How We Roll Part. 2

 HOTELS:
We never go somewhere to stay there. By that I mean, when we arrive at our destination, our hotel room to us is merely a bed and place to put our suitcases and then we are out the door to see what we came to see.
Occasionally we'll make it back in time to visit the pool if they have one, but most of the time we aren't traveling for the nice hotels!

{bonus of traveling with Dad, Hilton in Dallas}

{they had a beautiful Asian art collection, so kids got Art Appreciation lessons while we were there!}

 {hot water with honey and lemon in the in-room coffee service cups is a favorite}

{we try and bring activities that are open ended, lots of books, card games, etc.}

{this hotel was enormous, so we took advantage and walked all over while Dad was working}

 That having been said, we do try and find the safest, cleanest rooms possible (of course!) but really don't care if the hotel has extra amenities or has been newly updated and looks fresh and modern. We've gotten hotel rooms as low as $60 a night that have been perfectly clean and adequate.
We seem to have the best luck with Best W*stern hotels, and very occasionally a H*liday Inn Expr*ss.

Normally we will book one or two nights ahead of time, but about half the time we just drive and get a room as we stop. Often that also lends to a discount, if we are arriving at midnight and the hotel is not very full, they want to sell rooms. We have AAA, and use that discount regularly, too.

Another thing we do is travel as a family when Marvin has a business trip. We stay in the hotel with him, thus getting an all expense paid couple nights, and usually it is a VERY nice hotel. If we add on a couple days in front and in back of that business trip, we've got ourselves a great vacation to a place we wouldn't have necessarily traveled otherwise, at a fraction of the price.

TRANSPORTATION:
We drive. Of course! We own our van (no car payments!). It has a lot of miles on it, but it's a very reliable make and we plan on driving it until it just won't drive any more. We always check it out at the shop before we go, changing oil, tires, etc. as needed. We do have a car-top storage carrier that we use on occasion, if we are going to a place where we've rented a cottage and need to bring extras like bedding.

 {this trip was over Ava's birthday, so we found a local dive for her birthday dinner in Dallas}

{she enjoyed getting a present at different stops along the way on her special day}

{she even got a present at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere!}

{and a present in a restaurant}

{she didn't miss being at home for her birthday at all!}

{we did NOT stop here, but enjoy making jokes about various silly billboards each time we travel}

{brief note on bringing birthday presents: we very carefully chose things that would pack well, and not take a lot of space up in the car, and that she would enjoy playing with as we traveled}

The kids actually love these long road trips and have been known to ask, "When can we get in the car? Is it time to go yet?" When they were smaller, I made them each a "goodie bag" (a fabric pouch with a zipper) and filled them with individually packaged (by me) snacks so they weren't yelling up front that they were hungry every five minutes. We don't need to do that any more, now they are each in charge of packing ONE backpack for themselves. That's all they are allowed to bring (except a pillow) in the car. We've found that actually having LESS stuff makes them more content. They typically bring a blank notebook or sketch book, some Leg*s or Playm*bil figures, a coloring book and crayons, and maybe a flashlight, or other small gadgets.

We also listen to a lot of audio adventures. It keeps the kids AND adults entertained for hours! Some of our favorites are The Chronicles of Narnia, Johnathan Park, and Lamplighter Theater. We try and limit electronics, but the boys have mini tablets (a No*k Color and a Kindl* Fire) and I have an iP*d. A trip towards the end of the year like our last one is unfortunately spend largely driving in the dark. So...we do let them play when it gets dark, or in the daylight as a LAST resort.

How we roll! (with lots of links) Part 1

We are a family of history lovers. Even my newly turned 6 year old will sit with us and watch shows on the History channel. When ever we get a chance, we travel to places in the United States that feed our history hunger.

