A Night of Grace!

...I was 37 weeks pregnant and heading to the perinatal clinic at Northside Hospital in Atlanta every Monday and Thursday to get ultrasounds and to check the baby's heart rate.  I hadn't packed my hospital bag yet and could barely move around the house I was so huge!  Monday, May 16th my husband and I almost overslept for one of our the last doctor's appointment.  The c-section was scheduled for Thursday, May 19th.  We jumped up, rushed to get ready, never walked the dogs, and barely made it on time.  I had begged the doctors to take her the week before when my fluid levels first dropped; but nevertheless, I was still carrying the princess in my pouch.

In between appointments, I craved burger king and had to go to Target to return baby items.  As usual, I was frantic I'd be late for the next doctor... but Darryl was very calm and told me to do whatever I needed before returning to the hospital.  (In all actuality, we should have been focused on charging our cell phones in order to make all the necessary calls.)

Finally we made it to the hospital for the NST and the baby's heart beat was low... next came the ultrasound and the fluid was low... actually, there was hardly any fluid.

The doctor said very calmly, "I'm going to page your OB doctor 911."  

My husband then replies, "Okay, so you just call us at home once you speak to him." 

The doctor then states, "You're not going home... you're going upstairs to have your baby!"

My husband stares blankly and mumbles, "Oh..."

I chime in, "Call and text the family!"

Never do I recall time flying by so quickly.  Both of our cell phones had low batteries. We had enough time to send one text to our parents and siblings.  My mother had rescheduled her flight to arrive Wednesday, and no other family could get in town that quickly. Then we left a voicemail for my God-sister, Jayna, to meet us at the hospital.  It felt like I blinked then ended up in a hospital bed attached to machines.  Because of my big lunch at Burger King, the c-section was pushed back to 10:00 pm.  Darryl had to run home to pack our bags and make arrangements for the dogs to be cared for.  I was so afraid for him to leave me, but he left me in good hands.  When he returned, Jayna was keeping me calm, but the epidural needle was being prepared!  He got back just in time.  It was happening... our parenthood journey was off to a hectic start.

Many know or are familiar with the drill of childbirth.  Once the needle began to calm me down, we were taken to operating room #5.  In my drugged state of mind I told Darryl, "look baby... 5 is the number for GRACE!"  We were then taken to recovery room #8.  In my further drugged state of mind I told Darryl, "look baby... 8 is the number for NEW BEGINNINGS!"

Yes, it was a new beginning... she was born at 10:37 pm.  By 1:00 am we were in our hospital room just the three of us...our family had begun.  We cherished the quiet and the precious moment that was upon us.  All the days of rubbing the belly wondering what she'd look like... now she was in our arms.  All the days of me wondering if I'd ever get married and have a family.

Nothing in our power brought us to this moment...

Only Grace... God's Grace

9.29.11 Baby News Anniversary!

It's been a year!  I cannot believe how life changed for us so quickly! It's been a wonderful journey full of fear, excitement, learning and a gazillion funny stories!  My husband will be sharing soon, but he's been so busy working he hasn't even looked at the page lately! hahaa

As a way to celebrate receiving a miracle from the Lord in the form of this precious little girl, I want to pray for other women on September 29th... the day we found out we were having a baby.

Watch this video for full details.  There's still time to get in and RSVP for Thursday, September 29th!

Looking forward to your miracle too...
The Mrs

Three Generations!

Iris Grace just return from her first trip to California where she got to minister to people on the power of God's grace.  Here's a video of her grandmother teaching on the scripture that inspired her name: Zechariah 4:7.  We hope you are encouraged to believe God for your mountain to crumble... whatever that mountain may be.  God's grace is sufficient and will pitch a tent over your life!

Blessings,

The Ordells

Almost Friends Again with Babies R Us

Okay, let's try another go at this relationship! As many of you know, I was devastated (yes, I know that's dramatic) with the Rewards department at Babies R Us for messing up my reward redemption certificates. I vowed not to return to the store.  This plan was set in motion, until I realized I needed to use the gift cards in my possession before cutting them off as Iris Grace's store of choice for all her needs.

Well, when using the last of my gift cards, there was an error on their part with my online purchase. Once again, I was on the phone trying to rectify the situation.  Calmly I asked, what exactly went wrong with the order.  Well, the young lady was so nice and simply stated, "it was really our fault so we'll give you 20% off your next online order."

This sounded great, but usually their 20% off coupons come with restrictions... but not this time. I called back to make another order, and I was allowed to use this discount in combination with their 50% off wipes with the purchase of a value box of pampers.  So needless to say, I was very happy with my savings and the great customer service.  This representative was definitely more helpful than the previous one.

