Nancy Mae at 1 week old

8 days

NM is already 8 days old today. Yesterday was her due date, but I cannot imagine having to be pregnant for this whole last week! We are adjusting, but are sooo grateful to friends and family. We've been provided with wonderful meals (including my mother in law who called in chinese take out for us, even though she lives in Wisconsin!), and my sister has generously fed us and maintained my sanity. Although she has slipped in to her role as eldest sister:

On my way to Costco on NM's 5th day of life, with JG and EG also in tow, I called to tell Boone something or other. I had to leave a message (because when you both have three children, your communication exists through messages or texts only). I conquered Costco and got back to the car to find I had missed 6 calls and 3 VM from my dear Boonie. Panicked, I did not wait to listen to the messages but called her back immediately, worried that something horrible had happened.

And all I got was a great big lecture about how I shouldn't be going to Costco with all three of my children so soon after having a baby and how DARE I over do it when she is in town and will watch my children and I better go home and rest and not even think about repeating my folly. I feel so loved.

Home Coming

Nancy Mae

We are so proud to welcome our newest addition,

Nancy Mae Flippin

Born January 6, 2010 at 2:02 pm, weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches long. Nearly an eighth of her length is in her freakishly long toes.

Seriously, we couldn't be more pleased! Now, about the name: Nancy Mae means many things to me. First, it means Gracious Spring Growth, which is how I view God's means in bringing about my sanctification. It is often hard or trying, but growth is good and so gracious of our God, so new and refreshing like a newborn baby or springtime. It is kinda surprising every spring that the world can be green and warm again after a long, cold, brown winter! That is my response to how I grow after a trial. My pregnancy with NM was trying and hard, but so gracious and growing at the same time. And look at the outcome of that growth!

Nancy has always been a name that I love. Obviously, my sister Nancy is so dear. She is carefree about life in a way I never could be but I envy. She is an amazing sister, wife and mom. She laughs and makes me laugh in ways no one else can. But beyond the sister named Nancy, the name Nancy represents all three of my amazing sisters who I couldn't imagine life without. Who have always known me and always will, they know my worst character flaws, my quirks, my annoying habits and know first hand how selfish I am (not sharing my legos and stealing birthday presents or having no sympathy for the sister who forgot to bring her shoes to school), and yet. They still seem to love me. I am honored by their love, by their commitment, by their beauty. And since Nancy Mae comes into this world as a sister, it's just fittin'.

Nancy is the name of one of my favorite aunts, and everyone should have an Aunt Nancy like her! Bold and funny and caring. Nancy is such a youthful, feminine name. There are other Nancys in my life who I have been touched by and they are always young for their age, and have a joy for life. So, that is the story behind the naming of Nancy Mae.

Comparisons

JG - October 3, 2006

EG - April 1, 2008

NM - January 6, 2010

New Year. . . Come on New Baby

The New Year is here! Yeah! Our baby is not here yet! Booo!

For those of you who don't know or haven't guessed, I am not a big fan of pregnancy. I wish I could embrace it and be proud of what my body can do. And I actually can almost convince myself to feel that way for about 8 weeks of my pregnancy--right after horrible nausea and just before grotesquely huge belly takes over. This pregnancy has been difficult. Nauseous for the first 19 or 20 weeks, then respite, and now back pain and insomnia for the last two months that has limited my activity. I do NOT like limits to my activity. But, if I walk around a little too much one day, the next day or two I can't put weight on my right leg without horrible pain, so. Enough ranting and raving about pregnancy. At least you get miserable enough to WANT to go through labor! We are so excited to welcome our new baby girl. SOON, Lord, please!

New Year's Resolutions:

1. Don't get pregnant again
2. Definitely avoid pregnancy
3. Have this baby (I always like to include at least one resolution I can't break)
3. Enjoy the great gift of this new baby while continuing to relish my two previous babies!
4. Beach Body for June beach week - Hah! Maybe just buy that slimming suit from Lands End.
5. Strengthen - spirit, mind, body
6. Encourage friends and family more often and more intentionally.
7. The book list. With its usual carry over from last years list. Sigh. I get so distracted.

What are your New Year's Resolutions?