Welcome, Ellie!

Eleanor Rose Hobbs
"Ellie"
September 11, 2010 at 3:04 am
8 lbs., 2 oz., 21.25" long

I can't believe that it's taken over three months to announce Ellie's arrival on the blog, but I guess that just as the website once replaced real photos and phone calls, and the blog once replaced the website... Facebook has now usurped the blog. Ever-evolving. We like things quick and easy, right?

So it's a few months late, but I just can't make a Christmas post and overlook the biggest event of the year for us. I hope to bring Christmas photos to you soon, but in the meantime, here's the birth story:


We had been on edge for a month, since Bridger was a month early and the doctor told me it could be any day... for almost three weeks. Mainly, I was having tons of contractions and had about six nights when they got into strong, frequent, regular patterns for hours on end. If it were my first pregnancy I would have been in and out of the ER all those nights for false labor, but this being the third time, I just wasn't convinced it was the real deal and went to sleep, figuring I'd wake up if I needed to.



Finally Mom couldn't stand the suspense and arrived. After a few days of learning the routine, it was Friday and there were lots of strong contractions but still no baby. We were considering induction on Monday. I started jumping up and down about 20 times in a row when nobody was looking. Brooke had a "Fun Run" fundraiser at school, so we all went to cheer her on in the heat. That night after dinner, we walked to and home from Scoops, the new ice cream store (I had coconut). Kids went to bed, contractions kept coming.




By around 11:00 they were stong enough to really get my attention, but I still wasn't sure. We arrived at the hospital shortly after midnight. I was checked around 1 and was already 6 cm dilated! I saw no reason to go through the experience I'd had first time around, got the epidural, and our sweet baby arrived after 2 pushes at 3:04 am! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! It was fun and made for 3 fast, esy deliveries for me (thank you, God!). When Dr. Garcia held her up to Brad for him to announce whether we have a boy or girl, he was actually speechless for a moment! I'd suspected the whole time I had another daughter, despite the wives tales predicting a boy (baby's size, heartrate, and carrying very low). How'd I know? The pregnancy just felt like Brooke's, especially with the same endorphin rush I got from sugar.




She is such a sweet, calm baby. One precious moment was right after she was born, I laid my hand on her tummy to give her skin-to-skin contact right away and talked to her and she immediately calmed. During the first two months I only heard her cry a few times; she'd squawk when she was hungry or tired, but no crying!

The big kids are fantastic with Ellie and fight over who sits next to her in the minivan. The cuddle, coo, and sing to her. Whenever I pick Bridger up from preschool, Bridger squeals, "Elllllliiieee!!!" and runs to kiss her. When Gran told him she was a girl, though, his response was, "No. A boy. I wanted a boy." I think his misunderstood when so many people asked him which he wanted... he thought he could pick! I didn't hear any more about it until this past week when he remembered that he had picked a boy and was confused (and a little sulky) because "Brooke got to pick." I tried to explain that God picks and Brooke just wanted a girl and happened to have a lucky guess. Both kids want lots more babies, which is fine by me... start working on Daddy!


We SO appreciate all of the visits, thoughts, cards, meals, gifts, and well-wishes. Mom, Dad, Pat, and Katie and her family have blessed us through visits. Scott and Nancy were a tremendous help watching the older kids, especially toward the end of the pregnancy and in those first few weeks. They also came to our rescue when I was sick in October, and again when Bridger was ill this month. Nancy Messano was on call for the labor night shift for weeks and spent the night with the older kids whe Ellie arrived, so that grandparents could go to the hospital with us. My good friends Kristin Kelley and Allison Malemezian have been especially good to me, hosting a welcome baby shower and being on call to help out with rides and play dates for Bridger. Karen Snell organized meals. Brad has been super-Dad through it all, helping in whatever ways he can.

Here are some highlights from the Dickses' visit:








It's been a rich few months. Tiring (exhausting, really), but so rewarding. I'm so happy that she's here. We always hoped that we'd have at least two kids, and I wanted a minimum of three. Maybe I'm extra grateful this time around because I wondered for so long if I'd even have a third baby. Watching our cousins lose 2 precious baby boys to SMA has shot my appreciation of our babies through the roof; I think of Jacobsen and Hodges every day and am a better mom because of them. I trust that God has beautiful plans for both our family and theirs. My heart breaks for the pain the Manrosses have experienced, yet I'm grateful that He is trustworthy to provide each of us strength, grace, peace, hope, and love -- even in the midst of sorrow and no matter what may come. Their story isn't over; I'm hopeful for their family and their future. In the meantime, I pray for them and love my children more and better because of them.