More later on the final outcome.  I have plans to use my redemption reward dollars this week.  Once all goes well, I will shout it on the rooftops!  Since the first mishap, I've gone online and studied their coupons and figured out what items are better to purchase there rather than Target.  Now, of course, beating out Target on some items is hard to do... but being a baby specialty store gives them space to get in the ring!

I estimate that as my newborn grows, I will be shopping at Babies & Toys R Us for quite some time if all goes well.  Many know I have quite the big mouth.  So if they make me happy, I'll be sure to let you all know!  One good selling point about the store is their return policy is very hassle free!  Another major selling point is the nursing/changing room for moms.  I've had to feed Grace there twice when she got fussy during our shopping time.  Not sure of any other stores that have that area.

But moms be alert... there's competition in town!  Buy Buy Baby is a division of Bed, Bath and Beyond.  We bought our diaper bag there and was able to use the BBB 20% off coupon at the baby store which was very cool! 

Ok, more later... happy shopping!
#teamcoupons
#teamirisgrace
#teamnewmommy

Theresa Ordell... The Mrs.!
If you have any insight into shopping for your baby, please post to the blog so readers can get the information.  Always read fine print, get clear on the store policies and be wise with your dollars-gift cards or cash!

High Heels & Nursing Pads... Finding My New Life at 42!

Our princess ... Iris Grace

We left the hospital on May 20th after a c-section birth on May 16th.  Due to low fluid, she was delivered a couple days earlier than scheduled.  We were so quiet driving home, in shock that we were allowed to "take the baby".  Yep, Iris Grace was our daughter and would forever changed our lives.

For days and weeks, our world was all about her... and still is! Every noise, grunt and movement brought wonder and surprise.  Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins came to visit.  She was held, kissed and loved by her family and parents.  I cannot believe that seven weeks have passed by!

During the pregnancy, we decided that we wanted her to be a breast fed baby to ensure optimal health.  As a result, an electric breast pump was purchased, nursing bras and tops ... and most of all disposable nursing pads.  Now I knew nursing pads were needed, but I didn't know they'd rule my day every time I got dressed or even went to sleep.  Once Iris was born, the journey began!

Now unlike young moms, having a baby via c-section at 42 is quite a notion! hahaaa - it's not all about bouncing back to your same elegant clothing and running the streets being glamorous!  Loosing weight is a project and so is wearing high heels!

Due to my height (4'11") I've prided myself in wearing heels at all times!  But during my pregnancy, I had to renegotiate this life staple since I was HUGE!  This baby took over every space on my person, as a result... flip flops it was.

I've found that during the newborn phase of staying home and adjusting to parenting, you are so consumed with how beauty-full your child is, that you forget YOU!  One day I found that headbands and casual clothes had become my standard attire.  No more shopping at Nordstroms... all my time was spent at baby stores.  Now, don't get me wrong, shopping for my little girl is fun and very exciting!  But one morning I woke up and missed my wardrobe, MAC, purses and most of all... my heels!

The pain came when I realized that with the extra weight and the big "breast feeding instruments", my clothes didn't fit like before.  This calls for creative revamping of my style as a woman and a mom.

Glamour doesn't have to be forfeited when you become a new mom.

It may not be in the same place you left it, 

but look inside and you will discover the journey to the new YOU!

The bottom line lesson is don't forget YOU as you give affection to your baby and dress her/him up.  Your baby, your husband, your friends and your world need to see you redefine your style.  Every time I complain about my weight, Darryl says, "Theresa... you just had a baby! It will come off!"  The pounds will come off when I get to work on them... and I will, because I'm finding my new life at 42 and embracing the journey! 

Last Sunday we had friends visiting from out of town and were all going to breakfast.  After I got our little princess Grace dressed up... I went to do "me". Hmmm... this would be hard since not everything in the closet fit.  I wondered what I could wear with my gold flip flops, but then I heard my inner style girlfriend say, "Theresa, wear your gold metallic slide on heels!"  I worried that I wasn't healed from surgery, but it had been 7 weeks and the heels weren't so high that I was being insane.  After finding a dress that fit, I tried on the shoes!  How great it felt to be a girl!  But I didn't stop there, I even took out some time to put on my MAC makeup! I was almost done, but I couldn't leave until I slid a pair of nursing pads down my tank top! hahaha

When we were riding in the car, Darryl turned to me and said, "You look so pretty today!"  It was hard to say thank you, because my initial reaction was to focus on my extra weight and bigger bra size... but, I was starting a new journey so I smiled and said "Thanks baby!"

To all my new moms... find the new YOU and embrace the journey!

