Saturday, February 21, 2009

Another Date Night!

Happy Saturday, everyone! Since apparently I wasn't the only one who didn't get the memo about not taking baths post-partum, I decided that after two weeks I was ready to jump in the tub. It's been nice. I also feel the need to clarify that pregnant women are allowed to take baths, but you're not supposed to get the water too hot. Or maybe you get it hot anyway and just feel bad about it.

Yesterday was a big day for us. Jackson had his three year checkup and Annabeth had her two week checkup at 8:30 a.m. If you're thinking that was a little ambitious so early in the morning, you're right! When we were walking out the door, Curtis decided to tell me he thought he was going to throw up. Awesome! I was a little ticked, although that was ridiculous because he couldn't really help it now, could he? I told him to go back inside but he didn't listen. He said, "You cannot do this by yourself." I knew he was right. So off we went and we were even on time! Annabeth is now 7 pounds 2 ounces and 20 1/4 inches. (She's the same size as Jackson on the day he was born.) I was thrilled to find out that she had gained a pound in just two weeks. Way to go, sister! She is in the 10-20% for height and weight. Jackson is currently in the 80-90% for height and weight. When I was expecting him, Susan Kirby prayed for him to be "hardy" and the Lord surely did answer that prayer. (Which is why I was so pumped when she prayed for Annabeth to be a "peaceful presence" in our home.) I was extremely thankful that my boy didn't have to get any shots. Annabeth had one shot and her second newborn screening heel prick. Bless her heart.

After the appointment, we went back home and Curt got his sick self in bed. (After a nap he felt much better and never did get sick.) A friend from Sunday school dropped dinner by and that was so nice. (If you're not active in a church, you're really missing a blessing.) Soon it was time for me to take Annabeth to another appointment. This time we had to go to the hospital for her to have an ultrasound on her hip. The first doctor who saw her in the hospital after she was born noticed a hip click - whatever that is. Her pedi never noticed it, so I wasn't too worried about it. In fact, I never looked it up on the internet or asked what it meant. I'm glad I didn't borrow trouble because the ultrasound showed that her hips looked great. Praise God!

We dropped the little ones off at my parents' house a few hours later and headed to see the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Let me preface this by saying that it is very, very rare for us to see an R-rated movie. Curtis did a lot of research on this one and we decided it was something we wanted to see. It's about three little orphans - two brothers and a little girl - who grow up in the slums of Mumbai, India. At the age of 18, one of them makes it onto Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and is on the brink of winning it all. The police arrest him because they believe he's cheating. The movie takes you through each question he's faced with on the program and shows the circumstance that caused him to know the answer.

I missed the first 10 minutes because I was getting popcorn, but I was glad because the movie opens with a torture scene. This was not really a popcorn kind of movie. The brutality of life for these orphans was extremely difficult for me to watch. It's hard knowing that these kinds of things really happen. At one point I looked at Curtis and said, "I cannot watch this. I have to leave." Since he already knew everything about the movie, he knew the worst was over and encouraged me to stay. I'm glad I did because it was a very impactful movie. Slumdog Millionaire has been nominated for 10 Oscars and it's not hard to see why.

As you know, Curtis went to India last fall to see how we could partner with an organization called CharAsia. CharAsia takes in the children of prostitutes and gives them a safe place to live, be educated, and learn about Jesus. They literally save these kids (mostly girls) from being entrapped in prostitution themselves. Throughout the movie, Curtis kept saying, "I saw that!" and "I was standing right there!" He and Jerrell actually saw the slum that this movie was set in. I'm so thankful that I got a glimpse of that world. I cannot get those children off my mind. Lord, help me to pray for them daily and do what I can to help.

After the movie we picked up Annabeth from my parents' house. Jackson spent the night there, which he was thrilled about, so that we could get a little more sleep in the morning. What a blessing. On the way to their house he told Curtis and I not to walk him in the door. "You stay here, Mommy. You stay here, Daddy. You not come in." He just wanted us to let him out of the car and knock on the door by himself. Wow. This morning when they were bringing him home, he told my parents that his name was not Jackson Jones. His name was Little Boy and he could not go home to Jackson Jones' house. He is such a turkey.

