So Grown Up

I was talking with another wife who's husband plays basketball with Terrance; her name is Gina Newlan. I appreciate that our husbands have given us the oppertuniy to meet, and become friends. Durring the game last night (we wont by the way), Gina and I were talking about how fast your children grow up. Her son, Asher is about to turn 3. I was uploading some pictures this morning, and just got to browsing some old pictures of Crysta, and even of Carter 3 months ago. Time flies, and now that Tawn has a baby, Im sure time will zoom by. I thought it would be neat to compare some pictures of Crysta and Carter, and then just amuse you with some updated pictures. I also put Carter in the Bumbo for the first time today. He did great, his neck still needs to stabalize a little, but he really enjoyed sitting in it.
Here is Crysta roughly 2-3 months:

Here is Carter around 2 months:

Here is Carter in the bumbo!

Here is Carter and Crysta, best buddies.

Finally Proactiv

I tried AcneFree Severe for about a week. As you can see in my previous post, it dried my face out somethin' terrible, and my skin was extremley tender, and red. And for some reason, it seemed that my acne worsend. So, a friend had given me some left over Proactiv to try, so I figured might as well. My whole point of this experiment was to see if I reall had to, and almost 2 months later, I'd say its a safe bet that I do.
So I started yesterday morning. (so total 2 mornings, and one night). Imediatley I could tell a diffrence of the feel of my skin. It felt smooth, and refreshed, not dry, tender and red. On the infomercials they say you should see a significant diffrence within 2 weeks. But in one day my redness is gone, and my pimples are half the size they were, and dont hurt anymore. So lets put proactiv to the test.... Im already seeing improvment!

Tiny Blessings!

YAY!! IT'S A GIRL!!! After 9 months of suspense, Tawn and Darron suprised us all, when they deliverd their gorgeous little girl into the world on Saturday December 15th. Whitney Adaire Mitchell was born 6lbs 6oz, 19 inches long, and asolutley lovley! Im a first time Aunt and can hardly contain my excitment! Tawn gets to be a stay at home mommy like me, so I am stoked about the time we will get to spend together, and the play time our children will have. Whitney and Carter are 3 months, and 1 day apart! (and mine is 4 times the size of hers! haha). Welcome to the world baby Whitney and congrats Mommy and Daddy Mitchell!

On another note, We finally got some winter snow!! I LOVE IT!! Crysta was with the GP's durring the weather, so I wasn't there to take pictures of her playtime in it, and Carter is to small for it, so I spent saturday morning running around outside with the dog! It was a great day for Terrance and I to spend some quality time together, and believe me we did. We finally changed out of our PJ's around 6 pm to go pick Crysta up, and then again to head to the hospital to meet the new bundle of joy! Its hard for me to sit around ALL day, but I must admit it was very relaxing.

New Stuff

OK, I tried Acne Free for a little over a month. I saw results in the beginning but then tward the end, for some reason, it seemed like my face got worse. So I was going to get Proactive, but then I saw that there was an Acne Free Severe. It has a daytime moisurizer/benzol peroxide lotion, and a night time cream that is supposed to be really good. Its all the same steps, but it has more B.P. than the original stuff. So I have been using it for a little over a week. Its drying my skin out and making my face red, as you can see in the pictures. So far no dramatic diffrence, but we will see. If this doesnt work, I will most likley try Proactive. I am still looking for a remedy for my dark circles, so if any of you know of a product or home remedy, please share!

Beautiful Terrible Ice!

The ice storm that has passed through, has left many without power, and for some without branches on their trees. But as we drive around town, I just can't help but notice how beautiful all the trees look. They glisten, and just look like they are lighted up with lights. I took some pictures of what we woke up to yesterday.
our grass:


A Good contrast of Color:


Crysta trying to stay warm:


I hope all those without power, get their power back soon. And those that are out in the mess, to be safe. Our stairs to our deck are slicker than baby oil on plastic, and Im not even going to try to walk down them! I hope everyone stays safe and warm! And can you believe that Christmas is in 2 weeks? I can't wait!

Patience is Key!

It has been 5 weeks since I started my little acne blog experiment. I missed a post last week, so I was hoping that the diffrence between my last post and this one would be incredible, but for some reason to me, I look worse. However, I CAN tell a diffrence in the textue of my skin. Its a lot smoother. Before I started I was getting little bumps (not pimples) all over my face. Since I started those have gone away, and the black heads in my nose, ( which were Terrible! really nasty) have gone away as well. Im not sure that I will be able to do anything with the pigment on my chin area, but I am still hopefull. I have decided to try this product for another month. If I stay the same, I will try Proactive. I am also having a problem with this stuff bleaching my pillow cases and towels. I hate that. I wonder if Proactive does the same? Anyway, I just have to keep telling myself that this will take time and to be patient. I just get frustrated. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Face Time

That time of week is back, where I bare all insecurites about my badly complextioned face. Although, I can't see any diffrence from last week to this week, I can feel a diffrence when I wash my face. Its a lot smoother, but VERY dry. All I have to do is wait for, is the pigment in my skin to heal. I know I will have scars, so Im not counting on those to leave.
My skin is so dry though, with the weather getting colder, and the medicine on my face, you can litterally see it flaking. I hate that, and it can hurt sometimes, but Im roughing it out. I hope it gets passed this stage soon!

updates

I always start to write my blogs with a few details on my mind, and the minuet my fingers hit the keys, my mind goes blank. So here is what I remember. Crysta had her 4 year old check up wih shots last Friday. She did really well. Wait I think I blogged about that already?? OK, moving on, Carter had his 2 month old check up and first round of shots today. I remember telling everyone that at his 2 week check up he was already 11 lbs, and 23 inches long. The doc suggested that maybe we try to cut back on his feedings. He wasn't trying to imply that I starve the kid, just maybe watch his intake a little closer.. Well since then, Carters feedings have spread out a little. He is eating maybe every 3-3 1/2 hours, possibly 4-6 oz each. He is a big boy, you can tell just by looking at the child, but he isn't HUGE. Well, results are in, and as of today he is 14.5 pounds, 24 1/4 inches long. He is very healthy, and porportiond. The doctor said he was big, but since everything is proportiond, there is nothing to worry about. However, he is in the 97th percentile for weight! haha. Thats my boy! As long as he is healthy and developing fine, I have no worries. He will be just like Crysta though, and wearing clothes that should be 2 sizes to big. HE is already in 3-6 month stuff. Crysta is already wearing 5t-6. Crazy. Im really not sure where they got their big kid genes, but Im ok with it!
Carter is sleeping great. He was struggling with some congestion; still is, but he is getting better. For the past 2 nights he is going 4 hours inbetween feedings. Thats almost a decent full nights sleep for me! but he also is sleeping a lot durring the day. I felt bad today, b/c he woke up so happy and smiling and I just knew what he was in store for. HE was even smilling at the nurses right before they stuck him, and the look on his face when they did was almost a " how could you do that to me?" face. And his cry was heartbreaking. But he recoverd quickly, and has been sleeping ever since.
Oh some gross news, a few weeks ago, Terrance had hit his big toe or something pretty badly. Ever since, it has been red, irritated, and his toe nail was getting whiter by the day. We knew it was going to fall off. Luckily I had some experience with this, when Crysta lost one of her toe nails a few months ago, however, nothing is a gross as a grown mans toe nail. Well he enjoyed grossing me out with it for a while, but nothing quite satisfied him like last night. He was tucking Crysta in, and I heard him sort of grunt, but thought nothing of it, then he came in as I was getting Carter's PJ's on and asked if we had any gauze. Thats when I looked down, and saw a bloody toe nailless toe! GROSS. I still get goose bumps thinking about it! I guess when he got off of Crysta's bed the carpets snagged the nail and it ripped off! I almost took a picture to post, but didnt want to make you all suffer like me. His replacement nail is already growing back, is about the size of the cuticle. But the worst part is, is he threw it in the trash, and that was the first thing I saw in the bathroom this morning! Boys are gross! haha.
Anyway, I'll leave you with that thought, and some cute pictures of my kiddos! Happy Hump Day!

