Three Months

Sweet baby, has it really been three months? Mommy misses you always Ethan, but the 28ths are always the hardest.

When you were first born, it was like time stood still. We were grieving, but I don't think I completely understood that time was passing. I am starting to realize now how much things have changed over the past few months. I had two friends in Texas that were also pregnant with me. I am close to both, and was blessed to have sweet women to share the experience. Leah and I walked nearly every day and dreamed about what our babies would be like. Jenn was so happy to hear that you were finally on the way. She knew how much Mommy wanted a baby for a long time, and I loved being able to talk to her about you too. Our co-workers even through us a joint baby shower the week before Daddy and I left Texas. It was perfect way to celebrate three little babies and a complete surprise to me! Then you came at the end of April instead of in July. Baby E was born in June and baby S in July after your due date. I was so relieved to hear that everyone was safe, but I couldn't help but think of you too. Such bittersweet emotions to be so completely happy that everyone is safe and sad that you aren't here. I'm so glad that my friends still allow me to celebrate with them and see their little ones grow. They, along with countless others, have supported us so much even though I know it isn't easy.

Your pictures are on the fireplace and I get to see your precious face everyday now. One of my favorite pictures is just of the back of your head. I remember how excited I was that you had dark wavy hair. I had a dream a few weeks before that you had dark hair, but Daddy didn't think you would since both of us had light hair as babies. We couldn't decide who you looked most like, a good blend of both I think.

You were loved on by so much family that day. Your Grandma and Grandpa, Mimi and Pops, Aunts and Uncles, Nana and Papa, and Aunt Lori. I really wish you had gotten to know everyone, we're quirky, but love each other so much! I don't know what I would do if I didn't believe that God had a plan in all of this and that we will get to see you again someday in Heaven. In the past few weeks I have listened to the song 'Homesick' so many times and dreamed of what it will be like to see you again. One day, baby boy, one day.


We love you so much Ethan!!!!

Yummo Salsa

Living in Texas for five years definitely spoiled us as far as Tex-mex is concerned. I recently found this fresh salsa/pico de gallo recipe and we are in love! Here's our take as well as the link to the original recipe. It makes a lot, so keep that in mind.

12 Roma tomatoes

1/2 C fresh cilantro

1 onion (we used Vidalia)

10-15 drops tobasco

1 T vinegar

juice of a lime

salt

pepper

1/2-1T garlic salt

1 jalapeno pepper

1/4 t cumin

We don't have a good chopper, so we put it in our little food processor. If you had a chopper (or are better at chopping than I am) it makes a pretty pico too.

The last time we made it, we cut the amount of tomatoes and cilantro in half and used the same amount of the other ingredients in the original recipe. It made it spicier and a better amount for just the two of us, but I wished we would have cut the onion in half (Bri liked it that way though). Enjoy!!


Original Recipe from Finding my feet blog

Tadaaa!

I finished my quilt! This isn't the one I did in class, but the first one I did completely on my own. A gift for my niece Reagan on her birthday. I must admit, the piecing is much easier than quilting and binding! I'm just happy to have something that keeps my brain thinking.

Ethan's NILMDTS pictures

We received our NILMDTS prints of Ethan in the mail today. Last week we got the CD and DVD slideshow, and I was able to order some of the pictures. I can't say enough about our photographer Robin Ewing and the compassion she showed to us. She had a shoot in middle GA that day and still drove up to Gwinnett to volunteer and take our pictures that night. For some reason, seeing them on the computer was different than holding the prints. What a blessing to see that sweet face!

I'm usually a pretty private person, so being honest here is still surprising to me. Moving to Ithaca though has made me appreciate the friends and family we have around the country now, so it has been wonderful to stay in touch. Maybe one day I will post the pictures, but for now, here's a pic of some of the prints I ordered.



I went to the doctor up here for the first time. I was incredibly nervous, but the entire staff was so compassionate. My records had not arrived yet so we could not discuss specifics, but we did discuss our situation with the doctor and she reaffirmed that we didn't do anything wrong. When something like this happens it's hard not to think about the 'what ifs' and 'if I'd of onlys', so meeting with her helped give me some peace. The doctor called the next day and my liver enzymes are no longer elevated, an answered prayer. Once my records come in and she can look at them, we will meet again to discuss things more. Please pray for wisdom for us as we decide where to go from here.

Have you read Philippians 4 lately? I memorized part of it while we were in Texas, but it has been on my mind lately. I am such a planner and having parts of our lives up in the air can be stressful. The whole chapter is worth reading, but here's the part that I've been trying to put into practice (bold mine):

⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

... for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Savin' money

In the past few months we've been working harder to cut corners where we can. I know I'm not the only one who likes to save money, so I thought I would pass along some of the websites I use to find the good deals!



There are plenty of websites that provide online printable coupons and explain the drugstore savings programs to you.

Southern Savers
Though we don't live in the south anymore, she has great links for printable coupons and explains the drugstore systems well

Kingdom First
I just found this one, another good source. She doesn't break down things like Southernsavers, but I like the freebies she shows

Jennifer's Blog
I went to college with Jennifer, she gives all kinds of money-saving ideas, particularly restaurant and drug store tips

Old Navy Weekly
A site from Old Navy where you literally hunt for coupons every week. I wouldn't go to Old Navy without a coupon now. They even have some for $45 off of $75, etc, but I never get on there quick enough =)

Slick Deals
Brian has used this website for years and wouldn't buy a larger item without checking here first. It's a forum where people post great deals, and it where we found our patio set at 75% off and several other things. You can even sign up for alerts if there is something you want to buy but don't see a good deal on yet.


These are just a few, but they have made a big difference for us! I particularly recommend reading up on the drugstore programs, I don't plan on paying for toothpaste ever again!

Do you have any money-saving websites you use?