Bits and Pieces for a friday night

"Let's have a party!" says Isabella

"Okay, who's coming?" Mom asks

"Jesus, Eva, Gigi, and Mommy."

LOVE it that Jesus was at our party!

Isaiah found his feet on Tuesday. I always loved this with Izzy and it's just as much fun watching him grab onto them. He's very vocal these days too and I absolutely love listening to his little squeals.

One of my goals since Isaiah was born was to obviously get back into shape but I've always been a bit competitive with myself in my running. Always wanting to beat my time, run faster, longer, etc... I think I put so much pressure on myself that running was becoming a chore and giving me more stress than necessary. So my first race in Nov, I was determined to just enjoy myself... treat it as a normal run and enjoy the scenery.  I was successful and very proud of myself so my goal for 2009 was to enjoy running. To keep myself motivated by doing races but don't put pressure on times and speed, etc... especially since I am working on getting back in shape after having a baby.

My 1st race on the 1st was a good start but since then I've just not been motivated to get out because I know there's a distance I need to cover. I'm running a half-marathon on feb 8th and my long run this week needed to be at least 7 miles but I was aiming for 8. Then last night as I was re-reading about the Jeff Galloway (run/walk) method. Since realistically I know my time on the 8th will not be ideal and that I will not be as prepared as I should, I decided to try this method on a run today. Wow... what a difference! Mentally I felt great and physically too! I ran 8.8 miles and could have gone further if the treadmill I was on wasn't crazy (that's another story). So now I'm motivated and excited about running again and my 2009 running goal part 2 is to train for a marathon. I really want to run one while I'm home in the states this summer but so far, I haven't had any luck finding one so instead, I'll just begin preparing and as a last resort, I'll run the Macau Marathon in Dec.

So I have to laugh at this pic although it's not very clear. I somehow kick my ankles as I run without knowing it... to the point of causing myself to bleed. If you look closely on the left shoe, there's a nice patch of blood and on the right ankle the same.

Well... kids are in bed. Mike's still at work. I think I'll go read. Have a blessed day!

Blessed Today

I must admit that I dreaded today. Wednesday's is Mom Time (a group of Mom's that get together to build friendships via a bunch of fun activities) and while I absolutely love these ladies and spending time with them, I HATE the commute there. It literally drains me. But I was truly blessed in so many ways but packing up the kids and heading to Hung Hom. We only had 5 moms attend, most at least 20 minutes late and we ended up getting kicked out of the room on time (this has never happened so we were caught a bit off guard) but it was great. I had the chance to really chat with some of the Japanese moms who tend to keep to themselves because of their lack of English, we even had a new mom attend, and our discussion time gave everyone a chance to really be honest and share. I really like the small group but I will never, ever complain how God has made this group grow from 3 moms to a minimum of twenty. It's amazing to see... now I just continually pray that God will work in these women's lives and draw them to Himself.

And because we got kicked out on time, we made it back to Sai Kung at 4:30, just in time to miss our bus home. So I let Isabella play at the playground and 3 of my students were there playing as well. Isabella has been quite shy lately but today she was following them around so I encouraged her to ask them if she could play with them. She so politely asked me if I would, so I did and because these kids are so sweet they were all for her joining them. Isabella had a blast playing with them and almost cried when they headed off to soccer practice. In fact, Isabella asked if she could learn how to play soccer as well so that she could play with them more often. I told her I would look into it. :) Actually, I'm all for it because she doesn't have any playmates in this area. We have to commute quite a ways to get her playmates and it would be really nice to have some closer. Plus, I would love to meet some moms in the area as well. But now I'm rambling...

Anyway, I was really blessed and encouraged by today. To top all that off, Isabella went to bed like a champ tonight. Not one word from her after leaving her room which is something that has not happened in a LONG time. So instead of enjoying some time to myself by doing anything I like... I'm headed to bed. Oh wait... that's something I LOVE to do too!

Good night!