ITs Friday already?

Seems like yesterday I posted my 5 for Friday, and here we are again. I posted last week about trying new acne medication and posting weekly on my progress. Its that time of week. I have been using AcneFree for a little over a week now. Although I can't see any diffrence just by looking in the mirror, the pictures, when compared side by side show some progress. However, I have had 2 new, painful and pretty bad additions to my wonderful complexion. You will see them in the pictures. And I am proud to say that as much as I wanted to, I haven't picked at them once. I know that with the conditon my skin is in, it will take some time to repair all the damage, so I am trying to be optomistic and patient. I just hope there is something affordable out there that can help. I am following the instructions very carefully, and have been washing my face twice a day. I haven't had a cup of coffee in almost 2 weeks, and have cut my sugar intake in half. Im working on eating less fatty foods, but all I can say is....Good luck! haha. Anyway, here are my pics, I took them this morning straight out of the shower.so my skin is squeeky clean! again if you have any advice or tips for me, please share. Thanks for humoring me in my blog experiment!



Well Crysta had her 4 year old check up today. Today was baisically her first wellness check up, and series of shots to get her ready for kindergarden. She was a little uncooperative at first, but she loosend up. She even answerd Dr. Rogers questions, and somewhat carried on a conversation with him. When we first got there, she was supposed to pee in a cup. Well she didn't and I felt a little weird holding the thing under her waiting for her to potty. So we were sent home with the cup, and I am to bring a sample by as soon as possible. Her stats are.. She weighs 33 lbs. which puts her in the 25th percentile for weight. She is 3 1/2 feet tall, which puts her in the 75th percentile for height, and her vision in 20/30. However, when she did the eye exam, she wasn't cooperating, so that may or may not be inaccurate. She recieved her shots as well. We were playing around and joking about the shots, and she was havning a great time, until the nurses came in. They asked for her to lay down, and for me to hold her arms still. Well, she is no baby anymore,and can understand everything they say, so that kind of freaked her out a little. She was crying from fright at first, then I could tell when they stuck her. I hate having to hold my baby down when pain is inflicted. But she recoverd quickly. She also got the flu nasal mist instead of the shot. Her legs are already pretty sore, and she is in there watching t.v. and is going down faster by the minuet. She is such a brave little thing. She never ceases to make me proud. I love that girl! Carter will go to the doctor next week for shots. Im sure something will happen that will call for a blog, so stay tuned....
Now, it is time for my 5 for Friday!
1. Great Deals and Good Timing: Last night Terrance had sent me to Target to get him some gatorade. Well I am in need of a decent fitting pair of jeans. So I took a gander through the clearance racks. There were only 2 pairs of jeans on all the racks, and luckily one pair was close to my size. They were Mossimo, a brand that I could NEVER fit into,so I was holding my breath. I litterally jumped for joy when I zipped them up in the fitting room! So now, I have a good fitting pair of jeans. and the best part was they were only 10 dollars!
2. Daylight savings time: Since we have been blessed with an extra hour of sleep, the past few nights I have treated myself to an early bed time to catch up on some sleep. I am almost well rested, a few more early nights, and maybe 1 nap and I will be back to normal.
3. Great Relationships: I am so happy to have the people I have in my life. I have such wondeful relationships with everyone, and I am so comforted to know that I will never lack for a shoulder to lean on. I try to make it a point to make sure you all feel the same way about me.I love you all very much, and thank you for everything.
4. Good Sense of humor: without it I dont think I could be stepping out and posting my face on a blog!
5. This time of year: Between November 1st to January 1st is my most favorite time of year. I LOVE the holiday season. The commercials, the decorations in all the stores, and all the lights on the houses for Christmas. All the great food we eat in between. Everyone seems to me happier around this time, unless you are a die hard shopper. The only thing that I could do without this time of year, are the Salvation Army bell ringers. I feel bad for walking by without giving. What do you all think about them? Do you all give money? How about that be a topic for the weekend!

First Night

Last night was Carter's first night in his crib. He is getting so big, and the elevated pack-n-play bed, just doesn't seem like enough support. Also, we have the PnP right next to my head by the bed, and I am ready to have that space back. Carter really doesn't cry when he wakes up at night, he more grunts, so I wasnt worried about him waking Crysta up. I did, however notice what a snorer Crysta is. She also talks in her sleep a lot. It was very amusing at 2 AM.
Carter still isn't over the congestion. I thought he was, but its still there, and seems to be getting worse. he has a doctors appointment next wednsday, but Crysta is having her 4 year old wellness/shots appointment this friday, so maybe I can sneak a question in about Carter. Otherwise he is doing great.
I am still battling my ear infection. Someday it feels better, but other days I feel like I am coming down with a terrible head cold.. Im still on some antibiotics, so hopefully it will clear up soon.
We are making plans to go to Colorado for Thanksgiving. Brent and Resa are coming with us, and I am super excited. I have been talking from the first day I married into the Newton family, how I would love to have Resa and my Dad together for a Thanksgiving meal. I might come back with an extra 30 pounds on me, but I can't wait!
Thats about it for now. I am finally catching up on all this cleaning and laundry, but it never seems to end. Story of my life, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I heard a saying on one of Crysta's PBS cartoons the other day, thought it was cute.
"The pie tastes much sweeter when you bake it yourself".

5 for Friday

Here is my 5 for the week:

1. Antibiotics: I went to the doctor today to get something for my ear. I have an infection, and a pretty stuffed nose. hopefully it will start working soon.
2. Cooler Days: I LOVE winter, but I really love the temps that Fall brings.
3. Pretty colors: God has blessed us with an amazing home here, and the colors of the leaves arejust another reminder of the beauty we get to enjoy everyday.
4. Sleep: Carter is getting over his congestedness, which means more sleep for me too. although it has been on a heating pad, I will take all the sleep I can get.
5. Girl time: Last night Crysta and I spent the evening mayonasing our hair. It was fun times, and she really thought it was cool. here are a few pics!

Bare it AlL!!

OK, so I am always keeping an eye out for a blog oppertunity. Now, some of you know, that I can sometimes offer a little too much information about myself sometimes. Now,I have never had anyone actually tell me that, but I do get my little me on my shoulder sometimes that says " You know, they probably didn't want or care to know that, and some details about you are better left unregconized". Well this may be one of those times, but I find a way to deal with something that is bothering me is to aknowledge it, and talk about it. And since I am lacking for blogs, I thought here would be a nice place to start.
Anyone who looks at me can see that I have had a severe case of acne. Its not so severe anymore, but I still struggle with the occasional break outs, and the scars, and terrible complexion. I am fairly self concious about my skin. Im uncomfortable in any situation that diliberatly draws attention to my face in any form. And I can't stand for anyone to touch it. And if you think I dont see you staring at it, your wrong. Now I have tried just about everything under the sun to help heal my skin. I have had MANY perscriptions, I've tried just about every over the counter treatment there is. I have even tried Proactive, Mary Kay, and Microderabrasion professionaly done. Although, some of these helped nothing has improved my skin much. Well since my acne isn't so much active anymore, more random and somewhat controlled, I was thinking about trying proactive again. And this is where my blog experiment begins.
I was walking through Target wasting time while Terrance was playing basketball monday night. now when Im at Target, I walk up and down just about every isle. I was walking through the skin care, and noticed a product that very bluntly states that its more effective than proactive. Well this struck my intrest, since I was most likley going to be ordering proactve the next day. And this was about 15 dollars cheaper, and I could take it home that night. So I did, and its called 'Acne Free'. It has the same steps as proactive, and just about the same amount of benzol peroxide. So heres the experiment. Im going to take pictures of my face one time a week, to see if its improving. The camera can pick up the smallest imperfection, so I thought this could be interesting. Now, I am taking other steps as well, such as less caffine and fatty foods. (I need to anyway for my and Carters sake). Im also asking that if you have any advice or tips for me, or home remedies please share them!
these pictures were taken last night, day 2 of using 'Acne Free'. these are bare skin, nothing on my face at all. Most likley my hair won't be pretty, and if anyone has a solution to my dark circles that would be awesome! :-) hope you all get a kick out of this. Lets see where it takes me.

