Journey Through Motherhood

Oct. 9, 2008

He's Here!!

It's a BOY!!
Announcing the long awaited arrival of our new baby boy!
He arrived yesterday, October 8th at 9:58 am and weighed 7lbs 10 oz.
Thank-you all for your prayers and well wishes!
My labour was reasonably short and swift and no stitches!
I will post more of the birth story and pictures later. We have only just got home from the hospital, but I wanted to share my happy news.

Oct. 8, 2008

Something's Happening...

It is 4:18am as I type this.
I'm having contractions that are strong enough to keep me from sleeping, but I don't think I need to go to the hospital yet.
I'm scheduled to be induced later this morning anyway.
I'm a little grumpy because I'd rather be sleeping!
Pray for me!
Something is finally happening...
Woo-hoo!

Oct. 6, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...it has only just begun to get light out, there is a soft glow in the eastern sky, but it is cloudy and it looks breezy.

I am thinking...about meeting my unborn baby, very soon!!

I am thankful for...a Living God I can trust in.

From the learning room...lots of facts about the human body!

From the kitchen...I did some baking last week, we'll see if that continues, I have some buttermilk to use up.

I am wearing...pajamas! They're the only thing that's comfortable! What does it mean when even maternity pants wont stay up and maternity shirts don't cover all of your tummy?!

I am creating...a clean and tidy house...and I hope it lasts a while!

I am going...I'm not going too many places these days, just staying close to home, not to keen on having my water break in public!...although my son is begging to go to the library.

I am reading...Akin to Anne by L.M. Montgomery, a collection of short stories about orphans.

I am hoping...to have a newborn baby by the end of this week!

I am hearing...my stomach growling, breakfast awaits!

Around the house...my bathrooms are all clean, I did them on the weekend, and Hubby finally painted our new bedroom! I love the colour!
What else can I clean today?

One of my favorite things...seeing and holding my newborn baby for the first time!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: to have this baby!! I see my Dr tomorrow, we'll see what we can do to jump start this birth! I've heard that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups work!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Close-up of baby's feet by Mitch Diamond

Close-up of baby's feet

Now, where are those Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?...

For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman.

Oct. 5, 2008

The Wait Continues...

And the wait continues...
Yesterday I scrubbed the bathroom from top to bottom(except the bathtub, which I couldn't bring myself to do!) and I made this lovely loaf of Irish Soda Bread,

does that mean I'm nesting? I don't know, I was exhausted by the end of it.
I think I may need to redo my nails...

Oct. 3, 2008

From the mouths of babes...

While gathered around the dinner table last night my 4yr old said this 'quote of the day'.
We had just finished praying and something had been said in the prayer about the baby waiting to be born.
As we finished praying and opened our eyes, Skylark piped up and said "That's the new baby! I knew it!"

He also said this gem today:
While listening to me chat with my mom about toilet training my 2yr old, he said "Maybe God can fix her and give her a p*nis so she can use the tiolet!"
This, of course, was followed by a brief explanation of how God made boys and girls different!

Oct. 1, 2008

One Cup of Everything

OK, here's the deal, I was already going to post this recipe and I had the post all ready to go for later this week. Then I went on over to HSBA to find out what the weekly theme was. It happened to be 'favourite snacks' and so I decided to include this recipe in my post because when I'm nursing a newborn, these are indeed my favourite snack!

I mentioned in my Daybook post that I was going to make One Cup of Everything Cookies.
These are a big(I make them big!), hearty cookie that sound just like their name. They pretty much have one cup of everything that you might find in a cookie.
I like to make a batch and freeze them before I have a baby. When nursing a newborn, I get quite hungry myself-especially during those late night feedings. These cookies fill that hungry hole!

Here is the recipe:
One Cup of Everything Cookies

1 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup peanut butter(I use the 'just peanuts' kind)
3 eggs
1 cup flour
1 TBSP baking soda
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts(or pecans)

Cream together margarine, sugars, peanut butter and eggs.

Mix in flour and baking soda. Stir in the remaining ingredients.(I usually do this by hand with a large spoon.)

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheet.

Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes(depending on oven temperature and size of cookie).

