Just Pictures... see post below for details on Alex's arrival...
Hospital pic of Alex


Mommy holds one sleepy little guy...

How he looks most of the time right now...

He's Here!

Here's the update on baby: he's here! Last Thursday (the 26th), Alex Kenton Brown arrived swiftly and quite easily. Why it is that I (who am known to be a wimp and who goes in asking for an epidural) always end up with an almost natural birth? So annoying... these fast and furious deliveries. No complaints on the fast part; I could do without the furious. He was born within 5 minutes of receiving the epidural and would have come faster if the staff had been ready. So that's the story for all you who like that kind of trivia. Now OF COURSE... on to the pictures. Oh yes, he was 8 lbs. 2 oz., 2 1/2 wks. early, 20 inches long and just overall, very healthy. Thank God! (There are a few of you who like itsy, bitsy details. If you are female, a close friend, and want more info than is appropriate for a forum such as this, call me).

Just for Fun...

Having never carried a baby this long, I'm discovering what all the complaints are truly about. I remember someone saying when I delivered at 35 and 1, "Man, you got to miss the whole last miserable month!" So, I've now joined the world of stretch marks, swollen ankles, and a closet full of 'maternity' clothes I've outgrown. It also appears he's going to be quite large- although I'm hoping to avoid the ranks of those with horror L & D stories ;o)

So... just for fun... I'm curious to hear the worst thing someone said to you/about you when you were 'great with child.' Yesterday, Nathan took me to a nice restaurant. Our dear friend, Joyce Sagely, took Kathryn overnight to give us a break from what seems to be anxiety-induced insomnia (she comes looking for me 5, 6, 7 times a night- ugh!) So, anyways, upon entering the restaurant, the nicest-looking hostess says loudly to me in disbelief, "So, what'd you do? Swallow a watermelon?!" It made me laugh (lucky for her). So, any anecdotes of your own? Laughs are the best medicine.

Oh, yes. Miscellaneous Tidbit. Of course I don't agree with this quote, but it brought a smile: "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then when you do, you'll be a mile away and you'll have their shoes!"

Waiting for baby...

Thought I'd update everyone on the upcoming birth of little Alex. I'm now 36 weeks and 3 days, and he's weighing in at an estimated 7 lbs. 6 oz. Kathryn came at 35 weeks, 1 day, so I'm grateful for the extra time and weight Alex is getting. To prevent my having another itsy-bitsy one, they placed me on Terbutaline/Brethine for a few weeks. Within 48 hours of discontinuing it, I began having regular (6 minutes apart) contractions. So off we went to the hospital. They observed me overnight and sent me home. That was last Tuesday. As of today, I've had continuous contractions 6 minutes apart for a week! As the wise say, "Life is what happens when you're expecting something else." ;o) They're keeping an eye on us, but don't want me admitted until things "pick up." So, now you know why I haven't blogged much. I'm pretty tired all the time right now. Please pray that we (our little family) will have extra strength and patience for each other during this time. Nathan's been an angel; I can't say the same for Kathryn ;o)

Food For Thought

Read an insightful quote in Today in the Word (devotional published by Moody Bible Institute) that I thought was worth sharing. Context: Genesis 22- God's test of Abraham by requesting sacrifice of his son, Isaac.

"Two statements frame the Genesis 22 story: God tests (v. 1) and God provides (v. 14). Often it is easier to affirm the God who provides, yet not welcome the God who tests. Or we despair to endure God's tests and find it hopeless to believe He actually provides. If you feel burdened by a trial that seems unbearable, pray today that the Holy Spirit would strengthen your heart to trust God and respond to Him with faith like Abraham."

With a thankful heart, I can say I'm not going through any "unbearable trials" today, but we all do and have at some time or another. Have my responses been 'in faith' in the past? Can I plan to frame them 'in faith' for the future? Just an encouraging thought.

For Your Celebration!

Happy Fourth to all our friends and family! This has to be my favorite holiday after Easter. I have a tasty lemonade recipe I picked up in Amish country, PA if you're looking for something yummy to quench thirsty palates today.

Homemade Lemonade (makes 1 gallon)
2 large lemons, cut up
1 1/2 c. sugar

Place cut up lemons and sugar in the bottom of your pitcher. Using a wooden spoon (or other hard utensil), mash the lemons into the sugar, making a yummy paste. Add a little water to the mixture and stir. Fill the rest of the pitcher up with water and ice. (Of course, one lemon and 3/4 c. sugar does great for 1/2 gallon pitchers) Enjoy!!!