I know it's been a gazillion years (or really, just a few months) since I lasted posted, but I just had to share this story of triumph. Or more appropriately, a story about how the Lord really does care about the little things in our hearts.
*Side-note: For the record, my mind is constantly a-swirl (I made this term up) with things I'd like to blog about. There's so much going on, especially with Josiah growing so fast and learning new things every single stinkin' day, but I just can't seem to find time to sit down and type it all out and gather the pictures for it. Call it laziness or call it busy living the life I wanna write about. Either way, we're still alive and I still love to blog. Even if it is only in my mind.
*Side-note: That was a long side-note.
Now, for the story.
Only a few minutes ago, out of a moment of desperation and with my breath held and fingers crossed, I pulled my pre-pregnancy jeans out of the closet and put them on.
It's true. I did.
I don't know what got into me or why on earth I might have become so delusional. I guess, it's like I said; it was a moment of desperation.
You see, I have been working so very hard (and still not as hard as I'd like) to lose weight and to be healthy again. And I've actually had some success. Which is always a bittersweet thing. You know, sweet because I'm losing weight. Yay! But bitter because I have not one single pair of pants that fit. Boo! And Christmas is only around the corner. Which is a great thing, cuz I know Santa is bringing Momma some shopping money. But what exactly am I supposed to wear until then? There are only so many places a grown woman can wear pajama pants.
Okay, truly there are NO places a grown woman can wear pajama pants. I repeat...no places.
So, here I am in my room, breath held and fingers crossed. Jeans in hand. I even gave myself a little pep-talk. I honestly didn't expect them to go past my knees.
But they did. And then they went past my hips and my...you know...butt. Okay, so I could pull them up. But there's no way they'll button. Or if I can button them, that I'll still be able to breathe. But they did button. And I could breathe. What?!?!
They fit?
Are you kidding me? I'm still way bigger than when we got pregnant. And it may all sound dramatic, but I really have had such a hard time losing weight after having my precious son.
And before you go and sign me up for America's Next Top Model, let's just get one thing straight. Besides, the fact that I'm short and they don't like short girls, these pre-pregnancy jeans weren't exactly a size 2. Or 8. Or even a 10.
(Now I've gone and over-shared.)
Let's just be honest here, folks. Momma still has a looooooooooong road to travel to Healthyville. But I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna do it, I say.
And it's only with the help of the Lord. Which is why I say this little incident is an act of God. Because it really and truly and honestly is. He's the One whose Spirit compels me to be disciplined. And it's His kindness that reminds me that I have a beautiful family to live a long time for.
So, I guess that's why, out of ALL the many, many stories or anecdotes or updates on life I could've shared, I just had to share this one. Because I must give glory to God for His grace in my life.
**There are no pictures to post with this story. Your imagination is probably a lot more forgiving than the actual scene. At least, that's what I'm hoping.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
SWEET Dreams
It's one of those outrageously HOT days today. Or maybe it's the same it has been all summer long, but I've just managed to keep myself holed up in the house until this afternoon.
Josiah and I went to make a few new friends up on campus at UH. He participated in his very first ever contact table! He did so great and of course, attracted many a smiling, cooing student (mostly girls). But it was, indeed, rather toasty out today and I didn't want him to fall victim to heat exhaustion so early on in his tiny little life. Plus, he was having a little trouble falling asleep for a nap due to over-stimulation and a terminal case of sleep-fighters syndrome (SFS). So, I brought him home and gingerly placed him in his crib. He was already pretty passed out from the ride home (all of 7 minutes) and promptly turned himself on his little side and continued to dose.
I victoriously walked into the other room and sat down with a popsicle and ginormous glass of ice water and began to check some "email" (read: FB). Two minutes in, my child began intensely whimpering and before I could even get up from the chair, he was all out screaming and wailing in absolute panic. When I walked into his room, his eyes were wide open and he had a look of sheer terror on his face. He even was startled a little more when he noticed me standing over him.
I knew immediately that he must've had a bad dream. Something must've scared him. He must've seen something behind his precious, innocent eyes that caused him to utter such screams.
I immediately picked him up in my arms and began praying and telling him he was okay; that Momma was here and Jesus was with him. Once he calmed down, I talked to him about how there are bad things in the world, and that sometimes he'll see and experience bad things, but that Jesus wins. And that Jesus is always with him.
My heart just broke that it had to be that way. As his mommy, I want so bad, more than anything, to shield and protect him from anything and everything unpleasant.
And that's when I got convicted.
I should be pleading the blood of Jesus over my son's sleep...over his dreams. I can't, as his mother, control what comes into his mind. I can't choose what thoughts he has or what images he sees when he's sleeping. (I can take control over what images he sees while he's awake, but that another topic altogether). But I, for sure, can set up a cover over him in the name of Jesus and by His blood.
You may disagree with me. "But bad dreams and nightmares are just a part of life. Everyone has them and there's no use getting worked up over trying to shield our children from them."
Maybe. But I honestly believe that when we plead the blood of Jesus over the lives of those we cherish and love, they are truly protected. I also know that Psalm 91 says that we need not fear the terror of night (vs.5) and that He gives His angels charge over us (vs. 11).
Mommies: let's be committed to praying over our darling babies and their dreams. While we still can, let's choose to be intentional and pray that they have sweet dreams; dreams of the beauty of Jesus. Let's protect them for as long as we possibly can from the evils of this world.
And maybe...just maybe...if our precious wee ones are engaging in the sweetest of dreams, they may just stay asleep a little bit longer. And we could all use some more of that, right? ;)
Josiah and I went to make a few new friends up on campus at UH. He participated in his very first ever contact table! He did so great and of course, attracted many a smiling, cooing student (mostly girls). But it was, indeed, rather toasty out today and I didn't want him to fall victim to heat exhaustion so early on in his tiny little life. Plus, he was having a little trouble falling asleep for a nap due to over-stimulation and a terminal case of sleep-fighters syndrome (SFS). So, I brought him home and gingerly placed him in his crib. He was already pretty passed out from the ride home (all of 7 minutes) and promptly turned himself on his little side and continued to dose.
I victoriously walked into the other room and sat down with a popsicle and ginormous glass of ice water and began to check some "email" (read: FB). Two minutes in, my child began intensely whimpering and before I could even get up from the chair, he was all out screaming and wailing in absolute panic. When I walked into his room, his eyes were wide open and he had a look of sheer terror on his face. He even was startled a little more when he noticed me standing over him.
I knew immediately that he must've had a bad dream. Something must've scared him. He must've seen something behind his precious, innocent eyes that caused him to utter such screams.
I immediately picked him up in my arms and began praying and telling him he was okay; that Momma was here and Jesus was with him. Once he calmed down, I talked to him about how there are bad things in the world, and that sometimes he'll see and experience bad things, but that Jesus wins. And that Jesus is always with him.
My heart just broke that it had to be that way. As his mommy, I want so bad, more than anything, to shield and protect him from anything and everything unpleasant.
And that's when I got convicted.
I should be pleading the blood of Jesus over my son's sleep...over his dreams. I can't, as his mother, control what comes into his mind. I can't choose what thoughts he has or what images he sees when he's sleeping. (I can take control over what images he sees while he's awake, but that another topic altogether). But I, for sure, can set up a cover over him in the name of Jesus and by His blood.
You may disagree with me. "But bad dreams and nightmares are just a part of life. Everyone has them and there's no use getting worked up over trying to shield our children from them."
Maybe. But I honestly believe that when we plead the blood of Jesus over the lives of those we cherish and love, they are truly protected. I also know that Psalm 91 says that we need not fear the terror of night (vs.5) and that He gives His angels charge over us (vs. 11).
Mommies: let's be committed to praying over our darling babies and their dreams. While we still can, let's choose to be intentional and pray that they have sweet dreams; dreams of the beauty of Jesus. Let's protect them for as long as we possibly can from the evils of this world.
And maybe...just maybe...if our precious wee ones are engaging in the sweetest of dreams, they may just stay asleep a little bit longer. And we could all use some more of that, right? ;)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Vacation
For some, vacation looks like crystal-clear beaches and sun-tans and cold drinks. For others, it looks like airplanes and museums and tourism.
For me, vacation looks a little more like this:
1. not setting an alarm and sleeping in until my back hurts from being in bed too long.
2. not feeling like I have to wake up at a certain time because someone is waiting on me or breakfast won't be served past a certain time or I need to make the most of the day.
3. not showering.
4. not wearing make-up.
5. wearing jammies all day long.
6. leaving my phone upstairs (or in the other room, etc) and not even looking at it for many hours at a time.
7. reading a good fiction novel.
8. flipping through magazines.
9. taking 3 naps a day.
10. reading a good novel and flipping through magazines in between naps.
11. eating 2 pieces of pie.
12. not taking one single picture of anything (see numbers 3, 4 and 5).
13. not having anywhere to go or anyone to see...nothing planned.
14. drinking afternoon coffee because I can stay up as late as I want because I'm just gonna sleep in the next morning and take naps throughout the day.
