Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Who needs clothes?
I've never seen anyone so excited to be naked. When we're getting Noa ready for her bath, we usually let her crawl around without anything on for a while. I used to think she was excited to take a bath (and I still think she likes it), but I think she is much more excited to be "nakes!" I imagine it would be very freeing to be footloose and diaper-free for a few minutes. :) Anyway, she continues to put a smile on our faces all the time. She is now babbling on and on all day. She says "Dah-dy," but I'm not sure she knows what it means yet... And every time I try to get her to say Mama, she just says Gee-gee. So, whatever...
Thursday, January 15, 2009
First Ultrasound
We had our first ultrasound today to figure out how far along we are. The baby is approximately 9 weeks and 2 days old, which means the due date is August 18th, 2009. We can’t wait! But before all of that happens, we wanted to fill you in on some things and ask you to be praying with us. This isn’t because our doctor said anything negative in the appointment – on the contrary, she kept saying everything looked “perfect.” But because I am a Type I Diabetic, there is a higher risk for potential development problems, especially if my sugars weren’t perfect during the baby’s first 6 weeks of life. I’ll give you a little diabetes lesson here… any diabetic’s blood sugar is never perfect. We were never meant to think like pancreases – which is why God gave us one!
Anyway, there is a test that I take every 3 months to figure out how my sugars have been over the previous 3 months (don’t ask me how they know this), and a normal reading is around 6.0. I remember when I was first diagnosed and trying to get everything under control – my A1C at that time was about 12, which is absolutely horrible. Anyway, all that to give you a little bit of context… My last A1C reading was in December when I was pregnant, but before we knew. It was 7.2. This isn’t awful, but it isn’t great either. There were definitely some highs and lows going on. This has me somewhat concerned as doctor’s say you should aim to have it much better even before conception. Anyway, all that to say, please be praying for us and for Baby Miller in the following areas:
- For the baby to have no developmental problems, especially with the organs and spine. This prayer is most critical throughout the 1st Trimester.
- For the baby not to grow too big. This is almost a given with diabetic moms. Noa was 9 pounds, 7 ounces when she came out a week early. Had they known (the ultrasound said she was 8 pounds), they would’ve wanted to do a C-section.
- For me to have as much discipline with my eating as possible. Ummm… easier said than done – especially when you don’t feel like eating anything for the first 12 weeks. I did great with this during my last pregnancy, but it is always a struggle as insulin needs dramatically increase the further along you are. I was taking about 10 times the insulin towards the end of my pregnancy as I was in the beginning. It takes constant monitoring and an insane amount of communication with my endocrinologist.
- For healthy and honest interactions with my doctors. As I said before, they are constantly concerned and want to monitor everything, and often get very frustrated with you if things aren’t perfect. There’s a tendency with diabetics to just want to lie so they think you have great sugars. I can’t say I’m above it. ☺ But, obviously that does no good for anyone. I would love anxiety-free appointments.
- For a safe and healthy labor and delivery. We would love to have the most natural experience possible (even though I’ll be in the hospital) and to also avoid a C-section again. We will be praying that the baby even comes early as to get him or her out before they’re too big. But, of course we are most concerned about a healthy mom and healthy baby. That’s what matters most.
Above all, may God be praised for this little life! We anxiously await all that He’ll do through this sweet baby.
“For you formed my inward parts. You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Your eyes have seen my unformed substance and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” - Psalm 139:13-16
Anyway, there is a test that I take every 3 months to figure out how my sugars have been over the previous 3 months (don’t ask me how they know this), and a normal reading is around 6.0. I remember when I was first diagnosed and trying to get everything under control – my A1C at that time was about 12, which is absolutely horrible. Anyway, all that to give you a little bit of context… My last A1C reading was in December when I was pregnant, but before we knew. It was 7.2. This isn’t awful, but it isn’t great either. There were definitely some highs and lows going on. This has me somewhat concerned as doctor’s say you should aim to have it much better even before conception. Anyway, all that to say, please be praying for us and for Baby Miller in the following areas:
- For the baby to have no developmental problems, especially with the organs and spine. This prayer is most critical throughout the 1st Trimester.
