Fit Mommies August 15th

[lorig]

Hi Everyone, it's good to finally meet you...this is Abigail Ann or you can call me Abby.;) My Mom said it looked like the other thread was long enough, so she asked me to start a new one...I'm very advanced for my age.;)

My Mommy has given me a kiss and hug from each of you. She told me how all of you have been praying for me and for her. We are so grateful for your prayers and sweet words of encouragement and blessing. :)

It took me quite a while to get here, but I'm so grateful to God to be here and finally put faces to all those voices I've been hearing everyday. I love my family and my Mommy said to please let you know that she loves all of you.

Love,
Abby, for my Mommy (Lori) - PS Julianna, I hear that you and I are less than a day apart in age! How cool is that??? :clappinghands:I'm thankful to the Lord that you made it here safely too.

[WendyD]

Abby - You ARE quite advanced for our age. No wonder it took you so long to come, you hands must have been HUGE! lol

Lori - Still praying for your recovery. Enjoy your baby moon! Hugs

[just7]

Ah, welcome, Abby!!! It will be interesting to have you around!! :) Thanks for starting our new thread too! What a sweet baby girl!

Hey---I can't wait to get caught up! I figured I'd missed a lot over the weekend! Two new babies! Yahooooooo!!!

Sitting here and listening to the sound of the rain---YAY!! But am feeling "sick".... I wonder if it's from doing only 1 workout last week???

We are trying to decide when we can go to Maine for our September trip and it all depends on FM!! :) I'd like to be around for at least 2 weeks after her baby arrives to be able to help. Poor girl---everyone is telling her what would be good times for her to deliver!

Have a great day, everyone!

[BlessedMama]

LOL Jennifer! Yes, with my first one due around Christmas, I had all kinds of people telling me when I should deliver, and how that wasn't a good time to "plan" a baby (we didn't "plan"--we had infertility and miscarriages before so we didn't care WHEN a baby came! ;) )

Hmmm....does this mean we might have to push our trip out a little later? :thinkingabout:

Welcome Abby and Julianna!

Hoping to see the chiro today and get this hip back in place so I can get back to tapping! :D

[Nikki Dawn]

How are you doing , TRisch? I am hoping the chiro will help you feel alot better!

Abby, Welcome! You definetly are advanced for your age! Tell your mommy to take care of herself and we are praying for her!

Jennifer, hope you are feeling better soon. Hugs! FM can have her lil one whenever it wants to come! That is so awesome to have you to help! I am sure she feels your blessings!

Hope everyone is having a good day. We have been through quite a bit of attack. Needless to say we signed my ds up for school and need prayers for Wednesday morning. I really hate to unload personal garbage so I will leave it at that! I am sure the Lord knows when you pray! We are dreading this whole week and will be glad once it is done!

Have a good day to everyone!

Joni, how are you doing? Is life getting any better?

[Mom7plus]

Julie and Lori -- CONGRATULATIONS!!
Your daughters names are beautiful!! How nice to have two new girls here! I'm also glad you are both doing so well. Praise God!

Hi everyone! I have been trying very hard to stay off the computer and get things done. It's been working, but I miss all of you. I have been praying for you (all of you) when you come to mind. God has brought many, many of you to mind many times over the past few weeks!

We are all doing ok. The normal huge family, lots going on stuff. I guess! :thinkingabout:

My time is out -- children need me. I don't know anything that has been going on except the new babies, so I will keep praying for all of you. Maybe I'll find time to get back on here soon.

Miss all of you.
-Carol

[lorig]

It's great to hear from you, Carol! We love to have you pop in and would enjoy catching up with you whenever you have the time. :)

Jennifer, whenever FM's little one arrives is God's perfect timing! Don't you just love the comments by "well-meaning" people? LOL! I don't mind when people say, "have the baby on my birthday!" But, other comments put pressure on...I think sometimes people just don't know what to say, when a simple, "God bless you and Congratulations" or "I'm praying for you!" would suffice...

I'm enjoying my "babymoon." It's more of a challenge with this one, because in all previous years, my dh had a week off of paid leave to be with me and help following each birth. This time, he's having to work odd-jobs and just trying to keep the bills paid. I know it's hard for him, because he'd rather be here...I'm very grateful for all the work he's doing and for the older ones as I couldn't do this without them!;)

Blessings in Jesus,
Lori

[lorilou]

Hi Everyone! Can I join you? I have been doing T-Tapp on and off since 2007. I am getting back to do it. I just joined the Renew University with Charlotte. :)

[WendyD]

LoriLou- Hi, welcome and jump on in!:D

[just7]

Glad to have you, Lorilou!

I've prayed, Wendy! Praying that all goes well.

It's okay when others are trying to let you know when your baby should be born...but when your own FATHER tells you that it would really help the REST of the family to have the baby THIS week (1-2 weeks before your due date) so that everyone (Mom, included) can go on the September trip....it's a little hard to take! :D

Actually, she is fine with it. She knows, better than anyone else, that this baby will arrive when it is supposed to. And I'm not even going to stress over whether or not I should go to Maine with the rest of the family if the baby hasn't come yet.

Great to "see" you popping in now and again, Carol!

I'm getting concerned about Joni, too. She is usually on at least once a day and there has been nothing since everyone was so sick and she wondered if her dh had a blood clot! Praying for her and her family....

[MommyRose]

Morning Gals! :)

Like Carol I've been trying to limit my time posting on-line but am still reading, thinking and praying for everyone. But, can't stay all the way away! :p

My illness is getting better. I did a treatment on Friday that helped a lot and need to do another castor oil treatment again today as I'm reversing. But, still not too bad...just creeping into my sleep.

Nikki, praying for you!

I posted on Joni's facebook asking how she's doing and letting her know she's in all our thoughts. She has not been on there for 10 days either. I'll let you all know when I hear something.

So glad you babymoon is going well Lori! I love the pic your dh posted on facebook! You look GREAT!!!! and she's peacefully adorable! :)

I'm off. We started school yesterday. Today is my Jacob's 11th birthday! Hello to all and hope you all have a great day!



