Still looking

We found a house we like.. but now we need to get our house ready to sell. All that loan junk... we only qualify for an FHA loan and you can only have one FHA loan at a time. So, we have to sell our house before we can get a different one! The stress of it all!

Bigger and better things!

I'm so excited! We looked at a bigger house last night! Its almost 3 times bigger than our current one! Its a HUD house but is in really good shape!. A little bit more money than we were hoping, but with God's help we will be able to afford it! :)

i think we need more apples...

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away...

Well, JR got tubes in his ears on December 1st. So far things seem to be going well for him other than another cold...

My princess had her pre-op apointment today. Looks good. She should be ready to have her tonsil's and adnoids out on December 29th.

I go to an endochronologist on December 17th. I've been having thyroid issues and we want to discover exactly why and what to do for it.

At my daughter's pre-op I asked our doctor about my own snoring problem and if my tonsil's may have something to do with it. He took a look and thought it might definately be a problem. So, looks like I'll be getting in to my children't ENT sometime soon!

Life goes on...

Well... its been one thing after another. My prince has been to New York, Miami twice, and Killdeer, ND in addition to other smaller places closer by... Its like being a single parent only not... So, I've taken the kids to my sister's, my parents, and the in-laws.

JR has 2 teeth on the bottom and the two top front ones are starting to show... maybe within the week... He is almost walking... he tries so hard to chase the Princess! So funny!

My princess has finished her first gymnastics class. She loved it so much! We decided the next couple months will be too crazy to continue class, so we'll wait until spring.

I joined the local YMCA... I really want to get back into a better shape than I am, especially since we hope to go to colorado this next year... we hope to do a bunch of hiking and stuff.

This has been a hard week. My prince had a vasectomy Thursday. We've decided two kids were enough especially since they were both c-sections. So the kids stayed at their grandparents for several days. But that's not the hard part (although I missed them a lot!) Thursday morning our Pastor and good friend was found by one of his daughters struggling to breathe. His oldest daughter gave him CPR until the ambulance got there. He went into a coma and never came out. The disconnected life support Saturday and Pastor Miller went to be with His Maker yesterday morning. He was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in April and had been handling the treatments well. This was very sudden and the doctors were not sure what caused his problems. The funeral will be Thursday. This is going to be so hard for his family as well as our church family. Please pray for us!

More of the same

Well, This past week my prince left for a week in Plattsburg, New York... again! And as soon as he left everything went wrong. My Princess got pink-eye... JR got another ear infection... we all (including me) came down with colds... a good friend of the family died suddenly during the night last night... and I was told by my doctor today that I have a large cyst on my left ovary... Ain't life great!

Here's a picture of happier (and healthier) times.

A lot of nothing

It seems like there has been tons going on since I logged on last, but yet it was a lot of nothing. The kids have been sick one after another... ear infections, respiratory infections, strep throat. I've been doing therapy for my bad back. The prince is still slaving away... and checking out other options... more on that as it develops!

The prince and I were able to get away for an evening to attend Larry the Cable Guy. I hate to admit it, but a lot of of it was really funny even though it was all picking on somebody's race, weight, politics, sexual orientation or gender... and even one gag where he teased about a "retarded" gang member. What does it say about our society that something like this is so popular? And what does it say about me???

We also got to go to my sister's house one weekend. They have 4 new bottle feeding lambs that we got to play with for a bit (one is crippled and they don't know if it will make it). It was my niece's 10th birthday party. After the party, M and her sisters T & E, had a gymnastics expo. The princess could hardly sit still and desperately wanted to get on the gym floor and do the routines, too. Looks like we'll have to get her signed up this fall...

I'm trying to lose weight again. Previously, I was a mentor at The Lord's Table (Setting Captives Free link on the side of my page) and had lost 35 pounds in a year. Its going to be a little tougher this time as I'm nursing still... but I have faith that God will take control of my eating again and I'll Gain more of Him as I lose some of me!

We also had JR's dedication at our church one Sunday. My folks and the Prince's folks were able to be there. A dedication is not an infant baptism. Its basically just praying for the baby and the family and the church promising to help the family raise the child up to know and love God.

Speaking of church, pray for my pastor. A couple months ago his wife admitted to having an affair with another member of our church. And just in the past couple weeks it was discovered that my pastor has a couple masses in his large intestine, colon, and near his bladder. They haven't found out if they are cancerous yet. The have 4 kids, the oldest graduates from high school in a couple weeks. Its an incredibly messy and stressful situation which I don't want to get into details about, but please pray for them all.

