MORE PHOTOS>>>>

KIDDOS

HEY THERE...HELLO...HOWDY...HI !

Guten Tag ! I think I spelled that right. I suppose if you don't know German then you wont really know or care! HA. Well, it has been rather busy at the Valentines. Elijah is now over a month old!!! That went quick!! Having 4 children does not seem all that different from 3...however, I have been finding it more difficult to find time to get myself ready and out the door. Must be lack of sleep, and Elijahs habit of spitting up on his or my clothes right before it is time to leave...Ugh!

A few of you have sent gifts to Eli and myself. I appreciate you all so much! Please don't think that I forgot about your thoughtfulness, I intend to write the rest of my thank-yous as I am able. I appreciate your patience as well as your thoughtfulness :)

Cory has started up baseball. Practice is everyday after school and on Saturdays. Games seem to be every night these days. Usually I do not see Cory until 7:00 pm, or sometimes 9:00pm. This has been hard for me, as I need a break now and then. A light is at the end of the tunnel though. With this beautiful Spring weather I shall get to go to the home games and let the older kids attack the dirt pile in the far field...while I snuggle Eli. As long as I do not feel cooped up inside, then I will survive!

Yesterday the girls and I were invited over to a friends house that we know from Preschool. We had a BBQ, and then sat in the gazebo while the kids played in the yard. It was such a fabulous time. She had such a beautiful home...a giant log home, and beautifully landscaped! I scoped it out for good ideas for the Valentine abode.

Well, I hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying the fabulous weather we are having...see you all later!

A CHILLY DAY TO SEARCH FOR EGG FILLED TREASURES!

Essie McGuessie
A frozen Gaylie Lou Who
Mr. I-man
A happy (frozen) Gaylie Lou Who (who is no more than two...)

GIFTS FROM THE AUNTS AND UNCLES !

The kiddos were sooooo excited to get packages from Aunt JJ and Uncle Keith...AND Aunt Manda and Uncle John...all on the same day!!!! We had tons of candy and egg coloring kits, and Easter Purses...all kinds of goodies! The kids had a ball! Thanks guys!


Happy Easter 2007

GROWING QUICKLY !

Elijah is growing so quickly...although still quite newborn...he definately is coming into his own look.
I love Eli in blue...especially navy. For now he has blue eyes...just like Esther did. I wonder if they will turn brown like hers? Such a handsome little man.
Esther is in love. Plain and simple--head over heels in love with her little brother. One can't hold this little child in peace without a little someone asking for a turn...or giving advice. Esther is QUITE maternal...an instinctive nurturer...and I hope that her bond with him lasts and lasts. I also hope to help her hone her skills...she is such a little homemaker....I love it!

LARGE AND IN CHARGE !

Something is wrong with the color on this photo...but this is how I looked pre-delivery. I can't believe he fit inside me! Following is some of my favorite shots from post delivery...enjoy!

BIRTH PHOTOS!

PICTURES TO SHARE..........

WENDY..........MORPHED

ORIGINAL
OLD LADY
BABY
CARTOON

EAST ASIAN......HA

MY MOM............MORPHED.

MOM AS A BABY.
MOM AS A CARTOON.

AN ENJOYABLE VISIT......

For an enjoyable visit...trek over to my cousin Jeremy Stockwells blog...the link is on the sidebar. He is quite the photographer. This time he has taken his own picture and used online tools to morph his face...it was really amusing...and somewhat shocking that some looked so real. I love to visit his site when I can...he truly has a gift!

BEAUTIFUL ANNABELLE

This is one of my nieces...Annabelle Louise. This was her baptism day. I would have liked to have been there...I have not been able to see her as of yet and am looking forward to the day that I can hold her!

ELIJAH"S DELIVERY DAY !