15. going to bed when I feel like it, preferably falling asleep while watching a movie and cuddling with someone handsome (husband and/or baby).
For some of you reading (all 3 of you), this may sound utterly boring. And if I did this for more than 3 days, I'd be bored too. But when life is always so scheduled and so planned, day in and day out and you live in a big city with lots of people...sometimes you just need to go to Small Town, Nowheresville for a few days and do nothing. Absolutely, blissfully nothing.
Of course, some of this has become a little bit tweaked since vacations past, having an infant to share my vacation with (see #1a, #2a and #12). But let me tell ya...it still feels pretty good.
What's your idea of vacation?
P.S. This is a picture-less post (see #12).
For me, vacation looks a little more like this:
1. not setting an alarm and sleeping in until my back hurts from being in bed too long.
2. not feeling like I have to wake up at a certain time because someone is waiting on me or breakfast won't be served past a certain time or I need to make the most of the day.
3. not showering.
4. not wearing make-up.
5. wearing jammies all day long.
6. leaving my phone upstairs (or in the other room, etc) and not even looking at it for many hours at a time.
7. reading a good fiction novel.
8. flipping through magazines.
9. taking 3 naps a day.
10. reading a good novel and flipping through magazines in between naps.
11. eating 2 pieces of pie.
12. not taking one single picture of anything (see numbers 3, 4 and 5).
13. not having anywhere to go or anyone to see...nothing planned.
14. drinking afternoon coffee because I can stay up as late as I want because I'm just gonna sleep in the next morning and take naps throughout the day.
15. going to bed when I feel like it, preferably falling asleep while watching a movie and cuddling with someone handsome (husband and/or baby).
For some of you reading (all 3 of you), this may sound utterly boring. And if I did this for more than 3 days, I'd be bored too. But when life is always so scheduled and so planned, day in and day out and you live in a big city with lots of people...sometimes you just need to go to Small Town, Nowheresville for a few days and do nothing. Absolutely, blissfully nothing.
Of course, some of this has become a little bit tweaked since vacations past, having an infant to share my vacation with (see #1a, #2a and #12). But let me tell ya...it still feels pretty good.
What's your idea of vacation?
P.S. This is a picture-less post (see #12).
Sunday, June 5, 2011
One Month- We Survived!!!
I have a very strong suspicion that the days and the weeks and the months of my baby being a baby will just fly right by. They already are slipping away and he has changed so much in just a month's time. And there's just so much going on that I want to remember, but my sleep-deprived mind simply doesn't allow for it.
So, I will use this little blog to document as much as I can about my son's development. It may not be an interesting read to you, but I know a grandma or 2 that might glory in the little details of this cutie's life. And who knows? Maybe he'll even enjoy reading all this someday. If the internet still exists then.
My Darling Josiah,
Today you are one month old.
(Okay, so I actually wrote this 2 days ago when he actually turned 1 month, but I'm a new mom and am just now finding time to post it. Please go easy on me.)
In fact, at this very time Mommy was getting prepped for surgery. (I'm in the process of working on a post about his birth...I can only do so much at a time. ) You are such a big baby. Daddy and I have really been noticing lately just how long you are! You have very long, skinny legs and long arms. You lost a good amount of weight when you were first born, but you have definitely caught back up. We weighed you the other night at Grandmommy and Papa Joe's house and you weighed 10 lbs! You look like you swallowed a softball. Definitely a lot different from the day you were born.
You are wearing size 1 diapers and are starting to outgrow your newborn clothes. But your 0-3 month clothes are still super huge on you. You may need to just be naked for a couple weeks until you grow into them.
Speaking of being naked. Sometimes you like to be naked and sometimes you hate it. I think we've figured out that you like being naked when you're about to spray Mommy or Daddy. You tend to smile a lot afterwards. You little booger, you.
You are eating about 4 oz give or take at each feeding. You and Mommy are still trying to get the hang of this whole breastfeeding thing. You tend to nurse for a few minutes, but always fall asleep, still sucking, but not really getting anything out. We WILL figure it out. In the meantime, you are eating a bottle of pumped breast milk and about an ounce or 2 of formula at every feeding. You are normally a pretty chill little guy and so very well-behaved...until you decide you're hungry. And then, you reach decibels not healthy for the human ear. Mommy and Daddy just kind of laugh at how dramatic and intense you are. But for some reason, at 3am it's not so funny.
You have had LOTS and LOTS of visitors in the last month. You have so many friends and you are always so chill when meeting them. Usually you fall right asleep in their arms. Many of your new friends have even commented on how good you are. We are so thankful and are praying that this isn't just a phase. We want (and need) for you to be comfortable around lots of people...for the rest of your life. Of course, you do always love to be cuddled by Mommy the best. And you love to hang out with Daddy while he reads or watches TV.
You've also gotten to go to lots of new places this last month. Mostly you've visited restaurants like, Chuy's, Fiesta Loma Linda, Dot's (twice!), 888. You got to go to Home Depot and HEB once and you even got to visit Jack and Caroline. You went to Grandmommy and Papa Joe's for the first time the other day and you went to a baby shower with Mommy. You are always so well-behaved anytime we go anywhere. Again, we are so thankful to have such a good baby.
About your sleeping schedule...we need to work on this. I'm not even sure if we're on a certain schedule right now, but you seem to go to sleep pretty early in the evening after eating, wake up once in the night to eat, but go right back to sleep and then wake up again at 5 or 6, but are ready to start your day. You must be a morning person like Mommy. This is when you are wide-eyed and ready to chat. Mommy and Daddy are usually still in great need of another 2 or 3 hours of sleep, so we typically put you in the bed in between us (we make sure it's safe and there's no chance of hurting him) and let you coo away until you fall back to sleep. We LOVE this morning nap-time ritual.
You have lots of nicknames from Mommy and Daddy. We rarely even call you Josiah. Here are a few of the most commonly used nicknames:
*Chubbs
*Buddy
*Fussybutt
*Stinkybutt
I'm sure there's so much more about you that we want to remember and hopefully, we will. We love you so much, son and can't believe the Lord has let us borrow you for awhile. Sometimes it feels like we've known you forever and that you've just always been a part of our lives. You fit into this family so perfectly. We can't wait to see how you grow and to get to know your little personality even more as the days go on.
So, I will use this little blog to document as much as I can about my son's development. It may not be an interesting read to you, but I know a grandma or 2 that might glory in the little details of this cutie's life. And who knows? Maybe he'll even enjoy reading all this someday. If the internet still exists then.
My Darling Josiah,
Today you are one month old.
(Okay, so I actually wrote this 2 days ago when he actually turned 1 month, but I'm a new mom and am just now finding time to post it. Please go easy on me.)
In fact, at this very time Mommy was getting prepped for surgery. (I'm in the process of working on a post about his birth...I can only do so much at a time. ) You are such a big baby. Daddy and I have really been noticing lately just how long you are! You have very long, skinny legs and long arms. You lost a good amount of weight when you were first born, but you have definitely caught back up. We weighed you the other night at Grandmommy and Papa Joe's house and you weighed 10 lbs! You look like you swallowed a softball. Definitely a lot different from the day you were born.
You are wearing size 1 diapers and are starting to outgrow your newborn clothes. But your 0-3 month clothes are still super huge on you. You may need to just be naked for a couple weeks until you grow into them.
Speaking of being naked. Sometimes you like to be naked and sometimes you hate it. I think we've figured out that you like being naked when you're about to spray Mommy or Daddy. You tend to smile a lot afterwards. You little booger, you.
You've had a few baths, but mostly after you've made a giant mess and wipes just won't cut it. The first couple baths were not fun for you. In fact, you even screamed until you almost made yourself sick and made Mommy think she was abusing you. You seemed to like the bath you had today (after your little "birthday gift") and even smiled and cooed while Mommy rubbed you down with lotion after.
(not sure why this picture decided to turn it's little self upside-down)
(not sure why this picture decided to turn it's little self upside-down)You are eating about 4 oz give or take at each feeding. You and Mommy are still trying to get the hang of this whole breastfeeding thing. You tend to nurse for a few minutes, but always fall asleep, still sucking, but not really getting anything out. We WILL figure it out. In the meantime, you are eating a bottle of pumped breast milk and about an ounce or 2 of formula at every feeding. You are normally a pretty chill little guy and so very well-behaved...until you decide you're hungry. And then, you reach decibels not healthy for the human ear. Mommy and Daddy just kind of laugh at how dramatic and intense you are. But for some reason, at 3am it's not so funny.
You have had LOTS and LOTS of visitors in the last month. You have so many friends and you are always so chill when meeting them. Usually you fall right asleep in their arms. Many of your new friends have even commented on how good you are. We are so thankful and are praying that this isn't just a phase. We want (and need) for you to be comfortable around lots of people...for the rest of your life. Of course, you do always love to be cuddled by Mommy the best. And you love to hang out with Daddy while he reads or watches TV.
