Happy First Year Birthday, Piper!

With my sister's permission, I am using the following letter of hers as a guest post for today's blog entry. Today is Piper's First Year Birthday, and I found this letter to be appropriate in commemorating the occasion. Jaime sent this letter to family and some friends a few months ago. Please read it all the way through - you will be blessed indeed.

“A mother’s treasure is her daughter.”

Nine months ago a little girl entered our lives. We decided to call her “Piper Montgomerie.” The very moment she came out, we knew very little of what lay ahead of us. We did however thank God for what lay behind us. What most of you don’t know is, when I was pregnant with Piper, it was an abnormal pregnancy to say the least. The short version of the story is that Gary and I were told at just 12 weeks pregnant that there was some concern in one of our ultrasounds. From that appointment we had to go to a specialist group for further ultrasounds and doctors appointments for months to come. We were told that Piper would not be “Normal”. There was presence of cystic hygroma and some other medical jargon. She was believed to either have “Down’s syndrome”, “Turner’s Syndrome”, or a “Lethal Heart disease” & would not survive after the age of one. During that same appointment we were encouraged of two things… one was to do some further testing to determine which of the three she would have which had risks of miscarrying, and the other was to consider termination. This was literally like a knife through our hearts. We had never been so uncomfortable and so hurt and feeling like we were in such a cold and dark place. Once we were able to leave that medical facility and sort out all the of the information that was just presented to us, we found our clear thoughts. Gary and I knew right away that we were uncomfortable with both choices that were presented to us. Those of you who know me well, know that I am usually taking the rebel route, if you tell me to go left I will go right. I think we caught that unit off guard when we presented them with our decision to do “nothing” (in their eyes…neither of their options) and just ride out the wave that we were on. But we knew that we were actively doing “something”, we were leaving it in the hands of the man in charge. Through our faith in God and the endless support of our family we prayed that God would have a hand in her health and reminded ourselves everyday that we were ready for whatever was in store for us and this child. We committed to love and care for this child in whatever way her health demanded.

As you read this you are probably thinking “Why didn’t we tell you?” Our decision to keep this to ourselves was not intended to hurt anyone’s feelings or to have people feeling “left out”. It was made to insure that we only had positive energy focused on the birth of our child at all times. We didn’t want to focus on the “What if’s & what might be.”

I am writing you all now to inform you that indeed “Piper” did not turn out normal. Instead, she turned out to be an “Angel” sent from above. She fought past every obstacle that was working against her and came to us with nothing less than perfection. I will never forget the moment when she came out and I couldn’t yet see her so I looked at Gary and said “How is she”, he replied “She’s perfect”. I have never had so much emotion rushing through my body at any one point in time. In the hospital the doctor’s gave her a 9.9 on the APGAR test and said “No one gets a 10.”

She has changed our lives & shown us love that we didn’t even know existed. She laughs religiously and has infinite amounts of energy. She lights up every room when she is in it. She makes it known that she is here and she is lively! People are drawn to her wherever we go. The gift of our daughter “Piper” has been the greatest joy we could have ever imagined and we look forward to every second with her. Gary and I race into her room in the mornings to fight over who gets to take her out of the crib first. As we get up to the crib and peek over she is looking up waiting for us with her huge smile and as soon as she sees one or both of us she starts to giggle. There is nothing greater than waking up to this every day! We are so fortunate. There is not one moment that is taken for granted with “Piper” and we thank God everyday for her.

Piper has so many funny quirks about her… when she plays she propels her arms so fast while doing a cheering scream that we swear she is going to fly into the air at any second. She imitates grunts and screams and copies anything that you do. She giggles with this amazing innocence, and when she cries she sincerely feels like her heart was just broken and you can see it on her face. She loves life and loves big and her heart is made of pure gold. Hopefully you have all been able to meet “Piper”… and if you haven’t you are in for a real treat!

