Lessons of Motherhood

Yikes… it’s been over 4 months since I've blogged-I’m going to have to blame Zechariah on this one.  My mother-in-law told me some words of wisdom shortly after Ri was born: “it will take about 3 months to get used to having a baby and establish routine”.  I’m such a crazy-clean, organized lady, that I thought I’d have normalcy in a matter of weeks.  Turns out I was wrong. I am now a firm believer of the “three-month” rule.

I truly believe that at all times God is trying to teach us something.  I’m not always listening, or willing to learn, but the lesson is there regardless.  A whole WORLD of lessons has opened up since having a baby!!

      1. Time: When I was pregnant, everyone said “well, you better get stuff done now; you won’t have time when your little one comes along.” I would just smile and nod, and disagree with them in my mind.  I used to pride myself on accomplishing to-do lists…now I avoid them altogether.  This kid consumes my every waking moment…and I stay at home! (I would just like to take a brief moment and applaud the working mom---seriously…respect!) I try not to think about having more than one child running around. I may as well give up on cleaning my home (not likely). My favorite time during the day is when Ri takes his morning nap and I can drink a cup of coffee and have some Jesus time (even that get interrupted on occasion).

      2.   Humility: This is a big one for me. Sweet little Zechariah was born with a hemangioma (or “strawberry”) on his lip.  When the dermatologist told me it could stay up until Ri is 5, I really was okay with it.  He just has a little Steven Tyler thing going on. Nick and I hardly notice it anymore.  The real issue is when complete strangers make rude comments. Some of the following include: “what’s wrong with your baby?” “Are you going to fix his lip?” “Will that ever go away!?” “Why wouldn't you make him get surgery?”

I really love my child the way he is, and I’m not going to make him have permanent scarring because the public thinks it’s an eyesore. I've gotten to the place where I pull the little hood over him in his carrier so people won’t even look at him-thus saving me another conversation about his lip (which is not the right attitude to have...) I have a really hard time showing people Christ when they inquire about “what’s wrong with my child”.  This is a lesson I am still learning, and will continue to learn for years to come.

     3.     Marriage: Keeping your marriage strong through newborn times! This lesson was more challenging in the beginning. Your life changes SO dramatically after having a baby.  You have to learn to love your spouse as the father of your child in addition to all the other reasons. I believe that spouse should come before baby.  Babies are so fun, and it’s so easy to make your life revolve around their every move.  Ri has my heart, but Nick had it first. Nick and I have to make every effort to spend time together when he naps in the evenings.  We disagree on a lot of things, but we both recognize how important it is for Ri to know what love is through our love of one another.

     4. “Where did our money go?”  I’m a spender-Nick is a saver.  I’m so thankful for this balance! When you’re pregnant, you think you need everything.  You want your nursery to be as cute as everyone else’s and for your baby to have all the cool things as all the other babies.  If it was up to me, we would have had all the best of the best items and been thousands of dollars in debt. I’m glad Nick is my husband, because I look back and realize how unnecessary some things are! Ri doesn't care if his nursery isn't done, and I shouldn't either. God has taught me that my ONE role is not to surround Ri with things, but to surround him with Jesus.  Ri is my little sparrow—I know God will provide for him.

     5.    You don’t need a mom to be a good mom.  I was reading a baby book when I was pregnant and the author said something like this, “you won’t be able to do this without your mom around to answer all of your questions!” I put the book down and sobbed. I was so worried I wouldn't know how to be a good mom without my Mama cheering me on.  God fills in your gaps!  I've learned to call on him when I’m impatient or worried about making the right decision in motherhood.  This has not only helped me be a better mom, but it has drawn me closer to my God.  I hope to grow profusely in this area so that I can teach Ri how to do the same thing. 

I’ve learned more than five lessons, but the baby is calling! Baby comes before blogging. I know all you mom’s out there have a lot of lessons you've learned as well! Feel free to share them with me so I can keep an eye out.  

The Lord Remembers-A birth story

 “Where are you, God?”  is a question I’ve asked myself many times over the last two years.  "I thought you were going to heal my mom.  I thought you would keep my husband and me closer to home.  I thought you’d let me be married for at least a year before getting pregnant! I thought I could have this baby the way I wanted to."  I put so many expectations on God, that when things weren’t going my way, I surely thought he had forgotten about me.  He has continually changed the course (my course…) and humbled me down to my core.   With each new event that came, I would reference the last one to Him: “uh, God, do you remember what you just put me through? Why this? Why now? I’m still recovering from that last test of my faith.” I constantly questioned his Will. 

