tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976275053644230302024-03-13T16:02:26.479-05:00Our Dream Come TrueJennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-4263114750143832412016-05-19T14:05:00.002-05:002016-05-19T15:18:45.452-05:00It's a Par-TEE! <div style="text-align: center;">
I now have a four year old and a one year old. </div>
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Excuse me while I uncurl myself from the fetal position.</div>
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What a wonderful whirlwind of a week it's been. </div>
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On Wednesday, Baker turned FOUR! </div>
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We had a fabulous celebration of all things HIM!</div>
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If anybody knows how to celebrate, it's Baker Bell. </div>
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Boy knows how to party.</div>
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And yes, that's a brownie for breakfast. </div>
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But I did slather natural peanut butter on it, because everybody knows we need protein for breakfast. </div>
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And chocolate comes from cocoa, which is a tree, that makes it a plant. </div>
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Chocolate is a salad.</div>
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So even though it was his birthday, he had salad topped with extra protein.</div>
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Because, Mom of the Year. </div>
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We also celebrated his teacher, Mrs. Nicole, who shares his special day!</div>
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We love her fiercely!</div>
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Then, despite all my pleas and begs, Barrett turned ONE on Sunday!</div>
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Talk about hitting a momma where it hurts. </div>
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Two birthdays in four days.</div>
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Ouch.</div>
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I still remember my ninth grade Biology teacher telling me it was a woman's perogative to change her mind. And by golly, I am all woman and put this to the test every single day.</div>
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It still baffles my ever-loving crazy mom mind that this idea stuck. </div>
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On May 17, 2015, we were released from the hospital to bring Barrett home. </div>
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On the way home, I said these exact words to Brian, </div>
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"Next year, we can totally have their parties together and even though I don't know the first thing about golf, let's do a golf theme. </div>
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Barrett's hole in ONE and Baker is FORE. </div>
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We can call it a Par-Tee, you know, "par" "tee. </div>
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Get it? </div>
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We can have Arnold Palmers to drink and club sandwedges, </div>
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and chips and mac and tees. </div>
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It's gonna be so fun."</div>
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I really amazed myself at all of the golf puns my sleep-deprived-hopped-up-on-new-baby-hormones brain was producing. I would have high fived myself and done a little skip if all my nether regions didn't feel like they had just been run over by a Mack truck after delivering every single delectable ounce of a nine pound juicy baby boy. </div>
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Instead, I think I cried. "But I don't want him to turn one. And Baker, I'm not letting him turn four. </div>
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Why do they have to grow up? Why does time have to go so fast. It seems like he was just born yesterday."</div>
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Mind you, this was two days after he was born. </div>
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I still had 364 days to come to grip with this. </div>
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Praise all things good and holy for Leap Years. </div>
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My precious husband didn't know what to do.</div>
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Calm the screaming baby in the backseat, </div>
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throw me some Xanax, </div>
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or leap from the moving vehicle and sacrifice scratches and scars for sanity. </div>
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Fortunately, he didn't jump and I survived birthdays one and four. </div>
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And a whole year later, we did just that. </div>
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We had a Golf Par-TEE for our boys.</div>
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Baker is FORE and Barrett's hole in ONE!</div>
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It was perfect.</div>
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or PARfect. </div>
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Caddy Buffet:</div>
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Cupcakes - Vanilla Cupcakes with Toppers</div>
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Chip Shots - Bags of Chips</div>
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Club Sandwedges - Ham and Turkey Club Sandwiches</div>
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Par-Faits - <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/633387420615567/" target="_blank">Key Lime Parfaits</a></div>
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Birdie Nuggets - Chick-fil-A Nuggets Platter </div>
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Party Favors:</div>
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Thank you for Playing a Round with Us tags on bagged personalized cookies</div>
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Printables: Amy Tippins at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/onegoodname" target="_blank">One Good Name</a> </div>
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Cookies: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cookiesbycaley/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Cookies by Caley</a></div>
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Photographer: Corey Morrison</div>
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Birthday Outfits: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sew-Whimsy-1399284136967900/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sew Whimsy</a> </div>
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Cupcakes and Smashcakes: Publix</div>
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Location: The Rise School</div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-12170323807612782902016-05-05T18:00:00.000-05:002016-05-05T18:00:38.467-05:00More than Mere Words<div style="text-align: center;">
Three words together.</div>
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My heart could burst.</div>
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"Raining. Daddy. 'Brella." </div>
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Oh the prayers that have covered his lips and tongue. </div>
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The pleading I've done with God to hear his voice. </div>
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The thoughts birthed in his brain, </div>
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etched on his heart, </div>
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seemingly stuck like glue to the back of his throat. </div>
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They're coming. </div>
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Baker is leading our happy dancing and keeps saying, "'Mommy, proud. Daddy, happy." </div>
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"Yes we are, Buddy. </div>
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So proud of you. </div>
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Every single day happy you are ours."</div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-30687711808265801322016-05-04T21:58:00.002-05:002016-05-05T09:07:01.327-05:00Four Year FlashbackTonight, I told Baker the story of this day four years ago. <br />
May 4, 2012.<br />
My language was a little more kid-friendly, using less technical terms.<br />
But the message was the same. <br />
You are chosen. You are loved. You are enough. You are ours.<br />
<br />
It was a warm May Friday and I was feeling every bit of the 35 weeks pregnant the calendar was proudly beaming. <br />
Brian and I had both taken off work for a day trip to Birmingham.<br />
He drove, but my mode of transportation would generously be described as a waddle.<br />
We went because I thought I needed to <em>know</em>.<br />
My planning, often controlling self, had to <em>know</em> if there was any truth to the suspicions of Down Syndrome our doctors had warned.<br />
<br />
Brian quickly tossed on some clothes, while I took a little longer. I had grown quite accustomed to my protruding belly, stopping periodically through the getting ready process to admire it, acknowledge little kicks, and savor the last of an incredibly joyous season of growing a miracle.<br />
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We loaded up and began the trip. We alternated reading <em>Happiest Baby on the Block</em>, jamming to the radio - how was I to know that was one of our last car rides without "Wheels on the Bus" blaring through the speakers, and day dreaming about transitioning to a family of three. We did it all. Anything to keep the thoughts of fear from crippling my whole being. <br />
<br />
It still crept in. <br />
Often. <br />
When it did, tears would leak from the corners of my eyes, and I would instinctively clutch my bulging belly, reminding my baby boy I would love him. Convincing myself everything would be okay, when I had no idea what okay even meant. Promising him all I ever needed him to be was mine. <br />
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We arrived at the specialist's office. A familiar, but foreign place. We had declined an amniocentesis, even when it was insisted several months prior. They cautioned, any later would be <em>too</em> late. It didn't matter. No diagnosis would alter our decision to keep our baby and love him just as he was. <br />
<br />
But this day, that was exactly why we went. I would be delivering at a small town hospital in Nowhere, Mississippi and I wanted to be fully prepared, with just the right people, just the right tools, in just the right place. If my baby boy was going to be born with urgent medical needs, we wanted to give him everything he would need to survive and thrive.<br />
<br />
Brian's hand was white as I clutched it, void of strength except that which he radiated. He had been my rock, my stronghold. He never faltered. In my fear, he was peace. In my confusion, he was clarity. In my sadness, he was joy. <br />
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He signed all of the necessary documentation, and guided us to our corner of the waiting room. He knew which seat I loved the most. The one that gave me the view of the city, the houses built into the mountain. The sun peering through the clouds, illuminating the horizon. <br />
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I sipped my water and watched the others in the waiting room. I was too nervous for small talk, so I prayed, but this time, not for us. This time, I prayed for all of the others joining me in the office that day. I didn't know their needs or the purpose for their visit, but He did. So I did the only thing I knew to do, lifted them to the One whose thoughts are greater and ways are higher. <br />
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My name was called. Mechanically, I lifted from my seat. <br />
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We made the long walk down the hallway, to the large room which housed some of my favorite equipment. Before my procedure, I was going to have another ultrasound. <br />
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I was giddy. I had fallen all over again and again in love with our Baker Bell. He was scrumptious and I loved every opportunity to see his perfectly growing body. <br />
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I stretched out on the familiar table, and was greeted by the doctors, nurses, and ultrasound technician. We always had an entourage. They started the scan by timing his heartbeat. I will never forget the sound of our baby's heart filling the room with the sweetest melody. Then they measured his arms and legs, which was a task trying to catch them as they wriggled all around. They scanned his brain, calming all fears with their confidence. They moved to his major organs, each measuring perfectly and without blemish. <br />
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In those moments, I felt a peace about <em>not knowing</em>. I no longer had to have a diagnosis. Only faith. I trusted in His plan for us and for our baby. <br />
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I sat up off the table, uttering something about declining another amniocentesis. They couldn't believe it. They ushered us to a room to ponder our decision. Brian and I dismissed the chairs lining the wall and knelt on the floor. The words wouldn't come, but the Lord heard our hearts. <br />
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<em>"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."</em> </div>
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Romans 8:26<span class="p"></span></div>
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We drove home, more excited than ever about meeting our baby boy. Whether he had Down Syndrome didn't matter. He was chosen. He was loved. He was enough. He was ours. </div>
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Little did we know, Baker would make his debut exactly one week later and surpass our wildest dreams. </div>
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As I tucked my baby boy in tonight, I was feeling all the feels. The Lord has been faithful to provide in our lives. What a joy the last four years have been. I kissed his cheeks, breathed his scent, whispered prayers over his sweet sleeping body. </div>
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PS - If you follow me on social media, get ready! My Baker Boy turns FOUR next Wednesday and our Barrett Bell turns ONE on Sunday! There is lots of celebrating happening around these parts!</div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-2797727739379201042016-01-12T05:30:00.000-06:002016-01-12T05:30:10.569-06:002015: Year in Review<div style="text-align: center;">
What a year it's been!</div>
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What a most wonderfully perfect year it's been for our little family. </div>
