One Year Later

And then there were 7...

Last year at this time I was in shock with the Houston Family news. We were having another baby! What a surprise. I am so glad God works the way He does!

Where does the time go? Ugh, I have to say this before every blog entry. I have a hard time finding moments to sit at the computer and make blogging a priority. But, when I do find the time, my heart is filled with all that I have pondered. Today, I realized that one year later our family looks different! We added the sweet little blessing, Bennett Leighann Houston. She was 8 lbs 8 oz, and 22 inches long. She is already 5 months old, and the added chaos has become our new "normal." She is great and has been really easy. Although she is STILL waking up at night, but I do not mind...it is the only alone time I get with her!

Welcome to the family Bennett.

(aka. Benny-Boo)

Sisters!

Sisters
Sometimes we are real close friends

We stay up late and talk at night

Other times we don't get along

There are times we even fight

But I know she's always there

And, I know she'll always care

She's my sister, I love my sister

I've given her a great big hug

when she's feeling sad

But, then again I've said some things

that have really made her mad

But i know she's always there

And, I know she'll always care

She's my sister, I love my sister

-Barney

I cannot wait to see these girls grow up. I look forward to teaching them how to put on make-up, Proverbs 31, to not call boys. I can't wait for shopping trips, mother/daughter trips, planning weddings, watching them be moms, and all the rest! They are blessed to have each other, and I am blessed to have them. The last picture is one that I will always remember...Little sis looking up to biggest sis! So, cute!

Holland is with me today as I type this...We were talking about her sisters. I loved hearing what she said so I am blogging about it:)

What do you like about having sisters?

"Because I always have someone to play with"

You have an older sister and a little sister, what do you think about that?

"I don't."

Do you love sharing a room with your sister?

"Yes, we have an alarm clock."

Do you like being an older sister?

"Yes because I get more birthday cake."

When you grow up, where will you live?

"When I am 19, I will still live with Hads."

So, obviously Holland is not aware of how blessed she is to have sisters. I really hope they grow up to be best friends!

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Leighann's little sister

I love you big sis! I am glad I had/have you to look up to!

3 birthdays in 3 weeks

OK, we just celebrated a 4th birthday, a 2nd birthday and a 1st birthday. The first 2 months of every year will forever be busy for us. They grow up so fast. A few things have been on my mind and my heart has almost burst with emotion as we crossed each of these milestones...forgive me as I muddle to find the words of reflection on these three...

Holland: 4

You are getting bigger right before my eyes. I can't believe you are a big sister to 2 now! You love with all your heart. There was a day when I wondered if there was a gentle bone in your body. You were such a strong little baby. Tough. Stubborn. Feisty. Independent. In some ways you are still all those. I never found that gentle bone, but I did find a gentle heart. The way God has created you, Holland, is so wonderful. I love discovering things about you. Things you love and the things you notice, words you like to say, and your love for lip gloss, I will never forget! You are the one that is quickest to say, "I love you," "You look pretty," "I like your shirt," or "Mom, they said a bad word." I believe God will use your love of people someday. You have a way of making people feel so good and, you desire to please others. I hope to instill in you as you grow up, you only have to please the Lord. There is nothing that would please your mom and dad more. So, keep on living that way Holland! Be tough in every way you want, but keep that sweet heart of yours just the way it is and soft towards Jesus.

Neeley: 2

Ohhhhh...much like your bigger sister, but more. I did not know what strong-willed was until you. Your dad and I believe you will make a great warden in a women's prison someday. On day's that you challenge me, I am quick to hear your dad's voice reminding me how great it is that you are so independent. You are not a follower. You are a leader. I wonder if it is because you are the youngest of 3 sisters and a big sister to a brother less than a year younger than you. I promise to never let you slip through the cracks. Your first day of school, the day you accept Christ as your Savior (prayerfully), your senior prom, your transition off to college, and all your other milestones will be celebrated with much support and involvement by your parents. I was worried before you were born that having a 3rd girl would not be as exciting. Would I feel like I had "been there done that?" I was wrong. What a surprise you were! I felt like I was a parent for the first time! You were so unlike my other two! I should not have been surprised. You had this head full of black hair that stood straight up. You were so small, I just wanted to protect you and hold you all the time. It was painful to move you out of your bassinet and into your own room. It seemed so far away from me. So, even though you were 3rd, you were a first for me. God knit you together...you were fearfully & wonderfully made. Uniquely and specifically made for this family. Even on the days we spend the majority of our time sitting in the "no no chair," I am so thankful for you. I cherish the times you let me cuddle you and I memorize the moments you lay your head on my shoulder. I can't wait to see what you grow up to be...

