Week 19!

So I start week 19 of my pregnancy today! That means we are almost half way there and that one week from tomorrow we will find out if this little one is a boy or a girl!

I have started to more reading on the fetal development and was amazed to read what will be happening with this little on in the next week. Check it out:

Fetal development in pregnancy week 19:

Your amazing little baby is now around 10 inches in length! If this seems a bit shocking, you’ll be relieved to know they’ve not actually grown over 3 inches, but that their little legs are now straight enough to be measured. This is when doctors begin measuring fetal growth from head to toe, (no longer “crown to rump” or CR). Lanugo (little hairs) covers the whole body now, trapping that charming cheese-like vernix caseosa (see week 18) to the surface to the skin. This week your lil’ fetus will start on an appetizing diet of amniotic fluid which they are now capable of swallowing, digesting, and passing the fluid as far as their tiny “large” intestines. Fortunately for you, this nice little lump of baby-poop won’t be coming out while they’re still in your womb. Some time shortly after they’re born, this fun lump will become the first in a long line of baby poops. (What finally comes out— commonly known as “meconium” to the science world, will be black and sticky, and you’ll be very glad it happens only once!)

It is so amazing to think about this little person developing in my womb. Movement is very pronounced now and it is fun to feel the bumps and kicks.

Pray that our baby is growing healthy and strong. Pray that this little one will know God from an early age and grow to love his/her savior above all else!

Change

I was feeling bored this morning (actually just procrastinating) and decided to try out a different look for the blog. I kinda like it.

I am not feeling well this morning. Just feel worn around the edges.

But I must persevere, I have a staff meeting this morning and a meeting at church tonight.

Azaleas

Our yard has a lot of azalea bushes. They are beautiful when they are blooming, which is about 2 weeks out of the year. So, usually every spring I go out, cut a bunch of the branches off of the bushes and fill the house with the bright flowers. It can get kinda messy some times but I love seeing the flowers in the house all day long.
So this afternoon before dinner Jeremiah went out and harvested our yearly blooms. I usually overestimate and cut too many branches. This year I thought I had cut enough for two big vases - but instead only ended up with enough for one and a small juice cup. Oh well, we'll go out again tomorrow!

Notice in the top picture my dogwoods blooming in the background. How beautiful is that?!

Happy spring everyone!

Sleep Update Part 2

For all of you bored with "bed talk" just hang in there for one more - when you are a parent you will understand....

Well, I think we can safely say that the transition to the "big boy bed" is a success!

Jeremiah loves, and I mean loves, his bed. He likes to play back in his room (on his bed) reading books, playing with his Larry and dinosaur, rolling around and jumping on the bed. Today he spent about a total of 2 hours back there and would promptly push the door shut after I checked on him to make sure he was ok. He even wants to have his diaper changed on the bed now!

He calls is his "nice bed" and his "big bed." Cute.

Nap time today went well. We read books for about 20 minutes and then I had him lay down and try and go to sleep on his own. I had to go back in and cuddle him for abit after he rolled around on his bed for about 30 minutes. But once he got some cuddling he laid right down and closed his eyes. After 2 hours I heard his door knob rattling and he was ready to get up.

So, I am thankful for a smooth transition. I don't think I could have handled any power struggles.

We have spent a relxing day here at home (with a much needed trip to the grocery store). It has cooled down some after the much needed rain we got yesterday. I am feeling sickly today (a small cold along with the morning sickness) so have not tried to do too much. I think we will go and cut some branches from our azalea bushes to enjoy inside. They are so bright a beautiful and last such a short time I feel I want to enjoy the bright colors inside where I can see them!

A Cloud of Witnesses

Last night in my reading through the New Testament for the 40 days of Lent this passage encouraged me. It reminded me that living out this faith is not just about me and my life but about the legacy of faith of those before us. I was also reminded that God never promised that following Him that life would be easy - exercising great faith may mean experiencing great trial. But, unlike the people of the Old Testament, we know the end of the story. We know of the ultimate victory and redemption of the earth. Where is my faith today?

It is a rather lengthy passage but I share it in the hopes that it will encourage you today as well.

Hebrews 11:32 - 12:2

(Hebrews 11:1-31 has named specific instances of people exercising faith.)

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in way, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tormented, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goat, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- of whom the world was not worthy-- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Sleep Update

Jeremiah went to sleep fine on Saturday morning. But on Sunday morning woke up at 5:30 because he had somehow managed to pee all over himself. I blearily changed his diaper and pj's (somehow the sheets were dry) and then put him back in bed. About 20 minutes later I hear his doorknob rattling. I go into his room to find his books all over his bed. I got my pillow and blanket and laid down next to him in bed, hoping it would help him relax and go back to sleep. No dice. Finally at about 7:00 I handed him over to Aaron and crawled into bed for a quick hour of sleep before having to get up to get ready for church.

