Cheaper by the Dozen

Well.

It's about that time again.

This time we'll join the ranks of doughnuts, eggs and sodas-one dozen!

Baby number 12 is due around March 2016!

I decided to keep it on the down-low this time around. I really haven't enjoyed telling people that we're expecting since around baby number 5. Oh, I do love having my babies and it is an exciting time for me.

But. all. the. negativity.

On Wednesday night a lady from church asked me how many kids I had and I said 11. I thought, "you know, I'll just go ahead and let her know", so I said "And, we're expecting number 12!".

She looked right at me, scowled and said, "You are OUT of your mind!"

Dang, lady, you couldn't have even faked it and said "congratulations" or SOMETHING nice?"

I decided I wasn't going to let it bother me, because it isn't the first time or the 100th that someone has said something stupid and insensitive in what otherwise is a happy time for my family.

But, it did bother me. And I kept thinking and thinking about it.

I guess I feel like I owe it to people to announce that we're expecting, because that's what people do, right? And, then I brace myself for the all. the. negativity. And, then I just swallow and ignore it because I don't want them to steal the joy of my new little one.

And, then I started thinking this week. Why do I think I owe it to anyone to announce it? Announcing it isn't even where I find the joy anyway.  I told a few close family members and a few close friends, but I just decided I'm not throwing it out there to get a reaction, negative or not, from anyone. I just don't need it.

Now, don't get me wrong, not everyone is negative and my good friends and family who know us, rejoice with us, But some friends and family don't rejoice. Some CHRISTIAN people don't rejoice. Have they not read in their Bible ALL the verses that talk about children being gifts, blessings and rewards???  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are the children of one's youth-BLESSED is the man whose quiver is FULL of them?

Since I turned forty in June, I keep thinking "Why can't we just be who we are? Why do we have to always need to please someone else? Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't aim to be Christlike if we are Christians, or giving reasons to sin, I'm talking why can't we go gray, be chunky, enjoy what we enjoy and not need to feel guilty because we aren't like someone else? Why do I need to suck in this belly because it isn't "acceptable" to look pregnant at 10 weeks? Why would I need to compare myself to someone pregnant with their second while I've had SIX times more pregnancies than them? (Ok, maybe that's just a personal issue. Or the result of  a personal love of all things chocolate, but whatever.)

I know not everyone understands or agrees with our decision to have many children. But, that's just it. It's OUR decision to trust God and to have many children. Some may not agree with it, some may not like it, but in the south we used to say,

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY, THEN DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.

So, there you have the deep insight into my thoughtful week.

Maybe it's just the nausea talking.

It's a BOY!

He's here!!!!

Trace Emory

Born 5/28/14

1:21 am

7 pounds 7 ounces

20 and 1/2 inches

Mama and baby are doing just wonderful!

Getting Stuff Done

As I have mentioned before, this pregnancy I've been suffering from serious lack of motivation. (I think that means I'm having a boy....)

Well, anyway, I normally am a driven, make-a-list, and get stuff done kind of person. So, today I actually accomplished a lot- well, a lot for how it's been lately- and I was quite impressed with myself.

Today I had my 36 week check-up even though I will be 37 weeks on Friday.

Goodness, do I look pregnant.

I never know what to do with my hands in pictures.

Then, I went to the store to pick up a few essentials like angel food cake and cocoa. (It's for something special I'm making tomorrow night for book club.)

I picked Tyler up from work.

I did science with the kids. I let them do an artsy bean mosaic since we are covering plants from my Five Kingdoms science rotation.

I must really be motivated because there was glue involved. And an entire bag of beans.

I made a batch of laundry soap and washed five loads of clothes.

I made dinner. Enough said.

I scrubbed the backsplash and wall beside the stove.

I typed this blog post.

I still need to sort the loads of laundry and make David's lunch for tomorrow, so those are my two goals for this evening.

I sure hope this productive streak doesn't come to an abrupt end!

Just a post other than finances on friday...........

Well, this weekend I was worn out. I have been on a push to get homeschooling finished because I always like to be done by the end of May anyway, but especially this year because I'm due with the baby in the middle of June, and I want to get some other things done before then.

And, on Friday night we helped set up for the big youth yard/bake/carwash sale to raise money for their summer missions trip they always go on. This year they are headed to Tennessee to help do some grounds upkeep for a camp there that also has a home for troubled youth. Guess how much they raised......$3000!

