YIPPEE!!

Houdini has been captured!
This morning we woke up, and there was a hole in the wall where the scratching had been last night. We are pretty sure it was Houdini in the wall, but we have no idea how he got in there.
At any rate, tonight I checked under the fridge and he was there. He is back safe and sound in his cage.
Thank goodness!!!

Scratching

There is scratching coming from our walls. Very. Loud. Scratching.
Matt was first convinced it was Houdini. Only, there is no way for him to have gotten in there. I think it's a rat.
I'm disgusted. I'm freaked out. I, quite frankly, don't know what to do. Do we call housing? Do we call the exterminator? What do we do?
When I was growing up, we had scratching and thumping in the walls. It ended up being a big ole rock chuck who was stealing our cat food and living in the wall. We caught it with a fishing net when it came out from the hole it was using to access the wall, and were going to take it to the lava beds to set it free. It escaped before we could take it. We saw it once, in our yard, after that.
I doubt we have a rock chuck. I don't even think those live here. Maybe we have an armadillo..but I highly doubt it. I'm thinking a rat is much more likely. GROSS.

More pictures

Pictures galore

Just a ton of pictures from our park day, yesterday. I have more to upload, but am going to take a break for now!

Hello Hello

No luck catching Houdini yet..but he keeps stealing food, so we at least know he is well! Tonight, we are on to yet another plan of attack!
I am pleased to announce that I passed my last 3 hour glucose test with flying colors! WOOHOO!! I hadn't heard anything about it, and was really sweatin it. I figured they were being nice and letting me enjoy the holidays before breaking the bad news to me. But no.
Matt has had all week off, and doesn't go back to work until Wednesday. It has been so fun having him home, I so don't want him to go back to work. It will all be ok though, because we will have to start school up again. Can't play all the time, now can we? But, it's been fun while it's lasted.
Yesterday, we went to a park we hadn't been to before, and took lots of pictures, I'll have to upload them and get some on here.
Today, Matt is spending some quality time with Dillon and Collin. I'm home with Matthew and Zachy, so need to get going.
I just wanted to update on Houdini.

Houdini...the hamster that is sure to be the death of me!

OK, so his name is really White Spot, but I'm renaming him Houdini.
The hamster can escape out of anything. At first, it was easy to find him, he always went to the same closet.
The week before my mom came, he got out of his cage overnight, and was nowhere to be found. We had told Dillon that if a week went by and we couldn't find him, we'd assume he was dead and get him a new hamster. Dillon was certain Houdini was in the cat's tummy.
Well, over a week went by, but my mom was here, so we didn't do anything. One night I was in the kitchen and he went waddling past me, behind the fridge. We were able to catch him and put him back, safe and sound.
Not even a week after that, Dillon was holding him. Some time later, he says to me, "Can I move the couch to get my hamster?" I thought the hamster had been put away a long time before. Of course, he was no longer under the couch.
Since then, we have not been able to find Houdini. I think that was last Thursday.
We put carrots in the kitchen, in various locations to see which one he would take, to try and give us some idea of where he might be. No such luck, he takes them all!
Last night, we decided to try leaving his cage out on the floor in the kitchen, hoping he might find his comfy bed too irresistable to leave!
The silly thing took ALL the food out of his dish, and evidently is stashing it somewhere. How I wish I could have seen his cheeks full of all that food!
We have searched high and low and cannot, for the life of us, find him. At least we know he is alive and thriving! I told Matt, tonight is stakeout night, and we will be watching all night till we find him!

They say your blood gets thin

Today it is in the 50s and VERY windy. I am FREEZING!!! Two years ago, 50s would have felt great. Not now..I am soooo cold. BRRRRRRR

Feliz navidad

Sea World fun

We went to Sea World when my mom was here. The boys wanted to get a little wet during the beluga whale preshow. By the way, Collin wasn't into getting wet, the kid in the yellow was just a little girl who also wanted to get wet!

Busy Bees..that's us!

