YIPPEEEE!!!

Lachlan Julia Hess arrived last evening at 10:33. She was 8 lbs. 3 oz.--our biggest--and 20 1/2 inches long.

At church, as I spoke with people, I told them how much we wanted Lachlan to arrive that day, so G could see her before leaving town. Many people said they'd pray for it.

During church, I got light-headed and short of breath, so I got up, got a drink of water and wandered the hallways for awhile. The light headedness never really went away. At about 1pm, as I was lying down, I realized that I was working hard to breathe and my heart was racing. I'd been laying there for about five minutes when I realized this, so I decided to call and get some advice. Of course, they asked me to go in to the hospital.

After I arrived, they said I should have gone to the E.R. as this was my issue, not the baby's. I almost decided to just go home at this point, but they told me they would monitor the baby first and then send me to the E.R. if necessary.

Lachlan looked great on the monitor, but I already knew that. She'd been kicking like crazy all day. They also had a blood pressure cuff and a little contraption they put on my finger to measure my blood oxygen level and my pulse.

So, here's what we found. The baby's heart rate was strong the entire time, but when it would go up above the ideal marks on the chart, my pulse would race. I could feel my shoulders go slack and lose all energy. I was glad to see that this wasn't me causing her problems, but her causing them for me.

As time went on, they talked about me wearing a heart monitor at some point in the future. I really think this is a pregnancy-induced problem, but when the doctor came in to talk to me, she asked what we thought about having this baby a couple days early. As G was leaving at 4:45 the next morning, we were thrilled! From then on, the entire thing was absolutely surreal.

They got me into a regular room shortly after 5pm. I got two small I.V.'s of antibiotics, some fluids, and then the pitocin. They didn't want me to deliver before 9:30pm so that Lachlan would have all the antibiotics on board.

To be completely honest, I was exhausted. I wanted to sleep, but I was afraid to because of the pulse thing that was going on. Afraid that if I went to sleep, I wouldn't wake up again.

They put in the epidural, which was great. I noticed that there were moments when I'd become queazy. The second time this happened, I realized that my shoulders were going slack. This was how my pulse phenomenon was reacting to the anesthesia, it seemed. About twenty minutes after getting the epidural, I felt queazy, my shoulders lost all strength, I saw sparkles in front of my eyes and knew I was going to pass out. Z was on the phone with G at the time, and I told him I needed him because something wasn't right. I elevated my head a bit and by then, it sounded like I was inside a tin can. Very bizarre. It took a couple minutes to come back to seeing and hearing normally.

The nurse came in and called the anesthetist back in. They adjusted the levels of the epidural and from then on, it was smooth sailing. When all was said and done, the nurse told me that they were about to send me down to the cardiac floor to be monitored, and I would have had to deliver there. So glad things got ironed out.

I talked to G at about 10pm and told him that we'd "tried our best" for him, but it was too late at this point, so he would have to wait and see her on Saturday. I could hear the disappointment in his voice and asked him if he was, in fact, disappointed. He told me that he was, but that it was alright. I told him I'd see if Z could still bring him even if it was late. Z agreed.

Lachlan was born about 30 minutes later. She only required one push--yeehaw! I hate the pushing part. She has a little round face and the same lack of hair as my other children--just some blondish fuzz. She's so tiny, I never would have thought she'd be anywhere near the eight pound mark. Everything seems to be just right with her. One of the funny things about her is a little water blister on her left hand. She was sucking so hard on it that she created a blister for herself.

Z ran home right before midnight and picked up Q and G. G was so happy to be sitting holding her. We commented on how tired he was going to be come morning; he replied with, "Yah, but it's worth it." Q spent the night.

In the morning, the other kids'll show up. I'm excited to see the kids' responses to this new little sister. I'm wondering if T will be disappointed that she will be too little to play soccer with him yet. He's talked about her so much, I can't wait to see what he thinks.

Oh, by the way, Z's mom did put together a BIG box for T with stuff he can do while I'm busy with the baby after we get home. T'll get to open that today too. It'll be fun to see what grandma put in there for him.

For now, yay for no heartburn, for being able to bend over and pick stuff up, and for being able to sleep in the most comfortable way I know how.

Yay for Lachlan!!! Thanks for your prayers!

Just a Glance into the Past

I was looking back at past posts, and came across this one. Maybe the most important post I've ever done. Thank you to all of you who commented on it and have stood by me and "listened" to me whine through these past few months. I am grateful to have so many sweet friends. Thank you for your love!

