Random Review: Other Moms Comments To A Very Pregnant Woman

I haven't done a random review in so long, and thought this was the perfect occasion. This friend of mine, is very pregnant, only has 10 days left until her due date and she shall remain nameless so she can truly speak her mind. I must say I know her better than I know anyone else and she is so far from perfect, but her heart is in the right place. Please, understand that these are her words, not mine, and that she just needed an outlet. I told her that all you wonderful blog readers would be sympathetic and understanding. Now to get to my..err...her review...

I am now in the very end stages of my 7th pregnancy. This will be our 6th child here on earth as one is already with the Lord. I remember being so sensitive and taking everything to heart with my first pregnancy, and even with my second. Feeling like others must know better than I. However, as I have gotten older, and dare I say-wiser, my skin has become tougher and I have realized that only Jesus' view of me matters. So, with each subsequent pregnancy, most of the comments slide right off my back and I don't really think twice about them. However, recently I started to think, "Hey, most of the comments are coming from other moms! They should totally know better! I mean I get that some old guy at the grocery store might not know better, and a 6 year old might not know better, even a grandma might have forgotten to know better, but another mom...she should definitely know better!" So, I thought I would take a moment to post about it on my blog...err...Veronica's blog. So, here are some of the things that you, especially if you are a mom, should NOT be saying to another mom when she is pregnant. I mean, really think about it, do you enjoy hearing these things about yourself while pregnant? Are they encouraging words? Are they words that build up your fellow mommy or words that could tear her down? I think we all have disease of the foot in mouth sometimes, so we must all work at watching what we say, so I hope this is a good reminder:



1. YOU ARE HUGE! (I think this is the one that really gets to me now. It didn't really bother me until I reached 38 weeks and I so realize I am huge, but I don't need YOU pointing it out. Honestly, when is your saying 'huge' to any woman, during any time of her life going to be appropriate?!?!? Try never.)

2. OMG, YOU'RE STILL PREGNANT? (Umm, duh, aren't you the one that said I was huge?? So, you must totally be able to figure out that I am still very pregnant. How about a well intended, "How are you feeling these last few days? Is there anything I can do for you? Like, birth your baby? It would be my pleasure!")

3. I HAVE NEVER BEEN THAT BIG WITH MY PREGNANCIES. (Well, woohoo for you. Did I ask?)

4. YOU'RE DONE HAVING KIDS NOW, RIGHT? (Look, I..err...Veronica did a post on this before. This is NEVER an appropriate question, ok? It is so not any of your business. That is between me, my husband, and God. And, if you must know, I will be done when God says I am done.)

5. ISABELLA? I HAVE 2 COUSINS, 1 DAUGHTER, 6 NIECES, AND A PET TURTLE NAMED THAT! (Look, I am not an idiot. I realize that it is the 2nd most popular name in the country...and has been for a couple of years. However, I have had that name etched on my heart for almost 20 years..since I was 18 years old. And, when Tim and I started dating and getting serious and talking about baby names, I mentioned this to him. He LOVED it. It has now been on his heart for almost 10 years...how were we to know how big it would get and how God's timing would make it so that we would have our Isabella during the big Isabella boom? ..Ok, Ok, so maybe, I have a husband named Tim, too.)

Look, I am not trying to sound bitter, but moms, like I have said before, YOU should know better...so, just think of ways to encourage that mom, instead of blurting out the first thing that pops in your head.

Now, make sure you watch your mouth come postpartum. I don't know if I will be able to keep my cool then....

Operation Sufficient Grace

Hi, All! My sweet friend over at The Beauty of Sufficient Grace, Kelly, is holding a fundraiser that is such a blessing. Please check her blog out!

And to make it even sweeter, if you go to MckMama's blog over at My Charming Kids, they will donate $1.00 for each comment left before midnight, Saturday/CST. Please, go by their blog and leave a quick comment. It will only take you a second, but will bless so many families that have gone through, or are going through, or may go through the terrible loss of a child.



God bless this ministry, bless Kelly and her family, and MckMama and her blog for their servants hearts.

Thankful Thursday: What A Week!!

