10 lbs 2 oz and 22 inches long!!
He is completely different from his older PROUD sister!
11/02/2006
He's here!!
and he is quite the big boy!!
10 lbs 2 oz and 22 inches long!!
He is completely different from his older PROUD sister!
10 lbs 2 oz and 22 inches long!!
He is completely different from his older PROUD sister!
10/13/2006
39 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby's ready to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) Your baby's organs are fully developed and in place, and the outer layers of skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
10/05/2006
38 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby has really fattened up. She likely weighs between 6 and 7 1/2 pounds now (boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls), and she's probably between 19 and 20 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test with your pinky! Her organs are fully developed and in place, but her lungs and brain — though developed enough for her to function now — will continue to mature right through childhood.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If your baby is born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
How your life's changing:
It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. Take it easy through the day — this may be your last opportunity to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too. Though she's crowded, she should still be active.
Swelling of your feet is normal in these last weeks, but if you notice any swelling of your hands or face, sudden weight gain, persistent or severe headaches, blurry vision or spots before your eyes, or upper abdominal pain, call your practitioner right away, because these are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If your baby is born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
How your life's changing:
It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. Take it easy through the day — this may be your last opportunity to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too. Though she's crowded, she should still be active.
Swelling of your feet is normal in these last weeks, but if you notice any swelling of your hands or face, sudden weight gain, persistent or severe headaches, blurry vision or spots before your eyes, or upper abdominal pain, call your practitioner right away, because these are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.
37 weeks
How your baby's growing: Congratulations! Your pregnancy is now considered full term — meaning your baby is developmentally ready to handle life outside the womb. (Babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 weeks are post-term.) Your baby probably weighs a little over 6 pounds at this point and measures between 19 and 20 inches, head to heel.
Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children are born blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
You may be getting a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions now, and they may last longer and be more uncomfortable.
Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children are born blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
You may be getting a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions now, and they may last longer and be more uncomfortable.
9/26/2006
Just a walk down memory lane!
These pictures are from Christmas 2003. Marissa and I drove up to Battleground and spent the Holidays with my Jo, Ash, Chels, and A. We had a great time, I wish we could do it again!
9/22/2006
36 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby is still putting on the pounds — about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is a little less than 19 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the creamy substance that covered and protected her skin during its submersion in amniotic fluid. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, which will stay in her bowels until birth. This blackish mixture, called meconium, will become her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term; a baby born before 37 weeks is pre-term and after 42 is post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position by now, which is optimal for a smooth delivery, but if she isn't in the next week, your provider may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position manually, by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
While your baby continues to grow and crowd your internal organs, you may find that you're not as hungry as you were a few weeks ago. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to drop down lower in your pelvis. This dropping — called lightening or engagement — is more likely to happen before labor if this is your first baby. When it does, though, you may feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, making walking increasingly uncomfortable. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs, or as if the baby is going to fall out. (Don't worry, she won't!)
You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are a little more frequent now. Be sure to review with your practitioner exactly when and where to call her when you think your labor has started. As a general rule, you should call when you start having regular contractions coming every five minutes for about an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you're not yet 37 weeks and have signs of preterm labor. You should also call without delay if your water breaks (or if you even think you're leaking amniotic fluid), if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity, or if you have any bleeding, fever, severe headaches, abdominal pain, or changes in your vision.
Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying during your final month, when you're more likely to go into labor. In fact, many airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within seven or sometimes 30 days of the flight.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term; a baby born before 37 weeks is pre-term and after 42 is post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position by now, which is optimal for a smooth delivery, but if she isn't in the next week, your provider may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position manually, by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
While your baby continues to grow and crowd your internal organs, you may find that you're not as hungry as you were a few weeks ago. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to drop down lower in your pelvis. This dropping — called lightening or engagement — is more likely to happen before labor if this is your first baby. When it does, though, you may feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, making walking increasingly uncomfortable. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs, or as if the baby is going to fall out. (Don't worry, she won't!)
You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are a little more frequent now. Be sure to review with your practitioner exactly when and where to call her when you think your labor has started. As a general rule, you should call when you start having regular contractions coming every five minutes for about an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you're not yet 37 weeks and have signs of preterm labor. You should also call without delay if your water breaks (or if you even think you're leaking amniotic fluid), if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity, or if you have any bleeding, fever, severe headaches, abdominal pain, or changes in your vision.
Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying during your final month, when you're more likely to go into labor. In fact, many airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within seven or sometimes 30 days of the flight.
9/19/2006
Because I was pushed! Thanks Jess!
Last week Jess reminded me that I haven’t posted in a while so Jess this ones for you.
The question was brought up this last weekend, “how can a merciful, loving God send people to hell.” Well here is my answer to that.
The Bible says that God prepared hell for the devil and his demonic cohorts (Matthew 25:41 ), that He is "...not wishing for any [person] to perish but for all to come to repentance ." ( II Peter 3:9 ), we know this even as little children memorizing (John 3:16) ,”For God so loved the world the He send his only begotten Son that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life.” God has done everything possible to save us from that terrible, terrible place. Yet in the end God will not violate or overrule the deliberate choice of those who consciously and willfully turn away and reject Him.
God has chosen to give the human race free will, We make our own choices, God is not like the puppet master pulling our strings making us do everything he wants us to do!
