My trendy girl

I love you guys

This might be a "you had to be there" moment but we laughed so hard at Stryker when he said this.

We were in the kitchen after eating dinner last night when Stryker asked for a hug sammich ("sandwich"). Logan & I rushed over to bear hug him at the same time squeezing him in the middle. Stryker smiled big & said "I love you guys"!

LakeLynn's new highchair

A big thank you to Coco for buying Lake a highchair. We have a portable one from Stryker but Coco thought it would be easier to have her enjoy being up high with us during mealtime. The best part is that the highchair is regularly $350. Yes, you read right. I could never justify to myself paying that much for a seat that she will outgrow. Ridiculous. Anyway, our favorite consignment store (Wee Peat) had it for $50. But after Coco received a generous gift from a member at work, she only paid $17!! Coco, you really know how to find the best deals. LakeLynn loves meal time now!

Glory Baby by Watermark

Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby...baby...
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby...baby...
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we're home with you...
Until we're home with you...

Miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there's a
day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You'll kiss our tears away
When we're home to stay
Can't wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you
'till mom and dad can hold you...
You'll just have heaven before we do
You'll just have heaven before we do

Sweet little babies, it's hard to
understand it 'cause we're hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we're stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-
That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would...
Just like He said He would...

I can't imagine heaven's lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it's all you'll ever know...all you'll ever know...

Saturday...

Saturday morning, Stryker helped me make waffles. He really loves to show his independence. Stryker & LakeLynn caught a quick nap after grocery shopping but before Ruby came for the afternoon. Aunt Barbara & Uncle Steve stopped by that night for some belated Christmas presents. They enjoyed seeing the kids open their gifts & surprised by how much each had grown in such a very short amount of time. Stryker was amazed at the sticker books & construction book with matching card game. LakeLynn scored a bunny hand blanket with her name monogrammed on it! Logan & I were not forgotten & received Aunt Barbara's famous crock pot candy! We greatly appreciate all the wonderful gifts & always the special time we get to spend with each other.

Bonding time

These 2 kids crack me up laughing at each other. I pray this special bond lasts forever.

Where does a hyper almost 3 year old sleep?

The bottom of the staircase of course!!

Poor little sick kids

LakeLynn had double ear infections. Stryker was diagnosed with strep throat. Both of them stayed remained tough the whole time. Stryker even received compliments from the pediatrician & nurses for being such a big boy during the examination.

Below:
LakeLynn resting in my arms
Stryker fell asleep playing

2013 Snow Days

Last Thursday, our babies were home from school that day. Around 11am, there was a mad dash at my work closing the clinic early due to icy conditions causing ambulances to struggle driving to the hospital. My director was trying to get everyone out as quick as possible. I had to walk extremely cautious across the parking lot due to ice starting to form on the ground. I drive ever so carefully behind an 18 wheeler all the way home. Finally safe at home with my babies, I waiting for Logan to arrive. There was a few inches of snow on the ground! Stryker & Logan enjoyed playing outside for a few hours while I kept LakeLynn inside due to her double ear infection. We just watched out the window. Poor baby girl didn't get to enjoy her first snow. Maybe next time which may be sooner than later (predicting small chance tomorrow). Logan made a pile of snow at the end of Stryker's slide for him to fall onto! He had a blast as you could imagine!

LakeLynn: 4 months

Our pretty girl is now 4 months old! She is growing & developing into a special girl already.

*sleeps through the night (~8pm-6am)
*voice definitely found!
*only cries when very hungry
*fighting sleep during the day just like her brother
*attends daycare with Stryker
*happy baby
*sleeps in swing at night (sorry little girl but that's changing tonight)
*takes 4 oz bottles every 4-6 hours during the day
*wears size 1 diapers
*3-6 month shirts
*3-6 month socks & shoes
*3 month pants
*likes bath time
*wants (more like demands) to be held & talked to
*experienced first ear infection (actually a double ear infection)
*takes medicine without any problem
*likes to ride in the stroller
*enjoys watching cartoons/baby television shows
*likes playing in bouncy seat/excersaucer
*holds head up longer on tummy time
*rolls easily from tummy to back
*enjoys playing with toys
*interacts with people
*still loves to cuddle
*still is mesmerized by Stryker

Coco took LakeLynn to her 4 month check up/ear follow up appointment this morning since Logan & I both had to work. Ear infections are cleared!! You received 2 shots which made you cry. Your thighs have been tender & you have been very sleepy (same effect as last time).

Latest stats:
weight = 11 lbs 8 oz (10-25th percentile)
length = 23.5 in (25th percentile)

Your next scheduled appointment is at 6 months. We love you so much & continued to be blessed to have you in our family.

Jam packed Saturday: part 1

Hotty Toddy!!!! That's right, our Rebels made it to the BBVA Compass Bowl here in Birmingham. Thanks to a thoughtful person, my mom & I received free tickets. We had amazing seats (30 yard line, 16 rows up)! The game brought me back to my childhood days when I would walk around The Grove, see my mom's sorority house, & then off to the stadium to watch the Rebels. Military skydivers dropped down for National Anthem. Colonel Rebel even made an appearance! My semi-alma mater's band, Homewood, played at the game. My mom & I stood the entire game saying our fight song, supporting our Dixie song, & yelling our way to the victory! Happy for Coach Freeze & proud of our Rebels. Welcome back to good football!! Hotty Toddy!!!!