- For the baby not to grow too big. This is almost a given with diabetic moms. Noa was 9 pounds, 7 ounces when she came out a week early. Had they known (the ultrasound said she was 8 pounds), they would’ve wanted to do a C-section.
- For me to have as much discipline with my eating as possible. Ummm… easier said than done – especially when you don’t feel like eating anything for the first 12 weeks. I did great with this during my last pregnancy, but it is always a struggle as insulin needs dramatically increase the further along you are. I was taking about 10 times the insulin towards the end of my pregnancy as I was in the beginning. It takes constant monitoring and an insane amount of communication with my endocrinologist.
- For healthy and honest interactions with my doctors. As I said before, they are constantly concerned and want to monitor everything, and often get very frustrated with you if things aren’t perfect. There’s a tendency with diabetics to just want to lie so they think you have great sugars. I can’t say I’m above it. ☺ But, obviously that does no good for anyone. I would love anxiety-free appointments.
- For a safe and healthy labor and delivery. We would love to have the most natural experience possible (even though I’ll be in the hospital) and to also avoid a C-section again. We will be praying that the baby even comes early as to get him or her out before they’re too big. But, of course we are most concerned about a healthy mom and healthy baby. That’s what matters most.
Above all, may God be praised for this little life! We anxiously await all that He’ll do through this sweet baby.
“For you formed my inward parts. You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Your eyes have seen my unformed substance and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” - Psalm 139:13-16
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Noa has an announcement
I'm going to be a big sis!!!!
Yep. 5 pregnancy tests later, I finally believed we were pregnant again. We weren't necessarily trying and we weren't necessarily not trying, but are so excited! I've felt worse with this one than I did with Noa, and can't wait for this part to be over, but it is definitely worth it in the end. Our first doctor's appointment is next week, so we'll have a better idea of how far along we are. According to my internet skills, I think the baby will come sometime in August, but since we basically got pregnant the very first time we could've gotten pregnant, we don't quite know for sure until the ultrasound. Anyway, we are sooo thankful for such a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father!
Yep. 5 pregnancy tests later, I finally believed we were pregnant again. We weren't necessarily trying and we weren't necessarily not trying, but are so excited! I've felt worse with this one than I did with Noa, and can't wait for this part to be over, but it is definitely worth it in the end. Our first doctor's appointment is next week, so we'll have a better idea of how far along we are. According to my internet skills, I think the baby will come sometime in August, but since we basically got pregnant the very first time we could've gotten pregnant, we don't quite know for sure until the ultrasound. Anyway, we are sooo thankful for such a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Chick's First Christmas
After we opened up presents at our house, we went over Pops & Mimi's house for more fun! Here's Noa in her pretty Christmas dress with Uncle Lukie. She also has a sparkly new purse!
Lilly was the main attraction.
Then we took a plane ride all the way to Michigan!
Our first stop was Grammy Fran's house.
Ralphie was the main attraction here...
But Noa also loved the wrapping paper!
She desperately wanted to be friends with Dottie too, but Dottie was terrified of her. Noa backed her all the way into the TV stand without realizing it!
Of course she also liked seeing Aunt Abby for the first time!
It was soooo cold! We were convinced that she knew she was in a different place because she didn't even fuss when we put on her big parka.
Next we went to Grandma & Grandpa Roberts' house. We saw Uncle Chris, Aunt Beth & Uncle RJ, & Uncle Derek (sorry - I don't have pictures of everyone! You can send me some!)
Uncle Chris gave Noa a basketball game that she didn't quite know what to do with - she loved driving it though. :)
Aunt Jenny gave noa a purse with her own lipstick and money!
We miss everyone already! Thanks for having us! We can't wait to see you all again soon (we hope!).
Lilly was the main attraction.
Then we took a plane ride all the way to Michigan!
Our first stop was Grammy Fran's house.
Ralphie was the main attraction here...
But Noa also loved the wrapping paper!
She desperately wanted to be friends with Dottie too, but Dottie was terrified of her. Noa backed her all the way into the TV stand without realizing it!
Of course she also liked seeing Aunt Abby for the first time!
