HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

36 WEEK UPDATE

I had a doctor's appointment this morning and I am 1 1/2-2cm dilated and about 25% efaced. I know that many women can walk around like this for weeks, so I'm trying to not get overly exited at this point. For those of you who thought it looked like he had dropped, he hasn't. He said he's still floating around up in there. We will just have to wait and see what a week brings. My next appointment is on Tuesday, the 5th. Even still, Caleb will be here very soon!

Piles and Piles

Let the washing begin!!

***Update on Michelle and Josh - They have a precious new baby boy, Josiah Alexander!!***

About a year ago I met through e-mail, Josh and Michelle Mott, who are friends of the family. Unfortunately, we met because we both had lost our first babies. It has been nice having someone to talk to who understands what you are feeling and going though and I hope that we will be able to meet face to face soon.

Fortunately, we have both been blessed with new babies and we have been in contact the last nine months encouraging each other also! They do not know what they are having, but were scheduled to have a c-section on Monday the 27th. I just received an e-mail that they are performing a c-section this afternoon at 4:00.

Please pray with me that they will be holding their sweet, vibrant baby in their arms very soon!

Baby Shower

This past weekend a few of my friends threw me a baby shower. We received so many great things and we are so thankful for such a wonderful family and group of friends!

I will post more pictures as I get them.

A New Favorite

Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups chicken broth

2 cans (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large skillet, saute the onion, yellow pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker, stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through.

* I used ground turkey instead of cubed turkey and I just left it in a covered stock pot for 4 hours.*

I was a bit leary about the pumpkin in the chili, but this recipe is absolutely wonderful! I would suggest giving it a try!

Kids Playing Soccer

I had the privilege of spending a few hours with our friends The Campbell's on Saturday. We ate at Cracker Barrell (always one of my favorite places!) and then I got to watch Tristan play his last soccer game. I didn't realize how hilarious it can be to watch these little kids play. I can't wait until we get to do this one day!

Kenna wasn't to thrilled to be there.........
Until she got her hands on some orange slices.

We always love spending time with The Campbells!

November 25th

My original due date was November 25th, with a few ultrasounds having me at November 22nd. I, of course, decided to take the earlier date...but my doctor keeps insisting on the original date. So, at my appointment today, I made a point to ask him if he'd let me go over my due date. Without even thinking about it, he said, "NO"!! Do you know what that means?? We should have a baby by November 25th! Caleb is still looking strong and healthy. When I get to 36 weeks he will start giving me exams each week to see if I've started dilating and we will go from there.

The family (mom, mom-in-law, sister, niece, grandma, aunt and cousin's wife) will all be here Thursday for the baby shower my friends are throwing me next weekend. I am looking forward to having them here.

Shawn is doing well. We got to talk over Skype this week and that was great! I'm glad we have decided to do that and I think that it'll help our communication this time. Plus, it'll be great once Caleb's here.

October's Belly Picture

I almost didn't take an official October belly picture because we had taken all of those other ones when Shawn was still here....but I figured I'd better do it anyway.

Here's a picture of the infamous "belly bra". Crazy contraption!

Finish Line Coming Into Sight

I look at the calendar each week just to tell myself that I have made it to 30 weeks, 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks and I realize with each passing week how quickly that due date is getting here! We are definitely ready for Caleb to be here and are praying the next few (I like to say "few" because it seems closer:o) weeks go by quickly and without complication.

And without consciously thinking about it I am fearful. I have had a few tough moments throught my pregnancy, but for the most part, God has granted me with so much peace, it's almost unbelievable.

As this week approached, I kept telling myself how great I was doing and how amazed I was that I hadn't completely broken down. So much for that......

We stepped into the doctor's office when I was 33 and 1/2 weeks only to find out that we had lost Brady and I am now at that 33 week mark. It is still strange to me how the memory of that day, the hurt, the pain, the why can hit you like a Mack truck; like you never saw it coming. I think that it's probably better than living with it on a daily basis, but I am baffled every time it happens.

Well it happened this weekend even without thinking about it. I realized we are now stepping into uncharted territory. I didn't make it past the 34 week mark and so now I don't know what to expect. I know I am way more aware of the small movements, the aches, the pains, the thoughts of is that normal? I am trying to not let it all consume me because that finish line is in sight. I know I cannot do it alone! I think - I know - that God is going to carry me these last few weeks. Although we often think and try to carry our loads all by ourselves, it feels so good to just give it to Him.

Over the past couple of years, I have become so much better at laying down my pride and asking for prayer. It's because I know I cannot do it all by myself. So, I would ask for your prayers, not just for me but for Shawn too, especially this week, and for the weeks to come until Caleb is here in our arms!

32 Week Update

I had my weekly appointment today and Caleb is still growing and moving like crazy. He weighs 4 lbs. and 10 oz. and the ultrasound tech asked me if dad was tall because his upper leg bone is long. I was hoping for a tall kid! My blood presssure is still good. I have definitely been gaining more weight than they reccomend and my feet and hands are starting to swell, so the doctor thinks I am retaining water. Now I have to watch my sodium intake. That should be fun :o) I got some ultrasound pictures, but they weren't very good this time, so I'm not going to post them. Hopefully I'll get another one in a few weeks. I'll let you know how things go at next week's appointment.

The Bend in the Road

The Bend in the Road

by Helen Steiner Rice

When we feel we have nothing left to give

And we are sure that the song has ended,

When our day seems over and the shadows fall

And the darkness of night has descended,

Where can we go to find the strength

To valiantly keep on trying?

Where can we find the hand that will dry

The tears that the heart is crying?

There's but one place to go and that is to God,

And, dropping all pretense and pride,

We can pour out our problems without restraint

And gain strength with Him at our side.

And together we stand at life's crossroads

And view what we think is the end,

But God has a much bigger vision,

And He tells us it's only a bend.

For the road goes on and is smoother,

And the pause in the song is a rest,

And the part that's unsung and unfinished

Is the sweetest and richest and best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger,

Let go and let God share your load.

Your work is not finished or ended,

You've just come to a bend in the road.

Arrived

Just wanted to let you all know that Shawn has arrived safely to his "home away from home!" He sent me an e-mail that said, "Made it. Write more when I can".... I guess that's all I needed to know :o) Thank you for all your prayers!

Our friends, Shannon and Forrest and their son, Judah, from Whidbey Island, who now live in Jacksonville, FL, have stopped to stay with me for a couple of nights. It was great seeing them and spending a few hours with them last night. I'm glad they decided to take a few days to stop in. It's so awesome to think of all the great friends we have made along our journey!