Getting a routine

Yes, it's still summer. All I want to do is enjoy the sunshine, sleep in and read a book. 

But, I have kids and those things don't happen, at least in the way I'm dreaming about. 

One routine that we started just today is potty training Hannah. 

I decided to do it last night. She is *showing* some signs of being ready and it's summer and Keith and Eli were gone all day, etc. 

As we started off the morning I quickly discovered she had no idea what I was trying to get her to do and I had no idea how to go about it. I'm definitely not that mom who has a three step plan for potty training. Eli took forever. 

So my goals for the day were:

Do all in my power to keep Hannah from getting frustrated. 

We both would be encouraged. 

Patience with the process,

And that I would believe in Hannah. 

I will say Hannah exceeded my expectations, especially taking into account that she and I had a hard time communicating, but I think we are definitely on the road to success. 

Now this road may take months but at least we've started. She's a smart girl and even if bribing and prizes don't work for her, I do believe she can be potty trained. 

 

Getting the hang of our new routine will continue to take some time, but the Lord answered my prayer today and encouraged me (hopefully Hannah, too).  I'm so thankful he continues to show me the potential in my girl. 

New to Us

Well, we made it. 

I must admit I've taken almost zero pictures, but here's one of the kiddos on our porch in KY on the last day. 

 

I hope to get one of us on our new porch as soon as I meet someone to take it. 😉

We have met a few neighbors but since we are in the (hot) dog days of summer we rarely see anyone out and about. We have ventured to the neighborhood playground a handful of times and have had the place to ourselves!

Both Keith and I have friends here which is such an encouragement. Some friends we know well and others we haven't connected with in years but it's nice to feel known and wanted. 

We are taking a break from therapy. 

The main reason is Hannah has about 50 days until she turns 3. Early intervention therapy only lasts until the child turns 3. So, we could, in theory, turn in all the paperwork, wait to be assigned a case manager, get her evaluated, wait to be matched with therapists and then only meet with them maybe one time, so I opted against that. 

I think it's best for our family. 

Hannah will start her interviews for her IEP (individual education plan) on September 18. These interviews and evals will determine what services she receives through the public school system and what school she will attend. 

I already know where I want her to go. 

We do have doctors appointments set up between now and then that will hopefully give the school system more info about Hannah. 

And a beach trip, where we will only be in the car 3 hours or less! 

We found the library this morning and our short-lived trip reminded me why we haven't done much of that since Hannah was born. (More on that later). 

But, to focus on the positives, its nice to be in NC. We look forward to all the Lord has planned for our family here and are assured of his goodness in the transition. 

 

 Well, at least I got a pic of one kid on the porch. More to come!

Moving On

 

Ever since Keith and I got married in the Tarheel state, we have always talked about "getting back to NC". 

We had the opportunity to move there before we got married but decided on Austin instead. Looking back, we have no regrets moving to Austin. It was a great city to start a marriage in and where our Eli was born. We both loved living there and found some amazing friends that we still have today! 

We moved to Louisville quickly, for a job and completely felt the Lord's leading.  Eli was only 18 months old. We moved into a house which was much too big for us, but with room to grow.  And grow we did. Louisville gave us 2 more children and sweet early years as a family. However, the complications Hannah was born with hit us from out of no where, as well as a hard work situation for Keith. 

Again, we know the Lord led us here and has provided for all the needs of our family. Big and small. 

So in less than two weeks we complete the circle and move to North Carolina. 

A place we've never lived as a family. And a place I haven't lived in more than 15 years. 

It's exciting to start another adventure. NC has a lot to offer in recreation, schooling and medical services. It will be so nice to be closer to family and in a way start over. 

It's also nerve-racking to think about finding new schools, doctors and starting over. 

We will miss our friends, church family and the countless doctors and therapists who have been with us the last 4 years. 

 

Hannah with 4 of the therapists who have worked her the last 2+ years. 

This move is unlike any I've had before. I'm going back to a place I know, but it will still take some adjustment. I am in charge of helping my kids maneuver the emotions of leaving a place they've grown for their whole life and settle into a place that is foreign. New schools, new church, new doctors, new friends and so much more. It's a big task. 

But with this move, unlike the others, I have the desire to take the bull by the horns and step out of my comfort zone and live bigger. 

I literally have no idea what this means, practically, but I am excited to see how the Lord moves us on this journey. 

Please pray for us as we say goodbye to our Kentucky home over the next 10 days and I will update you next from NC! 

"The LORD will guide you continually,

 giving you water when you are dry 

and restoring your strength. 

You will be like a 

well-watered garden, 

like an ever-flowing spring."

Isaiah 58:11

Suzi turns ONE!

We love you Suzi Faith,

 

When you come into the room you are smiling   

 

You love your sister and your brother. 

 

You had our first family birthday party that was entirely outside! (I finally got a summer baby!)

You were crying when you first got in your high chair, unimpressed by all of the attention.  

But everything changed when you saw (and tasted) the cake!

  

So fun to celebrate with friends who have watched you grow this past year. 

And fun to be silly as a family!

 

 

 

And you had lots of help opening your presents. 

 

Suzi Faith,

You fill our family to the top and we are so thankful to celebrate the first year of your life! 

You are beautiful, thoughtful and so much more that we don't even know yet. 

I pray every day that you and Hannah will be close friends and you will have wisdom beyond your years. 

The Lord created you special and for a purpose and I am so thankful to be along on the journey. 

❤️ you!