Last night was the last class of our 12 week Bradley Natural Childbirth Course. I'm glad Eddie suggested we repeat the course- even though it is a huge time investment. Isaac was a "Bradley Baby," but ten years is too long for me to remember details. And I must admit, I was out of practice on those relaxation techniques. Dr. Bradley passed away right before Isaac was born. He taught that: "Natural-Childbirth training displaces ignorance, superstition, fear, anxiety, and the resultant bodily tensions that are such obstacles in labor." How I'd like to have met him- he's my hero. Dr. Bradley entered into obstetrics back in the 40's when women were strapped into large cribs for childbirth and had to wear helmets to protect their heads from banging against the bars because of the drugs they were forced to take. Yuck! If you are interested in his story, you can read more about him at http://www.birthingyourwaytoday.com/Dr._Robert_A.html .

After class was over, Hubby and I had what may be our last dinner date for awhile:-) Isaac was at Ms. Anita's house playing with her boys. She was so sweet to allow him to stay later than planned so Eddie and I could enjoy some time alone. It was a nice Friday night out- planning and preparing while also enjoying my "bestest" friend!

Why I Love My Nurse Midwife

1. She listens!


2. She tells me what she thinks.


3. Her office makes me feel like I've come to her house for a visit.



4. I just love the glider rockers in the exam rooms.


5. It doesn't take all day for my appointment- or even all morning.


6. She makes things so simple.
   
7. Nothing about labor seems "scary" when she explains it.


8. She returns my calls- the same day!
   
9. She includes Isaac... and doesn't talk down to him.
   
10. And she doesn't make me feel silly- even if it's a false alarm.

The Big Brown Truck

We get excited to see a big brown UPS truck or FedEx truck struggle to make its way up our drive. So, we were pretty excited when we realized our box of books from Sonlight Curriculum (http://www.sonlight.com/) was here. Isaac and I feel like a gift has arrived when we rip into it. (Thanks Dad!)

Even though our current school year is just coming to an end, it's already time to plan our schedule for next year. I've spent my morning entering our readers and some of our literature into the Simply Charlotte Mason Organizer (that Mom to Cherubs suggested this past year). Even though it requires some upfront time- it sure is a time saver throughout the year. One of those little extras I don't think I could live without. Check it out at http://simplycharlottemason.com/

Better than tea?

Isaac is spoiling me! I could not image anything better than a pot of tea with honey first thing in the morning. But after Isaac presented me with a glass of his fresh juice, I am convinced. Mmm... here's his recipe:

• 1 peeled orange
• 1 apple
• 1 large carrot
• 1/2 peeled grapefruit
• 1 pear

Celebration

Our entire pregnancy has passed so quickly. I'm just now getting around to telling you about the wonderful shower that my friends had for us a couple of weeks ago.

T and A did such a good job preparing some of the funniest games to play. Well done, ladies!
The girls really got into the clothes pin game... you know the one... where you can't say the "B" word [baby] ....shh!

Rosie looks pretty serious about drawing a baby, doesn't she?

What a precious little helper I had!

What a blessing to receive so many wonderful things for our little guy... plus a trip to purchase diapers at Cutie Tooties! Every time I change a stinky, I can think of all our wonderful friends! Thank you for such a fun evening and blessing us!!

Happy Birthday!

Boy am I tired this morning. The birthday kid (do we really have a 10 year old?) has worn me out the past couple of days. Isaac ask to spend his birthday in the mountains. And since we all realized it might be awhile before we would get another chance to do so... Eddie took us to Hidden Mountain for a birthday celebration. God provided us with a wonderful cabin (actually called a farmhouse) for less that what we could get a single room in town. We've done all the things that 10-year old boys love to do... from beating his dad at laser tag to
a hike in the park. I'm glad we had an opportunity to spend some special time with our precious son before little brother arrives.

Thoughtful Friends

I'm one of those people that not only like to be organized, I like organizing "stuff." Blame it on my hormones again- but I have been numb when it comes to organizing for the baby.Thank goodness my sister is a pack rat. (I stand corrected, sis. Maybe it can be a good thing.) It seems she saved every peice of clothing from all four of our boys. Which means... she presented me with... how many Rubbermaid boxes of clothing? Last count I think there were seven size 0-3 month. My sweet friend offered to come over with her girls and "help." She did not help ... she did it all. Sorted, labeled, placed on hangers and in a drawer, even arranged by sizes in the closet. Ah... it feels good to be organized. I'm thankful not only for a closet brimming full of clothing- but for a thoughtful friend too!

Dairy Barn Day!

It's March 1st ... which means ... the Dairy Barn opens.

But of course this year means more than just getting a milkshake. We've been praying for Nana and Poppy as they start a new chapter of their lives as the new owners.

Off we went to town in the 30 degrees snow and wind to get a shake. Afterwards when we made a stop at Staples we carried our shakes inside to "advertise." Funny how many people mention "Oh! The Dairy Barn opens today." Hope it is a successful and exciting day for all the folks at the DB.