Lessons from My Boobies

Its all about the boobies around here. My sweet little girl is growing and changing everyday and I'm learning more and more about being the breast mommy ever. It seems that there's an entire CULTURE of breastfeeding moms. Its not just about feeding the baby its about the RIGHT to feed the baby anyway you want and the POWER of the breastfeeding mama to whip it out whenever she wants and...*sigh* Its really quite exhausting.

Yesterday there was some kind of "feed-in" going on at Targets around the states because some poor woman was harrassed at a Target in Texas. So, breastfeeding mamas went to Target, whipped out their boobs and fed their kids. Uhm. Okay. And that proves what? I don't get why some breastfeeding moms want to FORCE their choice or what they believe the awesomeness of their choice is on everyone.

I'm not saying don't feed your kid in public. Not at all. If your kid is hungry, by all means feed it. However you feed. Its natural. Its what cute little kittles and baby sheep do. Its fine. Bottle OR breast. My problem comes from the breastfeeding Nazi's that don't care to be discreet (almost like they are going for shock value) and then want to lecture bottle feeding moms as though they are practically killing their babies. Are you kidding me?

Breastfeeding is going fine for us right now. Some times it feels like she is ALWAYS on the boob, but we are making it. It wasn't always this way. Until about 2 and a half months it was full of trials and tribulations. I threatened to quit lots. I would probably still be pumping for her, but that actual ART of breastfeeding was difficult. She got off to a slow start being in NICU and so we struggled to make the connection. Would I be Satan incarnate if I had given up and chosen the slightly less-stressed way to nourish my baby? In some circles-YES! Crazy women!

So around here I whip out the boob as needed. Joey and Jason are immune. I do try to protect other family members when I am at their homes by nursing in the bedroom or something. This is so they don't feel uncomfortable. I'm fine. I am not going to force them to enjoy the magic of motherhood. Its how she eats. That's all. It shouldn't be political or something that women do to intentionally shock or offend others.

I am now stepping off my soapbox.

Lessons in October Thankfulness

Things I'm Thankful for Today

1. My beautiful family

2. A chilly nip in the air

3. Resolution

4. Cheese

5. melty cheese in steaming bowls of chili

6. music

7. Hello Dollies

8. nursing bras

9. a Cardinals' win last night

10. Joey commentating his video game

11. hot groping in the kitchen when the kids aren't looking

12. snuggling during naptime with Sophie

13. crazy cats that do laps around the house

14. promises kept

15. babysitting grandmas

16. sunshine

17. diet orange soda

18. soap that smells like hugs

19. backup hard drives

20. blogging

Sleep Deprived Lessons

It's true. I'm not getting lots of sleep. My little princess needs to eat and Mommy provides that. Fortunately, my hubby is great and gets up when I need him. :-)

Last night I was reflecting. Again. I am every so thankful for the life purge that took place earlier this year. Although I still struggle with moments of anger and disappointment about some evil traitors in my life, Jason and I both agree that our life is BETTER without that in it. :-)

Last night I also noted a LOT of drunk Facebooking. *giggle* Its always the same people and its always around the same times. I wonder if they ever go back and look at some of them. I would hope they would delete them *giggle* but no!

Its quiet in the middle of the night. Peaceful. Soothing. I usually miss this part of my day. Now, don't get me wrong. I would probably rather be sleeping. But this calm, quiet time with my precious daughter in my arms is pretty great too.

The cats are INSANE in the middle of the night. Running, frolicking, leaping, knocking things off the table to play with. *giggle*

Its nice to check on Joey in the middle of the night. He looks so sweet. His cat is almost always curled up with him. Often she crawls up UNDER his covers and peeks her head out. Too cute!

Okay...I know this was just weird rambling, but hey...it happens sometimes. Come back next week for funny stuff about newborns, Halloween and my boobs. :-) You're welcome.

Lessons from a Facebook Pregnancy

So, I posted often during my pregnancy on Facebook. I tried to keep track of them but *sigh* math makes my head hurt! :-) Enjoy the journey through my pregnancy via my status updates.

