Happy Friday!

Thank God it's Friday! I only wish that meant my Husband was home tomorrow…

Here's a little song/poem a Friend of mine shared that I wanted to pass along to all of you!

"Song for a Fifth Child"
(by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton)

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread,
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
Oh, I’ve grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.


So my question for you: How do YOU maintain a clean home while enjoying your children?!? It can be quite overwhelming so any tips are much appreciated!

Miracles do happen!

As you know, I've been in Jury Duty for the last week. Basically it's just meant sitting in the basement of our county court house waiting for my name to be called. They never did call my name so I was able to read a complete book from start to finish!

Yesterday I was dismissed early from duty so I headed home for a nap while the kids were sleeping. When I woke up my hands and lips were numb/tingling. I was unsure of why I felt that way but didn't think much of it. I noticed I wasn't feeling Baby move much but just figured she was sleeping. About an hour later I still hadn't felt any movement and started getting concerned. I drank a glass of mountain dew and had a handful of m&m's, hoping the sugar and caffeine would help wake her up. Another hour passed and she still was not moving. No flutters, bumps, nothing. I was now really worried as I've never had a Baby with decreased movements.

I called into the on-call OB and awaited her instructions. Hoping I was overreacting I decided to eat dinner while I waited for her call back. Ate dinner, drank more water and laid down for a while. OB called and recommended I head into L&D. She agreed that it was better to be safe rather than sorry.

Upon arrival at L&D I was hooked up to the monitors for a Non-Stress Test. Basically it records the Baby's heart rate and any contractions. Unfortunately the Baby was not active and her heart rate was not fluctuating like they want to see. I was given some apple juice to drink, hoping it would wake her up. The juice didn't work. She wiggled once or twice but never really gave any good kicks. I was also having contractions that were causing her heart rate to drop a little lower than they like to see. A few more minutes passed and her heart rate then started to skyrocket into the 190's, which is too high.

Blood tests were run to rule out pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome and a urine analysis was done to rule out any bladder infections or spilling protein. All the tests came back normal. Baby was still not moving much…

The next step was an ultrasound to complete a Biophysical Profile. They rate the Baby on movements, practice breathing and fluid levels. She didn't do so well. Barely moving and didn't practice breathing at all. It was literally the most terrifying 30 minutes. The u/s Tech would push, quite hard, on my stomach, trying to get her to react and she would just lay there. I felt so helpless and scared for her life.

After the u/s we were sent back to our room to be monitored more and after another hour she did start moving a bit more so we were released and told to come into the clinic the next day for another NST.

So this morning we headed into the clinic for the repeat NST. Baby hadn't really been moving much through the night or early morning, which is very unusual for her. The first half of the NST she failed, not moving much at all and little fluctuations in her heart rate. I was again given some juice and she did finally perk up a little. My OB was ok with the second half of the NST but was worried that the first half hadn't met his expectations. So I was sent to the hospital for a repeat ultrasound.

This time I had eaten lunch and Baby passed with flying colors! We got to see her practice breathing and wiggling. It's such a miracle to see this little life forming! She was measured and weighs approximately 6 pounds at this point! We're 34 weeks 3 days and she's measuring 36 weeks! We know these are approximates but we're happy she seems to be growing well!

She's been moving well this afternoon! We're so thankful to everyone who prayed for her health and protection! Thankful to God for healing her and reviving her body and energy! So excited to meet her in a few short weeks!!!

Lesson learned...

The other day my Husband was getting ready for work when our garbage disposal suddenly stopped working. I LOVE my in-sink disposal and have become quite accustomed to using it. I'm not kidding, it literally gets used at each meal and quite often for snacks too. I freaked out when it stopped working! My Husband, who was already dressed in his work attire, came to my rescue and tried to figure out what was wrong with my favorite kitchen accommodation!

He was trying to figure it out when he accidentally stuck his work shirt covered arm under the running water. I got upset for him and couldn't believe that he just rolled up his sleeve and kept working. He didn't skip a beat while I was getting more and more upset as the seconds ticked by. I even asked him why he wasn't mad about his shirt getting wet. I would have been throwing a fit by this point…wait, I already was.

He simply explained that it wasn't that big of a deal, his shirt wasn't that wet, it would dry and if it caused a problem he could change quick before leaving. I was stunned. Why had I overreacted so quickly. Plenty of households don't have garbage disposals. I didn't have one until moving into this house and we managed just fine without it. So why was I so upset?

