Henry vs. the Caterpillar

He tried to grab it in his mouth, shake it, drag it around, and basically just own it. I should have videod it - very entertaining.

Bless his heart, his little world is about to be rocked.

34 weeks

I got a lot of looks today. Like "oh my gosh look how huge she is!" type looks.

Now I know why!!!

Baby Update

Just got back from the doctor and I'm so thankful that Langley and I are both very healthy at this point! My blood pressure was good - 110/70. My weight gain - on track...I can't say that 26 pounds feels "good," but it's normal.

Langley is for sure a girl, we all got a great view finally! She has long legs and is estimated to weigh 5 lbs and 10oz already. Both Josh and I were over 8 lbs at birth, so it's not a surprise she's already a pretty big girl! And, her precious little heartbeat was 138.

There have been a few appointmentss were I left feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, but today I left with an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness and excitement!

I washed newborn clothes and bedding last night. Again, I was so thankful because I realized I don't have to buy any newborn sized clothes! We've had hand-me-downs and I've made 2 ebay purchases, which left me with a full large load of newborn sized clothes (let's be real, she won't be newborn sized for long!) So so thankful for generous loved ones who've shared with us and the good deals I've found on ebay! Also, I don't need any more newborn sized diapers, we have at least 5 large packs already!

Josh will paint and we will work on getting that room together this weekend! Now, I just have to find a spot for all the junk that is currently in her closet :-)

Childbirth Class Highlights - Part 2

Laughter. Uncontrollable, ugly-faced, normally happens at church, innapropriate laughter. That is what I remember most from last night.

There was not 1 single incident that made me laugh so hard, but I completely lost control when we had to sit on the floor, me between Josh's legs and practice relaxation. I laughed so hard I couldn't breath, I was crying, and I was really hoping I wouldn't pee my pants. See, we're not really massage people. Very rarely do I rub his shoulders or do I get a back rub. And we're definitely not Enya listening people. But this is no excuse for my uncontrollable laughter. I hope I didn't distract any other couple. I mean, my laughter was silent and I had my face covered up with my hands,but if anyone saw us they would have been distracted. Maybe I should apologize. Accept I couldn't without laughing again.

The class started with a little review from last week, followed by the discussion/power point of the really worst parts of birth in my opinion. I'm talking episiotomy, forceps, vacuums, internal monitors - that kind of stuff. Josh doodled around the illustration of one of these procedures. I giggled and told him to stop.

2 of the couples ask the most questions. A lot of questions about what the hospital allows/does not allow as far as "going natural," induction, which doctors do what. 95% of the questions are very helpful, the others could really be asked in a 1-on-1 setting. Anyway, one of the dad's reminds Josh of one of our favorite shows - King of the Hill (I know, don't judge.) Specifically, the character Lucky. If you are at all familiar with Lucky, you probably just chuckled. So Josh kept referring to the dad as "Lucky." I would giggle every time.

Then we took a break, and when I returned from the bathroom Josh was very focused on the class project. The project being a homemade version of the "bed buddy." Basically a sock filled with rice that you can warm up in the microwave and use on sore or tense muscles. Well, "Lucky's" project turned out to be short and stumpy - not ideal for the intended purpose- instead of longer and skinny that you can use around your neck. Josh kept saying "look at Lucky's sock, look at Lucky's sock! Mine's so much better!" I giggled - quite a bit. Ok, a lot.

We then head to the floor. Josh sat against the wall and I leaned back in between his legs. I knew he would be uncomfortable. The lights dimmed, the Enya CD played, the nurse began instructing the dad to massage the mom, and the mom's to "relax, visualize, breathe deeply..." Ya'll, I just laughed and laughed, the entire time. I would stop briefly when I made myself think of loved ones who have died. Those horribly sad thoughts were the only thing that kept me from getting asked to leave. I promise.

The dads then got a turn to sit in a chair while the moms massaged their scalp and shoulders (which Josh would love any other time) and back and arms. The other couples seemed to really be getting into this, which led Josh to look up at me and say "Lucky's already trying for baby #2." I was again DONE.

We had to cut the floor work short (to be continued next week) because we were running out of time, and there was a video to watch. The video showed different relaxation techniques and labor positions. The highlight of the video for me: the laboring mother who found relief sitting on the toilet with the dad at her side having a snack. That dude was munchin' on something as if he was on the couch in front of the tv. It struck me so funny. I giggled, or shook violently while trying to suppress my obnoxious laughter...whatever you want to call it.

As I told this story today everybody asked if Josh was laughing. He was, but I think he was just laughing at me laughing so hard. I laughed all the way home in the car, when I got home, and honest to goodness - I laughed this morning, like right after the alarm went off.

I haven't gotten so tickled in years. Hopefully I can act more mature next week, especially when we are in the operating room!

Where did the week go?

I don't know what I've done all week. Obviously nothing even remotely related to housework. Oh well. I had a good week. I'm tired. All. The. Time.

We froze all week. Monday was really the only day we got any snow. Otherwise, just bone chilling cold. Here's the view from my office window Monday.

