tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69690685120158567712024-03-14T06:46:21.226-05:00Chocolate Polka Dots:I love chocolate and I love polka dots. But this blog is mostly about my sweet girls and great husband so I don't forget what life was like in the craziness of baby and toddler-hood.Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-52753020735051932442012-06-09T16:43:00.000-05:002012-06-09T23:03:33.594-05:0029 weeksI feel like a new person today. Honestly, it's totally weirding me out. I've been trying to figure it out all day and I'm realizing it's because I've really had no contractions today. I've felt normal. My body isn't acting like it has a mind of it's own. <br />
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I think this whole situation is confusing. I'm not sick. I don't have HELLP syndrome again (Praise Jesus) and there isn't anything WRONG. I'm just in preterm labor. WAY too preterm. (I've been dealing with this since 25 weeks) My body is trying hard to go into labor and this little boy wants out.<br />
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I cannot stop thanking the Lord for my proactive doctor who discovered this in time to stop my labor. And then for her referring me to a high risk doctor who is seriously doing everything to keep me from fully going into labor- and by doing everything in his power to keep me at home. He has said a few times over the last couple of weeks that he could very well keep me in the hospital but every little change he makes in my treatment has kept this boy growing.<br />
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By the way, our boy is Abraham John Martin. Feel free to pray for Abe by name. :)<br />
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The doctor said on Friday that, realistically, we'll be meeting Abe in the next few weeks. As aggressive as we're being, we can't be much more especially around the 33 week mark. Pray that Abe grows and develops. I'm on a round of steroids now, just to prepare.<br />
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In the last few days I've had such encouraging conversations with friends and of read a lot of books that have been so challenging. Some include faith, but all have been biographies and autobiographies. And about people struggling and surviving- at WAY more of a degree than I am. In no way does this pregnancy compare to the stories I've read. These people were fighting for their lives in scary circumstances; I am not. Thank the Lord. <br />
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But I'm fascinated by people's stories. That's why I love being a counselor/therapist. And I miss being around people. And, frankly, I've been isolated. But these stories that I've been reading have also encouraged me to think about my purpose and appreciate my life. It's so easy for me to isolate even further and give up. I can throw a hell of a pity party.<br />
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Not being able to do anything, relying on people so much, can make you react in a lot of ways. I've felt like a failure. I've been mad. Now I'm just grateful that this kiddo is still growing, I have time to re-appreciate every day life (which is HARD a lot of days with these little people), and I'm DONE with the pity party. The reality is that this is a season that will be over quickly- too quickly- and the next challenge will be caring for our sweet boy who will most likely spend some time in the hospital once he's born.<br />
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So that's life right now. I don't want to forget even this little bit of chaos. Or the fact that I'm actually seeing this as a huge blessing and evidence of the Lord's love and care for me and my family.Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-5789804679345758922012-06-05T21:28:00.001-05:002012-06-05T21:28:36.362-05:00Good momentsAt the beginning of this whole bed rest thing, I definitely felt better. The last week or two, not so much. My doctor upped one of my medications again today because contractions just wouldn't stop. I thank the Lord that I have two doctors caring for me that are dedicated to trying EVERYTHING before I have to be admitted into the hospital or before they just go ahead and let me deliver this baby. Tonight I'm feeling better than I have in a few days. (and a little more loopy)<br />
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Here are several pictures, from my phone, that I've taken over the last few weeks because I want to remember the good moments during all of this. And there really are a LOT of good moments. The feeling crappy, feeling sorry for myself parts just some times overshadow the good.<br />
