Nesting

Today we had the wonderful opportunity to order the furniture for our new baby! In 7-14 days the nursery should be set. I keep picturing his little head laying in the crib, the car seat, the sling, and imaginging life with a tiny newborn again. We also bought his going-home-from-the hospital outfit and it brought back a flood of memories from when my other two boys came home for the first time too. As of today, I feel pretty prepared and should only need to do a few more things before he gets here. Last night I couldn't sleep and actually began to panic wondering if I'll remember how to do everything.:) With Gabriel I read so many books, heard a ton of advice, and took every pregnancy/birthing class offered. Even though it was my first time trying, I felt like I was ready to graduate to mommyhood and had crammed all the info into notes, and my brain that I could. With Grant, and again this time, I feel like I'm just coasting on memory and hoping it will come back to me! I'm sure it will but I just want to feel adequate to give the baby everything he needs. I think Jim went through his panic stage a few months ago and now he is ready whatever comes our way.:) Thankfully we each hit our insecure moments at different times so we could comfort the other one! Anyway, one of the vital books that I've actually opened EACH pregnancy is called "Prayers for the Expectant Mother" by Angela Thomas. It covers each stage, from before conception, to after birth, miscarriage, and everything in between (hearing the heartbeat, first kicks, etc). If you are ever looking for a present for an expecting mommy, this would be an amazing gift (+ a box of tissues)!! Anyway, I thought I would post one for today. She is such an amazing writer and definately has the gift of eloquent prayer!

The Next Generation
Dear Maker of All,
My doctor’s waiting room is full of mothers-to-be—women who are carrying my baby’s peers. I pray a special blessing for these who will be birthing the next generation. Their sons and daughters will make life-changing decisions and discoveries. Their children will conceive and establish the communities where my baby will live. My child will join theirs in filling the earth.
The demeanor of each mother hints at her disposition. Some are calm and pensive. Others seem stressed and already exhausted. The first-timers stare in awe at the mothers whose laps are full of children. And the mothers with children don’t even seem to notice they’re pregnant again. We all seem relatively composed, considering the feat we will soon perform and the life change it will bring.
Lord, I wonder if these women realize that childbirth is by Your design? Do they understand that Your very presence abides in their wombs, creating life? Will they recognize the image of God in the faces of their babies? Oh Father, I pray for these women, that at this incredibly special time, their hearts will be tender toward Your truth. Maybe pregnancy could be the catalyst that moves them to consider their Creator.
God, I pray that the reality of Your existence would impact these mothers, radically changing the way they will raise their children. Let our children know a world where more people serve You. Let godliness increase where selfishness has failed.
It is a privilege to be fruitful and multiply. It is a privilege to bear the next generation. It is a privilege to call You God.
Amen

Hair Help or Hype?

I keep seeing this pop up everywhere! It's a water purification system from Jonathan Product. It twists on to your shower head and is supposed to preserve your hair color, keep it healthy, and even nourish your skin! A few months ago I was in line at Bath & Body works and the lady in front of me was buying one. I asked her about it and she said she heard it really works and couldn't wait to try it! Still, I'm not 100% convinced it would make THAT much difference. I'll have to ask my stylist. I'm not going to shell out the $95 to get one right now, but I've been thinking about it. For all the info (it's a pretty convincing description) or to order click on: http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=5797&contentId=C12500.

If you buy one let me know how it works, enquiring minds want to know!:)

General Gripes

I’m allowed for a little rant every now and then right? I know life is pretty great right now so I can’t complain but a few things have been on my mind.
First is my major frustration and worry about our other home in WI. It’s been over 9 months since we put it up for sale and it’s STILL sitting there as we pay double mortgages (ugh). We never intended for it to be this way, it’s just everything happened so fast with jobs, moving, and trying to find a new place to live. The good news is that the market seems to be picking up and hopefully we will get an offer soon (someone…anyone)!! In some ways it is a HUGE stress, but in other ways we are okay with it because God always seems to provide just enough for us to get by, and this time has been no exception. Still, with a new baby on the way and maternity leave, I just keep praying we can unload the house to the right people…soon!
Anyway, I guess that is my only gripe….not too bad I guess (I thought I had more)!:) Lol. I could complain about the weather but the sun just came out so now I’m feeling better about that too.:) The next week looks like 50 and 60’s so there will be tons of walks and outside play for sure! I am SO ready for a little sunshine and warm weather. I’ve been working out doing weight training and “The Firm” since it’s been too chilly outside. I’m just kind of bored with the workout (although it’s fantastic) but I’ll be happy for a little change of pace when we can go explore the local parks and walking trails around town.
Last week I had another OB appt. but I never saw the doctor because he had a delivery. So Monday I will go back and see how the baby is doing, I always love hearing his heartbeat! I also bought my hospital pj’s and other items to pack when the baby comes. I have been counting the days until we can order the nursery furniture (we’ve been saving up for a few months now). Friday is the big day and I am so anxious to get the baby’s room ready to go! That’s about it. It’s laundry day so I better get going before the boys wake up from their nap!