It seems like it's been awhile since I've done a real, true update. And I was kind of thinking of doing a year in review type post, but we'll see.
Last week we were so busy with my mom and stepdad visiting. We had a great time and hit Sea World and the Riverwalk. Dave even took the eldest 2 boys down to Corpus Christi for a day at the beach. They had a blast! He even built them a campfire on the beach and let them cook their own lunch. They climbed sand dunes and played in the Gulf. It was over 80 degrees that day, so it was perfect for them.
Last weekend, the 16th, Dillon was baptized. He had worked so hard on all his studies and was so anxious to be baptized. Matt sang the song, 'I wanna be just like you' and dedicated it to the boys. He had made a video to go along with it with loads of pictures of the boys. Of course, I cried like a baby the whole time. He sang that song way back when Dillon was dedicated, so it was extra special.
The day started out really rocky though, and I was afraid I wouldn't make it to church, but there was no way I was going to miss it. Zachy got very sick at about 4 that morning. He was breathing so hard and fast and loud. I thought he must have pneumonia. We couldn't get him awake enough to get him to stay propped up to try to help his breathing. And he was shivering fiercely. At that point, he wasn't hot at all. I finally decided to give him a breathing treatment, and that helped a bit. But shortly after that, he was burning up. His temp was 104.9. This went on the rest of the morning, but after another breathing treatment, tylenol, and motrin, he was improving. We took him to church and he slept through the whole service. Which was quite nice, actually, I was able to focus all my attention on Dill, where it belonged. Zachy woke up after church was over, and ate a good lunch, and did great from then on. It was totally wierd.
Matt's song, will always be a highlight of the day. You see, the lyrics talk about a man wanting to be like God, because his son wants to be like him. It was moving the first time Matt sang it, but really, his heart wasn't right with God at the time. This time it meant so much more, because his heart is right with God.
This has been a wonderful year, spiritually, for us. I can't believe how our lives have changed since this time last year. It feels SO good to be equally yoked.
Matt and I were in charge of the Christmas program we had last night. And I say, "and I" loosely, because Matt did all the work, and he deserves all the credit. We just seem to come as a package deal. It turned out so good, and exactly how I had it pictured. It is always good to reflect on the true reason of the season. I am glad to have it over though. What I did do, was stress about it. That was my job! Now we are free until this summer when VBS rolls around again. And we were told last night that we have officially been nominated to run the Christmas program next year. Thank goodness there's a whole year till that!
I had a drs appointment last week, with my regular OB and was surprised to learn that I am already down to bi-weekly appointments. I can't believe how fast things are going right now. On Tuesday, I'll be 28 weeks...12 to go. Crazy. It sure changes things when you are pregnant through the holidays! Time flies!
This hasn't turned into ta review of the year, but my boys are all doing a 3-D puzzle and I think I'm going to go join in the fun.
I hope you all have a very merry Christmas, and enjoy your time with your families. Matt has all of next week off, and I plan on enjoying him immensely.

Ultrasound yesterday

My u/s went really well yesterday.
We were finally able to see that her lip is INTACT!!! And her nose as far as we can tell, but that one is a bit trickier!
Also, they did the echo, and as far as we can see, her heart looks great.
The doctor said we could repeat it later, but really, I'm ok now. I will have them do one when she is born. Not to mention that yesterday's set me back $100. Wasn't expecting that. Oh well.
Anyway, she is such a wiggle worm, and the doc kept giggling, which is so unlike her. She said, "I try and grab a picture and she moves"
She is sooooo cute. I want her now. Well not really, cause she only weighs 2 lbs 4 oz. So she can bake.
I am so frustrated with pictures though, I have yet to get a really good one. I did get a good one of her lips and nose, but that's it. Oh, and her other lips!! Matt looked and said, "oh, I guess that's pretty obvious" FINALLY HE COMES TO HIS SENSES!!!!

For all you nursing mothers out there

I stole this link, but it is GREAT!!
For all you nursing mommies out there! Gina, this is especially for you!!
YAY BOOBIES!!

