Welcome Baby Boy!

Bentley William
November 2, 2011 at 7:15am
8 lbs. 11 oz., 21 in.







Momma has waited her whole life for you and it was worth the wait! You are Gods most precious gift to Mommy & Daddy. We Love you buddy :)

P.S. Thanks Auntie Dana for all the wonderful pictures!

Necessities vs. Need

In case you haven't noticed,sometime in the next few weeks Mike & I will be parents! A lot has happened over the last few months and basically we don't have any luxuries, but for us that is OK we have each other and that is all we need. Babies on the other hand need a little more, but since we are on an extremely tight budget we are only trying to buy the necessities. Here is where y'all come in. I need some advice on what I "NEED" and what I can live without. We currently have the following items:

- Place for baby to sleep
- Clothes
- Blankets
- Diapers
- Food (well at least I will have it :)/Highchair
- Car seat (Hopefully will be getting in the next week or so :)
- We do have some other items as well this is just the basic things we have to have!


MY question Do I really NEED... and if so when?
- Swing?
- Boppy?
- Front Pack?
- Swaddle blankets? (pretty sure receiving blankets work just fine)
- Pump? (this I will have to get at some point before the New Year when I go back to work- in the evenings (Mike will be watching baby)
- Nursing Bra?
- Diaper Bag?

Just wondering what I can get away without buying and what I need. Wasting money on something that I might need isn't really a reasonable option for us since I have been off work for 5 almost 6 weeks already. God is good and we are grateful that Mike has been able to work as much as he is.

So close... Yet so far away!

1. Less than 4 weeks left and for some reason I feel like I am so far away still! Dana had a good point yesterday that maybe its because I don't have everything I "need" yet. My original plan was to not set up a nursery right away because I don't need it for 3 or more months. Our situation has now changed and I am going to be setting it up (or at least start setting it up).

2. We got the cradle from Mikes parents house finally. His Grandpa Bartle built it for him. It's nice and has a little plaque on the side of it that says "To Michael From Grandpa & Grandma Bartle" pretty cool to have something that was made special for daddy :) We also have a couple outfits that daddy wore that he will hopefully get to wear (including some Trnasformers tennis shoes from the '80's) And a Sweater of mine that My Grandpa Allard's mom made for me (no worries it's blue).

3. I feel like I am never going to get organized, but I think it is just because we are so limited on space that everything seems to be extremely cluttered. I have so much to go through in the garage, but I plan to do that this spring and actually have a yard sale, we have so many things that we could sell (just for some extra cash & because we don't need it).

4. Dana did some maternity pictures for us the other day...and I am so patiently waiting to see them :) I actually am hoping she will post some on her blog so I don't have to wait till I go over there. I mean after all I am sure she has been working on them day and night since she got home from hunting, it's not like those 3 kids need food or Dana may have something else to do :) Just kidding of course!

5. I am hoping that she can airbrush a few pounds off of me, maybe so I look like I have a pregnant belly! Speaking of belly I can't believe how many people will stop and say things like, How much longer? It must be a boy! Are you having twins? And my favorite by far "I was hoping you were pregnant" Thanks just what I want to hear, as if it is really that hard to tell! Grr

6. Mike is going hunting Thursday and Friday. I didn't really want him to go, but then thinking about it if he gets an Elk it will be meat for the year. After all we have been eating Elk from Aj & Dana since sometime last spring, it's amazing how much money you can save not buying meat.

7. Speaking of Elk I have 4 meals in the freezer for sometime after I have baby. Not sure how well that will work, Hopefully I am feeling up to put it in the crock pot, or oven it's better than having to cook dinner. I do need to make a "Terah's Lasagna" for the freezer since the one I made last week (which I planned to freeze half of) didn't survive 2 days, Mike loves it (I too enjoy it, just not as much as him :).

