The ABC's of newborn: Adjustment, Baby Blues, and Crazy nights

Sorry I've been a bit slack on blogging, hopefully you all understand that I have a newborn (I know you do). The past few days have been pretty good. Reese seems to be very even tempered - as long as you feed him, burp him, change him and love on him some, he's happy as can be.
Today was his first Dr's visit - she likes to see them early to make sure they are not jaundiced. It went well. He's only lost 4 oz, but grown a half inch (i'm a little skeptical of this). We go back in two weeks for a follow up PKU and weight check.
The girls are doing great with Reese. They love him so much. They just can't wait until he's a little bigger when they can help out more. They've loved having Grammie here!!
Gus and Mollie are adjusting as well. They pay Reese no mind until he cries and then they both get a little anxious. Other than the occasional sniff on the head, they don't bother him at all!
Cory is doing well with fatherhood to a newborn. He gets a little discouraged at times, but I think he's doing AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
I've had a touch of the baby blues the last couple of days. Yesterday was REALLY bad. I'm not depressed - just emotional!!! We had a pretty traumatic day yesterday, so that was hard. I'll explain more about that experience later - when there's more time (its a real blood boiler). Please pray for me as I adjust to all this once again - its been 6 years and so much has changed. In breastfeeding news, its getting better all the time. The first few days were HORRIBLE, but each time we nurse, its a little easier. Hopefully by next week, we'll be all breast milk and no formula!!!!
So that's it. Nothing spectacular to report. We're all doing well. I'm sleep deprived, but I love every minute of it! Hopefully I'll get some more pics up soon. I'm off to the OB to have my staples removed - FINALLY!!!! Hope you all are having a great week!!!

Our love child...

Cory and I have lovingly dubbed Reese our "love child". He is more than we could have ever imagined! Here's a quick synopsis of our last few days. I've also included some pics!
Friday I had a NST for preeclampsia. My BP was up, but nothing major so I was sent home and told to REST!!!!! That's exactly what I did. I took some pain meds for my headache and took a nap. An hour later, I woke up, still in pain and feeling horrible. Cory took my BP - it was WAY up. We called L&D - no help from them (another soap box post to come soon). We waited a little longer and took my BP again - still up. Called L&D again - still no help. Keep in mind all of this was transpiring over the course of several hours. Finally, around 2am, Cory decided to call my OB's office and get the answering service to get OB to call us back. When she did, she told me to go straight to the ER and L&D.
She met us there (she was apparently on call). After being hooked up to the monitors for about 30 min, she came in and told me that I would be delivering sometime that morning. We were shocked, but ready. The girls were at home with Chace and Mandy (friends of ours), so we felt confident they were being cared for.
At 1027 am, Reese made his grand entrance into the world - screaming his head off. My BP had reached an outstanding 165/115 and the OB said it was time.
He weighed in at 8 lbs, 12 oz. 20 inches long. He has a head full of hair and looks like his daddy (with my eyes). He's absolutely perfect!!!
My mom didn't make it for the delivery, but arrived around 630 pm.
We're all doing good. The girls and Cory had to wear masks the first few days with Reese because they had the Resp funk. But all is good now.
We are home and settling in. I am tired and very sore. My BP is still high and I am on a diuretic because my swelling is really bad. Other than that, we are good!! I'll be posting more as time permits. For now, I'll leave you with a few pics. Enjoy!!

A Model of what Marriage should be

I want to take a minute and wish my brother, Brian and sister-in-law, Annie, a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! You guys are the greatest! You have been such an awesome support system for me over the years - regardless of the circumstances. You are one of 3 couples that have given me a model of what a marriage should be. I always hoped that I would find someone that would love me the way Brian loves you, Annie! I believe I have found that in Cory - thank you for giving me a preview of what could come if only I am patient (we all know how hard that is for me). I wish you guys many more years of happiness and I believe with my whole heart that yours is a love for a lifetime!! Enjoy your day and may the days that follow be just as fulfilling as worthwhile as the past!!!

