tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19146824952451219622024-03-16T00:08:16.930-07:00Surreal GraceKeri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.comBlogger314125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-14802781599084304832014-09-07T13:20:00.003-07:002014-09-07T13:27:24.426-07:00Big heart changesSo, our big boy turns 2 this Wednesday. For months, I've have some anxiety about this day. What will I do if he's not walking by his second birthday? Will I be able to feel joy on this day? How bad of a mom am I that I fear I will be sad on his birthday. Why has walking become the holy grail of success for Thomas (and for mama?) Will I finally stop worrying about this most precious son of mine? I began to pray earnestly for him to walk by two. And then, it happened.<br />
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I took the kids to the Vigil Mass for the feast of the annunication. Ross couldn't make it so solo we went. It was hectic and stressful as everyone chose to act a fool at the same time. I took the kids to the narthex to threaten their lives when Thomas started grunting to go outside to his favorite bench. I set him up standing and frustrated, told him to PLEASE GO WALK. And he did. Our boy took 8 full steps (in a comical attempt to get out of Mass). There was no disputing that he walked. August 14, 2014, 23 months and 4 days old, our boy walked. I cried buckets.<br />
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But as I do, I spent about 11 minutes soaking in that gift, that answered prayer, before I began asking for the next. I'm like a kid in a toy store. One gift doesn't ever seem to be enough. A few weeks later Thomas started school. On the first day, parents were asked to come stay in the classroom for an hour to get the kids acquainted with their room and friends. I made it just a few minutes before I felt my heart begin to crumble. Thomas is the 2nd oldest in class of 12, with almost all of the children turning 2 before December. He is almost the oldest in class of children running, jumping, talking, communicating, playing. I walked out, had myself a cry and time and again tried to come back to the classroom. We are so seldom around children T's age and the differences were striking. The delays, the length of the road ahead, just so big. I know that comparison is the thief of joy. And that first day of school, I did measure my treasured son against the other children. I compared him and I suffered for it.<br />
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As Thomas gets older and we are out as a family more, the questions come. Are they twins? (and yes, Ross, I know dressing them alike doesn't help but I love me some matching outfits.) We are asked, How old are they? And as I say that Thomas is nearly two, I feel the need to explain. I haven't figured out how much or how little to share, how to share a part of our story while protecting Thomas's. But the situations present themselves daily. More and more, as this big birthday nears, I have had to hold back tears, sometimes successfully and others, (sorry if you've been subjected to them), sometimes not.<br />
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Recently, mama has made herself a new friend too and this precious new friend has a gift for connecting people, including others in conversations, activities, etc. She knew another mom at our school who she said I needed to get in touch with. That same day, amidst her busy day at work and home, she connected me to a mom whose daughter didn't walk until almost 3. A few emails later, and my heart has done a complete 180. This mom wrote "I knew in my heart that nothing was wrong with her, but I appreciated the doctor's wanting to be thorough and let them run their tests."..."even if they found something, it didn't change the fact that she's perfect." This sweet mama must have used the word perfect 5 times. I sat on my floor, absorbing this very different mindset. Now, anyone who knows us knows that I adore my Tom (and my Tim and MK). I breathe for these kids. But my mama brain has been all "what is wrong with my son? Which specialist can we see now? What bad thing is lurking in his body that we have to find.? Why is he not growing? Why is he developing so slowly? Do we see signs of this in Timothy?" I have been so focused on finding out what is wrong, and so much less focused on absorbing how precious and perfect God made Thomas. I have spent the first 9 months of my angel baby Timothy's life running up a mountain trying to "fix" Thomas. I can only imagine how much bad behavior I'll allow trying to atone for that over the years! Hello, guilt ridden mama is here. You may have anything you'd like Timothy Ninness!<br />
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Seriously though, I was struck by that mom's approach to her child and how different it was from mine. I talked with my friend Ashley a little bit about it and she sent me a series her church is doing called "in the meantime." When life is hard and gets harder and even harder, what do we do, in the meantime. The speaker was a man named Andy Jones who discovered that both his children had autism. The most striking thing he said was "when you focus on what's wrong, you lose sight of what God makes right."<br />
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I have been so focused on solving the puzzle, that I've missed a million little miracles along the way. Today at Mass, a part of one of Pope Francis' letters was read. He said that lay people must guard against getting wrapped up in serving simply in tasks. Their faith and spirituality must grow, must mature. My parenting has been so very task oriented lately. Calendars and appointments and goals and a few "please Jesus could you..." thrown in. I haven't stopped nearly enough to see the perfect parts of all of my babies. Today, I put Thomas down for a nap and caught MK reading on her bed. When I asked if I could read her a story, the look on her face broke my heart. "But it's not bedtime mom?" She could barely wrap her beautiful blonde head around the idea that her mama wanted to read her a story, just because.<br />
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I am overwhelmed with gratitude because Thomas turns 2 Wednesday. 9 months ago, my prayer was that we just get to keep him, in any form, in any way. So far, God has chosen to answer that prayer. And a few months later, I prayed that he would walk by 2. God chose to answer that prayer too. Yes, I am so ready for him to be walking independently and speaking more. But I think I'm finished chasing down answers. We have seen every specialist we can. If there is an answer, I want to be the mom Jennifer LaSota is, the mom who doesn't care because it doesn't change a damned thing.<br />
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Wednesday I will celebrate the living heck out of Thomas Perry Ninness. As a family we will celebrate that God sent us a boy of HIS choosing, created in HIS image. And this mama will resist any temptation to wish for an iota difference in this child. Andy Jones said that he would have never asked for Autism, but now he wouldn't give it back for all that his been changed and bettered, for all the glory brought to God because of his family's experience with it.Our lives are so, so easy in comparison, though it's never about that. It's about each of us looking to the heavens, holding our unique joys and personal crosses and whispering "thank you," for both the joys and the crosses.<br />
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<br />Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-58017109834561234172014-08-25T12:57:00.001-07:002014-08-25T12:57:16.206-07:00Spring, Summer, COME ON FALL! It's been so stinking long since I've written here and I don't know where to start? But as this is the unofficial record of all things Ninness family, I don't want to forget. So seasonal fun at our home...<br />
Spring<br />
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<li>Timothy turned 4 months old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Mary Kate finished her first year of preschool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To say our girl loved preschool is a crazy understatement. She thrived. God sent us the most perfect teacher for her first year, Mary Finney. They fit together like a glove. Considering we had a baby and were blindsided by another baby's challenges, this school became a saving grace for us. </div>
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<li>In May we adjusted to a calmer schedule. I finished my last year of MOPS, another gift in these early years of parenting. I'm sad to not be continuing but it's a new season and I'm just so thankful for those years and those women. May also began my busy season of work and it seems like every week we have the "is it worth it" conversation but for now, we'll keep going. Summer is just super busy and three little humans to feed and put to bed at the same time just works better with two sets of hands. It is not lost on me for one minute how lucky I am to be able to work mostly from home and help support our family in a small way. </li>
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<li>In June we began seeing a new therapist for Thomas. Father Tim's sister is an OT who recommended her friends' facility in Alpharetta. It is a drive and isn't covered by insurance but it is no doubt the best place for Thomas. He is thriving there. I feel like the theme of this year has been God just meeting us where we are, where we need Him to come. I won't lie. It has been hard, oh so hard. Some days I am bowled over by just how hard it is. By the weekend, I am just so ready to escape for awhile, craving time away from the hard. </li>
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<li>Also in June, motivated by a beach trip (yes, vanity bites again), I finally found my exercise groove again. I had been running inconsistently but tried a barre class at the Georgia Dance Conservatory. It is hard and wonderful and was what I needed to catapult myself back into taking care of mommy mode. I still can't resist a daggum drive thru window to save my life but am enjoying starting my days with a good run or barre class. I also turned 34 but can't for the life of me remember what we did? </li>
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<li>July is for celebrating MK! Our girl turned 4 and I am continually amazed at who she is becoming. She deserves her own post <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkCcpZBLcEZq2sld-xK7h9EceOA4kpuZTMYrHLy7vXv6zrKQEHsBoAe4-poY67fYBzOcSnp2HSpYnECDFi8HxbLDCZjD_77PnqwRGNfwEMsOY0-1M4jkjAftrm_3agvOZv3FLZ93HCGQP/s1600/mk+trying+to+talk+adult.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkCcpZBLcEZq2sld-xK7h9EceOA4kpuZTMYrHLy7vXv6zrKQEHsBoAe4-poY67fYBzOcSnp2HSpYnECDFi8HxbLDCZjD_77PnqwRGNfwEMsOY0-1M4jkjAftrm_3agvOZv3FLZ93HCGQP/s1600/mk+trying+to+talk+adult.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she modeled for our friend's new tutu business and I love this face. It's her "I'm trying to sound like an adult" talk which sounds a lot like jibberish! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love any picture with me holding my three babies, but especially one with matching outfits. KRYPTONITE. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSFFmSS6nzWt87sPw-zfltvyMQ4jmRYMLfnEf9qZyCRE3xu4gqKzQI20xcvmmHKitJgPQyU7Mje97esdoM4v1i9WIXfnnC78Gf7WJ_KYEAMjXBdZOMOHudXMZ1-CeFdYHRLonZWvVphXy/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSFFmSS6nzWt87sPw-zfltvyMQ4jmRYMLfnEf9qZyCRE3xu4gqKzQI20xcvmmHKitJgPQyU7Mje97esdoM4v1i9WIXfnnC78Gf7WJ_KYEAMjXBdZOMOHudXMZ1-CeFdYHRLonZWvVphXy/s1600/030.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MK's 4th birthday with her family at the pool </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This family deserves their own post. They are the biggest gift of this neighborhood to us. They had us over on MK's actual 4th birthday, had a new belle dress up outfit and cupcakes. Madison babysits for us and is so special to all of us. Can't even describe how sweet the Ernstes family is! </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">At 4 Mary Kate changes clothes 454 times a day, loves loves princesses, dress up outfits, playdates (she is 150% extrovert like her daddy), her grandparents, any sweets (150% like her mama here), mommy or daddy and mary kate dates, playing at the park, swimming, and school. She still naps 4 days a week or so but can manage without one (until 6 pm when she's melting into a puddle). She is helpful, kind, oh so compassionate, thoughtful, creative, stubborn, outgoing, smart and joyous. More than anything, she is a gift from God. </span></div>
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<li>July also brought our long awaited MRI for Thomas. Words can't describe how hard it was to watch our son be poked over and over at an unsuccessful attempt at finding a vein, then later watching him be sedated, and then wondering if there was a tumor on his brain. There's no point in trying to convey it on this blog so we'll get to the point. His MRI was normal and we absolutely rejoiced. I will confess that I still battle with "okay, well what the bleep is creating these developmental delays" but that brings me to our biggest day of August. </li>
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<li>I took the kids to the vigil Mass for the feast of the assumption. I have taken them to daily Mass alone before, but never to a full out, hour long Mass. It was as hellish as one can imagine. As we walked to the narthex, I put Thomas down in complete exasperation. I asked him if he wanted to walk and he gave us his now characteristic "yeah!" His therapist has said he is taking steps in PT but I had not seen it yet. Sure enough, on a feast celebrating the woman for whose intercession I've prayed and prayed, he took 8 big ole steps. Our guy is definitely on his way. It's never fast enough for impatient mommy and I'm ashamed that each miracle gives way to more begging for the next miracle. But I know the Lord understands my heart and more importantly so, He has a great and perfect plan for Thomas.</li>
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<li>Late August brought the first day of pre-k for MK and Thomas's first day also. MK absolutely loves school and it just brings out the best in her. Her teacher, Sis Eastland, has been at FPC for 30 years and her expertise shows. Thomas is slow on the uptake, but no one is surprised by that. His teacher is my new mentor mom, Leigh Ann Rapp. She is beautiful, faith-filled, energetic, in amazing shape and so incredibly kind. My heart bursts at God's provision for our kids and our family. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So here we are, with a very hot end of the summer. Timothy has just begun sitting up which gives my brain a break from its obsession over developmental milestones. Thomas is taking steps each day, renewing my hope for our guy. And Mary Kate is basically 22, reminding me to cherish, treasure, and cherish some more. Ross continues to lead our family with an unworldly amount of patience, optimism, and unconditional love. He loves me well and absolutely delights in our children. He enjoys mountain biking and tennis on the weekend and sweetly does morning duty 4-5 days a week so I can run. My fall includes training for a 10 mile race to benefit AIDS orphans, praying about and readying up to help begin a teen mom's group at a local high school, and with Ross, starting a small group at church for young couples. My greatest desire is that we raise our children to know Jesus and trust in His love and provision for them and then, in whatever spare time I have, help others feel His love as well. </div>
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We are excited for fall. We will celebrate Thomas's 2nd birthday after a whirlwind of a year of worrying and praying and worrying and praying more over this boy. We will celebrate 5 years of marriage in September and hope to fit in a little getaway. This man, this life, it's more than I ever dreamed, even on the very hard days. I am so incredibly grateful. </div>
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-72262124837716883572014-04-19T06:49:00.000-07:002014-04-19T06:49:13.023-07:00State of the NinnessesSpring has sprung and oh how that improves the moods in this house! I've never been an outdoorsy girl but having children makes you love, love, love the outside of one's home. The kids are all changing and growing before my eyes and since they make me so tired I will clearly forget it all, I wanted to document. <br />
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Mary Kate Frances<br />
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Our girl 3 months shy of her 4th birthday. She has expanded her love affair with Curious George and a side of Daniel Tiger to ALL ALL ALL things princesses. My dad gave her set of 5 princesses for Christmas, little hand held figurines. She and Thomas both love them. At the time, she didn't know any of their names. Now, she knows all the names and is in love. She still has only seen one full length feature (The Little Mermaid) but saw her first movie in the theater with Sha Sha. To say Frozen has taken over our lives is an understatement. She sings (mostly repeats) the chorus to "Let it go" about 2,000 times a day and anyone can be her audience. There is not an introverted bone in her body and she craves playmates and visitors like her daddy. Every single day she wears one-four princess dresses at a time. She comes downstairs in some get up each day and changes her clothes 243 times each day. Her imagination runs wild and she is all girl. Singing, dancing, tutus galore- this is our girl. I am signing her up for a ballet camp this summer and we will see if she likes the structured class as much as she likes the wearing of a tutu. Despite my misgivings about the overuse of organized activities for kids, girl loves her some dancing so ballet class here we come. She loves school, the park, riding her bike, playing outside with her daddy and loving on her brothers. By far her best quality is how much she loves those boy babies. I cannot overstate how affectionate, kind and loving she is to Tom and Tim. She knows what they need before they know it. She shares with them, kisses them and protects them fiercely. My mom says that I was the same way with Patrick and we all know that love affair ended for a few years (but restarted once I moved out :) so I hope she and her brothers are always the best of friends. <br />
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Thomas Perry:<br />