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As I look back on each picture, </div>
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and remember each day, </div>
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each minute in which it was captured, </div>
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I am overwhelmed with gratefulness.</div>
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Two thousand, fifteen was a year of JOY!</div>
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Baker and I perfected the bump selfie,</div>
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And I fell more in love with the two little boys who share our name. </div>
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Baker learned the goodness of a bath with bubbles up to your eyeballs,</div>
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and mastered the too cool for school pose. </div>
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We celebrated sweet friends,</div>
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and learned that even superheroes crash every now and again.</div>
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My little one made cowboy boots and Peter Pan collars a winning combination,</div>
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and decided the best way to usher in a weekend is with pancakes on the porch.</div>
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We did a little backyard renovation with Baker in the driver's seat,</div>
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and pulled out all the mouseketools to celebrate our Baker Boy turning THREE!</div>
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We began bidding farewell to our family of three, </div>
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and Baker as our only one.</div>
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I took my last belly picture and posted my last bumpdate on the blog,</div>
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and said hello to our Little Bear. </div>
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We stared in awe at the miracle of our nine pound baby boy,</div>
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and praised God for the blessing of TWO and began life as a family of FOUR. </div>
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We cried an ugly cry when our big met our little,</div>
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We fell all over again in love with the little one who shares our heart and our home,</div>
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and helped my bestie welcome his new bestie. </div>
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We soaked up some rays,</div>
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and splashed down the slide. </div>
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We learned the challenges of getting eight eyes looking in the same direction,</div>
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and that a few scissor snips grow bitty babies into grown boys. </div>
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We big farewell to a wonderful year of school,</div>
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and learned that alarms must be set really early to make it to church on time. </div>
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We reveled in the glory that is a baby smile,</div>
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and decided four eyes are much cooler than two.</div>
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We started a new school year,</div>
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and had me feeling all the feels.</div>
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We clad another little Bell in crimson and white</div>
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and decided that squishy babies are our absolute favorite kind of babies.</div>
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We had playdates and parties,</div>
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and walked with our bestest buddy.</div>
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We dedicated our baby,</div>
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and introduced him to people food.</div>
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We found Barrett on Santa's good list,</div>
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and celebrated our Savior's birth with a party fit for a King.</div>
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We learned that Christmas only gets more magical,</div>
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and that a baby changes everything.</div>
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We bid farewell to 2015 rang in the new year with old friends.</div>
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and praised Him alone for His goodness and grace in our lives.</div>
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-49484282034822665482015-10-07T16:43:00.000-05:002015-10-07T16:43:33.817-05:00Date Your Spouse<div style="text-align: center;">
A few days ago, Brian and I took advantage of a rare opportunity to take a day date.</div>
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What a perfect day!</div>
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We got to drop the boys off at school. <br />
Together.</div>
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Such a little joy with such a big impact.</div>
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We drove over to one of our town's newest additions, Fresh Market. </div>
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I was in food heaven. </div>
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We ordered specialty coffee and planned meals for the next thousand meals.</div>
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Before we left, we made fresh peanut butter.</div>
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And then went to get bagels upon which to slather. </div>
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And then we needed more coffee. </div>
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If you give a mouse a cookie, my people; he's bound to ask for more milk!</div>
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I've added a peanut butter maker to my Christmas list.</div>
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Holy moly.</div>
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It's amazeballs. </div>
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Yes, Jennifer Bell just said amazeballs. </div>
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Go try it. </div>
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You will too. </div>
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Don't waste your time on dry roasted. </div>
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Go honey roasted every single time.</div>
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Every single time. </div>
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After eating all the things at Fresh Market, we moseyed over to Target. </div>
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Because even though you're on a date, sometimes the kids need diapers. </div>
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And $25 off $100 is just too good for this crew to miss. </div>
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DePalma's was calling our name. </div>
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It's a rare day to sit across from my groom at lunch. </div>
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What a treat.</div>
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The Greek salad and Chicken Pesto Panini were pretty good too.</div>
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We decided to end our day with a movie, but had some time to kill. </div>
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We drove around town, holding hands across the console. </div>
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Without kids to pacify and "Wheels on the Bus" to sing, we talked about everything. </div>
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We talked about nothing. </div>
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I basked in the goodness of that man I am so fortunate to call mine. </div>
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All too often, I give my boys my all. </div>
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I do the laundry and the dishes. </div>
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I make the bed and pack lunches.</div>
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I prepare supper and piece together puzzles. </div>
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I dig in the sandbox. </div>
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I dry diapers and tears. </div>
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And I love every single minute. </div>
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On this day, he had all of my attention. All of my energy.</div>
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As it should be. </div>
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He was the first boy I loved.</div>
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And he'll be the one around after my other boys are grown and gone. </div>
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We finished the day with a movie </div>
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(Anne Hathaway and Robert DeNiro are positively brilliant in The Intern) </div>
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and I fell all over again in love with that man of mine. </div>
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Day dates, night dates, coffee dates, movie dates,</div>
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Special occasion dates, just because dates,</div>
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Regardless of the reason, or the occasion, or the time of day, </div>
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date your spouse. </div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-72583871296443718022015-10-05T16:56:00.002-05:002015-10-05T17:32:10.870-05:00Buddy Walk 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
I first learned about Buddy Walks the summer Baker was born. </div>
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How sad, that for twenty-seven years, I didn't know such a wonderful event even existed.</div>
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I count it all joy to be able to participate and walk alongside my one and only Baker Boy!</div>
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Baker and Barrett holding hands. </div>
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Oh. My. Heart.</div>
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Baker entered our world in May, and we entered our first Buddy Walk in October.</div>
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Little did I know the big love and support surrounding our little family.</div>
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With a few little blog <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/team-baker.html" target="_blank">posts</a> and some especially special people, we raised over three thousand dollars and took a team of over 70 people to walk with Team Baker. </div>
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It was seriously one of my best days ever. </div>
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I felt surrounded.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">By family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">By friends.</span><br />
By faith.<br />
By complete strangers woven together in this beautiful tapestry by a common thread of love, acceptance, and advocacy.<br />
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See our Buddy Walk 2012 <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/perfect-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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When my friend Mollie asked if we would join her and Team More Alike than Different for this year's Walk, I couldn't respond quickly enough!<br />
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Yes. <br />
Yes. <br />
YES!!<br />
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What a privilege to walk with Baker, Kirill, Gracie, Hanna, and Wren at the 2015 Buddy Walk.</div>
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Buddy walking with his favorite buddy!</div>
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Barrett is sporting his Team Baker shirt;</div>
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the same shirt Baker wore at our first Buddy Walk.</div>
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Talk about feeling all the feels.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thumbs up for a perfectly perfect day!</span></div>
</o:p></span></span>Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-38091951112127001012015-09-21T07:04:00.001-05:002015-09-21T19:50:25.810-05:00I Never Knew I Wanted a Child with Down Syndrome Until I Had One<div style="text-align: center;">
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I had a dream this past week that Baker woke up without Down Syndrome. </div>
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Like his extra chromosome was absorbed into his plush minky sheets. </div>
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Or as if the sandman had carted it off in his knapsack and tucked it beside the lavender he used for lulling.</div>
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It was gone. </div>
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Kaput. </div>
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Vamoose.</div>
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His beautiful eyes still boasted their autumn pools, but lacked the almond slant that never fails to draw me in and captivate my whole being.</div>
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His tongue remained tucked obediently inside his cheek, not once lagging like it does on occasion, especially when he is focusing so intently.</div>
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His hands hung by his side not in front of his face for signing, as words bounded from his lips articulate and coherent and utterly foreign.</div>
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As I reached in to hug him, his body did not collapse into mine, as is my very favorite thing about Baker - the way his low muscle tone makes him puddle into my eager embrace. </div>
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He was stiff. </div>
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Solid. </div>
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Strong.</div>
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His steps did not waiver, not once did his balance falter. He was sure footed and walked with a stability his little body has never known.</div>
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In that instant, he became a typical child.</div>
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Gone were the thoughts of IEPs. </div>
