"Live...Laugh....Love"
Tom is back to the office until Baby arrives. He got a lot done in our backyard. We have a beautiful shed - passed inspection! And a huge wonderful playset for our children. We still need the swings attached, but the slides are on and getting a lot of use. Now I need to find time to work on the inside of our home. Still can't even step into our basement. I have a hard time letting go of stuff, but I think I'm ready to go through it all. It'll be easier once we find out if Baby is a boy or a girl. We have lots of toys and clothes down there.
Today I am 37 weeks. Baby is moving around a lot. (Has the hiccups right now.) I really thought we'd be at the hospital yesterday. I remember having false labor in the past, but not like this. My oldest even said he's never seen me so bad before. But usually I go into labor at night, so they've never really seen mommy having true contractions. This little one is just teasing me. I would like to wait until August. I'm just not quite ready. Normally I get to a point where I am so uncomfortable that I can't wait to go into labor. I'm not there yet. I think it might be the thought of having a newborn to care for while also trying to get 5 children off to school every morning that's holding me back. I better learn how to be very organized very quickly. Lunches, snacks, bus schedules, homework,...and all the needs that a new little baby comes with. We're praying for a healthy, happy, patient child. I'm also praying that Sarah accepts her new little brother or sister. She has been very "clingy" lately. Still waking up and screaming until I get up and bring her to bed with me and Tom. I've tried letting her cry a little, but one of the older children comes in to let us know they can't sleep with Sarah screaming. I think she will enjoy the time we'll have together this year while Baby is napping - which they usually do a lot of at first. Sarah will get mommy all to herself in the mornings.
Yesterday was our church picnic. Lots of fun, good food - beautiful weather. I am so thankful that it has been a pretty cool summer. I was afraid I'd be suffering in the heat for 3 months, but it's been really nice.
When we got home from the picnic, Tom finished up the slides and we had some neighbor children over to help break them in. After I bathed our girls Tom and I had to go drop off the truck at his work. Not the thing we really wanted to do at 9:30 at night, but it had to be done. I am not big on driving on the Interstate - another reason to rethink the big family van.
Today I am going to take all 6 children to the pool. My neighbor is taking her 4. Should be fun.
There are a couple of meltdowns going on around me. Time to put on some music (totally changes the mood in our home - I recommend it.) Then I will let them all know that we are going swimming. That should make them all very happy.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Getting Ready
"Home Is Where Your Story Begins"
Lots of practice contractions going on. I even packed my bag last night and made sure the batteries for the cameras were full. It takes about 1/2 hour to get to the hospital. I am going to be ready to go when the time comes. I don't think our 7th baby will take long once labor starts. I want to be at the hospital with an epidural in place.
Went to my doctor again today. The receptionist gave me my hospital registration papers to fill out. I was looking through them, checking out the vistior hours, and it really started to hit me. It's going to happen. I am going to have a 7th child. Wow. I also had another NST today. Baby took a little nap again - but the chocolate chip cookie they gave me woke him/her up. Of course, once baby started moving around and getting their heartbeat going - the paper in the machine ran out. Thankfully s/he kept moving while they changed the paper and we got enough movement recorded to see that all is fine. S/he is in position. Sometimes it is very hard to walk.
Tom has been home this week getting some things done around the house. The shed is now painted to match our house. Yesterday while Tom was painting I went outside to chat with him and to just get some "space" - which never happens by the way. There is always at least one little person that follows me. Yesterday it was Noah. He did give us a good laugh though. Tom and I were talking and Noah kept trying to get in on the conversation. "What did you say? What?" We just looked at him and he finally seemed to get it. "Oh...you said something that is none of my concern." I guess he's heard that a few times before :o)
Tom is out there right now putting some final touches on the shed so the village can come inspect it tomorrow. I can't wait to park my van in the garage again. It'll be nice to have a place to store a bunch of our stuff. There isn't a lot of room in the garage with 8 bikes sitting in there, strollers, water toys, grill, mower,....this will be nice. Especially if we end up buying a "monster" vehicle. Yikes.
When Tom put the shed in, he had to move our swingset/fort. It kind of fell apart during the move and our children have been sad that their play area is gone (mommy too)...but there was a family who was getting rid of a swingset/fort and they said we could have it if we removed it. Tom spent a couple of days taking it apart piece by piece and with some help he got it to our home yesterday. I can't wait to see it all put together. It's huge! Good for 7 kids :o)
I looked on our school district's website. Open House for our children is the same day baby is due. I warned Tom today that he might be on his own to meet the teachers and take in the supplies. He didn't seem thrilled with that idea. He suggested I have the baby a couple days after my due date - that's when I told him that then he'll be doing the first day of school solo. Lunches, backpacks, forms to fill out, bus schedules...all for 5 children. Maybe a few days or a couple weeks early would be better.
I also have to decide what kind of activites to put my children in this year. Do I really want to run around that much when baby is born? No, but it's tough to decide what your children "need" to be in. School keeps them busy enough. Not to mention the cost of everything. Gymnastics, baseball, dance,...It's nice that our oldest can do activites at school in Jr. High and that he knows what he likes. He loves art and cooking and is getting more into writing. He is writing about having Tourettes to share with his teacher from last year. She was, and continues to be, very supportive of Brandon. We couldn't have wished for a better teacher for Brandon. He did great last year at school. A few struggles here and there, but a lot of improvement. I am so proud of the way he handles having Tourettes. He is such a great "kid." I put quotes around kid because he is only 13 and has his moments with his siblings, but he is also taller than me, his voice is getting lower, and he can be so helpful and caring. I enjoy the relationship I have with Brandon. He knows he can talk to me about anything. Being our first child, he did get a lot of one on one with Mommy as a baby. I was a nanny when I had Brandon and he used to come to work with me. I took Brandon everywhere. He was always a lot of fun, but also a handful at times too. (That's how I know there is hope that one day Noah's energy will be at a level I can handle someday too.) hee hee Noah :o)
Noah is showing signs of possibly having Tourettes too - now that we know what to look for - and that might be part of the energy. They used to want to label Brandon with ADHD, but we knew that wasn't it. Noah's teachers already agree that he does not have ADHD because they have observed him, but he is impulsive and does have some "tics" that really come on when you ask him about them. He did have an MRI done for headaches (which is usually caused by running around too much or from his head shaking "tic.") They found a cyst, but don't think it's causing anything. We'll be rechecking it in October. If it turns out that he does have TS, he'll have the best support ever from his biggest brother.
