Negative Pregnancy Tests

I hate negative pregnancy tests, when you want them to be positive. Most ladies out there have had at least one. Several of us have had way more than we can almost count and more than we could have ever imagined. Clearly, I am not talking about a negative test for me at this time. However, I told my dr on Tuesday that I am SO thrilled about getting my tubes tied during my C-Section because I should never have another negative pregnancy test when I want it to be positive.

I have 6 friends right now that are praying for positives and only getting negatives. One is deep in infertility, 2 are doing little infertility things, 1 is still having to wait for 2 more negatives before she gets sent to a specialist, and 2 are tired of trying to time everything themselves. It is a weary process. (By the way 3 of the 6 aren't bloggers so you don't know them)

I had a friend give me a card the week of our second miscarriage and I want to repost the words. They have really spoken to me over the past year. In fact, I posted them on 8/29/08 - almost exactly a year ago. These are words of encouragement for anyone who is waiting....waiting for what they want....waiting for hope to fill their heart.....waiting for relief...waiting to see the plan for their family. This week, I encourage you all to pray for those who are getting negatives when they are longing for positives. Even if you don't know anyone personally, pray for those out there. And to those of you who are, please read these words and know that you are loved (even if you are not known) are you are being prayed for.



Don’t wish upon a shining star
Or put your trust in another,
But daily place the cares of your heart
In the hands of your Heavenly Father.

For He has heard your prayers
And He knows your heart,
And His answer’s a whisper away.
So don’t give up, don’t doubt His love,
But hold on in faith one more day.

And while you wait, keep your eyes on Jesus
Let your hope be in Him alone.
Let His Word give light to encourage your soul
And His Spirit give your heart a home.

Just like everyone else - behind on blogging

Man, I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged. It feels like yesterday! I guess I am just like everyone else, getting ready for school and fall and wrapping up summer.

Things are good here. I am just really tired. I go to the dr three times a week for either an appointment, a Non Stress test, an ultrasound, or a combination of the three. Seeing Corey so often is so special. I can't believe we are 2 1/2 weeks away from being a family of 4. I can honestly say I have never been as tired as I am right now. I know it will be more when Corey comes, but this is the max I have hit. Dr. Owen is really on me to conserve my energy and stay off my feet when I am not at work. I have missed lots of fun things over the past two weeks, but I am trying to do what is best for Corey.

So here are the highlights from the past two weeks:

1. Carley is still doing pretty well at her new place. Drop off in the morning has been rough. I am not going to lie. She says and does lots of things that break my heart and make me cry about leaving. I can see her on the video and approximately 2 minutes after I leave she is happy and has a wonderful day. She loves it there, she just doesn't like being left. I think a lot of it has to do with the baby and the fact that we were together so much over the summer. I cannot say enough great things about the place and the care she gets while she is there though! Here she is on her scooter on the first day.
2. She is back in dance/gymnastics as well and still loves it. She is so cute and proud in her class. I love watching her. Here she is on her first day. She wanted to wear the tutu from the dollar spot at Target on the way. Thanks to April and Kyler for the leotard. It is her FAVORITE! This is also another day that her teacher redid her hair at school. You can also see she wanted to pose for one of the picts.

3. I start teaching at LCU on Monday nights this fall. First session is Monday. I am looking forward to it. It is about 2/3 online and 1/3 face to face and this is my 4th time to teach the class. Hopefully I am not insane for doing this during the fall that Corey is coming.

4. I just finished a book called "Firefly Lane". It was a great read. Thanks Kristen for letting me borrow it. It is a great read that feels like a chic flick.

5. I am ready for good TV to return. I am tired of reruns and reality. Bring me back to my favorites.

6. Did I mention I am tired?Hope you are all doing well. Sorry I am behind on your blogs and catching up with you.

That time of year again....back to work

I started back to work on Monday. Baby Corey is coming a MONTH from tomorrow. Life is insane.

Those three sentences say a lot about my life and heart right now.

It was good to start back to work. I like adult interaction and routine. I know that is weird, but I really am my best self when I have outlets and a plan. I have slept better, been more productive, and been much better about not wasting time. This year is a little different for several reasons.

1. I am 8 months pregnant, which means I am hot and tired.
2. Carley is not going to go to Granny's this year. She has been at Granny's since she was a few months old. Even though we weren't related to Granny, she felt like family and there was comfort leaving her in a home. Last year we added preschool at Sugar N Spice two days a week. Overall, this was a good experience for Carley. This year Granny doesn't have a spot for Corey and I want them to be together each day for my sanity, so the Nelsons moved to a full time day care. More on this in a minute.
3. We got a really great new Superintendent. He is a great man, charismatic, energetic, and all about change. This has brought a whole new energy to our district. The hard thing is all of our jobs and descriptions are changing to some extent. Trying to figure all of that out this week has been a little crazy.
4. I have Nonstress tests for Corey twice a week an ultrasound once a week, and starting weekly appointments just to check him. So far, all is good, but, as my principal says, "We want to land my disastrous Apollo 13 pregnancy successfully". We would really appreciate prayers that these last 4 weeks are smooth. It is really stressful trying to schedule all of this around working full time and Carley.

My camera is broken so I can't post pictures, but Carley has had a GREAT week at her new place. They do the coolest stuff and the accountability is great. Here are my favorite or the funniest things about her new school.

1. There is an indoor play center at the facility that has a huge roller skating rink, ball pit, and climbing gym with slides. Carley thinks this is awesome. Twice a week they get to ride their scooters around the rink. She got a new princess scooter and loves to ride it.
2. I can log onto the Internet at anytime and see her class. I can see them on the play grounds too. It is awesome to be able to check on her.
3. They provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks. This is SO nice for me in the mornings. She has already had two servings of fruits and veggies by the time she gets home.
4. Carley's teacher is Hispanic and has taught Carley some really cool stuff. One funny thing happened the other day. She asked me if I care if she plays with Carley's hair. She loves to do little girl hair and sometimes after rest she puts the girls hair in matching pigtails/ponytails/braids/etc. I told her that was great, but Carley barely let me brush her teeth so I wasn't sure how it would go. On Wednesday I picked Carley up and her hair was in CORNROWS!!!!!!! 12 little braids and then a bun in the back. It was so funny. I will post pictures very soon. Can you imagine?
5. They are working on counting to 100, tying their shoes, and associating sounds to all their letters. Carley can do some of this already, but it is nice to see her challenged some academically. Last year at preschool the learning time was shapes, colors, and numbers to 5. It is amazing the difference in 5 day a week care.

Being a mom is hard. It doesn't matter if you work, stay home, or do part-time, it is hard. You want to make sure you are doing the best thing for your child, your family, and your sanity. Daily I am glad I work full time and daily I wish I stayed home. Daily I am glad Carley gets so many cool opportunities and daily I wish she was home in her pjs. Daily I think Cody and I have made the best decision for our family and daily I second guess myself. I do know I am doing my best and Carley is adjusting great. The only tears this week were by me. She loves her little world is able to have fun all the time, with me or away.

So here's to another year or fun, challenges, and blessings. I am glad we are all in this together.