It was soooo cold! We were convinced that she knew she was in a different place because she didn't even fuss when we put on her big parka.
Next we went to Grandma & Grandpa Roberts' house. We saw Uncle Chris, Aunt Beth & Uncle RJ, & Uncle Derek (sorry - I don't have pictures of everyone! You can send me some!)
Uncle Chris gave Noa a basketball game that she didn't quite know what to do with - she loved driving it though. :)
Aunt Jenny gave noa a purse with her own lipstick and money!
We miss everyone already! Thanks for having us! We can't wait to see you all again soon (we hope!).
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Miller family Christmas tips
(From Russ) We are always looking for ways to fight the consumer mentality that overwhelms our society. And Christmas provides us a unique opportunity to be extra focused in that pursuit. So with this, my first blog, I would like to let you know the top three ways the Miller Family has simplified this holiday season.
#1: Give Used Gifts
A few weeks ago we were at Toys-R-Us looking for a gift for a cousin. Noa was super-interested in this small electronic drum that was $22. We decided to get it for her. Next Jackie went in to Once Upon a Child and found a stand up music table for $10 (regular $50). This was going to be Noa’s “big gift of the year.” While she was gone, Noa played with a water bottle in the car with as much excitement as she had with the drum from the toy store. So, when Jackie got back in the car with Noa’s new used gift, I went back to Toys-R-Us and returned the drum. It was a proud moment.
#2: Give things your kids need and use the wrapping as their present
Noa doesn’t care about what’s inside the box as long as there is a bow on the outside. I am convinced that her absolute favorite gift would be if we wrapped wrapping so that after she got tired of one bow, she could open the box to find an entirely different bow to play with. So this year we (rather, Jackie) wrapped things like a warm fleece she will need for Michigan and much needed new pajamas. And Noa just loved that wrapping.
#3: Give Library Books
Yes. That’s right. In the spirit of simplicity (and “going green”), my precious wife gave me library books. Our “big gift” to each other was to have our yard landscaped. So, instead of spending $80 on four landscaping books (which, she knows, would have made me despise them), Jackie checked them out and wrapped them. For the next nine weeks (as long as I renew them twice online), I get to enjoy these priceless (literally) treasures before I have to regift them back to their original owners. That, my friends, is the way it’s done.
(this is Jackie) I thought of 2 other incredible tips that Russ forgot to mention…
#4 – Dollar General
I’ve driven by this store so many times and just realized a few weeks ago that this store is awesome! They even have Oreos for $2 (way more expensive in the grocery store)! Anyway, there’s a wealth of toys in there and we found so many great stocking stuffers for Noa. And, while I’m thinking about it, I need to go back and get those Oreos…
#5 – Happy Meal toys
The other day I was at Wal-Mart and just needed a cheeseburger happy meal. This is actually a great deal if you don’t want any of their HUGE sandwiches accompanied by the GIGANTIC fries and GALLON drink. Anyway, I was about to tell the lady that they could keep the toy when I realized I could wrap it up for the girl. To my delight it was a little My Little Pony, which Noa looked at for about 3 seconds. I’m so glad I didn’t pay big bucks for it! I guess this only works if you're the one eating the happy meal though. It would be pretty mean and a little weird to take an older kid's toy away from them only to hide it until Christmas.
#6 - Old Cell Phones
I said I would only mention 2, but the great ideas just keep coming. In light of Noa always grabbing our cell phones, we decided to wrap up one of Russ' old ones and put it in her stocking. She loves it! She carries it with her when she's crawling around. Actually, any old electronic device would be a great gift for a kid because 1. they're basically useless, and 2. kids have WAY better imaginations than we do...
Monday, December 22, 2008
Family Christmas Party
So, Nanny and Pappy decided to do something a little different this year at the family Christmas Eve party. Rather than handing everyone a card with money in it, all the grandkids had to choose our own envelope (out of like 32, I think) and the base amount was $50, but a few envelopes had more in them. Only one envelope contained $100 (we found this out later). Noa picked #2 so she was the second one to go. We let her hover over all of the envelopes and she honed in on, and grabbed up her own. Like the high rollers in Vegas, she definitely had a way about her and evidently knew what she was doing. We opened it and *BAM* Girl got the $100! Is she funny or what? Merry Christmas to Noa Jane!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Happy Birthday Russ!
