1999

It's hard to believe that just 10 years ago you couldn't find a can of tuna on the shelf and people were talking of living in the cellar for months on end. Everyone was scared that their video cameras wouldn't work and that life as we knew it was going to come to an end. Because after all, why would a computer know how to go from 1999 to 2000? It's not like computers are based on numbers and coding. There's no way a computer would be able to go up one number in a sequence!



I remember that monumental New Year's Eve celebration. We were at Dale and Mary's (my uncle and aunt's) in Yoder. I still love that place! (They say the only reason I like that place the best is because I haven't been to Oregon. I dunno, I like the plains with the mountains in view, but I think it might just be a ploy to get me to Oregon!) I loved being there, especially at the new year because there are fireworks shot from Pike's Peak and we could see them from the house.

Christopher, Caitlain, Nathan, Brannon and I were all out jumping on the trampoline waiting for the fireworks to start. One (maybe two or three) of the springs on the trampoline had broken so that made having that many kids on at one time even more volatile. As we were all being kids, we heard someone on the tramp scream and we saw two little white socks going down in the hole where the springs had once been. Nathan had gone head first through the hole.

We laughed and laughed, but Nathan did NOT find it nearly as humorous as the rest of us. I mean he REALLY didn't find it funny! He cried for a long time.

We went ahead and watched the fireworks on Pike's Peak then scurried inside to see if the computer would spontaneously combust at the mind boggling transition. I remember trying to take a picture of the date on the computer. We watched a little bit of news to see if anything big had happened. The only thing in Colorado Springs was that someone had played a prank in a building and when it turned 01-01-00 they flipped some breakers or something. We took a picture of all of us out on the porch at Dale and Mary's to commemorate the year... and Nathan was still crying!

Aspen is 2 weeks old...

Life with Aspen...

I can't believe she'll be two weeks on Friday!

Although I feel at least a few years older by now!

The first night we had her home I was a good little text book mommy and got her up every 2-3 hours to feed her. She would get really ticked off and fall asleep relentlessly during every other feeding. So I took her cues and let her wake me up the next night. We both got more sleep.

I felt so lucky to have such a sleeping babe. Then momma got a wake up call.

-Hey, Momma...

-Yes, baby?

-It's only gonna be like this every few nights.

-That's ok, I understand you're still learning about life... and so am I!

-No, you don't understand, Momma. It'll be utterly awful for you when it's not blissfully great. You'll cry uncontrollably and feel like you won't ever be able to meet my needs. Not to mention it'll make you incredibly jealous when Dad waltzes in and picks me up and I become silent wonder-baby again! There will be relief from it, no doubt, but will add bountifully to your feelings of inadequacy.

-Oh, Aspen, dear. It won't be that bad. You're a wonderful, gorgeous baby that I wouldn't trade for the world!

-Ok, Momma. I tried warning you...

*Cue the colicky (luckily it's only intermittent), nocturnal baby's entrance.

It's been trying to say the least. Who said it wouldn't be, right? I now understand why maternity leave is so important.

And what about those hormones? They weren't this bad during pregnancy... well, there was Thanksgiving day... but one day out of 38 weeks (I'm sure Jerrad would change that number, but who's counting?) isn't bad! This is almost constant, and I'm ready for that part to be over almost more than the sleepless nights. I feel they would be more bearable without the hormones. But there is the exhaustion factor in there too.

I know I will be back to normal - err - a new normal soon.

And did I mention she is amazing?!

Wow!

I have never seen a more beautiful baby! Seriously, my heart swells so much every time I go to check on her. I see that perfect face and I just wanna sit and stare at her. Her nose is A-DOR-A-BLE!!! Those lips? Nothing but edible! Her hands only get more precious when they clasp my finger. She makes the most adorable faces and has started smiling in her sleep. Oh, I can't wait for her to smile at me for real!

Jerrad is such a great dad! He walks around the house holding her and singing to her. What does he sing to her? You name it! If he can't think of something, he makes it up. One of his favorites is "Cowgirl Don't Cry" and - all hormones aside - I cry every time I hear that song! And I almost lost it the first time I heard him sing it to her. He does have an uncanny ability to calm her. Probably has something to do with the same things that make him calm me! He is such a rock for me and I couldn't be happier seeing him be that for her already!

We have our second doctor's appointment tomorrow. Hopefully she will have gained back what she lost in her first week. She was only down a few ounces. She is a slow eater (kinda like her momma was) so I have had to learn to take our time with feedings.

Well, speaking of eating, I must do so while I have the chance. No new pictures yet, (*gasp) but I will have soon. Hopefully some Christmasy ones!

Aspen Adelle

With this little critter, we were skeptical about going anywhere for Thanksgiving. Luckily I was only 40% effaced at my appointment before the holiday so doc cleared us to go. Apparently the little one wanted to meet her great aunts!

We had a great time in Dumas and at my next appointment (Monday after Thanksgiving) I was dilated to a 1 1/2, and the head was engaged.

Tuesday I walked in the door and Dr. Bill gave me a hug, felt my belly and said he thought I had dropped more since the day before.

Wednesday I lost my mucus plug. I decided I had better get my tree up while I had the chance.

Thursday I ran a few errands on my lunch break and went back to work. I was trying to figure out what to do the rest of the afternoon. My relief for maternity leave was already in place and we had been running out of things to do. Since we were slow that afternoon I decided to call the hospital and see if I could get the tour. (Not that our hospital is big - In fact I was in the last room in the hall when I was in for my "sinus problem" in 2007 so that was my "tour." - but Dr. Bill has it set up that the labor, delivery, and post partum rooms are designated for just that.) Diane said to come on over and she'd show me around.

I told Dina what I was going to do and decided that I was going to use the restroom before I went over to the hospital. While I was in the bathroom, things kept going when they should've been shut off. I came out and consulted Shannon in the lab about it. She asked if I needed Dr. Bill to check me. I said, "I don't know... I don't want to be the paranoid pregnant woman!" (We tend to see a lot of those!) Shannon convinced me that since it was my first baby I really didn't know what I was feeling anyway and that she'd get me set up in a room.

I was getting up on the table with my drape and I was kinda chuckling at what was going on and the thought of this really happening. Well, chuckling used too many abdominal muscles and I made a BIG mess in the room!

Dr. Bill came in and declared that unless I had just lost all control of my bladder, I was headed to the hospital. He swabbed some litmus paper just in case. We all laughed at the color (I went ahead and let loose seeing as I had already made such a mess!) and got me set up to dry off and get to the hospital.

While in the room, I tried calling Jerrad - No answer. Then Kitty - No answer. Then Jimmy - No answer. I thought to myself, "Why are people not answering when the 38 week pregnant woman is calling?!" I clicked over to the line to try Jerrad again and he was there.

I said, "So, you wanna come to the hospital?"

"Ok... Why?"

I replied sheepishly, "Hehe... My water just broke..."

Apparently he was with all of the others and hollered, "HEY GUYS! We're gonna do this! Baby's coming!!" Cue the hoops and hollers from the farm.

They had decided to butcher a steer that day to get it out of the way before I went into labor. The building we butcher in has little to no cell phone service, so that's why no one was answering... that and they were all too bloody to get to their phones right away.

I told the other girls in the office what was going on and went out the back door to go to the hospital. On the way I called Trina. (She and I really wanted her here for my delivery, but she wasn't going to be able to make it until the 15th.) David answered and I asked if Trina was around. He said she was kinda busy and asked if I could give her a message through him. I said I needed to tell her this myself. He said ok, then said, "Oh, Alyssa! Alyssa, NO!" I said "Yah..." Then Trina got on the phone and I broke the news to her.

