14 weeks: Back after a break

No, no.  Nothing is wrong here.  I took a short break from my (erratic) blogging to run back and forth, 250 miles each way, a few times these past three weeks.  My oldest two baby girls went on vacation to IOWA on a plane ALONE to see Grampa on the Farm.

They had a blast, enjoyed their freedom, loved their second ever plane ride, and vacationed until they were bone weary.  THEN they came back to Grammy's house for a few days.  THEN they went to Gramma Jo's house for two weeks.  Except for I dropped the rest of the kids off and brought CurlyGirl home with me to help tend the menagerie here.  Whew.  It has been exhausting just trying to work out all the departure/arrive times and the scheduling.

So the kids, other than ChickyPunk and CurlyGirl, are visiting with Gramma Jo, learning some art from Super Auntie, and generally enjoying their time away before school cranks up again.

Speaking of which, all my boxes from IDVA arrived earlier this week!  It's official, school is starting up again V-E-R-Y soon.  I have six or seven large boxes of books, tools, and just plain STUFF sitting in my school room, waiting for me to have the gumption to pack up and send back last year's unused and returnable stuff so the new things can be shiny on the shelf before getting used daily.

Meanwhile, I had my 12 week midwife visit and couldn't hear the heartbeat.  I wasn't too surprised, since my uterus is retroverted (tipped backwards) and I'm rather (cough) padded.  I went back on Monday past at 14 weeks and heard that beautiful pounding.  158 to 178 beats per minute: healthy baby!!

In summary: I didn't wait to post for any reason other than being the busy mom of six kids, goat wrangler, chicken herder, geese watcher, taxi mom, exhausted pregnant woman.

On to the linky!!  I want to say thank you so much to Sarah for stopping by to check in on me.  You are wonderful, Sarah, and not just because we have the same name.

Source

How far along are you?  Woot!  14 weeks!  I just love the pictures of a real baby in the womb, rather than the artist inspired ones.

Best Moment this week?  I heard the heartbeat on Monday!  I had lost a baby at 12 weeks several years back, but that loss still haunts me until I hear that beautiful sound.

Baby's growth?  My baby is the size of a lemon! 

Source

Symptoms?  I'm finally feeling less sick, but the urge to retch is still strong.  My round ligaments are telling me that they are very much in use.

Weight gain (or loss)?  My weight, as of this morning, is down to 1/2 pound less than when I got pregnant.  This is normal for me, to loose weight at the beginning and not put on much at all.

Cravings?  I am dying to eat TUNA salad all the time.  I like tuna anyway, but I must eat tuna at least once per day.  I did this with TheBoy, too.  In fact, I took a lot of ribbing about this.


Discussion Question:  Share a favorite freezer recipe or easy, go-to recipe that comes in handy after the baby is born.

This one is a little difficult.  My favorite gift to give or receive for a new baby is a meal.  That and clean toilets.   Throwing something in the crock pot is easy for mom to do, instruct dad to do, or freeze for later.  My older kids are going to learn this when our  BabyBean comes.  Here's a link to my recipe blog for Super Chili.  Good, filling, makes a TON, easy to freeze, crowd pleaser.

If you're a pregnant blogger, if you know a pregnant blogger, please join us.  Here's a snip from Sarah's site, our sweet linky host:

Let's encourage and support one another as we go through this season of life together.  Blogging through your pregnancy is an excellent way to keep track of your thoughts, feelings, and growing baby (and belly)!

I pray that this link-up bring glory to God; that this link-up becomes only what God intends; that this link-up be a source of encouragement, support and friendship to all those who participate.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart...

Jeremiah 1:5 

Congratulations!

I read a favorite blog of mine recently, Raising Arrows, and found out that after a recent miscarriage, Amy was expecting again!  I am so very happy for her.  And since she is due in January, I felt that I would share something with her, too.  It's something that I hadn't shared with anyone else yet.  And it's something that I'm not sure about sharing now.  But a very nice lady named Sarah contacted me from that Raising Arrows comment about linking up to her pregnancy blogging and I just couldn't resist.

