Weeks 27 & 28: Vacation and Refreshing Moments

Ahhhhhh.... after months of craziness, I feel like I've finally had a little downtime.  For the most part, our Florida vacation was fairly restful.  We enjoyed multiple days just lounging around my in-laws home, reading, sleeping and resting at a pace we mostly controlled.  Daniel (18 mo old) really struggled while we were there.  I think being out of his usual routines and such was trying for him.  Otherwise, the kids enjoyed multiple days playing in a medium sized pool (the in-ground one needs some repairs).  We went to the beach one day and a water park on another day.  Unfortunately there was a great deal of algae at the beach and it was not nearly as beautiful as it normally is this time of the year.  Daniel absolutely LOVED the water and the sand!  He would rub his face in the sand even. It was so funny to watch him splash around and take it all in.  Sophia (3) was a bit anxious about the water at both places and the older kids enjoyed it overall.  Restful as we needed!

A few random health things happened because of the pregnancy.  First, I experienced edema for the first time.  After our 9 1/2 hour drive to Florida (overnight), my feet were SO swollen I could barely walk on them.  They hurt for hours afterwards and they were so fat!  They did the same on our trip back, though not as badly as they had been the first time.  Then the day before we left, I started getting the not-so-fun rib pain that comes with an expanding uterus.  Fortunately, it only lasted for about two days and I haven't had issues with it since.  I'm hoping that won't creep back up too quickly.

During week 28, I had my glucose testing.  It's been 2 business days and 1 weekend day so far with no call.  I'm really hoping that means I passed!  If Monday comes and goes with no call, I'm going to assume I did.  I've passed it twice and failed in twice in the past.

I can't believe the day is drawing nearer!  I feel it will come before I know it.  I'm so excited to meet this little girl and see what she looks like.  And weirdly enough, I'm even excited about the labor and delivery.  Each one is so different and unique, I can't help but wonder how this one will be.  Only time will tell.  Maybe I'm just a little odd. ;)

Until next time...

Take care,
Terra

Weeks 25 & 26: Physically Tougher

The last two weeks have been relatively manageable on the busy front, at least with out-of-the-home commitments.  I've stayed busy around the house deep cleaning bedrooms and catching up on months worth of home projects.  I've been preparing for the new school year (we start mid-July) by purchasing my last few needs, coming up with a detailed schedule for each child and preparing myself mentally.  I've been enjoying a few good books lately on random topics including parenting, large family living, some particular psychiatric disorders, and silence and solitude.  As you can tell, I mostly enjoy non-fiction reads.

Pregnancy-wise, things have been interesting.  As much as I'm aware, Abigail is doing well.  She moves around all day and it's always fun to feel her so active.  I've been physically pretty exhausted though: not sleepy, just worn.  It's possible that my body is still getting used to my new way of eating (see last post).  Yet according to an OB friend, it's equally as possible that it's just the pregnancy.  It could also be a combination of both.  My low back/upper hips have started hurting more often (which is common in my pregnancies by this point).  My feet are hurting more.  So I'm definitely starting to feel more of those late pregnancies discomforts.  Overall, I'll try not to complain much though.  I've been truly blessed.

We're getting ready to leave for vacation and I'm so excited for a break!  We have a dog sitter and a house sitter lined up.  Time to relax!  Looking forward to the Florida sunshine and salty air.

Until next time...

Take care,

Terra

Weeks 29-31: Our trip and other updates

During week 29, James and I were able to get out of town - just the two of us (and baby en route, of course) for 3 1/2 days!  We very much enjoyed the Act the Miracle conference by Desiring God ministries.  It was good for our souls and good for our enjoyment as a couple as well.  We ate LOTS of good food, enjoyed gorgeous 75 degree sunny weather every day and actually got some sleep in an amazing hotel.  It's the only time we've ever been gone that long and James was already ready to plan another trip for next year! ;)

I failed my first glucose test.  Yep.  I blame it on the donuts and coffee I had the day before.  So I had to go back in the following week and do the long three hour one.  Though I brought books, I was so distracted by everything I couldn't concentrate on my reading material.  Fortunately, my sister called and we spent 1 1/2 hours of that time talking.  That helped a ton! By God's great grace, I passed this time!  Whoo hoo!  Super excited about that.  At my 30 week checkup, I found out I'd gained 5lbs in two weeks!  Whoa.  I totally give credit to all the yummy food I had up in MN.