A trip to the Consulate and rat alley

Surprisingly it only took us a few pictures to get the perfect passport photo for Isaiah. It was much easier than our attempts with Isabella. This is the final shot but we got some really cute photos alongside this one. And these were done about 10pm... we sure do have a happy go lucky guy on our hands. It will be really fun watching him grow and seeing how he responds to Isabella.

Getting his passport was simple and didn't take too long so Mike and I decided to have dinner at our favorite Malaysian restaurant in rat alley. It's this little restaurant among 2/3 others... all serving the same type of food, you're all squished together in this little alleyway and most of the seating is outside. It's a fun atmosphere and the food at Co Co (the restaurant we usually eat at) is great.. and oh yeah they cook roti (Indian bread) right in front of you. So we went to Co Co's but it wasn't open yet so we stopped by PCC to feed Isaiah and pass some time. We head back to rat alley and Co Co's is still not open. By this time we're (well I guess I) was quite hungry and didn't want to wait too much longer to eat. We didn't see anyone at the restaurant to ask when they'd open so we just decided to try one of the other's. We figured how bad could they be... they're always busy and they all serve the same type of food. Wrong!!!! When the food came out, I thought we made a bad decision. And then we tried our food and well... let's just say we're quick eaters but I think today we by far beat our time. But the best part was in the midst of our 5 minute meal... the cats above us start fighting. I was just waiting for one to fall dead next to our table.

So to restore our terrible dinner, we stopped by Oliver's (a fancy grocery store that carries quite a bit of western items though at a price) and picked up some lime tortilla's, some cheesy salsa and some nutter butter bites... and oh yeah NErDS!!!! So all in all it was a good day and unique experience.

And the bug remains...

We had intentions of spending the day at Disney with some new friends but we're still not feeling 100%. So I spent the day playing games, barbie's, building things, singing, etc.. with Isabella. It is so much fun watching her imagination run wild and to be able to join her. Buddy had a rough day but he's not feeling 100% either so hopefully we'll all get a good night's sleep tonight.

I'm thankful today that Mike worked from Starbucks today in Sai Kung and got home earlier than normal because as he got home there was a small fire, from the charcoal yesterday, brewing in our back yard. With the lack of rain we've had... it could have been pretty bad but Mike was able to stop it. So I'm thankful for God's protection.

Our Sr Pastor challenged the congregation to read through the Bible this coming year and Mike and I made a commitment to do so. I'm excited to see what God will teach me and what He will do in our congregation through this challenge. I expect 2009 to be an exciting year for our church and my prayer is that God will soften, teach, mold, etc.. me so that I can be used by Him. We've got almost 25 moms interested in our Mom Time and I want to take every opportunity to introduce them to the love of Christ.

How do you see God using you this year?

Happy 2009!!!!

I wanted a memorable way to begin 2009 ...




so at 6:30 I put on my running clothes and Mike and I raced in the Pacers Shatin New Year's run. It was a 10K. We've been battling a stomach bug in the house and it keeps lingering between Mike and I. That and very little sleep the night before... made for the worst feeling run ever. Mike did great and my time actually wasn't so bad but I felt miserable and almost puked 3/4ths into the race. But I finished and wasn't last and that's what I was going for, considering how I felt.

And now I'm on to preparing for the Standard Chartered Half-Marathon thanks to Sarah! I actually missed the deadline but Sarah gave me an entry for Christmas so I'm really excited about it. It feels so good to be getting back in shape after having Isaiah and I'm proud to say that I've run 2 10K's and he's only 4 months! :)

But alas... we spent the rest of the day celebrating with the aff (alliance filipino fellowship) ladies at our home. I think there was a total of about 30 of us here and lots of laughter. It was fun to see them all relaxed and having a great time.

I've got several goals for 2009 (I'll post those another day) but one is to be more consistent with my blogging this year. I feel like I've forgotten a lot of great things/blessings/etc about last year because I didn't write them down so my goal is to at least blog a little about each day so I'm constantly aware and looking for what God is doing and being thankful for each day.

As for today, I'm thankful for the New Year and another chance to grow, learn and challenge myself in new ways. I was reading another blog that talked about choosing one word for the year ahead. She makes jewelry and was selling your 'word' hand stamped on a necklace. What a great reminder to have throughout the year but I thought the idea of one word was really great so I'm praying that God will give me that one word for what He would have for me to focus on this year ahead. Could you summarize the year ahead in one word?

