Your baby weighs about 5 ounces now, and he's around 5 inches long — about the size of a large onion. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.
Picture 17 weeks
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Watching You
Rodney Atkins
Watching You
I love this song for two reasons.
One, it reminds us that we need to be careful of the example we set through our words and actions. Rodney Atkins is a lot easier on us than some are. He shows that while we sometimes get it wrong, parents who are really trying and relying on God get it right now and then too.
Two, both Clint and I think Rodney looks a lot like my cousin Ronnie when he was younger. The way he moves is similar too.
Wednesday
I've had a rough go of it since Saturday. Monday, with Brandon's and Amanda's help, I got the cooking for the whole week accomplished. It left me very tired for Tuesday though. Last night, I went to bed at 7:00. Today is a better day, but I have to go to the dr tomorrow, so I am taking it easy. Overall, the HG is lighter and continues to get better. I just need to remember to go slower for the next several weeks so I stop having relapses.
Oh, I have been feeling the baby move again! In fact, we had our first case of hiccups on Monday. I think he/she was moving at night while I was asleep, which was why I wasn't feeling movement for a while there. Also, the medication I take slows down the baby's movements. It doesn't harm the baby developmentally, but does cause him/her to sleep more.
The children are doubling up on school work today so they won't have to do it tomorrow, in case it snows.
We enjoyed watching "On the Road with 16 Children" featuring the Duggar family. We also caught the Jeub family on "Kids by the Dozen." They have 13 children and are raising them on less than $40,000 a year. They are both incredible families filled with lots of love and joy. We hope to catch the Arndt family on "Kids by the Dozen" soon.
Oh, I have been feeling the baby move again! In fact, we had our first case of hiccups on Monday. I think he/she was moving at night while I was asleep, which was why I wasn't feeling movement for a while there. Also, the medication I take slows down the baby's movements. It doesn't harm the baby developmentally, but does cause him/her to sleep more.
The children are doubling up on school work today so they won't have to do it tomorrow, in case it snows.
We enjoyed watching "On the Road with 16 Children" featuring the Duggar family. We also caught the Jeub family on "Kids by the Dozen." They have 13 children and are raising them on less than $40,000 a year. They are both incredible families filled with lots of love and joy. We hope to catch the Arndt family on "Kids by the Dozen" soon.
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Hands on Learning is Fun
Brandon and Amanda are taking apart a broken t.v. and vcr while
Clint looks on and shares information about their components.
They'd rather do this kind of hands on learning than watch t.v. or be on the computer.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Scratch the HG update
Ignore where I said in the HG update below that I was feeling too good. I no longer feel good. I was sick all night last night and just now managed to crawl out of the bed. I am unclear if the return is caused by my increased activity, from the meal I had at the restaurant or another hormonal surge.
I had to get up because Amanda has gone AWOL. She was sent to the barn to give Hot Shot a quick treat and hasn't returned. He is still not use to us, so I worry about him getting jittery and injuring her. She adores Hot Shot and makes any excuse she can to spend time with him. I'll check goat udders to see if anyone is close to kidding.
Clint was called in Sat night and just got home. He crawled in the bed when I crawled out. As soon as I kissed him "Good night," he got a call from work. I thought for sure they were calling him back in, but they just wanted to know if his plant had a part another plant needed and thought he was still at work to check.
Prayer Request: A family we've corresponded with for years now just sent their son Brandon F., a homeschool graduate, to Basic Training in TX. Please lift him up in prayer for success and that he will be led to the right career. Thank you Brandon for being willing to serve our country!
I had to get up because Amanda has gone AWOL. She was sent to the barn to give Hot Shot a quick treat and hasn't returned. He is still not use to us, so I worry about him getting jittery and injuring her. She adores Hot Shot and makes any excuse she can to spend time with him. I'll check goat udders to see if anyone is close to kidding.
