T minus 9 days

Well, we are inching closer to Steve's test. I have to be honest. Today has been a hard one, emotionally for me. GA didn't make it through the night - teething, tummy issues, not sure what else. Dealing with a bank and the city govt only to find out that it isn't worth my time - just pay the fee for evidently mistyping my acct # so that I get charge a NSF fee even though there is money in our acct. Steve's stressed beyond description. Lily is starting to show the wear and tear of an uncertain life.

I am WORN out. God is providing for us financially (in some pretty neat and miraculous ways). Why can't I trust him emotionally? I am beautiful even when I am emotional. I choose to believe even when I don't feel it.

I just want this house to sell, sign a lease on an apt, and get started on our new life. Patience is not one of my strengths.

Family Update

Steve graduated, YEAH!!!, from JMU on Saturday. Now things aren't a whole lot different now. He's still stressed and he's still studying. He takes his PA board exam on Jan. 6th. Please be praying for him and us.

He has received a signed contract with an ortho office in Fredericksburg, VA. We have looked at houses and apts, but will not be making any financial commitments up there until after he passes his exam. I know he will, but we don't want to get ourselves into a financial mess if he - shhh - doesn't pass.

Please be praying for us in these specific areas (in no particular area of importance):
- Stephen's board exam on Jan. 6th
- Trip to Canada Jan. 7th
- House in L-burg to sell
- Find housing in Fred.
- Transition back to being a family living under one roof
- Support system to surface in Fred.
- Church in Fred.
- Lily - she's told us numerous times that she does NOT want to move
- Find a school for Lily
- Paperwork for Stephen to start work to be completed quickly (license, DEA #, hospital privileges)
- Smooth transition for Stephen as he starts work in Fred. Feb. 1st

I know this is the path we are to walk, but it doesn't make it any easier as I/we have to leave much that is familiar: awesome church family at LFCN, my parents, MOPS, etc.

Blissful quiet . . .

No, nothing going on here that shouldn't be. Both girls are soundly asleep. I had to share what happened this afternoon between Graceanne and I. I don't rock her all the way to sleep, but I do sing a couple songs as a routine to help her know it's time to rest.

GA's pacy fell out of her mouth and she started laughing hysterically. Thought it was a fluke - um, nope. For the next couple minutes, she had this gleam in her eye and a grin on her face. She would spit it out by chomping down on it and it would fling right out of her mouth. I wish I had had the camera handy to get a video. It was precious.

Lynchburg Living Photo Shoot Pics

Here are a few of the 80 some pictures that Daryl took!

Can I . . .

Dictate blog posts? Maybe I could borrow Steve's Dictaphone once he's working and pay some one else to type it all up for me.

Not enough time in my days . . .

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

I made this for the first time a few weeks ago for a MOPS recipe "competition. I must give credit where credit is due though. It isn't completely original. I modified a recipe that Grandma Robey made for years: Cherry Delight. Sorry Chris for messing with one of your favorites.

Pumpkin "Cheesecake"

Filling:
2 pkg cream cheese (I used 1/3 less fat)
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin (canned or fresh pureed)
1/2 t pumpkin pie spice
1/2 t cinnamon
1 small container of whipped topping (thawed)

Topping:
I small container of whipped cream (thawed)

Crust:
Nilla wafers
1/4 - 1/2 c melted butter

Crush enough Nilla wafers to cover the bottom of the pan. I use a 9 x 9 pan. (You could probably use 9x13 - it would just be thinner). Pour melted butter over the crushed wafers. Stir in pan you are using and press down (I do that just to keep from getting another dish dirty). Set aside.

Cream sugar and cream cheese. Add pumpkin and blend well. Add spices and blend well. Pour/spoon over crust.

You could probably go ahead and put the whipped topping layer on, but I forgot to pull both containers out of the refrigerator at the same time. I only had one thawed. I refrigerated the dessert until the whipped topping was thawed. Spread whipped topping over the filling layer. That seemed to help the filling layer "set" a little though.

Other than having to wait for the topping to thaw, it really only took me fifteen minutes or so to make. I did let Lily "crush" the Nilla wafers in a gallon baggie for me. I think that is all. Wish I had thought to take pictures!

