*Phew*

Good News!! It isn't measles!!! It's just some kind of viral thing that most kids get. There is not much to do about it except just make sure their fevers don't get too high and lots of rest of course. Unfortunitely, being their constant caregiver has resulted in me getting it as well! :(

Measles

I am really regretting not making a decision regarding the MMR vaccine. Well, I guess since I haven't taken him to get it, there was my decision. I was so indecisive about it because of all the news reports declaring a possible link between the MMR shot and Autism. And now, Samuel may have measles. The doctor isn't sure yet. He has this weird rash on his body and I thought it could be chicken pox or an allergic reaction to something. He's fine other than the rash and a slightly decreased appetite. I was freaked out when the doctor uttered the words "could be measles" and I also was afraid for my 2 1/2 month old daughter. The doctor did ease my fears by letting me know that at this point, because she is under 4 months, she still has some protection from the antibodies she received from me while in the womb. Thank the Lord! I haven't noticed a rash on her, but she has had a slight fever (100.3 degrees) which appears to have gone down and a runny nose. This is going to be a long week and I just hope and pray that this is the worst of it.

The Sacramento Zoo

We have been meaning to take Sam to the zoo for awhile now. So, when my sister asked us if we wanted to go this week I jumped at the chance. This is Sammy's first time at the zoo. He loves animals and knows many animal sounds. Instead of saying the animal name he will make the noise that the particular animal makes. Fortunately, it wasn't a blazin' hot day like many of the Sacramento days have been recently.

I liked that it wasn't too crowded. I disliked that there weren't very many animals to see and most of the time it seemed like they were hiding. There was also a small carousel and I was not going to attempt to take hm on it because in the past he has wanted to go on it but then freaked out and cried to get off. The first time he went on a carousel was a month ago and we were at the mall with my cousin Krissy and her daughter Autumn. I tried to put him up on an animal and he threw a fit.He was not havin' it! So, we got off and watched from the sidelines while Autumn went round-and-round. Of course, wouldn't you know it, Sammy became upset because once seeing how much fun she was having he wanted to go on too. At first, I told him no because I did not want to have him decide that he wanted to get off immediately once I tried to put him on one of the animals.Oh, but it was breaking my heart to watch him while he sadly watched Autumn have fun. We tried again. I believe it was Krissy who suggested we just sit in one of the seats on the carousel instead of on one of those animals that go up and down.The seat stays stationary. Sam was fine with the seat and was happy.That was my previous experience with the carousel and now at the zoo I did not want to deal with my tantrumming child on the carousel once again. But, I could see Sammy really wanted to try it. This time, he allowed me to put him on one of the animals and the carousel began. Around and around, up and down. He started to cry and the ride stopped. We chose the stationary seat and he was fine the rest of the ride. I guess he's taking small baby steps toward riding the whole carousel on an animal. I just don't want him to be afraid to try things that may seem scary or have been scary in the past. That has been one of my biggest frustrations and hangups in life -- I let myself be held back by fear! I don't want that for my children.

Sammy's New Haircut

Well, last Sunday before church I decided to cut Sammy's crazy Kramer hair and I really didn't know what I was doing. I occasionally trim Travis' hair with clippers, so I thought I could try trimming Sammy's hair. I needed to leave for church soon, rushed through it and soon enough his hair was looking kinda sad. Deciding that I shouldn't skip church just for vanity's sake we went even though his hair wasn't perfect. The next day I tried to fix it again and it just got worse! I finally told myself that enough was enough and it was time to put down the clippers. If I had clipped his hair anymore I'm sure he would have looked like a little Sinead O' Connor in no time. I needed to drop him off at my in-laws very soon. We rushed off to Great Clips and with a lot of coaxing (and lollipops!) Samuel managed to sit still long enough for a professional - let me say that again - a PROFESSIONAL to fix the mess. Here is what we ended up with and he got a balloon for being such a good boy. I made sure I walked into that salon with candy and his cars. It worked!! Otherwise, I'm sure he would have thrown the biggest tantrum.He was borderline going there. Ahhhh, don't you just love two? I love his new hair cut, as does Travis. We want to keep it similar to this style but allow his curls to grow a little more. I miss his curls!!It looks better when it's styled with gel but you get the gist.




Emma Jean is now 12 lbs. 12 oz. She smiles all the time and I feel so blessed! Twice blessed!

