I really love winter. Really. Most people grin and bare it, but not me. That's sort of how I feel about summer. I don't love the heat. I love being outside, barbecues, swimming, and the fact that it stays light out for much longer. This winter has been pretty disappointing to me. Don't get me wrong, it's had it's perks but really I WANT SNOW. I want a good solid ground covering snowfall. I want to play outside (or just walk...) with my daughter. I want to come in out of the cold to some soup and a mug of hot cocoa. I want to sit by the fire with my love wrapped under blankets and watch the snow fly. Is that too much to ask?
Oh well. I will settle for having a warm home and food on the table. At least it's not 90 out!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The indignaties or pregnancy...
I love being pregnant...most of the time. There are times though when it's hard. I blog for me mostly and I thought I'd write a little about the not so fun parts. It's not all joy and wonder and bliss. It also means:
*I pee my pants when I sneeze, cough or laugh too hard. I mean I really do pee. My. PANTS.
*It feels like the baby is going to come out of my crotch any second.
*There is very little sleep.
*I have some pretty intense lower pack pain.
*My feet go numb when I sit on the floor (which is often because I have a 2 year old)
*I can't poop. Gross but true.
*Getting out of bed is a tough job.
That being said, I wouldn't trade the experience of growing these little souls. I love it.
*I pee my pants when I sneeze, cough or laugh too hard. I mean I really do pee. My. PANTS.
*It feels like the baby is going to come out of my crotch any second.
*There is very little sleep.
*I have some pretty intense lower pack pain.
*My feet go numb when I sit on the floor (which is often because I have a 2 year old)
*I can't poop. Gross but true.
*Getting out of bed is a tough job.
That being said, I wouldn't trade the experience of growing these little souls. I love it.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Bob
My heart is heavy today. On Sunday I learned that my neighbor and friend, Bob Carter, passed away after having had a massive stroke about a week before that. I keep thinking that it's just not fair. Bob has 4 children, two adult girls and two young sons. He also has a loving wife. He loves the Lord and lives that out in ways I have honestly marveled at. Really and truly, I have. I have had the blessing of living across the street from him since 2005 when I bought this home. During that time I have come to know Bob, Melaney, Henry and Gus well. I coached soccer with Bob in my pre-baby days even. We looked out for one anothers homes and helped each other out. We were real, true neighbors and I love that.
I wonder why he had to die. Why him? Why now? He home-schools his two boys, is very active in Franklinton and a leader in his church. So, why him? I am no stranger to death and the unfairness of it all. I have watched as many dear ones to me passed away leaving a mess behind them. Here's what I think: We care a tremendous amount more about our lives on Earth than God does. This life is a flash in the pan to Him who is eternal. It is meaningless to Him in a way, but this is all we know and we hold onto it with everything we are because our human minds are simple and cannot grasp the fullness of the Kingdom of God. God loves us and wants us to comfort us and answer our prayers, this I believe. I can't buy into the idea that "God needed another angel in Heaven" or "So much good will come out of the loss of this one". Maybe those things are true, maybe not. What I can but into is that our lives here on Earth are brief and that they are surely not the point of our creation. We were created to be a part of the Kingdom.
I am going to post Bob's obituary. It made me weep because it's so beautiful and simple. Bib was incredible. I will miss him often.
