God has blessed me with some really good friends and I am thankful for each and every one of them. I have a couple of friends that I've known for as long as I can remember and some that I've just gotten to know in the past year. Some that I see frequently and some that I've never met. I am thankful that each and every one of these individuals are in my life in some way. I appreciate the ones that I can call whenever I want to just chat about nothing and the ones that I know that I'll end up laughing with no matter how horrible I'm feeling at the time. I appreciate the ones that I hardly ever speak to, but know that if I need to talk to them, they will take the call. I am thankful for the ones that I haven't seen in years and don't know when the next time is I will, but who rejoice with me in the happy moments and cry with me in the sad moments of life.
Sometimes, I forget how many friends I have or how important each one is to me. I'm glad that I can be reminded of this. I don't have any great friends outside of family in the town that I live in right now, but that doesn't mean that I don't have great friends.
A few of my friends have blogs, but not very many of them. If I'm unaware of your's, then please let me know so that I can follow what you've been up to!
Thank you to each one of my friends. I love you all so much!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Roll Over
I know I'm doing things I'm thankful for right now, so I'll put it this way....
I'm thankful that I was home and able to see Baby Girl do her first official roll over from back to front! She went from back to side with no problem, but worked hard to get to the front. And, she made it! Way to go, Baby Girl!!!!
I'm thankful that I was home and able to see Baby Girl do her first official roll over from back to front! She went from back to side with no problem, but worked hard to get to the front. And, she made it! Way to go, Baby Girl!!!!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Health
The Bible tells us that "By Jesus' stripes, we were healed." I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. We have been going through some trials lately and have really been thinking about our health. Jesus took pain, took torture, took dying on a cross for us. We have to take the healing that He purchased. We are doing that.
Health is one piece of the entire package of prosperity that Jesus came to give us. John 10:10 tells us that He came so that we may "have life and have it more abundantly." This is one of my favorite Scriptures. The Amplified Bible says, "to the full, til it overflows." I like to think of a glass of iced tea and the glass overflowing with the tea as it is poured out of a pitcher. More than enough. More than what I could use. More than what I would have asked for. This is why Jesus came to the earth. To give us an abundant life, to the full, til it overflows. This includes health.
Yes, I am thankful for perfect health. For the health that Jesus took stripes for and died on the cross so that I can have it. Thank You, Jesus, for an abundant life!
Health is one piece of the entire package of prosperity that Jesus came to give us. John 10:10 tells us that He came so that we may "have life and have it more abundantly." This is one of my favorite Scriptures. The Amplified Bible says, "to the full, til it overflows." I like to think of a glass of iced tea and the glass overflowing with the tea as it is poured out of a pitcher. More than enough. More than what I could use. More than what I would have asked for. This is why Jesus came to the earth. To give us an abundant life, to the full, til it overflows. This includes health.
Yes, I am thankful for perfect health. For the health that Jesus took stripes for and died on the cross so that I can have it. Thank You, Jesus, for an abundant life!
Friday, November 18, 2011
My Job
I'm definitely thankful for my job for so many reasons. First, I enjoy it (most of the time). It's something that I like to do and am good at. Second, I can work from home. I've always relished this part of my job, but with Baby Girl, I appreciate it so much more. It's great to be able to be flexible with the hours so that I can take her to her doctor's appointments, etc. I get to watch her grow and change and enjoy her. Yes, I'm very thankful for this part of my job.
In this day, there are so many people without a job and I am very thankful to not only have a job, but to have a good job. God is so good to me!
In this day, there are so many people without a job and I am very thankful to not only have a job, but to have a good job. God is so good to me!
Monday, November 14, 2011
My Grandfather
Today, my grandfather would have turned 86. I miss him. He was one of those people who is larger than life. He loved Gospel music, playing the guitar, and singing. Oh, he could sing! He loved to tell tall tales, talk about history, watch Archie Bunker, eat with family and friends, and laugh. I still remember his laugh. It was infectious!
I so wish that he was still here and could see Baby Girl. He would absolutely love her! I'm sure that he would be calling her some silly name and loving spending time with her.
I'm thankful for the time that I got to spend with him and that I really got to know him. I love you, Papaw!
I so wish that he was still here and could see Baby Girl. He would absolutely love her! I'm sure that he would be calling her some silly name and loving spending time with her.
I'm thankful for the time that I got to spend with him and that I really got to know him. I love you, Papaw!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Veterans
Happy Veterans Day!
I am so extremely thankful for the men and women who serve in the armed forces. I am thankful for all of the sacrifices that they give, including being apart from their families for extended periods of time. I am thankful for them being willing to give their lives for the freedom that we know as Americans.
My father served and my grandfather served. I am so appreciative that they did.
I enjoy the freedom of being an American. I enjoy being able to worship God freely, without being scared that I will be killed for my beliefs. I enjoy the many opportunities that come with being an American. I know that freedom requires sacrifice. I hope that veterans know that we appreciate them each and every day throughout the year, not just on Veteran's Day.
Happy Veteran's Day to all of those who served. We have so much to thank you for!
I am so extremely thankful for the men and women who serve in the armed forces. I am thankful for all of the sacrifices that they give, including being apart from their families for extended periods of time. I am thankful for them being willing to give their lives for the freedom that we know as Americans.
My father served and my grandfather served. I am so appreciative that they did.
I enjoy the freedom of being an American. I enjoy being able to worship God freely, without being scared that I will be killed for my beliefs. I enjoy the many opportunities that come with being an American. I know that freedom requires sacrifice. I hope that veterans know that we appreciate them each and every day throughout the year, not just on Veteran's Day.
Happy Veteran's Day to all of those who served. We have so much to thank you for!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sleep
Ahhh...sleep. That wonderful thing that I used to take for granted. I have always been a good sleeper. I've never had an issue falling asleep or staying asleep. My mom tells me that from the second night home from the hospital, I was on a 4-hour sleep schedule and then, within a month, I was sleeping through the night.
Then, I got pregnant. I slept through most of my first trimester. I could lay down at any time of the day and take a 30-90 minute nap. Second trimester was more like my normal sleep schedule. Third trimester was more difficult and, even though I didn't sleep that well at night, I just took naps during the day and things seemed fine.
Sleep changed for me beginning the night of August 16, when I began having contractions. It just hasn't been the same since. I long for it. I desire it. I crave it. I don't get nearly enough of it. What I do get just isn't the same...I'm constantly on alert for any unusual noise or baby whimper. So, it's not that extremely deep, oblivious about the world sleep.
As I sit here typing this, I look over at my baby girl, sound asleep and I'm so thankful. I'm thankful for the lack of sleep I have because it's all due to this precious little girl. She is wonderful and a gift from God. I'll go without sleep whenever I need to (maybe not really happy about the lack of sleep, but definitely happy when I think of why I'm doing it).
Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely thankful for any sleep that I get too!
Then, I got pregnant. I slept through most of my first trimester. I could lay down at any time of the day and take a 30-90 minute nap. Second trimester was more like my normal sleep schedule. Third trimester was more difficult and, even though I didn't sleep that well at night, I just took naps during the day and things seemed fine.
Sleep changed for me beginning the night of August 16, when I began having contractions. It just hasn't been the same since. I long for it. I desire it. I crave it. I don't get nearly enough of it. What I do get just isn't the same...I'm constantly on alert for any unusual noise or baby whimper. So, it's not that extremely deep, oblivious about the world sleep.
As I sit here typing this, I look over at my baby girl, sound asleep and I'm so thankful. I'm thankful for the lack of sleep I have because it's all due to this precious little girl. She is wonderful and a gift from God. I'll go without sleep whenever I need to (maybe not really happy about the lack of sleep, but definitely happy when I think of why I'm doing it).
Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely thankful for any sleep that I get too!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Sisters
My grandma has 3 sisters. They amaze me. Throughout my life, I have watched them unconditionally support each other through tests and trials that I couldn't even imagine. They demostrate true love every day. I have never seen 4 women love each other as much, respect each other more, or, quite frankly, be as kind to one another as these 4 women are.
I am so thankful that they are part of my family.
I am so thankful that they are part of my family.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Arnie, Arnie
At a time in my life when I wasn't sure what I was going to do, my sister-in-law mentioned that I needed a dog. My brother went to the pound with me and we picked out a puppy that I adopted. As soon as I got him, we drove to New Jersey. I hadn't had a pet since I was a small child and had no idea what I was embarking on. It was one of the best decisions that I made at that time in my life. My dog, Arnie, needed me and I needed to be needed. My outlook on life changed. I started exercising since I needed to walk the dog. Things in my life seemed to change overnight when I brought home my puppy. Arnie has been with me through quite a few changes in my life and has been right there every day, loving me just for being there.
Yes, I'm very thankful for Arnie. He is a wonderful dog!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Special Presents
Since our Baby Girl came, we have been blessed with so many gifts from our friends and family. I have mentioned before that I love handmade gifts. Since that post, we have received additional special presents that were crafted with love. And, I love and appreciate them all!
I'm thankful for these special presents and I'm thankful for the people who gave them to us!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Our Hedge
I am so thankful that there is a hedge of protection (Job 1:10) around us so that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)!
There are many times that I thank God for our hedge of protection...many times when I think about "what could have been" had our angels not been doing their jobs. Then, I think that there have to be numerous times when I don't even know about the dangers that were lurking around the corner because our hedge is keeping us protected. I thank God for all of the times that He has protected us...all of the times that I know about and all of the times that I don't.
