Popsicle Buddies

20 Week Photos

(See me at 20 weeks with James here.)

Random Stuff

I read A LOT of blogs, when I have time. Usually it's during James' naptime, and then I just go hard on reading ALL of the blogs in my Favourites folder. It's a lot! Because I have SO many to read, and because I usually get challenged a lot by each one, it often means I don't leave a comment. Perhaps you can relate? Sometimes I don't comment, because I have to absorb the word that has just been spoken to me through your writing. So please don't be discouraged. I DO read your blogs, and I love them!

I'm getting back into reading again, but it's not good! I get so into the book that it feels impossible to put it down. Poor James get totally neglected (okay, not really, but sometimes I just want to sit and read)! Right now I am reading a drama/mystery by Harlan Coben called "Promise Me". I love drama/mystery books, but if they don't get interesting within the first few pages, it loses me instantly.

I made the mistake of baking homemade Oreo-type cookies. I technically made them as a treat for James, but I don't think he's had more than 3. I've averaged 3 an hour for the last week. Okay, maybe not THAT bad - but it's pretty bad. Between those cookies and the jar of olives in my fridge, well, you get the picture!

On Thursday last week we got to see baby at my first "normal" ultrasound! It was wonderful! I got to watch the entire exam on my own screen, and yes, I do think I got to see baby's bottom. Do I think I know the gender? Well, yes and no. I have a guess. And really, that guess probably still puts the accuracy of the gender at about 50/50. So we'll see! I'll be proud if I guessed right! The baby looked really healthy. I had been concerned about this baby's lack of movements, but apparently my placenta is in the front - and that sort of cushions all the movements and kicking. Also, this baby appears to be really relaxed. It doesn't spend nearly so much time hoofing me like James did. Rather, this one just likes to wiggle around. Could be a nice change if the babe remains this way OUTSIDE the womb! Baby was also seen playing with it's toes, stretching, and in general wiggling around. The technician said the baby had a very healthy umbilical cord - hahaha! When I drove into Winnipeg for the appointment (through some flood water I might add), I was listening to a praise CD I hadn't listened to in a while. Almost all the songs seemed to really speak to my heart, given that I was on my way to go and see my healthy miracle baby! I spent a lot of the drive crying tears of joy, and just thanking God for this beautiful, precious blessing. I feel gloriously happy! On a disappointing note, there are no photos to share of baby Banana. Yes, James named the baby "Banana", so that will be the nickname. A CD of photos of baby Banana was $50, and we decided not to go for it. I had plans of making a really awesome slideshow, to one of those songs that had me in tears... but I guess that will have to wait.

I am excited to have begun the process of preparing James' new room! So far that involves moving things out - like the computer desk (now in the kitchen, which I love), a writing desk (in our spare bedroom), and the bookshelves (which will go down to the basement). There is also a lot of other miscellaneous stuff in that room, namely filing cabinets, boxes of stuff, a CD tower, etc. that all needs to find a new home. James' big boy bed is ready to go - it was actually my old bed, and before that it was my mom's. I plan to repaint, hopefully create a crawl space hideout, put up some blinds, and have someone make some simple valances - and that is basically it!

This week has very few plans. I see my OB tomorrow morning, and then go to a Norwex party in the evening. We have a playdate on Wednesday morning planned. Thursday I have a morning meeting, and Bible study in the evening. And that's my week! Hope you all have a good one. I'll post a 20 week photo soon - I left my camera at Rebekah's house!

7th Photo Tag

This photo just made me burst out laughing! This is quite honestly the 7th photo in my 7th photo folder. Perhaps it's time to take some pictures off my hard drive?! Anyway, here I am at 39 weeks pregnant with James. How fitting, is it not?

PUMPED!

Our little southern Manitoba region is not exactly what I would describe as "toddler-friendly" during the winter months. First of all, it's cold. There is very little chance that my two year-old was going to spend much time outdoors in -40 windchill this winter. At that temperature, there is also litte chance that I'm going to try and pack him up to do any type of travelling. It's just too cold for that. There is also nothing fun or interesting to do within a decent driving distance in winter. The indoor activities include Morning Out for Moms, which is geared more for the moms than for the kids, and the usual playdates. Out here there is no indoor pool, recreation centre, or even a McDonald's playland. Simply, there is nothing for toddlers to do all winter - and they just get cabin fever, and so do the parents!

