I'm pretty sure I totally just fought through contractions to shave my legs in the shower this morning.
I'm pretty sure I just sacrificed 99% of my air supply, through contractions, to give a fresh coat of polish to my toenails. (A girl has GOT to look good when she is going into labor;)
I'm pretty sure that Josh and I have been talking like this trip to the hospital is a quick little getaway from the chaos of the already 4 excited children in our house, ha!
I'm pretty sure I am more than excited to see if I will be coming face-to-face with a little Jude or a little Talitha.
I'm pretty sure that I am more than ready to be done being pregnant for the rest of my life.
I'm pretty sure that Areyna was born 5 days late, Zeke was due on his due date, Cai was only 1 day late and that #4 (born to me) is coming on his/her due date...
Because I'm pretty sure that our baby is coming TODAY!
Oh Happy Day, it's Thursday:)
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
What To Expect When You're Expecting...#5 - 39 Weeks
I'm 39 weeks today.
I went to another appointment today...I know, two in a row, ha!
But still, the gods of active labor and progress were NOT impressed:)
Still NO progress...sigh...
What's another week, eh?
Happy Groundhog day.
I'll def. take 6 more weeks of THIS kind of "winter"!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Ready, Set...
I have spent the majority of the past two days purging, organizing, running errands and getting everything in order in our ministry and personal accounts to get ready for baby time. Thanks to Josh for letting me lock myself in our bedroom to sprawl out the entire 2011 tax year and to Sweetie Cherry who watched the kids so I could run a few quick errands, that wouldn't have been so quick with 4 littles tagging along!
As of today we are down to single digits. Ladies and gentlemen, my due date is on February 9th. That is 9 days ya'll!!!!!
I got all of our year-end contributions in the mail, closed out 2011 and got our own personal taxes as done as I could (I still need a couple of statements to come in the mail).
We had some sweet friends gift us our car seat and stroller set and they are both here and ready to tote a sweet little baby around in. (What crazy woman gives away ALL her baby items the month before conception anyway?!) We also had a shower given to us at our church. I felt so silly having to have a shower for baby #5 when I haven't had one since Areyna was born, but we sure appreciated all the blessings people poured on our family for these 2 newest additions!
I also put the finishing touches on the baby room, er... closet, yesterday:)
Who says you need a separate room for a baby? We cleared out our master bedroom closet and rearranged a few things in the house to make room for #5.
It is just enough room for a small tall-standing dresser,
pack-n-play with built-in changing table and
decorative baskets above,
with a small basket of toys.
What else does a baby need?:)
So, bring on the baby (P-L-E-A-S-E)! We're as ready as we're gonna be.
As of today we are down to single digits. Ladies and gentlemen, my due date is on February 9th. That is 9 days ya'll!!!!!
I got all of our year-end contributions in the mail, closed out 2011 and got our own personal taxes as done as I could (I still need a couple of statements to come in the mail).
We had some sweet friends gift us our car seat and stroller set and they are both here and ready to tote a sweet little baby around in. (What crazy woman gives away ALL her baby items the month before conception anyway?!) We also had a shower given to us at our church. I felt so silly having to have a shower for baby #5 when I haven't had one since Areyna was born, but we sure appreciated all the blessings people poured on our family for these 2 newest additions!
I also put the finishing touches on the baby room, er... closet, yesterday:)
Who says you need a separate room for a baby? We cleared out our master bedroom closet and rearranged a few things in the house to make room for #5.
It is just enough room for a small tall-standing dresser,
pack-n-play with built-in changing table and
decorative baskets above,
with a small basket of toys.
What else does a baby need?:)
So, bring on the baby (P-L-E-A-S-E)! We're as ready as we're gonna be.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
What To Expect When You're Expecting...#5 - Weeks 33-36
Four more weeks! Wow, this pregnancy has really flown by...I sure mostly due to the anticipation of getting Alethia home where she belongs. It just didn't seem right to be having #5 before #4 could come and joine us:)
My belly continues to grow as this bundle inside continues to develop. I went to my check-up this week (which made for a happy OB since I'd skipped out on the last two) and everything looks and sounds great! Right on track for a February 9th arrival. The Dr. assured me that I'd be pregnant for quite a bit longer, which just means that there is no "progress", ha! I was expecting as much:)
It becomes increasingly difficult to do normal things around the house. I have to turn sideways as I strain to get the clothes from the back of the washing machine. My belly is right at counter level in the kitchen so I am forced to use the stool if I want anything above the first shelf. Cai continues to be a rough and rumbly boy as he runs across the room for quick hugs. The only problem is that his height makes him run into my belly before the rest of his body does, ha! My lap is getting significantly smaller, which makes for frustrated cuddlers and my air supply makes for very short games if any cardiovascular attempt is made. Driving, oh driving...we already know that parking next to a shopping cart drop-off is a no-go, but just trying to get INTO the car and the maneuver of steering has become cumbersome. It's quite comical actually, watching me try to get around, especially if it's off of my comfy couch...and I don't even need to mention Preggo-face. It's just bound to happen to this pregnant mama, no matter how hard I wish it away:) Oh well, we're almost to the end!
So, as we bask in the joy and delight of Alethia being home and transitioning to life as a family of six, we begin to slowly switch gears for that day which is just around the corner of the life as a family of seven:)
My belly continues to grow as this bundle inside continues to develop. I went to my check-up this week (which made for a happy OB since I'd skipped out on the last two) and everything looks and sounds great! Right on track for a February 9th arrival. The Dr. assured me that I'd be pregnant for quite a bit longer, which just means that there is no "progress", ha! I was expecting as much:)
It becomes increasingly difficult to do normal things around the house. I have to turn sideways as I strain to get the clothes from the back of the washing machine. My belly is right at counter level in the kitchen so I am forced to use the stool if I want anything above the first shelf. Cai continues to be a rough and rumbly boy as he runs across the room for quick hugs. The only problem is that his height makes him run into my belly before the rest of his body does, ha! My lap is getting significantly smaller, which makes for frustrated cuddlers and my air supply makes for very short games if any cardiovascular attempt is made. Driving, oh driving...we already know that parking next to a shopping cart drop-off is a no-go, but just trying to get INTO the car and the maneuver of steering has become cumbersome. It's quite comical actually, watching me try to get around, especially if it's off of my comfy couch...and I don't even need to mention Preggo-face. It's just bound to happen to this pregnant mama, no matter how hard I wish it away:) Oh well, we're almost to the end!