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Gosh, I love these girls. I can't believe we're adding another- and a BOY at that! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFZR-MWFwlfQJanPf_-X5tkRpbaYeEqBq8CrKqX_AntdVSmzPadn9uyhrCt87ANsCsgDnR1YjDtnAcp3o0_q-3FrU4Q4_EmtcHNuFeBVLDbVCkJarYAWvpJDx9dn890L4XMvlwyNRdFbz/s1600/Cuddling+May+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFZR-MWFwlfQJanPf_-X5tkRpbaYeEqBq8CrKqX_AntdVSmzPadn9uyhrCt87ANsCsgDnR1YjDtnAcp3o0_q-3FrU4Q4_EmtcHNuFeBVLDbVCkJarYAWvpJDx9dn890L4XMvlwyNRdFbz/s320/Cuddling+May+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cuddling together while watching TV. (We did not pose them this way)</div>
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The girls LOVE this table that I bought from a friend.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZrvfoIWSL_39v8oW9KWdCJOd3mFnJ3toYgBajP4EpMO5kjRsT3m_IEVrgBpX1ej4LxNo68n0ZDWLR0mujgD9xiz3GxkXDBSTQazY4B3edNLvjktvD78EThozd0Q836AmharZOvXM3Cd3/s1600/Pool+Fun+May+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZrvfoIWSL_39v8oW9KWdCJOd3mFnJ3toYgBajP4EpMO5kjRsT3m_IEVrgBpX1ej4LxNo68n0ZDWLR0mujgD9xiz3GxkXDBSTQazY4B3edNLvjktvD78EThozd0Q836AmharZOvXM3Cd3/s320/Pool+Fun+May+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ahhh... the baby pool. Their favorite activity. I think we need an upgrade soon.</div>
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Claire reading to MJ. (Again, I found them this way.)</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-11057797609923613772012-06-02T10:37:00.000-05:002012-06-02T10:37:43.791-05:00Bed restBed rest. It sucks. <br />
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You would think that it would be awesome to lay around all day. That it would be great to not have to cook and clean. To be able to watch endless episodes of Dawson's Creek (now streaming on Netflix) and read. To sleep whenever you want. To have babysitters running after your kids.<br />
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The reality is that I don't feel well on my medicine, I'm worried about this little boy, I feel a whole range of emotions over this happening, I don't like depending on others for everything, and I don't like not participating in life.<br />
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I'm trying so hard to have a positive attitude, but this is HARD. <br />
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Things were starting to look up. A week and half ago my doctor said he thought I had a good chance of going full-term. A few days ago, that wasn't the case anymore. We're taking it week by week now and the next step will be to go into the hospital. I do NOT want that.<br />
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In the midst of this I could not be more thankful for my church, my friends, and family who have loved me so well. It's easy to feel really lonely right now and I haven't really had to ask for much help. I have a core group of folks who have offered everything I've needed before I've even asked. SO many people have offered meals and to clean up my house. I get texts and calls almost every day of someone going to the store and wanting to know if we need anything. And Greta takes care of the all the rest :)<br />
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I'm learning a lot about the practicality of loving and encouraging people well. That an email, text, or run to the store speaks volumes. And sneaking chocolate covered pretzels and flowers into a grocery bag (thank you, Annie) can mean a lot. And pizza being delivered is a blessing because dinner just magically arrives. That a text asking if I feel any better is a reminder that I'm not forgotten. And everyone loving my kiddos so well is wonderful.<br />
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Sure, we get busy, stuff happens in our own lives. And we can't be there for EVERYONE. I won't be able to return these favors for all of my friends like I will want to from now on. BUT I pray that I won't forget what it is like to need other people. And I pray that I will take advantage of the little things that can love other people well.<br />
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And last, but not least, I surely would have lost my sanity if it weren't for the Husband. Everything is falling on him now and he's handling it as gracefully as possible. This hasn't been easy for our family but he is loving all his girls so well.<br />
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<br />Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-58096933812207304502012-03-23T21:19:00.003-05:002012-03-23T21:26:25.990-05:00More Claire-isms"teeth soap": toothpaste<div>"alligator": elevator</div><div>"the two black cookies with the white in the middle": how she always describes oreos</div><div><br /></div><div>Randomly said to me tonight, "Mama, I wish you could fly."</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight at bedtime: "Mama, tuck in Alice and pray for her." (i.e. imaginary friend)</div><div><br /></div><div>When she tried on her brand new jellies, "My feet are pink dark pink!!!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Said to me yesterday, "Will you feel better when the baby comes out of your tummy?"