Anjolie's Antics

After my Dr's appt yesterday, I realized that I had not bought one thing for this little baby to come home in! The u/s yesterday more than confirmed the whole "boy" status, so we went to get some socks, a blanket and a couple of things for Ayden (so strange calling him by his name) so I can pack my bag and stuff. So, we made the trip to the PX. Well, Anjolie has gotten into a little habit of thinking she has got to use the restroom at least once during a trip to the store...but usually two trips is what we end up making. This trip, I took Anjolie for her obsessive visit (just kidding) and she decided she wanted some privacy- so I got her settled with paper and everything on the potty and waited right outside the door until she was ready for me to help her get cleaned up....After what seemed like forever, I heard her little voice ring out "ok, I'm ready mommy!", but when I went to go in, I discovered- that little booger snuck off the potty and locked the door at some point- then, hopped back on..I never even noticed! Of course then, I scolded her for getting off in the first place, and then told her she was going to have to get off now to unlock the door so I could help her. She whines loudly for all to hear, "I caaaaannnn't -IIIII poooooohpoooooohed...cooooome wiiiiipe meeee!" I explain to her how I cannot unlock the door from the outside- that she is just going to have to come and unlock the door. There was a moment of silence in which I can just imagine her little "brain wheels" smoking as she worked to solve the dilemma and then suddenly, she is cheerful -with her brilliant solution to the problem...and tells me very matter-of-factly "well, crawl on under!" Yeah, sure, me and my big belly will get right on that Anjolie...

Good News!!

The baby...who we have decided to name (we do reserve the right to change it ;) )
Aiden Josiah (not sure about how we are going to spell Aiden yet)
looks just fine!! Praise the Lord!! The Dr said the stomach looked a more normal size today, and she is pretty sure there is no problem!!

I am so relieved! It was such a blessing to be able to see him and everything. My bp is still giving me trouble, but the Dr said I will probably go into labor any time now..the baby is already 7lbs she said! We will see...sometimes babies have something different in mind as far as when they want to make their entrance :) Thank you again for everyone's prayers!! What a wonderful birthday gift for my husband!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!!

It is my husband's birthday today!! We are going to celebrate after he gets off work. I am so thankful for my husband and all his hard work. More than anything I appreciate his dedication to serving the Lord...thank you honey.

NESTING!

Sorry I have not updated things :) I am just trying to get this house situated for the baby, and for Brian's parents who will be flying in on the 15th of March. :)

I have an ultrasound at 2:30pm today (our Monday)...so that would be Monday 12:30am east coast time and Sunday 9:30pm west coast time. I am praying everything is ok with the baby's belly...thank you to everyone who prayed/ is praying!!

Brian versus the Birthing Ball

Sitting here reminiscing over past pregnancies, I was reminded of a funny thing that happened when I was expecting Brianna and Brian was stationed in 29 Palms. I was still at Camp Pendleton awaiting housing; so I would only get to see Brian on the weekends. Well, Brian is very accommodating when I am expecting, he does not complain if, at 9pm, I get a hankerin' for a cup of ice or some mint chocolate chip ice-cream...he really tries to help make me comfortable...unless that requires his sleep to be interrupted. Just kidding ;) he is actually really good about that...he does not complain one bit after I have tossed and turned for an hour and then I finally hoist myself out of the trench I have made in the bed and lumber on in to sleep on the couch ;) He does not make one mention of the approx 15 trips to the bathroom or the kitchen to get my 10th glass of water, or my fumbling around to find the tums as I am choking on the acid in my throat. Nope, not a word of complaint from him ;) What a trooper...he just snoozes on through all the turbulence. I am just glad we don't have a water bed...talk about SEA SICK!!

Anyway, back to my story about expecting Brianna- I had read and researched and decided that I wanted a birthing ball, which is just exactly like one of those large exercise balls...I had chosen a clear one, and I would sit on it and exercise on it all throughout my pregnancy. It just became like a piece of furniture...Brian would even enjoy rolling around on it and jumping playfully on it when he was home on the weekend. Until, one night- that thing ATTACKED Brian- and attempted to keep him hostage! No, things were just never the same between he and the ball after that.