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Mary Kate calls Thomas the destroyer and a messy monster. At 19 months his hobbies include knocking down towers built by Mary Kate, climbing stairs, riding in his red car, anything outside, being held by mama, taking things apart and putting them back together (Tim's bottle parts are a current favorite), playing with my phone, opening/closing doors, playing with the microwave door, emptying my cabinets and coloring. All boy, this kid can destroy a room in .2 seconds. I love it. He is not walking yet which definitely makes his mama sad sometimes. Our precious friend/physical therapist thinks he may walk by his 2nd birthday. If I didn't see him making progress in his motor and speech skills I would be more worried but he is moving forward in all the areas. He remains extremely short statured but hope grows that it is simply a coincidence that he is very short with accompanying developmental delays instead of some underlying issue. The next step for him is brain imaging but Ross and I both think we will hold off. It requires general anesthesia and the treatment plan is likely the same- lots of therapy. He still loves mama best of all (sorry Ross :) but is doing better at letting other people hold and care for him. He loves both his grandmothers, finds his Pops to be absolutely hilarious, and tolerates church nursery just long enough for mom to hear a few words of Mass. He is flirtatious, social and handsome. He still loves to wake up MK from her dwindling naptimes and adores her. He is saying Mama, Dada, da-doo (thank you). He is signing what he wants and is really growing into a little toddler. After months of worrying about his future, I definitely treasure the moments he is simply being a rascally boy. This child is a daily reminder to pray and believe. <br />
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Timothy Sullivan<br />
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My precious little Timothy. At 4 months he is my biggest and most talkative baby. He smiles from ear to ear and simply wants to be talked to. I don't know if I will ever not feel a little guilty about his newborn months but I'll just work extra hard to love on him as he grows. He is a healthy 14 lbs (44 %) and is 2'.075 long (39%). He eats 7 oz of milk 5-6 times a day and spits up a few of those ounces each time :) He is a good napper and sleeper and as all newborns are, is a reminder to slow down and snuggle someone. Like his siblings before him, he abhors the carseat and prefers to be held at all times. There are truly worse problems. He is adored by his big sister and most common nickname is "bird" for the little shape of his mouth when he talks to you. Last night Ross played tennis and I did Tim's dream feed. He fell right back asleep on my shoulder and I stared in the bathroom mirror for a good five minutes at this little baby on my chest. I cried tears of gratitude for him, ever thankful that God gave him to us.<br />
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These days are hard. Someone, including mommy, is almost always crying. To copy my friend Rachel's jargon, "little kids ain't fer wimps." Mommy is slowly (emphasis on slowly) returning to running and trying to find her own oxygen mask. Less diet coke and chocolate morsel lunches and more nutrition and prayer. (As I put down the graham cracker). Ross is the glue holding our family together, simultaneously changing a diaper, holding a toddler and talking mom off a cliff. He goes into work late, takes lunch breaks for doctor's appointments and bears more on his shoulders than I'll ever admit out loud. But our family is well. A word that keeps coming to mind lately is "treasure." I am trying so hard to be more intentional about slowing down and treasuring the hugs from my ever affectionate Mary Kate, treasuring seeing Thomas pull up on a coffee table, treasuring smiles from Timothy and treasuring the work my husband does. I keep writing here so that one day my adult children in the throes of young parenthood will look back and see that I, too, had days where I cried and cried and days where I couldn't stop rejoicing. C'est la vie. <br />
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Tonight a blessed babysitter comes over so I can go to Confession and maybe fit in a run. I can imagine many of life's problems can be solved by this combo. My prayers these days are for my babies, for God to send them sweet, God-oving friends and one day, sweet, God-loving spouses. I pray that Ross and I show them what love and faith look like. I pray that they know Jesus deeply and fully. <br />
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<br />Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-14410250711427715272014-03-24T13:10:00.000-07:002017-03-14T12:03:54.063-07:00Timothy Sullivan Ninness, our newest little saintA few weekends ago, March 8, we baptized our littlest boy. It was so joyous for so many reasons. We had over 30 members of our family drive and fly to celebrate our Timothy. We opened our new home for a family gathering for the first time and it felt wonderful to fill it with the people we love. Ross and I finally conceded that a Baptism at the Cathedral in Savannah (where we were married and MK and Tom were Baptized) just wasn't feasible. After much thought, we decided that the place in Atlanta that most feels like home is the Gift of Grace House. We brought our boy into our faith in the place Ross and I had our first date, in the place we worshipped until Mary Kate required a nursery, in the place we still feel known and loved. The Missionaries of Charity will always be a part of our story and we are so thankful they are now a part of Timothy's, too. <br />
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Timothy's godparents are Ross's aunt Chris and Father Tim. Both of these people are examples of Godliness, faithfulness, and love. I smile writing both of their names. Father Tim married us and baptized Mary Kate. He has known me since I was in college and has been an integral part of my life since then. He is serving at the North American College in Rome so he couldn't be here but assured us of his prayers! Aunt Chris is one of the most thoughtful people I know. Her handmade stained glass cross hangs in my kitchen, reminding me of her love and the love of Jesus during every meal prep or bottle washing session. When she comes into town, she has her sister (ross's mom) take her around to our favorite restaurants and buys us gift cards. She gave Mary Kate her first miraculous medal. Her heart is pure and beautiful. <br />
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Every time I look into Timothy's smiling face, I am overpowered with gratitude that God new better than we did. He knew that our family needed Tim. Even in the toughest moments of having 3 tiny children, I thank God with every fiber of my being for giving us Tim. This newest little Christian boy will forever be a reminder to me to trust God's plan above my own, to give Jesus all my cares, all my fears, and all of my plans. <br />
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Welcome to the Catholic Church, our treasured son. May the power of Jesus in the Eucharist bring you as much solace and security and faith as it has your parents. May you always know whose embrace to seek when days are hard and may you always look to the heavens with gratitude for your gifts. Dad, Mary Kate, Thomas and I (as well as our family), all know Jesus more because of you, His great gift to us.<br />
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-3963387747490710472014-03-21T12:29:00.001-07:002014-03-21T12:29:47.669-07:00Yesterday sucked. Today didn't. A lesson in hope. <div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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Yesterday sucked. Absolutely sucked. "Sucks" was a forbidden word in our house growing up. But sometimes nothing else fits. Yesterday can't be described any other way. It started out wonderfully. I was awake before everyone in the house. I pumped before Timothy started crying. Mary Kate came down to breakfast on the table. If anything is a recipe for a good day, that is. Then about 11 minutes later, everything went to pot. Then it got worse. And even worse. And when I didn't think it could possibly get any worse? You guessed it. There was lots of crying. Lots of "I can't do this." Lots of anxiety. I read <a href="http://www.mamaneedscoffee.com/2014/03/oops-it-happened-again.html">this post</a> by Mama Needs Coffee and it fit perfectly. <br />
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The jury is out on whether I may have a touch of PPD. I will talk to the doctor soon because thou shalt not mess with that stuff. But today, today is different. <br />
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I woke up to flowers from Ross with a post it that said "Today is a new day." My precious friend Anna sent a text that said "Enjoy today." The sitter arrived and I took my girl to do some grocery shopping. <br />
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We met a friend for lunch and both big kids napped when I got home. While the big kids napped, I chatted with Timothy. I fed him while I read a "just for fun" <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Shoemakers-Wife-A-Novel/dp/0061257109">book.</a> I said a few silent prayers to stop resisting the needs of my children, to embrace all.the.needy. I don't feel fabulous today, but I don't feel like roadkill either. Life isn't easy but it's manageable. Yesterday, it was a slice o' hell. <br />
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The point in this rant is for the tired mama who will look back in a week, when another day just sucks. And it's for Mary Kate when she's a tired mama. There are horrid days of motherhood (or any job). But my senior yearbook quote said it perfectly, "The sun'll come out tomorrow." The sun does come out. It may take a few days. It may take more than 2 nights of not getting up to feed a baby, or pop his paci back in, or turn him back onto his tummy. It may take more than the end of that 4th trimester of newborn chaos. But it does come back out. <br />
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Spring is here. Lent is nearly half over. New life is coming in every way. I hope that the next time a day is kicking my rear, I won't crawl into the hole that tells me the rest of my life will be like this. It's so easy to forget that the pain and frustration and anxiety and fatique is just temporary, in any situation. Bad days are followed by good days which are usually followed by bad days again. It's just life. The trick is not believing that any of it is permanent, enduring the bad in await for the good and then treasuring the good, for as long as we are blessed to have it. <br />
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<br />Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-91164626108880113432014-02-11T13:02:00.001-08:002014-02-11T13:02:09.423-08:00What's hiding behind your back? When Mary Kate was a few months old, I attended a Lenten retreat at my church. The visiting priest had us tear up a few pieces of paper and write down our most prized possessions on them. Then he came around with a basket and asked us to drop them in there. He asked each of us to be willing to give up these things for Jesus. He took up all the pieces of paper. We all sat, arrogantly thinking we were willing to give up everything for Jesus.<br />
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Then he asked us what was behind our backs.<br />
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What are you holding behind your back? What is the <i>ONE</i> thing you can't or will not give to Jesus.<br />
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Mary Kate. My baby. I can't give you my baby. Like Abraham carrying his long awaited Isaac, this required a faith that I was just short of having. I am sorry Lord. She's my baby.<br />
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Holding my children so tight behind my back has manifested in so many ways over the years. Anxiety about leaving them for a weekend. Slight craziness about their schedules, what they eat, how secure their carseats are. That our parents even want to see their grandkids is probably a miracle for all the hoops I make them jump through. I have lived under the mistaken assumption that the tighter I hold, the more safe they are.<br />
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Until now. Now, I am holding so tightly to Thomas even as the Lord whispers to me, "bring him to my altar." "Bring him toward me." And some days, I respond, "okay, Lord. He's yours. But you are just testing me like you did Abraham, right? You just need to see my faith. You won't literally take him, right? RIGHT?!?!?"<br />
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Since December 12, when my entire world changed, I have been holding my fists tighter and tighter behind my back, filled with anxiety and worry. Then this weekend I got to go to a few hours of the <a href="http://ifgathering.com/">IF gathering</a>, live streamed at a friend's house. I could barely sing the worship music I so love because I was mad at Jesus. Like a child, I was resisting him because he wasn't giving me what I wanted. How many zillion times does a pregnant woman say, "we just want a healthy baby." Yeah, Lord, that's all I'm asking here. I don't think that's too much to ask of you. Just give me a healthy baby. Until then, I'm gonna worry and cry and have panic attacks and make my home one of anxiety and fear. Okay? Good.<br />
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And like a child resisting her parent's embrace, the Lord just held me tighter and tighter until I stopped fighting him. One of the women speaking at the conference had a childhood taken from a horror movie. Every evil that can be committed against a child was inflicted upon her. And her answer? "GET A NEW PROBLEM in 2014." Yes, life sucked for her. But move the heck on. Take whatever is hiding behind your back, give it to the one you <i>supposedly </i>believe in, and let's all move forward.<br />
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In the past few days a few key things have happened.<br />
<ul>
<li>I was able to speak to my dear friend, Sister Brunetta, in her new convent. (long story but Missionaries of Charity are not typically permitted to maintain contact after they are transferred). I sobbed into the phone about Thomas. Her beautiful Indian accent, whispered that there was no need to fear. She would pray for our boy, just as she did all those months of our bedrest when the only outing I was permitted was to her home for Mass. She said she would commit our boy to the Blessed Mother and to Blessed Mother Teresa, as we asked. She asked that I write to her but assured me of her prayers, even if we weren't ever able to speak on the phone again. </li>
<li>We finalized plans for Timothy's Baptism, deciding to have it at the Gift of Grace House with Father Fallon. There are actually some logistics in this, as their house is not a parish, but in 24 hours, the Sisters had excitedly approved it, Father Fallon happily accepted an extra Saturday Mass and our home church agreed to write the baptismal certificate. In one of many conversations with Father Fallon, he told me that Tuesday, (today) he would spend the entire day in prayer for Thomas. He told me that I needed to be prepared because when he has done this in the past, miracles have happened. He didn't want me to get my hopes up, but yes, miracles have happened. </li>
<li>Ross, who has reinjured his back, has experienced some really God-given relief and renewed hope in his physical healing. </li>
<li>I have felt my fists unclench, little by little. Thomas may be fine. And He may die. Mary Kate may live until she is 95, or she may get hit by a car tomorrow. I am guaranteed NOTHING in this life, no amount of time with my children. But unclenching does let me live with a little less worry and lot more fun. </li>
</ul>
So today, in preparation for snowmageddon part 2 in Atlanta, I took the 3 kids and the sitter to Catch Air. Mary Kate ran and played. We tried to get some play therapy in for Tom, (he preferred mama's lap today) and tried to stop having my every thought be about Tom's future. Then we got into the car to come home and I received a call from the geneticist. Thomas's appointment at Emory was scheduled for AUGUST 7. Children's can see him in April, but today we found out that he can be seen this MONDAY. Remember that today is Father Fallon's day of prayer, the day I could expect a miracle.<br />
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I rushed to email in all the paperwork and added his last 4 pediatrician visit notes. We see the geneticist Monday and the neurologist Tuesday. Our answers may very well come from these places. And I should be happy. Instead, I feel my fists clenching again. I know what diagnoses are in the forefront of my pediatrician's mind. I feel worry and fear settling in again. But I will unclench. I will walk him into those appointments praying my neck off that Thomas is just slow as all heck to hit milestones. I will pray that these doctors think he is stubborn and his body is stubborn and to enjoy these months before he can run away from me. I will pray that if they tell me that his life will be different that what I originally hoped for him, that it will mean he will have a life. A long, happy, different, ordained by God life. And if they tell me that I will need to be Abraham, and that my offering of my son isn't symbolic, well, I just pray that I will be able to praise during our grief. There are oh so many reasons to praise.<br />
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So, we may know sooner than we ever thought possible what's going on with our boy. My stomach is in total knots, but I'm not hiding anything behind my back. Whether I learn to give my babies to the one to whom they really belong now or in the many tests to come in the future, I will have to learn this. Because hiding them doesn't change the outcome. Being mad at Jesus isn't going to change His perfect, PERFECT plan for Thomas. Being hopeful and thankful and faithful WILL change me. It will change the tone of this home, the health of our family and my marriage. And whether I have Thomas, or Mary Kate or Timothy for five more moments or five more decades, they deserve a mama who is hopeful and thankful and faithful.<br />
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Prayers appreciated next Monday and Tuesday. Oh how happy I'd be for Ross to remind me every hour how dramatic I was over all of this :)<br />
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<br />Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-85907748681033756422014-01-28T14:34:00.005-08:002014-01-28T14:34:39.502-08:00Treasuring what isHere we are, exactly one month since my last post and wow, has life changed. Timothy is a 7 week old, on the sweet cusp of sleep training. Mary Kate is 3.5 and is equal parts sweet and sass. And our Tom. Well, our Tom is expanding our hearts every day. <br />
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When I envisioned Timothy's first weeks at home, I thought that our family would hole up during the winter months, playing, nursing the baby, and enduring the sleepless nights with cozy days at home. I thought we would start feeling normal again right about the time spring rolled around and we would all come out to play, enjoying our new home, new hiking trails and beautiful nature. <br />
