Christmas Candids

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! The boys had a ball decorating the house and really enjoyed our advent calendar and turning on the outside lights and Christmas tree lights each night! Although it felt like it snuck up on me, we really enjoyed how excited the boys were this year! We hang our stockings on the staircase and the boys were thrilled to be able to see them chock full from the top of the stairs! They didn't even pay any attention to the tree room (living room) but when they finally looked...what a reaction!! Greg's mom and sister gave them the GeoTrax airport to go with their train set and they went nuts! My parents showed up around 8:30, just in time for breakfast and to watch the boys open their gifts. Among their favorites were their real golf clubs and a golf bag, a football game, a Hummer and Georgia uniforms...and boy do they look adorable in them! :) Just wanted to share a few photos of the day! Hope yours was happy!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today was Greg's birthday! Being the great daddy that he is, when presented with the choice of going out vs. staying in, he decided that he would rather spend his special night with his boys. He did, however, request a rain check on the dinner out, so we will have a date night sometime soon...we are both looking forward to that! We had a steak dinner and the boys helped me make brownies for daddy...and we had a fun time celebrating the best daddy in the world! Happy Birthday Greg!!

The most wonderful time of the year

We have been having so much fun learning how to work as a family of 5! Mathis is an absolute dream baby! It is true what they say...it is SO much easier to go from 2 to 3 than from 1 to 2! The boys are incredibly sweet with him and love to inform me of every little thing he is doing...especially Tanner. "He crying...get him Mommy!" "He have hiccups...that funny!" Pretty much everything he does is funny to Tanner! Landon loves to hold him and burp him...all of a sudden he is so big! Of course, we have had the occasional outburst and selective listening...but I'm not sure how much of it is new baby related, or holiday related or just plain "two" or "four" year old testing. None the less...Greg and I are pleasantly surprised at how Mathis just eased on into the family...who knew one little person could add so much! :)

Mathis is growing...though he still seems so tiny compared to Landon and Tanner at this same age! Although he was born at 7.14, he was down as low as 7.3 in the hospital and they were threatening using formula...but I begged to give me until discharge and by the time we left he was working his way back up to 7.6! On Thursday the 18th we took him in for his first well check at the doctor and he was already up to 7.9. The doctor also felt that he was still looking jaundiced and sent us to the lab for a check. We discovered that his bili count was at 14 which is not crazy high, but pretty high, especially for a 6 day old. He didn't' feel like we needed the bili lights but suggested we try to get him in the sunlight to try and break down the bili...and we would have, had it not rained for the next 4 days! When his eyes still looked yellow, I took him for another weight and bili check. Great news was he was 7.15 (a good goal is to regain birth weight within the first 2 weeks of life, which he did!), not so great news was his bili was still 10.5...very abnormal for a 14 day old. When the doctor called she suggested that I stop nursing for 24-48 hours and just use formula and that would break down the remaining bilirubin (sp?) in his gut and take care of the jaundice. Ugh! Why would anyone want to use bottles and formula? It is an incredible amount of work and I am soooo thankful that I have been able to nurse Mathis and the other two boys! So, after 48 hours of pumping, making bottles, washing bottles, sterilizing bottles and feeding...and LOTS of burping...we finally got back to normal. He already looks so much better and his beautiful blue eyes are so clear and bright!! We are so thankful!

We are really looking forward to tomorrow. Chadd and Topaz (my brother and his wife) and their two girls, Gabby and Farrah drove down from Michigan to spend the holidays in Atlanta with our family and Opelika with Topaz's parents. Lord willing, we will all (Mom, D, sister Lisa and her husband Scott and their 4 and Chadd and Topaz and their 2 and us) be together at my parents on New Year's Eve and will celebrate our Christmas morning on New Years Day. The kids are pretty much insane at the thought of spending 2 whole days with each other at Grandmommy's and Grandy's! Oh yeah, might also have something to do with opening more presents! :)

We got our biggest Christmas gift on the 12th and are so thankful for our healthy, adorable son! We are so proud of and thankful for our two big boys and are having a great time getting into our new normal! I am so appreciative to still have help from Millie and Cori, as I am still having some pain...though less now from the surgery...I think mostly from the 17 weeks of being in the bed! But each day is getting better, and I am looking forward to the day that I don't look at the trip to Target as a workout!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Love, The Powells

Falcons Fun!