May we each take advantage of every day, prayerfully asking God to show us to what we are called, walking humbly in His Spirit.

Crazy? Our FL Trip!

Last week, Brad and I decided to take a last-minute trip. To Florida. Camping -- with the kids! Why? To view a two-minute event that could very likely not even take place, of course!

As you probably know, NASA is retiring the space shuttles and the future of American launches is uncertain. Brad has frequented Cocoa Beach for 18 months now on business. On several trips, he's missed viewing a shuttle launch due to rescheduling. We've been hoping for some time that we could combine a family vacation with one of his trips and happen to catch a launch. The time drew near and Brad couldn't honestly justify the trip with his work schedule. The two final shuttle launches are scheduled for September and November... hello, baby. We knew it was most likely this one or none.

Should we go? Really? 9 hours of driving with 2 preschoolers, 2 days off from work, when I'm pregnant, not to mention the expense.... for a 2-minute event?

There wasn't too much room for debate in my mind. I was ready to go. Why? Was too much blood going to the baby and not my brain?



Why? It was pretty clear to me. Mostly because I want to be that kind of person. The kind who sees a worthwhile opportunity and goes for it. A woman who will choose a great memory over some discomfort and inconvenience. A mom who values family time and finds joy in a little adventure, despite a few obstacles. I want to be a yes-we-can woman. Thankfully, I'm also married to that kind of man! ;)

So we watched the launch schedule and the weather forecast, crossed our fingers, and on Wednesday decided it was a go to leave the following morning. Yes, we drove 22 hours in 4 days. So we didn't sleep so well during three nights of camping, but it was fun and also the smart choice in the wake of purchasing our new minivan (for which we are very grateful!). Yes, it was a lot of work and energy. But boy, it sure was fun! We did it as a team, carving great family memories that never would have happened had I chosen the easy way out.

The campsite was peaceful, on the edge of a pretty little canal, near a lake. We chose to view the launch from Cape Canaveral Beach, where we had a ball playing in the ocean and sand. What a great way to view the launch, spending a pleasant, breezy day on a sunny beach!







The shuttle launch was really neat to see and we could hear it miles away. Bridger cried afterward because he wanted to go up, too!







I savored a dinner of crab-stuffed flounder that night, finally getting my own taste of the fresh seafood of which I've envied Brad during his business trips. During that dinner, we filled the kids in on Saturday's plan: Disney World.

I had only been to Disney World once, when I was 4. When I was younger, I'd complained of this injustice when everyone else I knew (including my sisters) had gone at least several times. As a paying adult, though, I'd become much more content with the deprivation. Honestly, I'm not a huge Disney fan. I could take or leave Mickey Mouse (sorry, Nancy!). I don't hold much against it, really, other than having characters splashed all over anything that can be remotely marketed towards kids and scary, overly-intense moments inappropriate for little kids in nearly every movie. On the flip side, I'm not anti-Disney. As memory serves, I did really love their Robin Hood.

So when Brad pitched the idea of taking the kids for a day (after all, we'd be right there), I flinched a little at the price, appreciated that Bridger can still get in free for 4 more months, and trusted him that we'd all have a great time and the kids would really love it. And we did.


(Note Brooke's little head peeking over as she "drives"!)

The kids had never been to an amusement park before (I think we might be setting their standards a little high by starting with the big DW!). We started early after a good breakfast, rented a double stroller, stuck to our priority list and took many snack/water breaks, interspersing the day with air conditioned rides, shows, and restaurants. We were there 10 hours(!), with no naps, and everyone stayed happy the whole day. Success!



The kids' favorites were It's a Small World, the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, the Jungle Cruise, and the one souvenir they each picked at the end of the day: spray bottles with battery-powered fans built in. Despite heavy crowds and sore feet, I really savored a fun day together as a family. It was a really special day.



Sunday morning, we broke camp, packed up, and made it home around dinnertime, a little road weary. It was a huge trip... and we did it!!! Pregnant, with little kids -- and had fun almost the whole time. A huge plus: Brad and I went the entire trip without getting snippy once. Now there's an accomplishment for you!

Happy summer! Let the good times roll!

Good tricks

I've often heard that I need to record the cute stuff that the kids are saying and doing. Here it is!

Bridger loves showing off tricks. Many times a day, I hear "Idea, Mommy!" or "Look, Mommy, look. Good trick!" His favorite involves a tape measure with a friendly recoil. Over and over again he says, "Look at my good trick, Mommy!" (He presses the button; the tape recoils.) "Click!" (Cocks head.) "Isn't that cool?"