Oh....this boy has been on my heart and I feel so heartsick for his family...who are friends of ours. At least, I'm friends with his mom and my oldest is friends with their youngest. They have 5 boys and Mike is the oldest. On his 21st b-day (few weeks ago) he was swimming in the river with friends and diving (not real diving---shallow head diving off of a raft) from a raft to another he hit a ledge or something and broke his neck. He's been fighting for his life sense and its just so hard. I've had his brother (age 11) here a few times and he's so stressed. He hasn't seen his brother yet because he just can't handle it and is not ready too....he gets very agitated when its suggested. So...prayers for Mike and his family. Here's the link...
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelvirgin

[Tracy]

Welcome Lorilou, we would love to have you join us.

I have been worried about Joni too. I hope things are going okay.

Nikki, I am praying for you too. If you ever need to chat or vent feel free to email me. We are all here for you.

Carol, as always, it is so great to see you popping in.

It stresses me out when certain people tell me when to have a baby. Mainly my dh when he says Wednesday won't work because I have a lot going on at work or something like that. :) But it doesn't bother me much when others do because I just ignore them.:D

I can't believe my baby is 11 weeks old today. Time is flying for sure. He is so sweet, though, and smiles up a storm. Oh, I am supposed to be working out so I better get going.:o

[lorig]

thanks Tracy, Rose and everyone. Friends are bringing meals for the next week...that helps SO much...we are very grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of good friends...I'm praying for you, Joni! :) Also, praying for this other dear family and all they're going through...I have a lot of time to pray while nursing at night, etc. So, share all your prayer requests/praises and I'll be praying!:)Love to all of you,Lori

[BlessedMama]

Quick check in--praying for those in need and congrats to others!

Welcome Lorilou!

Hip better--yay! Maybe MORE chair tomorrow!

Gotta run!

HUGS to all! :hello2:

[lorig]

Welcome Lorilou! :)Praying for you too Rose and that this treatment helps you. How do I find Joni on FB?love, Lori

[Julie in IN]

Hello all! Busy busy here as we started home school year on Monday (yes 3 1/2 days after baby was born.) No baby moon this time as we have character issues to work on before daddy goes back to work. <<<sigh>>> Good kids but need to get down to business.

Can we link to Lori's facebook page or copy the picture here? I'd love to see it!

[Nikki Dawn]

Julie, hugs on the NO baby moom thing. I was in awe of my dh the last time we had one took 2 weeks off. So he had a shed built and was of zero use to me. I had to laugh because it just added stress. Now everytime I see our purty shed I remember my youngest.

Lori, so glad to hear your dc are trying to help out where they can.

Trisch, so glad to hear your hip is doing better!

Tracy, I ccan't believe lil David is already11 weeks. Where does time go!

Rose, happy bday to your oldest!

Thanks for all the prayers everyone. I know it will be a true act of God if all goes well tomorrow! I will let you know!

Hi to all I missed!

Wendy, how are you?

[WendyD]

Hi All!

Rose - Praying for you and your friends. What a freak accident. Thanks for the update on Joni, er no update. I'm worried about her and praying..

Joni - Praying for you and your family!

Hi Nikki - Praying for tomorrow!

Hi Tracy! Your baby is smiling...oh, I love first smiles.

Hi Julie, Lori & Jennifer :hello2:

All is well here. Just trying to get ready for school to start and enjoy the last few days with my oldest Nathan who is going into 2nd grade, although with his occasional attitude it makes it more difficult. lol Annalie goes to preschool the following week.

I'm so ready for August to be over. It's hotter than you know where right now. September will start things cooling down, sorta. Ahh, that Texas heat.

[WendyD]

Oops - HI TRISH! :hello2:

[lorig]

Julie, I don't know how you can even think about school right now...I understand about working on character issues though...your priorities are in the right place.;) Just don't try to do too much too soon. I've made the mistake of doing that and regret it later, either emotionally or physically.

I will see if I can include the pic. It's so funny...I look so young in the picture, LOL!

[lorig]

Julie, I don't know how you can even think about school right now...I understand about working on character issues though...your priorities are in the right place.;) Just don't try to do too much too soon. I've made the mistake of doing that and regret it later, either emotionally or physically.

I will see if I can include the pic. It's so funny...I look so young in the picture, LOL!

[just7]

Thanks for sharing those pictures, Lori!! So sweet!

My brain is mush and I can't think....but I'm thinking of you all and praying!

(edited to add---right---I can't think---but I tell you that I'm thinking of you all!!! too funny!!!!)

[lorilou]

Abigail is beautiful Lori. I love her name too. She makes me want another one. Uh oh! :)

[BlessedMama]

Abby is beautiful--and so is Mama!

Hope to hear from Joni soon.....and continuing to pray for your friends, Rose. That has to be so hard!

Julie, I remember trying to start school after my July 31 baby was born, and that did not go so well! So when I had an August 15 baby, I didn't even try! LOL!

Hey--I haven't even had a baby and we're not going to do much until September! :behave: I do count some of our canning and preserving fruit and veggies, though! And we're learning about green smoothies--so although it's not traditional, we're learning! ;)

Just take time as you need it--and character training counts as school!

Good to see Carol pop in!

:hello2: to everyone else! I really need to get moving--didn't sleep well last night, so I ended up not getting up as early as I wanted to. Dd made a green smoothie for her and I, so maybe that will kick in soon! :D

[Nikki Dawn]

Joni, we are gonna keep pestering you from afar! Praying for you and hope you pop insoon!

Abigail is just beautiful, Lori!

Rose, praying for Mike and his family! What a terribly tragic accident!

Hi, Wendy! Tell A and N hi for me. Enjoy those last few days.

Trisch, after doing canning I thorougly think that is educational! I have been educcated this summer and so wish I didn't make so many mistakes and learned younger!

Thanks for all of the prayers! He went without any problems this morning! That truely is a praise report! The bus came 20min early so he didn't have time to flinch! We kinda forgot his schedule and I am sure that was a bit unsettling to be in a new place and not know where you are suppose to be. I figure it will teach him responsiblity. We sure could use continued prayers on the subject. It definetly has a definelty calmer, more peaceful feeling at home. We were able to not have any guf while talking to the kids this morning. Boy I enjoyed that although I am sure we will all miss him!

