Simply Sara

I was just headed to the shower, when the creepy thunder outside steered me towards the computer. Each clap and bang reminds me that I might not be running errands today. Dreary rainstorms and infants don't mix well. Well, we celebrated our first Christmas with Lucas. He surprised us by showing interest in his gifts as we unwrapped them for him. A special thanks to Grandma, Mimi and Poppey, Uncle Andy, Aunt Melanie and Uncle Walker, and Uncle Brock and Aunt Amy for all of the wonderful gifts, including a RadioFlyer wagon, Johnny Jump Up, LeapPad, clothes and more! We spent Monday recooperating from the busy schedule we've been maintaining during the month. Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, Christmas traveling and a runny nose, all culminate in one tired mommy. Lucas was his cheerful, laughing self through it all, even when we dressed him in a Santa hat and took pictures, lots of pictures. Oh yea, and we survived Ice Storm 2005! Those of you who did not have to endur...

Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture?? 12.13.05 

Hi Daddy! 12.6.05 

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to take Lucas out for a quick run to Michaels where I was sufficiently intimidated by the scrapbooking aisles and awed by the christmas ribbon sale. I stayed too long, leaving me with a cranky baby who was ready to eat. I managed to get home before full blown tears began where I let Annie, our precious pooch, into the house. Immediately I spotted blood under her coat on her back. A brief examination found a large horizontal cut with lots of blood. My first reaction was to panic; Matt was working in Greenville and not due back for several more hours, Lucas was starving and Annie was hurt. A quick prayer helped me to focus and call the vet who said to bring her in immediately. The next call was to my in-laws asking them to watch Lucas. Annie eagerly jumped into the front seat of the car, sliding around on the leather seats. She loves a car ride. Lucas patiently sat in his carseat, a true answer to prayer. Just a mile down the road, I noticed the fu...

I have nothing profound to say. Nothing that would impress anyone. I feel foolish. Swept up in nosalgic thoughts and sounds. Familiar words swirling around me from the computer speakers. Sounds once heard daily, now revived as I brush the dust off. Lyrics and tunes, all which bring me back to a time when life appeared to be so complicated and yet now seems embarassingly simple. I chased so many dreams back then, fervently hoping that someone would see something in me worth holding onto. So pure, so clean. Totally untouched by life's hardship and pain. The reality of grief, fear, doubt, even death seemingly a lifetime away. But the tide did come in. And I was swept up in grief, fear, doubt and death. I learned how to stretch my weak muscles and scramble to survive. I learned to depend on the One for my next breath. Stripped of my pride, my dignity, I had to face the One who is all Truth and Power. The One who gives life and brings death. The One who took my dad yet gave...

I've found the secret to a happy session of tummy time. "Naked tummy time!" It's amazing how a little freedom can make a baby smile! Our little man even rolled over twice yesterday! Front to back. Grandma and I cheered.

I've just gotten back from a "quick" trip to Wal-mart. I think I spent more time in traffic simply trying to get there, then I did in the actual store! Wow, everyone seems to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift buying. I myself have numerous gifts still left to purchase. I've stopped beating myself up for putting it off and have accepted the reality of last minute shopping. My Mom and I spent yesterday traipsing through Old Navy and other stores searching for gifts for my sisters and their hubbies. Lucas has been a trooper through it all. He smiled all the way through Wal-mart, totally oblivious to the frenzied activity whirling around him. Thanfully he was alseep when the driver behind me began yelling and making inappropriote gestures due to the 20 mintue wait to make left turn. One of the things I've learned as a new mom is that sometimes I have to let things go. I start each day with my to-do list and between keeping the house in order and breas...

I've had a hard time writing lately. Life has been busier than usual, but I think it's more of a question of vulnerability on my part. It's much safer keeping my walls up. But here goes... November brought a challenging season into our lives, peppered with the joy of watching Lucas grow and change. Matt and I stepped out on faith with a decision for me to stay home with our boy. Matt left his job of 3 years to join the ranks of Guitar Center. (We are extremely hopeful with this one.) Matt's dear PaPa passed away after meeting Lucas for the first time the week before. I'm branching out into the world of Ebay with hopes of bringing in some extra income. And we journeyed 900 miles in the course of 3 days for Thanksgiving. Our boy was a champion, sleeping during most of the ride and meeting great-aunts and uncles, cousins first and second, all for the first time. Only now as the calm is slowly coming back into our lives do I realize that Christmas is fast upon ...

