a little sumpin for the littlest young'n's...

On May 18th, after Nat took the awesome pix and then proceeded to take #1-#3 back to Illinois with her, Levi asked his dad if we could maybe possibly go to the Cheesecake Factory. Just the four of us.

It didn't take much convincing. They have reasonably priced kids meals and D and I always split a meal so we can get outta there without having to do dishes. it's a win win.

Can you believe that it's June today? Do you know what that means?

It's BABY month around here. Today was my home visit with Mary Helen and her assistant, Summer. Ya'd think with the burgeoning belly that that would make this all seem real. And it does. But this visit really just made this seem like it's actually gonna happen.

My little boy is doing very well...it's funny because his heart rate is always so strong. When we talk to him or when I rustle him/pat him during my doppler check, his little heart rate goes up. Such a fun little fella. Can't WAIT to meet him. We've begun the bet placing...it's all in fun, of course, but it's fun to get people's guesses on when baby will arrive and how much baby will weigh. We post it up...and heck, since this is Last Young, we may even issue a prize for the closest guess. So, drop me a comment...I'll put your name on the page.

I'm having some pretty consistent Braxton Hicks contractions today. I have to admit, it does make me a smidge nervous...I know what to expect. It's going to hurt but I pray his delivery goes quickly. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to do a home birth one last time. It's hard to get the head around that...how good God has been to give us nearly 6 incredible kids and 6 awe-inspiring deliveries. Wow. Not taken lightly.

I'm all ready....got my supplies in the crib and all we need is for baby to show up. I appreciate your prayers...

I'll be back, for I have a slew of pix from Race weekend to post, and even Mel's 13th b-day pix. Little bits....litttttttttle bits. Peace....

update....nothing too thrilling.

Have I blogged this photo yet? this is my midwife, who I will refer to as MH in future posts. to protect her anonymity and stuff. plus, it's hard to type Mary Helen all the time.

Oh my dear, faithful cousin Tory...I am so sorry to keep you waiting, wondering. I have been so bad about taking pics with my actual camera.

To update ye:

Last week, David, the kids and I enjoyed a two night escape to....RICHMOND. I know, exotic, right? Actually, Daveyboy will be on a big job there for the next 6+ weeks (it's not too far from our home) so we went to scope out the area, and enjoy some much needed away time from our money pit...er, I mean, home sweet home. I had my appt with MH, everything is peachy, except for the fact that bebe sextus continues to move from a heads down position to a heads up position, which is not cool in my book or anyone's for that matter. I covet your prayers that he will cooperate by this Friday (week 34) and remain in the proper pose. little punk. Other than general discomfort, a sore back, heartburn, I'm feeling groovy. (ya like that? choosin' some joy.)

Piano recital and Mel's retreat to MudBowl on Friday. Soccer all day Saturday, porch project. Church and Mother's Day celebration on Sunday...when people say they are so ready for the weekend, I cringe. Our weekend's are so jam-packed that it's very difficult to find a moment of rest.

I really will try to take some pix of the happenings....I do enjoy looking back on the memories....and I really do need to get a pic up on here of me. I apparently look as if I might be carrying more than one child. The cashier at Target, a young, sweet girl, asked me if there was possibly more than one baby in my abdomen. The kid will probably be tiny...and I'll just have all this loose skin...

I'm tired, hope this finds you well and healthy...hugs and love from me to you.

nesting and new life...

This is Ol' Blue Eyes, deep as the ocean, Mr. Ryan...wasn't this kid just born? yeah, well, he's pulling up on things now and just growing up too darn fast. Just ask his Grandma Karel (who's holding him) and she will agree! He is really one of the cutest little dudes you'll ever meet.

Ry and his lovely Momma, Natalie. Strangely, I didn't get as many pix as I had planned to. So there are no pix of Ry's dad, Nick. Or my mother and father in law. I'm a picture taking loser.

David and his newest nephew, James, aka Jay. He had just gotten out of the hospital this very day (4/17), after he started eating like a champ. Also, the hole in his lung is healing! Yah!! I love that David is trying to look comfortable holding such a small human.

Mel and her new cousin

Hello Young man. yup, you do look a bit like your mom here...