Our dear friend, Jess Johnson has season tickets to the Falcons and has spoiled Greg with at least one game/year for a while. When he and Rebecca headed off to spend the holiday with family, he graciously offered his tickets to Greg...which he was more than happy to make good use of! Greg and Landon went to the Falcons'/Rams game on Sunday the 28th...Landon's first NFL game! He had a great time and thanks to his new football guys game he got for Christmas, he is really starting to understand the game! Jerious Norwood moved up in his ranks, though he still says Matt Ryan (the quarterback) is his favorite! When I asked him his favorite part of the day, he said "the train (Marta) ride and popcorn"..."and the game was cool too!" He is already asking to go again...although I am not sure who had more fun, Landon or his daddy! They both look pretty psyched in the photos! :) Thanks Jess!

Gift of God

Mathis Cooper Powell

The name Mathis means "Gift of God". Cooper was a name that Greg loved. It took us right up until discharge to decide on a name-much to the delight of family and friends. There is a long story behind how the name found us, but we just couldn't resist the opportunity to share just how God blessed our family with this little boy...he is a gift indeed...and God is good!

SO worth the wait!

Oh, we are having the best time! Landon and Tanner have been so wonderful with "their baby" - so sweet and gentle! They both love holding and kissing him and have been good about kissing him on the top of the head and playing with his piggies, but not getting right in his face. Which, by the way, turns out to be a life saver because this evening, out of nowhere, Landon started really sounding full and said that his ear hurt. After a visit to urgent care we learned that he had an ear infection that was caused by a bug that was causing the drainage. Thankfully, the doctor went ahead and started him on the antibiotic tonight, so he will hopefully be on his way to feeling better by the time he gets up in the am. We are just praying that he hasn't shared it already with Tanner. The baby should be fine due to the fact that he is nursing but we will take tomorrow off from visits just in case. Poor Greg was so disappointed to miss the night with the baby but we decided it would be best for Landon to have Daddy home...a snuggle with him can really help you feel better!

Thank you so much for all of your sweet calls and emails and messages! We are so looking forward to introducing P3 around! Please keep praying for the name to come to us...this is what I get for making fun of my sister and her husband for not being able to decide on a middle name! At least her baby had a first name! :) We think we are getting close. It seems to be down to about 5 names in various combinations...so we'll see!

Hope you all are doing well, we appreciate you all and your prayers!

Love, The Powells...all 5 of us!

Welcome P3!!

Oh happy day!! Today God blessed our family with a healthy, beautiful baby boy! He was born at 10:23am, weighed 7lbs 14oz and was 20 inches long. He is amazing and looks a lot like Landon did, only with lighter, wavy hair and what looks like blue eyes! He has rolls and folds and the cutest double chin...and we have only heard him cry 3 times so far! He is a really sleepy eater and we are praying that he will wake up and be more interested in nursing! Just wanted to share a few photos...we are in love and God is so good!!

Right, and please pray that we can decide on a name...for now he is still P3 or as my mother affectionately calls him..."ole what's his name".

Twas the night before...

meeting P3 and I can't sleep!! All my boys are having sweet dreams and I am still wide awake! Just can't believe that the big day is here...it is the 12th! (It's after midnight). We are leaving around 6:30 to have plenty of time to get down to Northside by 8...and I'd like to stop by HRP on my way to say a final thank you for their assistance getting to delivery!

We had an awesome day! I didn't have help today, but the boys were angels! I rode with Lisa to take them to school and then we went to Landon's Christmas program at school this evening...so fun! We were so proud of our big boy! Tanner and Landon waved at each other throughout the singing and as Landon walked back down the aisle after the program he stopped and gave his little brother a big hug and Tanner said "good job bubber"...they are going to be the best big brothers...P3 is one blessed little one!

Thank you so very much for your part in the story of P3! We are so thankful for you and the many prayers you lifted on our behalf! Please feel free to lift a few tomorrow too...the delivery is scheduled for 10, but they'll start with blood work and IVs and stuff around 8 and epidural at 9:30, ugh!

Stay tuned for details!!

We love and appreciate you all so very much!!

Love, Greg, Kristen, Landon, Tanner and P3

PS...did you see it? My boys are famous! They had their photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus printed in the AJC community section! Thanks for letting us know Cathy! They were so excited! :)

Counting down...

Holy cow! Has anyone else noticed that I am scheduled the day after tomorrow? I cannot believe it! Well, actually, I can but I am stunned that it is here already! It is insane...and so very cool! :) Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes these past 4 months. We are certain that they and the grace of God are the only reasons we have made it to this point!