As I think about our hedge, I especially want to thank God for protecting our little baby girl when she was growing inside me. About 2 weeks after we found out that we were pregnant, one of my girlfriends and I were going Christmas shopping for my husband's presents. I was driving, hit black ice, lost control of my car, ran into a snow bank in the median, flipped the car a couple of times, and ended up stopping on the driver's side. My car was totalled, but neither me, nor my friend, nor my baby were harmed! Praise the Lord!
Yes, I am very thankful for our Hedge of Protection!
There are many times that I thank God for our hedge of protection...many times when I think about "what could have been" had our angels not been doing their jobs. Then, I think that there have to be numerous times when I don't even know about the dangers that were lurking around the corner because our hedge is keeping us protected. I thank God for all of the times that He has protected us...all of the times that I know about and all of the times that I don't.
As I think about our hedge, I especially want to thank God for protecting our little baby girl when she was growing inside me. About 2 weeks after we found out that we were pregnant, one of my girlfriends and I were going Christmas shopping for my husband's presents. I was driving, hit black ice, lost control of my car, ran into a snow bank in the median, flipped the car a couple of times, and ended up stopping on the driver's side. My car was totalled, but neither me, nor my friend, nor my baby were harmed! Praise the Lord!
Yes, I am very thankful for our Hedge of Protection!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Baby in Heaven
I'm so thankful for my baby girl that is in Heaven right now. What better place to grow up? Yes, I'm sad that I don't get to see her everyday, but I know that I will get to spend eternity with her and eternity is so much better! She gets to see God and Jesus every day. What could be better than that?
I often picture her crawling up on my grandfather's knee to tell him things, just like I used to do when I was little. It's great to know that she has one of the people that I have loved the most in my life in Heaven with her.
Mommy loves you, Baby Girl!
I often picture her crawling up on my grandfather's knee to tell him things, just like I used to do when I was little. It's great to know that she has one of the people that I have loved the most in my life in Heaven with her.
Mommy loves you, Baby Girl!
Friday, November 4, 2011
My Baby Girl
God has given us the most wonderful, perfect baby girl. She is a gift from the Lord and I am so thankful that He trusted us to raise her. She is an answer to prayer.
"For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him." - I Samuel 1:27
"For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him." - I Samuel 1:27
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thankful
November seemed to sneak up on me this year. In year's past, I have taken the month of November to reflect on the things that I'm thankful for and normally make a list, with one thing each day. One year, I even did an entire year of things I'm thankful for. It was awesome. Writing down something I'm thankful for each day really makes me realize how awesome my life is.
As you can tell, I haven't done any November posts yet as things have been really busy around here with the Little One. So, I'm going to cheat a bit and do the first 3 now and then, hopefully, I'll be able to write one each day for the rest of the month.
1. First and absolutely above all else, I am thankful to Jesus. I am so appreciative of all that He did for me. And, to know that He would have done it had I been the only person on earth makes it that much more special. I am thankful that I will be able to spend eternity with Him and know that what He did on the Cross is not only for eternity, but for the here and now. He came so that I might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). So, I am thankful to Jesus for my salvation as well as my abundant life.
2. I am thankful for my husband. God gave me the perfect man for me. I'm so thankful that he married me. That he chose me to live this life with. I'm so thankful that God answered my prayer with him.
3. I am thankful for my parents. They have been there for me through thick and thin. I am thankful for the way that they raised me and the time that they spent with me. I appreciate the fact that their kids were a priority to them (and still are, along with their grandkids). I love them both!
As you can tell, I haven't done any November posts yet as things have been really busy around here with the Little One. So, I'm going to cheat a bit and do the first 3 now and then, hopefully, I'll be able to write one each day for the rest of the month.
1. First and absolutely above all else, I am thankful to Jesus. I am so appreciative of all that He did for me. And, to know that He would have done it had I been the only person on earth makes it that much more special. I am thankful that I will be able to spend eternity with Him and know that what He did on the Cross is not only for eternity, but for the here and now. He came so that I might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). So, I am thankful to Jesus for my salvation as well as my abundant life.
2. I am thankful for my husband. God gave me the perfect man for me. I'm so thankful that he married me. That he chose me to live this life with. I'm so thankful that God answered my prayer with him.
3. I am thankful for my parents. They have been there for me through thick and thin. I am thankful for the way that they raised me and the time that they spent with me. I appreciate the fact that their kids were a priority to them (and still are, along with their grandkids). I love them both!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Back to Work
Well, I'm officially off maternity leave and back to work. Not crazy about it. My priorities have changed so much in just a couple of months. My heart isn't in working. It's in trying to get an adorable gummy grin out of a little girl!
Praise the Lord that I have a job that is flexible enough that I can work from home. Gotta love technology. It just means that most of the work gets done after 5 pm, when my husband is home. I guess it actually works out well because as I'm on the computer, my baby girl gets some quality daddy time.
Praise the Lord that I have a job that is flexible enough that I can work from home. Gotta love technology. It just means that most of the work gets done after 5 pm, when my husband is home. I guess it actually works out well because as I'm on the computer, my baby girl gets some quality daddy time.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
My How Time Flies
Things have been really busy around here and my blog has been one of the things that has been neglected....along with cleaning, going to the store, etc. However, I have, thankfully, been able to keep up with the laundry...who knew one little girl could require so much laundry???? My husband has been great to help with things around the house...he has gone to the store, cooked meals, and folded more laundry than I think he has since we got married. He's wonderful!
On to the little one...she had her 2 month pediatrician appointment this week and was a real trooper. The doctor asked if she smiled and "coo'd" and when I said yes, she immediately smiled at the doctor and then proceeded to "talk" to her...right on cue. Then, the stinky part...shots. Three in the legs and one oral vaccine. My husband her the oral one while I held her head still. The nurse, thankfully, was super-fast with the shots. Baby girl was a trooper. She was really good, screamed a little (more I think from being mad than the pain) and then slept most of the rest of the day. Two days later, though, we are not back to our schedule and I am tired!
Other news from the doctor's...she's now 23 inches (although I think they didn't get her stretched out because she's longer than some things we have here that are 24 inches) and 10 1/2 pounds! She's gained almost 4 pounds in the 2 months since she was born. That seems like a lot to me, but the doctor said that she is right on track.
In other developments, she is holding her head up really well, she pulls away from us when we are holding her so that her back is straight and she is sitting up like a big girl when we put her between our legs on the couch. She has just started reaching out to grab objects, so that's really exciting. She has changed so much in just a little over 2 months....time really does go by super-fast with a little one....
On to the little one...she had her 2 month pediatrician appointment this week and was a real trooper. The doctor asked if she smiled and "coo'd" and when I said yes, she immediately smiled at the doctor and then proceeded to "talk" to her...right on cue. Then, the stinky part...shots. Three in the legs and one oral vaccine. My husband her the oral one while I held her head still. The nurse, thankfully, was super-fast with the shots. Baby girl was a trooper. She was really good, screamed a little (more I think from being mad than the pain) and then slept most of the rest of the day. Two days later, though, we are not back to our schedule and I am tired!
Other news from the doctor's...she's now 23 inches (although I think they didn't get her stretched out because she's longer than some things we have here that are 24 inches) and 10 1/2 pounds! She's gained almost 4 pounds in the 2 months since she was born. That seems like a lot to me, but the doctor said that she is right on track.
In other developments, she is holding her head up really well, she pulls away from us when we are holding her so that her back is straight and she is sitting up like a big girl when we put her between our legs on the couch. She has just started reaching out to grab objects, so that's really exciting. She has changed so much in just a little over 2 months....time really does go by super-fast with a little one....
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Crying to Sleep
Baby Girl has insisted on having someone hold her to take naps since she was born. I love the cuddling, but it's good to have an hour here and there to get some things done....you know, eat, go to the bathroom, pay bills, do laundry, take a nap, etc. So, we are beginning crying ourselves to sleep. Yesterday was the first day. 24 minutes. Today is the second....14 minutes! Hopefully, this means that in just a few days, there will be no more tears at nap time....Baby Girl's or Momma's!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
A Few of My Favorite Things
Baby Girl is starting to recognize and focus on things. She has a few favorites....
The wrist rattles haven't been out of the packaging as the packaging seems to be really interesting. The little pink-faced rattle has a mirror on the other side. Both sides of the rattle are great. The blankie silk side is her favorite to hold onto, put in her mouth, and touch her face. And, of course, there is the Winnie the Pooh mobile...(This needs to be battery powered instead of wind up because it doesn't play very long.)
Monday, September 26, 2011
Our Mini-Adventure
My husband and I decided that it was time to take Baby Girl out into the world to see what she thought (and if we could maneuver the "baby equipment" we have). I'll say it up front, I forgot to take pictures. Boo! We took the camera and lugged it around, but not a single picture was taken.
First, we went to the mall to try out the Baby Bjorn papoose carrier. After I got it on correctly (at first, I put it on upside down and we couldn't get the baby in it), she loved it. The only thing is she's not big enough to see out the top, so I had to hold down the top flap so she could see. She was asleep within the first 5 minutes and stayed asleep the entire time we were in the mall. Success!!!!
