Chit Chat....

[Sakura]

Ayles, I'm so sorry it's such a struggle.

[pants]

Ayles---I too am sorry it's a struggle!!!! Offering prayers and hugs for you.Also I thought of you. Someone in the AP parenting room is selling there Ergo carrier. I know you were asking about it. There's a post about it now.

[ayles]

Ayles, I'm so sorry it's such a struggle.

Thank you, Amanda.

Ayles---I too am sorry it's a struggle!!!! Offering prayers and hugs for you.Also I thought of you. Someone in the AP parenting room is selling there Ergo carrier. I know you were asking about it. There's a post about it now.

Thanks for the prayers and hugs; much needed in this season. I did see that posting briefly but not sure we can afford it at this time. How much is the ergo originally? I may look for one on craigslist or something.

Have a blessed day, ladies.

[ayles]

I am feeling really confused. So many individuals have conflicts to making it to Adriel's birthday. I'm wondering if I should just call it off and have a celebration among the three of us. I'm feeling so disappointed especially in myself; just have these thoughts that I couldn't make Adriel's 1st birthday special enough with a big party and people who are supposed to love him.

[pants]

Ayles-The ergo can range from 100-130 new. I got mine with a 20% coupon so it cost me about 89 new.

Awww about Adriel's party ......I know you want it to be a special time. Maybe though the Lord just wants you to celebrate it as a family. I think the 1 year old party is more for the parents. Isaiah didn't remember a single minute of the party. LOL...I think for the kids it's more like there 5 year old party that they start to get really disappointed if people don't show.

[Consensus]

I am feeling really confused. So many individuals have conflicts to making it to Adriel's birthday. I'm wondering if I should just call it off and have a celebration among the three of us. I'm feeling so disappointed especially in myself; just have these thoughts that I couldn't make Adriel's 1st birthday special enough with a big party and people who are supposed to love him.

I'm sorry things are not working out for Adriel's party. You have been looking forward to this for a long time! His birthday will be special because of your care and heart and work that you put into it, not all the people that show up. I understand 100% about distress about close family not being involved with your LO's lives in a way that you would have expected (my sister, MIL, SIL); it is dismaying and disappointing because you wanted more for their relationship. You can only love him the best you know how, in that unconditional mommy love sort of way and pray that God lays it on your families hearts to get to know their nephew/grandchild/cousin.

If it is a small party it will be low-stress for you, just as I remember how much it was to coordinate everything his dedication. You won't be worrying about if there is enough food, is everyone socializing, are the kids being occupied, is Adriel getting overwhelmed - lol - just from my experience I prefer smaller gatherings. You will be able to connect with the few people that do come - and hey - sometimes when that happens you end up with a beautiful memory of an intimate shared time.

[ayles]

Ayles-The ergo can range from 100-130 new. I got mine with a 20% coupon so it cost me about 89 new.

Awww about Adriel's party ......I know you want it to be a special time. Maybe though the Lord just wants you to celebrate it as a family. I think the 1 year old party is more for the parents. Isaiah didn't remember a single minute of the party. LOL...I think for the kids it's more like there 5 year old party that they start to get really disappointed if people don't show.

Thanks Brenda. I agree that this is more of a big deal for us than Adriel. He won't remember it but I just wanted him to be able to look at the pictures and know that people were there to celebrate you know? But the Lord confirmed for me that we should just celebrate as a family in the morning and then still have my spiritual sister and her family over (they are Adriel's godparents and had rsvp'd "yes") for dinner; that way Adriel gets to celebrate with his natural and god family. I actually feel pretty relieved about it so praise the Lord for His peace.

I'm sorry things are not working out for Adriel's party. You have been looking forward to this for a long time! His birthday will be special because of your care and heart and work that you put into it, not all the people that show up. I understand 100% about distress about close family not being involved with your LO's lives in a way that you would have expected (my sister, MIL, SIL); it is dismaying and disappointing because you wanted more for their relationship. You can only love him the best you know how, in that unconditional mommy love sort of way and pray that God lays it on your families hearts to get to know their nephew/grandchild/cousin.