Each child is very special. Each child will have wonderful talents of their own. Each child will have their own struggles too. I am happy to know that our children have each other. There are days when they are yelling and fighting and running around in the house -- but it's the moments when they're playing nicely together, helping each other, laughing together that I'll remember. Some days may feel very long, but the years feel so short.
Lots of practice contractions going on. I even packed my bag last night and made sure the batteries for the cameras were full. It takes about 1/2 hour to get to the hospital. I am going to be ready to go when the time comes. I don't think our 7th baby will take long once labor starts. I want to be at the hospital with an epidural in place.
Went to my doctor again today. The receptionist gave me my hospital registration papers to fill out. I was looking through them, checking out the vistior hours, and it really started to hit me. It's going to happen. I am going to have a 7th child. Wow. I also had another NST today. Baby took a little nap again - but the chocolate chip cookie they gave me woke him/her up. Of course, once baby started moving around and getting their heartbeat going - the paper in the machine ran out. Thankfully s/he kept moving while they changed the paper and we got enough movement recorded to see that all is fine. S/he is in position. Sometimes it is very hard to walk.
Tom has been home this week getting some things done around the house. The shed is now painted to match our house. Yesterday while Tom was painting I went outside to chat with him and to just get some "space" - which never happens by the way. There is always at least one little person that follows me. Yesterday it was Noah. He did give us a good laugh though. Tom and I were talking and Noah kept trying to get in on the conversation. "What did you say? What?" We just looked at him and he finally seemed to get it. "Oh...you said something that is none of my concern." I guess he's heard that a few times before :o)
Tom is out there right now putting some final touches on the shed so the village can come inspect it tomorrow. I can't wait to park my van in the garage again. It'll be nice to have a place to store a bunch of our stuff. There isn't a lot of room in the garage with 8 bikes sitting in there, strollers, water toys, grill, mower,....this will be nice. Especially if we end up buying a "monster" vehicle. Yikes.
When Tom put the shed in, he had to move our swingset/fort. It kind of fell apart during the move and our children have been sad that their play area is gone (mommy too)...but there was a family who was getting rid of a swingset/fort and they said we could have it if we removed it. Tom spent a couple of days taking it apart piece by piece and with some help he got it to our home yesterday. I can't wait to see it all put together. It's huge! Good for 7 kids :o)
I looked on our school district's website. Open House for our children is the same day baby is due. I warned Tom today that he might be on his own to meet the teachers and take in the supplies. He didn't seem thrilled with that idea. He suggested I have the baby a couple days after my due date - that's when I told him that then he'll be doing the first day of school solo. Lunches, backpacks, forms to fill out, bus schedules...all for 5 children. Maybe a few days or a couple weeks early would be better.
I also have to decide what kind of activites to put my children in this year. Do I really want to run around that much when baby is born? No, but it's tough to decide what your children "need" to be in. School keeps them busy enough. Not to mention the cost of everything. Gymnastics, baseball, dance,...It's nice that our oldest can do activites at school in Jr. High and that he knows what he likes. He loves art and cooking and is getting more into writing. He is writing about having Tourettes to share with his teacher from last year. She was, and continues to be, very supportive of Brandon. We couldn't have wished for a better teacher for Brandon. He did great last year at school. A few struggles here and there, but a lot of improvement. I am so proud of the way he handles having Tourettes. He is such a great "kid." I put quotes around kid because he is only 13 and has his moments with his siblings, but he is also taller than me, his voice is getting lower, and he can be so helpful and caring. I enjoy the relationship I have with Brandon. He knows he can talk to me about anything. Being our first child, he did get a lot of one on one with Mommy as a baby. I was a nanny when I had Brandon and he used to come to work with me. I took Brandon everywhere. He was always a lot of fun, but also a handful at times too. (That's how I know there is hope that one day Noah's energy will be at a level I can handle someday too.) hee hee Noah :o)
Noah is showing signs of possibly having Tourettes too - now that we know what to look for - and that might be part of the energy. They used to want to label Brandon with ADHD, but we knew that wasn't it. Noah's teachers already agree that he does not have ADHD because they have observed him, but he is impulsive and does have some "tics" that really come on when you ask him about them. He did have an MRI done for headaches (which is usually caused by running around too much or from his head shaking "tic.") They found a cyst, but don't think it's causing anything. We'll be rechecking it in October. If it turns out that he does have TS, he'll have the best support ever from his biggest brother.
Each child is very special. Each child will have wonderful talents of their own. Each child will have their own struggles too. I am happy to know that our children have each other. There are days when they are yelling and fighting and running around in the house -- but it's the moments when they're playing nicely together, helping each other, laughing together that I'll remember. Some days may feel very long, but the years feel so short.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Nights Out
"Wish it...Dream it...Do it!"