Here is a picture of Brian, Annie and the cutest 2 year old on the planet - Hannah! What a beautiful family!

Here is a pic of the four of us at our (Cory and my) reception/ going away party back in May!

Thursday Thirteen

With the up coming delivery of Reese, I thought I would do a Thursday 13 on Reason's why I'm ready for Reese to be born!!!
1) I can't wait to hold him in my arms.
2) I can't wait to have my body back. I know that I will have to "loan" it out a few times a day when I breast feed, but for the most part - I can reclaim what is mine.
3) There's no more room in my stomach, and yet Reese moves around like he's got all the room in the world - this is extremely uncomfortable.
4) I have TERRIBLE heartburn, I can only hope that once he is born, this will subside!
5) I can't wait to see Cory interact with Reese. Cory has been an AWESOME father to the girls, but he's never been with a newborn everyday. When he met the girls, they could do for themselves for the most part - Reese needs everything! I know he'll do great!
6) Reese's birth means we have visitors. So far, we've got my Mom coming in on Saturday and Amy (my best friend) coming in on the 6th. Hopefully Cory's parents will be making the trip out soon.
7) I'm ready for someone else to hold Reese for a little while - I love the kid, but I need a break.
8) I'm ready to see who he'll look like!!
9) I'm ready to sleep. Now I'm not naive enough to think I'll be doing a lot of sleeping with a newborn, but I know I'll be getting at least a little more than I am now which is NONE!
10) Believe it or not, I'm ready to breastfeed. I've hyped myself up enough about it now, I'm interested to see if I can really do it like I want to.
11) We've officially got everything Reese will need. Funny thing is, Cory and I have only bought a hand ful of clothes - the rest have been given to us by family, friends and some strangers - God is Good!!!
12) I can't wait to see if having only one baby is a breeze like I think it will be. Having the girls first really gave me some extensive practice.
13) I can't wait to see whose personality he inheirits. Cory and I are such a good couple because we balance each other well. But to hear stories of Cory's childhood ensures that if Reese takes after him, I'm in for many trips to the principals office and if he takes after me in my High School years - we won't go there!

So there you have it! Only four more days to go-TOPS! Have a great weekend!

When is it too much?

I asked a couple of questions in the post just before this one about your MLK experiences and memories. I know it was kind of random, but somethings been eating at me and I've talked to a couple of people about it and I was just wondering what you guys thought. Here's my issue - please share with me your thoughts and ideas (even if you disagree with me, I still want your input).
Last week, the girls came home excited because they would get Monday off for MICHAEL's birthday. Yep, Michael. Cory and I were baffled and asked who that was. Of course they were talking about Martin Luther King, Jr. We quickly corrected them and told them it was Martin, not Michael. They were adamant that his name was Michael - that's what their teacher and her assistant told them. This annoyed me because I have NEVER been told that Martin's name was Michael. So Cory and I talked about it and it rubbed him the wrong way too, so we had decided to write their teacher and ask that they please teach the proper history to our children and not confuse them. That night after dinner, I called Amy - my best friend- to see if maybe we just slept through 12 years of history when it came to MLK day. She confirmed that she had never been taught that either. But she hopped online to do a little research as I ranted and raved about how annoying this was. She stopped me when she discovered that Martin was actually named Michael when he was born and for some unknown reason his name was changed to Martin (after his father) at the age of 6. - So now you've been informed too (can I ask why I'm 25 and have never known this?). But that's not the only issue I have.
That same night, the girls were sharing what they learned about ole Michael (Martin) and all they kept saying was that "some people" burnt his house down because they didn't want him to speak out anymore. Nothing was said about his speech, or civil rights or anything. Just that these people wanted him to keep quiet. Now, I am left to assume that these people were the "nuts with the hoods on". This, again, bothers me. We haven't really talked about MLK day in this house because this is the first year the girls have been given a holiday for it. Maybe this is my problem. But I don't feel that our 6 year olds need to know about these "bad" people doing bad things. The whole point of celebrating and remembering this day is so that we can remember his influence on Civil Rights. I feel like teaching them this stuff is just a little too complex for Kindergarteners. I corrected the girls by telling them the real reason we remember this day and MLK was that he wanted everyone to get along and be given the same opportunities (or something to that effect).
So why does this bother me, you may be wondering... I have NO problem with the girls learning history in school, even if its a bit controversial. All I ask is that they be given the right information and on a level that they can comprehend. Please do not cloud their minds with "extra" facts that are not really relevant to the issue at hand. Especially not at the age of 6. Am I out of line here? I've never been a teacher, but am I wrong for now worrying that my children are not being taught the history that matters - but the history that their teacher finds interesting.
I haven't written a letter to the teacher yet as I am torn between letting her do her job and being "that" parent that teachers dread. I just don't see where teaching our children that "some peole" burnt down his house is more important than his influence on Civil rights. Now I'm not saying that she didn't share with them about Civil rights, but all I know is that they could only tell me about these people when I asked why we remember MLK. So obviously that was all that stuck in their minds. I guess in my mind, I feel that each year history should build on itself. Start off with the simple stuff first - His name was MARTIN and he had a DREAM. Remember that and then we will move on to something more complex next year. Am I wrong? What do you think?