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Therapies were tossed into oblivion. </div>
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His struggles became successes. </div>
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The specialists on speed dial were no more.</div>
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I sat abruptly in bed. Tears streaming. Faint whimpers escaped my lips.</div>
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I navigated through the dark room and padded the familiar steps to Baker's bed.</div>
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I picked him up and felt his warm body fold sleepily into mine.</div>
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It was just a dream.</div>
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He was still the same Baker Boy I had read <em>Let me Hold You Longer</em>, while his little body relaxed and his eyes grew heavy.</div>
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He was still the same Baker Boy I had rocked and sang "This Little Light of Mine," and to seal the deal, "You are My Sunshine" only hours earlier. </div>
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Nothing had changed.</div>
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Everything had changed.</div>
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I don't know who said it originally, but I believe it to the very depths of my being. </div>
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I never knew I wanted a child with Down Syndrome until I had one.</div>
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No truer words have ever been spoken.</div>
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He is loved exactly the way he is.</div>
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He is one of our Creator's greatest masterpieces. </div>
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He was crafted in love. </div>
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He was knit together wonderfully.</div>
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He is a joy spreader, a light brightener, a glad giver. </div>
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Being his mother is the greatest blessing.</div>
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Watching his life bring glory to our Jesus is an incredible gift.</div>
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Just the way you are, sweet Baker, we love you just the way you are.</div>
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<em>"For we know that in all things, Christ works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."</em></div>
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Romans 8:28</div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-11381319187252435122015-09-16T18:15:00.000-05:002015-09-17T09:35:30.614-05:00Barrett is Four Months Old!<div style="text-align: left;">
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there my little sack of sugar!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Yesterday,
you turned four months old!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You love to be held, and we are happy to oblige. Your little eyes light up when you see your mommy, daddy, and big brother. You are starting to recognize when you leave our arms to be passed to someone else, and you are not always extremely fond of the transition. I think we have a stage 5 clinger on our hands and I don’t totally hate it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You love sitting up in your Bumbo, being swaddled, splashing in the
bathtub, reading books, singing, your Baker Boy, babbling all the day
long, lights, being outside, and watching the fan. We’ve even caught you trying
to sneak a peek at the television and you are mesmerized!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Little
Bear, you want to be a part of everything! You like to sit on the dinner table
while we eat, play on the floor of the bathroom while we get ready, and would
be perfectly content to spend the entire day in the baby carrier.</span><br />
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We think you're the greatest thing since sliced bread! You are rolling over and over and over<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">, sleeping for 3 ½ hour stretches during
the night (yes, this is a milestone at our house…maybe one day I’ll be able to
forgive all of your friends who are sleeping through the night), grasping at
objects, cooing, and clasping your sweet little hands together. Everything goes into your mouth and you drool like it's your <strong>J</strong>ay <strong>O</strong>h <strong>B</strong>ee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You
take a bottle during the day at school and nurse at home. Thankfully, you have weathered
the transition well. You are entirely too busy to sleep. You survive
on little catnaps throughout the school day. Sunday afternoons are a different story! You’ll
nap for a 2-3 hour stretch, which is glorious for all in the Bell residence.
Hello naptime for Mommy and Daddy!</span><br />
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I think one of my very favorite things about you is how you are already adore your big brother. I never knew my heart could love in such a way. Watching you two together has me feeling all the feels!<br />
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It'll be a miracle if you ever learn your name. You are called everything under the sun. Right now, our favorite nicknames for you are Little Bear, Little Brother, LB, Bear Bear (that's what Baker calls you); but the very favorite name we call you is ours. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Little
one, we love you so big! Each day with you is a little sweeter than the
previous. Our love for you just grows and grows!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We
are so glad God chose you for us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Monthly Stats:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Weight: 17 pounds, 8 ounces (87<sup>th</sup>
percentile)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Length: 26.5 inches long (99<sup>th </sup>percentile)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Size Clothes: 6-9 months</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Size Diapers: threes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-47309329059357904222015-09-08T20:12:00.000-05:002015-09-08T20:42:43.032-05:00Social Media - Why I Share <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As I look around the cluttered room, baby swing draped
with last night’s swaddle, blocks boasting letters and numbers scattered
haphazardly across the floor ready to lay claim to their next night walking
victim, a kernel of popcorn from yesterday’s afternoon snack, a sleepy grin
emanates across my face. Instead of tidying the day’s mess of memories or
resting my sleepier than sleepy eyes, I kick back in our rocker, breathe in the
newborn (yes, Barrett is closer to four months than three – but I refuse to
acknowledge him as anything older than a newborn) sleeping noisily on my chest,
and succumb to the thoughts dancing in my head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I pick up my laptop and mute the fifty-seventh rerun
of Friday Night Lights (Hashtag Texas Forever. Hashtag Clear Eyes Full Hearts
Can’t Lose. Hashtag Dillon Panther wannabe.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Here goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">My name is Jennifer Bell. I am covered by His grace so
abundant and free. I am a thirty year old mother of two deliciously scrumptious
little boys. I have been married for eight years to the love of my life (<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-do.html" target="_blank">RollTide Romance</a>, anybody?). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you have read this blog, followed me on Instagram or Twitter, or have been my Facebook friend
for any length of time, I haven’t told you anything new. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I am a sharer, but not by default.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I am a sharer, because that is what God has called me
to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It started <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/boldness.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #00b050;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">With the birth of my first son, Baker, He called me
out upon the waters in my walk and in my faith. Baker was born prematurely with
Down Syndrome. The Lord took me to a place where I had to rely solely on Him.
He didn’t leave me there and let me be. He asked me to share my journey. He
called me to be a light for Him to share joy and faith in the uncertainty and
in the struggle. In this life, on this journey, there has been a great deal of
uncertainty and struggle. There has been grief and sorrow. There has been
exhaustion and doubt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Through
the broken, light shines. </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b> </div>
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</span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">At
my most broken, the light of my Jesus shines the brightest.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In my feeble attempt at blogging and posting to social
media, I hope to point to the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Oh, how we love Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So I share, because I know God is working goodness in
our lives for His glory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So we give Him glory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Nothing we do is of our own strength. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We are powerless
as parents. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We are the most amateur of amateurs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The Lord gifts some with a beautiful voice, others
with an ability to speak life with their words, still others with especially
special talents to bring Him glory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Me, He gave me life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">He answered my prayer of becoming a wife to a godly
man who is the hunkiest of hunks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">He made me a momma. He gave me Baker and Barrett for
such a time as this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">He gave me a passion for Him and for sharing how He
moves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">He gave me this little corner of the Internet to sing
His praise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So that’s what I will do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Let me be singing when the evening comes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #292929; font-family: proxnov-reg; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“The sun comes up<br />
It's a new day dawning<br />
It's time to sing Your song again<br />
Whatever may pass<br />
And whatever lies before me<br />
Let me be singing<br />
When the evening comes”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">10,000 Reasons<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Matt Redman <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-4402061829398588112015-09-02T18:41:00.000-05:002015-09-03T11:33:22.334-05:00'Round the Dinner Table<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">When my mind drifts back to my childhood, I can’t help
but think about the experiences provided for me that I want for my boys. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Evening bike rides illuminated by the setting of the
sun. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Puppy dog baths that turned into an outside sudsfest for
all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday mornings spent worshipping. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday afternoons
spent breathing it all in – the aroma of lunch wafting through the air, the
smell of all things child – sweat, dirt, cookies pilfered before dinner, and
the tiniest of hint of baby soap lingering from the previous night’s bubbles, the heavy perfume from the nursery worker who couldn’t resist baby
snuggles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">Sunday evenings spent sipping <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">hot chocolate around a campfire as we try to squeeze the last few remnants
out of the beloved weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Warm cookies at the end of the school day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bedtime prayers and bedtime stories and bedtime
giggles that always worked to delay the inevitable bedtime. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Dinners ‘round the table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">No matter the meal, no matter the day, no matter the
schedule, our dinners were spent ‘round the table. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">My mom was quite the cook; but it’s not the food I
remember. I can recall only a few meals; but I can name every person who
graced our table over the years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The people, not the food, made the meal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Made
the memories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We talked of playground crushes and mastered
multiplication facts. We planned adventures. We schemed neighborhood scavenger
hunts and slipping notes and sweet treats to our favorite teachers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We talked about anything. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We talked about nothing. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We talked about everything. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">And now, our little family of four does the same.
Brian in his seat, me in mine. Baker situated strategically between the two, and
Barrett perched happily on the table top. All together. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dinner is carried to the table, where each serves
their plate. Heads are bowed, four eyes are closed (Baker keeps his opened
slightly to make sure no one takes his food and Barrett refuses to miss a thing).
Prayers are uttered, and a collective amen is whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sweet tea is poured. Forks are drawn. No morsel is
safe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And then my favorite part, conversation. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The worries of the day are
drowned in the chorus of our voices. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It looks slightly different than it looked in my
childhood home. Two children instead of three. A table of four instead of a
table of five. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It sounds different, too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The sounds of Barrett cooing and ahhing sprinkle the
air and add more flavor to our table than even the tastiest of seasonings. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Baker has begun to contribute to the conversation,
adding emphasis and nodding along. Part of Down Syndrome means his speech is
delayed and he has to work harder to make his mouth say what his brain thinks.