You've also gotten to go to lots of new places this last month. Mostly you've visited restaurants like, Chuy's, Fiesta Loma Linda, Dot's (twice!), 888. You got to go to Home Depot and HEB once and you even got to visit Jack and Caroline. You went to Grandmommy and Papa Joe's for the first time the other day and you went to a baby shower with Mommy. You are always so well-behaved anytime we go anywhere. Again, we are so thankful to have such a good baby.About your sleeping schedule...we need to work on this. I'm not even sure if we're on a certain schedule right now, but you seem to go to sleep pretty early in the evening after eating, wake up once in the night to eat, but go right back to sleep and then wake up again at 5 or 6, but are ready to start your day. You must be a morning person like Mommy. This is when you are wide-eyed and ready to chat. Mommy and Daddy are usually still in great need of another 2 or 3 hours of sleep, so we typically put you in the bed in between us (we make sure it's safe and there's no chance of hurting him) and let you coo away until you fall back to sleep. We LOVE this morning nap-time ritual.
You have lots of nicknames from Mommy and Daddy. We rarely even call you Josiah. Here are a few of the most commonly used nicknames:
*Chubbs
*Buddy
*Fussybutt
*Stinkybutt
I'm sure there's so much more about you that we want to remember and hopefully, we will. We love you so much, son and can't believe the Lord has let us borrow you for awhile. Sometimes it feels like we've known you forever and that you've just always been a part of our lives. You fit into this family so perfectly. We can't wait to see how you grow and to get to know your little personality even more as the days go on.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Random Thoughts From An "Overdue" Pregnant Woman
*My estimated due date was 3 days ago. I think this bothers others more than it bothers me.
*I was reading some very insightful information on due dates that actually caused me to recalculate what my actual due date really is. Based on the length of my "monthly cycle" (which is far from the typical 28 days), my actual estimated due date should really be still another week or so away.
*I'm completely okay with this. Except that I cannot, for the life of me, figure out what I should do with my life for the next week. Everything is cleaned. Everything is installed. I'm not working anymore. Chi Alpha is over for the year. Now what???
*Please take note that I typed in bold italics (twice) that the due date is estimated. This is why, from the very beginning, when people would ask what my due date was, I would tell them sometime in late April....maybe.
(alright, already. enough with the due date.)
*Tomorrow is my husband's birthday. Men are so hard to buy for and I couldn't decide what to give him this year. So, I thought I'd just give him a son. I thought he might like one and he doesn't already have anything like that. The only thing, is that it seems as if I might have accidentally ordered it a little too late. I think I'll just pull the trick where you put the picture of the gift in a card and tell him the gift is on it's way. Do you think he'll like it?
*I'm BEYOND ready to wear clothes that fit. Even my trusty maternity items are "shrinking."
*America's Funniest Videos has seriously become one of our default shows. We both actually enjoy watching it and will find ourselves laughing the most at the babies and little kids. Maybe one day I'll have some valid material to send in to them. I just wish they didn't insist on always interrupting the funny with the lame. You all know who I'm talking about.
*The Royal Wedding: I mean, sure...it's a pretty big deal. She became a princess. But what is this wedding compared to the Royal Wedding I'll get to be in when the King of Kings comes to make me His bride? "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." ~Revelation 19:7
*The last couple mornings here have actually been really cool and nice. It helps my motivation in staying active and taking nice, long walks.
*I've been learning a lot lately about being flexible and not getting cranky when things don't happen exactly as I think they should happen. Not just with this whole "due date" issue (i thought i was done with this topic), but also in several other situations. I truly am so much of a control freak that it's sometimes so hard for me to be okay when something goes differently than how I expect. ~ "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." - Ephesians 4:11.
*I was reading some very insightful information on due dates that actually caused me to recalculate what my actual due date really is. Based on the length of my "monthly cycle" (which is far from the typical 28 days), my actual estimated due date should really be still another week or so away.
*I'm completely okay with this. Except that I cannot, for the life of me, figure out what I should do with my life for the next week. Everything is cleaned. Everything is installed. I'm not working anymore. Chi Alpha is over for the year. Now what???
*Please take note that I typed in bold italics (twice) that the due date is estimated. This is why, from the very beginning, when people would ask what my due date was, I would tell them sometime in late April....maybe.
(alright, already. enough with the due date.)
*Tomorrow is my husband's birthday. Men are so hard to buy for and I couldn't decide what to give him this year. So, I thought I'd just give him a son. I thought he might like one and he doesn't already have anything like that. The only thing, is that it seems as if I might have accidentally ordered it a little too late. I think I'll just pull the trick where you put the picture of the gift in a card and tell him the gift is on it's way. Do you think he'll like it?
*I'm BEYOND ready to wear clothes that fit. Even my trusty maternity items are "shrinking."
*America's Funniest Videos has seriously become one of our default shows. We both actually enjoy watching it and will find ourselves laughing the most at the babies and little kids. Maybe one day I'll have some valid material to send in to them. I just wish they didn't insist on always interrupting the funny with the lame. You all know who I'm talking about.
*The Royal Wedding: I mean, sure...it's a pretty big deal. She became a princess. But what is this wedding compared to the Royal Wedding I'll get to be in when the King of Kings comes to make me His bride? "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready." ~Revelation 19:7
*The last couple mornings here have actually been really cool and nice. It helps my motivation in staying active and taking nice, long walks.
*I've been learning a lot lately about being flexible and not getting cranky when things don't happen exactly as I think they should happen. Not just with this whole "due date" issue (i thought i was done with this topic), but also in several other situations. I truly am so much of a control freak that it's sometimes so hard for me to be okay when something goes differently than how I expect. ~ "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." - Ephesians 4:11.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Suspense is Killing Me
It's so funny. I'm pretty sure I get a text message or phone call or Facebook post, etc. on a daily basis (often multiples in one day) asking if I've had the baby yet or telling me they can't wait or something along those lines.
And I'm pretty sure I've lost count of how many times in a day I say something to the effect of, "When is he gonna get here?!" Or "I just wish I knew when it was gonna happen!" (It kills me that I can't write his birthday down in my calendar...I'm a planner, folks.)
And of course, we got the Grandmas calling on a regular basis. Which is definitely a good thing. (I know you're reading this, Mom.) ;)
I guess I just wasn't expecting so much anxiousness to come from Baby-Daddy. There have been several times when he's said something to me like, "I just want him to be here already." Or like yesterday at our doctor's appointment (hopefully the last!), I asked him if he wanted to look at the ultrasound pictures and he said, "Sure, I guess. But I'm just ready to see his real face and not some fuzzy image."
I'm telling you...the suspense is killing me. Us.
And not just when he'll come, but so many other questions run through my mind throughout the day.
What will it be like? Will he come quickly or will it take 87 hours?
Will he get the hang of feeding quickly or will we have to fight through it?
Will he have a full head of hair? Will it be curly like Mommy's or dark and straight like Daddy's?
Will he be left-handed like Daddy or right-handed like Mommy?
Will he be one of those super friendly kids that just come to random people and smile? Or will he be shy and we'll have to urge him to say Hi to people?
What will his personality be like?
Will he be laid-back and chill like Daddy or high-strung and awkward like Mommy?
Will he be a Mommy's boy or Daddy's little buddy? (Hopefully both!)
Will he have a heart for the things of God early on?
Will he thrive in the life of ministry?
Will he be like Josiah in the Bible and always walk in the ways of the Lord and never turn to the right or to the left?
All of these are questions we have constantly. And only time will tell. I can't wait to get to know him. I can't wait to figure out all his little quirks like I would with any new friend I meet. I know it'll take some time for us to get to know each other, I'm just ready to get this thing started!
In the meantime, I'll leave you with one of the main questions we (and others) have:
Who do you think he'll look most like?
Like Daddy?
Or like Mommy?
P.S. I asked Jack (my favorite 4 year old) today if he thought Josiah will look like me or Matt. After thinking for a second, he simply said, "Nobody." I asked him what he meant. He said, "He'll just look like Josiah."
From the mouths of babes.
And I'm pretty sure I've lost count of how many times in a day I say something to the effect of, "When is he gonna get here?!" Or "I just wish I knew when it was gonna happen!" (It kills me that I can't write his birthday down in my calendar...I'm a planner, folks.)
And of course, we got the Grandmas calling on a regular basis. Which is definitely a good thing. (I know you're reading this, Mom.) ;)
I guess I just wasn't expecting so much anxiousness to come from Baby-Daddy. There have been several times when he's said something to me like, "I just want him to be here already." Or like yesterday at our doctor's appointment (hopefully the last!), I asked him if he wanted to look at the ultrasound pictures and he said, "Sure, I guess. But I'm just ready to see his real face and not some fuzzy image."
I'm telling you...the suspense is killing me. Us.
And not just when he'll come, but so many other questions run through my mind throughout the day.
What will it be like? Will he come quickly or will it take 87 hours?
Will he get the hang of feeding quickly or will we have to fight through it?
Will he have a full head of hair? Will it be curly like Mommy's or dark and straight like Daddy's?
Will he be left-handed like Daddy or right-handed like Mommy?
Will he be one of those super friendly kids that just come to random people and smile? Or will he be shy and we'll have to urge him to say Hi to people?