Tred: 1

My little man. I am the second mother to love you. But, I don't feel like I got 2nd place. I get the honor of being your first and only Mommy. I am aware everyday that you could have easily been set on another path. I know how it feels to love a child you carry 9 months and deliver. There is an instant love for that child, even before birth. BUT, I also know what it is to love a child I did not carry within and deliver with the same intensity and depth. That is how I feel about you. You could not be anymore mine. I could not have anticipated how good it was going to be! Tred, I love you and your sisters this much...(arms stretching wide open as much as I can) and more. But, dear little one I have discovered corners of my heart I didn't know existed. Because of you, I love more, bigger, and better than before. I remember seeing you for the first time...you were in the womb. We were at an ultrasound, it was one of those high tech 3D machines. It was shocking, your face was so clear and it was so unfamiliar...it is now a face I love and have memorized. A face I look forward to seeing every morning when I walk in your room. I rush to pick you up out of your crib to hold your precious little body. And, your smile by the way...it melts my heart. It will be hard to discipline you someday because I think if you smile at me, I will quite possibly be distracted and you will go unscathed by my wrath. My love for you almost seems painful at times because I know the sacrifice it took to bring you into this world and into this home. I hope I never let a day go by that I take that for granted. I am so thankful that your first mother loved you so much that she gave you a Mommy AND a Daddy. We are blessed. God has shown Himself faithful, as many times before, through you. I pray you never doubt your first mother's love for you, our love for you, and most importantly, your Heavenly Father's love for you.

Well, there you have it, in writing. With much left unsaid, and...maybe too much said. I know there is a lot I can do to "mess up" my kids...By God's grace I will survive this whole parenting thing. And, by His grace I will do more than survive it...I hope to hear "well done my good and faithful servant." I am so thankful Jesus bridges all the gaps! I want more than anything for them to know they are fully known, accepted, and LOVED.

Thank for reading the sappy ramblings of this mom...

Giggle, Giggle, Giggle

I was cooking dinner with my buddy and he was in too good of a mood! I decided to record it...

Pure Joy!

One year ago we were waiting for this little guy, not knowing what in the world we were going to get. I have been doing lots of reflecting the last few weeks as we were preparing for him just 365 days ago. I cannot wait to celebrate his 1st birthday in less than 2 weeks. Now, I cannot imagine life without Tred. What a blessing!

Yep, I think she prefers the glider over her crib...

Here are some pictures I have taken in the middle of the night over the last week.

January 20

Holland's Birthday!

I think I should say Holland's BirthWEEK! This kid was spoiled!!! She got to be "helper" at school for her birthday and we celebrated. She took her Belle doll for show-n-tell. Her birthday wish list included... nail polish, lip gloss, and glitter. We sure are thankful for her!

Her birthday party was a few days later...fun pics to come!

Happy Birthday Holland!

Sleeping Babies

Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping baby? I bet we would all have lower blood pressure if we held a sleeping baby more often.
Tonight I went in and checked on my babies and really wanted to capture what I saw...sisters that love each other so much they love sleeping in the same bed, a sweet snoring baby boy, and a fiesty (almost) 2 year old that was MIA from her crib. Here's some pictures of what I found...

The Bigs...


Little Man


AND....
Our #3 is a wild woman! We knew she had figured out how to crawl out of her crib about 2 weeks ago. She will even show you if you ask her. Thankfully, she can't open the door to her room yet. So, she stays in her room all night and during naps until we come in to get her. For the past few weeks Matt and I couldn't figure out where she sleeps because she cannot get back in the crib. Tonight I decided I would risk waking her up to get a sneak peek of her sleeping arrangements...this is what I found. Has she really been sleeping in the chair? How uncomfortable. Crazy kid!






