learning lessons the hard way

These days it seems my children are all learning lessons the hard way. For instance playing in the trunk of a car is not smart (this was discovered AFTER she fell out), complaining about sharing will not get you more it actually gets you less, and ofcourse crummy attitudes will not result in getting your way...in fact just the opposite. Parenting would be so much easier if our children actually listened and took in everything we told them the FIRST time around. Wow...that sounds so familiar. What if I, as a child of God actually listened to what He was saying the first time around?? How many times does He have to repeat himself or get my attention via discipline?? yikes....

endings and beginnings

July and August brought new milestones and new beginnings throughout the grizzard gang. Avery began his 3rd month and with that came coos, smiles, giggles and wiggles. JT took the leap from kindergarten to FIRST grade! (w0w) Alexis started fourth grade and with that came several opportunities and privileges. and Alyssa has entered the wonderful world of middle school! oh my! There was also, a job change for Dad.


The days were also filled with more visits from family. In July Papa Grizzard, Aunt Sherri, Scott and Caylee came to visit from South Carolina. And AmMaw Battles, Uncle Larry and Aunt Bobbie drove down from Alabama to see in August. It was awesome for them to be able to meet A and also be able to share some time with us in our FL home. This was the first time any of them had been to visit since we moved almost 2 years ago. Some of my favorite moments were watching my grandmother spend time with her youngest great grandson. Those moments are priceless!! And of course I had her make her yummy green beans while she was here--one of these days I will get the hang of it!!

The older kids all adjusted back into the school routine quickly. Lexi and JT have to get up at the crack of dawn to get off to school and Alyssa gets to sleep in a little later. Funny thing is, she is often up and out the door over 30 minutes before she has to be. There is something excitingly cool about hanging out in our garage at 7 am these days :)

As I write this looking back, I know I am leaving out a lot of moments that were experienced. Here are some of the highlights.....avery is quite the smiley little guy and has gotten the nickname grinny benny (was able to capture an awesome pic of his big grins at 8 weeks!), those grins are turning to giggles now and he lights up when he sees mom, dad, big sisters and big bro. The girls are becoming quite the little helpers...Lexi has given herself the title "little mommy" and she boasts that she can do everything I do, except feed him :) I have threatened to wake her up for one of A's all night parties to put her to the test. Speaking of all-nighters...avery has a habit of choosing to be awake and bubbly at all hours of the night! It is hard to be upset over lost sleep when I am spending the time, with a happy, healthy little joy. In August Avery and fam went on his very first road trip, and the older kids enjoyed spending some with friends we don't get to see much. Much fun was had!! Here a few pictures of some of the highlights and check out the video of Avery's chat with ammaw :)

Avery: the journey begins

Wow...so this is what having a newborn is like....I had forgotten all of the details. Avery's first month was filled with eating, sleeping and pooping!! ;) Well atleast for avery. Mom and dad had amonth filled with feeding, snuggling, changing diapers, snapping pictures and very little sleeping. lol We also had family in town for several weeks and then a couple weeks of solo time with our new addition. Avery was able to meet and spend some time with his MawMaw and PawPaw Wadsworth, as well as Samantha his cousin from Georgia. I see the bond forming already between PawPaw and his new little man. I think there will be more visits from AL in the near future!

The sibling bond also grew during this month. The first couple of weeks the older kids were caught up in the whirlwind of activity and travel, so they were only here a little bit of A's first month. But it was all squeezes and cuddles after returning from Alabama. Alyssa even VOLUNTEERED to change a poopy...and no, she didn't even ask for payment! lol JT is a little timid at this point, and Lexi giggles at EVERY move or sound he makes. I can see the love in their eyes and it is awesome to see their bond begin.

All I can say is I am looking forward to a great adventure with our new addition!

Avery's Arrival......June 10, 2009

After a final night of holding avery in my belly I woke early before the alarm clock (4am) to get ready for the big day. Too excited to sleep any longer. Took a soak in the tub and savored the little kicks. (this was one of my favorite times during the pregnancy) I gathered last minute items, did one last load of laundry, and woke up jason. With some anxiety we headed out the door in the dark and began the journey to Sacred Heart. On the way there every song reminded me of Avery or our 3 big kids and I teared up several times on the ride in. Many thoughts filled my mind, how JT wasn't going to be the baby anymore, and how Alyssa and Alexis would have new roles to fill as well. I knew that when we returned home in a few days our house would never be the same again, and that brought smiles and tears at the same time. One of the songs that made me tear up was "Unwritten" by Natasha Beddingfield. As i heard the words to the chorus, I thought about how Avery's story was just beginning and I couldn't wait to be a part of it as it develops and watch him come into this world and grow...and then realizing how so very fast all of that would happen.