What will his personality be like?
Will he be laid-back and chill like Daddy or high-strung and awkward like Mommy?
Will he be a Mommy's boy or Daddy's little buddy? (Hopefully both!)
Will he have a heart for the things of God early on?
Will he thrive in the life of ministry?
Will he be like Josiah in the Bible and always walk in the ways of the Lord and never turn to the right or to the left?
All of these are questions we have constantly. And only time will tell. I can't wait to get to know him. I can't wait to figure out all his little quirks like I would with any new friend I meet. I know it'll take some time for us to get to know each other, I'm just ready to get this thing started!
In the meantime, I'll leave you with one of the main questions we (and others) have:
Who do you think he'll look most like?
Like Daddy?
Or like Mommy?P.S. I asked Jack (my favorite 4 year old) today if he thought Josiah will look like me or Matt. After thinking for a second, he simply said, "Nobody." I asked him what he meant. He said, "He'll just look like Josiah."
From the mouths of babes.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Never Say This To A Pregnant Woman
I'm pretty pregnant right now.
I mean, really. HUGE.
There's no hiding this protuberance coming out of my body. I'm pretty sure nobody even looks at my face anymore. Their eyes just go straight to the middle. Not to mention that even my maternity clothes seem to be shrinking a little more every day. Of course, making the huge-ness even more obvious.
And it's okay. I mean, of course, I have moments where I feel huge...and no woman ever wants to feel huge. But I am completely aware that this growth is because of my son. My precious, tiny, perfect son...who'll be here in a matter of days. DAYS, I tell you!
But can I, just for a moment, enlighten the general public on what NOT to say to a pregnant woman? Just a few things, really.
1. "You look like you're about to POP!" - Not only is that just a "nice" way of saying, "You're HUGE!" But it also conjures up rather disturbing images involving childbirth that no human (especially one about to give birth) ever wants to imagine.
2. "Are you sure it's not twins? I bet there's a secret twin hiding in there." - Yes, I'm sure. I may look like I'm carrying twins, but we've had several ultrasounds and we've heard the ONE heartbeat all pregnancy long. No twins. And thank you for creating a new nightmare for me. *Not that having twins would be a nightmare. We're just in no way prepared for twins.
3. "Just don't have him on this certain date." Or..."You should have him on this certain date. It's my birthday!"- Umm...I cannot control when he decides to come. If I could control it, I would've had a part on the T.V. show Heroes for having super-human superpowers.
4. "Will you just have that baby already!?!" - Trust me. Nobody wants me to have this baby more than I do...well, besides maybe the baby-daddy. He's put up with a whole heck of a lot of hormones over the last few months...and even more concentrated in the last few weeks.
5. "Girl, you should just go ahead and have a C-Section!" or "Don't even think of trying to do this without an epidural. "- Actually, my husband and I (you know, the Mommy and Daddy of this kid and the ones paying the hospital bills) have had many discussions and have prayed long and hard about it and have decided that what's best for our family includes neither of these. Of course, we understand that one or both of these may end up happening, but that will be our business and still our decision to make. But thank you for your input.
6. "Oh, no! You can't carry that stack of plates!"- Really? Why not? I'm perfectly capable. It's a stack of plates.
7. "You should have another piece of cake after eating those 5 pieces of pizza. You are eating for two, afterall."- No. No, I'm not. My tiny baby does not eat the same amount as an over-indulgent adult. And I'm pretty sure that's considered gluttony. And yes, I really do want to eat another piece of cake, but please do not encourage me.
8. "So, how much weight have you gained?"- I mean, you can go ahead and ask a pregnant woman this, but she's gonna lie to you. Don't say I didn't warn you. And no matter what her answer is, please lie back to her and say, "Oh, that's nothing! You don't even look it!"
9. "Can I please tell you my absolutely horrifying childbirth experience?"- Trust me, nothing you can say is worse than what I already imagine will potentially happen. Except that sometimes you may actually have had something even more horrifying that happened that I haven't yet imagined. And so, therefore, no thank you. I'm already spending all the hours in my day rebuking those horrible thoughts and fears.
Just a sample for those of you who may wonder if it's appropriate to say something like one of these to a pregnant woman. I've had every one of these said to me, in some way or another, and have honestly not at all gotten offended or insulted. I have pretty thick skin when it comes to this kinda stuff and it doesn't usually phase me. Although, I will say...after hearing some of these over and over and over again...it can kinda start to get to a woman. Not to mention that raging hormones make emotions even more raw and the skin a little more sensitive than usual.
But truthfully, no hard feelings here. Just a little help for my friends. And I'll probably not even give a second thought to any of this once that little guy is in my arms.
In just a few days. DAYS!!!
And just because you humored me and read through all that, I leave you with evidence of the huge-ness. Just remember, folks, that the camera adds. Here I am at 38weeks.
Also, you should know that I am not wearing any maternity clothes in this picture. A bit of a boost to the ol' self-esteem, just when I needed it. :)
I mean, really. HUGE.
There's no hiding this protuberance coming out of my body. I'm pretty sure nobody even looks at my face anymore. Their eyes just go straight to the middle. Not to mention that even my maternity clothes seem to be shrinking a little more every day. Of course, making the huge-ness even more obvious.
And it's okay. I mean, of course, I have moments where I feel huge...and no woman ever wants to feel huge. But I am completely aware that this growth is because of my son. My precious, tiny, perfect son...who'll be here in a matter of days. DAYS, I tell you!
But can I, just for a moment, enlighten the general public on what NOT to say to a pregnant woman? Just a few things, really.
1. "You look like you're about to POP!" - Not only is that just a "nice" way of saying, "You're HUGE!" But it also conjures up rather disturbing images involving childbirth that no human (especially one about to give birth) ever wants to imagine.
2. "Are you sure it's not twins? I bet there's a secret twin hiding in there." - Yes, I'm sure. I may look like I'm carrying twins, but we've had several ultrasounds and we've heard the ONE heartbeat all pregnancy long. No twins. And thank you for creating a new nightmare for me. *Not that having twins would be a nightmare. We're just in no way prepared for twins.
3. "Just don't have him on this certain date." Or..."You should have him on this certain date. It's my birthday!"- Umm...I cannot control when he decides to come. If I could control it, I would've had a part on the T.V. show Heroes for having super-human superpowers.
4. "Will you just have that baby already!?!" - Trust me. Nobody wants me to have this baby more than I do...well, besides maybe the baby-daddy. He's put up with a whole heck of a lot of hormones over the last few months...and even more concentrated in the last few weeks.
5. "Girl, you should just go ahead and have a C-Section!" or "Don't even think of trying to do this without an epidural. "- Actually, my husband and I (you know, the Mommy and Daddy of this kid and the ones paying the hospital bills) have had many discussions and have prayed long and hard about it and have decided that what's best for our family includes neither of these. Of course, we understand that one or both of these may end up happening, but that will be our business and still our decision to make. But thank you for your input.
6. "Oh, no! You can't carry that stack of plates!"- Really? Why not? I'm perfectly capable. It's a stack of plates.
7. "You should have another piece of cake after eating those 5 pieces of pizza. You are eating for two, afterall."- No. No, I'm not. My tiny baby does not eat the same amount as an over-indulgent adult. And I'm pretty sure that's considered gluttony. And yes, I really do want to eat another piece of cake, but please do not encourage me.
8. "So, how much weight have you gained?"- I mean, you can go ahead and ask a pregnant woman this, but she's gonna lie to you. Don't say I didn't warn you. And no matter what her answer is, please lie back to her and say, "Oh, that's nothing! You don't even look it!"
9. "Can I please tell you my absolutely horrifying childbirth experience?"- Trust me, nothing you can say is worse than what I already imagine will potentially happen. Except that sometimes you may actually have had something even more horrifying that happened that I haven't yet imagined. And so, therefore, no thank you. I'm already spending all the hours in my day rebuking those horrible thoughts and fears.
Just a sample for those of you who may wonder if it's appropriate to say something like one of these to a pregnant woman. I've had every one of these said to me, in some way or another, and have honestly not at all gotten offended or insulted. I have pretty thick skin when it comes to this kinda stuff and it doesn't usually phase me. Although, I will say...after hearing some of these over and over and over again...it can kinda start to get to a woman. Not to mention that raging hormones make emotions even more raw and the skin a little more sensitive than usual.
But truthfully, no hard feelings here. Just a little help for my friends. And I'll probably not even give a second thought to any of this once that little guy is in my arms.
In just a few days. DAYS!!!
And just because you humored me and read through all that, I leave you with evidence of the huge-ness. Just remember, folks, that the camera adds. Here I am at 38weeks.
Also, you should know that I am not wearing any maternity clothes in this picture. A bit of a boost to the ol' self-esteem, just when I needed it. :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wonderful Wednesday
Wednesdays are normally my VERY, VERY long days and therefore, I typically have a hard time enjoying them as much as I have enjoyed this particular Wednesday. Don't get me wrong, I still usually enjoy Wednesdays, it's just that by the time I'm climbing into bed (quite the comedy act these days, folks), I can't remember anything that might have been enjoyable about it.
