Joshua 4 months old

Joshua Ezekiel turned 4 months old last Sunday

15 pounds, 10 ounces (75%)

25.5 inches (60%)

Joshua rolls over, grabs his feet and everything, sleeps through the night, and loves his nuk!

School Days

Jamie started high school on Monday... That was an interesting day for me. I watched him get on a school bus for the first time EVER to go to school. (The bus picks up at the end of our driveway--how convenient. He is the last stop to get on and the first stop dropped off, too!) There is SO much preparation and paper to sign, etc. I have spent the past two evenings just working with him on his syllabuses and organizing. We went to buy shoes, shorts, shirts for PE last night and couldn't find anything. He wears a size 12 men's shoe and he is 14!!! It's crazy. We'll have to go somewhere else this evening. Also, he still needs school supplies. With everything I think it will run around $200. Please pray the Lord will provide for these expenses. Things are VERY tight. Jamie has signed up for JV football. I feel like I will never see him. That I've lost him to the "world." I didn't have this with his big sister. Even though she's taking college classes, she is still very active with the family. Jamie will be busy with school, homework, and athletics. It's just weird for us. Pray for my mommy heart on this... That's all I know to say.

I'm still alive over here--buried under several children, but still kicking! Since the big kids returned I have been here, there, and everywhere. I really forgot how much they drive our schedule. The school year gets kicked off next week with Jamie starting at the local high school. Orientation tomorrow night--I'm a nervous mama, but praying I'm overreacting to the whole transition. Celeste begins at the college the following week. She's excited about her senior year and I am, too. We're going to Sarasota for the weekend--Celeste, Karyn (Lest's best bud), and I. I'm going to be doing some planning for the home school year and the girls will hit the beach. Pray for good weather. I know it will be so weird to be without all the littles. Stu is even keeping the baby. That will be hard for me... I hope to post a few pics of our trip, so stay posted. We're staying with my parents and they're always fun!

Psalm 100

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations."

(ESV translation)

New tutu

Been busy over here! (Of course, what else with 7 kids---well, 5 right now.) Celeste and Jamie are due back on Saturday night, yippeee! I can't wait! I haven't seen Jamie in about 8 weeks and Celeste in 5 weeks. I am hoping to go to the airport, but we'll have to see if we can work something out. We are in need of a van for our family--12 passenger or 15. I'd like a Ford b/c I like the lines. I've been praying that God would make it possible somehow. We have a 1999 suburban that seats 8 and is in great shape. I lurve it! But there isn't enough room for everyone... I've been wanting to visit Val in Orlando and Saturday would be perfect. Let's see, I'm hoping to have some ads going on my site soon. I've joined some groups on yahoo in order to get affordable clothing. I love Gymboree and Hanna Anderrson! Eden got a new tutu. Picture above. Too cute. Thanks ebay and Christy!

A great giveaway!

Robin is giving away a $50 gift card to Amazon....go sign up for that too!

Blog Give Away

***The Winner is Chrissy. Congratulations new Momma!!***

I am participating in Bloggy Giveaways. I am giving away some Mary Kay products--Velocity Facial Cleanser and Lightweight moisturizer along with Ultimate Mascara in black. I am hoping this will bless someone who has a teen or has some young skin (not me anymore!). Please leave a comment and tell me about your favorite new product or something you have discovered recently. Make sure you leave a link to your page so that I can contact you! **Drawing ends midnight August 1, 2008.**

Oh, I forgot!

Celeste and Eli, Models
Karyn, Alli, & Celeste
The group all together
A little fun...

Yes, being in the hospital during Celeste's Prom made me forget to post some pictures. It was April 19th. Here they are, better late than never! (She went to a Prom with a local Christian school that invites homeschoolers.) Celeste's "date" is a friend of hers from church, Eli.

Friends

Besties!!!
My gorgeous friend, Valerie

Yesterday, my best friend, Valerie, came up and had lunch with me (and the kids). We enjoyed visiting with each other. I hadn't seen her in 11 months!!! (We talk every day, though.) She has been a sister to me (one I don't have) for the past 8 years. I love ya, Val! Valerie has 5 children ages 11, 9, 9, 7, and 23 months. Our little girls are 5 weeks apart--Eden and Samantha. She was present for the birth of Max and Tommy. That's a very close friend, don't you know?!?

