A Man in Uniform

As much a I gawk over little girls in cute dresses, my heart skips a beat when I see this little guy in uniform. T-Ball is the newest sport of choice. He met and practiced with his team the Orioles last Sunday and their first game was this afternoon. All last week he was outside throwing and hitting the ball. He was really talkative when he came home. I enjoyed hearing all about it, but it left me with a few questions. PopPop helped clarify it for me, when he said, "it doesn't at all resemble baseball." Hmm... I guess I'll have to see it for myself.

No News

Is good news.
Nothing new to report after my Dr. appt today. The woman I saw today wasn't nearly as hyper about me staying on the couch more. I wish we could all be on the same page. Although I am on "strict labor watch" whatever the heck that means. Of course I'll watch for labor signs. Where do they come up with these things? EJ's dad is here for a few more days, so I will do my best to fight the urge to do more.

It Worked

My hint worked. EJ came home with a cheesecake for dessert tonight and some beautiful roses and made a wonderful dinner.
I may have been on the couch for my birthday, but 2 dear friends came for a visit and so did my sister (with more flowers). And I got lots of kisses from Mason. He likes saying "Happy Birthday" and has started making requests for his May b'day.

Too Much Partying

Unfortunately, I am not taking the day off today. It's back to the couch for me. I refuse to go to bed, although I am sure that is what the Dr. would prefer. It seems all my partying has landed me at 2 cm dilated. (Sorry, I've been avoiding specific words like that, but there is no secret code that I know of)
And the news gets better.
The baby is still breech.
Hopefully being horizontal will buy us 2 more weeks. There is no set plan at this point, I will just be monitored very closely. I go back tomorrow to check for contractions. I am one of the lucky ones who don't feel them until about 6 cm. This would normally be seen as a blessing, but with a breech baby this is another concern.

Alas the drama continues. I know many of you are checking the blog for baby updates. I wish it wasn't so exciting. Hopefully I will have no news tomorrow.

Please pray for some somersault action!

Sisters

My mom, sister, Mason and I all had lunch yesterday before my Dr. appt to celebrate our birthdays. It was a good thing we went before my appt, more on that later.

There is nothing quite like sisterhood. It's good to be known so well, and to be loved despite it. To have such history and memories with someone that no explanation is necessary. To laugh at the exact same moment, or say the exact same thing or even call our mother at the same time. I am blessed that my sister lives so close and that she would drop anything for me, and well if I could get off the couch I'd do the same for her :) Happy Birthday Lissa, I love you! Thanks for celebrating with me.

Better than I Imagined

EJ and I started dating in collage, my junior year, his senior year. After he graduated he moved to Richmond and we dated long distance while I finished school.

I don't recall having a specific checklist of qualities I was looking for in a husband, but I am sure I was measuring him to some ideal in my head. As if a 20 year old really knows what qualities make a great husband or that any of us can see into the future.

Well, I do know that it never crossed my mind about the type of father he would make. That was too far in the future. I didn't really notice babies and children until after our honeymoon. I actually remember coming home from our honeymoon and no longer looking at other girls engagement or wedding rings, but instead for pregnant bellies or babies. I remember being frightened by this new curiosity.

Three and a half years later Owen was born. It was not until this very moment that I knew what kind of parent EJ would be. He did not disappoint. In fact, I was a bit jealous b/c he handled it much more gracefully than I did. He didn't seem nervous (although I knew he was) and he just took everything in stride. He is extremely patient, very encouraging and a natural teacher. It has been exciting to watch EJ evolve into the father he is now, 6 years later.

I mention all of this b/c I am in awe of the husband and father he has been these past 11 weeks. I don't think there are words to describe what a wonderful job he has done or enough words to thank him. He has constantly challenged me to look at the positives about our situation. He never complained about the extra work load, exhaustion and lack of time for himself. He was satisfied with the little bit I could do to help and not on the other 90% he was doing.

As I gradually increase my work load. He is noticing and is so grateful. It feels good to be more of a team again.

From this day forward, I will remember how well he has cared for us. This kind of love can only come from someone who knows they are loved by Jesus. He could not have done this on his on strength. I only pray that my boys and family members will recognize this love too.
We can't love each other with our own love, it isn't good enough, we will disappoint or be disappointed. We must love as a response to God's love for us. God is our the example.

This is how I knew I wanted to marry EJ. How I knew he would make a great husband. Not because of a checklist, but because one day on the quad of JMU, I realized he got it. He knew how much God loved him. God's love for him was enough. And that was enough for me.

I guess giving EJ a third son is a pretty big thank you, but somehow this doesn't seem enough.
EJ, I love you! Thank you!

Party for 3

My mom threw a great party on Friday night. I really enjoyed myself. THANK YOU for taking care of all the details!

