Well, with only a few more hours left of July, I'm pretty sure this baby will arrive in August (as I had been saying until July when a birth suddenly seemed so possible).
Tonight I was swimming laps in the pool. (Okay, "swimming" isn't really accurate, since i was using a raft to keep my upper half buoyed.) I thought of how many people in this world have had babies at 39 or 40 weeks or later. This is a lot of women; I was just never one of them. My prayer was that I could do this (going beyond 37 weeks) with grace and for God's glory. And what does that look like? I am sure it is not complaining or whining. . . I'm just asking that God give me a better response to all those who are asking, "Still waiting?" Uh. . . obviously. (see, not much grace in that.)
My spirit is much revived by reading today's post on www.testosterhome.blogspot.com . It's good to know that when this baby comes i wil be enthralled. That love will overflow and be enough to cover over much pain, discomfort, and other woes. It won't be enough, of course. That's why I'll still need Christ so desperately. But I think I have been forgetting that overwhelming sense of joy and awe that seeing our new baby for the first time will bring.
Alas. I'm not writing very well tonight. And no excuse. I know you're asking in your head. . so I'll update you. Nothing exciting going on (meaning I am not having significant contractions leading to birth). And we are praying that perhaps God will cause this baby to join us in the next few days while Grandma is still here. He did it often in the past, allowing one generation to see the next. Nothing is too hard for our Heavenly Father. (And I think I'm finally warming up to the idea enough to go through with it. HA!) That's why it's so good to be reminded that this is pain with a purpose and that the reward and blessing of a new life is absolutely worth it all.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The Old Days
Rhyle (while wearing his camoflage slip on, Croc-ish Sketchers): I used to wear my slip ons back in the old days.
Braden: Really?
Rhyle: Yeah. I have them on now 'cause THESE are the old days.
Braden: Really?
Rhyle: Yeah. I have them on now 'cause THESE are the old days.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Info for the Curious
No real title or even train of thought for tonight. I've just realized that several of you are looking to this post for updates- and there haven't been any for awhile.
really, it's because nothing much has been changing. We were negotiating (very firmly, and in lawyer language, and with "counsel") with the insurance company so that we could use our contractor of choice and have our exact same kitchen cabinets again. Tomorrow the last cabinets are supposed to be removed (thrown away!) and work is officially to begin on Monday. (Nearly a month after the damage!). So, we're getting the bathroom done, the kitchen redone, the walls and floors fixed. Then we basically have to unpack the whole house (packed from the lead removal in June). Everything needs cleaned (lots of dust from the big blowers that dried the house while the plaster fell down). All the bushes are overgrown. My garden is dead (as well as ALL my plants). I kind of feel like we'll be starting over when we move back in.
We are happily doing life here at the T's. Things feel as normal as they can be in someone else's home. The T's are wonderful. It's an amazingly good situation.
No baby yet. We're kind of surprised since I am over 38 weeks. The other children came at 37 and 38 weeks. BUT, we joke that this is my first "real" JuicePlus baby (the entire pregnancy). . . and statistically JP babes tend to stay in longer and weigh more. That sounded good up until a few weeks ago! I stll believe it's good, but Braden is getting really anxious. From the beginning, he claimed the baby would come on his birthday. Now that the day is drawing to a close, I guess we may actually make it closer to August.
So my updates don't seem like big updates. Life keeps going on. I will keep posting!
really, it's because nothing much has been changing. We were negotiating (very firmly, and in lawyer language, and with "counsel") with the insurance company so that we could use our contractor of choice and have our exact same kitchen cabinets again. Tomorrow the last cabinets are supposed to be removed (thrown away!) and work is officially to begin on Monday. (Nearly a month after the damage!). So, we're getting the bathroom done, the kitchen redone, the walls and floors fixed. Then we basically have to unpack the whole house (packed from the lead removal in June). Everything needs cleaned (lots of dust from the big blowers that dried the house while the plaster fell down). All the bushes are overgrown. My garden is dead (as well as ALL my plants). I kind of feel like we'll be starting over when we move back in.
We are happily doing life here at the T's. Things feel as normal as they can be in someone else's home. The T's are wonderful. It's an amazingly good situation.
