Strike a Pose

Surprised

Curious

DE-lighted

 Flirtatious

Brought to you by Caleb Daniel Thompson (aka, C-Cub)

Super Bowl Sunday

This is what made our Sunday at my (Shilo) parent's house:  Annabel taking 5 steps (!) to her big brother.  She has what is called 'hypotonia' which is low or diminished muscle tone or tension.  She turned 20 months yesterday and is continuing her physical therapy every week.  There will definitely be tears of joy when she officially starts walking.  Until then, we wait on the Lord's perfect timing with her.  She of course, doesn't seem concerned about it at all.  Her sweet precious life teaches us daily about entrusting our children to His constant care. 

(oh yeah, and go Giants! That's for you Popie)  

Some days as a mom...

I can't help relate to good ol' Bessy (below).  How do moms do it who nurse twins or more?  I sh-udder at the thought.

Dedication

Last Sunday, the newest lil' man was dedicated at our church.  Committing to training our child in the way he should go, unto the glory of God.  My (Shilo's) parents were able to be there as well, first time with any of our kids.  Afterwards, they threw a celebration and surprised us with unexpected gifts.  So blessed! 

 Gramps & Bugs

More of Caleb...and fam

Loves his sleep

"Waaaaz up?"

My beautiful friend, Jen, made this for Micah and now I get to use again with Caleb.  Love this blanket!

Doing what he does best, lion around!

"Not sure I like bath time yet mom"

Many of his milk comatose poses

 With Gramps

 With Grandma Carina

With Papa & Grammy

 Auntie Manda & Uncle Ryan

 Other Happenings

We signed up Micah for Tee-Ball (thanks to Popie & Grandma!).  Practice starts this Thursday every week with games every Saturday through the end of March.  Glen and I have been taking him to the park when we can to get warmed up.  He's doing pretty good, takes after his dad.  Grandma shared a story with me about when Glen was young and when he would show up at his baseball games, the parents/fans would cheer because they knew they would have a better chance of winning when he was playing.  And guess what?  Glen will be the head coach, he bought a clipboard and everything (lol).  Good times. 

 Can you tell he likes Disney cars?

 Sweet, joyful Annabugs

Caleb Daniel Thompson

Introducing the latest member of our little family, yay!  Arriving on Thursday, January 5th at 7:19pm.  Weighing 7lbs., 13 oz. and 20 in. long.  Born at Paradise Valley hospital in Arizona.  To those interested in the full birth story, read further below.  If not, then just enjoy the pics of our sweet, precious gift from God.

Brotherhood begins...

We're growing!

Caleb's Birth Story

His estimated due date was January 12th but when I went in for my doctor appt. on the 2nd, I was already 2cm dialated.  Although my water had not broken yet, the doctor shared that I was "ready" and suggested that we could come in sometime that week to induce the labor if we wanted.  Went home, talked it over with Glen and after praying, we decided to set an appt. on the 5th to be induced.  As silly as it sounds, it worked well with my parent's schedule too since they were going to be the ones watching Micah and Annabel while we were gone.  We also knew from experience with Micah that if I waited too long, he would gain more weight, which could have made the labor longer and more 'laborious'.  Regardless, it was one of those decisions we had to make, and so we trusted God with the results.

So here we were driving at 7:30 in the morning on the 5th to the hospital...excited, yet nervous about the unknown.  You would think after giving birth to two kids, I would be couragous and super chill.  Glen asked, "are you ready"?  I said, "for the pain that is ahead?  No, I'm scared!"  With that, he decided to take me to Dunkin Donuts for one last yummy breakfast before labor :).

After checking in at 8:30, the doc broke my water...relatively painless.  Then NOTHING.  For 4 hours.  So the nurses, Margo and Lauren, decided to insert a gel on my cervix to see if that could help move things along.  NOTHING for 3 hours.  We hoped to not have to use any drugs, but by then I was ready for the petocin, so they gave me small doses at a time.  By this time, it was 3:30pm.  That's when the contractions started really kicking in.  I had such a peace and was calm through all the contractions, even though the pain grew incredibly worse.  The nurses kept sharing too how amazed they were that Caleb's heart rate was calm and consistent as well.  With each contraction, I repeated verses to myself, tried to focus on the cross, and Glen would pray silently through each one.  It's crazy how I would go into a zone and block everyone out (that's how bad the pain is).  But I also had amazing friends and family praying for me, which seriously helped me get through.  By 7:19pm I had this little guy in my arms--and he was oh so precious!!!  The pain was gone-YES-scripture is true (John 16:21).

