Our baby is about 15.7 inches long now and weighs almost three pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in my uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it is still not very keen; even after he is born he will keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision - which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
I took a nap on Christmas day and when I woke up the baby had dropped. I now look a lot less pregnant and feel much better as well. Since the baby dropped, I have not had heartburn even once. It is so hard to believe that I only have about two more months to go. This pregnancy has flown by. I really haven't done anything to prepare for this baby because everything is still out from Jonah. I guess the next few weeks will be spent organizing clothes, blankets, and other baby things.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Everyone! This year I wrote my first ever Christmas letter to go out in our Christmas cards and thought I would post it on here in case I did not get a card out to any of you.
January
A new year in a new home with a new baby. Sort of like starting over again! Noah turned four and began questioning everything. Along with an active imagination, he also developed a very inquisitive mind.
February
Not much time for romance on Valentines day, but certainly a lot of love. Noah joined a soccer team and scored his first official goal ever. At nearly four months old, Jonah finally slept for an eight hour stretch.
March
Soccer was over and Easter was upon us. We accidentally discovered Jonah's soy allergy the night before Easter. This was our first time ever to miss Easter services.
April
Our fifth anniversary. We spent most of this month outdoors, enjoying the spring weather and picking wild blackberries.
May
A busy month indeed. Jonah experienced his first tooth and trip to the beach, Noah visited the Strawberry barn, Joe celebrated his 32nd birthday, Joe and Noah attended the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race in Charlotte, and I baked my first ever blackberry pie. At the end of this month, due to rising fuel costs, we decided to temporarily shut down Little Joe's Trucking and he went to work for a logging company.
June
This month brought Bible School, fishing, and picnics. It also brought my 30th birthday. My twenties gave me the most amazing things in my life, my husband and two boys. I was sad to see them go, but excited to see what my thirties would have in store.
July
It did not take long to start getting great things in my thirties. We found out on July 1st that we were going to have another baby. July 4th at the river was great as usual, and the boys won 1st place in the parade. Another Bible School rounded out the month.
August
Noah started four year old kindergarten at home and finished up his swimming lessons. Jonah gave up his passy and finally started to crawl. Joe and I made the decision that after three months, it was time to go back to Little Joe's Trucking so the end of this month was his last day at the logging company.
September
Little Joe's Trucking was up and running, making life busier for us all. However, we did manage to fit in some accidental mud bogging, a car/deer collision and a trip to the fall festival at Bonnie Doone Plantation. We also found out that our newest little one is a boy!
October
Jonah turned one the end of this month. We took the boys to visit the pumpkin patch, our church harvest fun day, and of course trick-or-treating. Noah was a fireman this year and Jonah was a pumpin.
November
Sickness hit us this month. It seems as soon as one of us got well another would come down with something else. We had a great Thanksgiving. Thankful for all the things God has blessed us with, especially His Son Jesus Christ.
December
Another year almost over. My ankles are swelling, my back is hurting from carrying Jonah, my ears are burning from listening to Noah's constant chatter, and my voice is wearing out from telling Joe to take off his greasy clothes before sitting on the couch. But to tell you the truth, I am loving every minute of it all.
The other day in town, a lady said to me, "It looks like your life is about as full as you can handle." I agreed with her at the time, but after thinking about it, I can't disagree more. I never want us to see our family as full. I always want to have more room for the blessings that God has in store for us, however surprising they may be. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! May you always be open to the surprises God brings your way this new year.
Joe, Denise, Noah, Jonah, and Baby Givens
January
A new year in a new home with a new baby. Sort of like starting over again! Noah turned four and began questioning everything. Along with an active imagination, he also developed a very inquisitive mind.
February
Not much time for romance on Valentines day, but certainly a lot of love. Noah joined a soccer team and scored his first official goal ever. At nearly four months old, Jonah finally slept for an eight hour stretch.
March
Soccer was over and Easter was upon us. We accidentally discovered Jonah's soy allergy the night before Easter. This was our first time ever to miss Easter services.
April
Our fifth anniversary. We spent most of this month outdoors, enjoying the spring weather and picking wild blackberries.