Then, we took her to her first restaurant. She was asleep when we walked in, so we just put the baby carseat carrier on the table and settled in for a nice meal. My husband and I had been to this restaurant so many times and never noticed how loud it is! The kitchen is open and we could hear the chef pound on the grilltop all the time. So could Baby Girl! She woke up almost as soon as we got seated and stayed awake almost the whole time we were there. She was so good....looking around at the new surroundings and just taking it all in. She got a little squirmy at the end, so I picked her up and she was perfect. Success!!!!
Lastly, we decided to try out the stroller. We took her to the grocery store and she laid in the stroller through all the aisles, cooing and enjoying the new surroundings. I think she liked the different color boxes, cans, and bags that were on her level. I even managed not to run into too many things. Success!!!!
It was a great outing. And very successful. When we came home, she laid down for a 3 1/2 hour nap. That was nice for us because we were exhausted too!
First, we went to the mall to try out the Baby Bjorn papoose carrier. After I got it on correctly (at first, I put it on upside down and we couldn't get the baby in it), she loved it. The only thing is she's not big enough to see out the top, so I had to hold down the top flap so she could see. She was asleep within the first 5 minutes and stayed asleep the entire time we were in the mall. Success!!!!
Then, we took her to her first restaurant. She was asleep when we walked in, so we just put the baby carseat carrier on the table and settled in for a nice meal. My husband and I had been to this restaurant so many times and never noticed how loud it is! The kitchen is open and we could hear the chef pound on the grilltop all the time. So could Baby Girl! She woke up almost as soon as we got seated and stayed awake almost the whole time we were there. She was so good....looking around at the new surroundings and just taking it all in. She got a little squirmy at the end, so I picked her up and she was perfect. Success!!!!
Lastly, we decided to try out the stroller. We took her to the grocery store and she laid in the stroller through all the aisles, cooing and enjoying the new surroundings. I think she liked the different color boxes, cans, and bags that were on her level. I even managed not to run into too many things. Success!!!!
It was a great outing. And very successful. When we came home, she laid down for a 3 1/2 hour nap. That was nice for us because we were exhausted too!
Friday, September 23, 2011
No Longer a Newborn
I meant to post on our baby's one month birthday, but....well, I guess any new mom can understand why I'm late in the one-month post. So much has happened. It seems like time is flying and standing still at the same time.
Our little girl is no longer in newborn clothes. She has even outgrown her "Coming Home" outfit.
Our little girl is no longer in newborn clothes. She has even outgrown her "Coming Home" outfit.
I have a pile of newborn clothes that I would like to give away. The only one I'm attached to is the froggie onsie that she wore home. It was the first clothes she ever wore. So, I think I'll be keeping it. The rest I'll be giving away so someone else can enjoy their little girl in these great, barely worn clothes.
In other news, development is coming right along. Not only is she 2 inches longer than when she was born and over a pound heavier, she can now turn her head from side to side, lift up her head when she's on her stomach or when we're holding her, and, my favorite....she's learned to smile! That smile lights up my world!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Waltzing Matilda
No question that I am totally in "mom mode" these days. This includes me being willing to sing to my daughter and make up songs. It's a good thing that my little girl has no idea what it means to be able to sing because I certainly can't, but it doesn't stop me from singing to her. My husband's grandmother says that babies fall asleep to people who can't sing because if they could, then the baby would stay awake to hear and enjoy them. Well, I say, whatever works to get my little girl to fall asleep or to calm down. "Jesus Loves Me" is our favorite bedtime song.
For all other songs, it seems that the only tune I know that I can make up songs to is "Waltzing Matilda." I've been singing about everything that comes to mind, all to the tune of "Waltzing Matilda." We've sung about changing diapers, hanging out with poppa, going outside with Arnie, and whatever else we are doing.
So, my apologies to the country of Australia for butchering their unofficial national anthem, "Waltzing Matilda," but it really is a catchy tune that lends itself to quite a few songs. Any other tunes that are easy to make everyday activities fit into?
For all other songs, it seems that the only tune I know that I can make up songs to is "Waltzing Matilda." I've been singing about everything that comes to mind, all to the tune of "Waltzing Matilda." We've sung about changing diapers, hanging out with poppa, going outside with Arnie, and whatever else we are doing.
So, my apologies to the country of Australia for butchering their unofficial national anthem, "Waltzing Matilda," but it really is a catchy tune that lends itself to quite a few songs. Any other tunes that are easy to make everyday activities fit into?
Monday, September 5, 2011
Delivery Scriptures
As I look back on my delivery experience, I am beginning to realize more and more how awesome God is and how He took care of me during the entire pregnancy and delivery. I've spoken to a number of women and discussed my delivery experience with theirs and I, by far, had an easier delivery than many women do. I'm convinced that this is because of the Scriptures that I researched and quoted during my pregnancy and entire delivery experience.
I found this book, which I think really helped me. It definitely attacks a controversial issue and I believe that every woman has to decide what they want to believe. Quite frankly, I'm not sure what I think about the book. However, it did give me quite a bit to think about during the pregnancy.
For the entire pregnancy, I confessed that I am redeemed from the curse of the law and that I will have a quick, easy delivery. Reflecting on my delivery, I really did have a quick, easy delivery.
Here are a few of the Scriptures that I remember confessing during my contractions (I honestly don't remember everything that I said as I was "in the zone," but my mother said that the delivery room was filled with Scriptures):
- Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree so that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. - Galatians 3:13-14 (Pain in childbirth came with the curse and by being redeemed from the curse, then I am redeemed from pain in childbirth.)
- And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. - Galatians 3:29
- He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler. - Psalm 91:1-3
- For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. - Psalm 91:11
- I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:14. With this verse, I also confessed that God has made my body to do this, to have this baby and that I need to not fear anything, but need to relax as my body knows what to do because God made it to do this. (I knew that with fear came tension and with tension came pain, so by reminding myself that God made my body and it knows what to do, I could relax and not have fear and not have pain.)
- Children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. - Psalm 127:3
- Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. - James 1:17
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. By confessing the Word of God out of my own mouth, I heard the Word and faith came. With faith, came peace and fear had to flee. When fear fled, so did the pain. I really did not have "hard labor" with my delivery and I praise the Lord for it. He gave us a perfect little girl and I am so thankful for her!
I found this book, which I think really helped me. It definitely attacks a controversial issue and I believe that every woman has to decide what they want to believe. Quite frankly, I'm not sure what I think about the book. However, it did give me quite a bit to think about during the pregnancy.
For the entire pregnancy, I confessed that I am redeemed from the curse of the law and that I will have a quick, easy delivery. Reflecting on my delivery, I really did have a quick, easy delivery.
Here are a few of the Scriptures that I remember confessing during my contractions (I honestly don't remember everything that I said as I was "in the zone," but my mother said that the delivery room was filled with Scriptures):
- Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree so that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. - Galatians 3:13-14 (Pain in childbirth came with the curse and by being redeemed from the curse, then I am redeemed from pain in childbirth.)
- And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. - Galatians 3:29
- He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler. - Psalm 91:1-3
- For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. - Psalm 91:11
- I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:14. With this verse, I also confessed that God has made my body to do this, to have this baby and that I need to not fear anything, but need to relax as my body knows what to do because God made it to do this. (I knew that with fear came tension and with tension came pain, so by reminding myself that God made my body and it knows what to do, I could relax and not have fear and not have pain.)
- Children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. - Psalm 127:3
- Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. - James 1:17
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. By confessing the Word of God out of my own mouth, I heard the Word and faith came. With faith, came peace and fear had to flee. When fear fled, so did the pain. I really did not have "hard labor" with my delivery and I praise the Lord for it. He gave us a perfect little girl and I am so thankful for her!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Binki
We decided to introduce the Binki to our little girl. She has found her thumb 2 times and really, really enjoys it and it provides a calming influence to her. So, we naturally thought that the binki would have the same effect.
The first one we gave her was NOT welcomed at all. She spit it out and pursed her lips so that we couldn't get it back in. Then, we tried the pink binki and she eventually took to it. However, she doesn't like it each time we give it to her. It's definitely hit or miss. Plus, we have a green one that is just like the pink one and it doesn't do the trick either...no green binki so far.
The first one we gave her was NOT welcomed at all. She spit it out and pursed her lips so that we couldn't get it back in. Then, we tried the pink binki and she eventually took to it. However, she doesn't like it each time we give it to her. It's definitely hit or miss. Plus, we have a green one that is just like the pink one and it doesn't do the trick either...no green binki so far.
I really have mixed feelings about pacifiers. They are good to help calm the baby, but there are a number of negatives....taking it away eventually, nipple confusion, teeth issues, etc. We've been trying for a few days now and she doesn't seem to really like it. I think that we'll probably just continue to give one to her now and then and see if she ever decides it is a good thing. Otherwise, it looks like we'll be a binki-free household.
The only problem is that pacifiers are such aptly named...they really do pacify her when we can get her to take it.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Yummy Pepperoni Bread
While I was pregnant, my diet consisted of very limited carbohydrates. My girlfriend makes the best pepperoni bread/stromboli. Throughout the pregnancy, I continued to talk about how I was going to eat her pepperoni bread just as soon as I had the baby because it was one of the things that I craved the most. Well, my girlfriend moved before I had the baby. But, she is so wonderful that she made me TWO pepperoni breads and we froze them so that yesterday all I had to do was thaw one of them and bake it!
She even decorated the wrapping for me!
She even decorated the wrapping for me!
It was so yummy and we have enough for dinner again tonight!
