It's beginning to Look a lot Like....

 Oh! I love this time of year for so many reasons! I love getting to send a little love in the mail. Christmas cards are so fun! We took a few pictures while apple picking back in October to use on our Christmas card. Then, today with a little help from a sweet cousin we were able to get just the right family photo.

I can't wait for the cards to arrive. It'll be a dash to get them all addressed and stamped but I love it! Hopefully, they'll arrive soon and turn around to be sent out right away!

 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

Apple Picking at Sky Top

Sky Top is probably the most perfect orchard. It's set on top of a picturesque mountain and boasts acre after acre of apple trees. It smells of warm, fresh apple cider donuts and grassy hayrides. We try to plan to visit when the leaves are at their peak for changing colors. We have never been disappointed and this year was no exception. As we were driving up J and I talked about the sweet memories the orchard holds. The first time we went Joshua and I were dating and pretty close to engagement. I was convinced that we were getting engaged, but he didn't propose there. It's a funny story and sweet memory now. The second year we went J and I were newly married and we decided this would be a great Fall tradition. Last year when we went we were anticipating the arrival of our sweet Macie Jane! We picked apples and dreamt about bringing our sweet girl the next year. We smiled at precious families and were thrilled that we were headed in that direction. Somehow this year we picked the coldest day of the season so far! We bundled up in pea coats and Carhart jackets with mittens and scarves. We were not to be deterred. We got there at the perfect time. Macie Jane was precious looking around and babbling at the people and trees and animals. We had the sweetest time picking so many Pink Lady apples! We fed the goats and stood in line for yummy donuts! Not to mention the workout we got climbing up and down the mountainside searching for the perfect grove of apple trees. :)

For a sentimental person this tradition makes my heart swell. I love all the memories Sky Top holds and I love the hope of all the future memories we'll make there as well!

Happy Fall Y'all! 

Fall, Pumpkins, and Cookies

Ok, so we're officially 9 days into September, football season is in full swing, and the lows this week are in the 60's. I think that's sufficient empirical evidence to say Fall is here. Never mind the calendar's claim that we must wait until September 22 nor the fact that the daytime temperatures still soar into the 90's. I made a pact with myself that I wouldn't decorate for Fall until the grocery store started carrying pumpkins and guess what? On my shopping trip today guess what I found?! Not only pumpkins but mums too! I exercised so much restraint not picking up a few of those garnet and golden yellow beauties. Maybe next time. I did snatch up a pumpkin and a can of Puree. This afternoon Macie Jane and I had a ball making up these lovely pumpkin cookies. I mix and cut; she giggles and keeps me smiling. (Seriously, the sweetest baby)

In case you're up for a little taste of Fall, here's the recipe.
(Compliments of Ms. Martha Stewart and her cookie recipe collection.

                                           Ingredients:

         2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

         1 teaspoon baking powder

         1 teaspoon baking soda

         1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt

         1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

         1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger

         3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

         3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

         2 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar

         2 large eggs

         1 1/2 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin (14 ounces)

         3/4 cup evaporated milk

         1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl; set aside.

Put butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Mix in eggs. Reduce speed to low. 

Add pumpkin, evaporated milk, and vanilla; mix until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add flour mixture; mix until combined. Scoop batter  in 1 1/2-inch rounds onto baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. 

Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until tops spring back, about 12 minutes. Cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; let cool completely and enjoy! 

Happy Fall Y'all!

I'm Home!

I still can't believe it. I'm really home. That's my job, stay at home mommy. Last week I officially ended my job at a local elementary school to be home with our Macie Jane. This week has been amazing. In addition to lots of snuggling I've been able to get our house back into working order. :) Kudos, to working Moms! I don't know how you do it! You are amazing! Keeping up with family time, household chores, and a full time job is exhausting to say the least! J and I prayed and worked through our budget to figure out how to make it work. God made it very clear that home is where I am supposed to be and we couldn't be more thrilled. I miss my sweet teacher friends and precious students but it is a gift to enjoy every moment and every day with our tiny girl!

Recently, I read a quote saying that, "the days and nights are long but the years are short." I think I'd have to argue that the days and nights are flying by as well. The decision to stay home couldn't have come at a better time. Macie Jane is almost 7 months old. (I'm choking as I type that!) The time with her is absolutely flying. How is our tiny girl so big! She's scooting and army crawling ever where. She eats baby food like a big girl! And she is so observant, watching everything around her. 

