Dentist vs. Delivery

Went to the dentist today, and while I have a wonderfully talented un-sadistic one, I still HATE it.  The thought crossed my mind that I would rather be in labor than stay there to have holes drilled in my teeth.  That started a mental distraction of comparing the two, which may have been God’s answer to my prayer to “Just get me through this, please.”

 

So, without further ado-

Top Ten Similarities of Having a Baby and Having Dental Work

10. Most people want some form of pain control.

• In my case, the epidural with Bug only took on my left side, and today they had to stick me 5 times to get the right nerve.  I’m wired all sorts of crazy.  One time the anesthesia numbed my eye and not my teeth.

9. You’re inevitably hungry afterward and have limited menu options.

• Can’t chew much after dental work, and you are at the mercy of the hospital cafeteria after the birth unless you have nice family members.

8. When you walk into the room, there is a daunting display of sharp silver instruments lined up on blue paper.

• Whether you realize it or not, that blue paper winds up with red splotches all over it in both places.

7. Relaxation techniques are helpful if you can remember how to do one.

• Friend, “Just go to your happy place.”
• Me, “I don’t know where that is!!!”
• Friend, “Try Orlando.” (She knows me well.)

6. There’s a high likelihood some part of your body will stay unpleasantly numb afterward.

5.  Lots of stretching and pulling going on.

4. You can never adequately see what is being done to you.

• (And that’s probably a good thing.)

3. The person whose face you desperately search for signs of hope/terror is always covered with a mask and goggles.

• I think they also practice not showing any emotion.  Seriously, is that a class offered in your medical degree plan, Stoicism 101?

2.  You’re going to “feel some pressure”.

• (Check out this bit by Brian Regan @3:22 mark)

1. They can’t get anything done until you “Open a bit wider, please.”

 

The main difference is that with labor you are handed a beautiful sweet child who makes it all worthwhile, and with the dentist, you are handed a bill.

Here’s hoping the home birth I’m planning this time will have few, if any, similarities.

Jesus Loves the Little Children…

Help me please, fellow Christian friends!

I need some advice regarding Emma with the following back story information:
We talk about God, sin, Heaven, Jesus, His death, His resurrection, and other related topics all the time. It’s a constant dialogue because she’s usually interested and brings up the conversation herself even.

A week ago she said she wanted to pray and ask to go to Heaven. It got dropped because when we started talking to her about it she switched the conversation to giraffes and crocodiles and I didn’t want to force anything.

Today she asked again to “ask to follow Jesus to Heaven,” and so I talked to her about it. She stayed focused and asked me to pray with her. I didn’t want to turn her down, so we prayed the simplest form of the prayer of salvation I could do. We talked about being a sinner, thanked Jesus for dying for us, and asked Him to fill her with faith to follow him the rest of her life.

What do I do?  I’ve been praying for her to accept Christ as soon as she can, so I want to believe He is answering that prayer. I want to keep guiding her of course. I know she will need it. I asked Daniel for help but I’m not sure he believes she’s legitimately “getting saved”. I don’t know what I think. I do know if I blow it off like it’s not the big deal that it is, then that will not encourage or strengthen her. So I’m paying attention to her and encouraging her along as she leads. Other than that, I’m just mystified that this is happening at 3 years old. Do I treat her like a Christian now? Do we pray through this again later, or even often as she grows in understanding? What do I do from here?

 

Verses I’m contemplating right now:

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.
(Matthew 19:14-15 ESV)

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
(Luke 18:17 ESV)

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
(2 Timothy 1:5 ESV)

 

Have any to add to the list?

 

I’m really just stuck on where to go from here and what “fruit” to look for, and what to do if I don’t see any growing after a while.

Both Daniel and I were “saved” at a young age but grew up thinking we were safe, somewhat falling into a pharisaical lifestyle, and really feel like God has saved and changed us in a greater fashion as young adults in this current phase of our lives.  I don’t intend to discredit her faith at all, but I don’t know what to do with it, how to nurture it, how to grow it, how to validate it.  I don’t want her to fall into the trap of thinking that she is fine and can coast on a prayer said at the age of three, but I also don’t want to make too light of a great situation if indeed she has accepted Jesus as her savior.