8. As much as I don't really enjoy baking (which I figured out the other day- it's because of the mess. Everything with baking is messy!)I am making Mike peanut butter cookies (Grandma Molly gave us 2 Costco size containers of Smooth peanut butter... She only likes Crunchy :) So for hunting/ Lunches/After Baby get here (since I am hoping by offering coffee and cookies people will come see me after I have him). I should be able to do 3-4 dozen before I loose interest or find something more important to do :)

9. Oh I have I mentioned that we officially have a name for Baby B ( and No even though that is what I still call him) that is not his name. It's Bentley William Bartle (Bentley like the Car, William after Mike's Grandpa). Mike finally agreed to the name (which was his suggestion in the first place:) which he does actually like as well. But we did make an agreement to use a Name he likes for the next baby boy, if we don't end up having another boy it will be for a girl (after I use my girl name which I don't tell people because I don't want them to use it... And for those that I have told better not say a word :)

10. Today while driving with Mike to the DMV (he is officially an Idaho resident... A year later, But even worse I am not changing my drivers license till it expires in 2013, that's an additional $15 just to change my name on it. LAME!!! Mike had to get an Idaho DL in order to get a hunting license.) I was just wondering how weird it will be to not feel baby moving inside of me all the time. Its the most amazing feeling in the world, and I don't want it to end, but I can hardly wait to hold my little guy. I suppose it just takes getting used to not feeling all those movements.

Just for Heidi!

Since you don't have facebook I will post this special for you (that and I figure if anyone else understands big babies its you :)!!!

So I had a dr. appointment & ultrasound today. Based on new estimates Baby is 7lbs 4oz, and I am measuring 38 weeks (I am only 34wk 5 days). Baby's feet are roughly 2.5-3 inches long and head measures large as well (can't remember the size :( Basically I am expecting a 10-11 lb baby, and I am totally determined to have him in November. They (Dr. & Nurse Practitioner) keep suggesting that they are going to induce me, or make me have a c-section. I have of course made it clear to them that I will be the one making that decision not them. Unless it is medically necessary, I will be going in to labor on my own. Although originally I decided to have as natural of a birth as possible with the option of an epidural, I am now leaning towards the epidural. My Grandpa Cates was 13lbs when he was born (76 years ago) and Grammy Great was a small woman, she survived and so can I. Plus why else would God give me these "Child bearing hips"?

Happiness is...

Feeling a little life inside of you and knowing how precious of a life it truly is. I feel myself smiling a lot lately, not just smiling but full of joy it may be oozing from me (I think I may actually be more nauseatingly [pretty sure thats not a word, but you get my point] happy than that mushy newly in love couple.) Just wanted to make sure ya'll know it incase you cant see it on my face :) On that note my heart is also broken for a friend of my moms & their family the daughter just lost her baby (she was due just a few weeks after me), but Praise the Lord we all know right where baby is now :) Please pray for this family as they are dealing with the loss of this precious baby girl.

Random Update

So many things to update everyone on, and I am not sure where to start... so here we go!

- Sometime in the next 8 weeks (9 if I have my way 11/11/11) I will finally be able to hold my baby boy :)I can hardly wait but I will. For the first time in my life I want to wait longer than I really have too. I asked the Dr. last week if he will let me go over (originally he told me I was having a scheduled c-section, which I have informed him that only if it is neccessary for safety of myself or Baby, but otherwise we will be seeing him when I go into labor.) This is my first baby and I want to WHOLE experience :)

- I believe we may have settled on Bentley (Charlotte called baby benley the other night and My papa Cates called him bentley) I just don't seem to like any other names... Not sure why, but I know I love that name and after seeing his sweet face so clearly on friday I know he quite possibly looks like a Bentley.

- As most of you know Papa Cates passed away Monday morning (Sunday night), it was an emotionally draining weekend. Mike and I drove up Friday night @ 10:30pm to take a picture of Baby to Papa (the previous sunday he promised to wait for a picture of Baby) So we felt like we needed to do our part and make the effort to get there no matter how tired we were. Within Minutes of getting there he woke up, sat up in bed and Aunt Molly and Mom rushed to get the pictures so he could see them. He held them in his hand and said how cute his face is and he loved him. Long story short he held up his end of the deal and baby did an amazing job of cooperating to get some good pics. Several late nights and very little sleep equals one tired momma, but I don't regret spending time with him or missing some sleep to be there.

- I have procrastinated and not even finished my baby registries (Target & Babies R Us). But I have decided that baby's room them will be something that seems fitting for us... Racing! Not just any racing theme we are going to have pictures of My Dad's Cars, Mikes Dad's cars, My Grandpa Allard's Car Etc. We will also have pictures of all the Grandpa's. I decided that although it's not your normal nursery theme, it is very important to me for Baby to know all of the Men whom he won't get to meet and even the ones he will meet. Maybe it's the emotions, but I feel like it will be a cute theme for baby and a great way to surround him by all the Men that Loved before they even knew him.

