My doctors appointment was really encouraging yesterday. My blood pressure was pretty much back to normal, which was a big relief. I convinced my doctor not to make me go in next week, and she made me promise that I would call if I started feeling bad again…..so, it was a little bittersweet because it ended up being my last appointment there with her, since she has decided to leave her practice in that town. Next time I go, I go to a new office with a new doctor, and we will be in the very last weeks of this pregnancy. I am so excited. Eager.
Jacob and Ethan were a big help to me during my appointment. I had Ethan watch Caleb, and Jacob watched Seth, here at home. Grace stayed home, too (I did invite her along, though, but she didn’t want to go with me), so I went out by myself. I left a detailed list of what I wanted them to do with the little boys while I was away. I called home several times to make sure they were okay. After my appointment, I went to the Hallmark store (Mother’s day is coming!) and to a children’s consignment shop for a few things. (Okay, I admit, I got more clothes for Sarah. LOL But I also got some needed items for Seth, too!)
Random pictures from yesterday:
This is a picture of the children’s art work that I finally got hung up in their bathroom. I found these frames a couple months ago and inserted a piece of art from each child, including Seth. They go in order of age, so in the first frame the top picture is Jacob’s, then the middle is Ethan’s, the bottom is Grace’s. The second frame on top is Dave’s, then Caleb’s, then Seth’s. I did his handprints and he painted the one streak down the middle. Soooooo cute!.
Here’s Seth, wearing a new little t-shirt from the consignment store. You can’t see, but he’s also wearing the cutest shorts. I love it when I can see my toddler’s little bare legs and feet.
As I took his picture, he kept lifting his head and bonking it back on the bricks like a silly goose.
I did get some rest yesterday. When Caleb woke up from his afternoon nap, he snuggled in next to me. Seth is busy by us, too.
After dinner, Rich and I took the children to the big field by our house. Rich carried my lawn chair so I could sit and watch them all run around and play. It was a beautiful evening. Grace took her kite.
Rich and the boys played with these big rings that they have….you throw them like a frisbee and they go a long way away. Seth and Caleb ran around, enjoying perfect freedom.
This is Jacob, carrying Seth. Jacob is devoted to lil’ Seth and is such a good brother.
Rich printed this next picture off last night and took it proudly to work with him this morning. He said it was time to update the picture that he has hanging in his office, which doesn’t even have Seth in it. We had to smile about the fact that by next month, when Sarah has arrived, this one will be outdated, too.
It was actually pretty difficult to get this taken, I had to take several…the kids were all scratchy and itchy from all the rolling around and playing they did in the grass.
And one with Mama;
Today’s big event? The dog’s birthday party…….stay tuned…….
Good to be Home 
I am so glad that your blood pressure is to where it’s supposed to be and that you are feeling better! I think the kids’ artwork is beautiful! And it must be amazing to think you can leave your kids at home for a couple of hours to go out for the drs and whatnot.
So glad for your encouraging appt! Wishing you His strength and peace especially during these last days of ‘growing little Sarah.’ :)Love the framed artwork…and the sparkle in Seth’s eyes makes me smile…And a doggy birthday? Can’t wait!Happy Thursday, Shanda!
Didn’t it feel so good to spend some time outside? I was so happy to have sat out for a bit watching Eti climb the little trees in out yard, he climbs to the top where they get very skinny and it bends and drops him down to the ground.I was smiling over watching ONE child outside, look how many wonderful little people you observed!The picture of Gee with the kite is wonderful and the artwork is so inspiring, the kids will be encouraged to do more every time they see it!
My Gracie does the head-bonking thing whenever we put her up against anything solid, too … what is it with little kids? And apparently it only hurts if they do it too hard, because she laughs and giggles the whole time she does it.I LOVE the framed artwork, what a special thing to do for your kids, and how amazingly professional it looks once it is in a frame! Even Seth’s picture looks less like a toddler picture and more like abstract art!Love to family photos. Carl insists that it is mostly pointless to put pictures of our family up on the walls, because they will be outdated almost as soon as they are up. Kids change so fast at this stage!You’re so, so close to being able to meet and hold your little Sarah … I am so excited for you!
What a neat idea with the children’s artwork. Your post always make me smile knowing there is this special little family up north who are living life to the fullest. Thanks for sharing.
Its great that you are feeling better. I love the art idea. Your children would be so happy to see the special pictures on the wall. All the best for the next few weeks.Angela
a doggy birthday,my yellow lab zoey will be 3 this may 13th .will there be party hats adoggie icecream?
love those pics of you guys all together…soon to be a different family photo when Sarah arrives. so awesome to hear that your blood pressure is down. i know that was a real concern. I hope that you are able to take it quietly in the next couple weeks as you await her arrival. So excited that you guys were able to get away to that space and just enjoy the freedom it allowed…so nice for you to watch the kids and rich just loving a bit of the outdoors. can’t wait to hear baout the dog’s party š i’m sure you’ll do it up right.
LOVE the framed artwork!!
The art is fantastic! I love the pictures of all of you together. That last picture hanging in Rich’s office was of you wearing the kelly green blouse, with the children surrounding you, right? I still have my copy of it, and you had said Rich took a copy to his office, too.I think is is awesome that the kids are old enough to stay home now; isn’t it easier to run errands alone? And just think, it won’t be long before you will have someone old enough (Jacob) to RUN THE ERRANDS FOR YOU!!!
How wonderful that your blood pressure is back to normal! time is drawing near.. so exciting! God is in control. He isn’t at all surprised that you are getting a new doctor. š He always has a plan. Your day looked marvelous! I love the artwork idea. I have put up artwork of the kids in their rooms too.. but it’s not framed. Great idea. š Looking forward to hearing about the party..
I love the childrens artwork idea!! I might have to steal that one:) Glad ou are feeling better…you look great and happy in the pictures!!
Good news from the Doctor visit. So happy you are doing so well. Only weeks til baby girl arrives! What wonderful helpers you have. A a great evening to see them all running and having fun.
Oh yes! The paintings look great!
I’m so thankful to hear that your blood pressure is down. Isn’t it nice to run errands alone? The framed artwork is fabulous. I would enjoy using some fabric in those prints. Loved the pictures from the field. Looks like so much fun, and so green! Knowing your true feelings for the DOG, the fact that you will throw a birthday party for him is a testament of your love for your kids. I look forward to seeing how it turns out! You are a great mom, Shanda!
Glad to hear that your blood pressure went down.Hope things continue to go well.Remember to get plenty of rest! I,too,always loved to see the kiddos bare,chubby legs especially after being covered up all winter.
Shanda, just for fun last night I went back and looked at some of your older posts… Really older ones from years ago. I sure hope you have been putting these into a book or something to keep for your children. It is amazing at what God has done in your life over the years and how He has blessed your family in so many ways. It is a reminder to me to keep a journal for my own kids and grandkids so they can see just what God can do. I have to go back and find your recipe for that banana orange bread today… Boy, that looked and sounded so good and my bananas are very ripe! Blessings to you today.
Glad your BP is normal!
Glad the doctors appt went well hun. I loved the framed art work! That is sooooooo adorable. What a precious keepsake.:)
I really love the children’s artwork, and the pictures of all of you are great.
What great frames for the children’s artwork — how special!Love the family pictures!
You have a beautiful family. I had 7 children too (plus a miscarriage), but mine were more spread out. There are 24 years between my first and my last. If I were doing it over, I would have had them closer together, maybe had a couple more, and home-schooled.
Adorable art work. Sweet Family Pics.
the last too pictures of the family are lovely…captured at the end of the day…soft, cool color