Weekend Review

Its Monday again! No baby yet. We had a pretty laid back weekend. It was (is) a four day weekend for Cory in celebration - Thank you Dr. Martin Luther Kind, Jr!! Saturday we went to WalMart for a couple of last minute things (including Reese's take home outfit - I'll explain once you see it why it came from WalMart). We headed over to the PX (Post exchange - kind of like WalMart) for dinner at the best sub shop ever, Charley's. Sunday we just hung around the house as the girls have had some sort of Respiratory junk they've been fighting off. Today was more of the same. The girls go back to school tomm, I'm off to the OB for what hopes to be my last visit before Reese comes. Cory has one more day to be a bum. Kind of boring, I guess. But I'm not complaining - I know there's chaos just around the corner. I took another belly pic this weekend, hopefully I'll get around to posting it soon. Hope you all had a great weekend!!!

On a side note: I've got two questions for you guys. After receiving some answers, I will post a blog as to why I've asked these two "random questions". Please take a minute and answer them as best you can. Thanks!!
1. Think back in your memory (some farther than others) to what you were taught in KINDERGARTEN or any elementary grade about Martin Luther King, Jr. Can you remember anything specific? Teachers of this age group, I definitely would like to know whats on your curriculum these days!!
2. Were you EVER told that Martin Luther King Jr's name was Michael?

Thursday Thirteen

This week has flown by it seems - which is GREAT for me!!! I'm so ready to see Reese, I can barely stand myself. Today's Thursday Thirteen will recap our week.

1) Cory had his sleep study on Monday night. He says he thinks it went well, but can't remember if he had any "episodes". (Well he never remembers) We hope to hear something soon as to what the MD thinks is the problem and if it can be fixed.

2) The girls had Monday off - need I say more?

3) I went to the OB on Monday because my blood pressure has been running a little high. She decided that if its still up next week we may take him then - I have conflicting feelings about this (more to come in another blog).

4) Tuesday our furniture came!! YEAH - We absolutely love it; now if we could figure out a way to keep the dogs off it, we'll be set.

5) Wednesday I made what I hope to be one of my last trips to WalMart for groceries for a while. Cory absolutely HATES crowds, and I know that in order to get him to WalMart, I'd have to sedate him - so I tried to get enough stuff to last until Mom or Amy get here.

6) Today we pretty lazy. I was supposed to have a balance test done this morning, but the MD called and said he had an emergency and would have to reschedule. I was totally ok with this as I didn't feel like puking today anyway!

