Little Bits and Pieces

Baby Joys

2009-04-17T20:52:00.006-04:00

I already announced what we are having but if you didn't hear take a look at the ultrasound pictures above!

Yes we're having a baby boy! Three boys in our house, what a wonderful adventure! My appointment went very well. The ultrasound tech let all four of us in the ultrasound room. It made it especially nice for Curtis and Elijah. This was Curtis' first ultrasound for this pregnancy. He said it was really good and encouraging to see baby. Elijah enjoyed asking questions about the ultrasound machine and helping put the ultrasound goo on my tummy. :] The next best step would have been a hands on play time with the warm goo! Nate stayed in his umbrella stroller perched on Curtis' knees. He did point and try to join in conversation. Baby was kicking my bladder the entire time! He moved his arms and legs quite a bit, yet didn't want to turn so we could get a good profile pic. I guess, like we all do, found his comfy spot and didn't want to move!

My appointment with the nurse practitioner went very well and quickly. The ultrasound showed no growth with the new fibroid. It is also in the best place on the back of the uterus wall. That is a huge praise! It concerned me it might become a problem.

After my appointment I went for my one hour glucose test. It came back one point higher then normal. The doctor gave me a choice to either wait a few more weeks for the two hour glucose test or get referred directly to Joslin Diabetes center for gestational diabetes. I chose the referral because I had GD with both Elijah and Nate. The GD started out one point over even after the second test but the last months(two with Elijah and 2.5 weeks with Nate) of pregnancy I need insulin. I find the appointments at Joslin to be very encouraging and helpful. I also need a new tester for keeping track of my blood glucose levels.

I was suppose to call Joslin today but woke up in pain. After my first bathroom visit I decided I must be getting a urinary tract infection. As the morning went on, the pain only increased. So much I was just continually on the verge of tears. I called my OB office and asked what I should do. The receptionist told me she would call me back. They don't usually see patients with UTI issues. I didn't want to deal with my primary care physician on base for this issue. They don't want to see pregnant women at all during the pregnancy so they are very hard to deal with. I got a call back and was told since it's Friday they would call in a lab for me. I also had a prescription waiting for me at the Stop and Shop pharmacy. This was all great news. I just had to wake Nate up from his morning nap and get the boys loaded up in the Highlander. Then pick up Curtis so I could take care of the lab without two little boys in the bathroom with me. It wasn't a fun trip, frequent bathroom visits and continual pain. Thankfully I got through the lab after waiting 20 minutes. Then picked up my prescription. The pharmacist reminded me to take it with food. We ran back to Curtis' office so he could wrap everything up there. Then we were at home eating lunch! I really enjoyed nap time this afternoon, first time this week I took a nap! I'm very grateful for tylenol, sleep and antibiotics!

I've started feeling baby move when I put my hand on my tummy. He seems to have the most movement on the right side. It is an encouraging results of his growth!

I'm at 20 weeks now! Half way through my pregnancy! We are playing around with a few names, but I want to wait to announced it until he is born.

My next appointment is May 8th! I should be getting another ultrasound that day, and hopefully he'll move around for some good front profile pics!

Finding Joy and Rest within my Crazy day

2009-04-07T14:00:00.003-04:00

Today has been one of those crazy days. Ok so was yesterday. There was Elijah rolling Nate up in the living room rug, Elijah sweeping the repair mans back, and Nate climbing up the shelves to name a few interesting highlights. Today I've felt uncomfortable in my baby belly area. Slight cramping and some lower back pain. Time to rest and pray there won't be anything else negative go on within my body today. I've put the boys down for their nap, and find myself just wanting to rest in God. I mean that fully, my spirit, mind and body. Rest and relax.

God brings the following verses to my heart. God will restore my soul. I have reason to rejoice and give thanks through the daily ups and downs of a mom with two young boys under the age of 4. Through all the bodily ills and mental frustrations. God Himself is enough. He is my strong tower, he is my cleft in the rock, He is my rest. He the great I AM, the all I need.

