36 weeks

How far along? 36 Weeks

Total weight gain: another pound since last appointment 
Maternity clothes? surely
Stretch marks? i don't think so...  but it's hard to see all around this big lump in my belly area.
Sleep:  sure.  i'd love some!  in fact, i'm needing a cup of coffee each morning 
Best moment this week: well... i had a massage today and it was glorious.  i haven't had a massage since right before i turned 19.  and this was quite a bit different.  ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....  it was great.  it was also free... so that's makes it even greater!!
Miss Anything? being able to handle stress without crying.  also, knowing what emotion i'm actually feeling.
Movement: oh yeah.  she's not plopping anymore.  she'll move from one side to the other, but she has placed her head down and is fine with that (PTL!)  
Food cravingacts:  a few sweet things here and again. 
Anything making you queasy or sick:  there was something the other day, but i can't remember what it was.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: yes!  i mean, it's approaching.  i started having contractions last week.  just a few throughout the day... but that's great!!!  nothing productive... but every little bit helps!!!  (you'll understand what i mean when i'm 44 weeks along and still posting these updates!)
Symptoms: a little heartburn, a few contractions every day, lots of pain from her movin' body, sore lower back and crotch and hips... but nothin' worth complaining about. 
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy.
Looking forward to: my next massage...  next month.  :D 

her heartrate was about 140 today.  i was measuring right at 36 weeks.  1.5cm dialated, softening, and head down, but "still floating up there".  weekly appointments until 40 weeks, then 2/wk where they'll do another ultrasound and make sure she's ok sized.  if she looks to be ok sized with a placenta to eat off of and water to swim in, she'll let me go as long as needed with no induction.  she said she's never seen anyone naturally go later than 43 weeks and 3 days...  AND i told her not to let me know if the baby is large.  i can go without knowing that!
Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

gratituesday : godparents

not everyone has godparents.  it's kinda a religious thing, i think.  i like the idea, but lots of churches nowadays don't "appoint" them.  anyway, actually, not even nowadays... always i guess.  the catholic church does... because they have an infant baptism ceremony.  lots of the churches that perform a ceremony at shortly-after-birth (like a REAL ceremony... a religious one, not just a generic), will also appoint godparents at that time.  some don't though. 
anyway, when i was born, my family was going through a transition of churches.  they were moving from the presbyterian church, to the episcopal church.  i'm fairly certain that both of my older brothers were baptized as infants in the presbyterian church and, i believe they both have godparents. 
i could be wrong, because honestly i can't even imagine who they are... but anyway, on to my imaginative story that i might be making up:
i was baptized in the new church, the episcopal church, and was not appointed any godparents (to my later life dismay).  and then, for whatever reason in this possibly made up story, my little sister WAS appointed godparents at her infant baptism. 
so, at about age... i dunno... 7, or 8 (it's my story, i could just pull any number out)... i found this information out and felt REALLY LEFT OUT!  i mean, if my parents were to die and i was left an orphan, ALL of my siblings would have godparents to look after them and take them in, and i would be left out on the street to fend for myself!!! 
so, at that time, i found out who got picked for each of my siblings, and i asked my mom if i could pick out a set of godparents for myself... since she and my father had neglected to do so 7 or 8 years ago when they should have.  it was then that she told me this story (above stated) that i vaguely remember and might be making up and asked me who i would like to have as godparents. 
well, it wasn't a horribly hard decision because i think three of my aunts and uncles were already taken... (and this lead me to believe that a god parent must be an aunt/uncle).  but, i had a favorite aunt/uncle.  (sh... don't tell anyone though.  because that just wouldn't be fair for all the others!)  my large family was fairly spread out.  i didn't know all of them equally, but i did pick favorites nevertheless. 
i told my mom, that i wanted ---hm, what should i call them on this blog, to protect their innocence?  how about "aunt connie" and "uncle john"--- to be my godparents.  i'm sure it was to her delight, because "aunt connie" (as we'll call her) was her only sister.  and, since now i'm an adult with kiddos, and have an only sister, i know how special they are! 
anyway, my mom encouraged me to write "aunt connie" and "uncle john" a letter and ask them if they'd be interested in adopting me as their godchild.  and i did.  and ironically enough, we saw them the next weekend and i handed them the envelope and was very very embarrassed about it.  i was embarrassed that i had to pick up the slack -as a 7/8-y-o, where my parents had fell short.  i was also embarrassed though because i was such a shy little twirp.  i actually chickened out and asked my mom to give it to "aunt connie" for me.  and then, she (my mom) told "aunt connie" the WHOLE story, RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME...  i was super humiliated because they kept looking at me and smiling like, "oh isn't she just so cute and/or precious!!!"  like i was some sort of baby... 
anyway, "aunt connie" and "uncle john" opened up my little letter and read it, while i ran off to the other room because i just couldn't take any more humiliation.  then, "aunt connie" came and found me and hugged me and told me she'd be de-LIGH-ted to be my godmother and that "uncle john" would also be de-LIGH-ted as well.  and then she told me how much they loved me and hoped that nothing would happen to my parents, but now, just in case, they would make sure that i was taken care of. 
i felt SO relieved.  and SO happy that they didn't deny my request (talk about embarrassing... how embarrassing would THAT be?!)
anyway, since then, i've always felt a little closer to "aunt connie" and "uncle john"... and i'm thankful for that special bond.  i suppose their godparent roles have pretty much come to a close since i'm all old and stuff, but i'm so grateful that they were willing to protect me and take care of me. 
thank you, "aunt connie" and "uncle john"!  thank you, God, for placing such a wonderful couple into my family and into my life. 
now, since none of my kiddos have been baptized religiously as infants, and we don't belong to a traditional religious denomination that appoints godparents... i suppose i should look into that for my kids.  so they don't have to be traumatized at age 7/8 to where they make up some fantasy story in their heads that would leave them orphans out on the street...  perhaps i'll look into it.  but for right now, i'll just take the gratitude approach and be everly thankful for God's placement of people at the right time and right place.  always.  He's so good!!!  his love endures forever!!!!!