Last Sunday afternoon, Ashley and Kyle had just driven off from a lovely weekend visit! We had an exceptional time, but near the end of their time, I was feeling a bit “off”.  My stomach was very tight and I was having difficult time breathing.  I told Nick I was going to take my blood pressure out of curiosity.  It was a shocking 178/115! I was concerned, so I called Whitney, who just finished nursing school (oh, and did I mention she’s brilliant?).  She advised me to take it again in a half hour and call her back.  No change.  Whitney, knowing how “high-stress” I am, called me and used soothing tones! Haha. The conversation went a little something like this: “Adrienne, don’t be alarmed.  I want you to hold Nick’s hand...take deep breaths…and then pack a bag and drive to the ER immediately.”  I wasn’t stressed.  I felt fine.  I humored Whit by packing a bag, but I thought for sure I’d be unpacking it in a few hours. 

We arrived at the ER, and I calmly explained the situation to the front desk.  They got me a bracelet and shipped us off to a private room where they proceeded to hook me up to various machines.  They monitored by blood pressure and, sure enough, it was still high.  Nick and I were very relaxed and were reluctant to call any family members because we thought it was such a minor issue.  We had a dozen doctors and nurses come in and ask me various questions, and then they sent me next door to get a full ultrasound.  They spend 45 minutes documenting every inch of my sweet baby, while Nick and I chatted about his upcoming business trip.  We went back into our little room where they proceeded to hook me up to an IV and told us we’d be staying the night.  We were both kind of wondering if that was necessary… when the nurse casually said “oh yeah, you kids probably won’t be leaving here without a baby”…. WHAT?! Both of our jaws dropped!! I was speechless and Nick managed to mutter “but…we don’t have anything at our house for a baby….we don’t have a car seat!”… The nurse chuckled and said “oh, you’ll have plenty of time to get all of that stuff…don’t worry”. 

Finally, we were left alone for the first time in two hours.  We were so shocked! We didn’t realize the severity of the situation, and were NOT prepared to think about having a baby so soon! The doctor came back in and briefly explained preeclampsia.  He said they would have to do a 24 test to be sure, but he was quite certain I had it.  They hooked me up to magnesium so I wouldn’t get seizures from the said preeclampsia.  We were transferred to a different room where Nick “set up shop”.  He ran home and got us all the essentials (even his playstation…).  I look back at how terrifying the experience could have been, and I can only thank God that he prepared me for each step.  I was very relaxed and focused on getting those results! Even at that point, Nick and I were praying it wasn’t preeclampsia, and I could go home and keep the baby safe in my womb for a few more weeks. 

After 24 hours, the doctor came in and said that based on my protein levels I had severe preeclampsia and they would have to do a cesarean section as soon as possible.  A c-section? Really, God? We have discussed this! I want a natural birth—no meds—no magnesium—no steroids….where are you? I had done SO much research on natural birth, that I had no idea what to even expect with a c-section.  The magnesium is a muscle relaxer, so I am still slightly foggy on a lot of the details.  They prepared both Nick and me for the procedure, and wheeled me in.  They gave me a spinal anesthetic and minutes later, I was strapped down ready for surgery.  They let Nick back in at this point.  He looked just as scared as I was while he held my hand tightly.  The doctors were discussing the weather as they cut right into me.  I heard someone say they took the baby away (what? I didn’t hear anything… is he okay? Am I okay??).  I started to cry when a nurse came up and told me the baby was in good health.  I couldn’t shake my anxiety so they gave me even MORE pain meds in my IV line.  Awesome.  Even though I was upset, I felt God say “I’m here, I haven’t forgotten”. 

The doctors finished up and wheeled me into a recovery room for an hour before I could see my baby.  I had that time to mentally recover and hopefully gain some coherency before visiting the NICU.  I honestly protested when the nurse asked me if I wanted to go see him.  It wasn’t my fairy tale birth.  I still felt so light headed, and I wanted to mentally record every second of meeting my child.  They wheeled me in anyway, and Nick and I were awestruck at the sight of our perfect little baby.  He was so beautiful.  So small.  Such a beautiful representation of God’s faithfulness.  As I looked at his sweet face, God whispered “this is my Will…you have a son”. 

