Addie's First 3 Weeks in Photos

Update on Life

I can't post pictures because the camera cord is no where to be found at the moment. Sorry.

In case you're out there wondering how things are going around here, I would like to post this morning update:

Addie was awake today from 7:30am until 11:15am. Some of that time she spent crying. Twice in that span, she ate. This is pretty typical for a day around here except that she generally screams much more than she did this morning. She doesn't sleep much regardless of my efforts. Letting her cry, trying the swing, holding her, singing, whatever for however long really doesn't matter. She is just hyperstimulated overtired and can't seem to get to sleep. It is frustrating because I have 2 other kids to be with and can't spend 4 hours trying to get her to sleep.

From lessons I learned w/the older 2, I am confident that things will eventually get better. Tali & Owen were never awesome sleepers during the day either. My mom says it's because our kids are too smart and they lay around thinking so much that they can't sleep. I suppose that's supposed to be encouraging. But seriously, it is tempting not to get exhausted by attempting to help a newborn sleep.

Tali's got a fever today- 101. It's not her crazy weird fevers. The Lord's healed her from those. I'm not sure what this one's about but so far it's not been bad.

Owen is stuttering up a storm. He's been thrown off a bit by all the transition and it's really coming out in his speech. We're praying for him to adjust quickly and that his speech will go back to normal soon.

That's the update around here. I'd love prayers that God would give me wisdom for how to help Addie sleep. Also, that I would joyfully and patiently care for my other kids amidst all the screaming from the baby and the exhaustion from little sleep. I know it's possible to be in this season with JOY because joy is found in Christ alone and not in circumstances. Still, I'd love prayer that I would rejoice. Thanks.

Life with a Newborn

Our photographer friend, Brandon, took some awesome shots of Addie when she was 3 days old (the photo above is just one example). He did an incredible job and we are so grateful! You can check out the photos at: http://bjritterphoto.squarespace.com/clients/fenskas/

(It might take a little while to load.)

So our little girlie isn't quite 2 weeks old yet and still it seems that time is flying by. Maybe it's the fog of interrupted sleep or the lack of routine or the increased pace all day and night. I don't know. Time takes on a weird dimension when you're caring for a newborn.

Some highlights:

• The other night I was taking care of Addie Beth and heard Tali exclaim from her bedroom, "God ansuhd my pray-er!" Then there was silence. Pretty soon I heard her shout again, "LuLu stopped crying!!!!!"

• Whenever someone comes over that hasn't met our newest family member, Owen will point to her and tell the guest, "That's my sistuh."

• Addie's currently going through a little growth spurt and is eating about every 1.5-2 hours. It is wearing me out. She's also really picked up the crying and it seems that food it about the only thing that will chill her out at this point. Again, it's wearing me out. Josh just reminded me tonight, "We only get to do this so many times. Because of the one who's doing the crying, even the crying can be something to thank God for." Good thoughts. She won't be a screaming infant forever.

• We have had so much help from my mom. I'm really not sure how anyone does this without help.

• So we're doing well, though tired and praying that her excessive crying calms down soon. She is still far from out-crying her brother at this age, and for that we're grateful!

Grateful for Adelaide Elizabeth

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers! We are so grateful for friends and family who love us and our new little girl.

Addie is doing well and it's hard to believe that she is actually here and the nine months of waiting are over. She is a beautiful and calm baby and snuggly sweet. Unlike our other two, she actually sleeps after she eats and so we're feeling a bit more rested than we probably were w/Tali or Owen. And still the exhaustion has set in like a heavy fog. Wow. It can be oppressive! I'm so grateful for my loving husband who is serving so whole-heartedly and for my parents who are helping in so many ways. Can't imagine attempting it alone.

Addie looks a ton like Tali did at her age. It really takes me back and also reminds me how fleeting this season is. Before we know it, she'll be our big three year old instead of our little 3 day old. Lord, help us to savor the season.

Tali and Owen are loving having a new sibling. They are both so excited about touching her, talking to her, asking about her, singing about her, etc. Tonight Owen came upstairs where I was with Addie and said, "I tink I wan my liddle sistuh to come downtairs wit me." Very sweet. I also heard him singing a little song he made up at dinner, "Addie Beff, Addie Beff, Addie Beff!" We are so blessed.

Introducing Our Little Girl

Meet Adelaide Elizabeth, a.k.a. Addie Beth, Addie Lulu, or just Addie.

Who do you think she looks like?

Introducing Adelaide Elizabeth, aka Addie Beth, Addie lulu, or just Addie.

No name yet. Give us a little more time...