She's 7!!

Princess #2 is now 7 my friends. And she is lamenting the fact that she isn't older yet. Seven seems too old for her somehow.

She loves to play "naked" dress-up. Loves to color. Is learning to love to read (the new glasses for reading have inspired her I think). Has a wonderful best friend. Loves animals, horses to be more specific. Wants to be an animal doctor. Loves 2nd grade, "it's easy-peasy Mama". Is an odd combination of girly-girl and teenage boy. Still loves to snuggle and cuddle with me when she slows down long enough. Loves her baby brother, okay, the sisters too. Loves to be outside. Loves to swim. Loves to try new things.

What I love about her is that she makes my life interesting. She is easy-going. She loves so deeply and so strongly and so instantly--amazing, really. She is my little tiny baby who was in such a hurry to join our family, and now she's growing into a beautiful young lady who loves her family and her Lord.

We love you Princess!!

A horse from P #3

Haunted Castle Cake

Cool castle legos

Something New, Something Sweet

About a week ago during the bedtime ritual, our sweet boy grabbed my face in between his little hands and planted one on me. A big, open-mouthed, wet baby smooch! It was so unexpected and so sweet that I laughed and gave him one back, which prompted him to reciprocate and so on.

It's always so fun when babies decide to give some love back in such demonstrative ways. Makes this mama's heart get all smooshy and a bit bigger, which is good because the Prince has been cutting his second lower tooth. Did I mention that the Prince teething=ugly for all those involved??

Well today he has decided to try out some new ways to give some lovin' to his tired mama. While I was holding him on my lap facing out, he leaned back, rolled his head so he could look me straight on, grabbed my hair and pulled my head down for a wet one. So suprising. So sweet.

Overheard from the Bathroom. . .

"WOW!! I'M GORGEOUS!!!!"

-Princess #3 checking herself out in the mirror

(That's right. Here's proof. We here at the castle spare no expense at building self-esteem.)

Happiness Is . . .

. . . waking up to a small, soft hand gently touching your cheek, hearing a giggle, turning your head and gazing into the beautiful, blue, smile-crinkled eyes of your son.

If You Want to Wear Your Glasses . . .

. . .you better get a book and start reading!!!

Bonding over books . . . Princess #3 was in the recliner reading too!

Doesn't she look adorable in glasses????

Quote of the Day

"MOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYY, the Prince is getting drool on the dance mat!!!!!!"

"Muaw, haw, haw!", says the Prince, "I'll get you yet my pretties!"

Note To Self:

When your 4 year old asks if she can change her dress because it's wet, you should probably ask her for more specifics on how that came to be . . . so you don't get your skirt all wet five minutes later. Hmmm.

Overheard from the Pool . . .

"Eeeek! There's a spider!!", screams Princess #2.

"Everybody PANIC!!", screams Princess #3.

Benefits

So last week, we got the wild hare to de-bunk Princess #2 and #3's beds. It makes their room cramped, but they are loving the "slumber party" atmosphere of the new arrangement, perhaps a bit more than I initially anticipated. Hmm.

Anyway, the first day post-debunking, the girls would not stop jumping on the beds. So I told them for one day only, you can jump your little hearts out. Just don't come crying to me if you get hurt, I warned them! They were so excited and spent a fun-filled hour jumping before I heard the first cries. (You knew it was coming didn't you?) Princess #2 came tearing down the stairs with a bloody mouth, but her cries weren't cries of pain they were of excitement. You see in all that rough-housing, etc. her very loose front tooth came out! Very exciting stuff around here!

She looks adorable and that second front tooth is very close to following the first one's fate--I can't wait. There is almost nothing cuter than a kiddo with missing top teeth!

Better A Few Days Late Than Never

So our sweet Prince is now five months old! It's redundant to say, but it's so hard to believe how fast he is growing up!

Here are some things that are new and that we love about

our guy . . .

. . . you can grab just about anything and immediately taste it!

. . . you love to be startled.

. . . you love bodily function noises, sneezes especially.

. . . you love to play the "here come the kisses" game with Mama, it makes you laugh every time.

. . . you are still very mellow and very easy-going, except for when you aren't.

. . . you wear mostly 6-9 months clothes and size 3 diapers.

. . . you've almost outgrown your 0-6 months shoes.

. . . you love to see your sisters, they make you happy.

. . . you love to sit in the Bumbo, and the saucer, and lay on the floor.

. . . you can roll from your tummy to back and if you are motivated from your back to tummy.

. . . you love "big boy" food-especially squash and bananas.

. . . you are loved so much and we are so blessed to have you in the castle.

Happiness Is . . .

. . . hearing Princess #3 reading "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" to the little Prince.

