Birthday on the Road



Sporting Clemson at the Canyon! We are proud of our Tigers!

The next day we left Vegas (we also love to visit the Bass Pro Shop there) and headed to the Grand Canyon. We planned on sightseeing the Southern Rim, like most tourists. However, as providence had it, we were surprised to find ourselves at the Northern Rim. It was beautiful and reminded us much more of Yosemite. We decided to save the Southern Rim for another time:). It was quite a drive down the old Route 66 (from Cars) and we finally made it to Flagstaff for dinner with Gray Gray and Papa . . . the kids even had time for a late swim.

The beautiful North Rim

Taken while driving Route 66, a double rainbow. It was a beautiful drive.

Hannah turns 9!

My folks were staying at a timeshare in Flagstaff and were gracious to let us barge in on them for a night. They had a nice two bedroom unit on three levels and was fun to see them and Hannah was happy to have grandparents celebrate her birthday with her. Not quite breakfast in bed, but the chair was pretty nice.

Josh and Hannah

Funny. At the timeshare, invading Gray Gray and Papa's room:) Sarah makes herself at home on the pillows!

Sarah's instagram of the Canyon! Jael is so goofy:)

Hannah Esther Micu, born August 4, 2004. She was due in July. . .but like many of her siblings decided to wait a bit. It was a stressful time in my life. We decided to try the market and put our "starter" home up for sale in July while on vacation. It sold immediately and was due to close August 24th. My last months of pregnancy were full of packing and crying. Crying because although we sold high, we couldn't find another home. We still had no home options the day she arrived. She was a little girl, 6 lbs. 12 oz. She beat her big sister Sarah's birth weight by two ounces but that's it:). She and Sarah are very similiar in build, both in the 80% for height and under the 10% for weight (Sarah is finally enjoying it!). Due on July 23rd, I finally went in for induction on that Wednesday the 4th. It was a long day. Hannah arrived around 4:30pm and was a more difficult delivery. Her position was off and she was delivered opposite of what babies are usually, I forget. Her shoulder also got hung up and she ended up arriving fairly bruised and battered. But beautiful. She was a very fussy baby and her eyes are red in most pictures, or she is crying:). I blame it on the stress hormones - but she also did not tolerate milk. She still doesn't. The extra crying that first year was totally worth the sweet little toddler and delight we now enjoy. She's my miracle of mercy. Not planning on having more after four (initially - another story), God displayed incredible mercy by giving me a 5th child who was "normal." She's my only child who actually sat and stayed and didn't color on the walls(all Micus), jump off high things (Joey), climb counters (Josh).. . pull chairs to open doors to get outside (Miriam), tear apart cribs (Bekah), throw major tantrums (Jon and Naomi), or wander (Jael). Hannah is the only quiet child in our home. She's so quiet and still that she's been left several times - I am always keeping my eyes on the wild kids. Hannah has a beautiful quiet and gentle spirit that I love and admire. She is lots of fun and her giggles are contagious. She loves animals and most come to her easily. She is a wonderful artist and is growing in her cooking and homemaking skills.

What a welcome addition to the family. Child of grace.

Sweet 16!

Sweet 16. It's hard to believe that precious little bundle that we so proudly brought home from the hospital is now sixteen. Knowing that today would be a little crazy to celebrate with friends (leaving for England tomorrow), we actually hosted a BBQ last week.

Paul put together a "photo scavenger hunt" of sorts which resulted in lots of fun pictures for Sarah to have to remember the special day. The pictures all have themes. . .

Yep, the kid in the air is Bekah!

Sarah and Annalise, friends from birth!

Sarah. It was an exciting first pregnancy and first grandchild on my side. These were the days before cell phones, so Paul took out a "baby pager" - remember those?!? I was due on May 22. The day came and went. So, the next morning (Friday, May 23) I headed off to the gym. Not at 4:30am in those days! I'm not sure what time exactly I got there, but I will never forget the feeling of something running down my legs while I was on the transport machine! In the movies, when the "water breaks" it's like a big gush. I was very nervous that I was just losing bladder control... but I got to call the baby pager :) which made Paul's day. After going to the doctor it was confirmed that my water had broken but was just trickling due to the baby's head.

