Welcoming Noah

Noah's birth story

2007-07-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

OK, I think it's about time to record the wonderful story of Noah's birth. He will be one week old tomorrow! Can you believe that? I am slightly more rested now and I think I can form a coherent sentence or two so here goes...

On Wednesday, July 18th I had a terrific doctor's appointment with my favorite doctor. He stripped my membranes at that visit and told me that he was on call for the weekend. He told me that he didn't expect me to make it to the weekend. As a woman who has never experienced spontaneous labor in any of my five births, I promptly told him to quit sweet talking me! Ha! Ha! I fully expected to continue on as I usually do until the day of my scheduled induction... which happens to be tomorrow, July 26th.

All day on the 18th I was a little crampier than usual and I was having a few contractions but nothing out of the ordinary realm of your average Braxton Hicks. We went to prayer meeting that night and I was asking one of my friends there how her labor had gone when it was stimulated by stripping membranes. She was telling me that she felt "funny". We went on for a while trying to define what feeling "funny" is like. I wasn't feeling "funny" but not knowing what that's like, I couldn't be sure. All I could say for sure is that I was feeling crampy pressure not too unlike what I felt after my exam the week before. When they start checking for dilation, I usually do feel a little crampier than normal for the rest of that day.

So, while at prayer meeting, my friend started timing the 'nothing special' contractions and they were coming a little more frequently than I realized and lasting a little longer than I realized. Hmmm, this could be it. But, I was nervous about being one of "those" mothers that march into labor and delivery over and over only to be snickered out of there by nurses sending me home not in labor... especially with my sixth baby!

On home we went and Mr. P was getting very excited at the thought of going to the hospital that night. Flibby and Miss Poppins gathered their clothes, laptop and other things we needed 'just in case'. I was still not very convinced that anything unusual was happening. We went on to bed at the regular time. During the night I woke up feeling some back pain. I was generally uncomfortable but not from contractions, just from aches and pains. I decided to get up and read some emails on the computer. I had a couple of rather painful backache type contractions. I went back to bed. I woke up again with a stronger backache pain. Hmmm, it was getting interesting! By now it was 2am and Mr. P gets up to go to work at 3am so I knew I needed to decide of this was "it" or not. I didn't want him leaving home if I was truly in labor. Remembering some advice from a pregnancy book, I decided to get up and take a shower. I knew that if I moved around and they got stronger, this was "it"! If they subsided, it wasn't. In the shower, the contractions hit me fast and hard! I knew without a shadow of a doubt that this was indeed "it" and I no longer feared being sent home from the hospital doing the 'you're-not-in-labor-walk-of-shame'!

My fear of being sent home was replaced by a new and more compelling fear... missing my epidural! I got out of the shower and had a moment that I never thought would come. I was able to wake up Mr. P and give him that 'knowing' look saying, "It's time!" It was wonderful and something I never thought I would experience for myself! I no longer cared about fixing my hair... in fact, I left it mostly wet! I had no makeup on! I didn't even care what I was wearing to the hospital! These are all things that I usually have in order and picture perfect before heading to the hospital.

Mr. P woke up Flibby and Miss Poppins and told them to get ready. I called Nana to come and stay with the other kids, and I called my doctor. He told me to come on in and to get checked out. As these things unfolded, my contractions were getting harder and faster and I was getting more panicky about that epidural! I told everyone to GET IN THE CAR! My mom had still not arrived so I called her. She was turning on to our street so we met her headlights by flying by her in our car. We were off. Mr. P asked me if he could stop at the ATM. 'NO!' was my answer. Then I noticed that the car was out of gas! Just the night before at prayer meeting, the other men were telling him to be sure and fill up with gas. He had it on his list of things to do... in the morning! That was going to be a little late for me!! Fortunately, we had enough gas to get to the hospital.

The ride to the hospital was quiet. I was concentrating on not having contractions and not having a baby on the side of the road. Mr. P asked me if I wanted him to go faster and I told him to obey all traffic laws. He said no policeman would ticket us under the circumstances and I told him that to be pulled over and have to explain the situation to a policeman would take valuable time away from getting me to the hospital! It was decided Mr. P would drive the speed limit. Ha! Ha!

We made it to the hospital at 3:20am and they were expecting me. I went into my labor and delivery room (LDR 1) asking the nurse for my epidural! She told me that she had to check me and call the doctor. The doctor on call lives 20 minutes from the hospital and I couldn't have my epidural until he arrived. My anxiety level went up about tenfold when they told me that! She checked me and I was 6 cm. I just knew I'd have the baby in 20 minutes and once again, miss my epidural. I'm a big fan of the epidural in case you didn't know that about me! ~wink~

There was a big clock on the wall and I was watching the minutes slowly tick by. Thankfully, my doctor arrived and he had the anesthesiologist right behind him. I have loved all my epidurals but this one was particularly wonderful! I could move and feel everything but pain. I love it when the epidural is just right... not too much where you are paralyzed, and certainly not too little. It was as perfect as an epidural can be! Once my epidural was in, the doctor checked me and I was 8cm. He broke my water. Now I was starting to have some fun!

I was complete at 5:30am but Noah's head was still high. We decided to wait to push and let my contractions bring him on down so that would reduce the chance of a tear. It was relaxing and fun... Flibby and Miss Poppins came in and visited with us for a little bit. The whole experience was simply delightful and just the way I like it... plus, we had the added benefit of the surprise midnight run to the hospital. I loved it!

At 6:30am, my doctor came back in. He had instructed me not to push until he arrived because I tend to go really fast. I pushed two times and little Noah was born at 6:38am! It was a perfect moment!! I just wish I could live it over again because it all went so fast!

They placed Noah up on my stomach and I was able to admire him completely for 10 or 15 minutes. Then they took him off to weigh and examine. Our Noah weighed 8lbs 5oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long. His head was 14 inches. And, he has a head somewhat full of dark brown hair!! We haven't had a dark headed baby in 14 years! Miss Poppins was the last dark haired wonder to be born. All the rest since have been little toe headed blondies!

It was about an hour after that when we got the call from my mom that Hannah woke up having trouble walking. That began a whole other adventure that I'll save for another day! In the meantime, back at the hospital, there had been 20 boys born the day before Noah and all the rooms up on the maternity floor were full. We stayed in labor and delivery until 1pm when a room became available. Our labor and delivery room became a bustling of activity and visitors! All the children arrived by 9am to see Noah and the phones were ringing off the hooks. We had called several people that had expressed the desire to be awakened in the middle of the night should we have that 'midnight surprise'! So, those that we awakened began to call others and word spread like wildfire! It was a big party before long!!

Noah's birth was a blessing and a miraculous gift from the Lord! We are blessed beyond measure by the birth of our noble son. May he be used mightily of the Lord!!

Noah is here!

2007-07-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Noah has arrived!! Details and many more pictures at www.kittenwhiskers.blogspot.com

...TWO!!!... and doctor's appointment!

2007-07-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

Here is our 38 week progress report on Noah...

"As you know, you've arrived at the final leg of your pregnancy journey, and if you're still carrying your little love around, they've just about reached their birth weight (somewhere between 6 to 8 pounds is average depending on whether they're a boy or girl). There really isn't a lot to report on baby this week, so lets do a quick recount of where we are: all internal organ systems are pretty much ready for the outside world, lots of healthy baby fat, a rapidly developing brain (that'll keep growing with them for years to come), and they've more or less reached official baby status-- all they need to do is "head out" and say hello to the rest of the world and especially their ready-to-pop momma."