My hip/pelvic pain has been a little less intense since week 30.  It's still there but not as often so that's a blessing.  My energy level has been back up a tad which is nice.  I swear I'm nesting way early as I'm trying to get the entire house in tip-top shape for some reason.  You could guess how far that's gone.  I've also been getting nauseous again in the evenings.  Not incredibly so, just enough to notice.  I think it's just everything sitting in my cramped tummy space. ;)  Third trimester at it's best.

Lastly, I've convinced myself that this baby will be at least one week overdue.  As I've thought about all the different pregnancy changes, I feel everything has happened at least one week later than with my previous pregnancies.  I'm 100% sure of my "dates" but even my pregnancy test didn't show a positive until 5 days later than it usually does.  So I'm thinking my cycle just wasn't regulated yet and may have been longer than usual.  Then my measurements are always behind at the midwife (although that's pretty typical of me with any pregnancy).  All that to say, I'm thinking it'll be closer to Dec. 15th-ish or later than my actual due date of Dec. 8.  Only time will tell!  Babies certainly have minds of their own and the Lord has His plans!

Until next time...

Take care,
Terra

Week 28: Pelvic Pain and Failed Glucose Test

Not a fun week!  Literally, the afternoon I wrote the last blog, my pelvic/hip pain kicked in.  It's the exact same type of pain I've had with all of my pregnancies, though I must thankfully say, it waited about 11 weeks later to begin.  So that's certainly a plus.  It's basically a sharp pain right around either side of my pelvis (very, very low back) and happens only when I put pressure on it, like when walking.  It hurts quite a bit, about every 4th or 5th step I take, so I've slowed down quite a bit.  When I'm sitting, it's fine.  But imagine how much of that I do in a given day. ;)

Then Wednesday I got a call from my midwife's office.  Considering I'd just had my glucose test, I knew it couldn't be a good thing.  Yep.  Totally failed it.  I think they said I scored a 156 and it needed to be below 130.  If I'm going to fail it, go all out, right?  That's what the nurse suggested.  Just the day before I had two glazed donuts and two cups of coffee.  So I'm blaming it all on that.  Ha.  I failed my first test with Benjamin too and passed the second with flying colors.  I have no other risk factors so I'm not really worried.  I'm just annoyed that I have to take the time and effort out of my day to do the three hour test.  We'll have to do school in the afternoon/evening as a result.

So.... the not so fun pregnancy issues - though I'm very thankful to be where I am.  Seriously.  There are so many bigger, more worrisome things that could be happening.  I choose gratitude. 

On the upside, James and I are having a first this weekend.  We'll be gone Thursday through Sunday - ALONE - to Minnesota for a conference and late anniversary weekend away.  Thanks to amazing friends (and my mom), the kids should be well taken care of while we're away.  Looking forward to some fun time together as a couple before this next little one arrives.

Until next time...
Terra

Week 21: Houseboat Time!

What do tubing, middle and high schoolers, interesting sleep situations and a crazy storm all have in common?  Our recent trip with our church's Boat Float, that's what!  During week 21, we were able to attend our youth's annual houseboat adventure.  And what a trip it was!  James was our boat captain (he literally moved the boat wherever we went).  We were with a ton of students as well as several other ministry leaders and their families.