May
A busy month indeed. Jonah experienced his first tooth and trip to the beach, Noah visited the Strawberry barn, Joe celebrated his 32nd birthday, Joe and Noah attended the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race in Charlotte, and I baked my first ever blackberry pie. At the end of this month, due to rising fuel costs, we decided to temporarily shut down Little Joe's Trucking and he went to work for a logging company.
June
This month brought Bible School, fishing, and picnics. It also brought my 30th birthday. My twenties gave me the most amazing things in my life, my husband and two boys. I was sad to see them go, but excited to see what my thirties would have in store.
July
It did not take long to start getting great things in my thirties. We found out on July 1st that we were going to have another baby. July 4th at the river was great as usual, and the boys won 1st place in the parade. Another Bible School rounded out the month.
August
Noah started four year old kindergarten at home and finished up his swimming lessons. Jonah gave up his passy and finally started to crawl. Joe and I made the decision that after three months, it was time to go back to Little Joe's Trucking so the end of this month was his last day at the logging company.
September
Little Joe's Trucking was up and running, making life busier for us all. However, we did manage to fit in some accidental mud bogging, a car/deer collision and a trip to the fall festival at Bonnie Doone Plantation. We also found out that our newest little one is a boy!
October
Jonah turned one the end of this month. We took the boys to visit the pumpkin patch, our church harvest fun day, and of course trick-or-treating. Noah was a fireman this year and Jonah was a pumpin.
November
Sickness hit us this month. It seems as soon as one of us got well another would come down with something else. We had a great Thanksgiving. Thankful for all the things God has blessed us with, especially His Son Jesus Christ.
December
Another year almost over. My ankles are swelling, my back is hurting from carrying Jonah, my ears are burning from listening to Noah's constant chatter, and my voice is wearing out from telling Joe to take off his greasy clothes before sitting on the couch. But to tell you the truth, I am loving every minute of it all.
The other day in town, a lady said to me, "It looks like your life is about as full as you can handle." I agreed with her at the time, but after thinking about it, I can't disagree more. I never want us to see our family as full. I always want to have more room for the blessings that God has in store for us, however surprising they may be. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas! May you always be open to the surprises God brings your way this new year.
Joe, Denise, Noah, Jonah, and Baby Givens
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Our Baby This Week
Our baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over fifteen inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain.
This baby has really started getting more active and I think heartburn has set in to stay. I go back to the doctor the day after Christmas. Hopefully we will both be in better moods this time.
This baby has really started getting more active and I think heartburn has set in to stay. I go back to the doctor the day after Christmas. Hopefully we will both be in better moods this time.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Jealousy?
Most of you know that my brother Tj is a marine stationed in San Angelo, TX. My Mom is very proud of him and has this bumper sticker on her car that says, "My son is a marine." Those of you who have siblings know about brother/sister rivalry, and understand why I can't help but be a little irritated by this. Not that the sticker bothers me, I am proud of my brother as well. What I am bothered by is the fact that there is no sticker displaying how proud she is of me! I was going to buy her one for Christmas, but I looked around and could not find one that suited my needs. I had several in mind such as, "My daughter is a college graduate" or "My daughter gave birth to my two grandsons". We could even change that to "three grandsons" in March. However, my personal favorite is "Proud Mom of a SAHM!" If anyone knows where I could find these or have one made please let me know. It only has to be a couple inches bigger than the current marine sticker that is displayed.
Enough of that, I really am proud of my brother and it is great to have him home with Holly this year for Christmas. Today they took Noah with them to visit Paris Island, the base where Tj attended boot camp. Noah said he had a lot of fun and I'm sure Tj drilled it into his head the whole time how great the marines are. However, somehow Noah must have gotten something twisted because as I type this he is marching around the house chanting "Ar-my, Ar-my, Ar-my" and trying to convince Jonah to join him. My brother is going to be mortified to know that after spending an entire day on a marine corp base with him, his nephew has come home to cheer for the Army. That thought puts a smile on my face and is almost enough to make up for the bumper sticker thing. Some say this is jealousy talking, I say it is sweet revenge. Ha Ha Ha!