We tried to stall a bit, went home and got ready to head to the hospital. Nervous, jittery new parents. Unfortunately, I knew I wasn't having much happening in the way of contractions. I really wanted to have a natural delivery, but that unfortunately went out the window when the doctor wanted to start pitocin around 7pm. By 11:30pm I was hurting and not sure if I could make it without some kind of drugs! The nurse who checked me added to the discouragement with the prophecy that the baby probably wouldn't arrive until morning. As the pain grew more intense, I decided it was time to break away from the "desired plan" and figure out Plan B. Paul called the nurse back in to tell her I wanted to try the epidural. She checked once more and was amazed that I had gone to an 8 in the last half hour! I remember being very thankful. I also remember being hungry and not getting food. Paul had been eating Taco Bell and get breathing in my face to "push" and was counting.  I didn't want to be rude, so I kept asking him to brush his teeth. He kept ignoring me since he was intent on helping me breathe:). Finally, I couldn't take it. He says my eyes rolled back in my head as I grunted out "goooo bruuushh yooouuur teeeeth!" He said that at that moment all the nurses starting popping breath mints! LOL. It wasn't the easiest delivery, but I was thankful not to push long. Unfortunately all the pit make me throw up while pushing:( but it was worth it. Paul was all set up to cut the cord, but after Sarah arrived the doctor told him there needed to be change of plans. The room became very intense and it seemed forever before that little gray girl let out a bellow. The there was a collective sigh as her color became more pink and the cord was removed from her neck. 6 lbs. 10 ounces. Beautiful dark hair and red lips. She was perfect. I had seen enough newborns to keep my expectations on appearance in check - but she really was pretty. From Day 1, she was alert and observant. She seemed to study everything and be interested in taking it all in.

Now, in a blink, she's a woman. Sometimes at church Paul and I look around the upper room for her and can't find her - she blends in with the young adults. I am so thankful that God gave me a daughter, especially not knowing that 8 more would follow! Sarah is my right arm and I tell her frequently that I couldn't do it without her. She is so much more mature, gracious, and smart than I ever was at 16! I am amazed by her.

Happy Birthday, Princess!

Joshua

I awoke around 3am in the morning of February 22, 1999. Since my due date was February 17th, I was thankful to feel some cramping. However, the pain wasn't anything compared to what I had experienced with Sarah's pitocin induced delivery and I was hestitant to wake anyone. Not having family close, we knew our sweet neighbors would come at our call, but I wanted to "be sure." Paul was a little more anxious to get to the hospital, so we woke up the neighbors and drove off to the hospital (less than a mile away at that time) around 4am.

The night nurse was wonderful. I remember so much about her - except her name. She made me feel so at ease and comfortable. I was worried I'd be sent home since my contractions weren't hard, but she didn't make me feel like an idiot or belittle my lack of experience. Around 4:15 she checked me and started to do something I noticed about nurses and my deliveries. She stayed super calm and casual and didn't seem rushed or hurried, but began to go into a mega mode of getting things prepped and ready in a very quick manner. Joshua David became the first Micu baby to not wait for a doctor that early Monday morning in 1999.  I just hope the doctor did buy that nurse at least a pizza:).

Our first son. What a moment I'll remember. Paul glowed. A perfect addition to our family and a little brother for Sarah Bear. By American standards, we were a happy little family. The perfect family. To quote Voddie Baucham "A boy for me and a girl for you, praise the Lord we're finally through!" Thankfully, that wasn't our attitude. We rejoiced that God allowed us to have a son, knowing that He makes no mistakes in bringing each child into the family He ordains. And, those He loves lack for nothing - if He chose to only bless us with girls (or boys) we would not be lacking for He gives His best to His children.

But, back to my son. Joshua David. It seemed he was just a little guy - and he was a little guy. Although he weighed in a few ounces bigger than his big sis (he was 16 lbs 13oz) he was a small little guy and quick! He still holds the family record as the youngest runner and climber. At ten months he got a reputation for being the only child EVER to climb over the wall in the nursery at Northwest Church. He can still scale a tree super quick today. We called him our coconut boy - he could climb up the palm trees and knock them down.

Josh loved candy. The Christmas before he turned two we found two legs sticking out from under Aunt Mini's Christmas tree - there was Josh, eating her girls' ginger bread houses. He especially loved the taste of mint. Josh continues to love candy. His friends and family know that and I was amazed at the sacks of gummy worms, peach rings, mints, candy bars, etc., that he received for his birthday.

