A-okay!

Yup, everything is great with this little one!

Had an ultrasound - I saw the baby IMMEDIATELY with a nice, strong heartbeat (like 176 - the nurse said it's usually really fast this early). My due date is officially March 18th - and of course, I'll have a scheduled c-section no more than a week early. All my blood tests and such came back great! I have been upset about not being able to lose weight before conceiving this child - I was fairly depressed about the whole thing when I went in. I had convinced myself I was a mess, health-wise.

Instead, my wonderful OB told me over and over again how healthy I was. Sugars were GREAT, BP was right where it should be - and all my blood tests came back normal, even my thyroid (Hurray!). So while I'm obviously encouraged to eat healthy, lots of fresh fruits & veggies and whole grains, she said not to stress about it. Whoo-hoo!

And I seem to have a lot on my plate - my OB was very kind, not condescending, yet told me I was one busy woman. She talked one time about how in a few weeks things might ease up a bit when a couple of my little ones went to school....um, yes, they will start school, and *I* am their teacher! I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed and getting pretty down on myself about not being able to keep up perfectly. My conversation with her really helped me, in how I am viewing myself, my expectations, etc. I already *knew* the stuff she talked about - but it was different coming from her. You know, you don't listen to yourself, your husband, your mother - but you listen to the professional?! Duh, Lori....

Anyways, I'm feeling better. I'm still sleeping in too late, I'll have to change that a bit when school starts - but as my own mother says, I am *not* a morning person. One of the advantages of homeschooling is flexibility. I can give my kids their t.v/computer time in the morning, while I am waking up and getting ready. We can then do breakfast and regular morning chores. Then we can attack school together when Momma is awake and sane. As long as it works FOR US, then I should not beat myself up for not rising at 5am. (sorry honey)

The internet is great, I'm so thankful for it, but there are times I know I expect too much of myself and want to perfect - due in part to seeing other women who seem to have it all together. If I can face the reality that I will soon have 5 little ones to take care of - and there is really nothing I would rather do, even when it is really hard - perhaps I can ease up on my own expectations, at least while they are all so young. As my children grow and mature, maybe I'll have more time to be crafty, sew, crochet, deep-clean my house (okay, just clean my house), etc.etc.etc.....but for right now, I've got to simply do my best, aiming to please the Lord and my dh. That's it.

So for now, start school with the little ones (we're starting Sept. 8th), grow a baby inside and give myself a break!

Sounds great~