The lack of sleep made Sunday a rough day. Jeremiah was whiny and demanding. And though he was really really tired he would not lay down at the Rapier's to sleep. So we finally packed him up and headed home. After 2 minutes in the car he was out like a light and was easy to lay down for a nice long nap here at home.

Bedtime last night was smooth and Jeremiah slept uneventfully the whole night long.

I am interested to see how nap time in the new bed goes.....

A big boy bed

I am exhausted and I think Aaron is too. We were up early this morning and out the door. Today was the big day for Jeremiah to get his "big boy bed."
We stopped first at Kmart where we let Jeremiah pick out his new bedding. Well, sort of. He originally chose the bedding with the sports/ball theme but they did not have that in the twin size. So the second choice was dinosaurs. Very cute! Jeremiah's favorite purchase of the day was this dinosaur pillow. It has gone with him everywhere.
After Kmart we dropped off Jeremiah at grandmommy and granddaddy's house and Aaron and I went to get his bed (really a mattress on the floor) and airconditioner for his room. To make a long story really short it took us forever to find the right sized a/c for his room and so we did not get him home until after his nap time.
Jeremiah seems quite excited about his new bed and says "big bed" when he sees it. At first he did not want us to put the sheets on it. Then he realized that he could still jump on it even with the sheets on it - so it was ok. Then he thought it was fun to take all the pillows and the blanket off of it and pile them in the floor. He wanted to read his bedtime stories sitting on his bed. According to Aaron he is now laying on his back with his stuffed friends beside him and his new blanket over him.
Of course the big question is, will he stay that way long enough to fall asleep?

Helping pick out bedding.

Checking out and paying for our new things.

Helping papa take down the crib.

Bringing in the new bed.

This feels nice.

Trying it out.

Do we have to put the sheets on?

Ooh, I like my new blanket too.

In my new bed with my new dinosaur.

Giving dinosaur kisses.

Finally in bed in my pj's. The question of the day: will I actually stay and sleep in the bed?

Things to do

I finally arrived home yesterday evening after a 3 hour drive (it usually takes less than 2), traffic in Atlanta was terrible. I am tired this morning but we are going to get Jeremiah his "big boy bed" today! Pictures will come later!

Why I hate wal-mart

When a Wal-mart was built in our small town about 7 years ago most people were really excited. LaFayette had finally arrived. I was not as excited. Within a few years the local Kmart closed as did 2 local grocery stores and now the local hardware store seems to be struggling. The stores that were "in town" are moving out to the brand new ugly strip-malls that are being built on gorgeous land right outside of town and right next to Wal-mart.

I have noticed lately that since they have no real form of competition the service and selection at Wal-mart has gone downhill.

Here are a few examples:

- Last summer I had a coupon for Pampers brand swim diapers. They only carried the Huggies brand.

- Almost every time I have gone in to buy a bulk box of Jeremiah's size in diapers they are sold out.

- Yesterday I had a coupon for A&D daiper rash cream - you guessed it, they were sold out.

- Their toy selection sucks!

- There is never a sales person available when you need one. They are all standing in a certain aisle trading local gossip.

- And here is the ultimate: One of the things on my list yesterday was a calendar refil for my Day Runner. Since I had an antsy toddler I just grabbed the refil that was on the top and was the right size without really looking at it. I got home and was about to put it in my Day Runner when I noticed that the date on the front was 2005. Um, what the heck?! Why would Wal-mart have a 2005 refil still stocked on their shelves? Stupid, stupid, stupid.

I told Aaron it is time for our family to boycot.

Pollen Pollen Everywhere

The weather is beautiful! Spring is officially here! The house across the street has masses of wysteria growing in the back yard and every now and then I catch a wiff of the sweet scent as it drifts through our open windows. The dogwood trees beside the house are in full bloom and I always get a little thrill of joy when I see the fresh, white flowers through our livingroom and diningroom windows. Georgia in the spring is beautiful.

Georgia in the spring also has a lot of pollen. There is so much pollen in the air that everything gets coated yellow. Both of our cars look yellow - that's right, even the dark green one. And inside all of our furniture has a light coating of yellow dust. That is because I refuse to close the window's and turn on the airconditioning.

This morning after playing at the playground Jeremiah was dirty! A combination of wet from the slides and yellow paste on his clothes from the pollen. Then he decided to drag his hand along the side of the car, coating his arm and hand in a combination of black and yellow gunk that truly was a sight to behold.

Thankfully I am not bothered by the pollen in the air. Other people sneeze, cough, have runny noses and stuffed heads. But somehow I escape the misery and am just able to enjoy the beauty. Truly a gift from God, especially this year.

Jeremiah on the other hand seems to have some allergy to the pollen. The past two days he has been congested and sleeping a little bit more than usual. But in general he seems to be in good spirits. But, I think that we will install his airconditioner and turn it on at night while he sleeps. Hopefully that will help some.

