March 14th, 2012

The day we met our sweet Owen.
I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty scared going in. My first C-section was a very tough recovery for me, as I had allergic reactions to my pain medicine and it really didn't do the trick on the pain either.
The night before as I lay in bed with Asher the fear of another baby and if we were really messing up his life were overwhelming. He would have to go without all of Mom and Dad's attention and we wouldn't have the same time we did before.
After many tears and Rich and I talking it over we knew that God blessed us, including Asher with Owen and that they will need each other someday.
I honestly can say I got some good sleep that night.
We had planned to get to the hospital about 10 sine they had planned the surgery for noon, but my OB called at 11 that night to tell us she wanted to do it sooner and to be there at 9 and the surgery would be at 11am.
Quick call to the family and all the changed plans are in place.

7am
We woke up and got ready. I even curled my hair and did my makeup.. which was probably the last time for quite a while!!
Arrived at the hospital and all the grandparents were waiting there already. Already making the nurses laugh! Papa John ( Rich's Gpa) had been having some knee trouble and instead of making him walk all over the hospital they wheeled him in a wheelchair. As they were wheeling him up to L/D he says to the lady at the window that his water broke! I guess it put everyone in a good mood and with all the excitement and laughter it put me at ease as well.
I get checked in and the time flies by! They are really ready to get me in there and outta there, because it seemed like they had me prepped in 30 minutes!
I had really poor veins for in IV and with Asher they stuck me 7 times before they finally got a good one. 
This time it took 1!! I was so thankful. But it actually didn't hurt at all.
I was ready to go in at 10:45 and so they got my anesthesia on board and we were rockin!
It was more nerve-wracking this time since I was very aware and shaking quite a bit, so all that fed my anxiety. I was so excited to hear his cry and see his sweet face and count his fingers and toes.
Rich came in and sat beside me and held my hand and tried to keep me talking, but Owen was out in no time.
11:03 we heard his first cry and it was the sweetest thing.
Rich said he looked just like Asher and that he had a little birthmark.
I think everyone there was awaiting to hear how much he weighed... 9lbs 5oz and 22 inches long. BIG BOY!
Although not as big as we thought...
Recovery was great... I loved holding him and studying his every inch and when I was holding him I wasn't shaking. My family came in and everyone had a chance to snuggle him.
Time in the hospital was great. I was not in NEAR as much pain as the first go round and was up and walking that night. All my nurses were awesome and praised how great I was doing and how sweet Owen was.
I will never forget when Asher first saw his brother... It was the sweetest look in his eyes. Pure love. He got to hold him and love on him and everyone made over him being the big brother. In fact, my mom took him down the cafeteria for dinner and he showed everyone his big brother button and he said  he was going to tell everyone that his brother was "born-ed" .
Later, as Owen was getting a little fussy, Asher leaned over to whoever was holding him and started to sing "twinkle twinkle" and was telling him he was ok and he loved him. Tears were in everyone's eyes on that one!
While I did enjoy the time in the hospital, I was anxious to get home to Asher and I know Asher was anxious to be home with all of us.

It has been a time for adjustment and patience for sure. On all fronts. Balancing time with Owen and Asher is trying, and some days I succeed and some I don't.
Forget about the gourmet meals that I was making 3 times a week, forget about laundry and dishes done. But that's ok, my main concern is my boys and the rest will still be there tomorrow!

My foot is going 90 to nothin....

Here we are.... 5 days out.
I think that Owen is just as cozy in there as ever.....
I can't help but sit here and think and stew over what's going to come this next week.
I honestly think that the waiting is the WORST!
I have time to mull over and double check everything about my plans and this and that until it keeps me up at night and drives me crazy!
My bag is packed and has been for a good week, in hopes that he would come on his own... :/
Owen's bag is packed and has been for 3 weeks!
I still need to get things together for Asher and put together an activity backpack for when he's at the hospital. I know that he won't be there very long at a time but even just an hour and he will need something to keep him busy. A few snacks as well as a drawing book and his Leapster to keep him occupied.

Truth be told I am pretty anxious...
You would think after having gone through this once already, my fears would subside. In a way I know what to expect but the memories are so blurry that I can only sort of remember how it went.  That leaves room for imagination.... not good.

I remember watching episodes of a baby story (why didn't someone warn me not to?) when I was home before my c-section and shaking and crying in fear. My poor friend, Becky called to see how I was and I totally spilled it all out to her. She had gone through 2 of them herself, as well as, being a nurse and said that it was all normal and it will all be ok.
It's like I have to have my freak out time and then I'm able to put on my big girl panties and do it.
I was actually pretty calm at the hospital and until right before they took me in I was barely nervous! I hope I can tune into that again!!

Let's hope that I can go this weekend and 2 days of next week without freaking out!
I have planned to clean major house tomorrow and bake up a few things to freeze for the week.
Of course, Sunday is a wash... other than just spending good time at home.
Monday is for checking of last minute things and double quadruple check everything, and family movie night.
Tuesday is Moompah Day! We are letting Asher pick whatever he wants to do and that's what we will do. ( I'm thinking that Bass Pro and Toys R us will be somewhere in there...)
Wednesday is the big day!