Thursday night I went on a date with my husband Tom. We had a great time. We won a gift certificate last summer at the Tourette Syndrome picnic. It was for a restaurant downtown called Twin Anchors. They're pretty famous for their ribs. Lots of celebrities eat there or order from there. The movie Return to Me was filmed there and so was the bar scene from The Dark Knight. The food was excellent - and so was the service. Kimmy was our waitress and she was wonderful. When we were done and went outside there was a guy outside having a cigarette. He saw my very pregnant belly and asked if I was pregnant or was that the ribs. Ha ha got to love "drunk humor." I said I was definitely pregnant, but patted my hubby's tummy and said that that was the ribs. He then asked if this was our first child. I always put on a big smile before asnwering that question. I told him no, this is our 7th. His response? Whoa! Irish Catholic? Do you live on a farm and need the extra hands? Ok...I've heard the Irish Catholic question before, but not the farm one. People used to assume I grew up on a farm when they found out I grew up in Iowa, but I hadn't heard it related to the number of children I have. Anyways, he said we were the most modern couple he's met with that many kids. Whatever that means.
Last night Tom and I took our 2 oldest boys to a White Sox game. We are huge White Sox fans -- I used to be a Cubbies fan, but in 2005 while I was pregnant with Leah I watched a lot of the Sox with Tom. I really liked how the players worked / played together and I liked Ozzie. I got to know all the players and could actually name them. The night they won the World Series was the night I went into labor with Leah. It was tough dragging my hubby off of the couch. I waited until the contractions were really strong and close before letting him know what was going on. He thought if I sat down and stopped pacing the floor, the contractions might slow down long enough for the game to be over. Ummm no. It doesn't work like that. We had to listen to the Sox win while in the car on the way to the hospital and I had to listen to my husband and doctor talk about the White Sox's WS win while I was having our 2nd baby girl. She was born soon after midnight so her "birth newspaper" has a great headline and Tom and I spent the day in my hospital room with our new baby girl watching the victory parade on tv. How can I not be a Sox fan? Ok, back to last night...Excellent game! We won 12 - 8 against the Orioles. Thome hit 2 homeruns and Podsednik had a great night. I'm glad Chicago brought him back. I wish I could have worn my "Pod Squad" shirt, but my belly wasn't going to fit into it :o) We ate a bunch of yummy food, watched our team win, then watched a great fireworks show. The show was to music from the 80's "hair bands." We didn't know until we got there, but it was Mullet Night at the game. Lots of workers and fans wore mullets and they had mullets drawn on the players' pictures up on the screen. It was a fun night to be there. The only "difficult" part of the evening was walking all the way to and from the car. Those "practice" contractions were coming a lot last night. I think baby just felt and heard all the excitement.
A couple of weeks ago I was feeling pretty excited when I felt the braxtons, now I'm starting to get a little nervous. I'm starting to remember what labor feels like and why I always end up getting the epidural. I just hope I get to the hospital on time with this one. Believe it or not, it's still a little strange knowing that we're going to have a baby in the next month. I don't think it's going to be real to me until I'm holding this little one, counting all the fingers and toes.
Today Tom and our oldest, Brandon are taking apart a swingset/fort to bring home. There's a family that said we could have it for free if we moved it. Deal. Our set kind of fell apart when we moved it to put in a shed earlier this summer. I'm going to try and get through some of the basement today. Need to find the baby carseat and clean it. I also want to get more organized. I have children's clothes and toys all over the place down there. I think I am to the "nesting" part of my pregnancy. It's nice that Tom is taking the week off to help get things done around our home before our newest family member arrives.
Sarah just fell asleep on my lap. Guess now would be the best time to get some work done - if I can sneak her into her crib. I'm not sure how much Sarah understands about mommy's belly and baby, but she has certainly become my little shadow. She wakes up almost every night screaming until I come get her and bring her back to bed with me and daddy. I think Tommy and I are going to have a very crowded bed (and bedroom - Leah sleeps on our floor) in a few weeks.
With Ethan and Rachel "camping out" in our loft, (Noah and Brandon like their beds) I think our family of 9 will be just fine in our 3-bedroom home. Although a finished basement would make it even better, but we'll get there someday.
Thursday night I went on a date with my husband Tom. We had a great time. We won a gift certificate last summer at the Tourette Syndrome picnic. It was for a restaurant downtown called Twin Anchors. They're pretty famous for their ribs. Lots of celebrities eat there or order from there. The movie Return to Me was filmed there and so was the bar scene from The Dark Knight. The food was excellent - and so was the service. Kimmy was our waitress and she was wonderful. When we were done and went outside there was a guy outside having a cigarette. He saw my very pregnant belly and asked if I was pregnant or was that the ribs. Ha ha got to love "drunk humor." I said I was definitely pregnant, but patted my hubby's tummy and said that that was the ribs. He then asked if this was our first child. I always put on a big smile before asnwering that question. I told him no, this is our 7th. His response? Whoa! Irish Catholic? Do you live on a farm and need the extra hands? Ok...I've heard the Irish Catholic question before, but not the farm one. People used to assume I grew up on a farm when they found out I grew up in Iowa, but I hadn't heard it related to the number of children I have. Anyways, he said we were the most modern couple he's met with that many kids. Whatever that means.