30 days of Giveaways

Thirty days or Giveaways at NiHaoYall.com

Check it out by clicking on the button on the side bar!

"Our Song"

Lily has labeled this song as "our song." So proud of my girl for her developing sense of God and following Him. It also applies to where we are as a family right now. Steve has a interview nest week sometime. We don't know yet, b/c he doesn't have his schedule for November yet. They said just to let them know when he's available and they'll make it work. I suppose this song is truly our family anthem right now!

I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow...

All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my side
High above my life
I will trust in you alone

Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you

Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone

In you there's life everlasting
In you there's freedom for my soul
In you there joy, unending joy
and I will follow

And the countdown is down to . . .

59 days until Daddy graduates! Steve only has one more rotation after this one. Can you believe that we are just over 8 wks from school being over. The saga will continue for sometime. Until he gets a job and we get moved. SO blogging once a week hasn't happened. I really NEED to do that. Life's been hard lately, but I am learning SO much.

Lily:
1. GA, we’re under a tent. Daddy, Daddy, come . . . Oh (sigh) you’re not here.
2. Mommy, GA knows how to crawl.
3. L: “Boo, Boo, Chicka Boo. I said a Boo Boo Chicka Boo. That’s what I learned in Chapel.” Me: “Boom, Boom, Chicka Boom. I said a Boom Boom Chicka Boom. You didn’t know Mommy knew that song, did you? Mommy’s cool isn’t she?” L: “Yeah, You’re super cool.”
4. L: “You’re doing a great job, Mommy. Daddy will be SOOOO proud.” Said while I was simply using the broom. Can you tell that I don’t do it that often?

Graceanne:
1. GA has been saying "Hi" – very drawn out almost southern in nature :O
2. "Ma, ma, ma, ma, ma" – unfortunately, I must admit it is indiscriminatory at this point.
3. She is crawling. Backwards is faster than forwards, but the gates are going up.
4. She’s pulling up to her knees. She can stand holding onto something if you stand her up.

No pics right now. And I Quote "Image uploads will be disabled for two hours due to maintenance at 5:00PM PDT Wednesday, Oct. 20th." Why does this seem to coincide with the rare times that I decide to post?

Around the World in . . .

80 Days - that's right. We are down to to 80 days, 24 shifts, 2 weeks of testing, and who knows how many silent prayers of "Oh, God can we do this?"

80 seems like a drop in the bucket when compared to 856 - Yes I figured that one out.

Lilyisms

1. “It’s okay Mommy. Daddy is a good finder. He can look for it when he gets home.”

2. Ok, so this one has happened on several occasions. I think I have learned my lesson. Lily was hunched over very quietly. Me: “What are you doing? (in a not-so-pleasant tone)” “I’m praying for your back Mommy!” She, indeed, was praying and not getting into trouble.

3. From school: What is special about your family? “They have clean hearts.” I asked her about this. She said, “When we do bad things, our hearts get dirty and we have to ask Jesus to forgive us. You help me have a clean heart.”

4. “I like spending time with you, Daddy!”

5. “Daddy, are you going on rotation? I don’t want you to leave,”

6. “Oh, I hope there are some surprises in there!” She was VERY excited. Said as I was getting ready to change GA’s diaper. GA had not been having too many “surprises” for us and we were starting to get slightly worried

How did that happen?

I mean - getting so behind in updates and pictures that you don't realize you posted your September pics as August pics. I suppose that is what an infant (going through a growth spurt while you are nursing all while she is recovering from a kidney infection) will do to you.

Here are the August 2010 pics on FB.

I have decided that I need to start blogging once a week as a sort of therapy. It helps me track my accomplishments and appreciate the beautiful moments in the midst of the not-so-beautiful moments. I'll see what day will work best for me over the next week or so.

Steve has 34 more shifts and a total of 94 more days until graduation!!!!!!!!

New Pics on FB

I finally got July's pics up. Click here.

I went ahead and started August with a few pics of an "incident". Click here.

