I went today for my follow up ultrasound. Baby boy is verified as still a boy. Growing right on track and estimated at 2lbs and 14oz. My mother got to go and had never been to an ultrasound so that was pretty neat. We got to see a tech in training so the appointment was very through, very well explained (he was receiving step by step instructions) and VERY LONG. I'm not suppose to go back unless my primary OB suspects a problem and refers me over.
wt 155 heartrate 144
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I went to the doctor today for my monthly appointment and found out that I am now going to be going ever 2 weeks. I was surprised. At my last OB office they changed to once every 3 weeks and only did the bi-monthly meetings for the last month. The doctor also did an ultrasound check, to see the heartbeat. I go next week for a follow-up level II ultrasound due to my diabetes but it was neat to see the little boy wave today. Otherwise the appointment was pretty boring.
wt 152, heartrate not counted but just seen on the screen.
I have noticed that the OB and Endo have diffrent scales, so I'm not sure how much weight I have gained. I'll have to go keep track from the Endo since I've been seeing her longest. My best guess is that I'm up 8 lbs so far.
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This year we had planned on doing Story of the World, and have done some although very slowly.
We also had the opprotunity to try out History at Our House both the lower elementary and upper elementary classes. I must say that we are a house full of auditory learners, with some kinetic thrown in for good measure. We have LOVED this program. We get to listen to the lectures while in the van, we have bonus art lessons and if needed we can listen to the lower elementary for a more simplified explination. For the most part we have not been listening to both the upper and lower elementary, my younger son understands most concepts well enough listening to the upper. My younger son does prefer the lower level, but he doesn't want to listen to it after hearing the upper and that is what we usually listen to in the van.
Another bonus to this program is that, as a Tier 1 family, we are able to listen to the audios at our own pace. Due to some morning sickness and regular sickness we are behind, we don't need to turn in work though so we are able to continue at our own pace.
I have not found any problems with the religous (or lack thereof) content. With some programs I have found that having diffrent religous beliefs causes difficulties in how areas are presented. I have not had any problems with this program. Please don't let the fact that one of this programs strong selling points is being secular stop you from considering it.
There is also a yahoo group for History at Our House where Mr. Powell asks for opinions and input from the parents. I believe you can join the group if you are interested but would like more information before committing.
While I do not believe we will be able to continue the program next year, I will miss it. It is very nice to have a tutor prepare the lessons, gather the material and present it in such a user friendly manner...all at my convience. If you are investigating which history option to use next year take a few minutes to look at this program.
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I am part of a group of Beta Testers for Write Shop C. We are still in the first weeks of the test but already I see improvement in my reluctant writer. Each week has a theme for the children to learn to write about. It adds enough of a challenge to keep my son excited, but not so much that it makes it too difficult. I will be trying to do a review as we finish but I wanted to mention it for any of you considering Write Shop A or B as they are similar programs and if you child is the right age might work well for you.
We do use IEW for my older son and he enjoys it very much. He's been listening in and occassionally joining in on the lessons for Write Shop. I think that he finds it to be more fun because it's not assigned to him :).
On my health front, my headcold is mostly gone! I've had to up my night time dose of insulin to 8 units. It's not much but it's an increase and from here that's to be expected. I'm 26 weeks and just at the point where gestational diabetes usually becomes an issue. I am happy that I've only had to increase dose because that means I haven't had to start any extra shots, yet. It's only a matter of time, but I'll take all the time I can with less injections.
I hope you are all having a good time with the season of Mardi Gras. Have you started thinking about Lent yet? I may be giving up the internet (except for a limited amount of time to get the freebies that are posted daily and announce the birth of PM). If I disappear starting on Feb 25, you will know why. I'll be back April 13th. PM should be born after that date but if it's before I'll post that news so don't think I'd skip it.