Yes, we're more than ready!! The children are watching me like a pot that won't boil! Ha! Ha!

Today was another wonderful doctor's appointment with another one of my wonderful doctors! His educated guess is that Noah will be 8lbs 10oz! My blood pressure was good... I forgot to ask exactly what it was this time. I gained no weight so I am still at 12 pounds overall weight gain. I am 3+ cm dilated (does that mean almost 4? Hmmmm...) and 80% effaced. He striped my membranes and told me that he would be shocked if I made it through the weekend! Yikes! I've never actually gone into labor by myself! What would that be like? Here is how my labor normally goes...

~Get up at 4am for a nice leisurely shower.
~Style and curl hair.
~Apply make-up 'just so'.
~Drive to the hospital comfortable and giddy the whole way.
~Visit with the nurses as we go about the multitudes of questions, IV hook-ups, blood draws and bracelets.
~My best friend, the anesthesiologist, comes in and gives me the blessed epidural.
~Hook me up to the pitocin.
~Watch a little morning news and maybe some of Good Morning America.
~Have a baby while laughing it up with the doctors and nurses.
~In my room, dressing and cooing over my new beautiful baby, having pictures done, receiving guests and ordering lunch by 10am.

It works for me! What would a midnight dash to the hospital in the midst of real labor feel like? I may get the chance to find out!

Stay tuned!!

Perfect hospital toes!

2007-07-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

For my birthday this year, my mom gave me a gift certificate to have a pedicure so that my toes will look absolutely fabulous in the hospital! Fun stuff!! So, last night, Mom and I went and had our toes done. What do you think? There is something about bold shiny pink toes that just scream 'Let's have a baby!', don't you think?

Now I am officially ready to have a baby! Everything... and I do mean everything!... is done, packed, washed, cleaned, and in order for Noah's arrival. Wow! I can't believe it's time!

Also, I'll give you a little preview of what we are planning. Flibby and Miss Poppins will be coming to the hospital with us and Grandpa Fred, Noah's namesake, is loaning us the equipment we need to 'live blog' my labor! Flibby and Miss Poppins will be in charge of this under the supervision of Mr. P. Isn't technology wonderful? And, oh so fun?? Stay tuned!!

More baby shower fun!

2007-07-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

If you've been over at the main blog, you've already seen a few pictures from my baby shower this past weekend. I thought I'd share a few more here on the baby blog! Enjoy!!

Here is my '9 months pregnant' photo!

These are a few of the sweet ladies from my church that made this very special afternoon possible...

Fun, fellowship and wonderful food!

The young girls at our church were just as excited as the moms to participate in a baby shower! These are the godly helpmeets and mothers of the next generation!

Hannah Banana and Cindy Lou enjoyed their snacks very much... can you tell?

More of our little girls admiring the gift table...

Aren't they cute?

Cindy Lou is "borrowing" this gift of Noah's until he's born, she says.

So many beautiful and thoughtful gifts!!

This baby shower was a wonderful blessing to our family and our sweet Noah! We have been richly blessed by a faithful community of believers that love us and take very good care of us!

...THREE!!!...

2007-07-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest on baby Noah...

"It’s the calm before the storm. Changes in your baby's weight have leveled off with only a few ounces of fat added this week. At this point your baby should weigh in at around 7 lbs and 20 inches (with boys somewhat heavier and longer than girls). Happily, as far as internal organs go, they are now developed enough to function in the outside world although the oh-so-important immune system is still developing and will continue to do so after birth. With a large boost of antibodies provided by breast milk when nursing begins. Fighting infection and staying healthy should be well within their physical capacity when your little fighter is born."

I can't believe Noah is almost here!!!

Fabulous doctor's appointment!!

2007-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

I went to my favorite place on earth right now... and that is my doctor's office for another great doctor's appointment. I just love them all!!

Here are my exciting stats...

I'm dilated 2 cm and I am 70% effaced!! Woo Hoo!! He told me I could go into labor at any time. I told him to quit trying to get my hopes up! I haven't ever gone into labor on my own. I've always been induced and I really like it that way. I like to have everything planned and in place before the 'big day'. So, we'll see what the Lord has planned for this miracle baby and this miracle birth!

My blood pressure is 110/70 and I've gained two pounds for a grand total of 12 pounds. Can't ask for better than that!

Noah's heart rate was 143 which is just perfect. It was a wonderful visit and the countdown continues! I think I'd better go make sure my bag is packed and ready to go! I've been putting off the last few essentials. Who knows? Maybe I'll go into labor on my own this time. (Nah! Not likely!)

Early Baby Shower Gifts!

2007-07-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

My mother couldn't wait to give me a few things she bought for Noah! So, yesterday as we celebrated the 4th, she surprised me with these beautiful things!!I am in love with this diaper bag!! It is so roomy and has a multitude of pockets, zippered pouches and bottle holders. I can't imagine a more beautiful bag!! And, Flibby tells me that she is the one that picked out the font and color for the monogramming. Great job, Flibby!! My children each take a turn every five weeks (soon to be six!) spending the weekend with Nana. They love the one on one time with Nana and Nana loves having that time with her grandchildren as well. On Flibby's last turn, she and Nana did a little Noah shopping and this is when they picked out these beautiful treasures!! Flibby and Nana know me so well!!

...FOUR!!!.... and Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July, everyone!! I hope you have some wonderful plans for the 4th! I will NOT be outside at any fireworks celebrations tonight... it's just too hot for that. If there's no swimming pool, I'm staying indoors with my air conditioner. Ha! Ha!

We are planning to go to my mother's house for our wonderful 4th of July cookout tradition this afternoon! She never does anything half way... there will be flags on the tables and patriotic music wafting in the background and we'll all be dressed in our red, white and blue. Mr. P has already requested his favorite dessert which my mother loves to make for him! We call it "Nana Magic". All of our church friends are very familiar with "Nana Magic" because they always request she bring it when we have potluck lunch at the church! She'll also be grilling ribs, hamburgers and hot dogs along with potato salad and other delicious Nana specialties! And, she looked far and wide for the 'perfect' watermelon! I can't wait!! Mr. P can't wait!! The children can't wait!! We love our special holiday traditions.

Mom loves holidays with her family... in fact, she'll use any excuse to be with her children and grandchildren any day of the week. So, she would never let a holiday go by without fanfare, celebration and being surrounded by her grandchildren! I strive to be that kind of grandmother in the future! Thanks, Mom!!

But, I digress... I need to post about our getting-bigger-every-day Noah! Only four short weeks to go until we can see this little guy! Yippee!!

Here is what Noah is up to this week...

"The countdown continues… and in fetal developments: most of the bones (soft skull aside) in their little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which they can now make their grand debut. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are structurally ready for a secure launch. In physical fitness news: their muscle tone has also improved over these past few weeks, and you’ll definitely be impressed by their steel-like Ulnar grasp (a newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm). Finally, in the fluids/excretion department: the amniotic fluid-to-baby ratio has fallen over these past weeks, although they’re still swallowing fluid and some vernix caseosa. They will be more than ready to swallow and digest milk after birth. Just in case you didn’t get it quite yet: you’ve got yourself an adorable and hungry 6.5 lbs 20 inch baby—

are you ready?"

