New Beginnings, Part 8

So I'm 39+ weeks and the waiting game begins! A big part of me is really ready to just go into labor and have this baby! But I'd also like to see the boys rooms finished first. God knows!

Joanna just got back from the Barker Family Reunion. She had a great time, and now that my teenager is home, I'm really ready to move to the next thing! The baby is moving constantly, but I don't seem to have dropped as much as I think I should. And I added a summer cold to the scenario. So I don't feel so hot. Well, I'm hot all the time...but I don't feel so well!

Good news...I don't have to wait much longer. I think I'll feel so much better once the baby's here - on the other side! I tell the boys often "no, I can't carry that for you," and "I'm not heading up the stairs to get that... because I'm carrying a baby 24/7. I can't put him down and he's heavy." My mom suggested I tie a 14 lb sand bag or sack of potatoes around their middle so they can experience the sensation. Wouldn't that be funny!

Renovations...again

We've been working really hard to try to keep up with the renovations to get ready for new baby!
There have been a few setbacks, in particular the recurrence of Nick's battle with C-diff. It's really interesting that a simple procedure in the hospital can lead to such a nasty infection. We gave a full 10 days trying a more homeopathic route while we waited for test results but no matter what we did, the colitis type symptoms just kept getting worse. So now the GI doctor has put Nick on three separate antibiotics for C-diff simultaneously. We're also probiotic 'ing it, and praying over every dose. Nick has missed so much work that I think he's only been in the office for about 10 days since April 1st. This has been a real walk of faith for us!

The best thing is, we have the greatest group of church folks. These guys came over today to help us finish the rooms- plus a few more I didn't get pictures of. Nick has been so weak that he crashes after being up for about 3 hours each day. Pray that the Lord heal him completely.

New Beginnings, Part 7

Now at 37 weeks, everything seems to be moving in slow motion. I'm trying to do something fun with the children each day. Unfortunately, I wear out and they can't get enough. So, I've resorted to assigning extra little chores to keep them busy. It has been a sweet time with a lot of daydreaming and preparation. Nick is still battling infection, so he's been moving in slow motion as well. We both are trying to pace ourselves and not worry about all the little things we want to accomplish. With less than 3 weeks and the baby's arrival day unknown, I am trusting God with the timing of all things. I do have a sense of uneasiness with Nick still sick. I'd like to know for sure that he'll be better when the baby arrives. But that, too, is in the Lord's hands.

I discovered I was anemic about 5 weeks back, and although I've been taking supplements, my iron hasn't improved much. I've recently added new ones and am taking smaller doses throughout the day. Hopefully that will help my energy level and keep complications away. Amazingly, I've been anemic the entire pregnancy, but didn't know it. I'm usually borderline and I should have suspected it, but I think I am so used to being low that I didn't feel it. Even now, I don't feel nearly as tired as I should, but just tired enough to find it annoying. I'm a 9.5 now - better than the 9.2 I was 5 weeks back. I'm so glad that it is Christ who upholds us!

"By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." -Colossians 1:16-17

Building for Baby!

We began some renovation last weekend and for those who know me well, I'm resisting the temptation to do too much. I mostly "supervise." I also de-nail studs and do basic demolition. The boys are getting into helping and I've taken a few pics to show their training!



Phase 1: The framing Phase 2: the electrical



Phase 3: the sheetrock!

New Beginnings, Part 6

Here I am, now 34 1/2 weeks. It amazes me how ready you become once you're so uncomfortable you no longer sleep. I don't want my belly to grow any more! I don't feel like I can stretch any more than I already have, and all the internal parts hurt.

It's funny the role reversal around here. Nick has always been the hot one, with the need for a fan at night and cool clothing in the summer. Well, now, with the temp set at 78degrees, he's freezing, wearing PJ's at night and our blanket over him up to his neck. He doesn't like the ceiling fan, and I'm dying! I wake up with no covers in a complete sweat! That is, when I actually sleep. Last night, I finally just got up at 3:45 am. There was no use laying anymore. Besides, the hips wouldn't cooperate. They just kept shifting out of socket every time I moved.

Other than that, we're progressing toward our transition as much as possible. I've got a few baby things to pick up from friends, and the children and I just moved the boys room back into our "school room." It took all we had! Daniel had to help me take headboards off their beds so they would fit through the doorways, but by 2pm today, the boys were ready to organize their spaces. We just need to build the "walls" to finish making that big room into two smaller rooms. Nicky will be eventually sharing his room with the baby. He's really excited. In fact, both he and Daniel wanted the honor, but we decided the heavier sleeper and neater child would be a better fit!

Joanna has been sorting and re-sorting the baby clothes we've been given. She loves to just plop herself down and go through the onsies. She's also going through our baby name book and touching my tummy constantly. It's quite cool. I think she'll be the best caretaker! A few more cooking lessons and we'll be set! Lord, please give me the strength to wait patiently for this newest blessing!

New Beginnings, Part 5

Now at 32 weeks, I'm lookin' pretty ready to be done, but so much needs to be done! I've not pulled one thing out or shopped yet for the baby. With the set backs from Nick's surgery, I'm not sure how much we'll be able to purchase right now anyway. I have this week to complete our school year and next week for standardized testing.