Saturday morning I took the younger kids around to some yard sales with me, since the older five were helping with the youth sale. By 10:30 I had to come home and take a nap. (I'll post my "finds" another time.)

Then, Sunday morning I was in the nursery all morning. By Sunday afternoon I had NO energy. AT ALL.

I think partly because of how busy the weekend was, but also partly because I was fighting off some sort of sickness that left David with severe bronchitis last week. I never get bronchitis, but I could tell it was some sort of cold. I think the no energy was a product of that. But, by Tuesday morning I felt a lot better.

The pregnancy is going well so far. I had an appointment last week and everything is just perfect. I'm so thankful. Except for the fact that this baby is so low I can barely walk.

So, I was telling David that I think this is a boy because of how low it is, how unmotivated to do anything I am, and the heart rate has been 142. He was like, "Yeeeahhh....that sounds like a boy?" lol! I guess we'll see.........

So, is this your first?

So, yesterday David and I stopped in for a sub sandwich since they have their six inch chicken breast on sale for $3. There was a lady two people ahead of us and she kept eyeing my belly. And, then finally, "When are you due?"

I said, "End of May." And, she said, "Oh, my birthday is in May!"

I smiled and she asked, "So is this your first?"

Now, I've been asked this a million times and sometimes I just want to say, "Yes, Yes it is!", but I always respond honestly, and I said, "No, actually it's number 11."

Well, her jaw hit the floor and then she said (you guessed it), "Do you know what causes that?"

David, always a people person and likes to joke, said, "Oh, it's in the water!"

She looked at me and said, "You need to stop _______  ____  ____."

Now, if you have over three kids you probably don't even need to use your imagination here, because you may have been on the receiving end of this type of comment yourself, and if you don't have over three, you can probably imagine what she said.

And, friends, I was shocked.

The entire place heard her say it.

I think I made a shocked face, and then I said, "Well, we're married. We're allowed to do that."

And, she didn't stop there. Oh, no. She kept on.

She said to David, "Well you do have a job, right?"

Then, David, remember he's a people person and always pretty friendly unless someone just insulted his wife, said very flatly (and with much self control), "No, I usually stand out on that street corner with a sign."

If you've ever been to Tulsa then you know the significance of this statement. Many a street-stander have made a good living here on the corner with a sign. But, I digress..........

She said, "Oh, you do not!" and then laughed, finally ending with, "Well, I SURELY couldn't imagine having 11 kids! Congratulations."

This woman was probably 70 years old. She should have known better.

This wasn't the first rude comment I've ever heard and I'm sure it won't be the last. Really, I was shocked, but I wasn't upset about it. You know, all of us large family mothers imagine up all sorts of "shut them up" come backs, but really, if I had been harsh back to her, what kind of impression would she have had of large families then? She clearly already wasn't in support of them, and my rudeness back to her could have cemented that in her mind. People don't get won to Christ with hatefulness. (I'm not saying she hasn't already been won to Christ, but the fruit certainly wasn't in that conversation if you know what I mean.) I tried to keep it friendly, and thanked her when she congratulated me (even after she had humiliated me in front of the entire store.) But, you know what? She even more humiliated herself. After she was gone, the servers apologized for her. She'll be judged for her rudeness one day, but it won't be by me. Really I feel sorry for her. In all her years, maybe she's never experienced the kind of joy that my children bring me every day. The kind of joy that makes people see children as blessings and not burdens or annoyances.

Regardless, sometimes those comments do sting a bit. Just last month a friend from church asked me how far along I was. After I answered she said, "Oh you look much farther along than that!"

And, she is my friend.

Well, maybe not after that.

I'm kidding.

I think it's really a lesson to us, especially as Christians, to think before we speak and let our speech always be seasoned with grace.

And, when we respond, let it always be seasoned with grace.

Girls Night Out and Baby Bump

Saturday night I took Bethany and Brooke for a girls night out! First, we went to Braum's for burgers and fries, then headed to the Mabee center for the Secret Keeper Girls' Crazy Hair Tour. We curled our hair and donned our pocket tshirts and set out for some fun!

