I'm alllll ready....

This is my birth kit...waiting and ready to be of service....

Here is everything else on my supply list, within arms reach of the midwives. I've been ready for way too long actually.

I'M SO READY.....

but apparently, Master Young is NOT. I know God is in control, and Jack will arrive when he's good and ready...but that does not make this any easier. I'm on hold. just not sure how much more of this I can physically take. I know, I'm whining. sorry.

I had consistent, 12 - 15 minute apart contractions in the middle of the night so naturally, I thought THIS IS IT!! yeah, no. I fell asleep, woke up and nothing. occasional twinges.

On a positive note, MH is coming at 11 today (less than an hour from now) and says she will do all in her power to get this thing started. I'm nervous, have to keep talking myself down from the ceiling but then I remind myself who is in control and all that good stuff. Perfect peace...He's delivered me 5 times before...and He will do it again. in His time. not mine.

That can be difficult to grasp, ya know? but a very promising reminder...

So, off to prepare for Mary Helen's visit and hopefully baby boy six. Hope this finds you enjoying this lovely almost last day of June...(our weather has been dreamy, actually!!)

UPDATE: MH just left...dilated to 3 cm, she definitely thinks by weekend but probably tonight or tomorrow. If he doesn't show up tonight, I begin castor oil bright and early. All the signs are in place, we are just waiting on Jack to put that old head down, which, when she checked, he moved it up...like "Hey, don't touch me!". brat. :) Hope to be back with baby news in the next day or so. Thanks for the prayers and encouraging words. I love you.

Nice distractions...

Probably the last pic of just 5 of our kids. We went to Cheesecake Factory Wednesday night to celebrate Father's Day and to get Mel her birthday cheesecake (she chose the Reese's one...eww.)

Apparently, this baby didn't come with a little pop out thingy that says when he's finished because I am STILL pregnant...and it's the day AFTER my due date. I'm beside myself because I have never ever ever been in this position. I have a lot of thoughts going thru my head, some of them are freaky and I just can't help but wonder what God is trying to teach me. I'm open, waiting to learn...but failing. just keep swimming, just keep swimming....

Hey BIG LADDDDYYYYY! (totally reminds me of a story from my pregnancy with Will...I'll have to blog about it someday...) this just looks painful...ouch. help meeeee!

Hi there. How are ya?

I'm trying to stay positive, keep smiling (hence the smiley songs on playlist..yes, Justin Bieber makes me smile. Leave me alone), stay busy so I don't dwell too deeply on the fact that I'm going to be pregnant FOREVER.

Today's date is rather significant for this child of the 80's. Here's why...

~Today is George Michael's birthday (I know) and today is his birthday. I loooooved Wham! when I was a kid...yeah, he doesn't have the greatest character but I still remember his birthday.

~Two years ago, on this very day, Michael Jackson passed away (or so they say). I was a big MJ fan as a youngster. I still appreciate a lot of his musical talent though his character also was less than stellar. so what (that's pregnant me talking)...

I've told the baby that if he doesn't come TODAY, I will name him either George Michael Young or Wacko Jacko Young. no pressure.

In all seriousness, I think we've chosen baby boy's name and it has Godly purpose. We asked the Lord to bless us with our 6th baby, if He'd bring some JOY along with him. I'm not saying that we will always be JOYFUL because the baby is here, but we are praying for the reminder of Joy in spite of ourselves.

We kinda wanted to implement initials of said baby with the JOY acronym (that's an acronym, right? correct me if I'm wrong...) If it was a girl, we wanted to name her Olivia Joy Young (yes, out of order but Joy would still be there) and we've had a harder time with a boy. We've tossed different ideas around...I think we've settled on Jack Oliver Young. Please don't refer to him as JOY (I can totally hear that Johnny Cash song "A boy named Sue" in my head)...but he is our JOY baby.

Maybe that's why he's making us wait...we need to find the true meaning of JOY. It's a choice. I will choose JOY today. even though, with every contraction, I freak out a little bit more...joy, joy, joy....and can I say that once he does arrive, you all, as far as Japan, will probably hear me whooping and hollering with JOY!!

