Alabama Tracks

After a jaunt down the road to see family this weekend, I must say that I am glad to be in my own bed and in a routine again.  Several days without continuous water, regular sleep patterns, my girls, normalcy will mess with your head.  We had a great time visiting with extended family though I did also enjoy the time with my immediate family.  It is that time that is so invigorating and renewing. 

Mom and I picked out the material for the cradle this weekend as well as some pieces for a few maternity patterns.  We managed to look at some other cribs that we had not seen yet as well as pull some things out of storage.  One of the things we pulled out was my prayer journal I kept for a few months in 1991ish while I was in Junior High.  Its amazing to go back and read how each day seems to be so much the same ……”forgive me for fighting with Tia” or “Please help so and so” or “please forgive me for listening to that music (NKTB)”  It was encouraging to see how developed of a christian I was at that age and yet still so green and immature.  Joel and I both got such a kick out me asking forgiveness for praying about New Kids on the Block and yet I prayed for the Gulf War and certain individuals marraiges to be healed.  I found my rollar skates, my band music, all my drafting class work, my dolls that both mom and grandma made, and the cross stitch that Grandma did in 1997 of which I was so hoping to have some pieces of to help remember her by.  Mom found her old cake pans - 32 years old at least - the ones she used for the cake when Tia was just a few days old. 

We now have Lucie back in our possession after spending $126 to have a new battery put in her and oil changed.  I must say that when you have cash in hand and you aren’t trying to find room on a credit card, it is much easier to go through a car issue.  She also didn’t leave me stranded in the middle of an intersection - just in the parking lot of Publix.  And the big one - she didn’t fall off the tow truck this time.  I think I’ve come a long way from getting so frazzled.

We have just 4 more days in the primary legislative session and I can’t wait for it to be over.  It has just been crazy at work with everyone trying to get a minute of my bosses time.  Bills are coming in left and right and the logistical nightmare of getting things paid is nearing an end if only for a few short months until the general election arrives.  It is ending in perfect time for me to begin working on the Summer Board Report that began my time here at the farmers federation.  Last year I was new and didn’t have a clue as to how the board report would go together so I’m looking forward to getting started and having a little bit more of a handle on the process.

So as much as I am thankful and glad that we were able to take the trip to see family, I am thankful to be back in my routine.  Having my “family need” renewed, I can take each day as it comes.

Well I finally know.  I went to the OB on Thursday only to have to pee in a cup, have blood drawn, a ton of medical questions asked, and a short time with the doctor.  I’m really impressed by him.  He seems to be a great Christian (he gave me his testimony while I met with him, along w/ what I’ve heard from others who have known him a while) who isn’t into testing for all the wierd stuff.  He loved the idea of having a doula and was very open to my ideas of going as natural as possible.  I was so hoping for an ultrasound that day but ended up having to reschedule it for today.

For those that don’t know, we have been very curious as to how many babies I may be carrying due to the many sets (7) on my husbands side.  Now I know it is supposed to go through the mothers line but 7 is just to many for me to discredit it as a possibility.  Besides, I gained a lot of weight between my first two appointments.  So we took off today to the OB office where I would have a 15 minute in and out ultrasound.

We have 1 baby.  I’m a little disappointed but I am mostly relieved.  We saw our little Squiggle with it’s little beating heart - perfectly at 162 beats.  It is measuring about 8 weeks and 2 days which is only 1 day more than what my records with the doctor say that I am.  January 8th remains the due date for now.  As a result of today it has become even more real for both of us.  I was rather surprised that I wasn’t more emotional about the whole experience but to some degree I am glad I wasn’t.  So now we just continue to pray for a healthy baby.  I don’t even care what the sex is necessarily.  Ultimately it is God who will know best.

So for now, we move on day to day.  I’m still not sick and I’m still not craving different things like a mad woman.  My fatigue wears on me but I’m managing to press on.  So for now, one baby is what we will expect, pray for, be thankful for, and praise God for.

Mom asked for pictures of my roses as they all seemed to bloom at the same time.  These are just a few blooms that we good after the rain we had but they smelled absolutely beautiful and looked pretty good too.

As of last night, everyone in my general circles now know the news.  Last night was probably the most rewarding among friends.  I went back to Bible Study for the first time this year.  Though I do not have tight relationships with these women, I do feel much better when I get together with them, share our cares and concerns, do a short Bible Study and in general have time to laugh, cry, or encourage one another a long. 

Our study this 6 week period is on the Frazzled Female.  It is probably going to be much like the other studies I’ve done on Mary and Martha but it is something that you never seem to overcome.  I guess it is good to have continuing coarses to keep it before you.

It turns out that there are 3 ladies pregnant in BS this time.  Two of which have 1 child already and then there is me.  My leader was very excited for us and my friend with the twins was a great source of encouragement.  Just basic stuff like “don’t let people make you feel bad if you don’t feel up to being social or going someplace.”  This is not anything that I’ve ot heard but for someone who tries to be it all for everyone and do it all at the same time, this was like gold.  She also said that she had a great book regarding making your own babyfood.  I’m not sure what the name of it is but I will match it up to what my sister has as far as content.  She seems to be the most supportive of my plans of natural birth where as the others are all saying things of “just keep your options open - You may find you want the epidural…”  On and on it goes.  But nonetheless.  Last night was needed.  I might even be given some maternity clothes to borrow and they might fit.  Cindy was up to some plus sizes during her pregnancy so I might be able to fill a need with them.  We’ll see.

