Oprah

Dear Oprah,

Today you started your 25th season. I turned 28 about six weeks ago. I really have grown up with you. I didn't start watching recently...I really have watched for a long time. I have last period conference so I came home and watched while Caroline napped. Actually, let's be truthful. I had Micah set Oprah up on DVR so I could watch Oprah just last week after I get home from work(we are new to DVR--wow...so great!). I went to get Caroline early and as soon as I pulled her out of her carseat she had messed all up her back so the first thirty minutes were captured by the fabulous DVR while Caroline got a much needed bath! Back to Oprah. I have watched as you have changed hairstyles, gained weight, lost weight, lost dogs, struggled, cried from great surprises, and laughed with your best friends. I know this is silly, but I feel like we are sorta friends...friends with different views, but friends that talk about our views on the couch. And, I love "interviewing" people--have you ever played the question game with me? During the summer, I have scheduled my errands around the 3 PM showing of Oprah. I really admire her attitude towards education and hard work. I love a good pull yourself up by the bootstraps story! So, I've "Run On" and "I'm Every Woman" with you. Can't wait to see what's going to happen this season.

Much love,

High School

"Oh, AHS, oh AHS, we'll sing your praise tonight..." I think I remember most of the words to my high school song. This teaching high school gig has made me reflect back on my own high school experience. Speaking of high school, this year marks my ten year reunion. I would like to go and visit the 'ole stomping grounds, but since my best friends aren't going, it just wouldn't be the same...who knows I may change my mind! Here's a few thoughts about high school...

1) You know the cool guy or girl that you seem to think was just WAY too cool...they are still very present in high school and you know, now...not so cool...just obnoxious. Why is it that being cool was much more important than being kind and a person of substance?
2) I really enjoyed a good Amarillo High School pep rally. It seemed like almost everyone participate, yelled, etc. Having been to other school pep rallys...this is not the case for other student bodies. Goooooo Sandies!
3) R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I respected property, teachers, administration, rules, peers. This is not always the case.
4) There is a rule hanging in the hall. No PDA. I saw this couple holding hands. I'm going to not count holding hands as against the rules. I held hands. I was a good girl...not a rule breaker. Then, I came across a couple in the hall after school and this girl was visibly upset and her boyfriend was comforting her and telling her it would be alright. Not really breaking the rules. Everyone needs someone to tell them it's going to be okay from time to time. Having said this, anyone that starts mugging down in front of me...ewww...it will have to stop.
5) High school was not the greatest part of my life. I liked it. Have fond memories. But, not the greatest part of my life.
6) I really feel like I had a great academic experience with really knowledgeable instructors. People said how hard college would be...not really. I thought high school really prepared me for college in many ways.
7) Do you ever get on facebook and wonder what became of people? I do. And, there's some shockers out there. Most not surprising at all.
8) I still keep in touch with my best friends in high school on some level. I really like them.
9) I think I just recently threw out my last AHS heather gray tennis sweatshirt. It was looking dated.
10) I keep overhearing conversations and seeing the same types of behaviors to a certain degree and in some cases...the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Much love,

Holding on Tight

Our little family has been holding on tight as life has been going at full speed ahead. We have been in survival mode for about three weeks. We have moved to Lubbock after having our house on the market for several months longer than anticipated in Plainview. We took a hit which we definitely did not expect to happen on selling the home so I have gone back to work to makeup the difference. It's not pleasant to think about losing money on a house, but we were throwing so much money down the drain in gas and miles on cars that it made sense just to get out. We are really liking our new home. Of course, there are things here and there that we would like to do to make it our own, but right now we are still trying to dig out of boxes. Most were unpacked immediately by our great moms who came to our rescue before and after the move. I started working at a high school in town. I haven't taught high school since I student taught so it's been an awakening to my stern voice, no nonsense and sometimes sassy attitude that I have shelved for several years. I am teaching 9th grade World Geography and 10th grade World History. Two TAKS tested subjects on this new C-Scope curriculum program has my brain in overdrive. This working parent stuff keeps us busy and tired. Micah and I have done a really good job of trying to be equitable in sleep and duties. Caroline started attending a church nursery program this week. She seems to adjust very well to her surroundings. The first day I picked her up, Miss Dora asked if she could feed her more because Caroline was letting her know that she was still hungry. My child is SERIOUS about her eating schedule and portions! Everyday we get a report on what she did that day and they even write out lesson plans. She has been sleeping better since this week, too. School makes me worn out also.

