Christmas Blessings!

December 25th, 2012

Please pray for Dominic!

I never do this, but my heart is broken for this little boy.  If there is anyone out there that still reads my blog please pray for Dominic Pio!  Click on the link to read his story.  He is in such a critical situation right now.  He needs prayers!!!

Lil' Bit's 6 month stats

Weight:   12.5 pounds  ---  less than 3%

Height:   25 inches  ---  16%

Head:   16.25 inches  ---  12%

November 19th, 2012

Yum!

Way back when Zep was a baby, I counted down the days until he was old enough to start on solid foods.  At four months exactly we started him on rice cereal and moved on to other store bought baby foods.  

When Bright Eyes entered the world, I held off until 6 months to feed him solids and decided to make 75% of our baby food at home.

Sunshine wasn't fed solids until 7 months and she was exclusively fed homemade purees. 

And now we have Lil' Bit.  She is now 6 1/2 months.  We've finally decided to dive into the world of solids, but this time we're trying a new approach - Baby Led Weaning.  The basic idea is to completely skip the purees and go straight to finger foods.  The baby feeds herself from day one.  Our reasons for trying this method are (1) it makes sense and (2) I have three other kids to feed and barely enough time to feed myself (although from looking at me you'd never know it).  Trying to fit in time to spoon feed a baby seems impossible.  

Lil' Bit was introduced to Baby Led Weaning with a soft asparagus stick.  We placed it in front of her and after about 5 minutes she finally started showing some interest.  It didn't take her long to pick it up and bring it straight to her mouth.  LB doesn't have any teeth so there was no actual eating involved, but she loved sucking on the asparagus.  It was amazing!

Since then we've tried bread, meat, and bananas.  So far it's been a slow going process.  She isn't horribly interested in the food and finds it hard to pick most things ups.  From what I'm reading though, this will change in no time and we'll have a pro on our hands!

November 17th, 2012

Happy Halloween!

Black Ninja, White Ninja, and Little Red Riding Hood

October 31st, 2012

Pumpkins...

We skipped our annual trip to the pumpkin patch this year, however the kids still talked me into swinging by a local church which had hundreds of pumpkins for sale.  The stick-in pumpkin parts that Arnie P gave us have been such a hit with my family.  We're slowly losing pieces though - we'll need to look for more.

**Poor Zep was so sick during this picture.  He was scared to tell me he didn't feel well, because he was worried he wouldn't be able to go trick-or-treating the next night.  I felt so bad for him!

Daddy had a busy week of work right before Halloween but was able to squeeze in a little bit of time to carve a very quick pumpkin.  It wasn't his best pumpkin carving to date but the kids were still super excited!

October 30th, 2012

Our new addition!

Sunshine and Sterling!

October 26th,2012

All Saints Day

Our homeschool group hosts a really fun All Saints Party each year.  The kids get to dress up like a saint of their choosing and read off clues to everyone.  All the kids try to guess who the saints are.  After there are tons of games set up.  My kids absolutely love this party!

Here are our saints of 2012!  Can you guess who they are?  Scroll to the bottom to find out if you're right.

Bright Eyes' Clues

1.  God made a covenant with me.
2.  God told me to build an ark.
3.  I am from the Old Testament.





Zep's Clues

1.  I led two crusades.
2.  I was the King of France.
3.  I was known for my charity.





Bright Eyes was Noah.
Zep was St. Louis IX King of France

October 21st, 2012

Missouri Dreaming!

Ever been on a vacation that was so perfect you never wanted it to end?  I kept trying to think of ways to convince hubby to stay just one more day.

We were able to spend 4 fun filled days in such a great city - St. Louis, Missouri!  Hubby and his friends always attend one Alabama football away game each year.  This year they chose the Bama vs. Mizzou game...which was to be played in Missouri...which also happens to be where hubby's sister lives.  It didn't take long for hubby's parents, hubby's oldest sister and kids, our kids and me to high-jack the boys football trip and turn it into an amazing family weekend.

My amazing sister-in-law had everything set up perfectly for us.  The sleeping arrangements were wonderful, all the meals were taken care of, and she even provided additional entertainment for the kids in the form of her amazing boyfriend.