Very Tempting

As you all know. I'm becoming pretty impatient about having this baby. I'm so tempted to post this photo on facebook and announce Lachlan's birth.

Should I?

I'm patiently waiting (haha! I know you're not dumb--I'm being impatiently patient) for Tuesday, but I'm praying for tonight or tomorrow, so the whole family'll be in town.

Had to Share

Abraham Lincoln was once called "two-faced" by an opponent during a political debate. His response, "I leave it to my audience. If I had another face, do you think I'd wear this one?"

Life is but a Dream

Z and I got to talking last night about how funny life is. I sometimes wonder if death will be the same way. What's going on right now seems like it will last forever, but when it's over it seems like it never happened or that it was somehow all a dream.

As we were discussing all of the things that have transpired these past few weeks, there are some tender mercies that became very clear.

When I went in for my appointment yesterday, I had to have a mini-ultrasound and a non-stress test. At each one prior (I go in every week for one now), they have watched her practice breathing. She just been doing it when they've looked. Yesterday, she wasn't. They had to spend extra time waiting for her to do this. Thankfully, the next patient had had her baby the day before, so obviously wouldn't be there for her appointment. They could take all the time they needed with us without feeling rushed.

The other tender mercy was just the fact that I'm having these ultrasounds and on-stress tests. I had shared with my doctor about A and how the placenta had started to deteriorate early (when he was delivered 13 days early). At the time, she said they would start doing this kind of monitoring early on. When the time came for these to start, she said that we would start at 39 weeks; I think she had forgotten our previous conversation. It was the same day she set my induction for 39 weeks. Trusting her, we both realized that if induction was that day, they wouldn't be necessary. So, she left town, and they were never set up. It was the doom and gloom doctor that set them up for me. So, there was something good that came from him. I'm actually grateful for him and his conservative ways. It does my heart good to get a weekly image of just how things are going at this point. Glad not to be left in the dark.

These kinds of things make me aware that we are not alone. God knows our wants and needs and sets the stage for us. He wants Lachlan here safely and cares about her.

Thank You for Your Patience

Only one more week of pregnant me, I promise. Then you'll get to get sick of me talking about the new baby. Oh, lucky you!

Went to the dr. today. She said everyhting is perfect for next Tuesday's induction. Yippee!!! This was not my usual doctor, but I really liked her. She talks fast like me and sits and listens intently to what you say and then encourages you to say more. She made me feel so much better about all the concerns I had since talking to that last insensitive doctor. I feel like I'm finally a bit more emotionally prepared.

I finished all the sewing/craft projects I had set goals to accomplish, so now I am scraping up more things to do and teach my kids to do. I had some yard left over from tying the silky/fuzzy blanket (which I LOVE, btw), so I decided to crochet a hat and booties. The yarn is very lightweight, so it'll be great for right now. Z's doing the tie dying tonight for FHE.

Q leaves for camp tomorrow. I will miss her. There is a woman going to camp, one of Q's best friends' moms, whose son is waiting a mission call. If he gets his call, she's going to zip home to see him open it. She said if Lachlan's arrival somehow coincided that she'd bring Q home to see her. Very nice of her. We'll see what happens.

So, just a question. As I drove to the dr. today, I nearly passed out in the car--sparkles in front of my eyes, hot flash, etc. It was super scary. Q was with me, so I'm sure she would've handled it all beautifully had it happened. There was nowhere for me to go, but thankfully the next stoplight changed just in time for me. Never have I been so grateful for a stoplight. Has anyone ever had that happen while pregnant before? If so, do you know what caused it? I told the dr., but she didn't have any really good answers for me. I don't want that to happen again, so I figure if I find the cause, I can also find the solution. I don't think I can go a week without driving--that's just how spoiled I am.

Today I am...

I just found this idea on my friend, Darilyn's blog. It was so simple yet said so much about her. Thought I'd give it a try.

FOR TODAY Saturday June 20th

Outside my window... The street light is illuminating the neighbor's trees. I'm just witing for the birds to start their daily singing. I love this new window just because of the birds.

I am thinking... of how to get this baby out of my belly and how wonderful it's going to be to hold her. T told me yesterday that he's going to hold her. I think he's understanding more than I give him credit for. Everyone's so excited around here.

I am thankful for... a patient husband who loves me and my children who have picked up sooo much slack these past nine months. They have really proven, even more than I thought possible, what amazing people they each are.

