Introducing Our Newest

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)

I'm happy to introduce the newest addition of our family to you.....Finnian Arrow Corley. Zac and I are so proud of our new son and are both totally smitten with him. It feels like we have been waiting on him forever - even though in reality it's only been 9 months. Well...maybe in reality it's been 9 years since we always talked about having 4 children from the very beginning of our relationship. Finn has totally come into our lives and we are feeling so very complete.


The name Finn is Irish/Gaelic and means "fair"...and our Finn is indeed good lookin.' He came out with the best complexion and so very alert and...well....large (but we'll get to that.) His middle name Arrow is a bit different but we named him that to basically confirm what we believe about children...that they are indeed a blessing. My pregnancy with Finn came at a pretty trying time for us as a family. We already had 3 small children and society was beginning to make us feel a little dumb. We were told several times "what? oh my word how can you handle that" or "children are so expensive" or even "don't you think you've contributed enough to the planet's population." It would have been very easy to doubt what God tells us is *good* and to believe that we had made a mistake...that we wouldn't be able to be good parents to ALL of the kids, that we couldn't provide for them on one small income...that our oldest is special needs and adding one more to the family would be irresponsible.
God tells us that children our "arrows in the hand of a warrior." Children are tools that He uses in our lives for good...children can open relationships up with others, they allow us to in a small sense understand God's love for His Son, they give us a sense of *purpose*, they provide opportunities to serve others and to be served. Children are a weapon against selfishness and loneliness, and hopefully when they are older they will be good friends and even take care of us in return for our good care of them. Let me also state that God doesn't say what type of "child"...he simply says "children." This means ALL...adopted, premature, children of all races, kids with disabilites...all different personalities. Any child is an *arrow.*

So, we named him Finnian Arrow to tell the world that this pregnancy was no mistake and that God tells us that He will never give us more than we can handle. Let me also say that learning about Brady's Asbergers the month before Finn was born was also a good thing...I see how God timed Brady's diagnosis perfectly. I think that if maybe we would have known last year what we know now ...we may have chosen to not add another family member...I'm so thankful that we have our sweet baby.

And now for a very short run down on what happened....and I'm keeping it short ONLY because I'm tired and ready to be done typing now. :)

Friday Zac's mom was sweet enough to watch the kids for us so we could go on a three mile hike to a waterfall. Yessssss indeed...I walked 1.5 miles uphill. The next day the whole family went on a two mile hike...again adding some hills and going at a pretty brisk pace. That night (well, Sunday early morning) I woke up with spotting and some contractions. When I say "some" I mean only two in a hour. They were like that until about 9 in the morning where then they were 15 minutes apart. By 11 am they were about 10 minutes apart and not super intense...but significant. Zac and I went grocery shopping and went to Panera for a smoothie lunch. There was once during my meal that my contraction was super intense and I was trying not to glare at the people at the table next to me (they weren't even looking at me...it's just the way I get when I'm having contractions folks.) We went home so I could rest but then every time I had a contraction it was really intense but still 10 minutes apart so I wanted to wait it out.

At 2 pm zac asked me if I was ready to go to the hospital and I looked at him and said "are you ready for me to go to the hospital?" He said he was. :) So, we got in the car and by the time we had gotten just a mile down the road I had to have him stop the car so I could get out and get through the contraction...by the time we had gotten half way to the hospital (about 15 minutes in the car) they were three minutes apart and I was feeling very VERY upset. When we got to the hospital I jumped out of the minivan and wanted to run. I've never felt so crazy in all my life...if I could imagine having the "shakes" from some crazy addiction...I think that's what it would feel like.

We ran into the hospital and threw my admission papers at the nurse, I wouldn't lay down except for them to check me and I was 8 cm dialated...the doctor was 20 minutes away so they prepared the room as I walked all around the room making crazy remarks about how I couldn't believe this was happening to me and I just needed to push...the doctor got there and checked me and said "ok, we're having a baby." I laid back and screamed like a amazon woman...and popped that "little" dude out.....all 9 lbs 13 oz of him - 100% naturally...not even a numbing shot. I was checked in at 2:50 pm and he was born at 3:50 pm. Let me just say...I am so thankful that Zac was ready for me to get to the hospital or HE would been delivering Finn in the Ford Windstar on the interstate.

