Goodbye Ponytail

"The Ponytail"

Thanks for all the input. I had a great time today getting my haircut and actually having a conversation with an adult for longer than five seconds and with no interruptions!!! I LOVE my little guys, but it's nice to know that you can still carry on a normal conversation. So, here's the result! It also helps that I really do like the hair cut! Thanks to my sweet hubby for taking the time to hang out with the boys!

BEFORE AFTER

Time for a Change...

OK, so those of you that have seen me since our time in Puerto Rico you know that my hair has gotten pretty long. Well, in PR it was easier to have it that way because I just wore it up all the time. I literally think I actually dried my hair maybe 3 times the whole time we lived there. Anyway, I thought that when I got back here in the cooler climate that I would wear it down more. But, of course the daily look is a ponytail. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I feel the need for a new look. So, I need your help and input.

My sweet husband is going to let me go to a salon on my birthday while he watches the kiddos. I have not gone to a salon to have a hair cut since I lived in KZ. (I have had my hair cut since then, but my sister is a hair dresser, so she always cuts it whenever we're in town). I am really excited about being pampered and changing things up a bit. Here are some pics that I've picked out... which look should I go with???
(I realize that I look nothing like these celebrities, but hair is hair right, it would at least have to come out looking somewhat similar)

(#1)

(#2) (#3)
(#4 ) This is my favorite, but I am a afraid it might be a bit too drastic.

I'll post later with the result!

Welcome to our World, Samuel!

This one is a bit long, but I gave sub-titles, so you can only read the parts that interest you the most:) ENJOY!!!





Sam's Arrival

What a different experience this was from TW's birth in Puerto Rico! I literally felt like I was on vacation. (I realize that is pretty sad that having a major surgery would be like a vacation) I am so grateful for God's grace during Sam's arrival. He was born promptly at 7:21 a.m. weighing in at 8 lbs. 11 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long. What a gift and a blessing it was to hear that little guy cry for the very first time! I hope I never forget it!

Everything went exceptionally well, other than the fact that I passed out while I was getting my i.v. put in. What a whimp! I was so embarrassed, but it really was such a stress free and enjoyable delivery. We were able to have about an hour or so with Sam before we were moved into our room to let the family come in and celebrate with us.

Even though I learned a ton by having Thomas in PR, I was very thankful that we were going to be able to communicate in English and that we would be very much aware of what was going to happen. Knowing what to expect was nice! The days following in the hospital were equally wonderful with nurses checking on me, sweet ladies bringing me my food (another plus, was being able to order whatever I wanted). The truth is that when Thurs. rolled around I didn't want to go home! But, I did miss my other babies, so that helped to know that I would be able to see them and have them love on their baby brother.

The Past Three Weeks...
have been somewhat of a blur. Ben and I have now experienced what it means to have a baby with acid reflux, not fun by the way, and if anyone has any tips please pass them on! We were able to put him on some medicine that has helped tremendously. The first week was not so bad, but the second week Sam hardly slept at all, which means neither did we. Now, week three there has been much improvement. Things are looking up... Sam slept last night after his 1:00 feeding until 5:15. Not sure if Daylight Savings has anything to do with that, but I'll take an extra hour of sleep any day!

Thomas and Lydia

Well, when we arrived home with Sam I was pretty sure after about a day that we were not all going to survive living in the same house. TW took it really hard. It seemed like his little heart was broken that his mommy had another baby now. He would walk around with his hands up in the air asking me to "Hold YOU!" But, I couldn't because of my c-section, but then he would see me walking around holding Sam and that really made him mad! I feel like we did everything wrong before we figured out what we should do, and we came to the conclusion that we ALL need tons of grace right now as we transition to having a new little addition!

Lydia was the most precious big sister ever... the first 3 days, and then reality set in for her. She really was smitten with him at first, but the more he cried the more frustrated she became. Now, she has come full circle and just today she was lying down beside Sam and when he would fuss she would start to sing so softly "Jesus, loves you this I know..." So SWEET!!!

They are both learning to love him and our biggest challenge is learning to be gentle and not so much in his face! Sam seems to be very unaffected by all of the commotion and chaos that comes with having a big sister and a big brother. We are thankful for that!

Recovery...
As for me and recovering from c-section #3 I am feeling pretty good for having only been 3 weeks out of surgery. I sometimes forget that I did have surgery and that it will take me a while to feel 100%. I get frustrated when I can't function like I want to physically, but Ben has really helped me out a ton and has encouraged me to take it easy and take my time!

So far, transitioning to 3 has proven to be a bit more challenging than having two. But, we will learn how to thrive in this new "normal." I'm still not exactly sure how I will get out of the house with all three, but that will come with time. I have been a bit overwhelmed this week because it has been my first week without any help and with Ben being back to work full-time. So, it's just me and the kiddos, and I'm convinced that they can smell the fear!

Well, I know this was a longer update, but hopefully that catches you up on news with the Parmers. There will be more to come, but for now I need to go serve up some snacks!