Dimples

While the idea does make me smile, it is not for the reason you think. You see, she does have a little dimple on her left cheek, but she also has a second dimple on her BACK cheeks. It's a Sacral/Pilonidal Dimple just above her cute little cheeks. Ahem. So I just can't go with Dimple for a nickname...

:)

We are all well. I am just busy taking care of everyone. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

My Heart is Full

It is so wonderful to hold my sweet little girl. (Still needing a blog name for her.) She is so strong and healthy and, I must say, rather adorable. She is a calm, peaceful baby most of the time and she gives away the sweetest little gifts of smiles that show off the dimple on her left cheek.

She sleeps quite a lot it seems, but is doing well at night. In fact, with how poorly I sleep whilst pregnant being up with her through the night feedings isn't a big deal. Of course, some of this will definitely change tomorrow when Sweetheart goes back to work and I am unable to nap as desired. It will be interesting.

So, while we still no nothing more than we did when we moved in May about where we are headed and what Sweetheart's job situation will end up as, there is a peace from just knowing the baby is ok. It has been such a stressful process to me this waiting and wondering, but I am renewed now to continue on this path wherever it may lead us.

I just realized that this is the first time I have mentioned Sweetheart's job. Yes. So remember when I mentioned that there were other changes I wasn't at liberty to discuss here? This is one of them.

The week we were moving Sweetheart was notified that the company he works for was being bought out by its competitor. All the sudden we were left to wonder what all that would mean. Of course, it's the end of September and we are still waiting. A few people have been let go and the plan is to phase their software product into the competitor's product and eventually close the office. Most of the people working as support staff will be able to continue on with the new company and even work from home.

Sweetheart would love to work from home, however he is not support staff. He has indicated to them his desire to stay on and move into development, but we don't know what they will decide. So there you go. At least we don't have to worry about selling a house if he loses his job.

Here She Is!

She is perfect!
7 lbs, 15 oz and 20.5 inches long

She's Here!

We are pleased to announce that we have a beautiful little girl born here at home this morning. She's perfect and has more black hair that you can believe!!! Now she just needs a blog name. :)

Midwife Visit

Today I had another Midwife appointment. I was really hoping to not have to go. As in, I would have already had the baby. Alas. The good news is everything appears to be back to normal. The baby is in a better position and I am having some of those lovely signs that show it could be anytime now. Making another appointment for next week wasn't fun though. We'll just see.

I've been thinking I should bake a pie. Worked last time. ;)

Introducing....

Frederic, the newest member of our family. Height and weight are unknown. He is currently happily residing in a jar on the counter where he promptly built a cocoon and is doing his thing until Spring when he will emerge as this.

What? You didn't actually think I had had the baby, did you? Congratulations instead go to Bonnie and Rebecca for the births of their (big) bouncing baby boys. I am still great with child.

Ugh.

Ok. So....I am still pregnant. The due date is Saturday. No contractions since Monday's fun. The big issue of the week has been whether or not I have some sort of infection that caused an irritable uterus that caused the "false" labor. The answer is yes and we don't know. Seriously. It is still unknown about one possibility and definitely yes on the other. So we are treating the one that is known and still waiting on the other. Everyone is trying to be reassuring that the baby is fine and will be unaffected by all this.

If you are family and want more info call me (or Mom) otherwise I simply figure it is all more information than anyone not related me wants to read about.

Basically, we're just trying to be as normal (!) as we usually are and wait to see what happens next. Since Pumpkin was born 7 days post due date and Dumpling was 12 days late, I am not surprised that nothing is going on birthwise. I realllllly want this one not to hang out as long, but we will take what comes. I am ok with waiting as it will hopefully mean we can get everything cleared up first. Two more weeks--like Dumpling--might put me over the edge though. I am not that patient.

I really want to hold this baby. I also want to know if it's a boy or girl!!! So curious now.

I really am praying that we will know without a doubt when it is all happening for real and when to call everyone to come back. Especially since Dumpling's speedy arrival and birth with only Sweetheart and I present is NOT something I care to repeat!!! I mean really. That was crazy.

So that's my news. What are you up to these days?

Baby Names

We asked him tonight at dinner what we should name the baby if it is a girl.
His answer?

Jane Austen.

Of course!

The Final Week

Technically, I am at 39 weeks. The baby is due September 11th for those of you keeping track. I am. The odds the baby will be born on his/her due date are slim a fact I am glad about because really, who wants 9/11 for a birthday?
I am so excited (and anxious) to meet this little one though that truly ANY day would work. Today would be good. Tomorrow is better since it is Labor Day and all. The only problem with that is that is also Dumpling's birthday.
Everyone I know due around my time has already had their little ones. They all are doing well and sleep-deprived. I am just rambling, I know. I stayed really calm waiting the extra week for Pumpkin and the extra 12 days for Dumpling, but I must say that I sure hope this one doesn't take so long.
All the food prep is done and the freezers are full. I've got one more sewing project to finish hopefully this afternoon and then we'll just be sitting around staring at my tummy. Not really. We are celebrating Dumpling's Birthday today and so there is a Winnie the Pooh cake to bake and fun to be had. :)

Prayer Updates

Wendy is home from surgery and the path reports are totally clear- all cancer is gone. She still has a long road to total recovery.