Thanks, girl, you are awesome!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
I'm a Big Girl
Today is the first day that my husband is back at work, which leaves me, the baby, and the dog home alone. I must admit, I was not looking forward to today at all. For almost a week, I've been dreading it. Yesterday, I cried to my husband about it. But, it came and now I'm in the midst of it. Even though I really miss my husband, Baby Girl and I have been doing just fine. She's beginning to adjust to naps in the Pack 'n Play and I'm beginning to adjust to being a mom. It really is overwhelming that this little person relies on me for absolutely everything, from food to changing diapers to any interactions to feeling safe.
She did not like Sun Time nearly as much as she does when her daddy is here. He has a huge calming influence on her and they just soak in the sun from the window. We still had Sun Time, but it just wasn't the same.
So, even though my husband was a huge help in the first 2 weeks of her life and I relied on him for so much during that time, I know we are really going to make it while he's at the office. I'm gonna be a big girl and Baby Girl, doggie, and I are going to do this!
She did not like Sun Time nearly as much as she does when her daddy is here. He has a huge calming influence on her and they just soak in the sun from the window. We still had Sun Time, but it just wasn't the same.
So, even though my husband was a huge help in the first 2 weeks of her life and I relied on him for so much during that time, I know we are really going to make it while he's at the office. I'm gonna be a big girl and Baby Girl, doggie, and I are going to do this!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Too Little? Too Big? Just Right!
The doctor's predicted that our little girl would be about an 8 pound baby with really long legs. (Every time my doctor saw my husband and I together, she would say, "That's going to be one long-legged baby.")
So, we prepared for an 8 pound baby girl. Most of the clothes that I have are 0-3 months summer clothes. Well, we had a 6 pound, 11 ounce baby girl with really long legs. Therefore, the 0-3 months clothes are way too big. We have a very limited amount of Newborn clothes, but she can't wear any of them if they have feet in the legs because her legs are too long and her feet are too big for those clothes.
We have some extremely cute things that she'll never get to wear or only wear once. I put these on her because they are so adorable and there was just no way that they were going to stay on her feet. The socks are simply too little.
So, we prepared for an 8 pound baby girl. Most of the clothes that I have are 0-3 months summer clothes. Well, we had a 6 pound, 11 ounce baby girl with really long legs. Therefore, the 0-3 months clothes are way too big. We have a very limited amount of Newborn clothes, but she can't wear any of them if they have feet in the legs because her legs are too long and her feet are too big for those clothes.
We have some extremely cute things that she'll never get to wear or only wear once. I put these on her because they are so adorable and there was just no way that they were going to stay on her feet. The socks are simply too little.
Our baby is too little for the 0-3 month clothes and too big for many of the Newborn items. But, I know that she's not too little or too big...she's just right!
Rites of Passage
As of last night, I have now been peed on, spit-up on, and pooped on. Any other motherhood rites of passage that I should be looking forward to?
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Delivery Story
Here's my story. Well, I guess I should say here's our daughter's story....
Tuesday evening, August 16, about 10:00 pm, I looked at my husband and said, "I have the weirdest sensation in my upper thighs." It wasn't painful. Wasn't like a cramp or my legs falling asleep or pins and needles. Just a sensation is the best way that I can explain it. We didn't think too much about it and went to bed. I was up every 1/2 hour with this "sensation" and the need to pee. So, at 12:30 am, I told my husband that I was obviously not going to be able to sleep and I didn't want to keep him up since he had to work the next day and I went downstairs to the couch.
This continued until about 2:00 am. Sometimes it was 30 minutes apart. Sometimes it was 15. Always this sensation in both upper thighs and the need to pee. I looked this up on the internet, well, attempted to look it up because I couldn't find anything about upper thigh sensations related to pregnancy. I have 2 pregnancy books and I started looking in them. Finally, in "The Mayo Guide to Pregnancy," I found one line that mentioned that contractions could take place in the upper thighs. Seriously? I had never heard of this before. I called the hospital and spoke to the ob nurse on duty and she confirmed that it sounded like I was in the early stages of labor, but that it could go for about 20 hours, so I should get some sleep or take a shower and come see the doctor when the offices opened at 8:00 am.
About 2:30 am, I went upstairs and woke up my husband to tell him that I was apparently having contractions in my upper thighs and that I was going to take a shower and then he needed to get up and help me time them. I took a long, hot shower and shaved my legs. If this was really "it," then I was going to have smooth legs. After the shower, I put lotion on my nicely-shaved legs and took my pacing husband downstairs to time the contractions.
The contractions were about 7 minutes apart and lasted 30-90 seconds. For some of them, my legs would start uncontrollably shaking before the contractions started. That was really, really weird. About 4:00 am, I called the hospital again to tell them the timing of the contractions and see what I should do. Since they were not consistent at 5 minutes apart or lasting a consisten 60 seconds, they told me that I should rest and come see the doctor when the offices opened at 8:00 am. The nurse said that I could come through the ER, but that I would see the doctor quicker if I just went to the offices that were below the hospital.
So, we continued timing and they never were consistently 5 minutes apart. I quit coming back out of the bathroom to lay to the couch since that no longer was comfortable. The only position that I could get any sense of comfort was sitting on the toilet. Between 4:30 am and 5:30 am, I stayed on the toilet and the contractions remained sporadic. At 5:30 am, I called the hospital again to tell them that I was now having bloody discharge and that the only comfortable position was the toilet. I spoke to the nurse for a while and she asked me if I had a contraction while I was on the phone with her. Yes, I had. Well, she said that since I could still talk through them and they weren't consistent, it was a good idea to come to the doctor's office at 8:00 am when they opened, but that it did sound like I was in the beginning stages of labor. She also said that walking was a good idea and that if I wasn't very dilated, then the doctor would have me walk and come back.
I had horrible visions of being one of "those" pregnant women who go to the hospital and get sent back home. At 6:00 am, I didn't care if I was going to be one of those women or not. We were going to the doctor's. From my toilet-sitting position, I gave my husband directions of the things we needed to take with us to the doctor's and we were off. The thought of sitting in the car was simply horrible, but, praise the Lord, the second position I tried was not too bad and I stayed there for the 1 1/2 hour drive to the doctor's.
We called both of our parents and told them that we were on the way to the doctor's office and that we would call them after I was examined and let them know if they needed to come.
When we got to the doctor's office, my husband told me that the contractions were about 3 minutes apart. He could tell this because of the intensity of my prayers. He said that every 3 minutes they got so much louder and more intense. I remember very little about the car ride. My eyes were closed almost the entire ride and I didn't move from the one position that was comfortable. I do remember that at one point, my husband asked how bad the contractions were and I told him that they were definitely manageable. Then, immediately, I got the most intense one that I think I had up to that point. I grabbed the door handle and quoted the Bible, how I am redeemed from the curse of the law and how Jesus went to the cross and took the curse for me so that I may receive the blessings of Abraham. Thank the Lord that I only had one intense contraction like that on the way to the doctor's office.
We arrived at the doctor's at 8:15 am and checked in. The only question they asked us was if my water had broken. No, it hadn't. As I was standing in the waiting room, I turned around and my mom was there. She hadn't waited for us to call her after the exam. She just came straight to the doctor's. I think she may have beat us to the office. They immediately called me in to the exam room and told me to get undressed and sit and wait for my secondary doctor to come examine me. (My doctor was in the middle of surgery.) Ummm, no, thank you. I refused to sit down. As I stood there, waiting for the doctor to come, I held onto the sink and beat my head against the cabinet above it, wondering where in the world the doctor was. Then, I felt a huge gush go down my leg. I sent my husband out of the room to go tell a nurse that my water broke. She came into the room and gave me a towel. While I was trying to clean up, the doctor came in. He saw that I was cleaning myself and so he turned around a walked out. When I found out that he went to another patient, I couldn't believe it. My water just broke and he was making me wait even longer!
About 9:15 am, the doctor came into the room and examined me. He told me that I needed to sit down. No, thank you. I was not going to sit down. It was not going to happen. He informed me that he couldn't examine me unless I got on the table. Finally, I said, "You just need me to lay down, right? You don't need me to sit down." He confirmed that was correct, so I stood in front of the table with my back to it and literally fell back so that I was laying on the exam table. When he examined me, his eyes got as huge as saucers and he said, "You are having this baby! No wonder you don't want to sit down."
"Is it too late for an epidural?" I asked.
"Yes. We have to get you to the delivery room immediately. You are having this baby! Nurse, get a wheelchair and get her upstairs immediately. There's no time for you to put on your clothes, we'll just get blankets to cover you."
So, they took off with me in the wheelchair, going the back way to the delivery room, taking corners on 2 wheels. My husband went to the waiting room and sent my mom with me while he went to register me in the hospital.
When I got to the delivery room, the nurse there examined me and told me that I was ready to have this baby.
"Is it too late for an epidural?" I asked.
"Yes, you are at 10 centimeters."
"Are you sure that it's too late for an epidural?"
"Yes. It's too late."
When my husband got to the delivery floor, my primary doctor was sitting at the nurses station with her feet up, reading the newspaper. He thought for sure that he had missed the delivery. No, we were still waiting for everything to happen.
