One year ago

It just hit me that you were actually about to be a full year old, when people would ask your age and I heard myself say "eleven months." I'd think to myself, "Really, my baby boy is about to be one year old, man!"

The day you were born! I was surprised that the Lord was taking a different route than I had expected, with your entrance into the world. But it was a blessing, nonetheless.

The weeks and months seem to have flown by since then. I'm thankful, though, that I've been able to go from being very much out of sorts with holding everything together around me, to being just a little out of sorts from time to time - LOL.

You're my baby who was probably the most thought out because as we pondered the though of having another baby or not, I thought a whole lot about how I came into the picture as baby number four as well.

I'm so happy we gave you that opportunity because it's so fun to see you toddle around here having so much fun watching your older siblings. It's also fun to see them fuss over you and are so excited to see you do interesting, new, and funny things!

I look forward to many many more moments with you as the baby of the family, and since I know what my own "struggles" can be with being last in line (and Daddy too), we can hopefully watch out for them, for you and help you win --- Win Win!! (Get it?)

Happy Birthday, Dubb!!!

Cry it out

I won't say that I subscribe to this theory but last night I began practicing something similar. It worked well for the little man, and tonight it did too.

So as long as I'm consistent, it will work well for his night time sleeping.

We shall see!

One thing for sure, since I started this at 8.5 months, it will make for an easier weaning process. With the other babies, I waited until 12/13 months before removing the night feeding (just before bed) and that feeding was normally done while we were both laying down. This time I think I'll still leave that one for last but I'll do it while sitting up. The next step will be to remove the two remaining daytime nursing times.

Again, we'll see how all this goes.

More and more alert!

I noticed that yesterday our baby reached that more-alert-point where babies (well at least for my babies) can do these things for longer periods of time without crying

- lay on the bed
- sit in the bouncer longer
- and thanks be to God... he can ride in the car longer

We ran an errand this morning and there was no crying in the car at all. Halle -- lujah! My last two babies are not like the typical babies who immediately become quiet and fall asleep when the car begins to stroll. They're often quite the opposite. They've been known to cry and cry and cry until we pull into the garage and stop the car :-)

This is a big big big relief to me because it allows me to get more things done and I can select the times for baby holding and cuddling.

Before this point, if baby was not sleeping, he was either wanting to nurse or wanting to be held. So I would feed him, burp him and cuddle him and he'd sit or lay alone for a very little while, but before long it would be back to feeding or cuddling again until his next nap. I think he figured "as soon I wake up I need to eat" and "to go to sleep I need to eat".

That was fun and cute and I'd love to be able to do that all day but there's lots and lots of work to be done, books to be read, food to be prepared, dishes to be washed, showers and baths to be taken, clothes to be washed, folded and put away, ..... you know the drill. --- reality!

So I'm glad baby is starting to grow up.

This is also making things more fun because he's smiling more and starting to coo. So so cooot! (get it ... cooot :-) LOL )

Baby Boy's Stats

Baby Boy Thompson

Born 4/6/08 @ 8:49pm
7lb 8oz, 20 1/2 inches


Birth Story

Welcome to the World Baby Boy!

Part I - 11 Days Before Your Due Date

(by the way, I do have a version of this that includes photos, 

but I moved it to my personal blog)

I'm over 38 weeks pregnant now so you're full term but there's still 11 days until your actual due date.

Last night was much like last Sunday night. I'm continuing with this pre-labor which gives me no indication of how close I am to actual labor, like I would prefer. But that's okay. I'll be patient.

The contractions last night were from about 4am until about 9:30am today.

Consequently, we didn't go to church today, we had family worship at home. That worked out great. Especially since it was another opportunity for Lamby to get some home training for sitting still and listening to service.

I had a few contractions here and there throughout the morning and they started back a little more regularly at about 3 in the afternoon. So now they've been going on since then.

In afternoon, I had more energy so I finished some laundry and organized the laundry bins, I don't know when the last time was the case but almost every single clothing item has been washed right now! The bins in the laundry room and in our bathroom are just about empty. I even labeled them like Jeoff has been asking me to for a while now LOL. All those clothes are not only clean but also folded/hung and put away. Can somebody say Grace of God!?!?

I also completed Diona's lesson plans and worksheets for the week. How ironic? I never have those all done by Sunday night!

Back to the contractions, they're only lasting about 30 seconds or so and there's not a regular interval...... 20 minutes, here, 9 minutes there, then 14 minutes, and back to 9 minutes. I didn't start timing them until about 4:30 and I'm still not too convinced that this is it. It's now 5:40pm.