Run down on the hospitals

OK, so we toured the methodist hospital last night. And I am so glad we did. I do NOT want to deliver there.
As far as the labor and delivery rooms go, they are both quite equal. Except for the fact that there are a gazillion at methodist. However, baptist seemed a little homier and peaceful. There were signs everywhere at methodist saying that videotaping was not allowed. At baptist you aren't allowed to videotape any medical procedures. But there were signs in the halls, on the doors, by the nursery, everywhere..saying it wasn't allowed. Which makes me suspicious.
Anyway, at methodist, after the baby is born they take the baby to the nursery. Because that is "the ideal environment for the baby". And they keep the baby there for 1-3 hours. Ummm, last time I checked, the ideal environment was with the mommy. As soon as we heard that, Matt and I were like, "nope, we won't be delivering here" At baptist, they do all of the weighing and measuring and bathing in your room. The pediatrician will even come see the baby in your room, your baby never has to go to the nursery.
As if that weren't bad enough, we went around the corner to find yet another nursery, where you are encouraged to send your baby so you can have a break and sleep. I wanted to scream. The nursery was full of babies. It was like being in the 60s. We were the only veteran parents there and I could see the glee in these ladies eyes when they were being encouraged to leave their babies there for as long as the want. I do NOT want to be at a hospital that is so not attachment friendly.
I could be overly sensitive. When Zachy was born, I wanted nothing more than for him to be in my room, with me. And he couldn't be. And there were other, perfectly healthy babies, in the nursery, crying for their mommies. I wanted to go bang on their doors and say, "listen, you have been given a gift, you have a healthy baby that you can keep with you...NOW DO IT" So yeah, it bugs me to see so many babes away from their moms. That is NOT natural. It is not the way things were intended to be. And it shouldn't be encouraged!! Makes me mad, can you tell??
Anyway, based on these things, I will be begging my dr to let me deliver at baptist, and I will not be letting my baby out of my sight. That's the way it was intended to be.

Time for an attitude adjustment

Sorry I've been MIA again, I'm slacking big time. I just don't feel like anything is worth writing, life has been pretty boring!

Anyway, I've been kind of hating Texas for awhile now, and the other day I realized that it isn't worth it. It's stupid, in fact. Why do I hate Texas? Because it isn't Idaho. But what about Idaho do I miss? I don't really know. I've realized that people change, even if we went back, it would never be the same. So there is no sense living in the past and wishing I was somewhere that I am not.

So, I've decided to embrace San Antonio. To make it home. If we have to be here 3 more years, I might as well enjoy it, right? That's my new goal, to make this home. I have wonderful friends here, probably better than the ones in Idaho, as crazy as that sounds. Because they are my friends, and they didn't become my friends through the process of knowing my mother.

My daughter is going to be born here. I will forever have a link to San Antonio. My daughter will be a native Texan. How wierd that sounds! And it will be ok.

Everything will be ok. It will be better than ok. It will be great. This will be home.

Belly Pic

I have several pics of the kids that I need to upload and put here. But it's all time consuming, so for now, here you go. Me at 24 weeks.

I'm still alive

I'm so sorry I disappeared for so long. I have been battling a terrible sinus infection. And boy howdy did it knock me out. I was so exhausted. I don't know if it was a combination of being pregnant and sick or what, but I was out of it.
Strangely, I was the only one to be sick. Thank goodness for that!
It's been so long since I wrote, that I don't even know what to put in this entry. Maybe I'll do another random thought entry, cause I know you all love those.

~We celebrated thanksgiving at home, just us. It was nice. We put up our christmas tree and all our christmas decorations. After all, thanksgiving is the beginning of the holiday season. HA! I would have had the tree up after the halloween decorations came down if I didn't think it was a bit much.
Our meal was yummy, if I do say so myself. I wasn't going to do the whole turkey and fixins meal, but Matthew insisted that I did. I'm glad he did, actually. It all turned out really nice.

~At my last drs appointment, my dr wasn't there. I saw a midwife instead. She said that she's known my peri for 20 years and has never known her to be wrong in her sex determinations. Not that I was really doubting, but I think it helped Matt to hear that. He is finally accepting that there might be a little girl in there, after all!
We also discussed the two hospitals that my dr delivers at, and she told me to take tours of both before my next appointment and then discuss the pros and cons with my dr. And of course, there are pros and cons to both. We'll see what happens. We already toured the baptist hospital, and we go next week to the methodist. We got to see a brand new baby who was being looked over in the nursery. Matt and I both thought that he was incredibly pink. It's amazing that the memory that sticks out most is the memory of Zachy. I don't really remember if my other kids were as pink as this baby, but I can tell you that Zachy was no where NEAR that pink.
I was lightheaded through a lot of the tour. Could have been cause I was sick, but I was only lightheaded in certain areas, so I think it was just the overwhelmingness (like that word??) of it all. After the tour, the guide took me to the NICU, just to show me that it exists and is functional.

