You have GOT to be kidding me....

Okay peeps, remember my last post? The one about my missing crackers. Yeah, well....the food company/people are out to get me again. I'm beginning to think this is nothing short of a conspiracy to completely turn my lunch world upside down. You know how I eat the same thing everyday? (sandwich, crackers, 100 cal pack...sometimes I throw in an apple--to keep the doctor away, of course) Anyway, you are not gonna believe this. Get ready-- I can now no longer find my Keebler Grasshopper Cookies in the 100 calorie pack. Not at Kroger, not at Target. I am on the verge of panic. I realize there are wayyyyy more important things in the world than my daily dose of yummy, minty, crunchy chocolate. But still....it hurts. Plus, I genuinely find it odd that now TWO of my lunchtime staples have disappeared. I can find no plausible explanation other than it must be the end times. If they take away my diet coke.... well, I can't even go there.

Bring them back!!!

I am on a mission. For about four years now, I have been in love. I mean....seriously, the object of my affection has been a daily part of my life. Every morning, I would long for eleven o'clock....that special time when my world would light up at the mere sight of my darling obsession.

I'm talking about Kellogg's All Bran Wheat Crackers in Garlic Herb flavor. My turkey sandwich, crackers, and diet coke make me one happy woman. But for the past several months, they have been MIA. I go to Kroger, and there -among all the HUGE selection of crackers- my favorite is nowhere to be found. I have taken comfort in the fact that Target still carries them. But alas, I can no longer find them at Target. I'm grieving. I have even written Kellogg's a letter expressing my undying love for the fiber-filled, flavorful amazingness. But so far, I have had to settle for Wheat Thins. No offense to Nabisco, but I just don't LOVE them. I only like them. So please.....join me in protesting to Kellogg's, Kroger, Target, and everywhere else....BRING THEM BACK!!!

This is me with my crackers.
This is me without my crackers.

Posted by Corrie....a hopeless fiber lover.

Quickly...

Hey blog readers! I just wanted to do a very short little post today. I have many more planned :) My goal is to become a better blogger. Or at least a more frequent one. But this past month has been kinda crazy. With the debut of Miss Lucy Kate Rucker, we have all been quite busy loving on that precious baby. Can I just say that I adore her? From the moment I saw that little head come out with the enormous amount of black hair, I just fell in love. I never thought I could love another baby so quickly other than my own. But oh, she has just captured her Aunt Coco's heart!

Anyway, as wonderful as little LK is, this post is about another Lucy. I came across this blog through some friends on Facebook and have been keeping up with the precious family's journey as their little five year old was just diagnosed with brain cancer. I want to share the link with you and ask you to fervently pray for them. I don't know them, but my heart aches for little Lucy and her parents. I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through. It sends shivers down my spine to even think about one of my children being in that situation.... so young and fighting for her life. I am going to post the link to her blog, and I hope that you will pray with me for this family. They have been so heavy on my heart. But God is in the business of answering prayers! I am praying for complete healing for this little girl, comfort beyond comprehension for her family, and that God be glorified in sweet Lucy's life. No matter what happens, God is GOOD. I pray they can cling to that hope when everything in them wants to scream otherwise.

Click here to read her story

Long time...

Hi blog readers! It has been forever since I (Corrie) have posted. Somehow life just seems to get in the way of this little blog. But that's okay! I have a lot of things I want to post soon, but I thought I'd just spend this one catching up. Really, there's hasn't been too much happening around here, save the anxious/excited/can-hardly-sleep wait on baby Lucy Kate. I know Anna has shared her thoughts about it all, but I feel the need to give you an update from MY perspective :)

First off, words cannot even begin to describe how excited I am about meeting my niece. I have been wanting to hold this baby before she was even conceived. You can ask Anna, I am bugging the stink out of her with my daily/hourly questions of "has anything changed? Any contractions? Pain?" When I say hourly, unfortunately, that is a pretty literal statement. The anticipation is killing me!! I can't wait to see her and hold her and tell her how much her Aunt Coco loves her! I am going to be one of FIVE amazing aunts, so I am going to have to step up my game so I can be her favorite. haha!....just kidding to all other aunts who might reading this:) I'll just say this- Lucy Kate is going to be one loved baby girl.

