A Lifetime of Love

Kaylee Madison made her debut at 8:14pm and weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces. She was 19.5 inches long. I haven't received any pictures yet, but hopefully soon. Mom and baby are doing great, Mom is trying to figure out the nursing thing. It's amazing how much I love this little girl and I haven't even met her; I can't even describe it!

I was talking with my sis about 11:45 this morning and in the middle of our conversation she stated, "I think my water broke." Yeah! She had a friend drive her to the hospital, but thankfully along the way they saw a police officer (the hospital is a good 45 minute drive) and flagged him down. He wasn't able to provide an escort but he did call an ambulance to take her (she was feeling extreme pressure). I am assuming she is at the hospital now, well on her way to delivering baby K. Please pray for her and the baby, and I will update as I find out more. . . ~T. Oh, above is a picture of the bag shell. I was dropping it off to be embroidered when talking with my sister. It's not completed, but the lining and shell are both done. All I need to do when I receive the shell back is attach the lining to the shell. I had it embroidered using green thread. I'll take another picture of the final bag.

I have been busy working on a diaper bag for my sister. I had hoped it would be done for Christmas, but with school and everything else, I didn't even have time to go to the fabric store. I finally got a chance to buy the fabric yesterday, and this morning I began cutting out the pattern. I gave myself a deadline of Monday because I have other sewing projects I need to get done around here before my semester begins. I'll post a picture of the bag when I finish. I hope she likes the fabric I chose for her! Speaking of my sister, I have been really concerned about her lately. I have been praying earnestly for her, and ask that you do the same. I can't go into the details, and I don't really want to, but please lift her and baby K. up in prayer. I appreciate it!

Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom 13 Goals for 2008, in alphabetical order. . . 1. Appreciate the Lord’s blessings more 2. Attend a ladies’ retreat 3. Attend another couple’s retreat 4. Be a better listener, especially to my family 5. Be a better sister 6. Be a better wife and mother 7. Be an encouragement to others 8. Become more physically active 9. Lose between 15 and 40 pounds 10. Spend more alone time with my hubby 11. Spend more alone time with the Lord 12. Spend more time playing with my kids 13. Visit my grandmother (who will be 94) before I miss the opportunity Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

I had T.G. at the doctor again today. Turns out she still has a double ear infection. I left with another prescription. . . and a referral to the E.E.N.T. The doc wanted to begin a series of Rocephin shots on her but I opposed. I went through the same thing with Ta- the series is 1 shot per day for 3 days. The shots did nothing except traumatize Ta. To this day he is petrified of the doctor, even if the appointment is for a sibling. It's the only appointment I don't mind having him with me because he is on his best behavior out of fear of getting a shot! I am waiting to find out when the E.E.N.T. appointment will be. Also, Ta broke his glasses again. He just got this pair last Thursday, so it hasn't even been a full week. I believe this was pair number 5, and unfortunately his spare pair is broken too. TJ is going to see if he can somehow take parts from both frames to make a complete pair until the new ones arrive. It just really stinks because all of this is happening no...

I rejoice in the opportunity of having a fresh start at a new year; I wish you all a happy, healthy, blessed New Year! ~T.

Many of you received my family's Christmas letter for a review of this past year, but here are some additional thoughts I have regarding 2007. . . . . . I began a blog for no particular reason but it quickly became a way for me to write about my daily trials and blessings for all of the many hats that I wear. . . . Through my blog, I am better able to see the Hand of God at work in my life, both in the present and the past. This has helped me to grow closer in my walk with the Lord. . . . I have been able to encourage others, which is an awesome by-product of having this blog. . . . I am able to express myself better through writing than I am in person. . . . The bond between my sis-in-law Jenn and I has been strengthened because of blogging. . . . I have been humbled because of various circumstances that happened to friends and acquaintances this year, and I appreciate my family so much more, particularly my husband and children. . . . I learned that life with 3 children is not th...