Cameron,
For most of the country, September has not been a great month. The hurricane season has been horrible this year, wiping out tons of homes on the gulf states. Galveston was one of the worst, and people there will be rebuilding and trying to put their lives back together for a very long time. We don't really know anyone personally that was affected, but friends and family members of our friends were. (Later addition: This is a great blog entry from Living Proof Ministries based out of Houston.) And then this week, the economy has just dropped off into a pit. The bank systems are finally dealing with all the bad mortgage debt that they took on and I am afraid that a lot of people are going to lose their jobs and a lot of money too. The government is still trying to work on their plan to help by handing over a huge ($700 BILLION) influx of cash to the industry, but it is not looking good. Please don't even mention the stock market to your Grammy - she worries enough as it is.
But the truth is that you are the thing that consumed my thoughts for this month, and most of the past few as well. Just the other night, your daddy told me that he had the funny realization that all along, he has just had his mind set that you would be arriving on October 25th. That he didn't even consider that you could be here any day now... Of course, my doctor said that things are still progressing perfectly and that she didn't expect me to do "anything crazy" in the next few weeks, but the truth is that you are probably big enough and healthy enough to make it just fine out here in the big world.
Not that I am ready! You are definitely starting to seem more cramped, but you haven't kept me from going to work or getting a decent amount of sleep. I definitely love the part about eating for two, and I think you are hitting a growth spurt because I am finally able to eat a good dinner again. The funny thing lately is your hiccups. I have felt the little "bomp, bomp, bomp" that is so perfectly in time that I knew that had to be what it was. It is always on the bottom left side of my tummy, where I am pretty sure your back is laying most of the time. The doctor told me that hiccups are a good sign that you are doing well because it means you are swallowing more fluid and your lungs are preparing to breathe. It makes me smile to picture you in there hiccupping, because every time I take a drink of something carbonated, I have to hiccup too.
So we are down to just a few more weeks until you are officially here. I started thinking today about what I would like your birth announcement to look like and that I should get the list ready now for all the people we want to mail it to. It's gonna be a long list - so many people are anxious to see what you look like! And we just ordered the new upholstery for your stroller. We accidentally put that task on the back burner and are hoping that it makes it here soon. We can't exactly haul you around without a stroller! But the little things are easy to check off. I think preparing ourselves for the responsibility, the change that is coming is what will take the most work. All this excitement and nervousness! We love you and think about you all the time, and I can't even comprehend how those feelings will be a thousand times stronger when you are really here.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Gotta Rub Me the Right Way
This has been the longest week ever... Work has been exhausting and I feel like every time I sit down at my desk, I have to get up and walk all over the place for someone else. I haven't blogged much this week because the thought of climbing the stairs to our computer was just too daunting! Bo says I am starting to get whiny and he worried that the whole last month would be like this. So I assured him that he was correct.
All that walking has turned my feet into sad little puffy sausages at the end of the day. I am still trying to wear somewhat fashionable shoes to work (no heels!) but apparently none of them have decent support. My arches are killing me all the time, so Bo suggested that I go buy some insoles - which I did, but it made me feel ancient! Bo has tried to rub my back some in the evenings, but his hands usually get tired and give up long before I feel like it worked any of the knots out.
So.... tomorrow I am finally going for my prenatal massage! I called and was so excited that they could get me in. My only worry is that I will want one every Saturday until Cameron is born! I hope it is wonderful and may just be a lazy lump for the rest of the day. The only big plan for the day is that we might go get Joe Dog a pedicure (he seriously needs his nails cut and we are too nervous about hurting him) and it is finally time to reveal your daddy's big birthday present. He is going to be so excited!
All that walking has turned my feet into sad little puffy sausages at the end of the day. I am still trying to wear somewhat fashionable shoes to work (no heels!) but apparently none of them have decent support. My arches are killing me all the time, so Bo suggested that I go buy some insoles - which I did, but it made me feel ancient! Bo has tried to rub my back some in the evenings, but his hands usually get tired and give up long before I feel like it worked any of the knots out.