A Bunch of Randomness

OK, so I did have the idea to post my new recipie I tried, but changed my mind, because I didn't know if that would be plagerism! but Jen said it would be a good idea to post new recipies, and I thought so too, so here it is...
Apple Raisin Pork Chops
Prep: 25 min
Cook:25 min
Igredients
8 bone in pork loin chops (3/4 inch thick) ( I used 6 and it was plenty)
1 tbls veg. oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 cups apple cider or juice
3 tbls. spicy ground mustard
3 medium red apples, sliced
1/2 cup sliced green onins
1/4 raisins (Terrance said he could do without, but I didnt think they were bad)
1/4 dried currants(yeah, have no idea what these are and couldnt find them)
2 tbls. cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water

* In a large skillet, brown pork chops in batches on both sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Return all chops to skillet.
Combine cider and mustard; pour over chops. Bring to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 13-18 minuets or until juices run clear. Remove chops to a serving platter; keep warm.
Add the apples, rasins, onions, and currants to the skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5-6 minuets, or until apples are tender. Combinecornstarch and water until smooth;stir into apple mixture. Bring to boil; sook and stir for 2 minuets or until thickend. Serve with pork chops.

There is the recipie, simple! very good. like I said Terrance could do without the rasins, and make sure you use spicy mustard, it adds a little kick to it. YUM!!

On another random note. We all are still sick in the Newton home. Terrance went to the doctor yesterday, and verdict is, its a virus. He has a very raw throat from drainage, a lot of fluid in his ears, and swollen lymh nodes. So he has great cough medicine that knowcks him out, and some Nasonex. Crysta was up most of the night coughing. The reports on childrens cold medicine had me a little hesitant to give her any. but she was so miserable, so I gave her just a little less than the reccomended dose,just to be safe. Carter is very congested, and I can't get it with the bulb. So I have to just listen to it in his sinus'. poor guy. Im not so hot either, but I will live.
I have decided to fast today and start eating really well tomorrow, to see if I can tell exactly what I am eating that is affecting Carter. (No this is not a weight loss excuse). I just really hate that he is gassy, so I want to get it all figured out. Plus I could use to eat better anyway. The hard part will be fasting though.. Wish me luck.
Grandma and Granpa Newton bought Crysta a Tinkerbell costume for halloween. She was able to take it home with her last night, and it was only off her body long enough to sleep. The first thing she did when she woke us was take off her PJ's and put that dress on. She is so excited! Carter will be a pea pod this year! SO CUTE! it will make for some great pictures. speaking of pictures. Here are a few that Crysta took the other night! What a photographer!

Happy Wednsday

Good Morning! I just had to share a few things that made me giggle these past few days. First of all, Jen had a few of us girls over to practice facials for her new buisness in Mary Kay. I really didnt get to participate in the entire process because Carter 'thought' he was about to die of starvation. but it was fun to watch all the other girls do their make up. Crysta was even stoked about the party, so Jen did her make up! I wish I would have taken pictures, but you can imagine. Crysta LOVED it. I did however just get to play with the colors I chose. They were extremly dark, so I made a mess of my face to give Jen the practice of fixing it for me, but I think I was to far beyond any kind of help!
Last night, was my first night of hopefully a tradition that sticks. My new recipie night. I made 'Apple Raisin Pork chops'. They had a slight resemblance to Hawiian Pork Chops. Very sweet, and a little spicy. Terrance actually had 2nds, which tells me that it was good. So I guess thats a keeper in my cook book. Very easy too! If you want the recipie let me know. After that we all took baths and just relaxed. I think my cold is either coming back or just getting worse. Crysta too has been really congested, and Carter is now getting a goopy eye, and a stuffy nose. He also has been pretty fussy for the past few days, so I don't know if he is getting sick or not, or if I just ate something that doesnt agree wtih him. Its amazing that a baby sometimes soley depends on his mother for the first 9 months in the womb, and then if you nurse, he depends on you for atleast the first 6 months. IT can make you VERY aware of what you do.
This morning I woke up very congested. you know the kind where you can't talk really because your throat is sore from drainage, and your voice is muffled from congestion? And all you want is something HOT to drink so you don't have to cough. Well Crysta woke up that way too. And all I could do was laugh when we tried to talk to eachother this morning. HAHA. We both had stuffy noses, and no voice. Very funny. OK, so that story was a lot funnier when it happend, and a lot funnier in my head when I thought, "I should blog about this today". But apparantly not so much actually IN the blog. My applogies. Have a Splendiferous day.

Tah-Dah the Pictures

Here is a slide show of some of my favorite pictures of Carter.... Enjoy

Here are some pictures from Crysta's Birthday at Chuck E. Cheese's......Enjoy

What a week!

GOOD MORNING~ It certianly has been a crazy week here in the Newton household. Terrance is still sick with a sore throat, Im getting a head cold, and Carters gas is back. Crysta on the other hand is dandy! A quick recap on a few things..
We spent last weekend in Branson for MeMaw and PaPaws 60th wedding anniversary. The Newton and Mitchell family shared a really nice condo, that I really didn't feel we got to enjoy very much.Guess we will have to save up some mulah and head back there one weekend. We spent saturday in Silver Dollar City. SO FUN. Terrance stayed at the condo because he wasn't feeling well at all. He is not one to show sickness or pain, so I knew he really wasn't feeling well when he couldnt even fake it. Terrill and I rode rides together, since Tawn can't and Steph isn't a big rides fan. IT was a lot of fun to get on a ride again. It was a great weekend with the family.
Monday was spent trying to get Carter back in his routine, and sterilizing our appartnemt. Terrance stayed home from work, so he stayed in our bedroom all day. All he needed was a bell to ring for assistance! He still isn't 100% but hopefully a weekend of rest will get him there.
I have come to the conclusion that between the hours of 6:30 and 7:30 AM are Carters "Happy Hour". The pictures that will be posted are proof of that. Every morning this week between that time, he is wide awake, smiling, and occasionally laughing. I really enjoy sitting on the couch and pretending like he is smiling at the funny faces Im making. Someday.
I have decided that one night a week I will make a dish that I have never made before. Im calling it "New Tuesdays". Original huh? Im really getting into cooking, and thought it would be something diffrent and fun. I also have an idea that I will run by friends, as soon as I hash out the details. But it will be something in the form of cooking, friends, and a weeks worth of prepared meals.. My friend Jennifer Crow gave me the idea.. We will see where my crazy brain takes it, and if anyone is interested. Oh, and if anyonne has a better name for my new meal night, Im open for all ideas!
Crysta and I have been walking to the church together. The weather has been extrodinary and I really enjoy the girl time. Lauren Hankins gave me a Peanut Shell which is basically a sling to carry your baby. LOVE IT, now that I finally figured it out. So Carter rides in that as Crysta and I walk. My time with Crysta is precious, and I love watching her amazment in the little things that we find along the way. We also get to do some great girl talk that consists of a lot of 'Why' questions and Knock Knock jokes. I will never get these times back, so Im living it up, and writting every little thing in her journal. I reccomend that to anyone who has kiddos, or is having, or plan on having them. Write in a journal, sort of as a letter to them about the things they do. I will give Crysta hers either when she goes to college or gets married. Im about to start Carters too. Its something to do right before bed, and a way to remminise about my time with them. Just another way to appreciate the Lords blessing of little children in my life. there is nothing sweeter.
Anyway, my next post will be 2 slide shows. One of Crystas birthday at Chuck E. Cheese's and the other of some of my favorite pictures of Carter. It's about time right?

