Our family wishes yours the happiest of New Years in 2009!!Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Seasons Change and Baby Steps
So I am not quite sure how this happened, but I think I blinked and 10 days of baby love have already gone by! It seems like we were just walking into the maternity ward, and now I am here with my munchkin sleeping sweetly on my chest, not a care in the world besides the warmth of mommy. It's just lovely.
And, as if that wasn't enough, the Christmas season is officially over too. This year was a bit different, as I basically did no shopping since I was so tired and pregnant this last month, so it was maybe a bit more impersonal. And then, the NICU stay happened, which was so unplanned, of course. So, our family members (excluding the girls) got gift cards I thought they would like. And, my grandmother who lives in Florida, my brother's new wife and our new baby girl all added to our usually small family gathering. For the last four years it's actually grown, since my sister or I have had a baby for each of the last four years.
I also wanted to share with you a bit about the NICU stay and how God really used it as a faith builder for us. It was a very traumatic time for me, I think because it was so unexpected. The first couple of days I was just devestated and crying all the time, but as the days wore on, I was able to get myself back together and started to be a little less emotional and much more rational. So, I developed friendships with all of Anna's caretakers, and found they were pretty much all believers. It was amazing to have them there and be so supportive, and talk to them about God as well. Really, it seems small, but what a blessing!
On Friday I started praying that I would be able to hold Anna on Saturday. She had been being fed through a tube and they did not want to overstimulate her, so I couldn't hold her or breastfeed her. My only contact with her was changing her diapers, which meant everything to me because I just wanted some bit of normalcy with my new baby. So, most of the day on Saturday went well, but by the end of the day I was in tears so the nurse asked me why. I told her I just wanted to hold my baby and she agreed to it and then talked to the nurse practioner who said they wanted to increase her fluids so they were taking out the IV so I could try and breastfeed. I had been pumping with great success, which was a blessing in itself since it took 10 days for my milk to come in with Lilla. My milk came in in abundance this time and as soon as I put Anna on the breast she latched on and hasn't let up since!
On Saturday I started praying that on Sunday she would be weaned off the air they were giving her through her nose. It did not contain O2, it was room air, but they were using it to expand her lungs to try to get the fluid out. Don't you know, when I came back after getting a shower on Sunday, there was no tube in her nose. It was fabulous to see her face! Her bilirubin count, she's a bit jaundiced, had gone down dramatically too! And then, they started talking about us going home in the next few days.
So, on Sunday, I started praying we would go home on Monday. When the doctor told Michael, that was the plan, I could have cried! So when Monday came around I didn't let myself believe it as the nurses were cautious to not give us hope until the doctor had for sure cleared Anna. Then the nurse suddenly came in and said, "You're going home today!" and that was the best blessing of all!
Oh, this post has gotten out of hand long...and the munchkin is stirring so I will just say I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that your new year is filled with extra special blessings too!
And, as if that wasn't enough, the Christmas season is officially over too. This year was a bit different, as I basically did no shopping since I was so tired and pregnant this last month, so it was maybe a bit more impersonal. And then, the NICU stay happened, which was so unplanned, of course. So, our family members (excluding the girls) got gift cards I thought they would like. And, my grandmother who lives in Florida, my brother's new wife and our new baby girl all added to our usually small family gathering. For the last four years it's actually grown, since my sister or I have had a baby for each of the last four years.
I also wanted to share with you a bit about the NICU stay and how God really used it as a faith builder for us. It was a very traumatic time for me, I think because it was so unexpected. The first couple of days I was just devestated and crying all the time, but as the days wore on, I was able to get myself back together and started to be a little less emotional and much more rational. So, I developed friendships with all of Anna's caretakers, and found they were pretty much all believers. It was amazing to have them there and be so supportive, and talk to them about God as well. Really, it seems small, but what a blessing!
On Friday I started praying that I would be able to hold Anna on Saturday. She had been being fed through a tube and they did not want to overstimulate her, so I couldn't hold her or breastfeed her. My only contact with her was changing her diapers, which meant everything to me because I just wanted some bit of normalcy with my new baby. So, most of the day on Saturday went well, but by the end of the day I was in tears so the nurse asked me why. I told her I just wanted to hold my baby and she agreed to it and then talked to the nurse practioner who said they wanted to increase her fluids so they were taking out the IV so I could try and breastfeed. I had been pumping with great success, which was a blessing in itself since it took 10 days for my milk to come in with Lilla. My milk came in in abundance this time and as soon as I put Anna on the breast she latched on and hasn't let up since!
On Saturday I started praying that on Sunday she would be weaned off the air they were giving her through her nose. It did not contain O2, it was room air, but they were using it to expand her lungs to try to get the fluid out. Don't you know, when I came back after getting a shower on Sunday, there was no tube in her nose. It was fabulous to see her face! Her bilirubin count, she's a bit jaundiced, had gone down dramatically too! And then, they started talking about us going home in the next few days.
So, on Sunday, I started praying we would go home on Monday. When the doctor told Michael, that was the plan, I could have cried! So when Monday came around I didn't let myself believe it as the nurses were cautious to not give us hope until the doctor had for sure cleared Anna. Then the nurse suddenly came in and said, "You're going home today!" and that was the best blessing of all!
Oh, this post has gotten out of hand long...and the munchkin is stirring so I will just say I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that your new year is filled with extra special blessings too!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy
Just wanted to say...
WE ARE HOME!!
They let us go a little after noon today and not a moment too soon. We are so thankful for all the prayers from family, friends, strangers, churches and bloggers that we know surely touched the heart of God for our daughter this last week. Talk about a faith builder! I want to send each of you that prayed for us a sincere thank you, you will never know what it meant to us to be so bathed in prayer in such a hard time.
I'll write more tomorrow but am going to try to get a little shut eye before my little eater wakes again!
WE ARE HOME!!
They let us go a little after noon today and not a moment too soon. We are so thankful for all the prayers from family, friends, strangers, churches and bloggers that we know surely touched the heart of God for our daughter this last week. Talk about a faith builder! I want to send each of you that prayed for us a sincere thank you, you will never know what it meant to us to be so bathed in prayer in such a hard time.
I'll write more tomorrow but am going to try to get a little shut eye before my little eater wakes again!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday Photo Hunt - WIDE
Theme: WIDEThis was me one week ago today, about as wide as I've ever been! I am considerably smaller now, and unfortunately, watching my 5 day old baby in the NICU as I write, but she is getting a little stronger every day! And hopefully the next wide thing I'll be posting is my smile when I take her home!
To see more photos with a wide theme or to participate too, go to www.tnchick.com
Friday, December 19, 2008
I'm hurting
So the last few days have been very painful for me. On Tuesday Anna was born and everything seemed perfectly normal, I got to spend all day with her, she was doing great breastfeeding, everyone visited and it was just great.
Wednesday afternoon came and they were talking about releasing us the next day as everything was so great. Suddenly I noticed she was breathing very heavily so I called the nurse and she took her to check her out. Before I knew what was happening they took her down to the NICU and hooked her up to everything. They thought she may have some fluid on her lungs or pneumonia or an infection so they ran all kinds of tests and put her on antibiotics "just in case". They were convinced she would be better by Friday. Well, guess what, Friday is here and there is no change. She is still breathing very heavily, her oxygen level keeps going up and down and she is just not well.
They think she probably has pneumonia, but aren't sure and will be doing another x-ray at 11. They have no idea when she can go home, probably not for at least another week, and she is hooked up to every tube and machine you can think of, besides a ventilator. That may be coming if she keeps breathing like this. She is just wearing her little body out.
I am so scared and troubled by all of this, my heart is breaking and I can't stop crying. They say it's not fatal and she is not terribly off, but they can't give me anything conclusive of what it could be or when she might get better. It's very frustrating and troubling all at the same time.
Please be in prayer for our family, that we will have peace in this situation, that God will work in mighty ways to protect and heal our little Anna and that God would ultimately be glorified in all we do and say here.
Thank you friends,
Amy
Wednesday afternoon came and they were talking about releasing us the next day as everything was so great. Suddenly I noticed she was breathing very heavily so I called the nurse and she took her to check her out. Before I knew what was happening they took her down to the NICU and hooked her up to everything. They thought she may have some fluid on her lungs or pneumonia or an infection so they ran all kinds of tests and put her on antibiotics "just in case". They were convinced she would be better by Friday. Well, guess what, Friday is here and there is no change. She is still breathing very heavily, her oxygen level keeps going up and down and she is just not well.
They think she probably has pneumonia, but aren't sure and will be doing another x-ray at 11. They have no idea when she can go home, probably not for at least another week, and she is hooked up to every tube and machine you can think of, besides a ventilator. That may be coming if she keeps breathing like this. She is just wearing her little body out.
I am so scared and troubled by all of this, my heart is breaking and I can't stop crying. They say it's not fatal and she is not terribly off, but they can't give me anything conclusive of what it could be or when she might get better. It's very frustrating and troubling all at the same time.
Please be in prayer for our family, that we will have peace in this situation, that God will work in mighty ways to protect and heal our little Anna and that God would ultimately be glorified in all we do and say here.
Thank you friends,
Amy
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The very best Christmas present!
Just a few pics because I can't download anymore since I'm hooked up to machines and can't reach the camera or thingy that downloads...tomorrow I'll post more!
Oh, and her stats...
Name: Anna Noelle
Size: 19 inches
Weight: 7lbs, 12 oz
Time: 9:34am
Hair: Little bitty very blonde curls!
Eyes: Dark right now, I have a good feeling they will be blue though!
Long fingers and toes, a good eater (breastfeeding) once she starts and sweet little baby cries!
The c-section went wonderfully, they said that's the best it gets, so smooth! Now I'm just in a bit of pain in my back and my stomach, so they are just trying to get it under control. Very normal stuff though so I'm not too worried about it. So...here are the pics...
Oh, and her stats...
Name: Anna Noelle
Size: 19 inches
Weight: 7lbs, 12 oz
Time: 9:34am
Hair: Little bitty very blonde curls!
Eyes: Dark right now, I have a good feeling they will be blue though!
Long fingers and toes, a good eater (breastfeeding) once she starts and sweet little baby cries!
The c-section went wonderfully, they said that's the best it gets, so smooth! Now I'm just in a bit of pain in my back and my stomach, so they are just trying to get it under control. Very normal stuff though so I'm not too worried about it. So...here are the pics...