Jam packed Saturday: part 2

I surprised Logan with a father/son trip to the BJCC Saturday night for the Monster Truck Show! I wish I could have seen his reaction but thankful Stryker can bond with his dad one-on-one. Stryker sat still in his own seat (by the way, they were only feet away from the action!) & ate almost a complete tub of popcorn. After the show ended, Stryker kept saying "more cars daddy, more please" as his little hands signed more. He fell asleep on the way home but told us all about the show when we woke up. He talked about the cars being big & loud, motorcycles going round & round, a Kuma  truck (white one like our white dog Kuma), Scooby Doo truck that chased bones, & much much more!

First day at Cullman Regional

After a nice long maternity leave (I did work several days though), I began my first day back at a new place of employment...Cullman Regional Medical Center. I was able to help Logan take both kids to school (LakeLynn's first time) that morning. Stryker enjoyed dropping the little girl off first. She was asleep in the car seat so it didn't phase her any. I figured Stryker might get upset since we were both dropping him off & he had not been in several days due to the holidays, but I was completely wrong. He ran to his classroom wanting to see his friends! I'm so glad the morning sent smoothly. Unfortunately, I had about a 40 min drive to work to think about my babies. I do have to admit that the second time around is somewhat easier than the first even though they were missed terribly. Logan was sweet enough to call the school several times throughout the day checking on both (mainly Lake) & then sending me texts to keep me informed. That was a big comfort. My day went great & everyone is easy to work with. At 2pm, my name was called overhead to come to the front desk. Uncertain of why I was paged, I quickly walked to the front desk. To my surprise, there was a flower arrangement! It was beautiful. The card said "Good Luck On Your First Day Back. Thank You for Everything. Love Logan, Stryker, and LakeLynn". Now, my hubs just topped it off! It seemed as though everyone was complimenting them. You did a great job Logan! The rest of the week I had a daily reminder of my loving family on my desk! Now, I am enjoying them at home! Thank you again Logan. It was extremely thoughtful & I'm not sure I deserve it.

2013: New Beginnings

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34

Happy New Year from our family to yours. May God bring each one of us closer to Him in the coming year. The above verses are my daily prayers. As I reflect on this past year, many heartaches come to mind but I am quickly reminded of God's hands in each trial. 2012 has included ups & downs for our family just like anyone else. Unfortunately, that is how life is but through our faith we have learned to trust in Him & know this trial is only temporary. Our year in review goes something like this (I'm sure I'll miss things)...

February:
•our little Stryker became a 2 year old with a Sesame Street party (the last one for him at our house)
March:
•Boone, NC ski trip with Logan's family (sick majority of trip because of pregnancy)
•long anticipated announcement of our pregnancy after our 2 miscarriages on the 19th (9 wks & 2 days)
April:
•Logan's 33rd birthday (glad I can keep you young, old man!)
•9th was the due date of our second child
•Easter celebration
May:
•front landscape project (thanks hubs)
•found out unexpectedly on the 12th we were having a precious baby girl
•Mother's Day celebration
•SEC baseball tourny
•Logan's dad decoration
June:
•halfway through pregnancy
•Oak Mtn State park adventure
•Lucy's birthday party
•Father's Day celebration
•Courtney's 29th birthday
July:
•Fourth of July
August:
•Summer Olympics (thankful for DVR & TV's at work!)
•baby shower from coworkers at Med West
September:
•taken off work due to pregnancy
•Grandparents' Day celebration
•baby shower from friends
•LakeLynn Koda Green's early arrival followed by a short NICU stay
•6 year wedding anniversary
October:
•Coco's birthday
•Halloween
•grandmother's birthday
November:
•resigned from Med West
•Thanksgiving
December:
•month long Christmas celebration
Throughout the year:
•special family time & memories made
•I actually began cooking the majority of the time to save money
•deep cleaned the house (with the help of Coco)
•Logan's career changes
•numerous counseling sessions & doctor appointments
•read the Bible completely through!

I apologize for the long list (rambling) but I wanted to hit the highlights. The list makes me realize how fortunate I am & to see how God has played out in our lives through trials & triumphs. This past Sunday our pastor spoke a little about making goals for the new year. I have never made new year's resolutions even though I am a very goal-oriented person who tends to always set my standard too high but ALWAYS bound & determined to reach them. I am going to ponder on a few goals & actually write them in a post this week. I plan on setting both spiritual & physical goals.

I am writing this blog on New Year's night on my phone in the dark while everyone sleeps. Tomorrow marks the end of my maternity leave & the beginning of my new job as a PT at Cullman Regional Medical Center. I am both excited & sad. Excited because I know this is where God has led me & my family but sad because I will be leaving behind what I was comfortable with (Med West job, house in Gardendale when it sells, etc). Thankfully, I will not have to change doctor or counselor because we won't be moving too far away. They have played such a huge role in our family's life this year & there would not be any way we could find other professionals that knows as much or trusted more. Logan will begin his new job at Expo Designs on Monday. LakeLynn will start daycare tomorrow at the same place as Stryker. Praying all this transition & the new year brings us closer to our Lord in everything He has planned for us.

What I want for my children

I don't want my children to be you I want them to be. I want them to be everything God has created them to be. God has better plans for them than I could ever imagine.