I have heard that Blue Jays (the birds) are the meanest birds around. I've watched them with other birds, and I agree they are. Figured if we leave them alone, they'll leave us alone. Fast forward to this summer. We have a family of Blue Jays in our back yard. I believe they have 2 or 3 baby birds. No biggie, since it's been so wet & I've been on maternity leave, I've not had to worry about kids in the back yard, other then my own.
This past weekend, as Spencer was trying to mow the grass, we saw a baby bird, trying to climb up the tree. Then all of a sudden out of no where, you hear the Momma bird, just squawking at us, and dove at us a couple of times. Then the Daddy Blue Jay joined in. Made all of us a little nervous. So we've been leaving that side of the yard alone.
Earlier this week, you could hear this soft sound/call from a baby bird, couldn't find where it was coming from,then Spencer found it. Yep- fell into one of the window wells of the basement. The kids freaked out, because they were so worried how this baby was going to get out, and the parents were sitting on the roof -raising up a ruckus too. So I got the kids to get some wood, and we placed it in the window well. Later we checked on it, and the baby was gone. So now, I've placed a large piece of wood over the window wells, to prevent any more babies from fall in.
The kids are relieved the baby is okay, I'm okay that neither one of the parent birds attacked me, my neighbor or our kids. My neighbor told me that one of the parent birds, attacked her husband, and pecked him on the shoulder. Ouch! I'd hate for that to happen to any of us.
Wonder what will happen next in our little Blue Jay soap opera....as the "World Turns" lol.
God Bless~
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Blue Angels
Oh my word was today hot!! This weekend has been a busy weekend for us. The kids and I finally got to see Dawn in a parade. I was such a proud mommy. My friends and I cheered and hollered for the band, and for Dawn. I got all teary-eyed finally getting to see my baby girl in a parade. I'm such a proud mom. lol. I was so thankful that God kept the weather at bay until the kids were done with the parade. Then it rained. It was a VERY long parade, but the boys had a blast and I finally got to see Dawn march so it was worth it.
Today was a memorable one. The city of St. Cloud like all Minnesota cities in the summer is having it's annual City festival this weekend. But this year was different, they held an air show that hosted the famous Blue Angels and several other famous air planes. So as a family we were blessed to go to the air show. It was a long day, but the kids had fun. At first I wasn't sure if we had made the right decision. Nana was talking about taking the kids to see Aunt Nancy this weekend, and the kids were bummed that they weren't going with her, but to the air show. To be honest - when they acted less then thrilled about going, I was crushed. The older two are always talking about wanting to do more "fun" stuff as a family, and I thought - the air show..with the Blue Angels?! What would be more fun then that?
The kids didn't last very long when we got there, either between the hot weather (Clear blue skies, sun and humidity), or just being kids and sitting there for so long, they got super antsy. So between Jessie and I, we walked the kids around the airport where the air show was being held. The kids had a blast climbing in and out of the various planes on display, the boys even got to try on one of the pilots' helmets. The kids climbed the rock wall. It was neat watching Dawn do it, since she had so much fun doing it at Deep Portage earlier this spring. Spencer and Cyril even tried to climb the wall. Spencer got about half way up, and came down. Cyril didn't even get out of the Soldier's arms.lol. They also had a play area for the kids. The inflatables were a blast for them. They played and bounced for over an hour on those things. Including during the Blue Angels flight show. lol.
It was really cool to see the plane formations and etc. There were a couple of times that I about died because of the fly byes that they did. But it was fun watching the kids get excited about the planes. It will be neat to have the pictures to look back on this day.
There were a few times while we were there that again made me question if we made the right choice to go. One because of how loud it was at times for baby Gordon. We made a make-shift ear muffs for him, and he seemed fine,slept thru the loudest parts. lol. Dawn and I argued briefly, and etc. But I hope over all the kids had a blast. All of us but baby Gordon got sunburned, even with sunscreen on. It will be interesting to see what they think of tomorrow's festivities. We'll see what more the city of St. Cloud has to offer.
God Bless~
Monday, June 14, 2010
I miss my husband..
I miss my husband very much. It's tough having him gone all week long, sometimes more then others. Then again, there have been a few times, I'm glad he's gone for the week. lol. Which I'm sure there are times that, he's been glad to be gone all week. I'm not that easy to live with at times. lol. Things have been tough this last week or so with him gone. Due to him working overtime this past weekend, it will be 2 weeks by the time the kids and I see him again. Over the last couple of days it feels like an eternity away, and makes me wonder how military families do it?
With all the rain, being couped inside, the adjustment to having Gordon here...things have been really tough. The kids have been at it more then normal, and I've ready to pull my hair out. lol. I didn't realize that having 4 kids would be this hard. I knew it would be tough, but I honestly thought that it would be a little easier having the age differences that we have with our kids. I wish someone had knocked me on the side of the head during my pregnancy. lol.
Dawn has been a HUGE help with Gordon and the 2 daycare kids I had last week. She and Spencer have been a thorn in each other's side come evening time though. Here I thought with them having activities that would lessen a bit, it has and it hasn't made that much of a difference. I wonder if that makes sense? lol. Cyril is being super naughty last week and this week. I know why, and was prepared for it to come...it's still been really tough, having my sweet boy become this...this...I can't really find the words other then naughty.
Not to mention that Gordon and I are having trouble getting the nursing relationship down. He's a lazy latcher, and nurser. He falls asleep nursing barely after 10 minutes, doesn't matter if I strip him down to his t-shirt or not. Then he wakes up an hour later to nurse again. Or he'll go 4-5hours between feedings, by then my chest is ready to explode! lol. I think I gave him his nuk to early too, because he likes his nuk, way more then he should. Plus he doesn't want to latch on right either and gets so mad because the let down doesn't come as quickly as he'd like. So needless to say my milk supply has taken a serious hit -which is adding to the stress and frustration - of having a new baby, in addition to 3 children who all need attention. Did I mention I miss my husband? lol.
Do I need to mention the hormones too? lol. I had forgotten about those changes too. This weekend they really hit, and are stilling going strong. I'm crying and laughing at the silliest times, getting cranky at other times.
When Jessie was off those few days after Gordon was born, and when he was home that 1st weekend too, it was a HUGE blessing to not only have him there, but to have that extra helping hand. I had forgotten the extra work you have when a new baby comes into the household. I think a great gift for ALL new parents is for time to stand still or give us an extra hour, or two or three...so that we can get everything done that needs to be done.
Only 4 more days till he's home...and I'm counting the hours till he's here. It's Father's Day weekend this coming weekend...the kids and I will need to plan something to show him just how much we miss him and appreciate him.
God Bless ~
With all the rain, being couped inside, the adjustment to having Gordon here...things have been really tough. The kids have been at it more then normal, and I've ready to pull my hair out. lol. I didn't realize that having 4 kids would be this hard. I knew it would be tough, but I honestly thought that it would be a little easier having the age differences that we have with our kids. I wish someone had knocked me on the side of the head during my pregnancy. lol.
Dawn has been a HUGE help with Gordon and the 2 daycare kids I had last week. She and Spencer have been a thorn in each other's side come evening time though. Here I thought with them having activities that would lessen a bit, it has and it hasn't made that much of a difference. I wonder if that makes sense? lol. Cyril is being super naughty last week and this week. I know why, and was prepared for it to come...it's still been really tough, having my sweet boy become this...this...I can't really find the words other then naughty.
Not to mention that Gordon and I are having trouble getting the nursing relationship down. He's a lazy latcher, and nurser. He falls asleep nursing barely after 10 minutes, doesn't matter if I strip him down to his t-shirt or not. Then he wakes up an hour later to nurse again. Or he'll go 4-5hours between feedings, by then my chest is ready to explode! lol. I think I gave him his nuk to early too, because he likes his nuk, way more then he should. Plus he doesn't want to latch on right either and gets so mad because the let down doesn't come as quickly as he'd like. So needless to say my milk supply has taken a serious hit -which is adding to the stress and frustration - of having a new baby, in addition to 3 children who all need attention. Did I mention I miss my husband? lol.
Do I need to mention the hormones too? lol. I had forgotten about those changes too. This weekend they really hit, and are stilling going strong. I'm crying and laughing at the silliest times, getting cranky at other times.
When Jessie was off those few days after Gordon was born, and when he was home that 1st weekend too, it was a HUGE blessing to not only have him there, but to have that extra helping hand. I had forgotten the extra work you have when a new baby comes into the household. I think a great gift for ALL new parents is for time to stand still or give us an extra hour, or two or three...so that we can get everything done that needs to be done.
Only 4 more days till he's home...and I'm counting the hours till he's here. It's Father's Day weekend this coming weekend...the kids and I will need to plan something to show him just how much we miss him and appreciate him.
God Bless ~
New schedule?
Things aren't slowing down by any means...not sure if that's a good thing at this point or not. I'll have to let you know. Dawn had her 1st parade this past Saturday. She was so nervous about being able to do everything: playing the piece and marching at the same time. From what I'm told she did WONDERFUL! Why - did I not see it, you may wonder? Well, because we were in the wrong spot. We were at the beginning of the parade which was my plan, but we were in the WRONG spot. lol. We got to see all the great floats, but the bands were at a different spot, due to the parade officials having them merge further down the route then where we were. Both Dawn and I were extremely disappointed that the boys and I didn't get to see her. Later this week, she will have another parade that she'll be in. The boys and I are leaving with the band, so that I know exactly where they are beginning, this time. lol. I'm a Band mom, so I'm learning...is there a learning curve as a band parent?
Mother Nature is upsetting my schedule and plans for this summer. Seriously - enough with the rain...or can we at least have it at night? I haven't been able to finish planting the garden, and I'm starting to have some serious doubts if I will ever be able to get it all done. Especially because we will be out of town this weekend and with the rain never seems to stop, my days are numbered if not already up. The kids are starting to be affected by the rain too, since there have been more days then not where they've been couped up in doors. My kids and 2 of my daycare kids - trashed the daycare room downstairs today, from all of the playing...but I'll worry about that tomorrow as the saying goes. It was just nice not to listen to the yelling or the arguing between the kids. I actually had the living room to myself with Gordon and my daycare boy Mr. E. It was cute watching Mr. E explore the living room without the other kids around. The weather man says that tomorrow is the last day of rain for the week, that remains to be seen.
