Family News
Baby #3 is on the way- expected in mid-October. And you know we're not April Fooling since we actually announced a good week and a half ago ;) We are so blessed and thankful! When we shared with Katelyn that mommy had a baby in her tummy, she immediately said "i have a baby in my tummy too" then immediately asked "Daddy, what's in your tummy?" We laughed. Luke probably laughed the loudest- although the kid had no clue what he was laughing about. He loves to find excuses to laugh! And Kate sure gives him plenty of opportunity. She's excited for another baby brother/sister and Luke... well, Luke has no clue ;) I'm sure it'll click for him before baby's due but we've got some time.
This pregnancy has not been an easy one to say the least. Despite trying countless different "remedies" for sickness, I've truly found nothing that helps. As the weeks go on I realize that no matter what I do, I start to feel better during the week, then as the weekend hits (despite taking/not taking the same pills/vitamins, eating the exact same foods, getting the same amount of rest/sleep) that sickness tends to hit again. It usually hits anytime from Thurs-Monday and lasts a couple of days hardcore, then backs off a bit and I may have a really good day or two in there. From my research, I realize it's my HCG levels spiking (sick) and leveling out (not sick) and really nothing I do can touch it. The only relief I've found is sometimes zofran, but because of all the media/lawsuits out surrounding it, despite my dr. being confident that it is completely safe, I'm still terrified every time I take it that I'm going to harm the baby so I try to take it as least often as possible, which usually ends up about once, maybe twice a day through the rough days. But more than anything, I feel sorry for everyone around me. I've become a burden to everyone. The house is a disaster, I'm a barely involved mama when I'm home, laundry has gone to pot, food makes me frustrated to think about because I'm obsessed with getting enough protein (I'm still convinced that that is the only thing that at least helps the nausea/sickness) and it's stressful to even think about feeding myself, no less my hubby and kiddos. My poor husband puts his kids and wife to bed at the same time, he does laundry, dishes, cleaning, and has sacrificed so much more than I ever could ask of him to try and make life work for all of us. I am so so blessed to have him as my husband and he deserves serious praise and gifts and crowns in heaven for all he's done. Dorthy and Krystle have taken kids when I couldn't function enough to take care of them myself when Ty is working. And through it all, I'm really really struggling with self-pity. I know that this is all for a wonderful cause and eventually will be worth it. And in this season, I'm remembering that in Jesus' suffering (which is- oh, you know, a million times worse than I could ever imagine as it wasn't just physical suffering but spiritual suffering as His heavenly Father turned His back while Jesus took all our sins on his shoulders), he never complained. He still willingly walked into the city on Palm Sunday. He willingly went with the soldiers to be led to his trials. He stayed up on that cross even though he had the power to kill all of his abusers. All for me. And here I am wallowing. Jesus forgive me. If you think of it, please pray for our family as we get through this time. Pray for my husband to have strength and perseverance. Pray for me to get outside of myself and remember the HUGE blessings that this child brings. For me to remember that even carrying a child is something that many don't get the chance to feel or experience. For my kiddos to understand and know their mommy loves them even if I don't give them much attention or time these days. I am 12 weeks so hopefully, we're looking at a turn around at some point. Baby is measuring right on and has a strong heartbeat so that is a HUGE blessing. I also, in deep sickness one day, got to actually feel the baby! Only once so far (it's way early) but it was very much a flip happening in there. For that moment, it made the sickness just a little easier to bear. OH and if any of you have any suggestions or ideas for me to try to combat the sickness, please, I'm all ears! I've probably already tried it, BUT in case there's a chance I missed something, let me know :)
Katelyn Updates (2 1/2 years old)
-"by myself"- uses this phrase ALL the time. Even if she didn't do it by herself, she tells me she did. Becoming independent.-big heart- Kate is always asking me if I feel sick, and if I say yes, she says "Jesus help you".
-Opens doors
-Teaching her brother colors. She's so patient! (see video at the bottom)
-Imagination: I think she really understands there's a baby in my tummy as she asks me often if baby is growing and she knows that mommy is sick because of the growing baby. She has a renewed love of "baby things" (not necessarily baby dolls, but pretending to hold a baby in her arms and pretending it's crying, rocking it to sleep, feeding it "breakfast"- oh boy...). I'm thinking about having her come with us to the next ultrasound to see the baby. I think she'd do well and completely understand it but we'll see.
Luke Updates (almost 1 1/2 years old)
-A few new words: "car" (Caaaah?), "nigh nigh da da" "blue" (booo) (see above)-Luke is quite the wanderer. He does not stay by my side when we are out. At 12 months, Kate had to learn to stand on the yellow line in the parking lot next to me while I used both hands to get Luke's car seat out. She always listened and obeyed and it didn't take long before I could trust her to stay. Luke? I wouldn't dare try that with Luke! Even when I do hold his hand to keep him next to me, he tries to break free, to the point of leaning away from me making it really hard to hang on.
-Starting to understand more and more about following simple directions.
-LOVES to make noise. Legos clashing together is one of his favorites!
-Can get down our one step in our family room without holding on to anything? It happened for the first time today and very much surprised me! Although a few weeks ago he was practicing going up/down the step holding on to the wall so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
-Really trying to make more sounds/words. He mimics what we say and feel like his language will explode in the next couple of months. (Made me remember Kate saying "simmsooo" (swimsuit). This is a fun developmental time! Makes me realize yet another reason I need to get over myself when I'm really sick.
K: "Can you say pink?"
L: "peeen"
K: "good job Can you say green?"
L; "boo"
K: "no, not blue, say green"
L: "booo"
K: No, that's not blue. This is blue. say blue"
L: *eye rub* (you know inside he's like "alright already, I said one color, lay off!")
