Hi everybody! Just checking in... I am doing really well...
I am feeling pretty emotional about being discharged from the hospital
because I don't want to leave Toby. But I will probably stay here most
of the days and sleep at Leah's at night until Tobias comes home...
He is the sweetest thing. He is bringing healing to my heart.... His
big brother finally figured out today that Toby is no longer in Mommy's
belly AND this baby is named Toby.... waiting for the connection.
No, I am not resting enough. I am drinking plenty of water, however.

Fear not, the blog will live on!

Finally

Gottcha! (Toby's first picture)

"What happened?"

Big Boy!












First Contact, what a trip














Add a mustach and you got Calvin Stanley...




"Please don't put me down again."



"Some clothes please?"

Toby is doing much better! He came off the ventilator at 10:30 am. He is still on a nasal canula and has a feeding tube. Jessica got to hold him for about 2 hours, which he seemed to like sooooo much. During this time Grandma and Leah got to see him, and lucky 'ol Daniel happen to be here, and got a peak. He's still not totally stable yet. If he maintains doing so well, it may be open season tommorow, and the glorious child shall be on display. Of corse all who are sick, or recently sick, or have someone in their home who is sick, or know someone who is sick (everything except the last one) shouldn't see him. Any visitors are welcome today! We love everybody, I am running to the store (driving) to get a cable so we can upload the much sought after pictures, and I am eager to display them! Very cool... check in around 2:30 - 3pm to see the pictures... blessings - Richy

P.S. thanks to all who warred in prayer last night. It felt like a very crucial time of prayer for all of us who were praying. I believe the Lord did something powerful!

12/28/05 7:45 4lbs 14oz
Pictures coming soon.

Toby is having some hard time absorbing oxygen. He is currently on a
ventilator which is basically doing half the work for him. Jess and I
were hoping to have a free for all visitation today, however, because
he is not stable yet, we feel it wouldn't be good to have a lot of
people come see him right now. Everybody can visit us, it just may be
a while for everyone to see Toby. (He is currently in the NICU) The
pictures I will post (as soon as I get my dv cable from home) are
beautiful.

Jess is having a real hard time with this, because she is not allowed
to feed Toby until he stabilizes, plus he wants his mommy and doesn't
understand what is going on etc...
Despite his breathing issues, he looks really good to me. He looks
like a big baby. He's looking around great, and before the ventilator
went in, he was crying great too!
I've decided he looks the most like Calvin Stanley, with his body frame.

Thank you all for your prayers. Leah asked me last night what the word
I got concerning him when Jess was 18 weeks in pre-term labor and it's
from John 14- 16 "In this world you will have tribulation...but my
peace I leave with you." Toby's name was to mean peace, (middle name
Paxton) . So we are in some tribulation, however, I believe we have a
promised victory. May Tobias be with his mommy before the year is
over! Glory! - Richy

It's morning.... and I don't know what to do.
I am allowed to get up.... but what then?
This is new. At this point I am still within the confines of my longtime prison bed.
The MOG is in the living room... there's an 85% chance he's praying and a 15 he's looking at a studio catalog. No chance whatsoever that there is breakfast going on in there.
The kid is sleeping. I know this because I can hear him breathing from anywhere in the house....
And you, my esteemed friends, are usually about your business till after 9.

BUT WAIT AND FORSOOTH! I FORGOT IT'S WEDNESDAY! MEN OF THE WORLD UNITE!

How about this topic: what was your favorite present and why? And if you didn't get it because it cost $10,000, why would it have been the perfect present?
What.... does a man really need?


I was right.... he's just hanging in there by a barely. Dr Reed said if
I start having contractions every 10 minutes get to the hospital
ASAP....
Dilated between 3-4 and he is at +1....

WOOHOOO! Now watch him copy Isaac and stay in another 6 weeks.

I have a doctor's appointment today... I'm actually looking forward to
hearing what's going on in there. I am not sure--- you see, this guy
Tobias is a character. For over 4 months now, he keeps saying, "RED
ALERT! IT'S TODAY! OH HOLY COW CALL THE PRAYER LINE!" and then he just
settles in sweetly for weeks while Mommy pulls out her hair....
Then, again "OH NOOOOOO GET OUT THE MAGNESIUM IV AND THE LIQUID DIET
BECAUSE SHE'S CONTRACTING EVERY 2 MINUTES (hee hee hee, he says)!!"
then nothing.
"STICK A TERBUTALINE PUMP IN HER LEG THAT MAKES HER SHAKE AND THINK
CRAZY BECAUSE I WILL COME OUT RIGHT NOW IF YOU DON'T!"

and so forth. So despite the fact that it feels like he is only still
in there because he's hanging by his foot from my rib, I'm not buying
it.
We shall see...
but I do suspect some drama and comedy going on in there. Him and the
Big Guy in the sky just yukkin it up.

34 weeks!

Your baby acts completely like a newborn, with his eyes opened when awake and closed when sleeping. You may also find him settling into more of a routine for sleeping & awake times.

He has learned to blink. He can also see more clearly when there is a bright light on your stomach and probably has the outline of all your organs memorized!

Antibodies from your blood are being tranferred to him. These immunities continue to build until birth. Then breastmilk will add even more protection against disease.

Your baby may have already turned to a head-down position in preparation for birth. If he is your first baby, he may be settling into the pelvis with his head pressing against your cervix.

Fingernails have reached the end of the fingertips now. He may scratch her face even before she is born!

Your little one's length is 17.7 inches (45cm) and weight is 4.7 pounds (2146 g).


Now, again... we know that Toby is bigger than this!! Today's the day I quit bedresting! Hooray! (I already snuck out and saw Narnia on Friday..... hee hee hee)
So I don't know what I'll do. I've never been at the part where it's ok to go into labor before... a little nervous about what do I do now....
But I'm very excited! YAY 34 weeks!

I am sleepwalking
I'm hoping that maybe
if I tiptoe softly enough
then you will come
And not just be another
sweet dream faded too soon

Maybe if I don't wake up
You will come
and be the substance
of this hope

Maybe if I don't want you too much... maybe if I close my eyes... maybe
if I sleep
Then you can come and fill my arms
and I can be at peace

Probably not much going to happen in here today.... everybody have a
very Merry Christmas!

I miss my sassy little blonde hair. This hair is nice.... but who ever

wanted to be nice? I want to be dangerous.
But, the matronly brown hair will stay until I am a little skinny
shrimp again.

Last night I broke out of here and went to Richy's class. I laid down
in the car, and I laid down in the class.... basically the same as all
my life except there were other people there. It was a nice break.

So I think we established yesterday that many of the male stereotypes
are based in truth.... interesting.

I am almost bored, people. This is so unnaceptable for a yablonski...
I'm holding out but barely.

Isaac

guys day continues...

• Guys will not ask for directions
• Guys think about "it" all the time
• Guys like blow'em up movies, hate romantic comedies
• Guys can't cook
• Guys like sports
• Guys like women to have long hair
• Guys don't cry
• Guys leave the seat up
• Guys like to eat meat.... especially red meat

now, ladies, this is not the time to defend your man. Your input can be other guy myths or stereotypes that I forgot.
Men... are they true?

NOTE: this is not meant to be attacking in any way... I'm just wondering how guys feel about male stereotypes and whether some are true...

Kai Nelson

This morning I had a lovely sleep. Now I am awake and I can't think of
anything to blog about.

I have a great picture of Kai (Leah's baby) but I don't have the cord
to upload it yet.... so later on that.

Maybe it's the drugs... I have never known my mind to be so
consistently blank. But there you go.

My appointment was good... cervix is still dilated to 3 so the plan is
chill for this week and then next week I should be a freebird! WOOHOO!

And Crystal and Isaac are doing great... relatively painless delivery +
epidural...

Amniotic fluid is at its highest level during your pregnancy.

Your baby's head size has increased 3/8ths of an inch due to rapid brain growth.

Neurons and synapses are developing in huge numbers -- forming connections in your baby's brain will give him the skills he needs to thrive as a newborn. This week, he may be able to coordinate sucking and swallowing with breathing.

While most of his bones are hardening, his skull is quite pliable and not completely joined. The bones will be able to move slightly to make birthing easier.

