Posts from — May 2009

Things could not possibly be going better. My Mom is here practicing all of her “J” tendencies (Myer’s Briggs….a lot of you get what I’m saying) and we are benefiting greatly from her “J-ness”. Our kitchen is cleaner than ever, clothes magically appear washed, and much of our house is neatly packed for our move thanks to her work.

Mandy Hardy Photography

Jared is doing an amazing job as Daddy to our little girl. He is responsible for her at night after I give her one last feeding b/w 11 and 12. I go to bed, and for the past 2 nights, he has been able to keep her happy for 6-7 hours straight before her morning feeding. That’s right. She’s sleeping for 6-7 hours at night! We’re crossing our fingers, hoping it stays that way. I believe it’s God’s grace, allowing me to get the sleep I need without having to give her formula in the middle of the night.

Mandy Hardy Photography

The big brothers are falling more and more in love with her every day. Shea pulled a chair up to where she was sleeping on the couch this morning and just stared at her. Gage has brought numerous friends over to see his baby sister and his face beams with pride as they ooo and ahhh over her. Yesterday, he was talking to her and said, “You let a kid be mean to you. He’ll go home to his daddy with a black eye ’cause no one’s gonna be mean to my baby sister.” He is such a protector.

Mandy Hardy Photography

Bryn had her first doc appt. yesterday and she has already surpassed her birth weight. The doctor was amazed and said that usually doesn’t happen until 2 weeks. So, the girl is getting plenty of milk!

Mandy Hardy Photography

Many of you have asked how we chose her name. Brynda is named after her Gran-Gran (Jared’s Mom), who passed away in 2000. We always knew that if we ever had a girl, we would name her Brynda. We chose her middle name, Shaffer, because that was Brynda’s maiden name. I am so thrilled to be able to use Jared’s Mom’s name for our little girl. I wish so much that I, along with our children could have known her, and this is a special way to remember her daily. I can’t wait to tell Brynda the story of her Gran-Gran and help her understand what a special name she has.

Brynda Shaffer Lee was born on May 24th at 635 AM - She weighed 6 lbs and 13 oz!

More details later…

Posted by Jared

I realize it’s been a while since I last posted.  I’ve been trying to get everything crossed off my list before baby arrives, and then graduation came this past weekend, along with a great visit from family.  So, here’s the update in pictures and words……

Jared graduated Friday night, and this picture was taken with his sister, Robin and family, and my Mom, after church on Sunday.  I made  him put his cap and gown on so we could have a picture with everyone.

Making pizza with cousins, Michael and Tara.

After church on Sunday, we all went to Grant’s Farm.

It was fitting to go to Grant’s Farm on Jared’s graduation weekend, considering his favorite thing to do is relax at the courtyard sipping free beer.  Grant’s Farm has been a favorite of his since we moved here, so we had to get one last visit in.

And, this leads to Gage.  Why does he look so miserable?  Well, after a week of him just not being himself, we finally found out today that he has pneumonia.  The kid has persevered through a crazily busy weekend, trying so hard to be well, when he really wasn’t at all.  We’re so glad to finally know what is wrong with him, and he should be fine in a few days, thanks to antibiotics and rest.

And, on the baby front? We’re waiting.  I’m pleasantly surprised that we made it through finals and graduation.  I didn’t expect us to make it through our visit with Jared’s sister, and am a little disappointed they weren’t here for the big event.  I’ll be 39 weeks on Friday…………….

My Mom has been here since Wednesday, and I’m so amazed at how nice it is to have an extra set of hands around here.  I’m noticing all of the little things like emptied wastebaskets and fresh towels hanging in the bathroom.  Ahhhh…..there’s nothing like a Mama.  Jared’s sister being here was wonderful, too, because they took the kids and had a blast with them.  I’ve barely had to take care of my kids for the past few days!  It’s been so nice having family here.

And, last but not least…………..we know what we’re doing when we leave here now.  Believe it or not, we are moving to Wilmington, NC! We’ve signed a lease on a house and we’re excited about what the future holds for us.  We’ll give a more specific update later….

That’s all for now!  I know it was a long update, but it may be the last one until after baby arrives.  As you think of us, please pray for a quick and safe delivery.  Thanks!