WW update.

So I weighed in Sunday morning, and to my excitement, and lost 1lb. At first I was a little bummed out because it is only a pound, but then afterwards I started thinking, and at least I didn't gain any weight. Through my brief one and a half week on WW, I have learned somethings about myself. 1) I snack a whole lot 2) I eat when I'm "stressed out". The snacking I feel like I can take charge of pretty easily, but the second is a little harder to deal with. It confirms to me that there is still more the Lord needs to work on in me (not that He was just about finished with me!).

I was talking to my friend Shelby earlier today, and she told me something that I told her almost 3 years ago. The statement in itself was "we don't use birth control, we use self control". I think that 3 years ago was probably the last time I said that, because when she said it, it literally took me back. I know that W and I have been poured into by amazing people, and I am so grateful for those things. I just feel like some of it has been forgotten (ie the above statement). We've been in a position the past 3 years that we've poured out, so naturally I just feel like we need to be refilled. Granted we have our time with the Lord here in our home, but I so miss words of knowledge and encouragement being directly said to us. I think I might go back through my journals of teachings from Greg, Gretchen , and Pastor Rusty and refresh myself.

It has absolutely poured rain today, and from the looks of outside there is more to come. It hasn't been too bad though since W has the vehicle. His car is on its last leg! We know what we want, but haven't found just the right one yet. When we do, it will make our life a little easier.

Last thing. How awesome is it to have an accountant in the family? Our taxes were filed over two weeks ago and we received our refund last week! Praise God for it, too!

I must confess I would rather be napping at the moment, however my darling daughter wanted to be awake. Early Tuesday morning W was struck with the Egyptian virus, and, well, it was pretty bad. I was determined not to get it, so I made many efforts to keep everything sanitized. Sadly enough, my efforts failed. On Wednesday morning around 1 or 2 am, it began. From that time until mid morning is an absolute blur. W stayed home to watch the children, and maybe every hour and a half or so would bring me Sam so I could nurse her. I was so weak I couldn't even pick her up! My whopping 12lb. little girl. So, I'm better. Just weak... (reason for the desired napping).

I am so saddened by the death of little Bronner Burgess. I don't know if it's the fact that we have a two year old also, but it absolutely grieves me. I am so grateful for the reaction of their family though. Rick's message at Bronner's memorial service was so amazing (you can see it at www.rickandbubba.com ). I don't understand why God allows these things to happen, but as best as I know how I trust that He is God, and He is good.

In closing, my little Sam is holding her head up so good when she is on her tummy! She is close to hip-riding! Not there yet, but I suspect it will be in the next month or so. Also, Saving Sarah Cain is an AMAZING movie! The producers did a wonderful job of capturing the heart of the author (Beverly Lewis - one my my all time faves). In the Love Comes Softly series, they changed so much from the books to the movies that it is almost altogether different, but definite definite kudos to the producers of Saving Sarah Cain.

Weight Watchers

Just wanted to share with my few readers that tomorrow is my official first day of weight watchers. I joined today and have been reading to get a general understanding of the points system. I'm so excited to see this baby weight come off! My goal is 30lbs. I will hopefully keep the blog posted of my success (so I'm hoping!)

Birthy-ness

I can't begin to express my current thoughts. I am still amazed that I had natural childbirth with Sam. It was something I wanted to do for so long. After a successful epidural with T-Puppy, it was something I said I could never do. Now, I know this is the route I will take in the future. I *wish* I could sincerely say that it is because I desire it and want the natural way, but as I've written before, my body will no longer accept pain medication... so it's my only option! Now, I'm just trying to learn all I can about it and be more prepared next time. I'm honestly thinking we will skip the hospital all together. I can't say that I am ready for a home birth, but a birthing house seems more appropriate at this time for me. I know what you must be thinking... "good grief, her daughter is only 2 months old!" and touche. That she is. It's just that it is an experience that you never forget, and because of what I experienced, I want to know all I can to better the situation in years to come.

Books on my wish list:
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin
Spiritual midwifery - Ina May Gaskin
The Thinking Woman's Guide to Childbirth - Henci Goer
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
Husband Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Childbirth

Definitely the last one. With both of my labors and deliveries, my husband has been absolutely amazing. T-Puppy's labor was a lot longer, and W was so patient and worked with me the whole way. Sam's was a lot quicker, but obviously more intense. He was so wonderful with telling me when to breathe, holding my hand, encouraging me constantly. With Sam's birth I repeatedly said "I can't do this... I can't do this" and as soon as I would say it, he would return with "Yes, you can... you are doing this... you are doing great Michelle." I am convinced he missed his calling as an OB! :)

In all of this... really, I just want and desire the Lord to show me more of Him. I don't feel like I've ever needed His love and grace as in childbirth. Who knows when the next child may come - only YHWH. Again as I've said before, I want him to birth His Spirit in and through me. From glory to glory, right? 2 Cor. 3:18