This week has been one of the most blessed! Thank you, Jesus! It all began last Friday when we realized that the neurostimulator was successful. Then on Saturday Tim and I had a blast hanging out with just the 3 little guys while Miguel and Karizma spent the day at Spirit West Coast, enjoying all the Christian bands. They said Toby Mac was awesome.

On Sunday we celebrated Gracen's(My sweet niece-daughter of Natalie) 1st birthday. It, to me was such a highlight, because after all she went through during her time in the womb, and being born 8 weeks early...the doctors said she should be terminated. However, her God fearing parents would not budge, and look at our big girl now!!! Tia, Uncle Tim, and your cousins LOVE you Miss Gigi!!



Here are Natalie and I...her at 10 weeks pregnant... me at 37 1/2 weeks pregnant. Thank you, Lord, for giving us these sweet blessings in our wombs. We are so grateful for the honor of becoming mommy's to these gifts from you.



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MIGUEL AND KARIZMA'S SURPRISE BBQ IN THEIR HONOR:

Monday was a day that we celebrated not just all the men and women that have sacrificed their lives for our country, but we took this day to celebrate Miguel and Karizma and their servant's heart towards everyone they come in contact with. Can you believe I didn't take any pictures? But, I know the memory of the day will be engraved in their hearts because everyone got up to say something personal to them and it was so touching to see how many lives my 2 older children have made an impact on. We had family and friends present, Tim BBQ'd, Kimberly brought the BOMB desserts (Thanks for those preggie delights, Kimber!), and Tim's Mom always makes the most fabulous baked beans. The company and fellowship was amazing and I could tell that Miguel and Karizma were truly touched and surprised by the outpouring of love and thankfulness for all they do for not just our family, but our church, and others in our community. They are truly the best kids! Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being their Mom. I know Tim also is very thankful to call himself their Dad.

(This was them a couple of years ago.)
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BREECH VERSION:

Tuesday started out a bit rough. My breech version was scheduled for Tuesday morning, and I hadn't had anything to eat since midnight and there were problems with the scheduling when I called labor and delivery in the morning. I was just sooo hungry, that as long as they let me know if I could eat or not, I would be pacified. Thankfully everything got handled quickly (Thank you Nicole, Helen, Tim, and Paula for your prayers and support that morning!) and I was on my way to the originally scheduled appointment. My Mom met Tim and I there and I was preparing myself for a pretty uncomfortable procedure. I was happy to see that the doctor that would be performing the version was the same doctor that was there for us when Christian was born and I started to hemorrhage. Plus, since the procedure involved her having to straddle me and use her hands to turn the baby, I was glad it wasn't some burly, hairy doctor.

She did an ultrasound and our Isabella was still breech. So she assumed the position, and I made sure to focus on just breathing and had my eyes shut, as to try and not think about how painful this might end up being. She put a bunch of gel all over my belly and starting massaging. It was quite relaxing actually, especially along with my steady breathing exercise. Then, not even a couple of minutes later, I feel her getting off the bed. My eyes were still shut, and I was still doing the breathing, when one nurse says to me, "She's done, Sweetie." Oh, no, I thought to myself, please don't give up already!! I still keep my eyes closed, and the nurse repeats, "She's done. The baby is head down!" WHAT?!?!? How can that be? I mean, I felt absolutely NO PAIN WHATSOEVER! It was actually a very enjoyable time. Since I must have looked like I did not believe a word they were saying, the doctor asked the nurse to turn the ultrasound machine back on and show me on the monitor. Yep, Isabella Grace was finally head down, alright. And, God was so good to me to make this pain free. What a blessed moment we had!! Thanking God for his provision and for the wonderful staff that helped us through this all. Jesus, please keep her in that position! And thank you for being in ALL the details. You are such a loving God!

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OUR ANNIVESARY:

Wednesday was our 8th wedding anniversary. I am so blessed to be this man's wife. Not only is he handsome, hardworking, and loving... he thinks I am beautiful.



We went to our favorite chinese restaurant while all the kids hung out at Grandmom's and Grandad's (Thanks, Mom and Dad!!). We had such a sweet time together and I couldn't stop looking in those gorgeous eyes of his. I just adore this man. Happy Anniversary, Baby. You are my prince in shining armor! (Especially in those jeans!! You know the ones...)

