Update 6.30.09

The Trifecta.

That's how I feel about the three amazing events that happened today - all before 9am!

First, how 'bout that rain? If you live in Central Texas you could hear the Hallelujah's heard 'round the Hill Country. Awesome. We finally did have a "cool front" - from 105 to 75. Good stuff.

Second, my mom's shoulder surgery went off without a hitch. She's flying high on the pain meds and swearing she'll be on a plane in two weeks for work. We'll see. For now, we're just super thankful it went so well. I'll pray she's a compliant patient for my Dad and Aunt and that they don't have to hogtie her to the couch to slow her down. Mom, we love you.

Third, we received such good news at both the perinatologist and the new OB's office, I seriously did cry this morning. For the record, that's totally the hormones. The baby is now over a pound - hey, we've learned to celebrate the little things. The echogenic bowel is all but gone. And, here's the kicker...that heartbeat that was so wacko, completely and totally normal. In fact, Dr. Harstad's response was this...

"Wow, that's incredible. I can't explain that. Those don't ever correct on their own. Kathryn, how do you explain it?"

My reply? "We've been doing a whole lotta praying."

His? "I like that, keep doing it."

I must interject here. There are three words that I never thought I would hear from Dr. H - fantastic, miraculous and amazing. Well, this morning we heard them in all in one sentence. As we looked in awe at that heart, a tear flowed from my eye. How does one explain something so amazing? I wish I could tell you it's my faith, or the prayers, or a misreading from the last three ultrasounds...I just know that God was present in that room this morning, giving us some hope and allowing us to feel your prayers. It also gave me pause to think this, particularly after Dr. H said how good it was to hear some good news this morning, as the morning had been one full of bad news for other couples...

There was a roomful of anxious moms and dads in waiting this morning. We looked like a group of nervous little puppies. Flipping through magazines but not really reading them, making idle chit chat, avoiding eye contact. We all have our bubble that we're trying to keep from popping. I know that this morning there sat a mom who was where I was 5 short weeks ago. She was probably freaking out. Scared. Anxious. Worried. So, as we left the office this morning, as happy as we were about the rain, the surgery and the good news, I took some time to offer up a moment of prayer for those moms.

Dr. H was a totally different doctor this morning. It seemed like way more good news than he expected. He did share he really thought this pregnancy was going in a totally different direction and he was gearing up to send me over to my new OB's office for an early delivery. Today, we got orders to return in two weeks and we're praying the good news keeps up. Thankful doesn't even begin to describe how we feel today.

So, my new OB is really fantastic. She's compassionate, sweet and experienced. I already miss Dr. Orth, but I know that God led us to the new practice (and a sweet nudge from my college roomie, Felish, who's also an OB there). Felicia, if you're reading this, just know that you're my Plan B. If Dr. Weihs isn't available, guess who's delivering Baby W? Don't say I didn't warn you. And, Dr. W hasn't ruled out a normal delivery. So, that c-section may not happen. We'll just have to wait...and see.

Whew. Lot to digest this morning. Hopefully that's enough to munch on until tomorrow's top ten.

My 2-Cents Worth

Imagine my horror when I read this article on MSN the other day (I know, that's what I get for reading MSN, right?) Please, don't think I look through my marriage, or life for that matter, with some pretty stellar rose-colored glasses. Life experience has taught me that even the best marriages - the ones that go to church every Sunday, the ones that love our kids beyond our wildest dreams and the ones that take time for a weekend getaway with the hubby - struggle. Yes, you heard that correctly. Scott and I have had our bad weeks, months and perhaps even longer stints when we needed some serious work on this lifelong commitment we made.

I'll add this disclaimer...the reason the article made the hair on my neck stand up wasn't that it was about divorce. Hey, sometimes it happens and sometimes it's necessary. But, the author wasn't married to a man with an addictive habit or was horribly abusive. Nope. None of the above. She was just tired of working at it.