Your baby takes intermittent deep breaths -- of water! That's okay, though since he gets oxygen from the placenta. This breathing exercises muscles and encourages his lung cells to produce more surfactant (a protein essential for healthy lung development).

Your infant is now 17.2 inches (43.7cm) long and weighs 4.23 pounds (1918gm).

Now, actually Toby was this big last week... so he's probably a little closer to 4 and a half pounds now!

Got a call last night Crystal was headed to the hospital... not sure of today's update yet
I have been feeling bummed about missing the Christmas season... I have decorations at home but it's just different not being out in it... buying presents and hearing the music everywhere.... I was so sad to have to stay home from the Christmas banquet, I cried.
BUT last night the Christmas banquet came to me! The whole choir and the video--- and the water glass Carolers.... the whole show! It was so awesome and so fun... Pam and John Crouse are the greatest... I feel like I got to have some Christmas season right here in my house.

Dr's appointment today. Pray that I don't get re-hospitalized for my final week of bedrest!

all is well... same ol same ol

just killin time till 34 weeks...

Sorry folks.. I was resting and eating and such

Well, I would have had a very comfy sleep. But this terbutaline pump
I'm hooked up to ran out of medicine at 5 am or so and started
beeping.... and the powers that be have still not granted me refills.
So I had to take the oral terbutaline which makes me miserable and
shaky. So maybe I can catch up on sleep later.

Congrats Julie on 32 weeks and Crystal on 39 __ holy cow!

Wahoo! Jess and I felt this morning that we've had enough. She's been having no contractions for 4 or so days, and living here hasn't been that great. So she asked the doctor, the doctor checked her cervix and it was the same, at 3 cm. So were packing up awaiting discharge for the Hospital. Yahoooooo! Thanks for all your prayers...

I think this is day 8 of my hospital confinement, with a break Saturday
afternoon and night.
I feel the same. I have occasional contractions, nothing new.
I am tired of being in this bed. I need a dose of gratefulness.
This has been such a long pregnancy and I know that in the end it will
all be so worth it. I just feel a little tired and emotional today.
Pray for grace for me to finish this race... I want to go home on
Christmas Eve still pregnant.

Jessica

Here is a little pictorial of our hospital journey...

Great news! From the ultrasound, Toby is over 4 pounds! HOORAY!!

miserable and wretched on magnesium

finally got my boy back!

at the shower

animals are our friends
life is sweet

R2's sleeping quarters

Daddy and Richy do some work

I will post updates if anything changes. Until then, take it away, blokes.

No real update here... I am waiting for some medication.... the home
health nurses and the hospital nurses are at war and I appear to be in
the crossfire... oh, and Dr Reed has been stomping around threatening
people.
In the meantime, here I lay or lie.
12 days to my escape.

My ultrasound was good. Besides the painfully full bladder part...
Toby looks very happy and cute and slightly chubby.... YAY
R2 has now joined us at the hospital and is very noisily eating chips.
All is well, still in a holding pattern.

My ultrasound was good. Besides the painfully full bladder part...
Toby looks very happy and cute and slightly chubby.... YAY
R2 has now joined us at the hospital and is very noisily eating chips.
All is well, still in a holding pattern.

32 weeks is a huge milestone. From here on out, Toby basically just gains weight. Everybody up here at the hospital is relieved to be here.... in 2 weeks they would probably not stop labor if it started again.
I am feeling very hopeful. If I delivered him today, any complications or delays would be unlikely. However, he would have to stay here at the hospital until he got big enough to come home. So we're contending for a post-Christmas baby.

Week Thirty-Two

Your baby is up to 3.75 pounds (1702gm) now and is 16.7 inches (42.4cm) long.

You might notice he's not moving around as much now. Don't worry! He is fine -- just running short on room. He still has plenty of growing to do though, believe it or not!

All five senses are working. Your little one is fascinated and practicing testing these out as much as possible!

Toenails are completely formed

Hair on your infant's head continues to grow in.

Brain scans have shown that babies have periods of dream sleep (REM) starting around the eight month. What do you suppose your son is dreaming about?

Thanks everyone for praying. Please continue to pray for us- we need patience and peace as we wait for this blessing.
Jess

Last night when we got back to the hospital .... we got sent home.
There was some wackiness about insurance re-admitting us and blah blah
blah.
So rather than risk the hospital billing us directly, Dr Reed told us
to just go home and call her this morning. This was very happy because
I got to look at all my beautiful baby presents and read your cards.
I had a rough evening, drugged myself to sleep and have felt pretty
good today but still having sporadic contractions and feeling like Toby
may be lower...
So Dr R is readmitting us to watch me. I feel like I will probably stay
for the duration.
I'll be 32 weeks tomorrow.... that's kind of a magic number for
preemies...

so we had one night in our sweet little house... it was a nice break.
Will update as events warrant. Unless they drug me severely. Then Richy
will update.

much much love and appreciation for everyone.
Jess

Well, howdy! This is Jess posting on Terbutaline. It's kinda like
mainlining caffeine.
My hands, they shake
My head, I can't finish sentences
etc

BUT TODAY IS MY BABY SHOWER AND I AM SO EXCITED!

condition update: I had few or no contractions overnight... I am now on
a terbutaline pump that attaches to my leg and dispenses medicine
continuously. As far as we know my cervix is unchanged and I am pretty
stable.
If some of your worst fears are that I will go into labor at the
shower, well, it's possible. But it's a risk we and our doctor feel
fine about taking.
I passed one test (fetal fibronectin) that says I should not go into
real labor for at least 2 weeks... we'll see how accurate that is but
today I feel confident that Jesus wants me to go to my party!

We're in the process of figuring out how to get out of here... Dr Reed
wrote a pass but the hospital supervisor doesn't do passes anymore so
we may have to get discharged and then come back tonight and be
readmitted.
Or maybe we'll just break out of here in my hospital gown, fanny to the
wind and to HECK with the consequences.... just kidding. It's all just
legal mumbo jumbo at this point. See you there!

It's 10:23pm Thursday, Jess is looking good. She has had very few contractions in the last few hours. And is in good spirits! We are very hopeful about the shower saturday.
I however had a hard time. I locked R2 in the car at McDonalds, with the car running. The humorous part was that I could not get him to open the lock, many strangers came by with a fresh additude of convincing him that he could open the lock. (as people have always been, in dealing with his special needs) I also locked my cell phone in the car, which has roadside assitance. As you know, it is freezing out side, and I was not dressed for it. (flip flops and swim shorts,.... not really, I would just would have prefered a few more layers of clothing) I had to ask someone to borrow their cell phone. After about 15 min I was able to get a hold of Jessica who sent her mom, and a lock smith toward me. After about 30 min, I figured they must have the wrong McDonalds. I strongly convinced a McDonalds employee that I needed to use HIS cell phone, and not the pay phone which was on the other side of the store, because my kid was locked the car without the heat on, (I turned out to be a good temperature inside the car..in case you're worried) I then called Linda, and sure enough they were at the wrong McDonalds! About this time, all my stranger "helper" people left, knowing I was going to get help. I then knelt on the pavement facing r2, it was then that he starting crying very sad. I hated not being able to do anything for him. Finally, Linda, and then the locksmith guy showed up, and got the car open. It was not cold at all inside the car. And R2 was feeling better, and laughing when I showed him how to open the lock. (He did it twice on his own, once I was in the car) When I got to the hospital here, I suddenly felt a huge emotional weight. (Girls will like this conversation) I've had to cry, and had to write about it. I didn't think it was a big deal, besides the fact that I have no meat between my skin and bones, so I got very very cold. But it was really all the feelings of being unable to help r2 through all of his struggles. Seeing my twins struggle and not able to help them, and now in this scenerio with Tobias. Ultimatley I understand we cannot claim control over anything, for "By Him all things are held together, and by Him all things consist:" However, sometimes I find my self wanting so bad to protect my children. May our hope remain in the Lord who holds all things together. Thank you all for your prayers and love. We all need people.