Name Meaning:

Piper – Flute Player

Montgomerie – from the hill of the powerful man

We know this was meant to be… she is a girl that makes beautiful music from God.

With all of our Love,

Gary, Jaime & Piper Musselman

How I Keep Myself Movin'

If you know me fairly well, you know I have never been a coffee person. Besides, who needs coffee when you have sweet tea? My "like" for sweet tea took a giant leap to "love" last fall when I couldn't eat. Well, I developed a habit and now, I finally have a happy juice to keep myself movin' when I start to slow down, or for when the lids get droopy.

Only true Southerners say "sweet tea". 

Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar 
and lots of it

--- we do not like our tea unsweetened.

You Know You are a Mother of Preschoolers When...

• You've ever burned out your car battery by pumping in the back seat (yep, I did - last November).
• You get ready for bed at night, run your hands through your hair, and say "Where did THAT come from?!"
• You actually loathe keeping track of and entering those little Pampers Gifts to Grow codes, but it just drives you nuts to throw them out.
• You no longer judge others based on the cleanliness, or lack thereof, of their baseboards.
• White shirts aren't worth the money - you get no mileage out of them.
• Even for a relatively technically savvy female, your paper tiger has lapped you several times while you are too busy to think about chasing it.
• You realize you could get a lot more done if you had a wife and a secretary.
• You will stay up, into the wee hours of the morning, just to have some down time (reading, folding laundry, watch a favorite *recorded on DVR* show) no matter how tired you are.
• You gain new perspective on how Jesus must feel when you don't obey Him the first time!
• No more awkward silences when meeting new people for the first time -you always have conversation starters in your midst.
• You wonder when your kitchen became known as the "Short-Order Buffet."
• Your memory fails you as to what you did for entertainment before you had kids.
• Eating dinner out as a family is not a luxury - it's a punishment for the person stuck serving your table. You'd rather cook and eat at home anyday.
• You wonder when you grew such a long pointer finger.
• You tell your girlfriend (who is a grown-up, by the way!) that you'll be right back because you have to "go potty."
• You know there is so much more you could add to this list, but you've been working on it for over a week now and just want to publish it already!

Add your own and let's keep the list going!

Top Five Ways Raising Bradley is Like Training a Puppy

5. He chases ice, crazy fast, while panting, when it falls from the dispenser on the freezer.

4. Playtime is just an excuse to rearrange the furniture.

3. He can spot an open toilet a mile away.

2. The second you take your eyes off of him, his hands are either in the trash can or he has the trash can tipped over.

1. He hunts down shoes of any kind just so he can chew on them... YUCK!

A Tender Heart

I was tucking Drew into bed tonight and I was telling him how much I loved him. Then, after a short pause in our conversation, he started to cry. I said, "Andrew - what's the matter? Why are you crying?" He mumbled something through his crying, which was hard to understand, because he was crying as he said it. I said, "Andrew - Mommy is right here. Why are you crying?" He said, "Because I love you."

Me: "You're crying because you love me?"
Drew: "Yes. Waaa, aaa, aaa. "
Me: "Oh, Drew - you have such a tender heart."
Drew: "I have a what?"
Me: "A tender heart."
(Pause)
Me: "Do you know you gave you that tender heart?"(Now this is where I was going to explain to Drew that Jesus is the one who gave him that tender heart because Jesus created him.) But before I got that far...
Drew: "You, Mommy."

Wow - I didn't see that coming. A mile away - not even in sight. I then went on to explain how Jesus was, in fact, the one who gave Drew his tender heart. But I was humbled that my three-year-old can see past all my yuckiness to think that his tender heart came from me. He taught me a lesson in love tonight. Because my children and my husband know that no matter how hard I try, I am human and, therefore, my heart is not always as tender as it should be.

Do All the Ladies Do This?