There's beauty after babies... and high heels too!

#getonamission
#noroomforexcuses
Theresa Ordell

No More Babies R Us ... Bad customer service for reward points

Not willing to help a customer???

I am completely unhappy with Babies "R" Us customer service for reward points! I've purchased at least $1,000 worth of items through my baby registry and my own purchases; nevertheless, I've never received the $5 reward points per every $150 spent. There was an incorrect address - one that I've never heard of - in their system. when I asked if I could have replacements sent to me I was told no. There was no alternative resolve offered whatsoever. If this address error was mine, it would be understood, but I don't know who has been able to claim my rewards... and they don't even care!!!!! I will now shop at Buy Buy baby, Target and any other store willing to offer helpful customer service!!!

I'm making a point to post this to share with other moms to avoid dealing with a company that refuses to hold on to customers that would consistently shop at their store during the duration of their child's growth.  When I told the rep I would no longer shop there, she did not care.  she o

I'm going to consider returning all unopened items, such as our crib and bedding set in order to buy from other stores that carry similar items.

Introducing ... Iris Grace! Our flower bloomed on May 16, 2011!

Our favorite picture of the little princess... only 2 days old, smiling and showing off her dimple!

Me and the man of my dreams!

Auntie Roz bought me this hat for my birth-day and to wear home from the hospital!

Me & my Mommy T the day I came home from the hospital! She helped pray me here and named me Grace!

All dressed up & staying home!

More pictures to come... just a couple of shots of the girl who has won our heart!  Her photo shoot pictures with Qiana Nicole Photography will be available soon! Iris Grace weighed 7 lbs at birth and was 20 inches long.  Grace-Grace (Zechariah 4:7) ... our miracle is amazing!  Thank you to all our family and close friends that encouraged us during our pregnancy.

We'd love for you to leave comments here on our blog page!

Follow peace,

Darryl & Theresa Ordell

Baby Shower Blessings - our story!

My baby shower was filled with encouragement for women that wanted to be either married or have children.  Along with my dear friend, Jennifer Lyles, I shared my testimony for those in attendance so that they could understand the magnitude of our rejoicing and the babies name. We also had a program with other testimonies of women that had children against all odds.  The following prayer was given to those in attendance.

A Prayer for My Sisters

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your many blessings. On this day I lift up my sisters and ask that you would give them peace concerning marriage and children. Darryl and I ask that you would grant to every single woman the desires of her heart for a godly mate. We ask you to save and deliver men and raise them up to be godly husbands and fathers.  Protect single women from hidden deception and calm all feelings of anxiety.  Grant to my sisters the blessed assurance of your perfect timing and perfect will.  We lift up the married women and I pray you would revive and strengthen their marriages. Protect them from the deadly assaults of disunity, disharmony and divorce. Bless those who are longing to conceive children with a healthy and fruitful womb. We pray you would keep our hearts open to adoption and to all children who are in need of love and support.  We bind the attacks of the enemy that would hinder the abundant births of children being born into godly families with both fathers and mothers present and united in holy marriage.  We ask you to crown the parents with the wisdom, provision and strength to raise godly seed. I pray they would lead their children to creativity, knowledge and understanding and they would teach them godliness according to Deuteronomy 11:18-21. Today we stand in unity to bless and uphold young marriages and families including the ones that will soon come into being.  We confess according to Psalm 144:11-15 that our families will flourish and will leave a godly heritage in the earth. In Jesus' glorious name... be it unto you!  

 

Follow peace and be encouraged.

Theresa McFaddin Ordell

...and Iris Grace makes us a family of 3 - well, 5 with the dogs!

How do you continue to continue when love looks hard to find?  You trust in God against all odds!  Like many women in my generation, I found myself advancing in work, but still single late into my thirties.  Between traveling, a loving extended family and running a ministry for young adult women, I remained busy and hopeful.  My situation seemed unique to outsiders, since I was born with three fingers on both hands and a length discrepancies with my legs; nevertheless, I believed I was supernaturally attractive despite these disadvantages.  I was determined not to settle for marrying just anyone that came along.  Love would find me.

After a series of test In October 2002, I found that I had very large fibroid tumors that required immediate surgery once friends donated blood for the myomectomy.  Two days before the surgery I had to sign a form giving consent to a hysterectomy as the surgeons deemed it may be necessary due to the severity of the tumors.  Here I was 33 years of age being told that my uterus was in jeopardy causing the opportunity to have a child or children to be threatened. Fear gripped me.