About 2 hours after my initial exam by the doctor, I had the uncontrollable urge to push. Grabbed my legs, 3 counts of ten. Pushing hard. Next contraction, grabbed my legs, 4 counts of ten. What? I expended all of my energy on the 3rd count. My mom says, "pant like a puppy." What? My hands started slipping because my legs were slimmey from the lotion I had put on them that morning. My husband was standing at my shoulders and my mom was sitting in a chair with her head in her hands. The nurse was at my feet. I can't believe that I put so much lotion on my legs. This would be easier if they were dry.
I look at the nurse and say, "I don't want to do this any more." (At least, my mom tells me that I said this very matter-of-factly.)
The nurse asks me if I brought bows because the baby has a full head of dark hair. Apparently, she didn't care that I decided I didn't want to do this any more.
2 more pushing contractions and my doctor comes in the room. This huge light comes down from the ceiling. My doctor puts on scrubs. 4 more counts of 10. Baby Girl is born! The doctor asks my husband if he wants to cut the umbilical cord. No, he doesn't. She asks me. No, I don't. She asks mom. No, she doesn't. The nurse cuts it. They whisk our girl to the big bassinet with lights on it that is in the delivery room. Congratulations all around. She is born August 17, 2011, at 12:11 pm.
They take my baby to the nursery. I want to go see her. No, I can't because I'm still bleeding too much. My husband stays with me. My mom goes with the baby. The nurse is worried about all the blood. She keeps pushing hard on my abdomen and more and more blood comes out. I didn't get an IV for pain medicine, so they can't put blood clotting medicine in the IV. Three nurses try to get an IV in my hands and arms, but it just won't work correctly. I get a shot of medicine for clotting. The nurse still pushes on my abdomen. Hard. Finally, after a few hours of her pushing every 30 minutes or so, the membrane from the water sac comes out and the bleeding subsides.
They bring my baby back from the nursery. She is perfect. We start getting to know each other. Thank God for our perfect baby girl. She is definitely an answer to our prayers.
God has been so good to us throughout this entire adventure. We had a great team of healthcare professionals caring for us. Contractions were not nearly as horrible as many people have described. The delivery process was doable. Recovery has been fairly easy. Most importantly, He has given us a perfect little girl.
Tuesday evening, August 16, about 10:00 pm, I looked at my husband and said, "I have the weirdest sensation in my upper thighs." It wasn't painful. Wasn't like a cramp or my legs falling asleep or pins and needles. Just a sensation is the best way that I can explain it. We didn't think too much about it and went to bed. I was up every 1/2 hour with this "sensation" and the need to pee. So, at 12:30 am, I told my husband that I was obviously not going to be able to sleep and I didn't want to keep him up since he had to work the next day and I went downstairs to the couch.
This continued until about 2:00 am. Sometimes it was 30 minutes apart. Sometimes it was 15. Always this sensation in both upper thighs and the need to pee. I looked this up on the internet, well, attempted to look it up because I couldn't find anything about upper thigh sensations related to pregnancy. I have 2 pregnancy books and I started looking in them. Finally, in "The Mayo Guide to Pregnancy," I found one line that mentioned that contractions could take place in the upper thighs. Seriously? I had never heard of this before. I called the hospital and spoke to the ob nurse on duty and she confirmed that it sounded like I was in the early stages of labor, but that it could go for about 20 hours, so I should get some sleep or take a shower and come see the doctor when the offices opened at 8:00 am.
About 2:30 am, I went upstairs and woke up my husband to tell him that I was apparently having contractions in my upper thighs and that I was going to take a shower and then he needed to get up and help me time them. I took a long, hot shower and shaved my legs. If this was really "it," then I was going to have smooth legs. After the shower, I put lotion on my nicely-shaved legs and took my pacing husband downstairs to time the contractions.
The contractions were about 7 minutes apart and lasted 30-90 seconds. For some of them, my legs would start uncontrollably shaking before the contractions started. That was really, really weird. About 4:00 am, I called the hospital again to tell them the timing of the contractions and see what I should do. Since they were not consistent at 5 minutes apart or lasting a consisten 60 seconds, they told me that I should rest and come see the doctor when the offices opened at 8:00 am. The nurse said that I could come through the ER, but that I would see the doctor quicker if I just went to the offices that were below the hospital.
So, we continued timing and they never were consistently 5 minutes apart. I quit coming back out of the bathroom to lay to the couch since that no longer was comfortable. The only position that I could get any sense of comfort was sitting on the toilet. Between 4:30 am and 5:30 am, I stayed on the toilet and the contractions remained sporadic. At 5:30 am, I called the hospital again to tell them that I was now having bloody discharge and that the only comfortable position was the toilet. I spoke to the nurse for a while and she asked me if I had a contraction while I was on the phone with her. Yes, I had. Well, she said that since I could still talk through them and they weren't consistent, it was a good idea to come to the doctor's office at 8:00 am when they opened, but that it did sound like I was in the beginning stages of labor. She also said that walking was a good idea and that if I wasn't very dilated, then the doctor would have me walk and come back.
I had horrible visions of being one of "those" pregnant women who go to the hospital and get sent back home. At 6:00 am, I didn't care if I was going to be one of those women or not. We were going to the doctor's. From my toilet-sitting position, I gave my husband directions of the things we needed to take with us to the doctor's and we were off. The thought of sitting in the car was simply horrible, but, praise the Lord, the second position I tried was not too bad and I stayed there for the 1 1/2 hour drive to the doctor's.
We called both of our parents and told them that we were on the way to the doctor's office and that we would call them after I was examined and let them know if they needed to come.
When we got to the doctor's office, my husband told me that the contractions were about 3 minutes apart. He could tell this because of the intensity of my prayers. He said that every 3 minutes they got so much louder and more intense. I remember very little about the car ride. My eyes were closed almost the entire ride and I didn't move from the one position that was comfortable. I do remember that at one point, my husband asked how bad the contractions were and I told him that they were definitely manageable. Then, immediately, I got the most intense one that I think I had up to that point. I grabbed the door handle and quoted the Bible, how I am redeemed from the curse of the law and how Jesus went to the cross and took the curse for me so that I may receive the blessings of Abraham. Thank the Lord that I only had one intense contraction like that on the way to the doctor's office.
We arrived at the doctor's at 8:15 am and checked in. The only question they asked us was if my water had broken. No, it hadn't. As I was standing in the waiting room, I turned around and my mom was there. She hadn't waited for us to call her after the exam. She just came straight to the doctor's. I think she may have beat us to the office. They immediately called me in to the exam room and told me to get undressed and sit and wait for my secondary doctor to come examine me. (My doctor was in the middle of surgery.) Ummm, no, thank you. I refused to sit down. As I stood there, waiting for the doctor to come, I held onto the sink and beat my head against the cabinet above it, wondering where in the world the doctor was. Then, I felt a huge gush go down my leg. I sent my husband out of the room to go tell a nurse that my water broke. She came into the room and gave me a towel. While I was trying to clean up, the doctor came in. He saw that I was cleaning myself and so he turned around a walked out. When I found out that he went to another patient, I couldn't believe it. My water just broke and he was making me wait even longer!
About 9:15 am, the doctor came into the room and examined me. He told me that I needed to sit down. No, thank you. I was not going to sit down. It was not going to happen. He informed me that he couldn't examine me unless I got on the table. Finally, I said, "You just need me to lay down, right? You don't need me to sit down." He confirmed that was correct, so I stood in front of the table with my back to it and literally fell back so that I was laying on the exam table. When he examined me, his eyes got as huge as saucers and he said, "You are having this baby! No wonder you don't want to sit down."
"Is it too late for an epidural?" I asked.
"Yes. We have to get you to the delivery room immediately. You are having this baby! Nurse, get a wheelchair and get her upstairs immediately. There's no time for you to put on your clothes, we'll just get blankets to cover you."
So, they took off with me in the wheelchair, going the back way to the delivery room, taking corners on 2 wheels. My husband went to the waiting room and sent my mom with me while he went to register me in the hospital.
When I got to the delivery room, the nurse there examined me and told me that I was ready to have this baby.
"Is it too late for an epidural?" I asked.
"Yes, you are at 10 centimeters."
"Are you sure that it's too late for an epidural?"
"Yes. It's too late."
When my husband got to the delivery floor, my primary doctor was sitting at the nurses station with her feet up, reading the newspaper. He thought for sure that he had missed the delivery. No, we were still waiting for everything to happen.
About 2 hours after my initial exam by the doctor, I had the uncontrollable urge to push. Grabbed my legs, 3 counts of ten. Pushing hard. Next contraction, grabbed my legs, 4 counts of ten. What? I expended all of my energy on the 3rd count. My mom says, "pant like a puppy." What? My hands started slipping because my legs were slimmey from the lotion I had put on them that morning. My husband was standing at my shoulders and my mom was sitting in a chair with her head in her hands. The nurse was at my feet. I can't believe that I put so much lotion on my legs. This would be easier if they were dry.
I look at the nurse and say, "I don't want to do this any more." (At least, my mom tells me that I said this very matter-of-factly.)
The nurse asks me if I brought bows because the baby has a full head of dark hair. Apparently, she didn't care that I decided I didn't want to do this any more.
2 more pushing contractions and my doctor comes in the room. This huge light comes down from the ceiling. My doctor puts on scrubs. 4 more counts of 10. Baby Girl is born! The doctor asks my husband if he wants to cut the umbilical cord. No, he doesn't. She asks me. No, I don't. She asks mom. No, she doesn't. The nurse cuts it. They whisk our girl to the big bassinet with lights on it that is in the delivery room. Congratulations all around. She is born August 17, 2011, at 12:11 pm.
