JuJu and Christie return

I can hardly wait.
It feels like Christmas to me.
I am so excited to see JuJu!
She has been in SC with my mom for 3 weeks.
It has been a great break but way too long.
Tonight at 8:27 she lands.
Tomorrow is her 2nd Birthday.
I am also so glad that my mom is here.
I bought her a one way ticket.
I am looking forward to the next several weeks.
JuJu home, my mom here, and a new baby!
Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!!!!

New Hair

Its amazing how great a new haircut can make you feel.
Thanks so much Jen for the color and cut.
I love it!
Now I feel ready to deliver.
How about you baby?

Limemade

A delicious homemade limemade.
So refreshing!

And hopefully my last week at Church prego.

I had to hide in the Primary to avoid comments from everyone in Relief Society.

"You're still here!"
" You look like you're going to Pop!"
"It must be a boy how you're sticking out right in front."
"You know what you need to do to get it out...."

I actually muttered an ugly under my breath before going to hide.

Then I had Noah and Ella Joy wait outside of Elders Quorum so we could get David to the car asap.

Happy Sunday!

A Corner for Baby

Here is baby's corner-- when you have to share 800 square feet with the 5 other members of your family you have to take what you can get.

And here is one sweet sister who is so excited for baby to arrive

Beautiful Beaches

Happy Thanksgiving

When will this turkey be done?

David says December 1--JuJu's b-day
Noah says November 27
Mom says December 5 --Pat's b-day
Ella Joy says today--Thanksgiving
I think she will come on her due date December 7


Leave your guess.
The winner will receive the first post birth call!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Big Womens

Today I went to pick Ella Joy up from school.
She was playing on the playground.
I told her that I was going to use the bathroom and then we would leave.

"Are you going to use our bathroom?" she asked
with a little concern in her voice.
"Yes." I replied.
"The one in our classroom?"
"Yes." I replied again.
"But our bathroom isn't for big womens." she stated.

Thanks for letting me know.
I squeezed through the door just fine.

Prayer

I am grateful for prayer.
Today I was getting ready to go to my 38 week appointment.
After a night of sleeplessness, tears, complaining--David and I had decided that it would be best to get induced and end the misery for all.

Before leaving I wanted to take some time to know that this was a good decision.
As I prayed I had a very clear thought, "Just wait."
Not exactly wanted I wanted to hear.
So I decided I would read my scriptures to see if this thought was for real.
I turned in the scriptures to Mosiah 24.
Alma's people are in bondage and are praying to be delivered.
I could kind of relate.
The Lord promises that he will give them strength to endure their trials.

"yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

As I read this I felt I needed to change my attitude.
Yes I am uncomfortable, irritable, tired,etc..etc..
But I am about to bring a beautiful new baby into the world--one of the most amazing experiences! Why was I complaining.
And looking at the math....
I've done 38 weeks, really what is 2 more?
More than anything else I felt that Heavenly Father was aware of me and what was best for me.

I am grateful for the scriptures.
They truly can guide and instruct us in all aspects of our lives.

After I finished reading I prayed again.
I felt calm and peaceful and without a doubt knew what I was going to do,
Just wait.

So we are just waiting...
But now with better perspective.

And to add to the smile, the doctor said I was 2cm dilated.

Science Project Complete

For the last month these hamburgers have been rotting on a shelf in my living room.
Today they took a trip to the school where I hope they stay or get thrown away.
For Noah's science project we wanted to find out what hamburger would decompose faster:
Happy meal or Homemade?

After watching Super Size Me and knowing all the preservatives that go into fast food we made the hypothesis that our homemade organic would definitely decompose faster.

Surprisingly after a month both hamburgers looked the same. Neither have really begun to decompose. They don't smell, they are just hard, dark, and wrinkly. After 3 weeks both buns started to mold on the bottom in the same spot.

It was an interesting project. Noah learned a lot. David was quite intense as they labored over the graphs and abstract. I reminded him many times that it was just a 3rd grade science project but he does everything 100% and treated this project with the same determination he does his work projects that are presented at conferences. I decided it would be best to just leave the house til it was done.

The project turned out great. I was able to use some of my scrapbooking skills as we decided on color and layout. As I dropped Noah at school this morning I could tell he was excited and proud to show his teacher the project.

So a happy Monday to all.
Tomorrow I go to my 38 week appointment--hopefully some progress has been made!

Perspective from a 9 year old

I often complain about how uncomfortable I am to Noah.
I think after 3 pregnancies he is kind of tired of hearing about it.

The other day he said,
"You really shouldn't complain so much. Giraffes have to be pregnant for 18 months yours is only 9."

Ella Joy Enthusiasm

If only I could bottle it up...

Yesterday, we went shopping together.
I needed to get a new nursing bra.
So we headed south to the Miami Dadeland Mall.
She was such a great shopping companion.
She would give me compliments on what one looked best.
She also happily entertained herself with in front of the full length mirror where she made a new friend who looked a lot like her. They sang and talked while I hummed and hawed over what bra was easiest to relatch one handed.