I am soaking in every single day because I know they go faster than I want them to. I know our adventures together are just beginning and I'm thankful. So thankful to be her mama.

Seeing the Father's Heart of God

"having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you..." Ephesians 1:18


This verse could effectively be the theme of what I consider one of the sweetest Summers I've enjoyed. How gracious of our God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts. He does not leave us in ignorance to the hope He holds for us. 


No doubt, this summer has been an adventure. I'm still not over the novelty that I'm a mama. What a delight it is getting to hold my sweet Macie Jane and discover life with her. Every single day is a learning experience. Do you want to know the biggest object lesson of life? Become a parent. Wow. God has used our precious, precious baby girl to teach me so much about Him and so much about me. Let me share an example, you'll catch on, and I'm sure we could find a thousand other parallels. 


Macie Jane has a bi-monthly check up to oversee her growth/development and to receive scheduled vaccinations. She of course has no clue what's going on (yet) but I do. She feels fine and happy. She's smiling and enjoying the crinkle of the exam table paper. My heart aches knowing what's coming. If you're a mommy you understand what it does to you to see that sweet face wince in pain. Absolutely, hands down, I cry significantly more than she does. After we pull ourselves together and check out of the doctors office we head home. It is a quiet ride. Shots tend to exhaust our baby girl. 


As we drive I'm thinking and praying. "Oh, Lord, help me to remember this is necessary. Help me to see that this was for her good. I know she doesn't understand. All she understood was the pain but I know that if it were not for this momentary pain she could one day feel pain much worse than she nor I can imagine." And then, it's almost like I could audibly hear Him say to me- I know what you feel. I feel it much deeper. 


"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has beentempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15,16


How thankful I am for His mercy and grace no matter the time of need. His grace is sufficient for a mommy's heart. I begin to think about the Father's heart of God. Macie Jane belongs to me because I'm her Mommy but ultimately she belongs to Jesus. In the same way, I am my mother's daughter but ultimately I belong to Jesus. How many times in life have I been enjoying the metaphorical crinkle of the exam paper and then to have my world rocked in pain. Was God absent? Absolutely not! He was there, He is always there. In the pain of life He is sovereign. In the moments (or days or weeks or months or years) of pain I would ache. At times the pain felt blinding and hope, although always there, sometimes seemed fleeting, but He is always with me. Parts of life were difficult to understand. However, I would gladly say that if it were not for those painful experiences I would not be who God is making me today. A few wise women have reminded me that, "nothing touches my life apart from God allowing it." How thankful I am for that truth! I didn't understand then but over a relatively short amount of time I have been able to see His gracious hand of mercy. I am grateful for my hope in Him and for How He changes us from "glory to glory."



My little butter bean has no idea how powerful her life has already been used by our God. Daily, I see Him clearly a little more and a little more. 

  


Thank you, Jesus for allowing me to be Macie Jane's mommy! Help me to hold her with an open hand, remembering that she belongs to you. Help me to be a reflection of you. Most of all, dear Jesus, help our sweet baby to know you, love you, and walk with you. Amen.






Macie is 2 Months Today!

My sweet Macie,
Every single day with you is a gift! I love being your Mommy. You have filled my heart with so much joy. Snuggling up with you is one of my most favorite things to do these days and I have to practically pry myself away to do chores and make dinner! I wonder so much what your personality is going to be like. You're very smiley these days but you still have a serious look most of the time. You must be thinking about something interesting. 

You are growing bigger and more adorable everyday.  Your hair is ever so slightly turning lighter and your eyes are still a lovely blue. You're a good eater and weigh almost ten pounds! I wonder where is my itty bitty baby going? We started wearing the 0-3 months clothes on you. They're still a little big- but that makes Mommy's heart happy! Finally, we've been able to dress you up in cute little dresses. The weather has finally turned warm for the Spring!  We get to enjoy a pretty walk through the land almost everyday. I think you really like walking and wonder if maybe you look forward to it each day. I know I do! You are a great little companion when I have to run errands. Usually you sleep the shopping trip away. Everyone who sees you says that you are beautiful and they usually comment on your pretty hair. Daddy and I couldn't agree more!

This past month we celebrated your first Easter, you had your first play date, and you went to your first wedding- you slept through all of those too. :) You started taking a paci and began to bat at your little toys. One night you slept all the way through! Daddy and I couldn't believe it! We even checked the monitor to make sure everything was working right! You haven't done that again yet but we know that time will come eventually. For now, I enjoy snuggling you so close and rocking you in the quiet of the night. These are sweet times and I want to cherish them. I pray with you and thank Jesus for you. All of the adventures and challenges of being a new mommy are worth it one hundred times over.