Well, some of you have been asking about details about Eli's birth. This is the scoop. Thursday I had my OB appt. I packed a suitcase in hopes that he would say...Hey why don't we just head over to the Hospital right now!! I asked him if he was interested...he said.."Wendy, you are ONLY going to be 38 weeks tomorrow...I said...come on Doc...Ive been having contractions ALL week long. So he checked my cervix...only a 3??? DRAT!! He said...no no...you are doing very well. Why dont you go to the hospital around 10 or 11 tomorrow, and tell them how you are feeling...they will check you, then call me, I will tell them to keep you, then I will come in, break your water, and you will have your baby in about 4 hours. Sounds good to me I said...see you there! So that was the plan...I went to the hospital...and the nurse said that I was still posterior, and hard...she did not think he would keep me...she did not know our arrangement however (snicker snicker...the joke was on her.) She called Doc anyway and he said for her to monitor me...so she came back and said...it sounds as if he might keep you...Oh goodie...I said. (snicker, snicker). At any rate, I got a room, and Doc came in and attempted to break my water...he said that the head was still floating, and that if he broke my water...the cord could come through first...so...he wanted to start me on Pitocin to engage his head first. As the nurses hooked me up, they warned me that it might take hours for me to really begin labor...I said...Oh no honey...my body smells Pitocin and I am in hard labor...they snickered to themselves and said Well see. Just like I said Contractions started immediately and strongly. I asked to have the epidural before things got terribly uncomfortable...I got it, and shortly after that Doc broke my water. I asked him how long he thought it would take before I had the baby. He said an hour. Well...it was actually about 50 min. The sad part was that my epidural did not work on my right side near the end. Soooo...I felt a "pocket" of contractions...HOW aggravating!!! At the same time it really was rather short lived compared to having the entire labor like that. Doc said that he thought it must be helping me some because if not, he thought that I would be in some serious pain...apparently my contractions were very high. Shortly after that Eli was born. I pushed him out in 7 min...and he gave a good hearty cry. Apgars were 9.9....the next day he looked pretty banged up and bruised...a bumpy trip I imagine. I got to deliver my own placenta again...very cool...I asked Doc what they did with it...he said they cook it up and eat it...I said...oh yummy...the hospital meatloaf I imagine..HA! Anyways...that is about it...I felt very glad for it all to be over and to get to hold my little guy...he has been such a good baby, and I am enjoying snuggling him...so that is the story of Eli...Cory taped the birth again. He always does such a tasteful job...he tapes from up by my shoulder, so you are not able to see anything you would not want someone to see...HA. Hope everyone is doing well...I will post more pix when I can!

SOME PHOTOS TO ENJOY.......

Here are some photos to enjoy until I can get my others up. Sorry it has taken so long!!

ELIJAH JOSHUA VALENTINE

Meet the newest member of our family...Elijah Joshua Valentine. He was born on March 16th 2007. He was 9lbs 8oz ...22inches long...and looks like Esther. He is our biggest baby so far...and is doing well. I will plan to post the "birth story" and some pictures of our little er...big guy. I am tired, but doing well. Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement. This photo was taken today right before I left the hospital. In a few days you can look on the hospital website for his photo...I don't know if it is up yet or what it looks like. The website is www.uhs.net/ohbaby
I hope you all are doing well, and I look forward to posting all about our adventure as soon as I am able.

I AM A THIEF...I STOLE THESE...

...Off of my Moms blog. I love their Wedding Photos...Today she posted these, and I just thought I would share them.
Mom and Dad had a fabulous photographer, and are so lucky to have such nice shots. I think I fit into moms dress when I was around 12...after that it was way tooooo small. I love the veil also, but imagine it would look silly on me.

JUST IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING...