She asked if Jerrad was there and if I had my bag packed. Nope and nope! We had talked the night before about my bag, but I was exhausted when we got off the phone so I decided to wait until the next evening. Haha!

We hung up and I walked into the back door of the hospital. Dr. Bill had already called over to tell them I was coming so when I saw Diane and she asked, "So are you ready for that tour?" We laughed and the nurses got me all set up in the labor room.

The CNA on duty for the evening brought me my liquid supper. I ate the popsicle and drank plenty of water but I left the rest. When she came back to pick up my tray, she asked, "Is that all you're going to eat?" Like I was going to pig out on a popsicle, ice chips and apple juice. But this is also the same CNA that got ticked off at me when I was in the hospital before for never eating my breakfast! Yeesh! But I was relieved to find out who was about to come on duty! Brooke Wilkerson, Nicole Housholder and the D of N, Pam Twilleger. Say what you will about small towns, but it's nice to know people that are going to be by your side during such a time!

Jerrad got there shortly thereafter and hung out. He was really clueless as to what to do. To be quite honest, so was I! So we watched a little TV, then Dr. Bill came in and was talking to us. He hung out a while and by this time the contractions were coming on harder.

Jerrad and I walked around for a while. Then went back and I got in bed. It was then that I started vomiting. I was getting my IV antibiotics (for my group B strep) and I figured I might need something IV for the pain. It seemed to ease for a bit but not much. Doc started me off slow on that and as we were working up I vomited a couple more times. Then I got to a 4. At a 4, Dr. Bill will start para cervical blocks which involves a HUGE needle. Now I'm no fan of needles, but it was going to help so I could handle that.

After the first block, I slept for an hour! It was great! When that wore off about an hour and a half later, he did another one. It worked well also. Not enough to sleep, but still a major help. When that one wore off in another hour and a half, I got a third one. I got that one when I was at a 7 and it didn't seem to work at all. Then thirty minutes later we tried another. That one was tricky as I started getting the leg shakes. Same story. As we were waiting for the fourth block to possibly start working, he checked me and said, "She's complete! Let's go!"

So they unlocked the brakes on the bed and wheeled me into delivery. I was really shocked that I went so quickly! We got into the delivery room and Dr. Bill briefed Jerrad and I on what was going to happen then we got down to business.

We got into delivery at 2:20 A.M. As she was crowning, Dr. Bill said, "Look at all that hair! If it's a boy, he'll need a hair cut tomorrow!" Then Pam started raving about all the hair. I asked if it was dark and they told me it was light colored. I was so happy to possibly get a little toe head!

I don't remember much pain during delivery. I don't know if the blocks were kicking in just right or what, but the worst part was the pain in my hips from my knees being up by my head! The rest was enormous pressure, which was exactly what Dr. Bill told me it would be.

I was growing weary of pushing and pushing with seemingly no results and Dr. Bill could tell. He asked me if I wanted to feel the head. I had heard of people doing this and finding the strength to go on, and I figured I would do the same thing. However, at the moment I thought to myself, "How dumb! Feeling a nasty slimy head isn't going to make it come out any faster or easier!" So I said no. I just wanted it to be over!

I got the head out and we were working on the shoulders. Just as her shoulders and ribs came out she let out a HUGE cry! Dr. Bill said, "You're not even born yet and you're screaming!" It was so awesome to see her head and shoulders. I was looking in wonder and all of the sudden the rest of her just came on out at 3:09 A.M.! 11 hours from water breaking to delivery. Not too shabby!

Jerrad had said a while back that if he was going to cut the cord, he wanted to use his pocket knife. We talked to Dr. Bill about it and he said that was fine. He sharpened it really well Wednesday night and Shannon ran it through the sterilizing machine while I was in labor. The nurses were kind of shocked at the "butcher knife" in the delivery room. Dr. Bill got the cord ready for him and Brooke grabbed the camera. After he cut it, Dr. Bill said, "Whoa! That is sharp!" Jerrad was pretty proud of himself!

It wasn't until this point that I finally asked, "Is it a girl or a boy?" They chuckled because most people already know! Dr. Bill told me that it was a girl! I was so excited because I absolutely love the name we picked for a girl!

I had a slight tear so Dr. Bill gave me a stitch. I swear that hurt more than delivery!

Pam started getting her cleaned up and weighed. I delivered the placenta with no problems. I was finally able to rest for a bit. Dr. Bill got her wrapped up and told Brooke to get the camera for a family picture. The blanket she was wrapped in was the same blanket that is in every hospital in the world! It's also the one that Keagen is wrapped in for the "portrait" we have of him. Trina and I were talking the night before about that. She mentioned that she is bringing her own receiving blankets to the hospital when their little one is born. I had mentioned this in coffee that morning at work so Dr. Bill knew the story. We were still a little unsure if I would do the same. I had Jerrad pick up a couple at the house when he was packing our hospital bag just in case. I saw him start wrapping my baby in that blanket and I made up my mind! That blanket has the connotation of death to it and I couldn't stand to see my baby wrapped in it! I asked if we could get a different blanket for the picture and Dr. Bill said, "Yah! Go ahead! I hate those things anyway!"

So Jerrad ran and got our bag and I grabbed a blanket out of it, then we took our picture! Then they wheeled us into the post partum room. As Pam was cleaning me up, Brooke was showing Jerrad how to swaddle Aspen. I saw them just as he said, "Oh, like a little burrito!" =)

Jerrad was really great during all of it. He was really quiet, but I'd so much rather have that than an overbearing know-it-all! He was really good at making sure I was breathing through contractions. They take 40% of the uterus' oxygen away each time, so we knew it was imperative that I breathe. He comforted without being in my face. He was just the right balance! Oh, I love him!

And her!!

Aspen Adelle Banning
December 4, 2009
3:09 A.M.
7 lbs. 1 oz.
19 1/2 inches

Thanksgiving 2009

Wow - What a whirlwind week we weathered! On Tuesday evening we left for Dumas and arrived at my MeeMee's house. We got all 13 of us bedded down for the night in MeeMee's house. spread amongst beds, air mattresses and couches.

On Wednesday All of the others went to tour a dairy while Jerrad and I went to Amarillo to go pickup shopping. We were about to give up when we met up with an unfortunate blessing at Texas Dodge. THE pickup Jerrad wanted was there. He said he wanted to test drive it but the salesman showed him a few other pickups first. Then he went in to get the key for THE pickup and came out with some shocking news. It was gone. They had just wholesaled it to a dealership in Lubbock and it was on its way to Lubbock right then. Just 5 minutes after Jerrad said he wanted to test drive it. They said they could get the guy to turn around with it only if we agreed to buy it. But we could buy it for the wholesale price that the other dealership had agreed to.

So we went and ate dinner and discussed it. I was STARVING and Red Robin was just down the frontage road... it was a sign from God! So we agreed that this seemed to be a great deal and exactly what Jerrad was looking for. I hadn't even seen the pickup because I was taking a nap while he was shopping!

Then we went back to the dealership and told them we wanted that pickup and to turn it around. So while the guy was driving back with our pickup we filled out all of the paperwork. We bought the pickup without test driving it and without me even seeing it. But it is great and Jerrad really likes it! I don't have pictures because I just really haven't gotten to it. And most of the time it's in our driveway, it's already dark outside

That took most of our day Wednesday so we decided to extend our stay in Dumas until Friday afternoon sometime.