Monday, December 15, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
That belly shot
I just took this picture on Auto and the camera was a bit low so it's not the best, not to mention my hair is wet from the shower, but I wanted to get in one more belly shot before Anna comes on Tuesday. So here I am in all my big belly glory...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Good Theology
The peanut and I have been talking a lot about the nativity lately. I tell her about Jesus, his birth and his family. As we get closer to Christmas I hope she will have a better understanding of the real celebration, rather than the man made one.
Anyway, I was quizzing her the other day on what she has learned and here's how the conversation went...
Me: Who is Jesus' mom?
Peanut: Mary
Me: Who is Jesus' dad?
Peanut: God
I was looking for Joseph, but I must say, that is pretty good theology for a 2 1/2 year old!! :)
Anyway, I was quizzing her the other day on what she has learned and here's how the conversation went...
Me: Who is Jesus' mom?
Peanut: Mary
Me: Who is Jesus' dad?
Peanut: God
I was looking for Joseph, but I must say, that is pretty good theology for a 2 1/2 year old!! :)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen Great Places to Donate Money This Holiday Season!
This time of year seems to bring a lot of generosity for some people, and some are often looking for good organizations to donate to. Here is a list of some of our favorites!
1. Your local church. I don't know about you but we go to a very small country church that could always use donations. I've never heard of a church that didn't though!
2. The Salvation Army. So conveniently located in every Wal-Mart and other fine store. Just listen for the sound of bells!
3. Goodwill. They help people with developmental disabilities find jobs. Even your old stuff can help make this organization run!
4. Helping Hands. Our organization or choice this year, that provides chickens, goats and wells to impoverished nations.
5. Word of Life. A Christian youth organization that has summer youth camps around the world, providing low or no cost camps for kids! (Our fave is the one in Hungary!)
6. Mental Health America. This is an organization that promotes knowledge of Mental Health issues and helps those with MI's to better their lives with education, employment and housing. (This was where I worked in my pre-momma days!)
7. Make a Wish. Does this organization need an explanation? Pretty much everyone is familiar with it and it just keeps getting better with how it helps kids in not so good situations!
8. Habitat for Humanity. Seriously, can you go wrong with helping people have homes?
9. Your local foodbank. They could always use more food and monetary donations!
10. Your local homeless shelter. You can give monetary donations or the gift of time this Christmas!
11. Your local humane society. Gifts of dog/cat food donations or monetary donations are always appreciated. They can usually use volunteers to help with the animals or clean up as well!
12. Your favorite missionary. Most missionaries are seriously just barely making it as they are paid next to nothing. Why not give them an extra Christmas present this year?
13. FAME. FAME is an organization that provides medications around the world to people who otherwise would not have had it, while spreading the love of Christ.
I hope I have been able to give you some good ideas for donations this Christmas season. What are some of your favorite places to donate?
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
10 Smile Tuesday
I'm going to try to get this one in just under the gun today. It's already 11 pm and I have an early doctor's appt. so I'll make it quick with no pictures. Maybe I'll post some tomorrow...
Anyway, a quick 10 smiles for you...
1. One week. Just one week. One week from today I will be holding sweet Anna in my arms. Yeah, that smile can't really be beat!
2. Bolt. We went and saw this with some friends today and it was really cute. The peanut just loved going to the movies and seeing something on the big screen. She's fascinated!
3. Playdate. This morning a couple of my friends came over and the girl's got to play for several hours while we chatted. Since I've been so tired lately due to the end being so near we haven't gotten out much, so it was fun to have friends over for me and for the peanut!
4. Friday. Last Friday night I went to a friend's house for pizza and fellowship with her and another girl. It was crazy with 9 little girls in the house, but oh, they had fun and we did too!
5. Superbaby. When the peanut goes to this particular friends house (who has kids ages 4, 8 and 11) she loves to have this particular baby blanket tied around her neck and she runs around the house with the girls in pursuit yelling, "Superbaby!!" It's seriously funny!!
6. Sugar cookies. My husband always makes sugar cookies for his employees this time of year, and this time I was of little help as my ankles are huge at this point! So, all day Sunday I got to lay in bed while I brought me the broken ones...mmm, they were good!!
7. Sweet gifts. Having a 2nd baby is so different from the first. No showers or any poo poohing like the first time. So, I was so sweetly surprised when my friend brought over these adorable little Christmas outfits today as gift to Anna. So sweet! And, a beautiful white blanket too!
8. MOPS. (Mothers of Preschoolers) Our last MOPS of the year was this last Friday and we had such a nice time learning to decorate cheap chick. Who doesn't love cheap decorating ideas? Good stuff!
9. MOPS Dinner. Saturday night we had our annual MOPS dinner for our MOPS moms and significant others. Good food, good fellowship and a great speaker! You gotta love this program!
10. Lights. The peanut has been getting so excited over the Christmas lights that she sees as we are out and about. She says, "I don't have any on my house..." in a very sad tone. I totally wanted to do it just for her, but this year, due to the baby we are pretty low key. Oh, but she loves it so much...ah, to see Christmas through the eyes of a 2 year old. It's just the best!
What are you smiling about today?
Anyway, a quick 10 smiles for you...
1. One week. Just one week. One week from today I will be holding sweet Anna in my arms. Yeah, that smile can't really be beat!
2. Bolt. We went and saw this with some friends today and it was really cute. The peanut just loved going to the movies and seeing something on the big screen. She's fascinated!
3. Playdate. This morning a couple of my friends came over and the girl's got to play for several hours while we chatted. Since I've been so tired lately due to the end being so near we haven't gotten out much, so it was fun to have friends over for me and for the peanut!
4. Friday. Last Friday night I went to a friend's house for pizza and fellowship with her and another girl. It was crazy with 9 little girls in the house, but oh, they had fun and we did too!
5. Superbaby. When the peanut goes to this particular friends house (who has kids ages 4, 8 and 11) she loves to have this particular baby blanket tied around her neck and she runs around the house with the girls in pursuit yelling, "Superbaby!!" It's seriously funny!!
6. Sugar cookies. My husband always makes sugar cookies for his employees this time of year, and this time I was of little help as my ankles are huge at this point! So, all day Sunday I got to lay in bed while I brought me the broken ones...mmm, they were good!!
7. Sweet gifts. Having a 2nd baby is so different from the first. No showers or any poo poohing like the first time. So, I was so sweetly surprised when my friend brought over these adorable little Christmas outfits today as gift to Anna. So sweet! And, a beautiful white blanket too!
8. MOPS. (Mothers of Preschoolers) Our last MOPS of the year was this last Friday and we had such a nice time learning to decorate cheap chick. Who doesn't love cheap decorating ideas? Good stuff!
9. MOPS Dinner. Saturday night we had our annual MOPS dinner for our MOPS moms and significant others. Good food, good fellowship and a great speaker! You gotta love this program!
10. Lights. The peanut has been getting so excited over the Christmas lights that she sees as we are out and about. She says, "I don't have any on my house..." in a very sad tone. I totally wanted to do it just for her, but this year, due to the baby we are pretty low key. Oh, but she loves it so much...ah, to see Christmas through the eyes of a 2 year old. It's just the best!
What are you smiling about today?
Friday, December 05, 2008
All I Want For Christmas
Every year at Christmas my parents really prefer us to donate money rather than getting them anther useless gadget, shirt or toy. I try to change the organization every year just for that element of surprise, but I think I found one this year I want to stick with. The organization is called Hands of Hope. You may have heard of it before. Donations can go to buying chickens, goats or wells for needy people in impoverished nations. I had actually heard of this before, I had just not done any research on it until now. I am so impressed that so little money is able to help so many people, it just makes me happy to take part in it!! I think this will be my parent's favorite donation yet!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Ten Smile Tuesday...ah, a little late
So, this is a bit late, but better late than never right? I must be in nesting mode right now because I've had very few minutes to just sit down and spend time to write such a long post it seems. I am absolutely huge right now too, which is funny that I'm waddling around cleaning and shopping and calling...just busyness when I've got one heavy belly right now! Sorry no pictures of it. I keep meaning to take pics, but it's just one of those things I keep saying I'll do and never get around to. Which, for posterity, is too bad. I really want a picture of the peanut kissing my belly too...ah, I need to do that today!!
So anyway...on the smiles...
1. Teeny weeny clothes. So I finally got the baby clothes back from my sister last week, and I can hardly believe how small they are! I got the clothes up to about 9 months and whew, I've spent some time doing laundry this week. Folding all these little clothes just makes me think...wow, she is close! Only 13 more days and I'll be the parent to 2 little girls...wow, life is about to change forever!
2.
Cuddle time. Lilla has been particularly cuddly lately. I'm not sure if she's trying to soak up the last moments of being an only or what, but she has just wanted to love and kiss and cuddle under the blankets a whole lot more than usual...and this mommy loves every minute of it!
3.
Craft time. The peanut has been loving doing crafts lately. She totally takes after me with that. Just about every day you can hear her saying, "I do craft, craft, craft!!" So I've been thinking of little things to do here and there. She has so much fun creating, it's awesome!
3. Speaking of crafts, my sister-in-law, Amy, always likes to have a craft for the kids to do at family events and this was the one for Thanksgiving. An ornament that they got to choose what rub ons to put on it.
4. Interesting. At Thanksgiving dinner at Michael's parents, everyone drinks out of wine glasses, which Lilla found so fascinating. She just kept picking it up and looking at the blue stem through the glass, so wonderful to watch her make new discoveries and just to learn!
5. 
Little painted toes. So I was painting my toes the other day and the peanut was so fascinated by it that I just had to do her too. Oh, my gosh, have I enjoyed looking at those little red toes ever since!
6. Snow. Although we've only had a dusting of it, the peanut is so fascinated by it, I just love seeing it! She woke up yesterday morning and all I could hear upstairs was her calling down to me, "Snow, snow, snow!!" Oh, she is so excited to get to make snow angels. We've not had nearly enough snow for that, but oh, how excited she will be when we do!
7. A visit to the man in red. We were at the mall the other day and saw the big guy, but do you know how much it was to get a picture? $16!! That is crazy, and they strictly enforce not taking your own pictures. What a racket! So, we were at Wal-Mart a little later and they he was again! So she hopped up on his lap and told him her Christmas wish...her very own camera! (She is her mother's daughter!)
8. 
These tights...are they not adorable? Seriously, I can't get enough of them! She's worn them twice in the last week because I am such a sucker for girlyness...love it!
