38 weeks

Well, I'm 38 weeks pregnant today with Sadie K. Being able to carry 4 pregnancies to term and 3 (anticipating 4) resulting in healthy babies feels like nothing short of a miracle. God's graciousness abounding! Something that should never be taken for granted. When you have experienced the Lord actively open & close....or close & then open your womb, His grace & blessing in this area of life is something you never take for granted. You are well aware of His intimate involvement. His perfect timing. His sovereignty in all things, through all things & above all things as it relates to the details of conception, pregnancy and child birth. I am Grateful.

This pregnancy for me has been very similar to the others. I tend to gain about the same amount of weight with each. My kids birth weights are all very close coming in at 7lbs. 8oz. (Natalie), 7lbs 12oz. (Kate) and 7lbs 13oz. (Hudson).

My symptoms have been similar with each including......heart-burn, sciatic nerve pain (though it's been least prevalent with this pregnancy), leg cramps, pain in my inner thighs, a lot more Braxton-Hicks this time, impatience, swelling, minor stretch marks that tend to mostly go away after the baby weight is gone, crazy hormones and an almost complete loss of my mind / memory (though I only locked my keys in my car once this time around which is significantly less than other times). Hands down, my top two most annoying symptoms are INSOMNIA that begins almost when pregnancy does AND difficulty breathing. Taking Benadryl at night helped a lot but not completely with insomnia this time. I was probably up 3-10 times per night for the last 6 months this time around.

On the UP-side...my hair, nails & skin have all been AmAzInG (not one blemish in 9 months!)!!!! Which will all quickly disappear after giving birth!

My cravings this time included buffalo sauce & bleu cheese, wine (I had 3 glasses total and they were all in the last month), candy, pancakes (mostly at the beginning), apples & peaches (pretty much any fruit I could get my hands on). Confession: I'm not good at (choose not to) following the "pregnancy rules" and drank regular coffee almost every day, ate a lot of soft cheese and drank caffeinated soda (diet cherry coke - a couple a week).

So the plan as of now is that I will be induced a week from today. Heath, Kate, Anne & my mom (if she comes) will all be in there for the delivery. My OB examined me yesterday and said that I'm just about ready to go! I have to tell you that when it comes to giving birth, I LOVE - LOVE - LOVE the entire hospital experience...including being induced!

I love checking into the hospital with my nails freshly painted, I love the nurses, I love my OB, I LOVE epidurals, I love pushing, I love delivery (because I have an epidural), I love the big hospital cup with ice chips, I love having my new diaper bag filled with new baby things, I love having the entire day to hang out with Heath with all of the anticipation of knowing we are about to meet our newest baby, I love having friends & family come visit and HANDS DOWN, obviously the best part is meeting my baby for the first time!!! There's nothing else like it!

And of course there is another side to all those "LOVELY" things....I WILL lose sleep at night from now until then thinking about getting the IV & epidural. My worst fear in the world is needles. It doesn't ever get easier. Once they're in, I'm okay though. And then there's the after birth nastiness...the stuff no one talks about. All I know is that it's a good thing that the Lord gives you the baby BEFORE you have to deal with all that cause there is nothing pleasant about your hair falling out, episiotomy, engorgement, your uterus cramping SO BAD while your baby eats, post-pregnancy body and all the other ungodly things that I won't mention. ;)

We sure do treasure your prayers throughout this next week. We are fully aware that God is completely in control, loves us immensely and does not owe us anything. The final days of this pregnancy, labor & delivery are all in His good & gracious hands. Is there any safer place to be???

PS - Did I mention that I am so very excited that soon I will be less dependent on the need for public restrooms??? I am so sick of them & if I ever have to go inside a Target restroom again it will be too soon!

The BIG talk & my embarrassing moment at Target

We spent some time working on the GIRL'S room this weekend! All THREE girls will be sharing a room (and closet of course)! So we moved a few things out and a few things in! The crib is now set-up, rocking chair and small end table. I love the way it turned out - so much better than I imagined in my mind! I think the Lord somehow multiplied the square footage in there like he did those loaves & fishes! I'll post pictures soon.

So Friday evening I was putting the girls to bed. I was sitting in the rocking chair admiring my four-poster black crib for the 4th time and talking with them. Soon Natalie fell fast asleep and it was just Kate & I.

Pretty soon we got onto the topic of "periods." We've discussed it briefly in the past but not in a lot of detail. She began to ask some questions...how long does it last, when will it start, where does the blood come from???