 

 

 

Brittany is making these cute pocket tshirts to raise money for her missions trip this summer. Bethany and Brooke picked out and sewed their own pockets, though. Bethany even shortened her tshirt from a full length sleeve to a 3/4. They are all becoming very handy with the sewing machine.

 

 

 

 

 

A friend took the girls to a Secret Keeper tour right after I had Travis and they talked about it for a long (looonnggg) time, so I thought it would be fun if I surprised them with tickets. We did have a lot of fun. It was a cute little show-definately worth going. And, a good modesty message as well. Plus, quality time with the girls is always worth it.

 

 

Well here is the baby bump...............

 

 

 

According to the ultrasound tech a few weeks ago, my due date is June 14, but that doesn't match up with the gestational age that she gave me at the ultrasound. After I got home I counted it back 40 weeks and her date was off by a week. My calculations had been closer to May 28 and the doctor's had been May 25. So, I just don't know when I'm due. I have an appointment Tuesday which will be the first one since I had the ultrasound, so we'll see what the doctor says and if he adjusts the date.

 

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying not feeling blah and having a little energy back!

 

 

 

 

 





Another baby update!

An Update on the Update! The doctor's office just called me and everything looked good on the ultrasound ! Relief.

Imaging called me on Wednesday and had an opening for an ultrasound yesterday morning. They were fast!

I have to admit, I have never been so nervous to go to an ultrasound. These last two pregnancies I just keep thinking that something is going to be wrong.

You have ten healthy children. Certainly the odds are that this time..........

I do trust that God is in control, but that fear is still back there lurking. I can accept that if something goes wrong, for whatever reason, God will have allowed it, but I don't want something to go wrong.

The ultrasound tech didn't say there was anything wrong, but she didn't say that there wasn't anything wrong either. It seems like they usually say, "Well, everything looks great!", but she really didn't comment either way other than pointing out what she was doing and measuring. Nothing looked wrong that I could see. And, the baby was very cooperative and gave us some great photos. She said the doctor would have the results in a few days, and would let me know, but if everything looks good then they may not call me, but just discuss it at my  next appointment. In a month.

So, I guess this is, "No news is good news."

I hate that waiting business. Good grief. Just let a person know already.

And, it turns out that according to the measurements, I am only 20 weeks today, which would put my due date at June 14. Flag day. She said she didn't know if the doctor would adjust the date or not. So I guess we'll see. My birthday is June 23, so who knows. Maybe I'll get an exciting present.

Baby Update!

Well, I haven't posted until now because there really wasn't much to update. I had really wanted to see the midwives here this time around, but they don't take my insurance. So, the ONLY doctor I can see that can do a vbac and takes my insurance is the same doctor I saw the last two months of my pregnancy with Brennan after I had to switch doctors (from the doctor I saw with Travis because the hospitals he delivered in had just opted to stop allowing vbacs).

So, that's fine. I called the first week in December when I was about 15 weeks and they couldn't get me in until TODAY. So, I'm about 22 weeks now with a due date of May 25. That will make this baby and Brennan about 21 months apart. Average. The doctor asked me if this pregnancy was planned. I said, "Well, I guess getting pregnant at least every other year for the last 20 years is some sort of plan." I don't know if he thought that was funny or not.

The imaging department is supposed to call me to schedule an ultrasound hopefully very soon, so I'll get a more accurate due date then. But, as we all know, I'll be late, so I'm thinking June.

He did say everything looks great so far, so I am quite relieved. It's always reassuring when you can hear the heartbeat and hear them actually say those words. I've been on the treadmill, so hopefully  my blood pressure and sugar will remain under control. I have to admit, I have cheated 1-2 times a week on the sugar thing. I had a cookie at church on Sunday. I need more self control. But, I did find these chocolate bars that are sweeted with Stevia at the natural grocer, so maybe that can be my sweet treat. Weight gain so far: 22 pounds. Yikes.

Well, maybe next time I'll have a picture of the belly.

Brennan's Birth Story

Brennan is two weeks old today. It has flown by. Isn't that always what happens? If you want the condensed version of the story....

She was nine days late, I had contractions, she was born. The end.

If you like birth stories, and mostly so I can remember what happened, here is the long version.......

I didn't even know I was pregnant until I was already probably six weeks along. There was the usual sign that you are not pregnant mid-December and so when I started feeling tired and nauseous after Christmas, I thought I must be pregnant or something was definately wrong with me.

