(Note, this is BEFORE our boys had their last hair cut. Now you can actually see their faces a bit better.)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
From the Porch
Our good friend Jenny came over a few weeks ago to take some pictures of our family - one last time before we add Lucy to the mix. Here are a few pics from our time together. If you live in Richmond and want someone to take awesome pictures of you and your family, say for Christmas cards or something, let me know and I'll put you in touch with her. She's great :)
(Note, this is BEFORE our boys had their last hair cut. Now you can actually see their faces a bit better.)
(Note, this is BEFORE our boys had their last hair cut. Now you can actually see their faces a bit better.)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
We love Pumpkins!
I was anticipating this day ever since I was put on bed rest - Pumpkin Day. It has been my favorite day in the past - I love fall and everything pumpkin, and to miss out on it seemed unbearable. But God was very good and the day went great. I was a little sad not to go, but it really ended there. It was a joy to send off my three favorite boys (well one is a man, but you know) and to receive them home with MANY fun stories to tell (and Chick Fil A in hand!). I am thankful that God is so good and that He walks us through each and every day. On Sunday we were able carve one of the pumpkins and plant some of the seeds in our back yard. Owen and I are hoping that we'll have a mini-pumpkin patch in our garden next fall...we'll see!
Lucy's pumpkin :)
Lucy's pumpkin :)
Painting
This past weekend, the boys painted some canvases to put in Lucy's room! Here are a few pictures of them hard at work. We'll put up some pictures of her room and the finished paintings at some point in the next 7 weeks!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
From the Couch - The Lord IS my Shepherd!
I haven't had many sad moments in the last few weeks. I have had moments of frustration or restlessness, but not too many sad moments. I am so thankful for that and I really see God's protection in that most of the words I'd use to describe the last 5 weeks include peace, contentment, etc.
Well today was a sad morning. What set me off what Matt getting the boys snack packed for school. It struck part of my heart that misses being a mommy to these boys in the ways that I am used to and love to. I am being a mommy to Lucy in a very tangible and important way, but that means that the way I love my boys has had to change.
I am holding on to the fact that the Lord is my Shepherd today and that He promises that we shall not want - that means we shall not lack. He is leading and guiding us and He will lead us and guide us in the way that is best for us. He is our good and loving shepherd.
I received an email from a dear friend that encouraged me right at this point. I knew that our Wellspring women's Bible study had been looking at Psalm 23 yesterday, and so the concepts from the Psalm were in my mind (I think this would be a good day for me to go do that study myself). She has some words of encouragement from their time in the Word yesterday. I'd like to share it with you so that you too may be encouraged by the Lord being YOUR shepherd wherever you find yourself today...
"I love that you are seeking to trust the Lord as your shepherd. Yesterday our Bible Study spoke about how David learned to trust the Lord as his shepherd. Think of David's up and down life - mountain top experiences, deep valleys - pictured in our lesson from this past week. I think that David continued to look back at his shepherd's care for him - looking in his rear-view mirror at the valleys he had walked through and seeing the presence, goodness and mercy of the Shepherd through those deep, difficult times. And so his faith in the Shepherd grew, bit by bit as he looked back and saw the Shepherd's faithfulness to him. Their relationship grew. David trusted the Shepherd's care more and more....until eventually he could say with confidence...."I shall not fear", and "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!" Those are two very bold statements about David's future, built squarely on the past faithfulness of his Good Shepherd's care for him in David's own personal difficult valleys.
So, today, I'll encourage you as you are experiencing real sadness in the midst of a valley, to look back and see the faithfulness of your Shepherd in those other valleys you have walked through. Notice His presence with you, His comfort, His provisions for you, His refreshment, the way He restored your soul in valleys-past. He will give you hope for today and the future."
Well today was a sad morning. What set me off what Matt getting the boys snack packed for school. It struck part of my heart that misses being a mommy to these boys in the ways that I am used to and love to. I am being a mommy to Lucy in a very tangible and important way, but that means that the way I love my boys has had to change.