- My appartment is basically organized (Mike & I did it before my surgery) Now hopefully before baby gets here I will be able to Sanatize Walls, Steam clean floors, Sanatize (detail) interior of my car and Mikes Truck, Get my pantry stocked up again (we used most of it this summer when I didn't want to go to the store... Next time I won't be so lazy:) and last but not least get some meals prepared and in the freezer so I don't have to worry about meals after baby (I know I am far to paranoid).

- Some stats on Baby from Ultrasound on 9/2/11 (31 weeks)- Estimated Weight 4 lbs. 5oz and on target to be 10lbs by delivery, his feet are roughly 2.5 inches long (hopefully its a WRONG estimate, other wise the shoes we have won't even fit when he is a newborn. But I do understand he will have big feet I wear 10.5 or 11 and Mike wears 15's!!! Yeah for genetics :), We got to see his hair (on the back of his head), He loves his feet (they have been at his face for the last 2 ultrasounds)and he is definatly a boy (I know you all need to know that but he is very proud to show his parts off :) oh and He has the most adorable face ever :) My heart may burst with joy at the thought of his adorable face (so far everyone says he looks like Mike, we will see for sure in a few short weeks.)

- Already I am thinking about baby number 2... although I have yet to experience the hard part, But I just love the feeling of baby moving around and waking me up with his kicks. Kaylen, Amber, Drew and Charlotte have felt him and love it Charlotte laid down on my belly the other night it was so cute. I have yet to get baby to cooperate so Mikes family can feel him, but my family and friends are touchy anyway so that may be the differance, they feel comfortable just putting their hands on my belly :) Heck I am getting used to strangers making comments and touching my belly. The other night Dana and I went to the Grocery store and I took the kids to get a toy (from the clearance section) and a lady came walking by and said "Gosh I hope your having a boy, maybe even everthing out a little" Of course I replied "I am, but these 4 are neices and nephew" "oh good, I am just glad your actually pregnant" she replied... Which of course makes me just feel fat! Thanks lady, oh well no big deal at least she didn't say "Holy Cow Girl! Your Huge! You haven't had that baby yet?" (Sadly I hadn't seen that customer in just 2 weeks :( and I happen to tell him I had 2 more months and he said "wow are you sure your not having twins" "yep I am sure" "Well than that will be one big baby!" and I replied something to the effect of "here's your money, have a great day"

- So the trend is Most everyone (minus 2 ppl) due before December are having Boys, So far everyone I know due after that are having Girls!!

- I tried my hardest to post a picture of my last ultrasound, it didn't work, so you will all just have to see later :)

Really Late Update

1.Incase you missed it we are having a BOY!!! We are So super excited, honestly more excited than I can even fathom!

2. Still no names :( I want something unique and fitting and something I don't hear every day! Mike like family names and names you hear a lot... So I guess we are taking our sweet time, but we do have middle names picked and are for sure on the last name so that makes it seem a little less of a task :)

3. Fathers day seemed to be way harder this year than than the first year with out dad. I guess for me partly its being pregnant and all the other changes in life. The other part knowing that more than likely it would probably be the last with Papa Cates. So we took a last minute trip to Sandpoint to see Papa and stop by the cemetry to put flowers out.

4. Mom is offically moved (and has been for almost a month :) sorry I have had a lot going on), It was hard on everyone emotionally and physically.

5. Still dealing with workers comp been a long road but I think we are finally getting somewhere with them. Basically after a HUGE miscommunication which has since made my point with the company and is finally proving that I knew what I was entitled to the whole time. My hours will go back to 40 and I will be recieving back pay for the past 7 months, plus paid for milage for every dr.'s appointments over the last 7 months as well.

6. Baby is so active and although it's pretty inconvient in the middle of the night, I still enjoy every time I feel him move :) Mike on the other hand is still a little creeped out by it, but has felt him a few times.

7. I have to have surgery to remove my nerve stimulator (Ob said within the next 4 weeks 3 weeks ago, and we will see tomorrow what Neuro Surgeon says.) Kind of glad in some ways, but in others it freaks me out not to have it (since I was so miserable and hardly able to function before I had it.) I haven't really used it in a year an a half, but I do like to have the option.