Enough of that, I really am proud of my brother and it is great to have him home with Holly this year for Christmas. Today they took Noah with them to visit Paris Island, the base where Tj attended boot camp. Noah said he had a lot of fun and I'm sure Tj drilled it into his head the whole time how great the marines are. However, somehow Noah must have gotten something twisted because as I type this he is marching around the house chanting "Ar-my, Ar-my, Ar-my" and trying to convince Jonah to join him. My brother is going to be mortified to know that after spending an entire day on a marine corp base with him, his nephew has come home to cheer for the Army. That thought puts a smile on my face and is almost enough to make up for the bumper sticker thing. Some say this is jealousy talking, I say it is sweet revenge. Ha Ha Ha!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Mom's Letter To Santa
I can't take credit for this. Someone sent it to me and I just adapted it to fit my family.
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, and visited their doctor's office more than my doctor. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with Noah's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming children out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere long before this current pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone. On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with children who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Jonah don't bite your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and Noah saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
MOM...!
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, and visited their doctor's office more than my doctor. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with Noah's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming children out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere long before this current pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone. On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with children who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Jonah don't bite your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and Noah saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always,
MOM...!
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Our Baby This Week
By this week our baby weighs two and one quarter pounds (like a head of cabbage) and measures about 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters though my womb. He is also developing millions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
This week starts my third trimester...home stretch, here I come!
This week starts my third trimester...home stretch, here I come!
Moving Out!
Last night as I was online paying some bills, Noah walked into the office, fully dressed down to his shoes and carrying a packed overnight bag. He came up to my chair, threw his arms around me and said, "Good-bye Moma, I'm moving." I asked Noah where he was moving to and he repied, "To Grammy and Pa's house. Can you call them to come pick me up?"
Joe had been in charge of the boys and I had no idea what was going on or how to handle it. Noah has been upset before, but never wanted to move out. I don't even know where he came up with the idea. Anyway, I told Noah to go get me the phone and I would make the call. When he came back in with the phone, he was near tears. This was our conversation:
Me: We sure are going to miss you, but you will probably be happy at Grammy and Pa's house anyway.
Noah: Well, if Daddy would stop taking my toys away, I wouldn't even have to move.
Me: Why did he take your toys away?
Noah: Because I didn't listen.
Me: Maybe you should just listen to Daddy, that way you can keep your toys and you will not have to go to the trouble of moving.
Noah: (As if this had never occured to him before) Okay, you don't have to call them now!
At this point, Noah ran out of the room, content to return to whatever he had been doing. So for now, we still have a four year old living with us, however there is no telling what he will come up with next.
Joe had been in charge of the boys and I had no idea what was going on or how to handle it. Noah has been upset before, but never wanted to move out. I don't even know where he came up with the idea. Anyway, I told Noah to go get me the phone and I would make the call. When he came back in with the phone, he was near tears. This was our conversation:
Me: We sure are going to miss you, but you will probably be happy at Grammy and Pa's house anyway.
Noah: Well, if Daddy would stop taking my toys away, I wouldn't even have to move.
Me: Why did he take your toys away?
Noah: Because I didn't listen.
Me: Maybe you should just listen to Daddy, that way you can keep your toys and you will not have to go to the trouble of moving.
Noah: (As if this had never occured to him before) Okay, you don't have to call them now!
At this point, Noah ran out of the room, content to return to whatever he had been doing. So for now, we still have a four year old living with us, however there is no telling what he will come up with next.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Talk, Talk, Talk
Me: Noah, do you realize that you have been talking non-stop since you woke up this morning?
Noah: Yeah, and can you believe that I'm still not tired of it?
Noah: Yeah, and can you believe that I'm still not tired of it?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Ouch! That Hurts!
I had a regular appointment with the baby doctor Thursday morning. Everything looked normal (even my blood sugar levels) so he told me to keep a close eye on things myself but the would not have to see me for two whole weeks. Yeah!!!
Unfortunately, by Thursday afternoon I was in excruciating back pain. I have had back pain from sciatica during most of this pregnancy, but I could tell that this pain was something different. It felt just like it did when I was having back labor with Noah, but without the contractions. I was hurting and scared, so when Joe got home early he loaded everyone up and we went back to the doctor's office.
After waiting for what felt like forever, I finally got to see the doctor, but not the one I usually see. Keep in mind that I was already crying, partly from the pain and partly because I was scared that I was going into labor and that it was too early. The doctor's first words when he walked in were, "So have you decided to have your tubes tied after this baby is born?" This threw me off guard and I muttered something like, "No, I haven't made any decisions yet." He then proceeded to tell me that if I had gotten my tubes tied after having the last baby, that I would not be in pain right then. Now this is all without even looking at me, he is still staring at my chart. I don't remember much else about the visit, I was crying in earnest by then, and fuming over the doctor's comments. Maybe I was just overly emotional that day, but it still irritates me that those were his first words to me.