David and Ethan are working over in Centerville so the remaining kids and I are going to visit the Greenwood Freedom Festival. Parade, booths, too many people. A nice distraction...thank you, Shellee, Nic, Tory, and the rest of you on Facebook etc. for your kind, caring words and prayers. I deeply appreciate them and ask that you keep them coming. Hopefully the next time I'm on here, it's to post pix of baby Jack on here. we can HOPE.

Hugs...

Happy Belated Father's Day...

To all of you daddios out there...I'm sure that one of the only father's that reads my blog is my very own...Thanks Dad. Thanks for holding me accountable with my beloved blog.

This distinguished, salt and peppery haired guy is one of the finest dads around.

He is a hard worker, very dedicated to his company, his employees, his associates and his customers. A rare find these days...I really do love you, David.

this guy is my dad...you can see where I get some of my good looks. :) and my beard.

He is not only a fine father, but a stupendous grandpa. Molly's cherubic face pretty much sez it all.

And this is where I should put some pix of my father in law, Carl, but unfortunately, I don't have many pix of him floating around. So here's to you, Carl...Thanks for instilling some amazing character into your firstborn son. We are eternally grateful for your involvement in our husband's/dad's life.

Last but most certainly not least, I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father...His mercy endures forever and He is my strength. Now, if He'd just push the button to get #6 out, I'd be sure to shout from my very own rooftop just how much I love Him. Which I should do anyways...but it's kinda dangerous in my fragile condition. Thank You, Lord, for saving my wretched soul!

Happy Father's Day, Guys!!

So, yeah, Will has poison ivy. David is coming down off the sickness/work too much for one's own good high. Molly keeps tinkling in her pants. Levi ruined his fairly new sandals on the treadmill tonight. Melanie is loving her new bike. I'm still flipping pregnant. I'm at the stage now where you SWEAR you will never ever (let's hope D's surgery was successful) want to have another baby. Still numb in my ribs, baby's not moving about as much, which leads me to believe he is hunkering down and getting ready to "head" out. ha ha. Braxton Hicks are getting more intense and general discontent and irritability is at an ALL TIME HIGH. watch out!

The way I've felt today, lack of breath, general laziness mixed with spurts of energy, weird aches, cause me to wonder if THIS is the night. Pop goes the weasel. Please pray for me...the general funk that is settling over me and my house is disconcerting. just down right weird. David and the kids prayed for me tonight...whatta gang.

So I guess until Jack shows up, my posts will be pretty repetitive and for that I am sooo sorry. I can't wait to put some pics on here of our new fella. I'm soooo ready to meet him, see his sweet little face. Just CAN'T wait. <>

gotta go finish some worky stuff for my hubs and go lay back down on my bed. Fingers, toes crossed for a baby party TOMORROW. too much to ask? prolly. o well. Hope this finds you well...hugs!

still here...

This is our awesome babysitter from 2 summers ago, Courtney. She married this cute like herself guy almost two weeks ago. We had the immense pleasure of watching the nuptials. Congrats David and Courtney!!

I just wanna sit around and scrap all these amazing pix that Nat took. It's so fun. I know once he shows up, scrapping time will be even harder to come by.

So...how are ya?

Hangin' in there? yeah, me too. Still prego. Saw the midwife yesterday, dilated to between 1 and 2. whooppeeeee...I thought I'd be farther along. wishful thinking. I do believe stuff is "happening" because I feel pretty miserable today. My hips are smooshy and my stomach just feels downright crampy. yah. Ready. ready for this to happen, meet the guy and be done.

So my next prediction for Little Dude's arrival is Sunday, June 19th. Father's Day. Whatta way to end my childbearing years...giving David his last son on father's day.

Hope to be back with good news very shortly.

Happy Trails, friends....

G kids with Y kids...

Ethan, Ian, and Will...Three Musketeers...I know it hasn't sunk in that their friend is moving...

Mel and Hannah, Ian's younger sis.

awww, this is sad. for us!

