personality. Even when you get bossy and wag your finger, forcing me to retreat somewhere to laugh before I scold you. You have a magnetism that draws people to you. And I hope you are a leader who loves people.

I am excited for the next leg of our journey as a family. You've been my baby for three years, and in just a few weeks you'll hand that title to your new sister, Eden. I will always cherish the season where you were my baby. I love the way you like to snuggle up to my belly and talk into my belly button to Baby Eden. You tell her how you are the big sister, you sing her songs, and you "baby talk" her, just like you do our dogs. You also pray for her without fail every night. You are going to be an amazing big sister. I can't wait to see you two girls, my two girls, together. And you are excited to tell EVERYONE that you and Eden have matching rainbow swimsuits.

Hope, I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of how you let your light shine. I'm proud of your confidence and bravery. And I'm proud that you never let fear keep you from doing life. I am honored to be your mom, and even though mistakes are inevitable for us both, I will always love you. God gave me exactly what I needed when he gave me you. You will always be my big girl. I love you so much more than words can express. Happy third birthday.

Love,
Momma