From late nights up chatting to exploring around the city - what a wonderful vacation this was for us!  Thanks so much for hosting our crazy chaotic clan, Aunt Bear!  It was wonderful to spend time in your world.  We love you so very much and are so blessed to have had this time with you and the fam.  We can't wait until the next get together!

There are several posts to follow about each of our St. Louis adventures.  For now, I'll leave you with our view of the city as we were sadly heading home.

October 14th, 2012

St. Louis Trip - Wolf Howl

I spent way too much time before our trip researching all the great attractions in the area.  During my searching, I came across the Endangered Wolf Center.  The Wolf Center is an organization that works to save wolves from extinction.  It's a huge facility in which they breed and try to reintroduce the wolves to the wild at some point.  I'm sure it would be a great place to go visit during the day!

However, I was captivated to read about an event that they do on weekend evenings called a Wolf Howl.  So, I reserved a spot for the boys and I.  We headed there on our own Saturday evening while hubby was at the Bama game.

It was just as cool as I thought it would be!  We arrived and they took us back to a campfire where a employee stood behind the fire and shared information about the wolves.  Hearing his interpretations of each of the wolf's howls was really funny.  He then told us a couple "not so scary" wolf stories.  From the campfire we walked a little way down a gravel path to where the wolves were caged.  Three of the employees surrounded the cage and began howling.  Sure enough withing 10 minutes or so all the wolves were howling right back.  The kids though it was pretty awesome!

The only downside to the event was I didn't think through bringing Lil' Bit out with us.  She's nursing, so she's stuck to me at all times.  Seeing that we were in the woods trying to be quiet to hear the wolves every little noise LB made sounded like it was over a loud speaker.  All the howling wolves and people scared her a lot.  We ended up having to walk back early.  That didn't stop Zep from howling along with the wolves as we were walking back.

The kids were also extremely concerned that they would have to miss the hot cocoa and cookies that were being served afterwards.  All was well though...they took theirs to go!

I would love to do this again someday - minus any little bitty ones.  The next time we'll also make it a point to go during the day so we can actually see the wolves!

October 13th, 2012

Cousins!

I'm too tired to blog anything else tonight, but I wanted to post this super cute pic of my niece and Sunshine.  They are too cute together.  I can't even begin to imagine all the fun these two are going to have together throughout their lives.

October 13th, 2012

St. Louis Trip - Purina Farms

For the last year Zep has been begging me for the opportunity to milk a cow.  You would think that would be an easy request to fulfill.  I had zero luck finding a place to take him.  So...you better believe when I saw the Purina Farms in Missouri had cow milking I signed us up right away!

The Farm is amazing!  They have a small barn where they keep lots of animals that the kids were able to interact with.  The little ones loved this!  The best part was the dog agility demonstration!  It is absolutely amazing to watch the trainers with these beautiful dogs.  

The kids had a great time - definitely a must do if in the St. Louis area!

October 13th, 2012

St. Louis Trip - The Zoo

A trip to St. Louis isn't complete without a trip to the zoo.  It might very well be the nicest zoo we've ever visited...and IT'S FREE!!  

We spent an entire day here just walking around through the exhibits.  Even after a full day we still had yet to see all the animals.  The hippos and gorillas are by far our favorite animals there! 

Such a fun day with our wonderful family!

October 12th, 2012

St. Louis Trip - City Museum

Hands down ... the COOLEST place we've ever taken the kids!  Several people had told me about City Museum.  Basically what I got out of their explanations was that it was a playground made of recycled objects.  Oh my!  What an understatement!  What I wouldn't have given to be a kid and only 3 feet tall during our visit.  There really isn't a good way to describe this museum.  It really is a large playground made of recycled objects.  Only...it's so much more!  It's floors and floors of tunnels and hidden doors.  It's beautiful, obscure art.  And it's loads and loads of fun!

Lil' Bit gave me an excuse to sit out during several of the "way too high for mama" areas.  But all the kids found the courage to slide down the 10-story slide and climb to the top of the outdoor area.  I managed to only have a couple moments of complete panic watching them.