Rough weekend

Well, I was feeling pretty good until mid morning on Friday. I started getting really bad cramps in my back and alot of tightening in my stomach. We took of for the in-laws anyway so we could be there for Grandpa's visitation at the funeral home that evening. The whole ride there was agony. We even had to stop halfway there (about 25 minutes into a 45 minute drive) so I could get out and stretch and use the bathroom. We got to Prince's parents and he rubbed my back a while. It helped some... but the cramping came back. On our way to the funeral home, I called the birthing center where I plan on having baby. After telling them my symptoms and and asking a few questions, they almost wanted me to come right in! I told them where I was and why and they decided that I should do my best to relax and go lay down as soon as possible. It was probably stress of the weekend causing my issues. So, we went to the funeral home but didn't stay the entire time. Instead we went to our hotel and got to bed early. One thing that the nurses said that have me stressed is that the midwife I attend should have had me see a regular doctor to get me approved to have a vaginal birth after having had a c-section. I haven't had that yet and didn't know it was necessary! Luckily, I see my midwife on Monday and can ask her about that. The nurses says they usually don't want you to have cramping/contractions with c-sections if possible. I can completely understand as miserable as I was feeling.

Well, Saturday I got up feeling much better and had much fewer cramps. Still some tightening of my stomach, but I survived the day. The funeral was very nice and it was fun visiting with all the relatives. We spent most of the day at the church and headed home instead of back to the in-laws. I got another early nights sleep and have been feeling mostly good today. I few spots on my tummy that pull that hadn't pulled before, but otherwise not to bad.

I'm 37 weeks today, and my Princess was born at 37 weeks... so anytime would be good. HOping to get a new picture posted in the next day or two as my tummy is again changing shapes and sizes.

Sadness with joy

This morning my Prince's grandfather passed away. He was 96. He has lived in a nursing home for several years but this past week seemed to go steadily down hill. He was a feisty full-blooded Norwegian. I remember the day I met him. He was sitting at the kitchen table at their little, old country farm house. He teased me from the moment we met and always made me feel like I belonged with their family. Even in the nursing home as his speech and memories started to fail him, his face would light up when he saw me. He gave his life to Christ a couple years ago, so I know I'll see him again. That is where the joy comes. And my Princess has had a chance to get to know him and love him, too. That makes me happy as most of my great-grandparents were deceased before I was born. My Prince was very close with his Grandpa and is saddened but relieved that his Grandpa is now free of his old body. The funeral is Saturday. I am waiting to hear back from my doctor if it will be ok for me to travel to the funeral.

Gilman, you will be missed.

Update: I've been approved for travel so unless something changes, I will be attending the funeral Saturday.

36 weeks

Well, I'm getting bigger and closer to my due date. I had a touch of some bug yesterday. knocked me totally out of commission. I even ended up going in to my doctor although my appointment wasn't scheduled until Wednesday. Baby is good. Heart rate 156... pointed the right direction (hopefully won't decide to try for breech). I'm doing well, now... I got a ton of sleep last night and feel so much better than yesterday.

My prince is going out of town on another overnight trip tomorrow. He told his boss no more as of January 31st, so I hope his boss will be understanding. It doesn't look like travel will ease up for my Prince after baby comes, either. The other coworker who does what he does put in his 2 weeks notice last week leaving only my hubby for these long trips out of town.

Gone again

My prince is gone again. He left early this morning but should hopefully be back before I go to bed tonight. But he leaves again tomorrow morning for an overnight trip. I admitted to him this morning that my biggest fear/worry is that I'll be out running an errand alone with Princess and my water will break. Especially with him far away. All these trips this week are atleast 4 hours away... Princess was born just over 4 hours after my water broke (born by c-section)...

speaking of my prince's work... Things are about to get crazier. 2 of his coworkers have left or put in their 2 week notice as of this week. This is going to make his job harder and will mean his boss will have to try and pick up some of the slack, which usually means problems and more complication. Keep praying that something will open up somewhere else for My Prince soon!

What a life!

Ok... so life is pretty good right now. I'm feeling much better than I had been. Its been tough getting adjusted to my anti-depressants. I'm finding they make me really drowsy, so I'm going to start taking them at bedtime in hopes that they'll help me sleep better!

