the three musketeers

This past month Texas has experienced record breaking amounts of rain! While it's been a blessing to see the lakes full and fears of drought relieved, it's been tough having to keep the boys inside.

Especially since Daddy just bought them a new playground.  *Earlier in the year we were going on a walk and Joshua noticed a playground in someone's front yard. He asked for one since it was so cool to have your very own park in your backyard. =)

It took Kenny over two weeks to put together... after work and in between periods of rain. Joshua watched patiently, wondering if he'd EVER be able to play on it.

The long anticipated day of sunshine finally came... and it just so happened we were watching his cousins Claire and Emma.  Joshua eagerly awaited their arrival.

From the moment they arrived, the three were inseparable.

Claire has a wonderful imagination and Joshua and Emma are happy to obey all of her "commands."

First they played on the playground. They came up with the idea to pour a cup of water down first and then slide! So much fun... they came flying out!

Once they were thoroughly soaked. they moved to the trampoline to dry off. It amazed me how quickly they came up with games to play.

Their final outdoor "treat" was water guns! We told them we weren't filling them up because the ground was already so soaked. But they used puddles and Sam's bathtub to fill them anyway and had even more fun!

I'm so thankful for cousins and sunshine!!  It was an awesome day!!

**Kenny also just replaced the fence. We are LOVING the new one! The back side is taller so it blocks all of the houses and traffic noise. All we see now is trees and it's heavenly! =)

pregnancy update: Week 21

how far along:  21 weeks

baby size: banana, 7 inches (crown to rump)

maternity clothes: yes and getting sick of them... I just want my body back! =(

sleep: okay, I get tired of sleeping on my side but don't think it's good to be on my back. I miss tummy sleeping!

best moment of the week: We found out it's a boy! (more on that later)

movement: yes, HE completely flipped over during sonogram

food cravings: onion rings! I need them ASAP!!

what I miss: nothing this week

what I'm looking forward to: giving him a name

pregnancy symptoms: my back pain has been pretty bad. I've started seeing Dr. Cindy, a chiropractor. It helps tremendously and I count the hours till my next appointment.

stretch marks: not yet! I keep lathering up my belly to keep them from coming.

belly button: still an innie

Happy Mother's Day

This year marks my third Mother's Day!

I am still in awe that God has blessed me with two (almost three) children.  So much so that when the mothers were asked to stand in church yesterday, I had a hard time doing so.

It felt self-righteous to me.

I didn't become a mother by any act of my own. It was totally and completely by the grace of God alone. His hand that moved mountains for us to adopt Joshua. His hand that showed me what herbs and oils to use to conceive. His hand that sustained that pregnancy. And His hand that miraculously allowed us to get pregnant a second time without even trying.

Our pastor gave a special Mother's Day sermon and then said he felt he needed to do something he had done in the past but stopped.  He knew there were women still trying to get pregnant and acknowledge that our God is a God of procreation. His heart is to open every womb!

He then asked women who once struggled with infertility but were prayed over and conceived to stand up. I wanted so badly to jump out of my seat and give Him the glory!! But I couldn't, because I had not stood up when previously asked if I was a mother. Lesson learned.

Our pastor then prayed for women still trying to get pregnant. My heart was so burdened, knowing that this day can bring such sadness to those struggling with infertility. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But at the same time, I am so grateful to have walked this road because it's where I found the sweetness, tender, loving-mercy of our God. He met me in those dark places and carried me through the days of hopelessness. I can truly say He is good. He is faithful. He cares. And He will carry us through whatever trials come our way.

Another obstacle I've experienced in my journey to motherhood is feeling an instant "love at first sight" kind of love for Joshua. I know we were to adopt him. But I've struggled finding the unconditional type of love for him that I have for Maverick. Today I found this article from Katie Davis's blog.  She put into beautiful words what has been on my heart. It takes a while to "make strangers into family." And it is a choice to love... but that love grows.  This article healed my heart and encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing. Thank you Lord for the sweet ways You speak to Your children.

I got my first Mother's Day card this year... one that I will treasure forever! Joshua made me a mommy first and we are learning to love together.

front

inside

I still love my mommy bracelet and can't wait to add the fourth charm tomorrow after we find out if we're having a girl or boy!