So.... tomorrow I am finally going for my prenatal massage! I called and was so excited that they could get me in. My only worry is that I will want one every Saturday until Cameron is born! I hope it is wonderful and may just be a lazy lump for the rest of the day. The only big plan for the day is that we might go get Joe Dog a pedicure (he seriously needs his nails cut and we are too nervous about hurting him) and it is finally time to reveal your daddy's big birthday present. He is going to be so excited!
Monday, September 22, 2008
She's Clean, Alright
You had your very first church baby shower this weekend, big girl! Your daddy says you should be really clean by now. Your sweet Aunt Kara opened up her home, which had been rearranged and decorated to the nines for us, and hosted all our friends from CBC.
It was proof of how much fun you can have when you announce the gender and name of the baby, because it was pink, pink, pink. And you had the most beautiful and delicious cake ever!
It was wonderful to see so many friends and moms because being around all their families really gave Bo and I the courage to try out this parenting thing for ourselves! And you got more super cute and fun things like bath toys, an activity mat (you will be our little Baby Einstein for sure) and a cute little bouncy seat. Even Kara's mom (Mackenzie's Gigi) and mother-in-law (Maga) came to show you some love and brought your high chair, an adorable outfit and a a fancy pink photo album.
One hilarious surprise was this card from Danielle, my mission trip buddy who now runs marathons (and makes me feel terribly lazy in comparison). The inside of the card says "Congratulations on your new baby girl." So appropriate that she said she bought it last summer and just had to save it for this occasion. It made me laugh so much I almost forgot to open up the actual gift!We were so blessed to receive some more basics too - bottles, the sterilizer for the microwave, diapers, gift cards, outfits and more. If you are not a happy and well-adjusted kid, it is certainly not going to be because you are lacking anything! You are going to have an instant group of friends with great mommies and daddies that love you and will show you how to love others. Thank you to all those ladies that were part of the big day, even if you weren't able to make it in person!
The other wonderful part of the weekend was that your Grammy was able to come down. She seemed to understand my bit of "nesting mode" this weekend and was super helpful in organizing things and running errands with me. A friend inspired me to purchase these things called "Space bags" that you suck all of the air out of and it compresses down all the stuff you had crammed in there. I totally organized our hall linen closet and a bunch of things in our master closet, just because I could. I was wishing that I didn't need to wear maternity clothes anymore so I could vacuum seal and put them all away! But we had a great time, and even made some plans for when she will come and stay with us after you are born. Just five more weeks to go!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Cameron the Cantaloupe
Baby Girl,
At 34 weeks, I have read that you are weighing in at just shy of 5 pounds and that you are the size of a cantaloupe. That looks about right for the size of my tummy! Last night we were laying in bed talking (your daddy was still wide awake from too much time playing Zelda on the Wii) and he decided to poke around on my tummy and try to feel where you were laying. I think he just irritated you because you decided to start wiggling around and hide your little feet from him. After a few minutes, he got bored and wanted to go to sleep, but OH NO! You were up and going then, and could not manage to lay still and let me go to sleep too. Thanks alot, Daddy! So I made him put his hand under my side so he could feel the constant beat coming from you. I think it is a sign that you have good rhythm already. Maybe you will be very musical!
Now, if Friday would just hurry up and get here. Your Grammy is coming to visit this weekend but your daddy is making a manly getaway to College Station. Your uncle Mina is taking him to his very first A&M football game, and they are playing Miami this weekend. Should be fun! We will spend our time doing girly things instead!
Love you so much, little one.
At 34 weeks, I have read that you are weighing in at just shy of 5 pounds and that you are the size of a cantaloupe. That looks about right for the size of my tummy! Last night we were laying in bed talking (your daddy was still wide awake from too much time playing Zelda on the Wii) and he decided to poke around on my tummy and try to feel where you were laying. I think he just irritated you because you decided to start wiggling around and hide your little feet from him. After a few minutes, he got bored and wanted to go to sleep, but OH NO! You were up and going then, and could not manage to lay still and let me go to sleep too. Thanks alot, Daddy! So I made him put his hand under my side so he could feel the constant beat coming from you. I think it is a sign that you have good rhythm already. Maybe you will be very musical!