9. This picture...because,well, does it really need an explanantion?
10. Deals and steals. So every Black Friday we have to do at least a bit of shopping. This year we didn't see any fantastic deals, but did score a few items and got pretty much all of our shopping done in one day. I actually only went to one store, Kohl's, to get one item. I picked it up and starting walking towards the front when I realized there were a lot of people just standing toward the back of the store...holy cow, it was the line!! So, I put down the item and walked out. 45 minutes was just way too long for this big prego to stand for a bit of a discount! We did score the aforementioned Little Tikes camera for $20 and a GPS for $96 though, which are usually significantly higher so...plus a bunch of other items, so we were still satisfied. How did you all do?
11. Oh, and a bonus. Last week we went over to my friend Shelly's where we baked lots of cookies, laughed hysterically and watched the Charlie Brown specials all cuddled up in the living room with each other. It was just one of those sweet times that you always want to remember.
12. And one more...as I mentioned in the last post, I won a gift certificate for $50 for a new ring sling. I so wanted one but didn't want to pay that much for it...oh, what a blessing!!
So those are just some of the smiles from the past week...what are you smiling about?
So anyway...on the smiles...
1. Teeny weeny clothes. So I finally got the baby clothes back from my sister last week, and I can hardly believe how small they are! I got the clothes up to about 9 months and whew, I've spent some time doing laundry this week. Folding all these little clothes just makes me think...wow, she is close! Only 13 more days and I'll be the parent to 2 little girls...wow, life is about to change forever!
2.
Cuddle time. Lilla has been particularly cuddly lately. I'm not sure if she's trying to soak up the last moments of being an only or what, but she has just wanted to love and kiss and cuddle under the blankets a whole lot more than usual...and this mommy loves every minute of it!3.
Craft time. The peanut has been loving doing crafts lately. She totally takes after me with that. Just about every day you can hear her saying, "I do craft, craft, craft!!" So I've been thinking of little things to do here and there. She has so much fun creating, it's awesome!3. Speaking of crafts, my sister-in-law, Amy, always likes to have a craft for the kids to do at family events and this was the one for Thanksgiving. An ornament that they got to choose what rub ons to put on it.
4. Interesting. At Thanksgiving dinner at Michael's parents, everyone drinks out of wine glasses, which Lilla found so fascinating. She just kept picking it up and looking at the blue stem through the glass, so wonderful to watch her make new discoveries and just to learn!
5. 
Little painted toes. So I was painting my toes the other day and the peanut was so fascinated by it that I just had to do her too. Oh, my gosh, have I enjoyed looking at those little red toes ever since!6. Snow. Although we've only had a dusting of it, the peanut is so fascinated by it, I just love seeing it! She woke up yesterday morning and all I could hear upstairs was her calling down to me, "Snow, snow, snow!!" Oh, she is so excited to get to make snow angels. We've not had nearly enough snow for that, but oh, how excited she will be when we do!
7. A visit to the man in red. We were at the mall the other day and saw the big guy, but do you know how much it was to get a picture? $16!! That is crazy, and they strictly enforce not taking your own pictures. What a racket! So, we were at Wal-Mart a little later and they he was again! So she hopped up on his lap and told him her Christmas wish...her very own camera! (She is her mother's daughter!)
8. 
These tights...are they not adorable? Seriously, I can't get enough of them! She's worn them twice in the last week because I am such a sucker for girlyness...love it!9. This picture...because,well, does it really need an explanantion?
10. Deals and steals. So every Black Friday we have to do at least a bit of shopping. This year we didn't see any fantastic deals, but did score a few items and got pretty much all of our shopping done in one day. I actually only went to one store, Kohl's, to get one item. I picked it up and starting walking towards the front when I realized there were a lot of people just standing toward the back of the store...holy cow, it was the line!! So, I put down the item and walked out. 45 minutes was just way too long for this big prego to stand for a bit of a discount! We did score the aforementioned Little Tikes camera for $20 and a GPS for $96 though, which are usually significantly higher so...plus a bunch of other items, so we were still satisfied. How did you all do?11. Oh, and a bonus. Last week we went over to my friend Shelly's where we baked lots of cookies, laughed hysterically and watched the Charlie Brown specials all cuddled up in the living room with each other. It was just one of those sweet times that you always want to remember.
12. And one more...as I mentioned in the last post, I won a gift certificate for $50 for a new ring sling. I so wanted one but didn't want to pay that much for it...oh, what a blessing!!
So those are just some of the smiles from the past week...what are you smiling about?
Monday, December 01, 2008
You could be a winner...
I think I told you all before that one of my preparations for the new baby was buying a sling. Well, I did find someone at a craft show who made them for super cheap...it was like $20. And it's really cute too! Chocolate and pink, love it! But, she only makes pouch slings and I really wanted a ring sling too, but this time of year money is tight and I was finding it so super hard to spend that much on myself. Well...now I don't have to! I just won a $50 gift card from a local store here in Indy...Beanababy. They make slings and wraps and tutus and t-shirts...all kinds of great stuff for your little ones.
And, they are holding a Christmas giveaway for all the days leading up to Christmas with all kinds of prizes. Go there and check them out, and sign up for their drawing. You could be a winner too!!
http://www.beanababy.com/blog/
And, they are holding a Christmas giveaway for all the days leading up to Christmas with all kinds of prizes. Go there and check them out, and sign up for their drawing. You could be a winner too!!
http://www.beanababy.com/blog/
Oh sweet justice
On Saturday morning we were up and getting ready to go and do some errands including a little Christmas shopping. I had just gone through all of the baby clothes my sister had returned to me (this is now going on a 4th child for many of them) and realized how not good they looked. The fronts were all yellow and stained and they just looked ratty. As I am a little anal on having a new baby in perfectly clean clothes, I knew I wouldn't be able to put these particular clothes on Anna. So, I spoke to my husband and said, "We need to go buy Anna some new things...where is that Children's Place coupon I just got in the mail? It was 20% off the entire purchase."
My sweet and loving husband then guilty replied, "You mean the one on the stairs? Um, I accidently tore that up with the rest of the mail."
Clearly I reacted as any respectable wife would, "Are you insane? Why would you do that? It's like throwing away free money..." Oh yes, it didn't end there. I really let my poor hubby know how incredibly irritated I was and disappointed in the whole situation.
He then brought the ripped up coupons downstairs and said, "It's ok, we'll just tape them back together." Now mind you, they were not ripped on the bar codes, but I was just convinced that they would never take them looking like that. So, as my pitiful husband tried to appease me, I continued the squawking rampage.
We then travelled to the mall, taped up coupons in hand and started to head to our destination. Along the way Michael saw Build a Bear and just knew the girl's really needed the matching mooses so he handed me the coupons, told me to go have fun, and took Lilla in for some fun of her own. I headed to the store and began my shopping excursion. I was there for about 1/2 hour picking out some darling newborn things that I just knew Anna would look gorgeous in, and also a Christmas present for my niece.
I'm then headed to the register when I realize...the coupon is gone. I start searching my purse, the clothes, under the racks... All I can think is, "God sure has a sense of humor here and I think I know who he's out to humble today." So, I call my husband tell him what happened and he says they are nearly done and will start heading that way. He comes in the store and, the very embaressed and humbled me has no way to react besides a big old apology. He laughingly replies, "Well, I just wish God could teach us lessons and give us the coupon too." He's funny.
And then, he prays that God will show him where it's at. And don't you know...there it was, among the stretch pants and tunics, right where I would have put it down. And, as we walked out the door after making our grand purchase that included the 20% off coupon, I think we saw my pride laying on the floor...
My sweet and loving husband then guilty replied, "You mean the one on the stairs? Um, I accidently tore that up with the rest of the mail."
Clearly I reacted as any respectable wife would, "Are you insane? Why would you do that? It's like throwing away free money..." Oh yes, it didn't end there. I really let my poor hubby know how incredibly irritated I was and disappointed in the whole situation.
He then brought the ripped up coupons downstairs and said, "It's ok, we'll just tape them back together." Now mind you, they were not ripped on the bar codes, but I was just convinced that they would never take them looking like that. So, as my pitiful husband tried to appease me, I continued the squawking rampage.
We then travelled to the mall, taped up coupons in hand and started to head to our destination. Along the way Michael saw Build a Bear and just knew the girl's really needed the matching mooses so he handed me the coupons, told me to go have fun, and took Lilla in for some fun of her own. I headed to the store and began my shopping excursion. I was there for about 1/2 hour picking out some darling newborn things that I just knew Anna would look gorgeous in, and also a Christmas present for my niece.
I'm then headed to the register when I realize...the coupon is gone. I start searching my purse, the clothes, under the racks... All I can think is, "God sure has a sense of humor here and I think I know who he's out to humble today." So, I call my husband tell him what happened and he says they are nearly done and will start heading that way. He comes in the store and, the very embaressed and humbled me has no way to react besides a big old apology. He laughingly replies, "Well, I just wish God could teach us lessons and give us the coupon too." He's funny.
And then, he prays that God will show him where it's at. And don't you know...there it was, among the stretch pants and tunics, right where I would have put it down. And, as we walked out the door after making our grand purchase that included the 20% off coupon, I think we saw my pride laying on the floor...
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Give Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I sure hope it is a delightful one for each of you and that you get a chance to reflect on all the things you are thankful for today. I know many have had difficult years, finances are unsure and things don't usually go as planned, but I hope today will be a day to celebrate the big and small joys you've experienced, to laugh with your loved ones and see how God is using you in His greater plan.
Every Thanksgiving I write down 365 things that I am thankful for. I'm going to spare you an entire list, but instead write down 50 things off the top of my head. There is never really an order, rhyme or reason, but just things I want to thank God for. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
1. Jesus, because without Him, I wouldn't know how to give real praise
2. Michael, my husband
3. Lilla, my daughter
4. Anna, my soon to be born 2nd daughter
5. There are only 19 days left before Anna is born...yahoo!
6. My home
7. A bed to sleep in every night
8. Food in my cabinets
9. A decent paying job for my husband
10. My husband being good with money so all the bills do get paid
11. Carrie, my very good friend
12. Shelly, my very good friend
13. MOPS
14. My home church
15. My pastor, who honestly loves the Lord with all His heart and does everything trying to serve Him
16. My small group who teach me a lot
17. My Bible
18. The freedom to own and read a Bible
19. The ability to read
20. The book, Sheperding a Child's Heart, which is teaching me so much
21. My mom, who is trying to serve God wholeheartedly
22. My stepdad, for loving my mom these last 20 years
23. My sister, Erika
24. Her husband, Russ, who really does love her
25. All my nieces and nephews (seriously, it would be a long list!)
26. All my brother and sister in laws (there are MANY!!)
27. My in-laws, they are very kind to me in so many, many ways. I am very fortunate to have them and not that quintessential mother-in-law you always hear about.