Hopefully keeping up with Asher and crossing off things on my to do list will keep my mind focused.

Probably won't blog until the O man arrives, so pray for me and the family and we'll see you soon with pics of the newest Langston!!

The day is named...

So after, what seems like the shortest pregnancy and the longest 9th month, (as all pregnancies go) Owen's birthday has been named. At least as a possibility....
Trust me, I am NOT ever going to object to him coming sooner, but I just have a feeling he really likes it in there.
March 14th.. sometime around 1pm we will see his face.  I'm not sure how much he will weigh, how long he will be, but I know he will be just prefect.
I am so anxious to see what he looks like... if we will really throw people and have another blonde -haired, blue-eyed boy or if he will be dark complected like us.
We are just so excited and scared we can't stand it!!


We had a very funny thing happen this past week....
It was evening time and Rich had just come home from work. We were talking, like we usually do in the kitchen and Asher was off playing in his room. Rich mentions to me how dusty the floor was, and I agreed, actually only moments before noticing some dust bunnies while Asher and I were rolling cars to each other on it.  He starts to walk back to the hall and I follow only to stop at the beginning to smell an abundance of baby powder. Rich walks back to Owen's room to find Asher covered in white. Along with the rest of the room.
We were flabbergasted.  It surpassed the response of anger to "I don't even know how to react" that just made us send Asher to his room, laugh a little and get busy cleaning the dust storm of powder.
Now some may say that Asher was showing some jealousy and that he did it on purpose, but I would disagree.  I think he just thought it would be fun!  I have used it on his bottom a couple times when I notice his bottom chaffing a little and he has always thought it was the coolest thing because it looked like smoke.
I was just the dumb mom who put it somewhere he can reach :/
I'm guessing he saw it and puffed it and kept on until the bottle was empty.
He honestly didn't know he was in trouble until we told him he was.

That night we had a lot of talks about consequences and how they are in response to things that we do or don't do. His consequence for the baby powder was no tv or play time after dinner. It was straight to bath and bed.  Of course, he thought it was the worst punishment ever and that he would never play again, but that is the mind of a 3 year old.. everything is the end of it all!
I almost always lay down beside him and talk for a few minutes before he goes to sleep and so we got to talk about God and how he gives consequences to us as well and how thankful I was for Jesus because of the forgiveness he gives for our sins. 
I honestly thought that it would take him a while to go to sleep because it was a little earlier bedtime for him than usual, without the play and books and such we usually do before bed, but he was OUT in a matter of moments.
I lay there and kissed his sweet cheeks and cried.
Cried for the time when he is my only baby...
I really can't believe that he is almost 4, and we are soon to have another baby in the house.
The only baby I have loved has been him, so the thought that anything can compare is just ridiculous sometimes.
I know that it's gonna be wonderful and we are giving him his best friend for life, but it is all so surreal.
I fear the transition of responsibilities... I fear the lack of sleep... I fear the pain from the recovery....  I fear that Asher will suffer... -- and I know that some of these I can help and prepare for and some I can't. I have to rely on the strength of my Lord.
I am hoping to be a little more relaxed, but consistent, with Owen. I really enjoy the time Rich and I spend together at night and I don't want to make the same mistake we made with Asher.
I think we were both scared beyond the universe and got into some bad sleeping habits early on.  It's funny how having a child can really bring out your control freak disposition and knock it all out of whack!! Learning to let go the hard way may be the only way sometimes.
Most of my days are filled with changing emotions from readiness to completely scared.  I imagine that will continue until he's here and all will be right with the world.
I do promise a few things to my boys:

They will always know that their Mama and Daddy love them more than words can describe
They will always know that Jesus loves them even more than that
They will always get a kiss and hug no matter if they want it or not
I will always encourage them to be true to the man that God has made them to be
I will always try to listen with an open mind when they have problems or need someone to talk to
I will mess up, I will always say I'm sorry and ask for forgiveness when I do

I did have some hope....
Our dear and most precious friends trusted us with their DARLING little girl Palmer last night while they took a much needed date night.  Earlier we picked out toys for her to play with and made a pallet on the floor for her to play on.
Asher has a tendency to be a little overzealous when it comes to things he loves... "Palmer Puddin" being one of those things! But he did exceptional! He eats up her smiles like they are crack and does anything and everything to get more!!!
He read a few baby books to her and wanted nothing more than for her to spend the night and sleep in his bed with him. He was so sweet with her.
So, I got a little look into what life with 2 could be, and it's actually pretty sweet!

34 Weeks

I'm so sorry that I have not been around here lately... I have been doing a lot of reading, just not in the mood to blog.
I have said this before and I will say it again... this pregnancy has flown by!
It has definitely not been as enjoyable of a pregnancy as the first... I think due, in part, that I still need the energy to take care of another child and the lack of pep and limitations physically are really in the way!
Although I am just, if not more, excited for this little dude to join us!! Since I somewhat know what to expect, I'm just ready to get it done! The fears are not NEAR what they were and more happiness and readiness have taken it's place.
I have been getting comments for about 2 months now about how much I look like I'm about to give birth. Especially now that he has dropped a bit and my stomach sticks straight out now.
Sometimes I just want to tell people how much I know how big I look and I definitely FEEL how big I am, and by the way, thanks for commenting on it! Har har....
I vow to NEVER step foot in Braums in Nixa again until after this child is born . The cashier there  always bugs her eyes out at my belly and makes a huge deal over how much it pops out.  Even though I know she means well... it's still really embarrassing and makes me completely self conscious when there are people standing behind me.
Overall, I feel tired. Sleep is a chore and my body is weary come the end of the day.
He's heavy. It feels as there is a rope tied around my waist and someone is constantly pulling it to the floor. 
A few contractions here and there from a UTI and dehydration. Things are starting to change into labor mode. And as all mama's would contest, this is the time when you are done!

