What a weekend!

We set aside the holiday weekend for some projects around the house. We also invited my mother-in-law to spend the weekend with us. It made for a very eventful weekend. Connor loved waking up every morning and seeing his grandma. I hope he'll be ok waking up alone in his room again tomorrow morning. He also had great fun helping us with some of the household projects. We re-organized and did a major cleaning in his room. Darrel worked on the re-organization of the office. We did a major cleaning on the bathroom and started our living room/dining room project. This included getting Connor's toys more organized, doing some major cleaning and re-organizing the photos in the living room. The ultimate goal is to re-arrange the furniture in such a way that the living room and dining room become to distinct rooms. The past couple of days, though, Darrel has been quite sick, so the furniture arranging will have to wait until he's feeling better. In the meantime, Joanie and I got a good portion of the living room ready to go for the furniture shift.

Some friends of ours have a bedrail that we will be able to borrow for the daybed in Connor's room, so we can begin the transition into the "big boy" bed soon. I hope it goes well. I think he'll be excited about it. But, we'll see.

Today, Connor finished off the weekend by spending the day with his Nana, Papa, Great Granddad and Great Nana. Papa came and picked him up this morning. Before leaving, Connor gave a LOT of love to his Grandma. He was very excited to be heading on his way with Papa, though, too. Joanie and I went to pick him up and have dinner this evening. When we arrived, Connor came running up and gave Grandma a huge hug! He was happy to see me, too, but it was I think a bit unexpected to see his Grandma walk through the door with me. We had a nice dinner. Connor enjoyed spending time with everyone. I dropped the ball and although I had specifically taken the camera so that I could get a photo of Connor with all of his living grandparents, I didn't get the photographic documentation. I think, though, that just seeing him enjoy having them all together with him was awesome. He was so happy. And then, when he was ready to go, he was ready to GO! So, we gathered up our things and headed home. It would seem that it was a perfect end to a perfect weekend for our little guy. He seemed to have a great time the entire weekend. He's still working on those canines. We can see two tips now. Friday night was a little rough. But that's when the second upper tip started poking through. Overall, he's doing well. He's learning new things every day. One of the things he did while we were working in his room the other day was he gave me the ok to set aside a rattle blanket for the new baby. It's identical to one he has. So, I asked him if we could keep it for the new baby and he was agreeable to that. So, he definitely is helping get ready for Baby #2, too.

We are so blessed.

It's cold and rainy here in the Valley. We've had a lot of rain the past few days. I hope it makes at least some sort of small dent in the drought. Hopefully there is plenty of snow falling in the mountains. Earlier this evening, there was a MAJOR downpour. It caused some pretty serious street flooding near my parents' house. Here's the funny thing, though...as it was happening, it sounded to me like a broken sprinkler. It took me a few minutes to realize that it was pouring rain. I felt like such a goofball. Ah well...

Time for an update

I guess time really does fly when you're having fun. I've been enjoying my new daytime adult school class and we've been getting the high school journalism program going. Ultimately, I'll have more time for things...time at home, time taking care of advertisers. We're still settling in to the new schedule and, of course, I've been working on lesson planning and making sure I have things set up for the semester. It's been so wonderful to be happy about getting up and going to work in the mornings. I've been leaving a little on the early side so that I can send out copies, pick up things, drop things off and squeeze in an ad visit here and there. As always, I'm taking things one day at a time.

The journalism program is great. The students have some really good ideas and we expect to see some new features added to the newspaper over time. We have high hopes for what is yet to come.

I haven't had any significant bleeding episodes since last Monday and the doctor's appointment I went to yesterday was one I scheduled WEEKS ago! It was so nice to go to a regular appointment for a change. The baby's heartbeat was good and things seem to be going well all things considered, so that was a plus. Keep those prayers coming because they sure seem to be working.

We have a few looming things that need taking care of, but I know with time and patience we will be ok. Again your continued prayers are welcome and appreciated.

Connor's had a rough few days. He's working on getting his canine teeth and has not been feeling 100%. He had a fever Saturday night then woke up twice during the early morning hours that night. Yesterday was his worst day overall. He just seemed so miserable and there wasn't much we could do. We finally were able to soothe him so he could get to sleep. He seemed better today overall. And, we had one of his favorites for dinner: stuffed shells and bread. So, he was sure to eat some.