I knew that this article was clearly off base, when I read this little nugget. After listing how she can fill the kitty litter box, make dental appointments, whip up dinner and schedule repairman visits, she just couldn't seem to squeeze in the whole 'work on my marriage thing':

"Do you see? Given my staggering working mother’s to-do list, I cannot take on yet another arduous home- and self-improvement project, that of rekindling our romance."

Oh really? So, that's what our society has come down to? If it's work, nothankyouverymuch? Here's a reality - everything in which we love - requires work. Hard work. And, I'll throw this bit of reality to munch on into the ring. A marriage that's between two people won't work. Yes, you read that correctly. Think Trinity. As Fr. Phil reiterated the day Scott and I married, "You are about to go from the 'I/me' existence to the 'We/us' existence."

He knew that holy, sacramental marriages were a bond of three. If God ain't in it folks, you best get it that way soon if you want to be holding your sweetheart's hand in 50 years. He also passed along to us that God doesn't make marriages perfect. And, we shouldn't expect them to be that way. If not for some of the holy hell (and I mean that in the holiest sense of the English language) Scott and I have been through, we wouldn't have made it to the other side with a greater appreciation for each other, or for our commitment to one another.

Life isn't perfect. Spouses aren't perfect. Therefore, neither is marriage.

The author then goes on to share this:

"Some of us stay married because … what else is there? A lonely apartment and a hot plate?"

Um, I'm gonna go down a totally different path and offer up this alternative rewrite.

"Some of us stay married because...our spouses bring out our best selves. They challenge us to see our faults and make us become the best version of ourselves. They learn to love us unconditionally, even if we don't pick up our shoes or wash the dishes in the sink. We stay married because what we formed on our wedding day is sacramental and holy and the love we have for one another is our earthly way of sharing how heavenly love can be."

Better?

The author ends with this "outstanding" piece of advice:

"In any case, here’s my final piece of advice: avoid marriage — or you too may suffer the emotional pain, the humiliation, and the logistical difficulty, not to mention the expense, of breaking up a long-term union at midlife for something as demonstrably fleeting as love."

What a warm and fuzzy piece of advice, don't you think? Here's my final piece of advice. Instead of whining to your girlfriends about how lousy your husband is, scratching the 'work on my marriage' off your to-do list or checking out early, make a commitment every morning to make it work. Pray daily with the love of your life, even on the days you don't want to. And, on the days when you don't think you can do it anymore, pray a little harder.

Marriage is worth it.

Birthday Girl!!

And just that fast, we zoomed from 1 to 2. In the throws of parenthood, it's often said that the days are long, but the years are short. Whoever said that, a thousand AMENs!

Last night we celebrated Clare's 2nd birthday (although the official day is today!), just a few weeks after moving into the new digs. If memory serves me correctly, we celebrated Master Will's second birthday just a week after moving into our last house. Surely that doesn't mean that in 8 years, we'll have 8 kids and be celebrating another 2-year-old's big day? I really shouldn't joke about things like that. God does like to prove his sense of humor. Why give him more fodder?

Finally, a family member who loves birthdays as much as her momma! She was singing along with us, clapping and basking in the attention. It was the cutest dern thing. I mean, that's a totally unbiased observation, of course.

Look at the delish factor on that cake! Repeat after me, lemon blueberry filling from Polkadot. We may have started a new girl birthday tradition.

We're thinking that she's missing some meals, no?

It was a nice, small family gathering. My parents took the boys to see "Up!" while Scott and put the girls down for a nap and madly tried to paint, get a few more boxes unpacked and get settled. This moving thing is totally kicking our tail. Dad, the burgers you and Daniel whipped up were fab and the guac that Scott made was out of this world - must've been those "homemade tomatoes" Mom brought.

After a full day of swimming, playing outside, scarfing down dinner, eating cake and wearing out Uncle Daniel's puppy, Buster, Clare took a bath and opened a few presents - with the willing help of her siblings.

Said birthday girl this morning at breakfast.

Clare, you are a unique and totally lovable member of our family. You love to dance - complete with head shaking and booty moving - talk, giggle and climb. You are a willing accomplice to any trouble your siblings cook up, which I think might be their most favorite trait about you. You love to scream out "bye" with a huge hand wave and then double over in giggles. I've never met a child that loves to give squeezes and hugs as readily as you do. So much to love, so much to cherish.