Christmas Crafts

Sorry the pics are small but that's all I could get blogger to let me upload.

Yesterday, Izzy and I spent the afternoon making all sorts of Christmas crafts. We made reindeers from her hand and foot prints, we made our hand print ornaments again, and we made these q-tip snowflakes that I found on this blog...

www.flipflopsandapplesauce.blogspot.com 

She's got a lot of very fun crafts and activities for little ones and an amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe too. Though I don't have a pic of that as we ate them too quickly. :)

Izzy had a lot of fun playing with lots of glue and glitter. I had to modify the craft a bit but I think it worked out just as nicely. We started Isaiah's reindeer too but I think I need an extra set of hands on that one.

We're starting to feel better but I still seem to get a mid-night fever. I stayed home from a Christmas party tonight in hopes that the 3hr nap Joan allowed me to take and getting to bed early will take care of it for good.

The Dreaded Day

Well today was the day the family headed back to the states. We had a great two weeks... the only complaint being that it went too fast. It was fun to see my Mom's expressions and hear her thoughts as this was her first big overseas trip. I downloaded all their pictures too because they give a different perspective. It's been 3yrs now and a lot of things are normal to me... not so much to those visiting. I've got lots of thoughts to share from such a long time now but my blogging had really taken a back seat in my life. While I know it's not that big of a deal... I know that I'm thrilled to have a detailed account of the past three years and I'd like to keep that going. So maybe I'll have to do a 21 days of blogging to change my habit. :)

But for now.. I'm off to bed. I'm beat.

Blessings to all!

Go Lycra Boys!

Mike heads out on his big 100K hike tomorrow morning at 9am. I'm very excited for him and the team in general. They've had a last minute guy join the team and I'm anxious to hear what he thinks. I get to run support for the 1st spot and am considering hiking the next stage with them but we'll see how the day goes... I really don't want to slow them down. Then I'll take the kids up to meet him the same place I did last year. It will be fun. I will keep the blog updated with hopefully some good pictures too.

Please pray for him and the team (Alex, Mark and Brian). Also pray for Tim (who is just running the course for fun) as well as Jill and ryan's team.. they begin at 2pm. Pray for good health, safety, and good relationships!

I'll be back in the am!

Our story in pictures

This is Izzy with her buddies after Sunday School.  The little girl on the right is Kei Kei... a little girl who has become Izzy's church buddy... well girl church buddy I guess.  :)  Notice Isabella's fingers... a true Asian on our hands.

I'm feeling much better and am very anxious to get back to the fitness level I was before getting pregnant.  Mike has been busy preparing for the Trailwalker (a 100K hike) and I've been dying to go on part of this trail for awhile now so we tested out my abilities last week.  It was awesome and am so thankful that a hike like this exists out our back door.

And here's my handsome hubby

Halloween has become quite a deal over the past three years that we have been in HK.  Our first year, it was impossible to find costumes and pumpkins were about 100$ US dollars.  Now costumes are everywhere, decorations everywhere and pumpkins ranged in size and prices.  I had to take a picture of this... the big pumpkin is $1800 HK dollars which is about 230$ US.  Needless to say, Izzy will never have the pleasure of carving pumpkins while living here.

I've been dying to get back to Disney.  I just really like the atmosphere and the space to let Izzy run around and I always enjoy seeing her so happy.  She was happy but was not really interested in doing much.  She was even to shy to meet the princesses!  But she did enjoy her Mickey waffles.

A lady in the church has been wanting to take Isabella to the playroom at her club for quite some time now.  She's an older woman and I'm still feeling quite blessed that she thought to do this.  We had a great lunch and Isabella had a blast with all the new toys and gyms to climb on.  This picture is not of the playroom but a funny incident that happened there... she happened to get her pants all wet but the only clothes I had were Isaiah's.  The shorts she is wearing in the picture are a pair of his 3-6 month shorts!  The other amazing blessing in this picture is that kitchen!  Kitchen's here are either very expensive or very low quality and I actually was trying to get my mom to bring one with her when she came to visit later this month.  However, our church nursery was moved into the renovated office area and they didn't have any room left for the kitchen that was in there.  They were going to donate it to a playgroup but the group didn't need it so the nursery coordinator offered it to Isabella!  She LOVES it!