</div><div><br /></div><div>When asked what to name her brother, her suggestion was, "Boy."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-44253909993522013952012-03-23T13:52:00.002-05:002012-03-23T14:02:02.600-05:00Just in the last week...In the last week, my sister got married, Claire turned 3, and we found out we're having a BOY.<div><br /></div><div>It was easy to accept and believe that Amy got married. We love Kevin and are happy they got hitched. It seemed like the next step for them, and we were all ready for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Claire turning 3 seemed about right, too. Especially since her little attitude and vocabulary are reminiscent of a teenager some days. I kind of love that though. She keeps me on my toes.</div><div><br /></div><div>But finding out we're having a BOY- yeah, so not believing this still. I was shocked to say the least. And it still feels weird to say, "he" and refer to the girls' little brother. Claire is okay with having a brother and suggested we name him, "Boy." (She's been on a not liking boys kick and has been adamant about wanting another sister. She took it really well!)</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't wait to start cleaning out the girls' clothes that they've both outgrown and start looking for boy stuff. Our church is having a swap in May and it'll be perfect for this. The nursery has always been gender neutral so I really don't need anything else- I'm grateful for that. Our only big need is a new car. Yes, we're about to enter the world of mini-vans. And my back is so very excited!</div><div><br /></div><div>Pictures to come of the wedding, Claire's 3rd birthday, and maybe even of baby BOY! (weird)</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-30651081171868261942012-03-14T22:14:00.002-05:002012-03-14T22:28:33.696-05:001st Real Haircut<div style="text-align: center;">Claire refuses to wear ANYTHING in her hair. Sometimes I can get her to wear a pony tail when I have one, but that's on a rare occasion. Since Claire is going to be the flower girl in Amy's wedding this weekend, I decided it was time for her first real hair cut to shape it up some. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Claire LOVED it. I mean, that's an understatement. We got there a few minutes early and as we waited, she would randomly yell out, "Haircut!" She was so excited and kept asking if it was her turn. There were only a few people in the room and they thought she was hilarious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Claire grinned the whole time. She followed Eraka's instructions to look down and turn when she needed. She sat very still and loved watching in the mirror. Everyone commented on how great she was.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the before:</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarlN_xxPbtcOfv7Jw4eRk1ET7IvdthGmWoJTpDWn2IVS_bOCNmta33YFFt0enqiYu3g8Purx6KDohMDUOVTxBLfHdkZ8PG971-ogIRQhhFGng8TsNz73fEOM5nszdp5VTdWvM0_Dn0BOW/s400/IMG_2096.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719957573921608114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the after:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPM6jcg1S_u1awOSDU5JVs_2mbVGnowt7l0UI24UtivIU8MX2trHVEB7gaeMTv-zZKKTdpbE8pl7YHPZtcWP5uqA-AKgqrnoTCjKhzAmYsAa1UF9FWEhMJ84C3rl_i3RHGlr7tOmsozeF/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPM6jcg1S_u1awOSDU5JVs_2mbVGnowt7l0UI24UtivIU8MX2trHVEB7gaeMTv-zZKKTdpbE8pl7YHPZtcWP5uqA-AKgqrnoTCjKhzAmYsAa1UF9FWEhMJ84C3rl_i3RHGlr7tOmsozeF/s400/IMG_2106.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719957590028269986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And MJ waiting:</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG5-RPRRGpaKhQF1j-Z4PeI1UbmWa3VqqwNTu8gv-c5vg84rgXiIN_5kscGBw5YGUY20CA6RPP6g7xVMVv7xRS9VVb8omKVVd2dRon1q5fy4-EzfSSfkvfCEerLYxS_vXOO-b_qzeYszd/s1600/IMG_2097.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG5-RPRRGpaKhQF1j-Z4PeI1UbmWa3VqqwNTu8gv-c5vg84rgXiIN_5kscGBw5YGUY20CA6RPP6g7xVMVv7xRS9VVb8omKVVd2dRon1q5fy4-EzfSSfkvfCEerLYxS_vXOO-b_qzeYszd/s400/IMG_2097.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719957583746741378" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Claire even let Eraka put a pony tail on top of her head which she refused to take out before bed. She even called me back upstairs around 9pm because she had taken it out and wanted it back in. She is completely enamored with her hair cut experience and has been grinning all night. I may have created a monster. :)</div></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-42608278437266868372012-03-08T11:12:00.003-06:002012-03-13T12:20:24.874-05:00English Lesson by ClaireOne of my favorite new Claire-isms is "amn't". Her conjunction for "am not."<div><br /></div><div>You or I would (hopefully) say, "I am not," or "I'm not," or "You aren't."</div><div><br /></div><div>Claire says, "I amn't," and "You amn't."