There's just something about
a hot summer day
and a sprinkler
that brings out
playfulness,
adventure,
attitude,
mischief,
bliss,
wonderment,
and all-out joy!
Saturday, September 26
Frolicking Fun
a hot summer day
and a sprinkler
that brings out
playfulness,
adventure,
attitude,
wonderment,
and all-out joy!
Saturday, September 12
Three new posts!
Don't miss the 3 new posts from today! Two are the final posts about our DC trip. One includes baby pics! Scroll down to read them, or click the titles for their individual pages.
D to the C, part "Kevin Bacon"
D to the C, part שבע
Announcing the arrival of...
D to the C, part "Kevin Bacon"
D to the C, part שבע
Announcing the arrival of...
Announcing the arrival of...
Abigail Grace McDonald!
(ok, so, we've already announced it, but read on, there are pictures attached!!)
One morning,bright dark and early, Scott and I traveled to a local hospital to induce labor on our 3rd child. After going in the wrong doors and the back-way through the ER to be admitted, we came to a labor/delivery room to prepare. We discovered I was already in labor! (Funny, you'd think I'd know it after two other labors/births)
We were so excited to finally reach the day when we'd meet and hold our sweet girl! The nurse looked at me while we were sitting there doing the prerequisite paperwork and asked if my other two kids were red-heads also. (? Maybe the room's lighting was bringing out the 40-or-so red hairs I have mixed in with blonde, brown, and, yes, white.) We began preparations and got settled. We saw my doctor, whom I really like! (Have I mentioned that before?) Pitocin was administered to speed things along. By 10:30 am and at least 5 hrs of close contractions, I inquired about when an epidural would be advisable. I wasn't miserable, but I knew things were progressing. I had experienced two perfect epidurals before, but my only concern was that I'd had friends whose epidurals had worn off when labor stalled. (I was told that doesn't happen.)
The epidural was administered by a funny but strange anesthesiologist. I loved being able to relax. Sweet girl was not "descending" quickly, and when epidural wore off (yup, wore off), I got an additional dose of a different med, which was VERY effective for a good while.
About the time that wore off (12 hours of labor at this point- come on sweet girl!), the L/D wing was bustling with lots and lots of deliveries, and we were getting excitedly anxious because we knew ours was imminent. My doctor, nurse, and the student nurse were occupied by lots of calls and a delivery next door, so when I knew it was time to deliver, imagine the conversation as I'm repeatedly saying "I have to push" and Scott's saying "Please don't push. It's just me in here. PLEASE."
Our doc made it just in time and it was only a moment before we beheld Abby with our own eyes for the first time! Praise the Lord! The pain wasn't all that bad, and there's something about birth that makes the recollection go away. Sweet Abby was 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 20 in long with an arrival time after 6 pm.
Wanna see our little Blessing #3?
Not much crying at first, until...
...cleanup made her mad. But not for long.
Quiet bonding with Mama. Tongue out over and over again. Silly cute little thing.
Goofy and somewhat disheveled big sis and big bro in their apropos attire.
Caleb immediately wanted to hold her, but the first thing he said after climbing up on the bed with me was... "How'd she get out of there anyway?"
Sweet big brother
Anna was apprehensive at first, so Mimi helped calm her.
Then she "sort-of" held her... for about 3 seconds.
Getting a checkup in the nursery
Sweet sleeping babe in her clear plastic hospital nursery crib
Going home outfit
Not liking being dressed in going home outfit
snuggly warm and ready to go home!
(ok, so, we've already announced it, but read on, there are pictures attached!!)
One morning,
We were so excited to finally reach the day when we'd meet and hold our sweet girl! The nurse looked at me while we were sitting there doing the prerequisite paperwork and asked if my other two kids were red-heads also. (? Maybe the room's lighting was bringing out the 40-or-so red hairs I have mixed in with blonde, brown, and, yes, white.) We began preparations and got settled. We saw my doctor, whom I really like! (Have I mentioned that before?) Pitocin was administered to speed things along. By 10:30 am and at least 5 hrs of close contractions, I inquired about when an epidural would be advisable. I wasn't miserable, but I knew things were progressing. I had experienced two perfect epidurals before, but my only concern was that I'd had friends whose epidurals had worn off when labor stalled. (I was told that doesn't happen.)
The epidural was administered by a funny but strange anesthesiologist. I loved being able to relax. Sweet girl was not "descending" quickly, and when epidural wore off (yup, wore off), I got an additional dose of a different med, which was VERY effective for a good while.