28. My sister-in-law, Stephanie, who sat with me in the hospital for hours and hours the other day, so I wouldn't be alone
29. My brother, David and new sister-in-law, Jody, for being happy together
30. Worship music, there's nothing like it!
31. My bloggity friends, I've met so many wonderful ones!
32. Water, clean fresh water...I'm seriously thankful for it. Particularly since I drink so much of it these days!
33. Ice cubes, because I like my drinks almost to the point of freezing.
34. My dog, Ellie. She's just so sweet and loving with these big brown eyes. That makes me happy!
35. My dog, Buddy, who really is a lover too. He's a puppy so he's wild, but he's a lover anyway.
36. Having my own car to be able to go places in. (At this time last year my hubby's car died and I had to go a month without one!)
37. Storytime at the library, such an enjoyable time for Lilla and I!
38. My friend, Shelly's kids, who seriously love the peanut. It's so fun to see them play together, even though they are older, they just adore her. She loves it!
39. The ability to have gone to Florida this past June just days before my grandmother passed away. I'm thankful to have been able to say my last good-byes in person.
40. The summer bible study we did. I learned a lot and got closer to some new women I might not of otherwise got to know so well.
41. Antibiotics, because they seriously healed me pretty fast last week.
42. Ultrasounds, because it is so lovely to spend time with my little girl!
43. The election process. Even though it may not have turned out as I had hoped, I am still thankful to live in a country where we have the freedom to elect instead of a dictatorship or a monarchy.
44. Laughter, I've had a lot of it this last year and it sure has made my days brighter!
45. Tears. There's an old quote that says, "Tears are the soap of the soul", and I really believe that is true. There is nothing like a good cry!
46. Facebook. Silly, I know, but it has put me in touch with many very old friends, that I thought I'd never hear from again!
47. Photography. Due to photography I am able to capture so many wonderful moments of my daughter's life that otherwise would be gone.
48. My daughter's innocence. It is lovely to see her still not jaded by the world.
49. The military, including my little brother, Chris. They really have so much courage and it is amazing to me what they do every day. Hoo-rah!
50. And finally, for faith, hope and love. Where would I be without any one of them?
I hope all your Thanksgiving days are full of joy today! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Every Thanksgiving I write down 365 things that I am thankful for. I'm going to spare you an entire list, but instead write down 50 things off the top of my head. There is never really an order, rhyme or reason, but just things I want to thank God for. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
1. Jesus, because without Him, I wouldn't know how to give real praise
2. Michael, my husband
3. Lilla, my daughter
4. Anna, my soon to be born 2nd daughter
5. There are only 19 days left before Anna is born...yahoo!
6. My home
7. A bed to sleep in every night
8. Food in my cabinets
9. A decent paying job for my husband
10. My husband being good with money so all the bills do get paid
11. Carrie, my very good friend
12. Shelly, my very good friend
13. MOPS
14. My home church
15. My pastor, who honestly loves the Lord with all His heart and does everything trying to serve Him
16. My small group who teach me a lot
17. My Bible
18. The freedom to own and read a Bible
19. The ability to read
20. The book, Sheperding a Child's Heart, which is teaching me so much
21. My mom, who is trying to serve God wholeheartedly
22. My stepdad, for loving my mom these last 20 years
23. My sister, Erika
24. Her husband, Russ, who really does love her
25. All my nieces and nephews (seriously, it would be a long list!)
26. All my brother and sister in laws (there are MANY!!)
27. My in-laws, they are very kind to me in so many, many ways. I am very fortunate to have them and not that quintessential mother-in-law you always hear about.
28. My sister-in-law, Stephanie, who sat with me in the hospital for hours and hours the other day, so I wouldn't be alone
29. My brother, David and new sister-in-law, Jody, for being happy together
30. Worship music, there's nothing like it!
31. My bloggity friends, I've met so many wonderful ones!
32. Water, clean fresh water...I'm seriously thankful for it. Particularly since I drink so much of it these days!
33. Ice cubes, because I like my drinks almost to the point of freezing.
34. My dog, Ellie. She's just so sweet and loving with these big brown eyes. That makes me happy!
35. My dog, Buddy, who really is a lover too. He's a puppy so he's wild, but he's a lover anyway.
36. Having my own car to be able to go places in. (At this time last year my hubby's car died and I had to go a month without one!)
37. Storytime at the library, such an enjoyable time for Lilla and I!
38. My friend, Shelly's kids, who seriously love the peanut. It's so fun to see them play together, even though they are older, they just adore her. She loves it!
39. The ability to have gone to Florida this past June just days before my grandmother passed away. I'm thankful to have been able to say my last good-byes in person.
40. The summer bible study we did. I learned a lot and got closer to some new women I might not of otherwise got to know so well.
41. Antibiotics, because they seriously healed me pretty fast last week.
42. Ultrasounds, because it is so lovely to spend time with my little girl!
43. The election process. Even though it may not have turned out as I had hoped, I am still thankful to live in a country where we have the freedom to elect instead of a dictatorship or a monarchy.
44. Laughter, I've had a lot of it this last year and it sure has made my days brighter!
45. Tears. There's an old quote that says, "Tears are the soap of the soul", and I really believe that is true. There is nothing like a good cry!
46. Facebook. Silly, I know, but it has put me in touch with many very old friends, that I thought I'd never hear from again!
47. Photography. Due to photography I am able to capture so many wonderful moments of my daughter's life that otherwise would be gone.
48. My daughter's innocence. It is lovely to see her still not jaded by the world.
49. The military, including my little brother, Chris. They really have so much courage and it is amazing to me what they do every day. Hoo-rah!
50. And finally, for faith, hope and love. Where would I be without any one of them?
I hope all your Thanksgiving days are full of joy today! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
She's coming, she's really coming...
So yesterday I went to a total of 6, count them, 6, stores searching for the right car seat at the right price. Because my stroller is a Graco, I need a Graco car seat so it's kind of one of those annoying little things, you gotta do! In our little town we have a Wal-Mart, and that's about it, so I went there first. The only one they had was Winnie the Pooh. Now, I enjoy Pooh bear as much as the next guy, but do I want to see images of Pooh gobbling up honey for the next 12 months every time I put my child in the seat? Um, not so much. So that was a definite no.
In fact, I am not a person who likes character anything very much. Clothes, diaper bags, bedding...you name it, I'm just not that into it. So, after driving another 40 minutes to visit Target and Meijer, had much of the same reaction. My husband then insisted that we go to another Wal-Mart, just in case. Same situation as the first, I just couldn't do it.
So, off to Babies R' Us we went. Now, I don't often shop there as I think they are rip off artists. It's just unbelievable to pay 3 times what you would normally pay for a bottle of Johnson and Johnson baby oil, because it is from a store clearly marketed toward first time moms still in the, "Oh, the baby really does need the potty chair with the fake toilet paper roll that plays music." stage. Of course they had like 15 different types of seats, but I was totally disturbed at the price tags. I mean, come on! You really want $30 more of the exact same car seat? Get real I say!
So, at this point I figure I am doomed to the next 12 months of characters, when a light goes off in my head. BABY DEPOT at Burlington Coat Factory, he shouts at me! I have no idea why this popped into my head, thank you Lord, because it's not a place I ever shop. Since it was right down the street from the evil empire that is Babies R' Us though, we are off and guess what? I found one!!
It's pink and chocolate, and not that obnoxious pink that burns your eyes. A muted pink with chocolate brown flowers and designs. Just the mellow one I was looking for. I also got a pink and brown diaper bag to match my pink and brown just purchased sling. OK, so I'm a dork, but apparently this is the in girl color this year, which is fine with me, since I like those colors together.
So now, all I need is the baby. Oh, and diapers...I better go buy some diapers...
In fact, I am not a person who likes character anything very much. Clothes, diaper bags, bedding...you name it, I'm just not that into it. So, after driving another 40 minutes to visit Target and Meijer, had much of the same reaction. My husband then insisted that we go to another Wal-Mart, just in case. Same situation as the first, I just couldn't do it.
So, off to Babies R' Us we went. Now, I don't often shop there as I think they are rip off artists. It's just unbelievable to pay 3 times what you would normally pay for a bottle of Johnson and Johnson baby oil, because it is from a store clearly marketed toward first time moms still in the, "Oh, the baby really does need the potty chair with the fake toilet paper roll that plays music." stage. Of course they had like 15 different types of seats, but I was totally disturbed at the price tags. I mean, come on! You really want $30 more of the exact same car seat? Get real I say!
So, at this point I figure I am doomed to the next 12 months of characters, when a light goes off in my head. BABY DEPOT at Burlington Coat Factory, he shouts at me! I have no idea why this popped into my head, thank you Lord, because it's not a place I ever shop. Since it was right down the street from the evil empire that is Babies R' Us though, we are off and guess what? I found one!!
It's pink and chocolate, and not that obnoxious pink that burns your eyes. A muted pink with chocolate brown flowers and designs. Just the mellow one I was looking for. I also got a pink and brown diaper bag to match my pink and brown just purchased sling. OK, so I'm a dork, but apparently this is the in girl color this year, which is fine with me, since I like those colors together.
So now, all I need is the baby. Oh, and diapers...I better go buy some diapers...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Just because...
I just wanted to write this down for posterity.
Today I was talking to Lilla about gratefulness and what I am grateful for. I then asked her what she was thankful for, her response? "Mommy and Daddy."
Does life get any sweeter?
Today I was talking to Lilla about gratefulness and what I am grateful for. I then asked her what she was thankful for, her response? "Mommy and Daddy."
Does life get any sweeter?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
26 Days!
I was just thinking...I have 26 days until I see my baby!! Until all my curiousity is finally met with answers. Until I hold my sweet little girl in my arms. Until my family is complete...for now...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Ten Smile Tuesday
I've been pretty neglectful of pictures lately as I've taken so few due to just being tired. Even having to get up to get the camera is a feat these days! I just feel like an out of breath weeble!
So, I thought I would just do my 10 recent favorite snapshots. They aren't in the last week as I haven't even taken any since last Tuesday, which is HIGHLY unusual for me, but they are in the last few weeks. The peanut and I have spent a lot of time laying in bed watching Disney movies while I wait out the next 4 weeks, so not too much to capture photography wise in those moments, as you can imagine. Just us in our PJ's, passing some time with Pinnochio!
Without further ado now, here are my recent faves:
This is my new favorite picture. I took it very randomly in my backyard a couple of weeks ago and am just in love with it! Who could resist that smile?
My little monkey! Oh, she was cute for Halloween!
We couldn't let fall go by without at least one romp in the leaves!