Last night Tom and I took our 2 oldest boys to a White Sox game. We are huge White Sox fans -- I used to be a Cubbies fan, but in 2005 while I was pregnant with Leah I watched a lot of the Sox with Tom. I really liked how the players worked / played together and I liked Ozzie. I got to know all the players and could actually name them. The night they won the World Series was the night I went into labor with Leah. It was tough dragging my hubby off of the couch. I waited until the contractions were really strong and close before letting him know what was going on. He thought if I sat down and stopped pacing the floor, the contractions might slow down long enough for the game to be over. Ummm no. It doesn't work like that. We had to listen to the Sox win while in the car on the way to the hospital and I had to listen to my husband and doctor talk about the White Sox's WS win while I was having our 2nd baby girl. She was born soon after midnight so her "birth newspaper" has a great headline and Tom and I spent the day in my hospital room with our new baby girl watching the victory parade on tv. How can I not be a Sox fan? Ok, back to last night...Excellent game! We won 12 - 8 against the Orioles. Thome hit 2 homeruns and Podsednik had a great night. I'm glad Chicago brought him back. I wish I could have worn my "Pod Squad" shirt, but my belly wasn't going to fit into it :o) We ate a bunch of yummy food, watched our team win, then watched a great fireworks show. The show was to music from the 80's "hair bands." We didn't know until we got there, but it was Mullet Night at the game. Lots of workers and fans wore mullets and they had mullets drawn on the players' pictures up on the screen. It was a fun night to be there. The only "difficult" part of the evening was walking all the way to and from the car. Those "practice" contractions were coming a lot last night. I think baby just felt and heard all the excitement.
A couple of weeks ago I was feeling pretty excited when I felt the braxtons, now I'm starting to get a little nervous. I'm starting to remember what labor feels like and why I always end up getting the epidural. I just hope I get to the hospital on time with this one. Believe it or not, it's still a little strange knowing that we're going to have a baby in the next month. I don't think it's going to be real to me until I'm holding this little one, counting all the fingers and toes.
Today Tom and our oldest, Brandon are taking apart a swingset/fort to bring home. There's a family that said we could have it for free if we moved it. Deal. Our set kind of fell apart when we moved it to put in a shed earlier this summer. I'm going to try and get through some of the basement today. Need to find the baby carseat and clean it. I also want to get more organized. I have children's clothes and toys all over the place down there. I think I am to the "nesting" part of my pregnancy. It's nice that Tom is taking the week off to help get things done around our home before our newest family member arrives.
Sarah just fell asleep on my lap. Guess now would be the best time to get some work done - if I can sneak her into her crib. I'm not sure how much Sarah understands about mommy's belly and baby, but she has certainly become my little shadow. She wakes up almost every night screaming until I come get her and bring her back to bed with me and daddy. I think Tommy and I are going to have a very crowded bed (and bedroom - Leah sleeps on our floor) in a few weeks.
With Ethan and Rachel "camping out" in our loft, (Noah and Brandon like their beds) I think our family of 9 will be just fine in our 3-bedroom home. Although a finished basement would make it even better, but we'll get there someday.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Less than 5 Weeks
"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me."
Non-stress test this morning. It was a long one. Baby wanted to sleep again. S/he slept for about an hour. I ate candy, poked around, got up and danced,...nothing. Then about an hour into it baby started rolling all around. Good baby. I have plans this week and next week, so I'd like to keep the little one inside me for a little longer. Next week's plans include getting our home ready for our new baby. I'd like to clean the cradle and the car seat and get all the baby items organized. Lots to do.
This afternoon I had Rachel's gymnastics. While I was getting ready to go, I found out it was going to be a family outing. All 6 of my children wanted to come along. Rachel wanted her oldest brother, Brandon, to come watch her, and he told her he would. Then the rest of her siblings said they'd like to come. It was nice. I love when my children support each other - and honestly, I feel so proud of all of them when we go somewhere together. We do get the "look" from people that don't know us - and the "friendly" smiles. My children behaved very well today and it was enjoyable. When Rachel was done with her class, Brandon told her she did a great job. Rachel seemed to really appreciate that comment from her biggest brother.
It was a long drive home - lots of traffic. Nice thing about that, is that Tom was home soon after we got home and we were able to have dinner all together as a family.
This will be short tonight. I have children sleeping all over the Family Room and I want to get them upstairs. They love to "camp out" in the loft together. During the summer and on weekends, that's fine. They have fun. Right now Tom is upstairs hanging window coverings in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 7 1/2 years and have had paper blinds on our windows. We've had to redo our children's bedrooms so many times, we've never been able to spend time / money on our own room. We're finally focusing a little on ourselves. Plus, we have to figure out how to fit the cradle back into our bedroom.
Non-stress test this morning. It was a long one. Baby wanted to sleep again. S/he slept for about an hour. I ate candy, poked around, got up and danced,...nothing. Then about an hour into it baby started rolling all around. Good baby. I have plans this week and next week, so I'd like to keep the little one inside me for a little longer. Next week's plans include getting our home ready for our new baby. I'd like to clean the cradle and the car seat and get all the baby items organized. Lots to do.
This afternoon I had Rachel's gymnastics. While I was getting ready to go, I found out it was going to be a family outing. All 6 of my children wanted to come along. Rachel wanted her oldest brother, Brandon, to come watch her, and he told her he would. Then the rest of her siblings said they'd like to come. It was nice. I love when my children support each other - and honestly, I feel so proud of all of them when we go somewhere together. We do get the "look" from people that don't know us - and the "friendly" smiles. My children behaved very well today and it was enjoyable. When Rachel was done with her class, Brandon told her she did a great job. Rachel seemed to really appreciate that comment from her biggest brother.
It was a long drive home - lots of traffic. Nice thing about that, is that Tom was home soon after we got home and we were able to have dinner all together as a family.
This will be short tonight. I have children sleeping all over the Family Room and I want to get them upstairs. They love to "camp out" in the loft together. During the summer and on weekends, that's fine. They have fun. Right now Tom is upstairs hanging window coverings in our master bedroom. We've lived here for 7 1/2 years and have had paper blinds on our windows. We've had to redo our children's bedrooms so many times, we've never been able to spend time / money on our own room. We're finally focusing a little on ourselves. Plus, we have to figure out how to fit the cradle back into our bedroom.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Baby or not Baby
"In raising my children I have lost my mind but found my soul."