In his own language, Baker tells about his day. My heart swells. In words mostly
undiscernible words, he talks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I can imagine he’s telling us how Harper’s mommy sent cheese
puffs while his sent some measly veggie straws. I am convinced he’s reciting
the song they sang at music and the instruments he got to play. From the smile
on his face and the joy in his voice, I’m quite certain he was the class leader
today. I bet he got to peek out the window and give the weather report, lead
the days of the week song, and even clean up after play time. He gets uncharacteristically
quiet and I imagine he’s reflecting on his day, deciding what detail to divulge
next. He nods emphatically, his face growing increasingly more animated. He
begins again. His words powdering the room. I listen intently, study his signs,
desperate for a clue as to what he’s telling so excitedly. My heart, equally
thrilled at how eagerly he communicates and so broken and torn that a barrier as vast as the
Great Wall stands between me and my baby boy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">How desperately I long for the day I can understand
his every word. The day I can celebrate along when he tells us something good.
The day I can heal his hurt when he tells of something gone awry. The day I can
praise him for successes at school. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sitting ‘round the dinner table with Baker, the Lord
has taught me many things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The greatest,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">we
speak with more than mere words</span></span></b></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In all the words, in all my life, I have not been able
to say what Baker has said in his. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">His mouth, his body, his being, his heart all speak
love, joy, strength, and hope. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What a privilege to be Baker’s mother. In every way,
it is a blessing to be his mother.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My prayer tonight,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lord Jesus, give me eyes to see and ears to hear. God, in your infinite power, strengthen Baker's muscles so that the words flow articulately. You are bigger than hypotonia. You are greater than a disability. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I trust your timing; for while we wait, we grow. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your plan is perfect. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You are faithful and your promises are true. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you for making Baker so wonderfully. For forming Him in your image. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I pray that you cover him with grace so abundant for him to lavish freely on us as we learn to communicate with one another in a language of love. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You are not the author of worry. You are not the creator of doubt. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I trust you are using this also for your good. So we wait. We celebrate strides made along the way. We glorify you alone for how you are moving in our son. How you are growing our family to look only to you for wisdom. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lord Jesus, you are good. Your mercies are new every morning. Thank you the privilege to be a mother. Even more, thank you for the honor of being Baker's mother. I am so unworthy, but eternally grateful you trusted one of your most precious to me. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In your most faithful name I pray.</span></em><br />
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</div>
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-56900205508091750972015-08-15T16:26:00.001-05:002015-08-15T16:26:21.295-05:00Barrett is Three Months Old!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woN8cpM4Whs/Vc-rZR0Ay9I/AAAAAAAAGug/iEcZQRAFurA/s1600/image%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woN8cpM4Whs/Vc-rZR0Ay9I/AAAAAAAAGug/iEcZQRAFurA/s400/image%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Hey There Little Bear,<br />
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Today, you are three months old. </div>
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I could say how sad I am for today. </div>
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How devastated I am that in two short days, someone other than your momma will be rocking you to sleep, feeding you your morning snack, soothing you with their songs, and stealing those sweet smiles you give so freely. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6ddNSOdJTc/Vc-qCF1yiEI/AAAAAAAAGuE/NFpRVk2usQk/s1600/IMG_6217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6ddNSOdJTc/Vc-qCF1yiEI/AAAAAAAAGuE/NFpRVk2usQk/s400/IMG_6217.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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But I won't. </div>
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I have known your three month birthday would also coincide with the date you would begin a wonderful school (just a few doors down from your sweet Baker Boy) and I would return to a job I love. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwGw6ehJJe8/Vc-qDRIWlBI/AAAAAAAAGuM/Jei1Sdnd13g/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwGw6ehJJe8/Vc-qDRIWlBI/AAAAAAAAGuM/Jei1Sdnd13g/s400/IMG_6198.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>
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For the last three months, I have loved you intentionally. </div>
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I chose to snuggle you and leave dishes piled in the sink. </div>
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We dug socks out of the dryer and pieced outfits together so I could read your favorite books.</div>
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We spent our days singing and dancing around the living room,</div>
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and I don't regret one minute.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlRMg3YdFmw/Vc-p9H_wrvI/AAAAAAAAGts/PRzo-0aPknE/s1600/IMG_6172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlRMg3YdFmw/Vc-p9H_wrvI/AAAAAAAAGts/PRzo-0aPknE/s400/IMG_6172.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Sweet boy, you are such a joy!</div>
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You love us so easily and you are so easy for us to love. </div>
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You spend your days playing with Baker and your favorite toys.</div>
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You love music and you love people.</div>
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You have become so interactive and animated.</div>
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You love to take walks outside, and would spend all day on our back porch if we would let you.</div>
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I cannot wait to see what this next month with you brings!</div>
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I love you so big!</div>
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Monthly Stats</div>
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Weight: 16 pounds, 10 ounces</div>
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Height: 25.5 inches</div>
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Diaper Size: twos</div>
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Clothes: 3-6 (mostly 6) months</div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-20617311212971043122015-08-10T12:01:00.001-05:002015-08-10T21:18:09.094-05:00New Adventures - Glasses Wearing and Friends Fellowshipping <div style="text-align: center;">
Last week, Baker and I moseyed up to Birmingham for a day of doctors. </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The boys' BeBe stayed home with Barrett, so it was a day full of memories to be made for just me and my big boy!<br />
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And just when I thought my Baker Boy couldn't get any cuter, this happened.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc30_5fQuZs/VcOn2q4gZOI/AAAAAAAAGsg/oaaYcUPjhiw/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc30_5fQuZs/VcOn2q4gZOI/AAAAAAAAGsg/oaaYcUPjhiw/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="315" /></a><br />
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I'll share more on our new adventure in glasses wearing in a few lines. </div>
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</div>
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We stopped at Urban Cookhouse to meet some dear friends for lunch. </div>
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Praise all things good and holy for a kid-friendly place that doesn't make moms lose their religion. </div>
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Hashtag playplaces give me the willies. </div>
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Sally was one of the first to reach out to me after Baker was born. Her adorable boy, Walker, was born just two months before Baker and I have loved her (and her more precious than precious little boy) from the start of this joy-filled journey.</div>
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Baker and Walker acted like lifelong friends. </div>
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At some points, Sally and I attempted adult conversation. </div>
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IEPs. Fears. Dreams. Development. Therapists. School. </div>
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All were topics worthy of our words. </div>
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Other times, our language was lulled and our speech was silenced by the mesmerizing sight of these </div>
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two boys. </div>
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Our boys. </div>
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Our hearts. </div>
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The ones we pray for and cry over. </div>
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Wish wishes and dream dreams. </div>
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They were doing it, right there in our midst. </div>
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Living out answered prayers. </div>
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When Baker plays with typical children, there is a certain expectation. </div>
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Expectations involving play, language, personal space, among others. </div>
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I wrote a post about this a few weeks ago called The Talk that The Mighty published and the National Down Syndrome Network featured. </div>
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You can read it <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-talk-no-not-that-talk-special-needs.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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With Baker and Walker, there were no expectations. </div>
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There was just acceptance. </div>
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Whole hearted, unabbreviated, need nothing in return, acceptance. </div>
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There was little verbal talk, except in a language all their own, </div>
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a lot of laughs from two silly boys, </div>
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an equal love for macaroni and cheese, </div>
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and more hugs than can be squeezed into one day. </div>
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Could it be that these two big boys were once these two water-loving little babies?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-279Qr1jX0kA/UexDnXyfhfI/AAAAAAAAD5o/ZFqULMn0_bI/s1600/July+20+(63).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-279Qr1jX0kA/UexDnXyfhfI/AAAAAAAAD5o/ZFqULMn0_bI/s320/July+20+(63).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Time, you are a cruel and wonderful thing. </div>
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After a scrumptious lunch date and promises to fellowship again soon,</div>
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we headed to Baker's ophthalmologist. </div>
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What a gem of a woman and an answer to this worrying mama's prayers.</div>
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He has been seen since shortly after his first birthday for farsightedness and astigmatism;</div>
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however, nothing was serious enough to warrant glasses or corrective surgery.</div>
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We knew there was a strong possibility glasses were in our near future, and</div>
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a school eye exam earlier in the year hinted that his eye sight was worsening.</div>
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We went through all of the steps.</div>
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Dilating and drops and lights and lenses.</div>
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And lots of stickers and attaboys.</div>
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So. Many. Choices.</div>
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In the end, we walked away with a prescription for some suave spectacles, </div>
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and a little dude feeling more dapper than ever. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNkdw4xV4yM/VcjXzLB0KtI/AAAAAAAAGtI/k4zz-alEoJA/s1600/image2%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Doing life with this sweet boy is my favorite way to do life. </div>
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You might also like:</div>
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<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/heart-burst.html" target="_blank">Heart Burst </a>- July 2013</div>
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-36625183350029044662015-08-04T13:14:00.002-05:002015-08-04T20:30:17.546-05:00Giving Children a Choice (even when it's not the choice you'd choose)<div style="text-align: center;">
Some things are non-negotiable.</div>
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There is no bargaining or bribery allowed.</div>
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You eat what's on the table.</div>
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You do not run out in the street.</div>
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You don't hit or pick up Little Bear </div>
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(Barrett is Baker's new baby brother, known around here as Little Bear, and Baker thinks every grunt or whimper is an excuse to hold him. Wrong my sweet child. Very, very no.).</div>
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But for all the others, we give a choice.</div>
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This shirt, or that shirt?</div>
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Mickey Mouse or Curious George?</div>
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Love You Forever for the millionth time or this wonderfully exciting new book?</div>