...I am still here. I have been having contractions since Saturday. Each morning I awake either insanely early, or just plain early with anticipation that today will be the day. Today was no different...I just decided to ignore it, because after all I am beginning to think that this is some cruel joke...I wont EVER have this child...I shall be eternally pregnant...(Can you imagine?--YIKES) At any rate, I woke up feeling really good, so I got to work...Laundry is being done, and at the moment all others are put away. You know how Dreft and Downy smell soooo amazingly good? Well, the other day I had to wash some of Elis clothes and I did not have enough for a full load...so I threw in some of mine...they smelled sooooo good all day long, and were sooooo soft. I have decided (if it is ok with my husband) That I would like to buy some just for sheets and blankets possibly towells too. What guest would not want to sleep in a bed that smelled so good? It is pretty expensive, but I would not be using it for the rest of our laundry...we shall see.

Today I have my OB appt. I imagine if I am not in labor he will make plans to induce me...I will of course beg for it to be as soon as possible. I am hoping that all of these contractions I have been having have done something to my cervix!!! Maybe we will have a St. Patricks Day baby!!! Hooray!

Hope you all have a great and FABULOUS day!!!!

JOY IN THE MONOTONY???......

Nope. Unfortunately no joy here. I woke up at 3 AM with contractions...I tried rocking in a rocking chair to speed things up a bit...they never really seemed to change......this is getting really old. Even so...I never give up hope that this will be the BIG day...until I see it pass away. Okay...everyone raise your orange juice or coffee cups...Here is to a day FULL of contractions with a purpose, a call to hubby, and delight in snuggling a newborn! CHEERS!

FALSE ALARM (S)

Okay, so you would think that after 3 kids that I would not make a silly mistake of thinking I am in labor when I am not. Well, I suppose I was on Saturday...I had contractions ALL day long. Finally there was a 3 hour stretch where they were very consistent...not hard...not getting stronger...just consistent. Since Mom and Dad had Church the next morning, I wanted to be safe...so we went and checked it out. My contractions were good and long --but not doing anything for my cervix...Pretty much what I thought, but just needed that reassurance. Also, I had never experienced back labor...OUCH. I am trying some different stretching exercises to get Eli to turn himself the right way. Time will tell I suppose.

I was very excited on Saturday to go get our first family picture EVER! While I was at the Docs office they had a photo done where everyone was in black and white except for one of the girls that was pregnant..she was in color and everyone was looking at her belly...I fell in love, so my husband...being the fine guy that he is got us an appt at the same place and quickly. The photographer was FABULOUS. He took a number of different shots and we were done with that in 10 min....can you believe it...and they look GREAT! We are purchasing two pictures. One is a family shot...very beautiful in black and white. Then the other is black and white except for me, and the girls are touching my belly and the boys are looking over my shoulder smiling...it is so sweet. After Elijah is born we will have one taken where he is the only one in color and everyone else is in black and white...I am very excited about it...I hope when we get them back you will all be able to come and see them...it sort of marks a milestone in my life...you know pregnancy and motherhood. :)

Alright, Sabbath we did not make it to church because I was having contractions that were more painful and more consistent...we thought it wise to stay close to Mon and Dad. They managed to fizzle out, and make me irritated...I was really ready to go to the hospital and meet this little fella. I guess it was a good thing though. Cory tried to get his plans in order for the sub that will take over for him for a week, and realized he had left ALL of his material at school...YIKES! God knows what he is doing, and I just have to be thankful that he is in charge and not me...But...I suppose that praying that it will happen VERY soon is not forbidden!!

One last thing. This might be a shock...but I keep thinking that Elijahs name is wrong. Cory picked it out, and it is not that I don't like it...I just like Gideon better. Hmmm. I really don't feel like I can change it at this point...I mean for the childrens sake...even little Gaylie talks to "Eli". I just love the sound of "Isaac, Esther, Gayle and Gideon"...it has a certain ring to it. Just a thought. Hope you all have a fabulous day!!!

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY...

Cory called me yesterday from school to let me know that the principals husband was taken to the hospital. He had been experiencing bronchitis and just couldn't seem to shake it. Finally, they took him to the hospital and found that he was in shock. He has Strep, and it was affecting all of his organs. They told her that he would most likely pass that evening. He died this morning at 4:30. It is so sad to me that it happened so quickly. They had grandkids, and he was a 6th grade teacher...those poor students! My heart goes out to their family. This was also particularly a scary time for me due to the fact that I tested positive for the same kind of strep as you will see in the next post. I was lucky to have found it early enough and have it taken care of...