Crysta and Carter

Wow, where to begin. I am lagging on my blogging, so I will try to catch up the best I can. Crysta's 4th Birthday was October 6th. We took her to Chuck E. Cheese's on Friday to celebrate. She had so much fun climbing in their jungle area, and riding the rides. She's not so much a game girl. I don't think she has the intrest, patience or attention span long enough to play them. But she enjoyed the atmosphere I think. We invited Madison Wheeler to come along to, so Crysta could have a playmate. They played together twards the end, but in the beginning, there was jus to much to do I think.. All in all, it was a great night! Saturday, Terrance, Carter and I took Crysta out to lunch then to the pet store (Petco). Crysta LOVES to go there and look at all the animals. We let her do her usual looking, then told her that her surprise was that she could pick out a fish to take home. She picked a pretty blue beta fish with matching blue marble to go in the bowl. Funny thing is, the fish looks exactly like my first fish that Terrance bought me. RIP Mushoo! Anyway, Crysta named him Nemo and made his home on her nightstand right next to her bed. Saturday night, family came over for dinner and cupcakes that Crysta decorated all by herself. She did an awesome job!
Carter is doing great! He had a doctors appointment Tuesday for an oozing belly button, and diahrea. The belly button turned out to be extra scar tissue. Dr. Rogers put silver nitrate on it, and said it should clear in a day or two. Last night, it looked like it had rubbed against something, or it was stuck to his clothes then got ripped off. It was red and raw looking, and he seemed to fuss anytime we got near it. Hopefully it will be ok. It looks better this morning. As for the diahrea. Several tests were done to see what the cause could be. Turns out, he has some microscopic bleeding in his stool, and the protien in dairy is thought to be the cause. I have been told to cut out dairy for the remainder of the week. Already he seems to be less gassy, and his stool is thickening. However, I also was instructed to cut back on the frequent feedings. Another cause for the diahrea and spitting up, is he is overloading on the 'formilk'. which is baisically more water than nutrients. Our little guy now weighs a whoppin 11.5 lbs and is 23 inches long. Looks like we are going to have another tall child! He is doing well otherwise, and is still sleeping good! We are very blessed.
This weekend we are going to Branson for MeMaw and Papaw Newtons 60th anniversary. Terrance isn't to happy, but he will survive. Im excited to get to use my seasons pass to Silver Dollar City for the 2nd time this year. But this time, I can ride the rides! WHOOHOO!! he weather has been cooling off, so hopefully it wont be too cold this weekend.
Pictures of all our events will hopefully be posted soon.

just stuff

Hello to all! Well this week has been full of things I couldnt wait to blog about, and now that I am sitting at my computer I can't remember half of them! For starters, Carter is 3 weeks today! hard to believe! Second, Crysta is going to be 4 TOMORROW! I can't believe that my little girl is only a couple years away from going to school!! Tonight we are taking her to Chuck E. Cheeses to celbrate! She is so excited, and that makes me happy!! Then tomorrow Terrance and I will be taking her out all day. then family will be coming over for dinner tomorrow night! Should be fun! It will be nothing like the blow out birthday she had last year, but this is kind of the point! We can't spoil her every year right!? :-)
Carter got his first real bath 2 nights ago. We did it in our bathroom sink. He really liked it at first, then he started to fus once he got cold, but that kid loves to be naked! haha. And he loves to have lotion rubbed on him too! His Cord had fallen off the night before, and I didn't know it. I went to change his diaper at like 3 am, and in the dark saw a little black thing, and my first thought was it was a wood tick! but in the morning I saw it was his cord, and got really excited! I remember litterally jumping for joy when Crystas fell off! haha. Find the joy in the small favors right?
Also, for those who dont know. I have a new do! I went to Michelle Rehagen on Tuesday and had her give me my FIRST perm ever! Thats right, I have never had a perm or anything close in my entire life! I had always wanted one, so this was my chance! I like it for the most part, but now my insanly thick hair is about twice as thick! haha. but I like the ease of getting ready now. Since Im fairly busy with 2 kiddos and the church, I wanted something easy! I will post pictures when I take some! I havent been able to wash it for 2 days, so its been a little rough! Terrance will appreciate my shower more than ever today, he litteraly holds his breath when he is near me!
The church is having the Homecoming this weekend, and I have to have the church cleaner that it has ever been. However, I think little Carter knows that I need to get it done, and he has been giving me greif every time I try to get something done. I hope today he is better at letting me get it done. I have A LOT to do today! so I better get on it! have a great weekend!

On the Heart

Just a few things I thought I would jot down, while BOTH kiddos are sleeping, and while I avoid the duties at hand.First of all, Jennifer called me this morning, and told me that Blake is in the hospital. They took him to the ER last night with a 103 fever, and his soft spot was bulging. The Colvin 4 were over for dinner Saturday night, and it was clear that the boys weren't feeling well. I just ask for your prayers for the boys, and Jeff and Jen. I know it's nerve racking when you dont know whats wrong with your kiddos, and you just can't do anything. I guess they will be doing some blood work on Blake and keeping him atleast until Wednsday. Austin is ok for now. So please pray that they both get better. And also pray that no one, especially Carter gets sick either.
Secondly, and on somewhat of a lighter note. Carter Jay had his newby pictures taken yesterday. Jill (The photographer) was almost 45 minuets late. She told me to have Carter fed before she got there. Well he was, but in the middle of the pictures he started to get hungry. He fussed a little at first, and we were playing the pacify with the binki, and yank it right before she took the picture, then shove it back in again, game. It was fun at first, then he really started to get mad. Jill said she got some really good ones though, and I can't wait to see how they turn out. They should be on her website by tomoorow or Wednsday. I will email you all the password soon.
We are planning to take Crysta to Chuck E. Chesses for her birthday, which is this weekend. I can't believe that my little girl will be 4 in 5 days! She is pretty excited to go. I was looking at their website, and she was so excited that she will see the Chuck E. Cheese guy! She is just elated! I love that she can tell me what she wants now, it allows me to see her interets, and personality. She told us that she wants a pink pony, t-rex, unicorn, and a Cinderella carrige that doesn't open for her birthday! too funny! We are celebrating her birthday with the family friday night, and saturday Terrance and I have a day planned for her. I hope it all works out. Then possibly saturday night having some family over again for dinner! we will see what happens.

Friday's Dose..

WOW! Already 2 weeks have past, and it seems like yesterday we were welcoming home the 4th member of our family! Its still hard to believe that I am 24 years old, and I have been marred for 4 years, and have 2 wonderful children! Some say to me that I am too young to have already gone through these stages, but I couldn't have imagined my life any diffrent. I guess its all in the eye of the beholder, but I am very satisfied with my life, and how it has turned out for me so far! A little blabber fom my head again, and on that note here is my 5 for Friday!