When he was little, other children seemed to cry at times when he was around - but we could never seem to catch him doing anything. He just had a look in his eye that was suspicious. He still carries that twinkle. He has an impish little grin and look that just seems to say "trouble." He was a contrarian before he could talk! Even now we laugh and joke that when we call him a contrarian he says "no I'm not!" As far as Winnie the Pooh characters, Josh was our Eeyore. His days were always "a little bit good and little bit bad." Josh is a very logical thinker and considers things deeply. He desires to understand deep theological truths and likes to be accurate. When he was little I was talking to him and Sarah about God being called Father by those who were His children. Sarah (typical first born compliant pleaser) said something about how she wanted God to be her Father. I asked Josh if he wanted God to be his Father too. Since he was only two I expected a nod or something. Instead, he said very clearly "Satan."  After my initial surprise, I smiled at him and told him he was quite right. Satan was his daddy (Ephesians - all are born children of wrath) and I was praying for him. I continue to pray for my son today, pleased by what I see God doing in his heart and life. Grace.

I wish I had his newborn pictures on our email, but I'll have to post some later. For now, these (from 2005 when Josh was 6 years old) will have to do. Enjoy as we have so enjoyed our son these past 14 years. May God use him greatly to further His kingdom and reflect His glory.

Brother! I'm pretty sure Josh (who would never dress up himself) had something to do with Jon's attire!

Josh loves babies. He still does. Here he is with our little Hannah Banana.

Easter 2005, with Gray Gray and Papa.

Such a handsome ring bearer! Miss Robin's wedding!

T-ball. Every boys dream.

Happy Birthday, Joshua! We love you!

Journals

Back in 1996 I read something about a mother who had kept journals on her kids (probably two!) and had passed the journals onto her kids when they left home - what a blessing and legacy it was to them. So, I went out and bought a nice journal and began to write to our first child. The pages were filled quickly and by the time Sarah arrived I think I had to start another journal! I held up pretty well until the 3rd pregnancy in 3 years. Then I realized that the unborn blessing would not receive writings until after they were born! I still attempted to catch their milestones, funny sayings/happenings, stories and jot them in their individual little books tucked away in my closet. By the time the 5th or 6th rolled around, I was only pulling down the journals to jote updates on their birthdays. Yep. Annual remarks. By the time I had number 8, I think I got his delivery recorded. . . at least partially. As of today, there is still no journal for baby number nine and she's pushing 11 months.

Worse stats than my blogging!  Well, I'm celebrating each child's birthday this year with writing down memories of their beginnings, who they currently are and what a blessing we consider them. So, that's what's happening with these birthday posts:).

Jael Turns Two. . . and other news!

Our baby turned two last week. . .thankfully another is on the way! We celebrated Jael turning two and anticipating her change to Big Sister status towards the end of summer!

In light of our population expansion I thought this was an interesting website you might enjoy as well: http://www.demographicwinter.com/index.html. Enjoy!

Jonathan's Birthday

So much for using the blog as a scrapbook! As behind as ever! Too much to capture, yet wanting to become more disciplined in keeping up with our family life. My time in SC at the end of August was good. Really good. I even remembered the camera. Oh yeah. I forgot the battery. Fortunately Papa is getting into on-line scrapbooks. So, I'll have to figure out if those can be loaded here.

That wrapped up August. September has been a blur. The first Sunday in September, Lolo had a stroke and was in the hospital that week. Came home and fell that weekend, only to be rehospitalized and given a pacemaker on Sunday of week two. After coming home from the hospital later that week, Lola became ill. Went into emergency and ended up with her own pacemaker on the 3rd Sunday of September. Wow. We are in an interesting season of life. We are thankful they are both feeling and doing better.

Jonathan then celebrated his 9th birthday on September 21! I can't believe this little guy isn't so little. He brings so much enthusiasm and laughter to our home. What a thoughtful young man, especially in regard to his Mama. He almost has something wrapped in a piece of napkin, shoved in the depths of his pockets that is pulled out for me - "something I saved for you, Mama." How can I resist?

Here's a few picture of his special day:

Hannah's Birthday. . .

Here is the precious video mentioned of Hannah opening her gift. . . hope it works! Listen for Sarah's comment!

Sorry, it's not working. . .will keep trying. . .