The nursery is mostly put together.. just has empty walls. I'll get to it... he is a 2nd child after all. :)
I have been pretty good with my time management... we went through all the baby clothes and washed and put them away as we moved in to the new house. I thought I should take advantage of the energy I had as well as having all the clothes out of the attic.  Owen's bag is all ready for the hospital, mine... well, it will be soon.

To add to my excitement... I have a new nephew! His name is Kenson James Gaisford and he is such a sweetie! He really resembles Asher in both the way he looks and his character. Loves to be snuggled, loves to eat, and is pretty alert.
He has wonderful parents who have settled right in to this parenting thing and are doing awesome taking things slow and allowing time to get to know each other.
So... we are plugging right along. 
About 4 more weeks now..... give or take. :)

A Funny Date night

I realize that the majority of my posts are child related, and while it is a huge part of my life... it's not all of my life. So I want to share about a special date night that Rich and I had that will go down in the books!
First of all, let me preface this by saying that we have 2 Grandmas that make it possible to for us to be able to have some time to ourselves... we are not very good at maintaining a good connection with the normal routine of life.
Since we have been busy, pregnant, and moving.. we have really lacked in the relationship field. Don't get me wrong, we love each other despite everything, but some days felt like we wanted to be as far from each other as humanly possible.
We needed a date night that didn't involve shopping for Christmas Presents or working instead as all of ours did the month of December.

Here is what we do normally on dates.... eat somewhere, shop a little around here or there, see a movie ( lately there has not been anything we have wanted to spend 20+ bucks to see... we have become movie snobs).

We wanted to try someplace new that we had made mental notes of, but couldn't remember any of them that we have mentioned before.
I occasionally read 417 magazine and always love to read their reviews of restaurants so I thought of one that I had seen a lot in there.
Rich was craving wraps, soups, sandwiches and so I recommended The Gallery Bistro downtown. I love to go downtown to eat; for the experience as well as they have such good food options there.
So we started on our way and I read a few reviews on the internet. Everyone said that it was great casual dining and the only thing that I could find wrong was that the drinks were overpriced. Since we don't drink I didn't think much about it.
We get there and while walking from where we parked we saw that Millie's was just down the way. We had only eaten there once and loved it so we contemplated going there instead, but decided to stick with The Gallery.
This was all on a Thursday night so most places were actually pretty empty... we were seated right away and given the menus. We order our drinks which was water for both of us, and open our menus.
"Shock and Awe" was what you could describe the looks on our faces! Apparently it was not just the drinks that were overpriced! Other than appetizers, not a single thing was under 15 dollars!
We have a running budget for our dates that mostly revolves around $40 with dinner and tip. We knew right away that this was not in our budget and we needed to find another place.
So, Rich pulls out his cell phone like someone calls and then tells me that we have to go. We walk over to the host and let him know that something just came up and we had to leave, but we'd be back to try it another time.
So, there you go.... we totally bailed!
We walked around the corner and ate at Millie's... which turned out to be the best thing ever! Rich found a sweet potato soup that he is in LOVE with. AND... we had enough money left over to pass by the Cup and get me a cupcake for dessert later. :)

A date that we will never forget! 

So this is Christmas....

What a wonderful Christmas this year.... Dare I say..... relaxing?
We had all our Christmas gatherings far enough apart that we didn't have to rush around or be stressed out for any of them!!! Each day we had something we had almost the whole morning and afternoon to hang in our jammies and then get ready that night.
It was so very wonderful.

I love some of the traditions that we have made through our families and here are some of my most favorite ones.....

• I started this year making our own little advent by wrapping 25 of Asher's Christmas books ( actually we have over 25 so next year I may start sooner than Dec 1st to get them all in) and letting him unwrap 1 each night.  Once I wrapped them, I didn't know what was what and Asher got to pick which ones he wanted each night. The cool part was that the very last book on Christmas Eve was the REAL story about Jesus and his birth. In of all the "Christmasy" books that we have we only have a couple about the birth of Jesus... so I'm gonna make sure and get a few more this next year.  Loved that God saved that one for last