Time with my Kiddos! Yesterday, Crysta, Carter and I went for a walk. Since we are limited to 1 car, walking will be my mode of transport most of the time. I think total we walked a little under 2 miles, and Crysta surprisingly walked the whole way with me. We walked to the gas station and got bug juices and popsicles. then we sat under the treee by the fire department, and rested. Then we walked all the way home. It was nice to get out, but I also realized what a talker Crysta is. I enjoy our conversations, even if it is on a 3 year old level! Just being with them is so wonderful.
Exercise! along with the walk yesterday, I took Tawns place on the kickball team. It was nice to get out and run a little. I didn't do too terrible, so that also wa a bounus. To gloat a little, I was 4 for 4, with 2 RKI's. (runs kicked in). Whoo hoo!
Couples Retreat! I know that we aren't able to go this year, but I am really excited for the couples that do get to go. Its a wonderful time for hubbys to spend time together, and maybe figure some things out. Its also a great oppertunity to get to know other couples in the church. I understnad that there are a lot of new couples this year. I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Sleep! I know this has been on a lot of my thankful thoughts latley, but as a new mommy I need it. Carter is such a great sleeper, which is good and bad for me. But I will take the 3 am pumpings for a few extra hours of shut eye. Crysta was also worn out from yesterday, so she sletpt very well!
Caffeine! ok, on a side note, I had to look at the side of my Diet. DP to see how to spell Caffeine! haha.. Anyway, Leslie had given me a Dunn Bros gift card for my birthday, and I have used it a lot this past week! I LOVE Dunn Bros!!
I hope that everyone has a great weekend! We are finally getting our newborn pictures taken on Sunday afternoon! I can't wait to see what Jill does!! so that means that announcements will be coming soon! YEAH!!

Fresh Air~

Today was full of sparatic cleaning, feeding, bouncing, and painting. I did not get as much done as I would have hoped, but I figure getting messy with Crysta painting, and cuddling with Carter while he eats/sleeps, beats housework anyday. Tonight though, after dinner, Terrance, Crysta, Carter, Akira, and I went to J.C. lake to mess around for about an hour. It was perfect outside. Crysta ran non-stop, and Terrance did too. Atleast 2 people in the Newton household will sleep like rocks tongiht! I mostly sat on the bench and fed Carter, and held Akira still, but I really enjoyed watching Terrance and Crysta play. I tried to take some picutres, but since the sun was going down, they didnt turn out too well..
I am looking forward to ladies bible class tomorrow morning. IT will be nice to get out of the house for study and social time with some other women from church. I am also planning on doing SOME cleaning while I am there. I really could use the walking, and Crysta could use to be out of the appartment for a while. We will see how Carter handles it.
Thats about all my thoughts tonight. Just rambles as usual. Thanks for tuning in to Tina's Ramble Station!

Fridays dose of Thankfulness

Hey all, I just have so much to write about lately my head is about to burst, but I think there may be some blog law somewhere of only so many posts in a 24 hour span. I had a tear jerkin funny happen to me yesterday, and almost ran straight to my computer to write about it, then I Thought, 'wait a minuet, I'm totally addicted to blogging' 'I think I need B. A. (Bloggers Annonymous)'. Haha. So I will just have to tell you all about it if you are interested and limit this blog to my thankful thoughts!
1. Generous people: There are meals that are being provided for us for past week, and the next week to follow. Its a HUGE help to have someone willing to prepare an entire meal for you, but it is also very thoughtful, and we are extremely thankful for the kindness, compassion, and great food! Terrance is getting spoiled, so I guess I might have to keep this up!
2. Clorox disinfectant wipes: Along with the story I noted earlier, I almost had to empty an entire container of wipes in my bedroom yesterday. Lets just say that if poop and pee from a week old baby had a race, I think they would tie! funny stuff!
3. Great laughs: This entire week has been full of happy and funny memories! I guess boys naturally are just born with the capability to surprise us at every turn, but also I got an email from Leslie about a funny lizard story. First thing I read this moring, and I was laughing so hard that tears were litterally falling from my eyes. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time!
4. Outside Time: Crysta, Carter and I were able to go with Terrance to their kickball game. Crysta enjoyed the running room, Carter enjoyed a great snooze in the warm weather, and I enjpyed it ALL! I look at myself in the mirror and some pale 'skinnier' person is staring back at me. funny sight to see. So I guess to feel more normal I have to get a tan, and eat a lot to get my belly back. Not really, but the tan part might not be a bad idea. Caspers my name until then!
5. Everything: Seems pretty vague but I have so many things I am thankful for like, a healthy 1 week old (today) baby boy, who just melts my heart anytime I look at him. A very courageous and energetic 3 soon to be 4 year old daughter who makes me proud everyday. A wonderful husband who sits up with a 'fussy' baby at midnight so I can grab an extra hour of sleep, even though he has to go to work early. and just being surrounded by such wonderful people. So many things to be thanful for!
Thats my 5 (hundred). hope you all had a thankful and blessed week, and an even better weekend!

Whoo hoo.

AHH, Sleep! I don't want to curse myself by saying this, but I think I have been blessed with a sleeper baby! Carter slept from 2-6 last night! WOW!! I think it took Crysta maybe 4 months to do even that! haha. But he has a time span where either his belly aches or he is just fussy, and its between 11pm-1 or 2 am. but other than that, he is awesome! We also were given a swaddler blanket (thanks Jen), and he LOVES it, It think it is my new best friend! its so easy, and since Carter likes to be swaddled, tightly, its just what I need.
Crysta was able to show him off at church last night, and its all she could talk about when we got home. Walking into the church, Crysta looked up at Terrance and said, "Ok Dad, its time to take my baby inside and show him off". I am so happy that she is so proud. She loves him so much, and as far as I can see there is no jealousy or competition. Which is wonderful! We are blessed with people bringing us supper for the next week, and I think Terrance is getting spoiled. We have had more awesome meals this week, than I think he has had throughout our 4 years together! Thank you to everyone! Well there isnt much to report, I think we might take an hour or so this afternoon, and maybe take a short walk. Since I dont have a double stroller Crysta might have to walk, but it will be good for her, she has tons of energy to burn since she has been cooped in here for 4 days! I love being a mommy of two beautiful children! I can't even count my blessings!

Nothing Surprises Me

Well, I can say that there is nothing about what happens to me, can surprise me anymore. Today was Carter's first doctors appointment. Not even thinking, I scheduled it for 8:30 am. I have a hard enough time getting just Crysta and I ready by that time, I didn't even think about having to get 2 kiddos fed and ready to go by 7:45. YIKES! anyway, to start off the day, I slept very well. Carter was a little messy from about 10 pm to 1:45ish. Then he didnt wake me up until 4 to eat. So I figured he would wake me up around 6 or so, then I would just stay up and get me and everything else ready, so I could just get Crysta up, and pump a quick bottle just incase. Well, Carter never woke up, and neither did Terrance. Luckily I woke about 6:45 and had to wake up Terrance.Took Terrance to work and we rushed around, and I had roughly 30 minuets to get Carter fed, changed and dressed, and Crysta up and around. Forget about me.! haha. Then I had to fight with the car seat bcause it takes a few blinks and fairy dust to get it latched to the base. Well I was able to get it done, and get to the doctors office 5 minuets early. I forgot all the new patient paper work, so I had to fill it out again. I didn't take the car seat in with me, because latching the thing in the car is an absolute mess. so here I am holding a baby in one hand, balancing a clip board and trying to write as legibaly as possible, when Crysta tells me that she has to potty.. Ok, no big deal she can wait until this last paper is finished. About 1-2 minuets later, she tells me that she is going to throw up! by the time I believed her, and was charting my corse of action, there she goes spilling gross stomache stuff all over the waiting room floor. Luckily it wasnt very busy, but dropping everything (not the baby of course) I rush her into the bathroom which is outside the office. Grab a few paper towels, make sure she is bent over the toilet, and rushing back out to cover the spot with the p.t. all the while holding my 5 day old son in my arms! I frantically call Brent, becuase I completley spaced Resa's work number, and ask him to call her, I needed help!!! I think I rushed in and out of the office to the bathroom 4 times by the time Resa came to my rescue, I ended up asking one of the nurses to hold Carter, so I could scrub the floor. never getting my paper work done, and they call us in! Apparantly Crysta just had a moment, cause she is feeling much better. My morning started without question a little bumpy! haha.
But great news, Carter has regained all the weight, and is back to his birthweight, which really shocked Dr. Rogers, since he said it takes atleast 2 weeks for that to happen. His 'area' is healing great, and his jaundice is almost gone. I did notice however, while he was being checked that our little Carter has a birth mark. Not really sure the doctors noticed, or they would have said something. But its at the base of his hairline on his neck. Its not a hemangioma like Crysta had, its a birthmark. Thought that was interesting! Anyway, things have calmed down, and after making a few stops so Crysta could show off her brother, and pay her Daddy a visit for lunch, we are home. and chillin, and I thought I would take some more pictures. I also go the copies of pictures that were taken at the hospital. Lots to share! Well, I better get goin. just wanted to share my eventful life once again. At this point nothing will surprise me, I think I have had just about everything happen to me this past week or so. But hey, it makes for some great blog stories!