You are so very loved by all of your family! You love to visit and snuggle up with them! We still just sit around and stare at you! We can't believe how blessed we are with you! You are such a good baby. You definitely have good lungs and let us know when something is not quite right, but whenever the problem is remedied you are our happy baby girl again.

We are praying for you, sweet Macie, that you would know our faithful God and walk with Him. He is the source of all good things. He is our hope and our joy. He created us just as he created you- for His glory. We pray that you will see Jesus in us as we love you and raise you to know Him. We celebrated Easter a few weeks ago. We want to live the gospel everyday, but we celebrated Jesus' life and resurrection especially that day. We are praying, baby Macie, that you will know Him and the incredible power of that resurrection. You're only 8 weeks old and life is new now but there is a greater newness in Jesus. It is our heart's cry that you will know Him and walk in that newness of a deeper spiritual life.

I'm thankful for you, precious baby. I love you today and I love you tomorrow. I love you as deep as the sea.

with all my love,

your Mama

Macie Jane's Birth Story

Ever since I can remember I've always wanted to be a mama. When we found out this Summer that God gave us the desire of our hearts to be parents our hearts soared! All babies are so wonderful and amazing but being pregnant took our awe to a whole new level. Each week we read how our sweet girl was developing. How amazing is our great God?! He formed this precious child day-by-day, minute-by-minute over 10 months.

The first time we saw her on an ultrasound (and every time, actually) my eyes swelled with tears. There is no better way to describe it other than- amazing! From as early as 12 weeks she looked like a teeny tiny person. We even joked that she had her daddy's personality because when we went to capture a picture of her on the ultrasound she quickly flipped over and 'hid.' Each check up was the highlight of my month or week as we got closer. We recorded the sound of her heartbeat and framed pictures of her ultrasounds. We prayed for her health and safe arrival. We loved this sweet baby girl from the minute we discovered she existed.

We were blessed immeasurably with a very smooth and mostly easy pregnancy. Baby girl gave us a few scares but every time she was perfectly well. My only real anxiety was over delivery. I was worried about being strong enough. As our due date drew closer my fears and anxiety heightened. I remember the night we walked out of our last birth class. I held it together long enough to get into the car and then completely fell apart. I sobbed realizing that this was it- everything was completed in anticipation of sweet Macie. The nursery was decorated and furnished, baby clothes were washed, and the birth class was complete. Anxiety rushed over me as I fearfully thought about labor and delivery. I wanted so much to do what was right for the baby and for myself. I've never had a strong pain tolerance and I really wasn't sure I was up for natural birth but I wanted to try. I prayed through my tears that night asking God for help. I needed help with my fear. I needed help to handle contractions. I needed help to deliver our baby.


Each morning as I drove to school I asked for grace in labor and delivery. I pleaded for strength both physically and emotionally. For a pregnant mama I had the perfect job. I helped teach a Kindergarten class and I worked with the most amazing and thoughtful teacher. She has a 3 year old little girl and was so great to give insight and consolation for my pregnancy adventures and fears. When my colleagues asked about my plans for maternity leave in jest I would say I planned to teach through contractions all day then go home and have the baby. Who would've thought that could actually happen?

On Valentine's day I went to my 8:30 doctor's appointment for a scheduled ultrasound. We were concerned about Macie's size since her daddy weighed close to 10 pounds and I was a bouncy 7 pounds and 14 ounces. My mama in love, or as we affectionately call her now, Lollie, came with me. It was pure joy to get to share the ultrasound with her. That morning, according to measurements on the ultrasound, Macie weighed 7 pounds and 11 ounces. We were in pretty good shape since we only had 10 days until the due date. All morning I was having what I thought were Braxton Hicks contractions. I asked the doctor about it and he nonchalantly replied that I should "just keep an eye on them." He went on to suggest scheduling an induction for  the following week. I sheepishly declined on account of my fear but mainly because I needed to pray about it and talk it over with Joshua. After leaving the office, again, the tears ensued. I couldn't believe her arrival was so immanent. Little did I know those weren't Braxton Hicks I was feeling, labor had begun.

...The ultrasound almost exactly 24 hours before she was born...

