We Now Interrupt Your Life to Bring You This Pregnancy

 Sometimes, while pregnant, I feel like my life is on pause. 

 Sleeping comfortably must wait. 

Eating what I want is on hold (gestational diabetes = no fun, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, possibly torturous). 

Simple tasks like bending and reaching are difficult until the babe is not hindering movement.

The autumn clothes I long to wear hang lifeless in the closet....until next year, my friends.

If I were into exercising regularly and vigorously, that would have to wait as well.

But the obvious truth be told: Life has gone on.

 In the 35 weeks of my pregnancy, 

I left a job after 5 years and started a new job -- the first one since graduating college where I have used my degree. 

Addie turned 2, started sleeping in her toddler bed more regularly, and began potty training.

Gerrit and I celebrated 6 years of marriage.

Old friends have gotten married.

My sister announced her own pregnancy.

We finished one year and began another year of Bible Study.

Gerrit became an elder at our church.

Seasons have changed.

Oh, AND....

God grew a human in my body!!!!

Life is never on pause. It passes whether I am ready or not. It goes on whether I choose to stop and enjoy the season of life that I am in or not. 

So, I would rather choose to enjoy this season. For it too shall pass.

Annual Apple Orchard Trip!

As she does each year, Maria had a birthday! Keeping with tradition, we ventured out to an apple orchard. This one was darling, complete with pumpkin patch, tractor ride, apple donuts, and petting "zoo."

Delia and Adeline got into the spirit of the day and explored every little thing.

These goats were obviously used to little hands poking through the holes in the fence. 

Here Addie is channeling Dr. Doolittle and saying, "Hi, Goat!"

There was so much to see and do!

Jon is not pictured, but he was taking our picture with one camera while Adam took it with mine. Once again this year, Gerrit is looking good in our picture. I don't know what Addie and are up to.

Here is the S family, obviously loving the ride out to the pumpkin patch!

Bless little Delia. She sat still for the ride and enjoyed it. Adeline, on the other hand, was playing musical chairs whenever the tractor stopped. That is why Addie needs Delia in her life. 

 All the fun wore these little ladies out. They chose to unwind together afterwards. What's better than a day of fun and relaxation with your best bud? Not much, I tell ya.

Happy birthday, Maria! Thanks for being born and loving apple orchards so we can visit one each year!

No More Nuks!

Gerrit and I have wanted to get rid of Addie's nuks for some time now. We tried and failed miserably when she was 18 months old. We set a new goal for age 2, thinking she might have a better understanding that pacifiers were leaving her.

But other parts of life got in the way. She'd be sick, or we'd go out of town, or potty training began. There  never seemed to be an appropriate time. 

So, this week, we just decided it's time. I brainstormed some clever ways to make this less traumatic for her. I've heard advice about "giving the nuks away to a baby." But she's 2 and she's selfish. That would be a no-go for us. 

I've heard of many others giving the nuks to a "pacifier fairy." But Gerrit and I decided before our kids were born that we are not introducing pretend characters in her life and claiming them as real. 

Alas, I decided an awesome trade would be in order. 

We told her that if she wanted to open the BIG bag, she first had to gather all her nuks and put them in the little bag.

 She thought the pacifier hunt was pretty fun. 

Then together, we all said, "Good bye, nuks!"

What could it be?

Rapunzel of course!

 A fair trade, indeed!

Addie exceeded our expectations at bedtime. We were prepared for war, but it was only a small battle. She asked for her nuks a few times, but was satisfied with the reminder that we said goodbye to them. She fell asleep a little later than usual and woke up once in the night. Otherwise, the transition has been smoother than we thought. She didn't need toddler rehab or the pacifier patch. 

Great success!

"Look at Me!" and Other Fun Phrases

One of Addie's new favorite phrases is "Look at me!" And she is usually quite the sight to behold.

Other frequent phrases:

Don't DO that! 

I tell you, no!

Wake up. C'mon, daddy. C'mon, mama.

(As she yanks on our sleepy limbs, after she has crawled out of bed.)

Here ya go. 

(As she hands me my glasses in the morning, thinking this is all it takes to wake me up.)

I wan' goldfish. 

(the snack)

I wan' 'Punzel. 

(She is obsessed with the movie, "Tangled.")

Pine out! 

(She puts her toys in time out, and is actually doing that as I type.)

I wanna help you.

Stop, please.

(When she is annoyed.)

My do it!

(Referring to just about anything.)

I wanna see it.

(She likes to see what we are cooking for dinner.)

No work!

(She yells at Gerrit when he is getting ready in the morning.)

I want [fill in the blank], Honey.

(When she really wants something, she sugarcoats it with a sweet nickname for us.)