What a handfull she is! I cannot wait to see her in 10 years!!!

He is not a baby anymore...

Tred is not a baby anymore. Well, he is MY baby...but he is all boy and getting so big. So, with that, our title of "Bringing home Baby Houston" is going to have to change---once I figure out how to change the layout I will get on that. I did not set this blog up so I am still learning.

Our family is going to be busy over the next few weeks... #2 turns 4, #4 turns 1 and after that #3 turns 2. Three birthdays are a great follow up to Christmas, right?

I have got to get better at this blogging! I read all my friends blogs and am left feeling my life is uneventful, with not much to say. So many of you are well versed and good at taking & downloading pictures (which is another story in itself). I realized I could fill this with Houston tidbits, and funny stories...and so I am! Why not, my mom might be the only one reading this!

For today, a few pics...

The Girls...

So big!

snuggling with her bear

this is dangerous!

Congratulations BK!!!!

This is a little late...but, for those few of you that read this, I would like to share something with you to celebrate and add to your prayer list.

I got an email from BK (birthmom) recently with some updates on her life. I treasure our contact, even though it doesn't happen often. I feel like every detail I get from her just adds to the whole picture I can give Tred someday. She recently celebrated her ONE YEAR Anniversary of being clean and sober. I am so happy and proud of her. And, she is expecting to get custody of her 12 year old son by the end of the month. This is great news because his current circumstances are not good (living with her deceased ex-husbands' brother I believe). Anyway, all that to say, this is a good thing. She told me when we were in the hospital "God gave me Tred to give to you so you can be his mom. But, He gave me two other children for me. I was supposed to raise them and I have to focus on that now." So, pray that the best will unfold for BK and her son. She has a little girl as well. But, probably won't ever seek custody of her daughter (because she is in a good living situation). Although, she wanted to initiate a relationship with her. More good news...she got to go see her this fall as well. And, she will continue to work on that relationship.

I have almost felt guilty at times because through this whole process I am the one that came out on the other side with the blessing of Tred. I get to snuggle, hold, feed, watch him grow & sleep, see his smile, and enjoy him daily. It does my heart good to know she will finally be able to do the same with the son God gave her. Please pray for her with me. Pray she gets custody, that the transition to a new home will be smooth, and that they can catch up on lost time. Most importantly, pray his life will be changed as she shares the love of Christ and the gospel with her son.

Where did my baby go???

\

Before...

Then....

After...

I think Tred has AWESOME hair. He has a head full of dark, curly hair. Well, had a head full of dark, curly. The last few days I have realized his beautiful hair really doesn't look so cute after he wakes up in the morning or from a nap. It gets frizzy with lots of knots. Multiple times a day I brush it and lotion it. He has also rubbed a few bald spots on the back. Realizing it really wasn't so cute in the back, I decided to take action. So, in my irrational thinking I buzzed his head! What in the world did I do? I mean, I love it. But, I did not expect it to be such a difference. He looks so old! It is the first time I have seen him as my little boy instead of as my little baby.

There you have it...the new Tred!!!!

8 little eyes

"The people of faith wake early because of the

expectation of God's marvelous acts.

Sleep no longer holds them.
They rush to greet the early grace of God."
-Bonhoeffer

I read this quote this morning and was inspiried. How many times do I lay in bed pushing snooze, wishing for "5 more minutes"...which usually turns into 20. OR get chapped when I wake up 10 minutes before the alarm goes off and think "what a waste, I could still be sleeping." OR get dreadfully awakened from my slumber by the little pitter pattering feet coming to take over my side of the bed. I am a slave to sleep. I am a tired woman! I cherish my Z's. BUT, this quote today "WOKE" me up---in a good way.

I should put it by my bedside. Remember it. And, LIVE it. So, in response to these 3 sentences spoken by somone I do not even know, I did something I so often forget to do. I took a moment to take in a few of the marvelous acts God has already done in my life. I STOPPED and held each of my kids today, looked into each of their eyes, I studied them, smiled at them and thanked God for the 4 little blessings in my home. I never forget that I am a mom, but I do loose sight of what a high calling we have as moms...Today I looked into 8 eyes and remembered just that.