About the time that wore off (12 hours of labor at this point- come on sweet girl!), the L/D wing was bustling with lots and lots of deliveries, and we were getting excitedly anxious because we knew ours was imminent. My doctor, nurse, and the student nurse were occupied by lots of calls and a delivery next door, so when I knew it was time to deliver, imagine the conversation as I'm repeatedly saying "I have to push" and Scott's saying "Please don't push. It's just me in here. PLEASE."
Our doc made it just in time and it was only a moment before we beheld Abby with our own eyes for the first time! Praise the Lord! The pain wasn't all that bad, and there's something about birth that makes the recollection go away. Sweet Abby was 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 20 in long with an arrival time after 6 pm.
Wanna see our little Blessing #3?
Not much crying at first, until...
...cleanup made her mad. But not for long.
Quiet bonding with Mama. Tongue out over and over again. Silly cute little thing.
Goofy and somewhat disheveled big sis and big bro in their apropos attire.
Caleb immediately wanted to hold her, but the first thing he said after climbing up on the bed with me was... "How'd she get out of there anyway?"
Sweet big brother
Anna was apprehensive at first, so Mimi helped calm her.
Then she "sort-of" held her... for about 3 seconds.
Getting a checkup in the nursery
Sweet sleeping babe in her clear plastic hospital nursery crib
Going home outfit
Not liking being dressed in going home outfit
snuggly warm and ready to go home!D to the C, part שבע
"Seven" in Hebrew is שבע
(read right to left) and, not-so-incidentally, is the number in Scripture that represents completion. (On the seventh day, God rested after Creation, etc)
So, I thought it fitting to wrap up the marathon postings about our DC trip with a miscellaneous smattering of photos and brief anecdotes. You can thank me for wrapping it up later... :)
This is a picture of one of the statues on either side of the non-tourist entrance to the National Archives. Both Scott and I took pictures of this, as we see the importance of studying the past. Have you ever heard the quote (attributed to George Santayana, I believe) that "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it" ? That is true of the mistakes in the past, and knowing history also helps you greatly appreciate and understand who you are, what you believe, and why you believe it.
We got to stand in line to see the documents from the founding of our nation at the National Archives. I know they take great pains to preserve and protect the originals, and yet I am so thankful for printing presses and facsimiles. You'll see what I mean when you compare the next three pictures: First, an original printed copy of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a facsimile of the original handwritten Declaration, followed finally by the actual original handwritten Declaration of Independence. Flash photos were prohibited, of course, on the first and third, but the middle picture was from the display outside of the protected area housing the originals.
p.s., we were assured that there was absolutely no way that there is a secret map on the backside of the original, a-la-National Treasure.
This is the Supreme Court building. We got a neat tour and description of the chambers and Court history. A pro-life group stood in silent peaceful protest on the left in this pic with their mouths taped to show that the unborn do not have a voice in matters of "choice."
Here is a view of the back of the Capitol from the entrance level of the new Capitol Visitor's Center. The Visitor's center is elegant and matches the rest of the Capitol well, in my opinion.
The restaurant at the National Spy Museum. EXCELLENT Lobster Mac 'n Cheese as a side dish, btw.
Fancy Soda:
Ginger Ale, Lime, Blueberry, and Mint.
Very refreshing. No alcohol, duh. Available at Zola's.
This is the church we visited for their Wednesday night service. It's the home of 9 Marks ministries -- a great resource for churches!
Sesame-encrusted somefishwe'dneverheardof&can'tremember
served fresh at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. Delish, even though I can't remember what it was.
Quite possibly the best burgers we've ever had. 3.6.9 miniburgers with gorgonzola cheese and onion straws from Matchbox in Chinatown.
(read right to left) and, not-so-incidentally, is the number in Scripture that represents completion. (On the seventh day, God rested after Creation, etc)
So, I thought it fitting to wrap up the marathon postings about our DC trip with a miscellaneous smattering of photos and brief anecdotes. You can thank me for wrapping it up later... :)
This is a picture of one of the statues on either side of the non-tourist entrance to the National Archives. Both Scott and I took pictures of this, as we see the importance of studying the past. Have you ever heard the quote (attributed to George Santayana, I believe) that "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it" ? That is true of the mistakes in the past, and knowing history also helps you greatly appreciate and understand who you are, what you believe, and why you believe it.We got to stand in line to see the documents from the founding of our nation at the National Archives. I know they take great pains to preserve and protect the originals, and yet I am so thankful for printing presses and facsimiles. You'll see what I mean when you compare the next three pictures: First, an original printed copy of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a facsimile of the original handwritten Declaration, followed finally by the actual original handwritten Declaration of Independence. Flash photos were prohibited, of course, on the first and third, but the middle picture was from the display outside of the protected area housing the originals.
p.s., we were assured that there was absolutely no way that there is a secret map on the backside of the original, a-la-National Treasure.