You see, Brian, being the gentleman he is, had gotten up from the couch, probably for the third time at least, to lovingly fill my glass of water. He decided he should probably just bring out the whole Brita pitcher since I was so thirsty. There was no problem on the way to the kitchen. The ball was just there, innocently taking up some space in the hallway, but that was not anything unusual. No, it waited...or lurked, is probably a better word, until it noticed Brian...the poor dear, with a full pitcher of water. His eyes, lovingly focused on his expectant wife, never left her as the whole vicious ambush transpired, the poor thing never saw it coming. I, regretfully, was too late to warn him... It was not until he reached the door way that the ball made its move. It swiftly pinned Brian's legs between itself and the wall very cunningly using the hair on his legs for gripping. His normally powerful strong legs were rendered helpless. Then, it was like slooooow mooootiiioooonnnn....I heard a small muffled cry...his eyes, desperately clinging to mine, opened wide and went sort of blank like a deer's in headlights...his jaw set tightly-his brow furrowed in confusion- as he determined ...that pitcher would NOT DROP OR SPILL OVER!! His pinned legs, in an effort to work free- somehow worked away from the wall...but the ball clung relentlessly to the back of his calves and thighs. His eyes, still ever focused, never left mine...and, as we clung together in the moment, from across the room, I saw, in amazement the hand that held the pitcher jut out in front of him...still -unscathed, unspoiled was the gleeming pure Brita pitcher, still ringed with sparkling dew. His arm bulged under the strain to hold the precious vessel of water as the ball, mercilessly carried him off his feet...rolling and forcing control of him- back, back he rolled, over top of the ball and, for what seemed an eternity,...he skillfully and most unwaveringly balanced himself atop the rogue ball- until...at last- our eye contact broke for one desperate moment, and then, it was over...I clasped my hands together over my mouth at the precious sight of the faithful, victorious arm with the unspoiled beautiful prize..the pitcher, he held it forth, triumphantly over the ball and between his legs, ...the bottoms of his poor little feet rested, spent, on top of that vile wicked thing. The battle- had been won. I waited breathlessly as Brian rose, slowly, he disengaged his legs from the ball, and once again our eyes met, at last...exhausted, he allowed me to help him back to his seat- by my side. I shook...as he quietly and lovingly poured full my glass with the fresh, cool water...after a moment of silence.... "I know you are laughing" he said.

Belly Picture

Ok, here is my belly....MAYBE- after I get some SERIOUS make-up on to cover all my pigment blotchiness (first time this pregnancy)...some plastic surgery, some lipo on..my nose :D...my hair done-I MIGHT have some close to postable pics of myself. I do have my family to think of, you know, they read this and I would not want them to fret ;)

Oh, thanks....

...I didn't think I could feel any more self conscious!

Yesterday, I was feeling pretty good!! So, I made it to Cubbies which was such a blessing, but it is a challenge because, being secretary, I have to climb up and down 4 flights of stairs multiple times making copies etc. Anyway, I had just gotten to the top of the stairs and huffed and puffed my way to the office where one of my friends says "Hey, how are ya feelin' ? HUGE huh?"...Ok, the week before last the comment from the same person was "Are you having twins?! WOW". The audacity of people never ceases to amaze me. I know I feel huge, but I am on the small side of average both pregnant and not...so I don't know why some people insist on making me feel like I am just a huge beast....those of you who know me know I am not a large person ....*sniff* *sniff*...I mean (whiny -I'm gonna cry- voice starts in) I feel awful as it is...*start to sob and whine to violin music*...WAHAAAAAAAAAHAAAA ...Ok, I'm over it...;) Who cares what she thinks (or wants to make me think she thinks) YES...I love being 31 because since I have left my 20s I could care less and less what people think! :)

Daddy's Belly

Anjolie was sitting next to her daddy watching a movie last evening and Brian said Anjolie was staring at his belly. I can only imagine what was going through that little brain of hers. She finally said "Daddy, you have a big belly, you eat too much...that's what that is from. Hey Na-na! (Brianna's nickname) look at this!" With that she jabs him in the belly and laughs.

It's funnier if you know her saucy little personality...she always surprises us with what comes out of her mouth..you just never can tell with her.

Moving Right Along!

