Thursday, February 28, 2013
Swaddling
We talk about swaddling the babies a lot it seems these days. The doctors are even suggesting it as helpful to new parents again. Remember, they laid Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in the manger? It seems it has been around for a long long time...
might as well try it!
WORDS
There is beauty in the silence.
As the Lord holds us all in the gracefulness of an afternoon with our babies.
Momma Jeans
We all arrive at the pot belly pig parking lot at EP Center about 11:00.
Lindsey takes out her stroller from the trunk and sets it up. Setting her little precious cargo on the wheels and away we go. The 5 of us.
Getting settled into what looks like a nice private spot, Lindsey and Lacey go get their food and I sit with Nola Jean and her treasures, and Cassie Grace is sleeping on her new wheels. I peek at her under her blanket. The opening is oval and her little face is a perfect oval. It looks as though someone shrank wrapped Josh and put him in a little purple outfit. The resemblance is striking and yet I can see Lindsey, I can hear memories of her when she was a baby. Nola Jean takes a little peak with me, we don't want to wake her. Only a new mom knows, you don't want them crying in public - it feels so lonesome. We talk about this together. It seems a lot of the conversation is about a newborn baby's cry. You sometimes just don't know what to do. Listening to advise from all you take what you need to make your little girl happy. We talk about, pacifiers, thumb sucking, baby shots, chiropractors, husbands and life as we eat wonderful margarita chicken salad. I love these moments. I tell the girls I feel a little different at times, the kind of gramma I am as compared to gramma Doris. I always figured I would be like her... she is so wonderful at it. It is not a sadness, or jealousy...
but, it is different.
My babies all live farther away from me. Gramma Doris was right in our town, helping me with everything. Her advise was gold to me. I trusted in just about everything she said. I felt like she knew all there is to know about my babies, and she did.
As we all gather our stuff to walk down to target...
Lacey with Nola Jean in her stroller.
Lindsey with Cassie Grace in her stroller.
They look at each other, and Lacey says "there is something very sentimental about this moment".
Time stood still as we all walked and took in those words.
I realize this is different also. My girls have each other...
they are sisters. And even though Emily isn't here at this moment you can feel her spirit, she went through everything first...
even in school she worried about her reputation with the teachers and others. She knew it would follow down to her sisters.
We continue to walk and Lacey says "I feel so frumpy with these momma jeans on"
And we all laugh...
5 people, 2 strollers, a new baby, new momma, a great gramma with great wisdom , a sister with a leading spirit, memories, a two year old and momma jeans...
what more can you ask for?
Today (March 1st, 2013) Lindsey sent me a TXT.... yes, I can TXT!!
"Read your blogs you are a great grandma and do plenty for us all. Just like grandma did for you!! You are always helping out and answering our questions... You are the best!!!!"
And so as hard of a time as I have with all this tecnology I am happy to have this new kind of communication when we can't "be" together, we still can "be" together.
Lindsey takes out her stroller from the trunk and sets it up. Setting her little precious cargo on the wheels and away we go. The 5 of us.
Getting settled into what looks like a nice private spot, Lindsey and Lacey go get their food and I sit with Nola Jean and her treasures, and Cassie Grace is sleeping on her new wheels. I peek at her under her blanket. The opening is oval and her little face is a perfect oval. It looks as though someone shrank wrapped Josh and put him in a little purple outfit. The resemblance is striking and yet I can see Lindsey, I can hear memories of her when she was a baby. Nola Jean takes a little peak with me, we don't want to wake her. Only a new mom knows, you don't want them crying in public - it feels so lonesome. We talk about this together. It seems a lot of the conversation is about a newborn baby's cry. You sometimes just don't know what to do. Listening to advise from all you take what you need to make your little girl happy. We talk about, pacifiers, thumb sucking, baby shots, chiropractors, husbands and life as we eat wonderful margarita chicken salad. I love these moments. I tell the girls I feel a little different at times, the kind of gramma I am as compared to gramma Doris. I always figured I would be like her... she is so wonderful at it. It is not a sadness, or jealousy...
but, it is different.
My babies all live farther away from me. Gramma Doris was right in our town, helping me with everything. Her advise was gold to me. I trusted in just about everything she said. I felt like she knew all there is to know about my babies, and she did.
As we all gather our stuff to walk down to target...
Lacey with Nola Jean in her stroller.