Sweet Cousins

Our annual trek to the Midwest this year had a fun beginning in the form of a teeny tiny family reunion for my family. A day and a half is not really a reunion, but seeing as it will most likely be the one chance this year for my family to all be together we jumped on it. I wish it could have lasted a lot longer, as it was so hard to say goodbye to everyone when it felt like we had just arrived. But I refuse to complain because seeing everyone for a blip is better than not at all.

The princess' loved meeting their baby cousins, even though as Princess #1 put it, two were missing, one we hope to meet soon and one in heaven (she took my feelings and put words to them, sigh.). We played "musical babies" as the King put it, passing the babies to whomever had free hands. What a blessing and what a treat to all be together!!!

A big thank you to my two travel weary sisters for making the long trip up and a thank you to my youngest sis for hosting us in and out of her bungalow in such style! And a thank you to my folks for just plain making life easier for us by going out of your way to make sure we were comfortable and had all we needed.

The Prince and his cousin R. hanging out!

Princess #1 holding cousin S.

Princess #2 hanging out with cousin R.

The Prince and cousin R. holding hands. So sweet.

Little Duffer

Behold! The Future!

This daughter of mine cracks me up. I love her to pieces and her uninhibited nature is a riot! Enjoy a little glimpse of what awaits us . . . although I'm sure the future will include a missed curfew, black eyeliner, a mini skirt, stomping up the stairs, a door slamming, and then the music and the dancing.

For now I'm just enjoying the ride.




P.S. Doncha love how Murray (the dog) could care less??

You Know It's Gonna Be . . .

. . . a rough day when your 9 year old is asking for chocolate.

Bumbo Boy

So in the last week or so, the Prince has decided that reclining is for babies. He wants to sit up and look at his parade . . . or toes. It's been frustrating because as much as I love to wear him, I also want him to interact with the world while not being worn. As a result, I need a safe place for him to hang out, like the bouncy seat which he used to love, that he now tolerates. A friend told me about these "bumbo" seats and I decided to give one a chance. He loves it! He can "sit" and "play" legos with the girls or Barbies or watch Mama make dinner, all from his favorite independent position! It has been a lifesaver and a happiness bringer and I highly recommend this little seat!

He can reach "Sophie" with ease!!

Watching the parade play legos.

It'll Get You Anywhere

My mom used to always say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery . . .

I Have Proof

Today I bring you (and me!) proof that yes indeed, that sweet little personality is still in there. It's hidden most days it seems for hours at a stretch, but it's not gone. And that right there gives me hope and helps me not give up on her.

Happiness Is . . .

. . . getting the Prince back to sleep after he woke up from a puny nap and having the Princesses content to soak each other outside! This happened simultaneously people!!!

Yep, She's Homeschooled

So Princess #1 comes to me this morning and tells me that she's figured out that I've been pregnant for 3 years of my life. She thinks that that fact is pretty cool. Inwardly, I'm crunching the numbers and feeling a bit nauseous. I ask her how she figured it all out and she says by doing math.

"You know Mama, 9 times 4 is 36 and 36 divided by 12 is 3, so that's how I found it out!", she says with a sigh of satisfaction.

"I'm glad that you found a practical application for your math.", I tell her, thinking that maybe today there will be a smaller battle of wills over the importance of arithmetic.

Sunday Shopping

My guys on a Sunday afternoon . . .

My Life (for now), With No Apology

This is a little poem that I discovered when Princess #3 was a baby, and it always brought life with a new baby back into perspective for me. Now with 4 children, I find myself repeating the last stanza almost as a mantra to keep myself from getting too down on myself for all the "stuff" in life that is not being kept up with now that the Prince is in our midst.

It's hard to get perspective when there is so much that should getting done and so much that absolutely has to be done and stressful trips to organize and plan and and and. However, as my mentors advise and remind me, this time with a baby and even young children will be done so quickly and then gone (except for the daily baby-fit or two). And when it's gone you won't remember how clean the house was (or not, in my case), it will be the memories of time spent with these little blessings that linger.

If you think that I'm being selfish, lazy, a bad housekeeper, and am spoiling my baby as I rock and care for him instead of the house too bad. He's my baby and babies don't keep.

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

Happiness Is . . .

. . . a drowsy, milky smile at the end of a long, crappy day.

Theology-Princess Style

For some reason this morning Princess #3 was asking what color I thought God's hair was. I told her that I didn't know since the Bible doesn't give us those details. And then she springs this on me that I had to share . . .

"Oh well, at least we know what color Adam's hair was.", she says.

"How do we know that?", I ask.

"It has to be brown because he was made from dirt."

Can't argue with that logic!

Princess #1 is 9!!

Well, she's one year closer to the double digits. Pretty crazy for me to wrap my mind around. In a lot of ways, I still feel like her baby-hood was just the other day, and then I catch a glimpse of her and the girl-woman she is becoming and it makes my heart stop! It's too fast, I'm not ready!