The early stages were pretty uneventful. I had brought a few movies with me and was able to catch a chick flick while in labor. Everything was moving along at a turtle's pace because the doctor wasnt able to come up to the hospital to break my water until after lunch. Everything was going pretty smoothly still...got the epidural, contractions got stronger...watched more of the movie.... Then his heart rate began to fluctuate a little. They tried a few technics to improve this as I approached the time to push. Finally the doctor said it was time to push...so, I huffed and I puffed and I pushed and I pushed...but little avery just wasn't budging. Later on Dr. George explained that he was turned in a difficult position and being a little hard-headed. So, at 9:00pm the decision was made to deliver via c-section. This was a first for me, but after a long day I knew this was the best thing. So just 33 minutes later little Avery made his entrance into the world and Dr. George helped up a perfect little miracle. He was wisked away and measured and Daddy was able to cut the cord. All 7 pound 11 ounce and 20.5 inches of Avery Bennett Grizzard had officially entered the world!!

On a side note the c-section was kinda wild. They had me numbed up from the shoulders down and it was kind of a weird feeling having them literally move things around to get to Avery and then putting them back. I was VERY thankful for the anesthesiologist...and may have told him he was my new best friend?! lol. Finally they were all done and I was taken to the recovery room where I got to hold precious Avery for the first time. (awwww) Finally in my arms. Jason and I spent about an hour with him before he was taken to the newborn nursery to be cleaned, warmed and bundled. So thankful that he was actually there with us and already completely and utterly in love with the new man in my life!

catching up...

Wow...I have said this before several times, but I have to say it again...time surely flies by these days. The last time I posted I was just days away from meeting our new little addition to the grizzardgang...and now, here we are 6 weeks out! It has definitely been an adjustment full of emotion and exhaustion...but filled with love and excitement as well. Since I have been out of the electronic loop lately, I think I am going to write a few blogs in retrospect about all of the awesome things that have happened the past few weeks...so join me as I recap our amazing journey with our little avery bennett.

the end of one journey, the beginning of another

Yesterday we celebrated Alyssa's 5th grade graduation! Wow! It seems like just yesterday she was all giggles and smiles as we dropped her off for her first day of K4! Crazy how time flies and how much things change. She has developed into a lovely young lady and jason and i couldn't be more proud of her!

Alyssa has always been a high achiever throughout school. In the beginning it came very easily and naturally with little effort. I have to admit I probably helped out a little more than necessary on many early year projects! This year I have tried to let go more in preparation for middle school years and beyond. I am pretty sure that had a lot to do with my pregnancy during the majority of this year, but it was also time for her to begin to take control of her own work. So...with reluctance I tried my best to encourage more and keep my hands off. (i fully admit that meant I did ALOT of nagging this year...but I am working on it ;0 ) She managed to pull of getting an A average for the year and i could see the look of pride on her face! This year, more than others, she truly earned it and it was awesome to see that look on her face!


Alyssa also won an award called Presidential Achievement Award. I will be honest, I am not completely sure what it represents, but I know it has to do with academics and overall achievement for both the 4th and 5th grade years. Which was also a great accomplishment as last year was filled with many changes and a few rough spots as we adjusted to moving and all the drama it brought with it. One of the cool things about this award is that it was accompanied by a letter from the president. This is something she can hold on to and be proud of for many years to come.


She also received certificates for participation in Science Club and Chorus. It was awesome to see her enjoying herself throughout the year as she served in these clubs. I am hoping this will continue and she will be a part of many of these types of things throughout middle and high school. She is already planning to join the band next year and wants to play the trombone.(heaven help me!)


As she walked across the stage to take her completion certificate, as well as perfect attendance award, I felt the tears well up. And as the group gathered and the last song was sung...yes...I cried. Cheesy or not, it was a sweet, sappy song and it meant that the end of one journey had come. All types of thoughts raced through my mind....am I ready to handle the challenges middle school will bring? is she ready to handle the pressures of that stage? Ready or not....here we come, the next adventure is about to begin and all we can do is continue to surround her with love and prayers and trust that somewhere along the way we did a few things right.

"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Will There Be Enough Room"

JT had his end of the year celebration last Friday and I managed to only have one emotional outburst...yay me! It was very sweet and simple. A poem, song from each class, an adorable song from the entire group and a Kindergarten chant. JT's class sang "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" and it was very cute. I have a little video of it. JT was placed in between 2 taller girls in his class and I think the only thing that kept me from boo hooing the entire time was watching how they two girls slowly closed in and completely covered JT up! At school JT has managed to keep a very peaceful, laid back demeanor, so he just stood there while she inched her way over and completely covered him. It is kinda funny the difference between "school JT" and "home JT". I am thankful his kinder, gentler side is the one he uses at school!

*I tried to upload the video...but it wouldn't let me :( or I was too impatient. I was able to upload it to my facebook, so if you are on facebook you can check it out there.

and the countdown begins.....10.....

