Lucky Lady

This last week or so has been filled with some great moments. For me as a mom, wife, and friend. So here's the list of everything that God has blessed me with (especially over) the last week! -Levi has had the best blood work results yet. -Mary, John, and I got the office completely painted. It looks awesome. -I was able to get all of the furniture moved back into the office -M got furniture for her new house -I woke up on Saturday morning to the sound of Levi laughing in bed next to me -We've seen Adam and Kelsey 4 times in two weeks! -House blessing at Adam and Kelsey's was WONDERFUL! -Tonight, dinner with some amazing friends -Levi lights up when John, he and I are all together -We got a piano! -Levi is stinking adorable -I got to help a friend celebrate her upcoming wedding with a shower -People at work keep blessing me with their love and support for my goals and for my family -John never ceases to remind me how much he loves me -Bee is keeping birds away from the flowers in the backyard. -Yesterday, Levi slept from 6:30pm-7am! -I finally got a walk/run in this week, and I was able to pick up right where I'd left off! -I HAVE A GOD WHO LOVES ME UNCONDITIONALLY

Meet the Nephrologist

That was our plan for yesterday. We had our first appointment with Levi's permanent nephrologist. She was wonderful. She seemed to have a real interest in Levi. Yesterday was mostly a "meet and greet" appointment. Dr. Stuart was getting familiar with Levi in the flesh, learning about his habits and just giving him a brief physical. He did great. They also weighed him and had to take blood. We were very excited to find out that Levi now weighs 7lbs 11oz. Unlike our doctor at home, this doctor weighs him with his clothes on, so his actual weight could be a little bit lower than what we got yesterday. Dr. Stuart also cleared him to go to daycare, which will be great, so I can work more!

Here are some pictures of Levi from yesterday...

I can't believe how big he's gotten! He changes and amazes me each day!

On another note, yesterday one of our cats died. John's cat, Stubby, had gotten really bad the past few weeks. Here's a picture of him from Sunday morning.

It was time for him to go. He couldn't walk very well, was blind in both eyes, and was using the bathroom all over the house (yuck!). I think that we're going to stick with the two animals that we have for now. We don't want to get anymore animals until after we are completely finished with the house.

So many goals, so little time!

Since our whole life is about to change in 3-5 weeks, we've been talking a lot about our goals for the coming year. I know that a lot of people are thinking "hello, you're having a baby?!?!". Yes, we are. We also are smart enough to know that we still have to keep doing things for ourselves.

*Get back to running. John and I are both good runners when we put our minds to it. I have to work a lot harder at it to keep up with him, but I can do it! I would love to run a half next October. This progress will be something else to blog about!

*Keep our house clean. We love the idea of a clean house, but not the work that goes into it.

*Eat healthier. With the potential health problems of Levi, we know that we need to start eating healthier now, to help him avoid things later.

*Go hunting. This is John's goal. The deal is that if he, by himself gets an 8-10pt buck in the next year, he can have it mounted, in the house. He may even start on completing this goal on Sunday. Don't worry, I'll update you if he does!

*Travel more. Two reasons, visit family and friends, and for races. The deal is that whomever is running at least a half-marathon gets to pick one out of state race a year to go to (within reason). OKC doesn't count, since I think we'll always go to that one. If John picks one in AZ, then we all go, and I have to watch baby. If I pick one in IL, we all go, John watches baby. Seems fair!

*Focus. We've let our walks with God slip lately. Don't get me wrong, we're still in awe of everything he does, and how he's protected Levi and I. We also realize that we could benefit from spending A LOT more alone time with Him.

*Bake healthier. I love the idea of being a whole foods junkie. Here in a town with no whole foods stores, that can get rough. I know that if we stick with it, it will be better for everybody. The trick is going to be getting it all on a budget!

We had a really good doctor's appointment yesterday. Baby will be here within 3-5 weeks. I can't believe that! I get to start working out again, build up mileage slowly. She thinks that if I start walking now (maybe jog a little), I can be walking with the intent to run right after birth. This is exciting. In two weeks I can start working more hours again too. We did find out that she's not going to let him go past 39 weeks, because his risks of his kidney failing increase. His body will overwork itself, and we could face problems. Go back on Friday for an NST, think positive thoughts!

Good Things About Bedrest...

I'm trying to remain positive! Here is my list of things that God has blessed me with during this time

*Time to do my hair and makeup (from a seated position) each day
*Catching up on TV series from forever ago
*Getting to read a lot of fun books, not school books!
*Getting to email my friends and family during the day
*Hanging out with Mary everyday
*Getting to feel Levi move around all day
*Being home when John gets home
*Enjoying the cooler weather, from the comfort of my couch in pj's and a hoodie :)
*Having time to focus on Him each and everyday
*Working on Mary Kay stuff
*Uploading old pictures
*Cleaning old files off of the computer
*taking pictures of my pets :)
*Not being stressed out/tired/annoyed with work stuff
*Praying
and, most importantly...
*Levi is still inside my belly :)

See, it's not so bad!

Job, Java, and Jesus

I feel like things are starting to calm down (finally) around here. John got a job this week. He had his first day yesterday. He is working for someone from our church that owns a lawn care business. John seemed to really enjoy working yesterday. He has always loved being outside, so getting paid to do it is great for him! Gary, the boss, has told John that he'll use him as long as he can, but it should be at least until John can get shipped out. It was kind of nice to see John tired, but happy, at the end of the day yesterday.

I started my weekend job yesterday at the Coffee Club. It is wonderful! The people who own it have their heart set on Christ, and their priorities are straight for sure. It's nice to come into work and the people have a real interest in you, as a person, more than you, as an employee. I enjoy getting to socialize with people, so it provides a nice outlet for that as well. It's only Friday and Saturday nights, so it will be very low-key and low stress!

Now that John's working again, I feel like we're settling back into a routine. John got up this morning and went to help with some stuff at church. I got up and went to the gym. I'm home now for some breakfast, then I'll be running errands and cleaning, lunch with John. This afternoon we're working the concession stands for a softball tournament, then I go to work at the Coffee Club. Tomorrow we have church and then we start the week all over again. I know that it doesn't sound like it, but it is wonderful. We are truly blessed.