While you might not be the "baby" for long, you are an amazing addition to our family. To those who scoff and shake their heads at our growing brood, I tell them that they should spend one hour with you and there might be a few more households of 6 'round these parts.

We can't imagine life without you.

God bless you on your special day, Clare Bear!

Top Ten: Dads Rock

I know, we're on a time delay around here. So, it didn't get posted on THE day, but it is posted TODAY. Living in the present, right?

Dads. I thought I knew how that whole thing rolled until Scott became one. I distinctly remember him standing up at church that first Father's Day, Will must've been three months old. We totally had parenthood figured out. I mean, of course, we still do. Ahem.

There are so many things to love about Scott, my dad, my grandfather and the many father figures in my life. The one that stands out among them all is their ability to love, without restriction, their children. I love that my kids yell out "Papa" and run screaming into his arms everytime they see him. I love that my kids fight over the telephone to talk to "Great Papa" when he calls. I love that the kids go bonkers when they hear the garage door open and Daddy walks in the door.

So, here it is, this week's...

TOP TEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT FATHERHOOD

1. I love that when I see the kids with Scott they're learning how a heavenly father can love them so much, because their earthly father does it so well.

2. I love that when he lets them eat ice cream for dinner he's the 'best dad in the world', I'm merely being nice when I afford such a pleasure.

3. I love that he knows how to be patient when I'm not.

4. I love that the kids make him laugh so much. His laugh is the best.

5. I love that everyday, when he comes home, he gets kisses galore from the kids. But, no matter what, he always makes mine the last kiss so they can see how much he loves being a husband. I totally dig that.

6. I love that he makes our marriage a priority even when life is hectic.

7. I love how he never complains when he's asked to watch 'Star Wars' for the nine billionth time. Although, now that I type that, I don't really think that's a sacrifice?

8. I love how he tells the kids that he loves them...no matter what. And, in the midst of a crying fit, one of the other siblings will usually shout that sentiment out.

9. I love how he relishes teaching the kids how to throw a ball, plant a garden, ride a bike, pull a tooth - you name it.

10. I love that God chose him to be the father of our children. There is no better one around.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Haircut Numero Uno!

Proof that Clare's slowly, but surely, leaving babyhood behind. Last week, we scheduled the first haircut. Yes, I've been in denial for over a year. But, come on. With those cute curls would you be skipping to get it cut either? She was so patient and just played with the hairclip while Kristen snipped away.

Fortunately, the curls are still intact and we just gave her a quick trim. I made the mistake of cutting off all John Paul's curls and I swore I would never do that again. Never.

For a little perspective, here's ALG at her first, just about two years ago. Yes, they're sisters :-)

Another year to celebrate is coming up for Clare. Another year. Sheez. I joke this is why I keep having babies, to avoid the inevitable. I know, I know. The fat lady will sing, at some point, but go with me on this one. Hey, at least I didn't cry when she happily jumped up on the chair. This week we may be a bit hit or miss. VBS started today and it's totally kicking my hiney. I'm not as young as I used to be with all that crazy volunteer mom energy. We'll get you some cute pics and update later in the week on our fun times at Crocodile Dock. So far, winner in the kids' book.

And, as if life weren't crazy enough, seems as if crazy has, in fact, made himself comfortable here. But, I'll keep you in suspense until tomorrow. Why share all the goods on a Monday?

Lator gators!

The Recital

At some point, those of us with girls become ballet moms. I had the soccer gig down pretty good, but the ballet/tap/tumbling gig was a whole new world. Anna-Laura had her first recital the weekend we moved - my apologies for being a wee bit late. Aunt Amanda was kind enough to volunteer to be the recital practice momma for me. They had a blast, I hear...making bracelets backstage while waiting for their turn, coloring and - the icing on the cake - enjoying a burger with Aunt Amanda. Man, I sure hope she and Uncle Daniel have a girl so I can return the favor!!

