Don't Poke Me...I'll Pop

Here's my current state. I'm at the point where sometimes I feel like I can't stretch another bit. But, I know I can, will and must. We've passed 31 weeks and I estimate another 8 or less to go. I believe we'll find out a C-Section date by mid-August.

The nursery/school room isn't exactly finished, but I did get it decluttered enough to actually start school and move a baby in. I'm not sure if I ever mentioned that the baby's room would be in the school room. We're hoping he'll be really smart since he'll be starting 2nd grade from birth! :) Anyway, the bedding is adorable and goes along with a school theme. It is the cutest baby bedding out of any we've ever had. Thanks Momma!



So speaking of school...that's coming up really soon. We're pretty much all set to start 2nd grade homeschool with Josh. Andrew will be going to preschool in town. I'm hoping that it will be good for all of us. Andrew will have something fun to do, so he doesn't feel left out between Josh being homeschooled and all the care the baby will require. It will give Josh and I a chance to establish some better habits and spend some time together without his very best playmate to distract him. And as for me...it will force me out of bed earlier! (Part of that better habits thing I mentioned.) Let's hope everything works out in reality as perfectly as it does in my head!

Toothless Grin

Josh lost his third tooth yesterday. He had lost his bottom two back last fall and finally lost one on the top. It was loose for what seemed like FOREVER. The last several days it was just hanging. I have never seen a more stubborn tooth. I attribute it to the fact that he's always been a big milk drinker. Strong teeth and bones! Go DAIRY!




In other news...I have found what we believe to be the world's most delicious brownie mix. Pick up a box and try them for yourself. SO GOOD! Hey, why not have one with a glass of milk!?

Diamond in a Pearl

Today marks 12 years of marriage for Craig and I. It's hard to believe.

Yesterday, Craig surprised me with a very special gift. He put so much love, care and thought into it. It's the kind of gift that when you know the meaning behind it, brings tears to your eyes.

Here's the story....

"When an oyster swallows a grain of sand it feels discomfort, so it begins to ease the pain by applying a coat of nacre (pearl). It is during this healing process that it creates a beautiful pearl. It is rather ironic to think that something so beautiful can be created out of so much discomfort. This irony is like life itself. It is easy to love in good times, but it takes courage to love through the discomforts of our lives. It is this understanding, this virtue, that has been my teacher, my healer, and has given me courage and a sense of hope. "Diamond in a Pearl" is an expression of this understanding. The diamond represents the grain of sand and the pearl evokes an aura of courage, love, and healing that is embedded deep within the soul. It is this unique transformation that has given birth to "Diamond in a Pearl" the symbol of love."

"Love has the power to heal all wounds,
love defines our existence,
love is a Diamond in a Pearl."

Chi Galatea Huynh



No marriage is ever easy and ours has certainly been no different. Today we celebrate the victory of 12 sweet years. Twelve years wrapped up with love, laughter, joy, pain, tears, hope, and healing.

I am thankful...

• for a loving husband.
  
• that we have stuck with one another through thick and thin.
  
• that our friendship grows.
  
• for the relationship our children see between us.
• for the laughter.
• for the tears.
• for his dedication and good work ethic.
• for the boys we share.
• that we continue to develop our relationship.
• that we have hope for many good tomorrows.
• that we are among the rare jewels of lasting marriages.
• that we never lost sight of God through it all.

Happy Anniversary Craig! I LOVE YOU!

Bouncing Baby Boy

I went for another ultrasound today and got a little better glimpse of our boy's face. He still was a bit uncooperative, but still better. :) He had hiccups at one point and yawned at another. That can all be seen in the video we got. His estimated weight at this time is a little over 4 pounds. At first, I was a bit disturbed by him already being that big, but I figure he's probably right on track for being an average 8 pound baby.

Here are a couple of the shots...I think he looks like his Daddy.




I'll try to get a current belly pic of me soon...I know it has been awhile.

Bottling Babies

A couple of weeks ago the boys and I spent a week bottling baby calves. This time around I "made" them help me until the job was done, rather than just as long as they were interested. They turned out to be great help. Andrew especially enjoys helping. As you can see in the pictures, he likes to fill the bottles with milk.




I do hope to post more soon. In the meantime...I'd like to hear what kind of camera you have and if you like it. Does it do video too? I'm thinking we really need our own camera and our video camera doesn't seem to be working right, so I'd like one that will do both. Please leave your suggestions in the comments section. Just click where it says # comments and it will open a screen for you to leave your own. Thanks...

Still a Kickin'

I'm still here. Sorry I haven't checked in for such a long time. I know as the weeks progress, some of you may begin to wonder about me. I'm doing well at 29 weeks. I have aches and pains for sure and the heat is killer, but I'm coping.

I spent three hours in the garden on a footstool yesterday picking green beans. I was shocked when I realized how long I had been there. I did have to stand up a couple of times to stretch my legs.

I've about procrastinated long enough with baby preparations and need to get going on that. My mom bought a bedding set today on her way to Denver, so I don't get to see it until Saturday, when she returns! :( Maybe that will get me motivated though.

I know I have lots I could share...if I had the appropriate pics on my computer, but I'll have to get them later. I'll try to update again soon. Just wanted you to know I'm still alive and still pregnant.

John Deere Farmin'

This morning the boys had the opportunity to do a little farming with Grandpa. This is the one thing that is totally Josh's thing! Andrew likes it too, but Josh has always been fascinated with tractors from the time he could even hold a toy in his hands. I think Andrew's interest in them just comes from liking the same things Josh likes.

Anyway...they each got to ride on the John Deere and even got to do some driving (steering). They thought that was pretty cool. Here are some pictures of their adventure. I just love that they get opportunities like this.

Josh in the driver's seat


Andrew's turn


Refilling the planter with seed


A beautiful morning


Coming back for another pass