We met the G family (Mom, Dad, Gabe, Ian, Jonah, and Hannah) a little over a year ago (well, I did...I think my boys have known Ian for a bit longer than that). They are moving to Minnesota, relocating with their dad's new job. Good for them....sad for us and all of their friends here in Indy.

We will miss you, guys! God bless you and know that you always have a place to land if you are in this area. sniff sniff.

Mel turned 13...over a week ago.

Mel's Zebra ring...

We coerced her to get out of the pool to open gifts, and she was none too thrilled at being in her bathing suit with wet hair for these pix. O well.

I still really find it hard to believe that this girl is a teenager now. In true teenager form, she's texting (but not ridiculously, tho she DOES manage to catch every text from her friends and somehow MISS the ones from me....hmmmm), she is primping and beginning to take an active interest in self care. And she rolls her eyes and acts rather annoyed with me. I have a solution for that. but I won't blog about it.

Yes, I'm a horrible mother. I'm just NOW blogging for Mel's birthday. Because she has managed to acquire David's HTC EVO phone, I think she can forgive me, us, for the busyness of the past week +.

We had her party the same day as our Memorial Day picnic. It was a nice, hot day to be in the pool. She got lots of nice things and money to spend on some clothing, make-up and whatever else struck her fancy. I think it's all gone now. dang.

So now I have 3 teenaged bodies in my house. In all honesty, so far, it's not as bad as I've heard. I do truly believe I have three of the nicest kids around so that helps. They've had to deal with a lot over the years and they're growing into some fine young adults. I do thank the Lord for that...a definite blessing.

In other news, I feel kinda crappy today. I think that's a good sign. I just need to have this baby. soon. I hope to be able to blog about ________ ___________ Young very soon!!

the bebe shower pix you've all been waiting for...

and why not?? I mean, look at how attractive and sweaty I was in EVERY picture.

cute little robot 31 bag that my sissy got for little dude...diapers and wipes made easy. That paper plate in my hand? that was my fan.

we were blessed with some very nice and thoughtful gifts and here is a very clever idea from my good friend, Tammy. She wanted to incorporate a half dozen container and she also said, whilst cutting our heads off of our bodies in a family pic, that she felt a little bit like a gory murderer.

This was an outfit from #6's big sister, Mel. it's got a little bull dog on it and it says "Chicks dig me".

jammies from Jen

This pic is significant because this is my friend, Jennifer and 2 of her 3 daughters (not including her 3 boys also). The baby girl, Leemarie, could just possibly be our 4th son's future wife. We are in talks about it.

man, my belly is large. I should've been more specific with my photographer (Mel) that I wanted pix taken of everyone in attendance, including our hostesses...instead, she took a bunch of unflattering pix of me that I can't even post on here because I'm so NON-photogenic. But good try, Mel!

Our darling hostess, Becky, spent a good week, week and a half making the deco on my friend, Jen's, Cricut machine (die cuts) I thoroughly enjoyed the robot theme.

Boyden's robot deliciousness...

Ok, so here are some pix from the baby shower...It was really a nice event and I'm extremely grateful to my sis for throwing it and for all in attendance. I know baby what's his name gonna be will thank you once he's here and he's wearing the clothes, diapers or blankets that were so graciously given on his behalf. THANK YOU!!

A little update for ya:

I saw Mary Helen today. BP is gooooood, baby's heart rate was most excellent and he's snugly head down (Praise the LORD!!) He has planted his piggies into my right ribs so I'm not fond of that. or am I? I'm at the stage where labor and delivery will be a welcome relief from constant aches and pains. Soak it up. soak it up!! I'm also at the stage where almost every thought is consumed with wonder. How's this going to go? How long will it take? Will every thing go as "planned"? Who does he look like? Will I freak out? am I going to LIVE?? Loving midwife assures me I will be fine.

David and Will have been sick forever now. Will came down with something last Wednesday night, right after our loving home visit. Fever, headaches, cough, etc. David came home from Centerville with it on Saturday night and though today is better for both, there is some residual stuff. Oh those coughs.

