Finally!

Clara has been smiling for a few weeks now but it wasn't until today that I was able to capture it with the camera. (It's harder than you might think.) It's sad to see all traces of the newborn phase go away. But this is a fun phase too.

Transitioning to Two

Before Clara was born I was really overwhelmed at the thought of having a newborn and a toddler, plus juggling everything else with Kevin’s schedule and my side job.

Now that Clara is nearly six weeks old I can say that the transition has been a lot better than I expected. This is partially due to the fact that Clara is a much easier baby than Meredith was. Compared with an active toddler, she’s hardly any work at all. She eats and sleeps and rarely ever cries for anything. She also has this totally relaxed personality, in contrast to Meredith’s Type A.

And, of course, God gives grace for the moment. We often can’t foresee the extent of that grace when we are peering into the future.

One caveat to my “glowing report” is that I’m still relying on some freezer meals and I haven’t technically started back at my job yet. That happens next week.

So, next week you can ask me how I’m doing and maybe you’ll get a different story.

Loss

This summer has brought us a birth, a wedding, and a death. Right now we are mourning the loss of Kevin’s grandfather. I watched Kevin stand at his grandfather’s bed several days before he passed away. When is grandfather stirred, Kevin went to hold his hand. He said, “I never want my grandfather to think he is alone.” He wasn’t alone. His family lovingly surrounded him in those last moments. It was precious to see the legacy of a man who poured his life into his family. He was there for them and they were there for him. We will miss you grandpa. And someday we will be with you again.

Another Week in Pictures

Jazz band at the Artsgarden.

Downtown Indy

One snowcone, two straws.

At the Dior exhibit of the Art Museum—this one says “feel free to touch” in case you were wondering.

Sibs and Nieces

At the Lilly Grounds

Christy

Clara with Grandma W.

Clara with Grandpa W.

Meredith and Melissa at Conner Prairie.

Meredith is truly an animal lover. She’s never met an animal she hasn’t wanted to kiss.

Yes sir, that’s me! This girl from Los Angeles milked her first cow. Everyone should do it once in their life, right?

This Week in Pictures

Enjoying Mommy-Clara Time

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Meredith at the State Fair--the cows were her favorite.

The baby chicks were a close second--she laughed and laughed.

At West Park with Aunt Melissa

We're so glad my family is here to visit for ten days from CA. We enjoyed a hike at Turkey Run State Park on Saturday.

Yes, all FOUR of us went on the hike.

Clara Faith was baptized on Sunday.

After the baptism.

Meredith enjoyed playing with Aunt Christy's shoes, hat and glasses.

Six Random Things

Icy Cold Milk—I have really fond memories of my mother putting individual glasses of milk in the freezer for us, to get them really icy cold, whenever we ate homemade cookies and other desserts. (This is probably akin to when mothers put bath towels in the dryer to get them warm for their kids after their baths.) Milk is the best when it has sat in the freezer for ten minutes so that a ring of icy milk forms along the glass. Last night we had chocolate chip cookies with icy cold milk from the freezer, while watching the second Bourne movie. Thanks mom, for this great childhood memory.

Curiously Strong Peppermints—Yesterday Meredith ate nearly half a container of Altoids while I was in the shower. As soon as she heard the shower water turn off, she ran upstairs and said, “I ate my mints!” She had found the brand new container of Altoids on the computer desk and managed to remove the shrink wrap by herself. Many of the mints left in the container had been bit in half. I guess she decided to sample as many as she could. To my surprise, she never got sick to her stomach. But the sugar did have its affect and she was WILD for the rest of the day and evening.

Free Fair Tickets—Every year there are free fair tickets in the Monday Indy Star newspaper. Yesterday I loaded both kids in the car, which was quite the ordeal and took forever (if you’re a new mom of two kids, you understand), and went to the local gas station to get the paper. I would have walked except it was probably 125 degrees outside. (Slightly exaggerating.) Unfortunately for me, the paper announced that the free tickets would be in Tuesday’s paper this year, instead. Today I ran out and got the tickets before Kevin left for work. I’ve come to greatly appreciate anything that has a drive-through these days!

Canines—Meredith told us yesterday, in no uncertain terms, “I want a dog to keep at my house.” We knew this day would come sometime soon, since she loves dogs so much, but we didn’t think it would be this soon. We are going to try to hold her at bay for a while. Like 16 more years, hopefully.

Squashing Bugs— This morning Meredith saw a piece of black string on the bathroom floor. When she pointed it out to me, I asked her to pick it up and throw it in the trash. She gasped, “No! I need to kill it first!” She ran and got a tissue, smooshed the piece of string with the tissue, and said, “There. It’s dead now.” Then she threw it away, along with the tissue. Meredith totally cracks me up. She makes me laugh, usually hard, every day.

