Why, oh why, do people harm children? I really don't want to drag you down and make you think of depressing things, but sometimes I feel like I just can't take it anymore.
Last night I was, literally, in tears watching the news. First came the Dad who left his 2 year old in the car in frigid temperatures so he could go to the strip club. The child had hypothermia, but is OK. The second story was enough to make me sick. Father throws child down the stairs in drug induced psychotic state. The 4 year old girl did not survive due to head trauma.
I believe in God, I really do. Sometimes it is SO HARD to understand why a innocent child has to suffer, though! Can't these precious little people be spared?
I look at my little ones and can't FATHOM torturing or hurting them. I understand the frustration that comes along with parenting - believe me. But, to take advantage of my strengh and power over a child is beyond disgusting. If you hurt your child you are a loser. Bully. Coward. Disgrace. Snake.
Again, I hate to pay tribute to such woeful topics, but sometimes my thoughts consume me.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE....
that, is the question.
I am referring, here, to the privates of an unborn child. Yes, crass as it may sound.
I just read my friend Sarah's blog because she had her ultrasound this morning and found out she's having a GIRL! I have to admit, when it comes to other people finding out the sex of their baby I am very impatient and usually chomping at the bit for that announcement.
As most of you know, Bill and I did not find out the sex of our babies until they were born. I found it to be very, very exciting and if you can wait, just once, you might be happy you did.
However, for this baby we have decided to find out if it will be a boy or a girl. Reasons being: a) planning (do we need to paint over the purple wall, can I just wash the girls' hand me down clothes, etc, etc) and b) since we have been givin the opportunity to have multiple pregnancies I thought it would be fun to do things a little different and see which way I liked better and for what reasons.
So, in the 6-8 weeks until the ultrasound I will be guessing and theorizing on which gender I think I'm carrying. Today, I think it's a boy. First of all, this pregnancy is completely different than the other two. Secondly, there has been a run on girls lately so maybe it's time for a boy??
We'll see if I change my mind in the weeks to come, but for now, that is my guess.
And, as a disclaimer I would like to say to everyone that I am EXTREMELY PROUD to have daughters and if I am to be blessed with another tiny pink girl I will be just as happy, just as proud and just as excited as I have been with my other two. I mean, girls rule if you haven't noticed.
I am referring, here, to the privates of an unborn child. Yes, crass as it may sound.
I just read my friend Sarah's blog because she had her ultrasound this morning and found out she's having a GIRL! I have to admit, when it comes to other people finding out the sex of their baby I am very impatient and usually chomping at the bit for that announcement.
As most of you know, Bill and I did not find out the sex of our babies until they were born. I found it to be very, very exciting and if you can wait, just once, you might be happy you did.
However, for this baby we have decided to find out if it will be a boy or a girl. Reasons being: a) planning (do we need to paint over the purple wall, can I just wash the girls' hand me down clothes, etc, etc) and b) since we have been givin the opportunity to have multiple pregnancies I thought it would be fun to do things a little different and see which way I liked better and for what reasons.
So, in the 6-8 weeks until the ultrasound I will be guessing and theorizing on which gender I think I'm carrying. Today, I think it's a boy. First of all, this pregnancy is completely different than the other two. Secondly, there has been a run on girls lately so maybe it's time for a boy??
We'll see if I change my mind in the weeks to come, but for now, that is my guess.
And, as a disclaimer I would like to say to everyone that I am EXTREMELY PROUD to have daughters and if I am to be blessed with another tiny pink girl I will be just as happy, just as proud and just as excited as I have been with my other two. I mean, girls rule if you haven't noticed.
Monday, January 7, 2008
The Beating of the Heart
We've reached three months now everyone. That magical date where you can sort of breath a sigh of relief knowing that you made it through the fragile part of your pregnancy.
I had been sort of worried about my lack of symptoms (and weight loss) so I decided to bring the whole family in for my confirmation doctor's appointment on the 28th.
The test came back positive but I still didn't feel secure. And, since I had everyone there, I thought it would be cool for them all to hear the heartbeat - if we could.
It was no problem at all. The doctor brought in the the little doppler and jellied up my tummy. She let Cecelia hold the speaker while she searched around for baby.
Sure enough, there is was, loud and clear. The four of us (plus doc) sat in silence listening to the whoosh-whoosh sound of our little bean. My heart swelled, I couldn't stop smiling.
To know everything was OK was such a relief and I felt myself relax instantly.
There we were, our little family, all together just enjoying the beating of the heart.
I had been sort of worried about my lack of symptoms (and weight loss) so I decided to bring the whole family in for my confirmation doctor's appointment on the 28th.
The test came back positive but I still didn't feel secure. And, since I had everyone there, I thought it would be cool for them all to hear the heartbeat - if we could.
It was no problem at all. The doctor brought in the the little doppler and jellied up my tummy. She let Cecelia hold the speaker while she searched around for baby.
Sure enough, there is was, loud and clear. The four of us (plus doc) sat in silence listening to the whoosh-whoosh sound of our little bean. My heart swelled, I couldn't stop smiling.
To know everything was OK was such a relief and I felt myself relax instantly.
There we were, our little family, all together just enjoying the beating of the heart.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy Birthday Cecelia!
Oh, I can't believe she's 4.
