Check ups

We took Summer and Tilly today for their well check-ups. Summer is growing like a weed! She weighs 26 pounds and is 34 1/2 inches tall! She has such a sweet personality, she loves to be held and to give kisses! Tilly weighs 11 pounds 9 ounces and is 23 inches tall! She is just the sweetest baby and her smiles just make our day! She is healthy and growing and for that we are so thankful! We take Tilly on November 12 for another ultrasound. We covet your prayers during this time. Please pray specifically and foremost that God would heal Tilly's body. Pray for clarity for the tech and the radiologist reading the ultrasound photos. Pray for Dr. Bussey, our pediatric surgeon, that he would have wisdom to make the right decision for our little one. Pray for Mommy and Daddy that we would have grace and strength for such a time as this. Pray for baby Tilly that she would grow up strong and healthy so that God can use her to impact His kingdom. We are so thankful for all three of our precious little ones. Here are a few recent photos for you to enjoy!
Mommy's helpers!

Hard at work!

Look at those sweet cheeks!

Larry, Moe, & Curly

This week has been crazy! David was in class for his doctoral work, so I was flying solo with the precious little ones! In an email to David's sister, I jokingly referred to them as Larry, Moe, & Curly! Carter is definitely Larry with his fun, curly hair! He has been so silly this week. The other night I was getting his toothbrush and toothpaste out and he said to me (very emphatically) "I don't wanna brush my teeth! I poopied in the potty todaaaaaaay!" Tilly would have to be Curly because she has NO hair! Summer would be Moe always thumping somebody on the head! We have had a crazy time getting through this week without Daddy! Thank goodness for the baby Bjorn, now if I only had go-go Gadget arms and legs. . .

Tilly Brooke is Two Months Old

Time passes by so quickly when they are little! Two months ago today we welcomed baby Tilly Brooke into our family. In this short time, she has already brought so much joy into our home. In honor of her two month birthday, I am going to blog ten things I love about Tilly Brooke. This is a short list because there are so many things I love about this precious little one. She is such a sweet baby, so content and laid back! Thank you, God, for baby Tilly! We love her so much!

1. I love her name! It has so much special meaning in our family! I just love it!
2. I love her smile! She has this cute dimple on the left side of her mouth, it is precious!
3. I love that she snores when she is sleeping really soundly!
4. I love how Carter talks to her in a very sweet voice!
5. I love how Summer kisses her on the head when I am feeding her!
6. I love that she is sleeping all night!
7. I love watching David hold her and talk to her!
8. I love looking into her big blue eyes and watching her look at me!
9. I love how she snuggles up under my chin when I am holding her!
10. I love that God gave her to us!

Happy Birthday Papa

Tomorrow, October 16th, is a special day for our family! We are celebrating David's dad's birthday! He is better known at our house as Papa. In honor of the birthday boy, we put together a slideshow of some favorite pictures of Papa with our family. Thank you for being a wonderful father to David and me and for being an awesome grandfather to Carter, Summer, and Tilly. Happy birthday! We hope your special day is full of all things that bring you joy! We love you and miss you!

Gigi

David's mom, aka Miss Cindy, better known at our house as Gigi came to spend this past week with us! She was such a HUGE help around the house and getting the children up and ready to go to school each morning. I'm not quite sure how we will make it this week without her help! We were able to do lots of fun things while she was here, but failed to take pictures of each event! I need to do better at taking pictures because the children change daily and I don't want to miss a thing! A few highlights from the week were yummy home cooked meals, cookies, singing lots of songs, reading lots of books, shopping, going to church, and going to the fall festival at the school where I teach and where Carter attends pre-school! Carter even got to go on his first pony ride! Also, David and I were able to go on a DATE! We went to see a movie for the first time in almost 3 years - I know sad, isn't it? Anyway, we went to see the movie Fireproof and it was awesome! We highly recommend it to any and everyone! It offers such a clear presentation of the gospel that if you have any friends who are lost and searching this might be a great way to open a door! The movie is also a great encouragement to those who are married or hoping to get married one day. Thank you, Gigi, for allowing us to spend some quality uninterrupted time together! This was truly a gift! We miss you already and we hope you will come back soon to visit! Here are a few pictures of Gigi with each of the children!

