Month by Month

At my sister's suggestion I've been taking a picture of Camry on each month-a-versary to show her growth. Her much loved Manni Bear joins her in the picture, and you can see she's quickly surpassed him in size! I decided to adorn Camry in her diaper only to show off the impressive belly she's worked so hard on, and I put her on a different blanket each month for some variety.

The Skills of a 3 Month Old

Here is a video of the most recent trick Camry has learned. She has changed so much in the last month. She is now batting at objects, reaching for toys and holding onto them, smiling and babbling all the time, rolling over with ease, and now imitating us in our wild attempts to entertain her. We are so in love!

Camry's Arrival

Captured recently by the beauty and awe of my daughter, I suddenly find myself in April with a 6 week old! Unbelievable. The weeks have absolutely flown by me. Here is my best attempt to chronicle this time through words and pictures, though they could never do it justice.

After great anticipation and excitement, February 25, 2011 marked the entrance of Camry Alys into the world. God answered all of our prayers for labor and delivery. Jon and I had such a great experience working as a team through labor. He was the best coach ever—never tiring even as hard as I tried to wear him out. I was pretty demanding.

We went to the hospital the night of the 24th to begin induction. We thought we would get a good night's sleep before they started the serious drug (Pitocin) in the morning, but that wasn’t the case. Labor began around 2 in the morning and progressed quickly enough I never needed the Pitocin. I promptly woke up Jon at 3 when I didn’t think I could manage contractions on my own, and he got to work with putting counter pressure on my lower back (I had back labor), applying cold wash cloths to my forehead while applying heating pads to my lower back, feeding me ice chips inbetween every contraction, and applying Vaseline to my lips nearly as often. I had packed him some good nutritious snacks (like Skittles, and a Twix), and he didn’t even have time to eat them. The poor guy barely made it to the bathroom before I was calling him back to my side for something. Like I said I was pretty demanding (rightfully so in my opinion), but he never complained, and he cared for me meticulously for the next 11 hours. After about 2 hours of pushing, Camry Alys was born at 1:31 pm. She was 7 lbs. 10 oz., 21” long, and stunning! The most memorable moment for me was when Jon announced “It’s a girl,” then he looked me in the eyes and said, “We have a baby girl!” I will always remember the sound of his voice, the look in his eyes, and the feeling I got learning for the first time that I have a daughter.

Camry 5 Weeks

Here's a little video for now of our sweet baby...a real blog coming soon!

The Big Day

After 3 weeks of making Grandma and Grandpa Green wait in our small 2 bedroom apartment :), Baby Amore will be making his/her big debut tomorrow! I have now contributed to the annoying statistic that many first timers are late delivering as I was 40 weeks on Sunday. I am being induced Friday morning (unless by some miracle I go into labor on my own before then...still praying for that) and feeling hopeful that I will not be in labor until the 26th. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I am getting a little more anxious as it gets close, though; it's strange knowing when I will begin labor. I think I would prefer the surprise factor in this case...I'm sure there will be plenty of that anyway! :)

Jon and I head to the hospital tonight (after dropping off our first child, Maya, at the dog sitters) to begin the process, but they don't start the Pitocin until the morning. Hopefully Jon will be able to get some sleep in the hospital room because he's been working long hours getting everything prepared for his time off. I can't have a sleepy coach if I want to do this without drugs! Yes, that's the plan. Here are a few last pictures of my pregnancy before the really fun ones come!

36 weeks

big sister showing some love

40 weeks in the "nursery"

3D Ultrasound at 38 weeks (these used to freak me out, but I love this picture!)

30 Weeks Woohoo!

30 Weeks

This picture was actually taken today. This is the most efficient preggo update I've done yet! Plus there are 3 different angles so you can really get the full picture! :)

Where Has the Time Gone?

Wow! Here I am already in the 3rd trimester! Jon and I went to our childbirth class last weekend, and we are getting really excited for the big debut of little amore! I'm still feeling great (very grateful for this!), and the baby is moving like crazy! Here are a couple more recent pictures.