This day was also the day I turned 38 weeks pregnant. Thank you, Lord, for carrying our little girl this far. We are so looking forward to meeting our princess soon.

(Sorry it is so dark..I told Miguel it needed a flash! But, you get the picture, literally. The big 38 week belly sticking all the way out there!)



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MY SWEET FRIENDS:

And today, Thursday, we had playgroup. I have SO missed the mommies. I haven't been able to go to a playgroup in over a month, because they were being held so far away, but this one was closer, so I had to make the trip...especially since it could be the last one I go to in awhile. I love that these women are all so genuine, that they treat eachother with such kindness and love, and that there has never been a catty moment... even among so many women. The Lord is really among our times together and I just love each and every one of these girls so much. Plus, all the kids play SO well together. Thank you, Jesus, for these gems of friends you have placed in my life.



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So, it has been a jam packed week; packed with lots of great news and things to be thankful for. Praising God!

Dear Diary, (A Timmy Update)

Since I am up at 3 a.m. I figured I might as well update you all on Tim's progress with the neurostimulator. It was successful!!!! How faithful our God is!! I am truly humbled, so thankful, and blessed by all the people that have been praying for my Timmy. He did have the trial stimulator removed yesterday and by the evening said he could tell that it had worked, because his pain was back in full force. The day before having it removed he had gone 6 hours without any meds at all, when he realized he had forgotten to take them. That is so significant and his doctor was so happy to hear that this worked. He has been such a blessing in our lives and encouraging and we are so thankful for his knowledge and constant support. Like Tim said yesterday, we see the light at the end of the tunnel and are so excited about his future... our future, without medication and pain.

He won't be able to get it implanted permanently until December, most likely. There are a bit of restrictions involved with getting it implanted and having it done now, would not be ideal. For example: He would not be able to shower for 3 weeks... hmm, summer would probably be the worst time to deal with that, huh? He also would be on limited activity and it would be hard for him to miss more work than he already has had to with the past week off for the trial and the time he wants to take off when the baby comes. Then the clincher for Isabella Grace's Daddy is that once he gets the stimulator implanted, he cannot lift anything over 8 pounds for 3 months. That would mean he wouldn't be able to hold his newborn daughter, and he is not willing to give that up. Sweet, huh? So, I tell myself if he can wait, in this kind of pain, then so can I...but, what an amazing Christmas gift it will be to see Timmy pain free!! So, please continue to pray that God keeps giving him the courage and strength to endure these next 6-7 months.

God bless you for your faithful prayers!!!!
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PREGNANCY UPDATE:



- My breech version is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Fun times, right? However, I am up to the challenge... but, I would still covet your prayers that she be flipped by the time we get there, so I can avoid the whole ordeal, and so she can avoid it, too.

- I can still wear my wedding rings! I have never gone past the 37 week mark for that! Super cool!

- Not feeling as many Braxton-Hicks as I am used to by now... this pregnancy is quite different from the others. Much easier and physically less demanding.

- Craving pancakes like a madwoman! I have had them twice in the last 3 nights (And I don't like pancakes to begin with)... oh, and that is the other part, I only crave them at night. Thanks to Timmy for meeting my needs for this craving. Baby, you are the bomb-diggity!

- Nesting in full force: Both bathrooms have been painted, thanks to Miguel. And I have been scrubbing walls and clearing out closets almost on a daily basis.

- Last minute details to take care of: We were going to wait to start looking for a passenger van, but Tim said he hates the idea of us having to drive separate cars, so we started our search yesterday. I can't believe I will driving one of those things soon... but, I saw it coming back in 2000 when he asked me to marry him. I knew that God was going to bless us with many children and our quiver full is going to look so cute in one of those big vans. Next step after buying the van will be getting our custom stickers of arrows for the back window.

I think I am finally ready. I was SO not ready 2 weeks ago, but my heart is aching to meet her and hold her. I am going to be a Mama of 6 by this time next month! Glory to God!

Dear Diary,

I know it has been ages since I have made an entry about Tim and his progress. Forgive me. To think he was the reason I began the blog in the first place, and it has turned into a blog about all the cute... and not so cute things... that happen in our daily lives instead.

