Thursday, October 30, 2008
Should we choose a date?
So here's a little summary of something I have been thinking about, and I would like some feedback:
As you may know my due date is Jan 2. The problem we are encountering is 1)Bryan has a business trip scheduled for the first week in January, and it would be very beneficial if he can go (it's necessary really) 2) Aiden's Christmas break ends Jan 2, someone will have to get him too and from school after that 3) My doctor, Finley, is going to leave for his annual ski trip on Jan 2.
So my point is, Bryan and I are considering an elective induction at 39 weeks. It's not something I would normally consider, I feel like a woman's body knows what to do on it's own. But I just don't know how else to get around all these other things. On top of it we really would like it if she doesn't have to share a birthday with Jesus, Jack, me, or new years. (25th, 28th, 30th, 1st)
I would like to hear some induction stories. I am pretty wise in the way of childbirth. I would only agree to attempt an induction if it is agreed not to break my water until active labor is reached, and if it isn't working I go home. No cutting. I have had 3 kids vaginally and I'm not trying to mix it up now.
Anyway, it's something we have to start thinking about. It's already almost November!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My confession
So here is my confession of the week:
I have really been enjoying the bible study I have been involved in at BBC. Embarrassingly, I had to show up to study this morning with my last weeks homework unfinished. The reason... a book called "Twilight". Yes, I replaced bible study with vampires. I really didn't mean too. I have so little time to sit and read with out the kids interrupting me.
I found the book on the bedside table when I stayed the night at my mom's house Friday night. I put it in my bag and brought it home thinking I would just try it (I have so many friends who liked it) and I got SUCKED IN.
Anyway, so it shouldn't have replaced bible study time. I am going to buy the next book in the series under the condition that I do my bible study FIRST, and limit the vampires to my free time at night.
So having that said, have any of you read this book (no it isn't exactly a Christian book)? Probably the most romantic thing I have read all year. And those who know me know that I am not into that mushy love stuff. It also takes place in Forks, WA. I am now trying to convince Bryan to take me there for our anniversary ;)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Mandi's top 25 prego must-haves
Warning: this is very honest. All boys should stop reading now or you won't ever want to have children.
25)Chap stick. Between the hormones making my skin dry and all the mouth breathing because my nose is swollen, I go through a ridiculous amount of chap stick.
24) Granny panties. Just put those thongs somewhere you can't see them. Your butt will thank you.
23) A good hair cut. You have to do a little maintenance each trimester. But don't let your hormones take it too far. Pregnancy is not always a good time to cut it all off. You may end up crying for days.
22)Pregnant celebrities. I don't know why. Maybe it makes you feel like you are in good company ???
21)MOPS. So you can sit around and talk to other mommies about stuff that makes your husband cringe.
20) 3 pillows. I need 3 pillows all to myself at night. One under my head. one under my belly. and one between my knees.
19) Promethegan (rectal suppository). I vomited up half my brain in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. I would have vomited out the other half if it weren't for this prescription life saver.
18)Low rise jeans. I just started wearing low rise jeans before I go pregnant this time. I was too heavy to wear them before. They also made it possible to wear my regular jeans for the first 20+ weeks.
17) Target. They have everything. I love the pharmacy (where I filled my prescription for promethegan). It's were I buy most of my maternity clothes. And it's where I'm registered. Oh, and they have Starbucks.
16)Cotton dresses. That's all I wore all summer. breezy, cool, and no waste band.
15) Breath mints. Is it just me or does pregnancy cause halitosis? I brush my teeth about 5 times a day, and it still doesn't take care of it. The mints also helped a little with the morning sickness.
14) Subway. Why is it that I only want their sandwiches, and the ones I make here at home just "aren't the same"? I actually went there 10 times in 2 weeks when I was sick.
13) The "Enfamil Baby Bag". They hand these out at the doctors office around 30 weeks. They are full of coupons, free formula, and this time I got a "Intuition" razor.
12) My new Schick Intuition razor (see above). I was about to give up on shaving my legs when I got this. No shaving cream or accuracy needed. It really cut down on the amount of time spent hunched over not breathing. And I'm sure it is a safety plus.
11) ivillage.com. I have used ivillage pregnancy calendar and message boards with all four of my kids. it's just fun.