CARTER Robert "Bob" Stewart Carter, November 4, 1958 - January 15, 2012. A wonderful man who trusted God, accepted and enjoyed God's love for him, and sought to glorify God in his life. A graduate of Ohio University and Princeton Theological Seminary. A man who served God by serving the homeless for many years in Athens and Columbus, Ohio, by serving children in the Franklinton community through teaching preschool, Sunday school, and afterschool Bible Club, and coaching soccer, and by serving all who would receive his words and acts of encouragement. Survived by a grieving wife, Melaney Anne Fullerton Carter, who misses him terribly but hopes to see him again in God's house (John 14:2); by two daughters, Jessica Laurel Carter and Sarah Elizabeth Wood Carter; and two sons, Charles Henry Carter and Robert Augustine Carter; by loving parents, Robert and Marlene Carter; by brother, David (Christina) Carter; and sister, Michelle (John) Eades; by parents-in-law, Gary and June Fullerton; by sister-in-law, Jennifer (Joe) Reardon; and brother-in-law, Paul (Sarah) Fullerton; and by many other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the Youth for Christ City Life Center, 40 Chicago Ave., Columbus, OH 43222. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bob's memory to Good Works, Inc., PO Box 4, Athens, OH 45701; Gladden Community House, 183 Hawkes Ave., Columbus, OH 43223; or Xenos Christian Fellowship, Humanitarian Aid Fund, 1340 Community Park Drive, Columbus, OH 43229. Arrangements by RUTHERFORD-SHROYER FUNERAL HOME, 1278 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43222. Condolences for the family may be sent to: www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.
I wonder why he had to die. Why him? Why now? He home-schools his two boys, is very active in Franklinton and a leader in his church. So, why him? I am no stranger to death and the unfairness of it all. I have watched as many dear ones to me passed away leaving a mess behind them. Here's what I think: We care a tremendous amount more about our lives on Earth than God does. This life is a flash in the pan to Him who is eternal. It is meaningless to Him in a way, but this is all we know and we hold onto it with everything we are because our human minds are simple and cannot grasp the fullness of the Kingdom of God. God loves us and wants us to comfort us and answer our prayers, this I believe. I can't buy into the idea that "God needed another angel in Heaven" or "So much good will come out of the loss of this one". Maybe those things are true, maybe not. What I can but into is that our lives here on Earth are brief and that they are surely not the point of our creation. We were created to be a part of the Kingdom.
I am going to post Bob's obituary. It made me weep because it's so beautiful and simple. Bib was incredible. I will miss him often.
CARTER Robert "Bob" Stewart Carter, November 4, 1958 - January 15, 2012. A wonderful man who trusted God, accepted and enjoyed God's love for him, and sought to glorify God in his life. A graduate of Ohio University and Princeton Theological Seminary. A man who served God by serving the homeless for many years in Athens and Columbus, Ohio, by serving children in the Franklinton community through teaching preschool, Sunday school, and afterschool Bible Club, and coaching soccer, and by serving all who would receive his words and acts of encouragement. Survived by a grieving wife, Melaney Anne Fullerton Carter, who misses him terribly but hopes to see him again in God's house (John 14:2); by two daughters, Jessica Laurel Carter and Sarah Elizabeth Wood Carter; and two sons, Charles Henry Carter and Robert Augustine Carter; by loving parents, Robert and Marlene Carter; by brother, David (Christina) Carter; and sister, Michelle (John) Eades; by parents-in-law, Gary and June Fullerton; by sister-in-law, Jennifer (Joe) Reardon; and brother-in-law, Paul (Sarah) Fullerton; and by many other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the Youth for Christ City Life Center, 40 Chicago Ave., Columbus, OH 43222. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Bob's memory to Good Works, Inc., PO Box 4, Athens, OH 45701; Gladden Community House, 183 Hawkes Ave., Columbus, OH 43223; or Xenos Christian Fellowship, Humanitarian Aid Fund, 1340 Community Park Drive, Columbus, OH 43229. Arrangements by RUTHERFORD-SHROYER FUNERAL HOME, 1278 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43222. Condolences for the family may be sent to: www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Prayer
"Dear God, thank you for Mommy. Thank you for daddy. Thank you for the table."
I melted.
She said it after David prayed and then I prayed as we lit the fourth candle on our Advent wreath. She said she wanted to pray and that's what she said.
I melted.
She said it after David prayed and then I prayed as we lit the fourth candle on our Advent wreath. She said she wanted to pray and that's what she said.