Richy

Finally saw a doctor at 2pm ish... Jessica's cervix looks the same. 3cm. (that's good) The doctor is happy, and optimistic that we could go a few days to longer. ( I prefer longer ) She is still having contractions, now about one every 15 min. But it appears they are not strongly effecting her cervix. They are going to try to put her on a different medicine in the morning, Turbutaline w/ a pump. She did mention the possiblity of a hospital pass for Saturday assuming everything is going well.
So we are doing well, hoping to stay were we are for a few weeks. Keep praying! Thank you to everyone! We'll let you know here, if there is an update. Otherwise, we are just waiting. Blessings, Richy

Hello all, this is Richy typing for Jess, I mean, not right now, this is me. In a moment it will be Jessica.

Jessica says:
"Yesterday I went to a routine doctors appointment and found out that I was dilated to 3 cm. I also got a 3D ultra-sound which I will post later. Then off we went to the hospital. I hate it here. Pray for patience. "

So folks, that all Jessica has to say.
Last night around 5 pm she was having contractions at 2 min apart! By 11:30 pm they had basically stopped. I think perhaps more prayer than medicine. However, things are looking better. We haven't talked to a doctor yet. We still won't till the after noon. They will check her cervix, and we will be able to post. Being the computer genius that I am, we now have internet access on my laptop in the L&D room. We are praying that she stabilizes enough to go to her baby shower this Saturday. The doctor told us yesterday that they may make an exception for us. Jess and I both don't like being here. But we are praying for patience. She doesn't want visitors right now because she feels so bad (from the drugs) , and talking causes contractions. I will be checking the blog if anyone has any questions. Joy! and thanks for all your many prayers and intercessions. My faith is going UP! - Richy

My appointment today is around 2.... so I may not do the update before you worker bees leave work.
3D ULTRASOUND TODAY WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!

Gentlemen, she's all yours.

UPDATE BUT NOT THAT UPDATE
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My doctor's appointment is tomorrow... so I will be here today. I am
currently waiting for the nurse to come and give me my shot. She was
supposed to come yesterday, but I went to McDonald's instead. So there
you go.

I want to get our pictures taken... you know, like in a studio. I was
thinking Picture People but some people have said Sears is better and
so forth....
I want multiple poses so that gets confusing...
these are the thoughts in the mind of Morning Jessica
also:
what will I eat for breakfast since Richy did not shop?
what will I drink since tap water is poison and all we have is tea??
(I've had tea this morning and now have sugary-fungus mouth)
what time is the nurse coming? Should I get up and shower?
how can I get some donuts from Starbox?
and so forth....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSICA CHRONISTER!

Week Thirty-One

The rate of physical growth slows down just a bit, but even though he doesn't get much longer, he will gain a lot of weight the rest of the pregnancy.

Fat continues accumulating. This layer of fat turns his skin from red to the rosy pink he will have as a newborn.

Calcium, phosphorus and iron are being stored and his bones are growing and hardening.

Your baby is 16.2 inches (41.1cm) long and weighs 3.3 pounds (1502gm)

His brain enters another period of rapid growth, producing hundreds of billions of new nerve cells! Amazing!

He may move to the rhythm of music. Studies with heart rates show that he also prefers some types of music to others -- already!

Lungs are the only major organ left to complete development. Remember, that while you may be anxious to meet your little one that these last few weeks can be vital - with each day increasing your baby's ability to breathe on his own.

So how do I feel? Elated at passing this milestone... giddy about my baby shower THIS weekend... emotional and a little disbelieving that he's real... In shock that I'll be 8 months next week.
Physically I feel miserable. I think that's par for the course here. Everything hurts and I cry when I drop things...
It's starting to sink in, though. I don't know if people can understand what I'm talking about. Richy and I will be driving and tell each other... we're going to have a baby. He will ride right here in this car. And it still seems imaginary.
We put up the tree last night. Very exciting! I'll post a picture when we make an upstairs.



Julie, Andy, and Sharon and Nathan Schluter!

Don't get me wrong. My weekends have no distinction from my weeks.
Thus, I could write a thoughtful and engaging blog entry today. But the
response is so minimal... usually just animal-type creatures
threatening each other....
For you- the weekend means you're off work- or your spouse is- time to
crush them into some hard labor around the house or go gallivanting
round.
For me- scrounge for some breakfast and go back to bed. Try not to
watch People's Court.
I'm not feeling sorry for myself. I am cooking a wonderful baby and I
can do so for a couple more months if necessary. It's just that the
pattern doesn't change much on the "weekend".
Today, Richy is recording. I may waddle over there and listen to drums
being tweaked for hours... or some other minute detail of a
recording...
Aah a horrible foul poopy diaper just walked by. See you later.

I'm back. We also went to "Starbox" Coffee and Donuts... advertising
that they serve beakfast.

And at Dollar G, we bought bottled water and popsicles... just the
necessities

Congrats to Julie on 30 weeks and Crystal on 37.... the majority of
pollsters voted for Dec 4-10 for Crystal's Isaac.... we shall see... my
guess already passed...
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Stephanie Clark and Lindsey Crouse!

My mind is pretty blank this morning. I will have to come up with a
topic, but ......
maybe Mama or Georgia are around?? Yes??
Maybe a little eggnog.

ATTENTION: In the comment section of this post, I made a joke about contracting, etc. I, and blogger.com sincerely regret this joke. It was alarming and in poor taste. I, and blogger.com are very sorry. Please do not bring any bad music to my house, nor cease your gifts of chocolate. If it would not put me in labor, I would give myself 50 lashes with a horsewhip. I do not deserve clothing or a roof over my head. I am a bad person. I have bad hair. I have cellulite. I am sorry.
Sincerely,
Jess

A subject of great interest to me is/are urban legends. A subject of
great interest to me is urban legends. Hmmm. Something wacky there.
Anyhoo. Some of you know what I refer to. An irate customer at Neiman
Marcus is charged 300 bucks for a cookie recipe. Only not.
Various disgusting elements found in fast food. Not true. Now, for some
glutens or grease or maybe even hair, sure. But the stuff in legends is
much grosser.
Of course, various warnings: men hiding under your car at Kroger. Men
hiding in your backseat. Toxic mascara. Sunscreen. Men who meow. When
you try to find the cat- WHAMMO. And was that an eclipse or an
asteroid?
Death is imminent.
Forward this email and the FBI will track how many people get it.
Computer viruses galore. Death to your PC is imminent.
Poor sick child wants this email to get to a million people.
The worst one is "Ban on Religious Programming" otherwise known as
Petition 2493. The goverment actually has an official office to deal
with this rumor. They spend hundreds of thousands of dollars answering
questions and dealing with petitions, etc.... There is no Petition
2493.

Very interesting stuff. Every time I get an email warning me of
imminent death/terrorism/natural disaster/commercial injustice/cookie
recipes... I go look it up. Most of the time it's hooey.

(you can look up hoaxes on http://www.urbanlegends.about.com or http://www.snopes.com - or you could go to the accused company's site. They usually have rebuttals)

It's been a slow week on the blog. Gentlemen, I need some entertainment.

My appointment went well. I am (males - tune out) dilated a fingertip
which is not a big deal for 30 weeks on a 3rd pregnancy. Dr Reed is
optimistic about making it to Christmas! YAY!
And they haven't done the training for the 3D ultrasound yet, but Dr
Reed is curious about where the heck this guy is positioned as he
appears to have 6 legs... kidding. But she said she'll just mess around
with the 3d next week. HOORAY!

About time! I'll let Georgia tell you all about them...



Good luck on your interview today, Josh! Show 'em how it's done in Texas!

Doctor's appointment today... we'll leave here by 10 and be back in the afternoon.

Here's Heather with the Wabatabi tribe...

Did you know your baby is nearly three pounds now?

His head is getting larger to accommodate a period of rapid brain growth. Don't forget to continue to "teach" your baby in the womb by exposing to music, literature, and simply talking to him.

A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him. As he grows and fills your uterus, the amount of amniotic fluid will decrease. Funny, you certainly won't feel any lighter!

He spends more and more time practicing opening and closing eyelids. His eyes can move from side to side, following a light source. He may even reach out to touch the light.

Early lanugo is beginning to disappear that served to protect your baby's skin from the water in the womb. Your little one's own hair may begin to appear.

Toenails are entering their final growth stage.

Bone marrow is now in charge of red blood cell production. These red blood cells will continue to service your child's body by transporting oxygen and removing the wastes (carbon monoxide and other gases).

Your baby has the capability now to produce tears -- yes, within the womb.