3/4 of my guys taking in the newest guy in the Young fam...Levi was enthralled.

Emilie and her little guy!

On a totally unrelated note:
as I blogged the other day, here is the grouping of my fave kid pix. Once I got searching, I knew exactly what pics I wanted on this wall, but man, there were so many good pix of each of 'em. Notice the empty spot below Molly's pic? that's where #6 will go...can't WAIT to see who he looks like! I LOVE these faces...

All we need is a baby now...and for that red basket of pictures to be emptied.

I have begun gathering the supplies for the homebirth...what an exciting, yet scary time...all the little onesies, jammies, hats, blankies are ready, though I'm sure I will wash them again, refold them and try to imagine how it will be once Bebe gets here. Such a wonderful time. Such a final time. I am nesting already...8+ weeks to go. I'm now seeing Mary Helen every two weeks, today being my appointment. Baby is head down, like a good little guy, heart beat sounds so stinkin' strong, measuring 34 cm. BP is all good...

Now, to get past the lump in my throat that seems to constantly be here. I've done this 5 times before (childbirth) and I know what to expect. But it's different each time. and I'm 4 years older than last time. Slightly apprehensive to endure the unmedicated pain but I know that I've surrounded myself with good people that will get me thru it. I need to find a good Bible verse or two that I can dwell on, like I did for Molly's birth.

Ok, all that babble aside...I could blog more but I'm going to go now. I'm in a scrapbooking mood...why not? it's so darn cold outside....

bye...

the past week or so...

Ok, so this is totally outta order, but it took forever to show up in my inbox....this bad boy, is the Boon high chair. It's pneumatic. It's quite a spectacle. He won't even be in it for a minute but I wanted to put it together...a definite conversation piece.
Saturday night, we had the pleasure of dining, Cuban-style, with John and Wendy B...this was the end of our evening, after some outside time at Mo'Joes coffee shop...

View from floor 32 of the OneAmerica bldg, where John works at Ice Miller...wow...whatta view!

This was another really amazing thing that happened to us last week. I don't even know where to begin to blog about this...so I will do so down below.

Friday evening, 4/8/11, after a day spent in Bloomington (will blog about that later) we lit some candles, got some flashlights and commenced porch season! I think D. was trying to tell scary stories here. those spooky little floating lights to the left are just candles but whatta cool pic, eh?

This tree has really been a source of nice shade. which was ok before we put our pool close by. Eventually, someday, when we grow up, we will put a garage on our property, so this tree would most likely have had to go anyways. Now, on to lotsa sun and a warmer pool this summer. buh bye tree! Thanks Joe Marlin, for dropping it for us!

Levi wanted to pose by downed tree...he's a goof ball.

Ok, so the above pic of that pile of supposed rubble?

I got an email last week from Pam B...one half of Kaleo and Phos/Ontos main leadership...stating that they had picked up a big pile of donations from a local baby superstore. In her garage, she had her own baby superstore to give away...Yup, give. away. and we were the lucky recipients. wow. Just amazing to see how God can surprise and bless.

In our possession, we have a Boon highchair (very retro and very cool), a diaper wipes warmer (I have NEVER had one of these before. and it's only right that our LAST baby would be blessed enough for a warm tush), little seat for the tub, bassinet, that doubles as movable cradle and changing table (very nice with a two level house), body pillow (I LOVE this!!!), changing table with 6 canvas drawers, JJ Cole diaper bag, clothes and onesies, socks, snow suit, BOB jogging stroller (whoa!!), prenatal monitor, and honestly, there is more but I will cut it short. I had left David and the boys at soccer practice so I could go pick this stuff up and when I picked him up, showed him the goods in the back of the van (weighing it down, naturally), the man shed some tears. I know the pressure on him is immense, paying for homebirth (insurance doesn't cover this), this, that, and the other baby item that we will need, and just everyday life with five out of womb kids, so it was very cool to witness a bit of relief for my man! He works hard for his family!!

I think I just need a few odds and ends as well as a stroller/car seat combo for the first 6 months. Not to forget the amazing gift of baby boy clothes, blankets, nursing cover, bouncy seat and other goodies from my friend, Nicky back in Feb. I'd gotten rid of EVERYTHING after Molly...so these gifts from extraordinary people are not taken lightly. Thank YOU!!

