Hayley's Happy Day
On Sunday Hayley officially turned nine. What is it about the 'almost double digit' age that does something to kids? Hayley's poise, maturity and general sassiness never ceases to amaze me.
Hayley is in my many ways my clone, we call her 'mini-me' because although she looks more like the Smelker side (actually the Bachelder side) of the family, her interests and personality reflect me. Except for waking up in the morning - Hayley is NOT a morning person!
I never imagined my life could be so complete, and Hayley is one of the reasons I am so happy!
God bless you sweet Hayley, Dad and I love you!
Labels: Birthday, God, Hayley, iPod
Our 'Baby' is 6!
On Sunday, March 5th, 2000 in the wee hours of the morning my first contraction came. I called the midwife right away and then woke Terry up. This was our fifth child and our second home birth and we had everything ready because the baby was already a couple of days late. Although we (actually I!) had chosen not to discover the gender of the baby, I just knew it was a boy.
Two and a half hours after my first contraction, Carson Lee Smelker made his entrance into this world. The dawn was breaking and he was welcomed by his oldest brother, and two sisters (his other brother was still sleeping), his grandmother, Daddy and an exhausted Mommy. Carson weighed in at a respectable 8lbs 8 ounces, but his length is what got us - 24 inches!
Today Carson is 6, attends Kindergarten and loves all things Thomas, and Buzz. He is a bright, happy-go-lucky boy with a smile to melt all hearts, and a hearty laugh.
We love you Carson!
Labels: birth, Birthday, Carson, God, Terry
Teagan is 10
Last night at dinner (spaghetti, the birthday girl's choice) Terry and I reminisced about the day Teagan was born. She arrived at 12:10pm after a six hour (drug free) labour, weighing in at a tiny 7lbs. With a shock of black hair, and tiny features she was so different from her big brother, Warrick who was born with blond/reddish hair.
I remember as though it were yesterday, the nurse handing a neatly wrapped Teagan to her Daddy and watching the tears of joy and pride trickle down his cheeks. There is no better sight in the world than to watch a father connect with his child for the first time. It was love at first sight for him.
And so our lives with Teagan (an old Irish name that means Beautiful One) begun. She has brought great joy to our lives and as we watch her grow we are amazed at the wonderful gift she is to us and to our family.
We love you Teagan!
Labels: birth, Birthday, God, Teagan, Terry
Who Sat Where?
Last night our church was privileged to have Lisa Bevere come and speak to our ladies (Women of Worth) as a guest speaker. Once a month, Pastor Beverly hosts this event and she sets it up as a television interview. Lisa spoke about two of her books, "The True Measure of a Woman", and "You Are Not What Weigh".
I had never heard Lisa speak before, and she was awesome! Funny, quick-witted and above all beautiful! Bold too. I was lucky enough to sit in the front row (I was an official helper) and at one point she got up to demonstrate a point. Next thing I know she is strolling towards me, and then sat on my lap! She was talking about her youngest son and his freedom to sit on her lap every morning, and I was her guinea pig.
The one thing I appreciated more than anything was her uncompromising attitude when it comes to the Word of God. She spoke the Word, and can recite scripture so naturally, you know that the Word is lodged in her heart, and not just her head - she is living the Word, not just speaking it.
If you have never heard her speak, or read one of her books, I would highly recommend you get to listen or read. She is filled with wisdom and is entertaining besides!
Labels: Christian Family Church, God, Jesus, Lisa Bevere
Family Coming In
With Thanksgiving on the horizon I am sure many of us have family coming to visit. Tonight my parents come in from England (they are in the air as I type this) and next week we will be invaded by Terry's extended family, so a busy time is anticipated here in the Smelker household.
Having being raised in a British home in South Africa Thanksgiving was never something I celebrated, until I moved here to the USA, now it is one of my favourite holidays, and I can truly say I am thankful for so many things - my relationship with God, my husband, my kids, and my friends. I am also thankful I live here in San Antonio with the warm weather as I am definitely not a snowbird!
Labels: God, Lennon family, South Africa
Twins are three weeks old today
A friend emailed me on Friday to remind me that the 21st was my due date for the twins, and wasn't I glad I didn't carry that far? I emailed her back and said the 21st would have been out of the question anyway because it was Garrick's birthday and I was not about to have the twins on his birthday!
I reflect on the intervening three weeks and I am so grateful I took this opportunity to carry the twins for Wendall and Laurie. Their struggle to have children opened my eyes to a whole demographic of the human population who, for a variey of reasons, are unable to carry biological children of their own. I will never look at fertility issues in quite the same way again. It also makes me so grateful to realise just how easy in comparison my own pregnancies were and how I took them for granted.
To all those who have struggled with fertility issues, keep up the good fight, and remember, God is bigger than any problem you face, and He has the answer for you.
Labels: God, Surrogate, twins
Baby B is a Stubborn Little One!!
Yesterday I saw the u/s person and they measured the babies and A is 5lbs 7oz, and B is 5lbs even. That means if they were born right now they would more than likely go home immediately unless they exhibited signs of not being able to keep their body temperatures up by themselves, or had trouble sucking. That is the GREAT news.
On another front though on Labour day I began to feel really uncomfortable, I have been in a lot of pain because I thought both babies were kicking me at the same spot. Well, turns out only one was kicking! Kendall (baby B) turned again, and now her head is stuck right under my ribcage pushing my ribs out. Even breathing hurts when I sit or lay down! It doesn't change things for the delivery, I can still go vaginal because Wendall, the first twin is head down, but part of me is like, "you need to be able to breathe deeply when in labour, that's not happening right now!" I need this baby to turn! From what I read online, an external version done by the doctor is probably not a viable option because there are twins and therefore no room. I am going to try some natural remedies that might help.
Anyway, please agree with me in prayer that she moves, I am in such pain that I don't think I can take another couple of weeks of pregnancy like this. I want to give these guys another week or so in the womb, but the way I feel I just want to get it over and done with! I can feel her move a lot, and I really hope that one of the moves that was recommended by a midwife will get her head down again.
Labels: God, Surrogate, twins