I do it, 'gain.

Close your eyes! 

(If she catches us with our eyes open while praying. "Pot, meet Kettle.")

I wanna dance. I wan' tutu.

(An essential accessory when even the hint of a melody is playing.)

I have to go rescue the Little People farmer from "pine out" now. 

Until next time....

Don't You Love Being Pregnant?

Pregnancy is beautiful. Growing a human in the womb is a miracle. Life is a sacred blessing. Motherhood is an honor, not to be taken for granted. 

With that, I might offend some by saying this: I don't like being pregnant. Don't pause here waiting for me to say, "I don't like it, I LOVE it!" 

I am not that woman. If you'd like to read that, there are other bloggers who will satisfy that need for you. 

Nope. There's not much I enjoy about this 9 (actually 10) month experience. For some women, it is a time of hormonal blessing. Their skin radiates. Their tresses grow and curl naturally. They are energized, motivated, and exhilarated. And the sex has never been better! Well, I would love that, too. 

However, I break out. My youthful appearance goes full-blown Teen Queen and I get judging glances from elderly women at the grocery store. My hair falls out in clumps during, and especially after, pregnancy, leaving me with an unmanageable mane. I feel fatigued, lazy, and lethargic. 

And then I get diabetes. Forget about satisfying any cravings. It's protein and vegetables for me! My body is carrying about 30 pounds more than my frame can handle. Sometimes my sciatic nerve gives out and I collapse mid-walk (think Sandra Bullock as Ms. Congeniality in heels). 

Sleeping well is a memory, which only contributes to my out-of-whack emotions. I feel on the edge of rage for most of the day. Gerrit will ask me to "come see this or that." Goodness, doesn't he know how much work it is to get off the couch? There's a lot of rocking, pushing, and heaving involved. Whatever he needs me to see better be epic, because it certainly was to get off my rump. 

Every inch of my body is affected. Headaches, nausea, wonky eye-sight, turbo smell and taste, sore boobs, stretched skin, swollen fingers and ankles, charlie-horses at midnight.....

Yes, Cassie, cherish this magical time. Yes, the reward is a child....one I will have to rip forth from my nether regions, and without an epidural with my luck. But that's another blog for another day. 

I am happy for the women who love their pregnant selves. I grieve for those that wish they could be in my place, but cannot conceive. And I am absolutely grateful to be a mother. I cried and prayed for motherhood. 

Forgive me for not being a woman who glows from within during gestation. For me, the blessing is the child, not the journey to receive him. For me, these months are the first of many sacrifices for my son. And I am willing to give him that. 

But a crazy woman must vent form time-to-time to avoid becoming homicidal. This blog post was for the safety of society. 

You're welcome. 

Sibling Bonding

At around 4:30 this morning, Adeline woke up. She's been wanting to come sleep in our bed when this happens. I compromised and decided to rock her for a while.

We sat down in the chair and she laid her head on my chest for a moment. Then she sat up and said, "No baby. No baby." (She used his name instead of "baby." She calls him by name now). She didn't want the baby taking up all the lap space. I said, "Well, he's here. He has to sit here."

She decided this would have to do and said, "I want to talk to [baby]."

I said, "Okay, you can talk to him."

This is the first that she has initiated interacting with him. I had been frustrated to get out of bed and miss precious sleep. But I got to be a part of a moment even more precious.

Adeline bent her little head down, rubbed my belly bump, and started whispering ever so softly to the baby. He woke up and started moving in response. I couldn't hear what she was saying. It was their little secret. The first of many, I'm sure.

Don't Rain On My Parade

Yesterday, we went to a parade. We waited for the fun to begin in a nice sunny spot. Sadly, about 20 minutes into the parade, it started raining. That just "forced" us to go out to eat instead of sitting in a puddle.

We enjoyed the parade while it lasted. 

Gerrit dressed Addie that morning (can you see the matching Batman shirts?). 

Precious.

The men-folk.

 As usual, Delia and Adeline enjoyed each other's company.

Delia could hardly handle ALL THE FUN!

The highlight of the parade was when the fire trucks went by. The firemen made sure everyone was safe and on the curb before one larger truck went whizzing by with two men on top holding up a large American flag. The moment inspired me to call out " 'Merica!" just loud enough for our friends to hear. Addie agreed, started clapping her little hands, and yelled "America!"

I'm so proud.

Summer Traditions

It just doesn't feel like summer unless one goes to the fair! 

We've tried to go to the free-admission fair with Adam and Maria every summer, starting that tradition before the kiddos were born. 

To think, we used to go listen to the bands and eat the greasy food. 

We still eat the awesome, greasy food. Now we just spend more time in the petting zoo. 

The girls got to "milk a cow."