In essence, if I haven't called, you haven't seen me or better yet you have seen me and thought--yikes...really pjs again, I seem a bit frazzled, etc. etc. etc.-----it's because I'm just trying to hold on tight until I figure out a little something called balance.

Much love,

Two Months Old

Dear Caroline,

On Monday, August 23, you turned two months old. That same day you had to go have vaccines at your well baby doctor's appointment. I had to send you with Daddy because today was my first day at work with students present. I thought about you all day. I couldn't wait to return home and see my sweet girl. You had two bandages on each thigh from your shots. Poor girl. You also have grown. Your weigh 11.1 pounds which puts you in the 60th percentile and now 22.5 inches long placing you in the 75th percentile. Wow! I haven't been kidding when I tell people that you are very serious about eating! The doctor did say that you were probably in the midst of a growth spurt.

You are such a bright light in my life. It doesn't matter what kind of day I have had or really anything when I see you worries disappear. You really have found yourself in the mirror; it makes changing your diapers a little more fun to watch you be absolutely fascinated by your reflection. Maybe you have found out what the rest of us have noticed...you are beautiful! Everywhere I go, you are complimented! Instead of being humble, I want to scream, "I know, right! She's wonderful and the best thing I've EVER done!" I have not gone that far, but I do have to remind myself to say thank you and move along. You adore your bath time. I got to start giving you a real bath your baby tub was unpacked and Aunt Ashlee assembled it. You even fell asleep in the bath while Mimi was bathing you! I'm with you, Caroline, baths are a relaxing way to end my day, too! You have also started smiling at us. It absolutely delights my soul to get a good 'ole gummy smile. Tonight, when I put you on your play mat you began hitting the toys over your head. I screamed at Daddy to come in and watch. We love watching you learn your world.

Know that you are loved.


Much love,

Mommy

Goodbye, Plainview

Micah just made a run for more bubble wrap and Miss Caroline is about to wake up for more snacks and I suppose I'll jot a few thoughts down about this moving gig. This is our last weekend before we close on our house in Plainview and our home in Lubbock. Back in March when Micah began his job and began driving and our house went on the market, I didn't think we would be sitting in our home in August with our little girl about to move. God had a different plan than we did. My mom says that Caroline needed to be loved on be our Plainview friends before we moved. I kinda like that thought. I agree. She sure has been bathed in love by our friends. As I sit here, our house looks weird. No candles burning. No pictures on the walls. Furniture moved here and there. Boxes piled up. It doesn't seem like our home anymore. I remember when we were really debating buying this house Micah said, "I really can see our kids playing outside in on their swing set." From that moment on, I saw that same picture above anything else in my mind. We bought our house with the idea that we would live in this home for a very long time. It's sad for me to let the idea of "our home" go. So many memories have been made in this house in just 2.5 years. It seems we became real adults in this house. I grew as a teacher as I cried LOTS each night I came home the first few months in my job. We have made a few repairmen rich as we called them out to fix things that were never broken in the first place. Some of them looked at us like we were nuts. Not nuts...just not handy and clueless. We prayed many a prayer for a sweet baby and were blessed with one we brought home to this home. Looking up at the stars at night outside the bright city lights strikes me as stunning and will never get old. And, the laughter shared in this house...I know we'll bring the same love and laughter to our new home, but there's something so special about your first home.

So among the boxes, I sit with lots of thoughts swirling my brain. Next week, I will start teaching high school history again. I haven't taught the high school level since student teaching, but I'm so excited to get back to teaching history. I start on the day the movers are at my house in Plainview. Take a moment. Seriously. I know. Crazy. I haven't really had a lot of time to prepare my mind that I'm going back to work, but maybe that's better for my own self.

I am excited about our new house. I am excited to make it our own. It has been kept in great condition and it seems like a really loving family has been living there.