Today Greg came home at lunchtime to take the boys to "cookies with the Clauses" at the Alpharetta Community Center. This is something that we started with Landon way back when he was 1, and it is so much fun! The boys loved taking some toys to put in the Toys for Tots box and meeting Santa and Ms. Claus. Landon asked for a Georgia football uniform and Tanner asked for a "choo choo train book". After visiting, they got a candy cane, a Christmas cookie (a VERY decorated cookie) and played some games in the auditorium, including a version of musical chairs using hula hoops on the floor, which they loved! Needless to say, after that sugar high, they both took fat naps! :)

We are looking forward to a nice family night together...our last of 2 as a family of 4! God is so good! :)

38 WEEKS!!

38 Weeks! It feels very surreal to be writing an update with that number included! We are so thankful to have made it...full term for a "normal" pregnancy...with our little miracle! God is so good!

Yesterday was so full, and yet another not so gentle reminder that I have been on bed rest for 17 weeks! We got up and went to Waffle House for breakfast, which, believe it or not, was delicious. I learned that the boys and I can no longer share an All-Star breakfast (when did that happen?). Each of them ate 1/2 a waffle, raisin toast and bacon...and Landon even ate some eggs! I love my boys, but I draw the line when it comes to my cheese eggs and raisin toast, so I got my own! :) When did they get so big? After breakfast, the guys dropped me to get a much needed haircut. I cut off my hair (12 inches) to donate back in May and had my first "styled" haircut in years...but without a cut or trim in 5 months I was beginning to look a lot like Gidget, so we needed to take care of that! :) I am now ready to meet this baby - haircut, toes done - I think I should be okay until we get through the initial 4-6 week "4th trimester" stage!

On the way home, we made the not so brilliant decision to take the long way around to 400 and stumbled on the Alpharetta/John's Creek Founders Day parade. It was really fun to watch the boys reaction to the bands, horses and, of course, Santa...but with only 1 way in and out, we were pretty much stuck until it was over...over an hour later. At this point I had been upright for almost 4 hours...and I was feeling it! By the time we got home, I couldn't wait to get some Tylenol, a heating pad and my bed! I paid for my outing with an incredibly sore back and constant contractions all day! It even got to the point where I called a neighbor to see if she would be "on call" just in case I couldn't get them under control with water and rest. Obviously, I did! And believe me...it was worth it! It was so fun to be out together as a family, sitting at the table eating a meal together and admiring my boys in action! I am so thankful to be at this point (and I think Greg and the boys are too!)

Last night we had another reminder that we are at that delicate stage with Tanner called "the twos". He is all about doing things himself and we straddle that line between wanting to teach him how to do it himself and being worried that he will actually be able to do what we teach him, on his own, anytime. Example: it is wonderful that he wants to wiggle into his own shoes by himself...except when you are running late and trying to get out the door! Last night, long after bed time and Landon was fast asleep, I heard Tanner calling out for me. Greg was downstairs and heard it too and we met in the upstairs hallway headed to his room. Of course, Greg beat me in there and I could hear him busting out laughing. Tanner was standing in his crib, holding his pajamas, looking so proud of himself! Oh, the joys of having a two year old! :) It was pretty funny!

Hope you all had a fun, restful weekend! Make it a great week!

Love, The Powells!!

Liberation!

Happy Friday! It is so good to be at the weekend! We'll have Greg home for two whole days and have lots of fun time together! Oh, right, and , Lord willing, this is our last weekend until we get to meet P3! We couldn't be more excited!! Tomorrow we have a big morning planned...Waffle House and then the guys are going to drop me to get a haircut! A haircut! My first in 5 months and I am so looking forward to it (it's the little things I miss most! :). They'll head over to the park while I am at the salon...they all got their haircuts yesterday...have to look handsome for the photos with the new baby! :)

So my sweet friend and neighbor Lisa, who has driven my boys to and from school pretty much every day for 4 months, was feeling a little under the weather when she showed up on Tuesday. I called this morning to see how she was feeling and though she said she was fine...I could tell she was telling a story! So, I decided that it would be a good time for me to start returning her help! I drove Landon and Eli to school today!! Can I just tell you that it is ridiculous how something so silly and small could totally set me free!! Now don't get me wrong...I didn't "do" anything. All I had to do was sit in the car, drive to school (5 minutes away) and pull through the car pool line. I'm not sure I would have been as brave if I had to get out of the car and walk them in...but the way I figured it...it was less time than I used to sit up in the wheelchair, so it would be fine! As soon as I dropped the boys I called Greg who immediately asked if I was in labor...and I told him, "no, I'm liberated!! I'm on Main Street right now!" It took a minute or two to convince him I wasn't delusional and was actually driving and for a minute I thought he might be upset, but he laughed and told me he was happy for my new found freedom and to enjoy the joy ride! Millie, our babysitter, had stayed home with Tanner and seemed really relieved when I returned home! Very fun!