By the end of this week, your baby is now 15.7 inches (39.9cm) long and weighs 2.91 pounds (1319gm).


NOW, actually, at Toby's ultrasound last week, he was 2 pounds 11 oz... should be 3 pounds by now!
Prayer.... we have received some indication that Toby may come early... honestly, from a survival standpoint, we're ok now. 30 weeks is a great milestone! But for weight and bringing him home with no NICU stay, we need him to wait until after Christmas! So pray with us that he stays put!

HOORAY! 30 BIG ONES!
This ultrasound is Toby's profile, with his hand touching his nose....

We had the Clark/Joy Thanksgiving yesterday.
I made my first turkey ever. It was, as expected, a dry yet greasy
tasteless bird. Nonetheless, it was enjoyed by all. Eva brought a ham,
and it was also enjoyed... and I got the leftovers, hee hee hee.
And the other T-giving fare.
It is amazing the exponential power of 2 two year olds. 1 two year old
was here on Thursday. She wreaked havoc. 2 two year olds were here
yesterday. Males. And while they did not terrorize R2, they did escape
the house at any (many) given moments. Many suicide attempts were made
by Caleb and Graceson... they were foiled by various relatives and
expressed great rage at being brought back in the house... It's just
amazing how much they accomplish. Multi-taskers, these boys.

Jade and Izzy are about 6 months old... they didn't do a whole lot.
Jade beamed upon us most of the day except for one extended napping
session... And Izzy kept his mommy very busy. Feeding him, bouncing
him, talking to him, changing positions, etc... Izzy has a pretty short
attention span.
And the big kids roamed the land and found reptiles and such.
And R2, who is neither big nor little, stayed pretty close to the food.
A boy after my own heart.

Now it is morning, and the rain is coming down on my tin roof. And I
just love it. Christmas is on the way!

Well, yesterday was a blast of course.

7 am Mama shows up with the turkey... I can't sleep anyway so I go and
talk while she cooks things

8 something Richy and Richy come in ... FruityFrosted O's for the
youngster....

9 more cooking... more talking.... Hernandez's moving cars and cutting
branches on the "softball field"

11:53 Leah and Nate and family arrive.... very exciting sweet potato
casserole also arrives

11:54 Nini and R2 have a crisis

11:57 all is well

11:58 Kai will DIE if he is not fed NOW

12:00 all is well

12:30 or so Velazquezes, then all the Yablonskis quickly arrive,
except for Bobby and John and Val who are out of town

then I don't know... we talk for a while... Hernandez's begin the
sports emporium... then we eat...

I AM SHOCKED TO FIND THAT I LIKE MY MOM'S TURKEY- WHEN I EAT STUFFING
AND GIBLET GRAVY WITH IT....

I tell the family that I will freely admit this here.... I have no
shame... I still like ham better...

Then the big dump-cake-off... Mikey won by one vote after a spirited
campaign.... I, however, was heartened to find a few new loyal
constituents among the Yablonskis... next year, next year...

Later: the guys go play VERY loud music in the studio... maybe a
little sports with the Hernandi... the women talk and a couple
Velazquez's fall asleep

Later: More eating

Throughout: Kai issues alerts and his demands are met... Nini has
excitement and crises... R2 is very concerned

Later: more eating and the guys figure out I have a TV. Farewell, men.
Kai issues alert. Velazquez women leave, Mama leaves... The men find
out Juan has a bigger TV. Farewell again.

The Cowboys lose. Bobby, Mike, Chris, and Mikey go home...

The Hernandi start a giant bonfire. The Nelsons and Clarks sit on the
deck and watch. Kai sleeps. Nini and R2 scream high-pitched
encouragement to the fire-makers....

The Nelsons go home.

The Clarks watch Finding Nemo with R2 and go to sleep. Oh, and R1
cleans the house...

a very successful Yablonski gathering... I loved having it at my house.

Give thanks.... and eat.... and give thanks again......

and eat....

WOO-HOO!

there's a minister han-day... and it sure would be dan-day... ah never mind



I have an ultrasound and a drs. appointment today... so I will be leaving at 11-ish... but my appointments are 2 hours apart so I'll bring my computer and see if I can hop in here from some wireless connection somewhere.

I ran into the couch a couple nights ago and now my toe is swollen and purple. I've waited for "Man day" to share this. Also suggested yesterday was food reviews... local restaurants and such... just in case the testosterone is clogging the old craniums and you can't think of anything.

Of a new blog now... you've all gone home. I was at HEB.... holy moley

I don't have an appointment today. They are both on Wednesday this
week. So I'll miss most of Guy's Day but I'm sure I'll enjoy the
catch-up.

Today I am thinking of things I am thankful for. One of the lessons
that I have learned over the last 6 years is how good can come out of
tragedy... and there is always something to be glad about.
For JESUS!
I am so thankful for Richy (the 1st). He's my favorite person.
I'm thankful for R2. I'm glad he's like he is. He has taught me
patience and brought me so much joy.
I'm thankful for Rees and Evan. Their brief lives made me a much deeper
person. And they taught us- all of us... how precious life is. Any
life.
I'm thankful for Toby. My gift of peace, Even without having him in my
arms yet, he has stabilized and brought such hope for the future.
For my family... the Yablonskis - you are why I want 5 children. Who
wouldn't want more of what we've got?
For my "other" family- the Clark/Joys - what would my life be like
without you? I can't imagine.

For all of my wonderful wonderful friends. Nobody has it as good as me.
I'm so thankful for my churches.
For my beautiful house
For my car... I still love her even if she ain't what she used to be
For Radiant- the community and this life...
For America
For good ol W

I am so so blessed. And today, at least, I am grateful.

Sorry about the delay everybody. But now the web is MINE!

29 weeks

Your baby's head is in proportion with body now. He appears more like a newborn each and every day!

Fat continues to accumulate under the skin -- only now preparing for entering the *real world*.

Your baby's brain can control primitive breathing and body temperatures.

His eyes can move in their sockets. Soon he will be able to follow a blinking light.

Your baby is increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell! Various studies show that your baby may indicate preferences (or disdain) for particular tastes or odors at this stage

He is also moving from side to side, but probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, he will move to the head down birthing position. At times you may feel as if he is performing somersaults for a circus act!

His length is now approximately 15.2 inches (38.6cm) and weight is 2.54 pounds (1153gm)



Conflicting reports on this light- following thing... it seems like he was able to do that a couple weeks ago. Not that I tried it. But basically from here on out he gets stronger and fatter.... the developmental reports don't change a whole lot.

What the heck, huh? This is amazing!

Crystal is still going strong, you few bloggers who voted for the weekend. Although I did see her run at CTK yesterday...

Today I will go to Christ the King

and sit in a hard plastic chair

I will lift my voice and sing

And admire Lindsey's hair

You may ask, would it say

My bum, if it could speak

NO! Not the hardened chairs of gray

For they will bruise the cheek!

It's true enough, I can't deny

The seats are awfully hard

So I will answer in reply

A pillow I'll bring my bum to guard

the end

Last night I rode in a wheelchair at IKEA. Did you know they have
wheelchairs everywhere? It's been a surprise to me. Anyhoo, it wasn't
any cool European wheelchair. Just your basic blue vinyl. Black wheels,
etc, etc. R2 has really been digging this wheelchair phase. He pushes
from behind, and R1 steers from the side. Sometimes R1 gets distracted
and R2 pushes me into things.
We got a new bedframe and some bedroom furniture.... and it was cheaper
than we expected! Ikea is already awesome prices, because everything is
Scandinavian and somehow they get it (whatever) into these little flat
boxes and you have to assemble it yourself. (In theory, the male member
of your house assembles... however I have assembled many a Scandivian
whatsit because I am tired of waiting)
Isn't that a happy thing when you get up there and it rings up LESS?
This is also a very happy thing because it is getting more and more
difficult to get my rotundity up off the mattress and springs on the
floor. Amusing to watch myself in the mirrored closet.

So that's it. The house will be painted today, the deck needs to be
stained but basically we are finished! Oh and this is such a cute
little place... I never knew it could be so pretty. Bring on the
Yablonskis.