Apparently after checking me, they determined that I was not in labor but had pulled a muscle in my back. I was given a prescription for pain pills (which I refuse to fill) and for a back brace called a pre-natal cradle. I was also given instructions to stop all lifting. I did not bother to tell the stupid doctor that it is a little hard to not lift when you have a thirteen month old at home, I figured that would only solidify his belief that I should have had my tubes tied. As I was walking out of the office, he said, "By the way, I'm Dr. Ackerman, I don't think you have seen me before." I wanted to tell him that in fact, he helped deliver my last child, but I had not seen him yet during this pregnancy and if I could help it I would never see him again. That is what I wanted to say, but instead I just shook my head and walked away sobbing.
Anyway, Joe has been great. Since work is very slow at this time, (I'll post more on that and the economy later) he has been home taking care of me and the children. I am feeling much better today and hope to be back to my normal routine by tomorrow.
Unfortunately, by Thursday afternoon I was in excruciating back pain. I have had back pain from sciatica during most of this pregnancy, but I could tell that this pain was something different. It felt just like it did when I was having back labor with Noah, but without the contractions. I was hurting and scared, so when Joe got home early he loaded everyone up and we went back to the doctor's office.
After waiting for what felt like forever, I finally got to see the doctor, but not the one I usually see. Keep in mind that I was already crying, partly from the pain and partly because I was scared that I was going into labor and that it was too early. The doctor's first words when he walked in were, "So have you decided to have your tubes tied after this baby is born?" This threw me off guard and I muttered something like, "No, I haven't made any decisions yet." He then proceeded to tell me that if I had gotten my tubes tied after having the last baby, that I would not be in pain right then. Now this is all without even looking at me, he is still staring at my chart. I don't remember much else about the visit, I was crying in earnest by then, and fuming over the doctor's comments. Maybe I was just overly emotional that day, but it still irritates me that those were his first words to me.
Apparently after checking me, they determined that I was not in labor but had pulled a muscle in my back. I was given a prescription for pain pills (which I refuse to fill) and for a back brace called a pre-natal cradle. I was also given instructions to stop all lifting. I did not bother to tell the stupid doctor that it is a little hard to not lift when you have a thirteen month old at home, I figured that would only solidify his belief that I should have had my tubes tied. As I was walking out of the office, he said, "By the way, I'm Dr. Ackerman, I don't think you have seen me before." I wanted to tell him that in fact, he helped deliver my last child, but I had not seen him yet during this pregnancy and if I could help it I would never see him again. That is what I wanted to say, but instead I just shook my head and walked away sobbing.
Anyway, Joe has been great. Since work is very slow at this time, (I'll post more on that and the economy later) he has been home taking care of me and the children. I am feeling much better today and hope to be back to my normal routine by tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Our Baby This Week
This week, our baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, our baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. He is really moving a lot more these days. His kicks and punches have gotten so strong that other people can see my shirt moving around when he wiggles.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Dear Santa
Noah was just eleven months old his first Christmas, so he was mostly interested in the wrapping paper. I figure it will be that way with Jonah this Christmas. He will probably enjoy the lights, sound and decorations, but will not be very interested in the gift part.
Noah's second Christmas was a little different. He understood the gift thing and was starting to talk a bit. His only wish for Christmas was batteries. When we have a noisy toy at our house that is driving me crazy, I take the batteries out and presto, no more noise. Noah understood this at the age of two and wanted his own stash of batteries to fall back on, so he asked Santa to bring him "babbries". I wish I had taken a picture of his face when he open the box from Santa and found it full of batteries! He was so excited!
By his third Christmas he was really catching on and decided he wanted two things, a kitchen set he had seen in Wal-Mart and an orange ride on motorcycle. He was talking a good bit by this time, but still had trouble with words that started with 'C' or 'K'; they came out starting with an 'H' sound. He called the kitchen set a cooker so yes, he asked Santa for a "hooker" and a motorcycle.