Yesterday I had a lot of "practice" contractions. Leah kept smilimg and asking if the baby was coming. She is so excited! Two of the contractions got pretty painful last night - now I remember why I get the epidural.
Sarah and Leah like to feel the baby move. Sarah likes to show off her tummy and say "baby." Hopefully I'm not confusing her too much. Rachel and Noah were watching baby move around. I love watching their reactions. They would poke at the baby and the baby would push right back. It was like a game. The whole pregnancy is triggering more curious questions from my 10 year old Ethan - and when I talk to my oldest, Brandon, I realize just how much he already knows...I can't believe that I'll be sending Brandon off to college the same year I send this little one to kindergarten.
Today Brandon was commenting on how he can't believe our family is having another baby soon. He says it feels like yesterday that he found out that I was pregnant with Sarah. He still remembers watching Open Season and coming into the kitchen to find me standing there with tears in my eyes. He looked at me and asked what was wrong. I told him nothing's wrong. As soon as I looked at Brandon he asked me if I was pregnant. I just smiled. He can read me very well for a kid. The day I found out that I was pregnant I received a special letter in the mail. I took the test that morning and that afternoon I got a letter I had written to myself a few months earlier. At the end of my letter I had asked for strength to accept any other "blessings" God might give me and Tom. Tom and I had been discussing children. God has incredible timing.
This time, we waited until Christmas morning to tell all our children about our newest member coming. I don't know what I was expecting, but they were all pretty shocked and quiet when we told them. We had 3 pickles hidden on the tree. One was for a big "boy" gift - mini fridge for the loft - and one was for a big "girl" gift - dollhouse. The third one was for their new sibling. I think it was Noah that pretended to faint. It's on video. We really need to get all of our videos in order so we can enjoy them.
As for when Tom and I found out about this newest blessing...it was on December 8th. A special day - the day of Mary's Immaculate Conception in the Bible. I was supposed to have surgery that week and I just felt like I needed to take a home pregnancy test. I wasn't late, just feeling "different". I took the test without telling anyone. Tom was still home, so he was a bit concerned when I came out of the bathroom crying and shaking. He went outside to shovel the driveway and sidewalk while the shock settled. He came in and we hugged. We can do this. I felt even better about it that night. I went to mass by myself - saw many of my "Bible Girls" there, but didn't tell anyone. A few told me they were praying for my surgery to go well that week. I did tell them that I had to postpone it - they assumed it was because I had a terrible cold I was still trying to get over. Mass was all about Mary accepting the blessing the angel was telling her she was receiving. Her courage. Her strength. Her faith. Every word meant more to me this evening than any of the many other times I had heard the story. In the last couple of years I have felt closer to Mother Mary. After mass I stayed for the special rosary being said for all the unborn.
Well, Sarah just woke up and crawled onto my lap to cuddle - and baby is "practicing" again. Ow. We're just taking it easy today. We sat outside this morning and the girlies played in the kiddie pool while Brandon mowed the front lawn. During nap time we rested while the boys watched The Dark Knight. Tom is off playing golf. It is a fundraiser for our neighbor's son who we've been praying for. I am going to meet Tom for the dinner after. My parents will be here to watch our children for us. It's nice that my parents can come visit us so often from Iowa. Sarah was born 6 1/2 weeks early - it happened to be the same week my parents were visiting before they went overseas on vacation. Timing. I've explained to this little one that Grandma and Grandpa will be back in August...no need to hurry.
Yesterday I had a lot of "practice" contractions. Leah kept smilimg and asking if the baby was coming. She is so excited! Two of the contractions got pretty painful last night - now I remember why I get the epidural.
Sarah and Leah like to feel the baby move. Sarah likes to show off her tummy and say "baby." Hopefully I'm not confusing her too much. Rachel and Noah were watching baby move around. I love watching their reactions. They would poke at the baby and the baby would push right back. It was like a game. The whole pregnancy is triggering more curious questions from my 10 year old Ethan - and when I talk to my oldest, Brandon, I realize just how much he already knows...I can't believe that I'll be sending Brandon off to college the same year I send this little one to kindergarten.
Today Brandon was commenting on how he can't believe our family is having another baby soon. He says it feels like yesterday that he found out that I was pregnant with Sarah. He still remembers watching Open Season and coming into the kitchen to find me standing there with tears in my eyes. He looked at me and asked what was wrong. I told him nothing's wrong. As soon as I looked at Brandon he asked me if I was pregnant. I just smiled. He can read me very well for a kid. The day I found out that I was pregnant I received a special letter in the mail. I took the test that morning and that afternoon I got a letter I had written to myself a few months earlier. At the end of my letter I had asked for strength to accept any other "blessings" God might give me and Tom. Tom and I had been discussing children. God has incredible timing.
This time, we waited until Christmas morning to tell all our children about our newest member coming. I don't know what I was expecting, but they were all pretty shocked and quiet when we told them. We had 3 pickles hidden on the tree. One was for a big "boy" gift - mini fridge for the loft - and one was for a big "girl" gift - dollhouse. The third one was for their new sibling. I think it was Noah that pretended to faint. It's on video. We really need to get all of our videos in order so we can enjoy them.
As for when Tom and I found out about this newest blessing...it was on December 8th. A special day - the day of Mary's Immaculate Conception in the Bible. I was supposed to have surgery that week and I just felt like I needed to take a home pregnancy test. I wasn't late, just feeling "different". I took the test without telling anyone. Tom was still home, so he was a bit concerned when I came out of the bathroom crying and shaking. He went outside to shovel the driveway and sidewalk while the shock settled. He came in and we hugged. We can do this. I felt even better about it that night. I went to mass by myself - saw many of my "Bible Girls" there, but didn't tell anyone. A few told me they were praying for my surgery to go well that week. I did tell them that I had to postpone it - they assumed it was because I had a terrible cold I was still trying to get over. Mass was all about Mary accepting the blessing the angel was telling her she was receiving. Her courage. Her strength. Her faith. Every word meant more to me this evening than any of the many other times I had heard the story. In the last couple of years I have felt closer to Mother Mary. After mass I stayed for the special rosary being said for all the unborn.