AWESOMELY-AWESOME

Is it horribly sinful and self-indulgent for me to say that I am awesomely-awesome? Why am I so awesomely-awesome? Well, I'll tell you. I'm awesomely-awesome because after Emma's feeding around 5 or 6am she goes back to sleep and I have been getting up to exercise.So hard to do some days!! As soon as my doc gave me the go-ahead to exercise at the beginning of August I set my exercise and diet plan in motion. I've been thinking about how I was going to lose the baby weight ever since I became pregnant with Emma and I am very motivated.

The plan:

1100-1500 calories per day as suggested in "You On A Diet" by Dr.Oz & a "Biggest Loser" book. Some days I'm hungrier than others and it's difficult. Some days I don't struggle at all. I try to follow the Dr. Oz plan, which is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

30-60 minutes of exercise at least 6 days a week. Currently, I do a Jillian Michael's DVD and I can feel myself getting stronger and leaner. I'm losing inches but the scale hasn't been so kind to me. I try not to let that discourage me because I know muscle weighs more than fat.

I've struggled with my weight my whole life and I'm finally sticking to a plan. I have found one that works for me. This is a lifestyle change and not a quick-fix. I find when I get discouraged I have to remind myself of why I am doing this.Some weeks the scale may not budge but I have to keep persevering through it.One of my great motivators is that I want to be in pictures with my children. Currently, I avoid being in pictures most of the time and it breaks my heart because I so badly want to but I also know that I won't like what I see.

So, for the month of August I really worked hard to exercise and stay within my calorie range and that is why I feel awesomely-awesome! :)

7 Weeks Old

(This picture was actually taken a last week when she was 6 weeks old)
What was life like before Emma Jean? I can hardly remember. Life before Samuel seems like a dream, like it didn't really happen. Sometimes I can't believe I have two kids. I spent so many years dreaming about getting married and having children that I can't believe I am actually here.

Emma Jean loves formula and to be held. Sammy loves his sister and shows her constant attention. I am so glad that he doesn't seem jealous and has really taken to her. In fact, the first thing he does in the morning is run to her from his crib. He goes on a baby hunt until he finds her.

I have been antsy to lose the baby weight. Okay, let's be real here. I have been antsy to lose the weight gained from both pregnancies. While I was pregnant with Emma I made thorough plans about how I was going to do it. I'm such a nerd, I made a weight loss binder. I wanted to make sure I had a plan and be fully prepared for the battle ahead. As soon as the doctor gave me the go-ahead to really start exercising I initiated my program. I basically cut my calories and do a Jillian Michael's exercise video 6 days a week and push the kids in the stroller around the park at least 4 days a week. I have actually been sticking with the program. When Emma wakes up for her 6am feeding I wait for her to go back to sleep and then I get the exercise video started. I feel like I'm getting leaner and stronger but I definitely have a long road ahead. The hardest part for me is that Emma doesn't go to bed until around midnight and attempting to stick to my calorie allotment when I'm up from 6am to 12am, is difficult.

Speaking of which,I think Emma went back to sleep and I need to get my video started.

Growing Girl and Poopy Cribs

I'm sure you would rather see pictures than listen to me drone on about "this-or-that" but it's late, I want to go to bed before Emma gets up for another feeding, and I'm not sure where I put the camera. So, with that said (update time...photos posted later).

Well, I must say that I feel very blessed (or is it "blest"?) that Emma Jean is such a good baby and that she is not colicky! God knows what I can handle and I'm not sure I could handle that! She is definitely a bottomless pit, though. I cannot believe how much she eats. She loves to be held and is fussy when she is not held, unless she is sleeping. Emma often has a curious and inquisitive look on her face (furrowed brows) and I will have to get it on camera soon. Doctor says she is looking great and she has definitely regained her birth weight (over 10 lbs now!).

Sammy loves his baby sister and greets her every morning after he gets up. He refers to her as "baby" and not "Emma". He often pats or strokes her head and gives her a kiss. And now he likes to help me to give Emma her bottle. He stands beside me and holds her bottle until he gets bored or distracted by something else. He doesn't watch Sesame Street religiously anymore (actually, mommy was going a little crazy watching Sesame Street all the time so I introduced a new show). He now likes to watch Jack's Big Music Show and dances along with the music and participates singing along with the show (or making animal sounds) as much as possible.