2o Weeks

I know it only reveals how addicted to television I used to be, but I keep hearing Spongebob’s voice on broken record saying, “I’m already halfway there!” as I think about this.  I am finally past the 20 week mark.  21 weeks and 2 days to be exact.  Though it seems that this pregnancy is flying by faster than all others previous, it’s still a big deal to reach this milestone.

Absent however, is the 20 week ultrasound that I enjoyed getting with both Bug and Gus. I’m going to miss having this little one’s fuzzy black and white image to show off in the baby book that I’m never going to have time to put together.  I have foregone the anatomy ultrasound under the advice of my midwife (and other health professionals whom I interviewed for a second opinion), who presented me with article after article of research indicating that it was not a wise idea to blast rapidly developing cells with high pitched frequency unless I had a specific concern to investigate.  One of the doctors simply said, “the babies try to get away from it for a reason,” and that was enough for me.  I remember that Bug actually punched the transducer (*hard*) as we were watching her wiggle around.  Also, I would immediately be able to tell if it is a boy or girl if I even caught an accidental glimpse of that anatomy on ultrasound, and I don’t want to ruin my end of the road surprise.  I hear it inspires you to push harder, just to find out.

It is still HARD not to know, because even though the 20 week ultrasound is absent, the question “do you know what you are having yet?” is now as full blown among my friends and acquaintances as my 20 cm fundal height tummy.  It’s also a lot harder to come up with two names instead of one. This week I made a baby birthday box full of clothing options and blankies and such in both gender colors.  I’m halfway into nesting, if only because our house is on the market and there’s no way I will prepare at the last minute if we (please God) get it sold before the baby is born, and have to find a new place to live (and give birth).

So, here’s my Boy vs Girl analysis to commemorate this milestone in an appropriate manner:

My heart wants a girl and my mind (read: sanity) wants a boy.

Girl-

• I get all nostalgic at the sight of Bug’s old clothes.
• Bug really wants a sister.
• I prefer most of the girl names we have created at this point.
• Having referred to him/her as “Baby Poppy” so long has made me think feminine, because Poppy doesn’t sound masculine.

Boy-

• Diapers are easier to change.
• Less drama for this mama.  (This should count double.)
• Gus would have a brother.

 

Feel So New…

For those with children, this should be easy to remember, for others, just trust me:

Those first few hours and days, you may not want to fall asleep even when you desperately need to, and when you wake up what’s the first thing you search for? Your precious new baby! The first thought in your mind, the first face you find, the first intention is your child. It’s love. It’s bonding. It’s seriously needed at that time. This kid’s been tucked away inside you for nine months and you’ve known for the most part that s/he is safe and secure, and now that s/he is out in the world and you fell asleep, well you have to make sure immediately. Also, it’s just purely delightful to enjoy this little bundle as soon as possible. S/he is your child, and you LOVE them.

>>

And then somewhere along the way, I don’t know what happens.  My assumption is that you start to realize that if you are ever going to successfully care for them, you HAVE to get some sleep. You look forward to the first full night/week/month of not being woken up for 4/6/8 hours. There is nothing wrong with this, because it’s necessary. If your child screams his/her little head off immediately upon awaking, instead of quietly preparing you a bouquet of origami roses with their blankey while awaiting your return with a smile, then you learn to “prepare” yourself for going in there.

Eventually, it’s just not the first intentional delight on your mind every awakening moment. Eventually that might become a cup of coffee, a simple shower, your quiet time, or even dare I suggest your husband.

And that’s not bad at all.

But this morning, I wanted my children first thing when I woke up as badly as children want to raid the tree on Christmas morning. It was delightful to feel that yearning to see their faces again, to know that just across the hall a smile and a hug were available just for me and tailor-made to fit my heart- and want it.

I know that’s from God.  I know it’s His love filling my heart for them.  Because that’s where I get it from, that’s what I’ve been praying for so desperately- a renewed and fuller, overflowing love for them, while my hormones and selfishness would dictate otherwise.

And I’m just so glad!

16 week update.