So, as we bask in the joy and delight of Alethia being home and transitioning to life as a family of six, we begin to slowly switch gears for that day which is just around the corner of the life as a family of seven:)
 |
| 36-Week Belly |
Thursday, December 15, 2011
What To Expect When You're Expecting...#5 - Weeks 29-32
I am 32 weeks pregnant today. I have 56 days left to be pregnant, but who's counting, right?!
I know that one can tend to get sentimental toward the end of a pregnancy, especially if they know it is their last one. But...that just simply is not the case for me, ha! Quite honestly, I CANNOT wait to be un-pregnant:)
Don't get me wrong or misinterpret what I'm saying here...honestly, some of you all jump to conclusions way too quickly;)
I KNOW that pregnancy is a blessing, believe me, I've been on both ends of the spectrum all too many times, but I also KNOW that I am little, that babies only continue to grow and grow, which only means that there is less and less room for my stuff inside my belly and this tends to make this mama downrightgrumpy uncomfortable...right.about.now!
I am grateful that I've been blessed to be pregnant just one more time (even if I DID give all our baby stuff away a month before we found out we were pregnant again, ha!), I'm thankful for a healthy pregnancy, especially spending so much of the time in Uganda, and I'm excited to see if this growing bundle in my belly is going to be named Jude Warren Via or Talitha Hope Via!
In fact, I was so antsy to actually do something to prepare for this little guy/gal that I went ahead and set up its sleeping quarters:)
So, the countdown continues. Here is my 32-week pregnant self for a few kicks and grins!
I know that one can tend to get sentimental toward the end of a pregnancy, especially if they know it is their last one. But...that just simply is not the case for me, ha! Quite honestly, I CANNOT wait to be un-pregnant:)
Don't get me wrong or misinterpret what I'm saying here...honestly, some of you all jump to conclusions way too quickly;)
I KNOW that pregnancy is a blessing, believe me, I've been on both ends of the spectrum all too many times, but I also KNOW that I am little, that babies only continue to grow and grow, which only means that there is less and less room for my stuff inside my belly and this tends to make this mama downright
I am grateful that I've been blessed to be pregnant just one more time (even if I DID give all our baby stuff away a month before we found out we were pregnant again, ha!), I'm thankful for a healthy pregnancy, especially spending so much of the time in Uganda, and I'm excited to see if this growing bundle in my belly is going to be named Jude Warren Via or Talitha Hope Via!
In fact, I was so antsy to actually do something to prepare for this little guy/gal that I went ahead and set up its sleeping quarters:)
So, the countdown continues. Here is my 32-week pregnant self for a few kicks and grins!
Friday, September 23, 2011
What To Expect When You're Expecting...#5 - Weeks 17-20
So, that little baby bump that would be oh-so-tiny when you woke up in the morning, but would grow with every meal you ate throughout the day will no longer fluctuate in size. You are full-fledged, 100% showing now!
People will no longer come up to you asking if you've put on a little weight, but will instead ask when you are due. That question will then immediately be followed by, "Aren't you adopting?!":)
Your absentmindedness will continue to increase. No surprise there.
The fact that you have problems brushing your teeth are now becoming a problem. Invest in some mouth wash...please!
The fact that you are pregnant has finally begun to sink in, but let's accomplish the pick-up of #4 first:)
Your 5-year-old will continue to ask if you have gotten that baby out of your tummy yet. He'll be ready to sweet that sweet wrinkly face.
Your 6-year-old will continue to remind you of how much bigger you are getting day-by-day, but the look on her face when she gets to feel the baby move is priceless!
Your 2-year-old will continue to be oblivious to the shrinking lap that he frequents on an hourly basis, making it more and more uncomfortable as he plops down for cuddle time.
Your 31-year-old husband will continue to look down at your growing belly and smile in sweet anticipation of its arrival.
_______________________________________________
Yes, I am definitely showing now. You know that 4 pounds that I'd gained by the last little update? Let's just say that I've gained, ahem, a little more by this check-up:)
We've had some issues regarding Malaria prevention medication for me. I am unable to take the safer meds because I'm pregnant, and the one that I should be able to take (which can cause hallucinations and panic attacks) I'm unable to take because of my anxiety medication. I've gotten several opinions and I've had to choose if I'd rather get Malaria or have anxiety during this process overseas. You can definitely be in prayer for us over this issue. I'm not worried about it, but Josh has seen the effects of Malaria first-hand and is a little, um,paranoid concerned. Especially since my OB told me that Malaria can be deadly to a fetus, even if the mother comes out okay. We're just running out of time to decide...
I'm still having bouts of nausea. I'm pretty ready for that to be gone, but I still can't complain:)
The little flutters in my belly have turned into kicks and somersaults. I love feeling little hick-ups, even though I'm not sure they are as sweet to the victim bouncing around inside as a result of them, ha!
So, I've reached the half-way mark and going strong.
Here's a quick 20-week belly shot for the scrapbook;)
Oh, and here's a quick "Thank You" to all my friends and family who have clothed this pregnant belly lately, since I still can't fit into any of my maternity clothes:)
People will no longer come up to you asking if you've put on a little weight, but will instead ask when you are due. That question will then immediately be followed by, "Aren't you adopting?!":)
Your absentmindedness will continue to increase. No surprise there.
The fact that you have problems brushing your teeth are now becoming a problem. Invest in some mouth wash...please!
The fact that you are pregnant has finally begun to sink in, but let's accomplish the pick-up of #4 first:)
Your 5-year-old will continue to ask if you have gotten that baby out of your tummy yet. He'll be ready to sweet that sweet wrinkly face.