Goodbye, Plainview. Thank you for wonderful memories. I wish I could pack up my friends with me and transport you 55 miles south, but will carry fond memories with me.

Much love,

28

So much to write at the moment. We'll start with...I'm 28. We'll only start with that because I have pictures to accompany.


Caroline in her 0-3 month outfit on my birthday.


Reece, my niece, has been talking about Caroline since she knew she was in my tummy. Her little words and big heart captures me...she is the sweetest little girl. She immediately wanted to hold Caroline and did such a good job of being so nurturing. Reece kept asking me where my party was since there were no cupcakes or a cake. I told her that going to lunch was my party...the concept didn't quite catch on with her.


My younger sister Karli and her two girls, Reece and Reagan came to visit me


Dodger being a great big brother. Micah allowed me an evening birthday nap and he took Caroline. It was the BEST!

Much love,

One month old

Dear Caroline,

As I sit here days after your month birthday, I am watching you sleep and snore in your lamb chair. Your arms are right by your head just like you had them in our sonogram pictures. Besides your daddy, I have never loved anything like I love you, and even that love is different.

On Friday, we celebrated your month old birthday by what else but making you take pictures to document your growth. We even made a debut at Plainview's newest Italian restaurant Fino's to meet up with the Friday night dinner group. You slept through the dinner. Then, we came home, rocked, and took pictures on your lamb mat.

You are still figuring out night and days, but we are seeing more and more improvement as I work hard to make night boring so you will want to sleep. It's hard not to talk to you or kiss your sweet lips during those quiet times! You are very serious about your "groceries" or "snacks" and about the only time we really hear your voice screech is when you are alerting me that I deprived you of your meal in a timely manner. Daddy still laughs at your grunting and slurping noises as you eat. Hopefully, you won't be making those noises in a few years. Right now, they are very funny! You are strong. You love holding your head up off my shoulder, and you use your feet to push up off my tummy as you inch up towards my face. You even like to help hold your pacifier and put your hand on your bottle sometimes.

What joy you have brought your daddy and me! Know that you are loved.

Pictures from our celebration of Caroline's one month birthday



Much love,

Mommy

Three Weeks

Three weeks. It's just going by so fast. In just a few days she will be a month old. I know it's silly, but where does the time go. I really could sit and watch her for hours. I lose track of time as she lies on my chest sleeping. I think I might be one of those mothers that cries out of sheer joy and pride at every accomplishment of Caroline's. I'm already thinking about her leaving for college. Seriously, the hormones need to stop. I've bawled my eyes out all day over all the "what if's."

This past week Caroline had her two week doctor's appointment. She is up to a whopping 7 lbs. This puts her in the 20th percentile for weight. She's grown a smidge longer at 18.8 inches long; she is in the 10th percentile for height. In first grade, we had this program we put on for parents about family. One of the songs had a line in that said, "Good things come in small packages, small packages, small packages, like me..." So true for my Sweet Caroline. I still can remember part of the song and some of the motions. I really liked music in school.

We also had Caroline's pictures made. You can see the photo gallery at http://www.denaehutsonphotography.com/clients/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=10147

Denae was awesome to work with. Patience is her virtue. I had to feed Caroline four times during the shoot, followed by a poop on Micah on the black set, and a tinkle on the white set and Denae rounded out our time together. Then, a sleeping baby followed. I love the pictures of Micah and Caroline. So sweet. I look at our family photos and I'm really having a hard time with baby weight. I was getting prepared for the pictures and told Micah to wear this particular blue shirt and I was going to wear this cute white top that had a little extra room in the waist. When I went to try it on the night before pictures, I looked like a sausage squeezed into it. I had to resort to a dress I wore while I was still pregnant. The more I try to put on my clothes the more I am discovering nothing fits. I really feel guilty that I am so concerned with my weight and size. Just a warning...you will probably see the same few outfits rotated until I get the last pounds off. However, Caroline even if my zippers don't zip and buttons don't button don't close for awhile...you are so worth it.