YES!!! I'm very, very ready!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Setting up supplies!

2007-07-02T09:23:00.001-07:00

Noah's big brother decided to put a few of the recent baby purchases out for our viewing enjoyment on Noah's changing table. Why is it that seeing these little incidentals all arranged and fresh and new in their packaging brings joy to all our hearts? I don't know but with only one month to go, it all is starting to feel very real!

One more project checked off the list!

2007-06-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Flibby and I finished up our nurses' gifts this afternoon! Yippee!! That's one more thing that is finished and ready to go. We're all done with the important things and now I'm finishing up the little things and tying up a few loose ends here and there. I can't believe I have just over four weeks until Noah is here!I got the great idea for this project from my good friend Tracy over at Lines From The Vine. She is always so thoughtful and inspired me to come up with a nice little thank you gift for all the ladies that will take care of me and little Noah while we're in the hospital. It's very simple to do! I took a variety of Hershey Nuggets candy and printed one of my favorite Bible verses on Avery mailing labels. Then Flibby stamped little blue handprints on each label. These fit just perfectly around the candies and are a nice 'thank you' to all the nurses and support staff that will be taking care of us in the hospital! Those ladies take excellent care of me and I wanted to have a little something to show them my appreciation for all they do! Thanks, Tracy for the great idea!!

...FIVE!!...

2007-06-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

The time is simply flying by! Here is the latest on Noah and how he's coming along...

"Congratulations! You’re now carrying nearly 6 lbs of baby not counting their amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, or the placenta itself. We’re impressed because that’s a LOT of work non-stop. Are you feeling proud of yourself yet? Well, get to it—you’ve done an amazing job! At this point, your little-grower is almost busting out of the womb size-wise, which makes his restricted attempts to move most challenging. Of course, your stubborn little guy is still trying to move around as if he weren’t in a cramped space. And the accumulationg baby fat deposits are starting to level off so your little butter ball will be padded and warm when he heads out of his super snug little home."

Doctor's Appointment!

2007-06-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today was another fabulous day at the doctor's office! It was a great visit and I enjoyed it as usual. I'm so going to miss them when I'm not getting to see them every week! I love them all!! But, I digress... on to the business of the appointment.

Noah's heart rate was 154. My blood pressure was 112/64. I gained one pound so my total weight gain has risen to double digits at 10 pounds. He is head down and engaged and he's measuring right on schedule. My doctor said he anticipates a similar size baby to my others meaning at least a good eight pounder! Yippee!! I like everything big... especially nice big babies!!

Things are progressing just perfectly which is what I love to hear!

...SIX!!!...

2007-06-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

Look how Noah is growing!!

"Your amazing baby is on the move! They’ve been riding fairly high in your stretched-out womb to this point (while kindly compressing your poor internal organs), but now they’re planning on making the big move to your pelvis this week. If you haven’t already, you’ll be noticing the weight shift that signals they are most likely out of breech position, with their head now resting on your pubic bone. In liver news: although not quite fully formed, your little miracle’s liver is now capable of processing a certain amount of waste. In general, most of your child’s prenatal physical development is pretty much up to snuff and ready for the outside world. Naturally, further weight gain is expected—so you’re still not at maximum capacity despite probably feeling like you definitely are maxed out."

The Sibling Tour!

2007-06-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

Oh we had such fun tonight at the hospital with Hannah Banana and Cindy Lou!! We went on a sibling tour through the Women's Center at the hospital and we were able to see the labor and delivery rooms, the rooms where the moms stay after we have the babies, and the newborn nursery!It was great fun!!! The children also received a lesson or two on proper baby care, how babies regulate their temperature, and what they need when they are first born. Cindy Lou and Hannah both received certificates of completion along with a bag of goodies including a coloring book, a book on baby care, a hat and mask just like the doctors wear, and a diaper and a wipe to use with their baby dolls. As you can see, they took their job very seriously, came home and went right to work!In fact, I think I hear them upstairs playing 'labor and delivery' even as I type!! Oh, it's going to be so much fun when little Noah arrives!!

...SEVEN!!...

2007-06-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

Little Noah is not so little anymore! I can certainly tell that he is one big baby... especially when he gets his toes right up under my ribs! Only seven short weeks to go...

"For all the weight and bulk you’re lugging around these days, you’d think your little champ should weigh much more than a mere 5 lbs and measly 17 inches in height, but nope, that’s about the average size for a baby in its thirty-third week. In terms of appearances, they’re getting cuter and pudgier every minute—just piling on the baby fat and those adorable little wrist rolls and chubby toes. And as we’re sure you’ve already noticed they’re getting stronger with every passing day. Nowadays, it’s possible to observe a well-placed kick just by watching your belly—but you already knew that didn’t you? Although they’re getting stronger, your bigger-by-the-day baby is losing space to move around, so the actual rate of movement will drop off in the last few weeks, despite that powerful drop-kick they’ve been working on. "

Doctor's Appointment Update!

2007-06-12T06:26:00.001-07:00

Please forgive my neglect at updating on my latest doctor's appointment which was last Friday. We've been busy with some new puppies and I have been neglecting my baby blog because of it!

On Friday I saw one of my favorite doctors... in fact, the one that delivered Hannah Banana! I have gained two pounds which makes for a grand total of 9 pounds this pregnancy. Noah had the hiccups at the time they were listening to his heartbeat so it was nice and strong and fast at 172. They said that was fabulous because a stimulus... such as hiccups... is supposed to produce a response... such as a faster heartbeat. So, it seems little Noah is responding appropriately to the annoyance of hiccups. I know by the way he kicks me in the ribs when he has hiccups that he is annoyed by them! Ha! Ha!

I'm measuring right where I should be and my blood pressure is nice and low. All good news!! I go back again in two weeks for more fun, fun, fun! Sweet baby feet are getting closer and closer!

...EIGHT!!...

2007-06-06T06:14:00.000-07:00

We are coming right along! I'm officially eight months pregnant with 8 weeks to go until Noah makes his debut! Here is how our Noah is doing...

"During week 32 of pregnancy, as your baby grows, there will be less room for him to move around. This means that his kicks and movements might be less frequent and less forceful.

It is a good idea to continue kick counts at this time, looking for at least 10 kicks per hour. If you count fewer than 10 movements in two hours, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Other fetal development that is occurring when you are 32 weeks pregnant includes the following:

The layers of fat continue to be deposited beneath the skin.

The arms and legs are fully proportioned in relation to the size of the head.

The baby is passing water from his bladder.

The hair on the head continues to grow.

The lanugo (the hair that covers your baby's skin) continues to fall off.

By the time you are 32 weeks pregnant, all of your baby's five senses are also functional, including hearing. This means that your baby is becoming familiar with all sorts of noises within his surroundings, including your heartbeat and digestion. Your baby is also beginning to recognize your voice. By the time he is born, your child will be very familiar with your voice."

The sweet sound of heartbeats!

2007-06-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

This nifty little contraption has been loads of fun and wonder for our family as we all love to take turns listening to Noah's steady and strong heartbeat! We never get tired of hearing it!! The children take turns and we pass the earphones around over and over again until Mom gets tired of staying in one position so long. The children never get tired of hearing it... and neither do I!

This and that...