Hello all. I am hijacking the blog to make a fun ( I said FUN, F.U.N)
request. Jess and I need help painting our house. We are hoping to
have it done before thanksgiving. This Saturday (tommorow) at 10am
'till 3pm or so, we are painting the outside of the house. I need help
folks. I've done some of it, but it is depressing how slow of a
difference one person makes painting. I need available friends. The
few guys I have mentioned this too seem less than excited. So are
there any takers? We will FEED all guys (and girls) who can help.
Please let Jess know if you are coming. I will buy enough rollers
etc... Jessica and R2 will entertain families with their wit and
sharp humor. Thanks you so much! - love, Richy

*** dadgum hijackers***
If you haven't voted in the poll below, do so!- jess

When will Crystal go into labor?
	Today, or over the weekend
	Thanksgiving Day
	December 1-3
	December 4-10
	December 11-17
	week of her due date 12/23
	LATE!
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Marnin, folks! If you have a specific date, you can just post it in comments!

And the thing about turkey eaters is that a lot of them are turkey
zealots. You know, convincing the reluctant to "try it" for the 25th
year....
Do people really LIKE turkey? Like crave it and just think it tastes so
good?? or is it more of a cultural thing that everybody enjoys... like
beer in Germany or something?

The subject of Thanksgiving food has been on my mind for some time now.
I greatly anticipate the "feed" every year. Now, since I am a shrimp, I
am only capable of consuming bird-like amounts of food at a time.
However, the Yablonski feed is an all day affair and I can come and go
as I please....
The anomaly with me is, I don't like turkey. I repeat for those of you
who are re-reading that sentence, jaws gaping. I don't like turkey. It
is a dry and yet greasy tasteless bird. And - lest you cast aspersions
on Mama, the turkey cooker... I have had all kinds of turkey. Yes, I've
had cajun-injected. I have had deep-fried. I have had turkey bacon. If
someone could make a tasty turkey, I would have already tried it.
Thus... at Thanksgiving, I eat ham. I LOVE ham. If anyone asked me, I
would make our national bird a pig. With brown sugar.
The feast will be laid out... Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet
potatoes, cornbread stuffing, other corn-related items, broccoli and
green-bean based items, sometimes mac and cheese (with real cheese) ...
and over there... some strange looking but delicious cheesecake,
multiple pies with interesting crusts... (Yablonskis, with the
exception of Andy, generally are hit and miss on presentation...), a
slimy looking miserable dump cake from Mikey, brownies, cookies and
whatnot, and occasionally a fruit and creamy Jello thing. And a variety
of beverage. A virtual smorgasboard of off-brand soda, several gallons
of iced tea... etc.
What am I missing? My brain roams the virtual "table" and it seems like
I've done pretty well.

and now you have to wait 7 days.

just can't bring myself to call it "Man Day"

Let's see what the guys come up with today. Maybe a discussion of their deepest held fears. Or how hard it is to find jeans that fit. Or how really, they just need a hug.
Only time will tell.

We set up the bassinet last night.
We had planned on using a Pack-and-Play (translation: playpen) with a
bassinet but Kai is no longer sleeping in this one.... he sleeps in a
bunk bed now.
Not really, but he was 15 pounds at 5 weeks. Not bad, eh?
So it's in here, with the new carpet and it's very strange. Whose house
is this? And is a little baby actually coming here? After all these
years of just the 3 of us? I'm trying to wrap my mind around it.

Doctor's appointment today. See ya.

UPDATE:
Everything is good! My cervix (although not steel) is holding out! I have an ultrasound next week... and in a few weeks I get to be a guinea pig for their new 3-D ultrasound! Hooray!

Eyebrows and eyelashes are now very noticeable!

Hair on baby's head is growing longer. Some babies are born with almost none at all, while others appear to be ready for their first haircut!

Eyes are completely formed now. Quite a view from inside!

Your baby's body is getting plump and rounded. Most of that increase is muscle tissue and bone. Fat will be added during the third trimester.

Muscle tone is improving. Preparation for the Olympics feels like it is taking place in your womb!

Lungs are capable of breathing now

Talk to your baby often, reading stories, singing songs and more. He or she can recognize your voice now and will often calm to it later on!

Your baby weighs in now at 2.2 pounds (1005gm) and is 14.8 inches (37.6cm).


This is a big milestone for the Tobester! 7 months! YAY! I am getting giddier and giddier with every week!

Today: the carpet guys are coming to (imagine) lay carpet. I will be exiled to the Hernandez house. So I may not be on the blog much till the afternoon. BUT WHAT A DAY! 28 WEEKS!

Well, last night was the Randy Travis concert. Don't get me wrong.
There was some good singing and music. But when you grow up a Yablonski
and then marry a Rocker you have a little different idea of "concert".
But it was nice. We sat down and listened to the songs. And maybe
because I am a sinner, my favorite one was the country one he did....
Forever and Ever...
At one point I thought, this guy and Mick Jagger are probably the same
age. But this music is appropriate for a "seasoned" citizen to be
singing. No leather pants, no sticking out his tongue, etc. Just Shall
We Gather at the River and so forth.
Arberto had a good night. His friend from work came and agreed that
Richy's hair was thinner. And then when R & R played mini golf, Rob won
because of a stellar hole-in-one. Stephanie had managed to leave Izzy
with VG, so we talked about anything and everything, as usual.
Fun was had by all, but I walked too much and had contractions and am
now grounded from the barbecue at Sanctuary. Nuts.
You gotta know when to fold 'em.

Well, here we are again at the weekend. Generally pretty quiet on the
ol' blog over the weekend.

Today our plan is to move out most of our furniture and tear up the old
carpet to get ready for... dum dum dum dum.... the NEW carpet coming on
Monday! Hooray! Mine will be more of a supervisory role.
And then it's off to see Randy Travis in concert. We'll be hanging with
half of the Arberto family, Arb, Steph and Izzy as he is not yet
detachable...

Richy loves Randy T's gospel albums... I think it's his Arkansas roots.
He is part Arkansian, part Danish. He and Rob find ol Randy very
soothing. Me, I have different roots. I like Aretha. And maybe if
Skynrd made a gospel album. Or something.

When I was looking for the Charlie Brown tree picture I found this one.

Well, yesterday ended up being a record day after all. Congrats,
everybody!

Happy 27 weeks Julie! And isn't this some kinda holiday? Veterans Day
or something?
The creative juices are not flowing this morning... No topic leaps to
mind. Maybe later.

I have no idea why the comments locked up... continue, ladies!
And any male who dares comment today!

Champion bowling team

I talk to myself.
There, now you know.
I do a little of your run of the mill "What should I eat.... let's
see..." talking.
But the funnier part is just little snippets of nonsensical
conversation that run through my head. And sometimes I just find myself
talking. One phrase I'm relishing right now is "Statistical
difficulty". I don't think about it, don't try to fit it in a
conversation... just hear myself whispering statistical difficulty on
occasion.
When I was little I had imaginary friends that I carried on
conversations with. I always thought it was being a baby born after
twins...
Now I just say things to myself. What does it mean?
Psychologists would probably have a blast with me. Not because I'm
nuts. That just runs in my blood. But just because I'm weird.
Can you believe Georgia is still pregnant? Now that's a statistical
difficulty.

YAY! We could do guys day here on the blog, but Matt's out... and we female types might as well take over. Feel free to suggest topics, though, males.

Rumor has it that Eli H Tullos is on his way! Hooray!!

Got a doctor's appointment today... you know the routine. See you in a
few.

UPDATE: 11:40
My cervix is unchanged. Hooray! I promise you, my friends... once this baby is born you will not hear about my cervix anymore!
Today was fun because Dr Reed started talking about the birth.... planning for it and so forth... It's just a different world than we've ever been in!
Then I almost fainted after my glucose test and they had to bring me crackers... oh, well.
So I don't have the results of my fetal fibronectin or glucose tests... but everything looks good! YAY!


IZZY

"How your baby's growing: Your baby is really starting to fill up your
uterus. This week he weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches
long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he
sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and
although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of
functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely.
Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby
hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts
only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle.
With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active
now. Wonder what he's thinking?"

I'm 27 weeks! Hooray! What an exciting feeling to be here! We have
every indication that this baby is staying put, but if he were born
soon, he would have a better than 90% chance of survival! I'm not
telling him, though. All he's hearing is Aren't you so comfy? Just have
a nice rest there on top of my lungs and bladder simultaneously.
Feeling a little giddy about this milestone, folks.