The first night was a tad bit crazy.  None of us were aware a big storm was brewing.  Though there were seven boats in all, initially ours and one other were docked to the shore separately since we all had younger children.  Around 10:30 pm, very strong winds slammed one of our speed boats directly into our houseboat, jolting me awake.  I'd laid down early to be with the kids and thought maybe others were doing some late night jumps off our roof again.  When I came out, I was told what happened and the wind just about knocked me over with its strength.  I decided to try and go back to sleep anyway though the weather was incredibly frightening.  About five minutes later, another leader on our boat rushed in to find James.  Our boat and the one next to us had come mostly detached from the land and was threatening to float out into the open!

The next few minutes were like scenes from a movie.  Everyone ran around trying to figure out what the next best step was.  Do we go back to the dock (which was not particularly close)?  Do we try to tie ourselves back up?  If so, where?  There weren't many options.  Then several of the pastors and other leaders jumped off the boats, grabbed the ropes and went military style up the giant hill/small mountain towards the only solid trees in the area.  It was such a sight!  By God's grace, the rain hadn't started yet and they were able to resecure the boats.  Maybe ten minutes later the downpour came.  The craziest part?  The kids slept through the ENTIRE thing!  Even I was terrified and they never noticed.  The irony! :)

After that first, incredibly entertaining evening, the rest of the weekend went pretty smooth and we enjoyed beautiful weather.  The kids loved the water, especially Hannah, who never wanted to leave it.  We got to spend time getting to know many of the families much better.  It was good to have some extra downtime before the summer wrapped up.  I was feeling good overall regarding the pregancy so that was nice as well.

For loads of pictures, check out my album on FB. :)

 

Until next time...

 

Take care,

Terra

Week 17: Vacation Fun

Week 17 was nice.  We were one vacation in Crestview, Florida (a small, mostly military town near Destin).  It's where James grew up and his parents still live.  We try to make it down there once a year, so it's nice to look forward to.  James' mom was in the Philippines this year so we missed her and her usual cooking.  However, she had us more than taken of with the help of another Filipina and we certainly ate well regardless.

I think most of us can agree that we usually feel we need a vacation from our vacation because we tend to stay so busy doing things during that time.  This year, I felt it was a really nice blend of doing and resting.  We made it to the beach twice, visited the Armament Museum, did a small bit of shopping, kids watched a movie at the theater, ate out a few times, enjoyed some fireworks but mostly just hung out and enjoyed one another at the house.  We watched some Olympic trials where the kids became fascinated with the gymnasts and started tumbling around the house.  The swim meets had Hannah temporarily adding "swimmer" to her long list of things she'll be when she grows up.  Her favorite part of the entire trip, hands down, was the pool at my in-laws.  I think she would've been content there the entire time!  Going to look into getting the older kids into swim lessons I think.  Of course everyone else came back with nice tans and I came back with more freckles. :)

The biggest downside for me during the trip was that I had a headache every, single day.  That was not fun at all.  I think it was my regular watching of the giant TV there.  I typically watch very, very little TV.  I've been fine since being home, praise God.

We drove there and back - overnight, as opposed to our usual flying.  By God's grace, it was mostly smooth and to my surprise, the kids did very well with it.  We came back to our AC not working on the second floor of our home, thanks to the week of temps over 100.  We're hoping to get it fixed soon.  In the meantime, the kids have been sleeping on the first floor with us and we're grateful the weather has gotten a tad cooler.

I've been noticing the baby moving around more.  Still small movements but becoming more noticeable.  Always fun.

Until next time, check out our vacation pictures here.

Take care,
Terra

Week 14: Midwife Visit

By God's great grace, the vertigo has tapered off tremendously in the last week or so.  It's not gone but it's WAY more manageable.  Thank you ALL who've prayed for me and the family in those regards. 

Midwife visit was short and sweet.  Gained a couple of pounds.  Everything else looked normal too.  Got to hear the heartbeat again which is now in the 150s.  We have a friend and previous professor that is a retired OB.  He still volunteers time at two local clinics and he said he'd be happy to give us a gender peek when we return from our vacation (2nd wk of July).  We're scheduled for the official one on July 24.  Not that a two week wait would kill us but it's kind of neat that this same doc was also the first to tell us the gender of all three of our other kids.  So there's some upcoming excitement!

