Summer!

These pictures just prove what a great summer we are having--it's passing way too fast.

Emy had a back to school pool party today and Luke went fishing with Daddy.

Overall, we have already had a terrific weekend--looking forward to a quiet Sunday, though.

Enjoy the pics!!

Are you rich?

Are you rich?

Do you know someone who is?

FRANKLY,
I AM LOADED.

And the name will be.....

TESSA RENAE

What is in a name?

What is in a name?  Alot of thought!  Man, its even harder to name this child than the other two.  We are really leaning toward Ava Renae (this was actually possibly going to be Emy's name so long ago and remains my fave).  Darrell likes Joy and Emy likes Tess.  Luke doesn't care.

Do y'all have any suggestions?  Now is the time to make your thoughts known....I feel like I can't rest until I've named this baby!

Later.

It's a Girl

Well, we have ultrasound proof---we have a girl. Now for a name. We could use any and all suggestions you may have for us.

The middle name will probably be Renae.

Thanks.

Love to all.

Busy summer days

Life is just busy. Especially now, in the summer. I love summer and always have. The kids and I are so much more relaxed, no homework, no reading EVERY single night (unless we want to) and no have-to anythings except for the regular teeth brushings, baths, and one little lady's hair brushing of course.

We are cleaning the house from top to bottom. We have a mess, to say the least. Our bedroom is looking really good right now. We are making room for a basinet/small dresser/changing table to go in there. Geez, I still cannot believe I'm expecting a baby. Really?! Amazingly still shocking to say to myself.

I am at 18 weeks now and I am feeling some changes that I'm not sure I'm too thrilled with. My tummy is really getting tight (and larger), like I needed it any larger...I know it is necessary but after what seems like a lifetime of trying to lose weight, here I am, trying to keep the weight gain at a minimum while also trying to fill in my hunger pains. By the way, I've gained ZERO pounds so far, but Monday is my next appointment and I can just about bet I've gained 2-3 over the past few weeks. This is not an easy task I tell ya. Because I am hungry all the time. The good thing is that tomatoes and cucumbers are coming out of the garden and they are my very favorite thing to eat in the summertime. I also love cantaloupe and watermelon so I can't wait for some of that to ripen up.

Everyone is asking what I am craving and the crazy thing is--I am craving red meat (it truly disgusts me what I'm eating). Before the pregnancy I had changed over completely to turkey meat. I would say for over a year, we have gone to no red meat or only occasionally (maybe 1-2 times a month). Now? I don't want turkey, I HAVE TO HAVE RED MEAT, or I'm not happy. I'm trying to really only eat it 1-2 times a week because it is so bad for us. This baby truly loves hamburgers and meatloaf LOL!!

I am looking for ground turkey recipes to hopefully make my life a little healthier. I am trying really hard, but losing to the cravings. . help me my blogger friends. I need new recipes.

Luke also loves ANY kind of meat. Emy is not a big meat eater--she will eat a little taco meat and she likes chicken, but not all the time. She'd rather have spaghetti tacos minus the meat. She is my pasta lover. Darrell is smart enough to just eat what is put in front of him and Luke follows suit. Luke is a BIG eater, almost eats as much as my 13 year old nephew.....PIGGY!

Anyhow, I'm swimming alot this summer, trying to stay in some kind of shape and with the 100 degree heat almost every day this past week, it has been necessary. This week it is supposed to cool down a little, thank the good Lord above. We need a reprieve from this heat wave! We had a thunderstorm this afternoon, so this evening when we went swimming, the pool was so much cooler and more refreshing. Swimming in the evening is my favorite!

Y'all keep me in your prayers, that I can keep the cravings to a minimum and eat healthier in the next few weeks. I need to, or I'm gonna gross myself completely out. ugh! red meat, yuck! and yum! I'm so weird.

By the way, we are going on vacation very soon, so I'll post pics when I can. I'm planning on keeping the kids busy riding bikes, swimming and going to fun places like Chuck E Cheese. I'm more excited than they are :) later y'all.

13 weeks.....

This is Baby O at 13 weeks.