Lindsey with Cassie Grace in her stroller.
They look at each other, and Lacey says "there is something very sentimental about this moment".
Time stood still as we all walked and took in those words.
I realize this is different also. My girls have each other...
they are sisters. And even though Emily isn't here at this moment you can feel her spirit, she went through everything first...
even in school she worried about her reputation with the teachers and others. She knew it would follow down to her sisters.
We continue to walk and Lacey says "I feel so frumpy with these momma jeans on"
And we all laugh...
5 people, 2 strollers, a new baby, new momma, a great gramma with great wisdom , a sister with a leading spirit, memories, a two year old and momma jeans...
Today (March 1st, 2013) Lindsey sent me a TXT.... yes, I can TXT!!
"Read your blogs you are a great grandma and do plenty for us all. Just like grandma did for you!! You are always helping out and answering our questions... You are the best!!!!"
And so as hard of a time as I have with all this tecnology I am happy to have this new kind of communication when we can't "be" together, we still can "be" together.
Memails for daddy
Lindsey called on Wednesday. It seems she would like to meet with us at the Eden Prairie Mall. It seems to be a good meeting place - about 1/2 way for each of us and momma is able to drive it with no problems. So we make the plan to meet at 11:00, parking by the "Pot Belly Pig".
Today is Thursday and when I woke up to Nola's little voice I was feeling very tired - I just hadn't slept that well. There appears to be no reason for not sleeping, when you are 52 it just happens at times. As I rolled from the white blanket that I use as a pillow (I like the texture of it), Nola hops up in the high bed with me, and "twirdy" is not far behind. I ask her "will you share "twirdy" with me"...
with a little bit of hesitation she searches for "her corner" and then hands me the other side.
Some people may wonder what is "her corner"?
Remember the day when we used to say "it's my little corner of the world" referring to our home, or a special space with in the home.
Well, it is the same with "twirdy", he has a corner that is more worn than the others, it is "Nola's corner", and it is not shared with gramma's, momma's or anyone for that matter. It is her corner of the world. She smells it, bites on it, and rubs it gently under her nose and on her cheeks... it is quite soothing for her. So, who am I to say anything about it? After all I have a favorite blanket also!
When we get up to have breakfast and face the day with all that is ahead of us she tells me that" today we are going to Summer to visit baby Asrandra." Indeed we are going to meet Lindsey and Cassie - I write it down the name Asrandra - I don't want to forget it. She says it with such precision, this girl knows what she is talking about. I call for her saying "little Ms. Bugdal... oh little Ms. Bugdal". She quickly informs me "hey, I'm not Ms. Bugdal, my name is Nola Jean Bugdal... remember?" I admit it to myself - I love it when she informs me of her name, and I do sometimes try to think of something to call her so she will correct me.
After breakfast we sit down in the living room to catch a little "Curious George" while momma loads up the car to head to Summer and then home. Nola Jean sits on my lap with her multipurpose pocket calendar. First she says, "Gramma, I will read you a story" The calendar opens to August, the first words she reads are "Once upon a time" . It appears she isn't sure the rest of the story as "Once upon a time" is repeated over and over as she reads me her story. After our once upon a time is over, she tells herself (loud enough for me to her), "I am going to write a memail to my daddy, gramma do you have a pen for me?"
Well, I get her a pen, try not to do anything to upset this moment, she takes it gently from my hand and proceeds to write memails to daddy. As I watch her silently, she appears to be in deep thought...
she is not sure how to spell the words that she wants to tell him, but a gramma knows that what she is writing is so important. If she could I believe she would write...
Thank-you daddy for life.
Thank-you for providing for mommy and I by working hard.
Thank-you daddy for my twirdy, and my round face, for your hand that is bigger than mine, for safety and warmth in your caring. Thanks for showing me how to dance, for wearing capes with me and helping me to grow and learn. I am your hope for the future, and you are mine.
I love you daddy.
Today is Thursday and when I woke up to Nola's little voice I was feeling very tired - I just hadn't slept that well. There appears to be no reason for not sleeping, when you are 52 it just happens at times. As I rolled from the white blanket that I use as a pillow (I like the texture of it), Nola hops up in the high bed with me, and "twirdy" is not far behind. I ask her "will you share "twirdy" with me"...
with a little bit of hesitation she searches for "her corner" and then hands me the other side.
Some people may wonder what is "her corner"?