Eight Centimeters To Go

I've been trying to get this baby to come out of me...everything anyone COULD try I've been trying it. He may not be that big, but I'm ready to have his little butt diapered and wrapped in a receiving blanket then under my right set of ribs. As of Monday I was 80% effaced so things are indeed happening...I'm just being impatient as usual.
Severe mood swings have been upon me...today a huge serge in energy and I scrubbed the whole house. When I say "whole" house I mean...I washed the shower curtain, decluttered closets...even wiped down the hot water heater. My ice craving has gotten even worse, so bad that last night I was in bed, pjs on and I got up and drove 20 minutes to the closest Sonic to buy a bag of ice. Yes - at 10:45 at night I was on a ice hunt. I didn't realize I was out until that evening and I almost had a panic attach thinking of going today (Zac had the van) without it.
Here's to hydration and hopefully going into labor in the next couple of days.

Jonah Day

In the words of Anne of Green Gables "Oh Marilla, its been such a Jonah day." To be sure...I think all of the past week's stress and uncomfortableness and turmoil finally mounded over on me and I freaked out. Freaked out as in....if you were standing outside my bedroom window it would have sounded like a tribal squaw wailing for her lost brave. Yes...the pain inside and outside and EVERYWHERE came to a head and I lost it. For all of you concerned readers...no one was physically or verbally harmed. My children didn't even realize that mama was having a near break down...all they know is that daddy came home a day early. Yes indeed....thank the Lord for a compassionate husband. I swallowed my pride and gave him a phone call...basically just saying that "Alyssa has had enough." I hate making that phone call...I feel very weak having to ask for help sometimes. There is this part of me that says "you chose to make *stay at home mom* your job....so do it!" Sometimes I wish so badly there was someone else that could come over...to lend a hand or encourage me so that I wouldn't have to call my hubby away from his job. But...at the same time, I'm realizing that we ARE his first priority....and he does have sick time stored up. So.... I've now spent almost the entire day in my bed on my side...trying to get my stomach muscles to relax a bit. This baby just feels SO large I can't even describe it. I seriously felt like I was suffocating for two straight hours...my ribs feel bruised and there is constant pain in my thighs, groin, and lower pelvic regions. Yes indeed Mr Finn is welcome ANY DAY NOW. His diaper bag is packed.... In short....I believe that what it all boiled down to is that I finally was truly feeling....just feeling all of it. I've been a bit anxious about our meeting with Dr. McGee tomorrow, my body is in constant pain, I'm tired from my long week alone last week...and I'm starting to get pretty nervous about pushing out this rather large baby. The ultrasound technician told me on Monday that the baby is measuring like he's over 39 weeks instead of 37 - so either Finn is coming a bit early or he's just going to be a rather large man child. I'm keeping my fingers crossed he comes early. It's been so nice having Zac home...he loved visiting family in Colorado but neither he nor I do very well apart. He brought Brady back a Colorado Rockies baseball cap...a stuffed Koala for our little Koala, and a little bear wearing a Denver Fire Department Hoodie for Trin. The kids were super excited....Tristan thinks that his new stuffed friend is a great teething agent...

So today not only is Zac handling all the meals, taking care of me, and he's going back to work once the kids are in bed....he also played bubbles with them and went to the local farm for a gallon of milk. Seriously...what would I do without him? There's a shortage of really good men in the world...I'm glad I snagged one early on in life.

Hips, Pain, and Love

So I'm feeling very brave posting this picture so early in the morning - like they say 'a picture speaks a thousand words'....or something like that. I hope this one sends the message out there "I am large, I know it...I am uncomfortable....I know it - come early baby." I figured out through a little *search engine* action exactly what has been going wrong with me for the past 5 months. There's a little paragraph about it here ....but basically there is this hormone when your pregnant that softens the pelvic regions and makes standing on one foot painful...rolling over in bed totaly excruciating...and I have it to the max. I'm trying to just take hot baths and do squats and such to help baby move down...but really I don't want him to be too far down since I'll be alone this upcoming week. :) I'm 36 weeks now and the doctor says doing very well....1 cm dialated. Hurrah....only 9 cm to go! I dream of baby Finn in the evenings...can't wait to see his little face and smell his little body. Pregnancy this time has filled me with so many strange feelings....but one has stayed the same....complete love and an obsession with this little person I haven't met yet.

Spring and "About Ready to Go."