Last week when I was in the hospital Michael brought the peanut to me. She was so excited, she just jumped in the hospital bed yelling, "Mommy!!" So sweet!
Just a random pic of all of us!
We'd been in the car for a long trip and I thought the peanut needed a break. We found this hill and showed her how to roll down it. She enjoyed even more rolling daddy down!
A walk across our bridge had to be captured!
That laugh is contagious!
At my brother's wedding rehearsal she jumped up on stage and started singing/dancing. What an entertainer she is!
So, I thought I would just do my 10 recent favorite snapshots. They aren't in the last week as I haven't even taken any since last Tuesday, which is HIGHLY unusual for me, but they are in the last few weeks. The peanut and I have spent a lot of time laying in bed watching Disney movies while I wait out the next 4 weeks, so not too much to capture photography wise in those moments, as you can imagine. Just us in our PJ's, passing some time with Pinnochio!
Without further ado now, here are my recent faves:
This is my new favorite picture. I took it very randomly in my backyard a couple of weeks ago and am just in love with it! Who could resist that smile?
My little monkey! Oh, she was cute for Halloween!
We couldn't let fall go by without at least one romp in the leaves!
Last week when I was in the hospital Michael brought the peanut to me. She was so excited, she just jumped in the hospital bed yelling, "Mommy!!" So sweet!
Just a random pic of all of us!
We'd been in the car for a long trip and I thought the peanut needed a break. We found this hill and showed her how to roll down it. She enjoyed even more rolling daddy down!
A walk across our bridge had to be captured!
That laugh is contagious!
At my brother's wedding rehearsal she jumped up on stage and started singing/dancing. What an entertainer she is!
What is making you smile today?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Please Pray
I have a very special prayer request for you my blogging buddies. I have a very dear friend who had a baby 2 weeks ago and her husband left her this weekend...she needs so many prayers right now. She just feels crushed, as anyone could understand, and she has a 2 1/2 year old and a newborn she has to take care of. She was very blindsided by the whole thing and is just struggling to breathe right now.
Please be in prayer for my friend and for God to give her the strength to go on, to have faith that God really does love her and to keep on praying. Also, be praying for her husband's salvation and a softening of his heart.
Thank you friends.
Please be in prayer for my friend and for God to give her the strength to go on, to have faith that God really does love her and to keep on praying. Also, be praying for her husband's salvation and a softening of his heart.
Thank you friends.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Still Smiling
So the last week has been hard. I'm actually in the hospital for the second overnight stay in the last few days right now. I should be able to leave this morning though. I've had an accelerated heart rate, low oxygen and pain in my chest that has definitely caused the doctors to worry. If I were not pregnant I probably wouldn't be staying here so much but of course everyone, including me, is worried about little Anna so here is where I've been. She seems to be fine through everything though so I'm now off the monitors and IV and really believe I'll be moving on in the next few hours.
I've had about every test in the book ran on me and tons of blood taken, and they had the darndest time coming up with what was wrong. The doctor on call this weekend was convinced it was psychological, even asking me, "Well, can you just start thinking positively? Maybe then the problems will go away." Ummm...ok then, that's really working for me. Ugh! He even went so far as to put me on an anti-anxiety/anti-depression drug. Fortunately the doctor yesterday believed me more and had an internist come and examine me. He's pretty convinced I have the starting stages of pneumonia and a kidney infection...which hurts like none other I tell you! Ahhhhhh!!! So, I'm all drugged up and hopefully will be better soon.
In the midst of it all though, I still do have some random smiles to share...
1. I got to spend a good 1/2 hour looking at Anna on Saturday night due to the ultrasound. She is beautiful let me tell you! And, she is a mover and a shaker! She just goes and goes and goes. She was pulling on her umbilical cord at one point, oh my gosh, was that cute! That was definitely a smile in the midst of the pains.
2. Visitors. Saturday night was my brother's wedding...I missed the whole thing as I had to spend the night in the hospital. Being that Michael was the groomsman and Lilla was the flower girl, I insisted that they go. Michael was highly resistant, but once his family stepped in he felt better about it. My sister-in-law, Stephanie, was so gracious as to sit with me for like 6 or 7 hours watching Hannah Montana reruns while they ran all the tests and such. Then my other sister-in-law, Terri, came for a visit. As did Michael's parents. My other sister-in-law, Tammy, came and spent time with me then on Sunday. As my family was tied up with the wedding stuff, I really appreciated the company and compassion of my husband's family to me!
3. Days off. Our MOPS group was doing a clothing drive this week so Michael took Thursday and Friday off to help out. Unfortunately, due to my health issues, we only helped Thursday, but it was nice for Michael to have time to spend with us on those days.
4. The park. On Wednesday, the weather was in the 70's, so we got to take Lilla to the park to enjoy the fall colors and play on the big kid equipment with dad. Oh, and she got to feed the ducks, which they tell you specifically not to do, but daddy had some crackers...and, well, he's a rebel that way. LOL
5. Help. Since I've been so sick people have really been very kind to me about helping out with the peanut. She has spent 3 of the last four nights at my mother's house or Michael's parents and I really appreciate it since I've just been out of comission. I think she's ready to go home though, she said to my mother-in-law, "I need to go to sleep at my house now." Awww....
6. Family. On Friday night, although I had not been feeling good all day, I decided to go to the rehearsal and dinner and it was really nice to see some family that I had not for awhile. Unfortunately I didn't get to spend the time I wanted to, but it was still nice to see them for even a short bit.
7. 35 days. I am now scheduled to have a c-section on Dec. 16th. 12 days before my due date as that just works out for some things for the doctor, and in all honesty, it can't come soon enough. I am really starting to get ready! So, five weeks from today I will be the mother of two little girls, crazy times!!
8. Clothing and Coats. We had many, many donations for the clothing drive and we wound up helping over 500 people! Crazy! I wish I could have been there for the drive, I guess they helped over 240 people within the first 45 minutes!! So amazing!
9. My husband. He really has been concerned and caring through this whole ordeal. Last night he brought me my favorite Thai pasta from the Cheesecake Factory with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert...can we say yum? Oh, and the nice people at the Cheesecake Factory threw in an extra piece of cheesecake that said, "Get Well Soon." on it after he told them I was in the hospital...how sweet...literally!! :)
10. Amazing grace. I was listening to this song by Chris Thomlin today on youtube and I just couldn't help but think of how truely grateful I am for God's amazing grace. It's beautiful.
What are you smiling about today?
I've had about every test in the book ran on me and tons of blood taken, and they had the darndest time coming up with what was wrong. The doctor on call this weekend was convinced it was psychological, even asking me, "Well, can you just start thinking positively? Maybe then the problems will go away." Ummm...ok then, that's really working for me. Ugh! He even went so far as to put me on an anti-anxiety/anti-depression drug. Fortunately the doctor yesterday believed me more and had an internist come and examine me. He's pretty convinced I have the starting stages of pneumonia and a kidney infection...which hurts like none other I tell you! Ahhhhhh!!! So, I'm all drugged up and hopefully will be better soon.
In the midst of it all though, I still do have some random smiles to share...
1. I got to spend a good 1/2 hour looking at Anna on Saturday night due to the ultrasound. She is beautiful let me tell you! And, she is a mover and a shaker! She just goes and goes and goes. She was pulling on her umbilical cord at one point, oh my gosh, was that cute! That was definitely a smile in the midst of the pains.
2. Visitors. Saturday night was my brother's wedding...I missed the whole thing as I had to spend the night in the hospital. Being that Michael was the groomsman and Lilla was the flower girl, I insisted that they go. Michael was highly resistant, but once his family stepped in he felt better about it. My sister-in-law, Stephanie, was so gracious as to sit with me for like 6 or 7 hours watching Hannah Montana reruns while they ran all the tests and such. Then my other sister-in-law, Terri, came for a visit. As did Michael's parents. My other sister-in-law, Tammy, came and spent time with me then on Sunday. As my family was tied up with the wedding stuff, I really appreciated the company and compassion of my husband's family to me!
3. Days off. Our MOPS group was doing a clothing drive this week so Michael took Thursday and Friday off to help out. Unfortunately, due to my health issues, we only helped Thursday, but it was nice for Michael to have time to spend with us on those days.
4. The park. On Wednesday, the weather was in the 70's, so we got to take Lilla to the park to enjoy the fall colors and play on the big kid equipment with dad. Oh, and she got to feed the ducks, which they tell you specifically not to do, but daddy had some crackers...and, well, he's a rebel that way. LOL
5. Help. Since I've been so sick people have really been very kind to me about helping out with the peanut. She has spent 3 of the last four nights at my mother's house or Michael's parents and I really appreciate it since I've just been out of comission. I think she's ready to go home though, she said to my mother-in-law, "I need to go to sleep at my house now." Awww....
6. Family. On Friday night, although I had not been feeling good all day, I decided to go to the rehearsal and dinner and it was really nice to see some family that I had not for awhile. Unfortunately I didn't get to spend the time I wanted to, but it was still nice to see them for even a short bit.
7. 35 days. I am now scheduled to have a c-section on Dec. 16th. 12 days before my due date as that just works out for some things for the doctor, and in all honesty, it can't come soon enough. I am really starting to get ready! So, five weeks from today I will be the mother of two little girls, crazy times!!
8. Clothing and Coats. We had many, many donations for the clothing drive and we wound up helping over 500 people! Crazy! I wish I could have been there for the drive, I guess they helped over 240 people within the first 45 minutes!! So amazing!
9. My husband. He really has been concerned and caring through this whole ordeal. Last night he brought me my favorite Thai pasta from the Cheesecake Factory with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert...can we say yum? Oh, and the nice people at the Cheesecake Factory threw in an extra piece of cheesecake that said, "Get Well Soon." on it after he told them I was in the hospital...how sweet...literally!! :)
10. Amazing grace. I was listening to this song by Chris Thomlin today on youtube and I just couldn't help but think of how truely grateful I am for God's amazing grace. It's beautiful.
What are you smiling about today?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Small things
So apparently there are some newer memes going around my bloggity friends, and since I've been tagged for a bit and just haven't followed up, I thought now would be a good time. So, here you go...
Fourth folder, fourth picture in my photos....
This is actually newly downloaded, which is why it hasn't been deleted yet. The peanut has been loving taking pictures with my camera lately, so that is one at the library that she took. There is a kids area where they have baskets of educational toys that she and her friends play with after storytime every week. Below is a pic I took of her and her friends, Jenna and Mazie after storytime one day, just thrown in for good measure! :)
The other meme I was tagged for: 7 Random Things...