Your 6-year-old will continue to remind you of how much bigger you are getting day-by-day, but the look on her face when she gets to feel the baby move is priceless!
Your 2-year-old will continue to be oblivious to the shrinking lap that he frequents on an hourly basis, making it more and more uncomfortable as he plops down for cuddle time.
Your 31-year-old husband will continue to look down at your growing belly and smile in sweet anticipation of its arrival.
_______________________________________________
Yes, I am definitely showing now. You know that 4 pounds that I'd gained by the last little update? Let's just say that I've gained, ahem, a little more by this check-up:)
We've had some issues regarding Malaria prevention medication for me. I am unable to take the safer meds because I'm pregnant, and the one that I should be able to take (which can cause hallucinations and panic attacks) I'm unable to take because of my anxiety medication. I've gotten several opinions and I've had to choose if I'd rather get Malaria or have anxiety during this process overseas. You can definitely be in prayer for us over this issue. I'm not worried about it, but Josh has seen the effects of Malaria first-hand and is a little, um,
I'm still having bouts of nausea. I'm pretty ready for that to be gone, but I still can't complain:)
The little flutters in my belly have turned into kicks and somersaults. I love feeling little hick-ups, even though I'm not sure they are as sweet to the victim bouncing around inside as a result of them, ha!
So, I've reached the half-way mark and going strong.
Here's a quick 20-week belly shot for the scrapbook;)
Oh, and here's a quick "Thank You" to all my friends and family who have clothed this pregnant belly lately, since I still can't fit into any of my maternity clothes:)
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Results Are In! We're Having Another Little Baby...
 |
| ...with a sweet little face... |
...and tiny little feet...
...and a perfect little figure...
...with no area of health concern at all...
who's sex we are going to find out in 22 weeks when it makes it's arrival!
I mean why not?!:)
Sorry to keep you in suspense,
but how sweet will it be to find out when we see him/her face to face.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Fun Facts For Friday - This Is A Good One
Where to begin...
My mind is moving 100 miles a minute. I can hardly write as fast as my brain is working to put a post together. It's been like that since we got the phone call. Sleep has been nearly impossible!
What phone call?
If you follow me on twitter you already know, but for the rest of you, we got some BIG news this week!
We have a court date!!!!!!
I still get butterflies in my stomach when I say it, or think it, or write it...
October 5th is the big day!
We are working on booking our flights and it looks like we'll be traveling sometime around the 25th or 26th of September.
Wait, isn't it September NOW?!?! We don't have long to prepare...ahhhh...
My prayer is that I don't over-complicate this whole thing. I want to keep it simple. It is going to be an adventure for sure. It's not going to be a glamorous 6 weeks. It's not going to be a smooth 6 weeks with every day mapped out the way I like it. There is going to be no schedule, no normal, no familiarity, but it is going to be good.
Last night Josh and I sat down to start making a list of things we need to do. It turned into making a list of all the lists we need to accomplish before leaving:) That's just the way I roll.
We have all but $2300 in hand to reach our $33000 adoption goal! We have a few short weeks to watch the Lord unravel this feat, which is no problem for Him...I know this full well.
In other news...I had a baby appointment yesterday and had the scare of a lifetime. It was just the standard check-up, you know, pee in a cup, blood pressure and iron check, weight check (I've gained a total of 4 pounds this pregnancy, oh boy, ha!), and then the measurements and heart beat check. Everything was going smoothly until she pulled out the little doppler thing and tried to find the heartbeat. And tried...and tried...and tried... I could tell she was getting concerned by the look on her face, and the fact that she called out in the hallway for the ultrasound machine. She said I wasn't leaving there until she saw that heartbeat. After turning on the machine she searched around for what seemed like 5 minutes and then we saw it! The head, the sweet little feet...and the heartbeat just beating away. Relief, exhausting, thankfulness.
Josh has been away most of this week working on a recording project so the kids and I have been looking for ways to spend our extra alone time in the evenings. The night after we got the Court Date news I decided I wanted to check something off of my list, so we treked out to Target to get a little backpack for the littles. Zeke and Areyna already have bags that follow us around everywhere, but Cai and Alethia needed a little bag to bring their fun treasures on the airplane. Cai was very particular while picking his out:)
Alright, it's time for me to get going here. We've got a lot to do today. WE'RE GOING TO UGANDA!!!!!
My mind is moving 100 miles a minute. I can hardly write as fast as my brain is working to put a post together. It's been like that since we got the phone call. Sleep has been nearly impossible!
What phone call?
If you follow me on twitter you already know, but for the rest of you, we got some BIG news this week!
We have a court date!!!!!!
I still get butterflies in my stomach when I say it, or think it, or write it...
October 5th is the big day!
We are working on booking our flights and it looks like we'll be traveling sometime around the 25th or 26th of September.
Wait, isn't it September NOW?!?! We don't have long to prepare...ahhhh...
My prayer is that I don't over-complicate this whole thing. I want to keep it simple. It is going to be an adventure for sure. It's not going to be a glamorous 6 weeks. It's not going to be a smooth 6 weeks with every day mapped out the way I like it. There is going to be no schedule, no normal, no familiarity, but it is going to be good.
Last night Josh and I sat down to start making a list of things we need to do. It turned into making a list of all the lists we need to accomplish before leaving:) That's just the way I roll.
We have all but $2300 in hand to reach our $33000 adoption goal! We have a few short weeks to watch the Lord unravel this feat, which is no problem for Him...I know this full well.
In other news...I had a baby appointment yesterday and had the scare of a lifetime. It was just the standard check-up, you know, pee in a cup, blood pressure and iron check, weight check (I've gained a total of 4 pounds this pregnancy, oh boy, ha!), and then the measurements and heart beat check. Everything was going smoothly until she pulled out the little doppler thing and tried to find the heartbeat. And tried...and tried...and tried... I could tell she was getting concerned by the look on her face, and the fact that she called out in the hallway for the ultrasound machine. She said I wasn't leaving there until she saw that heartbeat. After turning on the machine she searched around for what seemed like 5 minutes and then we saw it! The head, the sweet little feet...and the heartbeat just beating away. Relief, exhausting, thankfulness.
