Ethan's cub scout holiday party:
Sloan's ballet practice/performance:
Angel Tree adoption party for our new friend, Moises:
In our p.j.'s and all aboard the Polar Express:
Belen Viviente de Arcos con amigos (live nativity with friends):
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas essay
There are so many stories and thoughts I'd like to share about what we've been doing this month but so little time to actually sit down and put it all on paper/blog. A picture's worth a thousand words, right? Well then, here's my visual essay of activities that have been keeping us in the Christmas spirit...
Ethan's cub scout holiday party:
Sloan's ballet practice/performance:
Angel Tree adoption party for our new friend, Moises:
In our p.j.'s and all aboard the Polar Express:
Belen Viviente de Arcos con amigos (live nativity with friends):
Ethan's cub scout holiday party:
Sloan's ballet practice/performance:
Angel Tree adoption party for our new friend, Moises:
In our p.j.'s and all aboard the Polar Express:
Belen Viviente de Arcos con amigos (live nativity with friends):
Friday, December 12, 2008
Let it snow
Sloan has been entertaining herself all week with indoor snowstorms. These are the first three flakes that started it all. Now there are snowflakes on almost every window and on various doors and walls throughout the house. I think it's even snowing over the fireplace. Of course Camryn and Ethan couldn't resist playing in the snow either so between the three of them, I've given up sweeping and vacuuming the snow flurries that are left behind each pair of sissors. Instead we just keep singing...
let it snow
let it snow
let it snowSaturday, December 6, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
multi-tasking Momma
Hey, when the baby needs nurishment and the girls need school lessons, what else is a Momma to do? Just do it all at once! (much to my girls dismay) Ha/ha/ha I even made Camryn get up to take a picture because I thought it was so funny and she thought I was so wierd. Who knew the kitchen table was just the right height for doing this?!Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving
Our feast:
Our prayer guide:
Our grateful hearts:
We have much to thank the Lord for this year. We've survived many changes since last November concerning our family, our home, our friends, our education, our careers and our activities. Last year at this time, it was difficult for me to count blessings. I was very broken from losing my baby in miscariage while moving away from the comforts and security of our home and country, living so far away from family and friends that it didn't seem possible to "ever" see them again, not having any of our familiar (and necessary) household items that make our house a real home, and having everything and everyone around us so foreign.
But! last year, on Thanksgiving day, our household shipment was finally delivered into our new Spanish home and we started to rebuild our lives and start making new memories and new traditions with our new resources. Since then, we've been blessed beyond measure with a baby to join our family. We've spent all year preparing and planning his arrival and are sitting here today with this beautiful and healthy addition. We were able to spend six weeks with family, between both of our parents, this summer. We were finally able to get set up with internet and Skype so now we are able to email, call and see many of our family and friends for little to no cost. We've been making new friends all year long. The military life constantly takes dear friendships away but always with the promise of new relationships on the horizon. With none of us having nearby family, freindships have proven to be more abundant and easier than usual. We are involved with a wonderful, encouraging, bible-focused, bilingual church family that we look forward to meeting with, each Sunday. The Lord has redirected us a little on a path of public and home education. It's been an emotional and challenging year with this issue but we have been blessed with seeing results we are very happy with at this point. Travis has flourished in his new position in the medical field. He is doing what he is very good at and truly making a positive difference in many peoples lives. I am so grateful that he continues to be able to support our growing family, especially in such uncertain economic times. We have no one else but our Heavenly Father to thank for all of this. He continues to see us through the hard times and to guide our lives. I am especially grateful to be able to see beyond our daily struggles and upsets to give Him our praise at this time of Thanksgiving.
Our prayer guide:Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Our crafts:
Our grateful hearts:We have much to thank the Lord for this year. We've survived many changes since last November concerning our family, our home, our friends, our education, our careers and our activities. Last year at this time, it was difficult for me to count blessings. I was very broken from losing my baby in miscariage while moving away from the comforts and security of our home and country, living so far away from family and friends that it didn't seem possible to "ever" see them again, not having any of our familiar (and necessary) household items that make our house a real home, and having everything and everyone around us so foreign.