I get around 45 cookies. The original recipe said it would make 9 dozen. You can decide how big you want them(but in my opinion, who wants a small cookie?).

Enjoy!

And just for the record, as far as regular snacks that the kids eat from day to day; I always try to have fresh fruit on hand. I always say "Yes" if a child is asking for a piece of fruit. I figure it's better than other things they could be asking for!! Other than that we snack on things like cheese and crackers, popcorn, pickles, any baking that I've done, and my boys will snack on spicy peppers!!.

Sep. 30, 2008

Waiting...

And waiting...

Yes, that's my pregnant self!
Don't you like how I co-ordinate with our Coca-Cola shower curtain?

The top photo is my hospital bag, all packed, complete with trail-mix! All I need to add is a the camera and a few toiletries.

I ordered that diaper bag from Land's End when we had our first baby. I don't actually use it for a diaper bag any more(too big), but it makes a great overnight bag.
My hubby liked it because it didn't have bunnies or teddies on it, so he could carry it and still feel manly!
Designs have changed since then. (How can you tell that I don't have much to do-let me rephrase that; I do have lots to do, if I wasn't so big and achey! My point is that I'm babbling on about diaper bags! It's a slow news day around here!)

And as for the car seat, well, I keep finding my 2yr old's baby dolls in it!

What I am wondering is, what will my baby counter say when the 40 weeks are up?

Sep. 29, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...the sun is up and it looks like it should be a sunny, Fall day!

I am thinking...about breakfast, I haven't eaten yet!

I am thankful for...a soft bed and a good night's sleep, right now it makes all the difference in my perspective on the day!!

From the Learning Room...I have to admit that I'm a little pre-occupied with the baby coming, but at least my older two are independent enough to work through the main subjects on their own.

From the kitchen...One Cup of Everything Cookies, these are my tradition when I have a baby because they're big and hearty and I get hungry, especially at night when I'm feeding my baby. I just need the energy to bake!

I am wearing...pajamas and slippers,

I am creating...posts for my blog,

I am going...possibly to get a few groceries(so I can bake), dd's ballet class,

I am reading...The Myth of Ability by John Mighton, Mr Pipes Comes to America by Douglas Bond

I am hoping...that all the details surrounding my baby's birth work out nicely, like the Dr making it in time, Hubby being close by, being able to make it to the hospital without it being a mad rush, or them sending me home again because they don't think I'm in real labour! (not that it's happened to me, but I've heard of it happening to others!)

I am hearing...the house is still silent,

Around the house...lots of little things need to be done, just waiting for that 'nesting' to kick in!

One of my favorite things...to watch the sunrise,

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Dr's appointment, to wait for that first contraction!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Oh to be 4!

While I was sorting through some clothes, my son found this stray sock. It used to be his when he was about 1. He proceeded to put it on and then wore it for 3 days! Straight!

Sep. 28, 2008

A New Craving!!

I think I may have a new seasonal addiction!
While standing in line at the grocery store recently, a Starbucks employee came around offering samples of their Pumpkin Spice Latte(this store had a Starbucks in it). I had never had it before and decided to give it a try. It was quite good, unfortunately the sample was a bit small to get the full flavour.
So, while dd was in her ballet class the other night, I headed over to the local outlet with a drive-thru, and tried a much larger version.
Good-bye Iced Mochas and Hello Pumpkin Spice Lattes!
It was very yummy, my only complaint was that it wasn't quite steaming hot enough. I like my hot drinks burning hot, so I can sip them slowly as they cool down. Usually Starbucks does a good job of this, so I let it slide.
Unfortunately, they're not as cheap as Iced Mochas(which I make myself), so it may have to be a special occasion addiction!

Sep. 27, 2008

Another Anniversary

Happy Blogaversary to Me!

(I have no idea how to spell "blogaversary" because I don't think it's an actual word!)

Two years ago today I began my blogging journey. I remember that my dd was only 4 weeks old(and now she's 2yrs!) and I had been thinking about it for some time. I had no idea what it would be like, I just knew that I liked to express myself through written(typed) word.
Little did I know that I would start taking pictures of odd things, like shampoo bottles in toilets, books that I had purchased, or cookies that I had baked.