I am holding on to the fact that the Lord is my Shepherd today and that He promises that we shall not want - that means we shall not lack. He is leading and guiding us and He will lead us and guide us in the way that is best for us. He is our good and loving shepherd.
I received an email from a dear friend that encouraged me right at this point. I knew that our Wellspring women's Bible study had been looking at Psalm 23 yesterday, and so the concepts from the Psalm were in my mind (I think this would be a good day for me to go do that study myself). She has some words of encouragement from their time in the Word yesterday. I'd like to share it with you so that you too may be encouraged by the Lord being YOUR shepherd wherever you find yourself today...
"I love that you are seeking to trust the Lord as your shepherd. Yesterday our Bible Study spoke about how David learned to trust the Lord as his shepherd. Think of David's up and down life - mountain top experiences, deep valleys - pictured in our lesson from this past week. I think that David continued to look back at his shepherd's care for him - looking in his rear-view mirror at the valleys he had walked through and seeing the presence, goodness and mercy of the Shepherd through those deep, difficult times. And so his faith in the Shepherd grew, bit by bit as he looked back and saw the Shepherd's faithfulness to him. Their relationship grew. David trusted the Shepherd's care more and more....until eventually he could say with confidence...."I shall not fear", and "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!" Those are two very bold statements about David's future, built squarely on the past faithfulness of his Good Shepherd's care for him in David's own personal difficult valleys.
So, today, I'll encourage you as you are experiencing real sadness in the midst of a valley, to look back and see the faithfulness of your Shepherd in those other valleys you have walked through. Notice His presence with you, His comfort, His provisions for you, His refreshment, the way He restored your soul in valleys-past. He will give you hope for today and the future."
From the Couch - Doctors Appointment
I got to see the outside world yesterday for another doctors appointment. It was fun to be out, but not nearly as fun as you'd imagine after being in the house for 2 weeks. Strange I know.
Anyway, we had a great appointment with my doctor who I really love. She is so patient and knowledgeable and helpful. We are 29 weeks along, and the hope is to make it to 37 weeks at which point we'll have a c-section. We have tentatively set that date for December 14. Two things could change that plan: 1) if I start to bleed at any point they will deliver Lucy then to prevent a more serious bleed...thus the need to be on bed rest and 2) if at my next ultrasound (Nov. 5) shows that the placenta has moved to where it "should" be, then we'd reevaluate and go ahead for a normal delivery whenever I went into labor.
SO... you can continue to pray that Lucy Grace would grow and grow and that she'd stay put where she is until 37 weeks or beyond! You can also pray that God would move the location of the placenta so that we don't have to do a c-section. Pray for perseverance and joy in the midst of it all and that we'd trust Him with all of these details.
We've gone ahead and gotten a lot of things ready for her just in case we don't make it to 37 weeks- Matt set up the crib last night, and we're going to do some decorating this weekend, washing the car seat, etc. It's nice to know it will be done and we wont' have to worry about it, but it makes me want to meet her all the more!
Anyway, we had a great appointment with my doctor who I really love. She is so patient and knowledgeable and helpful. We are 29 weeks along, and the hope is to make it to 37 weeks at which point we'll have a c-section. We have tentatively set that date for December 14. Two things could change that plan: 1) if I start to bleed at any point they will deliver Lucy then to prevent a more serious bleed...thus the need to be on bed rest and 2) if at my next ultrasound (Nov. 5) shows that the placenta has moved to where it "should" be, then we'd reevaluate and go ahead for a normal delivery whenever I went into labor.
SO... you can continue to pray that Lucy Grace would grow and grow and that she'd stay put where she is until 37 weeks or beyond! You can also pray that God would move the location of the placenta so that we don't have to do a c-section. Pray for perseverance and joy in the midst of it all and that we'd trust Him with all of these details.