Zechariah means “The Lord Remembers”.  Throughout each trial Nick and I have faced in our love story, God has always reminded us that He is there.  He hasn’t forgotten our needs, He fulfilled them.  We have chosen to forget God and ask for our own will, but He has remained faithful and shown us mercy when we haven’t deserved it.  This little baby boy will always be a reminder of God’s love and provision.

Zechariah Alan George,
We love you more than you will ever know.  We will strive to live godly lives so that you might see Him through us.  We can’t wait to watch you grow, and we will always remind you that God is there, even if it feels like He’s not.  You are our little miracle.  We praise Him for your life!

                                                                                                  Love,  Mom and Dad

update! Baby Z is back to his birth weight of 3 lbs 6 oz.  He if off oxygen and on breast milk every three hours! :) They just put a PICC line in his arm to replace the tube in his belly button.  This will reduce the chance of him getting infection, and is a better alternative for his fluids.  He's progressing very well, and the nurses say if he continues to do well, we can plan to take him home in about 2.5 weeks!!

Also- Nick changed his very first diaper (of his life....for shame!) yesterday.  He was absolutely terrified, but took it like a champ. :) I presume there will be many more to come. 

Baby Z

This is gonna be short and sweet people! Nick and I will blog later about the birth story and God's hand through our journey.  For now, we would love to introduce you to our little miracle!

Zechariah Alan George
3 lbs 6 oz
16.5 inches

32 weeks and Celica post 2.0

I haven’t updated the blog on Baby G in quite some time! I felt a little stifled after some comments from nameless individuals concerning “arrogant baby bloggers” , so I think that contributed to my lack of dedication.  I’m here to say, lighten up people! I’m really excited and proud of my growing boy and will continue to update anyone who wants to support me through this electronic venue.  I’ve had a hard time being in another state where I know no one, so the encouragement and love I receive through this sometimes gets me through tough days.  I appreciate everyone who chooses to support Nick and I through this silly little blog. On to the good stuff…

 How far along: 32 weeks—time is flying.

Total weight gain: 26 lbs and counting (yikes!) I have gained so much faster in the third trimester! Thankfully, I think I can keep a healthy hold on it and stay under the recommended 35 lbs before delivery.  I got the King family bird legs, so my resemblance to a pug is uncanny! I get a good kick out of it sometimes. 

Food cravings: strawberries, graham crackers, tomatoes, and Mexican food (its always been a weakness)

What I miss: shopping. I know, I know…vanity is a terrible trap…. But I’m already bored of my maternity clothes.

Best moments this week: I had my first of two baby showers! My Mother-in-law is really thoughtful and planned a shower for the George side of the family.  I really enjoyed connecting more with his family and feeling their support through such an amazing transition in both of our lives!  Also, Nick and I started a birthing class.  We are really busy from now until delivery, so I couldn’t get us into an actual community class (boo…I may have cried), BUT our hospital offers an online version of the class with a lot of great tools.  This is really convenient for us during this hectic time.  I'm praying that its just as beneficial as learning from a tangible instructor. 

Milestones: I’m already seeing my doctor every two weeks!! This makes me feel like nameless “Baby G” is coming very soon.

In other news, Nick and the Celica got into a car accident!! (Everyone is fine, thank the Lord).  Out of the four cars involved, Nick was one of the least beat up.  He called me that morning and said “well, the officer on sight said that since my car is so old, it’s considered totaled”.   I thought for sure this was the end of an era with that little black car.  Nope! Nick pulled into the garage and I looked at his car and was like “...why is there duct tape securing your back bumper?”  Apparently, his car IS totaled, and the insurance company will pay us a little extra if we turn it in to them-but Nick refuses. Haha!! He said that it’s still drivable and he will choose to keep it for a little while longer.  I sure do love that guy.  I have full confidence in that man’s loyalty. Thank the Lord he and the Celica are safe!