And this picture just makes me smile every time I look at it.  Our baby started to smile and they are so precious.  He is a happy baby... especially in the morning.  I snapped this picture right before I left for work last week.  Here's our little buddy.

Last week was quite crazy with the Reload lock-in, Awana camp, Disney, playdates, etc... I'm looking forward to a hopefully slightly less crazy week.  

Bangkok and Hua Hin.... Here we come!!!

This next year is going to be awesome! We have plans for a family holiday in Thailand in January and I'm excited that we'll have 2 days in Bangkok... of which one is a Saturday and we can hit up the huge market! Then in April we'll be in Canada and the States for a quick visit and then the summer is our furlough and a possible missions trip back to Davao, Philippines! After a very long year, these trips are very much needed and appreciated. I feel very blessed on how God has provided. But I'm just so excited because we just finalized our plans to Thailand (I can already taste Dairy Queen) and to top it off in just 5 weeks we'll have 3 very special people with us! Wohoo!!!

On the mends...

Dr Kelly was available yesterday morning for a visit so we all loaded up in the car and headed to her office and boy am I glad we did. It turned out that Isabella has an ear infection on top of her normal cough variant asthma issues that are being egged on by the changing weather. She walked out with 3 bottles of meds and singular. Isaiah definitely has a cold but Dr Kelly said he was much better off than Izzy or Mike and walked out with 2 bottles of meds. Mike won the prize for most meds though... 6 in total and advice to get more sleep. :) It's times like these that I'm quite grateful to be a generally healthy person.

So I stayed home with the kids today.. mainly to force Izzy to get some rest. We watched some videos, colored, and played with some new games that were passed down to her. They both have had a bad night... Izzy not wanting to sleep (now where does that come from?) and Isaiah wanting to eat constantly... hmm where would that come from? hehe All I wanted to do was exercise but instead I chose to wallow in pity and eat some candy corn that was sent (Thanks a million Mom and Dad!), drink a Coke Zero... and watch some current tv thanks to ninjavideo.net.

This week is going to be a bit crazy... I have to work two days, have a Dr's appt, need to get Isaiah's birth certificate now that we have our visas, we have a playdate and the Love Actually retreat is this weekend.

But alas... only 5 more weeks until family arrive. I can't even begin to say how excited I am! It's going to be a great two weeks!

Please continue to pray for the family, especially Isabella and wisdom for me. She's been clingy, whiny, etc and my patience is growing quite thin. I'm trying to think of some new ways to incorporate some new things and to make a schedule for our days with hopes that maybe having more of a routine will help us continue to adjust to life as a family of four.


Oh I forgot to write... at the Dr there was another little baby. My guess was about 5 weeks or so... it was tiny in my opinion. As we were walking out, they stopped me to ask how old Isaiah was. When I said 6 weeks they were stunned. They thought he was at least 3 months. They gave us the usual... on he's so big but so cute comments and then I asked how old their baby was. They told me 7 weeks! I couldn't believe it. As we walked out I'd wished I had taken a picture of the two babies. Isaiah at 6.1 kilos and this baby at 5 kilos. It would have been priceless. Yes I do have a big baby.

Isaiah's 1 Month

***Please pray for Izzy. She has a terrible cough to the point where she can barely get out the words she is trying to say. We kept her home from school as she was up all night and for the 1st time ever, she asked to rest and has constantly told me all day how tired she is. Please pray that she recovers quickly and that she will be able to sleep tonight.