Already been 4 Days

I can't believe that 4 days ago is when Carter blessed our family. Even though we spent the first 2 days of his life still in the room he was born in, it has gone by so fast! I don't have a lot of pictures to post yet, Im waiting for some copies from when the family had come to see him. but I have taken a few. I really need to get to a camera store to get our video camera fixed. Carter has moments when he just is as alert as can be and smiles. Then when he starts to whine, Cryst is right there stroking his face, whispering in his ear. It's amazing how she loves him, and how he seems to recognize her presence and voice! what a blessing!
He still hasn't gotten used to sleeping on his back in a crib, so we have been letting him sleep in a papsan bouncy seat that vibrates, and he seems to like that more. He is a great eater, and pooper! haha. He really is a great baby. We actually had a funny thing happen yesterday, and Im not portraying anyone in any tainted light! But yesterday Terrance was changing Carters diaper, and accidently grabbed my lanolin cream instead of the vaseline we are supposed to be putting on his 'area'. Since the lanolin cream is extremely thick, it came off fairly easily, but I still rinsed the area and Carter didn't seem to mind laying there without his diaper for a few minuets. I called the Doctors office just to cover my bases. I left a message for Dr. Rogers nurse explaining the situation. They called back about an hour later, and Terrance answerd the phone. He said that the nurse said. " Is this Carters Dad?" "Well, I hear you put lanolin cream on your sons penis, how'd that happen?" I thought it was funny. Terrance just looked at me and asked if I was trying to make his sound retarded! haha. everything is ok though. Carter will have his first appointment with Dr. Rogers tomorrow at 8:30. Anyway, thats the update for now. not a whole lot to report. everyone is fine, and tonight Carter will get his first sponge bath! might make some good pictures! Thank you to all who came to see us in the hospital and called and wrote emails! we appreciate everything. Happy Tuesday!

ALL NATURAAL!!

Pictures will be posted soon, I promise, although many of you have already seen our new addition CARTER JAY NEWTON! thats the name! Terrance, Crysta, and I became a proud family of 4 yesterday, Friday, September 14th at 11:15 am. Carter weighed a whoppin' 8lbs 13 oz, and was 21 inches long! out did Crysta by almost a full pound and 2 inches! I guess I can see why everyone thought I looked so much bigger than I did with Crysta! haha. The journey here was very interesting, painful,gross and extremely fast. I guess I will bore you all with my little exciting story. It all started monday morning, while I was cleaning our kitchen floor. I bent over to sweep up my dirt pile and backed my back end up right into the corner of my table. I must have hit a spot just right, becuase it took only two days for a little sore spot to swell into a huge welt, that kept me from walking normal and sitting straight. By thursday morning, I was in almost unbearable pain, so I decided to go see a doctor. Right after making my appointment, the welt on my backside broke open and oozed. almost instantly it felt better, and I debated canceling my appointment. Glad I didn't. I walked in the doctors office and about 15 minuets after that, they were admiting me into the hospital, and getting a surgeon lined up to take a look at what they called an 'Absess'. to make a Long GROSS story shorter, the surgeon ended up scrapping out a tunnel of dead tissue, patching it up, and shooting me up with tons of antibiotics.
On to Friday. about 5:12 am was my first drip of pitocin into my IV. since I havent been getting to much sleep lately, and since I was sort of 'high' on pain killers, I slept through most of the beginnings of my labor. We all were ready to have a baby, so about 10:00 am, I decide to stop laying down and stand up. Well I picked a bad time to do it, because since it seemed I wasn't progressing at a fast rate, Terrance decided to run home really fast and let our dog Akira out. Well, Im sure he wasnt even home yet, when my contractions were about 1-2 minuets apart, rapidly increasing, and getting much stronger. I was by myself for about 5 minuets with painful contractions before a woman from our church, who works at the hospital came in to see how we were doing. Noticing my labor, and the fact that I was alone, she stayed with me. I paged the nurse to tell her that I was ready for the epidural, but about 20 minuets went by before she came. By that point, my contractions were less than a minuet apart, and she thought that she would break my water. (Terrance is still gone). Valerie called Terrance right as my water broke, and he was on his way. 20 minuets and no epidural later we heard the first cry of our precious baby boy. So I am proud to say, even though it wasn't by my choice, that I have had a child with no drugs! I highly respect any woman who does that. The bible does say that you forget the pains of labor the second the child is placed in your arms, and it is so true. No pain can over power the feeling of hearing your baby cry the second of coming out of your womb. The rest of the 'labor process' was OK. I won't explain it in detail, but everything is healing properly.
So here I am still in the room they admitted me in on Thursday, writting a blog, becuase Tawn and Darron were nice enough to lend me their laptop for my 4 day stay here. Carter and Terrance are watching the Cubs Cardinals game, and we are highly anticipating going home tomorrow. Update on Carter, he is eating very well, and he had a slight heart murmur after he was born, but that is all gone. He is very alert when he is awake, and he smiles and coos all the time. He hasn't shown any signs of my Group B Strep affecting him. He is scheduled to be circumsized at 8 am tomorrow morning, and we are hoping to be home by lunch. Crysta is VERY proud, and just loves on him, and tells him she loves him all the time. I am so happy that she has taken to him the way she has. I think everyone will have some competition for his attention with her around. We appreciate everyone who came to see us in the hospital. We are anxious to show off our little man. We wont be able to be at church tomorrow, but I hear that Crysta will be showing off a picture of her new little brother. I wish I could be there to see it. I can not explain the joy I feel right now. I am amazed that we are such a blessed family, and I just Thank God for the MANY ways he has blessed us.
More to be posted. I am going to sleep, and get ready to finally leave this hospital a little smaller and pain free than when I entered. haha. Thank you to everyone! stay tunned for more posts!

All is good

I did it!!!! I went straight to walmart after signing off the internet Saturday afternoon, and bought me a bottle of Castor Oil! I really wasnt sure how much to take, since the websites I visited said diffrent amounts, so I thought I would start small, just in case something big happend either way. I mixed 3 teaspoons with some Coke and took shots until the oil was completley out of the cup! The websites said to hold your breath, and just take it fast so you dont taste the oil. So I did, but let me tell you that the burps to follow probably did not do justice. The after burp taste was down right nasty. Good thing I was by myself, so no one had to suffer with the sounds! However, other than some nausia, nothing happend. Nothing good or bad. I had 1 contraction the rest of the night. I am pretty sure that I did not take enough, but honestly I didnt put much faith in it. So Im not disappointed, but very happy that I didnt have diahrea all night. So now I can say that I have tried Castor Oil. What a great memory! haha, Im just glad it wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be.
This week is pretty full of things to do, so I think it will go by fast. I am just so excited that we will definatly be welcoming our little guy to the world on Friday. My Dad and Grandpa should be here by thursday for the birth. It will be great to see them. Our visit with Ray and Jamie went well. We didnt do much, but its always good to just spend time with family. Anyway, I hope everyone has a great week. Thanks for reading!