Afterward we went to get a bit to eat.
The ladies at Motherhood had told us we could get some inexpensive
but delicious food in Nordstrom.
On the 2nd floor was a delicious little bistro.
Ella Joy got a grilled cheese with fries, fruit, and a drink for $5.
I got the crab bisque for $4 and it was amazing.
We were so excited about how good the food was and I of course loved the great price.
Ella Joy repeatedly told the our waiter that he was "the best foodmaker ever."
She told me she was having "such a great day."
It was so much fun to spend some one on one time with her and bask in her enthusiasm.

Yesterday while I was making pumpkin bread she told me, "I'm so glad
we have noses."

Its so much fun to share in her little Joys.

A date

Tonight David and I went to a Miami Heat game.
We had a great time.
I was hoping my water would break as we climbed to our seats.
I imagined cameras panning over to me and having my moment to shine.
Women goes into labor at Heat game!
It didn't unfold the way I was hoping but the cheesy chicken nachos were worth it.

Good friends and mango smoothies

Today I am grateful for good friends that you can share your woes with.
I also love the mango smoothies at the little cafe behind the park.
I snuck and got one on my walk while the kids were at the community center.
It was delicious!

Baby keeps growing. I think my belly button may pop open.
Does that happen.
I wish I could take pictures of the looks I get from people as I ride my bike.
Today I had a group of at least 10 construction workers stop and stare as I rode my bike across the street. They weren't the least bit discreet. One of them yelled, "mirate!" making sure they all looked and didn't miss the amazing show.

I would try to snap some photos of the spectators but I think that may be a little dangerous.

I am probably already pushing my luck talking on the phone and riding my bike at the same time.

Libraries

Anyone else love the smell of libraries?
After school Ella Joy and I rode to the library because she is sooooo tired of all of our books.
As I walked in I thought about how I wish I could bottle up that smell and put it in one room of my house.

I am trying to walk and ride and squat this baby out. Send some contraction vibes this way!!

Illegal Cleavage

This was my conversation with Noah on the way to school.

N: Why does my teacher always show her boobs?
J: What do you mean, your teacher doesn't show her boobs.
N: Not the pink part, but you know the line.
J: You mean she wears shirts that are really low and you can see the line.
N: Yes. That is just wrong. She really shouldn't do that. It should be illegal.
Do you know Lady Gaga got arrested for showing hers.

I guess its every mothers wish that their sons will always want to make cleavage illegal.

Happy Tuesday! I found out that I am 1 cm. dilated.

Highlights for today

Ella Joy rode her bike to and from school.
Noah finished the 2nd Harry Potter book.

BFF

With Julia at my mom's, Noah and Ella Joy have spent a lot of time together.
They trade Pokemon cards, build Bionicles, and construct zoos in their bedroom.
Today Noah came downstairs saying, "Ella Joy your my BFF."
And she came bouncing down the stairs behind him, laughing and just so happy.
It really makes my day to see the two of them enjoy each other.

Neighbors who share their dinner

Derrick brought over his amazing meatballs with lingonberry jam.
It was delicious and so nice not to have to cook.
So grateful for neighbors who are wonderful cooks and love to share.

Massage

2 hour massage during my choice of movie
Can't wait

Climbing the Lighthouse

Today Noah, Ella Joy, and I rode our bikes to the lighthouse and climbed 110 steps for a fantastic view of the island. I was a little scared that I might pass out since I get winded when I just climb one flight of stair, but I made it. I was really proud of Ella Joy who climbed to the top and circled the outside. It was a fun outing. Noah had a great time taking pictures.

Eating breakfast with a reindeer

Learning to lose

I am grateful for Noah's coach who understands the importance of losing
with a smile.
The score was 24-6 and there was only 30 seconds left in the game.
They finished the game with 2 fun plays.
They boys were all yelling and having a good time.
Then when the whistle blew for the end of the game and they all cheered and shouted, "We're 2nd place!"
I think it surprised the other team.
If you didn't know you would have thought Noah's team had won.
Then they went through the line and congratulated the other team on their win.
It was a great to finish the flag football season.
And a great lesson on good sportmanship.

Leave it to Christie

There has been a suttle yet stinky fish smell lingering in my kitchen for about a month now. I have Cloroxed and cleaned and pulled out drawers and sniffed my way around my oh so tiny kitchen trying to find the source of the stink. When my mom was planning her visit I told her about it and she said, "Oh I'll find it."

For the past 9 days we hadn't noticed the smell until last night.
I returned from picking David from the airport, walked through the door, and the fish smell was overwhelming. My mom said she noticed it too but it had only been since she had last came downstairs. It seemed to be coming from the sink but the microwave smelled too and neither of these places had smelled before. We did what we could to get the smell away but still were perplexed at where the smell had come from.

What had been in the microwave?
My mom had noticed clear liquid in the microwave when she warmed her dinner.
But what was it from? Why did it smell so bad? How did it get there?
We went to bed without an answer.