Josh has been away most of this week working on a recording project so the kids and I have been looking for ways to spend our extra alone time in the evenings. The night after we got the Court Date news I decided I wanted to check something off of my list, so we treked out to Target to get a little backpack for the littles. Zeke and Areyna already have bags that follow us around everywhere, but Cai and Alethia needed a little bag to bring their fun treasures on the airplane. Cai was very particular while picking his out:)
Alright, it's time for me to get going here. We've got a lot to do today. WE'RE GOING TO UGANDA!!!!!
Monday, August 29, 2011
What To Expect When You Are Expecting...#5 - Weeks 13-16
You may begin to feel those sweet little baby flutters this month, but remember, holding your breathe for more will only cause a black out, not more of those sweet little movements in your tummy:)
You may as well get used to cooking but not being able to eat it. For some reason dinner only looks appetizing if someone else fixes it, ha!
You know "the smell test" you use to see if laundry is clean or dirty? Yeah, don't even try it!
Unlike your first pregnancy when you could hardly wait to be showing and wearing those cute maternity clothes, you may find yourself squeezing into your normal clothes for as long as you possibly can. Just be aware that you may look like the "fat guy in a little coat" if you wait too long to make the transition:)
Gas-X and Tums will most certainly become your best friend.
Eating the leftover bites off of your kid's plates is no longer considered a meal! Calories are needed at this point.
Your tolerance for other people's kids will deplete day by day. Just tell your friends and family not to hold it against you:)
It will help if you can keep natural disasters coming (i.e. Earthquakes and Hurricanes). It will give you something else to blame your children's insanely hyperactive tendencies on, instead of yourlazy weary parenting approach caused from your lack of energy and motivation.
If brushing your teeth continues to be an issue, begin buying packs of gum in bulk. It's cheaper!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This month has been an emotional roller coaster, but I have continued to stay vomit-free! Bouts of nausea are still eminent on a daily basis, but still, I can't complain.
Headaches are the big issue for me this time around.
I have had 2 really bad colds this month! It is taking me so long to get over these little illnesses. They are more of a nuisance than anything. I know my immune system is shot.
I ampatiently waiting for that surge of energy to come during this second trimester, but I'm beginning to feel less hopeful that it will happen this time around.
And for your viewing pleasure...a shiny 16-week photo because I still haven't figured out how to take a good picture with my camera:)
You may as well get used to cooking but not being able to eat it. For some reason dinner only looks appetizing if someone else fixes it, ha!
You know "the smell test" you use to see if laundry is clean or dirty? Yeah, don't even try it!
Unlike your first pregnancy when you could hardly wait to be showing and wearing those cute maternity clothes, you may find yourself squeezing into your normal clothes for as long as you possibly can. Just be aware that you may look like the "fat guy in a little coat" if you wait too long to make the transition:)
Gas-X and Tums will most certainly become your best friend.
Eating the leftover bites off of your kid's plates is no longer considered a meal! Calories are needed at this point.
Your tolerance for other people's kids will deplete day by day. Just tell your friends and family not to hold it against you:)
It will help if you can keep natural disasters coming (i.e. Earthquakes and Hurricanes). It will give you something else to blame your children's insanely hyperactive tendencies on, instead of your
If brushing your teeth continues to be an issue, begin buying packs of gum in bulk. It's cheaper!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This month has been an emotional roller coaster, but I have continued to stay vomit-free! Bouts of nausea are still eminent on a daily basis, but still, I can't complain.
Headaches are the big issue for me this time around.
I have had 2 really bad colds this month! It is taking me so long to get over these little illnesses. They are more of a nuisance than anything. I know my immune system is shot.
I am
And for your viewing pleasure...a shiny 16-week photo because I still haven't figured out how to take a good picture with my camera:)
 |
| 16-Week Belly |
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Eliminating Anxiety
After going off of my anxiety medication for this pregnancy I quickly realized that I was going to have to work extra hard at finding the triggers for my anxiety if I was going to be able to cope well as a pregnant mommy and wife.
Some of my triggers are just things that are necessary for our family to do to get by. One of those is couponing. Just thinking about the whole process that needs to be done to get a grocery list together was becoming overwhelming to me, though!
But, I needed to prioritize what was best for our family in this season in our lives. I had to decide to put my family and our sanity before saving a few bucks at the grocery store.
Couponing isn't bad. But getting anxious and overwhelmed just thinking about it IS! The solution...no pressure. Josh totally took the pressure off by confirming that if it made me anxious to get rid of it. Just hearing him say it took a load off my chest (as if he wouldn't support me otherwise...oh yea of little faith:).
I have continued to keep up with expired coupons and cutting and organizing them but with no strings attached. If I have time (and motivation) I'll get online and get my deals and grocery list ready, but there is NO pressure. Otherwise, I'll just make a grocery list the way I used to and go to the store with the cheapest prices. I just have to choose to buy less and make healthier choices with the money we do have.
It was hard to not feel guilty at first, but I am all about eliminating anxiety triggers to keep this baby healthy, not to mention my relationships with my other family members:)
I know that this is just a season and I'll be back on the couponing wagon again, but for now, I choose sanity and tranquility, ha!
What triggers your anxiety that you just have to choose to cut out of your life sometimes?
Some of my triggers are just things that are necessary for our family to do to get by. One of those is couponing. Just thinking about the whole process that needs to be done to get a grocery list together was becoming overwhelming to me, though!
But, I needed to prioritize what was best for our family in this season in our lives. I had to decide to put my family and our sanity before saving a few bucks at the grocery store.
Couponing isn't bad. But getting anxious and overwhelmed just thinking about it IS! The solution...no pressure. Josh totally took the pressure off by confirming that if it made me anxious to get rid of it. Just hearing him say it took a load off my chest (as if he wouldn't support me otherwise...oh yea of little faith:).