Other than meeting Lucy Kate, I am beyond thrilled for Anna and Nathan to experience parenthood. There is nothing in the world that compares to those first few days in the hospital when you just fall head over heels in love with this precious gift. It is just the most incredible time as a family. I loved it, and I can't wait for them to have this special time with their daughter. It's especially wonderful because at the hospital, people wait on you hand and foot. They can take your baby to the nursery for some much needed sleep, people come and dote on you, and the world is just perfect. Then you go home....which brings me to my third point.

As wonderful as motherhood is, there is no denying its difficulty. Especially those first sleep-deprived, exhausting weeks/months. Even getting up with my babies at midnight, I truly cherished those moments. They were so precious and sweet...and so short. And that's what you have to remind yourself of at four a.m. Because you.are.so.tired. I used to pray "Lord, give me the strength to get through this and somehow enjoy it in the process." And He faithfully did. Some of my best memories of Lily and Evie at that age are the times I spent singing, nursing, and rocking them to sleep in the dark, quiet early morning hours. It's wonderful. And hard. And amazing. And enough to make you cry. And thank God for the precious blessing of actually having that baby to rock and hold. And also plead with God to please make this baby stop crying. When it comes down to it, there is nothing better in the world. Those hard moments will be over before you blink, and then you will wake up with a one year old. There are women all over the world who would long for nothing more than to get up and pace the floors with a screaming baby in their arms.

So that is what I am looking forward to the most: Anna (and Nathan) getting to experience the absolute JOY of one of God's sweetest gifts. My advice is to cherish every minute. It goes so fast. And when you are tired and can barely keep your eyes open, just praise God for Lucy Kate. Praise Him for healthy lungs that can scream so loud. Praise Him for her waking up at all hours to eat. It means she's a growing baby girl. Praise Him when you feel you just can't go on another minute....because He will give you what you need to care perfectly for her. Some of my most desperate and heartfelt prayers came after Evie was born. I would be exhausted, and she would be wide awake at three a.m. I knew I would be getting up with a two year old in a matter of hours, and I would think "there's just no way I can do this." But HIS strength is made perfect in my weakness, and somehow, I managed. I would hold her and think - this is LIFE, and I love it.

Last but not least, I would be remiss if I didn't say that I am looking forward to watching Anna change all those diapers, clean up spit-up, chase after a crawling/walking/crazy baby, and all of the other totally unexpected things that go along with motherhood. Because just as most (or all) of first time expectant mothers are, she.doesn't.have.a.clue. I can't wait to sit back and laugh. haha!!:) I'll leave you with a few quotes from Anna to prove my point:

"How hard can it be? If she wakes up, I'll just nurse her and lay her back down. I mean, why would a baby cry for no reason at all?"

" I have thirty newborn diapers, so that should last for a pretty long time."

me- "Anna, those might last four days..."

"WHAT?? Are you kidding me? They go that much?"

Preparing for Lucy Kate

I cannot believe I am 3 short weeks away from meeting my sweet baby girl! There are no words to express how excited I am! I try to describe it like --- it feels like Christmas Eve every day- with the anticipation and excitement you feel on that day (or am I the only adult that still gets that way? haha) But obviously, this is even bigger and better than that!

I'm not going to lie though, the closer it gets, the more nervous I am becoming! Nathan and I are in an unusual situation bringing a child into this world. Here is my long explanation as to why:

Did I ever mention, this incredible blessing was a big surprise for us?? Well, we had intended on waiting to have children until after he graduated. We have moved so much since we got married (for Nathan's school: Hernando, Jackson, MS, Memphis), and we were finally back in the area. This past June, we moved into an adorable apartment in Collierville- we didn't want to try to buy a house on my little teacher's salary, so we decided to move into a one-bedroom apartment until May. THREE weeks after moving in, we found out we were pregnant! I also became very sick... It is hard for me to even think back to this summer. One thing that really started bothering me while I was sick was the smell of our apartment. It didn't so much bother me before because it wasn't a nasty smell. It was just a strong (chemical-like?) smell. However, it did not help my situation at all once I became sick. So often, I would throw up after just breathing in the smell. It was rough, and the thought of living with that smell for a year made me crazy. One weekend, I came up with the idea to spend the night at my parent's house, just to see if it made me feel better. One weekend turned into one week, and one week turned into one month... and so on. Nathan and I, realizing I might never be able to go back to the apartment and tiring of paying rent to a place we weren't using, decided to get out of our lease, haul all of our stuff to storage, and settle in with my parents until May. No, it is not the most ideal situation at all, but luckily, we get along great with my parents, and they are being extremely gracious about us being there. They are even giving us their master bedroom so we will have more space for the baby!