Five Years of Blessing

Hannah turned five years old this August. She is a blessing to our family. Her quiet spirit and gentle ways bring much calmness to our home. Thoughtful, helpful, caring, fragile, tender are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Hannah.

The gang gathers to honor Sister. Hannah takes it all in. . .
Hannah loves animals, especially horses. Because she is so calm and quiet, animals love Hannah, too. Even Frijilito ( Cousin Emily's dog) sat on Hannah's lap. She named this beautiful horse "Sugary Rose."Daddy and Hannah head off for their birthday date to Red Robin and Chuckie Cheese! Always a special night for the birthday kid.

This is just a precious video. . .

A "Memorable" Birthday!

Sarah enjoyed having her birthday fall on Memorial Weekend, as it allowed a Sunday night sleep-over! We postponed our birthday tradition until Tuesday morning. . . but was no less special.
Annalise and Sarah have been friends from birth. What a sweet friendship they have. We are thankful for friendships like these. They planned on getting their hair cut together for Locks of Love, but decided to wait (maybe after seeing how short mine and Bekah's turned out!! Future blog on that!). They enjoyed a cool night out on the trampoline.
After an early morning breakfast at IHOP with Dad, I enjoyed a morning with the girls at a book store and Color-Me-Mine, where the girls were able to paint a ceramic item.
The Buletti family joined us for dinner and my kindred-spirit, Melinda, made her delicious cheesecake! What a friend!
Sarah enjoyed gifts and cards, but especially the stack of books!

The Big Ten!

Getting ready for breakfast in bed! Josh turned 10 on 2/22, but because it was a Sunday morning we moved the breakfast in bed portion to Monday morning.
My sweet, unassuming, "balk at the sight of blood" son is enthralled with hunting. I'm not sure where that came from, but he enjoys shooting his pellet gun and reading about hunting.
The gang wishes Joshua a very happy birthday. It's exciting to hit those Double Digits!

Friends from church, Joel and Zach, helped Josh enjoy his new game. Miss Julie got the kids hooked on Risk last summer, so now Josh can conquer the world.
As always, a special evening with Dad completes the birthday excitement. We are so thankful to have enjoyed a decade with such a neat young man who has a heart for God.

Naomi Turns "Pee"

Naomi turned 3, or in her speech "pee." I'd say she is a true Filipina who swaps her "f's" and "p's" but she manages to swap more that just a few sounds! What a difference one year makes in the life of a little one. This year she just loved everything about her birthday - except that it is over for another year. . .

While she didn't really wait for us to bring her breakfast in bed, she was easily persuaded to return to bed for her special breakfast.Every day is a party when your six best friends live with you! It's fun to watch the others enjoy celebrating with the Birthday kid. Of course, they get to enjoy the special birthday goodies downstairs at the table . . .

Jael is coming into her own, realizing that she has to make her moves if she's not to be left out. Here she takes matters into her own hands and hoists herself onto the breakfast tray to try and get that donut she saw!We were so blessed to enjoy a magical, wet day at Disney! In case you haven't registered you can at www.disney.com and enjoy a day free on your birthday. A little drizzle didn't slow the Micu Tribe too much, but kept LOTS of people away! We enjoyed walking on to most rides. . .

Staying dry and loving the sights!
While Naomi was hopeful to see Little Mermaid, we did manage a shot with Belle. The other mixed kid is Miss Katie who is interning with Disney this semester. She not only did us up with the tickets but spent the day with us! Thank you Miss Katie! We need another set of hands. .. plus, she took bigger kids on the roller coasters!
Josh and Jon hang tight. . .
Naomi caught a glimpse of Litttle Mermaid on the newly rennovated Small World ride.
The boys tried to make themselves scarce around the princesses. . .but were glad to take a shot with Mr. Buzz Lightyear.
Back at the Treichelts, Auntie Sharon and Angelique had a cake and presents waiting! (Dinner, too!)


Enjoying time together and time with family. . .



Nay-Nay finally crashes at the end of a very fun and exciting 3rd birthday. Uncle Larry doesn't seem to mind the little Snuggler!

It's also a tradition for the birthday kid to enjoy a "date with dad." Nay-Nay is dressed and ready to go out with her Daddy for her special evening. This is about a week later. . .still wearing the Birthday Disney button!

Yes, these children do have a mother! But rarely "picture ready."Her now second favorite place on earth! Chuck E. Cheese time.
How cute are they?!