I had my Drs appt yesterday, and things are going about like they did with my last two pregnancies. I have high blood pressure :( It is not to the "alarming" stage yet though...140/90..so the Dr is going to just monitor it for now and have me look for warning signs of preeclampsia since right now it is gestational hypertension. So, I am trying to relax so I don't have to be put on bed rest.

I have the ultrasound to see about the baby's stomach on the 27th...so I am praying that, Lord willing, everything will be fine. I am already dilated to a 3 so that is good! Thank you so much for your prayers!

Warm Fuzzies

I woke up to the sun shining this morning after days on end of rain...and it reminded me of "warm fuzzies". I have the doors open to let the cool gentle breeze in, I am listening to uplifting music and the girls are outside enjoying our brief dry spell. Thank you Lord for the "hug"! Most of the time, it is the little things that make a huge difference and just send you a little zing of warmth. Here is my list of 10 favorite warm fuzzies...

1. Finding a dollar in my pocket that I did not know was there ;)
2. Spontaneous hugs and kisses from my darlings and watching them sleep peacefully (it's almost angelic isn't it?)
3. Planting a flower
4. When Brian gets off work unexpectedly and surprises us
5. Someone e-mailing me to let me know they are praying for me
6. A timely message from scripture/ and or devotion
7. A fresh clean house
8. Friends who stay in touch- even when I am not as faithful
9. Singing
10. Thinking of the fact that I will one day forever reside in heaven- never to shed a tear, feel pain, fear, worry, experience loss, or sorrow again- to forever be in the presence of my Lord and Savior and His Glory...
I am just having one of those mushy "Oh How I love life...how could I have ever been discouraged days..." Gives me inspiration for the days I don't feel all "mushy" inside :) Here is wishing you a "warm fuzzy" day!!

A Full Load..

..of silliness! Remember how fun it was to pull your siblings or friends around in a laundry basket? I used to love that as a kid...my sister, brother and I would tear around the basement pulling each other as fast, or as slow as we could. I guess my kids are no different ;) Brian raced them up and down the hall after he got home from work (with only about an hour of sleep) until both he and the kids were exhausted. It was fun to watch :)

Still Going!

Brian's Radar
This post, I wrote more for me than anything...just to get it out there and off my chest. It is a blessing to be able to pour out my soul on here sometimes :) So feel free to skip over this...it is a long (probably very boring) read.. :)

You know how you are driving along and all of the sudden that panic button, in your head and on your dashboard, lights up telling you- YOU NEED GAS!! Then, you drive for what seems like an eternity on "E", your eyes desperately searching for any gas station, no matter the price... just something to keep you from breaking down in the midst of busy traffic. That is how things have been for Brian and I since we have been stationed here, very trying both energywise and emotionally as well...the Lord is really teaching us perseverance, which is a praise, and a major challenge. I am able, because of this, to clearly see on what issues I am firmly grounded "on the rock" and what areas I still have "on the sand". It is amazing how a drought of physical energy and health can clearly reveal where you stand on Spiritual energy. Brian and I, amazingly, have never been closer, or more supportive and sensitive to each other than of late...however, I am still lacking in my patience with the children- on those days when I am thoroughly taxed. :( Still working on those heart issues!!

Brian's schedule continues to be unreasonable...for whatever reason...Military nonsense I guess. He did, however take his sweethearts (me included) out to dinner last night after working ALL day Friday, and all day yesterday. We went to dinner at around 7pm! Tooooo late for the girls, but worth it because it was very important, we felt, to have some special time together. Then, Brian had to drag himself out of bed at 12am to go to work because the military can only use the Okinawa roads for convoys at certain times...to continue with the operation they are working on. He won't be finished until around 8pm tonight! His attitude is remarkable..which encourages me to be positive as well (even if I have to fake it for him sometimes) it helps for him to be able to come home and feel it is a "safe haven" and I am trying to keep that way- with the Lord's strength (there is NO other way). Sometimes I don't know what would be more difficult, for him to be away because then I KNOW what to expect, or this fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants schedule which changes DRASTICALLY -at a moments notice. We have had to apologize and break engagements and obligations time after time after time...it is embarrassing at times.
We have been asked to take over the young adult Sunday School class, but Brian's schedule is just soooo unpredictable! All the more reason we need to be giving it to the Lord right? And again, I am sooo thankful that he IS here with me and his children for now.