Enjoy~

My girls

Lily: She was crying BIG crocodile tears as the garbage truck was picking up our garbage. She thought it was going to take our garbage can and not bring it back. Later on, "I hope the garbage can doesn't take our truck." Took all I had not to laugh!

Graceanne: She is SO, SO very close to crawling. In fact, it is making it more difficult for her to go down for her naps. It took her 40 minutes to fall asleep and then only slept for 25 mins. I kept checking on her and found her in too many different positions to count. At one point, she was playing with the slats on her crib. Less than two minutes later, she had her legs stuck in the slats and coundn't get turned around.

I am thankful that I don't have to leave my girls in the care of someone else everyday. I realize that there are many capable people, but I am thanking God in advance for providing for our every need until Steve is done with school. I am sure he will continue to provide after that as well. : )

God give me the peace, wisdom, and dare I ask for it (patience) to mother these beautiful blessings. 116 days until Steve graduates.

The Battle is His

I am weary. I am tired. I don't know how to do my life anymore. I have made a point to stay off the computer more lately. I tend to get depressed when I feel like I am wasting my time. I woke up this morning about 4. Not been sleeping well. Thought it was better, but not really.

Graceanne is discombobulated (is that even a word?). Lily is more defiant than ever. Is their behavior a result of mine? No - I don't believe it is. Satan let up on us for awhile, but I believe his is back - not that he ever really went away. Kept at bay by your prayers?

Steve is about to start what will probably be the worst month of his entire program. I don't know if the sleeplessness is from the Zoloft or the uncontrolled anxiety. It has been nearly two weeks.

I asked God if I could check my email and felt like he said it was okay. I then checked a couple of blogs. "The Battle is His." Two in particular were helpful. I am really indecisive. I need clarity - who doesn't? Just pray - please.

I sat down to just type simply - PRAY! But . . . these words came out.

Stealin' a minute

I really haven't had a minute to spare to be on this blog or hardly even to check e-mail or FB. The girls are keeping me busy and my brother and his "fam" are in town.

The girls are great. Graceanne can nearly sit up without support. She looks like she is about to take off and crawl when you put her on her tummy. Her gums are bulging (or at least I think they are). We might have teeth before too long.

Lily is still Lily and has ever more witty things to say. She is LOVE, LOVE, LOVIN' having her cousins in town. Although it is busy, I really am enjoying her play with Chris and Kim's kids. My parents have been the official photographers for me, so you'll just have to wait on pics.

Steve has one more week working at the hospital in South Boston before he moves on to C-ville. He will be home tonight - though not until after Lily is in bed. In another week, we will be through 7 of 11 clinical rotations! Please be in pray that God will make it VERY clear where we are to be. We don't really have any idea where we are going to be and I think Steve is getting a little nervous.

Me - well - I've been better to be honest. I started back on some meds to help manage the stress and anxiety. I don't hide it, because I know it is very real and hopefully, what I say and experience will encourage someone else. I have been on it now for a week and have had only one major side effect, but it is a DOOZY! Insomnia is just not fun when you have a 4 yr old and a 5 mth old. Please keep me in your prayers. It should start easing up in the next week, but it is a VICIOUS cycle. Lack of sleep breeds anxiety and anxiety breeds lack of sleep!

Jesus and Lily

Lily,

I hope that you remember this past Monday for the rest of your life. I must be honest that I have put you off on this topic for awhile. I was (and still am to some degree) afraid that you would be plagued with doubts about whether you really had meant what you prayed (like me).

You have been talking about Jesus being your best friend for quite some time. Over the last couple weeks you have only wanted to read about Jesus when you pulled your Bible out. You have known for a long time that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, so that we could go to heaven.

On Monday, July 21, 2010, you very simply and sweetly asked Jesus to come live in your heart at breakfast. You point blank told me that you wanted to ask Jesus to live in your heart. I couldn't put it off any longer.

May you grow in your relationship with Him always. I know that we often don't see eye-to-eye and "lock horns" at times. Know that I love you more than I can say. More than anything else I pray that you will trust Him always even when I fail you.

I love you so much it hurts!