• And because I am pregnant and my mind revolves around  food... another of my favorite traditions is my Mom's Fresh Cherry Pudding. It is this chocolate sponge cake that has cherries in it and then you drizzle this maple vanilla sauce on top! It is to die for!!! My Grandmother made it at Christmas when she was little and since Mom has started making it for us it has been a MUST, especially for Rich!  There's no doubt that it will be a tradition for my kids and grandkids too!
• my Dad, for the pat 4-5 years has been sharing a recitation called " The Christmas Guest" at our Christmas Eve service. It is such a touching story and my Dad does such a wonderful job at it. He has memorized it and for a 74 year old, that's pretty good.  Here's a link to hear it... The Christmas Guest, by Hoot Gibson
• Rich's family dynamic is definitely changing.... When we first started dating we had the most reverent and relaxing Christmas times. Now that we have 5 kids and 2 on the way, it's turned into quite the circus! So fun... but not what we are used to.  One tradition that we skipped out on this year, but will definitely want to make sure happens next year is Grandma Anita playing the piano while we all sing. All of Rich's family is so musical and we don't take the time to use it much.  We did sing, but acapella. I really missed that piano. She is so very talented and we all love to hear her play. She does it with such intent that it is always worshipful to those who hear. 

• We had lots of fun making goodies this year. Asher was our official "sprinkler" and would sprinkle a few and then lick a few. :) We probably made 5 dozen sugar cookies and 7 dozen dipped pretzels this year! He had lots of practice!!! 

This year with Asher becoming more aware of Christmas and the meaning behind it, made me really step back and think what I want our family's focus to be on. While we tried to make him think of others with our gifts to World Vision and to other family members, he still had a really hard time grasping that Christmas was not all about him when it came to giving gifts.  I know he's only 3 and that will come with age... but it definitely made me think that we should keep it simple next year. I think that instead of the stress of going to a store for things.. we may try having Asher make something for the ones he wants to give to. That way we don't have to look at all the things for sale that will make him think about what he wants. He will be able to think about what that person likes, their favorite colors... etc.

All in all, it was a wonderful time. I will miss the glimmer of the tree and lights on the fireplace... and the overall "home" feeling our house has when it's the season.
However, the leftover cookies will not be!!!

A day for Redemption

 
This week has been especially challenging for me.
It was thrown off by sickness, starting with Rich and then somewhat Asher and I.
We have felt very worn out and stretched thin.
Because of our usual busy-ness of each week, I have tried to take advantage of staying home on days where we don't HAVE to get out.
And for some reason the walls of our house have closed in on everyone.

It could have turned into a great week with Asher and I doing lots of Christmas things and having great times together, but instead I chose to focus on the insignificant.
Looking back, I see very few moments where I put things aside to play with him.
I do see him wanting to spend time with me and so asking to help me with the "homework" ( as he calls it) Sweeping the floor and dusting and making beds...
I know, I am very glad to see him offer to help and it will pay off for his wife one day, but I know that I was just trying to stay busy.
A lot of people like to blame it on the season, and that may be so... between church activities, family parties, showers, extra jobs that Rich and I take on this time of year-- we were drained.


Only after a "try to rest" time when Asher got the best of my temper was I able to realize what a focus change I needed.
We have had some challenging days with Asher. He has really started spreading his independence and using some pretty disrespectful words and responses when we tell him something he doesn't want to hear.
Our response is that he needs to go to his room until he is able to talk nicely and with more respect.  Let's just say that he's been in his room a lot lately.
It's very frustrating...

It's been challenging without outside time and then trying to figure out the nap / no nap thing I just have to trial and error.
Come 4 or 5 o'clock he's a mess.
Yesterday we fought until about 5 :00 or so and I had the idea to read the Christmas Story out of our Bible. I honestly didn't care whether Asher really sat beside me and listened with intent or if he quietly played cars on the floor below... I just needed to hear it.  I needed to be quiet and read God's word.
His promise.
A promise of redemption..... for that day in particular.

Asher knows so much about Jesus and why he was born... already at 3 1/2! We talk about it so much and I am so glad that he thinks of Jesus before Santa as the meaning of Christmas.
Come to think of it, other than our Elf on the Shelf, we have not really talked a lot about Santa. And we actually don't have any presents from Santa other than his stocking.
We read from the promise of Jesus to the visit of the Magi, periodically asking him questions about the story to reiterate what we just read. Even though he didn't look like he was listening he sure was! He loves to hear about Herod and he doesn't understand how someone could fear/hate a baby.
I wish that I could say that that turned our whole day around... it didn't.
BUT... it did give another opportunity to show just how much we need a Savior.
Jesus doesn't have a naughty and nice list. He loves each one the same and offers the same gift to all.
Forgiveness.
For days like yesterday.
Thank you Lord!

A Birthday Do Over....

As I posted on Tuesday, it was Rich's 30th birthday. As it turned out... we had some grave circumstances preface the day with the death of our cat, Gracie.
Needless to say, he was a bit bummed.
I did have to work that day, but had plans to make a yummy dinner and make him one of his favorite things... Boston Creme Pie.
Now, I have tried this before when we were dating and it was mass failure. The chocolate sauce never hardened and was more just like syrup and the cake was flat and not fluffy like it should have been.
So.... I searched, of course, on Pinterest for a recipe to follow.
Thinking about the ingredients I had and the ingredients that I needed... I realized I could adapt the recipe for what I had on hand.
So here's what I had....
1/2 bag of chocolate chips
whipping cream
yellow cake mix