This day also included lunch at Bailey's Range.  I'm still having dreams about the burgers and fries there!  So, so yummy!

October 11th, 2012

Sunshine and Aunt Bear!

Sunshine adores her Aunt Bear!  She loves to look at the picture of hubby's family taken several years back, pointing at each person and saying everyone's name.  For the longest time the only sibling that she could remember was Bear.  "Aunt Bear is my best fwend!" she would say each time!

Our kids have been blessed with many aunts and uncles that have stayed a very active part of their lives.  This is so important to me as my own aunt and uncle were a huge part of my growing up.  My aunt is one of my very own "best fwends!"  What a special relationship to have!

October 11th, 2012

Steele Apple Orchard

We were able to visit Steele Orchard, a local apple orchard, with our homeschooling group recently.  The tour we went on was called The Johnny Appleseed Tour.  The kids were split up into groups and traveled from station to station.  They learned about Johnny Appleseed who the kids remembered.  We visited his birthplace in Massachusetts, which also happens to be where my grandparents live.  The kids also learned about pollination, how the apples are collected, and basic nutrition.  It was a really fun day that ended with a nice picnic.  We were able to go on this field trip with not one, but both, of the kids' grandmas!  They were very excited to spend the day with Gramma and Nana!

September 28th, 2012

Lil' Bit's 4 month Stats

Weight:  11.1 pounds  ---  3%

Height:   23.5 inches  ---  12%

Head:   15.75 inches  ---  14%

September 17th, 2012

Cousins!

We attempted to surprise my mom on her 60th birthday with all of the family together.  Word got out that we were all coming, but this didn't lessen the enjoyment of the day.  The kids had such a great time playing together.  I can't believe how big they're all getting!

September 15th, 2012

Soccer - Fall Season 2012

Yet another awesome soccer season!  Hubby coached the boys, which kept him and us extremely busy!  How I love seeing these boys having so much fun though!

September 15th, 2012

Family Beach Trip 2012

We took our family of 6 on our FIRST beach trip ever!   Yes, we've been to the beach before with the kids but never on our own.  We usually go with family or friends.  This was quite a different experience for us as we had to plan everything ourselves.  We discovered that we're not all that great at the planning part.  Most of the meals we brought to make were missing at least one ingredient.  Despite our minor forgetfulness, the trip was wonderful!!

We found a cute little condo in Gulf Shores.  The owner was AMAZING and we were able to snag some extra days for a great price!  The only bummer was that the onsite pool had been flooded by a tropical storm that had just passed through.  So, we were limited to beach play only.

The older three kids had a blast playing on the beach with daddy.  I was able to sneak down occasionally but spent most of the time in the room while one or two of the girls were napping.  I can't say this was all that bad...I truly enjoyed the quiet reading time!

Such a great trip!  We can't wait to go again!  Sunshine asks me every day if we're going to the beach again!

The first evening there we went straight out to the beach to search for crabs...

The second evening...the kids were exhausted.  Bright Eyes and Sunshine (our two inseparable children) shared a bed.  I found them sound asleep holding hands.  My heart melted!...

The third day was full of fun on the beach.  Flying kites, feeding seagulls, riding the waves, and catching z's in the sun!...

The fourth day hubby and the older kids spent much of the day on the beach while I snuggled with Lil' Bit in our condo...

September 2nd - 5th, 2012

Sweet and spicy...

B.E. is a fascinating child!  I spend much of my days trying to figure out how his head works.  He can be very dreamy and get lost during tasks.  He is very stubborn and only does things when he's ready.  And he doesn't respond to any form of discipline.  But on the opposite side of all of that is the sweetest boy who goes out of his way to show his love.  He takes care of his sisters with the gentlest tone and touch.  He's sensitive and feels everyone else's hurts.  He is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!

We got to witness just how sweet and spicy B.E. can be this week...

We had a less than stellar week.  The boys have been completely off a schedule due to our summer break and trying to get them situated back onto one has been a struggle.  One day in particular caused my blood pressure to rise quite a bit.  It started with morning chores, after 30 minutes I went upstairs to find Zep and B.E. had yet to complete even one of their tasks.  Then came school, as B.E. complained during almost all of his lessons.  Next was lunch chores, three hours of them goofing off while not completing anything.  B.E. knew I was angry; everyone knew I was angry.