Yesterday was a fun day. I made Richy pancakes and a ham and egg
omelette... my first. I can't say any of it looked so great, but he
said it tasted great. Me and eggs... not so much.
Visited Crystal and Randy- Richy's a dropper-inner... makes me nervous
but oh well.
We went to Lowe's and I rode in the wheelchair while we ordered and
paid for our new carpet... this place is going to be so nice! And we
emptied our savings but that's what we were saving for! So that was
really exciting!
Then off to Cinco where we used a gift certificate... you have to
understand that I think spending money is really stressful.... so free
things are the most fun ever!
THEN we went to Babies R Us and I rode in the wheelchair again and we
registered. Have to say there was a little more hostility about the
wheelchair there... All the women who are about 12 months pregnant were
questioning my wheelchair-worthiness... I could tell. Plus some people
park me in the middle of the aisle and take off.

It is still just sinking in that we're going to have a baby. Very
surreal.
Then home home because I was sooooo tired.

and his twin...

28 big ones today... He said all he wanted for his birthday was for me
to still be pregnant and everything to be good. You got it!
But I got him some presents too. Now I will go and cook breakfast while
sitting in a chair.

The first birthday we celebrated together was his 17th. Rob invited me
over to a party and I went. Mama and Daddy were pretty sharp, but
somehow this one slipped past them... but hey... that was AGES ago!

I don't care for this new schedule. It gets dark before I'm ready for
night. And it gets bright very very early. Almost as early as the
rooster over here thinks it should be. About 4 in the morning, our
rooster starts threatening the neighborhood. And then all the roosters
unite in hatred and call back and forth... "I could kill you if I
wasn't in this cage..", "Well, you should see how big my head ruff
is!", "Well, you should see how many fine lookin hens I got in here!"
and so forth.

Did you know Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings? Just the same
ol' schedule, year in and year out. Neither does Saskatchewan, but I
won't bring Canada into this. Arizona just said "No, thanks", and that
was that.
This is why the South fought and WON the War of Northern Aggression! So
we could choose, as a state, to make our own laws! So why is Texas, the
best and bravest state of all, taking this lying down? We could make
our own time zone and everybody would just have to DEAL with it.

But in the meantime, I will rise at 7 something because God turned on
the lights. Cruel.

Oh and on another note: You may notice in the sidebar a new link to All
Our Countdowns. Check it out! And you can read through yesterday's
second post to learn how to get your own countdown... or just ask.

Update on earlier post

I have an early appointment today... pray for an awesome report!

UPDATE
It was a great appointment.... no cervical change! So we all agreed that the ultrasounds are more of a hindrance than a help right now, so we're not doing any more for a while. FINE with me... they were a pain.
Next week is my glucose test. No big deal but fun to me because I've never had one!

I dare you to make me laugh....

Well, my appointment went ok... except the hospital is cracking down on
the "don't tell the patient anything" policy so I had to wait till one
of Dr Reed's nurses called... looks like my cervix is slightly shorter
but still in a great range... last time they told me this, their
measurement was wrong. So I'm not worrying about it. I see Dr R on
Thursday...

It's November! Hooray! This year is rocketing past, and that's great
with me!
I have an ultrasound today... just a view from down under... probably
no pictures of the Tobester. And then I may turn the screws on the old
Board of Director to go order the carpet....
We should have this house completely finished in time for the Yablonski
Thanksgiving. And who knows what will happen there. Thanksgiving is
wilder than Christmas because at Christmas we have 3 activities.
Eating, singing and PRESENTS. At Thanksgiving we just have eating and
singing. Pretty much. There is pantomime, of sorts, dramatic
presentations and whatnot.
Next year we'll have a great crop of little people... Nini and R2, Kai
and Toby, and Shasbot Allen... so far. And the quads if they're born
yet. Babies change things. It's very interesting. Kai and Nini came to
the recording both nights and Kai seems to fit right in to the
Yablonski mold (God Help Us All if there is a mold). He does the baby
bobblehead big eyes and doesn't fall asleep until the volume has
exceeded decent levels....

Tomorrow is guy's day.... we'll see if they used up all their steam
last week...
Update in the afternoon. Later.

" Fetal Development - Week 26

The baby now weighs between 1.5 and 2 pounds/ 680 and 900 grams and is
approximately 9 inches/ 23 centimetres long from crown to rump. He
makes breathing movements but has no air in his lungs yet. At 26 weeks,
fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on your
abdomen, your baby will turn his head, which according to researchers,
means his optic nerve is working."

Also, I'm in double digits now... 98 days to go! Woohoo! Now that may
still seem like a lot to you... but it's really not! For one thing, I
started at 280 days to go... for another thing, that's about the length
of summer when we were in school... and didn't that go pretty fast??
I am starting to get excited... Still a little unreal but oh boy.
Hopefully this week we'll paint the "kids" room and get our new carpet!
We went to the Fall Festival yesterday and I had a very cute lion
companion.. we forgot the camera today but I'll post a picture
tomorrow.
Then off to the Radiant recording which went really well.. night 2
tonight. I'm going to rest up all day so I can sing tonight.

peace out

I celebrated Halloween once. Probably more than once but there's only
one I remember before the aged parents put the big kabosh on the evil
day...
I was about 5.... I was Myself the Elf. I remember the title and the
wings distinctly. Now, was Myself a diabolical scheme of Daddy's to not
have to buy a costume, or was I a licensed trademarked character? I
will never know.
I do know that my candy was heavily taxed by himself. The Easter Bunny
always gets his cut.
Then it was off to Piney Woods where the horror of the day was
evidently revealed to us and my yearly candy bounty days were cut to
one. You always knew who's parents weren't saved or at least
enlightened because there they'd be November 1st with a lunchbox full
of goods. And though we scorned their religious apathy, we ate their
candy.
I like the Fall Festival deal... you go to great effort to dress up a
kid who can't wait to pull his/her ears/tail off and rub his/her little
black nose up his/her forehead. And everything is very very itchy.
But you still score some loot. And they will figure this out eventually.

I am the Easter Bunny now.

We'll see if I come up with something to write about... we shall see

I think Richy's a little concerned about my Rumsfeld reference yesterday. Well, Rumsfeld is a hottie. So is Sean Connery. Is he ever.
But my taste runs toward really really skinny musician types. Like Bon Jovi. JOKING!
Isn't it funny how we women get away with "appreciating" men and men can't get away with it at all. It makes perfect sense. But it's funny.

Happy Birthday Heather and Mikey! I remember when they were born.... we
rode in a little brown beetle all the way down 45.... probably. Or we
might have flown in a big blue and white bird...
One problem with being twins is everybody just calls you the twins.
Those poor quads.
But I remember after they were born staying at Georgia's house...
actually that must have been right before because Bobby made up a song
for my 7th birthday... 7 is Heaven, it was called. It was a good year.
I don't really remember much about the twins then. It was months later
that I dropped Heather on her head. I do remember that. Sorry, Heather.
You seem to have turned out all right, despite this burning desire to
marry a missionary and move somewhere with outhouses.
I never dropped Mikey. Maybe he felt jealous. Maybe that's why he never
tells us about his secret girlfriends, I don't know.
Anyhoo, happy 20. I cried when I turned 20... leaving my teens and
all... of course I got married at about 14 so I don't know what the big
deal was... but it was a pretty good year.

Today I am planning on laying around. I would like to go see Jason
Upton in Beaumont... but too mucho driving for me.... so laying around
it is.

Well, we lost the World Series... and thus, my monthlong interest in
baseball will go the way of its fathers.
I stayed up way too late the night before last watching a 14 inning
game, and then not sleeping all night for whatever reason watching tv
till 2 in the morning tells your brain there is no more sleep.
Today I very comfortably could have slept longer.... very unusual for
me. But someone who will remain unnamed came in here shrieking to Woody
about Velveeta cheese and Democrats. So here I am. Better late than
never.

