Exciting Week

This is quite the week for us over here.  First off, I had my mid way ultrasound appointment yesterday.  It was, as always, an amazing experience.  I feel so blessed to live in a day and age where we have the technology to be able to take a peek at our little one inside.  Especially this early, before being able to feel super big kicks.  To be able to see the baby moving all around.  To see their tiny heart pumping, their little limbs moving all over, their tiny little perfect noses, and, of course, getting that confirmation of what "kind" of baby is in there.

I was asked if it loses some excitement with the 4th one, and for me, absolutely not.  I was still anxious all day, wanting the time until the appointment to speed by.  I was still a little nervous that there might be something wrong.  I was still waiting with baited breath to hear the announcement of the baby's gender.  And I laughed out loud when it was announced.  I had unconsciously been using a gender specific pronoun the last couple of days, and I was right. We are having our third little boy.  And we couldn't be more elated.  When it comes down to it, no, it didn't matter.  We would be elated with another girl.  I can't describe the feeling that came over me when we were leaving the hospital.  The feeling that this is our family.  This is it.  This is who we are going to make memories with.  This is who we will get to see blossom and grow.  This is who we will love for the rest of our lives.  3 boys and 1 girl.  Just seems right.  I know that anything can happen, that we aren't guaranteed anything in this life, but why on earth would I dwell on what might happen?  Doesn't seem like much fun.  I know what stress and worry can do to a person, and I know that if  I let myself, I can let worry drag me down too, but I can't allow that to happen.  As much as it pained me to see worry eat away at that person, it also made me much more aware of it in my own life as I've gotten older and have kids of my own.  I just wish that person were still around to talk to about it; I wasn't well enough equipped back then.

Wow, that certainly went to a place I wasn't expecting.  I suppose that's what happens when you write these things late at night on a whim...

In any event, I give you a sneak peek at our little one.  I'll spare you the boy proof picture.  I mean, I get why they print it off for you, but we will keep it to ourselves.

The other exciting part of our week is all about the oldest child of our little clan.  He will be going tomorrow morning to register and be screened for Kindergarten.  I am so very excited for him.  I know he is going to love school.  (For now, at least.) He has been counting down the days.

It's all kind of surreal for me.  We will be starting anew with a brand new life the same time we will be watching our oldest take some of those first real steps towards independence. I want him to be independent, but it isn't always easy to let go.

I can't wait to see what he can accomplish. I knew I wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember.  This is one of the things that I was looking forward to.  Seeing what my kids make of themselves.  To encourage them and push them to be their best.  Being on the brink of school just brings all those feelings to the forefront.  I know, he's only 5, but I feel like the post I will write when he is about to graduate from highschool will come along entirely too quickly.  I know the ride probably won't be an easy one, but it will be worth it.

I guess really, it feels like we are on the brink of starting a whole new phase of life.  We are both going to turn 30 this year.  We will celebrate our 10 year anniversary soon.  We are having our last baby (at least that's the plan). We are moving out of the newborn/baby stage and into the having kids in school phase.  It's exciting.

We've had some things not go the way we planned lately, and we are realizing just how trivial they really are.  We step back, take a look around, see the roof over our head, the food on our table, a 5 year old who can ask some profound questions, an almost 3 year old that constantly makes others laugh, a 10 month old that completely lights up at the sight of her daddy, and an ultrasound picture of a new life to come, we realize that we have been blessed by God so richly.  We couldn't ask for anything more.

Hanging out at the Capitol

Our big trip has come and gone.

While we didn't head out to England, or someplace tropical, we still had a great time hanging out around Capitol Hill in our nation's capital, Washington, DC.

We really went back and forth about where we wanted to go.  England was out because it was way out of our budget, for both money and time.  All inclusive resorts were out because of budget - mostly because of the having to fly there first.  Flights are expensive.  We went back and forth between a cruise and this DC trip quite a few times, but in the end decided we wanted to save a cruise for when I would be able to do all the stuff we would want to do.  The one cruise we were looking at had some really cool excursions to ruins, but they deemed them as pretty physically intense, and that probably wouldn't be the best for the pregnant lady.  Plus there were the plane tickets, which most of the time actually cost more than the base price of the cruise...  So we decided to go off to DC.