~Last week, Zachy had his appointment with the new cardiologist. He was ok. A good cardiologist, just not very personable. I was so spoiled in Idaho! Anyway, he was diagnosed with bradycardia (slow heart rate) and sick sinus syndrome (basically a very irregular rhythm). Right now his energy level is really good, so we just leave him be. But he said he wouldn't be surprised at all if somewhere down the line he needs a pacemaker. He also said it is impossible to predict when that might be, but as long as his energy level is high, we're good. He continues to be seen once a year, with a holter monitor yearly. Once he hits about 5, they'll start doing exercise tests on him to see how his rhythm is.

~My mom is leaving today for their vacation. They'll visit family in Ohio and then come down to see us. They should be here around the 13th! The boys are so excited. It will be nice to have family down again. They'll stay for about a week, and we'll do our big Christmas celebration while they're here.

~A few weeks ago, Matthew and I were on our way to a store when he told me, "Mommy, last year I was pretty sure that there was no santa, but then you showed me that thing on the computer that shows you where he is, so now I'm not so sure" So, we discussed it and he decided that santa probably isn't real. He is beyond excited to be in on the secret and can't wait to help stuff stockings! Two days later, he lost a tooth. The next morning he sat down by me and said, "I have to tell you something. Last night I saw daddy, I know there isn't a tooth fairy. But is there an easter bunny??" It was so funny. He's growing up so fast.

I can't think of anything else worth writing right now, so I'll just close here.
Tomorrow I hit 24 weeks, time for a belly shot!

Celebs

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

OK, not really..but since it NEVER looks like Christmas here, I can start any ole time I like!!
I have officially finished all my shopping for our extended families. Everything is ordered and on it's way to it's destination.
I even shopped a bit for Matthew and Matt. So, all I have left is the boys and Matt. WOOHOO!! That feels GREAT!!
I have my Christmas cards and am debating writing a letter. This year has been so boring for us, that I think I might just leave it out this year. Less work for me. And as soon as I get them done, I can start on my Christmas baking. And when that's all done..I can start on my baby announcements!! YIPPEE!!
Some of you have asked what we want for Christmas, and I've said baby stuff. To help everyone out (and because it's so much fun!!) I'm going to go to Babies R Us tomorrow and register. Then y'all can just look online there and get an idea of what we need. Doesn't that sound like fun??
Matt has the day off tomorrow..what fun!!!
It's about time for my Christmas music to come on the site!!
Wow, I just looked at my ticker, and by Christmas I'll be in double digits! Time's flyin!!

More pictures

New Song

OK, so I haven't gotten to my Christmas music yet!
This is my current favorite song. Why? Well because I can just picture my Matt singing this when his baby girl gets married. Makes me cry every time!

Artist/Band: Heartland
Lyrics for Song: I Loved Her First
Lyrics for Album: I Loved Her First
Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each others face
So much in love your alone in this place
Like there's nobody else in the world
I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one
She told me so
And she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything
Life must go on
And I'm not gonna stand in your way

But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it still hard to give her away
I loved her first

How could that beautiful women with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time

But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But its still hard to give her away
I loved her first

From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I'm going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first

Ultra sound yesterday, and a pic of the family

So yesterday I had my ultra sound. It went like this.
She put the wand on my belly and looked at the screen.
Her, "Did you already know you are having a girl?"
Me, "well that's what you thought we might be having last time"
Her, "this baby is definitely a girl!"
So, there you have it. A BABY GIRL!!! FOR US!! WOW!!!
Everything that she could see looked good, but the stinker had her hands in front of her face the whole time so we couldn't see if there was any clefting. And her heart is still too little to know much about other than having 4 chambers.
She weighs 14 ounces now...and is cute as a button already! I can't wait to meet her!
I go back in a month, and hopefully we'll see her face that time!
Awhile ago our church had a church directory made where Olan Mills came and took pictures. Of course we had to buy some.
Here's the family pic. It is really centered better, but it is an 11x14 and wouldn't fit all the way on my scanner.

It's not a trick

But it certainly isn't a treat, either!
I'm half way done today!! So here is a belly shot, complete with my head, for you Robin!
See, I'm easy, all you have to do is ask!!

Pumpkin pics

Collin's pumpkin is on the left and Zachy's on the right.



Dillon's pumpkin. It is so funny with a tiny face. He did it himself.



Matthew's pumpkin that he carved himself.

