Another Baby Girl!

The end of January we found out that we were expecting another baby. It was very surprising since we had been preventing because we had just miscarried in December. It is very difficult and emotional to be pregnant right away after the third pregnancy loss in a row, but we have trusted that God has a good plan (no matter what the outcome) from the start. I have had many appointments with my doctor and have been seeing a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist as well. I have had tons of testing. We have been very thankful to know that we have done everything in our power (and the doctors) to keep this baby alive.

We told Lane and Ava that they had another sibling on the way the end of February. They were so happy and began to pray for the baby right away. I was unsure how Lane would react because of how the loss of Carina has impacted him. I asked him if he was fearful, and bless his little faith-filled heart... he replied, "No, Mom, because I can pray for the baby."

On May 12, 2009 (nineteen weeks, two days into the pregnancy) we found out that we were expecting another baby girl! Barely though... she finally spread her legs at the last minute to confirm that she was a girl! All of us we're happy with that. All of us but Lane, that is. He began to argue with Dr. Boley. It was quite humorous for Jeremy and I and the doc. He was like, "Stop saying she, it's a he" and "It's not a girl, it's a boy." Poor boy. He wanted a brother so badly that he was convinced it was a boy. He had told me, "I already have two sisters, I want a brother." We have had to talk about how this baby is a girl because that's what God made her, and that she is just what is best for our family (including him)! Praise God that we have made it to here with this precious little girl... we are thankful for every day of her life!

Three Days with Cole and Spencer

 

The end of April Cole and Spencer came to stay with us for three days while their parents were out of town. We all had so much fun with them! It was unseasonably warm for April... okay... that's an understatement... it was wicked hot! It worked out to our advantage because it meant lots of water fun in the back yard! I must mention that the Teaman boys have a very special place in all of our hearts. They are so dear to us. The four kids have this strange "sibling-like" bond that I have never seen with any of their other friends. When Cole and Spencer left Lane was so upset. His big lip came out and his eyes were all teary. You would think three days would be enough! Denise told me later that as they pulled away the boys said with a sigh, "We love those guys." We love you, too, Cole and Spencer! During the months that have passed since Lane has often thanked God in his prayers, saying, "Thank you that Cole and Spencer got to come for three days." Sweet memories!

Elaborate Easter Egg

 

Check out this Easter Egg that Lane decorated all by himself. He said that it is Jesus on the cross. I pray that this would become the passion of his life!

Birdhouse Bulider

  April 4, 2009 Daddy took Lane to a Home Depot kid's workshop to build a birdhouse. Lane loved it all! He got an apron to keep and a pin signifying his accomplishment! After they returned home with the birdhouse they headed out again to get some paint from Grauer's, and then painted it. It now hangs on Lane's bedroom window. Too bad no birdies have moved in yet!

Lane's Fieldtrip to Oregon Dairy

 

April 2, 2009 Lane's preschool class had a fieldtrip to Oregon Dairy. We took a wagon ride around the farm and got to see all the workings of a dairy farm. Then we got a tour of the grocery store and had some doughnuts and cheese. The trip was topped off with a mini ice cream cone. Fun, fun!

Baltimore Aquarium

  March 27, 2009 we finally made good on our promise to take Ava to the aquarium for her third birthday. We went to the Baltimore Aquarium for the day. We started off with the dolphin show. After lunch we made it through almost every exhibit. Ava loved it all! We got a family pass that is good for a year, so we plan to go again soon.

New Play Set

 

On March 21, 2009 we surprised Lane and Ava with a new play set. They spent the whole day with Grammy and Poppy while Daddy (and Josh Palmatier... thanks, Josh!) assembled their play set. We surprised them after dark that night. They were so excited!