After this ultrasound, Darrell forced me to go to the Olive Garden for soup and salad.

YUM!

Insulin resistant

Have you ever heard of that phrase? Those are two very bad words to me. Because of my body being insulin resistant (my body produces insulin but does not use it efficiently), I became diabetic back in 1999. YUCKO!! Worst thing that ever happened to me.

Now, of course with the pregnancy, I need my blood sugar under excellent control. Pills just weren't doing the trick, so my OB doctor has finally done the dreaded deed--I have been put on insulin. I thought OH NO.....but you know, its not so bad. Today was my first day and it is not bad at all. I used to give myself allergy shots and I have recently started giving my papa B12 shots so I am familiar with needles and needle safety--thank the good Lord above.

My blood sugar is still elevated so I am asking that you all pray with me and for me and this precious little baby that with insulin, my sugar levels will improve quickly.

Hopefully, I will just have to endure the insulin throughout my pregnancy; afterwards, I have a good possibility of going back to oral meds. They are much cheaper :)

Oh well, just so you know, I will do anything at all to stay healthy during my pregnancy and if that includes walking twice a day, I will do it. The problem right now is that I feel so TIRED all the time (they say 1st trimester is bad for this). So, I will ask that you pray I get through this first trimester with a little more energy than I've had in my recent past.

For example: Today, after I picked up Emy from school, we went to town to buy
her a surprise for doing so well on her progress report. When I got home from that short trip, I went straight to the couch and fell asleep (I'm talking FELL FAST ASLEEP). I slept for about 30-45 minutes. Afterward, I was grumpy....Luke mentioned a grumpy kangaroo whose balloon popped (a book I read to him about feelings). LOL!! I love my kids--they make all of this fun.

Just a cute side note--Emy and Luke have started kissing my belly and talking to the baby--so far, its the best part of my day. :o)

Y'all have a great weekend and sleep well.

Until next post,
Cindy

Pictures for you to enjoy!!

All of us at Angie's birthday dinner at the Cracker Barrel.
Emy and Cristian playing checkers.

Curlers and daddy

Josh @ his Gotcha Day party. He's been home for 13 years.

Luke and his friend at preschool.

Emy practicing soccer with the pros (Carolina Railhawks)

Don, Ma, Mike, Emy, Papa and Luke

Emy the cheerleader/basketball player.

We are excited now......

Well, after the initial shock that lasted about 4 days, I can say with complete and total honesty and no reserve--WE ARE HAPPY AND EXCITED about our news. Being pregnant at 38 years old is going to be challenge. Well, I'll be 39 in November and Darrell will be 47 in May. I've never done this before; I've never been pregnant; I've never experienced anything like this. I am craving Wendy's chili and that is really the only symptom I'm having right now. I am a little tired in the evenings and find myself falling asleep early on the couch.

Darrell went with me to the first ultrasound appointment. We we heard the little heartbeat, he teared up (I did too, of course). That is such a special time for a couple. I have promised little Miss Emy that she can go with me to the ultrasound that will tell us the sex of the baby (about 1/2 way through, I believe). She is so ready for that day to be here. I told her that would be in about 3 months. She doesn't like to wait, you know. She really wants a girl, saying often "it better be a girl" and it sounds so cute until she says "or I'm gonna squash his head". Then it sounds a little rude. Thanks Emy for keeping it real.

I had actually lost 10 pounds during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy; as you all know I am overweight and needed to slim up a little (really alot). I had no idea that I was pregnant so I was watching food intake, counting calories and exercising alot more (just walking and biking). So, they don't want me to gain much weight, but they don't want me to diet either. I will take the high road. I will choose my food wisely, but I will eat enough to satisfy the both of us. And I will walk daily, even if I feel blah or bad or whatever. It doesn't matter. All that matters now is that me, my kids, my husband, that we are healthy and feel good.

When Marcie (my doctor) told me the pregnancy test was positive, you could have knocked me over with a feather..no lie. I said WHAT? You are kidding me! No, we can't, the doctors said we can't have children. I was gonna ship Darrell to India again in 2 more years. What? Really? WOW! Thanks Marcie!