HEHE HAHA

Another update from the Newton Home.. Obviously I have not and did not have the baby on his anticipated due date. I did go to the doctors this past Friday for a BPP ultrasound, and to talk with Dr. Lynn about setting up a date for inducing me. A BPP ultrasound is just a routine check on the babys breathing, movement, and the fluid surrounding him. Thankfully he passed with flying colors. 8 out of 8 to be exact! Which is great, and I also am still 4 cm dialated. So no big change in my progression. We talked to Dr. Lynn about a good time to induce me. Since she is not on call at all next week, she will not be delivering the baby, which stinks but she wont let me wait until the following week. We set it up for Friday September 14th. We have to be at Labor and Delivery in the hospital at 6:00 am that morning. hopefully if all goes well, we should have a baby by that night. However, I mentioned in my last blog, that I was considering taking Castor Oil to induce my own labor. I chickend out at the check out counter at Walmart yesterday. But I have been reading a lot of diffrent websites to get insight on other womens experiences with the nasty stuff. So far the majority of the comments are strongly encouraging the use of it.. SO, after I write this, I will be heading to the store to buy a bottle of it. By the time most of you read this, I will have already taken it, and there might be another blog after this one cursing myself for even thinking of it, or there won't be another blog, because the oil worked and I will be in the hospital with the baby. HEY, I know most of you are shaking your heads, thinking Im crazy and I will die of diaharea, but most of you know that I will try just about anything for the sake of trying it. I will not do anything unhealthy or dangerous to the baby to induce labor, which is why I have checked online for so long. Because even though I am very uncomfortable, I do not want to do anything harmful to me or the baby.
Anyway, those are my thoughts on that. Wish me luck,and I give you all permission to laugh at me if this turns out terribly wrong. BOTTOMS UP!!

Fat, Frustrated, and Stretched to the MAX!

Hey All my beloved blog fans! haha, just kidding. Heres an update on my progression, or lack there of.. I went to see my doctor today.... yep, thats about it, since nothing has changed really. My due date is in 2 days, and she was confident last week, that I would have this baby on my own by then. Today's news however, stiffled my fire a little. I am still diated to 4 cm. she stripped my membranes, yet again, for the 3rd painful time. She told me to go walk around the mall about a billion times, and try anything else that would put me into labor. Like most doctors she is an advocae for not inducing, PERIOD. Last week, she told me that the latest she would let me go was the 10th or 11th. Today, she said the 13th-ish. I have an ultrasound apoointmet this friday, if I dont have the baby by then, to check the fluids. If I still don't go into labor on my own, I go back in on Tuesday for another follow-up, and then she said possibly thursday could be the date. She is not on call anymore next week, which is part of the reason why she wont induce me on tuesday. I guess my hope balloon was a little to bloated after last weeks vist, that today's news completely popped the balloon all together. however, the baby seems to be in great health, and the BP, and heart rate are excellent. Which makes me smile. I'm happy that he is still healthy, and there are no complications, which comforts my weary bones! haha
I am trying to not be a complainer, and just stay the course. I know God and the baby will bless us when its the right time, my body is just having a hard time accepting that. I almost broke into tears in the office today when she told me that she would like for me to go the full 41 1/2 weeks.. I stood my ground, and said no. I guess all I can do is bite the bullett, and be patient. Try not to dwell on sleepless nights, terrible heart burn, and the humungus watermellon I have! haha. I know other women have had worse pregnancies than me, and I truly am grateful for how easy it has been. Im just tired, and ready to have a baby. Sorry to have complained in this blog. I am trying to be as positive as possible. But thats the news for now. No baby yet, if he doesnt come on his own, and as long as Dr. Lynn keeps her word, we should have a baby a week from thursday. cross your fingers for me, and please keep me in your prayers. Thanks for reading! hope you all have a great day..
Oh yeah, P.s. on a happier note, my brother Ray and his girlfriend Jamie are in town for the week. So far it has been wonderful, and Crysta has really enjoyed the attention.

Update

HOWDY all! Time for some updates on a few things. First off... NO baby yet.. I went to the doctor today, and I am dialated to 3 1/2 cm. She opted to scrape my membranes again, and when she did, she said that I opened to 4 cm very easily. She also said that I have, and I quote " A bulging water sack". Sounds gross to some of you, but that is music to my ears. My uterus is also measuring small, which means he is still dropping. Dr. Lynn said that she thinks I will have Lil' Bucket BY my due date, which is next thursday. If not, then we will set up a time early that next week to induce me. She is having mercy on me, by not making me wait the full week and a half past the due date, that I had to wait with Crysta. So on the up side of things, we will have a new baby in the world in no more than 2 weeks. WHOO HOO!! these past few weeks have felt like I have been stuck in the Eisenhour Tunnell durring rush hour, with no AC. hahaha. I have been very blessed to have had such an easy pregancy. I am very lucky to still be able to walk around, and clean the church. I haven't been limited, which I am grateful for. No complications, and no emercencies thus far, and I am so thankful for that. So if I complain, I do not mean to, I have nothing to complain about, I just get a little fussy on lack of sleep. Which means WATCH OUT these next few weeks! just kidding.
On another positive note, my brother Ray and his girlfriend Jamie will be coming to visit on sunday. They will be here for a week. Im very excited to see them, and get to have quality time with them. Things may be a little crazy, especially if we are welcoming a new life that week, but I will take any time I can get. I have been very spoiled with Bailey family time this year. this is the most consecutive visits I have had with my family since Terrance and I were married 4 years ago. My Dad, Grandpa, and Aunt Sharron will also be coming for a short visit when the baby comes. I know that Crysta will enjoy getting to see them all again, and I know how much the time spent with her, means to them. I am very thankful that they are able to come visit her.
Today is also Tuesday, which means I must do my thankful thoughts for the day. so here goes..
TWO FOR TWO-SDAYS:
1. Family. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful biological and in law family. I don't know what I would do without such wonderful people in my life. They definalty make it easy to appreciate life, and all the wonderful things that God has blessed me with.
2. Pool. Frank and Judy Stephens had a bunch of families to their sub-division pool last night. It was so much fun to watch all the kiddos play togehter, and just visit with the other adults, whom I don't get to visit with all that often. Crysta had a great time, and it is so neat to see her teach herself how to swim. She is finally brave enough to jump off the side of the pool by herself. Even though I didnt swim the occasional splashes and cooling my feet off, were a great treat from the hot weather.
I hope everyone has a great day. I hope to not be blogging for a while, but if Im not that lucky then, until next time.....

Proof that nothing works!

hey all!! well this is just an update on a few matters. first of all, i had a doctors appointment yesterday (tuesday). i am 3 cm dialated, and having a few contractions. nothing major, just a few here and there. dr. lynn thought that scrapping my membranes might help get the labor ball rolling, so we did that. nothing to drastic yet, but a lot of cramping, and i am unbelievably sore today. so, cross your fingers that it will help, and we didnt just do that for poops and giggles.
today was a busy day. i started the day by cleaning out our storage room. i wont tell you everything i did, becuase i know that some of you will personally beat me up! but i got that finished in about an hour before the heat kicked in. secondly, i went and borrowed the steam cleaner that brent Rented for the church, so i could clean our carpets before lil' bucket comes. but i however, can't just have a simple task without biting off more than i can chew. what started out as just cleaning the carpets turned into completley rearranging our bedroom. again, i won't go into detail on what i did, to save myself from a rear whoppin. just know that i didn't do anything i couldnt. but now some furniture is in diffrent places, our new pack n play is assembled, and the carpets are clean. if its any comfort, terrance scolded me when he got home, for 'doing to much'. he never sees limits for anyone, especially his wife who is 9 months prego. so maybe seeing the way he reacted may have said that i did a little more than i should. but, instead of asking me to prepare supper, he decided to take his girls out. it was nice to get out for a while, and eat some really good food. now if i can just break him in on the foot or back rubs i will be in great shape! haha.
i write all that to say this. nothing is working to put me in labor. i tried bowling on saturday night, nothing. havin the doctor painfully scrape my membranes, nothing. scrubbing 4 bathrooms and mopping, nothing. cleaning out a storage room, and moving a bunch of boxes, nothing. rearranging our bedroom, nothing. steam cleaning all the carpets in our appartment, nothing. i know the Lord will bless us with our little guy when its time, i just like to think that i can help the situation! :-)
we are ready to have him with us. all his clothes are put away, and crib is cleaned out. the carpets are cleaned, and im thinking about putting the carseat in the trunk just in case. all we need is lil bucket. ok thats all for now, sorry to blab. i hope everyone has a great week!