It was a glorious 71 degrees today...our first WONDERFULLY WARM afternoon...sundress worthy. I did break out one of my old dresses...Trin thought it was new due to the fact that she has only seen me totally covered from head to toe for the last 5 months. A few days ago I was wearing a pair of workout capris and she actually asked me why I was showing my legs. Hmmmm.
The top picture is of the kid's new little play house in all of it horrific ugly plastic pinkness...but perfectly fun and totally FREE. What an awesome gift someone gave us...they were going to give it to a thrift store but heard from an aquaitance about our family and our little stairstep children...their generosity resulted in lots of smiles all around.

Yessiree...spring is upon us and I couldn't be more happy. The bushes along our driveway are in full yellow bloom and *oh so lovely* - they provide excellent entertainment for Trin and her little flower loving heart.

And speaking of spring...I'm growing anxious each passing day (and 100% excited) that we will soon be welcoming another little Corley into our family. Now...I'm not trying to be cruel or pregnant crazy, but I really am hoping with every part of my being that this will be the last child born from my womb. Notice I didn't say "last child in our family"...but definitely LAST child carried for 9 months in my body. Yes - I'm over it. I'm recording these feelings here so that in case I get the "I want another baby" emotions in about 5 years i can look back and see that I indeed do not want to actually birth another baby. I think I will always want another baby...everytime I hold a little newborn or drink in their wonderful *baby powder fresh* scent...see a pregnant belly and someone with the "glow." I'm here to tell you that there are wonderful things about carrying a life...and I've enjoyed them...but the urinating every 10 minutes, feeling like someone is going to just tear through my skin it's stretched so tight...or fall out of my *yahoo* is just getting old. Yes...dear Finn...anytime after about 37 weeks you can and SHOULD feel free to make your grand entrance into this world - I'm ready for you.

As you can see in the top picture...I'm looking pretty normal from the neck up. Possibly even glowing?

From the neck down...well...as the old *greeter* gentleman at Costco said this morning "wow girl, you look like you're about ready to go!!!" For all of you who don't speak "southern"...that's another way of saying "you look full term" or "you're about ready to pop." I'm feeling rather large to say the least. I'm at that glorious stage in pregnancy where all anyone can comment on is how big I am and how I look like the baby should be coming any day now - little do they know I still have 7 weeks. Oh...belly shot picture is courtesy of Miss Trin.

And speaking of Miss Trin...have I ever told you that she is a squirrel and absolutely hilarious. Okay, okay...I know I've briefly explained her cuteness once or twice but really...she is so funny....and gorgeous. Zac and I have been discussing cutting her hair since it is getting pretty hard to keep up with. She tends to NOT keep it in a pony tail and it is always in her food or matted down with leaves and grime from playing outside. She told me today that she wanted me to cut it...gulp. Tonight I combed it out and asked her again if she would like me to go ahead and trim her hair up a bit...like to her shoulders...and she looked in the mirror and said "No, not anymore. I just want my long hair." Well, smiles all around because even though it would be easier at this point on me to have her hair short...I'm afraid I'm pretty partial to the long curls.

Pregnancy...errr...Weight Update

I know, I know....my first update in over a week and no kiddie pics -sort of. Finn IS a kid so he does count...if only he were here already and we could see him! I had my 32 week appointment today and all was well. I left the doctor's not feeling well after I learned that I have gained FOUR lbs in 2 weeks...yes indeed....heavy times for Alyssa Spring. I'm not thrilled with my weight gain but really have nothing to blame it on since I've been eating healthily and basically just munch on ice all day long...not a lot of calories there folks. Anyways...my grand total has been 27 lbs which is not good...i still have 8 weeks left. I usually only gain 23 lbs the ENTIRE pregnancy! So...I'm trying to just breathe and not see myself as the size of a trailer..cow...whale...what have you. Body image hasn't been so good here lately but I try to remember the TRUTH about this situation - it is only for a time, pregnancy is beautiful...and all that jazz. Maybe...just maybe...little Finn isn't going to be so little? Yikes.

In other news, Zac and I are going to a soccer tournament this coming Saturday for a night ALONE. Ahh, blessed alone time to eat out at restaurants, drive in total silence (no Bible Kid's Songs blaring), and then getting to really savor my morning coffee. Of course this whole time I will be thinking about my kids, worrying about my kids...and I'll be rushing to get home to see their sweet faces....really. There is this part of me that often wants alone time with Zac and then when I get it all I can think about are my babies back at home - i guess this is a good thing. I'm always nervous about leaving Brady with someone else since he definitely has to be communicated with differently then other kids but at least the FEW people that I would leave him with are "up to date" on his needs and ways. If you think of it though....maybe pray for my kiddos on Saturday that they would be the little angels they KNOW how to be. :) Also, zac and I are going through the *general life stress* at the moment. I'm just getting to the point where the dishes wear me out...we are needing to get the house on the market but desperately want to have everything in tip top shape before the realator comes....meaning we need to spend money - something we hate to do. Our bathroom really needs a makeover as far as the shower goes. There is an abundance of mold in the shower that actually leaks through the tub surround - basically it needs to be ripped out, new walls put in and maybe tiled? So, big projects looming ahead for us...we need help!