... I know it looks dyer doesn't it?
But then I realized that on my lunch break I could swing by and buy some vanilla pudding mix to serve as the "custard" middle.
So as I got home from work that day, I also realized that I don't have 2 circle 9 inch baking pans, so I had to use my bundt pan instead.
Mixed the cake, let it cool.
Fixed the pudding and put in fridge to set.
Then I made the chocolate sauce, which I did follow most from the recipe, just nixing the added cornsyrup.
It turned out  so very YUMMY!!!!
It was 100 x times better the next day when the chocolate had time to harden though.
So, if you love Boston Creme Pie here is a totally easy, quick, recipe for those that don't have all evening to be measuring out and creaming and whisking.....

picture shown is not mine...( just giving you an example)

Easiest Boston Creme Pie
1 box yellow cake mix
1 box instant vanilla pudding
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy whipping cream


Make cake mix and pudding according to directions.
Place pudding in fridge to set, and after cake bakes, be sure to let cool completely.
If using a bundt pan... carefully cut the top half off to make 2 pieces of cake.
Spread pudding on top of the bottom layer and place other piece of cake on top.
Set in fridge.

Place chocolate chips and whipping cream into a small saucepan and melt, SLOWLY on med/low, making sure to stir frequently ( I just sat and stirred the whole time since I was fearing it would burn and I only had one shot at the chocolate).
After completely melted and mixed together it should look very velvety and smooth.
Pour over cake to cover all the top and sides.... if using a bundt pan you may have to spoon some out of the middle to cover the outer sides. If using 2 regular pans you should be fine.


You can eat it right away, but it's much better left in the fridge until chocolate hardens.
Sure wish I had a picture to show you, but it was pretty much eaten right away. :)

Thankful for many things....

With the thankfulness holiday tomorrow I thought that I would give a few things that I am thankful for......
First off...
I am so thankful for... a God that despite knowing me and my every thought, loves me still. (Cause he really shouldn't.)
...a husband who kisses me, plays with our children, and is not allergic to housework.
...a sweet little boy who warms this Mama's heart no matter my mood.
... a home to call my own that lets me feel domestic and proud to have people over
... a pregnancy that has been relatively smooth.
... a family that I can always call when I'm needing someone to talk to
... friends that always give me the best company

My life is blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving

Tricks or Treats

Hope Everyone had a great Halloween night!
Our day was filled with lots of things like grocery shopping, bike riding and watching Halloween cartoons from my childhood on you tube.
I loved the old Disney Halloween specials and now a days they don't have anything like that :(
Asher was back and forth wanting to be Superman, the Flash, and Captain America... he finally decided on the Flash. Which is probably a good thing since Captain America will hopefully be big enough he could wear it next year. AND... the Flash costume is so cheaply made that the few tugs on the mask from Asher already put a hole in it. I've almost convinced myself to forever be a "make your own costume" mom!  Most I've come up with have been a ton cuter....
Anyways, despite almost falling asleep on our way to the first stop of the night, Asher had a great time. I honestly think his favorite things of the night were playing with his cousins at Gma Shelia's, playing cars at Papa Hoot's, and helping Gma Lisa pass out candy to her trick or treaters. He had a few pieces of chocolate here and there, a handful of pop rocks- which he thought were so cool, and some nerds. 
By the time we were ready to start home he was so tired and mixed with mostly sugar... not too fun.
However we had a sweet time singing in the car! Asher and I had a lovely little duet to "This Is How We Know What Love Is" by  Steve Green.  It was precious:) He sang the words first and then I echoed.
On the Owen front.... He's doing good. Kicking up a storm, especially at night when I first lay down to settle.  I am now 20 weeks so halfway there! I know that the next few months will FLY by with all the moving, holidays, and such going on. 
We should expect to start moving next week, so we are really kicking into high gear trying to pack away things and move stuff on over that won't get in the way. 
When we get in I will post some pictures of before and afters... it looks so good guys! I'm very proud of my hubby and thankful for all the help our family has sacrificed to get it all done!!!!

A peek, an announcement and a name...

Yesterday was the big day!  We went to the ultrasound a bit more anxious and calm.. ( if that's possible) than we did with Asher. I was just very anxious to see my baby healthy than whether it was a boy or a girl. I needed to see the little face and ten toes and 2 lips. After my many crazy dreams of deformed and confusing details of the baby.. it really started to scare me a bit.  The fear of the unknown is most overwhelming sometimes!
We set up to have everyone over to our new house to make the official announcement and to have some chili. 

Asher's big brother present from the baby!

 

 

Asher opened up a present for the baby to let everyone know he is a BOY!

His sweet little profile.. he already has Asher's button nose!

Explaining to Papa how to look at the ultrasound

First family picture as 4!

Comparing bellies.. 2 boys!

Loved the time to spend with family, was not without chaos though... we didn't have enough spoons to go around, and the night ended with Captain America puking all over the floor from running on a full tummy. 
We are still throwing names around but I think we have come up with a first name of "Owen" for him.  It means "well-bred"... ha.... and it sounds precious paired with big brother "Asher".
I am still trying to wrap my head around having 2 kids...
I guess one thing at a time... and for now, priority is moving!
Could use some prayers that things can progress a little quicker than we are planning...? We would really like to live there already.... it's home.