If it is a small party it will be low-stress for you, just as I remember how much it was to coordinate everything his dedication. You won't be worrying about if there is enough food, is everyone socializing, are the kids being occupied, is Adriel getting overwhelmed - lol - just from my experience I prefer smaller gatherings. You will be able to connect with the few people that do come - and hey - sometimes when that happens you end up with a beautiful memory of an intimate shared time.

Great point about the party being stress free with it being small. I actually do feel a lot less stressed already with deciding to have just my spiritual sister and her family over for dinner. Thanks for always being so encouraging and helping me make sense of things

[ayles]

Ladies, this just breaks my heart

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/1..._n_794333.html

[Fallenstar80]

Ladies, this just breaks my heart

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/1..._n_794333.html

That horrifies me.

[Consensus]

that makes me feel sick to my stomach. I pray her loved ones, especially her children, don't see this

[Sakura]

Ladies, this just breaks my heart

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/1..._n_794333.html

I pray that those fools come to know Jesus Christ. The people they picket? Jesus would have been eating dinner with them and softening their hearts, not throwing stones.

And God loves breast cancer? What kind of abhorrent lie is that?? That makes me so mad. My aunt died of breast cancer and I think the Lord wept along with us.

[caligirl07]

That is disgusting... so sad... Frustrating that they are called "Baptist" hate to think of the vibes that leaves with seekers who don't know Jesus... and I agree with you amanda... Jesus would have totally been having dinner with the people being picketed... so sad.

[pants]

Ladies, this just breaks my heart

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/1..._n_794333.html

Another attack by Satan to try to demonize Christianity. This is nothing new. Judas walked as a follow of Christ too you know.

[pants]

So we broke it to my in-laws that we are planning a homebirth with this baby. My FIL thought it was great. He's an easy going guy anyway. My MIL, who is in the medical field, actually took it better then I thought she would. She had all the usual questions, ie what if an emergency? what about pain management? isn't it messy? But the question that really hit me was the when she just asked flat out. Why not another C? I mean isn't it more convenient and easier for you?......... Thankfully i've been well prepared and researched on everything and gave her a ton of medical information even from the ACOG stating that repeat C's are much much riskier then VBAC and with each C your chance of future hysterectomy goes way up. And that it is major abdominal surgery. Bladders have rupured and been nicked during c's. The birth death of moms and babies are the highest in the world yet we are supposed to be the most technologically advanced. And that hospital's and OB's may say they are provbac but they have all sorts of rules and regulations set up (continual fetal monitoring, no eating/drinking). Each mom labors differently and a MW takes a tailored approach. yada things like that. She took it all in and listened. I don't think she'll be very gung ho about it all but I also don't think she'll try to change our minds either. I'm glad its out with them now though. I think it made my MIL feel better that my MW has like 20+ years experience and delivered like 600+ babies in our area. And that her C section rate is .01%. Her hospital transfer is 1%. So she's very successful at assisting the mom during labor.

I finished with reminding my MIL that whether it's a hosptial birth or a homebirth the LORD is the one in control anyway. She just nodded and moved on to the next subject.

[ayles]

Another attack by Satan to try to demonize Christianity. This is nothing new. Judas walked as a follow of Christ too you know.

Very true. Still so sad

[ayles]

So we broke it to my in-laws that we are planning a homebirth with this baby. My FIL thought it was great. He's an easy going guy anyway. My MIL, who is in the medical field, actually took it better then I thought she would. She had all the usual questions, ie what if an emergency? what about pain management? isn't it messy? But the question that really hit me was the when she just asked flat out. Why not another C? I mean isn't it more convenient and easier for you?......... Thankfully i've been well prepared and researched on everything and gave her a ton of medical information even from the ACOG stating that repeat C's are much much riskier then VBAC and with each C your chance of future hysterectomy goes way up. And that it is major abdominal surgery. Bladders have rupured and been nicked during c's. The birth death of moms and babies are the highest in the world yet we are supposed to be the most technologically advanced. And that hospital's and OB's may say they are provbac but they have all sorts of rules and regulations set up (continual fetal monitoring, no eating/drinking). Each mom labors differently and a MW takes a tailored approach. yada things like that. She took it all in and listened. I don't think she'll be very gung ho about it all but I also don't think she'll try to change our minds either. I'm glad its out with them now though. I think it made my MIL feel better that my MW has like 20+ years experience and delivered like 600+ babies in our area. And that her C section rate is .01%. Her hospital transfer is 1%. So she's very successful at assisting the mom during labor.