2007-06-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day at garage sales!! We now have 172 new pieces of clothing for Noah! I found all brand name high quality clothing and everything was just $0.25 a piece! They are sizes 2T through 3T so he is officially clothed for a full year and then some. I found winter coats, bathing suits, jackets, Sunday dress clothes and a few Gymboree blankets which are my absolute favorites! I even found three new maternity shirts for myself. My mom was with me and as we walked up to this wonderful sale I was telling her that I am actually outgrowing some of my maternity clothes! Two of my dresses and several of my casual t-shirt type tops are now noticeably too tight. Then right there at that very yard sale were three new casual 'around the house' tops that were enormous!! Should the Lord bless us with twins anytime in the future, I'm ready! I think these shirts can accommodate any size pregnant tummy!!

In addition to the wonderful clothes, I also found a baby bathtub, three Christmas presents for Noah and at a Friday sale Mr. P found a highchair... and a baby swing!The swing and the highchair were just $10.00 total! Yippee!!

Also this weekend, I completed the booties I've been knitting... and I also completed the matching diaper bag that will go with Noah's quilt.Several more things are checked off the 'to do' list! Just one or two things left to do before Master Noah is set to arrive!!

...NINE!...

2007-05-30T06:35:00.001-07:00

Here is what's happening with the ever growing, ever kicking, ever squirming Noah these days...

"Your not-so-little-one is just a bit closer to their birth weight and height now—at around 4 lbs and 17 inches in length. With each added layer of baby fat their skin starts to look more and more like it will when they finally get to see the light of day. The heavy news: you can expect little miracle-gro to gain about a half a pound of weight gained per week from now until about two weeks before birth. Great. That's just what you needed. Even more weight to carry around!

Your baby's still-developing immune system has gained substantial strength over the past few weeks getting them in full gear to face our disease-ridden world o’ wonders. Obviously, a large majority of your child’s immune strength will be derived from exposure to breast milk as well as the outside elements. Their cute little noggin’ (which could already be covered with luscious locks or just purty peach fuzz), is still soft because the skull bones have not yet fused together. As much as that sounds a little too vulnerable, their “skull softness” allows for a much smoother passage through the birth canal during labor—something both you and your little swimmer will appreciate when it’s finally time to “go!” Also, some babies will have that “soft spot” on their head for up to one year after birth."

The very best smell in all the world!

2007-05-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like the smell of freshly laundered baby clothes washed in Dreft! It is pure ecstasy!! We have now completed the washing of all of Noah's clothes, bedding, blankets, socks, stroller covers, bouncy seat covers and washable toys. My mom has been doing all of this laundry for me and I have been able to sit back and reap the benefits of sniffing all the beautiful clothes as she brings them back to me to put in his dresser.

Here are his dresser drawers filled with his clothes... clean, great smelling and ready for a baby boy!

Finished projects!

2007-05-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd show you my most recent project I completed for Noah. Here is his baby hat and matching blanket that I knitted for him for the hospital! I can't wait to see him in it!I'm almost finished hand quilting his quilt and sewing his matching diaper bag. Stay tuned!

The countdown begins... TEN....

2007-05-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

10 weeks to go!! I'm 30 weeks today and had my doctor's appointment this morning. It was great fun as usual!! I actually lost a pound so my overall weight gain is 7 pounds! Terrific!! I am measuring exactly 30 weeks which is great and Noah's heart rate is 154. Right where it should be! My blood pressure is 100/70. Can't ask for better than that!

The doctor also wants me to take iron supplements which I don't think I'll do. He said my iron level was right in the middle of normal where it had been a high normal at the beginning of my pregnancy. He said it's normal for iron to slowly drop throughout pregnancy and being an 'older mother' (have I mentioned that I dislike that term a great deal?) and having had more than a few babies, low iron can be a problem for me around labor and delivery time. I think instead I'll focus on eating a lot of iron rich foods. I am not a big fan of supplements. I'd rather do it naturally if possible.

Other than that I'm in perfect health and I get to start going to see the doctor every two weeks!! It won't be long now!!

29 weeks today!

2007-05-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

This is my last week in my 20's! My 30's are just around the corner. I can't believe how fast this pregnancy has flown!! It won't be long now. Here is what is happening with little Noah this week...

"Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to accommodate his brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester. To keep yourself and him well nourished, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium. (About 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton — which is now hardening — every day.)"

Noah's bed is complete!

2007-05-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here is Noah's bedding all made up and ready for him!! You can see all the little toys and animals I plan to take to the hospital... and yes, Mr. P has already informed me the baby cradle in the hospital only has four corners! But, there can be more than one thing in a corner, right? Also, our firstborn son has happily made a new sign for his door with the help of a scroll saw, some sandpaper and a little paint. Lovely, isn't it?The curtains are finished and when Mr. P gets home from work and installs the curtain rods, we'll put those up. Once the window seat covers are complete, the room will be all ready for a new baby! My 'To Do List' is dwindling!!

Exciting times!!!

and that's not all...

2007-05-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a few other pictures from the day including my two favorite sonogram pictures! They told us that Noah is perfect in every way including having just a touch of hair around the back of his head. Looks like I'm getting another baldy! Flibby and Miss Poppins were my only babies with hair... and they had enough for 10 babies! But, the other three had light blonde peach fuzz. So, will Noah's hair be blonde or brown? Hmmm... some things just have to be surprises.

Our entourage arriving at the hospital! Mr. P and I were there, of course, along with all five children and my mom. We took up quite a few seats in the waiting room as usual.

Hannah Banana and Karate Kid enjoy wondering what Noah will look like as we wait for our appointment.These are my two favorite sonogram pictures! They look so much like son number one, it's amazing! I've added a few pictures of Karate Kid for you to see if you see the resemblance. What do you think?And, last but not least... a cute little picture of Noah's foot! The foot is to the far left. You also get a very clear look at the umbilical cord... or as Cindy Lou says, his "biblical" cord.

Here he is!

2007-05-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Now I have some pictures downloaded for you compliments of Mr. P! Isn't he beautiful? I'm amazed at how clear the sonogram was and how realistic! It was absolutely wonderful!!

OK, this is just to get you started!

2007-05-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

We're back!!! That was the most wonderful and surreal experience I have ever had!! I was able to see my Noah so clearly it was like looking right into his face!! He grimaced like he was ready to cry, he yawned, he smiled, and he even stuck out his tongue. We saw him open his eyes! It was amazing!!!

They gave us a wonderful DVD full of video and pictures. I'm not sure how to capture the pictures to download them... that's a job for Mr. P who is at the hardware store at the moment. But, in the meantime, I'm showing you my first born son looking at pictures of his little brother. They are like twins!! It was uncanny!! I'll post some pictures of them both and you can see for yourself! This picture will give you an idea of what baby Noah looks like.

Stay tuned... more to come. Lots more!!!

Today's the DAY!!

2007-05-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

It's here!!! Today's the day!!! My 4-D sonogram is in a few short hours. I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!! Stayed tuned for updates and pictures!

The Room of a Noble Son!