God was bringing these verses to my head earlier as I was picking up a few pansies from the garden area at Walmart. Those little plants full of wonderful spring color. Remind me of how I need to be planted. I need the wind and the rain. I need the food and light of the sun.

I hope there is a bit less crazy after the boys wake up but it is my prayer that God will give me rest now.. so that my mind and spirit will let the crazy roll away and life fill me with the joy only my God can give.

Psalm 23:3
"He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake."

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Psalm 18:2 "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Resting in Jesus Daniel S. Warner

I am resting in Jesus, hallelujah! I know
That the blood of atonement makes me whiter than snow;
I will trust in my Savior, and abide His control;
For He loved me so dearly that He ransomed my soul.
- Refrain:
  Oh, my rest is so sweet,
  As I sit at Thy feet;
  I am resting, dear Jesus,
  In Thy favor complete.
I am resting in Jesus, oh, how sweet are my years!
He has banished my troubles, and removed all my tears;
I am safe in His kingdom, and a heavenly calm
Now abides in my bosom—glory be to the Lamb!
I am resting in Jesus, my Redeemer and Friend,
And the peace of His kingdom shall endure without end;
Oh, my soul is transported in His favor divine,
And there’s music, sweet music in this bosom of mine.
I am resting in Jesus, what a blessed repose!
I am living in triumph over death and all foes;
I can smile at the tempest, hallelujah to God!
I am free, and forever I will sing of the blood.

We Rest on Thee

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender! We go not forth alone against the foe;

Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.
Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.

Yes, in Thy Name, O Captain of salvation!
In Thy dear Name, all other names above;
Jesus our Righteousness, our sure Foundation,
Our Prince of glory and our King of love.
Jesus our Righteousness, our sure Foundation,
Our Prince of glory and our King of love.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
“We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.”
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
“We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.”

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender!
Thine is the battle, Thine shall be the praise;
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
Victors, we rest with Thee, through endless days.
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
Victors, we rest with Thee, through endless days.

Ultrasound Week!

2009-04-06T15:10:00.003-04:00

It's a rainy day here in Groton CT! Opening day at Fenway Park has been postponed until Tuesday. But I'm excited! This Thursday I have my ultrasound! I'm hoping and praying for one healthy baby! And hoping to find out whether baby NewNews is a boy or girl!

I have to go do a quad screen lab today also. Hopefully it will be quick and easy!

Take Care and thanks for your prayers!

Pregnancy Update Week 16

2009-03-31T10:15:00.013-04:00

Hey Everyone! Sorry it has taken me this long to post ultrasound pictures and my pregnancy update!

Within the last month, I've seen changes in my sleep patterns. I get really tired around the middle of the afternoon. The good thing is it is also when the boys go down for their afternoon naps. Unfortunately Elijah has tried hard quite a few days to give up this nap time routine. I believe he has given into the need for sleep to day! Yeah!

I had my first OB doctors appointment on February 12th. It was a routine first visit. I'm very glad I switched doctors since I had Nate; this office is much smaller and personal. I met one of the APRNs instead of the doctor this visit. She was very nice and seemed understanding. I was pleased also with her diligence with any of my questions or concerns.

She wasn't able to find the heartbeat via the tummy ultrasound so they did an eternal ultasound after my regular scheduled examine. It was very encouraging to see baby moving their arms and legs all around. You could even see the hands, which periodically went near or in their mouth! :]

My second doctors visit was on March 12th. I took Elijah along with me to my appointment so he could become more involved with "Baby NewNew". I meet doctor Simpson on this visit. I was pleased with his kind and direct nature. I wasn't sure how He would be with Elijah in the room. At my last clinic he was ignored or asked to leave and wait with Dad in the waiting area. Thankfully he was very good with Elijah. Dr. Simpson asked Elijah if he wanted to help with the small handheld heart monitor, to hear baby's heartbeat. Elijah was very happy to assist! It was just wonderful being able to see him help the doctor! Elijah is very hands on and loves being the helper, so this really made his day!