God does not send people to hell, as a matter of fact God does everything He can to keep you out of hell. The bible tells us that everyone will hear the message of God and His Love, “no rock will be left unturned.” If a person goes to hell, it is because they have chosen to reject God.
The question was brought up this last weekend, “how can a merciful, loving God send people to hell.” Well here is my answer to that.
The Bible says that God prepared hell for the devil and his demonic cohorts (Matthew 25:41 ), that He is "...not wishing for any [person] to perish but for all to come to repentance ." ( II Peter 3:9 ), we know this even as little children memorizing (John 3:16) ,”For God so loved the world the He send his only begotten Son that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life.” God has done everything possible to save us from that terrible, terrible place. Yet in the end God will not violate or overrule the deliberate choice of those who consciously and willfully turn away and reject Him.
God has chosen to give the human race free will, We make our own choices, God is not like the puppet master pulling our strings making us do everything he wants us to do!
God does not send people to hell, as a matter of fact God does everything He can to keep you out of hell. The bible tells us that everyone will hear the message of God and His Love, “no rock will be left unturned.” If a person goes to hell, it is because they have chosen to reject God.
9/14/2006
35 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby's getting big. He weighs a tad over 5 pounds and is just over 18 inches long. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
How your life's changing: Your uterus — now up under your ribs — has expanded to about 15 times its original volume, and you may feel like you've run out of room! If you could peek inside your uterus, you'd see that there's much less amniotic fluid and much more baby in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your internal organs too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and have heartburn and other digestive problems. If you don't have these problems, you're one of the lucky few.
Your doctor or midwife will probably want to start seeing you every week until you deliver. She may ask you to count fetal movements, to track your baby's activity level.
How your life's changing: Your uterus — now up under your ribs — has expanded to about 15 times its original volume, and you may feel like you've run out of room! If you could peek inside your uterus, you'd see that there's much less amniotic fluid and much more baby in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your internal organs too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and have heartburn and other digestive problems. If you don't have these problems, you're one of the lucky few.
Your doctor or midwife will probably want to start seeing you every week until you deliver. She may ask you to count fetal movements, to track your baby's activity level.
9/07/2006
34 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is probably almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her central nervous system is still maturing and her lungs are well developed by now. If you've been nervous about going into preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that 99 percent of babies this age can survive outside the womb — and most have no major long-term problems related to prematurity.
How your life's changing: You may be feeling a little fatigued lately, and that's perfectly understandable. Let yourself slow down and save some energy for labor day. If you have to spend a lot of time on your feet, try wearing a maternity belt that supports your abdomen and helps redistribute some of the weight. And if you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, which may cause a temporary (but rapid) drop in your blood pressure and make you feel dizzy when you get up.
How your life's changing: You may be feeling a little fatigued lately, and that's perfectly understandable. Let yourself slow down and save some energy for labor day. If you have to spend a lot of time on your feet, try wearing a maternity belt that supports your abdomen and helps redistribute some of the weight. And if you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, which may cause a temporary (but rapid) drop in your blood pressure and make you feel dizzy when you get up.
Big Girl Bed
Ryleigh's bed was turned into a toddler bed last night since I'm getting too big to be able to lift her over the side of her bed and put her down. She seemed to like it, she crawled back in this morning and said that she was going to take a nap instead of getting dressed.
9/05/2006
Exodus 3000
Marissa found a new game and it seems pretty cool. You play like 250 moves per day and earn Mars Dollars that can be transfered to real money and/or prizes. You can also win prizes just by playing the game. Click the banner below and check it out!
9/01/2006
33 weeks
How your baby's growing: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and measures 17.2 inches from the top of his head to his heels. His skin is becoming less red and wrinkled, and while most of his bones are hardening, his skull is quite pliable and not completely joined.
How your life's changing: You may be feeling some aches and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can swell, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" end up pinched, creating numbness, tingling, shooting or burning pain, or a dull ache. Try wearing a brace or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or assembly line, for example), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks.
If you're having trouble sleeping at night, try wedging a pillow between your legs and behind your back. If that doesn't help, try sleeping in a semi-upright position, with several pillows behind your head (or sleep in a recliner!). If frequent trips to the bathroom are robbing you of your zz's, cut back on fluids by late afternoon or evening.
How your life's changing: You may be feeling some aches and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can swell, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" end up pinched, creating numbness, tingling, shooting or burning pain, or a dull ache. Try wearing a brace or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or assembly line, for example), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks.
If you're having trouble sleeping at night, try wedging a pillow between your legs and behind your back. If that doesn't help, try sleeping in a semi-upright position, with several pillows behind your head (or sleep in a recliner!). If frequent trips to the bathroom are robbing you of your zz's, cut back on fluids by late afternoon or evening.
8/28/2006
32 weeks
How your baby's growing: By now, your baby probably weighs almost 4 pounds and is almost 17 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. She has tiny toenails now, and her fingernails have grown in, too. Some babies have a head of hair already; others have only peach fuzz.
How your life's changing: Your blood volume (the plasma plus red blood cells) is now about 40 to 50 percent greater than before you became pregnant to accommodate the needs of you and your baby. You're also gaining a pound a week now, and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and adding pressure on your abdomen, you may be dealing with heartburn more often or feeling a little short of breath. To help with shortness of breath, try eating smaller quantities more often and sleeping propped up.