It's been an interesting year for her. She has loved the fact that she is a big sister. Again. And she really is a tremendous help with the Prince. She prefers to be the boss (shocker!) and control the way the scenarios are being played, but she can also be really sweet and play along with those pesky little sisters too. Her school year has been challenging for her. No longer can she whip school out to the Queen's satisfaction in the time it used to take her and that has frustrated her. But she has hung in there and is doing well!

I'm proud of her. She is beginning to blossom into a young lady that is pleasant and fun to be around. She remains very empathetic to those around her, loves to make gifts and cards for anyone she can, and is willing to help out wherever she can. I'm so glad that she is my daughter.

Happy 9th Princess! We love you.

April Photos

All ready for church!

(The Queen loves those baby button-downs!)

She lost her first tooth!!!

Great Grandpa and the Prince on Easter.

Taking the dye-job very seriously!

She still loves to hold him and sing him Cubbies songs!

Just Something Funny

The older two princess' have been very busy outside playing "Sugar Creek Gang", it's been great! However this afternoon they came bursting in the door to tell me about their ant farm. This is what tickled my funny bone:

". . . and Mama we only have three ants so far, so we named them "De" "Jah" and "Voo". You know why Mama, because we can't tell them apart and that way it's like deja vu all over again every time you see one! Do you get Mama, do you do you?"

Yah, I got it.

Renewed Appreciation

You know that song that has that line in it, "don't know what you've got til it's gone. . .", well that is my reality this afternoon. My parents took the older two princess' for the afternoon and overnight, and my initial reaction was (and honestly still is) "whoo-hoo", but as this afternoon has progressed I am coming to realize how much I depend on those two hoodlums in order to make life with four royals work! They are such a help with keeping Princess #3 stocked in beverages, snacks, movies, etc. really anything that she needs they do for her (and me by extension!) while I am dealing with the Prince. What a blessing to have kids that, although they fight what feels like constantly, are willing to help their Mama out at a moment's notice. I am honored to be their mom, and am missing their presence this afternoon.

I think that the moral to this one is, that I need to have them visit Nanny and Papa more often, don't you?? It's a win-win, they get a break from servitude and I get a renewed sense of appreciation for all that they do to help around the castle.

Sometimes Life Stinks

You know, I should be happy today. The sun is out full strength, the girls are enjoying their first runs through the sprinkler and are so happy, but here I am stuck with a cranky baby who will not nap, and that my friends, stinks. I'm not writing this post for sympathy or free meals or help. I am just hoping that by writing, I will get over myself and my little pity party.

Normally a cranky baby would not be a big deal, but see this little guy has his mama spoiled. He is so seldom cranky and so seldom refuses to nap, that when he acts "normal", I go into a tailspin. One of life's little cruel jokes I suppose.

I know what I should do, but I don't want to feed him one more time. I don't want to cuddle him anymore. My shoulders ache. The slings are hot to wear for today. The house is messy. I want to knit darn-it, not sit for another hour feeding my child, looking at Mount Barbie. It is days like today that I wish I was a working mom and could just go away for 8-10 hours and be with grown-ups who all hate their jobs and talk about that, rather than who needs a snack, or took care of their bodily functions.

But I know that I could never be a working mom. I could barely leave the Prince to sleep in the nursery on Sunday. It took all my will-power to leave him yesterday. And then after 90 minutes I was dying to hold him again. So, I sign off to console the bereft Prince and strive to find a piece of happiness to hang onto. Thanks for listening.

Princess-y Wisdom

Lately the older two have been full of wisdom and insight beyond their years, not that they know this (or are told this!). I find it interesting how some of their comments bring clarity and truth to things in life more-so than a thousand sermons on the same subject. I think it is one of life's little blessings, their childlike explanations to some of life's big struggles. Here's what I mean . . .

Princess #1: I wish that the obedience part of my brain was bigger than the part of my brain that likes to disobey.


Princess #2: Why does self-control have to have the "self" in it? It'd be so much easier without it!

Princess #2: I know I should look away, but my eyes won't let me!

All three insights are issues in my life that I struggle with: obedience (the first time!), self-control (no comment), and looking when I shouldn't (reading, movies, etc.). Thanks dear ones for reminding Mama of what she needs to work on!!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . a day where all three princess' get along with each other (for the most part), help Mama out with cheerful hearts, and a baby prince who takes a nice long afternoon nap!

It has been a nice, peaceful day-what a blessing to me!

Two Months Old

So my baby is two months old today. Already. Why do babies arrive with the warp speed option turned on? Of course there are days, when I'd like to fast forward to his toddler years, but it goes so quickly regardless.

My friend Mrs. S. did some cool posts about her sweet babies and being the lazy, copy-cat that I am, I'm shamelessly copying her idea for my own post! So here goes . . .

Things I'm getting to know about the Prince, at 2 months of age. . .

-you love to cuddle and snuggle, especially right before nap time.

-you love to wiggle your head until it's under my chin (I think it reminds you of my rib cage!)

