Linkage...

For those of you unfamiliar with "Luber Lingo," that's short for "this post will contain weblinks." (Okay, so it sounded funnier in my head...)

Anyways... I've been trying to find a way for you all to access more pictures of Paisley, and I think I've got it somewhat figured out... The following links (in order from youngest to oldest) are links to online photo albums of pictures of Paisley and our family. A few things to note: some pictures are upside-down (I tried all kinds of things to fix this, but to no avail, so you'll just have to crank your head sideways!); I believe you have to click a "View" button to view the albums on a slightly larger scale, and then give it a minute to load the album; if you double-click on a photo, you can see it enlarged. Please feel free to pass on our website address to anyone who we may have forgotten, and please let me know if these links don't work for whatever reason! I'm new to all this...

Okay.. here goes!

- Paisley Spring - First Few Days

- Paisley Spring - First Few Days Continued

- Paisley Spring - First Few Weeks

- Paisley Spring - First Weeks Continued

- Paisley Spring - Just Months Old

- Paisley Spring - 3 Month Photos

- Paisley Spring - 3-4 Months

- Paisley Spring - 3-4 Months Continued

- Paisley Spring - 3-4 Months Continued Again

Okay - enjoy!

Seriously... three months already?

The day was actually kind of sad for me - I was calling our photographer to schedule Paisley's 3-month pictures. How could three months have gone by already? I suddenly felt like I needed to cuddle her more, kiss her more, worry less about routines and good habits and just hold her while she sleeps more, take more pictures, stare into her deep, blue eyes more... Someone once told me, about her own child, "I tried holding her tightly, but she just kept on growing..." Aww, sad... : (

Three months has marked a fun age for Paisley of grabbing toys, entertaining herself for longer periods, lots of smiles and some giggles even; but it's sad in some ways to say goodbye to the newborn phase... I keep telling myself, "I need to remember this moment." I hope all my scribbly notes in her journal and thousands of pictures taken will help me to hang on to those precious memories.

Sad tears aside, three months is really turning out to be a fun, fun age! Melts my heart every time Paisley looks up and gives me one of her big, "That's my Mama!"-grins. And what better way to enjoy this fun time than take some fun pictures? Here are some of our favorites from the professional 3-month photos, taken from Paisley's very own room (more pics of her room to follow... someday... soon... I hope...). : )

Catching Up...

I feel like I should re-name this post with one of my last post's title: where does the time go? As you can tell, quite a bit of time has passed since my last post. Dare I say it? - Four months! (Aside from the draft I just posted from a while back, that is...). And oh-my-goodness has much happened in that time...
Baby Paisley decided to make us wait until one full week after she was "due" to make her appearance. We tried all kinds of craziness to get her to come early, but in the end, decided that she'd just come when she was good and ready. So, New Year's Eve came and went (and so did our tax break and this year's PFD for Paisley), and then it happened... January 6th, we welcomed little Paisley Spring Luber into this world. I'll spare you the details here, but our midwife sums up how things went pretty well, "You... you had a rough labor." But, Mama and Baby were well, and our new family headed home from the birthing center just 4 hours after our Lil' Pea was born. I know people think we're crazy, but I have to tell you that it was the greatest feeling walking into our home that afternoon. We were all happy to be home.
The first month was a blur of diapers, feedings, picture-taking, visits from friends and family, figuring each other out, naps, tons of ooh's and aah's and "oh my goodness she's so adorable!'s." I can't recall how many times I turned to Scott and said, "I just can't believe it... she's ours! We don't have to take her back; we get to keep her..." There were many, many hours that passed as we just sat and stared at her. There were also many, many tears shed on the part of our little one. What we thought was just her having a hard time letting herself fall asleep was actually her trying to tell us that she was still hungry. At 6 weeks, per the recommendation of a great lactation consultant due to the fact that Paisley was losing more weight, we started supplementing after trying all the tricks in the book to boost my milk supply. From the first day we began supplementing, it was as if we had a new baby... Paisley would nap well, sleep well at night, and she just had a happier demeanor in general. The difference was amazing... Thank God for great lactation consultants! : )
Since then, I can not even begin to tell you how much we have enjoyed our little Paisley, poopy diapers, fussiness, and all! If this tells you anything, Scott has commented over and over how he looks forward to those early morning diaper changes. My husband, who once became quite grumpy over lack of sleep, now looks forward to his loss of sleep because it means he gets to spend a precious moment with his little girl. Is that not the sweetest thing? I'll never forget the moment he got up with her in the middle of the night to hold her while she was crying so I could run to the bathroom... I came out to the living room expecting to find a grumpy hubby and fussy baby, but what I found was a calm baby with a hubby who was grinning from ear to ear (mind you, at 2 am!) saying, "I love this..." Just melts my heart. God is so good... I imagine him saying to me, "Why were you even worrying about this? I've got you covered... Trust me."
Paisley Spring is a bright, happy, smiley little girl with deep blue eyes with long eyelashes, auburn hair, a bald stripe across the back of her head from rubbing, who sleeps 8-hour stretches at night, constantly kicks her legs as if she's riding a bike, loves brights toys and anything that she can put in her mouth, drools like a crazy woman and must wear bibs with every outfit as a result, needs to be woken up slowly and gently just like her Mama, falls asleep at 10:30pm each night like clockwork, hates being strapped into her car seat but loves the riding in it after the car gets going, loves the sound of her Papa's voice, always wants to see where Mama is, looks stinkin' adorable in her fun cloth diapers, has to be in a position where she can see what's going on around her, takes the cutest pictures, needs her little snuggly-duck partially covering her face in order to fall asleep, LOVES her diaper changing table (thank you, Jesus), and is so loved by so many people that it constantly amazes her mom and dad.
I still have moments where I pick her up from a nap and think to myself, "My goodness... This is my daughter I'm picking up. My daughter. My daughter that I get to spend the next decades getting to know, making memories with, and loving more and more. Parents have always said that even though kids are hard work, they wouldn't trade it for anything, and now... now I really understand, and now I really believe them!