From now on, I will not let my late nights, early mornings or sleep get in the way of my calling as a mom. I will rush to greet the grace of God and the job He has set before me.

(This does not mean I will have a warm, hearty breakfast ready every morning for the quad squad...I will, however, have a warm, loving heart ready to serve my kids as their mom:)

Can't get enough!

Summer Pics of Tred...

Thank you Britt for taking these!

I'm Back!!!

OK, so my blogging sabbatical is over. Summer was great, but it was not easy for me to blog. Partly because I was busy, but mostly because I do not know how to do this on any computer other than this one at home. (I know I am electronically pathetic!) We had a blast at K-1, and loved introducing Tred to his 2nd home. Life after kamp....





We took H & H to Disney World after kamp. Big H turned 5! And, Little H did not mind tagging along for her sister's birthday at all! Matt and I had a blast seeing the Magic thru their eyes. The timing could not have been more perfect. It was the perfect getaway! But, I must say after visiting Disney, I needed a vacation from the vacation. We were worn out! While we were there Little H said "Mom, can I have my 5 here too?" I couldn't say no...So, Matt and I are already saving for January 2011. HA!



Once we were back, Kanakuk Movie Tour was right around the corner. Last week was our first week out. We went to Texas. It was a week of heavy conversations as we faced all that is going on at Kamp. But, lots of ministry taking place...God is faithful. The highlight of the week for me personally was Tred getting to meet his namesake. Tred meet Tred...

Tred is 8 months old now. And, he is more of a joy than ever. He is quick to give smiles! This little man melts my heart. His big sisters mother him more than I'm sure he'd like. They are as crazy about him as I am. He has already had some Daddy bonding with his first football season. He is often decked out in OU and Arkansas clothes. And, in a few months he will be sporting his KU gear. Matt is glad to have a buddy to camp out in front of the t.v. on gameday!

We heard from BK (Tred's birthmom)this summer. She is doing well. She emailed and asked for a picture of him. I emailed her back and sent her 10! I want more than anything for her to know he is happy, loved, and safe. Some friends of ours (who just adopted form ABBA) told us that BK shared her testimony at an event. I sure wish I could have been there to hear it. And, more importantly I hope Tred someday knows how much his 9 months in her belly changed her life. I am thankful everyday I get to hold him in my arms. And, I will never forget the woman that gave me that gift.

A Quarter of a Year!

I cannot believe Tred is 3 months old! He is growing and will soon experience his first summer at kamp. We are aware everyday how blessed we are to have him as our son.

Pay it forward...

I am not good at this kind of stuff. But, I would not have Tred if it were not for the blessing and support of others. So, upon hearing about this family I feel I have to do all I can. When we signed with Abba Adoption, there was a family that had previously signed on with them. We met the Hutslers at the conference we attended last fall. They had adopted a little girl 3 years ago and really wanted her to have a sibling. Crossing paths with Eric & Leslie was no mistake. We introduced them to Abba and they signed on soon after. They have had a hard time coming up with the funds to bring a baby home. I talked to the agency this morning and asked about them. They are financially at a stand still. This is sad because they just had to say no to a birthmom due in 2 weeks. The agencybelieves this situation is a perfect match, but the family cannot cover the cost for the remaining balance. I am just putting this out there for anyone that may feel led to give or at the very least lift them up in prayer. They are $4,500 short. This seems like a HUGE amout, but a small hurdle for our God. So, please join with us and pray this baby into a loving home. If you want more information check out the website below.

http://onedollarforonelife.homestead.com/index.html

I am reminded today of God's provision and how He used so many of you to help bring our son home. These two words seem to fall short of how truly grateful we are, but...thank you. We cannot imagine our home without Tred!

Kids are so funny...

Hadley takes violin with one of her best buddies, Carson.  Last week at her lesson I brought Tred.  After the lesson Carson and her big bro, Kade, were wanting to check Tred out.  He was laying on the floor checking them out as well.  Hads came over as if she were showing him off...she is a proud big sis.  Kade said, "He is so cute."  And, dear Carson followed up as a matter of fact with "He's so bu-rown (brown:)."  We all laughed and packed up our violins. 

