Oh Jentri, Oh Jentri.....

Well, went back to the Dr. yesterday, and not much had changed other than I was at a 2 and he thought there was a possibility that I may not make it to my next visit.....meaning labor could be near. However, if I do continue on, he will induce in 2 weeks so at least the end is near! I really am OK with her waiting a little longer, as it isn't even August yet and my actual due date isn't until August 19. Now-- get me to August 5th and I'll probably be ready to chop some one's head off. But until then....I think it's only best for her to keep brewing and getting healthier and healthier inside!

Something that totally blew me away yesterday was before my Dr. left my room, he asked if he could pray for myself and the baby. Of course being the prayer warrior that I am, I let him. I almost fell to pieces afterwards. Why are there not more people like this in our world today? What a man of God to not even think twice or yet worry what his patients will think by offering that service? I have always thought the world of my dr, but I put him on an even higher pedestal now for his actions yesterday. I appreciate people like him who are not afraid to show that they are a Christian! Too bad there aren't more people like him today...and if there were....imagine what our society would be like instead?

So... it was another good checkup yesterday. Now just for the waiting to begin! I don't have anything left to do....so I guess I'm going to start cleaning out closets and cabinets, decluttering and straightening up some things!

Well....Well....Well....

Well, I know you will be surprised when you read this but I too forgot to shave my legs again last night! BUT- I did get the job done this morning. And everything today seems to just be really ticking me off and getting under my skin! A big bowl of homemade vanilla ice cream is really helping matters right now. Not health wise, but for emotional reasons.

I did get Miss J taken to the Dr today. We have fifth disease. I know- really? How many more diseases can she get? Remember this past winter and she had 2 episodes of Hand/Foot/Mouth Disease. And what is even more strange of her and these diseases, is the 4 children who live at her babysitter's house and the other young girl that stays there, never catch these things!

When the Dr. mentioned the thought of fifth disease, I thought "no way!" Then I got home--- and here is what I (Mrs. Web MD) read up on fifth disease...

Symptoms:
low grade fever- check!
mild cold-like symptoms- DOUBLE check!
headache--hard to tell if a 2 year old has a headache, but I'm sure we can check this one too!
slapped face appearance- check!
lacy/net-like rash- ALL OVER!
red eyes-check!

Not that it really matters now because there is no medicine or cure for fifth disease other than it running it's course! Atleast I do know now though what she has! Hopefully she will be over this soon before Jentri arrives!!!!

It's time.....or atleast this mommy thinks so!

Ok..... I've...
Got my toes prettied.
Got my hair colored/cut/fixed!
Got my eyebrows waxed.
Car is CLEAN!
Carseat installed.
Bags are packed and waiting by the door.
House is semi-straightened up as much as possible with living with a toddler.
Classroom is pretty much completed!
Groceries have been bought.
Household items have been stocked up!
I've walked these legs off!
Cleaning lady lined up to clean while we are at hospital!
Babysitter lined up to keep Jaylee should labor start during the night!
Toddler is SUPER CLINGY/MOODY/and SICK! (To the Dr. we will go tomorrow!)

SO.....WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON JENTRI????

The only thing I can think of is I haven't shaved my legs yet. I've already discussed this with several of you---and I keep thinking I'm going to do it tonight--- and always forget by the time I get in the shower! So--TONIGHT-- I'm going to shave, what I can see anyways, and hope that maybe that is what she is waiting on!!!! Although, Jeremy may not be too happy to get all the way back to Canadian to have to turn right back around, yet he would in a heartbeat!

I keep thinking and telling that I am "ready", but then when I sit back and start thinking...am I REALLY ready? Am I ready for constant diaper changes, middle of night feedings, figuring out what this cry and that cry means, my boobies being completely ripped apart from breast feeding, satisfying Jaylee and still being a good wife!? I don't know how it's all going to balance out, but I know God will wrap me in his loving arms and get me through!

If she doesn't come tonight though---I do have my weekly checkup on Tuesday, so I'll be sure to update you on the progress, if any, has been made!!!!

I love days like today!

Why can't everyday be this good? I had a good dr. appointment this morning. I'm dilated at a 1 and 50% thinned! So I guess you can say that progress has started, but it could still be several weeks yet! I was just a tad bit tickled because I never dilated or thinned with Jaylee while I had all those last Dr. visits.... so this is why I'm excited! I know God has that very special moment planned out for us and it will happen when it's suppose to. And I could very easily still have to be induced....so we shall see!

Along with the excitement at the Dr...my husband called to informed me of a raise he received today at his job. Of course I'm tickled for the little bit of extra money each pay period but more than anything proud of him. As bad and miserable as his job can be for him sometimes, I am tickled that he is being rewarded for his hard work. I also know how hard it has been for him to not be around the trucks and combines in the wheat field all summer, so I feel this helps matters just a little!

All in all, it's been a very good day! I like days like today where there is good, exciting news and you never expected it at all!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig.....

