Digging Out

I think we got about 11 inches. The boys aren't quite as enthusiastic this time around. The sledding hasn't been too great. But EJ did manage a little tunnel igloo to keep them happy while he shoveled the driveway. I was busy on the couch. Can't say I am too sad about missing out.

A little pregame warm-up for making snow angels.
Ah, getting them dressed is so fun!

Snow!

As Mason would say, "more and more and more." We are up to 10.5 inches and it's still coming down.

Get in the Mix

It's official. I have a new love, Mixbook.com. Thanks Courtney! I tried Shutterfly, but it wasn't cutting it for the graphic designer in me. My oh my, Mixbook is so fun and I could spend endless hours working on it. Oh wait, I have endless hours. How lucky am I?
Obviously, I haven't seen the printed piece, but the graphics are great and so far it's been easy to use. So many more options than Shutterfly, which for some may be a turn off, but not for me, bring it on. I am almost done dropping in the photos and just have to add some finishing touches.
I worked on it entirely too late last night and my dreams were filled with pushing and sliding photos and boxes! So worth it.
Perhaps I'll recant my offer to help others.

Visitors

Either everyone is on the lookout for a baby announcement and newborn pictures or you are all just waiting to read that I've officially gone nutty from bed rest.

Either way, I have more readers now than ever before. Who would have guessed. Thanks for stopping by!

Picnic

We went on a picnic today. A light fare of pretzel goldfish and string cheese. And if that isn't exciting enough, we shared a deep intellectual discussion of the exciting lives of our dear friends on Sesame Street.

Counting Beans

It's amazing how much more I learn about myself when life is slower, b/c I actually have time to think.

The other day a friend offered me a bag of coffee beans. She had received them as a gift, but doesn't own a grinder. I knew we had plenty of coffee on hand and instead I offered to grind them for her. EJ thought I was crazy. I know it's messy and a bit ridiculous, but you see he just can't fully understand.

I am not currently able to offer to DO anything for anyone. Yes, it may seem silly, but I can grind coffee beans while sitting down. I can DO something for a dear friend who at the moment is helping our family in a multitude of ways. It's not so much that I feel guilty or want to repay her, b/c quite frankly I don't think it will ever even out. But it did my heart so much good to grind those beans. And now when she drops off some items from the store that she voluntarily offered buy for us, I will have something for her.

Do I "do" things for Christ b/c I feel guilty or b/c His perfect love causes this response in me? It feels so much better when its the later! Surely I can never repay him, why am I constantly trying.

And yes, my hands might smell like coffee for the rest of the day, but I'll just pretend I am hanging out at Starbucks. And please don't drop off your coffee beans or send me your photos for a photo album, at least not until I finish Mason's.

It's Really Possible...

to procrastinate even while on bed rest.

I haven't started Mason's baby book.
But now I have no excuse.
My very own geek squad (EJ) remotely linked our laptop to our desktop, so I have complete access to the photos. Now I just have to settle on a photo book website and dive in.

Anybody done one?

Fly on the Wall

Since I couldn't be with my extended family this weekend, my mom was kind enough to take some pictures.

Mason with my cousin, David and his daughter Haleigh

Chillin with my uncle Jack

Mason getting in some practice with baby Gage, looks promising!

Thanks mom!

Loads of Fun

It's amazing how they adapt! It has become second nature to Mason that I am on the couch. In fact, last night after eating dinner at the table I must of been standing up longer than normal b/c Mason ushered me to the couch.

This morning I was a ramp and junk yard.

He has also become awesome at doing a lot for himself, even more so than his older brother. This will come in handy once the baby is here. Not b/c he will want to do it himself then, but b/c I'll at least know he can ;) Owen adapted the same way when I was on bed rest with Mason and "grew up" a lot those few weeks.
This morning we woke up to both boys going potty. Well, at least Mason was trying. Not sure if I can handle potty training while on bed rest, but maybe Owen will train him for me. Mason has definitely been talking about it a lot the past few days.

Exciting Day

Well, only if you are accustomed to house arrest and the couch is your best friend.

I drove today, the first time in 2 weeks. Weird!
I got out of the house, it was 60 degrees.