As your baby grows, the increasing concentration of weight in your growing belly causes a change in your posture and a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, your abdominal muscles are stretching, hormones are making your ligaments more lax, and your growing uterus may even press on some nerves. All of this can contribute to low back pain and possibly to some pain in your buttocks and thighs as well.
How your life's changing: Your blood volume (the plasma plus red blood cells) is now about 40 to 50 percent greater than before you became pregnant to accommodate the needs of you and your baby. You're also gaining a pound a week now, and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and adding pressure on your abdomen, you may be dealing with heartburn more often or feeling a little short of breath. To help with shortness of breath, try eating smaller quantities more often and sleeping propped up.
As your baby grows, the increasing concentration of weight in your growing belly causes a change in your posture and a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, your abdominal muscles are stretching, hormones are making your ligaments more lax, and your growing uterus may even press on some nerves. All of this can contribute to low back pain and possibly to some pain in your buttocks and thighs as well.
Finally!
After months of refusing to use the potty, she brought hers to me Sunday and said that she needed to use it. So here she sits reading her favorite cop magazine. :) Of course nothing came out of the deal, but at least maybe she's getting over being traumitized by falling in the big potty.
8/21/2006
31 weeks
How your baby's growing: This week, your baby measures about 16 inches long. He weighs a little over 3 pounds and is headed for a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and he's beginning to accumulate a layer of fat underneath his skin in preparation for life as a newborn. As a result, his arms, legs, and body are filling out.
8/15/2006
Jo's E-Get Well Soon Card!
Today my sister went under the knife! Everyone please leave a little prayer and/or comment for her on this post!
Thanks
-Ben
____________________________________________________________
Jo Stop Monkeying Around
And Get Better Soon!
Thanks
-Ben
____________________________________________________________
Jo Stop Monkeying Around
And Get Better Soon!
Growing Up!!
Ok so lately I have been feeling extremely old, I know that some you, my readers are older then me and are thinking what is this kids problem he is still in his prime I would love to be 25 again! I know that, God willing, this is just the start of a long life, but the other day I hurt my knee, twisted it during defensive tactics, then twisted it again stepping into a pothole, and it has been giving me problems ever since (making me feel old and helpless) I could use all your prayers for healing! Then I go home (Gage) and all the kids that were in school when I was have graduated and moved away, I see these kids running around with Senior 2010 letter jackets. Ugh has it really been that long! Coming up on 8 years since I graduated. Not only that but now the kids that I taught in my youth group are starting college! BTW World looking out here comes a good group of kids! Its just got me down! On the other hand Marissa and I have been blessed with a beautiful little girl and a boy on the way! I guess I need to be grown up for their sakes! BUT LISTEN I will NEVER give up my cartoons!!
8/11/2006
30 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby's a bit more than 15 1/2 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and fills out your uterus. Her eyes open and close, she's able to distinguish between light and dark, and she can even follow a light source back and forth. Once she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have a visual acuity of only 20/400 — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. ("Normal" vision in adults is 20/20.)
• Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in the womb. This developmental information is designed to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing.
How your life's changing: You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having any trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsy, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, your balance is off and your joints are loosened, thanks to pregnancy hormones. Those loose joints can actually cause your feet to grow a shoe size --permanently.
• Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in the womb. This developmental information is designed to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing.
How your life's changing: You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having any trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsy, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, your balance is off and your joints are loosened, thanks to pregnancy hormones. Those loose joints can actually cause your feet to grow a shoe size --permanently.
8/07/2006
Happy Anniversary!
Thanks for the flowers Ben! :)
Happy Anniversary, can't believe that it's already been 5 years! Pretty sure I must have gotten married at 18 LOL!
Happy Anniversary, can't believe that it's already been 5 years! Pretty sure I must have gotten married at 18 LOL!
8/03/2006
29 weeks
How your baby's growing Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to accommodate his brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester. To keep yourself and him well nourished, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium. (About 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton — which is now hardening — every day.)
Ryleigh's first haircut
Ryleigh has now received her first haircut, complements of the babysitter's 5 year old daughter. :) I figured it would be another couple of years before we had to cut her hair, but... At least she took it from the back and not the top or front.
7/31/2006
Till Death do you Part!
So my little brother got married this weekend and we gained a wonderful addition to the family! I couldn't have picked a better sister-in-law myself! Anyway while I was up in front of everybody at the wedding being the best man, yes that’s right I AM the best man, with the sun blazing down on my handsome black suit and with beads of sweat rolling down pars of my body you don't want to hear about, I started thinking about the phrase, "till death do us part." I got to thinking that I don't want to be married to Marissa until I die! I want to be married to her forever. Do you think that death can separate a love? I don't think that I would even let death steal my beautiful wife away from me! I would like to think that God is understanding enough to know that I want to praise His name at His feet with my amazing wife by my side, hand in hand. Also I would like to think that my kids will be there at some point to! Anyway just a thought, let me know what you guys think about this!
btw- there hasn't been a lot of comments on here since I got back!! Let us hear from you guys!
btw- there hasn't been a lot of comments on here since I got back!! Let us hear from you guys!
7/27/2006
28 weeks
How your baby's growing: By this week, your baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and measures about 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can open her eyes — which now sport lashes — and she'll turn her head toward a continuous, bright light from the outside. Her fat layers are beginning to form, too, as she gets ready for life outside the womb.
• Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in the womb. This developmental information is designed to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing.
How your life's changing:
Do your legs feel creepy-crawly at night? Tingling in your lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them is known as restless legs syndrome (RLS), and it can make it hard to relax when you're settling in. No one knows what causes RLS, but it's common among pregnant women. Try cutting down on caffeine, which can make the symptoms worse, and massage your calves when they feel tense. Some studies also show that taking iron supplements helps ease your discomfort.
• Note: Experts say every baby develops differently — even in the womb. This developmental information is designed to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing.
How your life's changing:
Do your legs feel creepy-crawly at night? Tingling in your lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them is known as restless legs syndrome (RLS), and it can make it hard to relax when you're settling in. No one knows what causes RLS, but it's common among pregnant women. Try cutting down on caffeine, which can make the symptoms worse, and massage your calves when they feel tense. Some studies also show that taking iron supplements helps ease your discomfort.
7/26/2006
Molly
Well the lost dog finally came home! A lady and her girls that lived up the street had found her following a jogger. They kept her for 3 days and the lady's husband made her take it to the Police Department to find an owner.
Isn't she adoriable !!
BTW- the name Molly means "rebelliousness" in Hebrew!!
Marissa hopes she doesn't live up to her name!
Isn't she adoriable !!
BTW- the name Molly means "rebelliousness" in Hebrew!!
Marissa hopes she doesn't live up to her name!
7/20/2006
27 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby is really starting to fill up your uterus. This week he weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?
How your life's changing: Your body is gearing up for the final lap, so you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your uterus is putting extra demands on your circulation. (As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.) Unfortunately, the cramps are likely to get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. Flexing your foot (by pointing your toes forward and then flexing them back toward your shins) stretches the calf and should give you some relief. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.
How your life's changing: Your body is gearing up for the final lap, so you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your uterus is putting extra demands on your circulation. (As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.) Unfortunately, the cramps are likely to get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. Flexing your foot (by pointing your toes forward and then flexing them back toward your shins) stretches the calf and should give you some relief. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.
Quality Time
Well since my little girl is almost 2 going on 13 I have to treasure the moments when she decides to stop for a minute and sit on dads lap! To be honest with you, I had to bribe her with a little Blues Clues!
7/19/2006
Where oh where has my little dog gone
I told some of you that I had talked Marissa into letting me get Ryleigh a new puppy. There was one brought down to the PD and I just fell in love with it. I built her a fence in the back yard and brought her home! Ryleigh fell in love instantly! I put the dog in her pin and went back to work. When I got home at 4 the pup was still there, but when Marissa left for work at 7:30 she had disappeared. We looked everywhere for her. I even had Marissa put an ad in the paper. Ryleigh keeps saying, "Puppy where'd she go?" When I tell her that the puppy ran away she gets a sad face and says, "why?" We miss our puppy and hope she comes home!!! :(
7/13/2006
26 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs a little under 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches, from head to heel. The nerve pathways in her ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
How your life's changing: Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly as it returns to its normal pre-pregnancy range. (It was at a low from 22 to 24 weeks.) Though preeclampsia most often occurs in the last trimester, this is a good time to be aware of the warning signs of this dangerous condition that occurs in about 3 to 7 percent of all pregnancies. Signs you should be alert for include swelling of the hands and face, sudden weight gain (due to water retention), blurry vision, seeing spots before your eyes, sudden severe or persistent headaches, or upper abdominal pain. By checking for high blood pressure and protein in your urine, your caregiver will monitor you for preeclampsia at your routine prenatal visits, but call her immediately if you have any of these symptoms before your next appointment. Early identification of preeclampsia is essential for the health of you and your baby.
If your back seems a little achy lately, you can thank pregnancy hormones (which are loosening up your joints and ligaments) and your shifting center of gravity. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath — or cool compress — might bring relief. Or you may want to schedule a prenatal massage by a trained therapist. Use a pregnancy wedge when sleeping, to support your back and abdomen. Try to maintain good posture, which will help reduce the strain on your back, and always take care when bending and lifting. If you experience severe pain or numbness in any area of your body, call your practitioner.
How your life's changing: Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly as it returns to its normal pre-pregnancy range. (It was at a low from 22 to 24 weeks.) Though preeclampsia most often occurs in the last trimester, this is a good time to be aware of the warning signs of this dangerous condition that occurs in about 3 to 7 percent of all pregnancies. Signs you should be alert for include swelling of the hands and face, sudden weight gain (due to water retention), blurry vision, seeing spots before your eyes, sudden severe or persistent headaches, or upper abdominal pain. By checking for high blood pressure and protein in your urine, your caregiver will monitor you for preeclampsia at your routine prenatal visits, but call her immediately if you have any of these symptoms before your next appointment. Early identification of preeclampsia is essential for the health of you and your baby.
If your back seems a little achy lately, you can thank pregnancy hormones (which are loosening up your joints and ligaments) and your shifting center of gravity. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath — or cool compress — might bring relief. Or you may want to schedule a prenatal massage by a trained therapist. Use a pregnancy wedge when sleeping, to support your back and abdomen. Try to maintain good posture, which will help reduce the strain on your back, and always take care when bending and lifting. If you experience severe pain or numbness in any area of your body, call your practitioner.