Oh, and Joshua slept through the night last night. He woke up at 7 this morning. I got 7 hours! Woot!

Tuesday

Up early this morning...try 2:15 to feed Joshua. Well, I had a full night's sleep the night before, so I'll try not to be bitter! Dan, Max, and Tommy are attending VBS at Family Church this week so they are having fun right now. I'm learning to work around a toddler and baby in the mornings. It sure is quiet!! That was a surprise. This afternoon we're going to have a picnic lunch with my friends Charity, LaDawn, and their kids. Then we're off to the Natural History Museum to see the butterflies, the cave, and the discovery room. It's going to be a fun day!

Doings

Little Joshua is smilie at 12 weeks old!

I posted my favorite cornbread recipe. We had it tonight and my hubby said is was better than ever. I used 1 cup of home ground white wheat berries instead of regular white flour. It was delicious!

Milestones, of late

**Tommy is finally potty trained, WOOT!
(Today, a special trip to super wally world to get new underwear)
**Joshua turned 3 months old on the 17th (still not sleeping thru night...grr)
**Eden has enough hair to put up and she doesn't pull it out anymore.
**Max's front teeth are loose.
**Max is reading little chapter books--I thought this would never happen!!!
**Dan is much more helpful since he is the oldest at home right now.

**All 3 boys got hair cuts today.

Back here again...

Oh Lord, I'm here again. I SO don't know what to do... I just have to try to get through
each minute, each hour.

Teaching Textbooks Math 5

I am soooo excited!! This Math program is the one we are going to be using this year (for Dan, my 4th grader) and it SO rocks! You can try the demo at the Teaching Textbooks website. If you have a child that's self-motivated and enjoys using the computer, then this curriculum is for you. It is my opinion that TT blows Saxon away. I have used the upper level math--Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. My daughter passed into college level math as a junior in high school after taking TT Algebra II.

**Update: This recently arrived in the mail. Dan loves it so much he has done 3 lessons in the past day. It makes math fun and does the grading for you! It's looking good so far!**

Homeschool copywork

We were going over some things recently and I realized that one of my children needs some more practice with cursive writing. Copy work can be a great way to accomplish this and learn bible verses at the same time. I found a website that has some free copy work, so I though I'd post it here. Visit here to use this resource.

We are getting geared up for next school year and I'm in the middle of selling some curriculum in order to buy more. We're doing school about 2 days a week right now because it's too hot to play outside (we have no trees--none that offer shade anyway). Hope everyone is having a great summer! I miss my teenagers! They are visiting their father until early August.

Happy 4th of July!!

Celeste gets ready for her party.
Eden sleeping--my camera was finally charged at about midnight.

I haven't posted in a looong time. Sorry! It's busy here. Celeste left a couple days ago and Jamie has been gone for 3 weeks. They return in early August. So here I am with 5 children--3 of them 3 and under. The trip to the grocery yesterday with all of the kids was, shall I say, "fun."

We're having some friends over to BBQ today. (There will be 12 kids from 3 families!) Also, I got my new Nikon camera finally. So exciting. I've been taking tons of pics! I'll try to post more often. We have no plans for the summer. My goal is just to survive. Joshua is not quite sleeping through the night yet, so I'm praying for that soon.

Joshua 2 months old

Joshua Ezekiel is 2 months old now. He weighs 12 pounds, 8 ounces (75%) and is 24.5 inches long (85%). He is quite a big boy! Our Ped said that he acts like an older baby. He is a very sweet, good-natured little boy. He smiles a lot, coos, and is even laughing a little now. We are so happy he is part of our family.

My 40th Birthday Beach Trip

Mima shades Joshua

Josh poolside
Max shows off his shell
My Dad (Pipa) and Eden at Siesta Key Beach

Jamie and Mom
Buffet says "hi" to the kids
The fam at the beach
Eden hangs out with Celeste in the pool
Jamie 14, Jamie 37, Nancy 40!!