Give my mom a good night sleep and a cup of coffee and amazing things can happen.
By the time I had returned from dropping David at work the investigation was done and the problem solved. It was only 8:09 am.

Clue #1 She had first noticed the smell while eating her warmed up dinner on one of our big plates.
Clue #2 Clear liquid in the microwave.

Conclusion: We have a large stack of big plates that we never get to the bottom of unless we have company. A month and a half ago we celebrated David's birthday. Thomas and Tara came to celebrate and we used more big plates than normal. We also had fish. One of the plates must not have gotten completely cleaned from the dishwasher. I stacked them without completely drying them. So the fish smell was coming from the bottom of a stack of plates that had fishy water stuck in between.

I had cleaned the drawer several times but never thought that it would be coming from the "clean" dishes. If it had been left up to me the fish smell would have stayed for the next 8 months and maybe even moved with us. Thanks to my mom the kitchen is fish free--finally!

Leave it to my mom to find the stink and kill it with Clorox.
She can do the same with stains on clothes. There is nothing she can't get out.

10 days has flown by. I wish she didn't have to go. Life is so nice with Christie around.
I am so glad she will be back in 3 weeks to help when baby is born.

Bearing gifts

I have a friend, Becca, who always comes to visit bearing gifts.
Whether its dinner, treats, or presents for the kids--she never comes empty handed.
Today she came with bags lining her arms and a bassinett for the new baby in her trunk.
She brought a gift for JuJu, baby supplies, mommy essentials, dinner, and a treat.
I was overwhelmed with her thoughtfulness and generosity.
She has an amazing heart and loves to give.
She has a busy life--she is a wife, a mom, and a busy 3rd year pediatric resident but still has a place in her brain to think about others.
I think that is what impresses me most.
I am grateful to have her as a friend and hope to acquire some of that generous heart that is so abundant in her.

Miami Winter

There are 2 seasons in Miami.
Summer is from May-October.
It is hot and humid. Temperatures are at least in the 90's everyday.
You sweat all the time--especially if your car is a bike with a trailer holding 2 kids and you are 8 months pregnant.

Winter is from November-April.
It is cool and crisp. During the day the temperature is in the 70's. At night it may sink down to the 50's. It is perfect outdoor play weather.
I absolutely love it.
When I walk outside I smile and think I love it here.
We can ride bikes, play at the park, and take long walks without breaking a sweat.
Today the kids wore their "winter coats" for the first time. There was screaming, of course, since none of them like clothes but they eventually all snuggled up to their new hoodies.
I am really looking forward to the next 6 months outdoors.

Big Belly Pilllow

Quinoa

My friend Amanda introduced me to the this superfood.
I absolutely love it!
It is super healthy--a complete protein, full of vitamins, delicious, and can be mixed with vegetables and/or meat making a great meal all in one pot.
One of the most amazing benefits is the energy it gives you.
The first time I made it was a flop because I didn't rinse it well enough.
But tonight it turned out delicious.
It will definitely become one of the weekly regulars on the dinner menu along with Noah's pasta and Terry's lentils.
Thank goodness I have a husband who just wants food on the table and doesn't care about variety.

Cubscouts

Today I am grateful for my 2 hour round trip car ride with my cute Scout.

My mom had the girls so Noah and I were able to have a nice conversation to Scouts and back without screaming or yelling or listening to Disney toons.

We talked about his science test, food he wished we had at our house, how he likes Spanish and that his teacher said he was smart, how he thought one of his friend's might be getting dumber because he trades Pokemon cards for toys, and the $1000 reward he was going to get for turning someone in that possessed an illegal weapon. For Scouts they visited the police station and evidently he got a flyer that advertised this reward. He told me he would give me and David $500 since we share our money and that he would keep the other $500. I hope he turns someone in before Christmas because Santa could use a little help.

A Wonderful Doctor

Today I went for my 35 week visit.
I saw Dr. Bitran who is the warmest, kindest doctor I have ever met.
I was referred to him by many people.
Before I went I thought how great can this guy really be.
I just need someone who is willing to induce and catch the baby.
After my first visit I could see why people love this man.
He is not like any other OB or doctor that I have visited.
He really cares about his patients.
He listens to your questions and concerns.
He answers them and reassures you that everything will be fine.
And he looks you in the eyes when he talks.
It is clear that he is not in a rush or thinking about getting out of the room asap.
More than anything he just has a really positive presence.
Hard to explain but easy to feel when you are with him.
I am hoping/wishing/praying that he will be the one (there are 3 in the practice) that will catch my baby at the end of this month!

One Month of Gratitude

My November goal:
To share one thing I am grateful for each day until this sweet baby arrives.

Today I am Oh so grateful for my Mom.
She arrived on Thursday with Julia. I had a wonderful break and got lots done.
Since then she has taken the kids to the park, cooked wonderful meals, read books, tickled backs, helped put my closet back together after it fell out of the wall, and the list goes on....
I am extrememly grateful for an absolutely amazing mom.
If someone could clone her they would definitely become a millionaire.
Everyone needs a Christie!