At first my kids thought it was odd that I was taking these strange pictures and now they don't think anything of it. They just ask "Is this for your 'frog'?" That is what it's referred to around here. My son called it that one day and the name stuck.

Little did I know that I'd be up late, playing on photobucket, looking for smilies, or learning all about HTML, codes and templates etc.(still learning here!)

I also never thought I'd meet such nice 'friends' here. My Hubby still thinks this is weird, but it must be a female thing...the need to connect and have 'friends', who are real, even if we've never met.

Well, I know some people have give aways to commemorate their blogaversaries, but I'm not organized enough to do that at the moment, so you're stuck with just this post!
Thanks for hanging around!
Maybe one of these days I'll say something really profound!!

(Oh, and I must have a photo to put at the end here, I'll see what I can come up with!)

Where blogging began...

Typewriter

Sep. 25, 2008

An Award

Tina over at Morning Star Academy has given me this lovely award!
Thank-you so much!

Sometimes as I type away, sharing daily thoughts that often seem boring, I wonder "Is there anyone out there reading this?"
Well, I'm glad there is and as I approach my 2nd Blogging Anniversary(Saturday!), I'm thankful to be a part of this blogging community.

So, I will pass on this award(I think I'm supposed to pass it on to 3, but I'm adding a couple more!) to my fellow bloggers, who have shared and inspired me over the last 2 years.

Go and visit these great blogs:

kellieann over at Hilltop Academy
(for her friendly wit and humour, and I love her style of writing, always a fun visit!)

BChsMamaof3 over at Huber Hof Academy
(her kids are always doing the neatest projects and she has great photos! Also check out her nature blog: Nature Notes From Above
a wonderful place to explore!)

SchoolinRhome over at School in Our Home
(for all of her terrific Tot School ideas!)

Celticmom over at Happiest at Home
(for all of her wisdom, and words of encouragement!)

BeccaBeard over at Mission of Motherhood
(a new blogging friend, but I already appreciate her posts!)

There's my narrowed down list, believe me, I could've added a lot more!

Sep. 24, 2008

14 Years & Baby #6

Happy Anniversary!

Today Hubby and I celebrate our 14th Wedding Anniversary!

Well, I don't know how much celebrating we'll do. Dd has ballet class tonight and I feel like a beached whale! Although sweet Hubby said I look 'hotter' now than ever(that turned on the waterworks!).
We did manage to get out for a date last weekend, though. It was long overdue(just like I hope this baby won't be!).
If you would have told me on my wedding day, that I would be expecting my 6th baby on my 14th anniversary, I honestly would've said "Really? Cool!"
One of our favourite tunes that we used to listen to in the car on our dates was "The Great Adventure" by Steven Curtis Chapman.
When I look back over these 14 years, that is what it has been, complete with mountains and valleys. And I look forward to many more!

One more week till my due date!

I can't believe I'm so close!
My body shows no sign of giving up it's little dweller. It never does, until its happening. Last week I went from 34 1/2 cm(fundus height) to 37cm. This week I'm down a cm, but I gained 2 pounds! Go figure!
My 4yr old keeps asking how I got so fat!(emphasis his!)
Last night my 2yr old put her hand on my tummy and said "Bump!"
Yep, it's a bump alright!

Pray that it doesn't happen this weekend, though. My Dr told me that he would be unable to deliver this weekend because his wife is going on a ladies retreat! The nerve! Doesn't she know I'm due?!

Apparently he has a few ladies due in the next little while, I hope we're spread out a bit!
I stocked up on movies at the library, so I'll have something intelligent to watch in the middle of the night!

Our Fall weather has finally kicked in and so as I was out today looking at baby things, I was thinking 'warm and cozy'. That's a little easier to do when it's raining! I'm so glad that I have a good pair of maternity jeans that I can wear after as well!

Well, I guess I'll just go and shave my legs and paint my nails while I wait! Something I always make sure I do before heading to the hospital. There is something to be said about feeling feminine when your body has been through the ringer!

Sep. 22, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...it is cloudy and wet, a true sign that it's the first day of Fall!

I am thinking...about giving birth! This may be my 6th baby, but I still have be mentally prepared...especially when those hard contractions kick in!