Something you may or may not know

I'm lonely. And it's really hitting hard lately.
With the shirt, came a dvd of pictures of Matt's grandpa's life. He passed away in June.
I cannot tell you how much I love Matt's grandparents. They are two of the most wonderful people I have ever known. I look up to them. Matt's grandma is one of the most nonjudgemental people I have ever met. And papa Joe was too. I always thought it was so funny, how the two of them were on the same wave length. I guess after 60 years together, it's a given. But she would tell me a story about someone in their neighborhood...YEARS ago...like when their kids were growing up, and grandma would say, "what was that boy's name, Joe?" and I would think to myself, 'ummm she hasn't even started a story about that boy, how in the world would he know who she is talking about??' But, ALWAYS, he would tell her the exact name of the exact boy who was in her mind, that she would go on to tell me a story about. It was amazing.
I have never known anyone who has been married as long as them, and I long to have as long and happy life with Matt as they had with each other.
Papa Joe was full of stories. And silly songs. And funny sounds he would make to make the kids laugh.
And I miss him. And I'm so sad that we weren't there to say goodbye. And to let him know just how much we love him. I was only blessed to know him for 14 years, but he had such an impact on my life.
He is so much like Matt. Not only in looks, but in manner as well. I can almost look at him and know exactly what Matt will be like in 50 years.
Sometimes, life just gets away from us, and we never tell those we love how much they mean to us...and then it's too late. And look at me, I'm sitting here, crying my eyes out, writing this in my blog, for the world to see, but not for Grandma to see. How lame am I?? She is the one who I should be telling that I love, and just how much we miss them. And yet..here I am.
Of course in all the pictures, were pictures of cousins and aunts and uncles and sister in laws and brother in laws and mother and father in laws...and on and on. They all live up there. And I miss them too. So very much.
It is lonely here. I try to tell myself all the time, that we have each other, and that is all that matters, and I know it is true. I'm just so very lonely.
Yes, we have a wonderful church family, and we talk to our families, but it isn't the same. It will never be home.
And while we are here...life is going on without us...nieces and nephews are being born who we have never seen. Two nieces and one nephew...so far. I have a feeling there will be more while we are here. And our lives go on as well...here we are having a niece and a grand daughter, and no one will know her. My mom and step dad will be here when she is born, but who knows when we will ever see anyone else.
BLAH...this entry is making me thoroughly depressed. The boys are carving pumpkins (a chore I so do not like, I just take the pictures) and having a gay time, and I sit here in tears.
Off I go, to be with the only family here. And ultimately, the only one that matters, I suppose.
Maybe one of these days, I'll get around to telling everyone I love, just how much I love them.

Turns out I'm not the only optimist

This came in the mail yesterday from my in laws. Matt can just be a pessimist by himself!

ACK!! Can someone help me??

I must be losing my brain. If you couldn't tell, I've redone stuff here a bit. I lost my flickr badge. I have been sitting at flickr looking everywhere and I cannot for the life of me find where I need to go to put it back.
Les...Vic...Gina...anyone...could you help this poor pregnant lady??? LOL

Total preggo moment

This morning, Matthew had an appointment with the nuerosurgeon.
Let me explain to you that he has a fatty tumor (lipoma) in his brain. It has been there since birth, and in his 10 years, it has not changed one bit. It causes no problems whatsoever, it just hangs out up there.
We have a very thorough pediatrician who said that while we live in Texas, he would at least like us established with a nuerosurgeon, just in case. In case of what, I don't know. But I'm not against being established with certain drs, in fact, I think it is a very good idea for us. I'm still working on getting in with a craniofacial doc, but that's a whole other issue.
When I made the appointment, they told me to bring all his old films, and that he needed a current MRI, like in the last 3 months current. Since we haven't been seen by them, the ped. has to refer him for that. So, I talked with the ped. who said to just go to the appointment, and they could then order what they wanted, because he didn't know what they would want. Can't say I blame him, MRIs are exactly a one size fits all thing.
So, the appointment was this morning, and last night I realized that it was downtown and I would need money for parking. I went to the gas station on the way, and the ATM was out of money. So I bought something and got cash back to pay for the parking.
We get there, and completely struggle to find a parking spot. The parking garage left a whole lot to be desired, but whatever.
We get to the office and they ask for his films. I explain to them what I have, and why I don't have a current film. Because this isn't causing any problems. Well, they make me sit there forever, then inform me that the doctor will not see him today because we don't have films. ARGH!! I was so upset. I was nearly in tears, and thinking to myself 'if I wasn't pregnant this wouldn't be bringing me to tears!!' I asked them just exactly how I was supposed to go about getting these tests ordered when the pediatrician didn't know what they wanted. To which they replied, 'well, he'll just have to call us' Now see, had they just seen us, for 2 seconds, let us be established, then THEY could have ordered the tests!!
So, I went through all this trouble, had to pay for parking, for NOTHING. Made me grumpy grumpy. My poor kids.
We came home, did school, and now they are all outside playing with their remote control cars. I am baking 2 loaves of zucchini bread, and have batter for 2 more in the fridge.
The pediatrician's office is not happy about any of this, and are working on seeing what needs to be done.
This appointment was made back in August, so we're looking at the end of the year or next before we go back. I suppose that's a good thing, they won't remember me and how they almost made me cry!!