What a Week

We have known this time was coming, but boy did it sneak up on me! Being at home with my family since June has been such a sweet gift! I loved spending weeks with just Carter and Summer before baby Tilly's arrival and I have loved being at home with just my girls while Carter has been in pre-school. This is my last week at home and the time has just flown by. I am not sure this week has gone the way I would have chosen, but we don't always get to choose. Monday we spent the morning at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital having an ultrasound done on Tilly's pelvis. Two weeks before delivery a cystic structure was discovered, so this was to be a follow-up. Tuesday we received a phone call from our pediatrician with the results asking us to see a pediatric surgeon. Wednesday I spent the day crying and praying and worrying about my precious baby girl. Today, Thursday, we went to see the pediatric surgeon. My mom went with us and it was so comforting to have her there with us. After reviewing our file, he shared with us that Tilly does indeed have a large cyst (about the size of a golf ball) on her right ovary. We were not prepared for it to be so large. For now, we are going to wait and watch it. In 6 weeks we will return to Children's Hospital for another ultrasound and then we will wait to hear from the pediatric surgeon. I don't usually wait very well. A sweet friend shared this verse with me on Tuesday when I called to share with her our news. "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." Psalm 56:3. I have been very afraid this week. That same night, I was feeding Tilly and David was putting Carter and Summer to bed. We have a bedtime routine that has recently included singing songs together. They were singing Jesus loves me. Now, I have been singing Jesus loves me all my life, but the words. "little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong" struck a chord in my heart and it made me so thankful that Tilly does belong to Jesus and that He is very strong in her weakness. What a week it has been. There have been some really sweet moments this week too. Below are some pictures of my sweet children taken this week. Please join us in praying for complete healing in Tilly's little body.

Tilly on Carter's bed with his animals!

Carter eating a snack enjoying the fall weather.

Tummy Time

MUAH!

Carter loves his baby sister. He talks to her in

the sweetest voice! He gives her lots of kisses!

Tilly Brooke is One Month Old

Today (Friday, September 19) we are celebrating Tilly's one month birthday! It has hard to believe that it has been a month since we welcomed this precious baby girl into our family. At her one month check up, she weighed 9lbs 13oz and was 21 1/2 inches long - still smaller than Carter when he was born I might add! She got a great report from the doctor and we are so thankful for a happy and healthy baby girl. Dr. G was amazed by how calm and mellow Tilly was during the exam. I told him we believe the Lord knows what we as parents can handle in our children! We are taking Tilly later this month to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital to have an ultrasound done. This is precautionary more than anything to make sure that the cystic structure found before her birth has resolved itself. Please join us in praying for complete healing in Tilly's little body. Pray that the ultrasound will reveal everything is gone! Tilly is such a sweet sweet baby. She loves to snuggle up under your neck,especially with her daddy! She is already sleeping in her crib in her room and doing really well at night - Mommy and Daddy are thankful! Carter and Summer just love her and shower her with kisses daily! They are both adjusting well to life with their baby sister. Carter started preschool this month, got his hair cut, and is going to the potty like a big boy! Summer is walking AND climbing everywhere - she has no fear! She is talking a lot too! I was unable to upload the slideshow I created for some reason, so below are a few pictures taken over the last few weeks. Sorry for the long scroll! Enjoy!

Before and after shots of Carter's new hair cut! (Yes, that is a cucumber he is eating - he loves them!) I lost the battle of the curls to David! He looks so grown up now with his big boy hair cut! They even put "product" in his hair. David was like ma'am, he's two!

Tilly loves to take naps on her tummy! I think she is laughing at me sneaking to take her picture!

She is wide awake here. Such a pretty baby girl!

Tilly's bathtime. She does not mind it too much, especially if the water is nice and warm! Look at those big blue eyes!

Carter and Tilly playing on her mat! He loves his little sister!

Carter helping to wash the dishes! Summer trying to help or pull the stool out from under him - I am not sure which! He loves to get on his stool and help in the kitchen. Last night, he put the stool in front of the microwave and said I'm cooking! David was rolling - how sad for me that my child already understands how Mommy cooks best! Oh my!

Summer playing on our bed in the morning! She is such a happy little girl and add so much joy and laughter to our home!

Summer Story

Well, for the last few weeks I have been home with just the girls and it has been so much fun! Carter has been at preschool and David has been at work. Don't get me wrong, we miss the boys - but girl time is the most fun, especially since Summer's little personality has really blossomed in the last couple of months! Well, today, Summer was taking her nap in her pack and play in the far back bedroom. Tilly and I were in the play room which is located on the other far side of our house. I had just gotten Tilly up from her nap to feed her. While I was feeding Tilly, I had the washer going and the television was on, but I thought I heard footsteps coming down the hallway which completely freaked me out because I was home alone! I thought surely not, it must be the washing machine. Then, all of a sudden my little fearless Summer appeared in the playroom like she belonged there and was worried we were having a party without her! I about jumped out of my skin! Somehow, she climbed out of her pack and play, climbed over the bed, opened all 3 doors and made her way to the playroom! I guess I will have to figure out somewhere else for her to nap now! Tomorrow we take Tilly for her one month check up. I can't believe it, but she turns one month old on Friday! I will have another update in a couple of days of how we are adjusting to our party of five and oh what a party we are having!