8. We are going to look at a Duplex tomorrow evening not much more than we are paying now, but would be nice to get away from so many neighbors and have a yard (and I kinda don't enjoy the 3 flights of stairs, because of my foot of course not the fact that it is hard making it up them without being breatheless :).

9. I have so far cleaned and reorganized the Kitchen (Which Mike pulled everything out of the cabinets and wiped them down in side and out :) the bathroom and our bedroom. I still have the livingroom, storage closet and garage (which I fully expect not to get done till we move :) It feels so good to have that clean and organized feeling.

10. Can't believe Mike & I have been married almost a year. I can't imagine life any other way, When he is gone i don't even like to be home cause all I do is look at the clock, waiting as patiently as I possibly can :)

Bounus- Still doing the coupon clipping/ ad matching and saving lots of money. About a month ago Mike came to have lunch with me and we walked by the electronics department, there was a small table with lots of computers, laptops and screens. We have been wanting a computer for a long time and amazingly enough found one we could afford. It was an AMAZING deal so we could not walk away. It's an HP laptop normally runs about $800 and was the display model. We paid just $175 with tax :) (plus we bought one for Brodey for College as well his was normally $400 and was on sale with warranty never been opened for $150... So Brodey made his first step toward his college education with a slight nudge, but he was glad we bought it (his first paycheck at his new job paid for it :)

Bonus Bonus- Brodey like the coupon clipping / ad matching thing too. I still have a lot to show him, but he is liking the results so far :)

10 on Tuesday

1. Can't believe it is Already June. Which is funny cause at the same time I mean FINALLY IT'S JUNE!!!!

2. 10 days and we will hopefully know if we are having a boy or girl.

3. We have yet to start the name game... I know pretty sad, but I figure it will be easier to figure it out when we know the gender.

4. Emotion are at an all time high in our family. So much going on with papa being sick and mom renting out the house, plus being pregnant. So far I have had several people tell me that I am just over reacting because I am pregnant. I know better. I also don't expect anyone to understand in any way shape or form. Please just continue to pray for our family.

5. So I have a horrible issue right now, I want to move, and get a new car. Currently neither one of those is even a possibility. Heck we can't afford the tires for my current car let alone a new car.

6. My motivation for spring cleaning is completely gone and I have yet to touch anything. Annoyed, but eventually I will get it done so we can have a yard sale.

7. Brodey's graduation is on Saturday June 11 at Memorial Field (I think 3pm) but everyone is invited. Then Sunday June 12 we are planning a Graduation Party at Mom's house (I think 3pm) and again everyone is invited.

8. So any guesses on the Gender of the baby? Heart beat has been 150's and was 148 last appointment May 10. I had morning sickness (which started in the evenings) and began around week 8 and lasted till week 14. And still basically anytime I brush my teeth (I miss my sonicare :( Not sure what other details would help. Oh also felt the baby last week (even though a few people have said no it's too early, but Dana said not to listen to them, So I'm not :)

9. My list of people I know that are pregnant is slowly dropping. It increased to 27 and is now down to 24 (One co-workers baby is 2 weeks old and she is back to work already :( He is adorable, but there is no way I would ever be able to go back that soon! I currently have short term disability and am so excited I thought I got up to 14 weeks, but I found out the other day I can have up to 26 weeks (that's 6 months!) That is very exciting to me, especially since Dr. has already said he wants to do a Cesarean because of my stroke, but I prefer not. As long as I keep my blood pressure down and baby is safe he may let me proceed as normal.

10. My initial thoughts when I found out I was pregnant was girl. Mike REALLYwants a boy. I am now kinda leaning towards a boy. The kids were telling me the other day they want a girl and Drew wants a Dirl, even though I keep trying to convince him that a boy would be way more fun. I am in all reality don't care just healthy, happy baby.