Ahhh! Home again! To walk into this house feels like a MANSION compared to what we have been living in in Canadian! There truly is no greater feeling than walking into your "home" after a period of time away. Whether it's days, weeks, or even hours; to me, it always feels good to be "home". As I was packing our things this morning, Jeremy made the comment "By the way your packing....it's like you're not ever coming back"

Well....then it all sank in. I wasn't going back, or probably not. My weekly visits are starting with my OB this week, My due date is 1 month away, and with Jaylee arriving 2 weeks earlier than planned, I just feel it's a tad bit risky to be almost 4 hours away from my Dr. I think if I was more of a laid back, whatever type person....I wouldn't be very bothered by this. But the fact that I am terribly OCD, and I just have a bizarre image of my water breaking in Canadian, and having to load all of us up in the car, and getting Jaylee to someone, plus dealing with her going down the road while Daddy is driving 90 mph dodging the deer and me contracting and holding the "oh shit" handle in the car all the while. So.... I really think it's just best that I just remain an hour away from my Dr, along with several people here in town I can call to drop Jaylee off too, and just pray that Jeremy arrives on time, safe and sound!

So, today was hard to leave Jeremy. I really thought those days were over, temporarily, since it was summer, but then I realized that I wasn't going back there until the baby came! It was hard to leave... Of course he will be coming home on the weekends, what few we have left before her arrival! And I may sneak back up between the next two appointments....we'll just have to see! But it was still hard! We had such a great time this past week just being a family. We had our nightly suppers and play time afterwards---and it made me want that all over again. I guess growing up with family suppers every single night--you start taking it for granted after a while. Yet now, I appreciate it tremendously. Nothing makes me happier than a family supper together. Happiness used to be going shopping and buying a new pair of shoes, or clothes....now it's the little things that truly make me happy. Yet, you never realize it until you don't have it anymore.....

The 12 things you miss most during pregnancy....

I receive weekly e-mail updates from thebabycenter.com and occasionally they send random things to ponder or think about. This weeks e-mail was entitled "The 12 things you miss most during pregnancy". I felt the need to share this....and my thoughts on each of the 12 things...

#1 A Normal Sense of Smell
Ok, yes, your smell buds are little off during pregnancy, but I wouldn't go to the point of "missing" the normal ones. Some things do trigger nausea, but there are things that trigger nausea in me whether I'm pregnant or not...so I don't truly "miss" my sense of smell or the intensity of smells during pregnancy!

#2 Booze
"I'm not a drinker in the least, but I've been craving margaritas like they're the secret to life"
-copied from a girl named Jen (I couldn't agree more!)

#3 Off-Limit Foods
Honestly, the only one off-limit food that I've truly sort of craved is a tuna fish sandwich. But, I also feel that it was just normal to want one b/c my mother in law and I make ourselves one regularly on harvest instead of the nasty, traditional ham and cheese that we make for the boys! So this hasn't been a "big deal" either!

#4 Cute Shoes
Ok, some girls on this website quoted missing their stiletto heels or dress shoes...
My thoughts- I'd have to own a pair of stilettos to even remotely want to miss them! And dress shoes? Ha! Teachers who are "Real" don't wear uncomfortable shoes---and it's summer--- it's flip flops or nothing!

#5 Feeling Sexy
Bingo! There is nothing uglier than a naked pregnant woman! I don't care who you talk to or who you ask, if they tell you they think their wife is or if that person says that they think they look sexy pregnant-- they are LYING! Personally-- I can't stand maternity clothes and especially maternity bathing suits. I just feel that some things just shouldn't be "made" at all-- and a maternity bathing suit is one of them. God help me- yes I do own one--but nothing looks more like Shamu walking through the door than a pregnant lady in a swimsuit! That's like making a 2 piece bathing suit for plus sized women-- sorry--I just don't agree with it! Some things were MEANT to be COVERED!

#6 A Rocking Sex Life
LOL! That's all I have to say about that!

#7 Being Included
I have found that those that don't want to "include" you--just aren't your friends. If your friends/family truly want you to be there or go with them-- they alter their plans so you can! I haven't felt this way at all!

#8 Your Pre-Pregnancy Body
Ok- yes I miss it-- but it's also hard remembering what it was like as well!

#9 Emotional Control
Given my family's current lifestyle---I don't think you can blame pregnancy for the emotions. Of course, it definitely contributes, but my emotions were out of whack before I got pregnant and trying to go with the flow---I'm anxious to see how it goes after Jentri arrives!

#10 Caffeinating like you used to
Never was a caffeine addict---so this hasn't bothered me. I do have my occasional Dr. Pepper, but that's it. I've always bought decaffeinated tea bags, so that's not an issue either!

#11 Peaceful Sleep
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! I cannot even begin to think back to the last time I had a full night's sleep. It was before I was pregnant. I am up all the time during the night from either being restless, hip pain, practice contractions, needing a Tums, going to the bathroom, dealing with Jaylee when she wakes up, and on and on and on. I know it won't get better when Jentri arrives so I better just suck it up!

#12 Feeling Strong and Independent
Physically-- of course--- Emotionally-- I haven't been given the option to not feel strong and independent. My in laws are gone on harvest, my mother is working 5 hours away, my sisters are busy, my husband works from sun up to past sun down--- so I don't have a choice other than to be strong and independent!

