Not a fan of inside pets...

For some reason, I can't upload pictures. We are all doing great- Ezra is talking more, Asher is smiling and cooing. I love it!
We looked at a house last night. Cutest little house with a yard that has a fairyland feel. However, the house hasn't been updated inside since it was built in the 50's, and they had cats living inside- and it reeks! It could be renovated and be wonderful- but I don't think it is the house for us. One of our desires is to live in community. It would be so easy to stay sheltered in this house, never interacting with our neighbors as there is so much shrubbery and foliage that you can hardly tell there is a house there. Since looking at that house last night, I have been sooo thankful for our current house. I hadn't really appreciated this house before, always complaining about the stark white walls and economy blue carpet. But- it is clean, it doesn't smell, and it is home!

It's been a while

Words fail me. I love this picture of Asher.
Our Ezra!
My sister gave us a tricycle. Ezra can't reach the peddles but loves being pushed around on it. Delton pushed him over to grandma and grandpa's to celebrate grandpa's birthday.

One of the reasons that I haven't posted in a while...my days have gone a lot like my day yesterday...the electrician showed up minutes before I had to leave for a dr. appointment, which was only 20 minutes after I found out Delton would be getting home late, and I'd have to feed everyone supper, load them up, and get going by myself. Add to this that the previous 20 minutes I'd spent talking to my landlord while Ezra, taking advantage of my distraction, walked a dozen pens and other odds and ends over to me, then deposited them all over our floor. So- my house is a wreck, the electrician is upstairs in the bedroom that hasn't been organized since we got back from our weekend away, Delton walks in as I walk out... Can you relate?

I have been thinking lately about different things that fall under the heading "You know you are a mom when...". My top answer would be- you know you are a mom when you enjoy walking the cart back to where it goes at the grocery store because it is the only time you have been all alone, outside, for months! I had assistance at the grocery store a while ago. They kindly offered to walk the cart back into the store for me. Before I could protest, they were gone. No!! I realized then that I was in need of some serious alone time! (has yet to happen. :) When Delton goes along with me now, he lets me push the cart back- he even suggested last time that I take it to the cart holder that is several rows away rather than the one right next to us! Anyway- that is my life with two boys.

I heard a quote recently- with children, the days are long but the years are short. A good reminder.

Pictures of the boys

2nd Cousins Ezra, Isaiah, and Nathan
Ezra and Isaiah take a ride!
My littler Asher!! This picture is so Ezra! He is staring at a poster board that lists all kinds of yummy things you can eat. We went to First Friday in Waynesboro last evening, and he wanted to eat everything! He loves food!

Peace and Quiet

My boys are sleeping right now. It is amazing how quickly the house is put in order once I have no distractions. Praise God for naps, and for the little boys that wake up needing their mommy!

Ezra's first haircut

The after picture
The before picture

Ezra received his first hair cut yesterday. I was so nervous to cut it, but it turned out so well! He looks so grown up! I saved a lock of hair- it doesn't look quite as red when it is short.

Labor info...

Look at Asher's face!

We are doing very well. Each day is an adventure- learning more about Asher (he is a great, very content baby) and how life works with two. Ezra is adjusting well. He is very affectionate to Asher.

Some details about Asher's birth...I woke Delton up early Sunday morning to fill Ezra's humidifier. Delton couldn't get back to sleep, so he went downstairs to read (this never happens!). I discovered he wasn't in bed a little while later. I was having trouble sleeping due to a dull pain in my stomach (!!!), so I joined him downstairs around 3:30 a.m. I had stomach pain the week before due to something I ate, so I didn't think much about my stomach pain- until around 4:30 a.m., when I realized that the pain came and went, and came and went. We started timing contractions, and called the doctor around 5:30 a.m. We felt a little silly, as I was 19 days early. But I was having strong contractions, and it seemed like my water may have broken. Mom and dad Lehman came a little before 6 to watch Ezra, and we headed off to the hospital, very aware that we may be sent home. But- we were in labor! When my sister found out we were headed to the hospital, she decided to come. It was wonderful to have her here for the delivery. Asher was born at 2:48 p.m. I had an epidural this time- and I highly recommend them!! It changed my labor. I enjoyed it, and knew when to push, unlike last time. Asher was perfect- no complications due to his early arrival. I had felt that he would come early- 19 days exceeded my expectations. By the way, Asher was due today!

Enjoying Asher

Random pic of Ezra wearing a Santa hat!

Here are some pics of our little guy...

Asher has arrived

I am typing this with one hand, holding Asher in my other. He arrived on Sunday- 6 lbs, 2 oz, 20 inches long. He was 19 days early, but is perfect! I will give more details and pictures in a little bit. We are so excited to finally hold our Asher Israel.

Letting Things Slide

Devouring a cupcake with chocolate icing- a great mid-afternoon snack (or was it mid-morning?)
Peeling an onion- happily, this kept him occupied for a long time as he walked around my kitchen, peeling away.

I was feeling very pregnant today...Ezra took advantage of that!

Enjoying the Weather

Ezra LOVES pens...he put a bunch in his pocket. I counted them later- 14 pens!
Ezra playing ball with Delton
Ezra on top of the world (ha ha!)

I am loving the spring weather. It gives me energy. Thankfully, I am feeling much better after nearly a week of sickness. Ezra has been sick since Friday- it seems like allergies. Pray that this is not the start of a lifelong condition! It is so hard to see him miserable, and to hear his congestion as he sleeps at night.

I have 30 days until my due date. I am feeling the fatigue of pregnancy. No matter how much I sleep, simply making supper can wipe me out! The baby has been moving- big movements, often pushing out from the right side of my belly. He is definately growing and taking up more space inside me.

I feel so ready for this baby. His clothes are ready, the car seat is ready, the house is clean...It is a good feeling to know that whenever he comes, I won't be scrambling to prepare. That is one good part of feeling like I was ready to go weeks ago- I got things ready! Of course, the house won't stay clean for 30 days....

Nearing the end, I think

I think the pregnancy is almost over- but, i felt that way at 12 weeks, as well. I feel like I could go into labor any moment, then realize that I still have a month and a half left. This has been the craziest pregnancy. Time has been so messed up, in that I keep thinking the end is nearer than it is. Anyway...one of these days, I will have this little guy. Sooner or later, the end will come. Until then, you'll probably get a few more blogs on this issue...

Getting ready...

Ezra checking out the baby's bassinet.
Delton "getting" Ezra!
Daddy and Ezra enjoying Ezra's new toddler bed- Ezra thinks it is great fun to jump on!
Grandma and Grandpa Lehman and Ezra enjoying the sonogram pictures of the baby.

I have 8 weeks left to go. I have baby on the brain, I guess. It doesn't help that I had three dr. appointments today. Yikes! We are excited about the arrival of #2. I had an ultrasound today and was able to see 4D pictures of our little one- he looks like Ezra! I don't think a photo of the sonogram picture will do it justice- you'll have to wait to see what he looks like in person!

I am looking forward to Easter. I have been reading the account of the crucifixion in the different gospels. I always appreciate Easter so much more when I take the time to contemplate what Christ really did for me. I don't think I will ever fully understand what the cross means for me. Easter is truly an awe-inspiring day of celebration. He is Risen!