Lately, he simultaneously proved his dexterity and the worth of our childproof locks:



The same night, Brooke heard Bridger singing his ABCs and of course, wanted to show what a good job she could do, too. Brad half-jokingly said, "That's great, Brooke. Now do it backwards." She did! We had her do it a second time for the camera:



By the way, here are some of her recent cute 5-year old sayings:

"Meteor" accidentally became "meateater."

"How do you like Bridger's mush-mash?" (He had an applesauce mustache, which was pretty mushy.)

"You have to use lots of different foods to make oatmeal. That's why it's oatmeal." (I make fantastic "Mommy's Oats," by the way.)

Brooke and I had a two-hour pony bathing party, washing their "brains" and tails.

"The snake is asleep now, Mommy. It's nighturnal."

And although this may be TMI, Bridger's label for his you-know-what is his "tail."

We just finished a wonderful visit with Mom (Gran), who was able to visit for five days. Unemployment has its perks, huh? The kids absolutely loved having her here. They continually asked her to read them stories and push them on the swings, to which she sweetly obliged.



Fun dying eggs at Nancy's house:


A neat highlight was their introduction to her flute last night. They were delighted and requested song after song. She played lots of kids songs and several hymns that they know and love (Beautiful Savior, Holy, Holy, Holy, Christ the Lord is Risen Today). Wild dancing and scooter riding quickly ensued.

When she started the hymns (which are lullabies around here), Bridger decided it was time for bed, got his lovies (Baba and Oof Oof), and made a bed on the carpet. He was quite disgusted when we told him he still had to go to his real bed.



Although these pictures are from last summer, it seems fitting to include them. Cousin Robyn was kind enough to introduce her bassoon to us. She played pretty music, but even more impressive, she made funny squeal-y sounds and blew up a glove on the end!



Last night we took the kids to their first Hibachi restaurant, which they loved. Even though Brooke was scared of the fire, she said it was her new favorite restaurant. Of course, the kiddie chopsticks (spring-loaded) with the pink umbrella was a bit hit. In another funny word mix-up, she called them "chapsticks!" Bridger decided his was an airplane. His didn't make it home, and Brooke's met their demise thanks to him this morning. I promised that if we go back we'll ask for another pink one.



Finally, this morning, we went to see my good friend and mentor from church, Alison Ibsen. Alison is a neat lady; she and I meet a couple times a month to talk, pray, and ride horses (although we're doing ground work this year due to my pregnancy). We had a great time introducing Mom and visiting with her horses, particularly Scotty, who is really an overgrown Labrador Retriever incognito. We groomed him and the kids even got to sit on him! Brooke seemed very comfortable up there. Bridger held very tightly onto Brooke!



Alas, the good visit had to end. Bye bye Gran:

Poor Bridger was very disappointed when he woke up from his nap: after playing in the back yard, he very excitedly yelled "I go find Gran!" and ran to the front yard to find her car, which was sadly heading north to KY. (Fortunately, I was able to console him with the promise of going to Grandmother's house down in MacDonough tomorrow! Let the grandparenting fun continue!)

He is Risen!

Easter is my favorite holiday. The day of the resurrection is in my opinion the most important day of all human history up to this point. (I say that because the story isn't over yet!) I believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ. If it were not for that, everything I have based my life on would be foolish. Ridiculous. To be laughed at and pitied. If it were not for the resurrection, Jesus would be a liar or a lunatic, but certainly not Lord or even a good man or a good teacher (credit to C.S. Lewis for that sentiment). However, I have been convinced on intellectual, emotional, and personal levels that Jesus' resurrection is a historic fact that proves that everything He said and did was trustworthy and true, and thus worthy of being the Lord of my life. And so, Easter is the biggest celebration of the year in my heart.

BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) deserves a huge thank you for preparing the kids and me to celebrate Jesus' victory, through its in-depth study of John this year.



It was a neat day with the kids, too. They had a fun time at church and with family. We've dyed and hunted eggs, baked special foods, dressed up, and enjoyed the Easter story with the Resurrection eggs -- Brooke even told the story herself. Of course, lunch with family at Scott and Nancy's house was wonderful. Easter was extra special this year because Gran (Mom) is here for the celebration.

Here are a few pictures. Brooke's dress is one from Mom's generation.

Here's a cute series of shots that shows how animated Bridger is these days:







Brooke was an egg-gathering machine!



A (rare) quiet moment on the patio swing:



On a more somber note, we learned today that my Uncle Joe (Dad's brother) passed away this weekend. I am happy to think of him reunited with Mother Dot and Granddad. In a way it's a good touch on the day, thinking of the eternal life that is available to us through Jesus' redemption. There is hope and celebration. Where, O death, is your sting? I don't fear you any more.

Happy Easter, everyone. Much love to you.