Tim went in yesterday to have the neurostimulator implanted for a 'trial' run. This has been something that has been tossed around since the accident happened over 3 years ago. Tim is so courageous and I don't know how he functions on all the meds and with all the pain, but he does, without complaint.

He was pretty nervous, but we have been praying about this for so long, and had so many others interceding on his behalf as well. If this stimulator works, he could end up getting off all the meds completely and possibly start to have some normalcy in his life as far as being able to do things like: lift a gallon of milk, play catch with his sons, maybe even hold a baby after 3 months of age. Wouldn't that be amazing?!! We are completely resting on what the Lord's will is over Tim's life and are praying to be content with whatever that may be.

I will say that he woke up before I did and usually that means he just goes to grab his morning 'Monster' drink, then back to bed to try and deal with the debilitating morning pain. Not this morning... he was sitting at the computer, in a really good mood, I might add, and said he hadn't even taken his morning meds yet. WHAT?!?!? That is unheard of in our home. Mornings are VERY tough for Timmy. He was told today would be a painful day, but he said he feels pretty good and actually wants to get out of the house for a little bit to walk around. He was very sore yesterday from the site where they implanted the wires, but woke up a new man...sort of...he took his meds about 2 hours after he woke up because he said he could feel himself getting sore again. Tomorrow will be the true test, since he will not have the residual effects from the extra meds from yesterday. Please, continue to pray for my Timmy!!

We did make a stop at the grocery store for a few things and since he was pretty sore from our long day, bit the bullet and got on the go-cart. He was enjoying being able to go much faster than me! That thing in his hand is his remote for the stimulator. And he did have to pull the cane out of the closet for the day since he was having a hard time walking. He did look really cute with his 5 o'clock shadow, though!

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On another note, I did go see an OB yesterday about Isabella Grace still being breech. He didn't do a sonogram, but said he was pretty sure she was still head up. At least she is starting to lay a little lower instead of straight up and down. He wanted to set up the manual version for this Friday, but that is the day we go in to have Tim's stimulator removed.

I was feeling so overwhelmed and so stressed out and broke out in tears in the parking lot. Tim insisted we just stop and pray. That we just trust that God is in control and that he totally knows what is going to happen. That does give me so much comfort. Tim prayed that doors would be open for me to be able to have the version done on Tuesday of next week, so he could be with me and give our Bella a little more time to turn, as well. But, getting an appointment with another OB may prove to be very difficult. Plus, I wasn't crazy about this OB and if I am going to end up having a c-section, I need to feel safe. We prayed again, I called my sweet friend Nicole, and God was so faithful to use her and her Mom to try and work this out for me. I was so overwhelmed at their willingness to help me that I was crying again...wait, I was straight balling my eyes out... and had to pass the phone to Timmy because I couldn't even speak. Yes, I was speechless. Can you believe it?! I am waiting to see what is going to happen, but am thrilled that God has once again shown himself faithful in all things.

PSALM 25:10
"All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
for those who keep the demands of his covenant."

The Princess Takes Her Throne

I went in for my 36 week appointment a few days ago and found out that Isabella Grace is breech. I have had 3 of my other children be breech as well, so it seems it is a 50/50 chance for me. Thankfully, they have always flipped by week 37 and I have not had to go through a c-section. When my midwife scanned my belly the sonogram showed that Isabella is sitting completely upright, with her tush towards the bottom of my womb, all on the right side of my belly. My first thought was, it is like the princess is sitting on her throne!Here I was not even a few days ago blogging about how sweet natured I believe she is going to be, when more than anything, she already knows her place... on her throne. I mean, come on, we all know she is going to be thee princess around her, being doted on by her brothers and her Daddy... being loved on by her Mommy and big sister. Like Miguel had mentioned several months ago, her feet may never touch the ground because she will most likely be held at all times...her throne being Mommy's, Daddy's, brothers', or her sister's pair of arms. And as cute as it was to picture her in all her regality, I am asking that you please pray that our cupcake turn around. That she get in the correct position by next Tuesday when they will most likely check to see if she is still breech. If she is still breech, then I would be scheduled for a manual version to try and flip her next week.

