Girls' Day!

(Catching up little by little from as far back as March)

We took a morning to go see Sesame Street Live! with my friend Julie and her daughter Aliyah, who is Anna's age. They had so much fun together from up in our balcony perch!

Just call me Tortoise

No, not because like a tortoise, if up-ended, I have a difficult time getting up... (pregnancy can be awkward at this stage...)

...Because I'm slowly and steadily getting caught up to the present on my blog posts. I just posted two below. I also love that posts on Blogger can be "scheduled". That way, you don't have to get inundated with a million make-up posts in one sitting.

Expect several new posts to come, mainly one a day. This week should at least get me through March and into April. :)

BabyAbby is a ....

Honeydew Melon by now!

If you read my last Abby post, you'll remember that she still has an above-average amount of space in which to flip, turn, and perform other feats of strength and acrobatics. I'll find out next week (34 weeks) if she is still Breech (head-up vertically instead of head-down and in ready position).

You can pray that she'll flip, if you're so inclined! I have several friends who are experts at having C-sections, but having not had one myself, I'd much rather stick with what I know... Sooooo, the plan is that if she hasn't flipped by 37 weeks, we may attempt an ECV, or external cephalic version, which involves manipulating the baby's position from outside the belly. (I hear it's not that comfortable, but that it's more successful if this is a 2nd or 3rd, etc., pregnancy.) If it works, they'll induce me immediately so she doesn't have time to get ornery and go breech again. That's why I'd be thankful for a little intercession on our behalf!

Here's what the baby development site had to add about our little Honeydew:
Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

Perspectives of a Kindergartener

With First grade approaching quickly, I'd like to submit into evidence some examples of what goes on in the mind of Kindergarteners.

People's Exhibit #1:
This is a homework document in which our esteemed student was to illustrate words that contain the sound of the letter X.


Granted, it's possible they talked about these examples in class that day, but I guess it's a sign of the times... I never would have expected Caleb to automatically think of texting! I also love the pictures! See the finger, hand, and wrist bones? Scott is so proud of the Smartphone. :)


People's Exhibit #2:
(Translation included at the right) Background: This is a journal piece written back in November or late October, presumably during a government unit preceding the recent Presidential elections. Note the clear presence of opinion, and make sure you don't miss the bit of political activism at the bottom...

I like George W Bush.
(I can handle that.)
He gets taxes.
(Not sure if he meant that W gets the tax money or
if he "gets" --understands-- taxes.)

If I was the
President, I would
Let everyone

Scribble-scrabble.
(There must have been some reprimand that day for Caleb's lack of quality work at that point in the school year... Which really cracks me up!)

BabyAbby is a ....

Squash! (Gourd?) (Squashed?)We're smack-dab in the middle of month 7, and according to TheBump.com's How Big Is Baby list, Abby's:

energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

I notice her reacting with movement to sounds like the vacuum, loud drumbeats (though loud music in general makes her really still), and to sounds like water in the shower/at Anna's bathtime. She likes to kick a lot just as I'm setting down to sleep, but she doesn't wake me up during the middle of the night yet (but my shifting hips do!)

My most recent doctor appointment yielded some interesting conversation: Didn't I measure (fundal height -- aka measuring tape on belly) ahead of schedule with Caleb and Anna? Yes, about 3 wks ahead with each of them. Hmm.... (what does that "Hmm" mean?) We'll have to keep an eye on you. How far ahead am I measuring? 8 weeks ahead... at 28 weeks, you're measuring like you would with 4 weeks left. Huh.

That took me by surprise, since of all my pregnancies, this one is the one that I've gained the least personal weight with, and surprisingly enough, I don't always feel pregnant... even now!

Before you moms start throwing stuff at me in protest,

I definitely have days that I feel slow and heavy, and I'm tired almost every day, but there are some days where I have decent energy, little swelling, and aside from Abby's movements, I feel pretty good and think I can do more than I should physically. :)

So what does measuring big mean, then?
Right now, nothing. I do have a slightly larger than average amount of amniotic fluid (only slightly), which would cause my size. We noticed that when we attempted a 3D sonogram Wednesday. I say attempted because Abby was either deeply asleep or very stubborn and wouldn't turn from facing my spine to be seen. We'll try again Monday.

