T Minus 5 Weeks and 5 Days

Fair warning, this is how I plan to title all of my blog posts until the baby is born, so if you get bored with it, then I'm sorry about that. Just a quick update to let you know that I am doing much better than I was when I wrote the last few posts. Cline's still been sick, and Christa and I have been "on our own" the last couple of days. But I guess the former nurse in me kicked into gear, because my house is cleaner than it has been in 6 months, and I'm feeling more like a normal person who is capable of caring for herself, her child, and her sick husband :) I'm also feeling like I can handle the petty little things on my to-do list before Abby Kate gets here. Maybe the hormones are balancing out - or maybe I'm on some sort of weird high in the whole mood swing process. Whatever it is, I'm grateful for it and hope it lasts a while!

I do have a couple of quick prayer requests for you guys. While I've been griping about my minor discomforts, these people have been dealing with really serious issues. Would you join me in praying for them?

- Elizabeth is a 9 year old girl who we met at the Victory for Victoria run this past February. She successfully battled a brain tumor twice a couple of years ago, but was diagnosed with leukemia this past weekend. Please pray for a quick response to treatment, strength for her little body, and that God would bless her family with the strength, comfort, and resources they need to get through this time.

- Seth is a little boy at our church who has had multiple medical problems that have been exacerbated over the last couple of months. He had surgery today to place a G-Tube (a tube to allow him to be fed directly into his stomach), in hopes that his digestive tract can recover and that he can resume his normal therapies. His father is a minister, and they have a very positive outlook. Please pray that Seth would make a full and quick recovery, that his family will be able to minister to staff/other families throughout this process, and that they will have the strength, comfort, and resources to get through the ups and downs of his care.

Alright - I'm off to organize and clean. I'm trying not to squander this energy :) Have a great day!

T Minus 6 Weeks

Oh this baby can not get here fast enough!!! And yet, I need about 6 more months to be ready for her. But I can't do anything to get ready for her until I find some energy. And, apparently, I am not going to have energy until I stop sharing my body with her. This is a tough spot to be in! The fact that Cline is now sick, working for the next 4 days straight, and all of my free help decided to leave town tomorrow isn't helping matters right now.

At the moment, I'm having a decorating crisis. If I were a more decisive person, I would have a nursery ready to go and a room for Christa ready to go. But I keep changing my mind about which room should be whose, what Christa's big girl bedding should look like, and which curtains look best in which room with which paint color with which bedding. It's an exhausting process, and one that I'm tired of now... mainly because I just can't seem to find the right combination of bedding, curtains, and wall colors. Then I feel guilty for stressing out so much about curtains and quilts - there really are more important things going on in the world. I'm blaming it on the hormones - the stupid, annoying, energy-sucking, tear-jerking hormones that I am so grateful for because they're keeping my baby healthy until she's ready to be born.

She can't get here fast enough. But I need 6 more months to be ready for her.

Nesting??

Not so much, but I *am* getting a few things done around here. Today alone we got Christa's big girl furniture moved to her new room, put the bassinet together, almost finished Abby Kate's baby quilt, cleaned the toilets (they were embarrassing), and did some normal housekeeping chores. I have a ton of things left on my to-do list, but I'm feeling a little more prepared for this baby than I did a week ago. Physically, I am more than ready for these last 6 weeks to be over and done with, but logistically, we have a long way to go before we are ready to bring Abby Kate home. I'm hoping to be finished with all of the "extra" preparations within the next two weeks. That way, if she comes a little early, or I am put on bed rest for some unforeseen reason, then I won't freak out about all of the things I'd have to ask someone else to take care of on top of all of the childcare and favors I'm already planning on calling in from various family members!

Pictures are still coming. Honestly, I'm putting them off because I have about 6 months worth that need to be downloaded and printed. It's going to take a while, and I'm doing better with smaller, more manageable tasks right now. I will get to it soon, though, because I need to clear my memory card for Abby Kate's arrival.

Random question: does anyone know where I can get baby laundry detergent (like Dreft) for high efficiency washers? That would be awesome information.

