September 28, 2011

The Joy of Sisterhood

Today, my visiting teachers came by and it was great to have them. I felt a little weird. Mostly because I had just woken up. However, I was so happy to see them. They had some encourage words for me and my family as we enter the final leg of this pregnancy. It was great to have that. It was exactly what I need to hear.

We also took Mackenzie on a tour of St. Mark's hospital. She did really well. It was great to revisit where she was born and to get new information about how things can run with Hyrum's birth this time. Mackenzie is really excited. She is saying baby brother and pointing to my stomach more and more. I don't know who wants him here more, me or her.

We also got her big sister gift in the mail to day. And wouldn't you know it I am dying to give it to her. I really want to see it too. But as Eric said we all need to be patient. I am not sure who is the really two year old, Mackenzie or me. All I know is Eric is right and good things come to those who wait. For us it will be a new little member of our family and to see Mackenzie enjoying being an older sister.

I just hope we don't have to wait too much longer.

September 24, 2011

My eternal companion

I feel the need to write a little more about Eric. You see I get the feeling that certain people underestimate him and also judge him because of the fact that right now he is not working a whole lot. It is not that he doesn't want to work, it is that he is trying to finish an internship and also find a more stable job.

Eric Jacobi Winslow is the sweetest, most patient man I have ever met. He is so willing to help me in anyway possible, which can be hard because I am fiercely independent. He loves to play with his daughter and is trying so hard to teach her in a way that is divine. He is willing to go to fabric stores, shoe shopping and a whole slew of other outings with me that most men, including my dad and brothers would not be caught dead doing. He is becoming an amazing cleaner and can actually cook more than just top roman and mac and cheese. Although the way he does those we could live pretty happily if we had to. I know in my heart that everything his does is for the benefit of his whole family.

This past Tuesday we had a Relief Society meeting in our ward. Well once I remember, pregnant blond here, I really wanted to go. There was one minor problem, because of all the doctor's appointments, school and such I have been gone a lot. Mackenzie did not want me to leave, which I understood. So even though Eric could handle it, he saw how it was torturing her and I and offered to come along. He spent two hours in the hall of the church walking around and trying to keep up with Mackenzie so I could try and enjoy my time with other women. This is the man I married. Someone who is so in tune with his family's needs that he is willing to do whatever it takes for all of us to be happy and healthy.

To the nay-sayer, I have to say you have no right to judge him. What you see on the surface is not all that you get. Eric is a very deep man who is the man of my dreams. He is the only person who has been able to fill a gaping hole in my heart. All my life I have felt alone and isolated at times. However, ever since I met him I have learned so much about what it means to be with someone and have someone love you for you. He never puts me down. In fact he is the only man who tells me I am beautiful and I believe it. Even when I am 35 weeks pregnant and feel like a torpedo about ready to launch. It may have taken us three years to get married but it was worth it. Our lives are anything but perfect. We have our differences, partly because we are both the oldest and very stubborn. However, we never let it fester. We try to work through it in such a way as to elevate the other towards the Lord. We never go to bed angry and we also try to forgive. I am so grateful for Eric and would not trade him for the world.

In the world's view there is still a lot he has to learn, but I know because he has the most important lessons down he will learn it. And in doing so become an even more amazing husband and father. He may not know a lot about yard work or home improvement but he is learning and loving it. Well I have poured my heart out enough for one evening. It feels good to finally but this thoughts and feelings to paper though. Especially as we begin the major countdown for the arrival of our new little bundle of joy. I am so excited for Eric to be able to hold a newborn baby again. May the Lord bless you and yours as he has us. And may you find comfort in his loving arms as I know I have through out my life.

September 22, 2011

34 weeks and counting

So today I had my doctor's appointment and have been cleared and told I am a perfect candidate for a VBAC. That made my day also I am now working on the birth plan, and wouldn't you know it a miracle has happened. Eric see the joy and need for organization and being prepared! Mackenzie is getting excited too. Especially with her friends becoming big brothers and sisters. Everything is baby, baby, baby at our house right now.  Now if we can just finish the last few things before our little boy makes his appearance. I know with the Lord this little family can do anything! Good friends are needed too. So thanks for all of your support.

September 11, 2011

In Rememberance

So today is the tenth anniversary of 9/11. We have all heard about on the news all week but I wanted to share a very special moment I had at Granger High on Friday. When I got to Mrs. Reese's classroom she informed me that we were going to be going over the events of 9/11 with her ESL students. Many of these students were not citizens of this country ten years ago and so if they know anything about what happened it is very sketchy. As she began to go over the events I was amazed as how calmly and yet lovely she explained the events of that day. Then as the students were watching a short video, she asked me if I would be willing to tell of my own story of that day ten years ago. As I thought about what I would say. When it was my turn I felt the spirit as I told of when I was doing as a sophomore in college and what I felt. I know that while the events of 9/11 were tragic and we have all been changed forever, I know that there is good that has come out of it as well. For one, I know that it has help me and my family to enjoy our time with each other more. Also I know that it has made me appreciate all the little things in my life more including my husband, my daughter and my unborn son. Tragedy is hard but it can also be a strengthening agent for your faith. I know that 9/11 like when my grandfather passed a way in 95 has deepened my faith in my Heavenly Father and the eternal nature of families. I know that this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is a grove of trees in Palmyra, New York. Also I know that President Monson is our true prophet on the earth today. I know that while the people within this church are not perfect, the doctrine is. For, it is centered in Jesus Christ. May we all remember that there is a higher power in this world that will help and guide us through troubled times, if we allow him to.

September 3, 2011

Family Bond

This week Eric has been home. It has been both nice and challenging. Nice because he is a big help but challenging because I am having to learn to let go and allow him to help me. The really nice thing about it is that we have been able to get back into the habit of doing family scripture study. While Mackenzie really just listens to us read aloud it is fun to read with Eric and to have Mackenzie in the room. The other big news is that Mackenzie is finally starting to sleep in her big girl bed. One of us (mainly Eric for now) still needs to lay down with her at first but once she is asleep she stays asleep all night. Of course she is ready to play at 7 or 8 in the morning and Eric would prefer to sleep in but he is starting to see that the earlier you get up the more you accomplish in a day. I hope this next week is just as great as things week, challenges and all. For the good and the bed together are what make life worth, especially when you remember to laugh and not take yourself too seriously.