I'll keep you updated, and only the Lord knows when Abby's birthday will be, but I don't expect that it will be much (if at all) sooner than her August 28th-ish due date!

Hiatus? Sabbatical? Naw, it's just end of May/beginning of June.

I can't believe it's been a month since I've posted. Then again, maybe I can. :) There are lots of things that have taken place in the past month. I hope to post on them soon: end of a school year, birthdays, funny stories, a trip, and an anniversary!

Please bear with me! I hope to get all of these done quickly and still keep my house clean, finish the crocheted blanket I'm making for Abby, clear out her "room", keep daily things structured for C & A, and a whole host of other things!

Getting a Line Wet (Parts Tres and Cuatro)

So, basically this was a perfect first fishing opportunity... The wind was low, they were actually able to find some fish, and a couple of those fish actually found their way onto Caleb's hook. Please know that it's rarely that easy! :) We were hoping things would go well so that it would leave Caleb with a fun memory and delay the more challenging fishing trips for when he gets a little older.

You may be wondering what they used to bait their hooks! (Or you may not be able to care less... Hee hee) On this particular trip, they used live bait:

Then came the catch of the day!

Way to go Caleb! I'm proud of you!

Living near the coast has spoiled us when it comes to the potential size of the fish to be caught. Scott was amazed for a while once he got to experience fishing off the coast the first few times. However, neither of us can wait for Caleb to get to experience what Scott grew up doing and what he introduced me to in college: the excitement of a big large-mouthed bass attacking a topwater lure!

Getting a Line Wet (Part 2)

Oh, the thrill of getting a line wet and ending up with something on the other end!

Woohoo Caleb! Great job! I love seeing your excitement when you were working on that fish, and the grin on your face once that fish was reeled in!



Meanwhile, the mom in me is trying to figure out what he had for breakfast that morning and resisting the urge to wipe his mouth through the computer screen... :)

Shout out to Betsy and Barron for providing us so generously with the FLIP video camera that was used to record these priceless moments!

BabyAbby is an ....

Eggplant! :)


Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

I can't believe we're at the 6 month mark! I guess I've been so busy that the time has really flown. As I'm nearing the 3rd trimester, I notice that I'm slowing down a little bit physically. The fatigue is beginning to return, but otherwise, I feel great! Abby loves to kick right now, and her jabs are not uncomfortable yet. :)

Getting a Line Wet (Part 1)

In March, Caleb got to go on his very first ever fishing trip! I'll start this little post series with an interview video:

I thought the interviewer did great and didn't pull any punches. Most of all, though, I thought Caleb handled his questions with a cool head... and that's nothing to sneeze at!

BabyAbby is a ....

papayaWatch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. That little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

The site that posts these cute comparisons starts grouping them monthly instead of weekly at this point. I guess that's because sizes really begin to vary at this point. The doctor said last week that Abby is measuring 58th percentile at this point, so I guess find the mid-point above and add a tiny bit! :)

I'm still feeling pretty good. Maternity clothes have definitely taken over, as rubber-banding my jeans is no longer comfortable. We can occasionally feel Abby kick from outside my belly, but the kids haven't had the chance to feel it yet.

The Price Was Right

While Anna was in school yesterday, Caleb, Scott, and I had a special lunch at Gatti's to celebrate Caleb's week off from school. The pizza (and baked potatoes! ~pregnancy craving?) was good, the company was great, and here's a glance at the game room fun. Unfortunately, the bumper car pics came out too blurry on my phone.

He shoots, he scores!

Getting his air hockey game on...

Action shot

Final Score and Daddy's defeat

Stomping "spiders"

Trying a new "Catch a Big Bass" game that's like the Price Is Right Wheel

...the Jackpot!

Look at the sheer volume coming out!

Turning in the massive wad:

The count after turning in tickets:

I'll have you know that Caleb opted to save the entire amount of his ticket balance for the next time we go. Good job! What a fun day, and what a bonus-the ticket jackpot!

BabyGirlMac is now a...

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

(Supposedly all of the length measurements are now head-to-toe instead of head-to-rump from this week on. )

Our doctor (whom I LOVE, by the way) said everything looks healthy at this point. SweetBabyGirl is measuring 58th percentile for this point in development. She has been kicking up a storm lately, and three nights ago, Scott was able to feel her kick for the first time!