-you make this dry cough sound that progressively gets louder the longer you have to wait til mealtime.

-once fed, you love to coo and smile your thanks.

-you usually make a little cooing sound before your smile bursts out.

-you feel most secure when your hands are holding onto something, preferably some one's fingers.

-you like to give me back massages (or scratches depending on your fingernail length) while I nurse you.

-you are happiest when you can see your parade go by.

-Daddy's voice makes you smile every time!

-So does the word chillin'. Go figure on that one.

-you can follow me with your eyes and even fuss if I leave your line of sight.

-you would love to be a thumb-sucker, if given half a chance.

-you are by far Mama's mellowest baby.

We can't imagine our family without you! You complete our castle!!

A Quiz

So what's different about this picture than normal?? Notice anything unusual about Princess #3's choice of attire??

If you guessed she's wearing pants (for the first time in a year) you are correct!! She decided a week or so ago to "surprise" me with trying on a pair of pants and my genuinely stunned reaction prompted a string of pants wearing. Of course, the dresses are still worn quite regularly, and sometimes even with tights (oh my, another first in a year!). It's been a long uphill battle, but we are gaining some ground in the variety of clothing department! Hooray!

Captured

Our sweet Prince is quite the smiley guy, however catching that elusive grin has proven quite tricky! However, yesterday I was successful. Seeing those fun expressions does help one to forget the sleep deprivation, I must say.

The sweet smile we see the most, which is the

precursor to this big ol' grin!

Princess #3-isms

Some of the things my kids say never fail to amuse me, and it always seems like I'm trying to remember what she said or did. So I've been jotting stuff down this time, and all of what I've got lately has been said by the youngest princess. I hope you enjoy!

*Mama, are you done milkin' the Prince yet?*

*Mama, that smoke from the iron smells like broccoli steam.*

*Mama, your panties are a lot bigger than your bottom.*

*Mama, remember how A. (her cousin) had lots of sugar (#3's word for spit-up)? Well, the Prince has tinier sugar with more bubbles.*

*Mama, when you kiss Daddy, your heel doesn't always pop.* (A "Princess Diaries" reference.)

*Mama, when I grow up I'm going to feed my babies faster than you.*

*Mama, isn't it interesting that the Prince has a [insert correct male anatomical word here], and girls don't. Because we all have the same bosoms, so God made boys have [insert correct male anatomical word here], so we can tell them apart.*

Dingity-Dang

I heard the Prince stirring during the wee hours and squinted at the clock, on which I swear I saw the hour as 4, like in 4 am, as in the Prince slept for 7 hours! He has been doing so great at night, that this was really a possibility in my mind. So I jump out of bed, feeling so rested, after all, it was 4 am, snatch up my babe only to realize that he was just grunting and wasn't fully awake. So I carefully wrap him up and tuck him back into bed, and then check the clock again, thinking how can he not be hungry?!

IT WAS 12:32 am!! Swear word, I think to myself as I hear the Prince decide that if Mama was willing, he was able. We haven't had a midnight feeding in a couple of weeks dang-nabit.

Note to self: Always double check the time with your glasses on, before checking on his royal self!!!

Lunchtime Chatter

Princess #2: "So how many calories does our tartar sauce have in it?"

Queen: "45 per serving"

Princess #2: "How many calories are in your tartar sauce Mama?"

Queen: "95 per serving"

Princess #2: "So that's why your Mii is so fat on Wii Fit!"

I love how one serving of tartar sauce explains Mama's shape, rather than the four servings of royalty she's brought into this world!!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . a baby day! I just had to brag that I am an Auntie again!! My sister had her second daughter this evening. Baby and mama are doing just fine, praise God! And I just got an email that a sweet friend is in labor with her baby #2 surprise. I can't wait to hear her good news!

What a great first day of Spring!!!

Overheard on St. Patty's Day . . .

". . . let's have Mama drink lots of green milk today, so that the Prince can drink green milk too!!"

"Yah, and let's have her eat lots of chocolate, so he can have chocolate too if he wants!"

They are such thoughtful gals . . .

One Week

It's amazing to me the difference just a few days can make. A week ago found me so frustrated, so tired, so anxious about everything. And now a week later, life has found it's rhythm again. I'm not saying it's perfect and going like clockwork, because we are living according to "Prince Time" right now, and babies are anything but clockwork. They somehow sense that you are content with the routine and that's when they like to drop a nap or add a feeding or sprout a tooth, you know.

I decided to brave going to Bunco last week knowing full well my hands would most likely not touch the dice, but I needed the fellowship. I'm so glad I did. I had the chance to reconnect with my friends and laugh about things that were and still are really bugging me, and got to eat a delicious dinner that I didn't make. It was just what I needed!

