Girls day

Kaylee and I have been planning a day to hang out-a mommy/daughter day- over spring break. It got postponed because of Noah getting sick, but today we finally had our day together and what a day we had! We started by dropping the little man off with my mom and heading to the mall. Kaylee had a Build-A-Bear gift card that was burning a hole in her pocket. We did a little shopping. Kaylee picked On The Border for lunch-YUM! After lunch, we did pedicures and Kaylee had her nails painted too, which will be perfect for her and Noah's Easter pictures tomorrow. After nails and toes, we did a little more shopping then headed to pick up our little man. We had a great day together. I love you so much, Kaylee Girl!

Beautiful day

With the 70 degree weather, Kaylee, Noah, and I headed to the park on Tuesday evening. Kaylee took along her bike, which she is doing so great riding. We played on the playground and then walked the trail. Along the walk, I decided to take some pictures with our new camera and stopped by the geese. I wasn't paying attention and heard Noah just wimpering a bit, turned around, and he was laying on the sidewalk! Yes, you read it right, laying face down on the sidewalk (how he ended up on his belly I still have yet to figure out). I realized at that point that I had forgotten to strap him back in to the stroller after being at the playground. Poor little guy, had a 103 degree temperature the day before on his 6 month birthday, and then scrapes his face the next day on the sidewalk at the park. But he is so tough, he only cried for about 20 seconds and then was fine. So give me the award for "Worst Mom of the Day" for Tuesday. Here are just a few pics of fun time.

Riding away from us...bye Kaylee!

Before the fall, but not feeling the best. Poor Noah.

Spring breakin'

3 years

Three years since Maddi went to be with Jesus. Madelin Kennedy Pierce, 3 years old, was my niece.

It's hard to believe...sometimes it seems like it was three decades ago and sometimes it seems like it happened three seconds ago.

It was a day forever etched in my mind. Sometimes I don't even remember what happened yesterday. But this day...was different.

I remember every conversation I had, every phone call I received and made, each prayer I prayed-pleading for God to spare her life.

And I remember walking down the hospital hallway getting ready to enter the PICU. I could see Shane and Amy through the window on the double doors and knew when I walked through those doors my life would be forever changed. I paused for several minutes not wanting to hear the news I could see written on their faces.

I remember falling to my knees when I did get the news as I walked into the family area. I remember my brother picking me up off the floor. My brother, the one who just lost his precious baby-picked me up.

I remember having to tell my sister and my other brother the news of her death. I remember talking to my dad in New Zealand who was trying to catch an airplane to get home to be with his family. I remember the despair in his voice.

I remember driving home from the hospital with my mom, feeling numb and in disbelief, and knowing that I had a little girl waiting at home, her best friend. I had to figure out a way to tell Kaylee, just three years old, that Maddi went to be with Jesus and we wouldn't see her on this earth anymore. You see, Kaylee and Maddi spent at least one day a week together, if not two. My mom, the rock that she is, helped me figure out how to tell her, and we told her together. I remember watching Kaylee's three-year-old mind trying to understand something that I, at 26, couldn't even understand. It broke my heart even further.

I remember the many moments of sadness, anger, helplessness, emptiness, that followed and the many many questions I had for God.

But that is not the end of the story.

I also remember my brother telling me after her service of people that had written or called or shared with them that their life had been changed because of Maddi's death. Some people rededicated their life to Christ. One person I can remember, in particular, came to Christ for the first time. Praise God!

I had the privilege, and I do call it a privilege, of watching Shane and Amy walk the road of grief. Because they didn't attempt to walk it alone, they allowed God to walk beside them. They amazed me. They still amaze me. They were/are so transparent and real. Many times we prayed as a family when any one of us felt we could no longer carry on. There were many moments of this. The bond between each of us grew. I praise God for this family he gave me here on this earth. We have shared many moments of joy since, in particular, the new lives that God has brought into our family.

So today, I can say my life is forever changed by what happened on March 13, 2006. I'm not one who believes and you won't hear me say that "everything will work out ok" because I've seen where in my life, several times, it hasn't. But I do know that even when it doesn't, God will be there if you call on His name. He is just waiting. I can testify that God is who He says He is and will be our ever-present help in times of trouble. I still don't know or understand His plan or ways many times, and I have endured many trials since. But I still trust Him. Because when we were at our lowest of lows, He met us there. And He carried us.

I leave you with this verse and a few pictures of her final moments here on earth. What I wouldn't give to see a glimpse of her in heaven...


"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

A favorite picture of her with Sophie.

One of the final pictures taken.

Precious angel.

be my valentine...

Kaylee's school valentine party was Wednesday. The kids are out of school Thursday-Monday for conferences and President's Day. Kaylee got so many cute cards (60 to be exact!) Noah loved watching all the first graders...he just stared at all the kids and took it all in. Happy Valentines Day!