It's continued to be a great few weeks as a family of four! It's hard to believe that today, Isaiah is 1 month old. Time just flies and I'm starting to dread signing my contract to teach in a few weeks. But I know it will be good for me and it will be helpful to our family and I'm thanking God that it's only mornings and that I didn't agree to teaching again at my previous school! Well... I've got some things to get done right now but wanted to post some pictures. Here's our little chubby guy... he's just wonderful and Isabella is such a good big sister!

what a little chubby man

he loves to nap on his belly

i just love how babies sleep like this

comforting Isaiah

this is how she fell asleep

Awana Verses

I am so proud of Isabella... we've been working on her Awana verses and today as we were practicing, she said to me, "I can do it by myself!" and proceeded to quote two of the verses. Then I asked her to say the verse daddy has been teaching her and she begin to quote Psalm 23. And then as we were playing in the 'playground inside' (aka the gym in our clubhouse... she loves to walk on the treadmill) she began singing one of her school songs... in Cantonese. It was so fun to listen to her.

And last Sunday as we were eating our fruit and mooncakes with the Gliddons, we were trying to take a picture and Isabella leans over to Timothy, gives him a big hug and says, 'I love you Timothy.' And he says, 'I love you too.' Priceless.

Isaiah's Story

Saturday, August 23rd, I had to admit myself into the hospital for my scheduled c-section on the 25th. I was supposed to admit myself on friday but we had a Typhoon 10 that day and therefore anything elective was cancelled. So I checked in and waited for the Dr and Anesthesiologist to confirm all the necessary details about the surgery. I was on ward 7E and Mike wasn't allowed to come in with me (so he headed over to the rainers to hang out) and it didn't take long for me to feel alone and out of place. At one point, a nurse came in, said something in Cantonese and all the women got up and left... me, I just stayed there assuming if it was that important they'd come and get me. It was awkward. Their were 10 women in my area but a total, I believe, of about 30 on that ward. We all shared a bathroom with 3 toilets and 2 showers. We did have curtains to separate our beds but that was all. After several hours, I saw both ladies and was told I could go home and enjoy the rest of my weekend but to be back by 8pm Sunday night. So off we went... back home to celebrate Joan's birthday. I was starting to get a bit anxious, realizing that our life was about to totally change and wondering if we were really ready for this.

Sunday morning we went to church, VBS had their closing ceremony for the adults (of which Izzy refused to participate in... she loves attention but does not like being in front of people) and then we had lunch with the Gliddons, Lowthers, and Cheng's at Outback. I was slightly disappointed that my last good meal was Outback but I could barely walk and was tired and too uncomfortable to go much further away. We came home and I had hoped to have a little quality time with Isabella before heading back to the hospital but she was too exhausted. She fell asleep and slept until about 30 minutes before I had to leave.

I double checked my bags and the website that had a list of things I would need and then we hopped into the Taylor's car, they were very gracious to let us borrow it for the weekend, and off we went. It was surreal... thinking that this was it, tomorrow we'd have another bundle of joy. We parked, walked by 7/11 for some right before midnight snacks and back up to 7E. Again Mike was not allowed to come with me so he gave me a kiss and headed to the rainers again to hang out for a bit. I was so thankful it was the closing ceremonies for the Olympics because it gave me something to do. I couldn't understand any of it but at least I could watch it. :)

All night (as the bright lights were on until like 1am and surprisingly, I couldn't fall asleep), I kept thinking about how our lives were going to change, was I ready for this, what would the surgery be like, how will I love this one as much as I love Izzy, etc...

I finally feel asleep and woke up about 7am anxiously awaiting 8 as that was when the 1st person was to have their surgery (I was #3). When 8:30 rolled around and #1 was still sitting next to me, I realized that this day was going to be longer than anticipated. When 11:30 rolled around and #2 was still next to me, I knew I wasn't going to have this baby by lunch time like they said. I asked the nurse, as Mike was patiently waiting to hear when he should come, and she said about 1pm. So I phoned Mike, warning him that I wasn't convinced this was the right time but that I wouldn't mind having some company. (I was allowed to meet him in the hallway and sit with him) So he got there about 1ish and we just waited together. 2 o'clock came around and we were still playing tetris and bubble wrap games on his phone. Mike wanted a snack and bathroom break, so I went back to my bed to rest for a little bit. As I rested (about 2:30-3:30), I started feeling some stomach pains but my stomach had been all out of whack due to nerves so I didn't think anything of it and kept sleeping. About 3:30, I met Mike again out in the hallway to chat/play games some more. After about another hour, I looked at Mike and said, 'I think I'm having contractions.' Mike says, 'How far a part?' So I timed them and they were about 2/3 minutes a part. Then I tell him that it figures... the only benefit I could think of to having a c-section is not having to deal with contractions and lo and behold, I still ended up with them.