Have we got news for you!!!!

If you all have read for a while you know that we have been trying, most unsuccessfully, to sell our house.We have wanted to move into a bigger home that better suits our soon to be a family of 4 needs. Well, I am here to say that it is finally done! An opportunity that greatly humbles us fell into our lap and we are able to move to an awesome, better suited for us, home!!! We have been so blessed by this and we are so excited to get a home where we are not on top of one another all the time. It has everything we wanted and needed in a house, and while we have some work to do to update it a little we are SOOO ready to get our hands dirty and do this thang!!!
We have spent many man hours talking about paint colors and picking out ceiling fans, and just let me tell you how EXCITED we are about CHRISTMAS!!!!! There is the most perfect spot for our Christmas tree and we actually have a fireplace that is so gorgeous to hang our stockings on!!!
The many days and nights filled with disappointment and confusion have finally come to a close. We did not like living in a constant state of discontentment that greatly affected our spiritual and home life.
I can't wait to show you before and after pictures which I am planning to do once we can get in there and start working!
I thank each one of you that have prayed for us about this...
You never know what God has in store for your family, but he is always faithful and until now we have often lost track of that. Only now, could we have completely relied on him for our changing needs.

While I am a bit overwhelmed thinking about all the things in the house that need to be packed, and a little bittersweet to leave such a memory filled house, I am SURE thankful that we can get this done before the holidays and especially to be settled before the baby is born!!

Asher is getting used to the idea more and more... At first, he was not liking the idea of leaving the only home he's ever known, but when we have brought family over to see it, he shows them his room and "the baby's room", and the "swimming pool" otherwise known as the master bedroom. He loves to run through the hallway and go outside to his climbing tree. I think that the more we are there and he's able to get familiar with the place, the more he'll be ok with it when we are actually living there. We have already picked out a special new nightlight for his room and we want him to be a part of the decorating of it too. Maybe even the baby's room too!

Speaking of, baby is doing good... measuring and weighing right on track and heart rate is still at 160bpm. Feeling more movements, especially at night when I'm able to relax and focus on it. This month was a much anticipated appointment... with all the weird dreams I have had, my anxieties have been that something is wrong. It was nice to have the assurance that everything's right. Rich and I were talking about how this pregnancy has been so much different and not as much of a big deal. In fact, we both agreed that sometimes we forget about it. Life goes on and we have things to do. I think Rich was so thrown for a loop with Asher that it's old hat now and he doesn't have near the fears that he had with the first. He knows that we will survive.
May be a couple of weeks before you see another post... we are gonna be a little busy moving and vacationing...:):):):):):)
Have a wonderful day, everyone!!!

15 weeks- A quick little update

As I have a huge pile of work to do on my desk I have only an ounce of time to give an update on us lately...
Life, as we know it, has been extremely busy. I have realized I'm not a person who likes this.... it throws me, Asher and Rich into a tizzy of who's where what time.. and only makes for utter confusion!
Here's our schedule this week:

Monday night: A solo/ensemble practice for choir Musical coming up this Sunday

Tuesday night: Normally a bible study night, but out of sheer MUST we are opting to skip and spend this night home together!

Wednesday night: While we don't have choir practice we still have AWANA. 

Thursday night: Dress Rehearsal for said choir musical

Friday night: work during day, volunteer for booth at craft fair... and then home.

Saturday: Family reunion in Rondo, MO. 

I know... mass craziness.
I know that sometimes weeks like this can't be helped... and we'll get through it...
I need to rely on my Lord to get me through this stretching week so I can stay patient and roll with it.
No doubt that we ALL have to be guarded of our family time when life gets a little crazy. I am so thankful that I have a husband who stands firm in that!!

Tonight you will find us at home enjoying each other and most certainly riding bikes, playing baseball, and maybe even having our dinner outside.
I was so blessed by something that Asher thanked God for a few nights ago... He was praying and began to thank God for protecting and loving our hearts. Oh how I thank Him for that too... and especially for my little children. So much can penetrate our hearts and minds if we let it... only the sweet words of a 3 year old will make me realize it.
Pregnancy is good... sleeping is getting better... baby bump is growing....  that's about all for this week!

Rainy weekend and flutters.....

Oh what a glorious weekend.... it was lazy and busy all at the same time!
Friday started out with a much needed date night for my sweet husband and I. Since the beginning of this pregnancy I have not made him a huge priority when it came to him or sleep. I am so sorry for this, but my body was strictly surviving.
We started with some errands to run while we were in town, like buying cat food and dog chews, then went to Target for some running pants for Rich. ( Have I mentioned that he has been running with the dog for the past 2 months EVERY night?... I think he has only missed 2 nights since he started!!! I am so proud of him!)
Then it was dinner time.
After much begging and recommending from our friend, John, we went to Digiacintos. A little hole in the wall Italian place that every one knows about. Many of my friends said that it was amazing so after losing our J. Parrinos we decided to give it a go.
The special was a crab cake dinner, but also offered as an appetizer that evening. I love crab, so I gave the appetizer a try. It was soooo yummy!!! Rich was not as big of a fan and I didn't mind:)
Rich ordered the Veal Parmigiana and I had a Ravioli Trio with 2 cheese, 2 spinach artichoke, and 2 seafood.
They were both very yummy. I could not finish all of mine between the crab cake, salad, bread... so we got to have it for 2 meals!
I did love the feel of the place, but for us.. it was just a little too expensive for what we got. If there were something that the 2 of us could split, it wouldn't be so bad, but Rich and I have completely different tastes for Italian.
Rich is still looking for his Holy Grail of a good Veal. Not that there's was bad, but not what he likes when it comes to that.