1. Today is the five year anniversary of the day Michael and I got engaged. It was very spontaneous and romantic as a result. No ring as it was not planned at all. Such a sweet memory though, and my answer? So simple..."OK!!!"
2. I love wearing dresses. Skirts are great, but dresses are my favorite. They just make me feel so feminine. It's lovely.
3. My very close friend, Carrie, had a baby boy yesterday. He had a bit of a struggle breathing, so he was taken away immediatly. But 24 hours later he's doing great and I got to hold him lots today, so sweet!!
4. I am a big advocate of breastfeeding. There are so many things I loved about it, and really do miss it. I wish everyone could have that experience! When I wasn't sure if I'd get pregnant again, one of my biggest sadnesses came from thinking I'd possibly never breastfeed again. Yep, I loved it that much!
5. There are very few subjects I feel very passionate about, most things I just let roll off my back. But the things I do feel strongly about, I feel really strongly about and can get a little red faced over. I'm strange like that. :)
6. I have never enjoyed cartoons. I'm a realist at heart and even when I was little I couldn't get over the fact that the things on cartoons could never happen. Now that I'm an adult and watch Lilla watching them, I don't mind it so much. I like her to have an imagination, and I really think cartoons encourage it, that's pretty cool!
7. I love the flavor of pumpkin. It is so smooth and delicious. It just screams fall to me in so many wonderful treats...mmm, I think I want to go eat some now!
So if you've got this far, and have not been tagged already, consider yourself tagged!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
10 Smile Tuesday
So the last week has been a difficult one. The peanut has just been so ill, we have done nothing but stay inside, veg out on my bed watching Disney movies and wipe away the boogies. I kid you not, that's been my week. So, I was thinking, what was I smiling about during this time? And, guess what? I certainly still had smiles, and here they are:
1. It's over! Yeah, she is almost completely back to her old wiley ways. It is nice to not hear her struggling to breathe and having some sort of energy again!
2. A week of cuddlebug! When the peanut doesn't feel good, she sure gets cuddly. We have just layed in bed all week loving and hugging on each other, sooooo peaceful!
3. Peter Pan. This has become the peanut's favorite movie. I kid you not, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. So, I've become an expert on it. Now, if I ever go on jeopardy and it's a category, I am a shoe in for the win! :)
4. My husband. Yesterday I got a kidney infection so my husband came home from work to sit with the peanut while I went to the hospital. It was so nice to get an extra day with him this week. Yep, even in the face of that pain, I got my hubby so it was all good!
5. Forgotten clothes. I had just been thinking I was probably going to need to buy more maternity clothes for the winter when I went through some boxes and found a bunch of winter things I forgot I had. So, my closet is full and I don't have to spend more money!
6. Wal-mart and Ebay. So last week my husband was browsing the clearance aisle at Wal-Mart when he came across Razor phones for $10! These are normally sold for $100. So, of course, he bought 9 of them and is selling them on ebay at a rate of about $65 a piece. Yup, that's a pretty good profit! So, now we have Christmas money, yeah!!
7. Jack-o-lanterns. On Saturday my husband and the peanut carved pumpkins and they came out so cute. Her first experience, which she was totally traumatized by the gooey of the insides, but, then it became more fun. It was so cute to see yet another first for my little one reaching her hand in and pulling out those seeds!
8. The seeds. I baked them and now we have a yummy and very nutritious snack, yummy!
9. Jumping. The peanut enjoys talking to the baby in my belly, chatting, telling her it's time to come out...that kind of thing. Recently when she does that, the baby starts moving around, I really think she knows the peanut's voice! How sweet is it that their relationship is already starting?!?!
10. Funny. On that line of talking...yesterday she noticed I have stretch marks on the bottom of my belly, she got very concerned and said, "Anna, you need to come out now. Look at what you are doing to mommy's belly!"
And one for the road. For, forever now, the peanut has said, "I missed you," instead of "I love you." Well, this past week has finally been full of "I love you's". It is so exciting and warms this momma's heart!!
What are you smiling about this week?
1. It's over! Yeah, she is almost completely back to her old wiley ways. It is nice to not hear her struggling to breathe and having some sort of energy again!
2. A week of cuddlebug! When the peanut doesn't feel good, she sure gets cuddly. We have just layed in bed all week loving and hugging on each other, sooooo peaceful!
3. Peter Pan. This has become the peanut's favorite movie. I kid you not, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. So, I've become an expert on it. Now, if I ever go on jeopardy and it's a category, I am a shoe in for the win! :)
4. My husband. Yesterday I got a kidney infection so my husband came home from work to sit with the peanut while I went to the hospital. It was so nice to get an extra day with him this week. Yep, even in the face of that pain, I got my hubby so it was all good!
5. Forgotten clothes. I had just been thinking I was probably going to need to buy more maternity clothes for the winter when I went through some boxes and found a bunch of winter things I forgot I had. So, my closet is full and I don't have to spend more money!
6. Wal-mart and Ebay. So last week my husband was browsing the clearance aisle at Wal-Mart when he came across Razor phones for $10! These are normally sold for $100. So, of course, he bought 9 of them and is selling them on ebay at a rate of about $65 a piece. Yup, that's a pretty good profit! So, now we have Christmas money, yeah!!
7. Jack-o-lanterns. On Saturday my husband and the peanut carved pumpkins and they came out so cute. Her first experience, which she was totally traumatized by the gooey of the insides, but, then it became more fun. It was so cute to see yet another first for my little one reaching her hand in and pulling out those seeds!
8. The seeds. I baked them and now we have a yummy and very nutritious snack, yummy!
9. Jumping. The peanut enjoys talking to the baby in my belly, chatting, telling her it's time to come out...that kind of thing. Recently when she does that, the baby starts moving around, I really think she knows the peanut's voice! How sweet is it that their relationship is already starting?!?!
10. Funny. On that line of talking...yesterday she noticed I have stretch marks on the bottom of my belly, she got very concerned and said, "Anna, you need to come out now. Look at what you are doing to mommy's belly!"
And one for the road. For, forever now, the peanut has said, "I missed you," instead of "I love you." Well, this past week has finally been full of "I love you's". It is so exciting and warms this momma's heart!!
What are you smiling about this week?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Is it just me?
Is it just me or does it seem like elections bring out the worst in people? I mean really, people seem to lose their minds when you bring up politics, and anything you don't agree with or what you do believe in that they don't. Seriously, whatever happened to freedom of choice in this country?
For instance, we have a political sign in our yard. Since we have a huge yard and live on a major street in our little town, we agreed to put up one of the big 4 foot by 6 foot signs. It's only for a few weeks and it's not hurting anyone, so why not? Anyway, this morning we woke up to find the sign gone and the posts bent in half.
Because we live on a very busy street in a rural area, that means someone had to pull into our driveway, park their car, run around on private property and destroy the sign. I still have no idea how they bent the posts unless they hit them with their car. I mean really, not only is this vandalism of property and illegal activity on private property, but it's just plain scary when I have a two year old living here.
Really, what is wrong with people? As I stated before, this election has brought out the worst in people. And, personally, I can't wait until it's over!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Friday Funny
So the last few days have been filled with lots of runny noses, watery eyes, high temperatures and an all together feeling of yuckiness for my poor peanut. So we've been laying in bed watching lots of movies, going through ridiculous amounts of Kleenex and cuddling for hours on end.
I think she is on the mend but there is still a bit of a cough, a low grade fever and a runny nose. I've been giving her a Children's Cold and Allergy medicine, grape flavored liquid, that she seriously likes, and seems to work for everything but the fever.
So a few minutes ago, I hear next to me in this pathetic little stuffed up voice, "Mommy, I need my medicine to get my boogies out." Followed up by, "I don't like boogies."
Me either Lilla, me either!
And earlier she was standing on a stool in the kitchen when I suddenly realized how itty bitty she is. (I can forget that sometimes) So I said to her, "Lilla, you are so tiny!" She looked at me and announced, "I not tiny, I a big sister!"
And, how cute is that?
I think she is on the mend but there is still a bit of a cough, a low grade fever and a runny nose. I've been giving her a Children's Cold and Allergy medicine, grape flavored liquid, that she seriously likes, and seems to work for everything but the fever.
So a few minutes ago, I hear next to me in this pathetic little stuffed up voice, "Mommy, I need my medicine to get my boogies out." Followed up by, "I don't like boogies."
Me either Lilla, me either!
And earlier she was standing on a stool in the kitchen when I suddenly realized how itty bitty she is. (I can forget that sometimes) So I said to her, "Lilla, you are so tiny!" She looked at me and announced, "I not tiny, I a big sister!"
And, how cute is that?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday 13
13 Favorite Halloween Treats
1. Snickers
2. Twix
3. Smarties
4. Tootsie Roll Pops
5. Sweet Tarts
6. Kit Kats
7. Mary Janes
8. Reese Cups
9. Carmel Apple Lollipops
10. Twizzlers
11. Anything gummy
12. Whoppers
13. Nerds
What are your favorite Halloween treats?
1. Snickers
2. Twix
3. Smarties
4. Tootsie Roll Pops
5. Sweet Tarts
6. Kit Kats
7. Mary Janes
8. Reese Cups
9. Carmel Apple Lollipops
10. Twizzlers
11. Anything gummy
12. Whoppers
13. Nerds
What are your favorite Halloween treats?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
10 Smile Tuesday
Wow, another week has passed. It seems like just yesterday I was writing another ten smile post. You know that old adage, the days are long but the years are short? Well, it just seems to be more and more true lately. Time is just going. When I click on my blog and see the number of days left before my due date I can hardly believe it, 68 today, which is really going to be like 58 or 59 as I am going to have a scheduled c-section. That means only 8 weeks left...crazy!!
2. MOPS. Friday was our bi-weekly MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) meeting and we had a really good meeting about identity and how it should be in Christ before all else. We take on so many different hats as women, wives and mothers, that can sometimes get lost in it all. It really is important to women to take the time to remember who they are, but still enjoy this all too short times in our lives.
So with that, let me tell you what has been filling our days with smiles in the last week...
1. Belly buddies. My very good friend Carrie and I have been enjoying the fact that we can share all our good times and difficulties in pregnancy together. She is 7 weeks ahead of me so it's not too much longer for her, and she's having a boy this time. Such fun!
2. MOPS. Friday was our bi-weekly MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) meeting and we had a really good meeting about identity and how it should be in Christ before all else. We take on so many different hats as women, wives and mothers, that can sometimes get lost in it all. It really is important to women to take the time to remember who they are, but still enjoy this all too short times in our lives.3. After MOPS a friend needed to take care of some things so I watched her daughter for a couple of hours, to which the peanut completely delighted in. It is really fun to have a friend, as they are showing below!