2007-05-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

We have almost completed our boys' room! The room has been painted a lovely khaki with Noah's wall painted two shades lighter. Also the inside of the dormer windows is painted in the lighter color. We picked out the fabric for the window seats and the curtains last night. There were some terrific bargains at Walmart's fabric department... unfortunately they are doing away with their fabrics so everything is on sale. I'm thankful for the sale but I'm so sad to see the fabric department go away! I buy so many things from that department!!
We found these adorable nursery rhyme pictures at Kirkland's Home and I just had to have them for the room! I love the vintage illustration and the calligraphy of the rhyme. Their 'old world' look goes great in the new room which we are decorating in an 'old world' map theme. Beautiful!!! And, I wanted to show you Noah's finished quilt! What do you think? I'm still in the process of hand quilting and that wrinkles the quilt a good bit. So, once it's done, I'll give it a good press and it won't look quilt so rumpled. Our baby plans are coming right along!! Now I'm working on the design of my door bow! I'll let you know how it turns out

Birth Announcements!

2007-05-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

As I'm working my way through my 'to do' list, I have been pondering a creative birth announcement idea. I came across this one on the internet and I saved it to see what I could do with it later. Of course, those of you that know me well know that I never buy these things. I have to make my own! But, I love to gather ideas and put them together into something truly unique to us! Here is the preliminary idea for Noah's birth announcement...What do you think? The picture and words are printed on vellum and then a nice coordinating cardstock is used as the background. I absolutely love tying my announcements with ribbon so that is certain to be included. So many ideas... so little time!

HELLOOOOO Third Trimester!!

2007-05-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Can you believe I'm entering my third trimester today? I can't believe it either! But, my little pregnancy ticker is proof positive! I moved up a square and now there are only two squares left until the big day!

I am really enjoying being pregnant! I always feel better pregnant than not. It may be that I take better care of myself but I think it's just the wonderful glow of pregnancy that gives me tons of energy, great hair and nails, and a new zest for life! Food tastes better, flowers smell better, and life is grand! It is the best time of life!

Yesterday we went swimming at the pool for the first time of the season. Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE the pool and being in the summer sun? There is something special about soaking up the sunshine! I live for it each and every summer and being pregnant just makes it all the better. I also walked this morning at the lake!! I haven't been able to do that for a while because it's been too cool in the mornings. But, not today! And, it looks like every day this week will be equally wonderful! So, I'll walk my two miles in the morning and swim in the afternoons. I'm getting ready for labor and delivery! I can hardly wait!!

The 4-D sonogram is coming up in a few days!! Oh, what fun that will be!!! Then I start going to the doctor every two weeks. WOW! Noah really is almost here!

And, how is not-so-little-anymore Noah doing these days?

"Your baby is really starting to fill up your uterus. This week he weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?"

Let me mention how much we are enjoying the baby hiccups! It's delightful and we were almost late to church on Sunday morning with everyone gathered around my tummy watching it jump and 'hiccup' along... not to mention all the acrobatics Noah does when he has the hiccups! He either enjoys them very much and they set him to dancing a jig, or he is quite annoyed by them and throws a little fit. We can't decide which... but, he is quite the active baby when he has the hiccups!

Fun stuff going on around our house these days!

To My Unborn Son

2007-04-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

"My SON!" What simple, beautiful words!
"My boy!" What a wonderful phrase!
We're counting the months till you come to us -
The months, and the weeks, and the days!

"The new little stranger," some babes are called,
But that's not what you're going to be;
With double my Virtues and half of my faults,
You can't be a stranger to me!

Your mother is straight as a sapling plant,
The cleanest and best of her clan -
You're bone of her bone, and flesh of her flesh,
And, by heaven, we'll make you a man!

Soon I shall take you in two strong arms -
You that shall howl for joy -
With a simple, passionate, wonderful pride
Because you are just - my boy!

And you shall lie in your mother's arms,
And croon at your mother's breast,
And I shall thank God I am there to shield
The two (in my case, the seven!) that I love the best.

A wonderful thing is a breaking wave,
And sweet is the scent of spring,
But the silent voice of an unborn babe
Is God's most beautiful thing.

We're listening now to that silent voice
And waiting, your mother and I -
Waiting to welcome the fruit of our love
When you come to us by and by.

We're hungry to show you a wonderful world
With wonderful things to be done,
We're aching to give you the best of us both
And we're lonely for you - my son!

~Captain Cyril Morton Thorne

Quote of quotes...

2007-04-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

I love this quote about dear little boys!

"A boy is Truth with dirt on its face, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket."
~Alan Beck

It must be a 'boy thing'!

2007-04-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my doctor's appointment today and I failed my sugar test miserably! I also failed it with that first boy of mine but not with any of my girls. Hmmm, do you think it's a 'boy thing'? Of all the complications you can have in pregnancy, gestational diabetes is a pretty easy one so I'll just be thankful for it and praise the Lord for it!

The rest of my appointment was picture perfect!! Noah's heartrate was 154 and I've gained another five pounds which brings my grand total for this pregnancy to 8 pounds. Woo Hoo! It doesn't get much better than that!

I go in just two weeks for my 4-D sonogram and then in another two weeks for my next appointment... and THEN I'll be going every two weeks!! Can you believe how fast the time is flying by? I can't!!

I had a lot of time to work on my knitted blanket while waiting on that sugar test so I'm nearly finished with it. I'll post pictures once I get it done.

It won't be long now! Just 99 days to go!!

100 Days To Go!!

2007-04-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Only one hundred short days until Noah Frederick arrives!!

Garage Sale Treasures!!

2007-04-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today I had a wonderful day at yard sales! There was one particular sale that was fabulous!! Not only did it have all sorts of things I still need for Noah, it was the most beautifully organized sale I have ever shopped! And, I have shopped a few!! I had to compliment the ladies who organized the sale on their outstanding work!!Here is the list of what I bought today...

1 Dressy Blanket
7 Baby hats
6 Baby Washcloths
1 Pair of Booties
23 Newborn Socks
13 Socks for 12-24 months
16 Burp Pads
1 Cradle Sheet
2 Hand Covers (to keep newborns from scratching their faces)
7 Receiving Blankets
2 Mattress Covers for the crib
17 Bibs
4 Dressy Outfits
1 Gown
1 Sleeper
3 Onesies
7 Rompers
1 Pair of baby jeans
1 Small baby blue bear for the hospital cradle

1 Unopened box of baby drawer liners

1 Toy blanket with four teething corners

I also bought for my sweet husband four golf shirts, five pairs of jeans, two pairs of shorts and two pair of Sunday pants!

One of the dressy outfits will be for Noah's first Easter next year. It still had the price tag of $49.99 on it! I paid $4.00 for it. I also paid $3.00 and $4.00 for each of the other dressy outfits which were Feltman Bros. The rest of the clothing and supplies were $1.00 and under!! The grand total for today's shopping extravaganza was $37.50!!!

Praise the Lord for His mighty provision!!

'To Do' List

2007-04-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

I am rapidly approaching my third trimester! Can you believe it? The second trimester has flown by at record speed and so I'm anticipating the same thing happening from now until Noah arrives! That leaves me with a LOOOOONG list of things to do and relatively little time to do them.