"I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be." Munch

Love,

Mommy

July Lilyisms

"Against these things there is no more law" Galatians under 4:6 (really 5:23)

__________________________________________

I was getting ready for a date with Stephen.: “Mommy, You look fabulous!”

__________________________________________

Wish I can be a cell phone, then I can fit in your backpack

__________________________________________

Lily heard a noise that sounded a little like the front door opening when we were in the kitchen. She called out, "Daddy?" I said no, he'll be home tomorrow. I couldn't decide whether to cry or smile.

__________________________________________

I took an ate some of the cookie.

__________________________________________

"Save one for Daddy. He likes Snucklebritches too. " Talking about Snickerdoodles. Grandpa Robey called her Snucklebritches.

__________________________________________

"That boy has funny hair. It’s kinda like a porcupine." Very fortunate that we were far enough away that he couldn’t hear her as the boy’s mom walked up just then and she had a Mohawk too!

__________________________________________

Will you please stop getting in my room? I’m just dressing my hair.

Graceanne

I realized that I have tried to write down and post some of what Lily says and does, but haven't done much of that with Graceanne, so here's a quick update!

She is nearing 13 lbs - maybe over that a little. She can roll over back to front and front to back. She is trying her best to get her bottom two teeth: Drool, gnawing on EVERYTHING, cranky (very unusual for her), not sleeping or eating like she used to. She's getting close to being able to sit unsupported.

We started her on solids about a month ago and it gave her TONS of gas, so we stopped for awhile. We are going about it slower this time. I was giving her too much, too quickly. She ate it like a champ, no coaxing or mess (much like her Daddy!). Hopefully, we will have more success this time!

Her favorite things right now are her floor gym, exersaucer, and Lily. Boy does she LOVE her sister. Not sure that will continue, but it is great for now!

June 2010 Pics

Here you go for more pics on Facebook. I am nearly caught up. Maybe by the end of the month I can post the pics as we take them? I don't know though. Between Lily and I, we have at total of 9 appointments this week. Starting to run ragged!

May 2010

Here is the link to more pictures on Facebook. Wish I could have more directly here. You do not have to be on Facebook to view the pics.

Look Who's Sleeping

Had to post this picture. She is still sleeping. She was playing very nicely and quietly while Graceanne nursed. When we were finished, I hadn't heard anything out of Lily in about 5 minutes and this is what I found.

April 2010 Pics

Trying to play catch up. Hope this works. If not, they will show up on Facebook. Guess what? It took at least 20 min for these three to upload :(

Click here for more pics!

Lilyisms

Hopefully, I will get better at posting now that school is out.

1. "Oh, that was not kind. (Folds hands and bows her head) I’m sorry Jesus for being mean. Will you forgive me please? Thank You."

2. " I want to cook a fish on your head."

3. Winks, tilts her head and points at you with her pointer finger.

4. I was asking her to name all her body parts. When I came to “bottom” – "You mean this bottom? (pulling her pants down and mooning me with a huge smile on her face)"

5. "I have a pretty necklace for you, because you married my Daddy."

6. While reading “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” About half way through L: Remember she’s sick. She needs to go to the doctor. Me: Huh? L: Member? Me: Oh, she’s “homesick.” Conversation about homesickness begins.

7. L: Sh-not, sh-not, sh-not (over and over again sounding like a modified snot) Me: laughing under my breath because she doesn’t know what she is saying. L: What? Why are you laughing? Me: Because I love you SOO much! L: Oh

8. Overheard while having a tea party by herself: The Mighty One, The Mighty One, King of Kings, King of Kings. He is the Mighty One, the king of kings!

9. Singing what I think is her old school’s theme song: Peach of the Savior (rubbing her cheek), He’s the apple of my eye (pointing to her eye), He bears the fruit in season (I think), bananas for the Lord (wiggling her bottom), Glory, glory we’re the branches!

10. Inviting me to a camp-out: “Come on mommy, lay down and rest. Your back will feel better in the morning.” We both laid down and fell asleep. “It’s wake-up time. Your back feels better?”