Mommy, Daddy, Me, Nana, Mimi and Poppey in Iva. 11.27.05 

"My first trip to Florida!" 11.26.05 

"It's not easy being so cute!" 11.13.05 (10 weeks, 2 days) 

In loving memory of Ernest Danner, June 21 1918 - November 14, 2005 

First of all, I can't believe that I'm actually coherent this early in the morning! haha I was just reading through my favorite blogs as I do every morning, when I came across a post by my friend Jennie. She was writing about her baby girl, Kylie, and the fact that Jennie will be going back to work soon. I was really struck by what she said. Even though I am not being faced with the exact challenge as Jennie, I still feel the reality of having to let go of Lucas. The truth is children really do "grow up fast." It amazes me how much Lucas has changed since that amazing day back in September. His physicality is obviously different; he's up almost 4 pounds! But even the small things such as the discovery of his hands, rolling over and supporting his head all point to the fact that my little baby isn't so little anymore. And at times, that makes me really sad. However, I was once told in a conversation with my dear friend, Meg, that there is so much mor...

Tuesday afternoon, Matt and I were playing with Lucas on his Baby Einstein gym when all of a sudden little Lucas Danner rolled over! We had placed him on his tummy, which he was none to pleased about, but in the midst of his grunts of frustrations and jerky movements, the little guy rolled from his front to his back. Matt and I looked at each other in awe and then let Lucas know how proud we were through cheers and kisses! Way to go little man, way to go!

It was a milestone event last week. Lucas had his two month shots. And he didn't like. (Who does?) We took Lucas to see Dr. Treash last Thursday for his 2 month "well child" visit. I felt so thankful that we had not been to the doctor since his 1 month checkup. Here are the stats: weight 11 lbs 9 oz and height 23 inches. He is continuing to maintain in the 50th percentile. After bombarding the doctor with questions (Is he sleeping too much? Can we stop the hiccups?) Lucas as examined and declared perfect! Okay, so maybe the doctor didn't say the actual word, but I know my son is perfect! All kidding aside, Lucas apprears to be growing and developing right on target and we are thrilled about that. Dr. Treash's advice was to keep doing what we are doing and to come back in two months for the next check up. "Yes, sir!" The doctor left to see another patient, so Matt and I simply played with our sweet boy as we awaited the nurse and the shots. The p...

"Oh yeah! I've hit the jackpot!" 

"No!! Don't take the candy away!!!" 

Today has been a quiet day in the Alexander home. Matt is at work and Lucas and I have been chilling at home. Last night was another great night of sleep for Lucas. I feel like I must make it known that I am NOT giving my child cereal to make him sleep, nor any meds. He's just a good sleeper. I say this only because I know that those are things that some parents will do in hopes of making their child sleep through the night. Lucas is 2 months old today. Only two months and yet I can't imagine my life without him. I hope you don't mind all of the pictures I've posted. I know if you have a slow connection it can make things rather painful. I'm thinking about setting up a flicker account so that you can view pictures there instead of on the blog. I'll let you know. Christmas has been on my mind lately. Or more specifically, Christmas gifts. I know it seems early, but this year, I want us to be very creative in our gift-giving. And creativity can take caref...

It's Halloween. I tried to wait as long as possible before buying any candy. You see, I'm a sucker for sweets, so candy in our house doesn't last very long. Tonight, Matt, Lucas and I are passing out Milk Duds, mini Snickers, lollipops, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Or what's left of the peanut butter cups. haha Lucas continually amazes us every day. He is so laid back and happy. We love making him laugh and smile at our silly faces and funny voices. He is routinely sleeping 8-10 hours straight at night and eating about 7 times a day. Matt and I made the official decision last week for me to permanetly stay home with him. I am thrilled to be joining the ranks of the stay-at- home moms. In fact, I'm quite honored. I am looking into opportunities to watch another child or two in my home which will make my day fuller, but fun. I like to think of it as further training for days ahead. (We definately hope to have more than one child in the future.) I stil...

I think we'll take this little pumpkin home with us!  

Lucas and Matt enjoying the pumpkins 

"My very own little pumpkin" 

Look at me!! I'm sittin' with the pumpkins!  