{near St. Louis, spot on the Mississippi where Louis and Clark disembarked on their journey}

{finding flowers}

{finding fossils in the historical marker stone}

Our last trip was down to Dallas for a meeting for my husband's job. We always travel with him when he has a meeting (which is not often) and we did this same trip last year. This time around, we had done a unit on the great explorers, Merriweather Lewis and William Clark, and visited significant places in their journey.

Stops in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, along with a couple days in Dallas and other stops along the way (we traveled closely to Route 66) nicely finished and made more tangible our book reading.

{model of a keelboat that Louis and Clark used}

{re-creation of Camp River Dubois}

{beautiful St. Louis}

{at the edge of Confluence Park}

{model of old St. Charles}

{where the Mississippi and the Missouri meet}

There are five of us (soon to be 6!) and traveling can be expensive. We have over the years figured out ways to do it very affordably, and I thought I'd share some of the things we do, along with tips on choosing "non-lame" historic sites to visit!

FOOD:
Because of the way we choose to feed our family (real food, minimal processed ingredients,etc.) and various food allergies (beans, corn, wheat, soy) I always make and bring a lot of our food.
I try and bring as many things as possible that don't require refrigeration, which takes a lot of creativity when we are not eating processed, packaged foods! We do have a cooler that plugs in like a fridge, and that was one of the best "travel investments" we've made!

Here is a list of what I typically bring:

Non-perishable:
*dried, un-sulphered fruit (apricots, pineapple, mango, raisins, cranberries, etc.)
*homemade beef jerky (grass-fed beef, sea salt, and organic spices)
*homemade yogurt leather (organic goat milk yogurt with all fruit jam, spread thin and dehydrated)
*crispy almonds
*fresh fruit and veggies (these can stay at room temperature or in a soft insulated bag just fine, especially if they are whole) like carrots, celery, cucumbers, apples, oranges. Bananas and other soft fruits do not travel well.
*homemade croutons (slice a whole loaf of stale homemade bread into cubes, toss in olive oil and garlic salt or other seasonings to taste, dry in oven)
*several loaves of homemade bread
*raw honey (to flavor the plain yogurt, tea, soothe a cough, put on a cut, etc.)
*real salt  or celtic sea salt (for minerals, to season veggies, to stop an asthma attack, etc.)
*apple cider vinegar (mostly for upset tummies that inevitably occur while on the road)
*many gallons of purified water (we each have a stainless steel water bottle and we re-fill these as necessary)

Perishable:
*plain yogurt
*breakfast muffins such as these
*oatmeal bake (although this is technically "perishable", it keeps just fine out of the cooler. It lasts us about three breakfasts)
*raw cheddar cheese
*assorted preservative free lunch meats
*grass fed raw milk (depending on the length of our trip)
*grass fed butter (does not need to be in the cooler unless we are traveling in VERY hot weather)

Kitchen Items:
*Five melamine bowls (glass or pottery is my preference at home, but not practical for bumping around in the car)
*Paring knife
*Bread knife
*Butter knife
*a couple kitchen towels
*veggie peeler
*soap sponge (you know, the clear handle thingy with the sponge attached that you can put dish soap in?)
*cutting board


We will stop at a select few restaurants along the way, Ch*potle being one of them. Our family can eat there for just over $20, so it's a nice break for me from making sandwiches on the dashboard of the van! We also will enjoy a few "naughty" snacks like potato chips. We are on vacation, after all!

However, largely, we eat what we brought, and it saves a TON of time and money. No driving around finding a place we can all eat at. No worrying about how much it will cost. No worries about an upset tummy or bad behavior because of food we are not used to. No extra stops, because we can just fix food while we drive (although it was a bit harder for me this last time with my big pregnant belly in the way!) It's also extremely convenient in the mornings in the hotels to just have food and water handy right away so we don't have to pack and dress cranky children to get them out the door to breakfast.

There are a very few downsides, like washing dirty dishes in the hotel bathroom sink, or worrying that someone might wonder why I'm toting a long serrated bread knife in my car...or slicing cheese on a towel on the front seat in a parking lot with my bottom hanging out the open door! But nothing to convince us that this is not the best way to go.