But more importantly, I got great news at my Dr. appt. It seems my bed rest has not been in vain. My body is responding beautifully, so much so that the Dr. was shocked! Thank you, Lord. She actually cancelled next weeks appt. So I'll have 1 whole week off :)

I am still on bed rest, but she is allowing me to do a tad more. I am not sure what this really means, but its much better than doing a tad less. I certainly won't be doing any shopping excursions, but a few things around the house will be so helpful for our family and more normal for the boys. Plus, I was really starting to lose stamina, laying down for so long causes a lot of aches and pains. Hopefully moving around a little more will help me to feel better physically and mentally.

Once again, just when I am at my wits end, God provides. It's humbling to cry out for help for the simplest little things, but its so awesome to see Him answer them. On Sunday, I had no idea who would help this afternoon. My dad came, no questions asked. Then, a friend called and said she had a window of time today and could she help, so I sent her to the grocery store for us. When she dropped off the groceries we still had time to chat. Today, I prayed for the valet parking at the hospital to still be open (they temporarily close if there is too many cars). I had no idea how I'd walk from the parking deck to the hospital. I was one of the last cars accepted. And my sister and her husband came over for dinner, so I had my fill of social interaction. I am sure there is so much more I am missing, but you get the picture.

It's funny we spend so much of our time trying to be independent. Trying to be in control of everything. When in fact, the lack of control and dependence is more life changing.

Oh, and baby is looking good. Still a boy!

He's Back

with a "hey dudes"
I'm sorry did my 2 year come back a 5 year old?
I think Owen is just a little happy to see him, even though he said he didn't miss him.

Music Mania

The boys new dressers and side tables arrived Thurs. I didn't know little boys could get so excited over furniture. Owen was mainly excited b/c EJ said he could have our old stereo in their room once the dressers arrived. Mason liked the packing foam and huge boxes.

EJ and Owen set up the stereo together on Friday night.

He was in his room a lot yesterday singing and dancing around. He also managed to secretly move all of Mason's clothes from the nursery to the new dresser. I have yet to examine the damage.

Then he requested the I-pod.
Today, EJ offered to make him is own play list.
They spent a lot of time on the computer with a i-tunes gift card compiling Owen's "wish list" (that's what he calls it)

This spurred on a performance by EJ and Owen.
They came downstairs to put on a show for me(EJ knew my spirits needed a boast).

If laughter induces labor we are in trouble.
Owen did not want the paparazzi taking his picture, sorry, you'll have to use your imagination.

I'll set the scene:
EJ off to the side singing songs he doesn't know well, hence the song sheets he is stiffly holding in front of him.
Owen front and center dancing with his back to me, the whole first song. Hysterical. Finally by the second song we convinced him to turn around.

Owen was in heaven, I was trying to keep my big belly from shaking with laughter and EJ just trying to follow the lyrics without laughing. All we were missing his crazy Mason and his air guitar! I miss the little guy and hope he gets back soon, it's been too long!

26 weeks

and 10 to go (according to me :) surely that is long enough!

I think each week is feeling longer.
This might be the longest 10 weeks of my life.
Especially b/c each week feels twice and long as the previous one.

I really wish I didn't think about myself all the time.
My world is getting smaller and smaller. As if it wasn't small enough.

The news only makes me more depressed.
I know I really have so much to be thankful for.

I am holding out hope for the Olympics and Lost.
Good grief!

Flying Solo

This morning it was just me and Mason! We did it, with some help from EJ at lunch. My cousin is arriving shortly and will be here for the afternoon shift.
We needed time just the 2 of us. He has been shuttled places and/or we have had friends over since Tuesday, plus he is going away for the weekend with my parents and my cousins. I am so sad to miss out. But Mason will have a blast with little Haleigh.
Owen is staying here, so I'll have plenty of time with him too. He and EJ have basketball pictures and their 2nd game. I really want to go especially b/c Mason won't be with us. We'll see how I am feeling.

Orchastrating

Ironically now that I am on the couch 90% of each day, my calendar is fuller than ever. Bed rest has resigned me from all duties except the role of CAO, Chief Administrative Officer, for 3 very busy individuals. Shortly before my house arrest, EJ convinced me to try and keep an online calendar, so he'd have access to our family plans. I really didn't think we were that busy, but I am glad that I gave it a try. Now it is chalk full with my Dr appts, his work schedule, school stuff, childcare, meals and family visitors.