This is just a little side note, which has nothing to do with the man who died. Please don't be a "hero". If you are sick or your children are ill...get them medical care immediately. You know who you are...(Amanda...for one.) Chances may be slim that something like this would happen to you...but when it does happen--you only hurt the ones around you who will be mourning your loss. So don't try to be a "hero" and wait it out...and furthermore...don't spread it around to the rest of us! I love you all and wish you all good health...I mean it Manda...nobody is going to want to hear your croaky voice anyways--HA.

37 WEEKS TODAY!!!!!

Hooray!!! I am 37 weeks today!!!! I had my OB appt. yesterday...altogether I have gained 19 lbs. This sounds like a lot since I only gained 13 with both of the girls ...I gained 25 with Isaac. I think it is well within the range of normal and healthy...especially for a girl with a little extra padding :) So far my sugar has been good...However...I did test positive for the strep test...so I hurried as fast as I could to pick up my antibiotic to give this little guy as good a start as I can. I read up on it and was a little intimidated about the whole thing...VERY bad things can happen if it goes untreated. I am blessed to have such good medical care. Doc wants me to have another ultra sound to check the weight of the baby and perhaps the status of strep I suppose. This will be next Thursday...if I make it. Everything else is status quo...still 2 cms...but like I said --any help is good help! Ive got my bags packed and ready to go. I am looking forward to meeting this squirmy guy!

STILL HERE.........

Yes, I am still here. Very uncomfortable. Very rotund... I have my week 37 appt tomorrow...lets hope for big changes!!!

Yesterday I tried to blog but it froze up on me. My reason for blogging was just to gloat. (Serves me right I am sure). I was so happy because I have ALL of my laundry done...EVERYTHING...all is hung, folded, put away...and everyones clothes were gone through and put away for appropriate seasons, or for the salvation army...And yet...I woke up today to find a bunch of towels from our showers, clothes from yesterday...and would you believe...I had enough for a load of each? It does seem neverending...but that little reprieve felt SO good!! I guess that gloat did not last too long.

Baseball season started on Monday. While this means I will barely see my husband (What else is new?) It does mean that Spring is on its way and I will be living outside as much as I can :) I try to take the kids to all of the home games I can. There is a HUGE dirt pile behind the outfield...I bring shovels and buckets and the kids go wild...I also bring a change of clothes...this lets me watch the game in peace and get a little fresh air...I LOVE it!

Be sure to check out my cousin Jeremy Stockwells Blog. He is an excellent Photographer, and is extremely skilled! It is fun to see what he comes up with...I think one of the programs he does is called Photo Friday...in which he has to take a picture of whatever the theme is...and then he has another that is a personal photo challenge...it is all really cool and I hope you all take a look! Be sure to look at past archives!

Well that is about it for tonight...I hope you all are having a great week...I hope there will be a time that I can catch up with my blogging more often. Oh, by the way...Thanks for blogging John!!

TROUBLE (with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for Pool...)

Hi Everyone...Just a quick note to let you know that I am experiencing computer troubles. Every time I try to post the computer freezes...it is SOOOO aggravating...especially since I have had good things to report. I am using Corys parents computer right now...Thanks Mom and Dad. I don't know the next time I will get to post sooooo...oh well. I will try to look at everyones blog...but it freezes so frequently that I sometimes can't get to them....DRAT! Hope all is well with you and yours!

UNEXPECTED PLEASURES ....

Yes indeed, I have had many unexpected pleasures in the past month or so. I just have to list some of them. Many of you know that I had been stressing out about getting everything organized for Elijahs arrival...well, I finally broke down and asked for a little help. Our good friend Terri came immediately and helped me in such a big way! I just have to say thank you to her for being so supportive.