I am only about a week more pregnant than I've ever been. But it's very
interesting how different it feels. Physically and emotionally. Last
night I looked at Babies R Us and Target online... I have had some kind
of mental block about planning for a real baby to come and live
here.... but it's fading and I'm getting excited...
Am I going to have a baby? Some friends I have online who have
experienced loss call it a "take-home" baby. I want to tke this one
home. I expect to. And it's tripping me out a little.

10 weeks sounds like nothing. Like I will make it there, easy. And if I
make it 15 weeks, great! But I like the sound of 10... or 9 and a
half...

Guys day was a very interesting experiment. I may keep it on
Wednesdays...

My appointment was good... no change! Holy Moley! I could have this
baby in 10 weeks and he'd be normal! Well, Yablonski "normal"...
then I had to have a shot... to mature his lungs - pretty standard for
previous preterm deliverers... but now both hips hurt. Cry for me,
America.

Remember, tomorrow is guy's day on the blog... I'll explain the rules
in the morning.

I have an appointment in an hour... slept late, now waiting to GO GO
GO....
Update should be early afternoon....

"Your baby weighs one
pound, nine ounces, and measures 22 centimeters crown-to-rump. Your
baby's ears are fully functional now, and he or she may even blink in
reaction to a loud noise. The brain is growing rapidly. If you could
look inside your uterus, you'd see a well-proportioned head and body."

Well, my birthday week is over... but the post 24-week euphoria is
just beginning. Oh, this is fun! Even my aching bones and 3000 trips
to the "jane" are fun because I've never made it this far! WE'RE GOING
ALL THE WAY, BABY!

the Astros lost last night.... mostly because of stinking cheaters.
We'll see if they get away with that in Texas...

I think I may go to church today. So the lecture begins now.
The subject of today's lecture is Dee Henderson. Dee writes romantic
suspense.... usually cop/military types falling in love despite
themselves and then getting blown up, etc.
They never planned to fall in love. Especially the men. Because the
country is too important, darnit, and they might have to sacrifice
themselves for the good of mankind. But then they meet her. And she is
one tough cookie. Dee's women just step right over the bodies and keep
going. Of course, later they can't sleep and the guys have to take them
horseback riding or make popcorn or something. Because she has to have
a vulnerable side. And she never meant to fall in love. Love is messy,
and her family is dysfunctional or something. But then the terrorists
come or her plane crashes or somebody tries to kill her and what can
you do? You have to survive. So you can get shot and kidnapped and so
forth but you're tough as nails. Then he comes and rescues you. And he
is VERY angry because you should not have gotten shot or kidnapped. And
you are so tired and worn out from getting shot you show your
vulnerable side and let him kiss you. But really, you have every
intention of going back to Bosnia or Chicago and showing that villain
what's UP.
And nobody (except the villains) ever makes a selfish decision. It's
God mom and apple pie... just the way it has to be.
But they come to some kind of agreement and get married and then in the
next book they get pregnant and are just a side story.
But America will be okay because you have cousins, or brothers or
something who plan never to fall in love.

I just can't think of anything entertaining. I'm sure it will come to
me in a blinding flash later today. For now..... pfttttt

Tomorrow: the long awaited Sunday fiction lecture!

I am typing this long before I'll actually post it. The MOG woke me up
by turning on the blinding light to find his shoes.

I knew it would be a relief to get past 24 weeks. I did not know how
much. It's like the proverbial weight off the shoulders. I still have a
while to go. But that hurdle was the key one for me... I am so grateful
to have this chance. I think in a few weeks I'll actually realize
there's a baby involved!

R2 is crashed out in the bunk bed with Woody. Mama is drying her hair.
Richy (the MOG) is on the jetties praying and taking a LOT of pictures
of birds and crustaceans and of course, the water.
The only bummer about our vacation was internet access... I know I'm a
dork but when you live with dial-up, high speed is a pretty exciting
offer. So, to only have high speed at the pool and it doesn't work a
lot of the time is kinda a bummer. Richy went in the lobby last night
and he said there's a lightning fast connection in there. But who wants
to hang out in the hotel lobby on vacation??
Once he gets back from the mountain, we're supposed to go try the
continental breakfast. I have had quite a few CB's in my day... Radiant
has a term for the "poor" ones... Just bread and maybe a couple circa
1980 bagels.... and some suspicious jelly. Or good ones... do it
yourself waffles and yogurt and various cereals, plus bagels and bread
and fruit. Or AMAZING ones where there is a free breakfast buffet. I
don't remember that city, or that church, or anything... just the free
breakfast buffet. We were all up bright and early and ate with great
gusto.
So we'll see how the Victorian rates...

I am having a great time. The Astros won... it was so sweet to see Jeff
Bagwell and Craig Biggio cry... they've been waiting a long time for
this.
So much for free hi speed internet in our room.... you have to have
your own ethernet cable - the Victorian only has two to lend out and
they're both out right now. Luckily, all the public places have
wireless so I'm sitting by the pool again... just woke up, haven't even
brushed my teeth....bleh
But here I am! We decided to "get that woman to the seawall", so my mom
and R2 will be joining us here today and we'll stay one more night....
We want to go see Wallace and Gromit but I have to see if I feel up to
sitting up that long.

It's just such a miracle we're able to do this at all right now. God is
so good. And I am having a blast. Probably another 6-8 weeks before I
throw caution to the wind... but right now just being away from home
and testing my boundaries gently is very fun.

I am not going back to sleep. I would like to believe differently of
myself. But the fact is, I am awake now. So I might as well do
something.

So here I am. Well, yesterday I had my first appointment at 8:30... at
the hospital for an ultrasound. Mind you, it was at the hospital. So I
got into my ultrasound at 9:30 or 9:45. The tech was a little grouchy.
I knew I would not be able to get the proper amount of info out of
her... But she measured Toby and he looks like 24 weeks 3 days
(yesterday) so that's great! But Madame Grumpy did not take very good
pictures. I have one very clear picture of his "manhood". And even
though that might be entertaining to my few, grumbling male readers, I
will not post it. So the only pics today will be of yours truly. And
then she measured my cervix and since Richy is an ultrasound tech
himself these days, he read all the measurements she wasn't telling me
and was doing dances and encouraging movement behind her head. My
cervix looks great.... just like it should!
Then we had about an hour to kill before my next appointment, and we
were pretty giddy by this point... so we went to Old Navy and I walked
around and picked out some stuff and had NO contractions!
Then back to Dr. Reed's for my other appointment. And we saw Dr Reed in
the hallway and she beamed at us and said she was so happy to see us.
(we've all been looking forward to this appointment). And she did her
thing and everything looked good and she was very happy, but not as
happy as us! And I asked if I could swim and she said she thought that
would be good- lift the weight off my cervix, etc....
So we went to my moms and I got my shot there (another story)... and
Leah and Nate and the fam came over and we went swimming! Well, mostly
me. Leah and Nate usually just lay by the pool and call that swimming.
But I walked around and aroound in the water and even got to hold R2
(first in 6 months) because he didn't weigh anything. And it was just
so great. Like being a normal pregnant person, almost.
Then I came home and I was sooooo tired and I just laid on the couch
for the rest of the day.

NOTE: THIS JUST IN: Josharoo and his blushing bride need a place to stay... hotels are full, etc...
"We went on line last night to book a hotel for our stay in TX and every decent hotel is booked.  I had forgotten about all the refugees being there, or we would've booked way in advance.  So, I was wondering if you could include on your blog post that we need somewhere to stay.  Our flight is in at 7:30 PM Thursday, then we'd "check-out" Sunday morning before church.  We'll have a rental car, so no transportation is needed.  They must have a comfy bed, not a futon.  Maybe the bloggers can let us know who has an extra room that we could call, or maybe some of them could take us. "
Anyone? I'd hate for them to have to stay with Batboy.

sorry it's so late... but I had an awesome report! Nothing has
changed... my cervix is still as it should be. Praise God! Yay! Happy
Birthday to me!
So we went to Old Navy and bought 2 maternity shirts, and went swimming
at my moms.... (doctor approved). Such a nice day for me and such a
victory!

Got an ultrasound and a doctor's appointment today... and we've decided
to postpone our beachgoing until Wednesday.

So go ahead, I dare you. Amuse me.

Update in the afternoon...