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I have been resisting the urge to post this but I really must whine. I hate headcolds. They are horrible when you can take the meds to help relive symptoms, and worse when you can't. I should be grateful that I don't have anything worse, no infections, nothing that can be treated. I'm not as grateful as I should be though because my head hurts, my sinuses go from completely clogged to overly dry and my cough is not even productive so I just have a sore throat and no relief. Worst of all though is I'm going completely stir crazy! I have managed to get my darling husband to take the kids out of the house about 1 time a week so they aren't as bad off as I am but still...I want to get out and talk to someone that isn't insisting I make food, get drinks or do chores! I just want the stupid headcold to go away!
Okay, I feel better just venting. And I did get a half way decent night sleep the last 2 nights so maybe things are finally clearing up?
Pray for me, please.
Y
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I went for my monthly appointment, I knew that things were going to be bad so I'm not shocked.
This is the point where most people get tested for gestational diabetes and my numbers have started to be unacceptable. I have been having problems with my after breakfast numbers so I upped my morning dose this morning and the doctor said to continue at the higher dose this week and fax her my numbers next week. If I continue to test on the higher end I'll be learning how to use the fast acting (ie with meals) insulin. I expected it, but it's still disappointing. I've adjusted my meals and am eating like I should so it's just what is going to be...what is better for the baby is what is needed. I'll adjust, and just do as many shots as I have to.
weight up to 151, so only 7 lbs so far this pregnancy.... 5 since my last appointment? Maybe the offices scales aren't in sync?
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I just wanted to pat my own back and offer efncouragement to anyone that may need it. I started smoking (lightly at first) when I was 12. I FINALLY quit in 2004 (22 years later) after years of smoking 3 packs a day and years of smoking only 5 a day. I tried everything. When it was finally the right time and I had the motivation, desire and support I needed I quit. I had many unsuccessful attempts first. If you want to quit then just keep trying until it sticks. If you need extra support (and who doesn't) check out www.quitnet.com they have both a free and a paid service. I used the free one, and still check in occassionally.
Anyway, I just wanted to say YIPPEE for me!!!
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I've been hit by a seed from a blog I occassionally read. I hope it has stuck to me and I can spread the fruit by reposting here.
"knowing God's grace is overflowing (just like my laundry), and so thankful He's blessed me more than I'll ever deserve." DandelionSeeds
While you are there read about "SHMILY" if you haven't before.
Speaking of laundry, the washer has stopped and it's time to fold the other load. Hopefully I'll remember the blessings I'm being overwhelmed with when I do laundry, most of the time.
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I went to the doctor today and took along the 2nd child. He's the one that is the most in to babies so he seemed to be a good canidate. We discussed how boring the appointment would be but that he would get to hear the baby's heartbeat. He asked about 8 times if he would get to see an ultrasound. His older brother went to one with WA so he's been wanting to since. We were surprised when the doctor did a mini ultrasound in the office so he did get to see the baby's head and heartbeat. Then the doctor went out and got a doppler so that he could hear the heartbeat. It seems she prefers to "see" the heartbeat and do a head measurement at most appointments but since he came to hear it she was happy to oblige. He was beaming as soon as the noise was heard. He was only slightly impressed by the sight but was thrilled with the sound.
Health wise all is well, up to 146lbs.
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http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/cartoons/cartoon28
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1. Why did you start a blog? Because I have an awful memory and loose papers. It's nice to have a "diary" online.
2. What did/do you hope to accomplish with your blogging? history, and sometimes it's nice to share what I find elsewhere ;)
3. Have you found that you don't post as much as you did when you started? I post in spurts. There will be a month with no posts and the next month may have 8.
4. If yes, why not? When I don't post as much it's because I am busier in the real world and don't have time. Sometimes, though, it's just because I don't have anything interesting to post.
5. How important are comments to you? I like to receive them but they aren't really important because I assume I am talking to myself.
6. Do you ever find yourself wishing people would not always leave comments that agree with you? I haven't had that problem.