Tomorrow evening I go to Atlanta for a training on Friday morning. Uncle Chad and Aunt Cherise will come on Friday before Aaron leaves for work to take care of Jeremiah for the day. I am sure that he will have a blast!

Answers to Prayer

Since I regularly post prayer requests on here I thought I should update with a few ways that God has answered as a reminder that He is good.

1. A dear friend sent me a whole huge box of summer time maternity clothes to borrow! What an amazing blessing. I don't think I will have to buy hardly any clothes for the summer.

2. The problem with the a/c on the pontiac was a minor thing (loose hose) and was easily fixed without breaking the bank. (I'm not sure if I posted but the a/c on one of our cars was not working and we had just had it fixed last August.)

3. I continue to have enough energy and strength to do basic tasks around the house.

4. This baby in me is active and kicking! Seriously, I'm not sure if I remember accurately but I am pretty sure that this little one is alot more active than Jeremiah was at this stage.

I am reminded daily that God does care about our lives and that He does answer prayer because He promised that He would!

Random

Jeremiah has had a few little scrapes, bumps and bruises but nothing too major. Yesterday while playing out in the church parking lot he fell and scraped his shin (it's shorts wearing weather) and so it seemed that some neosporin and a band-aid were in order. I didn't have any fun band-aids with pictures so this plain one had to do. He was still quite enamored with it though. With summer here and an active boy on our hands it seems that having a box of colorful band-aids would be a good idea.
This was Jeremiah's choice of Sunday morning attire.

Sunday Worship

Church yesterday was an amazing worship experience. I almost didn't go because I was tired and worn out from the week before. But God knew what I needed. Every song, testimony, and the sermon met me exactly where I was at and provided encouragement and strength.

If you have been reading this blog then you know that I like to share song lyrics. Here is one of the songs we sang yesterday. It reminded me not only of God's love for me regardless of the sin in my life (and there is much!) but also of His glory and my desire for my life to reflect His glory rather than my own. My prayer this week is that I can continue to remember that even when I am sick, tired, and overwhelmed.

A thousand times I've failed, still Your mercy remains.

And should I stumble again, still I'm caught in your grace.

Everlasting,

Your light will shine when all else fades.

Never-ending,

Your glory goes beyond all fame.

Your will above all else, my purpose remains.

The art of losing myself, in bringing you praise.

Everlasting,

Your light will shine when all else fades.

Never-ending,

Your glory goes beyond all fame.

In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control.

Consume me from the inside out, Lord.

Let justice and praise, become my embrace,

To love You from the inside out.

And the cry of my heart, is to bring you praise.

From the inside out, Lord my soul cries out!

Baby Shower

Me, Shanna and Eli. He's yawning, not crying, by the way. :-)
Shanna and Eli. What a great smile!

Today I helped host a baby shower for my friend Shanna from church. Her son Eli messed up our original plans for the shower by being born on the day that we originally scheduled the shower for. How dare he? Anyway, this was fun becuase we got to actually see, hold and admire the baby.

Aaron and Jeremiah have been hanging out here all day doing manly things like cleaning fans and airconditioners in preparation for warm weather.

Trying not to complain (again)

I know that it seems like I have been complaining alot on this blog and I am determined to stop.

So, this entry is not a complaint as much as a request for prayer today.

Nothing big is happening - it's just that it's the end of the week and I am wiped out; physically, emotionally, spiritually. And Aaron will be gone all day at work and then go straight from work to a youth group event. So I won't see him until late tonight. That thought is overwhelming me as I usually look forward to Friday evenings when he walks in the door and we know that he will be home to share parenting responsibilities for a few days.

So if you think about it please pray for me today. It is only 7:30am and I already know that to make it through today I will need supernatural patience, strength, and peace.

A Healthy Boy

Jeremiah went to the dr. for his 2 year check up today. He enjoyed making friends with the other kids in the waiting room and and trying to get away from me to run up and down the halls. He did really well and was interested in all the dr.'s gadgets amd instruments. He was very friendly with the nurses until they gave him his shot. Then he was not so thrilled with them anymore. But after 30 seconds of crying he was fine.

He is right in the average for height and weight, weighing 27 1/2 pounds and being 33 1/2 inches tall.

So it is officially confirmed that he is a healthy little boy. But of course we already knew that.

Belly Update

I know, 3 posts in one day.

Today I woke up and my belly had morphed overnight from a chubby looking beer belly to a hard and more round pregnant looking belly. Every time I bent down or over I thought, what feels so heavy?

Duh!

Also, lots and lots of more noticable movement.
So, as I make it through one day at a time this little one continues to grow!
These aren't the greatest pics but I thought some of you would enjoy seeing the growth.