Slowly But Surely

Why does it seem like spring is taking forever to arrive this year? I know that technically it's spring but with the recent snow flurries and cold temperatures it's quite hard to believe. My flowers are trying hard to grow but they are definitely late this year. My neighbor is mowing his lawn as I type and it sounds so summery!
Things are well with us. One thing that is growing fast is my waistline. In the past few days my clothes have become decidely uncomfortable. Specifically my beloved jeans. I guess I'll have to face reality and enter a maternity store! Egads.
I want to thank you for all your input on the vaccination issue. It's a HOT topic for sure! Wow....I did ever receive some passionate views on both sides of the issue. Doesn't make our decision a very easy or clear one. At this point we are leaning towards a delayed vaccination schedule. So we will vaccinate but when the child is older. Kind of the best of both worlds. I still have some books on hold at the library on this topic so we could swing either way yet!

Looking for Personal Opinions

Topic: Infant Vaccinations
Issue: To get them done or to not get them done
Cons: many stories emerging about links to austism and immunizations (among other horrible side effects)
Pros: these immunizations have stopped the spread of many previously deadly childhood illnesses

Keith and I want to make an INFORMED decision in regards to our new baby and immunizations. We are currently researching both sides of the issue.
I want your stories....both sides of the issue appreciated!
And by the way, both of our boys have had their shots. No side effects that we are aware of.

Just a bit of Easter

You will find me lazing about on the couch much more often these days!

A belated birthday cake for Nathan at Keith's parents

And never too old for an Easter egg hunt. Lucky for the boys this year......I am not wanting anything to do with chocolate so their stash is quite safe from me!!

Baked Goods

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen this Easter weekend!

Lemon Squares

Chocolate Marble Cheesecake

Paska

Northwest Cheesecake

Easter

This is copied directly from my dad's blog. I could not have said it better myself!

As followers of Christ, we are not specifically asked to remember Christmas, but we have turned it onto the biggest production on the calendar. It has been secularized, watered down, and commercialized to the point where it is palatable to the politically correct world. Take Jesus out, turn it into 'goodwill' and 'peace on earth' and Santa Claus and there is something for everyone. This process is not that easy with Easter. This is the most important 3 days for Christians because through the death and Resurrection of Christ, our sins were forgiven, our future was secured, and we have promise of Resurrection for ourselves. This is not politically correct because these benefits, although free gifts for the asking, are exclusively for true believers. This weekend is not as well observed and celebrated by the masses because it has not been that easy to take Jesus out of Easter. And maybe God knew that when He instructed us through his word, to remember. We cannot blame non-Christians for not observing Easter, it means nothing to them, unless they celebrate new life in the form of bunny rabbits and freshly hatched chicks. In the next few days, let us remember, and then examine our faith. Do we really believe, and if we do, how is that impacting our lives. Easter is ALL about Jesus and no amount of Easter Lilies or chocolate can ever change that!

Yesterday

In this picture you can see that the gorgeous mirror I got for my birthday is hung and looking very nice in my livingroom. Also, the vase I received from my employer is looking mighty fine with flowers in it! Thanks to my cousin Kerry for lovely bouquet! What a thoughtful surprise.

And here's the birthday boy. As you may be able to tell he's a bit teary eyed. Not from the aging process but because he didn't like the cake I made for his birthday dessert. I came home from work and thought I had a chocolate cake mix in my pantry but only found a butter pecan mix. Nate took one bite and started to cry. I asked him why the tears and he said: Mom! I want to like it but I just can't. I think he felt bad that I had gone to the trouble (not like a cake mix is trouble!) to make a cake and he didn't like it! I'll make it up to him this weekend.....his favorite cheesecake will be made!!! After dinner we took the boys to see 'Horton Hears a Who'. It was very cute.

I Have a TEN Year Old!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dear Nathan!
Hard to believe you are 10 years old today. You are such a delight and we love watching you grow up to be such a kind and caring young man. Nathan means 'God's gift' and that you certainly are!!!