Our little ballerina could not have made us more proud. Usually, when they have parent visitation day, she would whine, not do any of the steps and be a real stick in the mud. I was preparing for the worst at the recital. Hey, with 4-year-old ballerina's, it's a crap shoot. You never know what the roll of the dice will bring. But, I was practically beaming in that dark recital hall when she danced like a pro, smiling the whole time, during the big show. She looked like she was totally in her element and way too grown up for this mom. Where did her cute little toddler belly go? It was replaced by skinny little legs, a little makeup and hair long enough to put into a bun. Man, that was fast.

Here's to many more recitals, many more cute outfits that will make their way to the dress-up closet and many more sweet memories with my kids.

ALGie - we love you!

It's Official

We have finally, FINALLY said goodbye to P-town. In a saga that really doesn't merit re-telling, we closed on our house today, after a 10-day delay. Here are a few "quotes" I don't ever want mentioned again:

"It's a great offer, she's a USDA buyer."

"It looks like we'll get paperwork in the morning and close tomorrow."

"That shouldn't cause a delay."

"USDA is only on a 5-day backup."

And, my personal favorite...

"You're so lucky that your house sold in 8 days." Funny, since it took TEN to close it.

All kidding and major frustration aside...we did it. We managed to get through all the mayhem and craziness and close a chapter in Team Whitaker's history. I couldn't bring myself to go look at the house again. Too many sweet memories are stored there. I want to keep them just as they are. And, here's hoping that the house provides just as many for other families.

So, we start anew here in north Austin. The boxes are making their way back to Eco Box (a great way to actually GET money for all those boxes you borrowed or bought and save the environment), the kids are settling into their new rooms and our paint rollers are getting geared up for a busy weekend. Or, should I say Scott's paint rollers?

Many thanks to those of you who called, emailed, prayed and brought us some meals the past week. It's been more than I thought we could handle. Really.

This weekend, we'll get you all caught up. If you ever thought life could be boring, you clearly haven't met our family. Make it a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Aunt Jefiner!

I couldn't help myself...I love John Paul's reference to you. We hope you have a great day, filled with lots of laughs, family time and good memories. Birthdays should be celebrated, no matter the year you've finished. (trust me, the 30s are pretty darn good)

Here's to another great year!!

Update 6.16.09

Look at that cute face...what's not to love?

Today was the visit with the perinatologist. Overall, we had many positives in which to be thankful...

1. The echogenic bowel seems to be better.

2. Even though I'm measuring 20w4d instead of 23 weeks, there was some growth since the last visit. Usually, anything more than 2 weeks is abnormal.

3. The vasculature (doctor speak for heart blood flow) was better. Not ideal, but better.

4. The baby was moving like a maniac so getting it to stay still for pictures was tough. Busy already.

Now for the reality check. The placenta is about double the thickness that it should be, which is likely the culprit for the slow growth. At some point, Dr. Harstad suggested, the baby will stop growing because the placenta won't be doing the best job of supplying needed nutrients to the baby.

I go back in 2 weeks for another ultrasound and we'll check the growth. As long as the baby is growing and we don't see signs of distress and I don't notice any bleeding, then we hold off on inducing labor. But, he did caution us that an earlier delivery, by c-section, is very likely. At each ultrasound we'll know more about how much longer Baby Whitaker gets to camp out in my belly. Ideally, we want to make it to 30-32 weeks. Right now, I'm 23.

Dr. H is a rip the bandaid off kind of doctor and his bluntness today didn't freak me out as much as it did 3 weeks ago. I'll spare you some of his candor :-) But I know this, he insisted that we see him for any follow-up visits. He wants to see our case through. And, the guy is superhumanly smart. So, I'll take the after effects of the bandaid if he knows what he's doing.

Certainly the biggest bonus of today was seeing the baby again - looking so healthy and busy and happy. We already have names picked out - aren't you impressed? We're notorious for waiting until delivery to do that. Guess God is preparing us.