Thursday started out kind of early. The guys went out shooting and the women started on the meal. It was a long HOT morning. I ended up having to get a pan from WalMart so my lil cousin, Jessica, and I got out of the house for a bit. That was a much needed break! When we got back I got the rest of my rolls done and rising. It was hot enough in the house we could've put them in the refrigerator and they would've been fine!

We got the rest of the meal done and on the table when the heat, stress, exhaustion and high emotions mixed with a few hormones (wherever those came from) overwhelmed me. Let's just say I spent Thanksgiving dinner in the bathroom liquefying my mascara and sweating to death. Then realizing how much I hadn't slept since we got there, I went to bed for a bit. Didn't sleep but I rested well.

Later on we went to visit some of my mom's family that I hadn't seen in way too long! We had a nice visit in their cool (temperature and style) house and watched the Cowboys game. When we got back to MeeMee's the women devised a Black Friday plan. Since we were sticking around Friday to spend time with family I figured it'd be best to stick with them in whatever they were doing.

Friday morning I woke up at 3:15 and we were out the door by 4:00 on our way to Amarillo. Bryant, Shayla, Mary, Suzy and me! WalMart and Target were a mess and pretty much pointless. You had to get there long before the sale in order to take advantage of the sale. That would've meant just staying up Thursday evening and staying the night in WalMart. Knowing how much I enjoy WM, you can tell what I would've done =)

I did, however, manage to pick up the last glider rocker at Babies R Us for 1/2 off! So now we have a crib and a rocker! That was my only "Black Friday" purchase. The rest was "Ooooh, I love that scarf!" and "Oh yah, we need cereal." and "We've been wanting to see that movie." I got some Tech onesies at Academy and a fleece camo outfit as well. But mostly got some great time with family!

I can't brag on Bryant enough for how he treated all of us like queens, carting us women around Amarillo on the craziest day of the year. He only got mad once, and it was at a guy he THOUGHT was parking in the "Expectant Mothers" stall at BRU without an expectant mother. We had to check for some sort of vandalism when we got back out to the car!

So what am I thankful for this year? I had thought about this before we left just in case we had to go around the table like in the old days. I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have a healthy baby inside of me. I have had a very smooth pregnancy. I have a family that loves me, even my in laws! I have a sister in law that has turned into a best friend. I'm thankful for my aunts that sneak in to check on me when I have a meltdown on Thanksgiving Day and know that they aren't overstepping their boundaries when they do. I have great cousins that are always fun to be around. I have an awesome cousin who is TOO awesome to spend Thanksgiving with us because she is in Korea. A job and boss that have made it possible for us to feel free to live and go on with our life and not feel oppressed. A church that loves us and that we get to encourage each time we are there. And a loving God who has blessed me with all of this and soooo much more!

But what I am thankful for the most this year is my husband. He is patient with me. He has stepped up so much since we decided to have kids. He protects not just me, but our family. When I don't see that we need protecting, he does and protects anyway. He loves me... ME! A girl that has had to learn so much about being a woman and wife worth loving. Is it always paradise... Ha! Nope! But we have built our relationship by leaps and bounds in the last 6 1/2 years we have been together. I cherish the times that we had before children and anxiously anticipate what times are to come with our children. This man is mine forever and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Almost 36 weeks...

It's been a while since I last posted. But in my defense this is my 100th post and I didn't want to waste it. Especially by reassuring that even YOU can make delicious baked apples without the light saber spoon! So instead I will use it to update you on maternity pics and baby shower happenings!

At 32 weeks, Darci and I met up to take an adventure to Manter Dam. This is a wonderful little gem in Stanton County that serves very well for all sorts of recreation, including maternity pictures! The leaves were a little past where we wanted them, but it worked beautifully!

See?

If she can take beautiful pictures of me, I can't wait to see what she can do with the little bundle of love that is due in about 4 weeks!

That's right, I said 4 weeks!! I will be 36 weeks on Friday... and instead of working on the curtains that I haven't finished, or finding crib bumper filling, or anything else on my long list of nesting things, I am here... blogging... for you!

At 34 weeks my church threw me a wonderful baby shower! It is no exaggeration to tell you it was fabulous! All of the decorations, CAKE, games, CAKE, gifts and CAKE were shadowed only by the laughter and good times had by everyone there! And there were plenty of great people there!

Check out the cake my mother in law made! YUMMY!!!

Those are the main events of late.

Nursery status: on temporary hold.

1) We ran out of crown molding and the hardware store was out when we went to get more. It is now there waiting but other things have come up. Like the fact that it has been too muddy to bring it home (things you city slickers don't have to worry about), and my car is too small, and it was opening weekend of pheasant season.

2)Jerrad got the closet doors but needs more lumber to install them correctly and because of the afore mentioned obstacles, said lumber has not been acquired.

3)We were going to set up the crib a couple of weeks ago and ran into troubles there. We don't have any of the hardware to put it together (which we knew when we picked it up from the people giving it to us), and found out that the sliding tracks that also hold the front panel on are broken. I called the manufacturer, after looking online, for parts and they said that the crib is discontinued and they no longer carry parts. So we are debating making this one work somehow, or just trying to buy a crib.

4)Still looking for a dresser that can double as a changing table.

5)Still in the market for a rocker/glider. Even though I currently have one, I told the church I would give it back. It was accidentally loaded up as a gift from the shower, but actually belongs in the church nursery... Ooops! =)

6)Need to finish the curtains but lack a little skill in the area of straight edges...

7)Crib bedding is done, but I need to figure out what materials are needed to fill the bumper pads.

8)And the X-box is back...

So those are the things that are in between us and a completed nursery.

Now that you know all of my woes, let me tell you some other things.

Like the fact that I feel good. Not quite great, but good. Sleeping is getting more difficult and I think my morning sickness is trying to come back. I haven't had any problems with swelling lately. I'm not dilating early (as of a week ago anyhow). Things are looking good for us to be able to go to Dumas... so far! I get checked again on Friday, and then probably again on Tuesday.

Dr. Bill comes in everyday and gives each of us a hug. I'd say once a week he gives me a pat on the belly, or a rub... yesterday he kinda scratched it. It's nice to know that my doctor, after 40+ years of delivering babies, is still in wonder and excitement about new life!

After this post, I think I ought to post a little more often. Don't ya think?

Fall yummies!

This fall has come in full swing and I am LOVING it! We usually don't get much of a fall around here so it is particularly nice to be able to savor it a little. I have been sewing for baby's room and for other things. Like this!!

Katarina's Christmas tree skirt. I fell in love with it soooo much I almost kept it even though it doesn't match my decorations!

Then a couple of weeks ago my MIL called and said she was making baked apples and that I should try them sometime. So I did. And I took photos during the process so I could show you this lovely fall treat!

First I took two apples - one for me and one for the hubby. He wanted a Granny Smith and as much as I LOVE a Granny Smith apple, it's fall (have I said that yet?) and I MUST have a Honeycrisp. Not to mention it made a nice color contrast in my photos*! I washed and cored the two apples and placed them in a loaf pan. This was the perfect size to set the apples in with space around each one but also tight enough to keep juices in.

*BTW - I am not a food photographer. These are for demonstrational use and should not be used as a judgement onmy photography as a whole.

Next I made a mixture of raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.

A nice autumn medley!

Then I filled each core with the mixture, covered with foil and baked at 350 for about 45 minutes until each was tender.

*Light Saber spoon is optional.

Yummy!!

A little update from the Bannings

It's been almost a month since my last update on things. I was going to wait until Friday but decided to go ahead.