So, I thought for the purpose of clarity and organization, I should make a list of 'things to do' before Noah arrives...

~~~Get his bed and set it up~~
~~~Get Noah's baby chest and organize all his things in it (happening this weekend)~~
~~~Paint the boys' room... khaki color on three walls and two shades lighter on Noah's wall~~
~Paint the big girls' room... pick colors!
~~~Choose fabric for bedding~~
~~~Work on design for door bow and get small frame from Kirklands for it~~
~~~Buy two more gowns for hospital and begin to assemble hospital supplies (also need robe and slippers)~~
~~~Pre-register for the hospital~~
~~~Sign up for the hospital sibling tour for the little girls~~
~~~Continue to stock up on diapers, wipes, bath items and other consumables, Dreft~~
~~~Finish Noah's quilt~~
~~~Finish knitting Noah's hospital blanket and hat~~
~~~Make coordinating diaper bag~~
~~~Design and work on birth announcements~~
~~~Baby scrapbook~~
~Decide on goodies to take to hospital for the nurses, food staff, and doctors

Things I need to buy new or find at yard sales...

~Car seat (buying new)
~Breast pump (buying new)
~Video camera
~~~Baby swing~~
~~~High chair~~
~~~Crib sheets~~
~~~Bassinet sheets~~
~~~Baby socks~~
~~~Clothes in larger sizes for winter months (from 6 months and up)~~
~Play yard

Things I already have...

~Baby bed
~Co-sleeping cradle
~Stroller
~Exersaucer
~Bouncy seat
~Newborn clothes