From the kitchen... I just grabbed an apple (a gala)--perfect firmness. I got it to kill my heartburn. Works like a charm. Wonder if Z was annoyed with the sound of my crunching it in bed. He didn't say anything--see, patient. I also, while I was down there, grabbed some very stinky dishrags. DJ's been in charge of the kitchen this week. She's a STAR! It gleams in there, but she must have been forgetting the rags. Ooops.

I am wearing... my black and white nightgown.

I am creating... all kinds of baby stuff. Today I'm going to work on the last project for Lachlan--the silky/fuzzy blanket, which I have already attempted twice and failed. Today I'm taking it from a new angle. Wish me luck.

I am going... to pick up Q at the church this afternoon and hug her to pieces. I've missed her so much!

I am reading... The Black Cauldron, Skinnybones, and Seven Sons and Seven Daughters with my kids. There's also an Andrew Clements book, but I can't remember it's name, and I'm not willing to turn on a light at this point to see it. I'm also working my way through Jacob 5 in the Book of Mormon--a hard one for me to get through.

I am hoping... that this baby arrives safely and is healthy and that we both make it through the labor thing as easily as has been in the past.

I am hearing... Z breathing heavily next to me and nothing else--ahhh.

Around the house... everything is dark and quiet. Things are in some amount of order. The laundry is 99% done. My children and husband are sleeping peacefully.

One of my favorite things... is feeling the baby's kicks, but I don't think I'll miss it when it's gone.

A few plans for the weekend:

• Wrapping Father's Day gifts.
• Finishing up Father's Day plans with the kids.
• Getting the house cleaned.
• Picking up Q.
• Folding laundry and getting it all put away.
• Working on my last paper and getting it all turned in.
• Working on Lachlan's blanket.
• Having a baby--haha! Yah right.
• Getting everybody ready for Sunday.
  

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Up Worrying

Darn! I was sleeping so good. T came in and tripped in the dark and hit his chin on something, which started him crying. We got him up on the bed, and I kissed it better. Amazing what a panacea one little kiss is. Of course, it immediately stopped hurting him. MIRACLE! He stole one of my pillows almost immediately and then the kicking started in. Both Z and I, just as we were getting off to sleep, were getting pelted by little two-year-old legs in footy pajamas (which seemed to soften the blows a little bit). The house was hot, even with our window open. I finally closed the window and went down to turn on the A/C. I asked T if he wanted to change out of the hot jammies, but he refused. The pelting continued until I'd had enough. Z finally took him to his own bed, but by then it was too late. I was wide awake; I had reached the point of no return.




So, here I lay. Wide awake. Worrying about my 15-year-old daughter up on Mount Hood. I miss her so much when she's gone. Most especially these past two nights as there's been so much rain. I can't imagine how cold and wet she must be. They were limited to a 35 pound backpack, which really meant the bare necessities. She didn't even have an extra pair of shoes. Those were eliminated as we pared down after the first weighing. At this point, I'm just hoping she's okay. We'll see this afternoon. I'm hoping she comes home with some great stories to tell and that her experiences there will become some great memories. She was with friends, so that should count for something.

And So the Begging Begins

I was reading in Jacob chapter 4 the other day, and it said something about not counseling the Lord. I stopped reading and turned to Z and asked him what the difference was between counseling and petitioning the Lord. He told me that counseling was more like telling the Lord what to do and petitioning is asking that He grant a request and stating your reasons taking into account His will--counseling being prideful and petitioning being humble.

So, starting last night, I began putting my petition out there. The bedroom's all set. One last trip through the bins of baby clothes; larger ones stored away. Blankets folded and nicely organized under the bassinet. Package of newborn diapers placed so they are easily accessible. In the bag of unfinished projects lie only two things--a hello kitty backpack that Q was given by one of my Japanese students when she was tiny that needs a new strap and the silky/fuzzy blanket that I tried to sew the other day and decided I will need a quilting frame for (we've been unsuccessful finding one; if anyone close by has one we could borrow for a day, we'd be grateful).

I really don't feel that I'm being impatient. I've been impatient every time before this; just plain selfishly wanting to get the baby out. But this time, I'd really love to have her when my whole crew is in town--Q leaves for a two-night camping trip tomorrow evening, Girls' Camp the next week (Tuesday through Saturday) and then G will be gone Monday through Saturday of the next week. This pregnancy has gone by fast, but I guess I just wanted Him to know that I'm ready any time. Bring it on.