So, yes.  Baby #7 is on the way here at our house.  Unless you count the two miscarriages we've had, then it's Baby #9.  Even though I don't really mention those to others, in my heart they are still my children and I love them.  My heart just breaks at the thought of their loss.

Well, congratulations to us!  Here is a brief overview of how things are going, thanks to My Joy-Filled Life linky.





How far along are you?  I am 9 weeks 2 days.  My baby is the size of a grape.

Yes, it's a grape tomato, but it's the same size.

Prayer requests?  I'm putting off telling people because I'm tired of the culture of death that we have.  People just don't understand the beauty of life, birth, children.  Anything more than 2 kids is considered odd.  7?  I may be locked up.  Pray for my hesitation at sharing this news.  I have God's perfect peace about the baby, but I foresee many well-meant concerns expressed by others we know.

Medical Stuff?  I saw the midwives at an unseemly early date to have an ultrasound to determine dates.  This baby was a surprise not heralded by the usual restarting of the cycles after the birth of Chicky Punk.  My next appointment isn't until July.

Cravings?  I crave to keep food down without feeling sick. 

Gender?  I don't know.  I'm feeling so sick, just like I did with all my girls.  With the boys, I felt okay.  I think it's a girl.

What I miss.... Sleeping.  I can't sleep the night for the life of me.

What I'm looking forward to.... The birth.  I'm having my second home birth and I'm very excited about it.  I loved the last one, even though it was my longest labor.

Discussion Question:  More kids? Why or why not?

Here's my thoughts on the matter.  What children we do or don't have is between me, my hubby and my God.  Being Catholic, we don't believe in "standard" birth control.  Natural Family Planning (or fertility awareness) is the way to go and it's extremely effective (99%) when used properly.  No, it's not the rhythm method of the 1960's church, but a scientific method of recognizing and charting your body's fertility signals.  You simply abstain if no pregnancy is desired.  (Many people use it "backwards" in order to achieve pregnancy.)  I used to think that was dumb, abstaining for half of the month when I just wanted to be active with my hubby.  But the older I get, the more I see how NFP works with God's plans.

So those people who wish to lynch me for "overpopulating" and "geez, get cable tv" will be hearing my new party line, which is something along the lines of "Why? Will you be raising them?" or perhaps "How is that your business?".  I am feeling confrontational about this just now.  Hello mood swing.

What scripture is speaking to you this week?  I put off this question until the last because I just didn't have an answer.  What was God saying to me this week?  After that big blowout on the discussion question, this verse came to mind:

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

What is more of God's purpose that a baby to further His kingdom?

(If you aren't a pregnant blogger, but know someone who is, please help spread the word about the link-up.  Also, if you aren't pregnant, or a blogger, please feel free to stop by the linked up blogs and offer encouragement and support if you feel led!  Thanks!)




grape tomato image via Rutgers.com

Homeschooling 1st Grade

Have you ever taught someone to read?  It's harder than you think.  How do you explain what is second nature to you?  Explain something that you adore and comes so easily for you to a small boy who isn't terribly excited about learning it?

I am using the K12 curriculum for our homeschooling.  This is our 2nd year using this program and I have not many complaints about it.  But I often find myself wishing that TheBoy went off to school to have someone else teach him these hard things.  It's rather overwhelming.

We're slowly finding our way, together.  I am easier on him than I probably should be, but he is picking it up.  He has attended a few extra Tier 2 classes to help him with his grasp on the subject and I make him read to me every day.  He's such a good boy.

It's the one thing I miss about public school: sending them away for the day and having peace and quiet.  I am NEVER EVER alone.  I NEVER have free time to myself.  I am stealing the time to write this while I should be teaching phonics, eating lunch, nursing BabyJoy, directing housework, and waking Hubbers up from his nap.