We've been to two beautiful weddings, had two doctor's appointments, sheet rocked a couple of walls, painted, had lovely rain, had a wonderful long night of fun with friends and LOTS of movies since I last updated.

Last weekend was our county's annual chili cook-off, pie bake-off and bread baking contest. I meant to enter the bread baking contest last year and it totally skipped my mind. So this year I marked it down and actually prepared for it. I was trying to get some help from my MIL who has won several awards (official and unofficial) for bread baking, but unfortunately she is also a judge each year for the event. So my coaching was quite limited. I made a Spiced Lemon Cranberry Danish, Healthy Homemade Bread, and Wheat Biscuits. The biscuits were in a different category than my other entries and they took second place. My danish took second place to my loaf of bread in their category. Then my loaf bread got first place overall. I didn't expect to do that well, but there weren't many entries either. After that we all got to eat a smorgasbord of chili, pie and bread! That was the best part!

Jerrad finished my car and it looks great! 4 days after I was able to drive it, the accelerator started sticking. J thought it was because the car has sat for a while. So he took a can of brake clean to the throttle housing. A simple 2 minute task backfired when the straw from the can came off mid-stream and went into the intake. So he took it all apart and got the straw out then had to go to town the next day and order a replacement gasket. There were complications getting it so we had to go to Garden to get that. Once he got that put back together he said I still couldn't drive it because he dropped a wrench and it never hit the ground. The poor guy couldn't win! So the next day he put it up on ramps and the wrench came tumbling down. THEN I got to drive my car again! So a simple 2 minute task ended up taking almost a week because of a big dose of misfortune! But my car is really nice and drives great now!

If we ever get some sunny weather, I'll hopefully give Darci a call and do some maternity pictures. My SIL, Trina, sent me some clothes she found at their discount store that will work BEAUTIFULLY for pictures! I am so excited to see Darci in action! I've been waiting for something big enough to come along so I could hire her.

Jerrad and I took our childbirth classes and are now much more educated. I could probably stand to take all of them again before I deliver, but I will just have to rely on my awesome husband and failing memory!

It is hard to believe that I am almost 31 weeks! I could have a baby in as little as 7 more weeks! Eeek! I still need to paint the stripes on the walls, shampoo carpets and set up furniture. I started taping stripes today and realized why I had Jessalyn's help when we did it at Matthias' house! I got two pieces of tape down in one hour, then gave up! However, Jerrad and I have made great strides in the last few weeks. Rebekah and Malcolm came and helped sheet rock a couple weekends ago. That was a major help! Thanks Bekah!!!

I do have to get my house all spiffied up for my cousin and her husband and her mom to come for the baby shower. I am getting excited for my shower! It's like a big surprise for me. I know it's happening, but don't know much else. So I'm excited about how it will turn out!

Well, I'm probably forgetting something, but oh well! I should be posting more regularly soon so I can tuck some tid bits in those posts.

You know you live in a small town when...

A pickup screeches to a halt on Main Street to skid over a rattle snake.

Week 27 - a must read!

First - A matronly photo including the belly!

Second - you can view our registries online now! MAJOR kudos to Candice and Bekah for a LONG day all over Wichita ensuring that I register at Target, Walmart, and of course BabiesRUs. AND making sure there was regular shopping and maybe a little fun too! Ok, ok... I admit we didn't register at Walmart that day... The day got way too full and I decided to just keep what I had registered for online.

We are taking Violet Troup's childbirth classes. Anyone who knows anything about the Troups knows that the best pair is Dr. Bill being your doctor and taking his wife's childbirth classes. I am really excited about this and have already learned so much from one class!

I have caused a wave of - what would you call it? - Concern? - because so many of you have found out that I am not going to have or have access to an epidural. I assure you that I am ok with this. I am a big wienie when it comes to pain, but I am also confident in the training I am getting under Violet. AND I trust Dr.Bill more than most men on this planet, and more than anyone else when it comes to delivering my baby. I don't like needles and really don't want one in my back. Billions of babies have been born just fine with no epidurals for their mommies. And it also increases risks in so many areas for me and baby. Risks I just don't want to take. There will be pain management and an incredible staff of nurses to assist Dr. Bill at the hospital. I have the great privilege of knowing my doctor as a person as well as a medical professional which builds my trust in him astronomically. So, I WILL be ok. =)

On a lighter note...

We got our Halloween costumes figured out for work. I'm not going to be the Pillsbury Dough Boy...=( BUT, Dr. Bill is going to be SpongeBob while Joetta, Shannon and I are going to be jellyfish. I think the kids will love it! In fact they may not even see us girls when they see Dr. Bill as Sponge Bob. I love the Halloween parade in Johnson! All the little kids that doctor at our clinic come through the halls yelling, "Hi Dr. Bill!!!!" "Look, Dr. Bill! I'm Spiderman!" Oh my goodness, it's so cute!

We have a wedding today for our friends Moe and Jess... AHEM... Matthias and Jessalyn. I can't wait to see how it all turns out. It will be unique and I am dying to see how Jess pulls off this amazing theme for the two of them! I haven't decided whether I'll take my camera today or just be a low key guest. I haven't NOT taken my camera to a wedding since I got it so I may not be able to abandon it altogether. If I do take it, rest assured I will share pics of this incredible wedding! Congrats to Moe and Jess!

Other tidbits...

I got the material to make Trina's Tree skirt and I love it so much that I got extra to make something else, I just don't know what.

I really need to give myself a manicure.

Candice and I got the worst pedicures EVER in Wichita last weekend.

I'm afraid to actually say it out loud and curse it, but I think it's fall!!!!!

Grandson of co-worker: "My butt is gonna fart! I better push it back in!" *Insert faces for said pushing!

On that note, I'm gonna wind things up!

Week 27

Week 25

I got a phone call from Marmie (Jerrad's grandma) today and she said, "Do you have your paint for the nursery? Cuz I can help you paint this weekend!" So I went to True Value today and bought paint... Wowsers! It's bright! I got a bright orange and a bright green. The lady said she hoped it was a big room. Nope, it's not! But half of it will be striped with white, does that count?

This week has been good. There are times that I still don't feel pregnant, until I stand up or bend over! Ha! But I feel really good. I've been stretching a lot and that's kind of a pain, but very bearable.

When I was in True Value, a man asked me if I really was pregnant cuz I wasn't "out to here yet" *insert big arm motions. And I said, "Oh... So how far are you?!" He got a kick out of it!

We got a really big storm last night. I was on my way home when Jerrad called and said I needed to get home FAST! That's funny considering it takes me about 5 miles to get up to 65 MPH in the pickup I drive. So I was going along when I ran right into it! Hail, high winds, rain, and hardly any visibility. I almost pulled into the dairy to wait it out a little. But I kept going cuz Jerrad needed me to pick him up.

After surveying the damage, I was so thankful for God's protection! The corn all around here is stripped. There is a sprinkler down by our house that has all towers down and even ripped the pivot up. And we had several full 5 gallon buckets of oil that were blown at least 100 yards from their place. All of the trees look a little more naked today, and my dog thinks a branch he found is the coolest toy EVER!!

It's a short one this week, but I had better get things prepped for my weekend of painting. I will take before and after pics just for you!!!

Week 25

Praying for Patience

I was reading a post by MckMama the other day and she hit on a really great point. You always hear people say, "Be careful when you pray for patience!"

I have heard that so much that it is almost taught as , "Don't pray for patience, you won't be able to handle it!"

How wrong is that? Doesn't God want us to have patience? Doesn't He also want us to depend on Him? And doesn't He tell us that He won't give us more than we can handle?