Oh, and it's DEFNITITELY time to potty train Samuel (think "poop" and "smearing" and "all over" and "his crib" and "multiple times") but I really don't know how to go about it. It seems like most people wait to potty train boys when they are three but I am thinking that Sammy is ready. I'm open for suggestions!!!

Right Where I Always Wanted to Be

It's after 1am and I should be in bed, but I know Emma will be up for a feeding soon. It is hard for me to put myself to bed at night because when both kiddos are asleep I see the opportunity to get a lot of housework done (mainly dishes, laundry, picking up the house...) without interruption. When the kids are awake I often find myself busily trying to tackle a task as fast as humanly possible because I know at any second Emma is going to start fussing or Sammy is going to want his sippy cup refilled (or whatever). I must say, it is hard having a 2-year-old and a newborn at the same time! Motherhood has reached a whole new level. With all that said, I am enjoying every moment (Okay, I actually was not enjoying myself the other night when it was 2am and Emma was not wanting to sleep and no matter how much she ate she seemed to not be satisfied and she cried whenever I put her down and all I wanted to do was sleep...). I have always thrived when faced with a busy, demanding schedule. For many, many years this is exactly where I wanted to be.I watched TLC'S "A Baby Story" and "A Wedding Story" more than anyone else. I dreamed about being a wife and mommy all the time. I couldn't wait.I'm here and despite the "raw" moments, it's great and I'm thankful. And I am especially thankful that I have been able to stay home with my babies.

First Bath & Sleeping A Lot

Like I said in the previous post, going from one child to more than one child is vastly different. It takes a lot of multitasking and planning ahead. There's a lot more guilt now because my attention is divided 4 ways (Sammy, Emma Jean, Travis, household tasks). Sammy has been acting out more since her arrival and I find myself wishing I could duplicate myself in order to give adequate attention to both children.I hear it gets easier.I do think I am a better mommy, wife, homemaker in other ways now that Emma Jean is here. I definitely manage my time better and am less prone to laziness. When there was just one child I "winged" it a lot. Now,instead of letting the dishes and laundry pile up I do a little throughout the day and it makes my life so much easier. Instead of procrastinating I find myself actually accomplishing tasks.I am a person who tends to thrive under pressure. Nobody is putting the pressure on me but I do want to be the best wife, moomy and homemaker that I can possibly be.I'm up for the challenge and there is no other job/career I would rather be doing.

Emma Jean -- Born June 30th, 2009

8 lbs. 4 oz. & 19 1/2 inches long
Sacramento, CA
12:42PM

(This post will probably be compiled over a span of some days. I'm tired,as you might expect, so don't be surprised if this post is barely understandable. ;) )

Emma Jean's arrival began Tuesday night, around 2am.I was sleeping and jumped out of bed, exclaiming, "I think my water broke...no wait...maybe I just peed...no, my water broke." Grammy Bev came over to watch Sam and Travis and I proceeded on to the hospital. Around 8am I was only about 4cm dilated and my contractions had just started to begin.Around 10am I could no longer sustain the pain without some serious medication -- bring on the epidural!! What a world of difference between this delivery and Samuel's. I could actually feel my legs this time. I could actually feel something instead of absolutely nothing which helps when it comes time to push. Just before noon I started pushing and Emma Jean came out at 12:42pm. When they placed her on my chest she actually lifted her head and looked up at me. I'm sure she was thinking, "So, you're the one who was supplying me with copious amounts of doughnuts and ice cream." And guess who got to help deliver Emma?? Her daddy! Yep, since Travis is a paramedic and has delivered babies before the doctor gave him the go-ahead to "catch" Emma. He wanted to last time, but Sam ended up needing THE vacuum.

When Grammy Bev and Travis brought Sammy to the hospital to visit his sister for the first time he seemed uncertain about what to think of this new little baby. He likes to stroke her head and says "baby" a million times a day. I just wish he was a little bit older so that I could leave him in a room with her for a minute if I need to get something.He's still learning to be gentle and that we don't poke Emma's eyes.He really seems to like her, though. What's funny is that he loves Elmo and has said Elmo a million times a day for months, so instead of referring to Emma as Emma, her refers to her as "Elmo". I tell him,"Say EMMMMA," to which he replies, "Elmo". Oh, well, guess she will be "Elmo" to Sammy.