Schools Out

I know I haven't posted the official word here, so I thought I should. School is out for the summer and I am done teaching - for quite sometime. I will not be returning to school in the fall. Today was so emotional for me. I cried the entire way to school. I cried as the buses pulled out. Last year I was dancing in the halls on the last day. It is such a different experience knowing that you are not returning.

I thought I would be the one to walk away and not look back, but it was SO much harder than I thought it would be. Many factors went into our decision. The chief being the fact that about 60% of my take-home pay would've been daycare and gas just to get to work. Continue to pray for us. We have about 6 months until Steve is done with school. The stress of working with two girls is gone, but another stress is looming - How do we pay the bills between now and then? I am strangely at peace. I know we are smack in the middle of God's will - maybe that's it.

I promise to try and catch up with picture posts in the coming weeks!

"Better than a Hallelujah"

I know I could apologize for not posting here in a month, but most of you can figure out why if you have followed our blog for any amount of time at all.

Something has been nagging at me for quite sometime. I haven't been purposeful in my relationship with God at all lately. Not giving him even close to what he desires. I have tried to start seeing him in the everyday moments. Like when I am rocking Graceanne or reading stories out of Lily's Bible to her for the upteenth time. Reading out of her Bible is still reading the Bible and I should not just read it to get it over with. I WILL be thankful that she wants to read it and even can "read" the stories to me.

12 days ago I was at my breaking point. If I have learned anything in my walk with Christ - it is this: BE HONEST WITH HIM! Don't try and gloss it over. Put your feelings out there for him to hear - whatever they are (anger, disbelief, discouragement, etc)! Steve let me vent. Not about or at him, but blow some steam off. I ranted and raved about how I could NOT do this anymore. I was tired of trying to DO my life right now. You name it and I named it! School, home, EVERYTHING! I was absolutely D - O - N - E!

It wasn't pretty and I was exhausted. The next day in church was a little rough too. Usually, I thoroughly enjoy worship. I wasn't frustrated anymore - just wiped out. Emotionally, and physically. Steve asked if I wanted to go pray. My tears that had be welling up just busted out. We prayed without words. The song was so perfect and fitting. I can't remember it now, but it spoke much of what was in my heart.

Then I heard "Better Than a Hallelujah" in a whole new light. I had to put the lyrics here for you to read. I put the words than really stuck out to me in bold.

Better Than a Hallelujah
God loves a lullaby
In a mothers tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
God loves the drunkards cry,
The soldiers plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
Better than a church bell ringing,
Better than a choir singing out,singing out.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
better than a choir singin' loud
singin' loud
Repeat Chorus

Now, my life is no different than it was 12 days ago. Life is still hard. I still make mistakes and lots of them. But I feel different. God heard my cries and took me seriously when I said I couldn't handle it anymore. I told Steve and God that if God wanted me to keep doing what I was doing and make it through that God was going to HAVE to be the one to change my heart and give me the strength, peace, and endurance that I needed. I knew that I could NOT do it myself.

Mom - I know you told me to just go to bed. Sorry, I couldn't. I had to post this. Sorry, there aren't as many posts as I would like. I would love to post like I used to. Sorry, there aren't as many pictures. I am not as eloquent as some. My thoughts aren't as insightful or funny as some. They certainly aren't as theological as some.

I am just trying to walk in obedience by putting one foot in front of the other. Steve is in his 6th of 11 rotations; his 22nd of 27 months of PA school; the 55th of 61 months since this fateful life-changing journey began! Keep praying us through. I'm pretty sure that Satan knows we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. And no I know it isn't another train. Satan would leave us alone if we were going to be taken out completely. He's only bothering us, because he knows God has big plans for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She did it!

I thought (wishful - I know) that we had avoided this situation. I've worked hard : ) over the last three years to get her hair all one length. Less than a month ago, Lily had her 2nd salon cut and it was officially ALL one length.

Now, I do have to give her credit . . . I will not be needing to take her to get it "fixed" as it appears that she did a pretty good job. Maybe she'll work in a salon - I suppose only if we can't get gymnastics to pay for our retirement!