Here I Am

The emails, cards and letters just keep on coming. I do have the most thoughtful family and friends a girl could hope for! Thanks to each and everyone of you who have sent me words of encouragement.
I would have posted sooner but there really hasn't been anything of interest happening to write about. I don't want this to turn into a 'listen to my symptoms this week' sort of pregnancy blog yet at the same time it is taking over my life and that is the reason I don't HAVE a life at the moment. This first trimester is sucking every last bit of energry from my body. I have just enough 'oomph' in me to work, made a meal, do minimal housework, grocery shop and keep the family's head above water....just! I am falling into bed around 9 pm each night which leaves little time for anything else.
On a very positive note the morning sickness seems to be a thing of the past. I almost hestitate to write this but it's been almost a week now. I do have moments where I don't feel well at all but it's not 24/7 anymore. In the few minutes before I go into a coma every night I read a few pages from the pregnancy books my cousin has loaned me. I have discovered that I may not eat feta cheese anymore. I DO NOT LIKE THIS NEW RULE! Another thing that was a bit distressing is that Advil is off limits. Only Tylenol may be used for headaches and whatnot. Of course I have a Costco size bottle of Advil in my cupboard and not a tablet of Tylenol to be found at my house. Oh well....minor adjustments really.
I am looking forward to spring break which is fast approaching. It will be so nice to have a little holiday from making the kids lunches and driving to school.
Well....there you have it! I'm here, I'm alive, I'm upright (at the moment:)) and will try and post a bit more regularly!

Super Blogger Prayers?!

I don't know what did it but for the past two days I've felt MUCH less sick. I almost hesitate to type this because I don't want to jeoporadize my new 'almost normal' feeling.

Prayers? 10th week of pregnancy? I don't know but it's most wonderful.

There are moments in the day where I feel it's all coming back but mostly feeling okay.

I'll take it!!! And I'm sure I'll report back if I regress :)

Was at the doctor's on Thursday. Unfortunately for me I have already packed on a good amount of weight. All that eating (carbs mainly) to quell the nausea has 'stuck'. Bummer.

What's been really neat is every night when I tuck in the kids they tell me just how excited they are to have a new brother or sister. I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams they would be so thrilled! We will find out the sex of this baby so they are anxious to attend the 3D ultra sound we'll be getting in late June. There has been some great progress made in technology since Chad was born!

The Gory Details

So, first of all thank you to each and everyone of you who has emailed, left a comment, messaged me on Facebook or called. Your support means so much. I am feeling every emotion in the book these days and your kind words ground me.

I love hearing of stories of other 'after-thought' babies or woman who find themselves pregnant at an 'old age'! They are encouraging.

I am still in shock....really. Processing this major life change is taking me a lot longer than I would have ever thought. Some days I'm in denial, some days I think I can do this and others....well they are dark.

We found out I was pregnant on Jan 31st. One of my first thoughts was our pre-planned October trip to Disneyland with the boys. We had been planning this for at least four years and it gutted me to think that it couldn't happen now. So Keith and I quickly called our offices and worked on getting some immediate holidays so we could leave in February instead. It turned out well in the fact that Nate was still nine and qualified for lower prices on everything. Once a child is ten they are up there with the adults prices at parks, restaurants and all that.

We did have a good time and I did my best to put on a brave face but I was awfully queasy the entire trip. There was one day I could not do any rides at all. But mostly I just went on them and then took lots of deep breaths of fresh air! I think the cool weather helped....it was refreshing and if you've ever been in this predicament you know that fresh cool air is wonderful when you are feeling 'green'.

We are due October 5th if all goes as planned. I do realize that anything could happen....I am 'older' now so the chance of miscarriage does rise a bit. I have been feeling quite queasy and am so hoping I feel better soon. I have a feeling I will feel a lot better about this entire situation when I feel good again.

There you have it....the story....the drama.....the 'reality' show that is MY LIFE!

Unplanned Parenthood

PS. Prayers offered up for my emotional well being are being gratefully accepted.

Paska Time

Oh, I had a craving for this stuff the other day! So I set out to make a batch this morning with my breadmaker. I have the BEST recipe from my aunt. It makes the softest, most lovely tasting paska ever. We almost ate one whole loaf already and I brought the other one to my parents. So I suppose that means I'll have to make some more!!!

Big Milestone!

Not sure if I'm crazy or very wise but I have achieved 15 years at my current job as of March 2, 2008. I was presented with the plaque below and this lovely crystal vase. The best part of my job are my co-workers for sure! The job itself....meh. I think that I am getting restless now and ready for a change. Who knows what the future may hold but changing employers would be a big deal for me! I like familiarity but nothing ventured nothing gained...or so I've heard.

Whistler

Today was ski day for Nate's school. My friend and I tagged along and hit the slopes as well. We had a great time. It helped we had skiied here last year....we knew exactly where the best powder was. I even have hope that I won't be too sore tomorrow. I think the squats we did all of Dec and Jan really helped (Feb was a bit of a write-off in the exercise department!). The most painful part of today? Getting up at 4:20 am to get to the bus on time. Simply awful!!!!