No Rest For the Weary

My, it's been a while. And I have really nothing new to report, other than that the whole Buckland clan is sick. Isabel was sick two weeks ago. Jo was sick this past week. Now, every one of us is sick all at the same time. Even baby Oliver. It's been rough. My sweet husband stayed home with us today, not only to give me a hand, but because he hasn't been feeling well himself. I don't know what I would do without him.

On the bright side, now that we're all sick, maybe this will get everyone taken care of all at once!

We haven't been getting the best sleep either. Do all children sleep as poorly as the Buckland kids? Even my 3 & 1/2 month old is getting into the annoying habit of not napping at all during the day. How is that even possible?!? Josephine did the same thing at his age. They take like two 30 minute naps during the day, and then don't go to bed till after midnight. My four-year old is the best out of all of 'em, and she just (by "just" I mean this year) started sleeping through the night on a regular basis, that is when she's not sick.

I made the realization yesterday that every year at this time is probably the worst for us, health wise. I think the past 3 Easters I've been faced with whether or not we could all make it to church. So far we have. But just barely.

So, am I sounding like a big wuss? I guess I am. I'm a tired wuss. I hate being sick. I hate when my kids are sick. And I would just like some sleep. Some long, peaceful, restful sleep.

A year ago, Ren and I spent our anniversary at Chateau Elan. Here we were thinking that we were going to get a great night's sleep, away from the kids. They were with my mom, giving her a rough night. Anyways, we spent all night waking up every hour, because we were so conditioned to my then 3-year old waking up at least 4 times a night! And for those of you who are all smug and have babies that sleep through the night, it don't mean nuthin'. Isabel was the best sleeper from the time she was an infant. Then when she hit 18 months old, her sleep patterns just went haywire. We'd get some sleep here and there, but not enough. It's amazing that neither of us have gone postal. I sure hope the other two don't follow in her footsteps.

I know I'm having a pity party. But guess what? It's my blog, and I'll cry if I want to.

So, all this complaining and whining is my way of asking for prayer. Anyone that would feel so inclined, it would be much appreciated. Honestly, I am so tired (literally and figuratively) of asking God for sweet sleep, that my faith level in this area is just really low. We need some folks lifting us up right now.

Surviving the Weekend

As I stated in my previous post, I attended the Mute Math concert in Atlanta Saturday night. It goes without saying that it was incredible, yet hot, sweaty, and squished. Some friends of mine had the right idea by snagging some seats up in the balcony. But not me. Oh no. I have to be all up in it.

I always leave concerts feeling a little sad. You listen to these people over and over again, and you feel as if you are making a connection with them through their music. And then you go see them live and you're just some nameless face in crowd. I always wish I could somehow hang out back stage, eat a bag of Doritos with them, and pick their brains. I felt the same way after I saw Aimee Mann, a songwriting hero of mine, play last September.

So, Friday night we had family in from out of town for Isabel's birthday party. Saturday was the big bash, where Cinderella herself was in attendance. Then Saturday night was the concert. Sunday we had church. And then Sunday evening, a friend's surprise birthday party at Dave & Buster's. I thought I could just take it easy, but then realized that the girls started gymnastics today. Needless to say, I am beat. As if taking care of three kids ages 4 and under wasn't enough!

If you don't believe me about Cinderella, here's photographic proof that she really does exist. She's slightly more exotic than I remember her looking, but still lovely. And unfortunately we couldn't get a close-up of her nose piercing. Hey, it is the new millennium, you know.

Isabel certainly has the "I couldn't care less look" down. She's hard to impress.

Reason #937 I Love MuteMath

That's right folks. This is MuteMath's brand new video for "Typical". Tomorrow night I will be seeing them live. They never disappoint. If you ever have the chance to see them live, do not, I repeat, DO NOT miss the opportunity.

I just read somewhere that they had to learn the entire song backwards to make this video. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Oliver

Yesterday Oliver turned 3 months old. It snuck up on me so fast I hardly even realized it! The picture of him with his sisters is actually a little old. I thought I'd post a more recent one of him to give you guys that haven't seen him yet an idea of what he looks like. He couldn't look more like Ren if he tried.

Well Said

In the spirit of the waiting room, I thought I would link what my good friend and pastor, Tony McCollum, had to say about waiting. I could not have said it better.

Also on March 19th, 2003...

While I was having a baby at the hospital, we were sending troops to Iraq. Operation Iraqi Freedom started 4 years ago today. I can't believe we've been over there for that long.

Later that year, Hurricane Isabel hit North Carolina shores.

What does all this say about my daughter? I sure hope that her entire life is not marked with unnecessary wars and deadly hurricanes!

Isabel Mae

Today is March 19th. A very special day. Today is the day, 4 years ago, I became a mom for the first time and little Isabel Mae was born. I remember holding her and thinking that there was never a more beautiful, perfect little girl. I was smitten from the start. That time was so magical. I was blown away by how much I loved her, even though I barely knew her and she certainly hadn't done anything to earn my love. Other than the fact that she was my daughter. My first-born. I just wasn't prepared for the intensity of emotions I would have towards her. I also couldn't believe that the way I was feeling was just a fraction of how God felt, and still feels, towards me. This still boggles my mind to this day.

I cannot believe it has been 4 years. She was such a perfect baby and has turned into an even more incredible, smart, spunky little kid. She amazes me with how much and how quickly she learns every day. I am so happy that God decided to bless us with her. She makes me proud to be a mother.

Motherhood and marriage, while not always easy or smooth-sailing, are the two most rewarding roads I've ever traveled along. I am honored and humbled beyond words that God has given me both.

Happy Birthday, my big girl. I love you so much. May God bless you and keep you all the days of your life.