Our baby girl has arrived. She joined our family at 1:15am on Saturday, May 2, 2009. (Yes, her brother's birthday.) We had a water birth at our home and our little butterfly was born into her daddy's hands after three hours of active labor. At one point there was a lull in labor and even Sabin joined us in the tub. (a precious memory that I will hold in my heart for all my days.)
The little one weighed in at 7 lbs 7 oz and 20" long, a little smaller than her brother was. (8 lbs and 20.5") She remained our "baby butterfly" until day three when we finally decided on her name, Chloë Neveah (Neveah, a Slavic name meaning butterfly)
I had a bit of trouble at the end of our birth process and am now taking my time to rest and recover. I say this as an explanation to the many of you who have tried unsuccessfully to reach me.
I hated feeling out of it imediately after her birth. I was so alert for Sabin's first moments. However, it was a beautiful time, three hours later when both my children nursed together just before we all fell asleep. Sabin held his sister's hand and my heart overflowed with joy.
Each day is getting easier. We are doing well. My color is returning and Sabin is adjusting well. Daddy is still in great need of some rest. With finals this week, he is working hard. Nana is here doing all sorts of things to help. She and Sabin are having a wonderful time together. And we are all being well cared for.
I am rejoicing in God's provision of health, growth, and amazing grace.
Peacefully Buzzing, 
Misty 
Just for fun:
Here are pictures of Sabin when he was just new.

Is That a "kid" I Hear?

Just Saturday Sabin started calling for his mama. Until then I had been just another  daddy, pronounced [DA-ee].  It is not quite the call I expected to hear. If you have ever heard a baby goat bleating.... well, then you have heard my sweet baby call for his mommy. He toddlers through the house and in quite a loud voice, yells "MAAA"! Although different from my anticipation, it is the sweetest word I have ever heard. Each time I answer his call with "Yes, baby!" or "Hear I am!" He smiles so big, and I laugh each time.

Mommy's little helper

Mechanic in training. ----->

 
Look how big he is!!!!
(If you happen to notice the scrape on his nose. He was walking the dog; then the dog walked him... right into our concrete step.)




Peacefully Buzzing,
Misty

Independence Day

Last evening we had a wonderful time. The picnic was great fun. Sabin toddled around in his orange diaper and blue suede shoes chowing down watermelon. We visited and watched volleyball in the park. Sabin took a walk that started at first base of the baseball diamond and followed the infield all the way around past third base with every step. Every so often he would squat down to pick up a twig or leaf. His treasure would be carried along until replaced by something more interesting. Just past third base, Sabin promptly sat. Too tired to continue, mommy carried him home and back to daddy who had been waiting on the sidelines.
We then went to watch fireworks at a parking lot close to home. At first I was a bit disappointed at not being in the thick of the crowd close to the show. But Joe did a great job picking a spot. From our seat on top of our SUV, I was able to watch 5 different displays! And once the last boom banged, we were home in ten minutes with very little traffic to deal with.
Sabin was very tired, but he enjoyed the show as best he could. He kept pointing, saying "eeewwwww" and "pe-y". We thought the second word might be an attempt at "pretty". Because that is what I kept telling him. It is so fun to listen to him trying to talk. As a sidenote, he has recently added the word "bath" to his vocabulary.
Peacefully Buzzing,
Misty

