Our Last Two Weeks

Last Monday, we went in to see if we could find out the sex of the baby. And it was very, uh um...obvious. We are having another boy. The boys were thrilled and Tater was heartbroken. Her dreams of a little sister were dashed again (she also cried when Dubs was a boy). After some time alone, plenty of tears, and reassurance from us that this is exactly what God wants for us, she was fine. Pretty certain she's hoping that the next one will be a girl. LOL ;)

The kids and I did some last minute shopping midweek, and Shane joined me for the last bit. It was a tad frustrating and hectic, mainly due to stores not having exactly what I wanted. Have I mentioned that I'm a tad picky? Maybe one of these years I will become an online shopper. It just doesn't seem right for me to not be in all the hustle and bustle, touching and feeling the things I purchase. The traffic and lines are annoying, but I love the decor and sounds of the season. Next year when we have a little one, I may be singing a different tune. A very different tune!

Christmas Eve is always in N.C. spent with Shane's family. His parents have several dogs, chickens, and horses, so it is nearly impossible to keep the kids inside. At least one of them is always at the barn, playing with the dogs, running over to Mamaw's, or riding something. All of us enjoyed a late lunch, we read the Christmas story, and then exchanged gifts. It was a really sweet time. Afterward, we went to Mamaw's for more food and visiting. Then we packed up and headed to GA.

Christmas Day is always spent with my side of the family. Both of my sisters were at my Mom's (Grammy's) house when we arrived. Since we were late getting there Friday night, I think it was almost noon on Saturday before we exchanged gifts. This is the first year we ditched Santa completely. He wasn't missed! The kids attempted to open everything they received there and cast it throughout Grammy's house. Needless to say, they really liked their new toys and games.
The rest of the time at Mom's was spent cooking, chatting, laughing, scolding, eating, chatting, laughing, cooking, eating, scolding, chatting, and eating some more. We did sleep at night! None of us got to go to church on Sunday due to weather conditions. That stunk. On Monday, we had a couple of girl trips to the stores to see if there was anything we couldn't live without. Apparently there were some. Tuesday we packed up and headed north. On the way, we stopped in Canton to visit one of my GA friend's, Laura, and her children. I hadn't seen her since the summer. A couple hours later, we were on the road again! We arrived home late Tuesday night, thus ending our holiday travels. And boy, were we pooped.

Now we are almost "normal" and looking forward to the weekend. This week we are doing school Wednesday through Friday. Laundry is constant, as are dishes, and I'm becoming more and more aware of my hump! Gonna have to do things sideways soon.

My sister, Jen, bought us a newborn gown gift set and burp cloths for Christmas. (That is the first outfit that we've obtained since we've known we were expecting.) I've been unwilling to buy anything baby related out of fear. Fear that I would miscarry again. Fear that we wouldn't bring home a baby. I know it seems dumb, but I also know that we aren't guaranteed anything. Jen's gift and finding out he's a boy has helped me to relax. So one one of the girlie shopping trips, I picked up an outfit for next fall/winter. Only in the last week have I really been able to feel his movement. Every time I feel him, it brings comfort that this time things are going well. We are almost half way through this pregnancy and closer to meeting "Munchie"--you knew I'd have a nickname! Looking forward to meeting our new little honey pie.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
-Psalm 127:3

The Lord is my strength and my my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.
-Psalm 28:7

Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
-Psalm 56:3

I Heart Texting

I was possibly one of the last people to learn how to text....seriously. I started texting right before your parents learned how---and you thought that would never happen! For a while, I thought it was something that only the "young" people did. I prided myself in phone calls, you know actually talking to people. Texting seemed so impersonal and thoughtless. And for a while, I only did it when I really couldn't talk like in a Dr.'s office or something.
At some point I got off my high horse and down into the real world. Of course, I don't want to get to a place where I never have actual conversations or write cards. Those things are precious and can't be replaced. Currently, it is much easier and efficient for me to communicate with my family and friends by texting. Like today, I wanted to ask my Mom a question and didn't have time at that particular moment to have a full fledged chat. I simply texted her and she quickly replied with an answer. Not impersonal. Not thoughtless.
Most of the time when we are doing school, I don't have my phone right beside me. Neither the kids nor I need the distraction. I will occasionally check it throughout the day to see if I've missed one. So if you ever wonder why I haven't responded, that is why.
In addition, I love being able to send several people the same message. It's like 3-way calling in elementary school except I'm not trying to see who they like or whatever. Event planning is made much easier with fast responses. Oh, I forgot to mention that I can't access the Internet from my phone, so that also makes texting more appealing. I don't have to turn on the computer, check my email, and then reply.
I love an hour marathon call as much as the next chatty-Cathy, but my life allows for few and far between of those. My girlfriends always knew that they could call me on a road trip and I'd almost get them to their destination. Don't know if that was good or bad. Anyway, I do miss catching up in great detail and feeling more intimately connected. Thankfully, God has given me wonderful friends who don't feel insecure when we don't talk every day or every week. It took me a while to be ok with less, but I've had to accept it and not feel bad or disappointed.
Texting, I heart you. My life is easier with you. My time management has improved. you've enabled me to talk to people when I otherwise couldn't. Sorry I looked down my big bratty nose at you. U r gr8t!