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Tim was born amid such relief and gratitude for another healthy baby. Thomas turned 15 months a day later and our pediatrician agreed to see them both for their well child appointments on the same day, assuming like I did that we would be in and out in 20 minutes. <br />
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2.5 hours later, we left with a severely jaundiced baby and a host of concerns for Thomas. We spent literally every day of Tim's first two weeks of life at the doctor getting his little heel pricked countless times, spending one awful night under bilirubin lights, and waking every 2 hours to feed him. We even did blood work because the doctor could not figure out why his levels weren't decreasing. It was exhausting. And that wasn't the hard part. <br />
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7 weeks later, I am not nursing my baby (I am pumping 6x each day, which may kill me), I am not sitting around, cuddling a newborn (not that this was a realistic vision. I don't think any of my mama of 3 friends sat around cozying up to their 3rd baby). Timothy is fed many more bottles from other people's hands than mine. He is not held often during the day by me. My heart aches for the mama that I can't be to him right now. He is loved immensely though and our "village" is giving him lots of TLC. His daddy is more smitten with him than any newborns past because of lots of quality time. <br />
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Instead of cuddling my new baby, I am advocating and fighting and trying to help our middle baby. I spend my days on the phone (all too often on hold), or in doctors offices. Thomas will be 17 months old in two weeks. He is no longer on the growth charts, after a year of being very low on them. He has gross motor and speech delays, nowhere near walking and not saying any words in context. The older (and heavier) he gets, the more obvious his challenges become. I cannot carry two babies at once, when one weighs 27 lbs so we are learning how to juggle twins who are 15 months apart. We don't yet know a reason why all of this is happening. <br />
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And I am learning how to cope with a baby who needs more than I feel capable of giving. Thomas is phenomenal. He is smart and mischievous and incredibly curious. He loves figuring out how things work and his fine motor skills are definitely compensating for the gross motor skills. He is a social butterfly and can flirt like you have never seen. He is happy and funny. He is learning signs and is able to communicate a little more. Intensive therapy starts next week while we wait, wait, wait for blood tests and specialist visits. My heart explodes and breaks every day I spend with him. <br />
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I am 7 weeks post partum and haven't even been to my post partum doctor's visit. I am sad that our boy's path has these unexpected curves. But as I told my friend the other day, I know that every minute I spend grieving for what we may be facing, I am not treasuring exactly who God made Him today. I have hard days where I let the 'what if's' take me to a sad place. I googled his symptoms one night and vowed to never, ever do that again. It does not matter one iota what his eventual diagnosis, if there is any, may be. My heart bursts for this little guy, and his siblings, any way God chooses to give them to me. My friend Natalie gently suggested that it may be a very long time before we know anything. She is right. The waiting, it is hard. But each day that I wait, I get to renew my trust and faith that God knows what He is doing with our son. He has a great and beautiful plan for Thomas's life. God is making me into the mama he expects me to be through this journey. I only want for Thomas what the Lord desires for Him. It's all I want for all of my kids. So each day, I will continue to fight against fear and worry, choosing instead to praise and treasure these gifts. <br />
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And if you are reading this, please pray for our boy. Please pray that God equips Ross and I to give him everything he needs to thrive and to live out the Lord's plan for his life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little physical therapy at the germ factory/bounce house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fun times with dad at the doctor. Dad is now a pro at handling Tom during blood draws :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tired mommy on her first walk with all the kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first smiles from timothy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no smiles from mk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Timothy meeting his Godfather Fr.Tim</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">surviving waiting rooms</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how mama gets dressed<br />
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-41502941913748371612013-12-28T17:49:00.002-08:002013-12-28T17:49:23.737-08:00Timothy Sullivan Ninness 12/9/2013Last Sunday I sat at Mass holding my new son. It was Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of Joy. It was Timothy's first Mass and the big kids were at home. I held my boy (in peace!) and praised God for the upcoming arrival of the ultimate source of Joy. We've had a lot going on with both Thomas and Timothy's health but I wanted to remember all the ways God blessed us with this little boy's birth. He is deserving of real and pure JOY, untainted by any worry or fear. <br />
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The weeks leading up to Timothy's birthday were hard. A friend told me that being pregnant with 2 siblings to care for was harder than having 3 little children. She was so right. I was carrying a fully baked baby with a 27 lb, non-walking 15 month old on top of him. My body had almost no recovery from Thomas' birth and here we were doing this again so quickly. Pregnancy was hard. Avoiding bed rest and worrying that we would be on bed rest was hard. Parenting well and intentionally whilst exhausted and in pain and with perpetual heartburn was hard. And then the doctor informed me I was walking around more than 6 cm dilated and I could go into labor at any minute. This was scary because we moved farther from the hospital and had a 40 minute drive with no traffic. Doctor Combs repeatedly told me that if my water broke to call her from the car. She validated my fear that this child could be born in my living room and worse, without pain meds. (mama is a big baby.) So, I spent the final weeks up all night with anxiety, in pain, and in fear.<br />
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We had our 38 week doctor appointment December 9 and knew that if I'd further progressed, she would recommend she break my water and we have a baby. As any mother in the last weeks knows, when a doctor hands you an out, it takes a lot to say "no thanks, this is fun, we'll keep going." Knowing I am comfortable with medical intervention (or just scared out of my mind of a natural birth), we went to the doctor and confirmed that our best chances of a calm, un-chaotic birth were that day. Memaw had come into town for the weekend to ease our concerns about going into labor over the weekend and was ready to care for the big kids. We were a go. <br />
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And God took away every fear, answered every prayer. <br />
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We checked in, got just enough of an epidural to not yell a lot, broke my water and within two hours we were pushing. My doctor, who I adore, was on call. We had a capable nurse and one of the 4 biggest Piedmont rooms. Mary Kate and mom were in the waiting room, as well as Sha Sha and Pops all waiting to see who this new family member was. Ross and I prayed together and feeling just the right amount of every contraction, pushed this baby out after 3 sets of pushing. And my favorite part of every birth, dad's announcement. I saw him literally levitate with a right arm uppercut and yell/laugh "It's a boy!" (In fairness, I saw his face before anything else and said, "he looks like Tom, it has to be a boy!) We spent some quality time with Timothy and then Ross went out to get Mary Kate. She was the first person to meet Timothy and then walked out to the waiting room and yelled in the sweetest voice, "It's a boooooy!" Priceless moment. <br />
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We laughed and cried and I took the first deep breath I've taken in months. God gave us another son, a healthy boy. We didn't have to go on bedrest. We had a controlled, safe, un crazy delivery with the doctor I love. Our kids were well cared for (little Tom had a wonderful babysitter) and there were no middle of the night emergency calls for childcare. My instagram hashtag immediately became "fearisawasteoftime." It was a waste of time. I should have trusted Him more but made up for it in complete and utter gratitude for my second son. <br />
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Dear sweet Timothy,<br />
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You are a gift from God, our most unexpected Christmas present. We are so, so thankful that God's plans are bigger than ours and we can't wait to see what His plans are for you, our treasured son. You are light and joy and wonder and perfection. We adore you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">puffy faced mama meets perfect baby boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBshgJ1BPTOEGr9JXnC_dLl8z2apHUkOmjnSp-2BSZJL_qst_QWd1AKk1UBRss0vU_E2OZisVr7f3fKwq2tGdNVeteDyp2bFevQFsYj5Bj4GNwPTp3LyykjiQd5DmOklox8zCRzK5oVF7W/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBshgJ1BPTOEGr9JXnC_dLl8z2apHUkOmjnSp-2BSZJL_qst_QWd1AKk1UBRss0vU_E2OZisVr7f3fKwq2tGdNVeteDyp2bFevQFsYj5Bj4GNwPTp3LyykjiQd5DmOklox8zCRzK5oVF7W/s400/119.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Kate meets baby boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo0XVyVDIDG0gpgvvyauAtpk8nwDZydxqB_vRu73Fvb9X7RD2rJ1gdm75Rl1XtvzHQ8LlslD7nkfvRO6jpGnm52gXn2XIVoVRPgCOQYPrJthbLu7hPBnNb58AWYFzqcGi-m5o6aiSoSBv/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo0XVyVDIDG0gpgvvyauAtpk8nwDZydxqB_vRu73Fvb9X7RD2rJ1gdm75Rl1XtvzHQ8LlslD7nkfvRO6jpGnm52gXn2XIVoVRPgCOQYPrJthbLu7hPBnNb58AWYFzqcGi-m5o6aiSoSBv/s400/121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">being silly with pops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">watching the nurse (who was also one of our nurses with Thomas!) take care of Timothy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhjkYzISxZs7_u6hcxkseceF2nTHS02BDBRsunpic9pCOkeayTF1gAvwKVK87XScfJ6-1i6D-Zy_6mabumpg5sTMJH1SYIUyIs0GLcO5k0oCQhIKKxHmkUOtQBeuTfph3Vu3C7m7Z5QHb/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhjkYzISxZs7_u6hcxkseceF2nTHS02BDBRsunpic9pCOkeayTF1gAvwKVK87XScfJ6-1i6D-Zy_6mabumpg5sTMJH1SYIUyIs0GLcO5k0oCQhIKKxHmkUOtQBeuTfph3Vu3C7m7Z5QHb/s400/151.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A thankful and excited family, and a big sister who wouldn't take her eyes off her new baby</td></tr>
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<br />Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-32845152897688729272013-11-25T18:28:00.001-08:002013-11-25T18:28:20.978-08:00to my three babies....As we anxiously await the arrival of the 3rd Ninness in 3.5 years, my thoughts are on the big kids. We are seeing some behaviors in both kids that may very well have to do with their little intuitions that life is about to get cah-razy! Miss Mary Kate has had some potty training regression, having been fully trained since February. She is more emotional and mercurial. Thomas is even more so attached to mama (didn't think it was possible). While we don't give it too much power, still disciplining disobedience as necessary, it's noticeable. Call it emotional nesting, but I wanted to get a little note down to all the kids, a little piece of mama's heart for them to read later in life. This one is for my babies...<br />
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to my mary kate,<br />
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You are 3 years and 4 months old. You became a big sister for the first time just 14 months ago. Your transition to having a new baby in the house was truly seamless. You didn't miss a beat, loving your brother immediately. You were just old enough to enjoy other family members and activities but just young enough to not really realize what was going on. I contend that 26 months apart is the perfect spacing but maybe you were just fabulous, and maybe it was easier that y'all were two different genders. Either way, you handled it like a pro. Here we are, just a year later, and you are back in big sister mode. You understand my pregnancy and any time I wince or grab my tummy, you ask me if the baby is kicking. You have gone back and forth between saying you think it is a boy or a girl but lately you tell everyone you want a sister. You tell us her name is AnnaBeth, which is partly mama's fault because this was a name on our short list for a long time. (Due to mom and dad's disagreeing on what her name would actually be, versus what she would be called, this name got nixed :) I'm sure you'll do fine but know it will shock you to see either a boy baby or a name that is not AnnaBeth! <br />
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I told dad tonight that you are where I think we will need to really focus when this baby comes. Thomas won't understand a thing and we will just need to keep him from clawing or smothering the baby, but you, you are different. Thomas demands mama. He puts his head on my chest 20x a day, most recently even to eat. He is cuddly and affectionate and wants mama all the time. To describe you as a baby (and now, to some degree), you fell off the bed when we were at a conference with you in Nashville. You were 6 months old and afterward, you laid your head on my shoulder for a long time. Dad and I literally contemplated taking you to the hospital should you have laid there much longer. This is how out of character it was for our girl to be cuddly. Just a few minutes later you were squirming out of my arms, ready for your next adventure and we knew you were fine. To this day, if you are super cuddly, you probably have a fever. The point of all that is to say that sometimes it can seem like you don't need as much affection and tlc. You crave attention and activity. You want to be engaged. You are so like your daddy in this way and he is wonderful about filling this part of your heart the minute he walks in the door. But I know you need snuggles too. I need to remember that you like to be pulled into my lap and smothered with kisses, even if you squirm and pretend you don't. You enjoy some baby play now and like to be held after a bath or when you are hurt. In your little ways, you are reminding us that just because you don't want to physically attach yourself to me like Thomas does, you still need your mama.<br />
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So my hope and prayer these next months is that you know how special you are, how unique a creation God made you. My hope is that you see in my tired eyes my intense love for you. My hope is that on days when you really want your mama but two babies need her too, that you give me precious 3 year old grace and that you find the comfort you need in Jesus. I hope you know that my arms will always long to hold you, even if they can't physically do so. I know you will love this new little baby because you are an unbelievably wonderful sister to Thomas. You are generous, patient, loving, nurturing and kind. I promise to do my best to not think you are older than you are. I promise to remember that you are a little girl who still needs her mama and daddy, even if you look and act so much older. I promise to try not to expect too much, but to give you opportunities to excel and shine, like you so often do. <br />
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Please forgive me, my angel girl, for the times in the coming months when you will want time and attention and affection and be asked to wait. Please know how precious you are. And one day when you are a mama, maybe you will read this and cut yourself some slack. You'll read this and know that all mamas wonder how they will love and care for another baby while caring for and loving their older babies. Then your family will grow and you will just know. The love, it multiplies, and the things that make each of you unique and special will always be. <br />
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I love you, my firstborn angel baby. <br />
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To my Tom,<br />
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Oh Tom. Never in my life have I felt as loved by anyone as I do you. There are all these sayings about mamas and sons and every cliché rings true. This boy does love his mama. You didn't sleep through the night regularly until around 7 months, after I was pregnant. I'm sure if I hadn't been sick with this new baby, I would still be getting up to nurse you. I know how to make babies sleep at night. But I couldn't bare to hear your cry. I rock you most nights and you happily lay your head on my chest. Lately, you do it during the day, too. You are mischievous and want to be off finding trouble, but if you catch sight of me, you want to be in my arms. This has made for a very uncomfortable 3rd trimester, especially since you are showing no signs of walking at almost 15 months. But as uncomfortable as I may be toting around two big babies, one little tilt of your head under my neck is all it takes. You need and desire my presence in a way no one else ever has and I'm a sucker. Dad asks often, "what are you going to do in December?" Your dad is an eternal, unfailing optimist. But even he wonders how I will manage the constant needs of a newborn with a one year old who has staked his claim. The answer is, I don't know and it keeps me up at night. While lately I see your sister showing me that she may have a harder adjustment with this baby than she did with you, I have not a clue what I will do with you. As most people say, you will just survive. You will either rise to the occasion and share mama, or you'll learn to like other people :) I have shed many a tear about you being asked to share your mommy when you are still very much a baby. I can easily become sad at the thought that your new brother or sister may need to be fed at a moment you just want to be held. <br />