Speaking of schedules, my mother and I are implementing a new schedule with my kids this week, well even the older daycare kids will be in on this as well. The kids have "school" time for 1-2hrs every day, with the exception of Friday. The older two work on math and reading skills for that time, while the little ones will be continue to do their colors, fine motor skills and etc. The older kids will also get some of their chores done in the morning as well. We are getting tough on the older kids this summer in regards to their manners, and snotty attitude. The more disrespectful they are, the more chores they have. Mom is starting to really see what the older two have been doing, and wants to help me correct it. I'm thankful for the help. When Jessie is home the kids aren't even close to being this way with him. So we'll see at the end of summer what the results are of this new schedule...
God Bless~
Mother Nature is upsetting my schedule and plans for this summer. Seriously - enough with the rain...or can we at least have it at night? I haven't been able to finish planting the garden, and I'm starting to have some serious doubts if I will ever be able to get it all done. Especially because we will be out of town this weekend and with the rain never seems to stop, my days are numbered if not already up. The kids are starting to be affected by the rain too, since there have been more days then not where they've been couped up in doors. My kids and 2 of my daycare kids - trashed the daycare room downstairs today, from all of the playing...but I'll worry about that tomorrow as the saying goes. It was just nice not to listen to the yelling or the arguing between the kids. I actually had the living room to myself with Gordon and my daycare boy Mr. E. It was cute watching Mr. E explore the living room without the other kids around. The weather man says that tomorrow is the last day of rain for the week, that remains to be seen.
Speaking of schedules, my mother and I are implementing a new schedule with my kids this week, well even the older daycare kids will be in on this as well. The kids have "school" time for 1-2hrs every day, with the exception of Friday. The older two work on math and reading skills for that time, while the little ones will be continue to do their colors, fine motor skills and etc. The older kids will also get some of their chores done in the morning as well. We are getting tough on the older kids this summer in regards to their manners, and snotty attitude. The more disrespectful they are, the more chores they have. Mom is starting to really see what the older two have been doing, and wants to help me correct it. I'm thankful for the help. When Jessie is home the kids aren't even close to being this way with him. So we'll see at the end of summer what the results are of this new schedule...
God Bless~
Thursday, June 10, 2010
2 weeks today
It's hard to believe that little Gordon has been here for 2 weeks already. He had his 2 week check up today, and I'm happy to report that he's doing great! He got down to 10lbs 2oz when we left the hospital on the 29th. He's now 11lb 5oz. measuring at 22 inches long. Our peds. doctor: Dr. S. thinks that the hospital messed up on measuring him (which isn't surprising considering how scrunched up babies are when they are 1st born). So I guess you can say that nursing Gordon is going well. I just hope it will continue to do that. Which is almost every nursing mom's concern. lol.
It was also a tough day for Gordon too. He had a procedure done, that's normally done at the hospital. Since we refused the vitamin K shot, they needed to wait till Gordon was at least 8 days old to have it done. Things so far seem to be going well, he's been sleeping most of the day, but I think anyone would after that. It was a tough day for mommy too. Hopefully he and his brothers will be glad we had it done, and not resent it.
Spencer is getting more and more enthralled with Gordon. It's neat to watch. Dawn loves Gordon, she has been a huge helper this week, since 1 of my daycare families returned. To be honest I don't know how I would have been able to do it, if she wasn't there to help. Cyril, we have to keep a sharp eye on, when he's around Gordon. It's not that he's naughty with him, it's the complete opposite. He LOVES him soo much. Twice I've found him, holding Gordon, even though NO one has helped put Gordon in his lap.
Dawn has had a busy 1st week of Summer break. She has had marching band practice every night. She has her 1st parade on Saturday. Dawn is very excited about it, and as far as line up goes, is in the 1st row. :)
Spencer and Dawn are also in swimming lessons, already I've seen a HUGE improvement from last summer, both in attention/focus and endurance. So we'll see if the kids will pass the levels they are in this year. I have to help fine tune a couple of things as far as skills go, but not to much this year. It looks like things are finally clicking for them. I am thinking of possibly putting Cyril in lessons this year or next year, I'm not sure. I'll need to talk to Jessie about it.
So the last couple of days have been busy and exhausting. I'm really glad that I didn't take on my full daycare this week, because to be honest I don't think I would have been able to handle it. I'm so exhausted as it is. It's been a huge blessing to have several of my MOPS moms bringing us dinner last week and this week. To know that my family has a nutritional meal each night has been a huge gift. Starting next week, I'll be on my own, and I'm nervous, about how I'm going to be balancing all of this.
God Bless
It was also a tough day for Gordon too. He had a procedure done, that's normally done at the hospital. Since we refused the vitamin K shot, they needed to wait till Gordon was at least 8 days old to have it done. Things so far seem to be going well, he's been sleeping most of the day, but I think anyone would after that. It was a tough day for mommy too. Hopefully he and his brothers will be glad we had it done, and not resent it.
Spencer is getting more and more enthralled with Gordon. It's neat to watch. Dawn loves Gordon, she has been a huge helper this week, since 1 of my daycare families returned. To be honest I don't know how I would have been able to do it, if she wasn't there to help. Cyril, we have to keep a sharp eye on, when he's around Gordon. It's not that he's naughty with him, it's the complete opposite. He LOVES him soo much. Twice I've found him, holding Gordon, even though NO one has helped put Gordon in his lap.
Dawn has had a busy 1st week of Summer break. She has had marching band practice every night. She has her 1st parade on Saturday. Dawn is very excited about it, and as far as line up goes, is in the 1st row. :)
Spencer and Dawn are also in swimming lessons, already I've seen a HUGE improvement from last summer, both in attention/focus and endurance. So we'll see if the kids will pass the levels they are in this year. I have to help fine tune a couple of things as far as skills go, but not to much this year. It looks like things are finally clicking for them. I am thinking of possibly putting Cyril in lessons this year or next year, I'm not sure. I'll need to talk to Jessie about it.
So the last couple of days have been busy and exhausting. I'm really glad that I didn't take on my full daycare this week, because to be honest I don't think I would have been able to handle it. I'm so exhausted as it is. It's been a huge blessing to have several of my MOPS moms bringing us dinner last week and this week. To know that my family has a nutritional meal each night has been a huge gift. Starting next week, I'll be on my own, and I'm nervous, about how I'm going to be balancing all of this.
God Bless
Peanut's Arrival!
As you know I've been in the early stages of labor for weeks, it seemed to drag on and on. To be honest I was starting to get frustrated, I was expecting that part to go quicker then it did, but after peanut's arrival, we discovered why it was that way...or a theory anyways.
On Wednesday May 26th, my contractions started up again, not regular, but strong. I figured it was due to the stress of dealing with Spencer's eye injury. I was feeling really tired, not myself, so I laid down to take a nap since Cyril was sleeping too. That was around 3:30pm, by 4:30pm I was awoken with some really strong contractions, this was when I noticed I had back labor too starting in. So I told Dawn what was going on, and decided to take a bath to see what would happen: would they get stronger and more regular or would they stop, like before. I was in the bath for about 30 minutes and this time, nothing happened positive or negative. So I told the kids to get their stuff ready, and I was going to call my friend Amy. My hospital bags were backed (including one, with my Gluten Free foods and a baby name book), and we waited for Amy to call me back...once she did it was arranged that her husband Bob would watch the kids and Amy would come up and keep me company. Either till I was admitted and Jessie arrived or till they sent me home.
When we got up to L & D, they checked me and there was still no change. I was still 3cm and only 80%. I was so frustrated I could have cried, but had a sneaking suspicion that this was a possibility. They still wanted to monitor the contractions to see if this was the real thing and if not, I was going home. Around 10pm - the nurse came in and said they were admitting me, starting pitocin & inducing labor. The reason: Peanut wasn't tolerating the contractions very well. Peanut's heart rate would drop every time I had a contraction, the OB doctor on call didn't like that. And to be honest I didn't either, we were actually going to say something the next time the nurse came in. This was the 2nd time Peanut did that, 1st being when I went in a couple of weeks ago. So I called Jessie - who was already aware that I was up there, and told him it was time to come home and what was going on. Then Peanut chose to move and resettle, which was a good thing, because it's heart rate stabilized. The doctor then gave me the decision to either go home and wait for labor to start OR to go ahead with the induction (Which I really didn't want, but I wasn't comfortable going home with Peanut's heart rate dipping like that.) SO I called Jessie and asked him what we should do. Told him my feelings on the matter, and he said he wasn't comfortable with me going home either. He would rather we get the induction started and have Peanut's arrival. So they waited till Jessie arrived before they would start the pitocin. Thankfully Amy waited with me till Jessie arrived. Bless her heart, because it was around 1:30/2am before he got there. While we waited, we walked and walked trying to get the contractions to move on their own. I'm so thankfully she was there, because we talked and talked, she kept me distracted thru my contractions.
When Jessie arrived, Amy when to rescue Bob. lol. No - he did a great job with 5 children in the house. Their boys went down easy, Cyril kept his brother and sister up for awhile before Bob had to step in and make him lay down. Amy & Bob made sure the kids got to school on time and safely. Melissa another MOPS mom friend watched David for the morning while Amy had a field trip with her oldest son. We will forever be greatful for them for all the help & support they provided.
Jessie and I walked around the L & D floor for about another hour before they started the pitocin, which was started around 3am. The staff were great for letting me do more walking and stuff naturally to get things going, they also kept the levels low till my OB doctor. Dr. B went on call at around 8am.Our nurse Liz called him. He said he would be there by10:30am to break my water if it hadn't broken by then. By about that time though things were getting very regular and strong. I am thankful that I took another friend's suggestion of acupressure up, because that helped get me through a lot of the contractions. At around 9:30am - nurse Liz (Jessie gave her such a hard time, but she was great, kidding around with him.) checked me. I was then 3-4cm & 90%, so we walked some more. At 10am - the strangest sensation I have EVER had happened. My water broke all on it's own. I never had that happen with the other 3, the funny thing was that i was in the bathroom, when it happened, glad there wasn't a huge mess. lol. After mentioning it to the nurse (now looking back it's funny how I mentioned it to her.), she double checked and confirmed that it had. This is when everything sped up.