25 Weeks

26 Weeks

Finally NYC with Mom & Dad Green

Our much awaited visit with Mom & Dad Green was definitely worth the wait. Here they are in Times Square.

While we were there we were lucky to meet my aunt for lunch and then strolled through Central Park. We took advantage of the beautiful scenery and shot a view pictures of me, Jon, and the belly.

Now if I can just get pictures up of our weekend in the Berkshires. We went during the peak of autumn and the leaves were spectacular!

The Other Day...

I've always had a hard time deciding the best way to help out homeless people who hold signs on the street. I know it is not my job to judge their situation, but I gained a different perspective in college when I learned how alcoholism perpetuates the problem of some homeless people. I don't want to give someone money just so they can buy alcohol, but I know that all homeless people don't do that. Plus is it really my business? I can only control my actions-right? Well, years ago, I decided I would try instead to give food, or offer to buy people a meal rather than There's a homeless man in our town that stands by the exit of Stop & Shop nearly everyday. He holds a sign that says "Hungry, Homeless Veteran. May God Bless." Since I'm always coming from grocery shopping when I see him, I try to give him something to eat when I can. Well, the other day I had just bought a bunch of bananas so I passed him one as I stopped at the stoplight. He looked at it, scrunched his face, shook his head no, and said, "Not ripe enough. I won't eat it." I almost apologized for not having anything better to give him as I shockingly drew my hand back, but as I drove away I just realized he must not be that hungry if he can be picky about a little green on his bananas. I ate that same banana the next morning--it was pretty good. I can appreciate that he knows what he likes and didn't take something that he was going to waste, but I have to say I don't feel as compelled to give him food anymore either.

Sacrifice and Soda Cans

I hear that being a mom is all about making sacrifices, so I thought I would begin to practice that today. Rather than take the nap that I have been looking forward to since 5:30am, I am going to update my blog for my sister. (She's the only one who has threatened to disown me...and even given me a time limit). She sure runs a tight ship, but I do like her and would like to keep her. So here is the update.

I am now past the halfway mark of this pregnancy ringing in at 22 weeks this Saturday! I can't believe it's going so fast and I hope it continues to do so because I'm very eager to meet "Baby Amore". :) I am feeling great and loving this stage! Luckily being in the spotlight has never particularly bothered me, so I relish the glances at my stomach, sweet comments, and the occasional belly rub! :) We had a level II ultrasound a couple weeks ago that was amazing! We watched a whole hour of our baby moving around! :) We even got a couple 3D ultrasound pictures. I've always found those a bit creepy, but it was pretty neat to see! Jon thinks the baby has my chin and his nose! :) Seems like a good combination to me. Unfortunately the baby was moving around so much they couldn't get a very clear 3D picture...maybe next time. There will be many more next times because they want me go to the hospital for ultrasounds every 4 weeks until the delivery because of my hypothyroidism. I'm considered high risk, but we're not concerned because my levels have been great, just enjoying the show for now while the doctors keep their eyes on things!

One of the most exciting updates is that I've been feeling the baby move! I first felt the baby at 17 weeks at church. What an indescribably sweet feeling! I think we have a very active little one! Jon was able to feel the baby a couple weeks ago, and since then I've seen the movements too! Wow. I'm captivated. Here are a couple pictures, although I already feel like these don't do the bump justice!

16 weeks

20 weeks

At the time this picture was taken (2 weeks ago) the baby was 12 oz., so next time you see a can of soda think of Baby Amore! :) Maybe even a 20 oz. bottle of soda soon!

Showing?

I'd say so, but you can decide for yourself.

Exhibit A:

13 weeks

Exhibit B:

11 weeks

Missing You...

Yes, YOU, my blogger friends! It’s been too long. My sister finally put the pressure on and I told her I’d have a post up by today. What pressure. I was up all night, my mind swirling with ideas. I’m actually writing this at midnight with hopes that then I'll be able to fall asleep. So, here's my attempt to fill you in on the last four or so months.