Even though I have come to terms with the fact that my first baby will not have a beautiful nursery until we move into a house (in a few short months:) ), it is still really hard for me. All I want to do is set up her room and everything that goes in it! I am trying to get everything together for her nursery anyway, and that does make me feel a little better. I am having her bedding made. We bought Lucy Kate a beautiful dresser and rocking chair, and I have a sweet bassinet waiting on her. Last night, a dear friend of mine, Hollie, came over and we organized a big closet in my parent's house. Now, I have a pretty big space cleared out to hang all of Lucy Kate's clothes! We are making due here! haha!

Below are some pictures of what we have set up for her so far... they aren't really in any order, and I cannot wait to make her a real nursery!!

Nathan is putting together the swing

Rocker/sleeper that is just waiting for my sweet baby!

LK's stroller. The car seat is already packed in our car!

Picture frame for LK's wall- love it!

Bench for the nursery.. I am currently looking for the perfect fabric for pillows. I am in love with this piece of furniture!

Beautiful hang-thing from my mom for LK's room

LK's bassinet

LK's rocker... I'm having a pillow made for it. The pink toile (on the blanket) is the fabric in her bedding- also being made.

This is Lucy Kate's dresser. It was a bubblegum pink, and I painted it. It is still not completely finished, I still have to age the pink.

Pregnancy Blog!

Well, I decided it was time I do a pregnancy blog. Having been in such a state for almost 7.5 months now, I just feel like I have so much to contribute to the subject!

I feel GREAT now that I am not sick. I really hate to complain about anything now because nothing will compare to those first 5 months. I know I haven't made it to the miserable end yet- but I am convinced there could not be misery so bad as the beginning. So here is my take on this whole pregnancy thing so far--

1. It is hardly fun until around month 5.

Not only because one might be puking all day, every day for the first 5 months, but also because you don't really feel pregnant! I mean, you feel different- for sure- just not pregnant. Instantly, the chest area will grow and be INSANELY sore, probably your face will start breaking out, you are tired even though you've only been up for 2 hours, and your emotions were always on high alert. Other than that, you can't SEE that you are pregnant- you are hardly showing- but definitely looking and feeling fatter. Your regular clothes start to look a little worse on you, but you are no where near needing maternity clothes. And the very worst (now that I know the preciousness of it) is you can't feel your baby move.

2. Welcome month 5!

You feel that little flutter- you probably start wearing maternity clothes- you aren't so sick anymore- you are less tired- you start to see that sweet baby bump- your skin starts improving- you get to find out what you are having- emotions still crazy- but everything is MUCH better! You start to actually look and feel pregnant! And with that comes all the wonderful attention you receive as a pregnant lady. I love this part of it, and I will milk it for all it's worth. It only lasts a short time!

3. Movement is the BEST

Feeling this baby girl move is the best part of my day, everyday. It is definitely a wonderful way I get to bond with her before she makes her appearance into this world. Sometimes, only I can feel it, and sometimes she gives a huge kick that makes me literally laugh out loud every time she does it! I can't help but thank my God every time I feel it. It is a reminder to me of the precious miracle that He has given us.

4. No matter how many times I have to do it, I will never be good at peeing in a cup.

I do need to know-- Am I the only one with this problem?! I mean, you would think that after MONTHS of doing this at every Dr. visit, I could do it like a pro. But nope. Not me. I hate that part of the visit.

5. While I'm on that subject- the nastiest place has to be the obgyn's bathroom.

All I can think of when I am in there is that people are coming in DIRECT contact with their urine every time this bathroom is used. And I doubt everyone is as sanitary as me. Enough said. Yuck.

6. I LOVE hearing that sweet heartbeat.

I look forward to the Dr. visit every month (and now every two weeks!). Her heartbeat is the sweetest sound to me- and I pray for her little heart daily.

7. I've already mentioned it-- but the attention is nice- for the most part.

I enjoy people being extra courteous. I am feeling less and less attractive these days (even though I do have a goal to keep my hair looking good over the next few months), so I love all the sweet comments/compliments. I haven't had any crazy people tell me weird things yet- although I am sure that is coming. I have heard some funny/insane stories from others.