Bonus- Watched the race Sunday afternoon at A.J.'s house. Charlotte started saying "Go Jr" (she heard it probably 500 times between A.J. and Mike) Drew on the other hand is a "Beg Biffle" fan and was so sad when he found out he didn't win. So cute they have picked their favorites already, Guess that's what happens when you grow up in a racing family:) {and by the way I totally love the the way Drew says some of his words :) He says dirl and I used to say Giwl-I couldn't pronounce the letter "R"}

10 on Thursday - Randomness -

1. I am finally feeling Peachy (This weeks fruit comparison is a peach so I had to do it :). Actually I happen to be home today with a cold (yet again) and a horrible headache (nerve stimulator isn't so cooperative lately and therefore been getting lots of headaches :(

2. Last night I tried to convince Mike's mom that we are not finding out the babies sex... which didn't work. Mike wants to know way to bad to wait, pretty sure he wants to know worse than I do. (He REALLY REALLY REALLY wants a boy!)

3. My belly is starting to get hard (under the flab of course). I also have lost 10 lbs in the last few weeks, although the puking was horrible I like loosing weight! Dr. says its fine for me to lose weight, just not a lot at once or by any unhealthy diets.

4. Work has been kind of stressful. Lots of nagging and nit picking, since our store is so slow it's a lot easier for management to nit pick. It gets annoying and frustrating, but lucky for me I for the most part just let it roll off my back.

5. Speaking of work I have 2 dents and on good size scratch (plus one I had removed a few years ago)on my car all of which have come from WALMART parking lots! 1 from Ponderay store (1st one), 1 from Post Falls Store (#2,the biggest one), 2 from West Point/Stateline store (#3 & 4 in the last 4 months). Makes me so mad that people are so inconsiderate! I watched the lady drive off yesterday, she looked very nervous when she saw me looking at my bumper (she was looking as I was getting off work). Not really worth pursuing being it's a scratch but I should probably check and find out if they have video footage at work just in case.

6. I really wish Mike and I had our own computer and printer and all that jazz so I could actually do something with my pictures other than just sit there on my SD cards for long periods at a time (like a year!).

7. I am seriously considering writing a book called "The things people DON'T tell you about being pregnant." It amazes me how quickly I go from feeling great to pure misery... NO that doesn't mean I am not enjoying being pregnant, I just never knew ones body could do certain things without having some sort of virus or flu.

8. On that note I now know 22 People pregnant due between May and December! I find it funny, but being that most of us are in our mid to late 20's and those that have finished college and gotten married and are ready to start a family it only makes sense why so many are pregnant.

9. Really hoping that the weather will change soon, the cold and rain and then sun and warmth are so hard for my sinuses to get used to. I have had far too many sinus infections through the winter. Dr. says if you are prone to having sinus infections being pregnant only increases the chances.

10. Going to the Dr. Next week, Hopefully by then he will be able to tell us exactly when we can have our ultra sound to find out the sex... then we can all start shopping (me mainly from the clearance rack of course :)

Bonus- We are on a very tight budget and therefore unable to get our moms a big expensive gift, but I think what we are going to do will be far more special... Or at least I hope it is!

Deal Alert!!!

I love that now so many people are now into the coupon clipping. My customers love to tell me where they get the best deal and I just soak it all in :) Here is one:

Does Anyone have A Buzz Lightyear fan? or a fan of games? Heck how about a momma that wants a gift you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for? Drew isn't necessarily a fan, but I got it for him anyway (not sure if we are giving it to him for Easter or saving for his Birthday in December)



Here is the deal...
It's Buzz Lightyear Operation (Retail value $14.99-$21.99) on sale at Stateline Walmart for $5.

With this deal you don't even have to drive to Post Falls to do this, just let me know if you want it and I can purchase it for you.

Then I will Go to coupons.com to print you $3.00 Off coupon. (which means you get a $15.00 game for $2.30 with Tax) PLUS...

After the purchase you go to hasbro.com and print your mail in form for your free pizza (up to $7.01 value)

So in turns you get pizza and a game for free :)

Let me know if you are interested ASAP (there are about 10 games left).

Random Facts...

- Today Mike and I took Drew to meet Greg Biffle. Most of you don't know and/ or care who that is, but I am going to tell you anyway :). He is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver AKA Big Time Race Car Driver!! I still remember Chad Little (NASCAR driver from the 1980-90's) So I felt it necessary to give Drew the same experience. Oh yeah and he loved it, He brought a picture to be signed and hardly would let it go, he also got a picture taken with him.




- I am kinda starting to get some morning sickness... so far it's more in the evening and brushing my teeth. Could be worse, and well honestly I am kinda expecting worse, so if I only end up with this I will be just fine.