So many people have asked how we are managing and I continue to be shocked myself. I am not sure it's that interesting to read about, but if you are curious here is the break down. It's long, so feel free to switch to another blog :)

We have had 1 or both of my parents here 2 days each week and for the other afternoons EJ has been coming home early to pick up Owen from the bus stop and handle life for the rest of the day. We will most likely hire someone for the afternoons to lessen this load, but we are holding off as long as possible b/c I think will be harder on the boys.

I am still doing the morning breakfast and lunch routine for Owen. This allows EJ to get ready for work before taking Owen to the bus stop. Then he comes back to eat and helps Mason and I with our breakfast before heading to work.

Most mornings we have had a friend with children either come and play here or take Mason to play at their house. Sometimes they help with lunch and other days Mason and I are on our own.

Unless one of my parents is here I do the nap time routine and pray that Mason sleeps.

My mom has been handling the laundry and she manages to fit in other chores or runs errands for us. My dad has been helping around the house too and getting outdoors and exercising the boys! EJ's parents are expected soon.

EJ is rocking the house cleaning and even bought a duster for the ceilings/corners. Evidently I've never done that in our 3.5 years living here. He has also cooked or heated dinner, given baths and put to the kids to bed almost every night for the past 3 weeks. Adding a 3rd baby and having his helper back on her feet will seem like a vacation!

The boys are handling things well. Mason has stopped showing me how to walk or climb the stairs after I've said "mommy can't do that right now." Owen is starting to break down in tears a little more than normal. This is to be expected and hopefully won't cause problems at school. Next week could be even worse b/c he will start a after school (6 week) enrichment series for an hour for 2 days a week. Normally we wouldn't have done this b/c he is gone so long as it is, but it will help tremendously and thankfully 2 neighbors have agreed to bring him home. He seems excited which is a blessing. He'll take an art class (his favorite subject in school) and a karate class. Hopefully he won't use any moves on his little brother(s).

My spirits have remained amazingly high. I keep waiting for them to plummet but I am thankful for each good day. It definitely helps that I've done this before. I fully expect my pointer finger to grow longer after bossing so many people around.

Mostly I am amazed at how the Lord is orchestrating the help and meals exactly when we need them. Just when I think we have an empty window someone calls to help. And He has given me a spirit of boldness to ask for help. So watch out, if you live in our area, I'll be calling :) My pride has flown right out the window, perhaps spurred on by my weekly butt shots.

Thanks...

for the book suggestions. I can't wait to get started.

**** thanks to EJ going to the library I now have 1504 pages worth of reading. Be jealous friends!******

Wanted

Any suggestions for reading material would be greatly appreciated! Ideally books available from the library. THANKS!

Determination

The advantages Owen has with his age, agility and coordination, Mason makes up for with pure determination. Watching this little guy keep up with his big brother is inspiring and often very comical. There is usually a lot of grunting, but he is almost always smiling and laughing.

Today for example, I was sitting on the front porch while they were eating a snack. Owen decided to climb the outside of the porch steps (the tiny space between the edge of the steps and the porch railings) while holding onto the railing. He did this was quick ease and then sat down in the 4 inches of space with the railings at his back. So of course, Mason had to try. After a very slow and shaky climb Mason made it to the top. Then he attempted to turn around and sit down (in the 4 inches of space). On the first attempt, he sat down but slide right off. In the second attempt, he managed to sit down, but dropped his bag of crackers on the ground. During the third attempt, I suggested he put the snack down, so of course he stepped on the crackers. Finally, after getting situated he sat proudly for about 5 seconds and then hopped down. The 3 of us were laughing the whole time, the kind of laughter that hurts your stomach, but feels so good at the same time.

I once heard Joe Paterno, the head coach of Penn State Football, say that some of his best players were the little brothers b/c they always fight harder. I totally believe it. I can't wait to see what is in store for this little guy. Although he won't be the little brother much longer :)

Getting Out

Ahh, I left the house today. First time in 6 days. It was lovely. Even if I only went to the Dr. and sat in the parking lot of Costco. It's the little things.

The boys got out too. I guilted EJ into taking the camera to the park with them today. He got some good ones.

Hmm... my thoughts exactly!

Wish this was my attitude instead.