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A bath or a shower?</div>
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Swing or slide?</div>
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Oreo or Chocolate Chip?</div>
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Five minutes on the iPad or five minutes on mommy's phone?</div>
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Make your bed first or brush your teeth first?</div>
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A little trim or a funky new 'do?<br />
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After a few minutes browsing together on Pinterest, Baker made his choice.</div>
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It may not have been what I would have chosen.</div>
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How was I to know that a few minutes in the salon chair and a few snips from Mrs. Brittney's sharpest would age my toddler years and years?</div>
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With every mirror we passed, he checked his hair </div>
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(or begged to be lifted to check it out once again),</div>
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and gave this adorable little wink at himself. </div>
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Every morning, he waits for the routine to sit on the counter and helps me style it just right.</div>
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He is so proud of his new look.</div>
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He is so very proud of his choice. </div>
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And I'm pretty smitten with this handsome boy of mine who is growing in confidence with every choice he makes. </div>
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Well, almost every choice.</div>
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I have to pull the Mom card on some choices!</div>
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Controlled choices for children is key.<br />
This one or that one. <br />
Or which of these three?<br />
Or which one first - knowing all the while every single tooth will be brushed <br />
and every blasted truck tucked into the toy garage.<br />
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Even I am overwhelmed on the paint aisle at Lowes.</div>
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Forty-seven different variations of gray?</div>
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No thank you.</div>
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And don't even get me started on those Coke Freestyle machines.<br />
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Making choices is <strong>empowering</strong>.</div>
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It is <strong>confidence building</strong>.</div>
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<strong>Independence instilling</strong>. </div>
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It's toughest on mamas, when our children don't need us for everything.</div>
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But is so worth it when they proudly make a good choice, <br />
or learn a lesson from a less than desirable one.</div>
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White eyeliner or butterfly clips, anyone? </div>
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What choices do you give your children, and at what age? </div>
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How have they responded?</div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-67673819795986756602015-08-03T07:35:00.000-05:002015-08-03T07:39:07.591-05:00Brown Sugar Kale Chips (a post about cooking with children and a tasty recipe)<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite things to do with my big boy while Little Brother is asleep is to play in the kitchen.</div>
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Baker is wild and active. </div>
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He embraces all things three. </div>
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And he embraces all things boy.</div>
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We can be found on any given day making and baking and stirring things up in the kitchen!</div>
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Involving children in the kitchen is mutually beneficial. You get an extra set of hands, and your child learns the importance of proper nutrition, how to follow directions, measure, listen to instructions, tell time, and to increase their fine motor skills, among so many others. </div>
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Baker's favorite things to whip up are pancakes, brownies, and banana faux fro-yo.</div>
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My all boy boy prefers anything that requires the use of a mixer, blender, or food processor.</div>
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He loves power, and machines (errr, small appliances), and noise!</div>
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More recently, we've expanded our menu to include foods for all times of the day.</div>
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Baker has a slight aversion to things with different textures (as do many children with Down Syndrome), but we continue to encourage him to try new things.</div>
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He is a great eater and rarely refuses any food.</div>
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His newest love, <strong><u>brown sugar kale chips</u></strong>.</div>
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Three year olds who request kale chips, who knew??</div>
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Here's what you need to make our favorite afternoon snack:</div>
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4 cups fresh kale</div>
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2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil</div>
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1 tsp garlic salt</div>
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1/4 cup of loosely packed light brown sugar</div>
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To make, combine first three ingredients in a large mixing bowl or plastic bag. Toss or shake lightly to ensure all leaves are coated with olive oil and garlic salt. </div>
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In our kitchen, we alternate between a zip-close gallon size plastic bag and a mixing bowl with tongs. Both promote the use of fine motor skills, which is especially important for Baker. He loves sliding the zipper to open and close the bag and shaking it all around. He also benefits greatly from manipulating tongs. Especially during the summer, when his therapies decrease, we try to make our time together meaningful - both fun and intentional. </div>
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Here's how to cook:</div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees</div>
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Arrange kale chips in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet</div>
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Cook for 12-15 minutes (or until the edges begin to brown slightly)</div>
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Remove from oven and sprinkle with brown sugar</div>
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The sugar will melt and adhere to the chips giving them a wonderfully delicious flavor that appeals to both your salty and sweet cravings. </div>
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PS - they're healthy</div>
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PPS - and totally toddler approved</div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-70202895222201092162015-07-21T12:48:00.001-05:002015-07-21T12:56:41.033-05:00Barrett's Birth Announcement<div style="text-align: center;">
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We have mad love around here for Tiny Prints. <br />
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They did Baker's birth announcement a few years ago and have done our </div>
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family's Christmas cards for several years. <br />
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Their templates are beautiful, and often allow for customization (which I love big time)! </div>
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I (very temporarily) considered not mailing birth announcements.</div>
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I know, all the gasps!</div>
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With social media, email, texts, and our family's blog, </div>
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Barrett's picture was sent out within hours of his birth. </div>
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But even with technology being so readily available, I couldn't resist. <br />
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Consider me old fashioned, but I am partial to snail mail. </div>
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One of my favorite things to do is sit down with my favorite pens, <br />
a fresh book of stamps, my beloved address book, <br />
personalized stationery (or in this case, paper boasting the most beautiful pictures),<br />
a piping hot cup of coffee, and carefully script letters for my nearest and dearest.</div>
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Each announcement was pored over.<br />
Prayed over.<br />
I took great pleasure in addressing each envelope. </div>
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As I dotted i's and crossed t's, I considered each family and the role they have played in ours. </div>
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How grateful I am for this village. <br />
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I love the idea, that this week, across the street and across the states, </div>
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people are opening their mailboxes to our sweet boys' faces, <br />
thinking prayerful thoughts for our family <br />
and wishing us the sweetest wishes as a new family of four.<br />
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Yes, I quite love this.<br />
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And just for kicks, Baker's birth announcement, mailed out exactly 3 years ago today.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRchqP3NCC0/Va5qJhLZs5I/AAAAAAAAGqI/Q9FM9dI5Tos/s1600/bakersannoucement.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRchqP3NCC0/Va5qJhLZs5I/AAAAAAAAGqI/Q9FM9dI5Tos/s320/bakersannoucement.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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You might also like:</div>
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<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/we-wish-you-merry-christmas.html" target="_blank">2014 Christmas Cards</a></div>
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<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/on-fifth-day-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">2013 Christmas Cards</a></div>
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<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/tis-season.html" target="_blank">2012 Christmas Cards</a><br />
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ps - Zulily is featuring Tiny Prints for the next five days - $20 for $40 or $30 for $60 worth of fabulous goodies! See <a href="http://www.zulily.com/invite/jbell8909" target="_blank">here</a>! </div>
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-58976106293257917652015-07-20T12:52:00.003-05:002015-07-20T19:13:40.732-05:00The Talk (not that talk, the special needs talk)<br />
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This summer is the first summer Baker has been three.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_IAkSZiGjp8/Va01I0dxIpI/AAAAAAAAGpY/GAz4RhnFVrY/s1600/DSC_8812clr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_IAkSZiGjp8/Va01I0dxIpI/AAAAAAAAGpY/GAz4RhnFVrY/s640/DSC_8812clr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Photo creds: Katie Thompson Photograpy)</div>
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Silliest of statements, I know. <br />
Of course this summer is the first summer Baker has been three.<br />
Hear me out.<br />
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Three year olds get to play with the big kids.<br />
Three year olds are no longer considered babies and given the grace babies are given.<br />
<br />
Babies are allowed to sit quietly.<br />
Babies are allowed to keep to themselves.<br />
Babies are allowed to play in their own safe area.<br />
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There are no expectations surrounding play with babies, <br />
except that babies will be babies.<br />
Babies do what babies do.<br />
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Last summer, and the summer before, and the summer before that, Baker was a baby.<br />
<br />
This summer is the first summer Baker has been three. <br />
This summer is the first summer Baker has gotten to play with the big kids. <br />
This summer is the first summer Baker's play has been laden with expectations of looking and sounding a certain way. <br />
This summer is the first summer Baker has been noticed as different. <br />
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Before, Baker could sit on the sidelines. <br />
Before, Baker could bounce on my lap and giggle and coo to everyone's delight.<br />
Before, Baker was a baby.<br />
Before, it was okay that Baker could not talk, could not run as quickly, could not jump as high. <br />
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Before, none of the other kids saw Baker any differently than they saw their baby sister or little cousin. He was a baby (and a darn cute one). He did what babies did. Because of his different abilities, some of it came at a slower rate, and took much greater effort. His hypotonia caused his chubby little legs to frog out when he slept and his little body to collapse into mine winning him all the awards for world's greatest snuggler. He was a baby, and everybody loves a baby. Especially Baby Baker.<br />
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This summer is the first summer Baker has been three. <br />
And because of that, this is the first summer our little sphere has been expanded.<br />
And because of that, two things have happened to this momma's heart. <br />
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It has experienced both unspeakable joy and unspeakable ache. <br />
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My heart has threatened to overflow watching Baker create new friendships. <br />
I have been so encouraged as I have listened to other mommas enlighten and empower their children with knowledge about Down Syndrome as questions have presented themselves about why Baker's play and talk differ from their own. I have loved watching the innocence of children, as they love with their whole heart, without judgment and with unhindered acceptance. <br />