She's a very easygoing baby, sleeps a lot and really only cries when she's hungry or if her diaper is being changed. She often furrows her brow and gives off the appearance of having an "attitude". Oh no, hopefully this isn't a sign of things to come.She's a sweet baby girl and I can't believe I am a mommy of two! This is the big leagues now! There is a vast difference between having one child and having more than one child! If I thought I was juggling a lot of balls in the air before...haha...I have become the multitasking queen.

(And don't expect to see any pictures of me soon. For some reason I have the lovely ability to swell to epic proportions as a ramification of the labor & delivery process, as well as, break the capillaries in my face and develop a weird rash on my shoulders...it has happened both deliveries.)

Poopy Messes and Waiting on Baby

I thought for sure my water would break yesterday when I went through the ordeal of throwing (okay, not "throwing" exactly) Sammy into the bathtub after nap because he had been playing with his poop. I thought to myself, "Hmmm, I heard him wake up a little while ago and I'm surprised he's being so quiet now..." That is the first sign that my child is up to mischief -- when he's quiet! I should have known. I peeked in there and found that he was digging in his diaper, pulling out poop and smearing on his crib, the wall, himself, etc. As soon as he saw me he made that face of "Uh-oh"! Of course, I grabbed the camera.While rinsing him off in the bathtub, I thought, "This would not be a good time for my water to break. Too much to clean up!"

(Oh, and don't think I'm trying to feminize my son...the pink is for Emma's side of the room and Sammy's side of the room is blue. We are in the process of setting up his toddler bed on his side of the room but for now he is still in the crib on the pink side).

I am 3 days past my due date now. I have a non-stress test scheduled for tomorrow which does bring some relief because then I can relax and know that my baby is being monitored.It's kinda scary going past my due date! This morning I was laying on the couch doing my "kick count" and started freaking out a bit when I didn't feel her for awhile. She must have been sleeping because eventually she did wake up and kick and move a lot.I wish they would just induce me or cut me open so that I can stop worrying. But that's what I do best - worry! And then when she's out I will probably start worrying about SIDS.

Awhile ago I would point to the baby bassinet and tell Sam that the baby will sleep in there. Now, he goes over to the bassinet and will say "baby".I wonder how much he understands. I can't wait to see the moment when he meets his sister for the first time.

He turns two this week! Thursday the 2nd to be exact. We are probably going to do something with just the four of us and then have a little gathering with family after Emma arrives and I have a little time to adjust.We will see how it goes in the future with two children having birthdays so close together (and maybe on the same day!). I hope there is not a lot of jealousy between them.

Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock...

No Emma Jean yet. :(

I feel like she is just too snuggy in there. Maybe I should go walk for awhile?? Who am I kidding, it's way too hot outside for that!

Patience is a Virtue

I am so impatient for Emma Jean to get here! I figured I would have her around 37 weeks like I did before but no such luck. I don't think my tummy can stretch any further than it already has. We have accomplished a lot in the last month and I was really starting to FREAK out around 35 weeks because barely anything was done.

I still cannot believe I am having a girl.There is a fear that instead of an Emma Jean it's going to be a Noah. Don't get me wrong, if I was having a boy that would be fine but it would be very difficult to get to delivery day thinking I am having a girl and then to discover it's a boy.I've only had one ultrasound, so I guess it's possible that they made a mistake regarding the identification of the gender. Actually, a lot of the clothes and blankets still have their tags on them just in case. I picked out a few newborn items to wash and the hand-me-down clothes/blankets, of course (should I be admitting this??). I do have a bit of nervousness and excitement about having a girl stemming from my poor relationship with my own mother. On one hand I am looking forward to having a close, healthy relationship with my daughter but then I am also fearful about history just repeating itself.

A big challenge will definitely be nursing a newborn and trying to keep my son happy at the same time. I guess it has been done a million times before so I shouldn't sweat it! I've been doing a little research on the web for activities (started an "activities" binder) and purchased a bulk amount of used board books from ebay.Someone also suggested that I make a special box for Sammy with special toys, snacks, etc. for when I need to nurse.I don't want to just plop him in front of the TV (sooo tempting a lot).

Other then prepping for Emma Jean, I've been hiding out a bit and relaxing (as much as possible with a toddler).

Playing Hard & All Tuckered Out

We got a water table for Sam last summer and he loves it! Now that it's getting warmer I busted it out again and will probably do it more often. I want to get him a little baby pool (our backyard is very small)and little sandbox as well. He loves our dogs (one is not pictured here) and they are so good with him. We also recently acquired a bunny and named him/her "Hip Hop" per Travis' suggestion.I think it's a funny name and quite fitting for a bunny. I believe she will also be called "Hippity".