For the last four-ish years of my life, I generally always stayed up very late, well past midnight to tend to chores that did not get completed during the day and projects that keep getting put off. Now, granted, a significant contributing factor to those late nights were because I was (or would be) up anyway taking care of one of my babies. However, Bradley is a more-than-decent sleeper, and has been for some time (yah, don't hate me - it started when he was 5 weeks old). Not to worry though- I paid my dues in the sleep department with Drew. He did not sleep through the night until he was almost 3 years (not months, years) old and he still has sleep 'disorders.' Anyway, I was explaining to my sis tonight how I have reached the point where it is no longer worth it to me to stay up every night until 12, 1 or 2 am. I have decided if it can't get done before midnight, it can just wait until tomorrow. It just seems backwards and abnormal for me to always be up so late. If I can't call it quits at a decent hour (and we all know I am not the busiest person in the world), than who can? So, I want to know - do you have a cut-off time beyond which you will not continue? Or, do you just always stay awake, late, later, way later, until it 'all' gets done?

Mother's Day 2010

Dear Andrew and Bradley:

Today is Mother's Day, and I want to share some special words with you. I am in love, crazy love, with your Father. He encourages me to be the best mother I can be, and he is a wonderful example of a godly parent. I love the two sons he gave me more than I thought I could love two little human beings. There will never be enough time or words to cover all the emotions and sentiments I have for you, my family. But this is my attempt to give you a little glimpse.

There is not a single day that goes by where I do not thank God above for giving each of you to us, and to me. I now understand so much more of God's purpose for my life because of my boys. I will never forget each tender moment we have shared, from the first time I laid eyes on each of you, the sleepless nights (more with one of you in particular), the bonding, the cuddles, coos and kisses, the baths, the baby food, and on it goes. Each time I touch your skin and look in your eyes I am reminded of God's design and miracles.

Sure, some days are slightly more challenging than others. Some days I let the house go and we just play, all day. There are a few days when I just can't keep my eyes open. And some days I don't always feed you the best things. Some days I don't say the right things. Some days I don't do the right things. Those days are the days where I know, most assuredly, I am not capable of anything without God.

I also want to tell you that I do not see my being home with you and caring for you as my 'job.' You both are my joy, and caring for you, and our home, is something I desire to do, as best I can, every day. Before beginning this journey of motherhood, I wondered if any of it would come naturally, if I had any mothering instincts. The girl I was before both of you came along longed to be a mother, for so long, but was very unsure how my business-minded self would function outside of a career focus. Oh, how I adjusted- there were days that weren't easy, but generally because I had to realize how selfish I was and that there wasn't room for that anymore. Now, four years into the journey, I hardly recognize that girl in the pumps and glasses. She was part of me, but not all of me.

You will never owe me anything for being your mom. The Lord called me to mother each of you. He did not present a transaction to me where I agreed to fulfill certain responsibilities in exchange for something else. One day, when you are old enough, I hope you will understand that gifts, brunch or dinners out, pampering treatments and the like are not my desire- they are not my style. I do not wish to spend Mother's Day apart from you. Sure it's nice to be appreciated and it's nice to hear thank you once in a while. There are days where I need a little bit of a breather, but not to get away from you, but rather to re-focus myself on my priorities and tend to myself for a short time. The greatest gift you will always be able to give me on Mother's Day is your time. Mother's Day is a day I will always look forward to spending with my boys, that is, until you have families of your own and therefore, time or distance may determine otherwise.

Rest assured this Mommy could not be more fulfilled in her God-designed role to be entrusted with your lives. Overwhelming, and sometimes frightening as it may be, I do not desire to be outside of where God has placed me. There were days, early on, where I could not have said this. But because I've been in that place, I can now look back and see how the Lord has changed, and continues to change, me, to be the Mom I am called to be. None of us ever arrive - we are always works in progress. Mommy will always be a work in progress. There is a song that I hope you will both always keep close in your memory:

He's still workin' on me, to make me what I ought to be
It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars
The sun and the earth, and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
He's still workin' on me.