I must tell you that I will do anything to avoid a c-section. Even the midwife excercise that was recommended to me and I used with Zack to flip him: Get on all fours, put your head down on a pillow, stick your rear up in the air and stay that way for 20 minutes or so to try and have baby flip due to gravity. Does it work? Who knows, but I will try anything...even the other idea that the midwife suggested, although it was almost more in jest: Have a flashlight pointed towards the bottom of your belly and see if baby will 'come to the light'. Although some suggest that the light can hurt babies eyes, or disturb their sleep, they say that in the last month of your pregnancy it is fine, but to at least wait until baby is awake.

We also got some other news at the sonogram: I had asked for prayer for Isabella many months ago concerning CPC (Choroid Plexius Cyst). Although we were assured that the cyst was not harmful to her as long as everything else looked right such as her heart, hands, and feet, it was something we started to pray about. That God would remove the cyst from our baby. The sonogram showed that indeed it is gone and we are praising God with all that is within us!! Thank you for praying for our princess, too.

My midwife also wanted to check the baby's size, since I tend to have larger babies. She is showing to be 6lbs 11ozs at this point, so my midwife thinks she will be in the low 7's. Tim wanted a 'delicate' baby...seems he might get one. This is the pregancy where I have gained the least weight, so it is very possible that the baby will be little, by my standards.

I am getting really excited and last night made it so that if she would have come this early it would have been ok, because it was the desire of Christian's heart. I caught him with his face in the couch yesterday.

Me: "What are you doing, baby?"

Christian: "I am praying." (I let him finish.)

Me: "What were you praying about?"

Christian: "For Isabella to come out of your belly right now."

Me: "Why do you want her out of my belly already?"

Christian: "I just want to see what she looks like!"

I loved that he, without any nudging from us, was thinking about his baby sister. That he does pray for her, even at his tender age of 4, and he has been the one that asks about her often and seems the most excited out of the little guys. So, since he has done that, Tim and I decided he would be the first brother to get to hold her.

So, please keep me in prayer... that the princess can get off her throne, just for 3 or so weeks and come to the light!!

The REAL Countdown Begins

Eversince I was pregnant with Walker (He is our 4th arrow), I have felt like the REAL countdown begins at 28 days, or 4 weeks left of pregnancy. It is when I begin to take my Borage Oil pills that were recommended by the birth center I was going to when I was pregnant with him. They said it helped to soften the cervix and make labor easier and quicker. Hey, I am all for easier and quicker and since the Borage Oil is all natural, it can't hurt. They recommended either taking the 1000mg tablet once a day, or 1 of the 300mg tablets, 3 times a day. I have opted to take the big one...1000mgs. Now, no one can really know if it works, but I must say that ever since I have started using it, with my last 3 pregnancies...and I am about to start with this one...each and every time I have gone to get checked the week before I am due, my cervix is always very soft, and the last 2 my cervix has been 100% effaced 1 week before. And like I said, it can't hurt.

So, I am a bundle of emotions right now as I am about to pop this pill....excitement, anticipation, longing. My little girl is almost here!! And I would usually recommend to a mommy to take the last 4 weeks and just chill out. Enjoy your other children, spend some quiet time with your husband, get some reading done, some light projects you have been meaning to get to done...because once the baby comes the world seems to rotate around him or her. However, I have realized that as my family has grown, so does my list of things to do. And, although my family expands, and my list expands, the time in the day and month do not!! Well, at least my amazing son, Miguel, painted that hall bathroom for me!! It looks great, Buddy!

So, here is my new to do list...(and these are musts!):
-Get a pedicure and go have lunch with Natalie...I owe her one.
-Get our 36 week sonogram done.
-Celebrate my 37th birthday...woohoo...this might be the most important one on the list, by my fact checking.
-Take Tim to get his stimulator procedure done...and tend to his every need that week, sponge baths and all.
-Spend time with Manny and Susan when they come visit.
-Celebrate Gracen's 1st birthday.
-Celebrate our 8th anniversary.
-Celebrate Grandma's 89th birthday.
-Finish up any last minute school work and hand in grades and paperwork.
-Attend and celebrate Karizma's 8th grade graduation.
-Attend and celebrate Walker's Kindergarten graduation.
-Finish up the boys, Walker and Christian's, mini soccer season.
-Have a baby.