Much love,

Two Weeks In

Have you called me lately only to hear me yawn or think you are talking to a wall? Sorry. I'm learning to sleep at weird times and be at someone's beck and call. Caroline really is such a good baby. She is quite content as long as she has her "groceries," changed, and dressed. She doesn't like diaper changes and baths so far. Caroline's alter ego name is Snackarella...she is VERY serious about eating when the time comes. Yesterday most of our umbilical cord fell off (yippee...it was looking kinda gnarly and we can have real baths)! I really am amazed that it's already been two weeks. It makes me sad. My mind wanders off to her first birthday, first day of school, graduation, college, marriage, then my baby having a baby. Oh my, I'm misting as I type. Hormones...goodnight! Speaking of which, I cry and have no idea why. The radio...cry. Television...cry. Holding Caroline...cry. Thinking of the future...cry. Change...cry. I think I'm even over the top, but I can't help it.

We have had so much help and support the last two weeks. Micah's mom and sister greeted us when we came home and helped the first 36 hours in. Then, my mom came and stayed most of the first week. She took the 12-6 AM shift, cleaned, cooked, and laundered. Maybe I am a little bit of a dictator...by the end of the week, she responded with, "Yes, 'a Miss Colby." After Mom left and I bawled uncontrollably, we went to Midland the next day for Fourth of July fun (fun for Micah and I is getting more sleep with Gido, Gammy, and Aunt Ashlee on duty!). Today we had professional pictures of Caroline made. I know, I know...the child can't go two seconds without having her picture taken! Speaking of pictures, we traveled to Lubbock for our pictures. Man, getting out the door with baby is tough stuff. We are learning to change diapers in the backseat of the car, I almost had to feed my sweet Snackarella in a shady gas station parking lot...alone...luckily she fell asleep after her diaper change. Then, driving home today, I hit blinding rain on the way back the last ten minutes. I prayed out loud for Caroline's safety. I still am amazed that God immediately changes the way I have thought. He just has taken so much selfishness out of me and has replaced it with selflessness. And, I needed it!

Much love,

The Arrival

Tuesday, June 22, I was clearly in a funk. Seriously, did you read my last post?!? I was irritated with Brock from Reba. Clearly, I was not entirely rational. All I wanted to do was sleep and walking really was hurting that day. I went to bed and woke up at my usual 3:30AM for my nighttime tinkle. My sleep pants felt kinda wet. My thoughts were, "Did I tee tee in my britches?" and "Am I a super sweaty girl?" and "Did my water just break?" Now, we went to the child birth classes where we learned about water breaking and the "trickle" and the "gush." I didn't want to be a crazy girl rolling into the hospital thinking she's in labor when I wasn't so what did I do...Google. Isn't Google the answer to all medical questions? When I told Micah I was going to go check on this wet pants business, he mumbled okay and rolled over clearly either not believing me or not hearing me. After Googling what happens when your water breaks, I was even more confused. So, naturally I checked my email and Facebook all wound up from my notion that my water had broken. Back to the potty again, new sleep bottoms wet. I went back to bed just thinking it was all in my head. I mean, I was only 38.5 weeks along. I was already scheduled for induction on July 2. This was not happening. As soon I hit the bed, I heard a pop and there was a tiny gush. Yes, this was happening. I awoke Micah and he agreed that it was time to hit the road. I went to shower at 5AM and the water was off. They were fixing the well our neighborhood is on. Of all times! We were out the door by 5:30AM and on our way to UMC.

When we arrived at the triage labor and delivery room the doctors concluded that my water had indeed broken, and we were going to have a baby on Wednesday, June 23. Photo: Me in triage around 6:45AM.

As soon as I got in my labor and delivery room, I got my IV and they started Pitocin since I didn't have any pain. I walked in at a two and had been in that position for over a week. The contractions kicked up, and I requested an epidural. On of the biggest reasons I asked for one was because I couldn't get up to go tinkle. My mind wouldn't let me go on the bedpan. I tried running water, but just couldn't go. When I got the epidural, they would have to put a catheter in, which I wouldn't feel, but my bladder would empty! I was terrified of the epidural, but it really wasn't bad. Micah sat in from of me and was very positive.