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But then I remember what I have heard from mamas of children close in age. I remember what we believe about growing families. We know it will not be easy, on any of us. We know we will all cry and have sad moments. But you, my love, you get a best buddy just one year younger than you. This new baby will walk side by side with you through much of your life. You will not have any memories without this new person. And with lots of intentionality and effort by mom and dad, as well as God's sweet grace, you and your siblings will grow up to truly love and enjoy one another. We hope that you all will be playing badminton in the back yard as adults, sharing a beer and a laugh and will be thankful that your parents were willing to endure those hard early years with lots of young children. <br />
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So, sweet boy, I live for your snuggles. I live for the immediate smile you shoot me when I walk in the room. I live for the moments when you are fussy or upset and a few seconds with mom soothes you. The next few months will be an adjustment for both of us. I will want to put you to bed when Mary Kate or new baby really need mom. I will want to snuggle you when everyone needs to eat. And I will simply have to trust that the part of you that needs to be held and soothed, can be held and soothed by Jesus in that moment. I will trust that our heavenly father can meet any need that I can't (and more) and believe that you will not suffer irreparable harm because you had to wait to be held. You may be a daddy one day, and if you are, remember that you and your precious wife are not doing this alone. You can never meet everyone's needs. You can, however, always point your babies to the ONE who can. <br />
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I love you, my most precious Tom. <br />
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New baby,<br />
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I'd call you by the names we think we have chosen but those changed as recently as three nights ago so we'll just have to see. You, little one, are the biggest surprise of our lives. I am looking down at the biggest belly I've ever had, wincing at the "kicks" that can bring me to tears they are so strong and powerful. I am admittedly ready for you to come in some ways, as this pregnancy has been so physically demanding. It's like the exact opposite of your brother, having been on bedrest with him. With you, every movement feels like climbing Everest. (You and I can both blame the physical toll of schlepping your brother around.) But wow, parenting a toddler and a baby while carrying what feels to be a very large baby is rough stuff. A friend told me parenting those two kiddos with a newborn is so much easier than being pregnant with that baby. I sure hope that 's the case because newborns aren't mama's forte. Anyway, your brother and sister have sweet stories about our desire to have a baby, right around the exact time we got pregnant with both of them. I don't love the word "planned" but, planned they were. You, dear heart, while planned by God, as a friend so sweetly reminded me, were not exactly planned by mom and dad. And THIS, this makes you so special. We know and trust and believe that God knows what our family needs. We know and trust and believe in HIS plan for us. We know and trust and believe in HIS ability to walk us through the challenges of young babies close in age. We know and trust and believe in HIS promise to make each of you feel loved, desired, cherished. I'm not sure how much I know and trust and believe that mama will remain sane through it all, but am growing in my faith here ;) <br />
<br />
You will make your appearance sometime soon, likely during Advent, this holy season of waiting for Jesus. Like the people of old waited for that most precious baby who would change the world, we wait for you. We wait for our 3rd baby, our most unexpected gift, who we know will change the world too. Because, sweet baby boy or girl, this world wasn't meant to be without you. God took the reins from our hands and made it so that His beautiful world included you. We are a little anxious and a lot excited and even more thankful. <br />
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We love you already! Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-84926750292672520862013-11-13T13:36:00.001-08:002013-11-13T13:40:31.974-08:00It's a small (er) world4 years ago my world was big. My world of opportunity to do good, to serve, was big. I was an HIV social worker in an inner city hospital. I was seeing the sisters at the Gift of Grace house regularly, helping them in their ministry to the poor and sick. I was active in my church ministries. I had recently traveled to Africa. I had a big desire to do good things and a big platform on which to do them. Every day brought new opportunity to, as the sisters pray, "let them look up and see only Jesus." (It goes without saying that at any given point in a day, anyone could look up and see a very un-Jesus like person, a very selfish and sinful person in me. But the point is, if I had it in me to do some good, there was opportunity everywhere I looked. I considered this a huge blessing.) <br />
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Fast forward a few years and my world has gotten smaller in some ways. Particularly since the move, and with a baby who takes two naps a day, I am at home a lot. My heart has grown exponentially, but my opportunities for service, at least in the way I used to view service, are fewer. Ross and I believe so strongly in "to whom much is given, much is expected." We marvel at our blessings, sitting in awe of His goodness to us. And yet, we sometimes feel that we need to pay it forward more fully. But often that feels difficult because, really, who wants me to come volunteer with Thomas the destroyer in tow? Sure, I can help from 11:30-1pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm at your service. The requests for my time and talent are not exactly abundant. <br />
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Last night, I had a small chance to make a miniscule difference so I jumped on it. My precious friend <a href="http://thestanfieldstory.blogspot.com/">Natalie</a> hosted a <a href="http://paigeknudsen.com/lets-shop-wisely-yall-do-good-for-others/">Noonday party</a> for Paige Knudsen. Noonday sells beautiful jewelry, clothing and accessories crafted by people trying to use entrepreneurship to climb out of their poverty. Like most every woman, I love to shop and this idea of "purchasing with a purpose" is right up my alley. (Ross is now very, very afraid.) It was a wonderful night of adult conversation and knocking out some Christmas list items while not padding the pockets of my beloved, but not so needy, Target. <br />
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It was a fun night and I was ready to go home and get cozy. As I walked to my car, something caught my eye. At one point during the party, I complimented a friend's boots. They were from my "when I have absurd amounts of money to play with" store (i.e. I go in once every 3 years), Anthropologie. I teased this friend that we wore the same size shoe and should she grow tired of them...When I walked to my car, the boots were outside my door. This friend took OFF her shoes and after a series of texts, affirmed that yes, she wanted me to have them and she was wanting to simplify. Okay y'all, I will simplify all day- with my stash of target shirts and Goodwill finds. If I buy a pair of boots from Anthro, um, no. I'd probably have them insured.<br />
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Awestruck, I came home and talked to Ross about how this affected me. I am around other moms all the time. We are all trying to shed light where we can, when we can, with our gremlins alongside us (or darting away if you are my gremlins). But for me, it's hard. Because I compare the me of today to the me of four years ago. I don't doubt for one minute that the back breaking, heart wrenching, patience testing work I do with these kids is my purpose right now. I know that <em>this</em> world, while smaller, is the one in which I should be putting all my energy. But it does not mean I have any excuse to walk around with my eyes closed. Last night I was blessed by women like these who, by their quiet and humble example, remind me to stand watch. Where can I help? What small good can I do today? Is there an idea of <a href="http://courtneydefeo.com/light-em-up-2013/">Courtney's</a> that can help the kids and I bring some joy today? Does my husband need a word of encouragement? Does the lonely widower in Savannah need a card with pictures of my kids? Does a MOPS mom need a letter telling her she's doing great work? <br />
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I left last night inspired by my friends, in disbelief that these are the people God surrounds me with, whether or not our kids let us ever finish a sentence to each other. I left knowing my world is smaller, but no less full of opportunity to pay it forward. I miss being a social worker. I miss holding the hands of the dying and fighting for the rights of the oppressed. Given the chance, I'll do that any day. But I was on the receiving end of small kindness last night. It wasn't life saving or life changing, but it was a reminder of just how it feels to be a thought in someone else's heart. I doubt I'll ever wear those hand me down boots without a heart full of gratitude for what they represent. I sit here with tears at God's provision of women who remind me to get my behind off my often self-absorbed shoudlers, who encourage me to look beyond these walls I rarely leave, who spur me to see where a very pregnant, very tired mama with very wild children, can bring Christ's love. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women’s empowerment here in the USA often carries has the connotation of bra burning and male trampling. In India, it means ending child marriage, promoting female literacy, ending female feticide (caused by the dowry system), and enabling women to see their full potential. It means women looking in the mirror God made for them and seeing His image reflecting back.<br />
- See more at: <a href="http://www.paigeknudsen.noondaycollection.com/blog-1#sthash.vNAzRYxB.dpuf">http://www.paigeknudsen.noondaycollection.com/blog-1#sthash.vNAzRYxB.dpuf</a><br />
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<br />Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-14410300418642808082013-09-30T12:14:00.001-07:002013-09-30T12:37:47.902-07:00Faster than a speeding bulletLife these days. This has been perhaps our busiest season as a family marked by a constant effort to slow down and enjoy the multitude of blessings given to us during <br />
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this time. I need only look down at the growing appendage to my abdomen to do a double take. Whoa! We are pregnant, and due in 11 weeks. Oh and we are closing on our old house (glory, hallelujah!). And we are stilllll under construction in our new house. And one baby got old enough to go to school and another baby got old enough to throw food and have his first birthday. We celebrated our 4th anniversary (and did not mark the occasion of a showered, make-upped, in semi cute clothes wife with a photo??!?). We had lots of visits from family to spend time with the kids/rescue the parents and have had a few health scares (me with baby, though all is well and Ross with another back injury). All of a sudden fall is here and it's only the change of the weather that reminds me of the passing of all this time. Anyway- it's been too long to do one big recap so life in photo...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA18qyiTr3LBgiBIim5cyspqi8-_b26JcpZP-ZUq6hyphenhyphen3fB-l-CjEEZGr05wbRq8_h2l2JK4MADh4a_8xCLwgacoJ9AwgE3sKd_vZasMc9UdYqJsFuZ7K7MUIF2-61N9_rCu1lrGrwLJ7Qx/s1600/image_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA18qyiTr3LBgiBIim5cyspqi8-_b26JcpZP-ZUq6hyphenhyphen3fB-l-CjEEZGr05wbRq8_h2l2JK4MADh4a_8xCLwgacoJ9AwgE3sKd_vZasMc9UdYqJsFuZ7K7MUIF2-61N9_rCu1lrGrwLJ7Qx/s400/image_7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after his dad did a horrid job of trimming, mom finally took a hint and took Thomas for his first big boy haircut. Thanks to a lollipop and his favorite lap, it was a success. Except that now he looks old and this just makes me want to keep him in jon jon's until he's 4 now. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCWhO64mZb5fqFJDA_6jcX3N3xhSVV01w3ekOuQyquOmhi6PGTE2cSEAVyqWw9Dw3U71gpVk7pvW3Hs0GvF4Hgp2yXLYf9VrDxv58V5zKxrhPnP9_49d8RjdPhxslpDOfJu75rzCnky5u/s1600/image_8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCWhO64mZb5fqFJDA_6jcX3N3xhSVV01w3ekOuQyquOmhi6PGTE2cSEAVyqWw9Dw3U71gpVk7pvW3Hs0GvF4Hgp2yXLYf9VrDxv58V5zKxrhPnP9_49d8RjdPhxslpDOfJu75rzCnky5u/s400/image_8.jpeg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall is here, which in this house, means college football. Rarely does it mean Georgia football but as her mom, I have the right to say that her Bulldog cheerleader outfit is much cuter than her gamecock one. Fashion wins. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UxheeTMT0ojum4ppRJxBf8CFcDzUhvsI1lmc_IwUaWdt8lr6PN-mAHNsFmyxfao2_4AKfzklJoqPJOF2Il8lASfk1CPQDySEGdE7AkRi7J-QbI0PSLphb9hyn9AxC6f6leCG8MAxPv-X/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UxheeTMT0ojum4ppRJxBf8CFcDzUhvsI1lmc_IwUaWdt8lr6PN-mAHNsFmyxfao2_4AKfzklJoqPJOF2Il8lASfk1CPQDySEGdE7AkRi7J-QbI0PSLphb9hyn9AxC6f6leCG8MAxPv-X/s400/image_4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama got a 22 second glimpse of life in this house as of December. Hope the new baby doesn't mind living his or her life in some sort of "tom proof" cage. Survival mode means something new with this little monster around. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC5RGGFBXHvAoBGhOVmrrweTBbplQlKSsFMlDfI8Xqmv61PN0fzbJs3F8Iksvhl3rMZookjbPNiHKY_DGGeimSMJhyVv1OrEXT9L-SLTXR9_SAq1hWrBRX9FZXoPrXAnMCe8I1aKwlyTF/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC5RGGFBXHvAoBGhOVmrrweTBbplQlKSsFMlDfI8Xqmv61PN0fzbJs3F8Iksvhl3rMZookjbPNiHKY_DGGeimSMJhyVv1OrEXT9L-SLTXR9_SAq1hWrBRX9FZXoPrXAnMCe8I1aKwlyTF/s320/image_5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama spent a whole 30 hours away at the dotmom conference in Chattanooga. To say I learned a ton is a huge understatement. The speakers (John Croyle, owner of <a href="http://www.bigoak.org/">Big Oak Ranch for kids,</a> seen here was a national championship defensive end (back?) under Bear Bryant and left his chance for an NFL career to open a home for kids who need a chance.) Oh and Jen Hatmaker was there too. I hear she's great?? :) </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7JobuPNC4h_gCJciz52xgRXu0aiQ9fXjAX2fV1NjGsmFQSnFqqV16pnMrwKG5Sv_fdmO4S0299GbzmMFAKUrt_Yuxx6NL9JHvuty8xUjeAOtj9cazT1n7bhaSKHsePN3WPIK3R6TDoeT/s1600/image_6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7JobuPNC4h_gCJciz52xgRXu0aiQ9fXjAX2fV1NjGsmFQSnFqqV16pnMrwKG5Sv_fdmO4S0299GbzmMFAKUrt_Yuxx6NL9JHvuty8xUjeAOtj9cazT1n7bhaSKHsePN3WPIK3R6TDoeT/s400/image_6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We attempted a family day at the fair but it was packed and hot and mama was tired and so we let our girl have this joy and then bolted. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO8xDgL2-wXEKowDJ6dT32SJhKklnAvDO4_86vrPGChMRqQdwBiS2_FK1h-rvanyYLmQpWzLLdgZdDMOiijX2tKRNrV_8SoiRo_BdX3r91zn22R5jgYKFEAHoriGApmVs7FxQ5_Pkvsh7/s1600/image_9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO8xDgL2-wXEKowDJ6dT32SJhKklnAvDO4_86vrPGChMRqQdwBiS2_FK1h-rvanyYLmQpWzLLdgZdDMOiijX2tKRNrV_8SoiRo_BdX3r91zn22R5jgYKFEAHoriGApmVs7FxQ5_Pkvsh7/s400/image_9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roo Roo was but one of the visitors who came to rescue us during these oh so hectic months. Some Montessori style learnin' in casa Ninness. If only mama were so cool...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TjMWQAXF2ckjnF9eWGSZkMCBYTdcTj0E8LKNS3Ya1smQCF9PFiZwe1_8AuPGDyq0FH56zDwnKS7PynlMi5Dgn9-4Fi4mUY8rj0OSSDkKLIZ-Z6tFY9Hyt5faAjwgtBZJW9fCwq185QGp/s1600/image_10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TjMWQAXF2ckjnF9eWGSZkMCBYTdcTj0E8LKNS3Ya1smQCF9PFiZwe1_8AuPGDyq0FH56zDwnKS7PynlMi5Dgn9-4Fi4mUY8rj0OSSDkKLIZ-Z6tFY9Hyt5faAjwgtBZJW9fCwq185QGp/s400/image_10.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mommy loves nothing more than a festival (or any place that sells corn dogs) so we've enjoyed some fall outdoor fun where Thomas can eat grass and mama can eat those corn dogs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs1DG0-QpsSJyLqfFSKDPPzGTFmA6eQb69n8zwAJwETK28irXgtWpOhNgoJVwgZZLIQAWvPei7iIEHARdOBWMI3R-ZZId8UfwGHvt2aGyUfS8KCaSLkgHKxgV40myd0N_8ntuLcfRl6v2/s1600/image_11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs1DG0-QpsSJyLqfFSKDPPzGTFmA6eQb69n8zwAJwETK28irXgtWpOhNgoJVwgZZLIQAWvPei7iIEHARdOBWMI3R-ZZId8UfwGHvt2aGyUfS8KCaSLkgHKxgV40myd0N_8ntuLcfRl6v2/s400/image_11.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone has learned to accessorize and needs a part time job to support her habit. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH61FAL9hLbXocUbSq2PJbvyPoVj3H2B2IyFxUs48GyfJfeEDShQk9wIApL47hwi7trH9oE_s_oLfU7z-IBhyphenhyphencrYlxyh4LW-GxnSHIdLmxlIxgzQorDRiZSywjWQmTTg3bzBCFyJxPSreg/s1600/image_12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH61FAL9hLbXocUbSq2PJbvyPoVj3H2B2IyFxUs48GyfJfeEDShQk9wIApL47hwi7trH9oE_s_oLfU7z-IBhyphenhyphencrYlxyh4LW-GxnSHIdLmxlIxgzQorDRiZSywjWQmTTg3bzBCFyJxPSreg/s400/image_12.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">someone else has decided he's big and wants to play like a big boy. Dear precious Tom, you could do more if you stood upright. Not rushing you, but just sayin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDvomS4C-7KvN6BRMZ2BcG62mSE9z4cL6cktGf02fDD1v-HwdRxZZxPjZnIuFYuAQqZWKCFtLWg8BChwmwia31WlB_1WKiC3grMVY9gXL8MM6q4JLTTeXkVaGuRRqb6J_3JYlaFYkpWsM/s1600/image_13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDvomS4C-7KvN6BRMZ2BcG62mSE9z4cL6cktGf02fDD1v-HwdRxZZxPjZnIuFYuAQqZWKCFtLWg8BChwmwia31WlB_1WKiC3grMVY9gXL8MM6q4JLTTeXkVaGuRRqb6J_3JYlaFYkpWsM/s400/image_13.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A favorite activity of little miss is a picnic and since her new school is stone's throw from the beautiful Marietta square, we frequently pack lunch and have some after school play time. It's one of our favorite parts of our new town! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTbdedZRHdxN_qEmfUjb_JQxvg8ERxh38rSYOrVNXXLUtWi_uDkL1vta8BFVO_tYtlGGW2l5pOmXqRIW2X-cu2agHbOHdTGt7kocKeNg6gnfKjOh8Xdi6j9RbkQbBaqp21tQ6DT5fvSyR/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTbdedZRHdxN_qEmfUjb_JQxvg8ERxh38rSYOrVNXXLUtWi_uDkL1vta8BFVO_tYtlGGW2l5pOmXqRIW2X-cu2agHbOHdTGt7kocKeNg6gnfKjOh8Xdi6j9RbkQbBaqp21tQ6DT5fvSyR/s400/image.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And oh bless him, does a man's first birthday not deserve it's own post? Poor buddy. Well, since we had been in our house all of 10 days, we celebrated with lunch with dad at the train and a cake me-maw made the weekend before (knowing this mama couldn't be trusted to get a cake). I did insist on a birthday outfit and find no problems with my ability to prioritize. Every little man would choose a smocked birthday jon jon over chocolate cake. Duh. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouTzCC_vgWi1sT8AlyfUVjCK0GP25sX3WCmcqFUr3rK7Xr6BQFa9I6OLdYFYXMFZ6rJgU6SXfS3Bsa2EaTVjqYlqIzaqYuzwtrHaJshTnnpzRllCg-G1cyZaufLFV4kvGGrgAq9D9trJF/s1600/image%5B2%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouTzCC_vgWi1sT8AlyfUVjCK0GP25sX3WCmcqFUr3rK7Xr6BQFa9I6OLdYFYXMFZ6rJgU6SXfS3Bsa2EaTVjqYlqIzaqYuzwtrHaJshTnnpzRllCg-G1cyZaufLFV4kvGGrgAq9D9trJF/s400/image%5B2%5D.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey may not have gotten a party, but this little eater was more than happy with his sesame chicken, rice and fried chips. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv93TFjJSd717F9anmgweFnvEXf8CdB8sbnE9q23U5g5HMVebkAnhUE6Cqfslkrvp3-KdxYMVUVv4JwV63NtNkHWp1JlGbqR0VPXa8l7u0chni6jIlXt0DVUXtd7LnDZxdtH72ywemUJI/s1600/image_14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv93TFjJSd717F9anmgweFnvEXf8CdB8sbnE9q23U5g5HMVebkAnhUE6Cqfslkrvp3-KdxYMVUVv4JwV63NtNkHWp1JlGbqR0VPXa8l7u0chni6jIlXt0DVUXtd7LnDZxdtH72ywemUJI/s400/image_14.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evening celebration wasn't so fabulous as our birthday boy turned into a cranky pants but I did catch him taste testing while I grabbed the votive candle for him to blow out (you didn't dare expect me to have some cute singing number one candle, did you?) Later in the birthday week he earned himself 5 vaccinations and no climbage of the growth chart. Hanging out in the 1st percent in height and 16% in weight, he remains my favorite short round person on the earth. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQqSppZ_wDmm5alfjVwW6NyufFLFozqP21SrD-YvpvMukd9qIjm88-D7GNNYGHwsm6KLdh0coDNl5oPH6l7GjF2V2ESKyUXpDSaRCZgPxNNqZhN6z_OUmaQXjRehZYI3FlcxaeiOl2u1S/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQqSppZ_wDmm5alfjVwW6NyufFLFozqP21SrD-YvpvMukd9qIjm88-D7GNNYGHwsm6KLdh0coDNl5oPH6l7GjF2V2ESKyUXpDSaRCZgPxNNqZhN6z_OUmaQXjRehZYI3FlcxaeiOl2u1S/s400/image_3.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During this hectic time, our big one year old finally decided it might be a good time to learn how to scoot (not crawl, mind you) but figure out how to get from a to b. His method works and he loves his new found freedom. Favorite destinations are to his sound machine, any cord, a door to open and close or outside. I cannot decide if him learning to walk by the time the baby gets here would be a good or bad thing but my opinion thankfully doesn't matter. Our children are never in any hurry to master motor skills (Mary Kate walked at 16 months and 3 nervous mommy days). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqUudbr37UnYHlSf85Fzt-kRsOVZTfQXp3iCYSiGzWPQlWyi0doillheQL00U4mJYL7DUUdP75Xu-nEtKWd5ye6eM6MmtPRYxWmXRzC83xU6aRJzDEHij4INK2-frJFBIVNM6p9BOXoNH/s1600/image_1%255B1%255D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqUudbr37UnYHlSf85Fzt-kRsOVZTfQXp3iCYSiGzWPQlWyi0doillheQL00U4mJYL7DUUdP75Xu-nEtKWd5ye6eM6MmtPRYxWmXRzC83xU6aRJzDEHij4INK2-frJFBIVNM6p9BOXoNH/s320/image_1%255B1%255D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and I'll end with this because it makes me swoon.</td></tr>
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<br />
So, we head full swing into fall with the hope that we are enjoying football on our new screened porch this weekend with healthy parents, non teething babies (HOLY COW) and obedient toddlers. Tall orders around here but when I look out, really all I see are the immense and undeserved blessings. I see a beautiful new home, ready to accommodate any future surprises. I see a pregnancy getting closer and closer to a safe zone. I see two kids who I am learning to delight more in. I see a faithful, loyal, and grace giving husband and families who hold us up. I see true, deep friendships. And most days, I'm smart enough to see who this amazing gift giver really is. Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-2011949890493070382013-08-28T07:24:00.003-07:002013-08-28T07:26:49.210-07:00Busy and sweet<br />
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<br />
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<ul>
<li>Such random thoughts today but wanted to get some things down that I'm sure I'll forget about this oh so busy, oh so sweet time of life. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>We are 23 weeks into pregnancy tres and quickly approaching the point at which we were put on bed rest with Thomas. I am trying not to get anxious but anxious I am. The only thing the docs have said might help prevent it is to drink as much water as humanly possible. This is easier said than done, as I prefer hydration of the diet coke variety. However, I have a very long memory and remember just about every minute of that bed rest 11.5 months ago. So, aqua torture it is. Thankfully, I have been inducted into the sorority of carpool line moms as of late so I'm challenging myself to chug a liter during morning and afternoon pickups. So far, so good. I've had more water in the last few months than I have ever had in my life. No lie. And I will be very ornery if all this drinking/peeing/drinking/peeing is in vain and I still end up horizontal for these last 3 months. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Speaking of the carpool line sorority, our Mary Kate started her first big girl school last week. Naturally that deserved it's own post but thanks be to the evil Instagram, there seems to be no need for official posts anymore. (If I go on bed rest, you people better start blogging again, p.s.) Anyway, our presh loved every minute of it and hasn't missed a beat. I am sure all kids are the same at this age, but she really does adore learning. I say that and then each day when I pick her up and ask her what she did today, she tells me what snack she had. So maybe I should ease off on the "my kid loves to learn" speech. Nonetheless, she loves school and I am loving watching her thrive and enjoy herself so much. Not a tear shed by this mama. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>And that brings me to my next random thought o the day. I don't think I cry at appropriate times. And conversely, I think I probably do cry at inappropriate times. First day of school, for example, while a little taken aback at how quickly they rushed my babe into class, I did not join the 5 moms crying over the balcony at First Pres. How awful of a mama does that make me? I love picking her up each day but whew, the break is nice. And we have another milestone approaching as Tom boy will be one year old in 12 days. The thought of it, yep, you guessed it, no tears. There are days when my love for that man child makes me tear up, yes. But thinking about the big 1st birthday? No, no siree. I have determined that it takes Stella here about a year to get her groove back after babies. I don't wish the time away, but new babies aren't my favorite stage. Instagrammers like <a href="http://cooperstory.blogspot.com/">Melissa</a> are helping me in this sensitivity department, but I look forward to all that comes with more communicative, mobile (well, ideally. My children don't get mobile until forever and ever and ever, certainly not by first birthday) babies who are closer to having a mouth full of teeth. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>As for celebration plans for the big boy's day, poor kid's getting very little. We are moving this weekend and mom and dad are gifting ourselves with a weekend in Athens to watch Georgia stomp the chickens during the weekend before his day. Plans are in the works for a joint birthday with his daddy in October when we hopefully have furniture in our house. Sorry bud. I'll share a cupcake for breakfast with you happily on your special day. Your birthday obsessed sister will surely sing you an incorrect rendition of happy birthday 13 times and make you wear a hat you will hate. You won't be sad to see your birthday go! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>So I should go do productive things like work and pack and do some prenatal pilates to stop the barrage of pain I have these days. (Yes, doc, I know my body never had a chance to recover after Tom. I am aware that these pains are normal for "very very very close pregnancies." I so need to find Michelle Duggar's practice or some uber Catholic practice because apparently having kids in back to back years makes me a side show at my current '1.7 kids is enough, you have a boy and a girl why would you ever have more' doctor's office.) End rant.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>If you have extra prayers, we could use them. Our current house is under contract and I am praying so hard that he doesn't bail out in the last days of due diligence when what I expect will be a laundry list of inspection items he wants fixed aren't agreed to (nothing safety wise, just old house stuff.) Plus Ross is busier than he's ever been at work, I'm busier than I've ever been at work, we are moving with 2.7 kids this weekend, Thomas is cutting 2 teeth and Mary Kate **thinks** she is giving up her afternoon nap. This pace is not good for anyone but in our family it can spell Chernobyl. Trying to remember the basic tenets of our faith to put others first- their needs, their stresses, how tired they are. So, prayers appreciated that we come out of the other side of the tornado that is life right now still in love :) It goes without saying that we feel ridiculously blessed that these are our "stresses" right now. Calling them that seems laughable, though I know everything is worthy of prayer.</li>
</ul>
Hasta lluego. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of 3's, First Presbyterian Marietta</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking with Sister Abelet, telling her all about her new school</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">loving on brother</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">morning breakfast picnic</td></tr>
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-3724395326098712562013-07-23T10:54:00.001-07:002013-07-23T11:28:00.206-07:003, 10 months, and 19 weeks<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0IasmLFo5bMXc0&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="configXMLURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/config/config-share.xml&slideshowModuleURL=http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-module.swf&projectGUID=0IasmLFo5bMXc0&swfName=slideshowFlashContent&showReplay=true" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/slideshow/slideshow-ui.swf"></embed></object><br />
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I am not a creature of habit, nor prone to routine, so monthly posts on kids aren't my strongsuit. But there are sweet moments I want to remember and since this littlest baby seems heck bent on taking every last living brain cell, it's time to get some memories on paper. <br />
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This little person is 3. Nearly to the day of her 3rd birthday, she became sassy and bossy, testing the boundaries of what she can and cannot say to mom, dad, and other adults. Her exposure to other kids is increasing and with that, new phrases, both good and bad. Her heart is tender and people pleasing, adventure loving and curious. She says "grocery stork" and "water mountain." She calls a pineapple a "pine cone." She knows her blessing and how to sing the Lord's prayer. She does the sign of the cross when an ambulance goes by and says a prayer for Jesus to heal "their big boo boo." Is there any sound sweeter than a prayer off of a child's lips. Girl LOVES a tutu and, thanks to her daddy, loves to dance. She can be a ham when she wants to be and is happy with any audience. Mary Kate adores Thomas and except for the occasional, "that's miiiine", they are a sweet pair. I foresee that changing when he (finally) decides to start moving around and has more access to toys. She knows mommy is having a baby and changes her mind about whether it might be a boy or girl, though boy wins out usually. She will tell you she is having a boy herself. This big girl went to her first summer camp last week and to say she loved it is an understatement. A part of me feels guilty because I know she just loved the activity, the newness and intentionality by the teachers. Life around casa Ninness has been a lot of business with the new house and the first trimester sickies and having a house on the market. I need to remember why I am staying at home and what I want for my kids by doing so and get back to doing that. Anywho... The biggest upside to such a successful camp week was me now feeling 100% confident in our decision to start her in First Pres Marietta preschool. I feel like so much more of a "real" mom when I think about driving her to and from school 3 days a week. We know no one in her class so I am praying hard that she is surrounded by sweet kids and loving teachers. I could go on and on about my precious girl at this age but the book above took my uncreative self 4,000 hours to complete and says it all. We are simply the luckiest parents in the world to have this girl. <br />
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Now, <em>this boy. THIS boy.</em></div>
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My Tom is 10 months old. He loves to eat, be held, be outside, be held and be held. He has a lot of desire to crawl and explore but his motor skills aren't keeping up with his little baby desires. Since his big sister didn't walk until 16.5 months old, I don't have high hopes. He is the sweetest little person, throwing a smile to anyone who smiles at him. He will eat just about anything, only having ever turned down strawberries. His favorite toy is a cell phone, with a remote control a close second. He isn't the easiest babe right now which I'm blaming on teeth and his inability to get around like he wants. But good gracious, I wouldn't exactly call having to hold a precious, snuggly boy for many hours a day a cross to bear. A priviledge and an honor- if tiring ones! To be quite honest, there isn't anyone who makes me feel more loved than this little boy. I know, I know. My husband loves me so well, more so than I deserve. And Mary Kate loves her mama too, she just has found that other people are fun too. For the exception of daddy if they are outside or on a walk, Thomas wants mama. Everything I've ever heard about boys seems to be true. Ross and I never had any "I want two boys and then a girl" kind of plans. But I'd be lying if I didn't say I am thankful for the chance to experience both little worlds. I absolutely dream of Mary Kate's wedding day and love our girl time together. And I so love watching the adage "boys love their mamas" come true. </div>
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And baby number 3, with a picture to be added tomorrow after our ultra sound...<br />
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In one week I have gone from looking like there was still some Thomas baby weight to there being noooo doubt that we'll be a 3 carseat family soon. 9 months will be scary and probably not pretty but I'll use my first winter baby to my advantage and throw on a cardigan. Or more likely a poncho. I am well into my 2nd trimester and bid a big ole, "don't let the door hit you in the rear" to the first trimester. I tried to blame how hard this start was on the 2 big siblings but really do think it was the worst out of the 3. But now we're in that glorious middle zone where the heartburn is fleeting and the belly can be toted around with ease. I am feeling flutters each day and growing more and more excited for this, the biggest surprise of our lives. Father Tim was in town this weekend and offered Mass in our home for the safety and health of baby 3 and showered us with excitement for our growing family. A combination of being so sick and so surprised had me struggling in the beginning with trusting God's plan/sense of humor. Now, I feel this big belly and just smile, so thankful for the 3rd little Ninness. Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-82153134971857150132013-07-05T11:29:00.001-07:002013-07-05T11:29:58.616-07:00God winksLately, I have been bogged down in fears and anxieties about small and big areas of life. Of course, just a few minutes of time with the Lord fixes this but we all know how that goes sometimes. When I need it most, well, the Kardashians are on. (gross. I know.) <br />
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Thankfully, even reality tv hasn't been able to block out the ways God has winked at me recently. I needed to write them down so to look back and be reminded of His multitude of graces the next time I am in a funk. <br />
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my fear: for the second summer/fall in a row, I will be on bed rest. I will be in a new home, unable to move a box or put a photo on a wall. I will again be relegated to the sofa, except this time with a son who is very much so attached to his mama (and she likes it that way.) <br />
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God wink: two friends gifted me with some nutritional supplements with some research showing their effectiveness at preventing pre-term labor. (Juice plus). They are not cheap and these friends gave them to me. Whether or not it works, I am able to do something healthy and proactive for my baby. Plus, I feel fantastic 99% of the time. I also now have the reassurance that we have a home big enough for live-in help should we need it again.<em> "The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong."</em> <strong>Isaiah 58:11</strong><br />
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my fear: Despite giving us the space we need, I'm moving farther out than I'd have liked. We will be isolated and lonely, in a time when we may need support the most (if we had bedrest, having a new baby).<br />
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God wink: one of my precious friends is under contract less than 5 minutes from our new house. Another friend is considering the area as a possible move. <em>I hear your prayer and concern. It is valid, legitimate. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." <strong>Matthew 18:20</strong></em><br />
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my fear: has God heard our years long prayer for job change for Ross? Why is He staying silent?<br />
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God wink: Ross earned a wonderful promotion at work and is excelling. <em>"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in <u>due time</u><strong>." 1 Peter 5:6</strong></em><br />
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my fear: I will be totally on my own as I have these babies so close together in age. <br />
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God wink: a friend is pregnant with babies as close together as mine. There will be someone to receive the "what the heck did we do?!" texts. <em>"For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help." <strong>Ecclesiastes 4:10</strong></em><br />
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my fear: that we need to do more to catechize Mary Kate. She is a sponge right now and can be learning so much more than we are imparting.<br />