...sigh...

It was Hubbers' choice to homeschool.  I am being the supportive wife and enjoy homeschooling.  Most days.

(whine)

Planting

I'm about a month behind where I wanted to be in starting my garden but we finally got some planting done today. 

The Boy (he turns 7 tomorrow!) helped me load the seed trays with soil and then we planted!  We have so far done a variety of tomato plants and some mixed lettuce.  We're taking a small break for some essential school work on phonics and reading, and will then move on to planting tomatillos and swiss chard. 

And then I'm out of seed trays!  I better hit the store for some more so I can plant the rest of what I had in mind: assorted radishes, onions, green onions, parsley, potatoes, gourds, squash, and more.  We have plans to have a large garden this year to help us during these "trying economic times".

Now, if it would only stop raining and we could till the garden...

Excuse This House

Some houses try to hide the fact
That children shelter there,
Ours boasts it quite openly,
The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,
Little smudges are on the doors
I should apologize, I guess
For toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with my child
And we played and laughed and read
And if the doorbell doesn’t shine,
His eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I’m forced to choose
The one job or the other,
I’d like to cook and clean and scrub,
But first I’ll be a mother.

~ Author Unknown

Roo Boo Says

Occasionally my 9 year old daughter says something that is just too prime to forget.  We call these "Roo Boo Says".  Here is her most recent:

After stubbing her toe on a chair, she cries.  Abruptly she stops, saying "That was my favorite toe!"

Mutha Fatha Swagger Wagon

 

Watch as the Sienna Family drops their hot new single, Swagger Wagon. This goes out to all you minivan families out there who get a Sienna SE for space but fill it with your family's swagger.
To learn more about the Sienna SE visit http://toyota.com/sienna or download the free MP3 at http://toyotaswaggerwagon.com .


Special shout-out to Black Iris Music and makers of Yoo-hoo.*

(LYRICS)


[INTRO MOM AND DAD]

Yeah

This one goes out to all you minivan families out there.
Sienna SE...in the house.
Where my mother/fathers at?
Where my kids at?

Where my kids at?
Where my kids at?
Where my kids at?
Where my kids at?
Where my kids at?

No, seriously honeywhere are the kids?
They're right there, see?
Oh, cool beans.

[VERSE DAD]
I roll hard through the streets and the cul-de-sacs,
Proud parent of an honor roll student, Jack.
I got a swing in the front, a tree house in the back,
My #1 Dad mug says, Yeah, Im the Mack.

[VERSE MOM]
I'm the world's best nurse when my kids get sick,
I make a mean gel-mold, I perfected my tricks,
Back when I used to party as a college chick.
Now I'm cruising to their playdates lookin' all slick...

[CHROUS]
In my Swagger Wagon,
Yeah, the Swagger Wagon,
It's the Swagger Wagon,
I got the pride in my ride.
In my Swagger Wagon,
Yeah, the Swagger Wagon,
It's the Swagger Wagon.

[VERSE DAD]

Check it...

I love hangin' with my daughter sippin' tea, keep my pinky up,
All the drawings on my fridge sport an A+.
I'm an awesome parent, (Right!) and it's apparent, (True!)
And in this house there's no mother/father swearin'.

[VERSE MOM]
Straight owning bake sales with my cupcake skills,
I'm better with the money, so I handle the bills,
And I always buy in bulk, ain't afraid of no spills.
Every Mother's Day proves...I'm kind of a big deal.

Daughter: Mommy, I need to go potty.

Bring the beat back, 'cause, yo, I got more to say,
You know I'm always front and center at the school play.
I kiss their boo-boos, clean doggie doo-doos,
Cut the crust off of PB&Js, chill the Yoo-hoos.

[VERSE DAD]

Singin' "Farmer in the Dell" in perfect harmony,
When I'm rollin' with my posse in the HOV.
We rock the SE, not an SUV,
And it's true, if I were you, I'd be jealous of me...