We had a great time.  The great thing about going to DC is that every museum and site we went to was free.  We visited the Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, The American History Museum, Museum of Art (which had an exhibit, The Art of Video Games, which was fun.), The Botanical Gardens - all free.  We didn't hit up a whole lot of the monuments as we had been there before.  We did check out the World War II memorial, as it was new since we had been there in 2000.  We did pay to see an IMAX movie at the Air and Space Museum.

Another thing I did for this vacation was to leave my camera at home.  These are all from my camera on my phone.  I just didn't want to have to worry about my camera.

We were kind of surprised because we didn't think the prices for food were all that outrageous, especially for a big city.

We chose to stay at a hotel close to the Capitol building with the idea that we would be able to walk everywhere.  And we did the first night and day, but then we decided to try out the metro system, and we are glad we did.  We both got a pass and rode the subway a few times.  It was super easy, and saved our feet and backs.  I think if we went again, we might stay a little further away from things, and use the subway more. I would think it would save a little on the cost of lodging.

We also checked out two movies while we were there. The Hunger Games and Wrath of the Titans.  I enjoyed them, but I'm really not that picky with movies.  We learned that one should never order concessions before knowing the price.  Lol.  We didn't have time for lunch before the one movie, so we got something to tide us over... cheap it was not.

Our last morning there we left and headed to my best friend's place in Lancaster, PA.  We got to visit with her and she gave us a place to sleep for our last night out.  It was so great. Plus I got to visit the Colombian bakery there for some Passion fruit juice, and it was wonderful.

Another thing we did for this trip was rent a car.  We only have a mini van and an suv, neither of which gets good gas mileage.  Plus, we really didn't want to put that much wear and tear on either of them, as they both have quite a few miles on them already.  When it was all said and done, we probably spent just about as much renting as we would have driving our own cars because of the crazy difference in gas mileage.  Definitely worth it for us.

I definitely would recommend our hotel if you ever want to stay close to Smithsonian Museums and the Capitol building.  We stayed at the Capitol Hill Suites.  When I was looking for a place there were very few options that close that also had a free breakfast and free wifi. They had both, and it was great.  The staff was very friendly.   Our room also had a small (empty) fridge, kitchen sink, and microwave.  The one drawback is that there was a fee for having our car parked there.

All in all it was a great trip for us.  We were able to have long conversations before 8pm that weren't interrupted.  I didn't have to worry about feeding anyone but myself, and there were no diapers to change.  We were able to sleep in past 7am! It was a great, relaxing extended weekend.

The kids had a great time too, hanging out with Grandpa and Grandma.  They all, apparently, slept really well, which is such a blessing, to have kids that can and will sleep anywhere.

OH - and especially fun is that I actually felt baby moving on the outside. (As in, I felt some movement, and put my hand where I was feeling it, and actually felt it on my hand.)  So that was great too, and I have really been having an increase in feeling movement.  Our ultrasound is next Tuesday, so hopefully I will be blogging about that soon.  As well as a new adventure we are possibly diving into.  (Ok, adventure might be too strong of a word... but it involves animals.)

June 7th

She is here!!  Actually she's been here for over a week now.  It's been a tad crazy around here.  But anyways --- Introducing Katherine Lane.  Born on June 7th. She weighed 6lb 14oz and measured 19 inches long.

Some interesting trivia about her birth date:  Ohlen was born on the 6th, Noah on the 5th, and now Katherine on the 7th....  All different months, but still - my kids like being born in the first of the month apparently.  Also, my dad's birthday is May 24th, mine is exactly a week later on the 31st, and Katherine's is exactly a week after mine on the 7th.  :-D

I woke up Tuesday early morning around 1:30 with regular contractions.  We got the hospital around 2:45.  Because I had taken my evening Heparin shot, I was unable to get an epidural.  Ouch.  I had gone natural with Ohlen too, so I was somewhat prepared, but it certainly wasn't the restful pain free delivery I had imagined. :)  As with the boys, I progressed quickly.  She was born at 5:59am - so approximately 4 and 1/2 hours after I woke up.  So even though I had to go natural, it was at least a quick delivery. And I did get some IV pain meds - Nubane.  It didn't take away the pain, but it did take it down a bit.