I went back into the ward and told the nurse about my contractions and she said she would have to hook me up to the machines for about a 1/2hr to monitor the baby and check. All I kept thinking was... great I'm going to hit 10cm and then still have to have a c-section. But alas.... after about 10 min, the nurse came to check on me and she said, 'ah yep that's them.' Great... I thought now they have to put me on the emergency list and get me in. But I still had to wait for the 30 min of monitoring first. Once that was done, the nurse told me that I was next on the list but there was a c-section in process so I'd have to wait until that was done. I started being monitored about 5:00pm (I think... could have been about 5:30) so it must have been some time after 6pm that they wheeled me down to the operating theater.

It was at this point that I started to get really nervous about the surgery. We still didn't know if Mike was going to be allowed in the room but it looked hopeful. They took me and prepared me for my spinal anesthetic and my mind started to go crazy on me, I got really uptight and scared. I immediately asked if Mike could come in but they told me he had to wait until the spinal was done. Thankfully it didn't take too much longer.... and as my legs started going numb and my arms were tied down, Mike walked in. And then the tears flowed, I was so scared that I made myself sick which then scared me even more. The Dr (didn't get her name) said okay we're gonna start, you may feel a little tugging and pulling and it seemed that in seconds, I heard Isaiah's cry for the 1st time. It was 7:29 when he was born. I was so happy, so relieved that I began crying again... they probably thought I was crazy. :) They took Isaiah and didn't even tell us what the sex was... Mike had to ask.

I'm not sure what they did with him but as they finished stitching me up, they brought him to Mike and Mike did his very best to hold him as close to me as possible so I could see him. (I'm blind as a bat an couldn't have my glasses on so I couldn't really see him at all.) He held him for a few minutes and then they needed to clean him up and get me out of the room. They rolled me into a recovery room but it took quite some time for me to feel well. I got very nauseous and sick again... just wiggling my toes made me gag. Mike came in to sit with me but I told him to go home. I wasn't worth anything... I just wanted the room dark and to sleep. So he was able to go up to neo-natal (they put Isaiah in there for the 1st day because of his weight... said his blood sugar could spike either up or down with his weight being so high) and give him his 1st bottle and get some pictures.

We didn't name him immediately because we had two names picked out and I wanted to see him before naming him. I didn't get to really see Isaiah until Tuesday at 5:30pm but immediately, I knew he was an Isaiah.



I was quite disappointed on Monday afternoon that I was still waiting to give birth but as I've been learning quite a bit lately, God's timing is always best. I was so sick after the surgery that I know I would have been extremely disappointed had it been daytime and I couldn't focus on my son. Being that the surgery was late, I was able to rest all night and all morning before they brought him to me. In fact, I was able to rest until 5:30 that evening, when visitors were allowed and Mike came. That gave me a lot of time to begin recovering... it was perfect timing, as always.

I have so much more to write about what these past two weeks have been like... simply amazing. I never dreamed the joy, love, happiness that would come from this little man entering our lives. I feel so blessed beyond words and it makes all the struggles, the sickness, etc of this pregnancy worthwhile.

Thank you God for this amazing miracle!!!

Some Pictures

resting together

we finally got to see those eyes

Izzy loves her brother

look at those rolls

Last day as a family of 3

Tonight I have to be at the hospital by 8pm. Tomorrow I'm 3rd in line to have Baby Bob. I've got so many mixed feelings right now... nervous about having the c-section, a little freaked out about our lives changing again, sad not to be taking Izzy to school, scared of being in a hospital surrounded by people I don't know and where they will only speak English when they're talking to me.... you get the idea. It will definitely be an experience but I will be anxious to get home.