They take my baby to the nursery. I want to go see her. No, I can't because I'm still bleeding too much. My husband stays with me. My mom goes with the baby. The nurse is worried about all the blood. She keeps pushing hard on my abdomen and more and more blood comes out. I didn't get an IV for pain medicine, so they can't put blood clotting medicine in the IV. Three nurses try to get an IV in my hands and arms, but it just won't work correctly. I get a shot of medicine for clotting. The nurse still pushes on my abdomen. Hard. Finally, after a few hours of her pushing every 30 minutes or so, the membrane from the water sac comes out and the bleeding subsides.
They bring my baby back from the nursery. She is perfect. We start getting to know each other. Thank God for our perfect baby girl. She is definitely an answer to our prayers.
God has been so good to us throughout this entire adventure. We had a great team of healthcare professionals caring for us. Contractions were not nearly as horrible as many people have described. The delivery process was doable. Recovery has been fairly easy. Most importantly, He has given us a perfect little girl.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Unfinished Projects
Apparently, I don't like to handstitch projects. Or do finishing touches. I have the following unfinished projects sitting around the living room...
They all just need a little time to be completed. The elephant and birdie rattle need eyes stitched on them. The monkey pillow, birdie, and little tabbed square just need to be handstitched closed. Plus, a bow on the elephant and they are all finished!
Right now, I have time to finish these before the baby arrives. Now, just to get motivated to do these finishing touches....
They all just need a little time to be completed. The elephant and birdie rattle need eyes stitched on them. The monkey pillow, birdie, and little tabbed square just need to be handstitched closed. Plus, a bow on the elephant and they are all finished!
Right now, I have time to finish these before the baby arrives. Now, just to get motivated to do these finishing touches....
Monday, August 15, 2011
Is This Your First?
It seems like a simple-enough question. One that most people who are mere acquaintances or who I have just met ask me very frequently. How can a simple question have such a complex answer?
Is this your first? I know they are asking is this your first baby. But, the answer is not so simple, especially since I don't like to share intimate details of my life with strangers or even the average acquaintance.
When I get this question, there are so many things that go through my mind:
- Is this your first pregnancy? No
- Is this the first time you have planned for a baby, bought baby clothes, decorated a nursery? No
- Is this the first time you have dreamed about what your baby girl is going to look like and what her personality will be? No
- Is this the first time you have picked out a name for your baby? No
However, I simply answer "Yes." I know it's a lie. I know I shouldn't lie. Yet, I still do. I don't want to go into details. I don't want to have to answer any more questions. I just want to get out of the conversation and move on. I just want to walk away from whoever I'm talking to. So, I lie. With one word, I lie and then think about the lie. Think about all the things that this is not the first for. Yet, this is my first baby that I will be bringing home from the hospital and dressing and playing with and raising and enjoying. I guess, in a sense, this is my first. But, yet, she isn't....
Is this your first? I know they are asking is this your first baby. But, the answer is not so simple, especially since I don't like to share intimate details of my life with strangers or even the average acquaintance.
When I get this question, there are so many things that go through my mind:
- Is this your first pregnancy? No
- Is this the first time you have planned for a baby, bought baby clothes, decorated a nursery? No
- Is this the first time you have dreamed about what your baby girl is going to look like and what her personality will be? No
- Is this the first time you have picked out a name for your baby? No
However, I simply answer "Yes." I know it's a lie. I know I shouldn't lie. Yet, I still do. I don't want to go into details. I don't want to have to answer any more questions. I just want to get out of the conversation and move on. I just want to walk away from whoever I'm talking to. So, I lie. With one word, I lie and then think about the lie. Think about all the things that this is not the first for. Yet, this is my first baby that I will be bringing home from the hospital and dressing and playing with and raising and enjoying. I guess, in a sense, this is my first. But, yet, she isn't....
Sunday, August 14, 2011
39 Weeks
This week, I wasn't going to take a picture because I'm so tired. I said to my husband, "I don't want to take my picture. I look horrible." His response was "You look 39 weeks pregnant." Gee, thanks.
My Portrait
One of my favorite little girls drew this picture of me.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Hot Pepper Jelly
One of my husband's co-workers gave us a bag-full of green peppers from her garden. So, I decided to make some hot pepper jelly.
Allrecipes.com had this recipe that I found: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hot-pepper-jelly/detail.aspx
I didn't have any red bell peppers, only green. The jelly is a really ugly green color. Maybe next time I'll put a couple of drops of food coloring in the mixture to make it prettier. All of the bits of peppers were floating to the top so I inverted the jars in hopes that the bits will spread throughout the jelly.
Now, I just have to decide what to do with it....the only thing everyone tells me is to eat it with cream cheese on crackers. That's a lot of cream cheese!
Allrecipes.com had this recipe that I found: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hot-pepper-jelly/detail.aspx
I didn't have any red bell peppers, only green. The jelly is a really ugly green color. Maybe next time I'll put a couple of drops of food coloring in the mixture to make it prettier. All of the bits of peppers were floating to the top so I inverted the jars in hopes that the bits will spread throughout the jelly.
Now, I just have to decide what to do with it....the only thing everyone tells me is to eat it with cream cheese on crackers. That's a lot of cream cheese!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Cupcakes, Cookies, Oh My!
Today was my 39 week doctor's appointment. Nothing has changed since last week. No major progress. She didn't say, "OK, let's check you into the hospital because this baby is coming now." (Even though that's what I wanted to hear!) But, she did tell me that the end was in sight. Yeah! Just a few more days until I have my baby girl!!!!
The doctor also asked me if I have a list of things that I'm going to eat once I have the baby and am off this diet. Of course I do! They all contain carbs or sugar. The State Fair is currently taking place across the street from the hospital. Funnel cakes are on the top of the list!
In celebration of knowing that I'm almost off my diet, I bought this cookbook...
Should I start at the beginning and work my way through each and every recipe? Or, should I just pick and choose what looks the best to make first? I'm thinking these will be made pretty soon...
Of course, my husband has also had to change his eating habits while I've been on this diet. So, I may make these for him since biscotti is one of his favorites...
In any case, I'm sure that what I make is going to be good and is going to be sweet!
The doctor also asked me if I have a list of things that I'm going to eat once I have the baby and am off this diet. Of course I do! They all contain carbs or sugar. The State Fair is currently taking place across the street from the hospital. Funnel cakes are on the top of the list!
In celebration of knowing that I'm almost off my diet, I bought this cookbook...
Should I start at the beginning and work my way through each and every recipe? Or, should I just pick and choose what looks the best to make first? I'm thinking these will be made pretty soon...
Of course, my husband has also had to change his eating habits while I've been on this diet. So, I may make these for him since biscotti is one of his favorites...
In any case, I'm sure that what I make is going to be good and is going to be sweet!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Diaper Bag
The baby's hospital bag is officially packed!
My girlfriend posted this great list of diaper bag contents (http://urbanflowerpot.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-07-06T02%3A18%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=35), which I was able to easily modify. She lives in the city and I live in the country, so there were a few changes that I thought I needed to make. But, for the most part, this is what is included in my diaper bag!
What I'm most excited about is the blanket. I have started a blanket for our baby girl, but I wanted a few special touches put on it, so my mom is helping me. It's not finished yet, so I needed a different blanket to use to bring her home from the hospital.
My mom found my blankie from when I was a baby....
As soon as I saw it, I remembered it! Mom didn't even have to tell me what it was. I loved it! My cousin made it for me and it still looks wonderful. She embroidered a variety of animals on it.
So, our baby girl is going to be able to come home in my favorite blankie from when I was a little girl. How precious!
My girlfriend posted this great list of diaper bag contents (http://urbanflowerpot.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-07-06T02%3A18%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=35), which I was able to easily modify. She lives in the city and I live in the country, so there were a few changes that I thought I needed to make. But, for the most part, this is what is included in my diaper bag!
What I'm most excited about is the blanket. I have started a blanket for our baby girl, but I wanted a few special touches put on it, so my mom is helping me. It's not finished yet, so I needed a different blanket to use to bring her home from the hospital.
My mom found my blankie from when I was a baby....
As soon as I saw it, I remembered it! Mom didn't even have to tell me what it was. I loved it! My cousin made it for me and it still looks wonderful. She embroidered a variety of animals on it.
So, our baby girl is going to be able to come home in my favorite blankie from when I was a little girl. How precious!
I Can-Can
Last night, I was talking to my bff who informed me that of all of the domestic things I have begun, canning is definitely the one that surprised her the most. Last year, I helped my mom do some canning and this year I decided to try it on my own.
So far, this year, I have canned:
- Green Beans
- Garlic Cucumber Pickles
- Salsa
- Hot Dog/Banana Pepper Mixture
- Zucchini Pickles
Also, I've decided that I'm going to make some of my own baby food, so I've canned green beans and peaches for our baby. With these, I've used pint jars and not added any salt or other perservatives. Only water with the fruit/vegetables. I found this blog that has great homemade baby food information: http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/homemade-baby-food-recipes-blog.html
Since I'm a novice, my learning curve has been extremely fast in the canning area and I've learned quite a bit:
1. For green beans, always put the recommended amount of salt in your jars because if you don't, you will never be able to salt them enough to be edible.
2. Even if you pack your jars with the raw vegetables/fruits as tight as possible, when you process them, the jars will have contents will shrink and there will be quite a bit of water in bottom of the jars.