Wow! The past few weeks have completely flown by! They have been weeks filled with many fun and memorable events. On many occasions I have intended to sit and blog about each of the happenings, but never took the time. I am considering doing some "catch up" blogs in the future, before the events become faded in my memory. For now....the main thing on my mind is the countdown to Avery's arrival. I have been counting the weeks for a while now, but recently it has turned to days! I sit with amazement at the fact that we will meet our new addition in just about 10 days! Wow! So exciting!! But I don't want to overlook all that is happening in the meantime with the other kiddos. The next week and a half will be filled with end of the year parties and field trips as well as graduation celebrations and a birthday.

I am trying not to become overwhelmed, and enjoy each of these moments as I know they will all pass too quickly!! Before long our "party of 5" will be a "family of 6" and we will have a NEWBORN, FIRST grader, FOURTH grader and MIDDLE SCHOOLER!!!! It is incredibly amazing how fast the ages and stages go by! Seems like just a short time ago that Jason and I were eagerly awaiting Alyssa's arrival....and now she is nearing the end of her elementary years and taking on the role of big sis to 3 siblings.

So today I sit, taking a break from nesting, and ponder all the great things that are happening now and look ahead to abundant blessings to come!

Reflective Moments...

During this season of lent I have tried to be more aware of the time I spend in silence, actually how little time that is. It seems most of my days/nights are spent with some type of noise either neccessary or contrived. You would think there would be a lot of quiet days, since all three kiddos are in school and I am home alone during school hours. I have noticed that in order to fill the silence I rely way too much on the tv and internet. I find myself leaving the tv on just for the noise and watching random junk for way too long. Or I surf random things online for countless hours. It never starts out that way. I usually have a purpose, but quickly get distracted. Now, don't get me wrong...I am not so consumed with these things that I neglect the duties I have around the house. While I am sure there is much i could be doing, I can say the house stays decent, the clothes are clean, and dinner is done.

In recent weeks I have been making an effort to turn off the tv more and have decided not to go online on Tuesdays. This may seem small, but you would be surprised how many times I find "reasons" to go online those days. It never fails that I want to look up a recipie when I am cooking tuesday's dinner! The change that I have been trying to implement that is actually taking even more effort than that is the hour of journaling/reading/praying. I think my analytical nature has grown comfortable in the noisey environment I have created and therefore the silence can be quite frustrating at times. I find myself overthinking way too much and creating drama in my mind. I have enjoyed journaling, however it hasn't been online. I have realized over the years, because of self diagnosed adult add that I am able to focus so much better when i write out my prayers and journal my thoughts, so my journaling has been pretty raw, but helpful. The reading...well that is something i continue to struggle with, but i am trying ;)

the beginning of the end... :)

Well, it is hard to believe that I am knocking on the door of my third trimester already! I have already hit the stretch where doctor visits will come every two weeks. Also, there are several fun and exciting tests coming up...happy happy joy joy. I have yet to get used to the blasted sugar test! I heard a rumor they have improved the taste of that syrupy stuff you have to drink, so I am hoping that is the case!! So now the waiting game begins.

I have never been one to rush the process and have never seemed to be quite ready for the big day to arrive. I am wondering if that will change since this will be my first summer baby living in Florida! I have to say I am not looking forward to being in the last stage of pregnancy during the summer months. I guess one relief is that I will be delivering before the dog days of august.

the following is an update on Cassidy Clark. It has been awhile since I posted any news regarding her condition, but this weeks is a very important week in her treatment and I wanted you all to be aware so that you can be praying for Chad, Cassidy, McKenzie, Savannah and Jen!

melissa

Dear Friends,

It is with a prayerful heart that I write this note tonight. As you know, we met with the Radiation team yesterday and also with our BMT doctor. We were glad to know that the radiation Cassidy will be receiving is the lowest possible dose. This means that the chances of her developing any secondary tumors down the road are lower than what we had first thought. For that, we are very greatful. She will still suffer some of the short-term effects of total body radiation-nausea, tiredness, mouth sores, intestinal tract problems and so on. Unfortunately, we received more news than that good news. Her BMT doctor (Dr. Boliton) informed us that her latest Bone Marrow Biopsy revealed that her remission is very "fragile" and the need for us to begin the transplant is urgent. She is scheduled to be admitted on Sunday evening. Monday through Thursday, she will have radiation twice a day. Friday and Saturday, they will give her body a rest before hitting it with a massive dose of Chemotherapy on Sunday. Monday, she is scheduled to rest. Tuesday, she will be getting "prograf" which is what they are giving to help her body not reject the new bone marrow. WEDNESDAY is the BONE MARROW HARVEST and TRANSPLANT. Please be in prayer for McKenzie as well as Cassidy. Wednesday morning, Kenz will go under general anesthetic while two surgeons use two large needles to extract her bone marrow. She willl receive 50 needle pokes in each hip bone. She will wake up and go home the same day with some soreness. They will begin implanting the marrow into Cassidy the same day. Over the next several days, Cass will be given a form of chemo that will work against graft-host disease. The first 100 days will be the most critical by far. Please continue in your ferverent prayers. Please pray for Chad...he's been through a great deal and this is hard for him.