I've Lost that Lovin Feelin...for Blogging

I know, I'm horrible about blogging. I actually read friends' blogs regularly but when it comes to updating my own I just don't have the zeal for it. Plus, I have a very active toddler who keeps me on my toes. Sitting down at the computer for more than five minutes at a time does not really happen unless he's asleep. Our office, where our computer is located, is a complete disaster and having Samuel in here makes me a bit nervous.As soon as we get this air hockey table out of here I can get some organization going! I'm getting anxious about getting everything ready before Emma Jean gets here. As soon as the air hockey table is out of here, then things will really get into motion. If you could see the chaos in Samuel's room (soon to be Emma's room too) -- Omigoodness! There is so much stuff in there and nowhere to put it. We still need to paint, put a dresser together, organize all the clothes, put stuff up into the attic...omigoodness, just thinking about it is making me panic. Better start the lamaze breathing to calm myself down ;) Sam hasn't been able to pull himself out of his crib yet, so until then I can let his room slide.It's no wonder that he's unable to pull himself out, if you tried to lift him...he's like a ton of bricks!

I can't believe I still have a month to go until she's here (theoretically, but we all know it's a surprise when a baby actually is ready to be born). I look down at my belly and can't imagine it growing any bigger. She must be so cramped in there.My due date is in late June but I actually hope she will be born June 6th -- my birthday!! Whenever I have mentioned that to people, some will say, "Oh, no, I wouldn't want to share my birthday," but I can't imagine a better gift than to share my birthday with my daughter. Besides, I lost zeal for my birthdays after age 21. Age 25 stunk because I was sad about not being married yet. I'm not really stressing about turning 30 (two years from now) because I'm content with my life. I'm a wife and mommy of two! Maybe three by then!

Let's see....what else...Sammy can say: "Doggie", "Elmo", "Mama", "Dada", "Thank You", "Emma", "Ball", "That" (as in, "I want that" with his pointer finger extended), a word that I cannot mimic right now but when he says it I know he means "yes", "Huggie" as in "I want to give you a huggie".

He also does animal sounds: dog, cat (my personal fave), bear, lion,penquin, horse,duck,Cookie Monster (he acts like Cookie Monster all day long), that's all I can think of for now...

He looooooves Sesame Street (especially Elmo and Cookie Monster) and Cailliou (sp?). He also makes a bee line to pens and draws on everything (including himself...mostly himself).He loves eating cheerios with milk and a banana in the mornings. He loves talking on the cell phone and babbles away, but mommy has to be careful because sometimes he dials people, like Round Table Pizza(yes, I have them on speed dial, alright! Don't judge me ;) ). He adores our dogs and loves going outside. When it is time to go outside he will run and grab his shoes, sometimes mommy's shoes too, and brings them to me. Sammy loves books (just like his mommy) and is already showing great athletic skill (just like his daddy and definitely not like his mommy).Today, when I told him to get his football to bring over to grandma's he proceeded to bring me other balls, as well, and then came walking down the hall with about six stuffed animals in his arms.He may make me batty sometimes but there are so many moments that well make up for the tantrums.

WOW

It's very weird to think that there is a baby inside my tummy. I know that sounds silly to say, but I'm still in awe. At this point (27 weeks) she could be outside my tummy and potentially thrive (let's pray that she doesn't come out YET).It's just the craziest experience and I feel more in tune (I'm not sure if that's the word I'm looking for) with this pregnancy than my first purely because I understand better all the movements that I'm feeling. And then I look at Sam and I'm just in awe that at one time he was in my tummy. The big difference between this pregnancy and the previous one is that Emma is way more active! All day long she kicks and squirms! When I find a spot on my tummy where she is at, I press my hand down gently and she pushes back (Oh No! Is this a sign of things to come??). I keep trying to picture how I think she will look. The way Sam looks is very much like I pictured him (Well, that was easy because I pictured him looking similar to Travis and lo and behold!). I picture her with dark, curly hair, big blue eyes and chubby cheeks (like her mommy :) ) Well, except the curly hair. Hmmmm...I wonder if curly hair is a dominant or recessive gene??

Update

I know, I'm horrible. I never update my blog. I think I lost my motivation and zeal for blogging. Well, I still read friends' blogs but when I think about updating my own I just feel as though, in the moment, there are bigger priorities that I need to get accomplished.