[CHORUS]

*YOO-HOO is a registered trademark of Mott's LLP. All rights reserved.

My Priorities

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye 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 his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But 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.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

Thank you to Peace and Carrots for reminding me how much I like this poem.

15 Days!

We close on our new house in just 15 days. Needless to say I'm in the middle of packing and cleaning, and still hoping for a quick sale on our current house. It makes me nervous, but I know that God has us in hand. Keep us in your prayers, won't you?

The kids are SO excited! We visited the house last week for the inspection process and the kids enjoyed 3 hours of outside play without a whine among them. Looks like the choice was a success! We are all looking forward to the move and the new house.

While on my travels around the town, I found this funniest sign to share with you. I know that I'm warped and took it out of context, but warning someone that you're slow? Yeah, I thought so...


Poor grandparents - all slow and stuff...

Farewell...

I always knew that a body was just a shell to hold that spark of life. But nothing drove it home until the death of a pet.

We had a cat a few years back that died, but I was pregnant with RooBoo and scared that it may have died from something "bad" and I didn't want to jeopardize my baby. Turns out it died of a urinary blockage, but that isn't this story.

Our parakeets are "hand-me-downs" from my sister-in-law and nephew, who found that they couldn't handle the chatter of these three birds. Parakeets are very social and need a friend. Or a mirror that they think is a friend. It's nice to have such simple needs. But the noise was driving B crazy.

As I had a friend with this kind of bird, and I lusted after having one of my own, it was a perfect thing that she wanted to "lose" the birds. The chatter is something I enjoy - a pretty, spring-y noise. Hubbers was less than thrilled but he loves me and the kids and the birds made the 4 hour car ride home with us from B's house.

We promptly renamed the birds: Blue male = Eragon, blue female = Geena, yellow female = Hermoinie. The friend that had parakeets was looking for a male bird and at that time we thought the yellow was a male, so off "he" went to Missy's house. That left us two blue birds. Geena was a bit more calm so I started finger training her and she quickly grew used to us. One day, while out in the house, the neighbor kid opened the door and off Geena went. Bye Bye Birdy.

That left us with one bird. Missy had decided that yellow bird wasn't a male and the other female was attacking her, so we brought Hermie home. And that's the way it's been for a year or two. And then Eragon started acting odd, not himself. Not wanting to sit on the perch, being super calm and easy to coax into tricks, not flying when let out, quiet.

This lasted about two weeks. Yesterday I noticed him walking about on the bottom of the cage, normal for him now. But when I was on my way to do an errand I glanced in the cage and noticed Eragon sprawled on the floor of the cage, head at a right angle to his body like the side of the cage was his pillow.

The kids took it okay. RooBoo, her tender self, cried. Curly Girl was sad, Oldest Girl said "Bye, Eragon. Off to the great birdcage in the sky", and The Boy solemnly told Eragon goodbye.

Back to the body as a vessel. Hubbers says animals have no souls. But they have personalities and I don't understand how those two can be seperate. One of the mysteries to be solved when I meet Jesus, I suppose. I found myself praying for my little blue parakeet last night. I figured that God would know what I meant.

Sadly, I had to use a stock photo of a blue parakeet in this post since I couldn't find one of the few pictures I had taken of the birds. Funny how something so much a part of my life wasn't documented more.

Brownie Try Its!

Roo Boo is a Brownie Girl Scout and earns Try It! badges. Today she and her troop (on spring break) got to go swimming at the Aquatic Center. She had a great time. Here's a picture to prove it:

Wordless Wednesday - Who Dun It?

Wordless Wednesday!





These tracks found at The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids

Mortality and Pets

We have two cats. Big, fat, beautiful Joon and smaller, fluffy beautiful Benny. They have been with our family for 7+ years. They are so integral to us that none of us can imagine a house without them.