Part 2, Hotels and Transportation, coming soon!



 

Today...

Today it's beautiful

finally spring here

close to 70

kids muddy and gleeful

windows open, sun streaming in

 

I thought I'd be holding my babe by now

I am, but not in my arms!

 

I got asked the other day if I was having twins

and people keep asking me about being "overdue"

as if this is a loaf of bread burning in the oven

 

I'm 40 weeks and 6 days today

not considered "overdue" till I hit 42 weeks

but still anxious about having another induction

 

In the meantime, catching up on some life from the past months...

 

 

This was a very special day for me...

I was 29 weeks along

I sent the kids to Nana and Papa's for the day so I could

re-arrange Ava's bedroom to make space for the crib

and other baby stuff

I was so emotional that day while I moved Ava's special things out of her room

Behind me in the picture is her dress up and toy corner

all her little treasures in bins

all the things that are uniquely hers

Moved out 

to make room for the sibling

that will make her no longer the baby

No longer my littlest one

When the ending of one thing is

the beginning of another

no matter how sweet

no matter how sacred

it's hard

I had tears that day

a swirled cocktail of emotion

pink and blue

sweet and sour

I wanted to remember how happy I was

to finally be momma again

after loss and heartache

and

to remember how sacred my daughter's little space is

and 

how sacred her beautiful heart is to me

She cried for a while when we talked about how we'd have to move her stuff

but

when she came home that day there was nothing but delight on her face

at the new arrangement out in the toy room

Someday you'll read this, Ava Grace, and I want you to know

that no matter how many more blessings Jesus brings us

you will always be my first daughter

precious to me in every way

the delight of my heart

I love you so much, baby girl!

 

 

 

40 Weeks...

Today is my due date. I had really hoped not to share the month with Alec, who turns 12 (yikes!) on the 5th. Obviously it's happening...we'll forever have two birthdays squished together...and this momma stresses out over birthday parties. Oh well. I love my kids...so whatever!

I"m actually not feeling too terribly bad. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I have a plethora of distractions like nose-picking, sibling rivalry, lost school books, and rocks in the dryer to keep me from wallowing too deeply in self pity. But really, over all (after the 15 weeks of morning sickness abated) this has been a pretty comfortable pregnancy. My chiropractor has been good to me and I've enjoyed the hands-off approach of my new midwives.

I am having a bit of pelvic pain the past few weeks, making walking pretty painful, as well as laying on my side...AND Baby is sitting so low that I pretty much always feel like I have to pee...even if I don't. I've guzzled gallons of Raspberry Leaf tea, taken tons of Evening Primrose Oil, been diligent with my chlorophyll and Vitamin D. Meat still doesn't appeal to me, still craving fruit. Trying to keep the grain/bread consumption to a low amount, drinking tons of raw milk...and still using Magnesium Oil or taking Epsom Salt baths. Sleeping decently, propped up mostly...for some reason that seems more comfortable than flat.

I've had three major pregnancy hormone meltdowns...and a few little moments of tears lately for no reason. I'm guessing the emotions are caused by hormones, but also the slight stress of wondering what labor will be like this time around. I've never had a labor not augmented by drugs, so I have only a guess as to how it will go. I'm also concerned with wanting to be present and able to pay attention to the miracle of the actual birth...reaching to feel Baby's head, possibly catching Baby myself, etc. I remember with my other drugged labors feeling just really embarrassed and self conscious, and feeling so uncomfortable and out of control that I just had to squeeze my eyes closed and make it through. I so don't want that this time...

I am getting really excited to snuggle a newborn again after so long...and to breastfeed...and marvel at the tiny ears and fingers...and hear my kids laughter at the cuteness...and see how my daughter will blossom in her role as big sister...and watch my sons turn tender and gentle...and how I love watching my husband with a baby!! He's amazing...