Flash forward to yesterday.  We were getting ready to head out to a homeschool back to school party. I asked the boys to clean their room before we left for the day.  B.E. came up to me and announced that he would clean the room all by himself.  "What? Why?" I asked.  And this is where my sweet Bright Eyes emerged, "Because I was mean to you the other day, and I want to do something nice for God."

If there was ever a moment when I was so proud I could cry, this was one of them.  I scooped up that little boy and praised him and squeezed him to pieces.

I have no doubts that our spicy B.E. will return, but his sweet side balances him perfectly!

***Kawasaki update - B.E. saw his cardiologist yesterday.  He has a beautiful heart and does not have to see the doctor again for a whole year!  

August 24th, 2012

Isn't She Lovely!!

How can you not fall in love with this face?  The quickest way to cure a bout of frustration is to share a smile with her.  Thank you, God, for this beautiful gift!

August 23rd, 2012

Sunshine??

I think she may have temporarily lost her shine!

This is her "mean" face!  She's excellent when it comes to her acting skills!

August 18th, 2012

Our sweet baby girl!

Lil' Bit is now 3 months old.  The time has really flown by.  I think we finally found our groove about a month or so ago.  Lil' Bit started sleeping through the night right before she turned 2 months old.  She is now slowly working herself into a pretty workable routine.

We have all loved having this sweet baby girl in our lives.  She is such an good spirited baby.  She greets us each morning with the most beautiful grin.  Her smile spreads throughout her whole face...so big that her little eyes close shut and her mouth grins wide open.  It's precious!

I am truly loving this time with our Lil' Bit.  After four kids, you tend to finally relax a bit with newborns.  Instead of worrying over everything she does, I feel much more peaceful and able to just love on her.  This little girl has grabbed such a hold of my heart.  Our family was absolutely blessed with her addition.  Hubby and I are so excited to watch our Lil' Bit grow into a beautiful young lady!

August 17th, 2012

Happy 7th Birthday, Zep!

I know everyone says this...but seriously, I CAN NOT believe our little man is now 7 years old!  It seems like just yesterday that we were rushing to the hospital to have him.  What an amazing son he is!

Zep is such a smart boy!  As a homeschool teacher, he's my dream student.  He's truly excited about learning and picks things up so quickly.  He's just like his mommy and loves to read.  Most nights he sneak reads using the closet light to illuminate his book.  We allow it...how can we punish the boy for reading?  It's not uncommon for him to come bounding in our room in the morning announcing he read "a whole book" the night before.

Zep is still a HUGE gamer.  He would sit in front of the XBox all day long if you let him.  We bought him Settlers of Catan for his birthday.  It's a great strategy game geared for ages 10+.  I had no doubt that he would love it, and sure enough he does.  We wasted this entire last weekend playing the game all day!  Hubby and I are in heaven...we're both huge game people too!

Zep has wonderful manners...even in his sleep.  His night terrors stopped for awhile and then picked back up recently.  Some nights he'll just casually walk into the room mumbling.  If you try to converse with him he'll always respond with "yes, ma'am" or "no, sir."  I'd love to take credit for this, but it primarily comes from his best friend.  It's very true that your friend's habits rub off on you...I'm glad he has such a wonderful friend.

Zep is always willing to help out.  He may grumble every once in a while, but usually he'll jump up without any question when asked for a favor.

As far as his quarks...Zep rushes through everything.  I have to get him to slow down when doing his schoolwork because he makes silly mistakes.  He's one of those kids that tries to take advantage of times when his siblings are in trouble..."look mom, I ate ALL my vegetables."  He's still not really into independent play.  He's very social and would prefer someone be around to entertain him all the time.  His favorite word..."why?"  As in, "Cole, what's your favorite color?" .."why?"  We're working on not answering questions with questions.  He still can not sit still.  He's moving constantly.  We watched Facing the Giants recently.  He jumped up and down in front of the TV for the entire last 20 minutes when the football team was about to win state.