So far she has been an excellent baby.  Mostly sleeping and eating. She's not very fussy.  That has been such a blessing.  With everything going on right now (another post coming on that.) we feel so incredibly blessed that she has been so laid back.

The boys love their little sister.  Ohlen is completely in love.  Noah thinks everything she does is hilarious.  He has shown a twinge of jealousy here and there, but mostly has been very happy to have his sister here.

Not so thrilled about her hat.

It is still sinking in that we have 3 kids now.   And one of them is a girl. :)  Again, I'm amazed at how much love you can have for a tiny little person - and without having to borrow any love from anyone else.  It's like with the Grinch - you're heart just grows a little more.  :)  And the same with my brain.  It's like I have a little section of brain designated for each of my kids.  Although, I don't think my brain grows for this one - I think I just lose a little normal brain power. :)  (Some of the penguins are lost.)

NST and induction

Here is me, waiting. Seems like that is what I'm doing a whole lot of lately.
Because I am on blood thinners, they like to keep an especially close eye on me. So twice a week they have me come in for an nst. This is a test where they hook me up to two monitors, one for baby's heartbeat and one for contractions. They are looking for the baby to have nice accelerations and movement. Technically it can be a 15 minute test, I haven't had that happen yet. I must just pick the wrong time of day to schedule. So it is usually an hour.
But, it's all to make sure she is healthy and she is.
Also, we have an end date in sight! I've been scheduled to be induced on the 13th. So, unless she comes before then, that's the day she will be here. Exciting, and nerve wracking ask at the same time.
I can not wait to meet this little girl.

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Ok, I get it now

I never understood when other women complained about the last month of pregnancy.  Sure it wasn't like I was out running 5Ks with the first two at this point (Yes, there are women that do that - and yes, I do believe they are certifiably crazy), but I certainly wasn't miserable.

This time is different.

This time there is pain, discomfort, other things that no one wants to hear or know about.  It is miserable.

Well, some of the time.

I've been finding myself being sort of a Debbie Downer lately.  Not just about the miserable state of not being able to walk across the house without pain; it has seeped into just about everything.  My patience level is at a pretty remarkable low.

Ohlen is the one that suffers from this the most, I think.  Because being 4.5, he is pretty sure he knows just about all there is to know about the world.  And that really requires a whole lot of patience from a mom. When you hear your 5th "How do you know that??" by 8am, you know your patience levels are going to be tested.  But, my goodness I love this kid.  The rest of the million words that have come out of his mouth from the moment he has woken up have probably been highly amusing, and there has probably been some loving in there too for each of us.

So my goal for trying to beat this negativity has been to try to think of 2 good things for every complaint that comes to mind.

It is SO HOT!  1. We have air conditioning units in the house, and working air in the van    2. We aren't dealing with devastating floods or tornadoes.

I wish I could walk   1. Only 11 more days (or less)   2. Little girl seems to be perfectly healthy

It has really been quite the exercise to follow and remember, but it has been good.  And really I've turned around alot of the negativity in the past couple days simply by stopping asking her to come now.  I was so anxious for her to come over the weekend.  Finally I had to put my foot down and tell myself that I was being a little ridiculous.  So my prayers have been changed.  Now I'm just asking for a wonderfully smooth delivery, whenever she is ready. I do however, have an end date.  The Dr. will be inducing labor on June 13th if she doesn't decide to come by then.  That is another topic for another post.

Sorry for another pictureless post, I know those are always more fun. :)

37

Today I'm officially 37 weeks along. Which means little girl is officially full term. Noah was born at 37 weeks. We were so surprised when he came that early. This time I find myself expecting her to come a little early. Which is never a good idea. I've been feeling pretty miserable in that I can't move around very easily.

The house stuff is coming right along, and I'm getting more and more nervous about the timing of everything. Which is another reason I'm getting anxious for her to be here.