Welcome Fall! 10.26.05 

10.26.05 

Happy Boy! 10.26.05 

Nichole Nordeman, Brave The gate is wide/ The road is paved in moderation/ The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in/ Welcome to the middle ground/ You're safe and sound and / Until now, it's where I've been // Cause it's been fear that ties me down to everything/ But it's been love, your love, that cuts the strings// So long status quo/ I think I just let go/ You make me want to be brave/ The way it always was/ Is no longer good enough/ You make me want to be brave/ Brave, brave // I am small/ And I speak when I'm spoken to/ But I am willing to risk it all/ I say your name/ Just your name and I'm ready to jump/ Even ready to fall....// Why did I take this vow of compromise?/ Why did I try to keep it all inside?// I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame/ Every storm will start with just a drop of rain/ But if you believe in me, that changes eveything// I had lunch with a special friend of mine today, Paula. As we discussed the lessons...

Daddy and Lucas 10-19 

10-17-05 

Lucas woke me up this morning around 5:15. I stumbled out of bed and found him crying in his crib. This is very unusual for Lucas, as he has not woken up during the night in a couple weeks. I fed him and put him back to bed. Thankfully he slept until 10 this morning. And that's when I received a very special gift. I heard him stirring in his crib as he often does, stretching and yawning, making coos and grunts as he tries to start his day. I tiptoed in so not to disturb him and just admired his tiny form. Then I said "hello". His eyes traveled to mine, and seeing me for the first time this morning, his whole face broke out into a smile. And my heart melted. We continued to smile at each other for several minutes until my arms couldn't take it anymore and I picked him up. What a beautiful way to start my day.

Guess what? I'm going to be an Auntie! That's right. My dear oldest sister Amy is expecting her first child in March! Matt and I are so thrilled for Brock and Amy! And they are having a girl! Yay! Shopping for a girl, I'm sure, is going to be so different then shopping for a boy. I love Lucas's clothes. I think he dresses great! But I always notice the adorable and colorful little dresses hanging on a nearby rack as I puruse the classic blue, green, and red outfits made for infant boys. Why can't manufactorers get more creative? I'd like to see more khaki and sage, or even orange and brown. It's moments like these that I wish God had gifted me more in the creative department, so I could stop complaining and make my own clothes. Oh, how "Susie Homemaker" that would be! ha ha I got a great report at my 6 week check up today. Again, I have to give props to Dr. Duniho who has the best bedside manner of any doctor I've ever met. Laid bac...

It's true. Vitamin D is disgusting. Lucas spit most of it out this morning. He even spit on Matt. ha ha Tomorrow we'll try mixing it in his bottle. I'm seeing future visions of green vegetables strewn across the highchair...... and a defiante look of disgust..... oh the joys of toddlerhood...

I've started my day with an expectation in mind, hence the title. This morning, we began our day rather early (Lucas was hungry around 6:30am) and went to see one of our favorite people, Dr. Treash, Lucas's pediatrition for his one month checkup. A quick trip to the scales determined that Lucas now weighs 9 pounds and 10 ounces, an appropriate jump from the last weigh-in at 8 lbs, 13 oz. And he is 21.5 inches long! Just a side note -- It makes me laugh how detailed and excited I am about every ounce Lucas gains -- and I have a similar emotion for every ounce of weight I lose! We were instructed to begin administering the infamous Vitamin D drops to Lucas once a day, since Vitamin D is the one nutrient that does not infiltrate breastmilk. I say infamouse because supposedly the vitamin tastes terrible and Lucas will hate it! I'll let you know how that goes! Overall it was a great visit. Lucas cried most the the time (you would too if you had to sit in just a diaper in ...

We arrived at the new Women's and Children's Hospital around 3:00 Friday morning. Excited and anxious, we walked thru the revolving doors pausing as a contraction raced through my body. A security guard, noticing my discomfort, asked if a wheel chair was needed. I knodded my response, eyes and mouth closed in anguish. Moments later, relaxed and settled into the chair, Matt wheeled me into the elevator. Having previously toured the new facility, Matt knew to push the button marked "2" as the doors closed. The second floor-- the maternity floor. To the right, women from all walks of life were lying in hosptial beds, moniters strapped to their giant bellys as they focus on getting through the next contraction that would bring them one step closer to meeting their children - to the left, a more relaxed environment where mommies and babies were beginning their new lives together. The doors opened and we turned right. We made a quick stop at the front desk where a nu...