True confessions: I'm having a little difficulty processing that it's Sweet Girl instead of Sweet Boy, even though I knew my intuition could have been way off. Maybe if I say it enough it'll sink in. Don't get me wrong; I'm not disappointed! Caleb and Anna both had guessed it was a boy, and Caleb was more than a little disappointed. I think, though, that the main reason was because he had hoped to get bunkbeds if it was a boy!

(Little does he know that the ones I used to have growing up are at Mimi and Pawpaw's, just waiting for a certain someone's May birthday to come around!)

Any time we say something about having a baby girl, Anna is superquick to point out that we're wrong and she's "a BIG goor" now. I think we've sufficiently corrected this misunderstanding, but I fully expect to have to repeat it at least a dozen more times. :)

Well...

All we could see was...











some sugar and some spice and everything nice!!

Testing... Testing...

This is my mobile attempt to prepare for giving you tomorrow's news as soon as possible! I'm excited! I should be able to post via phone!

What's Easter, Anyway?

Check out these brief video clips about the significance and relevance of Easter.

Thanks be to God for the indescribable gift, sacrifice, and resurrection of Christ so that you and I might have relationship with Him!

HT: GirlTalk

BabyMac is...

a canteloupe and is halfway here! (give or take a few days) We're at week 20, and the sonogram takes place on Wednesday! Stay tuned for the official news, and in the meantime, register your guess in the poll on the right.

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

Thus the upcoming sonogram...let's hope BabyMac isn't modest!

Feeling Up To Par?

We took the family Mini-golfing while Caleb was on intersession. What fun!

I should Photoshop myself out of this one...
Anna decided kicking the ball would be easier.


Handsome.


Success with the club!

TieBreaker for my TieBreaker

I just think it's funny that currently the poll has registered 7 votes:

3 think BabyMac is a girl
3 think BabyMac is a boy
1 can't decide.

It's okay to break the tie, people! :) BabyMac is the epitome of a tiebreaker!

February/March in a flash!

This is my shameless attempt to get caught up on posting so that I'm not in some limbo-stage between past and present! Bear with me!

In early February, we journeyed to good ole Springfield MO for the wedding of two great friends of ours. Scott performed the ceremony, and Anna was the flower girl. Caleb helped with favors at the reception, and I did my best to keep things running for our family so that we did our roles smoothly and without a hitch. :) We treasured time with friends after the rehearsal dinner and were blessed by the hospitality of dear friends Harold and Jane. Would you believe that with all the reunions of that weekend, the ONLY picture I managed to snap was one (a fuzzy one at that) of the groom's face while seeing the bride come down the aisle? Here it is!
Ok, I confess that there was more than one, but they were all of this scene. I laughed, though, because Betsy's brother (on the right) was taking pictures with his camera phone while she was coming down the aisle! This was the only one without that taking place. I'll point you to their website and to some pics (when they're available) so you can see how cute Anna ended up! I am so proud of Betsy and Barron and the way they sought to bring God glory in the way they dated, the structure of the wedding ceremony, and in so many other ways!



Then came Valentine's day. We had a fun, lazy day to celebrate, and I made a whoppingly huge breakfast for everyone. Waffles, eggs, bacon, fruit. Mmmmm. And excessive, but cute plates/napkin arrangements.




A good friend at church had a birthday, and we celebrated by surprising her at On the Border. Happy Birthday Miss Quel!

By the way, thanks, Tyler, for teaching Anna to do this...

The staff wives at our church came together to throw a shower for Kati in anticipation of baby Layton. Here are some pics. (Kati, I didn't post all of the ones with funny facial expressions. You owe me. Hee hee)

Made by Theresa... the cake genius.

That's February and March in a flash! I have one more post for March, and then we should be caught up! Wahoo!

BabyMac is a...

mango by now...

Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

You didn't forget that we won't find out for another week and a half, did you? :) I like these measurements. Mind you, they're measuring Crown-to-Rump (that's top of head to bottom of bottom), so leg length is not included. That's half a foot and half a pound!

Don't forget to vote in the boy/girl poll on the right! ----------------->

BabyMac Update

We're having.............

a sweet potato!

No, we don't know what we're having yet. Any guesses? Answer the poll on the right!

Actually, I came across a cute site that lists baby's developmental stages by week in comparison to common fruits and vegetables to help make things easier to picture. Sweet, huh? Look for more updates each Friday!