Now, if Friday would just hurry up and get here. Your Grammy is coming to visit this weekend but your daddy is making a manly getaway to College Station. Your uncle Mina is taking him to his very first A&M football game, and they are playing Miami this weekend. Should be fun! We will spend our time doing girly things instead!
Love you so much, little one.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Can I have your lunch?
Last night was all about the ladies. I went to hang out with my friend Christy and her daughter Elizabel, and I guess we can count her tiny baby (not sure if it's a boy or girl, but Christy feels like saying boy) as the only man in attendance. Too bad Lizzy was not feeling well and was a bit cranky... But it is always great to just hang out with Christy and chat. Plus she made a mean pot roast last night!
We are just starting a new bible study with a small group of ladies, reading the book by Larry Crabb, "The PAPA Prayer." Haven't made it very far yet, but I really like it and hope it will make some positive changes in my prayer life. Christy also mentioned that she loves to listen to one of the AM stations here in town from 7:30 - 8:00 when they play a Focus on the Family broadcast. She even texted me this morning to let me know the right frequency, so I tuned in while I was stuck in traffic.
This morning, they played a message from a woman who works for a non-profit organization called Celebrate Life. They have programs in the juvenile justice system and public school sector that teach kids about abstinence, positive choices, and God's truth - all without using the religious terms that would get them in trouble. But her message really touched me as something that every Christian needs to hear.
She talked alot about accomplishing things with God's help that we ourselves are not capable of. Dreams that seem ridiculous, jobs that seem overwhelming, tasks that seem outrageous. When we are not able to do it, we become totally dependent on God's strength and his ability, and that's when he loves to rise to the occasion. We cannot do it without him, and he WILL NOT do it without us. She says that when God calls us to do things like that, we are living in the God space. Moses in front of the Red Sea, Abraham waiting for a sacrifice, David standing next to Goliath, Sampson in the temple. But my favorite scripture reference was when Jesus needed to feed a huge hungry crowd.
Can you imagine being one of the disciples? To have thousands and thousands of people in need of a meal, and Jesus tells you to go see what you can scrounge up? The boy they found was obviously living in poverty - barley loaves were small and inexpensive to make. Those two fish were probably more like sardines. That little boy could have held onto that meager meal and told them it wouldn't have made any difference to a group of that size. But he gave it up, perhaps with joy to see what Jesus could do with it. One blessing is all it took for it to multiply and meet the need of everyone there - with leftovers!
It seems to be everywhere in the news lately how disconnected the rich and the poor are in our country. Celebrities spend my entire month's salary on a few new outfits. People buy homes for millions of dollars and then can't afford their mortgage payments. Americans are willing to donate millions of dollars to presidential campaigns so it can be spent on ugly commercials and jet fuel for their candidates. We spend money to cure erectile disfunction, but don't think twice about the kids who don't have enough to eat every day. It certainly shows what our priorities are in the grand old U S of A.
I don't want to preach or point the finger at anyone. But I think it becomes easy to say that an average household doesn't feel like we can have any part in making a difference. If we are working so hard just to take care of ourselves, how can we be asked to do more for others? But that's exactly what we are called to do. Cameron, I hope that someday you will share that sweet passion with me. That your innocence will wonder why it is that we have what others do not.
God asks us every day if he can have our lunch. When he blesses us with something, he wants us to see what we can really live with and what we can live without. When we offer it back to him with joy, he can take it and do amazing things with it. And not just money! Our time, our talents, our love for others. When we feel like we just want to hog our lunch to ourselves, we miss out on the miracle.
We are just starting a new bible study with a small group of ladies, reading the book by Larry Crabb, "The PAPA Prayer." Haven't made it very far yet, but I really like it and hope it will make some positive changes in my prayer life. Christy also mentioned that she loves to listen to one of the AM stations here in town from 7:30 - 8:00 when they play a Focus on the Family broadcast. She even texted me this morning to let me know the right frequency, so I tuned in while I was stuck in traffic.