I have continued to keep up with expired coupons and cutting and organizing them but with no strings attached. If I have time (and motivation) I'll get online and get my deals and grocery list ready, but there is NO pressure. Otherwise, I'll just make a grocery list the way I used to and go to the store with the cheapest prices. I just have to choose to buy less and make healthier choices with the money we do have.
It was hard to not feel guilty at first, but I am all about eliminating anxiety triggers to keep this baby healthy, not to mention my relationships with my other family members:)
I know that this is just a season and I'll be back on the couponing wagon again, but for now, I choose sanity and tranquility, ha!
What triggers your anxiety that you just have to choose to cut out of your life sometimes?
Friday, August 12, 2011
Fun Facts For Friday
I think we've found a great routine here at the Via Home Of Schooling:) (No, that's not the name of our school, it just sounded fun at the moment, ha!) We've found our groove and we're sticking to it. I'll give a full recap of the past month of school next week. It's been going great, and I must say, the kid's teacher has had a much better attitude toward teaching our kids over the past few weeks.
My bestest bud and her hubby had their baby yesterday morning! New life never gets old to me. I still get giddy every time I get a text from someone saying they are on their way to the hospital to have their baby. Hey, that'll be us in less than 6 months!
Yes, 6 more months. I am growing out of my regular clothes on a daily basis now:( Oh well...I can take it...6 more months...
We received our first check from Just Love Coffee. This organization is helping us raise money for our adoption one bag of coffee at a time. For every bag you buy, we get $5 toward our personal adoption! So, go get you some coffee worth two great causes...a happy heart for you in the morning, and support to get our little girl home!
The Ugandan courts reconvene on MONDAY! We hope to hear something soon after they re-open so we'll have a more definite time line of when we'll be traveling.
After last weekends Yard Sale we are down to about $4000 to raise! That's it...I can't believe it. You can help that number go down by buying our coffee and/or by cashing in your Change For Change that you've been saving up. Go ahead and send those on in! We're getting close ya'll!
We have new service times this weekend at Journey. Take your pick and come on out to join us!
8:40am, 10:15am, 11:55am. Oh, and go sign up for a LUGGAGE GIVE AWAY that is going along with our new series!
On a different note, the weather has been absolutely beautiful in the mornings. The kids and I even spent a few hours outside before lunch yesterday! Bring on the FALL!
Here's a sweet picture to leave you with this morning!
I went back and noticed that most of my pictures recently have been of Cai. *sigh* He's just growing up so fast, and his recent birthday has just been a reminder of how big he is getting:)
Have a great Friday ya'll!
My bestest bud and her hubby had their baby yesterday morning! New life never gets old to me. I still get giddy every time I get a text from someone saying they are on their way to the hospital to have their baby. Hey, that'll be us in less than 6 months!
Yes, 6 more months. I am growing out of my regular clothes on a daily basis now:( Oh well...I can take it...6 more months...
We received our first check from Just Love Coffee. This organization is helping us raise money for our adoption one bag of coffee at a time. For every bag you buy, we get $5 toward our personal adoption! So, go get you some coffee worth two great causes...a happy heart for you in the morning, and support to get our little girl home!
The Ugandan courts reconvene on MONDAY! We hope to hear something soon after they re-open so we'll have a more definite time line of when we'll be traveling.
After last weekends Yard Sale we are down to about $4000 to raise! That's it...I can't believe it. You can help that number go down by buying our coffee and/or by cashing in your Change For Change that you've been saving up. Go ahead and send those on in! We're getting close ya'll!
We have new service times this weekend at Journey. Take your pick and come on out to join us!
8:40am, 10:15am, 11:55am. Oh, and go sign up for a LUGGAGE GIVE AWAY that is going along with our new series!
On a different note, the weather has been absolutely beautiful in the mornings. The kids and I even spent a few hours outside before lunch yesterday! Bring on the FALL!
Here's a sweet picture to leave you with this morning!
Have a great Friday ya'll!
Friday, July 29, 2011
What To Expect When You're Expecting...#5 - Weeks 7-12
You will most likely begin to start craving things. But they will most likely be things that are terribly good for you, ie. chocolate frosting, chips and dip (any dip, dip is good, dip is very good), and big juicy steaks and burgers, cookies and crackers, and most any other food that lands in the snack category. I need not even mention the temptation you will have living near a Sonic.
Moving on...
You may begin to notice that your clothes are getting a little snug. It may be a little disheartening that it is in the butt and thigh area instead of where the baby actually is! It's okay, keep telling yourself that this is normal and it'll be okay. Besides, you've always got the Belly Band:)
A 10-week belly + Bathing suit + the beach = questioning looks wondering if you're actually pregnant or just letting yourself go, ha!
You may begin experiencing some misgivings doubt and fear, realizing that you are about to be the mother of five, Five, FIVE small children. No matter how you say it, it's still gonna be scary. Just begin to get used to that fact;)
Smells. Oh the smells. They will leave you running and gagging and leave the kids running to get their daddy for back-up.
The act of holding your tongue may become non-existent at this time. Keep trying to fight the urge to spout off the first thoughts that come to your mind, so be prepared to have an apology ready at all times.
*****************************************
This month:
I changed practices. I LOVE my new practice and how personable they are!
We told the families!
I grew out of my first pair of jeans:(
We finally told the world!
I have completely given over the task of doing dishes. I can handle unloading the dishwasher, of course, and loading straight in, but if the dishes have been sitting for any length of time the afore mentioned running and gagging begins to occur. Josh gladly took over dish duty, as I'm sure that gagging sounds are not all that pleasant for those within earshot.
I began really not feeling well around 11 weeks. In fact, I hadn't thrown up until almost 12 weeks. How's that for timing. You think you are all in the clear and then, bam! But, it helps when hardly anyone knows about it so there's not much complaining going on (except to poor Josh, sorry baby:).
Moving on...