And now this week, I have taken up two offers of help with cleaning the house before our company arrives. Something that I normally would never do, but once I agreed, what a weight lifted off my shoulders! Anyway, before I blither on much more I better end this post. I'll go into more details later of "stuff" that has been going on, but for now be assured that things here at the castle are going as well as can be expected and I'm hanging in here, but by my hands now, instead of my fingernails!!

Showing off their knitted head gear!

Prince Pictures

A nasty cold-bug has descended over the castle in the past week which is slowly making it's way through our family. So far, just the Prince and I have yet to get it to the fullest. I am hoping it stays that way. So not much for posting fodder, I apologize. But here is some Prince eye-candy for the meantime.

What do I do with this thing??

Look at that cute chin and the visible lower lip!

Wearing his duck soup sweater!

Drat!

But it works so well for Mommies . . .



(I hope you all know I'm totally kidding with this post . . . kinda.)

My Surefire Method

So this week I discovered a new, improved, surefire method for getting the Prince to wake up when he needs to . . . I pick up my knitting!! No sooner to I get into the rhythm and remember where I am in my pattern, do I hear a little voice calling my name, usually insistently. It's great! (Ahem, except for the times you immediately pick up your knitting after putting the little one down, and he decides that he doesn't want to sleep. Then my friend you've got trouble.) But for now, I can take it, and for his sake it beats a cool washcloth on a sleepy face!

You Know You're Beyond Tired When. . .

. . .you let your kids start their day off in front of PBS Kids.

. . .it takes your 4 year old commenting on your smell before you realize that your p.j.'s have baby spit-up all over the front.

. . .and then you notice that your baby's hair is slick with spit-up.

. . .you slice your leg shaving, in an accident that rivals the first time you snuck your Mom's razor into the shower to try it out.

. . .you see that your kids have made breakfast for themselves-all over the counter, and it doesn't even raise your blood pressure, just makes you want to curl up in the corner, and concede their victory.

. . .you consider how to make and hook up an I.V. to your husband's coffee, so you get the benefit of the caffeine without having to taste the stuff.

. . .instead you pile all the kids into the van and head for the nearest Conoco to buy the largest diet pepsi they sell, despite the wind, despite your smell, and are slowly feeling more alert!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . casting on for a new knitting project! It feels like forever (2 1/2 whole weeks!!) since I've knit anything. Of course, casting on is as far as I got-at this rate, I may be done by Christmas with this one! :)

For Jordan, Jamie, and Nora

"Froggy Bottom"

"Moo Cow"

"Sunday Best"

For sweet friends who gave the Prince these sweet outfits!

We're enjoying them!

Week 2

The Prince & Toofers--week 2

Princess #3 is 4!!

Well, she's been 4 for about a week now. And now thanks to the latest addition to the family, she looks huge, like a kid instead of a toddler.

This year has been a challenging one for the King and I as we learned how to parent her. I have come full circle on several beliefs I had about raising children that I never thought I would budge on thanks to her personality. One being, that outfits must match in order to be out in public, two being that panties must fit, three being that some children (Princess #3) have a real need for personal space (beyond the norm), and if it's not respected have real anxiety. So many more, but sleep deprivation takes hold. She has stretched my patience beyond what I thought I could bear and has stretched my heart with compassion for her real fears and panics.

She is such a sweet girl. We are so blessed to be her parents. I can't wait to see how she will grow and change this year, she has so much this past year. Right now, she wants to be a Mommy and feed her babies like Mama does (awwww).

We love you Princess!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . waking up and seeing your ankle bones again. Even if it was just a temporary sighting, I am happy to know that they still exist!

Sister LOVE

Princess #3 has taken to rubbing her cheeks on the Prince's soft head ever so gently. Can't say as I blame her, there really is nothing softer or sweeter on earth. She also has taken to kissing him (on his clothes, Mama), which I think is so precious. Of all the girls she was the one I was most concerned with adjusting to this new family member, but she has really taken his presence in stride, even better than her older sibs. It's special to see how much she loves him already.

We Are In LOVE

One week has passed already since our little man entered the world. Sigh.

Here we are one week ago, just before leaving for the hospital. . .



And here we are now. . .

Recovery Road

So, now that I've done babies both traditional ways (the king says I've done it more than two ways-sunny side up, face down, c/s, premature), I have to say it's a toss up as to which I'd recommend. The end result stays the same, which makes us forget the recovery road that we have to journey on after said result.

Yesterday I wrote that recovery was hellish with this one, but after thinking about it, it is not really any more or less than it was with each of the girls. It's just different, and I can do different. Today is totally better. Way less pain, way more mobility than yesterday. It's amazing the difference 24 hours can make.

The Prince continues to do well. He's figuring out the nursing thing, much to my happiness. He's very "chill" to quote Gwen Stefani, hopefully that personality trait will continue throughout his life. He's going to need it to balance out the estrogen in his family. I can hear the king talking to him about checking accounts, trips out to Daddy's shop, and bike rides in the summer and all kinds of things that the Prince has to look forward to. I love to hear those happy conversations.