I had high hopes of spending some quality time with Izzy before I head to the hospital today but she was just too exhausted after church and needed some rest. She'll wake up with just a little bit of time to spare before I leave. Her world is about to be turned upside down with a new sibling and school all at the same time... I'm sure this all affects me more than her but I can't help worry about her.

On a side note... a friend at church told me today that she just knows this baby is going to be a boy. Her reasoning.... "No girl would ever cause this must trouble." I had to laugh. We'll find out tomorrow!

Given Up

Today I tried exercising, cleaning, spicy foods and a trip to the mall with Izzy and.... nothing. But that's okay. I've given up trying.... Baby Bob will come when he's ready or on Monday... whatever comes 1st. :)

I decided last night not to be frustrated anymore so I made plans for today, tomorrow and friday. I'll just do my best to enjoy the next few days and keep my mind occupied with other things. Monday will be here before I know it and while it's not my idea of perfect timing.... God has never failed me before so He won't now. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to write such sweet and encouraging emails. They've really helped me to let go and just enjoy the last few days as a family of three.

Well... no basketball on right now so I'm off to bed.

Perfect Bruising

I have felt absolutely huge since like 2 months of being pregnant. :) Mike always yells at me saying, I'm pregnant, I'm supposed to gain weight, etc... But I never expected my body to be so sensitive to the weight gain or to be so heavy that sitting down causes bruises.

Several weeks ago, I took Isabella to the playground in town. The playground is one with a metal bottom with little holes all thru it. We were pretending to have a tea party and therefore sitting on the bottom. When I got home, we went for a swim and I noticed all these bruises on my legs. At first, I couldn't figure out what it was but then I remembered the playground. Well Monday at Disney we sat down (for a max of 10/15 min) on a metal bench, with little holes, just like the playground. I told Mike that I'd probably have those bruises again but I was just joking.... I didn't really expect to. Well I was wrong... I had perfect little circle bruises on my legs.

It scared me the first time... now I just think it's really funny and I just can't believe how sensitive my body is. I tried to upload a picture of the bruises but my bluetooth isn't working. Maybe another day. Just one more weird thing about this pregnancy. :)

What else to try?

So we headed out to Disney today. Partly because I wanted to take Izzy before Baby Bob arrives but also hoping the walking might help get labor started. But to no avail... still quite pregnant and uncomfortable but that's okay. At least I know there is an end in sight. It was unbelievably hot and crowded so we only stayed a few hours but I'm glad we went. We didn't even take many pictures but here are two I really liked. The 1st, Izzy is making a wish... she gets wishing coins for good behavior/doing what we ask/etc ... she loves making wishes. The last picture is how she has decided to sleep the past few weeks. Mike has been working late the past few weeks so we think this is her way of making sure she sees him each night but it just makes me laugh. If you can't tell... she is sleeping on the floor in her bedroom doorway. :)

Tomorrow Sarah arrives! We are anxious to see her... please pray for her safe arrival and that Baby Bob will make his appearance too!

Just in case...

You read this but don't get our email updates...

The Dr said that Baby Bob is just big... 4kgs to be exact (about 8.8lbs) and has an unusually large tummy. They are concerned about the tummy getting stuck so they highly recommended a c-section. I'm torn about this because I feel if I were to go into labor within the next few days it would be okay to try naturally (as I've just read about a few women delivering 9+ babies in the past few months) but they still want to do a c-section but obviously if the baby does not arrive before the 25th (when they want to do the c-section) then I would be too nervous to try on my own. But alas... I'm not having any more contractions so I doubt the baby will come on it's own which means... Baby Bob will arrive some time on August 25th.

I do ask for prayer though that I would go into labor on my own sometime this week as Isabella's 1st day of school is the 25th. I really wanted Mike or I to take her (an adult goes with her for an hr that 1st week to help with adjustments) and if the baby doesn't come on his own... neither of us will be able to go with her.

So that's the update. To be honest, I'm quite frustrated and discouraged and not really interested in talking about this much right now.