A few more recent favs.:

She's Here! (Yeah, it's a little late, I know...)

Oops! It's now the 20th of April, and I just saw that I had this draft that I started way back when, but never posted! Anyways... here's 'tis...





Paisley Spring made her grand appearance Thursday morning, January 6th, at 8:26am. 7 pounds, 5.5 oz, 20 3/4" long. Tall and skinny, just like her dad!

Sorry this will be brief, but right now my time is better spent cuddling our prescious little one than making a perfect blog entry! : )

Below are quick little comments on the meaning of her name... Several people have asked, so... Here you go!


Paisley – (written mostly by Scott) We had a hard time at first deciding if we would go with this name, because there's no meaning for it, per say. You won't find it in any name book or in all the millions of lists of baby names on the internet. Admittedly, we were a little torn because within "Christian circles" there seems to be a notion that your child's name must have some deep, profound meaning because names were often given to people in the Bible with particular meanings behind them due to circumstances surrounding their life or the lives of their parents, and we didn't want to just shrug off the possibility of the importance of picking out a name that had such meaning behind it. (Who decides what all the millions of names out there mean, anyways? I can just picture some guy holed up in his apartment that decides he's going to make his millions by creating a book with meanings of names. So... he starts with the A's, opens up the Thesaurus at a random page, closes his eyes, and wherever his finger lands is the meaning that goes with that name....) Anyways... but, in the end, we decided to stick with the name, in part for the very reason that it doesn't have a meaning. We saw it as a blank slate for God to write His story for her life and give her life the meaning He desires for her; the meaning of her life will be what she and God make it to be. One thing it does "mean" (like if you look Paisley up on the internet, or just by common knowledge) is that it’s a type of fabric pattern. So I guess in way she’s going to be a continuing "pattern" of Liz and I, and her story will be beautiful! We love the freedom it gives her to become the unique person God has for her to become... So, I guess her name does have a meaning now... in a way. : )

Spring – (written by Liz while still very prego... : ) ) So... I was lying in bed this morning at some ungodly hour, unable to sleep, and started thinking about names... I was starting to like Spring for a middle name... I was trying to think about our summers, our adventures, all that we love about Alaska, and what it was about that time of year and the feelings that accompany it that I love. And it all begins with spring - the anticipation, the newness of life, the excitement of planting gardens and watching things bloom, the hard but fun work of cleaning up around our place as we eagerly wait for the last remnants of snow to melt away, the warmth that is sooo welcome after a long, cold winter, the anticipation of coming adventures... Also, I was thinking about how each morning is like springtime in that His mercies are new every day, each new day is a new opportunity to begin again or make the most of opportunities, to wake with anticipation of what God has in store for you and how you get to partner with Him in what He's doing in and through your life that day, that kind of thing... I was also trying to put into one word - a middle name - that favorite feeling we have of being atop a mountain peak, looking on at the miles and miles of endless mountain peaks - the awe and beauty of those moments, and - as odd as it may be, try to understand if you can! - "Spring" seemed to kinda fit because it holds that same excitement and awe and sense of anticipation of adventure and beauty... Forgive the somewhat jumbled thoughts here, but it all makes sense in my head!