We've gone ahead and gotten a lot of things ready for her just in case we don't make it to 37 weeks- Matt set up the crib last night, and we're going to do some decorating this weekend, washing the car seat, etc. It's nice to know it will be done and we wont' have to worry about it, but it makes me want to meet her all the more!
Friday, October 15, 2010
From the Couch - pictures
Here are a few pictures from our last few weeks on the couch.
Me and the boys enjoying a timely gift from Aunt Becky and Uncle Bryan.
Matt and the boys have been great coffee makers.
Just sweet
Me and the boys enjoying a timely gift from Aunt Becky and Uncle Bryan.
Matt and the boys have been great coffee makers.
Just sweet
Sunday, October 10, 2010
From the Couch - Book Recommendation
Matt started reading a book last night called "All Things for Good" by Thomas Watson (17th century pastor - but easy to read!). I picked it up this morning and started into it as well. I just read an excerpt from the preface and the introduction and find myself highly encouraged and stirred up in my faith. I suggest you pick up a copy HERE.
Here is part of the preface to whet your appetite:
"ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD. (Romans 8:28) To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that ALL things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over."
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Little Girl Purdy has a name!
We wanted to update you and let you know that this sweet little girl has a name! We have decided to name her Lucy Grace Purdy. (Note that her initials are LGP, which also stands for Little Girl Purdy...her first nickname given by her Uncle Brett. So sweet!)
Lucy is loosely based on the character from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. Matt and Owen have been reading these books this summer (they just finished the whole series last week!) and they are such a great picture of Jesus and His people. Lucy is so in love with Aslan and truth and isn't afraid to fight for Him and she is a little sister. CS Lewis is also just a great author and so that is a neat tie too.
For middle names, we have chosen to do family names (Owen MATTHEW, Baxter GILLAN). We are choosing Grace for Lucy which is also our precious niece Megan's middle name. We thought it would be fun for Lucy to have her middle name be from her sweet cousin who loves people so well and who loves Jesus so much.
We can't wait to meet her and see what this little Lucy will be like. We are currently ALMOST 28 weeks along, 4 weeks into bed rest. They are talking about delivering by c-section at 36 or 37 weeks (8ish weeks from now) if nothing develops sooner. I just had an appointment this week that went well. They are very happy with the effect of the bed rest - growing baby, healthy mommy. So we continue to rest and let her grow grow grow! Please pray that she'd keep growing strong and healthy and for our family as we continue to adjust to this new way of living. We have been overall encouraged and very well supported, so we're thankful for that. Though there are also very hard moments.
Lucy is loosely based on the character from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. Matt and Owen have been reading these books this summer (they just finished the whole series last week!) and they are such a great picture of Jesus and His people. Lucy is so in love with Aslan and truth and isn't afraid to fight for Him and she is a little sister. CS Lewis is also just a great author and so that is a neat tie too.
For middle names, we have chosen to do family names (Owen MATTHEW, Baxter GILLAN). We are choosing Grace for Lucy which is also our precious niece Megan's middle name. We thought it would be fun for Lucy to have her middle name be from her sweet cousin who loves people so well and who loves Jesus so much.
We can't wait to meet her and see what this little Lucy will be like. We are currently ALMOST 28 weeks along, 4 weeks into bed rest. They are talking about delivering by c-section at 36 or 37 weeks (8ish weeks from now) if nothing develops sooner. I just had an appointment this week that went well. They are very happy with the effect of the bed rest - growing baby, healthy mommy. So we continue to rest and let her grow grow grow! Please pray that she'd keep growing strong and healthy and for our family as we continue to adjust to this new way of living. We have been overall encouraged and very well supported, so we're thankful for that. Though there are also very hard moments.