Dr. Simpson said I was measuring a bit bigger then my due date due to a small fibroid. I'm hoping it doesn't grow! My due date is still September 5th. My next appointment is next thursday April 9th. We are hoping to find out during this next appointment if baby new new is a boy or girl too!

Thanks for reading and all your prayers during this time of great change!

I've had quite the mixture of cravings over the last few months, I wonder what this next few weeks will have in store!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2009-02-04T10:19:00.003-05:00

We woke up this morning to a beautiful sparkling sight. Light fluffy snow has recovered the ground here in southeastern Connecticut. It is just amazing how beautiful the snow makes everything! I want to bundle the boys up in their snow suits and play! But, yes I have to add the but; it is only 25degrees outside! I know it's colder where a lot of you are, but 25 is still pretty cold!
It's Nate's morning nap time, though I still hear him babbling away! I thought I would write a quick blog. Since the boys are still on antibiotics from ear infections I haven't convinced myself to go outside. Maybe tomorrow won't be so cold! I guess we'll just enjoy the sparkling snow from the inside today!

And then there where 5

2009-02-03T21:05:00.011-05:00

Pregnancy.
I'm still in that wow stage right now with being pregnant again. Yet we are very happy to be adding new baby to our family!
My first OB appointment is February the 12th. We will a better estimate of the baby's due date then.
Elijah has already started talking to my tummy, which much more fat then baby right now( :0). He is even calling our new addition "Baby NewNews." It's very cute to see him desire to connect.
I've been nausous continually for the last two weeks. It seems to peak in the evening, which makes it hard dealing with dinner.
During all this excitement Nate has really started walking! It is so much fun watching him take his careful steps as he laughs and wiggles his arms around. :]

Trip to Gordon Conwell

2008-07-16T20:11:00.009-04:00

Last Wednesday afternoon Curtis and I packed up our car and drove about 30 minutes north of Boston, MA. To Gordon Conwell Seminary The ride there went smoothly. Both boys slept most of the ride and we found the Red Sox's game on an AM station. What more could we ask for? :]

Since I met Curtis in 1997 he has talked about going to seminary at some point. Now is the appointed time it seems, as God has really put it on his heart and mine stronger then ever. Seminary is going to be our next adventure!

Curtis will begin an online Greek course as soon as possible. He might add on another course if its not to much added studing. Then when he gets out of the Navy next spring we will relocate to the Seminary. Due to financial aid etc Curtis is probably going to extend a few months and move the end of summer or fall of next year.

The seminary campus is very beautiful. It is set on beautiful rolling hills with a lot of green! Grass is just a Huge landscape positive for Curtis and I, us 'country folk'. :] Plus it will be great for the boys to play on throughout the year. The dorm life seems to be good. The families we meet where very friendly. Elijah and Nate will greatly benefit from the close proximity of the other children. There shouldn't be a day without some interaction with other kids.

We will need to downsize to a two bedroom, one bath apartment. The apartments have little closets space and no laundry hook up. This is a hard thing to think about. We are hoping to keep our eyes open for storage shelves or armoires between now and next summer to better organize the things we do need to keep. I'm still concerned about not having my washer and dryer. I do at least 2 loads of laundry a day. The idea of riding ourselves of any excess is a great idea though. Simplicity and organization help a ton!

We also visit our friends, Joel and Maya, one evening. It was a lot of fun and greatly encouraging for all of us. They live about 5 minutes from the campus! Elijah loves playing with their Elijah and Ezra even though there is some age difference(him being 3 and them 6&4.)

When Curtis and I where living in Maine we attended the same Bible study group. God has brought us a long way since then. Curtis really wanted more to do with people now and Ineed the same. We both really look forward to getting to know them more next year.