Happy Birthday to our amazing 7-year-old!

Zep, 
What a wonderful son you've been!  Dad and I couldn't have dreamed up a better big brother for your sisters and brother.  I so enjoy our times together.  Your excitement over the newest Beyblade or the stories you read is infectious.  Your energy amazes me.  Sometimes I look at you and am amazed that you've grown up so fast.  I feel like I blinked and the first 7 years of your life were gone.  You've grown into such a remarkable boy.  I love that you love to be home with me each day!  Our time together is priceless.  Happy 7th Birthday!  You'll always be my baby.

Love, Mom

Zep decided to skip having a big party this year and opted to have one friend stay the night.  He did request a Beyblade birthday cake.  Let me tell you, hubby and I could never work for the Cake Boss!  Zep didn't seem to mind though.

August 10th, 2012

Lake fun!

August 8th, 2012

Celebrating a friend!

The boys were invited to a dear friend's birthday not too long ago. His mom is a great friend of mine.  She managed to snag her best friend (a party planner) to plan the party for her.  It was awesome!  A complete dirt bike themed party.  Zep and B.E. managed to forget their swimsuits in the car.  I was told that, "they won't get too wet."  Ha!  When I came back to pick them up they were dripping wet from head to toe.  The boys had such a great time!  Happy Birthday, Mr. P!

August 1st, 2012

Our Girl's First Haircut...

Why does cutting a few inches of hair always seem so hard?  It took Sunshine over two years to grow even a little hair.  Deciding to cut any off was difficult!  But isn't she cute?

July 27th, 2012

Welcoming a new cousin!

Hubby's sister welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world!  We're so excited for J&K.  Little HC is absolutely adorable.  I can already envision lake days in the future...the four little girls huddled together laughing and giggling.  

Pic of the new parents with all the kids!

And the boys could never miss an opportunity to torture their Uncle Totem!  He's such a good sport!

July 20th, 2012

Lil' Bit 2 Month Stats...

Weight:  9 pounds 11.5 ounces - 10-25%

Height:  21.5 inches - 5-10%

Head circumference:  15 inches - 10-25%

July 18th, 2012

Summer Crafts

In a desperate attempt to squash summer boredom we pulled out some craft sets we had around and spent some time painting.  I think we managed to only fill about an hour.  It was fun though!

Lil' Bit was close by!

July 5th, 2012

Just hangin' around!

July 4th, 2012

Vulcan

My favorite aunt and uncle - okay, so maybe they're my only aunt and uncle. But even if they weren't they'd still be my favorite! - drove down from Massachusetts to visit my parents and decided to spend a couple days with our crazy clan.

We were able to take some time out to drive up to Vulcan for the afternoon.  The kids had fun running through the museum.  I managed to build up the courage to take the three older kids up to the top of Vulcan.  I have no deep longing to go back up any time soon!  I think Bright Eyes shares my fear of heights, because he was eager to return to solid ground as well.

July 3rd, 2012

Fun with the yankees!

It's ridiculous that we seem to have lots of pictures from the time my Aunt and Uncle were here, but we have no actual pictures of my aunt and uncle.  I used to do so well remembering to take my camera.  I suppose that memory cell is now being used to remember a child.

These are some of the activities that took place while our Yankee family was in town!

July 2nd - 4th, 2012

This Might Be Why...

it takes Bright Eyes F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to put his clothes away!!  He laid them out across the entire floor this way.  Some days he arranges them in to designs.  Recently he had them in the shape of a smiley face.  So this is what it's like raising a creative child!

June 20th, 2012

Lil Bit's Stats

10 days old...

Weight:  6 pounds 2 ounces - 10 to 25%
Height:   18 3/4 inches - 25%
Head:   13 1/4 inches - 25%

May 21st, 2012

-------------------------------------------------------

3 weeks old...

Weight:   6 pounds 14 ounces - 10 to 25%

May 31st, 2012

Pictures

We had Samantha from His Hands Photography over this morning to take Lil Bit's (our newest nickname for Baby Girl) newborn pictures.  They turned out so beautiful!  Check out the preview here.  I highly recommend Samantha.  She was so patient and is a wonderful lady.