Both my front contractions and back labor started kicking into over drive. It got to a point where the few acupressure points that I remembered, weren't doing enough to relieve the pain. I asked Jessie to run a bath for me, thinking if I could at least get relief from the back labor, things would be fine. I never got settled into the tub. I was on my knees the whole time. Jessie was wonderful. A great labor coach, he put pressure where I needed it, soothed me with the water when I needed it, but it was tough for him, since I didn't have any pain meds at this point. So I know the moaning & etc, I did through contractions, was tough because I was in so much pain and he couldn't take it away. By this point when I went into the tub -both sets of contractions started piggy-backing. (When one stopped, the other kind picked up.) It got to the point where I knew I needed something to take the edge off, I didn't think I could do it anymore. So I had Jessie go get our nurse, but after hearing a contraction, she checked me, and said I was to far gone to have any to relieve the pain.
This was at 11:15am - I was 8cm and 100%. I then had 2 more contractions, which I guess I started to push with those. She checked me again, and discovered that less then 5 minutes later, I was ready to push. She called Dr. B to come. I was ready for the show to get started, but like Jessie said, we waited this long for Dr. B - we could wait for a few more minutes. Thankfully Dr. B arrived shortly after that. It would be a long period of pushing though. We discovered through some of the pushing that Peanut had turned back over, so it was again posterior or sunny-side up (meaning facing the front instead of the tail bone.), so Dr. B was trying to get him to turn every time I pushed. It got really tough. Everyone was great, encouraging me when I didn't think I could do it anymore. I was exhausted and amazingly "slept" through a couple of contractions, or focused on something else.
Then I became one of "those" women. lol. Women that I swore I was never going to be, because I'd like to think of myself as more modest then that, more of a lady then that. But when "animal" instinct takes over to get that baby out, you do what you need to do. I ended up yelling thru the contractions towards the end, and it helped surprisingly. But trouble soon appeared after Peanut's head was delivered. Peanut's shoulders became stuck. I don't know if Jessie realized it or not, but I didn't realize that there was something wrong till all of sudden 4 more nurses arrived. They helped support my legs, while 1-2 other nurses pushed on my stomach from the top to give more force behind my contractions to help get Peanut out. I will never forget Dr. B said just as the nurses pushed on my stomach. Peanut would get a broken collar bone as a result. :(
Then after a few more minutes we heard: Congratulations you have a BOY! I knew it was all over. Gordon was born at 12:32pm on May 27th. And he really isn't a peanut. He was a whopping 10lbs 11oz (We have a picture showing 10lbs 8oz - so not sure which one is right.)and he's 21 inches long. NO wonder my labor took so long to start and he got stuck. I am happy, even though my labor was so intense and so tough that I didn't get the time for the drugs, because I didn't want them. I went into labor with that plan. And as a result Gordon was a much more alert baby, for which I'm very thankful. I still think it's humorous that it would take us most of the day to come up with a name for him.
His collar bone will heal on it's own - they don't do anything for it these days. We just have to be very careful around it, which is hard when you have a 3yr old wanting to hold his little brother all the time. Cyril & Dawn are very much in love with their new baby brother. Spencer is handling his disappointment that Gordan is a boy and not a girl very well. He also pays a bit more attention to Gordon then he did with Cyril. Which has been very interesting.
So that is Gordon's birth story....
God Bless.
On Wednesday May 26th, my contractions started up again, not regular, but strong. I figured it was due to the stress of dealing with Spencer's eye injury. I was feeling really tired, not myself, so I laid down to take a nap since Cyril was sleeping too. That was around 3:30pm, by 4:30pm I was awoken with some really strong contractions, this was when I noticed I had back labor too starting in. So I told Dawn what was going on, and decided to take a bath to see what would happen: would they get stronger and more regular or would they stop, like before. I was in the bath for about 30 minutes and this time, nothing happened positive or negative. So I told the kids to get their stuff ready, and I was going to call my friend Amy. My hospital bags were backed (including one, with my Gluten Free foods and a baby name book), and we waited for Amy to call me back...once she did it was arranged that her husband Bob would watch the kids and Amy would come up and keep me company. Either till I was admitted and Jessie arrived or till they sent me home.
When we got up to L & D, they checked me and there was still no change. I was still 3cm and only 80%. I was so frustrated I could have cried, but had a sneaking suspicion that this was a possibility. They still wanted to monitor the contractions to see if this was the real thing and if not, I was going home. Around 10pm - the nurse came in and said they were admitting me, starting pitocin & inducing labor. The reason: Peanut wasn't tolerating the contractions very well. Peanut's heart rate would drop every time I had a contraction, the OB doctor on call didn't like that. And to be honest I didn't either, we were actually going to say something the next time the nurse came in. This was the 2nd time Peanut did that, 1st being when I went in a couple of weeks ago. So I called Jessie - who was already aware that I was up there, and told him it was time to come home and what was going on. Then Peanut chose to move and resettle, which was a good thing, because it's heart rate stabilized. The doctor then gave me the decision to either go home and wait for labor to start OR to go ahead with the induction (Which I really didn't want, but I wasn't comfortable going home with Peanut's heart rate dipping like that.) SO I called Jessie and asked him what we should do. Told him my feelings on the matter, and he said he wasn't comfortable with me going home either. He would rather we get the induction started and have Peanut's arrival. So they waited till Jessie arrived before they would start the pitocin. Thankfully Amy waited with me till Jessie arrived. Bless her heart, because it was around 1:30/2am before he got there. While we waited, we walked and walked trying to get the contractions to move on their own. I'm so thankfully she was there, because we talked and talked, she kept me distracted thru my contractions.
When Jessie arrived, Amy when to rescue Bob. lol. No - he did a great job with 5 children in the house. Their boys went down easy, Cyril kept his brother and sister up for awhile before Bob had to step in and make him lay down. Amy & Bob made sure the kids got to school on time and safely. Melissa another MOPS mom friend watched David for the morning while Amy had a field trip with her oldest son. We will forever be greatful for them for all the help & support they provided.
Jessie and I walked around the L & D floor for about another hour before they started the pitocin, which was started around 3am. The staff were great for letting me do more walking and stuff naturally to get things going, they also kept the levels low till my OB doctor. Dr. B went on call at around 8am.Our nurse Liz called him. He said he would be there by10:30am to break my water if it hadn't broken by then. By about that time though things were getting very regular and strong. I am thankful that I took another friend's suggestion of acupressure up, because that helped get me through a lot of the contractions. At around 9:30am - nurse Liz (Jessie gave her such a hard time, but she was great, kidding around with him.) checked me. I was then 3-4cm & 90%, so we walked some more. At 10am - the strangest sensation I have EVER had happened. My water broke all on it's own. I never had that happen with the other 3, the funny thing was that i was in the bathroom, when it happened, glad there wasn't a huge mess. lol. After mentioning it to the nurse (now looking back it's funny how I mentioned it to her.), she double checked and confirmed that it had. This is when everything sped up.
Both my front contractions and back labor started kicking into over drive. It got to a point where the few acupressure points that I remembered, weren't doing enough to relieve the pain. I asked Jessie to run a bath for me, thinking if I could at least get relief from the back labor, things would be fine. I never got settled into the tub. I was on my knees the whole time. Jessie was wonderful. A great labor coach, he put pressure where I needed it, soothed me with the water when I needed it, but it was tough for him, since I didn't have any pain meds at this point. So I know the moaning & etc, I did through contractions, was tough because I was in so much pain and he couldn't take it away. By this point when I went into the tub -both sets of contractions started piggy-backing. (When one stopped, the other kind picked up.) It got to the point where I knew I needed something to take the edge off, I didn't think I could do it anymore. So I had Jessie go get our nurse, but after hearing a contraction, she checked me, and said I was to far gone to have any to relieve the pain.
This was at 11:15am - I was 8cm and 100%. I then had 2 more contractions, which I guess I started to push with those. She checked me again, and discovered that less then 5 minutes later, I was ready to push. She called Dr. B to come. I was ready for the show to get started, but like Jessie said, we waited this long for Dr. B - we could wait for a few more minutes. Thankfully Dr. B arrived shortly after that. It would be a long period of pushing though. We discovered through some of the pushing that Peanut had turned back over, so it was again posterior or sunny-side up (meaning facing the front instead of the tail bone.), so Dr. B was trying to get him to turn every time I pushed. It got really tough. Everyone was great, encouraging me when I didn't think I could do it anymore. I was exhausted and amazingly "slept" through a couple of contractions, or focused on something else.
Then I became one of "those" women. lol. Women that I swore I was never going to be, because I'd like to think of myself as more modest then that, more of a lady then that. But when "animal" instinct takes over to get that baby out, you do what you need to do. I ended up yelling thru the contractions towards the end, and it helped surprisingly. But trouble soon appeared after Peanut's head was delivered. Peanut's shoulders became stuck. I don't know if Jessie realized it or not, but I didn't realize that there was something wrong till all of sudden 4 more nurses arrived. They helped support my legs, while 1-2 other nurses pushed on my stomach from the top to give more force behind my contractions to help get Peanut out. I will never forget Dr. B said just as the nurses pushed on my stomach. Peanut would get a broken collar bone as a result. :(
Then after a few more minutes we heard: Congratulations you have a BOY! I knew it was all over. Gordon was born at 12:32pm on May 27th. And he really isn't a peanut. He was a whopping 10lbs 11oz (We have a picture showing 10lbs 8oz - so not sure which one is right.)and he's 21 inches long. NO wonder my labor took so long to start and he got stuck. I am happy, even though my labor was so intense and so tough that I didn't get the time for the drugs, because I didn't want them. I went into labor with that plan. And as a result Gordon was a much more alert baby, for which I'm very thankful. I still think it's humorous that it would take us most of the day to come up with a name for him.