Was told twice that it was impossible and after 16 years almost believed it. NEVER doubt what is possible with God. Never underestimate his timing or that he has a perfect plan for you. WE ARE PREGNANT!!! March 16 at 6:19pm

Pregnancy Post #2: Today we get to try the strength of the raging hormones pulsing through my body against the idiocy of an all day PD day 2 hours away. Wagers anyone? March 17 at 6:14am

Pregnancy Post #3: My boobs are AWESOME. :-D March 29 at 9:14pm

Pregnancy Post #4: Everything seems to be getting bigger except my bladder. April 6 at 9:32am

Pregnancy Post: The cat is almost dead, traumatized the boy this morning during an intimate moment with the husband, used hairspray as deodorant and am eating egg rolls for breakfast. Even I don't know what to say... April 7 at 6:35am

Pregnancy Post: It's a girl! :-) April 11 at 1:44pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #5: My appetite for everything has increased. *wink wink* Who would have thought that was even possible? :-D April 12 at 6:06pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #6: Like a cranky old man or a ruthless teenaged boy, my flatulence knows no limits. April 17 at 8:07am

Pregnancy Post #7: Today I FEEL pregnant. And not in the nausea-laden, boob throbbing, I can't ever sleep enough kind of way. :-D Okay... I AM pretty tired, but all that other stuff. April 19 at 6:50pm

Pregnancy Post #8: Today I bought my first baby thing-a Wonder Woman onesie. :-D April 22 at 7:00pm

Pregnancy Post #9: This week 3 people have commented that I'm "showing". Sorry folks, I'm a big girl. I'm not showing. Probably not for a month or more. But thanks? I think. April 23 at 12:45pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #10: I had THE strangest dream about my high school principal last night. I have no idea why I pulled up his image from that many years ago. Pass the brain bleach. I'm afraid to fall asleep tonight... April 26 at 7:44pm

Pregnancy Post #11: It doesn't really matter why I take off work anymore. Everyone just assumes it has something to do with the baby. Anyone want to join me for a long weekend? Compliments of the fetus. :-D April 27 at 12:15pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #12: I have peed 8 times today. May 6 at 3:19pm

Pregnancy Post #13: I'm half way pregnant this week!!! ...err...well...half way there. You know what I mean. *giggle* May 10 at 7:02am

Pregnancy Post 14: ßis taking her boys to the ultrasound appointment today! :-D Hurray! :-D May 17 at 7:42pm

Pregnancy Post 15: Jason claims to have sympathy gas. May 19 at 6:00pm

Pregnancy Post #16: I tried on a pair of maternity shorts today. I refused to buy them because they were SOOOOOO comfortable that I'm sure I would never wear another kind of pants for the rest of my life. :-( May 19 at 6:01pm

Pregnancy Post #16: I will never get tired of this feeling. :-D May 22 at 6:42pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #17: Uhm...these used to be a different color! YIKES! May 25 at 1:21pm

Pregnancy Post #18: Can one pump and drive? May 25 at 9:01pm

Pregnancy Post #19: I.did.not.cry. :-D Graduation came and went and I didn't cry. May 26 at 9:11pm

Pregnancy Post #20: I'm pretty sure she's going to be a martial artist of sorts. :-D I'm secretly hoping for "ninja". June 1 at 7:09pm

Pregnancy Post #21: Keep waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat. blech. Dr. Internet says its "hormone surges". Dr. Tracy says "it sucks". June 5 at 8:28am

Pregnancy Post #22: Pregnasaurus. That's my charming name of endearment? I wonder how "Alimonius Rex" works for him. And shut up. I'm not crabby. June 6 at 10:04pm

Slightly Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #23: A kick so hard my belly shook. Not like a bowl full of jelly. Kind of like a garbage bag full of cellulite. June 6 at 10:08pm

Pregnancy Post #24: My mommy bought me maternity shorts. I told her that I was nervous about wearing them because they are so comfy I may never stop wearing then. Her reply? "Its okay. I wore the white pair last week. They ARE super comfy." *giggle* God help me. June 7 at 8:00pm

Pregnancy Post #25: Hurray! Ultrasound day! *keeping our fingers crossed that we get one of the cool 3-D rooms today* June 8 at 6:57am

Pregnancy Post #26: She is perfect! :-) June 8 at 2:58pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #27: Earlier this week at the ultrasound they used a gallon of goop and the strength of 10 grinches plus 2 during the ultrasound. The result? An OLD scar from a surgery seems to be...uhm...leaking. I sure hope the baby doesn't regard this as some kind of sun roof. :-P June 10 at 7:29 pm

Inappropriate Pregnancy Post #28: Concerned that my nips may be the largest in the world, I did a little research today. Not even close. According to the ever reliable website *not going to type it because its soft core porn* the largest ones are 4 cm long (that's an inch and a half for you Americans that never learned metric). I'm am both intrigued and disturbed. And now you are too. June 11 5:52 pm

Pregnancy Post #29: Have I mentioned how deliriously happy this little uterus ninja makes me? I've just spent half an hour looking at baby girly accessories. :-D June 12 6:46pm

Pregnancy Post #30: I'm the crazy woman that refers to herself in the plural. :-D Note to Self: Do this less in public. June 13 at 11:00am

Pregnancy Post #31: This morning while snuggling in bed half-asleep, Jason's hand is on my belly.