I will be back to blog more later. My mending hubby and I are heading out for a bit. Until then, peace

Centerville trip

From what I hear, Levi was quite the squeegee/vacuum helper!!

check out that awesome yellow booted man on that amazingly sharp INDOT floor!!

yes, Will has craaazy hair. and who are these two handsome teenaged men??

I thought I got a pic of David, Levi and Uncle John (in the blue overalls) but apparently it didn't turn out so this will have to do.

Just a glimpse of our recent trip to Centerville, IN, which is on the eastern side of the state, near Richmond (which is where we stayed at a Hampton Inn).

David's Hybrid floor looks quite awesome in this brand new facility. I will blog more about this later...surely....but I have a lot of catching up to do.....

Happy Thursday to you!

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....

so many new and exciting things...where to begin?

Man, if I wasn't so dang tired, I'd be a bloggin' fool. so I will leave you with these cute pix of Molly with her two girl cousins at yesterday's 500 Festival Parade...

Until tomorrow. Adios...

prego pix by Nat!

umm, can someone help me hold this up? (whoa, big laddddy!)

Molly and Ryan...adorableness.

In a month, when my tummy is still this big but extremely squishy, I will cry when I see this picture. :)

I simply love David's impish grin in this pic. he's just cute.

again, in one month, do you actually, as Brittany said on Facebook, think I will want anyone to take a concentrated photo of my midsection? you're right, no.

the Y block kept moving because the little guy was kicking right then. it was kinda cute. such a clever pic, Nat.

love this.

with God's help, we did this. weird.

so artsy.

love child. isn't Daveyboy just cute as he gets older? I be thinkin' so. fine wine.

I really just can't wait till #6 is not shrouded in our family photos. it will be so nice to have him here. and to be done. amen. love this amazing group of peeps.

and to end with one of my faves. here's to hands, which I've posted about (back in March/April)....I LOVE THIS PICTURE. I love all these grubby little hands and not so little hands. Mel wishes she hadn't had her nails painted but it's cool to me because it makes her hand stand out.

David's next to last sister, Natalie, a semi-frequent subject on my blog and off to the right side, you can view her blog, Next to Last, was wanting to increase her portfolio for her photography. I volunteered our family. Also, my midwife suggested we get some pix to document this last pregnancy. What stinkin' fun was this? So, all credit goes to Nat...and if you are in this area or western Illinois/Danville/Georgetown, may I suggest using her services? She is chock full of groovy, and clever ideas and very willing to take any suggestions. Great work, chick. I know who will be taking Will's senior pix...and so on. Thank you so much, NS. We love 'em and thank you for the opportunity to get some great shots.

So this weekend will be rather crazy hectic...last soccer games tomorrow (can I get an amen? can I get a whoop whoop??), grad open house for fellow homeschool family, and hopefully time to get the pool all hooked up and ready for the warmth...I am soooo very excited about this. Sunday will find David heading back to his camp out in Richmond but with no soccer or Biology, we might be able to be lazy. maybe I can get the lawn mowed completely. and plant my tomatoes.

Well, I need to run, gotta pick up Mel from Kaleo and get to sleep (ha ha. yeah right) for the busy day ahead. Hope this finds you well and gearing up for a lovely weekend.

a Nessie sighting....

yes, I'm huge. I'm betting the baby isn't though. How can I get any bigger without exploding?

As uncomfy as I am, I don't ever want to forget these feelings. Pregnancy and childbirth is such a gift. I realize this...please don't ever think I don't thank the Lord for this time of my life. (I'm writing this to myself because I know, strangely, I will miss this! I WILL)

I covet your prayers.

ok, I'm back....

somehow, I thought I added this pic with the other pool cleaners....so this pic of Will and Molly should be down in that grouping. Isn't this girl blessed to have such a cool group of older siblings?

Levi on the ginormous play structure at the Glen Miller Park in Richmond, IN.

This is in Centerville. May 4-6, David, the kids and I went over to this area where he will be working till sometime in June. This is a new INDOT facility that will be putting David's new flooring down in the whole building...pretty cool deal. The big white tank truck is where they get their water. (they are staying on site, very primitive thus far)

Inside the rest area....look back to May of last year, the New Buffalo/Michigan City rest area was pretty old and worn out in comparison.