I hung out at a four for most of the morning and early in the afternoon. I wish I had eaten before I had gone in; I was a hungry girl. My epidural wouldn't hit a spot on my left side. My left never got numb like my right side so I was rolled over. I got some really good medicine that numbed everything for about an hour. In the afternoon, I zoomed from a four to a seven, and she dropped way down. Then, in another hour, I went from a seven to ten, and the head was right there! My epidural was not working properly. At this point, I had seen four anesthesiologists! All very nice and bringing me drugs! Thank goodness for my nurse, Stacey, who recruited them to come in and fast since my labor was going so fast! My doctor was called to come in and deliver.

My doctor, Dr. Farooqui, rushed in in dress clothes and twenty-five minutes later of pushing we had our sweet girl Caroline Grace Malouf.



Much love and thanks to God,

Large and in Charge

38 weeks


I feel large. I read an article that says that Caroline will be growing an ounce a day at this point. I predict she will weigh 6lbs 13 oz. Micah has predicted 6 lbs 3 oz. The sonogram person said we were probably looking at a 6 pounder a month ago at term. With all the protein I've been eating, I'm thinking she'll be closer to 7 pounds.

I am walking funny. Like, it hurts to walk. But it hurts to lie down for too long. But it hurts to sit for too long. I just wiggle around. I'm pretty uncomfortable, but I know Caroline staying in for as long as possible is a good thing. I'm trying not to be too moody, but I just caught myself talking to Brock on Reba telling him how annoying I think he is. However, the doctor gave me an out saying that being hormonal is totally normal...

Much love,

38 Weeks, Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! I love my daddy. Growing up he made my breakfast each morning, packed my lunch, took me to school when we moved to Amarillo, was forced into wearing hair clips (ask him about inadvertently wearing a plastic clip to church) and playing Barbies, and then when I was older played tennis with me. I really was never one for the outdoors and didn't take to the rodeo/ranching life like a son probably would have, but he never pushed me into anything I didn't like. Although, I must say--I do know how to ride a horse, shovel manure, have driven a forklift, and used a posthole digger to help repair fence. Laziness is a sin in the Kenner family. My daddy developed a strong work ethic and sense of pride in a job well done. Happy Father's Day, Daddy.

Today is Micah's first Father's Day to celebrate...sorta...what if Caroline really came today?!? Wouldn't that be wild? I did eat Mexican food for lunch...maybe that will get something going. We celebrated with church this morning, delicious Mexican food with friends, and now Micah is napping and watching golf. Caroline, Dodger and I bought him an I-Tunes gift card to keep him entertained on the highway, and what I thought was the Phil Steele magazine on college football. I instead, accidentally bought the Dave Campbell magazine. Another poor gift giving moment...a true football faux pas in the eyes of Micah. He, of course, was really nice about the whole thing trying to make me feel better. Maybe once in life I will have a shining gift giving moment! Nevertheless, Micah will make an amazing father. He has a wonderful dad as an example to him, too. I can't wait to see him in action.

38 weeks. I really didn't think I would hold out this long. WOW! I feel big. BIG. I went to the doctor late last week, and I'm in the early stages of labor cruising around. I suppose this is better than walking into to the hospital cold turkey and sitting there for hours upon hours waiting. I won't go into detail on what all went down at the doctor's visit, but ouch. Micah had a meeting during this appointment so I grabbed the nurse's hand to squeeze. The doctor suggested "that I bring reinforcements next time." I apologized for literally snatching her hand away from her, and called Micah to inform him of next week's appointment time and date and to clear his schedule. I am still obsessed with eating meat. I have eaten a disproportionate amount to my normal diet of steak. Oh, and squash and zucchini on the grill. I really love summer time food. I could eat my weight in squash. Speaking of weight, when I went in I haven't gain any in two weeks. I suppose Caroline is gaining everything I'm eating which is good for her. Plump up! I'm trying to stay busy. I'm not good when I have nothing to think about...my mind begins to wander. For instance, yesterday I had a Mother's of Preschoolers gardening seminar brunch. I came home really hot and exhausted and immediately began whining and feeling sorry for myself for being hot and uncomfortable. After a couple of hours of resting, I got up, went shopping and errand running and came home with a new attitude--a can do spirit. So, I changed air filters, vacuumed the vents, did laundry and dishes, ironed, planted a plant, swept the porch, helped Micah with dinner, and then went over to a friend's house for a game rematch of Acquisition. I lost this time, but at least my mind was distracted into laughing and having fun! I hope my "can do" attitude stays with me.