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God wink: I got an email from a friend of Father Tim's mom, blessing us with her knowledge of great ideas and programs to help us draw our girl into her faith. This lady does not know us, but reached out in kindness. <em>"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food." <strong>Hebrews 5:12</strong></em><br />
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I know that God didn't put that family near us just for me. And it may fall through. God didn't make my friend pregnant just to make me not feel like an anomaly. He didn't give Ross that promotion to prove anything to us. But thankfully, He has nudged me to see the ways that these events will bless our family, to see that He hears us. I also know that God "winks" at me probably 25 times a day and I rarely see it, so caught up in the busy-ness of life or in focusing my eyes on the things not of him. <br />
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As He gives me the grace to open my stubborn eyes, it is like new light. So thankful for a week of seeing with new eyes, recommited to shutting up and trusting He who only wants good things for our family. <br />
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<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=DiG_xkiVUS6pXM&tbnid=U94lPscsAJGwXM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpromiseofalifetime07.tumblr.com%2F&ei=khDXUYLyNIqmqwGPxoGwCg&bvm=bv.48705608,d.aWM&psig=AFQjCNHpDrpWdvlRLq-lXY8z2TQakuDxmA&ust=1373135253236403" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="334" id="irc_mi" src="http://jewelryandjusticeforall.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/555714_10150943050039811_879388100_n.jpg" style="margin-top: 47px;" width="500" /></a>Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-53046579344228243442013-06-27T16:14:00.001-07:002013-06-27T16:16:59.214-07:007 quick takes (or 7 reasons I need a therapist)A day early but go see <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Jen</a> tomorrow for enlightenment. Until then, 7 mundane takes from a mama who needs to get a grip or a drink...<br />
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1. We bought a house. And for any future real estate agents wanting the $3.40 commisions from our sales, you are going to need to add a shrink to your team of stagers, photographers and lawyers. Holy stressful! I am aware that normal people don't need psychiatric help simply to purchase a home but a) I'm not normal people b) there is NO ZERO NO inventory in Atlanta and c) some sellers are bat.$&*# crazy. We close one month from today and I need to go bury St. Joseph (is that right?) in my yard so we don't have 2 mortgages and then I need inpatient psychiatric care. <br />
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2. Ross is bathing Thomas while I supposedly fill out school forms for Mary Kate. I just overheard MK ask "what's thaaaat?" To which Ross replied, it's his penis. His private part. I should rename this post, 7 reasons I need a therapist. <br />
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3. I saw the ob today to check on this baby I am supposedly carrying. Not supposedly because I don't look pregnant but supposedly because poor third kid, I just forget. Until the fire comes up my throat or I throw up in the Kroger check-out line like I did today. 2nd trimester, shrimester. I did score a new to me pair of maternity skinny jeans from super cute <a href="http://www.ugaparkerfamily.com/">Callie</a> and while they are only going to fit for about 2 more days, I can't resist an e-thrift deal from a stylish mama. Or any thrift deal. Back to the baby. He or she is healthy and happy and is SO EXCITED to join this family o crazy. <br />
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4. My precious Tom is almost 10 months old and has gotten about 2.3 posts on here. He is in the sweetest of phases where he adores his mama, wants to feed himself 2,402 blueberries and crackers a day, sleeps all night (took him 8 months to do so but we forgive) and isn't crawling (meaning I don't have to start mopping my floors regularly). It's a pretty awesome stage. <br />
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5. Have you discovered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=jesus+calling+book&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3997294405&hvpos=1t3&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2056365268469816520&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_7nhu9xyxan_b">Jesus calling?</a> Please purchase. Or follow them on instagram because short of the Good Book, I have never picked up anything that speaks to me so strongly and so perfectly exactly when I need it. Today for instance... WOW!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"REST WITH ME A WHILE. You have journeyed up a steep step, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn’t bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you.</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go"</span></div>
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6. Change is a comin'. As I mentioned above, it looks like we are moving. This is a good thing. This is a good thing. This is a good thing. By the way I feel inside (and babble on and on and on and on), you'd expect a "we've moved..to AFRICA" card. We don't even need to get on the interstate to get to our new abode but in the world of small kids and nap schedules and I ABHOR change/ <strike>zero sense of adventure</strike>, 9.2 miles is a long way away. We will change churches and Mary Kate will start school with no one she knows (or mama knows). My stomach is in a constant state of knot. We prayed and prayed through this long process and I am 99.2% positive that these knots are because I am not trusting "that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey." (see numero 5). And I wonder where Mary Kate gets her drama queen tendency... Again, shrink please. </div>
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7. Okay I must go make my dinner of chocolate covered pomegranates and sliced cheese. Feel free to show this post to your husbands so they raise their hands to the heavens in thanksgiving for not marrying me. </div>
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-27545620910206218932013-06-04T12:23:00.001-07:002013-06-04T12:23:50.540-07:00blah blah blahSo I'm trying to keep the blog chugging along, mostly because it's the only record keeping I do for my kids and because I gain so much from going back and reading old posts. Plus, as much as I feel the need to go on hiatus, won't 3rd baby Ninness feel totally neglected? The reality is that baby could probably care less but I do know that Mary Kate loves her little shutterfly books I make the kids every year so maybe she'll love this too one day. Anywho, there are multiple things to blame on the lack o blogging. In no particular order:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>instagram. Many of my favorite bloggers have stopped typing and now make me stalk their lives via photo. I want to beg them to come back but am also enticed by how quick and easy instagram is. </li>
<li>If I posted about the reality of life, it would be one long, drawn out post about how miserable I feel whilst pregnant. And that's just tacky for a multitude of reasons. I pretty much suck at suffering, prefering whining to gratitude and misery to perspective. But let me just say to all of you who love being pregnant, you are simply proof that God plays favorites. </li>
<li>Thomas is a week shy of 9 months old and still wants mama's right hip all the time. </li>
<li>Mary Kate has, for the first time in her entire little life, decided she too likes mama and wants to be cuddled and held frequently by me and mostly only me. It is sweet because it's new but not sweet because I'm tired and sick and I'm sure it's in reaction to the neediness of mama's little boy. </li>
<li>We are in house hunting hell. I know inventory is low but how low can it go?!? (nerd.) The schizo voices in my head go something like this. </li>
<ul>
<li>If you want a house with the right square footage and not a total renovation with good schools, you must move to east egypt.</li>
<li>But I don't want to move to east egypt. I value, mostly for the right reasons, access to the city, the friendships we've made. So we will just wait for something to come up. But the schools aren't as great (according to online "ratings", not personal experiences there). Does that make me selfish?</li>
<li>But we can't wait too long because what if I go on bedrest again (50/50 shot). We definitely need the extra space then. And can we sell a house with a pool in the fall/early winter?</li>
<li>But hasn't every generation prior to our "mcmansion" generation had multiple kids in small ranch houses? Is God asking us to live smaller? Or is He asking me to move to east egypt and trust that He'll meet our needs? Or is my desire for community and fellowship straight from Him? </li>
</ul>
<li>Holy cow, does your head hurt? Mine does. Over thinkers anonymous! </li>
<li>I will write a whole post one day on the many ways this pregnancy rocked my world (ours, but a lot of it rocked me in personal ways). Clearly God thought there was some work to be done on ole Keri. </li>
<li>Another reason to keep blogging is that in the midst of all my "life is so hellacious and miserable I can't lift my head up" thinking, I recently re-read some posts from last summer's bedrest. I was reminded of how much more hellacious it is to not be able to parent your babies. So, while not much will take me out of my "noone is more miserable than me" funk, those posts have made me think differently about the needlings. Knowing there's a chance I'll be bedbound again, I am jumping up a little faster to get the non-napping baby. I really am thankful to be ABLE to parent them, despite how hellacious it can be while in the throes of pregnancy. </li>
</ul>
Those are just some of the things/thoughts keeping me from sitting down to type- that and Thomas's one hour nap maximum (He and Mister <a href="http://theraybonfamily.blogspot.com/">Gates Raybon</a> need to stop conspiring!) <br />
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*too lazy to import instagram photos. Follow me there if you can't live without photos :) Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-33795555791600376662013-05-13T13:21:00.006-07:002013-05-13T13:21:32.903-07:00Moving toward 10In highschool, we got jersey's as seniors and got to choose a nickname and a number. With the help of friends, I chose Spaz (it was fitting) and the number 10. 10 was for the number of children I wanted. My grandmother always said she had wanted a baker's dozen and I thought that was a bit much. 10 sounded more doable. <br />
<br />
So we've just got 7 more to go. Unless you are counting our furry child (which I don't), that means we've got 3 kids. And we do!! <br />
<br />
There was no question that we would try to have more children after Thomas and there <em>was</em> a plan as to when that might happen. And all God's angels laughed. So, we will move to zone defense (truth: not a clue what that means) a little sooner than expected. Mary Kate turns 3 in July, Thomas turns one in September, and this baby should come December. We found out about as early as you can possibly test positive so it feels like I've been pregnant forever. Heaven knows this baby isn't about to go unnoticed and is already vying for attention. Dear little one, I know you are in there. You need not make mama want to shrivel up and cry every second of the day. And that's the last complaint you will get out of me. Because I don't have to convince myself that this baby is a gift. I don't have to remind myself that I always feared (as did my doctors) that I wouldn't be able to conceive children. I need only look at my other two needlings to get on my knees and thank God. <br />
<br />
Mary Kate and Thomas were planned, to the month. This baby, as my friend reminded me, was planned by God, if not by us. That sounds cliche but it is true. One day I'll venture into the land of Natural Family planning conversation but a part of the reason we chose to use this method of family planning was to ensure that God got to be a part of the decision. (P.s. I know plenty of people who have been on birth control who have gotten pregnant. I know God is a part of every decision if He chooses to be). Sparing you the when's and what's, I would have never, ever, ever, thought conception was possible when it occured. I am relatively well versed in how to do this since we were able to space Thomas and MK as we chose. I know that come December, I will look at this baby and THANK GOD that we didn't prevent this life. I know I will look into the eyes of this little gift and see a blessing I didn't know I absolutely, positively needed. <br />
<br />
That said, I'd be a bold faced liar if I didn't say there have been hard days. Having just weaned Thomas, I am a ball of hormonal crazy on top of baseline crazy. My kids need a lot, both physically and mentally. The idea that I will have enough to go around in a few months is almost unbelievable to me. Almost. Because I remember that <em>I </em>don't have to do it all. <em>I </em>don't have to be enough, do enough, give enough. <em>I can do all things through Christ who is within me. </em>I am not doing this alone and when I remember that, I can remove myself from the fetal position and breathe again. <br />
<br />
So on this mother's day, I celebrated being a mama to three, God given, precious gifts. I thanked God for the HONOR of parenting them. He could have chosen someone much more qualified and patient and resourceful and energetic. But He gifted me. <br />
<br />
And while I doubt highly we will get to 10, I won't doubt His plan for our family for one minute and hope that despite my own fears and inadequacies, I will trust in that plan all the days of our lives. <br />
<br />
Welcome to the world little baby Ninness! You have a whole housefull waiting to meet you!! <br />
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Some quick photos of who awaits this precious babe!<br />
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-87956798364090758502013-03-19T11:05:00.000-07:002013-03-19T11:05:01.456-07:00brain dump, emotion versionThe last few days have been rough. I can't put my finger on what, but I know the common theme is "things Keri is not doing well." I think it was prompted by my trip to Savannah. It was a good trip (presh pics to follow) but for me, lots of family time usually leaves me feeling like I kind of suck. I start (over?) analyzing everything. I want to be fun versus a stick in the mud. I want to be supportive versus critical. I want to be encouraging and loving. Known sometimes as "the religious one" in my family, I want this faith I profess to shine through. But I leave feeling like I just may push people further and further away from this person, this Jesus, that I talk about. <br />
<br />
I can give myself grace and remember that I am not powerful enough to thwart God's plan for anyone. I cannot change His plan for their lives, even if I acted like a total horse's behind for 2 days. Ross told me to have a drink and just have fun. Why does that seem like a mountain to climb some days?<br />
<br />
I'm back home and on day two of just feeling like there a million things I am not. I am not discliplined. I am not patient. I am not loving. I am not healthy, I am not prayerful. I am not determined or committed or intentional. The counselor in me is trying to separate who I <em>am</em> from what I'm doing. The objective truth is that I am not doing a great job of living a well disciplined, patient, loving, prayerful, determined, intentional life. I am lagging behind. And I never do well in last place. <br />
<br />
In any area of my life, the better I am, the better I am. Success drives me to do better, be better. Failure, perceived or not, stunts me. I get so weighed down with all the things I am not doing well and cannot climb out of the hole of self-degradation, and yes, sometimes self pity, too. The trick is always to find that happy middle of acknowledging areas that need improvement while giving grace and remembering that my worth comes from <em>doing</em> not a damned thing. It comes from <em>being His. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
Having children helps. I try to imagine Mary Kate coming to me at 31 years old with two needy gremlins at her ankles and saying "mom, I totally suck at life right now." I would do what my mom does so, so well. I would tell her that life is not a party right now. That despite the most loving family in the world, she is doing it without grandma right down the street ready for insta-babysitting or insta-grocery shopping. I would tell her that her children are perfect and beautiful and that raising them is the most important thing she can do. I would tell her that noone gives a crap if she finishes her half marathon or throws up on mile 6, as her current training might predict. I would tell her that Jesus knows her love for Him and that she just needs to keep sitting at His feet.<br />
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I go back to that wonderful text from my friend Elizabeth:<br />
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So, I'm gonna stop the emotional projectiling and take a deep breath. I'm gonna go spend some time with Jesus and trust that to Him, I'm doing okay. Goodness knows I've got major room for improvement but, as my college counselor used to say, "spend some time on the pity pot but don't forget to flush." Flushing commenced...Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-63907413601968736002013-03-13T11:05:00.003-07:002013-03-13T11:05:37.299-07:00Half birthday for Mr. TMy dreamboat baby is 6 months old and every cliche in the world fits. How is he halfway to one year old? After those first 12 weeks of 4th trimester torture, it has flown by. I cannot believe it. I'll add stats tomorrow after his appointment for the inevitable comparisons of children but for now, a few facts about my favorite little man. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>is mostly an easy baby. He definitely likes to be held (what baby doesn't) but if he's dry and fed, is generally happy to play in the exercaucer or bumbo.</li>
<li>immediately stops squaking if we go outside. </li>
<li>is starting to interact with Mary Kate and, as all moms of more than one kid say, this is the best part about growing your family.</li>
<li>has the best, biggest smile ever.</li>
<li>has the best, biggest belly ever.</li>
<li>loves nothing more than being in the bath.</li>
<li>is an action man. Bounce him on your lap, throw him in the air, dance with him, he's happy.</li>
<li>looks for his dad. If Ross is anywhere to be found, T is stretching his neck to find him. Watch the two of them for 5 seconds and you'll see.</li>
<li>still loves his mama. feeling is beyond mutual</li>
<li>takes 2-3 naps a day and the more consistent I am with watching the clock and not getting him overtired, the better the naps are (duh). </li>