The big day for finding out McBoy or McGirl will be April 15 (tax day). The poll will be open until that morning, then stay tuned for an announcement!!

Friday Funnies

No explanation needed. :)


HT: Josh Harris

Celebrate!

On the forefront of my mind right now is sharing in the joy of friends for a common reason: Adoption!

Recently, our pastor's family adopted and brought home a precious son from Ghana. We have several dear friends who were, themselves, blessed by being adopted or adopting children into their families.

Also, our very dear friends we served with back in Missouri are at this very moment PACKING -- for they have received word that after months and months and months of waiting, they are cleared to book flights and prepare to traverse the globe to bring home baby Micah!

Below is the video Alisa made showing all they've had to hold on to for the time being: pictures of precious baby Micah and their faith in Sovereign God and His plans for them and for Micah.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Most of you know me as someone who doesn't get overly emotional, but I will tell you that I cry tears of joy EVERY time I watch this. Check their blog for ways you can pray for their journey!

It's a wonderful thing, and it is also a wonderful example of just what God desires for us! Russell Moore has great points about Names and Adoption. Al Mohler also puts it eloquently:

In the New Testament, adoption serves as a primary analogy of salvation. The sinner, who prior to faith in Christ is a rebel headed for destruction, is now adopted as a child of God. This new status is further defined as that of a joint-heir with Christ. By grace, the rebel child of the enemy is adopted as a child of the King. The former slave to sin is now a son or daughter of the heavenly Father.

As the Apostle Paul explains:

In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. [Galatians 4:3-7, esv]

Mohler closed his post with this comment: "For Christians, this is thus a matter of adoption by the adopted. Such is the Kingdom of God."

Celebrate with me -- for friends, for families everywhere, and for what God has made possible for us by sending His Son for the purpose of paying the price for our sin (which separates us from God), allowing us to be reconciled to God when we believe, and bringing us all into one family -- His own!

His grace has planned it all,
'Tis mine but to believe,

And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.
read this week at desiringgod.org

Product Testing, aka How to Remove Sharpie from Solid Surfaces

So after this morning's Artwalk, as it were, I immediately began to try to remove the marks. Being a teacher, I had learned that Nail Polish Remover works surprisingly well to get permanent marker off of plastics and lamination. I picked the most decorated piano key (not ivory, thank goodness) and tried it. It succeeded in smudging the marks well, but I was concerned that the surface of the key was affected. Then, I googled "how to remove Sharpie." Surprisingly (or maybe not so) there were quite a few suggestions on the internet.

Some suggested toothpaste or Soft Scrub. (abrasive, maybe?)
Others suggested WD 40 or a pink eraser (pencil or gum variety).

Most swore by Hand Sanitizer! (All I can figure is that its high isopropyl alcohol content, like polish remover and hairspray, has an effect.)

I had goo gone already (no help) and had some hand sanitizer (didn't wait long enough, evidently). Funny, but I didn't think to try plain shaving cream, which is a WONDERFUL carpet cleaner and is great for kids to play with and clean table tops at the same time. I'll try that if Anna ever has a relapse. ;)

Worried, I tried my last resort:
I hesitated to try because I have witnessed firsthand how it had removed flat paint from the walls of our home in Missouri with only light pressure. I was afraid it would do worse damage than the polish remover or other abrasives might have done. But, I couldn't imagine leaving all of those marks, so I pulled out the Magic Eraser, took a deep breath, and got to work.


Here is the before of the piano keys:

Here is the AFTER once I used the Magic Eraser. Seriously.

So, I ventured over to the blinds and the bookshelf and the half-moon table. Success! No scratches or compromised surfaces were observed. The only things that didn't respond absolutely well were plastics like the Lego storage. I haven't tried my trusty nail polish remover on them yet.

As you saw in the picture of her hands, the polish remover had smudged her henna Sharpie body art, but no removal was happening. Guess what erased it completely?

No, not Magic Eraser. (Ha) ;)
A baby wipe. Yessiree Bob. ONE baby wipe cleaned it all.


Crisis averted. We didn't even have to do much disciplining, as she was so visibly upset by my reaction and concern from the beginning, that it was obvious she was punishing herself. She would even go point to the spots and say "Here. I sowwy."

Sweet girl!