I had a wonderful 40th birthday. I will post a link to more pictures soon! My kids gave me an iPod Shuffle. It is SO much fun! I'm listening now! (I should be sleeping...) I went shopping with my Mom and had a GREAT birthday dinner with my family and birthday buddy, my brother, Jamie. It's hard work, but I am enjoying my 7 week old birthday present, too. God is good!

Jamie turns 14

Clifford James "Jamie"

June 2nd, 1994

9 pounds, 2 ounces

Interests: guitar, skateboarding, paintball...14 yo boy stuff!

They had fun out to dinner at Macaroni Grill. We got a sitter for Tommy & Eden. Jamie has really grown since the new year and is now taller than Celeste and I. It will be interesting to see how much he changes while he's gone for summer. He leaves in a week. I will miss you SO much~I love you, Jamie!

Cindy Lou Who says "CHEESE" for the camera!

Momma wears Joshua in her new sling...shhh...

A little something new

This is my new hair cut. I always do something different after having a baby. I'm excited about my new doo. Hope ya like it!

Today...

~The power went off for an hour this morning. It was very quiet... Tommy kept saying things were broken. It was cute!

~We all had cereal for breakfast.

~I am thankful for a surprise dinner last night with Stu. My friend, LaDawn, kept ALL the kids.

~I'm still in my pajamas. (Which happen to include the skirt I wore yesterday...)

~I am hoping to start Joshua's scrapbook soon...and work more on Eden's.

~I hope to get a nap today. I had 4 hours sleep last night in 2 installments.

~June is...Jamie's 14th birthday on the 2nd and my 40th on the 10th!!!

~I am getting a hair cut tomorrow and can't wait.

~Currently I'm home with 5 children ages 9, 7, 3.75, 20 months, and 5 weeks...eek!

Joshua's 1 month

Joshua in his swing--1 month old

Eden has little piggies. Notice the booboo on her head.

She fell off the couch and crashed into the baseboard.

Eden, Karyn, Celeste, & Allie at AGCC Homeschool Grad Ceremony

Joshua had his 1 month check up (a week ago!). He weighed 10 pounds (50%) and was 22 inches long (60%) and his head was 37cm (50%). We are very busy at home with kids in school and lots of other activities. We are going to the beach in Sarasota in early June--all the kids are very excited about that. If I could be rested, I would be, too!

BPA Free bottles

With all of the concern about chemicals in bottles and other infant feeding things I thought I would post a link to a site that has a nice set of lists and information on BPA free feeding products. We're switching because every small step for our child's health is important. Go here to see this list.

Also, I found The Soft Landing to have a large selection of healthy products, feeding included, for baby.

Joshua slept 5 hours last night (from 2-7 a.m.)...in his swing. I haven't had that much sleep in 4 weeks. He's 4 weeks today! Unfortunately, I awoke with a terrible migraine. It hung on all day, but has now subsided. Joshua is now napping and if there's one thing I've learned, it's go catch one myself. Sorry I haven't been on much, but I'm certainly overwhelmed right now (just being honest). Hopefully, I will see you in dreamland...zzzzzzz. (Also, still nursing, but he gets about half from me and half from formula.)

More pictures

Joshie is sleeping...zzzzz...

Eden loves to touch and kiss his toes.

Joshua is gaining, although it's probably from his bottles, not nursing. We went to see the lactation consultant today and he weighed 8 pounds, 6.8 ounces. Really close to his birth weight, yay! After nursing for 35 minutes he had gained 1 ounce. Not the best, but better than last time. I'm going to keep trying for another week or so and see what happens.

Celeste starts summer A next week and is taking 2 classes. Celeste rec'd an A in ENC1101, YAY!We're trying to finish up the school year with the other kids. The baby is crying...time to feed him again!

Baby Update

Here is Joshua 2 weeks old with the sweet blanket made by Mom's friend, Teri.