Yesterday I came upon 12 yr old Joonie drooling and in pain. He's got bad teeth - a fact we've known for a while. He was in the middle of losing one that morning and "talking" to me looking for relief. I didn't quite know what to do for him so I called the vet and dropped him off for an evaluation.

Turns out that Joon has such bad teeth that they must all be extracted. The hitch is this: $350 - 700 to proceed. Where would we come up with such money? Yes, they would space out payments for me, but that's $700 I can't use to feed or cloth my kids, to build my home business, to improve or repair our home/car/life.

In the end, we made the decision to put him to sleep. I would take the kids to say goodbye in the morning. That was today, Friday. We arrived en mass and they brought our baby out to us. We loved on him, took pictures, cried. Then I stepped into the hall to speak with the nurse.

I just couldn't do it. I couldn't let go of this little life that has so much love for us and us for him. I brought him home.

He still hurts, I'm sure. The vet described him as an old, sick cat. He told me what I need to watch for and that I will know when it's time to let go. The girls, especially Curly Girl, are relieved. Joon has spent much of the day on my lap, purring and rubbing his sore face on my arm.

I told the kids that it's only a short matter of time before he needs to be put out of pain. So we'll love him while we can and make his life as easy as possible.

And still I wonder - did I do the right thing?

CPSIA Law Overly Broad

I didn't vote for Obama, but if he will make these changes, I will feel better about his presidency. I think.

Regardless of what my politics are, please write your congressional reps and the president about the upcoming CPSIA law. Here's a snippet from the summary:

"Anyone who produces or sells any of the following new or used items will be required to comply with the law: toys, books, clothing, art, educational supplies, materials for the learning disabled, bicycles, and more.

Any uncertified item intended for children under the age of 12 will be considered contraband after February 10, 2009. It will be illegal to sell or give these items away to charities, and the government will require their destruction or permanent disposal, resulting in millions of tons of unnecessary waste, and placing an enormous strain on our landfills."

Not to mention the pocketbook.

I'm all for the safety of children's goods and toys. But an overly broad law does nothing but stifle the rights of the people to give, share, donate, make.

ANNOYING Song in the Home

It's cute, yes, but hearing it over and over and OVER again is getting a bit on the O-L-D side. It's a scout song, see, and those just get older over time. Still, it keeps the baby quiet...

Sing along everyone!!

(Point to the body part and clap or stomp feets at boom-boom.)

I points to myself, Vas is das here?
Das is my top-notcher, ya mama dear. (Top of head)
Top-Notcher, top-notcher, ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, boom-boom.

I points to myself , Vas is das here?
Das is my sweat browser, ya mama dear. (Wipe forehead)
Sweat browser, top notcher, ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

I points to myself , Vas is das here?
Das is my eye winker, ya mama dear. (Eye)
Eye winker,
sweat browser,
top notcher; ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

I points to myself, Vas is das here?
Das is my soup strainer, ya mama dear. (Upper lip)
Soup strainer,
eye winker,
sweat browser,
top notcher, ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

I points to myself, Vas is das here?
Das is my luch eater, ya mama dear. (teeth/mouth)
Lunch eater,
soup strainer,
eye winker,
sweat browser,
top notcher, ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

I points to myself, Vas is das here?
Das is my chin chowser, ya mama dear. (Chin)
Chin chowser,
lunch eater,
soup strainer,
eye winker,
sweat browser,
top notcher, ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

I points to myself, Vas is das here?
Das is my rubber necker, ya mama dear. (Neck)
Rubber necker
Chin chowser
lunch eater,
soup strainer,
eye winker,
sweat browser,
top notcher, ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

I points to myself, Vas is das here?
Das is my chest protector, ya mama dear. (Chest)
Chest protector
Rubber necker
Chin chowser
lunch eater,
soup strainer,
eye winker,
sweat browser,
top notcher, ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