Saturday was spent with choir practice in the morning and a very relaxing and soup making afternoon. I love days that all of us are home. It's so cozy and nice. Especially when the majority of the day was pouring rain outside.
Sunday was pretty busy with Rich having an afternoon meeting and I had a friend's baby shower.
That night though Asher and I stayed home and ate leftovers and watched a little more tv than usual. But it's allowed when your snuggled up under a blanket with Mama:)
This week has been fairly normal pregnancy other than feeling a few flutters in there this morning. I was just starting to wake and turn to my other side, when I felt them. I think it was anyways.......
I'll just tell myself it was.

Labor Day and 12 weeks

Honestly... for the past 2 months there has been a cloud over our household. Or maybe that's just from one cranky Mama......
Now that I am feeling back to normal, It has been so wonderful. It's almost as if I was asleep and just woke up. I know that the majority was simply surviving and doing the very minimum of anything... but Rich even confessed that I was NOT myself.

This weekend was so nice. Technically, it started on Thursday when Rich said that we needed to get outta town! I was completely needing it, and so off we went on a whim, to Branson. We were gonna do a little shopping and buy a few new fall candles with my Yankee coupon and then eat and play some mini golf.
We first stopped at the Landing and walked around for a little bit... we stopped and played on the kids play area and then ate at Joe's Crab Shack. Asher L.O.V.E.D. the fish and sharks hanging all over. He spent more time looking at things than even eating his "crab"... aka popcorn shrimp. ( Is it bad to lie to your child like that?... I just knew he wasn't going to like crab, but he demanded that's what he wanted.)
After eating.. we went to Yankee and stocked up on our spicy fall candles.  On another note.. isn't funny how even though your house can be a disaster, if you have a really nice scented candle going... it seems fine?

Anyways.... we ended our evening at a mini-golf place that takes you through the steps of becoming a movie star. While it was very catchy and an experience... it was seriously almost 30 bucks for all 3 of us to play!!!! That is 6 times what we normally pay for Fun Acre! I had to breathe through it and realize that we are here for fun and making memories....We finished up at Freddy's for some ice cream and a quick walk through Target. We all had a great time!

This weather we are having is out of this world! Seeing as it has been so blistering HOT this summer, we had many things on our summer to do list that couldn't get done because of it.  We were able to spend lots of time outside and enjoy this gorgeousness that is 70 degrees!!!
We took a nature walk on Labor Day and walked about 2 miles.. all 3 of us!! Asher made it the whole way with NO complaining or asking to be held. He is an outside boy and he loves to run and find rocks and sticks and bugs. We saw caterpillars, wooly worms, snakes (copperheads I might add!), deer (that jumped directly in front of us!), turkeys, birds, and squirrels.  We threw rocks in the lake and looked for minnows... just overall a peaceful and wonderful time together!
Our Labor day ended with a family dinner with all of Rich's mom's family... and boy do we ladies have fun! Rich's sister Kimmie and I are both pregnant and are about 7 weeks apart.  They all agree that they think Kimmie is having a boy and I am having a girl. We were talking about all the wives tales that can determine the gender and I was talking about one I heard of where you pee on some baking soda and if it fizzes it's a boy and if it doesn't it's a girl... so of course, they got out the baking soda and told us to get to it!
Fizz on both accounts... so you just never know!
We love to visit and the kids gets to play and we always have great food.
I'm so blessed to have such a great family.
I leave you with a picture from Branson night and I'll post a few of nature center a little later.

9 weeks

9 weeks.....
Each week brings it's own challenges and triumphs.
This week was super busy... either Rich or I had something EVERY night!
I am a person who thrives in routine, so I will be very glad to get back to normal school year activities and know what to expect each week.


Symptoms this week:  Thankfully the sickness has subsided a bit.. that is, if I don't get hungry. Once I go too long without eating is when I start to feel yucky. Still very tired... though when Asher does take a nap I sleep with him. If he doesn't I try to have some rest time while he watches a movie for an hour. Still sore things...:)



Weight Gain / Cravings : Pasta House salad.. with pimentos and artichokes! We ate there for a date night out and then I got the stuff to make it at home! Cravings are also fading.. and I will be glad when eating is enjoyable again.  I don't think I've gained much yet other than fluid, though I still feel like a barn!

Worries / Anxieties :  This week has been ok... though a spike in my hormones have made me a little weepy. Every time I see or hear about the drought and famine in Africa I just bawl and squall. But I would probably do that even if I wasn't pregnant. See here.  Something about welcoming a new baby puts into perspective that your other baby isn't a baby anymore... got a little sentimental and sad thinking about how much Asher has grown.