But, that would mean that I was only about two weeks along, and I've never felt terrible at only two weeks along before.

Pregnancy was confirmed, and at what I thought was about nine weeks at the beginning of February, I started heavy bleeding. That has never happened with any of my pregnancies befere and so I immediately thought the worst- I was losing the baby. I've never miscarried before. I called my doctor's office and they told me to go on to the ER since it was so early in the pregnancy.  The ER couldn't tell me anything, but they did bloodwork and the results that came back said that I was still pregnant because my hormone levels were so high. I had an already scheduled appointment with the doctor for the following week, so I would have to wait until then for some clear answers. But, I was told to get some blood work done again the next day. The bleeding had largely decreased by that evening and had mostly stopped by the next day, until we went to the store and I pushed the cart around. It picked up a little then, so I didn't know what was going on. I had started walking on the treadmill the day before the bleeding started so I wondered if that is what caused it, especially after going to the store. But, regardless, for the next week I didn't do anything.

Well, my appointment that next week was only a "new patient" appointment where I filld out paperwork and got my free formula sample. I didn't get to see the doctor, but the nurse said that my hormone count was still high on the bloodwork results.

So, another week until the appointment where I would actually see the doctor.

Two weeks of not knowing what the bleeding was from. Ugh.

The next week I saw the doctor, and he did an ultrasound. The baby was fine (Thank God!) and the bleeding was from a membrane next to the uterus. Sometimes that happens, he said, for no reason especially in older moms with many babies. I also found out I was not 9 weeks along, but 14 weeks! He also said there were no activity restrictions, so I started back on the treadmill.

I continued to bleed a very little bit for the next 4 weeks, and then it stopped.

At 21 weeks we had a level 2 ultrasound which showed that the membrane had healed and all was well.

The rest of the pregnancy was fairly uneventful-thankfully, and I actually felt very good for the entire second trimester. I continued to walk about 4 or 5 miles a week on the treadmill with some extra leg and arm weights.

Until....

I went in for my 33 week appointment and my doctor told me he couldn't deliver me because the hospital had changed their policy, and were no longer allowing VBAC deliveries.

So, thankfully, I found one of the last doctors in Tulsa whose insurance will allow for VBAC delivery and at almost 35 weeks he agreed to take me on as a patient. So, not only would I have a new doctor, I would also be delivering at a different hospital.

Life can never just be dull, can it?

I was due with Brennan on Thursday, August 23rd, but that day came and went like I knew it would. Ten for ten on being late. Around Tuesday August 28th, I started having harder contractions-Braxton Hicks-but they were only every 20 minutes or longer apart. Finally, on Friday morning the 31st, they were not getting any closer together, so I knew I wasn't having my 3rd August baby.

I guess when you are number ten you have to do something to make a name for yourself. She's the only September baby.

But, later that evening, maybe 7 or 8, I noticed the contractions were definately stronger and closer together, around the 12-15 minute range. I went on to bed around ten, but they were by that point around ten minutes apart. Around 1 or 1:30, they were still ten minutes apart. David asked me if I was ready to go to the hospital. I told him not yet, so he laid down in the living room to get some rest. Just a little bit later he heard me moaning quite loudly and knew we were going to be leaving soon. My contractions had suddenly jumped to about 5 or less minutes apart. "Just when I decided to lay down", he joked.

We are only about four miles from the hospital, so by the time we got there, found the correct entrance, parked, walked to the door, realized it wasn't the correct entrance, David runs back to the van, drives over picks me up and drops me off at the actual correct entrance, then parks and runs back to get me, then we head up to Labor and Delivery with me walking so slowly and stopping every two minutes for a contraction, probably 45 minutes or so had gone by. But, you know, time is so blurry when you are in PAIN.

We arrived in Labor and Delivery, and after I got changed the nurse wanted to check my progress. When she found out I was  9 centimeters and a zero station, they rushed to get my doctor there. Another nurse put in the IV which took sticking me in three different places and on both arms. I did not want to lay down, so the nurse just put the monitors on me sitting on the side of the bed. Then they realized her heart rate was dropping and not recovering well. On went the oxygen mask and I had to lie on my left side. The labor and delivery nurse was super nice and used to be a L and D nurse at the same hospital in South Carolina where I delivered four of my other children. Always a small world!