My Princess is making some good adjustments to my new state of health. I can't really left her that easily anymore, so she gets to jump anytime she wants to get on my lap. That makes it fun for her and the upward momentum makes it easier to pick her up. Next week when my Prince is back in New York, my dear mother-in-law is going to take my Princess to her house so I can get some rest and less stress.

Speaking of my Prince... he informed me last night that his boss wants to send him to Montana for a few days soon... His boss has been informed that he doesn't want to leave the area as of January 31st since I'm getting close and Princess was born early. Well, the sooner he goes the better. I don't know how long this baby is going to hold out!

My Prince has been absolutely wonderful since we got home Sunday, too! He has been doing dishes and taking care of Princess as well as being super helpful and supportive of me. I'm doing what I can for him, which at this time isn't much... but I need to find some way to show him how much I appreciate him and all he is doing for me. He has even given up the bed for me right now (in addition to other things...).

Prayer request

Hi all! What a weekend it has been!

Thursday I went to my church for a meeting with my pastor about a Bible Study my Prince and I would like to be a part of the leadership. We had just finished when my friend Jan, who helps me decorate the church sanctuary, called to see if I wanted to take down Christmas decorations. I was feeling good, had a sitter and no other plans, so we did!

We were just about done when my sister called and said she was coming to town. She was going to take my Princess and I to her house for the weekend since my prince was going to be stuck out of town until late on Friday. My family was gathering at her house for one last Christmas celebration. Well, after getting home from the church and packing, I felt horrible. Exhausted and like I was going to be sick. My sister has had 4 kids and didn't really want to leave me home alone with my toddler if I was sick, so we went with her.

We got to her house and of course I had to pee... but when I stood up, I discovered my jeans were damp! Great! I'm an hour from my doctor! Maybe it was sweat as her van has heated seats... or maybe I spilt more club soda on my lap than I thought I did. The fear and worry made me feel worse so I called my doctor. Since I wasn't still leaking, he wanted me to try and drink something and eat a cracker and cheese to see if it would stay down. I did my best... and it stayed down, so I thought maybe I just needed sleep. I called him back and he agreed... get rest, lots of it! Thankfully, my sisters oldest (she is 9) happily helped me get My Princess ready for bed.

The next morning I was still feeling weird, but better in a way. But after being up just a short time, I discovered my jeans were damp again. I had a little breakfast, a decent (yet small)lunch and did as little as possible all day. By evening I was feeling kind yucky again. My neice helped get Princess ready for bed. I didn't sleep well that night. Had a weird pain in my side.

When I woke up Saturday morning, I felt horrible! I even threw up a little. I didn't have much in me, which was good. I felt slightly better after that and nibbled graham crackers and drank club soda or ginger ale all day. I managed a little lunch and even a little supper, but by supper time, I noticed damp jeans yet again and decided to call the doctor again. I spoke with a nurse at the birthing center and she decided it would be best for me to come in as soon as possible just to make sure my water hadn't broke. So, My prince and I left my sister's house (and my Princess!) to go to the hospital. On the way there, He held my hand and prayed for me and the baby which made me feel better. Then I made a couple phone calls to people at church to give them a heads up on what was happening. (Jan and I were supposed to finish taking down the decoration son Monday!)

After registering and getting taken up to my room, we waited and I got hooked up to monitors. Baby was very active. Heartbeat was great! My blood pressure was good. They took a urine sample because they were suspicious of a bladder infection, but thankfully that was negative. The test for amniotic fluid was also negative. After talking to the doctor on call, she decided what probably was the case is that baby is at a phase where it wants glucose all the time. If I'm not eating often enough or staying hydrated enough baby takes my supply of glucose leaving me weak and icky feeling. She gave me a glucose iv and sent me home. Since it was already 10:30pm and takes an hour to get back to my sister's, we decided to just go back to our house so I could get a good nights sleep.

This morning I managed to eat a little and drink a little and although I was super tired still, I felt good enough to head back to my sister's house. Princess had done fairly well without us... of course she had Grandma and Grandpa, a couple aunts and several cousins taking care of her!

We ended up have a great day. I am wearing liners to keep from getting too wet (baby is causing too much pressure on my bladder is what they think). But I was able to enjoy most of the food my younger brother (the Chef) prepared. It was wonderful! I slept all the way home. This evening I started feeling weak and sleepy again but My prince was wonderful! Without me asking he went and got me some graham crackers! :)

I'm not looking forward to the week starting. Galen is supposed to be around all week... and his mom may even come to town tomorrow... but I dread feeling worn out and watching Dinah alone. I don't have the energy to fight with her... Pray for me!

