Fourth of July

You asked for pictures, you are getting them! I am only going to do July since I don't think I have posted stuff for several months. I think it would be a never-ending blog if I tried to include everything. So, let's just start with Independence Day.

As we do every year, we ventured over to our friends, Keith and Randi's for their enfamous Independence Day Bash. This year, they outdid themselves with 3 kids inflatable water slides, 2 bounce houses, an adult slip n' slide, tons of food, and entertainment from Two Empty Chairs. It was an amazing time. Bret was working and Madeline was with Adam, but Landon and I had a blast with all of our friends. Here are some pics from the day.

Redneck Swim Day

Well, most of you know I have been on bed rest. So, packing up the kids and taking them to the pool is a bit too much for me to handle on my own. I have done it plenty of times with help, but when I am home by myself...this is the kids swim entertainment. Pathetic and redneck, I know. But, hey...we did this as kids right? Or was that just me? Well, here are Madeline and Landon enjoying some sprinkler time out in the backyard.
A tarp to keep the grass from getting too muddy...$5.
A yard sprinkler to keep the kids entertained...$15.
Seeing the kids not have a care in the world...$Priceless.

Home is where the boxes are

Well, there are many days where I wonder "Why do we buy toys for the kids?". I had a Southern Living AT HOME Catalog show several weeks ago and the order arrived at my house. I couldn't unpack the boxes fast enough for Madeline and Landon to play "house". They each got thier pillows and some stuffed animal friends and made a house out of the boxes. It kept them entertained for hours and I haven't heard so much giggling in ages. I guess that gave them a new-found since of fun, because for several days, they searched for boxes to play with. Man, Christmas is going to be cheap this year. Just kidding!

Vacation at Nana's...not really

Hottest month of the year and guess what? Our 22-year old air conditioning unit goes out. Surprise, surprise. We bought our 1984 home 2 years ago and knew one day soon we would begin to have problems. And we were right. The first week of July it chooses to go out...on a Saturday. So, we packed up and were off to Nana's for the weekend. Pardon this picture and I am not a warped mom. But, we didn't get the HVAC fixed until Tuesday and I hadn't packed enough clothes. So, while I was doing a load of laundry on Monday night, wouldn't you know they weren't dry before the kids had to go to bed. So, here are my 2 munchkins...Madeline in one of my sister's old t-shirts and poor Landon stuck with wearing one of Madeline's old Barbie night gowns left at Nana's from 3 years ago. Bret will kill me for posting this so shh.... don't tell. If it makes matters better, Landon was not thrilled about wearing it either. He is ALL boy and not in the least thinking it was funny. My mom and I could not stop laughing and I had to document it. Sorry, Bret!

Weekly Update #4

Well, we had a fun-filled (sarcasm intended) evening at the hospital on Saturday. I was experiencing very strong contractions that started every 30 minutes but began coming every 15 minutes. So....we made it to the hospital to be monitored. They did another fFn test and luckily, it was negative. I went home after 3 hours. However, I have to admit, I am very frustrated and confused about all this. My doctor has indicated I am at high-risk, which I know isn't a guarantee, for pre-term delivery. But, all these symptoms I am having seem to just be false alarms. Why am I complaining? I certainly do NOT want a pre-term baby, don't get me wrong. But I guess I am wondering if my contractions are this strong, I'm dilated and effaced, been put on bed-rest, moderately high blood pressure and swelling up, and all of this is just "false" labor, then how am I supposed to know when it's the real thing. Am I having this baby early or am I making it to term? This organized, planner needs to know! Ugh!

Well, on a less frustrating note, little Caroline is measuring right on target. I am 33 weeks, have only gained 22 pounds (all belly) and her heart beat is very strong. I am so blessed to be having another little one! According to babycenter.com, she is slightly over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and 17 inches long. It says I should start waddling now. Start? I think I've been waddling for about a month now- get a clue babycenter.com!

Madeline has been with Adam since Thursday for a trip to Sea World San Antonio. I am so excited she is coming home today. I miss her!

Yes, I know....I am going to be uploading some pics today. I promise. Stay tuned.

Interesting (and jaw-dropping) Baby Fact:
A Russian woman holds the record for having the most children. Between 1725 and 1765, she was pregnant 27 times and had 69 children.