Soon...very soon...we'll meet our little "rainbow baby"...our bright spot after the clouds of multiple loss. Baby, whoever you are, you are much loved, much anticipated, and a cherished gift from Jesus. The word Jesus spoke to me for you was "truth"...and I sense that you also have much joy. You seem to be happy and peaceful and easy going...and I have no doubt that I'm learning more of the truth of the nature of my Heavenly Father as I walk through the beginning of your life. I love you so much...

Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas from our family to yours! 

May you find the peace and joy of Christ in this season of holy celebration...

Pregnancy update, 25 weeks!

I was 25 weeks on Monday! The time has really flown, and it's so exciting to me that in about 15 weeks I will meet the LONG awaited 6th member of our family!

I am feeling very good, lots of energy, sleeping well, and just generally very comfortable. I attribute all of that to the healing that has taken place over the past several years by way of dietary changes and visits to our naturopathic physician.

Aside from my extended bout of morning sickness (last well into my 15th week), this has been my most comfortable pregnancy so far...as best as I can remember! Ha! I haven't been pregnant for many years (youngest is 6) so perhaps I'm forgetting some of the finer details...

We are planning a natural labor and birth, in a hospital that is natural labor friendly, assisted by a doula and a midwife. My other labors were fully medicated, in a "baby factory" hospital, attended (briefly) by an obgyn.

I have since learned that obgyns are actually trained surgeons, and nearly never familiar with a normal, healthy, natural birth. They are trained to look for opportunities for intervention and act quickly. If you have a very high-risk pregnancy they are probably your best choice. However, the majority of women will, if given the proper care, deliver their babies with no problems. Risky interventions are just not necessary and lots of times will actually CAUSE more complications. But that is a whole 'nother post!!!

I am optimistic about labor and birth, and looking forward to experiencing it the way God intended. On the flip side, however, since I have done this three other times all the same way, I am a bit apprehensive about trying something "new"!! Not afraid, just cautiously curious, I'd say. Our doula is fantastic, and we are intending to take a natural birthing class during my third trimester.

I'm trying to stay active, and am looking forward to starting my exercise routine back up once the craziness of the holidays and travel and birthdays is behind us in January.

Strangely for me, I'm craving fruit and potatoes, which are foods that I normally don't want or eat. I'm also not really able to digest any meat, nor does it sound appetizing to me. My appetite and digestion have hit a wall again, so my naturopath has suggested that I try adding diatomaceous earth to my daily routine. So far it's helping. He also suggested that I might need more antioxidants and vitamin D, and has me adding a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses a day, also. I love using food and naturally occurring minerals for medicine!

Things the kids are saying:
"Mommy, I LOVE the baby!"
"When will the baby come?"
"I want the baby to come NOW!" (to which I hastily replied, Oh no! it's not ready! If it came now it would be sick in the hospital for a while)
Still talking to the baby through my belly button.
Ava and Benji talk about baby all the time, Alec nearly never says anything...wondering if it's his age?

Thoughts About Member Number Six

After Ava was born, I was done. Just done. Her birth was difficult, not complicated, but painful. She was my largest baby, weighing 9lbs 8oz and had HUGE shoulders!
I remember talking to myself in the mirror afterwards, forcing myself every day to remember the pain so that when I wanted another baby I could talk myself out of it!

How I've grown and learned since then! Once Ava outgrew her "baby monkey on speed" phase, as we so fondly called it, and became more independent, I realized that this was a very new stage for me to have only "older" children. No toddler to cling to me, no one to watch out for 24/7...At first I was like YAHOO! and enjoyed the freedom. Then came the sadness...the realization that perhaps I would never again nurse a little infant, never again enjoy baby belly laughs, never again have to buckle anyone into a car seat...all the little things, the little privileges of being a momma to a baby...maybe never again!

And I got sadder and sadder...and we ALL changed our minds! Or should I say the Lord changed our minds! There was a whole lot of prayer and correction of attitudes that happened...and learning about my true role as a wife and mother and keeper of my home.

