Christmas 2007

WARNING: PHOTO FRENZY!!!

Opening his stocking on Christmas morning.

Posing with his favorite singing penguin from Mammy (Grandma Lashomb).

Trying out his new vacuum from Mammy.

Playing with his new toy from Grandma and Grandpa.

Isn't he a little cutie!?

Spending time with Grandma on Christmas day.

My favorite picture of all!

Peeking out amongst all the boxes.

Mama's baby!

Eating popcorn with Grandpa while watching The Santa Clause 3.

My little ham!

Our little drummer boy!

Our Christmas 2007 family photo!

Our baby...

...is growing up!!! *sigh*

Caleb's Newest Stage

Lately, Caleb has been extremely clingy and constantly wanting me to pick him up and hold him. For the most part, I don't mind this except for when I'm trying to get things done and he's under my feet. Once the new baby arrives in April, I won't be able to hold Caleb as much, which is why I'm slowly trying to break him of this now. Well, I happened to catch one of these episodes in a series of pictures. Hope you enjoy!:-)

Come on, Mom! I know you'll pick me up!

You are going to pick me up, right?

Pleeeeease pick me up!!!

20 Weeks and Counting! (with picture!)

I can't believe how fast this second pregnancy is flying by! I'm 20 weeks along today and it hardly seems possible! This is my most favorite part of being pregnant because now David can share in my positive pregnancy experiences rather than holding my hair as I'm vomiting over the toilet or bringing me in a cold wet washcloth for my forehead. (Yes, he's definitely a sweetheart!). For the past couple of weeks I've been feeling the baby move all over and just this past Saturday, David was even able to feel the movements as well. I have a feeling this new baby will be just as active as Caleb by how often I'm feeling movement. Between the two of them, I think I'll definitely have my hands full!

I'm feeling great at this point and diaper changes are even bearable now, which is a huge plus! The only thing is that I'm having terrible pregnancy cravings...chocolate and gummy peach rings! (No, not at the same time!) I love being able to eat just about anything, whereas in the beginning nothing seemed to settle very well in my tummy! Things are going really well and I'm very thankful and excited as we rapidly approach our newest little one's arrival!

Picture taken on 12/9/07- 21w5d

Parenting

Over the weekend, I learned one of the most difficult aspects of parenting is trying to comfort your baby who has been hit with multiple whammies all at once. My poor little Caleb started teething again on Thursday night, came down with a cold Friday afternoon and received his one-year-old shots Friday evening. Needless to say, throughout Friday night, his fever spiked to 104 and he just moaned the whole night. I felt so bad for him for all I could do was pump him with Tylenol, try to keep him as cool as possible without chilling him, and rock him while singing our special songs throughout the night. Thankfully, he was able to sleep through the night on Saturday and catch up on some well-needed rest. Once again though, he was up four times last night with his bad head-cold. I'm very thankful that with each day he is gradually improving, so we're hoping by Thanksgiving he'll be up to par! I'd have to say though, I truly have enjoyed all the cuddling time we've had lately! It reminds me that even though he's getting older, more independent, and has been completely weaned, he still looks to me for comfort...very cool!:-)

Awesome Husband!

You know you have an awesome husband when he assists you in straightening your hair on a Sunday morning before going to church.

Yes indeed, I have an awesome husband!:-)

Five Years...

I can't believe how time changes circumstances from one year to the next. It was five years ago today that, David (who's he?), called me and asked me out on our first date. We scheduled it for the following evening at 6:00PM, and we decided to go to Pizza Hut. Just thinking back to our first date makes me all "bubbly" inside! He was a sweetheart right from the start...opened doors for me, offered me his coat if I looked chilly, would rather hear about me and my life than talk about his own, etc. We definitely hit it off that night! I remember after dinner when he dropped me back off at home, I was all giddy and couldn't stop talking about him. I definitely was a "teenager in love"! That very night though, as a senior in high school, I never imagined just five years later we'd be where we are now...happily married for over two years; have an adorable one-year-old boy and anxiously awaiting the arrival of another baby; a cute, little house of our own... I could go on and on with all the blessings the Lord has given us, but I don't want to sound as if I'm boasting!

