SweetPea Castle

A New Journey Begins

It is hard to believe that this journey is over.  After so many years of praying for "just one more child" and finally coming to the commitment to return our fertility to God's hands, this is an adjustment.  We prayed for several years before God provided the finances for my tubal reversal in December 2000.  We committed right then to completely leave our fertility in God's hands and trust Him with whatever He gave us.  It's not always been an easy walk, but it's been more than we could have ever imagined.  So, 7 pregnancies and four living miracles later, the Lord has closed my womb.

I would be a liar if I didn't say that I am actually quite sad about this.  But, I would be even more of a liar if I didn't say that I'm also quite relieved by this.  Jason and I were definitely ready to be "done" with this season of child-bearing.  We are blessed beyond imagination with our current quiver-full.  But, we are excited about being able to focus on our children and have some restoration in our marriage.

It's difficult to go from having nearly young adults and a LOT of freedom... to having a housefull of young children who need your constant attention.  I have been pregnant, nursing, or miscarrying for the last 7 1/2 years.  My husband is looking forward to getting his wife back.  ;-)

So, as I move out of one season and into another, I am cherishing each and every moment with my children.  They truly do grow up way too fast.  I am focusing on proper training and education.  I am also cherishing the time to get my body back in shape.  I won't be allowed to do any real exercise for 4-6 months.  But, I'm going to walk and eat right until then.  I am going to take the time to bring my family back to regular meals around the dining room table - meals that are healthy, yummy, and prepared with love.

I have been married to the love of my life for over 20 years.  I have 6 beautiful children.  I have a gorgeous house and a church and family that loves me.  Life is good.

My pastor gave my husband this scripture when I was struggling the other night...

Psalms 9:10 ~ And those who know Your name will put their trust in you, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Wow... what a birthday!

Well, it's been a rather long day.  I had my six week postpartum checkup with my OB and with the endocrinologist today in Fairfax.  So, Jason and I left early this morning for a fun-filled day in the city (insert sarcasm here  ;-)).

Actually the day was rather nice.  I got to spend it with my hubby and my newest baby. 

The endocrinologist signed off on releasing me.  Although I am not technically diabetic, I am to live my life as if I am.  I need to get my blood pressure and my weight under control again and continue randomly checking my fasting sugars at home.  I continue my glucophage and have annual bloodwork done.  All of this was expected.

The OB was also really as expected.  My body is healing nicely from having a baby.  But, my inners are also STILL falling out.  I have a rather severe bladder prolapse and a fair uterine prolapse.  We've known this for several weeks.  I have another consult appointment with the other OB in the practice in a couple weeks to plan the corrective surgery that I need to have for the prolapse issue.  This means that God is closing the door on any further children.  We are still coming to grips with this information.  But, in the short term... it means a lot of planning for another surgery and healing time.  Details details...

Okay... the littlest man has really been wonderful today with being cooped up in his carseat and not in his regular routine.  But, he's had enough now and needs my attention before we can really get some sleep tonight.  I'm off to respond to another email or two and then head to bed with him to snuggle.

Praise the Lord for another year...

An answer to Noah's prayer

Noah had been praying for a baby brother since we first found out I was pregnant with Tabitha.  And, he was devastated when we found that we were expecting a girl.  He continued praying for a baby brother.  Jason and I were (of course) praying that the Lord would give us more time before he blessed us with further children after Tabitha arrived.

Anyone who has had multiple young children in the house knows how much stress they can bring (especially to a marriage).  It can be even more stressful when you go from having two nearly grown teenagers... to having two young adults that live on their own and another group of young children to raise from birth again.  But, we committed our fertility to God's plans fully in December 2000 when we went and had my tubal reversal surgery... and no matter how difficult that covenant has been sometimes, we still fully trust that God is trustworthy and able to provide for our family... no matter what the size.

So, when we found that we were expecting another blessing... Noah's prayers were answered!  We found out in August that we were expecting another son.  We were evening out the household - 3 boys and 3 girls.  God is awesome!  So, the picture at the top of this post was taken when Josiah was 2 days old.  This is the photo that Jason used to announce Josiah's arrival and the answer to Noah's prayer to our church.

We rejoice that He has blessed our family so much and couldn't imagine life without any of our children.

Josiah Doran has arrived!!!