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

good morning, valentine!

 me on sunday

 that'd be 35 weeks and 3 days

binkins' valentine cards

"I like you!  You make me SNICKER!"

jones' valentine cards

"I'm a SUCKER for you!  Happy Valentine's Day"

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

things they don't tell you

i started this post 10/18/11...  how fitting.
i haven't been pregnant for almost two whole years.  the things a woman forgets is quite ridiculous.  i know i've heard that's the only reason why women have multiple kids is because they forget a lot.  i disagree... but that's just me.  i of course can't remember why i think that.  ;)
anyway, but what i thought would be fun to list off is things that i've found that "they" don't prepare you for in pregnancy.

1. you pee a lot.  not really a lot, but often. 
2. you can't think.
3. you can't remember.
4. your belly stretches out a lot.  (what?!  no one told you???)  you don't understand unless you get pregnant.
5. you itch.
6. your baby doesn't just kick... sometimes he/she tickles too.
7. you cry, for no reason.  and you don't understand... but you like it.
8. you smile when you see babies, even if you're in a grumpy mood.
9. you're in a grumpy mood a lot!
10. your feet might grow.  (a whole size or more)
11. your boobs grow too... BEFORE the baby's born.  (a whole two sizes or more). 
12. they also leak.  -don't try to plug them though.  it's fine.
13. things make you mad, that normally would just brush right by you.
14. lots of things annoy you.
15. people hurt your feelings... every single day.  even kids.  yeah... it's sad.
16. your skin changes colors in different areas for different reasons.  instead of leaving this to your imagination, i'll give you an example: (don't be afraid.  read on guys.)  my armpits are dark.  even when they're freshly shaven.  but sometimes it's a line down the center of your abdomen.
17. your temperature is warm.  all the time.  no matter what.  sometimes (often times) too warm.
18. you get gassy.  out of your rear, it reaks (seriously, like nothing you've ever smelled before!), but out of your mouth you want to burp (a lot!  and it hurts.  i have my lovely burp me sometimes -like you would a baby- because it hurts so bad and it has to come out!!!)
19. you can smell so much better.  but sometimes this isn't a good thing.
20. ... 

i'm sure there are LOADS more.  you can help me with that.  i just came across this post, but started it last october.  i tell ya, #2 and 3 are really true!!!!!!!!!!!

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

awarded to me, on this fine february day...

by my awesome, wonderful, sweet friend and confidant that i have posted about before on several accounts (friendships that work, friends,  -although neither of those are specifically about just her, but are you my mother was sharing her story...)  anyway, to make this a little more personal, i'll call her "kimberly".  she gave the the "liebster award"!  isn't that just the sweetest?!  (since it is, in fact february and we're all guilty in being caught doing random sweet things this month.)  "kimberly" has a blog entitled One Fine Day.  she writes it herself.  yeah, she's just that amazing.  it's a family blog, but her family is extraordinary.  click the link and check it out...  i dare ya. 

anyway, unless you know a smidgen of german, you might not understand my comment on the sweetness of this award.  so, i'll help you out.  but i only know a little german, as high school was a LONG LLLLOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG time ago all of a sudden.  liebe means to love.  so, according to what "kimberly" posted at least, liebster means dearest, beloved, or favorite.  i'm sure she picked me for the favorite part...  :)
anyway, so here are the rules when given the award:

1.  You must link back to the person who bestowed the award.  (but of course i wanted to do that anyway.  so i did it already AND went a little overboard by daring you all to click it and read some.)
2.  You must give this award to five other bloggers with fewer than 200 readers.  Please let them know through a comment on their blog.  (okie dokie.  i read about 5 or so blogs...)
3.  Post the beautiful award on your blog.  (i'm assuming that's what this post is all about.  if that isn't sufficient i'm sure the award-maker will kindly inform me.)
4.  Bask in the glory bestowed upon you and appreciate all the amazing bloggers out there.  (um... that's kinda a weird rule if you ask me.  but again, if i'm not following the rule, i'm sure the rule-maker/award-maker will again kindly inform me of my disobedience.)
5.  Spread the joy!  (Jesus Others Yourself...  check check check.)