No baby yet. We're kind of surprised since I am over 38 weeks. The other children came at 37 and 38 weeks. BUT, we joke that this is my first "real" JuicePlus baby (the entire pregnancy). . . and statistically JP babes tend to stay in longer and weigh more. That sounded good up until a few weeks ago! I stll believe it's good, but Braden is getting really anxious. From the beginning, he claimed the baby would come on his birthday. Now that the day is drawing to a close, I guess we may actually make it closer to August.
So my updates don't seem like big updates. Life keeps going on. I will keep posting!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Like a Very Good Dream
Well, it's time to update everyone on the Curtis situation. It is really so unbelievable, that I'm hoping you can believe how amazing it is and how generous God has been to us.
After a wonderful stay with Herman (Liv calls him "FurMan" the cat) in his home, we packed up and moved over to Langhorne Rd. I'm not sure that I want to use names on here, but Mr and Mrs T gave us an offer we couldn't refuse. They are empty-nesters who use their home to glorify God. They moved themselves downstairs, giving us the second floor (and privacy!). We've been able to unpack and feel settled in for awhile. (And it WILL be awhile. Work on our house hasn't even started yet as the insurance adjuster and contractors try to reach agreements.) They have fun things to do in the basement (Owen has discovered air hockey.) and a beautifully landscaped back yard with a pool. Truly, it is better than I could have imagined. . . and for these reasons:
1) Privacy and a sense of being on our own. . . when we need it
2) HELP! Now I have help for when this baby decides to come. Owen, Rhyle, and Livia will be well taken care of. They have a great time with Mr and Mrs T, and I will have peace of mind. It's not even a back up plan; it's just THE plan. =)
3) Ease of mind. Just one day after being here, I felt myself relaxing and praising God for the rest I was receiving and the lightness of soul. . . just to know where we were going to be and to be able to move forward in preparations for the baby. We don't know how long we will stay, but are overwhelmed by the graciousness of the Ts. Their godly counsel and prayers for our family have availed much. It is a priviledge to be here. Open communication makes living with Mr and Mrs T really straightforward, and frees me from wondering all the time about what we should be doing and when and how.
Did I mention that we had a date night? And I'm able to sit here and blog, to practice piano for worship on Sunday, and to work on other loose ends because Mrs T has the kids out for a fun morning. (That probably also means that they will have good rests, too!).
Words fails me. Just know that if you were concerned for our family, that God has provided abundantly. We have many other offers from church family for meals and assistance and lodging when we need. Not only has God supplied our every need, but He has done so in a way that is incredibly blessing. The house will eventually be finished. The baby will be born here, soon. We are still up for visitors, too. And in the meantime, we are speechless with thanksgiving.
Praise His Holy Name!
After a wonderful stay with Herman (Liv calls him "FurMan" the cat) in his home, we packed up and moved over to Langhorne Rd. I'm not sure that I want to use names on here, but Mr and Mrs T gave us an offer we couldn't refuse. They are empty-nesters who use their home to glorify God. They moved themselves downstairs, giving us the second floor (and privacy!). We've been able to unpack and feel settled in for awhile. (And it WILL be awhile. Work on our house hasn't even started yet as the insurance adjuster and contractors try to reach agreements.) They have fun things to do in the basement (Owen has discovered air hockey.) and a beautifully landscaped back yard with a pool. Truly, it is better than I could have imagined. . . and for these reasons:
1) Privacy and a sense of being on our own. . . when we need it
2) HELP! Now I have help for when this baby decides to come. Owen, Rhyle, and Livia will be well taken care of. They have a great time with Mr and Mrs T, and I will have peace of mind. It's not even a back up plan; it's just THE plan. =)
3) Ease of mind. Just one day after being here, I felt myself relaxing and praising God for the rest I was receiving and the lightness of soul. . . just to know where we were going to be and to be able to move forward in preparations for the baby. We don't know how long we will stay, but are overwhelmed by the graciousness of the Ts. Their godly counsel and prayers for our family have availed much. It is a priviledge to be here. Open communication makes living with Mr and Mrs T really straightforward, and frees me from wondering all the time about what we should be doing and when and how.
Did I mention that we had a date night? And I'm able to sit here and blog, to practice piano for worship on Sunday, and to work on other loose ends because Mrs T has the kids out for a fun morning. (That probably also means that they will have good rests, too!).
