Conversations with Harrison

H has become quite the chatterbox over the past several months. He wakes up in the morning (and thankfully calls to us from his room until we go get him), saying, "Good Mooooorning!" He really only needs about 2 minutes before he is awake and chipper. I often hear Brett go get him (most mornings), and it is quiet for a couple moments before I hear that sweet voice filling up our tiny apartment! Anyhow, he has said some adorable things to me lately that I wanted to document....

Last Thursday:

We had just gotten home from a friend's house and he asked if he could watch a video on the compeer (computer), so I said yes and was loading up Netflix to find him a quick show to watch....as I was doing so, here's what happened.

H: Mom, you ARE my best friend

Me: Didn't quite hear, fumbling with computer

H: Mommy, you ARRRRRE my best friend!

Me: Gasp! Really buddy??

H: Yes, really. You ARE!

Me: What about Daddy?

H: He IS my best friend too. But, he's seeping now....SHHHHH!

(Brett was actually at work, but for some reason Harrison thought he was at home sleeping all day that day....we often ask him who his best friend is, but this was no prompting, just completely out of the blue....melted my heart!)

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Last week I had a case of pink eye...and let me just say, pink eye is not for the faint of heart. I thought it was only reserved for 8 year olds, but no, I got it for the first time ever and it wasn't pretty. Thankfully it went away super fast. Thanks to my Dr...who prescribed eyedrops, BUT, warned me to cover my tear ducts so that the drops would not go through my eyes through to my nasal capacity, down my lungs, and into the placenta. I am not quite sure if I just talked too much during Health class (which I did), but I never knew my tear ducts were connected to my placenta...and I'm still not quite sure I believe him! Anyhow, I digress....here is another conversation from yesterday.

H: Mommy, did Ms. Dr. Yang take away your pink eyes?

Me: He sure did...He didn't take it away, but he gave me some eye drops that did.

H: Mom, your eyes were PINK, but now dey are bown again.

Me: They sure are.

H: Mom, I need to check on da baby.

Me: Okay, buddy

H: Lift up your shirt (lifts my shirt to above my belly button and goes to get the thermometer and takes my belly's temperature).

Me: Am I sick?

H: YES!

Me: What should I do?

H: REST

Me: What about the baby?

H: The baby IS fine, Mommy. I want to see dat baby SOON!

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Me: Harrison, would you like to be a doctor when you grow up? (he had said this one random time)

H: Yes, no, actually, I want to be a really big man.

I love these days!!!

For you, Mom...

It is Mother's Day Eve here in the land of tea and rice, but I am not sure I will get to post tomorrow....This weekend I am overwhelmed with thanks for my mother. I cannot put into words how much I love her and how much she means to me, or how much I admire her. Her story is her own, so I can not post it on this blog, but believe me when I say how raw it is, and how if her story would have been mine, I'm not sure I would have survived. She is truly one of the strongest people I know, having overcome so much in life. Sweet Mom did what she could as a single mama for us little ones at home, and she is the best Nana that I could have dreamed of for Harrison and little baby Bunny on the way! About 8 years ago, I saw my Mom's heart change overnight, and it has been so sweet to watch her life be molded into what God wants her to be. She is truly a gift...I only get one mother in life, and I'm so thankful she's mine!

Mom, I love you dearly, and I can't wait to hug you in just 15 days! Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Lauren

30 weeks-ish, and a couple other pictures

Hey folks,

Well, Harrison has been a bit silent on the blog lately, so I thought I would put a few pictures of him on here to start us off...Off the blog, he gets all the attention for sure! I think little Baby Bunny only gets a voice these days on the blog and FB...But, we are all still so excited for the little one!

So sad that this first picture is sideways, but here are my 2 guys on Easter Sunday! We had a sweet Easter here with an egg hunt on Friday, a local housewarming party on Saturday and Fellowship on Sunday. We have had the privilege of going to an International Fellowship since we moved back here, BUT we got kicked out of our meeting place over 2 months ago and have not met since. So, it was a real treat to have a place to go to on Easter Sunday to fellowship with other believers in the city. I miss corporate worship so much, but love the intimacy of meeting with just a few other folks! We then had a fabulous potluck with about 6 other families. It was a wonderful day celebrating our risen Savior!

Side note: I don't have any dress-up shoes for Harrison, so he wears either his New Balance or his Converse with his nice clothes! Can someone direct me where to find some nicer ones??