Things already in progress

~~~Quilt~~
~~~Clothes from 3 to 6 months~~
~~~Coming home outfit~~ (Mom is making that)

Baby Hiccups!

2007-04-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

Noah had the hiccups last night for the very first time! You would think a spaceship had landed the way everyone gathered around fighting for a good hand spot on my tummy to catch the momentous event of hiccups. They stared at my strangely thumping tummy in wide-eyed wonder! It was great fun... to all but Noah who was very squirmy throughout. I'm not sure he enjoyed his hiccups but we sure did!!

24 Weeks Today!

2007-04-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Our Noah Frederick is 24 weeks today!! Yesterday we had a wonderful time at the hospital looking around the very familiar maternity floor with all the sights and sounds of new babies! It was very exciting!! In some ways, I'm so excited for Noah to arrive and I want to see each and every finger and toe! Will he have hair? Will it be dark or light? How much will he weigh? Who will he look like? It's all so wonderful to imagine!!

But, in another way, I want to keep him to myself and savor each and every day of this pregnancy. There is nothing like feeling his kicks and squirms and watching my tummy grow bigger and bigger! It is over so fast!! I want to enjoy every moment of it!!

Here is Noah's progress this week...

Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when he was just over a pound. Since he's a little over a foot long, that makes a pretty lean figure, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, his brain is growing rapidly, and his taste buds are developing. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.

Your baby may be very active between weeks 24 to 28, when small size and ample amniotic fluid allow for freedom of movement. You may feel your baby jump in response to loud sounds or "settle" at the sound of your voice. Studies indicate that your baby can respond to touch.

Your baby is around 14 inches from head to toe, and weighs 1 pound, 12 ounces to 2 pounds 3 ounces.

Your baby is almost completely formed, and is beginning to deposit brown fat on his or her body. The purpose of the brown fat is to retain body heat. Newborns are notoriously bad at regulating body temperature at first. This is particularly a problem for a baby born early. Babies born at this point have some chances of survival with very special care.

Hospital love!

2007-04-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Today Flibby and I paid a visit to my sweet mother-in-law who is recovering from surgery in the hospital... the very same hospital where I will be in 16 short weeks having our Noah! As we were leaving, Flibby and I decided to make a stop by the second floor. That's the really fun place where all the babies are!! The nursery windows were open and we saw two beautiful little babies that happened to be in with the nurses instead of in the room with their mothers as most babies are. It was so much fun!!! One baby had on a handmade hat with matching blanket! I can't wait for Noah to be wrapped in the beautiful baby blue blanket I am knitting him right now! I'm going to make a matching hat for him as well. Stay tuned for pictures! The other baby was the cutest little bald thing!

They have remodeled this hospital since I was last there. I was privileged to attend the birth of one of my dear friend's baby this time last year and the remodeling was underway. Today I was able to see all the new improvements. The baby cradles are now all made of this beautiful dark cherry wood! The rooms have new colors and everything looks so fresh, new and modern. I can't wait to be a patient there again!! Have I ever told you how much I love the hospital?? (only when I'm having beautiful babies, that is!)

It won't be long now!

Fun with Noah!

2007-04-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

We are all having the MOST fun feeling little Noah doing all his acrobatics... and my blooming tummy is frequently found covered by tiny (and not so tiny) hands! I've noticed my children don't make eye contact with me anymore. When they are standing and talking to me, they are generally staring longingly at my tummy while rubbing and caressing it. Noah is already getting LOTS of love!!Virtual M&M's to anyone who can correctly guess which hand belongs to which family member!

Funny little happenings...

2007-04-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

A variety of funny and strange looks and comments have been happening to us all recently in regard to our family size. I find it all a little amusing. One has to have a sense of humor about these things! What is interesting to me is when it all started to happen. Voddie Baucham said it best when he said of the Christian community, "...two children is all you are supposed to have but there is this unwritten rule that if you have two children of the same gender, you may try one more time for the other gender." But, three... that's it! Four children might get you a pat on the back and people looking at you in awe at your abilities. Five... now you're crossing over into carnival freak territory! Six... oh my! People gawk and stare more than if you were a rare albino Ascension flightless crake found in the deserts of Africa! It's amazing!

Recently Flibby and I were shopping in a kitchen store. As we were checking out, the cashier - maybe 20 years old - asked me when I'm due. That took me aback because I keep living under the illusion that I'm not really showing enough for people to just assume I'm pregnant. My family continues to assure me that I am past the point of no return on that one! At any rate, I answered the inquiry. Then she asked me if I knew what I was having. I proudly told her we are expecting a noble son! She then asked, "Is this your second?" I, of course, thought she meant second boy. She actually meant second child. I told her that yes, it was our second son and that my first born son was delighted because he has been grossly outnumbered with four sisters. At this point, I can't be sure, but I think she dropped something glass and shattered it. The two other employees that were standing within earshot, turned and the interrogation began. "How old are they?" "How many do you have again?" "On purpose!?" "Did you come from a big family?" And, my favorite... "Y'all must homeschool, right?" Goodness, does it show? I answered all their questions while trying to concentrate on writing my check and gathering my packages. The cashier actually followed me to the door with Flibby snickering behind us all the way. She patted me on the back and asked, "So, is this going to be your last one?" I turned and said, "I certainly hope not!" That was it... I think her fellow employees had to be called in to help revive the poor girl!

This past weekend at yard sales, I was with my sweet mom and she was answering questions about me... have you ever noticed how people will ask someone else questions about you like you aren't standing less than two feet away?!! They asked Mom, "Is this her first?" Mom very nonchalantly answered, "No, her sixth." Both the husband and the wife gasped... or more like yelped... in horror. I turned to them, chuckled and said, "I get that a lot." The woman went on to tell me that she would have liked to have more than one child but they didn't start soon enough. I told her that I was going to be 41 when this baby is born. Again, I think medical intervention was needed on the poor girl. Last I saw, her husband was attempting to revive her as we walked away! ~wink~

Then Mr. P had a 'incident' with a bank teller this week. She was expecting a baby and he asked her how many children she had. She told him this was to be her first. He told her he was expecting his sixth! As he told me the story, he described her look and the look of the neighboring teller as something akin to cartoon characters with eyes popping out of their heads in "AAA-OOOO-GA!" fashion. There was no more conversation after that. Mr. P had to gather up his own money off the counter and leave them staring blankly and struck dumb.

Remember that old Sesame Street song?

"One of these things is not like the other.

One of these things just doesn't belong.

Can you tell which thing is not like the other,

before I finish my song?"

We're certainly not like all the others... and I'm so thankful!

Bargain hunting at its best!

2007-03-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Monday we had a piano concert and attending the concert were Grandpa Fred (namesake of our Noah Frederick) and Grandma Pat! They brought along their finds from the prior weekend's yard sales! Here are some of the fruits of their labors for their grandson, Noah!!!Each item, all name brands, was $0.10 each!!! Now how can you beat a deal like that? Yippee!! You see my dear Mr. P. comes by his frugal shopping quite naturally as inspired by his very thrifty and bargain hunting dad! Mr. P. learned from the master... and I've become quite addicted myself! They say it takes around $250,000 to raise a child to the age of 17! Pish posh! The extravagant retail spender that wrote that article needs to come a take a few pointers from us! I think we could teach him a thing or two!

22 Weeks today!

2007-03-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering what not-so-little Noah is doing these days? Here's his progress from the last week...

"The growing must go on! No wonder you’re getting so big, you’re now housing a wonder baby-- (that weighs nearly a pound and measures nearly a whole foot in length (30.5 cm). Their perfect little pancreas is now further developed and they’ve also started producing their own hormones! Your baby's future in the circus as a world-famous tight-rope-walker is secure: their inner ear is now developed to the point that they have their own sense of balance. Lucky for your little explorer, balance also promotes physical dexterity, which has them actively feeling out their surroundings—where skin, body parts and umbilical cord are the big sensory experiences. Your foot-long baby, is looking a bit like an oversized raisin right now as more and more wrinkles are showing up each week. Not to worry, all that excessive wrinkling is just their skin’s way of planning ahead for the time when they’ll start piling on that irresistible baby chub."

Information and picture compliments of Baby Center!

Doctor's Appointment!

2007-03-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I had another one of my most favorite things... a visit with my terrific doctors!! Have I ever told you about them? They are a group of Christian doctors. Openly Christian doctors!! They pray with me regularly! They talk to me about the Lord's plan in our life. When we shared with them about our vasectomy reversal and that we had repented of our sin in that area, they rejoiced! There is Scripture all over their walls. Their literature talks of their belief in the sanctity of life, therefore they don't recommend any genetic testing. The list of their wonderfulness goes on and on! I would never want any other doctors! I love each and every one of them dearly and trust them completely!! These doctors are a tremendous blessing and the cream of the crop of the medical profession! I can say that without reservation because I've had some quacks so I know the difference!! (Have you heard the story of Karate Kid's entrance into the world?)

Soooo, I had a great time at the doctor's office yesterday... even though it was a simple 'poke and weigh' - as I affectionately call the uneventful appointments of middle pregnancy. I had the great opportunity of seeing the wonderful doctor who delivered little Hannah Banana and reminiscing. I haven't seen him since I was last pregnant five years ago!

Now for the fun 'stats'... Noah's heartbeat was 142 which is just perfect! I've gained three pounds so far this pregnancy which is even more perfect! And, everything else was as it should be. Cindy Lou went with me so she could hear the baby's heartbeat. Everyone made over her in her spring time pink dress so she decided she really likes my doctor much better than her own! She asked me before I went in if I was going to have to get a shot. I told her that was not likely and she breathed a visible sigh of relief. She was also quite relieved to learn there wouldn't be any 'sick people' in my doctor's office. With all the fun and merriment that went on there, I think she'll be asking to go to my doctor for her next check up! It is much more fun than her doctor, I must admit!

21 Weeks today!!

2007-03-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering, our little Noah now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed.

As for me... "you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. "

Information and picture compliments of Baby Center!

An ocean of beautiful tiny blue clothes!!

2007-03-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here are all the wonderful finds from this weekend's garage sales and a second trip to the second hand sale I mentioned earlier!! On Saturday, all the prices at the second hand sale were 50% off the marked price and I found some incredible deals! Noah has a good start on his wardrobe... now if I could just pry myself away from the 'newborn' sizes and concentrate on some bigger sizes. But, those tiny newborn outfits are sooo cute! All that blue certainly is beautiful!!