Weekly Update #3

Just wanted to give everyone an update since so many of you have asked. I had another doctors appointment yesterday. I am still swollen and having lots of contractions, even on 1/2 day bed rest (is there really such thing as bed rest with 2 kids anyway?). My doctor is out on vacation for 2 weeks beginning this Thursday which has me a bit nervous, but he has recommended that should I still be experiencing complications, that I go in to Baylor Garland on Tuesday of next week for another fetal fibronectin test. They will have the results in an hour so I will wait there. If negative, I will go home and that should get me at least to 35 weeks. If positive, he has requested they admit me. I will probably be given steroid shots for Caroline to mature her lungs and heart. Don't know how long I would stay, but I am praying it doesn't come to that. I am praying it is still negative and then I will see my doctor again on July 30. I will then be in my 34th week.

If born today, Caroline would weigh as much as a large jicama -- about 3 3/4 pounds and be about 16 3/4 inches, head to heel. Another reason to pray for her to stay "cookin" for several more weeks. I already have plenty of preemie clothes since we are pretty sure she is going to be a preemie. So- here's to more time!


Words heard at our house today:
Madeline- Why are you cringing mommy? Is Caroline kicking you?
Mommy- Yes, it hurts sometimes.
Madeline- Well, then maybe we should change her name to "Kicky"
Mommy- laughing out loud :)

We're Positive it's Negative!

Well, Praise God! I just got off the phone with my doctor and the fetal fibronetin test is negative. However, even though I am not expected to go into labor in the next 2 weeks, I am still at high-risk for delivering in the next 3-4 weeks. He has put me on a 1/2 day work schedule, a low-sodium diet, no lifting, or housework (well, isn't that a blessing and a curse) well, let me just say I can basically walk, bathe, eat and pee. That's it. I would say sleep, but I don't get much of that these days anyway. I have to admit my nervousness has faded a bit, but I know that I can't relieve my brain of all cautiousness. If you know me, which you all do since I am writing this to you, you know I am always on the go and always have something to do (or just want to). So, sitting and allowing others to care for me is going to prove difficult but I know it is for the best. Thanks so much for all of you that have offered to bring meals, come over and play with the kids, help me with night-time duties while Bret works evenings and just pray for Caroline. Words cannot thank you all for your kindness.



Although I am not "out of the woods", I can see the light through the trees and am more confident that she will at least make it to 34 weeks. Praise God!

Update and Prayer Request

Well, I went to the doctor today suddenly due to some swelling, dizziness and very strong Braxton-Hicks contractions. Turns out, I am dilated to a 2 and 50% effaced with moderately high blood pressure. We have known this entire pregnancy that I was at-risk for pre-term delivery, but I certainly did not think I would be having symptoms at 31.5 weeks. Dr. performed a fetal fibronectin test and we will get the results back tomorrow. He told me, the hope is for a negative result which means its highly unlikely I would deliver in the next 2 weeks. However, if the test comes back positive, the odds are 50/50. I might make it passed 2 weeks, I might not. If it comes back negative, I have been put on a 1/2 day work schedule and bed rest the rest of the day. If it comes back positive, I will be put on full bed rest (no work) and have to have steroid shots outpatient to mature little Caroline's lungs and heart should she come too early. With my history and these turn of events, Dr. said Caroline's arrival will most likely be within 2-4 weeks regardless of the test outcome.

Please pray for little Caroline that she will hang on a bit longer, that I will not get overly stressed and nervous (which I already am, by the way!) and that we will take one day at a time. We know God has her in His hands and that whatever happens, we will deal with it as it comes. But, selfishly, I would like for her to come later than sooner.

Caroline is a Cabbage!

Man, this pregnancy has flown by. It didn't hurt that I started out at 12 weeks pregnant either (hahaha). Not really, but that was when I found out so it seemed as if so. I am 28 weeks now and Caroline is equal in weight to a Chinese cabbage -- about 2 1/4 pounds. (Length: almost 15 inches, from head to heel.) I think she is going to be a gymnast like her big sis 'cuz man does she make some strong maneuvers. She is all over the place- all day and night. There is rarely a moment that I don't feel her moving. If this continues through birth- we are going to have some issues because mommy needs her sleep! Baby Wise here I come!

So much has happened over the last few weeks and I have not blogged or posted pics. I'll post pics soon. But- Madeline finished her 1st grade year with honors and 5 awards (Honor Roll, Excellent Reader, Perfect Attendance, Six Flags 600 Minutes Monthly Award, and the Core Essential= Joy Award). We are so proud of her! We're off to Second Grade. Woo Hoo!

Landon has begun potty training- although rebelling. They say boys are much later and all my friends with boys didn't potty train until 3 so I am patient and realistic. But, it would be nice to not have two kids in diapers as well, so we are attempting. Wish us much luck!