I drove into school arriving an hour late but full of excitement for the valentine's day festivities. If you don't know Valentine's day is a VERY exciting day in Kindergarten. Candy and love- it doesn't get much better! :) Throughout the rest of the morning I felt those 'Braxton Hicks' and decided to start recording them. After lunch I sent the record of my contractions to J but with a message saying that early labor can last days and sometimes up to a week. At that point they were about 5-10 minutes apart and lasting almost a minute. I took two of my sweethearts to the library to get books and as we walked I would slow down with contractions so much that I told them to walk on and I would catch up. As soon as a contraction was over I could resume my normal pace and we were fine. As the afternoon progressed so did my contractions. During our math time I was sitting at table with a group of students. In normal kindergarten fashion, they were loud and excited and asking lots of questions. At one point I closed my eyes with a slightly intense contraction. One of my precious little friends exclaimed, "Mrs. Snipes, why you sleepin'?! you need a nap?" How could I not smile? We finished the day with a valentine party. I struggled to handout my valentines and as soon as the day was over I scooted out quickly.

At that point I knew something was happening. The contractions were consistent and getting more difficult. I went straight to Joshua's parent's home because I knew my mama-in-love and the sisters would be home. I wasn't positive I was in labor but I didn't want to be home alone. I thought for sure if I laid down and relaxed the contractions would stop. However, after some rest and continued symptoms of labor, I knew I needed to call the doctor before the office closed. The nurse very adamantly insisted that I needed to head down to the hospital. I was in shock. I was just in the doctor's office that morning, how in the world could it be time? I fell apart and again, tears. (Have you noticed a pattern yet?) I called J and let him know what was happening. He left work and headed for the hospital as Lollie and I were on our way. Still in denial, I walked into triage and joked with the ladies in reception saying, "Do I look a woman in labor? I'm perfectly fine. This isn't happening yet." After being checked out they determined that I was in early labor and not active labor yet. I was sent home. (See, I knew I was fine!)

After what felt like the most uncomfortable and bouncy ride back to my in-laws we enjoyed a lovely valentine's evening meal of Chick-fil-a courtesy of my sweet mama-in-love! The conractions continued and were getting intense. At one point I had a very strong contraction and I panicked thinking, "I can't do it. I can't. I need help." I was then I knew I was going to have to have an epidural. Then, it dawned on me that, Hello!! It's Valentine's day and maybe my sweet in-laws would like to enjoy the evening! What were we doing at their house?! Joshua and I left and came back to our house. My contractions were getting more painful and at this point I was still dressed up in my school clothes. I changed and tried to relax. I recalled all the relaxation techniques from our birth class and none of them seemed to help. It was just painful! I went into our room, prayed, and tried to rest- again, I thought if I laid down it would stop. (Seriously, I know you're thinking I'm crazy right now, but it really never set in that this was it.) We timed the contractions for an hour. They were about a minute in length and 2-3 minutes apart. A little after 10:00 Joshua made the executive decision to head to the hospital.

Again, the ride was very uncomfortable but thankfully this time I had a lot more room and a shoulder to hold onto. My beloved in-laws offered to take us. Joshua's sweet dad drove us as J and I sat in the back and managed through contractions. His kind mama followed us in our car so we'd have a car at the hospital to come back home in. Upon arrival I wanted to walk up to the birth center, but I was coerced into a wheelchair by the energetic security guard. He ran as he pushed me up to triage. Maybe he thought I was about to push the baby out?! The guys parked the cars and sweet Lollie jogged behind me up to triage.  This time I wasn't so jovial. I felt embarrassed that I was back because I just knew the nurse was going to send me back home. Much to my surprise, the nurse checked me and announced I headed to the birth center to be admitted. My head reeled, I was thinking, "what? I made it? it really is time? oh no! I didn't finish packing the hospital bag!  I was going to do that tomorrow on my day off school!"

...around 2 am I figured I better let friends/family know this is happening- so I texted... :) 

They transferred me back into the wheelchair and pushed me down to the birth center. I climbed into bed and the process began. I got my IV and they asked it I would like an epidural. Of course, I said yes. I couldn't handle the pain and I knew it was about to get exponentially more difficult. Joshua stood by my side the entire time. He encouraged me, held my hand, brushed my hair back. I adored him then more than ever. When the funny anesthesiologist came in he quibbed  about his expertise. He asked if I knew any pregnant friends to which I replied, "yes." He told me, "Tell your pregnant friends don't come on week night. Come Monday morning- you get real doctor. On week night you get Indians!" We laughed so much! He continued to make silly jokes as he began to set up my epidural. He was great. My eyes stayed fixed on Joshua and the picture of sweet Macie's ultrasound he was holding. Before I knew it the epidural was over. It didn't feel good but it was honestly not that bad. The anesthesiologist was an excellent doctor. After about 10 minutes or so I felt nothing. Crazy! I relaxed and couldn't believe it. The girls had arrived at the hospital and were so sweet to come back and see me. They didn't stay long but long enough to give me courage and make me feel so loved. Our precious family camped out in the waiting room for the night. (I can't begin to tell how much I love my family!)