Overall, I was blown away by the whole experience.  We serve an awesome God who has created women's bodies to do awesome things--can't forget this.  Thankful for the wonderful doctor and nurses who cared for us and our little guy.  Oh and by the way, we didn't mind being waited on the next few days with lots of good food too :).             

Leaving Seaside, CA

In God's sovereign, perfect will, who never makes mistakes, and whose purposes are never thwarted distinctly had us reside in Seaside only from February to October.  While I won't go into all the details (we leave with God), I can say that I am proud of my husband.  He stood for truth and would not back down.  He was burdened for a fellow brother and loved him as he has been taught. Although not always perfectly, he was humble and always prayerful.  I know this...because I was with him day in and day out.  I LOVE this man and give THANKS to God for him.  

We've come to realize (and still learning) that trials are for our good and for God's purposes--we can thank Him. We can't see the full picture of what He is weaving, but we cling to Him in trust.  We miss those that we grew to love dearly...but take joy in eternal friendship.  We continue to pray and yet move forward in the Lord knowing that He is with us wherever we go.  May He use this experience, as sinful and wretched as we are, to help us further His kingdom in more ways than we can ever ask or imagine.  To Him be all glory!  

December

Baby BOY Thompson's close up picture of face only.  Right hand/fist next to his right cheek (at left).

 Full-term momma!

Mommy & Micah 

Christmas Coooookies

Heart to Homeschool

Spent several months praying through if we should buy a curriculum or not for Micah.  Well, we finally did and bought Answers in Genesis for Preschoolers (whole set under $100).  Three main reasons:  1.  He has insatiable love of learning (what child for the most part doesn't)  2.  We wanted to add more purpose to his day, as far as educational  3.  Helps us be more productive in our days  

We spend usually a few minutes after meals or in between and it is VERY informal.  Micah has really loved it!  He is learning shapes, colors, numbers, tracing, ABC's, and more.  Plus it includes bible activities (on top of Cubbies stuff he does each week).  We know each child is unique and that there are a myriad of different views out there on when to start home schooling, but we haven't regretted it one day.  There have been so many positives, especially when you can make it fun!

We also started a job chart on the fridge for helping more around the house too.  He is a great helper.  Micah's five main jobs:  1. Feed Daisy  2.  Make bed  3.  Clean up room  4.  Set table  5.  Wipe down bathroom  

Highly recommend this as children get into the 3 year old age!

Forgot to add this on to last night's post (day at the park):

Autumn Approaching

September has approached us fast and is now almost gone!  Last year we were enjoying the nice autumn colors in Seattle, now we enjoy seeing/hearing the beautiful ocean.  We've had much going on, but in it all we are waiting on our great and gracious Savior whom gives us more than we deserve.  We are thankful for our precious kidlets--the JOY they bring--and I (Shilo) am personally thankful for the sweet, humble hubby that I can share everyday with.  Baby BOY on the way is kickin' and movin' more...a precious miracle indeed.  Until next time, hope you enjoy the latest snapshots.  Love always~

Micah started AWANA Cubbies & Annabel started Puggles at church.  Here they are below with their gear on, although can't see Anna's shirt too well.

Micah & Daisy girl

Love being able to put her hair in pigtails!

Enjoyed a date morning in Carmel full of sunshine

Ahhh...the sweetness and pace of Annabel.  She is now crawling all over the place and pulling herself up to a standing position.  Physical therapy and lots of prayer have been helping.  Praising the Lord for each milestone.

Love sneaking up on her lately.  She plays so quietly that sometimes I get nervous :).  "Ohhhh Anna, what are doing?"

"Hi mom, just playin' with my penguin"

Best friends

Recent visit to LA for Truth Matters Conference.  A sweet time of fellowship with the Grazors', Karen and her new baby girl, and others.

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS!

Found Micah outside with his book the other day

She seems to like books more than Micah did at this age