Adjustments--Oy!

Bouncing back from Petra's birth has been a little less bouncy then we all anticipated. Unfortunately the fourth time around the block is a little slower then the first time. But it is wonderful to be able to eat, to have an appetite and to think food is a good thing once it enters my mouth. I must admit that I am still sore and still tired, but all this is to be expected.

The boys have been very excited to have a new sister and very attentive. They are interested in her diaper changes and most especially making sure she doesn't choke when she spits up. I have two automatic alarms going off if she so much as blinks an eye. Very convenient, maybe too convenient. They love their sister and are making room in the home for her very sweetly. Even Gresham is excited for her, much better then at the hospital, I suppose his world hasn't changed too awful much.

Petra is a very good baby. She is not as active and fussy as we anticipated based on the pregnancy and her activity level and heart rate norms during every check up. She is very snuggly and sweet tempered. She is nursing very well, although a little bit lazy.

All in all we are doing wonderfully compared to this time last week. Very excited to have added once again to our little family and so thankful for His mercy in our lives and especially our family. I am made aware of His mercy in the timing of this birth and the adjustments we are all making. Being a mom is never easy but it is always a way for me to see His working in my life and the lives of each member in this household and one inescapable fact always resonates with us---He is always good.

Blessings!

More Pictures of Our Girly

Mauling

She swears that this did not intimidate her at all! I am intimidated by just looking at it! Love ya Jenn!!

When Will She Arrive?

I had another check-up today after the Sunday adventure at the hospital that revealed a dropping baby. She is now nearly ready to come and greet us, positionally if not physically. We shall just have to wait and see when our newest member decides to arrive. I am currently dilated to 3cm, but have been assured by the doctors that this could mean something or it could mean absolutely nothing. I have run out of questions for the simple fact that I cannot get any answers to them. Please continue to pray for Petra that she would not arrive too early. I am now almost 36 weeks, but still it is pretty early for a baby (even though that is what we all want, right?!).

We hope that you all will take some time this evening to pray for the memorial service being held in honor of the life of Asher Chappell. That many would hear the truths of the gospel from his life and glorify our Father in heaven. I know that the Lord is using Asher's Life already in a mighty and powerful way to touch hearts and minds with His truth! Pray also for his Momma and Daddy that they would be drawn ever nearer to the throne of glory.

Moral Support

We have been pretty scarce with preggo pictures, so Will thought he would be my moral support. It was so much fun I had to share it!!!


The Pregnant Man


Petra inside.


And just to make this worth a view, the three crazies!

It's the Pits

We had another check and things are still not back to normal. I am dehydrated again and haven't returned all the weight yet. I am not still as low as I was before but things still aren't back to even the psuedo normal we had for three weeks. We continue to pray that things will improve, but if they do not we ar content to simply rely on Him still further in this time of physical strain. We have the ultra sound next Wednesday. We will update everyone after that!!!

Back To The Hospital Again...

So I went back to the hospital again today, after a horrendous weekend, a three day headache (which wasn't a migraine according to the doctor) which just finally let up, serious pains in nearly every part of my body (except my calves and feet), nausea and dizziness. But it seems that there is nothing wrong with me. I feel like such a complete idiot every time I go to the doctor. Seriously things could be worse, I know that, but I cannot stop desiring some relief.

One thing I am more aware of then ever is, that even though these highly trained, highly educated people cannot find something wrong with me--God Knows and He isn't simply watching it happen, He is active and moving. I am such a weak and disposable little being. My life is chaff, it will wither very unnoticably and blow away. How weak and unsearchable these human bodies of ours are and how all powerful that makes my God become in my own eyes, more glorious.

No matter what--He has ordained this struggle and this pain, this will be good for my soul in the long run to reveal the deep depravity of my heart yet known to me (like self sacrifice and patience and long suffering all of which I do not particularly excel at) and crusify this flesh furthur. Confession is the action of the hour, minute, second because it seems this heat is bringing many bubbles boiling to the top. I am still so very, very weak in many areas. Here are just a few....


Honestly I am heartily disappointed in myself....but to look upon the cross....

He disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. (Hebrews 12:10b-15.)

Five months update on Baby #4

So I had my fifth month check last week and wanted to let everyone know how things are going! Since everyone is DYING to know the gender of this newest little one I was compelled (mostly by my nosy husband, although I wondered as well!) to ask for another ultrasound. So there is no confusion please read carefully!

There is no chance of getting third ultrasound! Unless there is something wrong!

We are a little disappointed in this developement, but also excited that everyone, including us is going to get a great big surprise come september! Don't start biting your nails! It won't be too long! I hope! All I know is that when this young person makes their first appearance we will all be very excited to welcome them!

Here are some new pictures of the Crazy Boys! ENJOY!!