I must say, this has been a journey. A journey in faith, in patience, in trust and in thankfulness. We don't know what tomorrow holds for our family or for Baby W, but I know that God is and has been with Scott and I every step of the way. Rest assured, as I walked out of that office today, I looked skyward and said aloud, "Lord, I know I can't do this without you. Help me stay strong."

The drama continues on the homefront. I'll save it for posts later in the week. I would just cause you to shake your heads in disbelief on this beautiful Tuesday afternoon :-)

Can anyone say "Sonic Happy Hour"?

Good News, Update 6.12.09

The doctor's office called with our final amnio results. It looks as if all the testing - chromosomal and viral - came back perfectly normal. So, the placenta it is. After my visit with my OB on Wednesday, I found out this little one will be ultrasounded...a lot. Hmm, already a photo hog. Weird.

I go in for my check-up with my perinatologist on Tuesday and we'll set forth "the plan." For now, no decreased physical activity or bedrest is in my future. But, it does look like this momma is due for a c-section. Not quite sure what to think of that. I've gotten to be pretty good at the regular deliveries, sans major surgery, so we shall see. I'll keep you updated.

Your prayers have given Scott some real strength and some very real peace. I have no doubt that we could not have faced this scary two weeks with faith, without you.

And, in other news...

we just found out that Scott's boss, Bishop Aymond, has just been named as the new Archbishop of New Orleans. The gig starts in August. But, he will likely leave Austin much sooner than that. We are excited for him - Nawlins certainly needs his leadership, his hometown pedigree and his faith - to lead them in their rocky post-Katrina rebuild. He will be a welcome sight, I'm sure.

The human part of us, though, is going to sincerely miss his presence here. While he is a priest to many, he's a dear friend to us. Is he human and has he made some mistakes? Sure, but haven't we all? His leadership in the Diocese will affect generations of Catholics in Central Texas. Our commitment to training volunteers to be advocates for protecting children, through Ethics and Integrity in Ministry; the opening of a new Catholic high school in north Austin, St. Dominic Savio, this fall; the influx of Dominican nuns from Ann Arbor, Michigan this fall, and more...all because of his vision and leadership.

There have been many late nights, after parties, glasses of wine, road trips, oversees trips, family celebrations and spirit-filled conversations. He is a permanent part of the fabric of our family. Thank you, Bishop Aymond, for taking a chance and hiring Scott 6.5 years ago. It's been one of the best gifts we've ever been given. You're officially at the top of our prayer list as you transition to your new calling. We'll be praying that the Lord sends another faithful shepherd our way here in A-town.

With that, we'll call it a week. After the horrible hail storm last night (yes, the cars sustained some major damage, as did our front door) and a one-hour stint with the kids in our downstairs hall closet, and after a three-day delay on our house closing...this family is tired of the drama. Did you hear that God, tired of the drama. Please take crazy down the street.

Make it a great weekend!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

If you know me well, you know I love, love, love birthdays. Who cares that I'm 35 - as my grandpa said this morning, at least you get to celebrate a birthday. AMEN to that. We're heading to the pool shortly and then I'm hoping that translates into a family nap. Not sure what Scott has planned this evening, I just know I won't be unpacking boxes or cooking dinner :-)

Tune in tomorrow, we have some good news to share...

Over and out

So long P-town, hello north Austin. Tonight is the last evening in the house.

We're exhausted.

It's been a long weekend. Please, make it stop. We'll be offline for most of the week unpacking and getting settled. I'm quite sure getting on the computer won't make the top of the heap this week.

So, I'll be cautiously optimistic and shoot for Friday. In the meantime, keep praying for Baby W. We get final word on the chromosomal report Tuesday and then I meet with my OB on Wednesday.

Never dull around these parts!

The Greatest Generation

For once, I agree with a newcaster. Tom Brokaw was right when he called WWII veterans the greatest generation. I happen to be the proud granddaughter of one.

Omaha Beach

American Cemetery, near Caen, France

Pointe du Hoc

Let us not forget the signficance of today's D-Day anniversary, nor the sacrifice that many of those men laid down for our continued freedom.