Woohoo! October 2 -- what a special day! One month ago, a very special little boy entered our lives. After numerous hours of contractions and 48 minutes of pushing, Lucas Danner came into our world with a heart-wrenching cry and a tender heart. Right now, Lucas is fast asleep enjoying time in his swing, while Matt and I are enjoying a Sunday night movie. I can't help but feel sentimental today. I was reminded tonight after watching a family of adopted children on Extreme Makeover Home Edition just how blessed we really are. I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I will be posting my birth story soon. Well, I think I'm finally ready to share my story. Look for it to begin tomorrow.

It's hard to believe that Lucas will be one month old tomorrow. A month! So much has happened in the past month, and our sweet little boy is growing. Lucas can now focus his eyes on our faces and on objects around 12-18 inches from him. He has even began showing an interest in a little stuffed lamb that sits on his changing table. Matt and I are fascinated by the way Lucas swings his arms about trying to hit the animals hanging above him in his bouncy seat. We've even caught a few smiles! That's right -- Lucas is now starting to smile intentionally at us. And it is beautiful! He is beautiful! Lucas had his first official photo shoot this week. A friend from work came to our home and snapped her camera as we posed inside and outside. I'll try to get some pictures up soon. A dear friend of mine, Kathryn, has been staying with us during her trip to SC. Kat and I were suitemates in college and close friends. She is currently working for Kingdom Building Minisit...

Helping with bathtime 

Snuggle time! (2 weeks old) 

I love my Daddy! 

Cousins! Virginia, Sarah, and Laura Beth (20 days old) 

"Life is good." (19 days old) 

"Mama, did ya have to wake me up with that bright flash??" (18 days old) 

Today is Friday and Lucas is sound asleep in his crip, relaxing after his busy morning visiting Dr. Treash and visiting an Upstate favorite, Mama Penn's. Lucas is three weeks old today. Wow, that is so hard for me to wrap my mind around. We went to the doctor today for a quick weight-check. I had been concerned that Lucas wasn't eating enough at his feedings, so the doctor asked us to come in a week early instead of waiting until 4 weeks. We were all relieved the see that Lucas is gaining weight, in fact he is gaining at the exact rate we were hoping for. So, our little man now weighs 8 pounds and 13 ounces! Our days are simple, filled with feedings and diapers, laundry and dishes. And I love it. It has been an adjustment, going from a fulltime job chasing toddlers, to the simplicity of a newborn. At first, I had this fear that I would "spoil" our son - holding him "too much" or rocking him to sleep, but after some dear friends shared with me their r...

Having fun in my bouncy seat! (11 days old) 

I have to brag. I just can't help it. Let me tell you what my little man did last night. I fed Lucas at 10:00 last night and put him down around 11. Matt and I went to bed soon after and didn't wake up for 5, that's right -- count 'em 5 hours! I then fed Lucas again, put him back into his crib, and he slept for another 5 hours! Thank you Lord, we finally got some sleep! Granted, I am fully aware that this is not normal for a 10 day old baby and babies have a funny way of settling into a routine and switching it up suddenly. But I will take what I can get! Today was a very special day for me. Lucas and I went on our first official outing without Daddy or Grandma along to help! And we were only 15 minutes late! I find that to be quite an accomplishment considering how much stuff a baby travels with and how I am routinely late even without a baby in tow! We spent the afternoon with our friends Meg and Gardner and Becky and Andrew. Seeing our three little boys t...

Happy Birthday Lucas! Today you are 1 week old! And what a week it has been! The whirlwind of life is slowly becoming more familiar as Matt and I are adjusting to life with a newborn! We are estatic to report that Lucas had a wonderful night last night with 4 1/2 hours between one feeding and 5 1/2 hours between the next! Ah, sleep at last for Mommy and Daddy. It has definately been an adjustment only sleeping in spurts. What many of you with out babies don't realize is, the entire feeding process can last around an hour including a couple diaper changes. Which means that Mommy and Daddy slept around 3 hours, than another 4 hours last night. But it's the best so far, so we'll take it! :) This past week has brought so many changes in our lives. I've been riding a rollar coaster of emotions typical of a new mom, and Matt has been my rock. We've been running a tight schedule with Lucas, feeding every 2-3 hours during the day and initially every 3-4 at night....

Welcome to Planet Earth, Lucas Danner Alexander.