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-61447098507185305062012-02-26T20:29:00.003-06:002012-02-26T20:57:38.759-06:00Sunshine and flying kites<div>Pink eye has officially left the building, and thanks to some medicine, I'm feeling like I can function again. Apparently, I'm going to catch everything going around these days. Awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a happier note, today was a great day! The sun was shining and it was warmer. Church was awesome. (Seriously, you should go look up the sermon and listen to it.) I was so encouraged by the sermon and just from good conversation with friends. Then we went to the park to have lunch and play with more friends. It was beautiful outside and it was so nice to enjoy it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Claire has noticed people flying kites at the park before. When Jeremy realized it would be warmer and windy this weekend, he went and bought one. Claire asked all weekend to go fly it but we promised after church.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish I had a picture of Jeremy walking over to the field with 5 or 6 little girls (ranging from 7 to 3) following behind him. A few of our Dad-friends followed and they flew the kite for a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jeremy and Claire, of course, stayed long after everyone else got bored and moved on to the play ground. I finally had to convince them that MJ was long over-due for a nap. As soon as I got there in time to watch Claire fly it all by herself, a gust of wind took out the kite and snapped it.</div><div><br /></div><div>No worries. Claire was fine with the promise of a new one and time to come back. I love that she loves to be outside. Now if only her sister would be a little more tolerable outside. We're working on that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please note that Claire picked out this kite: pink and purple with fairies. And she is wearing her absolute favorite dress right now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer7QRSsPqupUSgoNq1fesGRZK9oMQPmKGInrIWcxmQUT3qSFZm3y9lGzzT-czKSSvYjBLDSZzZQQ1AUN3VW3aTRRIY01mVY4Ion9qyzfwEWS-QaGWC8wfEyQgOFTgJ8oSzfKX3NTWbIjd/s1600/2012-02-26_13-16-07_592.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjer7QRSsPqupUSgoNq1fesGRZK9oMQPmKGInrIWcxmQUT3qSFZm3y9lGzzT-czKSSvYjBLDSZzZQQ1AUN3VW3aTRRIY01mVY4Ion9qyzfwEWS-QaGWC8wfEyQgOFTgJ8oSzfKX3NTWbIjd/s400/2012-02-26_13-16-07_592.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713640497448578818" /></a>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-56587703160318716812012-02-24T20:31:00.002-06:002012-02-24T20:53:01.112-06:00There's No Place Like HomeWe're in the process of having our basement finished which is exciting and a huge blessing. In the midst of this, we also decided to have some major plumbing done. It was going to need to be addressed sooner than later, and why not while the rest of our house is being torn up?<div><br /></div><div>So this week we had to leave and stay some place else. We were fortunate enough to stay at my in-law's house. They have a big house that was empty so it was easy for us to crash there.</div><div><br /></div><div>However. However. It's just not fun to be away from home. Especially with little ones. </div><div><br /></div><div>Words cannot express how happy I am to be home. And we were only gone FIVE days. That's it.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Side note: my morning sickness is back and I've been really sick this week. Read: not good conditions to be away from your own bed.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm thankful for this week because I walked away feeling confident of a few things:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. The size of our house is perfect. I had started to have house envy. Now I am realizing that it's the perfect amount of room for us and I couldn't take care of anything bigger. Well, I could. I'm just not sure I would want to.</div><div>2. We really don't need cable again. I've been wanting it lately (a lot), but I realized this week that all I watched was Food Network and I missed Hulu and Netflix. Not worth the extra money now that I'm so used to not having it. (and I seriously watched a LOT of cooking shows)</div><div>3. I always want to have a dog. Man, kids are messy.</div><div>4. I cannot live without internet. I got behind in work stuff and I felt disconnected. I'm dependent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, please here me saying that I am so grateful we had somewhere to go, and a really nice place at that, and it WAS only five days. BUT I needed a reality check in order to be thankful for what God has given me ABUNDANTLY. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think there's a nagging in all our hearts to want MORE. I'm realizing that the stuff I have is not the more I want. It's been good for my priorities and my heart to re-examine what's most important. What do I want to be filled with? What do I want to spend my time doing?