7) Everyday has been filled with uncomfortableness (is that a word?), contractions and lack of sleep. Not to mention swelling and never ending beatings my organs are receiving.

8)We got word today that the Medics are not doing too well at NTC. This is an answered prayer for many reasons - I'll explain later!

9) Reese's room was completed within the last week, we are now "officially" ready for him to make his grand entrance.

10) We were planning on going to see Hannah Montana (if you don't know who that is, turn to the Disney channel anytime after 3 pm), but she apparently decided that the kids in Nevada needed her more than the kids here at Fort Hood.

11) I've watched a lot of TLC and their "baby shows". Trying to enjoy the down time I have before the "fun" begins.

12) We've been flooded with stuff from family and friends. Cory and I have not had to buy one article of clothing because our friends and family have been SO AWESOME!! Thanks you guys.

It seems that I've run out of things to say. That happens more often than not lately. Sorry this was so random, my minds a little cloudy. My life is pretty boring right now, but I know that will change soon. I hope to post another belly pic in the next day or so and hopefully before you know it, pictures of our little man!! Have a great weekend!

Somethings to think about

Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?

Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs , a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord that we live here.

I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?

The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk shows? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.

They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.

"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Jay Leno
2007


It was just brought to my attention that Jay Leno did not write this. Sorry for the misprint - I copied this off a post from a group I am a member of! Sorry again!

Out with the old, in with the new

When we annouced we were moving to Texas, my brother and sister in law (Brian and Annie) offered us their old couch which was still in Annie's family but they were ready to get rid of it. We gladly took it, as we had NO furniture what so ever. Anyone who knew Brian and Annie when they first got married knows the couch I'm talking about. I'm not sure on the exact numbers, but I do know that this couch has made it through 4 households that I know for sure - including ours. We have really been grateful for a place to sit. However, we needed more room and seating as we know our house will be receiving more guests once Reese arrives. So this weekend, we went and bought some new furniture. It was delivered today. The following are two pictures of the new furniture and one of the old couch! For now the old couch is in the garage as we are trying to figure out what to do with it! Thanks Brian and Annie for the donation - it was a life saver!!! We love you!

Pregnancy test

No, I'm not gonna blog about "the smartest thing you'll ever pee on". Stay with me as I may take a few turns here. I've always been bothered by how children are treated in some homes. Before I had the girls, it really made my blood boil to hear or see even a hint of what I deemed "child abuse". Living in Texas, it seems as though we can't go a day without hearing about some innocent child suffering at the hands of the people who they should be able to trust the most. Maybe its because there's so many people here or maybe Texas is just possessed - I haven't figured it out yet. But here's my solution. Please don't take offense to what I'm posting here. This is just my off the wall answer to a problem that is unfortunately becoming an epidemic here in our world. Here goes...
I believe that when a baby girl is born, some sort of contraceptive (I haven't come up with the best kind yet)should be implanted into them. Kind of like boys get circumsised, girls get this implant. At the age of 18, the girl should be given a test. A real pen and paper test, just like you're getting a driver's liscense. The test won't be too hard - mostly common sense. If the girl passes the test, she can take a parenting class - she doesn't have to, but it will be offered. Upon successful completion of said class, she may have the implant removed, thus allowing her to conceive.
Boys don't get off easy either, I'm developing a way to moderate their "distribution" as well. That's to come later.

You may be asking yourself where this is coming from. I'm just on a milk carton (similar to a soap box) because I heard this morning of yet another child dying at the hands of a fellow Texan (yes I consider myself a Texan for the time being because SC has disowned me - different soap box all together). I know this is totally random, but something has to be done to protect these kids. It breaks my heart.