Anyway, then doctor had arrived and it was time to push. But by this time, I was so done. I just didn't have anything left. I really only pushed about 5 minutes, but it seemed like the biggest task I've ever had to accomplish in my life. I resolved to just give up. What about this was a good idea? Why didn't I just come on in and get the epidural?

But, finally I stopped the crazy thinking and got the job done. Brennan was born at 3:09 am after we had been in Labor and Delivery for about TWENTY minutes.

Now, I usually like to wait til the last minute, so I can labor at home and not be tied down, which will happen once you get to the hospital. Brittany was basically freaking out that my contractions were two minutes apart when we were leaving the house. I really didn't intend to wait til the VERY last minute, but you know, it really worked out well. And, her apgars were 8 and 10.

And, she was only 7 pounds and 11 ounces! The "no-eating sugar" thing worked! But, good grief, that's all she weighed at NINE days late, I could've eaten a Krispy Kreme once in a while.

On, Saturday I was tired, but I actually felt really good. The baby's doctor wanted us to await until Monday morning to go home since she had just a little bit of jaundice.

By Sunday evenig I was texting David to come pick me up! I missed everyone and I wanted to go home so badly. I've never been that home sick before. This really has been quite an emotionally diffcult pregnancy for me, probably due to some other extenuating circumstances, but still. I really wanted to leave.

But, I waited til Monday morning and was feeling a bit better. I think part of it was my "conflict of interest" with the nursery nurses. I have co-slept in the hospital with all of my newborns and this lady told me not to do that. Well, I am not one to be told what to do. I understand her concern and probably some mothers should not do that, but I have never had such pushy baby nurses.

Brennan is doing great. She lost weight down to 7 pounds 7 ounces, but she had gained it all back plus one ounce at two days out from the hospital. She is a low maintenance baby (I was praying for that after having Travis!) who sleeps a lot and loves to be held.

With Bailey

With Thomas



With Tristan



With Bethany

With Brooke

With Timothy

With Tyler

 

 With Brittany

 

With Daddy

"She's coming home with us?"

My due date has come! And gone......

Well, here I am at almost a week late and not surprised at all.  Last night I was having some pretty painful contractions, but they were only about 12 minutes apart and eventually stopped. Which is fine since Brittany had an orthodontist appointment this morning to get her bottom braces on, and she didn't want to miss it. The sooner she gets them on, the sooner she gets them off.

I stopped walking on the treadmill about two weeks ago, because I could hardly walk for the rest of the day after I walked on it that morning. The baby is pretty low, so that's probably why.

I still haven't been eating sugar (except for this once I went crazy and had 4 chuncks of watermelon and a Braum's ice cream) which was the BEST ICE CREAM I'VE EVER EATEN. 

So, this baby better not be huge, but as the days go on, I know it's only getting bigger.

As evidenced in this photo.

However, this "no sugar" thing has allowed me to gain zero weight in the last two months. So, by the time all is said and done, I will only have gained 45 pounds. Which is still more than I wanted to, but I'd already gained ten pounds before I even knew I was pregnant, because it was Thanksgiving, we went to Chicago, and then Christmas! So, technically I really only gained 35 pounds which is more acceptable.

In my mind.

My last doctor's appointment was on Monday. He said, "Okay, come back in a week." And, then I noticed after I left that the receptionist had scheduled me for next Thursday, which is more than a week. I'll be two weeks overdue by that point, and even later because I'm sure he won't send me over right then to be induced.

So, I'm hoping these stronger contractions mean that labor is sooner than later.

Will it be a boy or a girl?? (No, we didn't find out. We've never found out. That would ruin the surprise.)

36 Week Pregnancy Update

Well, I had my 36 week doctor's appointment today (I'll actually be 36 weeks Thursday). I weighed two pounds less than I did two weeks ago. Maybe this no-sugar thing is at least good for something.

(I am so craving a doughnut. Or a brownie with a side of doughnuts.)

Also, if you are a man reading this you may want to stop now because TMI in the pregnancy department.

I think the new doctor and I are on the same page for the most part. My ideal scenario this time is to go into labor on my own-I'm pretty sure I'll go past my due date since that has happened the last nine times. I really don't want pitocin and I really don't want an epidural.