After 10+ days of worrisome and painful symptoms, I heard the baby’s heart beat today.  I also measured just right for being 16 weeks pregnant, so everything seems to be fine.  I tested slightly dehydrated, but other than that I am doing well.  Since that could be at least one reason behind the problems, I guess I need to up the water intake.  I was rather thirsty last week, as I remember.  Hopefully, that will make things stop hurting.  Otherwise, it could be that I have had all these pregnancies back to back (to back)  and my body is just a little worn out.  Such is the nature of sacrifice in this situation.  Or it could have something to do with stress and lifting too much weight (a.k.a. Gus).  She also put me on progesterone for the cramping, and I think it has lightened the severity of the symptoms.  It has a side effect of making me even more sleepy than I already am with watching my two young-uns and sometimes my friend’s, and trying to keep this house clean while pregnant.  I’m thankful for my friends who have been praying for me, and my husband who has been taking such good care of me.  24 weeks to go!

In other news.  I cut Gus’ hair.  He now officially looks like a little boy.  So much so that it is actually easier to discipline him now, because he doesn’t look like a baby anymore.  It also makes him look like a little thug at times, barreling down the hallway chasing his sister.  Also, when he throws a fit, I find that I can’t ever take him seriously, because the face he makes is the same expression as the first time I saw him right after he was born.  I am transplanted to that memory every time I see it, and cannot do much but smile.  He has also learned to holler my name along with his cries when he wakes up from a nap.  Love that milestone, I do.

Bug and I are both suffering from fears.

Recently she sat on the space heater in our bedroom.  She was standing next to it, and is completely aware that it is a hot item and not to be touched.  Suddenly, with no warning (or discoverable reason) it sparked.  Scared, she tripped and sat down on the metal grate.  This left a nice waffle print burn on her bum and a terror-filled expression on her face.  I had to calm her down, but she was so nuts I didn’t even discover the burn for a few minutes, because she wouldn’t let me do anything but hold her.

So, when we went to visit the grandparents, and she saw the pilot light in their gas fireplace, of course there was a bit of a frenzy.  And there are nightmares, noisy neighbor scares, unmuffled car engine startles, etc… in reality a very long list of scary things that set her off.  I have also been having plenty of nightmares, which are of course enhanced by the pregnancy hormones.  So my normally awful nightmares, are now downright horrendous and graphic.  On a lighter note, my normally wacky dreams are also now exaggeratedly insane.

Everyone in this house just needs a little more sleep.  :)

Happy Birthday to Bug!

Three years ago today, I was nowhere near prepared for the dramatic change that was about to take place in my life.  My life became her life.  She was born and everything changed.  She brings so much joy to us all, and I love her VERY much!  The past three years I’ve been learning a lot, and God has chipped away a lot of selfishness from me through caring for her.  I am so glad she’s here.  I can’t imagine life without her!!

Hello, World!

One Year

Two Years

Three Years Old!

 

I love you, Little Bug!  You are growing up so fast!  Let’s have lots more fun over the next year!  May God pursue you and keep you for the rest of your life.

Love,

Mommy

What ‘ave Dey Got? (A Lot of Sand??)

Did we go to the beach?

No, although I would really like to at some point, and had my hopes up for TGC13 in April, alas!

Home Pre-K is in full swing with both kids.  This “semester” I am opting for less structured, more open ended, less stress, and unfortunately more mess activities.  Playing to learn so to speak.  This is home-made play sand, which was a huge success.  On her own, she started singing what she called the sand song, “…the foolish man built his house upon the sand…”  We buried things and found them, learned the words “gritty” and well, “sand,” made towers and castles and covered their toes.  It was a blast.  I love that brother can join in.  I love that it’s a lot less stress on me to just lead her natural play instincts and curiosity into learning.  I think I had too high expectations and designed a kindergarten level curriculum last time.  Oh well, I’ll just wait a few years and keep it around.

Future preacher?

He loves it. Can you tell?

Teamwork

Interested face.

Excited face.

Assisted mess-making.

Moldable play-sand:

I followed Learn with Play at Home’s moon-sand recipe, which is an 8/1 ratio of flour/oil, replacing the flour with ground up rice (left over baby rice cereal from when Bug was a baby, simultaneous cabinet purging.)  It turns out more gritty, but holds form well, and feels pretty much like moist real sand.