This morning, they played a message from a woman who works for a non-profit organization called Celebrate Life. They have programs in the juvenile justice system and public school sector that teach kids about abstinence, positive choices, and God's truth - all without using the religious terms that would get them in trouble. But her message really touched me as something that every Christian needs to hear.
She talked alot about accomplishing things with God's help that we ourselves are not capable of. Dreams that seem ridiculous, jobs that seem overwhelming, tasks that seem outrageous. When we are not able to do it, we become totally dependent on God's strength and his ability, and that's when he loves to rise to the occasion. We cannot do it without him, and he WILL NOT do it without us. She says that when God calls us to do things like that, we are living in the God space. Moses in front of the Red Sea, Abraham waiting for a sacrifice, David standing next to Goliath, Sampson in the temple. But my favorite scripture reference was when Jesus needed to feed a huge hungry crowd.
Can you imagine being one of the disciples? To have thousands and thousands of people in need of a meal, and Jesus tells you to go see what you can scrounge up? The boy they found was obviously living in poverty - barley loaves were small and inexpensive to make. Those two fish were probably more like sardines. That little boy could have held onto that meager meal and told them it wouldn't have made any difference to a group of that size. But he gave it up, perhaps with joy to see what Jesus could do with it. One blessing is all it took for it to multiply and meet the need of everyone there - with leftovers!
It seems to be everywhere in the news lately how disconnected the rich and the poor are in our country. Celebrities spend my entire month's salary on a few new outfits. People buy homes for millions of dollars and then can't afford their mortgage payments. Americans are willing to donate millions of dollars to presidential campaigns so it can be spent on ugly commercials and jet fuel for their candidates. We spend money to cure erectile disfunction, but don't think twice about the kids who don't have enough to eat every day. It certainly shows what our priorities are in the grand old U S of A.
I don't want to preach or point the finger at anyone. But I think it becomes easy to say that an average household doesn't feel like we can have any part in making a difference. If we are working so hard just to take care of ourselves, how can we be asked to do more for others? But that's exactly what we are called to do. Cameron, I hope that someday you will share that sweet passion with me. That your innocence will wonder why it is that we have what others do not.
God asks us every day if he can have our lunch. When he blesses us with something, he wants us to see what we can really live with and what we can live without. When we offer it back to him with joy, he can take it and do amazing things with it. And not just money! Our time, our talents, our love for others. When we feel like we just want to hog our lunch to ourselves, we miss out on the miracle.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Aunt Ashley Takes Pity on Me
Saturday a lovely surprise was waiting in our mail box...
Your Aunt Ashley is a bit baby-phobic. She says that I might have my second before she has her first, but I think you, little Cameron, might change her mind. If we can just get her husband through his residency, then they will actually see eachother enough to think about getting knocked up. But for her to even go into a store that sells maternity clothing is huge evidence of just how much she loves us. That's why she said she had to get it in the mail immediately... Can't have that stuff just lying around the house! But she did want me to still be cute even when my belly is getting bigger by the day. I can't help but rock this bump!
Your Aunt Ashley is a bit baby-phobic. She says that I might have my second before she has her first, but I think you, little Cameron, might change her mind. If we can just get her husband through his residency, then they will actually see eachother enough to think about getting knocked up. But for her to even go into a store that sells maternity clothing is huge evidence of just how much she loves us. That's why she said she had to get it in the mail immediately... Can't have that stuff just lying around the house! But she did want me to still be cute even when my belly is getting bigger by the day. I can't help but rock this bump!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
That's Marriage
Hello sweet-little-four-pound-person-taking-up-residence-in-my-lung-area,
I missed a call from your daddy this morning while I was driving to work, so I called him back right away. This was our conversation:
Me: Hi, sorry I didn't hear my phone fast enough to answer.
Him: That's okay. I was just calling to tell you how much I love you.
Me: You were? Awww, thanks babe. I love you too!
Him: Hey, I need you to do me a favor. Can you pick up some horse feed later?