20 Weeks Today!

2007-03-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today is the big 20 week milestone!! We are halfway to seeing our little Noah Frederick!! I can hardly wait!! We took a few pictures so you could see how Noah is growing. Enjoy!

A name for our son!

2007-03-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

(Originally posted on the Whiskers on Kittens blog the day after our sonogram... February 27, 2007)

We have a name chosen for our second son... it's a name we've been waiting to use for some time - chosen about two baby girls ago! Our son's name will be (drum roll, please)....

Noah Frederick

Noah is of Hebrew origin, and it means 'peaceful', 'long lived' and 'comforter'. Of course, this name is in honor of the biblical patriarch from whom all the world's nations are descended.

Frederick is of Old German origin and means 'peaceful ruler'. This name is in honor of Mr. P's father, Noah's grandfather, affectionately known to all his grandchildren as Grandpa Fred. Grandpa Fred is also a noble patriarch of a noble family... a worthy namesake for our own future patriarch.

May our Noah Frederick honor his namesakes and be a noble patriarch, the father of many children, a leader in the church, may he stand with courage in the gates, and be a mighty defender of the faith.

I guess you can tell that we are still riding on the 'It's a Boy!' cloud this morning. I can't wait to have all things blue with some snips and snails and puppy dog tails added in for good measure!

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. " Psalm 127:3-5

The Lord's provision!

2007-03-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today I went to what used to be one of my favorite second hand sales around. It is a group of moms that gathered together and had a big yard sale of all their maternity, baby and children's items. Over the years it has grown to such a huge event that the ladies now rent out an old grocery store space to house the sale! They have it twice a year and today was the first day of the week long spring/summer sale. I haven't been to this sale in a while because they don't have as much for older children and their prices are higher than garage sale prices. But, when you are in desperate need of maternity clothes or you have need for some baby equipment and itty bitty baby clothes... that are soooo adorable, I might add... this sale is the place to be!

I took Flibby with me and she was my shopping cart. As I went through the miles and miles of glorious maternity clothes, I piled Flibby higher and higher! It was a delight!! If you haven't heard me to complain of this before, let me mention that shopping for maternity clothes has been a nightmare. Have you seen what they think expecting mothers want to wear? Actually it must be what expecting mothers OTHER THAN ME want to wear because if no one were buying it, then they wouldn't be stocking it. I went to a clerk in a local maternity store a few months ago and asked her where the '40-year-old-expectant-mother' section was located. She stared at me blankly while continuing to annihilate a piece of chewing gum. It wasn't pretty... the selection or the chewing gum. If you're not a 19 year old rock star with a belly button ring (that you want to show the world!) and a tattoo (which you also want to show to the world), you can't find much in the way of maternity fashions these days. Who decided that seeing a pregnant woman's bare stomach was somehow attractive, decent, and preferred over the old fashioned custom of WEARING CLOTHES??!!

OK, enough of that soapbox! Anyway, today I was in maternity fashion paradise! It was pure bliss! The shirts were long, the dresses were longer, the pants were roomy and they covered up a blooming tummy - as opposed to riding under the tummy which I do not find comfortable at all. There were tops, skirts, capri pants, dresses... even two bathing suits that were quite attractive and fully covering. Paradise, I tell you... pure paradise! Poor Flibby's arms. I think she'll need some time to recover!

But, that was not the best part! There is more! As we finished shopping through the clothes, I decided to take a quick look through the baby beds and other equipment. Saturday the children and I went to a local Babies R Us just to look around see what was new since we haven't been in the 'baby business' around here in the last six years. I found the cradle of my dreams! It is similar to a co-sleeper which I've had before. I loved that my co-sleeper attached to my bed and the baby could sleep right next to me without being in the bed with me. It makes for very peaceful midnight (and 2am and 3am and 4am...) nursing! I didn't want something as big as the co-sleeper this time but I did want something similar. At the store we found this wonderful Simplicity 3 in 1 cradle. It's a cradle that rocks or it's a bassinet on wheels. It has a mobile which plays classical music... an added bonus for me! It has a night light and a huge basket under the bottom for storage. But, best of all... it's a co-sleeper!!! It has a side that lets down and it attaches to your bed! Outstanding! I had to have it!! I put it on my wish list on Saturday and filed it away in my mind for future reference.

Guess what I found today at the sale? YES!!! A Simplicity 3 in 1 cradle in an even prettier fabric than the one in the store. And, it was $40.00 less than retail price! Yippee!!! It was even more exciting than all the fabulous maternity clothes! Did I mention I found an Easter dress?

The Lord has been so faithful to provide exactly the things I need and even some of the things I want. When I simply trust Him and wait on Him, He often gives me the desires of my heart. Baby Noah Frederick is one answer to such a prayer... and beautiful affordable maternity clothes and an even more beautiful cradle are another answer to a simple prayer uttered in faith knowing the Lord would give us exactly what we needed and what we could afford. He is the Giver of good gifts and I can trust in His provision!

A great shopping extravaganza which was a blessing from the Lord!! All my friends will feel so much better not having to see me in the same two tired outfits, won't you?

Quite a kicker!

2007-03-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Little Noah is becoming quite a powerful kicker! He squirms and thumps and wiggles many times throughout the day but lately we've actually started to be able to feel what I would call full fledged kicks! It's so exciting!! Since these kicks are getting bigger, they are easily felt from the outside so now everyone can have fun with Noah instead of just me. It's been nice having him all to myself... but even better to have all those hands on my ever blossoming tummy waiting for that all important and still somewhat elusive kick!

The blessing of children

2007-03-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

I was born to be the mother of many children. That's what I've been telling my sweet husband all our married life. I have always felt the Lord's call to be a helpmeet to my husband and the joyful mother of children. Along the way, we deviated from the Lord's ideal in many areas of marriage and family life. But, the Lord has always been gracious and merciful with us and He has led us back to the path He has for us each and every time we've tried to take a wrong turn.

So it is with children. When we had Flibby, I knew there would be more children. When we had Miss Poppins, I was being wheeled to my car with my new baby in my arms and Mr. P. asked me when we would be here (at the hospital having another baby) again and I said, "Not me! I'm out to pasture!" How do I recall this so vividly being that it was nearly 14 years ago? There is video proof of it, I'm sorry to say. What a silly, selfish and foolish young mother I was then. It didn't take long - never does - for me to begin to long for another baby. Mr. P. wasn't so sure about it but we didn't have a son and so there is this unwritten rule that if you have two children of the same gender, you get to try for the other gender one more time. Along came Karate Kid and we rejoiced! It was at that time that Mr. P, with my blessing, permanently ended our ability to have children. What a grievous mistake that was! After about a year or so I came to realize with much sorrow what a terrible thing we had done. It was not yet an acknowledgement on our lack of trust in the Lord where our family size was concerned but simply my passion and love for children that led us to reverse that bad decision. Hannah Banana was our first blessing after that reversal! I had promised Mr. P. 'just one more'! I might want to mention that I have promised Mr. P. that a few times now. At that time, Mr. P. thought four was more than enough and he went back and had his now undone surgery redone. I grieved. I cannot tell you how hard and how long I grieved. It's beyond words. Shortly after that, the Lord blessed us with a miraculous surprise! And, that is my sweet and oh so precious Cindy Lou! Many years have passed and I had come to accept that our childbearing years were over. I always longed for more children and we even considered quite strongly international adoption but it was just too cost prohibitive for us to pursue.

All this background of testimony leads me to where we are today. Over these past five years the Lord has been doing a work in our hearts. He has shown us that our family size is to be trusted to Him and Him alone. That what we did was a sin and that we were given a second chance and blew it. Oh, how it grieved me and how repentant we were! We began the process of seeking to rectify our sin and the Lord opened all the doors in the same miraculous way He always has. So, at our advancing age and with five beautiful children already, we once again reversed a very bad decision and laid our future children on the altar not knowing if we would be able to have any others or not. Seven months later we received the most incredible and miraculous blessing when we found out we were expecting Noah Frederick!! It is a humbling and awe inspiring miracle of the Lord. He and He alone receives all the glory for this baby we are now awaiting. What a blessing He has given us!! He has restored our ability to have children not once but twice! I'm so thankful for such a patient and merciful Savior! I often tell people that we must be in the remedial class with the Lord because we are very slow learners. He's had to keep us back a grade more than once!

Here we are today. This is not what the world esteems highly. Having many children is actually frowned upon and we have received some negative comments. It can be discouraging to have others not see this baby for the blessing and gift that he is. But, it's not unexpected either.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Corinthians 1:18

Therefore, we go on rejoicing for the Lord's mercy in providing us this child and we pray there will be even more! We bow our knee to the sovereignty of God and turn all of it over to Him Who knows the beginning from the end. And, we are thankful and grateful that He chose us to be the stewards of His greatest gifts...the future warriors for His kingdom. He is raising up a generation to serve Him and how humbling it is to be chosen to take part in such a mighty and important work!

So, while the world continues to esteem sports, Hollywood, money and fleeting outward beauty, we will continue to esteem the Lord and His Word... and His incredible gift and blessing of many children! They are of far more value than any riches the world could ever offer!

Recap...

2007-03-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Since we are moving all the baby information to this blog, I thought I'd give a quick recap of the things that have happened so far...

First we had this wonderful Thanksgiving miracle! We found out we were expecting on Thanksgiving Day 2006!

This is our first sonogram at 7 weeks. Isn't he a beauty?

Our second sonogram at 10 weeks showed us arms and legs, a nice round belly and a perfect little head!
We heard the heartbeat for the first time on January 31st at a routine doctor's visit. I was 14 weeks pregnant! It was 162 beats per minute which they said was exactly right!

I felt the first of many 'wiggles' and 'thumps' beginning around week 13... just recently at weeks 17 and 18, we've had a few little kicks strong enough to feel from the outside! Exciting stuff!! No one but me has felt it from the outside yet but hopefully Noah's little punches and kicks will soon be frequent enough to be caught by everyone!

My next visit was February 26th for our big sonogram! I was 17 weeks and 5 days pregnant. That's the day we found out we were expecting our second son, Noah Frederick! The celebration is still ongoing! Here are his photos from the big day...

Now you are up to date on our progress. Stay tuned!

Our first purchases for Noah...

2007-02-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to the baby section of our local Wal-Mart and picked up just a few blue things! It's been so long since we've had blue in the house! Here are our first purchases for baby Noah...

~Flibby