Bonnie's baby was turned this morning and they have induced labor. Just a matter of time. UPDATE: SHE HAS A BIG HEALTHY BOY!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

Please prayer for Eleanor Grace-they had a scare with her and had to return to the hospital.

And I am still pregnant. :) I did get a decent night sleep after three really rough nights so I am thankful and back to baking and freezing.

Last Day of August

I had gone to lay down and rest one evening early. That lasted about two minutes before I had company.

I thought August would drag by, but I am sitting here amazed that it is the last day of the month already.

We've kept busy trying to see friends, run errands, start homepreschool and generally get ready for the new family member. I've been cooking up a storm so that we have food to eat after the baby arrives. Sweetheart really doesn't cook unless fire is involved. So I've made up a bunch of stuff that just needs to be baked/reheated and bought a bunch of meat for him to grill.

I've been doing some of the work over several days unlike last time when I had my Mom over and we did a cooking frenzy all in one day. I just don't have the energy for that right now. Plus, this house isn't as conducive to that sort of thing. Making dinner for the eight of us in my Bunco group that met here last week was enough for one day! This week my focus is on trying to bake as much as I can to freeze. I want to have enough bread and other stuff like muffins and banana bread to make meals easy.

I am planning on making and freezing a bunch of my easy quiches, but am struggling to find eggs. All the local ladies that sell them are swamped because of the salmonella scare. Even the stores around here are out. I am on three waiting lists, so I will probably have more eggs than I can cook at the end of the week!

In other news: I am excited to announce that my cousin had her baby yesterday- a little girl--Eleanor Grace, named for our Grandmother. I am so happy for her and glad to hear all is well! (Must admit to wishing I had had our baby yesterday. I would really like to have this baby.)

I am also asking for prayer for two friends. Bonnie, a virtual friend and loooong time reader, is due soon , but the baby is footling breech. I am praying that baby will turn asap. Also, I have mentioned before my friend Wendy who has been battling breast cancer. She finished her chemo two weeks ago and is scheduled for a double mastectomy today. Please pray for her and her family.

BTW-The baby's due date is September 11th so we are down to the final weeks. Here's to hoping this one is closer to being born on time.

Bittersweet Time

I have been working in the baby's room this week. Trying to discover what I have, what I need, and how to arrange it all in this new space. Smiles and tears flow as I finger all the little things. I have come across several things that were given to me while pregnant with Jimmy.

They've sat boxed up waiting. Now is the time and yet I find it hard to know what to do with some of them. So many hopes and dreams were lost then. I know, each child is a different child and each pregnancy and birth their own events, but it is still hard.

I found the laboring verses cards I made while pregnant with Dumpling yesterday. Guess it is time to be reading them again and renew my mind with His Word. Worry comes more naturally for me. Slow learner, I guess. The cards themselves are a bit worn on the edges, so I may rewrite them. Rewriting things helps me to remember them better anyway.

I am going tonight to gather up some things we need to have on hand for the birth and the first few weeks. Though both Pumpkin and Dumpling were late, I feel more at ease when I am prepared.

I was given a list of things from midwife to have on hand and know that I need things like diapers as well. Some things have simply worn out from use. Other things are packed and will be borrowed from friends. I sent out an email and have friends that have all I was looking for. Blessings indeed.

Hope you all are having a wonderful week. Thanks for stopping by.

Home for Now

We moved this week to a little house in Berthoud. We are just renting month to month. This lets me nest until the baby arrives and we adjust to all that. We are still looking for a our little farm, but decided it would be best to just chill until the baby is born. After living out of suitcases for two months, it is nice to settle in a bit.
We are all doing well and happy. I am sitting in a cafe right now having my first internet access (fix) since last week so I thought I'd just pop in real quick. We should have internet late next week. :) More to come then!

Hello & Goodbye for Now

The last few weeks have been whirlwind, but today we made some decisions. We are going to sell our home. That's hard to write, especially not knowing where we will be going. We met with a Realtor today are are planning on listing our home as of the first of April. That gives me ten days to get ready.
Ok, if you have read this blog for any length of time you may understand my slight (!) feelings of overwhelmedness. This could be why I am blogging at 4:30 in the morning. I don't know. We love our home and we have decorated it to suit us.
What does that mean? We have a lot of treasures. Otherwise known as stuff to other people. I basically need to make it look like we don't live here. Not that I am packing up everything, though that will begin soon enough. I am packing up all my pretty little things leaving out only the more...stylish...pieces. We'll also be moving out some of the furniture pieces to make everything look not as crowded. Holycowwhyarewedoingthisnow?
One reason is that there are several home buyers' tax credits that end soon and because now is the time of year people are buying and selling in our area. We would like to sell while we can.
We are not entirely sure what we will do when it sells, but we may rent for awhile close to Sweetheart's job to cut down on quite a bit of our monthly expenses to save up and pay off all remaining debt (one vehicle and student loans.) We may see about purchasing an inexpensive place if we can find one in that area instead. I just don't know.
All of that is a decision for another day when we have a better idea of what is out there. This also helps us decide on a midwife as we will be heading north and closer to one that will be fine. That decision takes a load off as well.
Knowing I won't be planting my garden this year is hard, but since I knew canning wasn't going to happen too much with the baby arriving in September it does become one less thing to have to try to keep up with. I will miss it though.
So, while I may pop on here now and again just to take a break a blow off steam, I will simple not be able to be on the computer and still be able to do all I need to do. I will also not be visiting others until this is done. I will check emails and comments, so feel free to write if you are so inclined. I didn't want to just disappear and have anyone wonder why.
This is such a huge deal for us. We love our home. We have a lot of wonderful memories. We live close to Grandma. I finally have friends here. There are a lot of good things about moving too, and I think this is a good decision for us as we work towards some of our goals, but at the moment I am sad.
So, I have a big job ahead of me. If you think of me, please pray. I'll be needing it.