I think I'll take a nap after a little while to get some rest. Oooh, here comes a contraction now. Hold on a second.....
.
.
.
.
.
Ok I'm back.

Oh wait I can't take a nap now, Daddy needs to go to the grocery store first so I'll shower now and do that (get some rest) when he gets back.

I can't believe this pre-labor thing can go on for days and days, and weeks for some people.

I'm having flash back from when Lamby was born and Lisa told me that!

Part II - You're Here!

Daddy didn't make it to the grocery store and I never had a chance to lay down and nap. We did shower, at least.

I called the birth center at 6:50p and Carol told me to go ahead and come in. We arrived there about 7:45, she checked me at 7:50 and I was at 7cm / fully effaced.

All the kids were with us and we proceeded to unpack our bags and get ready for the next phase.

Who would have known it would be another quick one. The kids did really well as we got everything together and as Daddy came and supported me during the contractions. Kitty ended up being our photographer for most of the time. She loved that.

Some friends of ours (the Weirs - Pastors of City Church International) came to help with the kids until Granny and Grandma arrived. We were so very thankful for their help! They even brought us some food later. We were honored!!!!!!

Around 8:40, Beverly or Carol ran water for me to get in the tub to relax and just as I was walking over to get in I had to make a U-Turn (a very slow U-Turn) and head to the bed because it was time to push.

Yes!

Our son was born at 8:49pm. Weighing 7lb 8 oz and 20 1/2 inches long.

name..... coming soon!

2 weeks before your due date

It's now two weeks before your due date and it's been somewhat of an eventful week. The week began with me beginning to think you were going to come much sooner than your due date!

I wrote about it in a previous post but, I had contractions for a couple of hours in the middle of the night Sunday night and some of the morning on Monday. I think all they did were got my cervix a little more effaced (thinned out). But that's a good thing. It's better than labor starting and my cervix still being hard and thick - I know that may have been a TMI foul LOL. I had a check up yesterday and found out the information about my effacement. I'm 70% effaced and still dilated about 2cm. I measured a little over 43 inches around. I forgot to ask what your station was. Last time I believe I was at -3 which is pretty high up still. Looking in the mirror, it appears that you're starting to drop. Hopefully I'll get to take another one of the comparison pictures so I can see the difference.

Since reality is setting in, I've been walking a lot more lately. ...... around the neighborhood with the kids and also at the park up the street after Daddy gets home from work. I've also been practicing more kegel exercises and squats.

Today we had school as usual and this afternoon took your big brother to soccer practice. He was a bit cranky when we arrived because he had taking about a fourth of a nap in the car on the way there. I ran back up the hill to me and told me he wanted to go to sleep, after about 3 minutes of practice. I told him he had to stay and the if he ran back down to the field it would help him wake up. He did so, but he was still pretty out of it through practice. Poor Buddy's little allergies have been kicking his behind this season, especially with the watery and itchy eyes!!

At the end of practice he ran back up the hill with a big smile on his face because he know we were going to the park next door to play and that dinner time was soon.

Tonight your siblings really wanted to watch Cherub Wings so we watched it on Netflix's Instant Play. It's a very good show. Not really silly like some of the Christian cartoons and it includes several really good lessons. The one we watched tonight was called Moldy Gold and it taught them about putting their treasures in heavenly things, instead of things on this earth...... and valuing the things that we have vs. all things we could want (covet) and ask for over and over...... and how it's more important to have a heart like Jesus than have things that will make you popular and well-liked by people. Really really good little show. I highly recommend it.

We're still anxiously awaiting your arrival. I'm torn between wanting to see your face right now and relaxing until the times comes and enjoying a little more rest. One thing is for sure, the contractions Sunday night made us get a little more serious about preparing for labor. I've been reading and reviewing a lot more about relaxation, accupressure and such and Daddy went to the store the next day to buy all the things on the list, that we'll need to take to the Birth Center - newborn pampers, receiving blankets, Depends, olive oil, wheat thins, a black & white disposable camera, juice, Lanshinoh, and take home outfit. Oh, I still need to make a rice bag and get my music cd and candles together.

All the bags are packed and in the trunk (except snacks and orange juice which had to be refrigerated of course.)

Well, that's about it for now, little guy. Wuv you!!!!!

Baby Shower

The baby celebration on yesterday was really special to me and I was so grateful for the fellowship, the gifts, the words of wisdom and the prayers that were shared. Even from those who couldn’t attend but passed along a blessing!

Look at the cute little baby boo on the cake. He looks even sweeter now that I look back on the photo....