Matthew's masterpiece

Matthew went to work with Matt yesterday so he could get his ID. I emailed him halfway through the day and told him to draw me a picture. I figured it could pass the time since he loves to draw. What I didn't expect was for him to draw it on the computer.
I was really impressed with this!

Just for you Gina

I readded your song. I was messing with the template, and it made me lose a ton of stuff. So, just for you I put it back.

This, that, and the other thing

I feel I need to write something, since it's been awhile, but I don't really have a well thought out post. So, how about some random thoughts??

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zachy is so cute. I know I have talked about his enthusiasm here before. The other day, I put a hand me down shirt on him. It was from the neighbor, so he hadn't seen it before. He put it on and said, "a new shirt?? for ME??" And I said, "yeah, a new shirt just for YOU" His eyes got huge and he said, "OH MY GOSH MOMMY, THANK YOU" You would have thought I just bought him a new car or something, he was so thrilled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We think Zachy may have split personalities. The boy can go from being sooo sweet to being so wild and rowdy. He doesn't listen at that time. It is crazy because it is the exact opposite of his sweet loving self. I've taken to calling him SPB...split personality boy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The great he/she debate is still going on in our house. Matt insists that this baby is a boy. I insist it is a girl. He says given our track record it has to be a boy. I told him that he is the optimist of the family, and this is something to be sooo optimistic about, and he is being a pessimist! HARUMPH!! He will be proven wrong on November 6!!

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Matthew got his military ID today. He is so tickled with himself. He keeps showing it off to everyone who will look. He said to me, "what are you on yours?" I said, "ummm spouse, and see, you're child" he said, "no, mine says Lieutenant, what are you?" I had to laugh. I said, "no that means DADDY is a lieutenant, not you" He was bummed, he thought he was an LT!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew has a nuerosurgeon appointment this week. Nothing exciting. He has a fatty tumor in his brain that causes no problems, but that should be watched. So the pediatrician set us up with a nuerosurgeon here. It should be fun taking all four boys to a serious appointment. And I know they will want to order a new MRI. What a pain that will be.

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Dillon got a hamster for his birthday, and today he was holding it and it got away. It was in the couch and I thought for sure we wouldn't get him. But we did. He just hung out there all day. Silly hamster!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Collin is working so hard on his "S" words. It is really cute to listen to him, but I am so glad he is finally getting that he talks wrong.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He has also gotten into the lying stage. Today, he pulled the cushions off the couch, while Zachy and Dillon were with me. When I went in the living room he said, "I didn't do it...it was Zachy" I said, "um, except Zachy was with me!" If there is no one else to blame, he'll blame the dog. It's silly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I made a creme pie for dessert tonight. The kids just came in and said,(at the top of their lungs) "we're ready for pie!!" So I must go and get pie.

What do you all think??

Alrighty, so I know this is just too silly for people like my mom and Matt, but I took a picture of my u/s video at the "girl" part.
So the question is....is this a girl??

Why I never call maintenance

We had to turn all our gas off the other night. And now the pilot light on the water heater won't work. I called maintenance yesterday, and told them about that and a few other things, assuming it would all be the same people.
Well, water heater man came out and determined that the water heater needs to be replaced, and if we're lucky, it will be today.
So here I sit, waiting for him to come with a water heater. And it isn't the same person that comes for the other stuff, so now I have to wait for another person to show up too. Which could take up to a week.
I have things I need to do. Like go pick up Collin's glasses, and go grocery shopping. But I can't, because I'm stuck here, waiting on them.
This is why I never call. I hate waiting on them. We won't even mention that they are all creepy and I hate being here with them.