We took advantage of all the clean children and had our neighbor run over quickly to take a couple shots.  They aren't even close to the quality of Samantha's, but at least it's something.

May 23rd, 2012

She's Home!

Baby Girl arrived home at noon today!  We're off and running as a family of 6!  Excuse the blog hiatus while I try to rest and regain my sanity.

May 18th, 2012

Tomorrow's the day!

Baby Girl gets to go home tomorrow!!  I'm beyond excited.  I'll be headed to the hospital in just a bit. Baby Girl and I are having a girls' night.  This will be a really good time to make sure her and I are on the same page with nursing and such.  Then tomorrow the rest of the family is going to be coming to pick us up.  I'm looking forward to all SIX of us being together!  Praise God for all of the blessings my family has received over this week!  We are so grateful.

May 17th, 2012

She was promoted!

Baby Girl finally passed all the tests and made her way into a crib today!  It was so wonderful to hear this news.  Now we wait...once again.  She has to be able to maintain her body temperature, continue her feedings, and gain weight to go home.  We're hoping to be holding our little girl in our home by the weekend.

Poor Baby Girl's pod at the NICU filled up today, so they put her between two "sicker" babies off in a corner.  She looks so lost there.  I kept wanting to walk up to the nurses and say, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."  Ha!

May 16th, 2012

Getting better every day!

It's been a bittersweet Mother's Day.  I had my first day of baby blues - so that's come with quite a lot of tears.  Between things going on in the NICU that made me nervous, feeling completely judged at Mass this afternoon because of my semi-loud oldest daughter, and arguing with my husband over my crazy misinterpretation of situations...I'm completely drained from crying.  This has happened after each of my babies though...I think it's just a bit elevated because I don't have a sweet little one to hold onto all the time.

Baby Girl gave mommy a wonderful day of gifts.  This morning her nurse let me take her out of the jaundice lights and hold her for 20 minutes.  It was absolute bliss!  She's so tiny and so cuddly...a 5 pound reminder of God's amazing handiwork.  This afternoon Baby Girl's doctor took her off the lights completely (no more jaundice), stopped her antibiotics (all negative cultures), and increased her tube feedings to 1 ounce every 3 hours.  Our last and only hold up now is her breathing rates.  Those were still up in the 80s all last night but have dropped into the 60s over the last 6-8 hours.

She looks so much better without all the extra stuff on her!

May 13th, 2012

Our little Smurf Baby!

She's even beautiful in blue!

May 12, 2012

Baby Girl Update...

They decided to have Baby (better nickname to come after we've gotten to know her a bit) admitted to NICU yesterday evening.  Her breathing is still right around 80.  And this morning they had started her on the jaundice lights - although that was more from precaution than it was because she actually needed it.  They're just assuming that she'll become jaundiced based on the history of our other children. This afternoon they inserted a feeding tube down her throat and are slowly giving her colostrum/formula.

From what I can understand - she will have to keep her breathing rate under 60 for at least 12 hours.  They'll then work on getting her to eat from a bottle.  Lastly they'll give her the crib test - two days in a crib to make sure she stays stable.

They're going to kick me out on Tuesday.  Based on the requirements for Baby to come home - I don't think she'll be joining us until at least the end of the week.  This thought kills me.  Please pray that she won't have to stay here too long.  I'm so eager to just sit and hold her.

May 12th, 2012

Welcoming our little...

GIRL!!

She arrived at 12:17 pm, weighing in at 5 pounds 15 ounces and 18.5 inches long.

She's absolutely beautiful!  We're still trying to figure out who she looks like.

We may be looking at some NICU time shortly.  Her breath rate is between 60 and 80.  It should be around 20.  This also effects her ability to eat.  Right now her blood sugar level is pretty good, but if it drops before her breath rates drop then she will be put on an IV in the NICU.  No fun at all!  Any prayer you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

May 11th, 2012

Update on Baby #4!

Really, there is no update.  I'm still fat and uncomfortable, and baby is happy and comfortable right where he/she is.  The doctor says that I'm no more dilated than a woman who has had four pregnancies would be at 36 weeks.  And that the baby is still high.