I will probably be induced a little early, maybe 5 days, and I'm nervous about that too. So much to pray about right now, and prepare for.

Boxes are slowly being packed, and it is becoming more real that we are actually moving. It's bittersweet really.

35 weeks

Change is something we're pretty used to around here. And we have a whole lot of it going on.
Today I switched to a different blood thinner. The biggest change with that is that I have to inject twice a day... But it will give me a better chance at getting an epidural, should I choose to get one.
5 weeks.... So close. And she could be here sooner too. Next week starts every week appointments, plus biweekly non stress tests. They monitor baby's movements/heart rate and if I'm having contractions. Not a big deal, except for having to find sitters for the boys. I'm hoping maybe they'll let me do it in the evening.
House stuff is going along good. Slowly packing. Excited about the new place. We picked everything out last week. I'm most excited about the new kitchen appliances and not having to go down two sets of stairs for the laundry (although, that might be the pregnancy talking).
This weekend we are camping (10 minutes from the hospital) and we all can't wait! After that baby girl can come when ever she wants. :) You know, because they listen like that.

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Honeydew or Pineapple

Depending on which site you look at baby girl is now as heavy as either a pineapple or a honeydew.... Not sure if I like this produce comparison - especially as the produce gets heavier and heavier...

Had to edit because I forgot to add - I'm about 33.5 weeks along - so about 6.5 to go. :)

I had an ultrasound last week.  Everything looks great.  She is definitely a girl.  Which was such a relief to see.  And as a special bonus, the tech I saw had a student with her.  They asked if I would allow her to practice a bit. Of course!!  So I got to watch baby for an extra 10 - 15 minutes.  It was great.  I also got to see one of my old Obs.  He was the one that delivered Noah and I just think he is great.  I think all the Obs up there at the Maternal Fetal Medicine office are great.  It was a little worrying to see him, because usually they just send down an ok for me to be able to go. He actually sat down and looked around a little too.  He and the tech talked a little about amniotic fluid level, and he assured her that there was adequate fluids.  So I'm assuming that's why he came down.  The tech was super too, by the way.  She was pretty no nonsense, but she told me everything she was taking measurements of, and what it did.  So very cool. According to the ultrasound measurements she is weighing about 4lbs 3oz, but it's just a guess and can be off either way.  But it seems to be a pretty average weight to me.

As for me, I've been feeling pretty good.  Well over the weekend I was feeling great.  I was out all day Friday - first to the zoo with play group and then hiking with our small group.  (There really wasn't that much hiking)  And I was feeling really good.  Didn't feel too bad Saturday either.  However, Sunday and yesterday were a different story.  I was feeling some pretty sharp pains when I would stand from sitting, and occasionally when walking.  So that was no fun.  But I took it easy and today is alot better.

I'm feeling so very useless as far as all this house stuff goes.  Jonathan is already running around moving around some things - getting ready to move all his tools over.  And I can't help at all.  I'm hoping to get a few things boxed up here and there while I'm still feeling good enough too.  I figure I can box up alot of our decorative things, and other things that we don't really use that often.

I really have some sewing things that I want to get done - I just really don't know when it is going to happen.  There are 2 in particular that I really need to get done, and really want to get done before the baby gets here, but between that and packing, I really don't know when it will happen.

Milestones of sorts

Two milestones of sorts this week.

Less than 10 weeks to go until this little girl comes.  (I can say that pretty confidently as they usually say they won't let me go past my due date.)  It always seems like a big deal when the week count goes down to a single digit.  (Today is actually 9 weeks and 5 days, counts right?)  If she is like Noah, though, I could only have about 6 and 1/2 weeks.  At this moment that sounds a whole lot better than 10.  I'm starting to feel really off balance and clumsy, not to mention all the weight gain and dwelling on the task of losing it.  I have good days and bad days about that whole issue.  Let's just say today is not a good day.  One of those days when you want to just go to bed to get the day over with.  The frustrating part is that it has nothing to do with anyone else, it's all self inflicted craziness.  BUT - even as I sit here I can feel this little girl moving all around and it does give me a sense of confidence and determination to be a good role model for her. (and the boys too)  Plus, I want to be able to be active with them.  I want to live a long and healthy life with my amazing husband.  I just know I have a long road ahead - and one that I'm going to have to be going down my whole life.  I'm not one that will be able to lose it all, and then slack off - because it will all come back. It is going to take a complete life style makeover that will have to stick - and that is daunting, and days like this it seems to come crashing down on me.  I know I need to lean on God for this.  I sometimes forget, He cares about this stuff too.  And I think He wants me to be all healthy too.