**Disclaimer: I am by no means knocking women who have conceived children in their teenage years. I am one of these women. Much of my credit as a parent goes to the fact that I have a wonderful Heavenly Father, an awesome family and comman sense. I don't know that 18 is the "magic number" to have children. Some women I know are in there 30's and still have no business being a parent. I chose that number because that's when you are considered an "adult". Again, this ia not scientifically proven, its just MY idea. Some of the greatest parents I know conceived before the age of 20!

Stepping off my milk carton! (Not quite a soap box, but still deserves to be heard)

A yoke of kindness

Here's another devotional I thought I would share...

**Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29**

Farmers in ancient Israel used to train an inexperienced ox by yoking it to an experienced one with a wooden harness. The straps around the older ox were tightly drawn. He carried the load. But the yoke around the younger animal was loose. He walked alongside the more mature ox, but his burden was light. In this verse Jesus is saying, "I walk alongside you. We are yoked together. But I pull the weight and carry the burden."

I wonder how many burdens Jesus is carrying for us that we know nothing about. We're aware of some. He carries our sin. He carries our shame. He carries our eternal debt. But are there others? Has he lifted fears before we felt them? Has he carried our confusion so we wouldn't have to? Those times when we have been surprised by own sense of peace... Could it be that Jesus has lifted our anxiety onto his shoulders and placed a yoke of kindness on ours?

As I read this, I had what Dr. Phil calls a "light bulb moment". Living here in Texas, away from EVERYONE, I've often times been shocked at how well I handled certain situations. Instead of locking myself in the bathroom and crying (which I have to admit I've done a couple of times), most of the time when a curve ball is thrown at me - which is practically daily - I conquer it. Well, duh, its not me at all - ITS GOD!!! That's why it seems so easy for me - its not me at all! How awesome to know that not only will God carry the burdens we ask him too, he'll carry the ones he knows we're gonna need the extra muscle for! God is Good!

Exam exemption

In a previous post, I stated that the Army is like school in that we are given different tests with NTC being the "final exam" to see that we are equipped with what we need to survive deployment. I haven't blogged much about our situation since then, so I thought I'd take a moment to give an update. I exempted the exam!!! You may be saying to yourself, huh?!?! Let me explain.
Cory was placed on Rear Detachment (Rear D) while his fellow Medics went to California for the month. We are so blessed! Now we don't have to worry about Cory missing Reese's birth and me being all alone here when Reese decides to come. Cory's Rear D duties could have involved many things, especially CQ (or staff duty) - which is 24 hours sitting behind a desk answering phones, signing people in and out and picking up soldiers who have been "detained" for various reasons. Cory was dreading this, but again God had his hand over us as Cory does not have CQ duty - not even once during this month. Cory has been placed on a duty that involves handing out Army issued supplies to soldiers - he only works about 4 hours a day!
So my fears have been calmed once again! Tonight is the only night Cory will be away from us as he has a sleep study in Georgetown to see what they can do about his night terrors - MAJOR prayer request!! All is calm here in the Trotter household as we are all on pins and needles awaiting Reese!
I went to the OB today because my blood pressure has been high since last Thursday. My OB said that more than likely if I haven't gone into labor by next week, she will go ahead and do a C-section! So I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!! I just want to say thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as this pregnancy has been full of ups and downs! You guys are the best and keep the prayers coming as I'm sure this week will drag by!! Til next time...

Under the Sea

This is the view from the doorway. That's his bed - FINALLY!!! Its perfect!
There's his name (in case you missed it). Anything NOT Nemo, we free handed and painted!
That is the island above the window - we hope to write a little message to Reese from all of us in the leaves!
A closer look at the palm tree - notice the little man to the left taking a nap!
Just another angle!


So here's his room. We are very proud of the work we put in. The most amazing part is that it only took us about 7 hours and only $60 to do it all!! I know he'll never know what it was like, but we love it and will definitely show him pictures when he gets older! Shout out to my hubby who tapped into his inner Picasso and banged out some really neat fish and other sea life!!! Have a great weekend - we'll be spending ours on pins and needles waiting for Reese to make his debut!