- Still have made little to no progress in my spring cleaning goals or even my wedding/ bridal thank yous. Feel really guilty about it, but still eventually they will get done.

- Finally starting to get 30+ hours at work, which is nice. We are going to really work on getting as much of our debt paid off before baby b gets here.

- I know 14-15 people pregnant all due between May and December. Most of them are from work, 9 to be exact, I just wish most of them were due sooner rather than later so I can get my baby fix :).

- It's official Charlotte refuses to say my name, or any form of my name. She is now the second one of my nieces/ nephew to say Mike's name before mine. Last week I had bought Drew a few shirts at work so Mike and I stopped to drop them off, he stayed in the car as we were in a hurry to get somewhere. As Dana and I were chatting on her way to the mailbox, Charlotte started yelling "MI, MI, MI" and I replied "bye, bye" thinking that is what she was saying, when I realized she caught a glimpse of Mike. She was saying Mike not BYE! GRRRR I knew he was by far her favorite, but even today we were scrolling through pictures and she named almost everyone except me and Pee-paw (who she called Mike). She even say Boboly (Brodey)... I will get over it when the baby says MOMMA first (Fingers and Toes crossed :)

- Everyone Knows I love my free stuff (as Does Dana & Yes her glasses are really cool, I am jealous being I need new ones and would actually wear them :) I know that "my" Walmart is out of the way of most of you, but if you are ever in the Stateline area and need clothes for your selves or kiddos we 3/4 of the time have a rack or 2 for $1 or $5. I get lots of good deals there, especially after holidays...

- Also I have talked to a few of you about the coupon clipping thing (which I am getting pretty good at) Last week Mike and I got 3 boxes of cereal, 3 boxes of pop tarts and 2 gallons of milk for $6. Yes $6 that is a savings of almost $30!!! I am willing to teach all those interested in how to do this, Unlike the class that is charging $20 (per person), I will do it for free. I am waiting for final confirmation for Walmart in Ponderay if they will honor Ads from stores in Coeur D Alene. Once you get the hang of it, you will be amazed at how much money you can save :)

- Mike and I have been talking about possibly looking for another church, not that we don't love the one we are in, we just feel like we need to meet more people down here and it is very hard to do in a little church. We don't have many close friends anymore as moving away from everyone has made it very difficult to keep strong relationships. Don't get me wrong we have our friends (which we never see) and A.J. And Dana, but we also need more friends. Oh well I guess when the time is right we will meet more people.

- God has been so good to us, we are truly blessed.

- Baby is 10 weeks (and some odd days), only 10 more weeks before we can find out if Baby B is going to be the cutest little girl in orange or the cutest little boy in Orange :) and Yes you heard right Orange is my favorite color and I plan to dress my baby in orange no matter the sex :) BTW: I did buy a SUPER cute Orange and white outfit with Monkey's (which also happen to be my favorite :)

- Micah Officially got a job!! Yeah for us and getting some extra money for Bills (we raised his portion of rent since he is not in school).

- Racing season is officially upon us, The Late Model is not done yet, but we do have another month. Wednesday Night Fever AKA White Trash Wednesdays has been cancelled the past 2 weeks :( oh well, maybe next week.

- Tonight was leftovers / cereal night for dinner. Which is my version of I am too tired to make dinner and there are not enough leftovers for 2 so Mike eats left overs and I eat cereal (which is better than popcorn - I think ) My husband is so good on days like today when i don't want to make dinner :).

- Get to hear the baby's heart beat Friday, totally will be awesome.

- That's all for now...

Ten on Thursday

1. Change is good.

2. I have been so stinking sick, and I can't even blame it on morning sickness. I have had a flu, a sinus infection and horrible headaches (I even resorted to using my battery over the last week. Which makes me a little sad since I haven't even used it since December 2009 :(

3. I am in a spring cleaning mood, although I don't ever have the time or energy to do it. Eventually I will and I plan to have many yard sales.

4. I am a procrastinator! Sadly I haven't even done my shower/ wedding thank yous :(. Honestly I can't even find my lists or the cards(partly why I want to do spring cleaning). So for those of you wondering if I forgot your thank you, no I didn't and you will get one I PROMISE.