And with the humble acknowledgement that my womb belongs in the Lord's hands, not mine, here I am. After 6 years of rebelling, being scared, and learning, I'm finally waiting for baby number four, family member number six!

My heart rejoices daily at the miracle of life growing inside of me, and at the privilege of being called upon once again to nurture a soul, a gift from our Creator.

BUT...

I can't help but wonder...

What will it be like?

After so long...will I bond with the baby? Will I remember how to breastfeed? We've been a little family of five for so long, we're a bit set in our ways...will I feel resentful towards the baby like it's an intruder? Will the kids welcome it with open arms? Will they welcome the changes or fight them? What will I say to remarks like,"Oh, was this a surprise baby?" because there is such a gap between it and the other three? Will I get annoyed and worn down quickly because I'm not used to round the clock vigilance anymore? Will I truly be able to welcome the new one into the fold with open arms and no resentment? What if I don't bond? What is wrong with me for thinking all of this? Why am I even worried about any of it?

And the truth is...I don't have the answers for my questions...and I do feel nervous. I feel like a first time mom all over again...but with "baggage"! I know the kids are excited...well at least the younger two. I really haven't taken the time to sit down with Alec and see how he feels. He's too old to be rubbing my belly and yelling things at the baby in hopes that it will hear him like his younger siblings do. He's just quiet about it...until I suggest that perhaps he's like to be the designated diaper changer!

And I really am excited, deep down. Whenever I think about that moment when my brand new, messy, squalling baby is plopped down on my chest and the ending of one thing becomes the beginning of another, I can't help but to grin...or get teary eyed...Because I know EXACTLY what that will be like! THAT is not something easily forgotten!

Older

They are. Getting older, that is.

All taller, bigger, more mature..branching out...learning in leaps and bounds

Loving each other, loving God, loving this baby we are waiting for...

{The oldest}

...sometimes serious

sometimes definitely not...

wearing adult sized shoes

and the largest size there is in boy clothes...

growing into his new body...

never without his pocket knife or his machete if we are heading out of doors for the day

Taking on new leadership roles with his siblings

voluntarily helping his little sister with things around the house

putting her to bed some nights

(this will come in REALLY handy when Daddy and I are exhausted from nights up with a baby!)

Cooking some meals

fixing and serving breakfast on lots of mornings when Mommy is so tired from sleepless pregnant nights

Quickly and quietly getting his school work done and excelling on his violin

Really good at arguing...in a good way

It just comes naturally, his way of thinking outside the box,

looking at things from a different perspective...

Sometimes it comes across as disrespectful

(and sometimes it actually is)

but sometimes I'm genuinely surprised at how much logic flows out of his head!

Mix of child and man, still with a tender heart

Still mold-able and teachable...

Oh Lord, give us the wisdom to train him up in the way he should go!

{The younger son}

 Always funny...always smiling...except when he isn't...

Sensitive and snuggly

still has traces of "little boy" lingering

but fast approaching big brother

Really has a head for numbers

but hates math...

 Still finds reading challenging...and really would rather be playing during read-aloud time...but then again, what 8 year old boy wouldn't?!

Able to work more independently...and becoming much more independent in social settings.

I can hardly believe this is the same child who, only a year ago, would not leave my side at our co-op!

Still fascinated by food...

 Lego food, Playmobile food, real food, Food Network...

Will he be a chef? Is it because of his allergies?

Much less sensitive to lots of foods now, eats eggs regularly, oats with no problem, raw grass fed milk and cheese, still problems with corn

 Beginning to be his own little person, thoughts and interests uniquely different from his once-mirror brother...extremely funny and original

Still quite the artist...excellent handwriting...

Vacillates wildly between adoration of his little sister and complete disdain

Fascinated with facts and information about the new baby coming

He remembers the one we lost, keeps track of how old it would be now...

 "Mommy, I love you so much!" is heard daily...