Much love,

Just Say No

Tell me you've seen this commercial. Tell me you've wretched. Please. This advertisement always seems to come on when Micah and I are just about to fall asleep, and it always elicit quite a giggle from us. I can't find the exact commercial, but here's a link to the website. Have fun laughing, and just say no!

http://www.smokerssavior.com/

Much love,

Beyond Strange

I have to take lots of "rests" these days in the escape of air conditioning. I miss working out in the yard, but my body is not having it right now. It screams...sit down, drink water!!! I came across this show tonight. My, oh, my. Did you ever see the movie Best in Show? This is not dog showing, but extreme dog grooming. No words. Judge for yourselves.

http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/extreme-poodles/

Much love,

Shopping

Happy, hot Sunday. On our way to church today Micah comes into the bathroom where I'm putting on my makeup with sad, puppy dog eyes. He proceeds to show me his hand which is red, swollen and already blistered. The hot iron was sitting on the bed and not only did it fall and land squarely on his hand and it's heavy, but it was hot, hot! Needless to say, we didn't make it to church he was in so much pain. Poor guy--he had a pinched nerve in his neck all last week, stomach bug this week and now a burned hand. So, back to sleep we went after getting settled with cool compress and Tylenol.

We were supposed to attend a summer cocktail pool party on Friday night. On Thursday, I searched high and low for a dress. Mind you, I have some adorable linen dresses that scream, "Hand me a mojito!" and let's be social. However, at nine months pregnant, that same dress wouldn't get close to zipping. Not close at all. So, I bought two options. We didn't end up going due to Micah's unfortunate stomach issue, a house showing, and it being waaaaay hot and me...the waddling one. I'm guessing we wouldn't have been the life of the party.

While shopping, I noticed all adorable sheath dresses out there. This must be the year for the sheath. I love a good sheath. And, bright colors. I love black. But something about summer makes me want to shed the black and wear fuchsia, yellow, cobalt blue, lime green and don an oversize floral print. I also noticed the dress that were very fitted in the bodice and then floated away into an a-line shape skirt. I even tried one on just to see if it would fit. Bhhahaha. What was I thinking?!? So, since we didn't go to the party on Friday, I'm taking back the maternity dresses, and I'm getting store credit for something I can wear long term. SO EXCITING! I'm feeling motivated to see a thinner me come back. I keep thinking healthy baby and pants with a zipper and button in a single size instead of small, medium, and large maternity sizing or pajama pants.

Happy shopping everyone!

Much love,

Steak makes me happy

Never in my life have I ever requested so much steak in all my life. I think I could eat it every day for lunch and dinner at this point. So good. Cravings are pretty bizarre. I suppose I've traded apples and grapes for steak. We've been busy bees lately. We have weekly doctor appointments, attended baby basics classes, finished our childbirth classes, several house showings, and Micah has suffered from a tummy virus to top it off. Getting around at nine months pregnant is tough stuff. Getting out of bed--tough. Getting out in the heat--tough and exhausting. Cleaning house--tough. Tending the flower bed--tough. Thinking clearly--tough. The heat and end of pregnancy has me a little swollen. Nothing like other people have related to blood pressure, but my wedding ring fits but very, very snuggly. I resorted to wearing a back up band that is a smidge bigger. I feel weird not wearing any band at all. Caroline's diaper bag arrived, and I'm excited to begin using it. It's perfect so Micah and I can both tote it around. I don't see labor happening any time soon. She really seems to like it in my tummy!

Much love,

Parenting Style

I don't know what kind of parent I'll be. I know what kind of teacher I am. What kind of daughter I am. What kind of sister I am. What kind of wife I am. But, parent...no. Don't really know. I see certain parenting styles and think...that's what I'd like to be like. However, the reality is...just don't know. My closest experience with parenting would be parenting Dodger Malouf...the single greatest dog in the world. I don't know if anyone loves their dog...errr, dog that doesn't think he's a dog more than Micah and I do.