This season, and by that I mean the Christmas season, can get really busy really fast. There are so many parties to attend, dishes to prepare, gifts to purchase and wrap and family obligations to fulfill. This year I have really tried to keep it simple. Minimal gifts, some handmade, and all from the heart. I desire to keep it simple because I don't want to lose the meaning or the purpose of why it is I do all of this. I want to be motivated by celebration at the coming of my King rather than because I'm supposed to. I have tried to enjoy all of the preparations for Christmas this year and I honestly have. Decorating the house has been a joy when I see my sweet daughter light up when she sees it all put together. Baking and cooking has been fun too because I have two little helping hands eager to go!
What I'm saying is that I have really loved getting ready for the birth of Christ this year, even more than normal. Emaline Joy helps me see the meaning and wonder in all of the stuff we do.
What I'm saying is that I have really loved getting ready for the birth of Christ this year, even more than normal. Emaline Joy helps me see the meaning and wonder in all of the stuff we do.
Monday, December 12, 2011
The 3rd trimester!
I am now in my third trimester! In 8-13 weeks or so I will be meeting this wee one! Here is an update on how it's all going for me and baby.
How I'm feeling: Overall, pretty great. It's getting harder to bend over, shave my legs and carry Emaline for long, but no real complaints. Sleeping is also tough with a burgeoning belly, numb hands from blood supply getting cut off and having to pee all the time, but I can handle it.
Weight Gain: 14.8 pounds. Already 3 pounds more than I gained with Em! This is a good thing though. I will say it pushed me over that unmentionable number on the scale and that was hard to swallow, but hey, the kid is healthy and so am I. It'll come off. Now's not the time to worry about it. I had a thought: why worry about the number on the scale but rather concern myself with impeccable nutrition and let the numbers be what they will. So far so good!
Overall health of us: Fab. My sugar is still normal (unless I eat something stupid...like a soft pretzel...ooops!) and I am so happy about that! Blood pressure is still hanging out around 112/64 which is waaaaay better than last time. Baby has a heartbeat of 144-152 beat per minute and feels normal, even though my uterus is measuring large. My MW says that's most likely because i have an anterior placenta and because this is my 2nd baby. I have another ultrasound at 34 weeks to check on things with my placenta to make sure it's not too low for a vaginal delivery. It was right on the line for being too close to my incision sight so I need ti have it checked once more. I wish I didn't need to, but I'll do what I need to do. Baby is kicking right now! Baby is also laying in a transverse position, but I'm confident he/she will turn head down in a few weeks. Em was just like this. I'm seeing a chiropractor too and that should help with positioning.
VBAC: I'm still planning for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and really believe that's the best decision at this time. As long as everything goes as planned I feel like this is the safest option. I've done a tremendous amount of research and feel really good about it. It's not a one size fits all decision and I think women should have access to the kind of birth they want in most scenarios...but that's another blog for another day.
Cravings: PEANUT BUTTER.
I think that sums it up. I feel great and really love being pregnant. It's a miracle.
How I'm feeling: Overall, pretty great. It's getting harder to bend over, shave my legs and carry Emaline for long, but no real complaints. Sleeping is also tough with a burgeoning belly, numb hands from blood supply getting cut off and having to pee all the time, but I can handle it.
Weight Gain: 14.8 pounds. Already 3 pounds more than I gained with Em! This is a good thing though. I will say it pushed me over that unmentionable number on the scale and that was hard to swallow, but hey, the kid is healthy and so am I. It'll come off. Now's not the time to worry about it. I had a thought: why worry about the number on the scale but rather concern myself with impeccable nutrition and let the numbers be what they will. So far so good!
Overall health of us: Fab. My sugar is still normal (unless I eat something stupid...like a soft pretzel...ooops!) and I am so happy about that! Blood pressure is still hanging out around 112/64 which is waaaaay better than last time. Baby has a heartbeat of 144-152 beat per minute and feels normal, even though my uterus is measuring large. My MW says that's most likely because i have an anterior placenta and because this is my 2nd baby. I have another ultrasound at 34 weeks to check on things with my placenta to make sure it's not too low for a vaginal delivery. It was right on the line for being too close to my incision sight so I need ti have it checked once more. I wish I didn't need to, but I'll do what I need to do. Baby is kicking right now! Baby is also laying in a transverse position, but I'm confident he/she will turn head down in a few weeks. Em was just like this. I'm seeing a chiropractor too and that should help with positioning.