But! last year, on Thanksgiving day, our household shipment was finally delivered into our new Spanish home and we started to rebuild our lives and start making new memories and new traditions with our new resources. Since then, we've been blessed beyond measure with a baby to join our family. We've spent all year preparing and planning his arrival and are sitting here today with this beautiful and healthy addition. We were able to spend six weeks with family, between both of our parents, this summer. We were finally able to get set up with internet and Skype so now we are able to email, call and see many of our family and friends for little to no cost. We've been making new friends all year long. The military life constantly takes dear friendships away but always with the promise of new relationships on the horizon. With none of us having nearby family, freindships have proven to be more abundant and easier than usual. We are involved with a wonderful, encouraging, bible-focused, bilingual church family that we look forward to meeting with, each Sunday. The Lord has redirected us a little on a path of public and home education. It's been an emotional and challenging year with this issue but we have been blessed with seeing results we are very happy with at this point. Travis has flourished in his new position in the medical field. He is doing what he is very good at and truly making a positive difference in many peoples lives. I am so grateful that he continues to be able to support our growing family, especially in such uncertain economic times. We have no one else but our Heavenly Father to thank for all of this. He continues to see us through the hard times and to guide our lives. I am especially grateful to be able to see beyond our daily struggles and upsets to give Him our praise at this time of Thanksgiving.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Medina Sedonia
This month, our Spanish adventure outing was a day spent in this quaint village of Medina Sedonia. It was also the last day with Grandma and Grandpa here. The views were awesome, the weather was pleasant, the food was good and the uphill hiking was a healthy start for my postpardom weight loss plan.
After hiking to the top of the hill, above the city, to explore the old castle ruins, we entered the Catholic cathederal and then climbed up about 100 steps, in a tiny spiral staircase, to this bell tower!
The views from the castle ruins went on for miles. This ancient city was very stratigically placed to keep the castle safe from the enemy forces.
The children had more fun watching the ants and other critters on the old stone walls. The restraunt where we ate lunch is seen right between thier heads. (the burgandy canopy area)
We were welcomed into the city by this headless Roman statue fountain.
Working our way up the city walls...
After hiking to the top of the hill, above the city, to explore the old castle ruins, we entered the Catholic cathederal and then climbed up about 100 steps, in a tiny spiral staircase, to this bell tower!
The views from the castle ruins went on for miles. This ancient city was very stratigically placed to keep the castle safe from the enemy forces.
The children had more fun watching the ants and other critters on the old stone walls. The restraunt where we ate lunch is seen right between thier heads. (the burgandy canopy area)We were welcomed into the city by this headless Roman statue fountain.
Working our way up the city walls...
Monday, October 27, 2008
While welcoming the baby...
We learned how to do embroidery work...
We listened to stories being read aloud...
We learned to play the Cats Cradle string game...
We jumped ahead with daily piano lessons...
We learned how to play Mexican Train and Chicken foot with our domineos...
We listened to stories being read aloud...
We learned to play the Cats Cradle string game...
We jumped ahead with daily piano lessons...
We learned how to play Mexican Train and Chicken foot with our domineos...
We made LOTS of cookies too...
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The Birth Party
We have a tradition that started with my first born and it has proven to be the perfect beginning and celebration as we've welcomed each baby into our home. We simply celebrate the baby's birth - day party with decorations, presents, cake and icecream. Grandma and Grandpa arrived less than 24 hours after Isaac and I were released from the hopsital so within just a few hours of them being here with us, we started the party.
Because Travis and Sloan had both celebrated thier birthdays the same week that Isaac was born, I spent one afternoon baking about 50 cupcakes to cover us for all three parties. Travis had the chocolate ones, Sloan had the lemon ones and there were both flavors left for Isaac's party to have some of each kind. We sang "Happy Birthday" to him but there were no candles to blow out since that part of the party he'll have to earn at his one year old party.
Isaac is #20 grandchild for my parents (and the 3rd one born in 2008) and my Mom has played a vital part in welcoming and helping in each of them. I don't think there is anything that would stop her from being involved with the beginning of each life. Not the Atlantic Ocean and not even a foriegn country! I'm still amazed that she came all this way to hand deliver her traditional, handquilted, one of a kind, baby blanket, to take over my laundry, house cleaning, meal planning, cooking and serving, and to entertain, play and teach my older children, etc., etc. She can definately run circles around me and my attempts to run a sucessful family. What a blessing for all of us! And I was doublely blessed with my Dad being here with us the whole time too. He did lots of house cleaning, yard work, errands and playing too. With all this work, they only wanted payment in the form of lots of snuggles and kisses with our new baby! Isaac was very well loved and held while they were here. They helped us so much during this transition and for that I am sooo grateful. It really means a lot to me to feel and see their love for me, my husband, my children and my tiny newborn baby. Thanks again Mom and Dad! We miss having you here with us!
Because Travis and Sloan had both celebrated thier birthdays the same week that Isaac was born, I spent one afternoon baking about 50 cupcakes to cover us for all three parties. Travis had the chocolate ones, Sloan had the lemon ones and there were both flavors left for Isaac's party to have some of each kind. We sang "Happy Birthday" to him but there were no candles to blow out since that part of the party he'll have to earn at his one year old party.