Well, Sarah just woke up and crawled onto my lap to cuddle - and baby is "practicing" again. Ow. We're just taking it easy today. We sat outside this morning and the girlies played in the kiddie pool while Brandon mowed the front lawn. During nap time we rested while the boys watched The Dark Knight. Tom is off playing golf. It is a fundraiser for our neighbor's son who we've been praying for. I am going to meet Tom for the dinner after. My parents will be here to watch our children for us. It's nice that my parents can come visit us so often from Iowa. Sarah was born 6 1/2 weeks early - it happened to be the same week my parents were visiting before they went overseas on vacation. Timing. I've explained to this little one that Grandma and Grandpa will be back in August...no need to hurry.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Yesterday
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."
Our 7 yr old son Noah had a "Performance Tea" yesterday morning. He was dressed in a "uniform" and recited a poem in front of an audience of other students and families. He did awesome! I was so proud of him. I got very teary-eyed at the end. He spoke slowly, clearly, he paused to make eye contact with the audience after every 2 lines, and gave a big smile at the end. He looked so grown-up. I am so glad he had this opportunity offered to him. Noah is a very loud and energetic little boy, but is a little shy in front of big groups. Maybe this will be the start of something for him.
I went to my doctor appointment yesterday afternoon. Baby is measuring right on. I think it is pretty "cool" that when the doctor measures the baby - the length is equal to how many weeks you are. 34 weeks, and measuring 34 cm.
Yesterday was another non-stress test too. Little "stinker" didn't want to cooperate this time. S/he was rolling around like crazy in the waiting room then decided to take a nap once I was on the machine. Baby napped for about 35 minutes. The nurse gave me peanut m&m's to eat again. I don't think I'll ever eat peanut m&m's after baby is born. But for now, they work. (I eat them at home too when I'm concerned that there's not enough movement going on.) Baby finally moved a few times and I was able to go home.
My 3 year old Leah was giggling today as she watched baby roll around in my tummy. There really doesn't seem to be any room left. My whole tummy moves with baby. Still amazing to me. I love watching and feeling our baby move. I will miss this part of the pregnancy, but I am getting pretty uncomfortable. Less than 6 weeks left. The first trimester goes so slowly, but when you think back to the day you found out you were pregnant, the whole pregnancy seems to have gone by quickly - at least this is true for me.
Tom and I have agreed on a boy's name, but have no idea what to name a girl. We weren't sure what to name a girl last time either - and she came 6 1/2 weeks early. The nurse kept telling us we needed to name her before I left the hospital. Talk about pressure. I do love her name, Sarah. Meaning princess. I guess the right girl name will come to us if we need it. It might help to look at our child before making a final decision anyways.
Well, I just got home a little while ago from Rachel's gymnastics class (She is so strong on the bars! She is on the pre-competition team and loves it.) and there are 6 children looking for dinner. I am still fighting off a virus, so I'm tired and not too hungry yet. It's hard to come up with a meal for everyone else when I feel like this, but that's part of being mommy. Have to go take care of the little ones.
Our 7 yr old son Noah had a "Performance Tea" yesterday morning. He was dressed in a "uniform" and recited a poem in front of an audience of other students and families. He did awesome! I was so proud of him. I got very teary-eyed at the end. He spoke slowly, clearly, he paused to make eye contact with the audience after every 2 lines, and gave a big smile at the end. He looked so grown-up. I am so glad he had this opportunity offered to him. Noah is a very loud and energetic little boy, but is a little shy in front of big groups. Maybe this will be the start of something for him.
I went to my doctor appointment yesterday afternoon. Baby is measuring right on. I think it is pretty "cool" that when the doctor measures the baby - the length is equal to how many weeks you are. 34 weeks, and measuring 34 cm.
Yesterday was another non-stress test too. Little "stinker" didn't want to cooperate this time. S/he was rolling around like crazy in the waiting room then decided to take a nap once I was on the machine. Baby napped for about 35 minutes. The nurse gave me peanut m&m's to eat again. I don't think I'll ever eat peanut m&m's after baby is born. But for now, they work. (I eat them at home too when I'm concerned that there's not enough movement going on.) Baby finally moved a few times and I was able to go home.
My 3 year old Leah was giggling today as she watched baby roll around in my tummy. There really doesn't seem to be any room left. My whole tummy moves with baby. Still amazing to me. I love watching and feeling our baby move. I will miss this part of the pregnancy, but I am getting pretty uncomfortable. Less than 6 weeks left. The first trimester goes so slowly, but when you think back to the day you found out you were pregnant, the whole pregnancy seems to have gone by quickly - at least this is true for me.
Tom and I have agreed on a boy's name, but have no idea what to name a girl. We weren't sure what to name a girl last time either - and she came 6 1/2 weeks early. The nurse kept telling us we needed to name her before I left the hospital. Talk about pressure. I do love her name, Sarah. Meaning princess. I guess the right girl name will come to us if we need it. It might help to look at our child before making a final decision anyways.
Well, I just got home a little while ago from Rachel's gymnastics class (She is so strong on the bars! She is on the pre-competition team and loves it.) and there are 6 children looking for dinner. I am still fighting off a virus, so I'm tired and not too hungry yet. It's hard to come up with a meal for everyone else when I feel like this, but that's part of being mommy. Have to go take care of the little ones.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Blessed
"If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans."
