Random Thought For Women...

The common greeting I would receive from a friend before I had children was "Hey, how are you?".
Since having children when I see a friend I am amazed at how often my wieght is brought up! Really? Does anyone else relate? Have you too heard "You have lost a lot of weight since I last saw you". What is even the appropriate response to that? I almost want to chuckle out loud when someone says that and I know I haven't lost anything since the last time I saw them, maybe even gained! Perhaps this is the topic of nearly every greeting not because I had a baby almost a year ago but because I am an adult woman? I just know that I miss the more common greeting of "How are you?" compared to the topic of my waist line. Just saying......
And if I have started such a greeting the same way my sincere apologies!

Long over due post!

What is the quote? "Life happens when you are busy planning other things" Something like that! Well that is my excuse for not writing a blog entry in forever! It has been well over half a year. Snikes!

Since my last entry all three children have been growing and changing. Zach celebrated his 5th year of life October 17th. Of course being my Zach it was a huge lego celebration with many friends in attendance. Next month Zachary graduates from preschool and in the fall will begin his journey through kindergarten. He is growing up so quickly! I really need to find away to slow time down. Brianna for months and months has been anticipating her 4th birthday. May 12th she will be bringing in her birthday princess style with friends and family attending her royal princess tea party. Everyday she asks "Mommy you come to my birthday party" :-) Makes me smile every time her sweet voice says that! Bri has loved preschool and right now we plan on her being there for 2 more years. Jackson is our big baby boy now. Says Dada and Mama. Weighs a whopping 22lbs 6oz and is adored by his older siblings. His first birthday is all too rapidly approaching in June!

Zachary is not the only one graduating this spring. Denny will be graduating from COTC with honors in June. No words can express how proud I am of his achievements. Being a father, running Fink's Construction and attending college in Newark has been no easy task. But he has accomplished great grades still!

While busy raising children, maintaining the home and loving my hubby I have also been blessed by operating Beloved Images. It is very much my 4th child. I have met some great people by photographing them. Lots of repeat clients has allowed me to really get know the people I am serving. I hope that Beloved Images over time can grow into a full time income.I learn something new almost every photo shoot. Some might call me a MWAC (mother with a camera) but if that is how I've picked this trade up, then I am honored to be called that.

Well that is enough bragging and sharing for now. I will try to update this a lot sooner next time, but do not hold me to that! Enjoy a few pictures of the kiddos.

Fink Happenings

Wow! A bunch has happened in the last months and I have yet to write about it. We spent the summer bonding with our newest family member, Jackson. The name Jack has yet to catch on. I think he is forever stuck as Jackson and not both Jackson and Jack. We also were able to fit in most of our normal summer activities such as pool time (most times just in our back yard kiddie pool), a trip to Tuscora Park with some friends and even a visit to Wellsville NY to celebrate my Aunt's 50th birthday as well as introduce Jack (see it doesn't work) to the rest of my family.

At the end of August Zach returned to preschool for his last year of it and our little Bri began her first year of preschool! Both are lucky enough to be attending Hopewell Preschool. Their preschool is the best around in my biased opinion. We are so thankful for everyone that works there and with our children.

I am now excited for Fall and what it has in store for us. Fair. Zach's 5th Birthday. Trick or Treat! My new photography business (Beloved Images by Amanda Fink) growing. And so much more!!!

The wait is over

Our precious new bundle, Jackson Fink has been home with us for 2 weeks now. He decided to come a couple weeks before his due date of July 5th, that was a welcomed treat! Moments after his long birth (29 hours of labor!) I remember saying to him over and over, "we've waited 2 long years for you and you were worth all the wait". After trying for months in 2009 we had suffered a devastating miscarriage right at Christmas time, followed by a few months of healing physically and emotionally we were followed by more trying, praying, and asking for months. With many bumps in the road and the answers being no each month finally a pregnancy and baby that stuck! While we mourned the baby lost I know deep down that had we not lost our little angel baby I would not be holding our precious Jackson in my arms right now or ever. Isn't it great how God knew what he was doing! While at times waiting was too much to bare,looking back it was all worth the wait.

We love you baby Jackson! You have completed our family and are such a precious gift from above.

Thank you Lord for answering our prayers and once more having a plan for us.

Bed Rest and Blessed

From the time we got pregnant with baby Jackson I had one big objective: Not be put on bed rest. After 3 months bed rest with Bri's pregnancy and 3 weeks with Zach's the thought of bed rest was dreaded. But just a few days before we hit the 7th month marker my BP spiked landing me on bed rest. The good news is the rest is working for the most part! I still have moments were it spikes out of control and makes me ill but if I really truly stick with resting and taking it easy the blood pressure seems to stay regular. Just making myself slow down is the hard part!

Through all this Denny and myself have felt very blessed by some of our friends. From some meals for our family, to friends acting as house keepers or doing our laundry and even some taking one or both of the kids for a few hours here and there, we have been helped so much! Denny and I couldn't do it with out all of you! It has allowed Denny to not fall behind in school or work. And lets me be able to rest as much as I can with two little ones running around, not stressing about house hold chores.

Of course I will be honest and admit I have snuck out here and there. Otherwise I would go stir crazy and I can't miss all that spring has to offer! I typically pay when I do get out, my blood pressure does not like it one bit. However, I really do try to take it easy when we do get out. We were fortunate enough to be able to attend part of the Easter service at church. Getting around and going did raise my blood pressure but I'm so glad we were able to worship in God's house as a family that day.

Thank you again dear friends for everything! We are so blessed to have you in our live's.

We have a name!

Atlast we have a name for our newest edition! Jackson Robert Fink. And we only have 15 more weeks to go, give or take.

Name Game

So we still haven't decided on a name for our new little guy. To some his arrival may seem far off, he's due anytime around July 5th. However, to me his arrival is getting closer and closer and I would just like something other than "Baby Thumbsucker" to call him. Jackson or Jackston were what I really wanted but Denny is unsure about either of those. I will admit Jackson is a very popular name but I really like it. But Denny's doubt has me starting to doubt so I've looked over my list of possible boy names a few times now. I also find myself listening for name ideas when I drive in the van with the radio turned up. I've given Denny a name notice though. By the time I go for my next ultra sound to triple check the baby's gender and get a more in depth look at him there will be a name, even if it's just me saying the name is Jackson or Jackston.

So glad this is our last baby! Naming a third has been tough. I don't know what I would do if I was naming a 4th, 5th, 6th.........