Last year for Christmas, I think Daddy put a bug in Noah's ear, because he asked Santa for an orange go-cart. Much to my dismay, Santa was able to find a used go-cart at a yard sale and spent an entire weekend cleaning it up and painting it orange. The day before Christmas, Noah changed his mind and wanted a yellow one instead. We explained that since the order had already been placed, it was to late to change it at this point.
This year, Noah has changed his mind constantly about what he wants Santa to bring, so we finally sat down last night and wrote a letter. After I "mail" the letter today, there will be no more changing of the mind because it will be too late. Here is his letter...all his words, not mine. I don't even know what some of these things are. If any one knows what a magic four-wheeler is, please let me know!
Dear Santa,
My name is Noah. I have been a very good boy this year. Please bring me Hot Wheels Cars. Please bring me cars and a fish light. Please bring me the workshop I saw on TV and a new drill. Please bring me instruments. A violin and a special flute. Please bring me an airplane and a four wheeler that has magic on it, a watch, and sunglasses.
I have a brother named Jonah. He has been good. Please bring him something he can push and ride. Please bring him lots of balls so he will not take mine and stop lights with cop cars and plain cars.
We will leave you carrots for your reindeer and cookies and white milk for you beside the fireplace. I may not be sleeping in my own bed. Thank you for bringing my go-cart last year and thank you for bringing my motorcycle.
Love, Noah
Noah's second Christmas was a little different. He understood the gift thing and was starting to talk a bit. His only wish for Christmas was batteries. When we have a noisy toy at our house that is driving me crazy, I take the batteries out and presto, no more noise. Noah understood this at the age of two and wanted his own stash of batteries to fall back on, so he asked Santa to bring him "babbries". I wish I had taken a picture of his face when he open the box from Santa and found it full of batteries! He was so excited!
By his third Christmas he was really catching on and decided he wanted two things, a kitchen set he had seen in Wal-Mart and an orange ride on motorcycle. He was talking a good bit by this time, but still had trouble with words that started with 'C' or 'K'; they came out starting with an 'H' sound. He called the kitchen set a cooker so yes, he asked Santa for a "hooker" and a motorcycle.
Last year for Christmas, I think Daddy put a bug in Noah's ear, because he asked Santa for an orange go-cart. Much to my dismay, Santa was able to find a used go-cart at a yard sale and spent an entire weekend cleaning it up and painting it orange. The day before Christmas, Noah changed his mind and wanted a yellow one instead. We explained that since the order had already been placed, it was to late to change it at this point.
This year, Noah has changed his mind constantly about what he wants Santa to bring, so we finally sat down last night and wrote a letter. After I "mail" the letter today, there will be no more changing of the mind because it will be too late. Here is his letter...all his words, not mine. I don't even know what some of these things are. If any one knows what a magic four-wheeler is, please let me know!
Dear Santa,
My name is Noah. I have been a very good boy this year. Please bring me Hot Wheels Cars. Please bring me cars and a fish light. Please bring me the workshop I saw on TV and a new drill. Please bring me instruments. A violin and a special flute. Please bring me an airplane and a four wheeler that has magic on it, a watch, and sunglasses.
I have a brother named Jonah. He has been good. Please bring him something he can push and ride. Please bring him lots of balls so he will not take mine and stop lights with cop cars and plain cars.
We will leave you carrots for your reindeer and cookies and white milk for you beside the fireplace. I may not be sleeping in my own bed. Thank you for bringing my go-cart last year and thank you for bringing my motorcycle.
Love, Noah
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Our Baby This Week
The network of nerves in our baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear my voice, Joe's voice and the boy's voices as we chat with one other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.I had an ultrasound on Monday and the technician switched it over to 3D so we could actually see the baby's features. He did not co-operate very well, but we at least got a glimpse of what he will look like. Everything looked fine with the baby and the pill the doctor put me on seems to be controlling my blood sugar levels for now. I go back to see him again next Thursday and he will check to make sure that the sugar levels are still in a range that he feels comfortable with.
Monday, December 1, 2008
All Cats Go To Heaven
Yesterday afternoon, I sat Noah down to tell him about Prissy dying. I did not think it would be a big deal since due to Prissy's attitude problem, he and the cat had never even come close to bonding, but I wanted to explain it to him anyway. I told him that Prissy had died and gone to heaven. This is the conversation that followed:
Noah: Are you sure?