And Side note #2: Moms of boys, how long can I justify putting my child in these adorable, cutesy outfits?? He is ALMOST potty-trained (more on that later), so the one-pieces are a pain, and he will be 3 very soon. How old is too old for these clothes? I think girls can wear these sweet outfits a lot longer, but I think they can wear out their welcome on the little men...Thoughts???
Here is H with his beloved Abigail. She is about 10 months younger than him and an absolute doll! She is for sure the girl that everyone likes in the neighborhood, because she is so easy to be around! Her Mom (MySan) and I have recently started a baby-sitting swap and keep each other's kids for about 2-3 hours a week. MySan has a new baby who is around 8 weeks old, so she gets a much needed nap, and I get some much needed downtime when H is at their house.
And here is the belly as of Wednesday which marked 30 weeks+1 day. I went to the dear old doctor yesterday, and he shared with me that the Babe is now head down in an L-shape. The heartbeat was around 140 bpm and everything looked good. We had a brief ultrasound and the baby weighs 1637 grams, which is about 3.6 pounds. Oh my, this could be one big bundle! However, he did warn me that the baby does not have much fat under his/her skin....well, what baby does at 30 weeks? Hilarious. He told me the baby is going to be very tall and large because we both are very tall and large (again, this is not an insult, just very common for him to be so blunt about our sizes). We asked him how many babies he has delivered, and he says about 1000 over the past 10 years. In China, C-sections are VERY common, almost routine, and he is trying to steer away from that, so he has done even thousands more C-sections. He is so kind and in a way, I'm almost sad that he won't get to deliver our little baby, but then I think of the ease and comfort of delivering in America and I am so thankful to be able to do that!
And as an addendum, here is a picture of me at 28 weeks (for my records). I was definitely not that small then, somehow the shirt or the way I'm standing is hiding it. I'm starting to get shortness of breath and shorter nights of sleep for sure. But, other than that, I'm doing great, and am so thankful for a healthy baby. We are both thinking more and more that it's another boy.
We fly to the States in 2 weeks! I could not be more thrilled! It will be a welcomed pause in our time here for sure. I will try to be back with more picture updates, and some little tyke I know turns 3 in a couple of weeks, so I will try to update more on him soon as well. Overall, we are just so thankful right now and look forward to spending the entire summer with our families and friends.

More soon!!

28 weeks

Hi Baby,

Well here we are, it's the third trimester, and I know you will be here in about the blink of an eye. Pregnancy insomnia is setting in (a little earlier this time), and I am growing quite large, but it's like I always say, "Go big or go home." Turns out I will do both, since I will be going to the city I grew up in to have you...I'll actually deliver you in the hospital that I was born in, and the hospital that contains my very first memory of meeting my brother Chris for the first time. I think it's so sweet that I will deliver you in the hospital that contains my first memory and my first breathtaking sight of my brother whom I love so much, and that this will likely be one of Harrison's first memories...meeting you!

I went to see Dr. Yang on Tuesday (which was my actual 28 week mark). It was the death by sugar appointment otherwise known as the glucose test. If I remember correctly, in America, I drank an orange fluid. Some people love it or hate it. I didn't think it was terrible, although it took me about 15 minutes to get down. In China the fluid was clear and WAY sweeter. I drank it more quickly though, because I knew the sooner I waited that hour, the sooner I could get my bloodwork over with. I HATE BLOODWORK! However, I thought I could drink water at the same time, so as I was in the waiting room after I drank the straight sugar, I sipped on a bottle of water. The nurse (Candy) ran up to me and said, "you MUST not drink this....GO, use the toilet immediately." Oh dear. So, I went on my punishment bathroom run...oops.

I saw the doc and we discovered that you are laying sideways in my belly. He said to me, "hmmmm, it appears the baby is transverse, do you get kicked a lot here?" And he pointed to my left side. I said yes, so he put the doppler on my right, and BOOM, there you were! Your little heart was beating at 136 per minute and it was a sound that I will never tire of! Then I went to get the dreaded blood taken. Your daddy has had a habit of coming with me to these appointments, but he stayed home this time as he had caught yet another throw-up bug while he was on a camping trip this past weekend. So, I had no hand to hold during this time. However, I will say I prefer getting my blood drawn in China over the States. Apparently I have delicate veins and it's hard to stick me with a needle. I have had nightmare appointments where I get stuck at least 6 times (no exaggeration), so I told the doctor this several months ago on a prior appointment where I needed the dreaded needle in my arm. He looked me up and down and said, "It will be no problem. You are not Chinese. Chinese people are very small and have very small veins. You are bigger than Chinese person. In America, maybe you have small veins, but here, no problem." I laughed to myself at his very kind way of telling me that I am not small here. However, he was right. It is no problem here for me, whereas it has been a problem since high school in America and involves lots of tears and anxiety. I sure wish I could pack that little chinese technician in my suitcase for the rest of my life's bloodwork.