Gotta go! Thanks everyone!

[just7]

Praying, Nikki. Sometimes we think those types of decisions aren't loving ones...but the hardest decisions are often the most loving. Praying for your family and ds.

Talking about "education"....FairMaiden and her dh turned us onto a show on TLC called Chopped. The other afternoon we did Chopped for ourselves!!! All 6 children were home and so we ALL (yes, even me!) got involved!!! We had 4 kids as "chefs" and they had to make a dish out of the ingredients that were picked for them. 2 of us were judges and one was the "announcer". As each one got "Chopped", they got to judge!!

After each course, the "judges" had to clean up everything...dishes, pots and pans, stove, counters, so that the "chefs" could have clean things to use. It took us 3 hours to do the whole thing! The 10 yo boy won!!! Everyone worked well, there wasn't any fighting at the stove. They had to think on their feet and have things ready in a certain time limit.

Update on FM---she needed to have some blood work done yesterday. She has been really tired and has gained 12 pounds in the last 2 weeks. I sent her home with my scale last night so she can check each day. She is cutting out all sugar and will either walk and/or swim every day. She had a GOOD contraction last night while lying on the couch on her left side while she was here. It was ALL in her back though.

Here's a link to her blog:
http://theknightsfairmaiden.blogspot.com/

[WendyD]

Lori - What beautiful pictures of you and Abby! How precious.

Jennifer - Chopped - that sounds like lots of fun and such a mess. lol I know FM must be frusterated by the weight gain. I really think it's probably just water weight. If she cuts down on carbs and adds extra protien that will help. I swelled up like that with my first one and lost most of that the first week after I had him. With my second, I ate higher protien and fewer(ish) carbs and gained so much less weight. She's almost there! Yeah!

Hi to everyone else!

[MommyRose]

FM is adorable! What a big belly she is sporting!! :D So exciting.

Yeah Nikki!!!

Thank you all for the prayers for Mike. Yesterdays report was more encouraging then they have been for days. They are trying a new technique of irrigating his wound in hope of not having to remove the hardware.

I am gearing up for a b-day party for my 5 year old this weekend. We are having 3 families over for dinner. I love our new place as they all enjoy coming out and letting their kids run! We'll have 14 kids (one family only has 1 son as that is all they were blessed with) and 8 adults. I'm thinking burritos.... There are only 3 girls in that mix! The family with girls cannot make it.

Hi Wendy! Enjoying that kitchen??? Its so purty. :)

Hello Lori, Carol, Trisch, Jeniffer, and... ?? Have a great day!

[Nikki Dawn]

Tell fm that I have done stuff like that with weight gain. It is alot for 2 weeks though. I would do that in 4 and eat nothing to cause it. SHe looks great! I realized I had no clue what you looked like and wanted to find a pic of you!

Rose, glad to hear things seemed a little better with Mike. Enjoy Seth's bday party! Sounds like you guys will have fun!

Well day 2 was okay this morning! Whoo HOo! Now for 178 more!

Have a great day everyone!

[BlessedMama]

Loved your idea of "Chopped", Jennifer!

And tell FM to CHUG the chlorophyll!!!! I like Nature's Way Chlorofresh mint flavored--I literally chugged that stuff straight to recover from miscarriages as well as get my hemoglobin up.

Also blackstrap molasses--if she can tolerate it in a smoothie, I used to make one of 1 cup milk, 1 TB molasses 1 TB honey (worked up to 2 TB molasses), half a banana and a dash nutmeg. That worked to get my hemoglobin up with Noah--it got up in the 12s which I NEVER saw before!

Give her and Baby a BIG HUG! Can't wait to see you all in just over a MONTH!!!!!! :clappinghands:

Gotta cut this short, dd is waiting for the computer! :hello2: to everyone else!!!

[mexmarr]

Hi all! Many congratulations for the new babies!

We are loving our new house! The space is nice. We are crazy busy, though. Moving in, cleaning and getting the trailer ready to sell, 3 extra church functions this week, DH having 10-11 hour work days. Pure craziness!

Yesterday we had everybody out of the house at 4 am, so DH could drop us off at the old house to work while he was working. And that was with 2 meals pack, all cleaning supplies, plus a weeks worth of laundry to wash, as we don't have a washing machine at the new house. Oh, and lunch was for 12 people, since some friends were coming to help clean. Don't ask me how I actually pulled leaving at 4 am off! I am still tired thinking about it, lol. I got to sleep in till 5:30 today.... And we will have a late night tonight.

So, things are going very well, but I would appreciated prayers for the strength to do all I have to do. And that I will have a good attitude when circumstances are trying! I cried when I realized that my dishwasher didn't work and baked all the food onto the dishes, and then I didn't have a stopper for my sink, so I couldn't even soak them after than.

Anyways... so much for my brief post to let you all know that I hadn't died, lol. We just got internet today! No trash pick-up yet, and moving makes a lot of trash, lol.

Well, I am off to make some kettle Corn for the meeting tonight. Delicious, easy and not many dishes.

[Julie in IN]

Julie, I don't know how you can even think about school right now...I understand about working on character issues though...your priorities are in the right place.;) Just don't try to do too much too soon. I've made the mistake of doing that and regret it later, either emotionally or physically.

I will see if I can include the pic. It's so funny...I look so young in the picture, LOL!

You look fabulous!!! Not a bit of cheekiness like you just had a baby. :o

[Julie in IN]

Praying, Nikki. Sometimes we think those types of decisions aren't loving ones...but the hardest decisions are often the most loving. Praying for your family and ds.

Talking about "education"....FairMaiden and her dh turned us onto a show on TLC called Chopped. The other afternoon we did Chopped for ourselves!!! All 6 children were home and so we ALL (yes, even me!) got involved!!! We had 4 kids as "chefs" and they had to make a dish out of the ingredients that were picked for them. 2 of us were judges and one was the "announcer". As each one got "Chopped", they got to judge!!