A little update on things here: I got an infection of some sort around my incision site, so I'm on antibiotics. This started last Sunday evening. We started out taking meds and had to double them on Wednesday because things weren't getting better. So recovery is slow going here. 2000 mg of Keflex is kicking my butt right now. Joshua is still very slow to gain weight and nursing isn't going the best. I am taking fenugreek--3 capsules, 3 times per day and that boosted my supply a little. Joshua is still sleepy and doesn't remove milk very well. He looks good and weighs 8 pounds today. All the other children are doing quite well with the new baby. Eden likes to poke him... Dan and Max are at their last baseball game right now (most likely). They have had a winning season this year 6-4. In playoffs they lost the 1st game, won the 2nd, and if they lose tonight then they're out of the tournament. We'll see! God is good! I'm still praying I don't get too discouraged about nursing. I'm seeing my lactation consultant on Monday again. Just keep praying for success and healing for the momma. Thanks!

Joshua

Baby Joshua 5 days old

Hi all! I know I have been absent this week! It's been a busy week and I'm doing rather well, but still having pain and I am tired. I have a prayer request for Joshua. He is a very lazy nurser and, subsequently, he isn't gaining weight. Yesterday (Friday) I went to see the lactation specialist and he was at his discharge weight of 7 lbs., 10 oz. A pound down (still) from birth weight. Please pray that he would wake up and nurse better. Also, that I don't lose my supply. I am pumping some and we are supplementing him after nursing, but all we can do is our best! I am trying not to be discouraged.

He's Here!

Joshua Ezekiel

April 17th, 2008 via C-Section

12:39 p.m.

8 pounds, 10.4 ounces

20 1/4 inches long

Momma and baby are doing quite well.

(Dad expected to recover, too!)

Tomorrow...

Well, tomorrow is the big day! I will be having a C Section at noon. Please pray for me as I am quite nervous and scared about it. The pain afterwards was horrific last time. I can't wait to meet this little guy. Also, please pray that nursing would be successful for me. Celeste will be posting a picture at one point, I'm sure, so look for that.

Also, Dan's 9th birthday was last week and I wanted to post a picture of him. He was hoping the baby would be born on his birthday. At least, they get to share the same month!

A link...

to some recent photos around here!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33877&l=86668&id=637396851

Baby Watch

I am now 38+ weeks pregnant. I went in yesterday and had an ultrasound. The weight was estimated at 8 pounds, 8 ounces. They've been a pound low and a pound high before with me, so I don't know what to think! I haven't changed any...still 2 cm, etc. AND baby is floating with his head in my right hip/groin area. This doesn't bode well for a VBAC. I am scheduled for a C Section next Thursday. I am praying he moves and I go into labor or something before then. I have a check up the day before. Plus, my sugars have been high, so pray for me that whatever happens I can handle it. I'm very stressed about providing people to care for my family while I'm in the hospital. It's not all covered...

In Memory of Trigger...

Today my brother, Jamie, lost his best friend, Trigger. He was affectionately known as the "Trig Man." Trigger was hit by a car near his home. Trigger was the best Jack Russell Terrier that ever lived. We will all miss him. We loved him so much. Please pray for Jamie as he will really miss his buddy. Our hearts go out to you, Jamie! Remember, Jesus is right there for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13)

A few of my favorite things:

~seeing Max get his first hit at baseball and running his big brother in

~a hot bath for an achy 9+ month pregnant momma

~Reese's peanut butter cups (thanks, Stu!)

~very cute questions and chatter from my 3 1/2 year old

~a good nap on the green couch in my room

~when the babe in my womb gets the hiccups

A busy day

I haven't posted much because I've been so busy. I went to pick up Celeste today at college and it turned out there had been a bomb threat, so her friend brought her to meet me. She was a little unsettled by it, but is okay. Jamie helped me set up some books for a used curriculum fair at our church. After that, I took him to guitar. He has a recital this Monday. (We look forward to that...) Then I dropped him off for an overnight, ran to the grocery for more insulin syringes (I'll be glad when I don't have to take that anymore!), and home. An hour later I went to a baseball game starring Dan and Max. They won 10-3! Max got his first hit during a game and Dan ran home from 2ND when Max hit that ball. It was cool! Did I mention I took Tommy and Eden to the game without any teen help?!? Stu got pizza from a really yummy local place. There are only 5 eating establishments here, so we're limited. Well, I'm about ready to pass out now. We're getting everyone bathed and uniforms washed because they have another game at 9 AM. I have to be at the curriculum sale by 9, too! Being this busy should make the time go quickly before I have my baby--I can't wait!