5. It seems like when one thing goes wrong, everything else seems to follow.

6. Mike & I are learning the hard life lessons of bills and how the stress can affect our bodies.

7. We also know everything will work out and God is in control. (Although Mike proposed that we start buying diapers soon since we know it's going to be more expensive with a baby. Too Funny, but possibly a good idea)

8. Had an ultrasound last week. Baby AKA the blob looks like well a blob, but Dr. said all looks good. Heart beat was 150/bpm.

9. At my last appointment the Dr. was going through all the options for genetic testing and screenings. I politely (me polite?) interrupted and explained to her that God is in control and this baby is a gift from him and we are up for whatever because we completely trust him. Mike seemed a little embarrassed, but the Dr. replied, "good for you, I am not sure I have ever heard someone say they trust God that much." I told her the story of Lilli Bug and told her what a miracle she is. To which she replied "what an amazing story, you have a very strong faith in God." (little does she know it's not that strong, I just know he is in control and knows exactly what we can handle :)

10. Mom says its a boy. Mikes Grandma says its a boy (she had a dream). Mike really wants a boy. I have always wanted a girl, but amazingly I could care less about the sex. I will settle for Healthy and will be happy no matter the sex.

Bonus: Race car is coming along, body is almost mounted! I am still fighting for my Orange, but Uncle Brad gets final say. I am pretty sure I have him convinced to stay with Orange :)

Happy Tears

1. Today is my Dad's Birthday.
Although this is a bitter sweet one, I made it through in one piece and only cried a little. The sadness is just knowing my baby will not get to meet pee-paw. I believe with all of my heart he would have been the only person to be so over joyed he would have cried like a baby and giggled like a little school girl all at the same time. (It's funny the things we miss and don't cherish till you would give anything to have it back.) I am so Grateful to have so many wonderful memories with my dad, I look forward to sharing those memories with my children one day.

2. Please pray Mike & I both can find better jobs, we are struggling financially and would really like to have a little less stress. Mike currently works about 45 Mins. from home and gas is $3.25/ a Gallon, Needless to say he is basically working to pay for gas. I on the other hand live 2 miles from work, but they are still jerking my chain (ever since I broke my foot in December) and are currently scheduling me for 25-30 hours (was working 40) and forced me to take a pay decrease. Please pray as we are both in search of new jobs.

3. Workers Comp is paying for FULL BODY MASSAGES (2 A WEEK, might I add), I guess since my job entails a lot of standing and walking the determined that my foot is affecting my entire body. I do have to say IT DOES! My back hurts a lot less and I kind of starting to walk normal...

4. Went to our New Beginnings Class (@ the Dr.'s Office, all first time parents have to take it). Those nurses were really trying to stir those women up, telling them about all the test they should do if they are even the slightest bit worried about their baby having a birth defect. I on the other hand have a complete peace about the health and Wellness of this baby. As hard as the first week or so were stressing about my health and all the what if's... Prayer is one AMAZINGLY POWERFUL thing. Thank you all who have been praying, and please continue.

5. I have yet to have morning sickness, although the flu bug I had was rough enough, Thank God I haven't felt that bad in a very long time. My acid reflux is still by far the worst it has ever been and my medicine that normally works wonders, can't even touch it now, Dr. is switching me to something even better tomorrow.

6. 1st Dr. Appointment on Friday...

7. Letter #2
Dear Baby,
I want you to know something very important first, Jesus died on the cross for you, and he loves you even more than Mommy and Daddy. Mommy and Daddy will explain this more when you are older, but you can never hear it too much. Today is your Pee-Paws birthday, I know you don't know him, but mommy will tell you all about him when you are bigger. This week you are compared to the size of a sweet pea, good job growing! Thank you for not making Mommy sick. You are a blessing from God, and Daddy and I are truly grateful that God is entrusting you to us. We look forward to teaching you all about Jesus. Until next week. Jesus Loves You, and so do Mommy & Daddy.
Love Mommy

Counting my blessings...

1. I'M HAVING A BABY (as if the whole world doesn't already know :) I no longer had the patience to wait till Easter (12 weeks), so we began telling family and friends Tuesday and by Sunday I swear several hundred people knew.