The doctor called me that afternoon to inform me that my levels are fine and I don't have gestational diabetes! Woo hoo! I am a bit surprised as over the past 2 months I have consumed ungodly amounts of sugar, but I am so thankful. After sharing this news he did tell me to watch my weight, but no worries my child, it won't stop me from making you big and healthy! I look a lot bigger with you than I did with your brother, but I am gaining less weight (at least, so far) and his kind suggestions are a far cry from a very mean nurse I had during your brother's pregnancy who constantly told me I was just going to be fat if I didn't stop gaining weight (true story). Overall, I'm very thankful for you, no matter how big my belly gets. I'm constantly reminded by my rapid growth that you are coming soon, and I can't wait to meet you!

I'm thinking more and more that you might be another boy, but I'm not as sure as I was with Harrison, so I guess we will find out in July. Daddy and I are almost settled on names. I think we have a first name for you whether you are a boy or girl, but we are having trouble agreeing on a middle name. I can't wait to see which one you are and know what your name will be.

I have a picture but can't find the cord to download it to the computer. Love you little one!

More soon,
Mommy

3 years ago today

Was the day we lost Kevin, my sweet brother. I cannot believe that 3 years have passed since the day I heard of his death. As I was washing dishes last night I couldn't see through my own tears as I was remembering the call informing me of the huge loss of his life. I truly crumbled. I will never forget the grief that followed and that still washes over me today. The loss of his life is and was so big because he was so lovable and loving...one of the most tremendous people I have ever known.

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But, unfortunately, as many good and fun times that were had, there were an equal amount of sad and scary times on Kevin's behalf. Sadly, his life ended way too soon at the age of 23 as he lost a long battle with addiction while traveling in Laos. I still cannot believe he is gone. I think of him daily and miss him with each thought, and I cling to many memories...some of which I thought I would share.

On Thanksgiving Day, 1992 I met the cutest little boy and girl you ever did see. We went and saw Aladdin together at Akers Mill Theater. Little did I know that less than a year later they would become family. Shortly on, we were vacationing together and soon I was driving and it was my job to pick Kevin up from his Woodward bus stop at Gorin's almost daily. Fast forward through several years and we were road-tripping (just the 2 of us) to Virginia Tech to visit my brother and his future wife. Kev was always sending me funny hats for gifts because he knew I would wear them. Somewhere along the way, we became great friends. He could tell a story like no one I have ever known, and could imitate a character in almost every movie known to man. He had a bottomless pit for a stomach, and an insatiable appetite for pro-football. And he ALWAYS kept me laughing, and he stuck up for me during some really tough times. He became a true brother to me, Robin, and Chris.

He stood in all of our weddings, and gave the most eloquent toasts at each one. I watched him catch the garter at my sister's wedding (after he lunged for it), and I watched him stand as Best Man in my brother's wedding (pictured below). They were truly the best of friends from the beginning. I loved that my brother had a brother.

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I watched him fall in love himself with sweet Ashley (the blonde pictured above), and I watched him start a life on his own out west. The greatest gift he ever got me was just a t-shirt, and it was so precious to me because it was the first thing he ever bought for me with his own hard-earned money.

And then he travelled the world...specifically Asia, and here I am now, watching another year pass since we lost him. I am in the same country he was in the last time he emailed me. I am pregnant as I was when I learned of his death. It's all too familiar this time around and it's hard. I so wish he had made it home to meet Harrison and to meet his future nieces and nephews. I so wish that the last time I had hugged him, that I never would have let him go. I so wish for just a few more minutes with him that I will never get on this Earth.

But, I'm thankful. As hard as it is to have lost a family member at such a young age, I would not trade a minute of it if it meant missing knowing Kevin for those 15+ years. At his funeral so much of our time was spent laughing as we remembered his life. He loved so well and was so secure in other's love for him. I am sad that he will just be a name and memory to my children and that they will never have the joy of knowing him, but I am grateful that the tragic story of his death can be one that will teach them that none of us are invincible.

Shortly after his death, someone said that Kevin made the world so bright and now it's just not the same color anymore. 'Tis true. He added a vibrance to life that left us feeling not as bright after his loss, but thankfully he is shining brighter now than he ever did on this Earth as he is healed and whole now. He had a genuine faith that was as real as his struggles, and his faith is now his sight. If it weren't for this hope, the grief would be too much to bear, and for that I'm so grateful.

Thank you, Lord, for both the joy and pain that were Kevin's life and death. Thank you for making him my brother. I am so glad that I knew him for every second that I did.

Kev, I love you buddy, and I miss you everyday. See you soon.

Love,

Sissy

What a week (and it's only Tuesday)!