7/12/2006
Look How Beautiful My Wife is!!!
This is Marissa at 25 weeks! Isn't she just gorgous! When she sees this she is probably going to kill me!
Turn up your SPEAKERS!
This blog now has music!!! The artist is Shawn McDonald! Little shoutout to Jess for bringing him to my attention! When I asked Marissa what song to put on here she suggested that since it was Ryleigh's blog that we put up "Welcome to the Jungle" Tell me what you think about this song and what song you would suggest I put up! Come on people lets get creative here!
I am beginning to love mornings!
Those of you who know me know that I am NOT a morning person, which is one of the reasons I choose law enforcement as a career NO 8-5 desk job! Anyway this morning after Marissa had shaken me, pounced on me, and yelled at me to get out of bed, she went back into the bathroom and I, very quietly, got up and went into Ryleigh's room. At first I was just going to watch my little angle sleep but I couldn't resist! I reached down picked her up and ran back to my bed. I laid down with her right beside me. Ryleigh popped her little head up looked around shrugged her shoulders and said, "momma", closed her beautiful dark eyes and snuggled up against her dad! She threw her arm around my neck and played with my hair until she went back to sleep! Man, I am beginning to LOVE mornings!
7/10/2006
I'm Back!!
I am finally back! I loved CLEET (well parts of it anyway) but I am really glad to be home with Marissa and Ryleigh!
7/06/2006
25 weeks
How your baby's growing: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — doesn't sound like much, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now (in color and texture), although both may change after he's born.
6/29/2006
24 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when she was just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, that makes a pretty lean figure, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
6/26/2006
23 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero — such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.
6/21/2006
It's a boy!
For those of you that haven't heard yet, it's a boy! Ben is so excited that he finally gets his boy. :)
6/15/2006
22 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.
6/08/2006
21 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.
6/06/2006
"I peepeed on potty"
Last night was our first actual successful attempt to use the potty. Ryleigh told me she needed to go and I got her there in time. This time she didn't want to use her potty though, she wanted to use the big girl one. She was sooo proud of herself. She kept saying, "I peepeed on potty!".
6/05/2006
Ice Cream
Sunday we took Ryleigh to the pool, I'm not sure what happened to my little girl. She doesn't like to go swimming any more. It took her about an hour before she would do anything in the water and then it was just splash a little. She was in the baby pool, so she could stand up just fine, she just didn't want to leave our sides. After swimming we decided to go get some ice cream. Of course if you ask her what kind she wants she'll tell you she wants chocolate. She ate all of the chocolate off of the outside before eating the ice cream. :)
6/02/2006
20 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)
A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)
Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)
Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
5/19/2006
18 Weeks!
How your baby's growing: Head to bottom, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a large sweet potato) and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin and her ears are now in position and stand out from her head. Myelin (a protective covering) is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
5/12/2006
17 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 5 ounces now, and he's around 5 inches long — about the size of a large onion. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.
5/05/2006
16 weeks
How your baby's growing: At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.
4/28/2006
15 weeks
How your baby's growing: At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help develop the air sacs in his lungs. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, he's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but his taste buds are beginning to form. And if you have an ultrasound, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or girl! (Don't be disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down the gender depends somewhat on how clear the picture is and the position of your baby during the ultrasound; he may be curled or turned in such a way as to keep you in suspense.)
4/27/2006
Fishing
Yesterday I loaded up the bass boat and went fishing! Thanks for the boat Dad it works great! anyway let me tell you I'm not good at fish stories, so we caught a bunch of fish, but none of them were over 2.5 pounds I think I caught 3 that were about 2 to 2.5 pounds. But it was just what I needed. If you ask me there is nothing better then sitting somewhere with a fishing pole in the water! It's like therapy! I can't wait till Ryleigh is old enough to go fishing with me and enjoy it! I think now she would just want to jump in a swim, i have never seen a baby who likes water as much as she does!!
4/24/2006
14 weeks
How your baby's growing: Head to bottom, your baby's 3 1/2 inches long — about the length of a lemon — and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. Her body's growing faster than her head, which now sits upon a more well-defined neck. By the end of this week, her arms will have lengthened and will be in proportion to the rest of her body. (Her legs still have some growing to do, though.) She's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair all over her body (called lanugo). Her liver starts secreting bile this week, a sign that it's already functioning properly, and her spleen starts contributing to the production of red blood cells. She's also producing and discharging urine into the amniotic fluid, a normal process that she'll keep up until birth. You still can't feel your baby's movements, but her hands and feet (which are now half an inch long) are more flexible and active. Thanks to brain impulses, her little facial muscles are getting a workout as she squints, frowns, and grimaces. She can grasp now, too, and she may be able to suck her thumb.
4/20/2006
It was Joe's IDEA!
Time for another OLD memory! Growing up in Gage was lots of fun, what made it even more fun? Both my cousins Joe and Josh were stuck in the small town too! On day Joe and I get this bright idea, (was it my idea or yours Joe) that we are going to set this log on fire with a book of matches (I don't recall how we got our hands on those either). We would light a match and set it on top of the log. Using the lit match we would light other matches! It was a GREAT plan, well except for one small detail. The log was behind a really old wood building in my back yard and the log was surrounded by tall dead dry grass. We tried to put the fire out, we really did, but then ended up running and trying to come up with a story that would keep us from getting beat! The only thing I can remember coming up with was; It was Joe's IDEA! Well our parents got the fire out, and Dad tore down that old building not to long after that! But Joe and I have been known as the family Arsons ever sense (Joe don't say a word about Hallett!)