So therefore, I decided I should celebrate this momentous occasion by expressing all the little things that made my day wonderfully pleasurable.
1. Waking up this morning just a minute or two before my alarm went off...and actually being awake and ready to get out of bed! (Not normally something enjoyable for me or other human beings, but I was truly amazed and thankful that the Lord had supernaturally blessed me with more energy than normal.)
2. A really sweet time with the Lord this morning while eating breakfast and on my way to work.
3. How chilly it was this morning. Again, another blessing from the Lord, seeing as how I'm huge and out-of-control hormones cause me to be HOT every moment of every day.
4. Another hilarious conversation with an awesome little boy. I had to stifle a lot of laughter. Maybe another post for another day. Or maybe not...it might not be appropriate for this particular venue, But if you find yourself around me in the next few days, you might hear about it.
5. Taking a sweet nap under cool sheets.
6. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AFTERNOON WEATHER! And getting to enjoy it being outside, hunting for lizards and spending quality time with 2 of my very favorite loves. I get super emotional thinking about how in a few weeks I won't get to be with them every week for a couple months. But now is not the time for sadness.
7. Their mom coming home a little early. Which just simply means that I didn't have to sit in an hour's worth of traffic. It's amazing what just 15 minutes during rush hour will do.
8. Sweet new music on the short commute home.
9. Bringing home a few stems from my boss's gorgeous rose bush. (She cut them off for me...I did not thieve them.) We used to always have fresh flowers in our home, but haven't in a really long time. You know, because of how our expenses have suddenly multiplied in the last few months. Something about getting ready for another human being, I guess.
10. Old school Willy Wonka on TV. "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it." I honestly thought when I was little that the candy room was what Heaven would be like. It blows me away to think it'll be so much more than that!
11. Feeling my child trying to bust his way out of my womb...through my belly button. He doesn't ever kick...he butts. And he butts hardcore. And as uncomfortable as it can sometimes be, I always relish his movements thoroughly. I know I'll miss it in a matter of a few weeks. (A few WEEKS??? EEK!)
12. My thoughtful, darling husband bringing me a bowl of his green salsa (addicted!), some chips and a glass of iced tea to snack on while he cooks dinner.
13. My darling, thoughtful husband.
14. His green salsa.
15. The fact that he brought me iced tea. He is the caffeine nazi, y'all. This spoke volumes of love to me.
16. My thoughtful, darling husband cooking me dinner.
**Those were all just such a big deal that I needed to go ahead and give them second mention of their own.
17. Getting random packages in the mail for our little guy. I had no idea how much fun this would be!
18. A spontaneous evening of nothing-ness, but getting to sit on the couch next to my aforementioned darling husband and watch cooking shows...in my jammies.
The night is still young and I'm sure there's more to be enjoyed, but I plan on going to bed early...something else that deserves celebration.
The only thing that I can think of that I don't particularly care for is that this post has zero pictures. But seriously, after all that...who cares?
What have you enjoyed about this glorious day?
So therefore, I decided I should celebrate this momentous occasion by expressing all the little things that made my day wonderfully pleasurable.
1. Waking up this morning just a minute or two before my alarm went off...and actually being awake and ready to get out of bed! (Not normally something enjoyable for me or other human beings, but I was truly amazed and thankful that the Lord had supernaturally blessed me with more energy than normal.)
2. A really sweet time with the Lord this morning while eating breakfast and on my way to work.
3. How chilly it was this morning. Again, another blessing from the Lord, seeing as how I'm huge and out-of-control hormones cause me to be HOT every moment of every day.
4. Another hilarious conversation with an awesome little boy. I had to stifle a lot of laughter. Maybe another post for another day. Or maybe not...it might not be appropriate for this particular venue, But if you find yourself around me in the next few days, you might hear about it.
5. Taking a sweet nap under cool sheets.
6. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AFTERNOON WEATHER! And getting to enjoy it being outside, hunting for lizards and spending quality time with 2 of my very favorite loves. I get super emotional thinking about how in a few weeks I won't get to be with them every week for a couple months. But now is not the time for sadness.
7. Their mom coming home a little early. Which just simply means that I didn't have to sit in an hour's worth of traffic. It's amazing what just 15 minutes during rush hour will do.
8. Sweet new music on the short commute home.
9. Bringing home a few stems from my boss's gorgeous rose bush. (She cut them off for me...I did not thieve them.) We used to always have fresh flowers in our home, but haven't in a really long time. You know, because of how our expenses have suddenly multiplied in the last few months. Something about getting ready for another human being, I guess.
10. Old school Willy Wonka on TV. "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it." I honestly thought when I was little that the candy room was what Heaven would be like. It blows me away to think it'll be so much more than that!
11. Feeling my child trying to bust his way out of my womb...through my belly button. He doesn't ever kick...he butts. And he butts hardcore. And as uncomfortable as it can sometimes be, I always relish his movements thoroughly. I know I'll miss it in a matter of a few weeks. (A few WEEKS??? EEK!)
12. My thoughtful, darling husband bringing me a bowl of his green salsa (addicted!), some chips and a glass of iced tea to snack on while he cooks dinner.
13. My darling, thoughtful husband.
14. His green salsa.
15. The fact that he brought me iced tea. He is the caffeine nazi, y'all. This spoke volumes of love to me.
16. My thoughtful, darling husband cooking me dinner.
**Those were all just such a big deal that I needed to go ahead and give them second mention of their own.
17. Getting random packages in the mail for our little guy. I had no idea how much fun this would be!
18. A spontaneous evening of nothing-ness, but getting to sit on the couch next to my aforementioned darling husband and watch cooking shows...in my jammies.
The night is still young and I'm sure there's more to be enjoyed, but I plan on going to bed early...something else that deserves celebration.
The only thing that I can think of that I don't particularly care for is that this post has zero pictures. But seriously, after all that...who cares?
What have you enjoyed about this glorious day?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Grasshoppers and "Tretzels"
Here's just a small sample of a long conversation that I had with a very "interesting" little 2 year old boy today:
K: Graham, do you know what I found on my front door this morning?
G: Yeah. (Meaning he wants to know.)
K: Can you guess?
G: Umm...no.
K: There was a big, green grasshopper on my door.
G: Why?
K: I don't know, Graham. I guess he was trying to get inside my house.
G: Plobly he was sitting on the couch waiting to meet someone.
K: (Laughing quite heartily...) You think he was sitting on the couch? Who do you think he was waiting for?
G: Umm...I don't know. Maybe Aunt Janet. (This was the first time I'd heard this name.)
K: Oh, Who is Aunt Janet and why was the grasshopper sitting on my couch, waiting for her?
G: Umm..plobly because the ants are hungry. The ants are very, very tiny and they want some cake to eat. And some tretzels (pretzels).
I mean, really, the conversation continued for another 5 minutes in this very weird direction. And as much as I tried to make sense out of what he was saying and even get him to think in reality, he kept coming up with the most random stuff. What an imagination!
K: Graham, do you know what I found on my front door this morning?
G: Yeah. (Meaning he wants to know.)
K: Can you guess?
G: Umm...no.
K: There was a big, green grasshopper on my door.
G: Why?
K: I don't know, Graham. I guess he was trying to get inside my house.
G: Plobly he was sitting on the couch waiting to meet someone.
K: (Laughing quite heartily...) You think he was sitting on the couch? Who do you think he was waiting for?
G: Umm...I don't know. Maybe Aunt Janet. (This was the first time I'd heard this name.)
K: Oh, Who is Aunt Janet and why was the grasshopper sitting on my couch, waiting for her?
G: Umm..plobly because the ants are hungry. The ants are very, very tiny and they want some cake to eat. And some tretzels (pretzels).
I mean, really, the conversation continued for another 5 minutes in this very weird direction. And as much as I tried to make sense out of what he was saying and even get him to think in reality, he kept coming up with the most random stuff. What an imagination!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A Whole Lotta Pregnancy
I am all kinds of pregnant these days. Here's a little update with the basics of what's been going on around here in pregnancy world.
How far along: 34 weeks, 4 days (that's almost 9 months, y'all!!!)
Gender: A BOY!
Weight Gain: umm...next question, please. Let's just say that I recently passed a milestone that I never in my life wanted to see. But it's all for the good of the baby, right?
Maternity Wardrobe: Mostly the few maternity items I have. I've recently found that a few of my tops from pre-pregnancy actually look/fit better on me now that I'm huge. On the flip side, even some of my maternity pants are getting uncomfortably tight.
Movement: All the time...but mostly only for me. (See previous post.) Sometimes I'm pretty certain he's just gonna poke his little head out through my belly button. (A nice visual for ya, huh?)
Sleep: Eh. It takes a bit for me to get comfortable, especially once Matt comes to bed. But I've been really wearing myself out during the day that I seem to fall asleep pretty fast. I just wish I didn't have to get up twice in the night to pee.