i will pick my five winners with the definition "dearest" in mind.  so here are five dear blogs that i read:
LIFE ABUNDANTLY: fruits in the making--of midwifery, wifery, women's wellness, and womanhood.
OUR BECKER FAMILY:  updates and random mutterings of their Becker family.
THE CURRENT TROYDANIELBECKER: goings-on for your perusal.
WE TALK DINOSAUR:  their journey to discover and encourage their children's passions and interests.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF:  a collection of handwritten recipes from Gramma Thora to her family...

now, i realize that i've published that last one... but the REAL author is near and dear to me and i can't think of a liebsteryer author!  don't worry, i know she doesn't follow any other blogs, so it'll be a dead end there (absolutely not intended pun).  i won't award MYSELF the award!!!!
 Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

35 weeks

How far along? 35 Weeks

Total weight gain: whatever 
Maternity clothes? yeppers
Stretch marks? i'm going to guess probably because i am SO STRETCHED out right now, it's not even funny.  no new ones that i can see (that's not saying much), but my baby is growing!!!
Sleep:  i sure am sleepy right now!!! 
Best moment this week: boo's birthday was yesterday.  we had a great day.  i'm excited to be together tonight to celebrate with her and have her highly anticipated (by the kids especially) birthday dinner and cake.  i just love their enthusiasm for the little things in life.  they're great!!!  i also love going through their baby pictures and picking a few from each year and watching them grow in pictures!  it's so sweet.  it makes this upcoming birth so much more exciting!
Miss Anything? balanced hormones.
Movement: yeah... she's REALLY starting to hurt me with all her movements.  she is still wigglin', ploppin', turnin' over, sticking her butt [and head] WAY out to get comfortable...  she hardly slows down!  but she's GOT to be running out of room because it's really hurting now (like ALL the time)!!!!
Food cravingacts:  maybe yogurt... and ice... but not really. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: nah.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope.  nothin'... 
Symptoms: not too many.  a little heartburn, a few contractions, lots of pain from her movin' body, but nothin' worth complaining about. 
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off
Happy or Moody most of the time: holy crappin' moody!  i spent most the morning crying...  yeah, that's how it is around here.
Looking forward to: boo's cute little birthday dinner tonight. 

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

4 years ago today...

i've recently posted about my birthing story with my boo.  it was a "BOO!" story!!!  :( 

this was the day after boo was born.  binkins came to meet her.

so, i'll tell you a little about my recent 4-year-old.

boo today, in her birthday dress.

1. she's gorgeous!  
2. she's super sweet.  sweet smile.  sweet disposition.  and sweet tooth!
3. she LOVES to laugh.  she has a very unique sense of humor, especially for a 3/4-year-old.  she has the absolute most adorable laugh ever too!
4. she messes up her r-sounds.  but we're sure working haRd on it!
5. she likes hot dogs, corn dogs, and maccaroni and cheese.
6. she also likes fruit and candy and snack foods.  when i asked what she wanted for her birthday dinner, after about an hour of brainstorming, all she could think of was cake (link to the cake recipe i'm making), candybars, suckers, and frosting.  FINALLY today i got her to list out some "healthy" things too.  we get to have raisins, watermelon, strawberries, chocolate flavored berries (???  yeah, not havin' those for dinner), with mac 'n' cheese. 
7. she LOVES to wear dresses!  she'll deal with skirts, but only with a happy face if they're full of lace and toole. 
8. her favorite color is purple and pink.
9. her favorite animals are cats, but she also likes alligators.

and now, a life-pictorial of her:

boo with her aunt, that lived with us at that time.

boo with her little sweet family (minus mom)

boo with her eldest sibling

boo with her other two adoring siblings

boo at 1-year-old

boo at 2-years-old

 boo at 3-years-old

now, i'll end with a fun test that i've given to 2 other 4-y-o's and enjoyed.  it can be found on facebook, but this one i'll post here:

a test with my 4-year-old 2/8/12

1. What is something I always say to you?
birthday bash

2. What makes me happy?
loving

3. What makes me sad?
killing

4. How do I make you laugh?
um, um, you say funny jokes

5. What do you think I was like as a child?
you will laugh, and you will pet a cat.  i love you so much.

6. How old am I?
50 pounds

7. How tall am I?
(she holds up her two fingers like you would if someone asked you how big an inch is)

8. What is my favorite thing to do?
like to help

9. What do I do when you're not around?
i'm the birthday girl and you love me.

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?
it will be for, um, um, a cat.

11. What am I really good at?
doing the dishes

 12. What am I not really good at?
fighting the devil

13. What is my job?
combing my hair and like to brush my teeth.  and brush your teeth.

14. What is my favorite food?
salad

 15. What makes you proud of me?
proud of kissing.

16. If I were a cartoon character, who would I be?
in a movie.  a cartoon movie. 

17. What do you and I do together?
the dishes. 

18. How are we the same?
like eachother.  we love eachother.

19. How are you and I different?
like to do, because we love eachother.

20. How do you know that I love you?
i love you so much.  we hug each other.

 21. Where is my favorite place to go?
the zoo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOO!  I DO LOVE YOU!!!!!

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."