I finished with reminding my MIL that whether it's a hosptial birth or a homebirth the LORD is the one in control anyway. She just nodded and moved on to the next subject.

praise God!

I had a good text conversation with my MIL yesterday too. She apologized for not being at Adriel's 1st birthday and said "what kind of granny am I?" I just walked in love and told her we'd love to see her when she gets back from her trip.

[Sakura]

So we broke it to my in-laws that we are planning a homebirth with this baby. My FIL thought it was great. He's an easy going guy anyway. My MIL, who is in the medical field, actually took it better then I thought she would. She had all the usual questions, ie what if an emergency? what about pain management? isn't it messy? But the question that really hit me was the when she just asked flat out. Why not another C? I mean isn't it more convenient and easier for you?......... Thankfully i've been well prepared and researched on everything and gave her a ton of medical information even from the ACOG stating that repeat C's are much much riskier then VBAC and with each C your chance of future hysterectomy goes way up. And that it is major abdominal surgery. Bladders have rupured and been nicked during c's. The birth death of moms and babies are the highest in the world yet we are supposed to be the most technologically advanced. And that hospital's and OB's may say they are provbac but they have all sorts of rules and regulations set up (continual fetal monitoring, no eating/drinking). Each mom labors differently and a MW takes a tailored approach. yada things like that. She took it all in and listened. I don't think she'll be very gung ho about it all but I also don't think she'll try to change our minds either. I'm glad its out with them now though. I think it made my MIL feel better that my MW has like 20+ years experience and delivered like 600+ babies in our area. And that her C section rate is .01%. Her hospital transfer is 1%. So she's very successful at assisting the mom during labor.

I finished with reminding my MIL that whether it's a hosptial birth or a homebirth the LORD is the one in control anyway. She just nodded and moved on to the next subject.

We just told my ILs, too. My FIL is an OB and they are totally ok with it. I haven't told my own parents yet. I'm nervous. Both my mom and stepmom are nurses. My dad and step mom are good about excepting my decisions and not giving me slack. My mom on the other hand....

[KC's wifey]

Ok, have to give a couple praise reports...

First, I am officially an interpreter for my church! Everything is approved!

Second, DH called today and said he got a Christmas bonus check for $250! He has only been working there 6 months, so we weren't expecting anything! This will help with bills, and give us a little more for Christmas. Now we can give each other a small gift, see Narnia on Christmas day, and have a yummy dinner! (which is going to be totally stress free... just a bunch of our favorite food, whatever we want)

Yay!

[Sakura]

Ok, have to give a couple praise reports...

First, I am officially an interpreter for my church! Everything is approved!

Second, DH called today and said he got a Christmas bonus check for $250! He has only been working there 6 months, so we weren't expecting anything! This will help with bills, and give us a little more for Christmas. Now we can give each other a small gift, see Narnia on Christmas day, and have a yummy dinner! (which is going to be totally stress free... just a bunch of our favorite food, whatever we want)

Yay!

Great news!

[ayles]

We just told my ILs, too. My FIL is an OB and they are totally ok with it. I haven't told my own parents yet. I'm nervous. Both my mom and stepmom are nurses. My dad and step mom are good about excepting my decisions and not giving me slack. My mom on the other hand....

Praying that your Mom's heart is softened to receive and respect your decision

Ok, have to give a couple praise reports...

First, I am officially an interpreter for my church! Everything is approved!

Second, DH called today and said he got a Christmas bonus check for $250! He has only been working there 6 months, so we weren't expecting anything! This will help with bills, and give us a little more for Christmas. Now we can give each other a small gift, see Narnia on Christmas day, and have a yummy dinner! (which is going to be totally stress free... just a bunch of our favorite food, whatever we want)

Yay!

Praise God! He has been faithful to provide for you and your family these past few months.

[caligirl07]

Brenda that is awesome that there wasn't any major conflict in announcing plans for home-birth! My dh's parents were totally cool with it, My dh was actually born at home! My parents were totally freaked out, but supported me, they thought it was totally weird, but they always sort of think Im a bit odd...


Polly, that is awesome! So excited for you guys to have your own quiet little Christmas!

