And... Another Year has Passed!

The Rest of April

CrossFit

I was in two back to back competitions in April, piggybacking off the CrossFit Open. They were great but totally exhausting.. I placed 2nd and 5th. I made Finals in both which was my goal.  When you make finals you get 'rewarded' by having to do another workout. Oh yeah, and its harder. Oh yeah, and everyone else is done for the day.  Still, I was pretty pumped with these results for my first two 'real' competitions. 

Vera made an appearance on the podium...

Did I mention it was exhausting??

Luther's Birthday

We had an informal Family gathering at Chick-fil-a for Luther's 3rd Birthday...

May

For my Birthday present, Joel took me to Seattle.  We brought our traveling buddy...

She did extremely well, but I could tell it was probably the last time that she would be brought with Mommy and Daddy and considered 'low maintenance.' At 5 months, it wasn't like traveling with an itty bitty newborn;) 

Luther's gymnastics

Around age 3, we put Joel and Judah in the local gymnastics program. Luther enjoyed and appreciated it WAY more than the other two. It was cute. 

Trip to Indian Lake

Around the time of my Birthday we went to Indian Lake, it was a blast as always.  The highlight for the boys is 'driving' Uncle Mike's boat...

June

June wasn't as relaxing as I had hoped... 

We took on a massive home project.  New floors, New doors & trim. Painted kitchen cabinets. Basically everything that was oak was painted white. Seems simple enough... right?

It took forever.. But the results were pretty fabulous...

VBS

Our church VBS was in June.  The theme was "Ocean Commotion" it was Judah's first time being in the real VBS program.  He was with Joel,.. I"m not sure if that was a good thing or not;) 

Surgery

The week of VBS I had surgery to repair my umbilical hernia.  It appeared during Luther's pregnancy and just got worse during Vera's.  I tell people the surgery was the opposite of Birth.. During the surgery it was heavenly.. a nice long 2 hour nap in the middle of the day. Afterwards, it was terrible.  Super drowsy/moody and more pain than I expected. All in all, it was a great surgery and recovery.  Taking 6 weeks off lifting was the hardest part :)  But this CrossFit mom got pretty creative...

Joel's Birthday

I don't think we did anything other than this for Joel's Birthday...Kinda sad. But that's what happens right?

Vacation

Vacation was 2 weeks after surgery. We went to hocking hills. It was really a great time...

Vera just hated the water the first time she got in...

July

Lots of Library trips

In July and really all Summer long, we took weekly trips to the library where we got 70+ books...

RV trip

We took the newest RV out for a trip to Illinois near the end of July.  As always, it was very fun but very exhausting!

We stopped at a campground and did some hiking.  This trail wasn't nearly as beautiful as all of the trails at Hocking Hills but still fun nonetheless.

In case you are wondering.. This is what it looks like when a toddler gets a bug bite on his eyelid...

August

At the end of Summer we took a few trips to Cosi...Vera now likes the water...

And, of course, so do the boys...

 More proof that Vera likes the water now...

I think this is the part where I apologize profusely for not updating the blog monthly, and promise to do better next time.. but lets face it, that just isn't happening. Life keeps getting in the way!

the First Quarter

Time Flies

Its amazing how time goes by soooo slowly when you are pregnant. Then after you have your baby you blink, and the first year is almost over!! It is truly incredible how that happens. Because we realize this crazy phenomenon, we tend to cherish each baby a bit more and more... Vera is certainly no exception. If you are following my FB page or Instagram, you can see we love taking pictures of this darling little girl.

Joel turns 6!!

We had an informal, McDonalds, Star Wars themed Birthday party for Joel 3. His favorite gift was the Flash t shirt he's wearing below. 

RV trips to Vermont and Florida
In February, we took the whole family on an RV trip to Vermont and FWB, FL. The Vermont trip was ... COLD. The family did exceptionally well.  We found a couple YMCA's to run around, and Vera couldn't have been happier.  Dark, always bumping along, loud road noise, brothers voices close by.. its like an infant's heaven!

Our Annual trip to Fort Walton Beach, FL did not disappoint. We had beautiful weather, and ..because of Joel's amazing sister Emily Penton, we got some serious time to spend with like-minded friends.  Oh yeah.. and the boys had fun too.

Vera was the perfect baby, as.. almost always. ;) and so we took her to the banquet and a fancy restaurant on Valentine's Day.