Words fails me. Just know that if you were concerned for our family, that God has provided abundantly. We have many other offers from church family for meals and assistance and lodging when we need. Not only has God supplied our every need, but He has done so in a way that is incredibly blessing. The house will eventually be finished. The baby will be born here, soon. We are still up for visitors, too. And in the meantime, we are speechless with thanksgiving.
Praise His Holy Name!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
(Not So) Surprising
Owen has stomach cramps and diarrhea. E-coli strikes again.
This means that father-in-law, sister-in-law, and three children al suffered the effects of e-coli. Eggs are the suspected culprit. The stated incubation stage of 1-6 days is probably incorrect, as it was closer to 10 days for Owen's symptoms to show up. My kids made it through with JuicePlus and homeopathic remedies. My father-in-law was on drugs, including morhpine! (Just so you can understand the severity of the pain.)
And now I've had my first appointment with my midwife if over a month. I asked her to remind me how far along I was in my previous prenancies when the kids were born. For some reason, I though they were 38, 39, and 38 weeks or close to that. No. . . they were at 38, 37 and 1/2, and 38 weeks (which doesn't look like a big difference, but sure seems like it when you are looking at a calendar and trying to gather birth supplies, figure out where to live, and take care of 3 children, as well as lots of other things, too!). The 37 and 1/2 kind of woke me up from my e-coli daze of the past week. That could mean that Baby Curtis #4 will arrive in the next 10 days!! We have much to do.
Or. . . not really. As I walked tonight and watched the sky turn from blue to purple to pink over the mountains, I was reminded that it's no suprise to God (that our baby could come so soon) and that every breath of every living thing comes from Him. This monumental miracle that is about to happen in our family is really so small to such an amazing Creator God. I can trust Him.
This means that father-in-law, sister-in-law, and three children al suffered the effects of e-coli. Eggs are the suspected culprit. The stated incubation stage of 1-6 days is probably incorrect, as it was closer to 10 days for Owen's symptoms to show up. My kids made it through with JuicePlus and homeopathic remedies. My father-in-law was on drugs, including morhpine! (Just so you can understand the severity of the pain.)
And now I've had my first appointment with my midwife if over a month. I asked her to remind me how far along I was in my previous prenancies when the kids were born. For some reason, I though they were 38, 39, and 38 weeks or close to that. No. . . they were at 38, 37 and 1/2, and 38 weeks (which doesn't look like a big difference, but sure seems like it when you are looking at a calendar and trying to gather birth supplies, figure out where to live, and take care of 3 children, as well as lots of other things, too!). The 37 and 1/2 kind of woke me up from my e-coli daze of the past week. That could mean that Baby Curtis #4 will arrive in the next 10 days!! We have much to do.
Or. . . not really. As I walked tonight and watched the sky turn from blue to purple to pink over the mountains, I was reminded that it's no suprise to God (that our baby could come so soon) and that every breath of every living thing comes from Him. This monumental miracle that is about to happen in our family is really so small to such an amazing Creator God. I can trust Him.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
E-Coli Update
Just so you know, Rhyle had e-coli. (after 3 dr. visits, 3 days of intense pain and little sleep, 5 days to fully recover, and lab work finally returned.) What I've learned: there isn't really anything you do for e-coli. Antibiotics are not recommended. E-coli looks like any other stomach virus or bacteria, shows up as colitis (which is just inflammation of the intestines), and is generally very unpleasant. It comes from contaminated food sources, generally, and can show up 1-6 days after exposure. Symptoms can last for an undetermined amount of time. Immodium (is that spelled correctly?) is not recommended. The only relief we found for Rhyle was Arsenicum Albium (white arsenic), a homeopathic remedy recommended by a friend. These tablets were wonderful for my little man. That, plus innumerable trips to the bathroom, and backrubs and stories and prayers for relief.
And now Livia has signs of e-coli, too.
And now Livia has signs of e-coli, too.