Then I get about 6 weeks to prepare, and hopefully relax! The nighttime has become an increasingly difficult time to sleep, but I can always sleep during the day...sitting up! Thank the Lord for my church family and mom right now. They have been very supportive during a very hectic and uneasy time for us.

I'm beginning to lose weight now, probably because I forget to eat due to the busyness of life and the stress of running to and from doctors and hospitals for Nick. I need to grocery shop but forget in the running about. We've had a lot of oatmeal and odds and ends lately! This is not a big deal since I started out ahead in my weight. I'm still within 10 pounds of my max pregnancy weight (Anthony's). Amazingly, I do feel good. I'm drinking apple cyder vinegar everyday and it really helps with indigestion. More importantly, God has been good in the midst of pregnancy. My mind has been often on Him and I know that is all His work.

Name for baby? Not yet. But the discussion is on the table a great deal more.

Masters Academy

For all those who helped me the last couple weeks, thank you! Here are some pics of the Exhibit room we did and my boys in the productions at Masters Academy!

Easter 2009

Took a while, but I couldn't resist putting up these cute pics of the kids.

New Beginnings, Part 4

Well, here we are at about week 30. It's at this point that I stop sleeping and my body begins a ache most of the time. It's funny how physical exhaustion and pain affect everyday life. I've not been as patient as I should and I feel weary at the moment. I'd like to just curl up and stop the activity. But God knows. My full family is soon to become more full! Because of my current work and school schedule, I haven't taken the time to daydream or plan for baby yet. I figure that will happen once school is out mid-May. Maybe we'll actually come up with a name then too!

I must say it is fun to have the children aways feeling my tummy for movement. Yesterday, the boys all took turns singing to my womb. Daniel began singing a song that sounded very much like a Jewish praise song. I could just see the baby kicking to the rhythm and twirling. Nicholas, who hasn't yet found his tone yet, sang the loudest. Nick and I just laughed.

We have so many hopes for changing out the school room for a couple more bedrooms. It isn't a difficult task, with Nick's talent for remodeling, but saving the money is a challenge. We're working hard at putting a little bit away each month. And when we checked out the price on framing wood, I must confess, we were a bit disheartened. The good news is, nothing has to happen immediately, and it is good for me to wait on God.

When the pond is full!

Here's a picture I've been wanting to post. It's of our backyard when the pond is full. Because the drain is busted, we rarely get to see it as it was originally built. It sure is pretty when the water is up! Otherwise, it looks like the "dead marshes."

More fun pics! He's the Man!

Pre-Op Pic

Post-Op

Nausea Meds...sleepy time!

Nick on drugs...not a comforting sight! LOL

April 1st and No Joke

So it's April 1st, and no foolin', Nick had his bariatric surgery this am. We arrived at the hospital at 6:10am and went back to pre-op. Nick is quite the comedian whenever he's nervous. He had the nurses and doctors in stitches, as usual. We had a sweet 2+ hours together while all the pre-op procedures were being done. By the time they were wheeling him back, the jitters were gone and I got the pleasant task of waiting for hours.

I just spoke with Dr. Smith and he had no complications, some really cool pics of the stomach and kidney (which, by the way is quite cystic- ugh!), and the gall bladder got to stay! Yea!

We got to be one of the first patients to try out a new hospital gown, woa! It attaches to the wall and blows warm air into his gown so that he can regulate his own temperature. No more freezing in the operating area. But he looked like the Michelin Man. Hehe.

Be a Hero at Defonte's

My cousin Nicky Defonte & his son Vinny were recently on Good Day NY. Let me tell you. I love this guy. He is a generous & loving cousin & though we don't get to see each other very often, every time I get up there to see him he welcomes me & my family with open arms.

This video is from their moment of fame on TV:



Now that you're hungry - next time you're in NY, make sure you visit Defonte's - you won't regret it!

The best laid plans...

Well, I thought this was going to be the most relaxing weekend ever. School's out for Winter break and once I made it through Thursday, I knew I was going to have a wonderful birthday with my husband and children. But...I started getting sick on Wednesday. I could barely talk through my lectures on Thursday, and once the caffeine and sinus medication wore off on Friday, I ended up in bed until this am. I still have the headache/body aches, congestion and low-grade fever. No fun! The tylenol isn't even keeping the fever at bay. Normally, I would just let the fever run it's course, but this is too painful. Daniel is recovering from the same thing, and Joanna just started coming down with it. Everyone else is coughing.

I think this will be an interesting week. I've definitely slowed down, but this wasn't my plan. Well, God's Word says that a man plans his way, but God directs his steps. My steps have surely been directed. The good news, "this too shall pass" - to quote the Bible!

New Beginnings: Part 3

Well I'm 20 weeks, it's my birthday, I'm sick, but my first birthday surprise is in! We're having a boy! It's so hard to believe. We really didn't think it would be a boy again but God has a perfect plan. So rearranging the boys room is in order! Everyone is excited, and now we have to go about picking boys names. Nick's come up with some really funny ones and we've been cracking up all morning. He said, let's just name him Francesca, since we already have that name picked out. Joanna thinks he'll have some words to exchange with his father when he's older if we do that. You ever heard the song, "A Boy Named Sue" by Johnny Cash? Very funny.


I'm going to take a nap, and hopefully feel better so we can celebrate more tonight! BTW, the baby is healthy-everything looks great! God has been kind.

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.