Which took our conversation to female anatomy and reproductive organs...uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries.....you know! I speak very "matter-of-fact" on these topics. Open & honest.

At this point in the conversation is when Heath started to walk in the room. But when he heard "fallopian tubes" he quickly took two steps backward. Now, if you can picture it...the girls sleep in bunk-beds with the foot-boards facing the bedroom door. So when they are laying in bed, they can't see the door so she never saw him walk in.

She and I continued talking. And soon enough we were talking about the egg being released from the ovary....making it's way down the fallopian tubes into the uterus...which naturally lead us to the topic of sperm & male anatomy.

At this point I have three thoughts, simultaneously...

1. Oh My Gosh!!!! This is about to turn into the sex talk! Is she ready? Am I ready?

2. This can't turn into the sex talk...I have not prepared...I have no book...no visuals...I once heard we were supposed to like, go away for a weekend to talk about this.

3. If this is it, then I better start praying now!

Heath stood at the door, unseen and continuing to listen. Soon he got comfortable and laid on the floor. No matter what, I just knew I could NOT look at him or we would both die laughing!

For the "boy part" I was thankful to have Hudson as my example. He has spent much of the summer running around the house, completely naked. So I explained testicles, sperm and the two functions of the penis. Then we both giggled some as I mentioned when Hud sometimes gets...you know....

The conversation continued. It bounced around a little. She asked questions. And it wasn't until about the third time she asked, "I guess I still don't understand HOW the sperm gets into the vagina???" I knew I had to answer. But then she answered her own question...

"I know...it happens on the TOILET!!!"

Laughing!! Noooo, it doesn't happen on the toilet. Hesitate. Awkward Giggle. Ummm. Well.... in a very "functional" manner...I explained that only when a husband is married to his wife....he puts his !!!!! in her ******. I can't type it.

She giggled some. And asked, When? How often? I just referred to she and her siblings and said "four times." Again...a very "functional" explanation. It's all I was ready for.

The conversation ends soon after and she goes to bed! And quite honestly, I was pretty darn proud of myself. I thought I handled the entire situation exceptionally well!!! Heath and I laughed together and de-briefed on the couch. I was glad he was there to over-hear it all!

Fast Forward to the next night...........

Kate, Natalie, Anne & I go to Target to look for baskets. First stop for me is the bathroom to pee for the 100th time that day. Kate comes with me while Natalie & Anne browse the $1 section and wait for us. Kate finishes first & washes her hands. I am still in the stall and she says..."Mom, I think we're the only ones in here." We were. "Can I ask you another question...about, you know......what we talked about last night?"

"Sure Kate, you can ask me anything. What is it?"

"How long do you wait after you get married before you know...the husband puts his penis in your vagina?"

Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh...it was so funny...and awkward...and strange to hear those words come out of her mouth.

I respond...cool & calm of course. "Well, technically it can happen anytime after you're married, so usually on your wedding night."

Kate: "Yeah, I was thinking that's when it happened. But I think I will want to wait like, two days. I mean, I know my husband & I will need to discuss it and make sure we agree. But, I think two days."

"Yep. Ummmm, I think that will be fine."

I wash my hands. We walk out of the bathroom. Around the corner. Down the wide, main aisle. Pass customer service. Meet up with Natalie & Anne in the dollar section. Pass accessories. Pass shoes. Passing Intimates. About to turn right toward home stuff.

I hear Natalie giggling. A small commotion is happening behind me. She gets Kate's attention (NOT MINE) and points out the fact that THE ENTIRE BACK OF MY SKIRT WAS COMPLETELY TUCKED INTO MY PANTIES! Kate quickly jumped behind me as to block anyone else from possibly seeing. She starts pulling my skirt down. I quickly realize what is happening...and of course turn to look and see who has SEEN???? I couldn't tell exactly. But it made for a GREAT LAUGH!!! All four of us were practically rolling on the ground!!!

I guess I got a little distracted in the bathroom when she asked that question. The next day at church I kept running my hand over the back of my dress, terrified that the same thing might happen without me realizing it. Surely that never happens to a person more than once in their life, right?!?!

So Long Sola! We will miss you so!!

Last week was a long, exhausting, hectic week around here! In case you don't live nearby and haven't heard, Sola Coffee Bar is no longer in business. It's very sad. Our church owned coffee shop has been a MAJOR highlight of the last two years of life & ministry for our family!! Truly, a gift from the Lord at such a sweet time in our lives. It has been our "second place" and our kids have LOVED the time we have spent there! I will forever have memories of them playing with their friends (specifically the Johnson & Gregg girls) in the breezeway, Hudson napping in his pack n' play in the storage room, Natalie behind the counter working the register, Hudson drinking/playing in the drain water behind the counter, Kate's favorite place to take her friends after school and Heath re-telling stories of the different people he met that day and shared the gospel with.