Bret also was hired full time with Wilmer Police Department. Actually- he was hired early May but he has now officially passed his FT and is on his own- fighting crime in the ghetto city. (Sorry if anyone is from Wilmer!). He comes home with the most interesting stories and is the happiest I have seen him in the longest time. It just goes to show that when you are doing something you are passionate about- it changes your whole attitude and demeanor. We are so proud of you daddy! Your perseverance, hard work, and determination are exactly why we love you and I fall in love with you more each day. Way to go!

Jason Castro Day is May 29th!

Well, for all you dreadheads (aka Jason Castro fans), the official "Jason Castro Day" has been scheduled for Thursday, May 29th. It will kick off with a parade at 5:30 pm followed by our own fav Dreadhead performing at 6:30 pm. Jason will be presented with a key to the Rockwall (does that really matter?) and there will be an array of fun festivities including the Concert by the Lake Series. So, come support Jason! Here are some pics of him as well as the 2 biggest dreadheads I know- my dear friends Lisa and Jen posing for a pic in their "Vote for Jason" t-shirts that everyone in Rockwall sported for many weeks. (Sorry Lisa- I had to steal this from your blog- it was too funny!) Rockwall loves Jason Castro! For more information on "Jason Castro Day" please click here.

Corn and Soccer!

So, I am 24 weeks and Caroline is just over a pound and almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn). My baby website also says that the top of my uterus is now an inch or so above my belly button, which means it's about the size of a soccer ball. That would explain my expanding belly! I have a little soccer ball in there- and what a beautiful little soccer ball it is going to be.

This weekend was fun. I took dinner to my dear friend Erin who had her baby, Jenna, two weeks ago. My sis, Amy's, birthday party was also this weekend and Bret and I gave her a party at our house complete with ribs, chicken, sausage, fixin's, my famously delicious homemade strawberry cake, slide n' swim kiddie pool for the kiddos and lots of Amy's friends. It was a fun time! Sorry- I have no pics to document the occasion but a blast non the less.

Well, not much more to report other than summer is nearing very fast. We are experiencing 90 degree days this week and school is out in 11 days! Woo Hoo!

Bottle Cap Belt.......what more can I say?

I had to laugh when I went to google what is 39.5 inches round. Why? I went to my 23-week check up yesterday and am measuring right on track, having gained 13 pounds so far with my belly circumference at 39.5 inches now. I have decided that if the baby website can compare Caroline to food then I can compare myself to visual objects found in every day life. Man, is this getting random- yet quite humorous. The only object I could find online that matched my belly size was this bottle-cap belt. Which looks like a an old station wagon seat belt that someone glued bottle caps to and decided that some punk kid would buy online for $30. Well, I guess I'd rather them buy this hideous belt than use that money for something destructive. Although one could argue that this belt is destructive and no decent outfit could come of this weird contraption. HA! I may just have to buy this now just to get a kick out of it. Nah! I'll save it for the sk8r grlz.

China Needs Our Prayers!

As I opened up my Yahoo homepage this morning, a slide show of pictures appeared from the earthquake in China on Tuesday. Here, the saddest picture I have seen, an arm of a child victim is seen amidst the debris of a collapsed building after the earthquake in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province May 13, 2008. I cried as I watched this slide show and my heart aches for these nearly 40,000 victims and their families. Lord, here our prayer for these people and heal them in their grief and mourning. Yet, we can be rest assured that according to Lamentations 3:32-34, "Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men." Out of this, as with all worldly affliction and grief, WILL come redemption and joy. For our God is Jehovah-Ropheka, our Lord our Healer. Oh, God, heal this world and bring healing to those in China. Amen.

Caroline is a Mango!

Little Caroline is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango) at 23 weeks now. I have to admit I am getting into the very uncomfortable part of pregnancy. I am expanding by the second and get tired real easy. I am also starting to swell a bit after a long days work and mothering my precious other two children. Although- I have to thank God that he only made humans pregnancies 9 months. Did you know that elephants have the longest gestation period of any of God's creatures being pregnant for nearly 2 years? Now that's a dedicated mother! But, other than being uncomfortable, little Caroline is a wonderful baby. She moves all around all the time and is not giving me any complications. I am thankful to be having such a healthy pregnancy so far. So, I'll take my uncomfortable and deal with it. After all, in about 4 months, it will ALL be worth it.

Just havin' fun!