Today's Adventures

Yesterday we got a phone call from the missionaries that have been serving in our ward for the last number of months. It ends up that they've both been transferred. This is what happened when they arrived--both of our elders were being transferred. Quite the shake up. Usually they leave one and transfer a new one in, but we had no idea we'd be having sister missionaries here.

These two--Sister Miller and Sister Anderson--have been quite the team. We've grown to love them. They have been teaching one of Q's friends. We will miss them. The rumor is that we will have two new sisters here as of today.

Part of the reason they called is that they need a ride out to their transfer meeting in Lake Oswego late this morning and wanted to know if I'd take them. So, G and I are going to go do that. It'll be nice to spend some one on one with G today as I guess we drop them off around noon and the transfer meeting doesn't start until 1pm. We're going to go hang out on the temple grounds and take a stroll through Deseret Book. I think it'll be fun for G to see just what a transfer meeting's all about. I'm interested too. We always just got a phone call telling us where we were going and who our new companion would be. It'll be great to see some of the missionaries who've served in our ward in the past.

The real bummer about this transfer is that Sister Anderson and Sister Miller have a family that's getting baptized this Saturday. We ran into them last night, and it sounded like they were going to get to come back, so I hope that's true.

One Spoiled Woman

Maybe I should change the name of my blog. I mean really, could life be any better than it is right now? Yah, I'm the size of a house, but it's all good.

Today I'm full term, so this baby could arrive any time, and I'd be okay with it. I haven't finished my last paper for this class I'm taking, but to be real, I have a year to finish a course, and I've come this far since the end of April, so I'll get it done today and then save the midterm and final for after the baby comes. Come to think of it, I could wait until next April to take it; I won't, but it's nice to know that I can wait until the adjustment's been made.

I went to the hospital at midnight night before last. It was so nice to be able to just wake Q up and have her sleep in our room next to the phone. I wasn't in labor but was in some MAJOR pain on the left side of my abdomen. I still don't know what was going on; the pain had subsided by the time I got there. So they just monitored the baby, and she was doing fine, so they sent me home.

I think I'm pretty good with pain (having had four of my six children without an epidural--man, was I an idiot!), so this was pretty BAD. Z was so sweet. Because of my pain tolerance, I have never required much of him, but he really kicked the compassion into high gear that night. I feel so blessed to have him. Man, did I make a great choice all those years ago!

Yesterday was fairly heavenly, the kids played and were each others' entertainment. Everybody did their house jobs without complaint. DJ made cookies. Q and I sewed. I got G into the sewing act too as he didn't have his receiving blanket to me by the time I was sewing the edges, so he got to do his own. I read to or with each of the kids--even Q and G while they were doing stuff on the computer late last night got to hear me read "The Black Cauldron."

(Here are the books we're reading)

This morning, I found that T had ventured into our room again at some point last night. Nice that he comes in quietly, so I don't know he's there. He even brought his own pillow, so I ended up having both of mine all night. Z woke me for prayer at 7am before he left, but I went back to sleep until the kids woke up at 8:15. Ahhhh!

So, here I sit blogging my little heart out while they play basketball outside. You see, I am one spoiled woman. Can life get any better than this?

Yesterday's Craft

Yesterday afternoon, Q and I started in on the burp cloths for Lachlan. Here's a couple photos for you:

When I first decided on doing this a few weeks ago, I was just going to put ribbon down the seams of the cloth diapers; yesterday, Q went ahead with that plan, but I decided that I'd try something a little bit different. I took a bunch of scrap fabric, ironed down a 1/4" on either edge as a seam allowance, pinned them on the cloth diapers and sewed them down.

On the first one , I missed part of the fabric on the back, so I learned that I had to pin through all the layers and then sew in a little less than 1/4". DJ had been looking for something to hand sew, so she sewed down my error. Glad I could provide her with something to do. We made thirteen burp cloths altogether.

Wow! I'm feeling so industrious. Too bad nesting comes to a screeching halt and sleep deprivation kicks in. Ah well, use it while I've got it, I guess.

Oh yah, one thing that I thought was fun was that the cloth in the lower photo is scrap fabric from the nursing cover I made a few weeks ago. It was great to be able to use that again. I think it's so clean and cheerful.