24 weeks today. What a milestone. I had the twins at 24 weeks, and R2
at 24 weeks 1 day. So as of Wednesday, I will be in completely
uncharted territory. Actually, I already am. I have never been 24 weeks
pregnant and not in labor. Not in a hospital.... not in a horrible
hospital gown.
You'll have to bear with my emotions today. It's a bittersweet victory.
I fully believe this is different. I'm going all the way. Or at least
until I put myself in labor getting a Christmas pedicure.... but
there's a part of me that grieves a little today. I wish I could have
made it with the twins. I always will.
And I celebrate R2, who was born at this stage and made it. What a joy
he is! What a character.... I don't know if God asked me if I'd like to
go back and swap him with the full term R2.... it would be a tough
call. He is sunshine.
But today, I celebrate Toby. Good job, buddy. Hang in there. Ain't
nothin happening out here anyway.

And today, I am officially in my late twenties. I think 27 is past
mid-twenties, wouldn't you say? Strange. We're going to celebrate very
quietly here.... we can't help holding our breath a little till this
week is over.
So no surprise party hiding in my closet and jumping out at midnight...
not a good idea, folks.

This post is kinda serious. But I enjoy the mayhem so much. So feel
free to party on in the comments.

The subject for the day is Gilbert Morris. GM has written about 4,329
novels, most of which are historical and follow the Winslow family from
the Mayflower to .... I believe the most recent one is in the Great
Depression. No, no, not the Clinton years... the 1930's.
To put this in perspective, I read my first Winslow book at Lifestyle
Christian School.... probably 92 or so. And I read the most recent one
last week. I will be 27 soon.... so that's a lot of books, folks.
The first ones were captivating... wedge shaped jaws and piercing blue
eyes ... (the Winslow eyes)... but after about 30 of these guys it gets
a little old. I mean, in my family, (and the gene pool may be a little
dicier, but hey) I don't know if 2 of us even have the same color
eyes....
And after a while, you get older. But in Morris world, if you live
uprightly, you can be 70 and only have little strategically placed
silver streaks in your hair... and still carry the beauty of your
youth. UNLESS you drink. Then you start looking like a "hard woman" by
25 or so.
Here's what happens: you're usually raised in an upstanding Godfearing
family. Because Winslows have to be saved by age 30 or they get killed
in an avalanche or a shootout and just get saved on deathbeds. Winslows
are not permitted to go to hell. So you're raised right. By someone
probably with blue eyes and a little silver streak. Then, when you're
an adolescent, something happens. You get kicked by a horse, or your
daddy loses his money, or a war or something. Still, it seems like
maybe you'll be okay. Until you're a teen.... 18 usually. Then you fall
in love with the wrong guy, or worse, a "hard woman" (they know how to
stir a man) or maybe you run away to be in a.)circus b.)Broadway
c.)cock-fighter's league. By the time you are 25, you are well on your
way to destruction, and you make statements like "I don't care what he
says! I won't do it!" and that is the thrilling cliffhanger that ends
the chapter.
But then you are walking barefoot on the streets of New York, or maybe
California or somewhere and the guy/girl/nurse/pilot/boxer who finally
helps you is an evangelist. And you fall in love, maybe. Or maybe you
hear the gospel but you're such a hard man/woman that you say "I don't
care what you say! I'm not doing it!" UNTIL you're somewhere else and
your woman gets hurt bad or maybe you get kicked by a horse or your
plane crashes. So you cry out to God in the barn/Germany/hospital and
are gloriously saved. You then get married, have children immediately
and raise them to be good Winslows.... but then....

my mind is too sleepy... will blog later...

LATER, on the ranch:
The problem is, I am a morning person. As in sleep 2 hours and wake up smiling disgusting morning person. This has always been an entertaining thing to me, as there are few of "my people". My husband is a sleep 5 more minutes snooze button addict kinda guy.
So here's what happens... the man of God decides that tomorrow, he will wake up with the dawn and go to Sinai. The man of God is not capable of waking himself, so he sets his alarm clock for 3 in the morning or whatever (usually 7). When the alarm goes off, the morning person (me) is awake. Even though she stayed up till 2 or 3 with Ted Dekker or whoever (not Lori Wick, I assure you)... And the man of God groggily stirs himself to action, which includes climbing over his 6 month pregnant wife, implanting knees and elbows in all tender locations, and slapping the snooze button. The man of God then goes back to a peaceful sleep, like Kai with 6 oz in him.
The morning person is not really ready to get up. Noone will make her breakfast, and there's not really any reason to get up when you're supposed to lay down all the time so your baby doesn't fall out. So, she lies in bed, wide awake, thinking evil thoughts toward her soulmate, the MOG.
Repeat for 1 hour. Add mild profanity from The MP and sleepy apologies from the MOG. Add the MP turning the dadgum thing off, and when the MOG wakes up on his own at 9:30.... add the deep regret and sorrow, that somehow, he missed the dawn.

I watched another Astros game last night, this time with Richy and Paul
(and R2, of course). It was more fun having some guys around making
noises... and of course, it was a good game and we won. So I'm happy.
I'm not much of a sports fan, but I like it when local teams go to
championships and SuperBowls and World Serieses and whatnot. I usually
jump on board to support or Luv Ya Blue or whatever...

But my personal involvement in sports has been very limited. At Piney
Woods, we had a giant field in which to play. When I was in control,
this field was used for Pegasus running and princess parades, etc. When
the sadistic powers-that-be (not Terri, of course) were in control,
then it was used for P.E. P.E. stands for Persecution Entertainment, in
which small weak children are forced to exert great effort to try to
keep up with strong children, who do sports for fun.

Kickball wasn't so bad. The ball is very large, and even little short
chicken-legged children can manage to kick it a little and run to first
base where the big hulking 3rd grader has been waiting for you with the
ball.
But what's up with Dodgeball and Red Rover?? These games are designed
to dismember skinnys. Many terrified hours in my youth were spent
hoping that Stevie wouldn't notice that me and Melissa only had little
stick arms and run at us. Or that Joey (skinny, but evil) would not
attempt to throw the ball with great vigor and hatred at my little
peanut head.
Later, we had a volleyball team. I played for the whole year and never
hit the ball over the net.

In high school, it became easier. I went to public school. In public
school, they really really don't want you to drop out. Please. So, if
one day I felt unable to play (tennis, softball, basketball, track),
and I needed to sit out, they would make me (GASP) write an essay. For
my peers, this was bad. They would rather run track 8 months pregnant
or with a herniated disk than write. Many happy afternoons were spent
out in the sunshine at Conroe High writing essays. After a while, I
think Coach AC/DC was on to me... but she enjoyed reading my little
stories and thoughts.... so eventually I graduated and was married
within a single breath.

Now, I married a guy who likes to play a game of football once or twice
a year, and usually just watches championships. Works out good. We have
shared more than one batch of 10 dollar nachos at Minute Maid Park. And
really, anything with nachos is better.

Last night (actually starting at 4) Richy went out and I decided to
keep R2 because... I'm feeling much better and I didn't want to be
lonely. It's strange how someone who doesn't actually talk to you can
be a good companion.

We laid around for a while, then somebody brought dinner. So we scarfed
that down.... very little conversation. Then "we" made some brownies.
(yesterday I got to go inside Dollar General for about 10 minutes and
pick my own groceries.. first time in 2 months I've been in a store....
and no contractions! And of course I got brownie mix)
So we made the brownies and he got to hold the spoon although he was
too excited to stir. He just held it there and flapped wildly with his
other hand. Big help.
Then we watched Everybody Loves Raymond which I laugh hard at so he
laughs when I laugh. I was laying on his bed because we moved the TV in
there. He did not want to sit on his bed. He sat in his chair, thank
you.
And after that it was still going to be a long time before R1 was home
so he watched Wheel of Fortune.... I don't know what I did. Ah-
brownies!
Then we watched the Astros game. In its entirety. Which I have never
done before and it wasn't that interesting... but whatever. And the
game was very exciting to R2 because people throw balls, and run , and
sometimes everybody claps. Good stuff. Still not touching his bed.
Then it was finally over and I suggested he lay down which was quite
offensive but Mr. Giraffe talked him into it...
Back to my room to hang out with Ol Ted Dekker until the old man came
home to tell me about his Recording magazine focus group or
whatever....

and that is one episode in my thrilling life. Hope you enjoyed it.