Finally Feeling Better

My little darling was sick for a full week. The fever that started on Thursday, the 26th, went as high as 104' F at one point and hovered around 101.5' F often. His elevated temperature was accompanied by tummy discomfort occasional diarhea and lots and lots of crying. If you know my boy, you know how unusual crying is. Even our neighbors remarked at how much he seemed to be crying.
We worked around the clock to keep that fever down. It was hot outside, high 80's to low 90's and consequently hot in our home (low 80's) in the afternoons. When it was cooler outside than in we went out. We also spent some time in our basement to escape the heat. I think Sabin took more baths in the past week than he had in the whole first year of his life-- some in the tub, some outside in the shade. Lavendar essential oil was added to many of these soaks.  I practically fed him belladona and chamomilla (two homeopathic remedies that I wouldn't want to be without). He also had his 2nd and 3rd dose of Tylenol. My darling nursed around the clock and my wonderful husband made sure that I remained well nourished.
Monday morning Joe wanted to take Sabin to the doctor for peace of mind. I made an appointment. This was Sabin's very first visit to a doctor. The man was very kind and told us that we were doing all the right things. His diagnosis - a stomache virus that would pass within a few more days.
In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, I awoke in a puddle sweat. "Ha... thank you, God." I whispered. Sabin's fever had finally broke. Still Wednesday was not an easy day. Sabin cried and clinged to mommy as much as any past day. The night was difficult as well. But Thursday brought some peace and rest as my little boy was finally able to rest. Last night he slept more like his old self. And today, although still rather fussy, he is more like himself.
Yesterday and today I have tried to catch up on the things that have gone undone. Joe has been wonderful to pitch in with laundry, cooking, and dishes. I am so thankful for a husband who jumps in wherever needed. I was pleasantly surprised to find a basket overflowing with clean, folded laundry.
I am also thakful for our garden. This past week especially, we've been feasting on salads. The lettuce from our garden is plentiful and so tasty. What a blessing in all the heat to have something so simple and delicious to fill our tummies.
As for today... once Sabin and Joe awake from their afternoon naps, we are going to our church picnic and then we'll see fireworks. Sabin got his first glimpse of fireworks last night and was very excited about them, pointing and ooohhhing at each bright display. I expect it will be a fun evening.
I'm looking forward to returning to my more normal routine in the days to come.
Peacefully Buzzing,
Misty

Sabin's Trick's or Rather "Trix"

Last Thursday, daddy got Sabin a new companion. Apparently, this furry little fella really needed a home. And so we welcomed another member to the "Englewood City Farm."

(For those that don't know we live in the greater Metro area of Denver, CO - i.e. the city)



We call him Trix. He's 9 months old. And yes.... another poodle. (at least they don't shed. at least they don't shed. at least they don't...)


Peacefully Buzzing,
Misty

Sick Baby

Sabin has had a tummy bug for the past few days. Crankiness and a fever have kept me hopping and our house a little short on sleep, but we're doing ok. Just wanted to touch base.
Peacefully Buzzing,
Misty

Having Lunch

The window treatments had to be put on hold.... again... because neither Joann's nor Hobby Lobby had the rings I need. I'm anxious to finish them and have only about 15 minutes of work left before I hang them.
This a picture of the fish Joe caught last Saturday. He was very excited about it. No, we didn't eat fish for dinner. Joe enjoys fishing and catching; he also enjoys releasing. So the fish gets to live to be caught again.
A dear friend of mine came for lunch today. I had not seen her in almost three years and was only recently able to get back in touch with her. Catching her up reminded me that "Wow! A lot has happened during that short time. Three years ago, I was blissfully single and thought I would be staying that way for quite some time to come. Ha! I had no idea that in 36 months I would be a wife and mama to a toddler, have chickens, dogs (poodles nonetheless) not to mention no longer living in an apartment. I am truly thankful for the way God works. It's been a beautiful ride.
For lunch we had a delicious salad. I am so delighted to share the fresh lettuce from our garden. I especially enjoy adding various nuts and seeds to it along with fruit. Today it was sunflower seeds, crushed cashews, and bananas. We also had tuna fish salad with an array of orange, yellow, and red bell peppers on whole wheat bread and a bowl of cantaloupe.
I really enjoy playing the hostess. It is great fun for me to have company. I have a goal right now to have someone over at least once a month. I suppose that may not sound like a very big goal, but it is a great deal to me. Hostessing is still new to me, and at this point it does come with a good deal of stress. However, with each time company comes and goes I am more at ease. I used to think being a good hostess was a gift, but I am learning that it is a learned skill. And with practice I think I am learning. It's fun.
It is quite toasty out today. We are hiding inside while Sabin naps. We did spend some time outdoors in the shade before Sabin's nap. Him playing in his little tub and me with fudge-cicle in hand. No I did not share it. But I would have if Sabin had only asked. Fortunately for me he was blissfully happy trying to drink from the hose, so I was able to enjoy my chilly chocolate treat all to myself.
Peacefully Buzzing,
Misty