short and sweet

just another something to blog about. tonight we recieved a call telling us that our belly shots we had done last tuesday were finally posted on the internet to see. we havent seen any of them, and have been anxiously waiting to see them. i recieved the email containing our password and after about 100 tries of typing it in every diffrent way, i finally gave up because nothing was working, and it kept telling us that it was wrong. hopefully she will Call me tomorrow and we can figure it out. there also have been polls taken at church as to when lil' bucket will grace us with his presence. so far the majority have said this week, or by this weekend. terrance says the 29th. i will not predict, so i can keep from setting myself up for dissapointment. i sure am ready though. my skin is stretched to the max, and i think just about every one of my ribs are bruised. just kidding. i am just more excited to meet the little guy. i will go to the doctor on tuesday. hopefully she will give me some great news. so far i have tried, gently jogging, bowling, spicy food, and wrestling, to induce labor and nothing has worked. i keep trying to convince terrance that there is a spot on my foot that has been known to cause labor if rubbed. although i have heard that, i really am just trying to get a foot massage. haha. so far he hasnt taken the bait, but i think he may be breaking. i will let you know if that works. anyway, nothing else to report. just blabbering. hope everyone has a great week.

Thankful Friday

Howdy All!! Im taking a break from the church, and thought I would use it as my oppertunity to blog really fast! The baby is moving a lot today, and kicking that painful nerve! So I just keep reminding myself only 2 1/2 more weeks, then he can kick me all he wants OUTSIDE my body! haha. Not really sure what is worse, being kicked constantly, or lack of sleep that will be haunting me in about a month. Both are wonderful suffrings though, if that makes sense. Anyway, heres my thankful thoughts for the week.
1. FRIENDS!- Yesterday I got a great dose of friendship. Its a blessing to know that I have wonderful people in my life that are always there for me, and supportive. Also, tonight is Julies bachelorette party. Its going to be a night of FUN, and silly girl time! I can't wait.
2. SLEEPING IN!- this morning I was really tired. My 5 bathroom wake up calls last night wore me out, so after taking Terrance to work this morning, I treated myself to an extra hour of sleep on the couch.
3. WATER!- weird one right? but with the heat, and my body just being naturally insulated right now, I think I have drank maybe 2 gallons a day! I love water!
4. HUGS AND KISSES!- I'm thankful for this everyday, but I love nothing more than to get a hug and kiss from my little girl. She is such a loving little bug, and hearing her tell me that she loves me at random points of the day, is very heart warming! I love being her mommy!
5. WIND!- Even though our 'cold front' is only dropping the temperature to 90 degrees, with the wind it feels great! it also means that the rain just might make it to us, and its bringing those rain clounds closer with every blow! Bring on the rain!
Thats my thought for now. gotta get this church done, so I can rest and prepare for a night of fun! Can't wait! have a splendiferous day!

Updates n' Stuff

Well I have the privalage of visitng the doctors offices every week now, until the wonderful day our son is born. Last week, I had a 'Group B Strep' test done. For those that dont know what that is, its just a check on my birth canal to see if I carry the virus, which doesn't really affect me, but I can pass it to the baby as he is being born, which can cause him to get really sick right off the bat. It's not really fatal, but its definatly not something you want to pass on. Well I went to the doctors again today for another check up and found out that I AM carrying the virus. So the measures to be taken are just an antibiotic through my IV when Im in labor. Nothing serious, simple measures to be taken to insure the health of the baby. My blood pressure and sugars are extremely low,and is causing Dr. Lynn some concern. I also have been loosing weight. I guess totalling about 1-2 pounds a week. My uterus and baby are still growing on schedule, so the worry is not for him. She is just keeping a watchful eye on me. I am feeling fine, besides some expected fatigue. Im taking it as slow as I can,but thats hard for me to do.

I also FINALLY got to use the gift my wonderful hostesses got me for the shower, which was a 2 year membership to Two Views Photography. I was so excited to get to work with her, since she has done an awesome job with Jen and the boys. She was able to squeeze us in tonight. I think it went well. I have no idea what the pictures look like, but she seemed pleased. She did say that it will take atleast a week for her to post them on her website, so as soon as they are posted, I will let everyone know. Terrance really doesnt get into that sort of thing, but Crysta you would have thought was a natural born model. She was definatly working the camera, I think her little bro has some competition when it comes time for their duo pics. She was fun to watch though. And I think Jill enjoyed her enthusiasm.

I also have a lot on my mind. A few things have been brought to my attention that have been troubling me lately. Im doing my best to pray and not dwell. I guess I just need some prayers right now. I know the Lord will take care of me, and I find comfort in my time with him. I just can't shake this feeling right now.

Friday night will be the 'Bachelorette Party' for Julie! A few of us have been scheeming a few ideas. I think its going to be really fun to see how it turns out. I hope Julie is a good sport. I know she will be. Might just be the night we all need to let loose, and be silly! Should be a lot of fun. Plus we are having my all time favorite dish.. CRAB LEGS!!! Yum. Im sure pictures will be posted after the event. If our plans follow through, there should be some good ones! hehe.

So Wonderful

Nothing is really behind this blog today. Just a few thoughts I thought I would jot down. Today our church held a "Wedding Shower" if you want to call it that for Carey and Julie. Our church never surprises me in its eagerness to come together to celebrate with individuals, or its eagerness to help people in need. Instead of doing a typical, register, gift shower, we did a "money/ card tree". Carey and Julie aren't people who want a big fuss made out of them, but we couldnt let them off that easy. Jen and Leslie came up with the idea of doing a "Soon to be Newlywed" game. they were each asked 8 questions, and had to guess what they other answerd about them. It was funny, but honeslty they know eachother better than most married couples who have been married for 10 years.
I find encouragment when I look at the two of them. They are both striving in the same direction, and they are probably some of the most kind, generous, and happy people I know. Definatly meant to be together, and just to see how in EVERYTHING they do, is centerd around the Lord, is a great example to everyone who notices. I couldn't think of a better match. It's so wonderful to see God's children join together like they have, and you just know, it's meant to be.
Another thing about today, is I have had more comments about my size, then I have throught my entire pregnancy thus far. But to my surprise, it wasn't so much the women as it has been in the past, today it was all their husbands! comments like "WOW, you look like your gonna pop" or grabbing my arm and whispering in my ear " Two or Three?" Sometimes its funny, but after about 3 hours of passing people and just about everyone makes some sort of comment, really gets to the point of my smile and joking laugh are forced and faked. I know they mean no harm, but honestly, when a woman is 9 months pregnant and already miserable, adding those 'Your HUGE" comments doesnt help the situation. I will be jumping for joy (litterally) once our son is born! I think the first thing I will do when the epidural wears off is sit-ups! not really but you get my point.
Tomorrow Tawn and Darron get to see their blessing for the first time. I can't explain that feeling of seeing what you've created, and God has blessed you with for the first time. there is nothing like it. We still aren't sure if they will find out. It's their buisness, but we all have our speculations! guess thats it for now, until next time!......