Facebook, Again—Okay, I’ve had the weekend to digest Facebook a little bit more. It’s in no way a comparison to Blogger. Blogger is for people who enjoy writing. (I’m too much of a journalist to not use Blogger.) Facebook is for everyone. One thing about Facebook that I find interesting is this whole “writing on the wall” thing. When I read other people’s walls I often feel like an intruder. It’s like I’m spying on private conversations—like reading people’s personal e-mail inboxes or something. In fact, I found out by reading someone’s wall that a mutual friend is expecting a baby. X wrote to Y that she is pregnant. But because the wall is public, I got to read the note. Weird. But, whatever. Despite this little quirk, I think Facebook is great and I am definitely having fun with it, when time allows.

Be My "Friend"

It seems that the word “friend” has taken on a new dimension with the advent of Facebook. Yes—thanks to my very wonderful bro-in-law Colin, who took my picture, created a password, and entirely set it up for me—I now have a Facebook account.

Because I now have a Facebook account, surely I am well on my way to being culturally relevant, right? In any event, I feel better about myself since having joined the Facebook craze. Now I can see what all the fuss is about.

Already several people have “found me.” Some of these people are individuals whom I once talked with regularly and really enjoyed their company but have since lost touch with them. In this crazy, mad, busy world, it’s easy to lose touch with quality people, isn’t it?

So, this could be fun. I may not check my Facebook account five times a day but, when I do check it, I think it will be good for kicks.

Wedding Weekend, etc.

Here are a few snapshots of the wedding taken with my little camera (and some other random recent pictures). But if you want a real treat, see the pictures that our photographer friend from church Kevin Swan took! Amazing!!!

We wondered all along if Meredith would actually make it down the aisle as a flower girl. She did well at the rehearsal but got stage fright at the ceremony. She asked grandpa to hold her hand and he did. She walked down the aisle WITH him, staring bashfully at the floor. But she was cute anyway and I know it was one of the highlights of her life-thus-far to be a flower girl in aunt Megan's wedding!

Megan was a beautiful bride, the ceremony and reception were very memorable, elegant, and fun. We're glad KC is a part of our family now. Best wishes to the happy couple as they honeymoon and settle down in Texas!

Five-Year Reflections

Wow. I can hardly believe I’m saying this but, as of tomorrow, Kevin and I will have been married five years.

The other day I started thinking about what has happened since August 3, 2002, when Kevin and I joined our lives together.

In five years we moved five times. We lived in three different states, four different times. On two separate occasions we left our jobs for unknown future employment. We bought a house in a seller’s market. We sold a house (in the nick of time) in a buyer’s market. Kevin has been enrolled in two different law schools. We’ve had two beautiful babies.

Although I hope the next five years are slightly less eventful, despite all the challenges the past five years have been the happiest years of my life. Kevin and I have faced all of these things together as a team. Our love has endured. Our love is strong.

Neither of us have any regrets about marrying young. We are thankful to have shared so much of our life-thus-far together. Marriage and children require sacrifice. But these things have made life so full and rich.

Kevin is the type of guy I never thought existed. When I first met him, he caught me by surprise and I couldn’t help but love him. I love the fact that Kevin is so smart and savvy but also so good, selfless, and kind.

Kevin, you inspire me. I’m such a lucky girl to have you. I love you always. Happy 5th!

That’s Our Meredith

Lately Meredith has been wearing a gold Burger King crown every day, along with a red Minnie Mouse dress with white polka dots that we recently found in a hand-me-down box. I often sit and watch her prance around the house with her dress and hat covering her messy hair. She’s in a stage right now where she hates to have her hair brushed. I only make her do it when we’re going out. So, most days she’s twirling around the house with messy hair. She looks quite comical. But in her own little mind (as evidenced by the way she prances), with her dress and paper crown, she is the most beautiful creature in the world.

Here are some recent highlights straight from our two-year-old daughter’s mouth.

Conversations:

Amy: “Meredith, stop whining.”
Mer: “Maybe some grapes would make you [Meredith] happy.”
Amy: Gets some grapes and starts to pick them off the stem.
Mer: “No! Leave them on the tree.”

Mer: “I want to go outside!”
Kevin: “Sorry babe, it’s raining.”
Mer: “Put up an umbrella and stay dry!”

Mer: “I want French fries.”
Amy: “We don’t have any French fries.”
Mer: “Go to Old McDonalds!”
Amy: “Daddy took the car today. We don’t have a car.”
Mer: “We walk!”

Amy: “Meredith, you are going to grandma’s house tonight.”
Mer: [eyes light up] “I probably eat dinner there. And spend the night, probably!”