Well, I'm off to get some rest after my exhausting day of non-stop, hard core labor accomplishment of a few small tasks that Cline did most of the work on :) As the due date gets closer, I'll have more regular posts on what's going on.

Have a great day!

Hi! Remember Me??

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't posted much the last week. I have tons of pictures to post from several fun events, but no energy to do it. I don't feel to bad about it, because it seems like no one is posting much these days (hint, hint fellow blogger friends :)

We're doing well. I'm exhausted all the time, but other than that, things are going as well as I could hope for. I don't remember being this tired the last time around, but then again, I didn't have a 2 year old to chase around all day. I feel awful "complaining" about it, because the baby and I are both healthy, and I have the wonderful help of family and friends. Plus, Christa's been really great lately - pleasant and entertaining herself as much as I could ask. But I just don't feel like myself. My hormones are completely out of whack - I'm cold for three days, and then having hot flashes, and I've been a bit moodier than I'd like to admit lately (poor Cline:). Taking a shower completely wears me out, and it's a struggle to do the basic things I have to do each day to take care of myself and Christa, especially during the stretches Cline works. I'm sure this is all normal for the third trimester, and I'm just the wimpiest pregnant mom ever, but it's tough for me right now, even under the best of circumstances. I have a whole new respect for pregnant moms who don't have family close by to help out, as well as those moms who work on top of everything else! You go, girls! I'm going to putter along for the next 7 (hopefully 5 or 6) weeks and pray for a newborn who sleeps well!

Alright, I'm done with the "poor me" part of the post. Thanks for letting me get that out, and if I seem a little snappy, or start crying out of the blue, you'll know why now! Christa really is a lot of fun these days, learning new words and sentences by the second. She can repeat almost any word, and understands almost everything we explain to her. I assumed her favorite word would be "no" right about now, but actually, she nods and says "yeah" more than anything else. We're trying to change it to "yes ma'am/sir," but it's nice to have such an agreeable 2 year old (knock on wood)! She's even been eating a little better, lately, which is great.

Well, I'm off to wind down for the evening. Cline's off this week, so I'm hoping the whole nesting thing will kick in and we can get some things done around here. I will post pictures as soon as I can find 30 minutes and a minimal amount of motivation :)

Different

Ever since Christa's birthday, I have been thinking a lot about this time last year. It's been hard not to, and I think it's because these were the days we were celebrating our pregnancy with our Teeny-bear. We had shared our news with family and friends, via video, at Christa's party, and were happily celebrating the 4th of July and getting settled into our new town with one baby and another on the way.

Even though we were in the process of moving, I had strong feelings about having my first doctor's appointment with the same doctor who delivered Christa. I had a great pregnancy and delivery with her, and although I give God credit for that, my doctor was awesome! Plus, I hadn't had time to ask around about our new local doctors, so we scheduled an appointment in Augusta, thinking we could stop off on our way to the beach.

One year ago today, we donned Christa in her newly purchased "I'm the Big Sister" t-shirt, while Cline wore his "New Dad" polo. I took Christa to a Chick-fil-a breakfast, and held her on my knee while I gagged in the bathroom in much the same way I had during my early pregnancy days with her. We drove to the same hospital and walked into the same office that we had walked into so many times when we were expecting Christa. We checked in with the same receptionists. We waited in the same waiting room, and the same nurses called me back to get my blood pressure. We walked through the same walkway and waited again in the same secondary waiting area. I imagined having the same chatty conversation in my doctor's cozy office and had a page full of questions about how we might logistically work out a long-distance delivery. We had the same excited anticipation about hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time.

The same ultrasound tech who did my later ultrasound with Christa called us back to the same ultrasound room. I changed into my paper drape and laid down on the same ultrasound table, noticing the same, annoying "no picture-taking policies." (Stupid malpractice lawsuits!)