I points to myself, Vas is das here?
Das is my bread basket, ya mama dear. (Stomach)
Bread basket
Chest protector
Rubber necker
Chin chowser
Lunch eater,
Soup strainer,
Eye winker,
Sweat browser,
Top notcher, ya mama dear,
Das wot I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

I points to myself, Vas is das here?
Das is my foot stomper, ya mama dear. (Foot)
Foot stomper
Bread basket
Chest protector
Rubber necker
Chin chowser
Lunch eater,
Soup strainer,
Eye winker,
Sweat browser,
Top notcher, ya mama dear,
Das what I learned in der school, Boom, Boom.

(As an alternate, Motivator may replace foot stomper)

Siblings are FUN!

I'm calling this one "LET ME OUT!"


BB and Oldest Girl bond with the Mei Tai.

8 Weeks and Menu

I'm trying to take a picture each month with BB and this cute little bear. Here's his 8 weeks shot - not so great because he's sleeping, but still cute.



He's smiling and laughing now, and sometimes even at me! He graced Oldest Girl with some of the first real smiles (the bum) but has progressed now to smiling at the whole family, even daddy, who mostly gets cried at.

Yes, even though I'm not posting menus just now, we're still eating. Tonight we had Fish Tacos courtesy the Rachael Ray website. We'll be having, in no particular order, Sour Cream Meatloaf, Fuss Free Swiss Steak, Chicken and Artichoke casserole, leftovers, Easy Beef Stroganoff and I can't remember what the last thing was... I also indulged in Iowa Zucchini bread this weekend and some easy apple crisp. I think you can find some of these recipes on my food blog.

Have a wonderful week!!

Sibling Love

Daughter 1 to Daughter 2:

...Whale Butt Breath...

Too Quiet

How was I ever the mom of just one kid? It's so very quiet around here with only BB and me all day. The house is so quiet. I'm relishing the extra time with him, but I'm missing the big kids so much. They will be home on Sunday and I know that means more stress and less sleep, but I am ready to have them back.

One kid = too quiet. No wonder I had the TV on all the time then!

Sunday Night Live

Hubbers is in a mood.

The kids are on a tear.

I'm still pregnant. And hot. And very very cranky.

But the lawn got mowed. That's a plus. And the checkbook got balanced. And the laundry is, well, thinking about being done.

Yesterday I woke up thinking "Today is THE DAY!" After more contemplation, I was unsure what it was THE DAY for - having the baby or maybe just doing laundry. Turns out it was for doing laundry. I got most of it done yesterday.

Still no contractions, no sign of labor. Although I have spent much of the past 3 days running to the bathroom every 10 or so minutes. Had some cramping this afternoon, but now it's down to sore aching hips at the back.

I still need to menu plan, but that will be made easier by a day or two in the hospital and Hubbers on food patrol. This means that the kids will probably live on peanut butter and honey sandwiches, cereal and milk, but hey! If no one's complaining, neither will I. That's probably yummier than the hospital food I'll consume.

Also, the kids will leave on Friday for at least 1 week with their Grandparents in SLC for Vacation Bible School. It's a summer ritual. The kids so look forward to going. I think they are as excited by the week away from mommy as mommy is! Compound that with the fact that this baby is coming, hell or high water, on Wednesday, and it's going to be a quiet few days with them gone.

I spoke with my priest today, telling him about the coming induction and reminding him that as I have six million children I really don't need to take the baptism classes. See, to me it makes no sense. I have 4 kids already and I'm a godmother several times over so what could have changed so DRASTICALLY in the past 11 years that I might misunderstand? Regardless, Fr Joe told me that when I called in to make the appointment for baptism I was allowed to say that HE told me I was class exempt this time. Whew. Saves 2 months of classes and much rigorous boiling upset on my part at the ridiculousness of the church powers that be.

So, there it is. My weekend and future plans. So exciting you wish you were me, huh?