(I have to add here that now that it is spring, I love that we chose this name for her even more... What a great time of year. The warmth returns, wildlife returns and awakens, people come out of hibernating, kids giggle while splashing in puddles, neighbors help shovel the leftover snow out into the street to finish melting, bike rides, BBQ's, planning of summer weekends... So much good, all accompanied by that excitement and sense of anticipation that summer is just around the corner, and adventure after adventure await us!)

Where DOES the time go?

Seriously, how is it that we went from being in shock over two positive pregnancy tests, to now having a car seat installed in the back seat of my truck, a pack-n-play beside my bed, a whole room filled with baby items, and a packed suitcase ready to take to the birthing center at any moment, in such a seemingly short amount of time?! I guess you could say that I'm not one of those gals who feels like 9 months lasted a lifetime... Feels rather short, actually. Guess I have to be thankful that I have been blessed with such a great pregnancy. Dare I say that I've actually enjoyed it?... Well, I have. No, I will not miss the swollen ankles, achy feet, pregnancy acne, fluctuating hormones (though they have been good for a laugh or two along the way!), "weighing in" every few weeks, and getting up at all hours of the night for various reasons, BUT... I will surely miss some things - especially feeling our little girl move and squirm and hiccup all from the comfort of my belly. It's been a sweet time of being amazed at how God has designed our bodies to create life so perfectly, and of getting to know Baby in a special way.

Here's what "we" look like at about 37 weeks (two weeks ago)!



Tucker had to remind us that he's still important, and had to find a way to make it into the pictures too! Poor guy doesn't know what he's in for... I see a few neglectful weeks in his future... :(



- According to our midwives, Baby's head is "really low," but they think she's gonna be tall - like her Daddy, as her butt still looks high.
- Women love to tell you whether you've dropped or not (which I find rather annoying, as everyone has a different idea of what that "should" look like, and no one seems to care what the Mom-to-Be thinks or is actually feeling). Personally, I'm stickin' with what my midwives say and what I feel - which is something like a grapefruit about to drop outta me! (Sorry if that's too much of a mental picture! :) )
- I'm already amazed at how our bodies adapt to function on so little sleep. My internal clock is all kinds of outta whack these days, but somehow I manage to function rather well on so little sleep. Practice for what's to come, I'm sure...
- Baby was showing off for her dad the other day by showing him how hard she could scrape her elbow across his hand... Well, Scott yelled out of sheer shock (or terror, maybe), and I think it scared her! She went from all squirmy to suddenly very still. We got a good laugh over it, and she finally came around again to entertain us with her mysterious, moving body parts... Too funny.
- I'm a sock girl - I like my feet covered at the very least, and especially by a good pair of well-fitting socks. And I hate it when socks are on crooked or are loose by the toes. So let's just say that I've had my fair share of frustrating sock moments as I can no longer reach my feet unless I'm sitting and I hoist my foot up atop the opposite knee. But... this only complicates matters, as I then have to figure out how to get my sock on sideways - not the ideal set-up for a successful sock-putting-on moment. Too many times they end up crooked and goofy looking. Oh well... Just a matter of days and I'll be able to reach my toes again.
- Speaking of toes... I had a dilemma the other day as I looked down and realized that my toenails were in desperate need of a trimming, and I was stumped at how I was to go about remedying the situation! After concluding that I just couldn't bring myself to ask Scott to do it for me, I just went for it. You know, if you hold your breath and don't breath while bending over, you can reach just that much farther!
- I started last Thursday rather excited that it was my last day of work, but ended it in a pile of tears while sitting in my truck, waiting for it to warm up after a nice, long 12-hour shift. I'd been so excited to no longer have to wake up at ungodly hours of the morning to pull 12-hour shifts, running myself ragged trying to cater to people who think you're some sort of glorified waitress who also does all the dirty work, never seeing the light of day this time of year, only to end the day by sitting in a frozen heap of metal at -4 waiting for it to warm up before you can finally be on your way home where then you can't even hug your husband due to not knowing what kind of nastiness you're wearing, and a shower and your bed are all you want. BUT... sitting in my truck that night, I realized that it was really a bittersweet moment for me, as I was putting a big part of my Life's journey behind me. Over the course of my 5 1/2 years at Providence Hospital, I have grown in ways I never would have in any other environment. It stretched me, challenged me, showed me areas of strength - and weakness - I didn't know I had, built my confidence, humbled me, taught me people skills, introduced me to some of the most amazing people I've ever met, took me outside my "Christian Bubble" and showed me realities of the "Real World" - the bad and the good, exposed me to some of Life's greatest moments and some of its worst, taught me when to cry with people or simply sit and listen and when to just walk away, showed me what teamwork really looks like off the court and lived out in daily life (and what happens when people don't "play" as a team), and, of course, taught me far more about medicine and the medical field than I could ever try to write out on paper. While I'm excited to move on to this next journey, it will be sad to leave some of what I've had a Providence behind. I'm thankful for my time there and for who it's helped me become. Nothing can replace that...