Feedings

Well, I have to be honest here. I have not been feeding myself spiritually like I should since Graceanne was born. I am trying, but not hard enough. I was feeding Graceanne a few days ago and I had the following thoughts:

Graceanne was not cooperating during a feeding. She was refusing most of her bottle. I was frustrated, because I knew she needed it to grow. My heart ached, because I knew Graceanne wasn't eating and I couldn't make her.

That little voice in my head said, "That is just like when I try to feed you, so you can grow." God can't force me to "eat," so that I can grow. His heart must ache the same (or more) as mine. I need to open my eyes more to seeing God in the EVERYDAY moments - like feeding my baby girl!

I don't know where to go from here with this. Except to ask God's help in continuing to strive to MAKE time for him. Asking him not to give up on me in the process!

His mercies are new EVERY morning!

Lily's 4th Bday

In process of uploading pictures to FB. Here is the link:


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53654&id=1065191421&l=4db44a1399

More to come later!

April Lilyisms

I know it has been three months since I posted any Lilyisms. I'm sorry for that. I have been trying to write them down, so I have quite a few. I'll see how many I get typed up for you before Graceanne needs to eat again.

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"Graceanne, God is healing your belly button!!!!!!!!!!!!"
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At pre-school, they use green/yellow/red lights for behavior.
"You've got all green lights, Mommy. I'm proud of you!"
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Me: "What are you doing?"
L: lots of mumbling
Me: "Get off the computer!"
L: "I'm just checking my email."
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"Who wants one of these? Raise your hand?" "What kind of cookie do you want? Marshmallow or chocolate?"
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After Steve and I had "discussed" something:
L: "Do you want me to put you in time-out?"
Me: "No"
L: "Do you want me to put you or Daddy in time-out?" (modeling the giving of choices)
Me: "Daddy"
L: "Daddy your in time-out!"
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After a few of her friends were arguing over some toys, she placed her hands on their shoulders and said:
"Friends, The Bible says be kind one another!"
__________________________________________

L: "What are you doing?"
Steve: "My work"
L "Your study work?"
Steve: "Yes, my study work."
L: "Daddy, this is not a school. This is our house."
__________________________________________

"On your MARKET, set, go!"
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Talking about one of her babies:
"This is MY Graceanne."
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Lily comes running out of her bedroom frantic not long after going down for her nap. She had her new duck from a neighbor in one hand and one of the duck's wings in the other:
"I broke her arm!!!!"
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Last but certainly not least! Just yesterday:
L: "Alice (her doll) died!"

I thought about just blowing it off her off with a "ok," but decided to play along
Me: "You know Lily, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. I bet if you pray to Jesus he will heal her."
L: Bows her head and then proceeds to run back to her room. She comes out of her room saying this:
"She's alive. Jesus healed her!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Oh, the faith of a little child (or big girl in Lily's case). I pray that her faith remains strong! Gotta go feed the littlest one and head to bed. I hope it won't be another three months before I post more!

New pics on Facebook

I have given up posting pics here unless I have loads of time to waste - which won't probably happen for at least another 18 years.

So . . . here is the link to the pics on Facebook. You don't have to be a member to view them.

By the way . . . It won't be tonight, but I have a list going of Lilyisms. I'll hopefully get them posted in the next, ummmmm, year - MAYBE!

Pictures

I tried to upload pics today to the blog, but blogger wasn't cooperating. I uploaded them to Facebook. Hope you are on FB to see them here.

G's First Weeks Home

facebook Jen Robey Woof 6:35pm Feb 27th G's First Weeks Home To woofs2china.threecountryfamily@blogger.com   Jen has shared a link to an album with you. To view the album or to reply to the message, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1065191421&k=Z6CYXWV6W6TF6BD1QJ5ZYWPRV4IB42XGVQEQJ&oid=1220195753291 If you do not wish to receive this type of email from Facebook in the future, please click here to unsubscribe. Facebook's offices are located at 1601 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304.

Graceanne

facebook Jen Robey Woof 6:24pm Feb 27th Graceanne To woofs2china.threecountryfamily@blogger.com   Pics added here if you are interested. Jen has shared a link to an album with you. To view the album or to reply to the message, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1065191421&k=Z6CYXWV6W6TF6BD1QJ5ZYWPRV4IB42XGVVHXE&oid=1242896554001 If you do not wish to receive this type of email from Facebook in the future, please click here to unsubscribe. Facebook's offices are located at 1601 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304.