Best Advice
At the shower, we asked everyone to write down the best advice they have received, either from their mother, as a mother, or from a spiritual mother. There were so so many good ones but here are 8 of the best ones (in no particular order).

1. Tell God everything. Don't hold back. His grace is sufficient for it all.

2. Always remember to listen to God's word regardless of how it looks in the eyes of the world and regardless of what this world says. If you stand firm on god's word rather than man's word, you will always be secure on your solid rock. ---- and that came from a teenager!

3. Realize your child is "in training". Training children to obey your voice. First time obedience. Doing this will train them to obey God's voice.

4. Have patience, and remember you were that age before and experienced and explored the same things.

5. One of my favorite sayings is "years from now people won't care about how much money you made or how may cars you drove, but most importantly that you poured into a life of a child." That is how you effect the world.

6. As mothers, we are not only shaping lives, we are forming the next generation. There is no vocation that can compare to the value of motherhood. Giving all of what and who you are to your children is a position of honor that should never be taken lightly. Regardless of the sacrifice, pressure, heartache or pain you face as a mother - continue to give it your all and the rewards of Godly fruit will be yours for generations to come. --- from a mother of eight children

7. You can go to God and find out what your children need when they need it (without depending on them to tell you).

8. Try to plan your meals early in the day. That way, when it's time for Daddy to come home, dinner will be ready, he can eat and be in a good mood! He will be more inclined to meet your needs as well.

Great advice!!!

Spiritual Moms
My friend, Lynn Scarborough shared some words from her ministry, Spiritual Moms, and talked about the importance of us birthing children in the spirit, regardless of whether we have children in the natural or not. Lynn has an amazing testimony, a wonderful book by the same title, and a new blog for us to read and keep up to date on what’s going on with this mentoring group. Please visit when you get a chance. www.holymamas.com

Blessing
Here’s a blessing that was written by my new friend, Angela. A blessing for all mothers, with wonderful and encouraging references from the Word of God.

Joyfulness - "joyful mother of children"
Psalm 113:9
(happy, cheerful, rejoicing, festive)
"That the joy of the Lord will be their strength"

Fruitful - "the fruit of the womb is a reward" Psalm 127
“That their training would bear plentiful, good fruit bringing great reward”

"Your wife shall be like olive plants all around your table"
Psalm 128:3

Wisdom - personified as a woman in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom beyond their years - wisdom for every decision, wisdom on your lips. Wisdom in all your instruct, wisdom in the way you manage your household

Grace - unmerited favor, undeserved blessing, a free gift
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:9
May God's strength and power rest upon you.

Endurance - (constancy, steadfast, patient endurance, bearing up)
Hebrews 10:35-36
"Do not cast away your confidence which has a great reward for you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."

Love - Both to give love and receive love!

Giving love - patient, kind, not rude, not prideful, rejoice in truth, believes the best of every person (child), bears all things hopes all things, endures all things... never fails.

Receiving love - hearts and minds and spirits that are significantly impacted by the abundance of the Father's love, Being filled back up moment by moment, as you give out, you receive back "good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over." Imparted with a revelation of the Father's heart for you - Love that adores you, love that delights in you, love that never leaves you, love that is never retracted or taken away, love that embraces you when you fail, love that will never fail you, the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus! Romans 8:35-39

Contractions Update
In the middle of the night, Sunday night, I was surprised by contractions that came and went for almost two hours! Then they were off and on every 30 minutes or so until about mid morning. If he would have come on Monday, that would be very surprising! Even if he came some time this week, 2 weeks before the due date. We'll see.... Jeoff was off work for the morning and took Pupster to the doctor and Lamby went with him, so Kitty and I went out for a walk. I tried to walk for an hour like they suggested at my last appointment but I only got about 30 minutes in. I walked about 30 minute more later that evening.

Will keep you posted, for those of you who care to know, LOL!

Birth Center Orientation

Today we attended the orientation/birthing class at the birth center. It's mandatory, no matter how many births you've had there, so although this will be our third birth there we had to attend.

They've remodeled since 2004 since we birthed there last and Cherie has changed the color scheme. It's a really beautiful home.

We were very proud of how The Pupster did during the meeting. We sat at the end near the door and he played in the next room, with the puppets and other toys.

For almost two hours straight, he stayed there and played and made almost no noise. The other couples even complemented him on doing so well. I think a lot of his energy, at other times, comes from the stimulation of his other siblings.


During the orientation, one of the mothers-to-be asked about the level of involvement she should expect from the midwives and birth assistants.

