Joseph: "My own body communicates to me that I need to play video games all the time." In a whining voice.

Me: Laugh.

Joseph: "No really," with a pleading look, "my own body clock says that it's time."

Me: "Maybe later bud."

A Day of Sadness and Rejoicing

Today was a big day for two reasons. For about 7 1/2 weeks my dad has been battling a bout of Pancreatitis and all the complications that accompany that illness. After a blessing by the hands of my oldest brother essentially releasing him from obligation to "fight it out", he peacefully passed away at 1:51 am. My brother did not have to make the decision to take him off the various forms of life support. He simply pronounced the blessing that was God's will and within 2 minutes my father had passed. I am so grateful for all the time that I was able to spend with my father. He is a fun, passionate, loving, spontaneous, intelligent man. He is one of those people who, when focused on you, can understand you and make you feel understood. My only regret is that I don't have MORE pictures/memories/time spent with him. It is just like people/the movies always say: death really puts things in perspective. I encourage all who read this to make the most of each and every relationship they have because we truly never know how long we will have with that person. (The pictures above were taken last thanksgiving in San Diego at the Old Ferry Landing in Coronado. It was the last time we saw my father. He and MaryBeth were very helpful and fun on the beach that day.)

We rejoiced in the birth of our son Isaac today as Joe and some dear friends and family blessed him in church. The men you see in the picture are those who helped with the blessing (and our Bishop who is not in the picture). I am so grateful to have such a wonderful support group behind me. It was a beautiful blessing.

Births and deaths are a very basic and essential part to Heavenly Father's plan for us. That knowledge does not take away all sorrow and sadness but it can give us comfort as we go through life and experience loss. I know that I will see my dad again some day, that he will hold me in his giant arms and kiss my face.

Thanks to Irene!!!

Thanks to Irene I have some beautiful newborn pictures of my little Isaac! She was ready to shoot when he was only a week or so and I- due to my many post pregnancy issues- was not ready for that little bit of stress until he was four weeks old!!! I am still counting them as newborn photos though! It ended up being a lot of fun- for me at least. Christian (Irene's little one year old) had another opinion I am sure but Irene handled it all like such a pro! Thank you Irene for taking the time and energy to shoot my little guy! You did fantastic!

Isaac Rafael Lowry

He was born on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) a little after 3pm. He was 10 pounds 14 oz. and I had the epidural for the first time. I think it was the right decision although I still firmly believe in the benefits of natural childbirth- as crazy as most people think I am. I adore little Isaac and I am so grateful for the flood of love that comes and makes all the inconveniences of motherhood worth it. I would not say it is easier to have the 3rd child rather than the 2nd. From my experience so far it is a challenge to have children- but well worth the effort and sacrifice. The older kids love their baby brother. Joseph's preschool teacher said that in all her years of teaching she has never had a student more excited about having a sibling as Joseph is. Mr. Enthusiastic. Millie is very excited as well and likes to participate in as much as she can that has to do with the baby. It would be cuter if it didn't coincide with her absolute rebellion against any and all direction- be it gentle suggestion or loud command. She spends a lot of time in time out. Isaac seems to have an easy going temperament- we will see if that changes. I am so grateful to all the people that have called, brought food by (before and after the birth), played with my kids and offered to play with my kids. I am grateful my in-laws were able to watch the kids for a few days when we were in the hospital. That was not easy. I am also so glad that my mom got to come out and spend a week with us. It is always so special to have her here. Most of all I am grateful to Joe- who rarely understands my emotional fluctuations but is always willing to pick up the slack. It is not easy being the target of service but it is greatly appreciated. It always makes me think of the Savior.

The End is Near

I don't ever remember how hard pregnancy is so I thought I would write about this time. At least this way I can make an educated decision on wether or not to get pregnant again in the future (just kidding... but not really). So if you want to remain in the dark about any discomforts of pregnancy just tune out now.

Pregnancy number three has been my most difficult by far. For the first 20 weeks I had a marked increase in nausea and vomiting, fatigue and intestinal problems. I experienced about 10 good weeks. Around 30 weeks serious hip pain began to impede sleep. As the weeks went by more physical aches and pains appeared as the baby grew and placed strain on my ever weakening yet blossoming body. Of course all the while trying my best to be a good mom dedicated to exposing my children to new experiences and people, crafts and educational preschool games. Up to this point I have felt like I "endured it well", at least I hope I have. Although I do imagine myself several times a day as a mother cat nursing her young. Have you ever seen the face on a cat while she is nursing? It was a long time ago for me but I remember her squinting her eyes slightly in an effort to relax but very clearly seeing a kitty grimace on her face. So that is the image that pops into my mind. Not because my 4 1/2 and almost 3 year old kids are still nursing- they most definitely ARE NOT- but maybe because I feel like that momma cat. Making an effort to look relaxed and enduring the pain or "hardship" of motherhood well but also exposing that secret grimace to anyone looking a little closer.