I am thankful for...my wonderful Hubby, who cleaned my van yesterday, with help from the kids,

From the learning room...school is going well for the most part, routines are being followed and we are finding our groove. Dd is learning Latin this year and I'm finding it fascinating too! Not to mention human biology...I enjoyed it in school and I get to enjoy it again!

From the kitchen...the menu says Taco Crescent Bake...but that's only if I manage to get groceries before then!

I am wearing...my pajamas!

I am creating...a nest for my new baby, no, the burst of energy that nesting brings hasn't kicked in yet...but I hope it will soon! If you've ever read the Ralph Moody series, there is a humorous part where Ralph's mom is cleaning the house like crazy, staying up all night ironing etc. and the kids think there is something wrong with her. She ends up having her baby the next day. I hope I get a boost of energy like that! Not that I'd iron all night long, that is a little nutty!

I am going...to the library(my reserved copy of Mansfield Park is in!), to get groceries, to dd's ballet class,

I am reading...Oh, I finally finished North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell! I was so sad when it ended, because I wanted it to keep going!
I have to say though, that if I didn't know it was going to end happy, I would've had a hard time sticking with it. Parts of it are quite bleak and depressing. However, I would recommend it and the movie, especially if you like English dramas, that aren't sappy, and a little more gritty than Jane Austen.

I am hoping...for a short labour, with no complications. I know I can't ask for a painless labour, but reasonably short and swift would be nice!
I definitely have that 'ready' feeling, and I just want to meet my baby!

I am hearing...the house is still quiet, but there are few soft noises of children emerging from their slumber,

Around the house...about 4 loads of laundry need folding, the kids can help with that while I read aloud!

One of my favorite things...candles lit when it's dark outside and a cozy chair,

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Dr.'s appointment, coffee with a friend form high school, last minute shopping for new baby stuff, baking-if I have the energy!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Two boys,
an old computer,
and screwdrivers!

For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman

Sep. 16, 2008

Musings From the Clothes Line

I was thrilled this Summer, when Hubby installed our new clothes line. My main reason for being so, was that it would help bring down our hydro bill.
We had a fairly dry Summer and so I had lots of opportunities to hang my clothes out to dry, almost every weekday! And here we are in September and still basking in the sunshine!

As I got into my Summer laundry routine, I began to enjoy this new chore.
I found that hanging clothes out to dry became a thoughtful time. Somehow, it became more relaxing than folding a load out of the dryer.
Maybe because it's a quiet chore, done outside, reminiscent of days gone by.
Then to watch things blowing in the breeze, only to take them down, sink my face into them and breathe in that fresh air scent.

'Thank-you, Mr. Sun, for your contribution to my housework.'
I don't know how much longer I'll be able to dry outside.
Once the Fall rains begin in this neck of the woods, we may not see Mr. Sun until Spring! (Even then, it's iffy!)
I will enjoy my last few days of fresh air drying, and look forward to when I'm able to break out the clothes pins once more!

Sep. 13, 2008

Love is...

...coming home from a long, hard, day's work and cooking up some homemade Chicken Noodle soup for your sick, pregnant wife!

Thank-you Hubby! I feel better already!

Sep. 11, 2008

And the List Goes On...

#41. Pink clouds that float by my kitchen window as I tidy up the kitchen after dinner,

#42. Watching my kids try something hard and succeed, giving them confidence,

#43. Big Brother, who is 4, tightly gripping his younger sibling's hand...watching out for Little Sister!

#44. The sweet smell of pine needles after the rain,

#45. Music, God is a creative God, and how wonderful to be blessed with the gift of music,

#46. Worship, I was going to put worship and music together as one 'gift' , but worship can be so much more than music.
However, God has blessed me many times through worship music.
May my life be worship...

Sep. 9, 2008

Pregnancy Update

My baby counter tells me I have 3 weeks left!
Where did the time go?
My body is definitely getting ready for the big event. My hips are dislodging themselves, making walking seem like a chore at times, and stairs, well I have to be really motivated to go up stairs!
Like I've mentioned before, God made the gestation period of 9 months just long enough so that you'll do anything, even go through a painful labour, to get the baby out!
I'm at the point where I just want to get to the pushing part. At least then I feel like I'm actually doing something and I know it won't be much longer till I can see my baby!