I'm really glad she asked that question because Cherie's answer included some statements I don't think I had heard before.

She talked about their goal of having the husband and wife work as a team and having the wife see her husband as her savior during the process.



She said that if they see that the wife needs a cold towel or a warm rice sock on her back, they take it and place it in the husband's hand so he can apply it, and the wife will thank him for helping her.

That's was really great to hear.

She also mentioned that there are many birth situations where there is a doula present, and that's helpful mostly in a hospital setting if the couple is not allowed as much freedom.

Many times doulas get a lot of credit for doing the comforting and encouraging and coaching that is designed for the husband to do.

No disrespect to doulas, I just like it this way. It strengthens the bond between the husband and wife during this extremely sacred process.


Below is the tub where the Pupster was born in 2004. I didn't plan it that way, I was there to relax and out he started coming!!!!



Hopefully I'll get to take a happy picture like the one below, during and after labor, when we come back in a few weeks, or a couple of weeks!!

3 weeks before your due date

Here's how you're growing so far. You're still moving quite a bit so I guess you still have a bit of room in there.

What are we up to? Today at school we read a chapter of David Livingstone (missionary to Africa), we worked on memorization (a poem we're learning, called The Year), we worked on writing (copywork), and we had an interview with Uncle Ed (Jeoff's brother) in Japan since we're studying Asia for geography.

During the younger kids' naptime and Diona's independent work time, I washed and folded a boat load of clothes and did the dishes.

I didn't have quite as much cleaning to do as usual because the kiddos are becoming such better helpers and much better at playing in one area and cleaning that area up. But only if I stay on top of them with reminders and pointers - that's the key!

This evening your big brother had soccer practice, which was cute as always, and afterwards we all headed to Lowe's to look at some kid room decorations and wallpaper for the kitchen.

Tonight we watched the finale of America's Best Dance Crew - Go Jabbawockeez!!!!

I missed the finale of Celebrity Apprentice although I watched the show pretty faithfully through out the season. I'll have to catch it online tomorrow or this weekend. I think Trace Adkins won. At least I hope he did. These are really the only two shows we watch and Jeoff just got into Dance Crew last week as I was flipping through the channels. The other two I flip on every once in a while are A Baby Story - which is getting on my nerves, Top Model, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. A Baby Story is getting on my nerves because I want to see stories of more women walking around during labor and pushing in different positions other than laying almost flat. Oh we also flip in at Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars.... and yeah Hannity and Colmes or Larry King if there's a good guest or topic. Why am I rambling about this??? Hmmmmm .... I guess just so I'll have it documented for history's sake. Seriously though, the tv is usually off at our house except about 5-6 hours all week.


Update: Friday, March 28
We went for my appointment at the birth center today and I was dilated almost to 2cm. Beverly encouraged me (reminded me) to make sure I walk an hour each day to help with labor. My blood pressure was normal and she took blood for them to check my iron level again. My stomach measured 43 1/2 inches today.

Another update - Piers won Celebrity Apprentice. Oh goodness. I hope he improves his attitude.

4 weeks before your due date

Today was a date day for Daddy and me. Wow! We don't even remember when we had the last one of those. But it was absolutely great. We felt like teenagers out on a date together or something.

It was nothing major just good time spent together.

We had an appointment that morning at 10:30 and after the appointment we had lunch at Red Lobster.

Stopped by Fry's Electronics.

Went walking at the new outdoor mall.

Came home and greeted Grandma and the kids.

That night we had planned on watching a movie but opted out of that and decided that talking and actually having more reflection on the day would be much better than taking in a movie.

I had an appointment at the birth center yesterday. My waist (well whatever the part of my stomach that's biggest right now) is about 43 inches. I've gained about 22 pounds so far. Blood pressure and fetal heart rate were normal, thank God! They'll check my iron again NEXT TIME - Thank God!

Your estimated weight as of yesterday was about 5.5 lbs.

One Month Before Your Due Date: Baby Update - 36 Weeks

Today is the first day of Spring Break. We'll rest today and do some activities later in the week.

Before we go out and do a lot of activities we're cleaning inside the house. Daddy got you guys (well all of us) a little sweeper which we desperately needed. Today we're testing it out and teaching everyone how to use it - Even Lamby.

This past weekend was pretty eventful. Friday night we went to Auntie Rita's for their Bon Voyage party, before their cruise. Saturday morning at 7 I had breakfast with my friend, Tasha. That was long over due for us. It was nice to get out early and have the fellowship with a good friend.