Anyway, onto better things.

Since I didn't post a picture of Zachy last time, here he is. With all his dum dums.
Matt says he sure is getting skinny! You be the judge!



And because I just couldn't resist. And yes, all you skeptics out there, I did keep the receipt!!!

There's a special boy in this house today!

Eight years ago, at this time, I was holding a wee little newborn in my arms.
He was born at 1:05 PM. A whopping 9lb 10oz. The dr called him Bruno when he came out. He was perfect.
Now, he is such a big boy. More of a young man, actually.
He has the most tender heart of any of my boys. He will save the world some day! Or maybe just the animals. But I do know he will do great things.
He is also my most literal child. It is kind of humorous, he takes everything seriously. Makes it tough to kid around with him, but maybe someday it will come in handy.
He is a perfect little man, who loves his family, and loves God even more.
I am blessed to be his mommy. How did I ever get so lucky??
Happy birthday, Pickle boy, we love you!!!

Fightin back the tears

I've been teary eyed almost constantly since yesterday.
We went to Target, and were looking around the baby stuff.
Did you know that itty bitty girls, wear itty bitty tights? And things that say, "princess" or "sweet girl" not "champ" or "baby boy"? It's like a whole different world.
I wistfully felt all the soft pink fabrics and prayed they would be mine soon. And I started my dreaming.
A daughter. For us. Forever. It still leaves me speechless. I can't think of words to describe how I feel about this. Just...surreal.
Tears come to my eyes when I think of how a little girl will fit into our family. Will she be a girlie girl? Or a tomboy? Whatever she is, she'll be perfect. And she'll fit in perfectly.
I'll have a daughter.
And some of you have asked me how Matt feels about this. He says he doesn't believe them. But to tell the truth, I don't believe him. I think he's just afraid of getting his hopes dashed.
Matt has wanted a little girl since I was pregnant with Matthew. Before, actually. She already has him wrapped around her tiny little finger, and neither of them are even aware of it. I can picture him with his little girl. She will be his princess. She will be the apple of his eye. Of course he loves his sons more than anything, but a little girl...wow. I think of it, and the tears come, instantly.
I think of them at her wedding (yes, a long ways off, but I know how fast this all goes!!) I can see the look on his face when he walks her down the aisle.
Yes. This is a very, very good thing. And I am oh so grateful that accidents happen.
Who knows, she may even complete our family. You'll never get me to commit to that though...she may need a sister!! ;-)

U/S pic

I have two entries I need to write, but I am super tired right now. Maybe later I'll get my second wind.
For now, here's my baby!! Isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen???

Claiming it!!

OK, I've decided that I am going to embrace the idea of a girl! I will dream, and probably even buy something (leaving the tags on of course). And then, if we find out we are wrong, then at least I will have lived the dream of a daughter for a month! I just hope it doesn't make me too disappointed.
But honestly, I'm not like jumping up and down excited. It is so hard to wrap my head around the thought of anything but a boy. It seems so surreal.
I'll probably just get my head around it when they say, 'oh it's a boy!' Oh well, such is life I guess!

Collinism

We have been working on Collin's speech. He struggles with his "s" "z" "c" etc. sounds.
So his latest thing is this.
C~ Mommy, what kind of lemow-lade is this?

M~ It's just normal lemonade

C~ No, it's shhhhhhh-hour lemow-lade!!!!

He also really likes to come right up in my face and say, "boo" and I say, "boo to you" and he says "boo to you"
We can go on like that for a very long time! It's awfully cute.

Look at my handsome boy!!

I have been trying to get these pictures up for a week now. FINALLY, it works.
Matthew got his braces off last week.

Here he is before he got them on.




The morning he got them off



The result!




And while I was taking his picture, Dillon and Collin wanted me to take their pics. So here they are.

What I know

OK, here's what I know from the u/s.

Baby has a 3 vessel cord, and a 4 chambered heart. Baby was sitting on it's face in a ball, so we weren't able to tell if there is any clefting. Also, the pulmonary veins are way too little to be seen right now.

Brain looks good, arms and legs look good, and belly and kidneys look good. Baby weighs a whole 6 ounces!! Sooo sweet. :-)

Shockingly, they suspect this baby is a GIRL!!!! Baby was sitting on it's feet when they were looking, but they insist they saw two white lines indicating labia! I sooo badly want to believe this, but am scared to get my hopes up way too high. If anyone has early labia pics I'd LOVE to see them! I can tell you that I definitely didn't see a turtle. I may have a daughter. Wow. How will that ever sink in???

At any rate, I go back on November 6, and will most likely have monthly u/s, and later on we'll do a fetal echo.

All I know is I am head over heels in love with this little baby, and can't wait to meet her. (Can I say that????)

So exciting

Since today is a federal holiday, my hubby got to stay home with us!
We had to go get Collin's glasses fixed so decided to stop by Babies R Us on the way home.
Oh, it was so exciting!! We have scoped out the big ticket items we will be needing. I think we are pretty certain on what we are getting, it's just a matter of when we'll be getting it.
It kind of stinks that Christmas falls right in the middle of this pregnancy. We really can't wait till after Christmas to start buying, because we need to space it out a little bit more, but with all the gifts we have to buy as well, it could get pretty tight. I told Matt today that an August baby has it's benefits!
Anyway..tomorrow is the big day! Let's all pray for good news, shall we??

New email address?

So, I've been thinking, my email address...mom2fourboys, isn't going to work so well in a few months.
So what do you all think it will be?
mom2fiveboys or mom2fourboysand1girl???
OK, it isn't like I'll actually use those, but what is your guess?? We find out on Tuesday if this little one cooperates!

YIPPEE!!!

If you'll recall, I called the cardiologist some time ago. He never called me back. I called him a couple times after that, with no return call. It has been 4 months since he ordered the monitor on Zachy.
He finally called me on Monday, and honestly, I don't think he had even looked at the report, because once he hunted it down and called me back later in the day, he said, 'it's a bit concerning, his heart rate goes down in the 40s while he's asleep, so I think we should see him in December'.
Anyway, this disturbed us quite a bit. There were abnormalities on the report and he never called. Would he have called if I hadn't? Who knows.
At any rate, I called the pediatrician and told him what was going on. He said it was absurd of the card. not to call us when there was a heart rate that low. So we asked to be referred to a civilian card. Not that we think the outcome would be different or anything, we just like docs who COMMUNICATE.
We weren't sure it would be approved, and the ped. even seemed to think we would have a hard time with it. But, Praise the Lord, it was APPROVED!!! YIPPEE!!
I so long to be back with a civilian card. who pays attention to his patients! YAY!! Zachy goes in on November 21. I'll keep you all posted!

Per Robin's request

This is what you get when you start a pregnancy already the size of a house. A nice big belly at 16 weeks. Picture was taken by Dillon because Matt things belly shot are ridiculous. What does he know anyway??

Happy Four Months to Me!!

I am 16 weeks today. Hooray! Four months down!
I passed my 3 hour glucose test, so that is great news!
Baby has been moving around like crazy since Sunday. I don't know what happened on Sunday, but since then he has been a wiggle worm. It is so nice.

Induction

Finally, I am able to get pictures up from this weekend. If you missed them, there are pictures from the heartwalk down a few entries.
Saturday night we had induction for Pathfinders and Adventurers.
Matthew is a Pathfinder this year, and he looks so grown up in his uniform. I can't believe I am old enough to have a Pathfinder!! Dillon and Collin are Adventurers and were looking mighty cute in their uniforms as well.
Anyway, just some pictures from the night. I am too lazy to put them in order. Sorry.

Dillon and his friends waiting to get started. The other boy is Cameron, and Dillon has informed us that he is his best friend. They met during VBS this summer, so I guess they just hit it off.



Dillon holding his candle. I don't quite know what they were doing with the candles because I was in the mother's room with Zachy. But they had candles then blew them out.



Collin and his candle.



Afterwards they had food for everyone. This is my silly Cameedle!!



Matthew and Leanne waiting to start things.



All the Pathfinders. I think this may have been during the run through, I don't quite remember.



Pathfinders with their candles. Again, I don't know what they were doing with them. I'm thinking they said a pledge and then blew them out.



Each Pathfinder had to go salute the leader and say a part of the law. Something got screwed up and Matthew had to say 3 different things. Later, a dad said to me, "oh your son is the one with good diction, it was so nice to hear him speak" That was nice to hear!



After the ceremony. Matthew was mighty proud!



That night the clubs had a big sleepover. Here are the boys!