I am now 34 weeks. The home stretch. I am getting to the uncomfortable stage again, but not sure if I'm ready to not be pregnant. I am having a lot of "practice" contractions. In the past, I'd start to get nervous and a little scared about giving birth. This time, I feel so excited. I'll be fine as long as I get to the hospital on time. It'd be nice to be in time for an epidural too. I am anxious to see who has been wiggling around in me, but I'm going to miss feeling our child inside of me. The other day baby was cradled in the right side of my tummy. You could feel baby's entire backside. It was amazing. I put my arm around baby and it was as if I was already able to hold him/her. Pregnancy is such a miracle.
On the 4th of July, my niece asked me just how many children do I want to have. My answer? Four - and I smiled. I thought I'd have 4 children, but I guess life doesn't always go as we plan it. Even I am a little "surprised" to hear myself say I have 7 children. When I see other families out and they have over 4 children I think - Wow! Look at all those children! It's very different when they are your own. You don't see a "number" you see individual people that you love dearly.
On Friday nights we try to do pizza-movie night at our home. Our children all sit around a big towel and eat on the floor in front of the tv while Tom and I sit on the couch behind them. Tom and I will look at all of our children lined up and shake our heads while we smile at each other. Who knew? Tom and I met at a bar in '92 and had our first official date in January '93. He brought me roses and took me out to dinner. I still have one of the roses. It is framed and hanging on our bedroom wall. I guess I kind of knew even then that Tommy was going to be very special to me.
Soon after that date I got very sick and Tom was right there by my side through it all. We got engaged that summer and got married 2 years later. 9 months and 3 weeks after the wedding, along came Brandon. Now, 14 years later, we are expecting our 7th. We have such a wonderful life. There have been difficult times, but we've stayed strong and we've stayed close. We might not have all the fancy things, get to travel all over, have a huge house,...but we have the things we really need. We are blessed - and it is sometimes still a little unbelievable just how blessed we are.
I am now 34 weeks. The home stretch. I am getting to the uncomfortable stage again, but not sure if I'm ready to not be pregnant. I am having a lot of "practice" contractions. In the past, I'd start to get nervous and a little scared about giving birth. This time, I feel so excited. I'll be fine as long as I get to the hospital on time. It'd be nice to be in time for an epidural too. I am anxious to see who has been wiggling around in me, but I'm going to miss feeling our child inside of me. The other day baby was cradled in the right side of my tummy. You could feel baby's entire backside. It was amazing. I put my arm around baby and it was as if I was already able to hold him/her. Pregnancy is such a miracle.
On the 4th of July, my niece asked me just how many children do I want to have. My answer? Four - and I smiled. I thought I'd have 4 children, but I guess life doesn't always go as we plan it. Even I am a little "surprised" to hear myself say I have 7 children. When I see other families out and they have over 4 children I think - Wow! Look at all those children! It's very different when they are your own. You don't see a "number" you see individual people that you love dearly.
On Friday nights we try to do pizza-movie night at our home. Our children all sit around a big towel and eat on the floor in front of the tv while Tom and I sit on the couch behind them. Tom and I will look at all of our children lined up and shake our heads while we smile at each other. Who knew? Tom and I met at a bar in '92 and had our first official date in January '93. He brought me roses and took me out to dinner. I still have one of the roses. It is framed and hanging on our bedroom wall. I guess I kind of knew even then that Tommy was going to be very special to me.
Soon after that date I got very sick and Tom was right there by my side through it all. We got engaged that summer and got married 2 years later. 9 months and 3 weeks after the wedding, along came Brandon. Now, 14 years later, we are expecting our 7th. We have such a wonderful life. There have been difficult times, but we've stayed strong and we've stayed close. We might not have all the fancy things, get to travel all over, have a huge house,...but we have the things we really need. We are blessed - and it is sometimes still a little unbelievable just how blessed we are.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy 4th of July
"Make time for the quiet moments, as God whispers and the world is loud."
Today was a good day. Everyone was home. We spent most of the day outside with neighbors and friends. Tom got some more landscaping done, our friend came over and buzzed our 3 boys' hair, the girls got out the water toys, and we all just hung out.
When evening came, my family got in the van and headed to the indoor pool for an hour swim. The warm water is great for my expanding belly - and our children really enjoy playing there. Tom had a fun time bonding with his children while I relaxed with our youngest, Sarah. It's nice to go there at night because it isn't very crowded and we can easily get the children bathed there and bring them home all ready for bed.
Right now there is just me and my 2 oldest boys still up. Brandon got a new game for his DS, so they're checking it out. I am trying hard to stop this nasty cough so that I can get some sleep. Why is it that colds always creep up on you the worst at night? Coughing and heartburn are a terrible mix.
Baby is still moving around just fine. I do feel like I am running out of room in there. You can now see when baby moves around. It is amazing. Amazing that I have a little life moving and growing inside of me. Amazing that in less than 2 months we are going to have another little member in our family. Everytime I mention that I have a tummy ache little Leah gets very excited and asks if the baby is coming now. I look forward to her and our other children meeting their newest sibling. I can't wait to see Tom hold his newest child. I think the most precious part is when you first give birth and they let you hold your child and your child just looks into your eyes as you look into their eyes. What an incredible feeling. An incredible connection you have right from the start. For me, nothing can top that moment.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July tomorrow. We are planning to go see my parents and our niece and nephew. We'll have to take 2 cars. My 8-passenger van is waiting for a new air bag at the shop. The shop loaned us the only van they had available - a 7-passenger. At least we'll get a chance to see what it will be like if we don't sell my van and get a 9-passenger (or a 10-passenger as my daddy suggested...Be prepared!) Again, I don't really mind driving the really big vans. It's the parking. Goodnight. Happy 4th of July :o)
Today was a good day. Everyone was home. We spent most of the day outside with neighbors and friends. Tom got some more landscaping done, our friend came over and buzzed our 3 boys' hair, the girls got out the water toys, and we all just hung out.