Peanut Shell so Swell!

How cute is this?! I finally ordered a new sling for baby "G" and I'm so excited because it took forever to find the right one. I took way to much time researching this (don't ask me why) but the Peanut Shell just has it all. It's inexpensive, versatile, and super cute! I ordered this color because it's so bright and fun. Anyway, for more info, visit the website at: www.goo-ga.com.

Today I have another doctor's appointment so it's another weigh-in!:) I am excited to hear the heartbeat though and see how everything is going. We still have so much to get situated and next week we will be finally ordering the nursery furniture (hopefully it gets here in time)!:) The boys and Jim are doing good, we've had a fantastic week together. We are starting a new family work-out plan and the kids love to do push-ups and sit-ups with daddy. It's so cute!

Martial Arts Man... Hi-Ya!

Here is my big boy at Tae Kwan Do class! He is a bonified member of now and loves it already. Today was our second class and although he has a lot to learn, I was so proud at how enthusiastic he was and eager to get involved. I was also impressed at how quickly he seemed to pick up the material. He wasn't just flailing his arms and kicking, he was really trying to mimic the correct form and do it right. It's so funny though because Grant was also there and all weekend he would run around the house and say "hi-ya" in his little voice! So far so good though, we'll just keep plugging and stick with it.
Friday we also went to the hospital and took a tour of the Labor/Delivery floor where the baby will be born! There was a beautiful little girl in the nursery and my arms just ached to hold ours. I love how they are swaddled so tight and warm with their tiny little hats! It really made me anxious to meet our little bundle and finally see his face. Well as always I have much more to write but no time! The boys are calling.:)

8 Months and Counting!

Here is the latest belly shot! 32 weeks down, 8 to go! It feels like I have been pregnant for years (Lol) thankfully I am just about in the home stretch now. Today will be another short entry because we are off to get the hospital tour to see where the baby will be born! We've been meaning to go for weeks now and just kept putting it off. Tonight is Gabe's first Tae Kwan Do class too! I can't wait to see how it goes, I am really curious to observe. Have a great weekend!

Mom's Day

Today was a special time at Gabe's school....Mom's Day!!!! We had a great time playing games, doing crafts, and singing songs. I actually have more photos to post but we are off to Grandpa's house to celebrate his birthday. I'll be back with more pics later!

Popsicles Please!

A few days ago I made a yummy discovery: Swirl Stix! We have all been sick and there is nothing like a tasty popsicle to hit the spot when you have a sore throat. They are actually supposed to be very good for you, great if you are on a diet! I picked them up at Sam's Club and I have a feeling we'll be finishing off the big bulk box in no time flat!

In other news, we are starting a new activity for Gabe tomorrow. He is trying a Tae Kwan Do class! He is SOOO psyched about it and it's hilarious to see him kicking and doing his own karate moves in the living room as he "prepares". This is something we just wanted to try to help him with discipline and confidence and most of all, something FUN for him to do. I don't want to get super involved and competitve at this age so we are entering it with a very easygoing attitude. Well I better get my sick self back to bed. Jim is coming home to help nurse us back to health today, my knight in shining armor!!:)

TV TIme!

What a funny day! Today we had a great time at Channel 3 (WKYC, Cleveland) hanging out with the people on "Good Company". Everyone was so nice and big thanks to Michael, Andrea, Eileen, Fred and Tina. I am always in awe of how television works, it just seems so glamorous and fun! Andrea and Michael are really good at what they do so it made it easy to relax a little bit. Anyway, I was excited that they have streaming video so I'll post the link in case you want to see it! I look pretty huge but remember, I'm almost 8 months pregnant and the camera adds 35 pounds!!! Lol.

http://www.wkyc.com/video/player.aspx?aid=20805&bw=

Mommy Wars: Pt 2

Wow, WHAT a hot topic! We knew it would be, I mean if you are a parent chances are you've got a strong opinion about staying home, working, working from home, or working part-time. We talked to Leslie Morgan Steiner on the show today (the author of "Mommy Wars"). I definitely think it's something we could talk about for a week and still not cover all the thoughts and experiences that people have on the subject. It was funny though, last night Grant was up from 1:50 AM until 4:30 screaming and crying from an ear infection. I was going to call in sick and stay home with him, but Jim is off today so I decided to leave him in daddy's hands and come in. I keep getting flooded with e-mails regarding the "Mommy Wars" topic and this lady wrote something that really hit home (for me) today. I thought I would share it here too, this is a portion of her e-mail:

One of the guidelines I learned much later in life that has guided me since is the question: Who will this matter to in one year from now? Or five or ten? If my child was sick and I was working, I had to weigh just how sick and then could ask -Will anyone at work even remember (or care) if I wasn't here today? Will it matter to my child in one year if I wasn't here? It's been a good help for me.