Another pleasure that I had was that the ladies at church planned a shower for me and Eli. It was originally planned for Valentines Day, but we got quite an accumulation of snow then. On the following Sabbath, we were having a Fellowship Meal, and everyone brought the food intended for the shower, and gifts. I did not know that I would be opening gifts in front of EVERYONE in the congregation! Everyone was extrememly generous, and I am thankful to be so blessed by such thoughtful people!

And yet...ANOTHER shower!!! My girlfriends from the Preschool surprised me with a shower. They told me that I was going out for supper with them, and that one of them would pick me up. They took me to a really nice Italian restaurant...I had herbed lemon chicken...it was really delicious! I also got a Margarita since it was a special occasion...We had such a good time, we are going to plan on having a girls night out every month! The girls were so thoughtful, they had fresh flowers on the table, favors, a cake with little rubber duckies on it, and they all brought such nice gifts...I was truly touched! *PLUS* I got to dress up!!!! I knew something was up when they told me that I could wear something a little dressier...meaning dont come in your preschool sweats attire and baseball cap...HA.

Ive just got to list this surprise...which is sort of a double surprise! On Sabbath day I was on the list to be in the nursery. I had the door open so that I could be a part of the service, and I saw a couple walk in with a baby. The woman turned her head so I got her profile, and I thought...Hey I think that is my college roommate Lydia...but she never fully turned around...so SHAME ON ME...I spent most of the service trying to capture a peek...which I never got. I did think that I recognized the baby from his photo in the Covenanter Witness. SOOOOO....after the service, the pastor always has visitors introduce themselves...and as soon as she said "College Hill" I knew it was her...So I yelled out..."Thats my college Roommate" "hi roomie!!!". It was a surprise for both of us since she did not know that we attended that church, and I did not know that she would be in town. Ethans sisters live in Ithaca, so I am hoping that when they make another trip this way that we could steal them away for a while!!! Ethans sister was getting married so we could not steal them away this time...but we had a nice chat during the coffee hour...and I must say...Lydia looks more beautiful than I've ever seen her...and her little boy has the most AMAZING eyes I think I have ever seen. They are light blue outlined in deep navy...WOW! It was soooo great to see Lydia and Ethan again...I hope we don't wait that long before our next meeting!

So that concludes my unexpected pleasures lecture...Thanks to all who have been so thoughtful to me and my family...you are appreciated, and a blessing to us!

MY OB APPT. 36 WEEKS

Well, I had my OB appt today, and was excited to be able to get ultrasound pix to share as well. The sonographer said that she thought the baby was about 7 lb. 9oz. so far...(lucky me). It was more difficult to see the shots of him because he was running out of room and my amniotic fluid was smashing his face--HA. At any rate...one of the shots is of his ear, and you can see a little hair on the back of his head...the other non head one was of his pudgy little hand...like I said it is a little difficult to see. When I saw my OB doc he estimated that I would have a high 8 or low 9 lb baby...we shall see. He told me that he was going to check my cervix, and I said we are hoping for changes...any little bit helps. He said...don't get to excited...you are only 36 weeks...I am 2 cm dilated...I said...I told you so. HA. We are thinking sometime in the next two weeks...wish me luck. All tests are good...we are cleared for take-off. Please pray for a safe and healthy delivery of Elijah Joshua.

Elijah 36 week sonar ....

TO MY BROTHER IN LAW JOHN ZOMBECK III ....

Dear John, I think it is time for you to post something new. I would LOVE to know how you are both doing...surely you don't want me to start CALLING you on the phone--hehehe. I am sure Manda doesn't want me to pester her either : ) Here are some good ideas for posts: 1.) What I got Manda for Valentines Day. 2.) What Manda got me for Valentines Day. 3.) Here is a list of my favorite things... and if you are really stumped...4.) All of the things I love about my sister-in-law Wendy.... Yes I think that should do it. Have a really fantastic day John!