Seriously? Life has become one upset after another for me. I used to just let things roll off my back, not getting worked up about anything. Why have I become so emotional about every little thing that doesn't go my way? Life isn't perfect, I know that. So why do I get so bent out of shape when life happens?

My poor family has been living with a crazed, overly-emotional, Mother who has totally unrealistic expectations for every area of her life. I expect perfection from everyone and every situation when in reality - I'm so far from reacting perfectly! I throw fits just like my three year old whenever something goes differently than I had planned.

But it says in God's word in Proverbs 17:27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

EVEN-tempered. In other words, not blowing a gasket or having a melt-down any time something doesn't go my way. Not throwing a temper tantrum when the kids are misbehaving, when the garbage disposal is not working or when I'm not sleeping well. It means using restraint in my emotions when I feel like the world is ending. God never told me life would be perfect but he did say that His grace is sufficient and I should rely upon Him to fulfill all of my needs!

How do you remain even-tempered when life is not going your way?

Make it Work with a Lazy Susan

Today's Make it Work are with Lazy Susan's! Most often Lazy Susan's are used on a dining room table to hold common dining items such as butter, salt & pepper and napkins. You can also use Lazy Susan's to:

*Organize a Fridge
Store condiments, sauces, etc on a Lazy Susan so you can easily see what you have and reach each item.

*Organize a Pantry
Store oils, jars, etc on a Lazy Susan in your pantry to allow easy access to each item!

*Organize Crafts
Place Glues, Glitter, Paints, etc on a Lazy Susan to make it easy to grab whatever product you need during craft time!

*Store Pots/Pans
Add a Lazy Susan to your cupboards to make it easy to get at each pot/pan, even the ones far in the back!

*Store Medicines
Hold Medications on a Lazy Susan in a cabinet/cupoboard to easily see what you have/are running low on!

Your Turn! What's your Double Duty Tip for using a Lazy Susan?!?

10 Ways to Make Pregnancy Easier!

I am by no means an expert at being pregnant. In fact, if I was brutally honest, I greatly dislike being pregnant! I enjoy pregnancy for about 8 weeks, somewhere in the middle, but the beginning with morning sickness, and end with aches & pains, just kill me! However, after having gone through 6 pregnancies, 4 full-term, I have a few, ok, 10 tips and tricks to make it a little easier on your body and mind!

1) Eat Healthy
I know this seems like a no-brainer but especially in the first trimester it can be difficult to eat at all. Make whatever food you do eat HEALTHY! Fruits and veggies, especially veggies, should be your best friends! A good diet will not only grow a healthy Baby it will also keep your weight gain down and prevent complications like pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure!

2) SLEEP
I really cannot over-emphasize this enough. Sleeping whenever possible is so important, not only to your physical health but also to your mental health! Being run-down can lead to many physical ailments but can also play a role in depression. If you're tired try to nap when you get the chance! The housework can wait!!! SLEEP!

3) Hydrate
I know, I know…water is so boring! I also dislike plain water. So I add ice to it. I love chewing ice so adding it to my water forces me to drink more! You can also add a squirt of lemon juice to your water or frozen berries to mix it up a little! Whatever you do, drink loads of water! Studies have shown that drinking water also reduces your risk of developing pre-eclampsia!

4) Take a Breather
Ever so often take time to connect with your Baby. I know this sounds a little cheesy but the more children we have the less time we're able to bond with the Baby in our womb! Take a few seconds, minutes, whatever you can spare, each day to just pray over or talk to your Baby! Really feel the movements and picture what he/she is doing!

5) Bathe
I LOVE baths while pregnant, unfortunately my tub is half the size of my pinky finger. Submerging yourself under water has many scientifically proven calming and healing effects on the body and mind. It also helps reduce blood pressure and relieves aches and pains!

6) Be Realistic with YOU
Being pregnant changes your body in more ways than just the physical bump. Your muscles loosen, your hormones shift and your body shifts to allow this miracle to pass from you into the world! You're probably going to have moments or even days, where you're sore, tired and/or crabby. Be realistic in what you demand from your body. You probably won't be able to move like you used to, think like you used to or even react like you used to. Don't beat yourself up if you have moments of shed tears or frustrations over something as silly as spilled sugar. Give yourself a break! You're creating human life!!!