 They pet a very patient bunny.

We practiced the "buddy system."

 This was the first year we did any rides. Well, being the pregnant woman that I am, I was the picture taker. 

Adeline LOVED the carousal. 

Her face was stuck in this expression through every turn. 

Just by riding that fake horse, it was like all her baby dreams came true.

Then she did the slide...the FUN SLIDE, to be exact. With a name like that, how could it be anything but wonderful?

 I wasn't sure when they were up at the top what she might think. I thought she might be flailing her body to get off ASAP. But again, more smiles. More dreams coming true, right there.

A great evening was had by all. Thanks, Adam and Maria, for continuing this tradition with us.

Boy, oh Boy!

 On Tuesday, we learned that we are having a BOY!

This boy was not shy about displaying himself. He left no lingering questions about his gender.

Gerrit and I have never been good with long-term surprises, so we chose to find out the gender of the babe. I haven't regretted the choice either time. And even though there's no way to know the gender before an ultrasound, test, or birth, we both found ourselves surprised and delighted by the news of a boy. I'm still getting used to the idea. I didn't grow up with brothers, so this is new territory to me!

During each pregnancy, the ultrasound has been a highlight. Finally, the movements inside are matched with an image. 

In the picture below, his little feet are crossed. Adeline did that from Day 1 out of the womb and continues to sit that way. They must be related. 

All of his organs and limbs look great. His heart is pumping well, his brain is in the right spot, and he has 10 fingers and 10 toes. He has gentler movements than his sister had at this point. She was on the move constantly. So far, he seems content to relax and carefully adjust his position as not to disturb me.

From what I know of him, he seems like a pretty cool little guy. I'm excited for him to arrive (not to be confused with "excited for labor"). He's very much loved already.

Dear Selena, Your Song is Terrible

Firstly, I get it. I'm not your target market. But since I have no fan-devotion to you, I can say this with honesty. Secondly, I'm sure you didn't actually write this song. That being said...

Your song that is #3 on the Billboard charts is entitled "Come and Get It" and the lyrics in your chorus are "Na na na, na na na, na na na." This takes us back to playgrounds where we taunted our classmates with the same phrases. Since you still see yourself as a little girl, allow me to introduce you to something coming your way soon -- Womanhood, where these lyrics are embarrassing.

Verse 1

You ain't gotta worry it's an open invitation

I'll be sittin' right here real patient

All day all night I'll be waiting standby

Can't stop because I love it, hate the way I love you

All day all night maybe I'm addicted for life, no lie.

Chorus

When you're ready come and get it (x2)

Na na na (x3)

Problem: Woo, an open invitation for this guy, huh? All day and all night you'll be waiting? That sounds desperate and depressing. Little girl, when he's the right guy and you're the right girl, he will be metaphorically busting down the door of your life to get to you. Right now it sounds like you are "addicted for life" to a real D-bag. Based on this song, you don't sound like a great catch either. Sorry...I'm not sorry.

Bridge:

This love will be the death of me, but I know I'll die happily.

I'll know, I'll know, I'll know

Because you love me so....Yeah!

Problem: This "love" will be the death of you? He's sucking the life out of you and you're still going to die happily? No, dear, you will die tired and emotionally exhausted. Because again, he sounds like a tool. And that's not love he's giving you. 
I'm going to die happily for many reasons and among them is the LOVE that my man gives me brings life and rejuvenation into my heart and home. 
Darn it all, the song is catchy. But I'm hoping that my daughter doesn't catch what your thrusting about, because it's a pile of crap. Addie provides enough of that in her diapers. We don't need it oozing out of the radio, too.

A Trip Home

Ah, the comforts of being home. 

Family

Lakes

Walks

Fresh Air

I made a quick decision one day to take the trip home with Addie since there won't be many opportunities this summer. My mom called back, "Do you want to be alone here with us or should we make it a girls and kids weekend?" 

And so, my sisters and their kiddos came, too! What a treat! 

We walked on the Bearskin Trail. I love being a tourist in my own hometown.

 Addie did a pretty great job of keeping up with everyone. That was made easier for her since the older cousins liked to stop frequently to gather bugs.

Top: Starting the walk with "Gamma"

Bottom: Leaving the trail with my sisters, Courtney and Carey

And as is tradition, the Cousins-on-the-Tube pictures were taken. They couldn't have more fun on this thing if it were actually floating somewhere. It was a great investment by my parents. It keeps the gang busy.

Half the battle of this was just getting Adeline to cooperate.

Sophie, Owen, Addie, Jozie, Aubrey

Adeline told us it was "Addie's turn."

She's a determined little bugger.

It's always hard to leave. Fortunately for us, we had a guy we love waiting for us.