Oh Lord, give us patience and tenacity to see him through this shift, and to gently guide him to the next phase in his growth...

{The girl}

Definitely a girl with brothers...

heading rapidly towards six

growing so tall

looking not so much like a chubby preschooler any more

Still the mix of sweetness and wild wind

Princess tomboy...

Budding little mommy...excellent helper in the kitchen

I find dollies put to bed and animals being fed in all corners of her room...

along with dirty clothes strewn...

Madly in love with this baby in my belly...talking to it through my belly button is a daily occurrence

Discussions of sharing her room are not going well, but she loves the idea of possibly a little sister...

Still somewhat of a picky eater, needs her pants glued to the chair during a meal...

Mommy needs to crack down on some manners...

Reading amazingly well, drawing and writing...coloring all the time...

loves her school books...but not always interested...

Champion fort-builder

Lover of ALL types of animals, even the ugly scary looking ones...

Still some sensory issues with clothes, although she proclaimed that she now "Loves socks!" 

Can ride a bike, jump rope, play chess, swim underwater...roller skate...

Amazes me every day with her insight and intuition WAY older than she is...

LOVES Dada and Papa (or "Popes", as she calls him right now)

Calls them on the phone on her own daily...treats them to long, syrupy messages, or long one-sided conversations that mostly consist of, "Now I'm walking around. Now I'm in my bedroom. Now I'm in the kitchen..."

Recently painted me a picture of her and I and said, 

"Mommy, the reason I made this for you is because I am loving that you are having a baby and I love having a Mommy like you!"

Lord, please aid us in protecting her innocence, give us grace to follow through on our parenting...

These precious blessings from God, on loan to us for a time, to nurture, train up, protect...

What an honor, privilege and amazing responsibility...

So humbling that the Heavenly Father would give me, lil' ole' me, a chance to cherish an eternal soul...

Fear and Faith

I stand paralyzed in front of my closet. My bulging belly says I'm pregnant...nearly 15 weeks to be exact. But somehow, despite my nausea, feeling the baby move (early!), and not fitting into any of my clothes for a very long time, I don't feel like it's real.

I look down at the laundry basket where my one tired pair of maternity jeans sprawls out onto the floor, and then glance at a worn out, stretched out, pilly sweater and imagine myself wearing that outfit one more time. Then I stare at the small selection of maternity clothes that I purchased a couple days before and imagine myself wearing them. They look much better...in fact, they actually look nice on me.

And I actually need them. I can't wear my stretch pants and long tank tops and pretend that they are suitable any longer. It's too cold outside, and it's getting embarrassing.

I reach out to grab one of the new shirts and freeze. I just can't do it. I can't take the tag off.
It is then that I realize just how afraid I am.

"Lord! I'm terrified!" I cry, tears streaming down my face. "I'm terrified!" I repeat over and over, slowly letting it sink in.

This amazing gift I've been given, I can't seem to unwrap the package. It's sitting on the floor, all pretty in paper and a bow, and I stare at it every day, smile tenderly when I think about what's inside, even show it to the kids. But that's all. I step over it, walk around it, make sure it's not in harms way...but I don't tear off the paper in breathless anticipation...I can't even pick it up.

I knew that this pregnancy would be a huge stretching of my faith and trust. But I had no idea how hard it would be. The simple act of putting on actual maternity clothes, of committing, in a tangible way, to this pregnancy is more painful that I had imagined.

See, when we got pregnant two years ago, it was an answer to prayer. My kids had been praying, and I had been praying for a surprise, that my husband's heart would be changed towards having more children. And sure enough, our prayers were answered, to the letter. I also got pregnant at the same time as a friend who was new in town and had prayed that she would have a friend to be pregnant with.

We went shopping together for maternity clothes...and I purchased some comfy pants and t shirts...which I proceeded to wash and wear.

Then I miscarried.
Then I had to stare at those clothes hanging there, unused...
Then I miscarried again.