Amy: “You are going to have pasta and green beans for lunch.”
Mer: “No green beans.”
Amy: “Yes, green beans will help you grow big and strong.”
Mer: “I’m already strong.”

Amy: “Meredith, come brush your hair.”
Mer: “No, my hair messy!”
Amy: “Don’t you want to look nice for Mr. & Mrs. Myers?”
Mer: [smile] “I look messy for Mr. & Mrs. Myers.”

Other quotes:

“Mommy happy now!” --This is what she says whenever she is obedient in response my direction. All day long, I hear how I should be such a happy person.

“That mommy is sad!” --In response to watching a labor and delivery video and seeing the woman experience a contraction. When the woman had another contraction Meredith said, “That mommy is sad again!”

“Two weeks! My baby sister in MY tummy will come out in two weeks!” –Because, according to Meredith, she is pregnant just like mommy was.

“That’s a mess! That man sweep it up!” --At the grocery store when she saw some produce scattered in the aisle. She then pointed out an employee and suggested that he clean it up. I didn’t know whether to die of embarrassment or laugh.

“It’s nice and cool and windy outside.” –After feeling a breeze on her cheek. Meredith is really into “making lists” right now. Her prayers at the dinner table are starting to take five minutes now that she wants to thank God for every piece of food and each family member’s napkin, etc.

“Stop talking, Kevin! Nooooo talking!” --This is what she told her daddy in the car the other day. It was one of those times when you know you need to discipline your child but you can’t stop laughing because it’s funny. Meredith has already stopped calling us “mommy” and “daddy” and most of the time calls us “mom” and “dad.” But bossing us around on a first-name basis is over the top.

Morning Trek

I haven't had time to download pics from my camera so here are a few that I stole from Shannon's blog. :)

I just finished an approximately two mile walk (round trip) to the post office, the canal to let Meredith feed the ducks, the grocery store to buy bread and milk, and Starbucks (because I figure I deserve a treat after all that). We only have one car so I love living in a borough of the city where I can walk to these types of places. It was my first time pushing the double stroller, which was heavy but not too bad. The worst part was lifting it to get it down the stairs.

Thoughts from Mom

Clara came really fast, after full day. Fortunately it was one of those restfully-full days and not a hectic-full day. We went to church, had a leisurely brunch of waffles, strawberries, and scrambled eggs with Kevin’s family, I took a long nap while Kevin watched golf on television, then we played a game of croquet with Colin, Megan, and Kc on the back lawn. As we were getting ready to head back to church for evening service (5:30), I had my first contraction. Clara was born exactly four hours later (9:30).

Short labors are nice but (for those of you who think it’s all dreamy), they are very intense. Your body has to go through the same thing in getting ready to deliver a baby, regardless of how long it takes to get there. When Kevin and I were limping across the hospital parking lot (okay, I was the one limping) to get to the maternity ward, I felt a big contraction coming on. In order to get more comfortable I got on my hands and knees on a patch of grass in front of the hospital. (Seriously, when you’re in labor you don’t care what other people think of you!) Suddenly a woman rushed over to us and said, half joking, “Don’t do anything on the front lawn! It’s bad for business!” She ended up being a really nice doctor who got a wheel chair and wheeled me to the third floor. I had four or five more contractions on the way up there and she kept patting my back reassuringly as we went. She seemed like an angel to me. Maybe she was.

It’s amazing how much we love this new baby already. I’m definitely more relaxed as a mom this time around. I was so uptight with Meredith that I wasn’t able to enjoy her as much, I think. Also, I appreciate the perspective I have now with a second baby. I realize that these first few weeks are ultimately fleeting. As hectic as they are, they are precious and irretrievable. I can’t stop hugging and kissing on both my little girls.

Maybe it’s in response to MY being more relaxed, but Clara seems so laid back to me. Like this sweet “whatever” attitude that I don’t remember Meredith having. At all.

I forgot how small newborns are. Her feet, hands, and little bottom. It’s amazing.

I also forgot how naturally sweet a newborn’s skin smells. Like Kc said, “She smells like vanilla!” I can’t stop kissing Clara’s chubby cheeks and the crook of her neck. I want to savor each moment.

Meredith is doing fairly well adjusting. Her disposition toward Clara is very sweet and gentle. At the hospital she was all smiles and kept saying, “I hold her,” “I hug her,” “I kiss her.” But she is also more emotional than normal. She’s had a hard time sharing a few things. For instance, her box of wipes. Can you believe it? Today I asked her to help me and get a wipe. She clung to this stupid box of wipes and said, “This is Meredith’s wipes!”

When we first got home from the hospital I started to worry about how I was possibly going to be able to love both my children equally. It was overwhelming. They are both distinct persons with their own unique set of needs. They say that a mother’s love grows when another child is born and this is so true. But I’m still overwhelmed. I will pray for grace and just keep on loving as best I can.