Rainy Day

Yesterday was a rainy day and with both boys and daddy feeling a little under the weather it was a PJ day.

With daddy in charge the pancakes are way more fun or at least bigger!

Owen is amazing on the computer and he is trying to pass along his knowledge to Mason.

Thoughts of the Bored

I can tell my emotions are going to start swinging. I am trying to remain positive, but thoughts are settling in. Can't look at the big picture b/c I will make myself miserable. Sometimes 11 weeks seems short and sometimes it seems really really really long. I need to start some projects to keep my mind occupied.
Things I've been saving for bed rest:
Mason's baby book (I know I am terrible, but I got Owen's finished while on bed rest with Mason, so it's tradition :)
Typing up all my favorite recipes
Making a blog book of 2009
Perhaps some blog headers, anyone interested?

I'd much rather be preparing for baby, but once again that will be done by someone else. The nesting urge is going to be stressful.
EJ just purchased dressers for the boys' room (I approved by looking online) so now we can throw away Owen's current dresser that is falling apart and move Mason's clothes out of the nursery. Slowly but surely things will still get checked off the list. Hopefully my family will still be speaking to me when this is over.

Day 10

We had an awesome week of help. God is blessing us in the smallest details. I can tell the rest is helping. I can't believe it's been 10 days already.
We have the next 2 weeks of help and meals planned according to my moderate bed rest orders. As long as my status doesn't change on Monday, we are good to go.
Sadly EJ has a terrible head cold and won't get as much rest as he would like as he does double duty, but at least its Friday and a 3 day weekend!
My parents came today, mom is keeping up with the laundry and even did some grocery shopping while dad kept Mason entertained. This afternoon the temp reached 60 degrees so I sat outside and soaked up some Vitamin D while the kids RAN around.

First Glimpse

I remember while I was pregnant with Mason, wondering how I would possibly love him as much as I loved Owen. It didn't seem my heart could do it. And in an instant it happened. It was as if I had never gone a day not loving him. Well, yesterday, I had a short, but sweet glimpse of how much fuller my heart will feel when our baby boy joins our family. The moment itself was nothing special, but I guess God just knew I needed to feel it.

The boys were rocking out to "Life is a Highway" by the Rascal Flats on a YouTube Cars music video. (Owen has discovered that you can Google anything, scary isn't it?) And for just a moment I got tears in my eyes thinking that one day their brother will be joining them.

Yep, it was that simple, but I am so thankful. You see, the dreaded words have been spoken. "Bed rest" has already entered our world and much sooner than we ever imagined (24 weeks). Last week, 1/5 (the date is for my benefit) the Dr. told me to take it VERY EASY and at today's appt. she even mentioned hospitalization. But after an ultrasound and a surprisingly good report from the ultrasound doctor, she agreed to send me home. I never thought I'd be happy to hear "moderate bed rest" but I was. At least for today, ask me again in 2 days and I may have forgotten. The Dr is calling it strict bed rest, but I mentioned a few activities and she agreed to them, so EJ and I are calling it moderate ;) I did very little last week and if I can do just a little less, I think we can postpone strict bed rest for a little while. Strict versus moderate means I can be home by myself with Mason without constant help. We will need tons of help b/c I can't make it all day, but at least there are windows I can do.

And that is why I am so thankful for a glimpse of the love I already have for this baby boy. This road (3 months) is going to be long and hard and I needed to be reminded exactly why it's worth it. Tomorrow will be another story, as I will worry about the logistics, but for now we are just thankful for the small blessings.

Oh, if you don't know any of my prenatal history (I was on bed rest for short lengths with each child) there is nothing wrong with the baby. He is FINE, chunky actually and measuring almost 2 weeks bigger (another praise). It is me, my body for some reason, can not handle the pressure and it starts progressing towards labor much too early. So the bed rest will hopefully limit the pressure and keep this baby inside.

This blog may start to get real boring as my view from the couch may not capture many great pictures. Or as I suspect, I will learn so much from this hardship and hopefully be able to encourage someone else!

Double Dribble

The Fogarty boys have hit the court. Owen's first shot at basketball, EJ's first shot at coaching and Mason the big squirmy fan.