We are hoping and praying for a smooth, no-problem pregnancy and delivery of this miracle baby. We have figured out that God has a plan for us, whether we are involved in the start of the plan or not. LOL! Who would've ever thought that I would get pregnant after 18 years of marriage? We tried to have a baby before we decided to adopt from India (back in January 2001). After that, we no longer prevented it, but we weren't trying either. We were so satisfied with Emy and Luke and so blessed as well. Well, God had more in mind for us. Another blessing to share in our lives. So, we look forward to what this pregnancy brings our family.

Please join with us in prayer that everything goes well for all of us during this pregnancy. I have been labeled high risk because I am overweight and diabetic (type II) also. My sugars have been good since going to the OB doctor. She switched my medicine and it is "doing the trick".

Sorry I rambled but that is how my mind is working these days. I will keep you posted as time marches on.

Later y'all.
Cindy

18 years of marriage, two beautiful children,

and another one on the way. We found out today that we are expecting a baby....sometime in November. I am in shock and can't hardly put my mind around this.

So, I have been having some cramping for about 3-4 weeks, off and on, sometimes bad, sometimes mild. Luke has been sick with breathing issues for about 3 days. I took him to the doctor and asked her to see me as well (family physician).

She did a urine screening and found that I have a bladder infection and hello? I'm pregnant. WOW! Stop the clock...no way....you are kidding.....tears, laughter, shock, happiness, worry. You name it, I felt it.

We are very happy to share with you that we are going to soon be a family of 5! OMGoodness.......really?

I will post again when it all sinks in.....later.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all of my blogging friends.

Jesus LIVES and our God is awesome!

Ya'll have a great week.

Love you all.

Am I addicted? You can be the judge.

Well, am I?

Am I addicted to FACEBOOK?

I don't think so. I do think it could create a problem if I would let it. One of my high school friends recently told me she was going to quit facebook because it caused her stress and anxiety....

WHAT?

For me, FB is about finding old and dear friends who I love and used to hang out with.

For example, I haven't spoken to Jen R for ages, at least 12 years since I laid eyes on the girl. And I only got to spend an afternoon with her. So, really it had been about 19 years since I spent any real time with her!! Facebook let me find her!! We have since gotten together and our kids met and we have just had a jolly good time. I also found a guy, Danny R whom I haven't seen since my 10th year high school reunion. One night that I got to chat with him in 19 years---wow! Now we chat frequently on FB and we are planning on getting our kids together at the beach this summer to meet and play....can't wait.

I feel in my heart that FB has really been a great tool in finding old friends, keeping them and just keeping up with the everyday things in our lives. When I'm down, I go chat with Jen and she shares a bible verse or she pulls me up from the depths of my pity party. She makes me realize that without trials there are no triumphs....I end up laughing out loud...this girl is a trip.

FB can be bad

it can rule your life

it can cause stress and anxiety.

BUT ONLY IF YOU LET IT.

FB is not a problem for me. I love facebook. I appreciate the fact that it has generally made it easier to find old friends, and at my 20th high school reunion (coming up soon), I will KNOW them when I SEE them because of FB..LOL!!

I love blogging and blogging will always be a LOVE of mine.

I enjoy reading all of the blogs on my blogroll and yes, I read them frequently.

Basically,

Blogging is my Passion!

FB is just my daily update.

Need some tips

Okay all you busy moms out there. I need ideas on how to cook and feed my family healthy meals day in and day out. Keep in mind that I do work full time, please.

Share, share, share.

I look forward to reading all of your suggestions.

Thanks!

Comment Moderation

Hey everyone,
I have decided to add comment moderation so if you leave a comment, be prepared for it to take a few seconds longer. Just letting you know.
Thanks---Oh yeah, just to remind everyone..

I LOVE COMMENTS!!!

Emy has just learned how to go on to the blog and I want to be able to monitor everything before she reads it, thanks! I'm always close by to the computer when she is on, but geez, turn your back for one second and who knows.......it is worrisome I say!

So, do you guys sit by your kids side when they are on line? I stay within listening distance and I am on her like lightening as soon as I hear her change screens. And I go and check on her every couple of minutes---how do you guys monitor internet time?