Preachers, if I hear you preach/teach this way again, I'm liable to get up and walk out! Otherwise, keep stepping on my toes!

24 weeks

And the keyboard tray just stopped before I wanted it to... because of my belly. I have noticed lately that it has been getting in the way a lot more. Saturday we were moving cattle (I was more careful than I wanted to be simply because my in laws and my hubby are very protective!) and as I was picking stuff up to put in the back of the pickup, I noticed that I had left a "Mickey Mouse" face on the side of the pickup!

We went to the Bible Baptist Church of Syracuse's 60th Anniversary and a complete stranger noticed I was pregnant. That was nice!

I think I finally figured out how I am going to paint the nursery. Now I just have to get the rest of the stuff moved out so I can get to it! I know, it's August 31st and I still have stuff to move out. Not much though! All of the non-baby furniture is moved out. I just have to do the small odds and ends. Oh, and get Trina's computer ready for her, then stashed out of the way till we can get it to her!

I am contemplating letting my MeeMee sew the bedding for me. Not to get out of it, but it would be very special to me. I think it would be more sentimental for my MeeMee to do it than myself. But everything is basically going to be green, orange and white until the baby is born. Then I will make either cobalt blue or bright pink curtains and accents when the Blizzard/Snowflake is born!

I have been feeling really good. A little front heavy, but good. I had to have Jerrad paint my toenails today... They really needed it and I just couldn't deal with the pressure from folding in half. I told him if he did it this time, I would plan better and have someone else do it the next time. I'm not gonna lie, it was scary, and funny but there was minimal touching up to do! However, keeping up with my end of the bargain, I will need to find a volunteer for next time *hint*!

I had my appointment last Tuesday. It went really well. I weighed in at 1 pound over my pre-pregnancy weight. At 24 weeks, I am proud to say that I am still at that weight. My next appointment will be for my glucose tolerance test. Luckily I get to start a lot earlier than everyone else! The lab girl gets there earlier than I do which is an hour before anyone else would get to start. Seeing as I have to be fasting to start, then fast for another hour, I will be glad to start at 8:30 rather than everyone else's 10:00! Have I mentioned I love my job?

We were discussing Halloween costumes today. I looked up some ideas for maternity costumes and found the one! I believe I'll be the Pillsbury Dough Boy, Shannon said she'd be Aunt Jemima, Dr. Bill could be Colonel Sanders, and we have yet to figure out Joetta's. But we are pretty excited! We knew it'd be hard to top the Cat in the Hat from last year, but this is coming together quite nicely as well!

Well, I know I am posting this a little late, but think, you won't have to wait as long for the week 25 post! So here's to week 24!

Gigglin' Girls

These three fabulous little girls have had my heart for several years. This is Allison, Ryan, and Samantha. The outer two are sisters, and the middle one is their cousin. They (and their parents) used to be our neighbors. We lived in a horrible little house with a neglectful landlord, but we found it soooo difficult to move out because it meant moving away from these beauties and their family.

Whenever it would storm, we would go over to Ryan's house and hang out because they had a basement. Ryan and I spent many late nights together playing until one of us was worn out. Then when she went to bed her mom and I would stay up talking college football while the guys just rolled their eyes at us.

We dearly miss this family now that we live 30 miles from eachother.

This particular day, we made it over there for a barbecue. The kids were playing in the sprinkler before supper, so they had to change into dry clothes to eat. They were so giggly as they stripped down on the back porch, I just couldn't help myself!

Then little brother decided to jump in the mix...

If it's a boy...

I know you've been in suspense since the "If it's a girl" post, so I shall keep you waiting no longer, my one avid reader.

What I didn't mention in my last post is that both our girl and boy names are seed wheat varieties. Accidentally/on purpose... Once again I will rest your every doubt about us being rednecks!

If it's a boy his initials will be JLB. Jerrad's initals are JWB so there is a link there too.

This name is very special to us. The middle name has a similar meaning as Keagen's. We wanted to do something to honor our nephew, but it's a little difficult to name a child after his first cousin. As soon as we found out the meaning, we knew it was to be in the boy's name no matter what. Keagen's name's meaning is very special to all who know much about him. His name means "Fiery one" which is really neat because he had red hair. That is also what is on his headstone.

As I said before, I've never been a girly girl so boys were always in order. Even before I met my husband! I've always imagined chasing ornery boys around the house, and having them grow up to be fine respectable young men. So in that case, I should probably just name them after my visions of Bo and Luke Duke! Haha! Just kidding!

...Kind of...

Jerrad is wanting tractor drivers, calf wranglers, and shooting partners. He just wants some full time friends/co-workers that have no choice in the matter! =)

For colors and "theme" on a boy I am thinking a bright blue with lime green and orange. I know that sounds exactly like what I am already doing. But there will be a different spin for boy and girl, rest assured. I would really like to see some flames somewhere in there. Maybe more towards the toddler stage though! Probably some tractors of some sort in there too. But for baby stages, just some solid, bright colors.

Oh, and we went to the western wear store in Garden a few weeks ago. Maternity pants were right next to the kids' clothes(talk about some mad marketing!). We priced some size 2T Wranglers... YIKES! We can get a pair of Jerrad's size Wranglers for that price! And don't even ask about a 2T Carhart coat! (Mind you we will most likely no be shopping name brands at a western wear store to clothe our children... I'm way too cheap for that!) College fund? No way! How about a clothing fund for the little buckaroo!

Anyhoo... That is what I have in mind for the little Blizzard masculine style!

Week #23

Wow! #23 already? That's crazy!

It's been two weeks since I've posted because last weekend was a little crazy and we went for a one day road trip. Last Saturday we went to Trinidad Lake and met up with Jerrad's sister and her husband while they were on their way back from Denver. We had to stop at WalMart to get a few last minute things. I wondered if we would run into our friends Steve and Liana. Sure enough not a full minute into our WM expedition I saw Liana. Got to chat with her a little bit as she was doing last minute shopping for their church picnic they were hosting.

After we got WM out of the way, we headed out to the lake to fix a wonderful meal of steak and pork chop bits with potatoes and squash. We also had lots of other munchy stuff, which was great because I think the little squirt is going through a growth spurt(more of that later)!

We got to spend a little bit of time with David and Katarina before they had to get back on the road. It was so nice to see them and love on the puppy!

Then we decided to go driving around the mountains and enjoy the beautiful day before driving back home. So we basically spent all day in the car with a couple of hours at the lake. But it was a great day!

Ah! The OTHER reason I didn't blog last week... My new computer is here! YAY! I LOVE it. It's really fast, quiet, and pretty. Did I mention I have a 23 inch monitor? Jerrad said it's ridiculously too big. But once he got on the 18 wheeler game for a while, he learned to appreciate the ridiculous largeness!

It took a bit for us to get everything hooked up to the internet. Funny story for the day... I had to call HP the other evening because our internet was being poopy and our ISP thought it had something to do with our firewall. So I'm talking to the middle eastern guy and he asked for my email address. Once he convinced me that he really had to have it for customer service I told him what it was. my74dart360@hotmail.com - He put it in and said, "You must really like to play darts!" I actually succeeded at not laughing out loud, not insulting him or even being sarcastic with him! Aren't you proud!? I just calmly told him that it was a classic muscle car made by Dodge and that it happened to be my first car. Besides, he hadn't attempted to fix my problem yet, and I didn't want to tick off the guy that was supposed to fix my computer! After all, he really sounded like he knew what he was talking about... and I really had a hard time imagining his cubicle with anything other than a bunch of Short Circuit memorabilia. And who doesn't like it when he says, "Number 5 is alive!!"