Josh's friend JD coached his Ecclesia College Royals in Conway Tuesday night. I used the opportunity to try out my new camera. Check out the zoom! (I specifically told the people I needed a camera that I could take basketball pictures and pictures of my child, and that was super easy to use. I ended up with a Kodak Z 915. So far I'm pleased.)

The weekend included a quick trip to Arkadelphia to help the family with our annual Customer Appreciation Luncheon. We had fewer helpers and more people than ever, but it all went smoothly! Courtney came by to see me and, bless her heart, ended up serving food! I LOVED that she was there. It was so sweet of her to come by!

My Nanny and Mom do all the cooking (for 300 people,) I was just the "stirrer."

Josh played Saturday and won! The record is 10-6! 12 more games during the regular season. We are praying for another 20 win season!

Well, it's 11:05 pm. My alarm goes off at 6 am. This week is spring registration. Why am I awake?

Childbirth Class Highlights - Part 1

We experienced our first childbirth class last night. I think we were both a little nervous, we definitely didnt know what to expect. Thankfully, I feel comfortable with the other couples in the group (there's only 4 more,) and the nurses who teach are FABULOUS. (Both of the nurses work weekends and it seriously almost made me want to pray for a weekend delivery.)

Given the topic of the class, you have to expect some interesting quotes/comments/questions. Here are a few of my favorite from last night:

1. While talking about the "do's and don'ts" of early labor, we were encouraged to drink a lot and to snack. But one nurse did add "Please don't eat Taco Bell. You don't want to see that again later."
2. Concerning group b strep: "it's like strep throat in your bottom."
3. After talking about getting checked starting at 36 weeks by your doctor and getting tested for the strep (by swabbing some specific areas,) Josh says to me: "sucks for you."
4. I started giggling (almost uncontrollably, like you do sometimes in church) because one of the ladies on the video was Asian and had broken English, and all it reminded me of was the time me and Courtney just wanted some "brown rice and noodles" from Arkadelphia's only Chinese restaraunt and tried to order take-out from the buffet-only establishment. It's a very long story, but to this day I laugh when I think of "brown rice and noodles." [Yes, I realize this is not funny to anyone else.]
5. And finally, this morning, one of the first things my husband says after waking up: "i wish we could get one of those birthing bars in the bathroom." Seriously. I almost had to sit down I was laughing so hard. I love that man.

Next week we have to take pillows and do some floor work -- I can only imagine the highlights I will have to share.

2010 A Year of Passionate Prayer?

I just finished this devotional book this morning. It took me longer than 30 days, but I think that my "day 30" was New Year's Day for a reason. Really for my own benefit (although I hope you aren't bored to tears by it) I will share my thoughts on "Passionate Prayer."

I got this book when we went on the babymoon in November. I wanted something to teach me how to really pray. I mean, I've been praying for a good 20 + years, but sometimes you just get the feeling that you're not doing it right. I never doubt that God is there, or that he hears my prayers, it just felt as if I wasn't praying correctly, because my prayer life felt very selfish or one-sided. I don't know how else to explain it, I just need a little boost in my prayer life and I sought out some resources.

So, enter "Passionate Prayer." I like this book - it did help me to revive my prayer life - but I wouldn't call it excellent or life changing - it's good. Here are some of my notes, personal reminders, etc. Maybe you will benefit from them as well:

• Prayer should also involve listening, not just asking. Seek God with a still and quiet spirit - and you may have to ask Him to still and quiet your soul. Prayer is the key to spiritual health. (Psalm 131:1 & 3, Revelation 3:20)
• Prayer can be defined as "keeping company with God" or "walking and working with Him." Prayer doesn't depend on me.
• The Father knows what I need before I ask. Jesus is my intercessor, the Holy Spirit is my helper/facilitator. [The Trinity may be a mystery to me, but it's not a mystery to God.]
• Don't be afraid to pray for a miracle, or something only God can do. God loves prayers like that.
• When I feel like I'm at the end, I'm actually at the beginning of something new and marvelous that God has planned. If God says no to my request, He is saying yes to something greater - His Will.
• Prayer preceeds revival.
• Look to the prayer life of Hannah, Nehemiah, Daniel, Paul, and of course Jesus for good examples of how to pray.

My prayer "hang up" is the whole "He will give you the desires of your heart..." thing. I know He will, if my desires mirror His heart and will for my life. I'm almost afraid to ask. It's like if he says no, then I know my heart is not in line with Him at the moment. The desires of my heart have included healing for loved ones, salvation for certain people, specific changes in life circumstances - and I can tell you I have asked these things and they have not occured. That's ok, God is still sovereign (see one of the bullets above) but the "no's" tend to wear me down. John 15:7, James 5:16, and 1 Peter 3:12 are examples of verses that are hard for me to accept. Why? The promises are awesome! I tend to be more realistic than optimistic, in my prayer life, this may hinder me.

But, for 2010, I will pray! I must pray! I won't survive without it!

Have a great January 1 and take a moment to pray - I can't think of a better way to start off a new year.