Wish You Were Here... and Here...and Here

This is my favorite place in the whole-wide world. I mean, it's not like I've seen the whole-wide world (not even close), but I think I could go anywhere, and I'd still love the Columbia River Gorge the best. It's such a part of my growing up, and my dad grew up here. It's practically in our backyard--about a 45 minute drive from here. We grabbed a couple from our ward who hadn't been there before, and dragged them around with us. It was fun being with them.

Here are some of the highlights. I gave one of the kids my camera, so here's what Q came up with. Yes, my large body does show up in some of the photos--a rare occurrence (one which I'm not very sad about).

Personalized Gifts from the Kids

I did a little research on how to swaddle a summertime baby and learned about muslin receiving blankets. The ones that everybody swears by are really expensive--although everyone says they are a must have. I decided to go my own way.

I purchased some plain muslin--the last on the bolt (about 6 yards) and cut it into five pieces. They say that muslin is very breatheable and that it gets softer with each wash, so I washed it to pre-shrink it and dried it on hot.

After it was dry, I gave everybody a piece and some Sharpie pens (every color in the rainbow plus some). I put a large piece of cardboard in the hallway and let them go for it. They were very creative. As an example of this creativity, G wrote: "G [heart]s # seven*." At the bottom of the blanket, it says, "*The Lach Hess Monster." If we ever wondered if that nickname'd be placed on her, I guess we need wonder no more.

After they finished, I washed them again. The pens bled just a little, but I expected this having worked with Sharpies on fabric before, so no biggie. Plus, it wasn't enough to make a difference. I hemmed them all up, so they are essentially ready to go right now. I think I'm going to wash them one more time just to soften them up a little bit more.

I bought pink dye and allowed the kids to choose if they want to dye them or tie dye them or just leave them alone. I'm giving the tie dying job to Z.

So, here's B with his blanket. Yes, he misspelled her name, but I really did let them have complete artistic license here. It will be fun to look back someday and see what level the kids were at when she was born.

I shared this:

Trying to Rise Above It

Went and had a short ultrasound today to check to be sure there was enough fluid for Lachlan to exist in. Looks like we're doing just fine. I also had a non-stress test, so I got to hear her heartbeat for 30 minutes. Everything sounded fine there too.

During the ultrasound, we watched her practice breathing. They told me that if she did it for 30 seconds it was a sign of fetal wellness. This made me feel good.

The only downside of this appointment was that I got to visit with a doctor that wasn't mine and very clearly had NO bedside manner. He told me not to worry about the group B strep thing that 1 in 8 women have it and only 1 child in 1000 dies from it. Okay, so sounds good, huh? Then, he went on from there. He explained that his only concerns were my age (which last time I checked, I can't help) and the number of children I've had. He told me that the chance of stillbirth was quite common for women my age and that the chance of my uterus hemorrhaging was much higher with induction after as many kids as I've had. I am grateful that I'll never have to see this doctor again, but for now, I need to make peace with what he told me today.

I am thankful to have seen Lachlan today. It gave me hope. Again, I'm hanging onto the blessings I've received and the impressions I've had as I've prayed.

Beware...Grumpy Pregnant Woman on Board

Wow, am I grumpy this morning, but you'd never know it. I have done so well containing all the lectures I wanted to dish out on my kids this morning. You know, the one for losing school books and having to pay fines, the one for being over spent on the school lunch account, the one for not fighting, etc., etc., etc. Do you think they'll ever figure it out?

In the meantime, I'm internalizing it all, until I hear the two-year-old, in the back seat say, "Mom...I...love...you," as he's trying to show me on his hand--the choice is the thumb out or the ring finger down but not both at the same time.

He tells me he can't reach his hat, which has rolled all the way across the seat next to him. I tell him, "Life will go on." He replies with, "For who? For me?" As all this is going on, I'm brought back to the right place.

He still loves me; even if I've failed to make sure my kids had all their books returned to the school library. He still loves me; even when I've failed to teach each and every one of my kids about not overdrawing their lunch accounts. And the list goes on. Why do I internalize all of this and make everything my failure when really it's theirs and their chance to learn from life's lessons?

So, this morning was the first time in my life as a mom that I've started to dread them being home every day for the next three months. I'm ashamed of myself for even letting myself think that I'd rather have them elsewhere. Of course I want them here with me.

Life WILL go on, and it will be great. If we can just get through today.

How'm I Gonna Know?