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My heart has also threaten to shatter into pieces as I see other children notice Baker's different abilities. "Is he special ed?" one asked innocently. Others can't understand his fascination with perfectly folding all of our beach towels instead of bounding down the slide like all the other children. Why, when their conversations flowed as easily as lemonade on a summer day, did Baker prefer silence? Why, when he does speak, does he often do so first with his hands and then with words that sound so differently than our own? Why does he often drift to the perimeter when all of the action is in the center?<br />
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Why is he different than me?<br />
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Could you answer that question? <br />
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Little more than three years ago, I would have stuttered through it,<br />
preferring to brush it under the doormat, or <br />
opting to combat it with the eye that commanded silence <br />
instead of opening doors to a conversation of acceptance.<br />
<br />
As the mom of a seriously great kid, who happens to have unique needs, I beg you to have <em><strong>the</strong></em> talk. <br />
The talk about <strong>alikes and differences</strong>, and how often we're <strong>more alike than different</strong>.<br />
<br />
If you need a name, use Baker. If you need a face, I think his is pretty perfect. If you need words, use a picture book (spoken like a true teacher, ha!). I love "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Well-Paint-Octopus-Stephanie-Stuve-Bodeen/dp/1890627062/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437414081&sr=1-1&keywords=we%27ll+paint+the+octopus+red" target="_blank">We'll Paint the Octopus Red</a>." <br />
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Your children won't mind if the words aren't perfect or eloquent or include textbook terminology. They can be simple and succinct and from the heart. <br />
From the bottom of mine, thank you. <br />
<br />
More than you know, thank you. <br />
<br />
You might also like:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-if-we-have-two-children-with-down.html" target="_blank">What if we have two children with Down Syndrome?</a><br />
<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/i-never-knew-i-wanted-child-with-down.html" target="_blank">I never knew I wanted a child with Down Syndrome until I had one</a><br />
<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-missed-opportunity.html" target="_blank">A missed opportunity</a><br />
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-65559503284907760302015-07-15T11:09:00.002-05:002015-07-15T11:25:14.439-05:00Barrett is Two Months Old!My sweet boy,<br />
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Our love for you grows with each quickly passing day. Somehow we blinked and you are two months old!<br />
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We are still learning life with two and you are quick to give grace when our arms are too few or our energy runs dry.</div>
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You are becoming more and more alert and love taking in this wild world around you. Your gaze is always fixed on Baker. Maybe because he is the most animated and entertaining little thing, or maybe it's because you know he's coming after your sweet, sweet sugar. He loves you to the moon and back and kisses you no fewer than 107 times per day. You scored big time with Baker as your big brother!<br />
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I am sometimes tempted to hook my pedometer to you just to track your kicks. If they translated to steps, I am confident you could travel to Disney World and back each day. You are a busy little bear. <br />
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You make the most adorable little sounds. Your sleepy pur, your noisy hiccups, your contented little sigh, even your boisterous screams are music to our ears as we love filling our home with all things you. <br />
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You still love to eat, and keep this momma on a tight schedule. Nursing you is such a blessing and has bonded us in the most incredible way. You like to eat every 2 to 2 1/2 hours during the day, and sometimes go 3-4 hour stretch during the night. Not even sleep can deter you from eating!<br />
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You like to be a part of everything, and you love being held. You spend a lot of time in your baby carrier and are happy as can be snuggled close to mine or your daddy's chest. </div>
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Little Bear, this momma of yours loves you crazy big!</div>
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XO</div>
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Monthly Stats<br />
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Weight: 14 pounds<br />
Height: 24.5 inches<br />
Diaper Size: twos<br />
Clothes: 3-6 months<br />
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<br />Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-63836949438562576432015-07-05T12:52:00.000-05:002015-07-05T12:54:45.150-05:00Fun on the Fourth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a fun Fourth with my sweet peeps!</div>
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We started our long weekend celebration at our Splash Pad.</div>
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Baker had a blast!</div>
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I'd say Barrett quite enjoyed himself also. </div>
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Not pictured is our sweet little babysitting friend who accompanied us. </div>
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She has made it possible to get out with two. </div>
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Praise all things good and holy for an extra set of hands.</div>
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(And feet! Baker is quick!)</div>
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On Friday, we travelled over the river and through the woods to visit grandparents. </div>
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They set up a pool on their back deck and after a slight code blue situation </div>
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(too many blueberries turn once brown things blue), our boy had a big time dipping skinny! </div>
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We stayed in town on Saturday for a fun day and too much good food with my parents. </div>
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Such a wonderful weekend for all!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns5QZ3XitBk/VZdCL57A1XI/AAAAAAAAGm8/ENV_FGrQsNY/s1600/IMG_4414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> I am so very thankful for freedom.</div>
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To be able to worship and work and play in this land that I love. </div>
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To be able to raise my boys in America the beautiful. </div>
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To live with these in this home of the brave. </div>
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From our family to yours, Happy Fourth. </div>
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And this, y'all. </div>
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Our last four Fourths.</div>
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Each year has gotten a little sweeter and a lot more fun! </div>
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<br />Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-48786506860608459202015-06-22T06:48:00.000-05:002015-06-22T07:35:20.552-05:00Waves<div>
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<em>"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders </em></div>
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<em>Let me walk upon the waters</em></div>
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<em>Wherever you would call me</em></div>
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<em>Take me deeper than my soul could ever wander </em></div>
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<em>That my faith would be made stronger </em></div>
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<em>In the presence of my Savior."</em></div>
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Original post on July 17, 2012.</div>
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Emotions, for me, are like waves. Some are so big, they pull my feet right out from under me and leave me fighting for breath. Others are soothing, comforting, rafts upon which I find comfort and solace.</div>
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The emotions I have experienced upon learning of Baker's diagnosis have been no different. From the dark December day we learned there was a heightened chance of our child being born with Down Syndrome, to this cheery day with sunshine illuminating all, emotions have abounded. What began as fear, uncertainty, trepidation, bitterness, and worry, intense worry...emotions so strong, they pulled me under, drowning me, have transpired into joy, unspeakable joy, a wave begging to be ridden.</div>
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For me, fear lies in the unknown. How will Baker's kindergarten classmates accept him? Will he share his daddy's passion for the outdoors and be able to hunt and fish and do all things boy? Will he drop a love note in his crush's locker? Will he be sent to detention for shooting spitballs at the ceiling? Will I get to see my son wait for his bride at the end of aisle? Will he make me a Nana? Will he? Will he? Will he? All questions a mother asks herself as she anticipates her child's future. When I think about these things, these things that pale in comparison to the one dream I should have for my son, then I worry, then I am sucked under by the crashing waves. </div>
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But when I trust God with Baker's life, He reminds me of my one responsibility as Baker's mommy. It has nothing to do with his life on this Earth and everything to do with spending Eternity with my son. When I focus on raising my boy to live a life glorifying his Father, then I have peace. The worry disappears, and I have faith in God's plans for our lives.<br />
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Grab your boards, folks, cause that's a wave worth catching and riding all the way to the shore!<br />
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Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-76567918062817900962015-06-15T16:44:00.001-05:002015-07-15T11:11:34.484-05:00Barrett is One Month Old!Dear James Barrett,<br />
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Just one short month ago, your daddy and I were checking into the hospital preparing to meet you. We were still wondering if you would have your daddy's beautiful green eyes, or your mommy's nose, or your big brother's extra kissable lips.<br />
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My sweet boy, this has been the fastest and the sweetest 31 days of my life. <br />
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You have changed our lives in the most incredible way. Our hearts have doubled in size to know a love that can only be described as utterly indescribable. <br />
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You love to eat, and you keep me on a tight schedule. I prayed and prayed about breastfeeding you. </div>
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I wanted it so badly, and my precious angel, you do it so naturally. It is such a blessing and has bonded us in the most incredible way. You like to eat every 2 1/2 to 3 hours during the day, and go almost a 4 hour stretch during the night. It's no wonder you're growing like a weed!</div>
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Just like your big brother, you love bath time! When you were first born, you just sat and soaked in the warm water while I bathed each of your wonderfully made parts. But now, you kick in delight and wriggle with each splash. </div>
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You have started holding your head up and turning it from side to side. You love to lay on your daddy's chest and pull up and squirm until your cheeks are touching. You love attention. You want to be held and we eagerly oblige. You love when others talk and sing to you and around you. You are so attentive and want to be included in everything, except when you sleep. And boy, you still love your sleep. It would be so easy to lay you down for your naps, but I just cannot. You spend most of your naps snuggled in my arms with me just watching you sleep. It's such a beautiful, fleeting sight, and I don't want to miss a single breath. </div>
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You are crazy about your big brother, Baker, and he is crazy about you! He would hold you all day if we would let him. He loves to share his favorite books to you. He kisses your forehead a gazillion times a day. And you coo the most joy-filled sounds when he sings "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." One of my life's greatest gifts is getting to see him love you. I cannot wait to watch you two grow together. </div>
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Little Bear, as you have been affectionately named, are what we never knew our family was missing. You fit our family so perfectly and I am so grateful God chose you for us. </div>
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I love you, </div>
Mama<br />
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Monthly Stats<br />
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Weight: 11 lbs 3 oz<br />
Height: 24 inches<br />
Diaper Size: ones (you outgrew NB while in the hospital)<br />
Clothes: newborn and 0-3 Month<br />
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<br />Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-54466291410407184072015-06-12T12:19:00.000-05:002015-06-12T12:27:50.203-05:00Barrett's Birth Story - Bringing Home Baby (Part Three)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We hugged necks and whispered goodbyes over his purring snore. </div>
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We said I'll see you laters to some of the ones who, in the past forty-eight hours,</div>
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had become a part of some of our sweetest memories. </div>
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We captured last pictures of the room where he spent his first night.</div>
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We dressed him in a white linen frock with delicate blue piping.</div>
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The same one that first dressed his brother for his ride home almost three years ago.</div>
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And then, late on Sunday afternoon, we brought him home. </div>
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From Friday to Sunday, what a blessing to finally hold him in my arms. </div>
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Everything was prepared just so. </div>
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His bed so perfectly made,</div>
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gowns and cloths and the cutest little socks you ever did see tucked neatly in their place,</div>
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a sign over his bed with Elizabeth Barrett Browning's most love-filled sonnet,</div>
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all things baby - books, blankets, and washcloths.</div>