God give me strength and the wisdom on how to fit this all in because, as you can see, everything on the list is about someone I really love and want to celebrate or spend time with.

As far as how I am feeling...GREAT! Although this was one of the hardest 1st trimester pregnancies, my 2nd and 3rd trimesters have been a breeze. Really, at my worst times, it is just back aches that bother me. Isabella seems to be the most sweet natured baby...unlike Karizma was. Karizma would kick me so hard in my ribs, it would make me cry. So, I am thinking she will come out sweet natured?? I have found that pretty much how they act in the womb, is a sign of how they will act out of it.

I am getting so excited to meet our little cupcake!!!!!

Forecast: Looks Like Showers Of Blessings

Within the last few weeks, I have been so blessed and God faithfully is providing for our little Isabella Grace. He says in His Word, "So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied." Deuteronomy 11:13-15 That is precisely what is happening for our family, left and right, and we thank God for his constant provision for us and our children.


I had a shower given to me by my sweet and dear friend Paula the last Saturday of April at her home. She is such a humble and faithful servant for the Lord and it doesn't surprise me she would open her home to so many women and pamper both Tim and I so much that day. This shower was attended by the women in my mommies group which are so near and dear to my heart. They have been such a BIG part of my spiritual walk the last few years and I have laughed, cried, and prayed with these faithful and Godly women many a time. They are some of my dearest friends. Many of them helped Paula out with the shower: Elizabeth baked some BEAUTIFUL cupcakes! Deana made the GORGEOUS diaper cakes that were centerpieces, and had the invitations made and sent out and also had a frame matted with the frame made for our Bella...she is so talented! Kimberly had the favors made which were TOO CUTE! They were wrappers that went around Hershey's chocolate bars that thanked the guests for attending and had the ingredients and 'fat' content...really funny...and DELICIOUS! Jeria and Josie made the food which never fails to AMAZE me! They are such hardworking and loving women. Aunt Michelle, Sabrina, and Tamara were Paula's right hand girls and helped her with all the behind the scenes details...they are the unsung heroes!! Brenda donated lots of stuff to use for the shower...she is so kind and generous! I sure hope I didn't forget anyone. My preggie brain is not what it used to be.





Although this was an all girl shower, Tim loves the MVCF Mommies and they love him, so he had NO PROBLEM being the only male at the shower. When I told him it was for girls only he said, "But, this is my little girl, too! My first little girl...I want to be there." So, he was and Paula made sure to make him feel welcome, as only Paula can, by having a game centered around the 'Ol Chap (As she likes to call him)...pin the tail on the Daddy. It was hilarious and Tim was such a good sport.

(Nicole was the winner...she got the tail smack dab on Tim's face, which Paula put on the donkey's rear end...I know she loved that part of the game!)



(Tim surprised me with a beautiful GUESS watch that has a pink face to represent our little girl. It was so sweet and he got lots of points for that thoughtful gesture!)


We had such a good time opening all gifts that contained the cute, pink, frilly clothes. Man, that was FUN! This little one is set for quite awhile with cute outfits to wear!!! God is so good! So, thank you Paula for being the Hostess w/the Mostess, Girl! And thank you to all you precious Mommies that have been a part of many of my pregnancies, and have prayed so diligently for each one and my family. I truly love you all so much!

(Me and Janet: She is 6 days ahead of me and pregnant with Olivia Grace.)
(Paula, my pea in the same pod, whom was the host. She always makes me feel so special. I adore you, Girl!! BTW, the pretty ribbons and bow hat that the girls made for me is one they asked me to wear during labor...I have accepted the challenge and will have Tim take pictures to prove it. Be on the lookout for those in the next month!)

(Here's the cooking, cleaning, and chatting crew...we all hung out and enjoyed some laughs after most of the women had left. Tim got to hear some interesting girl talk!)