</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that wanting or having a big house is wrong. It's just not what I want. And for some reason I feel like I have to justify that- which I've realized is my own insecurity. Who cares what kind of house I live in? (aside from those living with me)</div><div><br /></div><div>So things are changing around here. Well, SLOWLY changing as our house is still under construction and my morning sickness has returned. (And I have another bad cold and I'm getting over pink eye in both my eyes) Yes, that's kind of vague. I'm still trying to sort all this out myself and I don't want to send empty promises into the blog world. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to be filled with less clutter, more time spent reading the Word, more time enjoying my kiddos, more time with other people in my house, more time with people outside of my house, and more time to just BE. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then I've got about 5 or 6 months until our world gets flipped upside down with the third kiddo.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-50936785448608078722012-02-18T20:03:00.003-06:002012-02-18T20:18:11.479-06:00Sick and prayerMy morning sickness is back with a vengeance. I had about a week where I felt great, then this week I felt really tired and kind of icky. Today, I feel like I did a few weeks ago. I'm frustrated and annoyed. BUT I'm trying not to complain too much because I have a healthy baby and this is temporary. I can handle this right? (I mean, it WILL end, right?!) Really, this is so minor in the grand scheme of things. Who really cares that my house is a mess and I can't keep up with laundry? That's not important right now.<div><br /></div><div>My good friend, Katie, has been in the hospital with her son, Finn, all week. He has a form of epilepsy and when he gets sick, he gets SICK and starts to have a lot of seizures. Please pray that they can get his sickness under control, so then his seizures will get under control, and that they will get to leave the hospital. I visited last night and Finn had improved SO MUCH. He looked great, and I got to watch a little Sports Center with him while Katie got a shower. Overnight, he spiked another fever, and they'll be in at least until Monday. Please pray for Patrick and Katie, Finn, and his little sister Ainsley. (Ainsley has a virus too now!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Can it be Spring, please? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-75860237364641472322012-02-17T20:21:00.002-06:002012-02-17T20:25:38.960-06:00Baby Pretzels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAhyphenhyphenlrWkXcbJYyywGA5ib9Jhi35o1uZaoHAbhf8tWic59fAD-XaqM9ECAj0cZz_wq3KWx8T8c68t6eCrAPSCrT7RAVxfxvVCfMEj_nLlR5RcEZmtU32_WGTxdhK3lvnkPSGpE8rG2Lsqt/s1600/pink+hat+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAhyphenhyphenlrWkXcbJYyywGA5ib9Jhi35o1uZaoHAbhf8tWic59fAD-XaqM9ECAj0cZz_wq3KWx8T8c68t6eCrAPSCrT7RAVxfxvVCfMEj_nLlR5RcEZmtU32_WGTxdhK3lvnkPSGpE8rG2Lsqt/s400/pink+hat+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710295492385667650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My girl LOVES this hat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tonight Claire asked me if I would like a pretzel. I said, "No, thank you." And she replied back, "No, Mama, put it in your mouth and the baby will catch it!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, I had to eat it then. And Claire loved every minute of it.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-32794443512012872452012-02-16T18:31:00.003-06:002012-02-16T20:09:20.784-06:0013 weeks (and a few days)I had another doctor's appointment today. I'm not sure what this kiddo is doing but it always takes a few minutes to find the heartbeat. (It feels like an eternity) The nurse practitioner had to chase he/she around my stomach the last time I was there- it was pretty amusing.<div><br /></div><div>I'm still shocked every time I hear the heartbeat. We're actually going to have THREE kids. Holy crap.</div><div><br /></div><div>My doctor told me today that she wants me to go on bed rest at 34 weeks. Not modified; doing totally nothing. She wants to try to get this kiddo to go full term. MJ was just a few days shy of what's considered full term, and we were both totally healthy, but it would be nice to go further with the next if I can. And, of course, Claire was early at 34 weeks because I developed HELLP. </div><div><br /></div><div>How long I'm on bed rest will be determined by whether this kiddo is a boy or a girl. Baby girls are just generally stronger than boys. (We learned this with Claire. Every time someone came in my hospital room when I was 33 weeks and sick, they were so happy that she was a SHE!) So if this one is a girl then I will be able to go back to normal activity at 36 weeks because that's considered "safer". If this baby is a boy then I have to stay on bed rest until the end.