Here are just some random pics of the kids doing what they do best- goofin' off and havin' fun. They crack me up so much. I agree with people who say being a mommy is the best job in the world. It is so rewarding and is the most fun anyone should ever be allowed to have. Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies. "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." —Psalm 127:3-5

A Year with Frog and Toad

This was the title of Madeline's 1st grade School Musical. The boy standing in front of her blocked her the entire time so this is the only picture I could get of her singing (she is on the far left behind the boy with his arms up in the yellow shirt). The play was cute and of course, Madeline was great! I think if she had a microphone to herself, she would have been the star of the show- but instead they stuck her in the back row behind the tallest kid. Go figure! I was not a happy mommy to say the least. Way to go, Madeline. You sang your heart out like you always do. You make me smile so much!

High School Musical is ALL the rage!

Well, Nana, Aunt Amy and I surprised Madeline with tickets to Disney on Ice- High School Musical several weeks ago. Madeline loves HSM and honestly, I have to admit that it is adorable. I think I had as much fun as Madeline singing along to all the songs which we both know by heart. Here we are awaiting the performance with my "Ryan hat" which Madeline wanted me to wear. It came with the cotton candy so I am not that dorky that I bought it just to wear to the concert. However, I might have been known to do that- HAHA! This was such a fun night. We love you, Troy!

Future Olympic Gymnast!

This marks 3 years of gymnastics for Madeline. Not to brag or anything- but the girl takes after her mommy and is naturally talented in gymnastics. She began in October 2005 and then quickly was recruited to Team in December that year. She has moved from Level 1 to now working on Level 3 skills in only 2 seasons. Her scores are consistent and she is always so proud of herself after a gymnastics meet. Our season is over this year and she will take the summer to sharpen some Level 2 skills and learn Level 3 skills. Go, Madeline! You may be the next Dominique Dawes!

Caroline is a Carrot and I am a Gong Stand, what?

OK, so I decided to measure myself today to see how round I was. I am measuring 38" around. So, in all my dorkiness, I decided to see what that was compared to. Here are my findings: A Gong Stand, A Lavatory for a Pedastal Sink, A Wall Clock, and a Fire Ring. Stange comparisons, huh! Which visual will you picture now?

Caroline is a Carrot!

Caroline now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. She is really on the move now and seems ready to dance the night away every night. This is my favorite part of pregnancy- I am finally REALLY looking pregnant, I can feel her move all the time and my energy is back. I know it won't last long- I'll get too big, she'll start kicking and punching in places where it's painful and I'll get tired again. But, in the meantime, I am enjoying this time.

Woo Hoo! I have finally gotten Madeline and Caroline's room planned. My friend, Alisa, went with me on Saturday to get the last of the fabric to decorate their room so I am prepared now to hand all the fabrics off to have them sewn into the adorable room decor and bedding that I have created in my head. I am so excited- I think their room is going to be my favorite in the house.

Caroline is a Banana!

Well, I've hit the half-way mark and little Caroline is weighing about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's about 10 inches from head to heel— the length of a banana, or so babycenter.com tells me. I am still getting a kick out of the food comparisons. I can't wait to meet her as I am so excited to be having another girl. It's been 7 years so I don't have anything girlie that she could have...time for shopping!

I also have to say, that although the reason is not pleasant, we have given up tv for 2 weeks. Madeline has gotten herself into a bit of trouble in school so we have grounded her from tv- which means we are all grounded from tv really. I have seen a whole different person in her since she has actually had to use her brain to entertain herself. We have played outside all weekend, cleaned out her room, gotten caught up on "to do" lists that were piling up and the house has been about 8 volumes quieter. I am actually liking this whole "no tv" thing. I challenge you to try it for a few days and see how your house changes. We've had nothing but positive changes in our home!

Celebrating another baby girl!

My dear friend, Erin, is having her new baby girl, Jenna, on April 30th. It is going to be so much fun! Erin's son, Will, is 4 months older than Landon and they occasionally play together. We are even guilty of getting Will addicted to the Wiggles- sorry Erin :). And now Jenna is going to be four months older than Caroline. Both Will and Landon and now Jenna and Caroline will all be in the same grades together. How fun! Here is a picture from last weekend at Erin's baby shower with all the hostesses: From L to R- Jen, Alisa, Erin, me and Brooke. I can't wait to meet little Jenna. I hope her and Caroline are dear friends.

Jim-Susie is a....

Girl! Officially, we can stop saying Jim-Susie and can start calling this precious baby Caroline Rene. Once I figure out how to scan the sonogram picture, I will upload it. Thanks for all your prayers and we will keep you posted!
p.s. By the way, this is not a pic of my belly- I just thought it was cute!

Madeline's first (and hopefully last) Fire experience!