My first favorite memory of Cecelia was our first night in the hospital after she was born. She was just 6 little pounds and didn't have the sucking thing down real well. The nurses were afraid (because of how little she was) she would lose too much weight and wanted me to have as much "skin on skin" as possible. They woke me up in the middle of the night and had me undress. They put my little CeCe girl right in the bed with me just in her diaper. I will never ever forget how small and warm she was lying next to me. I would feel her little leg move against me and it felt amazing.
I love this girl so much it hurts.
She's a big girl now and that stings a little, but it is so much fun!! She's the family entertainment with her singing and dancing and constant motion. She's smart and funny and all the things I hoped she'd be.
She's a super big sister and the best daughter in the world!
Happy Birthday our little peanut butter!!!!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Merry Christmas
Oh, what a Christmas it was!! We first celebrated with the Arvidson clan in Little Falls beginning December 21st. The girls were so thrilled to spend time with Grandma Claire, Grandpa Rick, G.G. Arvidson, Clay and Linda and especially Uncle Dave!! We ate, drank and were (generally speaking) merry!
We had Christmas Eve with the Olson's where the kids had a surprise visit from the Red Man himself! Very exciting for Cecelia, very scary for Delaney. So it goes.
Christmas Day at the Heer's where we opened presents for TWO hours! Granny Nanny must have wrapped gifts for days. Papa Heer fed us well, as usual, and the cousins ran themselves ragged!
We are so extremely grateful for our families and even more grateful we got to spend time with so many of them over the holidays. I hope everyone knows how much we appreciate the love, time and spirit of giving that we received.
God bless us, every one.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Yeah, I'm Pregnant
So many people were thrown off by my "Rabbit Test" so I thought I'd clear the air and state clearly that - YES! - I am pregnant. 9 weeks to be exact. Although, how "exact" is that really?
Anyway, if it weren't for the missed period (your welcome) and fatigue that is now starting to creep it's way in, I probably wouldn't even know I was pregnant.
I can tell you that meat makes me shiver with the mere thought (like biting in to a hunk of steak - ew). I am frequently hungry, moody and thirsty. I have to pee all the time. That's about it. Not too shabby, eh?
The difference between this and the previous two pregnancies are the lack of dizziness and nausea this time around. I feel clear headed even first thing in the morning or when I'm hungry which is surprising. Also, I've only had one incidence where looking at a plate of food made me gag. Like I said, if I didn't know I was pregnant I wouldn't think to consider the possibility.
The big question for me, now, is when my waist line is going to really start to expand. My leftover pooch could fool you (and Cecelia asked to touch it today) but as far as actual current pregnancy pooch - we'll see.
The first doctor visit is on the 28th - wish me luck!
Anyway, if it weren't for the missed period (your welcome) and fatigue that is now starting to creep it's way in, I probably wouldn't even know I was pregnant.
I can tell you that meat makes me shiver with the mere thought (like biting in to a hunk of steak - ew). I am frequently hungry, moody and thirsty. I have to pee all the time. That's about it. Not too shabby, eh?
The difference between this and the previous two pregnancies are the lack of dizziness and nausea this time around. I feel clear headed even first thing in the morning or when I'm hungry which is surprising. Also, I've only had one incidence where looking at a plate of food made me gag. Like I said, if I didn't know I was pregnant I wouldn't think to consider the possibility.
The big question for me, now, is when my waist line is going to really start to expand. My leftover pooch could fool you (and Cecelia asked to touch it today) but as far as actual current pregnancy pooch - we'll see.
The first doctor visit is on the 28th - wish me luck!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Purity Ball
I just came across this event today called the Purity Ball. Basically, it is an event for Fathers to make vows to their daughters in reference to the purity of mind, body and spirit. The focus can be skewed slightly (and very easily) to lean more towards the daughters' virginity and not much else.
At first I thought it was wierd and cult-ish. However, the more I read on the more I liked the basic idea of Fathers showing their daughters how to be treated by men and what to expect from their future husbands.
I do believe that a father's role in the life of his daughter will affect almost every aspect of who she will be - especially when it comes to how she demands to be treated by boys and men.
I should probably take the opportunity to say how proud and lucky I feel to have a husband who loves, respects and protects his daughters (even at this young age). I always knew that Bill was tender, caring and patient with me. I never thought about how that would translate to our children. I can't imagine a better father for my girls. Truly, they - we - are so blessed.
Now, here is the "covenent" the fathers recite at the purity ball.
Tell me what you really think.
I, (daughter’s name)'s father, choose before God to cover my daughter as her authority and protection in the area of purity. I will be pure in my own life as a man, husband and father. I will be a man of integrity and accountability as I lead, guide and pray over my daughter and as the high priest in my home. This covering will be used by God to influence generations to come.
At first I thought it was wierd and cult-ish. However, the more I read on the more I liked the basic idea of Fathers showing their daughters how to be treated by men and what to expect from their future husbands.
I do believe that a father's role in the life of his daughter will affect almost every aspect of who she will be - especially when it comes to how she demands to be treated by boys and men.
I should probably take the opportunity to say how proud and lucky I feel to have a husband who loves, respects and protects his daughters (even at this young age). I always knew that Bill was tender, caring and patient with me. I never thought about how that would translate to our children. I can't imagine a better father for my girls. Truly, they - we - are so blessed.
Now, here is the "covenent" the fathers recite at the purity ball.
Tell me what you really think.
I, (daughter’s name)'s father, choose before God to cover my daughter as her authority and protection in the area of purity. I will be pure in my own life as a man, husband and father. I will be a man of integrity and accountability as I lead, guide and pray over my daughter and as the high priest in my home. This covering will be used by God to influence generations to come.
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