I missed a call from your daddy this morning while I was driving to work, so I called him back right away. This was our conversation:
Me: Hi, sorry I didn't hear my phone fast enough to answer.
Him: That's okay. I was just calling to tell you how much I love you.
Me: You were? Awww, thanks babe. I love you too!
Him: Hey, I need you to do me a favor. Can you pick up some horse feed later?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
What We're Up To
Hey Camo,
I went back to the doctor today AGAIN. They listened to your heartbeat and said that 150 beats a minute is good. Your measurements still look good, and my doctor said that you have dropped down a bit lower. I held my tongue and didn't call her a big fat liar, because you are still suffocating me and jabbing me in the ribs! But every time I start to complain, I try to remind myself how blessed I have been to have a smooth and uneventful pregnancy so far. If being a bit uncomfortable is the worst it gets, I would be pregnant again in a heartbeat.
Well, since I can't post pictures from the shower, I thought I would post pictures of a few of your new things (especially for our family that won't get to see you right away!) You are such a lucky little dudette.
Hopefully you will love to relax in this swing. The owls are too cute for crying!
Ready for story time!
Your very first pearl snap shirt, bought at your Daddy's request. There are tiny little horses and flowers all over it.
I love both of these jammies with little cupcakes. You will be wearing them ASAP!
More of your new wall decorations - the painting was done by Mrs. Alexis and the frog is from your Great-Grandma Belcher.
Now that they are nicely organized, these diapers should get us through at least a day or two... right?
This is the special present we gave to all your hostesses - your favorite brownie recipe from the Perini Ranch Cookbook. Daddy makes them better than your mommy does!
I went back to the doctor today AGAIN. They listened to your heartbeat and said that 150 beats a minute is good. Your measurements still look good, and my doctor said that you have dropped down a bit lower. I held my tongue and didn't call her a big fat liar, because you are still suffocating me and jabbing me in the ribs! But every time I start to complain, I try to remind myself how blessed I have been to have a smooth and uneventful pregnancy so far. If being a bit uncomfortable is the worst it gets, I would be pregnant again in a heartbeat.
Well, since I can't post pictures from the shower, I thought I would post pictures of a few of your new things (especially for our family that won't get to see you right away!) You are such a lucky little dudette.
Hopefully you will love to relax in this swing. The owls are too cute for crying!
Ready for story time!
Your very first pearl snap shirt, bought at your Daddy's request. There are tiny little horses and flowers all over it.
I love both of these jammies with little cupcakes. You will be wearing them ASAP!
More of your new wall decorations - the painting was done by Mrs. Alexis and the frog is from your Great-Grandma Belcher.
Now that they are nicely organized, these diapers should get us through at least a day or two... right?
This is the special present we gave to all your hostesses - your favorite brownie recipe from the Perini Ranch Cookbook. Daddy makes them better than your mommy does!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Spoiled Rotten Already
Cameron,
You are one lucky chick! Your daddy's friends and family threw you a fabulous shower this weekend, and we almost have your room all ready to go! Your wardrobe is ever-expanding, and you are going to have so many cute things to choose from. We also received your bedding set, a fabulous diaper cake, a rocking chair, a diaper organizer basket, cute toys, and some amazing wall decor. We got home Sunday night and couldn't wait to start organizing things. I think it is hard to guess now what we want to have most handy, but we are trying to put things away and remember where they are! Your socks and blankies all have to be washed anyway, but it is nice to at least know where they will end up. By the way, I wish you could let me know now if you are going to have sensitive skin. I haven't yet bought you some baby detergent and am experimenting with the idea of just using extra gentle stuff for all of us. I figure you are going to be rubbing up against mine and your daddy's clothes alot too, so what good does it do to only wash yours in Dreft? Maybe some friends can help me out with that....
But we had a great time getting to see everyone this weekend. We did get to see Baby Owen (still in the oven) and his mommy and daddy are doing great. So exciting to think that the next time we see them, you and Owen will be here for us to swap and hold. I think he will love the monogrammed blanket that we gave them this weekend. His room is all decorated in cowboy stuff, so he had to have the horsey blanket from Gymboree! We also got to see your great-grandma Stella, who is 91! She stills looks great and had a nice chat with us before we headed out of town.