VBAC: I'm still planning for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and really believe that's the best decision at this time. As long as everything goes as planned I feel like this is the safest option. I've done a tremendous amount of research and feel really good about it. It's not a one size fits all decision and I think women should have access to the kind of birth they want in most scenarios...but that's another blog for another day.
Cravings: PEANUT BUTTER.
I think that sums it up. I feel great and really love being pregnant. It's a miracle.
Food and Christmas
Food and Christmas are apparently linked together in my brain. The two go together like peanut butter and jelly to me. This year has been especially difficult for me because I have been forced to separate them, and it kinda ticks me off! I know that Christmas is about Jesus and the anticipation of his coming, and not cookies and the like. So then why do I feel like I can't really celebrate the coming Christ child because I can't eat all the yummy treats? Silly as it seems I can't help myself from feeling like I'm missing something.
I know I have food addiction issues. I have worked hard for a long time to break free, and in many ways I feel like I have a lot more freedom. Three years ago I would've said "Screw it! It's Christmas time! Eat all you want and don't think about it!" I would have listened...and been probably more miserable later on. I guess I just get tired of fighting and want to have a time where I can just let my guard down. Now is not the time for that though. I have to watch every morsel I eat because I am being closely monitored for gestational diabetes. Praise God I don't have it, but if I were to eat a bunch of cookies, bread or potatoes it wouldn't be a weeks time and I would need medicine. I have to stick with protein, vegetables and whole grains...or else.
Sigh. I'm so thankful that I don't need the help of pills to control my sugar and that I'm so much healthier this time. I just wanted to rant a minute and tell cyberspace just how annoying it is to not be able to eat what you want during this season of Christmas. Instead I am focusing on watching the wonder of this time reflected through the eyes of my sweet girl. She loves the lights, her little people Nativity scene and the way everything is decorated. She enjoys reading books and lighting the candles and doing fun activities with her family. She makes me smile everyday and my heart feels so much joy. That's more than enough.
Then there's this baby that I'm already in love with. With every sweet little kick I smile and count my blessings. I have been given a tremendous gift and refuse to take it for granted. I know so many women who have a miserable time trying to conceive and then carry a baby to full-term. That realization has made me grateful for each day of pregnancy, even when it's tough and uncomfortable. For that gift I will forgo the sugar and carbs. WORTH IT.
I know I have food addiction issues. I have worked hard for a long time to break free, and in many ways I feel like I have a lot more freedom. Three years ago I would've said "Screw it! It's Christmas time! Eat all you want and don't think about it!" I would have listened...and been probably more miserable later on. I guess I just get tired of fighting and want to have a time where I can just let my guard down. Now is not the time for that though. I have to watch every morsel I eat because I am being closely monitored for gestational diabetes. Praise God I don't have it, but if I were to eat a bunch of cookies, bread or potatoes it wouldn't be a weeks time and I would need medicine. I have to stick with protein, vegetables and whole grains...or else.
Sigh. I'm so thankful that I don't need the help of pills to control my sugar and that I'm so much healthier this time. I just wanted to rant a minute and tell cyberspace just how annoying it is to not be able to eat what you want during this season of Christmas. Instead I am focusing on watching the wonder of this time reflected through the eyes of my sweet girl. She loves the lights, her little people Nativity scene and the way everything is decorated. She enjoys reading books and lighting the candles and doing fun activities with her family. She makes me smile everyday and my heart feels so much joy. That's more than enough.
Then there's this baby that I'm already in love with. With every sweet little kick I smile and count my blessings. I have been given a tremendous gift and refuse to take it for granted. I know so many women who have a miserable time trying to conceive and then carry a baby to full-term. That realization has made me grateful for each day of pregnancy, even when it's tough and uncomfortable. For that gift I will forgo the sugar and carbs. WORTH IT.
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