Ok, on to something more fun.  Another milestone here at our house.

Ohlen has ditched the training wheels!!!

I try very hard to not be the boastful, bragging parent.  But I have to tell this story.  And know that he does not get his balance, determination, fearlessness from me.  He is about 95% his daddy.  :)

So, Saturday afternoon Ohlen decides he wants to try to take his training wheels off.  I thought this was more of a daddy job - especially when mommy is 30 weeks pregnant - but Ohlen was pretty determined.  So out we went.  I took the training wheels off and headed to the grass.  It was a little mushy from some rain, so it wasn't going too well.  I was trying to hold onto the back, but it was hard for him to pedal on the grass - and I was having a bit of trouble with the whole bending and running.  So I told Ohlen we should wait until daddy gets home.  He again insisted that he try on the gravel drive.  So we go over and I try one time to hold on to the bike, definitely not working.  So Ohlen says he will do it by himself.  So he takes his bike to the very end of the drive - and rides it to the garage!  I couldn't help myself -I was just laughing.  Have you ever just had to laugh out of pure joy?  The happiness is so great it just bubbles out?  He was too - laughing the whole way.  And that was the end of my intervention.  From there on, he was riding.  Sure he has taken some falls and spills - but, yeah, so proud of my little boy.

Now the pictures - I hadn't even thought to take my camera out right away - but this was just a little later.  I so should have forced him to do a posed big smile picture.  Maybe I can get one of him swinging a hammer at his training wheels - or throwing them in the trash. :)  He would probably like that.

Had to throw in a random Noah picture.  He can't reach the pedals on his tricycle yet, poor guy, he just needs to shoot up a little more. :)

Lucky Duck

So, about a month or so ago I won an excellent giveaway.

I won the giveaway over at JessicaNDesigns.  It was sponsored by Ahmelie.  Go check them out!!

I won this adorable swaddling blanket.  It is great!  It the perfect size - meaning nice and big.  My boys both loved being swaddled in those first few months and the receiving blankets just don't cut it.  I can't wait to try this one with our little girl.  I love the fabric too.  It's a flannel, so it's nice and soft.

Thanks so much to Jessica and Ahmelie for the wonderful gift!

PA, HP, HB

This weekend I traveled with two other ladies to PA to visit my best friend!  We had so much fun.  There was lots of talking, shopping, and relaxing.

The big event for the weekend was going to see Harry Potter.  There was a brand new IMAX theater in town, so we saw the movie there.  It was amazing.  I love the books - and to me, this one was the best adaption from book to movie yet.  I loved it.  Now, my husband, he saw the movie this weekend too - because some of his friends wanted to see it. He hasn't read the books - and he just thought it was ok.  And I can see that.  I'm not sure how I would feel about the movies if I didn't love the books so much.  I'm so excited for the final movie.  Although it is slated to come on in July of next year.  About a month after my due date.  Should be interesting trying to get out to the theater. :-D

Also - one of the previews that was before the movie was for Cars 2!  I think we have a good second movie for Ohlen to watch at the theater. He is going to be SO excited. :)  I think that one will be out in June... so looks like it will probably be a Daddy date for that one. :)

Tonight I jokingly told Jonathan that I bet that as soon as the nausea goes away the heart burn will start.  And guess what?  I had a slight bout of heart burn this evening.  Apparently I have jinxed myself...

I'm officially 10 weeks along now.  Baby is growing finger nails - and has all its vital organs.  Just such an amazing miracle life is.  Just have to keep reminding myself that through the nausea - it's all happening for a wonderful reason.

Also got to see my brother and sister (in law) tonight!  She is expecting - due in 2 months.  I'm so excited for them, and can't wait to meet my very first nephew!