During our spring break trip to France, I wrote about that very poignant day. As I read accounts that President Obama would be visiting the cemetery and beach on it's 65th anniversary, it caused me to take pause and remember the powerful emotions we experienced back in March. While the trip may be coined as a strategic political move, I'm more focused on what today really means.

That those men were brave, even if they didn't know it at the time.

That our country's moral compass has changed significantly since then.

That freedom is never free.

That I am thankful to be an American and even more proud to be Jack's granddaughter.

Here's to you, Papa, and all the many men who served with you. Here's to the greatest generation. We have much to learn from you...

It's Closing Time!

Yeppers, we are now the proud owners of a spectacular home in north Austin. YEEHAW!!!! It took an arm wrestle (seriously) to get the keys from the sellers, but at 1:19pm we became o-fficial.

The carpet and hardwood is being installed as I type, Scott is busy taking boxes over for me to start unpacking tomorrow and Granny the Great is here to take care of everything else. She signed up to stay for a week to help - she might be rethinking that decision come Sunday. My mom has been named Head Kitchen Unpacker while Uncle Daniel got signed up to load boxes. I think Aunt Amanda has the easiest job...she's on Ballet Recital practice duty tomorrow with Anna-Laura. Evidently, when you have 4.5 kids, it takes a village to move 10 miles :-)

I know, I know...I'll post pics of the house soon. Pinky swear.

Update 6.4.09

It's not door #2. Just got off the phone with the genetic counselor and the baby tested negative for all the viral cultures. We're still awaiting the final chromosomal report (due early next week), but all indicators are pointing to one pesky placenta.

Like I said in my first post last week, they're all pretty lousy explanations if you ask me.

So, what does that mean? We're in a bit of a holding pattern and will continue to monitor the placenta through serial ultrasounds, done every 2-4 weeks, and make sure it's keeping pace with the baby and that he/she continues to grow. That, and pray. I'll know more after my OB visit next week.

There was much relief when I got the call this afternoon. Even though some of the viral options could have been treated in utero (which is what got us into this whole amnio frenzy to begin with), the side effects and possible long-term implications for the baby were a little scary. To be quite honest, I wasn't really rooting for any of the doors. We just wanted an answer, which we most likely have now, and some peace knowing that God will walk with us in our journey.

This last week has been a walk of patience and growth. I'm not, by nature, a patient person - which I realize may really shock some of you :-) There is my way, and then there is the proverbial highway. God, however, has sent us on a detour with tons of road construction and a heck of a lotta red lights...making us wait, and trust, in Him.

It's funny, because just last week (the same day we found out the unsettling news from our initial ultrasound), I began a Bible study with some gals from school. "The 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter." It's taken me back to the good book that I've been neglecting for a while. Coincidence? Uh, no.

It's also made me incredibly, incredibly thankful for my life. We always say that we have blessings, that our kids are gifts, that we love our husbands, but this past week I've been seeing transformation before my very eyes. That is divinity. That is miraculous. So, perhaps God is doing all this as a reminder that life is good. And, more importantly, He's allowing you to see how even in a really stinky situation, He is present.

God is good.

All the time.

No exceptions.

No fine print.

Top Ten: If These Walls Could Talk

Oh, there have been some happy memories made on our street. It may not be as dramatic and saucy as Wisteria Lane, but it's been a barrel full of monkeys. On Friday, we close on the new house and then we'll bid adieu to this one on Monday. My, my, these past six years are a blur of happiness, growth, sadness, elation and sweet nostalgia. To the pfun life in Pflugerville!

TOP TEN: IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

1. Our breakfast area has hosted more than 20 birthday parties and celebrations, for our kids and extended family. Many rounds of "Happy Birthday dear..." were sung 'round these parts.

2. The front entry has welcomed hundreds of visitors and perhaps a few thousand time-outs. It is the "naughty spot" as dear old Super Nanny would say. I don't think it will take us long to break in the new house. I give it less than 5 minutes.