<li>likes a paci and can (finally) hold it in his mouth!! </li>
<li>wakes up once a night when he can't find that paci. monster created. Don't care though because waking up once to give him that thing is totally worth the insta-cork it provides during the day</li>
<li>hates the car for any rides longer than 12 minutes. Gonna be a long trip to his first St. Patrick's day parade this weekend! </li>
<li>started solid food this month. so far oatmeal and carrots are a hit. trying to not to do too much so we don't sacrifice milk supply but our little chunk was definitely ready for food that doesn't taste like diet coke.</li>
<li>loves the bjorn despite mama's preference for the back preserving ergo. </li>
<li>will easily take a nap in the ergo though which is so nice for flexibility in our day.</li>
<li>is a round, round little butterball and we adore him.</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet snuggle time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet <strike>smother</strike> snuggle time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG16AUN-6H_DPqhM9s_9EFQgSROej1jNQbSV6qNOsCS3fbQPb2I_T_aI25c82rt6NDwmJAfIlc9sSG6rc-x2GhnjuSXpMykjr4u9oB25H__FASN0gvKzFhmKrb1OtitFfq-s_WIZtpPRJ/s1600/sis+in+front+yard+with+t+at+six+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOG16AUN-6H_DPqhM9s_9EFQgSROej1jNQbSV6qNOsCS3fbQPb2I_T_aI25c82rt6NDwmJAfIlc9sSG6rc-x2GhnjuSXpMykjr4u9oB25H__FASN0gvKzFhmKrb1OtitFfq-s_WIZtpPRJ/s400/sis+in+front+yard+with+t+at+six+months.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">big sister abuse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3A1_dfRYRSEfPVh3pg31klBX1Q0iHQUZ58ZT9HCSK-6qtKcXqqy2gGLqgr1tkhrjvhM4xyZMeufBnN6u1hazyNrDJ-C_92m3v0FV9zjMUt72jQChE_rwQG1SH-VEfXQ4yhLNAHzhEtxK/s1600/t+hairbow+six+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3A1_dfRYRSEfPVh3pg31klBX1Q0iHQUZ58ZT9HCSK-6qtKcXqqy2gGLqgr1tkhrjvhM4xyZMeufBnN6u1hazyNrDJ-C_92m3v0FV9zjMUt72jQChE_rwQG1SH-VEfXQ4yhLNAHzhEtxK/s400/t+hairbow+six+months.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more big sister abuse (note bow)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd10XdZOVK3xc5YcaCAUvJ4XT2eJGmHfKBUmPYhcwx_EjCETc3O82fLraz-q-tIzLTc8yjkgysNwJ4DUfLmvkk3SEbNpA9P3Wiv_eO5fli5LpHSDzQji7n2qMnvZG1Z0LwpYUcWML4-xsk/s1600/t+and+mama+6+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd10XdZOVK3xc5YcaCAUvJ4XT2eJGmHfKBUmPYhcwx_EjCETc3O82fLraz-q-tIzLTc8yjkgysNwJ4DUfLmvkk3SEbNpA9P3Wiv_eO5fli5LpHSDzQji7n2qMnvZG1Z0LwpYUcWML4-xsk/s400/t+and+mama+6+months.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 favorites, his mama and his reflection</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQb8Bzp3tIYLGH5v6uD_7VbjDJhH9PZ2f1jR7OUsmpoAaBSajnwQY3CORvZUfES-URYbUeXfRMzx15tzM5Sb9h5w3uZtzcMzuqXhPngthI2t6S4BmVL3U094P0dd_HLRP-BA5cffYOnld/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQb8Bzp3tIYLGH5v6uD_7VbjDJhH9PZ2f1jR7OUsmpoAaBSajnwQY3CORvZUfES-URYbUeXfRMzx15tzM5Sb9h5w3uZtzcMzuqXhPngthI2t6S4BmVL3U094P0dd_HLRP-BA5cffYOnld/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">learning how to eat/gnaw on a spoon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3HHsnqwg_QbmjSFnIp_-GlVOeJ_8bMZXD6ffyXP0jNu3gEltBrTiMGpYgpxmq2yQuUs0kcVFydaYUfIFUzSySXE0yDDSppfv6bb64vwaodmooSgnLvceCzjRiFymNpJkbBgz1aqkKOUP/s1600/t+six+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3HHsnqwg_QbmjSFnIp_-GlVOeJ_8bMZXD6ffyXP0jNu3gEltBrTiMGpYgpxmq2yQuUs0kcVFydaYUfIFUzSySXE0yDDSppfv6bb64vwaodmooSgnLvceCzjRiFymNpJkbBgz1aqkKOUP/s400/t+six+months.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tis the season for food hidden in the no-neck.</td></tr>
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-87669925529042698972013-03-06T11:12:00.002-08:002013-03-06T11:12:35.221-08:00Litany of HumilityThe post I wrote this week (see below) was a reflection on the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18. "The one who humbles himself will be exalted." Catching up on <a href="http://www.gsulent.blogspot.com/2013/03/envy-fear-jesus-love.html">our Lenten devotional,</a> I found this prayer at the end of Rachel's post and it fit perfectly with what I wanted to say (and what I, myself, want and need to pray). Enjoy!<br />
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~written by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930)~ <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, <i>Hear me.</i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<dl><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desire of being esteemed, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desire of being loved, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desire of being extolled, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desire of being honored, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desire of being praised, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desire of being preferred to others, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desire of being consulted, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desire of being approved, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the fear of being humiliated, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the fear of being despised, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the fear of suffering rebukes, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the fear of being calumniated, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the fear of being forgotten, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the fear of being ridiculed, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the fear of being wronged, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the fear of being suspected, <i>Deliver me, Jesus.</i></span></dd></dl>
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<dl><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">That others may be loved more than I, <i>Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">That others may be esteemed more than I, <i>Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, <i>Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">That others may be chosen and I set aside, <i>Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">That others may be praised and I unnoticed, <i>Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">That others may be preferred to me in everything, <i>Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</i></span></dd><dd><span style="font-size: x-small;">That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, <i>Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</i></span></dd></dl>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Luke 18, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee
and the tax collector. In his prayer, the Pharisee reminds the Lord of all he
has done, fasting, praying and tithing. The tax collector goes humbly, on his
knees, and asks for mercy for his sins. Jesus reminds us that it is the tax
collector who is justified. “The one who humbles himself will be exalted.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For many of us reading this, we are good people trying to
live out our faiths in a very secular world. We go to Mass each week, we may
attend a Bible study. We spend time in prayer, we fast. It can feel like we are
doing so much compared to others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
measure ourselves against a world that, these days, doesn’t set a very high
bar. But even if we measured ourselves against the piety of the holiest man, it
is our humility the Lord most desires. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we went to Mass every day, made a monthly
confession and tithed more than our 10% and came to the Lord showing him all
our good deeds, He would be more pleased with the person <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who had done none of this but said to Him,
“Bless me for I have sinned.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a great comfort in knowing that it is the condition
of our hearts that will hurt or please the Lord. We absolutely should spend as
much time as possible in prayer, fasting, almsgiving. These things make us more
like Jesus and bring us closer to Him. We just have to do so with humility. We
can’t earn our way into Heaven. Jesus took every one of those nails out of the
same love for saint and sinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We say
at Mass, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.” We humble
ourselves before we receive the greatest gift ever given, the actual body of
Christ. That shows how important humility is in the Christian walk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We will all walk through different seasons of life. There
will be times when we can make it to daily Mass and monthly confession, times
when we can tithe 10% before taxes. Hopefully, we will get on our knees each
night of those plentiful times and tell the Lord that we are thankful for His
provision and ask for forgiveness for the ways we didn’t honor Him. There will
also be times when we can’t get to daily Mass, when our tithe will be in time rather
than money. Hopefully we will get on our knees during those times and tell the
Lord we are thankful for His provision and ask forgiveness for ways we didn’t
honor Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our God loves us in plenty or in want. He loves us not for
what we do or give, but who we are. God doesn’t love us because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we’re good. </i>He loves us because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">HE</i> is good. </span></div>
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</span>Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-40887423175556544542013-03-01T10:04:00.002-08:002013-03-01T10:04:22.678-08:007 quick reasons stay at home moms should leave the house daily <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" height="268" src="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" title="7_quick_takes_sm" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt1"></a><strong>--- 1 ---</strong></div>
Not having left the house today as of 12:50 in the pm, I am reminded of why stay at home moms should leave the house once per day. Costco, the drive thru at McD's or even the place your husband begs you not to enter, Publix. If you stay at home with your children, leave the house for your own reasons, if not for these. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt2"></a><strong>--- 2 ---</strong></div>
*assuming you are a decent human being, which I am, most days*, leaving the house requires brushing of teeth, hair, and wearing of a brassiere. It also requires brushing of at least hair of pine straw headed toddler. For this little outing, you and your family can no longer be mistaken for hobos living in a tent on a commune. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt3"></a><strong>--- 3 ---</strong></div>
Leaving the house increases the chances you will talk to another adult. You can practice using 4 syllable words and expressions other than that made by a monkey and his yellow hatted friend. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt4"></a><strong>--- 4 ---</strong></div>
Leaving home helps you practice legitimate and proper discipline. My friend Rachel has said that on bad days with her kids, she responds to them as if someone else were watching her. When I try this, I am much less likely to threaten to flush MK down the toilet. I've never threatened that. ahem. That said, going out of the house has me practice all the things the "experts" tell you to do. Sometimes it works. Sometimes MK looks at me like "when you are you going to threaten me with that empty goofy sounding threat again." <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt5"></a><strong>--- 5 ---</strong></div>
Exercise. On days when the only walking I do is to wipe a toddler's bum (how many times can the girl poo in one day????), going out requires that I lift two people in and out of carseats and grocery carts. That totally counts as at least half a body bar class at Ladies First Fitness Athens. (out of business since 2004). <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt6"></a><strong>--- 6 ---</strong></div>
Getting out of the house means that I will catch at least 3 stoplights during which time I will apply 4 year old mascara, blush via a lipstick tube, and a quick pinking of the lips. Ross can totally tell when I've done the redlight makeover but it is still miiiiles beyond what he normally gets. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="qt7"></a><strong>--- 7 ---</strong></div>
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Lastly, getting out of ye old casa means that for the duration of time we're gone, my house isn't being destroyed with stickers, crushed goldfish or 200 diapers for 2 naked baby dolls. Any hope of a semi neat home depends on letting the kid trash someone else's home or retail establishment. </div>
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On that note, after nap trip planned to costco for veggie pizza and a big arse bottle of wine. Happy Friday! </div>
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For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div>
Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-16719241150227032012013-02-28T14:17:00.003-08:002013-02-28T14:17:37.606-08:00Livin La Vida BuenaToday I went on a run during Ross's lunch break. Usually my runs involve one of two scenarios. A) a 5:15 wake up to pump followed by a run in the freezing temps with lovely running friends or B (and always less preferable), a run later in the morning with 2 people, one of whom is always crying, whining, asking for snacks, pooping, standing up in the stroller or asking me to sing Bible songs. Well, no offense to the Bible, but when Ross agreed to let me fit a quick couple of miles in during his lunch, I took it. It is a rare day that I run alone and it was nice. <br />
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Running along busy roads on a windy day, I couldn't hear Madonna urging me to pick up the pace so it was just me and my thoughts. Can't bear the suspense of hearing what they were? Lucky day for you :) <br />
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I thought about the good life I lead. I read somewhere that the seeds of discontent start with ingratitude. As I thought about the things I've previously been discontented with, I was able to see more clearly why I needed to be grateful for those very things. <br />
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Example one: we have long prayed for a new job for Ross but the right opportunity has not come. Today I was reminded that this current job is five minutes from home and he comes home for lunch every day. Some days that affords me one less diaper change. Other days, like today, it gets me a solo run in the not freak early hours. I put kids down for nap and ran like it was my last day of freedom on earth. It was wonderful. So while God is remaining mum on the job front, I'll take a post dawn, no kids run and be thankful for his five minute commute.<br />
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Example two. Kind of on the same token, we are hoping to move in the next while. I'd be lying if I didn't say I've been waiting on this day for a long time. I want a little more space and a lot less orange bathroom. But this teeny tiny house is one story and is easy to clean. So easy, in fact, that I can vacuum it in its entirety in about 30 minutes (and that's an "under the furniture, into the corners" kind of vacuum. I can easily do it in less. Ross came home to me vacuuming yesterday and was seriously nearly moved to tears. I'm not sure what's more sad, that he's so excited about the prospect of a well vacuumed home or that the very act of his wife doing more than her usual D+ job of homemaking made him so happy. *side note* he asked why I would be vacuuming (fair question). I said that MK had crushed goldfish on the floor and his derned dog who eats Thomas's spit up from the floor refuses mk's goldfish. I am so waiting to see MK purposely crushing goldfish upon bribe from her father. Anyway- the point it is, it's not a bad life when you can do a decent job of cleaning your entire house in 30 minutes. <br />
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Example three. Dreamboat baby has finally learned to roll over. Naturally that's only in one direction, prompting "rescue me" screams from the turtle himself a few times a night. I'd complain about the waking, but a simple flip back to his belly and a paci in his mouth and he's back out. I cannot complain about that and am really thankful that he goes back down so easily.<br />
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I'd go on and on but it really does amaze me how quickly perspective can change when I shift the focus to gratitute. All of a sudden I see blessings everywhere I look. <br />
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**if you follow me on instagram, sorry for the repeats. So trying to not let instagram replace blogging like the rest of you have :) **<br />
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-31576080550796548162013-02-20T11:42:00.003-08:002013-02-20T11:43:14.271-08:00Lenten ReflectionsThis year, I'm taking part in a Lenten reflection series put on by the FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) team at Georgia Southern. My recent post is below but there are <a href="http://gsulent.blogspot.com/">daily postings</a> until Easter and they are all wonderful. Take a peek for a few minutes of spiritual time today!<br />
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Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">No one ever said that the Christian walk was an easy one. In
fact, many of the great disciples, from St. Paul to Mother Teresa, have
reminded us that choosing to follow Jesus can be a difficult path. Thankfully,
Holy Scripture gives us a roadmap, plenty of do’s and don’ts to help us
navigate our way toward our Savior. Today’s first reading from Leviticus gives
us some of the don’ts. “You shall not
steal. You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">You shall not swear falsely by my name.” </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">This looks pretty straightforward.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">Most of us don’t literally steal, lie or
swear by Him.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">But what if we remember
that </span><i style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">everything</i><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;"> we have is from
Jesus? Are we using the gifts He has loaned us for His glory? If we have extra
money and we believe that this is a provision from Him, isn’t squandering it on
(insert your luxury of choice) a theft? If we have a skill or talent, and we
use our free time watching reality TV, aren’t we stealing that gift from
Him?</span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">How often do we say, “I swear to
God?” Popular reality starlets proudly proclaim “Bible” instead of “I swear.”