A very nice, new facility.

Annie, Mel and Levi wait anxiously for the recital to start...good job, pianists!

May 6th, Piano Recital. Blurry pic of Melanie...but she was moving and it was hard to get focused on her...she was the first one, followed by Annie K, and then Levi....Mel and Annie left right after they performed so they'd make it to their Kaleo Mud Bowl in time. Thanks to Tambo for running them down to the boondocks.

Levi's first recital, accompanied by his lovely teacher, Mrs. Stiles.

gotta hand it to ya, kid...you're pretty handsome!

Molly, you're cute, even with dorky glasses on.

This is Will's Biology class on their last day of class (May 16th). Will really enjoyed being in Mrs. Thais' class (she's on the very left hand side), and we feel blessed to have found such a neat homeschool academy to help the kids out with some of their trickier subjects. (like anything science/math related). Will will be taking Chemistry with Mrs. T again next year. Ethan will take her Biology class and together, they will be in her World Lit/Composition class. Melanie will also be taking General Science at this Academy, with another teacher. We are very excited for this! Next goal: get Will driving....we are on our way!

Mel dumps the gunk after Levi sucks it up. They did such a good job!

Ethan was another important part of this daunting task! I love that my kids are old enough to carry some of the pool prep load. They help without grumbling. I'm blessed. so blessed.

the Elementary school up the hill hosted an event today which consisted of local news channels and fire and rescue vehicles....a few months ago, we had a kid come into a local school with a gun, and he proceeded to shoot a fellow student. Mom said this was something to do with safety and precaution. exciting times in Waverly.

a bit at a time....

Pink is the theme of my flowers this year....pink geraniums, petunias, and some yellow marigolds, yellow and orange zinnias...spring makes me so happy. even if it is rainy and chilly...

Pool is ready to accept water, though we are waiting due to the post wrapping project, which has caused us to take down the green rabbit proof fencing, that keeps Molly out. mostly. felt so good to get all the gunk and leaves outta the swimming hole. ready to lounge by the oasis all. day. long.

it's taking me for-ever to get my soiled turned and ready for tomatoes, green peppers....plus, it's been raining so much...

Now's the time I need to start updating like a mad woman...with our bedroom being on the lower (non-computer) level, I don't get upstairs often. Surely you'll forgive me.

Here goes: Time for updates....

I am officially 34 weeks plus 5 days. I reckon I will have this little guy in about 4 weeks, maybe a smidge over. Quite honestly, I feel kinda horrible...but will try not to focus on that. Wondering if I just felt that much better with the 5 previous...or what but man, this heartburn is almost too much. My back hurts badly in one particular spot, all the time. My ribs are numb. On a positive note, my complexion has been ok (and I've just jinxed myself...ha ha) Besides that, tiny guy keeps finding himself heads up, though it's been a few days since he's been that way. sometimes he just moves so much, so painfully that I can't help but worry that he will wrap himself up in his cord. As soon as I think it, I pray for him...what else can a mom do? Tomorrow is my midwife appt! Yah...hopefully she tells me he is head down and staying that way. I'm as huge as a house. To document this, Natalie is driving over here, as I type, to take some pictures of this blessed last event. I'm nervous because I don't like to have my pic taken but excited because she does such a good job and because this is so final, special. ya know? I've never taken special pix of my prego self. When she is done, she will be driving back to Danville with my oldest 3 kids till Friday...they are SO excited. They love their Aunt Nat, Uncle Nick and tiny beautiful RyRy.

Things seem to be winding down now for the summer and I couldn't be happier. I know things will get crazy again, shortly, so we will hunker down and get all nesty. David is outta town for about 4-5 nights a week right now...which is sorta stressful...but he's on a good job, with a good crew and surely that has to be better than being home with me. ha ha.

Sorry for the rambly post. I'm really outta the groove. forgive me. I know there is more I wanted to blog about but I will pause for now and go spend time with my two current youngest kids. Until next time, L