...best cheerleaders a girl could ask for...

I knew I was going to have a big workout ahead of me with labor and delivery so I decided to try to rest. I wasn't sure how long it was going to be until it was time to push since I couldn't feel anything. J stayed up through the whole night but I was laying in the bed snoring! Yes! Snoring through labor. We joke that I got better sleep the night I was in labor than I had in the last 9 months! I woke up around 3 and asked J if I was still having contractions because I felt nothing. I was so afraid that the contractions would stop and we'd need a section. He smiled and said, "nope, you're actually having a pretty big one right now." I looked at the monitor and was astonished! I was really moving along!

I went back to sleep and I don't remember when it was but after a little while I began to feel sensation and contraction pain on my right side. The nurses thought this would be a relatively easy fix. I had been laying on my left side so I just needed to flip over to the right. They moved me over and I fell back asleep. I don't know how long it was but I remember being woken up to several nurses around me checking my blood pressure, putting oxygen on me, and rolling me back over. In the process of moving me my water finally broke. Apparently, being on my right side made my blood pressure drop and Macie's heart rate slow down. I didn't understand what was going on all I knew is that I wasn't hearing her heart beat on the monitor any more. Thankfully, the panic didn't last long and after repositioning the monitor they found Macie again and her heart was going strong!

Around 8:00am one of my nurses came in and asked if I was ready to push. I had been fully effaced and was 10 centimeters dilated for a while. My body was ready to go. J took one side and the nurse the other and I began the most exhausting work out of my life! I pushed with her for about 40 minutes and then the doctor arrived. They got everyone and everything into place. I felt unbelievable peace. It was time and I was ready only by the all sufficient grace of God. I pushed for a little over 30 minutes. The nurses counted and Joshua's words of encouragement gave me courage. He was my rock through it all. He was right beside me, literally holding me the entire time. Just as I felt I had given it all I could, God gave strength for one last powerful push and she was here! At 9:33am we met our precious, Macie Jane. It was the most incredible moment of my life. She came right to my chest. She was warm and squishy and slippery but most of all she was the most beautiful creation I have ever seen. She was perfect! I cried and I held her and I looked at her. I looked at my beloved husband as he gazed at our sweet girl- I've never felt so full of love. As I held her, Joshua leaned in close and prayed. He thanked God for his incredible grace, for our healthy girl, and for such a smooth delivery. She was here and He answered every single one of our prayers.

After snuggling our baby for a little bit and getting the go ahead from the nurses our family could finally come back! This time I wasn't the only one in tears! Our immediate family was there right away to meet her and Aunt Deb came down too! Our precious little sweetheart was so loved- while we stayed at the hospital almost every single family member and a few friends made it out to the hospital to meet her. Over the two days we stayed our nurses took such great care of us. They were so friendly and helpful. I asked about five million questions most of which received the same response, "that's normal- all babies do it." If I thought I was bad as a first-time-pregnant mama I'm much worse as a first-time mama of a newborn!

It was a snowy Saturday in downtown Columbia and we snuggled up in our cozy room together as a family. We eagerly watched the hours pass on as we were excited to get home. Finally, the time came a little after noon on Sunday and we were released to head home. I sat in the wheelchair holding sweet baby Macie as they pushed me out of the postpartum wing, into the elevator, and out of the hospital. As we traveled across the bridge in the bright, sunshine my eyes swelled with tears again. I was holding our beautiful gift, God gave incredible grace to deliver, and we were embarking a new chapter in life. We made it- by God's grace alone. He is good all the time but we enjoyed the richness of His goodness in an amazing new light. For the whole ride home tears of joy fell. My heart has truly never felt so absolutely full. We came in on a chilly, dark night two days ago and on that crisp, clear blue-sky day we left with the most beautiful baby girl this world has ever known.

I've always wanted to be a mama and on Friday morning, February 15th 2013 my dream came true!

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6