MORE VALENTINE HAPPENINGS...

Well, the kiddos had their class Valentine parties and were excited to show us all of their goodies!! Even little Gaylie got a few herself :) Tonight I have a big date!!! I am going to a Valentine Formal Dance....with Isaac ! We did this last year and had such a good time...he was so excited that we would go on our date again "just the two of us!" Now to find something dressy to wear...hmmm...all of my really dressy maternity clothes are summery...Oh well...I will have to manage somehow :)
ATTENTION---Peter Pan Peanut Butter has been recalled. It is tainted with Salmonella...trash yours if the number on top starts with 2111. We usually only buy JIFF but we had run out, and a friend gave us a jar of Peter Pan...oh yeah...we had the number...and guess what ? The jar was mostly empty...I am thankful that it was not one of the tainted ones. I think that Great Value is another brand...just make sure you check out that number!
Tomorrow the kids have swim lessons, and then we will head off to a Birthday Party...FUN! The time is getting so close for Eli to join us! I am very uncomfortable and at the stage where I just *wish* it would be over! This coming week Cory has off of school. He is running a baseball camp for most of it...but that will only be part of the day. It is our hope that we will be able to finish up cleaning and organizing the house so that this little guy that we will meet soon, can be more comfortable...and Mommy too! A friend of mine is going to come over one or two days over break to help me. I cannot stand for very long, so she can help me do things like clean the items on my bakers rack...you know...all of the deep cleaning that doesn't seem to get done. Thank goodness for good friends. Another thought. It was really nice having Esther help me with all of those chores yesterday. So many times I could clean the girls room...make beds...etc. and they would come in and lay on their beds...get under the covers...drag toys from the toy room in...it would exhaust me and frustrate me that all my work seemed to be for naught. It occurred to me that by having her help me, it would be important to her that it "stay" that way...and it did! Hooray for small pleasures!!!! Hope everyone is staying warm!!! Just so you know...I try to check EVERYONES blog when I get the chance to be on the computer. I am limited as to when I can comment however. Sometimes I do not have time, but want to...and sometimes our computer freezes...that is really frustrating. Just know that I think about each and every one of you, and look forward to keeping in touch with you even in this small way!

BRRRR........ITS COLD!

I know it has been a while since I posted last...but I have been busy...and tired. While our family does not "get sick" very easily...Isaac seems to have caught a bad cough. This is about the extent of our sicknesses usually...(thank goodness). Anyhow...Isaacs lungs were clear...but he always seems to have a hard time making his coughs productive...so we all stay awake all night listening to his hacking. I took him to the walk-in to get him checked out...like I said his lungs were clear, but they decided to order us a nebulizer which we now own. The nebulizer made his cough VERY productive, but I still gave him a suppressant as well to slow him down. He is back to school and doing well. We will try to make it to church this week. Last week, I was going to stay home with Isaac so he didn't infect everybody else...but when I woke up, Cory had 15 min to get himself and the girls ready...I told him...there is just NO way you will make it...so we all stayed home.
Today I had the pleasure of staying home in our nice cozy house while Corys Dad took Isaac to school. It is freezing here! I made a list of jobs I wanted to accomplish, and set about doing them right away. Esther was a HUGE help. For Christmas I bought the girls a baking set that came with red and white gingham aprons for each. Whenever we do work around the house, Esther puts her apron on and she knows that it is time to get our hands dirty. I have to say...it has been such a great motivator...just putting it on...and she KNOWS what comes next...and says ...where do we start? I think I might get myself an apron too so that we can be "brainwashed" together...it's kind of fun! Anyways...we got almost everything done on the list. I ran out of steam and had to take a break...but I felt really good about all that I managed to accomplish...YEAH FOR ME....AND ESTHER TOO!
I had my Drs. appt this last week. It seems that I did not "hear" the nurse correctly when they told me my total weight gain. Last week I could have sworn she said 10#...so when I asked this week, what was the total gain...she said 15#...my jaw dropped...and so did Corys...and he said.."you really porked out this week"...and the nurse looked horrified that he would say something like that...but I assured her that YES...I thought the very same thing...5# in two weeks??????? She said NO...you were 13# last time....10....13....how could I have heard that wrong?...Oh well...the baby seems to be doing well...I did not get my sugar test done because of Isaac, but I didn't spill any in my urine either. In about two and 1/2 weeks I will have my first internal, my strep test, and another 4D ultra sound....I love those! I know that the pregnancy ticker up top says that I have 6 weeks to go....I would not believe that if I were you...I would say more like 4 weeks or just a little over that...and I think that the weight they are quoting for the baby is at least a pound off...the time is soon...and I can't wait!!!
Happy Belated Valentines Day!!! Cory and I woke up and I said..."Sooooo, What did you get me? He said....AHHHH, what did you get me?...I said...I will give it to you as soon as I get mine...He said I think that you will be waiting as long as I will....HA. Needless to say...we did not buy gifts or celebrate in any way...the kids are having Valentines Parties at school...and well...we have been together for 12 years...8 of them married...I suppose we pick our priorities. I would rather spend the money on something I need like Nursing Bras...or Something he needs like Dress Pants...I am always up for going out for supper...but we have other obligations for our money I suppose :) All in all...don't feel bad for us all you romantics at heart...we didn't even bat an eye. I hope all of you had a fabulous Valentines with your spouses and loved ones!