I know I will make mistakes. I know I won't always be the best example I could be, or should be. I know there will be days when I drive you crazy. But I promise to give it my best, and when I don't, I will ask for the Lord to re-direct my steps. Be forewarned- I will never stop loving you. I could never possibly understand accurately how our Heavenly Father loves and feels for us, but motherhood has given me more of an understanding than I had before. What a privilege and a gift each of you are to me.

Drew Learns How to Feed Bradley

Two weeks ago, Dave was still at work and I was home with the boys. Long story, but I had a bit of an emergency (clearly I am fine now, so no worries!) and I had to have Drew bring me the bouncy seat into the bedroom so I could put Bradley in it. He was a very good helper, and brought the seat in right away. Well, prior to this, I had been feeding Bradley a bottle in the living room. Drew remembered that, and while I was phoning a neighbor, Drew had returned to the living room, bottle in hand, put it in Bradley's mouth, and sat there feeding him. I could not believe my eyes! What a smart, helpful and loving big brother he is!

A few days later, Drew was showing off his 'skills' to Daddy. Here are some photos of that.

BFFs and Babies

Not everyone knows the story of how Jen and I met in 1996, my freshman year of college. She was the one assigned to a group of freshmen, including me, to show around the campus for 3 or 4 days before everyone else arrived. We lived together our sophomore year, and spent many late nights goofing off and playing jokes on each other and our other roommates.

That's how we met, and it would take me FOREVER to write a post on all the in between stuff, but while we DID NOT EVER plan things this way, we both always secretly hoped one day we could be pregnant together. Well, we were (duh!) and now we both have newborns, four weeks apart. Here is Jen with her sweet Sarah Kate, born Oct. 24th.

Mommy & Drew

One of the last nights I tucked Andrew in as an only child... this was just a few days before Bradley was born. We were having so much fun playing in his room and getting ready for bed. Finally, at three years old, he looks forward to his bedtime routine (it only took most of that three year time period to get it this way).

He is my sweet baby boy, and I told him that he will always be my special boy, no matter how many siblings he has. He loves that!

Welcome to the Family, Bradley!

Bradley David Gonzalez
Monday, September 21, 2009
8:21 a.m.
8 lbs. 1 oz.
20 inches long

Not My Ways, But Yours

As you all have heard (and perhaps seen the photos), David's truck was considered a total loss after an accident on June 27th. Prior to that, we had been trying to sell the car I drove so we could upgrade to a mini-van, or a "mothership", as some ladies I know call it. We had just finally decided to list the car on E-Bay the day before the accident for a 7-day auction. We had it for sale for a while, but given that we weren't willing to pay $40-$50 an ad to list it in various places, our exposure was limited.

Well, now that the whole insurance fiasco is finally over with, we can see how, while we would never choose for Dave and Drew to be in an accident, this was the Lord's way of providing for what our family needed. Our insurance settlement for Dave's truck was more than we could have ever sold our car for, and we were able to purchase a van for less than that amount.

I must admit, especially during the first week following the accident, my attitude was not the greatest in this regard. I was upset at the man who hit Dave's truck, at the insurance for taking their sweet time returning phone calls, at the financial hit I thought we were going to take for someone else's mistake, etc., etc., etc.

However, God's provision is always an interesting thing, and this experience has taught me that once more.

I Love My Guys.

Reflecting on the goodness of the Lord and how thankful I am for my husband and my son today. There was a time when Dave and I were friends (read: not dating, not even close) and I confessed to him that I was fearful of not being able to ever share the love the Lord gave me with a family of my own. Well, we all know who fear is from, and we all know that is not how my story ended- The Lord had other plans. Little did I know He would bless me with Dave as my future husband- the only friend in which I ever confided this fear.

It's a Baby

The cat is out of the bag... Drew will have a baby brother or sister in September. I kept it quiet as long as I could, but my sweet hubby is too excited to keep it in anymore. AND, don't any of you tell me I look pregnant, because I don't right now. This is my normal shape (not glamorous, I know, but true).