The ultrasound started off the same. We looked at my uterus and saw the baby. Teeny-bear looked the same to me as Christa had at that point. But when the ultrasound tech turned the machine off without letting me hear or see the heartbeat, things started to change. I asked about the heartbeat, and she said she couldn't pick one up. At first, I was annoyed, thinking it was too early, and I'd have to worry all weekend over nothing. But as the seconds ticked away, I started to realize that I was on a very different table... in a very different room. I had a different conversation with Cline as I searched for some hope that my dates were wrong, even though I was certain they were correct. Cline gave me a different hug, and we cried different tears. A nurse let us stay in the ultrasound room until the doctor was ready to see us... not in his warm and cozy office, but a very different exam room.

We had a different conversation with Dr. Burns about what to do, and he confirmed our different instincts. My questions about long-distance deliveries were replaced with different questions about this unchartered territory. After the appointment was over, I called my mom in a different tone of voice, and we left on a different vacation, trying to figure out how to go back into a very different world.

I've pretty much chronicled our life since then - we've had our ups and downs, and I'm pleased to say it's been mostly up.

On my due date, we took some small gifts to the Labor and Delivery floor, to be given out to all the babies born that day. As we were awaiting our security clearance to get back to the nurse's station, a woman approached us, and asked us if we had a baby back there. We said no, and she went on to tell us that her granddaughter was behind the locked doors, sick and on a ventilator, and it was just killing her that she couldn't be with her. I gave her one of our gift bags, and told her we would pray for her granddaughter and their family. She said she felt like we were supposed to meet that day. Maybe we were. I hope her granddaughter, Emma Kate, is at home and healthy today.

One year later, life has gone on for us. We are settled in our new town, and even found a different doctor, close by, who we like and trust. We are excited to welcome a new and different daughter into the world in just a couple of months. But we still think about the baby we lost. And knowing that there is no biological way we could have had this baby without losing the other one is... well... different.

One day, we will get to have all of our children together. We very much look forward to that day. In the meantime, we love and enjoy the two precious daughters that God has entrusted us with. And we love and miss the baby He took with Him one year ago today.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Gusta!!

Dear Gusta-bear,

You are a big two-year-old today! You are getting to be such a big girl. Two years ago today, I could never have imagined what you would be like today. And here you are - absolutely perfect! We have had quite another year together. Here are some highlights.

Literally the day after your birthday last year, we moved back to our hometown. We have loved living close to all of your grandparents and some of your great-grand-parents and aunts and uncles. Mommy and Daddy had bought a house last Spring, so we settled right in. I had your room painted pink, since I didn't get to paint your nursery in the apartment.

We celebrated the 4th of July, and it was so nice to drive only 20 minutes to the parade instead of 3 and a half hours! But on July 7, we got some sad news when we found out that we had lost your baby brother or sister. We happened to be on our way to the beach when this happened, so we took you and made the best of it. You were hugged and loved on like never before, and you were about the only one who could make us feel truly happy during those early days. We played with you and had the best time we could have on our vacation and then settled back into our house.

Life went on, and you grew so fast. On your 15 month birthday, you took your first steps. You were not in a hurry to walk, and were perfectly content to crawl wherever you needed to go. Mommy was glad when you started walking, though, because I didn't want your knees to get scraped up. You immediately learned how to bypass the stair gate, which made for a pretty funny blog entry and some cute pictures. We joined a Kindermusik class, which you absolutely loved. Very early on, you started patting your hands to the beat of the music, and dancing whenever you heard a song.

For Halloween, you were a Ladybug - the cutest little ladybug ever! We went to a pizza party in our neighborhood, and showed you off to a few neighbors. You had way more fun sitting on our porch stairs and passing out candy. You gradually started saying more words and learned how to make the "love, love" sign.

In the Fall, we also discovered that you are quite a sports buff. You love any type of "ball" and cheered enthusiastically for your Uncle Cleve on the football field, and later, on the baseball field. You learned to say "hit" and "catch" and even cheered to basketball teams on TV at restaurants. Sometimes the bartenders would get in your way, and you would quickly let them know they needed to move aside so you could see "ball."