Jon and I had a very exciting spring. I’ve decided there is nothing quite like Connecticut’s autumn and spring. Wow. Gorgeous scenery. Beautiful weather. I was loving it! To top that off we had some grand adventures and more guests! After the Ingram’s visit in March, we went down to Washington D.C. for a weekend during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Unfortunately there was a storm shortly before we arrived that wiped out most of the blossoms, but we found a few token trees and tried to get that perfect picture of course. We went down for one night to see two of Jon’s classmates run in a ten mile race. Then we explored the city—mostly the mall—free museums! We also went to Georgetown for one evening. I think D.C. is my favorite city. It was so beautiful, clean, and fun. We didn’t have nearly enough time to take it all in, but I’m so glad we got the opportunity to see it together.

Then Jon graduated in May, and his dad came out for the ceremony where Jon gave a speech! It was quite spectacular! :) Later in May Jon took Maya and drove out to Michigan to the lakes—aka heaven—for a Moore boy fishing trip. What a perfect break it was for Jon after all his hard work this last year. While he was away, I got the chance to chaperone the Bristow band and orchestra trip to Philadelphia. It was more like a vacation than work. We went on a dinner cruise on the Delaware River, spent one day at Six Flags, and toured Philadelphia another day. Plus one of my good friends from work, Laura, was the other female chaperone. What a great getaway while Jon was on his trip. When Jon returned, he came baring a little gift—Peter! Peter stayed with us for a little over a week. It was wonderful. Jon and he got to spend the days together while I was at work. Then on Saturday we went to Boston and embarked on a Duck Tour. Sunday we spent in NYC with Peter’s good friends Nate and Andrea. This was one of my favorite trips to New York even though we got rained out of Central Park. It was so great spending it with friends from home and getting to know Nate and Andrea better. What an awesome couple they are!

For such a busy spring, our summer really slowed down. Jon started his residency at the end of June at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and I took it easy with many 3 hour afternoon naps. I suppose pregnancy does that to a woman! Yep, that’s right we’re (well I’m) pregnant! We found out on June 19th, the day after school ended for me. I’m so glad it was summer during the first trimester because I was wiped out! Thankfully I was not very sick at all, mostly just tired. Whew! It feels so good to get that out! I can now start posting all of my fun pictures and milestones. I can’t wait to meet this little one. The expected arrival date is February 20, so that puts me at almost 14 weeks.

Here's a little sneak peek--quite adorable, right? :)

More in the morning…I think I got enough out of my head that I’ll be able to sleep now!

Birthday Boy

whisperings to my soul
of a child
born to shine as the sun’s rays
glistening on the waters
like stars in a dark universe
spreading hope and life
to the progeny of
despair and brokenness
destined for more
he is called by Him
whose breath brings life
life abundant
of a treasure
molded by the Sculptor
emboldened by His spirit
to dance
shout for glory
to speak beauty into the ashes
and words of redemption
to the depths
with overwhelming courage
and devotion
fearlessness
of love

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life”
-Philippians 2:14-16

This has been the verse on my heart since Caleb was born. May he be a light to a dark world! Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Reigning In My Impulsivity

It all really started two weeks ago when I had to get my hair cut the day before my sister, Jeff, and Caleb arrived...if I didn't go that day, I would have had to wait almost another week because I wasn't going to go while we had visitors. Maybe this is a lesson in procrastination as well as impulsivity because if I hadn't waited 7 months to get my hair cut in the first place, maybe I wouldn't have been so frustrated! Well conveniently the beauty school down the road takes walk-ins every evening from 5-7. I thought that meant you could walk in during those hours; I didn't realize your hair cut would take that entire time plus some! :) Luckily I didn't have to pick up Amber and Jeff until 9:50! Well, the good news is my beauty student was very nice and we had an enjoyable conversation while she practiced on my once long hair. I asked for long layers. I think maybe she learned layers for the first time on my hair. Anyway 2 hours 40 minutes, $20, and about 5 inches later, I came out with the new style I'd been longing for...well a change at least! I'm sure by now you're wondering at which point I learn to curb my impulsive instincts...THIS is IT! I patiently endured a bad haircut for 12 days before I took matters into my own hands!

Here is how this morning played out as I got ready for work (I needed to leave in about 5 minutes, had just finished fixing my hair, still needed to get dressed.) I'm standing in the bathroom with the trash can in the sink, scissors in hand, devious grin on my face.