Graceanne Elizabeth Woof

For those of you who aren't on facebook and haven't heard:

Graceanne Elizabeth Woof

2/14/10

11:11 pm

7 lbs 12 oz

20"

I have wanted to make more phone calls than I have had time and post more than I have had time for. Notice the time it is now :)

38 Weeks, 2 days

Another check-up down! I/we are making progress, but labor doesn't seem to be around the corner. I am out of school again tomorrow. I can not tell you HOW very thankful I am to have had these last couple weeks :) off of school. Not sure how I would have made it otherwise.

Could be tomorrow or another week. Praying that I don't have to return to work before she decides to make her appearance!

Come On Mom . . .

Lily: Come on mom. We're going to bring them to our house and give them love, joy, peace, and patience."

Me: Who?

Lily: Miss Robin, Jess, and all my friends. We're going to give them kindly, faithfulness, and CREDIT CARDS!

Me: (Busting out in laughter) What?

37 Weeks

Well,I am down to just under 3 weeks to go. I was supposed to have an ultrasound and appointment with the doctor tomorrow, but I re-scheduled for today since I knew that I was out of school. (BTW, just found out we are out again tomorrow. I'm not laying best on a return to school before next week as tonight we are getting ice).

Doc wanted to do the ultrasound to make sure that our little girl was growing and that my fluid level was okay. I guess last week I only measured at 32 weeks, but I was 36. Turns out she is fine. I'm just not getting as big as most women do. Thanks Grandma Abel for the genes. Wish you were here to experience this! In fact, their estimate from the ultrasound is 6 lbs. 14 oz. with THREE weeks to go. I asked him if I had to go 40 weeks because I didn't want to have a 9 lb baby!

Not much of a picture. Late-term ultrasound pics usually are not very detailed. There were three other files on the CD, but this is the only one that would open. I did find out the bulge that I keep pushing away is actually her foot. She got a good picture of it.

Everything else was fine. I asked him if he had any better idea of when I might deliver. Not really. I could go tomorrow or not for another two weeks. She is still a she and she has dropped

January Lilyisms

"I'm the mommy. I know you are the mommy and I'm the daughter, but you're my precious baby now. Oh no! There is a bad monster. You a BAD monster! (talking to the monster). I shoot him and now he's dead!" I can usually tell when she has spent time with two of her good friends who are boys and who happen to be slightly older than her. That's when she comes up with such stuff!

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There were more that I had written down, but now I have to go find them. The were on a large sticky note right by the computer. Steve even remembers seeing them there too, but they are missing now. Wouldn't be surprised if I find it in Lily's bedroom somewhere!

I'm so Proud!

I am so proud of Steve. He had his first visit from the clinical education coordinator yesterday. Alden told him that it is all down hill from here though. The site Steve is at is known to be particularly hard and have long hours. Alden chose the three students to put there, but they are older students who have more life experience and are more mature. Not the young ones fresh out of under grad.

I can only assume that the younger crowd tends to not quite understand work ethic, etc. I knew my hubby could handle it. I am just glad that someone else sees it too. Alden said that Steve will flat out seem bored by several of his rotations from here on out. Hey, at least he is getting the worst out of the way before the baby arrives.

Now back to bed to try and sleep a little since I just saw school is on a 2 hr DELAY! WOOHOO!

35 wks 2 days

I haven't posted a pregnancy update in while. I suppose I should since there might not be too many left to do (hopefully).

I had a check-up today. Doc said pregnancy is fine, but the rest of me seems to be falling apart. I am now on an antibiotic for bronchitis (like Lily was last week) and Ambian to help me sleep. I haven't been sleeping more than a couple of hours total a night. Sinus stuff, coughing, and pain in my shoulder. I have been slightly irritable. :(

Here's to hoping the doc made the right choices for meds and I start to feel a little better. I wasn't due to go back to see him again until Feb. 3rd, but he wants me back next week to check on my chest congestion and sleeping. Here goes to weekly OB visits - from now until baby arrives!