Anniversary
Joel and I had a little Getaway for our 10 year anniversary!!! Yes, that's right. Boy, don't I feel old? Yes. I do. Anyway, We went to Fort Wayne, IN (cue the woo hoo's!) and enjoyed some movies, a hotel suite and you guessed it.. a little Asti and treats as well. Yumm. Oh yea.. Vera was with us too. She likes to sleep a lot (just like me) so it wasn't a problem.

 The Boys
The boys have enjoyed a "Movie Saturday" with Daddy if they have good behavior all week. Most of the time they all participate but sometimes... 1 of them isn't allowed to participate in the reward. Any guesses as to who?

Judah. Yep, he's at a difficult age (4.5) but he is surprisingly turing into a big boy pretty fast all of a sudden. He finally took an interest in riding a bike (with training wheels), finally doesn't need a pull up at night, and finally sits well enough to take part in a reading lesson with Mommy - and does very well!!

Joel has been obsessed with Lord of the Rings... Yes, we allowed him to watch the real movies.

He is also obsessed with baby Vera... I guess we have that in common...

 Luther is still pretty cute but getting a little too smart these days.  He participates in the reading lesson with Judah and isn't far behind! He's likes the Super Hero "Green Lantern" and insisted to be called by that name for a little over a month.

A short birth story of Veritas Grace Penton

at 39 weeks pregnant, I did not think this would be the last belly pic! 

Birth Announcement

Vera was my 2nd natural birth 1st natural birth at a hospital. She is our first girl and first 'before due date' baby! I worked out by doing CrossFit the entire pregnancy 3-4x per week, and I ate "Trim Healthy Mama." I gained 25 lbs.

Labor started at 2am the morning of the 15th. Contractions were every 12 mins and I didn't sleep. At 8am they slowed to every 20 mins so I decided to take the boys to CrossFit open gym. (see videos below) I did a light workout and after that from 11-3 contractions became more consistent to about every 10 mins. Around 2-3p we began making phone calls and arranging to get to the hospital. We arrived and were admitted at 4pm, I was 4-5 cm 90%effaced. I labored w my midwife until 5:30 when the tub was finally full. From 5;30-6:30 I labored in the warm water and it felt amazing!! At 6:30 I got out of the tub for my midwife to check progress, I was only a 6 but 100% effaced. She suggested breaking my water and then did so on the bed. In 3-4 excruciating pushes Vera arrived only 13 minutes later!!

She was 7#10oz 20.5 inches, head covered In black hair and body covered in thick, white, vernix. Loud set of lungs on her too. We prayed and rejoiced in thanksgiving to the Lord and spent the next 2 hrs cuddling and nursing and taking pictures.

A question I've gotten a lot - 

How has this pregnancy been different for you? and to what do you attribute those differences?

This pregnancy was remarkably better and more enjoyable in every way. I attribute this to 3 things - 1. CrossFit 2. Trim Healthy Mama and 3. Carrying a girl

First of all I cannot answer this without mentioning that I've prayed and prayed for God to help me and allow me to have not only a great pregnancy but a great labor and delivery experience.  It is only due to Him and His provision that we have and can do anything.  I thank Him for answering this prayer, as I know He controls everything.

1. CrossFit - CrossFit helped me to get into incredible shape before the pregnancy which I believe was essential to a healthier pregnancy.  My hormones were functioning beautifully, my metabolism and immune system were strong. I was very fit.  During the pregnancy, CF helped me to remain strong despite fluctuating hormones, weight gain and fatigue.  CF also helped me to sleep better throughout the pregnancy - this helped my mood, energy level, and overall health.  At the end of the pregnancy I was able to function like a 'normal' mom - lifting my boys, squatting to pick up their dirty socks, vacuuming,etc.  Don't get me wrong - I was huge and uncomfortable, and I would ask Joel 3 to help me pick things up off the floor at every opportunity, BUT, it was much less horrible than the end of my other pregnancies.  CF also helped me mentally more so than I would have thought.  Throughout the pregnancy I was able to accomplish goals and I felt more confident about my body. This helped my overall attitude and mood.  Most of all I think that CF helped me mentally during the actual labor and birth.  Although this natural birth went relatively quicker than my last one, it was mentally more challenging to be in a hospital and not get an epidural (my last natural birth was at home, where an epidural isn't an option;) Throughout the laboring process, I was able to make rational decisions with perspective.  I knew that even though the pain was so horrible I literally wanted to die, I knew it would be over at some point and that I didn't have to make decisions based off of how horrible I FELT in that moment.  