Jason: Whoa! Was that you?
Me: Uhm, no. *giggling* That was her.
Jason: That was amazing!
Me: Yes. Amazing. :-) June 16 at 10:10am

Pregnancy Post #32: I can seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee her moving!:-D Now, it looks kinda like a rabid squirrel is awkwardly breakdancing in the depths of my belly fat, but it is AMAZING! :-D June 17 at 6:53pm

Pregnancy Post #33: Today I feel fat. And hungry. And I need bigger underwear. June 20 at 11:46am

Pregnancy Post #34: I am now referring to her as my Uterine Overlord. For example “My Uterine Overlord has declared it is snack time.” Or “My Uterine Overlord is tired of listening to your nonsense. You may now leave our presence or shield yourself from an eminent boot to the head.” June 22 at 8:25pm.

Pregnancy Post #35: You know what’s great about being awake at 4:00am? Yeah, me either. June 24 at 4:28 pm.

Pregnancy Post #36: Heading into the 3rd trimester with day 6 of feeling like crap in the morning. Sometime around mid-afternoon food is good and I’m not nauseous. Is this pregnancy blah or am I fighting off the plague? June 26 at 8:17am.

Pregnancy Post #37: Been reading up on labor and delivery because obviously I’m a complete masochist. 10 hours of labor? 22? 36? Holy crap. I don’t even want to do something that feels GOOD for that amount of time! June 27 at 10:35pm.

Pregnancy Post #38: I am a big fat whale with big fat fingers and big fat toes. I ate an entire pack of sweet rolls yesterday. Don’t roll your eyes. It was the family pack size. THE FAMILY PACK. It makes me sad because I really want some now and they are all gone. July 3 at 5:29pm.

Pregnancy Post #39: Baby Dr. Day tomorrow! Had a dream that I told him that I felt like a big fat whale and he nodded and said that I looked like one. LOL. Here’s hopin’ that doesn’t happen. My guess is that Jason would fall out of his chair laughing if it did! :-D July 5 9:04pm.

Pregnancy Post #40: My sweet baby is 3 pounds 3 ounces and gave us a big thumbs up during the ultrasound. :-) July 6 at 2:26 pm

Pregnancy Post #41: Today I got a breastfeeding book in the mail. It may be a bad sign for the baby and my breasts that I giggled out loud 4 or 5 times in the first 10 pages. July 9 at 9:01pm

Pregnancy Post #42: The spawn of Jason growing inside of me has me taking enough insulin to kill a horse. Well…probably not a diabetic horse. July 12 at 10:33pm

Pregnancy Post #43: Wow! Pregnant Tracy is quite the multi-tasker! Today I can sneeze and pee at the same time!!! :-D July 14 at 12:02pm.

Pregnancy Post #44: There are moments, just occasionally, when a blinding white-hot panic seizes me as I ponder the reality of my amazing life. July 16 at 7:38pm

Pregnancy Post #45: “and uh 1 and uh 2 and uh 3 uuuuuuuugh!” ßMe rolling over in bed. And getting off the couch. And deciding how many sandwiches I’ll eat. July 17 at 9:44pm

Pregnancy Post #46: I’ve ordered the crib set. :-D July 19 at 7:44pm.