3. Use the vinegar/salt mixture for the peaches or they will turn a horrible shade of brown.
4. Many things can be canned in a hot water bath rather than processed in a canner. (ie, pickles, salsa, etc) Green beans are not one of these!
Something else that I've learned is that freezing fruits and vegetables may be easier, quicker, and just as effective as canning.
If you flash freeze (put slices on cookie sheet and freeze for 30 minutes before putting in ziploc bags to freeze) zucchini, squash, and banana peppers, then they won't stick together or become squishy in the freezer. Tomatoes are great to freeze and then use in soups or sauces. Green beans are not nearly as good frozen as they are canned. They just don't cook right.
Corn is something that I simply will not can. Too much work. As this website explains, canning corn is "not for the faint of heart." http://www.ochef.com/1169.htm
My mother-in-law taught me how to freeze ears of corn, which is so much easier. She barely opens up the top of the stalk to see if there are any bugs. If so, cut out that portion. Then, take a twisty and tie back the stalk. Then, put the ear in a plastic store bag and freeze (I froze 4 at a time so we can just pull out the bag). When you cook the corn, just take it straight out of the freezer, shuck it, and cook in boiling water as usual. Note that this doesn't work if you cook corn in the microwave.
I've also discovered that I can make the fruit mixture of cobblers and freeze them. Then, when I'm ready to make the cobbler, just take the fruit mixture out of the freezer, defrost, heat on stove, and make cobbler as usual. Super yummy and the hard work is already done while the fruit is still fresh.
On agenda for today...peaches, peaches, and more peaches.
So far, this year, I have canned:
- Green Beans
- Garlic Cucumber Pickles
- Salsa
- Hot Dog/Banana Pepper Mixture
- Zucchini Pickles
Also, I've decided that I'm going to make some of my own baby food, so I've canned green beans and peaches for our baby. With these, I've used pint jars and not added any salt or other perservatives. Only water with the fruit/vegetables. I found this blog that has great homemade baby food information: http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/homemade-baby-food-recipes-blog.html
Since I'm a novice, my learning curve has been extremely fast in the canning area and I've learned quite a bit:
1. For green beans, always put the recommended amount of salt in your jars because if you don't, you will never be able to salt them enough to be edible.
2. Even if you pack your jars with the raw vegetables/fruits as tight as possible, when you process them, the jars will have contents will shrink and there will be quite a bit of water in bottom of the jars.
3. Use the vinegar/salt mixture for the peaches or they will turn a horrible shade of brown.
4. Many things can be canned in a hot water bath rather than processed in a canner. (ie, pickles, salsa, etc) Green beans are not one of these!
Something else that I've learned is that freezing fruits and vegetables may be easier, quicker, and just as effective as canning.
If you flash freeze (put slices on cookie sheet and freeze for 30 minutes before putting in ziploc bags to freeze) zucchini, squash, and banana peppers, then they won't stick together or become squishy in the freezer. Tomatoes are great to freeze and then use in soups or sauces. Green beans are not nearly as good frozen as they are canned. They just don't cook right.
Corn is something that I simply will not can. Too much work. As this website explains, canning corn is "not for the faint of heart." http://www.ochef.com/1169.htm
My mother-in-law taught me how to freeze ears of corn, which is so much easier. She barely opens up the top of the stalk to see if there are any bugs. If so, cut out that portion. Then, take a twisty and tie back the stalk. Then, put the ear in a plastic store bag and freeze (I froze 4 at a time so we can just pull out the bag). When you cook the corn, just take it straight out of the freezer, shuck it, and cook in boiling water as usual. Note that this doesn't work if you cook corn in the microwave.
I've also discovered that I can make the fruit mixture of cobblers and freeze them. Then, when I'm ready to make the cobbler, just take the fruit mixture out of the freezer, defrost, heat on stove, and make cobbler as usual. Super yummy and the hard work is already done while the fruit is still fresh.
On agenda for today...peaches, peaches, and more peaches.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Who Is the Real Me?
With all of these changes that are taking place in my life, I've been asking myself, "Who is the real me?"
Am I the business woman who lived in New Jersey and worked extreme hours to get ahead in the corporate world?
Am I the girl who loves to have her hair in a poney tail and play?
Am I the wife who loves her husband with all that she is and would do anything for him?
Am I the person who decided to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and move to a farm?
Am I the nerd who insists on things being balanced and just right?
Am I the analytical person who has taken up sewing as a creative outlet?
Am I the cook who likes to try new recipes and loves to discover new tastes?
I guess the real me is a combination of all of the above and so much more. Lately, I've been feeling like I was either fake when I lived in New Jersey or I am fake now because these two people are simply unrecognizable as one. The things that were important to me then seem to have taken such a back seat in my life now and don't seem to be nearly as vital. Now, I'm very happy wearing my newly sewn apron, cooking every day meals, and waiting on my little girl to arrive. No fake nails, hair it's natural color, minimal jewelry, little make-up, no heels, no power suits.
Apparently, different seasons of life bring out different parts of me.
Barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen...and I'm super happy!
(I guess a little of the Jersey me is still hanging on because I do have a very nice pedicure on these barefoot toes!)
Am I the business woman who lived in New Jersey and worked extreme hours to get ahead in the corporate world?
Am I the girl who loves to have her hair in a poney tail and play?
Am I the wife who loves her husband with all that she is and would do anything for him?
Am I the person who decided to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and move to a farm?
Am I the nerd who insists on things being balanced and just right?
Am I the analytical person who has taken up sewing as a creative outlet?
Am I the cook who likes to try new recipes and loves to discover new tastes?
I guess the real me is a combination of all of the above and so much more. Lately, I've been feeling like I was either fake when I lived in New Jersey or I am fake now because these two people are simply unrecognizable as one. The things that were important to me then seem to have taken such a back seat in my life now and don't seem to be nearly as vital. Now, I'm very happy wearing my newly sewn apron, cooking every day meals, and waiting on my little girl to arrive. No fake nails, hair it's natural color, minimal jewelry, little make-up, no heels, no power suits.
Apparently, different seasons of life bring out different parts of me.
Barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen...and I'm super happy!
(I guess a little of the Jersey me is still hanging on because I do have a very nice pedicure on these barefoot toes!)
Handmade Presents for Me!
As I mentioned previously, I love handmade gifts. I think they are so precious and so much more thoughtful than store-bought gifts. As is the saying, you'll reap what you sow. Well, lately, I have been reaping some wonderful handmade gifts.
One of my friends gave me these adorable coasters. She did such a good job of picking out colors that go with my taste even though she has never seen my house. Her attention to detail definitely shows that so much love and time were put into creating these.
A friend also gave me this absolutely beautiful blanket for our baby girl. I love the colors and patterns. I'm sure our little girl will love it!
I am so thankful for these presents and for the ladies who made them!
One of my friends gave me these adorable coasters. She did such a good job of picking out colors that go with my taste even though she has never seen my house. Her attention to detail definitely shows that so much love and time were put into creating these.
A friend also gave me this absolutely beautiful blanket for our baby girl. I love the colors and patterns. I'm sure our little girl will love it!
I am so thankful for these presents and for the ladies who made them!
38 Weeks
We took this picture in the nursery with my new picture frames hung. I'm excited to fill them up!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Thanks, Mom!
My mom is a cleaner. I am not. It's nice to have a clean house, but the time and effort to make a house spotless just doesn't seem like it is worth it to me. Houses that don't look lived in seem so uncomfortable to me. I'm not saying that I live in a pig sty or like dirt. I just don't mind a little clutter here and there.
Getting ready for our baby to arrive, I've wondered when my nesting insticts were going to kick in. When was I going to just have to clean things and make sure that there was not a spec of dust anywhere the baby was going to be? Well, that hasn't happened...at least not for me. My mom, on the other hand, has become a cleaning powerhouse. She came over and helped me clean the house, including cleaning the carpets. From top to bottom. This is the cleanest I think my house has ever been.
Thanks, Mom!
Getting ready for our baby to arrive, I've wondered when my nesting insticts were going to kick in. When was I going to just have to clean things and make sure that there was not a spec of dust anywhere the baby was going to be? Well, that hasn't happened...at least not for me. My mom, on the other hand, has become a cleaning powerhouse. She came over and helped me clean the house, including cleaning the carpets. From top to bottom. This is the cleanest I think my house has ever been.
Thanks, Mom!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Full-term, Full-duration
My prayer this pregnancy is that this baby girl will be whole, healed, and perfect. Also, that she will be full-term and full-duration. Well, Praise the Lord, we have reached 37 weeks, which is officially full-term!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Head Down
At our ultrasound last week, we found out that the baby's head is down and she is in position for birth! Well, since a couple days before that ultrasound, I have been having pain in my whoo haaa. It's like a burning soreness. I've been doing a lot of research on the internet and in books and the best that I can tell is that this ia result of the baby lightening (or dropping). Dropping is good! I read last night that lightening normally occurs 2-4 weeks before the baby is born. I'm ready! I definitely don't want her to come before it's time for her, before she is ready, but I'm ready! What's a couple more weeks, right????
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Flowers in Bloom
Blooming flowers definitely make a house a home. One of our rose of sharon trees has beautiful white buds and blooms on it this year.
While I was admiring the flowers, I noticed something else special in the rose of sharon tree.