It doesn’t seem like much but asking for the clarity to see even the small ways
we offend the Lord can draw us closer to Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">In His mercy, God also gives us suggestions of do’s in
today’s Gospel from Matthew. They are not ways to earn His freely given love
and grace, but ways that help us become more like Him, and become one with
Him. “For I was hungry and you gave me
food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited
me.” Jesus is pretty clear here. Saying “I believe in you” a few times in your
life or going to Mass each Sunday aren’t all that He asks of us. We must resist
the secular pull toward egocentrism, even self-centeredness. Richard Sterns writes in his book, <u>The
Hole in our Gospel,</u> that today’s Christian might re-read that passage from
Matthew 25. It could say</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">For I was hungry, while you had
all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger,
and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed <i>more</i> clothes. I was sick, and you
pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you
said I was getting what I deserved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">The majority of us are good,
loving people. But during these 40 days, how can we stretch ourselves from
being a “good person” to literally being the hands and feet of Jesus in this
broken world? He needs us to put down
the iphone and write a note to our grandmother or call (not text) our mom just
to say hi. He needs us to live the scripture we may so readily quote by caring
for orphans and frustrating roommates alike. He needs us to spend a few minutes
each day praying for people who have no one to pray for them. By acting out the faith we profess, we walk a
path that leads directly into His loving and tender embrace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 115%;">-Keri Ninness</span>Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-14241963378975773432013-02-18T09:47:00.003-08:002013-02-18T09:47:25.668-08:00Cinco MesesTwo weeks ago, our precious boy turned 5 months old. I think it may be his first monthly post and it's late. Sorry, my dear second child, c'est la vie. He may not get a monthly post, but fear not. This boy, my Thomas, is loved beyond measure. My dreamboat baby. A few things about my boy at 5 months old.<br />
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<li>Roughly a whopping 15 lbs and a wee little 23 inches long. Round and short and perfect.</li>
<li>Sports an old man's toupee right on top his sweet little head. Wild, hilarious hair.</li>
<li>Still exclusively breastfed with a few tries with oatmeal. Tongue thrust is still pretty pronounced so we'll wait another month before we press the solid food issue. We did introduce him to those gross baby mum mums but have some fine motor skills to work on.</li>
<li>Little man sleeps on his belly (shhhh) from 8p to 6:30-7:30 depending on the day (or depending on how loud big sister is yelling "get me outta this crib."). Pushing back that bedtime to 7:30 this week. </li>
<li>He is such a smiley boy. Just throwing a glance and a slightly exaggerated "hiii Thomas," guarantees you a huge smile. </li>
<li>He loves his mama's right hip. 99 times out of a 100, you will find our guy on my hip, facing outward, just taking in the world. He rarely prefers to be anywhere else.</li>
<li>That said, I can sometimes get 15 minutes of little man in the exersaucer or on the play mat, less time in the bumbo. Then he is calling for his perch again.</li>
<li>Like his sister (and all other children on earth??), is happy the second we walk outside and quickly soothed by fresh air.</li>
<li>Is a great eater, giving our days much more predictability than those with Mary Kate at this age. </li>
<li>Like Mary Kate, loves his daddy. I do not say that out of obligation but the fact is my kids have a fantastic dad who treasures them, treasures quality time with them and loves them immensely. They feel that and respond to it. </li>
<li>Loves his mama too. Like I said, he smiles at just about anyone but I'll go out on a limb and say that I get them the fastest. Maybe he values his food source, maybe he likes an unshowered, tired looking lady but he does seem to like his old lady. </li>
<li>Is a little fish. Unlike his big sis at that age (sorry for the constant comparisons!), he loves loves his bath. He's ready to graduate from the sink but it's so easy and he loves every minute of the warm water. On rough days, I'll put MK down for a nap and Thomas and I will take a warm bubble bath. He loves it and mama does too. </li>
<li>Has two bottom teeth coming in at the ripe old age of 5 months. No telling how long it will take them to break through but until then we simply have 2 tons of drool covering every shoulder, fist, outfit, etc. Nursing is getting interesting too.</li>
<li>Doesn't love the carseat (as in, hates it) but if we get into the car .2 seconds after a mammoth feeding, he screams less</li>
<li>Praise the Lord, seriously, praise the Lord, He will take a pacifier. It isn't a cure all but buys me time when I need it. It is soooo nice not to BE the pacifier as I was with MK. </li>
<li>Goes down easily for a morning nap, wide awake, as long as he hasn't been up for more than an hour or so. Working on lengthening that nap a bit so he and big sis can nap at the same time in the afternoon. Right now, dreamboat is ready to sleep again by 11 or noon and I'd love to get him to 12:30 or even 1. But I'm not complaining. I know I'm lucky that he will actually nap! </li>
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I know there's more but I just wanted to jot those down before I forgot. I feel like all you mamas of boys have been holding out on a big secret, this intensity of love for a little boy. It is no greater than my love for MK, but is unique, just as I know the love will be for any future babes. I just can't say enough how much I adore this child, even at 4 am or on non-napping days or days where my hit is chaffed from his bottom not moving from it all day. Thomas Perry, you've got my heart little boy (and your dad's and sister's too!) I am so thankful that you are here, happy and healthy and perfect. <br />
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Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914682495245121962.post-61097072803316741892013-02-12T12:05:00.001-08:002013-02-12T12:45:30.330-08:00Powerful Prayers for your HusbandWith Lent beginning tomorrow, I've been thinking and praying about how best to use this holy time. God has <strike>beaten me over the head </strike>told me one major area he'd like for us, He and I, to work on together. I'd lie if I didn't say I was nervous about beginning this season, so confident about the impending failure of this task. But, like my friend Elizabeth reminded me, courage is a quiet whisper saying 'I'll try again tomorrow.' I'm anticipating needing a lot of courage for the do-overs. 40 days of Lent have me thinking I'll need about 40 of those. Anyway, one of the easier, but certainly no less important, commitments I'll make this year was spurred by the Homily at Mass this weekend. Deacon John reminded those of us on a Christian walk that our most important goal is to lead our spouses closer to Jesus. I could write a whole post on all the ways I have done the opposite in our short marriage but agreed with all of the ways He encouraged us to lead our loved ones toward the Cross, most importantly, simply praying for them. I try to remember to pray for Ross and MK and I often say a quick "Help Daddy feel Jesus right now" or "Jesus hear dad's prayers today." I enjoy that with Mary Kate, making praying for her daddy and my husband a part of our day. But outside of the church, there were these beautiful cards, called Powerful Prayers for Your Husband by B.J. Reinhard. It is helping me take praying for Him to a deeper, more specific level. So, in addition to that thing God beat me over the head with, I'll spend this Lent praying for the partner he gave me. <br />
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*I have the original card that I can email as an attachment if any of you want it. <br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"></span></span></span> <span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">by b.J. ReinhaRd </span></span></span><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><u>Peace.</u> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">Lord, as my husband faces another day of challenges, <br />reveal Your deep love to him. Cast out his fears. May your peace <br />rule in his heart. (1 Jn. 4:18; Col. 3:15) </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><u>Strength.</u> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">Thank You, Lord, for daily bearing my husband’s <br />burdens. Remind him that You uphold him—physically, <br />emotionally, and spiritually. Refresh him with a sense of Your <br />presence. (Ps. 68:19; Col. 1:17; Jer. 31:25)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><u>Intimacy with God.</u> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">Lord, remind Ross of Your deep, personal knowledge of him, and assure him that he can pour out his heart to You. May his walk with You be more than an intellectual <br />exercise. Reveal Yourself to him so that he can know and worship You as You are. (Ps. 62:8, 139:1-4; Jer. 9:24; Jn. 14:21) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><u>Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit</u>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">Holy Spirit, thank You that You live in and reveal truth to my husband. Teach him to <br />live in Your power—filled with, motivated by, and in step with <br />You. May he listen to Your voice and follow wherever You lead. <br />(Jn. 16:13-14; Gal. 5:16, 22-25; Is. 30:21) </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><u>Significance</u>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">Lord, show Ross how valuable he is to You. May he know that his true worth comes from You. (Mt. 6:26; Jer. 29:11; Zeph. 3:17) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><u>Success.</u> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">Cultivate in my husband a diligence and desire to do his best for You. Establish the work of his hands, and grant him success. Direct him into roles best suited to his gifts, talents, and personality. (Col. 3:23; Ps. 90:17, 139:13-15) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><u>Finances</u>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">Lord, as my husband provides materially for our family, help him to serve You, not money. Enable him to rest in Your provision. (Mt. 6:24; Gen. 22:14; Phil. 4:19) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><u>Perseverance.</u> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;">Strengthen Ross with faith and patience in the difficulties he faces. Assure him that You are with him and are working all things together for good. (Eph. 3:16-17; Col. 1:11; Ro. 8:28, 38-39) </span></span></span><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><span style="color: #8a0000; font-family: GoldenCockerelInitOrnITC;"><br /> <u>Spiritual protection.</u> <br />
Lord, protect my husband from the temptations he faces today, especially concerning (name specific area of temptation). Teach him to guard what enters <br />his mind, to focus on You, and to resist the enemy by faith. <br />(1 Cor. 10:13; Col. 3:1-2; Jas. 4:7; 1 Jn. 5:4-5) <br />
<u>Sexual purity</u>. <br />
Lord, Satan would twist his God-given desire for sex into something ugly. Prompt him to turn to You for safety and freedom from lust, pornography, sexual fantasies, <br />and inappropriate relationships. Let him find acceptance and satisfaction in You and within the context of our marriage. (Ps. 90:14; Prov. 5:15-20; Heb. 13:4) <br />
<u>Influence.</u> <br />
Thank You, Shepherd, for leading my husband as he interacts with and leads others—at home, at work, and in our church and community. Enable him to set a good example for and love those under his care. (Is. 40:11; Acts 20:28; Titus 2:7-8) <br />
<u>Marriage.</u><br />
Lord, on his own, my husband cannot fulfill Your desire for him to love me as You love the church. But You are love, and You live in him. Teach him how You want to love me through him. (Eph. 5:25; 1 Jn. 4:8; 2 Cor. 4:7) <br />
<u>Vulnerability</u>.<br />
Lord, give Ross the courage to share his innermost thoughts and feelings with me. Grant me grace to listen with acceptance and to share honestly with him. (Prov. 31:10-12; Ro. 15:1-3) <br />
<u>Fatherhood</u>.<br />
Be my husband’s wisdom in the challenges we face as parents. Teach him how to relate to and love our children the way You, our heavenly Father, relate to us. (1 Cor. 1:30; Ps. 103:8-14; Prov. 3:12; Eph. 6:4) <br />
<u>Friends</u>. <br />
Lord, bring my husband friends with whom he can share his joys and struggles—friends who speak frankly with him and remind him of Your love and power. Show him how to be a good friend in return. (Prov. 18:24, 27:6; Eccl. 4:9-12) <br />
<u>Loving others</u>.<br />
Give my husband courage and opportunities to share Your love with others in words and actions. When people frustrate him, help him to respond in humility and peace. When he sins against others or is sinned against, guide him to ask and <br />grant forgiveness. May those who interact with him touch Your <br />light and life. (2 Thess. 2:16-17; Col. 3:12-14; Phil. 2:14-16) <br />
<u>Physical protection</u>. <br />
Keep my husband safe and healthy. Teach him to care for his body, and heal his diseases, especially (name specific ailments). (3 Jn. 1:2; Ps. 103:2-3) <br />
<br /><u>Passion for life</u>. Father, show my husband his true purpose <br />for living, especially in areas that seem mundane. May Paul’s <br />claim, “To live is Christ,” always be true for my husband. <br />(Jn. 4:13-14, 6:35; Phil. 1:21) © 2007 by B.J. Reinhard <br />
To subscribe to Pray!®, call 1-800-691-Pray.<br />For other prayer cards and resources, call 1-800-366-7788. <br /><a href="http://www.praymag.comisbn/">www.praymag.comISBN</a> #1600061583 <br />................ <br />
<br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;">**Be back with original material later this week lest y'all think I simply copy and paste for blog posts :)</span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: AGaramond-Semibold; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: AGaramond-Semibold; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: AGaramond-Semibold; font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: AGaramond-Semibold; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: AGaramond-Semibold; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: AGaramond-Semibold; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span><br />Keri Sullivan Ninnesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07960337260204310755noreply@blogger.com13