A Snapshot of Parenting Dodger

There will probably be times of innocence.


Times of laziness and relaxation.


Times of grouchiness


Times where a heart to heart is necessary


Times of picture perfection


Times where we break all rules and sit on the table


Times of naughtiness


Times of chaos


I am looking forward to creating lots of memories.

Much love,

Snap, Crackle, Pop

Week 36. In a month or less, I'm going to be a full-fledged mom. Some days I think I'm ready and other days, I think, "What have I done?" Then, I see everyone else with their children and I think if they can do this, surely I can... child rearing has been going on since civilization began. So, I can do it...right? Right?!? Nevertheless, I am nine months pregnant today. I don't see any impending labor signs other than I really think she's dropped and I have to go tinkle ALL the time. I mean ALL the time. I could buy stock in Charmin or Angel Soft. I also sound like Rice Krispies cereal when milk hit them. Snap, Crackle, Pop. I read somewhere that's my ligaments loosening up for what's to come. Nothing like your hips and neck popping in the echo of the bathroom as I make my 4 AM potty run. And, another weird thing is my insatiable craving for meat. Red meat. In the last few days, I have wanted hamburgers, barbecue sandwiches, and steak. And, I've eaten it all. I could eat more. I even went to the grocery store in the over 100 degree heat with the help of my friend, Kim, who was in town yesterday and stocked up on meat! Beef it's what's for dinner. Oh, and the heat. Whew! I don't know if I mentioned that Micah teases me about being a cold-blooded reptile. That's changed. I have the AC cranked up and I really don't care at the moment what our energy bill will be. It's scorching outside and I don't like being hot. The doctor said I'd go back to normal after six weeks postpartum. I'll take cold-blooded over sweating any day.

Micah will be driving back from Sean's wedding in Dallas today. I didn't get to attend. I'm guessing that a five hour car ride would have turned into a much longer one, and I wouldn't have been very pleasant company to ride with considering driving to Lubbock for doctor's appointments is rough considering how much I have to squirm around to find a comfortable sitting position. He's been on the go so I haven't heard many details of the wedding, but I'm sure it was lovely. So now that he's done traveling until Caroline comes, I feel much better knowing he'll be here or at least in Lubbock should the deal go down! Dodger has been keeping me company and he's been a delight. He's crawled in my arms and wanted to be held like a baby or crawled on my chest and put his face right in front of mine. I do love him so.

Much love,

35 Weeks

Week 35. Several people have commented how it looks like Caroline has "dropped." Maybe. I don't know. I do know that I feel like I've got to go tinkle ALL the time when I'm standing up. This does not go well with my fear of public restrooms. My thighs are getting quite a workout in my hovering method. I just got done with meeting our pediatrician. We are going to use Dr. Guetersloh in Lubbock. She's even a Malouf. I seriously didn't know this when I received a recommendation from a friend. I told y'all those Maloufs were fruitful--everywhere! I'm on weekly doctors appointments with my OB. She's pretty cozy in my tummy...not dilated, but beginning to efface. I was told not to get too hung up on numbers as anything can happen at any time. I'm rooting for her to stay put in there for at least a few more weeks while a few items on the agenda get figured out. Her crib is set up and ready for her should she make her appearance soon. I also washed her newborn clothes in the special baby detergent and got them in the dresser. I finished packing up my room on Tuesday and my car is full on file boxes. I turned in my keys to Highland. Now, I'm plotting for next year--where will I work, will I work, where will Caroline stay should I work, yadda, yadda, yadda. So I'm supposed to be resting, but there's been a lot going on around here. That's my weekly scoop!



Much love,

Summer, End of Year, Caroline latest

I made it. I made it to summer. I was worried that I would end up lasting to the end of the year. I've had friends placed on bedrest or delivering early and thankfully, I just made it to summer. I even left days on the table. I just wanted to be there at the end of the year when their scores came in (they came in the last day of school...I had to hand them out as they were walking out the door since we had been at the park all day...,I really wanted to be able to go over the scores with them). We worked so hard together and I wanted to be the one to share their results with them and I at least got to tell them that they passed. I wanted to go on their last day of school with them. Me. No one else. Speaking of scores...they were great! I'm so proud of them. I'm so grateful to God that they came back that good. I didn't want to let them down or frankly, be that pregnant one who did the children a disservice and just left the kids hanging. There were days that I taught from my chair just trying not to get sick in front of my class.