I'm so very thankful for the direction the Lord has taken me in my life. If it wasn't for that first date with David, I probably wouldn't know the Lord today. I became saved after attending Grace Covenant Church with David on December 31, 2002 at a New Year's Eve Dinner. Since then, I have given myself to the Lord to be used for his purpose and his alone. Even though I attended college and earned my degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant, He had an even greater plan for me and my life...He blessed me with children to love and care for, and for that I'm forever thankful!

You never know where the Lord will take you from year to year, but by being obedient and willing to let Him lead you according to His will, He will bless you abundantly in everything you do!

Thank you, Lord, for the husband You have chosen for me.
Thank you for the children You have blessed me with.
I'm forever thankful for Your love and sacrifice You have made on my behalf.
Thank you for cleansing me of my sins and changing me into the woman I am today.
I love You, Lord, and thank you for each day You have blessed me with.
I look forward to each new day You place before us, and I am excited to see what You'll do in our lives.
Lord, thank you for everything.

Happy 1st Birthday, My Little Peanut!!!

I can't believe it's been one year,
since God blessed us and sent you here.
You filled that lonely void in our life,
after Daddy and I became man and wife.

You bring so much joy to all of our days,
with your cute, adorable, precious ways.
With each kiss you give and each hug so tight,
You turn a gloomy day into something bright.

As each year goes by we want you to know,
Our love for you continues to grow.
From your baby days through your toddler years,
We'll continue to be there through your scraped knees and tears.

We couldn't imagine one day without you,
And that's exactly how God knew,
That you were the perfect son for us,
And in knowing that, we truly are blessed!

Written especially for you by me,
Your biggest fan, yours truly,
-Mommy

Your mean so much to us, Caleb Michael! We thank God for you each day and can't wait to watch as you grow throughout the years! We love you so much! Happy 1st Birthday, My Little Peanut!

Praise You in This Storm- Casting Crowns
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

New Post!

Sorry for the delay between posts, but I'm really bad at this whole blogging thing! Anyway, here is some news from LAST week!

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Over the past week, we've had many sleepless nights here at the Flack House...yes, Caleb cut his first tooth AND THEN his second within days of each other! I felt so bad for him...he was just downright miserable for many days! Luckily, now that the teeth have poked through, he has slept through the night for the past two nights! YAY!:-)

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My first prenatal appointment last Friday, October 12th, went great! With the cramping and spotting that occurred throughout last week, I was really nervous and concerned for the baby. It turns out everything is just fine! Praise God! My doctor gave me an estimated due date of April 15th (yes, Tax Day!). The baby's heart rate was in the 150's at my appointment (maybe a girl this time???). Either way, we're very excited and anxiously awaiting our baby's arrival! As with my last pregnancy, David and I have decided that we want the sex of the baby to be a surprise until the delivery. (We think it's more fun this way!)

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Below you'll find miscellaneous pictures taken over the past several weeks. Hope you enjoy!:-)

Enjoying the last days of summer on the porch swing!

My handsome little man!

Daddy and Caleb snuggling around the campfire at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Mama's baby!

My cutie-patootie!

Apple-picking!

Last Saturday, while David was at work, I decided to take Caleb apple-picking with my mom, my sister, and her two little girls. This was Caleb's first time apple-picking and he loved it! He was so funny! Every time I picked an apple off of the tree, he laughed hysterically! He thought it was the greatest thing! We're looking forward to going again soon!:-)

Exciting News!!!

For those of you who haven't already heard, David and I are proud to announce that Baby Flack #2 is on the way and due to arrive in April! We're so thankful and very excited about the new addition to our little family and anxiously awaiting the baby's arrival!

As for Caleb...he's doing great as you can probably tell from past posts! He loves babies and will be an awesome big brother! In fact, he "kisses" little babies that are on cereal boxes! It's so cute!

That's the latest here at the Flack House!