The 1.5 hour surgery lasted about 4 hours.  There was a transfusion of 4 bags of blood, and I stayed in recovery for about 12 hours to be watched closely.  I went home about 6 days later, with no hysterectomy!  I was told that to ensure I'd be able to get pregnant, I should begin trying after 6 months from the time of surgery... needless to say, I vowed to only "try" if I was married.  It would not be in my plan as a minister to be a willful single parent.  In the meantime, I restricted myself to a vegetarian diet to ensure the reduction of the chance for the fibroids returning.

Time crept by without marriage.  About a year or so later, I ran into one of the nurses that had been with me during this ordeal.  When she greeted me she asked if I had started trying to have a baby.  When I answered no, she began to berate me saying that it was a miracle I didn't have a hysterectomy, so I was crazy not to just choose anyone and get pregnant right away!  I walked away in tears and for a brief moment I wondered if trusting in God's divine family plan was foolish.  After focusing back in, I had to remember that the pathway to miracles is paved with doubt and delay, but not necessarily denial.  I chose to trust the Lord's grace.

Fast forward to January 2008.  I was 39 years old, not married and returning for yet another myomectomy surgery... the fibroids returned.  There had been so many "almost" relationships that I was wondering if I'd ever get married and have children.  The fear was greater as I prepared for what was to come.  I confided in a friend, Darryl Ordell, about my worry and he quickly boarded a plane to be there during my surgery.  Neither of us thought our care for each other would blossom into a marriage, we were just working to get through the surgery.  He was a tower of strength as usual.

When I recovered, I was told that 35 tumors the size of eggs were removed and that scar tissue and endometriosis were discovered, both of which often breed infertility.  My doctor said the odds of having children were very slim.

In April 2009, Darryl and I were married when I was 40 years old!  He vowed to love me with or without children.  Our goal was to enjoy the gift of love God had given us and to focus our love on our nieces and nephews and let the blessing of having our own children be left in God's hands.  We figured that there were so many children to adopt that we could just let life unfold as long as we were together.

For a long time, I was afraid to ask the Lord for a baby, because the possibility of let down or miscarriage seemed too overwhelming to endure.  There had already been a false positive that broke my heart.  Nevertheless, I was feeling "weird" about three days before my 42nd birthday, I went to the doctor to take a pregnancy test.  When it said POSITIVE, an on duty nurse could barely stand the excitement.  Calling my name in the waiting room, she ended up running out to me screaming "YOU'RE SOOOOOO PREGNANT!"  God had fulfilled our request.  October 2002 I first had surgery, now October 2010 we found out we were having a baby!

For my first major ultrasound, we arrived at the hospital's high risk department as my doctor said he had major concerns that my own orthopedic birth defects would be duplicated in the baby.  So off I went to get "checked out"! Suddenly, Baby Wow (as we affectionately named her before we knew if it was a boy or girl) decides to end all arguments and waved at the camera! This wave said: I'm cool in here, stop worrying, I'm giving the Lord a wave offering for his goodness, and ... oh yeah, I do have 5 fingers in case you're tripping!  When the doc came in he said, "Well, I guess your orthopedic condition was just an isolated incident ... your baby has assured us there's no worries!"  Even with 11 fibroid tumors during my pregnancy, the doctors are awe struck at how wonderful the pregnancy is going.  Our c-section is set for May 19th, and we're naming the baby girl Iris Grace.

Our family stands on the power of two scriptures: Zechariah 4:7 ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ” and Psalm 118:23 - this is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes!  #getonamission  #faceyourmountain

MARRIED COUPLES: Pray Like Garanimals!

Perhaps I'm dating myself as a child of the seventies, but when I was a young I loved to wear Garanimals! You didn't need your parents telling you what to wear, because all you had to do was match the animals on the tag to know what clothes went together.  The introduction of this coordinated system was fun, promoted maturity, and helped children feel good about themselves.

Now that I'm a married "grown woman" (as Mary J. Blidge so aptly put it), I have found the need for learning how to match once again.  The best wedding gift we received was advice: Be sure to pray every single day together without fail!  At the time it seemed easy enough, but as the days passed by after our "I Do", we worked hard to make it a critical part of our routine.  We both know that prayer has kept us standing as outside forces have beat up against us.  Darryl always says, "God is the head of this union"... Scriptures says, "a three-fold cord isn't easily broken"... I say, "Amen to both"!

Praying together is mandatory in a healthy, God-centered marriage relationship.  If a couple hasn't both decided that Christ is their glue-connector, then staying together may be difficult when life kicks into high gear.  Can't we all agree that staying married is the ultimate goal???  Statistics say that almost half of Christian marriages end in divorce.  I wonder how many Christians are getting married equally yoked, with wise counsel established, and equal goal lines ahead.  Let us not rush to our own desires and not see the team's desires as most critical!