4/17/2006
Speeds up to 90 mph!
Ok let me tell you about my latest adrenaline rush. My partner and I pulled a vehicle over and made contact with the person driving! Well to get to the good stuff quicker let me just tell you that because of some reasonable suspicions we had we called for a drug dog. We went up to make contact with the passenger and tell the passenger what was going on! Well she didn't like that much so she jumped in the car and took off! Did we chase her you ask, OF COURSE WE DID! she was running down the main blvd at speeds up to 90 mph! The person ended up stopping the car about a mile out of the city limits. When we searched the car we found a good size amount of Methamphetamines in the trunk! GOOD STOP, GOOD BUST. After it was over I went home at about 3:30 in the morning and tried to go to sleep but couldn't! Marissa will tell you she was mad at me and told me to just go to sleep, but it wasn't that easy! It was the scariest and the funniest thing I have ever done!!!
4/14/2006
13 Weeks
How your baby's growing: Your belly may soon be big enough to announce to the world that you're expecting, but your baby is still tiny. In fact, he's only about 3 inches long crown to rump — roughly the size of a jumbo shrimp — and weighs just about an ounce. Despite the small proportions, there's a fully formed baby inside your womb now. Much more proportional than it was a few weeks ago, his head is now only about a third the size of his body. His tiny, unique fingerprints are already in place. His kidneys and urinary tract are functional, and he's starting to urinate out the amniotic fluid he's been swallowing. As you start your second trimester, most of your baby's critical development will be completed, and your odds of miscarriage will drop considerably.
4/10/2006
Bachelor Party
Ok, I just found out that I am the best man at my brother's wedding and I am wondering what to do for the bachelor's party. So I am asking you, my readers, for ideas. Lets see what you've got! PLEASE POST IDEAS!
4/06/2006
12 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby's hit the 2-inch mark (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce. Her face is beginning to look more human. Her eyes, which started out on the sides of her head, have moved closer together on her face, and her ears are near their final positions on the sides of her head. Your baby's intestines, which have grown so rapidly that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into her abdominal cavity about now. Her kidneys are secreting urine into her bladder. Her nerve cells have been multiplying rapidly, and synapses (neurological pathways in the brain) are forming. Your baby may have acquired more reflexes by now, including sucking, and she'll even squirm if you prod your abdomen, though you still won't be able to feel her movement for several weeks.
Just an old Memory
Sitting outside on a nice summer evening after a big meal listening to Uncle Jake, Ashley, Luke, Joe, and Josh playing the guitar. Unlce Jake leads oldies like Jim Croce and John Denver, while Ashley leads in songs he grew up eith. Every once in a while we can talk Unlce Jake and Aunt Debby into singing a song for us. Not a care in the world and living for that moment. Holding our loved ones and spendng time with family. It is nice to step out of the hustle of life and just slow down and spend time with your family. Anybody else have a family like this?
3/31/2006
11 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your fig-sized baby is now fully formed — measuring 1 1/2 inches long and weighing in at a quarter of an ounce. His skin is still transparent, allowing many of his blood vessels to show through. Some of his bones are beginning to harden, and tiny toothbuds are starting to appear under his gums. His fingers and toes have separated, and he may soon be able to open and close his fists. He's already busy kicking and stretching, and his tiny movements are so fluid they look like water ballet. These movements will increase as his body grows and becomes more developed and functional. As his diaphragm develops, your tiny tenant may also start to get the hiccups. Because he's still so small, though, you won't feel any of his workouts or intrauterine gulps until sometime between weeks 16 and 20.
3/30/2006
New Guest Book
Ok all you daily readers, I added a new Guest Book link right below my other links, if you stop by please sign my guest book so I know everybody who is reading. Thanks for keeping up with our lives!!
3/29/2006
A poem that was emailed to me
Daddy's Poem
Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats
One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?"
she heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day."
The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.
"Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.
"I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far
You see he was a policeman
and died just this past year
When airplanes hit the towers
and taught Americans to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.
They say it takes a minute to find a special
person, an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them, but then an entire
life to forget them.
Send this to the people you'll never forget and
remember to send it also to the person that sent
it to you. It's a short message to let them know
that you'll never forget them.
If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're
in a hurry and that you've forgotten your
friends.
Take the time...to live and ! love.
Until eternity. God bless
Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats
One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?"
she heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day."
The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.
"Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.
"I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far
You see he was a policeman
and died just this past year
When airplanes hit the towers
and taught Americans to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy,"
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.
They say it takes a minute to find a special
person, an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them, but then an entire
life to forget them.
Send this to the people you'll never forget and
remember to send it also to the person that sent
it to you. It's a short message to let them know
that you'll never forget them.
If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're
in a hurry and that you've forgotten your
friends.
Take the time...to live and ! love.