His collar bone will heal on it's own - they don't do anything for it these days. We just have to be very careful around it, which is hard when you have a 3yr old wanting to hold his little brother all the time. Cyril & Dawn are very much in love with their new baby brother. Spencer is handling his disappointment that Gordan is a boy and not a girl very well. He also pays a bit more attention to Gordon then he did with Cyril. Which has been very interesting.
God Bless.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Busy, Busy.
The last couple of weeks have been very busy at our household, hence the long silence on my part. Our Peanut made HIS arrival on May 27th, 2010. But I'll save all the details for another entry...just cause I can. lol. Spencer also got hurt during that same week on Tuesday the 25th. And let me tell you it's been a learning experience as far as helping to get the injury to heal.
Spencer was bouncing a bouncy ball in the back yard, showing one of the daycare kids, how high it went. The 1st several times everything went well, but then some how instead of bouncing forward, it bounced back and struck Spencer full force in the eye. He dropped like a ton of bricks, as you can imagine. After about 20 minutes with an ice pack, looking at the eye, seeing a bit of blood on the eye ball itself, I knew that this was a little more serious. So we called the Eye Doctor, who advised us to come in right away. After looking at the eye, come to find out, Spencer had a severe cut on the cornea of the eye, and a blood vessel had ruptured on the iris. At 1st the doctor couldn't tell if the retina was intact, due to all of the blood, so we had got some medicated drops, and had to return 24hrs later. We would later discover the good news that, his retina is still intact, but will have to be on guard for the next 3yrs, because a retina can still become detached after an injury like this. Poor guy. We are still doing medicated drops, and seeing the doctor every few days to make sure that the eye is healing. The cut on the cornea is healed, but we are waiting for the blood and inflammation to go down in the eye. His eyesight is returning to normal so hopefully things will get better.
The kids have were busy having end of the year school activities and parties to celebrate the end of the school year. Dawn's school got to go to Valley Fair, this past week they got to go to a movie, and pretty much have an easy last 2 weeks of school. Spencer's class got to go the Diary Queen for a middle of the day treat. Actually all the classes go in the elementary school. Doesn't your heart go out to those employees of the Diary Queen? lol.
I ended up having almost no daycare kids these last two weeks, so that was very interesting. I miss my "kids" terribly, but it was really nice spending that last week with my kids, before peanut arrived, even on the day Spencer got his injury.
I didn't even make it to my last OB appointment before Peanut arrived. lol. He actually arrived the day of my last appointment. It was a nice long weekend for us to enjoy as a family with our new addition. This week has been very quiet, and interesting learning how to get things done with 2 little boys in the house, and trying to get 4 kids ready at night for bed. I've been so thankfully of my MOPS moms who have brought us dinner these last couple of nights. They have been Heaven sent, knowing that I didn't need to worry about a meal for the kids at night.
Last night we had our 1st officially event out of the house since our little guy was born. We had our annual MOPS family picnic last night. It was great seeing some of the MOPS moms again, the kids had a blast at the park and the splash pad. Thankfully the rain held off till we were pretty much done. Then it seems like everyone made a dash. lol. It was a great evening...
Spencer was bouncing a bouncy ball in the back yard, showing one of the daycare kids, how high it went. The 1st several times everything went well, but then some how instead of bouncing forward, it bounced back and struck Spencer full force in the eye. He dropped like a ton of bricks, as you can imagine. After about 20 minutes with an ice pack, looking at the eye, seeing a bit of blood on the eye ball itself, I knew that this was a little more serious. So we called the Eye Doctor, who advised us to come in right away. After looking at the eye, come to find out, Spencer had a severe cut on the cornea of the eye, and a blood vessel had ruptured on the iris. At 1st the doctor couldn't tell if the retina was intact, due to all of the blood, so we had got some medicated drops, and had to return 24hrs later. We would later discover the good news that, his retina is still intact, but will have to be on guard for the next 3yrs, because a retina can still become detached after an injury like this. Poor guy. We are still doing medicated drops, and seeing the doctor every few days to make sure that the eye is healing. The cut on the cornea is healed, but we are waiting for the blood and inflammation to go down in the eye. His eyesight is returning to normal so hopefully things will get better.
The kids have were busy having end of the year school activities and parties to celebrate the end of the school year. Dawn's school got to go to Valley Fair, this past week they got to go to a movie, and pretty much have an easy last 2 weeks of school. Spencer's class got to go the Diary Queen for a middle of the day treat. Actually all the classes go in the elementary school. Doesn't your heart go out to those employees of the Diary Queen? lol.
I ended up having almost no daycare kids these last two weeks, so that was very interesting. I miss my "kids" terribly, but it was really nice spending that last week with my kids, before peanut arrived, even on the day Spencer got his injury.
I didn't even make it to my last OB appointment before Peanut arrived. lol. He actually arrived the day of my last appointment. It was a nice long weekend for us to enjoy as a family with our new addition. This week has been very quiet, and interesting learning how to get things done with 2 little boys in the house, and trying to get 4 kids ready at night for bed. I've been so thankfully of my MOPS moms who have brought us dinner these last couple of nights. They have been Heaven sent, knowing that I didn't need to worry about a meal for the kids at night.
Last night we had our 1st officially event out of the house since our little guy was born. We had our annual MOPS family picnic last night. It was great seeing some of the MOPS moms again, the kids had a blast at the park and the splash pad. Thankfully the rain held off till we were pretty much done. Then it seems like everyone made a dash. lol. It was a great evening...
Monday, May 24, 2010
I wonder
Spencer has been having a really rough time this month as far as sensory things go. Even though he has the injuries that he has, it's easy to forget about them at times, and think of him as a normal 10 year old boy. But this morning, as a lot of mornings recently have gone, I'm reminded so clearly that he is not. He thank goodness has stopped fighting about his new shoes. It only took a week this time...they are a little bigger then I would prefer, but at least they aren't a size and half bigger like he wanted. I think last time, it was over a month before he finally stopped....which I predict will happen again this fall. Wish I could just keep him in tennis shoes all summer, would that prevent that battle from occurring? We are on week 2 of battles with the socks. Sigh. SOCKS!!! Who knew that these little buggers along with clothes would become my enemy every darn morning? He thankfully didn't fight me about wearing shorts this morning, but he did try to sneak out of the house without wearing socks. He cries every morning because they "don't feel" right. How to you argue with or justify to a child that they are just fine? With his shoe size he's right in the middle of them, so I know they fit just fine. The problem is he likes to wear them (if you aren't paying attention) till he stretches them out sloppy big and then to him the "feel right". Sigh. To a parent that has never had a child with sensory issues or a brain trauma...I can see you all. Just tell him to "suck it up", deal with and etc. Trust me there have been times, we've done that, but it's more then that, trying thinking of something you absolutely hate to do or wear because the sound bothers you, the taste is disgusts you/makes you gag, the clothes bother you because of the texture and etc. Everyone has something in 1 of the 5 senses that bothers the hec out of them. They avoid it like a plague. NOW - take that feeling and apply it across the board in all 5 senses. You know have an small idea what my son and every other child with sensory issues goes thru. And even though we learn to avoid those things, sometimes we can't, but we are able to work thru it. These children are not able to. Hence the daily battles. I just pray that we can find a happy medium. As I spend time with my Uncle Greg, or listen to what's going on with him...I wonder if this is where my son will be?
And I wonder if it will every get any easier for us as a family, and for him as a person to deal with his injuries. We've had a lot of stress at our house this past month, due to various circumstances, some of them have been within our control and others are annoyingly not within our control. Some of them have taken the focus off my children for brief periods of time, and I think Spencer has been picking up on those things as well, maybe that's why things have gotten worse lately with his behavior and with his sensory issues. Or at least a contributing factor. This summer will be very interesting for the older two, hopefully the various activities that I have planned will help some what, and I have to honestly now consider the possibility of eventually having to homeschool at least Spencer.
He's coming to that age where he realizes that he is different, and knows that there really isn't anything that he can do to change it. And that hurts so much, as his mother. I would love for my little boy to stay in the world where he doesn't notice his differences, and he doesn't realize that others are not like that...but it's not the case anymore, and last night, he wanted to know what he did wrong to be this way. It broke my heart, I tried to explain he didn't do anything wrong. After our conversation, all I could do when I went to bed last night, is cry for my son. He's being picked on at school, and will not tell me by whom. How can I protect my son from this hurt along with the other hurts in life? As a mother, my protective instincts come out big time, how could they not? But I know that as he gets older, I must let him deal with these, and be there in the wings for him.
God Bless...
And I wonder if it will every get any easier for us as a family, and for him as a person to deal with his injuries. We've had a lot of stress at our house this past month, due to various circumstances, some of them have been within our control and others are annoyingly not within our control. Some of them have taken the focus off my children for brief periods of time, and I think Spencer has been picking up on those things as well, maybe that's why things have gotten worse lately with his behavior and with his sensory issues. Or at least a contributing factor. This summer will be very interesting for the older two, hopefully the various activities that I have planned will help some what, and I have to honestly now consider the possibility of eventually having to homeschool at least Spencer.
He's coming to that age where he realizes that he is different, and knows that there really isn't anything that he can do to change it. And that hurts so much, as his mother. I would love for my little boy to stay in the world where he doesn't notice his differences, and he doesn't realize that others are not like that...but it's not the case anymore, and last night, he wanted to know what he did wrong to be this way. It broke my heart, I tried to explain he didn't do anything wrong. After our conversation, all I could do when I went to bed last night, is cry for my son. He's being picked on at school, and will not tell me by whom. How can I protect my son from this hurt along with the other hurts in life? As a mother, my protective instincts come out big time, how could they not? But I know that as he gets older, I must let him deal with these, and be there in the wings for him.
God Bless...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
39 weeks...