What I Miss: Things being easy. Like, getting in and out of the car. Or getting up from the couch. Or picking things up off the floor. (Especially since I've been so very clumsy and awkward lately.) I miss having a conversation with someone and not running out of breath 2 sentences in. I also REALLY miss coffee.
Cravings: Chocolate...multiple times in a day. Milk. Fruit...mostly strawberries (which is an odd one because I've never really cared much for strawberries.) And pickles still make everything taste better.
Symptoms: Well for starters, there's this huge swollen ball on my abdomen...complete with those horrid marks that I'm trying so hard to embrace as the beauty of motherhood. I also have been having pretty severe pain in my left hip and groin muscles. (Didn't you wanna know about my achy groin?) And so much more!
Best Moment This Week: Enjoying time with sweet family for our FIRST ever baby shower! And getting to spend some quality time with my baby-daddy on a little getaway we affectionately call a "Babymoon." More details on both of these monumental events soon. Well, lots of details on the baby shower and a brief general summery of the Babymoon. You're welcome. Also, it was such a sweet thing to watch as my dad and my baby-daddy worked hard to put the crib together and finish staining furniture for the baby room.
Looking Forward To: More precious time with friends and family at our last 2 baby showers, one this afternoon (!!!) and the other this Wednesday evening. I'm so, so, so excited about both!
And I'd like to leave you with a few of my very stupid moments, brought to you by my darling son who is most effectively sucking away ALL my brain juice. I'm overjoyed to look like a fool for him. :)
* I came home from a long day at work to find my hair straightener still on from early that morning. Funny how Matt didn't notice it all day either. Sympathy pains? I think not.
* I misplaced (completely lost) an important document for one of our students. It was a reference form she needed Matt to fill out for a job she wanted. She gave it to me because she thought I'd be more organized.
* I also completely forgot to return an important phone call. This was also as a reference for a job that one of our students has been interviewing for. I'm pretty sure they all think I'm trying to sabotage their chances at earning a living.
* I burned my belly on a hot pan I had just taken out of the oven. I was leaning over it to cut the chicken. I guess I underestimated just how big I really am.
* I walked around the grocery store carrying a 12pk of sodas and a package of bottled water. I had gone into HEB for a few quick, small items so I grabbed a little carrying basket. I later realized that I also needed to get these other 2 heavy items and the big baskets were on the other side of the store...outside. My feet were already hurting and I normally would be able to carry all this. Plus, the checkout was just a few steps away. I unloaded my basket on the belt and set the basket on the ground. The 12 yr old checker girl proceeded to ask if I was gonna need a basket to get all this out to my car. Umm, yeah. I hadn't thought of that. Too bad there wasn't an empty cart around or anyone that could go get one for me. And I live in inner city Houston, where I'm at least smart enough to know I shouldn't leave the groceries I just paid for unattended for any amount of time. So, I carried them all out to my car...alone. And I'm pretty sure I had a contraction or 2.
* I agreed to take a 2 yr old to the Houston Zoo on the last day of Spring Break while 8 and half months pregnant...and by myself. I think it wise to not even go into all the details of why this was stupid. But let's just say, you can't take strollers into the bathrooms and the stalls were barely big enough for my huge belly alone...and I had to pee every 30 min. Let's just all thank the good Lord that we both made it out of there alive that day.
Go ahead...laugh at me. I can't stop laughing at myself.
How far along: 34 weeks, 4 days (that's almost 9 months, y'all!!!)
Gender: A BOY!
Weight Gain: umm...next question, please. Let's just say that I recently passed a milestone that I never in my life wanted to see. But it's all for the good of the baby, right?
Maternity Wardrobe: Mostly the few maternity items I have. I've recently found that a few of my tops from pre-pregnancy actually look/fit better on me now that I'm huge. On the flip side, even some of my maternity pants are getting uncomfortably tight.
Movement: All the time...but mostly only for me. (See previous post.) Sometimes I'm pretty certain he's just gonna poke his little head out through my belly button. (A nice visual for ya, huh?)
Sleep: Eh. It takes a bit for me to get comfortable, especially once Matt comes to bed. But I've been really wearing myself out during the day that I seem to fall asleep pretty fast. I just wish I didn't have to get up twice in the night to pee.
What I Miss: Things being easy. Like, getting in and out of the car. Or getting up from the couch. Or picking things up off the floor. (Especially since I've been so very clumsy and awkward lately.) I miss having a conversation with someone and not running out of breath 2 sentences in. I also REALLY miss coffee.
Cravings: Chocolate...multiple times in a day. Milk. Fruit...mostly strawberries (which is an odd one because I've never really cared much for strawberries.) And pickles still make everything taste better.
Symptoms: Well for starters, there's this huge swollen ball on my abdomen...complete with those horrid marks that I'm trying so hard to embrace as the beauty of motherhood. I also have been having pretty severe pain in my left hip and groin muscles. (Didn't you wanna know about my achy groin?) And so much more!
Best Moment This Week: Enjoying time with sweet family for our FIRST ever baby shower! And getting to spend some quality time with my baby-daddy on a little getaway we affectionately call a "Babymoon." More details on both of these monumental events soon. Well, lots of details on the baby shower and a brief general summery of the Babymoon. You're welcome. Also, it was such a sweet thing to watch as my dad and my baby-daddy worked hard to put the crib together and finish staining furniture for the baby room.
Looking Forward To: More precious time with friends and family at our last 2 baby showers, one this afternoon (!!!) and the other this Wednesday evening. I'm so, so, so excited about both!
And I'd like to leave you with a few of my very stupid moments, brought to you by my darling son who is most effectively sucking away ALL my brain juice. I'm overjoyed to look like a fool for him. :)
* I came home from a long day at work to find my hair straightener still on from early that morning. Funny how Matt didn't notice it all day either. Sympathy pains? I think not.
* I misplaced (completely lost) an important document for one of our students. It was a reference form she needed Matt to fill out for a job she wanted. She gave it to me because she thought I'd be more organized.
* I also completely forgot to return an important phone call. This was also as a reference for a job that one of our students has been interviewing for. I'm pretty sure they all think I'm trying to sabotage their chances at earning a living.
* I burned my belly on a hot pan I had just taken out of the oven. I was leaning over it to cut the chicken. I guess I underestimated just how big I really am.
* I walked around the grocery store carrying a 12pk of sodas and a package of bottled water. I had gone into HEB for a few quick, small items so I grabbed a little carrying basket. I later realized that I also needed to get these other 2 heavy items and the big baskets were on the other side of the store...outside. My feet were already hurting and I normally would be able to carry all this. Plus, the checkout was just a few steps away. I unloaded my basket on the belt and set the basket on the ground. The 12 yr old checker girl proceeded to ask if I was gonna need a basket to get all this out to my car. Umm, yeah. I hadn't thought of that. Too bad there wasn't an empty cart around or anyone that could go get one for me. And I live in inner city Houston, where I'm at least smart enough to know I shouldn't leave the groceries I just paid for unattended for any amount of time. So, I carried them all out to my car...alone. And I'm pretty sure I had a contraction or 2.
* I agreed to take a 2 yr old to the Houston Zoo on the last day of Spring Break while 8 and half months pregnant...and by myself. I think it wise to not even go into all the details of why this was stupid. But let's just say, you can't take strollers into the bathrooms and the stalls were barely big enough for my huge belly alone...and I had to pee every 30 min. Let's just all thank the good Lord that we both made it out of there alive that day.
Go ahead...laugh at me. I can't stop laughing at myself.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tricksy Little Fella
My (unborn) son seems to have a new favorite game. It's called, "Hide From Anyone and Everyone But Mommy." Also known as, "Make Mommy Look Crazy."
You'd think I like this little game of his because it leaves me as the sole observer of his play. But, no. It just drives me crazy.
Why, you ask? I'll tell you.
See, this is how the game goes:
He moves around...not just sweet little moves inside...but major, "I'm busting outta this joint" kind of moves. I can actually watch my belly morph into the oddest, most random shapes. There truly have been a few moments when I feel like I need to hold on tighter to the computer for fear that it might get pushed off my lap...no exaggeration.
So, what's the "game" part?
As soon as I call Matt (or anyone else, for that matter) into the room, he stops. I'm pretty sure Matt thinks I'm making things up. While I was watching Jack and Caroline today, he was really going nuts in there. I made them pause the movie they were watching (yes, I let them watch a movie...have I mentioned that I'm almost 8 months pregnant???) and come over to watch him dance around. I thought they'd enjoy getting to see that. So, what did he do? He stopped. Didn't move at all. Because they have the attention span of ants, they "politely" asked if they could turn the movie back on.
Dear Sweet Son of Mine,
I love you more than I can say. But you are really causing me to question my sanity. And I'm fully aware that this is not the last time you will inadvertently make me, as your dear mother, look/feel like an idiot, but it's just too much for you not even being here yet. I just want you to know that I want to show you off to everyone, but I'll settle for just showing you off to Daddy. Please...I beg you...please bust a move. I'll give you chocolate, if you will.
(Am I already a bad mom for bribing my son with chocolate?)