My heart is so full it could burst!

Happy Birthday!

I'm going to break from protocol just this once to introduce my son!!

Cade Judah was born at 1:26 pm, Wednesday, February 11th. He weighed in at 9 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20 inches long!! A nice big boy! The c-section went better than I could have imagined, recovery is hellish (sorry there is just no nice word for it), my baby boy is amazing and so beautiful. God has blessed the castle once again!!

Turns out that it was God's hand in keeping him breech. Not only for his size, but also because his cord was wrapped around his torso several times, making a traditional birth very dangerous!

Our computer died, so posting may be sporadic here for a while.

Here are a couple photos of Prince Stubborn. . .thank you for coming along this journey with me!!

Shock and Awe

So, great news! Baby's birthday will most likely be tomorrow! And I didn't have to be bossy to get what I wanted-it was just handed to me on a silver platter. It was amazing how quickly everything fell into place, almost like Someone had this in mind all along. Hmmm.

My appointment started much like last week's, office running late, me not making eye contact with the number on the scale, nurse concerned, midwife hurried through exam, and then she said well, this baby doesn't want to turn, so what doctor do you want for a c-section. I said whoever can do it the soonest, as in this week. Next thing you know, I'm ushered into Dr's office, he looks at my chart, does a double take and says, your 9 lb baby was how early, we need to get this baby out this week, how does Wednesday work? Wednesday is fine I managed to choke out over the pounding of my heart.

I'm incredulous. I am so blessed. I am giddy. I told the king that it feels like the giddiness you have once you realize the stick has two lines-partly out of fear and partly of pure joy. Granted, this whole end of the pregnancy thing has not gone according to my plan, but I plan to learn from this experience. God doesn't have to answer my every prayer my way. He's not a vending machine, I am relearning.

The princess' to say the very least, are to the moon about meeting their brother. It's been great to talk about stuff that I've put off talking about, since everything has been so unknown. Today, we swaddled Princess #3's panda and talked about how babies like to be held and touched. We talked about why mama has to have surgery and how babies have soft heads. We looked at his tiny clothes and all got excited that we get to dress him in his little button-downs very soon!

Thank you for your kind comments and encouragement throughout this journey. Lord willing, the next post will introduce our son!

Still Hoping

So despite my week-ago meltdown, last week went surprisingly well. We kept up with our little routine, as I tried not to get my hopes up with every contraction, and I just held on to really the only hope that I have at this point: he has to come out eventually!

Last night, however, I felt my faith falter. It had been a good weekend (hey, any weekend where your husband does all the nesting that you want done is good, right?), and I was in good spirits, then I started thinking. Dangerous. Deep down in my heart of hearts I wanted this baby to come before today, and I really thought that God would honor that wish.

My Dad is headed back to Canada for another few weeks tomorrow early, and I really wanted him to meet his first grand-SON (the first boy born into our family) freshly hatched. I didn't realize how much until last night when I realized that the contractions that had been coming so consistently had decided to take a break. And I got frustrated. And felt out of control.

It's back to my same old problem: I am the oldest. I am the boss. I know what's best for me and all of you. That's right-I said all of you, and it really would be in your best interest to just accept that fact!! And somehow I have to relinquish that part of who I am in order to be right with God (pretty much hourly), because He really is the oldest and the boss and knows what's best for me and all of you.

I hate not being the boss.

On the positive side (I hope), I have an appointment with my midwife this afternoon. I am praying for the boldness to tell her what I want and what I feel would be best for my family. Here I go again being the boss. . .

You Know You're Never Gonna . . .

. . . have the baby when they give you the lovely pink and blue non-stress test belts to just "tuck in your purse" for next time. You know the belts. How thoughtful and environmentally conscientious of them.

Oh to be a Fairy

I am a firm believer in using the "Big Man" as my back-up as a parent. If I use Him as an ally and use His words to correct and train my kids, then I feel that I am using the right motives and words to help get at the heart of the issue at hand. My girls hate it (as did I as a child and as an adult), which to my mind reaffirms that the direction I'm coming from is right.

Anyway, one thing that we tell the girls quite often is that they truly are princesses. They are children of the only King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Usually they love being told this, but sometimes that is a lot to live up to (and don't I know it!!). So after getting in trouble for not controlling her tongue the 50 bizillionth time, Princess #2 had this to say: "I'm done being a princess. Being a princess is so hard. Why can't I be a fairy instead?"

Why indeed . . .

Holding Pattern

After a disappointing doctor's visit yesterday, I am struggling to be content with this current birth plan. What is the current plan you ask? If I go into labor on my own, I *get* to have an unplanned, emergency c-section, unless baby turns south, which would of course be ideal, given that my alternative is, I *get* to wait until 39 weeks (next week) and then we'll casually plan the c-section sometime after that magic number. I feel like my midwife and I had a failure to communicate yesterday, which is frustrating.