Pregnancy Post #47: Doctors say funny things. Funny things like "Let's deliver the baby around 37 weeks." Silly guy. Doesn't he realize HOW SOON THAT IS? July 20 at 10:03pm

Pregnancy Post #48: Fact #1: I'm a walking talking incubator. Fact #2: Doctor says I'm being attacked by hormones at night. That's why I'm so hot that I can't sleep regardless of the frost on the windows. Fact #3: Heat index hit 108 today. Fact #4: I'm sleeping in the refrigerator tonight. July 21 at 10:13pm

Pregnancy Post #49: I've had lots of swelling in my hands and feet lately and wake up every morning with intense pain in my left wrist. I didn't connect the wrist pain to anything other than my crappy new bed. Dr. Internet says this is "normal" for pregnant women. Normal? July 24 at 3:04pm

Pregnancy Post #50: Sophia Elizabeth King

Now quit asking. :-D July 25 at 9:20am

Pregnancy Post #51: Flashlight+Fetus=FUN! :-D July 26 at 10:34pm

Pregnancy Post #52: I saw pictures of my pleasantly plump pregnant self this weekend, so when I got home I stepped on the scale. It said “to be continued”. :-D July 31 at 8:47pm

Pregnancy Post #53: She has hair! Lots and lots of hair! :-) I think this latest ultrasound means I need to go shopping for ribbons and bows and cute little headbands! Hurray!!! August 1 at 3:28pm

Pregnancy Post #54: This evening’s snacks: blackberries, cheese balls and pickled okra. :-) August 2 at 9:52pm

Pregnancy Post #55: I am ROCKIN' the cankles tonight. Watch out boys! ;-) August 3 at 11:02 pm.

Pregnancy Post #56: So, from now until delivery I go in twice a week for monitoring. Awesome. I get to sit in a comfy chair for half an hour while the baby kicks and plays (she's an overachiever already) and then get a short little ultrasound. :-D I get to see her AND hear her twice a week until I can hold her in my arms. :-) August 4 at 6:02pm

Pregnancy Post #57: The crib is up and made, pink bags fill the bedroom; blankets are in the wash…31 days. :-) August 8 at 12:13pm.

Pregnancy Post #58: The baby is moving and kicking and frolicking so much that I can hardly sit still! August 10 at 5:17pm

Pregnancy Post #59: There are little pink clothes in the dresser, diapers lined up on the changing table, blankets folded, and tiny little shoes lined up. J My feet are swollen and look like a can of exploded biscuits, my boobs are awesome and Sophie is rockin her bedtime dance by doing what feels like the boot scootin’ boogie on my cervix. The boys are resting, the cats are playing and summer is slipping away. Just thought the world might need an update. August 14 at 10:44 pm

Pregnancy Post #60: Its too bad it isn’t something to do with nudity or flatulence. I’m okay with both of those. Instead…instead…I must collect my urine for an entire day in this gallon container that looks a little like one of those plastic gas cans. Can one buy a purse or satchel or something to discreetly carry that puppy in? And then….the best part…refrigerate it. Hello first day of school?!? Even I can’t make this kind of stuff up! LOL. August 15 at 8:51

Pregnancy Post #61:

♪♫♪All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go.

I’m standin’ here outside the door

I hate to be awake and so I sigh *sigh*

But the dawn is breakin’ its early morn

My feet are fat, maternity pants are worn

Already I’m so tired I could diiiiiiiiie! ♪♫♪

♪♫♪ So kiss me and smile for me,

Tell me how darn cute she’ll be,

Hold me cause my balance will sometimes go…♪♫♪

Everybody………!

August 19 at 6:54am

Pregnancy Post #62: Today the nurse drawing my blood whistled when he saw my feet and legs. Not in a “I wish you would wrap them around me kind of way” but in a “holy crap I haven’t seen anything that disturbing since I dissected a cat in med school kind of way.” And how was YOUR Friday? :-) August 19 at 9:08pm.

Pregnancy Post #63:

♪♫♪Are you in there little fetus?

In two weeks will you come greet us?

I will buy you some Adidas...♪♫♪♪♫

August 23 at 3:25am

Pregnancy Post #64: Things that have made me cry this week: A Baby Story on TLC, “Thank You” by Ray Boltz, no chocolate pudding after sending someone specifically for chocolate pudding, kitty stepping on my poor swollen feet and a very fuzzy ultrasound showing my sweet little baby frolicking in utero. J August 26 at 7:47am.

Pregnancy Post #65: Twelve. 12. Doce. Douze. Zwölf. Dodici. TWELVE MORE DAYS!!! Oh…and look who learned to use Google translator in the middle of the night. J August 28 at 8:29am.