Later on Saturday, I took all your siblings to Cia's birthday party at Going Bonkers. They had a really good time. Especially your sister Lamby. If I had let her, she would have ran loose all over the place!

Yesterday we all went to worship service. I can't wait until you have your turn to learn to sit in service with the family! :-) After service, we visited the Farmer's Market again and got lots of good fruit and vegetables.

The afternoon, was family BTU (Bible Study) at Granny's House. We're currently studying Ephesians 6 - Responsibility of Children & Parents and The Full Armor of God. Your sister, Lamby, hung out with Daddy while we were there so she could get her good long 3 hour nap; and after that they went grocery shopping at Walmart!

You are continuing to grow like a weed. I'm 36 weeks pregnant and I'm sure you're running out of room to get around in my tummy. I am very thankful that, at my last birth center visit, Cherie suggested that I start taking a calcium/magnesium supplement. And it has done wonders for the joint aches and pains I had been really suffering from!!!!

I take one whole one and two halves, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner respectively.

There's a baby shower planned for the end of this month. I'm excited about it! I know some people to have showers after a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd baby (or more) but I'm hoping this will just be a great time for fellowship and celebrating the fact that God has added you to our family!!!!! We'll also be celebrating motherhood in general - both natural and spiritual. I think it'll be a fun time. Especially since there will be some friends there who I didn't get to celebrate any of the other pregnancies with - so that's special JUST FOR YOU LITTLE ONE!!!

I put a comparison photo below, in the same outfit so you (and all of us) can see how your grow over time!

Oh yeah, you've also had a couple of little buddies born within the last couple of weeks that I'm sure you' grow up right along with. Little Carson was born about 5 weeks ago and baby Joel was born just on Friday.

Talk to you soon!

Here's how you're growing......

Baby Update - 35 Weeks

I didn't realize........

....I looked so big!

Until Jeoff took this picture of me today, outside in the bright light LOL

34 weeks and counting

Baby Update - 34 Weeks

Baby Update - 33 Weeks

Two Months Before Your Due Date: Baby Update - 32 Weeks

Baby Brother,

Today is President's Day so we don't have any official school. It's just mommy here at home with your siblings. Last night was Kozy Night in the Family Room. We usually watch a movie or play games on Kozy Night but last night we sang worship songs together and that was better than anything else!

This morning your biggest sister made breakfast, as I rested a "few more minutes". I won't disclose exactly what I allowed her to make, LOL, but she did a great job and I even heard Lamby happily exclaim, "I'm done Yah Yah!"

It's almost time for her birthday party. We'll have it the week before her birthday this year because she has another exciting event to attend the following Saturday (her actual birthday).

This time of year (Spring Semester) is a very exciting time, because all of you have birthdays!!! I feel like every month we're either sending bday invites or thank you cards or planning for the next event coming up. It makes the Summer and Fall nice, though, because we can just focus on Thanksgiving and Christmas and OTHER PEOPLE's BIRTHDAYS!!

I can't beleive Kitty is about to be 6 years old!! She has these long long legs and she's such a better helper, and with that comes the fact that she's a much better talker and negotiator. :-)

Your next check up is this coming Friday. They'll take blood again and see where my iron level is nowadays. Still trying to get it to increase. At last check they suggested that I take the Slow Fe twice a day and a liquid iron supplement once a day. The reason it didn't go up last time could have been because I took it with food sometimes. Apparently it would have been better to not take it at all, than to take it with food. So many little details.

On another note, last night I went to a life team meeting for the CTI Alumni. Daddy stayed on this side of town and took Kitty and Pupster to AWANA. We wanted to make sure they didn't miss that! It was really nice to see some of our fellow classmates and hear what they're up to these days. I look forward to getting together with them more regularly and networking. I know there are many of us who have gifts that can help each other grow in their individual ministry endeavors.

Let's see what else did we do today. Everyone took a nap which was nice. Some days we're off schedule so this doesn't happen, but today it was much needed since I'm getting over a cold. I also needed to catch up on laundry and dishes, which of course never ends.

We prayed together and sang after lunch because we needed to change the atmosphere. There had been some complaining going on, among the brethren that I was not going to tolerate so I knew at that time the Holy Spirit was better than me, at bringing peace.

Tonight, I made chili, thanks to a recipe over the phone, from Granny. It actually came out really good! It was my very first time making homemade chili. Everyone liked it. Kitty said she wants to have it every night. (But she also says that about steak, and stir fry and tilapia LOL).

Baby Update - 32 Weeks

Baby Update - 31 Weeks

Baby Update - 30 Weeks

Baby Update - 29 Weeks