PREGNANCY UPDATES !

Some of you know that I scored a little high on the 1 hour glucose tolerance test. I have been checking my blood every two weeks...and so far so good...everything is within normal. I have to get another test most likely Saturday...I anticipate the same. I doubt I will make it for another....(I hope I wont.)
So far into this pregnancy I have gained 10 1/2 pounds. This does not sound like much...but be assured my babies are large and healthy...and I seem to have plenty of "stores" for myself. :) This pregnancy I have been carrying much like I did Isaac...right out in front. In fact the other day I was in a school bathroom, and happened to catch myself in the mirror at "just the right angle", and you could not even tell I was prego --HA. Perhaps I will be able to borrow my Mother in laws camera and get some belly shots...as I really dont have very many.
Other stuff...blood pressure is good...no protien in my urine...so far so good. The baby is head down. I asked the Doc. what he wanted me to do when I knew I was in labor...do you want me to stay at home a while, or just come right in...he said absolutely NO laboring at home for you. I tend to go very quickly, so I am glad that he thinks so too.
Some things that I need to get done before Elijah comes: Clean, Clean,Clean. Get baby clothes to Corys Mom for washing. Buy going home outfit for Elijah. Pack a suitcase for myself. Buy gifts for the other kiddos from Eli. And a HOST of other things. Pray for a surge of Energy for me, and that I wont be too uncomfortable. Thanks.

GOOD MORNING !

This morning is a particularly good day for me in that I don't have to take the girls out in the frigid cold! BRRRRRRR. My Father in law came and got Isaac for me this morning as he did yesterday, and took him to school. Sunday afternoon I came down with a cough...then at night it turned into a sore throat...then that next afternoon I went to the Drs to see if I had strep...it was negative thank goodness! I have been feeling pretty miserable. Today I have much to accomplish. Cory has put a huge dent in the laundry for me...I need to surprise him and finish it...(That would surprise me too by the way...in other words...no promises.) Yesterday for supper I roasted a chicken over red potatoes...it was delicious...Today I will make chicken soup with our leftovers...mmmmmmm. Just the thing for such a frozen day. I also have to tackle the dishes...something I HATE doing.
Tomorrow I get to sleep in...Yahoooo! Cory is taking the day off with his brother and his Dad...plus two little munchkins, and heading to the Sportsman show in Harrisburg. They make this trip every year, but this will be a first for Esther...she'll love it. Yes, the kids are taking a day off of school --but this is very educational too! I think Gayle and I might do something special like get a bagel at Dunkin Donuts, or I will take her to the play land at McD's...or perhaps stay home and snuggle, giving her all my attention. We shall see.
I hope everyone is having a great start to your morning too! Have a great day today!