I love my family. Immediate and extended.
And my friends.
So thankful for all of you!

Now on to Thanksgiving week. Lots of cooking to do.  A long road trip for Noah and I. Then back for some more cooking/baking and a few more family gatherings.  And sometime in there it will be time to get the tree all set up and the house all Christmased up.  I LOVE this time of year!

June

 

This is a single shot of Lov.enox, a blood thinner.

If you see these around the house it could mean a few things, I've either had a major surgery (I haven't), I'm getting over a blood clot (I'm not), or I'm pregnant (ding ding ding!!)

I have a couple mutations that make me more susceptible to getting a blood clot during and after pregnancy, plus there is also a risk of there being blood clots in the placenta and umbilical cord. (At least as far as I understand.)  So each time I am pregnant I have to inject myself with a shot of blood thinner daily.  It really is not too bad.  And the payoff is so worth it.  There is always the question about whether it is really helping, since I've never had blood clotting problems - but I'd rather not test the theory.

Right now I'm just about 8 weeks along.  My current due date is June 19th.  We're over the moon! :)  

I'm also feeling horrible.  lol  I feel really good generally before breakfast and after supper.  The time in between though, is one tired, nauseous blur of a day.  All I want to do is lay on the couch.  But that is kind of hard with 2 little ones running around.  So ready to be out of the first trimester.  So glad it is over half over already. :)  I try not to complain too loudly though, because I know there are women that vomit daily during the first trimester (and beyond) and that would just be horrible.  So I'm so glad that that is not the case. 

So now this site will probably be peppered with pregnancy news here and there.  And there will be some project completions soon.  I finally started some work on the comforters I'm making.  And really those shouldn't take a whole lot of time, it's just being in the "mood" to do something (anything!)  

Constumer Service Win

I recently purchased a Baby Trend Sit-N-Stand stroller at a garage sale for $15. I was pretty pumped because I had wanted one, but didn't want to pay the full over $100 for a new one. It has faded fabric, and according to the sticker, was made in 2001 but it is pretty good shape. (I was also allergic to something on the fabrics, but I'm pretty sure I washed it mostly away.) It came with an attachment to use with car seats, but didn't have the screws to attach it, and also didn't come with a manual. So I searched high and low online to try and find a manual for this old of a model of this stroller, but couldn't find anything. So I used the Contact Us button on Baby Trend's site and asked if there was any way I could get a copy of a manual. Less than a week later I received an email that simply said "It's in the mail." This is my idea of perfect customer service. No long drawn out email. Just short and sweet, and answered in a timely manner. I haven't got the manual in the mail yet, but I'm hoping it will come soon. I'll post a follow up once I get it.

Also, we used the stroller today for the first time. Noah was in his car seat in the front of the stroller, and then Ohlen could either sit or stand behind him (closer to the "driver") Ohlen loved it, and so did we. I really like that Ohlen can walk until he gets tired, and then has a place to rest for a while. Now there isn't really any way that he could sleep on it, but I can't see that being an issue unless we are somewhere for a really long time. It isn't the smallest thing when it's folded up, but we aren't really cramped in the van.

Speaking of mini vans. I just have to say that I love mine, and will probably drive one until I'm not driving kids around any more. They drive so smooth and so much like a car - at least the one that we have. Never thought I would be a mini van driver, but I wouldn't want anything else now.

Pictures from the zoo to come soon.

35s

Today I'm 35 weeks pregnant and have 35 days to go until my due date!

Time has really flown by this pregnancy. So much faster than the first time. Probably because I didn't have a little one to take care of at the time.

I have been feeling pretty good except for being really sore when I get up from sitting or if I walk for an extended period of time. I really don't remember being this sore with Ohlen, but I think this guy is much lower than Ohlen ever was during the pregnancy. I'm wondering if he isn't pushing on some nerves or something. I also was having lots of heartburn, especially at night. So at one appointment I asked about it and my doctor gave me the go ahead to take Pepcid and it has been great. I haven't woken up with heartburn since. I only really take it when I feel it coming on, and then it lasts for 12 hours, so it is really helpful.