After each course, the "judges" had to clean up everything...dishes, pots and pans, stove, counters, so that the "chefs" could have clean things to use. It took us 3 hours to do the whole thing! The 10 yo boy won!!! Everyone worked well, there wasn't any fighting at the stove. They had to think on their feet and have things ready in a certain time limit.

Update on FM---she needed to have some blood work done yesterday. She has been really tired and has gained 12 pounds in the last 2 weeks. I sent her home with my scale last night so she can check each day. She is cutting out all sugar and will either walk and/or swim every day. She had a GOOD contraction last night while lying on the couch on her left side while she was here. It was ALL in her back though.

Here's a link to her blog:
http://theknightsfairmaiden.blogspot.com/


Thank you for the link; so fun to peek inside your dd's life a bit. She looks good. Praying for her now.

nak....

[Julie in IN]

Enjoying reading updates!

I must say that doing BWO+ 3 times a week must have helped my metabolism as I'm loosing consistently daily like never before post delivery! nak....

[just7]

Hi everyone,

FM's iron is "midrange". Her white cell count is rather high. She was having LOTS of contractions last night starting in the back and going around the front. She was in our pool and they were coming every 3 minutes but only lasting about 30-40 seconds. But she was having to stop to deal with them then she started feeling nauseous so I told her to get out of the pool!!!

I had 2 dreams last night about her and the baby and giving birth!! Getting excited!!!! It's incredible. I remember so clearly what it was like to have my own and now my oldest is having hers!!! I'm glad she shared so many of my births and really wants me to share in hers.

I think FM should get some chlorophyll, Trisch! I'll tell her that Mama Trisch told her to take it!! :D Can't wait to see you all!!!!!

(Hmmm---I forgot that you all would see pictures of ME if you went to her blog!! he he You can always click on my profile and view my albums if you really wanted to see pictures of me! he he)

It's great to hear how you are doing, Misty!! Praying that everything gets cleaned up and the adjustments go well.

[BlessedMama]

Mama Trisch! :laughing: That's cute! The poor girl is going to have so many mamas telling her what to do...... LOL!

Maybe we can get her into green smoothies....;)

Misty--good to hear from you! I'm sure everything will come together--but I'd cry too if my dishwasher didn't work!!!! http://bestsmileys.com/crying/13.gif

Julie, sounds like you're doing well!

{{{Nikki}}} sounds like it's going to be just fine with ds!

Rose, glad to hear encouraging news! I couldn't sleep well last night due to this cold or detox thing I've got going (I'm into green smoothies now!), so I prayed extra for him.

Have fun with your birthday celebration! We have a graduation open house in a week and I am NOT ready! We have to get those clothes in the shop sorted so my friends can go "shopping" for little girl dresses--in the shop! HaHa!


I'll have to post some reality photos...of this mess in the shop!

:hello2: Hello to Joni, Lori, Wendy, Carol, haven't heard from Jenny in awhile....

[BlessedMama]

These are NOT for the fainthearted! :eek: :laughing:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/20955081@N03/4909849971/in/set-72157624642116973/

Now you know why WE are not featured on TLC! :help:

[WendyD]

Jennifer - FM is just beautiful! I'm sure that baby is going to capture you all by the heart strings the moment you lay eyes on it.

Misty - Congrats on the house. Don't worry about the small stuff like trash, it'll work itself out. Please be sure to take care of yourself.

Hugs to everyone today! Praying for you all.

[MommyRose]

Misty, Ah the joys of moving and learning your new house. ;) I remember it well... First night here (really needed a shower) we learned the shower head didn't work so I tried to bathe and the plug was unfunctional and didn't have a cover. So, I went to the other bathroom and that one didn't work because of the vandalism someone had done! (Oh...and I'm having to bring the shower curtain and rod with me) I was able to have a half bath as I couldn't stop that one from draining either!!! The next morning my wonderful husband saved the day with a temporary wooden part for the shower. :p

Trisch...feel better. Our storerooms looked like that growing up. ;) Oh the piles that can develop!!!

[lorig]

Jennifer, Fair Maiden IS beautiful! That must be such a blessing for her to be a part of your births and now you are such an integral part of hers! You too are so close and that's just wonderful.:)

Trisch, LOL! I love your pics! Surely, everyone has a closet like that! I think it would be great for your family to have a show on TLC...it would show that no one is perfect and it would be neat to watch the transformation of your closet. Often on the Duggar's, they will fast-play the children doing things. I could see your dc going in and out of the closet on fast-play, getting it cleaned up and organized, etc.:laughing:

Thanks Julie! You're a great boost to my ego!:D I would send more pics, but they're still on my camera (which I can't locate...I have no idea where it is!) and my phone...we're just not very good about getting them off those and putting them on the computer.

I will be praying for you Misty...sorry about your dishwasher, etc. I'm glad you're enjoying more space in your new home!

Sorry to be a stranger the past couple of days...I had a terrible time with nursing! This really threw me for a loop, because I only weaned Mary 4 months ago! Abby nursed right away, the first few days when it was just colostrum. Then, when my milk came in, we had latching problems. 2 days ago, in the morning...my dh was gone and I was feeling completely overwhelmed and called my midwife in tears...needless to say, I was a mess! I ended up leaving Abby and the other dc with my 14yo so I could make a run to Babies R Us and get some nursing supplies. Some things my midwife suggested, I had not even heard of! Well, she said I was tired and I needed to give my ni _ _ ples a rest, so I gave her some formula and rested for a long time that afternoon. Abby had formula twice and slept all day and all night! It was wonderful! My midwife came over yesterday and helped us figure out what was going on :thinkingabout:and nursing has gone smoothly since! I'm so gratefull...

Hi Nikki, Rose, and everyone! (waving)

Love,
Lori

[lorig]

Trisch...the crying smiley, LOL! Too cute! Where did you find that? Were you able to import it from somwhere? I would love to find an angel smiley or a praying smiley!