I finally have done it! I feel very proud of myself. I finally made a cake that looks somewhat edible. I don't know if you recall the cake I made for Trav's birthday a couple years ago, but it was horrible. So horrible in fact that it has taken me two years to muster up the courage to attempt another one.I ended up not buying enough of the German chocolate cake coconut frosting, but I did make some chocolate buttercream frosting to add a little decoration and to fill in the gaps. I thought the decor ended up looking like little turds.Travis was impressed with my turd dropping cake (can't you tell by the picture?) and scarfed it down over the course of a few days. Okay, I helped.I gave Sam a little slice, which was a mistake. Sam is a VERY busy toddler and all that sugar made him into CRAZY-BUSY toddler. I learned my lesson.

By the way -- if you need a cake for a wedding, baby shower,bah mitzvah, anniversary,whatever...give me a call! -- hahahahahah just kidding!

A handful of nights ago I went out to the garage to do laundry and there was a black widow spider (it might have just been a male one) right by the door. Did I tell you I loathe spiders? Oh, yeah, I loathe spiders. So, I went and grabbed a weapon -- bleach spray. I sprayed, and sprayed, and sprayed some more. He was a tough little bugger and with great struggle he crawled under the trash can. You would think that I would just get the job done and smash him. But no, I am too chicken for that (afraid that he will bounce or jump back at me). Now, I am wondering if he recovered and is probably just waiting for the right moment to attack. I have been too scared to go out to the garage and laundry is piling up.I'm gynormous compared to a little 'ole spider and yet I'm letting him/her win.

I am about 6 months along now! She is very active and kicks me in my bladder on a daily basis. I don't remember Samuel being this active and he's a VERY active toddler now. I'm hoping that she will do a reversal once she gets out of my tummy and will just be sweet, quiet and perfect -- just like mommy -- hehe.;) There is so much I need to get done around this house before she arrives! We have picked a ladybug theme for her and the room. Whenever I have thought of the name "Emma Jean" I have always correalated it with ladybugs. I guess it is fate for her to have a ladybug theme. I always picture a little chubbycheeked toddler with dark brown curly hair, running around in a little outfit with ladybugs on it. I may be surprised though, she may come out blonde. My sister and aunt are blonde, so it's possible.

So, I've just been busy running...waddling...after a very active toddler and attempting to get stuff done when possible. He's going through a separation anxiety stage now and whenever Travis and/or I leave the room he starts crying and chases one of us down. He also has started waking up, screaming bloody murder. I wonder if he is having bad dreams or if he just notices that mommy and daddy come quicker.I'm going to do some research and figure out the best way to handle these situations. Any suggestions?

My Baby

It's a...
GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She's going to be Emma Jean!!!!! We've had it picked out for awhile...even before I was pregnant. I don't like the fact that it's such a popular name right now, but, oh well!

Happy New Year!

I know, I've been horrible about blogging. I check other blogs often but never seem to have motivation to actually sit down and update my blog. Quick update...

I was silly for being worried about not feeling sick (look at previous message)because at around 6-7 weeks I FELT it! I was down for the count until I reached 13 weeks, approximately. It's very difficult to be sick and have a toddler to take care of.I'm so thankful to be out of that part of the pregnancy. I admire all those mothers out there who are sick during most of their pregnancies but still continue to have a lot of children. I know I'm a baby when it comes to pain and sickness.All of this is worth the little baby I get to eventually hold in my arms.

My husband gave me lots of books for Christmas!!

The Fulfilled Family, by John Macarthur
What the Bible Says About Parenting, by John Macarthur
Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God, by Ennis & Tatlock
"Don't Make Me Count to Three!" By Plowman
Living With Passion & Purpose (devotional on Luke), by Elizabeth George
Teach Them Diligently, by Priolo
Instructing a Child's Heart, by Tripp
Withhold Not Correction, by Ray
A Mom After God's Own Heart, by George

He went overboard! I was not expecting this much at all! He wanted to know what books I wanted and I gave him a list of options...I wasn't expecting to be this blessed!

Has anyone read any of the parenting books? It will be interesting to see all the different viewpoints. I never realized how difficult parenting could be until I became a mom! I have this hope/vision for who I want my son to become (i.e. kindhearted, servant's heart, godly,compassionate)and I just hope and pray I can foster those characteristics in him (and work on developing them more in my life as well).