The bad news from the weekend is that your Grammy's camera stinks.... and it was the one we took all the shower pictures on. Next time, I will remember to have our camera there, because something is off on her shutter speed (or something worse) and every picture comes out horribly fuzzy. I wish I had a clear picture of all our wonderful ladies there, but it gives me a headache just to glance at it.
The only one that came out was the fabulous decorative star that was painted by our friend (and art teacher) Alexis. It is absolutely a perfect match to your bedding set and looks so fabulous up on the wall. Check it out!
So now the big worry we talked about is how to keep you from being spoiled! We are definitely going to have to keep things in check. No running from one grandparent to the next in order to get your way! Of course, Grandpa is going to be the big softy, I can already tell. :)
You are one lucky chick! Your daddy's friends and family threw you a fabulous shower this weekend, and we almost have your room all ready to go! Your wardrobe is ever-expanding, and you are going to have so many cute things to choose from. We also received your bedding set, a fabulous diaper cake, a rocking chair, a diaper organizer basket, cute toys, and some amazing wall decor. We got home Sunday night and couldn't wait to start organizing things. I think it is hard to guess now what we want to have most handy, but we are trying to put things away and remember where they are! Your socks and blankies all have to be washed anyway, but it is nice to at least know where they will end up. By the way, I wish you could let me know now if you are going to have sensitive skin. I haven't yet bought you some baby detergent and am experimenting with the idea of just using extra gentle stuff for all of us. I figure you are going to be rubbing up against mine and your daddy's clothes alot too, so what good does it do to only wash yours in Dreft? Maybe some friends can help me out with that....
But we had a great time getting to see everyone this weekend. We did get to see Baby Owen (still in the oven) and his mommy and daddy are doing great. So exciting to think that the next time we see them, you and Owen will be here for us to swap and hold. I think he will love the monogrammed blanket that we gave them this weekend. His room is all decorated in cowboy stuff, so he had to have the horsey blanket from Gymboree! We also got to see your great-grandma Stella, who is 91! She stills looks great and had a nice chat with us before we headed out of town.
The bad news from the weekend is that your Grammy's camera stinks.... and it was the one we took all the shower pictures on. Next time, I will remember to have our camera there, because something is off on her shutter speed (or something worse) and every picture comes out horribly fuzzy. I wish I had a clear picture of all our wonderful ladies there, but it gives me a headache just to glance at it.
The only one that came out was the fabulous decorative star that was painted by our friend (and art teacher) Alexis. It is absolutely a perfect match to your bedding set and looks so fabulous up on the wall. Check it out!
So now the big worry we talked about is how to keep you from being spoiled! We are definitely going to have to keep things in check. No running from one grandparent to the next in order to get your way! Of course, Grandpa is going to be the big softy, I can already tell. :)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Time for another Shout Out!
I finally got to talk to one of my best good friends tonight, Ashley. She lives in Oklahoma now (don't bring it up, it's not her fault...) and we seem to often have a hard time catching one another on the phone. She called to tell me that she didn't think she could make the trip to Abilene this weekend to come to your baby shower, but that she was hoping to come for a special weekend to San Antonio instead! I figure a whole weekend with just us is even better.
So I started feeling nostalgic to our sorority days, and found this picture:
This is us with our other roommate, Erin. I hope that someday you will be blessed with friends like this - to have fun and laugh with you, to hold you and help you cry when you need it, and most importantly to know all about you (even the bad stuff) and love you anyway. I know Ashley can't wait to meet you and love you too!
So I started feeling nostalgic to our sorority days, and found this picture:
This is us with our other roommate, Erin. I hope that someday you will be blessed with friends like this - to have fun and laugh with you, to hold you and help you cry when you need it, and most importantly to know all about you (even the bad stuff) and love you anyway. I know Ashley can't wait to meet you and love you too!
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