February Books

It has been a busy month of doctor appointments and getting last minute things ready for our upcoming little arrival. Add to that just being exhausted and that means not many books were read this month. Here are two great books to try out:

 Montana Rose: Big surprise it takes place in Montana. The time period of this book is when Montana is just beginning to get settled. A young couple travel out to try their hand at ranching. Something happens to her husband. She is left all alone with nothing to her name. She is forced to marry again on the same day as her late husband's funeral. Without giving away too much check it out and read it for yourself. This is book one in the series.

This book contains 4 short stories or novellas. I am about to be finished with the 3rd story and I have not been disappointed in any of them. The first story is about the youngest brother from Karen Witemeyer's book The Short Straw Bride. The second story is about a teacher that goes blind and has to figure out life without her sight. The third story takes an orphaned girl to a ranch to take care of an elderly lady. I have not started the fourth story yet but I know I will not be disappointed because Mary Connealy is a wonderful author.

Wonderful News

My first cousin's wife, Brooke, was diagnosed with breast cancer back in August of 2013. She has fought and battled through many yucky doses of chemo, but the chemo did its job! It shrunk the cancer that was 9 cm when diagnosed. She had surgery this past Tuesday, and the doctors said the tumor is completely GONE!!!! Praise God for we are truly thankful for this miracle. She is now going through major recovery from her surgery, and her future holds doses of radiation. She is a fighter and I know she will do great. We really appreciate your prayers and support as her journey continues.

GO TEAM BROOKE!!! I know nothing would make her happier than to find a cure for cancer. So please donate to or join a Relay for Life Team. Here is a link to Brooke's Relay Team.

What In the World is Going On

On February 7th I went in for a routine weekly check up for this pregnancy. They drew blood. On Monday I find out that my platelet count is low and that they want me to go to see a specialist on Thursday since I have a scheduled c-section. Scary to say the least. I go to the specialist and he basically does a basic check up on me. Explains what will happen if my counts drop further, and tells me to have more blood drawn on the following Monday (8 days later after the first time). So yesterday I go into the lab and have my blood drawn, and yesterday a little after  5 pm I get a phone call stating my platelet count has dropped further. I am now supposed to take steroids 3 times a day until delivery. They make me a little jittery with a little nervous energy. Just what a pregnant woman needs the last 8 to 9 days before delivery. They strongly believe that my low platelet count is due to pregnancy but are not certain, so 12 weeks after delivery more blood work.

Blue Monster, Blue Monster, What Do You See?

Blue Monster, Blue Monster, What do you see?

I see a mommy looking at me.

Mommy, Mommy, What do you see?

I see Charles looking at me.

Charles, Charles, What do you see?

I see a

a  blue monster,

and a mommy looking at me. That is what I see.

 

Charles is a huge fan of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Today we did an activity where he got to come up with his own story. He wanted to start with a monster. I asked him what color is the monster? He said blue. Then I asked what does the monster see? He said a mommy. Then we picked out pictures of a monster and a mommy. Finally, I asked what does mommy see, and he said a Charles. Then we picked out a picture of Charles. He ended with him seeing a monster and a mommy looking at him.  I thought I would share his creation with you all.

By: Charles 2 1/2 today

36 weeks

Stats: Baby Girl is scheduled for c-section on February 26th. We hope she behaves and stays put like she is supposed to do. The doctor's appointment this week went really well. I am now going every week until she comes. That means weighing in every week.

 I made this sweet little hat this weekend to go with her blanket.

 This little guy is finally feeling so much better. He is my sweet handsome boy.

Finally Finished

I'm totally finished with Meredith's blanket! I am very happy to have this project finished. 

The finished blanket

The next two pictures are close up pictures so that you can see the detail in the blanket. This blanket has seed stitch, double moss stitch, and two different kinds of cables in each row.

Life Lately

This year is off to a fast beginning. I can't believe we are already in February!
1. Charles is learning so many things right before our eyes. I am impressed by his vocabulary and knowledge. He is knows all of his ABC's and their sounds. He can tell you all the basic shapes: circle, rectangle, square, diamond, oval, star, triangle, and heart. We are now working on colors and numbers. He is so funny counting he goes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and he knows a few colors but most of the time gets them confused with another color. He lights up our little world and keeps us entertained in one way or another. Yesterday he was diagnosis with pink eye, an ear infection in his right ear, and a viral respiratory infection. In other words he is pretty miserable, but thank goodness he is beginning to mend since the doctor put him on meds.
2. Patrick is constantly on the go to meetings, work, or to band events. He is also working out and eating healthier. I am very proud of how he is doing making better choices for his body. He also serves our church doing the sound system weekly. He gives so much of himself not only to his family but to all he meets.
3. Me- I am growing a baby. Taking care of things and running errands. I am trying to not over work myself so that I am rested as much as I can be for our little arrival at the end of this month. I am almost finished with Meredith's blanket, but I need to make her wreath. I also need to update Charles' photo/baby book, and start one for Meredith. I need to do finishing touches to Meredith's room and pack for the hospital. I have so much to do and sometimes not enough energy to get it done.
4. Meredith- Is busy growing bigger and healthier every day. She enjoys moving around: kicking, punching, kneeing, and elbowing her mommy. We can't wait to meet her, but she has orders to stay put until February 26th.