Today I want to celebrate Russ and hope you will too! Take a moment to comment and wish him a Happy Birthday and tell him how wonderful he is or share a fun story... he would love it!
Things I love about Russ
Russ and his car
The other day I cleaned Russ’ car out. I’ve always known Russ has a little clutter problem, but this was beyond belief. I found an array of garbage strewn about, but some specific things I uncovered were an empty Triscuit box, a plate, a glass, a cup, 2 coffee mugs, a travel coffee mug, 3 newspapers (still in the bag), about 15 burned CD’s – some in paper cases – some just floating around the car, crumpled up Chic-Filet coupons, a Diet Pepsi can (I’ll claim that one) and 19, yes 19 water bottles – mostly full of water. All this junk was highlighted by the spilled white paint (now dry) in the backseat, and a funky baby powder scent that the detailers accidentally sprayed in the car. The crazy thing is, I don’t think Russ even notices. The paint spot has been there for years, and the baby powder lives on even though the car was detailed more than a year ago. He shamelessly drives around town, picks people up from the airport (even guest ministers!), and simply loves the fact that his car is totally paid for. I am a little concerned about the water bottle collection (we’ve already talked about this), but for some reason I think I would be more concerned if his car was always spotless… it’s just not him. ☺
Russ and coffee
Russ has always liked coffee; very strong coffee. I used to go to Utica Square in Tulsa and visit him when he worked at Starbucks. I think I drank coffee just to visit him. While I could care less about good coffee, he's definitely particular about it, perhaps because he was a Barista for a while, perhaps because he just knows what he wants. Anyway, one day recently, he came out of Starbucks with an Iced Carmel Machiatto. I was surprised as his usual order is just plain old drip coffee. I asked, "You wanted a Carmel Machiatto, huh?" He emphatically responded, "Oh, only because I had a giftcard! I would never ever pay for this!" Something about this made me laugh and I know Russ and I can be a bit too frugal sometimes. A Carmel Machiatto is sooo yummy, and also complete rip-off (is it over $4 for a Tall?), and while he rarely enjoys a special drink like this (even though he likes them), I know he would buy me a $10 drink if I wanted it. I would have a hard time paying that for a drink, but you know what I'm saying. Anyway, the house wouldn't be the same if we didn't have a pot of coffee going in the morning and late afternoon. I give him a hard time about being an addict, but I actually like the fact that he's cofee-savy. It suits him.
Russ and Noa
Nothing makes me love Russ more than watching him with our daughter Noa. Noa Jane is a Daddy's girl to the core and it is definitely because she has a great Daddy. Upon returning from work, he can't wait to see her and when she hears his voice, all she wants is Daddy. One of my favorite things to watch is how he dances with her. You might be getting a picture of a slow, sweet, Daddy-daughter dance, but that's not at all what I'm talking about. They rock out! Noa's got moves! And their infectious laughter puts a smile on my face every time. I'm so thankful for a husband who understands the beauty of family life and I can't wait to have more children with him.
Russ and the church
When I first met Russ it was easy to see that he was a gifted person. One specific gift that stands out is his ability to lead people. If you know Russ, you know that he has a knack for telling people what they don’t want to hear and presenting it in a way that somehow brings about change in their lives. I always joke that he can successfully ask anyone to do anything and I have a hard time picking up the phone to order pizza. He definitely has a way with words. The great thing about Russ is that he’s not a manipulative person he’s just that good with people. Russ loves people. When I was growing up I remember my dad (also a pastor) enjoying the “unlovables” the most and I always wanted to marry someone like that. Russ shepherds people in that kind of a way. And while he’s compassionate, he’s very decisive, as a leader should be. I love to run everything by him because he typically knows what needs to be done in a situation. He can weigh the pros and cons like no one I’ve known (half the time I can’t even come up with a list of pros and cons) and I trust his judgment, as I know most do. When we embarked upon this pastoral journey a few years ago I was more concerned about my role than I was his. I was never worried about his ability to lead the church, much less to love the church. He is a good pastor… a good shepherd… a man after God’s own heart.