Wait, and Rest
I have to post this, because God sent it directly to my heart tonight. I went on a much needed solatary walk tonight and poured out my heart to Him. Mostly, I'm feeling anxious about having a baby soon and not being able to picture where or when or how that will be. I am waiting for my children to feel better. I'm waiting for my house to be fixed. I'm waiting for phone calls to be returned, for my business to grow, for my husband's internship to finish, for the end of this interim phase. . . And yet I know that REALLY none of these things are that big. . . but that God is able to use them to enlarge my faith. He is SO GOOD, and I'm thankful that He reminded me tonight at bedtime that I can really REST and wait upon Him.
Wait Quietly
by Elisabeth Elliot
Few of us enjoy having to wait for something we want. It is human nature to desire instant gratification, and it is divine nature to do many things very, very slowly. Growth is always imperceptible. But the farmer exercises long patience in waiting for his crop. He has done his work and is assured of the result, hence he waits quietly. He is at rest because the outcome (barring disastrous "acts of God") is certain. If we could simply remember that this is true of everything--that God's purposes are slowly being worked out for his glory and our good--we would, like the farmer, keep faith and wait quietly.
Lord, take from us all fretting and hurrying and teach us to rest our hearts in the "ultimate certainty" (Jas 5:7 JBP).
Wait Quietly
by Elisabeth Elliot
Few of us enjoy having to wait for something we want. It is human nature to desire instant gratification, and it is divine nature to do many things very, very slowly. Growth is always imperceptible. But the farmer exercises long patience in waiting for his crop. He has done his work and is assured of the result, hence he waits quietly. He is at rest because the outcome (barring disastrous "acts of God") is certain. If we could simply remember that this is true of everything--that God's purposes are slowly being worked out for his glory and our good--we would, like the farmer, keep faith and wait quietly.
Lord, take from us all fretting and hurrying and teach us to rest our hearts in the "ultimate certainty" (Jas 5:7 JBP).
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Oh, Yeah
And how could I forget to mention that I have 2 sick children! They are suffering with diarrhea, and 1 is also throwing up. They are sad and miserable- and Braden and I are weary from a sparcity of sleep last night. (not to mention that poor Braden, awesome Dad that he is, also had to clean vomit off of his shorts yesterday AND a diarrhea accident off the carpet. Yikes!)
Again, I regress to talk of bodily functions. . .
Though I also want to add that I have seen God's abundant love through others today, in extraordinary ways. We have ample offers of places to stay, friends to eat with, and offers of help. I am moved to tears at God's provision for our family. May He be glorified even in these circumstances. (Nancy Lee DeMoss asked today, 'Am I showing people Jesus by how I react to my circumstances?" It's such a challenging question. Lord, as your servant, let your Name be glorified!)
Again, I regress to talk of bodily functions. . .
Though I also want to add that I have seen God's abundant love through others today, in extraordinary ways. We have ample offers of places to stay, friends to eat with, and offers of help. I am moved to tears at God's provision for our family. May He be glorified even in these circumstances. (Nancy Lee DeMoss asked today, 'Am I showing people Jesus by how I react to my circumstances?" It's such a challenging question. Lord, as your servant, let your Name be glorified!)
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Definitely BLOG-Worthy
Wow. I don't even know where to start after nearly a month without posting. Our trip to the farm (and to WI, and to Abby's wedding, and to Bloomington, and Bristol, and all over the place) was really, really good. The kids had a great time with their aunts, uncles, grandpas, grandmas, and all extended relatives. The weather was perfect for swimming and helping out on the farm. We loved being there; it was such a priviledge to have that sweet time.
And then.
Then came the 2 day drive back to VA from IL. This time Braden didn't feel up to driving through the night. . . and who could blame him? So it really was TWO full days of driving. I don't want to whine, especially because the kids did REALLY well. Still, I'm disgusted by the sight of convenience or fast food and my 36 week pregnant body was ready to stretch out a little more.
We made a quicker than expected departure on Monday (sorry Sara! I wish I could have seen you!), because Braden had a phone message that our house had sustained some pretty severe water damage from two broken pipes. Alas. . .