Even though this post is already incredibly long, I have to say that I am loving being so close to my parents right now. My mom and Curtis keep commenting on how much better my attitude is than it was when Jackson was born. Praise God for that! There are a handful of things I can attribute that to, and one major one is being just 15 minutes away from my mom and dad this time. They have gone out of their way to help us with everything from bringing us food, taking me to run errands, babysitting at our house, babysitting at their house, to just keeping me company when I'm getting cabin fever. Mom always said throughout my pregnancy, "You have only begun to love me. Wait til you have that baby!" She was so right! Thanks, Mom and Dad!

44 comments:

Fran said...

I'm so glad that sweet Annabeths hip is ok. My second son was born with a broken collar bone and we didn't find it out until his 2 week ck up. YIKES!

I think Jackson is growing so fast. He's becoming an independent little thing huh?! ;)

So glad all is well. Praying for you.
Hugs,
Fran

Toknowhim said...

You are right about having your parents close...it is a blessing. At this season of our lives we live apart and I miss them at times very much...

Blessings Amanda...sounds like you are doing great :)

Beth Herring said...

I am so glad you have your parents close by. My children have been equally as blessed and we keep our sweet granbabies alot! I am a young Nana (46) and already have 4 grandyoungins and another coming in about 6 weeks. My husband is a pastor and he is going to India in AUgust. I think it is called Naugaland or something. Please be in prayer for him.

I love that I found your blog. Now - I am off to study for my "esther" class tomorrow. You know anything about that?? haha

In Him,
Beth

debra parker said...

I have not seen this movie but I am so interested in it...

Shannon said...

Your mom is right...you will love and appreciate living close to them through every phase your kids go through. My husband and I have 4 children, and we were only fortunate enough to live close to my parents when our third child (our only daughter) was born. We lived close to his parents when our older two boys were born, and as much as I LOVE my in-laws, there's just something about being close to your own mama. We lived in Texas at that time, serving in a church in North Texas, and my mom only lived about thirty minutes away. When our last son was born, we had moved to serve in a church in middle Tennessee. Having my mom twelve hours away was hard. Although she came for about two weeks when our boy was born, I think I cried for weeks after she left. Cherish every moment raising your children close to your parents, and their grandparents. My husband and I know we are right where God wants us, but we miss being close to family. We have always wanted to raise our children close to our families, but since we don't it just helps us talk about them constantly with the kids so they feel like they know them better when they do get to spend time with them.

R said...

amen on belonging to a church and all the blessings that come along with it!

Moose Mama said...

I dare say that as much as you love being close to your mom and dad....That they love it even more!

So glad things were ok with Annabeth's hip. Lord, you are good!

Blessings to your family, Amanda.

Melana in Wyoming

Missy said...

The quote from your mom just made me cry! My mom and I have always been close, but this pregnancy has caused many more emotional ties with her on my part. I can't even imagine what it will be like when this little girl gets here and she shares in the journey...

CAROL LIVIN FOR GOD said...

PRAISE THE LORD FOR YOUR PARENTS YOUR MOM I KNOW IS THANKFUL THAT YOU ALL ARE RIGHT THERE TO AND THANK THE LORD FOR LITTLE SEISTA HIP BEING OKAY.GLAD YOU ALL ARE DOING OKAY AND THAT YOU ALL GOT TO HAVE A DATE NIGHT I AM SURE YOUR MOM LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF BEING WITH HER GRAND KIDS.HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND AGAIN THANKS FOR SHARING WITH US SEISTA'S. LOVE AND BIG HUGS TO THE JONES AND THE MOORES LOVE YOU ALL CAROL ALBUQUERQUE NM

katiegfromtennessee said...

A super packed post, Little Momma, let's see...That movie does sound like an eye-opening movie; I'm not sure if I could handle watching it though. I do want to somehow help people who have been exposed to a life like that to get help and healing. They have to, or they will not make it. I can see why Curtis has a burden for that part of the world. For any child who has come from a background like that...That's good that you are doing well after having baby num 2! I have been praying for you-no post partum anything depressing!!! Nooo, NO. The Lord provided for you some family this time:)

Love in HIM and ((HUGS)),

katiegfromtennessee

Mary H. said...