8. Um... My back hurts!

I have some lower back pain like no other! And there is NO relief! I can't seem to pop it. There is a place on my back when I bend over that KILLS. And it just hurts pretty much always. I also don't like having to sleep on my side. I am not normally a side sleeper, and it is the only way I can now. My back hurts, and now my hips hurt from sleeping on them.

9. Surely all this weight gain is from fluid, right?

Seriously though, I am swollen. I'm out of my wedding ring, and my socks leave a WEIRD, huge ring around my legs every night. My cute feet are not as cute anymore. My toes kind of look like sausages. NOT cute!

10. Every day that passes is one day closer to seeing her precious face! This second phase of pregnancy has been fun- but I CANNOT WAIT for the end! Since the beginning, I have been so ready to meet her! If I love her this much already, I can't wait to know the connection we will have when she is here. I also can't wait to see Nathan with his little girl! He is going to be the best!

Last one- I can't wait for my showers!!!!!! I'm all about the baby stuff now!

Five years!?!

Five sweet years ago today, I found out I was going to be a mommy! I cannot believe it has been that long since I first saw those two little pink lines. That moment was such a special time that I will never forget. I squealed, jumped up and down, cried, and rejoiced. And that was just a small glimpse of all the joy that my precious baby would bring to my life. And then I got to experience the excitement again two and half years later! Sometimes when I look at my family, I think "why me, God?" Why did You choose to bless me so richly? I have done nothing to deserve any of it. And yet, I am blessed beyond measure. It is so humbling and overwhelming at times. The first moment I held my babies was such a powerful reminder of how much my heavenly father loves me. When they were born, they had done nothing to "deserve" my love. They were helpless, needed everything from me, and had not much to offer in return. In fact, they had kinda made me quite sick at times for the last nine months. Yet when I held those girls, I loved them more intensely and quickly than I had ever loved anyone. I loved them because they were mine. And to think...God loves me even more than that...just because I am His! Isn't that amazing?


Besides showing me love on a whole new level, being a mom has taught me and changed me more than anything else. It has been such a fun and full five years! (yes, I am counting from the time I found out I was pregnant...) I thought I would share ten things I've learned or discovered about motherhood as I reflect back today.


1. There is pretty much nothing sweeter in the world than rocking a clean, lotioned up baby in their little pajamas. I love singing and rocking my girls nightly. I still rock Lily. She's four. I plan to continue this until high school. Patrick and I have to take turns, or we would argue about it. :)


2. When I first held Lily and Evie, I thought "there is nothing they can ever do that will frustrate me or make me mad" and "I'll never lose my patience with this precious baby." ....um, wrong.


3. If I don't depend upon the Lord, I will lose my patience all.of.the.time. I pray about this a lot. And He gives me many, many chances to work on it ;) Basically, to be the mom I want to be, my focus cannot be on my children. It must be on God. The rest will come naturally. And this is an everyday thing/struggle on which I need to work.


4. My kids poop really doesn't smell as bad as other kids'. I have the weakest stomach ever. So either my gag reflex has been fortified, or my children smell like roses.


5. I know not everyone is cut out to be a stay at home mom, but I really feel like I was born to do it. I love it. I am SO thankful that I am able to, and I love, love spending all day, every day with my children. That's not to say everyday is "wonderful" or even close, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.


6. Having a cookie or a piece of candy will NOT, in fact, kill my children.


7. It's best if their daddy never dresses them unless I lay out the clothes. This has been proven time and time again. He's amazing at just about every aspect of parenting but not this one. :)


8. Having two kids is not double the trouble. It's like...quadruple. Something about going from one to two ROCKED MY WORLD.


9. Just like having two is wayyyy more trouble, it is has been four times the fun. There is no sweeter sound than that of my girls laughing and playing together. Watching them become best friends brings me endless joy!


10. It all goes too fast. Do I really have a four year old? Is my baby really almost two?? It seems like yesterday I was rocking them to sleep....wait, it was yesterday. But you know what I mean. They are little for such a short, short time. I don't want to waste a second of it. I cherish everyday that I get to spend with them. I know a day is coming when they would probably rather be with friends. Until then, I want to live each day to the fullest...just being their mommy. Their playmate. Their teacher. Their friend. Their cuddle-bug. Their boo boo kisser. And yes, even their little booty wiper:) This stage of their life (and of mine) will be over in the blink of an eye.


Thank you, Lord, for trusting me with your two precious little girls. Thank you for the gift of motherhood. Thank you for each day I get to spend with them. I truly love it...