Today is the 39 week mark. The last couple of weeks have been busy as far as the every day family life goes, but as far as baby news goes...nothing. sigh. lol. We had a great visit with my uncle Greg last weekend. He came up with my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Steve. It was the 1st time in 8 mos that I've seen him. He looked really good, but sounded different at times. It was strange to see my uncle but at times to listen to him and know that he was a different Greg. I can't wait to see him again though...hopefully in the next couple of weeks.
Dawn has had an exciting week this week as far as school goes. The entire school got to go Valleyfair for a day this past week. I thought it was just her grade, but it was the entire school had the option. She had so much fun. It was great to see the sparkle in her eyes from having so much fun. She decided to be in Marching Band this summer. So it will be interesting how that goes, I think she'll have a blast. I remember how much fun it was. She also this week go word that she is going to be a WEB leader next year. It's a special mentor type position for the 7th & 8th graders to be for the new students and for the incoming 6th graders. It's really cool. Out of 600+ students in her grade, over 300+ students applied to be one, and it was narrowed down to less then 20 students I believe. So it's really cool that she got selected.
As far as progress goes in regards to the pregnancy...it's coming. Slowly. I swear I think that Peanut is a girl, since things are progressing so slowly. My due date is officially 7 days away counting today. And after seeing Dr. B on Thursday - we have a game plan. If peanut doesn't show by next weekend, we talked about an induction date of either the 1st or 2nd week of June. So either way by June 12th (I'll be 42weeks along) we will have a new addition to the family. To be honest the last couple of weeks have been tough. I feel like I'm having hot flashes all the time, I'm nauseated, feel like a beached whale and the list goes on. I am having contractions, but they aren't regular...not the Braxton Hicks contractions. I've made some progressive changes down there since I was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago, but it's been disappointing at the pace. When I start Dr. B on Thursday, I know have permission to do stuff naturally to encourage labor. But like he said, if labor isn't ready to start it won't go. He even tried stripping my membranes on Thursday. Oh lordy! Was that uncomfortable. No I didn't think it was going to be pleasant, but I did not expect it to hurt either. But as you can tell, it didn't work.
I've been drinking my red raspberry leaf tea almost every day, and squatting when the contractions do hit and get strong, so we'll see if that will work. I'm going to try a few other things this coming week to see if things will start. Ever since Thursday though, things are getting more and more uncomfortable. It would be great to hear at this coming week's appointment that I'm a 4 or 5cm instead of just 3cm. Next week would be a great time for this peanut to show, because my 3 main daycare kids are gone for the week. But as we all know the peanut will arrive on God's time, not mine.
God Bless
Dawn has had an exciting week this week as far as school goes. The entire school got to go Valleyfair for a day this past week. I thought it was just her grade, but it was the entire school had the option. She had so much fun. It was great to see the sparkle in her eyes from having so much fun. She decided to be in Marching Band this summer. So it will be interesting how that goes, I think she'll have a blast. I remember how much fun it was. She also this week go word that she is going to be a WEB leader next year. It's a special mentor type position for the 7th & 8th graders to be for the new students and for the incoming 6th graders. It's really cool. Out of 600+ students in her grade, over 300+ students applied to be one, and it was narrowed down to less then 20 students I believe. So it's really cool that she got selected.
As far as progress goes in regards to the pregnancy...it's coming. Slowly. I swear I think that Peanut is a girl, since things are progressing so slowly. My due date is officially 7 days away counting today. And after seeing Dr. B on Thursday - we have a game plan. If peanut doesn't show by next weekend, we talked about an induction date of either the 1st or 2nd week of June. So either way by June 12th (I'll be 42weeks along) we will have a new addition to the family. To be honest the last couple of weeks have been tough. I feel like I'm having hot flashes all the time, I'm nauseated, feel like a beached whale and the list goes on. I am having contractions, but they aren't regular...not the Braxton Hicks contractions. I've made some progressive changes down there since I was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago, but it's been disappointing at the pace. When I start Dr. B on Thursday, I know have permission to do stuff naturally to encourage labor. But like he said, if labor isn't ready to start it won't go. He even tried stripping my membranes on Thursday. Oh lordy! Was that uncomfortable. No I didn't think it was going to be pleasant, but I did not expect it to hurt either. But as you can tell, it didn't work.
I've been drinking my red raspberry leaf tea almost every day, and squatting when the contractions do hit and get strong, so we'll see if that will work. I'm going to try a few other things this coming week to see if things will start. Ever since Thursday though, things are getting more and more uncomfortable. It would be great to hear at this coming week's appointment that I'm a 4 or 5cm instead of just 3cm. Next week would be a great time for this peanut to show, because my 3 main daycare kids are gone for the week. But as we all know the peanut will arrive on God's time, not mine.
God Bless
Saturday, May 8, 2010
37 weeks
We have now reached the official "full-term" marker today. Yay! So truly now baby can come any day, since everything is now considered ready. Up until this week I was feeling really good, especially considering this is baby no. 4. Sure I had moments where I was exhausted, but then again what woman wouldn't be running after daycare children and her own all week long? Even though I had horrible morning sickness with this one, we had the H1N1 go thru our house, it's been a fairly smooth sailing pregnancy. I don't even really count that scare I had a couple of weeks ago. Compared to the complications that I had with the boys, this has been great, similar to what I had when I was pregnant with Dawn, including the emotional stressors I have had this pregnancy. Drama is all I say on that one.
This week though, things are progressing some more. I had my 36 week check up this week with Dr. B. He is so charming and makes me laugh. This time Dawn got to go with and hear the baby's heartbeat. She has yet to be able to go to an appointment with me during this pregnancy because of school. So it was fun watching her expression when she heard Peanut's heartbeat. She said all in the same breathe "That's so cool, but it's really weird." lol. Dr. B told us some funny stories about what his 5 boys did growing up. So it was a good 1st visit for Dawn to be there with. Everything is going good. Blood pressure was actually low considering the stressors that I've been under lately. 104/58. I think that's one of the lowest I've ever had. My weight went up, but I was retaining a lot of water this week, and it didn't help that I ate some potato chips either the night before the appointment. Peanut's heartbeat was in the high 140's. I told Dr. B about some of the changes that I've been experiencing and he said it makes sense that I would be feeling them, since this is baby 4. He nor I felt like I needed to be checked, that will happen next week.
Fast forward to yesterday afternoon. We started to get a tad bit excited yesterday. I saw some physical changes, along with getting some contractions about 30-40 minutes apart. They were consistent and I continued to feel like I've gone horseback riding without the benefit of a horse. (I've felt like that all week-not to mention but it feels like the baby is dropping.)They never got really uncomfortable, but enough for me to stop and take notice of the time. And later last night when the back labor contractions kicked in, they did get stronger, where I needed to breathe thru them. They got down to about 4minutes apart. I know that some of you are thinking why didn't you go up? A lot of the physical signs weren't quite there yet, nor did the pain, I got from the contractions warrant a trip up to Labor and Delivery (L & D). I'm glad i didn't go, because at 5am this morning, they stopped till about 8am. Now I'm having constant back "ache", and the contractions are anywhere from 5-20minutes apart. They are quite a bit stronger, but again nothing that I'm going to up for L & D for yet. It could stay like this till way past my due date, or we could be blessed with Peanut's arrival tomorrow.
It's all in God's hands. He knows Peanut's birthday, and the plan. Would be nice if He shared it with me. ;) So we'll take it semi-easy this weekend. Even though I've got the itch to get this house spotless from top to bottom, I need to work on Peanut's baby blanket, I'm close but not close enough to finish it. I wanted Peanut to come home with it. So hopefully the kids and Jessie will be on board to helping get the house ready. We also need to finalize plans for the kids' childcare/sleeping arrangements for once I go up to L & D. Somethings came up this morning, that don't make me comfortable with the arrangements we once had.
God Bless
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
36 weeks...
Things are slowly changing in my body, as it gets ready for the pending birth.I've noticed since late last week, a few changes. It will be interesting to see if there's been any physical changes at my 37week appointment. I think things have changed slightly that way. Nothing to get all excited about because these changes can take up the next 4 weeks, or cause me to go at the end of the week. :) Some friends and family have started picking dates on when this peanut will make it's debut, but we'll see, who's the closest.
Jessie talked to the kids about helping a little more till after the baby is born, but we'll keep them helping with those few chores long after the baby is born. We don't see any reason why they have to stop doing chores just because the baby has arrived. It's not a whole hec of a lot of chores either, even though to the kids they are dying. lol. I'm glad that he talked to them about it, because I'm not sleeping well at night for a variety of reasons, my body is making me slow down, it's been interesting having to squat and bend to pick up stuff. I swear there's been a few times I wasn't sure I was going to get back up. lol. It's hard to get things done like the dishes, because the bump is getting into the way. Dawn is poking fun at me, but she's got questions too. So it's been an interesting journey for mother & daughter I think.
This past weekend, Dawn & I went scrapbooking for the day on Saturday, and when we came back Jessie surprised me with rearranging our bedroom and getting the crib set up in our room. I've got all of Peanut's clothes washed and waiting. So between those two things, it feels like it's time. I'm getting really excited about the arrival now. I just want it to hurry up and get here, but on the one hand, I'll willing for it to wait till it's ready...for now.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
30 days to go
It's hard to believe that I'm now 1 month from my due date. Jeez! It's flown by so fast. I will have to admit regardless of if this baby is a girl or a boy, it was by far the best pregnancy I've had - as far as a smooth sailing, stereotypical pregnancy. We had the one hiccup, but that was nothing compared to the others. I feel great and have for the most part keep the weight gain under control, I think mainly due to my gluten allergy. (Should I thank that too? lol.)
I am 35wks, 5 days, and had a doctor's appointment today. I had to have the strep B test done, but I'm sure that will be fine. I'm happy to report no "exams" till 37 weeks. I HATE those, then again I don't know any WOMAN who does. Considering the scare and stress I got yesterday(after I've talked to my attorney about some things I will post the WHOLE story.), my blood pressure was relatively normal: 116/68. Cyril loved listening to his "baby's" heartbeat. This time he told Dr. B and I that it sounded like rain. Spencer said one time that it sounds like someone is running. lol. Heartbeat was in the 150's and Peanut was moving, just wish it would stop doing that at the same time as a Braxton Hick contraction. Ouch!