I am apparently quite tired and ready for bed, so I think I'll call this update good for now. I will finish off by sharing a couple of good songs for your listening pleasure. =) Enjoy!

How could I have forgotten?

I can't believe I forgot this little update in my post last night. I am pretty sure that I felt some baby movement for the first time last night. It was just once and just a little bit, but I felt a little flutter and it was so cool!

Just another Manic Monday?

It was actually a bit of a roller coaster Monday. The day had its highs and lows. I am hoping that I can focus on the good and just move beyond the less-than-good.

I got up and got the day started right on time. I had a little difficulty picking out my clothes for the day because nothing seemed to be just right, but I eventually got dressed and felt really good about heading into my first day. I headed into Delhi to check in with the adult school principal and clerk so I could have an idea of how many students to expect for my new class. As I drove into Delhi, I focused on God and on all of the things for which I am thankful. I prayed out loud and gave thanks the entire drive. I entered the day feeling pretty good. I got a class roster and gathered up the books I would need then headed to the district office to get my new keys. It was all pretty smooth sailing and for that I was thankful. I stopped to get a cup of coffee and use the restroom. That was interesting. I discovered that I was having a little bleeding again. It wasn't much so I decided to wait and call the doctor's office at break from my class.

I got all set up and ready to go. I had ten students, five of whom added the class just this morning which puts my enrollment above 15 and means that things are looking like they're off to a good start. I experienced some more bleeding and called the doctor's office. They could take me in just before lunch. Whew! The first day of class went well all things considered and I just ended things a little early so I could get to the doctor's on time. The baby's heartbeat was still good and so I just keep doing what I'm doing and resting when I can. My next scheduled appointment is next Tuesday. It would be AWESOME to not have to go in before then.

I had my exit interview for my instructional aide job that I left at the end of last week and I think that went well. Originally I was going to write notes, but I didn't. I think, though, that I touched on the big points that I needed to touch on in that interview. I checked the PO Box (no mail today) and headed home where I was able to rest for a bit. Then we ran some errands as a family which was nice. I always enjoy it when we do little things that need doing, but have fun doing them as a family. When we got home, it was time to get ready for my citizenship class. So, I got ready and headed on my way. I had six students tonight, one absence. I think this class could end up being pretty strong and I am looking forward to a good semester. Things were again going seemingly well. We did the things I had hoped to do and things were again looking positive. We ended pretty much on time and I headed out to the car.

Then, the car wouldn't start. I was pretty sure it was the starter, but not positive. My mother-in-law came and we called AAA. The tow truck driver tried to jump start my car, but that didn't work at all. He, too, suspects it's the starter. So, we had it towed to a local mechanic. We'll work on getting it operational again tomorrow.

After dinner Connor counted all the way to 10! He was repeating numbers that my mother-in-law was saying as he counted the number of things he was putting "away." It was pretty cool..

Oh! One more cool thing for the day....I received my "unofficial" test scores via e-mail today and I passed all three. I should get a hard copy pretty much any day now. Regardless.....I PASSED! YAY!

Have a good week everyone! I know I will be focusing on having a good week.

Updating and Sharing a poem

So, today was my last day as an instructional aide with the dear Special Day Class at Schendel. I have grown so fond of those kids and I will miss them dearly. They presented me with a card, each student came up to me and thanked me for at least one thing I "did" for them and there was cake. My friend and co-worker played a large part in making this all happen and I am tremendously grateful. Then she had us over for dinner tonight. Connor had a great time playing with her son, Darrel enjoyed having some down time and talking with her husband and she and I had fun putting the finishing touches on dinner together. I loved it. It was an amazing evening! I had left work early because if it hadn't been my last day, I probably would have stayed home in bed all day. I am so glad I went in even though I only stayed until lunch. I came home and rested. I watched as Connor, Darrel and Nike played an exciting game of fetch. Then I took a short nap. We headed out together to pick up the newspapers and then delivered them to most of the delivery points in Delhi. The schools will get theirs early next week. And lastly we were off for a great evening with friends. Tomorrow we will visit with my sister-in-law and our niece(/cousin) Katelyn in the morning. We have a business meeting in the afternoon and then the St. George Crab Feed in the evening. I WILL take some time out to rest though. Instead of sharing music tonight, I have an interesting poem that was shared on one of the moms' boards that I've been a part of since I was expecting Connor. It's a sweet one and perfect for moms like me who are expecting #2. Enjoy!