Me: Yes Noah, I'm sure that she is dead. Daddy already buried her out back.
Noah: But I mean about the heaven thing?
Me: Well Noah, I believe that there are animals in heaven, and I would like to believe that Prissy is there too.
Noah: But Momma, are you sure, because she was really mean!
This was not the way I had envisioned this conversation going, and all I could do was laugh. Thank God for children to bring a smile to our faces!
Noah: Are you sure?
Me: Yes Noah, I'm sure that she is dead. Daddy already buried her out back.
Noah: But I mean about the heaven thing?
Me: Well Noah, I believe that there are animals in heaven, and I would like to believe that Prissy is there too.
Noah: But Momma, are you sure, because she was really mean!
This was not the way I had envisioned this conversation going, and all I could do was laugh. Thank God for children to bring a smile to our faces!
Priscilla
On my sixteenth birthday, my mom gave me a black Persian kitten. I named her Priscilla Desiree and we called her Prissy for short. She was my baby, as no one else could stand her. It seems that Prissy had an attitude problem from birth. When I went to college, she became my Mom's responsibility until she got re-married. At that point, Prissy went to live with Joe. Joe despised Prissy, and Prissy despised Joe. However, Joe must love me very much, because he always took good care of her. When we got married, Prissy would have once again become my responsibility, but I got pregnant and could not handle the cat litter. I got to love and spoil Prissy while Joe took care of the icky stuff. Because Joe loves and spoils me, he continued to take care of the icky stuff even after Noah was born.
Like I said before, Prissy had an attitude problem since birth. It got even worse the older she got. She preferred solitude most of the time. So when we moved into our new home, we left Prissy in our old home. Joe went back there every day to check on her, and I would go as often as I could to spend time with her. Friday night I was back there with her and she was just as ornery as usual. Sunday morning, when Joe went to go feed her, he found her passed away, curled up in her favorite sleeping place. He came back up to the house to tell me. He said, "I have bad news and good news, what so you want first?" Now I am a bad news first person. I always have been. I mean, how can you enjoy good news if you are bracing yourself for the bad news to come? Anyway, the bad news was that my cat that I loved for nearly fifteen years had died. It took a while to absorb the news. I knew that she had already lived longer than normal, but I guess I just expected her to be sick, or give us some warning. Now that I think about it, I am glad that we did not have any warning, because that may mean that she did not suffer, she just went to sleep and did not wake up.
About an hour later, after I had processed the fact that she was gone, I remembered that Joe said he had good news. When I asked him about it he said, "Oh yeah, we don't have to buy any cat food this week!" I know it sounds horrible, but at least it made me laugh. Because of his love for me, my husband has been very good to that cat, but I am not so sure that he was sad to see her go. He did however go out in the pouring rain Sunday and give her a proper burial. I will miss my Prissy. Attitude and all, she will always have a place in my heart.
Like I said before, Prissy had an attitude problem since birth. It got even worse the older she got. She preferred solitude most of the time. So when we moved into our new home, we left Prissy in our old home. Joe went back there every day to check on her, and I would go as often as I could to spend time with her. Friday night I was back there with her and she was just as ornery as usual. Sunday morning, when Joe went to go feed her, he found her passed away, curled up in her favorite sleeping place. He came back up to the house to tell me. He said, "I have bad news and good news, what so you want first?" Now I am a bad news first person. I always have been. I mean, how can you enjoy good news if you are bracing yourself for the bad news to come? Anyway, the bad news was that my cat that I loved for nearly fifteen years had died. It took a while to absorb the news. I knew that she had already lived longer than normal, but I guess I just expected her to be sick, or give us some warning. Now that I think about it, I am glad that we did not have any warning, because that may mean that she did not suffer, she just went to sleep and did not wake up.
About an hour later, after I had processed the fact that she was gone, I remembered that Joe said he had good news. When I asked him about it he said, "Oh yeah, we don't have to buy any cat food this week!" I know it sounds horrible, but at least it made me laugh. Because of his love for me, my husband has been very good to that cat, but I am not so sure that he was sad to see her go. He did however go out in the pouring rain Sunday and give her a proper burial. I will miss my Prissy. Attitude and all, she will always have a place in my heart.
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