He made his speedy entrance into the world on 1/3/08 at 11:43am.  He weighed in at an even 8lbs and was 19.5 inches long.  We are home and recovering fantastically in our own bed and loving every minute of it.  He's still a night owl (was that way in the womb too)... so we're going to be working on getting him transitioned a bit. 

Josiah is Hebrew for "Fire of the Lord" and Doran is Hebrew for "God's Gift"

God is awesome and we will write more and post more pics shortly.  Godspeed... ~ Tiffani & Jason...

In with the new...

Well, tomorrow is "the" day.  We have to be at the hospital at 6:30am for my scheduled induction.  I've been having more contractions this evening, but I'm still figuring that they'll peter out once I lay down to go to sleep.  So, that's what I'm going to do... lay down to go to sleep.  Well, as soon as I finish double checking all of my stuff.  ;-)

We are very excited and can't wait to announce our newest blessing's arrival.  I expect to be home from the hospital either late Friday or sometime Saturday.

Out with the old...

I DID manage to finish the prayer shawl before my MIL left after Christmas.  It was close, but I am so glad that she was happy to receive it.  I am actually quite pleased with how it turned out and even managed to stick with just knitting IT and nothing else until it was done.

My oldest son managed to get this quick photo of me on Christmas morning while I was still working on the prayer shawl. 

Now, I'm working on a hat for the new baby.  It's supposed to be a quick knit, but I just can't seem to stay focused.  It probably has a little to do with these regular contractions and need for rest.

Taxes... I have also managed to start the tedious work of getting my Quickbooks file in order for MudpieBabies.  Then, I've got to get the Quicken files together for the rest of the house.  This is NOT my favorite task.  But, it's one that has to be done.  And, since I should get a refund again this year... it's in my best interest to get everything together early so that I am not loaning my money to Uncle Sam any longer than necessary.  ;-)

This is my favorite photo from Christmas... my mom and four out of five of my current children.  I'd love to get a decent shot of my oldest daughter, but she has this seeming aversion to having her picture taken recently.

This year has been an interesting one.  It's had it's highs and lows... all in all, I'm glad to be done with this and look forward to the coming new year.

We are looking forward to welcoming our 6th blessing... and our 3rd boy sometime this week.  I would be jumping for joy if he decided to arrive on the 1st.  But, God's timing is perfect and we trust that he will come when he's ready and it's time.  We look forward to trying to sell our current home and purchase something closer to our church again.  We look forward to spending the upcoming year drawing closer to God and closer to each other as a family that serves the Lord Almighty.  So, with that I will close this post for this year and rejoice in welcoming in the New Year with much joy and the birth of our new son... and rest upon this verse...

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Not quite time yet

When I went to bed last night, I wasn't sure that it wasn't "it" and I'd be awake later in the night in full-blown labor.  But, the Lord had mercy on me and the contractions spaced out enough for me to get some much needed rest and still be here today.  But, I feel very much like I'm in early early labor.  I had several days of contractions like this with at least two or three of my other pregnancies.  So, I'm just trying to relax and get plenty of fluids and rest.  Not so easy with three young ones underfoot and needing my attention.

I'm just taking it one hour at a time and relaxing as much as possible.  The contractions definitely pick up and get stronger in the evening.  The only thing that truly takes the edge off is soaking in a hot bath.

Ah well... I know that there IS an end in sight and it won't be any later than Thursday until this one arrives.  So, taking each day... one at a time... helps me keep my sanity.

I am truly resting in His grace and mercy right now.  He knows exactly when this little boy is to be born... and His timing is perfect.

Stick a fork in me...

I am done, done, DONE!  I am tired of getting up every two hours or more all night long.  I either have to potty or I have to heave my body into some other position so it might not hurt so much... or some combination of both.  I am perpetually exhausted.  And, for the lame person who suggested that this is "just preparation for the lack of sleep when the baby arrives"... you have NO idea what you are talking about.  NOTHING prepares you for that.  And, besides... at that point, MY body will feel much better even if I DO have to get up a lot with the new little one.  ;-)

In case you can't tell... I'm READY for this littel guy to be born.  I am still rejoicing at every day that he stays put until the 1st.  But, I will rejoice even louder if he does, in fact, come ON the 1st!

Christmas was great.  It was a quiet day spent next door at my parents' house with the children.  I sat around and knit all day and rested.  The only real struggle we've got going on right now is that the girls are both struggling with head/sinus colds.  Poor Tabitha is just miserable with a constantly stuffy head.  If she hasn't cleared up a bit tomorrow, I'm going to have to take her to the pediatrician to get seen.  I'm pretty sure that she has a nasty sinus infection.  I'm just praying that it stays out of her ears.