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The next shower was hosted by my SIL, Natalie over at Raising Miracles. She sure knows how to make a girl feel special! This shower was attended by family and the women from my church. Some of the women brought treats, Karizma helped her Auntie set up before the shower, Etta helped Natalie too, Corinna used her awesome photography skills and Omi rocked the house with the cutest thank you gifts for coming to the shower. Since the theme was welcoming our 'little cupcake', she handmade the prettiest aprons for EACH of the women that attended. Unbelievable! Thank you so much, Omi! And to all the extra hands that helped Natalie put this together! You each blessed me more than words can express.

(Me 35 weeks and 5 days pregnant and LOVIN' it!)

(Bette, whom we love and adore and have dubbed the kids surrogate grandma, holding Gracen and wearing her bow. Love this picture!)



I was extremely touched by the way Natalie decided to do my shower. She asked each of the women in the room to please say something to encourage me as a mother, and each and every women in that room blessed my heart so much as they gave me the sweetest words to carry in my heart. It is something I will not soon forget. I love my women of Grace!! After pigging out on some great food, Natalie read me a beautiful poem. So sweet!



Then we got to open Bella's gifts. Can I just say that the women at my church have fantastic taste?!? I can't wait to see her in these beautiful outfits soon!


(I wanted to bless Karizma with something special and that would tie in with her becoming a big sister to Bella...I got her her very own Hot Sling in the cutest pink and brown print. I can't wait to see her snuggling with the baby soon! Who knows, she might use this with her own little cupcake someday. Aww!)




(This is Natalie, myself, and Corinna...I was so blessed she made the trip down to San Diego. What a doll!)

Sorry that these next pics are so small...I didn't know how to make them bigger...

Below are 3 of my favorite gifts received: The first is a brown, very brown, baby doll given to Isabella Grace by Auntie Nat. Natalie knows how much I would love for our little cupcake to come chocolately like Karizma...she keeps joking that she will come out whiter, blue eyed and blonde. The next one, with the gorgeous quilt, was a gift handmade by a sweet 14 year old girl from my church, named Jenna. I was so touched that she went through all the trouble and she knows she holds a very special place in my heart. Last but certainly not least, is of a super sweet onesie given to Bella by Corinna that says, "Jesus loves me and so does my Mommy." How precious is that?!!






Here are the pretty aprons that Omi made. What a great thank you gift!


PEEK A BOO!! Yeah, no shame in my game!


Thanks to my sweet Natalie, her little elves, and all the women of Grace that blessed me with their presence, their kind words and generous gifts for our little girl. I can't wait for all of you to meet her!!


BTW, ONLY 30 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day, Mami!

Mami, Te Amo!!


Because of you I have become the mother I am today to my precious and loving children.

Because of you I have learned how to love my husband for who he is, not what I can make him into to.

Because of you I know how to cook (just not as good as you), do laundry, clean my house, drive, speak spanish, sew on a button, paint my toenails, shave my legs, change a diaper, use a glue gun, enjoy the moment, be grateful for what I have, apply scripture to everyday life, worship the Lord, pray.

Because of you, I know JESUS, and I am saved so that I may have everlasting life through him. You have been my shepherd in so many ways, and I thank God for you, Mami, and for all you have instilled into my life and that of my children.

God bless your day and know that I love you and the Lord loves you!!!
TATI

And Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful, hardworking, devoted, loving bloggy mommies out there. You bless my flip-flops off!

Sweet Things Come In Five's

...and in sixes, as Jennifer knows, and I will soon find out. And also in sevens as Claire knows and Cassie-Ann will soon find out...but today is about becoming a mommy of 5...

Song for a Fifth Child.

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

I recently read this on another blog and have been saving it. I loved how it applied to me and our children, especially our 5th child, Zack (Especially the part about his eyes having the most wonderful hue). But, now I can post it to commemorate my sweet SIL's 5th child, due in December!!! Congratulations, Natalie and Dan on your 5th arrow on the way. You guys are my heroes...5 kiddos, 6 and under. Not a task that many can take on. God sure knew who to appoint this job to. Way to keep being fruitful and multiplying, Sister. xoxo (Genesis 1:28)


"Oh, Come on, Nat... You know you want to have a public viewing of your next birth!!!! We could put it on YouTube!!!"

Please join me in congratulating Natalie!!