So now we're playing the waiting game.  Do I think I'll make it to the 39 week delivery date?  Probably not...I've never made it past 37 weeks.  However, I'm telling myself that I have 21 more days to meet our new sweet baby so I don't get too impatient.  It's made my days much easier to get through.  Not much longer now!

May 10th, 2012

School's out for summer!

When I was in high school my dad (a teacher) somehow managed to convince the school board to let him be an interim principal while the current principal was out on medical leave.  I'm almost positive that after he suspended 95% of the senior class, the school board was reconsidering their decision.  And no - I'm not joking.  It was homecoming week - the Senior Float was empty.  This is especially not good for your reputation if you're the daughter of the principal who did the suspending.

But anyhoo...my point.  On the last day of school my dad filled the intercom system with the beautiful sounds of Alice Cooper.  To this day I can't listen to this song without thinking of my dad!  Good memories!



Today I'm playing the song for my kids - bad lyrics and all!  Well, because I'm the mom and I can do that.  And because...

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!!

**As I'm playing this song for Zep he says, "But I really like school, mom."  Well, it's a good thing, dear child because we're still doing math and reading all summer long!  :)

Happy Summer Break, ya'll!

May 9th, 2012

Irritable Me!

Well, at least my uterus is!  The doc gave me the diagnosis this morning after I sat for three hours hooked up to the TOCO monitor.  Like clockwork, I watched and FELT contractions every 3-10 minutes.  Some of them were severe enough to cause discomfort while others were just a blip on the machine, but they were there.  Apparently they're not doing anything to progress labor - as I'm still at 1cm.  This all boils down to what is called irritable uterus.  Which basically means I could be having these contractions for the next 3 weeks!  Yeah!!  I'm thrilled!  ;)

However, my doc recommended I get some help for the next week and rest.  He is strongly against me having this baby before the 36 week mark.  The recliner and I are going to be very good friends this week.  I'm going to attempt to not be miserable.  Have you met me?  Have you seen my schedule?  I have things to be doing...all the time!  I really have no idea how I'm going to not do these things.  This will definitely be a test for me to see how well I can really let go and let God!  

I'm thankful for one more day of cooking for this baby!  Each day gives us more of a chance for a healthy, healthy little one!  

I'm still pregnant!

It occurred to me that since I first wrote that we were expecting blessing #4 I haven't written a single thing about the pregnancy.  I guess that's what happens when you have 3 other blessings to chase after.  You seem to forget about being pregnant most of the time!

Well, here I sit 35 weeks in.  This has been a wonderful pregnancy.  I had the normal sickness during the first trimester, but I've already forgotten how miserable it was.  Hubby and I have been anticipating having this baby earlier than our expected due date of June 4th since all of our other children were born no later than 37 weeks.  This was basically confirmed Saturday morning as I drove myself to the hospital for a shot of terbutaline to control contractions.  Since then I've been taking another "contraction stopper" med every four hours - which seems to not exactly be doing the trick.

Our goal is to make it at least until 36 weeks - we're so very eager to meet our little guy/girl!  I can't believe I'll soon be holding a squishy newborn again!

In other news - two of my best friends are both expecting their #4 as well!  These are two of the gals that jumped off the cliff into the homeschooling world with me.  You would've thought that this first year of having all the kids home with us would've been horribly traumatic - but wouldn't ya know it...each of us decided to add one more child into the mix!

Hopefully the next time I write about baby #4 I'll be posting a picture as well!

Easter Playdate at the Park

Well - we had good intentions.  Isn't that always the case?  We packed up our lunches, desserts to share, our baskets, and all the kids and headed to a local park for a scheduled homeschool Easter egg hunt.  Whadya know - it had been rescheduled due to rain.  That didn't stop us from still having a great time!  We met up with three families from our homeschool group and then met several new friends while we were there as well.

The weather was beautiful!  The park was shaded and wonderful!  And thanks to Mrs. Nise the kids were able to convince the load of us moms to let them "wade" in the creek.  You can obviously tell that the wading turned into full blown swimming with my kids.

It was a great day of sunshine and fun for us all!

April 4th, 2012