10) Once Upon a Child. This consignment shop is full of baby stuff for super prices. I bought a practically brand new portacrib/co-sleeper there for only $45. The same bed was still being sold at Babies R Us, and it's so pretty! Plus they have tons of clothes, boppy's, carrier covers, strollers, and any other items you cold need. I have also taken the boys old clothes there to exchange it for the baby stuff I needed.
9) Really warm socks. My feet are always freezing!
8)Poise pads. I sneeze, I pee. I cough, I pee. I laugh, I pee. A person is sitting on my bladder.
7)Pregnancy books. I have sooooo many. I still read them. Yes, even the 4th time around, I still read them.
6) Preparation H, in the tube.
5) Preparation H, the wipes.
4) The shower. Aqua therapy is so wonderful. I have never wondered why women like to have their babies in water. I'm not planning to do that, but it sure does help with all the aches and pains of pregnancy. When I was pregnant with Aiden I took an average of 3 baths per day. No joke.
3)Sugar Babies. My favorite baby store. Boutique meets consignment. You can buy a $35 designer hat, and a used outfit for $8. I just love everything there. I bought Jack a Baby Dior outfit there when he was born for only $20 (apparently it was originally around $150.
2)Christmas. I have been pregnant over Christmas with every single pregnancy. I realize it doesn't work this way for everyone. But it always gives me something other that getting the baby out to look forward too. It's just special. (Thanksgiving is up there too, the food...)
1)CareNet. Free pregnancy test (when you're freaking because you had 6 positives at home and still don't believe it) and free ultrasound to help reassure you that everything is going to be okay, and that you really are only 8 weeks and not 12.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
This story could sound unfair when we look at our own lives and think about all the injustice around us. At least, that was my first reaction. But the more I thought about it the more I realized it is a good example of God's mercy, and also shows he just. He spared their lives, also guaranteeing they will be able to serve out the remainder of their sentences. Maybe they deserved a second chance, maybe they didn't deserve to be spared from the rest of their lives. Hmmm. Interesting story. Check it out on comcast.net.
Arrg!
So this morning when I made Jack his oatmeal I did what I always do and took a big bite to make sure it wasn't too hot. As soon as I swallowed I realized what I had just done. Is this going to ruin the test? I don't know what I should do. I really don't want to reschedule all over one bite of oatmeal when I have been fasting for 12 hours! I took the bite of blueberry oatmeal at about 6:15. That's only and hour and 35 minutes before my blood draw. Oh, this is soooo aggravating.
So today is my parent teacher conference with Aiden's teacher. The intervention specialist is going to be there as well. I am looking forward to it for the most part.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Valley Bible Church MOPS starts today!
So everybody say a prayer for all the moms who are going to be attending today that they will get the refreshment they need, and that all the ladies who have put so much effort into making this happen will be able to sit back and enjoy it! Oh, and for all the little moppets... that they will stay in their classes and behave like good little moppets.
"Lord, I pray for your hand on all the sisters going to the new MOPS group at your Valley Bible Church today. Bless this ministry and our time together. You can see where we are all coming from this morning and what our needs are, please touch everyone.
Also for my sisters at the Bethany Ladies Bible Study this morning, bless their time spent learning about you. I will be missing them!
Amen."
Monday, October 20, 2008
My computer works!!
Everything is going to be okay... but I'm scared to check my email.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Pink and Blue Ribbon
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again
And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Nasal showers and baby showers
Last night was Jessica's baby shower. She got lots of cute stuff. It was nice to see everyone from Valley. It got me psyched for MOPS to start next week. It sounds like there are several things we still need to pray for for that ministry. I am so hopeful that things are going to go well because I know there are soooo many moms/babies in that church. Mom's need to be ministered to! But I have a lot of confidence that God will put the pieces together.
I am also pretty amped for my own baby sprinkle! My mom and I are going to sit down and do a little planning for that tomorrow. I hope it's not selfish to have a "baby shower" for each baby, even if it's the 4th. In some ways I do have quite a few needs because Jack hasn't finished with some of his things, and everything we have is boy stuff. I don't want everyone to go overboard, but I do want to celebrate! I have several fun ideas for my shower, and I want to make it really enjoyable for anyone who comes (I don't want it to be all about me).
On that note, if I don't have your email and you want to come hang out Sunday November 9th, make sure I get it asap!
I'm off to bible study this morning, and REALLY looking forward to it as usual. I am soooo blessed with my discussion table. I like not choosing where I sit, that way I am guaranteed to get put with the right people ;) There were a few ladies I was secretly praying would be at my table because I really want to get to know them. Yay yay yay!