You may begin to notice that your clothes are getting a little snug. It may be a little disheartening that it is in the butt and thigh area instead of where the baby actually is! It's okay, keep telling yourself that this is normal and it'll be okay. Besides, you've always got the Belly Band:)
A 10-week belly + Bathing suit + the beach = questioning looks wondering if you're actually pregnant or just letting yourself go, ha!
You may begin experiencing some misgivings doubt and fear, realizing that you are about to be the mother of five, Five, FIVE small children. No matter how you say it, it's still gonna be scary. Just begin to get used to that fact;)
Smells. Oh the smells. They will leave you running and gagging and leave the kids running to get their daddy for back-up.
The act of holding your tongue may become non-existent at this time. Keep trying to fight the urge to spout off the first thoughts that come to your mind, so be prepared to have an apology ready at all times.
*****************************************
This month:
I changed practices. I LOVE my new practice and how personable they are!
We told the families!
I grew out of my first pair of jeans:(
We finally told the world!
I have completely given over the task of doing dishes. I can handle unloading the dishwasher, of course, and loading straight in, but if the dishes have been sitting for any length of time the afore mentioned running and gagging begins to occur. Josh gladly took over dish duty, as I'm sure that gagging sounds are not all that pleasant for those within earshot.
I began really not feeling well around 11 weeks. In fact, I hadn't thrown up until almost 12 weeks. How's that for timing. You think you are all in the clear and then, bam! But, it helps when hardly anyone knows about it so there's not much complaining going on (except to poor Josh, sorry baby:).
 |
| 12-week belly |
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
What To Expect When You're Expecting...#5 - Weeks 1-6
You don't even have to take a pregnancy test because you know that "empty feeling" in your stomach. You know that feeling. Even after you just ate a full meal.
You may begin to fall asleep every time you sit down to read, sit down to fold clothes, sit down to eat, sit down...alright, you get the picture.
You will most likely use any excuse to mandate another room time or rest time for your other kids, just to sneak in another little power nap.
Normal tasty treats, such as Pineapple Casserole, make you feel as though you just ate 100 year old Egg Nog (do you remember that from Fear Factor, ha!) and you may need to formulate a path to the toilet IMMEDIATELY!
You are hungry, but can't eat. You aren't hungry, but have to eat.
Swallowing things, such as a prenatal vitamins, or brushing your teeth, may become difficult and maybe even non-existent for a time. It's okay, children's gummie vitamin's will do until you can swallow your vitamin and gum works great for those weeks that you can't force yourself to brush your teeth without gagging;)
People's reactions will be across the board, especially if you are adopting. Don't get discouraged. All 738 people who found out on my blog yesterday just will not understand, and that's okay, but God will not give you more than you can handle!
********************************************************
Yes, I was, in fact, pregnant.
Was it a surprise? Yes!
Was it planned? No!
Were you preventing? Yes!
Were you charting? Yes!
We had decided that my body needed a break after one of the scariest weeks of my life back in December, but apparently the Lord had other plans! BIGger plans...
I can't help but think that it had something to do with my surrender a month prior to this news.
I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I may never get pregnant again and was truly fine with that. Yes, content, and was trying to look at it from a positive angle. I could finally let my body stay the same size! My "normal figure" would be my figure. No more in-between stages. Now that's pretty positive! Another pretty positive thing was less stuff. No more baby stuff in the attic or in the house. No more waking up in the middle of the night for feedings as well as all the other things that go along with the infant stage. Totally content...
Then there is the baby stuff. I had just given all our baby stuff away the month before!
Our minds were whirling! We didn't have our baby stuff anymore and we were in the middle of adopting. We were preventing, so how in the world did this happen?!
OK, so we KNOW how it happened, but you know what I mean;)
So, we made a call to my OBGYN, because we were instructed that I needed to call them right away if I were to ever get a positive pregnancy test after my surgery. I spent the next several weeks in doctors visits, getting blood work done and early sonograms, to make sure that everything was good and healthy.
I don't think I've gained any weight by the time I reached 6 weeks. Maybe a pound or 2?
I took myself off of my anxiety medicine immediately. That's been a fun experience...for NOBODY!
I've been pretty lightheaded, mostly because my blood pressure has been consistently low since I got pregnant. That and the fact that I've been off my meds and fuzziness, lightheaded(ness) and numb body parts are a side effect of going off cold turkey.
We decided that we wanted to keep it a secret for as long as we could. First of all, we wanted to make sure that everyone was healthy and okay. Second, we thought it would be fun to announce the sex at the same time we told people we were pregnant. But, as you can tell from this picture, by the third meal of the day, especially if it's a good one, there isn't much hiding it, ha! We'll see how long we can keep it a secret. It's a little harder when you have family that lives near you and sees you often.
You may begin to fall asleep every time you sit down to read, sit down to fold clothes, sit down to eat, sit down...alright, you get the picture.
You will most likely use any excuse to mandate another room time or rest time for your other kids, just to sneak in another little power nap.
Normal tasty treats, such as Pineapple Casserole, make you feel as though you just ate 100 year old Egg Nog (do you remember that from Fear Factor, ha!) and you may need to formulate a path to the toilet IMMEDIATELY!
You are hungry, but can't eat. You aren't hungry, but have to eat.
Swallowing things, such as a prenatal vitamins, or brushing your teeth, may become difficult and maybe even non-existent for a time. It's okay, children's gummie vitamin's will do until you can swallow your vitamin and gum works great for those weeks that you can't force yourself to brush your teeth without gagging;)
People's reactions will be across the board, especially if you are adopting. Don't get discouraged. All 738 people who found out on my blog yesterday just will not understand, and that's okay, but God will not give you more than you can handle!
********************************************************
Yes, I was, in fact, pregnant.
Was it a surprise? Yes!
Was it planned? No!
Were you preventing? Yes!
Were you charting? Yes!
We had decided that my body needed a break after one of the scariest weeks of my life back in December, but apparently the Lord had other plans! BIGger plans...
I can't help but think that it had something to do with my surrender a month prior to this news.