I think the best part of the entire appointment was that I have lost 9lbs since last week. One can hope that the water weight has settled down and will stay that way till the end. I've been so annoyed this last month and a half because I gained 12lbs, no real reason behind it expect water weight. I was hoping that it was all baby, but then again I don't WANT to give birth to a baby that large. 9lb babies are big enough, thank you very much. lol.
I'm getting excited now, and can't wait to meet Peanut. Hope I didn't jinx anything by picking up a couple of girl clothes at some garage sales today. Fingers are crossed. ;)
God Bless
I am 35wks, 5 days, and had a doctor's appointment today. I had to have the strep B test done, but I'm sure that will be fine. I'm happy to report no "exams" till 37 weeks. I HATE those, then again I don't know any WOMAN who does. Considering the scare and stress I got yesterday(after I've talked to my attorney about some things I will post the WHOLE story.), my blood pressure was relatively normal: 116/68. Cyril loved listening to his "baby's" heartbeat. This time he told Dr. B and I that it sounded like rain. Spencer said one time that it sounds like someone is running. lol. Heartbeat was in the 150's and Peanut was moving, just wish it would stop doing that at the same time as a Braxton Hick contraction. Ouch!
I think the best part of the entire appointment was that I have lost 9lbs since last week. One can hope that the water weight has settled down and will stay that way till the end. I've been so annoyed this last month and a half because I gained 12lbs, no real reason behind it expect water weight. I was hoping that it was all baby, but then again I don't WANT to give birth to a baby that large. 9lb babies are big enough, thank you very much. lol.
I'm getting excited now, and can't wait to meet Peanut. Hope I didn't jinx anything by picking up a couple of girl clothes at some garage sales today. Fingers are crossed. ;)
God Bless
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Gluten Free Challenge #7
TIP #7 Natural Healing: Spice up your diet with anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric.
RECIPE #7
April 28, 2010
This savory and sweet sandwich is a wonderfully satisfying delight. It's also very easy to make - ENJOY!
Easy Monte Cristo Sandwiches
2 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup plus 2 Tablespoon milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 slices gluten-free thinly sliced ham
12 slices gluten-free thinly slice turkey
2/3 cup strawberry fruit spread
powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Yield: 6 servings
Heat oven to 375º.
Lightly grease an 8-inch x 8-inch square baking dish. Mix the Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix and the butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, add the milk, and stir with a fork. Put half the mixture in the bottom of your baking pan, then sprinkle on 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 of the thinly sliced ham, then 1/2 of the thinly sliced turkey. Spread strawberry fruit spread on top spreading to within 1/2 inch of the edge, then layer the last half of the ham, then the last half of the turkey, then sprinkle on 1 cup mozzarella. Spread the rest of the baking mix on top, and bake for 30 minutes. When nicely browned remove from the oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Cut into wedges and enjoy.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
RECIPE #7
April 28, 2010
This savory and sweet sandwich is a wonderfully satisfying delight. It's also very easy to make - ENJOY!
Easy Monte Cristo Sandwiches
2 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup plus 2 Tablespoon milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 slices gluten-free thinly sliced ham
12 slices gluten-free thinly slice turkey
2/3 cup strawberry fruit spread
powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Yield: 6 servings
Heat oven to 375º.
Lightly grease an 8-inch x 8-inch square baking dish. Mix the Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix and the butter with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, add the milk, and stir with a fork. Put half the mixture in the bottom of your baking pan, then sprinkle on 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 of the thinly sliced ham, then 1/2 of the thinly sliced turkey. Spread strawberry fruit spread on top spreading to within 1/2 inch of the edge, then layer the last half of the ham, then the last half of the turkey, then sprinkle on 1 cup mozzarella. Spread the rest of the baking mix on top, and bake for 30 minutes. When nicely browned remove from the oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Cut into wedges and enjoy.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
Gluten Free Challenge #6
TIP #6 Save Money: Soak, and then cook, your own dried beans in a slow-cooker. Dried beans are cheap, nutritious and gluten-free. Make a lot and freeze in small bags so cooked beans are always handy to throw in a chili or stew. They forgot to mention for soups too. This is what we have been doing, and I can attest that it not only saves money, but you can add your OWN seasonings and spices. You can rest assured that it won't be contaminated by "their" seasonings & spices.
RECIPE #6
April 27, 2010
This is a much easier recie than it looks, don't let the length of this recipe fool you. Everyone will love this tasty empanada with chipotle cream sauce. This is another recipe that can be personalized. Try filling the dough with any of your favorite pie treats, such as other meat and vegetable mixtures, fruits with sugar and cinnamon. Be creative and enjoy!
Cajun Spiced Empanadas with Chipotle Cream Sauce
Dough:
1 bag (3-1/2 cups) Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix
2 sticks unsalted butter, chilled
1/2 cup ice water
1/2 cup Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix for rolling
1 egg, beaten for forming the empanadas
Filling:
1-1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, small diced
2 Anaheim peppers, seeded and small diced
1 Jalapeño, seeded and small diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning, preferably without salt
1 Tablespoon ancho chili powder
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup golden raisins
juice of 1/2 lime
Chipotle Cream Sauce:
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 chipotles in adobe sauce
1 Tablespoon Agave syrup (honey or sugar may be substituted)
Yield: Makes approximately 12-14 Empanadas
Empanada Dough Instructions: Cut up both chilled butter sticks into small squares and add to Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix. Using either your fingers or a pastry cutter blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse pea-sized crumbles, careful not to over blend so that the butter does not melt too much. Slowly add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time using a fork to blend with the dough. When the dough just begins to come together use your hands to bring it together. The dough should not be too sticky or so dry it is falling apart.
Shape into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Set in fridge at least 1 hour or until ready to use. Dough can be frozen overnight and taken out and thawed the next day at room temperature or in fridge.
Filling Instructions: Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add peppers and sauté 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add garlic and sauté 2 min. Turn heat to medium-high. Add beef and coarsely crumble into mixture until well-incorporated and pea-sized. Add the rest of ingredients and sauté until all the juice has evaporated from pan. Take mixture off stove and allow to cool to room temperature (note: the beef mixture can be made a day ahead of time and held in the fridge until ready for use).
Making the Empanadas: Pre-heat oven to 375º. Roll out a long sheet of wax or parchment paper and dust lightly with Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix. Set dough on sheet and press down with hands to form an even round, then dust top with additional mix. Place another sheet of wax or parchment paper over and roll dough out until approximately 3/4-inch thick. Using a 4-inch round pastry cutter, or anything approximately that big in your kitchen, cut out circles. Place another, smaller piece of parchment down and dust with mix then set one circle down, dust top and roll out to 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness. They will be approximately 6-inches in diameter.
Put two heaping spoonfuls of the beef mixture in the center of the dough. Using either a pastry brush or your fingers brush a small amount of the beaten egg all along the edges of the dough. Gently fold the dough over and match the ends together lightly pressing down to seal any open spaces. Press a fork all along the edge of the empanada and placed finished pastry on a well-greased cookie sheet. Repeat the above instructions for the rest of the empanadas. Dough can be pulled back together and rolled back out to yield more.
Brush the tops of each empanada with the egg mixture and place in oven. Cook 17-20 minutes or until dough is lightly browned, edges will be slightly more browned. Take out and serve with a dab of Chipotle Creme Sauce for dipping.
Chipotle Cream Sauce Instructions: Blend all ingredients in a blender at high speed until fully blended. Sauce can be chilled in fridge until ready for use; also makes a great dip for chips and vegetables.
Chef's Notes: If you have only one bag of Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix you can substitute Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix for the rolling and forming of the empanadas. You can also make the filling spicier by leaving some of the seeds of the peppers, but be warned - the sauce is pretty spicy! Or, for less spice, cut the spices, this is true for both the sauce and the filling.
The filling is entirely up to you! I love this filling because the raisins balance out the heat of the peppers and seasoning, but feel free to use turkey, pork, lamb, or even just sautéed vegetables! It can also be made vegan by simply substituting shortening for the butter and making an all vegetable filling.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
RECIPE #6
April 27, 2010
This is a much easier recie than it looks, don't let the length of this recipe fool you. Everyone will love this tasty empanada with chipotle cream sauce. This is another recipe that can be personalized. Try filling the dough with any of your favorite pie treats, such as other meat and vegetable mixtures, fruits with sugar and cinnamon. Be creative and enjoy!
Cajun Spiced Empanadas with Chipotle Cream Sauce
Dough:
1 bag (3-1/2 cups) Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix
2 sticks unsalted butter, chilled
1/2 cup ice water
1/2 cup Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix for rolling
1 egg, beaten for forming the empanadas
Filling:
1-1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, small diced
2 Anaheim peppers, seeded and small diced
1 Jalapeño, seeded and small diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning, preferably without salt
1 Tablespoon ancho chili powder
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup golden raisins
juice of 1/2 lime
Chipotle Cream Sauce:
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 chipotles in adobe sauce
1 Tablespoon Agave syrup (honey or sugar may be substituted)
Yield: Makes approximately 12-14 Empanadas
Empanada Dough Instructions: Cut up both chilled butter sticks into small squares and add to Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix. Using either your fingers or a pastry cutter blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse pea-sized crumbles, careful not to over blend so that the butter does not melt too much. Slowly add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time using a fork to blend with the dough. When the dough just begins to come together use your hands to bring it together. The dough should not be too sticky or so dry it is falling apart.
Shape into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Set in fridge at least 1 hour or until ready to use. Dough can be frozen overnight and taken out and thawed the next day at room temperature or in fridge.
Filling Instructions: Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add peppers and sauté 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add garlic and sauté 2 min. Turn heat to medium-high. Add beef and coarsely crumble into mixture until well-incorporated and pea-sized. Add the rest of ingredients and sauté until all the juice has evaporated from pan. Take mixture off stove and allow to cool to room temperature (note: the beef mixture can be made a day ahead of time and held in the fridge until ready for use).