Clint was called in Sat night and just got home. He crawled in the bed when I crawled out. As soon as I kissed him "Good night," he got a call from work. I thought for sure they were calling him back in, but they just wanted to know if his plant had a part another plant needed and thought he was still at work to check.
Prayer Request: A family we've corresponded with for years now just sent their son Brandon F., a homeschool graduate, to Basic Training in TX. Please lift him up in prayer for success and that he will be led to the right career. Thank you Brandon for being willing to serve our country!
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Not as I planned
I ate out; I threw up out. I called home to check on Brandon and got two sentences out before the talking triggered an "episode." I had to abruptly hang up on my son. :-(
I threw up all over my and Clint's shoes and pants in front of God, a deputy, a horrified woman, a disgusted man and several people I would not even look at. At least it was in the parking lot. I HATE being sick in public, which is why I stay home and avoid company.
In mid-barf, Clint, trying to make it better, quoted Foxworthy, "Ew, Sparky ate a bird." So, here I was, throwing up violently, sweating, tears in my eyes and chuckling between gasps for breath. He was laughing because I was laughing. I don't know what people thought when they saw me throwing up and both of us laughing.
I am wiped out tired now.
I THINK I felt the baby while I was eating.
I threw up all over my and Clint's shoes and pants in front of God, a deputy, a horrified woman, a disgusted man and several people I would not even look at. At least it was in the parking lot. I HATE being sick in public, which is why I stay home and avoid company.
In mid-barf, Clint, trying to make it better, quoted Foxworthy, "Ew, Sparky ate a bird." So, here I was, throwing up violently, sweating, tears in my eyes and chuckling between gasps for breath. He was laughing because I was laughing. I don't know what people thought when they saw me throwing up and both of us laughing.
I am wiped out tired now.
I THINK I felt the baby while I was eating.
Alarm clocks? Who needs 'em!
Clint and I woke up to the sounds of giggles and laughter, which usually mean a sneak attack is underway. Very soon, we had three little people in bed with us. We were given an abundance of hugs, kisses and snuggles. Then, the tickling started. Then, they ganged up on Clint trying to get his nose. Finally a wrestling match and loud laughter erupted. I can think of no better way to start the day than with the laughter of my own children and seeing the joy they bring written on my husband's face. :-)
I thought of getting a picture, but Clint wasn't dressed and he had "bed head." :-)
I thought of getting a picture, but Clint wasn't dressed and he had "bed head." :-)
HG update
I have lots of e-mail asking me how I am doing. I haven't posted much about the HG in the last week. Last Sat, Sun, and Mon were rough. Mon night, I was very sick and have a violent "episode" involving Betty, the trash can. Tuesday, I was wiped out from being sick on Monday.
Since then, I have been feeling better daily, almost too good.
I have not felt the baby move in two days and am noticing some of the same little things I did with the last miscarriage. My hair is less oily, and there is less tenderness and nausea. I am not as hungry as often as I was. My lower back is aching today, but I picked Bethany up at a weird angle and think that is the culprit. I have an appointment in a few days and will ask for an ultrasound then. It might just be the timing and normal hormonal changes. It does seem a bit early for me to be feeling this good though. Have I miscarried the baby? I don't know.
Clint and I firmly believe that whatever God has in store is for our good and His glory and we are trusting Him to work out His perfect plan in our lives.
Since then, I have been feeling better daily, almost too good.
I have not felt the baby move in two days and am noticing some of the same little things I did with the last miscarriage. My hair is less oily, and there is less tenderness and nausea. I am not as hungry as often as I was. My lower back is aching today, but I picked Bethany up at a weird angle and think that is the culprit. I have an appointment in a few days and will ask for an ultrasound then. It might just be the timing and normal hormonal changes. It does seem a bit early for me to be feeling this good though. Have I miscarried the baby? I don't know.