Anyway, I really think the little one is going through a growth spurt. I have felt like my belly is twice as big as it really is. And I have been incredibly hungry!!! The other day for lunch I ate a hamburger, 1/4 pound hot dog, and a bag of chips. Only to find out 2 hours later that it wasn't enough! Today I ate a mixing bowl full of ravioli only to get back to work and look for a snack.

I weighed myself on Monday and was still 3 pounds under prepregnancy weight. I am happy about that. Don't get me wrong. I am NOT afraid to gain weight and definitely understand the importance of it. I am not trying to stay under, but I'm not using the pregnancy excuse to eat a whole box of donuts either. I am just really happy my body is using what it already has stored rather than feeling the need to get more!

I have my next appointment and ultrasound on Tuesday. I am far enough along to have Dr. Bill look and see what we are having. But we are still set on letting it be a surprise. After all, we have a bunch of stuff already picked out for neutral.

We were going to go to Wichita this weekend and register at Babies R Us, and Target. Not to mention staying with my favorite college roomie, see her two GORGEOUS kids, and put up with her husband... J/K! David is a great guy, just don't let him know I said it! But our trip was postponed. Stuff came up at the farm and we are home this weekend. I don't know when we will get there, but we will soon! I was too ready for this trip to just let it slip away completely!

So there it is... My week #23 post! And here is Week #23's calendar! Once you look at the comic on that page, be sure to come back and look at this photo taken on Saturday!

And, Yes, I still have a VERY active baby! It's so cool!

Week 21

I have found out that the lil one really likes the song "How Great Thou Art" because everytime I sing/hum it, (I've been practicing it up for a special for church) there's a LOT of tumbling! Yesterday I started humming it in the pickup on the way back from Kalvesta, and I started giggling because "he" wouldn't stop!! It's so cool! I'm kind of wondering if I'll be able to sing it in church without giggling!

I've been working at getting online and trying to put together a registry. Mostly on, errr, WalMart... Did I just say that? Sorry, I feel like such a traitor! But we are going to Wichita in a couple of weeks to see some friends and go register at Babies-R-Us. I can't wait for that!

You know how I told you that my goal was to get the office totally cleaned out by the end of August? Yah, well... I'm still shooting for that!

We were going to go to the mud run in Elkhart today, but it's nice enough that Jerrad is having to spray instead. So I get today with my house, but not for long. My MIL comes home today and I believe we are having a church dinner of sorts tomorrow. Then next weekend, I believe we are going to Pueblo to meet up with David and Katarina on their way back from Denver. Then the next weekend we are going to Wichita (YAY!). Then the next weekend is the last one for August! Yikes!

So you see, it will be a pretty big push to get this room cleaned out before the end of August! I WILL get it done even if it means staying up to all hours of the night on the last few days of August! =)

I started getting the Christmas fever this week. I usually get it this time of year. I feel August coming on and that means fall is around the corner. That stirs up connotations of Thanksgiving, then Christmas falls right in line with that! I know I will probably be particularly excited because this year will be an extra special Christmas. And I know it's hard not to think of Christmas this time of year because retailers are already moving holiday stuff in. But to be terribly honest, I do this every year. And I don't make it to many retail stores. I go to our small little grocery store and the occasional Duckwall/Alco trip. So I can't even blame it on that!

I did make it to our flower shop in Johnson on Thursday. My grandma had surgery on Wednesday (nothing serious, just fixing some problems to make life a little easier) so I went to wire her some flowers. I was SOOOO excited when I saw they had their Christmas tree up and their hearth was ALL decked out! I walked in and exclaimed, "Oh I'm so glad there is someone out there that is getting Christmas fever too!" And Anna said, "Alyssa, I just got done with our Christmas in July sale o clear out last year's stuff." Ooops. Either way, I took advantage of the sale!

Well, here is the post to let you all know what page I am on for Week 21!

If it's a girl...

Ok, I'm gonna break down and let out some info...

No we are not going to find out the sex early. Jerrad really wants to wait. The suspense is starting to mount for both of us. But since Dr. Bill won't even look for a bit yet, it's ok. Now when we are able to know and choose not to find out, I'm sure the suspense will bring me to my knees!!!

Anyway, I mentioned earlier that I didn't want to disclose the names we had picked out just in case someone fancied them. I don't think that anyone will accidentally pick them, even though someone used my girl first name for her girl's middle name. But that's because it's a family name. But I really like the names we picked so I will let you know the initials and what I am thinking of with each one (I'll do the boy post later).

If it's a girl (which not many people that have suspicions have suspicioned this direction) her initials will be AAB, just like mine!

I am not a girly girl and have never been fond of having a girl for that reason. I have grown more fond of the idea. There are still lots of people that think I should have a girl so THEY can make her girly. I think I should have a girl so I can make her rough and tough like me! However, bows and ruffles will be in order for some occasions, i.e. to make sure no one thinks she is a boy!

Which brings me to these...

Raynebows which are made by a high school classmate of mine.

Avie Adorned by another high school classmate.

Briar Claire which are featured on Small Fry.

I do absolutely love these bows, hats and Small Fry!

I really love a nice, soft, sage green with an earthy theme. If you're one of the privileged to know the name, you know why!

Candice will be doing my birth announcements as soon as I let her know if it's a boy or a girl and I buy her all the stuff! I assure you they will be nothing short of amazing! Have you seen her scrapbooks?!

Darci will be doing pictures, all of them. She, also, is amazing! I told her that I may call her to do some birth pictures as well as newborn pics. When I get larger I have signed her up for maternity portraits. I'm sure she is up for the job!

I think that is about all I have planned for AAB. Stay tuned for a baby boy post!

Week 20

I'm halfway! I can't hardly believe it! I am so excited about that until I think of all that I have left to do... Register for baby stuff which includes getting to a store big enough to let us try our hand at all of the foreign baby stuff. I also have to make the crib bedding, finish cleaning out the "nursery", figure out how I am going to paint the nursery, paint the nursery, find a dresser and other assorted furniture, and keep up with normal stuff. I guess my leisurely life is OVER! Oh well, this is a fun stage of life to finally be in! All of our OBs that come in to the clinic are keeping tabs on me, as well as all of you!

I will put a note on here for all of you Facebookers that read my "Notes" I publish pictures but they don't get fed into my Facebook. So it would be better for all of you to look at my blog. Then you can get the full story!

This week... Let's see. We went tankin on Saturday, then we went tankin on Sunday afternoon again! It was great fun. I must quote my friend's 7 (?) year old nephew here from when we were tankin. He was tired of dodging trees...

Mac: The TREES!!! Someone needs to come out here and cut down all of the TREES!!
Me: Why? Trees give us oxygen.
Mac: (Sticks his finger in the air to make a point) And paper plates!!

Yes, of all of the things that trees do for us, how could we forget the paper plates?! What a guy!

And, I must tell you all that I have a boyfriend... He is four years old! My co-worker's grandson is at the office with us off and on when his mom is running errands and such. He is such an awesome kid! As they were leaving Tuesday, he was telling everyone bye.

D: Bye, Grammy!
J: Bye, sweetheart!
D: (Turns and looks at me, gets a big grin on his face, starts waving REALLY enthusiastically) Bye, Girlfriend!!
Mom: Is that your girlfriend?
D: Yah, she likes me a lot!

So Jerrad has some stiff competition, but I have made him aware!

