Brotherly Love

It amazes me how good the twins are with their baby brother!

Thankful Thursday

When I struggle, as I have this week, with all that has been placed in my care, I try to stop and think about those things I should be thankful for. All the things that I could complain about seem insignificant in the face of my abundant blessing!

1. My 3 healthy boys, so full of energy and smart as can be!
2. My wonderful husband who is an amazing dad!
3. My wonderful husband's job and health insurance! :-)
4. Spring rain, green grass and amazing wild flowers!
5. Fresh baked, homemade bread.
6. Did I mention what a blessing my boys are!? I'm just in love with them and how wonderful they are! How they run up to me and ask if they can give me a kiss!
7. Friends who show up or call just when you need them to.
8. Chocolate ice-cream and birthday cake!
9. Little babies giggles!
10. A dog who loves to play with toddlers as much as they love to play with her.

And so many more things that make the troubles of this present time seem small. I'd rather count my blessings and offer the pain up in service of my family.

Motherhood Monday

I feel my motherhood threatened once again by the failings of the body that brought 3 beautiful children into this world, but also failed others. The babies I miscarried are daily in my thoughts and prayers. I pray too for the 3 healthy little men I have been entrusted with. It is my prayer that my Lupus remains manageable, and that I am able to be the mother God is calling me to be. The more I learn about this disease, the better I understand the struggles I have been through over the last 20 years. From migraines, to fatigue, to vision problems, and my miscarriages. Even the pre-term birth of Baby Oliver. I struggle with the idea that God gave me these children, the desire to raise them a certain way, and then allowed a huge obstacle to be placed in my path. I know it is only through Him that I will have the strength to do what He is asking me to do.

Cute Little Man

A better picture without tubes or monitors!

Motherhood Monday

The little man has arrived. Oliver was born 3 1/2 weeks early, spent 10 days int he NICU and got his first cold at 3 weeks old! Then developed a touch of bronchitis! Not to mention the postpartum complications that have helped to create a very tired Snuffin Mommy! But in the end, the sufferings of this pregnancy and birth have been nothing in comparison to the wonderful blessing I have been given; the privilege to be mother to a beautiful little boy!