Update on the Major

Well, just a little update on how Robbie is doing in Qatar. Let's just say, this going to be a "challenging" four months for him. He lives in a 10x10 room with no bathroom or sink nearby. He has to walk to another building to get water. He has to walk to an even further building to take a shower. He is scheduled to be working from 6am-6pm, which really means 7:30 or 8pm. Tonight it was 10pm. He is very tired when he gets home and still has to be working on his online masters class. He also has a very "interesting" commander that makes life at work...difficult.

If you have any interest in sending Robbie a little card or package or even an email to lift his spirits, please contact me and I'll get you his info. He can use any bit of encouragement. Please uplift him in prayer as well!

baby Cora

Met Jesus today. Please pray for her family. The pain they are feeling is all too familiar. Although I have not lost a child of my own, the loss of my niece, Maddi, changed myself and many others, forever. It's amazing how God can use tragedy to bring Him glory and bring people to the foot of the cross. May God use this loss to do exactly that.

on my knees...

I write to you with a heavy heart this morning. I do not know this family personally, but I know the uncle of the baby girl I am writing about. I suppose my feelings are amplified by the fact that I have a baby at home and can't imagine the pain her parents are feeling. She is critically ill with neuroblastoma and the cancer is all over her tiny body. She is 10 months old. Her name is Cora and she is precious. The situation has turned dire overnight and I am asking that you get on your knees with me to pray to our Creator, HEALER, and Sustainer for this precious baby. It appears that it's going to take a miracle for her life to be spared, but we all know that Jesus performs miracles.

You can follow her blog at this address: http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/

Did you think we weren't here anymore?

Well, let's just say it's been WAY too long since I posted anything on here. I could give lots of excuses, Christmas, traveling, a deployment...but all I can say is that I promise to try and do better. I won't try to go back and recap the last 6 or 7 weeks but just start from where we are now.

Currently, Robbie is residing in the country of Qatar for 4 months. He seems to be doing better there now than he was when he first arrived. He got a cell phone that we can call him on and we just set up the webcams yesterday. It was awesome to be able to see him and talk at the same time, although Kaylee was kind-of a camera hog. Please keep him (and us in your prayers as we go through this journey)

Speaking of Kaylee, she is now in her 2nd semester of first grade. She is busy with Daisies (just got done selling girl scout cookies--the girl sold 108 boxes!!), children's choir at church, and helping me with Noah while Robbie is gone. She's such a wonderful helper!

Noah is now 4 1/2 months old, rolling both ways, sleeping in his room, and weighing in at over 15 lbs.! He is eating some really food, although he's not fond of his veggies. He has tried rice and oatmeal cereals, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots. He has got the most sensitive skin of anyone I've ever known and it is a challenge for me to figure out what kind of creams to put on him to help him stay comfortable. Again, he's just like his Daddy!!

As for me, I am just doing the mom-thing and taking one night class. I have lots of people helping me and offering to help me, which I am extremely grateful for. I will post some pics of our last few weeks. Glad to be back on here!

Our family right before Christmas.

Christmas party fun!

So Robbie's squadron Christmas party was Friday night and a lot of fun. Every year, all the airmen and leadership vote on who has to wear 3 costumes during the party. They vote by paying money, and the people that get the most money have to wear the costume. aRobbie was in the top 3 most of the night and even after dropping several chunks of change to redeem himself, he still ended up in 2nd place with the elf costume. His poor boss had to wear the purple princess fairy costume, complete with tights and a wand. The worst part was after they thought they were done, they were told they had to dance on stage to "Whip it Good". I got a small video on my phone of the jig, and even though it's not the best quality, you get the point! It was so funny because some of the young airmen recorded it and were going straight home to put it on youtube. Merry Christmas from you leadership at the 22nd AMXS!

Christmas blessing for the elderly

Yesterday after school Kaylee's Daisy Girl Scout troop visited a senior living facility and sang Christmas carols. After the carols, the residents had made the girls cookies to share with them and the girls shared the cards they had made. The troop did a wonderful job! All the old ladies couldn't keep their eyes off of Noah, but I was careful not to let them put their hands on him.

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth..."

Well, actually we might have to modify the song to say, "All I want for Christmas is my one side tooth!" And it looks like Noah's gonna get it! I know it's hard to believe with him being so young but he has not been sleeping good, drooling, and a little crabby. I even told Robbie last night at 3 in the morning (up for the 2nd time already) that it was like he was a different child. The other day I felt a little point in the bottom of his mouth and when I looked, saw a white thing. I honestly don't know what else it could be. Robbie and I can both see and feel it, although the jury is still out with Robbie on whether it really is a tooth or not. What else could it be?!?! I tried to stick a camera in his mouth for a confirmation, but needless to say...that didn't work too well :). So I will just believe that it is a tooth and be mad at Santa for coming a little early for Noah!