Thanks for letting me post all of this...I really want to make sure to remember this God-given event in our lives. It's truly a gift from Him.

In other news, my sister in law, Emilie, welcomed her little fella, James Avery, yesterday. He weighed in at 8 lbs 3 oz and apparently, due to his quick delivery (15 min of pushing), he has a hole in his little baby lung. He is in ICU but is stable, praying that the hole heals on it's own. I will post pix when I figure out how to steal them from her FB. We all would appreciate prayers for this tiny guy.

There is so much I could blog about but I will close for tonight....

future highlights:

~Will is studying to get his driver's permit. yes, he's 16.5. better late than never...we will need him to drive himself and E to their homeschool academy next fall...more on that later.

~D's big job coming up in Centerville, IN. I have a feeling I won't see him much between now and nameless baby's birth. never can tell with these things.

~Tromping thru the woods of East Bloomington with my midwife. Bluebell hunt...didn't take enough pix of this but what an adventure.

~Endless pursuit of a name for this li'l fighter inside...still taking suggestions tho we've stopped telling people what our "ideas" are...I may just name him Braxton Hicks Young. yeah, I like that.

Ok, outta here...hope this was good enough till I can find my camera. oy vey. God bless and Happy Wednesday.

phone pictures...

we enjoyed a free night at a local Holiday Inn Express last night...I think I might have the best husband ever. He is one of the best dads I've ever been around. he has learned so much from his past and strives, daily, to take good care of us. You rock, David. Don't forget it...not perfect, just totally redirectable. Love you very much.

We enjoyed some swimming, Steak N Shake, and Long's Donuts. small, simple pleasures.

Sunday was the day that the big boys left...I was struck by Will's hands (probably because he was closer to me but...) I am a hand person. I appreciate them, that's one of the first things I notice on a person....Will's hands have always been very similar to his dad's. I love Daveyboy's hands...very manly. I loved seeing Will hang onto Levi, just hours before leaving us for 6 days. Ethan has great hands too....I think he could palm a basketball....this gives me a good idea for a future blog post...wheels are turning. hands.

just looking at this picture makes my eyes tear up. I can brag because this is my blog...but golly, God has given me, us 5 of the most incredible kids. Molly's a little out there right now...but, like her dad, she's totally redirectable (whew!) She was kinda worried about Levi.

I'm speechless. I wanna hug all of these smarties.

love my quiver full of kids.

Levi was beside himself, just imagining Will being gone for more than 2 hours. ahhhh. he has survived, though I'm very aware of just HOW much Will and E deflect for me in the question/care dept. awesome. awesome sons. love 'em. miss 'em. David is actually down with them tonight....man. it's just me, Levi and Molly. Molly's sleeping, Levi's playing cars and I'm blogging. Mel's at her friend's house....

Look at that big brother love. look at that hand. I miss my big boys. (for your information, Ethan is a bit more socially oriented so it was a bit more difficult to get him to stand still for pix. Plus, he'd found a group of friends to yak with so ya know...it's not all that cool for your mom to snap pix of you and your friends. as if)

This was Sunday night...David had taken Mel and Levi to work with him...sweet sleeping pixie. She was just laying there, a-wetting her pantses.

there was an eclipse. glad I caught a pic of it...actually, this is my wiggly belly...I think, from detecting the motions of our 6th child, that he is going to give Moo a run for her money. hee hee...take that, tiny girl.

I was cleaning the garden tub yesterday and fell on him. kapow! never fear...he's fine. I'm slightly sore but all is well. I am very thankful, if not a bit out of breath and heart burny, to have less than 3 months to go...but I am making a concerted effort to cherish my private moments with my little buddy. there will never be another time like this. I realize this.

On that note, I am going to go spend some time with Levi...the nice guy. and choke down some Tums. ..... hope this kid has some hair. this heartburn is killer.

Shellee, I hope that, by the time you check in here, that you are holding onto your sweet baby girl! We've been praying for you! such anticipation...so excited for you and all of your guys!

Until next time...adios.

Calendar #1

January 2011

Feb

March, obviously...