For me personally, Summer 2010 at Sola Coffee bar with my kids & girlfriends was SO Sweet! Art classes for the kids + convo with my girlfriends = priceless!

Other random FAVORITES...

The Gregg's vow renewal, Murray's vow renewal, Veronica's baby shower (probably the most "missional" event I have ever been a part of), Monday nights with Kim Thompson, Women's bible study, Natalie's 5th Birthday Party, Marie's birthday party, Bob Basten who was there all the time & contributed to the mission of Sola, gospel-conversations, training and serving along-side our amazing Barista's, local artists, live music, record player, running to Sola with Hudson in the stroller, our relationship with Pat F., MJ, Spencer, Karen, Lerner, Jeannie, a few crazy ladies, Troy's Latte's, seeing all the other local pastor's meeting / mentoring, Bob & Tim working from there, Bill Bruce's many contributions, Spring Training & ESPN, Dick fixing all of our broken lights, face time with Cate, feeling our friends' love & support of Sola, Phuk-Dup, Sunday morning child-care, Christmas Eve Services, Sunday morning services, Bruce's surprise party, Cartel Coffee, Jeremy's leadership, Heath's office, Amy's decor, Will's community tables and my FINAL THREE...

1. The MANY contributions of PAT MURRAY! Some of my fav's: storage door on skate board wheels, bar built of old barn wood, spinning Sola sign, the EASY button, the condiment bar, he got every permit at the city of Scottsdale, the bar countertop, supplied almost all kitchen appliances...and SO MUCH MORE!

2. Michael & Kaarin Puhala - the backbone, heart & behind the operation support of Sola! Kaarin opened every account, paid every bill, audited every expense, dealt feverishly with the Oprah people & MTV people that wanted to film in our location, and handled probably thousands of other "behind the scenes" issues that I will never know about, day-in and day-out for 2 years! NONE of this could have or would have happened without her!

Michael served as quality control specialist, resident expert, trainer, barista, and frequent consumer at Intelligencia as well as other fancy coffee-bars bringing his expertise presence to our staff and the greater community of Sola!

The Puhala's championed Sola at every opportunity!!! They have partnered with Heath & I around every corner and with every endeavor.

3. Sola WINS Best Coffee Bar in Scottsdale according to Phoenix New Times!!!

I am grateful for these memories. I love these people. And I am thankful to the Lord for this sweet, sweet season in our lives & ministry!

And so, now Sola is Cartel. And if we have to say good-bye, then Cartel is exactly who we would want to take over ownership. But it's not been easy. Logically, it makes sense as the financial burden was simply too great for our little church. But we loved the dream...and the mission of Sola so very much. Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Old Town Scottsdale. And seeing the familiar faces each morning of the people in our city.

I pray that we were faithful. That God was glorified. Honored. And that the Lord used it to further His kingdom in our city.

A Teachable Moment

I'm passing this along because it was a GrEaT teachable moment for our girls this evening & maybe someone else's kids out there also complained about what was for dinner! ;)

Tonight we had BBQ pork chops & corn for dinner. One particular daughter complained several times that she didn't like what we were having. There was a little bit of fat on one of her pieces of cut up meat and she was quite dramatic about it. It immediately made me think of the famine & drought happening in East Africa.

So I got on to my computer & clicked on the RED "Help East Africa" link at the top left corner of the Yahoo page. The picture of the precious big-eyed, emaciated child featured in the story was the perfect "visual" for both of them to see in that moment. I was able to explain what a drought & famine are and how so many children are starving to death in East Africa, right now.

Immediately my complainer so sincerely responds, "Okay mom, but what can we do to help?" I love that about her! At the bottom of the article are 3 links where we could make a donation and one of them was 'World Vision' a Christian organization we trust & are very familiar with. They are accepting donations as little at $10. So we decided on how much we should give & were able to do so right then!

Aren't "teachable moments" all about the timing??! I'm thankful for the lessons tonight in... (1.) thankfulness & gratitude for what we have (2.) more awareness of what's happening in the lives of the people in the world around us & (3.) generosity!

Top Twenty

My mind is racing with all things gIrLy!!! It probably has something to do with the fact that I got to see my baby on a large screen for 2 hours this morning as she squirmed & rolled all over the place! It got me thinking about all the things I LOVE about having GIRLS!