Until eternity. God bless
3/27/2006
Making a Difference
Those of you who know me, know that it is my hearts desire to make a difference in this world. I started out in youth Ministry and taught youth for a little over 4 years. I don't know if I made a difference in those kid's lives or not, but I do know that God used me to plant seeds in their young lives! Well now I am a police officer, and I DO NOT feel like I am making a difference at all! Sometimes it feels like we (police officers) go out and bust our butts to uphold the law, and our nations attorneys are dropping the ball! I do NOT believe that it should be a defense attorneys job to make a police officer look like an idiot! WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES! Don't get me wrong I am not talking about the officer that infringes somebodys rights, I have rights and I want to make sure that I get them as much as anyone else. I am talking about the officer that makes a good traffic stop, walks to the car smells an odor that he believes is something illegal, and makes a good arrest. So what if he can't tell you the brand of radar he is using in his car! I don't mean to be a whiner, but there is something wrong with this picture! Let me know what you think
3/24/2006
10 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby is no longer an embryo! Though she's barely the size of a kumquat — just an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, she now has completed the most critical portion of her development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in her body rapidly grow and mature. Her vital organs — the liver, kidney, intestines, brain, and lungs — are now in place and starting to function (although they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy). Her liver continues to make blood cells, and the yolk sac, which previously supplied these cells, is no longer needed and begins to disappear.
During the next three weeks, your baby's length will more than double to nearly 3 inches. Her head is proportionately smaller now than it was a few weeks ago, but it's still almost half the length of her entire body. Her forehead temporarily bulges with her developing brain and sits high on her head; it will later recede to give her a more human appearance. Each day, more minute details — including tiny fingernails, toenails, and peach-fuzz hair — start to appear on her body. Her fingers are now completely separated; her arms bend at the elbow and curve slightly; her hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over her heart; her legs are lengthening; and her feet may be long enough to meet in front of her body. She is busily swallowing amniotic fluid and kicking her legs.
If you could take a peek at your baby this week, you'd be able to clearly see the outline of her spine through her parchment-thin skin. Spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from her spinal cord.
During the next three weeks, your baby's length will more than double to nearly 3 inches. Her head is proportionately smaller now than it was a few weeks ago, but it's still almost half the length of her entire body. Her forehead temporarily bulges with her developing brain and sits high on her head; it will later recede to give her a more human appearance. Each day, more minute details — including tiny fingernails, toenails, and peach-fuzz hair — start to appear on her body. Her fingers are now completely separated; her arms bend at the elbow and curve slightly; her hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over her heart; her legs are lengthening; and her feet may be long enough to meet in front of her body. She is busily swallowing amniotic fluid and kicking her legs.
If you could take a peek at your baby this week, you'd be able to clearly see the outline of her spine through her parchment-thin skin. Spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from her spinal cord.
3/21/2006
9 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your new resident is nearly an inch long — barely the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce, but he's poised for rapid weight gain now that his basic physical structure is in place. He's also starting to look more and more human. His embryonic "tail" is now completely gone and his body parts — including organs, muscles, and nerves — are kicking into gear.
His eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. He has earlobes, and by week's end, the inner workings of his ears will be complete. His upper lip is fully formed, too, and his mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The tips of his fingers are slightly enlarged where his touch pads are developing. All major joints — his shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles — are working, enabling your baby to move his limbs. As for his heart, it has divided into four chambers now, and the valves have started to develop. External sex organs are there, but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.
His eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. He has earlobes, and by week's end, the inner workings of his ears will be complete. His upper lip is fully formed, too, and his mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The tips of his fingers are slightly enlarged where his touch pads are developing. All major joints — his shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles — are working, enabling your baby to move his limbs. As for his heart, it has divided into four chambers now, and the valves have started to develop. External sex organs are there, but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.
3/10/2006
8 weeks
How your baby's growing: Your baby is now 5/8 of an inch long, about the size of a kidney bean. She's constantly moving and shifting, although you won't be able to feel these womb wiggles for several weeks yet. Her embryonic tail is disappearing, and her eyelids practically cover her eyes. Still slightly webbed, her fingers and toes are growing longer. Her arms have lengthened, too, and her hands are now flexed at the wrist and meet over her heart. Her knee joints have formed, and her feet may be long enough to meet in front of her body. With her trunk straightening out, her head is more erect. Breathing tubes extend from her throat to the branches of her developing lungs. The nerve cells in her brain are also branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. Though you may be daydreaming about your baby as one gender or another, the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl.
3/09/2006
Cop Jokes
These are a few jokes I received by email that I thought I would share with you. Tell me what you think!
GOOD
A Richardson, TX, policeman had a perfect spot to watch for speeders, but
wasn't getting many. Then he discovered the problem: a 12-year-old boy was
standing up the road with a hand-painted sign which read "RADAR TRAP AHEAD".
The officer then found a young accomplice down the road with a sign reading
"TIPS" and a bucket full of money.
(And we used to just sell lemonade!)
BETTER
A motorist was mailed a picture of his car speeding through an automated
radar post in Plano, TX. A $40 speeding ticket was included. Being cute, he
sent the police department a picture of $40.
The police responded with another mailed photo of handcuffs.
BEST
A young woman was pulled over for speeding. As the TX State Trooper Officer
walked to her car window, flipping open his ticket book, she said, "I bet
you are going to sell me a ticket to the Texas State Police Ball." He
replied, "Ma'am, Texas State Troopers don't have balls." There was a moment
of silence while she smiled, and he realized what he'd just said. He then
closed his book, got back in his patrol car and drove off.