The Marine life is a hard one...I would not recommend it to anyone unless they specifically felt called by the Lord to do so. The Lord is faithful, however, even when we make wrong decisions, I am comforted by the promise offered in Romans 8:28 -And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. And in Joel 2:25-26 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
The Lord has so increased my faith in His power to sustain us these past 5 months! Time after time He has restored my soul when I have lost my bearing and given in to doubt and frustration...His grace has abounded when I feel I just can't deal with one more tantrum or sick child or daily hardship (which is nothing when I think about it- compared to others). I am so glad He still loves me and lifts me up even when I have been ungrateful and blind to the blessings He has poured out on our family.

Small Community Moves (right)

I wish I could have seen them packing these things! How funny...

NOT TOO MUCH LONGER!

Well, I have started the contractions...I don't know why I start so soon. I will probably have them off and on for the next ohhh 3-4 weeks (planning on going early :) as usual). At least I show up at my final appts dilated around 3cm which is nice...so they are doing something. They are not the Braxton Hicks ones...I get those too...these are those *STRONG* prelabor ones that keep you up at night. I have an appt on the 21st and then an U/S on the 27th...the Lord has helped me not to worry about the baby's stomach. :) We will see what happens!! I appreciate everyone's prayers!

Something Fun

What Your Face Says

At first glance, people see you as down to earth and reliable. Overall, your true self is passive and thoughtful. With friends, you seem dramatic, lively, and quick to react. In love, you seem intelligent and a bit intimidating. In stressful situation, you seem like you're oblivious to the stress.

What Do People Think Of Your Face?

"seem" is VERY appropriate here ;)

Speak Lord

Wow, this blog is just turning into a big pity pot...sorry. All I can say is that " I am listening Lord" because these trials are really hmmm what is the word...frustrating me!!

The Lord must have known that Brian would have to have all of our plans disrupted for the weekend and that must have been why He ensured my rest for yesterday. As Brian left this morning, he said he was going to have a short day, and we would get ready for our Sweetheart Banquet tonight, and have a relaxing weekend. He bought me some diamond earrings for V-day and I went and got a dress for our special evening- well now we can't go. I am not as disappointed about that as I would have been if I were not sick though...I told him that I was not sure I was up to it anyway :( So, now we CAN'T go. And, he has to work the ENTIRE weekend because of a major change in the operation they are conducting. In my flesh, I AM SOOO MAD!!
The Lord is reminding me though of
-all the husbands who are in Iraq, or preparing to go
-that He provided me with rest to be able to carry on through this weekend though I am weak
-that there IS a bigger picture and I just can't see it yet
-He provided me with a very applicable devotion this morning about contentment...(ouch is right Melissa! :) )

So, please pray for me as I wrestle BEFORE the Lord with my circumstances, (not with, but before Him). BTW, these pregnancy hormones are not helping things!!! I look forward to sharing the bigger picture with you -if the Lord sees fit to reveal it :)

"Old Eye" Remedy?

I just thought this was funny. I mentioned how both the Dr and Brianna let me know just how awful I look...well it must be pretty bad LOL. Brianna saw some commercial about this special mask that you put around the eye area that gets rid of wrinkles and bags. Brianna hops up excitedly and says "Mommy!! You need to get THAT!!". I tried not to let her see me smile...and I said "Why, honey, is there something wrong with my eyes?" She then looked at me to see if I was upset or something...so I just smiled and nodded her on to let her know she was not hurting my feelings or anything. "Welllll", "they are looking a little old like ...this" in which she took her fingers and drew imaginary big saggy circles under her eyes. I just laughed and told her that mommy's face, though it will get old, will look more like it used to- after the baby comes. I am pretty puffy and discolored this time...I just feel bad that it disturbs her so much. Now Brianna's prayer is that her brother will come quickly..(so mommy can look normal huh? ;) It's tough to be 4 sometimes :)

Excellent Study

-By Debi Pryde Part of a Titus 2 series study

Description: Is there really a secret ingredient to parenting? Debi answers this question and addresses other key issues such as loving and understanding your children, disciplining and motivating your children, preventing and dealing with rebellious children, and much more. Precept Upon Precept encourages parents to uncover our heavenly Father’s parenting methods—His love, understanding, disciplining, motivating, and teaching of His own children.