I was induced with numbers 6, 8 and 9.

The doctor said he was okay with letting me wait past my due date as long as there aren't any problems with the baby or the placenta. He said my number one priority should be having a safe mother/baby, 2nd priority should be to have this vbac and then, third should be no induction.

WELL, for me, healthy and vbac aren't even on the list because those are a total given. OF COURSE I want healthy and vbac. Now I wouldn't refuse a c-section, but I think that the only way I would need one is in the event there is an emergency with either me or the baby. I am positive I can have a vbac since I've done it EIGHT times already. I know my body can handle having a vbac with a small baby/large baby/induction/non-induction/whatever-may-happen scenario.

He also seemed very shocked that I didn't want him to check my cervix. I tried to tell him that whatever my cervix is doing has no relevance to when I will actually have this baby. It may for other women, but not for me. So, what's the point? He said that the condition of my cervix would determine if the chances of my having a vbac would be favorable if I needed to be induced. Induction with an "unfavorable" cervix might result in a repeat c-section.

Okay, I agree with that, but for ME, regardless of what my cervix is doing, conditions WILL be favorable for a vbac. Either I will go into labor and have the baby, or I will be induced and the pitocin will make my cervix favorable, both certain to result in a vbac.  I have had a vbac with induction and without induction. I have been told weeks ahead of time that my cervix is dilated, etc. etc. only to go 11 days late. It's hard to get your hopes up like things are happening and then.........NOTHING. So, I hope that I don't have a clashing of opinion on this with him. I hate to refuse a doctor's recommendation, but I also know the way my body works, and I don't want a cervix check. But, this isn't just a doctor's thing. It's also a physician's assistant, nurse practitioner and midwife thing.

But, this doctor has only met me twice and he doesn't have any of my records yet, even though they requested them a month ago. So, I just want to make sure he doesn't "generalize" me. And, that I can make it clear to him without conflict that I know what my body does and what I expect it to do. But, also, that things can go wrong, and I want his help because of that. Otherwise, I could have an unassisted home birth.

Anyway, now that I have rambled on about things that might be TMI for anyone, I will end on this note.....

There is no picture because it is 112 degrees this week in Tulsa, and I'm too busy sitting in front of the fan to pose for a picture.

35 Week Pregnancy Update

     Well, I am 35 weeks today. That means I probably have 6 or 7 weeks left til the baby comes, but if the baby came early I wouldn't complain. I'm just hoping that the baby decides to come on its own at some point so that I won't need to be induced this time.

     I found out just a few weeks ago that the doctor I had been seeing, and had also delivered Travis, wasn't going to be able to deliver me this time. He delivers at two hospitals, one already doesn't do vbacs and the other just decided they aren't going to either. So, what's a mother like me to do? I've had EIGHT vbacs already! I could've stayed with him and had a c-section again (absurd) or switch doctors.

     So, I switched doctors. To the very LAST doctor in the area who delivers vbac. I had an appointment with him on Tuesday. He seems to be okay, but I really liked my other doctor. I'm not sure why God would have me switch. I'm not really happy about it, but thankful that I have someone to deliver me.

     Now, I did have other options. I could plan a homebirth. But, David is not comfortable with that, and the fact that I've had a c-section before puts me at a small risk for uterine rupture. The risk is small, and the fact that I've had eight vbacs would indicate that my risk is really miniscule, but I would rather just not take a risk at all. If my uterus did rupture, I would prefer to already be at the hospital where the fastest care would be ready and available.

     Or,  I could go into labor, and just show up at the hospital and refuse a c-section. But, my babies are stubborn and 3 out of the last 4 needed to be induced. I felt like if I waited it out like that, then the stress of wondering whether or not I would go into labor would not be good. I know there are some more natural induction methods, some of which I have tried before, and some are not safe with a previous c-section. Again, the uterine rupture thing.

     I have always delivered in a hospital. This will be the 7th time with a doctor, and three were with midwives. This doctor seemed okay, and actually spent probably at least half an hour talking with David and me. I can't say for sure he's a Christian, but definately was pro-large family. Maybe I had just a little sour attitude at the fact I had to have another exam, because I was a new patient there and my records hadn't arrived from the other doctor's office. I hate exams. Of any kind. Personal space, you know?