Remember the day when we used to say "it's my little corner of the world" referring to our home, or a special space with in the home.
Well, it is the same with "twirdy", he has a corner that is more worn than the others, it is "Nola's corner", and it is not shared with gramma's, momma's or anyone for that matter. It is her corner of the world. She smells it, bites on it, and rubs it gently under her nose and on her cheeks... it is quite soothing for her. So, who am I to say anything about it? After all I have a favorite blanket also!
When we get up to have breakfast and face the day with all that is ahead of us she tells me that" today we are going to Summer to visit baby Asrandra." Indeed we are going to meet Lindsey and Cassie - I write it down the name Asrandra - I don't want to forget it. She says it with such precision, this girl knows what she is talking about. I call for her saying "little Ms. Bugdal... oh little Ms. Bugdal". She quickly informs me "hey, I'm not Ms. Bugdal, my name is Nola Jean Bugdal... remember?" I admit it to myself - I love it when she informs me of her name, and I do sometimes try to think of something to call her so she will correct me.
After breakfast we sit down in the living room to catch a little "Curious George" while momma loads up the car to head to Summer and then home. Nola Jean sits on my lap with her multipurpose pocket calendar. First she says, "Gramma, I will read you a story" The calendar opens to August, the first words she reads are "Once upon a time" . It appears she isn't sure the rest of the story as "Once upon a time" is repeated over and over as she reads me her story. After our once upon a time is over, she tells herself (loud enough for me to her), "I am going to write a memail to my daddy, gramma do you have a pen for me?"
Well, I get her a pen, try not to do anything to upset this moment, she takes it gently from my hand and proceeds to write memails to daddy. As I watch her silently, she appears to be in deep thought...
she is not sure how to spell the words that she wants to tell him, but a gramma knows that what she is writing is so important. If she could I believe she would write...
Thank-you daddy for life.
Thank-you for providing for mommy and I by working hard.
Thank-you daddy for my twirdy, and my round face, for your hand that is bigger than mine, for safety and warmth in your caring. Thanks for showing me how to dance, for wearing capes with me and helping me to grow and learn. I am your hope for the future, and you are mine.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Summer fun lullaby
As the winter creeps in on our summer sand I can look back and see the path that has been laid out before us...
We shared in family summer fun
Sisters, brothers, moms and dads
Much of it was in the afternoon sun
There were moments to capture memories to be had
Grandma's and papa's came along too
They filled their pockets with visions of the day
So much to choose from... what should we do?
Slow down work it is time to play
Take your brother by the hand
Let's swim in the water, run through the yard
Run through the grass, walk over the sand
If you want to build life skills it really isn't hard
Just live the life you have been given, follow the path, He's already there
Hold your babies close to your heart
You never have to question where
He has had you right from the start
So as winter sets in remember this my love
You are given time here on this earth
He leads you from places far above
He has known your name sense before your birth.
The miracle of family fills the trees with white frost
Builds memories of water on a hot summer day, smooth sand between your toes
Of your time there is no cost
So slow down seasons where did time go?
Believe in the prints in the sand
That He leads you through all things good and bad.
He will always have you close, He'll be holding your hand.
In times of great joy and times when you are sad.
Each season offers its time for your soul to heal and grow
As memories fill and shape your mind to follow His lead
The rivers of life, even in the winter will flow
Just take the time to nourish and plant each seed.
So hush little baby don't you cry...
The Lord is singing us a lullaby.
This poem was written for a set of pictures that Emily gave me from their summer. I will add them as I figure out how to do that!! Wanted to get this out there so I don't forget.
We shared in family summer fun
Sisters, brothers, moms and dads
Much of it was in the afternoon sun
There were moments to capture memories to be had
Grandma's and papa's came along too
They filled their pockets with visions of the day
So much to choose from... what should we do?
Slow down work it is time to play
Take your brother by the hand
Let's swim in the water, run through the yard
Run through the grass, walk over the sand
If you want to build life skills it really isn't hard
Just live the life you have been given, follow the path, He's already there
Hold your babies close to your heart
You never have to question where
He has had you right from the start
So as winter sets in remember this my love
You are given time here on this earth
He leads you from places far above
He has known your name sense before your birth.
The miracle of family fills the trees with white frost
Builds memories of water on a hot summer day, smooth sand between your toes
Of your time there is no cost
So slow down seasons where did time go?