Joel's Dad works on campus, and also used to teach. He taught at Gordon Conwell and also out at Westminster West. This really helped reaffirm the theology of the school and how much God desires Curtis to study there.

I'm still stuck on not having my own laundry capabilities, yet know God has a lot more that He desires us to focus on!~

4th of July

2008-07-16T19:48:00.006-04:00

Elijah and I went to our local 4Th of July Parade with our friend Alyson,her mother in law, and sister in law.
Curtis unfortunately was sick with a sinus infection. He and Nate hung out at home playing Wii and studying Greek. :] Elijah loved the vintage cars, fire trucks, ambulances and horses. He especially loved the fire engines! Elijah also enjoyed the collection of tiny pieces of wrapped simple carbs.. CANDY! The job of getting peoples attention and then finding it all was the best part of getting candy, at least for this year anyway! He also loved waving his American flag and sporting his Red Sox attire. I don't think he would have thought much of his clothes if it was for the comments from people as they went by in the parade "Love your shirt", "Great hat" or "Go Red Sox's." What was entertaining was the fact Alyson and family are native New Yorkers, yes from the heart of Yankee land. We put the love of our team aside for the love of friends and family in Christ. It was one of the best parade's since Elijah was born 3 years ago! Hopefully next 4th we will also see some fireworks!

Outside with my boys.

2008-04-28T22:47:00.004-04:00

Time. Today. Praise.

2008-04-28T22:22:00.004-04:00

Time.
its already the end of April 2008! Can you believe it? It seems like yesterday when.. had to say good bye to friends and family in N.C.. had a miscarriage..moving from the south and to north.. .. found out we were going to have a baby.. had a beautiful baby boy..

Nate is four months now! He is trying hard to sit up. Spitting up more then my laundry basket wants to hold. Love to smile. Laugh. Jump.
Elijah wants attention and I truly see how much I must try to spend more one on one time with him when Nate sleeps. Loves baseball. Running. Trucks. Wants to use the potty more everyday. He is almost 3.. wow time sure goes quickly.

Today.
Rain. Monday. Made lots of pasta sauce, felt good to achieve a prep goal for this weeks meals.
connected with a friend thanks to her call. Reminded how hard it is when I don't have people around me more. I get in a low spot.. my little valley. I just want to run and jump into Christs embrace to that spot where my being is refreshed with new joy from God alone. I ponder how to be the proverbs 31 wife and mom. I want to rest there not work to be there. I love how my soul is stirred by drops of water from the sky.

Praise.
I've been given a day to serve God. That in it self is such an amazing thing. I have a husband whom is such a gift. I'm a mom to two amazing boys. There is more to my day then dishes and laundry, diapers and cooking.. there is laughing, tickling, learning, growing, dreaming, surrendering, love, there is knowing God is the one in control not myself.

Rain is falling.

Babies are sleeping.

Tuesday is quickly coming .....

Family. Brothers.

2008-02-06T15:01:00.003-05:00

It is just wonderful to see the connection between Elijah and Nathanael!

It gives me great joy and refreshment throughout my day to see the love that they already share.

He comes in the bedroom in the morning and says "hi brother" or "hi Nathanael". This brought a great big smile to Nathanael's face.

It can be quite humorous to watch Elijah entertain Nathanael. He jumps, plays peek-a-boo, runs back and forth, and shows him toys.

Yesterday Elijah was going through his entertaining moves while Nathanael was asleep. I heard Nathanael start to fuss so I made motions toward them to discipline Elijah. When I looked down at Nathanael, instead of distress, he had a big smile on his face! His eyes where transfixed on Elijah and within a few seconds a 'giggle coo' appeared. Oh what joy!

Having two kids is very difficult but God uses these moments to remind me of Him. He has given me such a gift that points right back to His glorious being!

Spiritual Woes

2008-02-06T13:49:00.001-05:00

Life has become more challenging in our home the last two months.