Woke to four contractions this morning one on top of another. Not even time to breathe in between. Finally got myself turned to the other side thinking that if I changed positions they'd stop. They did...for a minute...then I had another one. Got up and moved. They stopped, but they have returned from time to time this morning. I'll have a strong one and then a mild one--four of them in five minute patterns and then they stop. This pattern repeats about an hour later.

Here's my dilemma. Doctor has told me to get myself to the hospital if I have two contractions 10 minutes apart. We all know it's going to happen fast when it happens, but I'm a lot less paranoid than I have been in the past. I don't even have my bag packed.

The only thing that's got me a little nervous is the strep B thing. I should know better than to read up on stuff like that--scary. I have tested positive since child #4, and it's never been a problem because I have safely made it to induction day, and they have always given me antibiotics prior to the induction.

Here's my other problem. I have never gone into labor on my own. I don't know what non-pitocin induced contractions feel like. When do I know it's the real thing?

Update

Just wanted to let you in on Z's progress. Up to this point--after three weeks, he's lost 14 pounds! YAY!!!

You'll Shoot Yur Eye Out...or something like that

Never a dull moment around here.

Took T to urgent care last night. He was on the receiving end of a poor frisbee (more like one of those ring-type frisbee's) throw. Caught it right in the eyeball. Way to take one for the team, huh?

First thing you want to do in a case like that is blame someone for doing something dumb, but it was all just a really innocent accident. But UGH!

Left home (right after I'd returned from my dr.'s appt.) around 6:30--after calling Beaverton Kaiser and going across the river to Kaiser Interstate just to have them send us to Doernbecher. What an adventure! Think I could haul my body anywhere else at this point?

Took a stop at Taco Bell for some very hungry kids (one of which was kicking me from inside)around 11pm and arrived home by 11:30.

I had G with me, who was a HUGE help (T says, "Dannon, you my best brudder."), and man, after all that, I would agree. Don't know what I'd do without the boy.

So, now the fun of putting drops into that eye every six hours. They gave me a really cool tactic for doing it, though, and it's worked like a charm so far.

So, no cool pirate-esque eye patch or anything like that, but it was nice to see that he could still see out of it by the time we left last night. We also got to see all the scratches on his cornea with this dye stuff and a black light. G asked me on the way to Doernbecher if they were going to pop his eye out to look at it. Ahh. Wouldn't expect anyting different from a boy, would you?

Whose Body is This Really?

Q had a soccer tournament today. There were two games. In between the games, I got to go to lunch with my dad at Red Lobster, and we went and took flowers to my mom's grave together. It was so great to be with him. It is so rare that we get to be alone together. It was a real treat!

My best friend from high school comes to visit from Montana tomorrow, and I'm super excited! After the soccer games, I took a bit of a nap and then helped the kids get their jobs done around the house. A and T share a room. Everyday at naptime, T trashes the room. Because it's so hard to get a two-year-old to do his part in the clean up, I frequently take pity on A. This evening, A and I turned on some peppy music and started in. The room was worse than ever before. T had emptied the bookshelf and all the clothes all over the floor. A did most of the work, while I played overseer, but it looked great when we were finished.

Z made dinner, so as soon as we were done, and got the upstairs hallway cleaned up, we headed down to dinner.

When I got up from the table after dinner, I could hardly walk. What a total surprise! I didn't know anything was going on. My back has been a real trial this pregnancy. I realized that I'd done too much. Who woulda thought the overseer job would have been that taxing. To be honest, I sat on the floor for part of the time helping get the hallway done. Anyway, I came straight up to bed. I can't even get changed into jammies tonight. Sigh. I'm just hoping I'll be able to get there and do my nursery gig tomorrow. This getting old thing really stinks. But, I'm really getting more and more excited to get my old body back. Yippee!!!

The List - Revisited

A friend, who posted a to-do list on her blog commented that she was sure no one was interested in her list. I hope you don't take this as me being rude, but I don't care. I know that if you're not interested, you'll just pass over my dumb list, but since I use this blog as a journal of sorts, the list is for my own benefit.

A few weeks back, I created a list of things to do before the baby arrives. Here's the update.