P.S.
Does anyone have any helpful hints on changing poopy diapers during pregnancy??? It's almost impossible at this point!

Secret Code

After dinner this evening, while David was playing with Caleb, I hopped on the computer for a little bit. All of a sudden, Caleb came crawling over to the computer chair, pulled himself up to a standing position, and began fussing, wanting me to pick him up. So I picked him up and he immediately bit my shoulder with his, yes, toothless gums, then looked up into my eyes. I figured either his gums were bothering since he's in the process of teething, I think or he wanted to nurse. He did this three times and the last time he just stared at me with puppy-dog eyes as if saying, "Mom, don't you know our secret code???" At that point, I knew that he wanted to nurse! Meanwhile, David is laughing hysterically as this was something that Caleb had never done before. It was pretty comical!

Marching Baby!

Tonight while David and I were relaxing in the living room after dinner, we witnessed Caleb stand up at the coffee table and march sideways around it while holding on! He wasn't just cruising around it like babies do, he was marching--knees high and everything! It was the funniest thing! Just thought I'd share another cute Caleb moment with you all!

The Determination of a Child

It's amazing how determined children can be when they want something. Caleb is VERY determined...he's sneaky about it too! He'll be sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor, eye the drawer that he just LOVES to play in, start crawling towards it, stop to make sure you're watching him, do something cute to REALLY catch your attention, and then dart toward that drawer! He KNOWS he's not supposed to be in the drawer, which is why he looks right at you as he opens it, but he goes for it anyway! When he has his mind set on something, he goes after it until he succeeds! If only we had that same focus when it comes to pleasing the Lord and doing what he commands us to do in our daily lives. Instead, we tend to get side-tracked and busy with our everyday routine and put God on the back-burner for the time being. (I'm speaking for myself as well, just so you know.) It's easy to lose sight of what we should be doing. The next time I find myself losing focus, I'll keep this picture of my son in the back of my mind and strive for this same determination!

Autumn...

It's amazing how, over the past week especially, the summer is slowly fading as autumn rapidly approaches. The early morning air is cool and crisp as I wave goodbye to my husband as he pulls out of the driveway and heads to work. The house is even chilly from the night air that escapes in through our open windows. My mood changes as well with the season. The commotion of summer and all the festivities that accompany it are long lost memories at this point and there is a settling in my heart as the year comes to an end and the new one approaches. (Autumn IS the last season of the year!) In anticipation, I wonder what the new year will bring and how God will work in each of our lives. It's exciting to see what God has in store for us. His love is so great that you KNOW it will be another awesome year to look forward to!

Things Aren't Always What They Seem

I received this as an e-mail and wanted to share it with all of you! It's definitely something to keep in mind when things aren't going as you think they should! There's truly a reason for it!

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, 'Things aren't always what they seem.'

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

'Things aren't always what they seem,' the older angel replied. 'When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall.. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem.'

I really liked this story a lot...very powerful message! It's definitely something to keep in mind when things don't go our way. We just have to have faith that God is on our side and the outcome was actually to our advantage even if it may not seem like it at the time.

Butt-spinning!

Caleb recently began doing this new activity for entertainment...he sits on his butt and uses his feet to propel himself in a circle while laughing hysterically! It looks like he's riding on an invisible Sit-n-Spin! You can tell when he overdoes the spinning as he tries to crawl away! It's the funniest thing to watch!!! Well, last night before beginning his typical bedtime routine (cereal, bath...), he added a little more excitement to this new game. While butt-spinning, he picked up his wooden spoon we let him play with and held it in both hands as if he was holding up a flag. Then, he started whacking the floor every few spins as if he was playing Daddy's drums! It was so funny! It's amazing how creative kids can be, isn't it?!

Better Late Than Never, Right?

This is definitely the case for me and this whole "blogger thing"! I mean, people have been doing it for years, right? Well, since we were recently blessed with, basically, a new computer, I now have the opportunity to have an online journal of my own! I have a place to share with you all of my daily thoughts and the adorable things my 9 1/2 month old son, Caleb, comes up with each day! Visit often to hear the latest!