April

May 2011

Junesy

July

August 2011...ok, so in August, Nora didn't get a month to herself, because her Dad also has a birthday the same mo. Sorry, Bean...I think next year's calendar for Beck will contain all of the hilarious self-styled pix of Nora's outfits. Keep 'em coming, Beck.

umm, September

October

Novembs

December 2011...

Ok, Tory...this post is mostly JUST FOR YOU! I will have to get some pix of Mom's calendar still...but this is the one I made for Beckyboo.

I bought a great little 8 x 8 kit, which I would definitely recommend. You can totally improvise and use your own supplies but when you get into a time pinch, like I did, that kit was uber handy. (I'm a horrible procrastinator)

Wanna know what's going on here? I bet you do....

We are moving the 3 boys up to our room and taking their room. This will be interesting. I'm thinking now that I'm "moving" back down to the lower level it will either 1.) stay a little neater/cleaner, which would make David a happy, happy boy or 2.) get a little messier, which would make David an unhappy boy...

Our room is a bit bigger than the boys, and quite honestly, with 2 of the 3 being teenaged men, they need to spread out a bit. And heck, if everyone's predictions are correct, we need a bigger room for we will have four teenaged or little men in our home. which is a scary thought.

On that note, I'm outta here...taking my female children and heading to Dick's Sporting Goods to look at new tennis shoes...should be a good time.

now if I could keep my tongue outta the hole where my molar used to be...ick.

I've gotta brand new pair of roller skates...

these pix are from December 28th, 2010. I am sure I blogged them but hearing the song on my blog about new roller skates caused me to want to blog them again.

David took the kids (#1-4) roller skating yesterday...Molly and I stayed home, much to her chagrin. She ended up sleeping most of the afternoon away and I soaked up some much needed peace and quiet. For his 40th birthday, which is March 6 of this year, he wants to host a skating party and you're invited. You won't even have to pay....if we rent the rink, anyone we invite can come skate for free...and we eat lentils for the entire month. ha ha. I kid.

I got my molar pulled today. That was one of the more traumatic things I've endured in my life. Right up there with kidney stones and childbirth. Tonight, I have a large, gaping hole in my mouth that my tongue keeps migrating to. yikes. Jamie, Dr. Quill's adorable assistant, showed me the offending tooth and thankfully, we made the right move in pulling it, for it was cracked and would've had to come out one way or another. Whew! I don't think I ever want to have another tooth pulled, ever. it's a weird feeling.

Ok, I'm going to go watch a documentary on Mt. St. Helen's with my kids and wait for David to get home from work, praising the Lord all the while that tomorrow is Tuesday and we can pretty much stay home and REST/school/accomplish great things.

Good night...Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

sweet babies...

I loved when she'd gnaw on my face. such a sweet baby girl.

awww, he was such a little doll!

Molly has always been "muscular". don't ya just wanna nibble on those fatty rolls?

Once she turned one, she became a little more temperamental. We see a lot of this these days but somehow, it's just NOT as cute.

I miss these little people. I know we will get to have ONE more in our house, and that's cool....but I can't help but wonder who it is, what s/he will be like. As far as I know, if my midwife will fill out an order for ultrasound, I will know one month from now. U/sound is scheduled for February 3rd. Most people say BOY...David says boy and he's always been spot on with his "guesses". Whoever this person is, I look forward to meeting them.

I am currently on an antibiotic for an infection under my crown. I could either have oral surgery and risk having to have it pulled anyways or just have it pulled and consider an implant or bridge. This kinda has me freaked out because I've never had to take an antibiotic while pregs. It's a little weird to me. Midwife says it's ok as long as I replenish good bacteria with Acidophilus.

On that note, I've exercised today, hung out with my sis and her girls, my kids, did some school, have more school to do, and I'm tired. blah.

Spring, you can come any time. (yes, I know, Winter just got here but He has worn out his welcome!)

Hope this finds you well and healthy on this 4th day of 2011. God bless you!

ever have one of these days?

this is how Monday makes me feel...

in all honesty....I'm home for the next 45 minutes before I run Levi and E to Karate. Levi gets done at 7 and then David and I are going to walk around the mall with him, take in some sights, sounds and smells of the season. With just our 3rd son, 4th child. A special time will be had, I am certain.