As far as being ready; I have a bag mostly packed, and we have enough diapers and wipes for a couple weeks I think, and we have a car seat - so I think we are good to go. We still had the crib and everything set up from Ohlen so that helped with the readiness factor. I'm certainly not ready for the lack of sleep, but I don't think anyone ever is. :) I'm definitely ready to see how Ohlen reacts to this new guy. I think that is what I'm looking forward to the most - their first meeting.

I am loving the weather yesterday and today. It is my idea of perfect. Sunny, but not too hot. It's so nice to have the doors open, makes it so much more cheery in here. The neighbor kids have all been outside playing together which is great. If this is how all our summer Saturdays are going to be, it is going to be a very pleasant summer. :)

Evidence Spring is Here

Third Trimester!

Wow I can't believe the third trimester is here already!! Last time the 2nd trimester dragged on and on, but this time, it flew by. And then I saw the ticker on blog and it says 12 weeks 5 days to go and that seems so close! I just can't wait to see this guy.

I could use some prayers Wednesday morning. I had the 1 hour glucose screening test last week and I failed it. So I have to go in Wednesday morning for the 3 hour test. Basically I can't eat or drink anything after midnight. I have to be at the Aultman lab at 630am. There they will take some blood, I drink a big glass of some sugary (glucosey??) drink, then they will take my blood every hour for 3 hours. I can't eat or drink anything during that time too. So it's not going to be the most fun test. The statistics say that only 1/3 of the people who have to take the 3 hour test actually have Gestational Diabetes, so I'm trying not to worry about it too much.

Other than that things are going really well. I start seeing the Dr. every 2 weeks now. They are scheduling another ultrasound to check his growth at 32 weeks - so in about 5 weeks.

Business as Usual

I guess I've been keeping up with this about as well as I have with my own journaling...

I guess there just hasn't been that much to write about recently. at least nothing relating to what the original purpose of this blog was - to keep everyone informed about our plans. Now that those plans have changed, I guess it doesn't quite seem so "exciting" around here. :) I think I've warned before that this might just evolve into a blog full of stories about our everyday life here in Tusc/Holmes county and the many silly things uttered by my little boy. I really think that that is exactly where we are headed.

For example, at the moment, I am sitting on the couch while Ohlen "watches" (more like runs around and plays with toys and books and asks me questions) the Muppet Movie. Kaiser is sitting right beside me licking Ohlen's feet, waiting with anticipation of me going upstairs to feed him some supper. Sophie is laying further down the couch amoungst the pillows, occasionally whining because she too wants fed. Ohlen just asked me what the zebra says... I have no idea how to make the sound they make - usually ends up sounding like whoop whoop whoop. Eh, I try. Jonathan decided to stay in the office to get some reading done, because it is decidedly more quiet and less distracting there. That is our exciting evening. :)

On to a few small updates:
Ohlen - Currently has a nasty cold with a slight fever. He is definitely feeling better today than yesterday, so that is good. He is talking so much these days. I can't believe some of the things that comes out of his mouth. He also has been having bad dreams. He will wake up crying and saying Crabs get doo (doo = me (not me, but Ohlen himself)) and today he also said Daddy's bike in the barn. So from what I can gather he is dreaming he goes to the barn and gets attacked/bit by crabs. It's frustrating because I'm not sure if there is anything I can do about it, to ease his fears and try and gear up his brain so it doesn't go there when he sleeps.

Jonathan - He has been doing well with balancing everything, school, work, us, and everything else. He says his one class is pretty easy, while the other is pretty rough, but I'm sure he'll do fine. I think he is ready for spring the chance to get out on his bike again.

Me - I have been feeling pretty good. I get kicked quite frequently. (By the baby of course. :)) I'm starting to feel rather large and am dealing with trying to find clothes that actually fit correctly. It seems most of the clothes I have are either a little too tight or a tad too baggy - wonderful. I have several sewing projects that I am trying to get done, but am not being too succesful. They all have deadlines that are in a couple months, so I'm not worried....yet. I have an appointment on Thursday when I have to take the Glucose Gestational Diabetes Screening test, but I'm not really that worried. I either have it or don't, and I'm pretty sure that I don't.