[BlessedMama]

http://www.bestsmileys.com There are other websites with smileys, but I use this one the most! You can import it using the picture icon.


I thought that one depicted how I'd feel when there is no dishwasher and a lot of littles....I now have several "older" dishwashers that can pinch hit and tag team when the dishwasher's down! ;)

So sorry you had a time nursing! But glad you were able to get some relief and find the answer! HUGS to you!

[lorig]

Thanks Trisch! Have a great weekend everyone! (waving!) Some friends are having a baby shower for me and Abby tomorrow...looking forward to it!:) Love, Lori

[Julie in IN]

Thanks Trisch! Have a great weekend everyone! (waving!) Some friends are having a baby shower for me and Abby tomorrow...looking forward to it!:) Love, Lori

How wonderful--enjoy!!!


It seems like baby was unable to latch on when your milk came in because of the change in size/volume. Poor baby; hope you're over the bumps in the road and onto smooth sailing.

[BlessedMama]

Have fun, Lori!

My cold is FINALLY going away! Still feeling a little off, but much better than yesterday!

I'm glad,too, because we have a big day planned tomorrow (visiting some friends and their church, then having dinner with a smaller group of her friends--this is the ex-Amish group, and I have a feeling I'm going to get lots of homeschooling questions tomorrow! ;) )

[lorig]

thanks Trisch and Julie! Julie, you are right, plus I got lazy the first couple of nights at home...nursed her laying down in the dark,but she wasn't latched on properly and I got extremely sore. I just needed a couple days to heal from that. It should be smooth sailing from here on out!:) I nursed her that way last night, w/her latched on properly and it went well. :) I'm looking forward to the shower this afternoon....I've been looking forward to it.:) It's a blessing to have friends who treat your 11th baby like it was your first.:)

[Nikki Dawn]

Trisch, glad you are feeling better!

Lori, I am sure it is a treasure to have so many care! Glad the nursing is going better!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Joni, how are you? Still worried about ya!

[mexmarr]

Hi all. I'd appreciate your prayers for me. I am home from church sick today. It started yesterday just feeling weak, tired, lethargic and weepy. That has increased today, and I am dizzy and lightheaded. My arms feel like weights.

I can't pinpoint just what it is. It feels kind of like a flu, but without the cold like symptoms.

Thanks

[BlessedMama]

Praying Misty! HUGS!

[just7]

How are you feeling, Misty?? Praying for you!

So glad that you and Abby are now nursing well! This is why I want to be around for at least a couple of weeks (3 would be GREAT) after FM has her baby. We usually go to Maine in September and we are waiting on Baby to decide just when we will go.

How was your day, Trisch? A week or so ago, we were invited over to a friend's house and met a new family. This lady started asking me questions about home schooling (her two were 8 and 11) and then what advice I could give her on birth (she is going with a friend to the hospital when that baby is due). I felt like she thought I was some expert and I am SOO far from that!

T-Tapp has been so hit or miss for me this year and it is rather discouraging for me. Saturday I did a PBS and some other moves and brushed and it felt good!!

DH and I are leaving this afternoon for the "city" 2 hours from us. We are going to a baseball game (hope the rain isn't too bad), have dinner and stay overnight. It's all for a "business trip"!! One of dh's vendors is footing the bill and we will spend time with him and his wife.

Would you all pray for my 16 yo dd?? Two years ago she was in the hospital needing a blood tranfusion. She had been "spotting" all summer long. Because it was often just a "drop" here or there I didnt' realize just how much it was affecting her iron levels. Since then she has been seeing the naturopath. She did the 60 day challenge unofficially and lost quite a bit. Since then she slacked off a little and has not been as consistent with her supplemetns. She had a cycle a month ago and then continued to spot and is now having another with lots of 'clo*ting' the last couple of days. When she drinks a nettle, red raspberry, and oatstraw tea, it seems to help a great deal. She is scared and not feeling good. She had bloodwork over a week ago and her iron was tested as we have an appt with the naturopath this week. I told her that if her levels were really low they would have called. I'll call this morning just to check. Consistency with those herbal supplements is so vital, exercise, good eating habits (maybe some juicing is in order!).

Must run....Thinking of you all!!

[Nikki Dawn]

How are you doing, Misty?

Jennifer, will be praying for your dd! That is awful for her. I hope they can actually find what is causing the issue to help her for good! hugs!

Trisch, hi!

Hi to all those quiet! Hope everyone had a good weekend!

[Tracy]

Jennifer, I am praying for your dd. I hope they figure it out soon.

Life has been so busy for me. I check in here often but can rarely post. My hands are always full. If I don't have David in my arms then I am up running around like crazy. :)

Still thinking of you all often and praying for you.

[lorig]

It's always good to hear from you Tracy!:)

Jennifer, praying for your dd and that you are able to find out or at least control what is causing this problem.

Misty, sorry about the way you were feeling yesterday. It sounds awfully uncomfortable. Are you feeling any better today?

I did BWO+ today! :clappinghands: My first wo after having a baby always feels so funny after being pregnant and not having my big belly in the way, LOL! It felt soooooo good.....

Love, prayers and blessings,
Lori

[BlessedMama]

Prayers here, too!

Yesterday was a lot of fun! It was a long day, though! I'm feeling some tightness in my chest and still a little off. Haven't gotten my green smoothie in yet, either!

I have SO much to do before Saturday (dd's graduation open house). My main goal is getting all the little dresses gone through! The pears are ripe now (of course! ;) ) so the girls are working on them. If I can quit feeling light headed, I'm going to head out to the shop to start on the clothes soon. At least it's cooler outside!

Good to see you Tracy--and you have a very good reason to not post right now! :D

[mexmarr]

I am feeling a little better. Overwhelmed, though.... Nothing got done in kitchen clean-up yesterday.... Since after lunch on Sat, actually. So double work today. Sigh....

Momma just aren't supposed to get sick! The kids and DH ate at church yesterday, and DH got pizza for supper. But still.....

The kids were up at 5:30. What I'd really like to do GO TO BED!

I can do it. I can do it. I can do it. Right?

