It's Been a While...

My 2011 in a nutshell....I had another baby!  Ryder Jackson Fry was born Nov. 17, 2011 at 5:07 p.m. 8lbs 3 oz; 21 inches long!

Reflections of 2010; Resolutions for 2011

The year 2010 has been quite an eventful one.  Let's start with the obvious and most life changing--the birth of my son, Levi.  I remember in December of 2009, when I found out I was pregnant, thinking it was weird to think that I would be pregnant for most of the year 2010!  Levi has changed my life is so many ways.  Being a mom is such an amazing thing.  Many times I feel so overwhelmed at the responsibility given me by God to raise Levi in the right way.  I already think about how I never want him to hurt, feel pain, go through struggles; but also know that protecting him from all those things is not possible and not part of God's plan.  I am learning each day not to worry, but, instead to trust God in all things when it comes to Levi.  I also know that it is impossible for me not to make any mistakes in raising Levi, I have to just try my best to be an authentic example of a Christian and ask for wisdom when it comes to raising him.  I think the most important is to be a good example to him---he is going to learn more from how I live my life than what I say or anyone says.  Things that never used to bother me, bother me now.  I may watch a movie now and think would I want Levi to watch this movie?  Is this a good example?  Again, all very overwhelming, but I am taking it day by day with much prayer.  While 2010 was a great year due to the birth of my son, it was also a year of heartache and pain with my mom being diagnosed with breast cancer.  It was especially hard being so far away and unable to be there to help her through the treatments, and mom unable to be there for the birth of her grandson.  Thankfully my mom is a very positive person and I think that has helped her get through most of this.  She is almost done with her treatments and we are praying for a clear report really soon.  And finally, we began going to a new church, a decision that was made for the best of our family and we are excited for all that God is doing there and the discipleship we are receiving there. It is great to be around such wonderful mentors, something we most definitely need right now as new parents.

As 2011 begins, there are a few things I would like to work on this year.  I have already started on this first one, I want to try to put others before myself.  The Bible says to "esteem others better than yourself".  When I became a mom, I learned what this one was all about.  Life was no longer about me, but all about serving another human being---Levi!  I want to try to have more of a servant attitude.  I have always valued my time and never wanted to waste it on anything, but I realize that spending my time to listen to a friend (or stranger) or to help someone (anyone) is a valuable way to spend it.  I do still realize the importance of "me" time, I believe everybody needs a break to do something for themselves (still waiting to get that "me" time since the birth of Levi haha), or else you will get too exhausted.  I also want to continue working on my prayer life/devotional walk, try to witness more with my life, drink more water, start RUNNING:), find a ministry to call my own, and so many more little things.  Cannot wait for a great 2011!!

Levi's First Christmas was a White One

Levi spent his first Christmas in Alabama with a very rare snowy Christmas!  What a beautiful day spent with family!!
"For to us a child is born...And he will be called Wonderful, counselor, might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isa 9:6

All is Right with the World Again

Levi is consistently sleeping through the night: 8-10 hours a night and all is right with the world again!  He is definitely a little stubborn one though.  It is so amazing how he already has such a big personality at 16 weeks old, I don't know if this is a good thing or bad-- but I'm thinking good!


I find it odd that so many strangers in stores and restaurants and such make jokes that they are going to steal my baby.  Just yesterday a random guy (who wore his sunglasses inside, has a pacemaker at 32--yes he told me all about it, and was in the checkout with one single giant Hershey bar) in line behind me at Walmart was going on and on about how beautiful Levi was and proceeded to tell me that as soon as I turned my back  he was planning to steal him away.  I laughed nervously and never turned my back.  The same thing happened at a restaurant a while back, a couple were sitting across from some friends and I.  They kept interrupting our lunch and conversation to talk about Levi and kept offering me money for him.  When I finally said I would not take any money for the baby they said they would just have to steal him and run for the door. This "joke" went on for about thirty minutes, which made me start to think that he might be somewhat serious.  What I've learned from all these experiences is that babies bring out the crazies!

The First 13 Weeks in a nutshell

August 16-8:30a.m. I arrive at the hospital--the day is finally here, I get to meet my baby boy and deflate a little bit!! 11:50 p.m-Levi Marshall Fry is born. Levi was so wide-eyed and didn't cry, I thought all babies cried when they were born, but not Levi it was as if he was taking in this new world he was just brought into. He was perfect!! August 18 1:00 pm-we finally get to come home with our bundle of joy and life would NEVER be the same. The first two weeks of his life he did not sleep at all at night. I knew babies cried, but all night? Here I was exhausted still recovering from the birth and unable to sleep! I remember on many occassions praying, "Lord, please allow me just one hour of uninterrupted sleep!" Thankfully, Kevin was up with me all night with Levi even when he had work in the morning. We tried everything to get him to sleep--nothing worked!! I don't do well on little sleep, and I was getting weary...oh how I wish I had family in town to help!! I was very grateful when my mother in law came into town and took care of Levi to allow Kevin and I to sleep at night, bringing him in at night only when he needed to feed.  Ahhh a few hours of sleep--how wonderful!!  Now let's talk about Breastfeeding, ughhh!! You've heard all your life it is the best thing for the baby and the implications that you're a bad mother if you don't do it! Breastfeeding, to my surprise, was very difficult for me. If this is what God intended why was it so hard!? Levi wasn't latching and would not stay awake during the day long enough for me to keep trying. I would spend hours trying and trying, only to keep failing. Levi started losing weight and lost a whole pound, I had no choice but to feed him formula--the dreaded formula!! I felt like a failure like a bad mom who could not give my baby what he needed! I cried, it was a very dark time for me, but I decided not to give up. I saw a lactation consultant and $200 later I learned how to bf successfully. It was still a challenge and would take me an hour or longer everytime to do it and I did it at least 8 times a day, what a committment this was!! Praise God though he began gaining weight and sleeping a little better at night!! Things looked up! Until the dreaded colic started!! Just when we had jumped over the first hurdle there was a new challenge--and a big one at that. Why was Levi crying all the time, he's been fed, changed, he's warm, I'm holding him, what am I doing wrong?? I could tell his little stomach hurt him :( The only relief I had all day was if I could rock him to sleep which wasn't often and the nap was short lived. So much for sleep when baby sleeps!! Everyone kept telling me it would get better, but when? I'm losing my mind!! Not to mention I had not gotten out the house in weeks, with a fussy baby who at times was eating every hour you can't have a social life!! I prayed everyday for God to help Levi get better and for my sanity!! I hated to wish for this time to pass since you're supposed to cherish every moment with your newborn since they grow so fast, but word was that a baby had to just outgrow colic--I couldn't wait. I couldn't wait for him to smile and be happy instead of scream all the time-- I was exhausted!! After about 2 and a half months he started to do better. He started to get on a better schedule as far as eating and sleeping during the day. And there it was-- the smile!! The best thing ever, all those tears I cried and frustrations I experienced were worth it in that moment!! Thank you Lord for giving me this beautiful baby boy!! Each day still brings its new challenges but each day his colic gets better and he responds more to people and things and smiles and even laughs more! I can truly say I love being a mom to my Levi.