Russ and food
Russ loves food (don’t we all?). This was actually a big connection point for us when we were just friends – our common ground, if you will. While I love eating, cooking is not my favorite thing to do and he really cuts me some slack in my lack of preparation sometimes (side note: I’m not a bad cook, I just don’t enjoy it very much). Anyway, he is such a creative person. I’ll look and look and look for something in the pantry to make and find nothing, probably because I don’t want to take the time to throw it together. He’ll come up with some of the best dishes and actually take the time to be creative with it. This is the most amazing thing to me… the effort… a lot of effort. Every possible utensil is used in the process. The kitchen looks crazy when he’s done. But, he genuinely enjoys it. And although he doesn’t return food to the fridge, and constantly gets you-name-it all over himself, he is a good cook and I love to eat his food. ☺
Russ and housework
This morning Noa and I fell back asleep on the couch and when I woke up, I realized Russ had straightened the whole house. While this doesn’t necessarily happen every morning, it happens enough to comment about it. One thing that he almost always does is make the bed. I’ve never really asked him to, and I certainly don’t mind doing it, but it seems to be taken care of before I get to it. Sometimes I’m amazed that he helps me out with those kinds of things because it is contrary to his messy nature (open his desk drawers at work and you’ll know what I mean). I’m the one who has to have everything perfect. But help he does. He still hasn’t mastered the art of closing cupboard doors when he’s done with them, but one day I realized that maybe my job was to be the cupboard door closer, and that’s way easier than making beds. And, if one day he wasn’t around, I would probably open the cupboard doors and leave them that way for a while, just to feel him near.
Russ and his best friend
Ummm… that would be me. ☺ I wish every woman had the opportunity to be married to someone like Russ. It was a long time coming, but definitely worth the wait. He takes care of me. He knows me. He sees the best and the worst. Russ is my husband, my lover, my confidant, my friend, my leader, my dream come true, my role-model, my protector, my provider, my priest, my prophet, my helper, my baby’s daddy, my sounding board, my counsel… Russ is my very best friend. He always was. He always will be.
Happy Birthday Babe!
Things I love about Russ
Russ and his car
The other day I cleaned Russ’ car out. I’ve always known Russ has a little clutter problem, but this was beyond belief. I found an array of garbage strewn about, but some specific things I uncovered were an empty Triscuit box, a plate, a glass, a cup, 2 coffee mugs, a travel coffee mug, 3 newspapers (still in the bag), about 15 burned CD’s – some in paper cases – some just floating around the car, crumpled up Chic-Filet coupons, a Diet Pepsi can (I’ll claim that one) and 19, yes 19 water bottles – mostly full of water. All this junk was highlighted by the spilled white paint (now dry) in the backseat, and a funky baby powder scent that the detailers accidentally sprayed in the car. The crazy thing is, I don’t think Russ even notices. The paint spot has been there for years, and the baby powder lives on even though the car was detailed more than a year ago. He shamelessly drives around town, picks people up from the airport (even guest ministers!), and simply loves the fact that his car is totally paid for. I am a little concerned about the water bottle collection (we’ve already talked about this), but for some reason I think I would be more concerned if his car was always spotless… it’s just not him. ☺
Russ and coffee
Russ has always liked coffee; very strong coffee. I used to go to Utica Square in Tulsa and visit him when he worked at Starbucks. I think I drank coffee just to visit him. While I could care less about good coffee, he's definitely particular about it, perhaps because he was a Barista for a while, perhaps because he just knows what he wants. Anyway, one day recently, he came out of Starbucks with an Iced Carmel Machiatto. I was surprised as his usual order is just plain old drip coffee. I asked, "You wanted a Carmel Machiatto, huh?" He emphatically responded, "Oh, only because I had a giftcard! I would never ever pay for this!" Something about this made me laugh and I know Russ and I can be a bit too frugal sometimes. A Carmel Machiatto is sooo yummy, and also complete rip-off (is it over $4 for a Tall?), and while he rarely enjoys a special drink like this (even though he likes them), I know he would buy me a $10 drink if I wanted it. I would have a hard time paying that for a drink, but you know what I'm saying. Anyway, the house wouldn't be the same if we didn't have a pot of coffee going in the morning and late afternoon. I give him a hard time about being an addict, but I actually like the fact that he's cofee-savy. It suits him.