2. It was fun telling people! We got some pretty shocked looks, as well as the brightest smiles and hugs. Some of the most memorable faces are Patty S., A.J., Drew, Uncle Brad, Mike's parents (his dad didn't even skip a beat eating his meal :)

3. Mike is already letting me get away with far too much. I worked Sunday afternoon till 10 p.m. and had Monday off (so I of course planned to sleep in). I am extremely tired and sleeping like a rock. I guess he tried to wake me up Monday @ 3:45am, when he was getting ready for work, so I could make his lunch. Supposedly he asked if we had anything else to go in his lunch and I replied "yes, wake me up later" and fell back asleep only to wake up again sometime around 10:45 am :)

4. After church we went to my Uncle Brad & Aunt Nita's to tell them in person. I am very close with my Uncle Brad and I knew I had to tell him in person. Although I was not expecting to do it the way I did. Blurting is sometimes better to prevent to many happy tears :) Needless to say he is so excited and is already planning to buy go karts (no matter the sex :) and make sure this baby is beyond spoiled. He went as far as making me a glass of Chocolate milk (which he used as an excuse to have one as well :)

5.I am looking forward to racing season! Although it sounds like everyone is going to make me sit and look pretty. Mike's mom already told me no carrying tires (which is what I do best :)

6. Spring could not come fast enough. Mike and I both have bikes finally and we have the centennial trail right here and several other bike paths pretty close... I'm hoping to get in shape (as much as possible anyway).

7. Although I know God is in control, I still get that twinge of "what if's." But then I just end up praying and forgetting all about the negative things. I guess for me it is very hard being that the Dr. is worried, then again maybe this will be a way for me to witness to him. Trusting is so much harder when things start to get a little complicated...

8. I am not telling work or my co-workers (who 6 others are currently pregnant). I feel like they will use this against me since after all they have "eliminated" my position 2x's since I broke my foot. It's so hard not to tell all my co-workers, but they'll know soon enough (maybe the will just think I am gaining weight :)

9. I feel so blessed and overjoyed. Words can not describe the happiness in my heart, it's amazing. I know this sounds stupid but I feel like my heart is so big right now... I never want this feeling to go away:)

10. Letter #1
Dear Baby,
No matter what happens from here on out, you have forever changed my life for the better. Although your size is currently compared to a small grain of rice, you should know all the rice in the world doesn't even compare to how much you are loved. Of all the things God has created, you are by far the most precious. You are a blessing from God and your life has purpose. Daddy & I can't wait to meet you.
Love, Mommy

Coupon Clipping Housewives...

CANCELLED Tonight :(... Class next Thursday @ 7pm Everyone should plan on coming :)

(P.S. For some reason every time I try to add their link in my bloggland buddies it takes me to some wired page. If you guys would like more information Google The Coupon Clippin' Housewives.)

The Coupon Clippin Housewives...

Anyone interested in saving some money @ the Grocery Store? I am!!! Here is a link to a group here in post falls. They teach you how to save 50 - 95% off of your grocery bill every time. They are having a meeting tomorrow night @ 7 p.m. at Templins Resort, Cost is $20 ($2 off for every friend) and they give you a nice binder with all the tools and teach you how to save money. Anyone interested in going please let me know! I am planning on going :)

http://thecouponclippinhousewives.blogspot.com/

Lessons Learned...

So over the past six months I have learned many things, here is a very short list (a very very short list).

10. There is never enough time in the day.

09. There is never enough money :(...

08. Every waking moment is me learning Patience (at work and home)

07. Finding time to make or hang out with friends is hard between working,catching up and cleaning up. We are so blessed to have A.J. & Dana close now. We have basically been over for dinner and a movie at least once a week since they moved.

06. Being married is amazingly complicated and more than worth all the confusion.

05. I am a neat freak, my husband and brother are not, our appartment is chaos... (they call me Britler - Britani +Hitler= Britler- which I have to say does fit, but shh don't tell them)

04. I love my husband more with each passing day...

03. God is Good and we now have a new local church where we enjoy going and hearing Gods Word. (I swear they have more potluck than Southside... and that is hard to do :))

02. I am blessed beyond belief and Thank God everyday!

01. I am more in love with my husband than I ever thought possible. Of course there is the marital bickering... But what couple doesn't bicker at some point in there relationship?

Happy 6th Month Anniversary Hubby Wubby! You are an amazing man and I am so blessed to have you as my husband!