3. The fireplace. That place could host a conference on all the things it's seen. Two in particular stand out. Just after John Paul turned two, he was horsing around (shocker) and landed square on the corner, busting his head open. A trip to the ER, a little dermabond and minor freak out from me and all was well again. And, about 9 months ago Anna-Laura was being her sassy self and not putting on her shoes. So, I hog tied her and put them on while my dad sat on the fireplace and laughed. When I asked what was so funny, he replied, "I just had a flashback from 30 years ago." haha, funny, funny

4. The office. Just after Will turned 4, we awoke one morning to the sound of, "Daddy, I just fed the fish!" Um, for the next month? The whole jar of food got dumped in and he successfully put them all out of their misery.

5. The kitchen, really and truly, is the heart of our home. Scott has whipped up some mean batches of guacamole, savory steaks and capreze salads. The kids sit up at the bar every morning for breakfast - I think that's the part I'm going to miss most. We've concocted special reindeer food for Santa's crew, done art projects, dyed Easter eggs, baked cookies, made messes, spilled lots of milk and eaten some good meals in that kitchen.

6. It may be missed by most, but there is a steel-reinforced part to the wall, just behind the door that opens to the garage. It started out as a small hole when we first moved in and then turned into a gaping one with two active boys. Scott went to patch it and then realized we didn't have the paint that matched. Three paints rooms later (the hallway, entry and dining room) and the job was complete. Little did Scott know that little patch job would be an entire redecorating effort. As Scott says, "No good deed goes unpunished."

7. Some of you know we're big do-it-yourselfers. Ok, correction. Scott is handy, I'm the idea gal. Our master bath had been bugging us for a while, so just before Clare was born we tranformed it and we love it. Guess we have another reno awaiting us in the new house :-)

8. Just after my back surgery, I was laid up on the couch and heard the boys cracking themselves up. Thus, Lake Whitaker was born. Those two nutheads had taken water from the fridge and were pouring it all over the tile...laughing all the while. I, however, was not.

9. The outdoors has always been Scott's domain. In addition to making the yard looked "yard of the month" worthy (guess that's a $40k ag degree from A&M gets you), he is a master gardener, truly. He and the kids planted a great little patch full of tomatoes, basil, peppers, radishes, onions and more. I think he's most sad about leaving that little space because the next homeowner gets to enjoy his delicious tomatoes!

10. The nursery, now just a few steps away from our room, will be an entire floor away. I'm still processing that new set-up. I've enjoyed thousands of nursing sessions in that sweet space. The prayers during this time have been affirming and life giving, for both me and my babies. Every single one of our children has slept in that room. I think that's going to be the toughest to say goodbye to, come Monday.

The daily reminders of all those sweet memories will be gone, but I assure you we take them with us. Packing up our things has reinforced that it's all just stuff. I get to take my most important treasures with me, even if we were living in a van, down by the river...the kids and Scott. The rest is just, well, not that important.

Update 6.1.09

Well, we know what it isn't. The genetic counselor just called and the initial chromosomal report was negative for Trisomy 13, 18 and 21.

A quick genetics lesson...humans are supposed to have 23 pairs of chromosomes, thus making for 46 total. When you have three, where a pair should be, it's called trisomy. And, when that trio is in place of a pair, particularly on the 13th pair, the 18th pair or the 21st pair, you have a child with Trisomy 13, 18 or 21 (more commonly known as Down's Syndrome on the 21st chromosome).

So, it's mostly likely not door #1. We get the full chromosomal report next Monday, where they test for things like spina bifida and a whole host of others. Initially, though, our genetic counselor is optimistic. And, so are we. We get the viral results later this week.

I don't know if relieved is the right word. Actually, I don't think it is. It's more thankfulness that we know one answer to the piece of the puzzle.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention this sobering statistic. Of all the mom's who find out their child has Down's Syndrome, 91% - let me write that again - 91% choose to terminate the pregnancy. So, if those reports had come back and we had tested positive for Down's Syndrome, we would be in a small 9% company. Shocking. Because this I know. The mom's of Lucy, Patrick, Wade and Mitch are the bravest, most courageous, most optimistic, most faithful 9% of moms I know.

While you continue to offer up prayers on our behalf, I ask that you pray for those 91%. Who knows, you just might save a life today.