Doctor Update....In Case You are Curious

Excuse the crazy hair in the above picture - that's what happens when your smashed up against a 3 year old. Doctor update is:

He ordered me to take Mucinex, Sudafed, Claritin, and antibiotic and I still have the headache pain meds. Yikes - this a stretch for a natural/herb lover like myself. But really? I just can't do the work right now to research what to take and what to do....I just need some help so i can be mommy again. Tomorrow my friend Lori is getting here before 8 am to help with the kids since Zac is going to work and my most intense headaches have been starting around then. My doctor seems to think I have a really bad sinus infection so lets hope these meds can get the stuff running and that I won't have any bad side effects to all of the drugs. He said that the Sudafed could cause me to be *jumpy* - wonderful. And then the headache medicine ALREADY makes me super sleepy so it will be interesting to be jumpy/sleepy. This is a time where I will just need to trust in medicine (not something I do very well) and pray to God that Finn will be fine....the doctor says it's all safe for the baby - I just don't see how that much stuff can't effect a little two lb baby.

IF the headache doesn't go away (which I'm sure it will) I'll have to have a scan of my brain done. :) Oh...better get off of here because I forgot to tell Zac to pick me up some cranbery juice at the store...a MUST for me on antibiotics! Thanks for praying guys!

Broken Record

So I'm beginning to feel like I've been writing the same thing for weeks - I feel horrible. I managed to get a doctor's appointment for today DURING the kids nap time so hopefully everything will be pulled off without a hitch. I would take make myself but can't drive if this headache pops up. So...let's hope for some answers or some medication from the doctor that would help me with this migraine that seems to plague my life every morning and every afternoon....and every evening - I'm tired of not being able to take care of my kids and my home.
In other news....I'm 27 weeks preggers and have gained 4 more lbs than I usually do - I choose to blame it on the cold weather and lack of walking. Supposedly the baby is almost 15 inches long and weighs around 2 lbs....he can see light through my abdomen - how strange is that?! If anyone wants to volunteer to come be my personal slave and children's nanny for the next 2 months or so....just say the word. :)

Sharing Our Day With You, Share Your Tips With Me

Folks....the belly has definitely *popped* as they say. Little Finn is growing and kicking, each evening brings a brand new series of squirms and internal bumps...Zac was able to feel him for the first time last night....smiles all around.
I have had a splendid day. Zac was blessed with the opportunity to deliver some food to a local hospital for a little extra cash(some friends of our own the homiest restaurant and get pretty slammed with Christmas catering orders.) Instead of staying home and doing school with Brady like maybe I should have done....we just loaded up the kids and we all made the delivery together. We were able to take the kids and let them pick out a toy to buy to give to a local charity that will be serving Christmas dinner to over 5,000 people this year....and hopefully also there will be enough toys collected that each family can have a new gift to give their child. It makes me so sad to think of a family not being able to give there child even a simple gift on Christmas...can you imagine? The kids had fun picking out the toy and I would love for this little act of giving to be one of our new traditions for years to come.
I made some manicotti this evening (zac made the remark "man, I love it when you cook meals like this"-guess I've made one to many sandwhiches here lately)....we had wonderful french bread and just a bit of chardonnay on the side(close your jaws folks....yes, I'm one of those pregnant women)...then this evening after kids were in bed Zac made me a bubble bath. Our bathtub may be small...it might have a ring of mold around the edge that WILL NEVER COME OFF...but when your body is tired and your feet are swollen...that little 5x6 bathroom is heaven on earth. Don't I have the most thoughtful husband?
Hope you all had a good day....and one more question that I NEED answered. I have the worst heartburn from the moment I conceive a child until the moment they vacate my body(romantic huh?) What are some home remedies that I could use....I have tried different teas, tums, even a perscription from the doctor. I need help!!!! It doesn't matter if I eat a banana or salsa, water or juice...I'm in pain almost all day. Any suggestions would be great my dear readers.