New Beginnings: Part 2

So today has been a rough day. We all slept a little late (8am) and I spent about 3 good hours working with my kids and on my daily list. By 12:15, I was headed back to bed. Nick has been sick today and I'm especially tired and weak. That burst of energy is yet to appear. I was hoping to be off all the reflux meds by now but I think I'll be on them for the long haul. Everything is taking so much effort. But one thing I desired is occurring. I'm beginning to relax about things. That Type A personality is waining.

I'm not so concerned about the details. I'm allowing my children to work more on their own, and grow in their own industry. And I have a healthy baby growing inside - that I am especially anxious to meet, we all are. I also have hope for the year ahead. God is shaping our family through these momentary trials, and I think we will be more mature and joyful on the back end.

Now that I'm past 16 weeks, we're all looking to 20, when we'll (God willing), find out the sex of this baby. Technology is amazing. To think, we'll be able to call this baby by name before it's even born.

I am so thankful for our church family. Each person I speak to has been so encouraging and just as excited as we are. That makes up for not having family close by. I feel very supported and loved. God is kind.

Heartbeat!

Heatbeat at 15 weeks! In celebration I went out to buy a new sweater. I'll get to find out the sex of the baby next month, on my birthday!

School Room Mania

So it's now week 20 in our school year. I was thinking how quickly it has flown. I think that is because we are so busy that we haven't stopped to smell the daisies, but, interesting enough, we can't help but smell the fish (from our science fair project). Yup, every time we head toward the basement, we start a gagging reflex due to the partially mummified fish waiting to come out of their baggies to be weighed in.

The other reason that it seems to have flown, is that we've been so busy that the normal "routine" items that usually occur on a regular basis are only happening in spurts now. You know, the things I would never neglect in the past, like toilets. So my bathroom has only been cleaned when things begin to grow, floors vacuumed only when we can't decide if it's carpet fuzz or Anthony laying there. A good friend once told me, "If you just keep the big things picked up, no one will notice the dirt." Well, officially, I can tell you that is just not true. When the spots on the floor begin to blend into a pebble motif, it's time to put the schoolwork down, or borrow a dog or...something.

We hope to get back to normal soon- only, I'm not sure what that is. Now that I'm feeling a little better, maybe it will all come back. The good news is, we only have 16 weeks to go! We're all looking for the summer break. I think I'll really take one this year! Mom-mom, can I come live with you? :)

New Beginnings: A Pregnancy Journal

We've always wanted a second girl. However, after having Anthony, and our 6 member family filled my life, I didn't think we'd actually have another. I did feel sad, though, thinking about being done. About 3 years ago, Nick decided that we should get rid of all the baby apparatus, so when my sister said she was expected #5, we passed just about everything onto her. She's now done and the supplies are happily serving another mom. By the way, I don't know what this baby is yet, it will be a few more weeks.

Since then, we've actually been pregnant twice. We had a change of heart, but God has had other plans. I lost both babies, one at 6 weeks, and one at 15. Now I'm approaching 15 again, and I still have doubt and fear about the viability of this baby. I've heard the heart beat twice, but not since 11 1/2 weeks. I go back to the GYN next Thursday. I'm determined to rest in God and not rush over to the office to try to hear the heartbeat again. God is faithful, and I know that I can trust Him. It's funny to consider, that when the due date for this baby arrives, my youngest will be 7 years old. I never thought I'd have that much space between children!

Christmas 2008

Good Morning!







Some of our Christmas company. We had a blast introducing Christmas to some of our Chinese friends. I think we gave them the first "stockings" they ever got to unpack.


Can you tell we get along just fine?







After Christmas shopping...Nicholas is done by the time we're at Hollisters.