GOOD
A Richardson, TX, policeman had a perfect spot to watch for speeders, but
wasn't getting many. Then he discovered the problem: a 12-year-old boy was
standing up the road with a hand-painted sign which read "RADAR TRAP AHEAD".
The officer then found a young accomplice down the road with a sign reading
"TIPS" and a bucket full of money.
(And we used to just sell lemonade!)
BETTER
A motorist was mailed a picture of his car speeding through an automated
radar post in Plano, TX. A $40 speeding ticket was included. Being cute, he
sent the police department a picture of $40.
The police responded with another mailed photo of handcuffs.
BEST
A young woman was pulled over for speeding. As the TX State Trooper Officer
walked to her car window, flipping open his ticket book, she said, "I bet
you are going to sell me a ticket to the Texas State Police Ball." He
replied, "Ma'am, Texas State Troopers don't have balls." There was a moment
of silence while she smiled, and he realized what he'd just said. He then
closed his book, got back in his patrol car and drove off.
3/06/2006
A Tribute
There are so many stories that I could tell you about my father that would show you the type of man he is, but one memory that sticks out most in my mind is getting up and going to work with him. When my brother and I were little we would beg Dad to take us to work with him. My Dad owns his business, High Plains Siding, and he and his brother run it. They are both good at what they do and have been doing it most of their lives! When Dad would agree to take us to work we would get up extra early, sometimes even before the sun had come up. Dad would come in and wake us up. Mom would make sure that we were dressed extra warm, because you can always take clothes off! Sometimes Dad would even let us drink coffee! We would sit at the table and pretend that we liked it even though both of us hated the taste, but it was what Dad did so we wanted to do the same. We would then load up in the truck, Dad would make sure we were buckled in and we would head off with nothing but the day ahead of us! A great part of going to work was the trip, usually the jobs were not in Gage and we would have to travel. That time driving to the job was quality time with Dad, something that we didn’t get a whole bunch of until later growing up. Most of the time Dad would let us lay our heads on his lap and go to sleep if it was a long drive! You got the occasional cigarette ash burn, but it was always worth it! When we would get to the job it was always the same, we would get all the tools we would need out, run power cords if they were needed, then wait. After an hour or so Dad would yell for us and we would go running, most of the time he need a tool, or he was ready for us to start a big job! Now Luke and I couldn’t work together so Dad would assign us a job. Both of us would cross our fingers and pray that Dad didn’t ask us to start picking up the trash around the house. You see there were a number of jobs that we could do, hold the ladder (most of the time Dad would have us hold a ladder to keep us busy not to keep him safer!), pick up the tools and move them to the next wall, move the sawhorse after Dad picked up the break, run a new power cord, or the dreaded start picking up the yard. Or there was the two that we both hoped for, back the truck up and you two go get another box of siding off the truck! If asked to do either one, we would at that moment feel 10 feet tall and most of all MEN in our fathers eyes because both were tough jobs that only a MAN could do! Then about one o’clock we would hear that words we had been waiting all morning to hear, LETS GO GRAB A BITE TO EAT! Now of course Luke and I had already bugged Dad about going to lunch a hundred times. We use to think that he would stall just as long as he could just to torture us! Now going to lunch was another one of the great things about going to work with Dad! He would usually take us to one of the small town cafes that fix awesome hamburgers and you got your fries on a separate plate because there were so many and you never would see the bottom of your coke! Dad loved those cafes that would keep his coffee cup full. We would sit there and have a conversation with Dad like we were just a couple of old men talking. We would clean up all day long for that meal! After lunch Luke and I were usually worthless, and Dad knew it and would let us have a bit of a break. We would take an empty siding box and rip it open and spread it out somewhere in the yard that was kind of hidden from Dad (we thought we were being sneaky) but somewhere that was also in the sun. We would curl up on that box and fall asleep, some of the time until time to go. At the end of the day we always cleaned up all the small pieces on the ground and put the tools away. We would then pile back into the truck and begin our journey home! We would talk to Dad about the day or sometimes just listen to KOMA or some other oldies station all the way home. Getting home was always great too, we had been gone all day, and mom would let us know that she had missed us all day by giving her little men a hug and kiss as we came in the door. Mom always had supper cooking when we got home and it always smelt so much sweeter when we had worked all day and were tired! Usually after we ate mom would ask us about our day and we would tell her all about it in as much detail as our little brains could think of! Mom always made a big deal out of the our small accomplishments which made us feel even bigger! After supper it was into the bath tub and then off to bed! Sometimes Dad would come in to our bedroom and read us Tom Sawyer, but if not that he would always make sure to tuck us in, give us a kiss and tell us he loved us and that we had worked good that day. Mom would come in behind him and make sure he had tucked us in right, give us a kiss and tell us she loved us. It never took long to go to sleep, but I can remember sitting there think about how long it would take to get to next Saturday when we could go to work with Dad again! As I titled this post, this is a long time disserved tribute to my father. My Dad is a mans man. I have posted with this a picture of my Dad’s hands with his grandson’s. You can see lots of hard work and experience in those hands! My Dad taught me many things, He taught me to work hard and give 100% at every job you do. He taught me that there is a time to play also. Dad taught me right from wrong and to fear and respect God. Most of all, my Dad taught me how to be a good Father! Dad I hope that I can be half the Dad that you have been to me! Thank you for being such a great father and such a great example!
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