Not to get all religious on you all, but please be praying along with me. I'm a hormonal wreck right now. How I feel reminds me of how I felt stuck in the hospital on bed rest with Princess #2, when I got all the post partum depression out before she was born. And the thought of not having a plan in place with this baby being breech, is freaking me out. I'm in uncharted territories here. Also please pray that my midwife will hear what I try to communicate to her at our next visit (which by the way, I'm praying we don't have to have-that he will come before Monday!!) Thanks.

The great news is that baby is doing great-obviously very happy and content where he is at. And really, you can't ask for more than that, as much as I want to.

Memo

Hi Son-
Just a quick FYI: It is now February. Your birth month. You've done something that only one other of your siblings has done, made it to the month you were due. We're so proud of you and of that accomplishment and would like to tell you that face to face. Now.

Here are the directions to meet us: take your hands off your toes, continue to press your chin to your chest, and let your head float down the next time you feel Mama's tummy tighten. That should be in about 10 minutes.

You won't regret it. And you'll make us all so happy!

Love you,
Mama

Happiness Is . . .

. . . hanging up from a wonderful phone conversation with a good friend, feeling so encouraged, and then realizing that according to your phone you just spent 198 minutes chatting without a single kid interruption (although neither of us would have minded an interruption from "Prince Stubborn"!).

**Baby update**
As of Friday, baby is in "frank breach" position (butt down, head and feet up), which really should be called the "amazing baby taco" position. How is that comfortable for him I wonder? Then I see him grab his little toedies with his fingers, pulling them closer to his little mouth, and I have the epiphany that he is never going to move to head down-at least not while he has things to keep him occupied. Harumph.

Heavy Sigh

A conversation from this morning:

Princess #2: Mama, I'm so tired of calling baby brother "Izuzu F150". I just want to call him by his real name, and see him.

Queen: Me too, baby girl, me too.

Happiness Is . . .

. . . going to the dry cleaners to pick up some items and have the gal (who served you when you dropped stuff off the previous week), say, "I had no idea you were pregnant! You were just in here and I didn't even notice. So, you've got a few months left to go, huh?"

I told her Lord-willing it was any day now. And honestly, I could have just kissed her incredulous face!

Some Circular Thought

Frustration=a full-on breech positioned baby=contractions 24/7 with no visible progress=no immediate labor and delivery=cranky, tired mama=cranky, (mama wishes they were tired) girls=tired Nanny (thanks mom!) and husband (thanks honey!)=frustrated castle dwellers!

All I know with every fiber of my being, is that the One who has known this baby's birth date from the beginning of time is definitely in control, as much as I wish it was me. HE has made it abundantly clear that this is not about what the Queen deems best, but what HE KNOWS is best for me and this little one HE has given to me.

And all I can say is, this baby better awfully darn cute!

For Auntie 'Chelle

Today I had a wonderful baby shower. Wonderful that I got to spend time with friends and feel (and truth be told, feed-off) their excitement over this new one! Wonderful that this little guy will be the best dressed, diapered, lotioned, you name it baby in the world. Thanks gals, your kindness and friendship overwhelm me!!!

Anyway, one of baby's gifts was a little soft football. The king was explaining to the older two princess' how you hold it and where to put your fingers, etc. Then they tossed it around a bit. Enter Princess #3. . .

"What is that?" she says. Once explained wants to know, "Why?" Once explained, walks away without a backwards glance.

At least there is one toy that she will let be all his, seeing how she immediately claimed his big dump truck as Nanny walked in with it, proclaiming, "He already has one (a tiny little one, totally different from the new one I might add), he doesn't need two."

I don't think she'd get the irony of her statement, even if I counted out her multitude of barbies!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . getting to sleep in to 7:10 am!!! and then having your wake-up call be a nice, quiet, "Mama, I'm going downstairs to play Barbies, everyone else is still sleeping. Can I eat an apple while I wait for you to come down?"

Tattle Tales

Just as I say "amen" to our dinner prayer. This conversation starts:

Princess #3: Mama, #2 was peeking while you prayed.

Princess #2: Well, Great Grandpa Cliff peeks while we pray all the time.

It should be noted that G.G. is 95 and has earned exemption from closing his eyes-he might fall asleep at the table!

Baby Update

Well, instead of breech this week, he decided to move back to a transverse position, just to mix things up a bit. Despite the multitude of contractions over the past week, no forward progress, which I was reassured is not uncommon for your second and beyond baby. I remember being frustrated with that fact with #3, oh well. Thankfully he has moved down, so my ribs are getting a much needed respite.

After a consultation with another doctor who has had success with turning babies, he would like to wait until we're past 37 weeks before heroics. However after reading about turning babies today, I am fervently praying that this baby decides to try some gymnastics in the coming week, preferably a headstand!! Most likely if I go into labor at this point, the delivery will end up as a c-section.