The Little Celica That Could

One of my favorite parts of being a newlywed is the “resourceful life”.  I am so blessed to have the opportunity to stay home when our little munchkin comes along, but that doesn’t mean Nick and I live without a budget.  We actually are very strict about saving for large purchases throughout the year.  This, however, creates a very resourceful lifestyle! For example, we have a lot of hand-me-down furniture (Futon, baby!), very little home décor, and our cars are, by no mean, “top of the line”.  On that note, I’d like to introduce you to Nick’s pride and joy: the Celica. 

If you’ve ever met an engineer, you might be able to empathize with me on this one.  This 1995 Toyota Celica has no internal issues, and runs “better than most cars during its time (quote from the spouse)”.  In fact, my 2001 Chevy Malibu has the most issues, and has earned the title: “piece of crap (also…Nick’s words)”.  We are currently looking for a newer car for me, but Nick has requested we wait to purchase one for him when his is on its last breath.  I personally, think the car needs a respirator to make that last breath, but I will let you be the judge.

On the day we got engaged (December ice storm!), we got into a car accident.  We were not hurt, but the ditch we were in managed to devour the left rearview mirror.  This photo was taken on our wedding day (note the missing mirror!).  Nick finally went to a junk yard and found a perfectly good WHITE mirror to replace the missing black one.  Cla-ssy!  (oh! Please pardon all my photos... I didn't think this was worthy of the Cannon, so my phone will have to do)

  

I questioned Nick about the hubcaps, and he informed me that when he purchased the car, they were all present, but had since “blown away”.  Nice.  The speakers had been blown out by the incessant hardcore music phase (phase?? Is that appropriate since it’s still his music of choice?) during his high school years.  My sweet engineer found a remedy for this! Styrofoam-encased speakers, secured with electrical tape, sit on the floor boards on either side to promote the best sound quality. 

When Nick was living in Clifton and attending UC, his car (along with his home…twice), got broken into, and the passenger window was shattered.  He replaced the window himself (why would you pay someone to do something you clearly could do alone), and it will not roll down.  The sun roof stopped working a few months back---oh, don’t worry---it’s nothing a little rubber caulk won’t permanently fix! (Who needs a sun roof anyway? It’s clearly too luxurious for us!).  OH! Did I mention that the air conditioning hasn’t worked for years? So now, this coupe has one functioning window and no AC. 

The lack of air conditioning has nearly melted Nick in this 100 plus degree weather.  After doing internet research, he found a cure (going to get the AC fixed professionally would cost more than the car is worth).  The latest Celica quirk is the make shift cooling system installed by Mr. Resourceful, himself.  This quality air unit is comprised of a cooler, a fan, a large PVC pipe, and a lot of ice packs! Hahaha! I watched him create this masterpiece and couldn’t wrap my mind around the level of “white trash” we were stooping to.  It was a wonderful moment.  

So, are we in agreement? The Celica is on its last breath? Nick refuses to give up a car that still runs just fine.  I have already informed him that our child will exclusively be a passenger in my car.  I know this will be one of those things we look back on with laughter and fond memories.  I love my precious husband, and I vowed to love all of him…Celica included.

PLEASE feel free to share your “junk car” stories, or any resourceful newlywed moments.  I love knowing we’re not the only ones. 

Renotta King Peru Memorial Project

 ““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.“  Jeremiah 1: 5-8

I have heard this verse more times than I can count over the last 24 years of my life.  This has been my parents “life verse” that has carried them through pastoral ministries, and on to cross-cultural ministries.  Most people don’t know this, but my mom was called to be a missionary when she was in college.  God spent years molding her and preparing her for the work he had for my parents overseas.  God then called my dad when I was just 12 years old.  The rest is history!

My mom loved the Peruvians, and recognized that this calling was not just for her marriage, but for her individual growth in the Lord.  She took her job there very seriously.  She developed a deep love for the people and the culture of Peru.  In her final days, mom made it clear that she wanted to carry on her ministry to the Peruvians, even after death.  My dad promised her he would make this happen.  This brought the birth of the Renotta King Peru Memorial Project.