This is the second Mama Bird that has made a nest in one of our rose of sharon trees. Guess we offer a safe environment for the birds. Maybe it's just the mama hormones that are radiating from our house....
While I was admiring the flowers, I noticed something else special in the rose of sharon tree.
This is the second Mama Bird that has made a nest in one of our rose of sharon trees. Guess we offer a safe environment for the birds. Maybe it's just the mama hormones that are radiating from our house....
Monday, July 25, 2011
Picture Pages
I'm so excited to see our little girl and to take picture after picture of her. We are going to dedicate a wall in the nursery for miscellaneous pictures of our family. There is going to be one large central picture of the 3 of us and then we are going to do random pictures around the large one....for example, the baby's hand inside my husband's, their feet together, etc. I've made these picture frames for the pictures that will be hung around the large central one...I still need to get the large picture frame completed.
Just a few more weeks until I get to put pictures in these!
Just a few more weeks until I get to put pictures in these!
Sewing Patterns
Nesting must be setting in. I decided to purchase these sewing patterns from eBay.
Let's hope that I have the desire and time to use them in a few months!
Let's hope that I have the desire and time to use them in a few months!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
36 Weeks
Only 4 weeks left! Or less! We had a growth ultrasound at the doctor's appointment this week and they are projecting our baby to be a little over 8 lbs. at birth. That is the size I was. The doctor also said that if my cervix was favorable, that they would induce any time after 39 weeks, so we could have our baby girl here in less than 4 weeks! That is so very exciting! And, yes, she is still a girl. The tech re-confirmed for us :)
Here is my 36 week picture....
As soon as my mom saw it, she commented on how low the baby was sitting. The tech confirmed that she is head down. So, we are just waiting for her to be ready to grace us with her presence!
Today, we are installing the car seat and learning how to use the Baby Bjorn. It's getting close and we are so excited!!!!
Here is my 36 week picture....
As soon as my mom saw it, she commented on how low the baby was sitting. The tech confirmed that she is head down. So, we are just waiting for her to be ready to grace us with her presence!
Today, we are installing the car seat and learning how to use the Baby Bjorn. It's getting close and we are so excited!!!!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Handmade Gifts
I sent one of the blocks that I made to my girlfriend who has a little boy and she sent me this picture...
I'm so glad that they appreciate the little block. My friend told me that her son just started noticing 3-dimensional objects, so it was perfect timing getting it to him. I certainly hope that he has fun playing with it.
Also, I finished the baby blanket for my husband's friend's son. He's a big boy so I made a big blanket. I hope he likes it, too....
Years ago, handmade gifts were the norm and people rarely bought gifts for others. I guess people have just gotten too busy to carry on that tradition. Personally, I love receiving handmade gifts. Not everyone is a professional and not all handmade items are perfect, with no flaws, but they are made with love. They are all unique and were made just for the receiver. Handmade gifts are definitely the most special.
I'm so glad that they appreciate the little block. My friend told me that her son just started noticing 3-dimensional objects, so it was perfect timing getting it to him. I certainly hope that he has fun playing with it.
Also, I finished the baby blanket for my husband's friend's son. He's a big boy so I made a big blanket. I hope he likes it, too....
Years ago, handmade gifts were the norm and people rarely bought gifts for others. I guess people have just gotten too busy to carry on that tradition. Personally, I love receiving handmade gifts. Not everyone is a professional and not all handmade items are perfect, with no flaws, but they are made with love. They are all unique and were made just for the receiver. Handmade gifts are definitely the most special.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Saying Goodbye
I'm having a really difficult time accepting that my friend is moving to Louisiana. I'm not ready to say goodbye to her. Oh, I know that we can keep in touch, but it just isn't the same. It seems as though something that I wanted so badly, this friendship, was given to me for such a short time and is now being stripped from me. Mentally, I understand that the decision for them to leave has absolutely nothing to do with me. However, emotionally, I can't help but think about how this is impacting me. Is that selfish? Even if it is selfish, is it wrong?
I don't know what to do, how to act, what to say, etc....All I want to do is cry and feel sorry for myself. I know that's not healthy....
I don't know what to do, how to act, what to say, etc....All I want to do is cry and feel sorry for myself. I know that's not healthy....
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Where is My Nesting?
There is much information out there saying that toward the end of pregnany, a woman gets an intense nesting instict to clean, get things prepared for baby, and, in general, turn her house upside down making it perfect for the soon-to-arrive baby. Where's my instict? Where's my need to clean? Where's my desire to wash down the cabinets and go over the bathroom with a toothbrush? It just hasn't arrived yet. Granted, I would like to have my house spotless, but I don't have the NEED to clean. Of course, I don't think I've ever had that need. Maybe nesting is just a more intense version of what you normally are.
The nursery is clean, baby clothes are washed and put away, and the things I've bought have been sprayed with lysol or wiped down with a clorox cloth. I guess only time will tell if the full-blown nesting instict will ever appear....
The nursery is clean, baby clothes are washed and put away, and the things I've bought have been sprayed with lysol or wiped down with a clorox cloth. I guess only time will tell if the full-blown nesting instict will ever appear....
Friday, July 15, 2011
Sewing Projects
One of my friends asked me to make her some headbands. Even though I was a little leary at first because I am such a sewing novice, I jumped in and made a few. I must admit, I had a great time doing it. Not only was I enjoying sewing, but I was also enjoying doing something special for my friend.
I also made some baby blocks. I thought it would be a cute, easy, straight-stitch project. They've turned out really adorable...
I tried a baby ring, but it just didn't work out. I definitely have not graduated to circles yet! So, I'm back to straight, easy things. Right now, I need to finish a baby blanket for one of my husband's friends who just had a 10 pound, 11 ounce baby boy! What a big boy!!!!
I also made some baby blocks. I thought it would be a cute, easy, straight-stitch project. They've turned out really adorable...
I tried a baby ring, but it just didn't work out. I definitely have not graduated to circles yet! So, I'm back to straight, easy things. Right now, I need to finish a baby blanket for one of my husband's friends who just had a 10 pound, 11 ounce baby boy! What a big boy!!!!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Feeling Pregnant
So far, I have had a great pregnancy. Praise the Lord! Yesterday, though, I went off my diet and I am reaping the results right now. It's 4:00 in the morning and I've been up for over an hour. I think, for the first time ever, I'm experiencing acid reflux. I have this lump in my throat that feels like it is blocking my entire esophagus. When I lay down, it just gets worse. Plus, my hips and back hurt.
I always wondered why people ask you if you "feel pregnant" and what that means. Typically, it's implications are negative. That you can't "feel pregnant" and feel great. From the very beginning, I think that I have felt pregnant. I have put the welfare of this little girl above my desires. I have prayed for her and thought about her. I have talked to her and enjoyed feeling her move. Isn't that "feeling pregnant"?
Why can't "feeling pregnant" be a joyous, wonderful question that has nothing but positive implications? Yes, I feel pregnant! I feel thankful for the wonderful, amazing, perfect gift that God has given us. I feel honored that God has chosen us to be the parents of this precious little girl. I feel humbled that I am responsible for such a perfect gift. Yes, I definitely feel pregnant!
I always wondered why people ask you if you "feel pregnant" and what that means. Typically, it's implications are negative. That you can't "feel pregnant" and feel great. From the very beginning, I think that I have felt pregnant. I have put the welfare of this little girl above my desires. I have prayed for her and thought about her. I have talked to her and enjoyed feeling her move. Isn't that "feeling pregnant"?
Why can't "feeling pregnant" be a joyous, wonderful question that has nothing but positive implications? Yes, I feel pregnant! I feel thankful for the wonderful, amazing, perfect gift that God has given us. I feel honored that God has chosen us to be the parents of this precious little girl. I feel humbled that I am responsible for such a perfect gift. Yes, I definitely feel pregnant!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Yard Sale Find
Here is my latest yard sale find. I'm pretty excited about it! My father-in-law said that we need to change the knobs on it to glass and then it would look more authentic.
To the master bathroom it goes....
To the master bathroom it goes....
Changes
Why has it suddenly hit me that everything is going to change? I guess it really is a part of life that things change. And, I know that I'm not in control of those changes. The catalyst that has set me to thinking about these changes is that my very dear friend just informed me that her family is moving to Louisiana. Last week, she mentioned that her husband was applying for a job that would require them to move. I guess that I just chose to ignore that possibility. Yesterday, she told me that her husband had accepted the job in Louisiana and that they are moving. I spent the afternoon crying and then I was so upset that I actually cleaned the bathroom.
I just don't understand why I finally found a friend that is a true friend, who a I enjoy hanging out with, who I trust, and now she is being taken away. I'm fully aware that I am being selfish, and I know that they need to do this if it is the right thing for their family, but it doesn't make me any less sad.
Another thing that has made me think about the changes is that I was looking at the latest weekly pictures of me....
33 weeks...Happy 4th of July!
32 weeks....
31 weeks....with a goat (this is my favorite!)
30 weeks...at the beach
I just don't understand why I finally found a friend that is a true friend, who a I enjoy hanging out with, who I trust, and now she is being taken away. I'm fully aware that I am being selfish, and I know that they need to do this if it is the right thing for their family, but it doesn't make me any less sad.
Another thing that has made me think about the changes is that I was looking at the latest weekly pictures of me....
33 weeks...Happy 4th of July!
32 weeks....
31 weeks....with a goat (this is my favorite!)
30 weeks...at the beach
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