Believe in the prints in the sand
That He leads you through all things good and bad.
He will always have you close, He'll be holding your hand.
In times of great joy and times when you are sad.
Each season offers its time for your soul to heal and grow
As memories fill and shape your mind to follow His lead
The rivers of life, even in the winter will flow
Just take the time to nourish and plant each seed.
So hush little baby don't you cry...
The Lord is singing us a lullaby.
This poem was written for a set of pictures that Emily gave me from their summer. I will add them as I figure out how to do that!! Wanted to get this out there so I don't forget.
JaciAnna turns 9
Our first born grand baby turned nine on February 10, 2013.
I can not believe it myself... it seems like yesterday I held her little body at 1:30am and looked into her wide awake baby eyes. She had just come out into the world and we all got to meet her. There have been 9 years now of parties, pictures, little notes, letters, tea parties, school programs, church programs, visits, walks, parks...
most of all... 9 years of love. A love you can't explain.
I wouldn't have understood it if someone had told me what it is like...
If I knew for sure what Heaven involved I think I would know exactly what I have been given here on earth.
The chance to be a part of their life.
The chance to pray for these children of mine and to Bless their lives each day as I wake up.
So she celebrates...
She so loves a birthday party and talks about hers most of the year.
Her momma and daddy make sure to do hers up big as it is so important to her.
She has a neighborhood party at her house and they celebrate in the basement newly decorated for the Foley falcons (her school athletic name).
They go to Chuck E Cheese together...
For the big party they all go to the skating ring. She skates like a princess as her long graceful legs carry her around the circle. The music plays in the background as they all make memories.
Lord, I pray these memories will get her through the bad times.
That she will always know the love that is there for her to reach out and hold on to.
I pray she will know her gramma's love and the love of her whole family and that she will go in to this 9th year of life with a touch of angle dust on her wings. That You will guide her steps always, as you mold her into the life she will live for You.
I can not believe it myself... it seems like yesterday I held her little body at 1:30am and looked into her wide awake baby eyes. She had just come out into the world and we all got to meet her. There have been 9 years now of parties, pictures, little notes, letters, tea parties, school programs, church programs, visits, walks, parks...
most of all... 9 years of love. A love you can't explain.
I wouldn't have understood it if someone had told me what it is like...
If I knew for sure what Heaven involved I think I would know exactly what I have been given here on earth.
The chance to be a part of their life.
The chance to pray for these children of mine and to Bless their lives each day as I wake up.
So she celebrates...
She so loves a birthday party and talks about hers most of the year.
Her momma and daddy make sure to do hers up big as it is so important to her.
She has a neighborhood party at her house and they celebrate in the basement newly decorated for the Foley falcons (her school athletic name).
They go to Chuck E Cheese together...
 |
| JaciAnna turns 9 ! |
 |
| neighborhood party at the Harrens house for JCAnna's number 9! |
Lord, I pray these memories will get her through the bad times.
That she will always know the love that is there for her to reach out and hold on to.
 |
| Skating party for JCAnna where Conner cracked his elbow! |
 |
| JaciAnna at Chuck E Cheese celebrating 9 years |
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The visit
Sometimes...
your kids grow up and leave your home town, even if you didn't.
They move to towns you don't like to drive in - nice towns...
bigger than Arlington.
The towns have roads that go both ways, but thank-goodness sense they are younger than I...
they are willing to come for visits.
On Saturday February 16th our little Linney bear packed up her little Cassie Grace and they hopped in their car taking the 169 over pass to 212 to hiway 5 getting to Arlington right after they drove through Green-Isle.
Oh Happy Day!
We have our little Nola Jean here already as her mommy and daddy celebrate life without her for the week-end...
our house is filled with a child hood warmth and I bless this space, asking Jesus to send His presence and the angels to fill our house from wall to wall.
On Saturday Lindsey and Cassie arrive while Nola is taking a nap. We all just get to sit and talk and then grams has supper ready so we head on down there for some sour cream enchilada's (Lindsey's favorite). Lindsey and Cassie stay at Gramma D's and then we meet on Sunday at church. Yes, I get Nola Jean ready in her little pink stripped dress and tights and she stays with Lila in the nursery while I practice with praise team... that is another story however, I did learn that Nola Jean needs me even when she is in the nursery playing toys!