Thank you, Lord!

FINALLY......RAIN! I almost couldn't believe my ears/eyes last night. And although we weren't at home to get the abundance of rain that Canadian did, I am still ever so thankful and appreciative as it is just as dry here as it is at home.

Life is going smoothly at the current moment. No change on our "big decision" yet. Still waiting on one main factor and the deal will be cinched, that is if it is God's will. I've been waiting very patiently, and staying as laid back and calm as possible and I know that if this is in God's plan... he's going to work it all out. And if this isn't in his plan.....then everything will be just as well!

Jentri is still "brewing"! I almost thought she might be making an early appearance by the way I was feeling earlier in the week, but not yet! And that's fine with me too! It's still just a wee bit early and I wouldn't get to miss any school if I had her right now....so what good is that!? I atleast deserve a week off!!

Back To......

What a great sight today! I went into the local dollar store and grocery store, and there were signs and displays of "Back to School!" Awww....I've been waiting all summer to see that stuff get put out!

I always told myself this summer that once the "back to school" stuff got put out--then it wouldn't be much longer until Jentri's arrival! And so-- here we are! I'm currently 34 weeks, measuring 36 weeks. I go for my next appointment next Tuesday. That will make 5 weeks since my last appointment! Then it's time for the good ol' weekly visit and "checks" to see if any progress is made towards labor! I am getting very very anxious! I feel that it isn't going to be much longer, especially with all the practice contractions that I've been having. But, some studies/blogs say that this can go for weeks and weeks before labor so who knows! She has started to "drop" so this is also a good sign of progression as well! I'm just glad that God's got it all figured out! I hope she does stay tucked away for at least these next 2 weeks so we can enjoy this week up here with Daddy, then a trip to the water park next week and me finishing up my classroom! Once I get that finished, I think everything will be set to go! I think from next week on, I better start staying at home rather than back up here in the Panhandle! I think I might be risking it just a wee bit if I come back up here being 37, measuring 39 weeks pregnant! Especially knowing our first one came early!

Just one more!

Well, it seems as though our road is getting less and less bumpy! We have only one more bump to conquer in our decision, and all should be set to go! I think about what all this is going to involve, especially with a baby set to arrive in the next month, but I know God has a plan and we are blessed with a huge support system! So, I've said from day one of this process-- I will not get excited until the process is complete, nor will I stress out if it does not. If it works-it works. If it doesn't- it doesn't! We are very blessed with what we have thus far and will be content in the decision or path that is taken.

It's getting cramped in here!

Oh my goodness! I feel like I have blown up as big as a whale this week! My shorts are getting tighter and Jeremy says I'm poking out more and more! Miss Jentri is slowly dwindling down in the movements, so I feel that we are getting closer and closer to delivery! Not as in a few days, but still a few weeks yet! Nights are by far the worst for me. I know, you would think it would be the heat of the day, but honestly, I am a hermit at this point so I couldn't tell you how hot it is outside! I get up anywhere from every 30 minutes to once an hour right now. I just can't get comfortable! And then, just as soon as I do, finally, find some sort of comfort, my acid reflux acts up and it's time to go find the tums, again! Then, when I get that under control, I get back to sleep, and my hips start to kill me! So then, it's time to get up and go find some Tylenol! I then get back to sleep, and low and behold, my child is standing at my bedside needing to go potty..... oh yes I'm thankful she can wake up and go potty, don't get me wrong! Then, the other interruption is having to go the restroom myself about 4-5 times as well! So between cramps, a needy toddler, uncomfortableness, a cramped up bladder, and indigestion---it really makes a night restless! This kid, in my mind, should have a full head of hair just like her sister did with all this indigestion! All in all, I can't wait to meet and hold miss Jentri in my arms! I can't wait for Jaylee to have a little sister and to have another member added to our precious family.

Can someone explain??

So, today has been a very bad day in the Lowe Trailerhood for Miss Jaylee. We have had 4 accidents and I don't know what the deal is. We have been accident free for several months now, in and out of public, and even most nights we are accident free! But, she just randomly started having accidents today. Is this normal!? I knew regression was common with a new arrival of baby, but she isn't even here yet! I was hoping by pulling out the pull-ups she would decline and fuss and scream at me saying she wasn't a baby, but she didn't, she willingly put it on! What in the world is happening!?!!? We've come way too far, too easily, to regress and have to do this all over again!

Decision Making....

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you what path to take."
Proverbs 3: 5-6

Decisions! Decisions! Decisions! I do not like making decisions, especially when they are decisions that can affect you long-term! Just when I think God is showing me his way, I always start second-guessing. Is this really HIS way, or is this what I am wanting him to say? I have turned to my 2 trusty advice givers this weekend, and I still don't know which way to go. I've weighed out the pros and the cons. I've lost much sleep and am trying not to stress myself into labor.

My husband's only response to this entire process is "CHANGE-I DON'T LIKE CHANGE!"

So, I guess I'll continue for God to direct us on the path he wants us to take. I do have some sense of calmness in the fact that if it does work out, I will be excited and if it doesn't work out, I will be perfectly content.