From the Couch - Middle Child
I have felt over the last few weeks that our sweet Baxter has taken the brunt of all of this the hardest. He was in a rough spot being 2 1/2 years old before I was put on bedrest, and it seems that it's just been made worse since then. I often feel like I am loving and caring for our little girl at the expense of our middle child. It's hard to see how hard things can be for him and I am often not in a position to help. It's been hard to trust that God is actually caring for Baxter. Matt was encouraged by a friend at church whose wife was on bedrest off and on for TWO YEARS that our boys won't remember these days. That was helpful. You can pray for Baxter to grow in his joy and peace and trust in God and for us as we seek to love him in limited ways. AND most of all that we'd trust the Lord to love and care for all of us in this time. He is good and He is faithful and He is loving and we need to remember that. His goodness and faithfulness and love don't depend on our circumstances. They are true no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in! Isn't that good news?
Here is a picture of the two of us the morning before my bleeding started. It's amazing how much a few hours can change your life! Or at least your year.
Here is a picture of the two of us the morning before my bleeding started. It's amazing how much a few hours can change your life! Or at least your year.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
From the Couch - Amy Carmichael
One of the things I'm doing these days is reading a book by Elisabeth Elliott called "A chance to die." It is about the life of a missionary named Amy Carmichael. It's very neat/challenging to read. Here is an excerpt that I read today. It's written during her first boat ride to Japan where she started her work in missions.
"She wrote to the Keswick friends that she was "peacefully miserable," that is seasick. She paraphrased a hymn: "Peace, perfect peace, though seasick we can sing, For even so we are beneath His wing."
That helped me to see that though we are currently experiencing a type of "sea sickness" that we can still sing praises to Him because we know and trust we are under His wing. That is good news!
"She wrote to the Keswick friends that she was "peacefully miserable," that is seasick. She paraphrased a hymn: "Peace, perfect peace, though seasick we can sing, For even so we are beneath His wing."
That helped me to see that though we are currently experiencing a type of "sea sickness" that we can still sing praises to Him because we know and trust we are under His wing. That is good news!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
From the Couch - helpless and rallying
One of the harder parts of being on bed rest is that I am pretty helpless. From making coffee to helping with the boys I do not have any way to offer my assistance. We have had LOTS of help from my mom and friends which has been a great thing, especially for Matt who is doing most everything these days. BUT, it's still hard. It's hard to hear/watch Baxter have a fit or be sad and not really be able to help. It's hard to watch someone else get you carrot sticks for snack. It's hard to watch someone else take your son to the bathroom.
I need how to appreciate God's care and God's provision instead of just wish that I could be the one doing these things. To see the vast number of ways He is providing for me and for my husband and our boys. And to see that it's worth it. I COULD make coffee, but it's best for my little girl if I don't. I COULD do a lot of other things, but it just isn't worth the risk. What I need to be concerned about is protecting and nourishing our little girl.
Our pastor encouraged Matt with the truth that a family rallies around the "weakest" member of the family in times of struggle. Right now, our "weakest" member is our little girl, and we all need to rally around her! My rallying needs to be from a reclined/trusting/patient/hopeful position on the couch. Matt's rallying is from a busy/cooking/disciplining/trusting/hopeful position at home and church. The boys rallying is a patient/brave/flexible heart in the midst of everything.
(As a side note, God has waited until now to make our dear Owen a brave boy. This week he ate: sweet potato pie, chicken bbq, and chicken cordon blue with out much of an argument. He also went with a friend to a birthday party today without either of us. 2 months ago he would not have done any of that! Thank you God for your timing with our sweet boy!)
I need how to appreciate God's care and God's provision instead of just wish that I could be the one doing these things. To see the vast number of ways He is providing for me and for my husband and our boys. And to see that it's worth it. I COULD make coffee, but it's best for my little girl if I don't. I COULD do a lot of other things, but it just isn't worth the risk. What I need to be concerned about is protecting and nourishing our little girl.
Our pastor encouraged Matt with the truth that a family rallies around the "weakest" member of the family in times of struggle. Right now, our "weakest" member is our little girl, and we all need to rally around her! My rallying needs to be from a reclined/trusting/patient/hopeful position on the couch. Matt's rallying is from a busy/cooking/disciplining/trusting/hopeful position at home and church. The boys rallying is a patient/brave/flexible heart in the midst of everything.