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Newborn diapers and wipes warmed for changing. </div>
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All the creams and powders and lotions that make a baby smell so scrumptious</div>
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with skin so soft.</div>
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His rocking chair primed for midnight feedings and wondrous daydreams.</div>
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Our home was ready for our boy. </div>
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When we brought him in, I took such joy in something that seems so silly.</div>
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I walked Barrett into each room, introducing him to our favorite spots, </div>
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where we share our evening meals, </div>
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his big brother's bed and favorite hiding nook.</div>
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I showed him our favorite books and where we'd cuddle up and read each night.</div>
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I walked him to pictures of our favorite memories and told him of the stories behind each, all the while giddy at the memories we would make with him.</div>
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Welcome home, my sweet boy.</div>
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Our house is not perfect.</div>
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It doesn't belong on the pages of a magazine or decorator's showcase.</div>
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There is often laundry beckoning to be folded, dishes waiting to be washed.</div>
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There are mess ups and spills.</div>
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There are occasional tears and tantrums.</div>
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But our house is a home filled with love.</div>
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There is forgiveness. </div>
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There are tickle fights and the best couch cushion forts you ever did see.</div>
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There are blankets for snuggling.</div>
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Off of our walls bounce the melodies of songs with made up lyrics and off beat tunes.</div>
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There are kitchen dance parties.</div>
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There are I love yous.</div>
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There is trust and respect. </div>
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And now, there is you.</div>
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How thrilled we are for the one whose presence has filled our heart to finally fill our home. </div>
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Our sweet little sack of sugar has been home for just over three weeks, </div>
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and I can't help but wonder how we ever lived without him. </div>
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How sweet it is to love you. </div>
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And how very sweet it is to be loved by you. </div>
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Welcome Home, Barrett Bell.</div>
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Let the fun of life with two boys begin!!</div>
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<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/barretts-birth-story-part-one.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent" target="_blank">Barrett's Birth Story - Part One</a></div>
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<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/barrett-meets-baker-barretts-birth.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent" target="_blank">Barrett's Birth Story - Part Two</a></div>
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<a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/for-this-child-we-have-prayed-bakers.html" target="_blank">Baker's Birth Story</a></div>
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-17450043223183106682015-06-01T08:26:00.001-05:002015-06-01T08:38:10.141-05:00Barrett meets Baker - Barrett's Birth Story (Part Two)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Tg2-pzaXQI/VWPXCbE81GI/AAAAAAAAGd8/dpPRJpuhoy0/s1600/DSC_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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There are few days in my life that stand out above the rest.</div>
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The day I was saved by His great grace. </div>
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The day I wound up in Bryant Denny stadium sitting beside a cute freshman, </div>
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with a beard that would make a grown man jealous </div>
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and hair so wavy it made all the girls swoon, </div>
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and our <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-do.html" target="_blank">Roll Tide romance</a> began. </div>
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Let me just pause for a moment of silence over that hunk of a creature.</div>
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Hubba. Hubba.</div>
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The day that same good looking fella met me at the end of the aisle and</div>
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put a ring on my finger. Feeling like the happiest girl in the world,</div>
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I said I Do to my best friend and got me a forever date.</div>
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The day we welcomed our Baker Boy into our hearts and first experienced the consuming love of a mother and a father. </div>
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On the third Friday in May, we met <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/barretts-birth-story-part-one.html" target="_blank">Barrett</a>.</div>
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When he was placed on my chest, and I peered into his slate gray eyes, </div>
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I knew my life would never be the same. </div>
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If the day had stopped there, I would have gone to sleep an incredibly blessed woman, the mother of two precious gifts, and the wife of their adoring daddy.</div>
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But it didn't.</div>
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God, in his infinite goodness, had even greater plans for our day.</div>
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Ones that left us praising Him alone. </div>
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I had dreamed of this day. </div>
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Brian and I had discussed a baby with Baker.</div>
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Against his daddy's wishes, we got him a baby doll, Baxter.</div>
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Instinctively, he nurtured, and loved, and fed, and diapered, and dressed him. </div>
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We talked about the baby growing in mommy's tummy. </div>
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We sat in Barrett's rocking chair and dreamed of the day my lap would hold another. </div>
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Baker couldn't wait to for the day he could read <u>Little Blue Truck</u> to his little brother and watch me wipe the predictable tears as I read <u>Love You Forever</u> for the billionth time. </div>
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Dreams come true.</div>
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That's what we hope for. </div>
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But this time, the dream fell far short.</div>
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When Baker first laid his eyes on Barrett, it was more perfect than any dream foretold. </div>
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It was love at first sight.</div>
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This video melts my heart every single time I watch it. </div>
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So pure.</div>
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So sweet.</div>
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So full of love.</div>
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Oh my heart, be still. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q-fnv5O3Nqk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-fnv5O3Nqk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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The boys mimicked my goofy grin that threatened to be washed away in the flood spilling down my cheeks.</div>
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And my heart threatened to overflow watching the bond between these brothers begin. <br />
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As we sat in the bed together for the first time as a family of four,</div>
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Baker's and Barrett's futures flashed before my eyes.</div>
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I saw Baker and Barrett playing together,</div>
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protecting each other,</div>
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scheming against us,</div>
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standing up for each other,</div>
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picking fights and sharing jokes.</div>
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Loving and laughing and doing life together as brothers. As friends.</div>
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The celebration continued with a birthday party.</div>
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We clapped and sang and ate cupcakes to our hearts delight.</div>
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After Baker helped blow out Barrett's candle, we looked around the room and all nodded and smiled the same silly smiles, </div>
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agreeing that we just witnessed one of the most spectacular things this side of heaven. </div>
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God made Baker special, with a heart and a love that knows no boundaries. </div>
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Of all the things I hope he teaches his little brother, this one is the greatest. </div>
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Full.</div>
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Our home.</div>
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Our hands.</div>
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Our laps.</div>
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Our hearts.</div>
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His glory.</div>
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<em>"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,</em></div>
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<em>the whole earth is full of His glory."</em></div>
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Isaiah 6:3</div>
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<br />Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-64560684077070400872015-05-28T12:16:00.001-05:002015-06-10T13:09:28.480-05:00Barrett's Birth Story (Part One)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6n01_ZwHAzQ/VWPUg2BPrQI/AAAAAAAAGb4/jv_LZQaF8IA/s1600/DSC_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>On Friday, May 15, 2015, at 12:37 in the afternoon, we met him.</div>
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James Barrett Bell.</div>
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The one who had already snuck into our hearts</div>
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was finally able to snuggle in our arms. </div>
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We didn't know our family needed a second.</div>
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At least not yet. </div>
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Brian and I knew we wanted a house full of children.</div>
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Little Bells running amuck,</div>
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sneaking cookies before dinnertime,</div>
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hiding car keys and remotes,</div>
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displacing toys from their homes and scattering them all about every inch of ours,</div>
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bowing their heads for bedtime prayers, </div>
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sneaking into our room for late night and early morning snuggles,</div>
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high fiving and fist bumping and finger pulling in delight,</div>
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occupying our hearts and invading our home.</div>
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But we thought Baker was enough, for now.</div>
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He needed us.</div>
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We rationalized waiting for a second until Baker was more independent.</div>
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We were cautious, </div>
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hesitant that another would deter us from meeting Baker's different abilities.</div>
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But oh how we dreamed of another.</div>
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We prayed God's plan to prevail, trusting in His plans over our own.</div>
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Our arms craving the warmth of a newborn,</div>
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yearning to smell their yummy, scrumptious goodness.</div>
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We whispered baby names aloud, </div>
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schemed house plans and nursery decor and a <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2015/04/bakers-big-boy-room-oh-places-youll-go.html" target="_blank">big boy room for Baker</a>,</div>
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dreaming of <strong><em>one</em></strong> day, </div>
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not realizing how differently God's timing and our timing were for that <strong><em>one</em></strong> day. </div>
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We learned, on a late afternoon in September, </div>
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that sometimes the greatest blessings in our lives are also the biggest surprises. </div>
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The following nine months would consist of unspeakable joy, </div>
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faith in a plan bigger and higher and greater than our own,</div>