I am hoping to be able to post some pix of our visit to the Greatest Show on Earth this past Saturday...of which this pic above is from said visit. Tomorrow should be good, for I will be home waiting for our treadmill to be delivered.

Until then, hope this finds you staying relatively warm in this frigid coldiness.

fresh hair

It's been since April for Mel and I. and probably Will too...that boy, shoot, these two kids have soooo much hair (they've taken all of mine).

So, for my hair stylin' appreciating cousin, Tory, this is for you. even though you probably saw this on Facebook. This pic is a little different. but I still look old and white.

Gotta lot to do today so I'm outta here but hope your gloomy Thursday brightens a bit.

Later...

Bulletproof

nice outfit...

Not much going on in our world. I mean, there really is but somehow, there's too much to even blog about...as I type, Molly (Bulletproof above) is singing a lovely little diddy on the pot. I just closed the pool up with the boys. Mel is playing nicely with Levi. I took a walk with Mel (3 miles and every step felt like torture today) in this balmy fall weather. David's getting ready to start his big job at a local hospital. Tonight, he and I are going to find a remnant for Melanie's room and maybe squeeze in a "date". But not before 4 of my 5 kids head over to the east side so Jennifer can tutor Will in his Algebra. After I do some necessary banking and such....sheesh.

Admit it folks...I lead a glamorous life. I know. don't be jealous.

I hope that this finds you enjoying this lovely November day...no matter what! I know I'm trying.

Peace...

Li'l Pumpkin

Natalie has mad crochet skills...

R looks JUST like his dad here...amazing.

Ok, Nat...I've waited a few weeks for you to blog these A-dorable pix of your offspring and I can wait NO longer...I had to share these today. granted, I didn't post all of the ones she put on Facebook but just enough to give you a peek at sweet li'l man, Ryan.

I think we have the cutest nephew/cousin boy in history.

Tonight, I am trying to get the house "ready" for tomorrow evening's Harvest Party® activities. I'm just not that into it, honestly...I'm not excited about my costume and all the work ahead of me. But I shall persevere, choose JOY and the memories will be sweet, I am certain. I do hope that this post finds you enjoying the beginning of a delightful "halloween" ish weekend.

Stay tuned for Harvest Party® pictures on Sunday...until then, au revoir.

school pictures once more...

Piper is in 1st grade this fall and really, sass-wise, she should be in say, 6th. She is such a little priss, very funny, observant, and we love having her in our family.

Nora is in K3 this year...whatta big girl. One question I have though, where did this girl get such brownish eyes? there's no denying her paternity...and I was there when she came out soooooo, I'm confused. quite honestly, it's just NOT fair! David actually has a brown-eyed mother...why couldn't one of my kids have gotten them? I'm going to go pout. We love this pint-sized sassafrass lass too...she has been a nice addition to the clan and I love the dynamics between her and Molly. BFF's, baby!

I don't feel I can blog unless I have a picture to put with it.

This week has been just plain weird.

Monday: Got up at 6 and walked with my neighbor chick. Biology for Will. My mom flew to California. No more soccer. School. Karate. Began a Ladies' Bible Study with Tambo, Linda and Dawn. that was the best part of that day! It was so unseasonably warm and I'm just ready for a little more chill. (50's - 60's is good)

Tuesday: Got up at 6 again to walk with Tashena. It was so eerie and windy outside. Sent D and the boys up to storage. Big storm blew in. lost our power. took forever to be restored or so it seemed. Mel and Levi got attacked by other neighbor's pit bull for the LAST TIME. Called Sheriff. Not sure what he did but he went over there, hopefully telling them to PUT THE DOG DOWN. So sleepy and weird all day. Tim W. came to give estimate on finishing up siding on house front etc. (can I get a whoooooop whooooop?) Piano. School. home for more mope. Watched Angela's Ashes to depress myself further. Went to sleep after watching a wrestling session between all 5 kids (Molly's a better fighter than Levi so we had instruction on how to punch like a man for him. marked improvement). baaaaa.

Wednesday: well, we're off to a decent start. One cup of joe down....bills being paid, now to get going on the Harvest Party details. Levi went with his Dad today...so that is cool. Male bonding...hope your Wednesday is a bright, cheery sorta day.