Yes, our prayers were answered, yes, my husbands heart was changed, yes, the Lord was with me through each painful moment, and yes, here we are again, more prayers answered...and I'm absolutely terrified.

Of course I have no way of knowing what the future holds, and this journey of faith is the most tangible one I've ever been on. I'm literally going day to day, believing that there is a healthy baby inside of me, praying fervently for it, but unable to see or feel it...stepping out in faith...for something unseen...but believing the promise of the Lord to fill my arms again.

I'm comforted by this: no matter what the outcome, I am in the refiners fire, and I will be changed for the good and for the glory of the Lord.

And this baby...well, it will be something pretty special. A physical reminder to momma on a daily basis, that she can, indeed, do ALL things through Christ!!!

{14 wks, 4 days 10/5}

Fifteen weeks

No...no bump picture...

See, here's the thing...despite my whole food diet and my active lifestyle and my use of a holistic chiropractor and a naturopath...I'm overweight. I'm the beautiful fat girl that everyone wants to be friends with because she looks...well, comfortable...and non-threatening! And everyone says, "Oh, you are so pretty!" or "Oh, you look great, Shelly", because what else do you say to the anomaly that is me.

And, what's worse is...I have absolutely NO idea why I'm overweight. I've been there, done and tried that. And no one has any answers for me.

So. There it is. Naked honesty.

My "baby bump" is always huge from the beginning, making my first miserable, vomit-filled weeks even worse because I instantly look like I've gone off the deep end, burying my emotions in Twinkies and soda and white bread.

I do actually look truly pregnant right now, but that pretty belly curve that most women have is more like a series of badly graded hills on me.

But I don't say this to make anyone feel sorry for me, it's my life, I'm used to it...and sometimes I actually feel like I look cute pregnant. Thank goodness my husband is the amazing man he is, and manages to make me feel beautiful and lets me know he loves me for just me, not the package me is wrapped in...although he insists that he likes that, too! *grin*

Anyhow...back to the pregnancy update:

Still feeling queasy, occasional vomit, but rare
Gagging a lot, sucking on endless Starlight Mints and peppermint gum
Using doTerra's Citrus Bliss oil to smell to avert nausea
Sea Bands work sometimes, but I've used them so much, I'm developing round marks on the insides of my wrists

Craving: steamed cauliflower, apples, juice (cider and orange juice), popcorn, broccoli (cooked and raw), eggs/french toast
Can tolerate (but don't really want): beans and rice, applesauce, canned peaches, steamed green beans, raw carrots
Can't eat (results in vomit): meat of any kind, nuts, anything with much of a flavor (haha!) or much of a smell (hahahaha!)

Now really needing maternity clothes. I had one pair of jeans left from one other pregnancies that I am wearing and a huge dumpy fleece sweatshirt that I will wear in the house because I'm notoriously freezing in the winter. Other than that, I had just been wearing gauchos, tank tops, long t shirts with a rubber band in the button of my capris, etc.

But now it's cold outside...so I finally went and bought a few things...and *whew* I'm much more comfortable!!!

I'm able to do pieces and parts of our normal daily routine now. One load of dishes,one load of laundry, swish and swipe the bathroom every couple days, most days we can do school, I can take the kids to their activities, and run one small errand. But that's about it.

Normally I push myself while I'm pregnant, and pretty much ignore it and go on with life as normal. But this time, I think since I had those miscarriages, I'm a bit more respectful of the mystery and miracle of the new life inside of me...and I'm resting. A lot more. Things are getting done, just very slowly.

Things the kids are saying:
Ava,"Mommy, are those the baby jeans?" (referring to the maternity jeans I had just bought) She calls the front panel a "baby sack"! Every night before bed, she kisses me, and then kisses my belly.
Alec and Benji, "Mom, if this baby is a boy, I hope he's rowdy like Josiah!" (our 3 year old neighbor)

{10/8/12, 15 weeks}