SPECIAL DAYS !

Actually today is just an ordinary day...with some special times here and there. This afternoon after school, Esther is going to go to her friend Tanners home to eat lunch and play. They love each others company and seem to have a really good time together. Esther seems to get along better with boys than girls for some reason...:) Since Esther was preoccupied for the afternoon, I decided to go and visit Isaac at school during his lunch period. Gayle and I met him there, and made the day a little extra special for him I think. One of the little boys kept staring at my belly, and then finally got the nerve to ask me if I were pregnant...I said ...I sure hope so! Either I am or I have eaten way too much pizza! Isaac always buys ice cream on Friday...so I had him buy one for Gayle too. He came back and handed one to me as well...apparently you can buy two mini ice cream sandwiches for the cost of a large one, so he was very thoughtful. It made me laugh to see some of the kids promise to be the best friend of another if they would just give them their ice cream...it was quite a scene at the lunch room. HA. Later on when I pick up the kiddos, I will be making supper, then later heading out to our church for a "Thank You Service". Cory has to run the clock for the basketball game, so the kids and I will be going alone. Tomorrow is grocery day. I need ice bad. I have a closet confession as I was telling a friend just yesterday. I have an addiction to ice. When I am pregnant I am deficient in iron...the symptom of this is chewing ice. I cannot chew ice when I am NOT pregnant...anyhow...I have been chewing a bag of ice a week...by myself...yes...the big bags you get at the gas station...all of it...CRUNCH CRUNCH. Yes, I will probably break my teeth...but I cannot stop...nor do I want to. So there...

HAPPY FEBRUARY !!!!!!

Happy February indeed! This morning I was very blessed! My husband got up early, took out the garbage, drove my van to town and put gas in it...then came home again. I woke up to a DELICIOUS smell...that guy of mine mixed up a cinnamon struesel loaf for the family for breakfast!!! He was so proud of himself for being such a big help...and I had to concur! Off he went to work...and then I had to get the kiddos ready for the day. While I was packing Isaac a snack for the day, he had sneaked into the bathroom and brushed his teeth. I came to wish him a happy February...and found him gone! I checked the bathroom, and he of course was busy getting himself ready...I praised him up and down and all around...which spurred him onto do other things which made me so proud! It truly was a fabulous morning, and it just made my day so much brighter! This is not a regular occurance in our home...but when someone does something so thoughtful for someone else I just have to gush...and it makes me kind of want to do something special for someone else...I already wrote Cory a " youre the best" note via email...perhaps I will write a letter to Isaac...he would love that! Hmmm...I will think of something...hope you are having a great start to your February too!

MY LITTLE GAYLIE GIRL ....

It seems to me that I do not post enough pictures...or post about Gayle often enough. So...here is two in one. This photo was taken this past June at Corys Grandparents wedding anniversary party. I love this picture, and keep it on the fridge. Gaylie is growing up so fast...and I am afraid that even this picture does not accurately represent her for how she looks today...but it is close. Gayle is very excited about the baby coming, and will kiss my belly and talk to Eli. She has quite a vocabulary, and never ceases to amaze us all. She is a tiny little thing...but wow can she eat! She will be starting Preschool 2 days a week this year.---This is something that she has been waiting for! Esther will be starting Kindergarten and of course Isaac will be in 2nd grade, so I will only have two precious babies at home...one of which gets to be a very big girl and go to school! Gayle is also very involved in playing dress up--she loves to dress up in princess outfits, and then gracelfully flit in like a butterfly and say to Cory "Wanna Marry Me?" all the while batting her eyelashes...who taught her how to do that? I sure don't act like that! Oh well, I am sure I will have more about "Little Gaylie Lou Who" to post at another time...until then...enjoy.