I had my appointment on Monday. Baby's heartbeat was 156 BPM, right on the money again! I looked at my chart more closely and I actually lost 15 pounds from starvation in my first trimester. I have only gained back 10 of that. I am very happy to see that! So I TECHNICALLY haven't gained any weight... yet! =)

We went back for the ultrasound and as the machine was booting up Dr. Bill asked me if I was feeling the Bliz move. "Oh, yes!" I said, "I know for sure that this is Jerrad's child! I feel sometimes as if I'm getting beat up from the inside out!" We all chuckled then he put the wand down and found the lil one. There he was, buckin like a bronco again! Dr. Bill said, "He IS active! Moving around in there like a lil monkey!" I laughed out loud!!

You see, Jerrad and his sister have always had a big joke about being a monkey's uncle and/or a monkey's aunt. When she broke the news to him that she was pregnant, it was a Curious George doll with, "You're a monkey's uncle!" written on his t-shirt. So it was perfect that Dr. Bill said that! And if you'll notice there is another monkey reference in the week 20 Baby-gaga post! I think I'll scream if this thing comes out with a tail! =)

Well, here are some pics for you! Ultrasound pics and the belly shot you have all been nagging... er... I mean wanting from me! Once again, if you're looking at this on Facebook you can't see these pics and need to come look at my blog!

Week 19

Wow! This week has flown by! This week has had a roller coaster of emotions. Being the 2nd birthday of my nephew and also 2nd anniversary of his death, there was grief. There was celebrating as we had Candice's birthday party. Oh, and let's not forget the overwhelming urge to cry at absolutely nothing. I have been able to fight that off pretty well. I do my best to not succumb and can say that thus far I have succeeded.

But I was also feeling my little squirt moving a lot so that is sooo awesome! Last night I was laying in bed and Blizzard starting moving, a LOT and very violently (have I mentioned that this is Jerrad's child?) so I put my hand down to see if I could feel the movement from the outside. I do this very often so that Jerrad can someday feel his child moving too! It was the first time I felt a kick from the outside. Wow! But as soon as I got Jerrad's hand there, the little one went back to sleep. I can't wait for the day when Jerrad gets to feel that life! I am starting to look a little pregnant so I will probably start belly shots next week.

I have set a goal for myself that I would like to get the office cleaned out by the end of August so I can start the transition into the nursery. That is a pretty big task considering that involves blowing up a piano (I'll explain later), completely redoing all of the electronic stuff to make it presentable in the dining room, filing about 3 years of papers, and figuring out what to do with all of our college stuff that we still want but don't have any current purpose.

As soon as it starts cooling off a little (I know it's still July) even in the evenings, I would like to find something to do for exercise. I was starting to get back into that stuff when I got pregnant, then it came to halt when the "tenderness" came on so strong! Now that it is over, I really want to get back into the swing of things. But when it's almost 100 degrees by 8-9:00 and doesn't cool down until dark, it's a little difficult. If I have to I will find something to do in the house. Run up and down the stairs or something!


Fetal development in pregnancy week 19:fetus in fifth month. Your amazing little baby is now around 10 inches in length! If this seems a bit shocking, you’ll be relieved to know they’ve not actually grown over 3 inches, but that their little legs are now straight enough to be measured. This is when doctors begin measuring fetal growth from head to toe, (no longer “crown to rump” or CR). Lanugo (little hairs) covers their whole body now, trapping that charming cheese-like vernix caseosa (see week 18) to the surface to the skin. This week your lil’ fetus will start on an appetizing diet of amniotic fluid which they are now capable of swallowing, digesting, and passing the fluid as far as their tiny “large” intestines. Fortunately for you, this nice little lump of baby-poop won’t be coming out while they’re still in your womb. Some time shortly after they’re born, this fun lump will become the first in a long line of baby poops. (What finally comes out— commonly known as “meconium” to the science world, will be black and sticky, and you’ll be very glad it happens only once!)

And how's mom doing? Unlike generations of women before you who were taught pregnancy was practically an ailment (10% of women DID die in childbirth back then), we now have scientific evidence that exercise is a good thing when you’re pregnant. In fact, most physicians recommend continuing or starting a pregnancy-friendly proper exercise can do a lot towards increasing your overall flexibility (at a time where your body wants to stiffen up) thereby somewhat reducing the pain and tension during labor exercise regimen. Walking, running, swimming, weight training and yoga (see week 20) are all good for your heart and overall physical stamina during this physically challenging time. Not to mention proper exercise can do a lot towards increasing your overall flexibility (at a time where your body wants to stiffen up) thereby somewhat reducing the pain and tension during labor. Last but not least, exercise can keep you from gaining unnecessary amounts of weight (which you’ll have to fight off later after birth if you don’t do it now). Obviously, you’re going to want to avoid sports where you are at risk of falling or being hit in the stomach. Basically, stay away from sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, and skiing. Instead, opt for the pool, weight room, and/or yoga class. We’re not saying you should stress yourself out trying to be a world-class athlete, but if you’re eating right and getting enough sleep, exercise during this health-critical phase of your life, will keep your collective energy levels higher and increase your feeling of well-being, as well as ensuring that you and your baby are in top physical and mental condition.

My nephew

Keagen Ty Phillips

This is the picture of my nephew. I wish I could say it was A picture of my nephew. God only allowed us to have one portrait of him.

We should be driving back from New Mexico this weekend from a two year old's birthday party. Instead I jump every time my phone rings in case it is my sister needing an ear.

I have never felt so helpless in a situation. I didn't know until the next day that God had taken him home. I was dealing with a health situation of my own at the time. I don't know if we didn't know until the next day or if Jerrad let me get one more night's sleep before telling me. Either way, I am glad it didn't come until Monday morning. Although we knew for a day or so that he probably wouldn't make it, I was still in shock. Jerrad's grandma had passed just hours before Keagen did. At that time I couldn't stand or sit, I could only lie on my stomach... and cry... and PRAY.

I cried out plenty of "Why God?" and "Please comfort all of us." and "Show me what I must learn from this!"

Later that week after the funerals that I didn't get to attend, I cried out again. Although I still don't understand, I am at peace.

Does all of this scare me when I think of having my own children? You bet it does!! But the Lord knows. He knows even when we don't. I started working for Dr. Bill, my baby doctor, last August. That was just a year after Keagen. Hurt was still rather fresh and so were my fears. But God knew what I needed. I needed to see girls come in and have no problems, and to see mothers bring in their little ones and watch them grow. I could've taken it bitterly as to why they got to keep their children but David and Katarina couldn't have theirs. But my God is good! It was a teaching tool. It has grown me into knowing that whatever He wills will be just what I need. It may hurt like crazy and have no explanation to my finite eyes, but it is what I need, and He'll carry me through!

A redneck weekend

This past weekend was the tractor pull and mud run in Johnson. I'd like to say it was just a bunch of good ol' boys out there with their machines seeing how they could do. But that would be a lie. The tractor pull was like that, but the mud run had only a few!

Jimmy and Jerrad had to go weigh their tractors down at the elevators. On the way back they also had to find out whose would road the fastest. Boys will be boys! You can always tell which one won because they are the one to ask, "And who won?!" And Jerrad said, "Dad pretty much walked away from me."

Here are a few of the "Big Boys" - Mr. Crawford, Steve Brown, and Jimmy

Jimmy on his pull of 44 ft - He was a little heavy for his power.
Jerrad on his 165 foot pull - "Look Ma! No hands!" He has his weight right, now he just wants new tires and a better hitch.

Papa felt that after almost 70 years of hearing damage/loss it would be a good time to start protecting his ears from the performance tractors.

Jerrad muddin through in beloved Toy! Moe in the passenger seat and Nick in the back.