I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I may never get pregnant again and was truly fine with that. Yes, content, and was trying to look at it from a positive angle. I could finally let my body stay the same size! My "normal figure" would be my figure. No more in-between stages. Now that's pretty positive! Another pretty positive thing was less stuff. No more baby stuff in the attic or in the house. No more waking up in the middle of the night for feedings as well as all the other things that go along with the infant stage. Totally content...
Then there is the baby stuff. I had just given all our baby stuff away the month before!
Our minds were whirling! We didn't have our baby stuff anymore and we were in the middle of adopting. We were preventing, so how in the world did this happen?!
OK, so we KNOW how it happened, but you know what I mean;)
So, we made a call to my OBGYN, because we were instructed that I needed to call them right away if I were to ever get a positive pregnancy test after my surgery. I spent the next several weeks in doctors visits, getting blood work done and early sonograms, to make sure that everything was good and healthy.
I don't think I've gained any weight by the time I reached 6 weeks. Maybe a pound or 2?
I took myself off of my anxiety medicine immediately. That's been a fun experience...for NOBODY!
I've been pretty lightheaded, mostly because my blood pressure has been consistently low since I got pregnant. That and the fact that I've been off my meds and fuzziness, lightheaded(ness) and numb body parts are a side effect of going off cold turkey.
We decided that we wanted to keep it a secret for as long as we could. First of all, we wanted to make sure that everyone was healthy and okay. Second, we thought it would be fun to announce the sex at the same time we told people we were pregnant. But, as you can tell from this picture, by the third meal of the day, especially if it's a good one, there isn't much hiding it, ha! We'll see how long we can keep it a secret. It's a little harder when you have family that lives near you and sees you often.
 |
| 6 Weeks Preggers |
Monday, July 25, 2011
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
This, That and The Other
I'm sitting here in my chair peering outside as I watch my husband cut firewood outside. It's his new addiction lately. I sure don't mind the warmness of the fire throughout the house. Besides there's just something kind of sexy about a man chopping wood:)
Oh...um...anyway...
I deemed today a "Mandatory Nap Day". You may remember, right before the surgery we were playing in Charlotte and before that was my Nanna's funeral in CO so my kids had been on the road for weeks. When their bodies let down, the tears flow continuously and the attitudes scream out. So, in order to keep my sanity, I am sitting in the quiet, once again, while their little bodies rejuvenate while they sleep.
We got home yesterday afternoon from the Via Christmas up in Roanoke, VA. I know we always give numbers, but if you could only imagine this house full of people and children. Just because I can, here are the numbers again...17 adults, 12 kids - 5 and under, at least 2 preggers and 2 dogs...sheesh. It was a lot of fun, but after being home alone with Josh for 10 days on bed rest, to say that it was overwhelming is an understatement. My emotions were kickin' in high gear...
This week is "First-Time Obedience Boot Camp". After being away from Josh and I, the kids are having a horrendous bit of a hard time obeying. I'll tell you more about the creative way we are bribing our kids trying to help our kids learn to be kind to each other and obey mommy and daddy right away.
I had my follow-up appointment this morning from my surgery. My pregnancy test came back negative, which is a good thing. I didn't think I'd ever say that. That just means that my pregnancy hormones have gone down to at least 2000 and I am out of any more danger. They did tell me that I am at a higher risk of another Ectopic Pregnancy the next time around, so if/when we ever get another positive pregnancy test I need to be seen immediately and monitored closely throughout the pregnancy.
As I sat there in the waiting room this morning, watching all the pregnant bellies coming and going, I couldn't help but feel jealous. But at the same time, relieved. Jealous that I no longer had our baby in my belly, relieved that I don't have to start all over with the baby stage, jealous that everybody else is getting pregnant around me...and on the first try (or so it seems), relieved that I don't have to be uncomfortable and nauseous for the next 9 months. Sad that I'm not pregnant...relieved that I'm not pregnant... I am trying to remember that our story is different than everyone else's story. We are just using this to press us on in our adoption and just work toward the little girl whom we are waiting to hold in our arms soon.
On a happier note...we had our family Christmas today. I racked up on the kids gifts at this summer's Kid's Exchange. They loved each of their presents. Josh got me the most awesome gift ever. He made my blog into a book!!! Well, actually just 2010...we'll have to start saving to get the other years printed. If only I didn't write so stinkin' much, ha! It is so neat to look through it, though. It was the PERFECT gift:)
What was your favorite Christmas gift?
Oh...um...anyway...
I deemed today a "Mandatory Nap Day". You may remember, right before the surgery we were playing in Charlotte and before that was my Nanna's funeral in CO so my kids had been on the road for weeks. When their bodies let down, the tears flow continuously and the attitudes scream out. So, in order to keep my sanity, I am sitting in the quiet, once again, while their little bodies rejuvenate while they sleep.
We got home yesterday afternoon from the Via Christmas up in Roanoke, VA. I know we always give numbers, but if you could only imagine this house full of people and children. Just because I can, here are the numbers again...17 adults, 12 kids - 5 and under, at least 2 preggers and 2 dogs...sheesh. It was a lot of fun, but after being home alone with Josh for 10 days on bed rest, to say that it was overwhelming is an understatement. My emotions were kickin' in high gear...
This week is "First-Time Obedience Boot Camp". After being away from Josh and I, the kids are having a horrendous bit of a hard time obeying. I'll tell you more about the creative way we are bribing our kids trying to help our kids learn to be kind to each other and obey mommy and daddy right away.
I had my follow-up appointment this morning from my surgery. My pregnancy test came back negative, which is a good thing. I didn't think I'd ever say that. That just means that my pregnancy hormones have gone down to at least 2000 and I am out of any more danger. They did tell me that I am at a higher risk of another Ectopic Pregnancy the next time around, so if/when we ever get another positive pregnancy test I need to be seen immediately and monitored closely throughout the pregnancy.
