Week 23

I can't believe I'm already 23 weeks pregnant! I'll tell you this, the more kids you have, the faster the pregnancy goes. I remember when I was pregnant with Hunter time seemed to go so slowly, and with Tate I remember it going a little faster, but this one is flying by. My baby website says the baby is over a pound and almost a foot long. I feel like I'm really popping out. Some of my formerly baggy maternity shirts aren't as baggy anymore. I was hoping to get a few maternity sweaters since I don't have any, but I am totally lucking out in the Jr department at Kohl's. I was there the other day, and I got a sweater that I'm sure I'll be able to wear the rest of the pregnancy, and it wasn't even maternity. I do not know why an unpregnant person would wear some of today's "trends". I'm liking it though, the sweater cost me only $10, as opposed to the $30 I would have had to spend on a maternity one. I have been having some hardcore cravings. I could kill for some mozzarella sticks. And some pecan bars. And Debbie's salsa. I really want those mozzarella sticks! Last night I was craving and craving them, but it was after 8, (which is oddly the time I crave things) and I knew I could not have them. It is probably good for our finances that we don't live in a bigger town, b/c I sure would have gone out and gotten some last night. I saw a recipe for dipping cheese ravioli in breadcrumbs, frying them in oil and then dipping them in marinara sauce, all the ingredients I have, so if I get the energy that might work. I've been noticing the baby responding to loud noises,(read: my boys) which is fun. I remember the boys would always wake me up kicking at 5 in the morning, and this one waits until 7, so that is good.

The boys and I have been reading tons of books today. Our library has kits that have books and activities and puppets all together with some sort of theme, so we got one last week and I brought it out today. Hunter used the ladybug puppet while I read them "the grouchy ladybug" by Eric Carle. Both the boys can(and did) sit for quite a while as I read to them. I kind of like that, I want them to enjoy reading as much as I do. I was vacuuming and Hunter brought out his toy vacuum and followed me around(he always does this) and I could tell Tate wanted to help too, so he found the saw in their workbench, and he followed Hunter around raking the saw on the floor. They are good helpers. We are teaching Tate now how to throw away his diapers after changing and to pick up after himself, like putting his cup on the table when he's done, and putting books or toys away before he does other things. He's pretty stubborn, but he has been doing well at it. Today Hunter had a little blue bear he was carrying around calling it baby Miah(my friend Erin has a baby named Miah) and talking to it and feeding it. He put it under his shirt and said it was ready to come out. I will have to tell him sometime that he lucked out and won't actually have to give birth :)

This morning as I got up to all the demands kids make, while feeling nauseous and tired, I had a mini pity party for myself.(I think those pregnancy hormones are to blame for my emotional state lately) I felt frustrated b/c I want someone to take care of ME, to do stuff for ME and all that. As I was in the shower I was praying(as I usually do in the shower, its alone time!) that God would help my attitude, and the thought struck me that God helps me every second of every day. I AM cared for, loved, spoiled even by God's love and grace. It really got me out of my funk and made me motivated to be more giving to others, b/c I have such a good example through Christ. I thought I better write that down for a reminder the next time I'm tempted to feel that way.

Things I'm thankful for:
-my boys health
-God's word to help me
-music
-a nice warm house
-tonight is my last lesson to teach at youth group
-date nights(we have one next week!)
-Mercer Mayer books