Clint and I firmly believe that whatever God has in store is for our good and His glory and we are trusting Him to work out His perfect plan in our lives.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Book Review: Confessions of an Amateur Believer
Confessions of an Amateur Believer
by Patty Kirk
ISBN: 0785220410
Nelson Books (A Division of Thomas Nelson)
When Anne Staszalek asked me to write a review for Confessions of an Amateur Believer, I thought it came at a perfect time since I was on bed rest with a pregnancy related condition. I had been praying for something worthwhile to do with my time of inactivity. God has remarkable timing. I enjoyed reading this book because it opened my eyes to the different ways individuals view and react to the circumstances in their life. I have already recommended it to others who struggle with understanding atheists.
Confessions of an Amateur Believer is divided into four sections based on the author's experience in her walk of faith: Meeting God, Struggling, Progress and Rest. Often witty, Patty Kirk shares openly about her life and the events in it that shaped her from an early age. She's a real person with real struggles. There isn't a preachy tone to force converts, rather she is gentle and shares what helped her in a nonthreatening and often humorous manner. She is open about her struggles and imperfections which can encourage the humble Christian to continue forward in their walk with Christ.
The part of this story which most intrigued me personally was seeing how the tragic events led to Mrs. Kirk's atheism. Among my friends, I know people, who through painful and horrific life experiences, reject the notion of a good, just and loving God. They can not accept that such a God would allow any form of pain or suffering anywhere to anyone. Many of them share in the same attitudes and behaviors exhibited in the life of the author. Seeing how she converted from atheism to Christianity can be beneficial to those going through the same struggles as well as the Christians who are sharing their faith with them.
Mrs. Kirk's mother developed a brain tumor that required surgery to remove it. The surgery left her permanently disabled and she died a slow, tortured death over 11 years. Patty's sister, as a teenager, ran away from home many times to escape the continuous fighting with her mother and eventually became a Christian. Through the love of Christ, Sharon forgave her mother. It was that love that enabled Sharon to take in and lovingly care for her when she was an invalid until she died. This, Mrs. Kirk says "spoke to me more loudly than the passages from the Bible that she and her husband made me listen to." It was the gospel in action which opened the doorway to the author's unbelieving heart. It's something all Christians need to remember and example.
by Patty Kirk
ISBN: 0785220410
Nelson Books (A Division of Thomas Nelson)
When Anne Staszalek asked me to write a review for Confessions of an Amateur Believer, I thought it came at a perfect time since I was on bed rest with a pregnancy related condition. I had been praying for something worthwhile to do with my time of inactivity. God has remarkable timing. I enjoyed reading this book because it opened my eyes to the different ways individuals view and react to the circumstances in their life. I have already recommended it to others who struggle with understanding atheists.
Confessions of an Amateur Believer is divided into four sections based on the author's experience in her walk of faith: Meeting God, Struggling, Progress and Rest. Often witty, Patty Kirk shares openly about her life and the events in it that shaped her from an early age. She's a real person with real struggles. There isn't a preachy tone to force converts, rather she is gentle and shares what helped her in a nonthreatening and often humorous manner. She is open about her struggles and imperfections which can encourage the humble Christian to continue forward in their walk with Christ.
The part of this story which most intrigued me personally was seeing how the tragic events led to Mrs. Kirk's atheism. Among my friends, I know people, who through painful and horrific life experiences, reject the notion of a good, just and loving God. They can not accept that such a God would allow any form of pain or suffering anywhere to anyone. Many of them share in the same attitudes and behaviors exhibited in the life of the author. Seeing how she converted from atheism to Christianity can be beneficial to those going through the same struggles as well as the Christians who are sharing their faith with them.