Gramma D, Lindsey and Cassie meet us at 11:00 and when I come into church Pastor Wayne has Cassie up in the front of church in her little purple outfit and blanket. She is perfectly quiet as he prays for her and lifts her up towards the cross. There was no camera... just our minds eyes to forever remember that moment as Cassie was held in front of all the church members - her life in Christ beginning months ago was now made public. Thank-you Pastor Wayne for always doing this for the babies... it means so much!!
After church we come to our house. Gramma D goes to play bingo with Lucy. First Missy and Hayden stopped by to see the baby. Hayden and Nola had a picnic which was cut short because of schedules that had to be met... next time... in the summer we will finish our picnic.
After this I give Robin a call and tell her to stop over. Robin comes over and is holding baby Cassie as Brittany, Dylan and Jack stop by. Then Al comes over and we now have Lacey and K here too. It seems like a whole house full of happiness - we order some pizza and before we know it...
it is time for everyone to leave this Blessed time together - time to go our separate ways.
But I can't help but to remember my childhood of visiting places...
my children visiting places and having company.
I have read that everybody is a story. When we were young and our families were young we used to sit around the kitchen table and talk. It seems that doesn't happen a whole lot anymore...
but this visit was a step back in time.
I realized this is how our wisdom gets passed on. The stuff that helps us to live a life worth remembering. Despite all the awesome powers of technology (that drives me absolutely mad)...
I think we need to see each others faces and hear our voices as we tell our stories over and over again.
Most often it seems our stories take time...
did we stop telling our stories when we started running short on time?
So busy running around doing everything there is to do.
Thank you God that this visit we did not let life rush us along...
We stopped
reflected on our love for each other...
paused for the moment...
and now we just wait for another visit!
your kids grow up and leave your home town, even if you didn't.
They move to towns you don't like to drive in - nice towns...
bigger than Arlington.
The towns have roads that go both ways, but thank-goodness sense they are younger than I...
they are willing to come for visits.
On Saturday February 16th our little Linney bear packed up her little Cassie Grace and they hopped in their car taking the 169 over pass to 212 to hiway 5 getting to Arlington right after they drove through Green-Isle.
Oh Happy Day!
We have our little Nola Jean here already as her mommy and daddy celebrate life without her for the week-end...
On Saturday Lindsey and Cassie arrive while Nola is taking a nap. We all just get to sit and talk and then grams has supper ready so we head on down there for some sour cream enchilada's (Lindsey's favorite). Lindsey and Cassie stay at Gramma D's and then we meet on Sunday at church. Yes, I get Nola Jean ready in her little pink stripped dress and tights and she stays with Lila in the nursery while I practice with praise team... that is another story however, I did learn that Nola Jean needs me even when she is in the nursery playing toys!
Gramma D, Lindsey and Cassie meet us at 11:00 and when I come into church Pastor Wayne has Cassie up in the front of church in her little purple outfit and blanket. She is perfectly quiet as he prays for her and lifts her up towards the cross. There was no camera... just our minds eyes to forever remember that moment as Cassie was held in front of all the church members - her life in Christ beginning months ago was now made public. Thank-you Pastor Wayne for always doing this for the babies... it means so much!!
After church we come to our house. Gramma D goes to play bingo with Lucy. First Missy and Hayden stopped by to see the baby. Hayden and Nola had a picnic which was cut short because of schedules that had to be met... next time... in the summer we will finish our picnic.
After this I give Robin a call and tell her to stop over. Robin comes over and is holding baby Cassie as Brittany, Dylan and Jack stop by. Then Al comes over and we now have Lacey and K here too. It seems like a whole house full of happiness - we order some pizza and before we know it...
it is time for everyone to leave this Blessed time together - time to go our separate ways.
But I can't help but to remember my childhood of visiting places...
my children visiting places and having company.
I have read that everybody is a story. When we were young and our families were young we used to sit around the kitchen table and talk. It seems that doesn't happen a whole lot anymore...
but this visit was a step back in time.
I realized this is how our wisdom gets passed on. The stuff that helps us to live a life worth remembering. Despite all the awesome powers of technology (that drives me absolutely mad)...
I think we need to see each others faces and hear our voices as we tell our stories over and over again.
Most often it seems our stories take time...
did we stop telling our stories when we started running short on time?
So busy running around doing everything there is to do.
Thank you God that this visit we did not let life rush us along...
We stopped
reflected on our love for each other...
paused for the moment...
and now we just wait for another visit!
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