</div><div><br /></div><div>So if you need me in July, I plan to be sitting in a pool while other people play with my kiddos. HA! </div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-62651069704081704282012-02-15T22:17:00.002-06:002012-02-15T22:22:17.624-06:00How you can tell I'm pregnant...Other than the fact that I only wear leggings and yoga pants and that my belly looks like I'm at least 20 weeks pregnant. I was not prepared how your body QUICKLY adjusts to a third baby. And thank you, Denise and Cam, for the vote of confidence to wear leggings!<div><br /></div><div>Okay, so how you can really tell...</div><div>In my shopping cart tonight at the grocery store, my buggy contained, among other things:</div><div>*mini corn dogs</div><div>*Chef Boyardee cheese ravioli</div><div>*peach rings (Greta, I know you love that)</div><div>*sour gummy worms</div><div><br /></div><div>During all of my pregnancies, I resort back to eating like a 6 year old at some point.</div><div><br /></div><div>If only I hadn't forgotten koolaid....</div><div><br /></div><div>And I did buy a lot of fruits and veggies to balance out the terribleness.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-44589882044406579582012-02-15T10:00:00.001-06:002012-02-15T10:01:56.270-06:00Mmmm... yogurt...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5ytTNLpWed48d1VGLg8_bOx9MDiVkh18Wvu0YqITYQeBmd-OmC8tt6KKbECsoD7BMQg_sBInllB9RBotnfUKXhd62i5Y1pBvmR85Dy7s2DbX0pUwL2UVNy1x2grworu_qKS578AMvqz1/s1600/yogurt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5ytTNLpWed48d1VGLg8_bOx9MDiVkh18Wvu0YqITYQeBmd-OmC8tt6KKbECsoD7BMQg_sBInllB9RBotnfUKXhd62i5Y1pBvmR85Dy7s2DbX0pUwL2UVNy1x2grworu_qKS578AMvqz1/s400/yogurt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709393246598395330" /></a>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-24456553814353137342012-02-13T20:51:00.002-06:002012-02-13T21:04:46.081-06:00Sweet Mary JMy baby girl is killing me these days. (In a really good way.) She's at that age (just over one) where her personality is starting to come through in the greatest ways because she's becoming more independent- and is actually DOING things.<div><br /></div><div>For example, she's starting to walk on her own, up to 7-8 steps at a time now. MJ still, however, walks in circles around our house with the girls' metal shopping cart. She wanders in circles, pretty fast, putting different things in it. And it always seems like the things she chooses are pretty intentional. (tonight it was a piece of chalk, a jacket, and a piece of the girls' foam house)</div><div><br /></div><div>Claire found these metallic, heart, bead necklaces at Target over the weekend that she just HAD to have. MJ always bee-lines for them and wears ALL of them at once. If she's awake, she's wearing them. The girl apparently likes to accessorize. </div><div><br /></div><div>MJ also really likes to wear the fake stethoscope around her neck like a real doctor or nurse. It's awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week she's starting crawling up into my lap to sit down when I'm on the floor. MJ has always been a cuddler but it just melts my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only two things she says consistently right now is "Dada" and "night-night." I love hearing Claire say "night-night" and then hearing MJ say it back. So fun.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-36346511666679808002012-02-06T19:11:00.002-06:002012-02-06T19:23:55.571-06:00Another random postYes, more randomness. This is the way my pregnant brain is working these days. Okay, so that's a lie, it works this way most days.<div><br /></div><div>*Claire has eaten at LEAST two cups of frozen peas today.</div><div>*I'm 12 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Praise Jesus that I woke up feeling halfway normal and I have been cleaning ever since. </div><div>*MJ loved kiwi at dinner. She loves kiwi, mango, apples, bananas, and pears but won't touch blueberries, strawberries, or grapes.</div><div>*I'm craving fruit so I felt a Whole Foods run was necessary today. The girls and I will be eating PB&Js and expensive, delicious fruit for the next few days. I can't stop thinking about the pineapple in my fridge.</div><div>*MJ is getting two top teeth right now- both eye teeth. She will look like a vampire in a few days. I can't wait. (seriously. this child is so cute)</div><div>*Claire insists on wearing one of three pairs of pjs EVERY NIGHT, and it's an automatic tantrum if they're not clean. (her "flower pjs", her "pink dark pink pjs", and her "heart pjs")</div><div>*Claire's favorite color is still "pink dark pink". (or "pdp" as we refer to it around here)</div><div>*Did I mention I have been cleaning all day? Goodwill is most likely getting a fat donation later this week.</div><div><br /></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-32119980054924766972012-02-01T19:04:00.002-06:002012-02-01T19:12:37.983-06:00Pensieve 2/1/12*How in the world is it February?<div>*Claire sang the ENTIRE alphabet today for the first time!</div><div>*I think I would like to move. Some place with land. And south.