"March Madness" began in my family a long time ago. My sister and I share very close birthdays. Little did I know the Lord was preparing me to then share a birthday with my son too. Owen who was due to arrive in April, showed up 5 days before my 26th birthday. Growing up, my mom always made it a point to give Lissa and I separate parties and cakes. And these were no ordinary cakes. My memories and childhood photo albums are full of fancy cakes that she spent lots of hours on. Even now, if we celebrate on the same day (which is far easier) we get separate cakes. Now we have 3 cakes (although less fancy). Needless to say when my mom's birthday rolls around on April 7th we are often all caked out. Next year we could very well be celebrating a 5th birthday if this little guy arrives soon.

If you came to the party Friday night, this is who greeted you at the front door.

Have you guessed the theme?

He doesn't know much about Star Wars, he was hoping since it was his birthday he could watch it. Good try, Owen, maybe when your 10! How will we determine these things?

Mason holding grandma's hand while he ate his cake and ice cream.

He loved his craft box, from Mim.

Something was wrong with the setting on my camera. My photos turned out terrible. This is the only non blurry one of Lissa that I got. Her cake pics were bad too.

I let Mason open my gifts, he was feeling a little left out. Fortunately it didn't matter what was inside.

My birthday is Wednesday and I have already said, no more cake. Well, unless it's a cheesecake or something different :)

My 1st Born

Turns 6 today!
Happy Birthday Owen.

I decided to take the day off, from bed rest that is.
It's a very special someone's birthday.
We have too much planned to sit around.

Grandma picked up doughnuts and we had lunch with Owen and his class. They were all very excited for the special treat. Everyone wanted to sit next to Owen. We crammed way too many kids at one table. Mason thoroughly enjoyed himself and made himself at home with the big kids.

Last night, the four of us went to a restaurant to celebrate. Tonight, we will be joined by my immediate family for a joint celebration. Owen, my sister and myself all have birthdays within the next 5 days. Owen is super excited. He flipped on his light switch at 6:45 this morning and started singing "Happy Birthday" to himself!

You are my Sunshine

Yes, thank you Lord, for the warm weather
and for these two sunshines, tongues out and all.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I don't imagine this is the expression Dr. Seuss was going for with Green Eggs and Ham, but at 7 in the morning this is it.

Yesterday, Owen bluntly asked if Leprechauns are real. When I said no, he concluded that the Tooth Fairy is not real either. I have a feeling there has been some talk around the lunch table :) He did however, mention with uncertainty that Santa is real. I just smiled. Don't worry we talked about not spoiling the fun for other children. I think he is secretly relieved that a "fairy" doesn't come into his bedroom while he is sleeping.

Not Puzzled

Mason can't get enough puzzles. Yesterday he worked the same 3 over and over again by himself for at least 30 minutes. Today he was at it again.

Have you Noticed?

Just in case your eyes haven't been glued to my pregnancy countdown ticker. I will just point out that it says 45 days. Yes, 45 days! That may seem like a lot or a little depending on the day, but considering Owen was 3 1/2 weeks early, that doesn't leave much time.

I have a lot of emotions running through my head these days. And sometimes they are streaming down my cheeks or in my tone of voice. It's a wonder my family hasn't kicked me out on the street.

We are all anxious to meet him. I am constantly wondering what he will look like, what his personality will be like and how he will change the dynamics of our family. I know from experience, that it will seem like there was never a day without him, but right now I can't quite imagine it. Sometimes I feel much to far from the baby stage. I know this is going to be a big adjustment for all of us. Honestly, I am pretty nervous about adding another member to this already wild house.

We are definitely anxious to be done with the bed rest "season." I feel as though my existence hasn't amounted to much lately (yes, I know growing a baby is huge). I have grown use to not doing much and so has my family. It no longer bothers me that I don't go anywhere. And I feel rotten enough that I am content not doing much either. The next few weeks should be interesting. If I can, I will be up and about by March 30th, possibly sooner depending on my Dr appt. next week. The rest will be a waiting game. At least while we wait we have 4 birthdays to celebrate, Easter and spring break.

We can't wait to meet you little man!
Oh, we do know he has lots of hair, evidently that is obvious in an ultrasound. I thought we knew his name, but EJ is having last minute jitters :)

Our Seperate Ways

Today my family went our separate ways. Mason spent last night and today with my parents. EJ took Owen to celebrate an his birthday (early) with his friend, Joshua, and dad Pat. While I had a lovely morning with lovely ladies celebrating our baby boy to come and a quiet afternoon on the couch.

I stole these photos off Courtney's blog b/c I wanted my camera for the shower. Thanks Pat!Owen had a great time. They meet at the Lego Outlet and then had lunch.

Now he is busy working on a Lego set that he bought with some b'day money.

I can't even remember when I started hanging out with these ladies. It was long before Mason was born. We started out as a couple's evening bible study. With childcare as a huge issue we eventually ditched the men and formed our own group. Over the years, we've studied the bible and various books, prayed together and simply shared our lives as wives and mothers. I am so thankful for each of them. We aren't currently meeting together and so this was extra special to all be together. There is talk that we will start back up again this summer which would be awesome.

