2-3-2012

Today I had my routine doctor visit. Baby sounded good on the monitor, and the doctor’s words were, “Only 6 more weeks to go.”

He had me schedule another appointment for four weeks from now, and I also “get” to have another ultrasound. Because of all the blood tests and results we’ve had during this pregnancy, they want to keep an eye on the baby’s growth since apparently there’s a chance growth could slow down at this point. So they’ll be calling me to schedule that appointment. I was actually glad the doctor warned me they would be calling this time because the last few calls from Kaiser were completely unexpected and honestly gave me such an awful feeling.

Anthony came with me, and we brought Sam and Aubrey along too. Aubrey needed her shots to start school, and Sam needed his second flu shot, so we figured we would just kill three birds with one stone. I also picked up the kids’ physical forms so they can start baseball soon… which I’m both excited and exhausted just thinking about.

Anyways, Sam went first with his shots. He sat on my lap and did great while they cleaned his leg, but the second the needle went in he SCREAMED. Thankfully he calmed down pretty quickly. Anthony was so proud of him. He hasn’t been to one of the kids’ shot appointments since Devun was getting them 8 years ago.

Anthony is terrified of needles himself and always has been, so when Aubrey announced she wanted to sit on HIS lap instead of mine, I could tell he was nervous. Aubrey was brave too… right up until she got poked. Then she started screaming.

Poor Sam was watching her and got so upset for his sister that he literally started shaking with fear for her. So Anthony took him out of the room while Aubrey finished getting the other four shots she needed.

And where did they go? To get a football, of course.

Right now Kaiser is giving away footballs as part of some promotion, and after sitting there for over an hour between my appointment and the shots, the kids had seen about a million other kids carrying them around. Sam REALLY wanted one.

So Anthony got him one… and Sam immediately grabbed another one for Aubrey. Then he went running down the hallway yelling, “HERE AUBREY! HERE AUBREY!” trying to get back to her. He was so worried about his sister, and honestly it melted my heart. Aubrey was perfectly happy again the second she got her football and a sticker.

Thankfully she won’t need more shots until middle school because honestly, I HATE taking my kids to get shots. I completely understand why we do it, but watching your kids in pain is still heartbreaking.

On another note, a woman from my church has given me such an incredible gift lately. Her daughter Rachel has been coming over on Wednesdays and Thursdays to play with the kids in the front yard for a few hours.

It has been SUCH a blessing for me. The kids burn off energy, they go to bed earlier because they’re exhausted, and they’re so happy… which makes me happy too.

Yesterday we were all outside playing when Rachel pulled up with her mom. I asked Sam, “Who is that?” and he got the biggest smile on his face and ran straight toward her. It was honestly priceless and made my heart so soft.

Her mom has also brought dinner over a few times, and last week she even watched some of the younger kids while I was at a Scout meeting and Anthony and Devun were at a basketball game.

Seriously… thank you guys so much. You have truly brightened my life lately.

Other than that, I’ve been wanting to write about a fireside I attended last Sunday, but I waited so long to write about it that I’ve forgotten some of the things that really touched my heart. I did take a few quick notes though, so I wanted to share some of them.

Don’t quote me exactly…

• Life does not always turn out the way we planned, but sometimes the way it turns out is just as good.

President Hunt talked a lot about being INSPIRED. He said all ideas can be good ideas, but we need to be in the right place spiritually to feel inspired about which ideas are right for us.

He gave examples of people within the Church who were inspired to start important programs even though they weren’t prophets or apostles:

• Family Home Evening

• Early morning seminary

• Young Single Adults

• Addiction Recovery Program

• Sunday School

• Primary

• Girls Camp

• Institute

• Welfare Program

He also said that if we feel the adversary fighting against us, it usually means we’re on the right track. We have to remember we are doing GOD’S work, not our own. We are employees of the Savior, and if we seek answers, He will guide and direct us.

And as we all found out Monday night… we are stronger together than we are alone.

I’m really glad I went to that fireside. Sister Hunt also shared stories about a 34-day trip back east that she took with her best friend and their combined 11 children. She talked about all the ups and downs and how important it is not to give up.

Right now I’m trying really hard to find JOY in all things. I definitely find joy in my children. And I know once this baby is here, life will feel very different again. I also know that everything I’m going through mentally and physically will absolutely be worth it the second I hold this little girl in my arms.

Sometimes it’s just hard to see that clearly while I’m still feeling the way I do right now.