</div><div>*I can't sleep enough these days. It's annoying.</div><div>*MJ is FINALLY getting a top tooth. And it's one of her incisors. She's going to look awesome in a few days.</div><div>*MJ can take up to 4 steps at a time.</div><div>*As I type this, Claire is reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". It might be the cutest thing ever.</div><div>*My clothes are already not fitting because of the bump. Can I pull off cute dresses and leggings?</div><div>*Now Claire is chewing on the book she just finished reading. What?</div><div>*Now we're going to read it together.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-13104907319781608612012-01-27T19:38:00.003-06:002012-01-27T19:45:37.740-06:00Do-overThis Mommy needs a "do-over".<div><br /></div><div>It's been one of those weeks that hasn't been bad or even really all that stressful; I'm just DONE WITH IT.</div><div><br /></div><div>So my do-over is tomorrow. </div><div><br /></div><div>The husband is on his way home, we don't have plans this weekend, we get to go to church, and that's about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ordered an alarm clock for Claire that lights up when it's time to be in bed and when it's daytime. She's good about staying in bed after she falls asleep. My hope is that this will be the miracle that will keep her in her room for a "quiet time"/nap without waking MJ. I'm going to try to be patient and not be devastated if it doesn't work tomorrow. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Now it's off to watch the last bit of Backyardigan's before convincing Claire it's time to sleep and then a Valentine's Day wreath has my name all over it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I lead an exciting life, folks. I know.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-71933108020494926302012-01-27T13:37:00.002-06:002012-01-27T13:47:40.841-06:00The Big Girl BedUgh.<div><br /></div><div>That's how I feel about this dang bed right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>I REFUSE to let this be the end of nap time. But the truth is, Claire was already starting to phase out napping, and this darn bed isn't helping that.</div><div><br /></div><div>I probably need to accept the fact that we're transitioning to a new phase of life, without a nap.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the napping thing isn't the worst of it; it's the not going to sleep at night. Last night she was finally quiet at 11. Yes, 11 PM. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been spoiled rotten by really good sleepers so now I'm being a a big, whiny baby.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm tired.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now Claire just yelled, "Mama," from the top of the stairs, waking MJ who is now hysterical..... sigh.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-87703019585658844162012-01-26T19:05:00.003-06:002012-01-26T19:07:22.417-06:00My Chocolate Vampire<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5JTs44i2o_CJQsHNbmrMDvp-hreqarvjuug2Yt6UQStryvyn6Dx9FlhzJpTP0MND7mgrRolgQTGMXO4OlNp5Z_scuhdGDj22j5DLR6Qm3pBZLBU-b-Ymt8Bj74dY4hhpBch8uLFO8yiP/s1600/chocolate+vampire.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5JTs44i2o_CJQsHNbmrMDvp-hreqarvjuug2Yt6UQStryvyn6Dx9FlhzJpTP0MND7mgrRolgQTGMXO4OlNp5Z_scuhdGDj22j5DLR6Qm3pBZLBU-b-Ymt8Bj74dY4hhpBch8uLFO8yiP/s400/chocolate+vampire.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702111679710445394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My sister says that MJ looks like a mini-Jeremy vampire.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She actually has a whole piece Hershey's Bliss dark chocolate in her mouth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, clearly, she could not have been happier about it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-26853388042672079822012-01-25T21:43:00.002-06:002012-01-25T21:54:28.726-06:00Pensieve 1/25/12*My appetite is coming back.<div>*Any energy to clean is not. Our house is gross. I do not care.</div><div>*I'm sad that I think Claire's transition to her big girl bed is also the demise of nap time. (I'm going to try the quiet time thing and I'm not giving up hope YET)</div><div>*I'm itching to rearrange my house. Grateful that my sister-in-law shares my enjoyment of this and is willing to help since I'm not technically supposed to move anything. (Sorry, Jeremy. Love you!)</div><div>*I'm so excited that work on our basement starts SOON.</div><div>*My baby bump seems to have grown overnight. (Hello, third child/pregnancy)</div><div>*I have a 1000 things to do, and yet, I still waste entirely too much time playing on the internet.</div><div>*I have to remember to buy watercolor paints for Claire tomorrow. She used them up and it is, by far, her favorite activity.</div><div>*Claire has discovered candy and is now addicted. Great.</div><div>*Claire has started singing more than Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Mostly just random words. I love it. She's just like her father.