I have my OB appointment bright and early tomorrow morning and look forward to it being the last one until after this little guy's arrival.  I'm still praying that my blood pressure stays down for the next week.

Well, time to run.  I'm still knitting this shawl for my MIL and plan to finish it up today so that she can take it home with her tomorrow.  I'll be sure to take photos of it before it leaves.  Then, it's time to knit a hat or two for the baby and some longies for the littles.  Of course, that assumes I'll have time to knit right after the baby is born... or that I'll feel up to it.  ;-)~

Health and prosperity...

3 John 1:2 ~ Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

I am still here and still meditating quietly upon God's Word... and knitting.  The three littles are all in various stages of fighting off colds.  Tabitha seems to be faring the best so far.  Eliana seems to be faring the worst at the moment.  She is just miserable and quite frankly miserable to be around.  I wish there was something more I could do to ensure her speedy recovery... but there isn't.  So, for now she is in a mandatory "one hour quiet time" in her bed in the fervent hope that she'll pass out and get some much needed sleep.

The end of pregnancy is never an easy time for me and this sixth time is no different.  I look forward to this little ones birth and the restoration of my body.  Of course, breastfeeding means that I don't have it entirely back... but that's different.  But, today I rejoice that my blood pressure is stable and excellent and my blood sugar readings are just as good.  My entire body may ache and groan under the stress, but at least I seem to be maintaining my health for now.  Things could be much worse and I am thankful for His hand of protection on my health to this point.

As for prosperity... I am rich in the blessings of Him who provides so perfectly for what I need.  I have a beautiful house that the monthly mortgage is paid on time and provides more than adequate protection for my family.  I have two cars that are completely paid for and reliable.  I have five amazing children and another one making his grand entrance any day now.  I have plenty of food on the table.  And, my mom and daddy live next door to us and bless us in more ways than I could ever manage to repay (financially, emotionally, or otherwise).

While I AM still fervently praying for this little one to hold on until the 1st of the year, I am also submitted to the fact that he will come when the Lord deems that he should come.  The reason for wanting him to wait until New Years day is financial... we have enough tax deductions... we need a new flexible spending account year.  If he comes before the 1st, financially it would hurt very greatly to have to come up with the 20% out of pocket coinsurance right now (our flexible spending account was depleted back in July).  If he comes after the 1st, it's a completely new flexible spending year and we would be able to withdraw up to our max amount from day 1.  It would cover our deductible in one event.  However... my Lord owns "the cattle on a thousand hills and all the gold therein"... I'm sure He can handle providing for this little one... no matter when he arrives.

Time to get back to my knitting... I'm a little over a third of the way through this prayer shawl and I need to finish it in time for Christmas.  It's looking lovely and I can't wait to see how it is received.  Enjoy your weekend!  Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

Sunday... a day of rest

My wonderful husband managed to share his chest cold with me and Noah.  Yuck!  So far, it's not too bad.  But, a nasty chest cough combined with regular contractions just doesn't feel good at all.  And, Noah is really bummed about missing church today.  But, with us not feeling well and the weather not so good, I just felt it wasn't a good idea to venture that distance today.  So, we are at home resting with Tabitha.

I never realized how fun it could be to watch me 16 month old "help" me deal with the clean laundry.  She redecorated my living room with all the clean laundry from the laundry basket.  Perhaps I've got a helper-in-the-making with little Tabitha.  :-)  She was really cute and got horribly upset when she couldn't reach any further into the basket to get the rest of the clothing out.  She is toddling around the playroom right now while Noah takes a hot bath and I sit her relaxing a bit.

I am planning to listen to some online Bible teachings today while I knit and the littles play/rest.  I am really enjoying kniting this prayer shawl.  It is coming along nicely.  I'll probably post updated pics later this afternoon/evening.  I'm also going to rumage through my yarn stash and decide what I'm going to work on next.

I'm itching to get back into my sewing room.  I have some ideas that I'd love to put into place with some new AIO designs for next year.  But, I fear they have to wait until I am better able to stay in there for a bit.  I have some fun ideas MudpieBabies for the coming year.

Time to get back to my resting and knitting.  I'm going to find a nice Bible message to listen to.  Enjoy your Sunday!  Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

Isaiah 40:31 ~ Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.