    But, the baby is doing fine, which is the most important thing anyway. I have been walking on the treadmill 4 or 5 miles a week, and some weights and squats afterward. I feel healthier, but I am still putting on the pounds. I've gained almost 50 gasp pounds. I am planning to watch my sugar intake for this last few weeks, and see if it really makes a difference with the baby's weight. I would prefer NOT to have another ten pound baby. So, I'm trying to keep it at 20 grams of sugar a day. Well, I was at 15 with breakfast this morning! That's with 2 scrambled eggs, 2 whole grain waffles with a little butter and a small glass of milk! No syrup even! It was the milk. Do I have to give up milk?

    Well, I guess I could for 6 or 7 weeks. So, really I can have protein, vegetables, no fruit, no milk, no yogurt, and whole grains. That's about it.

     This is going to be rough.

     In other news, we had VBS last week, a stomach virus this week and over 100 degree temps for a while. Fall, where are you??

Here is my 35 week belly.............

Rooty, Tooty, Fresh and Fruity

Tuesday I had to go in for my one hour glucose test. I had to take Bailey and Travis with me since David had taken the seven oldest to the lake. They stayed for two days and some of the kids caught their first fish! But....I missed it because I had decided to stay home with the little guys instead of running my pregnant self ragged trying to keep up with them at the lake in 95 degree weather.

Anyway, needless to say, I didn't pass. Well, I was actually borderline at 132 since my doctor goes by the 130 scale instead of the 140 scale. So, when I came in at 132 the nurse practitioner said that since I was borderline she would let me make the call to come in for the three hour test.

I was like, "Oh, please don't leave it up to me? How can I make that decision?" On the one hand, I don't want to take unnecessary risks with my unborn baby, and I know there are some sugar issues going on because 1) I DIDN'T pass the test and 2) there is serious emotional BREAKDOWN when I don't eat.

I decide to go on and take the three hour test. Which I did this morning.

I had something to eat at nine last night and had to fast until I got to the lab at 8:45. So by the time I drank the sugar coma in a cup it was nine.

Finally, after four blood draws, three in one arm and one in the other, looking like I have illegal recreational activities, and being forced to put up with The View on the lab TV, noon finally came so I could leave.

David came with me and right before I was done he got a phone call that he needed to run into work. I told him that he was taking me to IHOP, because, well, FOOD. And I had a Groupon.

The Groupon I got for free because last year I had bought four tickets to a childrens museum that ended up closing before we could use the tickets. So Groupon had refunded me the money which I used to snatch up the IHOP coupon, so it didn't cost me any more money. Score!

I'm adding this in, because why not include all the mundane minutia of this experience?

I went in with him to work because I had to sign something, but after about fifteen minutes there, I was starting to sweat and my hands were getting shaky.

I thought I was going to swoon and faint like Scarlet O'hara, except that I wasn't wearing a hoop skirt and frankly, my husband does give a .....

Well, anyway, we got out of there and headed to IHOP but it was 1:30 by the time my food actually arrived. So, after 16 hours with no food, I was about ready to eat the napkin.

Instead, I had four whole wheat pancakes with banana, two scrambled eggs, three sausages, three bacons and hash browns.

It was about the best food I've ever eaten.

And, praise God, the test results already came in and I passed!

26 Weeks.....What?

I CAN'T believe that I'm already 26 weeks. I feel like I just found out I was pregnant. And, now I'm in my THIRD trimester. What?

Thankfully, everything is going well. I had a level two ultrasound a few weeks ago, since I am now old, and everything looked well. The bleeding membrane healed, the placenta is in a good spot and the baby looks great.

We didn't find out the gender, because that would ruin the surprise. David thinks he saw that it was a boy, but I was looking at the same screen and I didn't see any clues. Well, odds are its either a boy or a girl.

I have been walking for a mile on the treadmill five days a week and doing a few leg lifts and arm weights afterwards. So, I attribute that to my blood pressure being at a good number the last few doctors visits I've had. Even though I'm old now.

Did I mention the fact that I'm old now?

Because if I didn't, it must've slipped my feeble mind, because the doctors certainly didn't forget. They've mentioned it at least 85 times.

Since February.

It's apparently all downhill after 35. Who knew?

At least I'll have muscles.