Baby's First Thanksgiving

Noah celebrated his first Thanksgiving this year in El Dorado at Aunt Tristyn's and Uncle Tony's. GG (Grandma Grace) flew in Monday night before Thanksgiving to spend some time with us all and enjoy the holiday.

Noah and Sallie giving each other some love on their first Thanksgiving!

Kaylee and Sophie having fun

What a great day!

Sip and See

The cake at the Sip and See.

Robbie's grandma couldn't get enough of her great grandson.

Sorry it has been so long since I have updated. With a trip to Arkansas and Thanksgiving in the past 2 weeks, we have been busy!

The weekend before Thanksgiving we headed to Robbie's hometown for a "Sip and See". I had actually never heard of this before, but it is basically a come and go type occasion where you get to show off your new baby.

The rest of the weekend went spent time with Robbie's parents, Grandma, and Uncle. We had a wonderful time and Noah did so well on the 8 hour (0ne-way) trip! Of course Kaylee did too because she is the best traveler anyone could ask for. Here are a few pics of our fun times.

Our babies are growing up...

It was a great night...Noah slept through the night for the very first time!! We were so excited when we woke up this morning and realized we had not been up AT ALL in the middle of the night. He fell asleep about 10:45p (Robbie got home late) and Robbie got up at 5 this morning like normal. Noah was still asleep. I got in the shower at 5:45a and somewhere around 6a Noah started fussing and Robbie let him out of his swaddle. He was then wide awake and happy as could be! I told Noah "that's what happens when you sleep through the night....you wake up happy!"

On another note...I don't know why this hit me today, but I dropped Kaylee off at school this morning like I always do. She gives Noah and I kisses, we tell her to have a good day, and then she hops out. I roll down the window and say, "I love you" and this morning she said to me, "I love you, Mommy. I'll see you after school." I sat there for a few seconds while I watched her walk up the sidewalk to the school and tears began to fall. I just realized at that point how much she has grown up. She has changed so much in the past year, even in the last few months. It was just one of those moments this morning that I said, "Wow, where has the time gone?"

BIG Boy!!

Just thought I'd write a quick update on Noah's appointment yesterday. He weighed 12 lbs. 4 oz.! That's a gain of 3 1/2 pounds since birth...I couldn't believe it. They didn't tell me his height but he is in the 50% percentile on all measurements, weight, height, and his head measurement. Maybe he did get some Pierce genes on the height...we'll see ;) As for the shots...I loved the nurse but she went too slow in between each one. He let out a few goods screams and his face turned the color of a tomato. But like the good boy that he is he stopped crying as soon as it was over and was smiling by the time I put his clothes back on him. At least we got through the first round!

Fun with more cousins!

My cousin, Suzanne, and her girls, Megan and Tatum, were here for about a week from Phoenix. We had so much fun hanging out with them! We took the girls to see High School Musical 3 because Kaylee and Megan are crazy about it. We had the entire theater to ourselves!! Kaylee and Megan are only 12 days apart and really enjoy playing together. Tatum is "Miss Personality" and does a good job of keeping up with the big girls. Since Kaylee had yesterday off of school, we enjoyed pop-in playtime at Pump It Up along with Sophie, Amy, and Ian.

Tatum, Megan, and Kaylee

WHAT FUN!

8 weeks old!

So...it's been a while since I updated but Noah is now 8 weeks old. This means he has to get shots tomorrow :( I'm sure I will be more upset than him. Here is a pic from his 8 week birthday bath last night. Tell me he doesn't look exactly like his daddy!

Hannah Montana and the penguin!

We spent our Halloween morning at Kaylee's parade and class party. Then for the evening we headed to El Dorado to the Hallelujah Carnival at First Baptist. It was a blast!

Fun at Applejack Pumpkin Patch

We spent the weekend with Robbie's parents who traveled from Arkansas to spend some time with us. We visited the pumpkin patch on Saturday afternoon, and despite alot of Kansas wind, it was a beautiful day! We found our way out of a corn and milo maze, and Kaylee had a blast on the humongous slide and playing the kid games. We even enjoyed a funnel cake and shaved ice! What a great afternoon!

Kaylee found her pumpkin!

Posing in the milo maze

Noah's first visit to a pumpkin patch.

Robbie and Kaylee racing the ducks. GO GO GO!!!

The Cuzzes!

We watched the Arkansas football game last night with Shane, Amy, Ian, and Sophie (actually Sophie was busy playing in the sand and in the playroom most of the time). We took these pics of the newest cousins. Ian and Noah are only 18 days apart and Noah, though younger, is a little bulkier than Ian! We kept calling Ian "Rico" because he was sporting the Cuban look. What dollies! We kept talking about how in a couple of years these little guys will be causing a lot of destruction together :-)