Okay, I know this is getting long, but I have to share this... This is a terrible photo, but absolutely hilarious... Here's the scene: It's the middle of winter, none of my warm coats fit, I remember that there's a jacket in the basement that I never wore because it was too big, so I pull it out thinking it will be perfect. Scott comes in the room just as I'm about to zip it up and I excitedly tell him that I now have a coat that should fit. He watches (ever amazed at my growing belly and how many clothes I've outgrown) as I zip it up. And then... Pop! The zipper bursts open from the bottom up. Scott looks at me to see what my reaction will be, and when he sees me start to laugh, he just looses it... In between hysterical laughs, he tells me, "Wait there! I have to get the camera!" And hence, the photo...



And this... this is a little teaser of what's to come. Yep, Baby's room being painted... Her room is mostly done, but I still have some final details to finish up and curtains to finish. Once it's done, I'll give you the grand tour by photos...



Okay... sorry that was so long! Lots to catch up on, as I've been slacking on this whole blog thing... We've had many adventures and memories since I last posted, but they'll either have to wait or just fall by the wayside as spare time to just sit and type away is limited these days, and soon to be even more limited! Here's to hoping I can find time somewhere between school and diapers and feedings and maybe even some sleep!

Still Growing...

A few things we've noticed about our baby girl, who's growing bigger every day... (I know that's supposed to happen, but when I can tell that my belly really is bigger from one day to the next, it just throws me for a loop!)







- When I am lying on my right side, she likes to tickle me with her hands and feet to the point that it's unbearable, and I am forced to switch sides... Oh well, she's sure to get her fair share of tickles from her mom and dad in the not-so-distant future.
- Our baby girl is a good sleeper so far... she wakes up when I wake up and goes to sleep when I go to sleep... Let's hope she maintains that pattern!
- My stomach isn't the only thing that lets me know I'm hungry these days... Baby seems to get much more squirmy when I get hungry, and then settles down, content as could be, once I'm full.
- So... We think we have a name picked out (and no, we're not saying!). One night Scott had his hand on my belly, was talking to her, and called her the name we're liking, and she seemed to just wiggle like crazy with excitement. Caught us both off guard at the response; maybe it's a sign! : )
- The belly is beginning to take on foreign shapes, especially when our little girl decides it's time to swim around in there. Won't be long before we see a foot here, an elbow there...

Only 11 weeks to go... Yikes! She'll be here before we know it... Better get to readying her room!

When Tragedy Strikes...

Last weekend brought about a terrible accident for a dear friend of ours, and his family...

Here are a few thoughts from the last few days:
- We are "human BEINGS." Just BE with them (the family) right now... That's what's important.
- Miracles still happen.
- Hope in Jesus isn't just some nice idea we spread around to make ourselves feel better; it literally is what keeps us going at times.
- You can never have too big a support system.
- There is nothing more powerful than being faced with huge loss to make one even more thankful for what one has been given. From the day I said "I do" to my husband, every night before bed I have thanked Jesus for him. That thankfulness has grown exponentially over the last almost 4 years, but the last few days have left me without words as to how thankful I am for him. Seems I have only tears to convey to Jesus my heartfelt thanks to Him for the man He's given me, and what we have together.
- Babies have a way of bringing joy to tragic situations.
- His peace really does surpass all understanding and comprehension, and He gives strength to those who turn to Him that is simply unexplainable.

Please pray for our friend Wes, who is in critical condition after a plane crash, and for his wife and 6-week-old baby boy. Pray that he would not only be able to breathe on his own, but that, with time, he would regain the use of his arms and legs. The outcome looks grim by what doctors are saying, but we have great hope, and we know that we believe in a God that still performs miracles...