Owen, third from left

I know I will have plenty of seasons watching my man coach. I don't think it will ever get old! I love it. Although the pounding of 20 basketballs might drive me crazy and it certainly bothered Mason.

This is going to be way funnier than soccer and perhaps more injuries.

After almost 40 minutes he just had to grab a ball. Pretty patient for a 2.5 year old!

Dreams

Tonight the 4 of us went to dinner at the Wheat's house. It was such a treat. Time with friends and no cooking or cleaning for us!
Well, their daughter who is just days younger than Owen, sat down with me and got cozy. She is not the least bit shy. We don't see them as much as we'd like, but this did not stop her from getting up close and personal with me. She told me how she had a dream about her wedding. When I asked who she married, she couldn't recall there having been a boy or man in the dream. The dream was only about her wedding dress, the ring and people telling her how beautiful she looked. Be still my heart. It is true, that is what its really all about, right? And a girl's wedding plans really do start that early.
I didn't find myself getting sad. Instead, I just thoroughly enjoyed the moment. She hadn't even told her mom. Later when she appeared in a very fancy dance costume, applied a hint of gloss to her lips and danced for us, I realized that perhaps a house of boys is okay with me. If I need my girlie fill, I will just go back and visit the Wheats :)

My Buddy

Mason and I did not leave the house from Wed to Sat morning, with the exception of picking up Owen at the bus stop. We have been very buddy buddy. So what's a mom to do with very chilly temperatures and an active boy? Don't tell Owen ;)

Let him jump off the furniture!

and jumpand jump

Oh and mix play-doh colors together. I never let Owen do that... hmm that could explain a lot.

My favorite right now is "I uv you mama" I know he will eventually say "love" so I am treasuring it now and can't get enough of it. Oh and the sweet kisses!

Enough

"There are times when we feel like destitute wanderers in the wilderness with little hope of food and water. God will then give us manna at the time we need it. He won't give us so much that we will have enough for tomorrow because then we would just start trusting in the manna rather than trusting Immanuel. God makes a promise. He will give you - manna or grace - when you need it, but not before. That means you will be anxious if you forecast the future because you are making your prediction based on the manna you have left over from today, and there is none... Manna was pointing forward to something much better it was pointing to the Bread of Life who would satisfy our hunger in such a way that we wouldn't always feel hungry two hours later. Manna was pointing to Jesus and what we are given in His death and resurrection." Ed Welch from a "Tabletalk" publication.

So, our family is possibly about to embark on our most challenging adventure to date. No, we are not new contestants of "The Amazing Race" or "Survivor" although it will feel like that most days. God has been so faithful already to meet me where I need Him and I know this will be a journey I will never forget (although may want to). You know the kind, that shape us forever? Hopefully, He will change me for the better, of course that would always be His intent, but sometimes it feels like I will never change :)

More on that next week.

Chugging Along

We are back to the school week routine. Owen has handled the first 2 days really well. Mason and I have had fun just the 2 of us. I am still amazed at how well he plays on his own.

For Christmas we got a new train set to fill in the gaps of our older set that had lots of broken or lost pieces. The new set has brought new life to the table (with another on the way I figured we could stand to extend its life). Owen is so much like me, he enjoys setting it up and then never actually gets around to playing. When I was little I would spend hours making a "grade book" for playing school and then never actually play school. Even now I'd much rather put together the train table or lego sets then actually play. Mason on the other hand was constantly in our way as he moved around trying to play before it was even ready.

In Good Company

Well, if the Eagles have to lose to the Cowboys at least we were in good company!
Thanks Matt and Jenn for a yummy dinner.

Cowboy fans you better hold your horses b/c the Eagles will be ready this Sunday:)

Get a New Look

Need a new look for the new year? For your blog that is.

Here is my most recent blog header design.
Click here for other samples.

Party Time

The kids rang in the New Year about 7:45. Little did we know they'd still be awake at 10 (4 kids and a Mason are not a good combination for a slumber party). They celebrated with a little sparkling grape juice and some party crackers with toys inside.

before the taste

after the taste

cheers!

The adults made it until midnight! We are such party animals :)Here's the group:
EJ, Ali, Pat, Courtney, Cary and LeahWe missed you Brian and Peyton!

P.S. I packed it in last night and was in bed asleep before 9:45 last night, after several failed attempts at reading on the couch.

Cheers!