So the end is near. Of course it could not come too easily. Last week I and my two little ones came down with the nastiest cold that will not go away. You can imagine how it affects them: fatigue, loss of appetite, endless congestion, body aches and pains, coughing, ear infections, etc. I usually boast a very sturdy immune system (very sturdy people should have something to boast about, right?) but I guess not pregnant. It almost feels like it is never going away. I say almost, because I do have faith and I have been praying to get better so I can focus on bringing this baby into the world, but it is not happening as fast as I would like.

So, sadly I feel like this is the worst example I have been of "enduring to the end" in pregnancy so far. My husband comes home early to cook and clean and play with the kids. A few angelic friends have already brought me food (I haven't even had the baby yet!). I feel no guilt at laying down several times a day for a rest or simply refusing to bend over and pick up the toys, crayons, papers, pretzels strewn about the house. I complain to anyone really asking how I am doing. I am just waiting. Hopefully the weeks post-delivery will be better than these.

Happy Birthday to Lacy!

This is Joe. Although this kind of thing is far from new, I wanted to let Lacy know how special she is to me and our family. Even better, I wanted to do it publicly. We met almost 8 years ago and have been married for almost seven. She's brought 2 beautiful children into this world and dedicated her life to the well-being our our family. She is selfless, thoughtful, and caring. She is a wonderful friend, a loving sister, and devoted daughter. She is the woman and wife of my dreams and I am lucky to have her.

We are about one month from welcoming a new child into our family. I am so glad that I married a woman who embraces the responsibility of motherhood the way that Lacy does. I'm even more grateful that she has chosen to put up with me. These are some pictures from the time that we've been together.

This was taken about 6 weeks before we we married.

This was at Marco Island, after our first anniversary. I love her hair in this picture.

Later that summer we went to Utah and hiked Mt. Timpanogos. One of my favorite pictures of her.

Joseph loves snuggling with his Mommy. He says that she makes him warm. No one soothes his leg aches or gives him comfort like his mom. He was around 10 months in this picture.

This is Lacy with her sweet kids. I love how Millie calls her Momma. There are MANY things that Millie prefers her Momma take care of. Can you blame her?

This was last year, the big 3-0, a surprise party thrown for Lacy and her friend Lauren by their friend Alicia (with husbandly help of course). I can't believe that a year has passed. Thank you for being who you are, and making me a better man. I love you Lacy! Happy birthday!

My First Christmas Flan

Being married to a half Cuban Christmas Eve brings with it a whole new set of traditions. One of which is Noche Buena. I don't know much about it other than that Christmas Eve we get together for the big celebration of Christmas. We try to "dress up" and eat traditional Cuban food. There might be something more to it than that. In any case, this is my first time attempting to make Flan and I am so relieved and happy that it turned out. ( I made banana bread with my kids on Sunday and somehow forgot to add more than half of the mashed bananas). Anyway, I haven't eaten it yet, but it sure looks like Flan!

Halloween

The kids got more interested in Halloween this year. Millie changed her mind about what she wanted to be every day leading up to it, but when it came time to get ready she was very committed to be a ballerina. What? That wasn't really one of the options. Joseph, as you can see was Buzz Light Year like his best friend Hunter. "I'm the real Buzz!" "No, I am!" They were very cute and didn't really seem to mind they had the same costume on.

Sandbox- A Huge Accomplishment

My wonderful husband flexed his muscles as he built this sandbox from scratch! The first segment of the project took the better part of a saturday. He had help from our great friend Walmir- to whom we are so grateful for the tools and the labor. They got the frame of the box built and in place. It sat empty for a few days- while I and the children grew impatient. I foolishly made a trip to Home Depot to buy the Sandbox sand when I realized that it wasn't the best night to make Joe unload 1,200 pounds of sand: Wednesday (I will be at church) and the next morning we would be leaving for a trip. So we waited another week and were so happy when it was filled.



We are a match made in heaven for many reasons. One of the less glamorous being that we both sweat like crazy in this balmy peninsula.

He continued working and created an original design of folding doors to protect the interior of the box from any passing cats (which I have never seen in our neighborhood) or leaves or what have you...

As you can see the children love to make a stop in the sandbox in their circuit of destruction in the backyard. It has been really nice weather this week and we love to go outside, sit in the shade and play in the sand. The tricky part is getting Millie to keep her clothes on.


Even though Joe did all the work I felt accomplished when he was done. I was so proud of all that he did- the sweating, the hours outside and in the garage, cutting, painting, hammering. I didn't mind doing all my indoor mommy tasks as much. He made the comment that he could have bought three sandboxes for the price and time that he had spent on ours. Creating something is worth so much more than just the thing you create. I've started talking about his next project- but I don't think he appreciates that very much. Whenever you are ready- I love you- thank you!

Millie

She is looking very depressed as we pull gum from her hair. Joseph took this picture.
She loves suitcases and strapping herself inside them!
I promise she thought of this on her own- there is no way she has ever seen me vacuum in heels and a dress.
My sister took this picture. It captures her beauty and her passion for sweet treats.