When evening came, my family got in the van and headed to the indoor pool for an hour swim. The warm water is great for my expanding belly - and our children really enjoy playing there. Tom had a fun time bonding with his children while I relaxed with our youngest, Sarah. It's nice to go there at night because it isn't very crowded and we can easily get the children bathed there and bring them home all ready for bed.
Right now there is just me and my 2 oldest boys still up. Brandon got a new game for his DS, so they're checking it out. I am trying hard to stop this nasty cough so that I can get some sleep. Why is it that colds always creep up on you the worst at night? Coughing and heartburn are a terrible mix.
Baby is still moving around just fine. I do feel like I am running out of room in there. You can now see when baby moves around. It is amazing. Amazing that I have a little life moving and growing inside of me. Amazing that in less than 2 months we are going to have another little member in our family. Everytime I mention that I have a tummy ache little Leah gets very excited and asks if the baby is coming now. I look forward to her and our other children meeting their newest sibling. I can't wait to see Tom hold his newest child. I think the most precious part is when you first give birth and they let you hold your child and your child just looks into your eyes as you look into their eyes. What an incredible feeling. An incredible connection you have right from the start. For me, nothing can top that moment.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July tomorrow. We are planning to go see my parents and our niece and nephew. We'll have to take 2 cars. My 8-passenger van is waiting for a new air bag at the shop. The shop loaned us the only van they had available - a 7-passenger. At least we'll get a chance to see what it will be like if we don't sell my van and get a 9-passenger (or a 10-passenger as my daddy suggested...Be prepared!) Again, I don't really mind driving the really big vans. It's the parking. Goodnight. Happy 4th of July :o)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Ugliness
"Those who flaunt their ignorance are best left ignored."
Yesterday started out well. I had another NST and Baby looks wonderful. This time I was prepared with the m&m's. My doctor thinks that I will go full term with this pregnancy. I really hope so. The NICU is a wonderful caring place, but not somewhere I want to be if I don't have to be.
By the end of the day I was stunned. A little conflict between 2 of my young boys and other boys up the street grew into an outburst by a grown man. Here I am 33 wks pregnant and have the father of these boys yelling at me on my front step - with his hand in my face. Thankfully I had my friend who lives across the street in my yard too. We both knew the truth of what happened earlier and backed each other up. We stayed strong and we stayed calm. I was pretty proud of us.
The truly amazing thing I got from it all was just how clearly I saw this man when he started yelling. When you lose control, your ugly side certainly comes out. At first he was fine, but as soon as I spoke up and was explaining to him what actually happened, he got loud and "ugly" to me. My ears heard his voice, but it was my eyes that really took over. Suddenly I noticed the deep lines on his face more clearly and when he turned away and put his hand in front of my face, all I could focus on was how out of shape he looked. This may sound silly or mean, but it is the truth. I saw how weak he was. Nothing he said made any sense. He was throwing out things that had nothing to do with the situation we were talking about. He was in total denial and was basically calling us liars. For a moment I stared at his youngest son's face. So innocent looking. A handsome little boy. I felt sad for him and sad that there were little ones around us having to witness this. I calmly asked this man to stop talking to me in the way he was - and my friend calmly told him that he should probably just leave. We are mothers and will protect our children, but we are not ones for confrontations like this.
Am I a perfect mother? Are my children perfect? No. I don't personally know anyone who is perfect. I do my best and raise my children to be respectful and kind. I want to know when one of them does do something that is inappropriate so I can teach them how to be a better person.
Our children do not belong to me and my husband - they belong to God.
Tom and I are responsible for them - and we are very blessed.
Yesterday started out well. I had another NST and Baby looks wonderful. This time I was prepared with the m&m's. My doctor thinks that I will go full term with this pregnancy. I really hope so. The NICU is a wonderful caring place, but not somewhere I want to be if I don't have to be.
By the end of the day I was stunned. A little conflict between 2 of my young boys and other boys up the street grew into an outburst by a grown man. Here I am 33 wks pregnant and have the father of these boys yelling at me on my front step - with his hand in my face. Thankfully I had my friend who lives across the street in my yard too. We both knew the truth of what happened earlier and backed each other up. We stayed strong and we stayed calm. I was pretty proud of us.
The truly amazing thing I got from it all was just how clearly I saw this man when he started yelling. When you lose control, your ugly side certainly comes out. At first he was fine, but as soon as I spoke up and was explaining to him what actually happened, he got loud and "ugly" to me. My ears heard his voice, but it was my eyes that really took over. Suddenly I noticed the deep lines on his face more clearly and when he turned away and put his hand in front of my face, all I could focus on was how out of shape he looked. This may sound silly or mean, but it is the truth. I saw how weak he was. Nothing he said made any sense. He was throwing out things that had nothing to do with the situation we were talking about. He was in total denial and was basically calling us liars. For a moment I stared at his youngest son's face. So innocent looking. A handsome little boy. I felt sad for him and sad that there were little ones around us having to witness this. I calmly asked this man to stop talking to me in the way he was - and my friend calmly told him that he should probably just leave. We are mothers and will protect our children, but we are not ones for confrontations like this.
Am I a perfect mother? Are my children perfect? No. I don't personally know anyone who is perfect. I do my best and raise my children to be respectful and kind. I want to know when one of them does do something that is inappropriate so I can teach them how to be a better person.
Our children do not belong to me and my husband - they belong to God.
Tom and I are responsible for them - and we are very blessed.
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