Carter's First Day of Preschool

I can't believe it, but Carter starts preschool today! He will be in Miss Page's two year old class at the Heiskell School! If you get a minute, then check out our school's website www.heiskell.net. We are so excited that he will have this wonderful opportunity to learn in such an incredible environment! We all got up this morning to see Carter off, except for Tilly who was finally sleeping after being up very late last night!! David drove Carter to school and Summer and I waved until the car was out of sight! David sent me a message to say that Carter fell asleep on the way to school - poor fella! It was an early morning for him! We are hoping that Carter's first day is absolutely wonderful! Here are some pictures of us walking out to the car this morning! We are so proud of you, Carter!

Happy Anniversary

Eleven years ago today, David answered God's call on his life into the ministry! I am so thankful that he did. We would not be where we are today, married for almost 7 years with 3 gorgeous children and serving at a wonderful church had David not been obedient. I have so enjoyed being along for the ride of part of this journey and I look forward to seeing how God is going to use David to further His kingdom in the years to come. As you read this post marking David's anniversary of surrender to the ministry, will you pray for him? Pray that he would continue to be faithful to what God has called him to do. Pray that God would continue to equip David with all that he needs to continue to serve Him! Praise God for David!

Happy Birthday, Haleigh!

Today is my niece's 6th birthday! Happy birthday, Haleigh! We love you!

Labor Day Weekend 2008

All is well in the O'Dell house. In case you were hiding under a rock this past weekend and missed the opening of college football season, let us be the first to welcome you! We were definitely excited around our house: the dawgs won, the hogs won, and astate won (can't remember their new mascot since they are no longer the indians - it's David's alma mater)! The O'Dell clan donned our game day attire of red and black to cheer on our favorite teams! Lucky for us they all wear red!
We also had some special visitors at our house for the weekend. David's sister, Cari, and her husband, Cory, came to meet baby Tilly and help Mommy and Daddy entertain Carter and Summer - no small feat! They flew all the way to Atlanta from Arkansas! We had a wonderful time visiting with them and were very sad to see them leave us yesterday! Here are a few pictures from our weekend of fun! Thank you Cari and Cory for coming to see us! We hope to see you again very soon!

Tilly's First Photo Shoot

My sweet friend, Lisa Zimmerman, came to the hospital yesterday to take pictures of baby Tilly. She has already uploaded them to her site and they are precious! Lisa is a gifted photographer! Her website can be found under the links on the right side of my blog page. Once you are in the site, click on view your photos, then parties and events, and then welcome Tilly Brooke O'Dell - enjoy! They are so sweet!

Tilly is doing great! Two different ladies from the nursery told us this morning what a delightful daughter she is! She was very sweet for the nurses during the night while David and I slept! I hope this is a sign of things to come! So far, she seems really content and oh so sweet! We are going home in just a few hours, yay! I am sure more posts will follow as we adjust to our party of five! Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement for our family during this very special time. We can't wait for Tilly to meet all of you!

Special Visitors

Today, Tilly had many special visitors to welcome her into the world. Early this morning, T came all the way from Athens to meet baby Tilly. It was love at first sight! Then, Papa and Gigi brought Carter and Summer to the hospital to meet baby Tilly and to see Mommy and Daddy! We had so much fun visiting! Baby Tilly is one blessed baby to have so many special people in her life! Here are some pictures from our visit!

Tilly Brooke O'Dell

Tilly Brooke O'Dell was born on August 19, 2008 at 4:48 PM at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. She weighed 8 pounds and is 20.5 inches long. Tilly was delivered by Christine Gordon the same midwife who delivered both Carter and Summer! The delivery was as smooth and perfect as we could have hoped for it to be. We received the phone call from the hospital just before 8:00 AM. By 11:00, all paperwork was complete and pitocin was working its magic. I received the epidural about 1:00. By 4:45PM I shared with Christine that I thought it was time. Tilly arrived just 3 minutes later - it was so fast! She is perfect and oh so sweet! We never cease to be amazed by the miracle of birth even though we have gotten lots of practice in the last two years! We are so thankful for our baby girl. We know she is a gift and will change the dynamics of our family in her own little way! Carter and Summer came to the hospital today to meet her and it was so sweet to see them interact with her. Carter said, "Tilly pretty!" Summer helped her with her pacifier! David and I are thrilled to be parents again! We will post more updates soon!