While this scene is probably a bit dramatic, that is what it felt like yesterday when I picked up Madeline from school. Police cars, ambulance, fire marshall and a fire truck all pulled up in front of Dobbs Elementary. All the students were outside after the fire alarm had sounded and parents, hundreds of us, were parked and waiting outside of news of what had occured. A student had thrown a ball up too high in the gym and broke a light which started a spark which caught the entire gym on fire. When I finally was able to get Madeline, she was crying, having been very frightened. There were no injuries, thank God, and the damage seems to be only in the gym. But, this was a very traumatic experience for Madeline as the first time she felt her life may be in danger. Poor sweetie! Thanks to Noah, her dear friend of nearly 3 years now, as he comforted her as she gripped tightly to him the entire situation. Noah, you are good kid!

Jim-Susie is an heirloom tomato

OK, only 3 more days until we can officially give Jim-Susie his/her permanent name. I am counting down the seconds because I have not bought one thing for this precious baby. Such the planner am I that I am waiting until I know so I can go spend money that we don't have! You know how it goes!

So, I am 19 weeks today and the baby weighs 8.5 ounces and is 6 inches long now, the size of an heirloom tomato. I am not privy to the various types of tomato, so here is a picture of some so you can see. I don't know about you, but these look like your every day tomatoes to me. Sorry, expert gardeners, I am not a tomato expert!

What do a Burn, a lost Tooth and a Bell Pepper have in common?

You're thinking- What? Well, those three unlikely matches make for an interesting weekend at the Lord house. First, Landon knows not to touch the BBQ grill, but for some curious reason, he decided to walk right up to it Saturday night and burned his tummy. He has a huge burn across his belly below his belly button! He keeps touching it and saying "Hot, momma!". It is cute but so sad. We keep cream on it, but I am betting it leaves a scar. I am sure this will be the first of many as I have mentioned in his description- he is our rough and tumble boy!

Then, Thursday Madeline had her 6-month check up with the dentist only to find out she has 2 cavities, her bottom tooth is loose with her permanent tooth growing out behind it and the other 3 bottom front teeth coming in as well. So, last night, the bottom tooth was loose enough to make its grand entrance into Tooth Fairy land. With the permanent tooth already growing up behind it, Daddy had a hard time getting a grip, so it took a while to get out. But, Madeline was a trooper, a bit over dramatic, but a trooper still. So, now she has 2 teeth missing- one on the top and one on the bottom.

Then, I checked my email last night to notice my weekly pregnancy email (I am 18 weeks now). I discovered that Jim-Susie is the length of a bell pepper, about 5.5 inches and weighs 7 ounces. This food comparison is hilarious to me, but it makes for a great visual as I show Madeline and Landon how big their brother or sister is now. Madeline thinks it is so cool- she tells all of her friends, teachers, and whoever will listen. It's so precious to see her so excited!

I'm a bit late...

Yes, I admit, I am really bad at uploading pics. As a result, here are pictures from my mom's birthday party in JANUARY and Landon moving into his big boy bed which daddy made for his birthday on January 28. First- Nana's birthday party- We surprised Nana with a bowling party (she talks about bowling all the time!). The kids had so much fun and Nana had a blast, too. Landon did a great job using the ramp, but the most memorable experience was Madeline getting a better score than Daddy! We got a kick out of that and Madeline was very proud of herself.




Then, for Landon's Big 2 Birthday, Daddy made him a big boy bed. He kept climbing out at first, but finally figured it out and now stays in bed when it's nite-nite time. He loves his new bed. Thanks, Daddy!

Jim-Susie is a Turnip!

I just get a big kick out of my weekly pregnancy emails that compare this precious new life growing inside of me to foods. I mean, an apple is pure so I can handle that, a lemon is sweet/sour which is definitely true of a child, but a turnip? I mean, what are you implying? That my child will be dirty and no one will like him/her? I don't know anyone who likes turnips, do you? Oh well, it seems little Jim-Susie is 5 ounces and about 5 inches long and apparently is about the size of a turnip as far as weight. For being so small, it is amazing that I actually felt him/her last night. Bret even felt Jim-Susie very slightly. I am 17 weeks this week so I guess it's about time I began feeling him/her. I will be so glad once April 16 rolls around and Jim-Susie will get his/her official name and I can stop writing out Jim-Susie and him/her. I am ready for this baby to have it's own identity and I am sure you are tired of reading about Jim-Susie already. We are getting a bit tired of the name in our household as well.

Well, I think we have finally settled on names but we will continue to let you vote. Just don't be surprised if our names weren't on the NameList. I have to admit, I am very fickle when it comes to naming this baby. I like a name one week and then all of a sudden, I don't dig it anymore. But, we have officially settled on 2 names so on April 16- this baby will have it's official name. Only 15 days remaining...