The Girl I Used to Be

I found this poem (on this site) and instantly burst into happy tears... I hope it blesses you all as much as it blessed me.

She came tonight as I sat alone...
The girl I used to be...
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye
And questioned reproachfully:

Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame,
all the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height
With all its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you
And the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad
For I wanted her pleased with me...
This slender girl from the shadowy past
The girl that I used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand
And guided her up the stairs
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay
Innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems,
And precious they are to me;
That silken robes is my motherhood
Of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls
For the dear ones who come and go

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw the woman that I am now
Pleased the girl I used to be.

Make your Opinion Count.... for my hair!

Who are you... and what did you do with my child?

I am VERY HAPPY to report, that for reasons I am completely unaware of, I have been able to get Andrew to sleep (yes, you read that correctly) like a normal child the past few days.

I don't know what it is about the situation that promotes his sleeping, but desperate for help, I put him to sleep in his Pack N Play (haven't used that in a LONG time) the other day in the middle of the living room. He was refusing to nap in his room, and after overcoming his cold, was DOG-tired, and NEEDED to nap! Wouldn't you know he slept for an hour and a half?! Many of you may be thinking- why is this news? BECAUSE MY SON DOESN'T TAKE NAPS LONGER THAN 20 MINUTES!!!!

SOOO, after struggling some that evening with his sleep, I put him in the Pack N Play in our room to sleep. HE SLEPT UNTIL 9:15 AM! Folks, this is unheard of in our house- I thought something was wrong with him (you'd think I was talking about a two month old, not a two year old). BUT HE WAS TIRED, and he slept as long as he needed to.

The past few days we have been doing the same thing based on the current success of this 'method,' while interjecting a few attempts to get him to sleep in his crib. Right now, naps are in the Pack N Play, and bedtime sometimes happens in his room or ours. Now, I can just hear some of you thinking next, "you better watch out for this habit you are starting..." Guess what? We don't care if it is a habit- because Drew starts his day so much better, he responds better to discipline, he is rested, he is happier and he is not as cranky. We feel that once he is accustomed to getting the sleep he needs, we will be able to transition back to his room for sleeping. In the meantime, I am celebrating.

By the way, I'm sure now that I've blabbed about this success, my efforts will be doomed and we will be back to the same old routine. Please pray this is not the case!

Personal Goals at my 30th Year

Come on, I'm an accountant- I have to make a lists!

• Accept Christ as Lord and Saviour (5 years old)
• Hike part of the Appalachian Trail (12)
• Be baptized as Christ commanded (13 )
• Graduate High School (17 )
• Graduate College (21 )
• Get Married (23 )
• Go on a Cruise (23 )
• Dream Job (before being a mommy) (23 )
• Buy a House (26)
• Help adults learn to read, write and speak English (26)
• Have a Baby (27)
• Become a Stay-At-Home Mom (28)
• Plan my sister's wedding (29)

I still have lots of goals (some more shallow than others), and some I hoped to check off before 30, but now those will be on the list for the next decade. PLEASE keep in mind these are not my parenting goals, not my spiritual goals- I'm not going that deep here- so before you judge me- these are simply things that I would like to do:

• Go on a Police Ride-A-Long
• Take a ride on a motorcycle (no, I don't want to be the one driving)
• Hike another part of the Appalachian Trail
• Visit Washington, D.C.
• Have another baby... or two... or more?
• Meet Bobby Flay, Iron Chef
• Vacation out west
• Tour Italy (this requires my getting over my fear of flying and of flying over water, so probably not going to happen)
• Experience all four seasons at least once in the same location
• Be an aunt to my sister's & brother-in-love's future child(ren)
• Take Andrew to Disney World
• Be part of on-location aid for disaster relief
• Participate in a mission trip

What is a special peronal goal you hope to check off in the next decade of your life?