2. Trim Healthy Mama - I credit THM for my 25 lbs.  Yes, CrossFit helped, but eating happens all day every day, not just 3-4x a week for an hour. I have gained 50 lbs, 35 lbs, and 50 lbs with each baby and this has happened while actually trying to NOT gain.  I was NEVER one of those "hey, I'm pregnant, Its my excuse to eat everything!" But, yet, somehow I gained a ton of weight.  I felt helpless and depressed.  There was nothing I could do... when pregnant, I would just gain a lot and that was just me.  THM helped me to 'figure out' why my body so easily gains during pregnancy, or at least one of the reasons-  The first 2/3 of pregnancy, my blood sugar dipped very low, very quickly after meals with carbohydrates.  This causes me to have headaches, feel flightheaded and have some serious irritability. Bringing my blood sugar back up (by eating) helped me feel better. I believe this happened with all of my pregnancies and caused me to eat more than I needed to because, instinctively, I knew that eating helped me feel better.  Trim Healthy Mama focuses on the composition of the macro nutrients of meals.  I noticed that meals with carbs (THM calls them "E" meals) caused the dip, Protein was always included but adding a small amount of fat didn't seem to help too much.  Eating meals with high fat and protein but almost 0 carbs (THM calls these "S" meals) helped stabilize my blood sugar well, but actually I gained more weight, faster, on these types of meals.  I found that a combination of about 15 carbs, 20 g protein, and 25-30 g fat was best for me (THM calls these "S Helper" meals) and I continued eating that way throughout the pregnancy. 

3. Carrying a girl - who knows how much or how little this affected my overall pregnancy.  I do believe it probably was a factor for me.  Perhaps, hormonally, my body does better with girl pregnancies.  Who knows.

Vera is welcomed home by the crew

Handstand push ups, burpees, and butterfly pull ups at 39 weeks 4 days pregnant. I was actually in labor during this workout and so decided to 'take it easy' and take a few videos! Contractions started at 2am but were only every 10-20 mins until around 3pm. The contractions hurt during this workout but I was still able to move around and do things.  The biggest difference was that I couldn't wear my support belt, it felt extremely uncomfortable to wear during 'real'contractions.

It's ANOTHER ....

I realize many of you have seen this video already, but I couldn't neglect making this official by putting it into the family blog.






Pregnancy
We are still shocked that it is a girl and trying to get used to the idea.  It is very encouraging (and kinda funny) how excited others are for us! It is such a change to pray for "her."  The boys ask questions about the new baby constantly and they always say things like "Where is he laying right now?" and I have to remind them that the baby is a "She." We are very grateful for this little blessing and thankful that she looks healthy and all is going well so far.

I"m about 5 months along (21 weeks) and feeling very good.  I have some lingering issues from past pregnancies (hernia, diastisis) that aren't causing me too much trouble... yet.

I am still doing CrossFit about 4x a week and those workouts are feeling great!  Some movements (body weight, mostly) are much more difficult, but others are, or at least seem to be.. about the same!  I've even had numerous PR's throughout the pregnancy, which I guess I can attribute to hormone surges... or something.  I wear a support belt during the WOD (workout of the day) and while doing any lifting movements.  There are only a few movements that I don't do (snatches, hand release push ups, fast burpees, sit ups), so all in all, I feel pretty good about things.  I know it will just get harder and harder but at this point I am very encouraged.

Prior to pregnancy, I was eating small amounts of gluten and feeling fine (no symptoms).  However, once I became pregnant, I noticed more GI symptoms so I decided to go back to avoiding it as much as possible.  I am still eating "Trim Healthy Mama" and have been for about a year.  I've changed things up a little bit, mostly on my workout days.  For instance, I need to incorporate more fats combined with carbs on workout days.. and I need to eat more frequently.  If I don't do this, I have some symptoms of low blood sugar.