Feeling Better

I am happy to report that Mason and I are almost completely back to normal. EJ is still recovering but definitely on the mend. Owen is still fine. Thank goodness it was short lived!

Not what I had in mind

Remember yesterday's post about being busy? Well, little did I know I'd be busy today, running to and from the bathroom with a stomach bug. Not fun, and definitely not fun when 32 weeks pregnant. By 1 p.m. I thought I might never walk again, I was so weak. Mason had managed to throw up at least 3 times by then and now guess who is sick from taking care of us all day?Yep, EJ bit the dust about 5 p.m. today.
I really had no idea how we would feed the boys dinner and get them to bed, but we did. With a little shift work and God's grace and some anit-nausea medicine, I got the boys to bed. I just realized I haven't brushed their teeth in over 8 weeks. Felt strange. I know a lot less about my boys these days than I'd like.
Hopefully everyone will make it through the night. Still holding my breath about Owen. He has a field trip at school tomorrow and would be so bummed to miss it.
And hopefully this prego mommy can hold her Gatorade down or I will be going in for an IV tomorrow.
To bed I go.
Oh and my fun Thur night plans, cancelled! I certainly wouldn't wish this upon anyone.

Busy Girl

I had my 32 week Dr appt today. Everything is still holding strong and looking good. So I am to keep doing what I am doing. I am actually quite relieved. I felt so good last week that I did way more than I had be doing. I was afraid I had overdone it. Turns out I am fine. Which is a good thing, b/c I have several fun things on the schedule this week that I was terrified I would have to cancel.
My Wellspring group is getting together for dessert to celebrate baby Fogarty on Thurs.
On Friday, I am getting my hair cut (long overdue).
Saturday morning, the girls from my evening bible study are getting together to celebrate our baby.
This will surely make the week fly by. And then next week we start the marathon of birthdays in our family. Hooray!

Which is Crazier?

That I expose my thoughts and family for all the world to read?
That I think people actually want to read it?
Or that I would spend hours and hours and hours publishing all of these posts into a book?

Ah, the blog book is taking soooooo much time. It feels ridiculous to be doing this. If I never do another one, will it be silly to have 1 year of our life in a book? Are we really going to read 400 pages of Our 2008?

At this rate, I will need to stay on bed rest for at least 2 more months.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

EJ took Mim and the boys to Kite Day at a local park. It was very chilly but they had fun!

On the Court

This morning was Owen's and EJ's last basketball game. Since I had only been to the first game, I really wanted to go. With Mim and Aunt Lissa to help, I went and just sat the whole time.

The team has come a long way. It's a pretty awkward sport for such young kids, but they seemed to be getting the hang of it a little bit. Owen even scored 1 point.

EJ did a great job coaching and I love how it gave Owen an extra boast of confidence.

Mason warmed up with the team. He is actually quite good and very coordinated for such a little guy. He listened to everything EJ said and attempted all the exercises. He is going to give Owen a run for his money.

All Smiles

Owen lost his first tooth last night at dinner. It has been loose for a while and popped right out while he was eating a breadstick. He was so surprised and excited. Mason was disturbed and a bit concerned. I suppose it would seem strange if you didn't understand it was suppose to happen.
Excuse the pizza sauce on his face. I didn't think any thing of it when I took the pic, but now it looks a tad like blood.

Mim's Visit

I have been terrible at taking pictures this week. My heart just isn't in it. I have actually felt and acted like a growling bear most of the week. Not sure if new hormones are too blame or if 8 weeks of house arrest is aggravating me. I am much hotter than normal, so I think it's probably both. I even went to Wellspring on Tues morning. I regretted it that afternoon, but was so glad I went.
Mim has been visiting this week. The baby clothes are washed! She has been a great help cleaning up after us and keeping the boys entertained and feed. Fortunately she is going on a real vacation next week b/c she is going to need it!

EJ is sad that I don't really look forward to the weekends right now. It really has nothing to do with him. I really am so glad to see him. The weekends just tend to be harder, b/c I want the boys to go out and have fun. Which leaves me alone to feel sorry for myself. I know so many of you would love a day alone to rest, etc. I keep telling myself that soon I will have NO time for rest. It will happen overnight, I will have to go from doing nothing to overdrive.

32 weeks and counting!

Oh and my clothes keep shrinking. This always makes a girl feel good.

Karate Kid

Today was Owen's last day of his after school Karate class. EJ left work early to watch and be my eyes. He enjoyed the class and is sad it's over. I was very surprised they got uniforms for a total of 6 hours of class, but he does look cute.

Poor Kid

I yelled up to Mason yesterday that his lunch was ready. As he came down the stairs he said, "Mama you made it all yourself? Thank you, Mama"

Something your children should not have to say. Fortunately I am much more sad about it then they are.