Emy is only allowed to go to sites I have put into our FAVORITE tabs and she knows she can ONLY choose from there....I NEVER let her type something into a search engine---toooo dangerous. who knows what might pop up there, ya know?!?!

Emy SCORES!!

This is Emy's soccer game last Saturday and she scored a goal!!

The woman you hear yelling at the end is me, of course!!!

You will hear me say something like "he is so handsome". I was talking about this precious Haitian boy who just came home 2 weeks ago. His name is Jefferson and he is the sweetest boy. So cute and small!! Pray that his transition will be smooth. His family lives in the area so hopefully we will see him lots during this time!!

My decision has finally been made.

As a working mom, I am very busy to say the least. Then when I started to go to school on top of being a working mom, I became a partially educated VERY tired working mom...I was going to school to become a sleep tech or polysomnographic technician. I've missed Emy's cheerleading, I've missed picking Luke up from school, and I've even missed church...all because of classes, studying, and school. What was I thinking? Do I really want to be away from my family at NIGHT? I think I went kuckoo for a while. This week, I have been on Spring break from school (what a wonderful week--free of study, classes and tests) and I've been thinking and deciding on my priorities.

Here it is: I have decided to drop my classes; all of my classes. As of Monday, I shall just remain a working mom who will spend EVERY evening and EVERY night with her family, playing, laughing, and doing dinner the right way--together. Will I regret my decision? Maybe. But, right now, this is the RIGHT decision for me and mine.

I know of three people (and myself of course) who will be very happy with my decision--Darrell, Emy and Luke. And they, my friends, are all that count.

Until next post,
Cindy

On my soap box

As an adoptive mother, I have been asked the same question over and over until I have no patience anymore. I have a huge pet peeve!! Don't ask me are my children "really" brother and sister or "are they REAL brother and sister". That makes me really angry. Should it make me angry, I don't know. Does it? Absolutely.

That's as bad as asking me is Emy adopted and does she know? Pu-lease. People, she is brown and I am white. She knows!

Now, depending who is asking and how they ask me has a lot to do with how I answer them. Last night, at Emy's ballgame where she was cheering, a man we've known for a while but haven't seen in years (he knew Darrell and me before we had kids) did ask me this question "now, are they really sister and brother?" People, please. . . in a way, I just want to be rude because I think this question is rude. Anyhow, I answered this way. I said, "they are not biological brother and sister, but they fight like they are." I tried to be honest, soft spoken and not to yell at him. But I fumed for the rest of the night. It's just how I roll, ok?

So, from now on this is how I have decided to answer any rude, crude or socially unacceptable question about my children being "real" brother and sister.

I will say YES, they are.

LUKE has been home for 2 years!!

FLASHBACK--TWO YEARS AGO

LUKE'S GOTCHA DAY

OUR FIRST FAMILY OF 4 PICTURE

Bless his heart---he was so sweet walking off of that plane.

ONE YEAR AGO

This is from last year, Luke's first gotcha day--yep, he still sucks his thumb.

1st Gotcha Day

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day Luke!

He got some trains--lots of trains! And as Luke says, "a dollar".

Sneaking a kiss from Emy.

Cake/Candles---makes him smile!!
Emy decorated the cake!! Great job Em!!

His early morning poptart with candle!!

And singing, of course.

Luke, we are so happy you are part of our family.

You are a sweet, funny, and loving little fellow who we just adore.

You've come a long way baby!!

I even love your little quirks (examples--Luke only likes short sleeve shirts, even in the dead of winter. He prefers jeans (NOT cargo) w/ belt loops (no belt). And if even a spot of water gets on him, he has to change his clothes.

And have I mentioned, this boy can EAT! LOTS of food at a time---and looks skinny---but is very full LOL!!

We LOVE you Lukey!!!

Sledding on FAKE snow--fun!!

Luke's preschool went sledding (fake snow). One of the dads provided this snow on a golf course where he works....what FUN!!!

I fell once and hit LUke's head with my cheek bone and got a small black eye----The fun never ends!!!

We had a blast....the kids loved it.