7) Ask for Help
Along with being realistic about what you can and cannot do, don't be afraid to ask for help! The dresser is too heavy to move from this wall to that wall? Ask your Husband or a friend/family member to help you! Think of you and that Baby when trying to be Superwoman!

8) Keep your cool
Especially being pregnant during the summer, it's important to find ways to stay cool! Take a dip in a local pool, dance through the sprinkler with your kiddos, eat popsicles or ice chips, sit in front of the fan, etc. Swelling is NOT fun and it is made exponentially worse with over-heating. Not to mention, getting too hot or dehydrated can lead to pre-term labor!

9) Take a chill pill
Calm down and stop worrying about everything so much. I'm a total Worry-wart so this one I especially feel the need to expound upon. We're stressed out enough with daily living, we don't need to add anymore stress or anxiety onto our already overloaded plates! Take a moment to breathe, relax and remember what you've been blessed with thus far! Relaxing will keep your blood pressure low and further reduce the risk of any complications where as getting stressed will only do the opposite!

10) Last but NOT Least
ENJOY the ride! We never have any guarantees in life that tomorrow will come or what tomorrow will bring with it. Enjoy being pregnant, yes, even when you're hot, sore and cranky! Think of all the women who cannot be pregnant, who have lost Babies or who long to be where you are right now! Relish each kick, hiccup and roll because you'll miss it once it's gone!

Your turn! What's your top tip for making pregnancy easier?!?

Knight in Shining Armor

Today I am so thankful for my Husband, a.k.a. my Knight in Shining Armor! I developed a migraine that was different from the migraines I've experienced in the past. Both of my arms and my face went numb. I was terrified I was preeclamptic and didn't want to risk a seizure. I also had really bad double vision, that made lunch prep almost impossible! Plus, my head was in pain from the migraine. It was decided I should probably be seen to rule out any preeclampsia.

My Husband raced home from work to watch the kids and take me to L&D. Upon arrival my blood pressure was elevated quite a bit at 156/93. The Dr. treating me was concerned about preeclampsia and almost started a magnesium drip, which is used to prevent seizures. Preeclampsia is defined as blood pressures of anything over 140/90 AND spilling protein into the urine. There was talk of an emergency c-section and I needed my Husband by my side so he even found a Babysitter to watch our kids so he could join me in the L&D. Thank God I was not spilling any protein and after a medication was administered my blood pressure returned to normal.

We were released and told to rest. Yeah right, rest with 3 small children at home. HA! Well, actually my Knight whisked me off to bed and dealt with the kids until I was feeling better. I was literally passed out cold in bed for about 4 hours and he took care of the house, dog and kids the whole time! I could tell he was tired when I woke up but instead of going to lay down himself, he made us dinner and then shipped me back off to bed.

I am so thankful for this man that God has placed in my life. I don't say it enough but Thank you Hubby for being my Knight in Shining Armor. I am so proud of the Husband, Father, employee, etc you are. I am honored to be your Wife and pray our Daughters marry someone just like you some day!

No more Babies for us.

Four children under the age of four, living in two bedrooms, with one income is hard (and one of the four isn't even born yet)! I've been pregnant or nursing for the last five years straight! Pregnancy and breastfeeding are taxing on the human body. I'm exhausted and my body is not handling the added stress very well. My thyroid is not functioning as it should and now I'm on medicine to control my heart rate! Needless to say, having anymore children is probably not wise on our part.

Yes, we've prayed about whether or not we should have more kids. We both feel at peace that the answer is NO! We've got the perfect sib-set of two older boys and two younger girls. Our children are happy and healthy and all we could ask for! So why am I so concerned about it?

I was watching my kiddos play outside today when it hit me how grown up my Baby Girl is getting. She's running around with her Brother's, speaking so many words/sentences, and just overall acting like a Big Girl!

I was comforted in the fact that I'll get to go through the Baby stage again with this little lady. But then I was struck by the realization that when this Baby grows up we're not having anymore babies. No more nursing, no more swaddling, no more total dependance. While I am looking forward to no more diapers, middle-of-the-night-feedings, and sleep deprivation - I will miss the smells, sounds and feelings that only newborn babies bring.

I'm so thankful for my Children and am so blessed to be their Mama! I just have to trust God to continue to grant me peace with the decision to have no more babies after this little lady! I plan to relish in every single second of newborn bliss with this Baby and continue to soak up every moment with these children as they grow and change before my very eyes!