Looking forward to our July vacation to Florida.  Sadly, my mother-in-law will still be in the Philippines (after the recent loss of her brother).  Fortunately, we'll still be able to visit with the rest of the family, including those from Hawaii - who we only see once a year.  Everyone is very excited about that.  We're looking forward to some much needed rest and relaxation and are thankful to have a live-in home sitter while we're gone. :)  Thanks Filicia!

Been getting some of the final pieces for homeschool this fall.  One really great buy was from a local homeschool fair.  I got some parts of a curriculum package I was specifically looking for 85% off the retail price of $200.  Yes, you read that right - and it was exactly what I was looking for.  Praise the Lord for sweet graces!  And then I got the math program I wanted for 47% off.  Not a bad deal either in my opinion as I haven't seen it sold much lower.

So, there's life in a nutshell.  Until next time...

Take care,
Terra

Change As a Good Thing

We've been back from vacation for three weeks now. Kind of hard to believe it's already been that long! There's always that time of catching up but then things settle down again. A few big things have been happening around here though.

The biggest is that James will soon be starting a new job! Though we're grateful for the four and one half years he's been employed at Meijer, we've been longing to see him back in full-time ministry. Starting September 6th, he'll be a full time chaplain with a healthcare/hospice company called Amedisys. He'll continue to do his part-time chaplaincy work for Marketplace Ministries as well. We're very excited about this change and look forward the transition.

Secondly, my brother moved in with us. After a great deal of various hardships, he needed help getting back on his feet. He moved in with us just two weeks ago. By God's grace, he's already accepted a part-time job and is looking for that to turn full-time, or to add an additional part-time job. It's been great to have him with us as we've never been able to spend a good deal of time together. When I left town for college, he was just in middle school. Since we've been adults, our lives have taken us very different paths and we didn't see each other much. So it's been some much needed time together. The kids are having a blast getting to know "Uncle Jimmy" better.

After labor day, I'll begin homeschooling Hannah more officially. We did a few random things here and there last year but we'll get back into our actual curriculum and scheduled fun and learning. Benjamin will be able to learn as we go with things like colors and a few letters. Sophia is getting big very fast! She just turned six months old. She's kind of sitting now (with support) and turned into a little roller! She's very vocal and has begun the drool fest. She's been pretty irritable these last few days so I'm wondering if she's beginning the joys of teething.

I've been super busy with a fall kick-off for my hair bow business. I unveiled a new product every day for one week and then held a giveaway. That kept me pretty busy both in creating and staying active on my Facebook page.

So it's been a fun type of busy around here. I don't mind that at all!

Until next time...
Take care,
Terra

Vacation and Disney

This is probably the longest I've ever gone without posting on our blog in the 4 years I've kept it! Hopefully the sabbatical will not continue. :)

We just returned from a nice vacation in Florida. We visited James' family near Destin and with the blessing of his parents, even hit up Disney with everyone. His sister and her family flew in from Hawaii and it was a great time. At Disney, we checked out Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. We stayed in a super nice 4 bedroom town home in Orlando that had incredibly reasonable rates. The kids were spread throughout the rooms so it wasn't too overwhelming for anyone. The first 3-4 days we were there, it rained and rained. The 10 day forecast called for scattered and isolated thunderstorms EVERY day. But by God's grace, it stopped and we enjoyed beautiful (though super hot) weather most of the rest of the trip! I've posted tons of pictures online so check them out if you're interested here and here.

Vertigo has been clear. I was officially released from care again unless I have another relapse. That's a blessing! I'm currently undergoing physical therapy for some long standing back/shoulder/neck issues. I've got a great deal of exercises to do from home to help with that. I was doing them very consistently until we went to Disney, then all was lost. Started up again today. After carrying kids around constantly those few days, I feel I may have undone most of what I've accomplished progress-wise. We'll see. Back to work!