Making the Empanadas: Pre-heat oven to 375º. Roll out a long sheet of wax or parchment paper and dust lightly with Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix. Set dough on sheet and press down with hands to form an even round, then dust top with additional mix. Place another sheet of wax or parchment paper over and roll dough out until approximately 3/4-inch thick. Using a 4-inch round pastry cutter, or anything approximately that big in your kitchen, cut out circles. Place another, smaller piece of parchment down and dust with mix then set one circle down, dust top and roll out to 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness. They will be approximately 6-inches in diameter.
Put two heaping spoonfuls of the beef mixture in the center of the dough. Using either a pastry brush or your fingers brush a small amount of the beaten egg all along the edges of the dough. Gently fold the dough over and match the ends together lightly pressing down to seal any open spaces. Press a fork all along the edge of the empanada and placed finished pastry on a well-greased cookie sheet. Repeat the above instructions for the rest of the empanadas. Dough can be pulled back together and rolled back out to yield more.
Brush the tops of each empanada with the egg mixture and place in oven. Cook 17-20 minutes or until dough is lightly browned, edges will be slightly more browned. Take out and serve with a dab of Chipotle Creme Sauce for dipping.
Chipotle Cream Sauce Instructions: Blend all ingredients in a blender at high speed until fully blended. Sauce can be chilled in fridge until ready for use; also makes a great dip for chips and vegetables.
Chef's Notes: If you have only one bag of Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix you can substitute Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix for the rolling and forming of the empanadas. You can also make the filling spicier by leaving some of the seeds of the peppers, but be warned - the sauce is pretty spicy! Or, for less spice, cut the spices, this is true for both the sauce and the filling.
The filling is entirely up to you! I love this filling because the raisins balance out the heat of the peppers and seasoning, but feel free to use turkey, pork, lamb, or even just sautéed vegetables! It can also be made vegan by simply substituting shortening for the butter and making an all vegetable filling.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
Good Samaritans left?
After see that horrible article about the NYC Good Samaritan dieing after being stabbed helping a stranger. It broke my heart and made me so mad! What has happened to all the Good Samaritans out there? Do people not remember what GOD has taught us about being the Good Samaritan? Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37, are they that selfish or are they afraid?
It seems that maybe it's a little bit of both. Afraid for the legal consequences for helping someone. Last year or a couple of years ago out in California, a man was sued by a friend/co-worker, after they were involved in an car accident. She became paralyzed and sued him...saying he should have waited till help arrived. He said he feared that the car was going to catch fire and feared for her safety. I was shocked to learn that she won her lawsuit. My heart goes out to her, for the life changes, but what if the car had caught on fire - and she suffered 3rd degree burns all over her body. I think she would have sued him for NOT removing her from the car. Maybe she is that type of person. This is just one of many that I have heard thru the years...there is a law that is supposed to protect the Good Samaritan...but it doesn't always seem to work. Also people have been hurt or killed being the Good Samaritan because of the evil & greed of others. SO I can see the fear...but how do you explain selfishness?
How am I supposed to teach my children and my daycare children about being Good Samaritans when we are all greeted with these kinds of people? Today though...was different. This morning gave me hope that there are still good people out there like me, who try to be or are the Good Samaritans.
I was having to run to Spencer's school, and on my way I saw a garage almost completely engulfed in flames. We pass this house every day going to and from school. I've seen the little old lady that lives there. She was the 1st thought I had. Is she okay? Does she know that her garage is on fire? And then I saw them. At 1st 3 men all surrounding her, comforting her, assisting her away from the garage and her home...to safety. Then I saw others, on their phones, calling 911. Then shortly before I pulled away, another comfort filled me as I said a prayer for these people, a police officer rushing to the scene. Here today in our small town, in Minnesota...GOD showed me that there are indeed people who are willing to still be the Good Samaritans, regardless of their safety.
GOD bless
It seems that maybe it's a little bit of both. Afraid for the legal consequences for helping someone. Last year or a couple of years ago out in California, a man was sued by a friend/co-worker, after they were involved in an car accident. She became paralyzed and sued him...saying he should have waited till help arrived. He said he feared that the car was going to catch fire and feared for her safety. I was shocked to learn that she won her lawsuit. My heart goes out to her, for the life changes, but what if the car had caught on fire - and she suffered 3rd degree burns all over her body. I think she would have sued him for NOT removing her from the car. Maybe she is that type of person. This is just one of many that I have heard thru the years...there is a law that is supposed to protect the Good Samaritan...but it doesn't always seem to work. Also people have been hurt or killed being the Good Samaritan because of the evil & greed of others. SO I can see the fear...but how do you explain selfishness?
How am I supposed to teach my children and my daycare children about being Good Samaritans when we are all greeted with these kinds of people? Today though...was different. This morning gave me hope that there are still good people out there like me, who try to be or are the Good Samaritans.
I was having to run to Spencer's school, and on my way I saw a garage almost completely engulfed in flames. We pass this house every day going to and from school. I've seen the little old lady that lives there. She was the 1st thought I had. Is she okay? Does she know that her garage is on fire? And then I saw them. At 1st 3 men all surrounding her, comforting her, assisting her away from the garage and her home...to safety. Then I saw others, on their phones, calling 911. Then shortly before I pulled away, another comfort filled me as I said a prayer for these people, a police officer rushing to the scene. Here today in our small town, in Minnesota...GOD showed me that there are indeed people who are willing to still be the Good Samaritans, regardless of their safety.
GOD bless
Monday, April 26, 2010
Gluten Free Challenge #5
TIP #5 Quick Snack Idea: Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter where it’s visible and always handy to grab one for a nutritious snack. Fruit is always gluten-free and munching on fresh fruits is one of the most healthful ways to snack. If you like dried fruit, buy your own dehydrator. Then you can have safe, delicious dried fruit anytime!
RECIPE #5
April 26, 2010
This is such a great recipe because it's very simple and easy to make, but it's also full of great healthful corn and berries. The texture is delightful and they're hearty and delicious!
Blueberry Corn Pancakes
1-1/2 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix
1/2 cups Pamela's Cornbread & Muffin Mix
2 eggs
1 TBSP oil
3/4 cup soy milk (substitute with regular milk or water)
dash of salt
basket of berries
optional: 1 ear of cooked corn cut off the cob (or 1 cup frozen)
Mix dry ingredients. Mix liquid ingredients and add to dry mixture. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the pan, (sprinkle corn kernels into batter if using), then sprinkle blueberries onto baking pancakes. Flip when browned on the first side. Serve with blueberry or maple syrup.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
RECIPE #5
April 26, 2010
This is such a great recipe because it's very simple and easy to make, but it's also full of great healthful corn and berries. The texture is delightful and they're hearty and delicious!
Blueberry Corn Pancakes
1-1/2 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix
1/2 cups Pamela's Cornbread & Muffin Mix
2 eggs
1 TBSP oil
3/4 cup soy milk (substitute with regular milk or water)
dash of salt
basket of berries
optional: 1 ear of cooked corn cut off the cob (or 1 cup frozen)
Mix dry ingredients. Mix liquid ingredients and add to dry mixture. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the pan, (sprinkle corn kernels into batter if using), then sprinkle blueberries onto baking pancakes. Flip when browned on the first side. Serve with blueberry or maple syrup.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
Gluten Free Challenge #4
TIP #4 Snack Idea: Popcorn is a filling, gluten-free snack that provides 3.5g fiber per 3 cups of popped kernels. Sprinkle nutritional yeast (Red Star brand is gluten-free) on top for a unique flavor full of nutrients. We love having popcorn here, even the daycare kids love it as a snack, with some string cheese on the side for more protein. Sometimes I add fresh fruit too.
RECIPE #4
April 25, 2010
Try filling these simple and elegant dumplings with all kinds of delicious treats, vegetables, cheese, meat. You could even include some fresh fruit with sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Test your imagination on this one.
Steamed Pork Dumplings
1 bag (3-1/2 cups) Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix including yeast packet
1/4 cup oil
1-1/4 cups warm water
1 pound ground pork
1 TBSP corn starch
2 TBSP soy sauce (be sure it's gluten-free, tamari sauce works well)
6 green onions, chopped
1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (to taste)
Yield: 24 dumplings Combine
Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix, yeast packet, oil and water (reserve a couple of tablespoons of mix for dusting dough later). Mix well to form dough. Let rise 60 minutes.
On plastic wrap sprinkle reserved mix and roll out dough to ¼-inch thick. Cut dough into 4-inch x 4-inch squares.
Mix pork with corn starch, soy sauce, green onions and red pepper. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons in the center of each square and fold dough over the top of the meat mixture. Place into lightly oiled steamer and steam 20 minutes. Cook in batches until all dumplings are ready to serve.
Serve with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Chef's Notes: I used wax paper instead of plastic wrap and I used quite a lot of the Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix for rolling out the wrappers (an extra bag of Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix for dusting and rolling dough is handy to have on hand, or look for the new 4LB bag of Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix).
Have fun with different sizes and shapes. Try circles for a pot sticker effect, and even a wavy biscuit cutter for the traditional open top Chinese pork dumpling. When I steamed the dumplings in a traditional Chinese steamer over a wok, I kept a tea pot of water steaming to replenish the steam in the wok as it dissipated.
For a real wallop try adding garlic and/or ginger to the filling.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
RECIPE #4
April 25, 2010
Try filling these simple and elegant dumplings with all kinds of delicious treats, vegetables, cheese, meat. You could even include some fresh fruit with sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Test your imagination on this one.
Steamed Pork Dumplings
1 bag (3-1/2 cups) Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix including yeast packet
1/4 cup oil
1-1/4 cups warm water
1 pound ground pork
1 TBSP corn starch
2 TBSP soy sauce (be sure it's gluten-free, tamari sauce works well)
6 green onions, chopped
1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (to taste)
Yield: 24 dumplings Combine
Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix, yeast packet, oil and water (reserve a couple of tablespoons of mix for dusting dough later). Mix well to form dough. Let rise 60 minutes.