</div><div>*MJ would eat all day long if I let her.</div><div>*MJ spends 60% of her day walking in circles around our house with her little stroller or toy train.</div><div>*Claire and MJ's favorite thing to do is wrestle and play on C's new big girl bed. It's hilarious. Until C throws herself on MJ's head and she cries.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-91105752279770968192012-01-24T20:31:00.001-06:002012-01-24T20:32:59.683-06:00My Robot-daughterMama: "Claire, it's time to go night-night."<div><br /></div><div>Claire: "No, I'm a robot! Robot's don't go night-night!"</div><div><br /></div><div>True. Sort of.</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-35061494821820596152012-01-24T17:14:00.003-06:002012-01-24T17:28:18.703-06:00Oh pregnancyI have wanted to complain all day:<div><br /></div><div>*I'm tired.</div><div>*Food sounds disgusting most of the time.</div><div>*My back (tailbone) hurts SO BADLY from falling on ice Friday night.</div><div>*I'm not sleeping well.</div><div>*I want to sleep all day long.</div><div>*I just want to eat and feel okay after.</div><div>*I want to feel like I'm actually taking care of my kids.</div><div>*I want energy.</div><div>*I want to feel like going and doing things without making myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I'm not complaining (too much). Well, at least not out loud (all the time). </div><div><br /></div><div>And I'm convicted. Yes, pregnancy isn't easy for me (is it easy for anyone?) and I might have a right to complain because these symptoms suck. Who really wants to feel hung over for at least 3 months straight? (yes, that's how it feels)</div><div><br /></div><div>BUT. BUT. I have a growing, healthy baby growing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm blessed.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I stop in my self-pity and am thankful. Thankful that each time I'm nauseous, I remember that my body is providing for someone else. That when I'm tired, that this baby is growing. (yes, sometimes, most of the time still grumbling) And that God gave us this baby for a reason and at this time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm even more overwhelmed in my conviction because a sweet couple I know is going through something horrendous. Please visit their website and pray for <a href="http://theandersonfamilystorybook.blogspot.com">the Anderson's</a>. I cannot stop thinking of them and praying for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is so fragile. </div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-6967238909150726472012-01-17T09:07:00.002-06:002012-01-17T09:11:59.592-06:00Sassy crackersI forgot this little gem from yesterday too.<div><br /></div><div>I think Claire was asking for the umpteenth time if we could go back to Poppy's house. I told her, "No, we couldn't," as we were there that morning and it was nearing dinner time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her response while she stood there with her little baggie of goldfish crackers?</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Mama, my crackers say that you can't say No."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Really?</div><div><br /></div><div>She has started saying this a lot when we say No. </div><div><br /></div><div>"You can't say No, Mama."</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, yes, my dear, I can. For your own good.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969068512015856771.post-45096548391139610222012-01-16T20:54:00.004-06:002012-01-16T21:02:32.475-06:00The 1st Pretend Haircut<div>**No actual hair was lost in this incident. :)</div><div><br /></div>Tonight Claire and MJ were playing in the sunroom when I heard MJ starting to fuss, the kind of fuss that lets me know Claire is bugging her. I walked in and asked what was going on, and Claire replied, "I'm just pretending to cut MJ's hair!" while MJ was trying to cruise away from her. <div><br /></div><div>Now they WERE play scissors from her doctor's kit so no hair would have been lost. Not loving this game, I said, "Now, Claire, I don't really like this game. We're not going to pretend to cut anyone's hair. Please leave your sister alone."</div><div><br /></div><div>Claire then said, "No, Mama, it's okay. I just PRETEND."</div><div><br /></div><div>I, of course, said, "No, ma'am. Please give me the scissors and play another game."</div><div><br /></div><div>Her response?</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Mama, you go read and I'll be real quiet."</i> (still holding the scissors)</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously?!</div><div><br /></div><div>The whole thing ended with her screaming no and it just got uglier.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a feeling we're headed toward the terrible (manipulative) 3's!</div>Katyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01187313798745820208noreply@blogger.com0