I haven't posted in awhile, so I thought I would take a minute to update the blog. 

Rachel (dd4) talked Dad into playing dress-up with her tonight.  I am kicking myself for not charging the batteries in the video camera because it was hilarious.  I did get some pictures and will try to post them tomorrow.  Everything was "Royal" - the Royal Daddy (wearing a crown, cape and beautiful beads), the Royal Brother (who did NOT want to participate), the Royal trumpet, the Royal Pet, etc.  She put on a show and made up a song  that included praising God, the beauty of the white, fluffy clouds, the blood in our bodies that is so red and our bones that are so white and strong. 

Rebekah (dd17mo) is doing well.  She is up to 16lbs 12oz now and 30" long.  She has been very active lately and loves to play on the floor, especially if she can get to my purse and empty it.  She is rolling and rotating on the floor, but still no crawling and she is not able to put weight on her legs for more than a few seconds at a time.  We had a doctors appt yesterday and she gave us a referral to the pediatric orthopedist to make sure her hips are developing normally and to see if he thinks she will need some sort of orthotics, such as AFO's.  We also found out about something called Hip Helpers (www.hiphelpers.com) that can help her keep her legs together instead of splaying out in the "froggy" position.  If she can keep her legs from splaying out it will be much easier to crawl, stand and eventually walk.  I am so ready for her to be more mobile.  You can tell she is getting bored with the limited area she can get to right now. 

Ryan (ds7) is enjoying his summer.  He is not going to be happy when it ends and the kids down the street go back to school.  He has had a blast this summer running back and forth and playing with them.  He is not looking forward to starting school again either.  I keep trying to talk it up, but he just wants to play.  I think he will enjoy it once we get going though.

John (dh) started back to school a couple of weeks ago to get his bachelors degree, as well as several computer certifications that he needs.  He is doing it all on-line and so far is doing great.  He has earned A's on all of his assignments so far.  I am very proud of him for doing this.  He is already very good at what he does, but I think this will give him more job security and more options for different positions in his company.

As for me, I am doing really great some days and some I am just worn out and feeling incapable of making it another day without sleep (so what am I doing on the internet at almost midnight, right?)  17 months of sleep deprivation is really starting to get to me.  I really would love to get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep for just one night, but I don't see it happening any time soon.  Rebekah has needed to nurse at night for so long that now she does not know how to go back to sleep without it.  We have tried letting her fuss a little but she gets absolutely hysterical, to the point of throwing up, within 5 minutes and I just can't do that to her.  So for now I will just hang in there and keep praying that God will get us through each day.  I am still struggling with keeping my focus on God.  I am not being consistent with my daily prayers or bible reading.  It is no wonder that I feel like I am drowning some days.  My focus is off.  I will keep working on it though. 

Baby waking now...more to come soon.