--Thanks everyone who has been thinking and praying for us these past 6 or so months while we tried to discern just what we are supposed to be doing with our selves. We really appreciate all the encouragement we've recieved, both in the beginning, and when we had to take a step back and wait for the right timing. We continue to seek God will for us, even though it may not lead us to the Emerald Isle, I'm sure it will be great regardless. --

The Big Ultrasound Appointment

Today was our big ultrasound appointment. It was great. We got to see the baby and all the parts. The stinker is currently breach and curled up so it was hard for the tech to get some of the pictures and measurements they needed. In fact, she couldn't get a real good picture of the heart, so I'll have to have another one in a month. They didn't detect anything wrong, they just want a better look. Everything is going well, and HE is growing right one schedule. :)

Yep, Ohlen is going to have a little brother. We are excited! (We would have been either way.) No pink and purple shopping spree for me, but that is ok. We can just save a little money. :)

Now starts the long wait until May, and the gargantuan task of naming this little guy.

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! Our get togethers this year were nicely spread over a little over a week, so it's been great in that respect. We got to spend a lazy Christmas morning at home opening presents and playing with new toys. Ohlen and Jonathan were both sick over Christmas week, but it didn't last too long for either. I, luckily, was spared any sickness, maybe due to my flu shot??

Because of some insurance changes, my ultrasound appointment has been pushed up to December 31st!! So in 3 days we will hopefully find out if we are having a boy or a girl. I can't wait. :) I will be sure to post soon after we get home, it should be around afternoon.

I also have a rather lengthy post planned about this past year, hopefully it will be finished sometime Wednesday or Thursday.

Everyone have a great Sunday!

Thankful

I think sometimes we forget in the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving to actually think about being thankful. Well, at least I know I have done that in the past. So today I'm going to list some of the things I'm thankful for, feel free to add what you are thankful for in the comments section. :)

1. My God - for his ever present plan for our lives, for giving us life, for so many more things

Could we with ink the oceans fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above
Would drain the oceans dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
- From the song The Love of God

2. My husband - We've been married 6 and 1/2 years now, wow has time flown by. I'm thankful for his support, his companionship, his wit, his humor, his way with Ohlen, and his love. Oh and all the money he saves us by doing all sorts of things around the house himself, like car maintenance.

3. My Ohlen - He is 2 already! I'm thankful for his laughs, his tickles, the way he kept looking at me and giggling when I came home from Texas, the way he constantly gets me to work on my patience :), his inventiveness, his humor, and his love.

4. My Little One - I'm thankful for seeing his or her heartbeat, for the every so often flutter that may be from the baby, for the promise of a new life in our home, for the morning sickness stopping :), and for someday knowing that I will feel this baby's love. :)

5. My Family - All of them - they make me happy :)

6. My Friends - You know who you are - and I love you!

7. My Weiner Dogs - I'm thankful for the nice warm heaters when I want to take a nice cozy nap on the couch, or when I want to sit and read. I'm thankful for all the entertainment they provide, and how absolutely wonderful they are with Ohlen.

8. Maternal Fetal Medicine and Dr. Schmotzer (hemotologist) at Aultman - MFM is filled with very effecient and extremely nice people. I have found that usually if you are fast, it takes out of the friendliness, but not so here. I love being there for all my baby appointments and so glad they will be taking care of everything again. And I'm especially thankful for the 1 minute wait I usually have there to get in the room and to see a doctor, I don't even know why they put magazines around. Dr. Schmotzer - without him, I don't know if any of my pregnancies would end well. He takes care to make sure my blood is nice and able to unclot so I don't get a blood clot. He is a wondeful, caring doctor (although his wait time is much much longer, but I forgive him.) and I am very thankful for his care.

9. The less important things - snow, hot tea, honey, Christmas trees, Christmas shopping, short waits at Dr.'s office, The Muppet Movie (the only thing Ohlen actually likes to watch), Robert Jordan and his Wheel of Time series, cheap plane tickets that allow us to visit far off family :), clean water, Christmas music, having the mechanical skills to put desks together :), the zoo