4. A couple of weeks ago I took some blood tests and found out I had low iron, and worse, I might have gestational diabetes. Since I am not planned and never really think about food, it would be very difficult to stick to such a diet. Last week I went in for the test to find out, and they take blood 4 times let me tell you! Ugh! Anyway, I found out yesterday all tests were normal, good news!!
5. I don't know what's gotten into my husband lately but he's brought me two beautiful bouquets of flowers in the last week and a half. One was a fall bouquet and the other this beautiful purple and pink bouquet. What a sweetie to fill the house with such happy things!
6. On Saturday morning Michael took the peanut to a train show with my brother in law and his kids. They had such fun just enjoying all the choo-choos and playing with the fun things. They came home with Lilla's first train set too! This will go under the tree and I think Michael is going to suprise her with Geo-Trax for the real surprise!
7. Moms Night In. Saturday we had a mom's night in for our MOPS group. Not too many came, but we still had fun just eating, playing games and talking. It's always nice getting to know some new people better so that was a lot of fun!
8. The Nudies. The peanut is potty training this week so I've started the week just having her go without diapers all week. She went on the potty every time by herself yesterday. Gets on, goes, wipes, flushes...all by herself. The problem is still when she has panties or a diaper on she goes in them. Not sure how to resolve this but we are staying in this whole week so she can just spend the week "peeping", as she calls it. LOL
9. Big sister. The peanut has been going around telling everyone, "I a big sister." It's so sweet to see her embracing the idea as the time draws more near. She does it so proudly too and has been taking care of her little baby dolls so much lately, I just can't wait to see how she does with the real thing!
10. Oatmeal butterscotch cookies. I've been reading a lot of people baking lately and it just gave me a bug to do it too. I just whipped up this batch from a recipe on the back of the Hershey butterscotch bag, and according to the peanut, "Those are good!" I would have to agree, oh they are just too yummy...I think I may need another!
What are you smiling about today?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Monday Funnies
At MOPS on Friday, when I went to pick up the peanut, the workers were all commenting to me on what a character the peanut is. This is no surprise to me as I have been told it many times before. She provides the entertainment I tell you. For example:
On Sunday at church, we had her sitting with us during worship, there was a quiet moment when all of a sudden she stands on the pew and announces to anyone who might be listening, "The racoon killed the chicken." Completely unprovoked, we have no idea where it came from. Giggles were heard all around.
Then we were on the road, my husband was driving and paying attention to things off the road. We almost went off roading at this point so I said, "Michael pay attention to the road." Just then I hear from the backseat, "Daddy needs to pay attention to the road."
Finally, my most favorite of the day, we are driving to Michael's parents for the day and decided to grab something to eat on the way since lunch wouldn't be for a few hours. I couldn't decide what I wanted when I hear a little voice behind me say, "We need to eat at Taco Bell for Daddy." Particularly funny since my husband is always saying, "Let's just go to Taco Bell." Yeah, she sure is my little sponge!
What is making you laugh today?
On Sunday at church, we had her sitting with us during worship, there was a quiet moment when all of a sudden she stands on the pew and announces to anyone who might be listening, "The racoon killed the chicken." Completely unprovoked, we have no idea where it came from. Giggles were heard all around.
Then we were on the road, my husband was driving and paying attention to things off the road. We almost went off roading at this point so I said, "Michael pay attention to the road." Just then I hear from the backseat, "Daddy needs to pay attention to the road."
Finally, my most favorite of the day, we are driving to Michael's parents for the day and decided to grab something to eat on the way since lunch wouldn't be for a few hours. I couldn't decide what I wanted when I hear a little voice behind me say, "We need to eat at Taco Bell for Daddy." Particularly funny since my husband is always saying, "Let's just go to Taco Bell." Yeah, she sure is my little sponge!
What is making you laugh today?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Have you ever?
I saw this while I was out scanning blogs today, thought it was kind of a fun way to get to know you a bit. If you do it, let me know and I'll visit you!
What I have done is in bold:
Bought everyone in the bar a drink
Swam with wild dolphin
Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
Been inside a Pyramid
Held a tarantula
Taken a candle lit bath
Said I love you and meant it
Hugged a Tree
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightening storm at sea
Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
Seen the Northern Lights
Gone to a huge sports game
Walked the stairs to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Grown and eaten your own vegetables
Touched an iceberg
Slept under the stars
Changed a baby’s diaper
Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
Watched a meteor shower
Gotten drunk on champagne
Given more than you can afford to charity
Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
Had a food fight
Bet on a winning horse
Asked out a stranger
Had a snowball fight
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
Held a lamb
Seen a total eclipse
Ridden a rollercoaster
Hit a home run
Danced like a fool, not caring who watched
Adopted an accent for an entire day
Actually felt happy about your life, even for a moment
Had two hard drives for your computer
Visited all 50 states
Taken care of someone who was too drunk
Had amazing Friends
Danced with a Stranger in a foreign country
Watched wild whales
Stolen a sign
Hitchhiked in Europe
Taken a road-trip
Gone rock climbing
Midnight walk on the beach
Gone sky diving
Visited Ireland
Been heartbroken longer than you were in love
In a restaurant sat at a stranger’s table and ate with them
Visited Japan
Milked a cow
Alphabetized your CDs
Pretended to be a superhero
Sung karaoke
Lounged around in bed all day
Posed nude in front of strangers
Gone scuba diving
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Played in the rain
Gone to a drive-in theater
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
Toured ancient sites
Taken a martial arts class
Played a computer game for more than 6 hours straight
Gotten married
Been in a movie
Crashed a party
Gotten divorced
Gone without food for 5 days
Made cookies from scratch
Won first prize in a costume contest
Ridden a gondola in Venice
Gotten a tattoo
Rafted the Snake River
Been on television news program as an “expert”
Got flowers for no reason
Performed on a stage
Been to Las Vegas
Recorded Music
Eaten shark
Had a one-night stand
Gone to Thailand
Bought a house
Been in a combat zone
Buried one/both of your parents
Been on a cruise ship
Spoken more than one language fluently
Performed in Rocky Horror
Raised children
Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
Picked up and moved to another city
Walked on the Golden Gate Bridge
Sang loudly in the car and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
Had plastic surgery
Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have
Wrote articles for a large publication
Lost over 100 lbs
Held someone while they were having a flashback
Piloted an airplane
Petted a stingray
Broken someone’s heart
Helped an animal give birth
Won money on a TV game show
Broken a bone
Gone on an African safari
Had a body part below the neck pierced
Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol
Eaten mushrooms gathered in the wild
Ridden a horse
Had major surgery
Had a snake as a pet
Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Slept for more than 30 hours over 48 consecutive hours
Visited more foreign countries than US States
Visited all 7 continents
Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
Eaten Kangaroo meat
Eaten sushi
Had your picture in the paper
Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
Gone back to school
Parasailed
Petted a cockroach
Eaten fried green tomatoes
Read the Illiad
Selected one important author who you missed school to read
Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Skipped all of your school reunions
Communicated with someone without sharing a common language
Been elected to public office
Written your own computer language
Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
Had to put someone you love in hospice care
Build your own PC from parts
Sold your own artwork to someone that didn’t know it was yours
Had a booth in a street fair
Dyed your hair
Been a DJ
Shaved your head
Caused a car accident
Saved someone’s life
Hmmmm....it looks like I need to get out more often! :)
What I have done is in bold:
Bought everyone in the bar a drink
Swam with wild dolphin
Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
Been inside a Pyramid
Held a tarantula
Taken a candle lit bath
Said I love you and meant it
Hugged a Tree
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightening storm at sea
Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
Seen the Northern Lights
Gone to a huge sports game
Walked the stairs to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Grown and eaten your own vegetables
Touched an iceberg
Slept under the stars
Changed a baby’s diaper
Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
Watched a meteor shower
Gotten drunk on champagne
Given more than you can afford to charity
Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
Had a food fight
Bet on a winning horse
Asked out a stranger
Had a snowball fight
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
Held a lamb
Seen a total eclipse
Ridden a rollercoaster
Hit a home run
Danced like a fool, not caring who watched
Adopted an accent for an entire day
Actually felt happy about your life, even for a moment
Had two hard drives for your computer
Visited all 50 states
Taken care of someone who was too drunk
Had amazing Friends
Danced with a Stranger in a foreign country
Watched wild whales
Stolen a sign
Hitchhiked in Europe
Taken a road-trip
Gone rock climbing
Midnight walk on the beach
Gone sky diving
Visited Ireland
Been heartbroken longer than you were in love
In a restaurant sat at a stranger’s table and ate with them
Visited Japan
Milked a cow
Alphabetized your CDs
Pretended to be a superhero
Sung karaoke
Lounged around in bed all day
Posed nude in front of strangers
Gone scuba diving
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Played in the rain
Gone to a drive-in theater
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
Toured ancient sites
Taken a martial arts class
Played a computer game for more than 6 hours straight
Gotten married
Been in a movie
Crashed a party
Gotten divorced
Gone without food for 5 days
Made cookies from scratch
Won first prize in a costume contest
Ridden a gondola in Venice
Gotten a tattoo
Rafted the Snake River
Been on television news program as an “expert”
Got flowers for no reason
Performed on a stage
Been to Las Vegas
Recorded Music
Eaten shark
Had a one-night stand
Gone to Thailand
Bought a house
Been in a combat zone
Buried one/both of your parents
Been on a cruise ship
Spoken more than one language fluently
Performed in Rocky Horror
Raised children
Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
Picked up and moved to another city
Walked on the Golden Gate Bridge
Sang loudly in the car and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
Had plastic surgery
Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have
Wrote articles for a large publication
Lost over 100 lbs
Held someone while they were having a flashback
Piloted an airplane
Petted a stingray
Broken someone’s heart
Helped an animal give birth
Won money on a TV game show
Broken a bone
Gone on an African safari
Had a body part below the neck pierced
Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol
Eaten mushrooms gathered in the wild
Ridden a horse
Had major surgery
Had a snake as a pet
Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Slept for more than 30 hours over 48 consecutive hours
Visited more foreign countries than US States
Visited all 7 continents
Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
Eaten Kangaroo meat
Eaten sushi
Had your picture in the paper
Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
Gone back to school
Parasailed
Petted a cockroach
Eaten fried green tomatoes
Read the Illiad
Selected one important author who you missed school to read
Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Skipped all of your school reunions
Communicated with someone without sharing a common language
Been elected to public office
Written your own computer language
Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
Had to put someone you love in hospice care
Build your own PC from parts
Sold your own artwork to someone that didn’t know it was yours
Had a booth in a street fair
Dyed your hair
Been a DJ
Shaved your head
Caused a car accident
Saved someone’s life
Hmmmm....it looks like I need to get out more often! :)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
10 Smile Tuesday
So, being the slacker of a blogger that I am, I again have no pictures. This pregnancy must be affecting my brain because I'm usually very good about hauling my camera all over town, but lately I've just left it at home. Sitting there, collecting dust, while my baby is turning into a little girl. Never to recapture those moments again. OK, so now that I've given myself a guilt trip, on with the smiles! :)
1. Free. It's my favorite price for sure! This weekend my husband got to go to the Colts game, with super great 18th row seats, for free. I was so happy for him as he just doesn't get to do those things and it was just a fun time for him to be with the guys. We really appreciate his friend, Tom, for inviting him, so sweet!
