No (More) Pets Allowed

Saturday, Chris and I went to the in-laws to visit. One of their labs had another litter of puppies, but only one of five survived. She's a big 'o chunk of cuteness, but the last time I fell for the cuteness of a puppy was close to this time last year. He's now a full grown mini-Schnauzer that we call Jackson. I love him, but taking care of a dog goes way beyond just enjoying their cuteness. You have to clean up after their little accidents, buy them food, treats, have them groomed, bathe them, and go and pick them up when they follow some nice joggers a mile down the road. Of course, against Chris's wishes, I also have to buy clothes for Jackson to wear. It's just too darn cute some of the things they have for dogs to wear these days. I have definitely learned my lesson about picking up a puppy and looking into his sweet little eyes and falling head over heels in love.

Anyway, we weren't even able to visit with Chris's mom and dad because Olivia kept bugging them about holding the puppy. She couldn't wait for her to finish nursing so she could cuddle with her. It really was so cute to see her with the puppy. She was so gentle and sweet. Just like a little mommy. After the puppy was put back with her mama, Olivia informed Chris and I that she didn't want to have a baby sister anymore. She wants a baby puppy instead. It was funny at the beginning, but as she kept on saying over and over again that she didn't want the baby in my tummy, I started thinking of that sweet little puppy that she and Carson loved so much those first couple of months but then lost interest in once he jumped on them, chewed up one of their toys, and pooped on their bedroom floor. Besides the fact that we can't keep Emerson in my tummy until Olivia is over her puppy fetish, we are not getting another dog. We barely have enough room for the four of us and the one dog we have now. We're still not certain where we will even be putting Emerson once she gets here. No way are we gonna bring home another dog, especially a lab that gets about a hundred times bigger than it is now.

Sorry, Olivia, but your sweet little sad face isn't gonna get you your way this time. Ready or not, Emerson is gonna be here a couple months from now. I, personally, can't wait. Like everything else our four year old gets her heart set on, this puppy thing will be gone in a week or so and she'll move on to a new obsession. Let's just hope it's something that doesn't take quite so much care and attention as an adorable puppy.

Jackson in the only outfit I could talk Chris into since it has to do with racing.

Am I Only Dreaming?

Being married to a very sound sleeper has had it's frustrations, but my biggest concern was having help with the baby when she wakes in the middle of the night. Some mornings I feel like I need a bulldozer just to get Chris out of bed, but last night I had a revelation. I am a stomach sleeper, so these last few months have been some rough nights with little sleep because obviously, I can't sleep on my tummy. I have managed to find a comfy spot on each of my sides that seems to do the trick, but when it's time to roll over, I have to lift my whole body and carefully maneuver to the opposite side. It's been a real pain to get back to sleep after all this maneuvering takes place, but I've managed. Apparently, last night, I was sleeping so soundly that I completely forgot that I have a huge protrusion on my front side. I decided just to roll on over it like it doesn't even exist. Boy was that a HUGE mistake. I screamed out in pain. Chris jumped up, grabbed me, and asked me if I was alright. I have never seen him move so fast. After the pain subsided and I was able to get comfy again, sleep didn't come easy, but I got to thinking that when it's Chris's turn to get up with Emerson, I'll just scream out in pain to get him up and moving. He'll then realize that the baby's crying, jump up, and resume with his Daddy duty. HA! We will see how this goes over in a couple of months. I imagine my pregnancy brain has moved into fantasy land, but there's always hope, right?
Big 'o belly at 29 weeks...they are concerned about her size so I will be having another ultrasound in a couple of weeks. It's no surprise to me though. Big babies just run in our family. My Nanny Bonner's smallest was 9 lbs. My dad weighed 10 lbs 15 ozs, and his grandpa was 15 lbs. It's just what my dad's side of the family does... plumbing and making big babies.

***UPDATE*** Kari Jobe***

I just found out last night that Kari will be leading worship at Trinity Church on Sunday March 8th at the 9:45 and 11:15 services, plus at the Encounter service Sunday night at 6 pm. I really encourage you to attend if you can. It will be a fantastic time of praise and worship.

Powerful Video

Kari Jobe has a HUGE heart for Jesus and pours it out in every one of her songs. I found this amazing video of one of her new songs, "I'm Singing." It has real people sharing some powerful ups and some heartbreaking downs, but they all proclaim that they are still singing to the Lord despite their current circumstances. Sometimes, especially at this very time in my life, I feel like things are out of control, going downhill, and I just want to give up, but if just one of these people can go through the pain they have in their lives and continue to praise, I am pretty sure that my piddly little issues are not too big for me to push to the side, get over myself, and worship the maker of heaven and of earth. This video was a real wake-up call for me this morning. I really feel the Lord telling me that no matter how bad things may seem, he has called me to worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) and to praise him at all times (Psalm 34:1). All the stuff I'm facing right now cannot possibly be fixed if I'm not trusting in him to fix it, not asking Him for his guidance and miraculous power, and not fulfilling my destiny as the worshiper he has made me to be. Thank you, Lord, for this divine revelation.

2 Weeks Already?

In just two short days, Kolie will turn two weeks old. I can't believe it's been that long since this tiny little blessing came into the world. She is so sweet. She is so tiny. She is just amazing. I knew it would be different to have your own children and then have a niece or nephew, but sometimes I find myself doing the same things I did when I first had my own. Obviously, I don't have to be up with her in the middle of the night, bathe her when she poops all over herself, her clothes, and her bedding, or spend countless hours in pain just to get her here; however, I still just sit and stare at her as she sleeps, jump up to check on her whenever she makes any little peep, and just hold her as close as I can for as long as I can. Now I understand why my kids love their aunts so much. They spoil them and then send them home. I can't wait til Kolie's a little older and I can do to her what my sisters have been doing to my kids all these years...spoiling them rotten.