So, when we went out to BC a few weeks back, I was kind of super aware of all the options there were for kids. It seems that even the small communities had set up activity programs geared specifically for toddlers. These programs and activity places ranged from franchise-type indoor playlands, to a simple open gym time. I was inspired to do something about our lack of toddler activity/fitness programs when I got home. I felt that at the very least, it should be possible to set up an open gym time twice a week (one morning, one evening). The open gym time would be a three hour session, one morning from 9am - noon, and one evening from 6pm - 9pm. At the open gym time we went to in Abbottsford, we would provide a bunch of balls, hula hoops, trikes, ride-on toys, a slide, a climber, a blow-up bouncer, etc. There will likely be a small fee per child, which will go towards improving the program, and adding acitivity equipment. I hope to also extend the invitation to neighbouring towns, send out flyers, posters, and hopefully make it a real hit.

I made a comprehensive list of all the items we'd need, prices, and wrote letters to various community groups, including the RM, asking to help with the finances and the setup of this kind of community program. Since then, I've received very positive feedback from the RM, and some options for obtaining funding through a special farming community grant. I'm getting pretty pumped to see "Tiny Tots Gym Time" become active this coming fall/winter! The main problem might be finding a space for it, and storage facilities for the equipment. Hopefully our local school will come on board to help with this - because as a small community we just can't get programs like this off the ground without cooperation. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see in such a program, let me know! I'd love to hear your ideas!

My Little Singer

Surprise Package

My surprise package winner was chosen by James on Monday, and I will be putting together a package and sending it out by Friday! Watch those mailboxes! :) This is going to be SO fun...

UPDATE: Okay, in all fairness, I can't help but to put up a little hint so that I don't make all of you wait with endless impatience for a package. Hint: The winner of the surprise package has 2 or more children.

Tribute to James

This is a little slideshow tribute to James, with a bunch of my favourite photos of him over the last 5 months - from Maui to BC, and home. Lately, we just fall more and more in love with him each day. He makes us smile, laugh, and just brings us more joy than we could have ever imagined. We love you James. You are by far the best thing that God ever gave us!

Almost 18 Weeks (Pregnancy Photos)

Almost 18 weeks pregnant with James...

Almost 18 weeks pregnant with this little one!

The Latest Addition...

... or at least what WILL be the latest addition, to our family room.

Puddle Jumping

And don't forget to email/comment with your mailing address if you want to get a package in the mail. Friday is your last chance!

My First Etsy Purchase

This is my first purchase from ETSY. I am SO pumped to get it - I've dreamed of having a wrap since I had James. If you haven't already browsed ETSY, you should do it! Don't miss my previous post, with a chance to get a surprise parcel in the mail from ME.

Surprise Packages

Don't you just LOVE when you get something in the mail that you either (a) didn't remember ordering or (b) didn't know was coming? I LOVE surprise packages. There is something really special about getting something in the mail. I love cards, letters, photos, candies, little gifts... and I even loved receiving my replacement Corelle plate a few weeks back. Packages are so intriguing. I was just reading someone elses blog today who had received a package. It reminded me of something, and also inspired me. It reminded me of the beautiful free gift that we have all been offered from Jesus. Easter is coming up, and I absolutely have grown to love and appreciate this holiday. I need to be reminded daily that a man gave His LIFE for me. So in light of the approach of Easter, and the celebration of the free gift of life we've been offered, I have an offer for YOU.

Simply comment or email me with your name and mailing address, and I will randomly select one of you to receive a package in the mail from me. I don't know what it will be yet - it will depend on whose name I draw. I LOVE giving gifts, and it would be so much fun to surprise one of you. So start sending in your emails. Friday of next week will be the email deadline. This contest has no location limitations - I'm happy to ship locally or internationally.

"I am a Christian"

Christians
by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ

that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian'

I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''

I'm whispering 'I was lost,

Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian'

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian'

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak

And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... 'I am a Christian'

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed

And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian'

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible,

But God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian'

I still feel the sting of pain...

I have my share of heartaches,

So I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian'

I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner

Who received God's good grace, somehow!

A friend sent this to me yesterday, and it came at such perfect timing that I just had to post it right away! Thanks Fiona! I love you!

Blessed (Pregnancy Post)

Can I be honest? A month ago I would not have thought I'd be celebrating my sixteenth week of pregnancy. I am (almost) without words to really describe the feeling I get everytime I think about my little baby, alive and well. I love it when people notice I'm pregnant. I love my bulging belly, it makes me feel SO beautiful! I love talking to James about being a big brother. I love planning his room, so that the baby can move into the nursery. I love being reminded that baby is there when I pull muscles trying to lift things, and rolling over in bed. Honestly, it just makes me smile. I love that I can listen to my baby's heart anytime, and that it always sounds strong. This is the strong, courageous baby that God promised me. It took longer than I thought, to have this baby - but God knew exactly who the perfect addition to our family would be. He chose THIS baby to be in our arms. But the BEST part about being sixteen weeks pregnant - I CAN FEEL THE BABY MOVING NOW!!!