I don't want to get into all of it, just because that in itself is exhausting. Needless to say, it wasn't the homecoming I was hoping for. (I thought my house was going to be so much BETTER than when I left. New windows and paint and all...) Again, I don't want to complain, because I really DO see God's goodness in this. It could have been MUCH worse. Basically what happened is that two pipes in the upstairs bathroom broke sometime on Friday or Saturday and the water ran from the upstairs bathroom, down through our (recently remodeled) kitchen, and on into the basement. Extensive damage- it just makes you want to cry when (you are 36 weeks pregnant and planning a home birth and) you watch a crew knocking down your ceiling and walls and you see your entire house packed up (only a few short weeks before THE day). The whole kitchen is in the front room- I mean cabinets, sink, counters, appliances, ALL. My tiled backsplash that I finally completed is now in pieces. Everything needs washed. Things are ruined. We won't know the full extent of the damage or the plan of attack until at least Friday, when the house is hopefully dried out.
Again, I want to stress that God is SO good to us. He is good in that Lead Safe discovered the leak on Sunday and shut off the water. He is good in that our insurance covers water damage after we pay our deductable. We're temporarily living in a hotel while we wait on our home. He is good in that the house was packed up from the new windows and painting, so all the furniture, pictures, and misc. items were boxed or wrapped in plastic. He is good in that we still have a house. Only two rooms really damaged and work to do in the basement. He is good in taking care of things while we were gone, with good friends stepping up and helping out and friends and neighbors making offers of lodging and food and assistance now. I'm tearing up as I think of His mercy. It's a horrible way to come home, and yet it is okay.
Please join me in praying for God's continued faithfulness. We will have many difficult decisions to make. Without much income, it is hard to say what can get done and when, but we need a liveable house! Braden is back to his internship tomorrow and school starts the second week of August. The baby is due the first week of August. If we don't have a home there won't be a home birth. . .
I don't want to get myself started thinking too much, since it is bedtime. I love that God grants slumber to those He loves- despite or in spite of their circumstances.
And then.
Then came the 2 day drive back to VA from IL. This time Braden didn't feel up to driving through the night. . . and who could blame him? So it really was TWO full days of driving. I don't want to whine, especially because the kids did REALLY well. Still, I'm disgusted by the sight of convenience or fast food and my 36 week pregnant body was ready to stretch out a little more.
We made a quicker than expected departure on Monday (sorry Sara! I wish I could have seen you!), because Braden had a phone message that our house had sustained some pretty severe water damage from two broken pipes. Alas. . .
I don't want to get into all of it, just because that in itself is exhausting. Needless to say, it wasn't the homecoming I was hoping for. (I thought my house was going to be so much BETTER than when I left. New windows and paint and all...) Again, I don't want to complain, because I really DO see God's goodness in this. It could have been MUCH worse. Basically what happened is that two pipes in the upstairs bathroom broke sometime on Friday or Saturday and the water ran from the upstairs bathroom, down through our (recently remodeled) kitchen, and on into the basement. Extensive damage- it just makes you want to cry when (you are 36 weeks pregnant and planning a home birth and) you watch a crew knocking down your ceiling and walls and you see your entire house packed up (only a few short weeks before THE day). The whole kitchen is in the front room- I mean cabinets, sink, counters, appliances, ALL. My tiled backsplash that I finally completed is now in pieces. Everything needs washed. Things are ruined. We won't know the full extent of the damage or the plan of attack until at least Friday, when the house is hopefully dried out.
Again, I want to stress that God is SO good to us. He is good in that Lead Safe discovered the leak on Sunday and shut off the water. He is good in that our insurance covers water damage after we pay our deductable. We're temporarily living in a hotel while we wait on our home. He is good in that the house was packed up from the new windows and painting, so all the furniture, pictures, and misc. items were boxed or wrapped in plastic. He is good in that we still have a house. Only two rooms really damaged and work to do in the basement. He is good in taking care of things while we were gone, with good friends stepping up and helping out and friends and neighbors making offers of lodging and food and assistance now. I'm tearing up as I think of His mercy. It's a horrible way to come home, and yet it is okay.
Please join me in praying for God's continued faithfulness. We will have many difficult decisions to make. Without much income, it is hard to say what can get done and when, but we need a liveable house! Braden is back to his internship tomorrow and school starts the second week of August. The baby is due the first week of August. If we don't have a home there won't be a home birth. . .
I don't want to get myself started thinking too much, since it is bedtime. I love that God grants slumber to those He loves- despite or in spite of their circumstances.
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