[Sakura]

Today has been one of those super awesome, spirit filled, my cup runneth over kind of days.

Pregnancy hormones coupled with a fresh realization of what God is/has done for humanity plus Christmas carols have been sending me over the edge into tears. I nearly sobbed all through O Holy Night this morning. Then spur of the moment after church, we decided to go to lunch with some friends and we were in Fazoli's for an hour and a half.

Tonight was also our Christmas fellowship at church (a few carols and then desserts) and my heart is just so full. I love fellowship.

Then, after praying with dd before bed, I say "amen" and she says "yeah." It was just super cute. And ds asked his daddy, "Can we read the Bible before bed?" (The Jesus Storybook Bible.)

So, it was just an awesome day of tears and laughter and joy.

How was everyone else's Sunday?

[ayles]

Today has been one of those super awesome, spirit filled, my cup runneth over kind of days.

Pregnancy hormones coupled with a fresh realization of what God is/has done for humanity plus Christmas carols have been sending me over the edge into tears. I nearly sobbed all through O Holy Night this morning. Then spur of the moment after church, we decided to go to lunch with some friends and we were in Fazoli's for an hour and a half.

Tonight was also our Christmas fellowship at church (a few carols and then desserts) and my heart is just so full. I love fellowship.

Then, after praying with dd before bed, I say "amen" and she says "yeah." It was just super cute. And ds asked his daddy, "Can we read the Bible before bed?" (The Jesus Storybook Bible.)

So, it was just an awesome day of tears and laughter and joy.

How was everyone else's Sunday?

Praise God that He fills us in such an awesome, unmatchable way.

Our day was good. It's Adriel's first birthday today so we've been celebrating our gift from God and just thanking Him for blessing us in such an awesome way. I'll probably post the details of the day with pictures in my birth room.

We are undergoing a huge snow storm. It's been snowing since last night and hasn't stopped. Oh the joys of living in the mid-west

[twinmom34]

I was on here today and thought about how awesome it is that this site alone generates so many prayers and giving of thanks to the Lord!

[Sakura]

Our day was good. It's Adriel's first birthday today so we've been celebrating our gift from God and just thanking Him for blessing us in such an awesome way. I'll probably post the details of the day with pictures in my birth room.

We are undergoing a huge snow storm. It's been snowing since last night and hasn't stopped. Oh the joys of living in the mid-west

I'll have to go and find them.

And ah, yes, the joys of the midwest snow storm. I think I'm staying in today. Although it is grocery shopping day. Hmm...

I was on here today and thought about how awesome it is that this site alone generates so many prayers and giving of thanks to the Lord!

[pants]

Polly-That's great news for you guys!!!!!! YAY for being offically interpreter. You still go to Calvary Chapel right???? That's an awesome church.

Amanda--awww...I know the feeling about realizing what God did for us this time. It hit me especially hard after I had a son. Would we send our son??? Love the christian fellowship too. "Pro 27:17Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

Ayles--Can't wait to see pics of his birthday. Can you post the link in here if you get a sec.

Our sunday was wonderful. We had our Childrens Christmas production in the morning service and the adult christmas production in the evening. My husband was running the sound board for the adult service. We spent the afternoon relaxing, sleeping, spending a little "fun" time while DS was sleeping, I made lasagna. Then we went to church. I just love relaxing sundays!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sakura]

Our sunday was wonderful. We had our Childrens Christmas production in the morning service and the adult christmas production in the evening. My husband was running the sound board for the adult service. We spent the afternoon relaxing, sleeping, spending a little "fun" time while DS was sleeping, I made lasagna. Then we went to church. I just love relaxing sundays!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds awesome!

[ayles]

Here is the link to Adriel's 1st birthday party post: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/for...d.php?t=291431

[lilo1225]

guys.. sorry to bud in... i need a quick prayer here. My little ones are with health insurance for now and i am trying to get all that straighten aout.. i am on the phone right now stressed. please say a quick prayer for us!

[pants]

Here is the link to Adriel's 1st birthday party post: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/for...d.php?t=291431

YAY soooooo sweet. Sounds like a great day. LOVE the pictures. He has a handsome smile. My DS has that toy and I tell you from about 12-15 months it was his favorite and would occupy him for hours. Oh and i love your siggy pics too. You guys take awesome family shots.