Calling all Moms

We've decided that I am going to try and breastfeed Reese. I'm a little scared because all I got to do with the girls was pump for 2 weeks and then I gave up. I'm really set on this for several reasons, but I need your help. Any advice would be great - I know nothing. I had signed up to go to a childbirth class for some tips, but I got the stomach bug the day I was supposed to go! If you would like, you can email me privately - if posting a blog is to wierd for you! Thanks for your help.

ac5557@yahoo.com

PS We've almost got Reese's room done, so hopefully in the next couple of days I will post some pics!!!!!

Drum roll, Please...

Here is my pregnant belly. I'll be 36 weeks on Thursday, not too bad - I guess!
Here is a pic of my belly with my bloated face. Can you tell I'm ready to have this baby?
Put your shades on as the whiteness may blind you! This is probably the last photo I'll be taking before he's born!!
Here's some of the loot from our baby shower. I'll post more pics of the other stuff once we get Reese's room done - including the bed!!!

Dysfunction at its finest

Tonight we were invited to dinner at the Finley's. This is nothing abnormal for us as we usually get together about once a week for dinner, but tonight turned out anything but what we expected. We headed over to their house around 6pm for pizza and ice cream cake (our other friends Chace and Mandy were going to be there and yesterday was Chace's birthday). When we arrived, we were surprised with somewhat of a baby shower. We were so shocked as we had NO idea. But that's not even the best part. We thought it would be just us and they had just gone out to buy some gifts for us - we were grateful.
As the time passed, more people showed up. And not just ANY people... nope. The other party goers were Medics from Cory's platoon. Why is this a shocker? And why did I name this blog dysfunction at its finest? Well, Cory's platoon does not have the reputation for being the most "in order" group of men. Most days they live and work in total confusion and chaos. There are times when I question if they even like each other, but tonight they rallied and showed support for one of their own. I was truly touched to see that not only did these guys come out FOR US after a long day at work, but they actually went and bought gifts (off our registry none the less). It was heart warming to see the guys stream in with gifts and know that they actually put some thought into what WE wanted and needed. As we sat and ate and enjoyed each other's company, I began to realize that even though we are dysfunctional at times, we truly have formed a "family unit". We are truly blessed to have the friends we have here!!! Thanks guys! We love you!

Waiting, waiting, waiting

I don't have a lot to say these days as I am consumed with wanting to have this baby!!! I am so past the point of being ready. We've done all the fun stuff, now we're ready to see the "fruits of our labor". Why is it that this is the LONGEST time ever??? Last week the OB told me I was dilated to a 2, which means nothing. I've been having contractions, but nothing consistant. So I'm just waiting. Time has flown until now; now its just creeping by slowly! I'm big, uncomfortable and haven't slept well in 35 weeks. But I"m told the end is near - and I think I see a flickering light at the end of the tunnel! Hopefully in the next day or two I can get Cory to take a final belly pic so all who are interested can see the progress! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Uplifting words...

My mom got me the GREATEST devotional book for Christmas. So occasionally, I will be sharing some words of encouragement (at least they are encouraging for me!!) Hope you find some joy in them just as I do!

Packed for a Purpose:
**He has filled them with skill** Exodus35:35

You were born prepacked. God looked at your entire life, determined your assignment and gave you the tools to do your job.
Before traveling, you do something similar. You consider the demands of the journey and pack accordingly. Cold weather? Bring a coat. Business meeting? Carry the laptop. Fun in the Sun? Bring sunscreen and a hat.

God did the same thing with us: Cory will marry Christan... give him a couple of extra doses of patience. John will work with special needs kids... give him compassion and a BIG heart. Jaime will homeschool...give her the wisdom and time management skills she'll need to get the job done.

God packed you on purpose for a purpose!!! What is your purpose and what "skills" have you been given that help you perform your assignment?