Loving Two
I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship. Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you've never shared me before.

I hear you telling me in your own way, "Please love only me.? And I hear myself telling you in mine, "I can't,? knowing, in fact, that I never can again.

You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I'm afraid to let you see me enjoying him—as though I am betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.

But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two. There are new times – only now, we are three. I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.

I watch how he adores you — as I have for so long. I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments. And I begin to realize that I haven't taken something from you, I've given something to you. I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you. I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong. And my question is finally answered, to my amazement. Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you—only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you'll never share my love. There's enough of that for both of you – you each have your own supply.

I love you—-both. And I thank you both for blessing my life. —Author Unknown

Resting again...

Well, I knew I had overdone things yesterday. Today may or may not have been a result of my overdoing it. But, I did experience some more bleeding today. So, I went in to the doctor's office, they did a quick doppler check and we heard the baby's heartbeat, so the little bean seems to be doing ok still. Then they sent me home with orders to go to bed. And that's what I did. It's overwhelming and frustrating and scary. I've taken it very easy today. Tomorrow is my last day as an instructional aide and I will go in for at least part of the day. I will take things easy and I will come home and rest some more.

The newspaper is going to press a day late even though I pushed myself as hard as I did. But we are only running a day behind when we were easily closer to a week behind when the week started. So, the paper will be out sometime tomorrow.

Things are not quite as good as they could be overall, but I am thankful for the blessings in my life and I do see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your prayers for me, my health, the baby, Connor, Darrel and our overall situation are greatly appreciated. We just keep taking things one day at a time and praying for the best. Good things are yet to come this year. We start the journalism program next week. I start my daytime adult school teaching next week. I should start having more built-in rest time. We have a new blessing coming in August. I look forward to the good things still to come.

Casting Crowns has a song that has this as a chorus:
I will praise you in this storm and I will lift my voice
You are who you are, no matter where I am
Every tear I've cried, you hold in your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm...

And Matt Redman has a good one too:
Oh no, you never let go, through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, you never let go, in every high and every low
Oh no, you never let go, Lord you never let go of me...

...Yes, I can see the light that is coming for the heart that holds on
and there will be an end to these troubles
but until that day comes
Still I will praise you, Still I will praise you...

Taking a break to update

I really have a few short minutes, if that, to update. This is layout week and has been an exceptionally crazy week at that. So much so that neither Darrel nor I saw much of Connor today. He spent the day at daycare and the evening with his grandma and Godmother. Darrel was hard at work wrapping up ads and getting the layout started. I tried to wrap up some stories and ads today (we don't normally extend the ad deadline like this and I don't think we'll do it again), but I also had to work during the day and go to the evening registration for the adult school tonight. I essentially lost a day because I had jury duty yesterday. And so, here we are, late on Wednesday night wrapping things up as best we can. I will likely do another story or two, then sleep and get up early to put the finishing touches on things which means the layout won't finish until first thing in the morning. I hope it doesn't set us back too much, but we both recognize that my health and the baby's health are most important right now. So, while not an ideal layout week, we are taking things in stride as best we can.

I had the Monday I had hoped to have and made it through with no more major bleeding episodes. I hope and pray I don't get caught off guard again. It just wasn't any fun at all. This morning started with a doctor's appointment during which the doppler was used to listen to the baby's heartbeat. It sounded good and the baby is obviously growing because the PA had to move the doppler higher up than she originally expected to hear the heartbeat. Even she was excited about my appointment today. That was pretty cool.

Two days left of my instructional aide job. I have my exit interview tomorrow. Adult School begins Monday at 9 a.m. I am getting really excited. We had a decent turn out for evening registration, so that was nice.

We'll be visiting my sister-in-law and niece on Saturday. I can't wait for that. We also have the crab feed for St. George Parish School on Saturday night. I think it's going to be a really nice weekend. But alas, we have to get to the weekend first. And so, I bid my dear readers goodnight.