It's funny that summer always seems like it'll be the laid-back time of year. Then it comes and goes just as crazy as the rest of the year! I can't believe it's almost August. By the end of the month or early September, I'll begin homeschooling again. Fun times!

Until next time...

Take Care,
Terra

Week 12: Back Home and Exhausted

What a blur week twelve was! We had lots to do in Hawaii and little time to rest in between. Considering it will not be likely that we'll be visiting again anytime in the near future, we tried to hit a lot of the good 'places to go.' My in-laws live in Kailua, Oahu, which apparently is known to have the best beaches. Beach-wise, we went to Ala Moana, Kailua and the well known Lanikai (which had the softest sand I've ever felt in my life). We also walked up Waikiki beach en route to the aquarium. We 'accidentally' hiked a total of 4 miles up and down Makapu'u in flip flops, wearing no sun screen, with no water or food, and with the 2 kiddos in the double stroller. Long story short...there was a misunderstanding. We thought we were just going a short distance to see a lighthouse land mark, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into! We spent two Sundays and a Wednesday evening at my in-laws church (Kailua Baptist). It was good getting to know the people there and we were very blessed. Not only were my sis-in-law and her husband there, my mother-in-law and father-in-law were there for the ordination ceremony as well. So we had a great deal of time to spend with the family and were very blessed by them all in many, many ways! I won't go into all of the things we did while we were there because it would take up too much space. But we had fun. The plane rides back were way harder than the ones there. We were exhausted, the kids did not sleep as well as I'd hoped and even when they did, it was nearly impossible for James and I to fall asleep. Our second flight took about 45 minutes longer than planned because of bad weather and Benjamin cried nearly the entire (almost 2 hr) flight. I hated having 'that kid' on a tiny plane. We returned to find our one checked bag never left Chicago and that took a while to sort through the paperwork (fortunately it was delivered to us the very same day)! LONG DAY. We are now trying our best to catch up on rest. Gladly, we have some off days here at the house and have been laying around a lot.

So baby-wise... nausea continues to be touch and go but WAY better than it was. The Zophran was definitely a life saver in Hawaii. I tried to only take it once per day and occasionally I didn't take it at all. I actually did not get physically sick until the very end of our time there. Then, it was probably lack of rest and continued change of diet. I continued to have tummy troubles until we returned home but things seem to be normal again there. :) I've been super tired but I have no doubt that is due to jet lag (6hr time difference) and pure fatigue from doing so much while we were there. Now I'm trying to get the house back in order and I need to make a grocery run. Life in the fast lane again!

I'll close with the pictures of Hawaii I've been promising. Enjoy!!! http://jamesandterra.blogspot.com/2010/08/hawaii-pictures.html

Take Care,
Terra

Hawaii Pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=193504&id=607147099&l=e90b7b1b41

Enjoy!

Week 11: Hawaii and less nausea

This past week has been extremely different from the last few. In the beginning of week 11, the nausea actually seemed to increase. About half-way through, I noticed I was feeling okay in the morning but still nauseous in the evenings. Talk about excited! On Friday morning we left for Hawaii. By God's great grace, I didn't even get nauseous for the first 9 hours or so of flight time. Once we arrived in Maui the nausea and fatigue really started to kick in. We had one more flight (to Oahu) which was only 45min long. When we finally arrived at my sister-in-law's place, I was beat. There is a six hour time change and so we wanted to try and stay up to get used to the difference. Our son slept all his normal naps along the way but our 3yr old daughter didn't sleep at all. We finally went to bed at what would've been around 2am our normal time. LONG day for sure! Now we've been here about 4 full days and have adjusted pretty well. We have 6 more to go which is awesome. Then we get to do all the travel and time change again. :)

Nausea has been super off and on. I felt great during the mornings for about 4 or 5 days and started getting nauseous in the evenings after dinner. Then yesterday and today, I've felt nauseous off and on all day again. Blah. Fortunately, my doc prescribed me some Zophran for the trip. That has given me some relief though not entirely. I've also been having tummy troubles ever since arriving....not sure what the deal is there. All that said, we've had a good time. My husband's bro-in-law is going to be ordained on Sunday and my husband is part of the process, that's why we're here. Of course it makes for a nice vacation as well! I don't really have the time and energy to upload pictures right now so maybe with my next post.