This Week

I got to hear the baby's heartbeat yesterday.
It was nice and strong sounding.
*
Still challenging after last time, but I am trying to just relax and enjoy this.
*
I think I will be a bit easier when I find a midwife.
Just wanted to ask for prayer as I interviewed two these last two days, but still need to decide what to do.
I am not sold on either one.
*
Wisdom. I need some.
Peace. I need some of that, too.
*
Thanks for listening.

****
My coffee is brewing this morning as I type. It will be another day spent out. It needs to be done though I may lock us in the house for the weekend! ;) Hope you are having a lovely day. It is sunny right now and I think I will take my coffee and Bible to the porch when it is ready. Have a great day.
I'll be stopping by to visit the other Company Girls this weekend to see what you all are up to.

Zzzzz

I am still here. I am doing great with no morning sickness at all. (must be a girl) I am just tired. So, most afternoons if I get the boys to sleep I am laying down, too. My productivity has been slashed except that I am busy making another human. Naptime is my usual time to blog, but I think being awake when the boys are is more important. :) I will write as I am able.
I do have one request. One of my dearest friends was just diagnosed last week with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. She is a wonderful wife and mother of four little ones. She will begin chemo next week. All of us are trying to rally around and help out however we can. Please keep Wendy & her family in your prayers. Thank you!

Hello All

I am quietly sipping my tea while the boys nap. It is an Organic Blackberry from Kensho Tea. I picked up a tin of it this fall from the farm. It is delicious and its fragrance fills the room.

I am debating on napping myself since the boys are both asleep. I am tired even though I did sleep better last night. Not sleeping well seems to be just a part of being pregnant for me. Too bad since being pregnant itself makes me tired. It is as though I can't fall deeply asleep and just linger between sleep and wakefulness all night, and sometimes day. :)

I do not want to sleep though. I am just taking a break from mixing up things here in the kitchen. I made up a new batch of Healing Balm and put it in all my little jars. I usually keep some in my purse to just give away, so if you see me just ask.
I also whipped up a new type of deodorant. I had been loving what I made before, until the last few weeks. ( Hmmm. Pregnancy hormones?? That may be the culprit.) If I like it I may switch what deodorant I make regularly to that one. (NOTE TO CAREY--Once I figure out what one I like best and get another plastic tub I'll send some to you.)

I am also experimenting with an aftershave balm for Sweetheart. He voted for bergamont oils so we'll see. Since that is what gives Earl Grey tea its distinct flavor and he drinks it everyday, I think he'll like it. I am actually waiting for it to set up so I can whip it.

Next, provided I resist the pull of the bed, I will make more Lavender Body Butters. I have some Cinnamon Spice left and a bunch of scrubs, but otherwise Christmas gifts wiped me out.

While that is cooling I will try to do a double batch of lip balms as I think I am down to one or two tubes. I should pry myself out of this chair and get going, don't you think? ***Break*** The aftershave balm is whipped! And my hands are so soft. I had enough to fill the jar I wanted to use and three little sample jars. Any (local) takers?

I am looking forward to the weekend. Sweetheart's birthday is next week and so we are headed out to dinner this weekend. It should be a nice evening.

Sweetheart has been putting in a lot of extra hours between his side business and fixing our car, so I am hoping for a bit of family time this weekend. The great news is that the side business' profit for last year allowed us to pay off our second mortgage on our home yesterday. Yippee! It was all how they configured the original loans for our home when we bought it. Now that extra each month can go to paying down the first faster. Nice.

Well, my teacup is empty and I best get back to work. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. **Special Greetings to any Company Girls!!!****

***********Added later: I finished everything except for whipping the Body Butters. The mix is still cooling to the right temperature for whipping. I checked it a moment ago and it just isn't quite ready yet. I did get fifteen tubes of lipbalm made. Now it is time to finish cleaning up and switch out more laundry. Exciting life, isn't it?

Wow.

I guess I said more than I realized yesterday. Pumpkin is rooting for a sister, or a puppy. I told him he'd have a better chance of a sister. Although after three boys, we'll just have to see what we get.
Seriously, we are thrilled. Sweetheart is excited enough for about 10 Daddies. I am excited, but also...scared. It won't ever be the same as before. Prayers are greatly appreciated.

Always in Our Hearts