On plastic wrap sprinkle reserved mix and roll out dough to ¼-inch thick. Cut dough into 4-inch x 4-inch squares.
Mix pork with corn starch, soy sauce, green onions and red pepper. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons in the center of each square and fold dough over the top of the meat mixture. Place into lightly oiled steamer and steam 20 minutes. Cook in batches until all dumplings are ready to serve.
Serve with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Chef's Notes: I used wax paper instead of plastic wrap and I used quite a lot of the Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix for rolling out the wrappers (an extra bag of Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix for dusting and rolling dough is handy to have on hand, or look for the new 4LB bag of Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix).
Have fun with different sizes and shapes. Try circles for a pot sticker effect, and even a wavy biscuit cutter for the traditional open top Chinese pork dumpling. When I steamed the dumplings in a traditional Chinese steamer over a wok, I kept a tea pot of water steaming to replenish the steam in the wok as it dissipated.
For a real wallop try adding garlic and/or ginger to the filling.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Maternity Photoshoot #2
I met a great photographer,thru SimplyTC Photography, who agreed to take some maternity photos of me. Why do you ask, since I just had some done. I finally got up the courage to get some of me done both semi-nude or completely nude during this pregnancy. I am so glad that I did too. He didn't do anything crass, they are very sensual and amazing. I can't believe when I look at the proofs that these pregnant ladies in these pictures are me! This is one of the final pictures. He is a very gifted and talented photographer. I've seen other pieces of his work, and it still amazes me, that he was able to take beautiful pictures of me. I felt like a beautiful expectant mother, it was a moment that I was trying to have captured the last time in the other photoshoot. She was able to get it with the pictures with my kids and I...but not when it was just me...I'm not sure why. But I'm glad I went with my gut instinct on this and had Michael do them.
Some people will be put off by them I think because of the semi-nudity, but others won't. I did them mainly for me. Something that I can look back on and not only see the beauty in these pictures. But be reminded of the beauty and the power of GOD. I say that, because there is just something special about seeing an expectant mother. Knowing that GOD did that, HE gave us the ability to not only create life, but nurture that growing child with our bodies. Expectant mothers, seem to have this inner beauty that glows thru them....I don't know about other expectant mommies, but I have a hard time seeing that in me when I'm expecting. But I never seem to have that problem seeing it in other expectant mommies.
God Bless
Saturday, April 24, 2010
35 weeks
I'm 35 weeks today. I looked on the calendar and it's hard to believe that we are a little over 30 days away from meeting this little peanut. Judging from activity this morning, Peanut is running out of room in there fast. It felt like Peanut was trying to get out, with how active it was moving. Jessie couldn't get over all the movement. I have to admit this morning that there were more then a few of them that really hurt. Hopefully Peanut will be a little kinder to momma in the next couple of weeks.
Dawn loves feeling Peanut move, she keeps trying to figure out what each bump is. lol. She's been a stinker though too. She loves to tell me, that my belly looks like I swallowed a basketball, &/or my butt is big like when I was pregnant with Cyril. Spencer is freaked out by Peanut moving. He says my stomach looks like an alien in there. lol. Dawn & Cyril came to cuddled with me and "his" baby this morning. Cyril has become fascinated with my chest lately. He knows what they are for. He tells me all the time, that's "baby milk" This morning though was strange. He kept peaking at them, saying "Boobs for baby. Not for me. I'm a big boy." or "Nooo boobs for me." The 2nd comment reminded me of the line for the Seinfeld show "No soup for you." I hope this fascination will take a back seat after the baby is born. I would be embarrassed if he tries to do this "game" in front of someone other then family. He also kept kissing and hugging my belly, it was really cute. He told me that he was giving them to his baby butter. I asked him what will he do if it's a sister not a brother? He told me he hated girls. :( I know that's not entirely true since he loves his big sister. But I have to admit secretly there's a part of me that wonders how he will react if this baby is a girl not a boy.
Last week and earlier this week I was excited that my belly was finally getting at a point where my pants will stay up without the help of a belly band. Today though is proving that I'm still not quite there yet. I keep having to hike them up. lol. I don't remember having with the boys...it's kind of a nice feeling at this stage in pregnancy. But I'm starting not to be very comfortable in jeans, so I've been thinking of getting some maternity sweatpants/lounge pants and see if I'm more comfortable that way.
Jessie and I have NOT figured out names yet for either gender. We have the middle names figured out...or should I say I have them figured it out. If it's a girl then she will have his mother's middle name, just like Dawn has my mom's middle name. If it's a boy the middle name will either be after his father or my uncle. It would be really cool if the baby is a boy to have both of these men's names since they are 2 out of 3 most important men in Jessie's & my life. Guess we better get to figuring out a name. Cyril didn't have his name till I was about this far along in my pregnancy with him, and he was born 2 weeks later. I made a comment that I packed the baby book of names in my hospital bag just in case. Jessie looked slightly annoyed. lol.
God Bless
Gluten Free Challenge #3
TIP #3 Substitution Tip: Instead of traditional spaghetti noodles, use cooked spaghetti squash strands and pasta sauce for a nutritious, gluten-free, pasta-like meal. This came from the GIG group. What we do here at the Johnson household for spaghetti sauce, is we use GF tomato sauce, and season it with GF seasonings, till we like it. I also add sometimes GF diced tomatos, fresh cloves of garlic and onion too.
RECIPE #3
April 24, 2010
Everyone loves pizza, even those who don't eat cheese. Try baking the crust with a cheese-free pesto topping, olives and anchovies (if you like those strong flavors), or capers, olive oil and green olives. We also suggest making a double batch of pizza crust, par bake them all and then freeze the crusts you don't use right then. Later in the month when you need dinner in a hurry, simply pull the par-baked crust from your freezer and you'll have a delicious pizza in just a few minutes.
Click for a shopping list specific to this recipe.
Crunchy Pizza Crust
1 bag (3-1/2 cups) Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix
1 yeast packet (enclosed in mix)
1/4 cup oil
1-1/2 cups warm water
Optional: Add 2 tsp Italian herbs &/or 1/2 cup grated cheese to dough
Optional: Add 2 tsp fresh rosemary to dough
Dough makes two - 12 to 14-inch crusts, or 3 to 4 smaller personal sized crusts.
Combine Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix, yeast packet, oil and water (no eggs are used). With a Heavy Duty Stand Mixer mix on medium for 2 minutes. Cut dough into two or three portions (based on your desired pizza size). Spread one portion of dough per pizza onto parchment paper (do not use wax paper). Use oil or non-stick spray on dough and fingers to keep fingers from sticking when spreading dough into pizza shape. Let rise 60 to 90 minutes. With a pizza stone in the oven preheat oven to 375º. For a thinner crust, spread dough thinner again, after it has rested for the 60 to 90 minutes. Bake without sauce on the parchment paper on hot pizza stone for 15 to 20 minutes until pizza is lightly browned. If a pizza stone is not available you could use a cookie sheet under the parchment paper.
Pull lightly browned crust from the oven and dress with sauce and toppings. Return to oven and bake on stone until toppings hot, approximately 5 minutes. OR remove crust from oven after initial baking, let cool, wrap and freeze or refrigerate for later use.
To bake frozen or refrigerated par-baked crust: remove from freezer or refrigerator. Let thaw if frozen, or warm to room temperature. Dress with sauce and topping, With a pizza stone in the oven preheat oven to 375º, then bake on hot pizza stone until toppings are hot, approximately 5 minutes.
Pizza Ideas:
#1. Ready-made pasta sauces make a quick pizza sauce and come in a variety of flavor combinations.
#2. Try adding seasonings or cheese to the dough for interesting flavors.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
RECIPE #3
April 24, 2010
Everyone loves pizza, even those who don't eat cheese. Try baking the crust with a cheese-free pesto topping, olives and anchovies (if you like those strong flavors), or capers, olive oil and green olives. We also suggest making a double batch of pizza crust, par bake them all and then freeze the crusts you don't use right then. Later in the month when you need dinner in a hurry, simply pull the par-baked crust from your freezer and you'll have a delicious pizza in just a few minutes.
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Crunchy Pizza Crust
1 bag (3-1/2 cups) Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix
1 yeast packet (enclosed in mix)
1/4 cup oil
1-1/2 cups warm water
Optional: Add 2 tsp Italian herbs &/or 1/2 cup grated cheese to dough
Optional: Add 2 tsp fresh rosemary to dough
Dough makes two - 12 to 14-inch crusts, or 3 to 4 smaller personal sized crusts.
Combine Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix, yeast packet, oil and water (no eggs are used). With a Heavy Duty Stand Mixer mix on medium for 2 minutes. Cut dough into two or three portions (based on your desired pizza size). Spread one portion of dough per pizza onto parchment paper (do not use wax paper). Use oil or non-stick spray on dough and fingers to keep fingers from sticking when spreading dough into pizza shape. Let rise 60 to 90 minutes. With a pizza stone in the oven preheat oven to 375º. For a thinner crust, spread dough thinner again, after it has rested for the 60 to 90 minutes. Bake without sauce on the parchment paper on hot pizza stone for 15 to 20 minutes until pizza is lightly browned. If a pizza stone is not available you could use a cookie sheet under the parchment paper.
Pull lightly browned crust from the oven and dress with sauce and toppings. Return to oven and bake on stone until toppings hot, approximately 5 minutes. OR remove crust from oven after initial baking, let cool, wrap and freeze or refrigerate for later use.
To bake frozen or refrigerated par-baked crust: remove from freezer or refrigerator. Let thaw if frozen, or warm to room temperature. Dress with sauce and topping, With a pizza stone in the oven preheat oven to 375º, then bake on hot pizza stone until toppings are hot, approximately 5 minutes.
Pizza Ideas:
#1. Ready-made pasta sauces make a quick pizza sauce and come in a variety of flavor combinations.
#2. Try adding seasonings or cheese to the dough for interesting flavors.
*Consumers concerned about gluten should check that all flavorings and additional ingredients added to recipes are gluten-free.
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