Here are the things I have to do:

• DONE - get an Anne Frank costume for DJ's report at school.
• finish L's blanket (just cutting the last stray pieces of yarn after securing them) - this'll only take me about an hour to do, so why do I just not do it?
• DONE - one last week of tutoring A for my Teaching Children to Read course
• DONE - a final for this course
• three more chapters in my Family Processes class
• one midterm and a final/one midterm - DONE
• DONE - finish up the family reunion plans (just a matter of making sure everyone knows their assignments)
• IN PROCESS - figuring out food with my mother-by-marriage for our August family reunion.
• IN PROCESS - continual loads of laundry
• DONE? -finish cleaning out the garage
• DONE - plant the garden (mostly oversee the fam as they do this)
• get carpets cleaned
• write a bunch of thank you notes
• DONE - go get a boppy
• DONE - find a basketball hoop for the backyard
• finish reorganizing the file drawer
• DONE - opt out of the fifth-grade party I so foolishly signed up to help for when I was much less pregnant.

I now need to add a few more things:

• Finish burp cloth edging and ribbons
• Cut out, have kids decorate, and finish receiving blankets
• Read Tuck Everlasting with DJ
• Read The Black Cauldron
• Get baby stuff organized
• Sew and tie silky blanket

I now have 24 days to get all this done. I just keep thinking of more to do. Does anybody else do this craziness, or is it just proof that I belong in the Madhouse?

Grocery Smarts

I found a new (well, new to me) site for couponing. You might know I've been using grocerysmarts.com with the Utah Albertson's link, but in corresponding with the obsessive shopper, I found that there's a site that's a little closer and a little more pertinent to us in the northwest. It has stores that are a bit closer to home--happily, it has Safeway, but it looks like it's in its starting phase as most of the store links don't have info attached to them yet. If you shop at Albertson's and Safeway, this is very helpful!

I went to Albertson's yesterday, using this site (it took me about 30 mins. to get everything ready to go) and bought $229 worth of groceries for $70.07. I even found a set of really nice baby bottles for half price in the clearance basket. I usually don't even look there, but they were just staring me straight in the face. I also got a free container of Dreyer's ice cream and a free Redbox rental.

If you're at all interested in taking advantage of what grocery smarts has to offer, here is a video on how to get started. BTW, the site is completely free.

Wait! I Can See It! Yes!!! The Light at the End of the Tunnel!

Went and met with the doctor yesterday thinking it was just going to be a regular old appointment. It was....

...Until Z brought up the word "induction." The immediate response from the dr. was the usual, "Not unless there's a medical reason."

We explained that my labors are rather speedy. She responded just as we had hoped, "Oh well, that's reason enough." Then, what I wasn't expecting....she said a few things and walked out of the exam room. She returned telling us that inductions are kind of tricky to schedule, but we are pending on the schedule. She said she'd let us know as soon as she knew something for sure.

Around 7:30 last evening, I got an email from her stating that we are on the schedule at the hospital for June 30th. Woah! This IS June. I was really expecting early July. Suddenly there's so much to do. Time has really gone fast with this little one.

So, you can all ignore that little rotating baby on my sidebar. We're all set to go. Now, if my body will just get me to the 30th.

The Boy's Got it All Figured Out

The boys are playing out side this moring--A (6 years), T (2 1/2 years) and G (13 years). We got a new basketball hoop for them, and they are having a BLAST with it.

T just came inside. I'm upstairs laying down. He hollers upstairs:

"Maaahm, G's not sharing."

Me: "Oh buddy, how sad, what are you going to do about that?"

T (returns to the back door): "G, mom wants to see you!"

I Know....Whine. Whine. Whine.

I carried all of my boys super low. So much so that when I found out T was a boy at the ultrasound, I stopped bending for any reason. My kids were my benders. If something fell on the floor, there it stayed until some child or other came along to pick it up.

The night before Lachlan's ultrasound, we had an open house in our home. As I went to bed that night, I found an unusual pain in my ribs. Now, you have to understand, I have a strange rib cage--one half is dominant, the other recessive. The right side is normal; the left side bends in like it's dented. My boys hadn't created this pain for me until they were seven or eight months along. We joke around that A had his feet in my ribs for the last month or so. When he was born, the toes on his left foot were blue with bruises, so it makes me wonder, could that really have been true? I don't see how it could've been, but it sure felt like it.

I should have known from the pain in the ribs with Lachlan that this was not the usual sign of a boy.

Here at 35 weeks, Lachlan resides in my rib cage. She has taken up residence and at this point, there is no sign that she's coming out. She pushes on my diaphragm and makes it hard to breathe. My heart races a good part of the time. I just pray that she drops soon.

I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. I don't think there's anything they can say or do that can alleviate this situation, but about a month from now she'll be out and life will be good.