It has been very interesting being so in tune with my body this pregnancy.  My routine hasn't changed much at all, yet I notice on certain weeks I am waaay more hungry, or waaay more sluggish, or waaay more sore (muscle fatigue) and I sleep like a rock.  And other weeks I have a huge PR in the gym, and can go longer between meals.  I honestly think that sometimes I can 'feel' her growth spurts.  Or, it might be related to something completely different, but it is very interesting to me!  The swings keeps me humble and grateful.  I know soon the energetic days might be few and far between. ;)


Gearing up for the School year 

Stand for Truth
Joel has spent a lot of time getting the ministry ready for the upcoming school year.  This year we have two interns working with us (Kyle and Matt) and another new addition to the team (Jessica) who is helping with administration and bookings.  It has about doubled the size of our team, but we for sure need the help.  The wives (Emily and I) have taken on a lot of work the first 5 or so years of the ministry but then when the kids began to arrive (There are now 6 soon to be 7 between the two of us. In less than 6 years!) We all quickly realized we needed more help!

We are thankful for these fellow laborers in the gospel, and excited to see how this year unfolds!

Homeschooling
Joel III (5 yrs) will enter his second year of Classical Conversations.  This year we will cover 'Cycle 3' which focuses on America.  I am so excited for Joel. Knowing that this year will be much easier for him, helps.  This year we may try to incorporate supplemental reading (going along with the historical content covered each week in CC) along with some Math and Handwriting.

Although Judah is eligible to start the Classical Conversations (he would be in the same class that Joel took last year) since he will have just turned 4 (he has a September birthday) and is incredibly active and still very content playing with toys and other kids, we will have him start the CC program next year.  Judah and Luther (2 yrs) will be working together with Mommy on letter and number recognition and perhaps some phonics. Although, I"m not embarrassed to admit, this loose plan might go out the window once baby #4 arrives.  Reading out loud is a priority to me and Bible reading so at the very minimum we will consistently be doing those things.


Our Summer
This summer was a blast.  We were on the go so much that I literally NEVER put the boys suitcases away! Here's a few pics..

Trips to Graeter's with Daddy. Socks are a requirement at Graeter's.  

Luther ended up with mittens on his feet. 

Bug watching was perfected this summer.  Here's a large and lonely 

cicada at the Dublin splash pad.

Library trips resulted in computer playing time. 

RV trips to random cities.  This one had a nice park right where Daddy was speaking. 

(if you have amazing eyes and perfect zoom capability you can see him in the background, 

wearing red) Luther very loudly, kept saying, "I hear Daddy!"

RVing it in the Summertime

NY RV trip
Yes, we are crazy. Yes, we took the RV to New York. And, not just anyplace in NY. The Bronx. Yes, we are crazy.  After much debate and calculating pricing, we figured we would save the ministry close to $1000 by NOT FLYING to NY (yes, this is true even with the high gas costs of the RV). So we made arrangements, and took the whole family to NY.  Fortunately, Joel and Ryan had just taken the RV to New York a few weeks ago and we learned from their experience;) Our RV experience in the Bronx involved a few new 'rules' 1. bring LOTS of cash for tolls. (RV tolls are higher and NY tolls in general are outrageous. 2. don't spend the night in the Bronx. (even if the pictures online look perfectly safe!)  3. call the school and make them arrange a parking spot for the RV. and finally, 4. While large husband is absent, speaking in the Bronx HS and pregnant wife with 3 small children are stuck in RV, keep RV doors locked and window shades pulled.  Do not open door for anyone unless its a police officer who shows a badge.

Whew. We survived.  Joel had 2 days of speaking and we planned to visit a friend on the way there.  Our trip was a blast and our visit with longtime friend, Sue, made it even better.

We stopped at a campground on the way there. It was absolutely gorgeous!



We also visited Hershey Park briefly....



VBS
This year was Joel's 2nd year of VBS at our church. Northwest Bible really does it up for VBS.  Its incredible.  There are so many hours, volunteers, dollars, donated items, and prayers put into the week and it really shows.  The kids just LOVE this week! Like ALL of them, not just mine.  This year my volunteer role was different and it allowed me to see a different perspective of VBS.  I came away with a true appreciation for our church and specifically how much NW Bible loves kids and celebrates the joy of children!!

Judah was very excited to be given a VBS shirt this year even though he's not officially part of VBS.  Luther got an impostor shirt.


Camp Marengo
After a church speaking engagement, we stayed at a nearby camp in Ohio, Camp Marengo.  It was a bit hot and humid but one of the highlights was that Joel learned to ride a bike!!!

Here's a video of it.




In the RV, there's a lot of video and 'electronics' time. Especially on rainy days or days where Joel speaks. Here's a pic of the boys watching an Elmo video in the upper bunk together.

Of course we do try to get some reading time in as well...