Yesterday, I packed all but a few boxes up in my classroom and Micah came and hauled it downstairs. Two short years ago I became an elementary teacher. Day one of teaching a child threw up. Shortly thereafter, I had another wet her pants. Then, another pooped their pants. I thought what have I got myself into. I thought that a lot. A lot. I never have worked so hard in all my life. My class as with all the classes at my school were very heterogeneous. Children came in at all different levels, different socioeconomic statuses, special education, bilingual education, foster homes, gift and talented and a partridge in a pear tree. We are not departmentalized so we taught all subjects. Three TAKS tests. Just being absent was a feat! But, I was sad yesterday. I even ugly cried. I really don't have a happy medium cry. It's all or nothing. I really learned so much about life the last two years ago. I grew up in a bubble. Not really on purpose, it's just my reality. The kiddos taught me to be more grateful and compassionate. They come in with so much and for some of them school was their refuge.

Micah and I trekked back to the hospital for our sonogram to check on Caroline's growth and to see what kind of labor I would be having. My last doctor's appointment has me weighing in at about 20 pounds from my original weight and my tummy measuring right on schedule. Caroline is weighing in at 4 pounds and 13 ounces. She is currently in the 23rd percentile regarding size and is on track to weigh 6 pounds. These are only estimates based on bone measurements, but it at least gives us a guide. As for the kind of labor I will have, it's still up in the air until the doctor reads the results next week. We had a hard time seeing her. She hides during the sonograms. Her feet were up by her head. How does she do that? I have been having Braxton Hicks and even had one during the ultrasound. We had to stop for a moment until my stomach unhardened.

Much love,

Fourth Anniversary

On May 27, 2006 I married the most handsome, witty, caring, loving, smartest, loyal, Texas Tech obsessed, sports-lovin', red meat eatin' All-American boy I could find. Today is my anniversary, and my hubby is out mowing the lawn after our little celebration of our day as we've had lots of moisture and a for sale sign on the front lawn. So, this year the gift calendar is a little odd. The fourth year you are supposed to give flowers or fruit on the traditional calendar. On the modern calendar the fourth year is appliances. Flowers, for Micah? No. Fruit, for Micah? No. Appliances? What, like a mixer? I bought him a grill last year. Now, knowing Micah who ALWAYS gives the best gifts and writes the most eloquent cards that make me laugh and cry at the same time I did, in fact, get him a gift. Nothing that measure up to the slide show he made for me complete with timing to music (I tried to upload it...so sweet, so, very, very sweet). I got him "morts." That stands for mesh shorts. It's the first thing he puts on when he gets home. We race to see who can put on their cozy clothes the fastest and meet in the living room when we come home. We love our "cozies." No, this gift had nothing to do with flowers, fruit, or appliances, but he's outside mowing in them as we speak and they are red. And, he loves red. We both brought home dinner for each other trying to be sweet. So, now we have dinner for several nights and that's always nice. And, with my slideshow and Micah with his "morts" life is good after four years married. Like his text said earlier in the day, only 71 more years to go and I'm excited to spend it with him.

Much love,

Showered with Love

Saturday we were immensely blessed by friends and family at a shower thrown by friends in Plainview at the home of the Holloways. The table was decorated in a garden, vintage quilt theme with pink and green tied throughout.


These were my sweet hostesses that went above and beyond. From left to right: Kim Phillips, Courtney Williams, me, Carrie Huber, and Mindy Holloway


The grandmothers and aunts aren't the least bit excited!


Presents galore!


Opening gifts



We will be playing dress up!


We unloaded the gifts temporarily in our blue room with the golf bags and poker table. Dodger took his job snooping and guarding gifts very seriously. He was growling and wouldn't move...and we laughed. Micah put him in the car seat and was carrying him around. Next, he will be testing out the crib.


Much love,