We had a great Thanksgiving and Christmas, again without having to travel very far. We spent Christmas Eve with Mimi and Pa, and both sides of the family came to our house for Christmas morning so they could see you react to Santa's presents. Uncle Cleve had taught you to say the word "poop" and make a sign for it, and you had the funniest way of saying that word and making your sign every time you saw him. As we all eagerly awaited your reaction to Christmas morning, wouldn't you know that the first person you saw was Cleve.... and your first reaction was "poop" with a laugh and a sign. We have this on tape to embarrass you with during your teenage years :) We spent the rest of Christmas Day in your daddy's hometown with his side of the family. You had a blast playing with your new presents with your cousins.

We found out right after Christmas that you would be getting a new brother or sister a couple of months after your second birthday. Winter was a little long this year - Mommy was sick for most of it, and didn't tolerate the cold very well. It didn't help that we now live near the mountains instead of hot, Augusta, like I'd become accustomed to for the last 3 years. Just when the weather started getting a little warmer, it rained constantly.

So we kept ourselves entertained with movies and indoor toys and play dates. You started saying little phrases, such as "more please" and got very good at saying "day-doo" ("thank-you"). Mommy and Daddy came up with a little game that we like to play with you. We say, "I love you, do you love me?" You think it's so funny to scrunch your nose up and snort, instead of saying "yes," so we tickle you and say, "You'd better say you love me." We all love this game. Over the last month or so, you've started to say complete sentences. One you say often is "I want to watch..." or "I like/love..." You love the movies Finding Nemo and Cars, and enjoy the TV shows Super WHY and "Melmo" ("Elmo"). You are finally starting to attempt the alphabet and some counting, and you are starting to sing along to songs you hear a lot. You do the cutest little motions to "I Caught Myself a Baby Bumblebee,"and you also recognize the letters "T" and "O." I think you're starting to catch on to your colors. For a little while, everything was "bue" ("blue") according to you, but you're starting to learn purple, pink, red, and white now.

You are a little fish for sure! You love going to the pool, and we go almost every day. You have no fear of putting your face in the water, and try to drink the pool water when you think we're not looking. You're learning how to use your floaties and can keep yourself up for about 15-30 seconds. I think we're quickly approaching the "terrible twos" :) You are delightful, but you have strong opinions and are starting to throw real tantrums when you don't get your way.

We've been telling you for a couple of months about your baby sister who is on the way. I thought you were really understanding things when you pointed to my belly and said "baby" a few times. But not long after that, you pointed to Daddy's tummy and said "baby." You'll get things figured out soon enough, like it or not :) You correctly say that the baby's name is "Abby" when asked, and you are so sweet when you give the baby a kiss.

This year, we're going to have a Finding Nemo birthday party for you. Lots of family and friends are planning to come, and we will have pizza, cake, and water fun here at our house. I love watching you grow and learn new things, and I know it will be all too soon before you are a really, really big girl and off in college or something.

I am so lucky to be your Mommy! God gave me such a special gift two years ago today, and I thank Him every day for you. I love you, sweet angel.

Happy Birthday,
Mommy

A Day in the Life of a Stay-at-Home-Mom

I often get asked what I do all day, being a stay-at-home-mom. Other stay-at-home-moms know what I do all day - they're doing the same things... well, they're probably doing a lot more than I do, since I rarely cook, barely know how to sew, and have never made my own jam or refurbished a piece of furniture. But just like I have no idea how working moms juggle their many responsibilities, many working moms have no idea what my day is like. So, for those of you who are curious, here is a glimpse into what a typical day in our house looks like.

8:00 am - Hear Little Person waking up over the baby monitor. Toss around in bed, and say "ten thirty more minutes."

8:30 am - OK, nine-ish - Decide you're a bad mom if you let your child entertain herself in her crib any longer, and have mental argument over whether you have time to brush your teeth before you go get her.

9:05 am - Decide you don't have time to brush your teeth, but you do have time to check your e-mail.

9:15 am - Greet Little Person with a smile and an "I love you, did you have a good night?," and help her navigate the stairs for breakfast.

9:30 am - Turn on TV show/movie of Little Person's choice (currently Disney's Cars) and place gourmet meal of Eggo waffle and water in front of her. While Little Person is entertained, unload and reload dishwasher, and go get clothes out of the dryer. Notice that clothes are still a little damp because your fancy-schmancy automatic sensor thingy isn't so hot after all, and decide that they do not smell mildewey enough to be rewashed. Reset dryer, and ignore large pile of clothes that needs to be pre-treated.