Isaac is #20 grandchild for my parents (and the 3rd one born in 2008) and my Mom has played a vital part in welcoming and helping in each of them. I don't think there is anything that would stop her from being involved with the beginning of each life. Not the Atlantic Ocean and not even a foriegn country! I'm still amazed that she came all this way to hand deliver her traditional, handquilted, one of a kind, baby blanket, to take over my laundry, house cleaning, meal planning, cooking and serving, and to entertain, play and teach my older children, etc., etc. She can definately run circles around me and my attempts to run a sucessful family. What a blessing for all of us! And I was doublely blessed with my Dad being here with us the whole time too. He did lots of house cleaning, yard work, errands and playing too. With all this work, they only wanted payment in the form of lots of snuggles and kisses with our new baby! Isaac was very well loved and held while they were here. They helped us so much during this transition and for that I am sooo grateful. It really means a lot to me to feel and see their love for me, my husband, my children and my tiny newborn baby. Thanks again Mom and Dad! We miss having you here with us!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Let's start from the beginning
This is what we were doing 4 weeks ago today. We are all so happy to welcome baby Isaac into our family. He completes us! Sunday, October 5, 2008
Introducing...
Isaac Garet PetersonSeptember 19, 2008
6 lbs 11 oz
19.5 inches
19.5 inches
a healthy and beautiful miracle
"It starts out like the flutter of a butterfly's wings...
and I think,
then I know,
it's you...
my precious, miraculous baby."
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Taking the Oath
Travis was promoted to Lieutenant last week! Congrats to him! We gathered with a small group in the hospital courtyard just outside his family practice office. He was so modest about having the attention given him but I'm glad he invited us to come and put on his new pin. I think he makes the officer uniform look great and I'm so proud of how he continues to serve our country through active duty service. Here's saluting my American hero.
Monday, September 8, 2008
He's transverse at 37+3
What does it mean when the doctor says the baby is in a transverse position?
By : Sophia Levis
Transverse position is a very serious presentation for your baby. When the baby is transverse, it means that your baby is laying across your tummy instead of the normal head down position. There are several causes for this transverse presentation. It is quite common where the womb is large and of poor tone, as in women who have had many babies, it also can occur in a similar situation where there is excessive birth fluid, or a multiple pregnancy...
A persisting transverse lie would typically necessitate a Cesarean section. Your physician may be able to attempt an external version to turn your baby into a more favorable position for birth. This procedure involves the physician moving the baby manually from the outside while using ultrasound to monitor the baby's movement. There is some risk in an external version, because it is possible that it could cause the placenta to detach from the wall of the uterus. However, this risk is fairly low, and an external version is most often successful and will help avoid a cesarean section.
Keep in mind that sometimes nothing will get a baby to turn, or a baby will be stubborn and turn back into the previous position after having turned head-down. For this reason, it is important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the possibility of a cesarean section. Women who are prepared ahead of time for the possibility of a medically necessary cesarean section report having a more positive birth experience than those who thought that "it wouldn't happen to me."
(...a transverse position occurs in 1 in 2,500 births.)
UPDATE: At 38+2 he has corrected his posititon (again) and is back in the vertex position. He's flipped back and forth over the last few weeks so I'm praying he'll stay this way for good now. We only need another week or so. :-)
By : Sophia Levis
Transverse position is a very serious presentation for your baby. When the baby is transverse, it means that your baby is laying across your tummy instead of the normal head down position. There are several causes for this transverse presentation. It is quite common where the womb is large and of poor tone, as in women who have had many babies, it also can occur in a similar situation where there is excessive birth fluid, or a multiple pregnancy...
A persisting transverse lie would typically necessitate a Cesarean section. Your physician may be able to attempt an external version to turn your baby into a more favorable position for birth. This procedure involves the physician moving the baby manually from the outside while using ultrasound to monitor the baby's movement. There is some risk in an external version, because it is possible that it could cause the placenta to detach from the wall of the uterus. However, this risk is fairly low, and an external version is most often successful and will help avoid a cesarean section.
Keep in mind that sometimes nothing will get a baby to turn, or a baby will be stubborn and turn back into the previous position after having turned head-down. For this reason, it is important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the possibility of a cesarean section. Women who are prepared ahead of time for the possibility of a medically necessary cesarean section report having a more positive birth experience than those who thought that "it wouldn't happen to me."
(...a transverse position occurs in 1 in 2,500 births.)
UPDATE: At 38+2 he has corrected his posititon (again) and is back in the vertex position. He's flipped back and forth over the last few weeks so I'm praying he'll stay this way for good now. We only need another week or so. :-)
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