This is the Supreme Court building. We got a neat tour and description of the chambers and Court history. A pro-life group stood in silent peaceful protest on the left in this pic with their mouths taped to show that the unborn do not have a voice in matters of "choice."
Here is a view of the back of the Capitol from the entrance level of the new Capitol Visitor's Center. The Visitor's center is elegant and matches the rest of the Capitol well, in my opinion.
Closeup of the Capitol Rotunda Dome.
Little Monkey takes the Capitol a-la-King Kong.
(one of the texted pics we sent home to keep the kids involved)
Nancy Pelosi's office (for now)
The Capitol Dome from inside the Rotunda. Gorgeous. Also weighs 9 MILLION pounds. No. joke.
I'm sure our backgrounds have been thoroughly checked. We got to "tour" the White House (which is just a do-it-yourself walkthrough of a couple of rooms) and one of the Secret Service agents was certain that Scott looks just like one of their fellow agents.
Note. to. self. When taking a self-photo, remove the sunglasses to prevent your goofy arm from showing up on your lenses.
Scott should have access to this stairwell in the National Cathedral, shouldn't he?
Little Monkey takes the Capitol a-la-King Kong.(one of the texted pics we sent home to keep the kids involved)
Nancy Pelosi's office (for now)
The Capitol Dome from inside the Rotunda. Gorgeous. Also weighs 9 MILLION pounds. No. joke.
I'm sure our backgrounds have been thoroughly checked. We got to "tour" the White House (which is just a do-it-yourself walkthrough of a couple of rooms) and one of the Secret Service agents was certain that Scott looks just like one of their fellow agents.
Note. to. self. When taking a self-photo, remove the sunglasses to prevent your goofy arm from showing up on your lenses.
Scott should have access to this stairwell in the National Cathedral, shouldn't he?
The restaurant at the National Spy Museum. EXCELLENT Lobster Mac 'n Cheese as a side dish, btw.
Fancy Soda:Ginger Ale, Lime, Blueberry, and Mint.
Very refreshing. No alcohol, duh. Available at Zola's.
This is the church we visited for their Wednesday night service. It's the home of 9 Marks ministries -- a great resource for churches!
Sesame-encrusted somefishwe'dneverheardof&can'trememberserved fresh at the Oceanaire Seafood Room. Delish, even though I can't remember what it was.
Quite possibly the best burgers we've ever had. 3.6.9 miniburgers with gorgonzola cheese and onion straws from Matchbox in Chinatown.
D to the C, part "Kevin Bacon"
Yes, I said "part Kevin Bacon".
This is D to the C post 6, and it's all about the Six Degrees (or less) of Separation made popular by the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game, amongst other things.
For those of you who may be confused... It's the concept that we really do live in a small world, and if I'm connected by one degree to each person I know and two degrees away from each person who is known by one of the people I know, then I'm at most six steps away from any other person on Earth.
Why do I link that to our DC trip? This turned out to be a real Six Degrees of DC trip.
Well, we embarked on this trip with the intention to spend time with our friend, Nate. YEA!
(yikes. Pregnant picture)
We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Nate and his great parents. Thanks for the hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. S! Nate celebrates a birthday this Monday: Happy Birthday!!
This is D to the C post 6, and it's all about the Six Degrees (or less) of Separation made popular by the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game, amongst other things.
For those of you who may be confused... It's the concept that we really do live in a small world, and if I'm connected by one degree to each person I know and two degrees away from each person who is known by one of the people I know, then I'm at most six steps away from any other person on Earth.
Why do I link that to our DC trip? This turned out to be a real Six Degrees of DC trip.
Well, we embarked on this trip with the intention to spend time with our friend, Nate. YEA!
(yikes. Pregnant picture)We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Nate and his great parents. Thanks for the hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. S! Nate celebrates a birthday this Monday: Happy Birthday!!