Jerrad and Moe after making it all the way through the pit!

Moe about to go at it in his Chevy.

Moe getting pulled back out, full of mud and grinning ear to ear!

A couple of the boys who got snookered into a foot race through the mud pit!

Week 18

What a week! I can't even tell you what happenned this week other than food. Monday we had Moe and Jess over for supper (dijon chicken with fried squash) so the guys could work on Jerrad's Toy for the mudrun. Tuesday, we had Moe and Jess over for supper (steak and fried potatoes) so the guys could work on on Jerrad's Toy for the mudrun. Wednesday we went to Moe and Jess' for supper (yummy pizza casserole and banana pudding for dessert) so the guys could work on Moe's pickup for the mudrun. Thursday we went to Moe and Jess' for supper (chicken strips and french fries) so the guys could work on Moe's pickup for the mudrun. Friday we had Moe and Jess over for supper (mexican lasagna and sliced peaches) so the guys could work on Jerrad's Toy for the mudrun. Oooo, and Kraig came over that night too! (Laraine and the kids came out for a few days but due to all of the redneck activities, we hardly got to see them.)

So our entire week revolved around the mudrun. We are rednecks if you were wondering!

The Arkansas River is WAY up and that means it is tankin time! I have had lots of people ask me if it is safe for me to go tankin. I think it is more unsafe for everyone else if I DON'T get to tank! So I called our friends, Steve and Liana, and told them it was tankin time and they are coming out on Friday for the weekend and will get to go tankin with us! Not to mention Maggie Mae might get to come down for the day and go with us! YAY!!

I posted last week that I thought I had been feeling the Blizzard move, but wasn't certain. The next day we were on our way to Syracuse and I got a swift kick! I've been feeling for sure movement since then and I must say it is really awesome! It seems like very time Jerrad is driving the three of us somewhere, I get a good kick. I told Jerrad I didn't think the lil one liked his driving. To which he replied, "Nah, Blizzard is just excited to be in the diesel!" Yah, that's probably it!


Fetal development in pregnancy week 18:fetus in fifth month

We have two more ounces! Your "getting bigger-n-better by the minute baby" is already up to 7 ounces and 6 inches! This is a big week for their baby skin. There are now two distinct layers—the epidermis (or the surface skin) and dermis. Currently, their skin is covered with a greasy, waxy, cheese-like substance, known as vernix caseosa. Sure, it sounds pretty nasty, but this mixture of fatty secretions covering your little swimmer from head to toe is the best way to protect their oh-so-thin skin from bruising and abrasions as well as chapping caused by amniotic fluid exposure (and your little one is swimming in that stuff!). Still don’t like the fact your little darling is currently slathered in fatty cream like a greased pig? Well, you know the birthing process? Where you have to push something the size of a watermelon out a hole the size of a grape? That adorable little greased piglet would have a lot harder time getting through the birth canal without the vernix caseosa. Fun fact for momma’s with baby girls: it’s a uterus within a uterus! Your little girl will have developed a uterus and vagina canal by the end of this week.
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And how's mom doing? POP! If you haven’t yet, you will soon be seeing the last of your inn-y belly button—until after you’ve pushed your little monkey out. If it’s getting difficult to breathe, you can thank your not-so-small belly for squishing your lungs—which will be more and more cramped for space as the pregnancyprogresses. Not that this is surprising as everything else in your mid-section is getting properly squooshed as well. (What else is new?!!). Keep in mind that as you grow (and grow and grow) in size you produce more blood (for both of you), which lowers your blood pressure. So standing up quickly and/or occasional fast movements may cause slight dizziness or lightheadedness. This is totally normal, but means you shouldn’t be too quick to jump to your feet when your team scores a goal. It's better to just punch the air in excitement or clap gleefully. One more fun pregnancy symptom to add to the list: you are producing more melanin, which can cause dark patches of skin to occur on random parts of your body. Don’t worry—these dark spots (unlike your parent’s age spots) will retreat soon after birth.

Week 17

Here we are a week later and I don't know that much has changed. We went to SSBYC last weekend to see my MIL and we had a great time! The camp got a ton of rain and we enjoyed fireworks in Sedalia. It was, by far, the wettest, and coldest 4th any of us had ever had! We sat our chairs (and milk crates) in the mud and bundled up in sweatshirts and blankets to watch a great show!

While there we did do some shopping. I got to go to Joann's and pick out nursery bedding material. It is adorable!!!

I got some maternity pants, and wow are they comfy! I am still not quite looking pregnant, just a little fat. I feel big already though! I told Jerrad yesterday that I do NOT want my belly to be this big without a baby in there... unfortunately he agreed! But the point is that I'm starting to feel pregnant in my belly area.

I think from time to time I feel the Blizzard flurrying around, but I am still not certain. My blood work that I had done last Monday came back perfect! I also got fitted yesterday for a couple of undergarments that will aid in the feeding of the Blizzard. Best $85 I've spent in a while!

We are going fast and furious around here. Jerrad got my Civic running again. Don't know how long it will last, but I will have a decent vehicle to drive until we can get the Accord up and going. I just hope it will last for a while past next weekend!

This week is filled with gearing up for next weekend. Pioneer Days, Stanton and Hamilton County fairs. I am entering pictures in the Stanton County Fair on Thursday. The mud run and tractor pull are in Johnson on Saturday, and I believe that the mud run in Syracuse is on Sunday afternoon. I will take pictures of those. Saturday evening is also the Demolition Derby in Syracuse. I don't know if we'll make it to that. We love the DD but our being there was always centered around Kyle and making sure his car was top notch. It would be like a tribute to him to go, but there will be such a huge void without him there. We have a while to figure that out though.

Sorry this is so choppy, but maybe things will settle a little after next weekend and I can write a comprehensive post! Hope all of you are having a safe and fun filled summer!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 17:Fetus in fourth month

Don't be too shocked but... your baby is EVEN bigger than it was last week, not to mention getting cuter, and smarter every day! As you’ve come to expect, there’s no shortage of growth and development this week: your fantastic little bean stalk has added yet another half inch to their overall height-- making them nearly half a foot long! Their little limbs have reached (or are within one week of) their relative proportions, and will continue to grow evenly with the rest of the body after this week. Reactive listening has begun for your baby, even though their ears are not yet structurally complete or fully functional. Meanwhile, different parts of their astonishingly complex brain are developing to process your little one’s hearing and other senses, (you know, sight, smell, taste and touch). Mind boggling factoid of the week: if you’re having going to have a little girl, her ovaries have already produced millions of primordial egg cells, which, within a few weeks, will develop into actual eggs! Phew… just wait till she’s a teenager eh?


And how's mom doing? Even though the second trimester is often characterized as the most enjoyable of the three, you can count on a few ailments (see week 14 for additional tri-2 symptoms). This week, or in the coming weeks, you may be privy to the uncommon joys of “round ligament pain.” These not-so-lovely symptoms can include bellyaches, pain in the lower abdomen and sharp shooting and/or stabbing pains, most often expressed at the end of the day. Your suffering is due to stretched ligaments and muscles that support your ever-growing uterus. This is to be expected and is perfectly normal (especially since your uterus is only getting bigger!). Some doctors advise sleeping on your left side as lying on your back can compress your pelvic veins, decreasing blood return to the lower half of your body. Lying on your left side relieves this pressure thereby allowing normal blood flow. If this doesn’t do the trick, go ahead and consult your health care practitioner, but try not to punch them when they serenely tell you it’s normal to feel stabbing pain during this time. As we all know, violence never solves anything.