Thanks to hundreds of generous donations, we were able to contact a dear family friend, Oscar Medina, to develop a much-needed project in the area of Trujilo, Peru.  Oscar and my parents shared the same passion for discipleship and leadership within the church community.  He and my dad, both, have been called to train ordinary men to do extraordinary things for the Kingdom of God.  This passion allowed the church of the Nazarene purchased a retreat center through the funds provided by the Renotta King Memorial fund.  This retreat center will be used for so many things!! Pastor and wives will be able to come and reconnect with God, growing in their own personal relationship with him so they can further benefit their surrounding communities.  This will also be a place of fellowship and discipleship for local Peruvians to build up their relationship with the Lord.

Three weeks ago, 16 of us went to Trujillo, Peru to start the building process for this retreat center.  We laid bricks, painted (oh man! Did we paint!!), and spent time with the Peruvian people within the community.  We also had a day that we were able to go to a nearby church in the area, and lay bricks for a second floor in their church to share the love of Christ with the children in the community, along with teaching them how to read and write.  On the last day, we invited the surrounding churches to join us in dedicating this center to Renotta, and the Christ like life she chose to live.  This particular evening was so important to my family, and we are grateful for those who chose to come and work to support this ministry. 

Lord willing, we will be taking two more teams down within the next few years to finish the work we started.  We want to express our gratitude to everyone who has and will contribute to the Renotta King Peru Memorial fund.  We could not even begin this project without those who chose to honor Renotta in this way.  We also want to thank the group who sacrificed their time and money to come and do physical labor for a week!! Gods light shined through everyone involved, and reached many lives in the process. 

 Andy, David, and Nick showed the Peruvians how to play "American football".  They really loved tackling and were shocked by the concept.


  Allison was a master at catching bricks!
  

 Rebekah and Amber priming one of many walls in the retreat center. 

  This tarantula was found dead outside the men's dormitory! yikes!

  Oscar Medina and Marlon are lifelong friends!

 Nick and Alex found a little friend

  David and Nick demonstrated the precise art of bricklaying. 

 The group:

We all fell in love with the grounds keeper, Tio! He always wore that big hat and whistled joyfully!
Below: Allison made friends with every child in which she came in contact. It proves that you don't need to speak the language to show Christ's love.

The King family was overwhelmed with emotion when Oscar presented a plaque that will be placed the the chapel of the retreat center, dedicating it to the life and ministry of Renotta King.  (we missed Ashley!!!!)

I want to say a special thank you to Rebekah Gernhard, Allison Simmons, and Samantha Meinerding.  You each showed a tremendous amount of love and sacrifice by spending part of your summer to be with me during such a monumental time in my life.  I am so appreciative for friends who loved my mom, and chose to support me in this endeavor.  I love you each very much and will never forget what a huge blessing you are in my life. 

Preggo In Peru

This last month has been a roller coaster! Some of the craziness includes: one year anniversary, Peru Work and Witness trip, Family vacation to Lima and Machu Picchu, moving out of Ottawa, moving INTO Evansville, Nick started a new rotation for work, etc.   The upside to all of this exhaustion is that my pregnancy has been FLYING by.  I was freaking out that I was already 6 months! When did that happen?  Needless to say, there will be many blog updates within the next two weeks.   I thought I’d give you a little sneak peak of our Peru trip and update you on baby boy George.

(That's right! This Mamma hiked Machu Picchu!) 

How far along: 25 weeks

Total weight gain:  …I was up 13 pounds up before our Peru trip—I haven’t unpacked our scale quite yet…but I’m certain I’ve gained! I blame the delicious food! 

Food cravings: steak!!! Our baby is going to be a mini version of his daddy in terms of his love for red meat. Thanks to MY dad-I’ve eaten steak like a KING (ha!) this last week.

What I miss: fitting into my non-maternity clothes.  I have had a lot of trouble finding cute, affordable, maternity clothes.  I’m glad Nick still loves me even when I exclusively wear his sweat pants.

Best moments of this week:  There have been SO many great moments, but one sticks out above the rest.  My family was hiking Machu Picchu with the world’s worst tour guide, and Baby started kicking pretty consistently.  I waved Amber over, and he gave her a huge Chuck Norris roundhouse kick! We both started to squeal (disturbing the guide), and it was one of the highlights of our day. Baby loves his Aunt Ambie.

Milestones:  moving into our newly rented HOUSE, and visualizing that sweet little boy crawling around his new nursery.   

Stay tuned for updates on the Renotta King Memorial project, and on our family vacation.