I am beginning to get the baby stuff out, but I'm a bit panicky that I'm not completely ready yet. I still have to set up the bed, something I want to do this week. I have dug out the newborn clothes and have begun to wash them, but I don't have the dresser for them set up either!!

I did find a stroller at a consignment store that has the car seat that fits onto it. I was very excited to find it! My old stroller was, well, old. I wanted one that the car seat could attach to so you don't have to wake the baby when getting in and out of the van!

Speaking of van, we won't be able to travel as a family in one vehicle after the baby is born. We thought we had some bench seats lined up to install and turn our 7 passenger into an 11 passenger, but that fell through.

Hubby bought me some fruity soap for my hospital bag. Mmmm...it smells like lemonade! What else do I bring to the hospital? Trail mix! You never know what time that baby is going to come and the food at our hospital is horrible. Even the nurses tell you to get somebody to bring you in something else to eat!
And sour candies. After all of that breathing I always have what I call 'deadmouth'. Nothing wakes it up like sours!
I also bring my own pillow. I might not get very much sleep while there, but at least I can be comfortable!

I guess I'm babbling a bit...but there's not much to report on...just aches, pains, and preparations!

Sep. 8, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...the sun has just begun to shine in my window, shining right on where I sit at my computer, it's a hazy sun, covered by a thin layer of clouds,

I am thinking...of a little boy of 9(my nephew) who lost his mommy last week, I pray he comes to know the love of Jesus, and although he is far away, I hope I can be a positive 'mother' influence for him,

From the learning room...the kids are all still excited and motivated to do school as we embark on week 2. My 7yr old is excited about reading (yay!) and we will begin more subjects this week,

I am thankful for...how God provides! We received an unexpected and timely cheque, right when it was needed!

From the kitchen...I have to go check my menu, which I will do when I'm finished this,

I am wearing...blue polka-dotted pajama pants, and a pink maternity T-shirt, I'll put on capris later, but as I've mentioned before, I like puttering around in pajama pants in the morning...and doesn't morning technically lasts till noon?!

I am creating...an organized school corner, Hubby found a big cabinet with deep shelves and doors to hide everything, my goal is to fill it!

I am going...to take dd to her ballet class that starts up today, and to get a few groceries,

I am reading...North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, to the kids: Mr Pipes Comes to America by Douglas Bond

I am hoping...that my nephew finds peace and acceptance in the love of God,

I am hearing...my toddler, who has just woken up, in her sleepy, happy morning babble, playing with her 'babies' behind me,

Around the house...a mountain of laundry waits to be folded(the kids can help while I read aloud!), the sun is showing up a layer of dust on my computer desk!, I need to wash some new baby items that I bought on the weekend!

One of my favorite things...seeing the first leaves that begin to change colour in the Fall,

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: make plans to have coffee with a friend, a Dr's appointment, set up the new baby's bed and wash the receiving blankets and sheets,

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Tree Leaves Display Autumn Color Change

For more of these posts visit: The Simple Woman

Sep. 5, 2008

Book Give-Away

Announcing a book give-away being hosted by Georgetta(who has a very lovely blog). You can go to here: Weak Weary Mom to enter, but hurry, the deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at 5pm Pacific time.

Sep. 5, 2008

We Have Trees!!

This is something I've been waiting a long time to share.
We had 80 cedar trees planted on our property this week!
I have been waiting for a year for this!
We only had a chain link fence running down the side of our yard and it didn't provide any privacy.
I need something green to look at, it refreshes me somehow.
These trees will be green all year round!

So here are the before pictures:

measuring where they were going to go...

getting the area ready....

looking down the side of our house...

And here are the after pictures:

Ta-da! My wall of green!

looking down the side of our house towards the street...

and the front yard...

Well, thanks for stopping by to see my lovely trees, this is only half of the pictures. I went a bit camera happy that day!

For more Show & Tell visit Canadagirl.
( I know I'm not first on the Show & Tell list this week, it's been a crazy couple of days around here and plus we had internet problems today, but here I am!)