First Real Kick

I finally felt the first real kick on the outside of my belly yesterday--it bumped my hand into the air with extreme force!  Normally, I feel kicks throughout the day within my belly--especially between the hours of 12 and 1 a.m.  Uggh. 

I'm still waiting for the bridge/interstate construction to improve.  I need to go to Babies R Us, but I don't want to totally stress out getting there.  The plan:  decide on an infant car seat, a diaper bag, find crib rail protectors (?), and a lip for the changing table (?).  Those are the final "big" items on my list of needs--I'd also love a real rocker and a new playpen w/bassinet.  Otherwise, I need all the little stuff--bibs, blankets, washcloths, bath items, diapering needs, first aide, etc.

Louisville Nature Center and Accomplishments

The Louisville Nature Center, located next to the Louisville Zoo, was one of Snugglebug's last field trips of Kindergarten.  It's normally completely free, but I believe we were charged for some of the activities and gas for the bus.  Here is Snugglebug as I caught her grumping at the boy next to her, "YOU BROKE it!"  I was actually pleased that she was standing up for herself...

...And then she saw I was watching and put on her angel face.

The kids went around stamping animal prints to pieces of paper while examining fake and taxidermy animals. 

After lunch at the park...I couldn't get her down from the tree.

 

 

So I've been feeling quite inadequate lately after hearing about all the wonderful jobs/publishing opportunities others I went to grad school with are experiencing.  I often wonder, "Shouldn't I be making more time for this?  Why can't I find a job I'm happy with using my writing/editing skills?" 

And then I remember I have a job more important than anyone else.  I'm rearing two wonderful girls, with a baby on the way.  I'm providing the stability, the building blocks, of what their futures will become.  I'm instilling what's important in life, and what they can maybe go without.  I was most struck the other night when the girls were saying their prayers.  Snugglebug prayed that we would go to the fair soon.  After saying Amen, Lovely informed her that we don't NEED the fair--we can live without it.  

I read on a blog the other day that a certain mother only had nine summers left with her kids.  I have no idea how many summers/falls/winters/springs I have left with my kids, but I want to treasure them all.  Sure, I've felt overwhelmed and often depressed when the bills come due and I see no way of paying them with no end in sight.  I've wondered if I should break down and look harder for other work I can do.  But I don't want to miss out.  I don't want to miss the hugs and kisses I get when I pick my girls up from school.  I don't want to miss hearing them play in their room, discussing losing bunny powers from the Squishy Bunny Head, all because I'm either at work or too tired from work to hear.  Our house is tiny, bursting at the seams, and we need another vehicle for S to take the girls places once I have the baby, but all will be provided for.  And that's how I know my accomplishments aren't really inadequate--they're just dependent on God and what He provides for our needs.  

Chugging Along

I chugged along today, very slowly.  I didn't feel too well, so as S told me, just do one little thing at a time.  I finally finished washing the bassinet covering; it's yellowed a little bit in some places, but it's still adorable.  Then, I figured out how to put at least the top portion of the bassinet together--I seem to have lost the bottom portion!  So, as of now, it's a Moses basket. 

I've crossed off the major baby items I need, except for a car seat.  I think I've done well since it'll be 6.5 yrs since I've had a baby, but I figured I wouldn't get another shower, so I better take care of everything during yard sale/spring cleaning season! 

Lovely had her tonsils out last Thurs., and she is finally doing better, it seems.  She had to get sick to her stomach first this morning, but after that, she was talking more than I had heard her all week.  I think I recovered faster than she has, even though my surgery was as an adult.  Not sure why! 

I've been itching to go on a vacation, but since I know how many bills we have to pay, it's not going to happen, unfortunately.  It looks as if it will be at least 1.5 years between vacations since the girls' fall break falls right before my due date--a little late to go anywhere. 

I know this is so exciting to read, and I know the lack of pics makes it all the more, but it seems difficult just to get my thoughts in order these days.  I'm hoping typing some of them out will help me clear my head!  I am excited to finally receive the maternity clothes I ordered--turns out JC Penney and Sears no longer carry maternity clothes on this side of the river!  So, I ordered a top, a nightgown (both from Motherhood), and two jean skirts (from Style J).  Since that cost a fortune, I better not need any more clothes until after the baby is born!