We were looking again at some of the paperwork and it amazes us at how much of a match Kenz and Cass are. They have the same blood type and are both void of an infection that 80% of the population has. God is a Miracle Worker. We were talking yesterday on the way home from the hospital about all of the unlikely victories in the Bible - David and Goliath, Gideon and his 300 men, Joshua at Jericho, Daniel in the lions den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abendigo in the fiery furnace. So many times God has done the "impossible" for His own. We know that Cassidy is in His hands and He loves her even more than we can. He wants His own glory and good for us. We trust His hand. We also know that "the ferverent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." It is with this thought in mind that I beg you to pray FERVERENTLY.

Cass continues to humor us with her antics. Today, she said to Nanie that she is excited to go to the hospital because she gets new toys. She will miss her sisters and they will miss her. Pray for Kenz and Savannah during this time as well. We appreciate your love and prayers more than you can imagine. Thanks for your notes and kindness.

Because of Christ,

Jen

time flies

Wow! I can't believe things seem to be passing so quickly with this pregnancy! This being said, I know the "rougher" stages are still ahead. I am thankful that all things baby are developing well! Every few weeks I have been checking to see how big the baby is supposed to be at this point. It seems like just yesterday i was reading that the baby had reached about 6 inches long. This morning when I checke, it was saying the baby is about 12 inches now. (well according to the norm that is) That totally explains why I keep feeling kicks and nudges from top to bottom these days! So far I have managed to not gain any weight above my prepregnancy point. This came after an initial loss and then a gradual gain. My fingers are crossed that I am able to keep all of that under control over the next 17 weeks.

With each passing week I get more and more excited. The past couple of weeks I was able to go shopping with mel h and pick out fabrics my the crib bedding set. I am so in love with the materials we picked out and can't wait to see it all put together! (Here is where I need to point out that melissa h has graciously decided to make my crib bedding set for me....she rocks!!) After a day of shopping with melissa I came home and found a package. It was my first baby gift, an adorable little boy outfit from aunt sherri! (well technically it was my 2nd baby gift because aunt sherri spoiled us christmas with bag of baby essentials and meds!)

There are still MANY details we need to work out and and lots of things we need to gather before he arrives. It is funny how quickly you forget about all the little things a baby needs! I am very excited about the process and can't wait to meet baby boy grizz. Hopefully by June we will be able to come to a decision as to what his name will be! lol

Cause I'm The Big Brother

Mom and Dad waiting to find out the news...we were very eager!




Lexi's first reaction was "I knew it!"
JT looks thrilled to be getting a little brother
and Alyssa is pumped about not sharing her room with another girl....lol!

It is has been sweet to see how each of the kiddos have reacted to the news of our soon coming boy. Alyssa was completely ecstatic that she will not be sharing her room with an additional sister! Can you feel the love?! lol She has also volunteered to change diapers and then quickly added she wouldn't need money to do it. Somehow I see this as some sort of 10 year old (almost 11 yr old) trickery to be paid for any diapers she changes! Nice try! Lexi was bummed because on the other hand she was looking forward to having a new gal pal in their room. But I think her words were, a baby boy will be cute too. I am sure when the baby starts waking up in the middle of the night and etc she will be a little more thankful. JT has been all smiles and giggles since he found out. Each new day he proudly announces some new task he will have to teach the new baby. He has actually started taking some independence in a few areas he needed help with, because after all he will be the big brother! A man's got learn how to do stuff! lol Some of JT's suggestions have been to let the baby sleep WITH Him, in his big bed. And when I say big...it is BIG. JT has a loft bed that is about 7 feet high, so I DO NOT think this is a reasonable possibility at all!! He also said that if the baby cries because he gets scared of the dark, he will be a helper and bring him to me. ummmmmmm (mom bites fingernails!) we will have to see on that one! :o)

The boy buzz has definitely hit our household and we are all very eager for baby boy grizzard to make his entrance. I am right about 19 weeks along (as of this coming saturday to be specific) so, we are nearly at the halfway mark. There is much to do to get ready and as of yet, I haven't hit the glorious phase of energy and motivation yet! I have been completely taking advantage of the ability to rest.

IT"S A BOY....IT"S A BOY....IT"S A BOY!!!

Ok...I can't hide my excitment! Yesterday we found out that baby grizz #4 is a healthy, growing, baby boy! Woo Hoo!!! More details coming soon...but for now...I rest!