So right now, I am praying for patience and a position change for Mr. Stubborn. These weeks are the longest as some of you can relate too. You walk that fine line between being desperate to have the baby right! now! and knowing that the longer they bake, the better.

If you think of us, say a prayer would you? I'm thinking it's going to take a miracle at this point to get this boy to cooperate.

Thanks Friends!!

Today has been a day of blessing. Already. It's only shortly after 11 am here, but wow! First of all, when the king called to say that he wouldn't be able to home to watch the girls for my doctor's appointment, my first reaction was stark fear. Three kids, tiny waiting room, even tinier exam room, possible trek to have another u/s, almost dinner time, etc. Then I called my lifeline and she said she could watch them, no problem. Even though after listening to the events of her day, I'm questioning her sanity, she agreed and her generosity totally blessed me!

Then as I am cajoling the hyped up princess' to complete school, another girlfriend stopped by (I knew she was going to, but totally forgot, so it was like bonus surprise!) to bring me two batches of taco meat and two batches of spaghetti sauce to throw in my freezer for quick meals. How sweet is that?? What an encouragement.

I hope each of you has girlfriends in your life. The good ones. The ones who are willing to watch your kids at a moments notice or bring you yummy dinners just because or take time for a phone call or email or the ones who tell you every time you see them that you look like a million bucks or the ones that listen to your vents judgement free. I am so fortunate to have go-to girlfriends that I know love me bumps (a little pregnancy humor), prickles and all, and that I deeply love in return.

Yep, You're Right

It's official, I've reached the point in pregnancy where it is easier to agree with whatever the kind stranger has to say about your baby, size, etc.

For instance, when the kind lady at Orange Julius assumes you must be due in a matter of hours, you just say, "yep, you're right."

Or the cashier at the local store (whom you've never EVER seen before pregnant or otherwise), tells you that your baby has dropped, you just say, "yep, you're right."

And finally, when the nice older man in the parking lot lets you know that the baby looks like it's about to drop out, you just say, "yep, you're right."

It's so much easier to be agreeable, don't you agree?

You know your correct response, right???

Happiness Is . . .

. . . noting that some of your perishables have expiration dates past your due date!!

Then It Begins

Princess #3 has discovered that her height and baby brother's nest are incompatible. After trying to sneak past Mama to get to the sink, her head collides with her brother. Again. Without even a thought, she reaches up and gives him a (gentle) push and says, "You're in my way, baby brother!"

By the way, he heard and kicked back. Sigh. Sibling love. Already.

Happiness Is . . .

. . . being married to a guy who will brave Costco on a Saturday, with your list and coupons, doesn't forget a thing, and even doubles back to find some items!! All so you can be home with your feet up.

Sister Love

I am the oldest of four girls. I love my sisters. I know my sisters. My sister next in line and I used to fight over the sheets/blankets when we had to share a bed. Eventually we'd fall asleep under bedding that you could bounce a quarter on, since each of us had pulled the bedding and tucked it under ourselves as tight as possible, to prevent the other from hogging! My second sister had the reputation for being a restless sleeper and hence a kicker. And my youngest sister was accused of sharpening her toenails with a nail file so that she wouldn't have to share a bed.

Last night, I got a charge out of the fact that my girls know their sisters. We were getting everything ready for a sleepover. It was Princess #1's turn to hostess, so we were getting a couple of extra beds set up for her sisters in her room. As the air mattress was being blown up, Princess #1 says, "Can Princess #3 please sleep on the air mattress, instead of Princess #2? I was just remembering hearing #2 move around so much in the night that I couldn't sleep at the KOA's this summer."

There the knowing begins. I love it!

You're Eight+ Months Pregnant When. . .

. . . you realize that your belly and bumps have merged into one entity.

. . . you go bump holder shopping and select one off the rack that you always dreamed of buying off of in junior high.

. . . every time you drop something, you think of a response that should not be heard by royal ears (and if none are around to hear, may just utter aloud).

. . . you don't realize you are huffing and puffing anymore, til someone points it out.

. . . you plan your shopping around public restroom availability.

. . . you have to stand sideways at the counter in order to comfortably reach what you're trying to do.

. . . you have to wear an apron at all times in the kitchen, since you can't see what you may have spilled, splattered, or otherwise on your shirt.

. . . lace up shoes are no longer an option, unless you can talk your 6 year old into practicing her bow-tying.

. . . buckle up shoes are no longer an option, unless you can talk your 3 year old into practicing her buckling.

. . . you lack the energy to knit at your normally scheduled knitting time.

. . . you can't figure out why that guy/gal/child is staring so intently at your belly, until you realize that they can see the baby squirming around under your shirt.

. . . the borrowed maternity top that you swore you'd never fit into, sadly fits.