Welcome to 2013! The year started with the hope of another great year- and we are off to a flying start! In addition to Brian's birthday, snowy mountains called and I went skiing for the first time in 13 years- had a blast and we proceded to gather ski and snowboard equipment off of Craig's List! Marcus took snowboarding lessons with the neighbor kid (absolutely LOVED it and he really has a knack for the sport), and Jon and I even went skiing on a little weekend away the end of January. We went to Lake Chelan to stay and had fun visiting Echo Canyon ski hill, and Leavenworth. I was already starting to feel a bit OFF due to being pregnant- but it was still fun! I only lasted skiing for a few short hours. It was probably my last time for a long while . . . (though I snuck in one run during cheap night skiing at 49 degrees north when we went with the whole family- - that was INTERESTING . . . )
Other fun stuff for January and February- - Dad's Birthday, valentine's day,and Jon took Marcus and Cynthia to see the Harlem Globe Trotters!
I also enjoy weekly playdates at the mall play land with my awesome neighbor Lisa and her daughter Korrine, and sometimes my other neighbor Ryan and her baby Owen. These are from valentine's day! We bought them special cookies . . .
Just a week or two into the new year, I was called as the new Primary President! I was sad to leave the Young Women, but felt that this IS where I am needed right now. So far, things are going well, although it is pretty intense sometimes!
So, the day that I was set apart in my new position, I found out I am pregnant again- phew! I guess the Lord will give me strength- and he has, although I can't say it has been easy. I have felt AWFUL- there was a couple of weeks I could barely get out of bed. I am exhausted and don't feel like I am a very good wife and mother, but then I remember how much we have sensed a child missing in our family- and I know it is all worth it, and my edgy mood, queasy stomach, and lack of energy won't last forever. Survival mode is OK sometimes, right? At least this time around my husband has been a HUGE help and he is around so much more and emotionally available to be a big help, and my older kids have been really great too. Not perfect- the chores don't always get done well and there is still a lot going on in our lives, but truly, they have been so loving and understanding. So- not too many complaints here.
Best of all today, we had our first ultrasound and got to see the beautiful little child moving, waving his (or her) arms around, and see the little beating heart. There really is a little life in there! There really is a reason for how crummy I have been feeling! I left the dr office today euphoric- I am so excited to add a new family member!!!
To show how things have been going, here some of my posts from facebook. I tend to vent sometimes, but that is what helps me get through hard things! And I am remembering- pregnancy is HARD. Worth it, though- there is not doubt about that.
Feb 4th facebook post:
Well, I think we are ready to announce that we are expecting another baby! It's funny because we were really planning on waiting a little longer (after the miscarriage last fall), but I guess that is not what Heavenly Father had in store for us! Of course, we have felt there will be another child in our family for awhile now, so are super happy. I pray that everything will go better this time, and if not, we will be able to handle it well. The thing that cracks me up is that I am due September 26th- which means we would have 5 (out of 7) birthdays in a three week period of time, and 6 (out of 7) in a six week period of time. Wahoo late summer and fall birthdays! So far I have been feeling TERRIBLE- but I guess that is to be expected.
Feb 5th facebook post:
Sickness at our house . . . besides feeling super nauseous from the preg., I am more tired and have a sore throat and dry cough- - and cynthia has an ear infection and Lillian tested positive for Influenza A. I am sooooo grateful that Jon was able to take the day off to take care of all of us!
Feb 8th facebook post:
HELP!! I need ideas for easy meals that only take a few steps, since I can't stand to be in the kitchen for more than a few minutes at a time. This pregnancy I am the most nauseous late afternoon and through the evening- with the worst being right at dinner time. Makes it super difficult to take care of my family. I am also not against buying food "out"- so I need ideas of good take out type food that isn't too spicy, greasy, fried or rich and is pregnant woman/ kid friendly (cuts out fast food pretty much). Last night I got pizza for the kids and choked down a small sub sandwich (since I knew the pizza would be worse- I could barely handle having it in the car with me). I NEED IDEAS!!!!!
Feb 12th facebook post:
BLEEEECH- I hope the next few months go by quickly. Is it ok for me plan to be a good mom THEN?
Feb 22nd facebook post:
It always makes me chuckle when I see on facebook "How are you feeling, Becky?" Because I don't know if everyone wants to hear about THAT. Luckily things have gotten slightly better recently- I can function- - but truly the first trimester of pregnancy is NO PICNIC! I am grateful though- - I have now passed the time when I miscarried last time- so still feeling sick is a good thing.
Feb 28th facebook posts:
I don't think I have ever been so tired in my life. I must have just forgotten. At least it will be all worth it in the end. I have my first early ultrasound tomorrow! Won't know if it is a boy or girl until much later, so don't get too excited, but we should at least see if there really is a little baby in there . . . and a reason for feeling so crummy . . . .
I would love to hire a nanny/ cook/ housekeeper - - so I actually have time to rest, do our taxes (and other financial business that needs to be done), magnify my calling as the Primary President, exercise, needed shopping, blogging, and did I mention rest? Actually I need to re-phrase- then the cooking and cleaning would actually get done. Though I have to be grateful for my husband who tonight vaccuumed up the spilled dry Life Cereal Crumbs in the family room- it had been there for half the week.
----I forgot to mention the energy to keep up with helping my kids with schoolwork, spending quality time with my husband, doing FUN and meaningful things with the kids, etc . . . . sorry- had a bad day today. Venting helps. It's still worth it . . .
Today- March 1st facebook post:
What an amazing thing to see on the ultrasound my little one moving around with tons of energy and that little heart beating and arms waving- - I already love and rejoice this new life. I am feeling so happy- I didn't realize how much I was holding off on becoming emotionally attached- but after the miscarriage last fall, I really was. Not that we are totally in the clear, but I am past the most dangerous weeks. I feel like I have been holding my breath for the last few months, and finally let it out- and the happiness flows in! Just a side note, the size of the baby puts it a little further along than we thought- so my due date has been moved up to September 16, which is funny, because that was Lillian's due date when I was pregnant with her 7 years ago.