Goals for the week: Try to do a little more cooking... now that I am feeling better I've been in the mood to bake! I think my longing for Fall will bring us some cinnamon raisin and banana bread. Maybe even try my hand at some honey butter for it!!  I love Fall!!!

8 weeks

Again.. no picture.
Just imagine... big enough gut to wonder but not enough to ask.

Symptoms this week: More tired and sick, though Sunday and Monday were a bit better. Still have sore things... :)

Weight gain / Cravings: I think that my cravings and such have subsided a bit... actually losing my appetite a little. Nothing sounds just wonderful. I think what adds to this is after I eat whatever.. it never feels good later.

Worries / Anxieties: None really this week. I think that I am so tired my brain is focusing on the main needs....
Though still a little anxious about house stuff.

Accomplishments for the week:We saw our OB on Monday. Baby looks great... right on target with age. She did say that it looked as if 2 eggs were fertilized but only one grew. What ya think of that?... We could have had twins! Crazy. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little relieved!

Goals for the next week: A BUSY week on my hands.... Asher gets to spend the night with his cousins as well as Gma Lisa because of events that we have going on this week. Hopefully those nights I can spend a little more time in bed and catch up!
The 2 days he's with me... we are staying home! I need to do some laundry and chores that have been put off.
Also.. I have put a poll on here to guess if we are having a boy or a girl so be sure to vote what you think little pickle will be!

7 weeks

 So.. I know some sweet mommies post a picture of their bellies each week... and while I may do this with my shirt on... (my sweet boy  found comfort in my pregnant belly but totally wrecked havoc on it!) I'm not in the mood right now. I feel and look totally tent-ish and am in that period of not looking pregnant-- just FAT.
So, this week you just get text!

This week has been a little hairy.... We have had VBS at church and other than the days that I am working I was volunteering there. I was in charge of 1-2nd grade BOYS! That says it all!! No.. they were EXCEPTIONAL!!!! Asher was all out of whack and naps were much needed for everyone this week!!!


Symptoms this week: A little tired, followed by a little nauseous, then feeling good... and repeat.
I don't get "hungry".... I get cravings and then I get sick until I eat something. After there's something in my gut.. I'm fine. Certain things are very swollen and sore.. but I have men read this too... so I'll spare the details!

Weight gain / Cravings: Well, I am sure with how tight my clothes are fitting and what I have been craving that I have gained some already. Hopefully just a couple actual pounds and the rest is just fluid. I have craved lots of salty things like Cracker Jacks, chips, Coneys ( which on normal circumstances I DO NOT eat) and Japanese Food to things like Ranch Dressing and fresh fruits and veggies. I have eaten some serious tomatoes lately!!!!!!! Home Grown... period!

Worries / Anxieties: At times I have had the weight of the world on my shoulders... I am stressing about ever selling our house, I'm stressing about raising 2 children, I'm stressing about nursing and work... you name it.. I've worried about it this week!

Accomplishments for the week: Getting through our first prenatal appointment and blood draw... ( no dry heaves this time!!!!) to surviving a week of VBS! It was great to have a tired little boy who WANTED to take a nap.. even if it was just an hour!

Goals for the next week: Get good sleep, Slow down a lot to get back in the swing of things, "Try" not to give in to my junky food cravings.... I may just live on grapes and tomatoes! (BTW, does anyone know where I could buy home grown concord grapes?), Be better about chores... because of this week's craziness my poor husband had been doing more than his share of laundry and dishes. I'm just plum pooped!
Also, Grandma Lisa gets back this week on Thursday and we can't wait to shock her and tell her that she's gonna have 2 grandbabies in 6 weeks!!

II -Again!

Well... we have waited a little longer to announce, but we are pregnant... again.
After our miscarriage we realized that we are ready sooner than later to try for number 2!
Lo and behold we NEVER thought we would get pregnant the month after!
While we are very guarded about this one... we will get happy and really excited when we see that everything is fine and developing nicely.
I have felt pretty good other than bouts of fatigue and moodiness. I know they say that you show quicker with the 2nd and I believe it. I may just be retaining more water but I already feel like I look so big!
We welcome either boy or girl into our family in March of 2012!

He makes everything better

So one more night without Rich!
Truth be told, we have been keeping busy with this and that so other than at night-time we don't really notice that he is gone. Most weeks he is working during the day anyways, so it feels kinda like most.
It's been a good week, I have not had too many times where I want to pull out my hair fistfuls at a time, but I have definitely realized something... He makes me better.
He does so much to take stress off of me. I have had to do every chore this week..... feed animals, take out trash, dishes, laundry.... with no help from anyone but a wee little 3 year old, who puts pull-ups in his laundry!
I'm not being whiny since I do, except the trash, do these things on a weekly basis- but we are equally responsible for them. He always helps to keep the house tidy and dishes done and laundry going.
We have a set of duties and routine that we stick to, mostly. He will clean up while I put Asher to bed and then we can chill together!

Tv shows are not as good without him, dinner is not as fun, and bedtime is much more relaxing when he is here to put my mind at ease. I never have to question whether the doors are locked or if the dryer is off. 
There is definitely a void.... Asher and I can feel it.
He just makes everything and everyone better.
We will be glad to have him home to hug!!!