(As a side note, God has waited until now to make our dear Owen a brave boy. This week he ate: sweet potato pie, chicken bbq, and chicken cordon blue with out much of an argument. He also went with a friend to a birthday party today without either of us. 2 months ago he would not have done any of that! Thank you God for your timing with our sweet boy!)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
From the Couch - an outing!
So I got to leave the house today for the first time in a week. It was nice, but very exhausting. I was actually glad to be back on the couch when we got home! Strange!
My outing was to my doctor and to Walgreen's for a flu shot. The doctor said that we were doing the right thing by being so conservative with the bed rest. She said to "stay the course." We will have another ultra sound at 27 or 28 weeks and that will help us know how to proceed from there. Most likely we're on bed rest until delivery on or before 37 weeks. She also helped us know what it's so important to keep this little girl in my tummy as long as we can which helps me know why I am sitting still all day. I am thankful to have more of an idea of the importance of this and another appointment to look forward to. And the flu shot will help me and baby girl which is great.
Matt was feeling a little "direction-less" this afternoon. Nothing needed to get done and so much could be done, but the boys show was almost ending. He was reminded and reminded me that we always have a direction. Wether or not we are sitting on the couch or at work or loving our kids or whatever we are doing. Our direction is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. That brings life and importance and focus to anything we do. What a helpful reminder as I continue on this journey.
As a side note, I also learned how to knit today! Many of you know my mom is an AMAZING knitter (is that what you call it?!), and she gave me a lesson today. Project #1, a wash cloth for baby girl made out of a sweet pink and white yarn. I'll have to post pictures when I'm done with it. If anyone has an easy pattern, please pass it on!
My outing was to my doctor and to Walgreen's for a flu shot. The doctor said that we were doing the right thing by being so conservative with the bed rest. She said to "stay the course." We will have another ultra sound at 27 or 28 weeks and that will help us know how to proceed from there. Most likely we're on bed rest until delivery on or before 37 weeks. She also helped us know what it's so important to keep this little girl in my tummy as long as we can which helps me know why I am sitting still all day. I am thankful to have more of an idea of the importance of this and another appointment to look forward to. And the flu shot will help me and baby girl which is great.
Matt was feeling a little "direction-less" this afternoon. Nothing needed to get done and so much could be done, but the boys show was almost ending. He was reminded and reminded me that we always have a direction. Wether or not we are sitting on the couch or at work or loving our kids or whatever we are doing. Our direction is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. That brings life and importance and focus to anything we do. What a helpful reminder as I continue on this journey.
As a side note, I also learned how to knit today! Many of you know my mom is an AMAZING knitter (is that what you call it?!), and she gave me a lesson today. Project #1, a wash cloth for baby girl made out of a sweet pink and white yarn. I'll have to post pictures when I'm done with it. If anyone has an easy pattern, please pass it on!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
From the Couch - sweet snuggles
One sweet thing that has happened since I have been put on bed rest is the opportunity to have some sweet snuggles with my boys. A friend had mentioned that this would be a great time for that, and I hadn't really thought it would happen since they boys were a bit off the first few days. Last night and this morning I had some really sweet times with Owen.
Last night we snuggled on the couch while Matt put Baxter to sleep. Owen had his arm around my shoulders/neck and we watched some Seeds Family Worship videos about casting your cares on the Lord and not being anxious about anything. It was a blessing to me in many ways!
Then this morning, he sat real close and READ TO ME (mostly) "Fox in Socks" by Dr. Seuss. It was a delight!
So today I'm thankful for those times even though I wish I could be out picking up the van from the shop with my family. Glad God gives us those things to hang on to in the midst of the storm!
Last night we snuggled on the couch while Matt put Baxter to sleep. Owen had his arm around my shoulders/neck and we watched some Seeds Family Worship videos about casting your cares on the Lord and not being anxious about anything. It was a blessing to me in many ways!
Then this morning, he sat real close and READ TO ME (mostly) "Fox in Socks" by Dr. Seuss. It was a delight!