Nathanael's birth spurred the incredible lack of sleep in our home. I've come accustomed to nursing every hour to 2 1/2 hours. Curtis moved to the guest room to hide from crying. Elijah just stopped waking up at night due to the crying. Maybe he is able to block it out enough to keep sleeping.

We have missed church all but once since December. It is a huge disappointment and bit of a sour point between us. We truly miss and need these visits. We need to hear the teachings of God's word, and fellowship with other believers. Curtis' duty weekends have us attending the base chapel services. Curtis has to attend both the catholic and protestant services to run the sound boards. The Protestant service is such a point of prayer. The individuals attending for such a joyless congregation. The lack of depth provided is visible. The chaplain is content just skimming the surface of God's electric text. It is easy for him to do this being in the military setting. His position isn't just to preach Christ but to impress the higher officers to continue his service. Those who are truly go deeper very rarely stay in the Navy Chaplain core.

I have to stop and ask myself; "how am I just like those individuals?" I can not let my day go by without stopping and asking God to point out the sin in my heart. To stop and reconnect with my just, merciful, loving God. My chief end isn't to dwell in my sin, to find greater recipes, achieve a cleaner home, lose that extra weight.. it is to glorify God.

I find myself needing a more patient and forgiving heart. I find myself becoming more easily frustrated with Curtis and those little things. I even notice that ugly stewing occurring called bitterness.

A couple of days ago Elijah said "mommy and daddy sad." Oh what sadness fills my heart!

This wretched sinner that I'm needs help. Help from God. For I know within myself no change will occur.

It is my prayer that God will allow me to let those little things "roll" off my being. Almost 8 years of marriage does not give me greater understanding of Curtis. Only God can allow the positive to reach further in my heart and let me love deeper through the lows.

Curtis is getting tested currently for a disorder on the bi-polar disorder spectrum. It is my prayer that I can encourage him and love him more through it all.

I hope and pray for more time alone with God this week, in His word and in prayer. I pray for better connection with my spouse and a greater abundance of the fruit of the spirit within me and this home of ours.

To God be the glory.

Elijah's Artistic Side

2008-01-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

Art Time 101

Elijah loves art time and this was his first since Nate arrived.

Art must never me only done with 'intended' tools of the trade; paint brushes. :] Hands are so much more fun! And hey, painting our hair is art too, right?

Forget the Valentine project for Mi Mi.. we'll just take our Elijah!

oh yeah, Thank God the paint was washable! :]

New Addition For Grenier Family

2008-01-24T20:24:00.001-05:00

Nathanael Jacoby was born on December 14, 2007.

It all began labor Thursday night with early contractions increasing throughout the day on Friday.

I cooked, vacuumed, mopped and did a variety of household tasks. Elijah and I played and read tons of books. It was a pretty normal pre-baby day!

I went to a stress test and ultrasound at the OB at 3pm. The nurse said it was just irregular contractions and didn't think it would happen any time soon. The ultrasound tech thought he would arrive within the weekend though. In my mind I was thinking "They're crazy I'm praying for this baby to come asap!" We left at 4:30.

We went to the exchange; there my contractions increased too much for me to question labor! I went home to pack and shower for the hospital. I ended up packing a few things. Curtis unknowingly added miscellaneous laundry of his, Elijah's and mine to my bag. We add to drop Elijah off, while I was screaming during contractions. Elijah was asking me to hold him and close to tears. He looked scared by the time we dropped him off, I was in too much pain to even speak to him.

We arrived at the hospital at 6:30. I was very grateful to be told I was fully dilated. I didn't expect to quickly end up pushing and being told to wait for the doctor! lol! Nathanael was born at 7:09 pm! I was in shock, a very happy, joyful shock! I had delivered and it wasn't after three days in the hospital!

Nathanael was a beautiful 6lbs 15ounces and 18 inches long.

It was truly one adventurous day!