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a little nausea and a lot of growing,</div>
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Sour Patch Kids and snuggles from my first baby boy.</div>
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I started with monthly doctor appointments, then moved to biweekly, </div>
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and finally, the time came for us to see each other once a week.</div>
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I approached each appointment with an unhindered excitement,</div>
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my list of aches and worry-filled thoughts silenced in the thunderous booms emanating from the handheld Doppler, monitoring each rhythmic heartbeat. </div>
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Each visit was memorable,</div>
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the first ultrasound to see our little butterbean sized miracle, </div>
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and the one proclaiming news of hues of blue,</div>
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but the one that sticks out the most vividly came more recently.</div>
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The plans for Barrett's delivery started the previous Thursday, May 7, </div>
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with a midafternoon doctor visit.</div>
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I visited my doctor for my 38 week appointment. </div>
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Her angel nurse took care of all of the lab stuff, </div>
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I got to hear Little Brother's heartbeat - </div>
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a strong 137 beats per minute.</div>
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I made small talk, and we chit chatted away. </div>
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I was measured and progress was noted.</div>
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And then the words from my doctor, </div>
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"Let's have this baby next Friday."</div>
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A plan.</div>
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This girl loves a plan.</div>
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I could sleep in my own bed on Thursday night,</div>
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shower and fix my hair and apply my makeup just so on Friday morning.</div>
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Drive, unhurriedly, to the hospital.</div>
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And proceed from there until my arms were cradling my baby boy. </div>
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A plan. </div>
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We had a plan, and it sounded pretty great to me.</div>
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I visited her the next Thursday as well, </div>
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at one day shy of 39 weeks.</div>
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My appointment was preceded by Baker's first IEP meeting, an appointment to get my nails manicured, a trip to Edgar's bakery to grab some of my favorite sweet treats for my doctor and nurses, a thorough house tidying, and revisiting of packed bags. </div>
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Everything was a go for Friday. </div>
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I had progressed slightly more, and my doctor anticipated our boy's arrival before one o'clock the next afternoon.</div>
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In fewer than 24 hours, I would meet him. </div>
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My heart could hardly contain my delight!</div>
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I squealed in excitement all the way to pick up Baker from school.</div>
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Brian and I had a fun night planned for our Baker Boy.</div>
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We spent the evening culminating the ever-long process of saying goodbye to our only child in his first love language - toy stores, playgrounds, and ice cream.</div>
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Baker would spend the night with my parents. </div>
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I have never had such a hard time leaving that precious firstborn of mine.</div>
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We snapped a few last pictures as a family of three, </div>
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and excitedly anticipated seeing him for the first time as a big brother!</div>
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The next morning, Brian and I drove the familiar route to our hospital.</div>
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The only events that get me on the road before the sun comes up are Black Friday and birthing a baby.</div>
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We got checked in around five in the morning.</div>
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I loved the busyness of the room from the start.</div>
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Nurses bustling about,</div>
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family checking in with whispered prayers and lemon drops and kisses on the cheek,</div>
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friends calling and texting, eager for updates, </div>
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the sound of LB's heartbeat - a calming, rhythmic pur from the machine beside me.</div>
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The next few hours were filled with an anxious excitement as we grew closer to meeting our boy.</div>
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I cherished each contraction, eager to welcome and then will it away as quickly as it began. </div>
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Brian was vigilant, standing guard, his eyes somehow both glued to the monitor, while never breaking our gaze.</div>
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He was the perfect calm through each stormy contraction.</div>
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Even through the epidural, I could feel them intensifying.</div>
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I knew the time was drawing near. </div>
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I asked for my purse.</div>
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Everyone laughed as I carefully applied lipstick, and then liner, and then gloss.</div>
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Priorities.</div>
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Minutes later, my obstetrician visited. </div>
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As I anticipated, it was time.</div>
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Our lives were fixing to be forever changed.</div>
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Our hearts were fixing to experience a love like never before.</div>
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At 12:25, we said our see you laters to the family. </div>
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I held tightly to Brian's hand through the first contraction.</div>
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And then rested in preparation for the second.</div>
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Barrett was on his way.</div>
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I pushed and I pushed and at 12:37, he was here. </div>
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First his head, with a full head of dark brown hair like his daddy, </div>
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then the rest of him, so fearfully and wonderfully made.</div>
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I heard utterings of a big baby,</div>
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a healthy boy.</div>
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Brian cut the cord, and the day continued as magical as it began.</div>
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My boy was placed on my chest, and for the first time, </div>
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I held the child in my arms I had held for so many months in my heart. </div>
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My first words, through quivering lips and joy-filled eyes, </div>
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"Thank you Jesus for this precious gift that is too wonderful for words."</div>
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I couldn't break my gaze. </div>
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My eyes couldn't be diverted from this little blessing of ours. </div>
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I fell all over in love again with my husband. </div>
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What incredible moments to share with the man I love. </div>
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After several moments, the nurse took him to be weighed and measured.</div>
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All of our predictions fell far short. </div>
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At birth, he weighed 9 pounds and measured 21 inches long. </div>
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Our big old sack of sugar, </div>
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who would soon be affectionately named Little Bear, </div>
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had stolen our hearts and changed our lives,</div>
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and made us a family of four. </div>
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<em>"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights."</em></div>
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James 1:17<br />
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Stay tuned! <br />
Parts two and three coming soon.<br />
<br />
Part Two - <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/barrett-meets-baker-barretts-birth.html" target="_blank">Barrett meets Baker</a> <br />
(this is probably the most incredible thing I'll see this side of Heaven)<br />
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Part Three - Bringing Home Barrett<br />
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Read Baker's birth story <a href="http://ourdreamcometrueblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/for-this-child-we-have-prayed-bakers.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-22871009540675691772015-05-25T20:59:00.001-05:002015-05-26T09:00:45.252-05:00Introducing James Barrett Bell!<div style="text-align: center;">
Our boy is here!<br />
<br />
James Barrett Bell</div>
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He was born on May 15, 2015 at 12:37 in the afternoon,</div>
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weighing 9 pounds and measuring 21 inches long.</div>
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He is here and he is positively scrumptious.</div>
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Our hearts are so full.</div>
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Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!</div>
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2297627505364423030.post-15691809508416746652015-05-15T03:35:00.000-05:002015-05-15T03:35:17.437-05:0039 Weeks and Delivery Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RW2gHc_cdM/VVJ1Oes1IAI/AAAAAAAAGao/YfPd1Wc2xp0/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RW2gHc_cdM/VVJ1Oes1IAI/AAAAAAAAGao/YfPd1Wc2xp0/s320/IMG_3019.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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It's here.</div>
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My last bumpdate.</div>
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This has been the perfect pre-baby week.</div>
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My water did not break as I was loading a second grader into his car at dismissal as I had feared, </div>
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nor did I lose my marbles halfway through the bread aisle at Publix.</div>
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I think Baker just knew life would be changing this week.</div>
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We snuggled a little extra, read Love You Forever with a little more oomph.</div>
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He and Brian had some manly boy time digging up dirt and laying sod and doing all of the other things boys like to do.</div>
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I wrapped up my school year at work.</div>
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And then took care of some fun pampering to get me looking beautiful for my baby boy.</div>
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Our bags have been packed and packed and packed again, </div>
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Baker's big brother presents have been tied with a bow, </div>
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a homemade blue wreath boasting the glorious news of a baby boy has been hung on our door,</div>
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lists have been checked and double checked,</div>
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freezer meals have been made,</div>
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monograms have been stitched, </div>
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cameras have been charged.</div>
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We are ready to meet our baby boy.</div>
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Oh how ready we are to smooch his little face and squeeze his little stuffing. </div>
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Today, at 39 weeks, I will be induced and will finally meet the little man I have been carrying below my heart.</div>
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And all up in every corner of my heart. </div>
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He has already permeated every morsel of my being.</div>
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I haven't seen his face, or kissed his lips, or snuggled his neck, or held his hand,</div>
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and I already love him with a love so intense it can only be described as a momma's love.</div>
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Little Brother, you are loved. </div>
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You are adored.</div>
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You are celebrated.</div>
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You are our wish, our answered prayer.</div>
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Welcome to this world, my sweet angel. </div>
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Your mommy, daddy, and big brother are ready to meet you. </div>
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Happy Birthday, James Barrett.</div>
Jennifer Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16333952463989693365noreply@blogger.com1