I don’t feel so great today.  I’m real sluggish and I have that icky feeling in my stomach.  I have no need to visit Ralph yet and hopefully I won’t need to.  I’ve been blessed up to now with no real morning sickness and hopefully that will continue. I have started taking my prenatal at night and I believe it is the cause for me being somewhat restless at night.  I find myself all over the bed tossing and turning.  I think I have decided to give it the week and then switch to the morning and see if my sleep patterns change back. 

It was absolutely beautiful yesterday when I got home and into the evening.  The wind was blowing a great cool breeze.  I opened every window in the house, turned on every fan to help circulate, and relished in it while I was home.  We didn’t even have to use the a/c last night.  The house temp was lowered to a cool 68 degrees and stayed there until morning.  My house was aired out and the girls loved sitting in the windows, noses just a twitching.

I made another cake to order this past weekend of which I hope to have pictures up tonight.  It turned out great!  It was a for a coworker’s daughter’s 10th birthday.  She came to work yesterday saying how much everyone liked the cake and how moist it was.  I don’t dare tell them where the recipe came from but I do need another really good cake recipe that is equally as good just in a different flavor.  Not everyone wants chocolate w/ white or chocolate frosting.  I may have another order for next week too.  I don’t know if I want to do that one just for the sake of time though.  Every cake is different and so you can’t really get fast at the design.  Basic techniques can be mastered but the overall design takes much more time.  I’ll follow up with her tomorrow to see if she really does want the cake and then I’ll make up my mind.  Right now, it is proving to be a nice quick mini side income.

My first OB appt is next Thursday, the 25th for those of you who don’t know.  I will be finishing my 7th week so I should be able to hear the heart beat by then.  I don’t think Joel is going to go with due to the timing of the appt.  We’ll see though.  It’s starting to hit home a bit more now that we have pregnancy books around the house.  I’ll keep everyone posted as to how I progress.

How cool is it when your boss comes in each day asking how you are that morning?  Having been through pregnancy with his wife 9 times, he knows what to expect and how to act.  Could it get better than that?  Not only does he ask but he’s said “never plan babies around work schedules.”  Yesterday he even asked if there was anything he could get me while he was out getting a perscription.  Here I’ve been planning when I could get pregnant as to not interupt their work and my boss is cool with it.  I’ve been so blessed. 

By now, word is around the office.  I’ll tell a few friends at choir tonight if I feel up to going.  I’m getting increasingly more tired as the days go on.  The nausea has subsided a bit but I am still very hungry.  I have found that I don’t look forward to cooking right now - mostly because I have to eat what I make even if I’m not in the mood for it.  Budgets call for it. 

 Sleeping has also started to get interesting as I lay in bed for quite a bit longer than I typically do waiting to go to sleep even when I’m so exhausted.  I wake up as if I had just awoken from REM sleep.  Every morning is a chore and I know it is just going to get harder. 

 I’m making it though rather well.  I’m not turning green yet.  My cravings are not intense.  My clothes still fit for the most part (with a little creative planning) and the prenatals I’m on right now are not effecting me funny.

I plan on leaving early from work on Friday to attend my mother and sister in law’s graduation from thier textile school. I have been told that they are planning to come to see us on Saturday.  I just don’t know what is on the docket. 

I gave Flala a bath the other night.  She was so good and just stood in the tub crying to get out.  She never claws her way out of the tub and on occassions will let me turn her over in the tub.  She soft as ever as a result.  I must say it was rather funny as Lily watched and as soon as Joel came around she bolted as if to say “You’re not putting ME through that!”  And yet, every morning she sits in the empty tub watching me get ready.  Go figure.

 

Drum Roll Please!!!!!  I’m pregnant. 

5 weeks along as of yesterday and what will seem to be an eternity to go….  We found out Sunday, April 30th via a home pregnancy test and had it confirmed by my doctor on Thursday, May 4th.  I will have my first OB appt. on May 25th which it is during that appointment that I expect to have a sonogram and bloodwork. I will also find out if I have one or two babies.  Two is always a possibility.  Joel has at least 7 sets of twins in his family and even though they say that twins go through the mother’s side, there are just too many for me not to consider it a possibility. 

Saturday we went price shopping for baby items. How fun and yet very discouraging.  The prices of things have amazed us both.  I should be inheriting a good bit from my sister though so I know that will help.  I know I will have a shower here at work as they are already planning for it.  My Bible Study will probably have one for me as well as they have for the other ladies in the past.  So maybe I won’t have to worry about much of it myself.  We did pick out nursery fabrics for the most part of which I’m so excited about.  The nursery will take over what is now the office so one computer will be sold and the fouton will go into storage or be sold as well. 

I’ve been slightly sick since week 2 but it hasn’t been anything that has me running to the restroom.  At this point I don’t wake up sick.  It only happens when I don’t eat consistent enough.  My clothes haven’t changed much yet but I am finding I want clothes that do fit a little bit more loose.  Not many cravings have come my way.  I have wanted Mexican quite a bit but I have not been to the point where “I HAVE to have it.” 

So there you have my big news. My family should be pleased that I spilled the beans.  We’ll keep you posted.

I’m finally done with cake classes.  I have completed one of the things that I’ve wanted to do for sometime and I’m very proud of myself as a result.  It always helps when your classmates say that “you have the knack for it.”  So, for Class 3 we had to make a fondant cake and a wedding cake.  Here is my wedding cake.  You should be able to make them larger by clicking directly on the picture.

So there you have it.  In case you can’t tell, I used light pink frosting as a base and white decorations.  The cake is a white vanilla with a raspberry filling.  Yummy!