4 1/2 wks to go!!!!!!!!!!!

Frustration or Joy

Frustrations:
I will start with my frustration so I can get it off my chest. Lily has been particularly obnoxious in the last 15 hours or so. She likes to refuse to eat. I am not exactly sure where it comes from, but I have my suspicions that it is one way for her to have some control. I try to give her choices whenever appropriate. When it comes to eating, I don't make her eat. I also refuse to fix something different for her. We had soup last night.

She tasted it and said it was delicious and wonderful. Then proceeded to refuse to eat anything after the first couple bites. We had a playdate scheduled for 10 this morning. She got up this morning and I told her that we wouldn't go to the playdate until she ate the soup from the night before. She ate the first bit in decent time for her, but was refusing to eat the last three (literally) bites. I called our "date" in ear shot and explained that Lily was having a hard morning and that we might not be coming. As soon as I hung up the phone, the three bites were gone. It took her at least an hour and a half and then it was over in about 30 seconds. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joys:
I happened to have the news on while we had a picnic dinner (of pizza) in the living room. The local news put up a few pictures of children from Haiti. Nothing graphic - just sad faces. I was wanting to talk to Lily about Haiti at some point and let her shop for some ready-to-eat food giving her the opportunity to tangibly participate. Lily asked what was wrong. I explained to her that their houses fell down and they didn't have any food right now. "We need to put some in the car and help them." At first I thought she meant bring the children home, but she clarified herself. "We need to buy some food and take it to them. It is far away and we need an airplane."

We went shopping and Lily was allowed to pick out items. I asked her how many of each. "Seven" They got 7 cans of each food item and 7 gallons of water. We dropped them off in Danville at God's Pit Crew's drop off point while we were visiting Steve.

Reflection:
I know I need to focus on the joys, but there are times when that is hardly sufficient to persevering through the frustrations. I don't mean to come off as so negative. It is just where I am right now.

December Lily"isms"

iTouch - Lily knows how to operate Steve's iTouch. She knows how to unlock it (by sliding). She can find the games and open them to play them. It is really quite interesting to watch.
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L to one of her dolls: "I know it's hurting sweet pie."
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L (crying and very emotional): "I want putong!"
Me: "I do to, Lily. But it is still going to be awhile."
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L: "Daddy, I smell poo-poo. Did you toot?"
I think she learned the word "toot" at school.
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Me: "Can you do it Lily?"
L: " I can handle it. I can handle it"
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Lily "wrote" a story/mini-book at school. She drew a few lines and then Miss Je** wrote what Lily told her. Here is the translation:

"The Mean Squirrel" by Lily

Great is the Lord and Mighty in power (one of her memory verses). The squirrel had a friend a cow. The squirrel pinched the cow and him said said "oww." The squirrel said, "I'm sorry" and they were friends.

The End

Cars - Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't live w/ 'em. Can't live w/o 'em. Remember when the battery died in my car less than a month ago? Well, today Steve's car thought it was its turn - while Steve was still in D-ville! We replaced that battery less than 2 yrs ago. Maybe less than 18 mths.

It was a frustrating and seemingly endless experience. Suffice it to say. Steve was done in D-ville ready to come home WAY earlier than expected at 2 pm. He is still not home, but should be within 30 min maybe less. WAY more drama than I wanted tonight.

Just thankful he is nearly home!

Way TOO Funny

Mom and I headed to C-ville to do a tad bit of baby shopping. I hope we have most of what we absolutely NEED. I shouldn't be posting this. I should be in bed, but I HAVE to.

For those who don't know, my mom is state director for CWA. On the return trip, she made a phone call for CWA. I was starting to get a little impatient with her talking politics (even if it was concerning an important family/moral issue).

I was kidding around and held my hand over my mouth and pretended to make crackling sounds and said, "Sorry, L****, I'm getting ready to lose you." I REALLY was just kidding. Evidently, L**** heard me, thought it really was Mom, and said "Ok, Bye," and hung up!

After a few minutes of collecting ourselves from laughing so hysterically. she called her back and let her know that it was a joke :)