Russ and Noa
Nothing makes me love Russ more than watching him with our daughter Noa. Noa Jane is a Daddy's girl to the core and it is definitely because she has a great Daddy. Upon returning from work, he can't wait to see her and when she hears his voice, all she wants is Daddy. One of my favorite things to watch is how he dances with her. You might be getting a picture of a slow, sweet, Daddy-daughter dance, but that's not at all what I'm talking about. They rock out! Noa's got moves! And their infectious laughter puts a smile on my face every time. I'm so thankful for a husband who understands the beauty of family life and I can't wait to have more children with him.
Russ and the church
When I first met Russ it was easy to see that he was a gifted person. One specific gift that stands out is his ability to lead people. If you know Russ, you know that he has a knack for telling people what they don’t want to hear and presenting it in a way that somehow brings about change in their lives. I always joke that he can successfully ask anyone to do anything and I have a hard time picking up the phone to order pizza. He definitely has a way with words. The great thing about Russ is that he’s not a manipulative person he’s just that good with people. Russ loves people. When I was growing up I remember my dad (also a pastor) enjoying the “unlovables” the most and I always wanted to marry someone like that. Russ shepherds people in that kind of a way. And while he’s compassionate, he’s very decisive, as a leader should be. I love to run everything by him because he typically knows what needs to be done in a situation. He can weigh the pros and cons like no one I’ve known (half the time I can’t even come up with a list of pros and cons) and I trust his judgment, as I know most do. When we embarked upon this pastoral journey a few years ago I was more concerned about my role than I was his. I was never worried about his ability to lead the church, much less to love the church. He is a good pastor… a good shepherd… a man after God’s own heart.
Russ and food
Russ loves food (don’t we all?). This was actually a big connection point for us when we were just friends – our common ground, if you will. While I love eating, cooking is not my favorite thing to do and he really cuts me some slack in my lack of preparation sometimes (side note: I’m not a bad cook, I just don’t enjoy it very much). Anyway, he is such a creative person. I’ll look and look and look for something in the pantry to make and find nothing, probably because I don’t want to take the time to throw it together. He’ll come up with some of the best dishes and actually take the time to be creative with it. This is the most amazing thing to me… the effort… a lot of effort. Every possible utensil is used in the process. The kitchen looks crazy when he’s done. But, he genuinely enjoys it. And although he doesn’t return food to the fridge, and constantly gets you-name-it all over himself, he is a good cook and I love to eat his food. ☺
Russ and housework
This morning Noa and I fell back asleep on the couch and when I woke up, I realized Russ had straightened the whole house. While this doesn’t necessarily happen every morning, it happens enough to comment about it. One thing that he almost always does is make the bed. I’ve never really asked him to, and I certainly don’t mind doing it, but it seems to be taken care of before I get to it. Sometimes I’m amazed that he helps me out with those kinds of things because it is contrary to his messy nature (open his desk drawers at work and you’ll know what I mean). I’m the one who has to have everything perfect. But help he does. He still hasn’t mastered the art of closing cupboard doors when he’s done with them, but one day I realized that maybe my job was to be the cupboard door closer, and that’s way easier than making beds. And, if one day he wasn’t around, I would probably open the cupboard doors and leave them that way for a while, just to feel him near.
Russ and his best friend
Ummm… that would be me. ☺ I wish every woman had the opportunity to be married to someone like Russ. It was a long time coming, but definitely worth the wait. He takes care of me. He knows me. He sees the best and the worst. Russ is my husband, my lover, my confidant, my friend, my leader, my dream come true, my role-model, my protector, my provider, my priest, my prophet, my helper, my baby’s daddy, my sounding board, my counsel… Russ is my very best friend. He always was. He always will be.
Happy Birthday Babe!
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