10:00 am - Change Little Person's diaper, and transfer movie to bedroom TV, so you can take a shower while simultaneously supervising Little Person. Hope Little Person doesn't find your engagement ring and flush it down the toilet or something.

10:30 am - Decide for the 6th day in a row that you will forego blow-drying hair and applying makeup. Pull hair into not-so-great-looking ponytail, and dress Little Person.

10:40 am - Call Working Husband and inquire about what time he thinks he will get off work today.

10:45 am - Check e-mail.

11:00 am - Run an errand or two. This is the perfect time, because it allows you to justify another fine, gourmet meal via a drive-through for lunch.

12:15 pm - Serve Little Person chicken nuggets and french fries. Wonder why Little Person refuses to eat fruits and vegetables. Insist that Little Person watch taped "Super Why" or PBS instead of Cars this time because you're not going to be one of "those" moms who lets the TV entertain her child all day unless it's educational. Eat cheeseburger, and fold dry laundry. Allow folded laundry to sit in living room at least a week before putting it in it's proper location. The benefit on this is three-fold - 1. it allows easy access to said laundry over the week, 2. there is much less laundry to be put away once you finally get around to it, and 3. Working Husband might get tired of stepping over it and put it away for you.

1:00 pm - Change Little Person's diaper, and realize you haven't changed it since she woke up this morning.

1:01 pm - Observe that Little Person seems unharmed by the lack of mid-morning diaper change, and note that you have saved time and resources by not changing her. Bask in the glory of your physical and economic efficiency.

1:05 pm - Put Little Person down for nap.

1:10 pm - Check e-mail.

1:45 pm - Call Working Husband and ask what time he thinks he'll get off work today.

1:50 pm - Have mental argument over whether to tackle your never-ending list of chores or take a nap. Nap wins 75% 90% of the time.

3:00 pm - Hear Little Person waking up on monitor.

3:15 pm - Go get Little Person and greet her with, "Hi baby, did you have a good nap?" Change her, and help her down the stairs.

3:30 pm - Offer Little Person gourmet snack of goldfish crackers after she slings her yogurt all over the kitchen.

3:31 pm - Call Working Husband and ask what time he thinks he'll be home today.

3:45 pm - Play Dollhouse with Little Person. At Little Person's insistence, attempt to squeeze giant rubber duck through tiny door.

4:00 pm - Watch Little Person work a puzzle. Pat self on back when she correctly identifies the blue piece. Bask in the glory of your fine mothering skills, and mentally say, "In your face, person who said children should only be allowed to watch 30 minutes of TV per day!"

4:15 pm - Read a few books to Little Person. Take Little Person outside to play, weather-permitting.

5:00 pm - Take Little Person to Mimi's house. Surf internet while Mimi entertains Little Person.

6:00 pm - Call Working Husband and ask what time he'll be home.

6:15 pm - Return home, and serve gourmet meal of tortilla chips and cheese to Little Person. Reheat Lasagna that Little Person refused to eat the night before, and eat it yourself. Give in when Little Person insists that she must watch Cars again. Wonder if your child watches too much TV.

6:30 pm - Greet Working Husband who is FINALLY home! Do happy dance. Berate husband when he asks for 15 minutes to unwind and change clothes.

7:00 pm - Go to neighborhood pool as a family, and watch Little Person drink the pool water.

8:00 pm - Bathe and dress Little Person for bed.

8:30 pm - Begin bedtime routine of bible story, song, books, teeth brushing, and bedtime prayers. Thank God for Little Person (and Working Husband), and pray for many more days just like this one.

9:00 pm - Check e-mail. Notice people are asking when you're planning to blog again.

9:30 pm - Add yogurt-soaked outfit to pile of clothes that needs to be pre-treated, and crash on couch. Fall asleep watching TV, and tell yourself you'll mop the floors and scrub the bathrooms "tomorrow..."