The mid-afternoon hour has held some surprises for us these last couple of days. First off, the last week or so has been really physical for me...lots of carrying kids, up and down stairs, little sleep, etc. So, I was tired for sure. Yesterday at about 3:30, I was in pain and thought I might be having some contractions. Afterward, I detected something that I should NOT re-name on the blog that happened to me right before I went into labor with Harrison. I freaked out and thought that labor was imminent. I called Brett in tears, who told me to call the doctor, who told me to come in. Then Brett rushed home and all 3 of us jumped in a cab and went. I was a mess the whole time having "gone there" in my mind. What if we have a preemie? In China? Where they don't do much to take care of premature babies?

However, "it" turned out to be just a fluke, a very disturbing and gross fluke, but a fluke nonetheless, and everything was fine. The doctor did not feel any contractions but said it would be normal if I did feel them with how busy my body has been. We heard the baby's heartbeat and I was so relieved. I told him I was sorry and he replied, "Why?" He is so kind and understanding, and told me to take it easy.

Having Harrison at the appointment was really sweet. When the doctor was checking my belly. H patted it too and said, "Mom, you okay?" Then he turned to the doctor as he was getting ready to put the doppler on my belly and said, "that not nice, you be nice to my mommy." After we left, my tears were tears of relief. Brett and I had scheduled a baby-sitter so we could grab a quick dinner. We decided to keep our date, but I did not have much time to get ready. So, as I was standing in the bathroom trying to de-nastify myself and put on some make-up, I said, "Brett, I'm sorry I won't look super cute for our date," to which Harrison replied, "Mommy, you look bee-ful." Such a sweet little man and he was so worried about me. Thankfully it was nothing.

But, today was another story. As I was re-filling the m&m jar for H's potty treats (and yes, I have an update on that), I took a few. As I was chewing, I thought, "Man, I got a hard m&m." It only took a few seconds to realize that it was not, in fact, the delicious m&m that I was dining on, but MY TOOTH. I broke my tooth on an m&m. Geez Louise.

Rewind to our time in Thailand...I went to the dentist and had to get a tooth worked on. They tried to work on it without novicaine(sp?) since I'm pregnant. About 30 seconds in, I was like, "you are crazy, please drug me." They gave me a very small amount. However, they also noticed that some of my back teeth were beginning to have cavities. Actually they said they were decaying, but I like the word 'cavity' better. They said to watch them and for sure get them checked out after the baby since I really could not get any more medicine injected into my gums.

So, today, I go to the dentist. Yes, a chinese dentist. Was I nervous? Slightly. I have had a recurring dream since I was about 12 that all my teeth fell out. I should not use the word dream, because it is truly a nightmare. That nightmare was reality today, and I am living in a foreign country, which intensifies the nightmare. (Insert bloodcurdling scream here). One time a couple years ago we were eating with Brett's sweet parents and his dad broke his front tooth on a fork. I remember having the thought, " I would just hate that."

Well, it happened. So, we go to the dentist, and she says, "oh, you're pregnant." I thought this could be an issue. Sure enough, it was. She could not give me "the injection" as she calls it. She checks out my poor broken tooth (molar, by the way) and says, "Lauren, it is very bad." Oh no. Like, bad as in, I need to have all my teeth removed? Like, bad as in, the cavity is under the gum, and you may need a root canal. (insert more screaming here). So, she cleans it out as best she can, but does not get all the decay and then caps it warning me that it might fall out (the cap, not the tooth, but I am not holding my breath, because I think I am on the verge of becoming toothless) and just to come back when it does. Oh dear.

So, she tells me if it stays in tact, then to get it fixed after the baby. Her exact words were, "once you have the baby, after you stop milking the baby, you can get the decay fixed." I had gauze in my mouth and really thought I was going to spit it out and die laughing at the term, "milking my baby", however, I think it is kind of catchy.

I told Brett that I fear that all of my teeth will fall out and that I will be in dentures before my next birthday which is a mere 2 months away.

Oh, the lengths we will go to for our children!

Pictures to come, and hopefully a less eventful rest of the week!

Monday

This past Monday, Brett left town. Before he scooted off to the capital city for meetings, Harrison and I met him for lunch. We had a dance party at lunch and then H decided to help his old man out with the luggage. He's a helpful little guy, and these videos may only be interesting to a select few, but I thought they were pretty cute (except for the whining at the beginning). Thankfully Brett comes home tonight and might only have to travel once more before we head to the States in 6 weeks. I'm SO excited!

**I'm having technical difficulties, so let me know if you cannot view the videos.

***Harrison got the worst haircut of his life last week, and unfortunately it's making its debut on these videos as well.