Okay, so now I feel guilty for leaving my sick baby.:( I think it's a wonderful perspective though and a great guideline to remember. I suppose for me I feel like I have the best of both worlds in many ways. My kids are only awake about 2 hours before I come home and hang out with them all day. It seems like a part-time job since I am home so early and most of the time I feel like a working, stay-at-home mom. Lol. Anyway, if you are looking for a GREAT book to read, I highly recommend "Mommy Wars" because it really covers the whole spectrum of experiences. You can also check out Leslie's website at: www.mommywars.net

Oh, Stop Me Now!

Spring is in the air and I am itching to dress for the occasion! A few weeks ago Gap broke out their new season and so far I have been very good and haven't bought a lick of clothing! The boys are due for a refreshed wardrobe though so I've been scoping the site almost daily for new markdowns. I rarely, if ever, buy clothes full-price and Gap is usually pretty great about quickly shelving their styles and putting things on clearance. They go through so much inventory and it's good because that means there is always a good deal to be found!:) NOM on the other hand is always a splurge (that's my fav. maternity place) and they have some beautiful items this season too but it's always a stretch for us to afford it. I've really been good at not spending anything during this pregnancy (well technically I guess that because I've bought maternity clothes the past 2 yeas when I wasn't even pregnant) hehe. Anyway, it's been good because we've just focused on saving for the baby so now I'm afraid I'll blow it and press the "buy" button when I shouldn't! Poor Jim, he's always the last to get outfitted with new stuff and he really needs some clothes too!
I just found out Len and I are going to be on Channel 3 this Friday. Yikes, I'm nervous because the camera ALREADY adds 10 pounds (or is it 30)? Lol. It should be fun though, I get giddy every time and even though I usually look like a dork, I always have so much fun being a part of the excitement. Well I better get going, it's probably best if I turn off the computer before I buy something I shouldn't!

Mental Block

I had a bad dream today. During my afternoon nap (of course I only sleep if/when the boys do) I dreamt I was getting weighed at the doctor's office. The scale showed I had gained 77 pounds!!! On top of that, in my dream the nurse told me that my feet smelled too! Lol. What is up with that?! I've really come to fear the doctor's scale because each time I have an appointment, I think my weight will be fine and so far EVERY time I have been shocked at the amount I've gained. Since I am going back on Thursday I suppose it's just my insecurity coming out. At the same time, it annoys me that I care so much. Why do I let it bother me....I'm growing a BABY for goodness sake! In my heart I know my first concern is the baby's health and I pray about it all the time and try to do everything I can to take care of myself (and him). Yet my weight issues keep creeping into my head it bothers me that I waste my time thinking about it. It's interesting though because I really feel your body responds to each pregnancy in a totally different way. With each of my boys my experience was night and day, and this time I'm learning once again from my body. Maybe it's because I'm getting older, maybe it's because I've already carried 2 children full-term but the weight has piled on in new areas and it's not because I've been pigging out either. It's just a natural reaction because my body is now about FUNCTION instead of form. Anyway, hopefully I will let that sink into my brain and I won't stress so much about every little stretch mark, bulge, and flab.:) My goal is still to complete a marathon in 2007 so I'll have plenty of time to worry about burning calories later. Right now I just hope my little bundle is getting all the nutrients he needs, despite mom's waistline.:)

Nothing Beats Bubbles!!

It's so funny that we spend a ton on "stimulating", battery-operated, colorful toys but I still think the best fun is the simple stuff!!! Yesterday we hit Toys R Us and left with full stock of bubble fun. We bought a ton and spent less than $15 and it's been non-stop giggles and bubble-blowing ever since!:) We finally cleared out the basement and set up a nice play area with different activity stations. It was so much fun drawing on the chalkboard, playing with the train set, and molding play-doh in between bubble breaks. I could tell it was such a great release for the boys, plus I'm not worrying about the mess or carpet stains so we lived it up!:) The weather looks beautiful this week too so I am also excited about being able to take the kids outside and go for long walks.
Now that we are getting set for our hospital tour of the delivery ward, I think it's really hit me how little time we have left before the baby gets here. We were hoping save x-amount of dollars for maternity leave, plus have all the newborn items ready to go and we are behind in both areas! It's okay because we have a game-plan but between the breast-pump, new bouncy seat, sling, and bedroom set, we still have a lot of ground to cover. Thank goodness for Ebay, that's the best short-cut I know!:) Well I better get back to cleaning and laundry. It's another beautiful day, hopefully we'll be able to squeeze in a walk too!!

Happy Weekend!

It's such a beautiful day, I love sunny Saturday's! I am so anxious for the weather to start warming up so we can all play outside. We are definately an outdoors family and I know the boys are looking forward to Spring. Last night Jim and I rented "Walk the Line" and it was really good. I actually found myself wishing the movie was longer! I hope it does well at the Acadamy Awards but I'm not going to be tuning in to find out. Most of the other movies up for awards I really could care less about (although I did like Crash) but I'm not going to waste my time watching an awards show when I'm not cool with what was nominated. Just my own two cents.:)

I'm excited about this week, we are getting a tour of the hospital where the baby will be born. I am finally starting to feel like I'm in the home stretch of my pregnancy and I can't wait to meet this little guy!