So today I'm thankful for those times even though I wish I could be out picking up the van from the shop with my family. Glad God gives us those things to hang on to in the midst of the storm!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Before the couch
Here are some pictures of apple picking and the boys first days of school...life BFORE the couch.
From the Couch
Well, it's been quite a week here in the Purdy house. On Monday at lunch I started bleeding a lot. We freaked out. We jumped in the car with the boys and drove (like a race car according to owen) to the doctor's office. Found out pretty soon that the baby is ok and that I have a "full" placenta previa. They admitted me for 24 hours to monitor me and the baby. Since I am not in preterm labor and the bleeding stopped, they let me come home. I am on bed rest for an indefinite amount of time. They will deliver at 36 or 37 week by c-section if we make it that long. If I have another bleeding episode that doesn't stop then they will need to deliver then.
So. That is a lot to take in, isn't it? I have to say that peace was very present the first day. Now it's harder. It's hard to sit on the couch all day long and watch Matt and my parents(boy am I thankful for them!) wrangle the boys and do the dishes and fold the laundry and clean up poop from Baxter's room after rest time, ETC. It's hard to feel fine but still have to sit still. You can pray for me to have patience and endurance for what could be 12 1/2 more weeks of this. You can pray that I'd see what I"m doing as very important for our baby girl's health and for my health. You can pray that Matt would have everything he needs to be a daddy/husband/pastor. It's a lot for him!! You can pray for the boys as they come to grips with the limits of having a mommy on bed rest.
Most of all, you can pray that I'd believe that God is good and that He loves me and that He has ordained these days for our good and His glory. That alone will carry us through!
I hope to post thoughts from the couch as time goes on.
So. That is a lot to take in, isn't it? I have to say that peace was very present the first day. Now it's harder. It's hard to sit on the couch all day long and watch Matt and my parents(boy am I thankful for them!) wrangle the boys and do the dishes and fold the laundry and clean up poop from Baxter's room after rest time, ETC. It's hard to feel fine but still have to sit still. You can pray for me to have patience and endurance for what could be 12 1/2 more weeks of this. You can pray that I'd see what I"m doing as very important for our baby girl's health and for my health. You can pray that Matt would have everything he needs to be a daddy/husband/pastor. It's a lot for him!! You can pray for the boys as they come to grips with the limits of having a mommy on bed rest.
Most of all, you can pray that I'd believe that God is good and that He loves me and that He has ordained these days for our good and His glory. That alone will carry us through!
I hope to post thoughts from the couch as time goes on.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
The Clothesline sale
Here are some great finds from shopping a great kids sale in Richmond today (it's on all weekend...www.theclothesline.biz). I was trying to send pics to my mom, and it wasn't working, so now everyone can see them. Notice also that Baxter is officially in the middle child club (he'll need to talk to his Uncle Brett)...I only bought things for O and baby girl. Sorry B, we love you greatly and there are some awesome hand me downs coming your way.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Son House 2010
This weekend, I got to spend 24 hours with ALL eight of the Son House ladies for the first time since my baby shower in 2005 for Owen! Most of us have gotten together yearly or a couple of times a year, but this was the first time we were all there. It was especially sweet to see Jane who lives in Prague with her husband and two little girls serving with Young Life.
Here is our group shot - three of the eight kiddos are present.
Here is a shot that re-enacts one that we took on graduation day 8 years ago. Just a few things have changed!
Here is our group shot - three of the eight kiddos are present.
Here is a shot that re-enacts one that we took on graduation day 8 years ago. Just a few things have changed!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Potty Training!
We have been potty training Baxter this week...it's gone better than I thought, and yet we have a long way to go! Owen was 3 1/2 when he went through this, so he got it in a day. Baxter still doesn't seem to get it, but he's going in the potty and today he stayed dry all day. I'm very proud of him and can't believe we might be diaper free (aside from naps and bedtime) until January! Here are some sweet pictures.
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