Mrs. Kirk's mother developed a brain tumor that required surgery to remove it. The surgery left her permanently disabled and she died a slow, tortured death over 11 years. Patty's sister, as a teenager, ran away from home many times to escape the continuous fighting with her mother and eventually became a Christian. Through the love of Christ, Sharon forgave her mother. It was that love that enabled Sharon to take in and lovingly care for her when she was an invalid until she died. This, Mrs. Kirk says "spoke to me more loudly than the passages from the Bible that she and her husband made me listen to." It was the gospel in action which opened the doorway to the author's unbelieving heart. It's something all Christians need to remember and example.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Congratulations.....
to our friends
Christy & Scott and Family
on the little blessing
you are awaiting!
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward."
Psalm 127:3
George, Our Perpetual Snowman
This is George. Every year it snows, we bring him out and let him see the world again.
He's just a little guy right now...not enough snow. He's been 2' to over 6' at different times.
Before he thaws out, we store his head in the freezer. We keep it in a bowl marked "George's Head" just to keep people guessing. :-)
He is several years old now. I think he's around 7 or 8.
He's even survived melting and refreezing during Hurricane Isabel and other storms.
And, he's survived numerous near accidental "tossing outs," by yours truly.
Cryogenics Asbell style!
Brandon took the pictures.
Jerri 1
This is Jerri, Joshua's first pet. He asked for a mouse when he was five after seeing Stuart Little. He wanted a brown mouse like Jerry from Tom and Jerry, but the pet store did not have brown mice. They only had "fancy" mice. Mice, fancy..just doesn't seem to fit, does it?
When Joshua first asked, I told him he could have a pet when he was seven. I figured he'd leave the mouse idea behind, but he never did. As soon as he turned seven last September, he reminded me and off we went a'mouse shoppin'.
Joshua has taken excellent care of Jerri. He never forgets to feed her or clean her cage. She is the sweetest little thing. Joshua has handled her a lot and she is very tame and gentle.
While wild mice carry many germs, pet store mice are free of them. They are clean animals and imo, better pets than gerbils (who stink) and hamsters (who bite).
I don't think I have mentioned Jerri before and for that, I publicly apologize to my son Joshua for the innocent oversight!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Remi and Avalanche
This is Remi (top) and Avalanche (bottom) that were born here on our farm. They now live with Catherine and David in NY and have a great life in a loving home. It took me a while to get these posted because of Picasa problems.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Pregnancy 16 Weeks
At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.
Baby @ 16 Weeks Gestation Picture: http://www.babycenter.com/general/1498248.html
www.babycenter.co
Baby @ 16 Weeks Gestation Picture: http://www.babycenter.com/general/1498248.html
www.babycenter.co
Free Homeschool Curriculum for Preschoolers
http://www.letteroftheweek.com/ Letter of the Week is an "oldie" but goodie.
Frank
This picture is for Dawn, Frank's former "Mom."
Frank, a wether (neutered male), got himself wedged between the branches we were tossing over and the fence.
He's looking sharp while sporting a new collar with a reflective center stripe.
He has the fanciest collar out of all of the goats.
In the bushes,
we found items that washed away during Hurrican Isabel (2003).
It's a gas can and a 55 gallon barrel we use for trash.
One Happy Puppy
Nala was happy to be let out when we remembered we had left her behind in the house.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Wise Counsel
This weekend, while sitting outside, I suddenly, without warning became very nauseous due to the hyperemesis gravidarum and started to gag, retch and cough. I had been sitting back in my chair when it came upon me. I stayed still because I was afraid movement would push me over the edge and I'd lose my meager lunch. I planned to lean forward quickly if needed.
Caleb saw me sitting back in my chair struggling to not throw up. With bit of disgust in his voice, he offered "MOM! If you are going to throw up, throw up on the GROUND!"
LOL
Caleb saw me sitting back in my chair struggling to not throw up. With bit of disgust in his voice, he offered "MOM! If you are going to throw up, throw up on the GROUND!"
LOL
January is almost gone!
I uploaded some pictures from the weekend to answer the requests for more pictures. The whole family has enjoyed working outside to clear for the new fence we plan to put in this summer. Well, I haven't enjoyed it as much as I could because all I can do it sit and watch, which makes me feel about as useful as a bump on a log. But, that's much better than sitting alone in the house!
Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will upload some more pictures.
Last night we got some ice build up, but it thawed with a warmer rain this a.m.
I am tired today and my breakfast apple gave my touchy stomach indigestion. I have a few quiet, "sit down" types of things I'd like to attempt if the HG will cooperate. I am still not able to talk much and am staying off the phone. Clint calls a couple of times a day to see if I am "heads up" or "flat." If I talk too much, I end up saying "Sorry!" and hanging up to deal with the nausea/retching. Pregnancy seems to progress very, very slowly for women with HG.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will upload some more pictures.
Last night we got some ice build up, but it thawed with a warmer rain this a.m.
I am tired today and my breakfast apple gave my touchy stomach indigestion. I have a few quiet, "sit down" types of things I'd like to attempt if the HG will cooperate. I am still not able to talk much and am staying off the phone. Clint calls a couple of times a day to see if I am "heads up" or "flat." If I talk too much, I end up saying "Sorry!" and hanging up to deal with the nausea/retching. Pregnancy seems to progress very, very slowly for women with HG.
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Building a fire pile
This is Joshua (black), Bethany (pink), and Caleb (red) starting to build a pile of dried branches and twigs for our fire.
Caleb's Treasure
Clearing out the bushes, we found items washed up by the floods.
This is a backpack Caleb found.
Tossing branches
Brandon and Amanda tossing branches over the fence.
Caleb is in the red jacket playing under the bushes.
Hungry Goat Munching
It doesn't matter how many branches are down for them, they always rush to the one just thrown over the fence.
This is Little May.
Before clearing
This is one of the areas we are clearing to put up new fence.
The goats are enjoying eating these mulberry bushes, which smell wonderful!
Happened right before Christmas
Brandon accidently put his foot in the wrong place in the attic while helping get the Christmas decorations down.
Most of the attic has a floor, but there is a board missing here and there.
There wasn't danger of him falling through because the boards are too close together, but he did go through to his knee. He wasn't hurt.
It fell on Amanda's bunkbed.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Winter Mix, Tired Mama
We enjoyed our family worship this a.m. We learned facts about the Titanic and how the arrogance of man and a faulty beginning (inferior rivets) sunk the entire ship and caused tragedy. It is so important to lay a proper spiritual foundation for our lives and to remain humble.
I am very tired today. I took a short walk (15 minutes) yesterday and it was lovely, but it was too much. I was sick from about 2 until 1 a.m. and am feeling worn out today. I sat outside the rest of the day yesterday watching Clint and Brandon do some work to make the barn warmer for the animals. I was discouraged to be so sick after doing so little yesterday, but Clint keeps reminding me that at least I can sit up now. I should be thankful for that and looking forward.
There are more pictures to share. The camera is acting up and I can't download some and can't delete others off the camera.
We are under a winter weather advisory. It's snowing and sleeting outside. Everyone and everything is put up and snug as a bug. PTL for warm shelter and food!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;bring an offering and come before Him!Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; 1 Chronicles 16:29
I am very tired today. I took a short walk (15 minutes) yesterday and it was lovely, but it was too much. I was sick from about 2 until 1 a.m. and am feeling worn out today. I sat outside the rest of the day yesterday watching Clint and Brandon do some work to make the barn warmer for the animals. I was discouraged to be so sick after doing so little yesterday, but Clint keeps reminding me that at least I can sit up now. I should be thankful for that and looking forward.
There are more pictures to share. The camera is acting up and I can't download some and can't delete others off the camera.
We are under a winter weather advisory. It's snowing and sleeting outside. Everyone and everything is put up and snug as a bug. PTL for warm shelter and food!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;bring an offering and come before Him!Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; 1 Chronicles 16:29
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Burning debris
We had a lot of debris around to burn off.
We cooked hot dogs over these mulberry branches.
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