I have to print a retraction from an earlier blog and also offer apologies to my sister...SHE made the turkey! Apparently my dad just checked the temp and she was responsible for everything else about the delicious bird...my most sincere apologies to the chef! :)

On a somber note, a few weeks ago I encouraged you to take a look at Stephanie Vest's blog, which has a link on our page. It is an incredible story of a very special young wife and mother and her courageous battle with cancer. Stephanie went home to be with the Lord on December 3rd. Please keep her husband Eric and her children Zach, Cole and Gracelyn in your prayers and if you have the opportunity to read the blog from the beginning, you won't be sorry and you'll be forever changed! May we all leave a legacy like Stephanie's!

Make it a great weekend! We love you!

Out of the mouths of babes...

Thought I'd share a couple funny things the boys said recently!

Today, after waking his brother from his nap after only 30 minutes, Landon was sent to his room to take a nap himself. When he awakened, he came into my room, as always, and got up in the bed to snuggle. We have some of our "serious big boy talks" after naps! As soon as he got settled in, he sat up and said, "I think this should be our last baby." When I asked him what made him say that, he told me because he didn't want for me to have to stay in the bed again for another baby. He then excitedly talked about all the things I would be able to do once this baby was out of my belly, "walking around all the time, and hiking and stuff". It was very sweet. Then he mentioned again how much he wanted a baby brother. Hmm...what to do since we can't guarantee that?! So I asked him what would happen if this was a baby girl, and he said then it would be alright to have one more baby...that he really wants another baby brother. Oh my!

Tanner has really started talking lately too...and has a lot to say! He is not quite to the point where he can "say" his prayers at night, so instead he sings them. We got a CD of Bible stories and songs a while back and listen to it while we are in the car. Of course, I haven't been spending a lot of time in the car with them lately, but apparently Tanner has heard the songs enough to sing them on his own. Where we once would hear "Jesus loves me" or "Oh how I love Jesus" as his prayers, a couple of weeks ago he started singing something I just couldn't place! It took a little investigation, and some of Landon's translating to figure out what he was singing. On the CD, after the Bible story of Jesus healing the lame man is a song that tells the story of the man "walking and leaping and praising God"...Tanner's translation goes a little more like "walking and yeeping and crazy God"...priceless!!

Hope you all are doing well!! Make it a great day! :)

No news...

Hello all! Happy December! It is so fun to have the sights and sounds of Christmas all around, even if it does feel to me like we went from 90 degree days and swimming at the pool to winter and Christmas around the corner! Very surreal! The boys are having a fun time working themselves into a tizzy of holiday cheer! We have a few of the classic TV specials from when we were kids and much to our amazement...they love them. Greg and I just look at each other over their heads wondering how those cheesy shows captivated us for so long!? Do any of you feel that way? A new tradition in our house was a gift from Lisa, Scott and their kids last year...the Elf on the Shelf. My family actually had one of these little fellows when we were kids (they actually still show up each year) and my parents told us that he was reporting our behavior daily to Santa...now some brilliant local woman actually wrote a book about it and sells it along with your very own elf for your shelf...why didn't I think of that?!? Anywhoo, I was hoping that this might impact their behavior for the better...so far, not so much! Oh well. We are starting with the advent calendar that my mother made for us in addition to the ones the boys made at school...nothing like a count down to whip kids into a frenzy! We also have another tradition which will happen this weekend. The boys get to go through their play room and fill a big box full of toys that they have enjoyed that we can share with someone that doesn't have toys of their own. We then take the box to North Fulton Charities or Must Ministries to share...last year Landon was so proud and surprisingly shared some toys I never thought he would let go of...it sure does make a mommy proud for her boys to understand how much more important it is to give than receive! We have been so blessed and it is important for the boys to learn to bless others!

So, we went to the doctor today and...nothing. I have gained yet another 3 pounds (Holy cow! Will it ever end?!), but the baby sounds great and the doctor thinks it is "approaching 7 pounds". Look, for how much weight I have gained, this kid better come out weighing closer to 20 pounds! We also got to visit with Dr. Sharon, who will deliver me on the 12th and he answered all our questions. We feel very comfortable with him and have heard rave reviews...I am hoping he is open to taking a little extra skin during the surgery! :) I feel like I have earned a tummy tuck, don't you?! And that is that...no more doctor visits unless something comes up...I just show up next Friday am at 8 and, Lord willing, we'll have a baby by 10:30! WOW!

Thank you all again for your prayers, words of encouragement and help along this journey. We feel very blessed to have friends and family like you and appreciate those of you who have requested prayers on our behalf...we are so grateful! God is SO good!

Love, the Powells!