Clara Pics

Welcome...

...to the world, Clara Faith Koons! She arrived safely and quickly (a 4-hour labor from start to finish) last night around 9:30 p.m. She weighed in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. and measured 20 3/4 in. long. Amy and Clara are both doing fine. Pictures forthcoming...

500-Pound Man Rescued After 12 Hours in River

Did you guys see this incredible story on Drudge today?

I’m still trying to figure out why this man ever tried to go tubing in the first place.

“The aircraft that found him [stranded] said they could not lift that amount of weight.”

If an airplane couldn’t handle him, why on earth did he ever think an inflatable device could?

Local Touring and Second Deliveries

Over the weekend we decided, once again, to be tourists in our own town. Honestly, lately I’ve been wanting a vacation SO badly but with a baby coming and school starting, that’s not an option. So we’re doing the best we can locally. And it’s been fun.

We went to White River State Park and walked around the canal downtown. At the end of the day we were going to see an IMAX movie but thought that Meredith would be too scared of the 3-D sharks and 3-D dinosaurs. Or that maybe she wouldn’t keep the glasses on and then wouldn’t be able to see anything anyway. So, we opted for a movie back at the house.

I’m definitely ready to shed my big belly. Although the weather was nice on Saturday, it was still exhausting to lug around this pregnancy weight during our long walk.

Now that I’m near the end of this pregnancy, I’ve finally started thinking about labor and delivery. Unlike last time, I haven’t read any books on the subject and we didn’t take the child birth prep class (which was a waste of time and money anyway).

Because I had such a great experience with Meredith, I hope I’m not disappointed this time around. With Meredith, everything happened very fast and, thanks to that beautiful thing called the epidural, I was rested, relaxed and really (honestly) enjoyed the process of welcoming my daughter into this world.

Although most people apparently have easier deliveries their second time, I know of two examples where things were significantly worse. So, I’m trying not to be overly hopeful.

When you’re going into your first delivery, everything is “unknown.” When you’re going into your second delivery, it’s not that much different. Although I now know what a contraction feels like, I still have no idea what lies ahead with baby number two’s delivery. It’s hard for me to not let my first experience taint my views of this upcoming experience since they say each one is different. Right?

I’m glad Kevin has a sterling memory ‘cuz I sure don’t. The other day I started worrying that I wouldn't remember how to breathe, when it would be time to go to the hospital, etc., etc. After vocalizing these concerns to Kevin, he immediately piped up with all the relevant information to respond to my questions.

How he remembers all this stuff from two years ago, I’ll never know. But I’m glad.

Recently I read a statistic—one in 300 women in the U.S. has given birth in a car. Doesn’t that figure seem high to you? I personally can see the advantage of having a baby that fast (aside from the bloody mess in the car, of course). Kevin, I’m sure, would rather it not be quite that fast.

Fabulous Book

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter is the best book I’ve read in a long time. It was this month’s featured book with our book club and we had a great discussion last night. The book is beautifully written and deals with intriguing subject matter. I highly recommend it.

Although I thought it would be a depressing book because it entails a father abandoning his newborn handicapped child and lying to his wife—and, ultimately, this family secret has repercussions for everyone involved—I found it to be redemptive and thought-provoking and I’m glad I read it. The book was especially interesting because it followed and contrasted parallel lives—the man who abandoned his child and the woman who raised her. The author has tremendous insight and ties everything together beautifully. It was a definite page-turner for me.

So, check it out!

Two Wonderful Years

We are so blessed. God has given us a precious little girl to love for two whole years now. I figured it would be the case but parenthood has caused me to experience the depths and heights of the wide range of emotions like I never had before. Who knew it was possible to love this much, or be this frustrated, or this happy? Who knew that I would laugh so much every day or cry more than I ever had my whole life? When I signed up for a baby, who knew that I would have a toddler so soon? In the blink of an eye, my baby grew and became her own person, independent and free-thinking, loving life and living every day with passion.

I love you Meredith Grace Koons! I’m so happy that God gave you to daddy and me!

The birthday girl.

Playing doctor with Aunt Megan.

Gift from mom and dad … a new sandbox! Unfortunately the sand had mosquitoes in it. Can you believe it? Our little girl was eaten alive. The next day the mosquitoes were gone, so we ended up not having to get new sand.

Family of Four

Meredith has been singing Happy Birthday to herself and blowing out imaginary candles for nearly a month now! She was so excited to get to do it “for real.”

Sand and Cake. What could be better?

Who says 9 months pregnant isn’t sexy? (On second thought, don’t answer that.)

Fun Fourth

Gettin' Ready

"I like this."