4 months old

Miss Maya is 4 months old already! She is such a sweet, smiley, little snuggle bug. She loves watching her big sisters, being held, and going for walks in the stroller. We are so blessed to have her in our lives.

4 month milestones:
~Laughs
~babbles
~Usually wakes up around 2:30 and 5 AM to eat.
~bats at toys
~Almost rolls over from back to tummy
~Weighs around 12 pounds

Reece's Rainbow

Reece's Rainbow is an amazing organization that helps find homes for orphans with Down Syndrome and other disabilities.

I have specifically prayed and advocated for 4 orphans over the past few years, and I am so happy that each one has found a forever family!

1. Trenton

I signed up as Trenton's advocate for the annual Angel Tree program on Reece's Rainbow. In 2011 Trenton was adopted along with 2 other orphans on RR (Reece's Rainbow)!

2. Gage

Gage is a little boy who was at risk of being sent to a mental institution (a common practice in Eastern Europe orphanages once a disabled child turns 4-5 years of age). Thank God a family for Gage came forward in time. The DeVowe family adopted Gage in 2011.

3. Lorie

Lorie was born with a spinal hernia and CP, leaving her with weak muscles and limbs.  Like Gage, she was at significant risk of being sent to an institution. Her forever family is in the process of adopting Lorie and 2 other little girls. Follow their adoption journey here.

4. Delilah

                                                             2 years ago

                                                           A more recent picture

Sweet Delilah was the first orphan on RR that I started praying and donating to 2 years ago.  She is the same age as my Olivia, older only by a day. For 2 years I have prayed for a family for Delilah. I  was SO happy when I saw her on the "My Family Found Me" page on Reece's Rainbow!

Now, I have signed up to be a "Guardian Angel" for Isabella.

I was lucky enough to get a couple extra photos of Isabella from a woman who was at her orphanage.
Isabella will be 3 years old in October, and has Endocardial Fibroelastosis, and Rectovaginal Fistula.

From a family who met her:
"I’ve seen her twice now and each time she is being ignored … Apparently they feel that whatever she has is contagious … She is a love. She is scared of strangers but this is because she was in the hospital for many months during her surgery time and didn’t get any kind of stimulation. She self stims by rocking back and forth and pulling her hair." :( 

As Isabella's Guardian Angel I will pray, advocate, and donate to her adoption grant. The grant will help the family who decides to adopt her with the expensive adoption fees.  If you feel led, please add Isabella to your prayer list too.

Sensory play

My kids love some good old fashion sensory play. My 3 year old is a sensory-seeker, so getting her hands dirty is actually good for her.  Here are a few of our favorite sensory activities:

Spaghetti Painting:

                                                 Oobleck

Oobleck Recipe:

2 cups of corn starch

1 Cup of water (mix in slowly)

2-3 drops of food coloring (optional)

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

                                                                  

Rice sensory Bin: add spoons, cups and toys

Colored ice cubes

Rainbow Rice Bin: add spoons, shovels and little toys for the kiddos to find.

                                                          Rainbow Rice: 
 Put rice in a Ziploc bag and add 2 TBS of rubbing alcohol and several drops of food coloring. Shake the bag to mix the color. Spread the rice on a cookie sheet to dry.

Catching up on baby posts

I have been seriously slacking with posting pictures of little Maya. Here's a catch up post of the last 3 months.

Happy 3rd Birthday Olivia

I've been meaning to write this post for months now!

 

 

I can't believe you are 3 year old already! You are officially a big girl now! You are spunky and sassy, but you have a very sweet side too. You are the best snuggle buddy at bedtime, and I adore your love for books (just like your mama). You are definitely a fashion diva and have an obsession with shoes and nail polish! We just love having you as a part of our family. <3

 

I asked you what a few of your favorites are:

Color: green

Animal: monkey

Book: 5 Little Monkies Jumping on the Bed

Food: cookies

Best friend: Brianna

Cartoon: caillou

Favorite outside activity: eat ice cream and blow bubbles

Favorite thing to do with mommy: go outside

Favorite thing to do with daddy: play with him

Favorite thing to do with Bri: paint

Welcome Maya Lee

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36 Weeks

Olivia talking to the baby (35 weeks)

I think it's about time I write a bit about this pregnancy.

I've had a harder time this pregnancy than with my previous 2. With Brianna, I didn't get sick at all, Olivia I had morning sickness until I was 12 weeks along, and this pregnancy I was until about 15-16 weeks. I was pretty miserable. Then the baby was in a weird position for several months that caused lots of back pain and braxton Hicks. Luckily, since the baby flipped head down I have been feeling so much better.

I also developed Gestational Diabetes with this pregnancy. So, my diet has completely changed (for the better). I have to smaller meals with lots of protein and very little carbs and sugar. I've been feeling great since starting the diet. I have more energy, and I even lost a few pounds. I hope I can keep up with this diet once the baby comes.

Some random pregnancy tidbits:

Cravings: Red meat, avocados

Name ideas: Mason for a boy, most likely Maya for a girl

Weight gain: about 25 pounds so far

Favorite part about being pregnant: Feeling the baby move, watching my girls get excited for the baby.

Least favorite thing about being pregnant: Insomnia