I was wondering what the movie was about. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

As for doctor's appointments...I am so thankful that my husband went with me to most of them. My daughter is almost ten and if she has to get a shot...she is terrible!!!!

There is nothing like having your mom close to you!

Have a good rest of the weekend.

JottinMama said...

This kinda makes me wish that my parents lived closer than 1200 miles away! Us Mommy's need all the help we can get! What a blessing that yours are only 15 minutes from you....such a gift :)

Glad all is well!

Blessings and Prayers,
Kate :)

Tara said...

Amanda,

I am so glad that you get to live close to your parents! My mom and Dad are actually just 2 doors down from us, and I wouldn't trade it for the world! I think it definitely helps our attitudes to have our Mamas near by... They know what we are going through and they help so much!!!!

And praise the Lord for how much Annabeth has grown and that her hips are okay. God is good!

Thanks for the movie tip too- We love going to see movies, but rarely go to the R-rated ones just because of all the "trash" that normally are in them. We definitely have to check this one out though!

Have a great night! Thanks for sharing your life with us siestas!

Love,
Tara

Unknown said...

I LOVE that you said "no sense in borrowing trouble"--- I have a 2 month old, "Annabelle" and I have gotten myself all worked up over nothing by google-ing and "researching" aka "borrowing trouble"! So glad you're trusting God so freely and that Annabeth's hip was perfect!
I'm also glad you recapped the movie-- we've heard so much about it in the news and had no idea what it was about... I'd been wondering!
We also live close to my parents, who like yours are "active" grandparents--- thank the Lord for that and for them!
So glad you are adjusting to life with 2 so easy! I always enjoy your posts!
~annie~

Amy said...

It is so wonderful to have the parents close by. I didn't with my first and it was really tough, especially with serious health issues (and a case of postpartum). I'm glad that all is progressing well!

Mary said...

Oh girl I hear you on two fronts: living close to your momma makes a huge difference in my newborn fog too. And Slumdog Millionaire was very hard to watch but a great movie! I had a rough time watching it for most of the time but was so glad I did once it got near/to the end. I kept saying to my husband, "All of these people just lied and tortured him and he never turned to the other side..." It was a reminder of how we are supposed to respond to troublesome people but it's so hard to do!! I'd have fallen off the deep end long before that kid :)

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

I feel exactly the same way about living near my parents. They are a gift and bless me every single day. Now that my dad is retired, he's around more and the girls are helping him with building his train layout, and he's even come to seminary with me to see what I'm up to at school.

I love my parents!

Joanne

Laura said...

I have to admit that when I read your blog I was so jealous. I'm so happy for you that you have such support. My husband and I moved to our current home 13 days before my daughter was born (7 weeks premature). We are not only active in a church here, but we live across the street from it, and my husband is the pastor. Our daughter is our first born and we live a 10 hour drive away from any family. Our church never brought over a single meal. Never called me to ask me if I needed anything. Nothing. I'm 34 weeks pregnant with my second child. I have no idea how in the world I will handle having two with no support close by. Thankfully, I am now part of a MOPS group, but sadly the group isn't in my town (my town is very small). The group is a half hour away. To me, this doesn't seem bad because anytime I want to go to a Target or a Wal-mart that carries anything but the basics, I have to go to that town. But I've been told by most of the women in MOPS that my house is too far away for them to come for playdates, so if we meet up it is always at their houses or parks in their town. So I'm expecting no help and am terrified. I can't wait to move and hope that it happens soon, although there is no reason for me to think that it will. I am so glad that you have people to care about you and for you. I am so glad that you have such a caring church.

Heather said...

I am sitting over here in tears cause I miss my mama so! We just moved here to the Houston area from TN, and I am so homesick! (we spoke through e-mail a while back)
It is such a blessing to have family close by, and I never counted my blessings enough. I miss them being able to see the kids and hope one day that the Lord will take us back. Thanks for sharing about the movie, I haven't been to see a movie in ages (especially with no baby-sitters), so I will have to rent it! glad to hear that you are doing well with 2 kids!

Rhonda said...