My husband and I have been working our way through this for a while (*blush* about a year). It is very enlightening and I am soooo glad I found this resource. I know the Lord brought it to our attention. We use this in conjunction with Shepherding A Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
Camp Ironwood (which has the Precept upon Precept book) offers some excellent programs and camps. I attended a Biblical Counselor's course there...it was better than any seminar I have ever attended.
http://www.ironwood.org/EStore/BooksPrecept.htm
http://www.ironwood.org/

My Prayer

"Lord, help me to glorify Thee; I am poor, help me to glorify Thee by contentment; I am sick, help me to give Thee honour by patience; I have talents, help me to extol Thee by spending them for Thee; I have time, Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve thee; I have a heart to feel, Lord, let that heart feel no love but Thine, and glow with no flame but affection for Thee; I have a head to think, Lord, help me to think of Thee and for Thee; Thou hast put me in this world for something, Lord, show me what that is, and help me to work out my life-purpose: I cannot do much, but as the widow put in her two mites, which were all her living, so, Lord, I cast my time and eternity too into Thy treasury; I am all Thine; take me, and enable me to glorify Thee now, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have."

-from Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions
http://blueletterbible.org/morneve/02/0215am.html

So THANKFUL AND BLESSED

-to have such a loving God who provides loving friends. For the last few weeks, I have been feeling just awful (that could even be an understatement, I don't know). I hate to complain about it because I know as soon as this baby is born, I will feel better, but did not realize how run-down I let myself get! I finally made another Drs appointment because I was concerned about my swelling and lingering coughing fits I have at night. Thought maybe my blood pressure was getting out of control. So, I literally for about 3 weeks now have not had more than 4 hours of broken sleep in one night...and that is a good one. Put it this way, I went to put my seat-belt on yesterday, and was trying for a few secondes to stick it in the ignition of the car...yes I am nuts. Well, when I went in to the Dr she said I looked absolutely horrible (thanks) which is funny because my daughter Brianna has been mentioning that lately. She examined me, but basically said I was just beyond exhaustion and why doesn't my husband take off work so I can get some rest. LOL LOL ummm hello!! I told her how that is impossible right now...he is in the middle of an important operation. She threatened to stick me in the hospital to supervise (seriously!). I said that would just cause more stress for me and problems for our family. I assured her that if I could just get a few nights rest I would be fine...I would work it out somehow. So she gave me something "sure" to put me to sleep for a full night...and then 2 more night's worth. I am basically on bedrest for 3 days. In my mind...(like the rest of us moms) I was like yeah sure...THAT will work, but you know, this time the Lord interceded...in a BIG way (to me at least). I called Brian from the hospital, before I changed my mind, and asked him if he would call my friend in charge of the AWANA class I am a secretary for and tell her I would not make it that night...I hate missing :( but my family needs me to be functioning a little better than the 10% I have been lately (at least in cheerfulness and energy). Then, right behind me, as I was on the hospital phone, was a dear friend of mine whom I have known since being stationed in California, and her husband. They "overheard" ;) the situation, and Kimberly (my friend) told me (she knows me well!) to have the kids ready by 9:30 am the next morning because she and her husband were going to watch them for the whole day. Of course I cried, and knew I could not argue...as much as my pride was trying to interfere...I conceded. Well, except for Lily, I wanted to keep her with me because she is sick again. So, I thought, "Well, this will be good because I can get the 8 pumpkin rolls done for church visitation while she has the girls!" Kimberly, CALLED my baking team leader and informed her of the situation (I feel awful about all this) and said SHE would be making the dessert for Thursday night and that I needed strict rest for 3 days. So, in she swoops this morning, snatches up my two girls, the ingredients for the pumpkin rolls, and tells me to have my husband pick up the dinner she is going to make for us when he picks up the girls. All I could do was cry....what a blessing. Anyone who knows me knows I HATE to depend and lean on others...I guess to the point it is a sin. So, the Lord is blessing me and teaching me in a mighty way today. Praise the Lord...He is so good and provides us with such loving support