BTW, I started taking anti-depressants Thursday, too... Hope they kick in soon!

Some discomfort

Well, I should have asked around long before now, but just assumed it was nothing. Apparently I've had some Braxton-Hicks contractions for several weeks now. I just thought the baby was pushing on me or something because it always seemed to happen when I stood up from a comfortable position. Its never been painful, just tight and uncomfortable.

I had a doctors appointment today. All is well! Baby is pointed head down. Heart beat at 140. I'm measuring 34 which she says is a little big, but nothing to be concerned over. I go back in 2 weeks for my next appointment.

My prince is going out of town again! He leaves tomorrow morning and won't be back until sometime Friday evening... He'll still be in North Dakota, but opposite ends of the state! Then, in two weeks he leaves Monday (14th)and returns Thrusday(17th)... back out to New York! Better be a quick trip! I don't want to have this baby without him there!

I've decided I should go back on antidepressants, but forgot to mention that to my doctor today. better go give her a call! I've been on the low end of the spectrum for weeks now and since I had post-partum after the Princess was born, I want to be prepared for this one!

Tantrums

OK... I've been dealing with DD's tantrum's for several months now and they aren't letting up... getting worse if anything.

MY question for all you out there in cyberspace... what do you do to control your child's tantrums. My attempts obviously aren't working. and it definately doesn't help that DH is out of town almost all the time! (At least once a day she says "Where's my daddy?" and when I say he is at work she says, "But I want him.")

It doesn't help that I'm hormonal and emotional, either...

The door is closing

DH got a call yesterday from Staples. they finally started interviewing and one of the guys had all the licensing they wanted. They need to finish checking out the applicant before he is officially hired, so they probably won't even interview DH. I won't say the door is completely shut, but its getting there.

I'm saddened by this and yet relieved for some sort of closure. I really want DH in a more regular type job that will allow him to be home nights and weekends (compared to his schedule in recent months). But I'm also relieved I don't have to think about moving 2 hours away in the winter when I'm 7 months pregnant!

Keep praying for this, though. DH still has options locally that I think he is keeping from me so I don't over-pressure him too much. (His best friend asked me if DH heard anymore from one place the other night and I had no clue it was still an option!)

good news!

DH got a call from Staples yesterday! They are interested in setting up time for an interview (finally!)... and they are willing to consider a Saturday interview since DH's work schedule during the week is keeping him so busy! Pray that if this is God's will for us, that Saturday interview time will be fine. And, if he, I mean, WHEN he gets the job that baby will wait to arrive until after we move!

sick - gross content

I have never felt so miserable in all my life! I was either on the couch half asleep, in bed or on the toilet from about noon yesterday until 7:30 this morning! Whatever bug DD had over Thanksgiving, she gave it to me and it had me "running"... and the pain! I never felt any of the contractions with Dinah, but if they are anywhere as awful as what I felt, give me another c-section with tons of medication! Well, DH took care of DD for me from the time he got home from work, so I went to bed and stayed there as much as my stomach would allow. Praise God for Imodium! I feel so much better this morning! Not 100% normal, but enough to function. DH stayed home a couple extra hours this morning to see how I'd function and get DD up for the day.

Just a quick prayer request... I have been going back and forth for a few months now whether I should go for another c-section or if I should have a V-BAC. Any readers out there have there input, I'd be happy to hear it!

Will it ever end?

Well, looks like DH is leaving... AGAIN! He's taking off Monday morning for Tulsa... coming home Wednesday night... and then the following week he will be in Lennox, SD for 4 days! He's calling Staples today to see if they would like to see him tomorrow... PRAY HARD!

Frustrated again

I just don't get how things work at DH's job. As of WEdnesday night, He still didn't know if he would be coming home Friday evening or if his boss was sending him to New Hampshire to return home on Sunday evening. How can a company be run that way? Well, atleast his boss is going to give him the day before and the day after Thanksgiving off. It will be nice to have him home for a long weekend... especially since he'll be spending 4 days the beginning of December somewhere in South Dakota on another project!

quick update

DH's New York trip was postponed again until Monday, so he'll be gone for about 5 days this trip.

He spoke to the guy at Staples today... still no interviews given, sounds like he is waiting for schedules to be available for several people to interview on the same day... DH's still in the running for that job!