"Lord, bless this day with both productivity and rest. Help my boys to be calm, kind and obedient. Thank you for this season of contentment in my life, even though so many things remain unseen. Thank you for everything I am learning from Apostle Paul and the letter to the Philipians, your Word is so complete. Open doors today. Amen."
-I forgot to mention, the ultrasound went great!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
My Punkins
Friday, October 10, 2008
The date has been set!!
On the subject of babies, I am making the transition to appointments every 2 weeks instead of once a month. I can't believe I am already to this point. This time my appointment is actually 3 weeks apart because it evens it out and I have an ultrasound, glucose test, and Rh test before the next appointment. Eeek! That means I get my Rogam shot at my next appointment, ouch! That is probably the biggest needle I have ever been stuck with. I think it's just to prep me for the IV and epidural (I luuuuuv my epidural).
Also on the subject of babies, my Jack isn't sleeping very well. He never has been a good sleeper, but things aren't getting better. He had colic when he was little, and has never established good sleeping patterns (yes I tried babywise). The past couple weeks he has been waking at about 4am and can't go back to sleep. I have been officially getting up for the day at about 4:45, that's too early for pregnant me! I am starting to really wonder if he may have acid reflux. Does anyone know any natural remedies for this (before I let the Dr try to drug him)? I'm nervous to let him sleep with a pillow yet, he isn't even 2. Any advice would be appreciated!
"Lord, thank you for this laid back morning. Thank you that both my kids are being so calm this morning. Help me to bask in all the anticipation and joy of this season. I feel so blessed today. Amen."
I got tagged
10. Doritos and Mountain Dew
9. Football (not to be confused with a game they play with a brown pig skin ball)
8. Motorcycles
7. Guns
6. Backpacking/hiking/camping
5. Video Games
4. his tattoos
3. his job
2. his kids
1. me :)
Tag: Jen (you're married now.. you can do this!), Amanda, Amy E., Amy W., Amy C. (ha, that made it easy!), and Candy (you know you want to!)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
UN-official Belly Gallery for 28 weeks
Monday, October 6, 2008
How to get on with it:
II Corinthians 4:16-18
When I went to bed last night I didn't want to think about waking up in the morning. I was dreading 5 am. But every night while I am sleeping, the Holy Spirit hits my re-start button. I wake up, and I get on with it. Cheerfully :)
Friday, October 3, 2008
TGIF Top 10
1. Bryan and I spent Wednesday evening playing Monopoly after the kids went to bed.
2. Ladies Bible Study at Bethany kicked off on Tuesday morning.
3. My mom came home safely from a week long visit to Indiana.
4. Today I bought the movie Labyrinth at WalMart for only $9 (I'm going to watch it tonight!)
5. Aiden made it all week with out getting sent to the Principal's office or getting recess taken away.
6. MOPS finally started back up after what felt like a very long summer.
7. The first day of October!
8. I started my 3rd trimester!
9. Jack and I had lunch at Olive Garden with my mom yesterday.
10. I got my new glasses.
Next week, is going to be RIDICULOUSLY crazy. I have a doctor's appointment, Aiden has his Autism evaluation at Children's Hospital in Seattle, we have a meeting with several people from Aiden's school to discuss his IEP, Bryan has to spend Monday in Astoria for work, and the regular events are mixed in like bible study and school, and probably several other things I am forgetting about. Oh my.
"Lord, thank you for Fall. Thank you for my busy schedule the next couple weeks, it means that some things are getting done. Help me to have lots of energy, and PLEASE keep my whole family healthy. Amen."
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October 2
Today also marks the first day of my 3rd trimester. Yay, I guess. January 2 still feels so far away. My energy level has already taken a dive, which didn't happen until closer to 30-35 weeks with Jack.
I am really planning on having a fun day today. Since Aiden will be at school Jack and I will both be able to come home and take a nap, which is a bonus.
I got a new pair of glasses yesterday. I have been having a hard time adjusting to the new prescription, it's MUCH stronger than before. I knew I wasn't seeing very well, but I didn't expect this big of a change. I was really dizzy yesterday, but today it is starting to feel right. So I am going to wear them today... yes in public. I know some people wear their glasses all the time. I am trying to wear my contacts less, maybe only on the weekends or when I'm going out somewhere nice. We'll see how that goes.