Here's my top 20 List:

1. They come home for Christmas

2. Hair bows & ruffled bottoms

3. Long talks with lot's of details

4. Shopping together

5. Snuggling - there can never be enough of it!

6. Cooking & baking together

7. The help & team work with domestic stuff like cleaning the house....& seeing that (generally speaking) they enjoy doing it!

8. Dance Parties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9. Sister Love

10. A common love for sweets & treats

11. How MUCH they LOVE, Adore & Gush all over their brother

12. Their relational side

13. Watching them with their dad

14. Singing (& dancing) together in the car

15. Their affections toward God...and how they always want to know more about Him.

16. Girly bedroom (that is singular: 1 bedroom + 1 closet for 3 girls!) :)

17. Fashion - bikini's, boots, rompers & skirts! We like it all!

18. Their caring & generous hearts toward others

19. Their sense of responsibility

20. Even their sass & attitude can be so stinking funny!

Level 2 Sono & HER NAME

Heath, myself & the girls spent a good part of this morning at the Fetal Women's Center while I got a level 2 sono-gram. I don't know why, but I assumed a "level 2" was more like 3-D. It's not. It's a normal sono-gram that just takes an extra long time because they look very closely at every detail of the baby. And there's nothing that a pregnant mama likes to hear more during that 2 hours than "She's Perfect!" And my lovely technician said it over & over & over & over...Her heart, brain, spine, face, bones, hands & feet all look PERFECT!!! :) Praise God! He is so good to us and our hearts are bursting with gratitude!

So, IT IS a GIRL! We had a sono at 14 1/2 weeks that showed the same thing but since it was so early, Heath was not willing to fully accept that reality until it was "verified" today! He's so funny like that! When I was pregnant with Hudson, he kept insisting that there was still a possibility it was another girl until I was like, 8 1/2 months along! And this time, he was holding out for another boy! I know that deep down, he doesn't care either way...I think in a sweet sort of way, his nostalgic side holds out for whatever it is NOT. Weird, I know!

My due date is November 10.

Her NAME. Well, over the last 22 weeks Anne, Kate, Natalie & I compiled a list of names. We've added & eliminated. We've discussed them with my family & other girlfriends. It's pretty much dominated most of our conversations for weeks!!! I love discussing baby names!!!

And we have tried desperately to get Heath to engage in the discussion with us. He's pretty much been unwilling. He has so many other things on his plate right now, that discussing the baby's name was out of the question until he knew for positively, absolutely, undeniably SURE whether it was a boy or girl!

At the very beginning of my pregnancy all he would say on the topic was, "I only like the names we've already chosen! I DON'T like ANY other names. So let's just combine the girls' middle names and name her that! And if it's a boy, then it will just be another Hudson"

And he was very serious! Can you even imagine?????

That did not work for me.

I like the name Caroline Anne but this poor child needs an identity of her own!

So, on the list of girl names that we compiled this time around was......Emma, Savannah, Sadie & Avery.

On our boy list was Hayden (Heath's choice since Hudson #2 was OUT) and Blake (my choice).

And after 22 weeks of thought, a little prayer & much discussion (Heath was listening, even if he wasn't giving input) the girls and I decided on our favorite name!

Kate was the one who suggested it one evening, while she and I were looking at a blog post of baby names together. She picked it out of this long list and LOVED it immediately! The very next day a dear friend randomly suggested the exact same name. The more I heard it, the more I liked it! Evidently it has also grown on Heath because he told me today that he REALLY likes it as well! Neither one of us know anyone with this name.

Last thing I'll say on the matter...when it comes to choosing a name, I am not one for nick-names or shorter versions of their "real name." My preference is to call them exactly what I name them. And the meaning of the name plays a part as well. It's not the main thing for either of us but it IS taken into consideration.

So, the name that I am 99% sure that we have decided on is.........

Sadie Kathryn

Sadie is derived from the name Sarah which in Hebrew means Princess.

Kathryn is after my grandma's middle name - Lorraine Kathryn.

Alright, well there you have it! It's been an exciting day & we now have THREE weddings to be saving up for!!! Though, the sono-gram tech told us this morning that it has become "quite fashionable" for the couple to pay for their own wedding.

Heath really liked hearing that! :)

Beware of Mirrors

Wow!! I love how today's Desiring God post ties in so well with my blog post from yesterday! There's so much to behold for myself and to translate into 5 & 7 year old language for my girls. This will make a great family devotional for today!