Garanimals teach children how to match clothing outfits by using various animals on the tags.

So this is where, praying "Garanimal Style" becomes necessary! As married couples build their daily prayer life, it is imperative that matching prayers take place when together or individually.  Garanimals clothing are so cool, because they are built on a "coordinated system", and so should our prayers be.

Uncoordinated Prayer: 
Theresa prays, "dear Lord... please send the Ordells to Italy to live in a palace."
Darryl prays, "dear Lord... please send the Ordells to the Dominican Republic to live in a shack."
There is NO coordinated system of prayers.  This shows not only being out of sync with each other, but it also shows a lack of communication on our part.  If you don't talk it out and map out a plan, you'll never make progress.

God will not answer prayers that divide a married unit.

Prayer is a serious thing, it involves power, accuracy and expectancy... and a turning of the will!  Our wills should be clearly directed to God's agenda if we want the most effectiveness.  So when couples see no activity, they must reconvene and address what is being prayed.  Perhaps many couples don't want to take the risk of praying together due to the possibility of exposing their opposition of desires!

Get on one accord and pray like Garanimals together!  First, discuss what you'd like to see God do in your future.  Whether it's praying about a job change, purchasing a house, having children, moving to another state, going back to school or even going on vacation... pray like Garanimals - find a coordinated system so that your prayers will be effective!

Mark 3:25 states: 

If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Just recently, Darryl and I were discussing something in our lives that we anticipated God to do.  I assumed we were both cheering for the same team and expecting the same result!  Darryl listened to me go on and on and on and on and on and on... (did I say he actually listened to me go on and on?) and after I finished my tirade, he broke IT down and ME down too!

This is how my husband viewed our prayers:
Theresa was praying/asking for God to bless us in a particular way, as if it may not be possible for us to receive or be considered for a blessing.  
Darryl was praying for God to get us ready for the blessing so that we could be good stewards over it, because he knew the Lord was more than able to fulfill the request!

Our prayers were not on a coordinated system... or should I say, we were close, but not quite matching and praying Garanimal style!  Our belief system had to be set the same way, then we had to ask in agreement. I was still hoping and he had already been there and done that.

Garanimal Style Prayer:
Lord, prepare us for the blessing that is coming our way. We know that you are a specific God that tailors our blessings in a unique way.  We cannot be unprepared when you decide it's time for us to receive the blessing.  We want to maximize our miracles and be the right stewards over every gift you bring to our house.  Most importantly, let your will be done in our lives. We submit to your agenda, your timetable and your plans of prosperity.  Be it unto us according to your Word and our faith! In Jesus' name... Amen.

Now, sometimes we're just not where the other spouse is in our ability to ask the Lord for our needs.  This is okay.  When you come together for prayer, it can still be Garanimal style if one of you says, I'm just not where you are yet, but I'm willing to come in God's presence with you to work it out so we can get on one accord.  When both of you are saved and walking in relationship with Jesus Christ, then agreement is possible.  If you cannot reach a place of agreement with what to pray, there's still a way to pray like Garanimals!

Garanimal Style Prayers when you can't Agree:
Lord, we're at a crossroads in our marriage.  We're in separate corners of the ring ready to come out swinging to get our way.  I want to go to Alaska, and they want to go to Hawaii.  They want to go to one church, while I want to go to another.  One of us wants to quit our job and the other wants to look for more work.  One of us isn't in love anymore, and the other wants to stay in this marriage for better or for worst.  Neither of us want to give up our desires, but we all that we can agree on is that you are a just Judge.  You will have to call the shots on this dilemma, you turn our wills to your will.  Send a clear and precise sign that will get both of our attentions so that we don't let our differences cause a breach in the covenant.  Help us oh Lord for there is none other that can fix our marriage but you... In Jesus' name, Amen... so be it...

Even if it hurts, ask your spouse to sit in prayer to find agreement.  Remember, before it gets completely divided consider their option and God's option before you fight to the death for your own way.  All in all, I speak life to your marriage decisions.  May the Lord use every situation to teach you all how to merge into a powerful unit full of focus and precise in their prayers!

Amen,

Mrs. Wow

Need help getting a prayer routine started with your spouse? Check out this blog for pointers: http://ournewlywedchronicles.blogspot.com/search/label/home%20life

Be sure to look out for my upcoming training session in prayer for wives: Praying a Boaz Blessing over Your Husband!  This session will give you directives to take before the Lord when asking him to bless your husband, you don't want to miss it!

Email theresa@harvestwords.com for more information. This will be scheduled for an online video program and an in-person session for engaged and married women. Information will be posted on the webpage too: www.harvestwords.com

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