Sounds like ya'll are getting back in the swing of things. It is most definitely a blessing to have mom close by. My sister did not want her to leave when she had her son.

lori said...

I love this post.

Slumdog millionare is by far one of the most life changing movies ever. In an interview I found out that the three kids in the begining were actully form that slum and now with the movie making so much money they have accounts set up so they can go to school and change their stars..

Marla Taviano said...

Bless you for sharing that about the movie. I had no idea what it was about and had no desire to see it. You've changed my heart.

A friend from church brought us a meal today for no reason whatsoever. None. "I JUST WANT TO BLESS YOU," she said. Oh, my goodness. I feel blessed all the way down to my toes.

I love what your mama said. I feel all warm inside that you have such love and support. My parents are an hour away, but they love on us too! Blessed.

Love you, girl!

Unknown said...

slumdog millionaire was so intense.
i was regretting during the first half of it that we chose such a stressful movie on a date night. i had to put my fingers in my ears and turn my head for parts of it.
i can't handle violence, especially when i know it is violence based on real things...and especially when children are involved.

BUT- i'm so glad i saw the movie, because it is also a beautiful love story...and somehow has a redeeming ending! totally AMAZING movie.
incredible acting.
my husband and i walked away totally inspired.
it really is a must see.

we have friends who work with International Justice Mission (IJM) that work to rescue and care for young girls in India held in prostitution.
awesome ministry.
sounds very much like CharAsia...

and look for all the young actors from the movie at the Oscars show...i read they are attending.
i'm totally rooting for them:)

lori said...

here is (one of) the slumdog interview about the kids

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_kGLl2v2y8

Anonymous said...

I have read all about Slumdog Millionaire and would like to see it when it comes out on dvd.

I was blessed to have family around both times I had my kids. It's such a comfort!!!

lavonda said...

Such a sweet post. I wish I had written all of these things down way back when.

I'm so happy for you!

Katy said...

This is my first time commenting. I read your blog, all the time and love your writings. So honest and real. That's what we want.

I could relate with your last paragraph, being happier the second time around. 1st time, sold house, building house and living with inlaws and great grandma for 18 months. I was pregnant when we moved in, gave birth 3 months later, and lived there until my child was 14 months. Second child, pregnant in my new house, birthed child in the summer. Much happier Mama.

I think first time around we know so little and we are so reactive to each cry and whimper. Second time around we are much calmer.

Glad you are doing well.

Love the name, Annabeth. So sweet.

Katy

Beth said...

Believe me when I tell you, the blessing is OURS. Your family being so close brings such riches to our lives that I hardly know how to thank God enough. We love you, Curtis, Annabeth and Little Boy more than a mouth can express.

petrii said...

Amanda,
How nice that your parents are close. What a HUGE Blessing for you and Curtis. I wanted to see SDM, but we don't see R-rated movies either. Thank you for the preview, because I am rooting on the little movie that could for the Oscars tonight =)

Have a Blessed evening,
Dawn

bethany said...

That movie sounds very interesting. Thanks for the information on it...think I will try to go see it.
My heart just breaks for the numerous children in the world who suffer so.
Sounds like Little Mister and Sweet Princess are doing well! I did not realize that children get shots so soon (annabeth at 2wks). There is always controversy about the whole shot issue with kids who develop autism...I get asked all the time if I think that they are a cause of autism (which I don't but don't deny that there MIGHT be a relation somehow). Glad Jackson did not have to get any!
Your mom and dad are so awesome! They are probably enjoying this time with the kiddos just as much as you appreciate it!

bethany said...

Amanda,
This little message is for Laura. I tried to get a link to her blog but there was none. I'm sorry to go through your blog for this but just could not let it pass without letting this sister know that she is cared for and is being prayed for.

Laura,
I am so sorry that you've had that experience with your church! The body of Christ is NOT supposed to be that way. I wish that I were there by you because I would so come visit you! You need fellowship girlfriend. Keep going to the MOPS group and pray for God to open up ways for the fellowship and companionship that you desire. I am praying for you sweet sister, for your husband, your sweet little ones, and the church.
Stay strong in the Lord girl!
Much love,
Bethany in Ca.