"Jon, can you hear what I'm doing in here?" (probably a scary question already!)
"Umm...no, what are you doing?"
"You're going to be mad"
"Are you cutting your hair?" (haha, I love that he knew! He was probably remembering a similar instance where I cut bangs after which he banned me from taking scissors to my hair)
"Do you think you can help me?"

This is the part where I, folded up like a pretzel with a small section of hair in one hand and scissors in the other, walk out to Jon and he gracefully helps me cut the back portion of my hair which I can't quite reach on my own. Isn't he cool??

It should be noted that I received many compliments on my hair today at work! Even some of my colleagues who scrutinized our work said Jon and I did very well! Best of all, I feel much better! :)


Pretend like you can tell a big difference please!

He is Risen!

So thankful for the redemption that is ours in Jesus Christ. I wanted to share part of the lyrics to one of my favorite David Crowder songs, Wholly Yours. I love the way he is able to manipulate words to echo his soul.

“I am full of earth
You are heaven’s worth
I am stained with dirt, prone to depravity
You are everything that is bright and clean
The antonym of me
You are divinity
But a certain sign of grace is this
From a broken earth flowers come up
Pushing through the dirt

You are holy, holy, holy
All heaven cries “Holy, holy God”
You are holy, holy, holy
I wanna be holy like You are

You are everything that is bright and clean
And You’re covering me with Your majesty
And the truest sign of grace was this
From wounded hands redemption fell down
Liberating man”

Thank you, Lord, not only for the ultimate gift of your son, but also for redeeming the little things in my life each day! You certainly make all things new!

Happy Easter!

Guests

We have been so blessed by our wonderful family and friends who have come out to visit us in Connecticut. It's so refreshing to have a little bit of Colorado all the way on the east coast!

First, back in November the Trinitys came out to see us!

we went to the submarine museum

Mystic harbor at night

Boys will be boys! Jon & Mike got lots of time to play and be boys! It was so good for Jon to have a break from his hard work with school!

They were suckered into taking this $3 picture, but it makes for a great memory! :)

Rachel was 7 months pregnant for this trip! What a trooper! She was amazing!

We went to the Macy's Inflation Celebration so we could see all the balloons for the Thanksgiving parade.

To infinity and beyond!

We even got to celebrate Thanksgiving with them! Mike made an apple pie and Rachel did the turkey and mashed potatoes! We were spoiled! It was so wonderful to spend Thanksgiving with good friends!

Then in February Mom & Dad Moore came out to see us!

we walked the Freedom Trail in Boston

Took pictures of all the great architecture...what a beautiful city! We loved the old buildings and their history.

We even sat in JFKs favorite booth at the Union Oyster House

The next morning we rode the train into NYC

we took the Staten Island Ferry by the Statue of Liberty

a great view of the skyline from the ferry

a Valentine's kiss in Times Square!

of course the classic Times Square at night shot! Aren't they a good looking couple?

We loved the time we got with Doug and Jan. We especially loved having them all to ourselves for so many days! A rare treat!

Most recently Amber, Jeff, and Caleb were out (end of March)...

it was still pretty cold in the city

strolling through Central Park

good times with Caleb

we thought of you, Dad! :)

Amber and Jeff also got a kiss photo in Times Square...it's the thing to do.

Amber and I at Grand Central station. I finally got some much needed sister time! She's the best!

We walked to the Connecticut River to see the flooding. That's supposed to be a parking lot behind them!

What an adorable lil' boy! Aunt Cara and Uncle Jon were so happy to have one of our nephews close by!

Maya decided Caleb's look was outdated...

so she updated it! :) She was actually really sweet with him.

What a great visit! Love you, Ingrams!

Through these trips Jon and I have discovered our love for hosting! One of the best things about living far away is getting to have family and friends stay in our home with us. We love to cook meals for guests, and we really enjoy the down time...late night games or chats, drinking coffee in our pjs, and of course showing off the east coast sites! Thanks for visiting us, and if you haven't yet, please book a trip! :)We would love to have you!