What's in a name?

When we found out we were expecting a baby girl and took great care in choosing her name, I sent out an email to our family. I wanted to post it on our blog page too for those of you who may not have seen the email explaining her name. Most of you know by now, that we are going to have a baby girl in August. Most of you also know how much we value the names we choose for our little ones. Carter Stokes and Summer Journey both have so much meaning in our lives and we did not want this little one to feel slighted in any way. We took longer than we have in the past to choose her name because we wanted it to be so very special as we are confident she is going to be to us! That being said we know many of you are so curious to know her name and we want to share in this special moment with each of you, though many of you are far away from us. The name God laid on on our hearts and the name we have chosen for our little girl is Tilly Brooke. We hope that all of you will begin to pray for her by name as we await her arrival. We chose the name Tilly because of our time in New Orleans. We lived in the "Gentilly" area of New Orleans. The seminary was located on Gentilly and the name of our apartments were Gentilly. Our time at seminary completely changed our marriage and our lives forever, we believe. We are confident that we would not be where we are today were it not for those two years spent in that special city. We wanted to take a part of that with us and pass it along to our children. We want to be constantly reminded of God's provision for us while we were living in New Orleans. We have always wanted to use the name Brooke because of a special friend in our lives. Brooke and I were prayer partners our first summer to work camp together in Nashville in 2003. Brooke prayed over me and with me all summer about moving to New Orleans. She also taught me about being a godly wife and what it means to submit to my husband. I was struggling with moving to New Orleans because that meant leaving my family again and not returning to school. Ironically enough, Brooke was not even married at the time! She is married now and she and her husband, Jason, live in California. They continue to be a godly example and encouragement to us through their ministry. We believe God used Brooke at a critical point in our lives to help lead us down the path He chose for us. (You can view Brooke's blog from my page to see what she and her husband are up to now!) We hope that you will find Tilly's name as precious and special as we do. We hope that you will continue to pray for our rapidly growing family. Carter and Summer have both been amazing blessings in our lives and we are excited to see how God is going to use them and baby Tilly to further His kingdom. Join us in praying that for our children.

Where does the time go?

Lots has happened in the O'Dell household since I last blogged! Our family is so busy! We have officially become residents of Austell by purchasing a house close to the church. We are so thankful for our home and so many people in our church family have helped us to make this transition as smoothly as possible! David has begun his doctoral classes at the seminary and is enjoying being a student once again. We celebrated Summer's first birthday with my family in Athens. Mama came and spent a week with us, which was such a treat! Carter and Summer went for their check-ups and boy have they grown! Carter weighed 29 pounds and is 37 1/2 inches tall! Our BIG boy has grown almost 4 inches in the last 6 months! One morning David and I looked at each other in disbelief because it literally seemed as though he had grown overnight! Amazing! Summer weighed 23 pounds 8 ounces and is 32 inches tall! She has grown 2 inches since her last check-up! They grow up WAY too fast! Speaking of check-ups and time slipping by, I am going every week to see the mid-wife now that we are nearing the end of the pregnancy! I cannot believe these nine months are almost over! We are scheduled to induce baby Tilly Brooke on August 19th if she does not decide to make a debut earlier on her own! It seems our babies always need a little coaxing, so we are prepared for that again. We are so excited to meet this little baby girl and continue adding to our family! We talk about baby Tilly being in Mommy's tummy a lot, so hopefully we are preparing Carter and Summer for their new sister! We look forward to sharing with you the news of her arrival!

Hanging out with friends in Arkansas

So, I have put up several posts from our trip to Arkansas, but here is one more. We were able to spend some time in Jonesboro with David's roommates from college and their families! It was wonderful to watch our children play together! We sure do wish they were closer to us! Here are some pictures of Carter and Summer playing Noah and Nia! Thanks for the pictures, Brad!

Summer's First 1st Birthday Party

While visiting David's family, we had a birthday party for Summer since our family in Arkansas will not be here for her first birthday! We had a wonderful celebration complete with a birthday hat, a precious cake, ice cream and lots of presents! We still cannot believe our little girl is turning one very soon! This year has flown by. Below are some pictures from her birthday party! As you can see the birthday girl was not the only one who had a ball, big brother, Carter, had so much fun too! Thank you Gigi and Papa for a wonderful party for Summer!