On the way home Hadley asked me "Is Tred really brown, Mom?"  I said "Yes, isn't he handsome? " She agreed and was left to ponder this new bit of information.  

I love that she never even realized he looked different.  I hope she always sees that way.  My kids are not perfect, but I want to be like Hadley and see people the way she does.

ps...this was for you Jamie

No more cough, fever, or wheezing!

YAY!  Tred is better.  The little guy has been sick most of his life.  Shortly after he was born he got RSV.  It took about a month to kick.  He is eating great, sleeping like a champ and smiling like the happiest kid on earth!   I am a thankful Momma!

A lost wallet can do a heart good...

My wallet was stolen recently and there were 2 reasons I was sad about it.  One, it was a new HOBO wallet...so sad.  I will have to save up for a while to replace it!  Two, (and the real reason I was bummed) my wallet had BK's, our birthmother, information in it.  I was not sure how I would track her down.  I emailed the Hannah House to let them know and asked if they would pass it on to her.  A few days later, I had an email from her.  She is doing well.  I am so proud of her.  I love knowing that she has continued on the right path and to make good decisions.  It is just as good to know that she is at peace with her decision and Tred is exactly where she wants him.  It would be unbearable to know she regretted her decision to place her baby boy with us.

These were some of her words in the email...

"I was so happy to get your email today.  I think about you several times each day.  I hope things are going well for you....I have been doing great.  I have not forgotten about writing a letter for Tred....Thanks again for making a difficult decision seem so right!!! You all truly are a blessing from God.   I look forward to hearing from you soon....Lots of love, BK"

Just a little information and a little small talk....but it did BIG things for my heart.

I did not know that I would know

Tred is a Houston. He feels 100% fully mine...(and Matt's, of course. And, I definately know he is on loan from God:) I know I love him with all my heart. All that to say, I feel as if he were my own flesh and blood. I was so worried about how I would feel at this point before he was born. I did not know a child without my womb or labor involved. Those months of carrying a baby, feeling him/her move inside you, dreaming about what characteristics they would have from each family member, the sacrifice involved in being pregnant...nausea, vomiting, lack of sleep, loss of control with eating & urinating:). I thought that sacrifice is what endeared me to the girls before they were born. And, the anticipation of when they would enter the world. I did not have that with Tred. I did not know a child without all those details that lead up to loving them the moment they enter the world. I now know you don't need those things. Something happened a few days ago to remind me of this...
My 3 girls NEVER really spit up...thankfully. I think it is disgusting, and am repulsed by the smell of spit up. It stains and the smell never goes away and cannot be masked by any spray that I know of. (I know I am a wimp) I am not sure if Tred just likes to share or is just really into recycling. He feels he should share half of each of his bottles with me. I am usually pretty good at catching it with anything but my shirt. I use receiving blankets as burp cloths because so much comes up. I was holding him the other day and he dowsed my shirt with recycled Enfimil. It hit me immediately...I did not care. I calmly wiped it off and continued to cuddle him up. Usually, in a matter of seconds, I would have to disrobe because of the toxic spill. I realized that my gag reflex did not kick in and I was fine with the soggy wetness seeping down the front of my shirt and back....He is mine. When it is your kid, it doesn't matter. I was drenched all over and it did not bother me that there was not one DNA strand that belonged to me. I love him, no matter who he turns out to be, no matter what he looks like, no matter how much he spits up on me. This small moment culminated to this one truth...He is mine. I always "knew" blood would not make Tred my son, but I did not really know. But now, I know.

Home Sweet Home

Finally! We are home and, life has not slowed down one bit:) I think being away so long made me thankful for the choas of the Houston family. I am glad I am not missing out on Had's preschool projects she brings home, Holl's sweet "I love yous," and Neel's first words anymore. The mounds of laundry, carpool, extra diaper changes, loads of dishes, multiple virus exchanges with siblings, and the endless cleaning is all worth being home sweet home! I love our family being together...all 6 of us

Update on the little man...

He is 3 weeks old now. Having some minor respitory problems. The doc said this was common with c-section babies. He is doing some breathing treatments and will hopefully soon be better. I am looking forward to introducing to him to ALL my wonderful friends that have provided much needed prayer and support!