My dad serves on the board of both a Farm-related bank and also on the National Cotton Council, and it just so happened that he was scheduled to have a semi-annual meeting in DC on our first couple of days there. He invited us and Nate to join him for dinner at a scrumptious and very cool 1930s style restaurant that evening.
Then, we found out that a friend from college (who serves in a covert branch of our military) is currently stationed there with his family, so we got the awesome opportunity to catch up with him in the Ice Cream parlor of the Museum of Natural History. It was great to see you Mark!
We ate lunch at a great little cafe one day, and because it was tiny (not because we were altogether nosey) we overheard some guys talking "church planting". Our ears perked up as we realized they were believers and actually on staff of a church we would be attending that evening. (...and I really enjoyed the plantains from the cafe... couldn't pass up mentioning that.)
We visited that neat church that Wednesday and chatted with some great guys whom we'd never met before: one knows a friend of ours who attends Southern Seminary, another went to our University, and a third lived in Springfield, MO about the same time we did.
Thursday of our trip, we scored some Gallery Passes to the Senate from one of our state's Senators. We went that morning (NOTHING was going on), and then again that evening in hopes of catching some Senate fireworks. The evening didn't disappoint, as we saw Senator Lieberman, and witnessed some incessant slick-talk from Sens. Dodd (CT) and Reid (NV) get interrupted parliamentarily by Senator McCain. Then, to top it all off, three cowboys (in hats) came into the gallery to observe, and would you believe that one of them was a guy who taught small group Sunday BibleStudy for us when we did College Ministry in Springfield? Jason was there as a representative for the Missouri Cattlemen's Association at a conference that just happened to be there that week. We hadn't talked to him in a couple of years, and ran into him in the Senate Gallery!?!
It truly was a small world on our trip!
We ate lunch at a great little cafe one day, and because it was tiny (not because we were altogether nosey) we overheard some guys talking "church planting". Our ears perked up as we realized they were believers and actually on staff of a church we would be attending that evening. (...and I really enjoyed the plantains from the cafe... couldn't pass up mentioning that.)
We visited that neat church that Wednesday and chatted with some great guys whom we'd never met before: one knows a friend of ours who attends Southern Seminary, another went to our University, and a third lived in Springfield, MO about the same time we did.
Thursday of our trip, we scored some Gallery Passes to the Senate from one of our state's Senators. We went that morning (NOTHING was going on), and then again that evening in hopes of catching some Senate fireworks. The evening didn't disappoint, as we saw Senator Lieberman, and witnessed some incessant slick-talk from Sens. Dodd (CT) and Reid (NV) get interrupted parliamentarily by Senator McCain. Then, to top it all off, three cowboys (in hats) came into the gallery to observe, and would you believe that one of them was a guy who taught small group Sunday BibleStudy for us when we did College Ministry in Springfield? Jason was there as a representative for the Missouri Cattlemen's Association at a conference that just happened to be there that week. We hadn't talked to him in a couple of years, and ran into him in the Senate Gallery!?!
It truly was a small world on our trip!
Ahhh. *pleasant sigh*
Ahem. I'd just like to start by saying I'm loving being a mom of 3. Seriously! Yes, there's a distinct lack of sleep (but not all that dissimilar from the last month of pregnancy), and it's an adjustment trying to effectively meet the needs of 3 kiddos instead of two, but I'm still loving it!
Now, at the risk of irritating those of you who are anxiously awaiting pictures of sweet Abby, I'm going to attempt to start catching up on the blog and at the same time appease the picture appetite. Can you handle the flashbacks and present-days together? :)
Here we go!
[Bear with me, since I'm trying to do this during Abby's naps that coincide with independent-play for Caleb and Anna. I can't promise that will be as consistent as I'd like, not to mention the crizazy amount of emails (over 100!) and Google Reader items (382!) I have yet to read/answer, and the loads of baby laundry]
Now, at the risk of irritating those of you who are anxiously awaiting pictures of sweet Abby, I'm going to attempt to start catching up on the blog and at the same time appease the picture appetite. Can you handle the flashbacks and present-days together? :)
Here we go!
[Bear with me, since I'm trying to do this during Abby's naps that coincide with independent-play for Caleb and Anna. I can't promise that will be as consistent as I'd like, not to mention the crizazy amount of emails (over 100!) and Google Reader items (382!) I have yet to read/answer, and the loads of baby laundry]
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