I was talking to my husband today about pregnancy stuff. I remember during my second pregnancy noticing I was somewhat bigger by my 11th-13th weeks. This time, comparing myself to pictures taken with my last two, I feel WAY bigger. Funny thing is that I've gained less weight so far but really feel a ton bigger. Oh well.... guess that's what happens when you're not in great shape prior to getting pregnant with your third. People are always commenting on how skinny I am (which I am very small for my size) and yet I have to remind them that you can be skinny and very out of shape.

Well, back to enjoying our vacation. It's nice to know my mom is taking care of our place while we're gone (thanks Mom!). Until next time...

Take Care,
Terra

June Pictures

Lots of pictures... a real blog post coming soon!

Vacation in Florida with James' side of family:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesandterra/sets/72157620741068493/

Time in Western KY with Terra's side of the family:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesandterra/sets/72157620604125844/

A couple of pics with friends from Sojourn:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesandterra/sets/72157619758682579/

A Great Vacation

Okay.. so I finally have time to catch up. It's been incredibly busy around the Santos home over the last few days. Vacations are nice but the week after is not! I've already posted our pictures so here's a little about the actual vacation.

We arrived at the airport in Montgomery, Alabama around 10pm Eastern time. With a fussy little girl and another 2 crying hours in the Honda Ridgeway, I was ready to crash by the time we got to my in-law's home in Crestview, Florida.

Tuesday and Wednesday we were able to recuperate, rest and relax - it was nice! We all went on a dolphin cruise Tuesday night. We saw a few in the distance but nothing close. The boat was named Hannah Marie - which was pretty cool considering our daughter's name is Hannah Mai.

Hannah and Papa Ben on the "Hannah Marie"

Mama Tess, Hannah, me and James before parasailing

Wednesday, James and I went parasailing (my first time!) in Destin. Mama Tess paid the way and watched Hannah for us while we were gone. Quite the blessing! I was expecting it to be a little more like a roller coaster so I was surprised with it's peacefulness.

Before Take Off.

Preparing to Land.

Thursday, we drove about four and a half hours south to visit our friends, the Redmonds, in Gainesville. We enjoyed their great company, parenting wisdom and friendship over night. That was a sweet time. They have five wonderful children and just found out they are expecting again! Yay! Too bad we didn't think to get a group picture!

Friday, before we headed home, we got to visit with my old high school best friend Rachel (Rehberg) Toldoya and her kiddos. That was cool! I haven't seen her in about 8 years so it was a treat. She is currently living in Tampa and made the 2 hr drive up to see us while we were in Gainesville. We both ended up marrying Filipinos (how ironic). ;)

L to R: Hannah, Me, Rebecca, Rachel, Gabriel.

After another four and a half hour drive, we rested back in Crestview Friday evening. Saturday was busy with preparations as Mama Tess (my mother-in-law), was having a jewelry party for me. We did a little shopping, came home and prepared for the event. She amazingly set a new record show for me with over $1000 in sales! In addition to that, she earned nearly $600 in free jewelry and insisted that I use it all to increase my samples and grow my business! What a wonderful treat!

Sunday morning was bright and early as we left around 3:45am to head back to the airport. The flights home were much more smooth than the way down and Hannah did beautifully!

Overall, though it sounds busy, it was a really smooth, restfilled, peaceful, blessed week! We could not have asked for more. We are so thankful for Mama Tess and Papa Ben's generosity in everything. The trip would not have happened without their help.

Now that we're back to the "real world," things have picked back up. May God keep reminding us of the important things.

In Christ,

Terra