You'd think I like this little game of his because it leaves me as the sole observer of his play. But, no. It just drives me crazy.
Why, you ask? I'll tell you.
See, this is how the game goes:
He moves around...not just sweet little moves inside...but major, "I'm busting outta this joint" kind of moves. I can actually watch my belly morph into the oddest, most random shapes. There truly have been a few moments when I feel like I need to hold on tighter to the computer for fear that it might get pushed off my lap...no exaggeration.
So, what's the "game" part?
As soon as I call Matt (or anyone else, for that matter) into the room, he stops. I'm pretty sure Matt thinks I'm making things up. While I was watching Jack and Caroline today, he was really going nuts in there. I made them pause the movie they were watching (yes, I let them watch a movie...have I mentioned that I'm almost 8 months pregnant???) and come over to watch him dance around. I thought they'd enjoy getting to see that. So, what did he do? He stopped. Didn't move at all. Because they have the attention span of ants, they "politely" asked if they could turn the movie back on.
Dear Sweet Son of Mine,
I love you more than I can say. But you are really causing me to question my sanity. And I'm fully aware that this is not the last time you will inadvertently make me, as your dear mother, look/feel like an idiot, but it's just too much for you not even being here yet. I just want you to know that I want to show you off to everyone, but I'll settle for just showing you off to Daddy. Please...I beg you...please bust a move. I'll give you chocolate, if you will.
(Am I already a bad mom for bribing my son with chocolate?)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Why They Call It "Expectant"
Sometimes I find myself in a battle of mixed emotions. I can't seem to decide how I feel about the fact that there's less than three months left until Josiah's here. (!!!!!!) Maybe it's just another side effect and symptom of pregnancy as a result of hormones gone crazy, but I definitely feel sometimes like I'm schizophrenic.
One moment, I'll be freaking out that there's only three months left!!! Not only do we have nothing for him yet except a box of clothes, a semi-painted crib (that's not put together yet) and a single impossibly tiny little diaper. (Something tells me that that one little diaper won't last very long.) But I also have no idea how to get him from being cozy in there to the outside world. Sure, I have my ideas (or nightmares) of how it'll be; yes, I've watched A Baby Story and have seen other peoples' labor and delivery; of course, I've been reading through What To Expect and various other pregnancy books...but really, I have no clue what to truly expect. Not to mention that he's still not wholly and completely formed yet. So, yeah...most of the time I think there's not enough time to get everything done that needs to get done before he gets here. So, let's just leave him in there a while longer and let him get a little cuter. And let Mommy and Daddy enjoy a few more days of sleep.
But then I watch one of those episodes of A Baby Story (really, why do I keep torturing myself with this???) or see someone else get to hold their new life in their arms and I just completely lose it...uncontrollably. I get so jealous and my heart feels like it really can't take the wait a moment longer. I just have to know what he looks like and how he feels in my arms and what it sounds like when he cries and how his daddy looks at him.
But then, in both moments of unpreparedness and longing, the LORD's gentle peace comes over me, reminding me to stop thinking of the future and to take in all of today. To pause and truly experience the joy of expectancy now. To continue to marvel at the tiny kicks and flips because it won't be long until I'll be trying so hard to remember what they felt like. To enjoy the daily growth of my belly...aches and all. And to remember that He holds all time in His hands and He, in His infinite wisdom and understanding, has set aside this specific length of time to perfectly grow a baby and to get ready, in mind and resource, to take proper care of this little guy.
I want to enjoy every minute of today. And I plan on it. I mean, it is Friday...and a snow/ice day...and I have a pizza in the freezer and chocolate in the fridge...and lots of cuddling to do with my baby-daddy.
One moment, I'll be freaking out that there's only three months left!!! Not only do we have nothing for him yet except a box of clothes, a semi-painted crib (that's not put together yet) and a single impossibly tiny little diaper. (Something tells me that that one little diaper won't last very long.) But I also have no idea how to get him from being cozy in there to the outside world. Sure, I have my ideas (or nightmares) of how it'll be; yes, I've watched A Baby Story and have seen other peoples' labor and delivery; of course, I've been reading through What To Expect and various other pregnancy books...but really, I have no clue what to truly expect. Not to mention that he's still not wholly and completely formed yet. So, yeah...most of the time I think there's not enough time to get everything done that needs to get done before he gets here. So, let's just leave him in there a while longer and let him get a little cuter. And let Mommy and Daddy enjoy a few more days of sleep.
But then I watch one of those episodes of A Baby Story (really, why do I keep torturing myself with this???) or see someone else get to hold their new life in their arms and I just completely lose it...uncontrollably. I get so jealous and my heart feels like it really can't take the wait a moment longer. I just have to know what he looks like and how he feels in my arms and what it sounds like when he cries and how his daddy looks at him.
But then, in both moments of unpreparedness and longing, the LORD's gentle peace comes over me, reminding me to stop thinking of the future and to take in all of today. To pause and truly experience the joy of expectancy now. To continue to marvel at the tiny kicks and flips because it won't be long until I'll be trying so hard to remember what they felt like. To enjoy the daily growth of my belly...aches and all. And to remember that He holds all time in His hands and He, in His infinite wisdom and understanding, has set aside this specific length of time to perfectly grow a baby and to get ready, in mind and resource, to take proper care of this little guy.
I want to enjoy every minute of today. And I plan on it. I mean, it is Friday...and a snow/ice day...and I have a pizza in the freezer and chocolate in the fridge...and lots of cuddling to do with my baby-daddy.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Shameless Plug: The Revival Study Bible
Any Bible in any form or translation is incredible. And I know everyone has their own favorite version. I, personally, grew up memorizing scripture in the NIV, so I tend to gravitate more towards it for simple reading and study.
Until we got this as a Christmas gift.
Seriously. It.is.AMAZING! Every single morning (and sometimes randomly in the day), I get excited about picking it up and reading through it because I know there's gonna be something good in there. I mean, it's the Bible. So, of course there's always gonna be something good to read in there. But I have never read through the Old Testament with such hunger and enthusiasm. I've always been more of a New Testament kinda girl, but I started noticing how one-sided my knowledge of the Word was becoming. I have tried so many times to read in the Old Testament (besides Psalms, Proverbs and a few others) but have never really stuck to it. So, I started the new year in the beginning and have really been enjoying it.
So, what's different this time around? It could be my maturity. It could be my determination to stick to it. It could be my sheer desire to learn more and be more well-rounded. It could be all these things and more. But I attribute my new-found excitement to all the incredible extra "stuff" packed into this particular publication of the Bible. I'm able to understand SO MUCH MORE about the implications of these stories that I've grown up hearing.
I wish I could give an accurate explanation/description of what I mean by "stuff" but unless you get your hands on one and flip through it yourself, my words are no good. I will, however, attempt to give you a taste of what I mean.
Throughout the whole Bible, there are little (and sometimes not-so-little) nuggets of truth, wisdom and insight to various passages, specifically in regard to revival. There are quotes from past authors and revivalists; pages of bios on men and women who were involved in or influenced by revivals from all over the world; information on what condition our hearts need to be in for revival and what conditions are hindrances to revival. The editors of this Bible left no stone unturned while putting this together. It truly is an incredible weapon and tool for anyone who wants to see a move of the Lord.
At the risk of making this post even longer, I feel I must give at least one example of what's in this massive book. Here's an extra that has left me challenged and thinking on it throughout the day:
From the story of Joseph's interaction with Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39...this is just a section of the quote written by Charles H. Spurgeon.
"In contending with certain sins, there remains no mode of victory but by flight...It is true that I may be an apparent loser by declining evil company, but I had better leave my cloak than lose my character; it is not needful that I should be rich, but it is imperative upon me to be pure. No ties of friendship, no chains of beauty, no flashings of talent, no shafts of ridicule must turn me from the wise resolve to flee from sin."
There's so much incredible goodness in this Bible. If you happen to have a birthday coming up, or graduation or an extra $100 sitting around...please go here, to this website, and order one. You absolutely will not regret it.
Until we got this as a Christmas gift.
Seriously. It.is.AMAZING! Every single morning (and sometimes randomly in the day), I get excited about picking it up and reading through it because I know there's gonna be something good in there. I mean, it's the Bible. So, of course there's always gonna be something good to read in there. But I have never read through the Old Testament with such hunger and enthusiasm. I've always been more of a New Testament kinda girl, but I started noticing how one-sided my knowledge of the Word was becoming. I have tried so many times to read in the Old Testament (besides Psalms, Proverbs and a few others) but have never really stuck to it. So, I started the new year in the beginning and have really been enjoying it.So, what's different this time around? It could be my maturity. It could be my determination to stick to it. It could be my sheer desire to learn more and be more well-rounded. It could be all these things and more. But I attribute my new-found excitement to all the incredible extra "stuff" packed into this particular publication of the Bible. I'm able to understand SO MUCH MORE about the implications of these stories that I've grown up hearing.
I wish I could give an accurate explanation/description of what I mean by "stuff" but unless you get your hands on one and flip through it yourself, my words are no good. I will, however, attempt to give you a taste of what I mean.