Nancy Mon said...

Hey Amanda,
Maybe Pamela has a son named Little Boy. Just a thought.


My Sunday School class is very involved with Char Asia. So Slumdog took on new meaning when I saw it.

Kiki said...

Jackson is fiesty. A sweet fiesty.

I'm so glad your adjustment to mommy of two is going so well!

Janelle and Ella said...

I have SO much to comment about on this post, I should just write you an email Friend!

First, I have not seen Slumdog Millionaire yet but I have seen them in interviews and totally thought of Curtis and that ministry! Now I definitely can't wait to see it. Let's see how much they win tonight.

Second, my heart skipped when I read that Annabeth had to have an ultrasound on her hip! So glad that everything is OKAY!

Third, this should be an email, but I am SO HAPPY for you that you are 15 min. from your parents, the exact amount of minutes I am away from my parents. As sad as I am that you are no longer 15 min. away from ME, I am so glad that you are that close to your mommy and daddy. What a difference it makes!!!

Forth, I love you and am missing you!!!!

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Amanda,
One of my very best friends (and pastor hubby)has recently moved "somewhere" in India. They are not allowed to say where for security reasons. I'd love to send you her latest email...I think you'd be interested in it a lot after reading about the movieyou saw. I am not at liberty to post it here though. If you'd like me to share it with you please send me a note here:
mawh53@yahoo.com

God bless,
Marilyn

Andreea said...

Love this post! I am glad that the little princess is fine. :) That's hilarious about Jackson wanting to be named Little Boy. When I was little,my grandma used to call me Little Girl, and I used to tell her I was "Mama's little girl" so my mom was the only one who could call me Little Girl. :) Have a great week!

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

"You've only begun to love me.." Girl, you are incredibly, incredibly blessed. I can not imagine how much less stressed I would have been all these years had I a mom who was this uber-involved in the raising of my kids! {Don't take that as mom bashing - I love her! Just stating fact...}

Alice said...

Charasia is such a wonderful organization. If you go on their website (you probably already know this!) you can print out a prayer calendar. Each day has a little girl's picture on it, her favorite verse, a prayer request, and what her career ambition is. We keep ours on our fridge, and I try to pray for one of these girls each time I remember it.

Angela said...

Amanda, A friend just introduced me to your blog, and it's been so much fun. You are so blessed to have your parents close by. I know several have mentioned that, but it is so true. I have a one year old little boy, and my grandmother (who raised me from birth) was in heaven for this pregnancy and birth. I have missed her every step of the way, and I think more than anything just want to hear her say, "You're doing a good job." That mother confirmation means so much! I love seeing moms and daughters doing life so close together.

Angela Slaughter
Springdale, AR

Dionna said...

You are indeed blessed to be so close to your parents. When I had my first daughter, we lived 3 1/2 hours away from my parents. My second daughter? 9 hours! We have always mustered through on our own. It's tough. Sometimes I envy people who have all this family to help because I've never experienced that. But then again, those days do go by so quickly anyways, I'm thankful I got to do most of it myself.

Allison said...

What a blessing....for sure! I am sure your mom brings your attitude up and she reminds you of all the good if you slip!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

The pediatrician heart a hip click on Clara on Friday, but then never heard it again. Hmm, must be pretty common.

I'm so glad y'all got out! We REALLY want to see that movie too. We have heard so many great things about it.

Natalie Witcher said...

Well, I haven't been over here in a while and so:
1. Blog is precious.
2. Love that you have a girl. I have THREE!!
3. HI.

:)

Bobbie said...

You are definitely blessed to be so close to your Mom & Dad! But I agree with Beth, it's an enormous blessing for them having you so close! Our daughter and her family live in So. Cal. (way too far from Texas!) She calls ever so often and says "I wish we could come over for dinner tonight"! Wow, do you know how BAD I want to cook dinner for them or run the girls to one of their activities.

I know you realize all this! But enjoy those dinners and hugs when you need them!

And Amanda, trust me when I say that Jackson will be very proud of being Jackson Jones and your son when he's older!!! That independance may stick around forever, but he'll always be "your" boy!!

Hugs to all of you!
Gig'em & God Bless