2. Water. Did I ever tell you guys how much the peanut loves water. Loves to play in it that is, does not love to have it spilled on her. Whole other story. Anyway, we were at a park with a natural spring this weekend and she just had a blast going from side to side playing in and drinking the water. I so wish I had a picture because at one point she actually stuck her tongue in the spiget, hilarious. And no, I didn't let her keep it there, it was just super funny to see her do it! :)
3. The park. On Saturday we visited my parents and then took the kids to their local park. They actually had no idea it had a playground but I insisted it must (I'm such a mom, we will find play areas anywhere, won't we??) and it sure did. It was absolutely huge and the girls loved it! My husband and my sister's husbands chased them around for about an hour and a half just having the greatest time, loved it!
4. Worship. On Sunday we attended church with some friends instead of our normal church and they just had the most amazing music there. Really fabulous, worship is such a blessing!
5. Growing. Suddenly my belly is just getting huge! Seriously, it's hard and round and full of this sweet little one. How could I not see the miracle of life through that?!?!
6. Friends. While my husband was at the football game on Sunday, the peanut and I went to friend's house, and had such a nice time. The peanut got to play with her daughter's and I got to hang out with what is becoming a very good friend. Such sweet times!
7. Testimony. At our Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) steering team meeting on Friday one of the mentors gave her testimony. Is there anything lovelier than hearing how someone came to love our Lord? Just wonderful.
8. Weather. Saturday's weather could not have been more perfect. So, of course we spent lots of time outside soaking it up. Very strange, low 80's in October, but still a beautiful day to be enjoying the last warm days of the year.
9. Low bill. My car has been shorting out fuses for the parking lights super quick and we could not figure out what was the reason. We were thinking this was going to cost some serious money because it is electrical. Thankfully, they were able to find out it was something small, it took them forever so labor was a bit expensive, but compared to what we thought it would be, way manageable!
10. Hook. So recently we've been watching a lot of Peter Pan. Ask me why, I'm not quite sure but the peanut absolutely loves this movie. It's the old Disney cartoon version. So yesterday she found this little bitty wrench we have and was running around the house yelling, "I Hook, I Hook." Oh, aren't kids so creative?
What are you smiling about today?
1. Free. It's my favorite price for sure! This weekend my husband got to go to the Colts game, with super great 18th row seats, for free. I was so happy for him as he just doesn't get to do those things and it was just a fun time for him to be with the guys. We really appreciate his friend, Tom, for inviting him, so sweet!
2. Water. Did I ever tell you guys how much the peanut loves water. Loves to play in it that is, does not love to have it spilled on her. Whole other story. Anyway, we were at a park with a natural spring this weekend and she just had a blast going from side to side playing in and drinking the water. I so wish I had a picture because at one point she actually stuck her tongue in the spiget, hilarious. And no, I didn't let her keep it there, it was just super funny to see her do it! :)
3. The park. On Saturday we visited my parents and then took the kids to their local park. They actually had no idea it had a playground but I insisted it must (I'm such a mom, we will find play areas anywhere, won't we??) and it sure did. It was absolutely huge and the girls loved it! My husband and my sister's husbands chased them around for about an hour and a half just having the greatest time, loved it!
4. Worship. On Sunday we attended church with some friends instead of our normal church and they just had the most amazing music there. Really fabulous, worship is such a blessing!
5. Growing. Suddenly my belly is just getting huge! Seriously, it's hard and round and full of this sweet little one. How could I not see the miracle of life through that?!?!
6. Friends. While my husband was at the football game on Sunday, the peanut and I went to friend's house, and had such a nice time. The peanut got to play with her daughter's and I got to hang out with what is becoming a very good friend. Such sweet times!
7. Testimony. At our Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) steering team meeting on Friday one of the mentors gave her testimony. Is there anything lovelier than hearing how someone came to love our Lord? Just wonderful.
8. Weather. Saturday's weather could not have been more perfect. So, of course we spent lots of time outside soaking it up. Very strange, low 80's in October, but still a beautiful day to be enjoying the last warm days of the year.
9. Low bill. My car has been shorting out fuses for the parking lights super quick and we could not figure out what was the reason. We were thinking this was going to cost some serious money because it is electrical. Thankfully, they were able to find out it was something small, it took them forever so labor was a bit expensive, but compared to what we thought it would be, way manageable!
10. Hook. So recently we've been watching a lot of Peter Pan. Ask me why, I'm not quite sure but the peanut absolutely loves this movie. It's the old Disney cartoon version. So yesterday she found this little bitty wrench we have and was running around the house yelling, "I Hook, I Hook." Oh, aren't kids so creative?
What are you smiling about today?
Friday, October 10, 2008
Whew...
I am tired. I mean really tired. The kind you just feel like you could sit down and just melt into a chair. Pure exhaustion. I've been this way for awhile now. On Wednesday I went in for my 28 week check up. I had to have blood drawn, get a flu shot and my Rhogam shot. (I'm Rh Negative) The nurse called me with the test results today and not only may I have gestational diabetes, I am also borderline anemic. Ah ha, that explains a lot!
So, I need to make a trip to the store for some green leafy vegetables and start eating a whole different diet. Hopefully it will give me more energy, it's just so lagging right now. And, that is hard when you have the world's most active 2 1/2 year old living in your home!
Today she was a crab apple and just fussy, fussy, fussy! I finally said to her, "Lilla, you wear me out!" You know what she said in reply? "Mommy, YOU wear ME out. That not nice." And that my friends, is how I keep laughing!
So, I need to make a trip to the store for some green leafy vegetables and start eating a whole different diet. Hopefully it will give me more energy, it's just so lagging right now. And, that is hard when you have the world's most active 2 1/2 year old living in your home!
Today she was a crab apple and just fussy, fussy, fussy! I finally said to her, "Lilla, you wear me out!" You know what she said in reply? "Mommy, YOU wear ME out. That not nice." And that my friends, is how I keep laughing!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
10 Smile Tuesday
Let me just start off by saying what a hard time I've been having lately. The peanut is just really testing me to see how far she can get and their have been many late nights lifting my hands to God asking for strength and wisdom. I've been reading Sheperding a Child's Heart again, trying to glean everything I can from the experience of other's who have gone before.
8. Less than 13 weeks left!! Man, time does fly!
So, I thought I might have a hard time coming up with all the smiles, but then, yesterday happened and I think I might have one or two from that...
1. A surprise! So yesterday morning, 9am to be exact, my doorbell is ringing. I'm in a little nightgown, big belly, no bra...not pretty...so I throw some clothes on and go to the insistent door ringer. There at my door is my MOPS steering team, with a video camera, tiara and a bunch of smiles to sweep me away for a day of pampering and a makeover. They had my husband and my close friend, Carrie, in on it too. Carrie took the peanut for the day so I would just be able to relax and enjoy.
2. Just as an added laugh, you all know the peanut is potty training so she has been running the house diaperless lately, let me tell you how I told her not to come to the door with me but her pitter patter of little feet followed me and that little stinker is all over those pictures white butt and all. Cracks me up!
3. The first stop on the tour? This adorable salon here in town, to get highlights and lowlights and a cut. Oh, so cute, and so needed. My hair has been looking straggly for so long and this is just what I needed for a pick me up!
4. Next stop? Lunch at O'Charley's with the girls. So nice to hang out and chat about "stuff" without having to chase the peanut throughout the restaraunt. I just got to enjoy my yummy yeast rolls and potato cheese soup in peace, so great!
5. Then? Off to shopping where we picked out some new bras, two outfits and a pair of jeans. Holy cow, that was so great. And the best part was getting something I normally wouldn't because the girls were there to encourage. They are great outfits for church which is so nice since everything I own seems to be perfect for the park at this point!
6. More to come. So, we ran out of time yesterday so I get to look forward on Thursday to makeup, jewlerly and new shoes. Is this totally crazy? If you are wondering why, our speaker this week is going to be talking about beauty and taking care of yourself and so they wanted to do a makeover on someone. Apparently I needed one bad, so, ladies, if you want one too, just look like me! LOL
7. Last days of summer. Sunday was still warm enough out that the peanut and I got to spend some time outside just enjoying the warmth, and, a sundress!
8. Less than 13 weeks left!! Man, time does fly!
9. A box. It's amazing how much fun one little box can make...seriously...it has been entertainment for the last week now. Crazy! We bought a glider for when the baby comes (found a super good deal at Babies R' Us this week!) and that box has been in the living room just creating laughs and giggles all week. Sadly, it is a big box so it has to go this week. :(
10. Decorating. So I am finally getting around to doing the nursery. We had had a pretty cheap crib for the peanut and we just didn't feel so great about using it again, so we've been lookin for a deal on a nice, sturdy, convertible crib we knew we would keep for years to come. We actually found one at a second hand kids store in town on Saturday, only it wasn't second hand, it was brand new! But definitely over $100 savings then if we'd bought it in store. Good stuff! We also bought a pink and green bedding set that is too cute and girly for the nursery. Used, but you'd never guess. $50 for a blanket, 2 sheets, comfortor, lamp, diaper stacker, bookends, mobile, wall hangings and a bumper (which I won't use). Isn't that crazy? So now we just need the dresser and we are set!
11. And one for good measure! On Friday at the MOPS steering committee meeting I must not have been looking so good because I walked in, the coordinator looked at me and said, "Go home, I'll take Lilla for the day...get some sleep!" And she did!! I had an entire day to just sleep and it was fantastic!! What a special and much needed blessing. I am so really appreciative for that!
12. Okay, one more. Friday night I drove out to my sister's for a girl's night in with her MOPS group where we all made bracelets. Mine is brown and gold and seriously pretty. I'm loving it!
What are you smiling about today?
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