Throughout the whole Bible, there are little (and sometimes not-so-little) nuggets of truth, wisdom and insight to various passages, specifically in regard to revival. There are quotes from past authors and revivalists; pages of bios on men and women who were involved in or influenced by revivals from all over the world; information on what condition our hearts need to be in for revival and what conditions are hindrances to revival. The editors of this Bible left no stone unturned while putting this together. It truly is an incredible weapon and tool for anyone who wants to see a move of the Lord.
At the risk of making this post even longer, I feel I must give at least one example of what's in this massive book. Here's an extra that has left me challenged and thinking on it throughout the day:
From the story of Joseph's interaction with Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39...this is just a section of the quote written by Charles H. Spurgeon.
"In contending with certain sins, there remains no mode of victory but by flight...It is true that I may be an apparent loser by declining evil company, but I had better leave my cloak than lose my character; it is not needful that I should be rich, but it is imperative upon me to be pure. No ties of friendship, no chains of beauty, no flashings of talent, no shafts of ridicule must turn me from the wise resolve to flee from sin."
There's so much incredible goodness in this Bible. If you happen to have a birthday coming up, or graduation or an extra $100 sitting around...please go here, to this website, and order one. You absolutely will not regret it.
Friday, January 21, 2011
What Do You Wanna Watch?
Honestly, we don't really watch TV all that much. I mean, who really has the time? Or better yet...who really has the desire to watch some of the junk that's on these days?
Matt and I have rather varying taste in television. He prefers shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS, Gangland and other shows that give the general public ideas on how to be evil. Of course, he also is known to watch a sporting event or two. I prefer shows like What Not to Wear and Say Yes to the Dress. Legit girlie shows. Okay, okay...I'll admit it. I also like The Office.
But there are a few shows that we do actually typically agree on. In fact, we rather enjoy watching these together and really get into them. I thought I'd share them with you.
In no certain order:
So, those are our joint choices for viewing pleasure. What's on your line-up these days?
Matt and I have rather varying taste in television. He prefers shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS, Gangland and other shows that give the general public ideas on how to be evil. Of course, he also is known to watch a sporting event or two. I prefer shows like What Not to Wear and Say Yes to the Dress. Legit girlie shows. Okay, okay...I'll admit it. I also like The Office.
But there are a few shows that we do actually typically agree on. In fact, we rather enjoy watching these together and really get into them. I thought I'd share them with you.
In no certain order:
Chopped
Four talented and recognized chefs battle to win $10, 000 by creating an appetizer, an entree and a dessert using whatever mystery ingredients are in the ominous basket. The ingredients are always the most random and sometimes completely unheard of. We always feel bad for the judges who have to eat that stuff. But it's always fun to see what they come up with.
Four talented and recognized chefs battle to win $10, 000 by creating an appetizer, an entree and a dessert using whatever mystery ingredients are in the ominous basket. The ingredients are always the most random and sometimes completely unheard of. We always feel bad for the judges who have to eat that stuff. But it's always fun to see what they come up with.Diners, Drive-ins and Dives
Guy goes all over the nation eating at local eateries that have the most unusual and outstanding menu items. We love it cuz sometimes he comes to Houston and tries the food at some of our favorite places.
Guy goes all over the nation eating at local eateries that have the most unusual and outstanding menu items. We love it cuz sometimes he comes to Houston and tries the food at some of our favorite places.Throwdown
It's funny...most people either love Bobby Flay or hate him. We love him. He just seems really good at what he does. The premise of the show is that Bobby is presented with the challenge of recreating a dish that someone else has been made known for. He studies their method in making the dish, prepares a variant of his own and then drops in on them and challenges them to a throwdown (hence, the name of the show). I like watching the different dishes being made. My favorites are breakfast and desserts. I think Matt likes it because Bobby is always challenging himself to be and do better.
It's funny...most people either love Bobby Flay or hate him. We love him. He just seems really good at what he does. The premise of the show is that Bobby is presented with the challenge of recreating a dish that someone else has been made known for. He studies their method in making the dish, prepares a variant of his own and then drops in on them and challenges them to a throwdown (hence, the name of the show). I like watching the different dishes being made. My favorites are breakfast and desserts. I think Matt likes it because Bobby is always challenging himself to be and do better.The Wheel
Call us old and laugh, if you will, but we say every time that someday we're gonna be on this show...as a team, of course. One of us usually can figure out half the puzzle and the other finishes it off...almost always before the contestants can figure it out. We've probably won well over a couple million dollars and trips all over the world from the comfort of our couches.
Call us old and laugh, if you will, but we say every time that someday we're gonna be on this show...as a team, of course. One of us usually can figure out half the puzzle and the other finishes it off...almost always before the contestants can figure it out. We've probably won well over a couple million dollars and trips all over the world from the comfort of our couches.A Baby Story
Not sure why, but for some reason we've found ourselves watching this show a lot lately when we never had before. Okay, fine. I may or may not make him watch it with me. Sometimes I wonder why I make either of us watch it. Too many horror stories and definitely too many emotions.
So, those are our joint choices for viewing pleasure. What's on your line-up these days?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Past Due Update- Hooglet Style
Do you think that since it's been almost a month and a half since I last updated this here blog, that it's about time I pay it a little attention? I agree. So, because so much life has happened in the last month, I will not bore you to death with a LOOOOOONG and super detailed post. You're welcome. Instead, you get a sweet little bulleted post...which might also end up being a little long.
- Besides the celebration of the birth of Christ, the biggest moment for us in December was finding out that our tiny little Hooglet is...a BOY! As you can clearly see in the picture below, there is no denying the fact that he is, indeed, a boy.
- At the same appointment where we found out the gender, we also got a complete and very thorough tour of all his major organs. It was so cool to see every angle of his heart and kidneys and brain. And even cooler to watch him move around on there. He kept putting his hands in his mouth and the tech was getting agitated because he was making it more difficult for her to get pictures and measurements. I was just happy he had hands and a mouth. Here he is telling us that he thinks "Team Mommy and Daddy" are #1!
- Just a few days before our ultrasound, I started being able to feel him moving around in there. It really was the coolest thing I've ever experienced in the physical realm of life. He seemed to really get a burst of energy right as I was trying to fall asleep at night. (Can we say "Like father, like son?") I was so enamored that I would just lie awake for fear that I would miss any movements. Just as a side note: I've noticed that he really comes alive after I eat or drink any kind of chocolate, turn on my blow-dryer, get in the bed to go to sleep and most often when I'm in worship to the LORD. He also seems to sometimes respond to his Daddy's voice.
- Now, a month later, he is full-on kicking Momma all up in there. Matt was able to feel him for the first time New Year's weekend. We were at SALT (a conference for college students) right in the middle of an intense session. I kinda felt bad about distracting Matt (and being distracted myself), but seriously...this is our son and all his firsts we're talking about here. I think I was more excited about him being able to experience some of this than when I first felt him.
- We had an absolutely wonderful time getting to visit family during Christmas. Of course, everyone is so excited about our little boy and couldn't resist buying Christmas presents for him already. This little guy had so many gifts with his name on the tags...and he's not even here yet! I can't even fathom what it will be like next year. But let's just be honest, all his gifts this year were really just for Mom and Dad to enjoy...okay, probably just Mom. Who says boys clothes can't be just as "AWW"-inspiring as girl clothes?
This isn't even the half of it!
- I'm excited to say that this coming Saturday is official "Clean Out the Madness That is Currently the Nursery and Make it Actually Start Looking Like a Nursery" day!!!! My sweet Mother-in-Law, Sister-in Law and Mom are coming over to kick my rear in gear and get that room cleaned out. Other than the crib that I got today (!!!!), there really isn't much else to put in the room yet (except the pile of adorable clothes he got for Christmas) until we start having showers. Here's a little before pic of the room. It might be a long day, folks.
- Wanna know the real reason why I haven't bothered to update this blog in over a month? Well, it's because I have officially been taken over by the desire to think about baby stuff. Strollers, carseats, bouncy chairs, swings, bath tubs, crib sheets, curtains, burp cloths...the list really could (and does) go on. I have spent hours upon hours, maybe even the equivalent of a full day or two, researching baby gear and reading reviews and asking the advice of trusted mommy-friends (shout-out to all my girls!) before registering. I have never been so overwhelmed. I thought registering for the wedding was hard...doesn't even compare. But thankfully, I did have the help and input of friends and have finally been able to make some selections. I just can't wait to get it all put together or washed and put in the room.
There really are so many other things that have happened outside the Baby world in the last month and half, but maybe that should just be for another time. I just really want to make sure I somehow document all these fun details of this incredible journey through pregnancy and all it's phenomena.
Here's a little bonus "bump" pic. It's sad, I know, but I'm not totally sure when I took this. I think last week. So, maybe I was 24 or 25 weeks? I don't know.
Here's a little bonus "bump" pic. It's sad, I know, but I'm not totally sure when I took this. I think last week. So, maybe I was 24 or 25 weeks? I don't know.
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