[Julie in IN]

Lori, I did BWO+ today, too! It did seem funny not having to spread my legs so far to accommodate baby in that area. My thighs are weak after only 13 days off BWO+ WOW!

Jennifer, praying for answers to her physical needs!

Hi Trish, get those smoothies in for energy!

Misty, You can do it; baby steps....baby steps....pace yourself!

Tracy, I understand the busy days; I'm online just to pace myself and make myself take a break.

Nikki Dawn, hello to you, too!

[BlessedMama]

Well, first disappointment about our trip. We're taking a trip "out East" in about a month, and just found out the RV company cannot rent to us because we have 4 more people than seatbelts. State law! ARGH!

There is the option of renting from private parties, and they may be exempt. So we are checking that out. We just think it would make it a nicer traveling trip if we can use an RV. Plus we wanted to take our instruments and bless people along the way! If we take our big van, there won't be room for the cellos or harp, THAT'S for sure! AND we have to have the engine worked on. I'm not sure we want to put 4000 miles on it, either!

I know it will work out, but we thought the RV would make it a more "restful" trip!

Misty, glad you're feeling a little better--yes, you can do it! Just "do the next thing"!

Hi Nikki! :hello2:

I need to go get some dresses gone through--I can't drag my feet on this as several friends are coming to my dd's graduation open house this weekend and it would be PERFECT for them to go shopping out there! I joked that I didn't want any fighting like at the Vera Bradley big sale! :laughing:

Hi to Julie, Tracy, Rose, Jennifer, Jenny, Wendy, Joni (anyone heard from her?)!

[mexmarr]

W We're taking a trip "out East

East???? When are you coming out WEST? :D

[Tracy]

East???? When are you coming out WEST? :D
Yeah!!! When are you coming out WEST??

[lorig]

Trisch, are you looking to rent a Motor Home? I hope you find one...I agree, with your harp, etc., a Motor Home would be perfect!:) Plus, it would be so comfortable to ride in, as you said. I'll pray you find one. BTW, when are you coming SOUTH??? :D

Julie, we'll keep doing BWO+ and cheering each other on! :clappinghands:
Love,
Lori

[Julie in IN]

So happy to get my BWO+ done earlier today; I was really wet so I'm burning more calories? I was concerned that I'd be wiped out today or have milk supply issues but all is well so far. :clappinghands:

Lori, Are you back to daily w/o's?

Trisch, Hope you find an RV! :o

[BlessedMama]

HaHa! You guys are funny!

I did tell dh "Let's just take 6 months and travel the country!" He said we'd have to hope we got lots of love offerings for our singing to make that possible--but he wasn't against it! LOL!

Guess we'd have to buy our own RV then! ;)

Misty and Tracy, we really WANTED to come West, but reality was we just couldn't take enough time to do it. All the "neat attractions" are farther apart! We haven't given that dream up, but it may be a few more years, unless of course, we start singing on the road! :D

We thought we could hit some historical sites out East plus see some dfs (both cyber and IRL friends!) along the way--Jennifer being one of them! We had FairMaiden and her Dear Knight here twice, but Jennifer and I have not actually met in person yet!

I have reached the bottom of the clothes on the floor! YAY!!!!! :clappinghands: Of course, there are still some bags on the floor under the hanging clothes, but I decided I am NOT going to deal with them right now! LOL!

[Nikki Dawn]

Lori, I am so jealous of your trip! I know the perfect solution, don't tell them how many people you are bringing! I hope you can find the perfect solution, it sounds like such fun!

Julie, you are doing awsome! My youngest is almost a yr and I can't find enough time in my days to fit in alot of workouts.

Misty, I hope today was better.

HI everyone else. I am gonna work on schooling in hopes we can fit swimming into tomorrow. Have a great day!

[just7]

Hi Everyone!! :hello2:

Dh and I had a great time on our "overnighter". The couple (the husband is a vendor who has a contract with my dh's company) was really nice. She was in awe of our seven children which meant I had to tell her that my sister is pregnant with her 12th so 7 really isn't all that many!! DH and I had a chance to talk about several things so that was great too!

FM is doing well. I did notice a little more "swelling" yesterday but her blood pressure was back to what is her normal.

Oh, Trisch, I'm praying that the RV situation will work out!! Not so sure what we will do if you all don't make it out here for some reason! Hey, we'll just put sleeping bags in the living room and school room. It'll work!!! How about pulling a trailer behind the van?

Misty---YES---you CAN do this!! Just take each moment, each day.... Don't look at the whole picture. Just keep smiling, keep loving, and draw the children alongside you. Take rests and snuggle. These days WILL pass so very quickly. One day your oldest will be getting married and you will long for these days that were so hard. (Ask me how I know this? :)) Somehow, the problems of the older ones really ARE harder than the days when they were all young.

Tracy, Lori, Julie....enjoy those babies!!! (And I can't believe you girls are back T-Tapping!!! I thought you had to wait 6 weeks!)

Thanks for the prayers for dd. She and I see the naturopath today. Is slurring words another sign of low thyroid??? I was doing that Monday while we were away and it was really scaring me!!!

The weather, after being so very hot and humid, has been cool and rainy for days now. Can't believe that we have leaves turning colors, leaves coming down and it's in the 60s!! Would like a little sun though! (Such a discontented people we are!)

Have a great day!!

[BlessedMama]

Don't worry, Jennifer--we're coming one way or another! LOL!

We discussed:

Leaving 4 at home. Didn't go over well! ;)
Driving the mini van along. More cost and then we're not all together.
Private RV rental--not much out there and just as expensive as the rental RVs, but not as nice.
Just driving the Big Red Bus. One downside is we were going to bring our instruments to bless the people we stay with (well, hopefully they consider it a blessing! :laughing: )

We just can't bring cellos, even taking one seat out of the big van! Big Red Bus needs engine work, which we were going to get done, anyway. We just can't afford to fix the A/C at this point--but it will be cooler then, right?!

Dh did say one good thing about taking the van instead of an RV is if we end up taking a little longer, there wouldn't be any penalties or exhorbitant extra fees!