Pregnancy Post #67: Home! Finally! Everything seemed to take forever today with doctor appointment, ultrasound and monitoring. Good news is that baby is doing very well and all my gauges and fluids are stable *giggle*. She is one big girl though! We are still on for September 9th unless she decides to make her debut early. Is it bad that I’m kinda hopin’ she does? August 29 at 8:55pm

Pregnancy Post #68: We’ve stopped saying “the baby is kicking”. We are now referring to her movements as to what they can be measured at on the Richter scale. August 30 at 8:51pm

Pregnancy Post #69: It seems that I may miss having this little miracle inside me. :-( Is that weird? August 31 at 8:33pm

Pregnancy Post #70: There’s no parade, but my outfit for church this morning has me looking like a float for the labor day parade! LOL. WoOoOoOot! September 4 at 9:11am

Pregnancy Post #71: It’s LABOR Day. My fingers are crossed, my mind is ready, my uterus is full. Ya’ll know how I love a theme. Today would be a great day to have a baby! Now…if I can just convince HER of that! LOL September 5 at 6:45am

Pregnancy Post #72: I have realized this week that my hair is thicker and fuller. Its good to know its not just my feet and midsection that have reacted this way. :-) September 5 at 12:02pm

Pregnancy Post #73: My Least Favorite Things to Do: (1) Bending Over (2) Getting Up September 5 at 12:43pm

Pregnancy Post #74: Watching breastfeeding videos. It’s not as titillating as you might expect. Pun intended. ;-P September 5 at 7:33 pm

Pregnancy Post #75: Almost no sleep at all last night. Woke up sore and thirsty. No, not a night of partying. Well...unless you are an occupant of my uterus, then apparently it was one hard core, rockin' party. *sigh* September 6 at 10:08am.

Pregnancy Post #76: Going to what may be the last pre-delivery doctor’s appointment today. I’m taking my hospital bag and what I can scrape up of my optimism. I’m also taking along bribes to make sure this baby gets out today. I have also considered weapons. Not really. Well, maybe. September 6 at 11:04am

Pregnancy Post #77: The car seat and stroller have been put together. WooOoOT! :-) September 7th at 6:38pm

Pregnancy Post #78: This morning we test to see if Sophie is ready to make her debut tomorrow. I'm looking at it as an audition. Does that make me a stage mom already? September 8 at 7:15am

Pregnancy Post #79: Tests came back good. Baby tomorrow! HURRAY! :-) September 8 at 3:55pm

Pregnancy Post #80: Not sure I will be able to sleep the few hours that are set aside for that tonight. It’s like that excitement that you get before Christmas morning. Well...except I'll get a beautiful present AND narcotics. That might be even better. :-) September 8 at 7:44pm

Pregnancy Post #81: Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! Psalms 127:3-5 September 9 at 3:58am

Pregnancy Post #81: Me to Guy at Labor and Delivery Desk: Good morning! I'd like to have a baby now.

Guy: Wait. Do we do that here? September 9 at 5:59am

Pregnancy Post #83: I have no real idea what number post I'm on. September 9 at 6:09am

Pregnancy Post #84: Emptying uterus, filling quiver at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center September 9 at 6:29am

Final Pregnancy Post: We have been part of a miracle. To say that we are happy and blessed is an understatement. Sophie has arrived. She is a beautiful 8 pounds 14 ounces. Family of four. God is good!!! September 9 at 10:49am

Miracles DO Still Happen: A Lesson in Believing

Birth Story

It was 3:00 am in the morning on September 9^th. We had tried to sleep, but really how can you sleep before welcoming your daughter into the world? We left for St. Louis with bags in the car and camera charged. The roads were practically empty and we even saw a street sweeper in Fredericktown!

Arriving at the hospital we made our way to labor and delivery. “Good morning!” I said to the guy at the desk. “I would like to have a baby now.”

“Wait!” said the guy at the desk. “Do we do that here?”

After being escorted to a room I changed into a lovely hospital gown and waited patiently as a couple of nurses tried to start an IV line. Finally, it was in. The epidural was inserted (Which felt weird. Very weird.) Baby monitors kept close watch on Sophie and Jason was dressed in a silly yellow gown-including cap!

Although we were scheduled for 7:30, an emergency C-section took priority and we were bumped to 8:00. The epidural began to take effect and slowly I lost feeling in every thing below my chest. (Which felt weird. Very weird.)

Like clock work at 8:00 we were taken down to the delivery/operating room. I was so impressed with how everything and every one moved so efficiently-like a machine. Dr. Morris came in and a blue curtain went up in front of my face. Although I couldn’t feel anything I could feel them jostling me around a bit. Finally Jason was able to come in and the fun began.

The anesthesiologist said “You may feel some weird sensations, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.” I didn’t really feel any weird sensations just moving a bit. I was having a brief conversation with the anesthesiologist when Jason said “Hey…there’s something happening down there.”

I could here some liquid being suctioned up and then “Those are her feet. She’s breech!” Jason repeated that to me and then said “She’s out!”

Nurses said “Happy birthday!”

Dr. Morris asked for the time. She was born at exactly 8:30am.

Immediately she was take to the little baby bed thing a few feet away from my head. She was red and gray and cheesy looking. She wasn’t crying.

The nurses began rubbing her and jostling her and saying “Come on sweetie.” Still she didn’t cry.

I realized that I was holding my breath. Jason stepped over to grab a couple of pictures and came back to me. She still wasn’t crying. In my head I could only think “Oh my god. Why isn’t she crying?” I could see her moving her arms and her feet and saw the nurses clear her mouth and nose and talk to her as they kept rubbing.

Finally she took a big breath and let out a wail. Tears rolled down my face and a nurse dabbed them for me as I watched them give her a bit of oxygen and smile as she flopped around.

“I don’t like the way she sounds.” Said the NICU nurse. “I think she’ll need to go with me.” I wasn’t panicked then. We knew her lungs were kind of border line. Jason cut the cord and snapped a picture as they weighed her. He stroked my hair and smiled down at me.

Holy crap. We had made a baby.

In just minutes, the baby had a hat on and was swaddled warmly. They brought her to me and I kissed her forehead. She was so soft and warm. Jason went with her and I stayed. Not like I had a choice! They were still stitching me up.

In recovery Jason brought pictures of our little princess to me. Joey, the grandmas and Tim popped in to visit in between visiting Sophia. What seemed like an eternity passed and finally they pushed me and my bed into see her. She was beautiful!

Attached already to tubes and monitors she was doing okay and was getting lots of attention. Joey was smitten and played the role of proud big brother fabulously.

I was eventually moved to a room and sent Jason back to NICU repeatedly to check on her. Although I could be wheeled down I couldn’t hold her. My heart was both thankful she was doing well and heavy at the same time. I NEEDED to hold her. After the nurse’s shift change we went back again and I did get to hold her. J

So tiny. So beautiful. We were part of a miracle. This amazing bundle of life I was holding in my arms was covered with the fingerprints of God. Humbled by His mercy and extraordinary grace a few more tears fell as we looked at our daughter.

Happy birthday Sophia Elizabeth! You are loved.

Lessons in Thankful

For most of my grown-up life I waited to become a mom. On July 29, 1999 my dream came true. Although I still wanted more children, it seemed that God had other plans. After years of struggling with my feelings of deficiency and infertility I began praying for a peace and an understanding. I began praying to be satisfied and enjoy the incredible life God had given me. Not long after that a miracle happened-I was pregnant!

Tomorrow morning we will welcome our daughter into the world. We've had a crazy healthy pregnancy, our lives have been transformed in many ways in the last 7 months and God has shown us more mercy and grace than we can ever EVER understand. Sweeping away the trash in our lives has opened us up to a multitude of blessings. Humbled. We are humbled by the events of the last year and eager to embrace what our future holds.

Our lives are so much better now than they were this time last year. In nearly every way, in nearly every aspect of our lives we can see God's hand, His protection, His plan.

And we are thankful.

Week in the Life-Thursday

Why are we always at Wal-Mart?

Bednight.

A peek in the fridge.

Tisha, Bradley and Emily

Dave came over and built me a step so I don't have to waddle myself up the big foot tall step on the front porch now.

Mexican for lunch. It sounded like such a good idea, but I wasn't able to eat much. I think with my growing baby there isn't just much room in there!

Joey finds Taffy in one of her favorite places.

Week in the Life-Wednesday

Dinner in front of the TV

Hello snake! I think it lives under our sidewalk. Yikes!

Joey had a fever and although he seemed fine for the rest of the day, it was his get out of school free pass.

ATMs....what would we do without them?

We have a bit of traveling to do tomorrow so this is what it took to fuel up.

Love Sonic's Limeades, but today just had sweet tea and a chicken toaster club. Mmmm lunch.

Joey and Katara at the computer.

Taffy. Taking it easy.

Supper is on the stove.

I worked at unpacking the craft room. Its a slow process, but I'm seeing progress.

Jason in the man cave.

Joey-taking it easy.

Week in the Life-Tuesday

A Day of Rest? Well...I don't know about that!!! But, sleeping and resting did appear in many photos today.

Today I am thankful for the medicine that regulates my body and keeps the baby healthy.

It was kind of a restless night for the whole family. At one point around 2 am we were all lounging in the living room.

Call it a smoothie. Call it a shake. Joey loves them! Ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup and chocolate pudding.

Joey and Taffy camping out in the middle of the night.

I just love listening to Joey laugh so hard as he and Taffy play. In this picture I think that Taffy may be about to get the best of him!

Speaking of playing...maybe Taffy wears the pants in the family? LOL

Katara seeks a little attention from crazy cat man.

Its not exactly a Dairy Queen, but its as close as we've got in our little hometown. Notice the hand written menus posted on the window.

Mail! I had several thank-you cards to send out as well as NetFlix and Gamefly stuff too. I save my expired coupons and mail to a cousin that sorts them and sends them on to military families that can used them after they have expired!

Ahhhh....lately 9am means "morning naptime". Its nice to cuddle with Jas and feel the baby kick and move. Oh...and the nap is good too!

White knocked some clothes in the floor to create a comfy bed for herself. Silly cat.

A calmer Taffy enjoys napping on Joey's blanket even when he's at school.

Speaking of school....another day! "I love you! Learn something!"

Week in the Life-Monday

I can't get these silly pictures to stay in order so this is kind of a random look at my day. :-)

Monitoring session at the Perinatal Center. Sophie did beautifully! Perfect screening! Although we waited FOREVER! *ugh* Ultrasound shows a big baby girl!

Gosh. Lately we seem to drive a lot. Trips to the city two and three times a week. I love my doctor and the nurses that take care of me, but *whew* so much driving!

Pasta House for dinner. Unfortunately, nothing tasted good. I brought home most of it. Must have been too tired or something.

Love it! Parking for us poor old pregnant folk with big fat swollen feet! :-)

Jas has been doing most of the driving lately as I'm so uncomfortable. Its so sweet to watch him prepare for the baby. His nervousness lets me know how important we are to him. :-)

Joey heading off to school. He was pretty happy this morning since he got up in time to play some games and chase the cat around.

Waffles and Mt. Dew for breakfast. It truly is the breakfast of champions, right?

A slow wake-up means a happy morning!

Mom came over to do laundry and wait for Joey to get home from school. I had to walk her through using the remote over the phone. :-)

Jason partaking of breakfast. It was a long day and this was the jump start he needed.

Week in the Life-Sunday

We'll see if I can keep this up alllll week, but I'm going to try. Okay...unless the doc says that they baby is coming tomorrow or something. :-) I have always enjoyed playing along with Ali Edward's Week in the Life Project. I LOVE documenting the ordinary and this project speaks to me. So, I hope to share my pictures and add just a few words with each one to keep everything fresh until I can create an album for this week. My craft room is being unpacked s l o w l y and I can't really create until its done. So...here's day 1 of a week in our life.

Katara and Taffy have become quite friendly. They "cuddled" in a chair in Joey's room most of the afternoon.

During Sunday School, the sanctuary is empty. I like looking at row after row of shiny wooden pews. :-) I also like that calm silence when no one else is there.

Before worship, Jason and I talk about this and that.

Joey has been enjoying a video game called "MindCraft". Its a creative game where you build and craft the world you run around in.

Jason's Mom hung out with us this afternoon and watched Unstoppable (which made her soooo nervous because of how suspenseful it is) and ate WalMart pizza.

Why does it seem that I am ALWAYS at Wal-Mart? lol. We just picked up a few things today and still spent a hundred dollars. ugh.

Coupons. Coupons. Coupons! This was so much easier before the show Extreme Couponing came on. Now manufacturers have shortened how long the coupons are good for, stores are limiting quantities and newspapers are gone by noon on Sunday. I hope those people are USING the stuff they are buying and not just stockpiling to get on a tv show.

Early this morning as sun peeked through the curtains, I typed the church bulletin. Our worship service started with "Shine Jesus Shine". Love that song!

Today I am thankful for pedicured toes. Friends took me out for this treat Thursday and then we had sweets and opened gifts for the baby. So nice! It makes me smile every time I look down and see them.