Baby 7 Update

I'm getting close. Last week I was already 1cm and 50 % effaced AND the baby has dropped. I'm having a hard time getting around and I have a cold, so I am really ready to get this over with. I have another appt. on Wednesday. I will be 37 weeks then. I'm hoping it's in the next 7-10 days.

Tuesday

Woo hoo, I just looked at my baby ticker up there. Getting close, I am. I'm thinking about 2 1/2 more weeks (hoping less). I still have a very small belly button, so there's a little more room.

Tonight the boys are at baseball practice. Stu is an Asst. Coach for their league this year. Dan and Max are on the same team--thank goodness. They have 2 practices and 2 games this week. Busy! I'll probably make only 1 game. They have a 7:00 game on Friday and I just don't feel the greatest by the end of the day. I'll have to go on Saturday to their game!

Anyway, just checking in. Celeste is overnight at her best friend's house. She's working on a research paper for ENC1101. She's doing very well in the class, yay! Jamie has guitar tomorrow. They have a recital in April. There is so much in April that my mind in swimming...AND I'm having a baby. Aaahhh!

Stuart Turns 40 Today!

Happy 40th Bday, Stu!

Click under the picture to watch the little video we made!11

Here are a few Easter pictures of us. Just click on the link!

35 week check

We went in for our 35 week check up today. I had a Non-Stress Test today where they hook me up to the baby monitors and watch contractions, baby heart rate, and I push I button every time he moves. All looked great! I lost 2.5 pounds this week, but now I'm measuring 43 (fundus) and I'm 35 weeks, 1 day. I'm supposed to take it easy because I'm so big I'm in danger of preterm labor. Guess what that is (center, left) in the ultrasound photo above. My OB thought he was SO funny! Hint: It's a package with two parts. I am thinking his name will be Joshua Ezekiel. Joshua means--Christ is my salvation. Ezekiel means--whom the Lord makes strong.

The kids had their homeschool evaluations this week. Of course, all did great! We need to work on some more phonics with Max in the area of special sounds and Celeste needs to brush up on some of her computation skills. Dan (who is a 3rd grader) tested on a 6th grade math level. We'll probably use a 5th grade curriculum next year. All in all, I was told I am doing an excellent job and am very organized. Big sigh of relief here! It's been a year!

34 week baby update

Here is another ultrasound picture of our sweet little boy. (I don't get tired of them!) He had really fat little cheeks. My amniotic fluid levels are down into the normal range. The baby is in the 80th percentile with an estimated weight of 5 pounds, 14 ounces. That's a big baby, at this point. Of course, we know they can be off on that! I am measuring 41 weeks (fundal height), but am 34 weeks, 1 day. Please pray for a safe, regular birth for this big guy. I'm very worried about a lot of things right now...

**Update: We discovered Eden has Roseola, so at least we know what virus she has!**

I have been dealing with some illness (and other weirdness) around here the past few days. Eden ran a fever from Sunday afternoon until early this morning. No other symptoms, but it did get over 103. Just a virus. On Monday, I took Tommy in to our pediatrician because his left ear was swollen 3 times normal size and purple. (The picture above is after a dose of benadryl and it looked a lot better!) We are guessing he got a bug bite of some sort and just used allergy medicine and cream on it. I have had a headache for the past 3 days. I suppose it's pregnancy hormones, but it's not fun. Both the littles are better today and my headache is slightly better right now.

My brother is moving to Dallas tomorrow. My 13 yo nephew broke his arm yesterday and my 10 yo nephew gets his cast off today from a broken arm. Whew! Please pray for safe travel for them.

Eden came into the kitchen yesterday morning wearing this...