We don't have luggage racks on top, or we'd get one of those cartop carriers. I think we'll be okay, just a bit disappointing as we thought the RV would create some fun memories. I guess everyone is supposed to be belted in now. I don't know HOW my bil and sil with their girls and dh and I with our oldest 2 survived 21 years ago in an RV that had only two seatbelts for the people up front!!!

How did ANY of us get to be adults without all the regulations these days?! :thinkingabout: :behave:

[MommyRose]

Trisch, if you guys are OK with not having enough seat beats then how would they *know* how many people you have if you tell them 4 less? We too had an old homemade rv for years that had NO seatbeats. (gasp!) I think one in the cab worked...not sure. :D

My baby is 5 today and is requesting some books be read to him. Not sure how much longer I'll be asked to read Dr. Suess so away I go! :o

[BlessedMama]

Rose, we did consider that! But I guess if there happened to be an accident, there might be issues. I think our forefathers would have another tea party if they happened to be alive today! :behave:

I am all for safety, but many things have gone so ridiculously overboard it's beyond sane!!!

We wondered about buying an older one, but then there's plates, insurance, etc. And I think my brother told me about some environmental law that will require motorhome owners to retrofit something after the first of the year, and it's expensive. I haven't been able to find anything on that, but we sure don't want to buy one if that's the case!

Dh says God can do anything, so something may turn up yet! :D

[Nikki Dawn]

Trisch, what about renting a bus? Not a big yellow school one but smaller. They rent them where they rent 15 passenger vans.

[lorig]

Julie and Jennifer, yes, I do BWO+ everyday. You're not supposed to do vigorous exercise until 4-6 weeks postpartum. BWO+ is minimal exercise for me and it feels so good! I do it everyday, because it feels good and it's easier for me to stay in the habit doing it everyday then when I only do it 2-3 days/week. The last 4 months of the pregnancy, I was doing switching days doing the standing half only of Maxi Max #1,2, and 3. I wouldn't recommend that for most, but I guess my fitness level is pretty high and it felt really good to do it. I will stick with BWO+ now, for awhile, to give my body a chance to heal and recuperate.:)

Trisch, I'll be praying that God leads you to just the right vehicle...or that He brings just the right vehicle to you. ;)

Jennifer, I am 41 and just had my 11th baby. So, do you mind if I ask how old your sister is who is pregnant with her 12th? (inquiring minds want to know, lol!):)

We are so enjoying Abby...we've had company almost everyday since we had her and I've had so much time just to sit and relax and hold her. I'm really enjoying her while she's so little...it won't last long!

Today, a lady came to see us whom I had never met, but we've been exchanging emails for months. She brought some yummy pinto beans and homemade bread (we put raw honey butter on it..yum!) We had a blessed time getting to know one another...plus, we found out that she is from the same town in Okla. that my dh and I are from!!! We even went to the same schools for 4 years! She was a year younger than me. Isn't that wild?

Praying for many of you!
Love,
Lori

[Julie in IN]

Lori, That is amazing on her being from the same town; how nice to have company and to spend lots of time enjoying baby girl while she is still so tiny.

Trish, Don't you just laugh when you see the Amish in their buggies all stacked up without seat belts. Hurray for them! :o) Keep praying....

I feel so much better getting BWO+ daily, too. Now when to get groceries?!? This little one needs lots of nursing time and we are not close to getting on a schedule yet. Oh well, this is such a short time of loving on a newborn that I'm not going to stress over these things. (now this is progress!)

Hello to all of you and enjoying these updates!

[just7]

Lori---my sister is 43. Her oldest son just got married in July. She says being the Pregnant Mother of the Groom was rather humbling! She is my hero. They live in a small cottage style house from the 40s...1 bathroom, 1 closet, small dark...with a ton of animals to take care of.

Trisch---FM got the scaredest look on her face when I told her you probably weren't going to be able to get an RV. So....you WILL be coming!! :D I know God will bring just what is needed for you all.

Went to the naturopath yesterday. 16 yo dd's Ferritin levels have gone from 35 to 25 to 13....NOT good. I have a kit for her to check her adrenals once she has a break from her cycle and then has a normal one. We still don't know what my adrenals are doing yet. My glucose numbers are down but still on the high end. I had some strange episode yesterday where they crashed. My whole body was irritated (which didn't help my mothering!!!). I felt like I was in a tunnel and I couldn't even think. My ears were hyper sensitive. It took several hours to even out.

I NEED to be diligent in eating and T-Tapp...why do I find it so hard???

Thanks for sharing about doing BWO+ Post-Partum. I'll be sure to encourage FM once she has the baby.

[lorig]

Julie, we're not on a schedule yet either...it will come in time.;) It's so relaxing and comforting and therapeutic just to sit and hold her. I just started challenging myself to do BWO+ each day and do one simple task (clean out a small drawer or organize a little). Plus, spend time reading with the younger ones etc. I can hold Abby in my wrap or just hold her in my arms while I do most of those things and it's really a blessing. A day with those simple things done is a good day! (Oh, plus spending one-on-one time with the Lord).:)

Jennifer, thanks for letting me know about your sister! That's encouraging and affirming to me. ;) I think God may have one more baby for us and if we have one w/the same timing of the others, I'll be 43 with the next one. :) And, that would be 12 for us too, so we'll see what the Lord has planned. Plus, it's encouraging to hear their situation, especially considering the situation our family is in right now too...
BTW, FM may not be ready to even think about doing BWO+ until she's 4-6 weeks postpartum. I would not have been ready to do it yet when I had my first, w/nursing, etc. Plus, I have more hands to help and hold Abby when I do it, etc.

Love and prayers,
Lori

[mexmarr]

Thanks for the prayers! I am feeling much better and yesterday I officially got the last box out of the living room area! :D (Living room, kitchen and dining room are one big room)

The girls room doesn't have any boxes, or anything but a couple of mattresses on the floor, actually. Guest room and my room still need a lot of work. The guest room has all the overflow and stuff that needs to be put in the bathroom closets. I don't have anything in the bathrooms that isn't put away/

So, we are making progress! The garage is still pretty bad, though. Everything that we had stored in the shed, plus a few boxes that SHOULD be in the houses mixed in.... I haven't found the box with my plates, lol. Yay for paper plates!