As I sat there in the waiting room this morning, watching all the pregnant bellies coming and going, I couldn't help but feel jealous. But at the same time, relieved. Jealous that I no longer had our baby in my belly, relieved that I don't have to start all over with the baby stage, jealous that everybody else is getting pregnant around me...and on the first try (or so it seems), relieved that I don't have to be uncomfortable and nauseous for the next 9 months. Sad that I'm not pregnant...relieved that I'm not pregnant... I am trying to remember that our story is different than everyone else's story. We are just using this to press us on in our adoption and just work toward the little girl whom we are waiting to hold in our arms soon.
On a happier note...we had our family Christmas today. I racked up on the kids gifts at this summer's Kid's Exchange. They loved each of their presents. Josh got me the most awesome gift ever. He made my blog into a book!!! Well, actually just 2010...we'll have to start saving to get the other years printed. If only I didn't write so stinkin' much, ha! It is so neat to look through it, though. It was the PERFECT gift:)
What was your favorite Christmas gift?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
How Cool Is This!
While I was pregnant with Micaiah all of Josh's brother's wives were pregnant too. It was the coolest thing. These pictures were taken the week before Father's Day.
Keesha:Due in Mid-November
Danielle:Due in Mid-October
Me:Due beginning of August
Kelly:Due beginning of July
From Left To Right
Keesha and Jacob, Danielle and Jared
Me and Josh and Kelly and Jonathan
Let's just say that the Via Christmas picture is going to need a WIDE lense after all these new additions this year!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Secret To Losing That Baby Weight
I have the answer to all your questions about the best way to shed those extra pounds after baby.
That's right, every night after I get all the kids in bed and before the last predictable feeding for my infant I down my favorite coffee mug full of my favorite ice cream. The results speak for themselves ladies and gentlemen=)
Seriously though, what do YOU do to lose those last few baby pounds?
*As if I really need to explain the obscene amount of ice cream in my freezer...we've had my parents and my in-laws here for Cai's birth and they ALL know how much I love ice cream;) Besides, who can resist all those free or super cheap ice cream deals that the grocery stores have going on lately!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
I Guess That One Won't Work Anymore
If you are around young kids for any time at all you know that you have to "sneak" food around if you don't want to share it with them, especially the kind with chocolate and sugar in it.
Well, when I was pregnant I had the perfect excuse to eat or drink whatever I wanted to in front of the kids. If one of them asked, "Mommy, what are you eating?" or "What do you have?" I would simply respond with "Oh, it's just something for the baby in my tummy." After explaining one time that "the baby has to eat too" it just became normal to them when I'd snarf down a snickers or chow down on some other kind of yummy snack.
Well today, after snagging my usual CVS deals/freebies, I came back out to the car where Josh sat, waiting, with Areyna and Zeke. I had gotten 2 Reese's packs for free, one for me and one for Josh. I was needing my usual chocolate fix and started eating mine right away. After inhaling my 2 peanut butter cups I placed the wrapper in the cup holder in eyesight of Zeke who was sitting in the backseat. Without hesitation he asked "Mommy, what did you have?" I automatically replied with my usual response "Oh, just something for the baby." He looked at me out of the corner of his eye as if to say, "I know better than that" and said "What baby?"
I guess I'm going to have to come up with another excuse for indulging in my cravings...either that or start sneaking them again=)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Our Story
Thursday
4:30am - Woke up with contractions. 10 min. apart.
9:30am - Everything pretty much stopped
11am - Contractions start up again. Anywhere between 10 and 18 minutes a part
*Spend the day trying to stay busy...and active=) Taking walks, running errands, keeping up with the kids... This is typical of all of my labors. Very slow and inconsistent. This goes on until about 5pm.
5pm - The contractions begin getting closer together and stronger. I decided to get a shower and by the time I was done they were 5-6 minutes apart.
6:30pm - Josh is in the middle of dinner when contractions begin to be 2-3 min. apart. I tell him I think it's time...right now!
7:30pm - Get to the hospital and am admitted right away. They check me and I am ONLY 4 cm. They feel my water sack though, which was causing tremendous pressure. As soon as they lay me down and put the monitors on my contractions slow WAY down and the pain level decreases tremendously. This is also typical of my other deliveries. I have tons of painful contractions and get stuck in the dilation process and can't progress.
*After laying and being monitored for an hour with not much progression the nurse keeps telling me that this is just "early labor" and starts talking about sending me home. I try to tell her that my other pregnancies were just like this and that this, in fact, IS THE DAY HE WILL BE BORN. She wasn't convinced.
9pm - Begin walking the halls in hopes of picking things up a bit. As soon as I get off the bed the contractions DEF. begin again and even stronger than before.
10pm - After an hour of walking the halls they check me again and I'm only 5-6cm along. My contractions were beginning to get unbearable and they were STILL talking about sending me home, saying this was just "early labor". After the nurse left me laying on the bed with the monitors again it began.
10:30pm - The contractions were beginning to hurt so bad that I couldn't help but call out! One contraction made me feel like I had to push. I turned over and looked Josh in the eyes and said (okay, firmly commanded) him to "Call the nurses RIGHT NOW and tell them I HAVE TO PUSH!!!!!!!!!!" Josh, thinking, "baby you can't push when you're only 6cm." reluctantly called the nurses in. As if the screams weren't giving it away. The nurses came in and couldn't figure out what was going on. One of the nurses decided to check me during a contraction and I was 8cm DURING a contraction.
11:00-11:55pm are a blur.
I had a split second to decide if I wanted an epidural. Here are my 2 reasons for choosing against the epidural this time:
1-The epidural slowed delivery down by HOURS with my other 2 and I WAS NOT GOING HOME! This baby was coming out TONIGHT!
2-My contractions were so hard and so close together that I was afraid of the needle hitting my spine during contractions. I was just plain scared!
*The Dr. came in to see what was going on and realized that my water sack wasn't breaking and that was the reason I wasn't dilating...because it was blocking the head from dropping to cause dilation. So, he said "alright I'm gonna break your water". Seconds later he says, okay, "you want to try to push?" 3 sets of contractions and pushing later and he was here!
So, that's the short of it. He made it and he is healthy. I had no tearing or ripping or stitches or anything! God is so good.
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