7. Do you comment on other people's blogs a lot, sometimes, or very little? Sometimes, mostly to let them know I am stealing their content :)
8. What determines why you don't post a comment on someone else's blog? Usually I would just be saying "ditto" to what has already been commented.
9. What determines why you do post a comment on someone else's blog? Rarely I will have something unique to add.
10. Do you have more than one blog? Where? Only one and I can barely keep up with it.
11. Do you read random blogs either off of random blogger or friends lists? Yes, I often visit the friends list of blogs that I am reading.
I'm going to try and post a "Mr. Linky" but am not sure how so if you are interested the questions came from http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/sagerats/635242/ and the contest goes through January 16th.
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1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Discovery or History (it's educational I'm sure)
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? oil and vinager (Italian if they don't have that)
3. What's one food he doesn't like? artichokes
4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? imported beer or Rum and Coke(depends on his mood)
5. Where did he go to high school? CT
6. What size shoe does he wear? 10 1/2
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? hats and computer games
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? varies, prefers other things
9. What would he eat every day if he could? pasta
10. What is his favorite cereal? he's not suppose to eat cereal, but he likes most of them
11. What would he never wear? a watch
12. What is his favorite sports team? UCON(basketball), Yankees(baseball), USA(olympic)
13. Who did he vote for? McCain
14. Who is his best friend? Me 
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? whine
16. How many states has he lived in? 4+ S Korea, not sure about basic training and AIT
17. What is his heritage? I don't think his family knows
18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what would it be? Chocolate, but he'd rather I buy him a really good one...we did that one year and it made him so happy!
19. Did he play sports in high school? baseball, but I'm not sure if it was for the school or league
20. What could he spend hours doing? playing on the computer, watching movies, reading
21. What's something cool about him? EVERYTHING!!! He's smart, funny, hard worker, has good ethics...I could go on for days. Mostly though he puts up with ME 
got this one from http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SurvivingTheTestosterone/ again. Have you visited them yet?
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I'm trying to post a link to a video on youtube. I have no idea how so hopefully I can get it to work.
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I know many of my friends are not Catholic. Before I became Catholic all Advent meant to me was the calendar you used to count down the days to Christmas. Now I've learned how it is the beginning of the Church year, how it is a time of preparation. Not a time to shop and do last minute things because it's almost Christmas but a time to prepare for the birth of Christ. I have slowly had to figure out the diffrence. I have had to slowly decide what this means to me and what I want my children to learn. I am trying something new this year. I'm not sure how well it's working for the kids but it's made my Advent much more meaningful. We are only doing the school work we were behind on. Due to my morning sickness and doctors appointments we have let some of the "extra" areas go. So for the month of December the boys have been doing "homework." How does a home school student do "homework?" Well, any math assignments my oldest son tried to slip by only half done, or not done at all (days I wasn't grading because I was too sick) he has now caught up on. History and Science were allowed to slip because the assignments were meant to be fun. We have been making cuneform tablets, cave paintings, hibernation experiments, and a tool called a quadrant (to measure the hight of a tree) in just this last week. We will be back on track January 6th when we offically start back with our school year and we have time now to make cookies, make Christmas cards, do some extra reading, go to confession, attend Mass (extra), spend time with family, and just relax and prepare for the meaning of the holiday. This week we might even put up the tree and decorate. We have Christmas with my mom and the cousins this weekend, maybe we will wrap presents too. I have just really enjoyed the slower pace and hope to do it this way but better next year.
Thanks for visiting.
Y
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99 Things on the Wall Meme
The things I've done are in green italic. Let me know if you play along! 21. Had a pillow fight 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 98. Owned a cell phone This meme is from http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SurvivingTheTestosterone/ visit them soon!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (high school band, but it counts right)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (they don't let you go all the way to the torch anymore but I went as high as is allowed in a post 9/11 world)
18. Grown your own vegetables (tomato and squash only)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
22. Hitch hiked (technically it was my mother who did the hitching, but I was along for the ride)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - both
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (still learning but on the second book)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (doesn't take much when you've been truly broke)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (very badly)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance (I don't remember it though)
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (my mom bought at least one box from me)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (not proud, but it's not a habit either)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (mine and my kids)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt (someday the back will be done)
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (not sure about this one, mom use to drive a motorcycle)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (very small local paper)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (chickens, I had to feed and water them every morning for months before hand too)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (sort of, I literally ran into the lead singer from Red Hot Chili Peppers in LAX, but I was late for my flight so I only said "sorry" and ran on)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (x4)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit (one was done on my behalf when I was very young)
99. Been stung by a bee
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I'm always glad when the appointments are boring.
wt 145 (up a pound finally), heart rate good but I didn't think to ask for the number, otherwise not much to report
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It's really a little late this year to start a Jesse Tree but I keep seeing all the freebies and I really want to join in sharing. I made some ornaments last year. The originals came from a Catholic school website (which I credited on the pictures page, www.stmichaelonilne.org/liturgicalyear/jtornaments.htm) and are free to use and share but are not to be sold. I made the ornaments where they can be printed front and back, the back has the bible verse and the number of day it is. These are designed for a Catholic Advent but can be used by anyone that uses the Bible. The first page of ornaments also has a list of the symbols and the bible verses. If you print the pages on white cardstock your children can color the symbols before laminating them for a keepsake. You can print them again each year if you want your children to color them each year. OR if you aren't really a coloring family you can print them on 3 colors of cardstock and each day will be an alternate color. (1,4,7,10, etc on yellow, 2,5,8,11, etc red, and 3,6,9,12, etc blue for example)
I have the pages saved in photobucket at full size for 1 sheet of paper and they print on about the top 1/2 of a sheet.
Our tree from last year is a $1 tree from a dollar store:
pg 1 front http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/ysmarty/Advent/JesseTree1.jpg
back http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/ysmarty/Advent/JesseTree1text.jpg
pg 2 front http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/ysmarty/Advent/JesseTree2.jpg
pg 2 back http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/ysmarty/Advent/JesseTree2text.jpg
pg 3 front http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/ysmarty/Advent/JesseTree3.jpg
pg 3 back http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/ysmarty/Advent/JesseTree3text.jpg
I hope someone will be able to benefit from my sharing, maybe for next year.
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Today we went for the level II ultrasound. All is well. Heart rate was 141, weight is about 9oz, baby measuring about 4 days ahead of my due date but well within range. The risk for downs is 1 in 900 (1 in 800-1000 is the normal), risk for Trisimony 18 or 19 was one in 1000 (normal is 1 in 1000 to 1200).
2 arms, 2 legs, 2 feet, 2 hands, 2 eyes, 2 kidneys, bladder appears to be functioning, heart chambers all there and working, brain normal size. Oh, and HE has a boy part. No missing parts.
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The joy of Christmas comes in part from giving. Every year my husband and I seem to battle over who will get to buy for whom. This year he won...but we hadn't finished picking up the things for the boys. I got upset (being pregnant I blame the hormones) and almost cried when I found out that I can't go pick up the last things this week. I have already arranged for the older boys to go to my moms so that hubby and I could go together and pick up the last couple gifts. Hubby forgot, I really can't be mad that he loves me so much he spent the last of our weeks extra money. Now I feel bad for making him feel bad. I know it will all work out, but as I said I am pregnant and hormonal...and I haven't been able to pick anything up for him yet! pout pout
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For the past week I've been feeling occassional thumps. I'd like to say that I feel the baby kicking but it's more like full body slams and I can only feel it on the inside, but I'm pretty sure now that it is actually the baby.
M is really excited, he wants to feel the baby move. He was the one excited the most by the last 2 pregnancies and the thought of feeling the baby move.
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