[lorig]

Great job, Misty!:clappinghands: You'll get what needs to get done in time....hopefully, you can "breath" a little better now. :) Any word on the sale of your old house?

[just7]

Little bit, by little bit, Misty. It will come. Take time to love on those precious babies. And then draw them into whatever you are doing. These are GOOD days! :) Hugs

Oh, Trisch---I've been praying!! Take care and take it easy.

How I wish I could do BWO+ 4-6 days a week. I feel like I'm turning all into mush...

Hi to everyone!!

[BlessedMama]

Well, now I know why I'm so tired and not motivated!

My cortisol levels are looooowwwwww! Normal range is 5-40, and my morning cortisol was 5.8!!! :help: Obviously the rest of them were below normal!

I'm going to an alternative dr. with my dd next week--I'm hoping we can zero in on what I really need. I knew my adrenals took a hit when Mom died. Then just normal day-to-day busyness over the summer added to it.

I'm with you, Jennifer! I know my tummy is more squishy, although with the green smoothies, it does seem to be helping some. And I'm brushing! I haven't even gotten a seated workout in yet!

Well, off to sort some more before running to get pictures for dd for her open house....I wonder if I can just sleep until it's time to get in the van for vacation?! :thinkingabout: :laughing:

[Tracy]

Trisch, I love green smoothies and I have been drinking them for over 4 years now! :) My kids love them too, well my younger kids do.

My only complaint is that I notice my stomach pooches out more if I have them every day. I don't know why. I don't know if it is bloating or what but when I run out of my greens and stop drinking them my stomach gets smaller and my clothes get looser. :laughing:

Well I have to run. We are going to paint the outside of our house on labor day weekend and have a lot to do before then. We have needed to paint for a long time, it looks awful. I can't wait until it is done.

[lorig]

Happy painting, Tracy! :) Hi Everyone!Love,Lori

[Julie in IN]

Trisch, I thought YOU were going to share an announcement and that is why you are so tired.... ;) Oh well, better to find answers and get your R & R!

Got my BWO+ in today and Donna Arms along with my smoothie. Why have I been dreading my smoothie? I used to love them. Well, once I get it made I am happy I drank it up instead of grabbing an unhealthy afternoon snack.

I did get in my body brushing twice this week and will do it again shortly; I am trying out my mudd mask on my tummy and I think it is helping! :clappinghands:

One nurse said with shock "You don't have any stretch marks!" :D

[Julie in IN]

I should add that I'm focusing on the positives because my vision is still blurry, my thinking not near as clear as it should be and I still cannot run on errands as 99% of the women my age do; I don't want you all think I'm just touting how wonderful I am. Nope, just trying to focus on some positives as the negatives still outweigh the positive. :o(

[BlessedMama]

LOL Julie! I wish that's the reason I were tired!

And sounds like you need progesterone! :)

The dresses in the shop are DONE! Ready for the ladies "shopping" at the open house tomorrow!

Of course, now I have at least 5-6 Rubbermaid tubs of little, little girls dresses to go through some day..... :help:

And the toys--YIKES!

Then there's Dad's and Mom's stuff....the sewing room....my out-of-season closet (aka, junk closet!).....when I get all organized, what will I do with all my free time?! :laughing:

[just7]

(((Hugs))) Julie!! Praying for you!

Safe traveling, Trisch!

Misty---I saw your post on the other thread! I got chills as I read how you were provided with a NEW sewing machine just when you needed it! Praying that the trailer sells so you can get the curriculum you found for your dd!

Yesterday FM called me and said that her dh got the day off. He asked her what she was going to do and she said "I'd LIKE to have a baby!" :D Her due date is tomorrow. I know she hoped for an earlier delivery but the reality is that is could be another week or two....but SOOO close!! :D

My weekend was a bust....couldn't get out of my own way. ARGGGG---hormones!!

Thinking of you all!

[mexmarr]

Misty---I saw your post on the other thread! I got chills as I read how you were provided with a NEW sewing machine just when you needed it! Praying that the trailer sells so you can get the curriculum you found for your dd!

Did I post to the wrong thread.... oppps. I am reposting here. The following post is from the 28th.\\

"I am feeling more settled and we are having company tonight. DH's unsaved uncle is coming. His wife died last year, so he is lonely and enjoys coming over and seeing the kids.

Last time I was making the girls some dresses, my sewing machine's motor began to smell.... I knew that it had been on its last leg. It was the cheapest option Walmart had nearly 12 years ago and has had a LOT of use. I didn't see how we could replace it, but it also seemed like a need. Well, DH's is is coming so that he can bring us his wifes sewing machine!!!! It was used ONCE. What a blessing! God knows what we need!!! He is Good. All the time!

I am also needing to buy a Kindergarten program for my 2nd dd. I used odd and ends for my oldest and it worked just fine. But Gracie is special. She is the one who was a preemie and is legally blind. She has some special challenges and the stuff I have just is NOT working! I have finally found what will meet her needs, but.... it is $189. So, I am praying that God provides that.

DH said that if we can sell the old trailer soon, we can buy it. If we don't sell it soon, we will have double payments, and we that will be a problem. We have had 3 calls, 1 person to look at it, but no sell yet. Please pray with me that it will sell this weekend!

Hello to everybody! And have a great weekend!"

[lorig]

Misty, I will be praying that trailer sells...soon!

Jennifer...praying for you and FM...I know you both must be SO excited!:)

Hi Everyone...just wanted to jump in, read the posts and say "Hi!":hello2:
Love,
Lori

[Julie in IN]

Misty, I will be praying that trailer sells...soon!

Jennifer...praying for you and FM...I know you both must be SO excited!:)

Hi Everyone...just wanted to jump in, read the posts and say "Hi!":hello2:
Love,
Lori

Yes, agreeing in prayer for the trailer to sell, baby to be here in short time for FM and hello to all. :hello2: